Socrates

Allegri: Vidal must change his attitude The Juventus boss wants his star midfielder to move on from the night club incident and insists he is against the use of TV replays during matches. Oct 11, 2014 Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri has called on Arturo Vidal to change his attitude in the wake of his omission from the starting XI against Roma. Vidal was reportedly involved in a night-club brawl in the build-up to the Serie A clash last weekend and was subsequently left out of the side after further rumours that he turned up late to training. Allegri has always maintained his decision was purely a tactical choice but has nonetheless urged the Chile star, who was fined €100,000 for his breach of club conduct, to improve his behaviour. "Vidal's omission against Roma was a technical choice. He'd played a lot of games and I had[Andrea] Pirlo. What happened off the pitch has nothing to do with it, that's a problem for the club," he told Tuttosport. "Now, however, he must have a different attitude." The 3-2 win over Rudi Garcia's men was Pirlo's first Serie A appearance of the season and Allegri is now hopeful he will regain full fitness while on international duty with Italy. "As for Pirlo, I can say his call-up didn't surprise me," he said. "Andrea needs to play. He's only played one game and if he can play for the national team in this break I'll only be too happy." Juventus have enjoyed a 100 per cent start to the new season under Allegri and the former AC Milan boss admits he did not expect such a flying first few weeks. "I admit I didn't expect to start like this in the league - we won at San Siro against AC Milan and at home against Roma," he said. "In the beginning, a bit of scepticism is normal, as a coach who won three league titles has gone. Conte represented more than a coach for Juventus, but in life, you need balance: players, coaches all go, but the club remains." Juve's win over Roma has continued to make headlines during the past week after the controversial penalty incidents and red card during the game, but Allegri is adamant the introduction of slow-motion replays would not benefit the game. "I'm opposed to using slow-motion replays. After five days, Juventus-Roma is still talked about in penalties and centimetres, there was little respect for the players," he added. "But replays have not been able to show who was completely right and who was completely wrong. And, in the end, it wouldn't be a computer who decides it, but a human being, and then he'll be told he was wrong. "In short, I don't think slow-motion would solve this problem."

Everton and Southampton target Kwadwo Asamoah Oct 11, 2014 English Premier League duo Everton and Southampton are monitoring the progress of Juventus star Kwadwo Asamoah. Reports claim the Premier League duo are keeping tabs on the out-of-favour Ghanaian, and could launch a loan offer as soon as January. Once a mainstay of the Juventus midfield, Asamoah has found it difficult to retain his position in the starting eleven. The arrival of former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra has ousted the 25-year-old from his usual role, with manager Massimiliano Allegri preferring the Frenchman’s experience. Asamoah joined Juventus from Udinese for £15m, and is now valued at a whopping £19m – so any move from the Saints or Toffees is likely to be temporary. Everton’s recent spate of injuries may force Roberto Martinez to enter the transfer market. Attacking star Kevin Mirallas is set for a long spell on the sidelines – and without a fully fit Steven Pienaar or Gerard Deulofeu at Goodison – Everton are lacking a cutting edge. Meanwhile Southampton have money to spend and my want to capitalise on their early success.

Allegri against video replays in Serie A With Juventus' controversial clash with Roma last weekend still a talking point, the coach does not believe that being able to review decisions mid-match would be a good thing. Oct 11, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is against video replays and hopes that Serie A continues to trust referees' instincts. The Scudetto holders required a late stunner from Leonardo Bonucci to settle an intense top-of-the-table clash with Roma, which finished 3-2 to the Bianconeri. Much of the talk since that game in Turin has been on the fortuitous Juve goals, with Giallorossi boss Rudi Garcia heavily critical after the game of the penalty decisions and Allegri himself admitting that Arturo Vidal's offside position hindered the visitors for Bonucci's winner. Referee Gianluca Rocchi has been suspended for two matchdays for his questionable officiating in the Italian tussle, but Allegri is determined that mid-match replays are not the answer, with some of the decisions in the clash still dividing opinion nearly a week since the full-time whistle. "I am against video replays," he told Tuttosport. "Why? Because you can see that five days after Juventus-Roma - and I am very sad about this - there is still talk about whether they were penalties. "There wasn’t enough respect towards those who played the game and the game has since been reduced to its refereeing decisions." Juve - top of the Italian table - are back in action after the international break with a visit to Sassuolo, who are bottom of Serie A after six games.

