Socrates

Carlos Tevez won't cost Boca Juniors 'one single euro,' says Angelici http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2505313/carlos-tevez-wont-cost-boca-juniors-anything-says-angelici? Jun 26, 2015 The return of Carlos Tevez to Boca Juniors won't cost the Argentine club "not even one euro" because the club is covering his remaining value with a percentage of young players, Boca president Daniel Angelici told ESPNFC Radio. Angelici, who said that Tevez will be presented at his boyhood club either July 6 or 7, assured that Boca won't pay anything for Tevez. "I said from the beginning that I wouldn't discuss the transfer until it was done and the very next day what I read in the media was that the Tevez transfer would cost Boca €5 million in addition to a percentage, but I want to clarify that this transfer won't cost Boca a single euro," Angelici said. "They [Juventus] put a value similar to amortization of the balance due and we covered that by giving them some players and the promise of younger players and we are looking into equalising the rest of the contract that way." Tevez joined Boca as a youth in 1997 before agreeing a move to Brazilian side Corinthians in December 2004, and then on to Premier League clubs West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City before signing for Juve in 2013 for £12 million. Tevez scored 19 and 20 goals in his two seasons in Serie A and helped Juventus to two Serie A titles and one Coppa Italia. He has always spoken of a desire to return to the Buenos Aires-based club while still capable of performing at a high level. The 31-year-old's current remaining contract with the Bianconeri is estimated to be worth €5 million. "Everything I do, I do for the good of the club. I am the same person as when I was club treasurer, I know the club finances. I am not going to go crazy. When I go after a player, I am strong and I am convinced. You are all going to see because it will be public. We have had a solid administration over the past three years, we are going to close out with 63 million (Argentine pesos) in profit," Angelici said. "We always said that if Carlos won titles in Italy, Juve would not put up obstacles, so we are very grateful for his return to Argentina. "I have been in contact with Carlos, he is focused right now on Copa America as it must be and I hope he can bring that back too. Once he finishes he will have five or six days of holiday because he played Champions as well. Then we will have his signing and presentation July 6 or 7 followed by a farewell match in Bataglia on July 8." Angelici said a July 15 match is also in the works vs. Quilmes and added that he is working on making sure Tevez can wear No. 10 as he did in his first stay with Boca.

Barcelona’s Braida To Accelerate Negotiations For Juventus Ace http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/barcelonas-braida-to-accelerate-negotiations-for-juventus-ace/? Jun 26, 2015 New Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braida is due to travel to Italy in order to meet Juventus over Paul Pogba. Braida had already expressed his wishes to see Pogba wear the Blaugrana shirt in the past, as well as candidate for the Barcelona presidency Joan Laporte made the Frenchman’s capture an electoral promise. With Real Madrid also on the prowl however, Braida has decided to journey to Turin in person. Braida is due to arrive in Italy on Wednesday to accelerate negotiations for Pogba, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish media reported that the negotiations in question will see Braida propose a deal that will see the 22-year-old midfielder join Barcelona in 2016, with the Catalan giants currently banned from registering any player until January.

'We must target Juve's Pogba' http://www.football-italia.net/68305/we-must-target-juves-pogba? Jun 26, 2015 Joan Laporta claims Barcelona can't shy away from the race for Juventus' Paul Pogba: 'We must target the player'. The Spanish politician is looking to take the reins of the Blaugrana as President again, after holding the role from 2003 to 2010. His bid to bring Pogba to Barcelona appears to be one of his most emphatic points. “I have a good relationship with [Pogba's agent Mino] Raiola,” he told Spanish radio Onda Cero. “If there is a possibility we must try to bring Pogba to Barcelona, because he has some fantastic qualities. “[Former footballer and assistant Eric] Abidal has already been in talks with some of the players we are following, I'm not sure if he's spoken with Pogba yet. “In any case we must target the player, and we're working on it. “If he had to choose between us and [Manchester] City, I'm sure he'd come to Barca.”

Man City take lead in Pogba race http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/transfer-talk/79/post/2504556/manchester-city-take-lead-in-chase-for-juventus-paul-pogba? Jun 25, 2015 There has been a fair bit of talk from Manchester City about how they needed to improve after last season, and bringing in Paul Pogba from Juventus wouldn't exactly be a bad start to that process. A report in the Sun says City are "close to winning the £60 million battle" for the France international, once of Manchester United, and claims boss Manuel Pellegrini feels he has seen off competition from United, Barcelona and Real Madrid. It adds that City are hopeful a deal for the 22-year-old star can be tied up before they make another attempt to pry Raheem Sterling from Liverpool. Bear this in mind, though: Only a few days ago, Juventus managing director Giuseppe Marotta said Pogba had told the club he would not be leaving in the summer. But in surely not unrelated news, the London Evening Standard notes that Chelsea have opened talks with their Brazil international midfielder Ramires. Those talks? Well, they're about a new contract -- and the Standard says they're designed to ward off anticipated interest from ... Juventus, as they prepare for Pogba's departure.

