Lazio Calciomercato Thread

[Jager]

Lazio give up on Carrizo? Saturday 18 August, 2007

Lazio could be forced to seek another goalkeeper after new passport problems hit Juan Pablo Carrizo.

The River Plate shot-stopper had agreed a £5.1m move to the Stadio Olimpico, but only if he was able to attain an EC passport.

This weekend it has emerged that the paperwork provided to prove his Italian relatives is not enough to satisfy the authorities.

The last Italian-born figure in his family tree left the country in 1870 for Argentina and he has to prove that none of the following five generations formally gave up their Italian citizenship.

If the bureaucracy drags on, then Lazio will be left without a first choice goalkeeper when the season kicks off on August 25.

Following Angelo Peruzzi’s retirement, the only other real option is 43-year-old Marco Ballotta.

Having already waited over a month to achieve this paperwork, the Biancocelesti are tired of hanging on and could now look for a new Number 1.

Livorno’s Marco Amelia was an option, although he is also a target for Sven Goran Eriksson’s Manchester City.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[dukeofdavinci]

Lazio call state of emergency Saturday 25 August, 2007

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Delio Rossi and President Claudio Lotito realise something must be done after yet more injuries. “Lazio are like a hospital at the moment!”

The Biancocelesti were held to a 2-2 draw by Torino at the Stadio Olimpico, but there was worse news in store for the club.


Modibo Diakhite’ was stretchered off with a fractured tibia and could well be out for the rest of the season, while Aleksander Kolarov sustained a suspected thigh strain.


The shortage of defenders meant Emilson Cribari had to play as a substitute just 10 days after surgery to correct a fractured cheekbone – and injury that was originally expected to keep him sidelined for two months.


“It is a complete state of emergency here. It is not possible that we continue to suffer all these injuries, it feels like we’re cursed,” said President Lotito.


“We absolutely need to do something for the defence, because we have nobody left. We’re like a hospital at the moment.”


The latest casualties join Guglielmo Stendardo and Stefano Mauri on the sidelines, while Massimo Mutarelli and Valon Behrami are suspended for next week’s Champions League qualifier at Dinamo Bucharest.


“It’s a shame we drew this match, as we clearly played better than Torino,” added Coach Rossi.


“For the last two months I have been forced to only make changes for injuries rather than tactical choices. I won’t say we’re unlucky, as I try to look at the positives, such as Cribari’s ability to help the team despite multiple fractures to his face.”

suits him well ...haha

[dukeofdavinci]

Clubs reject resignations Sunday 2 September, 2007

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Lazio and Catania have both rejected the resignation of their directors after disappointing transfer campaigns.

The Biancocelesti were criticised by their fans when the transfer deadline passed without the arrival of a prestigious new goalkeeper or defender, so Walter Sabatini handed in his resignation on Saturday.


“We have to maintain a balance in the locker room and I am interested in results,” said Lazio President Claudio Lotito (pictured).


“Sabatini’s resignation was all the fault of the journalists. This team is competitive in part thanks to him. I have rejected his offer to quit, although I am not sure if I can convince him to go back on it, he is a proud man who works quietly in the background.


“The problem with this club is that it doesn’t have the winning attitude. Look at Milan and how little they changed this summer, but they win because they have the right mental approach.


“The entire Lazio squad is with the director of sport and the players are not unsatisfied with the transfer market. He did nothing wrong, other than having his work picked apart by the media.”


The main embarrassment was the collapse of the deal to sign goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, who failed to register as an EC national.


“Lazio have an option to buy him, but for now he is still registered with River Plate. When the chance presents itself, we will bring him in. Will it be in January? I don’t know, I’m not psychic.”


President Lotito, who is not known for keeping a diplomatic air of secrecy over his dealings, also reveals other setbacks.


“I don’t know why Roberto Baronio didn’t accept the Levante move, you’d have to ask him. Fabio Firmani was also meant to leave, he is not part of our plans, but he didn’t reach an agreement on personal terms with Livorno.