Chiellini: It went wrong for Italy up front After edging a narrow win over minnows Azerbaijan, the Juventus defender believes that the spirit is strong in the Azzurri camp even if their accuracy is not. Oct 10, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini conceded that Italy's attacking left a lot to be desired after they needed a late goal from the defender to beat Azerbaijan 2-1 on Friday. The Juventus centre-back stole all of the headlines by netting the first goal just before half-time, bumbling in the equaliser for the visitors - who mustered just two shots all evening - after 77 minutes and then saving himself and Italy from embarrassment by heading in the winner in the final 10 minutes. Following the narrow European Championship qualifier victory in Palermo, Chiellini said Antonio Conte's reign continues in a positive fashion because of his goals and laughed off his own-goal by insisting he could not dodge the ball. "The ball came out of nowhere, I couldn't get out of the way!" he told Rai Sport. "Oh well, I did everything tonight - good and bad! "It would have been a shame if it had finished with their equaliser, we risked compromising the win we deserved. "It is an important victory for our new era. We got it wrong up front with our finishing, but our attitude is the right one." Italy are back in action as they pursue one of 23 available places in the Euro 2016 finals with a trip to Malta on Monday. They top Group H after two games, ahead of second-place Croatia on goal difference.

Giorgio Chiellini rescues himself and Italy against Azerbaijan Oct 10, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini went from hero to zero, and back again, as his late header rescued Italy three points from their Euro 2016 Group H qualifier in Azerbaijan tonight. The Juventus defender was the only name on the scoresheet as he gave the Italians a half-time lead which was cancelled out when he found his own net on 78 minutes. However, Chiellini popped up with another at the right end to earn Italy their second successive victory of the campaign and ensure that they maintained their 100% record under new manager Antonio Conte. Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci were each twice denied by the busy Kamran Arhayev in a first half in which the visiting keeper made five saves to keep the domiannt Azzurri at bay. Arhayev's best save kept out Ciro Immobile's close-range strike, but the Azerbaijan stopper undid all of his good work when he flapped at a 44th-minute corner to allow Chiellini to head into an empty net. Chances continued to fall Italy's way upon the resumption of play, but Arhayev responded strongly to his costly mistake to keep out Alessandro Florenzi, while Simone Zaza had a shot blocked from 10 yards. It appeared as though Italy's inability to find a second would prevent them from closing out what was expected to be a routine victory when Chiellini bundled an Azerbaijan corner over the line on 76 minutes. The centre-back made amends within six minutes by powering home a header from eight yards after his Juve teammate Sebastian Giovinco had picked out his run with a delivery to the near post. Giovinco nearly made the final moments more comfortable for Conte's men when he hit the crossbar in stoppage time, but Chiellini's eventful night ended with only his name on the scoresheet.

Allegri: 'Against video replays' Oct 10, 2014 Several Serie A Coaches have come out in favour of technology in football, but Juventus boss Max Allegri is “against it.” The debate has been raging since Juve beat Roma 3-2 on Sunday and even FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio wrote a formal letter to FIFA asking for the go-ahead to introduce video replays. “I am against it, because you can see that five days after Juventus-Roma, and I am very sad about this, there is still talk of penalties and centimetres,” Allegri told Tuttosport. “There wasn’t enough respect towards the players and everything was reduced to the refereeing decisions.” Roma complained all three of Juve’s goals were invalid, as there were two penalties that may or may not have been inside the box and Arturo Vidal was possibly interfering with play while offside on Leonardo Bonucci’s winner. However, even with numerous video replays from multiple angles, it has been almost impossible to clarify all three situations.

