Serie A Transfer Update

The first transfer period has ended yesterday, we could say to Serie A does not have a lot of surprises. Here are some interesting transfers to note :

1. Nigel De Jong to Milan

from sundul

Milan closed their activity in transfer by recruiting dutch international defensive midfielder Nigel De Jong. Milan pays €3,5M to Manchester City for the transfer fee. De Jong has been linked to Milan previously before the transfer was finally happen yesterday. De Jong would be a usefull addition to Milan squad, replacing Van Bommel aand Gatusso who already left the club.

Serie A Match Prediction week 2 - Napoli vs Fiorentina

Napoli will meet Fiorentina in their stadium San Paolo, both of the team grab 3 points in their first week. Many people says this season will be the revival of Fiorentina after a disappointing result in last season, Napoli will be a challanging team to prove that.

Napoli is favored to win the game than Fiorentina.Since in the previous match they are win very convincingly against Palermo, rather than Fiorentina who having to wait until the second half of extra time to ensure their victory.

Serie A Match Prediction week 2 - Inter vs Roma

This match would be the first BIG match for Serie A 2012-2013 season, Inter will host AS Roma at Guiseppe Meazza on Sunday 2 September. It would be a tight match and hard to predict who will going out as the winner.

Inter started the first with 3 points after a convincing victory against Pescara by 3-0, while Roma must satisfied to get 1 point after held by Catania in Olimpico. Inter is very prepared for this game, Stramaccioni has rested key players like Sneijder,Milito at Europa League against Vaslui, to ensure that they are fit against Roma.

While for Roma certainly that they are not want to missed another point, eventhough the opponent is Inter. Zeman will keep their attacking formation against Inter, this would be a very entertaining match.

Serie A Match Prediction Week 2 - Udinese vs Juventus

Udinese will host Juventus on Sunday match 2 September 2012, Guidolin squad has not start the season goodly,  beaten by Fiorentina in the opening season then Udinese must face the fact that they didn't qualified to Champions League after lost in the penalty shoot against Braga. Now they have to face the title holder Juventus, not an easy thing to do.

Juventus has shown their domination against Parma in the first match, winning by two goals. With the absence of Antonio Conte seems not to give any impact for the performance of the team. Certainly Juventus aims 3 points in this match.

Lineup Prediction :

Udinese : 4-5-1
Brckic - Danilo - Coda - Pasquale - Heurtaux
Badu - Battocchia -Willians - Maicosuel - Faraoni
Muriel

Juventus : 3-5-2
Storari - Chiellini - Barzagli - Bonucci - Lichsteiner
Asamoah - Marchisio - Pirlo - Vidal
Giovinco - Vucinic

Udinese needs a win to boost up the morale of the team due to the bad result in the opening season.However, they will not get it in this match, i predict Juventus will win 2-0.

Serie A Match Prediction week 2 - Bologna vs AC Milan

AC Milan will visit Bologna to play their second game in Serie A new season on Saturday 1st September 2012. Both of the team was gain negative result in their first game, Milan and Bologna was lost. Two teams are now desperate to get 3 points in this game. Milan has chance to test their new signings like Bojan or Niang in Saturday match.

Do you remember him ?

This post is gonna to remind you of some players that was shone in Serie A, i gonna starts with this player. Personally i really like this player, he was a striker famous with his thunderous right strike. Never played in big club like Juventus,Milan or Inter. He was played for Parma,Fiorentina and Siena. This below video from YouTube will showed you some of his superb goals.

Serie A Transfer Update

Below are some update for Serie A transfer season as of today :

Berbatov to Fiorentina ?

 OneunitedIndonesia

Bulgarian International Striker Dimitar Berbatov has reported go to Florence to talk with Fiorentina directors to talk about his contract with La Violla. Berbatov was rumoured to move from Manchester United since he is no longer in Sir Alex Ferguson's plan. Fiorentina will pay €5M for transfer fee for Berbatov and the striker will have 2 years contract with an extension clause.

Bojan Krkic on loan to Milan

Bojan Krkic-IST

Barcelona talented striker Bojan Krkic has set for AC Milan on loan, currently bojan still undergo his loan period in AS Roma. However, new agreement has been set between Milan,Roma and Barcelona. As reported by goal.com

Milan have negotiated an option to buy Bojan permanently next year and will pay Roma a €1million loan bonus to complete the deal.Bojan joined Roma from Barcelona 12 months ago in what was billed as a permanent transfer but was essentially a two-year loan, with the Spanish giants retaining the right to re-sign the player for €13million in 2013.Roma negotiated an option to buy Bojan for €28m next year but will waive their right following a disappointing campaign at the Stadio Olimpico in which he scored just seven goals.

Bojan is the second name confirming to Join Milan after M'Baye Niang in this week, is there would be any other name ? Still 3 days left before transfer window closed. It is reported that Bojan is Allergri favorite, is that so then Bojan will have a lot of chance to play and to prove that he is deserve to be compare with Lionel Messi. Plus the injuries situation on Milan Offensive players , after Pato, Robinho is also absent due to strain to his right tight and expected to return on the next 4 weeks.With this condition Milan only have 4 strikers available which are Pazzini,Sharawy,Bojan and Niang.

M'Baye Niang Join Milan

France Under 21 International Striker M'baye Niang join AC Milan from Caen for €3M transfer fee , the 17th striker will have 4 years contract with Milan until 2016, Niang is very enthusiastic to play for the Italian club. Many people said Niang would be the new Thiery Henry but the young player didn't like to be compare with Henry. "Henry is Henry, Niang is Niang" he said. More reading from goal.com

Image from caughtoffside

"The Can't Spendables" AC Milan

From Goal.com

AC Milan one of the most highlighted team in Serie A this season, after suprising many by selling their two stars Zlatan and Silva to PSG, Milan still trying to get the replacement for both of the players. However transfer window is only 4 days left and we can say Milan didn't have any significant transfer this season.

