Pulled Italian ref meets prosecutors

Italian referee Massimo De Santis met Monday with Naples prosecutors who have been investigating the soccer scandal that is rocking the nation.

De Santis, whose accreditation for the World Cup was yanked after the scandal surfaced, has requested that the investigation be transferred from Naples to Rome, according to his defense lawyer, Costantino Cambi. De Santis denies wrongdoing.

Prosecutors in Rome, Parma, Turin and Naples are investigating allegations of match-fixing, illegal betting, manipulation of referee assignments and false bookkeeping. Forty-one people have been ordered to appear for questioning.

The scandal is centered on Juventus and its former general manager, Luciano Moggi. He and the entire Juventus board resigned, and the team faces possible relegation just weeks after winning a record 29th Serie A title. Lazio, AC Milan and Fiorentina also have been implicated.

Also Monday, recently appointed Italian soccer commissioner Guido Rossi met with AC Milan vice-president and managing director Adriano Galliani, who also is president of the Italian soccer league.

According to Italian media reports, the two top soccer officials discussed ways to guarantee a regular start of the next soccer campaign in August pending the possible penalization of clubs involved in the scandal.

Rossi, appointed May 16 to clean up Italian soccer in the wake of the scandal, was also scheduled to meet UEFA president Lennart Johansson in Munich on Tuesday.

The Italian soccer commissioner was expected to negotiate a deadline for the inclusion of Italian clubs in the next European competitions while investigations are in progress.

Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Fiorentina have qualified for the Champions League. AS Roma, Lazio and Chievo Verona have got berths in the UEFA Cup.

Meanwhile Pele, in Siena to receive the Artemio Franchi soccer award, said the scandal was hurting Italy's prestige worldwide.

"I hope that justice can punish, if there is evidence of wrongdoings, club officials, referees and players," Pele said.

3:44 PM - June 5, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

MEXES STRIKE SECURES PRICELESS WIN - SOCCER

10:55 AM - May 30, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

BALDINI TURNS DOWN JUVE ROLE - SOCCER

Juventus have suffered another blow after Franco Baldini turned down the chance to replace Luciano Moggi as the club's sporting director.

Baldini, who used to hold the same post at Roma, was considered the ideal candidate to replace Moggi, who stepped down last week.

Moggi, whose tapped phone calls triggered the worst crisis in Italian football for 20 years, is under investigation for alleged sporting fraud.

"I have said no to Juventus because it is a role that demands a lot of enthusiasm and absolute dedication, an enthusiasm that I currently don't have, not even for football," Baldini told the Italian press.

"I have been a year out of the football world and I have to slowly get used to it."

3:46 PM - May 23, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Milan pocket Italian cup; despair in AS Roma camp

First-half goals from Argentines Esteban Cambiasso and Julio Cruz gave Inter a clear advantage before Nigerian Obafemi Martins added the third in the 76th minute. Congolese forward Shabani Nonda pulled a goal back for Roma in the 80th minute.

Inter’s fifth Italian Cup win follows their triumph in the competition last season and offers some compensation for another season in which they failed to mount a serious bid for the league title they have not won since 1989.

“I’m glad for the lads, there have been a few disappointments in the last few months and they deserve this,� said Inter coach Roberto Mancini, who claimed his 10th Italian Cup as a player and coach.

However Inter’s fans did not appear to agree with their coach—the ‘ultras’ walked out of their home in the North stand before the end of the game leaving behind a giant slogan declaring: “Half of a little Cup does not restore your dignity�.

Roma’s consolation came in the return to action of their captain Francesco Totti who had not played since he broke his ankle in a Serie A game against Empoli on Feb. 19.

The Roma forward, a key part of Italy coach’s Marcello Lippi’s World Cup squad, came on as a 53rd-minute substitute but by that time Roma were already 2-0 down on the night.

“Francesco didn’t have a full game in him yet and unfortunately when he came on it was already very difficult for us. He looked sharp though,� said Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.

Roma were without Brazilian forward Rodrigo Taddei and midfielder Simone Perotta, who were suspended, and were also missing several players through injury.

Cambiasso opened the scoring in spectacular fashion in the sixth minute with a thundering volley from the edge of the area after he had been picked out by compatriot Javier Zanetti.

