Calcio Mercato: Nedved Retires, Palermo sign 'new Kaka'

Palermo have completed the signing of impressive Argentine Javier Pastore from Argentine side Huracan on a five year deal. Its been reported that he apparently turned down offers from Manchester United, Inter Milan and Arsenal to join the Southern side. This is a great move for Palermo, it will take the whole creative burden off Trequartista Miccoli and allow him to play upfront with Palermo's star player last season, Edison Cavani who registered 14 league goals. With Pastore in the side, expect Cavani's total to increase.

Can Palermo really challenge for the league?
Last week former Inter legend and new Palermo coach Walter Zenga stated he wanted Palermo to win the Scudetto. It would seem a ridiculous claim, but after Genoa's progression last season every midtable side now is looking to take the step to the next level. For me, Palermo would do well to make European football, especially with Genoa, Napoli and Lazio all looking stronger and not to mention the usual top of the table contingent. Who knows though, if they start the season well then anything is possible.

Nedved to retire, from Serie A
Pavel Nedved will no longer grace the stadiums of the Italian league. The 36 year old has hung up his boots on Italian soil for the last time, leaving offers from Lazio, Inter and a management capacity job from Juventus on the table. The link to Inter was surprising given the hatred between them and Juventus and would have damaged a brilliant legacy at Juventus, without doubt one of the world's biggest clubs. However, all that is irrelevant now and it has been suggested that Nedved may continue playing on in either the MLS or the United Arab Emirates.

Without doubt, one of the best players, if not perhaps the best in some peoples eyes, that the world has seen in the last 15 years or so. As a player he was complete. He had a vicious shot, with either foot, and was great in the air. He had a tireless work rate, and was not shy to the odd heavy tackle or two. He lifted the much coveted Ballon'dor in 2003, despite being suspended for the Champions League final that year against AC Milan. One can't help but wonder what would have been in that match had he played, and it certainly would have been much more difficult for Milan to have won. Still, he did taste European success with Lazio in the last edition of the Cup Winners Cup in 1999, with him of course scoring the winning goal from outside the area, and again later that year in the European Super Cup against Manchester United where his side Lazio ran out 1-0 winners. When he moved to Juve to replace Zidane as the midfield architect, many were not convinced. Yet he filled the great mans boots greatly, leading Juve to two straight Scudetto's in 2002 and 2003 to end the dominance of the Rome clubs, something Zidane could not do. Still, all good things come to an end. Good buy Pavel, thanks for the memories. Brazilian wonder Diego now replaces Nedved. He is certainly up to the task and is a very similar player. Will we speak of him in the same vein in ten years time?

The best of Pavel Nedved
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KABU2jT4fA&feature=fvsr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLljrAi8cOE

Image: Pavel Lebeda

Calcio Mercato: Matuzalem signs

Lazio have completed the signing of Francelino Matuzalem from spanish club Real Zaragoza for 6.5 million euros. Juan Pablo Carrizo goes the other way on loan, leaving Lazio after a disappointing season. Matuzalem's season with Lazio was injury plagued, but once he returned he showed his quality, the highlight being a brilliant through ball for Tommaso Rocchi to score against Juventus in the coppa Italia semi final in Rome to send 50,000 Lazio fans mental. He is a player who undoubtably adds to the quality of the team. Foggia, Zarate, Kolarov, Lichsteiner and Muslera are the players that the team should be built around if Ledesma and Pandev leave and Matuzalem, and of course Eliseu, are a great start and if he stays fit will contribute in terms of passing and goals I am sure.

In other mercato news Luciano Zauri has completed a loan move from Lazio to Sampdoria. The talented right back simply had no room to go back to Lazio with Lichsteiner and De Silvestri occupying the right back position. A move ultimately is good for both clubs as it is money in Lazio's pocket and further quality in Sampdoria's squad. Samp were a team who got left behind last year and if they don't add more then Palermo, Lazio, Genoa, Fiorentina, Roma and Napoli will simply stretch further ahead of the 1991 Italian Champions in their quest to close the gap on the big three. All in all, a good signing for Samp and he joins Napoli's Mannini in the Doria team for next season.