Clubs monitoring Asamoah, but… Oct 10, 2014 Paris Saint-Germain and sides from England are said to be monitoring Kwadwo Asamoah’s contentment at Juventus, even if the Bianconeri won’t sell. The versatile midfielder faces competition for his regular left-wing-back slot in Turin this season from Patrice Evra, and Tuttosport have reflected on the impact of a recent favourable run for the Frenchman. Max Allegri’s decision to field the former Manchester United man in three consecutive games ahead of Asamoah, against Cesena, Atalanta and Atletico Madrid, has apparently not gone down well with the Ghana international. Tuttosport reflect that teams in England and France, including PSG, ‘continue to monitor the situation’, with a view to a potential development down the line. However, it is also reported that Juve do not intend to sell the 25-year-old and that whilst he remains happy to continue to fight for a place at the moment - and he did start the key match against Roma - he is after more first team football than recent weeks have provided.

Iaquinta: Allegri commands respect Oct 10, 2014 Vincenzo Iaquinta says Juventus made the right choice in bringing in Max Allegri as Antonio Conte’s replacement, as he talks regret. The striker spent six years on the books of the Bianconeri, but struggled with injury and competition for places in the final few years. It was a situation that has the 34-year-old harbouring only the one regret to his playing career, having failed to make an appearance under Antonio Conte. “The only regret is that I was not a protagonist in Conte’s Juve. A team with an extraordinary mentality,” Iaquinta has told Tuttosport today. “I departed from the scene just at their height. I failed to make the field? It is true, but Conte doted on me. “I remember the words he said to me that summer: ‘Vincenzo, let me see that you are what I think, then I am convinced the club will keep you’. Unfortunately I got injured. “Why did I have so many injuries? For sure, in 2009 after knee surgery, I tried to return too quickly. They told me to try too soon, I had a leg as slim as my son’s.” For his respect for the current Italy CT, the former Udinese man believes Juve were right to turn to Max Allegri as replacement this summer. “I honestly did not expect it. But Allegri was the right choice and compared to the three years under Conte little has changed, Juve seem to me to be as aggressive as before. “The fact that the players have not dropped is confirmation of the quality of Allegri. He is a Coach who commands respect.”

Conte Heaps Praise On Juventus Star Oct 10, 2014 Italy coach Antonio Conte has praised Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, saying that he can be a very important player in the dressing room. Conte coached Pirlo in his stint as Bianconeri coach between 2011-2014, and the former Juve captain took the time to praise the midfielder. “I am honoured to have coached Andrea [Pirlo] for three years,” he told Sky. “We experienced some good moments together, and some painful moments too. “From the moment I became coach of the national team, I have always said that Pirlo can be a very important member in the squad. “I even wanted to call him up in September in spite of his injury, he can be an integral member in the dressing room.” The former Juve coach then went on to explain his relationship with social media, as well as giving insight on the upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Malta. “I’m not really a fan of computers as a whole, not just social media,” he said. “Germany found things hard against Scotland, and Portugal lost to Albania; as far as we’re concerned, we will play against motivated sides. “We’ll play with both [Gianluigi] Buffon and [Andrea] Pirlo who will definitely benefit the side, but I have to put into account that we will play again in three days. “However, I’m not really sure about the line-up.” Conte then went on to state that he knows the Azerbaijan side well, in addition to praising the overall atmosphere in the squad. “We know them well,” he said. “I watched the game against Bulgaria, and the one against the United States before the 2014 FIFA World Cup. “The boys are working well and are getting a better idea of the style of play we want to implement. “The atmosphere in the side is great.”

