McNamee Going to The Internets To Make a Buck off Clemens...

Guess Brian McNamee is profiting off his association with Clemens and others in Major League Baseball anyway after having his life thrown through the ringer...

Brian McNamee is selling between 50 and 60 pieces of signed Roger Clemens memorabilia through a Boston-area dealer.

McNamee, who faces a defamation lawsuit from Clemens after testifying to Mitchell report investigators and Congress that he injected the seven-time Cy Young Award-winner with steroids and human growth hormone, has turned the items over to sports memorabilia dealer Phil Castinetti of Sportsworld in Saugus, Mass.

The story was first reported by the Boston Herald.

Items signed by Jose Canseco, Andy Pettitte and Jason Grimsley are also part of the sale.

Castinetti believes the items, including signed hats, jerseys, photographs and baseballs, could fetch as much as $75,000. He has already starting listing them on the Internet auction site eBay! .

"He was going to throw this stuff away," Castinetti told the New York Daily News. "Because of the hard feelings between him and Clemens, he wanted nothing to do with it."

Ah, only in America...

Miggy Returns to Baltimore

There has been a lot of discussion online about return of Miguel Tejada as the Houston Astros come into town Tuesday-Thursday at the Yard. Anyhow, he was signed to a monster deal in 2004 to a piece of the puzzle to vault the Orioles back into contention.

He had a career season in '04, driving in 150 runs and slamming 34 homers; however, in the years after, he was very productive, but did not come close to his numbers the first year in an Oriole uniform.

Let's fast forward to 2008 -- he's now two years older than originally thought; he's gotten slower, and has been ensnared into the whole Mitchell Report mess.

All that above is the l! east of his problems.

He could be indicted for apparently lying to the Feds about his involvement in the Rafael Palmeiro affair, as well as his alleged drug use.

When he was with the Orioles, he was the offense force, but yet also perhaps was a detriment to the team through his constant trade demands, whining, also earned the ire of fans based on his play at shortstop -- which had started to decline in his tenure with the Orioles.

There have been a few articles in the Sun (here, here) and also Roch has opined about it, but what do you all think?

Barack Obama Is Now Our President-Elect...

Congratulations Barack Obama.

There's not much more to be said aside from this being not only a watershed moment in America -- but the around the globe. I never thought I'd see this day -- an African American, bi-racial man elected President of the United States of America -- this soon in my lifetime.

To see the tapestry of people -- of all colors now in Chicago, but all over the country, in front of the White House, bars, universities, etc., on TV -- not only put a smile on my face, but brought me to tears.

What a moment; thus, whatever side! of the aisle you're on -- whether you agree with him ideologically or not -- give this man the respect as the future leader of the United States of America. We're not a union of only black, white, brown, yellow, red rich or poor, red or blue stater, young or old -- we're all Americans are in this all together.

A night like tonight reminds me why we are the greatest nation in the world. We've started the road to moving on from the pain of the past, and hopefully we'll go further from this night forward.

John McCain, no matter what has happened or what people think of you -- you're a great American -- and thanks for finishing this race off with dignity.

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Pudge Rodriguez an Oriole?

With the Baltimore Orioles seemingly in need a catcher -- a starter, backup, or otherwise -- while phenom Matt Wieters may start the year in Triple-A to get some seasoning, there have been talks of former Oriole Gregg Zaun taking the role.

However, there has been another name of late who has joined the fray -- Ivan "Pugde" Rodroguez.

Baltimore Sun blogger and columnist Peter Schmuck brought up this topic in a recent blog post, as he says:

From the Baltimore Sun: Former Oriole Gregg Zaun remains the free-agent catcher most likely to end up in the Orioles lineup on Opening Day, but there have been conversations with agent Scott Boras about veteran Ivan Rodriguez (left). Whether he would be a good fit to mentor Matt Wieters and eventually step aside for the O's top minor league prospect has been a subject of some discussion in the O's front office.

>>> Read More

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Michael Phelps Taken to the Woodshed by Columinst Michael Wilbon? Can He Vent About Anything Else in Society?

Again, can we get over this. In comparison to what goes on in sports, why some columnists have decided on hop on their high horse is beyond me.

Case in point: The Washington Post's Michael Wilbon.

While I always appreciate his candor, knowledge and insight, I think he's gone way too in criticizing Phelps's current problems. I mean as if smoking marijuana is the worst thing that takes place in sports. Seriously, in 2008, do we expect our athletes or much less anyone who has celebrity to seriously think that their public life is the same as their personal?

>>> Read More

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O's Lose to Florida in Extra Frames; The Future is Looking Bright...

This afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles lost to the Florida Marlins, 3-2, in ten innings thanks a solo-game winning home run by Robert Andino in the tenth inning off reliever Ross Wolf.

Brad Bergesen started the game for Baltimore and went four innings, and gave up two runs. Andino and Jay Gibbons drove both of Florida's runs in the second inning. The Oriole relief corps would keep the team into the game until they tied it in the ninth inning. Brian Bass, Wilfredo Perez, Kam Mickolio, Bob McCrory and Alberto Castillo each threw a scoreless inning.

Baltimore scored in the first inning as Florida's Cameron Maybin misplayed a Lou Montanez flyball that plated Scott Moore -- who reached a via a double.

>>> Read More

Wieters & Daniel Cabrera Released from Washington

I am all for Matt Wieters coming up to the majors, being annointed as the savior of the franchise, selling tickets and walking on water; however, for all my excitement -- will he make the team better? Not really -- at least now?

I do love that the best prospect in the game will make his debut in the black and the orange on Friday against the Tigers, but the influx of young talent -- more than anything, the young pitching -- will determine how far we go.

The timing of the announcement was a little odd in my mind, but hey, the team needs buzz, attendance is sagging and was only above ten thousand yesterday; however, as Andy MacPhail said, "it's about time".

Baltimore is not going to contend, and the organization might as well bring up the arms who are performing on the farm. Let's see what everyone has got.

>>> Read More

Boston Invades Camden Yards -- Again; They Take The First Contest of Three Game Set

For the second night in a row, the Baltimore Orioles offense was listless, and in the end, the more-than-likely-playoff bound Boston Red Sox, upended them, 3-1. Young Clay Buchholz pitched his way to victory number three on the season as he went six innings and gave up a run on five hits. Jonathan Papelbon earned the save, his 37th.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Guthrie, who has struggled throughout the season, took his 15th loss of the year, which leads all of baseball. Guthrie was not terrible, but against a very strong Buchholz, he just didn't get the job done. He labored through 5 2/3 innings, and gave up three runs -- off a Casey Kotchman RBI-single in the second inning, a Jason Bay homer in the fourth -- a solo shot, and Jacoby Ellsbury plated in a run in the sixth inning.

Luke Scott looks to have finally gotten hot as he hit a solo home run in the bottom of ! the second, his 23rd; however, that was all the offense Baltimore could really muster.On the night, the Orioles weren't terrible, but the Red Sox found ways to execute and create opportunities when they needed to against Guthrie. One must consider that the Baltimore offense has been sapped of much of it's firepower due to Adam Jones being hurt, Aubrey Huff being traded, and Melvin Mora's average, RBIs, and power all but being sapped, the Orioles will more than likely have their hands full against premium teams.

>>> Read More

Bill Guerin Traded to Penguins - Finally!

Well this trade has been considered imminent since Friday. Bill Guerin has been traded to the Penguins according to TSN.

In return the Islanders get a condition draft pick from Pittsburgh. As of now it's a 5th rd pick, if the Penguins make the playoffs it becomes a 4th rd pick and if the Penguins win a round in the playoffs it becomes a 3rd pick.

Looks like the Islanders will be cheering for the Penguins for the next few months

Rangers Clinch Playoff Spot!

Rangers 2 - Flyers 1

The Rangers are in the NHL playoffs for the fourth straight season after beating the Flyers tonight at the Garden. It turns out that the Rangers would've gotten in tonight even if they hadn't won because the Thrashers beat the Florida Panthers tonight in regulation to eliminate them from postseason contention.