Rossi Advises Pirlo To Join MLS http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/rossi-advises-juventus-star-pirlo-to-join-mls/? Jun 25, 2015 Italian international Giuseppe Rossi believes Andrea Pirlo would be making the right decision if he moved to the MLS. Rossi, who was born in America, played alongside Pirlo for Italy and is adamant it would be a great experience for Pirlo should he move to America. “I think he would be making a good choice if he went to the MLS.” Rossi told Sky Sport Italia. “It would be a great experience for Pirlo if he were to go to America. “Football in America is making huge strides forward and Pirlo could help the development of the game in that part of the world. “Pirlo is one of the best players of his generation, he would add so much to football in America. “We all know ho good Pirlo is and I am sue he would be a great success in the MLS. “If he joined New York City he would be joining one of the best teams in the country.”

Chelsea Ready Cash-Plus-Players Bid To Prize Away Pogba http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/chelsea-ready-cash-plus-players-bid-to-prize-away-juventus-star/? Jun 25, 2015 Chelsea would be looking to steal the march on all other competitors for Juventus’ Paul Pogba, reportedly readying a cash-plus-players bid to lure the Frenchman out of Turin. With the candidate for the Barcelona presidency making Pogba’s capture an electoral promise and Real Madrid also eager to join the race over the highly rated midfielder, it would seem Chelsea may present the most interesting proposal to the Bianconeri. Chelsea would be willing to enter negotiations with a structured deal to seal Pogba’s signature, according to the Daily Mail. The English media reported that Juventus target Oscar would be made part of the deal, with an added €42 million accompanying the bid. Alternatively, Chelsea would also be willing to throw in Ramires into the deal, with Juventus having expressed a desire to swoop for the Brazilian duo in the past.

Juventus Legend Backs Pirlo’s MLS Switch http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-legend-backs-pirlos-mls-switch/? Jun 25, 2015 Former Juventus player Alessandro Del Piero backed Andrea Pirlo’s reported move to MLS side NYCFC, rubber stamping the legitimacy of the 36-year-old’s decision. After an impressive season when Juventus narrowly missed out on a treble when they lost the Champions League final to Barcelona, Pirlo would be ready to call an end to the Bianconeri chapter of his career. Del Piero maintained backed Pirlo to make the right decision while also praising the rising stature of MLS, as well as commenting on Juventus’ upcoming season without the Italy international. “The city [of New York] is great and MLS is growing,” said Del Piero to Sky Sport Italia. “The Scudetto [and winning it again] will very much depend on the transfer market campaign and the other players [and their hunger] in the team. “The synergy created in the group and during the training camp will be key.”

Real Madrid President Eager To Challenge Barcelona For Pogba http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/real-madrid-president-eager-to-challenge-barcelona-for-juventus-star/? Jun 25, 2015 After Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta promised Juventus’ Paul Pogba to the Blaugrana should he win the election, Real Madrid have not given up in the fight for the French midfield dynamo. The prior interest from English clubs seems to have died down after they were priced out of a deal and it is now the turn the two La Liga giants to wax lyrical about signing the Bianconeri star, with President Florentino Perez plotting a move to bring Pogba to the Spanish capital. Sport.es report that Perez is willing to give up the €31 million buy-back clause on Juve striker Alvaro Morata as part of an €80m bid for the former Manchester United man. Furthermore, Perez has already discussed personal terms with the Frenchman’s agent Mino Raiola, who has outlined a contract worth €12m annually after tax which would make Pogba one of the highest paid players in football as Los Blancos would have to pay around double that figure due to Spanish tax rates.

Giovinco: Pirlo asked me about MLS The Toronto star has acknowledged that his ex-team-mate has been in touch over the state of the game in the USA and is eagerly anticipating his arrival. http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/06/25/13045302/-? Jun 25, 2015 Sebastian Giovinco has revealed that former Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo recently contacted him to enquire about playing in MLS. Italy midfielder Pirlo is set to leave the Serie A champions for New York City FC and he got in touch with his compatriot first to find out what the game is like in the USA. "He has sent me a message, but not from New York just now," Giovinco told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "He asked me a while ago how I was and how things are here. I told him that playing in MLS is a great experience, something he should try. "I don't think I was the one who convinced him to make the move, though. I am looking forward to playing against him. "You cannot compare the level of play to that of the European leagues, but I am convinced that this can become an important league in the future. There is not as much quality and tactical discipline as in Europe, but the organisation is pretty well. "They should change some rules to facililate the arrival of more players from abroad, like the salary cap. Pirlo seems set to complete his move to New York in the coming days, joining former Barcelona and Spain star David Villa at the new franchise.

