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Verratti extends PSG deal
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that midfielder Marco Verratti has extended his contract with the club until 2018.
The 20-year-old had been linked with a return to Serie A this summer following the departure of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid, who were also said to be chasing his signature.
However, the Italy international now looks set to stay at Parc des Princes, with PSG reported to have bumped his salary along with adding an extra year on to his contract, which now has five years left to run.
An official statement on les Parisiens' website read: "Paris Saint-Germain are very pleased to announce that Marco Verratti has extended his contract for another year. He is therefore bound to the club until June 2018.
"Arriving at Paris Saint-Germain in 2012, Marco Verratti has shown his desire to impress in his time with the club. The young Italy international has played 36 games, including nine in the Champions League last season.
"The extension shows the will of the Paris Saint-Germain to build a project for the future and to build one of the greatest teams in Europe."
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that midfielder Marco Verratti has extended his contract with the club until 2018.
The 20-year-old had been linked with a return to Serie A this summer following the departure of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid, who were also said to be chasing his signature.
However, the Italy international now looks set to stay at Parc des Princes, with PSG reported to have bumped his salary along with adding an extra year on to his contract, which now has five years left to run.
An official statement on les Parisiens' website read: "Paris Saint-Germain are very pleased to announce that Marco Verratti has extended his contract for another year. He is therefore bound to the club until June 2018.
"Arriving at Paris Saint-Germain in 2012, Marco Verratti has shown his desire to impress in his time with the club. The young Italy international has played 36 games, including nine in the Champions League last season.
"The extension shows the will of the Paris Saint-Germain to build a project for the future and to build one of the greatest teams in Europe."
Balotelli the best Serie A striker - Inzaghi
AC Milan striking legend Filippo Inzaghi believes that Mario Balotelli is the best forward in Serie A right now.
The likes of Pablo Osvaldo and Edinson Cavani have left Italy for Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, though Gonzalo Higuain, Carlo Tevez and Mario Gomez are among the illustrious attackers to have joined the division.
Balotelli, 23, helped propel the Rossoneri to third spot in the league following his arrival in January and Inzaghi, who is currently one of Milan's youth coaches, hopes that he can be the top scorer in Italy this year.
"I would call all of Milan's attack great, but Balotelli is the strongest striker in Italy," the 40-year-old told the Corriere dello Sport.
"As a Milan fan, I hope that he will become the top scorer in Serie A - it would be important for him, for us and for the national team."
Inzaghi, who played at San Siro for just over a decade, also branded Paris Saint-Germain's strikeforce as amongst the strongest on the continent and also showered Barcelona's attack with praise.
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cavani are a formidable pair," the Italian added. "Cavani is a killer and in fact has already placed his shot. And they're one of the strongest in Europe - they'll score 50 goals between them.
"Neymar and Lionel Messi are the two strikers that every coach in the world would like to have in the squad.
"Messi is the absolute best player and Neymar I followed in the Confederations Cup and I liked him. He's amazing at one-on-ones."
Milan could face the likes of Barca later this season if they can beat PSV over two legs in their Champions League play-off, with the away fixture on Tuesday at 20:45CET.
AC Milan striking legend Filippo Inzaghi believes that Mario Balotelli is the best forward in Serie A right now.
The likes of Pablo Osvaldo and Edinson Cavani have left Italy for Southampton and Paris Saint-Germain respectively, though Gonzalo Higuain, Carlo Tevez and Mario Gomez are among the illustrious attackers to have joined the division.
Balotelli, 23, helped propel the Rossoneri to third spot in the league following his arrival in January and Inzaghi, who is currently one of Milan's youth coaches, hopes that he can be the top scorer in Italy this year.
"I would call all of Milan's attack great, but Balotelli is the strongest striker in Italy," the 40-year-old told the Corriere dello Sport.
"As a Milan fan, I hope that he will become the top scorer in Serie A - it would be important for him, for us and for the national team."
Inzaghi, who played at San Siro for just over a decade, also branded Paris Saint-Germain's strikeforce as amongst the strongest on the continent and also showered Barcelona's attack with praise.
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cavani are a formidable pair," the Italian added. "Cavani is a killer and in fact has already placed his shot. And they're one of the strongest in Europe - they'll score 50 goals between them.
"Neymar and Lionel Messi are the two strikers that every coach in the world would like to have in the squad.
"Messi is the absolute best player and Neymar I followed in the Confederations Cup and I liked him. He's amazing at one-on-ones."
Milan could face the likes of Barca later this season if they can beat PSV over two legs in their Champions League play-off, with the away fixture on Tuesday at 20:45CET.
Schuster: Casillas should leave Real Madrid
Malaga boss Bernd Schuster has weighed in on the goalkeeping saga at Real Madrid, insisting he would understand it if Iker Casillas were to leave the Santiago Bernabeu side.
