As Roma Vs Calgiari HQ Match Photos

totti showing her muscles

Totti And Roma

Totti celebrating with Juan

AS Roma fans

Totti celebrating with his goal

Readmore »»

Juventus top Serie A

Readmore »»

People Should Keep Their Virginity Until Marriage - Kaka

Milan and Brazil playmaker Kaka believes his decision to stay a virgin until he gets married should be an example to every youngster around the world...

Although the Rossoneri star is active on the training pitch, the same cannot be said in the bedroom department following his latest revelations.

Kaka, who is a very devoted Evangelist, believes it's right not to have sex before marriage and he has a message for all those who have their doubts.

"I am a great example. The majority of people say that after marriage, they don't like jumping into bed with their partner because there is no desires. However, this is not true, my wife is the person I love and it was worth waiting," Kaka told Fohla de Sao Paulo.

"A lot of people were surprised and shocked with me but I think it's the best decision. I am an evangelist and I believe in those values. I think people need to prevent themselves from making love before marriage.

"Of course, everyone has their own opinions but I think it was worth the wait."

The Milan star has been away on international duty with Brazil but he will be back in action for his club on Sunday when Sampdoria make the trip to San Siro.

The Rossoneri are three points off the pace in Serie A.

Readmore »»

Should Italy Scrap The Target Man & Copy Spain?

Last night Italy defeated Monetengro 2-1 in their 2010 World Cup qualifying clash in Lecce. Carlo Garganese is not convinced by the Azzurri attack, and questions whether the target man system should be scrapped…

Results-wise Italy have made a solid start to their World Cup qualifying campaign as, with 10 points from their first four matches, they are currently top of Group 8, three points clear of the Republic Ireland, who have played a game less.

However, there is clearly something lacking from this Italy team at the moment, and without doubt it is in the attacking third. In the double-header against Bulgaria and Montenegro the three man trident of Antonio Di Natale, Alberto Gilardino and Simone Pepe did not shine, while none of these players particularly impressed on an individual level either.

Pepe did have an excellent first half-hour last night when he created Aquilani’s first goal, but he then disappeared off the radar. Time will tell if the Udinese man has the quality required at this level. The simple question to ask though is: Is this a World Cup-winning attack? I have no hesitation in saying that the answer is no.

I am a big fan of Di Natale’s style of play but, despite being an Italy regular for over a year now, I still can’t work out whether I like him or not. In some matches he has been a real livewire, while in others, such as the last three World Cup qualifiers, he has offered little. Di Natale turns 33 in 2010, and has still never played for a big club that regularly competes in the Champions League. Quite clearly there are question marks as we have never really seen him play at the highest level of European competition. He did compete with Udinese in the Champions League a few years back, but that was a brief romance.

My views on Gilardino are well known, so I won’t trawl through these again. What I would like to ask readers though is whether or not the employment of a target man striker is the best way forward for the Azzurri. Gilardino is not up to the job, Luca Toni, it seems, no longer is either, while the likes of Marco Borriello and Vincenzo Iaquinta are not of world class international calibre. The Brazilian-born Amauri is certainly an option, albeit a controversial one, but we will have to wait and see what happens with his passport situation, and there are also rumours today that Dunga will call him up for the Selecao anyway.

What Italy do have in abundance though are exciting support strikers and pocket dynamos, who may not physically hold up the ball and score many headers, but can frighten defenders with their creativity, skilful running and link-up play. Of course I am talking about the likes of Antonio Cassano, Giuseppe Rossi (who was called to the recent squad), Sebastian Giovinco, Mario Balotelli, and even Fabrizio Miccoli, who has possibly been the best Italian forward in Serie A so far this season. These are players who, despite still having much to prove in one way or another, certainly could be worth looking at.

There seems to be an obsession in modern football with playing a big target man-type centre forward. Chelsea have Drogba, Arsenal have Adebayor, Man Utd have Berbatov, Juventus have Amauri, Inter have Ibrahimovic. At international level, Italy have gone down this route with Toni in recent years, while even Fabio Capello’s England are relying on Emile Heskey to carry out this job.

