Fabio Paratici

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: ‘Conte could be great’

Dec 19, 2011

Beppe Marotta has praised Antonio Conte’s impact at Juventus and also confirmed that the club are anticipating a quiet January transfer window.

Quoted in Il Corriere dello Sport, the Bianconeri's director general was glowing in his assessment today of Conte’s work in Turin. From 15 rounds played, the team are top of the League and are currently undefeated and Marotta is in no doubt about the Coach’s influence in achieving that and what it suggests for his future.

“He is on his way to becoming a great Coach. Behind the team’s current good form is above all the great work of Conte, who has brought a winning mentality and an organisation of play.”

Marotta also complimented the Coach for his squad management.

“Conte has always acted with the utmost fairness to the players on the pitch by selecting the most prepared and suitable for each situation.”

Whilst describing the Old Lady's midweek match with Udinese as an ‘important game, but not decisive for the Scudetto’, Marotta also hinted at a quiet January transfer market for the club.

“We have no special requirements, but you must evaluate what the market offers and be ready to take an opportunity to improve the quality of the group.

“However, we are not interested in Carlos Tevez. If he is in Italy, it will not be with Juventus.”

[Socrates 7963]

Juve director talks transfers

Jan 9, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has responded to transfer questions regarding Marco Borriello, Amauri, Carlos Tevez, Milos Krasic, Martin Caceres and David Pizarro.

Juve have already brought in Borriello from Roma on loan for the rest of the season, a move which has been criticised by fans after the player allegedly turned down the Old Lady a year ago.

A section of the support at Lecce yesterday unveiled a banner which read: ‘Borriello, mercenary without honour or dignity.’

“That message surprised me and I attach myself to what boss Antonio Conte said,” the official told Sky Sport Italia.

“Juventus would never be able to sign a player who rejected our club in the past.

“We signed him now because we could, whereas at the time Milan preferred to sell him to Roma as they could guarantee that they would later buy him outright.”

Borriello isn’t expected to be the last new face brought in as the club are also keen on Sevilla’s Caceres and Roma playmaker Pizarro.

“We are monitoring the window with great attention in a bid to increase the quality of the side, even if we have to keep an eye on finances,” Marotta continued.

“Apart from Borriello, there is nothing concrete right now.

“Manchester City’s Tevez? The Argentine is a strong player, but we were not after him before and we don’t want him now.”

The Turin giants will also use the winter transfer session to sell with Amauri and Krasic possible departures.

“We’ve had no offers for Krasic and he won’t be leaving,” the ex-Sampdoria man noted. “Amauri to Roma? There has been no contact.”

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta on Nainggolan and Toni

Jan 28, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta confirmed talks for Radja Nainggolan, while Luca Toni will join Al Nasr tomorrow.

The transfer guru spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s big Serie A match with Udinese.

“Toni’s move to Al Nasr is not yet official, but we believe it will be completed tomorrow,” said Marotta.

The veteran striker goes to Dubai for the UAE Pro-League team coached by Walter Zenga.

The media is full of stories about ways to bring Nainggolan to Juve from Cagliari either this month or at the end of the season.

“Nainggolan is a player who interests us. We have talked with their President Massimo Cellino, but there isn’t what I’d call a real negotiation.

“We will try to bring Nainggolan to Turin in January, but there are many things to consider and above all whether Cagliari want to sell.

“We’ll look to take any good opportunities that arise, but at the moment I don’t see any, especially as we strengthened an already excellent squad with the arrival of Martin Caceres and Marco Borriello.”

[Socrates 7963]

Juve reveal Bouy move

Jan 31, 2012

Italian giants Juventus say that they have done a deal for Ajax teenager Ouasim Bouy.

Bianconeri director general Beppe Marotta held talks with the player’s agent Mino Raiola in Milan this afternoon.

“We’ve concluded the operation with Raiola for Ouasim Bouy,” stated the Turin official. “Our transfer campaign ends here.”

Bouy, born in 1993, came through the ranks of the Ajax academy and is a highly rated midfielder.

He is expected to start his Juventus career with their Primavera squad.

[Socrates 7963]

Giuseppe Marotta promises more signings in the summer

Juventus director has made it clear that the Turin club will continue to add

to their ranks at the end of the season after making three January signings.