The Spain international No.1 was forced to watch from the sidelines yet again as los Blancos opened up their Liga campaign with a 2-1 victory over Betis on Sunday, with Diego Lopez continuing to be preferred in goal following his impressive displays last season since joining the club in January from Sevilla.
And former Madrid boss Schuster can empathise with Casillas' position at the club, even saying he would be unsurprised if the 32-year-old decided to leave the Bernabeu to ensure he is selected for Spain's World Cup side next year.
"I'd understand it if Iker wants to leave," Schuster told Tiki Taka.
"It was impossible to imagine Raul at another club, and it's the same with Iker, but this year there is a World Cup and he cannot afford to spend a year sitting on the bench. He has to play.
"We need to remember that Iker went out of the team because of an injury and the coach replaced him with a substitute. Because of an injury, the player has the right to return to the team.
Casillas was ousted by Lopez while Jose Mourinho was still coach and, despite coming back from a broken hand, was unable to force his way back into the first team following a string of strong displays by his goalkeeping rival.
However, with a new season underway and a new coach in charge of Madrid, Schuster is baffled by the club's decision to keep the saga ongoing and believes Casillas should be reinstated as first-choice shot-stopper.
"Being the Madrid goalkeeper is a very difficult job and Iker is who he is, and a player as good as him cannot afford to be in a situation like this one," he added.
"I don't understand it. Even though there is a lot of competition, which is a good thing, Iker needs to be playing.
"The reason it's a problem is that, as we saw last year, this isn't any old player. We have already started discussing this issue this season and it dominated the last few months of Mourinho's tenure, it was unbelievable, it's not good for the team nor for Iker.
"It has surprised me that this situation has been allowed to rumble on, the club needs to find a proper solution."
It will never happen. Also one should not equal Ancelotti to Mou. Ancelotti is still looking for perfect combinations. Playing Ozil in the Wing did not work
So as Benching Casillas
Wenger puts four rookies on standby for crunch Fenerbahce test
Arsenal are set to respond to their early season injury crisis by calling up four rookies for their pivotal Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce.
Youngsters Hector Bellerin, Isaac Hayden and Serge Gnabry, all 18, and Gedion Zelalem, 16, have been put on stand-by to join the senior squad that flies to Turkey on Tuesday afternoon.
Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky and Kieran Gibbs, who all picked up injuries in the Gunners’ disastrous 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa last Saturday, are expected to pass fitness tests and be in the travelling party for Wednesday night’s opening leg of the two-legged encounter.
But the squad is increasingly threadbare following a string of injuries to established players and Arsene Wenger is also faced with a late decision on whether to include Bacary Sagna in the travelling party.
Goal has learned that the 30-year-old right-back is suffering from heavy whiplash following a horrible fall towards the end of the Villa match.
There is a possibility that Arsenal could take 19 players to Fenerbahce rather than the usual match-day 18, with Spanish right-back Bellerin providing cover in case Sagna does not make it.
Bellerin, centre-back Hayden and midfielder Zelalem are yet to make their senior Arsenal debuts, while winger Gnabry has made only four appearances for the club, three of which were substitute cameos.
Wenger has already ruled out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury at the weekend. Arsenal will receive the results on Tuesday of the scan he had on Monday after the swelling on his knee subsided.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelen and Abou Diaby as a long-term absentee, while Nacho Monreal is also not yet fully fit.
This has highlighted even further Arsenal’s need for squad reinforcement with less than two weeks of the transfer window remaining.
Arsenal are set to respond to their early season injury crisis by calling up four rookies for their pivotal Champions League qualifier against Fenerbahce.
Youngsters Hector Bellerin, Isaac Hayden and Serge Gnabry, all 18, and Gedion Zelalem, 16, have been put on stand-by to join the senior squad that flies to Turkey on Tuesday afternoon.
Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky and Kieran Gibbs, who all picked up injuries in the Gunners’ disastrous 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa last Saturday, are expected to pass fitness tests and be in the travelling party for Wednesday night’s opening leg of the two-legged encounter.
But the squad is increasingly threadbare following a string of injuries to established players and Arsene Wenger is also faced with a late decision on whether to include Bacary Sagna in the travelling party.
Goal has learned that the 30-year-old right-back is suffering from heavy whiplash following a horrible fall towards the end of the Villa match.
There is a possibility that Arsenal could take 19 players to Fenerbahce rather than the usual match-day 18, with Spanish right-back Bellerin providing cover in case Sagna does not make it.
Bellerin, centre-back Hayden and midfielder Zelalem are yet to make their senior Arsenal debuts, while winger Gnabry has made only four appearances for the club, three of which were substitute cameos.
Wenger has already ruled out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury at the weekend. Arsenal will receive the results on Tuesday of the scan he had on Monday after the swelling on his knee subsided.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has joined Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelen and Abou Diaby as a long-term absentee, while Nacho Monreal is also not yet fully fit.
This has highlighted even further Arsenal’s need for squad reinforcement with less than two weeks of the transfer window remaining.
