SERIE A – Page 45 – Football Flame

SERIE A

No Comments
SERIE A

Sarri Expects More Juventus Arrivals

Juventus head coach Maurizio Sarri expects the Serie A champions to make more signings before the transfer window closes.It has been a busy off-season for Juve, who have signed Matthijs de Ligt, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot, Luca Pellegrini, Merih Demiral and Gianluigi Buffon.Juve have also been linked with former midfielder and Manchester United star Paul Pogba, as well as Inter outcast Mauro Icardi."I don't want to occupy myself too much on the market because I think that's the right thing to do and because I keep much less of an eye on it than those who are in charge," said Sarri."Maybe there are leagues and players I don't know about. Therefore, it's better to leave it to those who are in charge."We have lots of players in certain positions and less in others, but we're talking about a ...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Ronaldo returns to training at Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived back at Juventus for his first day of pre-season training.The 34-year-old Ronaldo was greeted by more than 100 fans Saturday on his arrival for standard medical tests.The fans shouted his name as well as chanting for him to win the Champions League for them as a smiling Ronaldo signed autographs and posed for selfies.Ronaldo will train for the first time under new Juventus coach Maurizio Sarri later Saturday.Ronaldo was signed from Real Madrid just over a year ago in the hope that the five-time World Player of the Year could lead Juventus to the Champions League trophy.However, Juventus was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ajax.
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Inter Milan Confirm Talks for Lukaku

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the Serie A club have made an "official approach" to Manchester United for Romelu Lukaku.United striker Lukaku has emerged as a transfer target for Inter, who sent officials to England to try to reach a deal for the Belgium international.The Manchester United striker has made it clear to the club's hierarchy that he is hopeful of leaving Old Trafford after being told he will not be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-choice striker in 2019-20.Inter’s new boss Antonio Conte has made the Belgian his prime target in the summer market, having previously targeted the forward at prior clubs.Ausilio arrived back in Milan on Thursday and he told reporters: "We had a meeting with Manchester United for Lukaku."It was an official approach between two important...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Torino eyeing Move for Inter Striker George Puscas

Torino are on the lookout for a new striker to help them improve for the coming season and have identified Inter’s George Puscas as a potential addition according to a report from Tuttosport.The Romanian forward was on loan at Palermo this past season and the Rosanero were due to turn the move permanent but with them now being on the brink of extinction, they were forced to default on the payment which meant Puscas has now returned to Inter.Last season Puscas, who has also drawn interest from the likes of recently relegated Empoli, managed nine goals in 33 appearances for Palermo but as per the report from the Turin news outlet, he is not the only player being considered by bosses at the Granata.Genoa’s Ivorian forward Christian Kouame is also understood to be on their radar. The 21-year-o...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Italy Legend Buffon Returns to Juventus

Ex-Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has returned to Juventus on a one-year contract after a season spent at Paris Saint-Germain, AFP reports.The 41-year-old, who will be number two to Polish ‘keeper Wojciech Szczesny, previously spent 17 season with the Turin club, winning nine Serie A titles and playing three Champions League finals.“Welcome home, Gigi!” Juve said in a statement.“It was 19 May 2018. That was the day when there were tears in everyone’s eyes: when Gigi said goodbye to Juventus, its fans and vice-versa. It was the bidding of a farewell to someone who was more than just a captain, but a legend and a symbol of the club.“Probably each of us hoped, and in the end, knew that the yarn that united us for so many years was not destined to break. And that was the case.”The veteran g...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Adrien Rabiot completes move to Juventus from PSG

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot has completed his move to Juventus with the Italian champions announcing the signing of his contract on Monday.The Turin club said the 24-year-old would be presented at Juventus stadium on Tuesday.Although no details were provided by his new employers, Rabiot is reported to have agreed a four-year contract worth seven million euros ($7.9 million) a year plus another 10 million euro ($11.3m) bonus on signing.Rabiot had fallen out of favour with PSG and not played since December as he refused to renew his contract. It expired on Sunday.Rabiot was also suspended by the French champions in March after partying in a nightclub hours following PSG’s Champions League exit to Manchester United.
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Juventus Confirm Pellegrini-Spinazzola Swap with Roma

Luca Pellegrini has completed his switch from Roma to Serie A rivals Juventus in a deal that sends Leonardo Spinazzola the opposite direction. The 20-year-old left-back passed a medical on Sunday and has agreed terms on a four-year deal. Juve announced a fee of €22m will be paid to Roma over the course of three years for Pellegrini, with the transfer of Spinazzola to cost Roma €29.5m across the same period. Pellegrini made 12 appearances on loan at Cagliari during the second half of 2018-19 and will now compete against Alex Sandro for a starting spot at Allianz Stadium. Italy international Spinazzola was loaned out seven times by the Bianconeri and leaves having played 10 Serie A games across his seven years in Turin, all coming last season.
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Reports: Inter Preparing Loan Bid for Lukaku

