Socrates

Dybala leading Juventus' new-look attack and living up to the hype http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2593087/juventus-transfer-news-summer-window-watch? Sep 3, 2015 With the transfer window now closed, it's time to look at Juventus' deals and whether Max Allegri can be pleased with his summer business. Ins Paulo Dybala (Palermo, £23.6m); Alex Sandro (Porto, £19m); Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid, £14m); Simone Zaza (Sassuolo, £13m); Hernanes (Inter, £8m); Sami Khedira (Real Madrid, free); Norberto Neto (Fiorentina, free); Juan Cuadrado (Chelsea, loan); Mario Lemina (Olympique Marseille, loan) Outs Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich, £28m); Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham, £8.5m); Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich, £5m, two-year loan); Carlos Tevez (Boca Juniors, £4.7m); Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC, free) Window rating - 8/10 Juventus have seen three leaders depart, making it almost impossible to replace them, but the new signings on the whole have enough talent to fill the void. Success story Some feared the most expensive signing of the market, Paulo Dybala, would struggle to live up to the hype and his valuation. The Argentine, though, has proved effective in this early part of the season, scoring goals and injecting much-needed creativity and determination into a side that is struggling with injuries and the absence of their departed leaders. He not only scored in the Supercoppa to help Juventus defeat Lazio 2-0 and lift the trophy, but he was also the man to score against Roma in their 2-1 defeat, sparking the attacking movement that saw his side nearly escape with a point. A true world-class talent, Dybala may be young, but his intelligence and movement have greatly impressed. He also deserves recognition for how quickly he has settled into the squad, quickly understanding coach Massimiliano Allegri's tactical patterns of play and the style of those players around him. Work in progress Juventus made a lot of money last season, bringing in close to €100 million from their participation in the Champions League alone. With several stars departing -- Andrea Pirlo for free, Carlos Tevez for a pittance and Arturo Vidal for a substantial sum -- management has worked hard to ensure their departures would not affect the side too much. The idea was to invest in youth. The Bianconeri want a side they can rely on for future years and hope that a possible transitional year now will eventually lead to a strong unit that can challenge at the highest level in Europe for many years to come. As such, there was a great emphasis on buying young players who perhaps aren't established enough to carry the team through in Europe but they are still expected to win the domestic challenge considering the lack of competition. So far, they've managed two league defeats and questions are being asked of the team's mentality. When leaders depart, they take with them the experience and that cynical edge Juve have come to be known for in recent years. Currently, the squad looks like a collection of players with potential but are without any established stars who can rescue them as Allegri tries to find the right tactical balance. The lack of creativity is the real problem. Pirlo not only provided guarantees but he inspired those around him, especially a certain Paul Pogba. Without him, the young Frenchman looks a little lost, while the squad seems a little void of ideas going forward. With Hernanes coming in from Inter, Juve hope they have somewhat resolved that problem. But their inability to bring in Julian Draxler or an even more highly rated talent in that trequartista role might well come back to hurt them. From a defensive standpoint, Juventus already miss Vidal and his box-to-box ability. While fans hope Sami Khedira will return from injury and show his early form at Real Madrid, the worry is he will take too much time to find his rhythm again, leaving the back line vulnerable. Winter watch With the summer transfer window officially shut, management has to note which players they may have to potentially bring in this coming winter. The obvious worry is that Khedira may be incapable of producing the goods. If so, then one imagines Juventus will have to bring in another central midfielder to help provide the balance and contribute to both phases of the game. It's probable the club will continue to monitor Ilkay Gundogan. As for more creative options, if the club is still struggling to score, then the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan may well be looked upon considering his agent is Mino Raiola, a man who already has a relationship with the club. In attack, it's clear Juventus miss Tevez. With a forward line largely made up of youngsters and Mario Mandzukic, who is more determination than talent, Beppe Marotta and co. may need to dip into their fund to bring in an established forward who can resolve the tough games and one capable of creating a goal out of nothing. Perhaps by January we will see Edinson Cavani linked again with the Old Lady or a forward who will struggle for playing time this season.

Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba to Cost Blues £73M, Top Rumours http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2560215-chelsea-transfer-news-paul-pogba-to-cost-blues-73m-top-rumours? Sep 2, 2015 Paul Pogba will push Chelsea's spending powers to the limit after Juventus confirmed that they believe the midfielder will be worth in excess of £73 million next summer. According to Neil McLeman of the Mirror, Old Lady director general Giuseppe Marotta said that he believes the Frenchman will soon be worth over €100 million: We decided to keep Pogba despite significant offers from foreign clubs. In future, he will be worth over €100 million. I’ve noticed how the Premier League has become richer, and we’ve seen clubs buying players for what would have been crazy prices until recently, but are very normal today. If Pogba continues his performance of last season, I think next year, €100 million will not suffice. McLeman noted that the Italian champions rejected bids from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for the prized midfielder, clearly waiting for what would be close to a world-record approach for the former Manchester United youngster. The 22-year-old has excelled in Serie A since leaving Old Trafford and is now regarded as one of the premium talents in world football. Pogba has made 78 appearances for Juve in the past two seasons in Serie A and Europe, according to WhoScored.com, scoring 16 times and providing 14 assists from his central berth. The No. 10 has continued to develop his all-round game and would suit Blues manager Jose Mourinho's midfield tactics. Tony Banks of the Express said that Chelsea pursued Pogba up until deadline day, but Juventus' refusal to negotiate terms and the player's £318,000-per-week wage demands killed any thoughts of a deal. Banks said that Mourinho was looking for a marquee signing after Chelsea's poor start to the defence of their Premier League crown, but no star entity was able to be purchased. The Blues also had a fourth bid for John Stones rejected by Everton—this time a huge £37 million offer, according to Banks—leaving Chelsea short of world-class investments. The Premier League champions are now prepared to go back in for Pogba in 12 months' time and will battle Barcelona to land the prodigy. BeIN Sports' Tancredi Palmeri provided substance behind Chelsea's last-minute move for the player, saying Juve were inquiring about midfielders just in case Pogba dramatically landed at Stamford Bridge: Again! Chelsea and Juventus had another contact for Pogba in the night! Chelsea have said to be ready to up the 120m€ bid Pogba is the kind of signing both Mourinho and Chelsea supporters want, but he won't come cheap—no matter when he leaves Turin. At United, his potential was always there to see, but Sir Alex Ferguson made a huge mistake in letting him leave when he should have been picking the teenager for his first team. Mourinho is the perfect coach for Pogba, as the Special One developed Eden Hazard's game, which provides a blueprint for the next stage of the Frenchman's career. Pogba looks set to become one of the highest-paid footballers on the planet, whether he moves to London or finds his way to La Liga.

Max Allegri Approval Rating - August 2015 The Allegri Approval Rating System has returned. How did Max Allegri do in the month of August? http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/2/9247245/max-allegri-approval-rating-august-2015-juventus Sep 2, 2015 The 2015-16 season is now well and truly underway, with two games already played in Serie A, the Champions League group draw already done and the transfer window closed. Juventus are not off to the best of starts, but the dice have been cast and it remains to see how they land as the season unfolds. This is how they have looked on the pitch so far: 2-0 win against Lazio in the Italian Super Cup 0-1 loss at home against Udinese in the Serie A 1-2 loss away against Roma in the Serie A Off the pitch, there has been some major overhauling of the squad. Gone are some familiar faces that have been an integral part of the four straight League titles: Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal, Marco Storari, Fernando Llorente Simone Pepe and Angelo Ogbonna with Kingsley Coman, Mauricio Isla and Paulo De Ceglie loaned out. That's 10 players from the full squad now gone. While manager Massimiliano Allegri has done a decent job replacing a lot of these players, that 'star' element has been missing especially in that No. 10 role with rumored deals for Julian Draxler and Isco among others falling through. Joining the squad are Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic, Neto, Hernanes, Alex Sandro and Simone Zaza with Mario Lemina and Juan Cuadrado joining the Bianconeri on loan. On the basis of how Juve have played in the three matches, as well as the dealings in the summer mercato, tell us how you think Allegri has done. Remember, we'll be doing this every month of the season and tracking the grades we're giving Mad Max all year as well.

Juventus: €100m might not be enough for Pogba next year The Juventus director general has cited the money being spent by Premier League clubs to back his claim that the Frenchman's value is only going to rise. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/09/02/14992502/-? Sep 2, 2015 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has warned Paul Pogba's suitors that €100 million might not be enough to sign the midfielder next year. The France international is one of the most coveted players in world football and was this summer courted by European champions Barcelona, who failed with an €80m bid for the 22-year-old. Marotta has now claimed that Pogba's value is only going to rise in the next 12 months, citing the €1.17bn Premier League clubs spent during the summer transfer window as evidence of the remarkable rate of inflation within football. "The market is only going to grow," the Juve director told reporters on Wednesday. "The Premier League is the example: prices that are normal today would have been crazy yesterday. "If Pogba should maintain the levels of last year, €100m might not be enough next year. "Maintaining a winning team is about making great signings, but when you're faced with offers of over €100m, you wobble. "But Juve wants to win and that's why we kept him." Juve, though, lost a number of key players during the summer, with playmaker Andrea Pirlo leaving for New York FC, top scorer Carlos Tevez returning to Boca Juniors and midfield dynamo Arturo Vidal joining Bayern Munich. The Bianconeri have made several signings to replace those who have departed, including Paulo Dybala, Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic, but Massimiliano Allegri's men have made a dismal start to their Serie A title defence, losing their opening two fixtures for the first time ever. Marotta, though, is calling for calm, arguing that fatigue is a factor and that patience was always going to be needed to allow the revamped squad to gel. "We worked during the summer window with the idea of creating a mix of experience and youth," he added. "For us, the market represented a metamorphosis. "We lost at Roma [last weekend] because we're still in the initial phase of the season. It's a question of preparation and significant journeys like the one to Shanghai [for the Supercoppa Italiana]. "Facing last year's runners-up in the second round of the season is not an excuse but that was not the real Juve. "Credit to Roma, but they are only three points. We're now starting for six points down and we must make them up. "But our season starts now and I'm not worried about the quality of the players. We have a very good group. "A period of adjustment was always necessary but we are Juventus and we must win."

