Juventus' new arrival Brazilian playmaker Diego, makes the scoring opportunity all his own, outsmarting two defenders plus the keeper in Peace Cup action Tuesday evening.

Juventus would go on to win 3-0 against South Korean opponents Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma FC


Former Juventus legend Michel Platini voiced his approval for the new man earlier this month when quoted saying,

"Juventus has always been a special team, with special players like Diego. Remember, players like Baggio, Zidane and Del Piero played for this team, and now they have Diego"

Platini, would go on to praise Diego´s way of playing football.

Diego happy to hear Platini´s statements replied with, "I am very happy that Platini, who once played for this club, too, thinks about me this way. I hope that I can live up to expectations. It was always my dream to play for Juventus." player profile

Lega Calcio have released fixtures for the 2009-2010 season, starting Saturday, August 22nd, and ending May 16th.

Newcomers Bari will start the campaign facing off against current scudetto holders Inter Milan.
There will be no fixtures played on Sunday October 11 or Sunday November 15 due to Italian national team's World Cup qualifiers. There will also be no fixtures on December 27 and January 3 as a result of the Christmas break.

Those fixtures will be played during midweek matches on Wednesday September 23, October 28, January 6 and March 24.

First week action will see the following match-ups:

Catania vs Sampdoria
Genoa vs Roma
Inter vs Bari
Juventus vs Chievo
Lazio vs Atalanta
Livorno vs Cagliari
Palermo vs Napoli
Siena vs Milan
Udinese vs Parma

For the complete listing of 2009-2010 fixtures see: lega-calcio

Straight from the ..... mouth and the club website

APPIANO GENTILE - "I'm Samuel Eto'o and I don't want to compare myself to anyone. I believe the victories I have earned up to now can contribute to giving the right value to my name." With these words, Inter's latest signing presented himself to the Italian media.

The Cameroonian striker, who put pen to paper on a five-year deal yesterday, greeted a stand full of screaming Inter fans at the training ground before making his way to the press room for his debut news conference as an Inter player.

Eto'o sat alongside José Mourinho, technical director Marco Branca and transfer market consultant Gabriele Oriali as he thanked his former club before talking about his ambitions with the Nerazzurri.

"I want to say goodbye to my ex-team-mates at Barcelona and everyone who accompanied me in my adventure in Spain, where I spent 13 beautiful years, and where I met people who have helped me arrive where I am now," said Eto'o.

"I leave Barcelona with my head held high, I am convinced that every team should write its own history and I now I want to write the history of Inter. The Ballon d'Or? The team comes first, my Ballon d'Or now is the Scudetto."

Samuel responded to the questions in Spanish, but his words were clear, simple and directed to all those who made the trip to Appiano Gentile to greet him: "I want to thank the fans for their support and the welcome they gave me today. I will repay them by working every day to give them the happiness they deserve. Why haven't I kissed the Inter shirt yet? For one reason only: first I have to win and earn the faith of all those who support me in this adventure."

Eto'o's has spent his entire club career in the Spain, first at Leganes and then with Real Madrid and Mallorca before five years at Barça. But the Cameroonian is ready for his debut in Italian football. "It's true, I have always played in Spain but I have great experience of international matches," said Samuel. "I left my country, Cameroon, and I became a citizen of the world. What do I think of the episodes of racism in this country? I can only say that I am proud to be a coloured person. If my skin were a different colour I wouldn't have been the player I am now."

On his rapport with José Mourinho, Samuel Eto'o said: "I never said those words that were attributed to me. There's a videotape that proves it, and in any case that episode goes back to a back between Chelsea and Barça, a heated match. It was a shame that that conversation was interpreted badly. I am very proud to be playing under José Mourinho."

Mourinho on Eto'o
Mourinho wrapped up the press conference by talking about his relationship with the Cameroon forward: "I have crossed paths with Samuel six times in three years, and I was never really worried to know whether he really did say something nasty about me. Why? Because he's like me: he doesn't go home happy after a defeat in an important match.

"The year after that match I wanted him at Chelsea but I wasn't allowed to have him. I'm very satisfied to have him with us, and I'm not only talking in the name of José Mourinho, but in the name of the whole squad. When the deal finally went through the team showed a different tranquillity and has started to adapt its game.

"When will Samuel play for Inter? He's ready to play now, maybe not 90 minutes, but he will play for at least half an hour in Monte Carlo. I'm happy now, I have the right squad to work in the best way this season."

Match-feed ended

Yes another installment of what is new in Serie A fashion, as Turin's Juventus show us how it's done, sponsor Nike not far behind.

Everyone please welcome Christopher Nee from TwoFootedTackle.com to the next edition of OGN Minute+5 podcast.

