Rosicky fit for Euro 2012

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has revealed Tomas Rosicky will start the team’s opening match of Euro 2012 against Russia on Friday.

The creative midfielder had missed both of his side’s warm-up games against Israel and Hungary after sustaining a calf injury in Arsenal’s last English Premier League match of the season against West Brom.

Despite a replacement being called up as a precaution, he has now been declared fit for Euro 2012.

“Rosicky will play in the opening match,” Bilek told reporters. “He showed his qualities even during training.

“When he gets the ball, he is able to find space for a clever pass. He is decisive with the ball.

“Today showed how much he is looking forward to playing. I believe that he will boost the quality of our line-up.”

Czech Republic will also face Greece and co-hosts Poland in Group A.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/rosicky-fit-for-euro-2012/95879/

Marchisio: Italy will overcome off-field drama

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio is adamant the recent match-fixing allegations will not affect his side during Euro 2012.

Italian football has been rocked by reports of match-fixing in recent months, just six years after the Calciopoli scandal ended and numerous clubs received punishments, including Juventus being stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated to Serie B.

Marchisio, who plays for Juventus, admitted Italy’s squad for Euro 2012 had been talking about the ongoing scandal, but said it would not distract them from the European Championships, which start on Saturday.

“It was impossible not to talk about the match-fixing scandal,” Marchisio said.

“It was on every newspaper, so we talked about the matter and what annoys us in particular is that it is not the whole football world that is portrayed by the scandal.

“We’ll wait for the sentences and it’s fair that those who committed the crimes will pay for that.

“The only thing we can do is wait and trust that justice will give them stiff sentences, so that it will be harder to have the same situation again in Italian football.

“Aside from this, we are all great professionals and we all want to play an excellent European Championship.”

Marchisio also urged calm following the 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia, which was Italy’s only warm-up match before Euro 2012 starts in Poland and Ukraine.

“We obviously analysed the game and there were positives aspects,” Marchisio said.

“After two great years and with our excellent qualifying campaigns, such a defeat right before the beginning of the cup needs to be analysed carefully.

“But we need to remain calm, because we are strong, we are a close-knit group, and we know what needs to be improved and we also know what we have to do in order to achieve that.”

Reports have suggested Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will play a three-man defence at Euro 2012.

Marchisio said the players would handle whatever tactics Prandelli chooses.

“Some players are used to playing with a three-man defence and five in the midfield and others have never played with such a system,” the 26-year-old midfielder said.

“But it’s up to the coach to make that decision and the team will have to follow him in any decision he makes.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/marchisio-italy-will-overcome-off-field-drama/95878/

International friendly: Hungary 0 Republic of Ireland 0

A resolute performance from the Republic of Ireland earned them a 0-0 draw against Hungary in their final warm-up match before Euro 2012.

An open game saw both sides create chances but the finishing – most notably from Hungary’s Adam Szalai and Ireland’s Jon Walters – left much to be desired.

With rain pouring down in Budapest the kick-off was delayed but 15 minutes, but when play did get underway it was Ireland who started the better, with John O’Shea heading narrowly over.

Bolton and Hungary goalkeeper Adam Bogdan produced several good saves in the opening half-hour, and Szalai should have given his side the lead on 35 minutes.

A cross from the left caught out Richard Dunne following a slip but, after controlling well, Szalai could only strike tamely at Shay Given.

Keiren Westwood, introduced at half-time, kept Ireland in the game with a tremendous save in the 54th minute, diving low to stop an effort deflected towards goal by Szalai.

Simon Cox and Stephen Hunt came on and both almost played their parts in giving Ireland the lead with two opportunities for the away side on the counter-attack.

Both teams squandered further chances as the game at Ferenc Puskas Stadium ended in a draw.

Giovanni Trapattoni’s Ireland face Croatia on June 10 in their first game of Euro 2012, before clashes against Spain and Italy in Group C.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendly-hungary-0-republic-of-ireland-0/95871/

DC United v Juventus Friendly, Washington DC, Jul 28 2012 – Tickets Available Now!

D.C. United and Juventus, the Italian Serie A champion have confirmed their match at RFK Stadium on July 28 at 6 p.m. The match, to football fans delight is finally official.

The Turin-based team clinched its 28th Serie A title two weeks ago and recorded the first undefeated season (23-0-15) in the country’s top division since AC Milan in 1992. The club scored 68 goals and conceded just 20. This weekend it will seek the Italian Cup title against Napoli.

