Lescott ´gutted´ for Cahill

England defender Joleon Lescott says he is devastated for Gary Cahill after the Chelsea centre-back was ruled out of Euro 2012.

Cahill left the field at Wembley after colliding with goalkeeper Joe Hart following a push from Belgium’s Dries Mertens in England’s 1-0 victory on Saturday.

The former Bolton defender suffered a double fracture of his jaw and was consequently ruled out of the tournament, becoming the fourth player from Roy Hodgson’s squad to have to pull out of the competition.

Lescott replaced Cahill after 19 minutes and helped England record their second clean sheet under the tenure of their new manager. He now looks in prime position to partner John Terry in the heart of the defence against France on June 11.

The Manchester City defender revealed he was disappointment for his team-mate and believes Mertens should have been punished more severely than the yellow card he received.

Lescott wrote on his Twitter account: “Gutted to hear Gaz is ruled out.

“The challenge that caused it was more reckless and dangerous than most two-footed tackles so why only yellow?”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lescott-%c2%b4gutted%c2%b4-for-cahill/95848/

Radu agent claims Prem interest World Soccer Shop

Stefan Radu's agent says he is "working with someone in England" regarding the possible transfer of the Lazio defender to the Premier League.

Radu: Linked with Premier League move

Radu has been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester City in recent weeks and the 25-year-old's agent has confirmed there is interest from the Premier League.

"We are working with someone in England," Viktor Becali told lalaziosiamonoi.it. "There are three clubs that are very interested in Stefan.

"If we were to receive a good offer and Lazio were to accept, then he could leave.

"Otherwise, he is happy to remain in Rome. He is under contract until 2016."

Radu joined Lazio from Dinamo Bucharest in 2008 and made 21 Serie A appareances for the Biancoceleste in the 2011/12 season.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17443/radu_agent_claims_prem_interest

Five-star Republic sink Tuscan XI World Soccer Shop

Discarded defender Kevin Foley played 45 minutes of the Republic of Ireland's 5-0 friendly win against a Tuscan XI on Tuesday night.

Keane: Made it 2-0

Just hours after being told he would not be going to Euro 2012 the Wolves defender was introduced as a half-time substitute in the victory over a Serie C and D representative side put together by Giovanni Trapattoni's former players, Ennio Pellegrini and Aldo Firicano.

Skipper Robbie Keane's first-half double either side of Simon Cox's strike eased the Republic out of sight by the break, and substitutes Shane Long and Jon Walters struck after it to complete the scoring on a night when the result was largely immaterial.

Foley's participation came after he had been told he was being left out of the final 23 for Poland and Ukraine despite clearly being fit with Paul McShane, who joined up last week as defensive cover, getting the nod instead.

The game, the proceeds from which were being donated to charity in memory of the late Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini, kicked off after the two teams observed a minute's silent in memory of the victims of Tuesday morning's earthquake, tremors from which were felt on Montecatini, at the Stadio Menali.

Keane set the ball rolling when he capitalised on an error by central defender Federico Settepassi to smash home a rising 18th-minute drive, and he might have made it 2-0 three minutes later after Corrado Colombo, his former Inter Milan team-mate, had hit the post at the other end, but miskicked in front of goal.

James McClean saw a 24th-minute shot beaten away by Francesco Gaffino, who produced a fine save to keep out Cox's effort from Stephen Hunt's cross, only for the striker to fire home the rebound.

Keane did help himself to a second goal after a slick build-up between Paul Green and Cox 14 minutes before the break.

Keane, McClean, Richard Dunne and Keiren Westwood made way at half-time for Long, Walters, Foley and David Forde, and the West Brom frontman hit the bar within three minutes of his arrival.

Forde had to get down well to keep out a 54th-minute strike from Gianluca Bugelli, but Long made it 4-0 after beating the offside trap 10 minutes later.

Green smashed a long-range 80th-minute shot wide after exchanging passes with Long, but Walters completed the scoring four minutes later after Foley's free-kick had been parried by substitute goalkeeper Tomasso Strambi.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17405/five_star_republic_sink_tuscan_xi

Jagielka relishes underdog tag

Defender Phil Jagielka believes the lack of expectation on England could help them to flourish at Euro 2012.

Unlike in previous years, the national team head to Poland and Ukraine as outsiders to win the tournament, and Jagielka is hoping they can now surprise people.

“I’m sure if we win a game we’ll be favourites and if we lose a game we’ll be a waste of space,” he told reporters.

