Socrates

Laporta: Failed Pogba bid made Barcelona duo look like fools The ex-Blaugrana supremo has once again lashed out at Ariedo Braida and Albero Soler over their attempts to bring the midfielder to Camp Nou. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/07/13/13529362/-? Jul 13, 2015 Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has launched another attack on the club's current leadership, claiming that the recent bid to sign Paul Pogba from Juventus left sporting director Ariedo Braida and director of sporting insitutional relations Albero Soler looking like "fools". Laporta, who is seeking a second term as president in next week's election, has already claimed that the failed attempt to sign the France international was "ridiculous" and made the Blaugrana "look bad". The former Blaugrana supremo has now had another dig at the ruling regime at Camp Nou, reiterating that he knew all along that the move for Pogba was doomed to fail. "The key is [agent] Mino Raiola," Bartomeu told Catalunya Radio. "He is the one who will decide. "They [soler and Braida] preferred to go talk with Juventus but they didn't know what to do and were made fools of." Laporta has repeatedly stated his intention to sign Pogba but he added that he never said he would do so this summer. "I would not say anything other than Pogba will not come to Barcelona this year." Laporta also suggested that Barca would have a better chance of securing their primary transfer targets if he, and his running mate Eric Abidal, are victorious in the July 18 election.

Bartomeu: Pogba not a priority for Luis Enrique Barcelona have been heavily linked with the France international but the Blaugrana supremo has suggested that his coach has other targets in mind. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/07/12/13528322/-? Jul 12, 2015 Signing Juventus ace Paul Pogba is not a priority for Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Two of the men trying to dethrone Bartomeu in next week's election, Augusto Benedito and Joan Laporta, have repeatedly spoken of their hopes of bringing the France international to Catalunya should they claim the top job at Camp Nou. However, Bartomeu is far less interested in any possible deal for the Juventus midfielder, suggesting that the coaching team have more important transfer targets. "Pogba is not a priority for Luis Enrique but you cannot rule out for the future," he told reporters on Sunday. Meanwhile, Bartomeu admitted that the relegation of Barcelona's B team to Segunda B must prompt a rethink on the club's handling of its most promising young players. "I think Barca B's demotion was an error of planning and that we are doing something wrong," he added. "Sometimes we put the best young players in the team too early. "The most important thing about La Masia [barca's youth academy] is that our players are allowed to continue with their learning process."

Ferguson: 'I'd sell Pogba' http://www.football-italia.net/69091/ferguson-id-sell-pogba? Jul 12, 2015 Sir Alex Ferguson told Tuttosport that Juventus “should sell Paul Pogba” for €100m. The former Manchester United manager famously let a teenage Pogba’s contract expire and within months he’d become a superstar in Turin. Now the midfielder is believed to be worth €100m and at the centre of a bidding war between Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain. Turin-based paper Tuttosport claim they spoke to Fergie as he attended Wimbledon with his family and was asked about Juve. “It’s a fantastic team, they won four Serie A titles in a row and in my view were unlucky in the Champions League Final. They were hit by Barcelona counter-attacks, but before those had dominated the game.” Ferguson was asked if he missed the frenetic action of being a manager, but said no, and made a surprising admission. “I would sell Pogba. It’s true, I already let him go, but if I were Juve now then I’d sell.”

