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Buffon 'no rush' for Juve contract Sep 9, 2014 Gigi Buffon is in negotiations with Juventus for a contract extension, said his agent, but “there’s no rush.” The goalkeeper’s current deal is set to expire at the end of this season and there has been talk of a new agreement until June 2017 – by which time he will be 38 years old. “There is no rush, nor any short-term agreements made,” representative Silvano Martina told Calcionews24.com. “We have an excellent rapport with Juventus, so there will be no problems. Right now I can’t talk about details, as it’s still too early. “Buffon is a key figure at Juventus and still the best goalkeeper in the world.” Martina was asked whether the shot-stopper will join the club hierarchy as a director after he hangs up his gloves. “These are questions you should ask him. I don’t know, but right now he wants to play.”

Boniperti: Allegri will be okay if Juventus keep winning The Bianconeri faithful were less than impressed when the former AC Milan boss was named as their new coach and the 86-year-old says he is under pressure to deliver trophies. Sep 9, 2014 Juventus icon Giampiero Boniperti has warned Massimiliano Allegri that only titles will help him win over the club's supporters. The Bianconeri faithful were left in a state of shock when Antonio Conte, the man who had led the club to three successive Scudetti, quit as coach by mutual consent this summer. The appointment of Allegri, who was sacked by AC Milan earlier this year, enraged the fans but Boniperti says that the 47-year-old trainer will retain their full support as long as Juve keeping winning. "Juventus are a club that must always win," the former Italy international told Tuttosport. "They must fight for every goal, in Italy and abroad. "Juve must continue to do as Juve has always done, which is to aim for one target after another. "And that's why for Allegri, and everyone else, it is the results that count. "I know his history. He seems to me to be a good person and a coach of the highest dedication. "He's a young coach but already experienced. He won a Scudetto with Milan and he knows the Champions League. "But now he's at Juve. Hopefully his past with the Rossoneri have taught him many things ..." Meanwhile, Boniperti believes that 18-year-old attacker Kingsley Coman is capable of achieving great things in Turin - provided he keeps his feet on the ground after a much-lauded Serie A debut, against Chievo. "Coman certainly has great quality, but he must improve and become a complete player," the 86-year-old stated. "The important thing is that he does not rest on his laurels. Ever."

Bonucci: Playing for Conte fun Sep 8, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci has praised former Juventus and current Italy Coach Antonio Conte for his work with the Azzurri so far. The 45-year-old is gearing up to his competitive debut on the national team bench and has received backing from one of his former Juve players pre-game. “Although there is little time to train, we have to play two games,” Bonucci began, sitting next to his Coach in today’s conference in Oslo. “With Conte we train in strong rhythms whilst we always know what to do, how we need to move the ball, and this is fun. “And his particular style of man-management? In a football team there is a Coach who decides a set of rules and it is up to the players to enforce those rules. “Conte does not make decisions for us but directs us. That is the secret that led Juve to win so much and we hope now that it can also happen with the national team.” Bonucci was then asked about the absence of Giorgio Chiellini, and the other potential centre back pairings. “After three years working together, the partnership between Giorgio and I is stupendous. But with David Astori I have worked well and we have talked a lot, which helps. Against the Netherlands the defence was great.” The Bianconero also shared his views on the situation between Juventus and Italy over Chiellini. “Giorgio would have liked to have stayed here with us, we all know how he is and how he lives his work. “But Juve needed to monitor his condition. He must abide by what his club decides - it is not that Juve want to impose their power, it is just a necessity.” Italy begin Euro 2016 qualifying against Norway. “We started to study Norway three days ago and saw the live game on TV between them and England. “They play a solid 4-5-1 that allows them to take advantage of the offensive characteristics of the two wide attackers.” Bonucci provided a brilliant lobbed assist for Ciro Immobile against the Netherlands last week. “I told Ciro after kick-off, let's get the ball rolling, you attack deep. And he did.”