Additionally, Fabio Caserta has left Lecce to join Atalana. The promising 20 year old joins Robert Aquafresca and now Simone Tirribochi in the Atalanta line up for next season. The Bergamo side will not be short on goals in the next campaign even after the loss of Sergio Floccari and Luca Cigarini it would seem. Can they finish in the top ten, or go even better. Probably not with Genoa, Napoli, Lazio and Palermo and Udinese looking likely to complete the top half with the likes of Milan, Juve, Inter, Fiorentina and AS Roma. Lets wait and see, I am drooling for the start of the season

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
ITALIAN SUPER CUP: INTER MILAN V SS LAZIO AUGUST 8TH BEIJING CHINA
SEASON STARTS: SATURDAY AUGUST 22ND 2008. FIXTURES WILL BE POSTED WHEN KNOWN

Calcio Mercato: Felipe Melo deal done?

It would appear that Fiorentina and Brazil sensation Felipe Melo is due to complete his move from Fiorentina to Juventus tonight. Juventus it would seem will send Marco Marchionni in the opposite direction along with 21.5 million euros making the deal worth 25 million in total. This will benefit both teams in the long run. Juventus now have a world class midfield with Diego, Sissoko, Camoranesi and Marchisio in the mix, not to mention Giovinco, alongside Melo. For the Viola, although this sale will be a dissapointment they now have a substantial transfer kitty available and a pretty decent player in Marchionni.

In other news Napoli have continued their mercato revolution. So far quality additions in Quagliarella, Cigarini and goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis have arrived. But it would seem that this was not enough. Today promising defender Zuinga from Siena has arrived as well as fellow defender Campagnaro from Sampdoria. Napoli join Genoa, Juventus and Inter in being in my view the best active teams on the market in Italy so far. Milan, Lazio, Roma and Fiorentina still have work to do if they are to keep up the pace. However, the market is young and there is plenty of time.

Inter Milan: Campioni 17

Inter Milan secured their 17th Scudetto in the championship just passed in some style. Once again they were the dominant team in Serie A and finished 10 points clear of both Juventus and AC Milan. It was of course their fourth title in a row, but next season will be much more difficult, as a transfer last night to bitter rivals Juventus confirmed. We will go into that later.

The League Campaign
Inter barley put a foot wrong. Grinding out wins, unbeatable at home and the magic of Zlatan, Maicon and Julio Cruz lead them to the title. Other teams were more spectacular and better to watch, Milan on their day for example, yet nobody could mirror Inter's consistency. Additionally, when they needed to deliver against the big Serie A sides they did just that. Home to Juventus, they won. Home to Milan, they won. Away to Roma in an early season test, they won. Home to a tough Fiorentina side, they won. A pattern has emerged here. Much credit must go to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His 25 goals, some out of this world and some out of this universe, lead them to the title and him to the top of the top scorers chart.

Has Mourinho improved Inter?
Yes, in my view he has. They are a tougher side than the one that won last season. Muntari has been an excellent buy and towards the end of the season was linking up with big Ibra really well. They appear mentally tougher as well. Last season after loosing to Napoli in the league they almost blew the Championship in the seasons closing stages, but not this time. Again they lost in the cauldron of the San Paolo, but this time they regained their composure and wraped the league up.

Mario Balotelli and Davide Santon
Who says that youngsters don't get chances in big sides? Indeed, Inter have introduced Santon and continued with Balotelli this season to great effect. The latter will be, if he keeps his head, one of the best forwards in the world in the next few years, whilst Santon shows composer and class well beyond his 18 years. Two players that would have usually cost big spenders Inter millions, have cost nothing through a youth policy that is growing favourably for the Italian giants.

Faliure in Europe
It was an all told failure this season from start to finish. Failure to top their group and invite the danger of holders Manchester Utd saw them exit early again. Ibra needs more support on this stage, and a likely return to 4-3-3 with Balotelli and now Milito involved will give him just that. Factor into this new signing Thiago Motta and Inter may have found the midfielder than can help them push on further into this competition. However, to win it they may need more. A real creative genius like Franck Ribery, maybe they can find one in their new prosperous youth system.

Can anyone stop an 18th Scudetto?
Yes, now Juventus can. Inter fans wont like to hear this, but the signing of Felipe Melo now completes Juve's midfield, which with Diego, Sissoko, Marchisio and Camoranesi now is arguably the best in Serie A, and one of the best in Europe. Additionally, although slow of the mark so far this transfer campaign, Milan, if they sign prospected purchases in Huntelaar and Fabiano will not be far behind a Scudetto push. Roma and Fiorentina are perhaps the only others that can Challenge, as Lazio, although cup holders, are too inconsistent to at the moment although they may have the ability to beat some of the big sides. Roma, without the Champions League, could focus their energy on the league and they did go close two seasons ago whilst the prospect of a Fiorentina challenge has been developing for some time.