Juve duo suspended http://www.football-italia.net/70719/evra-pogba-grow? Sep 2, 2015 Juventus goalkeeper Rubinho received a two-match ban, while Patrice Evra and Palermo’s Aljaz Struna are also suspended. The Disciplinary Commission gave its verdict on the Week 2 events in Serie A. Rubinho was sent off from the bench for insulting the officials during a 2-1 defeat to Roma. For that behaviour, the third choice goalkeeper has been given a two-round ban. Also red carded during the same encounter was Evra, who is suspended for one game. Palermo right-back Struna gets a one-match ban for his red card against Udinese on his Serie A debut.

Jugovic: Allegri Has Created A Juventus Team More Suited To His Ideas http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/jugovic-allegri-has-created-a-juventus-team-more-suited-to-his-ideas/? Sep 2, 2015 Former Juventus midfielder Vladimir Jugovic has said that coach Massimiliano Allegri has created a team more suited to his tactics following the signing of Hernanes. The Old Lady signed the Brazilian from Inter on deadline day during their last-ditch attempt to bring in a playmaker to the side, following the club’s failure to sign Schalke winger Julian Draxler. “Hernanes? I liked Vidal a lot….” joked Jugovic to Tuttosport. “But let’s hope that the former Inter player turns out to be an excellent reinforcement.” He continued: “The club hierarchy acted with courage and now time will tell whether the results will be in line with the past successes.” “After four seasons of triumphs, it is right to refresh the squad and it is just a normal period of adjustment.” “This is certainly a team which reflects better the ideas of Allegri. ”

Marotta: ‘€100m not enough for Pogba’ http://www.football-italia.net/72458/marotta-%E2%80%98%E2%82%AC100m-not-enough-pogba%E2%80%99? Sep 2, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta says ‘€100m will not be enough’ for Paul Pogba if he continues to develop. The Bianconeri rejected an €80m bid from Barcelona for the midfielder, and there were reports Chelsea were preparing an even bigger offer. “We’ve invested so much, partly because there were gaps in the squad,” Marotta explained in a Press conference. “The departures of [Andrea] Pirlo and [Carlos] Tevez didn’t generate any revenue, or very little, given their age. “What I’ve noticed is that we’re in a particular market, and next year values will increase by 30 or 40 per cent. “I’ve noticed how the Premier League has become richer, and we’ve seen clubs buying players for what would have been crazy prices until recently, but are very normal today. “Next year I predict even bigger deals. If Pogba maintains his level of performance from last year, then €100m will not be enough to get him.”

Marotta: ‘Difficult to deal with Schalke’ http://www.football-italia.net/72457/marotta-%E2%80%98difficult-deal-schalke%E2%80%99? Sep 2, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta slams Schalke over the Julian Draxler deal - ‘a very mysterious club’. The Bianconeri were involved in lengthy negotiations for the German international, who eventually moved to Wolfsburg, much to the chagrin of some Juve fans. “There’s bitterness because we’ve lost two in a row,” Marotta admitted in a Press conference to present Hernanes and Mario Lemina. “There’s bitterness and even skepticism and pessimism over what we’ve done. Our culture doesn’t allow us to make excuses, though it’s clear we have to talk about being handicapped slightly this year. “This year we’re undergoing a metamorphosis, with more players than usual coming in and out, so we needed more time, but we’re Juventus and we have to win. “On Draxler, I officially pulled out of the running on August 19 at Vilar Perosa. It was difficult to deal with Schalke, a very mysterious club where no-one knew who could talk, so we had difficulty interacting with them. “We’ve done deals with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and many other clubs, that’s affected how we conduct other deals. “We knew we wouldn’t reach a conclusion because the asking price was disproportionate, and the player's motivation wasn't at the top. “The outcome depends on the players, and if the player has doubts then it’s difficult to reach a conclusion. “Draxler is very young, we want to win again this year, the Coach has to reunite the team and move the team forward, and you need motivation for that. “I’m not worried about the players, but maybe it’s the first time Juventus has had this kind of [young] squad available, so motivation is important. We have to transfer the winning mentality to those with less experience. “Confirming a winning team is already like a big signing. When you have offers for players of around €100m, and these offers are coming from top clubs, you can say you’re not budging, but we’re still proud. “Juventus want to win, so we decided to hold on to a top player like Pogba. As for the rest, a club like Juventus is ambitious, we don’t hide that. “So, we try to look for targets who are perhaps utopian, to go looking for players who aren’t approachable for many reasons, maybe because they earn too much or cost too much, maybe because they’re happy in their current team. “I’m not going to name them, because we’re just coming out of this Draxler soap opera, and that will make it even harder. “We look for youth, while always looking for a major signing. If we don’t get one in a certain year, then he’ll come a year later.”

