Socrates

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Asamoah Ready For Huge Inter Challenge http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-winger-ready-for-huge-inter-challenge/? Oct 12, 2015 Kwadwo Asamoah is ready to face Inter this weekend and is hoping Juventus can continue their recent revival. The Ghanaian international has played just one minute in Serie A this season and is hoping to make an impact for Juve in the Derby D’Italia this Sunday. “The game against Inter will be a huge challenge,” Asamoah told Tuttosport. “It is a big game for the fans so we are hoping to win. “I want to get onto the pitch and help the team after being out injured.” Asamoah then had his say on Juventus’ slow start to the season and insisted the team must carry on their good form from before the international break. “After a difficult start we have come back and got back to winning ways,” Asamoah continued. “We want to start strong after the break. “We need to resume from where we left off against Sevilla and Bologna. “Winning is crucial for us. “Sometimes you start a season slowly, but we have to stay positive and know that we can do better.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Ancelotti: 'Strange Scudetto race' http://www.football-italia.net/74213/ancelotti-strange-scudetto-race? Oct 12, 2015 Carlo Ancelotti analyses the problems at Juventus and gives his Scudetto predictions in a “strange” Serie A race. The Coach is taking a break and ready to get back to work in January, so sat down with the Corriere dello Sport newspaper. He cast his eye over the European scene, including the surprise leaders of the Liga and Serie A, Villarreal and Fiorentina. “They are two different situations. In Italy, Fiorentina are doing very well and surprised the big clubs, who changed a great deal over the summer. “The Viola are on top and tied to the uncertainty of who will be there at the end. We don’t know who will win the title, maybe even Fiorentina, or Napoli, or Roma, or Juventus fighting back. “In Spain we already know who wins at the end, it’s either Barcelona or Real Madrid.” Inter and Milan invested a great deal of money this term, but are yet to reap the rewards. “It is disconcerting they’ve conceded so many goals, especially as they brought in players of a very high level like Joao Miranda, Jeison Murillo, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano, all players that the biggest clubs in Europe wanted. “It is truly a very strange campaign, open and absolutely anything could happen.” Ancelotti still has a fondness for the club he played for, but is yet to manage – Roma. “They are the side with the most quality. In attack there’s Edin Dzeko, Mohamed Salah, Gervinho and Iago Falque, plus Francesco Totti. In the middle Radja Nainggolan and Miralem Pjanic bring equal doses of strength and technique. “There are only a few problems at the back, but right now they seem to be the most reliable team. Daniele De Rossi playing in defence is a bit of a fad after Javier Mascherano at Barcelona and now Javi Martinez at Bayern Munich. “Mind you, the precursor was the Baron, Nils Liedholm, when he put Agostino at centre-back. I played in defence once, in a friendly for Milan against Barcelona. That one time was enough to realise it was not a good idea.” Napoli are emerging as surprise title contenders under Maurizio Sarri after crushing Milan 4-0 and defeating Juventus. “I’ve only seen them play once, against Empoli in perhaps their worst performance. I do like the team for their organisation, speed and technique. Napoli can absolutely win the Scudetto. “I really liked Sarri’s Empoli last season, as they were a dynamic side with a precise identity and attacking football. It might seem a paradox, but today’s Napoli reminds me of Empoli, sitting compact with a very high defensive line. “If the quality of the Napoli players marries the quality of Sarri’s organisation, then the fans will have fun. “I also like Paulo Sousa at Fiorentina. Last term with Real Madrid we beat Basel 5-1 in the Champions League, but the away leg was very balanced and uncertain.” The giants are struggling so far this season, so how does Ancelotti read the situation? “Juventus changed a great deal, as Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal are formidable players, fundamental for their style of play and the level of the side. “They were replaced by young players who still need to settle in. It’s not easy to find an alternative to Pirlo from one day to the next. Claudio Marchisio would’ve fit the bill, but he’s been injured and max Allegri was forced to change within the change. “However, in the most difficult games of the season, Juventus have done well, beating Manchester City and Sevilla. “At Real Madrid and Barcelona it’s a different situation. So far my ex-team hasn’t lost, while Barcelona felt the weight of injuries to Leo Messi and Andres Iniesta. Maybe they also felt a bit sated after last year’s success.” Real Madrid sacked Ancelotti over the summer and replaced him with Rafa Benitez, who he met up with in Nyon. “I didn’t need to give him any advice because he already knew what it was like there and expected all that has happened. He was born there, he trained in the youth academy and knew that at the slightest slip-up the controversy would explode. “Criticism at Real is excessive. In fact, the whole environment around the club is excessive, both in a good and a bad way.