Spalletti Responds To Mutu Threats

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The Romanian international warned the Giallorossi that he was going to hurt them when Roma clash with Fiorentina this season.

Mutu was on the verge of joining the Olimpico based side before the deal was scuppered and he extended his contract at the Artemio Franchi instead.

Spalletti has now reacted to the hit-man’s words and he admits that he doesn’t fear him.

"Mutu’s words after he extended? Let’s put it this way, Mutu is a Fiorentina player and we admire him for his qualities," Spalletti told Il Romanista.

“However, we have our own players and we are not afraid to play against him.”

Mutu has been in stunning form for Fiorentina and the club made sure he stayed by giving the player what he wanted, a pay rise.

The striker’s goals fired his team into the Champions League and Cesare Prandelli will be hoping the Romanian continues shooting on all cylinders as he attempts to steer the team back to the glory days of times gone by.

Salvatore Landolina

Spalletti Pleads For Patience Over Baptista

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There doesn't seem to be any doubt anymore that Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista is Roma's primary transfer objective. Coach Luciano Spalletti spoke ahead of the Giallorossi's friendly against Tottenham Hotspur and confirmed that a negotiation with the Merengues is ongoing.

"It's true that Roma are negotiating with Real Madrid, but there is no rush, everything needs to be done calmly, we must not put pressure on the management," he commented.

However, once again Spalletti did not hide his admiration for the player, who according to the coach would fit in perfectly in the team's formation.

"He's a player who could be very useful to us. He's very versatile, he can run, he's strong, he has technique, in a word he's the right player for Roma," the coach concluded.

For today's friendly in London against the Spurs, Spalletti will be missing captain Francesco Totti, who's clinically healed from his injury but he still needs to get back into his best shape.

Danilo Pochini

Real Madrid Accept Roma's New Baptista Offer

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Garcia also confirmed that Real Madrid will meet with Roma on Monday to finalise the deal and have it wrapped up and ready to sign.

Reports in Italy on Friday night suggested that the deal has been reached and the spokesman has revealed the latest regarding the developing transfer.

“I cannot confirm anything officially but I can affirm that Roma have made a new offer and both parties have come closer regarding a deal,” Garcia told Il Romanista.

“The improvement of the offer from Roma has seen us come to the capital and this is significant.

“Roma are not the only club after Baptista, there are also clubs in England but I cannot name them.

“I can say that Roma’s offer has satisfied all the parties involved.”

The only thing missing are the signatures and official confirmation from both clubs.

An announcement is expected on Monday and it is likely that Baptista will join the Giallorossi then providing he passes a medical at Trigoria.

Salvatore Landolina

Udinese Deny Quagliarella To Roma Rumour

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The Friulani do not even want to comment the speculation that Quagliarella could be on his way out after just one season at the club.

Leonardi has moved to close the issue, rebuffing claims that the former Sampdoria player will be joining the Giallorossi during this transfer window.

"A transfer of Fabio to Trigoria? I don't want to comment this rumour which appeared in the press," declared the general director to Romanews.eu, clearly annoyed with this speculation.

In his first season with the Bianconeri Quagliarella made 37 appearances and scored 12 goals to help his team to a respectable seventh position in the standings.

Glenn Debattista

Recovering Totti Finds The Net Again

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The Roman idol has been recovering from a serious injury sustained last season and is continuing to make progress as he rejoins his team-mates. In fact he was called up for the friendly match in Egypt against Al-Ahly, but took no part in Roma's 3-0 victory.

At the end of training today Roma held a practice match between the ranks and Totti scored a well-taken goal against goalkeeper Arthur. He faked his shot, then dribbled and placed his right-foot finish under the crossbar. It was the Roma number 10's first goal since returning to training. He scored 14 goals in Serie A last season and is the highest active goalscorer in the league with 165 strikes to his name.

The World Cup-winning playmaker missed the end of last season through injury when his team were chasing league leaders Inter. He has struggled with injuries throughout his career and was almost forced to sit out the World Cup that Italy eventually won in 2006.

Totti's recovery has been slow and steady, but the Giallorossi captain is making great progress according to the team doctors and could be ready for the upcoming season. He is eager to feature in the Italian Super Cup against Inter on August 24th at the Meazza.

The next test of Totti's fitness may take place on August 14th when Roma will play Frosinone in a friendly match.

Adam Scime

Baptista Joins Roma?

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The latest transfer saga seems to be reaching it’s final conclusion as Roma agree a deal with Real Madrid for the Brazilian.

