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Il Milan perde nel deludentissimo debutto in campionato: Costa decide l'1-0 con una splendida incornata al 59'. Non basta l'esordio di Pazzini nel finale, i rossoneri non vanno oltre due pali colpiti da Yepes (65') e Boateng (90'). (foto AP/LaPresse)

Flamini Robinho Costa Milan Sampdoria 2012 AP/LaPresseEsaltazione e sconforto. Sensazioni forti e opposte tra di loro nei 90' che hanno aperto la nuova stagione di San Siro. La gioia è tutta della Sampdoria, che nel giro di una settimana ha battuto a domicilio prima il Barcellona e poi il Milan. La depressione è tutta rossonera, con il Diavolo reduce dal calciomercato più triste degli ultimi anni sconfitto proprio dai blucerchiati con un 1-0 dolorosissimo. Altro che Giampaolo Pazzini, a decidere tutto è Andrea Costa con un colpo di testa micidiale sugli sviluppi di un corner (59'). La Sampdoria può esultare, al Milan non resta che sperare negli ultimi giorni di mercato per mettere qualche toppa a una coperta che sembra inverosimilmente corta.
PAZZINI E MAXI LOPEZ DALLA PANCHINA - Massimiliano Allegri riparte dal 4-3-1-2, unica certezza in una formazione completamente stravolta rispetto all'anno scorso e priva di altri sei infortunati (Abate, Ambrosini, Didac Vilà, Muntari, Pato e Strasser). In difesa il tecnico rossonero si affida al duo Bonera-Yepes come coppia centrale con De Sciglio e Antonini esterni. Montolivo parte in cabina di regia con il fosforo di Flamini e Nocerino sugli interni, mentre in prima linea El Shaarawy viene preferito al grande ex Pazzini. Ciro Ferrara recupera soltanto in parte un altro ex come Maxi Lopez, che parte dalla panchina lasciando spazio in prima linea nel 4-3-3 doriano a Eder, con Estigarribia e Kristicic a completare la prima linea. A mancare sono l'infortunato Juan Antonio e gli squalificati Da Costa e Pozzi, mentre a De Silvestri viene preferito Berardi sull'out destro difensivo. Poli riparte da San Siro dopo i sei mesi passati all'Inter e trova spazio da interno sinistro in un centrocampo con Tissone davanti alla difesa e Obiang in mediana.
BRUTTO MILAN, LA SAMP CI PROVA - Caldo asfissiante, ritmi bassi e poca classe da centrocampo in avanti. Lo spettacolo a San Siro è quasi tutto sugli spalti, dove i tifosi rossoneri si divertono a mandare messaggi all'ex Cassano e alla dirigenza ("31 agosto, attendiamo fiduciosi", lo striscione inequivocabile). Ben presto l'atteggiamento tattico degli uomini di Allegri si traduce in un 4-3-3 con Robinho ed El Shaarawy larghissimi e Boateng a muoversi da "falso nueve". Il modo peggiore per attaccare una difesa arcigna come quella imbastita da Ferrara. La Samp, infatti, tiene il campo a meraviglia e rischia di far male in contropiede. Le occasioni, in sostanza, sono tutte degli ospiti che al 10' potrebbero già andare in vantaggio con Eder, che ruba palla a un impacciato Bonera per poi subire il tackle dello stesso centrale rossonero. Al 36' è invece Montolivo (lento e senza punti di riferimento in avanti) a regalare un pallone interessante a Obiang al limite dell'area, ma lo spagnolo calcia alto. E nel recupero ancora Eder per poco non fa male su un altro errore di Bonera. Si va all'intervallo tra i fischi di San Siro, con un Milan ai limiti dell'inguardabile, incapace di concludere in porta in un tempo intero.
COSTA DECIDE, PAZZINI NON BASTA - Il secondo tempo si apre con un Milan all'arrembaggio. Robinho passa a destra e sembra in grado di incidere maggiormente con un paio di conclusioni tentate nei primi cinque minuti della frazione. Al 55' Allegri toglie un evanescente El Shaarawy per concedere il debutto a Pazzini, ma la vera notizia arriva al 59', quando Costa anticipa Bonera di testa e insacca di testa il gol dell'1-0 sugli sviluppi di un corner nato da una palla persa da Boateng a centrocampo. Allegri è costretto a togliere subito Robinho per mettere Emanuelson (problemi alla coscia destra per il brasiliano), mentre al 75' entra anche Constant al posto di uno spento Nocerino. Il Milan aggredisce il fortino blucerchiato, eppure l'occasione migliore arriva soltanto su un corner dalla destra con Yepes che colpisce il palo al 65'. Ferrara getta nella mischia Maxi Lopez per Estigarribia (74') e Soriano per Eder (75'), la Sampdoria soffre il giusto e alla fine porta la seconda impresa della settimana in porto. Per il Diavolo non è serata, come il secondo legno della partita (colpito da Boateng con un gran destro da fuori al 90') testimonia ampiamente. Vince il Doria, il Milan parte nel peggiore dei modi possibili.
DIAVOLO AL PALO, GRANDE SAMP - Un ritorno pazzesco per i blucerchiati, che alla prima partita in Serie A dopo un anno di assenza fanno subito il colpo grosso. Tanto contropiede e abnegazione in fase difensiva, ottime coperture e un Obiang stratosferico a centrocampo. Quanto è bastato per portare a casa tre punti pesantissimi su un sipario come quello di San Siro. E il Milan? Male, malissimo. Difesa sbrindellata, Montolivo imbarazzante in cabina di regia e attacco del tutto inconsistente (con o senza Pazzini). L'unica notizia positiva è la prestazione matura e di qualità di De Sciglio a destra. Ma, d'altronde, che fosse un Diavolo in tono minore era chiaro a tutti. Va in archivio la prima grande sorpresa del nuovo campionato, la seconda sconfitta al debutto per il Milan negli ultimi dieci anni (l'ultimo ko è l'1-2 a San Siro del Bologna nel 2008). Fino al 31 agosto, però, c'è qualche speranza di invertire la rotta. Forse.

