Serie A 2010/2011 Thread

**beavis** · 29-10-2010 11:42

Sneijder extends Inter deal

Internazionale Milano playmaker Wesley Sneijder has agreed a 2-year contract extension until 2015.

"Today the agreement was reached to prolong Wesley Sneijder's contract until 2015", club president Massimo Moratti told the club's website.

"Sneijder was an essential player for Inter last season and he will be this year and for many years to come. For everything he has done for us and his national team, we hope he wins the FIFA Ballon d'Or."

Media reports have linked Manchester United with the 26-year-old former Real Madrid man, who helped Holland reach the World Cup final in July having played a key role in Inter's treble-winning exploits in his first season at the club.

**Grekutu** · 29-10-2010 11:44

un off: ba fratele meu ce tare este mingea :X
on: tin cu juventus, deci forza bianconeri

**beavis** · 31-10-2010 20:57

Del Piero aims at 200 after breaking record

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero has set his sights on scoring 200 league goals for Juventus after becoming their outright top marksman of all time.

Del Piero bagged his 179th Serie A goal in the 2-1 defeat of AC Milan on Saturday night, his strike proving to be the winner.

In so doing he overtook Giampiero Boniperti's previous mark of 178 Serie A strikes for the Old Lady of Turin - he had equalled the record on 17 October against Lecce.

"Now my aim is to arrive at 200 goals, you should always set yourself new objectives", said Del Piero.

"These are special nights where the team celebrates. It's always worth 3 points, nothing more, but there's a special taste to winning at Milano."

Del Piero, who turns 36 in just over a week, has been at Juve since 1993 but his current contract runs out at the end of the season.

He is remaining calm about the future with no guarantees that he will be offered a new one.

"It would be great to finish like this with a performance and a goal like this but I want to go on", he said.

"I have a great relationship with the club, we'll talk about the contract calmly it's not a priority."

Given Juve's injury problems, coach Luigi Delneri was understandably delighted with the result.

Already shorn of 7 first teamers, he lost Giorgio Chiellini in the warm-up and both Paolo De Ceglie and Jorge Martinez during the game, forcing him to play right-winger Simone Pepe at left-back in the second half.

Juventus moved up to 4th in Serie A, their highest position since the turn of the year when they gradually dropped down from second to last season's 7th placed finish.

**beavis** · 03-11-2010 20:34

Martinez out until January

Juventus will be without Uruguay winger Jorge Martinez until the New Year after he underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his left foot.

The 25-year-old, who joined from Catania this summer, suffered the injury in the 2-1 win over AC Milan at the weekend.

A statement from the club read: "Martinez's return is estimated at 2 or 3 months".

Juve coach Luigi Del Neri is also without defender Paolo De Ceglie and goalkeeper Alex Manninger after injuries suffered in Saturday's win at San Siro.

De Ceglie hurt his knee cap while Manninger will be out for a month with an ankle injury.

First-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and defender Leandro Rinaudo are both out until January.

Frey out for up to 6 months

Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey will be out for four to 6 months after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

The Florence side have a ready replacement for the Frenchman in Poland's Artur Boruc but the injury is another blow.

Forward Stevan Jovetic was ruled out for 6 months before the start of the season with the same knee injury while Adrian Mutu has only just returned to action after a 9-month drugs ban.

It has been a troubled start to the campaign for Sinisa Mihajlovic's men, who lie in 15th spot in the Serie A table.

**beavis** · 05-11-2010 11:48

De Ceglie ruled out for 4 months

Juventus defender Paolo De Ceglie will be out of action for 4 months after undergoing an operation on his fractured knee cap, a statement on the club's official website confirmed.

The former Siena man picked up the injury during the 2-1 win over AC Milan last weekend, immediately being substituted off the pitch.

The full-back had the surgery to repair his left knee cap on Thursday at the St. Joseph Hospital of Arezzo by Dr. Cerulli and will be discharged tomorrow.

