..::Football II::..

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Lahm: Bayern need time to adapt to Guardiola

The Germany international feels pre-season is the perfect opportunity for players and coach to get used to each other Philipp Lahm has admitted that Bayern Munich will need time to get used to Pep Guardiola ahead of the new Bundesliga season.

The 42-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Bavarians back in January and replaces Jupp Heynckes - who lifted the treble with the club last term.

Guardiola has now started work this week as Bayern prepare for the 2013-14 campaign and Lahm believes a period of adaptation is to be expected.

"We need time to get used to Guardiola, but that won't take long. We are all paying close attention to what's happening. Pre-season is long enough to get used to each other. I am not worried about that," Lahm told Bild.

"He is communicating all the time and does a lot of talking. He wants us to understand him as soon as possible. Plenty of things will change.

"I have already experienced a lot of coach swaps, though, so this is nothing extraordinary for me. It's all part of the job.

"It's just like when someone gets another boss in any other company. Different things all of a sudden become more important. It's too soon to draw any conclusions, though."

Guardiola's first official game in charge of Bayern will be the German supercup clash against Borussia Dortmund on July 27.

 

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'Schalke won't deny Draxler Real Madrid move

The attacking midfielder has been linked with a number of big clubs in recent months and his current club will not stand in his way if one of Europe's finest makes a move for him Schalke CEO Clemens Tonnies has stressed that the Bundesliga side will not deny Julian Draxler a transfer to a club like Real Madrid or Chelsea if the opportunity arises.

The Germany international, 19, recently admitted that it would be hard to reject one of Europe's superpowers if there were to make a move for him and Tonnies has insisted that S04 are ready to open talks if a good offer comes in.

"It is not necessarily a bad thing when a club like Chelsea are interested. Julian is an important player for Schalke and we obviously want to hold on to him," Tonnies told Express.

"However, if you want the best for someone, you will have to consider allowing him to move abroad at some point.

"What are we supposed to tell Julian when a club like Real Madrid make an enquiry for him? Tell him not to speak to them? That would simply be ridiculous. Those days are behind us now."

Draxler signed a new deal with Schalke until June 2018 earlier this summer.

 

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Rafinha signs new Barcelona deal

The Brazil Under-20 starlet has committed his future to the Blaugrana by signing a two-year extension to his existing contract Barcelona have successfully concluded contract talks with promising youngster Rafinha Alcantara and have announced on their official website that the attacker has signed a new deal until June 2016.

The 20-year-old's previous deal was due to expire in the summer of 2014 and a number of clubs were closely monitoring his situation at Camp Nou.

However, Rafinha has now ended speculation about his future by inking a two-year extension. His new contract includes a €30 million minimum fee release clause.

Rafinha is a product of the Barcelona youth academy and made his official first team debut in November 2011 in the Copa del Rey win over Hospitalet.

He has mainly been plying his trade with the Catalans' reserves so far, helping them to eighth place in the Segunda Division in 2012-13 with 10 goals in 36 appearances.

 

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Giggs: Everything in place for Moyes to succeed at Manchester United

The veteran is excited for the future under the former Everton boss, who officially replaces Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1, insisting that the squad is strong enough for more glory Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs believes that David Moyes has what it takes to become a success at Old Trafford, with the foundations already in place for him to continue the club's winning traditions.

The former Everton manager officially takes charge on July 1 and expectations could not be higher as he follows Sir Alex Ferguson's trophy-laden reign.

Giggs, though, can is confident that Moyes can use his fellow Scot's achievements to his advantage, with the squad recently winning a 13th Premier League title.

"I think it is a challenge and as a player you always want challenges," he told the Football Association's official website.

"First and foremost, there are great players there and we have just won the league, so everything is in place for it to carry it on."

Giggs penned a one-year contract extension in March to play into his 23rd season with the club but acknowledges the need to explore post-playing options for when he does hang up his boots.

"It's quite tough. I am sort of an intense person so, when I am still playing, I'm concentrating on that," he continued.

"But, also, I have got to start thinking that it is near the end. I have to start thinking about what I am going to do afterwards.

"I am in the process of doing that and obviously coming on this course has helped me – speaking to other people, listening to what the coaches or tutors say, and just trying to get little bits that can help you. Everyone has their own style and everyone picks up different things.

