Summer mercato 2009

Originally Posted by Christian

Btw, apparently Roma are selling Vucinic for 20M euro's. Am I the only one that thinks he's a class striker? Only problem is that he tends to play on the left wing if I'm not mistaken, where we'd need a right winger/striker. He also doesn't have an eu-pass, he's absolutly class though, no doubt about that.

About the Oddo - Trez swap, I don't really like us picking up older players, but if Galliani pulls this one of then I'd take of my hat for him. This could actually be a great deal, if we used the money we saved on players like, say Hernanes and Cissokho or somebody else who didn't live back when the world was flat.

Offtopic: Am I the only one who thinks that Vucinic looks like the actor that plays Mark Antony in the HBO series Rome?

Pic1
Pic2

Trezegeut would be a short-term solution, so Milan MGT better get the money organised next season for a better CF.....

Serie A Team Of The Decade 2000-2010
As we approach 2010, Goal.com's Adam Scime selects his Serie A best XI from the past decade...
17 Jul 2009 11:00:05
Photo GalleryZoom
Francesco Totti, the Roma ace, salutes the crowd after grabbing a brace against Bologna
Related Links
Teams
Inter Milan
Juventus
Lazio
Milan
Parma
Roma
Five different sides have managed to win the Scudetto since the year 2000 - with a number of high-profile players tasting glory and defeat. The first two years saw the trophy stay in Rome, split between Lazio and Roma.

Marcello Lippi's Juventus then took home two titles on the trot in 2002 and 2003, while Milan waltzed to a title the year after in 2004. The Rossoneri were also the only Italian side to experience continental success, winning the Champions League in 2003 and 2007.

The last few years of Serie A have been dominated by Inter, who have won four consecutive Scudetto, one assigned to them as a result of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, while the 2005 title has been left unallocated.

Through it all, the Italian league has had it's fair share of star players, but who has been the best of the best? Adam Scime selects his top Serie A XI from the past decade…

Formation: 4-4-2

Gianluigi Buffon (Parma & Juventus)

The Italian became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world in 2001 when he transferred from Parma to Juventus for a world-record shot-stopper’s fee of €52 million. He was worth every penny, as he won the Scudetto in his first season at the club, before adding another three titles (two of which were revoked due to Calciopoli). Some reporters in Italy suggest that with Buffon in net, Juventus guarantee another ten to fifteen extra points per season due to his incredible saves.





Lilian Thuram (Parma & Juventus)

Arguably the greatest French stopper of all time, Thuram also joined Juventus from Parma in 2001 for a big hefty transfer fee, after Zinedine Zidane's sale to Real Madrid gave the Bianconeri plenty of capital to work with. His presence at the back was nearly insurmountable, as he helped Juventus to the Champions League final in 2003 and gave the club five years of excellent displays before leaving for Barcelona at the outset of the Calciopoli scandal. Another worthy contender for this position was Roma and Milan wing-back Cafu.





Fabio Cannavaro (Parma, Inter & Juventus)

A constant mover, Cannavaro has played for three teams in this decade. Eventually leaving Parma for Inter in 2002, the centre-back was unable to help the Nerazzurri lift any silverware before astonishingly being straight-swapped for benchwarming goalkeeper Fabian Carini in 2004. After winning two Scudetti under coach Fabio Capello in Turin (later revoked), he won the Ballon d'Or and earned the nickname 'The Berlin Wall' for his victorious performances at the World Cup 2006. Despite his success, he was labelled a 'traitor' when he left Turin for Real Madrid, but he's now back in Serie A with the Bianconeri again.





Alessandro Nesta (Lazio & Milan)

One of the most astute defenders of this era, Nesta started the decade in the best way by winning a Scudetto and Coppa Italia with Lazio in 2000. Moving to Milan during the Aquilotti's financial troubles he continued to take home trophies, including two Champions Leagues, another Scudetto, and the World Club Cup. If not for injuries, one wonders what more he could have achieved. Few, if any, strikers got change out of a healthy Nesta.