Laporta Promises Barcelona He Will Deliver Pogba If Elected http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/laporta-promises-barcelona-he-will-deliver-juventus-midfielder-if-elected/? Jun 25, 2015 Joan Laporta, back in the running for a second stint at the Barcelona presidency, has promised that if elected, he will bring Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to the Camp Nou. The Champions League winners’ presidential election takes place next month on July 18 with Laporta, who held the position for seven years, one of the favourites for the position and Pogba is not the only promise he has made – insisting Eric Abidal will be installed as sporting director if he takes over. Interviewed about his campaign on Radio Catalunya, he said: “I know that Pogba would love to come to Barcelona and I have a great relationship with [his agent] Mino Raiola. “It would be the best reinforcement for us and I believe that he would fit in very well with our style of play.” Pogba has been closely linked with moves to Barca, Real Madrid, PSG and a host of English clubs during this summer transfer window already.

Juventus Playmaker Yet To Finalise Terms With New York City Over Move http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-playmaker-yet-to-finalise-terms-with-new-york-city-over-move/? Jun 25, 2015 Juventus star Andrea Pirlo is getting ever closer to signing a lucrative deal with Major League Soccer outfit New York City FC. There are some fine details to iron out before an official announcement is made, but Pirlo is fully expected to complete his transatlantic switch over the coming days. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the former AC Milan and Inter player will sign an initial contract lasting almost 18 months — from this summer until November 2016 — but is still negotiating the terms by which a possible additional year extension would be triggered. The 36-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful career for club and country, having won almost every major honour in the game. His four seasons with Juve has seen the Bianconeri claim four Serie A titles in succession, as well as the Coppa Italia during a double-winning campaign last season.

Boca Juniors aim to present Carlos Tevez in July after Juventus talks http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2503368/boca-juniors-agree-deal-to-sign-carlos-tevez-from-juventus? Jun 25, 2015 Boca Juniors are hopeful that they will be able to present Carlos Tevez to the club's fans on July 7. Tevez, who began his professional career at Boca, had been expected to return to the Argentine club when his current contract at Juventus expires next year, but they have been negotiating a transfer fee with the Italian champions this week. Boca said at the weekend that they were confident a deal would be agreed and general secretary Cesar Martucci has now indicated that it is in place. He told AM 1050: "We are very happy. After a lot of work, we have nailed down the return of Carlos Tevez." No details of the agreement have been revealed but it is reported that Boca have agreed to pay €5 million as well as offering a player in exchange, with 21-year-old striker Jonathan Calleri touted as a likely option by El Intransigente. Italy's Tuttosport has also suggested midfielder Guido Vadala and Uruguayan defender Rodrigo Bentancur as potential options. "We have not mortgaged the fate of the club to bring back Carlos Tevez," Martucci said. Tevez, 31, joined Boca as a youth in 1997 before agreeing a move to Brazilian side Corinthians in December 2004, but he has always spoken of a desire to return to the Buenos Aires-based club while still capable of performing at a high level. "In Argentine football, there is not another player like Carlitos," Martucci added. "This is a great joy for all the fans of Boca. "Unlike many players who returned, Carlos Tevez returns at the maximum. Hopefully the return of Carlos Tevez will give the Boca fans the results they expect." Tevez had already been scheduled to play in former Boca midfielder Sebastian Battaglia's valedictory match on July 8, and Martucci said: "It is likely that we may present Tevez day before Battaglia's farewell game." Martucci said he hoped Boca would be able to retain Southampton striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, who has been on loan at the club since February. "Whether he stays or not depends on the English club," he said. "Hopefully the return of Carlitos will be an influence." Juve, who have already secured deals for Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic this summer, have reluctantly agreed to grant Tevez his wish to return. The sale of the 31-year-old, who has scored 19 and 20 goals in his two seasons in Serie A, will take an estimated €5 million off the Bianconeri's wage bill next season.