Some even argue that two skilful centre forwards cannot play together any longer in the modern game, something I find absolutely horrifying, as it would mean the death of pure football. Thankfully, Spain proved at Euro 2008 with Torres and Villa that there is still room for two similar attackers working in tandem and, perhaps, as Giorgio Chiellini said earlier this week, this is the model Italy should follow.

The best football Italy have played in the last decade was at Euro 2000 when an injury to Christian Vieri forced Dino Zoff to scrap the big centre forward approach, and go for two smaller, but more intelligent, frontmen in Francesco Totti and Pippo Inzaghi. The Azzurri served up some delightful pass-and-move stuff and had the tournament in the bag until Sylvain Wiltord’s tragically fortuitous 94th minute equaliser for France in the final in Rotterdam.

Football may have changed a lot in the past eight years, but the current target man system that Lippi is employing just does not convince me at all at the moment. You can’t play a system if you don’t have the players for it, and at the moment Italy do not have a top class target man who is eligible.

Readmore »»

Inter 2-1 Bologna Match highlights

Inter Milan took the lead thanks to a wonder strike from Zlatan, Adriano broke down the left hand side, crossed into Ibrahimovic at the near post and the Swede acrobatically squeezed the ball into the near post. Inter appeared to put the game to bed early in the second half when Adriano swept home a penalty to double the lead, but a shocking defensive error from veteran Zanetti gifted Moras with the opportunity to pull a goal back, which he gladly accepted.

Readmore »»

AC Milan 0-1 Inter Milan - Highlights

The Milan derby was lit up woth some Brazilian magic just before the break when Ronaldinho put AC Milan in front with a super header from a delicious Kaka cross.


1-0 Ronaldinho


Highlights

Readmore »»

Sampdoria 0-0 Juventus Match Highlights

Del Piero started brightly for Juventus at Sampdoria, coming close with a free-kick and then dragging a shot onto the post.

Readmore »»

Roma 3-0 Reggina Goals - Highlights

Roma secured a much-needed first victory in the league this season. Christian Panucci opened the scoring for Luciano Spalletti’s team on the stroke of half-time and Alberto Aquilani doubled the advantage six minutes after the interval. Substitute Simone Perrotta put the icing on the cake for Roma in the last minute.

Readmore »»

Mourinho: I Am Not Special, But I Am The Best

Inter coach Jose Mourinho admits that he is not the ‘special one’ but he is the best as he believes no-one is better than him.

The Portuguese coach was labelled as ‘Special’ by the English media when he gave his first press conference at Chelsea in 2004. The name has stuck since.

However, Mourinho doesn’t believe he is should be hailed in that way but he does insist that he is better than any other coach around the world.

“I arrived in London and I said ‘I was a normal coach, coaching a special group’, the next day I became the special one,” Mourinho told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“I wouldn’t call myself special. Maybe I am not the best in the world but I do think that no coach is better than me.”

The 2004 Champions League winning coach spoke about his old boss Roman Abramovic and new chief Massimo Moratti and he has described both men as passionate for the game.

“They have great passion for football and this is fundamental but Moratti has been at Inter for 63 years, from the day he was born. Roman has only been at Chelsea for five years,” added the coach.

“Ibra? Everyone knows he is great, and he will win great things as well.”

Mourinho is keen on glory and the Nerazzurri continue their search for some more Serie A points on Sunday when they visit Torino.

Readmore »»

I Am Ready For Juventus - Giovinco

Juventus starlet Sebastian Giovinco admits he is ready to show the Old Lady his true values and that he is not worried about his contract renewal as he believes it’s only a matter of time.

The Bianconeri have been taking their time in terms of offering the 21-year-old a new deal, leading to rife speculation that Giovinco is fed up and wants out.

Arsenal have been watching at arms length and reports in both Italy and England claimed the Italian playmaker would move to the Emirates stadium.