He will be on crutches between 7 and 10 days before he can begin his physiotherapy treatment and recovery.

This means the 24-year-old will not appear until next year, likely making his comeback in late February or early March.

Montolivo to go under the knife

Italy midfielder Riccardo Montolivo is set to undergo surgery on his ankle on 15 November in Amsterdam, his club Fiorentina said on Thursday.

The Viola captain picked up the problem on World Cup duty in South Africa but has been playing with it ever since.

Fiorentina said he will be available for their next 3 matches, after which he will need around 40 days recovery time.

That should free him up to return to action when Serie A kicks-off after its 3-week winter break on 6 January.

Fiorentina sit 15th in the league table and host Chievo on Sunday.

**beavis** · 07-11-2010 12:17

Lazio vs AS Roma - key battles

Cristian Ledesma vs Jeremy Menez
Cristian Ledesma will be deployed in the centre of a 3-man defensive midfield and will be responsible for stopping Roma's play. The Argentine will attempt to break up AS Roma's attacking moves and protect the backfour from exposure.

Jeremy Menez will be Roma's main source of creativity and he will be looking to express his vision and creativity. The Frenchman does have talent but he often tends to suffer from inconsistency but on Sunday he will have to step his game since he will be the fulcrum of the Lupi's attack.

Stefano Mauri vs Fabio Simplicio
Stefano Mauri has been one of the best players for Lazio so far this campaign and will be an important presence in the midfield down the left flank. Mauri's contribution both in attack and in defence has been crucial and he will be looking to expose Roma's weakness down the wings.

Fabio Simplicio will have to be defensively very strong down his side as he will be up against an intelligent Mauri. The Brazilian is very good at his job but he hasn't played much football this season and may struggle to cope with the pace and movement.

Hernanes vs Daniele De Rossi
Hernanes has been Lazio's best player so far this campaign and the Brazilian playmaker will have to be paid special attention or he could destroy AS Roma. Playing just behind the two strikers, Hernanes will be the former Italian champions' creative mind.

Daniele De Rossi hasn't been consistent this campaign but the Italy international will play as the defensive midfielder for the Lupi. De Rossi is an all-round midfield player but against Lazio with David Pizarro out he will primarily have defensive responsibilities.

Which, in turn, means that the Roman will have to stop Hernanes from weaving his magic and also stop passes going to and from him.

Sergio Floccari vs Marco Cassetti
AS Roma captain Francesco Totti has already said that he expects Sergio Floccari to score the winner against Roma from the penalty spot. Floccari has 3 goals in 7 league appearances for the Aquile this campaign and is likely to start against AS Roma. His movement and link-up plays with Tommaso Rocchi will be important against the Lupi.

Marco Cassetti will be in charge of marking Floccari and will have to control his movements. Roma have shown vulnerability at the back this campaign but Cassetti will have to complement Philippe Mexes at centre-back and pull the stops on the two Lazio forwards.

Eduardo Reja vs Claudio Ranieri
Edy Reja is working wonders with Lazio this season and after trying a few different things at the start of the season now appears to have settled on a well-thought system. Reja is capable of leading his teams to great heights as he did with Napoli and his tactical intelligence will be evident on Sunday.

Claudio Ranieri is under massive pressure and the Roman will have to be at his best in order to outmaneuver Reja. The "Tinkerman" is good with his tactics when things are going well but when things are not going well, as they are at the moment, he could be exposed. Sunday's match could be decisive as far as his future at Stadio Olimpico is concerned.

**beavis** · 08-11-2010 23:05

Samuel latest long-term Inter injury

Inter Milano centre-back Walter Samuel could miss the rest of the season after tests on Sunday confirmed the Argentine had suffered serious damage to his cruciate knee ligaments.

"In the coming days reconstructive surgery will be planned", an Inter statement said.

Samuel, the latest in a string of Inter players to be injured, went down in severe pain after landing awkwardly on his leg in Saturday's 1-1 Serie A home draw with Brescia.