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Moggi: Totti Is A Problem For Roma Oct 9, 2014 Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi believes that Roma captain Francesco Totti was the capital city club’s biggest problem during their defeat to the Old Lady on October 5. The Bianconeri’s controversial 3-2 win over the Giallorossi in Turin has been the subject of criticism since the final whistle was blown and while the 77-year-old admits that the referee had made a couple of wrong decisions, he feels it was Totti’s attitude that caused more of a dilemma. Moggi recently spoke to LiberoTV about the match between Juventus and Roma and some the calls that had an effect on the outcome of the game, while also expressing his views on the Lupi captain. “The game was great, but the ref had so many things wrong,” said the former general manager. “He exchanged a regular punishment for Maicon with a penalty, while Totti’s penalty was not caused by a foul. “On the field it seemed as if it should have been a draw, but Roma have a problem: Francesco Totti. “Slow motion replays on the field? It’s a shame these things have to happen. But in this moment I say that we should have it, just to avoid all of the theatrics.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus better served by staying above Roma war of words Oct 9, 2014 It may be the time to temporarily forget club football and enjoy the development of Antonio Conte's Azzurri side, but Italy can still not forget or recover from Sunday's evening match between Juventus and Roma. With embarrassing comments made by everyone who feels they are worthy of an opinion, the Italian league may be that bit more interesting to watch, but is now, once again, clouded by a sense of suspicion. After the match, Francesco Totti, a symbol of Roma but also one of, if not the greatest number 10s Italy has seen in the past two decades (apologies to Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero fans), thought it wise to say that Juventus always win 'by hook or by crook'. Outrightly stating that his opponents are cheating, his poor choice of words was not only beneath a legend of his status but ridiculous and harmful to a league that is staving off critical voices from disinterested parties. Besieged by anger, one can perhaps understand why Totti resorted to spouting venom. The match against Juventus represented Roma's chance to demonstrate the development of their side and perhaps a chance to prove that they were the best, capable of beating the team that has dominated Serie A for the last three years. To stand so close to unimaginable victory and have a referee snatch it all away is bound to lead to complete frustration. Forever in the shadows, consistently referred to as a side that can play beautiful football but rarely capable of victories, this was their time to shine, their time to stand at the top of the podium and claim they did it the hard way but got there in the end. A wonderfully constructed side, a beautiful style of play and incredible results to boot, how annoying must Juventus be to sit at the top of the league having just won a poorly officiated match. Having heard what was said, the Old Lady fought back, through the words of Emma Winter, wife of Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, Leonardo Bonucci's tweet and of course, Pavel Nedved's words. The latter's comments were in a word, silly. Public opinion may be against Juventus but to say referees are "are almost afraid to give anything in our favour" is hardly accurate even if the squad were rarely given a penalty in their first season under Conte. The truth of the matter is that Juventus were victorious and are the biggest club in Italy and should act as such at all times. That means silence, accepting the criticism and taking the higher road. Those who make ill-advised comments should do so at their own peril, but retaliations should not be permitted simply because this isn't a small club with a point to prove; this is a side that represents a country and should they lose one match, or for an entire season, they must always hold on to their prestige. Referee Gianluca Rocchi may be highly regarded among his peers, but no one can forget the blinding errors he's made in the past. He has sent off seven Inter players in 16 matches including Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2006-07 season for shooting the ball after the whistle had gone. This is the same referee who was acquitted for charges relating to calciopoli, who apologised to Bologna for the mistakes he made in their match against Milan and a man who has drawn the ire of former Inter president Massimo Moratti, the Pozzo family of Udinese and Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini on a consistent basis. "The Rocchi horror show" is one of the most popular headlines in Italy and his errors made prior to Euro 2012 is the reason why refereeing peer Nicola Rizzoli was chosen ahead of him. That Rocchi was given the chance to officiate the biggest match of the season is surprising to say the least as both he and Paolo Tagliavento have shown how error prone they are in the big matches. Thus if we consider all the mistakes he has done in the past, it's incredible to think that because on this occasion, one of the sides is Juventus, that the victory was suspicious. It is for that reason, those like Bonucci are understandably tired of having to consistently respond to claims they have cheated their way to victory and have chosen to make silly remarks. The successes of the last three seasons have been achieved the hard way, through blood, sweat and tears and regardless of what Totti claims, not even he can dismiss reality. Beating Juve does not make Roma better, winning the title would change opinions and the pressure is on Rudi Garcia and his men to prove they are capable of the kind of consistency required. As for Juventus, Europe is their priority, they have nothing left to prove on a domestic level. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Italy asks FIFA to host TV replays experiment Oct 9, 2014 Italy wants to host an experiment on the use of TV replays in football. Following a controversial top-of-the-table clash in the Serie A, the president of the Italian football federation wrote to FIFA on Thursday asking to trial video replay. The letter came four days after Juventus recorded a 3-2 victory over Roma that saw the Turin club awarded two disputed penalties and score the winning goal while offside. Carlo Tavecchio said that while the FIGC was dedicated to preserving the traditions of football, "at the same time it supports modernisation that allows our beloved sport to maintain a winning global consensus." The fallout from the Juve-Roma match made studying the use of replays "a priority" to uphold "credibility in the referee," a statement from the Italian federation added. Last month, Blatter said he wanted to test replays in a domestic league, and at the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand next year. Coaches would have the right once or twice in each half to challenge a refereeing decision. Blatter has portrayed himself as a champion of technology since reversing his opposition to goal-line aids, which were used at the World Cup in Brazil for the first time. Separately, UEFA banned Tavecchio for six months on Tuesday following a racist comment during his election campaign. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Storari: Two horse title race Oct 9, 2014 Marco Storari concedes Roma have ‘come on leaps and bounds’ this year, and the title race is most likely between Juventus and them. The Bianconeri narrowly defeated the Giallorossi 3-2 in Week 6 to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season, in a match their back-up goalkeeper admits could be an indication of the season to come. “It seems this year will be a two-horse race for the title,” Storari has told JTV today. “Juventus and Roma are the division’s most competitive sides. We’ve won three consecutive titles and they’ve strengthened after pushing us last time around. “It was a different game to last season because they’ve come on leaps and bounds. It was a very difficult match and we’re very happy to have won it.” Juve hold a three point advantage over Roma, who otherwise have won every other game so far in Serie A this term. “We’ve already broken clear of the others and I think in the end it will be just us two in the running. “However, I hope that another team is able to get back in it, perhaps Napoli, who have got off to a slow start, or Inter and Milan. It would only be a good thing for the League.” The 37-year-old reflected on life so far this term under Massimiliano Allegri. “[Antonio] Conte’s departure was a blow for everyone because it was unexpected. “Having said that, he’s been replaced by an excellent Coach and our strong reaction is down to him. “Allegri is a smart and intelligent manager who has already won honours in his career.” Storari also had a word for his and Gigi Buffon’s goalkeeping Coach at Juve, Claudio Filippi. “His job isn’t easy because there are many aspects to take care of and he’s always very well prepared. I’ve worked with many goalkeeping coaches in my career and I think Filippi is certainly up there with the best.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Marelli hits out at 'crazy' Rocchi punishment The man at the centre of a refereeing storm in Italy's top flight has found an ally who believes the authorities need to do more to help the officials. Oct 9, 2014 Former Serie A official Luca Marelli has questioned the lack of transparency at the Italian Referees’ Association and labelled the decision to suspend Gianluca Rocchi following his controversial display in Sunday’s clash between Juventus and Roma as "crazy". Rocchi awarded the Bianconeri two penalties during the game in Turin – both of which were converted by Carlos Tevez – while he also failed to notice Arturo Vidal standing in an offside position in front of Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski for Leonardo Bonucci's late winner. His performance has been widely condemned and it is understood he will now miss the next two rounds of Serie A fixtures as punishment. But the lack of official word from the referees' governing body (AIA) frustrates Marelli who believes his former colleague is being harshly treated. He told Goal : "The AIA is not transparent at all. They haven’t made any official statement about this. The news comes from informal talks between (former referees and current AIA chiefs) Marcello Nicchi and Domenico Messina and some journalists. "In my opinion, a referee should only be suspended for a serious technical error, such as awarding a direct free kick inside the penalty area, something like that. But to suspend Rocchi after Sunday's game … that's crazy." Marelli is concerned Rocchi's judgement may suffer in the short-term. He added: "When he’s back on the pitch next month, he'll be afraid to make the wrong decision, he'll be scared, he might lose confidence. "I know Rocchi very well, he's been a referee for 26 years, he’s strong enough to get over this but it's a crazy decision. "In a perfect world Rocchi would have stayed quiet for a week and then restarted with a Serie B game, rapidly going back to his usual standard." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Diamanti: 'Too much controversy' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyorKr7nd2E#t=76 Oct 8, 2014 Alessandro Diamanti told Francesco Totti he “should not have talked” to reporters after Juventus-Roma. “I am in China, but I do read the websites and watch the Italian television programmes. All I hear is controversy,” the Guangzhou Evergrande star told Radio Kiss Kiss. “Unfortunately, that’s what Italian football is like. We are just getting worse and worse.” Diamanti was particularly disconcerted by Roma captain Totti’s comments that “by hook or by crook” Juventus always win. “In my view Italian football remains the best in the world, even if we are behind the rest in terms of culture. That’s true in general and not just in football. “As for Totti, it’s best not to talk straight after a game. There is too much tension, you say things that you wish you hadn’t and that become twisted by other people.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PSG Want Juventus Star Pogba Sep 8, 2014 Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly the latest club interested in signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba once again after having previous bids for him turned down by the Italian giants. The 21-year-old, who is currently on international duty with France, has been a main target of several European giants as of late besides the Parisians including Chelsea and Manchester United, though it seems the Bianconeri are ready to do whatever it takes to hold on to him for quite some time. According to Tuttosport, French international and PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi has even expressed his wishes to play alongside Pogba on a club level and admitted that he would favour the Juve man’s move to Paris. “I want to play with Pogba,” he said. “He’s a great guy, it would be a pleasure to play with him at PSG.” Juventus have plans of their own, however, as director general Beppe Marotta has apparently already begun the process of arranging a contract renewal with the midfielder’s representatives.

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Rocchi Gets One Month Off After Juventus V Roma Controversy Oct 8, 2014 Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi has been suspended for a month after some controversial decisions made in the Serie A match between Juventus and Roma. The Bianconeri won the Sunday fixture 3-2 in Turin but there were some refereeing calls made that outraged Giallorossi players and fans. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Rocchi has been banned for one month by the CAN (National Referees Commission) while they analyse the penalty decisions awarded to Juventus. Rocchi is expected to return on November 2 but he could return a couple days earlier on October 28 or 29. Both of the penalties awarded to Juve were given in the first half of the Serie A match. The first incident was when Roma’s right-back Maicon was deemed to have made a handball after an Andrea Pirlo free-kick. The second incident occurred just before half-time when Bianconeri midfielder Paul Pogba was fouled by Giallorossi playmaker Miralem Pjanic and Rocchi pointed to the penalty spot. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Morata: Totti should have kept quiet The Spain under-21 international feels the Giallorossi skipper was wrong to claim that his side had been beaten by the officials in Turin - and not the Bianconeri. Oct 8, 2014 Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has accused Roma captain Francesco Totti of sour grapes following Sunday's controversial game between the sides. The Bianconeri triumphed 3-2 in Turin but Totti was enraged by the fact the hosts had been awarded two contentious penalties by referee Gianluca Rocchi, and that none of the match officials had noticed Arturo Vidal had been standing in an offside position in front of Giallorossi goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski when Leonardo Bonucci scored the winner with four minutes remaining. The 38-year-old forward sparked controversy by stating Roma know that they are destined to finish second again this season because of the alleged preferential treatment reigning champions Juve receive from referees - an allegation Morata feels Totti should not have made. "If they had won, they would not be saying anything," the Spaniard told Goal. "It could be that he was just upset about the game, as it's not easy to take when you lose such an important game in the closing minutes. "Totti is a great player, a historical one, but perhaps he should not have said that." Morata was involved in another one of the game's flash points, with the forward receiving a straight red card after clashing with Roma defender Kostas Manolas, who was also dismissed. The 21-year-old had been guilty of fouling the Greece international close to the touchline just seconds beforehand, prompting a furious reaction from his opponent, but Morata, who has been hit with a one-game ban, remains mystified by Rocchi's decision to give him his marching orders. "It was really weird," he said. "I did