Marotta confirms Hamsik bid http://www.football-italia.net/72456/marotta-confirms-hamsik-bid? Sep 2, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta confirms a Marek Hamsik bid, and stresses the importance of Italian players. Reports on Monday’s transfer deadline day linked the Bianconeri with a bid for the Napoli man, and Partenopei President Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed yesterday that a €25m offer had been rejected. “Some names have not come out,” Marotta said, speaking about the transfer campaign in a Press conference. “Maybe you’re not aware of them, big names. Sometimes it goes under the radar. We had contact for Hamsik over a month ago, we spoke to De Laurentiis 10 times. "Hamsik fits the bill for us, because he’s proven in Italy, and you need to know that you’ve got players who know what it means to go to Carpi or Frosinone and win. “Foreign players don’t know that. Maybe [Milan CEO Adriano] Galliani says that a team built in August isn’t the same as the one in May, but I think building a team with Italians is an advantage, and something to aim for.” Marotta also defended the club’s transfer campaign, while admitting the likes of Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo were not easy to replace. “I thank the people who work with me, like [Fabio] Paratici. We’re happy, we achieved our targets and built a winning team. “To do better than last season is difficult, because we’d have to win the Champions League along with all the other trophies. “As for the rest, we’ve seen players leave from last season and previous years, in some cases it wasn’t our will, and these players are not easily replaceable. “Someone with the characteristics, personality and charisma of Pirlo could strike fear with just his silent gaze, so replacing people like him wasn’t easy. “I think the club will remain successful, directors and Coaches come and go, but we’ve built a team with an interesting profile, mixing experience and youth. “I think a team which is entirely built on youth can’t win everything.” Marotta also had praise for Coach Massimilano Allegri, and believes he will be pivotal to the team’s success this season. “I think he’ll be crucial,” the director said. “Not just on the pitch, but the modern role involves managing the squad, transforming the squad into a winning team, giving them the focus and motivation to achieve our goals and focus on elements of their personality. “The squad is good. Pirlo and Tevez would provide security and certainty which the squad must rediscover not through individuals, but with the team and with unity.”

Lemina: ‘Del Piero, Nedved inspirations’ http://www.football-italia.net/72455/lemina-%E2%80%98del-piero-nedved-inspirations%E2%80%99? Sep 2, 2015 Mario Lemina names his Juventus heroes as Pavel Nedved and Alessandro Del Piero. The midfielder has joined the Bianconeri on an initial loan basis from Marseille, and was asked at his presentation about his favourite Juve players growing up. “A Juventus player who inspired me a lot is Del Piero,” Lemina explained. “Now, unfortunately, I’m not a stiker, so it’s not really possible to look at him and be inspired by him. I’m also inspired by Nedved, who is also a Juventus legend and played in my role. “Today he inspires me, he’s a player with huge ‘grinta' [heart and determination] as you say in Italian, and I like that kind of approach. “He was a great player, he scored a lot of goals and he really inspires me.” Under Marcelo Bielsa at Marseille, Lemina even played as part of a three-man defence, and says he’d be willing to do the same for the Old Lady. “My preferred role, or roles, are midfield or playmaker, because those are the positions I like. But If I have to play in defence then that’s no problem for me, I’m ready to work in defence and give my all for the team.”

