Socrates

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.

Juventus Captain Pays Emotional Tribute To Departing Pirlo http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/juventus-captain-pays-emotional-tribute-to-departing-pirlo/? Jul 7, 2015 Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has paid an emotional tribute to his former teammate Andrea Pirlo who has recently completed his move to MLS side New York City FC. The two Italian veterans have made a total of 263 appearances between them for the Italian national side, and the 37-year-old goalkeeper has since declared his formidable friendship with his fellow World Cup winner. “Lot’s of words have been used to try to describe your achievements and victories but I want to use one that best describes our life spent together; friend,” said Buffon in a post on his personal Facebook page. “Good luck my friend, for your present as well as your future. “Thank you for the cheerful years we have spent together. Thank you for the tears of joy and pleasure that we have cried onto each others’ shoulders. Thank you for showing me that in football, sometimes anything can be made possible. “A friend is the best thing that anyone can have and also the best thing that anyone else can be. “You certainly have been one for me and I hope that I have also been one for you.”

Pirlo: ‘Juventus cycle was over’ http://www.football-italia.net/68824/pirlo-%E2%80%98juventus-cycle-was-over%E2%80%99? Jul 7, 2015 Andrea Pirlo admits ‘the cycle was over’ for his Juventus career, following his move to New York City FC. The Italian international has moved to the MLS side on a free transfer, one year before the intended end of his Bianconeri contract. “It would have been better to finish with a win,” Pirlo told the New York City’s official website, talking about the losing Champions League final. “However, for me the cycle was still over. I needed a new challenge, and the City were the best choice. “I had four fantastic years [at Juventus] where we started from scratch and built a winning team which achieved tremendous success. I hope to do that here in New York too.” The World Cup winner is also confident his move to MLS will not affect his chances with Italy. “It doesn’t change anything for me. I spoke to him [CT Antonio Conte], he knows it’s a competitive league, that nothing has changed and that I’ll do everything to be called-up for the European Championships. “I was sad to leave, but we all have to make choices in life, and it was the right time to leave Italy, I’d played with the best teams [inter, Milan and Juve] and I didn’t see myself in another shirt. “I’ll always be happy to represent Italy with the shirts of clubs or the national team, I’m Italian, and my heart will always be there.” Pirlo has played in all the great stadiums of Europe, is he looking forward to turning out at Yankee Stadium? “It’s iconic, it gives you chills as you walk in,” Pirlo said. “I can’t wait to be on the pitch and play in this stadium. I hope a lot of people can come to watch us play and see me up close. “I look forward to everyone coming to watch in New York.”