not do anything. I was strong [in the tackle], but only because it was a game in which you had to be strong. "It was what my team needed: to stop the game; be aggressive. On the previous play, he pushed me against the barrier. But this is football. "I do not know why Manolas had this reaction because they were also kicking us. "I did nothing and I hope they can do something to reduce it yet but the important thing is that we won." Morata revealed he is settling in well at Juventus following his summer switch from Real Madrid - but the €20 million signing admitted he is only now getting used to the demanding nature of the Italian game. "Everything is going well," he said. "The only thing is how they train here: it's like you're preparing for war! "There is no recovery time. It's very physical. But I'm coming along. "At first, it takes its toll on you. I remember when I had to just sit down after the exercises instead of stretching because I couldn´t do any more! "But it is all for the good of the team. And we have a great team. We can do great things." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Bonucci: I Have Nothing Against Roma Oct 7, 2014 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci say he has nothing against Roma after responding to a tweet he posted on Monday night. After tweeting ‘Winning is the only thing that matters’ and ‘Rinse your mouth’ on Monday night, Bonucci’s words have garnered criticism as they appear to have been directed at Giallorossi defender, something the defender denies. “It was for my and the clubs followers,” Bonucci told reporters at an Italy’s press conference ahead of the Azzurri’s matches. “I do not want to attack anyone, I don’t score too many goals and was just so happy with the win. “I have massive respect for Roma and there was no desire to offend but simply to cheer up my followers. “I always write ‘Winning is the only thing that matters’, it’s in Juventus’ DNA.”

Marotta: Roma Have Bridged The Gap With Juventus Oct 7, 2014 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta believes Roma have closed the gap to the Bianconeri as he states the two sides will fight it out for the Scudetto. The Bianconeri defeated Roma 3-2 on Sunday to inflict a first defeat of the season on Rudi Garcia’s men and send Juventus three points clear at the top of the table. “Roma and Juventus are the two best teams in the league,” Marotta told RAI Sport 1. “Roma have strengthend a lot since last year and the Giallorossi have bridged the gap with Juventus.” Marotta also went on to state that Juventus deserved their victory on Sunday as Gianluca Rocchi made the right calls. “There was maybe a slight doubt with the handball but even in slow motion you would not change anything. “Juventus had more hunger than Roma in the final minutes and found the winning goal.” Roma captain Francesco Totti has accused Juventus of receiving favouritism but Marotta says his comments were ill-advised. “I appreciate Totti and all he has done but what he has said is very serious and he does not understand what went on before. “Juventus have deservedly won the last three league titles and he must respect us and our fans. “His judgement is misplaced and is not based on facts.”

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Empoli Boss Blasts Roma Captain – Without Having Watched Juventus Game Oct 7, 2014 Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri says Roma captain Francesco Totti went over the top with views after Roma lost 3-2 away to Juventus on Sunday. Totti felt Juventus were awarded two dubious penalties and they “should play in their own league as they always seem to win by hook or by crook.” “I have not seen the game yet, but when you feel like you suffered injustices you tend to make over the top statements,” Sarri told Tuttomercatoweb.com “It has happened to me but it must be more difficult for players at a higher level than us. “Perhaps he wouldn’t make such statements after a day or two. “Refereeing is a very difficult job and it might be just an excuse for the players or coaches to blame him.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Bonucci on Pirlo and Rugani Oct 7, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci is glad his Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo postponed international retirement and hailed Empoli’s Daniele Rugani. The centre-back spoke at a Press conference ahead of Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Palermo. “Pirlo was convinced of his decision to leave the Italy squad, so thankfully he changed his mind,” said Bonucci. “Conte brought him back in by getting him involved in an enthusiastic project. I already said before that we all know Conte’s knowledge and hunger for victory are added bonuses. They were at Juventus and the same is true in the Nazionale. “It will take time to reach 100 per cent, but this group wants to improve and listens to the ideas of the Coach. That is a big advantage.” Bonucci was also asked whether Conte had a written code of ethics like predecessor Cesare Prandelli. “You don’t need that with Conte... It’s enough to talk things over.” Italy have a new defender in the squad, as Empoli’s 20-year-old centre-back Rugani earned his debut senior call. “Rugani is a player of great promise and is such a good professional. We already noted his quality when he was in the Primavera youth team. He doesn’t pull back and is humble, so over these last few years his growth at Empoli has been exponential.”

