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5 Key Factors to Take Juventus to Serie A Title Glory in 2015/16 Jun 14, 2015 Juventus will enjoy this summer; the Turin giants are able to reflect on a campaign that saw them collect only the third league-and-cup double in club history, adding a remarkable run to the Champions League final for good measure. With a few weeks away to recharge their batteries, Massimiliano Allegri and his players will return to pre-season training in mid-July looking to continue their success into 2015/16. Doing so will provide the squad and coach with a huge challenge, chasing a historic fifth successive league title and seeking a similarly deep run in Europe’s elite club competition. Over the following pages are five key factors that will help them achieve those aims. Freshen Up the Squad Resting on one's laurels has long been an issue for teams enjoying sustained periods of success, and Juventus appear to be fully aware of the importance of avoiding that. The club has already announced the signings of two new players for next season, players who should improve competition for places in Allegri’s starting XI. The Bianconeri have paid €32 million for Paulo Dybala, clearly impressed by a striker who netted 13 goals for Palermo last season. Sami Khedira will arrive for free once his contract with Real Madrid expires, and he will add to an already impressive array of midfielders. But Keep the Old Faces While new faces bring added impetus, Juventus also need to ensure their key figures from last season remain with the club. Talk of exits for Paul Pogba, Carlos Tevez and even Andrea Pirlo has surfaced in recent weeks, relayed by Football Italia, but the Bianconeri would do well to hold onto all three this summer. Each has been integral to their recent success, and they would all be hugely difficult to replace. Tevez has been the team’s leading scorer in each of the last two seasons, while Pogba has the potential to become one of the world’s very best players. Pirlo can already claim to have reached that level, and despite his advancing age, he remains a central figure in Turin. Continue Developing Young Players While a number of aging players, such as Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Patrice Evra, remain vitally important to the team, Juventus are also fortunate to be able to call upon a raft of talented youngsters each and every week. The likes of Alvaro Morata, Stefano Sturaro and Roberto Pereyra have each proved to be important members of the squad, and it is essential they continue to improve if the Bianconeri are to sustain their success. Guard Against International Hangovers Last summer, Arturo Vidal rushed back from knee surgery to compete at the World Cup. The hurried return undoubtedly affected his club form. The Chilean had no such concerns heading into this summer's Copa America, but Juventus must ensure he—along with Carlos Tevez—is given chance to recover from his international outings in South America. Both Vidal and Tevez are key figures for the Bianconeri, and having them at their best when the new season gets underway will be essential. Continued Tactical Evolution One of the key contributions made by Massimiliano Allegri in 2014/15 was the shift away from the 3-5-2 formation. While the coach often returned to it as a defensive tactic, his evolution of the team saw them look much more comfortable with a four-man defence. That saw every member of the side pick up the pace and focus, and a similar change over the coming months could do the same. Making minor tweaks to the shape and style of play will not only keep the squad at their sharpest, but it would also keep opponents off guard and not allow Juventus to become predictable.

Gianluigi Buffon leaves Italy squad following injury suffered vs. Croatia Jun 13, 2015 Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has left Italy's squad after injuring his right knee in a 1-1 draw at Croatia. The Azzurri captain exited the match at half-time after playing with 10 stitches in his knee following an injury on the opening goal. Buffon also saved a penalty from Mario Mandzukic. Salvatore Sirigu, who replaced Buffon against Croatia, will likely be the starter for Tuesday's friendly against Portugal in Geneva.

Juventus Looking To Land Manchester City Or Monaco Fullbacks To Give Rest To Lichtsteiner Jun 13, 2015 Juventus are keeping tabs on several fullbacks as they look for a suitable backup for current starter Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Swiss Express, as he is commonly referred to, has been an undisputed starter for the Bianconeri since joining the club back in 2011 but it appears as though Juve are keen to sign a player that could challenge Lichtsteiner for his starting roll. Tuttosport report that topping the list of possible targets are Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta and Monaco’s Fabinho. Zabaleta has been a regular for City at right back since being brought to the club from Espanyol back in 2008, along with becoming Javier Zanetti’s successor in the Argentina team. A more likely option is Fabinho from Monaco as the Brazilian has just recently signed a permanent deal in the principality following a successful two year loan spell from Portuguese club Rio Ave. With Monaco still under restrictions due to Financial Fair Play, it is believed they are open to selling several of their players with Fabinho being one of those possible departures. If no deal can be struck for either player then Juventus could look towards another Swiss player, with Silvan Widmer from Udinese also drawing interest from the Bianconeri.