“We had a deal for Boca Juniors midfielder Sebastian Battaglia as well, but his wife did not want the transfer to go through.”


Lazio are not the only club dealing with a surprise resignation, as Catania director general Pietro Lo Monaco also offered to quit.


“I immediately rejected the proposal and he will remain in his position to do his work,” said President Antonio Pulvirenti.


“He confided in me that he is going through a very stressful time and a lot of it is related to the problems we have had since that tragic February 2.”


During the Sicilian derby with Palermo, a group of Catania fans prompted a riot outside the Stadio Massimino, causing the death of police officer Filippo Raciti. Today the Massimino opens its doors again for the first time since that incident and the consequent ban.


Catania were also accused of encouraging violence in football last week when Coach Silvio Baldini incredibly kicked Parma boss Mimmo Di Carlo up the backside during a furious touchline row.

weird stuff.it is usually the other way around.

[dukeofdavinci]

Rossi slams Lazio policy Monday 3 September, 2007

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Delio Rossi admits he expected “something more” from Lazio’s transfer campaign, as the club struggles along through its injury crisis.

“Mourad Meghni is still not 100 per cent fit, so we are waiting for him to improve. We have to plough on in an emergency situation, but the team played with the right spirit and with a little more luck we might even have won,” he said of last night’s 0-0 draw at Sampdoria.


Emilson Cribari had to play again with a protective mask for his horrific facial injury, while the side was without Simone Del Nero, Guglielmo Stendardo, Stefano Mauri, Mobido Diakhitè, Aleksander Kolarov and Sebastiano Siviglia.


“Tommaso Rocchi wasn’t in good shape either. On Tuesday we played the game of our lives to reach the Champions League, so that does take quite a lot out of you psychologically and physically.”


If Rossi is already having so many problems picking a starting XI, how will he fare when Lazio are playing twice a week in their three competitions?


“Unfortunately the transfer window has closed. I expected something more and of greater quality, but it was not possible. This means the club could not do any better and I will have to make do with what I have – I’m accustomed to that in my career.”


Director of sport Walter Sabatini offered his resignation this weekend after criticism of their transfer activity, but President Claudio Lotito is trying to change his mind.


Rossi has another reason to be irritated with the club’s policy, as a former Lazio player has now received his first call-up to the Italy squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers with France and Ukraine.


“I was the only person to believe in Pasquale Foggia and demanded he be included in Massimo Oddo’s sale to Milan,” revealed the former Atalanta Coach.


“Anything other than that depends entirely on the club. All I do is train the players I’ve got.”

soo much for "we better then roma".....and what we have here is a internal squabble.

[dukeofdavinci]

Lotito defends summer signings Tuesday 4 September, 2007

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Lazio President Claudio Lotito has rejected criticism of the Biancocelesti’s transfer campaign and revealed that he snubbed Antonio Cassano.

The capital club were one of last season’s revealtions as they clinched Champions League football, but Delio Rossi’s side have disappointed so far thie time around.

After draws against Torino and Sampdoria, there are already suggestions that the Aquile didn’t make the most of the chance to add to their squad and the currenrt injury crisis could have been averted.

Coach Rossi has publicly stated that he had hoped for more new recruits and sporting director Walter Sabatini offered his resignation after a frustrating month culminating in the botched move for Juan Pablo Carrizo.

“We signed nine new players and the squad is complete,” Lotito raged. “The side should only be judged on results and I think that they will come.”

The fiery Lazio patron surprisingly claimed that he could have lured ex-Roma star Cassano over the summer, but opted against approaching Real Madrid.

“We didn’t need a sensational swoop,” he insisted.

“We also could have brought Cassano back to Rome, but we weren’t interested. The squad is calm and relaxed and this Lazio can go far.”

and the one who is no whr near from the pitch is giving assurance.

[dukeofdavinci]

Lazio make surprise swoop Thursday 6 September, 2007

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Lazio have agreed a contract with forward Fabio Vignaroli, who became a free agent after leaving Bari at the start of the summer.

