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JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Juventus V Atalanta – Preview Feb 20, 2015 After the intimidating atmosphere experienced at Cesena on Sunday, reigning Serie A champions Juventus return to the home comforts of the Juventus Stadium on Friday night as they welcome an inconsistent Atalanta side to Turin. With one eye on their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund the Bianconeri will be aiming to extend their lead at the top while the visitors will be trying to put a disappointing home defeat to Inter behind them. However, with home advantage it will likely mirror events earlier this season in Bergamo when brushed aside 3-0 as Carlos Tevez grabbed a brace and Alvaro Morata came on to net his first Serie A goal. In truth, last season Stefano Colantuono’s side fared little better at home losing 4-1 despite taking an early lead through Maxi Moralez and instead hope for a display close to their last Turin visit, defeated by a solitary Simone Padoin strike. With four wins in 53 visits to Turin – Juventus victorious 35 times – Atalanta walking away with three points looks impossible – Argentina legend Claudio Caniggia the last man to net a winner against the Old Lady there way back in 1989. Even dropping points at Cesena and Udinese in recent weeks the Juventus juggernaut rolls on with four wins in six since the winter break and a solitary defeat during the entire campaign. When they win they do so convincingly scoring 15 times and conceding just five – two of those at the Dino Manuzzi where an off-form Paul Pogba and absent Tevez added to an inspired performance from hosts Cesena. Three points above relegation Atalanta looked to have been turning round a poor start to the campaign post-Christmas with two consecutive draws and a confidence boosting victory over AC Milan at the San Siro. However, in the wake of that victory came three defeats in four with their 2-1 home win over Cagliari on February 1 looking all the more important given that it is the Sardinians who they sit directly above in the standings. Given their inability to kill-off Cesena when opportunities arose Bianconeri coach Massimiliano Allegri will be happy for the return from suspension of Tevez and could be key in deciding the match early and withdraw key players ahead of their Champions League tie. Atalanta in comparison are weakened by the absence through ill-discipline of trio Carlos Carmona, Mauricio Pinilla and Yohan Benalouane – the latter after seeing red against Inter last weekend. However, the biggest loss for the Nerazzurri is the injured Maxi Moralez, the diminutive attacker accounting for a quarter of the sides Serie A goals this season. Form Guide: Juventus (D-W-D-W-W-W) Atalanta (L-L-W-L-L-W) Expected Starting XIs Juventus - Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Sturaro, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Atalanta - Sportiello; Bellini, Masiello, Stendardo, Drame; Zappacosta, Cigarini, Migliaccio, Emanuelson; Gomez; Denis http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marino: ‘Pogba will leave Juventus’ Feb 20, 2015 Atalanta’s Pierpaolo Marino predicts midfielder Paul Pogba will 'leave Juventus', whilst he talks up interest for Davide Zappacosta. The Nerazzurri director general held long interview with Tuttosport out today, discussing the future of the French talent and the Old Lady's market strategy. “Pogba is going to leave,” Marino has stated. “I'm sorry for the supporters but not so much for the club, as they will make a fantastic profit out of it. “If his agent is [Mino] Raiola then his fate has already been sealed. Raiola doesn't keep players in the same club for 10 years. I think he'll end up in Real Madrid. “Pogba could have joined Atalanta. We were supposed to get him on a shared ownership, but the player was against the deal.” Marino also dismissed the link between the Bianconeri and Borussia Dortmund's Henrikh Mkhitaryan, suggesting the club should turn their interest elsewhere. “He has a good profile, but Juve need someone like Cavani. “Juventus will win the Champions League in the future and selling Pogba could work to that end. “[Edinson] Cavani would substantially boost the Bianconeri's quality, the more so if they could purchase him alongside [Paris Saint-Germain’s other striker Ezequiel] Lavezzi.” In closing, Marino also offered statement on full-back Davide Zappacosta, who could be a possible Juventus target for the summer. “But he's also in the sights of Roma, Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli. “Zappacosta is a pupil of mine. He's a bit like [Gianluca] Zambrotta.”