Just before the break, Cruz made it 2-0 with a fine solo goal, dribbling into the area and rounding Roma’s Brazilian keeper Doni before slotting into the unguarded goal.

Totti’s return almost brought a goal when the Italy international drove just wide in the 68th minute but Inter extended their advantage when, after some confusion in the Roma defence, Cruz set up substitute Martins who slotted past Doni.

Nonda’s headed goal was far too late to prompt a genuine revival and Roma now have to focus on the final game of the season, back at the San Siro, where they need to beat AC Milan and hope Fiorentina lose at Chievo if they are to get fourth place and a spot in the qualifying round of the Champions League.

Meanwhile in Naples, Officials from Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina along with Italy’s World Cup referee Massimo De Santis are being investigated about potential match-fixing, a judicial source said on yesterday.

The source said that Fiorentina president Andrea Della Valle, Lazio president Claudio Lotito and Juventus CEO Antonio Giraudo were formally under investigation by Naples magistrates.

Former Football Federation president Franco Carraro, who resigned on Monday, and Juve general manager Luciano Moggi, who is at the centre of the affair, are also under investigation, the source said.

Naples public prosecutor Giovandomenico Lepore declined to give names but told reporters that 41 individuals were now formally under investigation including referees, federation officials and a journalist.

The Naples magistrates are looking into suspicions of “criminal association� and “sporting fraud�.In Italy, investigations by public prosecutors do not necessarily lead to criminal charges.

Lepore confirmed media reports that the investigation was looking into 19 Serie A matches from last season and one game from the second tier Serie B.Six-times European champions AC Milan are among the other clubs who feature in the investigation, he said.

Fiorentina’s involvement in the investigation had featured in media reports and yesterday the club issued a statement saying they had “absolute conviction in the (club’s) correct behaviour in all circumstances�.

The Dalle Valle family, who own the club, “re-affirm the respect for rules and sporting values that represent the main element in the football project of Fiorentina�, it said.

7:34 AM - May 15, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

MUST-WIN CLASH FOR ROMA

Roma must beat already-relegated Treviso at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday in order to have any hope of playing Champions League football next season.

The Giallorossi cannot afford any more mistakes if they wish to finish fourth in the standings ahead of Fiorentina.

The Romans missed a golden opportunity to move level with the Viola after Sunday's 4-4 result against Chievo and Fiorentina's defeat against Palermo.

As it is, Roma are two points behind the Viola with two games remaining.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti was not happy with his team's display against Chievo as they wasted a 3-1 first-half lead by conceding three goals after the re-start.

"I am angry and disappointed," said Spalletti. "We have taken one point but I really wanted three. We have missed a golden chance and now we could end up suffering the consequences."

Indeed, the Giallorossi have given themselves some real problems as Fiorentina have everything going for them.

The Viola should enjoy an easier end to the campaign as they host Reggina this weekend before playing Verona against Chievo in their final game.

In contrast, Roma must travel to the San Siro to meet Scudetto hopefuls AC Milan in the last game of the campaign.

Fiorentina can focus all their energy on the league while Roma must also consider next week's Coppa Italia final return leg against Internazionale.

The Giallorossi drew 1-1 in midweek against Inter and have all to play for.

Spalletti's men must first concentrate on Sunday's clash against Treviso which by no means will be a walk in the park.

Roma may have not suffered a defeat at home since December when they lost against Palermo but with four key players - defender Philippe Mexes, midfielders Olivier Dacourt, Alessandro Mancini and Simone Perrotta - out of action through suspension for Sunday's game, the game could prove to be a tough one.

Moreover, with attacking trio Alberto Aquilani, Francesco Totti and Vincenzo Montella still unable to play through injury, Spalletti will have to make use of youth team players.

It is a good thing for the hosts that Treviso have the worst attacking line in the competition with just 22 goals in 36 games.

The Veneto-based outfit travel to the Italian capital determined to clinch their first victory of the year.

Treviso coach Diego Bortoluzzi was disappointed that his team did not end their 20-game winless run last weekend.

The northerners, who have only managed two wins this campaign, drew 2-2 against Ascoli.