Henrik Lundqvist had one of his best games of the season in route to the 2-1 win tonight. He also made one of his best saves of the season when he robbed Daniel Carcillo who had a point blank one timer denied in the third period to keep the game at 2-1.

The Rangers got goals in the first period from Markus Naslund (just 52 seconds in) and what turned out to be the game-winner, a deflection by Ryan Callahan. Daniel Briere scored for the Flyers in the second period on the power play ! to make it a one goal game, but that is how it remained until the final buzzer.

Rangers play the Flyers in Philly on Easter Sunday with both teams guaranteed playoff spots, now they just have to determine where they will be seeded.

Rangers playoff tickets on eBay, StubHub & RazorGator

Phoenix Signs Prucha & Trades Reinprecht

According to TSN:

Phoenix has traded centre Steve Reinprecht to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Stefan Meyer.

The Coyotes have also signed forward Petr Prucha to a two-year deal.

Reinprecht, meanwhile, has signed a three-year deal with the Panthers.

Reinprecht's three-year deal has a cap hit of $2.050 million. He will get $1.8 million in the first year and $2.175 million in each of the following two years.

Chris Drury Video Interview

Calling All Leafs Fans --- Put A Bag On Your Head!

 

Show the Leafs how pissed you are at their losing ways. At the same time, help out some kids. Every purchase helps out the SickKids foundation. This is a great fund raising idea by a group of disgruntled Leafs fans. According to Upsetfan.com:

Our Goal is to raise $100,000 dollars for the SickKids foundation. We need your help in order to do so. Lets show SickKids and all of Canada how loyal we truly are.

What exactly is this and why are they doing it? According to the Globe & Mail:

Two disgruntled Maple Le! afs fans have decided to turn the team's futility and Toronto's growing shame over it into something worth smiling about.Dave Armstrong, 47, a business partner in Wave Hockey, has joined plumbing and gas-fitting specialist Marco Aiello, 34, to sell special bags to cover the faces of embarrassed Leafs fans, plus T-shirts and other items that indicate the wearer is loyal - but upset.

Sponsors: Stubhub | RazorGator | TicketsNow | TickCo

Big names.

NASCAR ratings low again.

Weekend ratings predictions.

Panthers/Giants draws strong numbers.

Cardinals/Panthers lowest rated Divisional Round game since '00.

Roberts strikes back against A-Rod.

Big names.

Heels' coronation draws third-lowest overnight.

Big number, big drop, for NASCAR.

The ratings game.

Comcast/NBC deal coming soon?

Bad start for NASCAR on ABC

Hasil Pertandingan | La Liga Spnyol 2009/2010 | Barcelona vs Getafe 2 - 0.

Barcelona kembali meraih kemenangan saat membekuk Getafe 2 - 0 dalam lanjutan kompetisi La Liga Spanyol 2009/2010. Ibrahimovic dan Messi adalah pencetak gol kemenangan Barca.

Raihan ini meneruskan hasil positif Barca di pertandingan sebelumnya yang mengalahkan Sporting Gijon dengan tiga gol tanpa balas.

Bermain di kandang lawan, Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Sabt! u (12/9/09), Barcelona tak menurunkan Messi dan Henry sebagai starter. Akibatnya awal babak pertama kubu tuan rumah mampu tampil menekan dan membuat lini pertahanan Barca ketetran.

Tembakan Roberto Soldado dimenti ke-12 hampir saja membuat Getafe unggul jika saja tidak membentur tiang gawang. Getafe kembali bermasalah dengan tiang, kali ini sontekan dari Juan Albin di menit 28 kembali harus menyasar pada mistar.

Dua menit berselang giliran Barcelona yang mendapat peluang lewat Seydou Keita. Namun sayang tembakannya masih melebar.

Blaugrana yang mulai panas mendapat peluang matang dari Ibra di menit 44. Namun penyerang internasional Swedia itu gagal menuntaskan peluang setelah hanya tingal berhadapan satu lawan satu dengan kiper Getafe, Oscar Ustari. Skor imbang kacamata ini bertahan ! sampai turun minum.

Masuknya Messi dan Iniesta di m! enit 58 membuat daya serang Barca lebih tajam. Alhasil enam menit kemudian Ibrahimovic mampu mencetak gol yang membawa tim tamu unggul 1 - 0.

Unggul satu angka Barca masih mencoba menggedor. Di menit 79 giliran Messi yang unjuk gigi. Ia sukses menggandakan keunggulan tim tamu melalui sundulannya memanfaatkan umpan yang dilepaskan Ibra. Selanjutnya kedua tim sempat berbalas melakukan serangan namun sampai wasit Eduardo Iturralde González meniup peluit panjang tanda berakhirnya pertandingan skor tidak berubah.

Kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2009/2010 | Maradona, Sulitnya Wujudkan Harapan

Dua pertandingan terakhir di kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010 disebut Diego Maradona sebagai laga tersulit yang pernah dia jalani. Sebagai pelatih, dia mengaku tak menyangka bakal berhadapan dengan situasi seperti sekarang ini.

"Sebagai pelatih saya tak berharap dihadapkan pada situasi seperti ini. Kami harus mengalahkan Peru dan melanjutkan kemenangan d! i Paraguay," ungkap Maradona jelang dalam konferensi pers, Kamis (8/10/2009) waktu setempat seperti diberitakan Reuters.

Duduk di posisi lima klasemen sementara zona CONMEBOL, Argentina wajib memetik kemenangan di dua laga tersisa untuk setidaknya menjaga peluang lolos lewat jalur play off. Malang buat 'Tango' perjuangan mereka diprediksi bakal sulit lantaran performa Lionel Messi cs dalam beberapa pekan terakhir sangat mengkhawatirkan.

Untuk laga hidup-mati yang sudah menunggu di depannya, Maradona sudah melakukan beberapa perubahan. Di antaranya adalah dengan memperbanyak pemain lokal yang merumput di Liga Argentina. Berbekal hal tersebut dan kemenangan 2-0 atas Ghana di laga ujicoba, Maradona mengaku masih yakin akan peluangnya lolos.

"Sebagai pelatih, jelas ini merupakan pertandingan tersulit buat saya, dan di dalam ! diri saya punya kepercayaan diri yang tinggi," sambung pahlawa! n Argent ina di Piala Dunia 1986 itu.

Meski disebut-sebut sebagai pesepakbola terbaik yang pernah dilahirkan, Maradona tak punya bakat melatih. Di pertengahan 1990-an dia sempat membesut Mandiyu dan Racing Club di Liga Argentina. Hasilnya? Dari 23 pertandingan cuma ada tiga kemenangan didapat, delapan kali kalah dan 12 sisanya berakhir imbang.

Kondisi tersebut berulang di timnas Argentina. Rekornya memang terbilang lumayan lantara dia berhasil meraih tujuh kemenangan dan empat kali kalah dari 11 pertandingan. Sayangnya seluruh kekalahan tersebut justru terjadi di laga kompetitif Kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2010, sementara jumlah kemenangannya di ajang yang sama cuma dua.

MERCATO

Mercato fissato per le ore 21.00 su msn, tolleranza 15 minuti, alle 21.15 il presidente darà il via per chi c'è...
Buon Anno,
Pasquale

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2008/09 GROUP QUALIFIERS: REAL MADRID WINS & VILLAREAL LOSE

SFS REMEMBERS THE BEST WORLD CUP TEAM EVER: BRAZIL 1970

SEVILLA FC DEFEATS VILLAREAL IN A "FRIENDLY" - WITH 4 RED CARDS???