Paolo Maldini (Milan)

The Rossoneri captain had already been playing 15 years before the start of this decade. The illustrious defender won many accolades even in his twilight years, being included in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2003 and 2005 and winning the UEFA Champions League defender of the year in 2007 as Milan won the event in Athens. Overall, he led his club to eight trophies beyond the year 2000. It's doubtful anyone else will match his longevity, as he retired at the age of 40 this May, still marshalling the Milan defence. He is also the all-time appearance holder in Serie A.





Javier Zanetti (Inter)

The versatile Argentine has played in a number of positions for the Nerazzurri and captained them to four consecutive Scudetti, also winning two Coppa Italias and three Italian Supercups since 2005. This past campaign, he became the player with the second most appearances in the history of Inter, only behind Giuseppe Bergomi. Another interesting statistic is he has not received a red card in this decade - how's that for professionalism?





Kaka (Milan)

The Brazilian came to Serie A as a virtual unknown in 2003, but left it as one of the world's best players in 2009 - purchased by Real Madrid for €68.5 million. One of the most influential attacking midfielders, the Brazilian's crowning moment was when took home the 2007 Ballon d'Or after he was top scorer in the Champions League tournament with ten goals as Milan won the prestigious competition for the seventh time in their history. Overall he made 270 appearances for the Milanese giants, scoring 95 goals in all competitions.





Andrea Pirlo (Reggina, Inter, Brescia & Milan)

The early part of the decade saw Pirlo bounced around by parent club Inter to Reggina and Brescia, but he did not flourish until he joined Milan. Employed in a deep lying playmaker position by coach Carlo Ancelotti, the player resurrected the regista role and has been the fulcrum of the Rossoneri side ever since. He may best be remembered for his exploits at the 2006 World Cup, but his importance to Milan is just the same, as witnessed by his team-mates praying he doesn't move to Chelsea this summer. Also one of the best set-piece takes Serie A has to offer. Gennaro Gattuso and Esteban Cambiasso just missed out in this position.






Pavel Nedved (Lazio & Juventus)

Another of the brigade to move to Juventus in 2001, Nedved had already experienced Serie A victory with Lazio. Not only known for his thunderous shot, the 'Czech Fury' was one of the hardest working players to grace the pitch in Italy - playing until the age of 36 at the highest levels, when he decided to hang up his boots. The blonde-haired dynamo took the team by the scruff of the neck in 2002-03 to the Champions League final, hitting stunning strikes against Real Madrid and Barcelona, but was suspended for the final, which his side lost on penalties.





Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus & Inter)

The Swedish sensation has been an unrivalled success in Serie A, becoming it's most devastating striker over the past few seasons. Indeed, the player has a 'perfect record' since moving to Italy, winning five straight Scudetti (although his two with Juventus were revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal). Not very many can boast that accomplishment! Meanwhile, he also was top-scorer in the league this past year. His main criticism continues to be his shocking inability to deliver in the Champions League, despite his spectacular form in the peninsula.






Francesco Totti (Roma)

'Er Pupone' is the epitome of a symbol for a club. The Giallorossi captain's lone Scudetto win was in 2001, but he continues to bang in the goals for the capital outfit. The 32-year-old is the club's all-time leader in appearances and goals and the active top scorer in Italy top flight with 178 goals to his name. Along with his goal-scoring exploits, he is a brilliant assist man with uncanny vision. A true hometown hero!







Buffon

Thuram - Cannavaro – Nesta - Maldini

Zanetti - Kaka – Pirlo - Nedved

Ibrahimovic – Totti



Do you agree with those who made it into the Serie A Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Adam Scime, Goal.com

Oddo for Trez, thats a great deal but would Juve go for it though?

As Trez can actually still scores, Oddo(to me) can't play anymore.

