Benitez Signs 2-year Deal to Coach Inter Milan

MILAN (AP) -Rafa Benitez signed a two-year contract to become Inter Milan's new coach on Thursday, taking over a club that won three titles this year under Jose Mourinho.

Benitez, who left Liverpool last Thursday after six years at the English club, will be presented in Milan next Tuesday after agreeing to a contract with Inter until June 30, 2012.

"That's great - I hadn't heard that so I'm happy,'' midfielder Sulley Muntari told The Associated Press after being informed of the news while at the World Cup with Ghana.

"He is a top manager, he did a great job with Liverpool and I look forward to meeting him. We are very happy to have him.''

Mourinho left Inter to join Real Madrid last month after guiding the San Siro club to the Champions League, Serie A and Italian Cup titles this year.

"Mourinho is hard to follow - he did his thing and I wish him all the best,'' Muntari said. "We have a new manager now so we will follow him and do whatever he wants.''

Having started well at Liverpool by winning the 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup, Benitez came under increasing pressure as the club failed to break its run without winning the domestic championship.

"It's most definitely important (he is a Champions League winner),'' Muntari said. "We will work hard with him to achieve our aims.''

Liverpool last won the English title in 1990 and in recent years has seen rival Manchester United equal its record of 18 championships.

Benitez also clashed with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. over a perceived lack of transfer funds. Having led Liverpool to second place in the league in 2009, the team finished seventh this season, spelling the end of his tenure.

Before joining Liverpool, Benitez won two Spanish titles and the 2004 UEFA Cup with Valencia.

AP Sports Writer Rob Harris in Sun City, South Africa contributed to this report.

Totti Steps Into The Ring "I'm ready to take on Inter"

The Roma captain has put himself at coach Ranieri's disposal, and could be the team's extra gear in the race for the Scudetto. The coach used the metaphor: "Francesco is like a stem cell for us"

ROME, 25 March 2010 - The dream of being the only Roma player to win the league twice is now becoming a bit more of a real possibility now. He might not have said it, but reading between the lines: Francesco Totti wants a part of the action on Saturday against Inter. The Giallorosso captain, who fronted a conference by the Gemelli Hospital at Rome's Cattolica University along with Claudio Ranieri and club president Rosella Sensi, was hiding nothing. "I'm available if the coach needs me." This was followed by a glance at Ranieri and a knowing smile, which said it all.

Stem Cell — Staying on the subject of medicine, Ranieri used the metaphor: "Totti is like a stem cell for us". This was a clear sign that if the team wants to keep charging ahead, the captain's help will be essential. The fans love him, they've been united in calling for his return for the super clash against Inter. "Saturday's is an important game, the whole of Rome will be watching us. Well, almost the whole of Rome (ed. not Lazio fans)."

From the heart — Totti has been making good progress over the past few days, but whether he'll actually play at the Olimpico remains to be seen. There's no doubt though about his desire to be in the front line as his team take's on Mourinho: "My decision to stay with Roma for life came from the heart. If I had wanted to change teams, I could have easily done it: before I quit, I want to win something big in this shirt". And soon. There's also no question that he's serious, going by his training program: this afternoon Totti will be doing a personal session then some polishing with the team tomorrow. On Saturday we'll see if he'll also be part of the biggest game of the year.

Article by Marco Calabresi - gazzetta.it

Ancelotti Outlines The Challenge Of Becoming Chelsea Boss And Learning English

The experienced Italian provided his first ever interview conducted in English.Alan Dawson

(June 1st Goal.com) - Carlo Ancelotti's induction into Premier League life and Chelsea Football Club has polarised opinion as some quarters believe the Italian's inability to speak fluent English may prove a stumbling block to instant results and success.

The former AC Milan boss, though, today gave a full interview to Chelsea TV in which he expressed gratitude to his former club, while also indicating how he will put all his new energy into the Stamford Bridge side.

Pausing in his delivery of deliberate but well-thought-out English, Ancelotti said, "Milan for me was a great experience as for five years we played as a great team and we won a lot of success. For eight years I got to train a great team but now I think that the time is to change and Chelsea, for me, was a great opportunity and a great time for a new experience."