JolDembele286Fulham accepted Tottenham Hotspur's bid for Belgium playmaker Moussa Dembele on Tuesday as Andre Villas Boas's side look for a replacement for Luka Modric.
Fulham's official website said manager and former Tottenham boss Martin Jol had confirmed a deal after his side lost 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup.
"The player is currently undergoing a medical," it said.
Dembele, 25, is regarded as a near like-for-like replacement for Modric, who completed his transfer from North London to Real Madrid on Monday.
Fulham's West London neighbours Queens Park Rangers have also been active as the close of the transfer window approaches, with Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar on the verge of being snapped up.
Cesar was filmed by British press arriving at Loftus Road ahead of QPR's League Cup match with Walsall and manager Mark Hughes confirmed to reporters after the 3-0 win that he was hopeful of wrapping up a deal for the Brazilian.
Banned QPR midfielder Joey Barton's proposed move to French club Marseille also looks to be in its final stages with his agent Willie Mackay confirming final negotiations were underway.
Barton, who was suspended by the English FA for 12 Premier League matches following his sending off in the final game of last season against Manchester City, looks set to leave as part of a deal to bring defender Stephane Mbia the other way.
"I think you will find that maybe a deal will happen tomorrow with Joey flying out to Marseille and Stephane Mbia will arrive at QPR," Mackay told BBC's Radio 5 live.

Kaka, Foto: Reuters

Kaka probably will not move to Milan, so at least thinks internationally known agent, Ernesto Bronzetti.
FIFA agent who has been very influential in bringing players in Spain and Italy, especially to Real Madrid, Kaka has said he will stay, because Milan is failing to reach agreement.

"Adriano Galliani was right when he said fans should not lie. In Italy it is impossible to pay 10 million salary. When Real Madrid plans to waive it, then Milan is unlikely, but unfortunately Kaka is now the prisoner of his salary, "said Bronzetti.

Bronzetti accurately predicted crossings Ronaldo and Kaka to Real Madrid a few months before they were officially


JolDembele286Fulham accepted Tottenham Hotspur's bid for Belgium playmaker Moussa Dembele on Tuesday as Andre Villas Boas's side look for a replacement for Luka Modric.

Fulham's official website said manager and former Tottenham boss Martin Jol had confirmed a deal after his side lost 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup.
"The player is currently undergoing a medical," it said.
Dembele, 25, is regarded as a near like-for-like replacement for Modric, who completed his transfer from North London to Real Madrid on Monday.
Fulham's West London neighbours Queens Park Rangers have also been active as the close of the transfer window approaches, with Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar on the verge of being snapped up.
Cesar was filmed by British press arriving at Loftus Road ahead of QPR's League Cup match with Walsall and manager Mark Hughes confirmed to reporters after the 3-0 win that he was hopeful of wrapping up a deal for the Brazilian.
Banned QPR midfielder Joey Barton's proposed move to French club Marseille also looks to be in its final stages with his agent Willie Mackay confirming final negotiations were underway.
Barton, who was suspended by the English FA for 12 Premier League matches following his sending off in the final game of last season against Manchester City, looks set to leave as part of a deal to bring defender Stephane Mbia the other way.
"I think you will find that maybe a deal will happen tomorrow with Joey flying out to Marseille and Stephane Mbia will arrive at QPR," Mackay told BBC's Radio 5 live.

