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Dybala confirmation this week? May 11, 2015 Juventus’ long-anticipated move for Palermo striker Paulo Dybala could reportedly be wrapped up by the end of the week. According to Tuttosport, Juventus director general Beppe Marotta will hold a summit with Rosanero President Maurizio Zamparini and Dybala’s representatives on Thursday or Friday. The newspaper believes that the Old Lady have raised their offer to €36m, paid over three years and split into €32m up front and €4m in bonuses. The bonus money will depend on Dybala’s performances and the objectives reached by the club, but the total could be reduced by including Nicola Leali or Kingsley Coman in the offer. The Bianconeri are believed to have fought off competition from Inter for the 21-year-old, who has scored 13 Serie A goals this season.

Juventus close to Dybala deal May 8, 2015 Several sources are reporting that Juventus are close to sealing a deal for Palermo’s Paulo Dybala. The 21-year-old has been linked with the Bianconeri for months, Rosanero President Maurizio Zamparini has hinted a deal is close, telling Coach Beppe Iachini not to play the forward. Sky is reporting that the Old Lady are very close to agreeing a deal for the Argentinian, and believes that general manager Giuseppe Marotta could seal the deal after the Champions League semi-final second leg. Mediaset is also reporting that a deal is close, and is running with what it purports as details of the agreement. The news outlet states that the Turin giants will pay €25m up front for Dybala, with another €5m in easily-attainable bonuses. Another €5m will be made up by giving players to the Sicilian side, with Edoardo Goldaniga and Eric Lanini the most likely candidates. Mediaset has previously stated that Juventus have agreed a contract with the player, and reiterates those claims today, pointing to a five-year deal worth €2m per season. The news outlet says a meeting took place yesterday where Fabio Paratici and Giuseppe Marotta of the Bianconeri met with Zamparini in his home. Gianluca Di Marzio reports that a deal will not be signed in the next few days, as the player’s agent is in Argentina.

Juve raise Dybala offer, but… May 8, 2015 The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport anticipate a bidding war between Juventus, Milan and Inter for Palermo forward Paulo Dybala. The young Argentine is increasingly expected to leave the Rosanero in the summer, following an effective season in front of goal for the mid-table team. Juve, who are seen to be leading the way, are understood to have used apparent talks between Beppe Marotta and Maurizio Zamparini yesterday as an opportunity to increase their offer to €30m. It is just as equally believed that Palermo’s President has dropped his asking price to below €40m. Dybala, who is seen by the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport as still having a significant say on where his future will be, is believed to have prioritised Juve’s interest, but without ruling out offers from elsewhere. Those include, according to the giornalaccio rosa, moves from both Milanese clubs. Inter are reported as having tabled an instalment-based offer of €28m for the 21-year-old, whilst Milan’s Silvio Berlusconi is suggested as readying a ‘generous offer’ to Zamparini. Inter’s advances are also reported to include Javier Zanetti approaching Dybala to try to convince him of the value of move to the Nerazzurri.

JUVENTUS OFFER €30M FOR PAULO DYBALA May 1, 2015 Juventus may have edged ahead of Inter Milan in the race to sign Paulo Dybala by making a €30 million offer for the striker. The Bianconeri and Nerazzurri appear to be duelling it out to sign the 21-year-old Argentine striker who looks certain to leave Palermo this summer. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Juve director Beppe Marotta has spoken directly with Palermo patron Maurizio Zamparini, making him an offer of €30 million, including bonuses. Inter are reported to have made a similar offer of €30m but their deal would include George Puscas and Francesco Bardi in exchange. It’s difficult to fully assess what will happen next – Juve would seem the clear choice but there’s always a question mark over how much playing time Dybala would recieve next season, given Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata are Juve’s primary strike force. Tevez has always insisted that he would end his career at Boca Juniors, meaning Juve may be trying to convince Dybala that he would a successor to El Apache in a season’s time. Tuttosport reported that Roberto Mancini went to see Dybala in person, assuring him that he would be a guaranteed starter at for the Nerazzurri next season. There’s still the possibility that Roma and Napoli may yet make a bid for the player, given his apparent desire to remain in Italy for the time being.