Chris and I discuss the traitorous move of Michael Owen to Manchester United. Has Ferguson done the right thing in bringing the English veteran and former Liverpool frontman to Old Trafford? Will he survive the scorn and rejection of his former fan base from the Northwest?

Listen in and find out






If you wish to download the Minute+5 pod and listen later,
right clicking the audio icon


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Soccerways - United´s Owen still getting paid by Newcastle

As the Azzurri floundered and failed in South Africa, it was left to the Azzurrini to provide the Italian nation with something at cheer about or at the very least restore some national pride, which they managed to do, and even more so if it weren’t for the great German machine.

Heading to the European U21 Championships in Sweden, the Italy U21 side were the favourites, along with England and Spain U21’s. Boasting an unbeaten qualifying record and an impressive group of youngsters, more of whom have been tried and tested this season in Serie A, the omens looked positive for the Azzurrini, who have won this tournament a record five times.

Several of coach Pierluigi Casiraghi’s players have this season broken through in for their respective Serie A clubs, Marco Motta has made the right-back slot at AS Roma his own, Domenico Criscito and Salvatore Bocchetti are stalwarts of the Genoa defence, Claudio Marchisio has shown for Juventus he can dominate a midfield, while the front trio of Sebastian Giovinco, Robert Acquafresca and Mario Balotelli are a fearsome prospect for any defence in Europe.

In a group that contained hosts Sweden, Serbia and Belarus, a semi-final place was all but assured for the Azzurrini, however a nil-nil draw with Serbia in the opening game may have led to some furrowing of eyebrows among the Italian nation. But, the positive from an opening day performance were that this U21 side looked a very exciting prospect coupled with some truly excellent players.

In the following game against Sweden the Italian defence held firm against an extremely talented Swedish attack, containing Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonin. A ten man Italy triumphed two-one, with two goals from Balotelli and Acquafresca assuring the Azzurrini of victory. Then a brace from Acquafresca propelled Italy from one-nil down to Belarus, to victory and subsequent first place in the final Group standings. A semi-final with unfancied Germany awaited.

Earlier in the day England played Sweden, and produced game of the tournament. Sweden coming back from three-nil down, only to lose on a penalty shootout. Italy vs. Germany had a lot to live up to.
Maybe lacking in goals the second semi-final was an enthralling game. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer pulled off a string of top class, if unconventional saves as Italy totally dominated from start to finish, with only a momentary lapse that eventually cost them the match. Andreas Beck’s forty-eighth minute strike meant Germany would play England in the final.

Undeservingly the Azzurrini were dumped out of the competition. However, the performances of many Azzurrini throughout the tournament were a joy to behold.

The first to spring to mind has to be Giovinco, he terrorised defences in each match and unlucky not to get on the score sheet at all. It is clear from his performances, the ‘Atomic Ant’ is best used as a trequartista, operating just behind a front two. His incisive passing, endless running and eye for the unexpected led to him picking holes in all the defensive lines put in front of him. His attacking partners, Balotelli and Acquafresca had differing tournaments. Balotelli showed his amazing potential and tremendous skill, but also his fiery temper and ungainly attitude. Acquafresca on the other hand had a relatively successful tournament, bagging three goals and a man of the match performance against Belarus.

The midfield of Marchisio, Paolo De Cegile and Luca Cigarini demonstrated the benefits of a well balance centre. Combining defensive solidity and organisation with drive and creativity. Luca Cigarini being the standout pupil. His passing range, vision and set pieces distinct highlights, described as an heir apparent to Andrea Pirlo and on this evidence he is surly the only viable candidate.

For me, most praise must go to the defence. Andrea Consigli, Bochetti, Criscito, Marco Andreoli and Marco Motta were the most solid unit of the championship. Andreoli and Bocchetti were imperious as a defensive pairing, both acting as this own version on the ‘Berlin Wall’ they laid the solid foundation for many an Italy attack. Criscito was showing the form that has been with him all season. But it was Marco Motta who stole the show throughout the Azzurrini journey. Bombing down the right flank like a man possessed, as if single handedly wanting to claim the title for Italy. As team captain, showed authority and leadership, while containing opponent’s advances with precision timing and composure. This boy man (as Sir Paul would say) given a few years is certain to be attracting the interest of Real Madrid, who seem intent on buying the worlds best.

As the Confederations Cup left Italy desperate for any glimmer of hope internationally, a full-scale fireworks display blazed in Scandinavia. A few of these players could and should have been present in South Africa, where many others will most definitely be close to Marcelo Lippi’s thoughts. The future is bright, the future is Azzurrini.