Serie B Among Gianluigi Buffon's Greatest Moments With Juventus

Juventus goalkeeper Buffon suggests Serie B demotion was a good experience.
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said his experience in Serie B was among his best at the club as he celebrates his 10th year in Turin.

Speaking to Juventusmember.com, the Italian international said: "My first big joy was winning the Scudetto of May 5 [2002], and then the [2003 Champions League] final in Manchester, which is always a historic memory despite the negative outcome. And, there is the game against Rimini in Serie B."

Buffon's success with Juventus has been rewarded with his appointment as captain of the Italy team.

"It's a great reward, sooner or later it was bound to happen after making my debut 14 years ago," he said.

"I have to say it's an honour to wear the armband, but there are many captains in this national team."

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Barcelona Defender Gerard Pique Suspended For Second Leg Of Arsenal Champions League Tie

Gerard Pique will miss Barcelona's second leg meeting with Arsenal in the Champions League through suspension.
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique will be suspended for the second leg of their Champions League clash with Arsenal after collecting a booking during last night’s match at the Emirates.

The Spanish international stopper was cautioned for a foul just prior to the hour mark, pushing him over the tournament threshold, and he will serve a one-match ban

The former Manchester United man also missed the second leg of the corresponding tie last season, after collecting a booking, while compatriot Carles Puyol picked up a red card and also missed the return.

Indeed, Puyol was absent from last night’s 2-1 defeat through a continuing tendonitis problem, and his presence in the second leg is also in jeopardy, with Blaugrana doctors unsure as to when he will be available again.

Goals from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin proved enough to edge the Gunners to a first leg advantage, with the return at the Camp Nou taking place on March 8.

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Young Boys Midfielder Mario Raimondi Relishing Zenit St. Petersburg Europa League Clash

Young Boys midfielder Mario Raimondi is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Europa League match against Zenit St. Petersburg.
Young Boys midfielder Mario Raimondi is eagerly anticipating the Europa League match against Zenit St. Petersburg. Both sides meet in Switzerland this evening.

"We know that our visitors are a very successful club. They are Russian champions and have a strong squad, a big budget and high ambitions. Each of us know that our play will have to be of a high calibre, but it is difficult to gauge how the game will go," said Raimondi on his club's official website.

"What sort of form will Zenit be in? Every player has received a CD with a compilation of some games involving Zenit. In addition, we were handed a file containing the main information about them, and in the last days before the game the coaches have gone into more detail with us.

"We face a big task but on a good day we can compete with everyone. It would be nice to keep a clean sheet. A 2-0 win at home we would accept in advance of course.

"Ahead of next week I've heard that present temperatures in St. Petersburg are minus 20 degrees. The staff are going to take up the shirt sizes of the players, so we can be equipped with special insulating clothing."

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Real Madrid's Iker Casillas: It Is Tough To Challenge For Titles With Such A Young Squad

Iker Casillas feels it is difficult for Real Madrid to continue to challenge for honours on all fronts with such a young first team squad.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes that it is difficult for a team as young as Real Madrid to continue to fight for trophies on all fronts.

The Spanish international captain is one of the senior members of Los Blancos' squad at the age of 29, with only Jerzy Dudek at 37 years of age older than him in the first team squad.

In an interview with Real Madrid TV, Casillas stated however that the youth and exuberance will guarantee an excellent team for the future.

He remarked: “It is not easy to have a workforce as young as this. We are very young, in fact I am the second oldest, at 29. But we are here, alive in three competitions and have a very strong group, which shows that there is a team that can be here for many years.”

Casillas also took the opportunity to brush off suggestions that there are differences between certain members of the squad, adding: “At no time are people on different sides.

“I think people see that there are good vibes and a great atmosphere, and what is being said is only to destabilise us.”

The World Cup winner will be suspended for the club's next league match against Levante after picking up a red card during Sunday's 1-0 win over Espanyol.

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Benfica Keen On Brondby Defender Daniel Wass

Brondby defender Daniel Wass has attracted the interest of Benfica.
Promising full-back Daniel Wass could be on his way out of Danish side Brondby at the end of the season as Portuguese champions Benfica have shown an interest in signing the defender, according to a report in A Bola.

The Lisbon giants are looking to add some depth to their back-line in the summer transfer window and head coach Jorge Jesus supposedly sees the 21-year-old Wass as the perfect addition to his squad.

Wass is a product of the Brondby youth academy and made his official debut in 2007-08. He then spent one season on loan at Fredrikstadt before returning to Brondby, where he has developed into an important first team player this term.

The right-back made his Denmark debut in the international friendly against England earlier this month.

His current contract with Brondby expires at the end of the season, meaning that he could leave the club on a Bosman move.

