[IT] Serie A 2005/06 (12 Viewers)
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Collina creates Milan conflict Saturday 13 August, 2005
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Pierluigi Collina will be banned from officiating games featuring the Rossoneri following a conflict of interests with their sponsors.
The world’s most famous referee penned a contract with car manufacturers Opel this summer – the same company that sponsors Milan – sparking debate in the Italian Press about his impartiality.
“If this is the climate that is building around this issue, then we will make a sacrifice and give up the chance to have the best referee in the world take part in our Serie A and Coppa Italia games,” noted Milan chief Adriano Galliani in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I don’t think there’s anything scandalous about it, as in England referees are sponsored by Emirates and so are Chelsea. The reaction has proved to me once again than in Italy the attitude is different. We have to find a solution and I doubt Collina can suddenly tear up his contract with Opel, while football cannot lose its best official.”
Galliani – who is also head of the Lega Calcio – believes the only way out of this impasse is to ensure Collina is never in a position to favour Milan.
“If in Italy there are directors, referees, journalists and fans who think Collina can be affected by a sponsor that is also tied to a club, then he can carry on his career without including Milan.”
However, it’s possible that won’t be enough, as he could be accused of favouring the Rossoneri indirectly with ‘damaging’ decisions against their direct opponents in the Scudetto chase.
Tullio Lanese, President of the AIA (Italian Referees’ Association) pointed out that this was a storm in a teacup. “It’s true that Collina should have alerted us before signing a sponsorship contract, but if he had tied himself to any other car manufacturer – for example Toyota or Mazda, who also sponsor Serie A clubs – then nobody would’ve batted an eyelid.”
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Pierluigi Collina will be banned from officiating games featuring the Rossoneri following a conflict of interests with their sponsors.
The world’s most famous referee penned a contract with car manufacturers Opel this summer – the same company that sponsors Milan – sparking debate in the Italian Press about his impartiality.
“If this is the climate that is building around this issue, then we will make a sacrifice and give up the chance to have the best referee in the world take part in our Serie A and Coppa Italia games,” noted Milan chief Adriano Galliani in the Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I don’t think there’s anything scandalous about it, as in England referees are sponsored by Emirates and so are Chelsea. The reaction has proved to me once again than in Italy the attitude is different. We have to find a solution and I doubt Collina can suddenly tear up his contract with Opel, while football cannot lose its best official.”
Galliani – who is also head of the Lega Calcio – believes the only way out of this impasse is to ensure Collina is never in a position to favour Milan.
“If in Italy there are directors, referees, journalists and fans who think Collina can be affected by a sponsor that is also tied to a club, then he can carry on his career without including Milan.”
However, it’s possible that won’t be enough, as he could be accused of favouring the Rossoneri indirectly with ‘damaging’ decisions against their direct opponents in the Scudetto chase.
Tullio Lanese, President of the AIA (Italian Referees’ Association) pointed out that this was a storm in a teacup. “It’s true that Collina should have alerted us before signing a sponsorship contract, but if he had tied himself to any other car manufacturer – for example Toyota or Mazda, who also sponsor Serie A clubs – then nobody would’ve batted an eyelid.”
Toro request season delay Saturday 13 August, 2005
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Torino are bankrupt and must start again from scratch in Serie B, so the giants have asked to postpone the start of their campaign by a fortnight.
Under the Lodo Petrucci ruling, a club that is excluded from the championship can start again from a Division down and with new ownership, but all the players contracted to the original side are released from their obligations.
Some of the stars have already moved on, as Gaby Mudingayi has signed for Lazio.
It’s now reported the Granata have requested that their season be delayed by a fortnight, allowing them to better prepare a 20-man squad before the campaign kicks off on August 28.
Napoli have already taken this approach when they were demoted to Serie C1 last year, so their early fixtures were postponed and played in later specially scheduled midweek rounds.