Regarding linguistic challenges, he said, "This is the first interview in English I have done and for me it is not easy! I want to learn and to improve, though, and in time for the start of the new season I will speak well.

"It is important for me to speak to the operators who will work with me, the assistant, and the players."

He continued, "I want to say thank you to Milan. But now is the right moment for a new challenge and I want to put all my new energy into Chelsea."

On how how he will adapt to life at a club where the ambitions and expectations are high, he said, "There will be the same pressures [at Chelsea as there are at Milan].

"Chelsea and Milan are both great teams in Europe and they both want to win all the competitions so there will be the same pressures," he concluded.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com (click here to read article on goal.com)

Ronaldinho, Number 80

The new Milan uniforms were presented today: Ronaldinho chose his birth year as his shirt number. In the meantime, shirt sales boom: 11,000 sold since the arrival of the Brazilian. Galliani on Kakà: "We would sell him only if he wanted out"

MILAN, 21 July 2008 - Mystery solved...if you can call a shirt number a "mystery": Ronaldinho will wear number 80. Not 10, 11, 20 or any other number; the inspiration for Ronnie's number is his birth year, 1980.

TRADITION - Milan's vice president Adriano Galliani, clears any potential doubts on the day of the presentation of the squad's new Adidas uniforms for the 2008-09 season: "In the last two decades of the club's history we have never, never asked a player to give up his number for another player. Therefore, no one has even dreamed of asking Seedorf to give number 10 to Ronnie. This matter has been resolved without the club's intervention." And that's the end of the speech. And Kakà, who joined Seedorf and Nesta in Milanello, jokes about it: he was in charge of giving Galliani a personalised Milan shirt, with number 9 on it. Then, turning to the press, he says with a smile: "You know how it is... number 10 wasn't available..."

REAL AGAIN - Although Kakà jokes about Galliani's words, Galliani does not joke when talking about Kakà: "Everyday I read on the papers astronomical contract offers for Ricky," says the VP. But we are not transferring him, ever, not even if we were to get a 250-300 million offer from Chelsea. The only reason why we would decide to sell him would be if he wanted out; but he is happy in Milan." About the London Blues, Galliani adds: "Yes, I have been on Abramovich's boat. I wanted Sheva, he wanted Kakà... And we ended nil-nil. But we never talked about numbers. However, I can tell you something: Real Madrid have been enquiring about Ricky. But he is not going anywhere."

THE RONNIE EFFECT - The news of the day in Milanello is the presentation of the new team apparel, that will be on sale starting tomorrow. The new shirts designed by Adidas (with which Milan have a partner contract until 2017) have larger red and black stripes than last season's shirts and a scoop neck design. The second shirt will be "lucky" white, and the third shirt will be black. The new outfit is already very successful: the requests of the new Milan shirts have skyrocketed to 11,000 in just a few days. It's the Ronaldinho effect: it doesn't matter if he wears number 10 or 80; the enthusiasm is back in Milanello.

Text Source: By Stefano Cantalupi, Gazzetta.it(http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/Primo_Piano/2008/07_Luglio/21/maglie.shtml)
Image Source: Gazzetta.it

Dinho Creates a Buzz

Ronaldinho has promised to take AC Milan back to the top of World football.

The San Siro was almost half full to see the official presentation of the Rossoneri's latest signing and the Brazilian promised to bring the glory days back.

The 28-year-old said: "I am here to win, I am still young and I have arrived at the right moment."

The signing of the former Barcelona front man has initiated a wave of enthusiasm with the fans and the Milan giants have had a surge in season ticket sales since the news was made official.

He added: "I can only thank everybody for the welcome and affection shown. I will repay them for what they have shown so far by giving them lots of goals and entertainment."

"For me it is a very special moment. I have no doubts, it was my dream to play for this team, for these fans - I wanted this shirt."

The lack of Champions League football was not a deterrant for a player who is used to setting the standards.

"This problem motivates me even more to try and do well and get Milan back into the competition."