FC BARCELONA TRANSFER UPDATES 2008

ATLETICO DE MADRID JOIN THE DIEGO BANDWAGON

SPANISH CUP 2º LEG Q/F VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS AT.MADRID - VALENCIA CF & MALLORCA - GETAFE

UEFA CUP RESULTS: ATLETICO DE MADRID 2-ABERDEEN 0 & GETAFE 1-H.TEL AVIV 2

EURO 2008 QUALIFIER: SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM TRAVELS TO DENMARK

JOAN GAMPER TROPHY. FC BARCELONA 5 - INTER MILAN 0

INTERTOTO. GLORIA BISTRITA 2 - ATLETICO DE MADRID 1

TENNIS. RAFAEL NADAL OUTSTANDING VICTORY IN CONDE GODÓ

SPANISH FOOTBALL TRANSFER TALK & ROUND 38 OF "LA LIGA" (THE DECIDER)

SPANISH U/19 & U/21 SQUAD RESULTS

THE ROAD TO THE WORLD CUP 2010: SPAIN vs TURKEY - A PRE-HYPE VIDEO

MOTO GP JEREZ (SPAIN) 2009: SPANIARDS PLAY "SECOND FIDDLE" IN ALL 3 CATAGORIES

RACING SANTANDER DEFENDER MARCANO IN THE REAL MADRID ORBIT

SEVILLA FC SIGNS TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS MIDFIEDER ZOKORA

FC BARCELONA: CHYGRYNSKIY & MATA NOT FORGOTTEN

MANCHESTER UNITED THINKS 40M ON DAVID VILLA

Edu Rejects Betis Extension

Zenit To Sign Arshavin Replacement?

Moy Issues Valencia Demands

Mosquera Sprains Ankle

Report: Zigic Set For Racing Return In January

Guardiola Pleased Yet Sad With Barcelona Defeat

Messi, Xavi Relieved With Barcelonas Comeback Win

Mariano Pernía: Málaga Match Must Be A Turning Point For Atlético Madrid

Puel - Barca are world's best

Obama budget chief firm on Medicare Advantage cuts

Roddick advances at Key Biscayne

Wozniacki beats Wozniak to win at Ponte Vedra

Ivanovic works hard for first-round win

Costa blasts Zaragoza

Platini did not attack Real

Steven Gerrard on Liverpool FC

Steven Gerrard on Liverpool FC

Football Friendly Match: Manchester City Beats Barcelona

Manchester City when Announced Carlos Tevez as New Player

Manchester City Football Squad

Messi Prays to win the match versus Manchester City

Manche ster City Vs Barcelona in Friendly Match:
City Will Become The New Champions

Manchester City Football Club wins match more and more. The new winning was gotten after beating The La Liga Champions, FC Barcelona in Friendly Match. The match was held in Nou Camp Stadium, Barcelona's base camp. Manchester City won that game by score 1-0 for Manchester City. Martin Petrov made that goal.

For Barcelona its the first losing in its matches. Actually, Barcelona has a good record in pre-season match was held in USA. Barca never been beaten by any clubs in those matches. Barcelona also has already gotten a good result when against Atlhetico Bilbao in Spain Super Cup. Barca won 2-1 in bilbao's stadium.

But, from this friendly match versus Manchester City, it must re-evaluate its squad to face another important matches in the next time. As citation, Barcelona will against Atlhetico Bilbao in second leg m! atch for Spain Super Cup. Barcelona also will face Shakhtar Donetsk in 28 th of this month for getting europe super cup.

And For manchhester City, this positive result will increase its confidence to face the hard barclays premier league to get as same strong as the premiere league big four, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

We're Linked With Saviola

By PoshSpur
For THBN

We are reportedly interested in Barcelona striker Javier Saviola. If this is true, what can the little striker offer our team?

No fee has been mentioned as of yet which makes me feel as though it's his agent that has been banding around the story so as to get the little fellow a club before the new season.

He's not a bad player, but I doubt Jol would be interested. I am sure Barcelona would ask for a large transfer fee so as to recoup at least some of the £18 million they spent on him a few years back.

Spurs look at Johnson

If certain reports coming out of the North-East are true, then it would seem that Juande Ramos has turned his attention to Middlesbrough left winger, Adam Johnson.

The players agent this morning stated that "a Premier League club from London has made an enquiry as to the availability of Adam [Johnson].

"Middlesbrough have made it clear that Adam [Johnson] is wanted at the club, but will not be picked ahead of Downing. I have been told that if an offer was to come in, Middlesbrough would seriously consider it".

If we do fail in the attempted ! signing of Diego Capel from Sevilla, I wouldn't mind us signing Adam Johnson. The lad isn't the finished article, although he has shown an enormous amount of potential and could be bought on the cheap. Some football pundits have even gone as far as stating that Johnson is a better player than Downing.

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Spurs freeze over

Two goals in the final 12 minutes from Shakhtar Donetsk sunk our weakened team.

To be honest with you, I really couldn't be bothered if we went out or not. I am fully behind Redknapp's rants about us having to many games.

The UEFA Cup is a luxury at the moment, not a priority.

Agustus, Milan-Kaka Reuni

MADRID - Bulan Agustus mendatang, Kaka akan bermain kembali bersama rekan-rekannya di AC Milan. Tidak dalam satu tim tentunya, karena dengan Real Madrid dia akan menjamu Rossoneri di Santiago Bernabeu.
Los merengues dan Milan akan saling berhadapan dalam sebuah pertandingan yang memperebutkan Tropi Santiago Bernabeu pada 25 Agustus mendatang. Demikian dikonfirmasi Madrid melalui situs resminya, Kamis (25/6/2009).
Tropi tersebut merupakan sebuah bentuk penghargaan terhadap mantan presiden klub, Bernabeu. ! Madrid setiap tahun rutin menggelar pertandingan tersebut di kandangnya, Santiago Bernabeu, meski tim yang diundang berbeda-beda.
Jika tak ada perubahan jadwal, maka ini akan menjadi pertandingan pertama Kaka menghadapi Milan. Di awal bulan ini, mantan pemain terbaik dunia itu pindah ke Madrid dengan nilai transfer 65 juta euro.

Pirlo Hormati Kontrak di Milan

MILAN - Andrea Pirlo masih ingin berseragam AC Milan, kendati dirinya mendapat penawaran serius dari Chelsea. Pirlo memilih untuk menghormati kontraknya dengan Milan. Maestro lapangan tengah ini sudah erat dihubungkan akan hijrah ke Stamford Bridge.
Itu setelah mantan pelatih Rossoneri Carlo Ancelotti, menyeberang dan memilih menjadi pelatih The Blues. Pemain yang masih terdaftar sebagai punggawa Timnas Italia ini masih terikat kontrak dengan Milan hingga Juni 2011. Pirlo menegaskan untuk meny! elesaikan kontrak itu hingga usai. "Saya bertahan di Milan. Saya sudah pernah mengalami situasi ini sebelumnya.
Dimana kita muncul dalam banyak rumor, tapi tidak ada yang terjadi. Saya mencoba tenang dengan semua pemberitaan dan saya harus menghormati kontrak,'' jelas Pirlo seperti dilansir ESPN, Selasa (7/7/2009). Milan sendiri baru saja ditinggal Kaka ke Real Madrid.
Bila Pirlo juga meninggalkan San Siro, maka lini tengah Milan akan kehilangan dua jenderal dan pengatur serangannya. Dengan demikian manajemen Rossoneri memilih tidak akan melepas Pirlo.

Milan Ajukan Ide Tukar Guling Borriello - Trezeguet

MILAN - Kans AC Milan mendatangkan Luis Fabiano dari Sevilla semakin sulit terealisasi. Untuk itu, kubu Rossoneri pun mencari alternatif lain. salah satu idenya: menukar Marco Borriello dengan bomber veteran Juventus David Trezeguet.
Kabar ketertarikan Milan kepada Treze tampaknya menjadi buah dari kekecewaan manajemen klub di bursa transfer. Sejauh ini kubu Il Diavolo gagal mendapatkan satupun bidikan macam Edin Dzeko, Klaas Jan Huntelaar dan terakhir Luis Fabiano.
Peluang Milan mendapat! kan servis bomber asal Prancis itu memang cukup terbuka. Pasalnya, hubungan Treze dengan klub memang diketahui sedang tidak harmonis. Menurut kabar terbaru, striker 31 tahun itu menolak menyandang ban kapten saat Juventus ditahan 1-1 Vicenza dini hari tadi. Nah, melihat celah ini, kubu Milan pun langsung bergerak cepat. S
ebagaimana dikutip La Gazzetta dello Sport, Rabu (22/7/2009), wakil presiden Milan Adriano Galliani ditemani konsultan transfer Ernesto Bronzetti dikabarkan telah menemui agen Trezeguet, Antonio Caliendo. Dalam pembicaraan tersebut, konon kubu Milan mengajukan ide berupa tukar guling.
Milan bersedia memberikan jasa Borriello demi mendapatkan servis Trezeguet, yang hingga kini masih tercatat sebagai bomber asing tersubur di Olimpico Turin dengan koleksi 138 gol. Ide Milan memasukkan Borriello dalam proses negosiasi terbilang cukup cerdik.
Pasalnya, meski tampil impresif bersama Genoa, namun setelah kembali ke San Siro dari masa pinjamannya, s! triker 27 tahun gagal mengulang aksi menawannya. Sepanjang mus! im lalu, Borriello sibuk memulihkan cedera kambuhan dan hanya menyumbangkan satu gol dalam tujuh penampilan.