What's the Outlook for Juventus' Fringe Players in 2015-16? http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2515126-whats-the-outlook-for-juventus-fringe-players-in-2015-16? Jul 7, 2015 As Juventus prepare for the 2015/16 season, much has changed for the Italian giants. Last term saw the Bianconeri enjoy their most successful in many years, a Champions League final appearance capping a campaign in which they also lifted both the Serie A crown and the Coppa Italia. Marking only the third time the club had completed a domestic double, players like Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez decided it was the perfect time to move on to a new adventure. In addition, backup players like Marco Storari, Rubinho and Simone Pepe were allowed to leave too, meaning the squad will look vastly different when the new season gets underway. Juventus have worked quickly, adding Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira before the transfer window had even opened. Yet those arrivals leave a number of players more marginalised than they had been previously, with one or two perhaps pondering their long-term futures in Turin. Those names on the fringe of the squad almost certainly include Simone Padoin, though the 31-year-old is unlikely to have too many concerns over his role. He arrived from Atalanta in January 2012, and has since been part of a team which has won six trophies, making 96 appearances in all competitions. No fewer than 35 of those came last season—comfortably his most in a single campaign—as he showed incredible versatility to play no less than five different positions, while his tally of 20 starts was his highest since the 2009/10 season. The aforementioned influx of attacking talent will also leave a question mark over Kingsley Coman’s immediate future, although he is clearly highly regarded by Allegri and the club’s management team. The 19-year-old made 20 appearances in 2014/15, but the arrival of Mandzukic and Dybala sees him pushed even further down the pecking order, with Simone Zaza also expected to be signed very soon. Allegri mentioned the Sassuolo striker in an interview with Sky Italia last month (h/t Football Italia), and that new-found depth has led to talk of a loan for him. A report by French newspaper L’Equipe (h/t Forza Italian Football) linked Lille, Saint-Etienne and Palermo with Coman, and his name is certainly one to monitor in the coming weeks. The arrival of Daniele Rugani means that Angelo Ogbonna will also perhaps be forced out, with TuttoSport believing that Everton, West Ham and Southampton have expressed interest in bringing the defender to the Premier League (h/t Football Italia). Despite lengthy injury-enforced absences for both Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres, Ogbonna made just 18 starts this past season, and the prospect of a €10 million fee from one of those English sides would perhaps prove too tempting to refuse. Paolo De Ceglie—a product of the Juventus youth sector—returned to Turin in January, the Bianconeri terminating his loan with Parma when it was clear the troubled club could not afford to pay his wages. The 28-year-old full-back played just 104 minutes for the Old Lady however, and appears unsuited to being the long-term backup to Patrice Evra, particularly as Allegri will have Kwadwo Asamoah available once again. With the club looking at alternatives for the French defender—a subject discussed in detail here—De Ceglie is likely to move on again before the end of the summer. A combination of injuries meant Luca Marrone also effectively missed the entire season, and it is no surprise to see he too is linked with a summer exit. Writing on his own website, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio believes newly promoted Serie A sides Carpi and Bologna are interested in signing the 25-year-old. The midfielder, like many of Juve’s fringe players, may well have some big decisions to make before the 2015/16 season begins.

Agnelli: “Nobody unsellable” http://www.football-italia.net/68813/agnelli-“nobody-unsellable”? Jul 7, 2015 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli says none of his players are unsellable until the transfer market is closed. Both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal have been heavily linked with moves away from Turin this summer, and Agnelli used the example of Christian Vieri to fuel these rumours. “Is Pogba unsellable? In football nothing is definite,” he said to Tuttosport. “I remember for example, years ago we wanted to keep Vieri at Juventus. “The representative, my uncle, called Luciano Moggi and heard him say ‘The player is unsellable.’ “And then, a few days later, Vieri was transferred to Atletico Madrid. “Therefore my players are only unsellable from September 1.”

Marchisio: I can't be Pirlo's heir The 29-year-old feels he is not the right man to replace the playmaker as he is a different type of player. http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/07/07/13365702/-? Jul 7, 2015 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has conceded he is not the man to replace Andrea Pirlo following his team-mate's move to New York City FC. Pirlo's four-year stint at Juve officially ended when New York City revealed they had signed the 36-year-old on Monday. Marchisio, who has been at Juve since age seven and signed a new deal until 2020 on Monday, said it was not his aim to fill the void left by Pirlo. "I cannot be Pirlo's heir because I am very different from Andrea," Marchisio said at a press conference. "That would apply even if I had played in the same position. "I would like to spare a few words for Andrea, for everything he gave us and because he really made us grow as a team. "He was a very important player for me. In these few last years I saw him playing in front of the defence and he really helped me. "I do not have his characteristics, but I have learnt a lot from him and as a result everything was easier."

Barcelona will not sign Pogba this year, says Bartomeu The Catalans had an €80 million bid for the player turned down last week and won't be making an improved offer this summer. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/07/07/13365862/-? Jul 7, 2015 Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu says the Catalans will not sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba in 2015. The Champions League holders are keen to lure the 22-year-old to Camp Nou but saw an €80 million offer for the midfielder turned down last week. Barca were expected to launch an improved bid but Bartomeu revealed any deal for Pogba is now on hold until January next year at the earliest. "We will not buy Pogba this year," the current Barcelona president told reporters. "We are not planning with him for next season. He is not part of our sporting plans for 2015-16 at this stage." Juventus president Andrea Agnelli hinted on Monday that the France international could still be on the move this summer, which could encourage several other clubs to make bids. Barcelona announced the capture of Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth €41m on Monday after recently securing the services of Aleix Vidal from Sevilla. However, the club are banned from fielding new signings until January after being found guilty of irregularities in the sgning of youngsters from overseas last year.

