Latest Serie A News

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JUVE BACK UP TO SECOND

Juventus regained second spot in Serie A with a narrow 1-0 home victory over Udinese on Sunday night.

Fabio Grosso scored the only goal of a game which marked the season's debut of Alessandro Del Piero for Juve.

Grosso's goal in the 51st minute came just seconds before the Bianconeri captain made his entrance from the bench after a lengthy injury absence, but he could not provide much of a spark in a dour game at the Stadio Olimpico.

Juve just did enough to win the game against a very defensive Udinese, who only once threatened Gianluigi Buffon's goal.

Del Piero was made to wait before making his first appearance of the season as he was initially left on the bench by Juve coach Ciro Ferrara with Sebastian Giovinco preferred in his place.

The attacking threat was provided by Diego, who had the first chance of the game in the fifth minute, volleying the ball powerfully, but straight at Samir Handanovic in the Udinese goal.

A similar volley from Giovinco in the 12th minute was next to test the Udinese goalkeeper, who was not going to be beaten at his near post.

Udinese packed men behind the ball, making life difficult for Juve and ruining the chances of a spectacle.

The home side played a disciplined, patient game and did not run into the trap awaiting them as Udinese waited for chances to hit them on the break, and the only chances of the game fell around Handanovic's goal.

Amauri should have put Juve ahead in the 37th minute when he beat the offside trap to meet Mauro Camoranesi's cross, but he only lifted the ball up into the hands of Handanovic.

Juve finally broke the deadlock with Del Piero standing on the sidelines waiting to come on.

Martin Caceres played a first-time ball in from the right wing as he met Christian Poulsen's long ball and Grosso was left totally alone in the centre for a simple tap-in from seven yards out.

Del Piero made his entrance and, 10 minutes later, provided the moment the Juve fans have been waiting for.

He exchanged passes with Diego, both using backheel touches to carve open the Udinese defence, and lifted the Olimpico crowd to its feet as the ball eventually fell for Mohamed Sissoko to blaze a shot over from 20 yards.

It was the highlight of an otherwise lacklustre encounter while Udinese's one and only highlight came 60 seconds later when an Antonio Floro Flores shot almost caught Buffon wrong-footed, but he managed to make a save with his leg.

But just the one goal proved to be enough for Juve, who went close to a second in the 77th minute when Camoranesi's header from Del Piero's corner was tipped over by Handanovic.

And Juve can now turn their attention to Wednesday evening's trip to Bordeaux in the Champions League where a win would see them qualify for the last 16.




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JUVE REGAIN SECOND SPOT Italy

Juventus regained second spot in Serie A with a narrow 1-0 home victory over Udinese on Sunday night.

Fabio Grosso scored the only goal of a game which marked the season's debut of Alessandro Del Piero for Juve.

Grosso's goal in the 51st minute came just seconds before the Bianconeri captain made his entrance from the bench after a lengthy injury absence, but he could not provide much of a spark in a dour game at the Stadio Olimpico.

AC Milan ensured the gap between themselves and leaders Inter Milan remained at seven points by claiming a thrilling 4-3 win over Cagliari at the San Siro.

Inter had stretched their lead at the top of the table to eight points on Saturday night with a 3-1 win at Bologna to put pressure on their city rivals.

Clarence Seedorf gave Milan a fifth-minute lead but Alessandro Matri replied and Andrea Lazzari gave the Sardinians a deserved lead after half an hour.

But two goals in as many minutes earned Milan the half-time lead with Marco Borriello and Alexandre Pato on target.

A penalty by Ronaldinho gave the Rossoneri a two-goal advantage in the 62nd minute before Nene reduced the arrears in the 69th minute.

Francesco Totti returned from injury and struck a hat-trick in the first 28 minutes for Roma in an impressive 3-1 victory over Bari.

Out since October 4 because of a knee injury, the Roma captain made a dramatic comeback, notching his first from the penalty spot after six minutes.

His second came eight minutes later from a set-piece and he smashed home a loose ball from inside the area to make it 3-0.

Bari reduced the arrears with an own goal by Marco Andreolli on 77 minutes.

Sampdoria moved back up to fourth after a 2-1 win over a Chievo team who played with 10 men for the entire second half.

Luciano saw red for the Flying Donkeys in the 45th minute with his side trailing to Marco Rossi's 19th-minute goal.