Juventus 2014-15 Season Ratings: The Fullbacks, The Wingbacks, The Wide Men http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/6/24/8793417/juventus-2014-15-season-ratings-fullbacks-lichtsteiner-evra-asamoah-padoin Jun 24, 2015 Looking back on a season of wholesale change and no small bit of success, many of the key contributions came from wide areas. Whether playing in a four- or five-man defense, Juventus' core of wide men offered boundless energy, pinpoint crossing, and defensive rigor. With experience, versatility, and great nicknames like Uncle Pat, The Swiss Express, and The Padoin, it certainly feels a long time since we were choosing between Marco Motta and Zdeněk Grygera at right back. The wingbacks, or fullbacks in a back four, are the guys running the flank for 90 minutes, asked to mark skilled attackers at one end and provide attacking width at the other. It is a role for robots, really, with no time for human failings like fatigue and inattention. While other positions get nicknames from the high arts, things like "Pinturicchio" or "l'Architetto," or fiction — "Superman," among many others — fullbacks get named after trains. Cafu was "Il Pendolino," named after the high speed "swaying" trains. Our own Stephan Lichtsteiner, a one-time hero on the other side of Rome, earned his "Swiss Express" nickname in much the same way. But whoever has stepped into the breech on either side of Juventus' central defense this term could lay claim to their own train route, such has been the consistency of the group's performance. Anyway, on to the particulars. Stephan Lichtsteiner - 8 What more can be said of the Swiss Express? A constant down the right flank since he joined from Lazio, this year the 31-year-old played more Serie A minutes than all but four Juventus players: goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, center back Leonardo Bonucci, midfield all-rounder Claudio Marchisio. and attacking inspiration Carlos Tévez. Our Lichtsteiner is nothing if not fiery, and only a couple bans for card accumulation, as well as the red against Torino, kept him from accumulating even more minutes down the right. A vital component to many parts of Juventus' game, Lichtsteiner's constant presence in attack gives the midfielders and forwards a wide option, with Andrea Pirlo particularly in sync with the dynamic movement of the former Grasshoppers man. Over and over the system of movements would repeat, a Conte trademark that was maintained by Allegri. Ball from the left to Pirlo, then Pirlo drops it into the box for Lichtsteiner. It was the move that created the first goal in the Juventus Stadium, and right through to the current day defences are powerless to stop it. With just a bit more luck on his final ball, the right-back could have contributed even more than his three goals and six assists. It was a career year for the fullback, who remains under-appreciated as one of Europe's best. His finest performance came in the 7-0 thrashing of Parma, contributing a lovely goal and dishing out two assists. Patrice Evra - 7.5 "Uncle Pat" came back to Italy this past summer, signing for Juventus after eight trophy-laden years in the red of Manchester United. At 34 years old, Evra was seen by many to be in decline, unable to match the bursts of younger players and, perhaps most of all, a symbol of the old, Ferguson-era team that needed moving on. Fortunately for Juventus, Patrice settled on Turin for a late-career renaissance. Initially competing with Kwadwo Asamoah for playing time in the 3-5-2 of the early part of the season, Evra showed that he was more than up for the challenge. While not offering the midfielder skillset that makes Asamoah such a threat when he comes in off his flank, Evra offered a traditional wide presence, always looking to get to the bye line and drill crosses in. For all his physical tools, however, it would be no exaggeration to say that Evra's biggest impact on the team has been psychological. The man has won the Champions League, and been to the late stages time and time again. He has faced Lionel Messi, played with and against Cristiano Ronaldo, left the final in tears of pain and tears of joy. He offers a depth of experience that few players in the world can match, and that kind of assurance, on the biggest nights, is invaluable. On a personal level, it is not Evra's best season, with somewhat disappointing returns of four assists and just one goal. It was on the defensive side though that Evra did his best work on the field, shutting down his side along with Giorgio Chiellini, and based on the overwhelming success of the team, he was clearly doing something right. Perhaps the greatest compliment that can be paid to Uncle Pat, on the basis of this season, is that without him, his calm and experience and assuredness, it is very hard to imagine Juventus making the Champions League final. All that and the man's not afraid to C-walk. Simone Padoin - 6.5 The Padoin once again racked up the appearances for Juventus this season, playing on both sides of defense, in a three or a four, and even popping up in central midfield. Contributing four assists as well as consistent, positionally sound play, Padoin has proven himself a valuable squad member, even if he's not the one you want starting the biggest games. Best along the right flank, this season Padoin was mostly filling in on the left. He still managed to assist a fellow fullback, Lichtsteiner in the 3-0 win over Cesena, but was playing in central midfield at the time. Kwadwo Asamoah - s/v The Ghanaian international started the season well, alternating with Evra on the left flank and deputizing in midfield, with the team hoping to cover for his absence during the African Cup of Nations in January. Unfortunately, injury struck, with damaged knee cartilage requiring surgery and a long layoff. Finally returning for the Coppa Ialia-Scudetto double celebration game against Napoli, hopefully next season will see much more of the talented left-footer. Rômulo - s/v Brought on the "Marotta Special" of a loan-with-option-to-buy, the Brazilian fullback-turned-central midfielder started the season as Allegri's first-choice backup to Stephan Lichtsteiner. After an excellent season at Hellas Verona playing in midfield, the Brazilian was also given chances in the engine room, however never got going in either position due to lingering injury troubles. Only given three starts, one in midfield and two on the right flank, Juventus supporters have not seen much of Rômulo since joining. With his playing rights likely returning to Hellas, hopefully next season will be one of rebirth for Rômulo, who at 28 may sadly have lost his only shot at a big club. Paolo De Ceglie - s/v Everyone's favorite Ashton Kutcher look-alike returned from Parma as the financial waves crashed over the Gialloblu bow. Taking his station on the left, like always, the youth product showed once again that he can probably be a decent Serie A player, just not at Juve. Paolino got another start in Bianconero to add to his C.V., if nothing else, turning out in the 1-0 win over Palermo and then entering as a sub against Cagliari as the season wound down. All the best Paolino, maybe it didn't turn out like you had hoped, but we'll always remember when you were the best we had.