Lyon 0-2 Real Sociedad: Sublime Griezmann goal puts Spaniards in control of the tie
Real Sociedad put one foot in the Champions League group stages with a superb 2-0 victory away to 10-man Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday.The Spanish outfit put on a classy display of fluent attacking football at Stade Gerland, leaving their Ligue 1 hosts an uphill task to turn the tie around in the return leg of their play-off at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on August 28.
Sociedad took the lead when Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring with a sensational scissor-kick in the first half. The strike was extra-special for the Frenchman who grew up as a boyhood Lyon fan.
And his effort was almost outdone by Haris Seferovic after the break, as his 25-yard half-volley thundered into the top corner.Lyon’s task became even more difficult when centre-back Milan Bisevac was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 75th minute, with the French side now having it all to do in the return.
Lyon coach Remi Garde kept faith with the same starting XI that defeated Sochaux 3-1 on Friday, while Sociedad made four changes from their 2-0 victory over Getafe at the weekend, including Griezmann starting in place of Ruben Pardo.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides, looking the more likely to create openings.And they were unlucky not to take the lead in the 12th minute when Carlos Vela engineered an opportunity on the edge of the area, only to see his left-footed shot cannon back off the post.
However, they did not have to wait long to get the breakthrough their play deserved as just five minutes later the travelling support were celebrating an early goal-of-the-season contender.Vela played a teasing outswinging cross from the left that went behind Griezmann, but the 22-year-old showed superb athleticism to meet the ball and fire a left-footed scissor-kick into the bottom corner.
That setback seemed to spark Lyon into action and Yoann Gourcuff produced their best moment of the half when he played a neat one-two with Alexandre Lacazette before striking first time. Only a smart save from Claudio Bravo at his near post denied Lyon an equaliser.Lacazette then had a penalty claim turned down when he went to ground after going shoulder-to-shoulder in the area with Inigo Martinez, but his appeals were waved away by referee Milorad Mazic.
Lyon needed a quick start to the second half and Maxime Gonalons should have done better when he headed wide from Gourcuff's corner despite being unmarked in the area.They were duly punished after 50 minutes by another piece of brilliance.
Some exquisite one-touch football led to Griezmann laying the ball into the path of Seferovic on the left-hand side, before the Swiss struck an unstoppable half-volley from 25 yards that flew beyond Anthony Lopes into the top corner.
With the match slipping away, Lyon needed a goal to change the complexion of the tie, and they came desperately close in the 68th minute when Gonalons’ header from Gourcuff's corner thundered off the underside of the crossbar.The situation worsened for the home side, however, when Bisevac was shown a second yellow card for a trip on Vela on the edge of the box with quarter of an hour remaining.
Vela could have made it three with two minutes remaining when he cut inside Lopes, but his effort was blocked on the line by Gueida Fofana, leaving la Real in firm control of the playoff ahead of next week's return leg.
Real Sociedad put one foot in the Champions League group stages with a superb 2-0 victory away to 10-man Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday.The Spanish outfit put on a classy display of fluent attacking football at Stade Gerland, leaving their Ligue 1 hosts an uphill task to turn the tie around in the return leg of their play-off at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta on August 28.
Sociedad took the lead when Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring with a sensational scissor-kick in the first half. The strike was extra-special for the Frenchman who grew up as a boyhood Lyon fan.
And his effort was almost outdone by Haris Seferovic after the break, as his 25-yard half-volley thundered into the top corner.Lyon’s task became even more difficult when centre-back Milan Bisevac was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 75th minute, with the French side now having it all to do in the return.
Lyon coach Remi Garde kept faith with the same starting XI that defeated Sochaux 3-1 on Friday, while Sociedad made four changes from their 2-0 victory over Getafe at the weekend, including Griezmann starting in place of Ruben Pardo.
The visitors started the brighter of the two sides, looking the more likely to create openings.And they were unlucky not to take the lead in the 12th minute when Carlos Vela engineered an opportunity on the edge of the area, only to see his left-footed shot cannon back off the post.
However, they did not have to wait long to get the breakthrough their play deserved as just five minutes later the travelling support were celebrating an early goal-of-the-season contender.Vela played a teasing outswinging cross from the left that went behind Griezmann, but the 22-year-old showed superb athleticism to meet the ball and fire a left-footed scissor-kick into the bottom corner.
That setback seemed to spark Lyon into action and Yoann Gourcuff produced their best moment of the half when he played a neat one-two with Alexandre Lacazette before striking first time. Only a smart save from Claudio Bravo at his near post denied Lyon an equaliser.Lacazette then had a penalty claim turned down when he went to ground after going shoulder-to-shoulder in the area with Inigo Martinez, but his appeals were waved away by referee Milorad Mazic.
Lyon needed a quick start to the second half and Maxime Gonalons should have done better when he headed wide from Gourcuff's corner despite being unmarked in the area.They were duly punished after 50 minutes by another piece of brilliance.