Andrea Pirlo heads to New York City: Saying goodbye, and thank you, to Juventus' Maestro http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/12/8867443/andrea-pirlo-juventus-new-york-city-fc-serie-a-mls-goodbye-old-friend Jul 12, 2015 Before the move to the United States, before the somewhat convincing notion that Juventus will be okay without him, even before the beard a cult hero-like status, Andrea Pirlo was as silky smooth a midfielder as we've seen in this generation. 'Maestro' was such a hitting notion for somebody who directed the midfield and made it look sooooo damn easy and sooooo damn cool when everything was on point. Pirlo was as good of a free transfer as you will ever see take place. Milan said "Goodbye and good luck," and Juventus welcomed him with open arms. They then handed him the keys to the car and everything that comes with it and never looked back. (Pretty good decision from the good guys, I must say.) But now we must say goodbye to the man who has created almost as many memes with his beard being unimpressed with things as he's dished out passes over the top of defense in his four-year Juventus career. The news was not a surprise nor any kind of sudden development. Talk of Pirlo heading to New York had been as frequent both here in the U.S. and over in Italy for weeks before the signing became official, with plenty of Pirlo sightings in New York happening in between. It's true that NYCFC won't be getting the exact same version of Pirlo that first arrived at Juventus in the summer of 2011. But, even then, it's not like that's breaking news if you've followed Pirlo over the last few years. I will choose to remember the Pirlo who first joined Juventus because that's pretty much the only Pirlo we should remember and put up on the pedestal. He's just been that good for so long, it's hard to think of him any other way. Just take the first official game Pirlo played in a Juventus jersey, a 4-1 win over Parma as Juventus Stadium opened up its doors with a vintage performance. It was, for every single way to describe it, a sign of things to come — both from Pirlo and the club as a whole. Pirlo got the assist on Stephan Lichtsteiner's opener as well as on the final Juventus goal of the day by a flying Claudio Marchisio. You see, that's what made Pirlo so good. And it wasn't just in that game; it was for most of his four years with Juventus. His genius is that he makes the extraordinary look absolutely routine. It's the reason why he became some sort of folk hero during his time at Juventus. (I'm sure the beard and vineyard pictures helped, too.) Forty-yard ball over the top and put right on the striker in stride? Yeah, no big deal. Free kick in the dying minutes when Juve need a goal? It's all good. It's those kinds of moments, ones that made the Juventus Stadium crowd simply go "Ooooh!!!" whenever he made one of his slick moves and spun away from a defender like it was no big deal at all, we will always remember. The class and ability of Pirlo is one we've seen few times in a Juventus jersey in the past few decades. Or ever, for that matter. And maybe that's why he is being shown so much appreciation despite being around for "only" four seasons. But Pirlo was around for a special team in this club's history. He was an incredibly massive part of the rebirth and current run of four straight Serie A titles. Those Dark Ages we speak of? They're not so long in the past where we can't touch them, but they seem long gone because of everything Juventus have accomplished since the summer of 2011. That's a direct result of adding Pirlo to play alongside Marchisio, Arturo Vidal (also signed in the summer of 2011) and Paul Pogba (signed in the summer of 2012) as they created one of the best midfields in the game. There were so many good times it's hard to recount them all. The passes were plentiful, the wins just as frequent. Pirlo was the hub of the Juventus midfield in every sense of the word. His wide array of free kicks seemingly became locks for month-long stretches. He even scored a few memorable goals from open play, too. It was the class Pirlo exhibited that Milan thought was no longer present. And it was Juventus which reaped all of those lovely rewards. Andrea Pirlo is simply one of a kind. I don't know what else to say, really. There won't be a player like him for decades to come — if ever. He was one of the best of his generation, and it was quite enjoyable to see him experience four years of his distinguished career in bianconero. (He looked quite good in those stripes, huh?) Cheers to you, too, Andrea. You magnificent footballer who makes the simply world-class in difficulty look relatively routine. Who knows when we'll see anybody like you in the future — if ever again.

Tottenham Hotspur Make An Offer For Llorente http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/tottenham-hotspur-make-an-offer-for-juventus-striker/? Jul 12, 2015 Juventus have received a bid from English club Tottenham Hotspur for Fernando Llorente. The 30-year-old Spanish centre-forward has become surplus to requirements in Turin since the Bianconeri added Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza to their attack this summer. According to the Sunday Mirror, Spurs have made a bid of €15.3 million for Llorente, bettering an offer made by Portuguese giants Porto. Llorente will have to decide whether he will make a move to the Premier League or if he will wait for an offer to return to Spain. The Spanish international arrived at Juventus in 2013 on a free transfer and he has scored 23 Serie A goals in 65 games. Llorente scored 16 goals in 34 Serie A matches in 2013-14 but last season lost his place in the Juventus starting line-up to compatriot Alvaro Morata.

Lippi: 'Juve are stronger now' http://www.football-italia.net/69080/lippi-juve-are-stronger-now? Jul 12, 2015 Marcello Lippi believes Juventus are stronger this season with Sami Khedira, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza. The former Bianconeri and Italy Coach spoke to newspaper La Stampa about the many changes in Turin, as Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez move on. “Their rivals are making some big moves too and that’s a sign these sides are waking up, but it was Juve who really got the transfer market going – even though they needed it the least. “This confirms the club’s ability to plan ahead with clear ideas. Juve are accustomed to renewal even after victory. “I remember as soon as I got back to Juve in 2001, Umberto Agnelli called to tell me ‘we have to sell Zinedine Zidane.’ I didn’t take it well, but he added ‘we will reinvest everything.’ “Effectively, with that money we signed Gigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved, so it wasn’t so bad… Basically, I tell the fans to let those who know what they’re doing to get on with it.” The Bianconeri supporters have plenty of new faces to cheer on this summer. “Khedira is a World Cup winner with a lot of experience,” explained Lippi. “Dybala has fantastic tricks and when he gets a bit physically stronger we can expect great things from him. “Mandzukic is the type of centre-forward Juventus were lacking, as he has more of a nose for goal than Fernando Llorente. “I like Zaza very much, as he has good movement and can find the space between defenders. Daniele Rugani’s arrival confirms Juventus is the main provider of players for the Italy squad. This is also why they win, as the sense of belonging and identity is fundamental.” Lippi had been linked with a return to Serie A as a director at Milan, but brushed off those suggestions. “I don’t miss the life of a club Coach at all. I completed that experience. I’m not retired yet, though. I’m keeping the door open for a national team, but I have serious doubts, as now the strong sides choose someone in-house.”

Tevez 'grateful to Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/69040/tevez-grateful-juve? Jul 11, 2015 Carlos Tevez said goodbye to Juventus and their fans after his move to Boca Juniors. “I am very grateful!” The striker was released early from his contract to return ‘home’ for his beloved Boca and will be presented to supporters on Monday. “A new chapter begins and I just want to say thank you so much for my two fantastic years at Juventus,” wrote Tevez on Instagram. “I also thank all my fans who stayed with me during the good and bad times. Without you I wouldn’t have been able to play two great seasons. You were incredible to me and I appreciate it very much. “I wish to thank all my teammates and the staff at Juve who helped me so much both on and off the field. “You taught me a great deal, I am very grateful! I hope to keep up the good results. Always Forza Juve.”