Boca: 'Tevez total agreement' http://www.football-italia.net/68243/boca-tevez-total-agreement? Jun 24, 2015 Boca Juniors told reporters there is “total agreement” with Juventus for the transfer of Carlos Tevez. According to Clarin, secretary general Cesar Martucci confirmed there is “total agreement,” with a three-year contract and he is due to be presented to the fans on July 7. Juventus are set to receive €5m plus Guido Vadalà on loan with option to buy and first refusal on two players. The 31-year-old striker desperately wanted to come back ‘home’ to his beloved Boca and asked to be released a year before his contract expired. Juve have been in talks with the Argentine club for some weeks and reached an agreement today. Boca will pay €5m plus the loan of impressive young attacking midfielder Vadalà. It’s reported there will also be options on striker Cristian Pavon and Franco Cristaldo. Carlitos will be presented to the Boca Juniors fans on July 7, the day before Seba Battaglia’s testimonial. He grew up in the Boca youth academy and played for the club until joining Corinthians in January 2005. He went on to West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City and arrived at Juventus in July 2013. This season was one of the most prolific in his entire career, netting 29 goals in 48 competitive club games for the Bianconeri. That included 20 in Serie A, seven to reach the Champions League Final and two in the Italian Super Cup.

Tevez is returning to Boca Juniors - Martucci The Argentine side's general secretary has all but confirmed the striker is on his way back to the club where he began his professional career. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/06/24/13027732/-? Jun 24, 2015 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez is set to return to Boca Juniors, according to the Argentine club's general secretary. The 31-year-old has been heavily linked with a return to the club at which he started his career, having already told Juventus of his desire to move this summer. Tevez was a crucial part of the Juve side that won Serie A and the Coppa Italia, and also reached the Champions League final, which was lost 3-1 to Barcelona. Though he is tied to the Bianconeri until June 2016, the Italian side have already signed Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid this summer and Cesar Martucci has revealed that Tevez's move is all but confirmed. "We are very happy," he told AM 1050. "After much work we can secure the return of Carlos Tevez. "We hope that with Carlos' return, we can achieve the results that Boca fans are expecting. Unlike many players who returned to the club, he comes at full capacity." Tevez scored 20 goals in 32 league appearances for the Serie A champions in 2014-15, adding seven more in the Champions League.

Boca Juniors Officialise Agreement For Tevez http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/boca-juniors-officialise-agreement-for-juventus-tevez/? Jun 24, 2015 Carlos Tevez’s departure from Juventus has been agreed on, with the Bianconeri and Boca Juniors agreeing on a fee for the transfer. Tevez had voiced his willingness to return to Argentina, leaving both clubs to reach an agreement and negotiate over the terms of the striker’s departure. The agreement between the Bianconeri and Boca Juniors is now official, according to the Argentine club’s official website. The Boca Juniors’ website report the details of the deal, with the Juventus receiving €5 million for the transfer of Tevez. The deal also includes the arrival of three Boca Juniors youngsters to join Juventus: Guido Vadala, Cristian Pavon and Franco Cristaldo. Tevez is due to be presented at the Bombonera on July 7. Tevez spent two seasons with the Bianconeri, enjoying his best season last year scoring 20 goals in Serie A.