The defender was out for almost a year after suffering a similar injury in 2007.

Since coming back Samuel has formed a fearsome central defensive partnership with Lucio which was key to Inter winning the Champions League, Serie A and Italian Cup last term.

Ivan Cordoba looks set to deputise for Samuel in the short term with Marco Materazzi and Cristian Chivu the other options at centre back, unless Inter decide to buy in January.

Right-back Maicon also went off injured against Brescia and tests have shown the Brazilian has strained a thigh muscle, meaning he could be out for some weeks.

Last term's treble winners were without 5 injured midfielders against Brescia and the latest news comes as a big blow to new coach Rafael Benitez, who has rejected criticism that his training methods may be to blame for all the injuries.

Ruthless Genoa sack coach Gasperini

Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini became Serie A's first managerial casualty of the season proper when he was sacked by the big spenders.

"Yes, I've been fired. I didn't expect it", Gasperini told ANSA. "Naturally I'm very bitter."

Media reports said the club, who could not be reached for comment, would appoint former Lazio coach Davide Ballardini in his place.

Gasperini led Genoa to promotion in 2007 and has since presided over mid-table finishes with his unusual brand of attacking football with only 3 at the back.

His stock grew so much that he was even mentioned by media as a possible candidate for the Juventus job last season but this term has not gone to plan.

Flamboyant club owner Enrico Preziosi brought in a host of new signings in the close season, including former Italy striker Luca Toni, in a bid to secure European football and even have a crack at the 4th Champions League qualifying spot.

However, Genoa have struggled to find the net in amassing 11 points from their first 10 games of the Serie A season and lost 1-0 at Stadio Renzo Barbera on Sunday, their 4th defeat in 5 matches to sit in 14th place.

Ballardini was sacked by current league leaders Lazio last season when they were flailing near the bottom having previously impressed at Cagliari and Palermo.

Only one sacking after 10 games contrasts markedly with last season in Serie A where a record 5 coaches left their jobs inside 8 games.

**xan** · 09-11-2010 01:11

bai frate, pe vremea lui mou nu vedeai atatia accidentati la inter.
echipa nu joaca mai nimic, au pierdut cu tottenham, au pierdut supercupa europei cu atletico, iar rafa este preocupat mai mult sa se certe cu presa decat sa isi pregateasca echipa.
ce mai asteapta moratti?

**beavis** · 16-11-2010 20:51

Donadoni appointed Cagliari coach

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has been appointed the coach of Cagliari, the Serie A club announced Tuesday.

Donadoni, who played with AC Milan from 1980-1990 and went on to coach Italy in 2006-2008, replaces Pierpaolo Bisoli who was sacked on Monday following a string of poor results.

Cagliari sit 17th in Italy's top flight following 2 consecutive home defeats which have left the Sardinian side equal on points with the second from last team in the league, Cesena.

Bisoli becomes Serie A's third coaching victim of the season after Gian Piero Gasperini, who was sacked by Genoa on 8 November and Franco Colomba, who was sacked by Bologna just as the season was about to start.

At club level Donadoni has also coached Lecce (2001/2002), Livorno (2002/2003 and 2005/2006), Genoa (2003) and Napoli (2009).

**beavis** · 19-11-2010 20:29

Amauri injury blow for Juve

Juventus have suffered a huge blow with news that striker Amauri will be out of action for the Serie A side until the new year.

Tests confirmed the Brazil-born player has damaged a ligament on his left knee.

Amauri, who recently recovered from a left thigh injury that had kept him out of action for a month, was hurt during Thursday's training session.

A statement from the club read: "Amauri's estimated time for recovery is 40 to 50 days".

Amauri's injury could not have come at a worse time for the Juventus coach Luigi Del Neri, with 8 players also unavailable through injury.

Amauri will miss 5 Serie A games, including Sunday's trip to Marassi as well as the Europa League Group A matches at Poznan and at home to Manchester City.