“It’s a hard one to call. It would be better for the squad if there’s a little bit less expectation on us. Hopefully we can go under the radar until the latter stages of the tournament and hopefully get further than we have.

“If we’re being realistic we haven’t won anything for a number of years and maybe that’s because we don’t deserve to so hopefully this time round we can perform better and see where that takes us.”

The Everton centre-back also suggested that not much has changed since England’s friendly clash with France in November 2010 – ahead of their meeting in the tournament opener on June 11.

“I’m sure their squad will be quite similar to what it was back then and ours isn’t too different. It’s going to be a slightly different atmosphere and a different sort of onus on the game,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a tournament game, not a friendly so we’ll need the points to top the table and hopefully go through.

“We’ll be going out there to win the game but I think if we take a draw and get two other good results in the group then we’ll take that just as much.”

Jagielka also said he has enjoyed training under new boss Roy Hodgson so far, adding: “It has been good. We’ve obviously not had too long with it but a 1-0 win (against Norway) is a decent start.

“We didn’t play amazing but we’re still getting used to the tactics and the different roles that some of us have to play.

“We’ve got to look upwards and we’re going into a tournament and hopefully we can do well with him in charge.”

The 29-year-old also expressed excitement at the prospect of playing for his country alongside his former Toffees team-mate Joleon Lescott.

He continued: “Yeah definitely me and Joleon have known each other for about 10 years now so that’s obviously useful for England.

“We’ve played together a lot at Everton him got himself a fantastic move to Manchester City and has won himself a Premier League medal this season so his career has gone onto fantastic things and I think I’ve done ok for myself.”

“It’s always nice to have a familiar face next to you, especially at international football where the standards are so high. I think the last three games with had we’ve had three wins.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/jagielka-relishes-underdog-tag/95463/

Bonucci selection under fire World Soccer Shop

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has defended his decision to include Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in his Euro 2012 squad.

Bonucci: Retained in squad

Bonucci is expected to face questioning in the latest match-fixing investigation to hit the country with prosecutors interested in his time as a Bari player in the 2009-10 campaign.

However, he is not under any formal investigation at this stage and has denied any wrongdoing.

Italy omitted Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito from the squad on Monday after he was handed an official notification by the police at the Azzurri's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, of being under investigation.

"The most annoying thing is that some people have linked Bonucci's issue with that of Criscito," Prandelli said to Italian TV station Rai.

"I reiterate that Bonucci has not received any type of notification from the prosecutors' office.

"This is why he will come with us to the European Championship."

The tournament will be played in Poland and Ukraine.

In 2006, a match-fixing scandal was a dark cloud over the Azzurri and Juventus were eventually relegated and stripped of two league titles after being found guilty of influencing referees.

Even so, the Italians won the World Cup in Germany.

"We want to play, to win and to come out clean," Prandelli said. "The similarities with that of 2006 are there but they say in the difficult times the group unites.

"I hope that will be the case but I don't believe in the theory that says that Italians only emerge in times of crisis.

"We also rise in times of calmness.

"Now the important thing is to make people understand our intention and that is to clean up football."

The country of Italy, meanwhile, has been rocked by an earthquake in the northern region of Emilia Romagna on Tuesday morning.

At least 10 people are known to have died in the 5.8 magnitude quake - the second to take place in the space of nine days in the same region.

Italy's friendly against Luxembourg in Parma that was due to be played on Tuesday night has been called off.

The Azzurri will face Russia in Zurich in a friendly on Friday.

Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia and Siena striker Mattia Destro will not be travelling to Switzerland as they were dropped from the squad on Tuesday after Prandelli announced his final 23-man roster.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17375/bonucci_selection_under_fire

Croatia leave out injured Lovren

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has had to leave injured defender Dejan Lovren out of his final Euro 2012 squad.

The Lyon centre-back has failed to recover from a foot problem he sustained in last month’s Coupe de France final success over Quevilly.

Lovren has also omitted Hajduk Split goalkeeper Goran Blazevic, Dinamo Zagreb defender Sime Vrsaljko and Dnipro attacker Nikola Kalinic.

Croatia play Norway in Oslo on Friday before heading for Poland, where they will kick off their European Championship campaign against Republic of Ireland on June 10.

The Croats, who qualified courtesy of a play-off win over Turkey, also have Italy and Spain in Group C.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Ivan Kelava (Dinamo Zagreb).

