The Idiot File: Jose Canseco and His New Book "Vindicated..."

As we all know, Jose Canseco's foray into the literary world with the book, "Juiced", was a mitigated success and perhaps changed the culture of baseball forever with subsequent Congressional Hearings, a so-called drug policy (needs to be a tad bit stronger), and the outing of several players, all of whom, except for Cal Ripken (who was never mentioned to have used drugs, Jose just hated him) have has their reputations tarred and feathered.

However, he's coming out with a second book, "Vindicated", and you've got to wonder why he's coming out with a second book.

One, we already know baseball had a drug problem.

Two, I guess he needs the money and his name in lights.

Yes, he was credible and did help the game face a reality that it dug it's head in the sand on; however, there's no need for a second book.

As mentioned yesterday, He's got his guns on A-Rod; however, he's not biting.

Alex Rodriguez ref! used to address allegations by Jose Canseco, who claims he introduced the three-time MVP to a steroids dealer.

"It's over as far as I'm concerned," Rodriguez said Wednesday after his New York Yankees lost 4-0 to the Philadelphia Phillies. "No further comment on the matter. I'm just excited to be playing baseball."

In the book, "Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars, and The Battle to Save Baseball," Canseco claimed he introduced Rodriguez to a steroids dealer named Max. Excerpts from the book, slated for publication on April 1, were posted on deadspin.com before being removed Wednesday.

Canseco wrote that Rodriguez approached him years ago and asked where "one" might acquire steroids. During an interview to be broadcast Friday on ABC's "Nightline," Canseco said he won't produce evidence to back his claim.

"The timing's not right," Canseco said, according to excerpts released by ABC. "Let's see how Alex reacts. Let's see if they all cal! l me a liar again. How's that for you? Let's see if all of a s! udden th ey're going to call me a liar again."

During the ABC interview, Canseco refused to identify Max.

Sigh.

Jose, you have so little decorum. You did the job the first and made a few bucks -- let it go.

Why could this all not have been mentioned the *first time*, if this is true...

NY Times Rips Oriole Park's Crab Cakes

I got wind of this article that appeared in the New York Times this week titled, "Buy Me Some Sushi and Baby Back Ribs", about a culinary critic who visited a number of ballparks by a reader, Brendan Spiegel. The author of this piece, Peter Meehan, sampled food at 12 ballparks, including Baltimore's Oriole Park at Camden Yards and gave his opinion about what he devoured.

Long story short, he does not have a high opinion of a certain concession stand -- most likely Charm City Seafood (he doesn't name it the in article, but I assume this where he went) and here's what he said"

"And in Baltimore, I came face to face with a crab cake sandwich that edged out guinea pig (yes, guinea pig) as the least appetizing dish I have ever tried..."

Yikes.

If you read the article further, on page three, Meehan chronicles his sampling of Maryland's state staple -- the crab cake -- from a concession stand at Camden Yards.

Still, that dish did not compare to the horror that I encountered in Baltimore, at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Between innings, I happened upon a stand called Charm City Seafood behind home plate, whose crab cake sandwich had just been touted in The Baltimore Sun that very morning for its "artful seasoning." So I ordered one.

It was handed to me in a paper basket with a packet of tartar sauce. The bready puck was tepid, soggy and fishy, like a sponge that had been used to clean fish. I couldn't manage a second bite: it was, without question, the worse dish I had the displeasure of sampling at a ballpark.

As a fan who attends upwards of 40 plus games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, I can certainly attest that the stadium serves great crab cakes -- in fact, I order! from Charm City Seafood and also get one from the Championshi! p cafe o ften.

Perhaps Mr. Meehan got served a bad one, or had a server who didn't pay attention or even care. Who knows. It's a shame that's what his impression the crab cake was, and hopefully he doesn't begrudge everything else in the park.

I do have one question -- how could he miss Boog's BBQ? He may or may not be a baseball fan or just doesn't know the region, but I figured that should have been one obvious place should gone to.

Whether or not we harbor against Mr. Meehan's piece is up to us (some Baltimore fans do have a long memory); however, I did find it informative. For some, food makes the ballpark experience rich, but let's hope it didn't spoil his visit.

O's Make Moves; Release Adam Loewen

If you all have not heard, the Orioles made a series of moves Monday afternoon, the biggest being the release of Adam Loewen.

The Orioles conducted some offseason housekeeping on Monday when they released former first-round Draft pick Adam Loewen and outrighted five players to Triple-A Norfolk. Loewen, who has retired as a pitcher due to recurring elbow injuries, is attempting to reignite his career as a position player, and he likely will ink a Minor League contract with the team some time soon.

Loewen missed virtu! ally all of the 2007 season with a stress fracture in his left elbow, an injury that took an operation to repair. The southpaw went through all the requisite rehabilitation, but he suffered the same injury last season and was told it would take 18 months to recover from another surgery, a realization that spurred him to try his hand at hitting.

In addition to the Loewen move, Baltimore outrighted pitchers Randor Bierd and Rocky Cherry, infielder Brando Fahey, outfielder Jeff Fiorentino and catcher Omir Santos to Norfolk. Fiorentino was lost on a waiver claim last winter and subsequently returned to the organization via the same process during the season.

Although Loewen was released, the move may just be procedural -- he may re-sign with the team in a minor league deal and try to find his way back into the majors as a hitter. He's obviously not a major league pitcher anymore; thus, it does not make any sense to pay him as if he was one. I surmise he w! ould be exposed to waivers; however, I don't see him being pic! ked up b y anyone.

I hope Loewen makes it back to Baltimore, or anywhere in the majors. Considering his work ethic, and how many have spoke about him with such reverence, he very well could become another Rick Ankiel.

He more than likely not even see if the majors -- that's even if he makes it -- for perhaps several years and if so, does he just become a bench player or a full-time regular?

Right now, he cannot help out the Baltimore Orioles in the near future, so it is best he work on his hitting tools and learn to be a position player.

Teixeira Saga Coming To An End Soon? What About The Yankees?

It seems to be the whole Mark Teixiera hunt according to those in the know from mlb.com may soon be coming to an end.

At this point, I just think that if Teixeira really, really wanted to sign with someone, he would have done so. Obviously, he and his agent Scott Boras are playing an interesting game of financial chicken -- to get the most money out of a team who'll be hoodwinked into signing him.

I think Teixeira is a fine player; however, do I think he's being close to A-Rod or Albert Pujols at the plate -- no. Despite what I feel, he's probably the surest thing on the market and he'll get what someone wants to pay him.

MLB.com: Decision day could be right around the corner for Mark Teixeira, according to a Major League source familiar with the negotiations. The source antici! pates the free-agent first baseman's highly anticipated announcement within the next few days.

The field of serious bidders from Day 1 includes the Red Sox, Nationals, Angels and Orioles, with the depth of the Yankees' interest still difficult to measure.

The source believes the Red Sox remain in the lead for Teixeira's services in spite of the statement by principal owner John Henry on Thursday night that "it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor." This followed a meeting with Teixeira and agent Scott Boras in Dallas and was, in a sense, consistent with the volatile relationship between Boston and Boras over the years.

"This is going to end the old-fashioned way," the source said, maintaining that money will not be the decisive factor. "He wants to be on the East Coast, and his wife wants to be there. I believe the decision will be based on family and geography."

If you take the above paragraphs for what it's worth, i! t looks like Mark will not be considering sunny California, bu! t the Ea st coast. I've not heard anything much from Baltimore, Washington or Boston; thus, it is anyone's guess where he'll go.

Well, there's a new twist in this ongoing drama, as the New York Yankees - the Evil Empire - are looking the slugger.

