Andrea Barzagli

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli hails Euro Juventus

Apr 12, 2013

Andrea Barzagli is classing Juventus’ Champions League campaign as a success despite their 4-0 aggregate loss against Bayern Munich.

The Old Lady were knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage on Wednesday after failing to turn around a 2-0 first leg reverse.

“I think we deserve an eight out of 10,” the centre-back told Tuttosport on Friday. “That’s what I would give us for our Champions League efforts.

“Who would have thought that we would have got to the last eight at the start of the season?

“Some are talking about our double loss, about our worst losses in these years, but you can’t ignore the fact that we had a battleship like Bayern Munich in front of us.

“Bayern are a better team who have exceptional individual players at their disposal.”

Barzagli was asked for his opinion on the claim that Juventus will struggle to compete because they don’t have the necessary transfer market finances.

“These are issues for the club to discuss,” he stated. “We players just have to think about giving our all on the field of play.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Juventus deserve first

Apr 22, 2013

Andrea Barzagli has underlined that Juventus are worthy of the 11-point advantage they have at the top of the table.

The Old Lady are now just four points away from winning the Scudetto with five games left after the 1-0 win over Milan.

“We deserve to be top of the League,” the defender stated. “We’ve won extremely difficult away games, against Inter and Lazio for example, and today at home against Milan.

“At times last season, also when playing at home, we struggled to break the deadlock. However, this year we’ve managed to bring more intensity to our displays and make the best of the chances created.”

Juve, who have collected 10 more points away from home than anyone else in Serie A, beat the Rossoneri thanks to an Arturo Vidal penalty.

“It was a very difficult game, especially in the first half,” the 31-year-old continued.

“Milan made us chase them, they moved the ball around well and we weren’t particularly aggressive. We upped the tempo after the interval and things changed.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: 'Stronger this year'

May 5, 2013

Andrea Barzagli believes Juventus are “stronger than last season” and are building their way towards European success.

The Bianconeri are celebrating their second consecutive Scudetto, which is officially their 29^th, but the club and fans consider it to be their 31^st.

“From Bologna onwards we met some really strong teams and didn’t lose, so that gave us a real boost,” he told Rai Sport.

“The game we won at the last minute against Catania was a really tough one. Napoli were hungry and really wanted to win, but we were stronger than last season.

“We defenders tend to be out of the spotlight, but that’s fine. The important thing is that the team wins.”

Juve also reached the Champions League quarter-final and are targeting even more next term.

“It takes experience to win in Europe and this year was our first approach. We faced Bayern Munich, who are the strongest side, so we must focus only on improving.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli to miss Confederations?

Jun 2, 2013

Andrea Barzagli could miss out on the Confederations Cup, as there are concerns over his Achilles tendon.

The Juventus defender has been one of the stars of the Scudetto-winning campaign, but in recent weeks has struggled with a recurring Achilles tendon injury.

According to the latest reports from the Coverciano training ground, Barzagli is still not 100 per cent fit and might not be risked for the tournament in Brazil.

Coach Cesare Prandelli has to hand in the final 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup tomorrow, so a decision must be made quickly.

The competition runs from June 15-30, while before that Italy play the Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifier on Friday.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Japan were stronger than we thought

The Juventus defender says Alberto Zaccheroni's outfit were a class above what he expected
them to be as Italy sealed their progression to the last four of the Confederations Cup.

Jun 20, 2013

EXCLUSIVE
By Ricardo Pessoa in Recife, Brazil

Andrea Barzagli has admitted Italy were surprised by Japan in the Confederations Cup cracker played in the Arena Pernambuco in Recife.

The 4-3 victory for Italy has ensured they have qualified for the semi-finals and will now play Brazil on June 22, to decide the first place of the group, while Japan will attempt to get their first victory in the tournament against point-less Mexico.

But the Juventus centre-half Barzagli said he was shocked by the level of quality from the Asian Cup champions, who are now eliminated.

“We didn’t expect such a strong side, even if we know they had good players. Honda was fantastic, he could be a starter in any team in the world and everyone knows Kagawa," he told Goal.

"But it wasn’t just them, it’s a very well organised side."

However, Barzagli noted that the 85 per cent humidity and the high temperature were also to blame for the performance of the Azzurri.

“The conditions were quite difficult. It was very humid and we only had two days to recover from the match against Mexico," he added.

"It’s not an excuse but those things obviously affect the way a team plays a high-intensity match."

The 32-year old-defender considered that Italy struggled to pick up the pace of the match but once they did, things were different.