Feb 2, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear that the Bianconeri will continue to strengthen their squad in the future, as he has promised that more new signings will arrive in Turin in the summer.

Players such as Eljero Elia, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Mirko Vucinic all found their way to the Old Lady in the summer of 2011, with Marco Borriello, Ouasim Bouy and Simone Padoin following suit this winter.

The Bianconeri are not done just yet though as Marotta has insisted that they will continue to add fresh blood to their ranks.

"It's a bit premature to already talk about it, but the process of renewing the team will continue in the summer," Marotta said to Tuttosport.

The Juve chief refused to mention any potential transfer targets, but the Turin based daily claims that Real Madrid attacker Gonzalo Higuain is one of the Bianconeri's top transfer targets at the end of the season.

The Argentine attacker has been used in a squad rotation system at Madrid so far this term, and could be allowed to move on at the end of the 2011-12 campaign.

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: Not easy to buy big

Mar 9, 2012

Director general Beppe Marotta has suggested that whilst Juventus hold ambitions to sign a big name player, it is fundamentally difficult.

The Bianconeri have spent just under €100m on new players in the last two transfer windows, but in a long interview with Sky Sport Italia on Friday, Marotta, who has overseen that activity, believes that the very highest level of player is still out of the club’s reach.

“Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a player who you can call a top player,” he began, when asked for an example. “Top players are a rare commodity in the sense that very few are around and of those that are available there is then those who are affordable.

“It is no coincidence that, if the choice is right, they make the difference - I am referring to Ibrahimovic, but the most striking example is that of Lionel Messi, who is definitely a player who makes a different in a team and for a club that is already great.

“Meanwhile, we have to understand what is available, then how much they cost, as well as a whole host of things.

“Certainly this is a goal that I think teams look at carefully, we must try to seize an opportunity, but it is not easy.”

Marotta was also grilled on Juve’s recent form. Consecutive draws to Chievo and Bologna has left the club two points behind Milan.

“We must continue to work from week to week and then at the end draw any conclusions. We are in a position - I would say beyond these draws - that is of high calibre, which has been obtained with great credit to all, from the team, Coach and club.

“Now we have to fight to get the most [points] we can, this is our goal. But surely we have demonstrated to date that we are still as competitive as other teams and this is something that we should feel proud about.”

In light of the team’s 13th League draw of the season, attention has focused this week on the strikers and their struggles in breaking down opposition defences.

“I like to look to the statistics and they support us - look at the goal difference and we have the second best one in the League. In first is clearly Milan, as is not coincidentally the case in the position in the table too.

“Then, we have the best defence, so it is clear that the Coach’s model also takes into account the fact that the strikers must sacrifice much, they must work hard for the team.

“It is clear that if we had more goals then things would be easier. It’s a subject that Conte is working on and very meticulously, but I feel we shouldn’t crucify the strikers - we have the best defence [thanks to them] so this must be taken into consideration.”

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: 'Juve have 29 titles'

Mar 25, 2012

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta confirmed “our position on Calciopoli is rigid and intransigent.”

The choreography ahead of tonight’s big match with Inter represented that position on Calciopoli, as 29 different Scudetto symbols were held up around the Juventus Stadium rather than the ‘official’ 27.

There was also a banner: ‘That which we earned on the pitch with sweat, was handed to you in the courts.’

The Bianconeri had the 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles stripped in the Calciopoli trial, the latter handed to Inter.

“Our position on Calciopoli is rigid and intransigent,” stated Marotta on Sky Sport Italia before kick-off.

“We have 29 Scudetti that were won on the field. This is what we wrote at the entrance to the locker room in our stadium. We simply want our rights to be respected.

“Our response will also be to win on the field. After all, our captains always raised trophies to the sky that were legitimately earned.”

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: 'Forget Del Piero renewal'

Mar 31, 2012

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta said Gigi Buffon has a place at the club “for life,” but shot down Alessandro Del Piero’s renewal hopes. “The President was clear.”

Recent performances have sparked a campaign from fans and teammates to get Del Piero’s contract renewed just two months before it expires.