The squad included three of the greatest players of this Italian generation: goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, midfielder Andrea Pirlo and forward Alessandro Del Piero, 37, who isn’t expected to return after 19 years in Turin. Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic and United midfielder Branko Boskovic are teammates on Monte¬negro’s national team.

Juventus, heading into the regular season finale Saturday against Atalanta, is planning to play two or three matches on the North American tour. Other cities under consideration include Montreal and Las Vegas.

Juventus is also planning to play Real Madrid in Las Vegas and Paris Saint-Germain in Montreal on July 31 and Real Madrid in Las Vegas on Aug. 5.

Tickets, scheduled to go on sale next Monday, will cost $35 to $65 before service charges.

D.C. United is an American professional soccer (association football) club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.

Over the club’s history, D.C. United has been considered to be the flagship franchise of MLS, having won 12 international and domestic titles. Domestically, United has been one of the most successful MLS clubs. United has won the U.S. Open Cup twice, and holds an MLS record for most MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shields apiece, winning each honor four times. United was the also the first club to win both the MLS Cup and MLS Supporters’ Shield consecutively.

Juventus Football Club commonly referred to as Juventus and colloquially as Juve are a professional Italian football club based in Turin, Piedmont. The club is the third oldest of its kind in the country.

Juventus are historically the most successful club in Italian football and one of the most laureated and important globally. Overall, they have won fifty-two official titles on the national and international stage, more than any other Italian club: a record twenty-eight league titles, a record nine Italian cups and four national super cups and, with eleven titles in confederation and inter-confederation competitions (two Intercontinental Cups, two European Champion Clubs’ Cup/UEFA Champions Leagues, one European Cup Winners’ Cup, a record three UEFA Cups, one UEFA Intertoto Cup and two UEFA Super Cups) the club currently ranks fourth in Europe and seventh in the world with the most trophies won.

What: D.C. United vs Juventus
Where: RFK Stadium, Washington,DC
When: July 28, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. EST
Tickets: Available at TicketCenter.com

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/dc-united-v-juventus-friendly-washington-dc-jul-28-2012-tickets-available-now/95868/

Germany arrive in Poland for Euros

The Germany squad have arrived in Poland four days before their opening Euro 2012 match.

Joachim Loew’s men arrived in Gdansk on Monday, where the team will be based for the tournament.

After checking in at the hotel, Germany had their first training on Polish soil at a local stadium in front of 10,000 spectators.

All 23 players took part in the practice session, including Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has suffered a series of fitness issues recently.

The Bayern Munich star has been passed fit for Germany’s Euro 2012 opener against Portugal on Saturday.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/germany-arrive-in-poland-for-euros/95864/

Final warm-ups for Euro 2012 trio World Soccer Shop

Ukraine meet Turkey in a Euro 2012 warm-up match in Ingolstadt on Tuesday, France host Estonia in Le Mans and Sweden face Serbia in Stockholm.

Shevchenko: Gearing up for Euro 2012

Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko believes the national team can go all the way to the final of Euro 2012 as they prepare for their last game before the tournament kicks off.

The 35-year-old has 107 international caps and is arguably the most well-known Ukrainian footballer of all time.

The final of the European Championships will be held at Kiev's Olympic Stadium on July 1, and Shevchenko reckons Oleh Blokhin's side can get there.

"If we show our quality and have a bit of luck, we can reach the final," he said. "I understand that will be extremely difficult, but you only get one chance to make history."

The former AC Milan and Chelsea forward revealed the thought of participating in a major European competition on home soil has kept him playing for longer than he expected - even if he now knows his own limitations.

He said: "For the last five years, I've hardly thought about anything but the European Championships that will be held in my country. It's fair to say this has extended my career. It's my dream.

"I need more time for rehabilitation. That's natural. If I'm not completely fit, I don't want to play and let down the fans. I want to do what's best for the side."

Turkey v Ukraine kicks off at 7pm BST at the Audi Sportpark in Ingolstadt.

France face Estonia in their final match before they open their tournament against England next Monday, but former Les Bleus star Christophe Dugarry believes manager and former team-mate Laurent Blanc has his work cut out to achieve success in Poland and Ukraine.

