Gilberto Silva Juventus’ Number One Target

Out-of-favour Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has emerged as Juventus’ number one transfer target in January, according to the Corriere dello Sport.

The Brazilian, who joined the Gunners in 2002 from Atletico Mineiro, has lost his place in the first team this season to Mathieu Flamini and wants to leave.

Although Arsene Wenger has publicly stated that he wishes for Gilberto to stay until the end of the season, the huge wealth of midfield talent coming through at the club, such as Abou Diaby and Denilson, will probably persuade Wenger otherwise.

Juventus are almost certain to purchase a centre midfielder in the January transfer market, and have been linked with numerous top-stars, including Frank Lampard, Rafael Van der Vaart and Diego.

The ‘Corriere’ claims that Juve boss Claudio Ranieri’s number one target is Gilberto.

The 31-year-old would certainly be open to the move, while he could also be purchased at a relatively low price.

Gilberto also has a wealth of experience, having played 59 times for the Brazil national team, and having participated at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

www.goal.com - 21/12/2007 11:35

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Udinese Ahead Of Juve In Fenin Race

Under 20 Czech Republic starlet Martin Fenin has already won the interest of various clubs, with Juventus and Udinese heading the list and fighting for the opportunity to sign the young talent.

Until a few days ago, Juventus were touted as the most likely destination for Fenin, but according to the 'Gazzetta dello Sport', Udinese have suddenly stormed in between the young player and the Old Lady in a bid to sign the promising Czech attacker.

For Udinese, Fenin would be the ideal substitute for Asamoah, who will be taking part in the African Nations Cup and will therefore have to miss some games for his team in the coming weeks.

According to earlier reports, Juventus had already agreed a deal worth 4 million Euros with Teplice, as the Italian giants see him as the ideal future substitute of David Trezeguet.

However, nothing was signed, so Udinese got the opportunity to talk to the Czech side, and start up their own negotiations.

The player is supposedly keener on the Friuliani, who can guarantee him pitch time and help him grow into Serie A, as opposed to Juve, who are likely to loan him out anyway.

www.goal.com - 21/12/2007 09:53

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Ujfalusi Wanted By Juve & Inter

Fiorentina star Tomas Ujfalusi is a transfer target for seven top European clubs, including Juventus, Inter, Liverpool and Tottenham.

The Czech international’s contract with the Viola runs out at the end of the season and he is refusing to sign an extension.

This means that from January 1, Ujfalusi will be able to talk with other clubs about a free transfer move in the summer.

Sevilla had seemed like hot favourites to snap up the 29-year-old, however earlier today the player said it was 50-50 that he could stay at Fiorentina.

"Tomas is right, it is 50-50," Ujfalusi’s agent Dalibor Lacina told Sport.

"Their captain Dario Dainelli extended his contract two weeks before its expiry and the same may happen in Tomas' case.

"A lot of clubs are interested in him, we will decide in the summer.

"The clubs which have been questioning us about him are Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Zenit St Petersburg, Tottenham and Sevilla."

Ujfalusi signed for Fiorentina from Hamburg in 2004 and has since gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.

He has also won 64 caps for the Czech Republic national team and he played for them at Euro 2004, where they reached the semi-final, and last summer’s World Cup in Germany, where they were dumped out in the group stages.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 17:48

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Giovinco: I Want Juve Return

On-loan Empoli wonderkid Sebastian Giovinco says he wants to save the club from relegation before returning to Juventus.

The 20-year-old trequartista is rated as one of the most promising players to come out of Italy in recent times and has been described by some sections of the media as the “Italian Lionel Messi.”

Giovinco was loaned out to Empoli this season, along with fellow starlet Claudio Marchisio, in order to gain some Serie A experience.

“My intention is to contribute in saving Empoli from relegation before then returning to Juventus,” said Giovinco.

“My dream, like all footballers, is to play for a big team, and I have found this chance at Juventus.”