President Andrea Agnelli announced in a shareholder’s meeting early this season that it would be Del Piero’s final campaign in Turin.

“What of Del Piero’s future? President Agnelli was clear on this issue,” Marotta told Tuttosport.

“To be honest, there has been far too much talk about this. We will only sign quality players in the summer and decisions are made in absolute unity with Antonio Conte.”

While Del Piero is not going to be offered a new contract, the same cannot be said of goalkeeper Buffon.

“He will be here for a long time yet. All it takes is a glance to secure the renewal and he can stay at Juventus for life.”

Marotta also commented on their failed bid to sign Carlos Tevez in January, battling Milan, Inter and Paris Saint-Germain.

“With the current economic crisis, Italian football cannot afford to buy a player whose overall cost is €100m. Milan got a great bargain with Zlatan Ibrahimovic because he arrived on loan and was in a bitter row with Barcelona.

“Tevez could end up in a similar situation and we are paying close attention. Of course, we’d have to ask Conte for his opinion. We certainly don’t want to aim low on the market, as we will improve in every area of the team.

“We will sign players who perhaps might not hit headlines with their names, but who will be useful for the style of football our Coach plays.”

On Sunday Juve go head-to-head with Napoli in a huge game and Marotta took the opportunity to discuss their strikers.

“Napoli have many talented players and I definitely wouldn’t be disappointed to see Edinson Cavani playing for Juve. Lavezzi’s buy-out clause is €31m, which is the right price for Russian or English buyers. It is in any case premature for papers to focus attention on one or two transfer targets.”

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta 'won't respond' to Allegri

Apr 1, 2012

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta refused to “fuel more controversy” by responding to Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri’s criticism.

Allegri was furious after the 1-1 draw with Catania on Saturday, suggesting Marotta “ought to shut up” for continuing to complain about refereeing errors.

“Allegri is a very good Coach, but I do not respond to opposition tacticians,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s Juventus-Napoli match.

“I do not want to fuel more controversy. I think Robinho’s goal should’ve stood, but this requires new technology and not just having extra officials on the line. The more errors are reduced, the better football will be.

“If Milan put in a formal request for goalline sensors to be used in Serie A next season, then we will be by their side.”

Marotta is in the stands for tonight’s big game against Napoli and commented on their Three Tenors.

“We also have some talented tenors,” he smiled. “Do we miss a player like Edinson Cavani? Maybe, but we still score many goals and will certainly act on the transfer market in the summer to improve our strike force.”

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: Juve 'never discussed Nesta'

Apr 10, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta insists they “never discussed” a summer swoop for Alessandro Nesta, who could miss Chievo-Milan tonight.

There are reports that the Bianconeri are preparing an offer for the 36-year-old defender, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, effectively repeating the passage of Andrea Pirlo.

“Nesta? We never discussed him,” smiled Marotta when asked about the rumours.

[Socrates 7963]

Conte's contract extension talks will be easy,

says Juventus director Marotta

The former Bianconeri midfielder has taken the Turin club to the top of Serie A

in an unbeaten campaign thus far, and will be offered a new bumper deal.

Apr 23, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte is set to be rewarded for a successful campaign with a new contract, with general manager Giuseppe Marotta stating that the negotiations will be a mere formality.

The Turin giants have been rejuvenated under the former Siena trainer, and are currently unbeaten and top of Serie A with six games to go.

The Bianconeri executive has praised Conte, who is under contract until 2013, and spoke of the close relationship the trainer has with president Andrea Agnelli.

"The renewal of Conte's contract will be done quite automatically," Marotta told Corriere dello Sport.

"His relationship with the club and the chairman Andrea Agnelli is one of great esteem and close friendship.

"He is the architect of our project, so the question of his renewal seems to me like a false problem. I think we will find an agreement very quickly," he stated confidently.

Juventus' all-time top goalscorer Alessandro Del Piero is out of contract at the end of the season, and although Marotta hailed the attacker as a champion, was not as forthcoming on a potential extension for the 37-year-old.

"Del Piero is a champion; there are no words to describe what he has given the club in terms of passion and performances.

"Last year we signed a one-year contract extension, which was right and a duty.

