Football Zone

Gattuso Joins The Sheva Brigade

2008-03-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Several other Milan players have gone on record as saying that they would welcome the Chelsea flop back to the club with open arms, in the face of increasing rumours tipping the deeply unsettled striker for a sentimental return. “If the club wanted to sign Shevchenko, he would be a good addition,” said Gattuso. “He hasn’t succeeded to play at the top of his abilities in England, but if he returned he would have such a great hunger and would be good for the atmosphere. “I have heard that Sheva doesn’t want to return, but the important thing is that we bring in a top striker and other champions. “Didier Drogba is the kind of man who can make the difference and Luca Toni is also a match-winner,” Gattuso added, before sharing his thoughts on the potentially career ending injury of Ronaldo. “It has upset me to see him out of action,” the World Cup winner continued. “He is football and he shouldn’t have to be reduced to watching. “His future? I can’t make judgements but I’m sure that he will only sign a renewal to his contract if he manages to recover.”
Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Henry Demands 4-4-2 At Barça

2008-03-13T10:19:00.001-07:00

Marca contend that Thierry Henry's angry exit from Camp Nou after Sunday's defeat to Villarreal wasn't only down to his substitution, but also unhappiness with the team's style of play.

Coach Frank Rijkaard is an advocate of Barcelona's 4-3-3 style of play, with Henry at odds with this choice.

The forward apparently feels himself more suited to a 4-4-2 with an imbalanced forward line, similar to that which he did so well in at Arsenal.

At the Emirates he found himself supported by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp or Robin Van Persie, with four midfielders behind. This gave him the freedom in which to manouevre, and saw him establish himself as the Gunners' top scorer.

Now, Henry wants to play a similar role with Samuel Eto'o as his foil, and use a system that relies more on pace than the current one. The Frenchman has struggled to make his mark amid the tight marking in Spain, and would like to play a more vertical form of football. Henry, 30, signed on at Camp Nou last summer in a £16.1m (€21.1m) deal. He has netted seven Liga goals in 21 appearances so far, and a total of 12 for the season.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Drogba, Lampard To Follow Mourinho

2008-03-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

The media has gone into overdrive regarding the situation at Inter, following Roberto Mancini’s sensational 24-hour u-turn decision not to stand down as coach. Many of the morning’s newspapers firmly believe that Mancini will still leave in June, and will be replaced by Jose Mourinho. Following the Portuguese tactician could be two of his key men from his time at Chelsea; Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. Drogba seems certain to quit Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, as he wants a new challenge, and he has stated in the past that he will either end up in Milan or Barcelona. Meanwhile Lampard’s future in West London is also in doubt after the midfielder was quoted as saying that he was frustrated by the club’s stance over a new contract. “I've been approached a few times by the club saying they are going to come to me with something and they haven't,” he told the Daily Mail. "That means they're saying they will have to wait until the summer and I don't really know what that means. It's dragged on this season and that's not ideal for me.” Lampard scored four goals last night as Chelsea thrashed sorry Derby 6-1 in the English Premiership.

Anthony Sormani

Football News: Robben Aiming For Early Return

2008-03-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Dutchman was stunned by the latest setback and is said to have asked medical staff why they think he is susceptible to knocks and blows. "I do not understand why I have such bad luck," Robben said. "But I am going to double my work rate and be back within two weeks." A hard tackle from Quique Álvarez in Madrid's win at Recreativo saw Robben pick up an ankle injury that was predicted to keep him sidelined for between four and six weeks. But he now hopes to halve that highest estimation and return to playing again in time to appear against Valencia and the physiotherapists and club doctors have been impressed with his effort. Coach Bernd Schuster makes daily check-ups on the former Chelsea winger to see how his recovery is coming along and has also been delighted that he is putting in double shifts in the gym.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Football Zone: Madrid Contact Mourinho - Report

