Serie A Discussion

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Antonio Cassano has apologised to Sampdoria president Riccardo Garrone for the argument that had appeared to leave his career at the club in doubt.

Reports in the Italian press on Saturday suggested that Sampdoria were ready to terminate Cassano's contract, after the enigmatic Italy international was involved in a heated exchange with Garrone at the club's training ground.

A club statement confirmed that disciplinary action was being taken against Cassano, but he has moved to offer an olive branch to the president, after being asked to issue a written apology that had not seemed forthcoming.

The pair's argument stemmed from Cassano's refusal to attend an awards ceremony, but the forward claims that the press have blown the disagreement out of proprtion, and he insists he wants to stay at the club.

"What happened does not take into account the particular moment I am going through with my wife," Cassano told the ANSA news agency.

"If I want to stay as close to her as possible, in accordance with my many working commitments, then there must be a reason.

"I don't want to make it public right now, as it is my private family issue. The events described by the media were angled with a clear intent to put me in a bad light and they have managed it yet again.

"They do not take into account what happened beforehand, or how many times I have explained to people close to me that I am going through a very special moment with my life.

"I am very disappointed at what happened and have already apologised to president Garrone, who I care for very much, in front of my teammates."

"I read that this whole affair might've been linked to transfer speculation, but I confirm that - if given the opportunity - it is my firm intention to remain at Sampdoria."

Cassano has been regularly linked with a move away from Samp over the past 12 months, with the likes of Manchester City, AC Milan and Juventus all rumoured to be vying for his signature. But Juve director Giuseppe Marotta moved to play down speculation linking his club with a move for the former Bari and Roma man.

"I can say that Juventus are not behind this," Marotta told Mediaset. "Juventus have no intention of being disloyal towards Sampdoria. Cassano is not part of our project and all these rumours are without foundation."


Antonio Cassano has been at Sampdoria for three years, since joining from Real Madrid.

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Controversial striker Adrian Mutu returned to the Fiorentina line-up for the first time since completing a nine-month doping ban but could not inspire his side to victory in a frustrating encounter at Catania.

Both sides had plenty of chances to trouser all the points but both goalkeepers did enough to ensure it finished honours even.
The days prior to Mutu's return to action have been characteristically fraught, with the Romanian forced to issue an apology after being accused of leaving a waiter with a broken nose a fight in Florence.

As a result the 31-year-old was perhaps more relieved than he otherwise might have been to pull his boots back on, and was quickly in the thick of the action with his 25-yard drive forcing Mariano Andujar into a smart stop after three minutes.

Catania hit back from that scare with captain Adrian Ricchiuti rattling Sebastien Frey's crossbar with an effort from the edge of the area. A breathless opening 10 minutes continued with Alberto Gilardino's diving header forcing another stop from Andujar, while the Italy striker was again denied by the Catania keeper a minute later, his headed effort clawed away low down by the right post.

Nicolas Spolli and Alejandro Gomez both headed presentable chances over Frey's bar as Catania came back into the game, while the Fiorentina custodian did well to gather Mirco Antenucci's turn and shot after 33 minutes.

Mario Santana carved out the final chance of an entertaining opening 45 but saw his cross-shot dealt with by the busy Andujar.
Just after the hour mark Mutu's half-volley from 25 yards flew high over the bar in what was Fiorentina's last meaningful chance of the night.

Catania bossed proceedings over the final 20 minutes, first Mariano Izco chanced his arm from range only to see the ball fizz just wide, before on 75 minutes the same player saw another effort from distance parried to safety by Frey.

Frey also denied Gomez 10 minutes from time before wrapping up a good night's work for both goalkeepers with another stop from Izco's speculative effort in the final minute.

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The agent of Bologna goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has revealed he expects his client to leave the Rossoblu at the end of the season.

Claudio Vigorelli believes the Italian international is ready to take the next step in his career, and admitted there have been clubs showing interest in him.

"Emiliano has been having a great season so far. He has demonstrated that he deserveds to play on a bigger stage," Vigorelli told Tuttomercatoweb.

"I think that for next season, his objective will be to play at another club. We shall see whether it is at Inter or somewhere else.

"There have been clubs that have made inquiries into Emiliano, but nothing concrete at the moment. He is a player that is held in high esteem outside of Italy," concluded the agent.

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Parma sporting director Pietro Leonardi has affirmed the Gialloblu will keep coach Pasquale Marino at the helm of the club.

The Ducali have not had the best start of the season, and had a scoreless draw against Chievo.

"The many unfavourable episodes have determined our current situation, and the results have not gone our way," Leonardi explained to Sky. "I am not thinking about sacking Marino, and believe that the side can get out of this situation with the help of our coach.