Reds Have Company in Llorente Chase http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2520626-liverpool-transfer-news-latest-fernando-llorente-and-pedro-rumours? Jul 11, 2015 Liverpool may have to explore other alternatives aside from Fernando Llorente this summer if they are to bolster their striker options, with reports claiming the Reds will face major competition to sign the Juventus star. That’s according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t the Daily Telegraph) who claim that as well as the Anfield outfit, Porto, Sevilla and Monaco are also interested in the 30-year-old. The piece states that the Bianconeri want a fee of circa €20 million for the Spanish international but “will probably let him go for less” because of their forward options and the player's age. Things haven’t worked out too well for Llorente since leaving Athletic Club for the Serie A champions. He’s done a decent job for Juve, but the striker has never quite been able to push on to the next level during his time in Turin. With Paulo Dybala and Mario Madzukic drafted in, the chances of Llorente getting regular game time now look unlikely. But would he be the right striker for a Liverpool side that had perennial problems with their centre-forward positions last season? At first glance, probably not. Nonetheless, Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe thinks he’d be an ideal fit for the Premier League: Sam Tighe ✔@stighefootball I think Fernando Llorente is attainable for a club like #THFC. Juve stacked w/ STs and his wages won't be too heavy. £60k p/w is normal. Indeed, Llorente is an elegant target man, possessing refined hold-up skills, marvellous aerial ability and a nose for goals. His burly somatotype would be difficult for defenders in English football to deal with, and given the rumbustious manner in which he plays the game, the Spaniard would have no problem adapting to the division’s often abrasive nature. But with players like Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino in the team next season, the Reds need a striker who will stretch the opposition and enhance their intricate talents. In the right setup, Llorente would be a brilliant acquisition, but the Reds need a different type of forward at the moment.

Bartomeu: Luis Enrique didn't want Pogba The ex-Barcelona president, who is favourite to be re-elected, is surprised at the club's recent interest in the midfielder. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/11/13489672/-? Jul 11, 2015 Ex-Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has revealed Luis Enrique wasn't interested in signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba last season. Barca had an €80 million offer for the France international rejected last week, with Bartomeu later revealing the club wouldn't sign him until next year at the earliest. Bartomeu resigned in June but is hoping to be re-elected after making the final round of voting in the club's presidential elections "Luis Enrique did not ask for Pogba," he told Cadena Cope. "The trip to Juventus was not foreseen when I left, but the club is still working." Barca unveiled Ardan Turan on Friday after he completed a €40m deal from Atletico Madrid, and Bartomeu revealed he began working on the deal weeks ago. "I spoke with Arda approximately around the dates of the Champions League final to tell him we wanted to sign him. "When I left the transfer was very advanced but it wasn't finished. Arda and Aleix Vidal are the two players who Luis Enrique asked for." The hunt for Pogba remains intense, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and both Manchester clubs credited with a serious interest in the 22-year-old.

Barcelona Join Battle For Juventus Striker http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/barcelona-join-battle-for-juventus-striker/? Jul 11, 2015 Reigning European champions Barcelona appear to have joined Real Madrid, Monaco and Porto in the race to sign out-of-favour Juventus striker Fernando Llorente this summer. The Spaniard moved to the Bianconeri from Athletic Bilbao in 2013 to strike up an important partnership with Carlos Tevez, however, Alvaro Morata took up that mantle last season and Mario Mandzukic’s arrival looks to have pushed him further down the pecking order. The La Liga champions’ interest in the 30-year-old appears to have only come to light recently, however, Il Giornale believe that discussions took place when the Catalonians visited Turin to negotiate a deal for teammate Paul Pogba. After netting 16 times during his first season in Serie A, Llorente was far less prolific during the last campaign, scoring just seven times in 31 appearances.

Fernando Llorente could make move from Juventus, says agent http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2518621/fernando-llorente-could-move-from-juventus-says-agent? Jul 10, 2015 Fernando Llorente's brother and agent has not ruled out a move away from Juventus for the forward this summer. Llorente was Juve's third-choice striker last season, with Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez Massimiliano Allegri's key men in attack. Although Tevez left to join Boca Juniors earlier in the summer, the Serie A champions have since added to their attack by signing Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Simone Zaza. Llorente's brother Jesus Llorente told Portuguese paper O Jogo: "Fernando wants to be playing regularly so that he doesn't lose his place in the Spain national team. Nothing can be excluded." Porto are believed to be keen on signing the 30-year-old, who scored seven times in 31 Serie A appearances last season. But they could face competition for his services from Sevilla, whose coach Unai Emery told Il Corriere dello Sport he was "a top player." Llorente, who joined Juventus on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao two years ago, is valued at around €10 million.