"We almost got the victory that has eluded us for some time," said Bortoluzzi.

"We are playing better in the past few games and I hope that we can get a victory in our last two games."

Treviso have not won on the road since October when they beat Reggina.

11:42 AM - May 8, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Next week on TV (5-1/5-7)

By Daniel Kline

WagerWeb.com Contributing Writer

Both the NBA and the NHL close out the first round of their playoffs. In baseball, you’ve got the  Orioles and the Blue Jays, matching up in what has to be one of the biggest questions of the baseball season. One of these teams might hang on to challenge the Yankees and Red Sox, but probably not both, making this early season tilt a little more interesting.

*All times Eastern.

Monday, May 1

NFL Europe, Berlin at Rhein (3 p.m., NFL Network)

Stop arguing about who your team drafted and check in on the sport’s minor league with this mid-afternoon match-up. Though NFL Europe might not get the attention of its big brother, the league offers a good chance to figure out which back-up players might break through come the fall.

Tuesday, May 2

Yankees at Red Sox (7:05 p.m., DirecTV, regional)

Every Yankees versus Red Sox match-up gets covered like a playoff game in Boston and New York, so expect tempers to flare in this tilt. The Sox have had the early season advantage, but that’s nothing new, as the Sox always have a division lead in the Summer – the question is whether they can hold it in the Fall.

Wednesday, May 3

Boxing (9 p.m. ESPN2)

Sharmba Mitchell takes on Jose Luis Cruz in a 10-round welterweight tilt. Cruz plays the role of the fighter on the way up, taking on former two-time champion Mitchell, who wants one more shot at the gold. Mitchell was knocked out in the sixth round in his last fight, but that was against Floyd Mayweather – one of the best in the division – so he’s aiming to prove that was a fluke and knock Cruz off the ladder of contention.

Thursday, May 4

Wachovia Open (4 p.m., USA)

A Tiger-less field should leave this one pretty wide open. Vijay Singh attempts to repeat as champion, a title he took last year in a three-way playoff with Sergio Garcia and Jim Furyk.

Friday, May 5

College Volleyball (Midnight, ESPN2)

Catch the men’s semifinal of the NCAA men’s volleyball tournament. This might be your last chance to see some of your favorite players before they turn pro and head out on the lucrative men’s volleyball tour.

Saturday, May 6

Kentucky Derby (6 p.m., NBC)

Horse racing only matters three times a year to the average fan, but the Kentucky captures the best of the sport. Because it’s the first Triple Crown race, every Derby winner stands the chance of being the first horse to bring home racing’s most elusive prize since Affirmed in 1978.

Sunday, May 7

Premier League Soccer (5 p.m., FOXESP)

Two of the big powers in the Premiership face off as Newcastle battles Chelsea in an attempt to cut into Chelsea’s overall lead in the standings. Chelsea did just fall in the FA Cup semifinal, but their big lead in the regular season standings makes clinching the title almost inevitable.

Daniel Kline’s book “50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do� is available in bookstores nationwide. He can be reached at dan@notastep.com.

8:07 AM - May 3, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Chievo Verona 4-4 Roma - Football

11:56 AM - May 1, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

2006 UEFA CUP Tournament

The UEFA Cup is handed over to the Dutch city of Eindhoven, and in preparation for hosting this season's final, golden memories of 1978 will come flooding back.

It was on 9 May 1978 that local side PSV Eindhoven established themselves as a major force in European football as they beat SC Bastia 3-0 at the Philips stadium - the venue for this season's final - to win the UEFA Cup, following a goalless draw in the first leg in Corsica two weeks earlier.

 By that time, PSV had already broken the cast-iron grip that the big clubs from the west of the Netherlands - Feyenoord and AFC Ajax - held on the Dutch title by winning the Eredivisie in 1974/75 and 1975/76, but in taking the UEFA Cup, they announced their presence to the whole continent.

With the final being contested over two legs in those days, PSV had not enjoyed an easy time in the opening fixture against Bastia. Heavy rainfall turned the first leg into a boring show. But the second leg, however, was much more one-sided, and with the elements no longer blocking their route to goal, PSV shone with Willy van de Kerkhof, Gerrie Deijkers and Willy van der Kuylen finding the target as they secured a famous victory in front of 27,000 fans.