Real Madrid have claimed the 2012 Spanish Supercopa after a gripping 2-1 second-leg victory over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real triumphed on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate draw, but the margin of victory could have been greater after a shambolic defensive performance from Barca in the first half of Wednesday's match.

A missed clearance from Javier Mascherano gifted Gonzalo Higuain the opener in the 11th minute, and an outrageous flick from Cristiano Ronaldo over Gerard Pique allowed the Portuguese forward to make it 2-0 after 19 minutes.

Adriano's dismissal on 29 minutes seemed to signal the end of Barca's hopes, but Lionel Messi dragged them back into contention with a fantastic free-kick on the stroke of half-time.

The second half was closer, as a much-improved Barca had chances to score again, but there was no way back for the visitors, Real holding on to claim the first trophy in Spain this season.

Barca were without injured captain Carles Puyol due to a fractured cheekbone, and also lost fullback Dani Alves during the warm-up.

For Real, yet to win in two La Liga matches, it was a welcome return to form.

The club's supporters were also afforded their first glimpse of Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who came off the bench following the completion of his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Real's triumph means their coach Jose Mourinho draws first blood in his new rivalry with Tito Vilanova, promoted to the top job at Barca after the 2011/12 season.

The two men infamously clashed on the sidelines of last season's ill-tempered Supercopa, when Mourinho poked Vilanova in the eye and the Barca man responded

Real Madrid have claimed the 2012 Spanish Supercopa after a gripping 2-1 second-leg victory over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real triumphed on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate draw, but the margin of victory could have been greater after a shambolic defensive performance from Barca in the first half of Wednesday's match.

A missed clearance from Javier Mascherano gifted Gonzalo Higuain the opener in the 11th minute, and an outrageous flick from Cristiano Ronaldo over Gerard Pique allowed the Portuguese forward to make it 2-0 after 19 minutes.

Adriano's dismissal on 29 minutes seemed to signal the end of Barca's hopes, but Lionel Messi dragged them back into contention with a fantastic free-kick on the stroke of half-time.

The second half was closer, as a much-improved Barca had chances to score again, but there was no way back for the visitors, Real holding on to claim the first trophy in Spain this season.

Barca were without injured captain Carles Puyol due to a fractured cheekbone, and also lost fullback Dani Alves during the warm-up.

For Real, yet to win in two La Liga matches, it was a welcome return to form.

The club's supporters were also afforded their first glimpse of Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who came off the bench following the completion of his transfer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Real's triumph means their coach Jose Mourinho draws first blood in his new rivalry with Tito Vilanova, promoted to the top job at Barca after the 2011/12 season.

The two men infamously clashed on the sidelines of last season's ill-tempered Supercopa, when Mourinho poked Vilanova in the eye and the Barca man responded

If Thursday night’s street celebrations are anything to go by, overcoming Spain in the final of Euro 2012 would see Italy greet Monday morning in bleary-eyed fashion.

In truth, few expected the party to continue this long, but Croatia, Ireland, England and Germany have all been sent packing, leaving the Azzurrri where they always aim to be a major tournament, with the trophy there for the taking.

Throughout a month in which belief has grown slowly, Cesare Prandelli has had to tailor his starting line-up for every game, responding to injury or the need for some tactical fine retuning.

The semi-final against the much-fancied Germans, who had won 15 consecutive matches, brought a new set of problems for the coach, with right-back Ignazio Abate injured in the win over England and the obvious replacement Christian Maggio suspended.

Rather than return to the back three of the first two fixtures, Federico Balzaretti was switched from left of the back four to the right, with Giorgio Chiellini restored to the left back spot - a position the Juventus man had played most of his career in until recent seasons.

Rather than look unbalanced, the defence had the extra security of having the left-footed Balzaretti able to come in from the flank and make a number of timely clearances on his favoured foot – with one early in the encounter ensuring the score remained goalless just when the Germans were enjoying a period of dominance.

In fact, a Juve-heavy backline also featuring the imperious Gigi Buffon and two pillars of strength in Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci was the launching pad for Italy’s quick and decisive breaks that tore the Germans apart.


Mario gives it some welly to send Italy on their way to Kiev

Against England, Italy had dominated possession, but that was never going to happen in Warsaw, against opponents who based their game plan around control of the ball.

Italy also had two fewer days to recover from their 120 minute quarter-final, but Prandelli had promised that his team would remain true to his attacking ideals – and with Andrea Pirlo a serious contender for player of the tournament, there was no reason to fear it would be one-way traffic on Buffon’s goal.

Pirlo was once again an immense presence in the centre of the pitch, flanked by the ever-willing Daniele De Rossi and Claudio Marchisio, who had been complaining of tiredness, but both players were non-stop in their willingness not only to cover back but get forward to support the front two.