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Vidal out of Juve-Atalanta Feb 19, 2015 Juventus are without Arturo Vidal for tomorrow’s game with Atalanta, but Alessandro Matri is available. It kicks off on Friday at 20.45 CET. There had been concerns over Vidal’s thigh and the Chile international has not been risked so close to the Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund. Matri is in the squad for the first time since making his loan move from Genoa in January, while Martin Caceres also returns from injury. Carlos Tevez is back after missing the 2-2 draw with Cesena through suspension. Juventus squad for Atalanta: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati JUVENTUS V ATALANTA MATCH PREVIEW Feb 19, 2015 Juventus Juve will be hoping to get things back on track following last weekend’s disappointing away-draw against Cesena which saw Arturo Vidal miss a late penalty and the chance to extend Juve’s lead to 9 points at the top of the table. The Bianconeri will welcome Atalanta to the J-Stadium on Friday evening, just four days ahead of their first-leg Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. Atalanta have struggled of late, winning just 1 of their last 5 matches while they’ve yet to beat Juventus in Serie A in their last 21 attempts. Juventus haven’t lost a home game in Serie A since 6th January 2013, extending their unbeaten run to 39 games with 35 victories and just 4 draws while netting close to 100 goals along the way, conceding just 18. Gigi Buffon will start in goal while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra are expected to play as the full-backs. Leonardo Bonucci had a match to forget against Cesena but he will likely start with Giorgio Chiellini alongside. Arturo Vidal is a late injury doubt with some reports from Italy suggesting he picked up a adductor sprain which would rule him out the game. Andrea Pirlo was expected to be rested ahead of Juve’s match against Dortmund but he may well start with Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba alongside him in the 3-man midfield. Roberto Pereyra hasn’t featured recently but he may be given the starting nod, playing behind a front duo of Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. Alternatively, Allegri may decide to rest Pogba – and Vidal – ahead of the match versus Dortmund. In this case it’s predicted that Juve will line up in a 3-5-2. Bonucci, Chiellini, and probably Angelo Ogbonna as the backline. Evra and Lichtsteiner on the wings, and Pirlo, Marchisio, and Pereyra in the midfield. Really, the starters wouldn’t change much, barring the absence of Pogba and Vidal. Predicted Lineup 4-3-1-2: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Injured Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery) – Arturo Vidal (Doubtful – Adductor sprain) Suspended None Atalanta Juventus will face a severely depleted version of Atalanta on Friday night: Yohan Benaloaune, Carlos Carmona and Mauricio Pinilla are suspended, Maxi Moralez and Giuseppe Biava have picked up thigh strains in the last match and Marcelo Estigarribia, Nicolò Cherubin and Cristian Raimondi have been out for a while with serious injuries. Stefano Colantuono will be forced to improvise a lineup, with a makeshift defense. One between the two natural fullbacks Giampaolo Bellini and Andrea Masiello, who has just returned from a three-year ban for match fixing, will pair with Guglielmo Stendardo in the heart of the defense. The other one will play on the right, with either Ousmane Drame (he should be ready to go after missing the last few games with a shoulder injury) or Cristiano Del Grosso on the other flank. Replacing Maxi Moralez, the key element of their offensive phase, will be the biggest challenge. In the most recent games, the veteran coach picked his customary (and successful) 4-4-1-1 over a classic 4-4-2 with two centre-forwards, used early in the season. Alejandro Gomez is slated to play behind German Denis, with Urby Emanuelson making his debut from the start on the left flank. Rolando Bianchi and Richmond Boakye have a chance to play if Colantuono opts for a heavy attack. Giulio Migliaccio will fill in Carmona’s spot as enforcer in the middle, with Luca Cigarini (or Daniele Baselli) as the playmaker. It has been a disappointing season for Atalanta so far. They are just outside the relegation zone, three points clear from Cagliari, even if they have a much more quality and experienced squad than other teams. The two leaders Denis and Cigarini are having a subpar year and also Stendardo hasn’t been as commanding as in the past. Their youngsters haven’t really flourished, with the exception of Marco Sportiello, who might simply be a better goalkeeper than Andrea Consigli, and Davide Zappacosta, who has been very impactful since moving permanently to the right winger position. On the road, they have been pretty pitiful (but that’s an historical flaw), with two win, four draws and six losses. The recent history doesn’t favor them in this one: since 1997-1998, Juventus have always scored when hosting Atalanta and Bianconeri have won ten out of the eleven matches since then (one draw). In this stretch, Juventus have won 3-0 three times. Atalanta struggle almighty to score: they have found the back of the net only twenty times this season, tied with Parma for second worst in the League. On the road, they have scored only seven times. Their offensive strategy relies on attacking down both flanks and deliver sharp crosses for the striker or the opposite winger and countering. The combination of Emanuelson and Gomez could be tricky to guard. On the other hand, they have difficulties in holding the ball and distributing it well, and it’ll be an even more of a problem without Moralez, and the defensive chemistry will surely be an issue. Predicted Lineup 4-4-1-1: Sportiello; Bellini, Masiello, Stendardo, Drame; Zappacosta, Cigarini, Migliaccio, Emanuelson; Gomez; Denis. Injuries Maxi Moralez (thigh), Biava (thigh), Estigarribia (knee), Raimondi (knee), Cherubin (calf). Suspended Benaloaune, Carmona, Pinilla. Formation http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Vidal is Juventus doubt Feb 19, 2015 Juventus are likely to be without Arturo Vidal for tomorrow’s clash with Atalanta, after the midfielder pulled up with a groin injury. The Chilean midfielder complained of an inflammation to the left adductor tendon during training at Vinovo today, and sat out the afternoon session. With Borussia Dortmund looming large on Tuesday, Vidal will almost certainly not be risked for tomorrow’s match at Juventus Stadium. That in itself presents problems for the Bianconeri, with Andrea Pirlo likely to be rested ahead of the Champions League match, and Paul Pogba only a booking away from missing the potentially crucial match at Roma next weekend. It had been thought the Frenchman would start from the bench, however, it seems unlikely that Allegri will start the match missing three of his four starting midfielders. TuttoJuve reports that Stefano Sturaro could come in for a first start, but unless the Old Lady revert to a 3-5-2, Pogba is likely to start. Mediaset suggests that Vidal is unlikely to miss the visit of Jurgen Klopp’s men in midweek, but will undergo a precautionary scan this afternoon. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Serie A - 5^ Giornata Ritorno - 20-2-2015 (ore 20:45) JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Venerdí 20 febbraio 2015 - ore 20:45 Juventus Stadium, Torino Arbitro: Massimiliano Irrati Confronti ufficiali 119 - 105 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Juventus 63 - 59 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 42 - 35 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Atalanta 14 - 11 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 219 - 193 (Serie A) - 23 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Atalanta 101 - 83 (Serie A) - 17 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Juventus-Atalanta Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 52 Vittorie Juventus 34 (L'ultima il 05.05.2014, 1-0) Pareggi 14 (L'ultimo il 17.05.2009, 2-2) Vittorie Atalanta 4 (L'ultima il 08.10.1989, 0-1) Goals Juventus 104 Goals Atalanta 34 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro l'Atalanta a Torino 12 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 10 Del Piero Alessandro 8 Leoncini Gianfranco 8 Parola Carlo 8 Viola Giovanni 7 Del Sol Luis 7 Manente Sergio 7 Muccinelli Ermes 7 Salvadore Sandro 7 Tacconi Stefano 6 goals Boniperti Giampiero 5 Hansen John 5 Trezeguet David Sergio 4 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Montico Antonio 3 Baggio Roberto 3 Charles John William 3 Gabetto Guglielmo 3 Moeller Andreas 3 Muccinelli Ermes Ultimi confronti diretti 17.05.2009 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 2-2 07.11.2009 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 2-5 28.03.2010 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 2-1 21.01.2012 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 0-2 13.05.2012 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 3-1 16.12.2012 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 3-0 08.05.2013 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 0-1 22.12.2013 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 1-4 05.05.2014 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 1-0 27.09.2014 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 0-3 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 9 - Pareggi 1 - Vittorie Atalanta 0 - Goals Juventus 26 - Goals Atalanta 7 http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Juventus v Atalanta: Preview Feb 19, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is not going to take any chances and will field his strongest side in Friday's clash with Atalanta, despite a Champions League game to follow shortly after. The Italian giants take on Borussia Dortmund in Europe next Tuesday but Allegri feels a sense or urgency to get a win in Serie A after last weekend's disappointing 2-2 draw at second-bottom Cesena. ``Tomorrow I will field my best squad that I have available,'' Allegri told the Italian press on Thursday. ``Our focus is on beating Atalanta and only then, will we prepare for our Champions League match. ``We go into this game having not played well at Cesena. ``We realised straight after last weekend's game what an opportunity we had missed.'' Juve blew a chance to move nine points clear at the top of Serie A after title rivals Roma were held goalless at home by rock-bottom Parma. The Turin giants will be bolstered by the return of the league's leading scorer Carlos Tevez, who was suspended for the Cesena game. Tevez is expected to partner Alvaro Morata in attack. ``Besides being a very technical player, Tevez is an important player in our team,'' Allegri said. ``Just like Leo Messi is for Barcelona or Zlatan Ibrahimovic is for PSG.'' Juve are unbeaten at home this season and will be eager to extend their seven-point advantage over Roma before the two sides square off at the Stadio Olimpico on March 2. ``We know how important tomorrow's game is,'' Allegri said. ``We cannot afford to drop more points.'' Atalanta head into the contest in Turin desperate to avoid their third straight defeat. The Bergamaschi fell 4-1 at home to Inter Milan last time out having previously lost 3-2 to Fiorentina, results that have left them 17th in the standings and just three points clear of the drop zone.. Stefano Colantuono's side will not be at full strength with defender Yohan Benalouane, midfielder Carlos Carmona and striker Mauricio Pinilla all suspended. Argentinian playmaker Maximiliano Moralez, who is Atalanta's top scorer with five goals this season, is also unavailable with a thigh injury. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Tevez crucial for Juventus, admits Allegri The Bianconeri coach has underlined the importance of the striker and has warned against complacency ahead of the clash with Atalanta. Feb 19, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri has admitted Carlos Tevez is vital to Juventus but feels they should still be winning games without their star man. The Argentina international has been in sublime form for the Serie A champions in 2014-15, netting 14 goals in 21 league outings so far this term. Tevez missed last weekend's 2-2 draw with Cesena due to suspension, but Allegri is confident he will play a key role for Juve as the season enters its decisive stages. "Tevez is a crucial player for us, but we should have been able to win without him in Cesena," Allegri said at a press conference ahead of the match versus Atalanta. "The group takes responsibility for what happened in Cesena. It needs to serve as a lesson for us. "Tevez is ready for the final sprint." Allegri then went on to stress that the Serie A title race is not over just yet irrespective of the reigning champions' seven-point lead over second-placed Roma and has urged his men to remain focused as Atalanta await on Friday. "Yes, we have a lead over Roma, but there are still plenty of games to go. Friday's three points are very important. "We've already dropped a lot of points in the league. "Atalanta have a good squad and they're not an easy side to face. But it all depends how we play and the intensity we show." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Allegri defends Borussia comments Feb 19, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri defends his comments that not conceding is the most important thing for Juventus against Borussia Dortmund. The Bianconeri meet the German side on Tuesday in the Champions League, with the Coach telling German media that they are aiming not to concede first and foremost. “I said that because it’s not a one-off game,” Allegri explained in his Press conference ahead of the League game with Atalanta. “It’s a Last 16 tie, made up of two games and lasting 180 minutes. They key thing is not to concede a goal at home. “If I could choose then I’d choose to win, but if we don’t win it’s better to get a 0-0 than 1-1. That was my answer, and that’s my answer today. “There are two games, that must be handled in a balanced way, because our goal is to go through. “If we draw 0-0 at home, and get a 1-1 over there then we’ve achieved that. I’ll say again, if you don’t concede at home you’ve taken one step forward.” The former Milan Coach also dismissed suggestions that his side is too reliant on Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez. “Tevez, despite being an international quality player, is a player with character. This is important for the team, and for the whole squad. “It’s like all teams, just as Lionel Messi is vital for Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic for Paris Saint-Germain. “It’s normal that when you have these great players they become key players for the team. That does not detract from the fact we should have won at Cesena, regardless of whether Tevez was on the pitch. “As for Andrea, even when he’s marked he can play calmly. It’s would be wrong to change the way we play after one error where we conceded a goal [against Cesena, where Pirlo was caught in possession]. “Andrea is an added value for us, especially at a technical level. He gives the team great shape, and above all is a point of reference when the team is under pressure. “It think it’s normal that we try to use the features that he has.”