Marchisio Promises More Juventus Success Jun 13, 2015 Claudio Marchisio spoke ahead of Italy’s friendly, reflecting on Juventus’ season and promising Bianconeri fans more and better things to come. Italy take on Portugal on June 16 in a friendly, following their EURO 2016 qualifier against Croatia (1-1 draw) on Friday. Marchisio took to social media and reminisced on Juventus’ season, vowing to Bianconeri fans that they will keep on striving for more success. “We keep working at the end of a long season,” Marchisio posted on his Instagram account. “Tuesday is the last game with the national team and then we rest for a few weeks. “We [Juventus] went out to win and prove that this group continues to be hungry. “We lifted two more trophies this season, winning a 10th Coppa Italia and another Scudetto. It will forever remain a unique season full of emotions. “We will share one goal for next season… as always: win!”

Juve, Danilo after Pogba? Jun 13, 2015 Juventus are scouting Sporting de Braga defensive midfielder Danilo as a possible heir to Paul Pogba. The Brazilian 19-year-old turned heads at the 2013 FIFA Under 17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates and was sought after by a variety of clubs in the Premiership before ending up at Braga. According to Tuttojuve.com, the player is being considered by Juventus as a younger alternative to Paul Pogba and an offer may follow, in particular if the French superstar decides to leave.

Khedira: Last Season With Real Madrid Was The Hardest Of My Career Jun 13, 2015 New Juventus signing Sami Khedira has revealed the struggles he faced in his final season at Real Madrid, and is thankful for Juventus solving his problems. The 28-year-old signed for the Bianconeri after five years in the Spanish capital in which he won La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League titles, though the midfielder was shunned during his final season under former Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, a period which Khedira labels as the most difficult of his life. “I’m not one to complain and I don’t want to harbour any resentment but I have to say that the past year has been the hardest year of my life,” he stated, speaking to Sky Sports. “I was in shape and in good form but I was never given the chance to play. “The last few months were excruciating because I didn’t even know what my future would hold. “But I’m happy now at Juventus. I’m glad I made the choice to join this team, and I appreciate the confidence that they have placed in me. “I’m finally happy, though it’s impossible to forget the five years I spent with Madrid.” Khedira has signed a four-year deal with the Bianconeri after leaving Real Madrid at the end of his contract, a deal which will come into effect on July 1.

Paris Saint-Germain Step Up Chase For Tevez Jun 13, 2015 Paris Saint-Germain are set to step up their pursuit of Juventus forward Carlos Tevez, with the Argentine heavily linked with a move away from Turin in the past week. The 31-year-old enjoyed one of his best seasons of his career last season, winning the domestic double and narrowly missing out on the treble, with the Bianconeri losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League final last Saturday in Berlin. According to SportItalia, PSG will offer the former Boca Juniors forward €10 million per season plus bonuses if he were to join the Parisians this summer, where he could join former Serie A stars Edison Cavani and Javier Pastore among others at Les Rouge-et-Bleu. La Liga side Atletico Madrid were also said to be interested in signing the former Manchester United and Manchester City striker but are now thought to have dropped out of the running. The Buenos Aires born forward has made 66 appearances and scored 39 goals in Serie A in his two seasons in Turin since his move from Manchester City in 2013.

Barcelona Make Pogba Number One Transfer Target Jun 13, 2015 Barcelona have made Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba their number one transfer target this summer, despite the club currently unable to register players until January 2016 due to a transfer embargo. The Bianconeri’s powerhouse midfielder enjoyed a superb season, winning the domestic double and just losing out on a treble, with the Turin giants losing 3-1 to Barcelona in the Champions League final last Saturday in Berlin. Now according to Spanish daily Sport, the French midfielder is top of Barca’s wanted list, where initial contacts have been made in the past few days between the European champions’ sporting director Ariedo Braida and the 22-year-old’s representatives. With the Catalans’ presidential elections due to take place on 22 July, a move to clinch the signature of the former Manchester United player is expected to intensify in the coming days. The French international has made 89 appearances for Juve in Serie A, scoring 20 goals since making the free transfer move in 2012 from the Red Devils.

Sí, li é scattato qualcosa nella testa di Carlitos che, non dimentichiamolo, é argentino mica islandese. El sangre caliente ......

