Socrates

Buffon critical of Totti Oct 13, 2014 Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has criticised Roma’s Francesco Totti for his comments that Juventus ‘should have their own League’. The Giallorossi captain hit out at the Bianconeri following their 3-2 win in Week 6, which saw the capital club angered by some refereeing calls. For his Juve counterpart, there is no sympathy in why those statements may have been made. “Did I feel for Totti after Juve-Roma? I didn’t feel for him, I’m not interested in controversy when the game is over,” Buffon told RAI Sport. “Throughout my career I’ve won a lot, but I’ve also lost a lot. I finished third, fourth, and then seventh for two consecutive years, but I don’t think you’ve ever seen Buffon doing interviews in which he railed against someone or made inferences which aren’t good for anyone or for the image of our game.” Buffon, who is expected to win his 145th Italy cap against Malta tonight, also spoke about Mario Balotelli’s exclusion from Antonio Conte’s first two Italy squads. “He could return to the side. Mario is still young, and has years still ahead of him in his career. “Not only that, I don’t think that Conte has ever said that Mario will never be called up.”

The pros and cons of Andrea Pirlo's comeback to the Italian national team Oct 13, 2014 Once Antonio Conte became the Italian national team manager, Andrea Pirlo coming back to the Azzurri seemed like a formality. It wasn't a matter of 'if' there would be a return to international competition for the 35-year-old maestro, it was just a matter of when Conte would call him up and that would be that. That day came this time last weekend when Italy's squad for a pair of Euro 2016 qualifiers were released. Pirlo was there, just like people expected he would be after featuring against Roma just a few hours prior. No big deal, kinda ho-hum, actually, considering this whole coming out of international retirement wasn't a secret at all. "I talked to Conte, he asked if I was willing to return and I said yes. It was a tough decision, I wanted to leave the national team but the coach asked me to help and I'm glad I can do it." (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio) That was over a month ago when Pirlo decided that his international retirement would be as brief as Amauri's career with the Azzurri. Unless Conte threatened to bash Pirlo over the head with a frying pan if he didn't come back to the national team's setup, I'm just going to go ahead and figure that the conversation between the two of them was pretty understanding. And how is he feeling now that he's officially made his return to the national team? "Returning with an assist was fantastic, playing with this jersey is fantastic. We had the will to push forward after they tied the match, I'm very happy." (Source: Gianluca Di Marzio) But the main question still remains as Pirlo and his teammates prepare for a Euro 2016 qualifier against Malta is if Pirlo's comeback to the Azzurri will prove to be such a good thing. Let's discuss... Pro: More Pirlo, more beard, more fun to be had A lot of people loved Andrea Pirlo even before he came to Juventus. Even though he played for a team that resides in Milan and inhibits the San Siro, Pilro's class overruled the colors and the badge on his club's jersey. But since he signed on a free transfer in 2011 and decided to not shave a summer later, Pirlo has become a cult hero. Amazing what a beard and a chip of Joe Hart from the penalty spot can do, isn't it? Okay, so his pinpoint passes and wide array of free kick mastery has something to do with it, too. Who's in favor of having more chances to watch Pirlo on the biggest of stages? I'll drink to that. Con: Juventus' best playmaker in the midfield will be playing more minutes for Italy One of the biggest things that people didn't like when it came to Cesare Prandelli's handling of Pirlo was that whenever an international break rolled around, Pirlo was playing pretty much every minute possible. No matter who the opponent was, there was Pirlo, playing a ton of minutes and returning from the international break without having much of a break whatsoever. We know there's a noticeable difference between Rested Pirlo and one that plays hundreds of minuted each week, so there's no point in debating that further. You just have to wonder how playing so many minutes each and every week has an impact on a guy who will be 36 next year. Pro: Italy gets its regista back There is no doubting that Italy are a better team when Pirlo is on the field compared to when he isn't. When you list all of the midfielders that could be available to Conte the next time an international break arrives, Pirlo is going to be at the top of it. There's Daniele De Rossi, there's Pirlo, and then there's everybody else (not that the others are bad). And when it comes to who's running the show in the midfield, there's no doubting who that will be — Pirlo himself. So if Italy goes 3-5-2 during the next international break like they did this past one, I'm pretty sure who be in the center of the midfield running the show. His name is Andrea Pirlo, and he has one heck of a footballer. Con: More games played, more chances for injuries It's not just that his workload will be just that much heavier. There's also the chance of Pirlo getting hurt every single time he steps onto the field in an Italy jersey. You know, the same guy who just came back from a month on the sidelines. Obviously we've learned over the past six weeks that Juventus can survive without Pirlo because Claudio Marchisio is awesome and has adapted to the regista role quite nicely over the past half-season worth of games. But there's only one Pirlo, and every time he's hurt Pro: Antonio Conte will be his manager with the Azzurri If there's one manager in Italy who I trust more than pretty anybody to handle Pirlo, it's certainly Conte. Why do I say this? Because of this: Pirlo's rapport with Conte seems pretty darn good from here. I don't think Pirlo would have come out of his incredibly brief international retirement for just anybody. That pretty much verifies that the Pirlo-Conte relationship is pretty strong, and it hasn't been hurt all that much when the latter suddenly resigned back at the beginning of preseason training. Con: Pirlo will be 37 by the time the 2016 Euros roll around In theory, Pirlo won't be the oldest player on Italy's roster because of Gigi Buffon's presence. The reality would be that could very well be beavily relying on two players that are two of the oldest in the competition. Not that it's not impossible or a totally bad idea considering the class of both those two fellas, but it's hard to predict what kind of form both players will be in a year and a half from now. Unless you have a crystal ball and want to let me borrow it, which would be cool.