Dybala: ‘No deal with Juventus’ Apr 28, 2015 Palermo forward Paulo Dybala denies any agreement with Juventus, and says Inter interest makes him proud. The Argentinian youngster has been strongly linked with the Bianconeri, and it was rumoured that the two parties had agreed a contract in priniciple. “There is no agreement with Juventus,” Dybala told La Repubblica. “The only agreement I have is with Palermo, and that’s the only one I care about, I want to respect it until the end. “Right now my only team is Palermo and I’m focused on them until the end of the season.” Inter are also known to be interested in the 21-year-old, with Roberto Mancini watching Palermo’s game with Parma at the weekend. “I like that, it’s something that fills me with pride, but when I go out onto the pitch I don’t look at who’s in the stands. “I don’t think about my value, that’s the job of President [Maurizio] Zamparini, and of course he’ll try to get the most that he can.”

Dybala: ‘I’d like Juventus’ Apr 22, 2015 Palermo striker Paulo Dybala admits he’d like to join Juventus, but doesn’t rule out a move abroad. The Argentinian striker will leave the Rosanero in the summer, and the Old Lady are believed to be one of the front-runners for his signature. “Playing in Europe’s top competition [the Champions League] is everyone’s dream,” Dybala told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “That said, there are also big teams who are not playing in it. But I’d like it, I can’t deny that. “Playing with someone like [Andrea] Pirlo? With a regista like him, everything becomes easier, especially for a striker. Pirlo manages to make everything simple, even the most difficult things. “You could see that, for example, in the first leg against Monaco [in the Champions League], his genius created the penalty that decided the game. “Alvaro Morata also did well to make the deep run, but the invention came from Pirlo. I’ve already agreed with my teammates, we’re going to go to a restaurant to eat pizza and follow the Juve game on tv. “Max Allegri’s team are going away with a goal, so for me they’re the favourites. If things go well in Monte Carlo then they’re one of the major contenders, but anyone who reaches the semi-finals can win it. “Would playing for a team which has four Scudetti in a row be a good thing? It can go both ways. It would be an advantage, because Juve are a team which is never satisfied. “With the hunger they have, they could end up getting 10 Scudetti in a row. “I admit, I’m fond of Italy. It made me famous, and I’d love to stay here in Serie A. “I don’t speak a word of English or French, but that’s not to rule anything out, because when I came to Palermo I didn’t know Italian and I think I picked it up quickly enough.” Dybala also had words of praise for Rosanero President Maurizio Zamparini, who is demanding at €50m to sell him. “The President has always been an admirer of mine, he was maybe the only one who believed in me when everyone else was criticising me and saying I wasn’t worth the money to bring me to Sicily. “I thank him for the confidence he’s always had in me. Now he’s trying to get the most he can out of my sale, and that’s him doing his job, like I do mine on the pitch. “I just hope that if I have a bad game against Parma on Sunday I don’t knock €10m off the valuation, bringing it down to €40m! “I don’t want to think about these things. If I were to score a goal against Palermo next year, I wouldn’t celebrate, this will always be my home. “I could never do something like that to those who have shown such love to me.”

Juventus Face Competition For Palermo Starlet Apr 19, 2015 Serie A giants Juventus will need to battle it out with clubs outside of Italy for the signature of Palermo striker Paulo Dybala in the summer. Rosanero president Maurizio Zamparini has been asking for €40 million for the 21-year-old Argentine, but the Bianconeri are offering €32m for the time being. According to Tuttosport, Juventus face competition from English Premier League club Arsenal, French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and La Liga holders Atletico Madrid to sign Dybala. Zamparini is expected meet with Dybala’s entourage next week and he will make a decision on the possible sale of the Argentine at the end of April. Dybala has been a revelation this season for Palermo, scoring 13 goals in 29 Serie A matches and assisting in a further 10 more as well as forming a forward partnership with Franco Vazquez.