The defence and midfield had been sound throughout the tournament but now it was the turn of the attack to show what they could do – and how they responded.

Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli, in particular, had been wasteful in previous matches where the statistics had demonstrated that Italy had only take advantage of 12% of their goalscoring chances compared to nearly 30% when it came to the Germans.

Having weathered the early storm which had seen Pirlo clear off the line, the midfield came into their own to set the platform for Cassano to turn the German defence this way and that with a series of mazy runs which culminated on 20 minutes with the precise cross for Balotelli to head home the opener.

It was the moment where the pair finally clicked and from there on Balotelli was leading the line in a manner that Prandelli had been demanding from the moment he put his faith in the Manchester City youngster.

The second goal, following a simple long ball over the top from Riccardo Montolivo, had the mark of everything one expects from a world-class finisher: power, precision and not another thought than seeing the ball fly into the back of the net.

It was moment of sheer beauty that he had to spoil to some extent by removing his shirt thus gaining a yellow card – however, the nation forgave him, with chants of "bellissimo Balo" ringing out as he showed off his impressive pecs.

From there, muscle was needed by the whole team as Germany drove forward but the weight of history also laid heavily on them, having lost four and drawn the same amount against Italy when it really mattered.

The referee may have given Germany some faint hope, with a late penalty awarded when the ball struck Balzaretti’s arm, but it was all in vain – and now Spain await in the final.

The Spanish press had mocked Italy after the draw in the group meeting, with their 'see you in the final' headlines and then the biscotto taunts when the match against Croatia could have led a different outcome in settling qualification to the knock-out.

It may well come back to haunt them as Italy prepares to party like its 2006 all over again.

Never bet against Italy confounding the odds when it is least expected. This was certainly the case in Gdansk, where not only did they keep holders Spain at bay – they did so in a confident manner.

NEWS Sun 10 Jun: Spain escape with a point after Italian job

Cesare Prandelli arrived in Poland with the shadow of an ever-developing investigation into a betting scandal, which had engulfed Domenico Criscito and Leonardo Bonucci, hanging over the squad. Meanwhile a less-than-satisfactory on-pitch build-up had seen a friendly against Luxembourg postponed due to an earthquake back home followed by a 3-0 drubbing by Russia on the eve of the competition.

The coach was then left with a defensive headache when Andrea Barzagli suffered a calf injury, leaving the Azzurri looking porous in what had promised to be a watertight Juventus backline.

However, Prandelli has become used making do with what resources he has at hand. Using the only positive note of Luis Enrique’s time at AS Roma, Daniele De Rossi was dropped back from midfield into the centre of defence, flanked by Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

At Roma, De Rossi had played in a back four of sorts, but parked solidly in the middle against a Spanish team bent on walking the ball into the net, he kept Italy in the game in the first half with timely interceptions – and as confidence grew, so his quick and decisive passing helped open space for the wide players in the five-man midfield.

Prandelli had claimed that De Rossi could develop into a modern-day Franz Beckenbauer but in truth his more robust style draws closer comparisons to Javier Mascherano, especially when it comes to driving forward to bring the midfield into the game.

It wasn't as if Italy lost that competitiveness in the middle, where Thiago Motta and Claudio Marchisio were encouraged to pressure the opposition as high up the pitch as they could, leaving Andrea Pirlo to sit further back – although Serie A’s player of the year-elect was less effective having to wait for the action to come to him, rather than being the focal point as he had been all season with the champions.

Another Juve man, Emanuuele Giaccherini, who only four seasons ago had been playing in Serie C, and Christian Maggio worked diligently along the flanks – only to suffer when Spain brought on Jesus Navas and Andres Iniesta began to carry the ball forward into dangerous areas.


None shall pass: Italy get it together at the back

However, this was no rearguard performance of old. Rather it highlighted Prandelli’s ability to mould together the various tactics employed in Serie A this season, beginning with Juve’s power base but then morphing into Napoli’s fast-breaking counter-attack – and it is getting men forward into goalscoring positions where Italy could really spring a surprise on the opposition to come in this tournament.

The starting front two of Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli were willing runners in the first half and the latter demonstrated that he had taken the coach’s orders to make life difficult for the Spanish backline by robbing Sergio Ramos of the ball near the touchline. Sadly, the Manchester City man was then much too casual when left one on one with Iker Casillas, which enabled Ramos to scamper back and make a decisive tackle.

When Prandelli saw that his starters in attack were fading both mentally and physically – not surprising considering that both Cassano and Balotelli had seen little playing time for their clubs – he immediately went to the bench, and this was where further dividends were to be found.