Del Piero back in Juve circles http://www.football-italia.net/68965/del-piero-back-juve-circles? Jul 10, 2015 Alessandro Del Piero is again in amicable terms with Juventus President Andrea Agnelli, prompting rumours of a return. The two giants on and off the pitch parted in a somewhat grating fashion in 2012 when the number 10 decided to leave for Australian club Sydney FC. According to Leggo, however, the two may have made their peace as the former Bianconero star joined Agnelli at the Juventus base for a coffee. The prospect of a future for Del Piero as a Juventus director, while not hinted at by any official source, is no longer as distant as it used to be.

Porto To Hijack Tottenham Hotspur Move For Llorente http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/porto-to-hijack-tottenham-hotspur-move-for-juventus-striker/? Jul 9, 2015 Porto have entered the race to sign Fernando Llorente as Tottenham Hotspur look set to affirm their interest in the player by submitting a bid of €13 million to Juventus for his services. Llorente has fallen down the pecking order under coach Massimiliano Allegri and has been rumoured to leave the Bianconeri since the end of last season. The 30-year-old had been mooted for a return to La Liga with Spanish giants Real Madrid; but after Los Blancos ended their interest in the former Athletic Club forward, Tottenham Hotspur have been fighting off competition from Monaco in order to take the Spaniard to North London according to O Jogo. However, Portuguese giants Porto are attempting to hijack Spurs’ move for Llorente, as they look to find a replacement for Colombian hitman Jackson Martinez who has joined Atletico Madrid. Llorente joined Juventus on a free transfer from La Liga side Athletic Club in 2013.

Juventus stars must ask to leave - Marotta Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal have been linked with other clubs, but the Bianconeri director will only sell if they demand an exit and a sizeable fee is offered. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/07/09/13437012/-? Jul 9, 2015 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says that his club will only sell their best players if they demand to leave. Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo have already left Turin this summer, while midfield pair Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba have both been strongly linked with moves to other clubs. Marotta is not keen to see Juve's best assets depart but says it is ultimately the player's choice if they wish to depart. "We will not sell our best players, our top assets unless the players themselves ask us to leave," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "In addition, we don't need cash so we're not prepared to accept any discount offers on the price of our players." Recent reports have suggested that Juve have told Pogba and Vidal that they have until the end of July to ask to leave.

Infatti preferiscono giocatori attempati come Tevez ai loro giovani.

Juventus set Vidal, Pogba deadline http://www.football-italia.net/68924/juventus-set-vidal-pogba-deadline? Jul 9, 2015 Juventus have reportedly set July 31 as a deadline for Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal offers. Both midfielders have been strongly linked with moves away from Turin, with Barcelona interested in Pogba and Vidal rumoured to be of interest to several clubs including Real Madrid. La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport has reported that Juventus will not consider any offers that are received beyond July 31 as they prepare for the new season. This deadline is believed to have been set as the Old Lady’s season begins on August 8, when they take on Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana in Shanghai. The paper also reports that Pogba will not be sold for less than €80m and Vidal’s asking price is set at between €30-35m.

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Luca Marrone joins Carpi on season-long loan http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/8/8915993/luca-marrone-juventus-carpi-serie-a-transfers-2015 Jul 8, 2015 When Luca Marrone came back from a season on loan at Siena (under Antonio Conte, no less), it was widely regarded as a big step in what would be a bright career for his hometown club, Juventus. Now, four years later, he's going to be trying to kick-start it. Marrone, the Turin-born midfielder-turned-defender-turned-who-knows-what-now, joined newly-promoted side Carpi on a season-long loan deal, Juventus announced on Wednesday. It will be the second time in three seasons the 25-year-old Marrone has gone out on loan to one of Serie A's newest clubs, with the The word from Juventus' official website tells us... Luca Marrone has today joined newly promoted Serie A outfit Carpi on a season-long loan deal. The 25-year-old midfielder, who made his Juventus first team debut in 2009, has amassed 23 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring once. Okay, so it's not that much different than what we've come to already know about Marrone's move to Carpi, but an official statement is still an official statement, right? Right. Marrone dealt with injury after injury a season ago, and didn't appear in one single game for Juve after he was bought outright from Sassuolo last summer, It was the second straight season where injuries derailed any kind of progress Mr. Luke Brown was making as a player. But now Carpi, which seems like a place that much-needed playing might be available as it looks to make the stay in Serie A more than just one season. But, more importantly, he needs to be healthy to be able to play. That's a pretty crucial part in the equation, don't you think? Yeah, thought so, too.

Khedira: 'My Juve ambition' http://www.football-italia.net/68899/khedira-my-juve-ambition? Jul 8, 2015 Sami Khedira said it is his “personal ambition” to learn Italian quickly and help Juventus win the Champions League. The midfielder arrived as a free agent after his contract with Real Madrid expired this summer. “It is my personal ambition to become a protagonist with this team and that is why I want to learn Italian quickly,” said the 28-year-old German international. Having won four consecutive Scudetto titles and reached the Champions League Final, that trophy has to be their target next season. “When you lose the Final, next time you want to win it even more. It will not be easy, but the quality of this team is very high.” Khedira will join the Juventus squad for pre-season training on July 16.