Defenders: Vedran Corluka (Tottenham), Josip Simunic (Dinamo Zagreb), Gordon Schildenfeld (Eintracht Frankfurt), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Domagoj Vida (Dinamo Zagreb), Danijel Pranjic (Bayern Munich), Jurica Buljat (Maccabi Haifa), Ivan Strinic (Dnipro).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Tottenham), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Tomislav Dujmovi (Dinamo Moscow), Ivan Perisic (Dortmund), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Niko Kranjcar (Tottenham), Milan Badelj (Dinamo Zagreb).

Strikers: Eduardo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ivica Olic (Bayern Munich), Mario Mandzukic (Wolfsburg), Nikica Jelavic (Everton), Ivo Ilicevic (Hamburg).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/croatia-leave-out-injured-lovren/95462/

Foley out, McShane in for Irish World Soccer Shop

Injured Wolves defender Kevin Foley has been ruled out of Euro 2012, with Paul McShane replacing him in the Republic of Ireland squad.

Foley: Won't be part of Euro 2012 squad

Foley reported for duty with a hamstring problem and has been aiming ever since to shake it off, but he has now become the second man to be sent home following Birmingham midfielder Keith Fahey's departure at the weekend.

Republic coach Giovanni Trapattoni said: "Although Kevin has been recovering well, I have made the difficult decision to leave him out of the 23-player list after completing fitness tests on John O'Shea and Paul McShane this morning.

"I have spoken to him and understand how difficult it is, saying that he can remain with the squad if he wishes."

Ironically, Foley trained at the Stadio Comunale Alberto Benedetti in Borgo A Buggiano on Monday night, while McShane did not after suffering a bruised heel during Saturday's 1-0 friendly victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Dublin.

However, the inclusion of goalkeeper Shay Given and defender O'Shea, who have both been nursing injuries in the last week, suggests Trapattoni is confident they will both be fit in time for the opening fixture at the finals against Croatia on June 10.

Trapattoni said: "With the injuries that we experienced in the squad over the past week, I have had to make a tough decision when it comes to naming the 23 players that must be submitted to UEFA for the championship.

"Kevin Foley, John O'Shea, Paul McShane, Darren O'Dea, Shay Given had all been carrying knocks and we have been monitoring them closely in their recovery."

The Republic play a Tuscan Select XI in a friendly in Pistoia on Tuesday evening on a day when they and the inhabitants of Montecatini, the Italian spa town where they have based themselves for this week's training camp, felt the tremors from this morning's earthquake around 50 miles to the north.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17356/foley_out__mcshane_in_for_irish

´Innocent´ Criscito hits back

Italy’s Domenico Criscito has vowed to clear his name after being implicated in the ‘Scommessopoli’ match-fixing scandal.

Police issued the defender with a warrant from the public prosecutor of Cremona to search his room at the Azzurri’s training base at Coverciano on Monday and he was subsequently withdrawn from Cesare Prandelli’s provisional squad for Euro 2012.

There is reportedly some suspicion surrounding the outcome of a game involving Criscito’s former club Genoa and Lazio, and photographs have emerged of the left-back meeting fans with fellow defender Giuseppe Sculli, who has also been implicated in the affair.

However, Criscito insists that there was nothing untoward about the gathering and has promised to prove his innocence at the earliest opportunity.

“I want to be heard in Cremona as soon as possible in order to clarify everything,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I have not got anything to do with this story. I was only speaking with Genoa supporters.”

Meanwhile, the player’s representative, Andrea D’Amico, is adamant that his client is not guilty of any wrongdoing.

“They (Sculli and Criscito) just went to a meeting with the fans after a derby loss,” the agent told Sky Sport Italia.

“He’s calm, even if surprised by all of this. But he’s an honest guy and a warrant is a tool for the protection of suspects, not a judgment of conviction. Too often this is forgotten in Italy.”

Meanwhile, Italian football federation (FIGC) vice-president Demetrio Albertini has given his backing to the Zenit defender.

“He was sorry for the repercussions on the national team and on the dressing room,” the former Italy midfielder told reporters after announcing that Criscito would not be travelling to Euro 2012.

“He explained some things to me, and I believe his version and in his innocence.”

Criscito, who has been capped 19 times by his country, joined Zenit from Genoa in 2011.geona

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/%c2%b4innocent%c2%b4-criscito-hits-back/95408/

Iceland result no problem for Evra

France defender Patrice Evra believes that the form of teams in warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012 should not be read into.

