June 2011
16 posts
4 tags
Al Volo: The Solution? Davide Santon
Last season, Inter resolved their long standing left-back issue, bringing in Yuto Nagatomo on loan from Cesena. The Japanese International continued his impressive form from the Asian Cup victory, stepping in to a role that has either been covered by Javier Zanetti - who is now more comfortable in midfield - or Christian Chivu.
Read more at backpagefootball.com
3 tags
Happy 78h Anniversary......and goodbye
Today - June 29th - marks the anniversary of the first game played at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. Originally named ‘Il Stadio Municipale Benito Mussolini’ in honour of the fascist leader, it was built in just seven months between September 1932 and May 1933.
Its first official game was won 6-2 by Juventus - who were in the midst of winning 5 titles in a row - and the stadium was...
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Beyond The Pitch: Latest Serie A Episode
Adam joined host Anto for a detailed discussion on all the pressing issues in Italian football, starting with Inter and the search for a Leonardo replacement. Then attention turns to AS Roma, Luis Enrique and Bojan Krkic before shifting to champions Milan and their Champions League obsession. After that a look at the lessons Antonio Conte should take from Andrea Pirlo at Milan and a deeper...
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Jorge Martinez: The Malaise Of El Malaka
It shouldn’t have been this way. In May 2010 Catania winger Jorge Martinez was effervescent as he helped the Sicilian side to a remarkable season in which they finished comfortably in twelfth place. His impressive displays also ensured his place in Uruguay’s provisional 26 man squad ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.
Read more at InBedWithMaradona.com
Official: Permanent Moves For Four Players
Juventus announced today, via the official site, the permanent signings of four players. All were on loan at the club and their agreements came with a clause which in each case the Bianconeri have paid in full.
Alessandro Matri cost €15.5m from Cagliari and has a four-year contract, Fabio Quagliarella €10.5m from Napoli (three year deal), Simone Pepe costs €7.5m and Marco Motta €3.75m (both...
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Beppe Furino Speaks To Radio Sport
Former Juve captain and winner of more Scudetti than any other Juventino, Beppe Furino has more idea than most about what it takes to win. He is what he had to say when he spoke to Radio Sport on Tuesday evening;
On strategy: “I’m not convinced that spending a lot on certain players to buy our way back can work. In the past we have always had coaches and management who could make...
SI.com: Alexis Sánchez Seeking A New Challenge
In his homeland he is known as El Niño Maravilla and right now, despite being only 22, Udinese’s ‘Boy Wonder’ Alexis Sánchez seemingly has the freedom to choose between some of Europe’s biggest clubs as next destination. With teams such as Barcelona, Inter Milan and Manchester City reportedly interested, a move away seems almost a foregone conclusion.
Read more at...
Official: Juventus Sign Michele Pazienza
Juventus announced today, via their official website, the free transfer of Italian midfielder Michele Pazienza who’s contract with Napoli expired this summer. The statement revelaed the former Foggia, Udinese and Fiorentina player has signed a deal which will expire in June 2014. Pazienza is 28-years-old and cost his previous club 4.8m€ in 2008.
Benvenuti a Torino Michele!
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Wesley Sneijder's Iconic Status
The word idol has numerous definitions and, rightly or wrongly, is often used to describe athletes and sportsmen. Iconic status is bestowed upon players almost instantly but the more enduring come to fulfil every one of its meanings. Inter’s Wesley Sneijder is most certainly one of those and as speculation regarding a summer move continues to grows it may not be too long before another set...
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Al Volo: And The Winner Is....Who?
Last season, as they marched to a remarkable treble, Inter received endless praise for their resolute defending and their ability to completely shut out opponents. At the heart of this incredibly impressive unit was Julio Cesar as the 31-year-old Brazilian kept goal behind a seemingly impenetrable defence formed by Maicon, Lucio, Walter Samuel and Cristian Chivu.
Read more at...
Juve's Search For A Place To Call Home
Serie A giants Juventus are set to move into their yet-to-be-named new stadium from the start of next season and reap huge financial benefits from doing so. This new home replaces the Stadio delle Alpi which was built on the same site for the Italia ‘90 World Cup which will see Juve once more cut their ties with the Olimpico, which will be renamed by the city’s other side and be...
Al Volo: The Seemingly Endless Wait For Juventus
Looking around Serie A there is a dearth of top quality full-backs, as Milan’s regular use of Luca Antonini and Marek Jankulovski serves to highlight. Of the bigger clubs perhaps only Inter, with their combination of Maicon and Yuto Nagatomo have what could even be considered an adequate duo.
Read more at backpagefootball.com
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Serie A Relegation: A Different Kind Of FFP
Over the last five years the reputation of Italian football has taken serious abuse as seemingly everyone has a view on the problems facing the league and its clubs. Even setting aside the whole Calciopoli issue recent years have seen numerous clubs face bankruptcy including some of the sports biggest names. Torino, once the biggest and best club in the country have been poorly run for a number...
Al Volo: Milan's Christian Abbiati, Serie A's...
Much has been said and written about many of the leagues standout performers, of Edinson Cavani’s transformation from energetic wide player to one-man strike force, Marco Di Vaio’s astounding leadership of Bologna both on and off the field to the superlative performances of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Hernanes. Yet above both these man there is one player who, while receiving very little...
