FIFA.com - News

Thrills aplenty as Brazil, Italy advance

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:47:58 GMT

Neymar wowed a vibrant crowd in Fortaleza as Brazil beat Mexico 2-0, while Italy recovered a two-goal deficit to edge Japan in an unforgettable seven-goal thriller at Recife's Arena Pernambuco.

Italy edge Japan in thriller to reach semis

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:52:00 GMT

A late Sebastian Giovinco tap-in snatched Italy a 4-3 win over Japan in one of the greatest games in FIFA Confederations Cup history – a result which secured the victors, and Brazil, semi-final places.

Mexican memories and a Milanese duel

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:15:00 GMT

In its matchday preview, FIFA.com highlights the battle between Mario Balotelli and Yuto Nagatomo, recalls Mexico’s win over Brazil at the 2005 tournament and hears from Zinha about the sides’ forthcoming clash.

Zaccheroni urges Japanese to play to strengths

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:56:00 GMT

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni says his side will aim to use their renowned technical skills to counter Italy's strengths when the pair meet in a potentially pivotal Group A encounter at Brazil 2013 on Wednesday.

Thiago hat-trick sees Spain retain U-21 title

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:02:00 GMT

Thiago Alcantara scored a hat-trick to ensure Spain retained their European Under-21 title in Jerusalem on Tuesday with a 4-2 win over Italy.

Oduamadi and Balotelli hit the ground running

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:13:00 GMT

Forwards Nnamdi Oduamadi and Mario Balotelli head the Castrol Index after the first round of group games but that does not tell the whole story, with a cluster of defenders impressing too.

Hasebe: We have to stop Pirlo

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:06:00 GMT

When Italy face Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Japanese captain Makoto Hasebe will have one very specific task. He is the man to stop Italy schemer Andrea Pirlo, who was in imperious form in their victory over Mexico.

Zaccheroni plots homeland’s downfall

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:39:30 GMT

There were differing fortunes for Italy and Japan in their opening matches at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013. Now both sides travel to the Arena Pernambuco in Recife for their second game in Group A.

Make-or-break Brazil test for Mexico

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:06:00 GMT

Brazil and Mexico meet in Group A on Wednesday in very different frames of mind. While the hosts are looking to maintain their promising form, El Tri need points to stay in the competition.

Pirlo the peerless, Spain sublime

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:59:00 GMT

On the second matchday of the FIFA Confederations Cup, there was a masterclass of the art of free-kick taking from centurion Andrea Pirlo and Uruguay's Luis Suarez, but only the former ended up on the winning side.

Centurion Pirlo and Balotelli see off Mexico

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:53:00 GMT

A brilliant Andrea Pirlo free-kick, on his 100th international appearance, and a 78th-minute Mario Balotelli effort earned Italy a 2-1 win over Mexico in their Brazil 2013 opener.

Trio of world champions join the fray

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 00:24:00 GMT

Reigning world champions Spain take on inaugural FIFA World Cup™ winners Uruguay, while four-time world champions Italy battle Mexico as FIFA.com previews the second day of FIFA Confederations Cup action.

Torrado: We know we can compete

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:02:56 GMT

A young fringe player when Mexico lifted the FIFA Confederations Cup 14 years ago, Gerardo Torrado is a mainstay of the El Tri side that is going for glory again in Brazil. FIFA.com spoke to the midfield stalwart.

Kiwi Fenton born to score goals

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 10:34:00 GMT

FIFA.com profiles exciting Wellington Phoenix forward Louis Fenton, who discusses what he picked up from playing against Alessandro Del Piero and New Zealand’s chances of success at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:03:18 GMT

Featuring Simun Samuelsen on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bad behaviour, Jose Mourinho on how he was Barcelona’s nemesis and Giovanni Trapattoni comparing the current Spain team to the Brazil one of Pele and Co.