Les Bleus secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Iceland on Saturday after fighting back from a two-goal deficit.

Birkir Bjarnason and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson fired the visitors into a shock lead, but Laurent Blanc’s side spared their blushes as Mathieu Debuchy, Franck Ribery and Adil Rami rescued the win in the second half.

“After one match, you cannot know exactly what you need to do to improve. The second match is different, the third as well,” Evra told L’Equipe.

“You can play very well in your warm-up games and lose the first match at the Euros. It is June 11 we must be ready for.

“We must not be too hard on ourselves.”

Evra appeared culpable for Sigthorsson’s goal when he was beaten by winger Rurik Gislason, who crossed for the Ajax striker to finish, but insisted the blame could not be laid on his shoulders.

Doubts have arisen surrounding the Manchester United full-back holding down a starting berth in the tournament after a disappointing domestic campaign.

“When we concede goals, it is down to everyone. We should not single out the defence, the attack or the midfield,” he added.

Les Bleus face Serbia on Thursday and Estonia next Tuesday before heading to their base camp at Kirsha Training Centre, as they prepare to face England, Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine in Group D.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/iceland-result-no-problem-for-evra/95404/

No Euro 2012 for Criscito World Soccer Shop

Italy defender Domenico Criscito will not play at Euro 2012 as he is under investigation in the country's latest match-fixing scandal.

Criscito: Won't be considered by Azzurri

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vice-president Demetrio Albertini announced this afternoon that the Zenit St Petersburg player will not be included in the travelling party for Euro 2012.

Criscito was questioned by police this morning at Italy's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, as part of an investigation carried out by Cremona prosecutors regarding a match-fixing probe.

"Criscito will not be with us at the European Championship," Albertini said in a press conference.

"He is in a hurry to end this current situation and that is his aim.

"He is disappointed to have caused this situation although he reiterates he has nothing to do with it."

Criscito, a former Genoa player, had been expected to be in Cesare Prandelli's 23-man roster for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

"We are disappointed but we have to remain close to the player," Albertini said. "The decision not to include Criscito is a collective decision.

"The Federation has given Prandelli its support over this decision.

"Arrests have been made today but until proven otherwise, we are talking about innocent people even though they are considered suspects.

"I know Domenico and he is incredulous.

"He is an extraordinary guy and he has already seen his lawyers this morning.

"It is a strange day for us.

"These are things that we would not like to have had to go through."

Albertini believes the latest scandal, which has seen former Italy international and current Lazio captain Stefano Mauri as well as former Genoa player Omar Milanetto arrested on Monday as part of the investigation, will not hinder the Azzurri.

Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite having the cloud of a match-fixing scandal above the game at the time.

"I am not worried about the European Championship," he said. "I wasn't before and I am not now.

"I already went through the one of 2006.

"I only hope that it brings good luck just as it did back then.

"We have a solid squad made of genuine people."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17304/no_euro_2012_for_criscito

Kelly drafted in by England World Soccer Shop

England coach Roy Hodgson has added Liverpool defender Martin Kelly to his squad for Saturday's friendly away to Norway.

Kelly: Comes into England squad for friendly in Norway

Hodgson, who was recently appointed as the long-term successor to Fabio Capello, named his 23-man squad for Euro 2012 last week.

However, three of the seven out-and-out defenders selected in that squad have been given extra time off following Chelsea's Champions League win over Bayern Munich at the weekend.

Former captain John Terry, Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill will not join up with the England squad until next Tuesday, leaving Hodgson short of options for the game in Oslo.

To provide cover in his ranks, Hodgson has decided to turn to his old club Liverpool by drafting in Kelly for the match with the Norwegians.

Kelly has made 12 appearances in the Premier League this season and has featured 47 times for Liverpool in all competitions since making his debut against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League in 2008.

The 22-year-old has won six caps for the Under 21s, scoring three times and was also a member of England's squad at the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009.

The Football Association has confirmed Kelly will return to Liverpool after the Norway fixture, with England then facing Belgium at Wembley on 2 June.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16937/kelly_drafted_in_by_england

Jones: United will bounce back

Manchester United defender Phil Jones is hoping to bounce back from narrowly losing the Premier League title race by regaining the trophy.

The 20-year-old felt United had done enough to win the title in dramatic fashion before Manchester City’s late comeback to beat Queens Park Rangers saw them finish first, and the youngster is looking to build on the experience.