"Today picking the France team is still very complicated," the Euro 2000 winner told L'Equipe. "When you see who is absent, the players who had an average season and those few who have had a good season and are 100% mentally and physically - if there are 10, that is the maximum.

"Laurent Blanc, is a coach, not a magician - he does what he can."

Kick-off at the MMArena in Le Mans is at 8pm BST.

Meanwhile, France's Group D opponents Sweden host Serbia in their final warm-up game and head coach Erik Hamren has claimed a number of his squad are struggling with fatigue.

"Swedish football should stop and think if what they are doing is the right thing," he said.

"And if this is the way you want to run things, then you are giving your players very little chance to win. This, for me as national-team coach, is unacceptable."

Sweden's national league runs between March and November and therefore will take a break for the duration of the Championships.

Their talismanic captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed winning the tournament would eclipse anything he achieves with club side AC Milan.

He said: "For me, perhaps, winning the European Championship would be of more value than all the titles I have won to date."

"Winning with one's own country is special. It is an honour to play for one's national team. It would be fantastic to win with this shirt and then return home to celebrate with the fans."

Kick-off at the Rasunda Stadium is at 6pm BST.

Elsewhere, Austria host Romania and Kazakhstan travel to Armenia.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17758/final_warm_ups_for_euro_2012_trio

Nani looks to prove fitness

Portugal winger Nani is hopeful of being fit for his nation’s opening Euro 2012 match against Germany.

Nani suffered a foot injury in Portugal’s 3-1 defeat to Turkey in an international friendly on Saturday.

“Yes, it was a scare. It was a very dangerous challenge, I was in a lot of pain, I still am a bit, but I think I will recover well in the next few days,” he told reporters.

“We will see when I return to Portugal’s camp. It may have caused a small strain. I believe I can play against Germany.”

The Manchester United midfielder has five days in which to continue his recovery before facing the Germans.

Group B also includes Denmark and Netherlands.

Nani has netted 13 times in 54 games for Portugal since making his debut six years ago as a teenager.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/nani-looks-to-prove-fitness/95845/

Lippi: Azzuri will keep focus World Soccer Shop

Marcello Lippi is confident the Italians will be able to focus on football at Euro 2012, and forget about the latest match-fixing contraversy.

Lippi: Memories of 2006

The Azzurri, now coached by Cesare Prandelli, leave for Krakow on Tuesday for a Group C campaign which will see them face defending champions Spain, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.

"It feels as though they are going through the same experience as that of 2006," said Lippi, who guided Italy to World Cup glory in Germany six years ago despite the huge distraction of a match-fixing scandal.

"I remember that week in Coverciano [ahead of the tournament in Germany] was not easy for us and there was the fear of what people would have said of us abroad.

"But no-one said anything in Germany. I believe that as soon as the national team travels to Poland, their only thoughts will be on football, on training and on the European Championship."

Italy lost 3-0 to Russia in Friday's warm-up friendly in Zurich.

Despite the below-par display, former Italy forward Sandro Mazzola believes Prandelli's team can do well at Euro 2012.

"I think the national team was conditioned by what happened during the week in their game against Russia, but in any case the performance was not good and they only had two chances of goal throughout the game.

"Regardless of that game, I believe the national team can be among the top four at the European Championship.

"I think it is a good thing that we will start against Spain as we have nothing to lose and it is a great opportunity to prove our worth," he stated.

The Azzurri begin their campaign against Vicente del Bosque's Spain on Sunday.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17737/lippi__azzuri_will_keep_focus

Ibrahimovic helps Sweden to win World Soccer Shop

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a fantastic opening goal and set up the second as Sweden beat Iceland 3-2 in their first Euro 2012 warm-up match.

Ibrahimovic: Scored one, created another for Sweden

The AC Milan striker broke the deadlock in the second minute before teeing up Ola Toivonen 12 minutes later at the Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg.

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson narrowed the deficit in the 27th minute and although Christian Wilhelmsson restored the two-goal advantage, Hallgrimur Jonasson's stoppage-time strike ensured a nervy finale.

Victory over former national team manager Lars Lagerback's men was Sweden's first of two warm-up matches before they begin their European Championship campaign against co-hosts Ukraine on June 11 in Kiev's Olympic Stadium.

They made a strong start this evening, Ibrahimovic firing them into an early lead with a stunning low volley from Sebastian Larsson's right-wing cross.

Ibrahimovic's cross from the left side of the penalty area then allowed fellow striker Toivonen a close range finish.

