Kaka might want to reconsider his loyalty to AC Milan after the Italians were thrashed 5-0 by his summer suitors Chelsea in Moscow.
Four goals from a razor-sharp Nicolas Anelka were more than enough to settle the third-place play-off in the Railways Cup pre-season tournament after Frank Lampard opened the scoring.
Milan's Brazilian star did not feature as his team put in a miserable display, typified by some comically inept goalkeeping by Zeljko Kalac. 作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-3 10:31 PM 標題: RONALDO AGENT DENIES KASHIMA LINK
Ronaldo's agent has denied reports the former Brazil forward has been approached by Japanese side Kashima Antlers.
The 31-year-old's representative Fabiano Farah claims the player, who was released by AC Milan at the end of last season, is focusing fully on getting 100 per cent fit after a cruciate ligament injury.
Farah told Globoesporte.com: "There is nothing to tell about Kashima Antlers. Nobody asked me about Ronaldo.
"Nobody from the board called me or even intermediaries. His priority now is to recover."
Ronaldo is still recovering from a left-knee operation he underwent in February in southern Spain with specialist physiotherapist Bruno Mazziotti.
"He has been doing three sessions a day for the last three weeks," Farah added.
"Besides, in the last couple of days he is playing tennis. The other day he played a two-and-a-half-hour match and didn't feel anything. That proves he is all right.
"Ronaldo has to make a final exam in Paris in mid-August to know exactly the date of his return to the pitch."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-3 10:32 PM 標題: MORATTI - FAMILY MATTERS TO FRANK
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti believes Frank Lampard has decided to stay at Chelsea for family reasons.
Italian champions Inter had been hoping to sign the midfielder, who has just one year remaining on his Stamford Bridge contract.
Moratti feels the England international would be keen on a move to the Giuseppe Meazza, but family matters have persuaded him to stick with Chelsea.
"Was I disappointed by his attitude? Not at all, I found him to be very serious and focused," Moratti, who has brought in Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth, told Sky Sport Italia.
"He wanted to leave Chelsea, I am certain of that, although it created a lot of anxiety for him and in fact he remained because of family matters.
"He stayed for his father, who he is extremely close to, and for his whole environment. Therefore he was unable to create that split that they expected and we were hoping for.
"(Inter coach Jose) Mourinho did hope for this move, but we knew it was going to be difficult.
"So instead we thought of a player who in terms of age and wages is a good deal: I am happy that Sulley Ali Muntari has arrived."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-3 10:48 PM 標題: Ancelotti: No Milan return for Sheva
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed
striker Andriy Shevchenko will not be returning to the Serie A club this summer.
The Italian giants had reportedly hoped to bring the Ukrainian striker back to Milan as a replacement for striker Marco Borriello, who sustained a knee injury during training at the weekend and faces at least two months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery.
But Ancelotti said on Thursday: "Borriello has a problem which will be resolved quickly, so we will wait for him.
"Shevchenko will play at Chelsea this season."
Milan are on their way to Moscow where they will take on Primera Liga side Sevilla before meeting the winner of the clash between Lokomotiv Moscow and Chelsea on Sunday.
Ancelotti revealed that 18-year-old striker Alberto Paloschi would deputise for Borriello in Milan's starting line-up for both games.
"Besides Kaka, Paloschi remains our only striker available, so he will play the next two games that are important tests against strong teams," he added.
Milan signed Ronaldinho earlier this month from Barcelona but the midfielder is with the Brazil team preparing for the Olympic Games.
[ 本帖最後由 nikotina 於 2008-8-3 10:50 PM 編輯 ]作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-3 10:53 PM 標題: Frey signs new Viola dea
l
Sebastien Frey has ended speculation over his future at Fiorentina by penning a new deal until 2013.
The goalkeeper had been linked with a move away from the Tuscan club, with AC Milan the favourites to secure the Frenchman's signature.
The Viola hierarchy now expect another of the club's star performers, Adrian Mutu to follow suit and sign an extension on Monday.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-3 10:54 PM 標題: Vieira injured again
Inter's injury crisis continues to grow with news that Patrick Vieira is struggling with a thigh strain.