The Serie A, B and C calendars are set to be drawn up on Tuesday after the FIGC rejected Genoa’s legal bid to have them frozen
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Torino are bankrupt and must start again from scratch in Serie B, so the giants have asked to postpone the start of their campaign by a fortnight.
Under the Lodo Petrucci ruling, a club that is excluded from the championship can start again from a Division down and with new ownership, but all the players contracted to the original side are released from their obligations.
Some of the stars have already moved on, as Gaby Mudingayi has signed for Lazio.
It’s now reported the Granata have requested that their season be delayed by a fortnight, allowing them to better prepare a 20-man squad before the campaign kicks off on August 28.
Napoli have already taken this approach when they were demoted to Serie C1 last year, so their early fixtures were postponed and played in later specially scheduled midweek rounds.
The Serie A, B and C calendars are set to be drawn up on Tuesday after the FIGC rejected Genoa’s legal bid to have them frozen
Sanz pledges Parma glory Saturday 13 August, 2005
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Parma’s new owner – former Real Madrid President Lorenzo Sanz – has promised to restore the Tardini side to its glory days in Europe.
Sanz was in charge of Real Madrid between 1995 and 2000, winning La Liga, two Champions League trophies and an Intercontinental Cup. He hired Coach Fabio Capello, but lost the Presidency vote to Florentino Perez after the newcomer pledged to bring in Luis Figo if he was elected.
“I am proud and honoured to have finalised negotiations for Parma FC,” explained the Spanish businessman in an open letter to the fans.
“I must thank Enrico Bondi, the Administrator, President Guido Angliolini and our own Vittorio Albertini for their hard work and help in this matter. I am sorry I cannot be there with them to make the announcement, but I am already working with my collaborators to lay the foundations for the new Parma.”
Sanz made the surprise take-over bid on Friday afternoon, but so far there has been no comment on the money involved to buy out the club. Parma had been seeking new owners ever since majority shareholders Parmalat were embroiled in one of the biggest financial scandals in Italian history.
“My move is aimed at bringing Parma back to European competition, where they impressed for 14 consecutive seasons, winning a European Supercup, Cup Winners’ Cup and two UEFA Cups. This is an enviable trophy cabinet and worthy of the best international sides,” continued Sanz.
“This glorious past deserves respect and ambition, which is why I must put a lot in to this club, not only in terms of finance, but also as a solid base for the future. I am certain that the support of the fans, the city and Mayor Elvio Ubaldi will be behind me. We will meet soon at the Stadio Tardini for a warm embrace to the fans and the city.”
With only a few weeks left before the transfer deadline on August 31, Sanz has to work fast to strengthen a squad that has already lost top scorer Alberto Gilardino, goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, defender Cesare Bovo and forward Fabio Vignaroli.
There is hope that one of last year’s best performers – Domenico Morfeo – will return after his loan spell from Inter expired, as the veteran is already in training with Parma while negotiations continue.
It also remains to be seen whether Sanz will stick with Coach Mario Beretta (pictured), who was fired by Chievo in his debut Serie A experience last season.
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Parma’s new owner – former Real Madrid President Lorenzo Sanz – has promised to restore the Tardini side to its glory days in Europe.
Sanz was in charge of Real Madrid between 1995 and 2000, winning La Liga, two Champions League trophies and an Intercontinental Cup. He hired Coach Fabio Capello, but lost the Presidency vote to Florentino Perez after the newcomer pledged to bring in Luis Figo if he was elected.
“I am proud and honoured to have finalised negotiations for Parma FC,” explained the Spanish businessman in an open letter to the fans.
“I must thank Enrico Bondi, the Administrator, President Guido Angliolini and our own Vittorio Albertini for their hard work and help in this matter. I am sorry I cannot be there with them to make the announcement, but I am already working with my collaborators to lay the foundations for the new Parma.”