Buffon: This Italy Team Is Very Serious Oct 13, 2014 Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has praised the character of Antonio Conte’s team. The Azzurri are set to face Malta on Monday in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, and the 36-year-old took the time to praise the side. “This national team is very serious,” he told Sky. “To write the history of a nation like Italy you need to only win.” “We need to work in the best way possible to get good results.” The Juve goalkeeper also likened the Maltese side to Azerbaijan, stating that they will try to congest play. “A team like Malta is more or less like Azerbaijan,” he said. “They will put nine or 10 men in their own half to try and block the play. “For us, the only thing we can do to try and win is to open them up and open the scoring as early as possible.” Buffon also stated that he has not spoken to Francesco Totti since Juve’s controversial 3-2 win over Roma. “We haven’t heard from each other since,” he said. “But I don’t want to cause controversy after the end of the 90 minutes, it’s not in my character as a person to do so.” It is also worth mentioning that Italy will try to take their tally to nine points on Monday, having already defeated Norway and Azerbaijan.

Time for Juventus to make their mark in Europe again Oct 12, 2014 If the papers aren't discussing the need for technology in football due to the controversial manner in which Juventus defeated Roma, then instead they're discussing Arturo Vidal and his future. The Chilean midfielder's talent is not to be doubted, but there is a concern that he is slipping. Beppe Marotta & Co. have always cared about the delicate balance of personalities within the squad. Part of their love for Vidal came from his intensity and desire to be a leader. His relentless running and dynamic energy explain why he developed into one of the best players in the world. Without these qualities, he risks falling back into mediocrity. It remains to be seen whether he can win back the affections of those who once idolised him, but beyond that, this is an incredibly important season for Juventus. Not only because they have to prove they can still win despite the departure of Antonio Conte, but because it's high time for them to make their mark on Europe. Many who enjoy criticising the Bianconeri reflect on the fact that, in Europe, Juve don't win. Does that mean anything? While they have won only two Champions League trophies, they have reached the final seven times. Arrogance let them down in 1998 after they decided to draw "1-0" on the back of their hands to irk Real Madrid; instead they provoked their opponent to produce a stunning performance and achieve victory. In 2003, they lost to Milan on penalties and never quite recovered from not having Pavel Nedved available for the final match. Overall, there are many more reasons for why the champions of Italy have choked at the final hurdle. Juventus are indeed a side that values domestic triumph and has usually prioritised winning scudetti as opposed to European trophies, but to say they are a side that only wins in Italy is reaching to say the least. They were a team that struck fear in their opponents, a side that was used as an example and a collective unit that entertained. The best and brightest managers in Europe sought only to defeat the Bianconeri, none more so than Sir Alex Ferguson. "Juventus were an example for my Manchester United," Ferguson said. "I had my players watch videos of [Marcelo] Lippi's team and would say, 'Don't look at the tactics or technique. We have that too. You need to learn to have that desire to win.'" If they were only a team that won in Italy then they would not have received such admiration for their work. However, since Fabio Capello's Juve, the Bianconeri have failed to really make an impact on Europe, barring the tremendous individual games they've played against the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid. Much of it is due to their failure to cope with the pressure as well as their tactical naivety. Rudi Garcia demonstrated wisdom and great intelligence prior to Roma's match against Manchester City when he placed the burden squarely on the shoulders of Manuel Pellegrini's squad. Garcia's team were not the league winners; they came second, have barely spent the money City have and hadn't played in Europe for years. They were expected to lose, anything better than a defeat would be considered brilliance. Like Juventus, City are expected to destroy all that's in front of them but suffered. The onus was on them to win against what was the lowest ranked team in their group. Such pressure was stifling. Atletico Madrid reached the final of the European tournament last season because they understood how to exploit their reputation as underdogs. After the success they experienced last year, they no longer have that luxury and have since started to wobble. Meanwhile, Juventus are struggling under that same weight of expectation. Not only are they representing themselves but the Italian league too. If they are easily defeated, what does that say about the state of calcio? It was somewhat easier for them in their first year back in Europe, 2012, when no one imagined they would defeat Chelsea but they did, comprehensively. The side that did eventually knock them out of the competition was the team that went on to lift the trophy. Tactical naivety is also a problem as one could see that Conte had much to learn in Europe. The 3-5-2 formation isn't loved by the fans but it's not the problem -- or at least, it's not the main problem. In essence, Juventus need to be a little smarter in Europe, a little better prepared for the big challenges. Had they prepared well against Atletico Madrid in Matchday 2 then they would have understood that they are a side who are at their most comfortable when they force their opponent to take possession of the ball and thus the attacking initiative. Had they simply given Diego Simeone's men possession and forced them to take the initiative, the Spaniards would have suffered like they have done in their own domestic league now that their opponents have wised up to their antics. The next match against the Rojiblancos will be in Turin, where Juventus are expected to control the ball and succeed. They will not be able to play like the away side. Only a psychological breakthrough will help this Juventus cope with the pressures of Europe; on a sporting level, they have everything it takes to leave their mark.

Buffon: 'Italy respect Malta' Oct 12, 2014 Italy captain Gigi Buffon warned not to underestimate Malta in tomorrow’s Euro 2016 qualifier. This match follows on from Friday’s surprisingly hard-fought 2-1 win over Azerbaijan in Palermo. “I didn’t need to raise my voice in the locker room after the Azerbaijan game,” assured Buffon in a Press conference. “There are moments in which certain players have to make sure their voice is heard, but with regards to that game I can only applaud my teammates. “We must look at the glass as half-full, as our reaction to the equaliser was vehement and it wasn’t easy after conceding an own goal having dominated the match. In general I like the approach, dedication and hunger the team is putting into every training session.” Malta have lost both their qualifiers so far, including a 3-0 to Norway on Friday, but Buffon is not fooled. “If you watch that game, Malta had at least seven scoring opportunities. Also, the smaller teams can put nine or 10 elements inside their own half to break up the play. We have to break the deadlock as early as possible.” Buffon also spoke to Sky Sport Italia about his secret to growing old gracefully. “The bigger you are, the less chance you have to give people to hurt you. If before you were playing very well in 90 per cent of the games, as the years go by you need to increase that percentage to 95 per cent, because there are other goalkeepers coming up behind you who are just as good.”

Pogba: 'Evra my Uncle Pat!' Oct 12, 2014 Paul Pogba scored in France’s 2-1 victory over Portugal and revealed his nickname for Patrice Evra. “We’re in good shape and beat a strong team. The Juventus midfielder was on target in last night’s international friendly in a move sparked by his club and country teammate Evra. “Evra? He is my Uncle Pat!” Pogba told RMC Sport. “I am young and still need to learn. I cannot do everything right.” He also sustained a knock to the knee, but assured “it’s nothing serious. It was just a bruise and I’m keeping ice on it.” The 21-year-old has scored five goals in just 17 senior caps for France. “I do not want to minimise Paul’s performance, as he does things out of the ordinary, even if he ought to simplify his game sometimes,” added Coach Didier Deschamps. “Portugal would have loved to have him in their squad.”