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Bonucci apology for Juve-Roma tweet Oct 7, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci has apologised after a telling-off from the Italy staff, insisting he “did not want to offend Roma.” The Juventus defender scored the winner in Sunday’s 3-2 victory and further stoked the fires of controversy on Twitter. He wrote that people who criticise Juve ought to “wash your mouth out” and “the only thing that counts is victory.” The fact he sent that tweet while on international duty reportedly infuriated Coach Antonio Conte. “Bonucci was wrong and he knows that,” stated Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali. “I understand adrenaline and tension, but here we all wear just one jersey.” Bonucci held a Press conference and explained the reasoning behind his tweet. “Those who follow me know that is how I always celebrate, dedicating it to my friends. I did not want to offend Roma or anyone else. “I’ll not score a goal like that again, so the joy of that and the three points lasted more than two days. I have the utmost respect for everyone who wears the Giallorossi colours and I certainly didn’t want to offend. “I simply tried to joke with my friends, the same way I did after the Italy game with Norway and my first goal for Juventus. I could’ve avoided posting that tweet when I was on international duty, so for that I apologise. “I just want to clarify that I always write #totheendforzajuventus and the phrase #victoryisallthatcounts is part of the Juve DNA. It’s true we players ought to lower the tone around what was already such a tense match. “I should’ve tweeted that before coming to the Italy camp, but in the enthusiasm of the moment I didn’t think it would generate so much controversy.” Bonucci met up with Roma player Alessandro Florenzi on international duty and they discussed the winning goal. “He said ‘if you try that again 10 times, you’ll never get that volley.’ I joked with him, but also with (Roma director Walter) Sabatini. Once the 90 minutes are over, it’s right to joke around with each other. “As everyone said, Roma have strengthened this season. They are a great competitor for the Scudetto and have much to give both in Italian football and in Europe.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Pallotta: 'Juve and Roma calm down' Oct 7, 2014 Roma President James Pallotta released a statement urging everyone to “calm down” after the Juventus defeat. The controversy has been raging ever since Sunday’s 3-2 result in Turin, which saw some dubious decisions. “Everyone should take a deep breath and calm down,” wrote Pallotta in a statement this afternoon. “Football is a very fast game and sometimes there are controversies and mistakes. It happens both ways. “At the end of the day we are both great teams and look forward to a long rivalry. It’s good for Italian football. “Proud of our team forever. Love our spirit. And Roma will be back and there for a long time. Get used to it. Forza Roma!” Even captain Francesco Totti had stirred up the pot on Sunday by insists “by hook or by crook” Juventus always win. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Ref Rocchi: 'Conscience is clear' Oct 7, 2014 Referee Gianluca Rocchi reportedly said his “conscience is clear” over the controversial Juventus-Roma decisions. The official was lambasted in the media, as the two Bianconeri penalties might or might not have been inside the box, while Arturo Vidal was possibly interfering with play when offside for Leonardo Bonucci’s winner. “The players did not help me and in any case my conscience is clear,” Rocchi is quoted as telling colleagues in La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “With the Maicon penalty I was taken in by the spray. I saw it was well inside the box and changed my mind.” He had originally awarded a free kick right on the edge of the area for Douglas Maicon’s handling offence, but after the Juve players pointed out the spray had placed the wall comfortably inside, Rocchi assumed the contact must also have been there. In fact, the Roma players and Maicon had crept forward a great deal to charge down Andrea Pirlo’s free kick. Rocchi will not be given any Serie A games until November, as there are fears the media coverage will cause any decision to be contested. La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport also maintain refereeing designators believe the only real error was Maicon’s handling offence for the penalty. They judged Vidal to not be interfering with play on Bonucci’s goal, while it was almost impossible with the naked eye to see whether Miralem Pjanic had tripped Paul Pogba inside the box. The foul occurred either just before or on the line, but the line itself counts as part of the penalty area. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111