Sanz made the surprise take-over bid on Friday afternoon, but so far there has been no comment on the money involved to buy out the club. Parma had been seeking new owners ever since majority shareholders Parmalat were embroiled in one of the biggest financial scandals in Italian history.
“My move is aimed at bringing Parma back to European competition, where they impressed for 14 consecutive seasons, winning a European Supercup, Cup Winners’ Cup and two UEFA Cups. This is an enviable trophy cabinet and worthy of the best international sides,” continued Sanz.
“This glorious past deserves respect and ambition, which is why I must put a lot in to this club, not only in terms of finance, but also as a solid base for the future. I am certain that the support of the fans, the city and Mayor Elvio Ubaldi will be behind me. We will meet soon at the Stadio Tardini for a warm embrace to the fans and the city.”
With only a few weeks left before the transfer deadline on August 31, Sanz has to work fast to strengthen a squad that has already lost top scorer Alberto Gilardino, goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, defender Cesare Bovo and forward Fabio Vignaroli.
There is hope that one of last year’s best performers – Domenico Morfeo – will return after his loan spell from Inter expired, as the veteran is already in training with Parma while negotiations continue.
It also remains to be seen whether Sanz will stick with Coach Mario Beretta (pictured), who was fired by Chievo in his debut Serie A experience last season.
Azzurri: Cassano gets Dublin chop Sunday 14 August, 2005
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Antonio Cassano has been left out of Wednesday’s friendly trip to Ireland, but Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti return to the fold.
The Roma starlet has been under pressure with his recent contract dispute and Coach Marcello Lippi opted not to bring him along in this current climate.
It is an important call for Del Piero, as the Juventus captain had not worn the Azzurri jersey since September 2004, while Totti returns after he was dropped as a disciplinary measure for the World Cup qualifier in Norway.
Fiorentina’s new signing Luca Toni and Milan man Christian Vieri are also included in the Italy front line for this test in Dublin.
Lippi has made most of his experiments in midfield with the inclusion of Sampdoria’s Aimo Diana, Palermo player Simone Barone and Reggina winger Giandomenico Mesto – a former Under-21 international.
The squad will meet at the Coverciano training ground on Monday afternoon before flying out to the Republic of Ireland for the Lansdowne Road encounter on Wednesday evening.
Italy squad:
Gk: Buffon, De Sanctis, Roma;
D: Barzagli, Cannavaro, Grosso, Materazzi, Nesta, Zaccardo, Zambrotta;
M: Barone, Camoranesi, De Rossi, Diana, Gattuso, Mesto, Pirlo;
F: Del Piero, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Toni, Totti, Vieri.
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Antonio Cassano has been left out of Wednesday’s friendly trip to Ireland, but Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti return to the fold.
The Roma starlet has been under pressure with his recent contract dispute and Coach Marcello Lippi opted not to bring him along in this current climate.
It is an important call for Del Piero, as the Juventus captain had not worn the Azzurri jersey since September 2004, while Totti returns after he was dropped as a disciplinary measure for the World Cup qualifier in Norway.
Fiorentina’s new signing Luca Toni and Milan man Christian Vieri are also included in the Italy front line for this test in Dublin.
Lippi has made most of his experiments in midfield with the inclusion of Sampdoria’s Aimo Diana, Palermo player Simone Barone and Reggina winger Giandomenico Mesto – a former Under-21 international.
The squad will meet at the Coverciano training ground on Monday afternoon before flying out to the Republic of Ireland for the Lansdowne Road encounter on Wednesday evening.
Italy squad:
Gk: Buffon, De Sanctis, Roma;
D: Barzagli, Cannavaro, Grosso, Materazzi, Nesta, Zaccardo, Zambrotta;
M: Barone, Camoranesi, De Rossi, Diana, Gattuso, Mesto, Pirlo;
F: Del Piero, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Toni, Totti, Vieri.
Azzurri: Guardalben replaces Buffon Sunday 14 August, 2005
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Gianluigi Buffon’s shoulder injury has prompted Italy Coach Marcello Lippi to call Matteo Guardalben for the international test at Lansdowne Road.