Andrea Pirlo improved Juventus' culture and will be missed http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2514451/andrea-pirlo-will-be-missed-at-juventus? Jul 6, 2015 "Being a Juventino is to carry oneself with pride and dignity. Till the very end as President [Andrea] Agnelli would say," wrote Andrea Pirlo in his book I Think Therefore I Play. A player of immense ability, a magician with the ball and a leader off it, Italy's great playmaker has waved goodbye to Juventus and its adoring fans to begin a new adventure with New York City FC in MLS. A man who arrived from the red and black side of Milan, Juventus were once the enemy. However, having landed in Turin, he not only revived his career but the Juve mentality, bringing world class ability and insatiable hunger for success back to the Turin giants. Alongside goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, he brought back leadership into the dressing room, he taught the youngsters, laughed with the veterans and grew attached to the directors, especially Agnelli. Sharing a love for success and an obsession with trophies, Pirlo began to view Juventus through the eyes of the president, falling in love with the Old Lady and realising her worth. "Andrea made an excellent first impression on me and I'd like to think the feeling is mutual. It was love at first sight; something that was in no way guaranteed when you consider where I was arriving from," explained Pirlo in his book. Juventus became something more than a football team; it became an ideology, a way of being and a philosophy Pirlo believed in. He defended the Old Lady passionately and learned to believe that everything she had won was not only merited but undeniably deserved, having observed her traditions, her handwork and her discipline. "Buffon, Chiellini, Marchisio: when you look at those guys you realise just where you are. They're always happy, always ready to involve and excite you with their infectious enthusiasm," Pirlo wrote. "A dressing room where hard work is the order of the day. Where the spirit of sacrifice is an absolute must, not a request where you can shake your head and say 'no.'" That is why, he insists, he wore the t-shirt with the slogan "30 titles won on the pitch" etched on the front. "If you're not a Bianconero, or if you don't become one as I did, you'll never understand." Most of those who are not associated with the club never will, but there is a reason why clubs like Juve will never die, regardless of whatever punishments or scandals they may suffer. Class is eternal and for unique players such as Pirlo, he can relate. Upon his arrival in 2011, the club's tactics were changed. Antonio Conte, who had just been hired as coach that same year, was heralded for his 4-2-4 formation in previous managerial roles, but he opted to change shapes in order to allow Pirlo to make the desired impact, and the playmaker duly impressed. Setting the rhythm, controlling the pace and delivering those perfect long-range passes, Pirlo finished the season having provided the highest number of assists in the league (13) and completing 2,643 passes, 500 more than any other Serie A player. Like a phoenix, Juventus rose from the ashes and not only pipped Milan to win their first title since Calciopoli but did so with the player the Rossoneri discarded. Wearing the Bianconeri jersey, Pirlo continued to impress both in domestic and European competitions, winning Serie A player of the year for three consecutive seasons in 2012, 2013 and 2014. His ability to produce magic to aid those ahead of him, as well as finish from his trademark free-kicks, made him a reference point for Juve, the player all opponents feared for he could not be stopped, giving the Old Lady back her glamour. Even in this past season, one spent recovering from a few injuries and perhaps one played at a lower level, Pirlo still knew how to make the difference. He scored the winner against Torino in the Derby della Mole in November 2014 and who could forget the sensational screamer against Atalanta in February? Yet despite the goals, assists and ingenious creativity, in the wonderful words published on the Juventus website, "Pirlo is a player -- a man -- who could never be summed up with mere statistics." Grazie Maestro, for the many happy moments shared, for the tears you shed and the love you showed. It is you who helped catapult Juventus back to the top of European football and for that, the club will forever be grateful. Fino all fine, forza Juventus.