Giampaolo Pazzini doubled Samp's advantage but Chievo hit back through Andrea Mantovani. Samp held on though to stay a point behind Milan.

Nico Pulzetti headed a late winner as Livorno secured a valuable three points in their mission to avoid relegation with a 2-1 victory over Genoa.

A draw looked likely after Domenico Criscito had cancelled out the home team's opener from Cristiano Lucarelli.

However, Pulzetti had the final say in the third minute of stoppage time, heading home a dramatic winner.

Siena remain rooted to the bottom of the standings after going down 2-0 at home to Atalanta, their ninth defeat in 13 games.

Simone Tiribocchi gave the visitors the lead after 52 minutes and Robert Acquafresca looked to have sealed the win 16 minutes later from the penalty spot.

Siena were gifted the chance to get back into the game on 78 minutes but Michele Paolucci saw his penalty saved.

Lowly Catania fought back to claim a draw in the Sicilian derby at Palermo.

Giulio Migliaccio fired the hosts into an early lead but second-bottom Catania levelled through Jorge Andres Martinez in the second period.

Napoli's unbeaten run at the Stadio San Paolo continued but they were unable to break down Lazio and shared the spoils in a goalless draw.

On Saturday, Inter had moved eight points clear with a dominant win at Bologna.

Diego Milito put the Nerazzurri ahead in the 22nd minute but Marcelo Zalayeta equalised within a minute.

Mario Balotelli restored Inter's advantage three minutes before half-time and Esteban Cambiasso sealed the win in the 72nd minute to enable Inter to prepare for Tuesday's Champions League match with Barcelona having established a comfortable lead at the top.

Inter defender Maicon spoiled his side's evening when he received a red card in stoppage time for insulting one of the referee's assistants.

Parma earned an unexpected 3-2 win at Fiorentina.

Alberto Gilardino put the home side ahead in the 25th minute but goals from Nicola Amoruso and Valeri Bojinov turned the game around.

Gilardino's second with just over an hour gone brought Fiorentina level again and they appeared to be in the ascendancy until Davide Lanzafame struck the winner on the break for Parma in the 67th minute.

And to make matters worse for Fiorentina, they lost Marco Donadel to a second yellow card as time ran out.




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LIPPI WON'T MAKE JUVE RETURN

Italy coach Marcello Lippi insists he will not be returning to Juventus after next summer's World Cup.

Speculation has been rife for several months that Lippi, whose contract at the helm of the Azzurri expires at the end of the tournament, will join the Bianconeri as director of football.

But the World Cup-winning coach, who had two spells in charge of Juve totalling eight years, has categorically denied he is planning on heading back to Turin.

"I don't know what I will do after the World Cup," he said. "I have said it a billion times, that I will not be returning to Juventus, neither as coach, nor as technical director."

Lippi won a staggering array of trophies during his years at the helm of the Italian giants, steering them to five Serie A titles and the Champions League final on four occasions - winning it in 1996.

It is a different story at the Stadio Olimpico now as Juve are going through somewhat of a slump under Ciro Ferrara.

The team were roundly booed on Sunday following a 2-1 home defeat to rock-bottom Catania, the Bianconeri's fifth loss in six games.

However, Ferrara was handed a vote of confidence after the game and Lippi believes the club are right to back their young coach.

"I believe that the Juventus that was thought about and built in the summer, has never played yet," he said.

"First Sissoko was ruled out for five to six months, then Iaquinta, then Marchisio. Alessandro Del Piero has hardly ever been available.

"It's obvious then, in this context, that after all this, moments of difficulty come up, they have lost a few too many games.

"Now a situation of insecurity has been created, a bit of fear. Honestly, some players are playing with fear.

"Ferrara will have made some mistakes, certainly, because he is a young coach, who doesn't have experience, but he has personality, charisma, has clear ideas and is a coach who, in my opinion, can do well."


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DE BIASI REPLACES MARINO AT UDINESE

Udinese have sacked coach Pasquale Marino and appointed Gianni De Biasi as his replacement, the club have confirmed.

Marino has been under pressure following his team's poor run of form but was handed a vote of confidence just last week.

However, the club have now decided the winter break was the ideal time to act, giving the new coach until January 6 before his first official game in charge.



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PANDEV READY FOR LAZIO EXIT

Goran Pandev wants to end his stay at Lazio and has hit out at club president Claudio Lotito.