Antonio Di Natale, with his first touch, took his chance in the manner he had been all season with Udinese and at the same time wiped out his torment at missing one of the penalties in the quarter-final defeat to Spain at Euro 2008. Totò, who had flattered to deceive at international level in the past, nearly found a second when Cassano’s replacement Sebastian Giovinco picked him out with a perfectly weighted chipped cross, but he could only stretch to put his volley wide.

Spain had equalised by then and were turning up the pressure, but this new iron-willed Italy never wilted. As Prandelli pointed out on the eve of the encounter, pessimism motivates the national side – and few would bet against them leaving some more nations feeling blue along the way this month.

Italy head to Euro 2012 with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and Cesare Prandelli’s considerable man management skills will be put to the test as the Azzurri look to avoid a repeat of their humiliating performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The spectre of the ongoing investigation into match fixing and betting rings hangs over the squad. A dawn raid on the national training facility at Coverciano saw Domenico Criscito served with notice that he was under investigation after photographs were published of the left-back standing outside a restaurant along with suspects in the case.

The Zenit St. Petersburg full-back, who was a Genoa player when the photos were taken, had his laptop, iPad and mobile phone confiscated by police working under the orders of prosecutors leading the Last Bet operation. The investigation has spanned the length and breadth of the country, from Cremona in Italy’s north to Bari in the south, and within the next 48 hours the findings from Naples should be made public.

By all accounts, Prandelli was not in the loop with regards to what proved to be a fast-moving series of events, but it seems that Italian Football Federation vice-president Demetrio Albertini was aware of what was afoot, as he was among the first on the scene when the police arrived at the training ground shortly after dawn.

Criscito, who was rooming with Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia, was definitely taken by surprise and had to be calmed from his agitated state by Prandelli before being issued with the news that he would be excluded from the squad.

There was no other option as the player could have been called to testify at any time during the month he was due in Poland and Ukraine, but Prandelli still had to sweat on whether another vital member of his team, Leonardo Bonucci, would also be cited.


Police arrive at Italy's training centre on Monday morning

However, the Juventus defender had already given his evidence surrounding his time at Bari and in particular the match against Lecce where captain Andrea Maisella claimed he had helped throw the game by scoring an own-goal.

With high profile arrests of Lazio vice-captain Stefano Mauri, former Genoa midfielder Omar Milanetto and Juventus coach Antonio Conte – the latter in relation to two matches during his spell in charge of Siena in Serie B last season - some of the heat was deflected from the national team.

However, events well away from the shady world of match fixing would further hinder Prandelli’s preparations, when a major earthquake hit the Emilia Romagna area on Tuesday morning.

Italy were due to play Luxembourg in Parma later in the evening, but the decision was taken to cancel the game following further tremors and aftershocks which were also felt in the team hotel.

At the time of writing, 17 people are believed to have been killed, with 300 injured. It was the second quake in the region in just over a week.

Having omitted Ranocchia and Siena striker Mattia Destro from his final 23-man squad, Prandelli will be hoping he can start his preparations in earnest when the team arrive in Zurich on Friday evening, where he will look to finally gave his players a semi-competitive run-out against Russia, before heading to Poland to face a daunting group opener against defending champions Spain.

However, the long shadow of match fixing will not pass quickly, and Gianluigi Buffon’s unfortunate turn of phrase in a recent interview has not helped matters, drawing the spotlight back to the national team.

"Better two injured than one dead," was the goalkeeper’s less than cryptic response to whether it was really organised crime controlling matches or that teams conspired to ensure that a certain result suited both teams.

Prandelli knows he cannot shelter his players from the events unravelling back home, but as with Marcello Lippi when the Calciopoli scandal broke ahead of the 2006 World Cup, he will call for an act of faith from his players that football is really won on the pitch.

Ibrahimovic DejectedSwedish club AIK have cancelled plans for an August friendly against AC Milan in Stockholm because the Italians cannot guarantee that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will still be playing for them, AIK said in a statement.
The Sweden captain is rumoured to be on his way to Paris Saint Germain after Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi told reporters on Thursday that he had sold Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to the French club.
The two players are said to be negotiating personal terms.
AIK said they had planned the friendly at the Rasunda stadium on August 12.
"Unfortunately, a number of external circumstances meant that we took a joint decision not to stage the match this time," said AIK managing director Thomas Edselius.
"If we cannot guarantee Zlatan's participation there is a risk that many would be disappointed," added Mimi Nordling-Petterson, spokesperson for event managers Tailor Events who were to organise the game.

MattiaDestroAS Roma have completed the signing of Siena striker Mattia Destro, one of the most sought-after players in Serie A.
Juventus, AC Milan and former owners Inter Milan were among the clubs courting the 21-year-old, who netted 12 league goals for Siena last term and just missed out on a berth in Italy's Euro 2012 squad.
Underachievers Roma, who have also recruited American Michael Bradley and Brazilian Dodo for new coach Zdenek Zeman over the close-season, said in a statement on Monday that they had signed Destro in a complicated deal involving previous co-owners Genoa.

