Napoli boss Mazzarri happy to count on Pandev after losing Lavezzi | Serie A News | Tribal Football

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri feels Goran Pandev will offset the loss of Ezequiel Lavezzi.Lavezzi was sold to PSG last week.

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri feels Goran Pandev will offset the loss of Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Lavezzi was sold to PSG last week.

Mazzarri said: “Lavezzi was an important player in my three years here. He has grown a lot and was sold for a substantial figure, he is a champion now set in stone.

“Last year we were very good as a group and Goran Pandev returned to a level we had not seen him at for a few seasons, when he had been under par.

“Now he has undisputed quality and I have a lot of expectations for this year for him as part of an attach with Cavani and Hamsik, who can give optimum guarantees.

“I expect a great deal from Pandev this year, he must reach his best and maintain it all year.”

Napoli coach Mazzarri demands Insigne, Vargas prove their worth | Serie A News | Tribal Football

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has warned his young players they must fight for their place.Big things are expected from Lorenzo Insigne and Eduardo Vargas this new season.

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has warned his young players they must fight for their place.

Big things are expected from Lorenzo Insigne and Eduardo Vargas this new season.

Mazzarri said: “I have always trained young people, who have then exploded. I value youngsters, they are important and are a part of the satisfaction of being a Coach.

“But, we need to now see if they are ready to stand up, as is being called for in Naples, and contribute in Serie A at the highest level.

“This has to be proven. Potentially they may have important qualities, if they are ready to handle the big time then this is the time to tell us.

“Insigne and Vargas are two unknowns – we will all help them to take an important step in their career.

“Insigne grew up here and I gave him his debut in Serie A. Then, he did well in Serie C, ascended to B and has also been good.

“Now it is the final step – to prove that he is also good in Serie A, even just in the League rather than at the highest level for Napoli.

“This is a big step – doing the things he did for Pescara are on thing, doing those same things at the summit in Serie A is something else. Insigne has to grow and we must help him.”

Former Catania striker Maxi Lopez delighted with Sampdoria move | Transfers | Tribal Football

Former Catania striker Maxi Lopez has completed his switch to Sampdoria.

Former Catania striker Maxi Lopez has completed his switch to Sampdoria.

Sealing a move to Samp on an initial 12-month loan at a cost of €2.5m, with an option for the Blucerchiati to make that permanent with a further €6m, Lopez is delighted to have had his wish come true.

“The sensation is good. I’m happy to arrive at a major club that has big ambitions,” stated the striker on Samptv.

“I am very happy to take these first steps in this big city. When you are wanted so much a club like Sampdoria from a prestigious town like this, then it is difficult to turn them down.

“They have shown me that they wanted me and this was important for me.

“Their project is serious, there are grounds here to do well. I am confident.”

Genoa keeper Frey demands improvement | Serie A News | Tribal Football

Genoa goalkeeper Sebastien Frey hopes they can shake off last season’s struggles.

Genoa goalkeeper Sebastien Frey hopes they can shake off last season’s struggles.

The Grifone became embroiled in a late-season relegation scrap after going on 14-game winless streak right through to late April.

“We cannot hide that last year was very difficult, in many ways,” reflected the Frenchman from Genoa’s pre-season training retreat base.

“I believe that the club are working on putting together a competitive squad, we want to do well this year and on this I am happy.

“Also, we have great character, are working hard and there’s every reason for us to do better.

“As a squad we have not done well yet, even if we reached our objective to remain in Serie A last season, which the team did merit in the end.

“On a personal level, I can draw a positive balance and am happy to remain here. Criticism towards us must be accepted. I believe, though, that I had a very good season.

“I think a goalie cannot be evaluated on two or three games, but on an entire season.”

AC Milan signing Acerbi happy to take Nesta number | Serie A News | Tribal Football

AC Milan signing Francesco Acerbi has taken Alessandro Nesta’s No13 shirt.

AC Milan signing Francesco Acerbi has taken Alessandro Nesta’s No13 shirt.

In attempting to take the veteran’s place in the team, Acerbi has begun by taking his number, but with respect for what it represents.

“I chose No 13 because, for me, Sandro is the number one,” the 23-year-old told reporters at Milanello.

“Nesta is my idol as a defender, even if before him it was George Weah, because I started my career as a striker.

“I want to win, my teammates are great professionals – I can only learn from them. I hope to stay here for a long time, not just one year.

“The environment here doesn’t scare me. I have much to learn and improve, I will try to work hard every day.”

Atalanta insist no offer to AC Milan legend Inzaghi | Serie A News | Tribal Football

Atalanta director general Pierpaolo Marino insists he hasn’t made a move for AC Milan legend Pippo Inzaghi.

Atalanta director general Pierpaolo Marino insists he hasn’t made a move for AC Milan legend Pippo Inzaghi.

Inzaghi, who won the Capocannoniere title during that single season with the Bergamo outfit with a club-record 24 goals, is available this summer after his release from Milan.

“I have heard the reports relating to Inzaghi, but again none of them are true,” Marino told TuttoAtalanta.com.

“At this moment in time, we have made no official move for Pippo Inzaghi.”

Vucinic would welcome Fiorentina's Jovetic to Juventus | Transfers | Tribal Football

Mirko Vucinic would welcome Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic to Juventus.The pair are close thanks to their together with the Montenegro national team.

Mirko Vucinic would welcome Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic to Juventus.

The pair are close thanks to their together with the Montenegro national team.

“Jovetic is like my little brother,” the former Roma player told Sky Sport Italia. “He’s certainly a great player, but I haven’t spoken to him.”

Juventus striker Vucinic proud to be title winner | Serie A News | Tribal Football

Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic is proud to go into the new season as a champion.

Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic is proud to go into the new season as a champion.

The Old Lady won the championship last season and they’ll now be facing the prospect of the Champions League next term.

“To have the Scudetto shield on your chest is beautiful,” he said.

“We had a splendid season last time out and the Scudetto is something to be proud of.

“The Champions League? I’m ready for it. I did well in that competition for Roma. We’ve signed some new players and we have strengthened.”

Barcelona striker Krkic happy to stay with Roma | Serie A News | Tribal Football

Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic is happy at AS Roma.The young Spaniard joined the capital club from Barcelona last summer, but he did have his difficulties at the Stadio Olimpico.

Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic is happy at AS Roma.

The young Spaniard joined the capital club from Barcelona last summer, but he did have his difficulties at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I thought I would play more than I did,” he admitted. “But I did end the campaign well. I’ve opted to stay and now I want a positive year.

“I am still just 21 and I still need to grow.

“I don’t know what Zeman wants from me yet. I like to play as a centre-forward, but if he wants to use me in a wider role then I will be at his disposal.

“I want to score 20 goals this season, but the team comes first…”

Handanovic delighted with Inter Milan move | Serie A News | Tribal Football

Samir Handanovic is delighted with his move to Inter Milan.The former Udinese goalkeeper made the switch last week.

Samir Handanovic is delighted with his move to Inter Milan.

The former Udinese goalkeeper made the switch last week.

“I didn’t need to give it much thought,” he stated at his official unveiling. “I had an agreement with the club that when the right offer came in I could leave. And it did.

“Maybe I could have left Udine earlier, but we were getting good results and I was happy to stay there. I didn’t feel I needed anything else.

“Inter are the top club I wanted. I’ve always worked hard to get to a top club like Inter, a top club where you can win things.

“I’m 28 now and I’m still at the right age for a change. I have changed and I’m happy.”