THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014 SPORTS

Italian League Preview under a cloud for Serie A kickoff

ROME: The Serie A season kicks off on tled for the presidency, 42-year-old former journeymen and players in their thirties. Conte had led Juventus to successive Serie A tuned their team but need to overcome the Saturday with Italian football at a new low AC and Italy midfielder Demetrio When Massimiliano Allegri was sacked as titles and made them the dominant force in erratic form which repeatedly caused them to following a miserable World Cup campaign Albertini and 71-year-old Carlo Tavecchio, coach in January, Milan announced that Italian football while the phlegmatic Allegri drop points against lower-placed opponents and the election of a federation president head of the association of amateur leagues was the man to take them had been swimming against the tide at if they are to offer a challenge. Rafael Benitez’s embroiled in a racism row. Once Europe’s (LND). into the future, only to fire him at the end of Milan. The change has put a different com- side started their season on the wrong foot most prestigious league, Serie A has lost its Albertini had the support of the Players’, the season in a decision that defied all logic. plexion on this year’s championship with AS last week when they were held 1-1 at home glamour over the last few years as dilapidat- Referees’ and Coaches’ Associations as well They have now turned to their former strik- Roma, who finished second in Rudi Garcia’s by Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their ed stadiums, financial problems, racism and as Juventus and Roma, plus the sympathy er , previously coach of the debut season in charge last term, ready to Champions League playoff tie. That has left hooliganism have all taken their toll, not to of fans and the media. That seemed to sug- under-19 team, who will inherit the same offer an even stronger challenge. them with an uphill battle in Wednesday’s mention two match-fixing scandals. gest that he was the man to take Italian problems as his two predecessors. Fiorentina, fourth last season, have kept return at San Mames, where elimination It has dropped to fifth, below Portugal, football forward. The real power in FIGC Allegri, meanwhile, has found a sanctuary their team largely intact while Inter will also would leave Serie A with just two clubs, in the UEFA ranking which determines the elections, however, lies with the Serie B, the at Juventus following the shock resignation be expected to mount a more serious chal- Juventus and Roma, in the Champions distribution of places in the Champions Lega Pro, which represents the third and of Antonio Conte after the first training ses- lenge in their second season under Walter League group stage - another clear sign that League and Europa League. Rather than fourth division clubs, and the LND. They sion of the season. In three seasons, the fiery Mazzarri. Napoli, third last season, have fine- Serie A is not what is used to be. —Reuters signing the world’s best players, Italian foot- backed Tavecchio. Amid widespread disbe- ball now has to make do with ones who lief among anti-discrimination campaigners have past their peak in the English Premier abroad, Tavecchio was swept home despite League and La Liga, or who have yet to referring to African players as “banana make the grade there. Champions Juventus eaters” during a prepared speech to the chased Chile forward Alexis Sanchez but LND. ended up with 21-year-old Spaniard Alvaro Unhappy at the lack of opportunities Morata, who struggled to get a place at Real given to Italian players at professional clubs, Madrid last season, and 33-year Patrice Evra Tavecchio talked of a fictitious player who from Manchester United. Evra’s former he named Opti Poba and, he said, “previous- United team mate Nemanja Vidic moved to ly ate bananas and then suddenly becomes on a free transfer. a first-team player with Lazio.” In many There have been flickers of encourage- countries, Tavecchio’s career would have ment with Juventus, winners of Serie A for been finished, yet, after a quick apology, the last three seasons and proud owners of Italian football carried on as if nothing had the only club-owned stadium in the top happened . The FIGC’s own internal prose- flight, and AS Roma showing what can be cutor has dropped the case against achieved with a new outlook. Italy coach Tavecchio for lack of evidence, although he Cesare Prandelli was another beacon of is now facing an investigation by European hope as he rooted out the negativity and soccer’s governing body UEFA. cynicism often linked with the four-times world champions and did his best