Berlusconi may try to block U.S. takeover of Roma

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By Roberto Rossi, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

There are reports in Italy that AC Milan president and soon-to-be Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi is trying to use all of his power to prevent AS Roma from being taken over by foreign investors.

The Giallorossi look almost certain to be sold due to the fact that the club's parent company, Italpetroli, holds debts in the region of $592 million.

A whole host of foreign businessmen have been linked with a takeover, including Americans John Fisher and George Soros, as well as the Emir of Dubai.

On Tuesday, Roma finally admitted that it was in talks with Soros, and it seems only a matter of time until the club is sold to overseas investors.

It has been reported that Berlusconi is furious over the possibility of an Italian club selling to foreigners, and believes that by doing so Serie A will be following the English Premiership in selling its soul to foreigners.

Berlusconi is well known to be a proud nationalist, and is believed to be willing to use all of his power in politics and the media to prevent Roma from being sold to foreign investors.

However the 71-year-old's spokesman has denied these reports, saying they are completely untrue.

"It's impossible to think that a man like Berlusconi, who loves football, can be against an operation of this type. It's an urban legend, completely invented," stated Paolo Bonaiuti.