The 31-year-old took his first training session with the Biancocelesti on Wednesday and did enough to earn a one-year deal with a possible 12-month extension to be negotiated in June 2008.

The Ligurian is a surprising addition to Delio Rossi’s ambitious squad as he has never proven himself at the top level and arrives after a disastrous campaign with Serie B side Bari.

Vignaroli failed to hit the net in 15 appearances for the Galletti last term and never settled fully at the Stadio San Nicola.

The ex-Parma marksman's most prolific spell came at Salernitana between 2000 and 2003 when he hit 26 goals in 81 outings and he has only netted eight times in the last four years.

a new addition the squad

[dukeofdavinci]

Lazio to lure Ze Maria? Monday 10 September, 2007

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Veteran ex-Inter defender Jose Ze Maria is reportedly a target for Lazio and has admitted he would jump at the chance to join the Biancocelesti.

The 34-year-old is a free agent after ending a one-year contract with La Liga side Levante this summer and Lazio are keeping a close eye on him, according to Italian Press reports.

“I read the speculation in the newspapers and it made me smile,” the Brazilian told Piazzadellaliberta.it.

“But there’s a big difference between words on paper and an actual move. Nobody from Lazio has been in contact with me.”

Ze Maria is certainly no stranger to the peninsula having spent six years at Perugia and he only left Inter in 2006 after two seasons and 30 games with the Nerazzurri.

Lazio transfer guru Walter Sabatini offered his resignation following a poor summer transfer campaign which saw them fail to secure a replacement for retired goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi.

However, he was convinced to carry on in the role and has tried to make amends by targeting free agents such as ageing hitman Fabio Vignaroli, who joined from Bari last week.

“I’ve known Sabatini for a long time and I know how he works,” Ze Maria continued.

“He is a great professional and if he called me and the offer was right I would be happy to accept.

“I want to sign for a new club and start training again before next week. I’ve had lots of offers from various countries, but we will wait and see.”

lazio looking in to new recruits after the dead linewhat a comedy.

[dukeofdavinci]

Lazio turn to Trablesi? Wednesday 12 September, 2007

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Lazio’s bid to strengthen their squad with free agents could lead them to Tunisian right-back Hatem Trabelsi.

The Biancocelesti faithful were disappointed with their summer transfer campaign and the man responsible Walter Sabatini offered his resignation after the failed move for goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo.

However, his resignation was refused and Sabatini is now attempting to make up for his summer shortcomings by bringing in players not attached to any club.

The capital club had been heavily linked with ex-Inter man Jose Zé Maria, but the Brazilian veteran seems to have his heart set on a move to England.

Trabelsi cancelled his contract with Manchester City this summer after playing 20 games at Eastlands and is looking for a new challenge.

The 30-year-old made his name at Ajax between 2001 and 2006 when he made 139 appearances for the Dutch giants.

Trabelsi was a regular for the Tunisian national side and received 61 caps, many as captain, before his retirement from international football in 2006.

He has reportedly told Lazio that he would be happy to move to the Eternal City and is awaiting negotiations over personal terms

trabelsi looks to be in fore for lazio but both have to wait january

[dukeofdavinci]

Lazio having Swede dreams Thursday 13 September, 2007

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Lazio are lining up a January swoop for Swedish defender Daniel Majstorovic, according to reports in the peninsula.

There was regular speculation that the capital club would secure his services before the summer transfer deadline.

However, it is believed that complications in the Biancocelesti’s attempts to sign goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo distracted attention from the 30-year-old international.

The FC Basel star has never played on one of Europe’s biggest stages, but he has nine caps for his country and is highly regarded in his native country.

Now, it seems that Lazio have reignited their interest in Majstorovic and may be preparing an offer for the winter transfer window.

“The January window will be crucial,” admitted President Claudio Lotito.

“We already have some solutions in mind, but we are going to make sure that we don’t unbalance the side.”