The New York Times: The Yankees are interested in signing Teixeira, according to two people in baseball with knowledge of the matter, but for the moment are unwilling to pay him more than $160 million over eight years, one of them said.

The Yankees' offer is less than what the Red Sox presented Teixeira last week. Boston's offer is believed to be for eight years for close to $170 million.

They do have a use for Teixeira, as he's on the right side of 30 and his credentials speak for itself. In the end, I think New York may be posturing -- they could always swoop! in and get him -- however, I think it is to keep the Red Sox on their toes, drive up the price, and make this game even more interesting.

The New Members of the National Football Fall of Fame

America, the National Football Fall of Fame has some new members for 2009.

They include standouts on defense, Bruce Smith and fomer Raven Rod Woodson who were elected on their first try, while former commissioner Paul Tagliabue was denied for the third straight year.

Also picked Saturday were longtime Bills owner Ralph Wilson; the late Derrick Thomas, former Vikings guard Randall McDaniel; and former Cowboys star Bob Hayes. The inductions will take place on Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio; meanwhile, let's all respect these great men who are now immortals in the game.

>>> Read More

Alex Rodriguez Feeling The Heat...

After Alex Rodriguez brought his cousin -- Yuri Sucart -- into the public eye after he mentioned him in a press conference two weeks ago at George Ms. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.

However, the beleaguered slugger decided that his cousin was still good company to keep around. Sucart drove Rodriguez home in a SUV away from a game yesterday; alas, today, the Yankees are asking him to stay away -- from all ballparks.

I guess the-powers-that-be in the Yankees organization are trying to make the smoke go away.

>>> Read More

Photos: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles, May 9th, 2009

05-09-09: New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles

Here are some pictures from last night's impressive win over the New York Yankees. The Oriole of! fense really came alive and tagged Phil Hughes for an eight-ru! n second inning, as well Adam Eaton pitched well enough for the well-deserved win. We'll go for the series win this afternoon as we face off against Joba Chamberlain, and Koji Uehara is the mound for Baltimore.

There will be some more photos from today's game, but everyone have a great Mother's Day!'

Pettitte Was On and Throws a Gem; O's Lose 5-1

In the past few years, I thought Andy Pettitte might have been close to the end of the line as a top-tier pitcher (in fact, until this season he's looked awfully average); however, last night at the Yard, he showed why he's been a solid and dependable arm for the past decade as he threw 6 2/3 perfect innings against Baltimore, until an error and a Nick Markakis single ruined it.

New York defeated Baltimore, 5-1, but the defining moment of the game came when Jerry Hairston -- in place of Alex Rodriguez -- allowed a Adam Jones grounder get past him with two outs in the seventh inning. That moment spoiled a perfect for Pettitte, and the ever vocal New York fans -- they were plenty in attendance from what I saw as I sat in section 55 with my little brother -- let Hairston have it with boos and other stuff that cannot be mentioned in this blog. Nick Markakis followed up with a single that got past Hairston to spoil the no-hit bid. After Pettitte got gave up the hit, he ! got a standing ovation from the Yankee fans, and once the frame ended, he got another hearty applause.

When all was said and done, Pettitte struck out eight and only gave up a run -- a Melvin Mora solo homer in the eighth and his 6th -- on two hits. It goes without saying the Orioles were completely dominated by Pettitte, and really had no chance to win on Monday as the New York veteran southpaw was that good. Mariano Rivera got his 37th save of the season as he stopped a potential Oriole rally by striking out Nolan Reimold to end the contest.

>> Read More

Video of Steve Downie Slashing AHL Referee

As most of you already know, Steve Downie was suspended (again!) by the AHL for physically abusing an official. The suspension is for 20 games.




Not as clear cut as I expected. In fact, unless that action was accompanied with Downie saying something I have no idea how that resulted in him being suspended. It was a faceoff and from the angle of that video it could have easily been an accident. But, given that this is Steve Downie we're talking about, there's no way that he! was going to be given the benefit of the doubt!

Rangers Sign Hobey Baker Winner Matt Gilroy

According to ESPN, the Rangers made a big free agent signing today:

Boston University free agent defenseman Matt Gilroy has signed a multiyear contract with the New York Rangers.

The contract is worth $3.5 million for two years, sources told ESPN's John Buccigross.

Gilroy's decision Friday to sign with the Rangers caps a full week for the 24-year-old native of North Bellmore, N.Y. One week ago, he was named the Hobey Baker Award winner as the best U.S. college hockey player.

The ! BU captain isn't eligible to join the Rangers on their current playoff run. He will attend the club's late summer training camp with an eye on making their 2009-10 NHL roster.

Read more about the signing at Ranger Rants, the NY Post and a Ranger fan's analysis over at The Manic Ranger.

We'll have to wait and see what the exact contract terms are because although all reports I've read have specified that it's a two year deal, some initial reports (such as ESPN's above) report that the deal is worth $3.5M while others are saying that it could be as much as $5M.

Ranger Rants also has a list of! the young Ranger defensive prospects "in addition to Long Isl! and's Gi lroy, New Jersey's Bobby Sanguinetti and Michael Del Zotto, both first-round picks and Mike Sauer and Corey Potter, both who had brief stints with the Rangers this season". The future looks good for the Rangers on the blue line. Now, if only they could clear that disastrous contract of Wade Redden's off the books!

Update: It's a 2 year contract for $3.5M per CapGeek.com

Luongo Long-Term Deal To Be Announced July 1st

According to the Team 1040 in Vancouver:

ESPN's John Buccigross told Pratt and Taylor Thursday that Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo has agreed to terms on a long-term extension that will officially be announced July 1st.

The 30-year-old Luongo went 33-13-7 last season with nine shutouts and is entering the final year of a 4-year, $27million contract.

Under NHL rules, the extension cannot be officially announced - and the two sides cannot discuss an extension - until Luongo is in the final year of his contract, which would be July 1st.

John Tortorella Discusses Prospal, Gomez & More

A John Tortorella article was in yesterday's NY Times as he was interviewed during the U.S. Olympic team's practice at the U.S. orientation camp.

Discussing the hiring of Mark Messier as a special assistant to Glen Sather:

"Him and Glen have gone to war together. Those two guys, they're tight. That's what's great about Glen. He's a guy who gives people opportunities to grow."

Talking about Vinny Prospal:

"I know him really well," Tortorella said of Prospal, whom the Rangers signed on Monday. "We've had some battles along the way."

"He still has talent," Tortorella said Tuesday of the 34-year-old Prospal. "I think he has something to prove. And Vinny Prospal is a pretty damn good player when he has something to prove. He's a pain sometimes, which doesn't matter. ! It's a good intensity that he has. I think he can help us. He has some offensive skill. It's a good signing. It's a one-year deal, not a bunch of money, and this guy has something to prove. I think he's a pretty good player when he has that kind of attitude. He'll help us on the power play."

Tortorella continued, and there was still a bit of a provocation at Prospal somewhere in there: "Vinny and I had a long conversation prior to our even talking about this … I know, I've coached him for so many years — my question was, Does he want to play? Is life too good? Because he's made a lot of money. He's been successful. He's a good person. But I just wanted to make sure that he wanted to play. He's ticked off. He was bought out. He has something to prove here. I think it's a good situation on a one-year deal, and show us maybe for when another contract comes around. Some other people in the organization need to understand that too."
Talking about Marian Gaborik, one of the higher en! d UFAs t hat was on the market this summer, who the Rangers signed:

"He's a dynamic player. If we can keep him healthy — and he's healthy now — we want to let him play. I know he's gonna show me that he can play away from the puck and be competitive there. But we're looking at the other end, and we want him to be that spontaneous, dynamic player. I just don't think you win consistently in this league unless you have that kind of dynamic player. I am not going to overcoach him. I just want him to be instinctive. If shows me a two-way street the other way, as far as competing away from the puck, he can do his thing."

