INT Global Football

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Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has dropped the latest suggestion yet that embattled keeper Maarten Stekelenburg could be on his way out of the capital outfit this month.

The goalkeeper had publicly blasted his trainer for dropping him in favour of Mauro Goicoechea earlier this week, claiming the decision had not been explained to him at length.

But the 65-year-old told reporters: "I've asked Stekelenburg to be more involved with the team. He lives in isolation and only speaks English, something much of the team cannot do.

"When there is a lack of discipline, there is a lack of team spirit. Rules are forgotten, and every so often, things happen that shouldn't.

"It is difficult to be the coach of Roma. The squad is not at its best, due to training being affected by weather and illness."

Striker Mattia Destro is the latest injury casualty, after Roma confirmed the 21-year-old underwent surgery on his left knee, with his recovery period expected to be approximately eight weeks.

"I have enough strikers," said Zeman in response to questions regarding the Italy international's status.

Destro has only scored four goals in 16 games following a summer switch from Siena.

 

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JUVENTUS have signed French striker Nicolas Anelka from Shanghai Shenhua on a five-month rolling contract, according to club president Beppe Moratta.

The former France international, 33, becomes the Serie A champions' second big-name signing in a week after the capture of Spain international Fernando Llorente, who will join the club on July 1.

"I'm really happy to be here," Anelka told reporters after arriving in Turin by private jet.

Moratta told Sky Sport Italia that the signing was "not official yet", however television pictures showed Anelka meeting and shaking hands with club officials.

Marotta said: "It was an emergency situation and we needed some extra firepower up front. We have tied Anelka to a five-month deal.

"He can be a good short-term solution for us and at the end of the season we'll evaluate the situation.

"It is a five-month deal but with an option for the second season, if things go well."

Just how Anelka slots into Antonio Conte's squad remains to be seen. The Juve coach has several established strikers in Mirko Vucinic, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella, as well as Alessandro Matri and Nicklas Bendtner.

And Anelka's chances will also be hampered by the fact he may not yet be match fit. Recently, he spent a week training with former club Paris Saint Germain.

Marotta added: "He will be available for the squad and then it's up to Antonio Conte to decide how to use him. After all, he is not 100 percent fit as he hasn't played for a month."

Anelka, who began his career at PSG, also played for Arsenal, Real Madrid and Chelsea, among others, before a big money move to Shanghai where, according to reports from France, he was bored in the Chinese top flight.

ANSA news agency said Anelka was not expected at Juventus Stadium for their match against Genoa on Saturday and that he would undergo a medical on Sunday.

 

[seether]

Parreira: Neymar needs to move to Europe

The former Brazil coach believes the Santos star needs to leave South America and claims that he has been speaking to friends about moving to Europe.