The club has announced that they are having financial problem so they must sell their stars and tighten up the expenditure. But, do you remember the star players that they already sold in past few years ? Let me remind you

1. Andriy Shevcenko - 2006/07 to Chelsea approximately £30,8 million or equal €36 million
2. Kaka -2009/10 to Real Madrid approximately €65 million
3. Zlatan and Silva to PSG approximately €65 million

Those are some gigantic transfer from Milan in past few years, Milan get €166 million in total...that was GIGANTIC compare to among other top club except for Manchester United which got  €100 million for selling Chistiano Ronaldo to Madrid. Where all the money gone ? Buying another stars player ? Don't think so, Milan famous to get player by loan with permanent clause e.g Ronaldinho,Zlatan.With their consistency playing in Champion League it will give another income to them, so it is a little bit weird if all that money gone because of huge wage of Milan player.

Well i am not an economy expert with an economy crisis that happens in Europe now, it is very understanding that a team like Milan would be impacted too. However, seeing Milan movement in this transfer season is so annoying, come on you just get €65 mio...spend it a little.

Serie A Matchday 1 result

Serie A has finished their first week in this season, almost all the favorite teams grab their first win in this season except for Roma and Milan.

A day before Juventus the title holder win against Parma. On the Sunday Match Inter  got their first win against promotion team Pescara  by 3-0, Cassano debut was going well the ex-Milan player managed to give an assist for Diego Millito. 

AC Milan was the only favorite team loses, played in San Siro Milan is beaten by a goal from Costa. Roma also lost 2 points after being held by Catania 2-2. Another convincing result was from Napoli visiting Palermo in Renzo Barbera by 3 goals.

Below are the full result from matchday 1 of Serie A 2012-2013

1. Fiorentina vs Udinese 2-1

    Jovetic 67'.90' - Maicosuel 28'

2. Juventus vs Parma 2-0
    Lichsteiner 54'
    Pirlo 58'

3. Milan vs Sampdoria 0-1
    Costa 59'    

4. Atalanta vs Lazio 0-1  
    Hernanes 17'

5. Chievo vs Bologna 2-0
    Pellissier 65'
    Paolo Rinaldo 79'

6. Genoa vs Cagliari 2-0
    Merkel 51'
    Ciro Immobile 85'

7. Palermo vs Napoli 3-0
    Hamsik 45'+2
    Maggio 79'
    Cavani  88'

8. Pescara vs Inter Milan 0-3
    Sneijder 17'
    Milito 19'
    Coutinho 81'

9. Roma vs Catania 2-2
    Osvaldo 59'               Marchese 29'
    N.Lopez 90'+1          Gomez 69'

10. Siena vs Torino 0-0

League Table week - 1 from goal.com

Match Highlight - Fiorentina vs Udinese

Two goals from Stevan Jovetic managed to bring Fiorentina opened their season with 3 points. Playing at home Fiorentina fell behind through the Udinese goal.

Fiorentina have the majority ball possession but quick counterattack from Udinese from Luis Muriel managed to give nice through ball to Maicosuel, managed him to get one on one with Viviano the Fiorentina keeper, Maicosuel shot the ball to right corner 1-0 for Udinese. La Viola keep pressing the visitors but brilliant performance by Udinese keeper Zeljko Brkic keeps the score the same until the end of first half.

Fiorentina get the equalizer on 66th minute by a goal from Stevan Jovetic, receiving the ball from left side Jovetic unleash a shot that get deflected by Danilo, no chance for Brkic to stop the ball 1-1.At the injury time Jovetic second goal seals the Fiorentina win, great long pass from Aquilani to Jovetic into the penalty area the Montenegro striker calmly put the ball into right corner 2-1.

Highlight from Youtube by LoveSerieA

Lineups :

Fiorentina: 

Emiliano Viviano, Gonzalo, Matija Nastasić, Facundo Roncaglia, Romulo (Alberto Aquilani 78), Borja Valero, David Pizarro, Manuel Pasqual, Mattia Cassani(Juan Cuadrado 57), Stevan Jovetić,Adem Ljajić (Mounir El Hamdaoui 66)

Udinese: 

Zeljko Brkic, Danilo, Thomas Heurtaux, Andrea Coda, Willians (Roberto Pereyra 45), Cristian Battocchio, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Giovanni Pasquale,Marco Davide Faraoni, Luis Muriel (Diego Fabbrini 66), Maicosuel 

Match Highlight - Juventus vs Parma

As Predicted before Juventus grabs their first win in this season againts Parma by 2-0 in Juventus Stadium, goal was scored by Stephan Lichsteiner and Andrea Pirlo. 

Action Images

Juventus get their first chance to scored in the 32th minute, Juve given a penalty after Lichsteiner violated by Mirante the Parma keeper. This decision protested by Parma side but the referee keep still with his decision. Penalty taken by vidal was blocked by Mirante the scores is remain 0-0. Juventus dominated the game a few minutes later Vucinic almost put his name into scoreboard but the post denied him.

At the second half Juve get their first goal in 53th minutes Asamoah managed to pass Alesandro Rosi and sending a cross ball into the center, Stephan Lichsteiner get the ball 1-0 for Juve.

4 minutes later Juve get a free kick after Parma's captain Lucarelli violated Vidal near the penalty box. Pirlo's shoot was catched by Mirante however assistant referee feels Mirante already crossed the line 2-0 for Juve. Both of the team still get few chances in the remaining time but the score remain the same.

Despite the controversy from penalty and the second goal, Juve is deserved their winning the match they are dominated the game againts Parma.