Milan Kecam Chelsea

MILAN - Kata menyerah untuk mendatangkan Andrea Pirlo dari AC Milan tak ada dalam kamus Chelsea. Sehingga meski Milan sudah menegaskan tak akan melepas Pirlo, The Blues terus memburunya.
Kini, Chelsea menawarkan Michael Essien dalam paket penawaran Pirlo. Karena sikap keras kepala Chelsea ini, wakil presiden Milan Adriano Galliani marah. Ia mengecam tindakan Chelsea. "Chelsea menawarkan Essien dalam penawaran? Pirlo tak dilepas ke pasar, semoga mereka jelas dengan pernyataan ini.
Apapun yang terjadi tak ada pembicaraan," kata Galliani seperti dikutip Corriere dello! Sport. Kehadiran Pirlo sangat diinginkan Chelsea untuk memperkokoh skuad Stamford Bridge. Keinginan itu terutama datang dari mantan pelatih Milan yang kini menjadi arsitek Chelsea Carlo Ancelotti.

Jelang Milan vs Inter : 'Rossoneri Lebih Favorit'

MILAN - Marco Materazzi boleh saja berkostum Inter Milan, namun untuk Derby della Madonnina akhir pekan nanti ia justru menyebut AC Milan lebih favorit. Alasannya? Milan dan Inter akan saling berhadapan di Stadion San Siro pada hari Sabtu (29/8/2009).
Jelang pertemuan ini, cerita berbeda ditorehkan keduanya pada pekan pertama Seri A weekend lalu. Rossoneri sukses mereguk kemenangan 2-1 atas Siena, sementara Nerazzurri ditahan imbang 1-1 oleh Bari. Kelebihan inilah yang kemudian membuat Materazzi ! menyebut Milan lebih diunggulkan ketimbang timnya.
"Mereka punya tiga poin, sementara kami cuma satu. Oleh karena itu mereka lebih difavoritkan," tandasnya enteng di Football Italia. "Saya tak bisa mendengar kebisingan pihak lawan, tapi saya bisa melihat warna mereka. Derby selalu menjadi derby, tak peduli dimainkan di mana atau di temperatur seperti apa."
"Atmosfer pertandingan selalu panas, entah Anda bermain di bulan Agustus atau Desember," tukasnya. Musim lalu, Derby della Madonnina berbagi adil untuk keduanya. Milan memenangi pertemuan pertama dengan skor 1-0, sedangkan Inter menang 2-1 pada pertemuan kedua. Musim ini bakal menjadi milik siapa?

Leonardo, Antara Senang & Kecewa

TUSCANY - AC Milan kembali gagal meraih hasil maksimal setelah hanya mampu bermain tanpa gol melawan Livorno tadi malam. Pelatih I Rossoneri Leonardo Araujo mengaku kecewa sekaligus senang atas hasil tersebut. Leonardo pantas kecewa dengan performa Milan dalam pertandingan ini. Betapa tidak, untuk kedua kali secara beruntun, Genaro Gattuso dkk gagal mencetak gol ke gawang lawan.
Kendati demikian, I Rossoneri sendiri menciptakan beberapa peluang, termasuk tendangan bebas Andrea Pirlo yang me! nyentuh mistar gawang. Meski hanya bermain imbang, namun Leonardo sudah merasa puas. "Livorno memang bermain bagus, ya. Kami bermain buruk pada babak pertama dan kami tidak mampu menahan bola lebih lama. Kami kesulitan mencetak peluang.
Mereka menghentikan kami," tegas Leonardo. "Taktik kami berubah pada babak kedua dan itu terlihat di mana kami menunjukkan deteriminasi dan kami meningkatkan tempo permainan," lanjut pelatih asal Brasil terebut kepada sky sports, Minggu (13/9/2009).
"Setelah itu kami menciptakan banyak peluang dan kami memainkan pertandingan lebih baik, tapi kami gagal mencetak gol. Namun, kami menunjukkan rasa lapar kemenangan dan kami tidak menyerah," tambahnya. "Pirlo bermain agak ke kiri untuk mengkontrol pertandingan dan saya senang dengan performanya.
Kami jangan menilai permainan pemain secara individu, tapi tim. Babak kedua kami bermain lebih baik dan saya senang," tutupnya.

Januari, Van Basten Suksesi Leonardo?

MILAN - Marco van Basten menyangkal kabar bakal datang ke AC Milan dalam waktu dekat. Tapi lewat agennya, dia membuka kemungkinan mensuksesi Leonardo pada Januari 2010 mendatang.
Leonardo dapat tekanan hebat menyusul hasil buruk yang didapat Milan di sepanjang awal musim ini. Total cuma tiga kemenangan didapat Rossoneri dari delapan laga kompetitif yang sudah dilalui dengan jumlah gol yang cuma lima dan kemasukan delapan.
Hasil imbang atas klub promosi Bari akhir pekan kemarin dan ditambah deng! an kekalahan saat menjamu FC Zurich di Liga Champions makin membuat isu pemecatan Leonardo mengemuka. Meski mantan pemain Milan di era 1990-an itu mengaku tak peduli dengan nasibnya, rumor kedatangan pelatih baru di San Siro terus berhembus.
Salah satu nama yang santer diberitakan bakal jadi bos baru Massimo Ambrossini adalah mantan pemain Rossoneri lainnya, Marco van Basten. Orang Belanda itu sebelumnya sempat jadi kandidat bos baru Milan saat Carlo Ancelotti angkat kaki ke Chelsea, namun petinggi klub kemudian menjatuhkan pilihan pada Leonardo.
Van Basten sendiri kini dalam kondisi menganggur setelah terakhir membesut Ajax Amsterdam musim lalu. Hal mana membuat kabar kepulangannya ke Milan kembali bergulir. "Saya hanya bisa menyangkal rumor terkait Milan sudah melakukan pendekatan dengan Marco Van Basten secara pribadi.
Untuk saat ini Marco tak tertarik dengan posisi sebagai pelatih setelah meninggalkan Ajax Juni lalu," ungkap sang agen, Perry Van Overeem s! eperti diberitakan Football Italia. Basten menolak Milan? Tern! yata tid ak juga.
Peluang mantan salah satu striker terbaik yang pernah dimiliki Diavolo Rosso itu untuk kembali masih sangat besar. Namun itu baru memungkinkan terjadi di Januari tahun depan. "Dia masih memikirkan masa depan dan mungkin hanya akan mau memulai lagi mempertimbangkan pekerjaan baru pada bulan Januari," pungkas Overeem.

sumber : detik.com

Insua not resting on laurels

The 20-year-old Argentine started the Reds' first seven games of this season and impressed in the injury absence of Fabio Aurelio and lack of form of Andrea Dossena.

But with Aurelio returning to action in the Carling Cup win over Leeds on Tuesday, Insua knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he wants to keep a place in Rafa Benitez's team.

He told Liverpool's official website ahead of Saturday's clash with Hull City at Anfield: "The chance to play regularly has been great for me.

"Fabio's injury gave me an opportunity to play and I have done my best to make the most of it.

Confidence
"There is a lot of competition for places here with Fabio coming back and Andrea as well.