"Is there a ray of hope for another renewal? We are not focused on the dynamics of the future, rather that of the present. We want to focus on realities, not dreams.

"Players like Del Piero are a very rare commodity; it is impossible to immediately find a player like him. However, champions will be found over time," he concluded.

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta on Juve’s transfer plans

May 7, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta says his club will spend the summer trying to build a side to battle for the Champions League.

The Old Lady will return to the competition after winning the Scudetto on Sunday night with a 2-0 win over Cagliari at Trieste.

“Two years ago we looked for quantity, now we want to add quality,” the transfer official told Radio Anch’io Lo Sport on Monday.

“We are already competitive for the Champions League, but we’ll look for the cherry on top to touch up this fantastic squad.”

The Bianconeri’s League triumph is their first since their 2005 and 2006 titles were taken away from them as they were demoted to Serie B for their part in Calciopoli.

“Everyone knows the history of Juventus,” Marotta added. “In 2006 we ended up in Hell, we passed through Purgatory and now, with this Scudetto, we are back in Heaven.

“The re-birth started with the return of an Agnelli as President because behind a winning team you need a strong club.

“Boss Antonio Conte was our leader and our added value, he’s had an extraordinary campaign.

“It would be nice to celebrate the season with the Coppa Italia too. It would be the right way to crown the campaign.

“We will face this task against Napoli knowing that we will have to honour the shirt of Juventus.”

Juventus continue to maintain that their two stripped titles were legitimate, hence their promise that next season’s jersey will have three stars on it to represent 30 titles and not 28.

“We believe that we suffered a strong injustice and that is why we identify this title as our 30th,” Marotta added.

“President Andrea Agnelli knows very well what this means, but now we are only thinking about celebrating this victory which was won with transparency on the pitch.”

Marotta was inevitably asked about the future of Alex Del Piero, the club captain who will not have his contract renewed in the summer.

“The club have already expressed themselves and I don’t want to comment further on it,” the ex-Sampdoria man noted.

“Today we are celebrating the title, one which Del Piero played an important role in and we know that he is a champion who has given a lot to this club.”

[Socrates 7963]

Garrone praises Juve directors

May 8, 2012

Sampdoria chief Riccardo Garrone has highlighted the importance of Beppe Marotta in Juventus’ title win.

The director general joined Juve from Doria in the summer of 2010 when he also took assistant Fabio Paratici with him.

“It’s a motive of great satisfaction that Juventus have been able to win the League, for the club and for Marotta who has worked well,” Garrone told Sky Sport Italia.

“There was a time when we didn’t understand each other after he left Sampdoria, but everything has been repaired between us.

“There is not too much better around than Marotta and Paratici…”

Marotta and Paratici are in charge of Juventus’ transfer moves.

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: 'No Juve bad boys'

May 8, 2012

Director Beppe Marotta looks to the future of Juventus, including Robin van Persie, Eljero Elia, Marco Borriello and “no bad boys.”

The Bianconeri are celebrating the Scudetto and already preparing for next season, which will include the Champions League.

“I haven’t slept, there is so much euphoria around us. We achieved an extraordinary target that was unthinkable at the start of the campaign,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Thanks to the work of so many components we were able to make this dream come true. Antonio Conte was crucial, as we gave him the resources and he got the best out of them.

“As for the transfer market, we must point out the Scudetto arrived because this is a great team without a prima donna. We must maintain that balance, although clearly improve the overall quality of the side.

“There is talk about top players, but along with great technique you need a great person. We don’t want to dismantle what we created this year, a squad that never gave up and always worked hard. There’s no room for ‘bad boys.’”

Juve have been heavily linked with a bid for Arsenal star van Persie and Marotta does not deny their interest.

“He is among the most complete players around, but he still has a year on his contract with Arsenal and so I can only express an opinion on his qualities. I don’t feel like naming targets, as that would be unfair for their clubs and the players.

“Our option on buying Borriello from Roma expires on June 20, so we have time to discuss things. He had some initial difficulties, but recently helped us a great deal and Conte always admired him.”

Today Elia told Dutch media he wanted to leave after barely setting foot on the field for Juventus this season.

