Serie A 2004-2005 #13 De ontknoping!

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Report: Parma take-over complete

Swiss radio has announced that Ticino Hosting have completed their Ŗ20m take-over of Parma, but the club has denied these reports.

The last few days have seen several newspapers in Italy report that the Internet company was in negotiations to buy the troubled club.

Parma were placed under administration after owners Parmalat were hit by a financial scandal and have been looking for new shareholders ever since.

"There was no meeting in Lugano and there is no deal," insisted Gialloblu President Guido Angiolini. "However, if we are to do anything, it'll be before June 30."

Ticino Hosting are owned by Naples-born businessman Gaetano Valenza and are allegedly eager to bring Parma back to their former glory by keeping hold of Ŗ25m-rated Alberto Gilardino and bringing in Coach Zdenek Zeman and ex-Roma director Franco Baldini.

Meanwhile, the Gialloblu have sold Amauri to Chievo, bought up the remaining 50 per cent of Matteo Contini and renewed their co-ownership deals for Emiliano Bonazzoli (Reggina), Ferronetti (Roma), Massaro (Milan) and Ruffini (Pro Sesto).

Parma are not the only club looking at new ownership, as recently relegated Venezia must find new cash if they are to avoid bankruptcy. A group of fans have now proposed to start again with Public Company Venezia United.

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Juventus on Robinho trail

Juventus are on the verge of hijacking Real Madrid’s proposed swoop for Brazilian starlet Robinho.

The latest ‘New Pele’ was believed to be close to a Spanish switch, but reports in his homeland suggest that the Italian club have entered the race for his signature.

The Estado de S. Paulo newspaper claims that the Bianconeri have offered $10m for a 40 per cent stake in the player.

The offer has reportedly been made to the player’s father, Gilvan de Souza, and agent Wagner Ribeiro.

Juventus’ proposed plan is to buy a stake in the attacking sensation but allow him to remain with Santos until his contract ends in 2008.

Robinho would then move to Turin in the same year when Alessandro Del Piero’s contract expires.

The youngster is one of the hottest players in South American football and Santos are believed to have already rejected an offer of Ŗ14m from Real.

Premiership giants Arsenal have also reportedly made a bid even if a switch to Highbury looks unlikely.

Real will reportedly keep trying to sign Robinho until July 8 before pulling out of negotiations.

Should they not sign the Brazilian, they could decide to take an interest in Roma’s Antonio Cassano.

The 23-year-old is expected to leave the Stadio Olimpico this summer with Juventus really keen on his arrival.

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Inter ‘complete’ Solari swoop

Real Madrid’s Santiago Solari will definitely wear the Inter shirt next term, insist numerous reports in Italy.

The Nerazzurri have been in talks for the Argentine winger and a deal has allegedly been agreed.

The midfielder, who will sign once he returns from holiday, will leave Real for nothing after netting himself Ŗ1.6m a season for the next three years.

Solari has been associated with the San Siro giants for over three years after an initial move collapsed in 2002.

The player should have joined Inter as part of the deal that saw Ronaldo turn his back on the Italian club.

But Solari, who was specifically requested by then boss Hector Cuper, failed to agree personal terms and therefore remained in Spain.

The player is Inter’s first signing of the summer but the club are hoping to land another Real ace in the form of Walter Samuel.

The central defender is wanted but his Ŗ3m a season salary demands are a major problem for the outfit.

Roma’s Cristian Chivu is a valid alternative for Samuel but the capital club’s Ŗ10m asking price may be too steep.

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Gianfranco Zola: The Ambassador

It's hard to hear anything negative said about Gianfranco Zola. In fact it’s nigh on impossible to recall reading or hearing anything other than praise for the Sardinian star in the last 15 years or so. Zola has by now attained hero status, and after being presented with such prestigious awards as the OBE last November, and the annual Senatore Salvatore Mannironi prize just a month later for being the Sardinian citizen who's done the most to raise public opinion and esteem of the island, it's impossible to see how the little star can possibly be celebrated further.

His hero status is not just down to genius and skill on the pitch but rather for his combination of skill, professionalism, utmost humility and a determination to improve - even now at the ripe old age of 38. To trace the evolution of a hero, it's necessary to go back to the beginning.

Aged 18, Gianfranco took his first steps in professional football, for local team Nuorese. Previously he’d served his apprenticeship with Corrasi, the modest team of his small hometown Oliena. It wasn’t until 1989 and his move to Napoli, thanks to current Juventus and former Napoli director, Luciano Moggi, that the Italian public at large got to know Zola.