Some exquisite one-touch football led to Griezmann laying the ball into the path of Seferovic on the left-hand side, before the Swiss struck an unstoppable half-volley from 25 yards that flew beyond Anthony Lopes into the top corner.
With the match slipping away, Lyon needed a goal to change the complexion of the tie, and they came desperately close in the 68th minute when Gonalons’ header from Gourcuff's corner thundered off the underside of the crossbar.The situation worsened for the home side, however, when Bisevac was shown a second yellow card for a trip on Vela on the edge of the box with quarter of an hour remaining.
Vela could have made it three with two minutes remaining when he cut inside Lopes, but his effort was blocked on the line by Gueida Fofana, leaving la Real in firm control of the playoff ahead of next week's return leg.
PSV 1-1 AC Milan: Abbiati howler hands Dutch a lifeline
Tim Matavz's second-half strike secured a 1-1 draw for PSV as their Champions League play-off with AC Milan hangs in the balance.Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring for the visitors after 15 minutes with a close-range header at the end of a flowing move.
Kevin-Prince Boateng released Ignazio Abate down the right-hand side and his pin-point cross was met by the striker, who headed powerfully past Jeroen Zoet.
PSV got themselves level on the hour as Matavz reacted quickest to head past Christian Abbiati after the goalkeeper had failed to hold a Jeffrey Bruma strike.
And despite late pressure, neither side could find a winner to give them the advantage heading into the second leg.After being cup-tied for last season’s European campaign, Mario Balotelli was given his first start for Milan in the Champions League, joining El Shaarawy and Boateng in attack.
PSV coach Philip Cocu was dealt a blow in the lead-up to the game with the news that in-form striking starlet Zakaria Bakkali had been ruled out with a groin injury.
The 17-year-old – who has scored four goals in four games in all competitions this season – was replaced in the starting line-up by Matavz.PSV started well, but having survived an early period of pressure Milan sprang into life in the 15th minute as El Shaarawy broke the deadlock.
The 20-year-old rose unmarked to head home Abate’s right-wing cross after some lax PSV defending.The Dutch side sought a response, and with eight minutes of the half to play Adam Maher came close to levelling, only to see his shot rattle the crossbar.
The 20-year-old midfielder broke at pace towards the Milan defence before holding off the challenge from Cristian Zapata and firing in his shot, only for the woodwork to come to Abbiati's rescue.Milan should have doubled their lead early in the second half but El Shaarawy missed two clear-cut chances after excellent work from Balotelli.
The striker saw his first chance bounce wide of Zoet after a delicate chip, and his second opportunity was denied by a perfectly-timed tackle from Jetro Willems.
Those misses proved to be costly as PSV equalised on the hour mark.Bruma sent a speculative long-range effort towards goal and the ball bounced in front of Abbiati, causing it to strike him on the chest and loop into the air.And before the goalkeeper could react, Matavz pounced to head the ball into the back of the net to put the Eredivisie side level.
On-loan defender Karim Rekik had a fantastic opportunity to win the game for PSV late on, but he mistimed his header following a perfect Georginio Wijnaldum cross, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg at San Siro on August 28.
Tim Matavz's second-half strike secured a 1-1 draw for PSV as their Champions League play-off with AC Milan hangs in the balance.Stephan El Shaarawy opened the scoring for the visitors after 15 minutes with a close-range header at the end of a flowing move.
Kevin-Prince Boateng released Ignazio Abate down the right-hand side and his pin-point cross was met by the striker, who headed powerfully past Jeroen Zoet.
PSV got themselves level on the hour as Matavz reacted quickest to head past Christian Abbiati after the goalkeeper had failed to hold a Jeffrey Bruma strike.
And despite late pressure, neither side could find a winner to give them the advantage heading into the second leg.After being cup-tied for last season’s European campaign, Mario Balotelli was given his first start for Milan in the Champions League, joining El Shaarawy and Boateng in attack.
PSV coach Philip Cocu was dealt a blow in the lead-up to the game with the news that in-form striking starlet Zakaria Bakkali had been ruled out with a groin injury.
The 17-year-old – who has scored four goals in four games in all competitions this season – was replaced in the starting line-up by Matavz.PSV started well, but having survived an early period of pressure Milan sprang into life in the 15th minute as El Shaarawy broke the deadlock.
The 20-year-old rose unmarked to head home Abate’s right-wing cross after some lax PSV defending.The Dutch side sought a response, and with eight minutes of the half to play Adam Maher came close to levelling, only to see his shot rattle the crossbar.
The 20-year-old midfielder broke at pace towards the Milan defence before holding off the challenge from Cristian Zapata and firing in his shot, only for the woodwork to come to Abbiati's rescue.Milan should have doubled their lead early in the second half but El Shaarawy missed two clear-cut chances after excellent work from Balotelli.
The striker saw his first chance bounce wide of Zoet after a delicate chip, and his second opportunity was denied by a perfectly-timed tackle from Jetro Willems.