2008-03-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

The German trainer is under increasing pressure and Marca believe that the sudden downturn in fortunes on the pitch has been compounded by his behaviour off it. Schuster arrived at the Bernabéu last summer and promised attractive football, but his show of disgust at the press earned him an early rebuke from the board. While the club were still in every competition, Madrid thought that they had the right man but defeat in both legs against Roma have made them question that. Mourinho is reported to have been asked if he would consider the post if it were available and Marca state that the Portuguese would jump at the chance. According to the Madrid-biased paper, the trainer stated in 2007: "I would love to coach Real Madrid." While the former Chelsea boss has been linked to AC Milan, Inter and even Barcelona, the chance to take over Los Merengues could prove to be the biggest attraction. President Ramón Calderón gave Schuster the dreaded vote of confidence recently as he claimed that the board still had faith in the coach. But after a lavish spending spree last summer, the trainer's statement that injuries were partly to blame for the Champions League exit did not go down well. Mourinho has been very vocal this week and stated that his next job would certainly be in Spain or Italy, before he heads back to England and then takes over as coach of Portugal.
Ian Dixon, Goal.com

Kaka: Season Not Good Enough

2008-03-10T08:58:00.001-07:00

The Rossoneri’s chances of picking up any major silverware from now until the end of the season is over after they were dumped out of the Champions League last week by Arsenal. They are also struggling domestically, and are a massive 18 points behind league-leaders Inter, in fifth place. "We cannot consider our season as being successful, we can only say it's been good,” said Kaka. “The triumphs of Yokohama [Club World Cup] and Monte Carlo [European Super Cup] were linked to the previous Champions League success, while this season our goals were to be different. "First there was the Champions League, the second was we had to be involved in the championship race. A distant third was to finish in the Champions League places." Yesterday afternoon Milan picked up a crucial 3-1 win at Empoli to close to within one point of Fiorentina in the fourth and final Champions League position. Kaka created the second for Massimo Ambrosini, while he added the third himself in the penultimate minute of the game. "The goal I scored was important both for the team and for me personally because it had been a while since I had scored,” the Brazilian stated. “Being decisive, whether with a goal or an assist as I was for the second goal, is very important to me. “We managed to win and get three very important points for our position in the league. The run-in has started, we had 12 finals to play, now we have only 11 because one has already been won."
Roberto Rossi

Maldini & Ambrosini Want Sheva

2008-03-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

Shevchenko had seven glorious years with Milan, until he moved to Chelsea for €45m in 2006. The move has not worked out well, and the Ukrainian has struggled badly to adapt to Premiership football. Last week Milan President Silvio Berlusconi admitted that Sheva could return to Milan in the summer. “I regularly hear from Andriy,” the former Italian prime minister revealed. “And I believe that Roman Abramovich will have no difficulties letting him go. “The fans should understand that it would be the right choice. Andriy is a personable player and represents the best solution for us.” Both Maldini and Ambrosini have admitted that they would welcome the 31-year-old back at San Siro. “At Milan there is always room for those who have done a lot,” explained Maldini. “There is always space for those who have left a mark on the history of the club.” “We cannot decide these things,” added Ambrosini. “I can only say that Sheva is a friend and that we will welcome him with enthusiasm if he were to leave London.”

Roberto Rossi

Football Breaking: Ronaldo: No English Sides Please

2008-03-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

Manchester United picked up a 1-0 home win against Lyon thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo strike to progress to the quarter-finals 2-1 on aggregate.With Arsenal having qualified by beating Milan, and Chelsea and Liverpool also on pole position to join them, the chances of them meeting an English team are almost even.However, that is not something Ronaldo wants just yet.“I would prefer to play a foreign team [in the quarter-finals]. Then an English team in the semi-finals or the finals, that would be fantastic,” he said. "The team is more mature, and the big focus is to win the Champions League. But we also want to win the Premier League, and the FA Cup. "We have the opportunity, we have the players and we have the squad."He is also the top scorer in the competition along with Lionel Messi, having scored six goals already. Kaka was the star of last season's tournament, something that won him the Ballon d'Or.“If I am top scorer, that would be wonderful, and if I get the chance, I will look forward to it. But, I am not thinking about that - I am thinking about getting my game,” he concluded.