Allegri doesn't rule out Tevez departure Feb 19, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri has pointedly refused to say whether or not Carlos Tevez will remain at Juventus until the end of his contract. The striker is expected to re-join Boca Juniors when he leaves Juventus, with the President of the Argentine side declaring that he could even leave a year early. Asked twice about the issue in his Press conference ahead of the visit of Atalanta, the Juventus Coach refused to be drawn. “On Tevez, I can’t tell you anything,” Allegri responded, when asked about the player. “He’s training well, he’s having an extraordinary season, and I think that the last few days of rest and individual work can only have been good for him. “We’ll need him, so we have to get him ready for the second half of the season. “Will he see out his contract? I don’t know. I live for today, this week, for this season in which we have to try to achieve the goals we’ve set ourselves. “At the end of the season we’ll see, but I think Tevez is a great professional, and above all Tevez is a great man, so we’ll see what happens in the end.”

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati ‘Too many dropped points’ Feb 19, 2015 Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus need to rediscover their focus in the League. The Bianconeri host Atalanta tomorrow evening, before welcoming Borussia Dortmund to Turin on Tuesday, but the Coach warns against being distracted. “As we go into the game tomorrow, we go in knowing the importance of three points,” Allegri told journalists in his pre-match Press conference. “I think at the moment we’ve lost sight of the goal - or one of the goals - of our season. It seems like the League is something which is already in the bank, already won. “I don’t think the numbers say that. It’s true we have some points over Roma, but there are a lot of games to go until the end so we have to get back to thinking one game at a time. “Tomorrow we face Atalanta and we need to try and get an important three points. Then we’ll prepare the important Champions League match, a Last 16 tie with Borussia. “That said, I think we’ve dropped too many points on the road. On Sunday, at Cesena, we played a good game and I think you all saw what happened: we dropped two points. “Credit to Cesena, they had a good game, they did what they could and should do, but we weren’t able to get a very important victory. “Even then, absolutely nothing would have changed in regard to the dynamics of the League, because even if we’d won at Cesena, a nine-point lead doesn’t guarantee you the Scudetto. “We have to keep our feet on the ground, continue to work, play one game at a time and get as many points as possible. “Tomorrow against Atalanta we’ll field the players who do the best in training. Rotation is a word which doesn’t exist for me. “Whoever takes to the pitch tomorrow will be in the best mental and physical condition to face Atalanta.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Juve need right attitude Borussia Dortmund will be a priority, but Luca Cetta says the schedule dictates Juventus must remain focused on Serie A and Atalanta. Feb 19, 2015 Facing a vigorous Cesena side spurred on by a fiery Dino Manuzzi crowd, Juventus took time to find their rhythm last Sunday. When they did the Bianconeri were forced to come from behind to salvage the match. Alvaro Morata and Claudio Marchisio netted, but Juve didn’t count on Franco Brienza’s rasping equaliser. The visitors may have won through a late Arturo Vidal penalty, but the Chilean sent the ball past the post, and the chance to extend the lead at the top was lost. While Domenico Di Carlo spoke of Cesena’s courage in the 2-2 draw, counterpart Massimilano Allegri blamed his side’s arrogance. Gianluigi Buffon spoke in the same vein: “Some of our less experienced players need to understand that nobody will give us the Scudetto. We have to earn it each and every weekend.” No doubt it was a wake-up call for Juventus. Given Roma’s draw earlier in the day, a win would have opened a nine point gap ahead of what is a potentially season defining period. In it, the Turin club will compete on three fronts, aiming to preserve their Serie A advantage and advance in both the Champions League and Coppa Italia. It starts with Atalanta tomorrow night. The dropped points against Cesena mean the aim is to quickly return to winning ways. The Old Lady last suffered a home defeat to the Bergamaschi in 1989, dropping points in just three of 17 subsequent meetings. The Orobici have recovered Boukary Drame from injury, but Maxi Moralez and Giuseppe Biava have been ruled out as they attempt to stop a run of three losses in four matches. Both Allegri and Buffon referred to the team’s lackadaisical attitude in Cesena and so approaching the tie with Borussia Dortmund fully focused will be important. The Old Lady cannot look at Dortmund’s position on the Bundesliga table as an indicator, for - as Pavel Nedved has pointed out - they are a different side in Europe. Cesena exposed defensive frailties last weekend that will suit Jurgen Klopp’s men. Tomorrow’s contest is an opportunity to put that right ahead of Tuesday. With one eye towards next week, something to remember is the Atalanta contest comes just a week before Juventus face Roma. They will not want to give the Giallorossi added motivation heading into that key clash. Downing the Nerazzurri will at the very least maintain a seven point gap. Trip up again and Roma – away at struggling Verona – will know a win this weekend would give them the opportunity to get within touching distance at the Stadio Olimpico. That’s why the boss and captain were upset after Cesena. Not that Roma’s form of late has troubled Juventus, but the Lupi know if the champions get away now they will be nearly impossible to catch. Asked about rotating in Cesena, Allegri’s response was to offer a reminder that with each passing match, fewer mistakes could be made. He would not rotate then and the suggestion from La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is he will continue with a first-choice team tomorrow. That would include Carlos Tevez and Giorgio Chiellini, both missing last week, plus Morata – who has established himself in attack following three goals in his last four appearances. The pink paper believes the only potential change with Dortmund in mind is Roberto Pereyra coming in for Andrea Pirlo. The proximity of the trip to the capital somewhat forces Allegri’s hand. It would be tempting with a seven point lead to focus solely on Borussia Dortmund, but after Cesena poured cold water on a sleeping Juve there is added significance to Atalanta’s visit. Ahead of the Olimpico contest, the Scudetto race must remain of importance for the Bianconeri. And getting back on track against the Orobici will be the perfect lead-in to their European affair. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

‘Important not to concede’ Feb 19, 2015 Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says not conceding is the most important thing when they face Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. The Bianconeri take on the German side at Juventus in the first leg of a Champions League Last 16 tie. “We can win, but Borussia Dortmund are very strong,” Allegri told German newspaper Bild. “On their day they can beat anyone. The important thing is not to concede a goal at home, if we have to draw, then a 0-0 would serve us well. “We’re in a position to go through, but these games are often decided mentally and by luck. In recent years Borussia have experienced great success, and their players have a lot of experience, even more than we do. “On their day they can beat anyone, but we’ll try not to concede a goal in Turin, it’s important.”