Those misses proved to be costly as PSV equalised on the hour mark.Bruma sent a speculative long-range effort towards goal and the ball bounced in front of Abbiati, causing it to strike him on the chest and loop into the air.And before the goalkeeper could react, Matavz pounced to head the ball into the back of the net to put the Eredivisie side level.
On-loan defender Karim Rekik had a fantastic opportunity to win the game for PSV late on, but he mistimed his header following a perfect Georginio Wijnaldum cross, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg at San Siro on August 28.
Allegri frustrated with PSV draw
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has rued his side's failure to take their chances during the 1-1 Champions League playoff draw with PSV on Tuesday.
The Rossoneri took the lead through Stefan El Shaarawy's header in the first half but were forced to settle for a draw after Tim Matavz nodded in an equaliser following a fumbled save from Christian Abbiati.
Milan spurned a handful of chances to score a priceless second goal, with El Shaarawy and Philippe Mexes spurning good opportunities, and Allegri admits the tie could have been all but wrapped up had his side been more ruthless in attack.
He told Sky Sport Italia:"We struggled a little at the start, losing the ball and allowing them easy chances.
"In the second half we controlled the ball better and above all defended better, as in the first half we were too wide between the sections and that allowed passes through.
"It’s a shame, as we had so many chances to seal the win even after the equaliser, so now it’s all open ahead of the second leg.
"If we had won and especially with a two-goal cushion then we would be looking at this match differently.
"Now we have to think about Saturday’s Serie A opener with Verona and only after that worry about the second leg."
AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has rued his side's failure to take their chances during the 1-1 Champions League playoff draw with PSV on Tuesday.
The Rossoneri took the lead through Stefan El Shaarawy's header in the first half but were forced to settle for a draw after Tim Matavz nodded in an equaliser following a fumbled save from Christian Abbiati.
Milan spurned a handful of chances to score a priceless second goal, with El Shaarawy and Philippe Mexes spurning good opportunities, and Allegri admits the tie could have been all but wrapped up had his side been more ruthless in attack.
He told Sky Sport Italia:"We struggled a little at the start, losing the ball and allowing them easy chances.
"In the second half we controlled the ball better and above all defended better, as in the first half we were too wide between the sections and that allowed passes through.
"It’s a shame, as we had so many chances to seal the win even after the equaliser, so now it’s all open ahead of the second leg.
"If we had won and especially with a two-goal cushion then we would be looking at this match differently.
"Now we have to think about Saturday’s Serie A opener with Verona and only after that worry about the second leg."
Manchester United defender Wootton signs for Leeds
Leeds United have agreed a deal with Manchester United for defender Scott Wootton, who joins the Championship outfit on a three-year contract.
The 21-year-old signed for the Premier League champions in 2007, making seven senior appearances for the Red Devils, including two outings in the Champions League.
Having struggled to cement a place in United's first-team squad, however, he was given several loan spells with Tranmere Rovers, Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest.
Wootton now becomes Leeds' fourth signing of the summer, after Matt Smith, Luke Murphy and Noel Hunt, and manager Brian McDermott is thrilled to have secured the youngster's signature.
"I’m delighted to have agreed the signing of Scott Wootton on a three-year deal," said the former Reading boss.
"He’s a player who has played in the Champions League and someone we feel will develop with us in the coming years.
"I want to say thanks for the owners in doing the deal and bringing another young player to help us go forward."
Leeds United have agreed a deal with Manchester United for defender Scott Wootton, who joins the Championship outfit on a three-year contract.
The 21-year-old signed for the Premier League champions in 2007, making seven senior appearances for the Red Devils, including two outings in the Champions League.
Having struggled to cement a place in United's first-team squad, however, he was given several loan spells with Tranmere Rovers, Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest.
Wootton now becomes Leeds' fourth signing of the summer, after Matt Smith, Luke Murphy and Noel Hunt, and manager Brian McDermott is thrilled to have secured the youngster's signature.
"I’m delighted to have agreed the signing of Scott Wootton on a three-year deal," said the former Reading boss.
"He’s a player who has played in the Champions League and someone we feel will develop with us in the coming years.
"I want to say thanks for the owners in doing the deal and bringing another young player to help us go forward."
Palacio backs Inter for Scudetto challenge
Rodrigo Palacio has backed Inter to challenge for the Serie A title in 2013-14 despite the stiff competition at the top end of the table.
The Nerazzurri slumped to a ninth-placed finish in Serie A last season - their lowest since 1994 - resulting in the dismissal of coach Andrea Stramaccioni, who was replaced by former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri.
The 51-year-old recorded a 4-0 Coppa Italia win in his first game in charge last weekend, and Palacio believes his side are more than capable of competing for Scudetto glory under the auspices of their new boss.
“We are in the Scudetto race too. I know it will be difficult because there are many great teams, but we just have to take it one game at a time," he told Sky Sports Italia.