Neal Glew, Goal.com

Footbal Transfer:Milan Can Have Sheva For €10m – Report

2008-03-07T22:09:00.000-08:00

Many people have painted Milan's exit from the Champions League on Tuesday night as the end of an era, and it is clear that the club needs to make some reinforcements in the summer. The primary position that needs strengthening is up-front, and yesterday President Silvio Berlusconi declared that he wanted to bring back Chelsea’s Andriy Shevchenko to San Siro. “I regularly hear from Andriy,” the former Italian prime minister revealed. “And I believe that Roman Abramovich will have no difficulties letting him go. “The fans should understand that it would be the right choice. Andriy is a personable player and represents the best solution for us.” Shevchenko had seven glorious years with Milan, until he moved to Chelsea for €45m in 2006. The move has not worked out well however, and the Gazzetta says that the 31-year-old will be allowed to rejoin his former club if Milan come up with €10m.

Roberto Rossi

Football objective: We'll Reach Our Objective - Seedorf

2008-03-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

The elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal forces Milan to change their plans ahead of the final part of the season, as they will now be able to focus completely on the fourth place which is just four points away.
It will certainly be an unusual couple of months for Milan, who are so used to going far in the Champions League, but Clarence Seedorf tried to motivate the squad ahead of the next match against Empoli this weekend.
"I expect to see a strong reaction starting from the match against Empoli," the midfielder said, "which this team has often been able to do even after tough defeats. We have to find the strength to keep going until the end, and we can't afford to go to Empoli and have a stroll.
"We have to believe in it, because last year we did more complicated things. Now we'll have the chance to train and get back our injured players. We are confident that at the end of the season we will reach our objective."
The defeat against Arsenal certainly caused a lot of disappointment, but Seedorf preferred to talk about the positive side of that evening at San Siro.
"I prefer to talk about the fact we were all left deeply impressed by the applause of San Siro at the end of the game, because the fans understood we did everything we could," he continued.
"Certainly we are sad, but we're also proud to have experienced a few incredible years, a period which concluded against a great team."

Danilo Pochini

Football Job :Lippi To Take Over At Milan?

2008-03-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

The Rossoneri’s painful exit from the Champions League last night to Arsenal has led to talk of an end of season revolution at the club. This could start with Coach Carlo Ancelotti, who after seven wonderful years at San Siro, may have finally reached the end of his term in office. The Corriere says that Lippi is being lined up as a replacement for Ancelotti, as Milan aim to build a new winning cycle. Lippi has been out of the game since stepping down as coach of the Italy national team following their World Cup success in Germany in 2006. Despite numerous offers to return to the bench, the Viareggio-born tactician has so far rejected all overtures. However he has stated on numerous occasions that he will be returning to coaching in time for the start of next season. Ancelotti meanwhile could find himself taking over at Barcelona, as current boss Frank Rijkaard is expected to move on to pastures new at the end of the campaign.

Roberto Rossi

Football Break:Not The Real Milan – Oddo

2008-03-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

Carlo Ancelotti’s men were outplayed for large periods of the match as they lost 2-0 at San Siro and were dumped out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage. "My performance doesn’t mean much, even though it was good. We did not play like Milan,” said Oddo. “We are sorry for the fans and also for us. Arsenal were really good. Now we can understand the merits we had last year, when we were very good and also lucky. In this season we made a few too many mistakes… and today this was the case as well because we were eliminated.” Oddo then went on to stress that Milan must now turn their attention to Serie A and make sure they finish in the top four in order to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Rossoneri are currently in fifth place, four points behind Fiorentina in the position above them. “Now let’s think about the league, which we need to get back into Europe. The fans will be sorry and we as much as them, but I hope they remain close to us,” he stated. “It can happen to exit a competition, after many years of success, but there is surely the will to return. “At Empoli [this weekend] it will not be easy, also because this defeat will be felt from the psychological level.”

Roberto Rossi

Football News:Real Madrid Ready To Tempt Ronaldo With World's Top Salary

2008-03-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Daily Star claims that Spanish league leaders Real Madrid are desperate to lure Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu, and are willing to pay him £160,000 a week - which would make him the highest paid footballer in the world. It could just be newspaper hot air - 23-year-old Ronaldo only signed a new £120,000-a-week, five-year deal with the Red Devils a year ago, while United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly insisted he wants the prolific winger to stay. But the Star notes that Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon told a forum of the club's fans at the weekend: "To sign Cristiano Ronaldo is a dream, but it is not impossible." Ronaldo has scored 29 goals for United in all competitions so far this season, and his agent, Jorge Mendes, said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is the player most desired in the world. "All the big clubs want to him, but he is currently with Manchester United and his future depends on this club. "I am a football agent and I have meetings with people from Madrid and Barcelona all the time, but it is not always about Cristiano." United will undoubtedly not welcome any interest in their player fro Madrid or anywhere else while he remains under contract to them.