“It was mixed feelings at the final whistle,” Jones said on Tuesday.

“I thought we’d pulled off the impossible at first, we thought QPR had done us a massive favour with a difficult task of going to the Etihad (Stadium).

“But then City scored two goals in quick succession and that killed us.

“I’ll take that on board with what I’ve learned this season. It’s been a massive learning curve for me and I’ve played a lot of games this season and I’ve really enjoyed playing.”

The former Blackburn defender conceded dramatic turnarounds are a part of the game and also believes he has improved as a player during his debut season at Old Trafford.

“Of course, that’s football. Things like that can happen and we’ve perhaps been a bit unfortunate this season but so be it. City have won it this year but hopefully we’ll be back next season, fighting and ready to go again,” Jones said.

“It’s been a whirlwind season for me. We’ve been unfortunate with injuries this season which has probably enabled me to play more games than I expected.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and I feel like I’ve really progressed and come on as a player. It’s a massive learning curve for me. Being at United in my first season has really given me an insight into the passion and drive the club has.

“The history speaks for itself and we’ll do it the United way, we’ll bounce back and we’ll go again next season.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/jones-united-will-bounce-back/95098/

Pique: Villa close to return

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says team-mate David Villa could make his eagerly-awaited return in Friday’s Copa del Rey final.

The forward has been out of action since fracturing his tibia in December last year, but is hoping to prove his fitness to Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque in time for Euro 2012 by returning to action against Athletic Bilbao.

“I see that he’s doing well,” Pique told reporters on Tuesday.

“He has had a major injury, but is eager and every day is like a final for him. I can see him making the Copa final.”

The game at the Vicente Calderon is also of huge significance to Pep Guardiola, as it will be his last outing before he steps down as Barcelona coach after four successful seasons.

Pique has been in and out of Barcelona’s starting line-up recently, amid reports he has fallen out with his coach.

But the centre-back said he would be sorry to see Guardiola depart Camp Nou.

“His departure will be traumatic for me,” the former Manchester United defender said.

“I feel like I’m a better player because of him and the whole team has learned a lot from him.

“He will leave a gap, but (successor) Tito (Vilanova) will move us forward and do very well. Tito speaks the language of Barcelona.”

As for Barca’s hopes of ending Guardiola’s tenure with a 14th trophy, Pique is taking nothing for granted against an Athletic side he respects.

“With (coach Marcelo) Bielsa, Athletic press a lot and it will be a very intense game,” the 25-year-old said.

“I see no favourite. It is a 50-50 game. So, we will fight hard to take the title.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/pique-villa-close-to-return/95094/

Chiellini ready for Spain opener

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has vowed to be fit in time for Italy’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain on June 10.

The centre-back picked up a thigh injury in Juve’s Serie A win over Atalanta earlier this month, and there were doubts about whether Chiellini would make a full recovery ahead of the tournament in June.

However, the 27-year-old has insisted that he will be cleared to play in Italy’s Group C opener against the defending European champions.

“Is there a risk that I will miss out on the Euros? Let’s not joke around. I will be ready in time,” Chiellini told Corriere dello Sport.

“If I don’t feature in the pre-tournament friendlies, that’s just a precautionary measure. I want to be ready to take on Spain, and I’ll make sure that I will be ready.”

Italy will also have to contend with Croatia and Republic of Ireland in Group C.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/chiellini-ready-for-spain-opener/95088/

Zambrotta: MLS or Dubai my next destination

Milan defender Gianluca Zambrotta has disclosed his two preferred destinations when his contract with the Rossoneri expires at the end of the season.

The veteran defender was one of a number of players who have not been offered a contract extension at San Siro, but he is, nonetheless, determined to continue his playing career.

Just like his teammates Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso and Filippo Inzaghi, Zambrotta looks set to leave European football.

The former Italian international reveals MLS and Dubai are the most likely destinations when it comes to choosing a new club.

“I still feel like a footballer and I want to try an experience abroad,” the 35-year-old told Il Corriere dello Sport. “Where? Dubai or the United States.”

The player, who started his professional career at Como, where he spent three years before moving to Bari, has made a name for himself at Juventus, but also enjoyed spells at Barcelona and Milan.

Zambrotta has 98 Italy caps and 2 international goals to his name, and he was part of the 2006 World Cup winning squad.

The versatile defender has spent last four years at Milan, but has been nothing more than a bit-part player over the last couple of years.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/zambrotta-mls-or-dubai-my-next-destination/95082/