"Obviously, I'd be stupid not to pick up on the stuff I've learnt from Sir Alex. I don't know whether I am going to be a coach or a manager, if I decide to go into coaching, but it is obviously exciting for me. I have been playing for 20-odd years and it is a new chapter in my life."

 

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Inter keen on Basel defender Dragovic

The Swiss champions have claimed that the Nerazzurri are eager to strengthen their defence with the Austrian centre-back Aleksandar Dragovic could be on his way to Inter after Basel president Bernhard Heusler confirmed the Serie A giants are interested in the the Austria international.

The Nerazzurri are keen to add some fresh blood to their squad this summer after a disappointing 2012-13 campaign and they evidently see the 22-year-old Dragovic as a valuable signing.

"Inter are seriously interested in Dragovic," Heusler commented to Basler Zeitung when questioned about the defender's future.

The centre-back came through the ranks of the Austria Vienna youth academy and joined Basel in January 2011. He has since developed into a key player at the Swiss champions, winning three league titles since his arrival.

Dragovic has a contract with Basel until June 2015.

 

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Incredible Isco can become Madrid's golden boy

Los Blancos announced their first major summer signing on Thursday as they paid Malaga €35 million for the talented Spain star, for whom genuine greatness awaits

It has been a happy week for Real Madrid. Tuesday saw the announcement of coach Carlo Ancelotti following protracted negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, Wednesday brought the Italian's polished presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu and Thursday the club's first major summer signing: Isco.

Madrid may only just be getting started in the transfer market this summer, with Isco in line to be a tasty aperitivo for the more substantial main dish to follow, with president Florentino Perez still hoping to lure Tottenham's Gareth Bale to the Spanish capital, while remaining in the hunt for Uruguay strikers Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

Isco, however, can go on to become the best of the lot. The Benalmadena-born attacker has enjoyed a rapid rise since moving to local club Malaga in 2011. Following substantial investment that summer, the Andalusian club moved quickly to secure the talented teenager, who was growing increasingly impatient at a lack of opportunities at Valencia, for his buy-out c

The midfielder had made just seven first-team appearances for the Mestalla-based club, instead helping Valencia's B side to promotion in the Tercera Division - the fourth tier of Spanish football - in 2010-11. The following season, he became a hit in La Liga. It was an astonishing ascent.

Isco made an immediate impact at Malaga and in 2012 won the prestigious Golden Boy award for the game's most promising young player. His brilliant performances under Manuel Pellegrini also helped Malaga seal Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.

But it was in his second season that he truly blossomed, stepping up following the summer sale of Santi Cazorla to lead Malaga to the last eight in Europe's premier club competition, where they were within just seconds of a semi-final place before conceding twice in a minute to lose out to Borussia Dortmund in agonising fashion.

Despite the defeat, Malaga had made their mark. So too had Isco. The young Spain star struck 12 goals in 2012-13 (including two extraordinary efforts in a stunning show against Zenit) and after the club failed to overturn their European ban for financial irregularities and also missed a top-four place there was only ever likely to be one outcome: a summer sale.

Manchester City were keen to reunite the player with coach Pellegrini and Isco thought long and hard about a move to the Premier League, considering he would be unable to compete immediately for a first-team place at Real Madrid.

Such is his quality, however, that Isco is ready to step up once again and start for Madrid, perhaps as a playmaker under Ancelotti or on the right side of midfield. The atttacker, who as a 17-year-old described himself as an 'anti-madridista', will win over fans quickly with his technique, his dribbling, his vision and his goals following his €35m move.

From the fourth tier of Spanish football in 2010-11 to a starring role in La Liga the following season and a stunning Champions League debut the next, incredible Isco looks set to be the next Spanish superstar and Madrid's golden boy.

 

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'Messi is totally innocent' - lawyer

The Barcelona forward's legal representative has told Goal of his confidence that his client will avoid punishment over his current case
By Ben Hayward in Barcelona

Lionel Messi is innocent of tax fraud and speculation about an out-of-court settlement on Thursday is wide of the mark, insists his lawyer Angel Juarez.

The Barcelona star and his father have been summoned to appear in court on September 17 to respond to a complaint signed earlier this month by prosecutor Raquel Amado in the Gava district of the Catalan capital.

The Spanish tax authorities say the Argentine failed to declare more than €4 million in image rights income earned between 2006 and 2009 and reports in the Catalan press on Thursday claimed the forward had agreed to settle out of court for around €15m.

