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Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As we head even closer to the summer transfer market, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian league.
Sinisa Mihajlovic reveals AS Roma links
The 50-year-old manager has recently extended his stay at Bologna after leading the club to a respectable 10th place finish in the Serie A last season.
However, Sinisa Mihajlovic has revealed that he was close to joining AS Roma, but the Giallorossi were not ready to back him at the time.
“It’s true, we were very close.
“However, I realised they weren’t ready for it. I was, they were not. So, having figured out I would’ve had to wage a war by myself, I just moved on. I could’ve fought the war by myself, but I wouldn’t have won.
“So I thanked them for their interest and thought of other things.”
Roma fans were reportedly angry with Mihajlovic's potential arrival at their club as the former AC Milan boss has a close affiliation with arch-rival Lazio.
The Serbian was also linked with Lazio before Simone Inzaghi signed a new contract at the club, but Mihajlovic denied the news.
“Lazio have never called me. Frankly, it’s strange. I’ve been coaching for 10-12 years, I worked with seven or eight different Serie A clubs, but I’ve never heard from Lazio.
“It’s odd, because five years ago I was contacted by Juventus, then also Napoli. I repeat, it’s strange to me. I’m appreciated by everyone except Lazio? It’s disappointing, that’s all.
“In any case, I never understood those who talked about me as a traitor. I haven’t betrayed anyone. I work and that is all, you don’t live on air. I am a professional Coach and that is why I had considered Roma. It would’ve been a great experience.”
Former Juventus star believes Maurizio Sarri could bring Champions League glory to Turin
The Chelsea manager is said to be very close to joining Juventus after guiding the Blues to Europa League glory.
The Italian only took charge of Chelsea last summer after spending three seasons at Napoli.
And former Juventus star Mohamed Sissoko believes that Maurizio Sarri has what it takes to win the Champions League with the Italian giants.
“Time will tell if Juve deserve to win the Champions League.
“I think they are ready to win it now, and next year we’ll see if they can do it, but I believe they can.
“Sarri could bring something extra, that style they have been lacking, but they will be ready to win the Champions League next year.”
The French defensive midfielder played for Juventus between 2008 and 2011, making over 70 Serie A appearances. Sissoko currently plays for Ligue 2 side Sochaux.
Jorginho uncertain over Sarri's future
Sarri, who signed Jorginho from his former employers Napoli last summer, had fielded the midfielder in nearly all of Chelsea's matches last term.
Jorginho was heavily criticised for his insipid displays during his early spell at Stamford Bridge. But the Italian international gradually transformed himself into one of Chelsea's best players as the season progressed.
Jorginho, who helped Italy to their third consecutive victory in the Euro 2020 qualifiers, was pleased with his national team's recent displays.
“Mancini told us to play football and try to enjoy ourselves. I think we’re doing that. Every individual is doing what they need to, in attack, midfield or defence, and that hard work ensures we can defend as a unit.
“We have balance like this and work as a team, because if you defend and attack together, it makes a big difference.”
However, Jorginho revealed that he doesn't know about Sarri's future.
“I don’t know, we’ll see what he chooses. I have no idea what he’ll do, to be honest, as I am focused on Italy right now.”
Inter willing to bid €120 million for Christian Eriksen
The Danish midfielder has been linked with leaving Tottenham this summer as his contract with Spurs is set to expire next year. Real Madrid seemed favourites to sign Christian Eriksen, but Los Blancos have received fierce competition from Inter Milan recently.
The Serie A giants are ready for a huge project, following the appointment of Antonio Conte. Former Inter manager Luciano Spalletti was able to secure Champions League football for the San Siro outfit next season, but the club's main objective would be towards lifting the Serie A trophy.
Inter have failed to secure the domestic title since Jose Mourinho left the club in 2010. However, the Italian side are willing to splash the cash this summer to win the Serie A title next season.
According to a report, Inter are willing to bid an eye-watering €120 million for Eriksen, thanks to the backing of their Chinese investors. Eriksen was instrumental for Tottenham last season, scoring eight goals and providing 12 assists in the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo asks Matthijs de Ligt to join Juventus
Several European top clubs have been linked with the Dutch sensation, following his impressive displays for Ajax last season. However, it is no secret that Barcelona are one of his most likely destinations next season.
The Catalan giants, who have already secured the services of his former Ajax teammate Frenkie de Jong, are hoping to sign the 19-year-old shortly. Despite strong interest from Barcelona, De ligt is yet to decided his future.
Other European giants such as Juventus and Manchester United have also been credited with showing interest in the yound defender. Cristiano Ronaldo even urged Matthijs de Ligt to join Juventus when both players met at the UEFA Nations League final last night. The Dutch star himself admitted that the Portuguese megastar wants him at Juventus.
"Ronaldo asked me to go to Juventus.
"I was surprised by his request, which is why I laughed.
"I didn't understand him at first."
De Ligt was not swayed by Ronaldo's comments and stated that he will go for a vacation before deciding his future.
"I'm going on holidays now.
"I'm going to think about what's best for me and then I'll decide.
"It's important for a young player to play, that's the only thing I'm sure of."