The striker has been frozen out of the Serie A club after expressing his desire to leave last summer and is now attempting to see his contract terminated.

Both Inter Milan and AC Milan are thought to be interested in the Macedonian, who is hoping for a resolution as quickly as possible.

Pandev told Mediaset: "Lotito disappointed me: he has treated me as a nobody and told me too many lies.

"I have been training on my own for four months and now I am just hoping that all this comes to an end.

"I just want to get back to being a football player."



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MOURINHO BRACED FOR TITLE BATTLE

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho is expecting a four-way battle for the Serie A title, as he urges caution from his players following Sunday's 1-0 win over Lazio.

The Nerazzurri's lead at the top has been increased to eight points heading into the winter break.

AC Milan are second with a game in hand while Juventus, who are third, lost 2-1 to Catania to fall nine points behind Inter.

"Our win over Lazio was very important," said Mourinho. "Juventus didn't collect any points while Milan still have to play at Fiorentina but they will do that now knowing that we have already collected three points in our fixture.

"But there is still a long way to go and we must be cautious."

Mourinho has also not ruled out Claudio Ranieri's Roma making a bid for the Scudetto this season.

After a dismal run of form to start the season, Roma have hit back and currently lie fourth in the standings.

The Giallorossi beat Parma 2-1 on Sunday to extend their unbeaten run to seven games and cut the gap with Inter to 11 points.

"Milan, Juve and even Roma can battle for the league title," said Mourinho.

"Before I arrived at Inter (in the summer of 2008), Roma cut a 12-point gap to go into the last game of the season putting pressure on Inter, who ended up winning the Scudetto."




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LLORIS HOLDS HIS HANDS UP

Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is desperate to atone for his costly midweek error against Monaco by helping his team to three crucial points against Montpellier.

France international Lloris was at fault for Monaco's equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Stade Louis II on Sunday, his failed attempt to claim a free-kick into the area gratefully capitalised upon by the hosts.

The result leaves fourth-placed Lyon 10 points off the pace of Ligue 1 leaders Bordeaux on the eve of the winter break, and Lloris is determined to now see off the threat of surprise package Montpellier, who have a game in hand and can climb above Lyon with a win.

"I made a mistake," said Lloris. "The free-kick was my responsibility and I accept I was at fault. I deserve to face the heat.

"These things happen in football, even if you wished they didn't.

"We know that it's us, the players, who have the key [to beating Montpellier] and we know what we have to do. We also know that victory is a must."

A win for either team could lift them into second place if results elsewhere go in their favour, and Lyon coach Claude Puel has stressed the importance of taking all three points.

"It's at home and we must take points," he told club website www.olweb.fr.

"They are a very strong team, very efficient, with good organisation.

"This will be a great game between two teams who want to win."

Lyon will be without Cleber Anderson, Ederson and Francois Clerc through injury, although Mathieu Bodmer is available again after three months out with a groin injury.

Montpellier coach Rene Girard has called for his side to get "back to basics" after slumping to their second defeat in three days with a 2-0 reverse against Nancy at the weekend.

The back-to-back home losses - the first of those against Bordeaux - ended a three-game winning run, and Girard said: "We can't afford to believe we've arrived at this level.

"We're going to have to get back to basics, because we've forgotten them a little.

"Football always makes sure your feet come back to earth with a bump."

The visitors will hope to welcome back Tuno Costa (ankle), Nenad Dzodic and goalkeeper Johann Carrasso (both knee).



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TOTTI RELIEVED INJURY NOT SERIOUS


Roma captain Francesco Totti was relieved to discover his knee injury is not as serious as first thought.

The striker picked up a knock on his right knee during Sunday's 2-0 win over Parma and was taken to hospital to undergo tests.

The 33-year-old underwent minor surgery on the knee earlier in the season and revealed he feared the worst.

"I was scared but I am happy that it is nothing serious," said Totti.

"I think I will be available when the season restarts in the new year."

Totti, who signed a contract extension with Roma until June 2014 last week, was pleased that his club have ended the year on a high note.

The triumph over Parma extended Roma's unbeaten run to seven games and lifted the Giallorossi to fourth in the standings.

"It was important to end the year in fourth place," said Totti.

"Now the standings are on our side and we must begin the new year with the same rhythm and the same winning mentality."