Boca: ‘Tevez a year early’ Feb 19, 2015 Boca Juniors President Daniel Angelici hints that Juventus striker Carlos Tevez could join the club next season. The striker has already hinted that he won’t renew his Juventus deal, which expires in 2016, in order to return to his homeland and his boyhood club. However, in an interview with Fox Sports, the Argentinian club’s President says Tevez could arrive earlier. “We talked to Carlitos on February 5, his birthday,” Angelici revealed. “We hope for his return to Boca. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tevez resolved his contract with Juventus a year early to come and play for us.”

Chelsea and Manchester City lead race for Pogba The Premier League duo are set to go head-to-head to sign the Juventus midfielder in the summer, while Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United are also monitoring the situation. Feb 19, 2015 By Duncan Castles Chelsea and Manchester City are leading the race to land Paul Pogba in the summer, with the Juventus midfielder keen on a return to the Premier League. Goal understands that the title-chasing duo have made the 21-year-old France international a transfer priority, with Pogba's preferred choice being a return to England should he be allowed to leave Juve when the transfer window reopens. Pogba has carved out a reputation as one of the top midfield players in world football since leaving Manchester United in somewhat acrimonious circumstances back in 2012, with every leading European club keeping a close eye on his transfer situation. The Frenchman only agreed an improved deal with Serie A champions Juventus in October although Goal understands the Italian club are preparing themselves for his departure and are looking at recuperating a fee of at least £44 million. Both Chelsea and City will have to consider FFP regulations when putting together any bid for Pogba although the £5.13bn Premier League television rights deal, which kicks into gear for the 2016-17 season, has strengthened their arm. Pogba is being seen as a potential replacement for Yaya Toure at the Etihad Stadium, with the Ivory Coast captain looking increasingly likely to leave the club in the summer and with Roberto Mancini's Inter having been strongly linked. Chelsea, meanwhile, are prepared to go toe-to-toe with City and are a club that the 21-year-old admires, with Pogba's combination of physical and technical prowess well-suited to Jose Mourinho's attack-minded Blues side. Louis van Gaal's Manchester United would also be willing to spend big to take the midfielder back to Old Trafford although they remain outsiders given Pogba's exit from the club three years ago. The Juve star was hugely unimpressed by United's behaviour towards him after he sought first-team football and an improved contact back in 2011, with Pogba restricted to just 71 minutes of Premier League football and, at one point, ordered to train alone prior to his move to Juve. Pogba's representative Mino Raiola will be heavily involved in any potential negotiations over the midfielder's future, with the Italian super agent having previously suggested that he could be sold for a record fee in the summer. As for competition from Europe for Pogba's signature, Goal understands that PSG and Real Madrid have both made enquiries over the 21-year-old's availability. A bid from the Champions League holders could well turn the player's head although Goal understands that certain members of the Madrid hierarchy would prefer Dortmund winger Marco Reus as the club's next Galactico signing.

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Juventus-Atalanta Preview: Marchisio prioritising Serie A over Champions League The midfielder stressed the importance of getting the three points over Atalanta ahead of the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. Feb 19, 2015 Juventus will not allow the distraction of the Champions League affect their focus on matters at hand in Serie A when they face Atalanta on Friday, says Claudio Marchisio. Massimiliano Allegri’s side have yet to taste defeat in 2015 and go into the clash unbeaten in their last 14 league games – giving them a seven-point lead at the top of the table. Victory on Friday would increase that to 10 points and apply further pressure on Roma and Napoli, who lead the chase to catch them with 15 games remaining. The return of European competition for Juve next week means they must now exert themselves on three fronts – including the Coppa Italia – but Marchisio is adamant maintaining their league form is the top priority. "We are fully focused on Serie A," Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia, with Juve facing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday. "We play Dortmund next week but we are not going to take our eye off the ball in terms of Serie A. "We have a big game against Atalanta at the weekend and that is what we are focusing on." Matches between the two sides have been fairly one-sided with Juve, as many would expect, dominating the head-to-head record. The last nine meetings have all ended in victory for the champions, while Atalanta have not recorded a league win over Juve since February 2001. Ending that 14-year wait will be tough for the strugglers given they are having a tough campaign in 2014-15. After finishing in mid-table last season it was always going to be difficult for Stefano Colantuono's side to improve this term, and so it has proved with Atalanta firmly ensconced in the relegation battle. They sit three points outside the danger zone, but, should they lose at Juve and Cagliari beat Inter on Monday, Atalanta would drop into the bottom three. Back-to-back defeats is not the ideal way to prepare for a clash with the defending champions, though, and with three losses in their last four matches Atalanta will do well to get anything out of the game. Goals have been hard to come by for the visitors this season, with only Parma and Chievo scoring fewer, and injuries to key players have provided further hindrance. Top scorer Maxi Moralez suffered a calf problem against Inter last week and is a major doubt, while Nicolo Cherubin (calf) and the suspended Yohan Benalouane will definitely miss out Carlos Carmona and Mauricio Pinilla are also banned, but Juve loanee Richmond Boakye is set to feature against his parent club. OPTA FACTS Juventus have won 