Juventus: Refurbishment complete, almost

Whatever way you look at it, and whoever you support, Serie A is just not complete without Juventus. Its like having a toaster without any bread, its not right. Rightly or wrongly they spent a season in the cadetti and last year completed a solid season finishing a respectable third behind AS Roma and Champions Inter. This season passed they improved that to a decent second place and the second round in the Champions League after going out, perhaps undeservedly after a ridiculous sending off, to semi finalists Chelsea. But that does not tell the whole story.

The League Campaign
When Juve were good, they were very good. The 4-1 away win in Rome over Roma, the 4-2 win at home to AC Milan. However, they just fell short of Inter's consistency throughout the season. Silly defeats at home to Palermo and Cagliari with points also dropped against Lecce, Atalanta and Reggina ensured Ranieri got the sack, and frankly rightly so. He was not the man to take them to the elite level of Europe's elite once again, and silly tactical and personnel decisions throughout the season eventually saw him shown the exit. In comes Ciro Ferrara, and unknown commodity, much like Pep Guardiola at Barcelona last season. Its a gamble no doubt, but Juve's directors seem to be giving him the tools to compete for the Scudetto and last four in the Champions League.

The new players
Brazilian revelation Diego has arrived. Quite how it would appear no other team in Europe was to compete for his signature was beyond me. Maybe an agreement has been their for a while, but this is a player who is capable of the sublime and will be a perfect replacement for Nedved down the left channel. Great feet, a lethal shot and genius passing give Juve a player who can be as influential as Ibrahimovic was for Inter last year, or Kaka was for Milan in 2007. In other words, world class. The defence has been tightend also, Fabio Cannavaro has arrived and will bring a sense of stability to the back line and additional options to the brilliant Chielini and robust Legrottaglie. However, additional players are needed. The midfield requires a central playmaker. The move for D'Agostino appears dead in the water but Fiorentina revelation Felipe Melo could be moving to Turin to fill this hole. Additionally, a left back is required. Andre Santos could be the man to fill this position after a good showing for Brazil and the confederations cup, Fabio Grosso has been linked also. Rumour has it they are looking for a forward to. With Giovinco, Amauri, Del Piero, Iaquinta and Trezeguet on the books one questions the need for this, but with Trezeguet rumoured to be on his way out Goran Pandev is rumoured to be on his way in. This has been met with some resitence for the Juve faithful, but he will not be first choice and perhaps satisfied to offer cover off the bench at a European giant like Juve.

Seasons expectations
The signing of Diego was a real coup, and factor into this the potential signing of Melo then Juve arguably have the best midfield in Italy, and one of the best in Europe. They have in Diego found the player that Inter has craved for, a creative midfielder than can assist the attack with devastating effect. It looks like a very good side, and I believe a Scudetto challenge is well on the cards.

Calcio Mercato Roundup

Another busy week in the world of mercato has seen several speculated deals confirmed. Motta has also completed his move to Inter, and will join former team mate Diego Milito in the benemata ranks. However, it appears that the proposed deal for Twente sensation Marko Arnatovic to Inter has fallen through due to Twente not willing to loan out the player. This could leave the door open for Lazio who have mentioned interest before in Arnatovic, and with a number of clubs unwilling to buy because of a current foot injury the Aquilotti could use this to their advantage and strike for a deal. Lazio have also joined Napoli and Fiorentina in the battle to acquire the services of Inter Milan's Julio Cruz, a player who would add depth to either of these three clubs.

Milan go Hunting
Meanwhile across in the red and black half of Milan their search for a hitman continues and they may have found a solution in the form of Real Madrid player Klass Jan Huntelaar. Here is a player who has no trouble in finding the back of the net and would fit in perfectly at Milan and will likely move on a loan deal. He is the type of player AC have lacked in a while, a forward who can get 25 goals in a season without too much trouble, and taking into consideration the relationship between Real and Milan a deal is very likely. However, Milan it would appear are not only after the 'Hunter'. They still are intent on landing Brazil forward Luis Fabiano to their forward line at a decent price. The reported 30 million euro buyout clause is high for a player aged 28, and they will look to get a fee much lower if possible.