Sweden, who also play England and France in Group D, looked to be on their way to a convincing win but they were pegged back when Sigthorsson headed home Ari Freyr Skulason's cross from the left.

Wilhelmsson then volleyed past Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson with 13 minutes remaining as Sweden looked to have wrapped up victory.

But Iceland, who took a two-goal lead against France at the weekend before going down 3-2, refused to lie down.

Jonasson converted Johann Berg Gudmundsson's corner but the strike was too little, too late.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17482/ibrahimovic_helps_sweden_to_win

Giroud looks to push claims World Soccer Shop

Olivier Giroud is optimistic his breakthrough season will continue apace as France face Serbia in their Euro 2012 warm-up match on Thursday.

Giroud: Brings 'something different'

Giroud shone at domestic level last season with his league-high 21 goals guiding Montpellier to their maiden Ligue 1 title, and the international scene has already had a taste of the 25-year-old's talents thanks to impressive performances in his first four outings for Les Bleus.

His first international goal arrived in a memorable 2-1 win over Germany in February, while in his latest international outing, against Iceland at the weekend, he came off the bench to set up two goals as Laurent Blanc's men battled back for a 3-2 victory.

Giroud should have done enough to earn a start against Serbia and he is confident he can offer the national side "something different" as Blanc seeks to finalise his plans ahead of France's Group D opener against England on June 11.

"I have increased my level of trust and showed my team-mates what my game is about," said Giroud, who made his debut in a friendly against the United States in November.

"My role is to provide something different. For me it is something new and special. I am very proud to wear the blue jersey, but I'm even more in official competition. That's a lot of pressure, but it's good pressure."

Asked whether Blanc would look to pair him up front alongside Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Giroud said: "It is conceivable, but the Euros are imminent. A change of tactics, trying new things, it is not a given, but if I continue like this, I will have my chance.

"I am ambitious, but it's not me who selects the team."

After spending his earlier career at clubs such as Grenoble, Istres and Tours, Giroud came to greater prominence with 12 Ligue 1 goals for Montpellier as they finished 14th at the end of the 2010-11 season.

But it was his exploits during Montpellier's unexpected title challenge that cemented his reputation and forced Blanc to take a closer look.

"It happened pretty quickly," Giroud said of his elevation to the national team. "It proves that with self-sacrifice, labour and a hint of talent, it can be done."

Giroud was named among Blanc's final 23-man squad for Poland and Ukraine when the coach finalised his selection, with Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff and Giroud's Montpellier team-mate Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa the men to miss out.

Those who survived the cut but did not start against Iceland on Sunday are pushing to stake their claim, with Laurent Koscielny and Gael Clichy poised to come in for Philippe Mexes and Patrice Evra in defence.

First-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris should return as France seek to extend their unbeaten run to 20 games under Blanc, while Yann M'Vila, Mathieu Valbuena and Florent Malouda are also likely to start.

Serbia, who have not qualified for Euro 2012, head into the match under a cloud after Fiorentina midfielder Adem Ljajic was dropped by coach Sinisa Mihajlovic not singing the national anthem prior to their 2-0 defeat to Spain on Saturday.

The Serbians also play Sweden next week as part of a three-match summer schedule that they are using as preparation ahead of the start of World Cup qualifying later this year.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17463/giroud_looks_to_push_claims

Abete rejects suspension calls World Soccer Shop

FIGC president Giancarlo Abete has rejected the idea that football in Italy should be suspended in a order to weed out match-fixing.

Abete: Suspending football 'not a solution'

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti said on Tuesday that professional football in the country could benefit from a break of "two to three years" after the latest developments in an ongoing match-fixing investigation hit the headlines earlier this week.

Nineteen people, among them Lazio captain Stefano Mauri, were arrested on Monday and many others are due to be questioned by prosecutors, but Abete does not feel the way to clean up football is to issue a blanket ban.

"I understand and share Monti's bitterness. It is the bitterness felt when values are lost," Abete said on his federation's website, figc.it. "In a delicate moment for a country, we need to avoid the risk of generalisation and demonising.

"I am in agreement that those that have done something wrong must pay, but to stop the leagues would mean to damage football.

"It would hinder those that are working in an honest way, which is the majority of our system as well as the loss of thousands of jobs. It's not a solution.

"The match-fixing and betting scandal is a very ugly chapter in our football.