Massimiliano Allegri Deserves Praise for Bold Juventus Champions League Choices http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2559875-massimiliano-allegri-deserves-praise-for-bold-juventus-champions-league-choices? Sep 2, 2015 The start of the 2015/16 campaign has been undoubtedly poor for Juventus, the Serie A champions beginning their bid for a fifth consecutive title with losses in each of their opening two games. That has not happened since the 1912/13 season, and the Bianconeri will hope to arrest that slide when they return to action against Chievo next weekend. Just three days after that encounter, the club faces its first Champions League outing, taking on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on September 15. Following the closure of the transfer window, UEFA requires each side to enter their squads for the competition, and La Madama's list contained two notable omissions. Just as he was last year, Kwadwo Asamoah continues to be sidelined, and the Ghana international was not part of the selected group, per Juve's official website. If that was somewhat understandable, the absence of Simone Padoin is much more of a talking point. The 31-year-old was in the starting XI in the defeats to both Udinese and AS Roma, selected in the centre of midfield by Massimiliano Allegri as the coach told reporters there were few alternatives. "I have players with specific characteristics, and right now, the only one who can play in front of the defence is Padoin," Allegri said at his press conference before the defeat to the Giallorossi. "I tested out others to take away my doubts, but they'd all be gambles. It is more logical to stick with Padoin." A week earlier, the Juve boss called the player "a versatile figure" (h/t Football Italia) and added that "having him is an advantage for a coach." Yet the team struggled for cohesion in both games, with Padoin's lack of ability on the ball a clear hindrance once possession had been won. Allegri's nod to his versatility is well-founded, however, with the player able to also occupy the full-back or wing-back position on either flank, a job he has done admirably over the past few years. Indeed, since arriving in January 2012, Padoin has done everything his coaches have asked and rarely disappointed over his 96 appearances for the club. He has been rewarded with four league-winner's medals, victory in this year's Coppa Italia final and three Supercoppa Italiana triumphs. Last season, Allegri often used him as a late substitute, his introduction sending a clear message the coach believed a particular game was won. Yet those two fixtures this season have proved a larger role is beyond Padoin at the highest level, and the club's summer signings indicate his place in the side will become less prominent. After Sami Khedira's arrival at the start of the transfer window, deadline day saw Juventus add French youngster Mario Lemina and Brazil international Hernanes, adding some much-needed depth in midfield. Alex Sandro provides a viable alternative to Patrice Evra at left-back, while Martin Caceres' return to fitness means Allegri has a similarly fine deputy for Stephan Lichtsteiner. The coach's words at those press conferences portrayed Padoin as a safe option, and the decision to omit him now hints at a bravery that warrants praise. Rather than continue to select the reliable former Atalanta and Vicenza man, Allegri has now ensured his choices must be bold, that the likes of Stefano Sturaro, Roberto Pereyra and Lemina will all be given their time in the spotlight. That also puts pressure on them to raise their performances, to repay the faith of the coach and to show they deserve the responsibility they are now certain to be given with Padoin on the outside looking in. Massimiliano Allegri has undoubtedly made errors in the opening two matches, but the makeup of his Champions League squad will ensure they are not repeated, and for that he deserves to be applauded.

Lemina: ‘I’m like Vidal’ http://www.football-italia.net/72454/lemina-%E2%80%98i%E2%80%99m-vidal%E2%80%99? Sep 2, 2015 New Juventus signing Mario Lemina admits he has ‘some things in common’ with Arturo Vidal. Vidal left the Bianconeri this summer to join Bayern Munich, and the tough-tackling French Under-21 international, who arrived on deadline day, has been characterised as a replacement for the Chilean. “I think we have some things in common,” Lemina told journalists when asked about the comparions in his presentation Press conference. “We both like to defend, but we also like to get forward. I don’t know if I can do what he did, Vidal is still Vidal, he’s a great player. “But I hope with the experience I can get here at Juventus that I can reach his level.” The 22-year-old has arrived on loan for a season, with the Old Lady having the option to buy, and Lemina admits he turned down other teams to move to Turin. “I chose Juventus because this is an excellent team, which wins a lot and I wanted to be part of this great project. “There was interest from other clubs, but I gave priority to Juventus because this is a team I find very inspiring. “Paul Pogba? I hadn’t personally talked to Paul before I signed the contract, but I spoke to him today, to get to know him and see what training is like. “He said this is a professional team, focused on tactics and technique, so I’ll do my best to be part of this project.”

Juventus submit their Champions League squad list; Kwadwo Asamoah, Simone Padoin not included Padoin left off the list in a clear attempt to spare the rest of Europe. http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/1/9241131/juventus-uefa-champions-league-squad-list-no-asamoah-padoin Sep 1, 2015 Now that transfer deadline day is over and done with — we survived it, y'all! — we can finally put all of our attention toward the on-field product that Juventus is going to be rolling out this season. But it's somewhat ironic to type that previous sentence considering we're at the start of an international break and Juventus won't be playing an actual game until next weekend when Chievo visits Juventus Stadium. Either way and no matter when Juventus' next game might actually be, we have team news. And, at the same time, Champions League news. Juventus have submitted their squad list for the Champions League group stage, which gets underway on Tuesday, Sept. 15, when Max Allegri's boys make the trip to England and the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City (who probably just spent another €40 million while I typed out this sentence). Here is the full list, courtesy of Juventus' official website: 1 Gianluigi Buffon 3 Giorgio Chiellini 4 Martin Caceres 6 Sami Khedira 7 Simone Zaza 8 Claudio Marchisio 9 Alvaro Morata 10 Paul Pogba 11 Hernanes 12 Alex Sandro 15 Andrea Barzagli 16 Juan Cuadrado 17 Mario Mandzukic 18 Mario Lemina 19 Leonardo Bonucci 21 Paulo Dybala 24 Daniele Rugani 25 Neto 26 Stephan Lichtsteiner 27 Stefano Sturaro 33 Patrice Evra 37 Roberto Pereyra 38 Emil Audero The two obvious names missing — if you haven't noticed already or didn't read the story's headline — are those of Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Padoin. And, you have to think, they are for two very different reasons. This may be the latest sign that we're not totally sure when Asamoah will be back from his injury troubles. The last Asamoah-related news we heard was that he would start training with the main squad in about three weeks. Well, it's been close to three weeks from that announcement, so we shall wait and see if that timetable truly does hold true. If it doesn't, then it will be a pretty good indication as to why Asamoah wasn't included in the That brings us to Padoin, who has certainly been the recipient of a fair bit of criticism around these parts as of late. But when you think about where Padoin fits into things when the remaining injured players — Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira most notably — are expected to return, there just isn't room for Pado. As much as he's become the Human Victory Cigar, the additions of Hernanes and Mario Lemina means there's even less room for Padoin in the midfield, and the same goes with Alex Sandro's signing in defense. And one more thing this list (unintentionally) provided us — jersey numbers for Hernanes and Lemina. Who doesn't like jersey number news, right? Yeah, jersey number news!