Giovinco was used fleetingly at the start of the campaign, making mainly substitute appearances.

However since Coach Gigi Cagni was sacked and replaced by Alberto Malesani, the pint-sized star has been a virtual ever-present.

“Recently I have found a certain continuity and I hope to be able to continue like this,” Giovinco added.

“I believe that Empoli will succeed in saving themselves from relegation.”

Giovinco is the team’s second top goalscorer, having hit the back of the net three times from 15 appearances. He was on target during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Genoa.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 17:18

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Juventus Will Bid For Sissoko

Juventus will make an official transfer bid for Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko in January, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Mali midfielder is unhappy at his lack of playing time at Anfield, as he currently finds himself behind Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in the centre-midfield pecking order.

Bianconeri boss Claudio Ranieri is a huge admirer of the player, having worked with him at Valencia in 2004/05.

The Tinkerman is in desperate need of a top-class centre midfielder as big money summer signings Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes have failed to shine.

Sissoko, who had the chance to move to Turin in the summer before signing a contract extension at Liverpool, declared last week that he wanted to leave the club.

“I am sick and tired and want to leave,” the 22-year-old moaned.

“I am really disappointed because the game against Marseille [in the Champions League] I was counting on.

“I respect the choices of the coach but now I want to discuss my future before the January transfer market. I am not happy about playing one game per month.”

Meanwhile there are reports that Inter Milan may try to hijack Juventus’ deal for Sissoko. The Nerazzurri are currently in the midst of an injury crisis in midfield, and seem certain to enter into the January transfer market.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 13:49

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Ranieri Tells Buffon: Only Trezeguet Is Irreplaceable

Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri says that David Trezeguet, and not Gianluigi Buffon, is the only indispensable member of his team. Trezeguet has had the best start to a club season in his entire career and is top of the Serie A scorer’s charts having already hit the back of the net 12 times.

The 30-year-old, who bizarrely cannot find a place in Raymond Domenech’s France squad, was on target again last weekend, scoring the opener in Juve’s 3-2 win at Lazio.

“David is having a fantastic championship,” declared Ranieri.

“He scores goals and is the first one to return to defend, he is irreplaceable. I could do without Buffon, but not Trezeguet.”

The Bianconeri are surpassing expectations for the season, and currently sit in an excellent third place.

“We are doing well because in the changing room there is a desire to fight and the champions give a good example to the youngsters.

“The championship? I am content but not satisfied – we have achieved nothing yet. This will be shown at the end of the season.”

Juve have a chance to finish the calendar year off in style when they host Siena at the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 12:15

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Juventus Join Race For Banega

Juventus have jumped to the front of the queue to sign Boca Juniors starlet Ever Banega, according to Tuttosport.

The 19-year-old midfielder is one of the most promising youngsters playing in the Argentine league and he was a star at his country’s successful FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign in Canada during the summer.

Banega only made his professional debut for Boca in February of this year, replacing Fernando Gago, who had left for Real Madrid.

The teenager made an instant impact and he was a crucial part of the team that won the Copa Libertadores, and finished runners-up to AC Milan in last Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final.

Last month it was reported that Milan had a €10m offer turned down by Boca chairman Mauricio Macri.

Macri has put a price-tag of €20m on Banega, although it is believed he would accept the €15m Juventus would be willing to pay for him.

The Bianconeri have made the signing of a top-class centre-midfielder a priority during the January transfer window, following the disappointing form of Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes.

Banega, who is nicknamed “tarjeta amarilla” due to the number of yellow cards he receives, is a player in the mould of Liverpool star Javier Mascherano, sitting in front of the defence, winning tackles and spraying the ball around the field.

As well as AC Milan, Juventus also face competition from Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Inter Milan for the signature of the youngster.

www.goal.com - 19/12/2007 17:35

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Italian Press: Juve Line Up Tiago–Diarra Exchange Deal

Juventus are set to offer a cash plus player deal to Real Madrid for Mahamadou Diarra, according to Tuttosport.