“They were fantastic in the first half, very intense, and took that 2-0 lead," he continued.

"But when De Rossi scored we were back in the game. Still, it could have gone either way, but I think we were quite brave and our victory is not undeserved."

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli welcomes Ogbonna swoop

Jul 29, 2013

Andrea Barzagli insists the arrival of Angelo Ogbonna will provide extra motivation for Juventus’ defenders.

The Italian international, who has joined the outfit from city rivals Torino, will potentially provide competition for Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

“Ogbonna will help us,” the 32-year-old commented. “If you want to increase the quality of a squad then it is normal to buy high level players.

“Angelo can become a great champion and his presence will be important in not only games but also in training.

“To have a teammate who could be selected instead of you pushes you to work hard and give your best. That is why bringing in Ogbonna was the right decision.”

Centre-back Barzagli had a fine 2012-13, but he did struggle at times for Italy during the Confederations Cup last month after a long season.

“I was a bit overcooked after the Confederations Cup, but I want to play all of the time,” the former Palermo man added.

“Will I work differently ahead of the World Cup? I don’t think I’ll change any of my preparation. The intention is to never give anything up.

“It’s hard to think about the World Cup when we have such a busy season ahead of us. The priority is my club, then I’ll think about the national side at the right moment.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli to miss Italy-Argentina

Aug 13, 2013

Juventus and Italy defender Andrea Barzagli has been ruled out of Wednesday’s friendly against Argentina.

The centre-back is struggling with an Achilles tendon issue which will not clear up in time for the Stadio Olimpico clash.

http://markting10.nl/

Although the decision to send him home was taken on Monday evening, the 2006 World Cup winner will still be part of the Azzurri group which will meet the Pope later today.

Once their visit to the Vatican is over, he will return to Turin and placed into the care of Juventus medics.

Juventus play Lazio on Sunday in the Italian Super Cup Final.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli abandons Italy camp

Sep 2, 2013

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has left the Italy training camp due to an injury problem.

He had been called up for the two World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.

http://markting10.nl/

However, medical staff evaluated his condition today and sent him back home to Turin.

Barzagli had limped off during Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Lazio with an inflamed Achilles tendon.

It is likely Barzagli will be replaced in the Azzurri back three by his Juventus teammate Angelo Ogbonna.

Italy play Bulgaria in Palermo on Friday September 6 and host the Czech Republic at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Tuesday September 10.

[Socrates 7962]

Torino will attack, says Barzagli

Sep 26, 2013

Juventus’ Andrea Barzagli expects rivals Torino to give his side some space in the derby this weekend.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady have come up against some conservative teams over the last few weeks, including Chievo last night.

“We created a host of chances against Chievo and doing that against a side who just defend isn’t easy,” the Italian international noted following the 2-1 win.

“Now we turn our attention to the derby, but I don’t think Torino will only be thinking about defending,” he added.

“Last year they played their own game, looking to catch us on the counter-attack. I think they’ll line up in the same way as us and go for it.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Juventus struggling to adapt for Europe

The Italy international says that Antonio Conte's men have been worked out
by opponents and that they need to introduce more variety into their play.

Oct 3, 2013

Andrea Barzagli has admitted that Juventus are struggling to adapt their game for the Champions League.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri reached the quarter-finals of last season's tournament before being eliminated by eventual winners Bayern Munich, but they are struggling this term, having drawn both of their opening group games, against Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

With a double header to come against Real Madrid, Juventus are now in an unenviable position as they look to reach the knock-out phase and Barzagli is worried that other teams have worked out how to play against the Italian champions.

"It's pretty obvious that we are no longer able to play our own game," the Italy international told Mediaset Premium.

AMAZONIAN

"In recent years, the way a lot of squads play has changed and we are trying to alter our approach a little in order to return to the Juventus of old.

"In Europe, however, it's more difficult because one meets strong squads and they tend to always impose their game on you."

Juve had put themselves in a winning position against Galatasaray having recovered from the shock of conceding a first-half goal to Didier Drogba, with a quick-fire double from Arturo Vidal and Quagliarella putting them 2-1 up late in the game.

AMAZONIAN

However, the Turin giants conceded an almost instanteous equaliser to Umut Bulut, and Barzagli conceded that he should have done better to prevent the goal.

"I'll take a little responsibility for Galatasaray's second goal because, with three minutes to go, I should be more alert and covering better," the centre-half conceded.

"As a defender, I should have told my team-mates to defender deeper and more compact.

AMAZONIAN

"It's unacceptable to concede a goal like that, with four against four, having just scored to go ahead."