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MOURINHO ISSUES MANCINI WARNING

Jose Mourinho believes Roberto Mancini will enjoy life at Manchester City although he warned his predecessor at Inter Milan that the Premier League is "completely different" to Serie A.

Mancini will appear at his first press conference as City manager later today after being named as the replacement for the sacked Mark Hughes on Saturday evening.

Mourinho had a hugely successful spell at Chelsea before joining Inter and he believes Mancini, who has been out of work since leaving the Nerazzurri in May 2008, is a good fit for ambitious City.

"I want to wish the best of luck to my colleague Roberto Mancini for his appointment at Manchester City," Mourinho told Sky Italia.

"It will be a great and special experience for him to test himself in a very different reality to Italian football.

"The Premier League is completely different to what he has known so far.

"Mancini is a good coach and has an owner (Sheikh Mansour) who spends a lot of money.

"I don't see why he shouldn't be happy in England."

One man who will not be following Mancini to Eastlands, according to his current employers, is Inter striker Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli has already been earmarked as a potential target for Mancini in the January transfer window, but Inter president Massimo Moratti insists the 19-year-old is going nowhere.

"I think they (Manchester City) have made a great signing (in Mancini)," said Moratti.

"But they should not inquire about Balotelli for January because we are not selling him."

Balotelli, who is under contract with the Nerazzurri until 2011, has made just six league starts for Mourinho's side this campaign.



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UDINESE TAKE POMPEY TO CAS

Udinese have confirmed they will take Portsmouth to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to recoup money they claim to be owed following the sale of Sulley Muntari.

Muntari joined Portsmouth from Udinese in 2007 for a reported fee of £7million and moved on to Inter Milan in 2008 for around £12.7million.

A Udinese press spokesperson said: "I can confirm that Udinese today has reported Portsmouth to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne in connection with a missed payment for Sulley Muntari."

Portsmouth reportedly owe Udinese around £3.5million in outstanding fees involved in the Muntari transfer.

The Barclays Premier League's bottom club are currently under a transfer embargo which was put in place in October.

Last week, rather than hand over TV money which Portsmouth were scheduled to receive, the Premier League passed funds directly to teams to whom the south-coast club owed money.

Pompey have written to the Premier League demanding that the embargo be lifted.

Portsmouth are also preparing to appeal against a High Court judge's decision to dismiss their application to have a winding-up petition from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs struck out.

The club have argued that the VAT portion of the massive tax bill is too high by £7.5million.

Portsmouth yesterday confirmed they are being sued by their former player Sol Campbell.

Campbell, now at Arsenal, has issued a writ through his lawyers for £1.7million which he says he is owed in image rights and bonus payments.

Portsmouth confirmed the receipt of that writ, which they said was being dealt with by club lawyers.

 

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CHAMAKH COY ON BORDEAUX FUTURE

In-demand forward Marouane Chamakh, reportedly trailed by Premier League duo Liverpool and Arsenal among others, has refused to commit himself to Bordeaux.

"I have not extended (my deal)," he said.

"I will know more this weekend when I have talked with my advisors but I believe that things must be said quickly."

Brazilian midfielder Fernando does look set to commit his future to the French club.

Serie A side Genoa have been strongly linked with the player but with the Ligue 1 leaders not eager to sell a new deal is instead on the table.

"I will stay in Bordeaux," Fernando told L'Equipe.

"The club has refused all offers and there is a final meeting scheduled with the bosses on my extension at the end of next week."

 

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LEONARDO EXPECTS 'EXTRAORDINARY' DERBY

AC Milan coach Leonardo believes Sunday night's Milan derby could not have come at a better time for his side.

The result of the clash at the San Siro is likely to go a long to deciding the outcome of the Serie A title race.

The Rossoneri go into the clash six points behind league leaders Inter Milan, but with a game in hand and on the back of three convincing wins.

"This derby arrives at the right time for us," said Leonardo. "We are getting closer to Inter and it will be an extraordinary game.

"We are playing well and we hope to give consistency to our results."

Leonardo will be without injured striker Alexandre Pato but will be able to count on

Ronaldinho who is brimming with confidence

The Brazilian has struck seven of his team's 12 goals in the last three league games.

"This is a special moment in my career and I want it to last as long as possible," said Ronaldinho.

Milan will have an added motivation to beat Inter as the last time both sides met earlier in the campaign the Nerazzurri thrashed the Rossoneri 4-0.