"Those stories were published without any confirmation from us or any consultation," Juarez told Goal in a telephone conversation late on Thursday.

"Nobody can confirm that information. We cannot comment on any questions concerning my client, [but] we still believe totally in his innocence - that has never changed."

Messi reportedly has two months to prove his innocence in order to avoid a court appearance, but Juarez says there will be no further developments in the short term.

"The latest news is that [of the court summons] but the next news will not be soon - there will no more developments [for now]."

The first round of Champions League action takes place on September 17 and Messi will be keen to avoid a court date on that very same day.

"It could be [settled out of court]," Juarez confirmed. "That is one of the possibilites."

 

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Bale should stay at Tottenham - Hoddle


The 55-year-old former Spurs midfielder feels the Wales international would struggle to replicate his form on the continent, amid interest from Liga giants Real Madrid.

Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle has advised Gareth Bale to remain at White Hart Lane and resist the temptation to join Real Madrid this summer.

Bale’s scintillating performances for club and country last term have seen him become one of the Spanish side’s top targets, with president Florentino Perez insisting that ‘great players pay for themselves’ when a £85m bid was mooted. Nonetheless, the former Spurs midfielder feels he should stay in N17.

“I would like him to stay as a Spurs fan, but I think football wise, for him, it would be the right decision,” Hoddle told Goal. “Not financially [for him], not for Tottenham’s finances either if they get a massive bid.”

Bale, who scored 30 times in 58 appearances for club and country last season, became only the third player in history to receive both the PFA’s Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year accolades in the same season.

But Hoddle, who himself left Spurs for foreign soil when he joined AS Monaco in 1987, feels the Welshman would struggle to carry that form and level of consistency to La Liga.

“If he was to go abroad, I think he’d struggle at the moment to settle off the pitch,” he added. “I’ve done it myself, I’ve experienced it so I can talk from experience, you have to be content off the pitch to play well, and I’m not sure that would happen at this moment in time.

“If he moved within England he’d obviously settle a lot quicker.”

Bale was the driving force for a Tottenham side which, despite collecting 72 points – a Premier League record for the club – failed to qualify for the Champions League, a competition they have not returned to since their inaugural campaign back in the 2010-11 season.

This, according to Hoddle, is why Tottenham must show their ambition, and convince Bale to stay at the club for at least another season by showing intent in the summer transfer window.

“The first thing I would be saying is ‘what intent have Tottenham got?’ Are they going to add two, three, four really good players to the squad, to get into the Champions League and challenge for that next year?

“They’re going to need a bigger squad to deal with the Europa League onslaught as well.”

And it appears the club are trying just that. As revealed by Goal on Friday, Spurs are confident of securing deals for both David Villa and Paulinho during the window, after the Barcelona striker confirmed to club officials that he'd be happy to join them this summer.

 

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Tottenham close in on Villa

Spurs are closing in on the Barcelona striker after he reached a broad agreement on personal terms, with both clubs now negotiating a transfer fee to secure the deal

Tottenham are closing in on a deal to sign David Villa after the Barcelona star confirmed he would like to move to White Hart Lane during talks with the player and his representatives, Goal has learned.

The Spain striker has reached a broad agreement on personal terms to move to Spurs this summer and is eager to play in the Premier League.

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has spoken informally to Villa on the phone while the club's new technical director, Franco Baldini, has held productive discussions with the 31-year-old's agent.

Spurs officials are understood to have been in Brazil last week, where they held talks over a deal for Villa - who is in the country for the Confederations Cup - while also reaching a €17 million agreement to sign Paulinho from Corinthians.

The Londoners believe that they are in a strong position to land Villa despite reported interest from Fiorentina but they hope to convince Barca to lower their €14m asking price.

Tottenham are ready to pay around €9m for Spain's all-time leading scorer, who has just one year left on his contract at Camp Nou and, due to his age, has little sell-on value.

Villa himself has said that he will decide on his future after the Confederations Cup, where Spain have booked a place in Sunday's final against hosts Brazil at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Spurs are willing to pay the attacker more than €117,000-a-week but the former Valencia man is understood to have accepted that he must take a reduction on his €163,000 weekly salary at Barcelona.

Villa-Boas has made Villa his top final-third target for the summer transfer window as he looks to boost the club's forward line and improve Spurs' chances of a top-four finish next season.