Talking about having control of the team before the start of the season:

"The real part of it is when you can have your own camp," he said. "That's where we can establish what our mindset is going to be, conditioning, which I think is a weakness of our club. As I've said, and I make no bones about it, I don't think we! 're a stiff team mentally. I think we have to be a little bit tougher in that area, in mental parts and preparation."

And how will it work with the Rangers now that Torts will have control from Game 1?

"It's a process, it's accountability, it's merit," he said, then outlined a program of eternal Darwinian struggle. "No one's locked into any positions — people are going to earn their time, they're always going to have to earn their time. Even if they get some, if they don't keep on going they may get moved around a little bit. I think that makes it into more of a hard-type situation. This is a hard game. I just think we're soft mentally, and I think we have to grow in that area."

Tortorella talking about Matt Gilroy who has a legitimate shot at being a rookie this season on the Rangers' blue line:

He's a skill player. He needs some work as far as understanding the defensive part of the game in his own end zone. But the t! hing that I love about him is he's trying to get up the ice al! l the ti me. He's got a fair whack at it this year. There are a couple of wide-open spots on D, and it's important that we develop some young defenecmen.

And finally, when asked about former Ranger Scott Gomez:

"A lot of people think that Scotty and I are at odds. We have never been at odds. With us moving Scotty, I don't think he played that well — I think Scott Gomez is honest about that too, I don't think he thought he played that well — and we had an opportunity to get out of a contract there that was jamming us a little bit with the cap. I thought that Glen did a terrific job in taking care of that part of it. But I don't begrudge Scotty anything as a hockey player, and he's a good guy. Some of the onus belongs on our organization: we didn't have a whole bunch of wingers that could help him. He's playing in a pretty good city, too. So I wish him the best of luck."

Big names.

Question of the day.

Idle notes.

BCS officially headed to cable.

WNBA losing television exposure.

Notes on NBC Super Bowl coverage.

A-Rod blasts Selena Roberts.

Double-digit drop for Kobalt Tools 500. (UPDATED)

More on new ESPN graphics.

With Bulls/Celtics, hindsight is 20/20.

Brown will face scrutiny over Vick interview.

Suspect arrested in Andrews case

CBS stumbles out of the gate

Info Sepakbola | Tim promosi serie A

Musim kompetisi Liga Itali serie A telah berakhir Minggu malam 31 Mei 2009. Secara otomatis ada 3 tim serie B yang promosi menuju kasta tertinggi pentas sepak bola italia serie A. Dua tiket promosi telah digenggam Bari dan Parma, sementara 1 tiket yang tersisa akan diperebutkan oleh tim yang berada diperingkat ke tiga sampai peringkat ke enam melalui babak playoff. Empat tim tersebut adalah..... Livorno, Brescia, Empoli, dan Grosseto. Babak playoff akan digelar pada dua putaran, 7 sampai 20 Juni yang akan datang. Tim peringkat ketiga Livorno akan menghadapi tim peringkat keenam Grosseto. Sedangkan Brescia sebagai tim peringkat keempat akan menghadapi Empoli sebagai tim peringkat kelima.

Klasemen akhir serie B

< td align="center">346
14

No	Nama Klub	M	M	S	K	CG	KG	Poin
1	BARI	42	22	14	6	65	35	80
2	PARMA	42	19	19	4	! 65	76
3	LIVORNO	42	16	20	6	64	40	68
4	BRESCIA	42	18	13	11	54	40	67
5	EMPOLI	42	18	13	11	53	44	67
GROSSETO	42	18	10	14	64	66	64
7	SASSUOLO	42	15	15	12	57	50	60
8	TRIESTINA	42	16	11	15	52	47	59
9	ALBINOLEFFE	42	15	13	49	4 9	58
10	PIACENZA	42	14	13	15	48	48	55
11	FROSINONE	42	13	14	15	48	53	53
12	VICENZA	42	13	13	16	44	41	52
13	MANTOVA	42	12	16	14	41	46	52
14	MODENA	42	13	12	17	54	63	51
15	SALERNITANA	42	14	09	19	46	56	51
16	ASCOLI	42	14	10	18	37	48	51
17	CITTADELLA	42	11	17	14	42	43	50
18	RIMINI	42	13	11	18	43	56	50
19	ANCONA	42	14	07	21	54	66	49
20	PISA	42	12	12	18	44	54	48
21	AVELLINO	42	09	15	18	41	61	40
22	TREVISO	42	07	15	20	36	61	35

Keterangan :

M : main
M : menang
S : seri
K : kalah
CG : memasukkan gol
KG : kemasukkan gol

Peringkat 1 - 2 promosi seria A
! Peringkat 3 - 6 play ! off ke serie A
Peringkat 20 - 22 degradasi ke serie C1
Peringkat 18 - 19 play off degradasi ke serie C1

Kualifikasi Piala Dunia 2009/2010 | Perebutan Dua Tiket Zona Eropa

Di Zona Eropa, tinggal dua tiket langsung tersisa untuk diperebutkan pada matchday terakhir tengah pekan ini. Berada di puncak klasemen, Swiss dan Slovakia berada paling diuntungkan.

Selepas matchday sembilan yang digelar serentak pada Sabtu (10/10/2009) lalu Eropa sudah meloloskan tujuh negara. Mereka yang sudah memesan temp! at di Afrika Selatan adalah Denmark, Jerman, Spanyol, Inggris, Serbia, Italia, Belanda.

Dengan kondisi tersebut, tercatat tinggal Grup 2 dan 3 yang belum meloloskan wakilnya yang berarti masih ada dua tiket langsung tersisa. Dengan masih memuncaki klasemen jelang matchday terakhir, Swiss dan Slovakia berpeluang besar menggenapi sembilan tim yang bakal lolos langsung.

Dengan 20 poin dimiliki, Swiss kini masih bertengger di puncak klasemen Grup 2. Syarat yang harus dilalui negara ini untuk lolos juga terhitung mudah lantaran mereka setidaknya cuma butuh bermain imbang saat menjamu Israel (posisi tiga dengan poin 15), Rabu (14/10/2009).

Adalah Yunani (posisi dua, nilai 17) yang jadi ancaman Swiss untuk bisa lolos langsung. Andai Swiss kalah sementara Yunani menang atas Luxembourg, maka tiket langsung ke final akan jadi milik juara Piala Eropa 2004 itu.

Tapi kalaupun kalah, Swiss sesungguhnya m! asih bisa lolos dengan catatan pada laga lain Yunani gagal men! ang atas Luxembourg. Hasil terburuk yang bisa didapat Swiss sesungguhnya cuma posisi dua yang membuat mereka harus melaju ke playoff, itu bisa terjadi jika mereka kalah dari Israel dan dibarengi kemenangan Yunani atas Luxembourg.

Sedangkan di Grup 3 Slovakia punya peruntungan yang tak jauh berbeda. Duduk di posisi teratas dengan poin 19, Slovakia tinggal butuh kemenangan saat bertandang ke Polandia.

Penantang Slovakia adalah Slovenia yang kini duduk di posisi dua dengan poin 17. Untuk bisa menyusul langsung ke Afrika Selatan, Slovenia butuh kemenangan atas San Marina sambil berharap Slovakia kalah dalam lawatan ke Polandia.

SI (RI)PARTE!!!

Come avevo promesso a qualcuno di voi, stasera apro ufficialmente la mia stagione fantacalcistica. Come ogni anno sono pronto a battagliare con tutti (tanto perdo cmq...), ma soprattutto a divertirmi con tutti.