Boca closer to Tevez deal http://www.football-italia.net/68216/boca-closer-tevez-deal? Jun 24, 2015 It’s reported Boca Juniors have moved a step closer to signing Carlos Tevez from Juventus, after including Guido Vadala in the deal. The striker wants to return to his boyhood club in his native Argentina, and representatives from Boca have been in Italy this week trying to agree on a transfer. Now Gianluca Di Marzio’s website is reporting that an agreement is imminent, with the Xeneizes having agreed to include Vadala as part of any deal. As well as Vadala, the Bianconeri would be given a fixed-price option on Franco Cristaldo and Cristian Pavon, two Boca youngsters. The website cautions that a deal is not yet complete, with Juventus still asking €6.5m as a transfer fee, but the transfer is very close, and virtually certain to go through.

Pirlo to New York now http://www.football-italia.net/68193/report-pirlo-new-york-now? Jun 23, 2015 There are reports Andrea Pirlo has decided to join New York City FC next month rather than stay at Juventus until January. The veteran midfielder will be out of contract on June 30 and is considering his prospects. He’s spending his vacation in New York with his family, fuelling rumours of an imminent switch to the MLS club for €5m per season. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Pirlo has now made a decision – he will join NYCFC immediately rather than wait until January. The other option had been to stay on at Juventus until the end of 2015. Pirlo turned 36 years old last month and won five consecutive Scudetto titles – one at Milan, then four in a row at Juve.

No Boca deal for Tevez yet http://www.football-italia.net/68191/no-boca-deal-tevez-yet? Jun 23, 2015 According to Italian reports, Juventus will meet with Boca Juniors for Carlos Tevez tomorrow after failing to agree terms. The two clubs had negotiations today in Milan between Juve director general Beppe Marotta and Boca President Daniel Angelici. Sky Sport Italia, Tuttosport and La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport all suggest no deal was reached, so there will be another meeting on Wednesday. Tevez has a contract that does not expire until June 2016 and Juve value the player at €6m. It’s very likely that one or more players will be included as part of a exchange deal. Options include Jonathan Calleri – also a target for Palermo and West Ham – Rodrigo Bentancur and now also 18-year-old right-sided winger Guido Vadalá.

Defensive forwards a common trait among Europe's elite http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2502372/defensive-forwards-a-common-trait-among-european-elite? Jun 23, 2015 Ask an Arsenal supporter about their memories of the "Invincibles" season of 2003-04, and they'll probably mention Thierry Henry's goal return, Dennis Bergkamp's creative genius or Robert Pires' tricky wing play. But one of the most exhilarating parts of Arsenal's play was, somewhat surprisingly, when their star man conceded possession. Henry's poor touches were few and far between, but when a misplaced pass went to an opponent rather than a teammate, the Frenchman made it his own personal mission to regain possession. Immediately -- usually in the first half at Highbury, when Arsenal were attacking the old Clock End -- he'd sprint to the relevant defender to quickly put in a tackle, and then do the same if the opposition managed to start a passing move in their right-back zone. He charged back and forth between defenders until the ball was Arsenal's once again. It was, in its own way, truly spectacular. At the time, that felt somewhat unique. Since then, top-class forwards at other major, groundbreaking sides have followed suit and played crucial roles in trying to regain the ball. In fact, almost every innovative side in recent years has been notable for the work rate of their centre-forward. Hard-working centre-forwards can broadly be separated into two categories, according to whether the centre-forward is playing in a proactive, pressing side attempting to regain the ball in advanced positions, or as part of a deeper defensive block that looks to soak up pressure before counter-attacking. Either way, it's no longer enough for teams to defend with two banks of four -- the forwards must play a significant part in the defensive phase of play, too. Barcelona were the team which helped re-popularise the concept of pressing. In Pep Guardiola's 2008-09 side, the forwards were hardworking, but by 2010-11 they'd taken it to another level, especially with Lionel Messi as a permanent central forward. Samuel Eto'o in 2008-09 and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2009-10 weren't so keen to waste energy when the opposition had the ball. Over in Dortmund, meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp's side were also enjoying great success with their heavy pressure. Lucas Barrios, whose part in their rise has been somewhat forgotten because of Robert Lewandowski's development, was crucial in setting an example to the rest of the side. Barrios was always on the move to shut down a defender, forcing his opponent onto his weak side, or denying a pass into the midfield zone. Luis Suarez is another example. While he didn't win the Premier League title with Liverpool in 2013-14, the club came astonishingly close, largely because of the Uruguayan's effort. And "effort" is exactly the word, with Suarez displaying the same tenacity without the ball as when bundling his way past defenders. Liverpool, without the demands of European football that season, simply looked so much fresher than their major rivals, epitomised by the 5-1 victory over Arsenal when the tempo of the two sides was hugely contrasting. Suarez was always crucial, his energy and mobility almost as memorable as his long-range strikes. Alternatively, however, forwards can play a crucial part in the defensive phase of play by doing the opposite: rather than sprinting up the pitch to pressure defenders, they drop deep and keep the side compact in a lower block. That way, the opposition defenders -- and sometimes holding midfielders -- have time on the ball, but playing a pass into the midfield zone becomes very difficult. The classic example is the roles played by Diego Costa and David Villa during Atletico's La Liga-winning campaign of 2013-14. While both would prefer to be stationed in the opposition penalty box, they usually took up positions goal-side of the opposition's holding midfielders, meaning Atletico's midfielders had a smaller zone to cover. The defensive transitions were excellent: As soon as Atletico lost the ball, one player would press the man in possession but everyone, including Costa and Villa, would drop back into position immediately. Costa had the explosive power to burst forward into attack too, but Villa lacked that acceleration by this point. He barely scored towards the end of the season, yet his place was assured because his discipline and work rate was consistently outstanding, and therefore he was playing his role perfectly. The replacement for those two, Mario Mandzukic, was signed partly because he had shown he was capable of tremendous work rate, too, in the previous season's Champions League. His performance for Bayern Munich in a 2-0 win over Juventus was quite outstanding. He managed to blend the two different styles of centre-forward discipline: he pressed energetically when Juventus were trying to play out from the back, but then when they bypassed that press, he dropped back into his own half, meaning that if Juve played the ball back into defence, Bayern now had 10 men behind the ball. Mandzukic lacked the explosive pace to make a slightly different approach work with Atletico -- his limitations hadn't been so obvious at Bayern, when Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery led the counter-attacking. It's interesting that Mandzukic has now signed for Juve, which experienced his stunning work rate in the aforementioned game two years ago, and then regularly took up a very Atletico-esque shape in this year's Champions League knockout stage, with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata dropping back deep.