Xavi Spain Conference11Xavi has been left out of the Spain squad for Wednesday's friendly away to Puerto Rico to allow him more time to prepare for the La Liga season, coach Vicente del Bosque said on Friday.
In his first selection since last month's European Championship triumph, Del Bosque also omitted Juan Mata, Jordi Alba and Javi Martinez, who took part in Spain's failed bid for a medal at the London Olympics after competing at Euro 2012 with the senior squad.
"In the case of Xavi, I spoke to him yesterday and we decided not to bring him so that he can prepare well," Del Bosque told a news conference at the Spanish football federation (RFEF) headquarters near Madrid.
"However we can help so that things work better, above all in the case of players who are more important than us, we will help," he added of Barcelona playmaker Xavi, 32, who suffered from a niggling calf injury last season.
Spain begin their qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil away to Georgia on September 11 and are in a Group I which also features France, Belarus and Finland.
Squad for Puerto Rico friendly:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Ignacio Monreal (Malaga), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) Andres Iniesta (Barcelona).
Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).

Robin van Persie (Foto: Getty Images)

Arsenal has confirmed that it has reached agreement with Manchester United for striker Robin van Persie transfer.
The best scorer last season in the Premier League, tomorrow (Thursday) will travel to Manchester to complete the transfer.

"Arsenal Football Club can confirm that it has reached agreement for the transfer of Robin van Persie to Manchester United".

"Van Persie will travel to Manchester on Thursday in order to reach agreement and to complete medical tests before the proposed movement," says the statement issued by the London club.

Dutchman will reportedly sign four-year contract with the club at Old Trafford, which is said to have paid Arsenal £ 24 million.

For 29-year-old were also interested Manchester City and Juventus

(Foto: AP)

Restore from the disadvantage England 1-0 to win 2-1 in friendly in front of Italy held in Switzerland.
After being knocked out of Euro 2012 exactly the Azzurri, Roy Hodgson's team is scoring victory avenged thanks to a magnificent goal scored by Tottenham striker, Jermaine Defoe.

Daniele De Rossi was the captain who led the Italians the lead thanks to a goal with his head, before Phil Jagielka to equalize after less than a half hour game.

But when it was thought that the match was heading for reconciliation, substitute Jermain Defoe scored from more than 20 meters, to give them victory Three Lions.

Kaka, Foto: Reuters

Kaka probably will not move to Milan, so at least thinks internationally known agent, Ernesto Bronzetti.
FIFA agent who has been very influential in bringing players in Spain and Italy, especially to Real Madrid, Kaka has said he will stay, because Milan is failing to reach agreement.

"Adriano Galliani was right when he said fans should not lie. In Italy it is impossible to pay 10 million salary. When Real Madrid plans to waive it, then Milan is unlikely, but unfortunately Kaka is now the prisoner of his salary, "said Bronzetti.

Bronzetti accurately predicted crossings Ronaldo and Kaka to Real Madrid a few months before they were officially

Zinedine Zidane, Foto: Getty Images

Real Madrid legend, Zinedine Zidane will be part of the management team of royal club starting this season.
Marca reports that Zizou will work with Real Madrid Real Madrid B and C as part of the requirements of UEFA for the trainer certificate.

Zidane will work closely with young midfielders in Madrid, including those of junior teams

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is hopeful new signing Robin van Persie will Ferguson Phone286play in his side's Premier League opener against Everton on Monday after a medical on Thursday.
"The fee has been agreed, which we're delighted about," Ferguson said on the United website. The Dutch striker was signed from Arsenal on Wednesday for a reported fee of 24 million pounds.
"He's on his way here from London to have a medical later. Hopefully, that goes according to plan. We hope he will be available for Monday night," Ferguson added.
"It's great to have a player of the quality of Robin van Persie coming into the squad. I'm very pleased."
The 29-year-old Dutch international scored 37 goals last season as Arsenal finished third in the league and reached the last 16 of the Champions League.
Arsenal have, however, failed to add to their trophy collection since the 2005 FA Cup victory over United on penalties.

Borini Liverpool286New Liverpool recruit Fabio Borini has revealed how Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli helped convince him to return to England with the Reds.
The 21-year-old Italian swapped Rome for Merseyside earlier this summer after spending last season on loan at Stadio Olimpico.
Borini, who was won one cap for Italy, links up with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers for a third time, having previously worked under the Northern Irishman at Chelsea and Swansea City, where he helped the Swans win promotion to the Premier League.
And as well as hailing Rodgers' "unique" approach, the diminutive forward admitted how a ringing endorsement of the Reds' passionate support from a fellow countryman also helped persuade him put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Anfield outfit.
Speaking exclusively in the September issue of FourFourTwo, out now, he says: "The way he [Rodgers] operates is unique. He has a great loyalty to his players. I really enjoy his philosophy and the brand of football he wants his team to play. It is what I call 'real football'.