Tevez Edges Closer To Return Home Jun 13, 2015 Carlos Tevez has moved a step closer to returning back to Argentina, with a meeting set with the president of Boca Juniors. The Juventus forward started his career at Boca Juniors and now it appears that Tevez will be rejoining his boyhood club. According to Tuttomercatoweb.com, the president of Boca Juniors Daniel Angelici will meet with Tevez in Chile to discuss a move to Argentina. The striker is in Chile with the Argentina squad for the 2015 Copa America. 31-year-old Tevez has enjoyed remarkable success with Juventus, winning two consecutive Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia. The former Manchester City hitman was also part of Juventus’ run to the Champions League final this season, where they lost to Barcelona 3-1 in Berlin. That game in Berlin would be Tevez’s last in a Bianconeri shirt should he move back to his home town this summer.

Leonardo Bonucci agree to contract extension through 2019 Jun 13, 2015 If the post-Champions League final Juventus news and rumors have told us anything, it's that not only does the club want to add to what it already has, but also keep the current assets right where they are. As much as it is transfer rumor season, it's also apparently contract extension season at Juventus headquarters. We've heard about the likely deals for manager Max Allegri. And the one for high-sock-clad Uruguayan known as Martin Cáceres. There's been plenty of talk about Claudio Marchisio renewing his deal, too. So, when there's another name that pops up on the list of contract extension candidates, I guess we shouldn't be all that surprised. Enter Leonardo Bonucci, resident Juventus defender who just so happens to also have a knack for fending off world-be thieves whenever the situation calls for it. Leonardo Bonucci is part of Juve's long term plans. Today the bianconeri agreed to an extension with the defender after a two hour meeting with his agent in Milano. Bonucci's new contract expires in 2019 and he'll earn €3.5 million net plus bonuses per season. Bonucci will stay in bianconero long term. (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio) Good. Very, very good. Very, very, very good. Bonucci has become a central figure during Juventus' success the past three or four years. This season was especially true, with the Italian international being one of Juve's most consistent performers. And on top of that, Bonucci was one of the best central defenders in all of Europe. Who had that at the beginning of the season, eh? (Maybe some folks, but probably not the majority of footballing fanatics.) But when you look at how he has progressed and how he has become as stalwart of a defender as Juventus currently has on its roster, why not extend his deal? At 28 years old, Bonucci still has plenty of years left in the tank. And with the way he has played this season and his continued improvement, you can't say he's earned a new deal and a nice raise. Allegri isn't the only one on the Juventus payroll who deserves a raise for what they've done over the past season.

Pirlo hits out at Juventus exit talk The 36-year-old played down rumours linking him with a move away from the club and vowed to play at Euro 2016. Jun 13, 2015 Andrea Pirlo says there are "too many rumours" about him leaving Juventus and has vowed to be part of Italy's Euro 2016 squad. The 36-year-old has been linked with moves to the USA and Middle East after entering the final year of his contract but poured cold water on the speculation. “There are too many rumours about me leaving Juventus, I just want to keep playing and I will be present at Euro 2016.” Pirlo spoke after Italy stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Croatia on Friday, having gone behind after 11 minutes to a controversial Mario Mandzukic opener. Stephan El Shaarawy thought he had given the visitors the lead but saw his goal rule out for offside. As Italy players raced to the linesman to protest, Croatia raced up the other end to take the lead. "We knew it was a tough match but we were also aware that we could play well against Croatia,” said Pirlo. “Despite the unpleasant episode of the Croatian goal, we reacted well." Antonio Candreva struck from the penalty spot on 36 minutes to rescue a point for Antonio Conte’s side and the Lazio man blasted Croatia for what he considers bad sportsmanship. “El Shaarawy scored and then the linesman raised his flag,” he said. “They have not shown fair play because we had half our team in their half.” The draw leaves Italy on course for qualification from Group H, though they sit two points behind leaders Croatia.

Juventus Freeze Talks Over Llorente Future Jun 13, 2015 Juventus have frozen talks with other clubs over striker Fernando Llorente until Carlos Tevez’s future is dealt with first. The 30-year-old Spanish international has enjoyed a less than successful second season with the Bianconeri, leading to reports that the Italian champions are prepared to offload him in the summer. According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus have delayed accepting any offers for the towering front-man, until the future of Tevez is clarified, with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Boca Juniors all possible destinations. If Tevez does leave the Old Lady, then the club may decide to hold on Llorente for next season to ensure the forward line retains some much needed experience. Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur are two sides that have been heavily linked with Llorente.