Roma raise Dybala bid Apr 18, 2015 The race to sign Paulo Dybala has been whittled down to Roma and Juventus, with Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini due to meet the Giallorossi. The Bianconeri have long been considered in pole position to sign the Argentinian talent and rumours even suggested they may have a deal already in place. Yet the Lupi are allegedly re-emerging as a serious rival to sign the 21-year-old. According to the Corriere dello Sport, Zamparini will be meeting with Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini in the next few days to discuss terms. While Roma have not formulated an offer yet, the publication speculates that they may add midfielder Federico Viviani – currently loaned to Latina – as part of the deal. Zamparini has stated he wants no less than €40m and hinted yesterday that Juventus had offered €32m. The situation bears some resemblance to last year's duel for Verona’s Juan Manuel Iturbe, who was contested between the two clubs and ended up signing for Roma.

Juventus have Dybala deal? Apr 17, 2015 There are reports Juventus have an agreement in principle with Paulo Dybala, but they need to convince Maurizio Zamparini. A representative for the player claimed earlier that the Bianconeri hade made a bid of €32m for the player, who is also wanted by Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. Now SportMediaset is running the line that the player himself has an agreement in principle with the Old Lady for a five year contract. The deal would see Dybala earn around €2m per year, plus performance related bonuses, and it’s believed Juventus are the first choice of the striker and his agent. However, the news outlet says a bid of €20m plus three players - likely to be Edoardo Goldaniga, Eric Lanini and Vincenzo Fiorillo - has not yet been accepted by Rosanero President Zamparini. The patron is publicly holding out for a fee of €40m, and it’s not yet clear if the €32m bid mentioned earlier is the same bid which Mediaset are reporting, which would value the three players at a combined €12m.

Agent: ‘Juve offered €32m for Dybala’ Apr 17, 2015 Paulo Dybala’s agent says Juventus are in pole position for his client, but have offered €32m, rather than the asking price. Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini is demaning €40m for the young striker, who is attracting interest from all over Europe. “Dybala will choose the team which is best able to help him grow,” Gustavo Mascardi said in an interview with Tuttosport. “Also, Zamparini will choose the offer which is best for him. Are Juve still in pole? Yes. “The lad looks favourably on going to Juventus, and because [general manager Giuseppe] Marotta, who is a friend, has made the highest bid to Palermo. “Well, the best one for now: €32m. We’re also listening to proposals from Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico [Madrid], Arsenal and Chelsea. “In Italy, there’s also Roma and Inter, in addition to Juve. Dybala will calmly decide, along with Zamparini. “The interest of several clubs abroad is intensifying, [Chelsea manager Jose] Mourinho likes him a lot. I think this story will go on for several weeks longer.”

Dybala wants Serie A stay Apr 16, 2015 It’s reported Paulo Dybala will reject Arsenal and Manchester United to stay in Serie A, so it’s between Juventus, Inter and Roma. The Palermo star has rejected a contract renewal and will be sold this summer, though President Maurizio Zamparini warned he won’t take a cent less than €40m. Arsenal and Manchester United have made their interest known, but according to Sky Sport Italia the player has decided to remain in Serie A for the foreseeable future. His main options therefore are Juventus – who Palermo confirmed made an approach – Inter and Roma. The Bianconeri are comfortably the favourites and would also be able to offer Dybala Champions League football. He’d get the chance to play alongside Carlos Tevez and eventually replace him when the striker returns to Boca Juniors in 2016. Inter are hobbled by the Financial Fair Play rules and the very real possibility they won’t even qualify for the Europa League this term. Roma are an alternative, although Dybala could be concerned at following in the footsteps of Juan Manuel Iturbe, who struggled for confidence in the Giallorossi squad.