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Leo Messi has some nice things to say about Juventus striker Paulo Dybala http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/12/9492387/juventus-paulo-dybala-leo-messi-nice-things-are-nice Oct 12, 2015 There are certain players that you just have to listen to when they say things. Gigi Buffon comes to mind as one of those players because of the fact he speaks nothing but truth. Same goes for Claudio Marchisio and some of the other veteran players on the Juventus roster. But what about the best player on the planet? (No, sorry, it ain't Cristiano.) Forget about his current tax status in Spain, Leo Messi is the best of the best. And, in an interview with Turin-based daily Tuttosport, the Argentine wonder has said a few things about a young Juventus striker who just so happens to be from the same country. "Dybala is a great player. Paulo has a big future ahead of him. He will certainly be talked about a lot over the next few years. I can tell he is a player of real quality. Trust me on that." (Source: Football Italia) One Argentine supporting another. I'm down with that. Especially when you consider it won't be too long until Dybala will be playing alongside Messi in one former or another sooner rather than later. As we came to know in the wonderfully executed 'La Joya' documentary on Dybala, the young striker's roots are just as much Polish as they are Argentinian. And even though he had a desire to play for Poland (alongside Greatest Striker Ever Right Now Robert Lewandowski) because of his past, playing for Argentina is obviously something that he's cherishing during the current international break (and certainly in the future, too). And let's be honest here: If Leo Messi is giving his approval regarding Paulo Dybala's game, who's going to disagree with him? I'm pretty sure he's earned the right to have people believe what he says. (Outside of tax-related things, of course. I think we've established that already.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Morata and Pogba extra time http://www.football-italia.net/74197/morata-and-pogba-extra-time Oct 11, 2015 Alvaro Morata and Paul Pogba are having extra training sessions to be fit for Inter v Juventus next Sunday night. Both players picked up injuries while on international duty this week and returned to Turin early. Morata was relieved to see he hadn’t sustained a fracture or lesion, just heavy bruising to the right calf muscle after he was stretchered off against Luxembourg. Pogba sprained his right ankle in training for France and missed out on their friendly outing. Today Coach Max Allegri gave his players the day off from training, but Pogba and Morata were at the Vinovo ground anyway. They had extra training sessions and therapy with the medical staff today, hoping to rush the recovery process and be ready for the Derby d’Italia. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Bonucci: 'Conte's Italy reborn' http://www.football-italia.net/74192/bonucci-contes-italy-reborn Oct 11, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci hit back at critics of Antonio Conte’s Italy. “It was reborn from the ashes of a disastrous World Cup.” The Azzurri secured their spot at Euro 2016 with a 3-1 victory away to Azerbaijan and will top the group with at least a point against Norway on Tuesday. “In the moments of difficulty, everyone loves to criticise the work of the players and Coach,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia. “We have always known that we’d do well with Conte and we were proved right. We achieved qualification a round early and that is a great result for a side that was reborn from the ashes of a disastrous World Cup in Brazil. “Now we all need to work together to achieve one objective, as this squad has a lot of quality. There are promising young players and elements of experience like Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi. “It’s a good mix and qualification is a small step forward. Now we must prepare for a very difficult European Championship.”