Chi mi ha cercato nei due mesi scorsi per parlare di trattative di mercato, sappia che da adesso sono a sua disposizione e che, come ho sempre sostenuto, nessun calciatore è incedibile. Quindi se vi interessa qualcuno della mia rosa, chiedete pure; io farò lo stesso con voi.

Adesso vado; stacco la spina del pc e anche quella del cervello...

P.S.: come detto in precedenza, per qualsiasi comunicazione (ivi incluse quelle relative alla data del fantamercato), mandatemi un sms o chiamatemi al cell.

HOCKEY : POL AMAT AWARDED BEST PLAYER IN THE WORD 2008

LA LIGA 2008/09 VIDEO - GOALS - HIGHLIGHTS: FC BARCELONA 6 - AT.MADRID 1

SPAIN Nº1 IN FIFA WORLD RANKING FOR JULY 2008

SFS TRIBUTE: ROMARIO DE SOUZA FARIA RETIRES AT 42

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2008: FC BARCELONA WIN & SEVILLA FC ELIMINATED

HANDBALL: SPAIN CRASHES IN THE 2008 EUROPEANS

FC BARCELONA NEWS & VIDEO HIGHLIGHT OF THE STUTTGART GAME

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2007: VIDEO HIGHLIGHT OF REAL MADRID 4 - OLYMPIKOS 2

FC BARCELONA. THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT - BOJAN , GIOVANNI, ALCANTARA, ASSULIN...

SPANISH FOOTBALL TRANSFER TALK - REAL MADRID, BARÇA, GETAFE...

SPANISH CUP. VIDEO HIGHLIGHT GETAFE 4 - FC BARCELONA 0 2007 & ROUND 34 - "LA LIGA" - FIXTURE

SPANISH CUP FINAL: SEVILLE FC 1 - GETAFE 0 (SEE VIDEO)

REAL MADRID FOLLOWING 6 YEAR OLD MADIN MUHAMMAD?

TURKEY COACH TERIM EVOKES THE SPIRIT OF "BRAVEHEART" AGAINST SPAIN

HANDBALL: CIUDAD REAL WINS ASOBAL TITLE

REAL MADRID: MAICON FOR WESLEY SNEIJDER + 20M? WHAT ABOUT CLICHY?

DAVID VILLA SAGA V: ITS A LAUGH

ATLETICO DE MADRID 2009-2010: A DISASTER AWAITING TO HAPPENING?

Senna Wonder-Goal Sees Villarreal Clear In Second

Laporta Goes On The Defensive

Eight Bara Board Members Resign Amid Laporta Chaos

Villa Set To Sign New Contract

Pep: Kun Is Good But Messi Is Better

Copa Del Rey Preview: Atlético Madrid - Orihuela

Arteta Hails Everton 'Spirit'

Gianluigi Buffon Number One In Goalkeeper Rankings

Calderón Has No Honour - Ex-Real Madrid VP

La Liga Preview: Valencia - Malaga

General Liability Line Rates Should Rise As Profits Drop

Dementieva wins opening match at Key Biscayne

Jankovic to face Suarez Navarro in final

Sharapova wins comeback match in Poland

Blake??s loss seals U.S. exit from Davis Cup

Ronaldo shurgs off Galaticos tag

Once Upon Time Zidane

Once Upon Time Zidane

Formula 1: Jenson Button Dominated GP Turkey

Jenson Button, The New King of Grand Prix F1

Jenson Button dominated the Turkish Grand Prix Formula 1 at the Istanbul Park Circuit yesterday, taking the lead on the first lap and driving a superb race to bring his Brawn-Mercedes car home for his sixth victory of the 2009 Formula One season. Jenson had a good start to maintain second position off the line and took the lead from Sebastian Vettel when the Red Bull driver ran wide at the chicane at turns nine and ten on the first lap. From there, Jenson drove a flawless two-stop race building up a twenty second lead before taking it easy for the final fe! w laps to take the chequered flag ahead of the two Red Bulls. ! Heading into the team's home race, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Brawn GP lead the Constructors' Championship with 96 points whilst Jenson leads the Drivers' Championship on 61 points with Rubens in second place with 35 points.

Source: http://www.jensonbutton.com

Keane Wants Out

By Jaymes Payten-Marsh
For THBN

Friends close to Spurs striker Robbie Keane have said that he definitely wants to quit the London club and play for Newcastle.

It has been reported that Keane asked his Irish team mates, Shay Given and ex-Spur Stephen Carr what it is like playing for Newcastle earlier this summer when the Irish squad met up for international duty.

After many lengthy informal chats with his international teammates, it has been said that Robbie Keane has now set it in his heart to play for Newcastle United.

With Newcastle in the hunt for a new striker, 24-year old Keane would fit the bill. Spurs will ask around £6 milli! on for Ireland's top goal scorer.

Norwich vs. Tottenham Hotspur - UPDATE

The second half started with Luka Modric & Ledley King being replaced by Aaron Lennon and Benoit Assou-Ekotto respectively.

Spurs so far, both in the first half and up until this point in the second half, have been the stronger side. We have been playing really well, keeping possession and holding up the ball.

Darren Bent has been playing up on his own, with Dos Santos in a withdrawn role. Dos Santos has been demonstrating his flair and creativity throughout this match thus far. As the commentator just stated, "Spurs fans will love Dos Santos as he is a player that's in the Spurs mould".

More to follow...

Harry eyes West Brom player

Harry Redknapp was seen at Villa Park today, amid reports that he is interested in West Brom's Czech International player, Roman Bedná?.

The former Hearts striker has shown that he can cope with the pressures of the Premier League.

Bedná?, 25, has been on form recently, and has contributed to the Baggies recent resurgence.

Being both quick off the mark and strong on the ball, Bedná? would be an ideal candidate for a target man, or as cover to Defoe or Pavlyuchenko.

West Bromwich Albion paid Hearts £2.3 million for his services after a successful loan spell saw him bag 17 goals from 22 starts. If the reports are accurate, Harry would have to part with at least £5 million, and that's if the Albion are interested in selling.

Kaka: Aku Berutang kepada Italia

PRETORIA - Gelandang Brasil, Ricardo Kaka mengaku heran dengan buruknya penampilan Brasil di Piala Konfederasi. Namun, Kaka tetap menghormati dan merasa berutang kepada Italia karena telah menjadikannya pemain penting seperti sekarang ini.
Pernyataan itu berkaitan dengan kekalahan 0-3 yang diderita Italia saat menghadapi Brasil di pertandingan terakhir fase grup Piala konfederasi. Hasil itu sekaligus membuat Italia tersingkir dari turnamen tersebut. "Hasil 3-0 adalah kejutan untukku juga. Sayang sekali Italia keluar.
Tetapi mereka te! tap merupakan tim kuat," ujar Kaka. "Aku, bagaimanapun juga, tetap berterima kasih kepada Italia untuk semua yang telah mereka berikan kepadaku. Aku tak akan melupakan kenyataan bahwa aku berutang segalanya kepada Anda (Italia) karena telah menjadikanku pemain penting," tambahnya.
Bersama AC Milan, Kaka telah meraih gelar pribadi dan klub di berbagai ajang. Ia pun kemudian diakui sebagai satu dari lima pemain terbaik dunia saat ini. Itu pula yang membuat Real Madrid menghargainya 56 juta poundsterling atau sekitar Rp 957 miliar saat memboyongnya dari San Siro.