to rejuve- Milan shambles nate the team despite an unproductive AC Milan were among the clubs to offer youth system. But Italy’s group-stage World immediate support to Tavecchio and dis- Cup exit, following defeats by Costa Rica miss the outcry which his remarks caused and Uruguay, undid much of his good work outside Italy. Milan are one of the clubs and prompted Prandelli to quit with two most in need of change, the seven-times years left on his contract. He joined European champions having become a Galatasaray in Turkey. pale shadow of their former selves. Silvio Berlusconi, who has been club president Antiquated structure since 1986, and Adriano Galliani, his long- A second, and more far-reaching conse- standing right-hand man once famous for quence, was that Italian federation (FIGC) his ability to make big-name signings, have president Giancarlo Abete, who had taken a seemed unable to cope with Milan’s new lead in trying to stamp out the racism which reality. has blighted the game, also resigned. The Having announced two years ago that : AC Milan’s Brazilian defender Alex (left) and Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien (right) chal- election to replace him exposed the anti- the club would concentrate on developing lenge Juventus’ Chilean midfielder during the TIM Trophy football match between AC Milan and quated power structure and suggested that young players, they did exactly the opposite Juventus August 23, 2014 file photo. —AFP old habits will die hard. Two candidates bat- in the transfer market, signing expensive Tottenham target Champions League via Europa loophole

PARIS: Two-time winners Tottenham Hotspur carry a nar- importance as we want to achieve our aims.” Soligorsk while Dutch rivals Feyenoord have an away row advantage into their Europa League playoff second France risk losing two clubs before the draw with bit- goal to protect after coming back to force a 1-1 draw leg against AEL Limassol of Cyprus while their domestic ter local rivals Lyon and Saint-Etienne both needing sec- against Zorya Luhansk of Ukraine. Spanish sides are well rivals Hull need to overturn a 1-0 deficit to keep alive their ond leg victories. Hubert Fournier’s seven-time champi- positioned to reach the next round after Villarreal first ever European campaign. Thirty one places are up for ons Lyon gave up two late goals at home to Romania’s thrashed Astana of Kazakhstan 3-0 and Real Sociedad grabs in the final qualifiers to reach the group phase draw Astra Giurgiu as they were beaten 2-1 while Saint- edged Russian outfit Krasnodar 1-0 thanks to a 71st on Friday in Monaco and governing body UEFA have Etienne slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Karabukspor in minute winner from Xabi Prieto. Italian interests rest thrown a valuable carrot in front of the potential winners. Turkey. with Torino, as they drew 0-0 on the road at RNK Split of The triumphant side in the May 25, 2015 final at Warsaw PSV Eindhoven, the 1978 UEFA Cup champions, take Croatia, while Inter Milan are in the driving seat after will, for the first time, automatically qualify for next sea- a 1-0 lead to Belarus where they tackle Shakhtyor overpowering Stjarnan 3-0 in Iceland. —AFP son’s Champions League. Spurs, who are off to an unbeaten start to their cam- paign with a 2-1 win over Limassol and back-to-back wins in the Premier League are enjoying life under new manag- er Mauricio Pochettino, who has got the North Londoners smoothly out of the gate. The team are looking for their first silverware, since Spaniard Juande Ramos guided them to the 2008 League Cup, although their last VANCOUVER: In this file photo, United States’ Kelly O’Hara (5) fights for con- European success dates back to 1984 when they won their second UEFA Cup, now the Europa League, in a trol of the ball with Costa Rica’s Daniela Cruz (8) during the first half of CON- penalty shootout against Anderlecht. CACAF women’s Olympic qualifying soccer game action at BC Place in “The Europa League is now a different competition,” Vancouver, British Columbia. A group of players from the US women’s said Pochettino. “If you won it last year you basically got national team, who will vie for a spot in the World Cup in October qualifying, nothing, just a trophy but now the Europa League gives have joined with several international players in protesting the turf surfaces you the opportunity to play in the Champions League. for next summer’s big event in Canada. —AP That is a big challenge for us,” added the 42-year-old Argentine. Hull qualified for their first ever European com- petition as FA Cup runners-up last season, at the hands of Arsenal, but manager Steve Bruce must mastermind