With Feyenoord  and Ajax both having won major European competitions in the early 1970s, PSV were the third Dutch club to triumph in UEFA competition, and added to their trophy cabinet by winning the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1987/88 before reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 2004/05.

The memories of that first success back in 1978 will be celebrated as 2004/05 UEFA Cup, against all the Sportsbooks odds. Winners of last year’s cup PFC CSKA Moskva hand the trophy to Eindhoven, with goal scorers Van de Kerkhof and Van der Kuylen in attendance. Sadly Deijkers died of heart failure at the age of 56 back in October 2003.

Deijkers' story was an odd one. He had played as a defender in previous seasons but coach Kees Rijvers - who will also be at the handover - decided to hand him a chance to become a striker as PSV were having attacking problems in 1977/78. He went on to score 18 league goals and six in the UEFA Cup that season.

While Deijkers will be missed at the ceremony at the Evoluon building in Eindhoven, plenty of other PSV stars of 1978 will be there to make up the numbers. Among them will be Willy's twin brother René van de Kerkhof, Jan Poortvliet, Adri van Kraay and Kees Krijgh all eager to get their hands on the trophy again.

11:53 AM - April 26, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Mexes plans Roma stay - Football

Philippe Mexes has pledged to stay at Roma.

The Frenchman has been linked with a possible move away from Stadio Olimpico with the likes of Milan, Juventus and Liverpool all credited with an interest in the player.

Reports have suggested Mexes has a get-out clause in his contract at Roma, but the former Auxerre man insists he is not thinking about a departure from the Italian capital.

"I'm absolutely not interested in that clause," said Mexes.

"I'm a Roma player and I feel myself Roman. My aim is to win with this jersey.

"I have not signed with the Giallorossi to remain here only two seasons."

7:44 AM - April 25, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

ROMA HOPING FOR SAMP BOOST

Champions League chasing Roma face a woefully out-of-form Sampdoria on Saturday in a Serie A match with huge implications for both teams.

Roma, due in large part to their record breaking 11-game winning run after Christmas, are just one point behind fourth-placed Fiorentina and need three points if possible to beat the Viola to that last qualifying place for Europe's elite competition.

Sampdoria, who fought that place themselves last season before losing out to Udinese, are currently in a terrible state with eight defeats in nine games.

Last weekend's home defeat against Parma saw the Genoa outfit drop to 15th position in the standings, leaving them seven points clear of the drop zone.

9:47 AM - April 21, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Soccer: Roma trial for Bertagnoli

Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Sergio Bertagnoli will begin a trail period with Roma Football Club on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old, who also carries an Italian passport, will hope to impress in a bid to earn a contract for next championship season.

Bertagnoli is currently playing for Brazilian side America and Roma officials are thought to be impressed by what they have seen of him on the television.

The goalkeeper will be given the opportunity to prove himself to Roma coach Luciano Spalletti during a short spell at the club.

1:36 PM - April 11, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Roma: No move for Chivu - Soccer

Italian side Roma have denied reports linking defender Cristian Chivu football player to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Romanian is under contract with Roma soccer team until 2008, but recent reports suggested that the 25-year-old was set to move to the Bernabeu this summer.

"I deny each negotiation with Real Madrid," asserted Roma’s sporting director Daniele Prade, "after Easter we will meet with [Chivu’s] agent to extend the contract."

Bruno Conti, Roma’s technical director also rejected the claims:

"We are pleased that a player like Cristian is followed by big clubs, but he’s absolutely untransferable."

1:08 PM - April 7, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Jol confident of clinching Mido deal - Soccer

Martin Jol maintains that Tottenham remain favourites to sign Mido on a permanent basis.

This, despite claims from the Egyptian striker's agent that Tottenham had fallen behind other clubs keen to sign the player permanently.

Mido joined Spurs on an 18-month loan period from Italian club Roma during the January window of 2005 and has yet to agree to a long-term deal.

Mino Raiola, the striker's Monaco-based agent, was surprised he had not been given a new deal.

But Jol, the Tottenham head coach, said: "We are still talking to him. I appreciate he has the right to talk to other clubs as well because he is on loan. I don't know if he's spoken to other clubs but I am still confident that we can sign him.''