"I like the way Walter [Mazzarri] trains the squad. He works hard and has very clear ideas on his football."
Striker Diego Milito has been out of competitive action for the club since February due to injury, and Palacio revealed the entire squad is eagerly awaiting the return of the marksman.
"We are all waiting for Diego [Milito]," he added. "He is the type of player who will always make the difference."
Inter kick off their new campaign by hosting Genoa at San Siro on Sunday.
Rodrigo Palacio has backed Inter to challenge for the Serie A title in 2013-14 despite the stiff competition at the top end of the table.
The Nerazzurri slumped to a ninth-placed finish in Serie A last season - their lowest since 1994 - resulting in the dismissal of coach Andrea Stramaccioni, who was replaced by former Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri.
The 51-year-old recorded a 4-0 Coppa Italia win in his first game in charge last weekend, and Palacio believes his side are more than capable of competing for Scudetto glory under the auspices of their new boss.
“We are in the Scudetto race too. I know it will be difficult because there are many great teams, but we just have to take it one game at a time," he told Sky Sports Italia.
"I like the way Walter [Mazzarri] trains the squad. He works hard and has very clear ideas on his football."
Striker Diego Milito has been out of competitive action for the club since February due to injury, and Palacio revealed the entire squad is eagerly awaiting the return of the marksman.
"We are all waiting for Diego [Milito]," he added. "He is the type of player who will always make the difference."
Inter kick off their new campaign by hosting Genoa at San Siro on Sunday.
Wenger: We will not stop trying to strengthen the Arsenal squad
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will be active in the transfer market this summer and has promised that the club will continue to pursue deals right up until the close of the window.
The north Londoners have made just one signing in the close-season, bringing in France Under-20 international Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer from Auxerre.
But the club appear ready to finally splash the cash, withthe Gunners launching a triple swoop for Yohan Cabaye, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Atsuto Uchida on Monday.
Wenger believes there is still plenty of time for Arsenal to act before the window shuts, and has vowed to strengthen a Gunners squad which has been struck by injuries.
“As always, we do what we think is right,” said Wenger. “When we think we have the right players, we do it.
“We were for years restricted and we competed with exceptional quality. This year we did not lose any players - we just lost two players with injury - but we will try to strengthen the squad and make the right decisions until the end.
“Less than two weeks is a long time, and 75 per cent of things happen in the last two days.”
The Gunners began the new Premier League season with a 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa, and have been rocked by injuries to midfielder and vice-captain Mikel Arteta and winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will be active in the transfer market this summer and has promised that the club will continue to pursue deals right up until the close of the window.
The north Londoners have made just one signing in the close-season, bringing in France Under-20 international Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer from Auxerre.
But the club appear ready to finally splash the cash, withthe Gunners launching a triple swoop for Yohan Cabaye, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Atsuto Uchida on Monday.
Wenger believes there is still plenty of time for Arsenal to act before the window shuts, and has vowed to strengthen a Gunners squad which has been struck by injuries.
“As always, we do what we think is right,” said Wenger. “When we think we have the right players, we do it.
“We were for years restricted and we competed with exceptional quality. This year we did not lose any players - we just lost two players with injury - but we will try to strengthen the squad and make the right decisions until the end.
“Less than two weeks is a long time, and 75 per cent of things happen in the last two days.”
The Gunners began the new Premier League season with a 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa, and have been rocked by injuries to midfielder and vice-captain Mikel Arteta and winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
El Shaarawy thrilled to end goal drought
AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy has admitted he is "very satisfied" to have ended his goal drought after scoring in the 1-1 draw with PSV in the Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday.
The Italy international netted a potentially-invaluable away goal against the Dutch outfit in Eindhoven, heading home Ignazio Abate's cross on 15 minutes.
And although El Shaarawy is disappointed to have not held out for the victory, the 20-year-old admitted he was relieved to find the net for the first time for his club since February.
"It’s only normal that we were behind in terms of match fitness, but we had good concentration and intensity," he told reporters after the match.
"The only regret is that we were unable to hold on for the win.
"It was my first goal in an official match since the derby and it’s also my first header, so it’s very satisfying."
Tim Matavz levelled in the second half for PSV to leave the tie neatly poised ahead of next week's return leg at San Siro.
AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy has admitted he is "very satisfied" to have ended his goal drought after scoring in the 1-1 draw with PSV in the Champions League playoff first leg on Tuesday.
The Italy international netted a potentially-invaluable away goal against the Dutch outfit in Eindhoven, heading home Ignazio Abate's cross on 15 minutes.
And although El Shaarawy is disappointed to have not held out for the victory, the 20-year-old admitted he was relieved to find the net for the first time for his club since February.
"It’s only normal that we were behind in terms of match fitness, but we had good concentration and intensity," he told reporters after the match.
"The only regret is that we were unable to hold on for the win.
"It was my first goal in an official match since the derby and it’s also my first header, so it’s very satisfying."