a Women’s WCup comeback from 1-0 down against Belgian Cup winners Lokeren. Elsewhere, Belarusian outsiders Dinamo Minsk stand turf war heats up on the brink of their first qualification for the group stages of a European competition after a run of five consecutive clean sheets including a 2-0 first leg win over Portugal’s NEW YORK: Even actor Tom Hanks has an opinion to do the right thing.” In an email to The Associated Nacional last week. Their water-tight defense, built about whether the athletes at the 2015 Women’s World Press, FIFA acknowledged receipt of the letter, but around stalwart Sergei Politevech, has only leaked eight Cup should play on artificial turf or grass. A group of declined further comment. The Canadian Soccer goals in 21 league matches. “It is very important to avoid LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier (center) celebrates his goal against Queens players from the US women’s national team, who will Association deferred to FIFA for reaction. goals and we always prioritize getting a result and play Park Rangers with teammates Christian Eriksen (left) and Erik Lamela during their vie for a spot in the World Cup in October qualifying, But Victor Montagliani, president of the Canadian accordingly,” said the 24-year-old Belarus international have joined with several international players in protest- federation and chairman of the national organizing defender. “Our defensive performances are of utmost English Premier League soccer match at White Hart Lane, London. —AP ing the turf surfaces for next summer’s big event in committee for the World Cup, addressed the issue dur- Canada. And they’re getting rapidly growing support ing a press conference in advance of the FIFA U-20 from the sport’s fans, including Hanks. Last week Hanks, Women’s World Cup final last Sunday in Montreal. “I a big soccer fan, voiced his support on Twitter: “Opinion: know players in other tournaments with natural grass ‘Team X’ on fixture list in Italy chaotic Serie B Women’s World Cup is the best Soccer of the year. Hey have complained about the quality of the surfaces ROME: Italy’s second division campaign is The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) was not clear who will be taking part this season. had received death threats from their own FIFA, they deserve real grass. Put in sod. Hanx.” The ath- there. That’s the nature of players. The truth is that our due to kick off on Saturday with one of the asked to find the 22nd team and declined to The FIGC is expected to announce its fans, who had wanted the match called off. letes say that it’s not just a safety issue because turf is bid went in according to FIFA regulations, and we’re 22 teams still to be decided after a summer automatically include Novara as they are decision on Thursday, although that could In another bizarre incident this year, Sicilian less forgiving than natural grass, it’s about equity. They focusing only on this current tournament and next of confusion and legal wrangling. Serie B among the clubs who have had points be postponed by further appeals against amateur team Bagheria, who play in the argue the men weren’t asked to play soccer’s top inter- year,” Montagliani said. FIFA changed its rules in 2004 to organizers referred to the missing club as deducted in the last two years over the clubs who think they have been given a raw eighth tier, scored eight own goals in the national tournament on a fake surface. “It really goes allow sanctioned matches on certain artificial surfaces. “Team X” as the season’s fixture list was Calcioscommesse match-fixing scandal. deal. The confusion reflects the often chaot- last 10 minutes as they lost a regional cup down to this: The men would never play a World Cup A few games at the 2010 men’s World Cup in South finally unveiled on Wednesday amid contin- Instead, the FIGC chose to use a complex ic situation of the lower divisions of Italian match 14-3. In May, fifth division side on turf, so why should the women? It’s the same tour- Africa were played on grass that had been reinforced by uing uncertainty. “Team X” were due to ranking system to choose a team from league football which is even more prone to Cavese 1919 thrashed depleted Licata 19-5 nament. It’s the World Cup,” US forward Sydney Leroux artificial fibers. Canada’s bid stipulated that the final be stage the opening game of the competition among those who were either relegated match-fixing and violence than troubled after their opponents only fielded nine play- said. “It’s the biggest thing that we have for soccer. Why played at Vancouver’s BC Place, which seats 55,000 and at home to Latina on Saturday evening, from Serie B last season or