Marquez Gets Red Bulls Rolling With His First GoalRafael Marquez scored the Red Bulls’ opening goal, his first for the club, in a 4-1 victory at Toronto F.C.
South Africa Police Wary of Cup Visit by ObamaIf the U.S. advances past the group stage at the World Cup, South African police officials would have to deal with security around a potential visit by President Obama.
In Italy, a Disgraced Man Hits BackLuciano Moggi, the former Juventus director, was cast out of Italian soccer for his role in a pair of scandals. But he remains the ghost that haunts calcio.
Inter Milan Edges Past Lazio to Stretch Its LeadInter Milan sprinted eight points clear at the top of Serie A with a 1-0 win over Lazio while Juventus's miserable form continued with a 2-1 loss at home to Catania.
Another Stumble as Juventus Falls to Newly Promoted BariJuventus’s troubles continued in a 3-1 soccer loss at Bari, with the playmaker Diego missing a penalty kick.
Two Scorers Display the Value of ExperienceIt seemed like old times returning in the Champions League. Bayern Munich won mightily, Real Madrid and AC Milan cruised through and a half-forgotten Englishman scored a hat trick on German soil.
Chase Is On, for Criminals, in the Champions LeagueUEFA, the ruling body for soccer in Europe, said 40 games are under suspicion, many involving Eastern European teams associated with illegal betting.
Juventus Stays Perfect, Thanks Again to BuffonJuventus kept up its winning start to soccer's Serie A as it beat Livorno with goals through goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta and Claudio Marchisio.
For One Night, It's an Oldish Man's GameLife begins at thirty-something in the Champions League as those familiar names, Ra?l and Pippo, princes among poachers, stole in for their 65th and 44th goals in the tournament.
Juventus Looks for Early Goals Against ChelseaClaudio Ranieri, the Juventus coach, will have another chance to change his lineup when his present team takes on his former club, Chelsea, in the Champions League on Tuesday.
With Three Goals, Midfielder Powers Second-String U.S. Lineup Past SwedenSacha Kljestan became the first American in 75 years to score his first three international goals in the same game, leading the United States over Sweden, 3-2.
Juventus Putting Pressure on InterThe race to the scudetto is on in Italy at the halfway point of the Serie A season.
Goal: Juventus Putting Pressure on Inter in Serie AWith a loss to Atalanta, Inter Milan has allowed Juventus to come within three points of the league lead, setting up a pivotal match in Turin on April 19 if both teams stay on course.
European Soccer Challenges Free MarketMichel Platini, the former France player and now president of European soccer’s governing body, is leading an attempt to bypass European labor law to stop teams spending what they want on the players they want.
Rage and Revival in Italy’s Sports OperaThe drama of Italian soccer, the success and the squalor, the skill and the sleaze, has again been laid bare for the world to see.
Aquilani would have had no problems staying at Liverpool
Alberto Aquilani has revealed he would have been happy to have stayed at Liverpool this season after his surprise season-long loan move to Juventus.
The Italian midfielder admits the move to Juventus came as a surprise as he was preparing himself for the new season at Anfield.
However, the former Roma man conceded a move to Juventus was too good to turn down after a disappointing first season at Liverpool last term.
"It was really fast, a blitz," Aquilani told Tuttosport. "One day I was speaking with [Roy] Hodgson and we were discussing Liverpool's season and three days later I found myself having a medical in Turin.
"Liverpool counted on me and in the end I would also have stayed because at the end of last season I was getting in gear physically and I had played the last eight games of the campaign.
"The fans had started to show me affection. Then this opportunity arrived and I didn't even need a minute to think about it. Liverpool wanted to only send me on loan, but [Juve general director, Beppe] Marotta insisted to have the option to buy."
Aquilani is enjoying his early days in Turin and is relishing the prospect of playing for the Bianconeri.
"Turin has made a beautiful impact on me," added Aquilani. "I also like the climate because with respect to Liverpool...
"It's a beautiful city. I didn't expect it to be like this. It has been a positive surprise.
"Juventus on the other hand aren't a surprise. I knew the city, but Juventus is Juventus just like you see on the outside. It's one of the most important clubs in the world."
Need your Liverpool news fix? Click here for all Reds news and transfer rumours.
Arsenal emerge as surprise favourites for Anderlecht star Lukaku
Arsenal
Jose Mourinho
Juventus
Real Madrid
Chelsea
Arsenal are emerging as surprise favourites for Anderlecht superkid Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku has publicly declared his ambition to play for Chelsea, while his agent has confirmed the interest of Juventus this week. Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho admitted they tried to sign the youngster last month.