"It is a big challenge for me and I am enjoying it. Every game I have to show the manager that I deserve to stay in the team.

"When there are players pushing for your place you have to play even better each time you are selected.
"The fact that Rafa has faith in me has given me a lot of confidence. Every day he is looking at my game and helping me develop.

"I have learned a lot from him but I know I still have a lot to prove."

Sporting Gijon v Real Zaragoza Berakhir Imbang

Real Zaragoza melakoni laga La Liga pekan keempat dengan bertandang ke Estadio Municipal El Molinón, kandang Sporting Gijon. Datang dengan ambisi meraup tiga poin penuh, Real Zaragoza malah harus ketinggalan lebih dahulu dari tuan rumah setelah di menit ke 29, Diego Castro berhasil mencetak gol ke gawang Zaragoza.

Beruntung Zaragoza memiliki gelandang asal Columbia, Aguilar yang berhasil menyamakan kedudukan di menit ke 54. Gol tersebut menyelamatkan Real Zaragoza dari kekalaha! n ketiga mereka di musim ini. Dan pertandingan pun berakhir imbang 1-1.

Untuk sementara, Real Zaragoza bertenger di peringkat 15 dengan raihan angka 4 poin setelah menang 1 kali, kalah 2 kali dan seri 1 kali. Sedangkan tuan rumah, Sporting Gijon bercokol di peringkat 12 dengan meraih 5 poin dari empat laga yakni 1 kali menang, 2 kali seri dan 1 kali kalah.

FIORENTINA,CHE BEFFA

La Fiorentina ha perso ai rigori (2-4) la semifinale di ritorno contro i Rangers Glasgow. Partita dominata dai viola, sia nei tempi regolamentari che nei supplementari. Vieri divora almeno due palle gol negli ultimi minuti. Poi, ai rigori, errori di Liverani e dello stesso Bobo dopo che Frey aveva respinto il primo penalty calciato da Ferguson.

DOMANI DISPONIBILI GLI HIGHLIGHTS DELLE 2 SEMIFINALI

TURCHIA NELLA STORIA ,SVIZZERA CHIUDE CON VITTORIA

Terim...bambisce avevamo titolato il primo tempo. Terim...etto a posto aggiungiamo. Con la fortuna. Turchia ai quarti contro la Croazia, Repubblica Ceca a casa con Cech che picchierà il caschetto contro il muro per la cantonata grossa come la Svizzera. Questione di testa, questione di cuore, questione di fortuna. La prima non è affare nè di Cech nè di Volkan che si fa espellere per una spinta a Koller da regolamento di conti fanciulleschi. La seconda è la ragione maxima della rimonta turca da 0-2 a 3-2 (favorita anche da una difesa passiva dei cechi). L'ultima è quella che bacia con gli occhi chiusi Nihat. Prima perché si trova al post! o giusto con le mani sotto la slot machine vincente e poi perché in quel destro a giro c'è tanta tecnica quanta buona sorte visto che la traversa aiuta la mezzaluna mentre il palo aveva spinto in fondo alla salita Polak venti minuti prima. Turchia ai quarti. Per riflettere tutti insieme.

Mentre la Svizzera ottiene la prima vittoria nella fase finale di un Europeo grazie alla doppietta di Yakin (70' e 83' su rigore). Con un successo storico il ct Kuhn lascia dopo sette anni la Nazionale svizzera nelle mani di Hitzfeld. Scolari attende invece il prossimo avversario.

CRUZ-ADRI,PRATICA BARI RISOLTA

Lenta e a tratti impacciata eppure sempre organizzata e vincente. La seconda Inter dell'era Mourinho fa progressi rispetto a quella vista con l'Al Hilal e a Riscone di Brunico batte 2-0 il Bari di Antonio Conte. Di Cruz nel primo tempo (di testa su punizione di Balotelli) e Adriano nella ripresa (su rigore conquistato da Mancini) le reti nerazzurre. Impiegati ben 22 giocatori: Figo, Cruz e Balotelli si sono alternati con Mancini, Crespo e Adriano.
E le buone notizie sono arrivate proprio dal reparto avanzato. Balotelli è sembrato già in forma campionato e Adriano ha confermato i recenti progressi (! spesso promessi, quasi mai mantenuti). Discretamente bene anche Figo così come Mancini, mentre i volti scuri sono quelli della coppia Crespo-Suazo. Il primo nel 4-3-3 di Mourinho per giocare dovrà sperare nella contemporanea assenza di Ibrahimovic e Cruz, il secondo rischia di passare la stagione più in tribuna che in campo (sempre che non venga ceduto primo del 31 agosto).
A fine gara ha parlato Adriano, apparso comprensibilmente soddisfatto: "So che devo restare tranquillo e continuare a lavorare con impegno - ha detto l'attaccante brasiliano -. Il ritiro è stato molto positivo, abbiamo lavorato molto e bene". Per quanto riguarda la partita contro il Bari, Adriano ha ribadito che "anche se si tratta di amichevoli estive, noi andiamo sempre in campo per giocare al meglio e fare risultato. Gia' in queste prime occasioni - ha dichiarato a Inter Channel - possiamo dimostrare il nostro valore".

INTER-BARI 2-0

PATO,DINHO & SHEVA, ATTENZIONE AI TRE MOSCHETTIERI

Nove anni fa era sbarcato all'aeroporto di Malpensa, domenica l'arrivo è stato a Linate ma invece di alcuni giornaliti e qualche curioso, stavolta per Shevchenko c'erano centinaia di tifosi che lo hanno riaccolto a braccia aperte. Non solo: per pochi istanti l'ucraino e il nuovo acquisto brasiliano Ronaldinho non si sono incrociati. Il brasiliano, in compagnia di Pato, era infatti atterrato poco prima, reduce da Pechino.
Emozionato come la prima volta, Sheva è sbarcato regalando sorrisi, ma soprattutto mostrando grande sorpresa per l'accoglienza. L'ucraino, infatti non si asp! ettava di essere accolto da tanto calore.
Certo, stavolta il bagaglio di Sheva è più ingombrante: dovrà cercare di ripetere le sue sette meravigliose stagioni, condite dalla bellezza di 173 gol.
Oggi l'ucraino è atteso alle visite mediche e poi per lui allenamento in solitaria a Milanello (i compagni hanno il giorno libero dopo la partita di domenica sera in Spagna). Intanto domenica sera a Linate, oltre a Sheva, si sono visti anche Pato e Ronaldinho, sbarcati da Pechino. "Shevchenko è un giocatore che dà allegria", ha detto Ronaldinho aggiungerndo: "E' un grandissimo giocatore e spero di poterlo aiutare come spero di poter aiutare ! tutti i giocatori del Milan. Mi auguro che il Milan possa vinc! ere con tutti i suoi importanti attaccanti".

GLI AZZURRINI NON VANNO,SOLO 0-0

talia e Israele hanno pareggiato 0-0 la partita di andata dello spareggio per l'accesso alle finali dell'Europeo Under 21. La partita di ritorno si giocherà mercoledì prossimo a Tel Aviv. Casiraghi non potrà contare sugli squalificatiGiovinco, Marchisio e Dessena, mentre conta di recuperare Balotelli. Il talento interista non è sceso in campo a causa di un attacco influenzale che gli ha provocato alcune linee di febbre.

L'Italia di Pierluigi Casiraghi non è andata oltre lo 0-0 ad Ancona contro Israele, nella gara d'andata del play-off a eliminazione diretta degli Europei under 21. Fallito quindi l'obiettivo di ipotecare la qualificazione alla fase finale dell'Europeo di categoria sin da subito e grossi problemi di formazione per la sfida di ritorno per Casiraghi. Il tecnico dovrà fare a meno di Dessena, Giovinco e Marchisio che saranno squalificati e Rossi con la nazionale maggiore. Lo staff medico azzurro cercherà di recuperare Balotelli, De Ceglie e Andreolli. A dispetto del poco blasone, la formazione israeliana, che ha te! rminato il proprio girone al comando assieme alla Germania dim! ostrando di possedere una difesa assai solida (appena 5 gol subiti in 8 partite), ha confermato di essere molto accorta e di possedere buoni valori tecnici. Il tecnico azzurro per l'occasione, ha dovuto rinunciare all'influenzato Balotelli e all'infortunato De Ceglie e ha inserito Pisano a sinistra con la coppia centrale Criscito-Andreolli, puntando su Osvaldo come partner di Acquafresca in attacco.