Tim Matavz levelled in the second half for PSV to leave the tie neatly poised ahead of next week's return leg at San Siro.
Willian will be a major trump card for Tottenham, says Meulensteen
Former Manchester United coach and short-lived Anzhi Makhachkala boss Rene Meulensteen feels Willian will be a huge hit for Tottenham should he swap Russia for north London.
Spurs are understood to be closing in on a €70 million double swoop for Willian and Roma star Erik Lamela, with Anzhi owner Suleyman Kerimov forced to offload the club's biggest stars.
Meulensteen worked with the Brazilian playmaker during his brief spell at the Russian club and believes he will be a success in the Premier League.
"I think he is going to be a major trump card for Spurs if they can get the deal through because he is a player who can play in different positions,” he told Sky Sports News.
"He's very creative, he can take a man on, he can beat a player and he can score a goal. I thought he was an absolute delight to work with."
Willian’s potential arrival is likely to increase speculation surrounding Gareth Bale’s future, but Meulensteen insists the 25-year-old is not a like-for-like replacement for the Welshman.
He added: “I don’t know what’s happening there [with Bale] but you can’t compare the two he’s a completely different player.”
Former Manchester United coach and short-lived Anzhi Makhachkala boss Rene Meulensteen feels Willian will be a huge hit for Tottenham should he swap Russia for north London.
Spurs are understood to be closing in on a €70 million double swoop for Willian and Roma star Erik Lamela, with Anzhi owner Suleyman Kerimov forced to offload the club's biggest stars.
Meulensteen worked with the Brazilian playmaker during his brief spell at the Russian club and believes he will be a success in the Premier League.
"I think he is going to be a major trump card for Spurs if they can get the deal through because he is a player who can play in different positions,” he told Sky Sports News.
"He's very creative, he can take a man on, he can beat a player and he can score a goal. I thought he was an absolute delight to work with."
Willian’s potential arrival is likely to increase speculation surrounding Gareth Bale’s future, but Meulensteen insists the 25-year-old is not a like-for-like replacement for the Welshman.
He added: “I don’t know what’s happening there [with Bale] but you can’t compare the two he’s a completely different player.”
Arsenal in Valencia for talks over €20m Guaita
Arsenal sent a representative to Valencia on Tuesday to discuss the signing of goalkeeper Vicente Guaita for a fee of around €20 million.
Valencia had planned to keep Guaita, but the shot-stopper was furious at being left on the bench for the weekend win over Malaga (when coach Miroslav Djukic picked Brazilian Diego Alves instead) despite claiming only last week that he would fight for his first-team future at Mestalla.
Guaita, who has previously been linked with Barcelona as a replacement for Victor Valdes next summer, has a release clause of €30 million but is likely to be available for around €20m.
The 26-year-old met with his representatives after he was left out by Djukic on Saturday, when Valencia beat Malaga 1-0, and Arsenal appear to have moved quickly for the highly-rated goalkeeper.
Chief negotiator Richard Law travelled to Spain on Tuesday evening to discuss terms with Valencia president Amadeo Salva and, although an agreement has not yet been reached, further talks are expected on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Salva claimed Guaita would only be allowed to leave if he requested a transfer.
"It will have to be he who says he doesn't want to stay at Valencia [because] we don't want to sell him and we will protect the interests of our club," he said.
"If he wants to leave, he will have to say so. We want him to renew his contract, but it is up to him whether he accepts or rejects our offer. Nobody has told me anything about Arsenal, but if anyone wants to sign him his clause is €30m."
However, it is believed Valencia will sell for considerably less than that figure, with the Costa Blanca club also now having retracted their offer of a new contract.
Meanwhile, Spanish station Cadena Ser reported on Tuesday that the goalkeeper has already said goodbye to his team-mates.
If the move goes through, Guaita will be the second star to leave his local club this summer for north London after Roberto Soldado joined Tottenham earlier in August.
Arsenal sent a representative to Valencia on Tuesday to discuss the signing of goalkeeper Vicente Guaita for a fee of around €20 million.
Valencia had planned to keep Guaita, but the shot-stopper was furious at being left on the bench for the weekend win over Malaga (when coach Miroslav Djukic picked Brazilian Diego Alves instead) despite claiming only last week that he would fight for his first-team future at Mestalla.
Guaita, who has previously been linked with Barcelona as a replacement for Victor Valdes next summer, has a release clause of €30 million but is likely to be available for around €20m.
The 26-year-old met with his representatives after he was left out by Djukic on Saturday, when Valencia beat Malaga 1-0, and Arsenal appear to have moved quickly for the highly-rated goalkeeper.
Chief negotiator Richard Law travelled to Spain on Tuesday evening to discuss terms with Valencia president Amadeo Salva and, although an agreement has not yet been reached, further talks are expected on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Salva claimed Guaita would only be allowed to leave if he requested a transfer.