Goals and Highlight (Courtesy of Youtube)

Lineups:

Juventus (3-5-2): Storari; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Licthsteiner (Simon Padoin 78), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic (Alessandro Matri 79)

Parma (3-5-2): Mirante; Zaccardo, Paletta, Lucarelli; Rosi (Grazioano Pelle 81), Acquah (Sotiris Ninis 57), Valdes, Parolo, Gobbi; Pabon (Ishak Belfodil 57), Biabiany

Serie A Match Prediction week 1 - AC Milan vs Sampdoria

AC Milan will face Sampdoria in their first game of the Serie A season 2012-2013. Playing at home is an advantage that should be exploited by Milan. Milan is one of the most highlighted team about their preparation this season, after left by their veteran players like Gatusso, Nesta, Seedorf and Inzaghi, Milan fans were surprised by the sale of their star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, plus the departure of Antonio Cassano to Inter Milan. This clearly confirms that the situation is not conducive has happened in Milan.

Victory will be important for Milan to boost the mental of the players in order to face the season. However the opponents Sampdoria is heavy enough for Milan, Ciro Ferrara's teams recently won Joan Gasper trophy after beating Barcelona, those win was enough to boost the morale of the team in the face of this season.

Lineup Prediction

Milan : 4-3-1-2 - Massimiliano Allegri

1-Abbiati, 3-Chiellini 15-Barzagli 19-Bonucci, 29-De Ceglie 21-Pirlo 22-Vidal 8-Marchisio 26-Lichtsteiner, 14-Giovinco 32-Matri

Sampdoria :  4-4-2 - Ciro Ferrara

20-Romero, 28-Gastaldello 35-Rossini 13-Berardi 3-Costa,16-Poli 12-Tissone 14 Obiang 21-Soriano, 29-Juan Antonio Maxi Lopez

There are some interesting things to see in this game which are Pazzini's debut in Milan and Maxi Lopez debut for Sampdoria who previously played for Milan. I predict the outcome of the game would end 1-1 draw

Serie A Match Prediction Week 1 - Juventus vs Parma

The Serie A championship holder  Juventus will start their first match in this season against Parma on today. Juventus will be playing in their home at Juventus Stadium, certainly 3 points must be secured by the Bianconeri.

Gaining positive result in their pre-season by winning Super Coppa Italia against Napoli and Trofeo Berlusconi against AC Milan, Juventus will be favorite to grab an easy win in this match.

Lineup Prediction :

Juventus : 3-5-2 - Massimo Carrera

1-Buffon, 3-Chiellini 15-Barzagli 19-Bonucci, 29-De Ceglie 21-Pirlo 22-Vidal 8-Marchisio 26-Lichtsteiner, 14-Giovinco 32-Matri

Parma :  4-4-2 - Roberto Donadoni

1-Pavarini, 6-Lucarelli 29-Paletta 33-Santacroce 5-Zaccardo,8-Gallopa 4-Marrone 23-Modesto Rossi, 11-Amauri, 22-Palladino




Juventus have advantages almost in every side, plus the team is motivated to show that Antonio Conte ban didn't impact in their performance. I predicted Juventus will win the game by 2-0.

Who will be the Capocannonieri ?

For you who is not familiar with the term Capocannonieri is the Top Goal Scorer, one this post i will share my opinion on Serie A strikers who potentialy claiming Capocannonieri this season.

1. Antonio Di Natale - Udinese

Antonio Di Natale the 34th years old Udinese Italian striker will be my favourite number one. Di Natale has proven that he is one of the most dangerous striker in Serie A Italy.

Di Natale was claimed Capocannonieri 2 season consecutively which are season 2009-10 (29 goals) and 2010-11 (28 goals) before lose against Zlatan Ibrahimovic in last season. Although physically maybe Di Natale is not good as he was 2-3 years ago but with his skill and experience his chance to be the Top Scorer is still high.

2. Edison Cavani - Napoli

On second place I choose Edison Cavani, Napoli striker who been brought from Palermo has proven that he is one of the best striker at this time. Scored 66 goals for Napoli from 94 matches in all competitions, while in Serie A the Uruguay National striker scored 26 goals in season 2010-2011 and 23 goals in season 2011-2012.

3. Diego Milito - Inter Milan

After having a bad season in 2010-2011 scored only 8 goals from total appearance Diego Milito is back to his performance in 2011-2012 season scored 24 goals in serie A managed to bring him back to the first team. Now if the Argentinian striker can maintaining his performance certainly he will be great competitor for Di Natale and Cavani.

Above are the 3 players that have a big chance to claim the Capocannonieri while next are the name that also can be considered become the Top Scorer.

Stevan Jovetic - FiorentinaJovetic suffered injury for the whole season in 2010-2011, he was returned in last season. Playing 27 matches in serie A Jovetic managed to scored 14 goals, it was a fine form for a player who not playing the whole season due to injury. The montenegro national player is always to be plot as the next "Roberto Baggio" by most of the people due to his dribbling skill.

Giampaolo Pazzini - AC Milan

New Striker for AC Milan Giampaolo Pazzini can also have a chance to be capocannonieri this season if he managed to back to his performance when he was on Sampdoria. Pazzini will have many chances to play since he is stated to be the replacement for Zlatan , with Cassano left and Pato is injured, Milan is puts a big hope in him.

Mattia Destro - AS Roma

AS Roma Top Signing in this season Mattia Destro should be considered also, the Italian striker mostly will be the Zdenek Zeman first choice this season. With Zeman as head coach attacking formation definately will be a trademark to AS Roma this season, if the young striker can utilize this chance it is possible he can scored many goals.

3 Points for Inter in Europa League

Inter win 2-0 against FC Vaslui in the Europa League on Thursday 23/08/2012 this match also the 800 appearance Inter's captain Javier Zanetti. Inter dominated the game and managed to get the goal in the 23th minute by Esteban Cambiasso and Rodrigo Palacio in 73th minute.