The midfielder suffered a similar problem ahead of Euro 2008, having missed most of the season with various aliments, but the France international is optimistic he will be fit for the start of the Serie A campaign at the end of August.
The 32-year-old said: "It has been an unfortunate period for me but things had been going well and I will beat this set-back.
"I will do all I can to be ready for the new season."
Coach Jose Mourinho already has major in defence where Walter Samuel, Ivan Cordoba, Cristian Chivu and Marco Materazzi are all currently sidelined but on a positive note the Portuguese has plenty of cover in midfield作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-3 10:55 PM 標題: Good draw for Serie A pair
Juventus have been drawn against Tampere United or FC Artmedia in the third qualifying round of the Champions League while Fiorentina will face Slavia Prague.
The Bianconeri will play their first leg at home on either August 12 or 13, with the return on August 26 or 27.
With Artmedia holding a 3-1 advantage from their first leg, Juve coach Claudio Ranieri is expecting to meet the Slovakian champions.
He said: "That's the way it's looking and it's not a bad draw considering the other teams we could have met.
"Anyway, we are Juventus and we definitely want to get through the round."
The Viola are also at home in their first leg and both Serie A sides will be looking to progress to the Champions League group stage which begins in September.
In the UEFA Cup, Napoli will play Vllaznia Shkoder of Albania.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-4 09:49 PM 標題: Zanetti prolongs Inter ties
FC Internazionale Milano captain Javier Zanetti will finish his careerwith the Nerazzurri after extending his contract until June 2011.
'My family'
The34-year-old Argentinian international, whose previous deal was set toexpire in 2009, joined Inter in 1995 from CA Banfield in his homelandand inherited the captain's armband from Nerazzurri legend GiuseppeBergomi four years later. "Inter are my family," said the versatiledefender who will turn 35 on 10 August. "I cannot think about my futurewithout Inter. I want to thank [Inter president Massimo] Moratti andthe club for always showing faith in me. Inter have given a lot to meand I am proud of being part of this team." Zanetti has scored 12 goalsin 425 league appearances for Inter, winning three Serie A titles, twoCoppa Italias, two Italian Supercups and the UEFA Cup in 1998 – when hescored in the 3-0 final success against domestic rivals S.S. Lazio.Inter will enter the UEFA Champions League in the group stage whichgets underway on 16/17 September.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-4 09:55 PM 標題: Ranieri vows that Juve will hold on to strikers
Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri insists he has not entertained the idea of selling any of his strikers this summer.
Juve forward David Trezeguet has been strongly linked with a move toPrimera Liga giants Barcelona in recent weeks, while Italyinternational Vincenzo Iaquinta has been a target of Roma and AC Milan.'There are few teams to have four strikers of this calibre,'admitted Ranieri. 'So it has never crossed my mind to sell Trezeguet orIaquinta.'They must remain calm because all of them will remain at the club.'Iaquinta scored nine league goals in his first campaign withJuve while Frenchman Trezeguet notched 20 to finish as the second topscorer in Serie A behind team-mate Alessandro del Piero.Juve also have Brazilian Amauri at their disposal.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-4 09:57 PM 標題: Udinese warn Arsenal off bid for Inler
Udinese have insisted Gokhan Inler is not for sale despite reports linking him with a move to Arsenal this summer.
TheSerie A club's general director Pietro Leonardi was responding tocomments made by Inler's representative Dino Lamberti, who reportedlyclaimed he was planning to meet Arsenal to discuss a possible move forthe Switzerland international.
'Enough talk about Inler,' saidLeonardi. 'His agent and I have already said it but I will say it onceand for all: Inler is not for sale.'
Inler has been a revelationsince moving to Italy from FC Zurich last summer and his performancesat Euro 2008 have led to him being linked with several top Europeanclubs.
The 24-year-old has been tipped for a £10million move tothe Emirates Stadium as Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger searches formidfield reinforcements.
Inler is under contract with the Friuli outfit until June 2012.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-5 07:26 PM 標題: Stendardo agent claims Milan interest
Milan have made inquiries to Lazio about the possible sale of Guglielmo Stendardo, according to the defender's agent.
The 27-year-old stopper has fallen out with Lazio boss Delio Rossiand is seeking a move away from Rome's Stadio Olimpico before the startof the new Serie A season.
And Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is thought to be keen on bolstering his defensive options to provide cover for the injury-prone Alessandro Nesta.
Stendardospent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus where he madejust five appearances, but the former Napoli and Sampdoria player'sagent claims he has nevertheless done enough to attract Milan'sattention.
"There has been nothing concrete yet, but I havebeen told that there has been contact between the clubs," agent GateanoFedele told Tuttomercatoweb.
"Lazio President Claudio Lotitois in charge of the situation but we have given our go-ahead for thetransfer because they are a great club."
Stendardo joinedLazio in 2005, but failed to make the grade in the capital, making just39 appearances before demanding a transfer in January this year.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-5 07:27 PM 標題: Yossi Plans Reds Stay
midfielder Yossi Benayoun has vowed to stay at Anfield despite attracting interest from Roma.Roma sounded out a move for the Israeli international as they lookto bring in a new attacking midfielder, with the player's agentrefusing to rule out a move to the Eternal City.
Benayoun's future at Liverpool has been questioned as Reds boss RafaBenitez is looking to ship out several players to raise funds for hisown transfer plans.
However, the former West Ham man is determined to fight for his future at Anfield, saying he is happy with life on Merseyside.
"It is not true that I am about to leave Anfield," Benayoun told the Daily Star. "I see my future at Anfield.
"I want to stay and that is what will happen."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-5 07:28 PM 標題: Wilhelmsson makes Saudi switch
Sweden international Christian Wilhelmssonhas signed for Saudi League defending champions Al Hilal, the teamannounced on Tuesday.The 28-year-old midfielder, who was in the Swedishsquad for Euro 2008,will move to Al Hilal after an unsuccessful spell with Nantes inFrance, during which he had loan spells with Roma in Italy, Bolton in England and Deportiva La Coruna in Spain.
Wilhelmsson, who moved to Nantes from Belgian side Anderlecht in2006, has signed a two-year contract with Al Hilal worth 3.6 millioneuros, according to reports.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-5 07:28 PM 標題: Mourinho hits back at Ranieri
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho believes his Juventus counterpartClaudio Ranieri is too old to ever develop a winning mentality.ThePortuguese coach's comments were given in response to claims made byRanieri on Sunday, who took a sly dig at the man who replaced him at Chelsea by claiming he needed to win to be assured of himself.
Mourinho, speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, said Ranieri was right.
"I'm in Italy to work, not to get involved in a war of words," he said.
"I want to do well with Inter, the best thing for us would be to forget about what other people are doing.
"Ranieri? He's right in what he says: I am very demanding ofmyself and I need to win to be secure about things. That's why I've wonso many trophies in my career.
"He, on the other hand, has the mentality of someone whodoesn't need to win and at nearly 70 years old he has won a Supercoppaand another small cup.
"He's too old to change his mindset."
Despite Mourinho's comments, it was 56-year-old Ranieri who cameout on top when the two coaches met in the TIM Cup recently, with Juverunning out 1-0 winners over Inter.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-5 07:29 PM 標題: Ron happy to leave Barca behind
AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinhohas described his final months at Barcelona as the "worst period of mylife" after his switch to Serie A.The 28-year-old made the move toItaly in mid-July, after injury woes and a lack of form saw Ronaldinholose his starting spot at Barca and confined him to only 11appearances.
While he now admits to being happy to have left the Catalangiants, Ronaldinho revealed he had regularly been "depressed" duringhis final few months in Spain.
"It has been the worst period of my life," he told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I was unlucky, I couldn't be in the side, I couldn't play. Theonly thing I could do was watch TV. And watching the games sat inarmchair made me even more depressed.
"I never expected to be out for so long, I didn't know what to do to make things better."
The former FIFA World Player of the Year was rarely been out ofthe spotlight last season, as the media heavily criticised his weight,his fitness, his form and his private life.
The Brazil international, who is currently in Beijing for theOlympic Games, admitted he could not understand how quickly peopleseemed to turn against him.
"What I don't understand is how up until a given day I was an example to others and then, all of a sudden, I'd become like (Diego) Maradona when he was at the centre of controversy.
"When I'm holiday I do what I want. During the season I behave like a serious professional, I never have any slip-ups.