Inter Milan are preparing a £9m offer to sign Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku on a two-year loan deal.The deal would also include an obligation to buy the Belgium international for another £54m.Lukaku's agent Federico Pastorello was in Milan on Tuesday for talks with Inter, who will be free to sign players on June 30 when they are released by UEFA from a Financial Fair Play (FFP) settlement agreement.Inter manager Antonio Conte tried to buy Lukaku in 2017 when he was in charge of Chelsea but the 26-year-old opted to join United instead.Lukaku moved to Old Trafford for an initial £75m from Everton and has scored 42 goals in 96 appearances.
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Juventus Set to Complete Adrien Rabiot Deal

Adrien Rabiot is expected to finalize his free transfer to Juventus, with the final details expected to be worked out as soon as Tuesday.The Frenchman’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of June, and all signs point to him joining the Old Lady on July 1.Sky Sport Italia reports Rabiot will give the green light to a move on Tuesday, making the 24-year-old the second midfielder to join Juventus on a free transfer after Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey.The Welsh international wrapped up a deal with the Bianconeri several months ago, and while he has yet to be presented officially, it’s believed the former Gunner will wear the No.8 shirt in Italy.Next up for Juventus is a final push to land Ajax’s Matthis De Ligt, with Tuttomercatoweb stating the Italian side are close to landing the ...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Sarri Targets New Record for Cristiano Ronaldo at Juve

Maurizio Sarri is excited to be working with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus and wants to help the Portuguese “break some new records” after taking a “step forward” in his own coaching career.The Italian tactician is back in his homeland after a season-long spell in the Premier League with Chelsea.He landed a top-four finish and Europa League glory with the Blues, but has been lured back to Serie A by the reigning champions.Sarri is stepping into a role vacated by Massimiliano Allegri on the back of an eighth successive title triumph for the Bianconeri.He is aware of the pressure he will be working under, but is looking forward to taking charge of a star-studded squad that includes a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.Sarri told reporters at his first press conference as Juve boss: “At Chelsea I c...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Genoa Fighting Brescia and Lecce to sign Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti

Genoa are fighting to beat Brescia and Lecce to the signing of Inter striker Andrea Pinamonti, according to Tuttosport.The Rossoblu’s sporting director Stefano Capozucca visited Inter’s new headquarters in Milan yesterday and reiterated their interest for the 20-year-old.Capozucca brought Pinamonti to Frosinone last season and is on good terms with the forward, which he hopes will help secure a deal.The paper did not specify whether Genoa’s interest was for a loan deal or a permanent signing, but Inter are known to prefer the former option at the moment.Brescia, Lecce and several clubs abroad are interested in Pinamonti but Genoa and Inter are on good terms after discussing deals for Ionut Radu and Eddie Salcedo this week.Pinamonti starred for Italy as they reached the semi-finals of this ...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Real Madrid and Napoli to Complete loan deal for James Rodriguez

According to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport, Napoli has agreed to personal terms with James and now just need to reach an agreement with Real Madrid. The report states that Napoli would prefer a one year loan with an option to buy over an immediate transfer. If Real agrees to this then it would bring an end to a 5 year run that has found James struggling to find the form that made him a star at the 2014 World Cup.Real fans had high hopes for James when he joined the squad after seeing him win the Golden Boot at the World Cup earlier that summer. That first season was his best with Real as he managed 13 goals and 13 assists in La Liga in his 29 appearances. Unfortunately, he saw his playing time decrease each of the next two years after Carlo Ancelotti was replaced by Zinedine Zi...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Juventus Confirm Appointment of Sarri

Juventus have confirmed the appointment of Maurizio Sarri on a three-year deal.The Italian leaves Chelsea for the Bianconeri after a solitary season at Stamford Bridge.Despite opposition from a section of the Blues support, Sarri guided the Blues back to the Champions League with a third-placed finish and won the Europa League during his time in south-west London.He also reached the final of the Capital One Cup, where Chelsea were beaten on penalties by Manchester City.Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant."He also believed it important to be nearer his family, and for the ...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Higuian to See Out Juventus Contract – Agent