It is common knowledge that the Bianconeri are in the market for a top-class centre midfielder and they have been linked with a host of stars, including Rafael Van der Vaart, Momo Sissoko and Frank Lampard.

It now appears that Real Madrid’s unsettled Malian international Mahamadou Diarra, 26, is also high on Juve sporting director Alessio Secco’s shortlist of wanted players.

Secco is said to have offered Real Madrid €10m plus Tiago Mendes for Diarra, although it is as yet unknown if this bid will prove successful.

Diarra joined the Spanish-giants in 2006 after winning four straight French championships with Olympique Lyonnais.

In his first year in Madrid he captured La Liga title, however there have been persistent stories linking him with a move away ever since Fabio Capello was sacked and replaced by Bernd Schuster as Coach.

Diarra has played 22 times for the Mali national team, scoring five goals.

www.goal.com - 19/12/2007 00:37

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Buffon : Scudetto Not Impossible

Juventus shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon seems to have had a change of heart regarding the team's chances of winning the Scudetto on their return to Serie A.We're getting to the end of the year, and so it's time to draw up the balance for everyone. Also for Gigi Buffon, who 365 days ago was playing in Serie B with Juventus, who now find themselves in the high regions of the Serie A table, in third place.

"Perhaps we are doing something more than everyone expected," the goalkeeper said. "But I knew that with our will to surprise people and to never feel inferior to any other team could have made up for a gap which divided us from the stronger teams."

In an interview given to Sky Sport, the keeper talked about the demanding Juventus fans, who have been used so well in the past: "If things go on like this it might be possible that they ask us to win the Scudetto. I stayed here for this, it's a task that does not scare me. It would be the closing of a circle, like the Club World Cup for Milan."

With Inter going so strong on top of the table, it seems like an impossible mission for Juve, but Buffon, who until very recently said the team were not yet ready to compete for the Scudetto, now seems to believe more in the Bianconeri's possibilities.

"I've always liked difficult challenges," he continued. "Not impossible ones, because in that case they remain impossible. I've always wanted to surprise, I'm an idealist, a dreamer. I dream of reaching great objectives, and I've already achieved some.

"I thought that, after winning the World Cup, there was also room for the heart: a Scudetto victory with Juve now would give me more satisfaction than a league title won anywhere else. A trophy with Juventus would have a priceless value, which I would not feel anywhere else."

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 22:16

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Tiago Apologises For Outburst

Tiago Mendes has apologised to Juventus for the outburst he made against the club, his father and agent has revealed.

The Portuguese midfielder was the Bianconeri’s most expensive acquisition for the new season as they forked out £9.2m for the Lyon man.

However things have not gone according to plan and Tiago has started just two games in Serie A so far. This led to the 26-year-old threatening to leave if he wasn’t played more.

“If things carry on like this I’ll leave in January,” he warned several weeks ago.

“I’ve spoken to [Coach] Ranieri and told him that I’m not happy because this isn’t what I came here for.

“So far my time with Juve has been a disappointment. I thought I’d be a first-choice player, but it has been the exact opposite and my time here hasn’t been easy.”

Tiago’s agent and father Jorge Mendes now says that his son regrets what he said and hopes to make a success of things in Turin.

“What was said in the interview is regrettable,” he explained. “He wasn’t playing and felt that he had been banished to the periphery at Juve.

“Now it’s different and as the days go by his desire to keep wearing the Bianconeri shirt increases.

“He has realised that his boss Claudio Ranieri values him, but clearly he needs everyone’s support if he is to stay in Turin and so I will talk to the directors.”

Tiago’s form has improved recently, and he produced a fine performance on Saturday night after coming on as a substitute at half time in the 3-2 win at Lazio.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 17:08

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Juventus Line Up Flamini Free Transfer

Juventus could be set to take advantage of Mathieu Flamini’s contract dispute with Arsenal, by signing him on a Bosman next summer.