With Napoli he was lucky enough to play in a squad boasting South Americans such as Antonio Careca, Alemao and Daniel Fonseca, but more importantly, he was in the unique position to play substitute to the legendary Diego Armando Maradona. Whilst keeping himself a very respectable distance from all Maradona's personal intrigues, the young Zola made sure to glean as much as possible from the Argentine genius on the field. The training sessions where the two forwards stayed on to practise penalties, swapping feet so Maradona would have a go with his less favoured right foot, while Zola shot with his left, became legendary.

"I learnt everything from Diego," insists the diminutive Sardinian. "I used to spy on him every time he trained and learned how to curl a free-kick just like him. After one year I had completely changed. I saw him do things in training and in matches I had never even dreamed possible. He was simply the best I’ve ever seen. I’m not saying I wouldn’t have been a good player if I had not played with him at that stage of my career but I do know I wouldn’t be the player I am now."

After winning the Scudetto in his first season in the top flight, Zola gained a personal career boost the following spring as Maradona left Naples, handing over the coveted No 10 shirt to his Sardinian successor. Zola did well in Naples, scoring 32 goals in his four seasons there, and was well respected by new Coach Claudio Ranieri and the local supporters.

Unfortunately, due to financial reasons, Napoli had to sell their mercurial attacker. His move to Parma started off well, but after a few seasons and with competition from Hristo Stoichkov, Enrico Chiesa and Hernan Crespo, Coach Carlo Ancelotti found little use for him in his natural position, and the Sardinian felt himself sinking into the shadows.

Zola made the decision to go to London and join Ruud Gullit’s revolution at Stamford Bridge, at a cost of Ŗ4.5m. There began seven happy seasons with the Blues, where Magic Box – as he became known - scored 80 goals, and was named Premier League Player of the Year in 1997 and Best Loved Chelsea Player Ever. Once again financial reasons, just before the intervention of Russian magnate Roman Abramovich, forced the champion to consider potential moves, but Zola knew exactly where he was going. At the age of 37 it was time to go home. Gianfranco became a man on a mission - to bring joy and enthusiasm to the whole of his home island. Something he had done at Chelsea for seven years.

"Zola was undoubtedly one of Chelsea’s greatest players ever," said former chairman Ken Bates. "He’s been a joy to watch and a great influence both on and off the field, particularly because of his great interest with young fans. We owe him a hell of a lot of thanks."

In many ways Zola epitomises the Sardinian character. Strong minded, bordering on the stubborn with a hardworking loyal streak, dignity, respect and an ingrained love of his island and fellow islanders, as well as a great belief in family values. These characteristics make him exemplary as the unofficial ambassador for Sardinia, particularly thanks to his position in the public eye giving him the ability to transmit such values through his words and, even more so, through his actions.

The move to Cagliari was a wise one. Apart from the desire to bring his career to an end at home, the decision to take a step down into Serie B, with the inevitable cut in wages, by a player still at the height of a tremendous career is uncommon. But it paid off. Thanks to their new captain, Cagliari streaked through Serie B, finishing second to Sicilian side Palermo and securing a return to the top flight after a four-year absence. The joy throughout the island was tangible, and lead man Zola had the satisfaction of helping make his and their dreams come true.

With more money in the bank, Chelsea did ask for a return of Magic Box to London. Zola, his wife Franca and their three children Andrea, Martina and Samuele, had all grown extremely fond of life in Britain and the British had certainly grown fond of Zola. When Zola left London, Ranieri said that the aspect he most missed about him was how rival fans would applaud when he stepped from the Blues’ coach at away matches. Napoli also made an offer to bring Zola back. The Rossoblu captain stuck to his guns, though, and after a few days of speculation, the announcement came that he was staying on to lead his team in the top flight.

Apart from his loyalty to Cagliari, Zola also wanted his children to experience growing up in Italy. The Blues’ fans, however, have proved just as loyal to their hero as he was to his island. Match after match a handful of Londoners would turn up at the Sant'Elia to follow Zola’s progress, and the Chelsea merchandising shops quickly saw the opening and copies of his No 10 Cagliari shirt were put on sale in London.

Now that he’s an OBE, Zola feels his ties to Britain are even firmer. His award was given for services to the British game, and he was described as an excellent ambassador for football and an ideal model for young fans, as well as the most enduring and popular foreign player in the history of Chelsea Football Club. The work he does for charity was also praised. Receiving the OBE left Zola almost speechless, but he did manage to say how honoured he was and how sorry he was to leave Britain.

