Calcio Catania (also known as Catania) is a professional Italian football club which competes in the top division of Italian football; Serie A. Calcio Catania was founded in 1908 and had moderate success until achieving the first promotion to Serie A in the 1950s.

Calcio Catania bounced between Serie A and the lower divisions during the next three decades until in 1993 the team was cancelled because of financial irregularities by the Italian football federation (FIGC). Calcio Catania had to fight a long judicial battle before managing to reverse the FIGC's cancellation and return to the league and even achieve promotion back to Serie B in 2002.

In the 2004/05 season, Calcio Catania was under new ownership and enjoyed revival that led the team to end the 2005/06 season in the 2nd position while securing promotion to Serie A after 22 years of absence.

Towards the end of the 2006/07 season, Calcio Catania reached the 4th place when the 2007 Catania football violence incident took place outside the Massimino stadium and as a result, all the football related events in the country were cancelled. After the Italian football league was restarted, Catania slipped down to the 13th place.

The following season was much harder for Calcio Catania. However, despite the poor results the team achieved in the league table, Calcio Catania had impressive performance in the Coppa Italia where the team reached the semi-finals for the first time in its history before eliminated by AS Roma.

ACF Fiorentina (AKA Fiorentina, Viola) is one of Italy’s top professional football clubs. Fiorentina’s home town is Florence in Tuscany. Most of Fiorentina’s history and records are in the Seria A, Italy’s top football league. Founded in 1926, Fiorentina has won the Seria A twice and the Italian Cup 6 times. Internationally the club did not win any major titles but arrived to the final stages as runners up for titles. At the 1960-61 season Fiorentina won the UEFA Cup Winners Cup.

Fiorentina plays at the Artemio Franchi stadium (with a capacity of almost 50,000 seats). Fiorentina’s stadium underwent several name changes over the years and several renovations. Fiorentina’s nickname – Viola – refers to the colors of the kit, which has always been in shades of purple.

The club was formed by the joining of two local Florence teams CS Firenze and PG Libertas. The thought behind the merger was to give Florence a strong club that will be able to contest for the Italian Championship, at the time open only to clubs from the North of Italy. It took Fiorentina only until 1931 to reach the Seria A, in time with the completion of its stadium, originally named Giovanni Berta (after a prominent fascist). In 1941 ACF Fiorentina won their first Coppa Italia, but the team were unable to build on their success during the 1940s because of World War II.

Gabriel Batistuta, became a player identified with Fiorentina during the 1990s. After a fall to the Seria B the club recruited Claudio Ranieri as coach for the 93-94 season. Upon their return to Serie A, Ranieri put together a good team centred around Batistuta, signing also Rui Costa from Benfica and Brazilian defender Marcio Santos. Costa became an idol to Fiorentina fans. in 1996 Fiorentina won the Italian Super Cup, defeating AC Milan at the San Siro.

In 1998, Giovanni Trapattoni was coaching Fiorentina. The club finished third but earned qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The following year Viola played some historical matches, beating Arsenal 1-0 in London and Manchester United 2-0 in Florence. In 2001 Fiorentina won the Coppa Italia for the sixth and last time. Financial difficulties followed and a fall to the forth tier of Italian football, Seria C2, for one season. By chance, the same year the Seria B was made to hold 24 teams instead of 20 and thus Fiorentina skipped a Seria C season and was promoted straight to the Seria B. Fiorentina returned to the Seria A at the 2004-5 season and stayed there since. (On July 2006, Fiorentina was relegated to Serie B due to its involvement in the 2006 match fixing scandal. The team was reinstated to the Serie A on appeal, but with a 19-point penalty for the 2006-07 season.)

Catania chief Lo Monaco admits they wanted to sell more of their stars

Catania chief Pietro Lo Monaco admits they're disappointed not to have moved on more players this summer.

Lo Monaco says they wanted to sell more of their top players.

He said: “I am convinced I made a mistake, because I had the chance to sell players worth a total of €50m. A club as small as ours cannot afford to keep players and must renew constantly.

“We had done bell and wanted to see this squad together for another year, so I lost sight of the objectives of a club like ours. What’s worth €50m in today’s market could be €25m next season.”

 Fiorentina coach Mihajlovic keen on Catania winger Christian Llama

Fiorentina coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is keeping tabs on Christian Llama's situation at Catania.

The Argentine wing-back is recovering from injury and could be available to play again next month.

Mihajlovic knows Llama from his time in charge of Catania and rates the midfielder highly. Catania are determined not to lose the wide-man after selling Jorge Martinez to Juventus earlier this summer.

 Catania chief Lo Monaco mocks Fiorentina coach Mihajlovic

Outspoken Catania director general Pietro Lo Monaco has taken a swipe at their former coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, now of Fiorentina.