Inizio arrembante dell'Italia, con le occasioni in successione di Cigarini con una conclusione dalla distanza, di Criscito, di Giovinco e di Motta di testa. Calo degli azzurri di Casiraghi nella seconda parte del primo tempo con qualche azione di alleggerimento di Israele, che ha badato più che altro a chiudere tutti gli spazi. Gli azzurri nel finale hanno perso il bandolo nella matassa cadendo nella trappola delle provocazioni tesagli dagli avversa! ri. Risultato è che hanno rimediato le ammonizioni di Dessena e Giovinco, che diffidati salteranno la gara di ritorno, e hanno perso Andreolli colpito al volto da una gomitata, costretto a uscire per infortunio, sostituito da Bocchetti. Gli azzurrini hanno iniziato la ripresa con lo stesso piglio aggressivo dell'inizio di gara, e dopo due occasioni con Giovinco su punizione terminata al lato, e Marchisio, all'11 capita il pallone a Osvaldo che al volo da buona posizione spedisce alto. Casiraghi si sgola in panchina ma l'Italia non riesce a incidere e lascia spazio agli avversari. Nel finale però due ottime occasioni sui piedi di Osvaldo, servito da Abate, potevano portare la rete della vittoria. Negli ultimi minuti altra tegola per Casiraghi, ammonito Marchisio che salterà la gara di ritorno a Tel Aviv. A tempo scaduto infine, azione di Giovinco in area e tocco di mano di un difensore israeliano, ma l'arbitro giudica involontario.

BENZEMA GETTA FUORI LA FIORENTINA

Alla Fiorentina serviva soltanto una vittoria ma al Franchi contro il Lione arriva una sconfitta. I francesi vincono per 2-1 e così i viola dicono addio alla Champions: l'ultima gara con la Steaua sarà utile solo per la Uefa. Tutti i gol nel primo tempo: al 15' vantaggio francese con Makoun, il raddoppio al 27' con uno strepitoso Benzema poi al 45' Gilardino accorcia le distanze. Tante occasioni e cinque legni totali (due Fiorentina e tre Lione).

Spettacolare il primo tempo con tre gol e diverse occasioni da una parte e dall'altra. E' la Fiorentina a tenere il possesso palla! ma il Lione in contropiede è micidiale. Ogni volta che il pallone arriva a Benzema è allarme nella retroguardia viola. Ed è proprio il giovane bomber al 15' a offrire a centro area il pallone a Makoun, che non sbaglia. Immediata la reazione della Fiorentina che va vicinissima al pari: il portiere Lloris anticipa provvidenzialmente Mutu. Se davanti la squadra viola si muove bene, dietro 'balla' troppo: al 19' Benzema fallisce clamorosamente il raddoppio calciando a lato a botta sicura. Lo imita Kuzmanovic, che all'altezza del dischetto del rigore spara un tiro in fallo laterale. Non c'è tregua. Juninho colpisce l'incrocio dei pali su punizione da lunghissima distanza ma il 2-0 è questione di minuti. Al 27' Montolivo si fa rubare palla a centrocampo da Juninho, passaggio per Benzema che avanza e conclude alle spalle di Frey. Il colpo è di quelli che mandano ko ma gli uomini di Prandelli non si demoralizzano e ripartono in avanti. Gilardino è indiavolato: fa grande lavoro di ! sponda e è pericoloso in fase conclusiva: al 44' si coordina b! ene e co lpisce di testa, Cris salva in angolo. Un attimo dopo, su angolo, Lloris sbaglia l'uscita e Mutu colpisce la traversa di testa. Ma il gol viola è nell'aria e arriva con Gilardino di testa su traversone di Santana.

A inizio ripresa Prandelli manda in campo Kroldrup per Dainelli e poco dopo sostituisce Santana per Jovetic. La prima fiammata è francese con Juninho che colpisce ancora la traversa su punizione da distanza siderale. Il ritmo della partita è sempre altissimo. Lloris si oppone con i piedi a una grande conclusione di Montolivo, fa lo stesso il collega Frey su tentativo di Keita. Poco prima Kuzmanovic aveva pareggiato il conto dei legni per la Fiorentina. Al 78' i viola hanno la possibilità di pareggiare con Gilardino, che su perfetto traversone di Montolivo supera Boumsong ma non trova la porta. Prandelli gioca il tutto per tutto e fa entrare Osvaldo per Felipe Melo ma il risultato non cambia (altra traversa del Lione con Ederson) e così una serata che dov! eva essere trionfale si trasforma in un inferno viola. Champions addio.

IL BARI NON SI FERMA PIU'

Nella 21.ma e ultima giornata del girone d'andata di serie B, colpaccio esterno del Bari, che a Treviso batte2-0 i padroni di casa e mantiene il secondo posto alle spalle della capolista Livorno. Bene anche ilBrescia, che in casa travolge il Pisa 4-0 grazie alle doppiette di Zoboli eSavio e sale ora in terza posizione. Beffa per il Parma, raggiunto a tempo scaduto dal Sassuolo dopo essere stato in vantaggio per quasi tutta la ripresa.

Bloccato sul pari anche l'Empoli, che al 'Castellani' rimonta, grazie al solito Lodi, il gol iniziale dell'Avellino firmato Sforzini. Vittoria importante per il Rimini, a cui basta una rete al 10' del primo tempo di Ricchiuti per chiudere la pratica Cittadella e avvicinarsi sempre di più alla zona play-off. Protagonista dell'incontro, il bomber Vantaggiato, alla partita d'addio con i romagnoli e omaggiato a fine gara da una calorosa standing ovation. Sfrutta bene il turno casalingo anche l'Ancona, vittorioso per 1-0 al 'Conero' contro l'Albinoleffe grazie alla rete messa a segno al 26' del primo tempo da Nassi.

Nella p arte bassa della classifica, si risollevano Piacenza e Salernitana, che in casa piegano di misura rispettivamente Vicenza e Mantova. Gli emiliani trovano i tre punti nell'ultima parte di gara grazie all'acuto del paraguayano Guzman, mentre i campani riescono a mantenere il doppio vantaggio confezionato nella prima frazione (a segno Di Napoli e Scarpa) e portare a casa il risultato, nonostante il gol nel finale dei virgiliani con Corona.

Pareggio a reti inviolate tra il Modena, ancora ultimo in classifica e la Triestina.

Treviso-Bari 0-2

BERLUSCONI:"PAREGGIARE NON E' DA MILAN"

"In queste ore abbiamo fatto dei passi in avanti; siamo sempre più fiduciosi. Non sono né ottimista né pessimista". Lo ha affermato Adriano Galliani di ritorno da Brema, dove ieri sera il Milan ha pareggiato con il Werder 1-1 nell'andata dei sedicesimi di Coppa Uefa. Insomma, a sentire l'amministratore delegato, David Beckham è sempre più vicino ai rossoneri.
BERLUSCONI AMARO - Anche Silvio Berlusconi ha intanto mostrato il suo gradimento sull'inglese: "Mi piacerebbe che Beckham continuasse a giocare nel Milan, per il suo gioco geometrico e molto ! essenziale", ha detto. Ma il patron non ha potuto fare a meno di puntare il dito indice sul rendimento della squadra e non ha nascosto la sua delusione per il pareggio raggiunto nel finale dal Werder. "Ho sentito con raccapriccio che il Milan si è fatto raggiungere per l'ennesima volta negli ultimi minuti. Quando una squadra che ha uomini di classe come il Milan ha un solo goal di vantaggio, deve nascondere la palla all'avversario ed essere capace di farlo negli ultimi dieci minuti" ha dettro seccato il patron rossonero".
PIPPO AMMETTE - "I gol subiti? Lo sappiamo noi per primi che abbiamo preso due gol identici fra Inter e ieri sera - ha detto Filippo Inzaghi a Milan Channel -; dobbiamo miglioarre sotto questo aspetto. Adesso rimbocchiamoci le maniche perché dobbiamo pensare a vincere domenica e poi giovedì prossimo per passare il turno in Coppa".
TIFOSI DELUSI - Tornando a Beckham, pare che il giorno decisivo per la firma sia martedì 24 febbraio, anche se dalla ! California, Bruce Arena, allenatore del Galaxy, afferma che "n! ulla è s tato ancora stabilito". Intanto a Los Angeles monta la protesta e i tifosi, dopo averlo idolatrato, sono pronti a snobbarlo. C'è chi, addirittura, ha realizzato maglie dove si legge "Let Beckham Go" (lasciate andare via Beckham) con una sbarra sul numero 23 dell'asso britannico.