Allegri Excited To Get Started After Juventus Extension http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/allegri-excited-to-get-started-after-juventus-extension/? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has declared his happiness following the extension of his contract with the club. The 47-year-old joined La Vecchia Signora at the start of the 2014/15 Serie A season following the departure of Antonio Conte, and has had a very successful first season with the club after winning the league title along with reaching the Champions League final. His contract extension means he is now tied to the Bianconeri until 2017, which Allegri announced he was very happy about. “One more year together: Thanks Juventus! I can’t wait to get started,” he tweeted. Massimiliano Allegri ✔@OfficialAllegri Un anno in più assieme: grazie @juventusfc, non vedo l'ora di ricominciare!

Agnelli: Marchisio Is Already A Juventus Legend http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/07/agnelli-marchisio-is-already-a-juventus-legend/? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli spoke after the official announcement of Marchisio’s renewal, praising the midfielder’s longevity and loyalty to the club. Marchisio signed a long-term deal that will see him remain at the club until 2020, after first joining the the Bianconeri first team in 2006. The Italian would however have to wait until the 2008-09 campaign, when he finally broke through following a two-year loan stint with Empoli. Agnelli spoke at a press conference when the announcement of Marchiso’s contract was made, commending the 29-year-old’s great service to the club. “The whole day is dedicated to Marchisio,” Agnelli told the press. “He has spent so many years with the club, going from the youth team to the first team and even wearing the captain’s armband. “Marchisio is already a legend despite not even being 30 years old yet, and has already reached 300 caps. “With this five-year renewal, he now becomes one of Juventus’ elder statesmen; it is both an honour and a responsibility.”

Marchisio: ‘I can’t replace Pirlo’ http://www.football-italia.net/68792/marchisio-%E2%80%98i-can%E2%80%99t-replace-pirlo%E2%80%99? Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchisio says his ‘different characteristics’ mean he can’t replace Andrea Pirlo for Juventus, and praised the outgoing playmaker. On the day it was confirmed that Pirlo will leave Turin to continue his career in MLS, it was announced that Marchisio has signed a new five-year deal. The Italian international often deputised for his compatriot in the regista role last season, but says he can’t be a direct replacement for the veteran. “I can’t be Pirlo’s heir, because I’m a completely different player to Andrea,” Marchisio explained in a Press conference to announce his renewal. “The most we share on the park is if we’re in the same position. “I would like to say a few words about Andrea though, for everything he’s given to Juventus, as we’ve grown, because he was a very important player. “For me too, because in recent years, playing this role in front of the defence, I’ve watched him every day, and it’s helped me so much. “I don’t have his characteristics, but to learn from a champion like him has made it even easier to take to the pitch.”

Juventus hint at Pogba exit The Serie A champions denied that a deal with Barcelona had been put in place following talks last week, and their president has now suggested he could yet leave this summer. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/07/06/13351842/-? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has hinted that Paul Pogba could leave the club this summer. Goal understands Manchester City are ready to set a new world record transfer fee in order to land Pogba, although it is believed the midfielder would prefer a move to Barcelona. Paris St-Germain are also closely monitoring the situation, despite the fact that the French international has four years left on his current contract at Juventus Stadium. Only last week, Juventus publicly denied reports that a deal had been put in place with European champions Barcelona, who would be likely to let Pogba stay in Turin for another year due to their transfer ban. But Angelli has moved to lower expectations of him remaining with the club beyond the close of the transfer window. "Nothing is 100 per cent in football, players are not for sale starting from September 1," he said at a press conference. "Some years ago we said Christian Vieri was not for sale and he went to Atletico Madrid A few days after..." Pogba started his senior career at Manchester United but left on a free transfer in 2012 after growing frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson. The midfielder, who has represented France at every level, moved to Juventus and has since gone on to win three Serie A titles and, last season, he helped the club reach the Champions League final.

