Socrates

Juventus accelerate for Cuadrado? http://www.football-italia.net/74265/juventus-accelerate-cuadrado? Oct 13, 2015 Juventus could fast-track the redemption of Juan Cuadrado, in case Chelsea change their manager. The Colombian is on loan from the English side, having failed to break into the team at Stamford Bridge under Jose Mourinho. However, following a poor start to the season, Mourinho is perhaps not as untouchable as he once was, and SportMediaset is linking Atletico Madrid Coach Diego Simeone with the job if the Portuguese leaves. The news outlet believes Simeone is a big admirer of Cuadrado, so the Bianconeri could look to do a deal to bring him to Turin permanently in the January transfer window. The season-long loan does not included a buy-out clause, but it’s thought Mourinho would be willing to do a deal for the Colombian international.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri The return of the real Juventus Juventus have resembled the walking wounded, but after recovering players from injury Luca Cetta expects the Bianconeri to start the climb up the table. http://www.football-italia.net/74263/return-real-juventus? Oct 13, 2015 Immediate reactions weren’t encouraging. In some discomfort as he lay prone on the turf, Alvaro Morata was stretchered from the field. Initial speculation pointed to potentially a month on the sidelines. The scenario echoed that of Claudio Marchisio last season, originally ruled out for at least six months following a knee injury picked up on Italy duty. That sparked a furore between Antonio Conte and his former employers. Fortunately for Juve, the midfielder was back in a matter of weeks. Like in March, reports of a long-term issue weren’t one Juve were hoping to read. So all concerned could breathe a sigh of relief when it was announced Morata had suffered only heavy bruising to his leg. With a crucial Derby d’Italia looming it was a welcome statement. Injuries have been the theme of the season. After a raft of summer changes, Massimiliano Allegri was not helped by having players sidelined. Never has the Coach had a full strength team available. It was hard enough to adjust following a number of summer arrivals and departures through the Vinovo gates. Having to piece together a team exacerbated the problem. Only once has Allegri named an unchanged line-up, as the side which downed Sevilla backed up to defeat Bologna. Morata wasn’t the only worry over the international weekend, the injury crisis not aided by Paul Pogba suffering an ankle injury. Meanwhile, a thigh concern saw Roberto Pereyra pull out of Argentina’s shock loss to Ecuador. Injuries have contributed to Juve’s lowly standing in Serie A – currently 12th on eight points from seven matches. But that’s not the only reason. The Bianconeri failed to convert domination into goals against Udinese, Chievo and Frosinone. They’ve also shown a soft centre defensively. According to WhoScored.com only Fiorentina have conceded fewer shots per game in Serie A, yet Juve have conceded eight times. It has put pressure on the Coach, who last season went so close to claiming an historic treble. Slowly the infirmary is emptying. Pogba left Les Bleus training to return to Turin and both he and Morata are undergoing extra training sessions to be ready for the trip to Milan. “Working flat out to be ready for Sunday!” Morata wrote on Twitter with an accompanying photo taken at Vinovo. “The injuries we’ve been dealing with are nothing in particular. I’m fairly confident they’ll both be available against Inter,” Allegri declared. In addition, Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro have returned to training after missing recent outings. They join two players who only just traversed the comeback trail. Sami Khedira made his debut for the Turin giants versus Sevilla and then scored against Bologna. Kwadwo Asamoah returned in the latter. All four will be up for selection. Meanwhile, Mario Mandzukic is close to taking the field again. Finally, Allegri is working with something resembling his best team. The only major concern remains Stephan Lichtsteiner. He has started his recovery from surgery following breathing problems, but will be unavailable in the upcoming weeks. Yet the situation will be alleviated as Martin Caceres returns from his club-imposed exile. With Allegri getting the wounded back out into the trenches, now we will see the ‘real’ Juventus. It’s an important period of the season for the Old Lady, especially given leaders Fiorentina are 10 points clear. After stuttering through the opening months, the Bianconeri need consistency, something Allegri has acknowledged: “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.” The action comes thick and fast throughout the remainder of October, which also includes the Derby della Mole and third Champions League outing versus Borussia Monchengladbach. Overall, there are five games in 14 days. It can help shape their season prospects. That Allegri has recovered most of his squad is vital. In some respects the season starts now for Juventus. They know they cannot afford to keep dropping points. The Bianconeri have lost as many times in eight matches as they did in 38 last term. But with a full deck to play with, Allegri can show his real hand. This is the time for Juventus to flex their muscles. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juventus defender Patrice Evra ageing 'like a bottle of wine' http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2660558/juventus-patrice-evra-ageing-like-a-bottle-of-wine? Oct 13, 2015 Patrice Evra says he feels as strong as ever as he sets his sights on winning more trophies with Juventus and the national team rather than bringing his career to a comfortable conclusion. The Juventus defender is not afraid of the competition he faces for his place both on club and country level with France, saying instead that this is inspiring him to bring out the very best as the years go by. "I thrive on healthy competition," he told Radio Monte Carlo. "I feel like a bottle of wine -- as the years pass, I get better and better. "This is also why I am able to put the younger players at ease, even though they know that I'm not going to leave them even a crumb because I know I don't get any preferential treatment and if I'm not good enough, one of them will take my place." Evra feels he would still have been first choice at Manchester United had he not asked to leave last year. "It's still hard to talk about it, but one day -- when my career's over -- I'll be able to speak more openly about it," the French full-back added. "I came to Turin above all for my family, because at Manchester they had inserted a clause in our agreement which changed the situation considerably. It really annoyed me. "I don't regret this move, which in the end has proven to be more than positive." Evra won Serie A and the Coppa Italia with the Bianconeri last season, as well as playing in his fourth Champions League final. The first of those was in 2004 with Monaco, a club he does not see himself returning to as he is happy at Juventus. "My aim is to keep on winning with Juventus and the national team, particularly since we're the host nation [at Euro 2016]," he said. "I'm happy in Serie A, even if it was more a coincidence that I ended up in Turin than a choice. "I'm a sportsman who has competition in my blood and I am not interested in money. I really cannot see myself returning to Monaco one day for a golden pension. Of course you can never know what might happen in life and I could also go back to Ligue 1, but that's not on the agenda right now. "Many times I hear people saying I should just be taking things easy and being happy at my age, but while my body and my head are still fine, I'm going to keep on playing. I never look to the past, but always to the future. For as long as I am still motivated, I will keep putting my boots on and not pinning them up."