Juve now face group leaders Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 23.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli on the defensive

Oct 21, 2013

Centre-back Andrea Barzagli has no answers as to why his Juventus side are now leaking goals with regularity.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady have conceded 10 times in eight League games so far after letting in just 24 over the course of 38 matches in Serie A last term.

“Unfortunately we’re paying the price this year,” the former Palermo stopper told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s not as if we’re allowing our opponents more shots on goal when compared to last season – but we’re always being punished.”

http://markting10.nl/

Antonio Conte’s side amazingly shipped in four goals in a 15-minute period at Fiorentina on Sunday, as they threw away a two-goal lead at the Franchi.

“I honestly don’t know how to explain what happened,” Barzagli continued. “There weren’t even signs of a potential Fiorentina comeback.

“We dominated the game, going close to scoring a third goal and, before we know it, we find ourselves 3-2 down…”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli has Champions League faith

Oct 25, 2013

Andrea Barzagli is convinced Juventus can reach the last 16 of the Champions League – even if they are yet to win in the competition this season.

AMAZONIAN

The Old Lady, beaten by eventual winners Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals last term, have only collected draws against FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray. They lost 2-1 at Real Madrid this week.

“It was a great feeling to play at the Bernabeu,” the 32-year-old told JTV on Friday afternoon.

“It’s a wonderful stadium and Real are a fine team. But on Wednesday night we showed that we’re capable of competing with them.

AMAZONIAN

“We know we must put in a great performance in the return game, but we’ll also be able to count on the great boost provided by playing in front of our fans.

“Our route out of the group has become difficult but we know we can still get through – especially after our display in Madrid.”

Juventus are going through a rough patch of form considering that they were beaten 4-2 at Fiorentina last Sunday – after taking a 2-0 lead. Genoa are next in Serie A.

AMAZONIAN

“We need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible in order to forget what happened in Florence,” continued the stopper.

“Genoa have recently changed Coach and I think they’ll come here to sit back and put bodies behind the ball.

“The championship is more open this year, with Napoli and Roma proving well-equipped rivals.

AMAZONIAN

“We’ve got our sights firmly fixed on the title, winning the third Scudetto in a row would represent a historic achievement for both the players and club.”

Juventus have surprisingly struggled at the back seeing as they have conceded 10 goals in just eight Serie A ties.

“We know we’ve got to improve. It’s not that we’re giving that much more away this season, we just need to cut down on the individual mistakes that have barely occurred over the last two years. “

AMAZONIAN

The former Palermo player was netted for a nominal fee from Wolfsburg in January 2011 and he’s keen to hang up his boots in Turin.

“Playing for Juventus is a privilege for any footballer. I hope to be able to end my career here.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli misses Italy-Nigeria

Nov 16, 2013

Andrea Barzagli will not go to London for Italy’s friendly against Nigeria after limping off with Germany.

AMAZONIAN

The Juventus defender pulled up with a muscular problem during last night’s 1-1 draw at San Siro.

He has been diagnosed with a slight pull of the left adductor, so is sent home ahead of Monday’s test at Craven Cottage.

AMAZONIAN

Medics are confident Barzagli will be fit for next Saturday’s Serie A match against Livorno.

Sami Khedira came off considerably worse, as he tore a knee ligament during last night's match and will be out for six months.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli injury update

Nov 16, 2013

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli is out of Monday’s Italy-Nigeria and at risk for Livorno after an injury against Germany.

AMAZONIAN

The centre-back limped off after clutching his thigh during last night’s 1-1 international friendly at San Siro.

He was sent back to Turin rather than make the trip to London with the rest of the Azzurri side for Monday night’s game against Nigeria.

AMAZONIAN

“Andrea Barzagli, who left the field towards the end of last night’s Italy v Germany game due to muscular discomfort in his left thigh, has undergone an MRI scan this afternoon in Turin which has revealed a pectineus muscle strain.

“The extent of the injury will be assessed over the coming days,” read a statement from the Juventus website.

It therefore remains to be seen whether he can recover in time for next weekend’s Serie A encounter with Livorno.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli a doubt for CL

Nov 25, 2013

Andrea Barzagli is a major doubt for Juventus’ crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen on Wednesday.

AMAZONIAN

The defender missed the Bianconeri’s win over Livorno at the weekend after picking up a thigh strain in Italy’s draw with Germany.

And giornalaccio rosa dello Sport have revealed this evening that the centre-back is likely to miss the game in Turin this week after failing to recover from the knock.