Mihajlovic left Catania this summer for Fiorentina.

“Both Catania and Fiorentina made a radical change of management,” Lo Monaco told Radio Blu. “We brought in a calm person like Marco Giampaolo, while Florence got a wishy-washy man like Mihajlovic.

“It is a constant in Sinisa’s career that he has no fear of anyone and is so decisive, always speaking with conviction.

“Now it’s up to him to prove it on the field and make his actions follow his words.

“He had another year on his contract with us, but we rescinded it to send him to Fiorentina. We’re happier this way.”

 Juventus delighted as Wolfsburg table bumper bid for Diego

Juventus are ready to cash in on Diego.

Corriere dello Sport says Wolfsburg have put €15 million on the table for the Brazil international - which is enough for Juve to sell.

Juve GM Beppe Marotta is privately delighted by Wolfsburg's offer and is already planning to use the cash to fund a bid for a new striker signing.

Frenchman Karim Benzema, of Real Madrid, Villarreal's Italian Giuseppe Rossi, Giampaolo Pazzini of Sampdoria and Catania's Argentine Maxi Lopez are all on Marotta's short list of attacking targets.

Genoa fullback Salvatore Bocchetti is also the subject of serious interest from Juve this week.

Need your Juventus news fix? Click here for all Juve news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Catania offer Adrian Ricchiuti to Fiorentina

Catania have invited Fiorentina to make an offer for Adrian Ricchiuti.

The Argentine attacking midfielder has been offered to Fiorentina as a replacement for the crocked Stevan Jovetic.

For the moment, Fiorentina sports chief Pantaleo Corvino has said 'thanks, but no thanks' as he wants to focus on Adem Ljajic.

If they are to sign a replacement, Fiorentina are expected to shop abroad.

 Catania insist Maxi Lopez staying

Catania insist Maxi Lopez is staying with the Sicilians.

Maxi has been linked with Sunderland and Fiorentina in recent weeks.

“Maxi Lopez is a Catania player and he’ll play for us for the entire season,” said sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco.

“You need more than gossip, speculation and rumours to start transfer negotiations – you need money.

“Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has never contacted me so this matter ends here.”

 West Ham reject Caraglio fails Catania medical

Rosario Central striker Milton Caraglio has failed his Catania medical.

The Argentine was aiming to sign for Catania yesterday after failing to impress in trials at West Ham United.

"Caraglio is not the player for us,” confirmed Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco.

“We made the decision after the response from the medical tests.”

 Rosario Central blast West Ham over Caraglio treatment

West Ham United have been blasted by Rosario Central over their treatment of Milton Caraglio.

The Daily Star says West Ham have pulled out of a £7m move for Argentine forward Caraglio – sparking a war of words with his club.

Rosario Central are furious that the Hammers fielded Caraglio in last week’s friendly win against MK Dons without their permission.

A Rosario spokesman said: “It’s a shame what happened. We knew nothing of this. It is an outrage.”

Caraglio is finalising a move to Catania today.

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Milton Caraglio leaves West Ham to sign with Catania

Rosario Central striker Milton Caraglio is set to sign with Catania.

The Argentine has been training with West Ham United, but the Premiership club have passed on the prospect of signing him.

Caraglio was in Sicily last night and is expected to join Catania for €5 million.

“We just need to resolve a few small details, then I will finally be a Catania player,” Caraglio told Sky Sport Italia television.

“I’m so happy to be here. I will sign a contract for four or five years.”

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Catania snap up San Lorenzo midfielder Alejandro Gomez

Catania have snapped up San Lorenzo midfielder Alejandro Gomez.

The signing was announced by the Argentinian club, who reportedly sold the 22-year-old for around €3million (£2.5m).

Gomez moved to San Lorenzo last year after starting his career with Arsenal de Sarandi.

His arrival at Catania marks the Sicilian club's first signing of the summer.

 Maxi Lopez admits he could quit Catania

Maxi Lopez has cast doubt on his future at Catania.

The Argentine striker scored 11 goals in 17 games in the top flight last season and has been linked with Napoli and Milan.

Catania administrator delegate Pietro Lo Monaco doesn't want to lose him, having already sold Jorge Martinez to Juventus this summer.

Interviewed on Sky Italia, Maxi said: “At the moment, there isn't an offer, but if a really important one were to arrive we would speak about it with the club.

“Anyway, I'm here at training camp. I'm calm and I'm trying to improve day-by-day to start the season 100 per cent fit like in the second half of last season.”

 Agent cools Napoli link for Catania striker Maxi Lopez

The agent of Catania striker Maxi Lopez has played down talk of interest from Napoli.

Napoli have been linked with the former Barcelona forward, who has been a revelation at Catania since his January arrival.