"Several people have been accused of illegal acts that should be sanctioned at all levels should they be found guilty.

"However, Italian football is made of 1.4million registered members, of over 700,000 games a year, of thousands of honest professionals and in order to respect them, we must avoid the risk of generalising."

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has thrown his support behind Abete, insisting that the Prime Minister's comments should not be put into action.

Buffon was a member of the Juventus side that was stripped of two league titles and relegated to Serie B in 2006 in a match-fixing probe that found the Turin giants guilty of influencing referees.

"Monti is a capable person," Buffon said in a press conference in Italy's headquarters in Coverciano, Florence. "But I think the best answer has come from our federal president Abete."

Buffon added: "The players that earn a lot are only those that play for the top clubs and not the others. There are many players - the majority - that once their career is over they will have to find a job, reinvent themselves.

"But the question is whether you have certain values within you. I don't think I would have ever done those things even if I played in a smaller club because my family has taught me certain values.

"The situation in which our football is today has surprised me. I never thought it could go as far as it has. But if there was to be a break in football, 80 or 85% of the honest players would be penalised."

This week's operation was part of an investigation called "Last Bet", which is focused on 33 games played over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Earlier this month, the FIGC released the names of 22 clubs along with 61 individuals that have been reported to the football authorities in connection with a match-fixing ring and betting investigation.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17459/abete_rejects_suspension_calls

Prandelli unfazed by difficult preparation

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has played down talk of his country’s match-fixing scandal ahead of Euro 2012 being a case of history repeating.

Italy’s preparations for the 2006 World Cup in Germany were infamously disrupted by the Calciopoli scandal, but Marcello Lippi nonetheless led them to triumph.

Now, with Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine set to begin on June 8, Italy have been beset by the Scommessopoli probe.

Domenico Criscito was dropped from Italy’s squad for the European Championship earlier this week due to his alleged role in the scandal, while Leonardo Bonucci is also under investigation, but Prandelli is hopeful his squad will not be distracted by recent events.

“The comparisons to 2006 seem like a cliche to me. The situation’s different now,” Prandelli said at a press conference.

“They always say that Italy become more united in difficult situations, and I hope that is the case now, too. However, I don’t believe in the theory that we can only perform under pressure.

“We should be giving our best in a calm atmosphere as well. The important thing now is to show the people that we are determined to clean up football.”

Italy have been paired with Croatia, Republic of Ireland and champions Spain at Euro 2012 and start the tournament against the title holders on June 10.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-unfazed-by-difficult-preparation/95505/

International friendly wrap: Russia held by Lithuania

Russia have just one match to find winning form for Euro 2012 after being held to a 0-0 draw against Lithuania.

Up against the 89th team in the FIFA rankings, Russia struggled to find any rythym on Tuesday, creating very few goal-scoring opportunities at the Centre sportif de Colvoray in Nyon, Switzerland.

The likes of Andrei Arshavin, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Yuri Zhirkov all took part for Dick Advocaat’s side.

With nine days until their first match of Euro 2012 against Czech Republic and just four days after a 1-1 draw with Uruguay in Moscow, Russia have only a friendly against Italy to find some winning form before the continental championship starts next week.

In other matches, Angola drew 0-0 with Macedonia, while Turkey defeated Bulgaria 2-0.

Omer Toprak gave Turkey the lead in the 22nd minute when he was first to a corner from Nuri Sahin and poked the ball home at the near post.

Turkey had to wait until the final minute to double their lead when Burak Yilmaz was released behind the Bulgarian defence and coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Plamen Iliev.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendly-wrap-russia-held-by-lithuania/95481/

Prandelli stands by Bonucci

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named Leonardo Bonucci in his Euro 2012 squad despite his links to the Serie A match-fixing scandal.

Earlier this week, Prandelli dropped Domenico Criscito due to the Zenit St Petersburg defender having his apartment searched as part of a match-fixing investigation in Italy.

But while it has emerged that Bonucci will also be questioned as part of the investigation, Prandelli has decided to keep the Juventus defender in his final 23-man squad.

“As far as Bonucci is concerned, we know nothing about the news that is passing on at the moment, so we are relatively serene about it,” Prandelli said during his squad announcement on Tueseday.

“Obviously we need to wait, but I talked with the guy a moment ago and he knows nothing”.

Prandelli claimed that he left Criscito out of the squad for the player’s own good.