"I do the maximum to be a good athlete, but when the season's over I enjoy life."
He added that his family, and in particular his brother andagent Roberto de Assis, had also been affected by the negativeattention he had received.
He said: "My family have protected me and given me strength.And they've suffered too because the abuse has not only been aimed atme but also at my brother Roberto, who is also my agent.
"They've accused him of creating instability, of staying closeto me only for the money, and other things whose sole aim is to hurtme."
Now, Ronaldinho has promised to put the problems of the pastfew months behind him and focus solely on helping the five-time WorldCup winners to claim their first Olympic gold medal in the footballtournament.
"Now I'm with Brazil and here to play the Olympics," he said.
"I'm here to lend a hand to my friends, to try and do something historic for the Brazilians, who have never won Olympic gold.
"And to do that I need to be happy."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-5 07:30 PM 標題: Ljungberg happy at West Ham
Freddie Ljungberg's agent has rubbished reports linking the West Hammidfielder with a move to Olympiakos.The 31-year-old has been linkedwith a switch to Greece, while Roma have also been rumoured to haveshown interest in the player over the summer.
However, Ljungberg's agent Claes Elefalk insists the former Sweden international is happy at Upton Park.
"I can promise that we haven't received any offer," Elefalk told the Swedish media.
"He is truly enjoying himself in England. He is one of the best paid players in England and I don't believe they (Olympiakos) have got the finances for it, either."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-6 06:47 PM 標題: Inter fined over "existential damage"
Italian champions Internazionale have been ordered to pay a Napoli fan1,500 euros (£1,187) for "existential damage" caused by banners callingNaples the "sewer of Italy" displayed at the Giuseppe Meazza lastOctober.
Italian news agencies said that a Naples court had ordered Inter topay the fan, identified only by initials, compensation and legal costsfor insults which refer to a refuse crisis that left garbage rotting inNaples' streets.
"Ciao cholera sufferers!" read another of thebanners seen at the October 6 game which the fan's lawyer, Raffaele DiMonda, said had made his client feel "indignant and deeply hurt".
Inter,who won the game 2-1, had already been punished by the Italian leaguewith the closure of the sections of the Giuseppe Meazza where thebanners had been shown for the following home match.
The club fought against the lawsuit, arguing that the Naples court did not have jurisdiction.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-6 06:47 PM 標題: Van Der Sar Reveals Juve Hopes
Juventus old-boy Edwin van der Sar hopes the Serie A giants have learned their lesson from the match-fixing scandal that saw them relegated two years ago.
After a year in the second tier of Italian football, the disgracedTurin outfit finished third last term, confirming their entry back intothe Champions League, where they will face either Artmedia or Tamperein the third qualifying round.
And while Van der Sar is happy for his former team-mates, he wantsJuventus to remain one of Italy's major clubs - but free from scandal.
"I am glad they are back for the players," said the giant Dutchman,who spent two years at the club around the turn of the millennium,ahead of tonight's friendly clash between the sides.
"But of course the allegations and certain things that happened were not nice.
"I just hope they learn from it and they will be part of the Italian elite again."
It is one of Sir Alex Ferguson's major regrets that he did not snapVan der Sar up when he decided to leave Ajax in 1999 and, as thingsturned out, the keeper might have been better advised to join the OldTrafford outfit.
Yet Van der Sar still feels he made the right move.
"Maybe it did not end the way I wanted but it was a great experience," he said.
"I never played to my full potential. It was my first time abroadand Juventus played quite differently to the way we played at Ajax.
"I had to get used to a lot of different things and although I wasable to speak the language in about three months, sometimes on thepitch I was half a second late shouting something and the moment hadgone, which was unfortunate.
"A lot of people say that I should have gone to United instead but Ihad already had two meetings with Juventus before United came in.
"It was not like I was talking to Palermo or Fiorentina. They weretwo great clubs on the same level and you cannot make choices with thebenefit of hindsight."
United should welcome back skipper Gary Neville after the calf strain that kept him out of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's testimonial on Saturday and Monday's encounter with Peterborough.
However, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves and Ben Foster are still sidelined, while Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to get the green light to step his recovery from an ankle operation once he visits his specialist in Amsterdam.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-6 06:48 PM 標題: Concern for Klinsmann after Inter win
Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann has much to ponder after InterMilan won the Franz Beckenbauer Trophy with a 1-0 win at the AllianzArena.A goal from Mancini in the 52nd minute was enough to decide thegame for Jose Mourinho's side.
It is the second year running that Bayern have lost their lastmajor friendly at home 1-0, having gone down to Barcelona a year ago.
Their competitive season begins on Sunday with a visit to third division club Erfurt in the first round of the DFB-Pokal.
Inter are not in serious action until the end of the month, when they start their Serie A campaign at Sampdoria.
But with almost four weeks still to go to that game, Mourinho already appears to have his team in good shape, and they tested Michael Rensing on several occasions.
The goal came in the 52nd minute when Mancini broke the offsidetrap before lifting an angled shot over Rensing. He needed some helpthough, and the ball struck the underside of the bar, the post and theleg of Bayern defender Daniel van Buyton on its way into the net.
Bayern tested Inter's veteran stopper Francesco Toldo in the second half but could not find a way through.
There was also cause for concern after Martin Demicheliswas brought off in the first half with a slight muscle injury, althoughit is thought the substitution was made as a precaution.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-9 07:33 AM 標題: Mourinho: Stankovic is staying
Speculation in recent weeks has linked the Serbian (pictured) with aswitch to fierce rivals Juventus, but Mourinho has poured scorn on thereports.
"Juve can think what they want but I have put things straight with them," Mourinho said.
"You can read whatever you like about Stankovic in the newspapers but it doesn't matter to me.
"I like Stankovic, I like the way he plays and his personality and I think that Dejan will be happy to work with me.
"Lotsof people think that that midfield position must be played defensively,but I think that the player must have good vision and be technicallygifted."
Despite his intention to keep Stankovic, however, Mourinho says he cannot be guaranteed a starting berth.
"If Esteban Cambiassois available it is his position, but Stankovic can play there as welland he can also fill in for other positions in the midfield."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-9 07:34 AM 標題: Moggi banned for SIM card scam
Former Juventus general manager LucianoMoggi, banned from football for five years for his part in Italy's 2006match-fixing scandal, has been given an extra 14-month suspension aftera second investigation into the case.
The Italian football federation said in a statement thatMoggi, who tried to procure favourable referees for Juve matches, hadbeen sanctioned for running a secret network of communication usingSwiss mobile phone SIM cards.
The former director of therecently-defunct Messina, Angelo Fabiani, has been banned from footballfor four years for his part in the scandal with a number of refereesgiven varying suspensions for owning the SIM cards.
Someofficials had already been punished in the original affair, which ledto Juventus being demoted from Serie A and having their 2005 and 2006titles stripped.
Juventus accepted a 300,000 euro (£238,000) fine in June to settle charges linked to the SIM card probe.
Moggi is also at the centre of a criminal court case involving the match-fixing scandal, among other probes.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-9 07:35 AM 標題: Voronin volley hands Reds late win
The Kop left Rafael Benitez in no doubt about what they thought of speculation that Xabi Alonsocould be sold during the 1-0 win over Lazio.One of the heroes ofIstanbul three years ago, Alonso was treated to a display of affectionand support that the Reds manager could not have failed to understand.
Songs outlining what the Anfield faithful felt about a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry were frankly unrepeatable - but the message was clear. Liverpoolfans chanted Alonso's name constantly during the game against acompetitive Italian side, and the Spaniard responded with a fineall-action display of passing and running.
There was no Steven Gerrard but this was as strong a side as Benitez could put out.
The captain will probably not make Wednesday's Champions Leaguequalifier at Standard Liege due to a thigh problem, but it appears theAnfield boss settled on something similar to the side that will takethe field in Belgium.
Liverpool were crisp and assertive, with Alonso pulling the strings in front of a 43,062 crowd.
They made it eight pre-season games unbeaten, the winner comingin injury-time when Andriy Voronin volleyed home from Jay Spearing'spass. Fernando Torres had two long-range efforts and a clever header go wide before being replaced at the break by new boy David Ngog. Torres could have had a couple of first-half penalties following charges by former Newcastle defender David Rozehnal and Stefan Radu, while Robbie Keane and Dirk Kuyt also went close.