JUVE E SAMP IN VETTA,TORNA LA ROMA

Pretendeva una reazione e l'ha avuta:Claudio Ranieri ha ritrovato laRoma. All'Olimpico, nel posticipo della! 4.a giornata, la squadra giallorossa ha travolto la Fiorentina per 3-1. Strepitosa prestazione di Francesco Totti, autore di una doppietta (27' e 33') e di un fantastico assist per De Rossi. Inutile il gol nel finale perGilardino. In casa Fiorentina, alla seconda sconfitta in quattro giorni, è già tempo di processi.

Roma-Fiorentina 3-1

Tutti i gol della 4^giornata di Serie A

MEETING "BRITISH FOOTBALL"- MILANO 1/11/2008

Un giorno tra Liverpool ed il Galles. Ed ecco Chester City!

Convocati As Roma per Genova

L'AS Roma ha diramato la lista dei convocati per la trasferta in Liguria, assente Francesco Totti per agevolare il recupero completo al ginocchio infortunato, a causa di una entesopatia rotulea (infiammazione dell'articolazione). A Roma resterà anche Cassetti che si è procurato una lesione muscolare alla coscia destra dopo uno scontro di gioco con il promettente francese Jeremy Menez. Come previsto è stato convocato anche Alberto Aquilani anche se è probabile che Spall! etti lo releghi in panchina per inserirlo a gara in corso se ci fosse necessità.

I Convocati per Genova:
Aquilani, Artur, Bertagnoli, Brighi, Cicinho, De Rossi, Filipe, Loria, Marangon, Menez, Mexes, Montella, Okaka, Panucci, Perrotta, Riise, Taddei, Tonetto, Virga, Vucinic

Probabile Formazione:
Doni - Cicinho Mexes Panucci Riise - De Rossi Brighi - Taddei Perrotta Menez - Vucinic

Pubblicato da Fabio Capannini - CAPOREDATTORE A.S. ROMA

ECCO I 5 NUOVI GRANDI OBIETTIVI MILANISTI!

MILANO - Il Milan continua a lavorare in sordina per rafforzare la squadra in vista della prossima stagione. Calciomercato-mania vi propone 5 nomi accostati al Milan che nei prossimi giorni potrebbero approdare in Rossonero.

Gareth Bale: Il terzino gallese, 20 anni da compiere, è destinato a ripercorrere le orme di David Beckham. Come l'inglese calcia punizioni stupende ed è un idolo delle teenager di oltre manica. Il Prezzo?10 milioni di eur! o.

Luis Fabiano: Qualche anno fa il Milan rinunciò ad acquistarlo in quanto di lui si diceva che fosse un po irrequieto. A distanza di anni il brasiliano è diventato un bomber di razza ed ora per lui si parla di un valore di circa 30 milioni di euro.

Miranda: Difensore alla Lucio, fa della forza fisica e del colpo di testa la sua arma vincente. Rivelazione del Brasileirao potrebbe arrivare per 7 milioni di euro.

Huntelaar: Il centravanti del Real Madrid in poche apparizioni in blancos ha segnato gol a raffica e farebbe le fortune del 4-3-3 sognato da Leonardo. Paragonato a Van Basten potrebbe arrivare gratis in prestito.

Crouch: Altissima torre del Portsmouth fece parte di quel Liverpool che fece soffrire i rossoneri. La tecnica individuale e le capacità acrobatiche farebbe! ro sognare i tifosi milanisti. Prezzo?10 milioni di euro.

S imone Pizzi

Fiorentina 1-0 Cagliari: Viola See Off Rossoblu With Gilardino Goal

A lonely goal from the Italy striker proved the difference here...

Sep 13, 2009 3:51:20 PM

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Alberto Gilardino - Fiorentina (Grazia Neri)

Without Adrian Mutu, who was left out of Cesare Prandelli's plans for this match due to fitness problems, Fiorentina were made to work hard! to beat Cagliari 1-0 at the Artemio Franchi.

The match began at a very slow pace, with neither side able to create danger in the opening minutes. Fiorentina looked more determined to find the back of the net, but they kept finding a Cagliari man blocking their shots.

The first sight of danger came only in the 25th minute, when Marchionni sent in a low cross from the right but Gilardino could not connect to it.

On 32 minutes, Fiorentina looked close to the goal, when Montolivo fed the ball forward to Gilardino, whose low drive went just wide of the right post of Cagliari's goal.

There were penalty claims by the home side on 45 minutes, when Jovetic collided with a Cagliari defender and their goalkeeper in the area, but the referee waved away the protests.

In the second period, Fiorentina began piling the pressure and earned a number of free-kicks close to the Cag! liari area in the first minutes, chances they could never put ! to good use.

But such pressure finally bore fruits as the Viola broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half. Vargas, with an individual move down the left, did well to find space between two defenders to swing in a cross to Gilardino, who powered a header into the net.

The Viola could have doubled their lead on 63 minutes, when Jovetic cut inside from the right before moving past two players but his shot from 25 yards out went over the bar.

Cagliari created danger for the first time 21 minutes into the second period, when Jeda sent in a well-placed shot from the right but Frey held it.

The visitors were now more dangerous and had another chance in the 76th minute, when Cossu clipped the ball into the area, forcing Frey to rush to it before unmarked Matri could do anything.

But Fiorentina refused to be mere spectators and responded just two minutes later through Donadel, who went for glory from distance but his effort went! just inches over the bar.

It was a well-deserved win for the Viola, who were pretty much the only team to risk anything here. Cagliari were punished for playing on defence and rightfully walk out of the stadium without a point.
http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/09/13/1498697/fiorentina-1-0-cagliari-viola-see-off-rossoblu-with

Aurelio set to return against Burnley

The defender is available again after injury and is hoping to return to the first team squad for this weekend's game with Burnley.

"I'm feeling good and I am working hard to try and get back into the squad for Saturday," said Aurelio.

"The international break came at a good time for me because I've been able to work hard and not miss too many more games. I'm going to play in a practice game on Thursday and I hope to prove my fitness and be involved against Burnley.
"I've been training for two or three weeks now and I can't wait to get back."

Benayoun looking to cement place

The former West Ham winger has featured frequently as a substitute during his two seasons with the Anfield side.

The Israel international acknowledges competition for places in Benitez's side is fierce, but that has not diminished his desire to become a regular.

Benayoun showed what he can do against The Clarets with a hat-trick, his first goals of the new season as The Reds returned to form.

He has admitted fatigue was a factor after enduring a gruelling trip home from Israel in midweek, although he will stop at nothing to secure regular first-team football.

Competition
"The competition is very high at a club like Liverpool, you have to want to play every time," explained Benayoun.

"It is always difficult after being away on the international break, but this one came at the right time for us.

"We had lost two of the first four, we needed the break. The team needed to think about the things that we did wr! ong and come back to try to put things right.

"We have learned from our mistakes, and you could see that from the first moment. I played 90 minutes for Israel on Wednesday and then there were two long flights to get back here.

"But everyone wants to play, regardless of tiredness. Nobody wants to be on the bench, but particularly at a big club like this there are a lot of good players and you cannot let someone else play."

Benayoun has conceded it has taken him a little time to settle on Merseyside, although he believes his recent form proves he deserves to be with Liverpool.