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Mancini prepares Derby d'Italia http://www.football-italia.net/74184/mancini-prepares-derby-ditalia Oct 11, 2015 Roberto Mancini prepares Inter to face Juventus and congratulates Italy on qualification for Euro 2016. The Coach picked up an award and spoke to Mediaset Premium this afternoon. “The Derby d’Italia is always an important match. It will certainly be an intriguing night with two great teams facing off,” he said of next Sunday’s Serie A fixture. “It would be an important step to get a win, but there’s still a week to go and we’ve got time to work on it. “We’ll see how the internationals are doing when they return between Tuesday and Thursday, then evaluate everything carefully.” Last night Italy booked their place at Euro 2016 with a 3-1 victory away to Azerbaijan. “I compliment the side, because it’s never easy to qualify with a round to spare. Matches are wide open, even those that on paper might seem easier. “Hopefully before June we’ll improve fitness levels, because Italy always do good things at the Euros and World Cup.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Bonucci: 'Conte bans complacency' http://www.football-italia.net/74166/bonucci-conte-bans-complacency Oct 11, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci assures Antonio Conte will keep Italy on their toes against Norway. “He’s already preparing.” The Azzurri secured their qualification for Euro 2016 with a 3-1 victory in Azerbaijan on Saturday evening, while a point against Norway in Rome on Tuesday will be enough to ensure the top spot in their group. “With Conte around, there is absolutely no risk of underestimating this game,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia. “He’s already planning the match and told us he’ll outline everything on Sunday. “This is the right mentality to have, because we all go out there to win every time.” Norway need a victory to be sure of qualifying ahead of Croatia, who visit Malta in their final game. The Scandinavians are already certain of at least a play-off berth as one of the best third-placed sides.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Scudetto race is wide open - Garcia Juventus' poor start to the Serie A campaign has made for a much more competitive title race in Italy, according to the Roma coach. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2015/10/11/16223452/-? Oct 11, 2015 Roma boss Rudi Garcia says the Scudetto race is wide open thanks to Juventus' stuttering start to the campaign. Juve have cantered to four successive Scudetti and in 2014-15 finished 17 points clear of Garcia's Giallorossi, who fell off the pace dramatically after the winter break. However, Juve have only won two of their opening seven matches and have been beaten by Udinese, Roma and Napoli - leaving them 10 points behind early leaders Fiorentina, and six adrift of Garcia's men. With Fiorentina, Inter and Lazio all showing impressive early form, Garcia is relishing the title battle this season and hopes Roma can be part of that tussle come May. "It is a much more open Scudetto race after four years in which Juventus were champions of Italy four times in a row and beat the record for points in 2013-14," he told Telefoot. "This season the title battle is far more open and we have to make sure we're up there all the way to the end. "Our objective is to qualify for the Champions League, but it is our ambition to do as well as possible." http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Why Gianluigi Buffon Will Spend at Least Two More Seasons at Juventus http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2577616-why-gianluigi-buffon-will-spend-at-least-two-more-seasons-at-juventus? Oct 11, 2015 Very few players have enjoyed careers as long or as decorated as Gigi Buffon. The Juventus captain is currently enjoying his 21st season as a professional. He has played 770 games for the Bianconeri and former club Parma, while making a record 151 appearances for the Italian national team over that same period. Making his debut with Parma as a 17-year-old, Buffon would win the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia with the Ducali, he would impress enough to convince the Turin giants to spend almost €52 million to bring him to the club. That remains both Juve’s record signing and the highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper, yet he has proven to be worth every cent. Winning no fewer than eight Serie A championships—two of which were later revoked as part of the Calciopoli punishments—as well as the 2007 Serie B title, last season’s Coppa Italia and two Champions League runners-up medals. Also lifting the 2006 World Cup with the Azzurri, Buffon has been named Serie A goalkeeper of the year on nine occasions, while being declared the best goalkeeper of the 21st Century by the IFFHS, per Football Italia. Almost 20 years after his breakthrough, it is difficult to know just how long Buffon has left at the highest level, but he told a press conference back in April (h/t Brian Homewood of Reuters) that he has no immediate plans to retire: A player stops when he feels that he is no longer what he was before on the pitch. Looking at it objectively, that is not my case. I will continue to keep playing as long as I am doing well, otherwise it would be a waste. Why bid farewell to football if you are playing well? At the first sign of slipping, I would be the first to bow out. I think one should stop playing when goes onto the field and you see that you are no longer the same person. Called “a great player and a great professional,” by Juventus general director Beppe Marotta last year (h/t Football Italia), Buffon was handed a new contract by the Bianconeri at around the same time. The deal will run until June 2017, according to the club’s official website. This prompted questions and speculation about whether it could be his final extension. “The fact that it could very well be my last contract was a factor, but I’m not worried about that,” Buffon told reporters at a subsequent press conference. “I feel energised. I want to continue performing to a high level, so that I can be an asset and a point of reference for the club.” He has done just that already this term, playing a vital role as Juventus struggled through the early part of 2015/16. Particularly effective with a string of saves during September’s Champions League victory over Manchester City, his coach would single him out for praise shortly after the final whistle. “I hope he will go on for as long as possible, certainly as long as I am manager," Massimiliano Allegri said at his post-match press conference per Richard Jolly of ESPN FC. “Buffon is someone who is extraordinary goalkeeper, perhaps the best ever in the history of football. He never fails.” Despite now being a 37-year-old veteran, that is certainly true, and it would be no surprise to see a one-year extension being added to that Juventus contract before too long. That would allow Buffon to play in the 2018 World Cup, which would be a fitting way for the Italian legend to call time on a truly historic career.