Juventus and Palermo to discuss Dybala Apr 15, 2015 Juventus transfer chief Giuseppe Marotta could meet with Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini before the end of the week to discuss the sale of Paulo Dybala. Tuttosport have reported that the two representatives will begin negotiations between Wednesday and Friday over the sought-after 21-year-old. Dybala has been heavily linked with the Bianconeri and is believed to favour a move to Turin, but Zamparini’s asking price of €40 million provides a stumbling block. The paper reports that Marotta will suggest a deal worth €25m with a €5m bonus and Edoardo Goldaniga or Kingsley Coman in exchange. The Argentine striker has also attracted plenty of foreign interest and Zamparini could fly to London this week to meet with Arsenal representatives. Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and Roma are also monitoring the player and could soon become part of a bidding war.

Atletico Madrid want Carlos Tevez and Filipe Luis, Diego Simeone confirms Jun 10, 2015 Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says he hopes to sign Juventus attacker Carlos Tevez and Chelsea left-back Filipe Luis this summer. Atletico have been regularly linked with a move for Argentina international Tevez through recent weeks, with Juve director general Giuseppe Marotta having recently acknowledged that the 31-year-old could move on. Asked in an interview with AS whether he had spoken to Tevez recently, Simeone said no conversation had taken place but he was "excited" about the idea of his compatriot playing at the Estadio Vicente Calderon. "The truth is I have not spoken with Carlos, but I know the club is speaking with his agent," Simeone said. "It is always exciting to have players like Tevez. He has the best thing about this game -- he bleeds football, apart from the number of goals he is capable of scoring each season. He would be an ideal signing for our idea of football at Atletico Madrid." Atletico are also keen to sign Luis, who left the Spanish club for Chelsea in a €20 million deal last summer but had little involvement under Jose Mourinho. "[Filipe Luis] is a player we like a lot as a kid but who also knows us well and has given a lot to the team," Simeone said. "I hope it happens." Simeone also revealed that a much-discussed move for Villarreal's young Argentine striker Luciano Vietto, reported to be worth around €20 million, was close to completion. "Vietto is an objective -- ours [the coaches] and also the sporting directors," he said. "We are close, and I hope to count on him for next season, because he is a player with extraordinary characteristics, a second striker, who links well in attack, and scores goals. "I look upon him as being very similar to David Villa when he began, without being yet the goal-scorer he was for Spanish football, but with his play between the lines, which is very difficult to see in current football. He is very tactical, and he settled very well at Villarreal. "As a kid, I know him well as I coached him at Racing -- I gave him his debut. I hope it can happen as he would be a very important signing." Simeone also addressed a question about long-term target Alvaro Negredo. Negredo spent the season on loan at Valencia from Manchester City and, while Los Che are apparently obliged to make the deal permanent, Marca has reported that they are looking to offload him. "It's true that last season we spoke with [Negredo] -- he is a player we were always interested in," Simeone said. "We will see this year which players the sporting directors choose." He all but ruled out a move for former Atletico centre-forward Radamel Falcao, who is back with Monaco after a disappointing season-long loan at Manchester United. "The case of Falcao has not been talked about with the sporting directors," he said. "It is true he performed well for us, he gave us a lot. But the sporting directors are not going that way."

Carlos Tevez On PSG Wanted List Jun 10, 2015 The future of Juventus forward Carlos Tevez remains unresolved with mega-rich French side Paris Saint-Germain the latest club reported to have the player on their transfer wish-list. The Argentine striker has just completed a super season with the Bianconeri, winning the domestic double and featuring in the Champions League final which disappointingly ended in a 3-1 defeat to Barcelona. He also hit 20 goals in Serie A, finishing just behind Mauro Icardi and Luca Toni in the top scorers chart. However, according to Sky Sport Italia, Tevez has yet to make a decision on whether he will remain in Turin and this has alerted the Ligue 1 heavyweights who are now packaging an offer to put to the former Manchester City player. Tevez has mentioned a desire to return home to Boca Juniors but he may be tempted on one further adventure in Europe before heading back to his native Argentina, should he feel his future lies away from Juventus.