However, Giovinco has revealed his ambitions to stay on with the Old Lady.

“I want to become a focal point with Juventus and I am working hard to do just that, I hope to achieve this,” Giovinco told Tuttosport.

“A lot of people have told me not to get too carried away playing with all these great stars but I am not like that.

“I am calm regarding the contract renewal because I know there will not be any problems with that. I think about playing.

“There are various components which need to be ironed out but I would prefer not to talk about the new deal.”

Giovinco is hoping he can get more playing time in Claudio Ranieri’s side given the recent injuries which have affected the team.

“It’s not good that injuries have struck our players but I am ready to come in and play,” added the youngster.

“I was a little tired after the Olympics but now I am fine and ready in terms of fitness.”

The Bianconeri travel to Cagliari this weekend but it is unlikely that Giovinco will play. Claudio Ranieri is likely to start with Alessandro Del Piero and Amauri up front.

Readmore »»

Miccoli: Roma Not The Same Without Totti

Palermo forward Fabrizio Miccoli is gearing up for this weekend’s clash against Roma, and he says that the capital outfit are not the same team without inspirational captain Francesco Totti.

Totti snapped his anterior cruciate ligament during a match against Livorno at the end of April, and had to undergo surgery.

The 31-year-old has since been working his way back to fitness, but he will not be ready to take to the field against Palermo on Saturday.

Palermo star Miccoli was asked in an interview with SKY Sports 24, just how Roma would cope without their skipper.

"Roma have many solutions but the captain is a fundamental figure,” Miccoli stated.

“As an opponent I prefer not to see him on the pitch because I know what he can do.”

Miccoli has been a thorn in Roma’s side in the past, and during the best season of his career, at Perugia in 2002/03, the pocket-dynamo scored in both league games against the Giallorossi.

"I remember well. We drew 2-2, and then Perugia won 1-0. My daughter Swami was born and I dedicated the winning goal to her,” he recalled.

“Should I now dedicate a goal to my son Diego, who was born recently? Hopefully, we will see on Saturday.”

Readmore »»

Play Giovinco!

The agent of young starlet Sebastian Giovinco has warned Juventus that his client needs to play regularly, and that this is a serious issue holding up contract negotiations. Giovinco's future at the club has been called into question in recent weeks.

Giovinco is regarded as one of Europe’s best young talents, but his future at Juventus has been called into question due to problems over the renewal of his contract.

The major sticking point has been Juve’s refusal to meet the 21-year-old’s €1m a year salary demands. However, Giovinco’s agent Andrea D’Amico has also now declared that his client needs to be playing more first team football after he was left on the bench for the entirety of the first Serie A game of the season against Fiorentina.

"He needs to play with some continuity, there is no doubt," D'Amico told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“This is a question in the contract that is still under negotiation. It is not just a problem of figures, but also of certainty about the future. Giovinco is young but he is already desperate to play as many matches as possible."

Arsenal have been heavily linked with making a January transfer bid for Giovinco, leading to fears among fans that the player could be sold.

However, D’Amico insists that despite the contract uncertainty, Juventus believe in the player, and that this feeling is reciprocal.

“Juventus believe in him and vice versa,” he stated.

“The project of the Bianconeri club is ambitious and Sebastian knows that he has many champions in front of him. It will be up to [coach] Claudio Ranieri to manage his technical potential.”

Giovinco will be hoping that he is offered some time on the pitch when Juventus take on Udinese this weekend in Turin.

Readmore »»

AC Milan 1 - 2 Bologna Highlights

Serie A AC Milan 1 - 2 Bologna Sunday, August 31

SCORING SUMMARY
AC Milan:
Massimo Ambrosini 41″
Bologna:
Marco Di Vaio 18″
Francesco Valiani 79″

Readmore »»

Sampdoria 1 - 1 Inter Milan Highlights

Inter Milan managed only a 1-1 draw in their away game against Sampdoria. It’s the opening day of the 2008-09 Serie A season. Ibrahimovic opened the score for the Italian Champions with a narrow angle shot. Delvecchio equalized for the home side in the second half. Both squads get a point and not an ideal start of the seaon.