Lazio watch: Pandev and Ledesma issue roles on
Are they going, are they staying? Im not even sure the Lazio fans, like myself, care anymore either way. Why? because we all wanted a quality centre back this summer, not to search for players in positions that we though we had filled. Pandev still looks the most likely to leave, although he has somewhat shot himself in the foot by admitting this before the season even ended. Indeed in recent days, the pair have both backtracked somewhat admitting as much that they could stay at Lazio. In my eyes, this would only be acceptable if they were to sign new contracts, as opposed to leaving on a free transfer in the not so distant future.

Juve continue their search for a central midfielder
And the search here goes on. D'Agostino, Melo, Diarra, and Cristian Ledesma have all been mentioned but still the whole next to Mommo Sissoko has not been filled. They made the error of signing Poulson last season, but at least this time in many respects they seem to be putting much though into who arrives. It has to be said though, Juve look ready for a title challenge. With a midfield that contains Camoranesi, Diego and Sissoko it is already very competent, and one of the aformentioned names could make it the best midfield in Italy.

Roma look for a hitman
Its no secret that the cash has dried up on the red side of Rome, and while injuries could be to blame for a poor season just passed they do need someone to put the ball into the back of the net and to take the pressure of Totti. Thus they need a bargain, and perhaps Ruud Van Nistelrooy could help them out here. They had been linked to Sheva, but that rumour seems to have died a death.

Huntelaar image: Tsutomu Takasu

Lazio season review: Aquilotti flying high again, what next?

A disappointing league season was put into shadow thanks to a glorious Coppa Italia campaign that resulted in a fifth title for the Aquilotti and a ticket into the inaugural Europa League next season. Thus, our Lazio are back where they belong, back in Europe. Some may question that when they only finished 10th in the league, but performances against Juve and Milan in the Coppa suggest that they can do Italy proud in Europe next season. Indeed, depsite only finishing 10th in the league, there were many positives for the laziale out their to focus on. Finally, Pasquale Foggia was given the time to show his quality down the Stadio Olimpico wings, quality that Delio Rossi initially appeared to doubt. In the end Rossi had no option but to play the Italy international and the fruits of this decision were their to be seen in the creativity that the little wizard produced week in week out. Alexander Kolarov also showed he has the potential to be a world class wing back, he gets forward well and can add to the offensive side of the Lazio game, much as Maicon does at Inter. Kolarov does though need to improve on the defensive side of his game, and as the season progressed he did.

Seasons discovery
Without doubt though, the discovery of the season was Mauro Zarate. The young Argentine showed glimpses of absolute brilliance that suggests he can become one of the best strikers in the world. Some of his footwork and the goals he scored defied belief at times, and the goals he scored in the derby and in the Coppa Italia final and semi will have him written into laziale legend. 16 goals in all competitions saw him top the clubs scoring charts and I think the fans will be justified in expecting a lot more next season as after all this was his first season in Serie A.

What next for Lazio
The fans will expect more from Lazio now they have won their first trophy for five years. Indeed, Lazio may get the chance to win another in the European Super cup on August 8th although the will have to get past Inter Milan first. Still, what really is required is a competitive Serie A season after finishing 12th and 10th in the last two seasons. They have taken steps to address this already after completing the signing of Portuguese international Eliseu for a bargain fee. However, problems have arisen already after key players Pandev and Ledesma have requested transfers to pastures new. They are not irreplaceable, but it forces club president Lotito to look for more holes to fill in the team, as really finding a quality centre back should have been the focus. Brazilian central mid Matuzalem does look like joining though after a decent loan spell. One thing Lazio also need to do is to trim the squad down, well over 40 players deep, to raise some additional transfer capital and of course cut back on wages.

What can Lazio fans expect next season
So long as any players who leave are competently replaced then Lazio can I believe look forward to a very decent run in both cup competitions as they seem to be able to rise to the big occasions. As far as the league goes then if they can achieve greater consistency from new manager Davide Ballardini then challenging for a top seven finish should not be beyond them, but with the likes of Napoli and Genoa re-enforcing and with three competitions in the offing then it will be difficult, but not impossible, to be successful in everything.

Next on all things calcio: Mercato round up, Inter, Juventus and Milan season reviews