Spurs tried to rival Arsenal for the Spaniard's signature in the January transfer window but Barcelona refused to sell the forward midway through the season.

The Gunners have dropped their interest in Villa while Barcelona are now prepared to sell the striker, who would find his opportunities further limited next season following the arrival of Neymar at the Liga giants.

Tottenham are looking to conduct their major transfer business early this year and have agreed a deal of €18m plus €2m in add-ons to sign Paulinho.

The 24-year-old is expected to sign an initial four-year contract and undergo a medical after the Confederations Cup final on Sunday, having scored the late winner in Brazil's semi-final win over Uruguay on Wednesday.

 

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David Villa Tottenham join wei wage.

 

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Brazil favourites for Confederations Cup, says Del Bosque

The 62-year-old is on course to win his third major international title with la Roja but believes his side are underdogs ahead of Sunday Vicente del Bosque has played down Spain's chances of winning the Confederations Cup final against Brazil.

La Roja booked their place in Sunday's showpiece following a tense penalty shootout against Italy on Thursday, from which the Spaniards emerged 7-6 winners after Jesus Navas capitalised on Leonardo Bonucci's miss during sudden death.

However, Del Bosque's men have played an extra 30 minutes compared to the Selecao and will have one day less recovery time before the final, making the Spain boss believe his side are underdogs.

He told a press conference: "Brazil are the favourites. They have five World Cups, three Confederations Cups, we're going to be facing them at the Maracana and we're excited to do so.

"We want to recover and get there in the best condition possible. In the next three days, we'll try to do so.

"Spain played 120 minutes tonight and they are players who usually play two matches a week, so we believe that we will be able to give it our all on Sunday.

"We don't know who will dominate, who will have more possession. We'll try to. Tonight, Italy were very strong and they held control of the match."

The former Real Madrid coach went on to identify where Luiz Felipe Scolari's men will pose most threat to his team and concluded it would be a mistake to focus on one individual while ignoring the collective force of their opponents.

He stated: "[Dani] Alves and Marcelo are great. They're able to influence a game.

"Neymar is fantastic and their middle of the pitch is also absolutely fantastic, but we can't talk about just one Brazilian player who we'll guard against."

 

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Casillas: Spain rode their luck

La Roja's No.1 believes the current group Vicente del Bosque has at his disposal is very special but they were fortunate to beat Italy in the Confederations Cup semi-final Iker Casillas has hailed the current group of Spain players but conceded they were lucky in their penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the Confederations Cup semi-final.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper made some fine saves to help his team take the Azzurri all the way to penalties and secure a spot in the final against Brazil.

Following Leonardo Bonucci's miss for Italy in spotkicks, Jesus Navas scored to secure a 7-6 win for Spain and the Real Madrid man admits they rode their luck at times but the fans were witnessing a very special era in Spanish football.

"This generation is unforgettable. Lucky for the Spanish to have seen another win and we're in the final," Casillas said to Tele-5.

"The truth is it was very difficult to win. Italy had made an excellent approach. We tested Buffon as well but they placed us in trouble.

"The thing about the shoot-out is it is a lottery and we have been lucky enough to win. My team-mates have had full success on the penalties and they [Italy] missed one."

Casillas told reporters after the game that it could have easily been Cesare Prandelli's men who were to take on the Selecao.

"Again, we have to admit Italy played a great game. They could be up here talking about an Italy-Brazil in the final if not for a few bounces of the ball," he said.

"We have to recover, physically speaking. We're used to playing games on Wednesday and then on Sunday so we have no excuses not to be match fit.

"Italy had a very good style of play that we didn't expect, defensively they left a few gaps and we had chances to score. Navas was close in the second half of extra time. I'm sure that Brazil, however, will not have that particular style of play against us."

Having been pushed all the way through extra time Casillas admitted his side are fatigued and will need time to recover for Sunday's final in Rio de Janeiro against the hosts.

"We are very tired. We need to rest. We will have to face Brazil in the Maracana. We will try to play a good game."

 

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Baines bigger loss to Everton than Fellaini, says Ratcliffe

The 28-year-old could soon be linking up with former boss David Moyes at Manchester United, and the club legend feels a fee of around €18 million will see him depart Goodison Park Everton legend Kevin Ratcliffe believes Leighton Baines will be a bigger loss than Marouane Fellaini, should the left-back move to Manchester United.