In the second period Alonso had a free-kick deflected wide,while Lazio surged forward to see Jose Reina make fine saves fromsubstitute Pasquale Foggia, Stephen Makinwa and former Birmingham loan player Mauro Zarate.
Alonso got another ovation when he was substituted, Benitezshaking his hand warmly. Liverpool made six changes at that point, withStephen Darby, Diego Cavalieri, Sami Hyypia, Emiliano Insua, Nabil El Zhar and Spearing also getting run-outs. Jermaine Pennant, Krisztian Nemeth, Steve Finnan and Voronin all soon followed, with Keane one of the players replaced.
His efforts had been appreciated by the Kop, who lapsed into a'Keano' chant - a word few thought they would ever hear in aLiverpudlian accent.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-9 07:36 AM 標題: Ancelotti worried about Nesta
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was more concerned about defender Alessandro Nesta's back problem than Brazil forward Kaka's nagging knee injury.
"I'm more worried about Nesta's situation than Kaka's because his problem is more complicated," Ancelotti said.
Italianmedia reported that Kaka must rest for 10 days after feeling pain inhis left knee, which was operated on in June after troubling theplaymaker last season.
"Nesta probably has quite a serious back problem that we're trying to resolve," Ancelotti continued.
"I don't know what the possible recovery times are, but up until now an operation has not been mentioned."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-9 07:37 AM 標題: Pascali poised for Killie debut
Manuel Pascali will make his Kilmarnock debut against Hibernianin their Scottish Premier League clash at Rugby Park on Saturday.The26-year-old midfielder signed this week from Parma for an undisclosedfee on a three-year deal.
Boss Jim Jefferies' other new signings Gavin Skelton and ConorSammon are also in contention although Alan Russell, brought in fromAirdrie United, is out with a knee injury.
Killie (from): Rascle, Harpur, Hay, Fowler, Wright, Skelton,Pascali, O'Leary, Lilley, Ford, Hamill, Murray, Fernandez, Sammon,Taouil, Bryson, Gibson, Flannigan.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-9 07:39 AM 標題: Mourinho: No tears over Lampard
Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho insists he is not about to cry after losing out in the quest to sign Chelsea's Frank Lampard.
The Englandmidfielder was a target for the Serie A club, now managed by the formerBlues boss, but instead opted to remain at Stamford Bridge.
But Mourinho says he is looking to the future and is happy to have secured the transfer of Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth.
He told Sky Sports: "I am not the sort of manager who cries. I look forward and move on.
"I could have waited until August 31 to see what could happen, I am not that type of person.
"When we were sensing the situation was not going to happen, we made our decision and I am very happy to have Muntari.
"Heis a good boy, a good player, I always like players who previouslyworked with good managers and he worked with one of the best in Englishfootball, so he will have learned a lot with Harry [Redknapp].
"I prefer to think about Sulley than about Frank Lampard.
"He will be in Chelsea, it is because he will be happy, and I have no more comment about it."
Interpresident Massimo Moratti, meanwhile, has expressed his regret at theclub's failure to sign Lampard but insists the squad is now complete -ruling out the arrival of Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma.
Moratti believes the Italians were right to opt for Muntari instead of persisting with their pursuit of Lampard.
"There was a big problem with the kid, in that he belonged to Chelsea," he told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
"The club wouldn't let him go and so it wouldn't have been easy for him to come.
"Everythingthat potentially seemed possible turned out not to be so, and thereforeit appeared to us that there was no point chasing someone for sixmonths and we went for the alternative we had which was Muntari, who isshowing himself to be a great acquisition."
As for Quaresma,the Italian champions have been linked with a move for the Portugalstar since the arrival of his compatriot Mourinho as coach of theGiuseppe Meazza outfit.
However, Moratti claims the Nerazzurri are unlikely to dip back into the summer transfer market.
"I don't think we'll go back into the market. I don't think Mourinho has any other intentions," he said.
"We have a lot of faith in the players already here and we also hope our injured players will be back soon."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-10 04:53 PM 標題: Roma eye Ljungberg
Freddie Ljungberg's future could lie in Italy after West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani said he had fielded a number of calls for him.
Nani has fielded a number of calls from Italy for the former Sweden international, who has been linked with Roma.