Pirlo: 'Italy until Euro 2016' Jun 12, 2015 Andrea Pirlo assured he will “continue playing” for Italy until Euro 2016, but wouldn’t discuss his Juventus future. The midfielder spoke to Rai Sport after the 1-1 draw with Croatia in Split. “We reacted well, came here to take the initiative and are happy with the performance.” Naturally, he was asked about rumours he is leaving Juve for the American MLS and New York City FC. “I have always enjoyed playing and doing my talking on the field. At times there is too much chatter off it, but I’m used to that. “I am still enjoying myself thankfully and that means I will continue playing as long as I feel good. “My future? I am with the Nazionale right now, so I am thinking about the Nazionale. Euro 2016? Yes.”

Tevez: ‘No issue with Messi’ Jun 12, 2015 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez insists he gets on well with Argentina teammate Lionel Messi, and calls him ‘the best in the world’. The pair were seen talking before the Champions League final, but covered their mouths with their hands. Back in his home nation for the Copa America, Tevez was asked whether something important was being discussed, with rumours the pair don’t get along. “No, it was nothing,” the striker replied, speaking to Clarin. “Messi and I have laughed together about everything that’s been said. All it takes is a look or a hug to say a lot of things, there’s no need to say anything. “We spoke, as is natural, before the World Cup final. We talked after the World Cup too, he greeted me with a hug and we talked about football for two hours. “I said before the Champions League final: Messi is the best in the world, and no-one can do the things he does. You can’t compare him with me, or anyone else. “‘Messi and Tevez are friends’ doesn’t sell newspapers. ‘Messi and Tevez are enemies’ will.”

Boca: 'Tevez talks this week' Jun 12, 2015 Boca Juniors President Daniel Angelici will “start talks with Carlos Tevez, Juventus and his agent this week.” Angelici has been saying for months that Tevez wants a return to his beloved Boca before his contract with Juve expires in June 2016. The Argentine is currently taking part in the Copa America, so they see this as the perfect time to increase the pressure. “We need to be cautious on the Tevez issue, as this type of negotiation is not easy when he has a contract with Juventus,” Angelici told reporters. “This week we will start talks with him, with Juventus and with his agent. It’s a difficult operation and will require patience. “After the Uruguay game, we will go and get a coffee together. He always told me of his desire to return to Boca, not just for him, but for his children too.” Tevez has also been linked with PSG, Valencia and Atletico Madrid, but seems intent on leaving Juve only for Boca Juniors.

Tevez: ‘Not thinking of future’ Jun 12, 2015 Carlos Tevez refuses to discuss his Juventus future ahead of the Copa America as he’s ‘focused on the national team’. The striker has been linked with Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Boca Juniors, with Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta warning that the Bianconeri need to know his decision soon. However, it appears the Old Lady will have to wait until after the Copa America, as the former West Ham United man appears in no mood to discuss his future. “My future? I’m not thinking about it,” Tevez told Clarin. “My head is here, completely focused on the national team.”

Antonio Conte does not expect Juve's Andrea Pirlo to quit Jun 12, 2015 Italy coach Antonio Conte has said he expects to see Andrea Pirlo in Serie A again next season, despite rumours that the Juventus playmaker could quit the game or go and play abroad. Pirlo cried after Juve were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in last weekend's Champions League final, but said that was because of disappointment rather than because it had been his last game for the Bianconeri. Speculation has suggested he could be preparing to quit, but Conte -- who won three Serie A titles with him as Juventus coach -- said he did not imagine that happening. The Italy coach confirmed that the 36-year-old, who Juve want to stay, would play against Croatia in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Split on Friday. "Pirlo's one of the few people in the world who can decide for himself when the time is right to call it a day," he said at a news conference. "After disappointments, he is always able to charge himself up again and I'm sure he would have played again the day after the Berlin final. "I don't get the feeling he wants to quit. He's still got the passion and enthusiasm of a little kid. He's still got a lot to give and I hope he carries on. He's going to play for us tomorrow, anyway!" Both Croatia and Italy appear on course for qualification from Group H, with the Croatians two points ahead of their visitors.

Juventus’ Pirlo Buys A House In New York City Jun 12, 2015 Andrea Pirlo’s stay at Juventus looks to be over as his son told classmates he will be leaving for New York City FC. The 36-year-old has just come off the back of anther successful season with Juventus, winning the Serie A title and Coppa Italia, while also reaching the Champions League final. According to the Sport Mediaset, Pirlo has invested in an apartment in the Tribeca area of New York City, and will receive a salary of €12 million a season. It has also been reported that his son, on the last day of school, told friends that he is leaving to go to New York. Pirlo made 20 Serie A appearances last season, bagging four goals and five assists.