Former manager David Moyes is reportedly interested in taking the left-back to Old Trafford, who scored seven times and assisted a further six last season.

As revealed by Goal earlier in June, Arsenal activated Fellaini’s €26 million buy-out clause before upping their contract offer last week, but Ratcliffe feels Baines would provide the bigger void in the Everton squad.

"Marouane Fellaini could also leave but Baines is the main concern," Ratcliffe told talkSPORT. "If he wasn’t scoring he was creating goals, I think he created more than any other left-back in the Premier League last year, certainly more than Ashley Cole.

"His free kicks and set pieces in and around the box are quality, and he’s improved massively as a defender as well.

"He’s a proven international now, he’s battling it out with Cole for the number one left-back spot for England, so he’ll be a big miss.

United are reported to have failed with a €14m bid for Baines, with the club insisting the England international is not for sale, but Ratcliffe believes €18 million will see Moyes reunited with the left-back.

"I would have thought the club would be looking for around the £15m mark if he was to leave," Ratcliffe continued. "I think if the right offer comes in Everton will take it and I think an improved bid of around €18m might sway things Manchester United’s way.

"If Everton get the right money it may be right for both parties to part company, especially because of his age. It's unlikely they'll get this much money for him two or three years down the line. But that’s only if the player wants to go."

 

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Swansea sign Jordi Amat from Espanyol

Michael Laudrup's men have confirmed the central defender will arrive at the Liberty Stadium, subject to a medical and international clearance, on a four-year deal.Swansea City have confirmed they have signed Jordi Amat from Espanyol for €2.9 million.

The central defender has signed a four-year deal with the Capital One Cup winners, subject to a medical and international clearance.

Amat arrives from Espanyol, although the 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Rayo Vallecano - making 27 appearances for Paco Jemez's side.

The Spaniard becomes the Swans' second signing of the summer, following Jose Canas' free transfer from Real Betis.

Michael Laudrup's continues to seek further bolstering of his squad, with a second loan-long deal spell for Villarreal midfielder Jonathan de Guzman looking close to completion.

However, club captain Ashley Williams is edging closer to a summer exit after agreeing terms with Arsenal.

 

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Atletico Madrid in talks with Roma’s Osvaldo

The 27-year-old is negotiating a possible €18 million transfer to Vicente Calderon, according to his agent.Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo is in negotiations with Atletico Madri over an €18 million move, according to the player's agent.

The Azzurri international, who scored 16 goals in 29 Serie A matches last season, has been linked with the likes of Fiorentina and Tottenham in recent weeks, but a switch to La Liga is now the more likely for the 27-year-old.

“The negotiations are taking place and the fee will be around €18m,” Diego Tavano told Radio Mana Mana Sport.

“The attacker is well liked in Spain and he just needs to find the right emotional balance because he has incredible qualities.”

Atletico are looking for a striker to replace Radamel Falcao who departed for Monaco earlier this month in a €60m deal.

Osvaldo previously played in La Liga for Espanyol, whom he left to join Roma in 2011 for a fee of €15m.

 

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Thiago to tell Barcelona that he wants to join Manchester United

The attacking midfielder is prepared to give a €18 million transfer to Old Trafford the green light in imminent talks with Camp Nou officials over his long-term future

Thiago Alcantara will tell Barcelona that he wants to quit Camp Nou for Manchester United.One of the rising stars of Spanish football has already agreed terms with the Premier League champions and is prepared to give notice of his decision to leave the club he joined at 14 in imminent talks with Barca officials.

Sources have said that United are confident of completing a €18 million deal for the 22-year-old despite late interest from Bayern Munich.It is believed that Barcelona have privately given up hope of persuading the graduate of the club’s famous La Masia academy to stay despite giving him assurances that he will have a bigger first-team role in coming years.

Thiago, who scored a hat-trick for Spain in the recent European Under-21 Championship final against Italy, feels there are too many marquee players blocking his path to a regular senior role at Camp Nou.The attacking midfielder has gone on holiday, leaving his representatives and father, the former Brazil World Cup winner Mazinho, to tell Barcelona that he wants to leave.