"We need to resolve our goal problems because we are able to create many chances, but convert very few."

The Gialloblu currently sit in 17th place on eight points.

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Ronaldinho's brother and agent refused to say either way whether the future of the Brazilian star is in Milan, after the Rossoneri's loss to Juventus at the weekend.

The arrival of Robinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic has thrown the role of 'Dinho' into question in the side after a couple of under-par performances, and unless the samba magician can settle into a regular spot in the team, rumours again will be boiling over come January.

"Dinho, angry? Of course it's better when you win. Regarding his future we'll see for sure with [club CEO Adriano] Galliani. There is no meeting scheduled; it will be an informal chat as usual, we're friends," Roberto De Assis told Gazzetta dello Sport.

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La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported this morning that Fiorentina captain Riccardo Montolivo looks more and more likely to be forced into ankle surgery to cure his unrelenting injury.

Yesterday Montolivo made his 200th Serie A appearance as the Viola drew 0-0 with Catania but it was clear as the match wore on that the Italy international midfielder was struggling to keep up with the pace. The pitch was certainly of no help to Montolivo, churning up horribly in the middle of the park and making it uneasy under foot.

Originally Montolivo had hoped to see out the season before going under the knife but the situation is now preventing him from waiting that length of time and the Christmas holidays will likely be the new date set.

This will further dampen the spirits of coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, who is already under pressure in Florence. The draw with Catania marked only their second point away from home this season.

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Luigi Del Neri has underlined Juventus' title ambition as he gains confidence following the weekend win over Milan.

The Bianconeri rekindled their hopes for the Tricolore as they brushed the Rossoneri aside on Saturday.

And, after a long reflection, Del Neri admits his side are ready to mount a challenge as he works on the rise and reshaping of his side.

"The Scudetto? We are working for this," he told Radio Anch'io lo Sport.

"As for the rest, we are on the same mental level as everyone else.

"Everyone working at the club wants to improve and to give plenty for the fans as they deserve it.

"We are on the right track, even though there is plenty to work on, by the lads are applying themselves."

Sampdoria's Antonio Cassano has been linked heavily with Juventus, but Del Neri has kept speculative reports at arm's length.

"You cannot question Cassano. He has a natural talent and quality, but I hope his relationship with Sampdoria can be patched up," he added.

"Juventus? We are fine as we are, I hope he stays at Samp."

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Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has put a face on an illusive past as his path with Sampdoria ace Antonio Cassano intersects once again.

The chief admits he has always wanted Cassano, and he is watching the situation at Sampdoria unravel.

Cassano has reached a tension point with his club, who are looking to rescind his deal despite receiving a public apology for blasting president Riccardo Garrone.

And 'Zampa' has opened a route to trade.

"I would sign someone like Cassano easily. Once in the past he told me he wanted to play for Palermo. If he wants to come then we will take him," Zamparini told Calcionews24.com.

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Diego Maradona could be elected honorary Napoli president in future - an idea that has been welcomed by club chief Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Canale 21 Campania Sport presenter Umberto Chiariello made a suggestive opening in relation to Maradona's close ties with Napoli.

"De Laurentiis must nominate Maradona as honorary president of Napoli. It's what Real Madrid did with Alfredo Di Stefano and what Benfica did with Eusebio. The same should happen at Napoli," said Chiariello.

And De Laurentiis was quick to respond. He has opened the door to the possibility, but only after Maradona overcomes a number of bureaucratic issues with the Italian state.

"Maradona is a legend of football and it would be right to honour him," De Laurentiis told Canale 21 Campania Sport.

"I hope he can resolve his Italian tax problems so that he can come to Napoli freely.

"We made a film together some years ago. I think I will go and find him in Argentina to speak about football."

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Juventus are chasing a lost cause to have the stripped Calciopoli titles handed back, claims Luciano Moggi.

Bianconeri president Andrea Agnelli is leading the crusade to have the titles that were revoked in 2006 restored as he awaits the FIGC's own inquiry into evidence emerging at the current trial in Naples.

Moggi though claims there is little prospect of having them reassigned, regardless of the legal fight they have put up.

"I am happy with the words Andrea Agnelli said about me last week, but I don't think they will give back the Scudetti to Juventus. The Old Lady should have defended themselves four years ago," Moggi told Gold TV.

Inter have not been quiet about Juve's requests in the courtrooms, but Moggi feels they are clutching at short straws in relation to a recent claim that they were owed more titles.

"Inter want two more Scudetti? Moratti should think about the fake passports, the phone calls with designators and [Giacinto] Facchetti, who pressured a referee," Moggi said.