Roma and Juventus will both be rooting for Milan. They clash 24 hours earlier in Turin with third place up for grabs.

The Turin outfit are two points behind Roma and desperate to return to winning ways having lost four of their last five games.

A draw in Turin could see Napoli climb to third - provided the Partenopei can cope without top scorer Fabio Quagliarella, who serves a one-match ban, to win at Livorno.

Sixth-place Palermo will face a battle as they look to defend the last European qualifying spot when they take on Fiorentina at La Favorita.

The Sicilian giants moved one point clear of the Viola last weekend and are unbeaten at home this campaign.

If results go their way, in-form Cagliari could leapfrog Palermo into sixth.

The Sardinian outfit, who travel to rock-bottom Siena, are unbeaten in 2010 and their solid form has seen them move level on 30 points with Fiorentina.

Bari go into Sunday's game at Bologna looking for their first win on their travels since October 19.

Lazio will look to end a dismal week on a positive note when they take on Chievo in the Italian capital.

The Biancoceleste slumped to 17th in the standings after a 3-0 defeat at Cagliari at the weekend before being knocked out of the Coppa Italia in midweek by Fiorentina.

Parma will expect to claim their first win this year in Sicily when they take on second-bottom Catania.

With just two points from their last five games, Udinese will be under pressure to deliver in front of the home fans when they host Sampdoria.

The Friuli outfit are level on 20 points with Lazio and Bologna, three points clear of 18th-place Atalanta.

 

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LOPEZ BIDS TO HAUL CATANIA TO SAFETY

New Catania striker Maxi Lopez believes he is the man to help pull the Sicilian club clear of the danger zone.

The Argentinian forward, who moved from FK Moscow this week, signed a contract until June 2013 with Catania who spent most of the first half of the season in the relegation places.

The signing of Lopez could provide new momentum for Sinisa Mihajlovic's side in their bid to distance themselves from the bottom of the table.

However, Catania fans will have to play the waiting game as Lopez will not make his debut with the islanders against Parma on Saturday.

Lopez, whose previous clubs include Barcelona, said: "I need 10 days to get my fitness back and I will be ready to help Catania.

"I chose Catania because Mihajlovic's tactical plans are very interesting and I believe they will match my characteristics.

"I know the coach and I am grateful for the strong interest shown by this club towards me.

"I have played in Spain, in Russia, in Brazil, but the best football is here.

"I know that if I do well in Italy, I can go all over the world with my head held high."

Catania have won just three games while losing 10 times this campaign.

They lie second from bottom in the standings, four points behind safety after 20 games played.

"I know the team are going through a difficult time but I also know that there is a valid group here," said the 25-year-old Lopez.

"I think the presence of many Argentinian players will help me adapt quickly to the team.

"I hope to play a lot and score many goals."

Lopez has been the only January signing for Catania so far, altough they have offloaded defender Lorenzo Stovini to Serie B club Lecce.

"We expect to make more signings in order to reinforce the team," said Catania club administrator Pietro Lo Monaco. "There is still time."

The hosts will be without midfielder Pablo Ledesma, who serves a one-match ban on Saturday.

Few would have predicted such a successful 2009 for Parma but their fairytale season appears to have somewhat faded away.

Last summer they won promotion but the Ducale club surprised many with their performances before Christmas, ending the calendar year in fifth place.

The Gialloblu have struggled to maintain that momentum this month.

Last weekend's goalless draw against Udinese halted a three-match losing streak for the Gialloblu.

A poor run of late has sent Parma down to 10th in the standings.

Guidolin now hopes his side can claim their first win this year against a team they beat 2-1 earlier this season.

"It will not be easy but we have to get back on track," said Guidolin. "My team held on against Udinese and it is an important point but we must show the same confidence we displayed last year to return to victory."

Guidolin will be without Daniele Galloppa, Cristian Zaccardo and Davide Lanzafame, who are suspended.

 

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PARISI BLOW FOR BARI

Bari have suffered a blow ahead of Saturday's trip to Bologna with confirmation defender Alessandro Parisi will be sidelined for two months.

Parisi was hurt during Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Genoa and tests revealed ligament damage to his left knee, which will keep him out of action until April.

This is an added setback for Bari coach Giampaolo Ventura who already lost defender Andrea Ranocchia with a knee injury for the rest of the season.