‘The Times’ today reports how Flamini, who’s contract at the Emirates runs out in June, has rejected the club’s offer of a new deal.

The 23-year-old seemed certain to leave Arsenal last season due to limited chances in the first-team, however this term he has been a virtual ever-present and has been absolutely outstanding in the centre of midfield alongside Cesc Fabregas.

Flamini is said to be unimpressed by Arsenal’s latest offer - said to be in the reagion of £35,000 a week - and is considering leaving the club.

“I am a free agent in January, so we will see what happens,” the Frenchman said.

“I am happy here, but we will see. We have so many games in December, so it is very difficult to be concentrated on this kind of thing as we are playing every three days.”

From January 1, Flamini will be permitted to talk to interested clubs about the possibility of a Bosman free transfer.

Juventus are well known to be in the market for a centre midfielder, and Flamini, who has some Italian ancestry, has said in the past that he wants to play in Serie A.

The Bianconeri are already being tipped to sign Aston Villa’s Olof Mellberg on a free transfer for next season, and it seems Flamini could follow suit.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 13:16

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Ranieri Is Doing Great – Buffon

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says that Coach Claudio Ranieri is doing a fine job at the club.

The Bianconeri were expected to struggle this season following their post-Calciopoli promotion from Serie B, however they have surprised everyone by launching themselves into third position in the table.

Despite this Ranieri has still received some criticism, most of it referring to his sparing use of Alessandro Del Piero.

The Golden Boy has been in superb form in recent weeks, however he was left on the bench for the three successive games against Palermo, Milan and Atalanta.

Del Piero started the match on Saturday night against Lazio and showed his class by scoring two goals in the 3-2 away victory.

"The victory at the Olimpico was down to Ranieri,” stated Buffon.

“I think the coach is running the team in the right way, getting the best from each player.

"In any case, Alex has always shown himself to be an excellent professional."

Juventus complete their 2007 calendar this weekend with a home clash against Siena.

With leaders Inter playing Milan in the derby, there is every chance that the Bianconeri could close the eight point gap between them and the Nerazzurri.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 12:48

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Ranieiri To Call Back Giovinco At Almiron's Expense?

There are rumours in the peninsula that Juventus are looking to convince Empoli to return loanee Sebastian Giovinco early, and are prepared to give them back misfiring Argentine midfielder Sergio Almiron in exchange.

Giovinco, who is considered one of the most promising young players to have come out of Italy in the past few years, grudgingly joined Empoli during the summer to gain experience, and his subsequent performances for the Italy Under-21 as well as his adopted club have gone a long way towards proving that he is already ready for the big time.

Almiron, on the other hand, has floundered in Turin, which some are saying has convinced Ranieri to strongly consider sending him back to the place where he made his name.

While Giovinco would doubtlessly be delighted to be back at Juve in January already, Almiron would almost certainly be less enthused. Truth be told, he won’t have much of a choice of Empoli agree to reverse the temporary swap deal.

However, the reports of a possible transfer reversal need to be taken with a grain of salt unless some factual information emerges. Especially when one considers Ranieri’s last public comments in this regard, which were made barely over a week ago and seemed pretty straightforward.

"I wouldn't make an Almiron-Giovinco exchange," said the Juve coach after the pint-sized striker inspired Empoli to victory over them in the Coppa Italia.

"If I did so, I would not be giving too many opportunities, as he would only train with us, and this wouldn't be good for him."

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 04:28

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Secco Has Our Trust - Blanc

Juventus delegate administrator Jean-Claude Blanc defended the club's sporting director Alessio Secco after allegations that he is still in close contact with Luciano Moggi.

Sometimes it's hard to deal with the past, especially when a big part of it is tied to Luciano Moggi and evokes memories (of "Calciopoli") that Juventus are still trying to distance themselves from.

That's why the Old Lady's management did not hesitate to come to the defence of their sporting director Alessio Secco, following allegations made on certain newspapers that his relationship with his predecessor is still strong.