Mark Hinton, Goal.com

Football Transfer : Barça Cool Garay Talks?

2008-02-28T08:55:00.001-08:00

Barcelona were though to have all but sealed the signature of the 21 year-old Argentine defender, but according to Sport.es, his agents are starting to grow concerned at the lack of contact they have received from the club. Ricardo Schlieper and Fabián Basualdo flew into Spain two weeks ago to try and facilitate negotiations between Barça and Racing and met with the clubs to discuss a potential deal. Despite reports in the Spanish press - notably in Diario Sport - that Barcelona had agreed an €18 million fee for the defender on a five-year contract, no official agreement was reached during that meeting. Since then, Barcelona appear to have become more relaxed in their pursuit of Garay, and the agents are becoming worried that the initial talks will not materialise into a move for their client. It would be the second time a potential move to one of Spain's big two has fallen through for Garay after a move to Real Madrid last summer suffered a similar fate. A number of other clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Lyon, Juventus, have previously been linked with moves for Garay and should Barcelona fail to push the deal through, there is certain to be a lot of interest in his signature come the summer.

Nick Dorrington

Football Gambling :Donadoni Fears Tired Players Ahead Of Euro 2008

2008-02-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

Donadoni took over as Azzurri boss from World Cup winning tactician Marcello Lippi, and he has admitted that it wasn't easy when expectancy levels were so high. “It’s never easy when everybody has such great expectations,” Donadoni told UEFA.com. “However, the team has responded perfectly in all respects. When I took the job I inherited a group of top-level players and a very good coaching staff who gave me great support. Everything went well after that.” Italy go into Euro 2008 as the favourites to win the tournament, however they have been placed in the 'Group of Death' alongside Holland, Romania and France. “You start from zero in each competition,” the 44-year-old stressed. “At every stage we have to measure ourselves against our opponents who will try and cause us trouble. There is nothing new about that – we just need the right determination. “I would like to have a team in good athletic condition. That is my biggest worry ahead of the finals. If you have that then it doesn’t make much difference whether you face France, Holland or Austria, you can face any opponent without fear. “As long as the mental and physical conditions are correct, we will be confident. "Obviously the main men are the players and it’s just important that they don’t pick up any injuries or come into the tournament too tired. That’s crucial if you want to play your best at the European Championships or the World Cup.” Italy's next game is a friendly with Spain on March 26.

Anthony Sormani

Kaka Should Be An Accountant - Mancini

2008-02-27T06:10:00.000-08:00

Kaka has complained in the press recently about the excessive fouls he is suffering recently, and that he is not receiving enough protection from referees. This provoked Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani to claim that the Brazilian could see his career ended at a very young age, just like former star Marco Van Basten, unless something is done about the situation. Now Mancini, who himself was subjected to some rough treatment as a player, has had his say on the matter regarding Kaka. "There are fouls and there always have been," he said. "In recent years the situation hasn't changed much. Sadly whoever's job it is to be an attacker will always suffer too many fouls. "If one doesn't want tackles, they should become an accountant." Mancini is currently preparing his Inter team for tonight's big Serie A match with Roma at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Luca Capofranco

Lampard Blasts Arrogant And Ungrateful Youngsters

2008-02-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

Young players today are disrespectful and don't appreciate just how cushy their lives are, according to England international Frank Lampard. The now Chelsea star spent his days as a youth trainee cleaning the boots of the West Ham first team and learning about respect, something he insists taught him valuable lessons about behaviour and attitude on and off the pitch. "Sometimes I cringe at the way football has gone here with the young players," Lampard said in the Daily Mail. "Everything is easy. They don't have to clean boots any more, they drive BMW's, they get a very easy life. "Sometimes they walk past you and don't give you a second look," added the 29-year-old of the arrogance of some of the youngsters at Chelsea. "I'd love to go back to the days of more respect and a kid going out and doing double training sessions - that's what got me where I am."

Goal.com UK

Kaka To Miss Arsenal Clash?

