Cristiano Lucarelli wants Parma stay

[Morrison]

Serie A top scorer Cristiano Lucarelli may leave Livorno in an effort to be a part of the 2006 World Cup Finals.

Lucarelli has always shown great loyalty to his hometown club, but may be looking for a move after he won his maiden Azzurri call for the recent North American tour.

"Cristiano is open to any possibility right now," Carlo Pallavicino, his agent, told Lady Radio.

"Lucarelli is very close to Livorno but he wants a chance to play at the World Cup.

"He’s worried that Livorno’s squad won’t be good enough to survive or allow him to impress the national boss next season."

Lucarelli had previously stated that he would only leave the Tuscan club for a foreign outfit, but his agent has opened the door to Fiorentina.

"They are a club who Cristiano feels close to," added Pallavicino. "They’ve been linked to Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese) and Andrea Caracciolo (Brescia) but he’s just as good."

The move could in theory take place, especially after sporting director Pantaleo Corvino – who signed Lucarelli at Lecce in the past – has now joined the Viola.

"There is a good understanding between the two men," continued the agent. "I know that Corvino was key in Lucarelli’s arrival at the Via Del Mare."

Lucarelli played in both draws against Serbia and Ecuador last week, scoring in the first game on his debut while missing a penalty in the second.

[azzurri]

Lucarelli is a class player, u dont c loyality to a club like that anymore

[Rosa]

yes you do...

[azzurri]

hinting at totti???dont think lucarelli got the same big cheque totti did lol

[Morrison]

i hope that he joins either Inter or Roma...

[Jager]

Cristiano Lucarelli has blasted Livorno chief Aldo Spinelli following his brother’s departure and admits an eleventh hour move to Spurs is still possible.

“My instinct is telling me to leave this place immediately, but my heart is pushing me to stay with the Amaranto,” last year’s Capocannoniere told reporters as he handed back the captain’s armband.


The striker was on target in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Lecce and confessed after the game that he was considering offers from Tottenham and Newcastle United. His price-tag is believed to have reached £6m after he topped the Serie A scorers’ charts with 24 goals last term.


The situation had calmed over the weekend, but this afternoon degenerated wildly with news that Lucarelli had skipped the training session and called a Press Conference for this evening.


“Spinelli has hurt me deeply by suggesting I was only after money. Those who know me are aware that financial status means nothing as far as I am concerned. In two years at Torino I could’ve earned as much as it took me five seasons to get with Livorno and I rejected prestigious overseas offers.”


Even after this damning Press Conference, Lucarelli’s future at the Stadio Picchi is far from certain, as negotiations with Tottenham are continuing.


“Spurs have put in a request for me,” he continued. “If Livorno reach an agreement with the club for my sale, I don’t know if I’d sign the contract. I am deeply disappointed in the way President Spinelli has treated me and the entire team.”


Part of the problem is the decision of Cristiano’s brother Alessandro – also a born and bred Livorno supporter – to complete a permanent move to Reggina.


“President Spinelli waged war on me, despite the fact I scored four goals,” said the 28-year-old defender. “He tried to limit how much time I spent on the field and I was put in a position where I had to leave.”


There have also been some other transfer moves this afternoon, as Empoli have signed Fiorentina benchwarmer Christian Riganò on loan. The 31-year-old forward was a key figure in the Viola’s promotion from Serie C2 to the top flight, scoring 57 goals in 94 League appearances, but failed to find space over the last year.


Inter have captured Piacenza goalkeeper Paolo Orlandoni, putting further pressure on Francesco Toldo and new Brazilian shot-stopper Julio Cesar. It’s a return for the 33-year-old, who grew up in the Nerazzurri youth system.


Lecce added to their arsenal of attacking midfielders with the arrival of Gennaro Del Vecchio. The 27-year-old was picked up by Sampdoria following the financial collapse of Perugia and has now been loaned out to the Stadio Via del Mare outfit.


Napoli have signed Parma youth product Gaetano Grieco, who spent last season on loan at Foggia, on a permanent deal.

Its safe to assume that if Luccarelli leaves Livorno, they are in serious trouble.

If he has a descent season, I see him playing with one of the three "sisters" in by next year.

[Muscolino18]

Really? No doubt he's a fantastic talent, who in recent seasons has truly found his scoring touch..but Juve, Inter or Milan is a massive step up. I can't see it. Roma/Lazio/Viola/Udine/Parma/Samp maybe..he's a favourite of mine though. Prefer him to Bobo..but I'm keeping an open mind with Vieri after his positive performance against Ireland. Roll on Saturday.

[Jager]

Hard to say, look at Milan. If they don't win this season, I think Carlo is gone, and I think they'll clean house.

Inter have Recoba as number three, with Cruz behind Martins...I think this will be Recoba's last year. Its very hard to say.

Maybe your right.

Juve have some young assets, so your probably right.

Give it time, Lucarelli is a leader. In this day and age, that goes a long way.

[ParmaKing]

Luccarelli is great, and he is consistent. One could say if he had the midfielders that Juve, Inter and Milan have, how good could he be?

[interista luigi]

He is a huge chunk of that team, they will probably go to Serie B if he leaves.

[kennethlindheim]

Was great for Livorno last season, should stay because it would take him time to adjust to EPL and might ruin his chances for the World Cup.

[meccano]

name any Italian that has done well in the PL.......none.....PL is alot faster than Serie A so any Italian striker will have a difficult life in England.

[Muscolino18]

Zola.

[meccano]

Zola sure BUT he is/wasnt an out an out striker

[sinoy1]

Hard to say, look at Milan. If they don't win this season, I think Carlo is gone, and I think they'll clean house.

i wish he did get fired...so then he could have come to us....oh well....lucarelli to spurs... i like that. probably because i like the spurs.