It’s the New Year, and No One is Going Anywhere

By: Martha | January 2nd, 2007

Mancini he's not a genius he's a maaaaaaan. In a very unsettling change of tone, the Italian press today is full of flowers and sunshine — instead of transfer rumors, today’s news is all about people who are so happy they could sing (thankfully, they’re controlling themselves and signing contacts instead). First on the list is Inter’s Roberto Mancini, who loves his job so much he wants to keep it for at least another decade. Unfortunately for him, the powers that be at Inter aren’t quite as enamored as their coach is, and Mancini is “only” being offered an new contract through 2009, to the tune of £2.5 million/season. Though a deal has not yet been signed, it’s being reported that the agreement will be in place before the second half begins.

Similarly loved — and with good reason — is Roma’s Luciano Spalletti. Though the press in the past has linked him with a summer move to Milan, Roma’s technical director insists that talks with the coach will take place in the next week or so, and that a signed contract will be the result. Oh, and they’re also going to resign Mancini, Cristian Chivu and Philippe Mexes. Just so you know, talks are underway, and all three players would rather die than leave. And, finally, things are equally rosy at Juventus. Barring a disastrous collapse, Didier Deschamps will get a contract extension when the club reenters Serie A, and will remain in charge until at least 2010. In addition, assuming Buffon doesn’t flee for greener pastures, sporting director Alessio Secco is quite sure Camoranesi and Trezeguet (who, Secco claims, the club prefers to Klose — LIAR) will stay around as well.

I don’t mind telling you that I find all this love deeply disturbing — if Nedved doesn’t start whining about something soon, I’m going to be sick.