Transfer Madness (And Other Newsie Bits)

By: Martha | February 22nd, 2007

I'm sure that's a diet soda. •According to La Repubblica, Milan are planning to have quite a summer in the transfer market. Not only will they land Ronaldinho for a mere €70 million, but they also plan to sign Buffon (possibly in a swap for Gila), Cannavaro, Camoranesi and Zambrotta. Well, that’s good to know. Someone ought to tell Juve, though. And Real. And Barca.

•Juve, meanwhile, are adding to their own list of targets. In addition to the €18 million bid they’re allegedly preparing for the suddenly great Freddie Kanoute, Tottosport claims the club are close to inking a three-year deal with Bayern’s Claudio Pizarro and are also chasing Deco and Xabi Alonso. Oh, and they also just announced the signing of Pavel Nedved’s homie Zdenek Grygera to a five-year deal, effective in June. Wow. Could it be that, in Turin, money really does grow on trees?

•In non-transfer news, Lyon are claiming those meanies at Roma subjected them to all manner of insults during their Champions League match yesterday, including even some “which were similar to the ones directed at Zinedine Zidane during the World Cup Final.” Horrors! Wait, what does that mean? They were verbally attacked in ways not involving race, siblings or the accusation of terrorism?

•Inter may have offered Roberto Baggio a job with the club. Any job, really — they just want to have him around.

•Slowly, more stadia are being brought up to code. Joining the list of grounds that will be open this weekend could be: Messina, Livorno, Udinese (How is that POSSIBLE?! That place looks like a very old, unloved high school football field.) and maybe Fiorentina. Messina seem sure to welcome any and all fans, while the other three are aiming to open to home season ticket-holders only.

•Finally, Catania lost their appeal and will have to play their “home” games at neutral grounds for the rest of the season. You’re shocked, I know — a severe punishment! Upheld! In Italy! Who would have guessed?