There Is Only One Sinnacle

Most teams who go undefeated in the Group stage yet fail to advance to the knockout round would have a measure of revenge going into the next European championships. Winning a World Cup in between generally takes that sting away.

Italy booking their ticket to Euro 2008 against Scotland

Italian coach Roberto Donadoni is clearly a man who feels secure in his job. With a two year contact extension in hand he has rolled on the dice on talented but head chase Antonio Cassano which will be a major talking point heading into the European championships.

Aside from Cassano the core that won the 2006 World Cup returns. Starting with world class goalie Gianluigi Buffon and featuring the likes of 2006 World player of the year Fabio Cannavaro. To go along with those mentioned Fabio Grosso, Marco Materazzi, Gianluca Zambrotta, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Mauro Camoranesi, Luca Toni, and Juventus’s favorite son Alessandro Del Piero will all look to repeat the magic of the 2006 World Cup.

The road to Euro 2008 wasn’t an easy one for Italy. They have to go through World Cup finalist France, quarter finalist Ukraine and Scotland who returned to form on the European stage. With Italy needing a result in order to qualifying on the road against Scotland the Italians went up 1-0 within 5 minutes. Composer is key in these big events and that is what sets Italy apart from most teams in this tournament. It always seems to be that the bigger the stage the harder it is to beat Italy. If Football is a game of human chess then they are the Bobby Fischer’s of it. They know that the other team will make a mistake long before they do.

Key Player – Andrea Pirlo

This was a tough one to decide. There are so many players that can stand out for this Italian team. Pirlo however is just a marvel to watch. He can play anywhere in the midfield. Pirlo is the prototypical box to box player and the perfect transition from defending to starting Italy’s famous counter attack.

Group C Outlook

Pressure is having your World Cup faith decided by penalty kicks, pressure is going into the lion’s den that is Hampden and beating Scotland. Playing three games to decide your European faith even against top competition will not cause Italy to buckle on the pressure. While it may not be easy, look for Italy in the knockout stage.

Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group C

Scolari: Ronaldo Must Grasp His Chance

Portugal national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has perhaps indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo should make a move to Real Madrid if he feels thus inclined…

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For some reason I enjoy Scolari needling Sir Alex Ferguson. I do believe Scolari has Ronaldo best interest at heart but if Scolari goes to Chelsea I am sure he would not mind facing a Manchester United side with out the services of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Amauri thrilled to complete Juventus move

Amauri is delighted to have completed his protracted move to Juventus.

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I am just glad this saga is over. Juventus may end up regretting giving up Danny Lanzafame to make this transfer happen.

Barça Still Want Trezeguet – Agent

Barcelona are said to have been interested in Juventus striker David Trezeguet – and in fact, according to an agent, they still are…

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I like Trezeguet I really do but quite frankly he is not a good fit with this new look Barcelona team.

Liverpool To Offer ₤20m For Ribery

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is reportedly preparing an ambitious bid for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery…

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Not nearly enough and Rafa Benitez should of had the foresight to go after Ribery last year. Bayern Munich are not going to be pushed around in the transfer market. Plus Bayern pays top dollar and are always a force in their home league and in Europe. Liverpool would be better off looking elsewhere, like Porto for example.

And Liverpool have finally backed down over their £15m asking price for striker Peter Crouch… paving the way for the England international to join Portsmouth next week. (The Sun)

What do you mean finally? The season only ended two weeks ago. At £15m no one will come calling for Crouch services. At £10m, a good half dozen teams would be interested.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is on the verge of hijacking central defender Richard Dunne’s £5m move from Manchester City to Spurs. (The Sun)

All I know is that Dunne is going somewhere. He soured on Manchester City the second half of the season.

Sunderland are plotting a £4m swoop for unsettled Aston Villa striker Shaun Maloney. (Daily Mirror)

If Sunderland have long term plans of getting into Europe, Maloney won’t be the kind of player that will take them there. Not a bad player, not fit to be a regular starter on a a top 6 EPL team either.