He believes Criscito would not have been able to handle the pressure at the European Championships as the match-fixing scandal continued in Italy.

“From the human point of view we were good at remaining close and making Criscito feel our support, but we’re working to get ready for a very important sport event and we need confidence and serenity,” Prandelli said.

Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia and Siena striker Mattia Destro also miss out from Prandelli’s initial extended squad.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-stands-by-bonucci/95475/

Italian PM wants league suspension World Soccer Shop

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti says domestic football in Italy needs a break of "two to three years" to let match-fixing to be cleansed.

Monti: Wants football suspended

A second match-fixing scandal in the six years is currently gripping Italy, with the latest stage of a probe carried out by Cremona prosecutors on Monday resulting in the arrests of 19 people, among them Lazio captain Stefano Mauri.

Also among those under investigation is Italy international Domenico Criscito, who was considered a certainty to make the Azzurri's Euro 2012 squad but was dropped on Monday.

"We must reflect and evaluate if it would not be useful to have a total suspension of the game for two to three years," Monti told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"This is not a government proposal, but it is something that I, who have been for many years a football fan, feel inside me.

"It is particularly sad when a world such as sport that should be an expression of high values, proves to appear a concentration of the most reprehensible aspects such as disloyalty, illegality and falseness."

Yesterday's operation is part of an investigation called "Last Bet", which focuses on 33 games over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Earlier this month, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) released a comprehensive 48-page list naming 22 clubs along with 61 individuals that have been reported to the football authorities in connection with a match-fixing ring and betting investigation.

The latest inquiry is a big blow to football in Italy, which had gradually been recovering from the scandal that rocked the nation six years ago.

In 2006, a match-fixing probe led to Juventus being stripped of two titles and relegation to Serie B after they were found guilty of influencing referees.

"There is bitterness and sadness for what has happened," FIGC president Giancarlo Abete said. "It is totally unacceptable.

"This latest situation makes us reflect because there have been certain elements that have managed to enter the sporting system.

"Everyone will nevertheless have the possibility to defend themselves in the legal and sporting trials."

A trial carried out by a sporting tribunal will begin on Thursday and Lega Serie A president Maurizio Beretta hopes the process will not drag on.

"We hope it will be fast and that drastic punishments are handed out to those individuals that have stained a world that should focus on credibility and transparency," Beretta said.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17387/italian_pm_wants_league_suspension

Afellay: Injury has made me stronger

Netherlands midfielder Ibrahim Afellay says he is not worried about his lack of match fitness ahead of Euro 2012.

The Barcelona star missed the majority of the 2011/12 campaign due to a knee injury, and only recently returned to match action.

Nevertheless, the Dutch international said he is in fine form ahead of the European Championships, and is not concerned by a lack of touch.

“A footballer never loses the feeling for the ball,” Afellay said.

“I don’t think that there are things that I’m no longer capable of doing all of a sudden. The injury has made me stronger both physically and mentally.

“It didn’t take long for the good feeling to return after my comeback. That’s only logical, though, when you’re working with some of the best players in the world.”

Afellay is expected to feature from the start in Netherlands’ friendly against Slovakia on Wednesday.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/afellay-injury-has-made-me-stronger/95441/

Conte denies match-fixing slurs

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has reiterated that he was unaware of any match-fixing while he was at Siena.

It has been alleged that the former Italy international was aware of a plot to arrange the outcome of a crucial Serie B clash with Novara on April 30, 2011 and the 42-year-old’s house was searched on Monday as part of a police investigation into ‘Scommessopoli’.

However, Conte said that he has nothing to hide from the Cremona public prosecutor leading the corruption enquiry and insists that there was nothing untoward about Siena’s return to the top flight last summer.

“My history as a football player and coach speaks for itself: you can ask my team-mates, my players and my opponents,” he stated during a press conference on Monday.

“But for all my honesty and integrity, I have been attacked with sticks.

“Last year with Siena we secured a promotion with sacrifices and hard work. It was an extraordinary year and I reiterate my non-involvement and that of my guys.

“Why did I not hear from the Cremona prosecutor before being investigated?”

It has also been reported Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci is also under suspicion in relation to a game between his former club, Bari, and Udinese during the 2009-10 Serie A season.

However, Juve president Andrea Agnelli is adamant that neither Conte nor Bonucci have done anything wrong.