Wesley Sneijder is the man behind for the both of the goal sent the ball in the middle from corner, FC Vaslui defence was not clear the ball perfectly. Cambiasso coming from behind and unleash a volley shot 1-0 for Inter.At the second half starting from counter attack Sneijder managed to set nicely through pass to Palacio. The Argentinian striker didn't waste the chance chipped a little the ball 2-0.


Highlight from Youtube :

LINEUP

Vaslui (4-1-3-1-1):

1-Danut Dumitru Coman; 20-Zhivko Milanov, 5-Piotr Celeban (16-Caue 73), 33-Elias Charalambous, 23-Adrian Salageanu; 3-Varela; 8-Liviu Antal, 78-Ousmane N'Doye, 18-Lucian Sanmartean; 10-Nicolae Stanciu (40-Dacian Varga 46), 29-Marius Constantin Niculae (9-Sabrin Sburlea 61)

Inter (4-3-1-2) :

12-Luca Castellazzi; 4-Javier Zanetti, 23-Andrea Ranocchia, 6-Matias Silvestre, 13-Maicon; 19-Esteban Cambiasso; 14-Freddy Guar55-in, 16-Gaby Mudingayi (Yuto Nagatomo 21); 10-Wesley Sneijder (40-Guilherme Juan 82); 22-Diego Milito (7-Phillippe Coutinho 72), 8-Rodrigo Palacio

Summary breaking news as of 22 August 2012

Below are the summary of Serie A news as of today :

1. Conte's Appeal Rejected

Courtesy of Wikipedia

After the appeal was rejected by the judge Juventus head coach Antonio Conte must undergo his 10-month ban due to his involvement in Scommessopoli.Conte was stated guilty for not reporting two instances match fixing during his charge in Siena. Eventhough this decision is still unacceptable by the Juventus side, FIGC advise Conte and Juve to accept this decision as stated by the Italian Federal Court member Piero Sandulli "Conte was lucky not to receive a three-year ban for his part in the Scommessepolli scandal". More reading at goal.com

2. Pato is injured 'Again'

The Brazilian striker is having problem with his left adductor during on training session on Wednesday hence Pato will missed out  the start of Serie A season (click here for the rest article). The news is a bad news for Milan fans, Pato is becoming hope for AC Milan fans since the club has left by their stars like Zlatan and Cassano.

Since last season the 22th Brazilian striker is having a problem with injuries, he only playing for 11 appearence due to his persistent injury problem. After a convincing performance with his national team on Olympic this injury can be a mental dropping factor for Pato.

3. Italian team can announces 12-man at bench
The Idea was brought by Aurelio De Laurentiis the Napoli president, on Monday the FIGC has approved the proposal. Starting in the new season 1 team can announces 23 players for a match. I wonder whether this new rule will help the team or not since it is still only 3 players can be replaced in one match.

Transfer Summary as of 22 August 2012

Here are the summary for Serie A transfer as of 22 August 2012 both for official and rumours news :

1. Cassano and Pazzini Swap (Official - Milan pays additional €7 mio)

Both of the player has passed the medical test even has join the first training in their new club for both of the players respectively.Read more on my previous post about this transfer.

2. AC Milan join race for De jong with Inter (Rumoured)

AC Milan tries to leapfrog their Rival Inter Milan to get Manchester City Defensive Midfielder Nigel De Jong. As reported by goal.com Milan has just give their proposal a €8M cash to bring the Netherland player.

De Jong is not the first choice for Mancini in the last season. He is a substitute for Barry and Toure, considering the new City's signing Jack Rodwell his chances to be as first team member is getting lower.For Milan itselt De Jong is perfectly fit for the space left by Gatusso.

3. Napoli Midfielder Walter Gargano to Inter (Official - €1.5M Loan Deal)

Inter Milan get Gargano on loan for 1,5M with option for permanent at the end of season for €5M. Inter need to fill the Centre Midfielder slots after the loan period for Andrea Poli and Angelo Palombo is not extended so the both of the players are going back to their former club Sampdoria.More Reading at goal.com

Courtesy of Total Football Madness

4. AC Milan join the queuing list for Royston Drenthe (Rumoured)

After Manchester City,West Ham and Dynamo Kiev are already contacted the players agent now Milan has join in the race for the dutchman signature. Drenthe was released by Real Madrid on free transfer this summer. With their financial problem certainly Drenthe will be a perfect solution and a good addition to the squad. More reading at goal.com

Two Roma players confirms to stay at the club

AS Roma fans could be relieved since their two key players have confirms to stay at club they are Miralem Pjanic and Daniel De Rossi. Two Premier League club Totenham who chase Pjanic and Manchester City who tries again to teased Daniel De Rossi to moved. 

Roma potentially get approximately 46 mio pound for the two players. It is rumoured Tottenham is ready to offers Pjanic for 15 mio and City to offers De Rossi for 31 mio. Even City's boss Mancini has suggest to De Rossi that he should moved to City to win a title and not become like Francesco Totti a great player with little title. Hmmm..that is a little bit to harsh for my opinion.

But the players have made their decision De Rossi to stay in the club he joined at the age of 17 (more reading at goal.com). But the players have made their decision De Rossi to stay in the club he joined at the age of 17 (more reading at goal.com). As for Pjanic the players didn't has a thought to leave the club as he adapts quickly with Italian since brought to the club last season (more reading at goal.com).

Cassano and Pazzini swap finished soon

As rumored couple days ago (read here) the transfer only take a few days to be done. Both of the team has agreed about the price it is rumored that Milan must pay additional 7mio pound to get Pazzini.