Savvy defensive midfielder Yaya Toure – younger brother of Kolo – could be joining Arsenal as part of the deal that takes Alexander Hleb to Barcelona. (Daily Star)

Maybe then that can keep his brother Kolo happy.

Liverpool are ready to unload left-sided attacking full-back John Arne Riise with Newcastle likely to target the Norwegian. (Daily Star)

Liverpool were ready to unload Arne Riise the second he hit the top of the net against Chelsea. If that was a striker people would be applauding the form taken in that header.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos has put £12m-rated Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo at the top of his hit-list of replacements for Dimitar Berbatov. Ramos is sending one of his top spies to watch the powerful Benfica hitman, 25, in action for his country against France on Saturday eveing. (Daily Mirror)

If Benfica can make a profit from Cardozo, sell him. He didn’t exactly stand out in big games for them this season. Good player mind you, he is good in the air and he no trouble scoring with either foot in front of the net.

David Beckham is the shock contender to captain England in Sunday evening’s international friendly against Trinidad & Tobago as boss Fabio Capello continues his auditions. (Various)

Why it is a shock? The man handles himself with class, good with the media and can still deliver on a set piece like few in this world can.

Patrice Evra is close to ending the uncertainty over his future at Manchester United after reaching an informal agreement over a new five-year contract. The French international full-back, 27, is in line to earn more than £60,000-a-week plus bonuses though manager Sir Alex Ferguson is still keen to sign defensive reinforcements. (The Times)

Hope he gets every last penny out of United. Over came a rocky start to his United career to become one of the best left backs in the world.

On the 20th anniversary of Holland winning the European Championship, Euro 88 hero Marco van Basten returns, this time as coach as he looks to lead Holland to European Glory.

Holland in better days

Right off the bat let me say I don’t rate Marco van Basten a quality coach. His mind games with Ruud van Nistelrooy, benching him at the last World Cup distracted the rest of this Dutch squad. Sending out Khalid Boulahrouz with the clear intention of hurting Cristiano Ronaldo was also a low point. The best coaches adapt to there players. Marco van Basten makes his players adapt to him. It’s either his way or no way which had lead to such players as Clarence Seedorf either pulling out of the squad or in the case of Mark van Bommel not even being considered.

While talented with the likes of Edwin van der Sar in goal and a midfield that boosts the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart. Not to mention a front line that features talented goal scorers such as Ryan Babel, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Arsenal’s Robin van Persie. What I didn’t mention is the defenders which will be the Achilles heel of this Dutch side.

Well the likes of Wilfred Bouma, John Heitinga keep the offensive weapons that the rest of Group C process at bay? My answer to that will be no. This Dutch side gave up three goals against Austria. Yes it was a friendly but even so Austria should not be scoring three goals against top European teams. That doesn’t bode well heading into Euro 2008.

Key Player – Arjen Robben

The best dutch player at the last World Cup will be called upon again to lead Holland come Euro 2008. When healthy and sadly that isn’t often Robben has to be considered one of the most gifted midfielders in Europe.

Group C Outlook

As you can tell I am very much down on this Dutch side. I don’t think 1-11 they will match up with either Italy or France. The days of total football under Marco van Basten seem to be a distance memory. Holland is now playing a negative brand of football. That brand of football will not see them through to the knockout stage.

Sinnacle Predicition 4th in Group C

Inter Confirm Mancini Sacking

Inter Milan have officially announced that Roberto Mancini has been sacked as coach of the club.

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They are many reasons for this parting of the ways. The main one is when a team either has to replace the players or the coach, well the coach usually gets sent packing. Too many players ended up hating the sight of Mancini. Whatever the reason for his sacking, Mancini can be proud of his record.

Juventus offer Tiago for Atletico Madrid’s Seitaridis

Juventus are willing to discuss a swap deal with Atletico Madrid for fullback Gourkas Seitaridis.

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I’ve seen many a list this off season listing Tiago as the biggest flop in Serie A. Will Tiago leave Juventus? Yes. Will Tiago be considered a flop? Yes. Is it Tiago’s fault? No.