Readmore »»

We'll Lift The Scudetto - Ronaldinho

Milan magician Ronaldinho has returned from the Beijing Olympics with a bronze medal and he has now turned his attentions to silverware as he insists upon the Scudetto. Expectations are high at San Siro and the former Barcelona star is itching for some major trophies...

The Brazilian magician is in confident mood after some dazzling displays for the Selecao. He cannot wait to get back in action with his club and ‘Dinho believes he will be lifting the Tricolore next May.

Milan have not been too great during pre-season but the former PSG man believes that the rustiness will be smooved over and the Rossoneri machine will be ready for a shiny new season.

“I am ready and I want to play against Bologna,” Ronaldinho told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

“Pato is right, Milan will win the Scudetto. We have the potential to do it.

“We have the best armoury to win and we can feel it deep down inside that we are favourites.

“However, we have to go out and prove it for real.”

The Brazilian arrived from Barcelona this summer in a mega money deal. He looks completely different to the player who endured a hard time at Camp Nou.

Fitter, leaner and raring to go, ‘Dinho will try to spread his magic around Serie A and conquer the Scudetto this term.

The Rossoneri’s prime objective is domestic success and they are ready for action with an opening day fixture against Bologna next week.

Readmore »»

Sheva To Join Milan Tomorrow

Chelsea striker Andrei Shevchenko will complete his return to Milan tomorrow in a one-year loan deal, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

This Rossoneri have been having something of a forward crisis in recent weeks as Ronaldinho and Alexandre Pato are away on Olympic duty with Brazil, Kaka is recovering from a knee operation, Marco Borriello is injured, while Pippo Inzaghi is only just working his way back to full fitness.

With the 18-year-old Alberto Paloschi the only other striker option, Milan have been forced to go back into the market for a frontman, and over recent days they have been quietly working on a deal to bring Andriy Shevchenko back to the club.


Roman Abramovich and Silvio Berlusconi held a decisive meeting last Thursday, which took place at Villa Certosa in Sardinia, where they came to an agreement which will see Shevchenko move to San Siro on loan.

The transfer is likely to be completed tomorrow, or Friday at the very latest, and Chelsea will also pay €6.5m of the player’s wages.

Shevchenko, who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, and was not called up for the first game of the season against Portsmouth on Sunday, is set to be handed the number 76 shirt, after the year of his birth.

The 32-year-old had seven brilliant seasons with Milan from 1999 to 2006, scoring 127 goals in just 208 games, before moving to Chelsea in 2006 for a whopping €45m.

However, he has had two dreadful years in the English capital, and is well known to be desperate to move back to Italy.

Readmore »»

Ibra’s Knee Breaks Down Again

There are fitness concerns once again over Zlatan Ibrahimovic after he reported severe pain in his troublesome left knee.

Ibrahimovic has suffered terribly with a chronic knee injury this calendar year, and this forced him to miss most of Inter’s Scudetto run-in last season.

The problem cropped up while on Euro 2008 duty with Sweden, while he limped out of Inter’s first pre-season training session last month after just 20 minutes.

The forward returned to training a few weeks ago, and he has been working his way back into action, playing in both the Amsterdam Tournament and the Eusebio Cup.

He was due to play for Sweden tonight in the friendly against France, but pulled out of the game yesterday. Originally it was reported that this move was just as a precaution so that he could rest ahead of Inter’s Italian Supercup match against Roma on Sunday.

However, it has since been reported that Ibrahimovic’s troublesome knee injury has come back once again, and there are serious fears over whether this problem will ever go away.

"I feel strong in the knees and legs,” Ibrahimovic insisted.

“At the end of the last game [against Benfica last Friday] I felt a slight discomfort, but after two days of rest everything was fine.”