Robin van Persie: Expected to make his Manchester United debut against Everton on Monday

Sir Alex Ferguson says he is 'sure' that Robin van Persie will be available to make his Manchester United debut against Everton as the Dutchman prepares to undergo a medical.
United announced on Wednesday night that they had agreed a fee with Arsenal for the striker, with the transfer set to be finalised once personal terms have been settled and a medical has been passed.
Ferguson does not anticipate any problems and is looking forward to unleashing Van Persie in Monday night's Premier League clash at Goodison Park.
We hope that goes according to plan. His agent is in discussions with (United chief executive) David Gill right about now.
"He is on his way up from London for a medical later this afternoon," said the Red Devils manager.
"We hope all the things will be tied up, although sometimes medicals do take a bit longer. I am sure he will be available for Monday's game."
Van Persie's arrival will present Ferguson with a wealth of attacking options, and he is excited about seeing the Dutchman in tandem with Wayne Rooney.
Ferguson likened his present situation to that he had in 1999 when Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke scored 53 goals during United's Treble-winning campaign, reinforced by UEFA Champions League final heroes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Owner John Henry says Liverpool face a huge financial challenge to compete with the very JohnHenrybest as the English Premier League side continues to pay the price for the failings of the previous regime.
Henry told British media on Thursday that the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) were committed to restoring the Reds to the top of the English game but warned not to expect a change of fortunes as rapid as the one achieved with the Boston Red Sox.
FSG acquired the Major League Baseball team in 2002 and within two years, they ended an 86-year wait to win the World Series.
They completed their Anfield takeover in October 2010, bringing to an end the acrimonious reign of fellow Americans Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
"The best analogy is that you can't turn an ocean liner around like you can turn a speedboat," said Henry, whose consortium paid 300 million pounds for the club when they were on the brink of administration.
"When you look at the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United, Liverpool isn't holding up its side of the rivalry.
"That is the way it was with the Red Sox and the [New York] Yankees," he added. "The Yankees were just completely dominant when we arrived.
"We knew we could never be on an equal footing financially with the Yankees. But we had to do everything in our power to get on a level footing with them on the playing field.
"That was a tremendous challenge. You could say Liverpool is an even bigger challenge than the Red Sox."
WAGE BILL
Liverpool, who won the last of their 18 English titles in 1990, have finished sixth and eighth in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
Principal Owner Henry and Chairman Tom Werner said transforming the club's fortunes would take time, with a squad in need of strengthening and an inflated wage bill to reduce.
"We looked at how the situation was financially, with the player contracts and the youth system," Henry said. "The further we went into it, the more sobered we were.
"Looking back at the day we bought Liverpool, I was trying to make a point then about how much of a challenge it was going to be because of the issues we inherited.
"We had a lack of depth in the squad and some really high payrolls. We also had issues with the age of the players and so forth. We knew it was going to be very difficult.
Werner promised FSG were serious about building for the future.
"We feel that we have work to do," he said. "We feel that we are behind - but we are on it. Do we feel that it is possible to get on a level with [the top European] clubs? Absolutely.
"We can close that gap and compete at the very highest level. Absolutely."

France midfielder Alou Diarra has sealed a move back to England after signing a three-year-deal with West Ham United, the Premier League club announced on Friday.AlouDiarra1
The 31-year-old made the switch to east London from Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille, where he has struggled since arriving from Bordeaux last year.
"I am very happy to be here at West Ham - everything is signed now which is good and I am excited to be here at this club and be playing for them in the Premier League," he told the club's website.
"I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would a good choice for me.
"The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead."
The transfer fee was not disclosed.
Diarra joined Liverpool in 2002 but did not make a senior appearance, spending two seasons on loan in France before signing with Lens in 2005.
The 31-year-old has been capped 44 times by France and was part of their Euro 2012 squad.