The Milan faithful may be eager to see their new player in action but they will have to wait till the end of August when the Olympics will be over as that is the first objective for the former World Player of the Year.

"It is a very important comtetition for Brazil, we have never won it. It is fundamental for my career as well and will not create problems for anyone here at Milan."

Text Source: SerieA.Tv (www.seriea.tv
Image Source: SerieA.Tv

Lampard Set on Inter And at Odds With Scolari

The new Chelsea boss had said he was free to go, save any last minute changes of plan. A disappointed Frank accused him of being a "liar", adding, "I can't work with a coach who lies to me from Day 1." But Chelsea chief Keynon says, "Lampard's staying".

MILAN, 10 July 2008 - Frank Lampard is never one to shirk his responsibilities, both on pitch and off. He takes penalties like a true blue and will write off a new manager, even on the first day if need be. His relationship with Felipe Scolari was an non-starter from Day 1: Lampard, the top scoring midfielder, feels betrayed and wants to call it a day at Chelsea. Inter is now the only option he will consider. Inter and Mourinho, that is, and the feeling's mutual. Conflicting versions of the saga are doing the rounds, with Lampard's version poles apart from Scolari's. This means Roman Abramovich and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon stand even less of a chance of persuading Lampard to stay in London.

PRESS CONFERENCE - At Tuesday's conference in London, everything seemed hunky dory. Scolari announced, "I spoke to Lampard on Monday to tell him how much I admire him as a man and a player. I told him I want him here at Chelsea and he said that he would like to stay for many years. We just have a few small details to sort out." Lampard's agent, Steve Kutner, on the other hand, was a little less less hearts and flowers in his statement: "Chelsea has put Frank in a very awkward position. He told Scolari he would like to end his career at Chelsea, but with the contract they've offered him, that would be impossible." Something is obviously amiss, and in all probability their talk didn't go quite like Big Phil's version of events.

BEHIND THE SCENES - What really happened? Lampard and Scolari talked a week ago before the new manager was signed on at Stamford Bridge. The midfielder asked to be released to go to Inter, bringing, in his mind, an end to his time at Chelsea. Scolari's reply went something like this: "Frank, I need you here, I want you to stay but I can't keep you here. If we sign Deco then you'll be free to go." With Deco then onboard to play for Chelsea, Lampard felt he was out of the woods. He speaks regularly with José Mourinho who is waiting to make him part of Inter's new midfield line-up. Scolari on the other hand, had a sudden change of tack.

U-TURN - Things started to go seriously wrong on Monday, 24 hours before the press conference. Scolari put Lampard in the picture: "you're staying at Chelsea". Incensed, the Blues captain hurled accusations at the Portuguese manager, calling him a "liar" and claiming, "There's no way I can stay at Chelsea. I can't work with a coach who lies to me from day 1. It's over." Worse was still to come when Lampard listened in disbelief to what Scolari had to say at Cobham. What now?

INTER STEP FORWARD - Lampard is now much closer to Inter, so much so that yesterday, Beppe Baresi, Mourinho's number 2, claimed, "Despite Chelsea's initial rejection of our first bid, I think negotiations are still on." It's highly unlikely Chelsea would be able to play with someone who had argued with the manager, who doesn't want to stay, and who would be up for free transfer within a year. At the same time, chances are Kenyon also wants to cash in on Mourinho and Moratti's burning desire for a star who, even at the age of 30, could still take the club to a new dimension.

STAND-OFF - You have to take all this into consideration to interpret the latest from Keynon, posted on the club's website yesterday: "The situation is ongoing. We have always maintained that we want Frank to stay and an offer was made to that effect. That offer is still on the table. Frank is under contract and he still has one year to run on that. We'd like to hope that we can reach an agreement but if we can't, we intend to keep him to see out the terms of his contract. If we receive a new bid, we will reject it".

Text Source: By Fabio Licari and Luca Taidelli, Gazzetta.it(http://english.gazzetta.it/Football/Primo_Piano/2008/07_Luglio/10/Lampard.shtml)
Text Source: Gazzetta.it

Lippi Takes Over as Italy Coach Again

ROME (AP)—Marcello Lippi gave up a life of leisure to return as Italy’s national team coach, less than two years after guiding the Azzurri to their fourth World Cup title.