Conte: No Italy-Juve rift Sep 8, 2014 Italy Coach Antonio Conte has made clear that there is no rift with Juventus over Giorgio Chiellini’s injury situation. Speaking at his Press conference ahead of Italy's opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway, the CT was inevitably asked about the injured defender, whose earlier-than-agreed return to Juventus had caused a falling out between club and country. “With Chiellini has resulted this episode, we will need to use this experience to better handle these situations next time, both on the part of ourselves and on that of Juventus,” Conte has considered from the Ullevaal Stadion on Monday night. “But I am here to unite and not to divide. This is just an incident where there have been misunderstandings but it ends there, because Giorgio was injured and would not have played. “Any consequences to this case? With Juve there will be no problems, it is right that is a spirit of collaboration [between clubs and the national team] if we want to achieve something important.”

Juve confirm Chiellini injury Sep 8, 2014 Juventus have confirmed that Giorgio Chiellini has an edema in his calf and that he will undergo further tests shortly. The defender complained of the issue at the beginning of last week in preparing to train with Antonio Conte’s Italy squad and missed consecutive days of training as a result. Then missing the Netherlands friendly on Thursday as a precaution, the player was later ruled out of the Norway Euro 2016 qualifier with what Azzurri medical staff diagnosed as an edema - a build up of fluid - in the player’s calf. On from calling back the player ahead of what was previously reported as agreed with the Italian Football Federation, the Bianconeri have confirmed that they have subjected him to their own tests today and come to the same conclusion. The Old Lady reports that Chiellini will continue on his rehabilitation programme before facing further tests in the coming days.

Garcia: Juve still the favourites Sep 8, 2014 Roma Coach Rudi Garcia believes Juventus are still the favourites for the Scudetto. The Frenchman spoke to Canal + this week and discussed a number of topics, including expectation that his Giallorossi can push for the Scudetto. “Sometimes I am presented in France as too ambitious,” Garcia began in his interview. “The ambition is to do the best we can. Juve have won the last three Scudetti and have not sold any players and have brought people like Morata and Evra. “So I think that Juve is the favourite. We will do everything we can and this summer I asked to redouble the team’s efforts to get as close as possible. “The Italian League is a little special, there is not only Juve and Roma. Napoli are a very strong team, and very rich, and then there are the two teams from Milan, Inter and Milan, who have strengthened. “I believe it will be a great championship, hard fought.”

Champions League Group A Betting Preview: Atletico to overshadow Juventus in top spot Having looked far more comfortable in European competition over the past few seasons, Al Hain-Cole is backing the Spanish champions to finish above Serie A's finest. Sep 8, 2014 Having failed to translate their dominant domestic form to the European stage over the past few years, Juventus will be determined to put in a strong display in this season’s Champions League. Champions League Group A Atletico Madrid to qualify 1/10 Juventus to qualify 1/6 Atletico to win the group 10/11 Juventus to win the group 11/10 Olympiakos to qualify 3/1 Malmo to qualify 14/1 However, after being drawn alongside last season’s runners-up Atletico Madrid in Group A, the Bianconeri may find themselves fighting for second place along with Olympiakos and Swedish underdogs Malmo. It is a fight bet365 fully expect them to win, with Massimiliano Allegri’s men priced at just 1/6 (1.17) to make up for last year’s group stage elimination by booking a place in the last 16. In fact, the Italian champions are clearly expected to give their Spanish counterparts a run for their money for first place, with odds of just 11/10 (2.10) on offer on them securing top spot. Considering Los Colchoneros’ superior continental record in recent seasons, odds of 10/11 (1.91) seem to offer stronger value on them progressing as group winners, while odds of just 1/10 (1.10) underline how nailed on they appear to reach the next round. Nevertheless, after finishing above Benfica to the reach the knockout stages last season, Olympiakos may offer some temptation at 3/1 (4.00) to pull off another shock by qualifying once again. Michel’s team came close to overcoming Manchester United in the last 16 before seeing their 2-0 home win overturned in the away leg, and are available at 11/1 (12.00) to upset more big names by finishing above both Juventus and Atletico in top spot. Back among the European elite for the first time since the competition was rebranded, Malmo have been billed as whipping boys in the group. Having become the youngest squad ever to win the Allsvenskan last season, Age Hareide’s inexperienced outfit are priced at a hefty 14/1 (15.00) to make yet more history by becoming only the second Swedish team to make it through the Champions League group stages. Goteborg finished above both Barcelona and Manchester United to top their group back in 1995, although their compatriots are 80/1 (81.00) outsiders to pull off the same feat this season.