“It may seem strange, but a year to settle in was important for Elia. Serie A is different to the Bundesliga and he understood it’s another type of approach. Clearly he needs to play consistently and we are happy to help our players when they ask for that, but there won’t be any meetings until after the Coppa Italia Final.”

[Socrates 7963]

Van Persie is one of 'the most complete players' around,

admits Juventus director Marotta

The 57-year-old Italian is a huge fan of the Dutchman but he hinted that whether

the Bianconeri move for the forward could hinge on the future of Marco Borriello.

May 9, 2012

Juventus director Beppe Marotta has described Robin van Persie as one of the most complete players around but refused to disclose whether the newly-crowned champions of Italy will launch a bid to sign the Arsenal hitman.

Van Persie has just a year left on his current contract with the Gunners and has been linked with a number of Europe's top clubs in recent months, including the Bianconeri, who Goal.com revealed last month have made the forward their principal summer transfer target.

Marotta is remaining coy on his club's interest in the Netherlands international, though, suggesting that much will depend on whether Juve coach Antonio Conte wants to make Marco Borriello's loan deal from Roma permanent.

“He is among the most complete players around, but he still has a year on his contract with Arsenal and so I can only express an opinion on his qualities," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I don’t feel like naming targets, as that would be unfair for their clubs and the players.

“Our option on buying Borriello from Roma expires on June 20, so we have time to discuss things.

"He had some initial difficulties, but recently helped us a great deal and Conte always admired him."

Marotta then turned his attention to another Dutchman, Eljero Elia, who revealed on Tuesday that he is desperate to depart Turin after seeing little game time following his arrival from Hamburg.

“It may seem strange, but a year to settle in was important for Elia," the Bianconeri director argued. "Serie A is different to the Bundesliga and he understood it’s another type of approach.

"Clearly he needs to play consistently and we are happy to help our players when they ask for that, but there won’t be any meetings until after the Coppa Italia final."

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: 'Juve will add quality'

May 13, 2012

Director general Beppe Marotta has confirmed Juventus “will add quality to this squad” next season and Antonio Conte’s contract renewal is a formality.

The Juventus Stadium is one huge party today, as the Serie A trophy will be presented after the final whistle of their game with Atalanta, then the team will go through the streets of Turin in an open-topped bus.

“We want to ensure the unbeaten record stays intact,” said Marotta. “It would be the completion of an extraordinary journey.

“Is Andrea Pirlo the bargain of the century? I am pleased he has proved he is still a great champion. However, I’d like to point out it’s not true that he came to us for money, nor does he earn €5m per season. He earns what he deserves for a champion, but considering all he has given to Juventus, he should probably earn more!

“The marriage between Conte and Juventus is going swimmingly and aside from the financial details of the contract I believe our rapport is solid and any obstacle can be overcome. Conte has shown with words and action that he is very tied to this club and has Juventus in his DNA.

“Conte is also right to say this is only a starting point, because after the Scudetto Juventus want the Coppa Italia and from next season we’re in the Champions League. That will be our next target.”

Marotta confirmed Juve will reinforce the squad considerably over the summer in order to prepare for European competition.

“Our plans are for a solid unit rather than a team with many individuals. We want to improve the quality level and the names circulating around are big ones.

“Juventus have changed their appeal on the international stage from last year, so some that snubbed us before could accept now. However, we have still got limitations on our budget, so we’ll add quality without revolutionising the side.”

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta: 'Juve can't compete on market'

May 22, 2012

Juventus have won the Scudetto, but director Beppe Marotta warns “it’s impossible to compete” with the big European clubs on the market.

“We are proud to have created with Juventus the model for a football club. It all started with the return of an Agnelli to the Presidency, who gave everyone a sense of belonging,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.

“We also must not underestimate the structure, where everyone has their own specific tasks. The Coach also knew the environment and what it meant to be a Juventino. Choosing Antonio Conte was down to Andrea Agnelli.”

The Bianconeri are in the Champions League next season and have said they will reinforce the squad, but signing stars might be difficult.

“Italian football used to be the economic reference point, but it isn’t any more. Today the market is dominated by clubs like Manchester City who can invest many millions. In Italy, those who invested heavily can no longer do it.