Why Sami Khedira Is the Glue to Keep Juventus Together and on Track to Glory http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2578548-why-sami-khedira-is-the-glue-to-keep-juventus-together-and-on-track-to-glory? Oct 13, 2015 When Juventus signed Sami Khedira on a free transfer at the start of the summer transfer window, alarm bells went off among some fans. Juve already had one of the—if not the—best midfield units in the world that featured the core group of Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba and quality depth in Roberto Pereyra and Stefano Sturaro. The Germany international—winner of league titles in two countries, a Champions League and a World Cup—was not the kind of player one signed to be a depth piece. Juve chief executive Giuseppe Marotta knew something the fans didn't. The move proved to be prescient. The unexpected departures of Pirlo (to MLS) and Vidal (to Bayern Munich) quite suddenly took away the soul of the unit, and instantly made Khedira an integral part of the new-look midfield along with Marchisio and Pogba. And now, after only two games in a Juventus shirt, the 28-year-old has shown that he might be the key player in the side. When both Marchisio and Khedira missed significant time in the early months of the season, it was clear that the team wasn't equipped to respond. Sturaro, Simone Padoin and new arrivals Hernanes and Mario Lemina had their moments—particularly Lemina, who, at times, looks like a younger version of Vidal—but for the most part they looked out of sync. Constant lineup changes didn't help their ability to develop chemistry. But the most notable—and most damaging—effect of their absence concerned Pogba. Saddled with the overwhelming expectations of both his projected price tag and his new No. 10 shirt, Pogba, 22, overcompensated for the absence of the two veterans. He tried to do everything, almost as though if he could be spectacular enough, one goal might be worth two. He was pressing, and it was hurting the team. One would think Hernanes, 30, might be the kind of veteran presence that could calm the young Frenchman, but his form varied as much as his position, from adequate to downright awful. Pogba pressed harder. The team suffered more. Then came September 30, and Juve's big Champions League match at home against Sevilla. After stealing a surprise victory at Manchester City to start the group, a win over the two-time defending Europa League champions would give the Turin club a win against both of their main group rivals and put them in the driver's seat in a tough group. The big news of the day: The return of Khedira from the leg injury he suffered in preseason. It may have been a watershed moment for the Bianconeri's season. Khedira's presence instantly brought stability to the midfield. He made his presence felt with a perfectly timed sliding challenge in his own penalty area to snuff out a well-worked free-kick sequence. WhoScored tracked his pass-completion percentage at only 76.5, but he made three key passes and his positioning in midfield was so good that he rarely had to make a tackle in his 75 minutes on the field. Even more important, though, was the effect he had on Pogba and Hernanes. Each had their best game of the season. Hernanes picked himself up after a thoroughly horrid game against Napoli and completed 85 percent of his passes. Pogba simply looked better. His passes were sharper. His dribbling was more controlled, allowing him to pull the quick, nifty moves he has always used to slip by defenders in the attacking third. He defended with poise and grace. Most importantly, his decision-making was vastly better, foregoing the Hollywood ball to make the smart play. The poise Khedira brought to the team carried over to the weekend. Bologna took a shock lead after five minutes, but rather than succumb to panic as they had done in similar situations against teams they should beat, they remained calm and quickly bossed the game. An equalizer came after half an hour when Khedira supplied Alvaro Morata with a cross, and the Spaniard returned the favor to his old Real Madrid teammate in the second half when he dropped in a cross for the German to head home. Khedira's mere presence has seen Juventus turn in their two best performances of the season. Even though his playing time at Real had steadily decreased over the last few years—due to both competition and injury—he slotted into the lineup almost seamlessly and brought a calming effect to a team that seemed to be totally out of sync. That type of leadership is vital to any winning team, and Khedira has brought it in spades. When combined with Marchisio—who returned to training on Thursday and is on track to return this weekend against Inter—the Juventus midfield could begin approaching the status they had in the heyday of the MVP midfield under Antonio Conte. Juventus may be 10 points back at this point in the season, but the season is still young and they have a lot of games against teams above them yet to play. They play the majority of their big games in the return leg of the season on the road. While no one is talking about the Scudetto at this point in the season, it certainly cannot be ruled out. Even if league glory finally eludes them, there is the Champions League to consider. Juventus reached the final last season and have eschewed their usual slow start in the group stage, instead notching consecutive wins against their biggest competition. If things go right, they could wrap up the top spot in the group with a game or two to spare—which would allow them to refocus on climbing up Serie A before the winter break. Khedira's experience would be even more important as Juventus gets deeper into European competition. Real Madrid has reached the semifinals in each of the last five seasons, and Khedira has been there for all of them, including their victory over Atletico Madrid two years ago. For a team with big ambitions in Europe, that experience is worth its weight in gold. The only outfield player with such extensive experience of deep European competition Juve had last year was Pirlo. Replacing that isn't easy, but Marotta has found a man who can do that. With Khedira seemingly settled into the midfield and Marchisio returning shortly, Juventus can again field an incredibly talented midfield that will take the pressure off Pogba and make the younger midfielders behind them better. Given the effect the Khedira has already had on the team, it's no stretch to say that he will be a key player as Juventus quests for more silverware this season.