Marrone joins Carpi on loan http://www.football-italia.net/68895/marrone-joins-carpi-loan? Jul 8, 2015 As expected, Juventus have loaned versatile defender Luca Marrone to Serie A new boys Carpi. The transfer had been in the air and was finalised this evening. It’s a straight loan with no option to buy on a permanent basis. The 25-year-old can play in defence or as a central midfielder, where he was most often used for Juve. His previous loan spells were at Siena and Sassuolo.

Andrea Pirlo not set for Manchester City loan from NYCFC http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2515923/andrea-pirlo-not-set-for-manchester-city-loan-sources? Jul 8, 2015 New York City FC have ruled out loaning Andrea Pirlo to Manchester City, sources told ESPN FC. Pirlo, 36, has joined the new Major League Soccer franchise as their third designated player after ending his four-year stay at Juventus. Frank Lampard agreed to sign for New York City last summer, only to move to Manchester City for the whole of the 2014-15 season and miss the start of the MLS campaign in a controversial switch that brought the two clubs bad publicity in the United States. And while MLS players such as Robbie Keane, Thierry Henry and Clint Dempsey have joined Premier League clubs on loan in January in past years, Pirlo will not follow suit. Injuries and a lack of form have limited Robin van Persie to just 10 goals in 2014-15. The 2006 World Cup winner, who is set to make his MLS debut against Orlando on July 26, was announced as New York City's newest recruit on Monday. The former AC Milan midfielder won the Champions League twice and Serie A six times, including in each of his last five seasons, during his time in his native Italy. He has also been capped 115 times by his country, helping them win the World Cup in 2006 and reach the final of Euro 2012. New York City and Manchester City are both part of the City Football Group, owned by Sheikh Mansour. New York's squad includes two players on loan from Manchester City in defenders Shay Facey and Angelino plus a further two former City players in goalkeeper Eirik Johansen and Lampard, who is set to make his belated debut against Toronto on Sunday.