At a time when it’s generally the bad boys who make the headlines, when stadium violence is once again a problem in Italy, and player behaviour leaves a lot to be desired, someone like Zola - with his wholesome, enthusiastic and sportsman’s attitude - is a breath of fresh air. Those Sardinian characteristics of his, particularly his integrity and belief in family values, have helped him along the way, and the knowledge that he has honesty on his side gives him the confidence to speak out when he thinks it right.

"My greatest satisfaction is off the pitch for the way people consider me and the respect they give me," insisted Zola. "Many people excel in games but when you have achieved that level of respect it is something special. Money can give you many things but respect cannot be bought. What I have achieved in the way people regard me, in my mind, is remarkable."

Zola will never be forgotten in Cagliari. In the hero stakes he's already up there alongside the Rombo di Tuono - Gigi Riva - who led the Rossoblu to their only championship title back in 1970. Riva has been declared an honorary Sardinian, and was celebrated with enormous banners displayed by the public at the friendly between Italy and Russia in February. Undoubtedly Zola – the Ambassador for Calcio – will be given a similar tribute now that his time has come.

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Op donderdag 30 juni 2005 19:00 schreef methodmich het volgende:
En Parma natuurlijk.

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Parma sale hits problem

There is more uncertainty regarding the future of Parma Football Club after their proposed sale failed to take place on Thursday.

Swiss company Ticino Hosting were widely expected to complete their Ŗ20m take-over today, but that hasn’t happened.

It is unclear at this stage why the deal has stalled but there are a number of theories circulating in Emilia this evening.

One is that Parma’s failure to sell Alberto Gilardino, to either Milan or Chelsea, has seen the Tardini outfit’s value on the market increase.

Another is that the club would rather sell to a new consortium of local businessmen rather than the Swiss, who are owned by Naples-born entrepreneur Gaetano Valenza.

Parma were placed under administration after major-backers Parmalat were hit by a financial scandal and have been looking for new owners ever since.

It was rumoured that Valenza was set to bring in Coach Zdenek Zeman and former Roma sporting director Franco Baldini.

Meanwhile, Juventus have received an Ŗ11m cash injection after selling their official headquarters to Turin company Virgiliocinque.

The Bianconeri, however, will continue to rent the building in Corso Galileo Ferraris from the new owners.

That cash could now be used during this summer’s transfer market, mainly to aid their assault on Roma’s Antonio Cassano.

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Op donderdag 30 juni 2005 20:07 schreef Peter83 het volgende:
Ik wil mijn titel wel verdedigen, dus doe ik ook weer mee met Samp!

Leuk al die transfernieuwtjes zeg. Heb jij nog meer sites die vol staan met Italiaanse geruchten DIGGER? Channel4 en Calciomercato zijn uiteraard bekend.

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Inter confirm Vieri split

Christian Vieri is today without a club after Inter confirmed that they had mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

The striker’s deal was set to expire in June 2006 but has been rescinded following talks over the last few days.

"Negotiations between the club and the player were friendly at every stage, respecting the needs of either party," read a statement on the club’s website.

All the necessary paperwork was deposited with the Italian Football League on Friday morning.

"Inter would like to thank Christian Vieri for his contribution, over the last six years, to the history of this club," continued the Nerazzurri statement.

"Christian Vieri thanks Inter and the fans for their professional respect for him and affection during the relationship."

No financial details of the settlement have been revealed, but it is believed that the striker was handed around Ŗ6m to terminate his contract a year early.

Vieri is now a free agent and is already being linked with Juventus, Milan, Chelsea, Tottenham, CSKA Moscow, Valencia and Atletico Madrid.

Vieri scored 122 goals for Inter since his move from Lazio in 1999.

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Op maandag 27 juni 2005 14:40 schreef ChAoZ het volgende:
Is er ook een lijstje beschikbaar?

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Op vrijdag 1 juli 2005 12:17 schreef -Vaduz- het volgende:
Zou Mourinho in Vieri de nieuwe topspits zien? Ik denk het niet.

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Op vrijdag 1 juli 2005 15:23 schreef The_BoezelaaR het volgende:
@Afunados;

Hoe denkt men bij Fiorentina over de evt. komst van Landzaat?

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Op vrijdag 1 juli 2005 15:47 schreef Afunados het volgende:
Denk inderdaad niet dat Fiorentina er rond de 10 miljoen voor over heeft(ze zullen niet zeker niet boven de 5 milj. voor hem gaan). Met hetzelfde geld kunnen ze namelijk Ledesma, Pizarro of Diarra halen, die bovendien een klasse beter zijn.