"We knew that Parisi had picked up a strong knock but we had hoped it wouldn't be too serious," admitted Ventura.

With both sides having played in midweek, Ventura believes tiredness could be a factor in Sunday's game at the Renato Dall' Ara stadium.

"It is not easy to play every three days," said Ventura.

"My players already showed signs of tiredness in the game at Genoa but we need to make an extra sacrifice and try to take a positive result at Bologna."

Their midweek draw which followed Bari's 2-2 tie against Inter Milan at the weekend allowed the Galletti to climb to ninth in the standings.

Bari coach was pleased with the outcome and hopes his team can return to winning ways having claimed just one win so far this year.

"We brought home a good point at a difficult stadium," said Ventura. "Other times we deserved much more having been held to a draw

but this time I have to say that Genoa didn't deserve to lose.

"Now we must focus on getting three points at Bologna."

The promoted side are just two points behind Palermo, who hold the last European qualifying spot, but Ventura insists his side's aim this season is to defend their Serie A status.

"European football? Our only thoughts are on claiming the necessary points to avoid the drop," said Ventura.

"Once we have assured ourselves a place in Italy's top flight for next season, then we can think of reaching other heights."

Bari's first priority, however, is to end the rot on their travels.

The Galletti's last victory on the road dates back to October 19 when they beat Chievo 2-1 in Verona.

Since then, Ventura's men have mustered two points in six games away from home.

Rivals Bologna look to make amends for their 2-2 tie against Atalanta in midweek.

The Rossoblu thought they had secured three points after a Marco Di Vaio brace had given them a 2-0 lead with 34 minutes played but Atalanta battled back to share the spoils.

The result left the Rossoblu just three points clear of the drop zone.

Bologna coach Franco Colomba preferred to focus on the positives.

"We should have won this game but after Atalanta scored their first goal, my team struggled," said Colomba.

"Now we must turn the page and focus on Bari.

"It will not be easy as this will be our third game this week."

Bologna welcome back midfielder Gaby Mundigayi from suspension.

 

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JUVE APPROACHING MUST-WIN TIME

Juventus' home meeting with former boss Claudio Ranieri and his Roma side is approaching 'must-win' status as the faltering Bianconeri battle to stay in contention for the Champions League places.

A visit from Ranieri and a side he has lifted above Juve in the table will be awkward for coach Ciro Ferrara as he faces increased chatter about his own future in Turin, and a defeat could prove detrimental.

The heat was turned up on Ferrara after a 3-0 home loss to Milan a couple of weeks ago, but he got a reprieve before overseeing a convincing 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Napoli that appeared to strengthen his position.

But the questions immediately returned last weekend with a 1-0 loss to Chievo in Verona that saw Juve drop down to fifth place.

Ferrara has responded with something of a bunker mentality this week, with little said by either him or his players.

But the end result could see some new tricks being tried out tomorrow night.

"It's an important moment of our season," he said.

"I wanted this week behind closed doors to work with much more confidence with the boys and to try some new things without giving benefits to the opponents."

However, Ferrara is not helped by a lengthy injury list, with Vincenzo Iaquinta, Mauro Camoranesi, Martin Caceres, David Trezeguet, Sebastien Giovinco, Christian Poulsen and Luca Marrone all still missing.

There are also doubts over Zdenek Grygera, Nicola Legrottaglie, Mohamed Sissoko, Diego, Fabio Grosso and Claudio Marchisio, while Felipe Melo is suspended.

While Juve are spluttering, Roma are cruising right now, and head to Turin on the back of three successive victories, and with their sights set firmly on catching second-placed AC Milan.

Juve's best hope is that their poor away form - they have won only twice on the road this season - continues, as a defeat to the man they sacked to make way for Ferrara would be particularly galling.

But it would no doubt also be highly satisfying for Ranieri, who insisted this match was not about him proving Juve wrong for sacking him.

"I have no desire for revenge," he said. "I will go and meet some great players and see them all with pleasure.

"We know how difficult it is to beat Juventus. We know we are in a good period of form but we also are aware of the dangers of that. But I am thinking only about Roma."

However, it has not escaped his notice that all the pressure is on his opponent going into the game.

"I am calm," he said. "My only concern is to bring Roma to the top of the table for our fans."

Ranieri could be boosted by the return of Francesco Totti and Philippe Mexes, although both remain doubtful after injury.

Max Tonetto, Stefano Okaka Chuka and Marco Andreolli all remain out.