Fabiano Desak Sevilla Terima Tawaran Milan

RIO DE JANEIRO — Penyerang Sevilla, Luis Fabiano, sangat antusias mendengar AC Milan mengajukan penawaran resmi kepada klubnya. Ia mendesak klub supaya menerima proposal tersebut.Sudah sejak beberapa waktu lalu, Fabiano menyatakan keinginan membela Milan.
Bukan karena ia tidak bahagia di Sevilla, tetapi karena merasa sudah waktunya mencari tantangan dan kesempatan sukses lebih baik. Masuknya penawaran Milan mendekatkan mimpinya kepada kenyataan. "Aku tahu bahwa Milan telah mengajukan penawaran dan aku ingin Sevilla mempertimbangkannya," k! atanya seperti dikutip ABC. "Aku bahagia di Sevilla.
Namun, aku menyadari bahwa pada usia 28 tahun hanya ada sedikit kesempatan seperti ini untukku. Milan adalah salah satu klub terbesar di dunia," lanjutnya. Milan memang sedang mencari penyerang. Fabiano masuk dalam agenda mereka. Namun, negosiasi tidak berjalan mulus. Faktor harga menjadi penghambat.
Milan mengajukan tawaran sebesar 12 juta poundsterling atau sekitar Rp 199 miliar. Sevilla menolak proposal ini karena berada jauh di bawah nilai klausul penjualan Fabiano yang mencapai 32 juta poundsterling atau sekitar Rp 532 miliar. Meski begitu, Sevilla mengaku bersedia melayani tawar-menawar harga dengan Milan.
Media Italia mengklaim, kedua klub bakal mencapai kesepakatan jual-beli di angka 17 juta poundsterling atau sekitar Rp 283 miliar. Fabiano diperhitungkan sebagai target belanja Milan setelah tampil mengesankan bersama tim nasional Brasil di Piala Konfederasi 2009. Ia menyudahi turnamen sebagai pence! tak gol terbanyak dengan torehan lima gol.

Leonardo Buka Pintu untuk Beckham

Los Angeles - David Beckham mengungkapkan ketertarikannya kembali ke Milan tahun depan. Bak gayung bersambut, pelatih Leonardo membuka pintu buat bintang Inggris itu bermain lagi bersama Rossoneri.
Minggu lalu, setelah dirinya kembali ke Amerika Serikat untuk melanjutkan kontraknya dengan LA Galaxy, Beckham mengatakan bahwa dirinya berharap bisa menghabiskan paruh kedua musim kompetisi Eropa bersama Milan, supaya terjaga kansnya main di Piala Dunia 2010.
Seperti diketahui, musim l! alu ia bekerja di San Siro dari Januari sampai akhir Mei dengan status pinjaman dari Galaxy. Hasilnya, pelatih Inggris Fabio Capello masih mempercayai pemain berusia 34 tahun itu. Leonardo, yang menjadi suksesor Carlo Ancelotti di Milan, memberi lampu hijau buat Beckham bermain lagi bersama Andrea Pirlo dkk.
"David memiliki dan masih punya hubungan yang baik dengan kami semua. Dia sangat berguna setiap kali mengenakan seragam kami," ujar pelatih asal Brasil itu dalam situs resmi Milan. "David tak diragukan lagi adalah pemain yang sangat cerdas dan tak ada yang aneh apabila saya mengatakan bahwa dia bisa masuk lagi dalam rencana-rencanaku, karena dia bisa bermain dalam sistem apapun."
Beckham telah kembali beraksi di Major League Soccer pada hari Kamis lalu, ketika Galaxy menang 3-1 atas New York Bulls, di mana ia diberi sorakan "huu.." oleh penonton. Hari ini ia akan memperkuat Galaxy melawan Milan dalam laga eksebisi.

!

Dida Diincar Genoa

MILAN - Seiring kedatangan pelatih baru Leonardo yang akan merubah total AC Milan, posisi kiper asal Brasil Dida mulai terpinggirkan. Apalagi sejak musim lalu saat masih dilatih Carlo Ancelotti, Dida jarang diturunkan karena Milan lebih memilih Christian Abbiati atau Zeljko Kalac.
Akibat situasi ini, Dida memilih angkat kaki dari Rossoneri. Menurut Tuttomercatoweb.com, Genoa kemungkinan menjadi tempat baru Dida untuk musim depan. Jika Dida jadi memperkuat Genoa, ia juga harus bersaing dengan Rubinho, kiper Serie A Italia yang tampil impresif musim lalu.

Milan Bakal Naikkan Gaji Ronaldinho

MILAN - Hati Ronaldinho pasti sedang berbunga-bunga. Performanya yang ciamik pada laga perdana Serie-A ketika mereka menang 1-0 atas Siena, membuat AC Milan berencana menyodorkan kontrak baru kepadanya. Seperti yang ditulis Il Correre Dello Sport, "I Rossoneri" siap menaikkan gaji per musim gelandang asal Brasil tersebut.
Selama ini Ronaldinho menerima 6,5 juta poundsterling (92 miliar) per musim, dan dengan kontrak baru itu dia bakal menerima 8 juta poundsterling atau senilai dengan Rp 114 miliar. Selain itu, sang trequartista (penyerang! lubang) mendapat opsi untuk memperpanjang kontraknya setahun lagi. Artinya, dia bakal merumput di San Siro sampai musim 2011-2012, ketika berusia 33 tahun.
Milan membeli Ronaldinho dengan nilai 25,5 juta poundsterling atau sekitar Rp 418 miliar dari Barcelona. "Si Merah Hitam" mengikatnya di San Siro selama tiga tahun. Meskipun grafik permainannya belum setinggi ketika masih merumput di Paris St Germain atau Barcelona, tapi pelatih Leonardo tetap yakin performa Ronaldinho bakal melejit lagi.
Leonardo pun memberikan peran baru kepada R80, sebagai penyerang lubang, yang dimainkan dengan bagus saat melawan Siena. "Dinho bermain bagus saat melawan Siena pada Sabtu malam," ungkap pelatih asal Brasil itu, yang menambahkan bahwa sang playmaker tampaknya menikmati peran barunya.

Simoni: Milan Finish Ketiga Serie A

MILAN - Luigi Simoni memberikan pendapatnya mengenai perebutan gelar Serie A pada musim ini. Mantan pelatih Inter itu menyatakan bahwa AC Milan tidak akan mampu bersaing dengan I Nerazzurri dan Juventus.
Benarkah? Perebutan gelar Scudetto? Saya rasa pertarungan akan terjadi antara Inter dan Juve dengan Inter menjadi favorit tentunya," ujar Simoni. "Sedangkan Milan akan finish peringkat ketiga." Selain memaparkan tim yang akan berada di urutan teratas perebutan Serie A, Simoni juga mencoba memp! rediksi tim yang akan menghuni peringkat empat pada kompetisi musim ini.
"Peringkat keempat saya rasa akan terjadi perebutan antara Roma, Fiorentina, Napoli, Genoa, Lazio, dan Udinese," lanjutnya sebagaimana dikutip Radio Kiss Kiss, Kamis (10/9/2009). Simoni pernah melatih Inter dari musim 1997 hingga 1999.
Sayang, perjalanannya bersama I Nerazzurri tidaklah mulus karena dipecat manajemen karena dinilai gagal membesut Javier Zanetti dkk.