Cassano is dissapointed by Milan movement in the transfer market he thinks that Milan would have no chance to win anything this season also a rumour that Cassano is having a bad relationship with his coach Allegri  while for Pazzini is no longer has  a place in Stramaccioni scheme.Cassano who have a problem with his heart last season has just finished his medical test in Internazionale and the medical team confirms that Cassano hearts is fine. More reading at goal.com

For myself this transfer is surely an advantages for Inter eventhough Cassano is already 30 years old his skill certainly helps Inter offensive side. Plus Inter get 7mio pound and release an unperform players Pazzini. Just a great deal that you hardly to refuse.

Well i can't argue Pazzini is a perfect replacement for Zlatan, he is a finisher just like Zlatan. However we know that Zlatan is better than Pazzini and Pazzini is not good as he was in Fiorentina or Sampdoria. If Milan managed to getting back the player performance like he was two years ago then it would be a good thing for the team.

Juan wants to be good as Silva

Brazil's Olympic 2012 centre back Juan has stated that he wants to be as good as his compatriot Thiago Silva in AC Milan before join PSG. Juan also hopes that he can be a great player in his club now (Internazionale Milan) and ready to do all things that his coach orders.More reading at goal.com

Juan was join Inter on January 2012 from Brazilian club Internacional during last season Juan is not manage to be the first team member. There was Cordoba,Lucio and Samuel who praticaly become the first choice.Now in this season Juan chances to become the first team is more bigger with Cordoba's retirement and Lucio move to the rival teams Juventus. 

Currently Inter have 5 players who can be positioned for centre back which are Juan,Chivu,Samuel,Ranocchia and Silvestre and Inter played in 3 competitions i think Juan will have much more chances to be played by Stramacioni.

Video for Skills by Juan courtesy of YouTube :

Sampdoria win Joan Gasper Trophy

A quick goal by Roberto Soriano in 2nd minute of the game become the only goal and winning goal for Sampdoria in Joan Gamper Trophy against Barcelona. We are not talking about Messi,Iniesta,Fabergas yes Vilanova only plays 'baby' Barcelona consist of young players however Barcelona new player like Jordi Alba and Alex Song are also playing in the match David Villa also playing for 70 minutes so it is a good thing for the Italian team.

Courtesy of Kompas.com

Starts from a throw in on the right side defensive Barca, Pedro Obiang who gets the ball sent a cross ball right through the centre penalty area. Roberto Soriano runs from the back get in the centre and managed to get the ball by a diving header. No Barcelona players anticipate Soriano movement 1-0.

After the goal Barcelona dominate the game and tries to chase the score, several chance by Afellay unleash a powerfull shot in 42th minute from outside the box but the ball hits the bar. In the end of 90th minute the score is remain same and Sampdoria out for winner.

Joan Gamper Trophy is an unofficial tournament that is created as a tribute to former Barca president Joan Gamper. Since 1966, the Catalans have won it 35 times.

With this defeat, Barca ambition to wins the Joan Gamper Trophy for three years in a row is failed. For Sampdoria this was their first win in this event..

The Lineup

Barcelona:

13-Jose Manuel Pinto; 19-Martin Montoya, 15-Marc Bartra, 24-Andreu Fontas, 5-Carles Planas; 12-Jonathan Dos Santos, 10-Sergi Roberto, 8-Javier Espinosa; 27-Gerard Deulofeu, 7-David Villa, 20-Ibrahim Afellay

Reserves:

1-Oier, 2-Balliu, 3-Sergi Gomez, 4-Ilie, 6-Lomban, 9-Dongou, 11-Roman, 14-Patric, 17-Lobato, 22-Araujo, 28-Grimaldo

Sampdoria:

22-Sergio Romero; 13-Gaetano Berardi, 28-Daniele Gastaldello, 35-Jonathan Rossini, 3-Andrea Costa; 21-Roberto Soriano, 12-Fernando Tissone, 14-Pedro Obiang; 2-Marcelo Estigarribia, 10-Maxi Lopez, 29-Juan Antonio

Reserves:

32-Tommaso Berni, 5-Renan Garcia, 6-Massimo Volta, 7-Paolo Castellini, 8-Shkodran Mustafi, 9-Nicola Pozzi, 11-Munari, 16-Andrea Poli, 18-Zsolt Laczko, 19-Lorenzo De Silvestri, 25-Nenad Krsticic, 93-Gianluca Sampietro

Juventus win Trofeo Berlusconi

Juventus claim the Trofeo Berlusconi after beat AC Milan 3-2 at the San Siro.This is the tenth title for Juve in this event. Juventus win by goals from Claudio Marchisio (12'), Arturo Vidal (42') and Alesandro Matri (64'). While Robinho take all the goals for AC Milan (9',77' pen).

Lineup

Milan: Abbiati; Abate (Nocerino 50), Zapata, Yepes, Antonini (De Sciglio 46); Flamini (Traore 63), Montolivo, Constant, Boateng (Valoti 80), Emanuelson (Pato 46), Robinho

Juventus: Storari; Barzagli (Masi 69), Marrone (Rugani 89), Lucio (Bonucci 46); De Ceglie (Ziegler 46), Padoin (Giaccherini 46), Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio (Lichtsteiner 46) (Asamoah 86); Giovinco (Quagliarella 46), Vucinic (Matri 46)

Highlight


Milan opened the scoring board in the ninth minute Robinho managed to scored after get a rebound ball from Flamini's shot.Only took three minutes for Juve to equalize cross ball from Paolo De Ceglie was deflected by Claudio Marchisio to tear the Abbiati goal.

Several chances by the both team to scored but on minute 42 is Arturo Vidal who managed to get his name in the scoreline. Escaped from offside trap Vidal beautifully trick Yepes before sending the ball in the near post.


