News Roundup of Randomness and Azzurrini Sadness

By: Martha | June 11th, 2007

YYYYAAAAAYYYY! •First and foremost on the random train in the rumor that Roma are interested in cast-off Palermo deity Eugenio Corini. According to reports in Italy, he’s being seen as a possible alternative to David Pizarro, which I guess means the Chilean is on his way out. Hmm. While I adore Corini and quite like the thought of him featuring regularly for a top club, this seems unlikely to me — why would Roma bring in a 36-year-old to play in the center of their team? And, if he’s not going to play regularly, why would Corini go there when he’s reportedly already in talks with Siena for a possible two-year deal worth just short of a million pounds? If he’s not going to be up north near his kids, the man has made it clear he wants to be more than a substitute. (Also: If anyone can explain the fact that every article about Corini links him to Napoli, please share. Every assumes there’s a connection, but no one ever tells us WHY either party would be interested.)

•Though it’s gotta be pretty embarrassing to be fined €150,000, have your chairman called “a danger to the sport” and be banned for five years, I’m quite sure Genoa will take those punishments over points-docking any day of the week.

•So, it’s official: Vincenzo Iaquinta is leaving Udine. (Shocking, I know.) His destination has not yet been formally revealed, but the assumption is that he’s on his way to Juventus — the Udine chairman says the two clubs have already agreed terms, and that the striker may actually already have signed a contract. That’s what he’s hearing through the Presidential grapevine, anyway. All will be revealed to us peons shortly.

•The Azzurrini were upset 1-0 by Serbia tonight in their opening U21 Championship match. Sigh. Reports suggest Italy sat back a bit a looking to counter, an approach which won them a slew of chances — the only problem was that they missed them. If the media reaction here to Portugal’s goalless draw is any indication of how this is going to go in the Italian press, things could get a bit nasty tomorrow.

•Oh, now this is rich: Mauro Camoranesi (AKA The King of Complainers Not Named David Trezeguet) has announced he’ll only leave Juve if his destination is Milan, Roma or Inter. Gee, that’s great Mauro — what unexpected, tiny targets you have! What makes you think any of those clubs want you, or would be willing to pay whatever astronomical salary you’re going to demand?

•Galatasaray’s only summer transfer target is Luis Figo. Doh!

•Having signed Atalanta midfielder Giulio Migliaccio and teenage Anderlecht keeper Samir Ujkani last week, Palermo are now reportedly closing in on widely desired Livorno keeper Marco Amelia. Reports from Italy suggest the Rosanero will send €5 million and backup keeper Federico Agliardi the other way, as well as handing Livorno the half of striker Davide Matteini they own (he spent last season on loan with Empoli, who share his ownership).

•And, finally, given the excitement with which Germany women are anticipating the arrival of Luca Toni, they’re apparently really, really short on men over there. Anyone readers who want to score a wife right quick, I recommend learning a touch of German and getting your ass to Berlin.