**beavis** · 23-11-2010 13:13

Buffon back after lengthy absence

Gianluigi Buffon will resume training at Juventus' Vinovo base on Tuesday for the first time in 4 months.

Buffon, 32-year-old, hasn't played for Juve since suffering a serious back injury in Italy's opening World Cup game against Paraguay in South Africa.

The club has now confirmed that Buffon, whose recent absence away from the squad has caused some uncertainty over his future, will continue his recovery in the presence of team-mates.

Although Buffon will still be a firm fixture at Isokinetic Centre in Bologna for his physiotherapy sessions, he will now start work on a personalised fitness programme with 'keeper coach Claudio Filippi.

Buffon, who has been replaced in the Juve goal by Marco Storari, is set to return to first team action in January if all goes well.

Buffon has played 95 times for his country and in his prolonged absence he has been linked with moves to both Manchester United and Arsenal.

"I think eventually I will stay at Juventus", Buffon said.

Buffon added that Storari "deserves to be in the national team".

"I'm getting better and by December I will be able to join the team, which is already a great achievement", he said.

"When I am at my best physical condition I will come back into contention and the coach will decide who to pick."

Eto'o cops 3-game ban for headbutt

Inter Milano striker Samuel Eto'o has been banned for 3 matches for headbutting Chievo's Bostjan Cesar after TV evidence was used to prove his guilt.

The Cameroon captain was also hit with a €30.000 fine for his action in the 2-1 defeat to the Verona-based team on Sunday.

The 29-year-old had been fouled by Cesar in the 36th minute of the game, won 2-1 by the Flying Donkeys, but he got up and ran over to Cesar before headbutting him in the chest - a attack reminiscent of France legend Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup Final.

The incident was not seen by referee Gianluca Rocchi and Eto'o even went on to score an injury time consolation.

Italy's sporting justice body said the ban was for "premeditated violent conduct".

However, in a separate incident lowly Lecce's Ernesto Chevanton was hit with a 5 game ban for a similar affair.

Chevanton was sent off against Sampdoria on Sunday after he ran after and kicked an opponent.

The sporting authorities explained that his harsher punishment was because he had also insulted the referee, thrown his shirt at him and then continued to argue with the 4th official after his dismissal.

Eto'o is the joint top scorer in Serie A with 9 goals after 13 matches.

He has bagged 18 in 19 games in all competitions in a stunning start to the season.

**beavis** · 27-11-2010 21:42

Chiellini signs new deal

Italy centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has extended his contract with Juventus by 2 years, committing himself to the Turin club until 2015.

""This is my team, the team I want to do great things and win trophies with", the delighted 26-year-old said after signing the new deal.

"I thank the club for putting their trust in me."

He joined La Vecchia Signora from Fiorentina in 2005, has played 11 games in Serie A and 3 in UEFA Europa League Group A this season, scoring twice.

The Bianconeri are third in the section, 3 points behind Lech Poznan and Manchester City ahead of their visit to Poland on 1 December.

**beavis** · 30-11-2010 12:34

Juve to keep Aquilani and Buffon

Juventus say they are ready to sign Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool at the end of the season while insisting there are no plans to sell goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Aquilani has impressed since moving from Liverpool on loan and general director Beppe Marotta expressed Juve's interest in signing the €16 million-rated former AS Roma midfielder next summer.

"We’ve already expressed ourselves on Alberto - we want to take up our option to sign him at the end of the season", Marotta said.

"We have good reason to believe that he is a fundamental player for the future of Juventus."

Meanwhile Buffon, who has been out with a back injury since the summer, has been linked with a move away from the club to the likes of Manchester United.

"Although anything can happen in the transfer market, Gigi is a symbol for this team", Marotta noted.

"He'll stay, as will Aquilani."

Buffon's contract with Juventus expires in 2013.