Tevez asks to leave? Jun 10, 2015 Reports in Spain suggest that Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has told the club he intends to leave this summer. AS reports that the Argentina international has already told the Old Lady of his intention to leave, although he hasn’t told the club where he wants to go. Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both believed to be interested in the 31-year-old, although a return to Boca Juniors has been touted for months. La Repubblica have reported that Juventus will meet with Tevez’s agent today in order to make a decision on his future. The newspaper believes that Atletico striker Mario Mandzukic is the preferred replacement for the Argentine, but that he will cost €20m. giornalaccio rosa dello Sport also believe the Croatia international to be the favoured signing should Tevez leave, but report that Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain remain targets.

Time for Pirlo to leave Juve? Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus future is at a crossroads. Luca Cetta wonders whether the veteran should remain in Turin. Jun 7, 2015 A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. The iconic image of the Champions League Final was that of Xavi in his last game for Barcelona consoling a dejected Andrea Pirlo in the centre of Berlin’s Olympiastadion. Two of football’s greats together on the biggest stage, perhaps for the last time. For the Spanish star it’s a certainty, as he will leave Barcelona to join Al-Sadd in Qatar. And Pirlo? His future is subject to discussion. The 36-year-old, who still has a year left on his Juventus contract, is being courted by New York City FC. Qatari club Al-Jaishnin was believed to have offered a hefty sum. Most recently there has been talk of interest from Australia, including Alessandro Del Piero’s former club Sydney FC. Director Giuseppe Marotta could only ‘hope’ the final wasn’t the end of his Turin adventure. With Pirlo’s current contract not expiring for another 12 months, the ball remains in Juve’s court. That complicates outside negotiations. After losing on Saturday, the Bianconeri have made no secret of their desire to make a quick return to the showpiece fixture. “The Champions League Final is our starting point for the future,” President Andrea Agnelli outlined in a Press conference on Monday. The final, in Milan’s Stadio Giuseppe Meazza next May, will be Juve’s goal. Player and club must decide whether Pirlo can help achieve that aim. Signed in 2011 on a free transfer, the World Cup winner was a pivotal figure in Juve’s revival. The Turin giants benefitted from what was seen as a major Milan blunder to allow Pirlo to leave for nothing. He became the midfield lynchpin under Antonio Conte. Having just completed his fourth season at the club, Pirlo remains integral. His style is suited to Juve’s method of attack, especially domestically. Nobody was on the ball as much as Pirlo in Serie A for Juventus. His 72.7 average passes per game were higher than last season, but down on his first two. He averaged 2.2 key passes per match and, while fewer than previous seasons, was still the most of any Bianconero. Pirlo’s free kicks remain a dangerous weapon. He netted three times from set pieces – all game-changing goals. The Derby della Mole winner in November was a further example of the Metronome’s decisiveness. And for a club aiming high in Europe, somebody of his experience remains significant. The tears last Saturday were not ones of goodbye, he stressed. Rather, Pirlo says he knows the difficulty in reaching a final. He may want a last crack at a third crown. But it’s in that competition where the doubts creep in. On the continent Juve utilised more of a counter-attacking style not in keeping with his approach. When Juve needed inspiration in Berlin, their talisman’s impact was minimal. Against Real Madrid – which to be fair was about doing what was required – it was a similar scenario. The question is whether he can still do it against the best. Also factor in two sustained periods of absence. Pirlo only made his season debut in Week 6 against Roma. He was later injured in the first leg against Borussia Dortmund and returned for the home clash with Monaco. That’s a nine game stretch. He finished with just 20 Serie A appearances, 33 in all competitions. Was it a one-off? This leads to another dynamic: Claudio Marchisio. In Pirlo’s absence he anchored the midfield and proved capable. The Turin native interprets the role differently. He does not have the Maestro’s passing range, instead is tidy in possession. In four matches of the six before Pirlo debuted, Marchisio completed more passes than anybody. He continued in a similar vein earlier this year. Marchisio also offers greater defensive solidity, important for Europe. At 29 he can grow in the role. The arrival of Sami Khedira would add another midfield option. For Pirlo there could be an additional factor in staying. At the end of next season is Euro 2016, probably his final international tournament. Antonio Conte stated on Monday that Pirlo has not indicated a desire to retire from the Azzurri and a year away from France the Coach “will always keep him in consideration.” A move away from Turin would not be ideal preparation. Juve and Pirlo must examine these various factors. It’s a delicate situation and one the player, plus Marotta and his team, will have to decide. Just as his signing four years ago was crucial for Juventus, so too is this decision.