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Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin: We Cannot Afford To Lose European Competition Revenue

Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin stresses that club needs European qualification to boost revenue streams.
Atletico Madrid CEO Gil Marin has been discussing the financial implications of a poor season for the club, and confessed that they can ill-afford to end the campaign without European qualification.

Los Colchoneros are a massive 15 points behind Villarreal, who occupy La Liga’s fourth Champions League position, but are part of a closely-contested race for the third Europa League spot, which has become available due to Barcelona and Real Madrid competing in the Copa del Rey final.

Speaking in an interview with AS, Marin outlined the revenue that would be lost if a place in Europe is not achieved, stating: “The club earns €135 million, but €110 million of this is guaranteed through TV, advertising, subscriptions, and ticket sales. This extra €20 or €25 million is not generally a problem, because it covers extraordinary income.

“Last year was great because it covered the budget as we reached the final of the Europa League and won the European Super Cup. But the truth is that we cannot be so irregular, it is inexplicable. We simply cannot afford it.”

Marin, alongside president Enrique Cerezo, spoke at length about the club’s current financial standing, and on the subject of debt, both men said that while the figure is not increasing, it remains a sizeable sum.

Marin continued: “It is not falling, but it is controlled. We could begin to reduce it, but that would mean selling players. We don’t want to do that, what we will try to do, above all, is maintain the competitiveness of the team, without losing any major players.”

Cerezo added that the club had brought in Elias and Juanfran during the transfer window at the request of coach Quique Sanchez Flores, but refused to comment on why neither has been able to hold down a place in the side.

He concluded: “We made a huge effort to sign two players, we negotiated morning, noon and night to bring in Juanfran in particular, because the coach asked us to. But we cannot go any further into technical decisions by the coach.”

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Schalke Coach Felix Magath Satisfied With 'Deserved' Draw With Valencia

Felix Magath was pleased that Schalke managed to earn a draw against Valencia in Tuesday's Champions League match.
Schalke coach Felix Magath was pleased with his team's 1-1 draw away to Valencia in the Champions League and the gaffer feels that the result was fully deserved based on the Germans' performance.

"It was a deserved draw. We came out very well for the match and deserved the goal. We performed and played well," he said according to Kicker.

"We controlled the game in the second half," he added, according to AS. "Victory would have been a better result, but I'm satisfied with the draw."

Roberto Soldado opened the scoring in the first half, but die Knappen were much improved after the break and levelled through the magnificent Raul, who netted his record-tying 70th goal in European competition.

"This match demonstrates Raul's class, he created the goal. We have a chance in the return leg," Peer Kluge stated.

Manuel Neuer echoed his team-mate's comments and said, "It was important that we came back, and that Raul had his flash of inspiration."

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Milan Goalkeeper Christian Abbiati Suffers Head Injury Against Tottenham

Milan 'keeper Christian Abbiati was forced to leave the field after 20 minutes into the Rossoneri's Champions League match against Tottenham.
Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati picked up a head injury after colliding with Peter Crouch during Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur.

Abbiati came off his line to punch a cross away, but upon doing so, collided with the towering forward.

Upon getting up, he turned to the linesman and complained of a strong pain in his head, and was unable to stand up properly. He was stretchered off after 20 minutes and replaced by Marco Amelia.

Abbiati was taken to hospital to undergo scans, and Goal.com Italia have reported the custodian suffered minor trauma to the cranium.

The Rossoneri went on to lose the match 1-0 courtesy of a Crouch goal in the 80th minute.

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Valencia Will Be Prepared For Schalke Showdown - Unai Emery

Valencia coach Unai Emery has vowed to adequately prepare his team for the second leg of los Che's Champions League clash with Schalke.
Following his team's 1-1 draw with Schalke at the Mestalla, coach Unai Emery vowed that Valencia would improve for the second leg.

"We will thoroughly prepare for the return leg," he pledged before commenting on Raul, who scored a second half equaliser for the Germans. "I would praise him, if he wouldn't have caused us so much harm."

Based on the play on the pitch, the gaffer considers the draw a fair result.

"Each team had their merits. If we drew, it's because that was the deserved outcome. [Vicente] Guaita made many saves but in the end they scored. We also failed to create chances," Emery said according to AS.

"Now we must think of La Liga. We must stay in a position in the standings to qualify for the Champions League."

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Schalke Striker Raul: Scoring In The Champions League Is Always Special

Schalke striker Raul says it is always a special moment scoring in the Champions League.
Schalke striker Raul has praised his side for their determination to get a positive result against Valencia in the Champions League.

The Spaniard also equalled Filippo Inzaghi all-time European goalscoring record, when he found the back of the net for the 70th time in the 64th minute.