Allegri Targeting Fifth Straight Serie A Title For Juventus http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/allegri-targeting-fifth-straight-serie-a-title-for-juventus/? Jun 23, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is hoping for a fifth straight Serie A title for the Bianconeri as preparations for the 2015/16 season continue. After confirming the signing of striker Mario Mandzukic, the Old Lady seem to only get stronger as they add experienced players such as Sami Khedira to their squad alongside up and coming talents including Paulo Dybala. “I hope that Juventus can go and win their fifth Serie A title in a row,” the Italian coach told an event at Aglianese Calcio, the final team he played for and subsequently took charge of in 2003. “I hope that this year Aglianese can win the championship, I had a very positive experience here and if I had not started here then I would not be coach of Juventus.” Tuscan side Aglianese play in the seventh tier of Italian football, the Prima Categoria, and clearly holds a special place in the 47-year-old’s heart, leading to being awarded honorary citizenship of the city of Agliana. “I spent two wonderful years here and I believe Agliana will always remain in my heart. I still follow Aglianese today.”

Calleri to Juve for Tevez? http://www.football-italia.net/68184/calleri-juve-tevez? Jun 23, 2015 Boca Juniors could offer Palermo target Jonathan Calleri to Juventus as part of their deal for Carlos Tevez. Although Tevez has made it abundantly clear he wants a return ‘home’ to Boca, Juve are also adamant they won’t let him go for free. He has one year left to run on his contract and so far negotiations for a cash exchange have not gone well. According to Todo Noticias, the Bianconeri may well have found the solution in the form of 21-year-old striker Calleri. He can play as a centre-forward, a support striker or on the right side of a trident attack. The main stumbling block is represented by Palermo, who have been in negotiations with Calleri for some time. Their deal has not been finalised, so Juve could intercept to get Calleri and perhaps eventually loan him to the Rosanero. The young Argentine is also a known target for Stoke City.

Bonucci Expected To Sign Contract Extension http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-defender-expected-to-sign-contract-extension/? Jun 23, 2015 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could reportedly sign a contract extension in the coming days depending on the outcome of a meeting between his representatives and the Old Lady executives. The 28-year-old, whose current deal with the Bianconeri is set to expire in June 2017, has seen himself linked with a shocking move to European giants Real Madrid lately, though it seems like his future may still be in Turin for now. According to GianlucaDiMarzio.com, the Italian international’s agent will be meeting with the Juventus executives on Thursday with hopes of finally coming to an agreement regarding a new deal for the centre back, as talks in recent weeks have failed to produce anything concrete. Reports suggest that Real Madrid may be looking to steal Bonucci from the Serie A champions if Sergio Ramos were to make his departure from the Primera Division club this summer, which could pose a serious threat to Juve’s mission to keep him. The defender scored three goals in his 34 Serie A appearances last term.