Tracking Juventus' 2015 summer transfer window: Who's arrived, who's left Turin http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/8/8904985/tracking-juventus-summer-transfer-window-serie-a-2015 Jul 8, 2015 We're officially at the point in the summer when a lot of moves on the transfer market are actually negotiated and finalized. Luckily for many of us around these parts, Juventus' management, namely director general Beppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici, have gotten the majority of their business done early on even before the transfer window officially opened. Juventus have put a lot of money into the transfer market this summer, and understandably so. Due to the players who are departing Turin this summer — Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tévez, most notably — Juventus have had to try to bring just as much quality into the squad while also keeping the core intact for another season. As of early July, it's been a pretty resounding success in terms of who has been brought in on the transfer market. Of course, a lot of it depends on what takes place on the field rather than just simply winning the summer mercato and that's that. But, for the time being, it's hard to find much issue in the players Juventus have signed for next season. There's talent, there's room to grow and there's a clear vision to make the heart of the team's roster a lot younger going forward beyond just the 2015-16 season. This post will continue to be updated whenever Juventus transfers, both comings and goings, are made official. There will be no transfer rumors posted in the body of the post here. Just the official ones. Other transfer window shenanigans will be ever present on the main page. Don't you worry. PLAYERS IN Paulo Dybala signs from Palermo This is the biggest transfer fee Juventus has paid out during the Andrea Agnelli/Beppe Marotta era — and it's not even a close one. It was the €20 million Juve spent on Álvaro Morata last summer, but now that distinction belongs to the €32 million transfer fee (plus another €8 million in potential bonuses) that will be paid to Palermo over the next four years. Dybala was only three players in Serie A this season to have double-digit totals in both goals and assists this past season. Not bad for a 21-year-old striker who has plenty of room to grow. Sami Khedira signs from Real Madrid When Khedira signed, the idea of Pirlo leaving for Major League Soccer was simply a rumor that was gaining steam more than anything else. Now that Pirlo has officially left for New York, it's going to be even more interesting to see where the German international fits into Max Allegri's plans. He's coming off an injury-filled season where he barely featured at all with Real Madrid, so you know he will be hungry to show he's healthy once again. And for the price he was signed for — i.e. nothing at all — there's going to have to be a lot go wrong to have it turn out to be a bad move. Mario Mandzukic signs from Atlético Madrid Welcome to the new prima punta leading Juventus' strikeforce. Mandzukic is coming off some believe is a quiet one and only season in La Liga, but the fact still remains Juventus got a damn good striker for €19 million during a time in the footballing world when transfer fees are blowing up all over the place. No matter if he's lined up alongside Morata or flanked by Dybala and Morata, Mandzukic is going to be looked upon to generate and make up for some of the offense Juventus are losing with Carlos Tévez heading back to Argentina. Roberto Pereyra bought outright from Udinese One of the easiest decisions Juventus had to make this summer was to purchase Pereyra outright from Udinese after the Argentine midfielder spent last season in Turin on the Beppe Marotta Special. He arrived in Turin as somewhat of an unknown to some of us, but he ended up being a valuable piece for Allegri to use in a variety of roles. Pereyra was effective as both a starter no matter what midfield position he was used in or as a second-half burst of energy off the bench. Neto signs from Fiorentina Say hello to Juventus' new No. 2 goalkeeper, ladies and gentlemen. Marco Storari is headed off to try and get Cagliari back into Serie A, and the 25-year-old Brazilian will now deputize for the G.O.A.T., aka Gigi Buffon. Could this be a move that is intended for more than just the next couple of seasons? At Neto's age, it's definitely a possibility. Simone Zaza signs from Sassuolo Here is the third — yes, third! — striker Juventus has signed for significant amounts of money this summer. All told, Juventus paid €69 million on strikers named Dybala, Mandzukic and Zaza, with another €8 million potentially heading to Sicily in Dybala meets certain performance bonuses. But when it comes to Zaza, he's not being brought in to start or lead Juventus' attack. He will almost certainly be Mandzukic's direct backup as well as another striker that gives Allegri some flexibility when one of his other attackers needs rest. More or less, the arrival of Zaza almost certainly means the departure of Fernando Llorente, who is reportedly the eye of a handful of teams around Europe as of Zaza's signing. Daniele Rugani returns after his contract was bought outright during the winter transfer window Another player who's extremely young yet extremely talented and already has a season's worth of Serie A experience despite his youth. Marotta has said that Rugani will be part of Juventus squad during the 2015-16 season, and the club's reported effort to sell defender Angelo Ogbonna only seems to confirm that notion. Rugani is coming off a season where he played in all 38 league games and didn't pick up a yellow card. Basically, he's ready for the jump to the best club in Italy. Now we get to see what the kid can do in bianconero. PLAYERS OUT Andrea Pirlo signs with New York City FC After four trophy-filled seasons with Juventus, the bearded maestro is trading in his black and white stripes for the sky blue kits of New York City FC (and parent company Manchester City). Every indication is that Juventus are not receiving any form of money for Pirlo's departure to the Big Apple, which is the same amount of money they paid for him when he was available on a free transfer four years ago. Federico Mattiello heads back to Chievo on loan The young midfielder is going back to where he gained his first decent amount of Serie A playing time before he suffered a terrible injury in March. Mattiello won't be ready for the season opener come less than two months from now, but he is heading back to a club that obviously has confidence in him from his first go-round with them. Carlos Tévez heads home to Boca Juniors There has been no announcement from the Juventus side of the equation when it comes to Tévez going back to Boca Juniors, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's already been announced as happening from the Argentinian side of the transfer. Agnelli said at Claudio Marchisio's contract extension press conference that Tévez expressed an interest in going back to Boca all the way back in January, which makes this move something that has been potentially put in motion months ago rather than in the aftermath of the Champions League final. Luca Marrone heads to Carpi on loan Following an injury-filled 2014-15 season, Mr. Luke Brown heads to one of Serie A's newest teams, Carpi, to try and reboot a career that once looked quite promising. At the age of 25, Marrone still has time on his side, but it's becoming ever so likely that it won't be happening at his hometown club. Angelo Ogbonna sold to West Ham United for €11 million So, Marotta buys Ogbonna, a towering force of the Torino defense in the years prior for €13 million and then sells him two years later after he starts all of 41 Serie A games for €11 million. This is Marotta at his best, man. It didn't work out for Ogbonna, and that's fine. Not every move is going to work out because that's just the science of it. But to basically get back 85 percent of the original transfer fee is simply great business. It's what both parties needed — for Ogbonna to move on and go to a club where he can play regularly, and for Juventus to clear a spot for Daniele Rugani and get a good amount of money back at the same time. Loan spells ending: Alessandro Matri, Romulo Contracts expiring: Simone Pepe, Marco Storari (signed with Cagliari on July 3), Rubinho OTHER MOVES Claudio Marchisio agrees to a contract extension through 2020 I tend to think these were easy negotiations considering who it is and the club his representatives were speaking with. Marchisio has grown up at Juventus. It's the only club he knows sans one season on loan at Empoli. Marchisio is now ensured of being a Juventus player until his mid-30s. So yeah, he's going to be retiring in the same colors he started his career in. That's pretty damn awesome if you ask me. Max Allegri agrees to a contract extension through 2017 What's the reward for leading the Juventus squad to the season it completed a month or so ago? A nice contract extension with a pay raise to go along with it. That's what Allegri got on the same day Marchisio's contract extension was announced. It was a busy day around Turin on Monday, July 6, and a lot of it had to do with these last two things on the list.

Arturo Vidal to Real Madrid rumours brushed off by Juventus' Marotta http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2515880/arturo-vidal-to-real-madrid-rumours-brushed-off-by-juventus? Jul 8, 2015 Juventus' general manager Beppe Marotta has said that talk of a sale of Arturo Vidal to Real Madrid is "utopic" while once again reaffirming that Paul Pogba is not going anywhere this summer. The midfielders have been linked with big-money moves in the transfer market this summer, but, despite signing Sami Khedira from Real Madrid, Juve are not entertaining the idea of losing another midfielder after Andrea Pirlo's departure for New York City FC. "There have been rumours about Arturo and we have a good relationship with Real so these rumours are utopic," Marotta told reporters in Turin, according to Tuttosport. Injuries and a lack of form have limited Robin van Persie to just 10 goals in 2014-15. "At the same time, I think we've already said enough about Pogba. Juventus do not deprive themselves of their most important players." The Serie A champions affirmed that by tying Claudio Marchisio to a new five-year contract on Monday. "He is the personification of what Juventus means," Marotta said. "He's a senator at the age of 29 and we've renewed our faith in one of the most important members of our squad." They could do little to prevent Pirlo from leaving, and he also leaves behind a void "which is going to be very difficult to fill," according to Marotta, who spoke of a "day of great nostalgia" to see the 36-year-old, who had won four Serie A titles in as many seasons in Turin, leave.