59 of the 105 clashes against Atalanta in Serie A, with 35 draws and just 11 wins for Atalanta. Atalanta’s last win over Juventus dates back to February 2001; since then, 18 successes for the Bianconeri and two draws. Moreover, the Old Lady have won each of the last nine Serie A meetings against Atalanta. Atalanta have only netted two goals against Juventus in their last seven Serie A encounters. The Bianconeri are now unbeaten in 14 games (W9, D5), the current longest unbeaten run among the 20 Serie A teams. Juventus have not lost any of their last 39 games at home, winning 35 of them – they have also kept a clean sheet 24 times in the process. Atalanta have managed only a win in the last 11 league games on the road (D4, L6), at the San Siro against AC Milan. Álvaro Morata’s first goal in Serie A came right against Atalanta in the reverse fixture. LAST FIVE MATCHES Juventus D W D W W 2/15/15 - Cesena 2 - 2 Juventus 2/7/15 - Juventus 3 - 1 Milan 2/1/15 - Udinese 0 - 0 Juventus 1/28/15 - Parma 0 - 1 Juventus 1/25/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Chievo Verona Atalanta L L W L L 2/15/15 - Atalanta 1 - 4 Internazionale 2/8/15 - Fiorentina 3 - 2 Atalanta 2/1/15 - Atalanta 2 - 1 Cagliari 1/25/15 - Hellas Verona 1 - 0 Atalanta 1/21/15 - Fiorentina 3 - 1 Atalanta HEAD TO HEAD 9/27/14 - Atalanta 0 - 3 Juventus 5/5/14 - Juventus 1 - 0 Atalanta 12/22/13 - Atalanta 1 - 4 Juventus 5/8/13 - Atalanta 0 - 1 Juventus 12/16/12 - Juventus 3 - 0 Atalanta http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Massimiliano Allegri in the spotlight as Juventus approach critical juncture Feb 19, 2015 With the Champions League set to restart for Juventus, the number of games the team will play are bound to lead to fatigue and mental exhaustion. It is precisely for this reason, Massimiliano Allegri and co. feel they missed a trick when they failed to defeat Cesena to open a bigger gap at the top of the table. It wasn't simply a case of luck or poor energy, the Seahorses perfectly exposed certain weaknesses within the Bianconeri team that has provoked anxiety. Two goals conceded from open play demonstrate a weak defence and one that falters when pitted against strength and height. Without Giorgio Chiellini, Juventus struggle to win aerial duels in defence. Cesena are not only the best team when it comes to triumphing in aerial challenges but they boast the striker who has won more in the air than any other player in Serie A, Milan Djuric. It's for this reason that it was surprising that Allegri thought it best to rest Chiellini for this particular match -- the one game where his skills were the most important to seal victory. Were Cesena and their strengths truly studied? How well prepared were the Bianconeri for the challenge? Such matters may appear trivial for a team that is so clearly in the lead on a domestic level, but against Borussia Dortmund Allegri must pay attention to every detail and field the perfect XI to keep a clean sheet. However, before the Old Lady can even think of their next European challenge, there is still Atalanta to overcome. Stefano Colantuono's side may not possess the quality required to truly punish a side like Juventus but this is a side to be respected for their intelligent game plans and good execution. Not ones to play with fear, the Bergamo-based side know their strengths and are very aware of their weaknesses, finding ways to accumulate points despite their limitations. Defence is the priority and Atalanta, sitting 16th in Serie A, is a side renowned for its organisation and the lack of space they offer the opponent. Lined up neatly in two banks of four, they defend deep and with determination, closing down the spaces quickly to frustrate forwards. While they are impressive tactically, there's little one can do to hinder technique. As such, when it comes to defending against quick thinking players who can dribble past them to dispatch a delicious through ball, Colantuono's outfit fail -- rather spectacularly at times. Therefore, this is a game made for the likes of Carlos Tevez -- players with great imagination who understand how to keep possession and include others in their attacking play. Quick tempo attacking thrusts and the ability to create numerical superiority in the final third will surely pierce the Nerazzurri's back-line and in this Allegri has done well to evolve the side. However, if Juventus are even slightly sloppy with their play, as they have been in the past, they will be punished. Colantuono often instructs his forwards to stay back and look for the ball with a view of initiating a quick counter-attack. Boasting two external midfielders with pace and trickery, this is a side that move up the field quickly and the Bianconeri must remain alert to the threat, even if Atalanta aren't the greatest at converting their opportunities. They will cross, they will play aggressively and they will try their luck and Juventus truly cannot afford anymore slip ups, especially as they need a confidence boosting win before they take on the mighty BVB next week. While one always wants Pogba to start the matches especially considering how well the opponent defends, it will be a good idea for him to rest on Friday evening. For one thing, if he gets another yellow card then he will miss the Roma game but more importantly, he's showing signs of fatigue and requires a little down time in order to recover for the upcoming European duel. It's thought Allegri will also opt to rest Andrea Pirlo looking to play a midfield featuring Roberto Pereyra and perhaps even Stefano Sturaro -- a player who will benefit from some game time. An important part of the season has arrived, where the fixture has become a little more difficult and it's time to see who can survive and who will thrive. Rotation is a delicate balancing act that Antonio Conte managed to perfection last season and now is the time to see how well Juve's new coach will manage. It's imperative Allegri understands how to rotate, which men his team can live without, depending on the characteristics of the opposition, and which men will be looking for the chance to make an impact. This is where one can discover the true strength of a coach. Can he change the squad and still maintain the winning mentality or will this be a side that can no longer handle the pressure and physical demands required of champions?