Pirlo: 'Italy can win Euro 2016' Oct 12, 2014 Andrea Pirlo believes this Italy side can win Euro 2016 in France. “Why not?” The Azzurri were runners up in Euro 2012 and went out in the group phase of the 2014 World Cup. “This Nazionale can win the European Championship in France. Why not?” Pirlo told news agency ANSA. “Of course, we’d have to improve a lot...” Italy are joint top of their qualifying group after a 2-0 victory in Norway and 2-1 home win over Azerbaijan. They travel to Malta for Monday’s next Euro 2016 qualifier.

Bonucci on Azerbaijan struggle Oct 12, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci explained the difficulties Italy had breaking down Azerbaijan in a 2-1 win. “When you meet a team like this that sits back in its own half, it is difficult to find a way through,” the Juventus defender told Rai Sport after the Euro 2016 qualifier. “We knew that we’d have to make the most of set plays to break them down, but perhaps need to be more determined in our finishing.” In a Press conference this week, Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza said they were an ‘ignorant’ strike pair because they do not calculate when to hold back. “The truth is that we are an ‘ignorant’ team in the sense that we want victory at all costs and fight for every ball. That is the secret to the revival of the Nazionale,” agreed Bonucci. The centre-back scored with a sensational volley last Sunday to secure Juve’s 3-2 victory over Roma, but wasted a couple of good opportunities for Italy. “I could’ve done better, as I was alone in the box and tried to score a great goal, perhaps remembering last week’s. “I should’ve had a cooler head in front of goal, but if I had that I’d be a striker and not a defender!” The Azzurri travel to Malta for Monday night’s Euro 2016 qualifier.

Pogba: There was no argument with Evra The midfielder insists that he was merely offered words of support when confronted by his Juventus colleague in Saint-Denis on Saturday. Oct 12, 2014 Paul Pogba has dismissed the suggestion that France team-mate Patrice Evra reprimanded him during Saturday's friendly win over Portugal. The pair appeared to have words after Pogba misplaced a pass during the game in Paris but the midfielder has insisted that he was merely being offered support by his Juventus colleague. "I wanted to change the play but I did not see the pass, so I kept the ball," the 21-year-old told RMC. "Then I slipped and lost the ball. "Pat did not come over to scold me; he came to encourage me. There was no argument. "As I often say, this is my 'Uncle Pat' and he came to tell me it was not serious and that I should continue as I was doing, as he always done in the past. "I was a little bummed about losing the ball, but football is like that." Pogba, who netted the second goal in France's victory, also reassured Juventus fans that the blow he took to his knee was no cause for concern. "Everything's fine," he insisted. "I received a little knock but it's okay now." Pogba has established himself as a key player for Juventus since joining from Manchester United in 2012 and he was joined in Turin by former Red Devils colleague Evra this summer.

Italy were in danger against Azerbaijan, admits Pirlo The midfielder concedes his side should have killed their Euro 2016 qualifier off earlier, while Ciro Immobile claims the squad is more united than in Brazil. Oct 12, 2014 Andrea Pirlo admits Italy's wayward finishing left them in a perilous position against Azerbaijan on Friday. The veteran midfielder, who reversed his decision on international retirement to link up with Antonio Conte's squad this week, helped his side to a 2-1 win as Giorgio Chiellini scored twice to salvage three points after turning the ball into his own net. Italy missed a number of chances to kill the game off prior to the equaliser - something which left Conte frustrated - as Azerbaijan battled to nullify Pirlo and steal a point, and the Juventus star admits they were in trouble prior to Chiellini's winner. "I've been used to it for years [the close marking]. Playing this way is difficult, but the important thing is always the result," he told Rai Sport. "We knew Azerbaijan would close up and it was dangerous when they equalised, as we had the chances to finish off the game earlier." Pirlo was forced to drop into Italy's defensive line to receive the ball at times and was even booked for a late tackle as one of the last defenders. "We tried to change things up for a while, as I couldn’t touch the ball, so I went deeper than Bonucci," he explained. "I hope not to do that again, as I'm not great at tackling and I deserved that yellow card." Striker Ciro Immobile, meanwhile, was full of praise for the head coach for changing the mentality after their dismal World Cup campaign in the summer. "I know how Conte manages the group, I had it at Siena. I felt important even though I played little," he said. "Here we fight for the shirt, all 26 or 27 of us. In Brazil we had almost the same players, but something was wrong."