If Majstorovic is a target, it seems that he would be relish the chance to move to Italy.

“Everybody knows that Lazio are a big team and I am well aware of that,” Majstorovic told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“The club has a great history, amongst the best in Italy, and I would be very proud to wear the shirt.”

It is widely agreed that Coach Delio Rossi needs to strengthen the defence and Hatem Trabelsi and Jose Zé Maria have already been linked with a move to the Stadio Olimpico.

Meanwhile, Rossi’s side cruised to a 9-1 win in a training friendly against Sixth Division side Nuova Tor Tre Teste.

French starlet Mourad Meghni – who arrived from Bologna in pre-season – hit a hat-trick and Albanian hitman Igli Tare bagged a brace.

another target, lazio are a weird bunchafter dead line shopping.

[dukeofdavinci]

Lazio see Denis option Monday 24 September, 2007

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Lazio are reportedly chasing Independiente striker German Denis as a possibly replacement for wantaway star Tommaso Rocchi.

Alongside Goran Pandev, Rocchi has shouldered Lazio’s goal burden for the last two seasons and become a pivotal figure for the Biancocelesti.

Despite hitting 48 goals in 110 games for the capital club since joining from Empoli in 2004, the 29-year-old’s contract demands have not been met and he is believed to be lining up a move to a bigger club.

Denis is no stranger to the peninsula having spent a miserable 2002-03 campaign with Cesena when he managed just three goals in 28 appearances with the Seahorses.

Since then, however, the 26-year-old marksman has shown his true potential and is currently excelling with Argentine giants Independiente in the Primera Division.

Los Diablos Roja are unlikely to let Denis go cheaply and look likely to put an £8m price tag on his head.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[dukeofdavinci]

Italian duo for Streit fight Wednesday 26 September, 2007

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Reports from Germany suggest that Palermo and Lazio are ready to do battle for Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Albert Streit

The Romanian-born star also has a German passport and has been tipped to break into contention for a place in the national side should he choose Joachim Löw’s side over his country of birth.

According to 4-4-2.com, the Rosanero and Biancocelesti had scouts watching Streit as his Frankfurt side played Bochum last week.

The 27-year-old is under contract with the Eagles until 2009, but it is believed that the Commerzbank Arena outfit may be forced to let him go at the right price.

Palermo look likely to lose Australian star Mark Bresciano in January as he has admitted that he is hoping for a move to Manchester City and will be keen to find a ready-made replacement.

Aquile fans may recognise Streit as he scored against the Sicilians in last season’s UEFA Cup adventure.

While the asking price is unclear, Streit will certainly command more than the modest £2m that Schalke saw refused in the summer

channel4.com - Football Italia

[dukeofdavinci]

Rocchi sees Lazio solution Thursday 27 September, 2007

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Lazio striking star Tommaso Rocchi has reassured the Biancocelesti faithful that he expects to sign a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Venetian hitman was one of the heroes of last term as he hit 16 goals for a second successive campaign.

After a testing month, he seems to have rediscovered his form with a match-winning brace against Cagliari on Wednesday night.

However, Rocchi has been stalling over extending his current contract with the Aquile and the club may be forced to sell him before it expires in 2009.

Just a month ago, the 30-year-old suggested that the capital club were unlikely to meet his demands, but now he seems more positive that an agreement will be reached.

“I want to stay at Lazio,” he stated after the final whistle in Rome.

“The club want me to stay so everyone wants to same thing. We will find a solution soon, but at the moment it's still 50-50.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

[dukeofdavinci]

Lotito lets Rocchi back in Saturday 29 September, 2007

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Lazio President Claudio Lotito has ended months of deadlock by inviting Tommaso Rocchi to contract renegotiations.

The striker has been publicly furious with the club since the summer, when they refused to discuss a pay rise despite his impressive performances over the past three seasons, scoring 45 Serie A goals.


“Lazio construct solid rapports with its players. He is important to us both as a person and in football terms,” assured President Lot