"The result is a good one, but the tie is still wide open," the 33-year-old told Marca after the match. "Valencia is very strong at home and away, and has illustrated this so far in the competition.

"The Champions League is a very special tournament for me. I'm happy to keep scoring goals but mainly for the benefits it represents for the team."

Raul was also pleased with the fans treatment of him in his return to Spain.

"I saw lots of banners, and appreciate the warmth with which they have treated me," he commented.

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Valencia Striker Roberto Soldado Hails 'Dangerous' Schalke Side

Valencia striker Roberto Soldado has praised Schalke and striker Raul after the two teams met in the Champions League.
Valencia striker Roberto Soldado has praised Schalke and forward Raul for his goal in their Champions League encounter.

Soldado opened the scoring between the two sides, but the 33-year-old equalised proceedings to ensure the tie is still open.

"We knew they [Schalke] were dangerous and had top-quality players," the Los Che hitman told Eurosport post-match. "Someone like Raul knows exactly what he is doing at every moment of the match.

"We expected a better result, but we are an ambitious club and wanted to do much better."

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Porto's Return To Sevilla Is An Emotional One - Andre Villas-Boas

Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas says it will be an emotional return to Sevilla for his club, as it was the place where they won the 2003 UEFA Cup.
Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas says it will be an emotional moment for his club to return to Sevilla, as it is the place where they won the 2003 UEFA Cup.

The Dragao defeated Celtic on that night under the management of current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, and will now take on Sevilla in the Europa League Round of 32 first leg on Thursday night.

"It will be very emotional for Porto to return to Sevilla," Villas-Boas affirmed to Reuters.

"It is a city which has a great meaning to all Porto fans. It is good to travel there again, and Sevilla are also great opponents."

Porto have only lost one game in 33 matches in all competitions this season, sweeping through the Group stage undefeated.

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Fiorentina Know How To Beat Inter - Sinisa Mihajlovic

Mihajlovic eyes maximum points against Inter.
Fiorentina coach Sinisa Mihajlovic believes the Viola can beat Inter in Wednesday's clash at the Artemio Franchi.

Mihajlovic is aware of Inter's strengths, but was at pains to stress there will be no way through at the Artemio Franchi.

"Inter have everything to win the Scudetto, but they must pass through Fiorentina first. And if they don't win tomorrow it will be tough for them," Mihajlovic told the press.

"I want them to win the title, but tomorrow we want to win and we will do all we can to place them in difficulty.

"I know the Inter environment and we won't give their front three the chances to hurt us.

"Winning against them would be massive, and we have to be focused and show consistency like we did against Palermo."

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Udinese Announce New Stadium Plans

Giampaolo Pozzo, Udinese's president, has confirmed plans are well underway for the redevelopment of the Friuli.
Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo is hoping to have a new stadium in place and fully operational for the 2013-14 season after announcing plans to redevelop the unpopular Stadio Friuli.

The Friuli is often nearer empty than full, even for the biggest matches, as views from around the terraces are far from the pitch action.

Three-quarters of the stadium is also exposed - with no roof offering cover from the elements - a major problem as it sits near the Dolomite mountains.

"We hope the works for the redevelopment of the Friuli can begin from next June or July so they are complete for the 2013-14 campaign," Pozzo told the press.

"The Mayor, Furio Honsell, is doing his best to speed up the times so we can get started on the work as soon as possible."

The new stadium will hold 22,000 spectators, and the stands will be closer to the pitch.

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Milan's Alexander Merkel Will Play For Germany

Agent Arthur Beck has confirmed Alexander Merkel's intent to play for Germany.
Multi-national Milan starlet Alexander Merkel has made up his mind as to which country he will represent internationally. The midfielder, who was born in Kazakhstan to Russian parents of German ancestry, has decided to play for Germany, where he spent the majority of his youth.

"For Kazakhstan, Alexander will not play; for Russia also no. He will play for Germany," his agent, Arthur Beck told Express.

Merkel, who moved to Milan in 2009 after spending most of his youth at Stuttgart, has featured for the German youth national teams at U-15 to U-19 level. He made a breakthrough in 2010, and in January this year scored his first goal for Milan in a 3-0 win over Bari in the Coppa Italia.

In the autumn, there was speculation over his potential call-up to play for Belarus, but the player himself scuppered the rumours in December. He appears not to have changed his mind since.

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Defender Carles Puyol Ruled Out Of Barcelona Squad To Face Arsenal

Barcelona defender Carles Puyol ruled of Champions League clash with Arsenal through injury.
Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has been left out of tomorrow evening’s Champions League tie with Arsenal after failing to recover in time from his bout of tendonitis.

The influential captain has been struggling with the problem for the past few weeks, and sat out Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sporting in order to give him every chance of playing some part in the match.