Pogba: I Took A Knock To The Knee, But I Can Continue With France Oct 12, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has reassured fans of the Old Lady that a knock he picked up during France’s friendly win over Portugal wasn’t anything serious. The 21-year-old French international, who scored his country’s second goal in their 2-1 victory against the Portuguese team in Paris on Saturday, admitted that his knee was in need of some ice after the match, but is confident that he’ll be ready for Les Blues’ next friendly against Armenia on Tuesday. Pogba spoke to RMC after France’s positive result against Portugal about his physical condition and insisted that he is fine and able to continue training for the next game. “The knee is fine, I took a knock and I only put some ice on it, but it’s all right,” said the Juventus star. “There are no problems for the national team. At the moment I am currently planning on appearing for the national team in the next match and I don’t think there will be any problems.”

Panenka: 'Nedved for Juve President' Oct 12, 2014 Antonin Panenka revealed his friendship with Pavel Nedved, who he tips to “become Juventus President.” The inventor of the chipped penalty, later taken on by the likes of Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo, was in Montecarlo for the Golden Foot ceremony. He first unveiled ‘the Panenka’ in a shoot-out that gave Czechoslovakia the Euro 1976 trophy against West Germany. “Before the game I didn’t know we would go to penalties, but I did know that I would take a spot-kick that way,” Panenka told Calciomercato.com. “The important thing is to score a goal. Anyone who gets the ball in the net has achieved their objective and style comes later. “When I have some spare time, I like to play golf with my friend Pavel Nedved.” The ‘Furia Ceca’ has been suggested as a future President of Juventus, replacing current chief Andrea Agnelli. “I wouldn’t do it, but Pavel is different and perhaps Agnelli believes he can become a good candidate for Juventus President.”

Storari: Allegri Wants Juventus To Keep More Possession Oct 12, 2014 Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari believes that the approach under new coach Massimiliano Allegri is different compared to what it was under Antonio Conte. The 37-year-old joined the Old Lady in the summer of 2010 for a fee of €4.5 million from AC Milan and has played second fiddle to club legend Gianluigi Buffon ever since. “Let’s say that we try to manage a little bit more of the ball,” said the Italian according to Juventus TV. “We like to keep more possession of the ball and this is what characterizes the teams coached by Allegri.” he continued. The former Messina player then had a few positive things to say on his time with the Bianconeri. “The most important time was perhaps the first year I was at the club. We had finished in seventh place that season so it was an unsuccessful year. “But then Conte arrived and we won the Scudetto. That was a most beautiful moment.” The goalkeeper was asked to recollect the best save he has made so far for Juventus. “I think the one save that has stayed with me was the one in Verona against Chievo Verona. It was a penalty save and we drew the game.” he concluded.

Pogba: Coman Has What It Takes To Follow In My Footsteps At Juventus Oct 11, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba believes that Kingsley Coman possesses the right qualities to follow in his footsteps at the Old Lady. The 18-year-old has already shown his potential on the pitch for the Bianconeri since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer and Pogba remains confident in the youngster’s ability to do well under coach Massimiliano Allegri in Turin. Pogba spoke to the press while on international duty with the France on Friday about Coman’s talent and expressed the faith he has in Allegri to lead Juve to even more success this season. “I’m convinced that Juventus can do great things with Allegri leading us,” said the 21-year-old, who will be helping his national team in their friendly against Portugal in Paris on Saturday. “I also believe that Coman is a fantastic player who has all of the credentials needed to follow my path with the Bianconeri. It’s fortunate that we have him.”

Manchester City to make summer bid for Paul Pogba Oct 11, 2014 Manchester City are planning to make a bid for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba next summer, according to reports. The French international has been heavily linked with a move away from Turin in recent months, with his current contract due to expire in June 2016. According to The Times, Citizens manager Manuel Pellegrini is keen on the ex-Manchester United man, the Etihad outfit seeking a long-term replacement for Yaya Toure. Pogba is also said to be of interest to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

PSG Ready To Pounce For Asamoah Oct 11, 2014 As he fights summer arrival Patrice Evra for a place on the left side of the Juventus team, it is believed that wing-back Kwadwo Asamoah is considering his future with the reigning Serie A champions as Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League sides monitor the situation. Since the Frenchman came in from Manchester United he appeared to be the preferred choice of new coach Massimiliano Allegri starting the majority of games, although the Ghanian started the crucial clash with Scudetto challengers Roma last Sunday. According to Tuttosport the Bianconeri have no intention of selling the 25-year-old, but should he start to seriously consider leaving Turin the French giants and their fellow competitors from England would move quickly to secure his services. The Ghana international joined the Old Lady from Udinese ahead of the 2012/13 season and has played a vital role in their last two championship successes making 64 appearances so far scoring four times.

5 Issues Juventus Need to Work on During International Break Oct 11, 2014 With seven wins in eight matches, Juventus and her supporters have had little room for complaint so far this season. So impressive has been the start made by Turin’s grand Old Lady in 2014-15 that finding fault in their performances is extremely difficult. Only two sides—Atletico Madrid and AS Roma—have managed to score against them, with the former the only team to take all three points from Massimiliano Allegri’s men. There is little shame in losing away to the Spanish champions, particularly by the narrow 1-0 scoreline seen at the Vicente Calderon. Yet the Bianconeri will be fully aware that there is always room for improvement, that identifying and reducing issues before an opponent capitalises on them is what separates great teams from the merely very good ones. Over the following pages is a look at five such areas, things Juventus need to work on during before play resumes after the current international break. 1. Finding a Defensive Solution The Bianconeri were rocked by a serious injury this week, the club’s official website noting that Martin Caceres has suffered a torn thigh muscle. With the statement believing the Uruguayan will be sidelined for around a month, Allegri will need a defensive reshuffle in the coming weeks to compensate. Caceres himself had been impressive—his form discussed at length here—but he was only in the starting lineup due to the continued absence of Andrea Barzagli. With both men now unavailable, Juventus have no natural option for the right-sided berth in their back three. That means either playing the left-footed Angelo Ogbonna in an unnatural role, or sliding Leonardo Bonucci across from his usual central position. He has played there on a number of occasions, with Arturo Vidal then dropping back into defence as cover as he has done previously to great effect. The one factor in Juve’s favour is the schedule they face in the coming weeks, with fixtures against Sassuolo, Olympiakos, Palermo and Genoa taking them to the end of October. 2. A Change of System? The arrival of Massimiliano Allegri saw renewed optimism that Juventus may switch formations against certain opponents, an idea pushed by the new coach himself. With the squad comfortable in the 3-5-2 framework Antonio Conte almost exclusively used, the 47-year-old talked up the merits of being able to deploy a back four. “I think it is very fortunate to be able to switch between two formations, even in the same game,” Allegri told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia). “There are moments in the season where you can play with three [defenders] and others when it is better to do so with four.” While the coach must be praised for understanding how well the current setup works, the loss to Atletico Madrid once again highlighted the need for variety. He has yet to opt for a four-man back line in a competitive game, but may look to do so going forward. 3. Improve the Team’s Attacking Prowess If the concerns in defence are only slight given the stellar performances thus far, in attack there is perhaps more cause for concern. Juventus have scored 15 goals in all competitions this term, with Carlos Tevez responsible for more than half that total. The club’s leading scorer last term has already found the back of the net eight times in 2014-15, and the other goals have come from much further back. To date, Alvaro Morata is the only other Bianconeri forward to have scored, with the form of Fernando Llorente particularly worrying. In order to fully maximise their potential, Allegri needs to get the Basque striker, plus Kingsley Coman and Sebastian Giovinco firing as quickly as possible. 4. Find an Alternative at Right-Back Of Juve’s outfield players, only Leonardo Bonucci, Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner have started all eight games this season. With injury and rotation likely to see the former pair soon earn a break, the non-stop style of the latter means he too will need to be rested very soon. His natural replacement in the squad is summer-signing Romulo, but the former Hellas Verona defender is out of action following surgery on a sports hernia, per the official Juventus website. With Martin Caceres also unavailable, Allegri may opt to use Roberto Pereyra in that role, with the international break providing time to plan such a switch. With Lichtsteiner never the type of player to coast through games, giving him time to rest now could prove vital later in the campaign. 5. Calming Tempers and Preparing to Resume Competition Perhaps the most vital issue facing Allegri and his players is the manner in which the clash with Roma played out, with tempers on both sides boiling over. The match was hugely controversial, with referee Gianluca Rocchi’s decisions coming in for criticism from all sides, particularly over the two penalties he awarded to Juventus. With two weeks away from the action, the Bianconeri must recompose themselves, preparing calmly for domestic action to resume. With a three-point cushion over the Giallorossi and two Champions League ties against Olympiakos on the horizon, their mental focus could prove essential in the coming weeks.

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.”