Come from subtitute bench Matri endanger Milan goal in the early minute second half until he finaly manage to make a goal in 64th minute, placing the ball in the far post after get cross from Emanuele Giaccherini.

Milan chases the gap in 77th minute by a goal from penalty kick by Robinho after a fault by Alberto Masi.

In the remaining time, Juve had a chance to get away again through Giaccherini and Michele Pazienza. But, until the long whistle sounded, the score remained unchanged.

Video for Goal and Highlights - Courtesy of Youtube

Who will claim Scudetto in 2012-2013 part 3

Continuing part 1 and part 2 on this part will show which team is the most favorite to win the title

2. INTER MILAN

Entering the third season after left by their fenomenal coach Jose Mourinho, Inter Milan is still striving to back into their peak performance. After numerous coach replacement Andrea Stramaccioni is chosen to be the Head coach for this season after continuing the role from Claudio Ranieri on March 2012.

Statistic shows after 12 matches under Stramaccioni Inter has win 8 matches, 2 draw and 2 losses. A lot of people believes Stramaccioni had give back the confidence to the players in the locker room. At least the statistic is enough to make Massimo Moratti trusted him to coach the team this season.

There are no significant changes in the squad for Inter although some players decided to leave the club or loan is expired. Coutinho, Palacio, Guarin, Handanovic and Silvestre are the new players joined while players like Lucio,Palombo,Poli,Zarate and Pandev are leaving the club. Find more about Inter transfer here

Most probably Inter will use 4-3-2-1 formation , Handanovic will replace Cesar as keeper, Samuel will duet with Silvestre in the centre defence, Zanetti and Nagatomo will placed in Left and Right side, Cambiasso will command the midfield helped by Guarin and Mudingayi, Sneijder/Countinho Palacio/Countinho and Milito in front. 

Sneijder will play a vital role in this season after injured last season if the dutch playmaker can back to his performance definately would bigger the chance for Inter to win the title.

1. JUVENTUS

Eventhough we are shocked by the case that involving Juventus head coach Antonio Conte which give him 10 months ban to coach the team it did not impacting to the Juventus performance. Massimo Carerra the replacement has just brought  Bianconeri winning the Super Italia Cup after beating Napoli 4-2 in China.

With no keys player in the last season leaving the club the strenght of the club is remain like last season who has just making the unbeaten record in Serie A. Juve will back in Champions League this season which make the team adding the new players to ensure the club can compete in three competitions. I must say rather than the others club Juventus is the most prepared to face the new season.

The best formation for Juventus is 3-5-2 and i don't think there is much changes on the player from last season. Buffon is irreplaceable as keeper, on the defence Bonucci,Barzagli and Chiellini with Lucio as subsitute, Midfield will be commanded by Andrea Pirlo helped by Marchisio and Vidal, while on the Left Midfielder Asamoah/De Ceglie and Lichtsteiner/Pepe on the right, Giovinco and Vucinic as striker.

So Juventus on the Most Favorite team to claim the Scudetto this season.

Thanks for reading

Pazzini exchanged for Cassano ?

Again milan is rumored to another name to fill Zlatan slot now the Inter Striker Giampaolo Pazzini to become a new target for AC Milan. As reported by some Italian Media both of the club have an idea to swap the player with Antonio Cassano.

Cassano himself is rumored displeased by the club due to Zlatan and Silva transfer this is pictured by Cassano that the club has lower its ambition for achievement. This player also reported is not included on the formation for Trofeo Bersculioni against Juventus this Sunday evening.

While for Pazzini the player didn't get many chances and not included on European League by Inter Head coach Andrea Stramaccioni. It seem this idea is a win win solution for everybody. More reading at Goal.com

Well this is only my speculation previously Cassano is also rumored to be exchanged with Boriello i think this is one of way AC Milan to bring back Kaka. Cassano's wages surely a big chunk for AC Milan replacing him with player that has lower wage surely increasing the chance to get Kaka back to Milan.

Serie A 2012-2013 Match Schedule

We would not wait too long for the big match in week 2 Inter will meet AS Roma while fixtures like Napoli vs Fiorentina or Udinese vs Juventus are also happen in week 2 , the hottest Derbi Della Madonnina will occur in week 7.Ok here are the complete match schedule for Serie A season 2012-2013

Week 1 (26/8/2012) and Week 20 (13/1/2013)
- Atalanta vs Lazio
- Chievo vs Bologna
- Fiorentina vs Udinese
- Genoa vs Cagliari
- Juventus vs Parma
- Milan vs Sampdoria
- Palermo vs Napoli
- Pescara vs Inter
- Roma vs Catania
- Siena vs Torino

Week 2 (2/9/2012) and Week 21 (20/1/2013)
- Bologna vs Milan
- Cagliari vs Atalanta
- Catania vs Genoa
- Inter vs Roma
- Lazio vs Palermo
- Napoli vs Fiorentina
- Parma vs Chievo
- Sampdoria vs Siena
- Torino vs Pescara
- Udinese vs Juventus

Week 3 (16/9/2012) and Week 22 (27/1/2013)
- Chievo vs Lazio
- Fiorentina vs Catania
- Genoa vs Juventus
- Milan vs Atalanta
- Napoli vs Parma
- Palermo vs Cagliari
- Pescara vs Sampdoria
- Roma vs Bologna
- Siena vs Udinese
- Torino vs Inter

Week 4 (23/9/2012) and Week 23 (3/2/2013)
- Atalanta vs Palermo
- Bologna vs Pescara
- Cagliari vs Roma
- Catania vs Napoli
- Inter vs Siena
- Juventus vs Chievo
- Lazio vs Genoa
- Parma vs Fiorentina
- Sampdoria vs Torino
- Udinese vs Milan