Moggi: Juventus To Sign Cavani If Tevez Departs Jun 12, 2015 Former Juventus managing director Luciano Moggi has revealed that the club would only sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani if Carlos Tevez were to leave the Bianconeri. It is a well known secret that Tevez wants to return to his boyhood club, Boca Juniors, to end his career and has been strongly linked with a move this summer and much like PSG’s Cavani, has heavily been favoured to switch clubs this summer but Moggi feels there is only space for one of the pair at The Old Lady. “If Tevez leaves, Cavani joins, elsewhere the Bianconeri forwards won’t change,” Moggi told SportItalia. “I think the Matador could easily replace the Argentine. “With these strikers at their disposal they have a great attack for Italy [serie A], but in Europe it will be a different story because there are so many competitive teams.”

Pirlo evaluating Juventus future, says Buffon The custodian admitted his compatriot's transfer status was uncertain, but insisted the Bianconeri's Champions League final loss will only motivate them more. Jun 12, 2015 Gianluigi Buffon admits he does not know if fellow Juventus veteran Andrea Pirlo will stay at the club, stating the midfielder could be considering a move abroad. Pirlo still has a year to run on his contract in Turin, but rumours linking him with a move to the United States have intensified in recent weeks. But while Buffon failed to confirm the 36-year-old would remain in Turin, he nevertheless urged for speculation to stop, asking for his team-mate to be granted peace of mind in making his decision. "I think Andrea will want to evaluate everything calmly to prepare his future in the best way. He wants to know if he can still ride the wave," the custodian told reporters. "I speak to Pirlo daily and didn’t get any hints about his future. It’s a decision that needs a few days of meditation." The pair will be coming face-to-face with Ivan Rakitic, the Barcelona midfielder who beat Buffon when scoring the opener in the 3-1 final win in Berlin last week, when the Azzurri take on Croatia this Friday. Though he admitted that the defeat in the Champions League still hurts, the shot stopper insists he holds Rakitic in the highest regard, and holds no grudges against his opponent. "I will compliment him for being a great player, for his career path and the latest success,” he continued. "I am proud of the final and my silver medal. Looking at it will help me be even more fired up in future if I play in a game of that level again, either with Juventus or Italy. '“There was some bitterness at the result, but you leave these things behind, especially when there’s another important game to play soon after.”

Pogba, City offer Juve €80m Jun 12, 2015 The bid for Juventus' Paul Pogba has now reached €80m as reports emerge of a new offer by Manchester City. The 'gold nugget' of French football, as defined by UEFA President Michel Platini, has been openly courted by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Citizens. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the Premiership club set a new high in terms of the real bids for Pogba. After PSG reportedly put €70m on the table for the player in January, the Sky Blues now emerged with an offer of €80m. The 22-year-old was reported by his prominent agent Mino Raiola to be worth €100m and Juventus are believed by the giornalaccio rosa to be unwilling to consider offers below €85m.