Milan Masih Terhormat di Mata Zurich

MILAN - Pelatih FC Zurich, Bernard Challandes, menilai, AC Milan merupakan tim besar yang tetap harus disegani bagi siapa pun. Menurutnya, naik-turunnya performa tidak menjadikan AC Milan pantas disebut berada dalam krisis.
Ia pun mengaku senang bila bisa membawa pulang satu angka dari San Siro saat duel babak penyisihan grup Liga Champions, Rabu (30/9). Milan baru mengoleksi delapan poin dari delapan pertandingan Serie-A musim ini.
Torehan tiga gol berbanding enam kali kebobolan, semakin menguatkan anggapan banyak kalangan, Milan be! rada dalam masalah besar. Challandes mengaku tak berani memberikan penilaian yang sama.
Menurutnya, dari segi reputasi, Milan berada jauh di atas Zurich. Lagi pula, performa tim di liga tak bisa begitu saja dibandingkan dengan Liga Champions. Setiap tim akan memiliki motivasi lebih besar untuk tampil sebaik mungkin di pentas Eropa. Milan sendiri, sejauh ini, cukup mampu mempertahankan reputasi sebagai salah satu tim paling sukses di Eropa.
Pada duel pertama di babak penyisihan Grup C melawan Olympique Marseille, Milan membukukan kemenangan 2-1. Berdasar fakta itu, Challandes meminta anak didiknya tetap fokus dan menghormati lawan. Ia tak ingin, anak didiknya termakan rumor dan menjadi besar kepala, yang pada akhirnya akan merugikan diri sendiri.
"Kami bisa mencoba mengambil keuntungan dari kesulitan mereka saat ini. Namun, Milan tetaplah Milan. Mereka masih tim yang besar," ujarnya. Challandes pun menyatakan akan menghadapi Milan, seperti ketika mereka mengha! dapi Real Madrid di laga pertama babak penyisihan grup.
S! aat itu, mereka berhasil menyarangkan dua gol. Meski akhirnya kalah 2-5, membobol gawang Madrid merupakan kebanggaan tersendiri. Melawan Milan, Challandes berharap bisa meraih hasil lebih baik. "Kami tahu kami bisa menampilkan performa bagus dan kami mampu menghadapi tim kelas dunia.
Kami sudah melakukannya kepada Real Madrid," terangnya. "Besok akan menjadi laga besar bagi kami. Saya tahu, kami hanyalah 'Zurich'. Namun, target kami adalah meraih poin. Kami bermimpi, setidaknya, meraih hasil seri di San Siro," tandasnya.

sumber : kompas.com

Carling Cup third-round preview

Arsenal and Liverpool both face difficult fixtures in their first outings in this season's tournament, while there are also all-top-flight games and a host of evenly-matched ties which catch the eye.

It has been a while since Liverpool lifted silverware, however, the trend for fielding second-string sides in the Carling Cup is unlikely to change when the Reds renew rivalries with Simon Grayson's Leeds, who are former Premier League giants, live on Sky Sports 2 & HD2 at Elland Road.

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal are desperate for a trophy and would welcome the League Cup to their collection, but that is unlikely to stop the Frenchman gambling with wholesale changes to his team for the arrival of Championship leaders West Brom.

Top-flight sides Bolton and West Ham, who defeated London foes Millwall in a bad-tempered second-round meeting, clash at the Reebok Stadium, while Sunderland and Birmingham cross swords at the Stadium of Light.

Burn! ley reached the semi-final of the competition last season and caused a number of shocks along the way, but Owen Coyle's side now hold Premier League status and will want to avoid a shock away at Barnsley.

Blackburn face a difficult trip to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest, while Stoke will also have their work cut out when Championship side Blackpool visit the Britannia Stadium.

Portsmouth have endured a wretched start to the season and have yet to record a league win, so under-pressure boss Paul Hart will be nervous when travelling to League One outfit Carlisle.

Championship rivals Peterborough and Newcastle meet at London Road, while Scunthorpe host League Two outfit Port Vale.

De Rossi Tetap AS Roma

Gelandang AS Roma asal Italia, Daniele De Rossi menyangkal kepindahannya ke Arsenal.

The Gunners dikabarkan tertarik untuk meminang pemain 26 tahun tersebut ke Emirates Stadium. Namun De Rossi menyatakan bahwa tidak ada tawaran yang datang dari Arsen! al dan dia tidak tertarik untuk pindah ke klub manapun.

"Arsenal? Saya tidak mendengar apapun. Roma mengatakan saya tidak akan dijual dan saya ingin tetap di sini." kata gelandang yang memiliki tendangan geledek tersebut.

"Jika mereka (AS Roma) ingin menjual saya, segalanya dapat berubah. Namun mereka selalu menunjukkan kepercayaan kepada saya."

Daniele De Rossi sedang berjuang untuk memberikan penampilan terbaiknya bersama tim serigala Ital! ia tersebut dalam perburuan juara liga Serie A musim depan set! elah mer eka tampil mengecewakan dengan duduk di posisi ke enam klasemen musim lalu.

"Kami harus bermain sangat bagus karena jarak antara kami dengan tiga tim teratas mulai meregang."

"Sekarang kami harus bertarung dengan Fiorentina, Genoa dan Lazio. Kami harus mengumpulkan kembali mental dan kerja keras yang telah hilang musim lalu. Baik saya maupun yang lainnya."

TV CALCIO: LA RIVOLUZIONE DELLA WEB-TV

TvCalcio torna come vera e propria web-tv. Ora in home-page troverete video, clips, hlts e news 24 ore su 24 e naturalmente non mancheranno le trasmissioni live. Il palinsesto è in rifacimento, per ora godetevi lo spettacolo di TV CALCIO Version 2 .

GERMANIA-POLONIA 2-0

14 GOL PER IL CHIEVO

(ANSA) - ROMA, 20 LUG - Il Chievo ha sconfitto 14-0 (10-0) il San Zeno in una gara amichevole: in evidenza il brasiliano Luciano con una tripletta. Apre le marcature Pellissier. Al 13' Iunco. Terzo gol di Cesar. Poi nuovamente Iunco. Sul 4-0 si scatena Luciano: primo gol al 17'. Da calcio di rigore si fa valer anche Marcolini al 24', segnando anche al 30' dopo aver assistito alla doppietta del brasiliano, che fa tre al 31'. Poi Pellissier. Nella ripresa Italiano, Dimas, Rigoni e Gasparetto.

DUELLO JUVE-MILAN PER IVANOVIC

Le prossime mosse di mercato della Juve le detterà la risonanza magnetica alla quale si sottoporrà Giorgio Chiellini. Il ginocchio sinistro del centrale della nazionale tiene in apprensione tutto l'ambiente bianconero. Stiramento del collaterale: questa l'ipotesi migliore. Si teme, però, addirittura la rottura del crociato. In questo caso lo stop sarebbe di almeno 6 mesi con conseguente ritorno sul mercato. Ivanovic è il primo obiettivo.

Con Knezevic fermo ai box, Andrade perso per tutta la stagione e la coppia Zebina-Grygera dedicata a ricoprire il ruolo di esterno destro di difesa, a ! Ranieri, dopo il ko di Chiellini, restano i soli Legrottaglie e Mellberg. Una situazione d'emergenza che il tecnico bianconero può pensare di sostenere solo nel caso avesse la certezza di poter recuperare Chiellini entro 45-45 giorni massimo. In caso contrario, il ritorno sul mercato diventerebbe una priorità assoluta.
Nessuna soluzione-tampone (come avvenuto lo scorso anno con Stendardo, tanto per intenderci). Nel caso Chiellini fosse costretto ad un lungo calvario, la Juve ha tutta l'intenzione di investire su un giocatore forte e di prospettiva. E l'identikit del giocatore che fa al caso della Juve ha un nome ben preciso: si tratta di Branislav Ivanovic, da tempo in procinto di venire in Italia. Per un anno accostato ai bianconeri (vicinissimi ad acquistarlo dalla Lokomotiv Mosca lo scorso gennaio), il 24enne difensore serbo del Chelsea è stato ad un passo dal Milan che ancora oggi non ha mollato la presa sul giocatore.
La trattativa tra i blues e il club di vi! a Turati si è arenata per la volontà del Chelsea di cedere il ! giocator e a titolo defiinitivo o, al massimo, in prestito (oneroso) con riscatto obbligario tra 12 mesi. Il Milan, invece, insiste per un prestito libero senza trovare, di conseguenza, risposte positive da Londra. La Juve, quindi, potrebbe approfittare della situazione mettendo sul piatto i 10-12 milioni richiesti dal Chelsea. In pratica i soldi "risparmiati" con Poulsen, arrivato a Torino al posto di Xabi Alonso. E con la Champions ormai ad un passo, a Torino un investimento simile è considerato alla portata. Forse, addirittura obbligato.