Rio Ferdinand believes Robin van Persie’s goals could be the key ingredient in helping Sir Alex Ferguson’s team wrestle back the Premier League trophy from neighbours Manchester City.RooneyRioVidic bwin286
Ferdinand, speaking exclusively toFourFourTwo, is confident the Dutch striker, who netted 37 goals in 48 appearances for Arsenal last season and is on the verge of signing for the Old Trafford club, will be a success.
"There's been many a player that's come to Manchester United and not met expectations," Ferdinand said. "Expectations here are higher than anywhere else in the world – some do brilliantly and some don't fare quite so well.
"I’ve got no worries about Robin, though. He’s a very good professional and that will only work in his favour at this club. I know his main aim won't be a selfish one – it will be all about winning trophies. And if he can score goals like he did last year then we’ll all be smiling come the end of the season."
Van Persie joins an already star-studded dressing room at Old Trafford and one bulging with forward options. Between them, England strikers Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck hit the back of the net 46 times last season, with Mexican striker Javier Hernandez contributing an additional dozen goals.
Summer signing Shinji Kagawa also arrives in Manchester with great expectations and the promise of attacking thrust in the final third. But despite a wealth of big names and big personalities already inhabiting Ferguson's dressing room, Ferdinand insists Van Persie's arrival will be positive.
"The manager has always said to me that the transfer window isn't always about who you bring in but it's as much about shaking up the changing room. And I think that's definitely something that’s going to happen this time.
"We’re bringing a big name into an environment that already has a lot of big names, especially in the forward department, so it's definitely going to shake things up. But it's going to be great for the squad."
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Juan RafaelA day after Brazil lost the Olympic football final to Mexico, the country's footballing authorities took the unusual step of singling out full-back Rafael for his part in the defeat.
A loose pass from the Manchester United defender led to Mexico's first goal after just 29 seconds. Brazil struggled to bounce back from the early blow and conceded a second goal in 74 minutes.
Porto striker Hulk pulled one back in injury time but it was not enough for Brazil who have won the World Cup five times but never the Olympic gold.
The Brazilian Football Confederation on Sunday singled out 21-year old Rafael for criticism on its website, saying:
"Right-back Rafael knows he made a mistake that led to the first Mexican goal in the Olympic football final in the London 2012 Games.
"There's no denying it. Nevertheless, with his skill and determination, the young No. 2 can't be tainted by the error.
"Mistakes are for correcting. Rafael knows that. Later, when things have calmed down, he will surely look at the move and learn from it. At the end of the day, as the saying goes, to err is human and we learn from our mistakes."
The criticism from officials contrasts with that of players and coaches, most of whom defended the youngster.
Coach Mano Menezes pointed out that Brazil had 89 minutes to level the match and could not, while forward Neymar said every player, including himself, shared responsibility for the defeat.

Cazorla TorresWorld and European champions Spain missed a glut of scoring chances but still completed a 2-1 victory over lowly Puerto Rico in their international friendly on Wednesday.
Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas both struck in the opening half as Spain applied continual pressure on the home team's defence and the visitors could have been up by at least five goals instead of just two at half-time.
Cazorla opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, blasting home from long range, and Fabregas followed suit in the 45th minute after a pinpoint cross from the right by Jesus Navas.
However, Puerto Rico goalkeeper Bill Gaudette kept his team in the game with a string of fine saves and they eventually scored their only goal, against the run of play, in the 65th minute.
Marc Cintron latched on to a long goal-kick by Gaudette and, on the break, buried his shot into the net.
Spain, despite playing a team 137 places below them in the FIFA rankings and whose only four previous matches this year have all been against Nicaragua, failed to come really close to adding to the score.
A notable absentee for Spain was Barcelona playmaker Xavi, who suffered from a niggling calf injury last season and was not selected by coach Vicente del Bosque to allow him more time to prepare for the La Liga season.
Juanfran also limped off with an injury.
Spain begin their qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil away to Georgia on September 11 and are in a Group I which also features France, Belarus and Finland.

Alex Ferguson dhe Robin van Persie (Foto: Man United)

Manchester United have signed with Robin van Persie from Arsenal for 24 million pounds, after he successfully passed the medical tests.
English teams today, Friday, has completed the transfer of 29-year-old, signing four-year contract, from which the attacker reportedly will benefit about 235 thousand euros per week, which means about 48 million euros for four years.

"Robin is a world class striker with a proven record in England and in European football. His talent does not need presentation to our fans - he has a number of goals scored against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movements, conclusions, and skills to be found in the area are exceptional, "said Sir Alex Ferguson during a press conference.

Ferdinand2862The Football Association have fined Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand £45,000 over his comment posted on Twitter.

The charge relates to Ferdinand’s response to a message which characterised Chelsea’s Ashley Cole as a "choc-ice".

Ferdinand requested a personal hearing for the charge and the FA have now confirmed that and independent regulatory committee have upheld to verdict, while the defender has also been warned over his future conduct on the social networking site.

In a statement on its official website, the FA said: "The Commission decided that the comment was improper and brought the game into disrepute.

"In addition, the Commission found that the breach included a reference to ethnic origin, colour or race. Ferdinand was fined £45,000 and warned as to his future conduct."

Cole was a defence witness during the John Terry trial, who was acquitted in July of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother, QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. 

The Manchester United defender reacted in an amused fashion to the "choc-ice" Tweet, which came from another twitter user.

 
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