Ranieri: 'Cannavaro caused Juve exit' http://www.football-italia.net/74174/ranieri-cannavaro-caused-juve-exit? Oct 11, 2015 Claudio Ranieri reveals he left Juventus because of Fabio Cannavaro. The Leicester City manager spoke to the Corriere dello Sport newspaper and discussed his two-year spell in Turin from 2007 to 2009. “With Juve it ended when I decided that it should end. I also have to point out that my spells at clubs have always been finished by me. “We no longer agreed on transfer strategy. I was told that we’d agree on and buy players between the three of us: me, director of sport Alessio Secco and general manager Jean-Claude Blanc. “The moment came when a choice was made that I didn’t agree with, but they told me that the two of them had decided. So I said fine, then I’ll go instead. They fired me two games before the end of the season, but the matter was done and dusted by that point. “Who was the player? I can say it now, it was Cannavaro. He was a great player, but it didn’t seem right that six stars went down to Serie B and took Juventus back into the top flight. Meanwhile he went off to Real Madrid and won a Scudetto only to just come back again? “Cannavaro did well, it was just an issue of what was fair to the team. It was my opinion, not that of the locker room.”

DEL PIERO: “NO JUVE REGRETS” http://www.juvefc.com/del-piero-no-juve-regrets/? Oct 11, 2015 Alessandro Del Piero says he has “no regrets” about his Juve career and feels he is “ready to become a coach.” Speaking to the Corriere dello Sport newspaper, the former Juve captain looked back at his Bianconeri career and his ambitions for the future. “I will admit, I do now feel ready to become a Coach,” he told the Italian daily. “It’s an intriguing option that I am now evaluating. If you’d asked me three years ago, I would’ve said no, but things are different now. “This is such a complex job that allows you to experience football with a vision. I want to make it clear that I haven’t signed up for any course yet. “I worked for a long time with three greats, so learned from Lippi, Capello and Ancelotti. I realised by working with them that a squad is guided with humility, intelligence and infinite patience.” “My career at Juve was magical. Perhaps the most important shirts I kept are from the first victories, as those were special. Although now that I think about it, Serie B, the fall and the rebirth with the Scudetto were key moments too. “In 2006 it would’ve been frankly difficult not to stay. I was the captain of Juventus, I was its number one fan. Juve had given me so much. “John Elkann called and I said he could count on me. I didn’t think twice, nor do I have any regrets.” Ale’ did eventually leave the club in 2012, but it was an emotional goodbye. “It had been a very difficult year for me, as I played few games, but still scored some decisive goals. When I went off in the second half, I felt a lump in my throat. “I can remember few words from that moment, but everything seemed to stop: opponents, the referee, my teammates.”

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Jovetic: 'Beat Juve to send signal' http://www.football-italia.net/74169/jovetic-beat-juve-send-signal? Oct 11, 2015 Stevan Jovetic insists he’ll be fully fit next Sunday and Inter beating Juventus “would send a strong signal.” The Montenegro international was sent home early from international duty, as he wasn’t in any condition to play due to a muscular problem. “I am still sad at our elimination from Euro 2016, as we put all our heart into it and it still wasn’t enough. We were also a little unlucky,” Jo-Jo told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. He is already focused on next weekend’s Derby d’Italia, as Inter hope to keep Juve struggling in mid-table. “Beating Juventus would send a strong signal. It’d be a show of our strength in Serie A and a step forward in our campaign. After all, I’ve already scored against the Bianconeri at the Juventus Stadium. “It’ll be a wonderful game, as despite recent results, they are still Juve.” Inter haven’t beaten the Old Lady at San Siro since 2010, the year of the Treble, but this is comfortably the Bianconeri’s worst campaign since then. “I don’t trust seeing Juve so far down the table. They remain very strong, even with injuries and many changes over the summer. They still have players of great talent and before the break for international duty were finding their feet again, so we must be wary.” Jovetic was asked whether he is the decisive element in the side, as Inter won all five opening rounds before collapsing 4-1 to Fiorentina and drawing 1-1 at Sampdoria, both without him on the field. “No, that was just a coincidence. We are a team and nobody is more important than anyone else. These situations can happen, now we’ll try to get back on our feet.