SOLA SOLETTA

L'Inter batte il Lecce grazie al sempre puntuale Cruz.Milan a quota 6.Juve fermata in casa dal Catania.Disfatta Roma,grande Lazio.

Un pareggio sul difficile campo di Marassi all'esordio e poi tre successi, l'ultimo dei quali ottenuto, non senza qualche affanno, sul Lecce. Dopo quattro giornate di campionato l'Inter saluta le dirette concorrenti per lo scudetto e si ritrova da sola in testa alla classifica, a +2 sulla Juve, +4 sulMilan e addirittura +6 sulla Roma. E domenica sera, in caso di vittoria nel derby, i nerazzurri di Mourinho potrebbero già fare il vuoto dietro di! sè.

Non brilla l'Inter vista con il Lecce: ci vuole una squadra piena di attaccanti e il solito, implacabile, Cruz per portare a casa tre punti contro un avversario ben messo in campo da mister Beretta. L'Inter non brilla ancora e fa un passo indietro rispetto alla buona prova corale di domenica scorsa a Torino ma le sue dirette rivali per lo scudetto perdono già punti per strada, vuoi per sfortuna, arbitraggi sfavorevoli e scarsa condizione fisica. E così una squadra ancora lontana parente da quella 'special' a immagine e somiglianza del suo allenatore è comunque già da sola lassù, in testa alla classifica e guarda tutte dall'alto in basso.


Domenica i nerazzurri sono attesi da una prova del nove: il derby infatti fa storia a se e in ogni caso il Milan ha mostrato netti segnali di crescita, ottenendo due successi consecutivi in campionato prima con la Lazio a San Siro e poi al Granillo contro la Reggina. Fatto sta che, in caso di vittoria, gli uomini! di Mourinho spingerebbero quelli di Ancelotti a -7 in classif! ica: un divario già notevole anche se siamo soltanto all'inizio di una lunga cavalcata. Turno tutt'altro che facile anche per la Juventus, attesa dalla trasferta di Marassi contro una Sampdoria che vuole regalare ai suoi sostenitori il primo successo in campionato. E la Roma riceve un'Atalanta che si è dimostrata squadra solida e ben organizzata e che si presenta all'Olimpico da seconda in classifica.
Ci sarà da vedere quale Inter Mourinho schiererà contro i rossoneri e se il portoghese deciderà di dare spazio al Jardinero Cruz, che contro il Lecce è entrato in campo e ha segnato. Probabile che il tecnico di Setubal si affidi ancora una volta a Ibra, di cui non può fare a meno, affiancato da Adriano e Mancini. Con uno spento Quaresma a partire dalla panchina seduto accanto, tra gli altri, a un attaccante argentino che vuole dire la sua. Perchè a uno così è difficile rinunciare.

INTER-LECCE


REGGINA-MILAN


JUVENTUS-CATANIA


GENOA-ROMA


LAZIO-FIORENTINA


NAPOLI-PALERMO


SIENA-SAMPDORIA


CHIEVO-TORINO


BOLOGNA-UDINESE


ATALANTA-CAGLIARI

COPPA ITALIA, UDINESE VITTORIOSA DAL DISCHETTO

Un match denso di cartellini gialli, ben otto, e di rossi, due solo per l'Udinese, che parrebbero evidenziare una partita nervosa e cattiva, cosa che invece non è stata.

UDINESE-REGGINA 8-7 (dopo i calci di rigore)

Udinese (4-2-3-1): Belardi 5,5 (41' Koprivec 6,5); Sala 6, Zapata 6,5 (19' Lukovic 6), Felipe 6, Pasquale 6; Nef 6, Obodo 6,5, Asamoah 6,5; Motta 5,5, Sanchez 7; Floro Flores 6 (1'st Quagliarella 5). A disposizione: Lukovic, Moreno, Mazzarani, Vujadinovic, Ighalo. All: Marino
Reggina (4-4-2): Marino 7,5; Alvarez 6(4' Ceravolo 6,5), Cosenza 5,5 , Basso 5, Costa 5 ; Sestu 5, Viola 6,5, Tognozzi 6, Halfredsson 5; Di Gennaro 6 (34' Rakic 6), Stuani 5 (13'! Barillà 6). A disposizione: Campagnolo, Khoris, Cozza. All: Orlandi
Arbitro: Giannoccaro di Lecce
Marcatori:
Ammoniti: Cosenza, Basso, Alvarez, Barillà, Costa, Tognozzi (R); Obodo (U)
Espulsi: Belardi, Quagliarella (U)

AMAURI : SPERANZE AZZURRE ADDIO?

Marcello Lippi potrebbe rimanerci male. Sì, perché nelle pratiche che avrebbero dovuto porta! re Amauri alla cittadinanza italiana, come riportato da "Il Messaggero", si è evidenziata una falla burocratica piuttosto consistente. La moglie dell'attaccante,Cynthia Cosini Valaderes, avrebbe sei anni di residenza non documentati, dal 1998 al 2004, che non dimostrerebbero un soggiorno continuativo di dieci anni in Italia, necessario al proce! dimento.

Nel particolare caso della signora Amauri, risulterebbero verificati solo gli anni che vanno dal 1996 al 1998, e quelli dal 2004 al 2! 007. Il buco di sei anni evidenziato potrebbe essere comunque un errore della Prefettura di Palermo. C'è infatti la possibilità, peraltro ridotta, che la Prefetturam si sia dimenticata di aver inviato alcuni documenti al Viminale. Insomma, la situazione deve essere ulteriormente approfondita.

Nel frattempo sia Marcello ! Lippi che Carlos Dunga aspettano delucidazioni in merito. Visto il grande momento di forma dell'attaccante, le strade sarebbero essere molteplici, burocrazia permettendo.

REAL IN BANCA PER RONALDO

Il Real Madrid si sta muovendo concretamente per prendere Cristiano Ronaldo la prossima stagione. Il club spagnolo, ha infatti chiesto un prestito al Banco di Santander, di 70 milioni di euro, cifra che servirà, almeno in parte, ad acquistare dal Manchester l'asso portoghese. Secondo As, inoltre l'attaccante avrebbe raggiunto un accordo scritto con Ferguson, per avere il suo via libera a giugno.

Insomma secondo il quotidiano spagnolo il Real Madrid si starebbe giocando le sue carte per avere il Pallone d'Oro. Da mesi si parla di! un colpaccio da parte del'ex presidente Florentino Peres, e ora dalle parole si è passati ai fatti. La società si è infatti rivolta alla banca per ottenere un prestito. Certo la cifra che chiederà il Manchester per privarsi del suo attaccante sarà sicuramente maggiore ai 70 milioni di euro, ma il club spagnolo non avrebbe potuto chiedere prestito maggiore all'istituto di credito.