“We cannot be market leaders in this environment, but through organisation and the culture of football we must try to reduce the gap.”

[Socrates 7963]

Juventus reveal transfer plans

May 23, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has discussed the club’s transfer plans in a revealing interview with the Corriere dello Sport.

Having won the Scudetto this season, the Turin official is now working on building a team to challenge in the Champions League – despite fierce competition from wealthier clubs on the market.

“There are powerful owners in England, while the Germans depend on entrepreneurship and management,” the former Sampdoria man noted.

“Having lost our leadership from the 1990s, the only solution open to Italy is to focus on organisation and culture. The gap remains though, especially in revenue terms.

“We are looking to increase the size of our squad. That is a necessity because we’ll be facing the prospect of more games.

“For the same reason, boss Antonio Conte and his team are already working on what training methods to use to prevent injuries.

“We have to try and win the Champions League, our prestige obliges us to do that. Juve can’t only be content with taking part. But it depends on a lot of factors. Look at Chelsea, they seemed out and then they won it.

“We are looking for two or three excellent elements, without losing sight of the balance of a squad which has important technical and human qualities. We also have to balance the finances.”

The club’s top priority is a new striker and they’ve been linked with Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez of Liverpool and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain.

“Van Persie is one of the best players in circulation,” he smiled. “It is possible that he, along with Suarez and Higuain, will be one of the top players we are after. They are interesting players.”

The Bianconeri have also been paired with Napoli’s Edinson Cavani and Mario Balotelli of Manchester City, but Marotta played down those reports.

“Cavani? You always have to consider the desire of the clubs which own players.

“We have never thought about Balotelli. He doesn’t fit the profile we are looking at, a profile which isn’t based solely on technical ability.”

Moving on to the club’s midfield targets, it is no secret that they hope to sign two teenagers – Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Marco Verratti of Pescara.

“We respected the rules,” he explained when asked about the Frenchman. “Pogba, for his own reasons, didn’t intend to renew.

“We informed the club and we are now waiting for an answer. Talks are well advanced.

“Verratti? Juventus have a strong appeal again and not just with youngsters. The fact that the player wants to join us could help negotiations, but an auction has now kicked off and his price is high. We want to invest, but we have rules.”

Verratti, a surprise inclusion in Italy’s 32-man Euro 2012 squad, is being compared with Juve playmaker Andrea Pirlo.

“Pirlo, like Alex Del Piero, is hard to replicate,” Marotta commented. “I don’t see any players around with similar experience or value.

“Conte is a flexible Coach and we are looking for a versatile midfielder. Udinese’s Asamoah? He’s one of the names.

“Our defence? It is one of the hardest to break down in Europe, but we need to fully integrate it.”

Marotta was also questioned on the futures of Marco Borriello, on loan from Roma, and Sebastian Giovinco – the forward who is co-owned with Parma.

“We took an opportunity in January with Borriello. We have a month to consider our options.

“We’ve always believed in Giovinco, but he had to confirm himself as an important player which he now is. He’s matured.

“We’ll now evaluate things with Parma to decide whether to recall him or choose another path.”

The director general also confirmed whispers that Coach Conte would soon put pen to paper on a new contract until June 2015.

[Socrates 7963]

Juventus can't compete with big European clubs

on transfer market, says Marotta

The Bianconeri director has admitted that they lack the financial resources to take

on the big guns, and added they will have to look at alternatives to close the gap.

May 23, 2012

Giuseppe Marotta believes that it is impossible for Juventus to compete with the cash-rich European clubs on the transfer market because of the changing financial landscape.

The Juve director beamed that Italy used to be the focal point when it came to big-money transfers, but acknowledged that the rise of clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain has shifted the balance.

"Italian football used to be the point of reference when it comes to financial matters. That's not the case anymore. The market is dominated by clubs such as Manchester City, who can invest millions and millions," Marotta was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"The Italian clubs that used to invest heavily can no longer spend that much. We can no longer compete with the other big European clubs.

"Juve cannot be market leaders in the current situation. We can only try and reduce the gap through good organisation, and with our football culture."

[Socrates 7963]

Juventus have lured Pogba away from Manchester United, says Marotta

The Italian champions' CEO claims that talks are advanced with the French teenager,

but rules out a move for Mario Balotelli and Edinson Cavani.