Marchisio: ‘Always wanted Juventus’ http://www.football-italia.net/68790/marchisio-%E2%80%98always-wanted-juventus%E2%80%99? Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchsio says he ‘always wanted this shirt’ after renewing his Juventus contract until 2020. The midfielder is a product of the Bianconeri youth system, has been at the club since childhood, and today’s announcement will almost certainly see him end his career in Turin. “It’s a beautiful day, full of emotion,” Marchisio admitted in a Press conference to announce the new deal. “It’s like the emotion I felt in 1993, when I turned up for my first training session. After all these years, I’ve always wanted this shirt, and I’m lucky to be able to continue at this great club for another five years. “This isn’t a point where I feel I’ve arrived, I want to keep moving forward, to continue to win with this great team.” Marchisio then discussed the aims for next season, as well as some moments from his Juve past. “Like every year, we’re expecting a difficult Champions League campaign. This year we achieved a big goal, the final, but we have to keep an eye on the path which has slowly brought us to significant growth. “We want to consolidate this year, to always be among the last eight, because everyone, apart from Barcelona in recent years, has found it very difficult to win it. So that’s our goal. “As for my loyalty to the club, it wasn’t easy, because to come through a big youth system like Juve’s is not easy. “I’ve always said, that as a Juventus fan I suffered for a year in Serie B, but if definitely helped me. I’m always available to try and give my best in any role, for any Coach. “Having Juve in my heart has always given me that extra energy to always give my all, not just in every game, but in every training session too. “That’s what I try to pass on to my teammates, especially the new ones, the idea of never giving up.”

Marotta: ‘Juventus mercato over’ http://www.football-italia.net/68789/marotta-%E2%80%98juventus-mercato-over%E2%80%99? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta says the club’s transfer campaign is ‘closed’, and won’t sell Arturo Vidal or Paul Pogba. The director spoke briefly at a Press conference to announce the renewals of Coach Massimiliano Allegri and midfielder Claudio Marchisio, and confirmed there would be no further activity. “We moved before other clubs for our main objectives,” Marotta said. “The transfer market [for us] closes here today. The squad is competitive, there are two players for every position, so we think it’s competitive. “The Vidal talk is just rumours, we have a good relationship with Real [Madrid, linked with the player], but these rumours are utopian. “As for Pogba, I’ve already spent so much time talking about this - Juventus will not sell the best players in our squad.” Marotta also joined club President Andrea Agnelli in bidding farewell to Andrea Pirlo, but insists the midfield is not weakened by his move to New York City. “Today is a day of nostalgia for Pirlo, who played pure football, recognised by everyone, we must recognise that, he’s not easy to replace. “The starting midfield has quality, and is athletic, with Pirlo’s exit, [sami] Khedira comes in, with his grit and experience, and with [stefano] Sturaro’s consolidation then we’re on the same level.”

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Claudio Marchisio extends contract through 2020 http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/6/8424033/juventus-claudio-marchisio-contract-extension-serie-a Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchisio was never going anywhere. I know this because it's one of the easier things in life to figure out. Claudio Marchisio is as Juventino as anybody we've seen put on the jersey in the last decade or two. He grew up here, and outside of a loan spell at Empoli in the 2007-2008 season, bianconero are the only colors he's worn since he was a kid. And it's not like that's about to change — nor should it. Alongside club president Andrea Agnelli, Marchisio, viewed by many as the club's next captain whenever Gigi Buffon chooses to hang up his gloves and retire, has extended his contract with his hometown club through the 2019-20 season. Marchisio, who turned 29 in January, recently exceeded the 300-appearance mark with Juventus and is the latest player from the club's core to put pen to paper on a contract extension over the last 12 months. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen Agnelli: "@ClaMarchisio8 has signed a five-year contract extension with the club." I will never get tired of writing about Marchisio signing a new contract with Juventus. Never ever. There's surely to be another contract or two before he's off to hang out and flood his Instagram profile with pictures of his kids on a full-time hases, which is good news for all of us. I don't even want to think of a Juventus world that doesn't involve Claudio Marchisio right now. The good thing is, we're still years away from that happening, so nothing more to see here. Marchisio had a huge return to form this past season and was easily been one of Juventus' best players from the opening weekend to when things came to a close in the Champions League final in Berlin. It has come in a variety of different roles, too, with Marchisio being the direct replacement whenever Andrea Pirlo is out of the lineup as well as holding down his usual spot in Juve's midfield. His ability to bounce in between the two spots in the center of the park has been a vital asset to first-year manager Max Allegri, who hasn't been afraid to deploy Marchisio as a regista this season. No matter if his future is as a regista or somewhere else in midfield beyond next season, he will be in the Juventus jersey he has worn for so many years before. Juventus and Claudio Marchisio, some kind of Italian love story that isn't ending any time soon. That's the way it should be, really. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen .@ClaMarchisio8: "It's a feeling that sits alongside my first training session in 1993. I'm delighted to wear the shirt I've always wanted." Truer words have never been spoken. Claudio Marchisio is Juventus — both on the field and in his heart.