Juventus Maestro Edges Closer To MLS Switch Jun 9, 2015 Andrea Pirlo is closer to deciding his future with the playmaker expected to fly to the United Sates to clinch a deal to leave Juventus for MLS side New York City FC. The world cup winner still has a year left on his contract with the club but the Bianconeri are not expected to stand in Pirlo’s way if the midfielder chooses to depart Turin. Alessandro Del Piero’s former side Sydney FC had made enquiries about a move but calcionews24.com say the 36-year-old’s most likely destination would be New York. Pirlo already owns a house in New York and an offer of €12 million plus bonuses means he could be on his way to the U.S. to seal a deal to join David Villa and Frank Lampard at the latest MLS franchise. Juventus though are moving to secure the future of fellow Italian international Claudio Marchisio with an improved contract of €3.5 million until 2019 not far away from being agreed. The Italian champions have begun planning for life after Pirlo; La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reporting Sami Khedira will arrive in the next 48 hours, while further talks have been held with Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Belgium international Alex Witsel.

Bonucci: ‘Pirlo, Tevez? It’s up to them’ Jun 9, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci says it’s up to Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo to decide whether to stay at Juventus, and welcomes Sami Khedira. There has been speculation the pair could end their spells in Turin a year early, with Tevez linked with a return to Boca Juniors, and Pirlo tempted by an MLS adventure. “Tevez? Obviously we all want to walk into the dressing room on July 20 and find him there,” Bonucci explained, addressing a Press conference on Italy duty. “It’s a decision which only he can make, if he stays with Juventus then we’ll have even more chances to crown our European dream. “As for Pirlo, we laughed and joked about his tears [after the Champions League final]. It wasn’t a goodbye, just sorrow about the defeat. “We hope he’ll continue with us, because apart from being a very good player, he’s a great person. If you give the ball to Andrea it’s like putting it in a safe.” It was announced earlier today that German international Sami Khedira will be joining the Old Lady next season, and Bonucci welcomed his new teammate. “He’s an important signing, there’s a continuous line of international players arriving at Juventus. It can only improve the squad.”

Bonucci: ‘No Barcelona regrets’ Jun 9, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci insists Juventus have ‘no regrets’, despite losing the Champions League final to Barcelona. The Bianconeri were defeated 3-1 in Berlin on Saturday night, but as he joins his Italy teammates for international duty, the defender insists they must look forward. “We have no regrets over the final,” Bonucci explained in a Press conference at Coverciano. “On the pitch, Barça were stronger than us in the key moments. We have to take it as a starting point, for us players and for the club. “We must begin from the understanding that we’ve reached a high level in Europe, we have to nurture this dream but keep our feet on the ground. “We have to continue with a furious hunger for success. “Playing now with the national team helps banish the memories of defeat, waiting a month-and-a-half could have had a destabilising effect. “Losing that dream was a disappointment, but in the end we must all learn something from it. We have to start again from now, because Juventus are back to being competitive in Europe. “We have to make sure we never stop trying to raise our individual levels.” Alvaro Morata revealed that he did not take his runner-up medal, and Bonucci shared similar sentiments. “I don’t celebrate second place, I took it off one second after receiving it. “The biggest emotions I felt were walking out, seeing so many people around us, and then in those 10 minutes [after we scored] where we thought we could take the lead. “We were stretched as a team, and that’s when Barcelona hurt us.”