The story of the Confeds

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:09:00 GMT

Eager to know more about how the FIFA Confederations Cup came into being? Our quick historical guide takes you from the King Fahd Cup in 1992 right through to the present day.

Cavani favours Real ahead of England

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:41:00 GMT

Edinson Cavani's father has revealed that the Napoli striker is very keen on joining Real Madrid and that he has already spoken to the Spanish giants.

Fiorentina sign Joaquin from Malaga

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:30:00 GMT

Experienced winger Joaquin has left Malaga to pen a three-year contract with Fiorentina, who finished fourth in Serie A last term.

FIFA Confederations Cup in numbers

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:52:00 GMT

The FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 will be the ninth edition of the tournament. Here, FIFA.com picks out nine key stats as Saturday’s opening match draws ever closer.

Garcia to coach Roma

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 16:21:00 GMT

Rudi Garcia has been announced as the new coach of Roma, with the Lille coach, who led the French side to a league and cup double in 2011, set to take over the Stadio Olimpico team after a disappointing season.

Experienced Mexico eager to knock Italy's confidence

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:28:00 GMT

The Maracana will open its doors for the first time at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 this Sunday as North American champions Mexico take on UEFA EURO 2012 runners-up Italy in the opening Group A fixture for both teams.

Confed captains ready to inspire

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a closer look at the captains of the eight teams at this year's FIFA Confederations Cup and highlights what exactly makes them the leaders of their respective teams.

Zanetti extends Inter stay

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:39:00 GMT

Inter Milan have announced that Javier Zanetti will continue for another year with the Italian club, after an Achilles tendon injury ruled him out of the end of the current season.

A festival of nicknames

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:49:00 GMT

FIFA.com takes a look at the story behind some of the intriguing nicknames and monikers used by the eight nations at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013.

Italy touch down in Rio ahead of Brazil 2013

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:31:00 GMT

Italy have arrived in the city where they will play a friendly on Tuesday and also their FIFA Confederations Cup Group A opener against Mexico on Sunday.

Memorable moments from the Festival of Champions

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 09:15:00 GMT

FIFA.com presents some of the most memorable moments from the Festival of Champions.

Di Natale: I'll carry on for as long as possible

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 02:10:00 GMT

Predatory Italy goalscorer Antonio Di Natale seems to improve with age and FIFA.com caught up with the evergreen Udinese marksman to discuss his experiences in the game over what continues to be an extraordinary career.

Contests, games and prizes for June!

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 07:50:00 GMT

As you prepare to watch the champions of the confederations clash in Brazil, get ready for your own battle right here on FIFA.com. We are giving away incredible prizes in June.

Belgium move clear, Portugal claim key win

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 03:01:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews Friday's matchday in European qualifying for Brazil 2014 as Belgium and Portugal improved their prospects, while Croatia and Montenegro both stumbled at home.

Balotelli sent off as Czech Republic hold Italy

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 20:52:00 GMT

Despite being held to a scoreless draw by the Czech Republic and seeing Mario Balotelli sent off for two bookings in three minutes, Italy moved further ahead at the top of their FIFA World Cup™ qualifying group.

Brazil 2013 squads revealed

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:00:00 GMT

FIFA.com can exclusively reveal the official 23-man squads for the eight participants of the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 which takes place between 15 and 30 June in six iconic venues across the country.

Mazzarri: Get ready for toil

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:26:00 GMT

Under the direction of new coach Walter Mazzarri, Inter Milan's summer pre-season will be arduous as Mazzarri has said he wants to instill the work ethic he established at Napoli with his new squad.

Bonucci eyeing potentially crucial win

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:37:00 GMT

Italy face Czech Republic Friday evening in FIFA World Cup™ qualifying and the match-up could give the Azzurri a six-point lead at the top of Group B, and defender Leonardo Bonucci is aware of the importance this match has on their Brazil 2014 hopes.