Juventus Keen On Parma’s MacDonald Mariga - Report
The Kenyan midfielder has attracted a host of European clubs during this transfer window, but Parma have shrugged off the interest...
17 Jul 2009 11:09:25
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McDonald Mariga, Parma (Foto Grazia Neri)
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Teams
Juventus
Parma
Players
McDonald Mariga
Italian giants Juventus have openly launched a bid to snatch Parma’s Kenyan international midfielder, MacDonald Mariga, before the end of the transfer window.

Since the transfer window opened, a number of clubs including Napoli, Lazio, AC Milan, Valencia and Fiorentina have shown interest in Mariga. At one time even the English giants, Manchester United and Arsenal, were also said to be following the player.

But now Italian daily, TuttoSport, has reported Juventus shareholder John Elkann as saying that the club are targeting the signature of Brazilian Felipe Melo (already successfully recruited), Udinese’s Gaetano D’Agostino and Parma’s MacDonald Mariga.

“The transfer market is on offer for us. We must make sure to operate well. Our target is to bring in Felipe Melo, Gaetano D’Agostino and MacDonald Mariga,” TuttoSport quotes the owner of Italian car brand Fiat as saying.

“We want to strengthen the squad for next season. There are many negotiations still going on,” Elkann added.

If Juventus finally sign him, Mariga will be the first Kenyan to play in the European Champions League.

Juventus finished second behind Inter Milan in Serie A, and are now intent on bolstering their squad before the European Champions League kicks off, with Felipe Melo already brought into the squad.

Besides assisting Parma to gain promotion to Serie A, Mariga has been the midfield kingpin in Kenya’s 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup qualifier campaign.

James Momanyi, Goal.com

Originally Posted by Gabriel489

Oddo for Trez, thats a great deal but would Juve go for it though?

As Trez can actually still scores, Oddo(to me) can't play anymore.

Oddo played alright at Bayern last season, and had a great first half.....

It would definently be a more win situation for Milan, and I suspect Juve would demand some cash, perhapd 10 million? Chuck in Seedorf for free!

Galliani you genius!!!!

Aly Cissokho Says Goodbye To Porto Squad, Will Join Lyon Within Hours – Report
The young Frenchman has reportedly said adieu to his team-mates in Portugal and will complete a move to Lyon imminently.
17 Jul 2009 11:28:56
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Aly Cissokho, Porto (MARCA)
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Teams
O. Lyon
Porto
Players
Cissokho
After one transfer mirage earlier this summer, when it appeared he would join Milan only to fail a medical on account of dental problems, Aly Cissokho finally appears set to leave Porto during this transfer window, reportedly saying his goodbyes to the Dragoes squad at training on Thursday evening.

L’Equipe reports that Cissokho spent a particularly long time talking to coach Jesualdo Ferreira. The player has enjoyed a remarkable ascent in the game since moving to Vitoria Setubal from Gueugnon last summer. He joined Porto for €300,000 in January and will be sold for around 50 times that price only seven months later.

It is expected that the transfer will cost the French outfit in the region of €15 million and will also include a clause that will see the Portuguese side claim 20 per cent of any future transfer fee earned by OL.

The 21-year-old left-back is set to become Olympique Lyonnais’ third summer signing, joining les Gones after Michel Bastos, who only signed up on Thursday evening, and Lisandro Lopez, a player familiar to Cissokho from his time at Porto.

There are still two stumbling blocks that could see this move scuppered. Lyon have yet to agree personal terms with the Blois-born full-back, while the player must also pass a medical examination at the Stade Gerland.

Nevertheless, L’Equipe suggests this is a mere formality and that Cissokho will be a Lyon player within “a matter of hours”.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

No way will Juve accept the Oddo deal.

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

Serie A Team Of The Decade 2000-2010
As we approach 2010, Goal.com's Adam Scime selects his Serie A best XI from the past decade...
17 Jul 2009 11:00:05
Photo GalleryZoom
Francesco Totti, the Roma ace, salutes the crowd after grabbing a brace against Bologna
Related Links
Teams
Inter Milan
Juventus
Lazio
Milan
Parma
Roma
Five different sides have managed to win the Scudetto since the year 2000 - with a number of high-profile players tasting glory and defeat. The first two years saw the trophy stay in Rome, split between Lazio and Roma.