AC Milan Or Juventus: Which Club Brought Out The Best In Andrea Pirlo? Calcio’s great maestro looks set to leave Italy after a glittering Serie A career; but did he produce his best form for the Rossoneri or the Bianconeri? Jun 12, 2015 At the age of 36, Andrea Pirlo is nearing the end of his time at the highest level and it seems almost certain that he will move on to pastures new this summer. His emotions got the better of him as he wept after the Champions League final loss to Barcelona in Berlin, leading to furious speculation over where his future lies. There has been talk of a verbal agreement between the midfield maestro and MLS outfit New York City FC, with only the formalities of scribbling his sought-after signature on a contract remaining. He will always be a revered figure at two clubs in particular: AC Milan and Juventus. But, was Pirlo at his supreme best during his days with the Rossoneri, or did we in fact witness an even better footballer emerge at the Turin giants when in his 30s? Under the expert tutelage of coach Carlo Ancelotti, following his succession of Fatih Terim at the helm a few short months after Pirlo’s arrival from city rivals Inter in 2001, the formerly attacking midfielder quickly turned the deep-lying playmaker role he was handed into an art-form. Conducting the tempo from a position just in front of the defence, the Rossoneri finished fourth in Serie A at the end of his first campaign. Crucially, that meant qualification for the preliminary rounds of the Champions League. Earning the moniker of ‘Metronome’, the Lombardy native’s innate ability to see two or three steps ahead of most other players on the park helped him to a league-high amount of passes played, successful passes and total time in possession of the ball during the 2002-03 season. He also struck a career-high nine league goals, which remains his personal best. That term at AC Milan also saw him claim the first top-class honours of his career in the shape of the Champions League trophy following a penalty shoot-out victory over Juventus, plus the Coppa Italia. It was a watershed moment for the player, as he continued an exponential growth in stature and importance with every season. His first of two Scudetti won with the Rossoneri arrived in 2004, while he also proved integral to the Italian national squad that tasted World Cup glory against the odds in 2006. Pirlo also displayed a steely determination throughout that mid-2000s spell after the Milanese giants blew a three-goal lead in the 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool to eventually lose in agonising fashion on penalties. It was a defeat which devastated the creative genius and his teammates, but redemption came two years later when Liverpool again provided the opponents in the final. This time, Ancelotti’s men deservedly won 2-1 to lay the ghosts of Istanbul to rest. His second Serie A title came along in 2011, but then shock news of his departure from the Stadio Meazza by mutual consent was announced. After 10 sterling years of service, he was inexplicably allowed to move on. A controversial free transfer to Juventus followed, and instead of a steady decline, Pirlo appeared revitalised. Those who had let him leave the San Siro firmly believed they’d jettisoned a waning 32-year-old; but they couldn’t have been more wrong. Maturity allowed Pirlo to slot seamlessly into the Antonio Conte’s side, dominating proceedings from that ‘Quarter-back’ role in which he revelled. Immediately, the Old Lady usurped AC Milan at the top of Serie A. He was voted Serie A Player of the Year on the first of three consecutive occasions after that opening 2011-12 campaign, while also ending up as the league’s leading assist provider. His blistering form continued unabated during Juve’s three further title triumphs in succession, but European success largely eluded the Bianconeri until this term under new coach Massimiliano Allegri. Pirlo suffered a calf injury during the first-leg home win over Borussia Dortmund at the last-16 stage in February. His performances were hampered somewhat on returning six weeks later, but he still offered a calming presence as they halted the hopes of both Monaco and Real Madrid, as well as wrapping up a domestic league and cup double. Disappointment was to follow, though, when Barcelona overcame a spirited Juventus 3-1 to dent Pirlo’s burning ambition to claim a third Champions League trophy. The Bianconeri were searching for a hero to help eradicate the debilitating effects of the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal that rocked the Italian game and saw the Old Lady demoted to Serie B in 2006 — and in Pirlo they recruited the personality best-suited to that task. At AC Milan, he was just one cog in a team full of stars. True, his brilliance shone through on a number of occasions, but his influence wasn’t the crucial requirement for success during his time there. Having developed tremendously during a decade with AC Milan, he was the finished article when he pitched up in Turin and, vitally, arrived with a point to prove. What the midfield magician then did in almost single-handedly dragging Juventus back to the top table of Italian and European football was simply astounding. Even more consistent than ever before and during the first three of four seasons spent at Juventus, Pirlo has been at the heart of everything the Bianconeri have achieved during that period. Therefore, in spite of the two Champions League trophies lifted at AC Milan — and the absence of that particular honour with the Bianconeri — it has to be said that Pirlo reached the absolute peak of his powers in a Juventus shirt.

Bonucci to extend with Juve Jun 11, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci has reportedly agreed a contract extension with Juventus to June 2019. The 28-year-old’s current deal has him tied to the Turin giants until 2017. According to Sky Sport Italia, this extension would add two years and increase his wages to €3.5m per year plus performance-related bonuses. Bonucci has been at the club since joining from Bari in July 2010 and quickly became a fan favourite. He’s surprisingly prolific for a centre-back, mainly due to his strength in the air, scoring 14 goals in 225 games for Juve.

Real Madrid Set For Meeting With Agent Of Juventus Defender Jun 11, 2015 Real Madrid are all set to meet with the agent of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci. Los Blancos are in the market for a new defender, and the name of the Bianconeri’s solid Italian has reportedly been put forward by new coach Rafael Benitez. Tuttosport report that a bid to test Juventus’ resolve is already being prepared, and that also the Spanish club are going to meet with the player’s agent at some point next week to gauge where the 2015 Champions League runner-up stands. If other reports are to be believed, then Juventus could already be working on a replacement for the centre-back, with Massimiliano Allegri looking to bring in former Roma man Mehdi Benatia. 28-year-old Bonucci has featured in 162 Serie A fixtures since his 2010 move to Turin from Bari, hitting the back of the net on nine occasions.