May 23, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta claims that the Serie A side are on the verge of signing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

The French teenager's future has long been a source of speculation and Marotta has stated that discussions are at an advanced stage, seemingly closing the door on the youngster extending his deal with the Premier League team.

"We have lured Pogba away from Manchester United," he told Corriere dello Sport. "We respected the rules.

"Pogba, for his own reasons, didn't intend to renew his contract with United. We informed the club and we are now waitinig for an answer. Talks are well advanced."

Marotta also played down reports that Juventus are interested in signing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and Napoli's Edinson Cavani.

"We have never thought about Balotelli. He doesn't fit the profile we are looking at, a profile which isn't based solely on technical ability," he added.

"Cavani? You always have to consider the wishes of the clubs which own the players."

[Socrates 7963]

Juventus will try to win the Champions League, says Marotta

The Bianconeri official stated that the club will try to go as far as possible

in the competition, and that they are considering a number of options to bolster the team's attack.

May 23, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has promised that the club will fight to win the Champions League next season.

The Serie A champions return to the prestigious Uefa competition after a two-year absence, and Marotta promised that Antonio Conte's men will try to go all the way to honour the club's history.

"We must try to win, we cannot just be content with just participating," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"Then, it will depend on many factors. Look at Chelsea, who seemed to be out and came out on top.

"We are looking to increase the size of the squad, which is necessary because we will play more matches next season.

"For that same reason, Conte and his team are trying to come up with training methods to use to prevent injuries."

Marotta then discussed Juventus' transfer plans, as Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain have all been tipped to strengthen the Bianconeri's attack in the summer.

"Van Persie, Suarez and Higuain are all interesting players," he added. "We are not interested in Mario Balotelli.

"Sebastian Giovinco? We have always believed in him, but he still had to affirm himself as the important player he is today.

"He has matured and we will discuss that possibility with Parma."

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta talks Juventus transfers

May 24, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has answered transfer questions about Edinson Cavani, Marco Borriello, Didier Drogba, Sebastian Giovinco, Marco Verratti and Mattia Destro.

In an interview with Radio Radio on Thursday, the former Sampdoria official was quizzed on their summer transfer plans.

The club are expected to make changes in attack, with Napoli’s Cavani and available Bosman Chelsea striker Drogba paired.

“Cavani is an interesting player who could be integrated into this squad, but he belongs to Napoli and [President Aurellio] De Laurentiis is able to keep a tight grip on him,” he stated.

“A lot of names are being mentioned, but I can say that Drogba is not part of our plans. He’s not a priority target.”

Juve netted Borriello at the start of the year from Roma, as a replacement for Amauri and Luca Toni, with an option to keep him for €8m.

“We had an opportunity to grab Borriello in January and we took him on loan,” he said of the player who struggled to score just two goals.

“We knew of his ability and we have an option to sign him outright which we are evaluating.”

Another player who the club will have to make a decision on is Giovinco, the attacker who is co-owned with Parma.

“We thought it was best to send Giovinco out into the provinces to gain experience,” Marotta explained.

“It has been a positive for him, he has matured and is therefore ready for any stage. We’ll soon sort out the co-ownership with Parma.”

The Turin giants are also interested in two Under-21 internationals – Pescara playmaker Verratti and Siena striker Destro.

“Verratti is a good player who has shown well over the years. He’s a youngster who is destined to become a top level player. Experience is crucial though and Verratti will have to grow gradually.

“We are interested and we could consider leaving him at Pescara for another season.”

“Destro is a really interesting youngster. We’ll make our move and hopefully we’ll get him, but if we don’t then whoever signs him would have done well.”

Both Verratti and Destro were surprise inclusions in Cesare Prandelli’s preliminary 32-man squad for Euro 2012.

[Socrates 7963]

Marotta confirms Juventus' interest in Cavani

The Serie A champions are willing to offer the prolific Uruguay international striker

a five-year contract worth €30 million to swap Naples for Turin during the summer.

May 24, 2012

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club's interest in Napoli forward Edinson Cavani.

