SERIE A THE UGLY
Italian football was again enveloped in a veil of scandal as off the pitch controversy provided an unwanted distraction from a scintillating opening to the season. On the weekend Serie A promoted a campaign to give violence against women the red card – players of all clubs supported it by wearing red marks on their cheeks – a female reporter was allegedly indecently assaulted by a fan live on television. Toscana TV journalist Greta Beccaglia was reporting outside the Carlo Castellani Stadium after Empoli had fought back to defeat Fiorentina 2-1 on November 27 when she was touched inappropriately by a Viola fan exiting the ground. It was a depressing development which sparked outrage across Italy and led Beccaglia to press charges for sexual harassment against the fan as well as three others, which could result in prison terms for the accused. The tidal wave of condemnation against the perpetrators suggests social attitudes across Italy are changing for the better. Meanwhile, Juventus were under investigation for alleged financial irregularities involving player transfers and transactions with agents
FAR LEFT: Juventus' vice president Pavel Nedved arrives for the Ballon d'Or ceremony
‘VICEPRESIDENT PAVEL NEDVED WAS ALSO BEING INVESTIGATED’ AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS WILL GO ON While the organizers insist the Africa Cup of Nations is going ahead, the Italian authorities warn COVID restrictions could keep players out for even longer than previously thought. According to Italy's latest covid regulations, if a player does finish his Africa Cup of Nations experience, he must wait at least another 10-13 days before returning to training with his club in Italy.
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SOCCER360 JANUARY • FEBRUARY 2022
over the last three years. The Italian Financial Police searched the club's offices for documentation regarding claims that Juve inflated the value of a number of players and many of its hierarchy – including President Andrea Agnelli, Vice-President Pavel Nedved and former Sporting Director Fabio Paratici – were also being investigated. The Turin giants face the prospect of a heavy fine or losing league points if found guilty. Colourful Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero resigned from his position after being arrested for alleged corporate and bankruptcy crimes. The investigations involved a number of the cinema mogul's past business ventures, none of which were connected to the Ligurian club which he took over in June 2014. The 70-year-old relinquished his position at Samp as soon as he was taken into custody in Milan. The timing could hardly have been worse as Ferrero was in negotiations with Red Star Belgrade and former Inter coach Dejan Stankovic as a replacement for the underperforming Roberto D'Aversa. around, but the fans’ patience is already at breaking point.
ABOVE: Juventus' president Andrea Agnelli (R) with vice-president Pavel Nedved (C) and CEO Maurizio Arrivabene (L) LEFT: Juventus' former coach Andrea Pirlo and Juventus' vice president Pavel Nedved (R) during the 2021 'Partita del Cuore' (Match of the Heart) charity soccer match TOP (OPPOSITE PAGE): Dusan Vlahovic BOTTOM (OPPOSITE PAGE): Jose Mourinho reacts on the sidelines
SAVE AFTER SAVE Since 2017/18, no goalkeeper has saved more penalties than Alessio Cragno in Serie A. Cragno has made six penalty saves within that timeframe.
ERIKSEN'S CONTRACT Inter have reportedly reached an agreement to terminate Christian Eriksen’s contract and are preparing an event at the Stadio Meazza to say goodbye to the Denmark international. The former Tottenham star has been out of action since suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for his country in Euro 2020.