Pirlo: I am still available for Italy The experienced midfielder has warned his team-mates not to underestimate the Giallorossi, while stressing that he is still available for Italy. Sep 8, 2014 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has come back on his decision to retire from international duty after speaking to Italy coach Antonio Conte. The 35-year-old had previously suggested that he would say farewell to the national team after the World Cup, but he has now decided different. "I have spoken with Antonio Conte and I've told him that I'm available for Italy," Pirlo told reporters. "It was a difficult decision to take. I had wanted to stop playing for the national side but he took over and he asked me to lend a hand. I am happy to do that and we are hopeful we can achieve great things together. "I saw the game against Netherlands (2-0 win) and you could already see Conte's influence." Pirlo, who missed last week's win over Netherlands due to injury, then went on discuss Juventus' chances in Serie A and their Champions League ambitions and warned that Roma should not be underestimated. "In Serie A, Roma are the team we have to fear most. "We have to do better than last season in the Champions League. I think we have a good chance of making it to the knockout stages."

Pogba and Buffon to sign Sep 8, 2014 Italian champions Juventus are reportedly working on extending the contracts of Paul Pogba and Gigi Buffon. The French youngster, still just 21, is set to be rewarded for his performances and loyalty with a new deal until 2018, with an option for 2019. As part of that agreement, the former Manchester United man will see his wages rise from €1.5m a campaign to €4.5m. Talks with agent Mino Raiola have already begun and an official announcement is not expected to be too far away. Captain Buffon, meanwhile, is in the last year of his deal seeing as that is due to run out in June 2015. However, despite his 36 years, it is understood that he could put pen to paper on a fresh two-year extension. Buffon could then be handed a role within the club should he decide to retire in 2017. It is also being claimed that once the Pogba and Buffon situations have been resolved, Juve will talk to Claudio Marchisio about his future. The Italian midfielder’s contract is set to expire in June 2016.

Llorente: I Want To Play For Spain Again, But It’s Up To Del Bosque Sep 7, 2014 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has revealed his hopes of being called up to Spain’s national team again, though he admits that the decision is ultimately up to coach Vicente del Bosque. The 29-year-old was included in the tactician’s 30-man preliminary World Cup squad over the summer but was one of seven players cut from the final team that ended up in Brazil, where their poor performance earned them an early exit during the group stage of the competition. Llorente spoke to Mediaset about wanting to represent Spain and commented on Del Bosque’s choice to replace him with Barcelona youngster Munir El Haddadi. “There are a lot of players available to the coach, and I certainly have a great desire to make my return to the Spanish national team,” said the Juve man. “If he chose to call up Munir instead, however, then he definitely has a good reason for it and the player deserves to be there.”

Celtic player names son Pirlo! Sep 7, 2014 Celtic player Beram Kayal has named his first son Pirlo in a tribute to the Juventus and Italy star. The Israeli international midfielder announced the news on Twitter and Facebook. “Today I have been graced with the birth of my first child Pirlo Kayal,” he wrote. “My wife Angela and Pirlo are both doing well. It's been an emotional day, especially for my parents who have came to see the birth of their first grandchild. “I would like to thank everyone for all their support and messages. I also thank God for everything he has blessed me with and today he has blessed me with a son .

