BERLUSCONI ABSENT JUSTIFIED.
BUT GALLIANI QUIETS THE FANS.
Silvio Berlusconi did not show up at Milanello on the occasion of the Milan meeting, but his absence did not cause a sensation. Already at 9.15 yesterday morning, the official website of the AC Milan club explained that "after the news of the disappearance of Roberto Marchini, 28 years old, sapper of the Folgore, in Afghanistan, President Berlusconi canceled his presence, as a sign of mourning and compared to today's meeting at Milanello". However, Adriano Galliani has taken care of clarifying the rumors about a possible disengagement by the Premier (born after the sentence on the so-called Lodo Mondatori). The vice president of Milan cleared all doubts: “President Berlusconi will not give up, he remains with enthusiasm, desire and resources. We want to cheer up our fans." The main topic immediately clarified, the rest of the press conference served to present the new signings Philippe Mexes (taken on a free transfer from Roma), Taye Taiwo (free transfer from Marseille) and Stephan El Sharaawy (co-owned by Genoa, cost 7 million plus half of Merkel), as well as to listen to Massimiliano Allegri's first words of the season. Once again Adriano Galliani answered (or rather, dribbled) on market issues: “It's useless to always talk about the same things. Let's think about the team we have, we have an absolutely competitive workforce”. The Rossoneri vice president then, after reiterating Cassano's non-transferability, wanted to return to Pirlo's farewell: “Andrea had asked us for a three-year contract, but we have decided that we only offer one-year contracts to players over 30. And everyone accepted it…”.
BRANCA: “SNEIJDER IS UNFORGETTABLE”.
BUT IN MANCHESTER EVERYONE IS WAITING FOR THE DUTCH.
"Sneijder is absolutely non-transferable", signed Marco Branca. The Inter manager spoke in Pinzolo (after the press conference to present Alvarez and Castaignos) and made the most important announcement. Finished catchphrase? Not a chance. Because Branca then admitted that “the intention is not to sell any of the Nerazzurri champions. Then if mega-galactic offers arrived, it would be discussed, but for now nothing ”. So non-transferability yes, but if the indecent proposal arrives…
Meanwhile, from England, no one seemed to give any weight to Branca's statements. The tabloid "The Sun" is convinced that Manchester United will soon buy Sneijder. The English newspaper even cites a source inside the club (but not specified), who allegedly declared the following sentences: “Everyone is expecting the announcement of Sneijder's move to United. The Dutchman has also already spoken to De Jong (Manchester City midfielder, ed) to choose the best place to live. The deal is imminent, it doesn't matter what Inter or the player may say in public." In short, in England they are sure: Ferguson is ready to put 40 million on the plate, and to convince Sneijder he will offer him 7 million net per season, more than Wayne Rooney earns.
JUVE, ROSSI SAID YES!
BUT VILLARREAL ASKS FOR 35 MILLION.
Giuseppe Marotta reached an agreement with Rossi's attorney. Now, from here to consider the negotiation closed, there's a long way to go, but of course having the player's ok is still an excellent start. Marotta and Pastorello have agreed on the basis of a four-year contract at 3,5 million per season, less than half of what Sergio Agüero (closer and closer to Manchester City) would have demanded. However, it will be more difficult to agree with Villarreal. The Spaniards are famous for being real "hounds" in negotiations: Barcelona know something about it, some time ago on the trail of Pepito, rejected by the managers of the Yellow Submarine without too many compliments. General Manager Josè Manuel Llaneza wants 35 million, not one euro less. It will be up to Pastorello first and then Marotta to try to convince him to drop the price a little, perhaps by accepting some technical compensation. The negotiation is currently delicate, because a wrong declaration could blow everything up. That's why Juve prefer to work with the lights off, but Rossi's mission is upon us: on Friday Pastorello will go to Vila - Real to "break the ice" with the Spanish managers, after which, in the next few days, Marotta will also move. And then yes, Rossi's purchase will really become a matter of hours.
SANCHEZ IS WAITING IN BARCELONA.