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Allegri: 'Juve can win Scudetto' http://www.football-italia.net/74159/allegri-juve-can-win-scudetto? Oct 10, 2015 Max Allegri hopes to have Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata against Inter and still believes in a Juventus Scudetto. The Derby d’Italia is at San Siro next Sunday night and the Bianconeri received bad news during the break for international duty. “Morata suffered a big bruise, the medical staff will monitor him day after day and we’ll see if he will be at our disposal for the next match in eight days,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “I have spoken to the lad, he’s very calm, even if it was a nasty knock. “Pogba has this ankle problem, again it’s nothing worrying, but for three or four days at least he’ll have to train separately from the group and we’ll evaluate his condition as the week goes on. “The injuries we’ve been dealing with are nothing in particular. I’m fairly confident they’ll both be available against Inter. “To win the Scudetto we need consistent results, which is something we’ve struggled with so far this season in Serie A. “Therefore we need to be consistent, because a victory away to Inter followed by two defeats renders the win pointless. “Do we still believe in the Scudetto? That’s only natural, as we are only in October. In any case, we are giving the priority to the Champions League.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Morata aims to be fit for Inter vs Juventus Despite reports suggesting he could face over a month out, the Spanish striker says he is in line to return for the Italian champions next weekend at San Siro. http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/10/10/16197972/-? Oct 10, 2015 Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has set his sights on being fully fit to face Inter in Serie A next Sunday. The Spain international was stretchered off in the first half of the European champions' 4-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday with an injury to his lower leg. Some initial reports in Spain claimed Morata could face between one and four months out of action, despite having avoided a fracture to his leg, but the 22-year-old has moved to dispel those concerns. Morata posted on his official Twitter account: "Neither one month nor four... I'm working hard to be ready for Sunday!" The 22-year-old had further tests on the problem late on Friday and the Bianconeri later stated his progress will be monitored over the coming days. "Alvaro Morata has today returned from international duty and the Juventus medical staff has confirmed the diagnosis of their Spanish counterparts: a bruised right leg with no evidence of fractures. "The striker's condition will continue to be monitored over the coming days in order to assess the best course of action for his return to training." Morata has scored three times so far for Juve this season in what has proved an inconsistent campaign to date for the Serie A champions. They head into the clash with Inter a full 10 points adrift of current league leaders Fiorentina, and eight behind Roberto Mancini's men. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Messi: Dybala destined for greatness The Barcelona star has backed his 21-year-old compatriot to become one of the world's best players the future. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2015/10/10/16195562/-? Oct 10, 2015 Lionel Messi believes Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala is certain to become one of the world's best players. Dybala received his first call-up for Argentina last month following some fine performances for Palermo last season and new club Juventus in the opening weeks of the 2015-16 campaign. The 21-year-old remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes of his side's 2-0 World Cup qualification defeat to Ecuador on Friday, yet Messi - who is recovering from a knee injury - is confident his compatriot will become a household name in the future. "Paulo is a great player and he has a bright future ahead of him," the Barcelona man told Tuttosport . "I have no doubt that people will talk about him a lot over the next few years." Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo in June 2015 for an initial transfer fee of €32 million - potentially rising to €40m - and has netted four goals in nine appearances for the reigning Serie A champions so far this term.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Moratti: 'Inter reflect Mancini' http://www.football-italia.net/74141/moratti-inter-reflect-mancini? Oct 10, 2015 Massimo Moratti believes Inter “reflect the character of Roberto Mancini” and looks forward to facing Juventus. The Derby d’Italia is played next Sunday evening and they’ve had very different starts to the Serie A season. “Many sides are capable of winning the Scudetto, although compared to previous years we have a much better chance,” the former President told Sky Sport Italia. “It is strange to see Juventus so far back in the table, especially considering everything they did last year. “What was my favourite Inter-Juve? Certainly a 6-0 at San Siro. I was young then and always remember it with a smile.” That extraordinary result was on April 4 1954, when Moratti’s father Angelo was President of Inter. Now Erick Thohir is at the helm and Mancini on the bench. “The team has been renovated a great deal, we have high hopes and want to do well this season. “There’s a lot of Mancini in this new Inter, as he specifically requested all the players. The team also reflects the character of their Coach. “I am happy with how all the players are doing, but if I have to pick one who has impressed me the most then I’ll say Jeison Murillo.