At the end of today's Administration Council, delegate administrator Jean-Claude Blanc reassured the fans of Juve, and of Italian football in general.

"The fact that, according to articles published on some newspapers, our sporting director Alessio Secco has had contacts with his predecessor does not diminish our professional trust in him, because I am certain of the correctness and independence of the club in its sporting activities, from the moment I became part of it," he said.

He also talked about the current trial being held in Naples, which is investigating new allegations of sporting fraud after the infamous 2006 trials.

"Juventus will follow closely the trials being held in Naples, but I remain convinced of the correctness and the professional qualities of my collaborators. Consequently, as I've told the other councilors, there are no reasons why my trust should decrease," he concluded.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 00:24

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Del Piero: Goals Not A Signal To Ranieri

Alessandro Del Piero insists that his superb brace against Lazio are not meant as a gesture towards boss Claudio Ranieri. The Golden Boy had been left on the bench for three successive Serie A matches against Palermo, Milan and Atalanta, however he was restored to the first-team during the 3-2 win on Saturday against Lazio.

“I was happy about our victory and also about my goals,” Del Piero told Tuttosport.

“I do not see the goals as a message to Ranieri; he is the coach and decides the team. I just think about playing and that is enough.”

Del Piero has a good record against Lazio and he scored two goals against them during a classic 4-3 win in Rome in December 1994.

“I also hit two goals against Lazio at the Olimpico in 1994-95, the first season that Lippi was manager,” continued the 33-year-old.

“We went on to win the Scudetto that year so I don’t know if there are any parallels to make or if it is just a coincidence.”

Del Piero finally spoke about his hopes for the Italian national team. Having been left out of Coach Roberto Donadoni’s squads for October and November, many have questioned if the forward has played the last game for his country.

“My objectives are Euro 2008 and the World Cup of 2010,” Del Piero stated confidently.

www.goal.com - 17/12/2007 18:20

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Buffon Will Play Till He Is 45 – Berlusconi

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi is just one of a host of top figures in the Calcio community to praise Gianluigi Buffon, and believes he will play until he is 45. Buffon is the undoubted number one goalkeeper in the world, and underlined this status on Saturday evening with one of the greatest saves in recent memory against Lazio.

With Juventus leading Lazio 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico, Cristian Ledesma looped in a free-kick which was met with force by Tommaso Rocchi from just six yards out.

The shot seemed 99 per cent a goal, however Buffon somehow miraculously managed to pluck the ball away from off the goal line with one-hand.

“I admire him as a man and as an athlete. For me he will keep on playing until he is 45,” said Berlusconi.

“Milan does not have an urgent need for a goalkeeper because we have Dida who is great.”

Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi was also full of praise for the man he also coached at Juventus.

“He is the best goalkeeper in the world,” declared the Viareggio-born tactician.

Former AC Milan great Arrigo Sacchi echoed these sentiments.

“When I was at Parma I said that Buffon was worth 15 points a season,” the 1989 and 1990 Champions League-winning boss stated.

www.goal.com - 17/12/2007 17:59

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Juventus And Parma Set To Exchange Players

According to Italian sports daily Tuttosport, Juventus are interested in the services of Luca Cigarini from Parma, and to do so they are ready to let new signing Almiron leave. Following the disappointing season both Tiago and Almiron have had, the Bianconeri are searching for a new midfield player who can offer good cover until the end of the season.

The Turin giants have found this player in Parma's young midfielder Cigarini, who has been impressing with his club this season.

However, president Tommaso Ghirardi does not want cash for his star players, but other quality players in order to remain competitive.

For this reason, Juventus are ready to offer Almiron in exchange for Cigarini.

This move would also offer the Argentine midfielder the possibility to re-discover himself in a more serene environment, considering that he was seen as one of the best midfielders in Serie A last season.

No negotiations have been set up yet, but a meeting between the two clubs is expected to occur in the first week of January.

www.goal.com - 17/12/2007 13:55

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