Benitez's Napoli can win Serie A - Trapattoni The veteran trainer believes the San Paolo side have the right balance in their team and can pip the likes of Juventus to the Scudetto. Sep 7, 2014 Giovanni Trapattoni is adamant that Rafael Benitez can steer Napoli to Serie A success this season. Napoli finished third in Serie A last season, a massive 24 points behind champions Juventus, and were dumped out of this year's edition of the Champions League by Athletic Bilbao in the play-off stage. But Trapattoni was impressed with the way Benitez has handled that disappointment and, although he feels Juve and Roma both have better teams, the 75-year-old is sure Napoli have enough quality to produce an upset. "Balance in football is like a spider's web – one puff of wind and it can break. I am certain Benitez's Napoli can win this Scudetto," he told Il Mattino. "Perhaps he was wise to take some time off this week, as staying would've meant going back over the same errors and lighting that fire of controversy again. "Being away is his way of saying he's got the situation in hand, everyone relax and we'll discuss it later. "Juventus and Roma are superior on paper, but the reality is always more complex than that. "Benitez has Higuain, Callejon and all those quality internationals, but football is a moment, a lapse of concentration. "My Republic of Ireland team went out of the Euros due to a mistaken throw-in at the 92nd minute." Despite giving Benitez a vote of confidence, Trapattoni feels the Napoli job is one which engulfs the coach in too much pressure. He added: "There is no patience in the south, even though it is the club with the best long-term plan that wins out. "Every time Juventus were beaten in Europe, [former Juventus president Giampiero] Boniperti would arrive and reassure us it wasn’t a tragedy, so there was no need to cry and wail over it. "We won at Juve because, unlike places such as Napoli and Roma, we did not experience those huge leaps from enthusiasm to despair. "They continue to make the clubs in southern Italy unique in the world, but can also be frightening. "You can’t win a game without being treated like a prophet or lose the next week and hear your job is hanging by a thread. "I was often called to Napoli, first as a player and then a coach. I am enchanted by the city, but the pressure created around the team can really affect performances."

Champions League should be Juventus priority - Trezeguet The Turin legend believes that Serie A should play second fiddle to the club's efforts in Europe and claims to have played a part in convincing Paul Pogba to stay. Sep 7, 2014 Former Juventus striker David Trezeguet has called on the club to prioritise Champions League success over a fourth successive Scudetto. Antonio Conte stepped down as Bianconeri boss this summer due to disagreements at board level, with former AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri stepping into his shoes. The Frenchman, who played for the Serie A giants for 11 years between 1999 and 2010, thinks that European success has to be the primary goal for a team which has dominated Italian football for three years but failed to win the top continental prize since 1996. "I would put aside the fourth consecutive league title to stake everything on a European triumph," Trezequet, 36, told Tuttosport. "Winning the Champions League gives you the knowledge that you are the strongest out there. "Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona will be their main rivals. They know how to perform at the business end of the tournament. "In Serie A, they're the favourites by far. They're a solid team, they've kept their core squad and they've strengthened. But sooner or later they'll make that leap in the Champions League, too." The current Pune City striker also claimed that he played a part in convincing compatriot Paul Pogba to stay at Juventus this summer, despite reported interest from across top European clubs. "I spoke to Pogba last season, I reminded how huge Juve are and advised to stay in Turin," he added. "He can only get better there."

Pogba On Verge Of Renewing Contract Sep 6, 2014 Juventus have reportedly offered a new contract to their young French midfielder Paul Pogba and he is ready to sign. The Bianconeri are keen to tie the player down to a new contract in an attempt to ward off interest from the big European clubs that are monitoring his development. According to Tuttosport, a three year extension that will keep him with Juventus until 2019 has been agreed on in principle and the Old Lady are ready to offer him big wages that are suitable for a ‘top player.’ The club is optimistic and believes that the player is ready to sign and are waiting for the relevant parties to formally put pen to paper. Pogba caught the eye in France’s 1-0 friendly win over Spain and was described as a ‘pure diamond’ by former Juve defender Alessio Tacchinardi. The former Manchester United player made 36 appearances for Juventus during the 2013/14 Serie A season and scored seven goals as the Bianconeri won their third successive Scudetto.

Chiellini recall was common sense - Juventus The club were criticised by Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali for taking the injured defender out of the squad but they insist it was the right decision. Sep 6, 2014 Juventus have defended their decision to recall Giorgio Chiellini from the Italy squad and questioned comments made by Gabriele Oriali. Defender Chiellini was ruled out of Tuesday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway due to a calf strain, having also missed a friendly victory over Netherlands on Thursday. Italy team manager Oriali expressed his disappointment that Juve had performed "a sudden U-turn" in not allowing Chiellini to remain with the national team until the end of the international break. Juve responded on Saturday by stating that it was common sense for Chiellini to return to Turin. "Following recent events relating to Giorgio Chiellini's release from the Italian national team, Juventus Football Club would like to reiterate its ongoing commitment to working with the FIGC [italian Football Federation], as it has done for more than a century," read a statement on the club's official website. "Yesterday's announcement regarding the player's release and the insinuating remarks made by team manager Gabriele Oriali this afternoon do not alter this position. "Our obligation to supporting the national team cannot run contrary to common sense or the rehabilitation needs of an injured player who is unavailable for the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifying match with Norway which concludes the national team's commitments."