UDINESE TAKES TIME, BUT…
From Spain the tam tam left yesterday morning, from Udine instead, they prefer to cool the enthusiasm. But, apart from sporting director Larini's statements (“In the past they had already given Sanchez official status to Barcelona and it hasn't happened yet”), the conclusion of the deal really seems to be upon us. In short, we are at the details, because Barcelona have put Cantera Soriano's central defender on the plate, as well as around 30 million. And Niño Maravilla is really one step away from signing for the strongest team in the world.
ROME STARTS THE SEASON.
TODAY THE MEETING BETWEEN SABATINI AND VUCINIC.
After Juventus, Inter and Milan, today it's Rome's turn to officially start the pre-season meeting. Today, however, will be a day dedicated solely and exclusively to training (Trigoria, 10.30), while for the official presentations it will be necessary to wait another 24 hours. In fact, tomorrow will be the big day of Luis Enrique and, above all, of Thomas DiBenedetto: the press conferences will be held in Trigoria at 12.30. On stage also the lawyer Roberto Cappelli, interim president, who will hand over the scepter of command to the American tycoon. Returning to today, however, the Roma sports center could experience important hours on the transfer market front. In particular, the great expectation is for the arrivals of Menez and Vucinic, both eager to leave the capital, at least according to the statements of their respective attorneys. Walter Sabatini and Luis Enrique will talk to the two players: if they reaffirm their willingness to leave, Roma will take note of it. Juventus (for Vucinic) and PSG (for Menez) are waiting anxiously. Meanwhile, the purchase of Josè Angel Valdes from Sporting Gjion is practically official. 4,5 million went to the Spaniards, the player will sign a four-year contract for 700 euros a season. Rome continues to look for a midfielder: after the polls for Tottenham's Sandro, yesterday Sabatini took information on Axel Witsel, Belgian from Standard Liège, who was also linked up to Milan until recently.
NAPLES, BRITOS ALSO PRESENTED.
AND SANTANA SIGNED!
De Laurentiis never stops. After Inler, yesterday was the day of Britos, presented at the Hotel Vesuvio in Naples. 9 million went to Bologna plus full-back Vitale (on loan). Today, however, the spotlights will all be on Santana, who has finally signed the three-year contract proposed to him by Napoli. Also official is the arrival of Roberto Colombo from Triestina, who will be the third goalkeeper. After this batch of purchases, Napoli will concentrate on the transfer front, even if there will be a last arrival, even if we will have to wait for the final part of the market. In fact, despite Lucarelli's confirmation, Mazzarri still wants a striker who has European experience and doesn't claim the starting shirt. The right man could be David Trezeguet, while De Laurentiis confirmed that Pastore won't arrive in Naples, not even if some big names leave.
LAZIO, WHAT A EUPHORIA FOR CISSE'!
SHEPHERD: "I WANT TO STAY IN ITALY"
TEVEZ DEALS WITH THE CORINTHIAS.
Lotito's great transfer campaign ignited the enthusiasm of Lazio fans. Yesterday morning, at Leonardo Da Vinci airport, there were as many as 300 Lazio supporters who welcomed the arrival of Djibrill Cissè with choirs and flags. The Frenchman underwent medical checks, then signed a four-year contract worth 2,1 million a season. About 6 million euros went to Panathinaikos.
However, it will still take some time to know the future of Javier Pastore. El Flaco will leave Palermo, but if Zamparini is convinced of selling him abroad, the player's will seems to be different: "I've been playing in Italy for two years, I feel great and I'd like to stay in your country". Milan, Inter and Roma watch as interested spectators.
The one who absolutely wants to change country is Carlos Tevez. The attacker, since Argentina's retirement, has reiterated his intention to leave Manchester City. A sensational return to Corinthias could be looming for him, the Brazilian club where the Apache played in 2005/2006, before moving to West Ham. According to the English press, Corinthias would have offered 40 million, a figure that would be largely covered by the sponsors, eager to bring a champion who is still at the top to Brazil (he is only 27 years old). Tevez, although the transfer represents a step backwards for his career, would accept, in order to be closer to his family. The problem, however, is Manchester City, who would reluctantly sell the Argentine, and if he were forced to do so, he would want at least 50 million.