Opportunity
He added: "From the moment I arrived at Liverpool I told myself that I would take every opportunity to do my best and prove I deserved to be in the team.

"I have had ups and downs in the last two years here, but from the final months of last season I have showed I can play better and better when I have confidence.

"! You must accept you will be on the bench sometimes, but even i! f you ge t just 10 minutes, you have to do your best and show your quality.

"It was the perfect day for me, and we have started to win matches. The season didn't start too well for us, and maybe it has been good that people have already written us off.

"There will be less pressure. We can build our confidence slowly and when we win games like this, everyone can see we have the quality to be up there in the race."

Result Champions League 21 October 2008

Prediction Score Serie A: 13-16 November 2008

Serie A This Week: Lazio, Inter Next Test

Prediction Score Premier League: 14-18 January 2009

Prediction Score FIFA World Cup European Qualifying: 6 June 2009

Clijsters makes smooth progress

Clijsters spent two years away from competitive tennis

Kim Clijsters' comeback gathered pace when the former world number one beat Patty Schnyder 6-2 7-5 to reach the third round of the Cincinnati Open.

The 26-year-old Belgian, playing in her first event after a two! -year break during which she gave birth, beat the world number 20 in 70 minutes.

"The first-serve percentage was a lot better than the first match," she said.

"I started making a few little mistakes here and there, but I stayed aggressive and stuck to my game plan."

Unseeded Clijsters dropped just three points as she raced to a 3-0 lead and though Schnyder steadied herself, the first set was a one-sided affair.

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Schnyder raised her game in the second but the Belgian broke in the 12th game to set up a clash with Russian sixth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, the French Open champion.

"I think any match now is a good test," Clijsters said. "Svetlana can play really aggressive tennis and mix it up well. I will have to be on top of my game if I want to give myself a shot at winning."

There were also straightforward wins for fourth seed Elena Dementieva and fifth seed Jelena Jankovic.

Robson set to take Thailand post

Robson could replace former international team-mate Reid

Former England captain Bryan Robson has "agreed in principle" to take over from Peter Reid as coach of Thailand's national team.

The 52-! year-old Robson has been out of management since parting company with Sheffield United in February 2008.

Thai Football Association president Worawi Makudi confirmed that Robson would visit the country next week to discuss terms.

"Robson has agreed in principle to become our coach," said Worawi.

"He's a big name and we think he could play a big part in improving Thai football."

Reid ended his one-year tenure earlier this month to join Stoke City as assistant to manager Tony Pulis.

Reid had signed a four-year contract in September 2008, and had suggested continuing his role as Thailand coach alongside his work at Stoke.

But Worawi rejected the proposal and his deal was terminated by mutual consent.

Former Manchester United midfielder Rob! son, cur rently a club ambassador at Old Trafford, has managed teams including West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough.

He has never been in charge of a national side, but was linked with the Republic of Ireland, while a deal to take over as Nigeria manager in 2003 broke down.

Thailand have made a steady start to their qualifying campaign for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar after securing draws against Jordan and Iran but face crucial back-to-back qualifiers against Singapore in November.

If a deal to sign Robson goes through, he would be in charge of guiding the team to the 2014 World Cup finals.

28th Oct

Liverpool 1 - Arsenal 1

Top game for today as these two teams need to keep the points coming in to keep strong in the top 4. Liverpool had the upper hand with attempts with Gerrard almost scoring sending Almunia to palm ball away and kept in play, whilst still busy clea5ring the ball out of the area Arsenal gave away a free kick just out side the 18 yd area Gerrard took and sent the ball screaming through the wall (recorded at 68 mph) to take them ahead after 7 mins. Arsenal where lucky that the ref didnt notice a handball in the area which would have given Liverpool penalty. Gerrard was on target again with a strong shot this time pushed over the bar. Crouch let rip with a strong shot Almunia just managed to get a hand to it to clear for a corner, Fabregas missed an open goal from a rebound shot by sending the ball wide, but on the 80th min redeemed himself by scoring and bringing at all even, and then nearly scoring again.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, H! yypia, Carragher, Riise, Mascherano, Alonso (Arbeloa 68), Gerrard, Voronin (Benayoun 65), Kuyt, Torres (Crouch 46).
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Babel.

Booked: Voronin, Mascherano, Carragher.

Goals: Gerrard 7.

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy (Silva 74), Eboue (Bendtner 74), Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky (Walcott 66), Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Diarra.

Booked: Rosicky, Toure, Fabregas.

Goals: Fabregas 80.

Att: 44,122

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

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Bolton 1 - Aston Villa 1

New Bolton Manager Gary Megson keen to look for badly needed points today. Anelka opened the scoring from a brilliant free kick curving it in top left corner on 22nd min. This must be the weekend of blind ref,s and linesman as 2 claims for penalties for Bolton where rejected. Moore got! an equaliser on 57th min, the Reebok was nt a full house and! lots of empty seats so this point was very welcome to Bolton .


Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Joey O'Brien, Meite, Andrew O'Brien, Gardner, Nolan, Campo (Speed 65), McCann (Guthrie 71), Davies, Anelka (Samuel 79), Diouf. Subs Not Used: Walker, Giannakopoulos.

Booked: Anelka, Campo.

Goals: Anelka 22.

Aston Villa: Taylor, Mellberg, Knight, Laursen, Bouma, Petrov, Osbourne (Berger 46), Barry, Young, Agbonlahor, Maloney (Moore 46). Subs Not Used: Sorensen, Harewood, Davies.

Booked: Young.

Goals: Moore 57.

Att: 18,413

Ref: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

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Tottenham 1 - Blackburn 2

Spurs , another team trying to get away from the drop zone. And perhaps a new manager will change it all, well no. Ramos took charge but only to witness his first defeat. All square at half time 0 - 0 , it wasn! t until Aaron Lennon was brought down in the area that gave Spurs a penalty, taken by Keane to go ahead. Benni McCarthy took an 18yd shot which deflected off Dawson and went in to go even after 60 mins. It was Samba's last minute strike that took Mark Hugh's men ahead and to go back up north with the 3 points in the bag, Blackburn are going to be a contender for the top 4 .

Tottenham: Cerny, Chimbonda, Dawson, Kaboul, Lee, Lennon, Huddlestone, Zokora, Malbranque (Bent 77), Berbatov (Defoe 89), Keane.
Subs Not Used: Alnwick, Tainio, Stalteri.

Booked: Huddlestone, Zokora, Lee, Defoe.

Goals: Keane 49 pen.

Blackburn: Friedel, Emerton, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Bentley, Savage (Mokoena 45), Kerimoglu (Pedersen 60), Dunn (Derbyshire 83), Santa Cruz, McCarthy.
Subs Not Used: Brown, Nelsen.

Booked: Dunn, McCarthy, Santa Cruz.

Goals: McCarthy 60, Samba 90.

Att: 36,086

Ref: Rob Style! s (Hampshire).
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Derby 0 - Everton 2

Another Team looking for anything to get out of the drop zone , Derby entertained Everton. Everton went ahead at Pride Park as Arteta on 26th min , keeping the lead through to the second half it was Yakubu who scored on the 63rd min . Derby , what can i say same old story cant contain play , cant keep the ball , passing is bad need more hard work on the training fields if they want to survive, Billy Davies is the only manager to still be there as Jol got the bullet as did Sammy Lee so Davies could be next that will make it 4 mangers gone (including the special one Jose).

Derby: Bywater, Mears, Davis, Moore, McEveley, Fagan (Howard 62), Oakley, Pearson, Lewis (Earnshaw 57), Miller (Jones 80), Barnes.
Subs Not Used: Price, Leacock.

Booked: Moore.

Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Lescott, Yobo, Baines (Stubbs 46), Arteta, Osman, Cahill (McFadden 86), Carsley, Pienaar! , Yakubu (Anichebe 81).
Subs Not Used: Wessels, Gravesen.

Booked: Jagielka.

Goals: Arteta 26, Yakubu 63.

Att: 33,048

Ref: Steve Bennett (Kent).