Azzurrini advance to final in Toulon, Mancini out at Inter?, Barzagli speaking German?, and other news from today

Today, the Italian Olympic team advanced to the Toulon International Tournament Final, defeating Japan 5-4 on penalty kicks in the semi-final. The Japanese frustrated the Azzurrini for 90 minutes, and Casiraghi’s side dominated, but couldn’t finish chances. Italy looked dangerous when the ball fell to the feet of Sebastian Giovinco (who should be voted best player of the tournament), but he squandered chances and chances he created were squandered by other players. Ignazio Abate was also very dangerous when he came on, but Italy could still not break down the Japanese defense. The best chance came in injury time, when Abate sent Giovinco lose in the box, and instead of shooting he cut it back to Graziano Pelle’, who’s shot was cleared off the line by a Japanese defender. There is no extra time in the Toulon tournament, so it proceeded to penalty kicks. Bocchetti, Abate, Cigarini, and Candreva all scored their shots. (Candreva’s shot was a cheeky cucchiaio [chip shot]) Japanese midfielder Koki Mizuno then had his shot saved by Davide Bassi and Giovinco slammed home his penalty, bringing Italy to the final vs. Chile. The final will be played on Thursday at 2:30 PM EST.

The big news of the day is that there are rumors circulating that Mancini is out at Inter. Mancini met with Moratti today and it was reported that their meeting only last 20 minutes, and that Moratti told Mancini that he wants a change. Moratti has to pay the rest of Mancini’s contract, which is around 24 million euro. Reports are that Mourinho has already arrived in Milan and is ready to sign a contract worth 9 million euro a season for three years. Tomorrow it may be official.

In other news, it seems Andrea Barzagli will not be playing for his hometown team Fiorentina next season. His agent has said that he has made an agreement with Bundesliga club Wolfsburg, who have already added his Palermo teammate Cristian Zaccardo. Today Fiorentina director Pantaleo Corvino said that he was very pessimistic about Barzagli’s chances of wearing Viola next season.

Also today, Amauri underwent his physical with Juventus and passed, however he did not seal the deal as Juventus are still unsure about 20 year old striker Davide Lanzafame’s future destination. Lanzafame, who is at Toulon with the Azzurrini, is wanted by Palermo and has been rumored to be included in the deal with Antonio Nocerino. However the interest from West Ham is strong, and Lanzafame seems interested in going abroad. However reports are it should be solved by tomorrow and Amauri will officially be a Juventus player.

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Category: Azzurri, Fiorentina, Juventus, Palermo, Rumors & News, Serie A