Goal.com revealed on Thursday that the Bianconeri are attempting to lure the Uruguay international to Turin with the promise of a five-year contract worth €30 million.

Marotta has now admitted that Cavani, who netted 23 times in Serie A last season, would be a fine addition to Antonio Conte's side.

“Cavani is an interesting player and I believe he could be integrated into this squad," the Old Lady's director general told Radio Radio.

"But he is the property of Napoli and their patron [Aurelio] De Laurentiis, has every intention of keeping a tight hold of him."

Marotta also confessed that Juve are also tracking youngsters Marco Verratti and Mattia Destro, both of whom have been included in Italy's preliminary squad for Euro 2012.

“We know Verratti very well," Marotta admitted. "Over the course of the past few years he has demonstrated his prowess and he is a youngster who is destined to become a top player.

"Today he is more than just a player of promise and so can be considered a player of great interest. But we need to remember that these prospects must be allowed to grow in the right way. Otherwise, they risk burnout.

"But, on our part, there is certainly interest. However, for him to mature for another year in Abruzzo could be the right choice.

"We're following Destro, who is another interesting prospect. If we can succeed in signing him then well and good, but not if the economic requirements are not in line with ours."

Elsewhere, Marotta revealed that Juve have yet to decide whether to hold on to Roma forward Marco Borriello and that the future of Parma star Sebastian Giovinco, in whom they retain a 50 per cent stake, also remains undecided.

“We took a chance on Borriello during the winter market," he mused. "We took him on loan and have the right to sign him outright from Roma, an option which we are evaluating whether to exercise or not.

“As for Giovinco, we felt that this player needed to mature elsewhere, so we sent him to gain experience at Parma, and this experience, has been very positive for him.

“Now he is a player who is ready for any stage. So, we’ll soon clarify his co-ownership with Parma.”

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Marotta: 'Inter can't ask Giovinco'

Jun 16, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta warns Inter are “breaking the rules” by sniffing around Sebastian Giovinco, while they are “down to details” for Marco Verratti.

Parma have confirmed that Inter are interested in Giovinco, who is currently co-owned by the Ducali and Juve.

“I can’t understand how a club can make enquiries after a player who is owned by us and another club. It is breaking the rules,” slammed Marotta on Sky Sport Italia.

“In any case, we believe that our strong rapport with Parma can help us reach a positive conclusion to the negotiations.”

If the clubs do not reach an agreement by the end of next week, it’ll go to a blind auction. This means both sides put a figure in a sealed envelope and the highest bid wins.

Marotta also commented on talks for Pescara and Italy midfielder Verratti, who was on the Euro 2012 long-list at the age of 19.

“We are down to details for Verratti. As for Edinson Cavani, we have no meetings planned with Napoli and they’d do well to keep such a good striker.”

Pescara have made it clear if they are to sell Verratti – the ‘new Andrea Pirlo’ – then he’d remain at the Stadio Adriatico for at least another six months.

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Marotta: Jovetic fits our profile

Jul 17, 2012

Beppe Marotta has dropped the biggest hint yet this summer that Juventus are considering a bid for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic.

The Bianconeri have been linked with a big-money move for a front-man in this transfer window and have been paired with a €30m move for the Viola youngster recently.

When asked of these links after Juve’s first match of pre-season, director Marotta was surprisingly open with his answer.

“Overall we have made available to Conte a good squad of players, we are happy with the new arrivals, but at this stage we are also considering other market opportunities,” Marotta told Sky Sport 24.

“I do not think that these will be ‘perfect’ purchases, but we can do well with a different idea and by operating differently.

“Jovetic? He’s a player at Fiorentina that we like, whose profile responds to what we are looking out for, for our objectives, but from here we will talk about transfers as they happen.

“That’s all I can say out of respect for Fiorentina.”

The director general was asked of the club’s previous links this summer to youngsters such as Mattia Destro and Marco Verratti. The former is valued at €12m, the price that the latter is set to join Paris Saint-Germain for.

“We are proponents of players made in Italy, but one must be cautious in their valuations, because players like Destro and Verratti are very young.

“The market has changed, there is an inverse process - it’s bad, but it should stimulate the creativity of the club, which should then create a new model, which can allow it to remain competitive.”