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 With so many Italian players based in Britain and around the world, Football Italia updates you on the latest happenings |
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| November 21, 2008 |
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Zola on learning curve
Gianfranco Zola has conceded that he took a big risk by accepting the West Ham job and admits he is still learning the ropes. His only previous coaching work was with the Italian Under-21 side and the Cagliari legend feels he has taken on a big challenge. “I know this is a big risk. I am putting myself on the line, but I like the challenge,” he said. “The bigger the job, the more responsibility and attention you get, so every mistake is in the spotlight. It's been a challenge because playing football is one thing, coaching the players is another entirely.”
Kinnear slams Trap
Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear has slammed Republic of Ireland Coach Giovanni Trapattoni over the Italian's recommendation of Shay Given to three Serie A sides. The former Juventus and Fiorentina boss admitted that he had spoken to coaches in Italy about the Newcastle goalkeeper and has angered Kinnear. “I think it's a little bit disrespectful,” said Kinnear. “Shay, I think, has another three years on his contract here. Why on earth Giovanni would want to make a statement like that I don't know - maybe he was just getting on the good side of Shay.”
Lazio in Javier link
Lazio are being linked with Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Biancocelesti are riding high in Serie A at the moment and want to continue pushing for a Champions League place but reportedly believe they need more midfield strength and have targeted the Argentine ace for a January move. Italian sources claim Mascherano's agent Walter Tamer has been approached about a possible transfer and has said that the midfielder could move to Italy later this season. Mascherano is increasingly frustrated about his lack of first-team opportunities with the Reds, as manager Rafa Benitez seems to prefer Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.
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| November 20, 2008 |
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Sousa's QPR pride
Queens Park Rangers' new Coach Paulo Sousa claims he is honoured to have been chosen for the job. The former Juventus, Parma and Inter midfielder insists he will bring attacking football to West London and is looking forward to the challenge. “It is an honour to be part of this project,” he said. “I have always wanted to work for a big club and I am very excited about the opportunity to work for Queens Park Rangers. I have great belief in my ideas and my coaching ability and I firmly believe I can achieve the objectives set by the management. I believe in playing positive, attacking football and am looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”
David's happy with Hammers
West Ham striker David Di Michele claims he is happy with his career after joining the Hammers on loan from Torino. The Italian left the Granata after falling out with the management and felt he deserved more respect. “The divorce with Torino was unavoidable,” said Di Michele. “I had a few requests but time was passing. West Ham arrived and I accepted with a lot of pleasure. I thought of staying with the Granata for another year and then I would have considered proposals from Spain or England. It arrived sooner than expected.”
Nani values Valon
West Ham defender Valon Behrami will not be leaving Upton Park for Roma, or anywhere else for that matter, according to sporting director Gianluca Nani. The ex-Brescia chief dismissed reports of an exchange deal involving the former Lazio man and Roma right-back Cicinho as ridiculous. “Behrami will never go to Roma,” he insisted. “As I have repeatedly said the player will not leave for even £40m. It is ridiculous - Cicinho plus £40m wouldn't get him.”
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| November 19, 2008 |
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Sousa close to QPR
Former Juventus and Inter star Paulo Sousa is set to be appointed as Queens Park Rangers manager, according to latest reports. The 38-year-old is the favourite to take over the reins from caretaker boss Gareth Ainsworth, who has been in charge since Iain Dowie was dismissed last month. Reports in the Telegraph claim that Sousa has already had successful talks with Italian owner Flavio Briatore and will be unveiled shortly.
Diego baits Butcher
Former Napoli legend Diego Maradona has responded to Scotland assistant Coach Terry Butcher's statement that he won't shake hands with the Argentina boss at tonight's friendly. Butcher was playing for England when Maradona scored the notorious “hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup. “England won the World Cup with a goal that clearly didn't cross the line,” Maradona said in the Daily Mail. “So I don't think Butcher should judge me.”
Trap sells Shay to Serie A
Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni has advised some Serie A Coaches to snap up Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given. “I spoke to two or three great tacticians, who are my friends, and they asked me if I thought Given could play in Serie A,” Trap revealed to the Daily Mail. “With his personality and quality I told them he could be as good as Gigi Buffon.”
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| November 18, 2008 |
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Robinho calls for Kaka
Robinho has told Manchester City to buy Milan ace Kaka if they really want to be the best in the world. The Brazilian winger has urged his manager to ask the club's mega millionaire backers Abu Dhabi United Group to sign the Milan ace. “Kaka is a great player and a great person,” he said. “He's so strong, intelligent and fast. Obviously I'm hoping that I can play with him here at City. If Kaka or any other great player wants to come here the door is open.”
Sacchi sees Adri at Chelsea
Adriano could be on his way to Chelsea in the New Year, according to Arrigo Sacchi. The troubled Inter striker is being heavily tipped to leave the Nerazzurri on loan and former Azzurri Coach Sacchi believes he could join Jose Mourinho's former club Chelsea. “Roman Abramovich has always liked him and I wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea came knocking on Massimo Moratti's door soon,” he claimed.
Coloccini makes Diego plea
Newcastle's former Milan defender Fabricio Coloccini is hoping Argentina boss Diego Maradona will come to St James Park. The Argentine centre-back has been one of the Toon's better players of late and hopes Diego will want to watch him. “He wants to watch football matches all the time and he will want to see his players, so maybe if he has the time he will come to Newcastle to see Jonas Gutierrez and myself,” he said. “It would be an honour to see Maradona at St. James' Park.”
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| November 17, 2008 |
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Serie A giants eye Andrea
Roma and Juventus are reportedly ready to battle it out for Liverpool flop Andrea Dossena. The former Udinese full-back has struggled in the Premiership and a rapid return to Italy looks likely. According to English reports, both the Giallorossi and the Old Lady are keen to bring back Dossena, who cost the Reds £10 in the summer. However, the reports suggest that Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez would make him available for half that price. The Italian international recently admitted he wanted to stay in England and help the Reds challenge for the title but it seems that Benitez may have other ideas.
Mourinho to try for Tevez?
Inter boss Jose Mourinho is being linked with a move for Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez, according to English reports. The Argentine ace moved to United on a two-year loan in the summer of 2007 after a spell at West Ham. Sir Alex Ferguson appears to be in no rush to make the move permanent and Mourinho could make a move for the forward in January. It is believed that Mourinho has already held talks with Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian.
Fabio's United temptation
Fabio Capello is in the frame to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson when he leaves Manchester United. England's Italian boss is also being linked with leading Great Britain's football team at the 2012 Olympics. But the job at United is the one that sources close to Capello insist he will be keener to take. Capello is expected to continue with England until 2012 but would also be the perfect big personality to take over at Old Trafford, having won nine League titles in Italy and Spain, as well as the European Cup. According to a new biography, Fabio Capello: The Man, The Dream, The Inside Story, the former Roma boss was offered the United job while with the Giallorossi in February 2002, but Ferguson decided against retiring and stayed at Old Trafford.
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