“Naturally, I’m very happy to pick up where I left off. But picking up where I left off also means that the Euros didn’t go so great, or I would still be on the beach in Viareggio,” the well-tanned Lippi said at a news conference Tuesday, referring to his hometown on the Tuscan seaside.

Lippi was rehired last week when Roberto Donadoni’s contract was terminated after Italy lost to eventual champion Spain on penalty kicks in the European Championship quarterfinals last month.

“We’re still the World Cup champions. We’ve got the team that won the Club World Cup (AC Milan). We have a top under-23 squad. And we are one of the favorites for the Olympics,” Lippi added. “The world of Italian football should hold its head high.”

Lippi’s first task it to qualify Italy for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The Azzurri are grouped with Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Ireland and Montenegro, with the group winner advancing and the second-place team most likely going to a playoff.

“These last two years were not completely lost,” Lippi said. “A large number of players from the World Cup stayed in the group, and Donadoni inserted some key new players.”

Italy looked old, slow and overly defensive, and no Italian forward scored at the Euros.

“We’ve got to show a bit of daring in certain situations, like in the semifinal with Germany, when I put four forwards on,” Lippi said, recalling the 2-0 extra-time win in the World Cup semifinals. “We’re going to try and show some aggressive football right away.”

Lippi resigned immediately after leading Italy to its fourth World Cup title in Berlin, largely because he was uncomfortable that he and his son had been linked to the Italian match-fixing scandal.

“I would never have left if it wasn’t in the middle of that situation,” Lippi said. “It was very tough to see my name and family members linked to those things. At that time, it wasn’t possible to continue. Now the situation is different, the discussion is open and we’ve gotten through that period.”

Lippi’s first game back in charge will be an exhibition against Austria on Aug. 20 at Nice, France.

Text Source: By ANDREW DAMPF, AP Sports Writer (http://sports.yahoo.com/) - http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AlbvRfcxlcqpIkbEUtQ1S3smw7YF?slug=ap-italy-lippi&prov=ap&type=lgns

Italy 90’ of Emotion and Bad Luck: All Depends on Tuesday

The score was 1-1 in Zurich. A good Italy, that is not able to beat Romania despite dominating the field. Lobont, the Romanian goalkeeper, was able to save just about everything and in the final minutes Buffon was able to black a penalty kick by Mutu after a foul that only the referee saw, the same referee that in the first half had annulled a regular goal to Luca Toni.

Donadoni chnaged the team with respect to the one that went on the field in Bern. The scheme is 4-2-3-1. Five new players with Grosso, Chiellini, De Rossi, Del PIero and Perrotta. Del Piero captain. Even Piturca lined up his team with three players behind Mutu and Nicolae, but the three are Petre, Codrea and Chivu who are defenders for the most part. Chivu (Inter) and Mutu (Fiorentina) are the “Italian” players for Romania, along with the former “Italians” Lobont (Fiorentina) and Contra (Milan), with the Lazio player, Radu, on the bench.

The two teams start out studying themselves: the place at stake is very high. On 9’, Italy has the first occasion: Camoranesi for Del Piero, the ball is blocked, cross by Perrotta for Del Piero who tries to head the ball, but the ball is deviated by the defender even tough the referee does not give the corner to Italy. Romania tries on 15’ with Mutu, but Buffon is ready.

Italy starts off again and Toni has a good chance but his shot is high. The Azzurri have chances with Grosso down the left touch and Buffon is still ready after a free kick by Tamas from 30 meters off.
Romania almost goes ahead on 19’: free kick by Chivu, ball deviated by the back of Panucci and hits the goalpost, then Zambrotta sends the ball off. The Romanians lose Radoi, injured, and Dica goes in as substitute. Italy again with Grosso for Del Piero whose header goes off to the side on 27’. Italy unstoppable: Toni tries to head the ball, but the net defended by Lobont is untouchable. Romania tries with a shot from the distance by Rat that goes off to the side.