AMAZONIAN

Barzagli missed training today, but Angelo Ogbonna is expected to come in against the Danes.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Pirlo unique, but…

Dec 3, 2013

Andrea Barzagli doesn’t expect boss Antonio Conte to ask Juventus to play differently now that Andrea Pirlo is sidelined.

AMAZONIAN

The playmaker is set to be out of action for around 40 days after picking up a knee ligament problem in the game against Udinese on Sunday.

“Andrea is important for us, he’s one of the best in the world and lends us his vast experience,” the 32-year-old added.

“Luckily we have excellent players who can come into the midfield, though there’s nobody like him. As a great team, we’ll look to play our own game just the same without him.”

AMAZONIAN

Pirlo limped out of the Udinese game in the first half and the Old Lady only ensured a win thanks to an injury-time Fernando Llorente strike.

“It was a crucial win which arrived in the last minute of a difficult match,” Barzagli continued. “We did well and were fortunate to believe in ourselves.

“Udinese proved themselves to be in a better physical condition than us, and they made us suffer on two occasions when Gigi Buffon made the difference.”

AMAZONIAN

Juventus have won their last six games and they haven’t conceded a goal during that winning streak which has taken them to the top of the table.

“At the beginning we conceded quite a few goals, even though not necessarily more than in other years, perhaps more because of lapses in concentration than anything.

“But after the Fiorentina game we’ve rediscovered that defensive solidarity which is fundamental to winning in Italy.

AMAZONIAN

“It’s to early to talk of us running away with the Scudetto though, we’re still at the beginning. Roma have done extraordinary things so far, and we’ve done well to keep up with them and then overtake.

“But the road ahead is long, and we’re already concentrating on Friday’s game in Bologna.”

[Socrates 7962]

‘Eight points an advantage, but…’

Jan 6, 2014

Andrea Barzagli says Roma gave Juventus ‘headaches for 60 minutes’ yesterday and has warned that the title race is not yet over.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri ran out 3-0 winners over the nine men of the Giallorossi in Sunday evening’s meeting between Serie A’s top two, to hand the Turin side a sizeable eight-point advantage in the title race.

“Is the Scudetto in our pocket? How can I respond? There are still 20 games left,” Barzagli has warned, however, to suggestions the Old Lady have things wrapped up.

“Certainly this was an important game, because it was a direct confrontation. Eight points is a good advantage, but there is still so much until the end of the season.

AMAZONIAN

“It was a tough game, the best moment was at the end when it was over, as for 60 minutes Roma caused us headaches.

“They are a team to be respected, but we have relied upon our strength.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Roma defeat will help Juventus

The Italy international has admitted that the Bianconeri's cup exit is a blow,
but remains confident they can win silverware this season.

Jan 22, 2014

Andrea Barzagli has voiced his disappointment with Juventus' Coppa Italia elimination at the hands of Roma, but believes the 1-0 defeat will benefit them on the long term.

AMAZONIAN

A single Gervinho strike after 79 minutes of play ended the Serie A champions' hopes of winning their first domestic cup since 1994-95, but Barzagli remains optimistic about his side's chances of winning silverware this term.

"Being eliminated hurts, but it will also help us to grow and improve as a team," the defender, 32, told reporters.

"It was a very tight game, we didn’t allow them many chances but we didn’t create much ourselves either. We made one mistake.

AMAZONIAN

"It’s a shame that their goal came 10 minutes from the end because we didn’t have time to make a comeback. We don’t like losing and the Coppa was one of our objectives for the season, so we’re disappointed with going out.

"The overall outlook remains more than positive, though. We’re doing very well in Serie A and we’ve still got the Europa League to go for."

[Socrates 7962]

Agent: Barzagli renewal soon

Feb 6, 2014

Andrea Barzagli’s agent, Claudio Orlandini, is hopeful that his client will soon sign a new contract with Juventus.

AMAZONIAN

The 32-year-old Azzurri international has been plagued by tendon injuries in recent times but, speaking to tuttojuve.com, his agent insisted that a new deal to keep the player with the Old Lady may not be far off.

“We are in discussions,” Orlandini said. “Soon we could reach an agreement.”

The agent has however admitted to not knowing exactly when his client will return to action.

AMAZONIAN

“I’m not sure when he’ll be back to full fitness,” he remarked.

“I don’t have a crystal ball, we are assessing it every so often.

AMAZONIAN

“The problem he is suffering from at the moment is different to the one he has had previously with his tendons.

“At the moment he is looking to overcome a muscular injury and it is not linked to his previous problems.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli ‘out for a month’

Mar 19, 2014

La Repubblica are reporting that Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli faces around a month out injured after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury.