Luciano Spalletti has achieved his objective of bringing some muscle into the side. One down, one to go as the pursuit for Florent Malouda gathers pace.

Sportmediaset claims that Roma have struck an accord with the Spanish champions, all that is missing is the player’s signature and an announcement by both clubs.

The ‘Beast’ will arrive in Rome for €10m with a further €2m going to Los Merengues if the Italian side qualify for the Champions League over the next two years.

Roma director Daniele Prade is now working for Chelsea’s Malouda as he attempts to wrap up his double swoop.

Luis Felipe Scolari’s arrival in West London has seen a shake up at Stamford Bridge and the French midfielder looks on his way out.

The Giallorossi have been slow on the market compared to their rivals but they will be the one’s having the last laugh when Baptista steps onto the pitch.

Salvatore Landolina

Roma Eyeing Zaragoza's Milito

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The Giallorossi have been looking to strengthen their attacking options all summer, but so far they have not had much success on this front.

With Julio Baptista seeming a little too expensive, Luciano Spalletti’s attention has now turned to Milito.

Il Tempo claims that Roma have been making enquiries over the Argentine and his name has been added to Spalletti’s shortlist.

It is believed Zaragoza will accept no less than €15m, which is the same amount Real Madrid want for Baptista.

If the Brazilian fails to make the switch to the Olimpico, Roma will pounce for Milito.

Time is running out for the Italian side as they wait for news from the Bernabeu regarding their recent €12m offer for the ‘Beast’.

However, if their bid is rejected, they may attempt to try and convince the Spanish club to part-company with their striker.

Salvatore Landolina

Woodgate Can't Wait For Roma

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One of the best young defenders in the country at the age of 20, Woodgate lined up for Leeds United against Roma in the quarterfinals of the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup and emerged victorious despite drawing at home, picking up an historic 1-0 win in the Stadio Olimpico.

He will now be lining up for Tottenham Hotspur - having been at Real Madrid and Middlesbrough in the intervening period - to face them again on Sunday in a pre-season friendly.

"They were fantastic games," recalled the defender.

"Roma are a top outfit, they nearly won the Italian League last season, beat the champions Inter Milan to win the Italian Cup and also did well in the Champions League."

He also has great admiration for the talent currently at the disposal of the Giallorossi. "They have real talent in the likes of Philippe Mexes, [Daniele] de Rossi, Mancini, Pizzaro and of course Totti if he's fit," he added, mistakingly naming Mancini as a Romanista despite his summer switch to their rivals Internazionale.

"They will put men behind the ball but with their quality they will look to break quickly and will be dangerous. That's why it's a great test for us."

Chet Winter, Goal.com

West Ham Director: Several Italian Clubs After Ljungberg

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The former Arsenal man has been linked with a move to Roma after the Premier League club released him from Upton Park.

The Giallorossi are hunting for a midfielder and a number of reports in Italy have linked him to the Olimpico.

However, it’s not just Roma who are after him according to Nani.

“Ljungberg? He has recently terminated his contract and I don’t know where he will go,” Nani told Il Romanista.

“I have received calls from every part of Italy, Florence, Milan and, to be honest, I have no idea where he’ll end up.

“He’s no longer a part of this club and so I am not bothered about his issues.

“I knew Roma liked him but I don’t know if this has changed. Ljunberg has a high wage demand and it may be difficult for the Giallorossi to get him.”

The Giallorossi are trying to land Real Madrid striker Julio Baptista and Florent Malouda in a double swoop, Ljungberg is the alternative if the French midfielder fails to arrive from Chelsea.

Salvatore Landolina

Roma On Suazo If Baptista Move Fails

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The Giallorossi have been pursuing Baptista all summer as their search for a striker continues.

However, his high price tag may push Roma to reconsider their options and move for a cheaper alternative.

La Gazzetta Dello sport suggests that Real Madrid are not looking to let the 'Beast' leave for less than €15m.

The Olimpico-based club have already made a €12m bid but this is likely to be snubbed by the Spanish champions.

Inter’s David Suazo looks like an easier target and he may join Luciano Spalletti’s side.

The Honduran has never managed to set the world alight at San Siro and he is likely to be moved on by Jose Mourinho.

Roma are on standby and they may turn to the Nerazzurri if their offer for Baptista is turned down.

Suazo is not considered a part of Mourinho’s plans in Milan and he may find himself taking a one-way trip to the Italian capital.

Salvatore Landolina