INTER - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 8 Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Valeri Juan Jesus: ‘Winning all that matters’ http://www.football-italia.net/74242/juan-jesus-‘winning-all-matters’? Oct 12, 2015 Inter defender Juan Jesus says “all that counts is winning” against Juventus “no matter the score”. The Derby d’Italia will be contested at San Siro on Sunday, with the Nerazzurri winless at home to their great rivals since 2010. “It will be a great match, it’s the Derby d’Italia,” the Brazilian told Inter Channel. “The Coach [Roberto Mancini] will prepare us in the best way for the match. We can win at San Siro. Juve need points, but we need them even more to make up for the [4-1] defeat to Fiorentina. “The important thing is to win, no matter the score. If it’s 1-0 or 2-1, all that counts is winning.” 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 duo Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata could face Inter despite injuries http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2659188/juventus-duo-paul-pogba-and-alvaro-morata-could-face-inter? Oct 12, 2015 Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata could both play for Juventus when they visit Inter Milan at the weekend, despite picking up injuries while away on international duty. France midfielder Pogba picked up an ankle injury and missed his side's friendlies, while Spain forward Morata suffered a blow to the leg in the win over Luxembourg. Morata was sent to Turin for tests amid fears he could have fractured his leg, but a statement on the official Juventus website said he had only suffered bruising. "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," the statement said. Morata, writing on Twitter, said: "It's not going to be a month [out], nor four. I'm working hard to be back at my best for Sunday." Álvaro Morata ✔ @AlvaroMorata Ni un mes ni cuatro... Trabajando a tope para estar listo el domingo!!! The news is a boost for Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, who may now be able to field his strongest team to face Inter as they continue to recover from a tough start to the season. "To win the Scudetto you need a continuity with your results, which we've not yet had," he said at a round table event in Pisa, reported by Il Corriere della Sera. "If you win in Milan but then lose your next two, that win in Milan's worthless. "We've had a full squad available since Sept. 10 and I think that we're doing really well now. We've been together for 20 days and I'm pleased with the way the lads are working, considering all the difficulties we had. "I think our aim has got to be to get to March in the best condition possible to be able to play for our chances in the league as well as in the Champions League, because we need to get through and play a great Champions League campaign." Juve trail second-placed Inter by eight points after seven games. 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: ‘Important to beat Juventus’ http://www.football-italia.net/74216/mancini-‘important-beat-juventus’? Oct 12, 2015 Inter Coach Roberto Mancini admits beating Juventus would be “a big coup and an important thing.” The Nerazzurri welcome the Turin giants to San Siro after the international break, having not won the home fixture of the Derby d’Italia since 2010. “Beating Juve would be a big coup, and an important thing,” Mancini told reporters as he attended an event in Montefeltro. “It’s the Derby d’Italia, I’m sure it will be a great evening between two great teams. Now we have to play like Inter. “We’ll prepare as we always do, it’s a historic match, which automatically brings motivation, and also the Derby d’Italia has become very unique in recent years because of all the controversies which have broken out. “We have to be well prepared, because it brings particular pressures with it. “We haven’t won it at home since 2010? Well then, that’s enough, it’s already been too long…” Mancini then gave an update on the injury situation facing the club, assuring that Geoffrey Kondogbia will be available for the visit of the Old Lady. “Kondogbia is fine, he’ll be available. “Am I happy Stevan Jovetic didn’t play for Montenegro? I’ll be even happier if he plays on Sunday. “Adem Ljajic? I didn’t see his game, but there’s no problem. I hope that Adem can adapt as soon as possible, we have to give him time. “I certainly believe in him, otherwise I wouldn’t have asked to take him to Inter.” 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 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