However, the 32-year-old has not recovered in time, and is missing from the 18-man list for the match.

Also missing is winger Jeffren, who remains at least a week away from returning to training, but included in Pep Guardiola's list is emerging talent Thiago.

The squad list in full:

Goalkeepers: Valdes, Pinto

Defenders: Alves, Pique, Milito, Maxwell, Adriano, Abidal

Midfielders: Xavi, Iniesta, Mascherano, Keita, Sergio Busquets, Thiago

Strikers: Villa, Bojan, Messi, Pedro, Afellay

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Roma's Daniele De Rossi In Manchester United Link

Manchester United in for Roma's Daniele De Rossi, according to English reports.
Manchester United are preparing a €40 million bid for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

Goal.com Italia says reports in England claim United see De Rossi as the heir to Paul Scholes, and Sir Alex Ferguson wants to try to land him in June.

It will take a mega €40m, and the latest reports follow on from Monday's Real Madrid link.

However, De Rossi has, on previous occasions, maintained his allegiance with Roma.

He is seen at Trigoria as a leader, and 'capitan futuro' for life after Francesco Totti.

Roma's new American owners are also keen on establishing a top team capable of winning major titles, and thus they are unlikely to sell one of their prized assets.

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Besiktas Release Captain Ibrahim Uzulmez

Besiktas have released skipper Ibrahim Uzulmez on a free transfer.
Turkish powerhouse Besiktas have made the decision to part company with skipper Ibrahim Uzulmez with immediate effect in the aftermath of the events that took place during the Istanbul side's league game against Ankaragucu.

According to a report in Hurriyet, Uzulmez was involved in a dressing room bust-up at half-time during Sunday's game. The 36-year-old reportedly punched team-mate Ibraham Toraman after a heated discussion.

Besiktas coach Bernd Schuster immediately made it clear that Uzulmez's behaviour was unacceptable and asked the club's board to take action.

"I want discipline first in my team. No player can make such an attack in the dressing room. I don’t want İbrahim Uzulmez to be a part of my team," Schuster was quoted as saying.

Uzulmez joined Besiktas from Gaziantepspor in the summer of 2000 and had since made over 300 official appearances for the Istanbul giants. He won two league titles with Besiktas during his 11-year spell.

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River Plate's Matias Almeyda Warns Against Writing Off Boca Juniors

Despite Boca's opening day loss, River icon Matias Almeyda warned that it would be foolish to underestimate them.
River Plate legend Matias Almeyda warned against writing rivals Boca Juniors off after a heavy opening day defeat, characterising the Xeneixe as a sleeping hurricane for their rivals.

River were held to a 0-0 draw on Sunday against relegation rivals Tigre, with Almeyda continuing his excellent Apertura form to be one of the best players on the pitch. Just before kick-off Boca were walking dejectedly off the Bombonera pitch after falling 4-1 to Godoy Cruz. 'El Pelado' however insisted that the Buenos Aires giants would be back for revenge throughout the Clausura.

"I was surprised by the result, but if you look at the team they have Boca is a sleeping hurricane," the veteran midfielder clarified in Sunday's post-match interview.

The former Argentina international then turned his attention back on his own team, and stated that River must improve on a nevertheless respectable first outing of 2011.

"Whatever the rest do, we have to think about improving. Today I think we were better than Tigre, we could have got a goal and we would have been deserved winners. A point serves us well though, however it came.

"I know that we will have a battle to fight for our goals and after, if we can, we will fight among those at the top. The championship is long."

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Napoli Striker Giuseppe Mascara Dreading Catania Clash

Mascara does not want to face his old club on Sunday evening.
New Napoli signing Giuseppe Mascara has admitted that he wants to avoid facing his former side Catania at the weekend at all costs.

The two teams are set to lock horns on Sunday evening, and the 31-year-old claims the Rossazzurri fans are angry over his departure.

"The fans are angry with me, but I could not let a chance like this slip at my age, moving to a team that is in second place in the standings and has a good possibility of qualifying for the Champions League," Mascara told Corner.

"I have a love for the city of Catania which has given me a lot. The fans have always been close to me throughout my time. For me, it was a very tough decision to go to Napoli, but I knew playing with the Partenopei would be a big step in my career.

"I did not betray anyone and would not mind that Sunday's match would never arrive, and that it gets cancelled."

There is a possibility the forward could be used alongside Edinson Cavani in the starting line-up, as Ezequiel Lavezzi is likely facing a ban for spitting on Roma's Aleandro Rosi.

"I repeat, if I could, I would not play in this match," he affirmed. "I thank the management at Catania for treating me like a son, with lots of affection, but I have made a professional choice."

The former Italian international has made two league appearances for the Azzurri since his move in January. His contract with his new club is set to expire in June 2013.

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