"It's a story that is not confirmed," agent Dario Bombini itasportpress.it.

"The player is engaged in a pre-season retreat in Trentino and thinking of only Catania. There has been no contact with Napoli. Will he stay in Catania? Time will tell, he's happy to wear the Rossoazzurri shirt."

 Sunderland move for Catania star Maxi Lopez

Sunderland are preparing an offer for Catania striker Maxi Lopez.

The Journal says 6 ft 3 ins former Barcelona striker Lopez has been offered to the Black Cats by cash-strapped Catania this summer.

The 26-year-old scored 12 goals in 17 games in Serie A last season and has been linked with a move to Juventus.

Although a huge fan’s favourite at Catania, the club are understood to have offered him to several Premier League clubs – including the Wearsiders.

Need your Sunderland news fix? Click here for all Black Cats news and transfer rumours.

 Catania boss Giampaolo targets Europe

New Catania boss Marco Giampaolo says Europe is not out of reach for the Sicilians.

Giampaolo replaced Sinisa Mihajlovic earlier this summer and is looking to improve upon last years 13th place finish in Serie A.

He said: “I want to start with a clarification. I don't consider the decision to coach in Sicily to be a step down.

“I came to work with the professionalism of always and to make this team grow. The club is already a step forward in this sense: it's solid, serious, one of the few where the word 'planning' has a complete sense. We can look far. In Catania nothing is impossible.”

 Bayern Munich midfielder Sosa on brink of Parma move

Bayern Munich midfielder Jose Ernesto Sosa is on the brink of a move to Parma.

Datasport says negotiations are progressing well between Parma and Bayern.

It’s believed the move could be made official by Wednesday and that Sosa could be in Italy for the final talks.

Sosa came close to joining Catania in January.

 Catania chief Lo Monaco admits they wanted to sell more of their stars

Catania chief Pietro Lo Monaco admits they're disappointed not to have moved on more players this summer.

Lo Monaco says they wanted to sell more of their top players.

He said: “I am convinced I made a mistake, because I had the chance to sell players worth a total of €50m. A club as small as ours cannot afford to keep players and must renew constantly.

“We had done bell and wanted to see this squad together for another year, so I lost sight of the objectives of a club like ours. What’s worth €50m in today’s market could be €25m next season.”

 Fiorentina coach Mihajlovic keen on Catania winger Christian Llama

Fiorentina coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is keeping tabs on Christian Llama's situation at Catania.

The Argentine wing-back is recovering from injury and could be available to play again next month.

Mihajlovic knows Llama from his time in charge of Catania and rates the midfielder highly. Catania are determined not to lose the wide-man after selling Jorge Martinez to Juventus earlier this summer.

 Catania chief Lo Monaco mocks Fiorentina coach Mihajlovic

Outspoken Catania director general Pietro Lo Monaco has taken a swipe at their former coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, now of Fiorentina.

Mihajlovic left Catania this summer for Fiorentina.

“Both Catania and Fiorentina made a radical change of management,” Lo Monaco told Radio Blu. “We brought in a calm person like Marco Giampaolo, while Florence got a wishy-washy man like Mihajlovic.

“It is a constant in Sinisa’s career that he has no fear of anyone and is so decisive, always speaking with conviction.

“Now it’s up to him to prove it on the field and make his actions follow his words.

“He had another year on his contract with us, but we rescinded it to send him to Fiorentina. We’re happier this way.”

 Juventus delighted as Wolfsburg table bumper bid for Diego

Juventus are ready to cash in on Diego.

Corriere dello Sport says Wolfsburg have put €15 million on the table for the Brazil international - which is enough for Juve to sell.

Juve GM Beppe Marotta is privately delighted by Wolfsburg's offer and is already planning to use the cash to fund a bid for a new striker signing.

Frenchman Karim Benzema, of Real Madrid, Villarreal's Italian Giuseppe Rossi, Giampaolo Pazzini of Sampdoria and Catania's Argentine Maxi Lopez are all on Marotta's short list of attacking targets.

Genoa fullback Salvatore Bocchetti is also the subject of serious interest from Juve this week.

Need your Juventus news fix? Click here for all Juve news, transfer rumours and gossip.

 Catania offer Adrian Ricchiuti to Fiorentina

Catania have invited Fiorentina to make an offer for Adrian Ricchiuti.

The Argentine attacking midfielder has been offered to Fiorentina as a replacement for the crocked Stevan Jovetic.

For the moment, Fiorentina sports chief Pantaleo Corvino has said 'thanks, but no thanks' as he wants to focus on Adem Ljajic.

If they are to sign a replacement, Fiorentina are expected to shop abroad.

 Catania insist Maxi Lopez staying

Catania insist Maxi Lopez is staying with the Sicilians.