Juventus are well prepared to succeed without Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2515326/juventus-are-prepared-to-succeed-without-pirlo-and-tevez? Jul 8, 2015 Max Allegri believes "this will be a crucial summer" and "a delicate season" for Juventus. Taking a break from a gabbionata -- the five-a-side matches played in rusting cages in his hometown of Livorno -- his assessment isn't the hyperbolic, paranoid musings of a coach playing to the gallery, seeing threats where there are none. Even by Gigi Buffon's admission, Juventus' rivals made it relatively straightforward for them to retain the Scudetto last season. This year, however, they expect not only to be run closer, but -- in contrast to the first three of their four consecutive league titles -- by more than one rival, too. It's why, Allegri told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, "I want to avoid the risk of a down period that many teams go through after an exceptional season." There can be no complacency. "I don't want anyone to stop and contemplate their success," he said. It's a fine line between trophies and atrophy, as Allegri is only too aware. The last time he defended a title of his own, it began with Milan winning just one of their opening four games. They drew with Lazio and Udinese at San Siro and lost to Napoli and Juventus. Although the team recovered and led the league in the spring, a combination of things -- like rushing Thiago Silva back from a hamstring injury only for him to suffer a relapse, Zlatan Ibrahimovic missing games through unnecessary suspensions, and Sulley Muntari's wrongfully disallowed goal in a title decider -- brought about the relinquishment of their hold on the tricolor. Juventus, a rank outsider who had finished seventh and 24 points behind them the year before, wrested it from their grasp, and so the Old Lady represents a warning unto herself not to underestimate anyone. She serves as inspiration -- proof that nothing is impossible -- principally to the Milan clubs, neither of whom are playing in Europe for the first time simultaneously since 1958, but share a renewed purpose, ambition and spending power. Both have opened preseason bullishly announcing their aim to contend for the title. While acknowledging Juventus remain unanimous favourites, Inter boss Roberto Mancini has argued: "The gap isn't unbridgeable and they will lose something, particularly at the start of the season [while they figure things out] now that Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez are gone." Those losses are a concern. Deprived of their chief difference-makers, the hope expressed by the pretenders to Juventus' throne is that they are a little more mortal now. Juventus didn't want them to leave. Asked if Pirlo was crying goodbye tears after the Champions League final in Berlin, general manager Beppe Marotta tellingly said: "I hope not." Claudio Marchisio admitted to being "a little [worried]" amid reports of their imminent departures "because I still think they can give Juve a lot." No one is more symbolic of Juventus' restoration than Pirlo. His move from Milan four years ago was the hinge on which the balance of power swung in Italy. His genius changed everything for the club, elevating it back to the top. An all-time great, there is no replacing il Maestro. At 36, this day was going to come sooner rather than later. Reassuringly, when deputising in his position last season, Marchisio left the impression that there is life after Pirlo; a less elegant and stylish one perhaps, but still an effective alternative interpretation of the role he played. In addition to Pirlo's rhythmic passing, the combinations he played with Stephan Lichtsteiner, his clutch play -- recall his strike against Genoa the season before last, and the injury-time screamer in the first Turin derby last November -- his free kicks, that trademark maledetta of his -- it will all be missed. No one bends it quite like Pirlo. He scored 15 goals from free kicks during his time at Juventus, curling in three last season, which leads to the question of who will assume these duties now? When Pirlo was absent last term, it was Tevez who stepped up and scored three, including a wonderful Platini-esque effort against Roma in March -- a reminder of how wide-ranging his decisiveness was to Juventus. "You can't replace Carlos," Pavel Nedved admitted. "It's impossible. He's a huge loss for us. He was our leader over the last couple of years." The issue about leadership isn't to be dismissed. Juventus don't lack big characters, but Pirlo and Tevez were go-to guys capable of winning games with a moment of individual brilliance when the collective found itself in difficulty. They led by example, and the team looked to them. Also, let's just reflect on the pre-Tevez years for a minute. In 2012, Juventus' top scorer in Serie A was Alessandro Matri (10). In 2013, it was Mirko Vucinic and Arturo Vidal (10). The obsession was to find il top player -- an Anglicism that left many of the older sportswriters in despair -- someone capable of scoring 20 goals a season. Toto Di Natale turned them down. They missed out on Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, as both joined Manchester City. Robin van Persie left Arsenal for Manchester United. Tevez, however, was worth the wait. Not only did he represent a bargain at €9 million, he was the perfect fit for Juventus' hustling playing style. He set the tone for it, and with him they scaled new heights. He scored 50 goals in 96 appearances, but Tevez's range of action, his involvement in their play was much broader and more profound than an orthodox centre-forward. He was worthy of the No. 10 shirt as worn by Omar Sivori, Michel Platini and Alessandro Del Piero before him. His performances last season merit a place on the next Ballon d'Or shortlist. Faith, however, must be placed in the club's ability to move the team on. They kept winning after Del Piero and after Antonio Conte. They have everything to keep winning after Pirlo and Tevez. Allegri has coped with much bigger losses. He kept a vastly inferior Milan side competitive after it was shorn of Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Clarence Seedorf and Ibrahimovic in 2012. Juventus' strength is not only a coach with experience in transitions, but the unflappability of their management in general. They can be surprised (and disappointed), but rarely shocked and destabilised by events. Contingencies are in place. Plan B's lie ready to be activated. Mario Mandzukic isn't a like-for-like replacement for Tevez. He's more of an upgrade on Fernando Llorente. But in the past two years, the Croatian has scored only four fewer league goals than Tevez, while his performances against Juventus for Bayern in 2013 left a lasting impression. Not only did he score at the J Stadium, he put on a clinic in modern centre-forward play, pressing and winning the ball high up the field. In contrast with the short-termism characterised by other teams in Serie A, Juventus' long-view approach also means they are well placed to carry on winning. Their gradual transition from one generation to another is exemplary on paper. Next season, they could have eight players born in the '90s in their first-team squad. Daniele Rugani is recognised as the best young centre-back in Italy. Stefano Sturaro has been integrated into their midfield since the spring, and played a critical role in the first leg of their semifinal against Real Madrid. Paul Pogba figures in this list as well. Much more is expected of his compatriot, the richly talented Kingsley Coman. Then there's the forward line. Alvaro Morata scored four goals in his final five appearances last season. He put one past Dortmund, got on the score sheet in both legs against Real, and then netted one in the Champions League final against Barcelona, too. New teammate Paulo Dybala has the instincts of a striker and a No. 10, as 13 goals and 10 assists for Palermo boldly demonstrate. Simone Zaza is a maverick and starts for Italy. All are 24 or under. Great potential is there, and the blend between teachable youngsters and mentoring elders is the right one. New Champions League-winning experience has been added in the form of Sami Khedira and Mandzukic. Allegri has made no secret of his desire to sign a No. 10, allowing Arturo Vidal to go back to his best position and recover his best form. Wesley Sneijder was pursued in January, but Allegri has since updated his preferences to Isco and Oscar. "We'll need to change without Tevez and Pirlo and experiment with new solutions," he told La Repubblica. "I would like an inventor, one who never looks to do the obvious, a wild card in an otherwise balanced tactical plan." His first-choice targets seem out of reach as long as Juventus' resolve to keep Pogba goes unchanged. As they are, however, the Old Lady remain formidable. Last season's Champions League final was a point of departure, not arrival. There's a greater awareness of their own strength after breaking through a mental glass ceiling in Europe. A fifth consecutive title and a chance to emulate the Juventus team of the 1930s and the Grande Torino of the '40s means motivation isn't lacking, either. Sure, there are a few more unknowns about Juventus, but significantly fewer than her rivals. The Old Lady might appear slightly different from recent years, it's true. Even without a couple of her leading men, though, she still looks good for her title.