The Azzurri play better, but are not able to score. Italy again on 39’ with Zambrotta from the right, Toni crosses to Perrotta shoes shot is deviated into a corner kick.
Toni heads the ball and Lobont saves, but the ball rebounds and Italy tries again but Lobont sends the ball off. The Azzurri deserve to be ahead. Toni scores, on a cross by Zambrotta, but the referee annulls for an offsides that was not there. Italy is just not lucky.

The first half ends 0-0. The second half begins with Italy pushing ahead, the Romanians, however, play with ten players behind the line. Mutu tries on 9’, but Buffon saves. But Buffon can do nothing on 10’ with Zambrotta fails a back pass with his head, and Mutu gets the ball. For the Fiorentina player the goal is a piece of cake to score. It is a curse, but Italy continues: corner kick by Pirlo, header by Chiellini and Panucci from two meters off, scores, a goal that took four years to score.

Cassano in for Perrotta and on 18’, Cassano invents for Del Piero who sends an assist for Toni who is not able to score. Romania has a chance on 25’ with Nicolae, but Italy saves. Cassano again for Toni, cross for De Rossi, header and miracle by Lobont. Lobont saves again on a header by Toni. Only Italy on the field. But then there is the masterpiece by the referee Henning who on 26’ grants a penalty kick for contact between Panucci and Nicolae, a foul that only the referee saw. But justice does exist and has the shape of Gigi Buffon who blocks the penalty kick by Mutu. The score remains 1-1. On 42’, Italy again but Toni is not able to score after slipping on the cross from Cassano. The Azzurri try in every way possible, but the match remains 1-1. Now we have to wait until Tuesday to see if Italy will continue.

ITALY (4-2-3-1): Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso; Pirlo, De Rossi; Camoranesi (40’ st Ambrosini), Del Piero (32’ st Quagliarella), Perrotta (12’ st Cassano); Toni. Substitutes: Amelia, De Sanctis, Barzagli, Gamberini, Materazzi, Gattuso, Aquilani, Di Natale, Borriello. Head coach: Donadoni

ROMANIA (4-1-3-2):Lobont; Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat; Radoi (25’ pt Dica); Petre (14’ st Nicolita), Codrea, Chivu; Mutu (43’ st Cocis), D. Nuculae. Substitutes: Popa, Stancioiu, Marica, Sapunaru, Ghionea, Moti, M. Niculae, Cristea, Radu. Head coach: Piturca

Referee: Henning Ovrebo (Nor)
Scorers: 9’ st Mutu (R), 11’ st Panucci (I)

Note: yellow-carded Mutu, Chivu, Pirlo, Goian, De Rossi. Extra-time: 3’ pt, 3’ st. Spectators 30,858

Text Source: FGCI (Italian Soccer Federation) http://www.figc.it/en/204/19005/2008/06/News.shtml
Image Source: Associated Press

Registration For the Two Week Italian Soccer School Program Still Open

Football players age 12 to 17 can still register for the Two Week Italian Soccer-Language Program to be conducted on Jekyll Island, GA from June 29th to July 14th, 2008. Camp Directors, Antonio Saviano and Dek Smith said.

According to Dek Smith, Georgia Coast FA Director who is coordination the camp said “the instructors, who come directly from Italy will provide proven teaching methods to our players around the clock to enhance their Italian Soccer Experience. Players will be exposed to the beautiful game and beautiful language every day, on the field, at the poolside, and at every opportunity”.

The Tuition for the full 16 days/15 nights is a total of $1895.00. Tuition not only includes full room and board, training, airport pick up and drop off but also the entry fee for two National 3 vs. 3 tournament on Jekyll Island.

Antonio Saviano, Scuola Calcio – Italian Soccer School Director said, “Players attending the camp will participate in two 3 vs. 3 tournaments, one the first weekend and one tournament for the final weekend of the camp. The 3 vs. 3 National Tournament is a qualifier for the 2008 Challenge Sports National Championships at Walt Disney World. I am sure they will have a great time!”