AMAZONIAN

The 32-year-old suffered the setback during the warm up before his side’s Serie A match with Genoa last Sunday.

Unlike last time however, it is said that the problem cannot be managed while he continues to play so he now faces the prospect of four weeks on the sidelines.

AMAZONIAN

More bad news for the Old Lady is that Federico Peluso will also miss the next three weeks of first team duty, having picked up a thigh strain.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli back for Bologna

Apr 14, 2014

Andrea Barzagli is in line to return to the Juventus squad for next weekend’s game against Bologna, according to reports.

The central defender has been plagued by a calf injury this season, which has seen him miss the last five games.

But Tuttosport claim that the 32-year-old is back in training at Vinovo, and could be in line to make the match against the Rossoblu next Saturday.

Barzagli will not feature against Udinese this evening however, as the Bianconeri look to re-establish their eight point gap at the top of the table.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Dominant Scudetto

May 9, 2014

Andrea Barzagli has hailed Juventus’ third straight Scudetto as ‘sensational’ and ‘dominant’.

The Bianconeri claimed their 30th official League title last weekend after Roma lost 4-1 away to Catania.

And the defender has insisted that his men were thoroughly deserving of the trophy.

“It’s been a sensational League campaign and a dominant Scudetto victory,” he told JTV this afternoon.

“The first Scudetto? Surprising. Second? Confirmation. Third? Devastating. The last three years have undoubtedly been the best of my career.

“We’ll certainly give everything we’ve got next year to show that this group can keep winning.

“We all feel the responsibility of wearing the black and white stripes. The shirt must always be honoured.

“I would like to dedicate this third consecutive Scudetto to my children. My son especially is a big fan!”

The 33-year-old then remarked on his calf injury that meant over a month on the sidelines, and this weekend’s match with Roma.

“Unfortunately the injury kept me out for five weeks. Now I’m over it and am working my way back to peak condition.

“I think the match against Roma will be a good one. Even though we've won the League we still want to give a good account of ourselves.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli misses Luxembourg with fever

Jun 4, 2014

Andrea Barzagli is still struggling with a fever and will miss Italy’s game with Luxembourg this evening.

The Juventus defender had been named in Cesare Prandelli’s starting XI for the match in Perugia tonight, but the FIGC have confirmed that he will in fact sit out the clash.

The Bianconeri man has, instead, been ordered to travel up to Rome a day earlier than the rest of the squad and try to recover in time for tomorrow’s flight to Rio.

Club-mate Leonardo Bonucci will now partner Giorgio Chiellini instead at Stadio Renato Curi.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli injury scare

Jun 18, 2014

There are rumours emerging from the Italy camp that Andrea Barzagli will miss the game with Costa Rica.

The Juventus defender has struggled with tendon problems all season and had been in doubt for the tournament.

He played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over England on Saturday night and was expected to start again on Friday at 17.00 UK time.

However, reports from the Italy camp this evening suggest Barzagli is feeling that pain in his Achilles tendon yet again.

It means he’s likely to be replaced by Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci, partnering Giorgio Chiellini in the centre.

Chiellini played left-back against England, but with Costa Rica it’s possible Matteo Darmian will switch over to the left, introducing Milan’s Ignazio Abate on the right.

Italy probable: Sirigu; Abate, Bonucci, Chiellini, Darmian; De Rossi; Candreva, Thiago Motta, Pirlo, Marchisio; Balotelli

[Socrates 7962]

Juventus rocked by Barzagli injury

The Serie A club have confirmed they will be without the defender
for the opening part of the season after he underwent treatment on a heel problem.

Jul 1, 2014

Juventus will start their Serie A title defence without centre-back Andrea Barzagli after the 33-year-old was ruled out for up to three months.

Barzagli was a regular in Antonio Conte’s starting line-up and his performances for Juve helped his side win Serie A and reach the semi-finals of the Uefa Europa League.

The defender, who has undergone surgery for a heel injury, also started in all three of Italy’s World Cup games before they were eliminated at the group stage.

"Andrea Barzagli has this afternoon [Tuesday] undergone surgery on the heel bone of his right foot," a club statement read.

"Under the supervision of Juventus doctor Fabrizio Tencone, the defender was operated on by Professor Sakari Orava in Turku, Finland.

"Barzagli, who did not require surgical treatment on his Achilles tendon, is due to return to Italy tomorrow and will proceed with his rehabilitation programme after a period of complete rest.

"He is estimated to be out for approximately three months."