Grazie Maestro: Juventus release moving Pirlo tribute video The Old Lady have paid tribute to the iconic Italy midfielder, who is moving to New York City FC, with an impressive video montage of passes, body swerves and trademark free kicks. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/07/06/13348742/-? Jul 6, 2015 Juventus have released a video tribute to Andrea Pirlo after confirming the news that the iconic midfielder has joined New York City FC. Pirlo enjoyed four trophy laden years with the Old Lady, winning four consecutive Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and two Supercoppa Italianas. And the Italian club have shown their gratitude with a video montage of his very best moments, made up of passes, body swerves and, of course, trademark free kicks. Watch the full video below...

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Juventus manager Max Allegri extends contract through 2017 http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/6/8900647/juventus-massimiliano-allegri-contract-extension-serie-a-2015 Jul 6, 2015 As it turns out, Juventus President Andrea Agnelli wasn't using Monday's press conference to announce just one contract extension. There was plenty more business to take care of. After praising Andrea Pirlo for the four-year run at the club that has just come to an end, Agnelli announced that Juventus manager Max Allegri has agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2016-17 season. Allegri had originally signed a three-year deal when he took over for Antonio Conte in mid-July last summer, and now sees an extra year — as well as an expected nice bump up in salary — tacked onto his contract with the four-time Italian champions. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen Agnelli: "@OfficialAllegri has recently extended his contract by a further year." It was certainly a first season in Turin that warranted a raise for Allegri, who arrived in Turin amidst plenty of uncertainty that put him under the microscope. The hiring wasn't a glamorous one nor did it instill a ton of confidence considering what had just happened the season before at his former place of employment. However, Allegri quickly showed that his last job was indeed his last job, and his current was a completely different situation. Allegri not only kept Juventus' run of dominance in Serie A going, but also led the club to its first Champions League final in 12 years as well as its first Coppa Italia title since the 1994-95 season. The domestic double could have been a treble if not for the sheer power of this past season's Barcelona squad, but it's not like Juventus did anything to damage itself on the biggest of European stages. And a lot of that had to do with the work Allegri did to make Juventus more than just a dominant domestic side. He was able to have Juve go between formations from game-to-game, and sometimes make the shift within the game itself. And the squad, which was laden with leaders and experience, showed tactical flexibility to make such an in-game shift look pretty routine from the first time onward. Basically, well earned, Mister, and keep up the good work.

Official: Marchisio renews with Juventus http://www.football-italia.net/68786/official-marchisio-renews-juventus? Jul 6, 2015 Claudio Marchisio has renewed his Juventus contract until 2020, with President Andrea Agnelli saying he’s ‘already a legend’. The midfielder has spent his entire career with the Bianconeri, and seems set to end his career in Turin, signing a contract which will take him up to the age of 34. “Claudio is living every child’s dream,” Agnelli said in a Press conference to announce the renewal. “To come to Juventus at seven years old, and move up every level of the youth set-up, before reaching the first team and also wearing the captain’s armband. “I think if a kid were to imagine the ideal path in a club like Juventus, it would be difficult to do better than that, I think it’s something quite unique in a place like this. “Claudio is already a legend, he’s already part of the museum, and though he’s not yet 30, he’s made over 300 appearances for Juventus, so he’s already among our greats. “Claudio is the point of contact between the Juventus of yesterday and the Juventus of tomorrow. “Even before today he could be considered a senator, but now, with a renewal for the next five years, which means he could end his career at Juventus, he is, in effect, a senator. “This is a great honour, but it also means big responsibilities for Claudio.”