Marcello Lippi's Juventus then took home two titles on the trot in 2002 and 2003, while Milan waltzed to a title the year after in 2004. The Rossoneri were also the only Italian side to experience continental success, winning the Champions League in 2003 and 2007.

The last few years of Serie A have been dominated by Inter, who have won four consecutive Scudetto, one assigned to them as a result of the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, while the 2005 title has been left unallocated.

Through it all, the Italian league has had it's fair share of star players, but who has been the best of the best? Adam Scime selects his top Serie A XI from the past decade…

Formation: 4-4-2

Gianluigi Buffon (Parma & Juventus)

The Italian became the most expensive goalkeeper in the world in 2001 when he transferred from Parma to Juventus for a world-record shot-stopper’s fee of €52 million. He was worth every penny, as he won the Scudetto in his first season at the club, before adding another three titles (two of which were revoked due to Calciopoli). Some reporters in Italy suggest that with Buffon in net, Juventus guarantee another ten to fifteen extra points per season due to his incredible saves.





Lilian Thuram (Parma & Juventus)

Arguably the greatest French stopper of all time, Thuram also joined Juventus from Parma in 2001 for a big hefty transfer fee, after Zinedine Zidane's sale to Real Madrid gave the Bianconeri plenty of capital to work with. His presence at the back was nearly insurmountable, as he helped Juventus to the Champions League final in 2003 and gave the club five years of excellent displays before leaving for Barcelona at the outset of the Calciopoli scandal. Another worthy contender for this position was Roma and Milan wing-back Cafu.





Fabio Cannavaro (Parma, Inter & Juventus)

A constant mover, Cannavaro has played for three teams in this decade. Eventually leaving Parma for Inter in 2002, the centre-back was unable to help the Nerazzurri lift any silverware before astonishingly being straight-swapped for benchwarming goalkeeper Fabian Carini in 2004. After winning two Scudetti under coach Fabio Capello in Turin (later revoked), he won the Ballon d'Or and earned the nickname 'The Berlin Wall' for his victorious performances at the World Cup 2006. Despite his success, he was labelled a 'traitor' when he left Turin for Real Madrid, but he's now back in Serie A with the Bianconeri again.





Alessandro Nesta (Lazio & Milan)

One of the most astute defenders of this era, Nesta started the decade in the best way by winning a Scudetto and Coppa Italia with Lazio in 2000. Moving to Milan during the Aquilotti's financial troubles he continued to take home trophies, including two Champions Leagues, another Scudetto, and the World Club Cup. If not for injuries, one wonders what more he could have achieved. Few, if any, strikers got change out of a healthy Nesta.





Paolo Maldini (Milan)

The Rossoneri captain had already been playing 15 years before the start of this decade. The illustrious defender won many accolades even in his twilight years, being included in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2003 and 2005 and winning the UEFA Champions League defender of the year in 2007 as Milan won the event in Athens. Overall, he led his club to eight trophies beyond the year 2000. It's doubtful anyone else will match his longevity, as he retired at the age of 40 this May, still marshalling the Milan defence. He is also the all-time appearance holder in Serie A.





Javier Zanetti (Inter)

The versatile Argentine has played in a number of positions for the Nerazzurri and captained them to four consecutive Scudetti, also winning two Coppa Italias and three Italian Supercups since 2005. This past campaign, he became the player with the second most appearances in the history of Inter, only behind Giuseppe Bergomi. Another interesting statistic is he has not received a red card in this decade - how's that for professionalism?





Kaka (Milan)

The Brazilian came to Serie A as a virtual unknown in 2003, but left it as one of the world's best players in 2009 - purchased by Real Madrid for €68.5 million. One of the most influential attacking midfielders, the Brazilian's crowning moment was when took home the 2007 Ballon d'Or after he was top scorer in the Champions League tournament with ten goals as Milan won the prestigious competition for the seventh time in their history. Overall he made 270 appearances for the Milanese giants, scoring 95 goals in all competitions.





Andrea Pirlo (Reggina, Inter, Brescia & Milan)

The early part of the decade saw Pirlo bounced around by parent club Inter to Reggina and Brescia, but he did not flourish until he joined Milan. Employed in a deep lying playmaker position by coach Carlo Ancelotti, the player resurrected the regista role and has been the fulcrum of the Rossoneri side ever since. He may best be remembered for his exploits at the 2006 World Cup, but his importance to Milan is just the same, as witnessed by his team-mates praying he doesn't move to Chelsea this summer. Also one of the best set-piece takes Serie A has to offer. Gennaro Gattuso and Esteban Cambiasso just missed out in this position.






Pavel Nedved (Lazio & Juventus)

Another of the brigade to move to Juventus in 2001, Nedved had already experienced Serie A victory with Lazio. Not only known for his thunderous shot, the 'Czech Fury' was one of the hardest working players to grace the pitch in Italy - playing until the age of 36 at the highest levels, when he decided to hang up his boots. The blonde-haired dynamo took the team by the scruff of the neck in 2002-03 to the Champions League final, hitting stunning strikes against Real Madrid and Barcelona, but was suspended for the final, which his side lost on penalties.





Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus & Inter)

The Swedish sensation has been an unrivalled success in Serie A, becoming it's most devastating striker over the past few seasons. Indeed, the player has a 'perfect record' since moving to Italy, winning five straight Scudetti (although his two with Juventus were revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal). Not very many can boast that accomplishment! Meanwhile, he also was top-scorer in the league this past year. His main criticism continues to be his shocking inability to deliver in the Champions League, despite his spectacular form in the peninsula.






Francesco Totti (Roma)

'Er Pupone' is the epitome of a symbol for a club. The Giallorossi captain's lone Scudetto win was in 2001, but he continues to bang in the goals for the capital outfit. The 32-year-old is the club's all-time leader in appearances and goals and the active top scorer in Italy top flight with 178 goals to his name. Along with his goal-scoring exploits, he is a brilliant assist man with uncanny vision. A true hometown hero!







Buffon

Thuram - Cannavaro – Nesta - Maldini

Zanetti - Kaka – Pirlo - Nedved

Ibrahimovic – Totti



Do you agree with those who made it into the Serie A Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Adam Scime, Goal.com

I cannot believe Mr. 4 time CL winner is left out of that squad.

Honestly, Ibra might have dominated the last few years, but Sheva was as good if no better than Ibra now during 2000-2006.

Then there is Pippo who always scored.

Crespo was also great back for Parma and Lazio.

Trez is very similar to Pippo IMO, provided they're fit, they can never stop scoring. Anyway, about the serie A team of the decade, I think Sheva deserves to be there more than Ibra. He just won one scudetto, but his tally in serie A is absolutely amazing

Originally Posted by Nalx

Trez is very similar to Pippo IMO, provided they're fit, they can never stop scoring.

This is true. If Milan could swap Oddo for him, that would be a nice, cheap short-term solution. You know he's going to score goals and he'll have an expiring contract in 2011.

By the way, when I saw the news about the proposed Ibra/Eto'o swap, I went back to the Barcelona forum I visited yesterday to see how the posters there were taking this news. Not good for Ibra. I'd say it's running about 2-1 against the deal. It seems most would rather have Villa and many are concerned about Ibra's failure in big games. Some don't see his style or attitude fitting well with Barcelona.

Milan kind of got a roundabout compliment though. One guy, talking about Ibra's inability to score in the knockout stages of the CL, noted that part of the problem was that he played for the two Italian clubs who weren't AC Milan and therefore sucked in the latter stages.