 

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SAMP BOSS DENIES CASSANO ROW

Sampdoria manager Luigi Del Neri has denied having a bust-up with star striker Antonio Cassano.

The 27-year-old forward has been left out of Samp's squad that will travel to Udinese on Sunday, amid speculation linking him with a move away from Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Cassano was in fine form earlier in the season, as Sampdoria began the campaign well and were gunning down Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

However, since then the controversial forward has only scored three times in the last 11 games for his club.

But manager Del Neri claims there has been no row. "Cassano has not been picked due to a technical choice," he said.

"There's been no dispute, away from home I need more effort and less flair.

"We've spoken and I explained my ideas to him but there was no argument, we had a serious conversation between two men.

"I want forwards who know how to press. It's a normal selection for a coach and normal for a player to accept it, as has happened."

 

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MUTU: MAN CITY SWITCH UNLIKELY

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has played down speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.

The Romania international is reported to be a January target for City boss Roberto Mancini, who has money to spend during the winter window.

Mutu is well known to Mancini from his time spent coaching in Italy, where the talented frontman was a regular source of goals for Juventus and Fiorentina.

He has previous experience of life in England as well, but a 14-month stint at Chelsea between August 2003 and October 2004 ended in disgrace when he was sacked by the club for failing a drugs test.

Mutu has not ruled out the possibility to trying his luck in the Premier League again at some point in the future, but feels now is not the time.

The 31-year-old insists he is fully focused on life in Serie A at present, while he has also hinted that were he to leave Florence a switch to Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk or a return to Dinamo Bucarest would be his preferred option.

"Will I go to Manchester City? I don't think so," Mutu told prosport.ro.

"At the moment I just want to have a successful second half of the season with Fiorentina.

"Would I ever join up with Lucescu at Shakhtar? Yes, why not. I have always respected Mircea Lucescu and appreciated what he has done for my career.

"However, I have promised that I will return to Dinamo Bucarest at the end of my career and I intend to keep that promise."

 

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TOTTI DOUBLE DOWNS CAGLIARI


Francesco Totti kept alive Roma's Serie A title hopes with two late goals as they beat Cagliari 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Trailing 1-0 after substitute Andrea Lazzari's 73rd-minute strike, Totti hit back with two goals - the second from the penalty spot - as Roma snatched a win.

The result has left Roma trailing leaders Inter Milan by two points heading into the final week of the campaign.

Inter held on for a 4-3 win over Chievo. Roma play at Chievo in their last game while Inter travel to face already-relegated Siena.

Roma went into the game knowing that only a win would prevent Inter from clinching the Scudetto.

The Romans had gone unbeaten in 24 games and leapfrogged the Nerazzurri into first place last month to fuel hopes of a first title since 2001 but their stay at the top was shortlived.

Claudio Ranieri's team lost to Sampdoria and Inter capitalised by winning their games to move back into the lead.

Here, Roma were unlucky not to go in front early against Cagliari.

Totti's right-footed strike from 20 yards beat Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti but crashed off the post and stayed out.

Shortly after, Totti fed Luca Toni inside the area and his right-footed attempt was saved by Marchetti.

Roma dominated possession and it seemed only a matter of time before they would go in front.

In the 20th minute, Jeremy Menez threatened with a shot from the edge of the area but it was cleared by Marchetti.

Three minutes later, Menez fired over the bar after Marco Motta's cross.

Three minutes before the break, Menez passed to Motta but the home crowd was again left disappointed as his right-footed attempt from 25 yards struck the left post.

Cagliari suffered a setback after the restart with Marchetti having to leave the game because of a muscle injury.

The visitors brought on Cristiano Lupatelli and he was called into action immediately.

Daniele De Rossi's powerful effort for Roma from outside the area was on target but Lupatelli was equal to the task.

The visitors almost broke the deadlock in the 64th minute.

Lazzari fed Alessandro Matri in the left wing and his left-footed strike towards the bottom left corner was saved by Roma goalkeeper Julio Sergio.

At the other end, Lupatelli was forced to fully stretch to parry away Menez's strike from the edge of the area.

Despite Roma's dominance, Cagliari took a surprise lead in the 73rd minute.

Lazzari's curled free-kick into the bottom right corner beat Julio Sergio.

Menez found Totti and his diagonal strike towards the far post beat Lupatelli.