Only a few hours later though, Ibrahimovic broke down in training for Sweden, and is said to have been in real pain. The frontman is now considered a huge doubt for the Supercup, and with Adriano also out injured, Inter will not be ideal condition up-front.

Readmore »»

Lippi: Del Piero The Italian Rooney

Marcello Lippi admits that he wants to model his Azzurri attack on Manchester United, and reportedly considers Alessandro Del Piero as the Italian Wayne Rooney.

Lippi returns to the Italy bench tonight in the friendly against Austria in Nice, as he hopes to repeat the glories of his first reign when he led the Azzurri to World Cup success at the 2006 World Cup.

The early signs are that Lippi plans to use a 4-3-3 formation where possible, and the reference point will be European club champions Manchester United and their three-pronged attack of Cristian Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.

“It fascinates me to have a national team with three attackers who can make themselves available for the team like Wayne Rooney did for Manchester United in Rome [in the Champions League last season],” said Lippi.

It is reported in the Italian press that Lippi sees Del Piero as the player to replicate the role that Rooney carries out for Man Utd, and he will test out the Golden Boy tonight in Nice.

Indeed the Azzurri will line up with a 4-3-3 against Karel Bruckner’s men, with Alberto Gilardino and Antonio Di Natale tipped to complete the forward trident.

Readmore »»

Inter Increase Quaresma Bid

Inter are ready to increase their bid from €17m to €20m for Ricardo Quaresma as they attempt one final assault on the Porto man according to Sportmediaset.

The midfielder is on the verge of leaving the Dragoes as he has hardly featured in any pre-season games. The Nerazzurri have been after the Portuguese international all summer and a deal now seems imminent.

Sportmediaset claims that Quaresma has fallen out with his club and that an exit is on the cards. Jose Mourinho is keen on his fellow country man and he is ready to move into action.

The Beneamata are ready to lay an extra €3m on the table in order to convince the Portuguese side to part-company with their player.

A number of injuries to the Inter squad have forced the club back on the market and the Porto player is likely to be drafted in as cover for the crocked players.

David Suazo and Hernan Crespo are likely to be axed in order to make room for Quaresma to come into the squad. Reports in Portugal suggest the midfielder has reached the point of no return with his side and ‘A Bola’ claims he is unhappy at Porto.

The Nerazzurri will be aiming for the Champions League this term and the ‘Special One’ is trying to build a strong enough squad in order to challenge for Europe’s most wanted trophy.

Readmore »»

Conte: Italian Hooligans Are Shameful!

Former Juventus star, and current Bari coach, has slammed the hooligans who attacked him in his hometown of Lecce.

Conte was relaxing on a beach near his hometown of Lecce on Sunday where he took part in a five-a-side match, before a number of local thugs attacked him, accusing him of being a traitor for coaching rivals Bari.

“As soon as I finished a five-a-side match, which was a memorial for my cousin who died in a car crash a few years back, seven or eight men walked on to the field and came straight at me,” Conte told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“They were holding sticks and metal bars. They tried to hit me, but fortunately didn’t manage it. They were wearing T-Shirts with ‘I Hate Bari’ and even chased after my brother, Gianluca. Thankfully they were scared off by a police car and a few of our friends.

“Physically I am fine, but psychologically I am hurting badly. I am furious at this incredibly serious incident. It happened in front of my wife, my nine-month-old baby and many other children who were at the game.

“I never imagined someone could organise an ambush in my home city. It’s shameful!

“Lecce is my city. My family lives here. I just hope this incident can shock people into realising how ridiculous that attitude is and that those responsible do not get away with it.”

The image of Italian football has been badly tarnished in recent years by scandals both on-and-off the pitch, and hooliganism is a serious problem that the authorities are struggling to stamp out in view of this latest incident.

Conte played for Lecce from 1985 to 1992, but his best known for his spell at Juventus from 1992 to 2004 where he won virtually every honour in the club game, including five Scudetti, a Champions League, UEFA Cup, and a Intercontinental Cup.

Readmore »»