However, Arsenal's interest in Romelu's younger brother Jordan Lukaku, who plays at left-back for Anderlecht and Belgium U17, has swung the pursuit in their favour.
Romelu's parents would rather see the brothers move together to a new club next summer.
Click here for the best Arsenal coverage on the 'net. All your Gunners news and gossip in one spot.
Liverpool linked with Palmeiras defender Danilo
Fiorentina
Juventus
Lazio
Liverpool
Liverpool are being linked with Palmeiras defender Danilo Larangeira.
Brazilian sources say Danilo will seek a move to Europe in January and Palmeiras are willing to sell for around €4 million.
Along with Liverpool, Fiorentina, Juventus and Lazio are also said to be potential destinations for the centre-half.
Click here for the best Liverpool coverage on the 'net. All your Reds news and gossip in one spot.
Birmingham tried for Arsenal fullback Traore
Arsenal
Juventus
Birmingham City
Birmingham City made an attempt to sign Arsenal fullback Armand Traore last week.
The Birmingham Mail says Brum boss Alex McLeish made an attempt for Traore on loan from Arsenal, but he ended up at Juventus as the Gunners didn’t want to include an option to buy as part of the deal.
McLeish admits he had wanted to sign and out-and-out left-back during the summer.
Palace star Davids in hot water back home
Crystal Palace signing Edgar Davids could be in hot water back home in Holland.
Davids is facing a police investigation after allegedly slapping a woman in an Amsterdam cinema.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims that a row broke out when Davids, who was with his fashion designer fianc?e Olcay Gulsen, took offence to two women who were sitting in his pre-booked seats at the Tuschinski theatre in the Dutch capital.
Former Tottenham and Juventus star Davids, 37, is accused to have had an altercation with the women, leaving one with a black eye.
It has been reported that CCTV footage of the incident is being looked at by Dutch police – who have confirmed Saturday night’s incident but not disclosed the names of those involved.
Juventus defender Bonucci reveals Man Utd, Man City offers
Juventus
Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson
Juventus signing Leonardo Bonucci has revealed the interest of Manchester United during the summer.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson had Bonucci watched last season when he was with Bari.
The young defender revealed: "Juve are the top. I know that in January, Man City came looking for me, and more recently Man United. But when the offer arrived from the Bianconeri, I had no doubts.
“I will grow even more here and in 2012 I see myself together with Chiellini, Ranocchia and Bocchetti in forming the group of centre-backs at the next European Championship."
Click here for the best Manchester United coverage on the 'net. All your United news and gossip in one spot.
Arsenal fullback Traore explains Juventus move
Arsenal fullback Armand Traore has explained his loan move to Juventus.
The 21-year-old made the move from Arsenal on transfer deadline day and will shore up the left-back position.
“There aren’t many differences between Juve and Arsenal. Juve have won more titles, but they are both big sides,” he said in a Press conference.
“Juventus are a very, very important club. I decided to come here despite receiving other offers.
“The moment the idea of the Bianconeri was suggested, I immediately said I wanted to come here.”
Click here for the best Arsenal coverage on the 'net. All your Gunners news and gossip in one spot.
Juventus GM Marotta looking forward to Sampdoria clash
Juventus GM Beppe Marotta is looking forward to their clash with Sampdoria this weekend.
Marotta left Samp for Juve at the end of last season.
He reflected: "In eight years I experienced with Sampdoria an unforgettable time for a manager. When I arrived the club was close to Serie C, when I left they had gained qualification to the Champions League.
"This is thanks to the Garrone family and professionalism of the club. I'm excited, it's a page full of memories and emotions."
Click here for the best Juventus coverage on the 'net. All your Juve news and gossip in one spot.
Ex-Inter Milan chief Mazzola: Napoli should not have sold Quagliarella
Inter Milan
Juventus
Napoli
Sandro Mazzola believes Napoli should never have sold Fabio Quagliarella to Juventus.
The former Inter Milan sports director, however, believes the Azzurri will enjoy a good season.
Mazzola said: "Buying Edinson Cavani is important, but I never would have sold Quagliarella, who with all the competitions they're in would certainly be useful - but there are also budgetary needs.
"Fabio is someone I've known for years who would have been happy in Azzurri.
"Napoli is a team that starts with many certainties, has changed little and the players know the methods of (coach Walter) Mazzarri, this year they will do very well."