Tevez In Talks Over His Future Jun 9, 2015 Carlos Tevez and his representatives are locked in discussions over the player’s immediate future with Serie A champions Juventus. Argentine international Tevez has publicly stated a desire to turn out in the colours of former club Boca Juniors before he retires on a number of recent occasions, but the Bianconeri would prefer to delay that switch by keeping him at the club. According to Sport Mediaset, his entourage are meeting with Juve representatives in a bid to end the uncertainty over where he will be playing his football next season, with potential suitors Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid waiting in the wings should he choose to leave Turin. The 31-year-old enjoyed a stellar season in which he struck 29 goals in all competitions, as the Old Lady claimed the domestic double and also reached the Champions League final.

Buffon can pip Messi to the Ballon d'Or, says Cruyff The Dutchman has acknowledged the forward's displays towards the end of the campaign but feels the Italian has been more consistent. Jun 9, 2015 Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon is more deserving of the Ballon d'Or than Lionel Messi, according to Johan Cruyff. Cruyff, himself a three-time winner of the prize, believes the Italian has had a more consistent year, despite losing to Messi's Barcelona in the Champions League final. "Messi is playing very well, but what counts when it comes to winning the Ballon d'Or is the whole year and Buffon is definitely a possibility for the prize in 2015," the 68-year-old shared to Tuttosport. "He's been a great goalkeeper for years now. But Juventus have so many great players. I'm also thinking of Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba and Morata. I especially appreciate the organisation the club boasts. "Replacing Pirlo will be hard, because his game is so unique. They'll need to find someone entirely similar. Toni Kroos has excelled in that position, but he belongs to Real Madrid. "If they can't find a direct replacement, they'll have to evolve their style. The important thing is not to look back." Still, Cruyff believes the Bianconeri have the strength in depth to start over once their iconic midfielder leaves and fully expects them to replicate their European feats of last season sooner rather than later. "Juventus played as they should have [in Saturday's 3-1 final defeat to Barcelona] with personality and organisation, and managed a goal, though Barcelona are also very strong and showed it again. "Juventus will have more chances to win it again. They got to the final this year, after several years of playing good football. It's something that is positive for all of Italian football."

Llorente Linked With La Liga Return Jun 8, 2015 Sevilla are interested in taking Juventus striker Fernando Llorente back to La Liga this summer. The Spaniard, who formerly played in La Liga with Athletic Bilbao, is facing increased competition for places at the Bianconeri after Juventus announced the signing of Paolo Dybala from Palermo. According to Tuttosport, the Andalusians will tempt Juventus with a bid of around €8 million for the forward, a sum that would result in a healthy profit for the Old Lady as Llorente arrived in Turin as a free-transfer. Sevilla finished fifth in La Liga, but can provide Llorente with Champions League football courtesy of qualifying for the group stages of next season’s competition due to their second successive Europa League title. Llorente scored nine goals in 45 appearances as Juventus won both Serie A and the Coppa Italia, before narrowly losing out on a historic treble to Barcelona in the Champions League final.

Boca: ‘Tevez, it’s up to you’ Jun 8, 2015 Boca Juniors President Daniel Angelici says a return for Juventus striker Carlos Tevez ‘depends on his own will’. The 31-year-old has made no secret of the fact he would like to end his career with the club he supported as a child, with speculation he could return this summer. “The return of Tevez from Juventus depends entirely on his own will,” Boca’s official Twitter account quotes Angelici as saying. “The doors of the club are open. It would be a dream, but we’ll have to see if it’s one that can be realised. “It depends more on the player than the club.”

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA 1 - 3 Ivan Rakitić (4') Álvaro Morata (55') Luis Suárez (68') Neymar (95') FINAL Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Olympiastadion, Berlin Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey) Del Piero: ‘Sorry for Pirlo, Buffon’ Jun 7, 2015 Former Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero feels sorry for Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo after their Champions League final defeat. Del Piero was part of the last Bianconeri side to triumph in the competition in 1996 and believes the two Italian veterans proved their worth in the competition. “Pirlo’s tears were heartbreaking,” he said at the Golf Cup charity event in Fiano Torinese. “Him and Buffon have won so much, most significantly the World Cup in Berlin, and I was sorry for their defeat but they have proved they are champions on and off the pitch. “Being able to take part in the final is something beautiful, to go and play there is the best.”