Newsie Bits as We Wait for the Chivu Saga to Just END ALREADY

By: Martha | July 24th, 2007

GPazza •Giampaolo Pazzini has extended his contract with Fiorentina for another two years, which means he’s now tied to the club through 2011. Eeeeeexcellent.

•Catania have let a little radiation leak scare them off their pre-season tour of Japan. Bunch of freaking babies.

•In their first big signing of the summer, Napoli look to have beaten both Lazio and Atalanta to the signature of Uruguyan midfielder Walter Gargano; the 23-year-old has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal. Napoli have been chasing Gargano for over a month, and just days ago talks were thought to have collapsed, leaving Lazio as the only club that could “satisfy his requirements.” Or not, as it turns out.

•Marcello Lippi and Fabio Capello are in negotiations with rival TV networks to talk about football for them. I tell you this only because I want you to look at picture of Lippi (who is on vacation, as usual) that’s included with the La Gazetta article. Pimp pimp pimp.

•Juve look set to do a bit of wheeling and dealing: The English press are reporting they’re preparing a £3 million bid for Arsenal’s out of favor Philippe Senderos, while the Italians papers say they’re considering selling foot-in-mouth boy Georgio Chiellini to the suddenly rich Manchester City, who are reportedly offering €10 million for the former Azzurrini captain. So, for those of you keeping score, that’s two 22-year-old defenders swapped for one another, with a profit of over €5 million in the deal. Good stuff, Juve.

•Simone Inzaghi is expected to join Parma from Lazio any minute now. I don’t want to get anyone too excited or anything, but this could mean Pippo’s kid brother — he’s but a child of 31 — will actually get to play this year. Like, in Serie A games and everything!

•Daniele Di Rossi has taken the occasion of his 24th birthday to declare his undying love for Roma. Isn’t that romantic? (He also talked about Chivu in the past tense. Oops.)

•Though the player has never had any contact with the club, La Gazzetta dello Sport is convinced that Fiorentina is the perfect place for Antonio Cassano to resurrect his career. Given Viola coach Cesare Prandelli’s successful history with Cassano, I have to say I’m inclined to agree — I’m not saying I want him there, but if Prandelli can’t sort him out (and since Carlo Ancelotti won’t get a chance), I don’t know who can.

•I’m going to London this weekend to see Inter play in the Emirates Cup. Woo hoo!