Crunch time for Portugal in Europe

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:09:00 GMT

Russia's trip to face an under-pressure Portugal side is arguably the highlight of an intriguing programme of European Zone qualifiers on Friday, which also includes Belgium-Serbia, Czech Republic-Italy and Austria-Sweden.

Baldini leaves Roma

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:35:00 GMT

Franco Baldini has confirmed that he has left his position as Roma sporting director, with Walter Sabatini taking over.

Aussie youngster Antonis signs with Parma

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:21:00 GMT

Highly-rated Australia under-20 midfielder Terry Antonis has completed a transfer to Parma, following in the footsteps of compatriots Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano.

Neymar, Falcao star in early transfer action

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:05:36 GMT

The curtain may have just come down on Europe’s major leagues, but many clubs are already preparing for next season. Several have made their intentions clear, by pulling off some eye-catching deals. FIFA.com rounds up the main moves noted across the continent,

Borgonovo: Allegri is a fantastic coach

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:51:00 GMT

Former Italy and AC Milan striker Stefano Borgonovo, who now suffers from a debilitating disease, writes about Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri for FIFA.com.

Barzagli in as Prandelli names Confeds squad

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 21:27:00 GMT

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli was a notable inclusion as Italy coach Cesare Prandelli named a 23-man squad for the FIFA Confederations Cup and a FIFA World Cup™ qualifier away to the Czech Republic.

Milan keep faith in Allegri

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:55:00 GMT

The speculation surrounding the position of AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has been ended after club owner Silvio Berlusconi said that he will be staying on next season.

The Week in Quotes

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:19:00 GMT

Featuring Mario Mandzukic on why he was a more rebellious youngster than Mario Balotelli, Franck Ribery on sleeping with silverware and Francesco Totti on what he’d have done to his mother if she’d made him join Lazio.

Roma to face MLS best in All-Star Game

Thu, 30 May 2013 17:52:00 GMT

Serie A side Roma will face the best players from Major League Soccer in the MLS All-Star Game on 31 July at Sporting Park, the home ground of Sporting Kansas City.

Hamsik: I’d like to keep growing with Napoli

Thu, 30 May 2013 11:52:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with Napoli and Slovakia striker Marek Hamsik about his time with the Naples-based outfit, missing out on the scudetto and his hopes for FIFA World Cup qualification.

Records, rivalries and title triumphs

Wed, 29 May 2013 07:19:00 GMT

Cup joy and champions success dominate FIFA.com's latest stats review, with America, Bayern Munich, Fola Esch, Lazio and Partizan Belgrade all among the week's big winners.

Friendlies to test Brazil 2014 hopefuls

Tue, 28 May 2013 19:17:00 GMT

With more 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifiers up ahead and the FIFA Confederations Cup shortly thereafter, FIFA.com previews the slew of international friendlies slated from 28 May to 9 June.

Benitez appointed Napoli coach

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:22:00 GMT

Former Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has been appointed to the helm of Serie A runners-up Napoli, replacing the outgoing Walter Mazzarri who is Inter Milan's new coach.

Del Bosque names squad, explains decisions

Mon, 27 May 2013 14:49:00 GMT

Vicente Del Bosque has named a 26-man provisional Spain squad for Brazil 2013 and discussed why he included Iker Casillas, Javi Martinez, Roberto Soldado and Fernando Torres.

Petkovic, Lulic laud Lazio triumph

Mon, 27 May 2013 10:35:00 GMT

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic and goal hero Senad Lulic have been speaking about I Biancocelesti's victory over Roma in the Coppa Italia.

Lazio down Roma in Italian Cup final derby

Sun, 26 May 2013 19:07:00 GMT

Lazio beat bitter city rivals Roma 1-0 to win the Italian Cup and qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League, thanks to Senad Lulic's goal 20 minutes from time.

The Week in Quotes

Sat, 25 May 2013 15:19:10 GMT

Featuring Julio Cesar on goalkeeping craziness, Ramon Calderon blasting Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp on the sale of Mario Gotze and a Uruguayan writer with a Messi theory.