2008-02-26T07:07:00.000-08:00

The European and World Footballer of the Year has been playing with a niggling sensation in his knee for quite some time now, but the problem has worsened in recent weeks. Kaka was forced to rest for a few games leading up to the Champions League last 16 first leg with Arsenal last Wednesday. Having only just returned, the Brazilian received a knock from Roberto Guana in only the second minute of last night’s 2-1 win over Palermo. He tried to run off the injury, but the pain eventually proved too much and he had to be replaced at half-time by Yoann Gourcuff. With only eight days to go until the Champions League second leg with Arsenal at San Siro, Kaka faces a real race against time to be fit. The 25-year-old is almost definitely out of this Wednesday’s trip to Catania in Serie A, while the match with Lazio at the weekend is also looking unlikely. There have been reports in the Italian press that Kaka may eventually require an operation to clear up his persistent knee problem.

Roberto Rossi

Schuster Wants Granero Return

2008-02-23T08:16:00.000-08:00

Granero has drawn many admirers from his performances for Getafe this season, with his excellent display against AEK Athens on Thursday the latest in a collection of impressive midfield showings by the twenty-year old.

This has not gone unnoticed by Schuster, who, according to AS.com, has notified sporting director Predrag Mijatovic that he wishes to have Granero back at the club in time for next season.

There were never any doubts about Granero's talent, but now that he has shown that he is mature enough for regular competitive football, both domestically and in European competition, Schuster is ready to integrate him into the first-team squad.

Granero himself is happy that Madrid want to take him back in the summer and indicated a willingness to return.

"The dream of my life is to play in the Bernabéu. I am learning a lot at Getafe, but I would like to return," he told AS.

Although he is keen on going back to Madrid, Granero is thought to want assurances that he will not be on trial over pre-season to see if he is ready to be part of the squad and that he will not face a similar fate to Roberto Soldado, who has barely featured in the squad after a decent loan spell at Osasuna last season.

If Granero is promised that he will be an active member of the squad then he could very well be strutting his stuff at the Bernabéu next season.

Nick Dorrington

Nani Vows To Cut Out Showboating

2008-02-23T08:15:00.001-08:00

The prodigiously skilled 21-year-old revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson had a stern word with him after the match, warning him that such superfluous showmanship is deeply frowned upon in the English game. "In Portugal I have done this many times but it is only because it is an entertaining spectacle and not because I disrespect my rivals," the ex Sporting star explained. "I am a professional and am always very respectful with all the opposing players, but I do appreciate now that it may have looked bad. "After the match Ferguson spoke to me and demanded that I do not repeat it in order to avoid problems. "Obviously, I agreed. I always follow the orders of my coach and am not interested in causing controversy."
Nani added: "Gilberto Silva of Arsenal spoke to me and was clear about what their players thought about it. He was very critical of what I did and accused me of provoking Arsenal. But he never threatened me. "On the field I am different from most players. My celebrations of goals with a somersault is an example. This is my character as a footballer."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Sheva Leaves Emirates With Milan

2008-02-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Ukrainian was in the stands watching the Rossoneri draw 0-0 with Arsenal in their Champions League last 16 first leg tie. After the game Shevchenko went to see the Milan squad before leaving the stadium with them on the team bus. The 31-year-old spent seven glorious years with the European Champions before signing for Chelsea in 2006 for a whopping £30m. However Sheva has struggled badly in the Premiership, so far scoring just eight goals in 41 league appearances. He has fallen down the forward pecking order since Chelsea snapped up French star Nicolas Anelka last month. Shevchenko has never hidden his desire to return back to his old club, and his presence on Milan’s team bus last night is sure to fuel speculation of a possible move back there in the summer.

Roberto Rossi

Moratti: We Can Score 15 Goals Against Liverpool

2008-02-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Liverpool

The Nerazzurri face an uphill task to qualify for the quarter-finals following their 2-0 defeat at Anfield in the first leg on Tuesday night.
Despite this scoreline Moratti is supremely confident of turning the tie around.
"We have yet to play the second leg, which will be in the more favourable conditions at San Siro,” he said.
“If the crowd are as I expect them to be, it will be hard for Liverpool. I have trust. We have 90 minutes and we can score 15 goals if we want to.”