The Azzurri Number 1 was stretchered off in some discomfort during Juve’s 2-1 Trofeo Berlusconi defeat to Milan on Sunday evening and was taken to hospital for tests.
Initial reports suggest it is a lesion to the right shoulder, although there are some suggestions it could even be dislocated.
Buffon suffered the setback when he bravely ran out to push the ball off Kaka’s feet with an outstretched arm, but the inevitable collision left him in agony.
It’s not clear how long he will be out of action, but Lippi has already called up Palermo goalkeeper Matteo Guardalben as a replacement. This means that Udinese’s Morgan De Sanctis should start Wednesday’s international friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
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Gianluigi Buffon’s shoulder injury has prompted Italy Coach Marcello Lippi to call Matteo Guardalben for the international test at Lansdowne Road.
The Azzurri Number 1 was stretchered off in some discomfort during Juve’s 2-1 Trofeo Berlusconi defeat to Milan on Sunday evening and was taken to hospital for tests.
Initial reports suggest it is a lesion to the right shoulder, although there are some suggestions it could even be dislocated.
Buffon suffered the setback when he bravely ran out to push the ball off Kaka’s feet with an outstretched arm, but the inevitable collision left him in agony.
It’s not clear how long he will be out of action, but Lippi has already called up Palermo goalkeeper Matteo Guardalben as a replacement. This means that Udinese’s Morgan De Sanctis should start Wednesday’s international friendly against the Republic of Ireland.
Bookies fancy big three Channel 4 Exchange
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The season in Italy has not yet got under way, but punters are keen to put their money down. Just like in England, there are only three teams bookies reckon have a chance of winning the title - Juventus, Milan, and Inter.
Defending champions Juve, boosted by the summer signing of Patrick Vieira from Arsenal, are available on the Channel 4 Betting Exchange at 6/4 just ahead of Milan at 5/4 with Inter at 7/2.
Udinese, who are playing Champions League football for the first time in their history this season, and who won 1-0 at Sporting Lisbon in a qualifier last week, are 50/1 chances.
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The season in Italy has not yet got under way, but punters are keen to put their money down. Just like in England, there are only three teams bookies reckon have a chance of winning the title - Juventus, Milan, and Inter.
Defending champions Juve, boosted by the summer signing of Patrick Vieira from Arsenal, are available on the Channel 4 Betting Exchange at 6/4 just ahead of Milan at 5/4 with Inter at 7/2.
Udinese, who are playing Champions League football for the first time in their history this season, and who won 1-0 at Sporting Lisbon in a qualifier last week, are 50/1 chances.
Cosmi Hails Exceptional Udinese
8/16/2005 7:31:00 AM
The Bianconeri are slowly improving ahead of the new season.
Serse Cosmi is extremely happy with his side’s progress during this preseason, following the win in the Naranja tournament in Valencia.
"I’m very happy. I coach a really extraordinary group; in fact the second-string players did very well against Valencia."
Udinese will face Sporting Lisbon on the 23rd of August in the second leg of the Champions League preliminary round. The Bianconeri start the match with a 1-0 advantage, but will still be without influential players Di Michele and Pinzi
8/16/2005 7:31:00 AM
The Bianconeri are slowly improving ahead of the new season.
Serse Cosmi is extremely happy with his side’s progress during this preseason, following the win in the Naranja tournament in Valencia.
"I’m very happy. I coach a really extraordinary group; in fact the second-string players did very well against Valencia."
Udinese will face Sporting Lisbon on the 23rd of August in the second leg of the Champions League preliminary round. The Bianconeri start the match with a 1-0 advantage, but will still be without influential players Di Michele and Pinzi
Nakata completes Bolton switch Tuesday 16 August, 2005
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Hidetoshi Nakata will play for Bolton this season after he completed his one-year loan switch from Fiorentina.