Lampard 'lucky' to play alongside Pirlo The former Chelsea and Manchester City midfielder is full of praise for his new New York City FC colleague, who joined the American side from Juventus on Monday. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3353/mls/2015/07/08/13395942/-? Jul 8, 2015 Frank Lampard considers himself "lucky" to play in the same New York City FC team as Andrea Pirlo. The former England international was finally unveiled by the Major League Soccer side on Tuesday after spending last season on loan at Manchester City and could make his debut in Sunday's meeting with Toronto FC. Pirlo's transfer to MLS's newest club from Juventus was confirmed on Monday and Lampard cannot wait to play alongside the Italian and former Barcelona striker David Villa. "David and Andrea are at the top of the list, I'm a lucky man to be in the same squad as them," he told reporters at his unveiling. "I've been watching all the games. I know every player and how they play. It will be a pleasure to play with them every day. "I think Pirlo is the best at getting his ball to dip and dive off the free kick. He can have the first one!"

Former Juventus Striker’s Boca Presentation Delayed http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/former-juventus-strikers-boca-presentation-delayed/? Jul 7, 2015 Carlos Tevez’s Boca Juniors presentation has been slightly postponed, to allow the Argentine some time for vacation. The former Juventus striker has just now concluded a Copa America campaign with Argentina, when the Albiceleste lost in the final to hosts Chile. Ole report that the most plausible date for Tevez’s presentation would be July 13. The media confirm that the club has chosen this later date, delaying from the initial decision to present him right after the Copa America, to allow Tevez a rest. Boca Juniors have already made plans to present the 31-year-old at the Bombonera, according to Ole. Tevez returns Boca Juniors, which he left in 2004. The Argentine striker enjoyed two successful seasons with the Bianconeri, winning two Scudetti, a Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana and reaching the Champions League final. The new Boca Juniors striker had made 32 appearances in Serie A, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists.