Daily Calcio News and Notes

By: Francesco | April 29th, 2008

Everyday I search literally every Italian calcio news site and read the news and rumors of the day. Here are the most interesting things I found today from my scrounging around:

- The Intertoto Cup, which only a few seasons ago was considered a waste of time by most Italian clubs because it ruined pre-season training, has now become objective for some clubs this season. Udinese coach Pasquale Marino said, “It would be good to have games in the summer where we could get into condition”. Genoa coach Giampiero Gasperini said, “I would be enthusiastic about playing the Intertoto, it’s a great tournament.” A few days ago Palermo coach Stefano Colantuono said the Intertoto spot is the objective for the Rosanero in this final part of the season.

- Juventus will not be homeless next season, as they struck a deal with the City of Torino board to continue playing at the Stadio Olimpico in Torino for another 3 seasons while they wait for their new Delle Alpi to be built.

- Billy Costacurta, who recently received his professional coaching license at Coverciano, may already have his first job lined up for next season. It looks like Rimini is considering hiring the ex-Milan and Nazionale stopper to help them gain promotion to Serie A.

- Ex-Samp striker Francesco Flachi, who was suspended for 16 months in May 2007 after he was found to be using cocaine, tried to appeal the ban, but it was confirmed that the ban would stay the same. See you in the 2009-2010 season Mr. Flachi.

- Nicola Legrottaglie, who was considered to be one of the most promising defenders in Italy during his time at Chievo, is truly one of the comeback stories of the year. He has become the leader of the Juventus backline. So what does he want for his increase in form? An increase in salary. His quote is, “If I’m considered to be an important player I want to be treated like one”.

- This one is for Napoli fans. Still wishing you could see Maradona on the pitch? Well, now you can! Maradona will take part in the “Partita del Cuore” on May 12th at the Stadio Olimpico. The charity match will be played between the Nazionale Cantanti (The Italian National Team of Singers, which includes names like Eros Ramazzotti and Gianni Morandi) a team named UNICA, coached by Francesco Totti. Maradona will be on Totti’s team, along with Gigi Buffon, Gennaro Gattuso, and Marco Materazzi. These games are usually broadcast on RAI International in North America so we can all see the spectacle.

- While still on Napoli, here’s another rumor. Mercato expert Christian Recalcati is reporting that Hernan Crespo could be playing for the Partenopei next season. Crespo would agree to the move and Napoli would welcome him with open arms. So next season they could have a Crespo-Lavezzi partnership.

- This is one for fans of teams that play in Rome (Roma, Lazio). The new mayor Alemanno said that he will accept any proposal from Roma or Lazio to build a new stadium. While the Roma stadium would probably only come if new owners bought the team, we’ve been hearing Lazio’s loudmouth president Claudio Lotito rant on and on about his new stadium plan.

- Don’t worry Del Piero fans, you can now happily watch Euro 2008. Today Donadoni said, “Regarding Del Piero, as of today I would give him a yes. Six months ago my answer would’ve been ‘I don’t know’.”

- And finally, this is one for the Romanisti. Like what you see from Alessio Cerci in Serie B? Well Cerci likes what he did too. He said “I am no longer a young promise, I am a complete footballer at all effects. I have shown good things but I can do so much more. But next season I want to be on a team where I can play and show what I can do.” So basically he doesn’t want to be a sub on the Roma bench next season filling out the UEFA homegrown quota.