The Japanese midfielder has been in talks with the Premiership club for the last week and an agreement has finally been reached.
Although the move is still subject to international clearance, that is expected to be a formality.
"I am pleased the deal is sorted out," said Bolton boss Sam Allardyce. "His medical was fine and we have now sorted out a work permit.
"He is an exciting acquisition for us and will add strength to our midfield. He wants to be a major success for us and prove he is a good, good player in the Premier League."
Nakata arrives at the Reebok Stadium after spending the last six years in Serie A with Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna and Fiorentina.
He only joined the Viola last summer but was allowed to leave after struggling to impress at the Stadio Franchi.
"Hopefully he can adapt pretty quickly and become a major success," continued Allardyce.
"He is a very accomplished player and has got a lot of experience of European football as well as with the national team."
The 28-year-old has been capped by Japan on 66 occasions so far and is widely regarded as his country’s best ever player
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Hidetoshi Nakata will play for Bolton this season after he completed his one-year loan switch from Fiorentina.
The Japanese midfielder has been in talks with the Premiership club for the last week and an agreement has finally been reached.
Although the move is still subject to international clearance, that is expected to be a formality.
"I am pleased the deal is sorted out," said Bolton boss Sam Allardyce. "His medical was fine and we have now sorted out a work permit.
"He is an exciting acquisition for us and will add strength to our midfield. He wants to be a major success for us and prove he is a good, good player in the Premier League."
Nakata arrives at the Reebok Stadium after spending the last six years in Serie A with Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna and Fiorentina.
He only joined the Viola last summer but was allowed to leave after struggling to impress at the Stadio Franchi.
"Hopefully he can adapt pretty quickly and become a major success," continued Allardyce.
"He is a very accomplished player and has got a lot of experience of European football as well as with the national team."
The 28-year-old has been capped by Japan on 66 occasions so far and is widely regarded as his country’s best ever player
Fixtures: Juve handed Chievo opener
Tuesday 16 August, 2005
Italian champions Juventus will open their title defence against Chievo as the new season fixtures were compiled.
The fixture list was finally drawn up this evening, just hours after Treviso and Ascoli’s ‘promotion’ to Serie A was confirmed.
They were inserted in the top-flight after the demotion of Genoa to Serie C for match-fixing and Torino’s financial collapse and subsequent fall to Serie B.
Ascoli face a mammoth opening day task as they will entertain Milan, while Inter host fellow new boys Treviso.
The opening day will also see Fiorentina meet Sampdoria, while Parma will welcome Palermo.
The new campaign will kick off on Saturday 27 August with two games, with the rest taking place 24 hours later.
Week 1
Ascoli-Milan
Fiorentina-Sampdoria
Inter-Treviso
Juventus-Chievo
Lazio-Messina
Livorno-Lecce
Parma-Palermo
Reggina-Roma
Siena-Cagliari
Udinese-Empoli
Full fixture list to follow…
Tuesday 16 August, 2005
Italian champions Juventus will open their title defence against Chievo as the new season fixtures were compiled.
The fixture list was finally drawn up this evening, just hours after Treviso and Ascoli’s ‘promotion’ to Serie A was confirmed.
They were inserted in the top-flight after the demotion of Genoa to Serie C for match-fixing and Torino’s financial collapse and subsequent fall to Serie B.
Ascoli face a mammoth opening day task as they will entertain Milan, while Inter host fellow new boys Treviso.
The opening day will also see Fiorentina meet Sampdoria, while Parma will welcome Palermo.
The new campaign will kick off on Saturday 27 August with two games, with the rest taking place 24 hours later.
Week 1
Ascoli-Milan
Fiorentina-Sampdoria
Inter-Treviso
Juventus-Chievo
Lazio-Messina
Livorno-Lecce
Parma-Palermo
Reggina-Roma
Siena-Cagliari
Udinese-Empoli
Full fixture list to follow…