Jol shares the same agent and insisted there was not a conflict of interests. "We could have done business with Mido earlier. But I told him that if he scored 12 to 15 goals and if he looked sharp then he would have his deal.

"He's scored 11 goals but he's fulfilled his part of the bargain. Normally you take somebody on loan for six months or a year but we bet on get him for 18 months.

"I still feel he wants to stay here so it's just a matter of negotiating."

Mido's goals have helped Tottenham move into the final furlongs of the Premiership race with Champions League football in sight. Tomorrow they visit Newcastle where a victory would hold off Blackburn, who are making a sustained challenge for the fourth place that would guarantee Champions League football - unless Arsenal finish lower and win this season's competition.

9:37 AM - March 31, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Boro fans injured in clashes with Roma supporters - Football

At least 13 Middlesbrough fans have been injured in Italy after violence broke out involving Roma supporters ahead of the two sides' Uefa Cup tournament tie this evening.

Cleveland police, who are working with Italian officers in Rome, have said about 200 people were involved in the clashes which erupted in the Campo de Fiori square in the Italian capital late last night.

Three Boro fans sustained stab wounds while ten others received treatment for cuts and bruises.

None of the injuries are thought to be life-threatening although two English football fans were kept in hospital over night.

The violence started after what Cleveland police described as 'an apparently organised gang of Italian thugs, their faces covered with masks and bandanas, targeted one bar'.

A lighted flare was thrown into the bar and several others were set off by the masked thugs around the square.

Superintendent Steve Swales, who was in Rome, said: 'Most fans fled to safety but some did retaliate.

'As a result there was a fight and tables and chairs were thrown. Police arrived and broke up the violence with their batons.'

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb told BBC Radio Five Live this morning that 'there was an incident in one of the bars' but that 'everybody is OK now, although one person was [kept] in hospital but is in a stable condition'.

11:59 AM - March 15, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Italian Soccer - Roma aim for record without Totti

 It should also make clear AS Roma chances for the rest of the season without injured captain Francesco Totti.

 Totti, the team's playmaker and captain, suffered a bad ankle injury last weekend and faces a layoff of up to three months.

 Surgery on a fractured fibula and strained left-ankle ligaments has also damaged his prospects of appearing in the June-9-July 9 World Cup championship.

 After a bad start, Roma have achieved a record-equaling streak of 10 wins and risen to fourth place in the standings.  Totti has scored 15 goals and several assists for teammates.

 "We must prove we can do well without him, but there's no doubt that his absence is a heavy blow," midfielder Simone Perrotta said.

11:10 AM - March 15, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

Roma focus on Europe - Football

AS Roma turn their attention to the fierce competition for Champions League places when they host Inter Milan on Sunday (Monday AEDT) as the dust settles on their record 11th consecutive Serie A win.

With 11 games left, only leaders Juventus seem secure of a place in Europe's top club competition next football season.

They travel to Sampdoria on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) with a 10-point advantage over second-placed Milan, who host relegation-threatened Empoli.

Inter soccer team have 58 points and Roma 54, while Fiorentina, a further point behind, could climb back into the top four with a victory against mid-table Siena.

However, most of the attention this weekend will be focused on Rome's Olympic Stadium.

11:08 AM - March 15, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment

MENDIETA RELISHING ROMA TEST -SOCCER

Former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta believes Middlesbrough can strike a blow for the Premiership when they face Roma in the UEFA Cup.

The crack Italian side visit the Riverside Stadium in the first leg of their last-16 clash on Thursday night.

Mendieta, a former Lazio player, said: "Roma are on a fantastic run and Middlesbrough go into the game as underdogs - but we do not fear them.

"Roma's strengths are that they are a very compact side and very effective up front. Yet our strike force of Mark Viduka, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Yakubu have proved they are capable of scoring against any side.

"Playing the second leg in Rome will be very difficult so it is important not to concede a goal at home. If we can score one or two goals that would be excellent.

"We are on a good run because we have played to a system that has given our team confidence. We're all looking forward to playing Roma.

11:05 AM - March 15, 2006 - comments {0} - post comment