Maxi has been linked with Sunderland and Fiorentina in recent weeks.

“Maxi Lopez is a Catania player and he’ll play for us for the entire season,” said sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco.

“You need more than gossip, speculation and rumours to start transfer negotiations – you need money.

“Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino has never contacted me so this matter ends here.”

 West Ham reject Caraglio fails Catania medical

Rosario Central striker Milton Caraglio has failed his Catania medical.

The Argentine was aiming to sign for Catania yesterday after failing to impress in trials at West Ham United.

"Caraglio is not the player for us,” confirmed Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco.

“We made the decision after the response from the medical tests.”

 Rosario Central blast West Ham over Caraglio treatment

West Ham United have been blasted by Rosario Central over their treatment of Milton Caraglio.

The Daily Star says West Ham have pulled out of a £7m move for Argentine forward Caraglio – sparking a war of words with his club.

Rosario Central are furious that the Hammers fielded Caraglio in last week’s friendly win against MK Dons without their permission.

A Rosario spokesman said: “It’s a shame what happened. We knew nothing of this. It is an outrage.”

Caraglio is finalising a move to Catania today.

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Milton Caraglio leaves West Ham to sign with Catania

Rosario Central striker Milton Caraglio is set to sign with Catania.

The Argentine has been training with West Ham United, but the Premiership club have passed on the prospect of signing him.

Caraglio was in Sicily last night and is expected to join Catania for €5 million.

“We just need to resolve a few small details, then I will finally be a Catania player,” Caraglio told Sky Sport Italia television.

“I’m so happy to be here. I will sign a contract for four or five years.”

Need your West Ham news fix? Click here for all Hammers news and transfer rumours.

 Catania snap up San Lorenzo midfielder Alejandro Gomez

Catania have snapped up San Lorenzo midfielder Alejandro Gomez.

The signing was announced by the Argentinian club, who reportedly sold the 22-year-old for around €3million (£2.5m).

Gomez moved to San Lorenzo last year after starting his career with Arsenal de Sarandi.

His arrival at Catania marks the Sicilian club's first signing of the summer.

 Maxi Lopez admits he could quit Catania

Maxi Lopez has cast doubt on his future at Catania.

The Argentine striker scored 11 goals in 17 games in the top flight last season and has been linked with Napoli and Milan.

Catania administrator delegate Pietro Lo Monaco doesn't want to lose him, having already sold Jorge Martinez to Juventus this summer.

Interviewed on Sky Italia, Maxi said: “At the moment, there isn't an offer, but if a really important one were to arrive we would speak about it with the club.

“Anyway, I'm here at training camp. I'm calm and I'm trying to improve day-by-day to start the season 100 per cent fit like in the second half of last season.”

 Agent cools Napoli link for Catania striker Maxi Lopez

The agent of Catania striker Maxi Lopez has played down talk of interest from Napoli.

Napoli have been linked with the former Barcelona forward, who has been a revelation at Catania since his January arrival.

"It's a story that is not confirmed," agent Dario Bombini itasportpress.it.

"The player is engaged in a pre-season retreat in Trentino and thinking of only Catania. There has been no contact with Napoli. Will he stay in Catania? Time will tell, he's happy to wear the Rossoazzurri shirt."

 Sunderland move for Catania star Maxi Lopez

Sunderland are preparing an offer for Catania striker Maxi Lopez.

The Journal says 6 ft 3 ins former Barcelona striker Lopez has been offered to the Black Cats by cash-strapped Catania this summer.

The 26-year-old scored 12 goals in 17 games in Serie A last season and has been linked with a move to Juventus.

Although a huge fan’s favourite at Catania, the club are understood to have offered him to several Premier League clubs – including the Wearsiders.

Need your Sunderland news fix? Click here for all Black Cats news and transfer rumours.

 Catania boss Giampaolo targets Europe

New Catania boss Marco Giampaolo says Europe is not out of reach for the Sicilians.

Giampaolo replaced Sinisa Mihajlovic earlier this summer and is looking to improve upon last years 13th place finish in Serie A.

He said: “I want to start with a clarification. I don't consider the decision to coach in Sicily to be a step down.

“I came to work with the professionalism of always and to make this team grow. The club is already a step forward in this sense: it's solid, serious, one of the few where the word 'planning' has a complete sense. We can look far. In Catania nothing is impossible.”

 Bayern Munich midfielder Sosa on brink of Parma move

Bayern Munich midfielder Jose Ernesto Sosa is on the brink of a move to Parma.

Datasport says negotiations are progressing well between Parma and Bayern.

It’s believed the move could be made official by Wednesday and that Sosa could be in Italy for the final talks.

Sosa came close to joining Catania in January.