Rubin Kazan signing Bocchetti: I had interest from AC Milan, Juventus
Former Genoa defender Salvatore Bocchetti is delighted with his move to Rubin Kazan.
The Italy international signed with the Russian champs last month, despite interest from Italy's biggest clubs.
He said: "I am delighted to tackle this new adventure. The national team? I will do my best to win my place back.
"This summer I was very close to AC Milan and Juventus, but there was never anything concrete."
Bonucci confident with Juventus choice
Leonardo Bonucci is confident he made the right choice in signing with Juventus.
The young defender also was a summer target for Inter Milan.
“When I arrived I soon felt like I was in a family. Meeting an Agnelli there as President is the maximum,” Bonucci said. “The relationship with him seems as though it has lasted a lifetime.
“I know that I still must improve. The partnerships at Milan, Inter and Chiellini, the player, are all still superior without forgetting the duo of Burdisso and Juan.
“I will grow even more here and in 2012 I see myself together with Chiellini, Ranocchia and Bocchetti in forming the group of centre-backs at the next European Championship.
“My wish right now is to be Juve’s best signing [of the summer].”
Click here for the best Juventus coverage on the 'net. All your Juve news and gossip in one spot.
Baggio calls for more focus on Italy youth development
Juventus and AC Milan legend Roberto Baggio says Italy must focus on bringing through more young talent.
Baggio was appointed President of the FIGC’s Technical Sector earlier this summer and paid a visit to Italy’s training camp yesterday.
“We must work on the youngsters to help them become good footballers and first of all good people,” Baggio said.
“Prandelli is right: quality is the only to road to climb and Italy needs players like Cassano.
“Dreaming helps you live. My goal is to do well with the FIGC. For me, returning to Coverciano and being around the Italy squad is a strong emotion, like the first day at school.
“As for La Nazionale, I saw the game against Estonia, but it’s too soon to judge.
“The walk has only just begun. It takes time and patience.”
Click here for the best Juventus coverage on the 'net. All your Juve news and gossip in one spot.
Juventus defender Chiellini: I am Italy leader
Giorgio Chiellini
Juventus
Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has declared himself a leader in the new Italy locker room.
Chiellini was speaking after the Azzurri's 5-0 thrashing of Faroe Islands.
“I think I’m a leader of the defence. Perhaps you can’t tell from the stands or the television, but those on the field know,” he told RAI.
“The important thing is to create a team unit that has several leaders. We all get on great and have a strong rapport, so everyone is ready to work for their teammates.”
The Euro 2012 qualifier at the Stadio Franchi represented Italy’s first clean sheet after conceding 10 goals in seven games.
“It’s nice every now and then for us defenders not to work too hard! It was important to get off to a strong start and get the result safe, as it made life easier for ourselves.
“We admittedly took our foot off the gas after a while, but that was to be expected.”
Click here for the best Juventus coverage on the 'net. All your Juve news and gossip in one spot.
Juventus eye January transfer window for Defoe move
Juventus
Jermain Defoe
Tottenham
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has been identified by Juventus as the sort of goalscorer needed by the Italian giants, according to Itasportpress.
The 27 year old is on the Serie A club's radar as he continues to impress for both Spurs and England.
The hitman's hat-trick against Bulgaria at Wembley last week has seen his stock rise sharply around Europe, and he could be the answer for Juventus.
A January transfer could arise, but the Bianconeri would have to offer the Premier League outfit at least €16 million and overcome Tottenham's likely resistance to a sale.
Need your Tottenham news fix? Click here for all Spurs news and transfer rumours.
Man Utd boss Ferguson will not miss Benzema second time round
Jose Mourinho
Juventus
Lazio
Manchester United
Real Madrid
Sir Alex Ferguson
Liverpool
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to try again for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema.
The Daily Star says Ferguson is a long-term admirer of the Frenchman, who will be put up for sale in next January’s transfer window.
Benzema, 22, has failed to make an impact at the Spanish giants and new Bernabeu boss Jose Mourinho is keen to off-load him.
It’s a move that is likely to spark a bidding war between Manchester United – who tried to sign the Lyon star in the summer of 2009 – and several of Europe’s leading clubs.
Benzema, who cost Real £28m, could be sold for as little as £12m although the United boss will face strong competition from Juventus, Lazio and possibly Liverpool.
Click here for the best Manchester United coverage on the 'net. All your United news and gossip in one spot.