Ljungberg left the Hammers on Wednesday after only 12 months, despite having one year and an option for another to run on his contract.
Injuries have slowed the former Arsenal star's career in recent seasons and he failed to make much of an impact in 25 appearances with the Hammers last term.
But Nani has hinted that a number of Italian clubs have been in contact, telling Il Romanista: "I have received calls from every part of Italy - Florence, Milan - and to be honest I have no idea where he (Ljungberg) will end up.
"I knew Roma liked him, but I don't know whether this has changed. Ljungberg has a high wage demand and it may be difficult for the Giallorossi to get him."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-10 04:56 PM
Valari Bojinov continued to impress on his return from a near 12-month lay-off as he netted the only goal for Manchester City in their pre-season friendly against Italian giants AC Milan at Eastlands.The Bulgarian, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Manchester derby last August, latched onto a Michael Ball throw-in to lash a left-footed shot in off the woodwork.
The Blues had a handball penalty shout turned down after Darius Vassell's cross was charged down and Brazilian playmaker Elano wasted a good chance to score before Bojinov obliged.
The win was a small measure of revenge for Mark Hughes' side, whohad lost out to the Rossoneri in the race to sign Brazilian star Ronaldinho earlier in the summer.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-13 07:03 PM 標題: Baggio could make Brescia return
Serie A and Italy legend Roberto Baggiocould make a return to the game as manager of Brescia, according to theclub's president.
The former Juventus, Internazionale and Milan playmaker spentthe final four years of his career with the Rondinelle between 2000 and2004, and helped them to an eighth-placed finish in Serie A in 2001.
Aftertaking time out of the game following his retirement, Baggio could beready to make his return to the club - now in Serie B - according toclub president Gino Corioni.
Corioni said: "When he stopped playing he told me that he would take a break with his family and then consider his next move.
"He is still in that phase of consideration, but we expect him to return in a managerial role."
Afterlosing out on a return to the top flight via a play-off defeat at thehands of Albinoleffe, Corioni is desperate to end Brescia's four-yearstay on Serie B.
"This is our fourth consecutive season in Serie B," Corioni said. "The humiliation of a fifth would be too much.
"Wehave had an attitude of superiority. We were so sure that we were thestrongest and we underestimated this division last year."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-13 07:04 PM 標題: Mutu makes his mark at Fiorentina
Adrian Mutuunderlined his importance to Fiorentina as he scored the opener in a2-0 Champions League qualifying victory over Slavia Prague.The Romaniastriker was continually linked with a move to Roma over the summer butended up staying in Florence and needed just three minutes of Tuesdaynight's third qualifying round, first-leg tie at the Artemio Franchi toopen his account for the season from the edge of the area.
The Viola extended the advantage after 57 minutes through Alberto Gilardino after he was set up by Mario Santana.
Fiorentina travel to Prague for the reverse leg on August 27.作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-13 07:05 PM 標題: No Silva lining up for United - Emery
Valencia have reiterated that David Silva will remain with the club amid reported interest from European champions Manchester United.Silva demonstrated the quality which has attracted the attention of United, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea, Roma and Internazionale with two goals as Los Che defeated Vitesse Arnhem 3-1 in a friendly at the Mestalla on Tuesday night.
He put the hosts ahead with a delightful 20-yard curlerfollowing a quickly-taken free-kick and then killed the contest with aneatly-taken strike, rounding the keeper and to slot into an empty neton 75 minutes.
The playmaker has been linked with a transfer to Old Trafford,with Sir Alex Ferguson looking to add firepower ahead of the opening ofUnited's Champions League and Premier League title defences.
Indeed his agent claimed Valencia had rejected a bid from the Red Devils for the Spain international.
But the 22-year-old is two years into a seven-year contract and coach Unai Emery maintains his future lies with Valencia.
"Silva is my player," said Emery. "We are going to build a team and it's not possible for him to go to another club.
"Valencia is a very big club with all the possibilities for him to achieve what he wants."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-13 07:06 PM 標題: Lovenkrands advice takes its Tull
New Hearts loan striker Mike Tullberg has revealed how former Rangers winger and compatriot Peter Lovenkrandssold him on a move to Tynecastle.The 22-year-old Dane is bidding tokick-start his career in Gorgie having agreed a season-long loan fromthe Italian side Reggina.