Champions League final is Juventus's target - Marchisio The Italy international midfielder believes that the Serie A champions have the quality to battle favourites like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Chelsea to the title. Feb 19, 2015 Claudio Marchisio is confident that Juventus can overcome Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League's last 16 and believes that they have what it takes to go all the way in the competition. Dortmund have struggled domestically this season, though Jurgen Klopp's side have enjoyed a good campaign among Europe's elite, topping Group D ahead of Arsenal, Anderlecht and Galatasaray. Marchisio believes that Juve can overcome the 2013 finalists, though, and then push on to this season's final in Berlin. "We always aim to win. Our goal is to reach the final," he told Sky Italia. "The matches against Dortmund will tell us a lot about where we stand. We almost didn't make the second round. Now we have to demonstrate that we can aim for the maximum. "We are at the same level with Dortmund, definitely, and Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain too with a little luck. "We'll play on a par with Dortmund and see how it turns out. The important thing is to get through this tie. That's the only thing that concerns myself and the team. "We have the first leg at home so it will be important to play with maximum focus and make the most of the boost our fans can give us."

Allegri: Juventus Can Beat Borussia Dortmund Feb 19, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is in confident mood ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, insisting that his side has what it takes to defeat the 2012-13 runners-up. However, the 47-year-old warned Bianconeri fans that even if the first leg in Turin on February 23 were to end goalless, not conceding an away goal to Jurgen Klopp’s team is the most important thing to remember. “We have what it takes to beat Borussia Dortmund in these matches ahead but also need a dose of good luck,” Allegri told Bild. “On their day Borussia Dortmund can beat anyone and you have to be able to do well in the first leg, but then qualification will remain in the balance. “It could even finish 0–0, but the important thing is not to concede a goal at the Juventus Stadium. “In recent years Borussia Dortmund have enjoyed success and accumulated experience, from this point of view they are a step ahead of us. “Klopp is a great coach, he is very successful.”

Massimiliano Allegri to leave Serie A after Juventus Feb 19, 2015 Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has said he would only consider managing the Italian national team or a foreign club once his reign in Turin is over. Allegri, who was sacked by AC Milan in January 2014, replaced Antonio Conte as Juve boss in the summer and his side are currently seven points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A. He said he hopes to remain in charge of Juve for as long as possible but the 47-year-old, who has previously expressed an interest in working in the Premier League, does not plan to coach another Serie A club. "Juventus are the best run club in Italy by far," Allegri said in an interview with German publication Sport Bild. "It was the right decision for me because you always want to take the next step. "After that you can only take over the national team, or move abroad, but for now I want to work in Turin as long as possible." Juventus host Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League clash next week, and Allegri believes his side have a good chance to progress against Jurgen Klopp's men, who have endured a difficult season in the Bundesliga. "There are four favourites in Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern. The rest are at a different level, and the head and most of all luck will decide those fixtures," he said. "It's important that we don't concede against Dortmund at home. I'd prefer to draw 0-0." He added: "We have all it takes to beat Dortmund. At least that's what I believe." Juve's chances are likely to be boosted by the presence of France midfielder Paul Pogba. "At the age of 21, he does things on the pitch that others never achieve in their entire career," he said. "When you can coach players who are on this level, it is a huge privilege for a coach."

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA .- Friday, February 20th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Massimiliano Irrati Preview: Juventus vs. Atalanta Feb 19, 2015 Juventus go into Friday night's home game against Atalanta BC still with a healthy seven-point lead at the top of Serie A, despite just one win in their last three league games. With Roma also stuttering of late, Juve remain secure at the summit and now look to improve their league-best home record. Massimiliano Allegri's side are unbeaten at Juventus Stadium in the league this season and also haven't suffered a Serie A defeat at home since January 2013, winning 35 and drawing four of the games since then. Friday night's game will be the first of two at home in four days, and Allegri is likely to have one eye on Tuesday's visit from Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League when picking his team. Allegri will have a near-fully fit team to choose from, with Carlos Tevez available again after suspension and Martin Cacares close to returning from injury. While Juve are a total of 14 games unbeaten in Serie A, Atalanta have lost three of their last four to sit just above the bottom three in 17th. Sunday's home defeat at the hands of Inter Milan was their heaviest of the season as they let in four goals for the first time in 2014-15, making it seven past them in two games. Juve's recent record against The Goddess is excellent, with 18 wins and two draws since Atalanta's last win in 2001. The reverse fixture was a 3-0 Juve win back in September. Juventus Form in Serie A: W W W D W D Form in all competitions: W W W D W D Possible starting lineup: Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra; Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba, Vidal; Morata, Llorente Atalanta Form in Serie A: D W L W L L Form in all competitions: W L L W L L Possible starting lineup: Sportiello, Masiello, Stendardo, Benalouane, Bellini, Zappacosta, Cigarini, Carmona, Gomez, Moralez, Pinilla Sports Mole says: 3-0 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba Urged to Join Feb 18, 2015 Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has urged Paul Pogba to dismiss the reported interest of Manchester United and join the Blues from Juventus. Anelka, who won four trophies with Chelsea between 2008-12, believes Pogba can play in any division, but has told the starlet to join one of his two former clubs, per France Football (h/t Anthony Chapman of the Express): Paul technically knows everything and he has the qualities to play anywhere. My preference is for him to join Chelsea, who have very strong players and the financial power of [Roman] Abramovich. Also Real Madrid, who are one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the greatest. He would grow a lot under Carlo Ancelotti. Pogba is currently the subject of fierce speculation. As noted by Chapman, the likes of Chelsea and United are suggested to be front-runners for his signature, while Ben Jefferson of the same publication suggests Paris Saint-Germain could also be in the mix. Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, previously suggested any suitors will need to stump up in excess of £85 million to convince Juve to sell. "If the right time comes this summer, then it will happen," said Raiola, reported by Telefoot (h/t Kieran Gill of the MailOnline). "If it is not the right time, he could stay for another year or two. He will beat the transfer record. If there is one Mona Lisa in the world, and she is for sale, it will be a record price." B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Jonathan Johnson recently discussed whether Pogba could become football's first £100 million player. Jose Mourinho has proven himself conscious of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules in recent times. Juan Cuadrado's arrival was met with Andre Schurrle's departure, while Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne were pushed through the door in January 2014 to make way for Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah. Let's not forget the £50 million exit of David Luiz, which helped fund Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas' arrivals in the summer. As such, it could be difficult to raise in excess of £85 million without significantly impacting the squad. Pogba is a terrific young player—a current superstar and future legend if he continues to improve—but a world-record transfer could be problematic for the west London club.