Asamoah off UEFA list http://www.football-italia.net/72432/asamoah-uefa-list? Sep 1, 2015 Juventus have not included Kwadwo Asamoah or Simone Padoin in their squad for the Champions League. The deadline for clubs to name their 25-man squad is this evening, and the Bianconeri have submitted a list of 23 players to UEFA, leaving two spaces as they could not name enough players developed by the club, of which there should be four. Asamoah was thought to be nearing a return to fitness following knee surgery, but has not been included for the group stages, with Padoin also left out. New signings Mario Lemina, Paulo Dybala, Alex Sandro and Mario Mandzukic are all included, along with Sami Khedira, who is also currently injured. The Old Lady will face Sevilla, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach. Juventus Champions League squad: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Khedira, Zaza, Marchisio, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Lemina, Bonucci, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Pereyra, Audero.

18- Lemina 11- Hernanes

'Allegri needs time to transform Juventus' - Patience required after summer of sweeping changes in Turin The Bianconeri are still coming to terms with the loss of several key men - as well as their disappointment at seeing their primary transfer target, Julian Draxler, join Wolfsburg. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4659/editorials/2015/09/01/14950132/-? Sep 1, 2015 ANALYSIS By Romeo Agresti To describe the conclusion of Juventus' transfer window as frenetic would not do it justice. The Bianconeri have earned a reputation for being shrewd operators because of the way in which they have worked the market in recent years. Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez - the Bianconeri have re-established themselves as a major force in European football thanks to a succession of sensational signings. Moreover, they usually go about their business calmly and competently. It was the same this summer but then things descended into chaos in the final days of the window. Juve were confident of addressing their long-standing need for a No.10 by signing Schalke starlet Julian Draxler. However, they failed to reach an agreement with the Bundesliga outfit and the Germany international instead joined Wolfsburg on deadline day, much to the Bianconeri's annoyance and embarrassment. In their desperation to provide Allegri with the trequartista he has repeatedly and publicly requested, the Italian champions turned to Inter midfielder Hernanes. After previous links with attacking midfielders of the calibre of Isco and Oscar, it was hard for most Juve fans to react to the arrival of Hernanes with anything other than a sense of anti-climax. And it's not as if they were in a great mood anyway, with Allegri's men having lost their first two Serie A games for the first time in history. Indeed, there was a fear that Juve had been weakened over the summer and the losses to Udinese and Roma appeared to confirm as much. However, a period of adjustment was likely, given the high turnover of players in Turin this summer. The departures of Pirlo, Tevez and Arturo Vidal were always going to be keenly felt. These were players that were as influential off the field as on it, thus making them difficult to replace. Juve's response was to undertake a complete renewal of Massimiliano Allegri's squad, signing several quality youngsters - Paulo Dybala, Simone Zaza, Daniele Rugani, Alex Sandro and Mario Lemina - as well as a couple of experienced internationals in Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira. It may appear rash but a cycle was over and Juventus knew this. For this reason, the powers that be at Corso Galileo Ferraris decided to make several new signings, to renew the motivation of a group that has won so much, as it would have been foolish to move forward with the same panel. Yes, the fans are understandably unhappy with and concerned by a historically poor start to Juve's bid for a fifth successive Scudetto, but there was always an acceptance that there could be, and most likely would be, some teething problems. Plus, there are some grounds for optimism. The earlly signs are that Dybala, signed from Palermo for a fee that could rise to €40 million, is the man to trust in both the short and long term. The Argentine has obvious natural ability but what has impressed most thus far is his personality, with the 21-year-old already looking like a character capable of taking on the responsibility of leading the club into a new era of success. The onus is now on Allegri and his assistants, though, to get the best out a squad that has suffered so many painful departures. There is obvious room for improvement but making so many signings was an admirable admission that change was essential. Juve have been dominating domestically for four years now but new arrivals were required to take the Bianconeri to the next level in Europe. The hope is that reaching the final of the Champions League will come to be viewed as normal rather than an anomaly. However, everything hinges on how quickly Allegri can successfully mesh the summer signings with the experienced core. Last season's successes have bought the former AC Milan boss time, which is just as well, because on the evidence of the opening two rounds of the new season, he is going to need it.