Supporters

Moratti also passed comment on the group of Inter fans who attacked Coach Roberto Mancini, first at Liverpool Airport, and then in Milan.
"Those fans are the same people who in the past have sung songs in favour the Coach,” said the oil tycoon.
“I hope they will return to this during the game, where everyone must be compact with the team. Being unhappy is normal, but this was only the first time.
"We must be proud to be Inter, because we are better than all the others."

Matrix & Ibra

Moratti was also at an odds to explain the reported falling-out between Marco Materazzi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Ibrahimovic appeared to blame the defender, who was sent-off against Liverpool, for the defeat, and now the pair are said to not be speaking to one another.
"I do not know what happened, but I do not think that there is any controversy,” he stated.
“These guys are friends, are always together and both attach great importance to overcome the turn.”

Transfer Market

Meanwhile in a seperate interview the oil tycoon spoke about his intentions in the summer transfer market, and he says that he has no plans to sign any Italians but instead wants to bring through some players from the youth team.
"My intention is to invest less on new purchases,” he stated.
“I have no priority in buying any Italians. I want to maintain the current group and eventually incorporate the best elements of our youth sector.”

Luca Capofranco

Milan Lining Up Adebayor - Report

2008-02-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

The Togolese striker played against the Rossoneri in Wednesday night’s Champions League last 16 first leg draw at the Emirates Stadium. Although Adebayor missed an open goal in the dying seconds, his all-round performance is said to have hugely impressed the Milan technical staff. The European Champions have made the signing of a top-class forward their priority this summer. With Ronaldo out of action for at least nine months, Alberto Gilardino possibly leaving to join Fiorentina, and Filippo Inzaghi set to turn 35, Milan are looking for a forward to partner teenage star Alexandre Pato. The first priority remains Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, however if this transfer does not go through, then Emmanuel Adebayor is the back-up option. The 23-year-old has been in stunning form this season, scoring 19 goals in the Premiership to help launch Arsenal to the top of the table. However he has yet to hit the back of the net in the Champions League, and Milan will be hoping that this stays this way given their second leg match with Arsenal in a fortnight.

Roberto Rossi

Lippi Could Replace Ancelotti At Milan – Report

2008-02-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

Ancelotti has been one of the most successful coaches in the history of the Rossoneri, and has a simply stunning record in Europe, having reached three Champions League finals (winning two), a semi-final and a quarter-final in the last five years. He has also brought home three trophies in the last 12 months, adding the European Super Cup and Club World Cup to the Champions League trophy won in Athens last May. Despite this Ancelotti could lose his job at the end of the season, unless he can again repeat his continental heroics. With Milan again struggling in Serie A, World Cup winning boss Marcello Lippi is being lined up as a possible replacement. Lippi has been out of work since Italy’s triumph in Germany in 2006, but he has stated on numerous occasions that he will be returning to the bench in time for next season. Indeed the 59-year-old could have taken over at Milan last summer, and the Gazzetta claims that Ancelotti only stayed in his job thanks to his Champions League victory. Carletto himself has been repeatedly linked to the Italy national team, and he is expected to replace Roberto Donadoni if the Azzurri fail to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

Roberto Rossi

Ibra & Matrix Not Speaking – Report

2008-02-22T10:42:00.000-08:00

Materazzi was sent off after just half-an-hour of Inter’s Champions League last 16 first leg tie at Liverpool on Tuesday night, a game that would finish 2-0 to the English-outfit. After the game Ibrahimovic appeared to blame the Italian defender for the defeat when a journalist shouted at him, “What happened?”, to which the Swede angrily replied, “Why don’t you go and ask Materazzi what happened?” Ibrahimovic has tried to insist that he hasn’t fallen out with his team-mate and that he wasn’t blaming Materazzi. "My sentence about Materazzi was one only based on fact - that the incident [his dismissal] had influenced all concerned,” the striker stated. "So, then it was right to ask him whether his sending off was the right decision or not." Nevertheless despite these comments, the Gazzetta says that the pair have certainly fallen out. Both players were at a media function in London yesterday and refused to speak to each other. This caused tension among the rest of the Inter squad, and was a cause for embarrassment for everyone present.

Luca Capofranco