Juventus Must Do Everything to Keep Paul Pogba This Summer Feb 18, 2015 Paul Pogba has quickly become one of the biggest names in world football, dazzling onlookers with a string of incredible displays. Since landing at Juventus back in 2012, he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe and comfortably the most talented star of his generation. Still just 21 years old, his performances this term have seen the narrative around him shift drastically. Over the past two years, every time Pogba made a positive contribution to the Bianconeri, it was used to highlight the mistake made by Manchester United in allowing him to leave Old Trafford. This season however, those match-winning outings have begun to fuel a constant stream of transfer talk, with every goal he scores seeming to inflate the fee it will take to prise him away from Serie A. Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, recently told Telefoot (h/t Daily Mail) that “if he goes he will break [Cristiano] Ronaldo's transfer record.” Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images Adding that Pogba “could join any club,” Raiola then gave Juventus reason to believe they may hold onto the player a little longer than many expect, as he went on to say, “If it is not the right time, he could stay for another year or two.” While Italian football’s struggles are well-documented—as is Juve’s failure to advance beyond the group stage of the Champions League last year—the Bianconeri must surely want to keep their prized asset for another 12 months if not longer. Unlike many of the potential destinations, Turin is familiar to Pogba, and he has already discussed the benefits of playing for La Madama. Asked about the speculation surrounding him last month, Pogba told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia): Personally I am happy, I want to continue like this and give everything for this team, I need to do more. I want to be a champion like Andrea [Pirlo], Gigi [buffon] and [Giorgio] Chiellini. I want to be one of the best in the world and must do everything to reach that level. I hope for the Ballon d’Or in future, but I have a lot of work for that. I am worth €0. I am worth nothing unless I work on the field in every single game. He reaffirmed his commitment to the club in November, signing a new contract that does not expire until 2019, per the official Juventus website. While that clearly does not prevent him from moving on, the Bianconeri should do all they can to keep him in their colours for as long as possible. Their midfield may boast the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but Pogba regularly makes the decisive impact on the field. Only Carlos Tevez (14) has scored more than his tally of six goals in 2014-15, just one strike fewer than he managed in the whole of last season and he has also added two assists. Statistics from WhoScored.com also show that his averages of 2.6 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game are career bests, and he is showing improvement in almost every facet of his game. The same source shows that while his pass-completion rate has fallen from 83.8 to 82.7, he is making 46.6 passes per game this year compared to 42.4 in 2013-14. Perhaps the aspect of Pogba's game that has seen the most dramatic improvement is his dribbling, as he now completes an average of 3.1 take-ons per game. Watching him play, it is clear that he has developed a better understanding of how and when to beat an opponent, with Squawka.com showing he has improved to win 74 percent of those duels compared to just 54 percent last term. More than that, it is enough to witness Pogba's contributions on the pitch, lifting his side to victory regularly and looking like a leader despite his young age. Juventus could buy a number of players with the fee they would receive, but it is hard to imagine the Bianconeri capturing anyone who can match his ability, temperament or impact. Pogba is constantly improving, and Juventus would be wise to hold onto their star midfielder for as long as possible.

Marchisio: Juventus Are Fully Focused On Serie A Feb 18, 2015 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio claims that Juventus are not going to let up in their pursuit for yet another Serie A crown. The Bianconeri are seven points clear of second place Roma and face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League but Marchisio is adamant that Juve will continue to give their all in Serie A. “We are fully focused on Serie A,” Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia. “We play Dortmund next week but we are not going to take our eye off the ball in terms of Serie A. “We have a big game against Atalanta at the weekend and that is what we are focusing on.” Marchisio went onto answer questions about the Champions League and Juventus in Europe. “We have been unlucky in Europe in recent years. “The game against Borussia Dortmund will tell us a lot about where we stand in Europe. “We always try to win and so we are aiming to get to the final of the Champions League. “When we had tough periods at Juve I could have gone, there was interest from Roma but I wanted to stay at this club.”

French Media: Pogba Deserves More Than Juventus Feb 17, 2015 Media outlets in France believe that the future of midfielder Paul Pogba should lie away from Juventus and Serie A this summer. The in-demand French international is wanted by a number of clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester United, and was recently valued at more than €94 million by his agent Mino Raiola. L’Equipe believes that the talented 21-year-old “should be playing at one of the biggest clubs in the world, since today he only plays at a big Italian club.” The French newspaper also considers that a move could be motivated by earning potential after an investigation into why Pogba currently does not have a personal sponsorship or a boot deal. It claims that this is a result of playing in Serie A, compared to the global brands of the English Premier League and Primera Division in Spain.