France Coach Feels Pogba Must Adapt To Changes http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/france-coach-feels-juventus-midfielder-must-adapt-to-changes/? Sep 1, 2015 French national team coach Didier Deschamps has said that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba should not be blamed for the Bianconeri’s slow start to the season. The former France and Juventus midfielder believes that Pogba is struggling because of the departures of key personnel and that the 22-year-old needs to get used to playing with his new team-mates. “I am neither disappointed nor worried about these first few games,” Deschamps told Tuttosport. “Paul is the icon in the squad who is suffering in this start to the season. “Evidently you can’t easily replace anyone of the calibre of Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal. “There were automatic mechanisms in the team that worked for two years and today the balance in the squad is less obvious. “I would also add that Claudio Marchisio is missing, which does not help. “Paul has not lost his qualities overnight but out of the three central midfielders from previous seasons, now only he remains with two different players by his side. “Obviously, new systems and points of reference are needed when you have lived to play always with the same people for two years.”

Lemina: 'Juve, let's improve' http://www.football-italia.net/72405/lemina-juve-lets-improve? Sep 1, 2015 Mario Lemina says he always liked the 'playing style' of his new team Juventus and hopes the team can do 'even better'. The 21-year-old came in as a classic last-minute signing from Olympique Marseille, and his first statements were published today on the Bianconeri's official site. “I prefer to play in a box-to-box role, which is what I was doing at Marseilles recently,” he said. “I think with the formation that Juventus deploy I can be useful to the team. “I've always liked Juventus and their playing style. And of course we've all seen they win a lot, in the championship and in the cups. "They came to the final of the Champions League last year, I was rooting for them but unfortunately they lost. “Now I'm here and we'll try to repeat last year's achievements, or do even better. “I'm really happy to be at Juve for my birthday. “I mustn't think I've arrived now, I must prove that I can have a role in this team. “Hopefully I'll be out on the pitch for Juventus soon.”

Mario Lemina joins Juventus on loan as Mauricio Isla, Paolo De Ceglie go to OM http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2591248/mario-lemina-joins-juventus-on-loan-from-marseille? Sep 1, 2015 Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina has joined Italian champions Juventus on a season-long loan with Mauricio Isla and Paolo De Ceglie heading in the opposite direction. On Monday evening, the 21-year-old passed a medical with the Scudetto holders, who have lost their first two games of the season, and an initial fee of €500,000 was later paid to L'OM to secure his services. A further statement published on Juve's official website confirmed the Gabon-born player would spend the 2015-16 season in Turin, with the Bianconeri possessing an option to buy him for €9.5 million should they exercise that right by the end of April. Lemina, who turned down his country of birth to pursue a chance with the France national team, has played for France's Under-20 and Under-21 teams. He has played 46 times and scored two goals for Marseille, who he joined from Ligue 1 rivals Lorient in 2013. Arriving in southern France are full-backs Isla and De Ceglie -- the former spent last season in England with QPR and subsequently played his part as Chile won the Copa America in July. Attack-minded left-back De Ceglie has made over 100 Serie A appearances since graduating from Juve's academy but had recently been sent on loan to Genoa and Parma. Marseille may have beaten Troyes 6-0 this season but their other three results have been poor defeats in which the Stade Velodrome outfit have failed to score. L'OM were forced into an unexpected managerial change earlier this month, with Marcelo Bielsa stepping down immediately after a 1-0 home loss to Caen. Former Sevilla and Olympiakos boss Michel was then hired on a two-year contract.

OFFICIALLLY OFFICIAL: Juventus sign Olympique Marseille's Mario Lemina on loan with option to buy http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/1/9231253/official-juventus-sign-olympique-marseille-midfielder-mario-lemina Sep 1, 2015 The age-old debate rang true for weeks: Would Juventus go for a trequartista or would they sign a central midfielder to address the sudden issues with depth facing manager Max Allegri? While we all scramble to read the trequartista-related news in the form of Hernanes arriving, we know that Juve will have at least one more central midfielder to choose from when they return from the international break next weekend. Juventus have announced the signing of Olympique Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina on a season-long loan with a Beppe Marotta special of an option to buy next summer. The deal features a few interesting steps, so instead of trying to explain them to you myself, I will let the professionals handle it. So, here's the official wording of the deal, courtesy of Juventus' official website: Juventus Football Club can this evening confirm that Mario Lemina has joined the club on a season-long loan deal from Olympique Marseille. A fee of €0.5 million paid on or before 30 September 2015 would provide Juventus with the right to purchase the player outright for a price of €9.5 million, to be paid in two financial years. This fee may increase up to a maximum of €1 million should certain sporting targets stipulated in the agreement be achieved during the duration of the player's contract. Going the other way on a free loan move is Mauricio Isla. The agreement provides Olympique Marseille with the option to acquire the player's full registration rights for a fixed price of €7 million, payable within two financial years, up until 30 May 2016. Paolo De Ceglie also joins the French club for the current campaign on a free loan switch. I won't sit here and proclaim that I am the No. 1 Lamina expert on the internet. Shoot, the vast majority of Lemina pictures we have at our disposal here on SBN are from when Juventus played Olympique Marseille earlier this summer in one of Juve's mid-summer friendlies. So it's not like we have a lot of visual evidence to base these things on. But going after a young player like Lemina who comes relatively cheap and has a bit of upside to his game, I can see the reason behind it. The loan move isn't expensive, and he provides depth in an area where Juventus sorely need it, so it's not like we can get too, too upset about it. Lemina is 21 years old and playing on a very, very talented French Under-21 team, which just so happened to feature a certain Paul Pogba not too long ago. At the very least, we get to see Lemina and Pogba exchange hair advice. So we've got that going for us, which is nice. (I guess.)