Week 5 (26/9/2012) and Week 24 (10/2/2013)
- Catania vs Atalanta
- Chievo vs Inter
- Fiorentina vs Juventus
- Genoa vs Parma
- Milan vs Cagliari
- Napoli vs Lazio
- Pescara vs Palermo
- Roma vs Sampdoria
- Siena vs Bologna
- Torino vs Udinese

Week 6 (30/9/2012) and Week 25 (17/2/2013)
- Atalanta vs Torino
- Bologna vs Catania
- Cagliari vs Pescara
- Inter vs Fiorentina
- Juventus vs Roma
- Lazio vs Siena
- Palermo vs Chievo
- Parma vs Milan
- Sampdoria vs Napoli
- Udinese vs Genoa

Week (7/10/2012) and Week 26 (24/2/2013)
- Catania vs Parma
- Chievo vs Sampdoria
- Fiorentina vs Bologna
- Genoa vs Palermo
- Milan vs Inter
- Napoli vs Udinese
- Pescara vs Lazio
- Roma vs Atalanta
- Siena vs Juventus
- Torino vs Cagliari

Week 8 (21/10/2012) and Week 27 (3/3/2013)
- Atalanta vs Siena
- Cagliari vs Bologna
- Chievo vs Fiorentina
- Genoa vs Roma
- Inter vs Catania
- Juventus vs Napoli
- Lazio vs Milan
- Palermo vs Torino
- Parma vs Sampdoria
- Udinese vs Pescara

Week 9 (28/10/2012) and Week 28 (10/3/2013)
- Bologna vs Inter
- Catania vs Juventus
- Fiorentina vs Lazio
- Milan vs Genoa
- Napoli vs Chievo
- Pescara vs Atalanta
- Roma vs Udinese
- Sampdoria vs Cagliari
- Siena vs Palermo
- Torino vs Parma

Week 10 (31/10/2012) and Week 29 (17/3/2013)
- Atalanta vs Napoli
- Cagliari vs Siena
- Chievo vs Pescara
- Genoa vs Fiorentina
- Inter vs Sampdoria
- Juventus vs Bologna
- Lazio vs Torino
- Palermo vs Milan
- Parma vs Roma
- Udinese vs Catania

Week 11 (4/11/2012) and Week 30 (30/3/2013)
- Bologna vs Udinese
- Catania vs Lazio
- Fiorentina vs Cagliari
- Juventus vs Inter
- Milan vs Chievo
- Napoli vs Torino
- Pescara vs Parma
- Roma vs Palermo
- Sampdoria vs Atalanta
- Siena vs Genoa

Week 12 (11/11/2012) and Week 31 (7/4/2013)
- Atalanta vs Inter
- Cagliari vs Catania
- Chievo vs Udinese
- Genoa vs Napoli
- Lazio vs Roma
- Milan vs Fiorentina
- Palermo vs Sampdoria
- Parma vs Siena
- Pescara vs Juventus
- Torino vs Bologna

Week 13 (18/11/2012) and Week 32 (14/4/2013)
- Bologna vs Palermo
- Catania vs Chievo
- Fiorentina vs Atalanta
- Inter vs Cagliari
- Juventus vs Lazio
- Napoli vs Milan
- Roma vs Torino
- Sampdoria vs Genoa
- Siena vs Pescara
- Udinese vs Parma

Week 14 (25/11/2012) and Week 33 (21/4/2013)
- Atalanta vs Genoa
- Cagliari vs Napoli
- Chievo vs Siena
- Lazio vs Udinese
- Milan vs Juventus
- Palermo vs Catania
- Parma vs Inter
- Pescara vs Roma
- Sampdoria vs Bologna
- Torino vs Fiorentina

Week 15 (2/12/2012) and Week 34 (28/4/2013)
- Bologna vs Atalanta
- Catania vs Milan
- Fiorentina vs Sampdoria
- Genoa vs Chievo
- Inter vs Palermo
- Juventus vs Torino
- Lazio vs Parma
- Napoli vs Pescara
- Siena vs Roma
- Udinese vs Cagliari

Week 16 (9/12/2012) and Week 35 (5/5/2013)
- Atalanta vs Parma
- Bologna vs Lazio
- Cagliari vs Chievo
- Inter vs Napoli
- Palermo vs Juventus
- Pescara vs Genoa
- Roma vs Fiorentina
- Sampdoria vs Udinese
- Siena vs Catania
- Torino vs Milan

Week 17 (16/12/2012) and Week 36 (8/5/2013)
- Catania vs Sampdoria
- Chievo vs Roma
- Fiorentina vs Siena
- Genoa vs Torino
- Juventus vs Atalanta
- Lazio vs Inter
- Milan vs Pescara
- Napoli vs Bologna
- Parma vs Cagliari
- Udinese vs Palermo

Week 18 (22/12/2012) and Week 37 (12/5/2013)
- Atalanta vs Udinese
- Bologna vs Parma
- Cagliari vs Juventus
- Inter vs Genoa
- Palermo vs Fiorentina
- Pescara vs Catania
- Roma vs Milan
- Sampdoria vs Lazio
- Siena vs Napoli
- Torino vs Chievo

Week 19 (6/1/2013) and Week 38 (19/5/2013)
- Catania vs Torino
- Chievo vs Atalanta
- Fiorentina vs Pescara
- Genoa vs Bologna
- Juventus vs Sampdoria
- Lazio vs Cagliari
- Milan vs Siena
- Napoli vs Roma
- Parma vs Palermo
- Udinese vs Inter

Who will claim Scudetto in 2012-2013 part 2

Continuing the part 1 we will now discuss the seeded team in position 4 and 3

4. NAPOLI

Walter Mazzarri's team succeed to won the Italian Cup after beating Juventus in the final and secured fifth position last season. Napoli strength this season has not changed much from last season despite losing one of their main striker Ezequiel Lavezzi to Paris Saint Germain.