**beavis** · 03-12-2010 12:15

**beavis** · 08-12-2010 13:30

Radu Ştefan suspendat o etapă

Fundaşul echipei Lazio, Ştefan Radu, a fost suspendat pentru o etapă în campionatul Italiei, după ce a primit un cartonaş galben în partida cu formaţia Internazionale Milano, din etapa a XV-a, informează site-ul lalaziosiamonoi.it.

Această suspendare nu-l afectează pe jucătorul român, deoarece el urma să se opereze, astăzi, de o afecţiune a meniscului intern al genunchiului drept şi nu va evolua în partidele cu Juventus şi Udinese.

Revenirea lui Ştefan Radu este prevăzută pentru 6 ianuarie 2011, atunci când Lazio va întâlni Genoa.

Brescia fire coach Iachini

Brescia on Monday sacked coach Giuseppe Iachini after a run of 11 league games without a win.

The final nail in the 46-year-old's coffin was Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Serie A leaders AC Milan.

Things had started so well for Iachini this season, having guided Brescia to promotion from Serie B in the last campaign.

But after 3 wins in their first 4 matches, Brescia have not won in almost 3 months, picking up just 3 points.

They sit 4th from bottom of the table but level on points with the two teams directly below them.

Italian press claim former Siena boss Mario Beretta is the favourite to succeed him.

**beavis** · 09-12-2010 21:03

Milito back for ailing Inter

MILITO @ MILANO

Rafa Benitez has received a much-needed injury-boost, as Inter's star-striker Diego Milito has returned to training ahead of the Club World Cup.

The 31-year-old Argentine - who suffered a thigh strain in Inter's defeat against bitter rivals AC Milan in November - completed the Nerazzurri's final training session in Italy, before the squad travels to Abu Dhabi for their semi-final match against either Al-Wahda or Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma on 15 December.

Benitez's squad has been repeatedly hit by injuries this season and their form on the pitch has suffered accordingly.

Inter - treble-winners last season - currently sit in fifth-place in Serie A and a 3-0 humbling at Bremen on Tuesday condemned the struggling giants to second place in their Champions League group, behind Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the return of Milito - last season's UEFA Club Footballer of the Year - is a timely boost for Benitez, as he looks to turn the Nerazzurri's season around.

**beavis** · 19-12-2010 10:31

"Back me or sack me"

POZE DIN FINALA

Rafael Benitez issued a back me or sack me ultimatum to Inter Milano after guiding the club to victory in the FIFA Club World Cup.

Inter dispatched African side Mazembe on Saturday to claim their fifth trophy of 2010, but they are already 13 points behind leaders AC Milan in Serie A.

Benitez is widely rumoured to be in line for the sack if results do not improve and the Spaniard used the victory in Abu Dhabi as an opportunity to demand reinforcements.

"My relationship with the chairman is good, but I ask the club for help and respect", Benitez said.

"They did not come up with the goods after what they told me in the summer about signings and so it's not easy."

"There are 3 possibilities for the club."

"1 - 100% support for the coach and buy 4 or 5 players to build a stronger team with competition among the players to be able to carry on winning matches and trophies."

"2 - carry on like this without a project, without planning, and go ahead with one person to blame, for the whole season."

"The third is to speak to my agent to reach an agreement if there is not this support. Simple."

It remains to be seen if Inter president Massimo Moratti will stick with the former Liverpool and Valencia manager, but the 66-year-old owner refused to make any immediate concessions.

**dani3lll** · 19-12-2010 19:59

Napoli castiga cu Lecce in minutul 90+
Deci oamenii astia numai asa stiu sa castige punct/e. Nu imi vine sa cred

**beavis** · 19-12-2010 20:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgbKQmYD-ew

CE GOL A MARCAT CAVANI

**dani3lll** · 19-12-2010 20:28

Mesaj iniţiat de beavis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgbKQmYD-ew

CE GOL A MARCAT CAVANI

mi se parea de-a dreptul incredibil ce face omul asta si nu numai el, ci intreaga echipa cum se daruieste , cum joaca, cum lupta pana in ultimul minut.
chiar nu imi vine sa cred