Tiago is what he is. He is a holding midfielder and that is what he is good at. For some reason Juventus wanted to Tiago to play like Andrea Pirlo. Tiago just can’t do that, he doesn’t have the quality to make that final pass to a striker. If Tiago can go to a team that will use him like his Chelsea and Lyon days he’ll be fine.

Riise Unsure Of Reds Future

Liverpool defender John Arne Riise has revealed he is anxious to sort out his future, amid reports he is set to get the Anfield axe…

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Riise should be assured of moving on this off season. Where he’ll be going to will be sorted out later.

Tottenham have agreed a £12m deal for Barcelona’s Mexican 19-year-old wonderkid Giovanni Dos Santos. (The Sun)

I would wait until either Tottenham or Barcelona confirm this but wow Dos Santos must really be hungry for the money if he wishes to leave Barcelona. At Barcelona, Dos Santos would be playing in the Champions League year in and year out. At Tottenham, they throw a parade in North London if the Spurs ever cracked the top four.

Manchester City defender Richard Dunne is also on the brink of signing a £5m deal at Tottenham, a move that could spark a player exodus from Eastlands. (Daily Express)

Way to listen to what I had to say yesterday. (Yeah I know they don’t read this but I’ll take credit for it none-the-less)

And Man City midfield playmaker Michael Johnson, 20, is a shock £8m target for Everton. (The Sun)

City could use a player of Johnson’s talent. They have creative wide midfielders in Cahill, Pienaar, and Arteta. They don’t have that touch of quality who can play went behind the strikers. Johnson would be a good fit in that area for Everton.

Arsenal expect to complete the £12.8m signing of Marseille’s attacking midfielder Samir Nasri before next week, according to the player’s agent Jean-Pierre Bernes. (The Times)

This will be wrapped up before Euro 2008. Should be a matter of crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has put £5m-rated defender Anton Ferdinand up for sale as part of his summer clear-out. Spurs have bid for the 23-year-old in the past. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham have over 30 players in there squad. That is way too much for a club the stature of West Ham.

Fulham want Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood but face competition from Rangers and Stoke. (Daily Mail)

Harewood didn’t start all that often at Villa but he was the perfect change of pace striker. Harewood always seemed to cause some havoc when he entered into a game last season.

One of England’s most popular footballers – a Premier League star and England international – owes a staggering £1m in gambling debts. (Daily Express)

I wish I knew who he liked in tomorrow’s games.

Another fine 10 minute clip.

The first look at Group C which will be commonly referred to by the media as the group of death. This Euro 2008 squad is a changing of the guard for France. Gone are Zinedine Zidane, Fabian Barthez and David Trezeguet. Now the centre piece of the French national team is Bayern Munich midfield wizard Frank Ribery.

Clip from France 3-1 victory vs Italy in Euro 2008 qualifying.

French coach Raymond Domenech is back, trying to accomplish what he just failed to do in the previous World Cup and that is lead France to victory. While Domenech has never met a 1-0 lead he didn’t try to hold on to for dear life, he should be commended for the fine coaching job he did at that tournament.

Like most I have a lot of respect for the France national team. After the failure of not making the 1994 World Cup they over hauled the system which has resulted in a generation on stars that are about to make there mark at either Euro 2008 or the 2010 World Cup.

The French have almost an embarrassment of riches in every position. They have talented young players such as Franck Ribéry, Lassana Diarra, Samir Nasri, Karim Benzema, and Bafetimbi Gomis who scored two goals in his debut this week. All of them 25 years and younger. They are mixed in with the likes of William Gallas, Lilian Thuram, Willy Sagnol, Patrick Vieira, Claude Makélélé, and Thierry Henry. Each of whom are battle tested on the big stage.

This French team is star studded. Even with all the players I have named there are the likes of Patrice Evra, and Florent Malouda that Domenech has at his disposal.