Despite their failure to keep participating in Champions League like last season, Napoli still plays in 3 competition which are Serie A,Coppa Italia,and Europe League

Napoli is inactivated during this transfer season only some known players joining them which are Valon Behrami and Alessandro Gamberini both are from Fiorentina and Eduardo Vargas from Chile. While there are some players leave the club like Santana,Cigarini,Lavezzi,Hoffer,Fideleff,Santracoce however i think this would not be impacting the first team strength since only Lavezzi is the first team member who leaves the club and Goran Pandev is a perfect subsitution for him.

Most Likely the team will still use the same formation like last season which is 3-4-3.Sanctis will be the keeper, Cannavaro the captain along with Britos and Campagnaro will take care the defence, Zuniga Maggio on the Left and Right midfielder respectively while Inler will be accompanied by the new player Behrami. On the attacking side Napoli still rely on the tridente Hamsik in the left,Cavani in the centre and Pandev in the right.

Fast and attacking game will be the hallmark from Napoli if they are managed to deal with the inconsistency that was happen in last season this team will have a big chance to win the title.

3. AS ROMA

The third team is the most club which do many important changes they are a lot of players coming in and out and most importantly they appoints a new head coach. It is the team from the capital AS Roma.

Roma appoints a new head coach replacing Luis Enrique in this season. It is their former coach in 1997 - 1999 Zdenek Zeman, Zeman was succeed to bring Pescara promote to Serie A after winning the Serie B title. After Enrique is failed to apply tiki-taka in Roma the fans have a big hope on the experienced coach to brings their club to winning a trophy.

There are a lot of changes in the players room for this team some key players have decided to leave the club like Heinze,Pizarro,Simplicio,Juan,and Borini. But the club has been prepares the replacement several new players are joining the squad. Italian full back Balzaretti from Palermo,promising striker Mattia Destro from Genoa, Ivan Piris, Panagiotis Tachtsidis, Leandro Castan , Marquinho and Michael Bradley.Combining the new players with the existing squad member like Totti,De Rossi,Lamela and Bojan Roma can be serious threat for others favorite team to win the scudetto.

As we know Zeman is a fanatic of attacking formation i believe he will use 4-3-3 formation in Roma. Stekelenburg as keeper, Balzaretti-Castan-Burdisso-Piris in the defence, De Rossi will command the centre field accompanied by Pjanic and Bradley, Bojan/Osvaldo-Destro/Osvaldo-Totti will be responsible for the offensive side. That is AS Roma in no 3.

We will continue on part 3 for the second and first favourite team.

Juventus lost in race for Van Persie

As reported by goal.com Manchester United has agree fee with Arsenal for Van Persie it is only matter of time for MU to reach personal agreement with the players, the Arsenal's captain has completes medical ahead of Manchester United move. More at Goal.com

Juventus is one of Serie A teams that are active in the transfer market this summer, this is in line with their desire to again become a respected team in Europe after the team collapsed in 2006 because the Calciopoli case

Van Persie is the most targeted players by Juventus to strengthen the squad after more than a month this player has been rumored to the club. However a decision has been made by Van Persie to stay in the Premier League Manchester United will be the new team for the player.

Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao or Alvaro Negredo from Seville has been prepared for the substitute. Most likely the deal is made for the second name since the Bilbao is not eager to release their striker for an offer less than €20 mio.

Who will claim Scudetto in 2012-2013 part 1

Serie A new season 2012-2013 will be started on 25 August 2012 many predict that serie A is losing its spark along with departure of Big stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva from AC Milan to Paris Saint Germain. Not to mention the scandal Scommessopoli (match fixing) that happened to Juventus coach Antonio Conte and some players like Leandro Bonucci and Simone Pepe as adding the fact that Serie A's are in trouble.

Nevertheless for myself Serie A is still interesting league to watch and followed, i will share to you my opinion on 5 teams that have major chance to win the scudetto 2012-2013.I would sort from 5 to 1 (most favored), ok let's get started

5. AC Milan

It is inevitable departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva are very influential on AC Milan strengh. Also all of the Milan Legend like Gatusso,Seedorf,Nesta,Inzaghi already leaving the club . As for today there is no new players can practically replace the two players, some big names are rumored to be prepared to be a substitute for AC Milan as Carlo Tevez, Edin Drezko even ex-AC Milan favorite star Kaka are still just a rumor and negotiation.

There are 5 new players join the team which are Ricardo Montolivo, Bakaye Traore, Kevin Constant,Francesco Acerbi,Mattia Valoti most of them are acquired by free transfer. 

Preferred Formation : 4-3-1-2

Judging by the available players Allergi would be choose 4-3-1-2 as a favourable formation. 

image courtesy of wiki

Abbiati in Keeper, Antonini and Abate in Full Back Position,Acerbi and Bonera in Centre Back. While on the Midfielder side Ambrosini as a Captain will post in Defensive Mildfieder, Montolivo,Nocerino in Side Midfielder and Boateng as Offensive Midfielder. Pato and Cassano as Centre Forward.While players like Amelia,Mexes,Zapata,Constant,Robinho,Shaarawy will be fill substitute bench

With this formation AC Milan still can compete with the others team, this team is fill with combination of potential young and experience players.With these formation AC milan grab a positive result from their friendly match tour. Three consecutive wins against Schalke, Chelsea and Deportivo Olimpia before slaughtered by Madrid 5-1

But don't forget AC Milan will participate in two another competitions beside serie A which are Coppa Italia and Champions league, certainly fatique and injuries will be a major things to be concerned by AC Milan. Despite the club has announced that their having a financial crisis , new players are the necessary solution if the team still want to lifted up trophy in this season.So AC Milan in 5th Position.

Will be continued on part 2