Official: Juventus sign Mario Lemina The midfielder has sealed his move to Turin from Marseille on an initial loan deal, with two players moving in the opposite direction to join the French side. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/08/31/14931412/-? Aug 31, 2015 Marseille have confirmed that Mario Lemina has joined Juventus on loan with an option to buy. The former France Under-21 international has been at the Stade Velodrome for two years after leaving boyhood club Lorient and underwent a medical on Monday ahead of completing the move to Turin, while defenders Mauricio Isla and Paolo De Ceglie have moved in the opposite direction. The duo both head to Marseille on loan deals to boost the defence of a team that has taken just three points from their opening four Ligue 1 matches. The Bianconeri will pay €1.5 million for the 21-year-old Lemina's services in 2015-16 and have the chance to make the deal permanent ahead of next season. Juventus have been in need of midfield reinforcements this summer after losing Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal to New York City and Bayern Munich respectively. Inter midfielder Hernanes is also expected to sign for Massimiliano Allegri's men prior to the transfer deadline.

JUVENTUS COMPLETE MARIO LEMINA SIGNING http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-complete-mario-lemina-signing/? Aug 31, 2015 Juventus have completed the signing of Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina. The Bianconeri have been working on a number of transfer deals to beef up their depleted midfield following the departures of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal. Injuries to Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira have left the Bianconeri with limited options in the centre of the park. 21-year-old Lemina has completed his Juve medical and is expected to join on a year-long loan deal costing €1.5m with an option to purchase set at €10m.

Juventus confirm Lemina medical The midfielder is set to join the Bianconeri as the club bid to find a long term successor to Arturo Vidal. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/08/31/14909702/-? Aug 31, 2015 Juventus have confirmed Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina will undergo a medical on Monday ahead of completing a move to Turin. The 21-year-old is reportedly set to join the club on an initial 12-month loan deal, which will cost the Bianconeri €1.5 million, and could sign on a permanent basis for €10m next summer if he impresses. A statment on Juve's website said: "French-Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina is in the city [Turin] where he is undergoing his medical examinations. “The examinations for the Under-21 international will take place at the Clinica Fornaca di Sessant, and then at the Istituto di Medicina dello Sport in the capital of Piedmont.” Lemina's agent revealed on Friday that negotiations were ongoing with the Serie A champions, while dismissing the prospect of a possible move to Inter or Napoli. Juve are short of midfield options after selling Arturo Vidal to Bayern Munich and seeing Andrea Pirlo leave for New York City FC, while new signing Sami Khedira is out for two months with a thigh injury.

Lemina has Juventus medical http://www.football-italia.net/72332/lemina-has-juventus-medical? Aug 31, 2015 Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina has arrived in Turin for his Juventus medical ahead of a loan move. It was reported yesterday that the 21-year-old was close to joining the Bianconeri for an initial €1.5m loan, with a €10m option to buy. “French-Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina is in the city [Turin] where he is undergoing his medical examinations,” a statement on the Old Lady’s website confirmed. “The examinations for the Under-21 international will take place at the Clinica Fornaca di Sessant, and then at the Istituto di Medicina dello Sport in the capital of Piedmont.”

Lemina to Juventus imminent http://www.football-italia.net/72296/lemina-juventus-imminent? Aug 30, 2015 Juventus have reportedly agreed terms on the deal for Olympique de Marseilles' Mario Lemina, beating Napoli. The midfielder was already believed to be close to the Bianconeri in spite of an interest by their Azzurri rivals. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport online, director general Beppe Marotta is defining the last details of the deal with OM in these hours. It appears that Mauricio Isla will join the Ligue 1 club as part of the deal, but not Paolo De Ceglie, who turned down the possibility of moving to France. The financial details have not been released yet, though the most recent reports mentioned a €1.5m loan deal with an option to buy for €10m.