Key Player – Frank Ribery

While no one player can fill the shoes left by Zinedine Zidane, Ribery will come the closest to do so. Bayern Munich resurgence to the top of Germen football was fuel by Ribery terrorizing Bundesliga defenders all season long. He broke out at the 2006 World Cup and can cement his status amongst the games elite with another performance come Euro 2008.

Group C Outlook

Yes, I know I’ve spent the entire article prising this French team. While they were deserving of making the World Cup finals they were under the radar going into the tournament. After losing in the first round of the 2002 World Cup and bowing out in the quarterfinal stage at Euro 2004 this French side wasn’t the choice of many to make it to finals. That will all change. They are now the hunted instead of the hunter going into Euro 2008. Teams will be ready for them come Euro 2008 especially in a group with such talent in it. While France may boost the best lineup 1-23 only 11 players can play at one time.

Sinnacle Prediction 3rd in Group C

Terry And Gerrard Ease England To Victory

England comfortably beat the United States with goals from captain John Terry and Steven Gerrard, labouring for the opening half-hour, which was fairly tepid, but asserting themselves well after going ahead on 38 minutes and playing some good football in the second-half.

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The U.S were really the perfect match up for England in this spot. The U.S are a good team but they lacked the quality to challenge Terry and Rio Ferdinand at any point during the game.

Another point I took from the game. I’m all for Fabio Capello trying to new things but Lampard and Gerrard just can’t play together. Wish I knew why but it just doesn’t work. Barry and Gerrard are a much better fit.

Fiorentina chief Mencucci delighted with capture of AC Milan’s Gilardino

Fiorentina have completed the signing of AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino.

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Smart move for Gilardino. He never took his form with Parma to A.C Milan. Gilardino and Mutu should link up well for Fiorentina next year.

Barzagli Happy With Wolves Move

Andrea Barzagli insists that he is happy with his decision to join German club Wolfsburg from Palermo.

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So much for me thinking Barzagli would be a perfect fit for Fiorentina last week. Guess that Volkswagen money was too good to turn down.

Mijatovic: Real Madrid sold Ronaldo and won Liga

Real Madrid were proved right in selling Ronaldo to AC Milan in January last year, says sports chief Pedja Mijatovic.

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Real Madrid comes off real smart for selling Ronaldo to A.C Milan in the January transfer window for 8 million when they could of sold him four months previously for 30 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo could make a definitive step in forcing his exit from Manchester United by putting himself on the transfer list. (Spanish sports paper Marca, 0815 BST)

Consider the source here. Marca is basically the mouth piece of Real Madrid. Sure, Ronaldo could request a transfer but Marca has as much inside knowledge of Ronaldo’s plans as I do.

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is still in contention to take over at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Express)

For the love of god why? If Chelsea got rid of Mourinho partly basically Roman Abramovich wanted Chelsea to play with more offensive flare, the last thing in the world you’d want to do is bring in Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Chelsea’s England wide-man Shaun Wright-Phillips is a £10m target for Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp. (The Sun)

Wright-Phillips needs to move on. He was just starting to get regular playing time under Mourinho before he left. Wright-Phillips then turned into an after thought under Avram Grant. The last thing he should want to do is start all over again with another coach. Playing at Portsmouth he will play week in and week out.

Tottenham are on the verge of signing Sevilla winger Diego Capel after agreeing to match an £11.5million buy-out clause. (Daily Mail)

When will Tottenham a central defender that won’t break down time and time again? (Looking at you Ledley King)

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is on the verge of joining Juventus for £16m. (Various)

Good going Liverpool if you can get Juventus to pay that kind of money for Alonso.

Aston Villa will launch an £8m bid to sign England’s rising goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City. (Daily Star)

Aston Villa will be linked to just about every EPL goalie during the summer transfer window.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane wants to sign Newcastle’s Damien Duff, Reading’s Stephen Hunt and Aiden McGeady of Celtic. (Daily Mail)

Just like every French player gets linked to Arsenal. Every Irish player gets linked to Sunderland.