Juve slam 'allusive' Oriali Sep 6, 2014 Juventus defended their recall of Giorgio Chiellini and criticising team manager Lele Oriali’s “allusive comments.” The centre-back was ruled out of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway by injury and at first the Italy camp stated he would remain with the squad. Today Juve changed their minds and called Chiellini back to Turin. Italy team manager Oriali said the Federation and the player were “disappointed” by the decision. “Should this sudden U-turn be seen as a Juve snub towards Conte? You can translate it any way you like...” This evening Juventus responded with a statement of their own. “After the confused issue around Giorgio Chiellini’s release from international duty, Juventus Football Club wish to reaffirm the pledge to collaborate with the Italian Federation, as it historically has done for over a century. “The statement released on the player last night and the allusive comments from the team manager, Gabriele Oriali, do not change this orientation. “We cannot enter into open contrast with common sense, nor with the recovery needs of an injured player who cannot be used for the qualifying match in Norway, the closing moment of this Nazionale get-together.”

Chiellini recall 'disappointing' Sep 6, 2014 Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali was “disappointed” Juventus recalled Giorgio Chiellini from international duty. The defender’s bruised calf muscle had ruled him out of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Norway, the first competitive test for new Coach Antonio Conte. Originally the FIGC released a statement that Chiellini would be staying with the squad in agreement with Juventus, but today he was recalled to Turin. “We’re disappointed Chiellini had to leave,” Oriali told reporters at the Coverciano training ground this afternoon. “There is a new Coach, who worked with him for three years, and knowing his methods Chiellini could’ve been of use to his teammates. “Juve changed their minds and asked for the player’s presence in Turin, so we could only accept and stick to the rules. “What was the official explanation for the change? We didn’t ask and they didn’t tell us. They wanted him back at the club base, perhaps to get him fit again quickly, although at the Nazionale we have very talented medics and physiotherapists. “Keeping Chiellini here wasn’t specifically Conte’s request, but rather an idea everyone had. “Should this sudden U-turn be seen as a Juve snub towards Conte? You can translate it any way you like... “The player was certainly disappointed not to remain in the squad and to miss out on travelling to Oslo. He feels very close to the Azzurri jersey and sets the example along with Buffon, De Rossi and Pirlo.”

Azzurri: 'No harm in Lotito presence' Sep 6, 2014 Gigi Buffon and team manager Gabriele Oriali denied Italy players “complained” about Claudio Lotito’s presence. The Lazio President accompanied the squad to Bari for Thursday’s 2-0 friendly win over the Netherlands and reportedly irritated the players by being ever-present at the side of FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio. “All I can say is that the locker room is sacred, so only people with my authorisation or that of Antonio Conte can come in. I did not receive requests to enter,” Oriali told reporters today. “I didn’t receive complaints from any players on the issue either. We are all concentrated on what we have to do, which is a lot.” Buffon was also asked about the Lotito story, which was on the front pages of all three major sports newspapers today. “I can say that, as a player, I have seen Lotito in many other events. Most recently he was at the Italy-Argentina friendly, or at Euro 2008. It’s not a surprise. “He is not someone who comes into the locker room. If a person is close to the squad and represents the institutions, I don’t see what harm it can do.”