In the 83rd minute, Roma's prayers were answered when the referee pointed to the spot after Davide Biondini used his hand to deflect John Arne Riise's shot.

Totti marched into the box and drilled the ball past Lupatelli and into the bottom right corner.

The Stadio Olimpico erupted as Roma made sure the title race would go to the last week.


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LEADERS INTER STAY ON COURSE

Inter Milan survived a second-half fightback from Chievo to win 4-3 and remain on course for their fifth successive scudetto.

Jose Mourinho's side headed into the penultimate round of Serie A fixtures holding a two-point lead over Roma and after their rivals came from behind to beat Cagliari 2-1 at home, will take that same advantage into next weekend's final round.

Despite Thiago Motta's own goal after 11 minutes, Inter looked to be coasting to victory after an own goal by Andrea Mantovani (13) and strikes from Esteban Cambiasso (34), Diego Milito (39) and Mario Balotelli (52).

However, Pablo Granoche (60) and Sergio Pellicier (74) pulled the Flying Donkeys back to 4-3 at the San Siro as the visitors threatened to spoil the party. Inter held on, though, and remain in the driving seat as they bid to retain the Serie A title.

Inter, as expected, began at full throttle with Balotelli's long-range free-kick going well over the bar.

In the seventh minute Dejan Stankovic made a more impressive attempt. Fed by Balotelli, the Serb shot from distance but his effort skimmed the crossbar.

In the 12th minute, however, Inter were behind.

Luciano's cross from the right was a real teaser and Motta could only deflect the ball into his own net.

A minute later Inter hit back and again, it was from an own goal. Samuel Eto'o tried his luck with a shot and wheeled away in celebration as Mantovani matched Motta's unwanted feat at the other end.

Maicon forced a save from Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino in the 24th minute after more good work from Balotelli.

Chievo had chances of their own, however, and Granoche's header was only denied by typically excellent shot-stopping from Julio Cesar.

In the 32nd minute Balotelli crossed for Motta to lay it on for Stankovic. The midfielder hammered it first time but Sorrentino was impressive in making the save.

Ten minutes before the break it was 2-1 to Inter. Cambiasso robbed Gennaro Sardo and initiated a slick counter-attack which saw Maicon find his team-mate's run before Cambiasso fired home from close range.

The lead was stretched in the 39th minute. Eto'o cleverly fed Milito before the Argentinian produced a superb lob to beat Sorrentino.

The contest looked effectively over in the 51st minute as Inter made it 4-1.

Maicon's long-range pass found Balotelli in space and watched on with delight as the enigmatic striker matched Milito's effort with a wonderful lob of his own.

Eto'o had a 55th-minute chance to extend the lead but Sorrentino denied him and on the hour mark Chievo threatened to make a fight of it.

Michele Marcolini's 25-yard effort looked speculative, only for Granoche to get in the way and watch as the deflection sent the ball into the back of the net.

The plot thickened in the 74th minute when Chievo reduced the deficit to just one. Pellicier timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and, bearing down on Julio Cesar, produced a cool finish.

Inter refused to go on the defensive, however. Milito shot wide in the 77th minute and Sorrentino was again called upon to deny Eto'o's low shot. He was in action again soon after to deny the same player before Goran Pandev hit the post with the loose ball.

Five minutes from time Stankovic shot over the bar as Chievo failed to come up with one big push to level.



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INTER PREPARING FOR 'FINAL'


Inter Milan will treat their last Serie A game of the season at Siena as a 'final' after seeing their title celebrations postponed.

The Nerazzurri held on for a 4-3 win over Chievo while second-placed Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 2-1 in Rome.

Inter lead the Romans by two points heading into the last weekend of the campaign.

"We have a true final at Siena," said Inter's top scorer Diego Milito.

"We have two days to rest and then we will prepare for this game."

For most of their game against Chievo, Inter fans believed they would clinch their fifth consecutive Italian title after Cagliari had taken a second-half lead at Roma.

But Claudio Ranieri's side came back to put celebrations on hold.

"We have enough experience in football to know that games can change at the last minute," said Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.

"So when the fans at the San Siro exploded with joy, we were able to remain calm because we knew that it wasn't over.

"The race for the Scudetto is open.

"It does not matter when we win it as long as we win it.

"That is why we will go to Siena with the determination and willingness to win this game and thus, clinch the Scudetto."




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