Tullberg endured a frustrating time in Italy, where he madejust seven appearances following his arrival from Aarhus for £850,000last year.
Massimo Ficcadenti, the coach who signed him, was sacked, andTullberg was left consistently on the bench before new Hearts bossCsaba Laszlo handed him an escape route.
A chat with ex-Ibrox player Lovenkrands convinced him to takeup Laszlo's offer and he now hopes to put down roots in Edinburgh tohelp Hearts back to prominence after their disappointing last campaign.
The forward said: "I didn't have to think long about it when Iheard about Hearts' interest, I wanted to come here as my number onechoice.
"I have the same agent as Peter Lovenkrands, who played atRangers, and we talked a little. I wasn't in any doubt. I wanted tocome here because I have been following Scottish football.
"The football here I've always been very impressed with because it's very physical, strong football. That's one of my strengths.
"Peter said there are three big clubs, Rangers, Celticand Hearts. For me, Hearts are one of the big three, but the first goalis to get in the top six and after that we will set new goals."
Tullberg has a year to try and become the prolific striker Hearts fans crave, but he admits he is already looking further ahead.
On his future, he added: "I'm here for this year and after I hope I will join Hearts.
"This is a one-year loan, but I hope to join Hearts on a permanent contract.
"This move is not to get anywhere else, Hearts are in my mind now and that's what I'm concentrating on."
Tullberg watched on as Hearts began life under Laszlo with a 3-2 victory against UEFA Cup qualifiers Motherwell on Saturday and is excited about making a name for himself at Tynecastle.
He said: "I was very impressed with the game, the team and thesupporters. "The atmosphere here is incredible, with the stands closeto the pitch. It's like people love football as much as the players."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-8-13 07:07 PM 標題: Prandelli hails Viola display
Cesare Prandelli tempered his joy at Fiorentina's win in the firstleg of their Champions League qualifier by warning them the tie isalive.The Viola have one foot in the Champions League proper afterbeating Slavia Prague 2-0 on Tuesday and will be firm favourites tocomplete the task when they travel to the Czech Republic on August 27.
However, Prandelli is not taking anything for granted.
"Only the first half is over, now there's the second to play,"he said. "I am very happy with the team's performance. We never lostthe thread of the game." Adrian Mutu underlined his importance to Fiorentina as he scored the opener at the Artemio Franchi.
The Romania striker was continually linked with a move to Romaover the summer but ended up staying in Florence and needed just threeminutes to open his account for the season from the edge of the area.
And Prandelli was full of praise for the forward's work ethic.
"Mutu? His goal from a free-kick made the work easier for us" headded. "But aside from the goal, I saw Adrian put himself at thedisposal of the team.
"I really appreciated his spirit of sacrifice.
"I want to thank my fitness coaches for giving me a good Fiorentina at the right moment."
Fiorentina doubled their tally in the 57th minute thanks to new boy Alberto Gilardino in his first competitive game for the club.
Prandelli bought him from AC Milan in the summer for 15 million euros and believes it was money well spent.
He said: "Gilardino? He didn't miss a single ball. He was very good."
The striker himself, who was coached by Prandelli for two yearsat Parma, as well as playing there with Mutu for the 2002/03 seasonclaims he already feels at home with the Viola.
"Mutu smoothed our path for us," he said. "But then we continued working for the victory.
"I immediately felt comfortable in this Fiorentina side, also because it was easy to fit in."作者: nikotina 時間: 2008-9-1 08:01 PM 標題: Menez dreaming of Old Trafford
French attacking midfielder Jeremy Menez has revealed moving to Manchester United in the future is part of his ambitions.
The starlet has just signed with Roma and made his Serie A debut at the weekend, but declared his admiration for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
The 21-year-old, who was invited to visit Old Trafford five years ago, has set sights on leaving the Giallorossi in the future, possibly to play for The Red Devils.
“Of course they remain one of the greatest clubs in the world, that won the Champions League,” Menez told France-Football.
“I’m still very interested in them. But for the moment I’m happy to be with my club, AS Roma.
“We know a footballer’s career is made of moves…but at the moment I’m focused on myself and on Roma.”