Gonzalo Higuain is determined to see out his contract at Juventus, despite speculation about him moving to Roma, his brother and agent Nicolas Higuain has said. The former Argentina international was loaned to Chelsea from Turin in January of last year, appearing in 14 Premier League games and bagging five goals in the process. He has now returned to the Bianconeri and intends to play two more seasons at the Allianz Stadium, with Juve being the only club he’d consider playing for in Italy, according to his representative. “Gonzalo wants to respect his contract and therefore stay with Juventus for another two years,” Nicolas Higuain said. “His performances at Juve have been good and playing for another team in Italy isn’t a workable solution. “I don’t want to disrespect anyone, but if Gonza...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

AC Milan Bring in Maldini and Boban in Backroom Revamp

Paolo Maldini has been named AC Milan's new technical director, while Zvonimir Boban has been appointed to the newly created role of chief football officer. Milan icon Maldini replaces Leonardo in the post, with the Brazilian reported to be returning to a similar post at former club Paris Saint-Germain. Boban, who played for the club between 1991 and 2001, has left FIFA - where he was the body's deputy secretary general - to return to Milan. Maldini previously worked as Milan's sporting strategy and development director but Ivan Gazidis, the club's chief executive, feels he is the right man to succeed Leonardo. Boban and Maldini will work closely together, with the former team-mates reuniting on the Rossoneri's backroom staff.
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Allegri to Take Sabbatical from Football

Massimiliano Allegri says he will take a year away from football after being sacked by Juventus due to neglecting aspects of his private life over the past 16 years. The Italian wants to spend more time with family and friends after his tenure in Turin ended following mounting pressure during the 2018-19 season. Juventus still won Serie A under Allegri's guidance but were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-final stages by Ajax, prompting widespread calls for the head coach's dismissal. And despite some talk he could do a job swap with Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, with the former Napoli boss seemingly poised to replace him at Juve, Allegri has confirmed his intention to take time away from the sport. "I am going to take a year off to recharge the batteries and take my personal...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

AS Roma appoint Paulo Fonseca as New Head Coach

AS Roma have appointed Paulo Fonseca as their new coach with the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss signing a two-year contract, the Italian Serie A club said on Tuesday.Fonseca, who Ukrainian club Shakhtar to the league and cup double three years in a row between 2016 and 2019, replaces Claudio Ranieri, who was appointed in March on a temporary basis until the end of the season.“I am very pleased to be appointed the head coach of AS Roma,” Portuguese Fonseca said in a statement. “I want to thank the club’s management for the opportunity they have given me. I am excited and motivated by the task ahead of us.”The 46-year-old is a permanent replacement for Eusebio Di Francesco, who was sacked in March, and AS Roma said they had the option of extending his contract by a year until 2022.“Paulo is a ...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Midfielder Bernardeschi Backs Sarri To Take Over at Juventus

Federico Bernardeschi believes that Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri would be a good fit at Juventus, but is confident that no matter who the club chooses to hire they will bring great value to the side.Bernardeschi thinks the 60-year-old would be a good fit for his club moving forward."I don't express myself, we have a club with great decision makers, therefore whoever arrives means that they'll be at the top and bring something more for each player," he told reporters."As a player I can say that Sarri is a valid profile to me, but I don't know if he will be the next manager."
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Sarri Reaches Agreement with Juventus

Maurizio Sarri has reached an agreement with Juventus to become the Serie A champions' next head coach and has requested Chelsea release him from his contract to join the Bianconeri, as per reports.Fali Ramadani, Sarri's agent, met with Chelsea management Friday to discuss his client's future with the club as a move to Turin draws closer and closer.The 60-year-old Sarri intended to wait until the end of the season, and specifically the Europa League final, to consider the subject of what came next in his career.But the Chelsea boss has received an offer from Juventus that would pay him €7 million (£6m/$8m) to succeed Massimiliano Allegri, who had coached the Bianconeri to five straight league titles, at the club.Ramadani relayed news of that offer to Chelsea, as well as Sarri's request to ...
Read More
No Comments
SERIE A

Icardi Aiming to Stay Another Year at Inter Milan

Inter striker Mauro Icardi wants to remain at the club for "at least another year", according to his wife and agent Wanda Nara.The Serie A club confirmed that former Chelsea and Juventus boss Antonio Conte had been appointed as Luciano Spalletti's successor on Friday morning and it remains to be seen what the future holds for Icardi.Press reports in Argentina and Italy had claimed that the Italian had specifically requested that he doesn't want Icardi as part of his squad when he was in negotiations to take over at San Siro.But TyC Sports claims that Wanda Nara has refuted those suggestions and insisted that the 26-year-old wants to remain at Inter for at least another season.She said: "He has one-and-a-half years left on his contract and his intention is to continue at Inter for at least ...
Read More
Blogarama - Blog Directory