For additional details, email: info@soccerkix.com

Italy Touchdown for Euros

Italy have begun their European Championship after arriving at their Baden base in Austria.

Coach Roberto Donadoni and his 23-man squad immediately got down to business after an afternoon press conference with an evening training session at the Bundesstadion Sudstadt in Enzerdorf.

Italy are, of course, current World Cup holders and Donadoni said: "The final against France is in the past but we are here to continue the work we started two years ago.

"We deserve to be here and we will take the pitch with the same determination we have already shown."

However, the first session got off to a bad start when captain Fabio Cannavaro had to be stretchered-off with a ankle injury following a challenge from fellow defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The Azzurri will kick-off their tournament on Monday, June 9 against Holland in Berne, Switzerland.

Source: SerieA.Tv (www.seriea.tv)

Two Weeks to Euro 2008; Let the Soccer Insanity Begin

Two weeks to Euro 2008. Let the insanity begin.

With the nations participating in the tournament having already named their provisional squads, they will complete those teams by the middle of next week at the latest.

Some surprises.

Italy named 24 players so they have one to cut. The biggest surprise to their list is Antonio Cassano, the talented forward whose most descriptive nickname among many, is Peter Pan.

Shock is the word used most often in Italy when the decision was announced.

Coach Roberto Donadoni, who was given a two-year contract extension (only good if the Italians get to the semifinals of the tournament or beyond), is playing with fire with Cassano.

Cassano hasn’t played with the national team since September 2006.

“I’m not taking any chances with Cassano,” Donadoni said. “He is not a youngster any more and knows what it means to be a member of a group. I know perfectly well what he can give in technical terms.”

If Donadoni is going to go out, he’s going to go out on his own terms.

Often showing the maturity of Peter Pan, Cassano is likely to fly off the handle and get himself in trouble on the field.

If Cassano shows any sign of making trouble before the final team is named, he’ll be sent home.

Source: http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1040764

Juventus Head East

Juventus flew out on their end-of-season tour of Asia and Australia on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri will play three matches over a nine-day period, with two games in China - against South China of Hong Kong and Shanghai, followed by a transfer to Australia to face Melbourne Victoria on May 30.

The party will be without Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon, Mauro Camoranesi and Giorgio Chiellini who are expected to join up with the Italy squad to prepare for the upcoming European championships.

Also missing will be full-back Zdenek Grygera who has been selected for the Czech Republic squad for Euro 2008, and midfielder Mohamed Sissoko.

However, coach Claudio Ranieri can still count upon a mixture of youth and experience with David Trezeguet leading the attack while Nicola Legrottaglie will marshall the defence and Pavel Nedved controls the midfield.

This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.

Kaka Set To Lead The Line

Ricky Kaka will play as a striker next season for AC Milan according to Adriano Galliani.

The Brazilian was moved into a more advanced role at the beginning of this season and although the 26-year-old was initially reluctant to shift position, the Rossoneri vice-president revealed that the club top scorer's move to bolster the attack would be made permanent.

He said: "We will be adopting a new tactic next year, Kakà will be our support striker for next season."

The European and World Footballer of the Year has scored 15 goals this season despite struggling with injury and his accuracy in front of goal has convinced the San Siro club as well as the player that his future lies in this direction.

Although such a move would increase competition for the remaining attacking place, Galliani revealed that main contenders Filippo Inzaghi and Alexandre Pato would provide the main goal threat.

He added: "I think this is an excellent solution but up front there can only be one striker playing in front of him. Inzaghi is doing very well at the moment so Pato will have to alternate with him."

Such a move would alter the strategy of the Milan giants in the transfer market this summer, with the addition of only one striker now the priority which could pave the way for the return of Marco Borriello after his magnificent season with Genoa.

This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.

Italian Soccer School by Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School

Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School has become the leader in offering the best Italian soccer programs. Scuola Calcio offers players the opportunity to partecipate in two special Summer Programs located in Italy and USA.

Soccer Programs in Italy:
Scuola Calcio technical staff brings many years of coaching experience to the North America. Their experience will show players why this Italian Soccer-Language Program is one of the best in and around North America. The Italian Soccer Coaches will test players using their their youth development program system, the same system that youth players use in Italy to help them launch their professional career.