Thiago has a contract that runs until 2015 but his exit clause plummeted from €90 million to €18m after he failed to participate for a stipulated amount of minutes in the 2012-13 season. The buy-out clause is due to return to €90m on August 1.
United are ready to take advantage of the relatively low clause to make Thiago the first major signing for new manager David Moyes, who officially takes over at Old Trafford on Monday.

 

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Spain 0-0 Italy (7-6 pens): Navas the hero in gripping shoot-out

David Villa Tottenham join wei wage.

 

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Sakho interested in AC Milan switch

The centre-back could well be on his way to Serie A after a frustrating season at Parc des Princes Mamadou Sakho has revealed Liverpool and AC Milan are interested in his services and admits he is open to a summer move after growing disillusioned with life at Paris-Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old made 30 appearances for the club last season but often found himself out of favour, with Thiago Silva and Alex the first choice centre-back pairing of now former boss Carlo Ancelotti.

And though les Parisiens have offered the Frenchman a new contract, Sakho is considering leaving the club he joined as a youngster in a bid for more playing time.

"I have to make a decision, PSG is my club, I was born here and I learned my football here... I want to play for this club all my life, but it is clear that I do not want to sit on the bench," Sakho told reporters.

"I have not played as much as I would have liked last season because of the choices of the coach. Every player wants to play every week, too. There is an offer on the table."

A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the defender, with Liverpool, Newcastle and AC Milan all in the running for his signature, and he revealed he will speak to coach Laurent Blanc before opening negotiations with interested parties.

"I'll be able to talk with the new coach and see what he thinks. I am flattered by the interest of historic clubs like Liverpool and AC Milan. We will see what happens in the near future."

 

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Galliani: Balotelli would have put Italy in final

The Rossoneri chief thinks that his star striker could have fired the Azzurri into a Confederations Cup finale with Brazil and reveals Stephan El Shaarawy talks
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani believes that Italy would be facing Brazil in the Confederations Cup final instead of Spain had Mario Balotelli been fit to play.

The striker was ruled out of the tournament with a thigh injury at the end of the group stage having helped the Azzurri reach the last four with two goals in three games.

Cesare Prandelli's men subsequently drew 0-0 with the world and European champions before going out on penalties and Galliani believes Balotelli's ability at spot kicks could have seen the side into the final.

He told Sky Sport on Saturday: "With Mario we certainly would’ve scored one more penalty in the shoot-out, so at this stage we could’ve been in the final.

"I spoke to Mario and he is feeling better after treatment, as confirmed by the medical staff. In a few more days he can go on vacation."

Balotelli's Rossoneri and Azzurri attacking team-mate Stephan El Shaarawy has been linked with Fiorentina as part of a swap deal for Adem Ljajic or Stevan Jovetic following a second half to the season which was far less impressive than the former.

Regarding the rumours, Galliani added: "I will see El Shaarawy on Tuesday."

Italy face Uruguay on Sunday in the Confederations Cup third-place play-off.

 

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Roma veteran Perrotta announces retirement

The midfielder says he could stay at the Giallorossi in a different capacity while admitting he will never get over his final game - a Coppa Italia derby defeat
Roma icon Simone Perrotta has announced his imminent retirement from professional football.

The midfielder was part of the Italy squad that triumphed in the 2006 World Cup and has been runner-up in four Scudetti during his Giallorossi career.

However, the 35-year-old has decided that it is time to hang up his boots and insisted that he would rather end his career at the capital club than spend the twilight of his playing days at a lesser team.

"I definitely won’t stay on at Roma as a player," he told Teleradiostereo. "I don’t think I’ll continue playing at all, in fact, as I’d prefer to end my career as an ex-Roma player rather than at another club.

"I wanted to finish my playing days with this jersey and I feel it’s the right thing to do."

The Italian hinted at a potential coaching role at the Stadio Olimpico and believes that fans have a lot to look forward to in the 2013-14 campaign under new coach Rudi Garcia.

"It is possible my story with Roma could continue in a different way," Perrotta added. "It is only right that their project continues moving forward with the players they consider to be valid.

"The club has plans and will spend money to reinforce the squad, while the coach seems a good person who won in France and can have success here."Although he enjoyed a fruitful career, the midfielder revealed his gutting disappointment that his final game for Roma was a derby defeat in the Coppa Italia to Lazio.

He said: "The real regret is my last game, which shouldn’t have ended that way and it’s a painful disappointment I will probably never get over. That’s not how it was supposed to end."