Nedved: Tevez irreplaceable for Juventus The club legend suggested it would be foolish to think Mario Mandzukic or anyone else can hold a candle to the departing Argentina forward. http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2015/06/23/12990242/-? Jun 23, 2015 Juventus board member Pavel Nedved has cast doubt over whether Mario Mandzukic can fill the boots of "irreplaceable" striker Carlos Tevez. The Croatia international, 29, was signed for €19 million from Atletico Madrid on Monday, ending his one-year spell at the Vicente Calderon having joined from Bayern Munich. Mandzukic is intended to cover for the widely expected departure of Tevez, who looks set to swap Turin for boyhood club Boca Juniors upon the current Copa America's completion. However, Bianconeri legend Nedved has questioned whether Tevez's 50 goals and leadership qualities can be mimicked. "Tevez is irreplaceable," Nedved is quoted in Balkan media as saying following confirmation of the Mandzukic deal. "It's a big blow for Juventus that he's going. He's been a leader these past two years. "But he's made a decision because of his family and that must be respected." When asked specifically about the signings that Massimiliano Allegri's Scudetto and Coppa Italia holders have made so far this summer, such as Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala, Nedved suggested positive strides have definitely been made. "The incoming arrivals are all good players that will keep us at the top of Italy and Europe," the former Czech Republic star added. "The young players will have a chance to grow up and prosper as great players."

Not Like For Like: Mandzukic Won’t Fill Juventus Void Left By Tevez With Juve’s Argentinian striker expected to leave for former club Boca Juniors, it is a Croatian Super Mario from Spain who arrived to fill the void. http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/not-like-for-like-mandzukic-wont-fill-juventus-void-left-by-tevez/? Jun 23, 2015 The Bianconeri paid €18 million for the Croatian international but Juventus fans should not expect him to be a prolific marksman like Tevez. For instance, Mandzukic is not a like-for-like replacement for Tevez. The Argentine was a support striker who has great stamina and a fantastic work ethic whereas the Croatian is a traditional style central striker. Although Tevez isn’t an out-and-out number 9, he is a more prolific scorer than Mandzukic. The Croat scored 20 goals in 43 matches for Atletico Madrid last season, including 12 in 28 La Liga matches whereas “El Apache” scored 29 goals in 48 matches for Juventus, 20 in 32 Serie A matches. Manzdukic has never scored more than 20 goals in a league campaign throughout his career, with his best tally being 18 goals in 30 German Bundesliga matches with Bayern Munich in 2013-14. Aside from last year, Tevez has scored 20 goals or more in three league seasons. He scored 20 goals in 29 matches for Corinthians in 2005 Campeonato Brasileiro, 23 goals in 35 EPL matches for Manchester City in 2009-10 and 20 goals in 31 league matches for the Citizens in the following season. Mandzukic shares more similarities with Spanish striker Fernando Llorente because of his height and aerial ability but he is mobile than the former Athletic Club striker. He has played in teams in which the focus has been on possession football and keeping the ball on the ground so Juve don’t have to send an abundance of long-balls into the penalty box. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri will need to build his forward line around Mandzukic though, if the 29-year-old is to function effectively. The Bianconeri played in a narrow 4-3-1-2 formation under Allegri in 2014-15 but they will need to provide more width if Mandzukic is to thrive in Turin. Allegri has suggested recently that he could change the formation to the 4-3-3 for next season and that formation would suit Mandzukic because he would get supply from the wings and from the centre. Juventus look keen to improve despite doing the domestic double in Italy and are showing they can attract big names to their club again. How would the other strikers at Juve feel though? Will Allegri managed to find the right system for his team? The Bianconeri have signed Paulo Dybala from Palermo, who is a nimble player and could adapt to playing wide but Alvaro Morata is predominantly a centre-forward. The Spaniard is a mobile player and he can dribble but he is not the type of forward a coach can use on the wings. Allegri might need to change the roles of Morata, Dybala and Mandzukic if he wants those three to feature simultaneously in a match. Carlos Tevez left a great mark on Juventus in just two seasons in Turin. He won two scudetti, won a Coppa Italia title, and he played an important role in the Bianconeri’s run to this year’s Champions League Final. The Argentine also scored 50 goals in 96 matches with the Italian giants. Mario Mandzukic won’t have it easy filling the void left by Tevez but he needs to leave his own mark at Juventus.