The Italian soccer coaching sessions will be taught in Italian Coaching style starting with technical drills, skill exercises, and finishing with game situations and small sided games. All Italian coaches have UEFA (Europe Soccer Governing Body) coaching licenses from "A" to "C" and also licenses from the FGCI (Italian Soccer Federation).

Scuola Calcio Programs in USA (North America)
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School is pleased to announce and present the 2008 Italian Soccer School program on Jekyll Island, GA.

Academy Directors feel very confident that 2008 will be even better than our very successful 2007 & 2006 programs.

"We have built our itinerary on player and parent recommendations to continually improve our program and offer you a true 100% Italian soccer and cultural learning experience" said Antonio Saviano. He went on to say "All our coaches and teaches arrive direct from Italy to deliver the best Italian soccer/cultural day by day learning program in America."

The instructors and teaches are always in attendance throughout this 16 day Italian summer program, here in the USA.

Player will stay and train at the soccer complex on beautiful Jekyll Island at one of the famous barrier Island’s along the Georgia coastline. www.jekyllisland.com

Scuola Calcio promotes many other soccer programs. The Italian All-Year (High School) Boarding Soccer Schools is a world-renowned and enjoyed by students all over the world.

About Scuola Calcio:
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School offers various soccer programs. From the all-year boarding soccer school (high school), University all year program, monthly training in Italy and summer soccer programs. Scuola Calcio has a great relationship with many Italian Professional Youth Soccer clubs. Check out our official web page: www.soccerkix.com or email us at info@soccerkix.com for more information .

Kaka Return Boosts AC Milan

Ricardo Kaka is set to return for AC Milan's late push for a Champions League place.

The World Player of the Year has been sidelined with backache since March 19 to add to the long-term knee injury which has plagued the Brazilian's season.

However, the 25-year-old has been back training with his teammates and is ready to stake a claim for a starting place in the Game Day 32 fixture against Cagliari alongside Filippo Inzaghi, who has recovered from a hernia injury.

Following defeat to Atalanta at the weekend, the Milan club now sit sixth in Serie A, still four points adrift of fourth place and qualification to Europe's premier competition.

The Rossoneri must face the revitalised Sardinian outfit without the services of full-back Massimo Oddo, who is to undergo a knee operation, and Alessandro Nesta, serving the first of a two-match suspension.

This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.

Youth Italian Soccer Language Program

After the success achieved the last two years, Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School in collaboration with Georgia Coast FA and Savannah International Soccer Academy (SISA), will once again be giving the opportunity to all youth soccer players to participate in the Italian Soccer-Language Program held on Jekyll Island, GA this coming June.

The Italian Soccer-Language Program is organized annually by Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School and SISA. The Scuola Calcio Program is well-known mostly for not just promoting Italian soccer but also Italian language so youth soccer players can get the full immersion experience of the Italian cultural side. This is a two week program during the summer months where many youth players from all over North America will be participating.

The Scuola Calcio, SISA and Georgia Coast FA are inviting all North America players aged between 10 and 16 to this event which consists mainly of a daily Italian soccer training and Italian language lessons on the beautiful Jekyll Island, GA.

Players will have the opportunity to train under the guidance of professional Italian coaches and be assessed individually during training sessions and small sided games. Every participant will be receiving a certificate of attendance, a training kit to use during training sessions and all material needed to study and learn the Italian language.

Apart from learning the Italian Soccer Methodology and the Italian Language, players will engage in other social activities organized through out the two weeks such as bike rides, long walks on the island, visit the NASA Space Center, beach soccer, swimming, etc. Players will also be enrolled in the 3vs3 National Qualifier Tournament. All players who are successful in reaching the finals will be invited to Disney over the weekend of July 26th & 27th to take part in the National Championships.

The dates for this exclusive and fantastic event will take place between June 22nd and July 7th, 2008.

Log on to www.soccerkix.com or www.Georgiacoastfa.com to read the complete itinerary for this unique program.