finished in the Serie A. Serie B and Lega Pro were at the ers, all from the youth team, due to an inter- would we play on something that’s not real?” has an artificial turf. The games will be played in six sta- although that will now be postponed. top half of the third-tier Lega Pro. core of the Calcioscommesse match-fixing nal dispute. The athletes have formally joined in a letter of diums across Canada, in some places where growing Although Italy’s top flight Serie A has scandal, which affected the 2010/11 sea- For all this, the lower divisions hold the protest penned to FIFA, the sport’s international gov- and maintaining natural grass is at times tricky. FIFA reg- become notorious for stadium problems, Novara appeal sons and led to more than 50 players being balance of power in Italian football. Carlo erning body, and the Canadian Soccer Association. If ulations state that all matches and practices be held on financial difficulties, racism and crowd vio- The FIGC will award points based on banned and more than one dozen clubs Tavecchio was controversially elected FIGC they don’t hear back soon, legal action could be taken the same surface. lence, those troubles are magnified further each team’s position in the league last term, having points deducted. president earlier this month thanks to the in Canada based on that country’s laws against gender- But the dispute is generating buzz after NBA stars down the league pyramid. The Serie B saga their city’s “sporting tradition” and the team’s backing of Lega Pro and the Amateur based discrimination. Boies, Schiller & Flexner, the law Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant went to Twitter in sup- began when Siena, who finished ninth last average attendances over the past five sea- Nocerina expelled Leagues’ Association (LND), who between firm involved in the recent lawsuit filed by former UCLA port of the players. Bryant tweeted a photo of Leroux’s season, were relegated to the fourth tier sons. Italian media have calculated that Pisa In January, Nocerina were expelled from them hold 51 percent of the votes. Amid basketball star Ed O’Bannon against the NCAA, drafted battered legs after playing on turf. “It’s crazy. Should be after falling foul of financial regulations. and Juve Stabia are the best placed teams, Lega Pro over a derby match which was widespread disbelief among anti-discrimi- the letter on behalf of the players and is prepared to go grass stains, not blood,” Leroux said. “How are you sup- Organizers initially decided to cut the although Novara, who would have finished abandoned after half the team went down nation campaigners abroad, Tavecchio was to court. posed to play with raspberries all over your legs in two, league to 21 teams as part of a long-term top of the rankings, have appealed against with alleged injuries. Nocerina’s match at swept home despite referring to African “I think it resonates with a lot of people,” said Boise three days. You can’t play as hard.” Some suggest the plan to eventually reduce it to 20. their exclusion. At least 12 teams are in the Salernitana was called off after they made players as “banana eaters” during a prepared Schiller & Flexner attorney Hampton Dellinger. “It’s players are more timid on artificial turf and the game However, Novara, the highest placed of running for the vacant spot, according to their three permitted substitutions in the speech to the LND. The players’ association, important in and of itself, but it’s also important on a itself is impacted. “It’s a really big difference. The ball the four teams relegated last season, Italian media, which means with the season first two minutes and five players went off coaches’ association and a number of Serie symbolic level, that if some of the world’s greatest ath- slides on turf. The bounce is different. Everything is dif- protested and an Italian Olympic three days away none of them know which injured in the next 20, leaving them below A clubs, including champions Juventus, had letes can be treated this way, it’s a real setback for gen- ferent. It’s not as real as grass. You can’t slide tackle some- Committee (CONI) tribunal ruled that Serie B division they will play in. This has had a the required minimum of seven players. The voted for his opponent Demetrio Albertini der equity in sports. It should have never gotten to this one, you can’t do all the great things that come with must continue with 22 teams this season. knock-on affect on Lega Pro where it is also incident came amid reports that Nocerina but were simply outnumbered. —Reuters point, but it’s not too late for Canadian soccer and FIFA playing soccer, on turf, you just can’t,” Leroux said. —AP