Buffon: 'No Balotelli problem' Sep 6, 2014 Gigi Buffon denied the Italy senators have “a problem” with Mario Balotelli, but explained his view on self-discipline. The Italy and Juventus captain held a Press conference today ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway. Balotelli was surprisingly dropped for Antonio Conte’s first Italy squad, though he was also suspended against the Norwegians. “We are players and Mario is our teammate,” said the goalkeeper. “We don’t have a problem with him. “We are not so presumptuous to think we can teach someone how to act or how to live, because it’s not as if we are 50 years older. “I think there is a Coach and he decides what is best for the group. It is not our job to comment on who gets called up.” When asked about why the Italy squad needed a tough Coach like Conte in charge, Buffon looked on a wider scale. “The psychology of man and not just players could get us talking for hours. I am convinced that the moment a man or player is given too much freedom, that man will mistake it for a licence to do whatever he wants, so consequently either fails or doesn’t know how to use it. “I think players, seeing as they are still young, do not have self-discipline. It is inevitable that some Coaches will push them from the start and that probably helps. “If we think of all the ‘hard men’ of football, like Capello and Van Gaal, then they spent a lot and still won. “It is not the only path to victory, but it really helps. On the other hand, you have Carlo Ancelotti, who if it came to being a hard man would never win at all. “In terms of tactics, Conte and Arrigo Sacchi are the most focused on tactics. It is their credo and if the results don’t come, you can’t just change approach.

Buffon respects Scandinavian sides Sep 6, 2014 Italy captain Gigi Buffon has “the utmost respect for Norway” and Juventus Champions League opponents Malmo. The Azzurri travel to Norway for Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier, then the Bianconeri also travel to Scandinavia against the Swedes. “There is a lot of tradition there,” said Buffon in a Press conference. “They are very physical teams whose greatest strength is in the air, always creating a lot of problems for us. “In recent years football has become more uniform, so the Scandinavian teams play like the rest of Europe. Norway no longer have only giant centre-forwards, but quick young strikers. “There is a lot of respect for them, as we cannot afford to face any team in a superficial manner.” Giorgio Chiellini is out of the Norway game with a calf injury and had been ready to stay with the Italy squad, but today was sent back to Turin by the Juve doctors. “Is it causing a problem? No, just look at the code that was in place before: any time a player is injured and cannot play, he returns to his club.” Buffon was told he is popular in Norway, particularly for the passion he puts into the national anthem. “Many people have pointed out the way I sing the anthem. What I transmit to others at that moment is not planned or studied. “I am quite simply honoured to represent my country, especially as I know the history of my country and am emotionally involved in it.”

Buffon: 'Exactly the same Conte' Sep 6, 2014 Gigi Buffon says Antonio Conte “is exactly the same” Coach for Italy as Juventus and has high hopes for Simone Zaza. The captain spoke at a Press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Norway, as Conte made his debut on the Azzurri bench with a 2-0 friendly victory over Holland. “It was a great performance and in some respects an unexpected one, considering we came off Costa Rica and Uruguay at the World Cup,” said Buffon. “We faced a team in a friendly that after 10 minutes were a man and two goals down. It was a good test of our concentration, especially as in recent years our approach to friendlies has been dangerous. We can say we did well. “The World Cup exit was something shocking and therefore any post-match reaction could’ve gained more importance than it was meant to. “Having said that, I didn’t say anything that wasn’t founded in facts. It wasn’t a generational shift, but a way of evaluating players by real meritocracy. In the Nazionale you need the best players, regardless of their age.” Cesare Prandelli resigned after that debacle in Brazil and Conte took over, having won three consecutive Serie A titles at Juventus. “There are many analogies with his first day at Juve and at the Nazionale,” agreed Buffon. “He is the same Conte who stayed for three years and he continues to express his concepts of football in a way that makes him unique and special. “There are eras that have to end, or not give the same results or the same enthusiasm they did before. If the Coach made that decision, it’s because he realised something had changed and we were going into more difficulties. “I repeat with great strength that if we have Conte here, it’s because he has absolute conviction we can achieve something extraordinary. He is so mature and such a professional that he won’t go into an adventure unless he believes in it 100 per cent.” Zaza and Ciro Immobile impressed in their first game together against Holland and could also be used in Norway on Tuesday. “For those of us who have represented Italy for many years it is a pleasure to see the humility and hard work the young players put in, even when they ask you advice. “Often young people today think they know it all, don’t need any advice or help. And yet it is good for them to stretch themselves. We’ve been there, De Rossi, Pirlo and Chiellini, when we were young. “I am not surprised by Zaza’s success, as I’ve always really liked him as a player, even when facing him as an opponent. “I think only we are capable of ruining a talent like this, so we have to look after him as much as possible over two or three World Cups or Euros.” Buffon was asked about the potential rules to clamp down on foreign imports in Serie A, B and Lega Pro. “It’s not a question of quantity, but quality. There are debates on the quality of someone playing in the place of an Italian. That is bad for our football if we cannot allow new talent to flourish. “As for reforms, I think something has to be changed. If we horribly failed in two consecutive World Cups and do not have that pool of talent we had in the past, it means something is wrong. “I think we should help the maturation of Italian talents in the youth academies, putting some limitations on who to play in the starting XI.