“This is a worrying picture for the world of football, which we are following with apprehension and bitterness, but Antonio Conte is not part of it,” he said.

“His role from what we are reading is nearly insignificant and then, we also know the man and his values of integrity and honesty.

“Juventus as a club, and I personally, are on the side of Antonio Conte and Leonardo Bonucci, who we have learned is to be investigated.

“We hope that Leo will have a great European Championship. Antonio is, and will be, our coach, who will guide us into the Champions League.”

Earlier this month, Conte led Juve to their first official title since 2003 in his first season in charge of the Bianconeri.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/conte-denies-match-fixing-slurs/95414/

Criscito protests his innocence World Soccer Shop

Domenico Criscito says he has done nothing wrong after being dropped by Italy as a result of the latest match-fixing scandal to hit the nation.

Criscito: Dropped from Italy squad

On Monday, police questioned the Zenit St Petersburg defender at the Azzurri's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, after Criscito's name surfaced in an investigation carried out by prosecutors in Cremona.

Italy then dropped Criscito, who was a certainty for the Euro 2012 squad, from the team.

"To do these (match-fixing) things, it is not something I would do," Criscito told RTL radio station. "Fortunately, I don't need money, 20, 30 or 40,000 euros, whatever it was, but I don't need money.

"I do a job that I've always dreamed of doing since I was young and I would not

mess it up for stupid acts.

"It hurts that this has happened before the (Euro 2012) list, but I'm sure that I will come out stronger."

Prosecutors have alleged the 25-year-old Criscito acted unlawfully while he was a Genoa player.

He was on the books of the Genoa outfit from 2008 until 2011 before moving to Zenit.

"Criscito is ready to explain anything that may have caused him to be under the spotlight," Criscito's agent Andrea D'Amico said today.

"Our legal team is working in order for the magistrates to listen to him as soon as possible.

"Our only wish is for everything to be cleared as soon as possible."

Earlier on Monday, Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and former Genoa midfielder Omar Milanetto were arrested in the probe over allegations of "criminal association and sporting fraud".

Officers also searched more than 31 homes in Italy and abroad, including those of coaches and players of clubs in Serie A, Serie B and lower divisions.

Monday's operation is part of an investigation called "Last Bet" carried out by prosecutors in Cremona which focuses on 33 games over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Italy football federation president Giancarlo Abete is disappointed with the latest events.

The country was already rocked by a match-fixing scandal in 2006, the year they won the World Cup.

"It is a bitter day," Abete said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "In these conditions, it is better for Criscito to defend himself.

"This episode brings further sadness but Italy is focusing on the European championship."

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has not spoken on Monday.

He will announce his final squad for the European Championships on Tuesday ahead of the Azzurri's friendly against Luxembourg in Parma.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17323/criscito_protests_his_innocence

´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/

Azzurri try to focus on friendly World Soccer Shop

Italy host Luxembourg in a Euro 2012 warm-up friendly match in Parma on Tuesday night with the country gripped by a new match-fixing scandal.

Albertini: Addresses press on Monday

Police showed up at Italy's training ground in Coverciano on Monday morning to question Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito, who is under investigation for alleged match-fixing and sport fraud.

In mid-afternoon, the former Genoa star was among six players to be cut by Italy.

"These are things that we would not like to have had to go through," Italy football federation vice-president Demetrio Albertini said. "You can understand the bitterness in the changing room.

"The players were shocked by what has happened.

"Criscito has received a lot of support from his national team-mates considering the terrible time he is going through."

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

Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite the huge distraction of a match-fixing scandal.

"I am not worried about the European Championship," Albertini 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.

"I know the players will be able to manage situation as this one."

Coach Cesare Prandelli, who will name his final Euro 2012 squad on Tuesday, is set to hand AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano a place in the starting XI against Luxembourg at the Ennio Tardini stadium.

Cassano will lead Italy's attack alongside Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli has returned to the squad after being left out of a friendly against the United States in February as punishment for a four-game suspension for violent conduct while on club duty.

Rivals Luxembourg travel to Italy looking to pick up where they left off in their 2-1 friendly triumph over FYR Macedonia back in February.

Elvesberg striker Maurice Deville, who struck twice in that game, will make his third appearance for his country.

Luc Holtz is set to hand midfielder Rene Peters his 87th cap to equal Carlo Weis' record of most appearances for the national team.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17313/azzurri_try_to_focus_on_friendly