In ogni caso, secondo la stampa iberica l'affare sarebbe già pronto: il Manchester United si sarebbe impegnato a lasciare il giocatore nel giugno 2009. L'accordo sarebbe stato raggiunto lo scorso agosto a Lisbona, tra Cristiano Ronaldo e Alex Ferguson. In tale riunione, il giocatore avrebbe chiesto un impegno scritto da parte del tecnico che avrebbe firmato il documento.

GATTUSO:"NOI AVREMMO ELIMINATO IL MANCHESTER"

"Se il Milan avesse affrontato il Manchester, l'avrebbe superato...". Stoccata all'Inter di Rino Gattuso che ha presentato questa mattina l'iniziativa per la costruzione di un campo di gioco a Schiavonea, in provincia di Cosenza, suo paese natale, promossa dalla sua Fondazione "Forza Ragazzi"; valore 550mila euro.
PARTITA SECCA - Il centrocampista del Milan, lungodegente, stuzzica l'Inter eliminata dai Red Devils negli ottavi di finale della Champions League e motiva così le sue certezze. "Nella partita secca noi possiamo! ottenere risultati imprevedibili". Per poi essere critico con se stesso e il Milan: "Per noi comunque adesso è importantissimo tornare in Champions, un anno di Coppa Uefa è stato pesante" ha ammesso Gattuso.
INGAGGIO PIU' BASSO - Champions significa introiti e con la recessione che dilaga centrare l'obiettivo della qualificazione è fondamentale. E in piena crisi finanziaria il rossonero è anche disposto a compiere sacrifici: "In periodi così io sono favorevole all'eventuale riduzione dell'ingaggio. Ne ho già parlato con Galliani. Se la società mi chiederà una riduzione io sono pronto".
DIFESA DA RIVEDERE - Intanto c'è da consolidare il terzo posto vincendo domenica a Napoli. "Sarà molto difficile per noi. A complicare i nostri piani ci si è messo anche l'arrivo di Donadoni, ma se vinciamo ipotechiamo il terzo posto. Per noi è un obiettivo importante". Ma, nonostante la crisi, sarà opportuno adeguare la rosa. "Se smette Maldini e se a Favalli non viene rinnovato i! l contratto, oltre a Thiago Silva serve un altro difensore", s! ottoline a Gattuso. Fondamentale anche il suo recupero: "Martens non mi autorizza a tornare in campo prima di cinque mesi dall'infortunio quindi se ne parla a maggio" ha concluso il campione del mondo.

LEEDS UNITED SAGA

The Fans: Remo Pietrucci, Liverpool (27)

Le pagelle di MILAN - INTER 1 - 0

Milan: 7

La squadra rossonera esce vittoriosa da una partita decisiva per le sue sorti in campionato. Merita solamente aggettivi positivi per questa giornata di campionato; ritrova una sua identità, fa possesso palla, riesce ad imporre i suoi ritmi alla squadra avversaria e commette pochi errori. L'attacco verdeoro incanta il San Siro, e proprio una giocata tra i due palloni d'oro in campo m! ette al sicuro i tre punti... DETERMINATO


Abbiati: 6,5
Conferma la sua posizione da primo portiere acquistando piena fiducia dai tifosi e dal mister. Sicuro nelle uscite basse, respinge bene le bordate da fuori area... REATTIVO



Jankulovski: 6
Un inizio partita un pò esitante su Maicon viene rinfrancato successivamente da interventi sicuri e manovre ben acompagnate in fase offensiva... TRABALLANTE

Maldini: 7
Il capitano, come se fosse rinato, si dimostra il b! aluardo della difesa rossonera, determinante su ogni pallone, placa le scorribande di Ibra e Adriano... ARABA FENICE

Kaladze: 6,5
Corretto e puntuale controlla gli inserimenti di Ibraimovich riuscendo più volte a disinnescare le sue manovre. Conclude bene la fase difensiva... EFFICACE

Zambrotta: 6,5
Determinante in fase difensiva, efficace in quella offensiva. Commette pochi errori, il tutto in una esmplare correttezza di gioco. Chiude qualsiasi varco annientando ogni percussione di Mancini e Quaresma... FINE

Gattuso: 7
Carica emotiva, impetuosità, determinatezza e possiamo ancora continuare per molto per descrivere la vera anima del milan. Sempre pronto su qualsiasi ripartenza, da forza alla squadra con la sua determinazione tanto da scontrarsi verbalmente anche con il mister, ma si sa, fa parte della sua indole. ESSENZA ROSSONERA (sost. 87' BONERA: s.v.)

Ambrosini: 6,5
Riesce bene a mitigare la fase offensiva e quella difensiva, soffre inizialmente la velocità dell'avversario ma poi capisce bene come far prevalere la sua fisicità... IRROMPENTE

Seedorf: 6,5
Parte non nel migliore dei modi, perdendo palla a centrocampo in un modo non a lui appropriato. Cresce con il passare dei minuti dando vita a varie ripartenze rossonere e dirigendo il gioco con estrema digilenza, tocchi svelti e sicurezza... MAESTRO

Kakà: 7
Indecsrivibile la sua importanza all'interno della fase offensiva rossonera, come sempre al centro di ogni azione che incuta timore all'avversario. Cerca e trova gran sintonia con il suo compagno di nazionale, dando vita a degli uno due e tocchi di classe che lasciano estasiati il San Siro. Molte volte costringe l'avversario a commetere fallo per evitare le sue insidiose ripartenze. Burdisso impotente in una sua progressione pr! eferisce ricevere un secondo cartellino giallo... ELEGANTE

Pato: 7
Quando entra in possesso palla mette il turbo. Dovrebbe agire da prima punta ma apre spazi su tutto il campo. Il suo estro gli permette di sorvolare le retrovie neroazzurre a volte, altre di farsi anticipare dall'avversario. Sul finire dalla prima frazione di gioco lascia sul posto Chivu con un velenoso doppio passo e si proietta in rete ma Julio Cesar è bravo ad anticiparlo... CREATIVO (sost. 74' Flamini: 6, entra con funzione contenitiva e regisce bene agli ordini del mister diversamente da quanto ha commesso nelle ultime partite... CALMANTE)

Ronaldinho: 7,5
Uomo partita. Inventa, incanta, velocizza e segna. Poco prima della rete decisiva trova un'intesa particolare con Kakà che concretizza scaricandola nell'angolino basso ma Julio Cesar è reattivo nel respingere. Esplode il San Siro alla sua prima rete in rossonero e in Italia, lui ringrazia tutti con il suo solito sorriso e un passo di samba... INEBRIANTE (sost. 84' Shevchenko s.v., che siano i colori neroazzurri che lo stimolano o che sia una avversità particolare ancora rimane sconosciuto, fatto sta che appena entra in campo si rende pericoloso mettendo in crisi il portiere neroazzuro con una conclusione di potenza ma abbastanza centrale... AGGRESSIVO)

Livorno squad 09/10

La rosa del Livorno Calcio 2009/2010

Portieri BARDI FRANCESCO BENUSSI FRANCESCO CONTI ANDREA DE LUCIA ALFONSO		Difensori DINIZ MARCUS PAIXAO GALANTE FABIO KNEZEVIC DARIO MIGLIONICO LEONARDO MARTIN PERTICONE ROMANO PIERI MIRKO RIVAS NELSON ENRIQUE LOPEZ VITALE LUIGI		Centrocampisti ! ! BERGVOLD MARTIN CANDREVA ANTONIO FILIPPINI ANTONIO MARCHINI DAVIDE MORO DAVIDE MOZART JUNIOR SANTOS BATISTA PULZETTI NICO RAIMONDI CRISTIAN		Attaccanti ! ! CELLERINO GASTON DANILEVICIUS TOMAS DIONISI FEDERICO LUCARELLI CRISTIANO TAVANO FRANCESCO

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