"It will have to be he who says he doesn't want to stay at Valencia [because] we don't want to sell him and we will protect the interests of our club," he said.
"If he wants to leave, he will have to say so. We want him to renew his contract, but it is up to him whether he accepts or rejects our offer. Nobody has told me anything about Arsenal, but if anyone wants to sign him his clause is €30m."
However, it is believed Valencia will sell for considerably less than that figure, with the Costa Blanca club also now having retracted their offer of a new contract.
Meanwhile, Spanish station Cadena Ser reported on Tuesday that the goalkeeper has already said goodbye to his team-mates.
If the move goes through, Guaita will be the second star to leave his local club this summer for north London after Roberto Soldado joined Tottenham earlier in August.
'Beast' Villa can fill Falcao void - Costa
Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa is backing David Villa to fill the goalscoring void left by Radamel Falcao for the 2013-14 season.
The Colombian hit 70 goals in total throughout his two-year stay in the Spanish capital prior to his €60 million move to Monaco, prompting the Rojiblancos to swoop for Barcelona striker Villa earlier this summer.
And Costa is convinced the Spain international will prove a more than adequate replacement for the 27-year-old Falcao, describing him as a "beast" who gives his all for the side.
"You notice the absence of Falcao because he is a great player, but we have Villa who is also a beast and we know that he is going to do just as well," Costa told the club's website.
"His work and commitment for the team is amazing. He is a very humble person and he has a great attitude. I think with the quality he has he will give a lot to Atletico."
Villa, 31, will face former employers Barcelona for the first time since his summer move when Atleti host the Liga champions for the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday.
Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa is backing David Villa to fill the goalscoring void left by Radamel Falcao for the 2013-14 season.
The Colombian hit 70 goals in total throughout his two-year stay in the Spanish capital prior to his €60 million move to Monaco, prompting the Rojiblancos to swoop for Barcelona striker Villa earlier this summer.
And Costa is convinced the Spain international will prove a more than adequate replacement for the 27-year-old Falcao, describing him as a "beast" who gives his all for the side.
"You notice the absence of Falcao because he is a great player, but we have Villa who is also a beast and we know that he is going to do just as well," Costa told the club's website.
"His work and commitment for the team is amazing. He is a very humble person and he has a great attitude. I think with the quality he has he will give a lot to Atletico."
Villa, 31, will face former employers Barcelona for the first time since his summer move when Atleti host the Liga champions for the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Wednesday.
Discipline key to beating Barcelona - Simeone
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes victory over Barcelona will only be possible if his side remain disciplined and patient throughout the tie.
The Rojiblancos face the Liga champions at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday for the first part of the two-legged affair before travelling to Camp Nou on August 28.
Although Simeone admits his team go into the clash as underdogs, the Argentine has stressed his charges are capable of upsetting the odds provided they play to their own strengths.
He told reporters: "When you go into a game you need to know your strengths and your opponents' strengths as well.
"They have many strengths and we have some too and it's vital we know how to use them.
"We need to be patient, disciplined and tight at the back so we can take advantage of our opportunities.
"Barcelona are without a doubt the better team. They have Messi, the best player, and in Neymar they've bought a player who could become the best player in the world.
"They have a lot of important players and it's no surprise they are favorites, but we will fight them with all our might."
The 43-year-old, who led the capital club to a third-placed finish last season, went on to admit he is hopeful about breaking Real Madrid and Barcelona's stronghold as the dominant teams in Spain, having claimed earlier this week that La Liga is made "boring" by the dominance of the Clasico clubs.
He added: “It's very difficult for either of them to have a bad season. We hope their domination won't last forever, because fans want to see their team win."
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes victory over Barcelona will only be possible if his side remain disciplined and patient throughout the tie.
The Rojiblancos face the Liga champions at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday for the first part of the two-legged affair before travelling to Camp Nou on August 28.
Although Simeone admits his team go into the clash as underdogs, the Argentine has stressed his charges are capable of upsetting the odds provided they play to their own strengths.
He told reporters: "When you go into a game you need to know your strengths and your opponents' strengths as well.
"They have many strengths and we have some too and it's vital we know how to use them.
"We need to be patient, disciplined and tight at the back so we can take advantage of our opportunities.
"Barcelona are without a doubt the better team. They have Messi, the best player, and in Neymar they've bought a player who could become the best player in the world.
"They have a lot of important players and it's no surprise they are favorites, but we will fight them with all our might."
The 43-year-old, who led the capital club to a third-placed finish last season, went on to admit he is hopeful about breaking Real Madrid and Barcelona's stronghold as the dominant teams in Spain, having claimed earlier this week that La Liga is made "boring" by the dominance of the Clasico clubs.
He added: “It's very difficult for either of them to have a bad season. We hope their domination won't last forever, because fans want to see their team win."
Barclays Premier League 2013.08.21 Fixture
Barclays Premier League 2013.08.21 Fixture
Chelsea Vs Aston Villa
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