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Asamoah: I Have Grown A Lot During My Spell On The Sidelines http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/asamoah-i-have-grown-a-lot-during-my-spell-on-the-sidelines/? Oct 10, 2015 Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has discussed his injury problems saying that it has been emotionally hard for him to be absent from first-team football for so long. The Ghanaian midfielder missed the whole of last season with recurring knee injuries, but did finally make his return to playing in the 3-1 win against Bologna. “It was a difficult time for me, because it’s something that has never happened to me in my career,” said Asamoah to Sky Sport Italia. “It was hard to stay at home for so long, my family helped me a lot and my team-mates have also been really helpful. “It’s not been easy for me to sit out for so many months, it has been a time of growth for me.” The Ghanaian midfielder has been at Juve since joining from Udinese in 2012.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Trap: 'Fiorentina and Napoli enchanting' http://www.football-italia.net/74139/trap-fiorentina-and-napoli-enchanting? Oct 10, 2015 Giovanni Trapattoni is “enchanted” by Fiorentina and Napoli, but analyses the problems at Milan and Juventus. The legendary Coach sat down with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport to discuss the current Serie A scene, which has the Viola top of the table. “I am enchanted by Fiorentina and Napoli,” said Trap. “Paulo Sousa is an intelligent lad who I know well and his Fiorentina is sparkling. “Napoli are very well organised and almost arrogant in the way they push past teams. Sousa and Maurizio Sarri both know that more difficult moments will come. It used to happen to me in mid-November and I had 14 players in the squad, not 25.” Juventus won the last four editions of the Scudetto, but find themselves 10 points adrift of the leaders. “They are very far back, but will those in front always be able to maintain this pace? After all, Juve have that solid mentality and winning spirit. They also play good football, even though they struggled to score. “Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala are excellent young forwards. Let’s just say they have the time to recover.” Another of Trapattoni’s former clubs, Milan, continue to stutter even under new Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic. “I believe in Mihajlovic. He has experience, did well in previous campaigns and has character. Maybe Milan made a mistake in trying to transform players in roles that they were not suited to. “At that level, you get the right player for every role.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Messi: 'Dybala one to watch' http://www.football-italia.net/74127/messi-dybala-one-watch? Oct 10, 2015 Leo Messi praised Juventus youngster Paulo Dybala. “He will be talked about a lot over the next few years.” The Barcelona legend spoke to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport during his injury lay-off and discussed Dybala, who received his maiden call-up for Argentina this week. “Dybala is a great player,” declared Messi. “Paulo has a big future ahead of him. He will certainly be talked about a lot over the next few years. “I can tell he is a player of real quality. Trust me on that.” Juventus invested €32m to buy Dybala from Palermo this summer and he has already scored four goals in nine competitive games. He turns 22 next month and has been in Italy since 2012.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Moratti: ‘League more balanced’ http://www.football-italia.net/74118/moratti-‘league-more-balanced’? Oct 9, 2015 Former Inter President Massimo Moratti sees a “more balanced” Serie A, and looks ahead to the Juventus match. The Nerazzurri are second in the table, two points behind surprise leaders Fiorentina, and hold an eight-point lead over the Bianconeri. “I don’t know if it’s more balanced or if the overall level is lower,” Moratti told Mediaset. “However, it’s a League which gives everyone the conditions to hope. “I hope the international break can be used for everyone [at Inter] to recharge their batteries, though we did well against Sampdoria. “Of course, it will could also allow Juve to recharge, so we’ll have to see who can do more.” The Nerazzurri have not beaten the Old Lady at San Siro since 2010, and Moratti hopes a win on October 18 can be a good omen. “When we beat them then, we won the Scudetto, maybe if we win the next game we’ll succeed again. We all know how it ended then, so we hope it’s an auspicious sign.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Mancini: ‘Time to prepare for Juve’ http://www.football-italia.net/74117/mancini-‘time-prepare-juve’? Oct 9, 2015 Roberto Mancini saw his Inter side lose to Chiasso, but “there’s time” to prepare for the Juventus match. The Nerazzurri went down 3-1 to the Swiss Challenge League side, though it was an experimental team, with many players off on international duty. “The important thing is that Biabiany played 90 minutes,” Mancini told Inter Channel after the match. “D’Ambrosio and Juan Jesus played 70 minutes, so for us that match is about that. The important thing is that those who haven’t been playing got to do so. “Juve? The game is in nine days, there’s time.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juventus Prepare To Offer Defender New Contract http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-prepare-to-offer-defender-new-contract/? Oct 9, 2015 Juventus are thought to be making attempts to extend the contract of defender Andrea Barzagli. Barzagli’s current contract expires at the end of this season, and despite being 34-years-old, the Old Lady still consider him a very important figure at the club. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the club have contacted Barzagli’s representatives to talk about extending a contract and whether Barzagli himself is ready mentally and physically for another season with the Bianconeri. No details have yet emerged to suggest the former Wolfsburg man will receive a pay rise in any potential new deal. Barzagli has been a key figure already for Juventus this season having made seven starts and one substitute appearance. Last season the defender made just 10 Serie A appearances due to injury.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Paul Pogba sprained his right ankle, but should be ready to face Inter Milan next weekend Hey, an injury! Fancy that happening this season! http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/9/9486145/paul-pogba-injury-juventus-france-2015-serie-a-team-news Oct 9, 2015 Once the reports from France started coming about regarding his injury while on international duty this week, we figured Paul Pogba was at risk of missing some amount of time. We just had to wait and see what the official word was once he made his way back to Turin after withdrawing from the France squad two days ago. Courtesy of Juventus' website, we have said diagnosis: Paul Pogba has returned to Vinovo after withdrawing from France's national squad with a sprained right ankle. The player was visited by the club's medical staff, who confirmed the diagnosis made by their French counterparts. He is expected to be able to return to action in seven days' time. Short, to the point, and depending on how you feel about Pogba's form these days, some pretty decent news considering the luck Juventus have had with injuries this season. The 'seven days' time' diagnosis pretty much translates to Pogba being ready for next weekend's trip to the San Siro to face Inter Milan in the Derby d'Italia. Of course, regardless of the timetable established, that is a race against time knowing that we're basically eight days' time out from the first derby of the season, but I'm just pointing out the details of it all. Either way, this injury isn't too serious or else Pogba would be out for much longer and then the collective freakout mode would be ratcheted up a few points on the 1-10 scale. And even if we're forced to wait to see Juventus' midfield finally — yes, FINALLY — at full strength, at least it will be happening during an important part of this early season. There's not just the derby next weekend, there's Champions League football shortly thereafter as well as plenty more chances to get back into the top third of the table and make everybody forget about this wretched start to the Serie A campaign. So, rest up during your seven days away from the group, Paul Pogba. Don't make it eight or nine days. I think I speak for many folks who would like to see you do good things against Inter. And then some good things against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Say that three times fast. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Juventus confirm Pogba fit to face Inter The midfielder withdrew from Didier Deschamps squad with an ankle problem but after tests in Turin, the 22-year-old has been declared fit for the Nerazzurri clash. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/10/09/16163612/-? Oct 9, 2015 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba should be fit for the Serie A clash with Inter after withdrawing from the France squad with a sprained right ankle, the club have confirmed on Friday. Pogba returned to Turin on Thursday for treatment from the Old Lady's medical staff and after assesment's on Thursday, the club have indicated he will be able to return to action quicker than expected. In a statement released on Juventus' official website, the reigning Italian champions said: "He is expected to be able to return to action in seven days’ time." "Paul Pogba has returned to Vinovo after withdrawing from France’s national squad with a sprained right ankle. "The player was visited by the club’s medical staff, who confirmed the diagnosis made by their French counterparts." The Old Lady, who have been struggling in Serie A this season, face Inter in nine days time, and news of Pogba's availability will be a boost to manager Massimiliano Allegri. Juventus sit 12th in the Serie A table, while Roberto Mancini's Inter have enjoyed a good start to the season, trailing Fiorentina at the top of the table by just two points. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Pogba back in a week http://www.football-italia.net/74098/pogba-back-week? Oct 9, 2015 Paul Pogba's ankle sprain was examined by the Juventus doctors, who declare: 'He'll be back in about seven days'. The star of the Bianconeri midfield had to pull out of international duty due to injury, but should be back in time for the game against Inter on October 18. “Paul Pogba came back to Vinovo yesterday evening, having suffered a sprain to his right ankle,” reads an official statement on the club's site. “The player was visited by the Juventus medical staff, who confirmed the diagnosis of their French colleagues. “The return to sporting activities will be possible in around seven days.”