Total cost for two weeks: $1895 - Payment can be made over 4 easy payments

Space is limited. Coaches or parents can also join the group as chaperones. For more information you may email info@soccerkix.com

Del Piero Sets Out Challenge

Alessandro Del Piero has not given up hope on making the Italy squad for 2008 despite being ignored by coach Roberto Donadoni once again.

The Juventus star will not feature when the Azzurri face Spain in a friendly on Wednesday despite turning back the clock to help tear the Inter defence apart in the 2-1 win on Saturday evening.

The 33-year-old said: "The coach has made his decision but I still hope to be at Euro 2012."

On his present form the striker should be confident of making the trip to Austria and Switzerland as he tied Nerazzurri defender Marco Materazzi in knots as well as setting up David Trezeguet for the second goal.

The captain also equalled legendary Juve defender Gaetano Scirea's club record of 552 official games in a Bianconeri shirt and he added: "I would have loved to have scored myself but I wasted a great chance in a move with Trezeguet.

"We have to keep aiming to improve and keep setting our sights high."

The Turin side's win further cemented their third place and a step closer to Champions League qualification in their first season back in the top flight.

This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.

Pato Takes Charge

Alexandre Pato is already beginning to leave his mark at AC Milan.

The 18-year-old has played ten games and scored six goals so far this season to help earn the Rossoneri 23 points from a possible 30 available.

In fact, the San Siro giants have garlanded the same number of points over this period as the in-form AS Roma and two more than league leaders Inter.

The teenager's arrival at the club in January mirrors that of Ronaldo's move from Real Madrid at the same time last season.

Then, the 31-year-old scored five goals to fire coach Carlo Ancelotti's side towards a Champions League place.

With Ronaldo's career on hold as he recovers from his recent to repair a ruptured knee ligament and fellow-frontman Filippo Inzaghi sidelined with a hernia, the former Internacional starlet is set to play an even greater role in the chase for a Champions League spot.

This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.

Napoli Halt Inter Run

Napoli produced a wonderful performance to defeat Inter 1-0 and end the champion's unbeaten league record.

The home side, roared on by a packed San Paolo stadium, took the lead within three minutes.

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar was forced to rush from his goal to make a hurried clearance but could only direct the ball to Marcelo Zalayeta who lobbed into the empty net.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was causing the Nerazzurri all sorts of problems with his mazy runs.

After firing just wide, the Argentine striker nearly caused Marco Materazzi to put through his own net but Julio Cesar clawed the ball off the line.

Napoli poured forward after the break and only a sharp save kept Marek Hamsik from doubling the scoreline.

Zalayeta missed a golden opportunity to increase the lead when Julio Cesar saved the Uruguayan's penalty after the keeper was adjudged to have tripped midfielder Walter Gargano.

The defeat means that Inter's lead has been reduced to six points over AS Roma.

This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.

Italian Summer Soccer Camps 2008 Locations

Scuola Calcio - Italian Soccer School Announces 2008 Camp Locations.
The following are daily and residential soccer camps. Professional Italian soccer coaches will run all camps. Only Italian soccer development methodology will be used.

USA - Click here to go directly to the camp page!
Raleigh, NC July 7th - 11th, 2008
Jekyll Island, GA June 22nd - July 7th, 2008
Myrtle Beach, SC June 22nd - July 7th, 2008
Clearwater FL, July 14th - 18th, 2008
ITALY
Perugia, Italy - July 1st - 21st, 2007

About Scuola Calcio
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School has a brand new approach to soccer training. The concept is simple: We bring top level Italian Soccer Coaches to your club. The Italian Coaches will work closely with your clubs players and coaches. This how easy it is! We travel to your location to conduct incredibly enjoyable and motivating camps and training sessions for your players right on your field. Your players get creative, age-tailored instruction, in fundamental skills as well as great tactical instruction. Players are assured to have a great time while improving their game. So, learn from the best, book your camp at your location today.
Camp locations are limited, email or call now 800-954-7086 to find out how you can bring Professional Italian Coaches to your Soccer Club