Originally Posted by Rick

This is true. If Milan could swap Oddo for him, that would be a nice, cheap short-term solution. You know he's going to score goals and he'll have an expiring contract in 2011.

By the way, when I saw the news about the proposed Ibra/Eto'o swap, I went back to the Barcelona forum I visited yesterday to see how the posters there were taking this news. Not good for Ibra. I'd say it's running about 2-1 against the deal. It seems most would rather have Villa and many are concerned about Ibra's failure in big games. Some don't see his style or attitude fitting well with Barcelona.

Milan kind of got a roundabout compliment though. One guy, talking about Ibra's inability to score in the knockout stages of the CL, noted that part of the problem was that he played for the two Italian clubs who weren't AC Milan and therefore sucked in the latter stages.

Besides the 40 million in cash which Inter will now almost certainly use, the deal will just strengthen Barca and further solidify their place as Champions League favourites.....

Can't see Oddo going for Trezegeut unless there is cash going to juve as well. That is Milan's stumbling block, Perhaps Seedorf would be a good incentive, as he could act as a replacement for Nedved?

Originally Posted by Saliwonczyk

Can't see Oddo going for Trezegeut unless there is cash going to juve as well. That is Milan's stumbling block, Perhaps Seedorf would be a good incentive, as he could act as a replacement for Nedved?

I'm positive Seedorf isn't going anywhere. He had a chance to return to Holland and play for Ajax and he turned it down because he wants to see out his contract with Milan. Besides, while I don't see him getting the minutes Carlo gave him anymore, he can be very valuable as a reserve and spot starter. If Milan let him go, they'd have to find someone else to replace him and that would kind of defeat the purpose. Like some of the other old guys, they'll just let his contract run out while they mold the younger guys to take over. Besides, Seedorf isn't old enough to replace Nedved yet.

I agree. The problem with Seedorf was that he started every game and looked jaded and burnt out.

As a reserve he would be devastating.

I would welcome Trezeguet, but I don't think Juve will go for it...

Originally Posted by Christian

Btw, apparently Roma are selling Vucinic for 20M euro's. Am I the only one that thinks he's a class striker? Only problem is that he tends to play on the left wing if I'm not mistaken, where we'd need a right winger/striker. He also doesn't have an eu-pass, he's absolutly class though, no doubt about that.

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Pic2

Vucinic is a good player but 111 games 34 goals for lecce and 85 games 22 goals for Roma isnt a great return he is only 25 but I think after 5 years in Italy (actually 9 but playing first team for 5) he is always going to be an 7 - 10 goal a season man not what we need.

I know some players bloom late but he is never going to be a 25 goal a season man and his assists arnt great either + it says Chelsea offered £20 million we do not have that to spend.

By the way, I watched Beckham's return to the L.A. Galaxy last night. He and Landon Donovan have settled their differences and they actually looked pretty good together last night despite not having time to train together. Donovan is out of contract in November, so maybe if Beckham comes back on loan in January he'll bring Donovan with him.

After the game Beckham and Donovan were interviewed on the pitch and both are looking forward to the friendly with Milan. Beckham is looking forward to seeing the guys again and Donovan is looking forward to playing against Gooch because they've never played against each other before. The interview was a little creepy though because both were standing there shirtless flanking the field reporter. Guess that was one for the ladies (or the gay men).

Originally Posted by Jay Crisp

Vucinic is a good player but 111 games 34 goals for lecce and 85 games 22 goals for Roma isnt a great return he is only 25 but I think after 5 years in Italy (actually 9 but playing first team for 5) he is always going to be an 7 - 10 goal a season man not what we need.

I know some players bloom late but he is never going to be a 25 goal a season man and his assists arnt great either + it says Chelsea offered £20 million we do not have that to spend.

Yep. I've always liked Vucinic, but Milan would be much better off saving that 20 million for Dzeko's buyout clause next summer. If they were going to spend that much on a striker this summer, they'd have offered it for Fabiano.