Chiellini leaves Italy camp Sep 6, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini has returned to Turin on the orders of Juventus after picking up an injury with Italy. The defender was ruled out of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway with a bruised calf muscle, but the FIGC had stated he’d remain with the squad. However, today Chiellini was called back to Turin by Juventus, who want their doctors to take care of him. Claudio Marchisio has already left the Italy training camp in Coverciano, near Florence, because he is suspended for the Norway game.

Pogba is the new Zidane, says Tacchinardi The Juventus icon believes that he is swiftly becoming the best midfielder in football and says it will be a "miracle" if the Scudetto holders continue to keep hold of him. Sep 6, 2014 Paul Pogba is a "pure diamond" of a player and is built in the mould of Juventus and France legend Zinedine Zidane, according to Alessio Tacchinardi. The 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength in Turin since his free transfer from Manchester United two years ago, winning back-to-back Scudetti under Antonio Conte's tutelage. Tacchinardi, who won 17 trophies during his time at Juventus, believes he is one of the few players of the planet who can make the difficult look infinitely easy and suggested that "the age of Pogba" will dawn in the coming seasons. "Pogba is a pure diamond," he told Corriere dello Sport. "He has grown up to become a devastating player. Ever since his first Juve game, I thought he was an extraordinary player. "He has the ability to make the very complex appear so simple, dissolving tricky situations. Before watching Pogba, I had only observed four people with whom I had played like that: Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal, Zinedine Zidane and Alessandro Del Piero at Juventus, and Francesco Totti for Italy. "There are some midfielders who define an era. This will be the age of Pogba, he is the prototype central midfielder that any coach would want as he can play offensively or defensively." Tacchinardi also ridiculed how Manchester United could let a player of such obvious talent leave, after the player fell out with the club over a lack of playing time and what he saw as being undervalued. "It's absurd," he added. "Certain talents are just innate. Congratulations to Juve chief Giuseppe Marotta who bagged him on a free transfer. "He would have exploded anywhere but the environment at Juve certainly helped." Juventus were forced to fend off numerous suitors to hold on to him over the past few months, if reports are to be believed, and Tacchinardi confessed he was stunned that new coach Massimiliano Allegri kept hold of the Frenchman. "Keeping him this summer was a miracle," the former defensive midfielder added. "But keeping him for a long time would be an even bigger miracle. "Juventus are perfect for him, but some clubs in Europe can offer absurd wages. I think someone like Paul Pogba is worth at least €80 million, but whoever signs him has their midfield sorted for a decade or more."

Pogba: Conte can bring nastiness to Italy The France star is confident his former coach is the right man to lead his country forward and has praised the "unique potential" of team-mate Kingsley Coman. Sep 6, 2014 Juventus and France star Paul Pogba believes Antonio Conte will restore a "nastiness" to Italy that will make them tough to beat. The midfielder enjoyed back-to-back Scudetto successes under Conte before he stepped down as Juve boss to succeed Cesare Prandelli with the national team this summer. Conte's reign got off to the perfect start as they beat Netherlands 2-0 in a friendly in midweek and Pogba is confident the Azzurri will benefit from the former midfielder's tenacious approach. "Conte can give Italy the right nastiness. He is a special tactician and a person who works very hard," he was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. Pogba was at the heart of France's 1-0 win over Spain and he admitted he was thrilled to record a first-ever victory over the European champions. "I finally beat Spain. It had never happened, not even at youth level," he said. "It's a success for the fans. The group is progressing, there is always a good spirit and we feel better." Pogba also had high praise for compatriot Kingsley Coman, who joined Juve from Paris Saint-Germain over the summer. "Coman? He's a fantastic player who has a unique potential that few possess. He will give a positive thing to Juve. Juve will do great things with [Massimiliano] Allegri," the 21-year-old added.