Socrates

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.

Marchisio Withdraws From Italy Squad Ahead Of Match Against Norway Sep 5, 2014 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has withdrawn from the Italy squad ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway as the Bianconeri player is out through suspension. Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci revealed that the 28-year-old was suffering from a fever in the 2-0 friendly win against the Netherlands, but the Juve man has returned back to Turin due to the ban. “Marchisio has returned home because he is suspended – even though he had a fever, it would not have prevented him playing,” the team’s chief doctor stated as reported by Corriere dello Sport. Marchisio played 63 minutes in the Azzurri’s debut under Antonio Conte before being replaced by Marco Verratti. The Turin native registered four goals in 43 appearances for the Bianconeri last season.

Chiellini out of Norway clash Sep 5, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini has been ruled out of Italy’s opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway through injury. The defender picked up a minor complaint in his left calf three days ago and today underwent a scan to ascertain his availability for Tuesday’s qualifying clash in Oslo. The Italian Football Federation have confirmed in a statement that the scan showed no sign of improvement. After meeting with Antonio Conte and in agreement with Juventus, the decision has been made to count the defender out of next week’s match. Chiellini, however, will remain with the Italy squad for the duration of their training programme and begin planned treatment on his injury, in an agreement set between Italy and Juve’s medical staff.

Italy: SES optimism, Chiellini caution Sep 5, 2014 Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci is optimistic for Stephan El Shaarawy’s return to fitness, but casts doubt on Giorgio Chiellini. The duo skipped the Azzurri’s debut under Antonio Conte against the Netherlands last night, as a precautionary measure for respective issues picked up in training. For the team’s chief medic, it is still mixed news on whether both can return in time for next week’s match in Oslo against Norway - the start of Euro 2016 qualifying. “El Shaarawy has had a minor ankle sprain, nothing serious - in recent days he had an worsening of pain so as a precaution we rested him,” Castellacci has explained to reporters today. “Yesterday evening after the game he has moved quite well, today he will work differently and if he responds well, he could be included back with the group.” On Chiellini, Castellacci is more cautious. “He has a minor swelling of the calf, he has had two days off and is a bit better. In the afternoon there will be an MRI - the damage is very minor, but it is in a delicate place. “After the tests today with the Coach and the player we will decide on what to do. “Three days ago I told you that there was minimal damage and it was not a major concern - given the delicate position and previous instances, we must be careful and consider thoroughly what to do. “Each athlete must be evaluated for their past.”

Marrone suffers thigh strain Sep 5, 2014 Juventus midfielder Luca Marrone missed training today and has since been diagnosed as having suffered a thigh strain. The 24-year-old missed today’s workout and, in undergoing tests, has been confirmed by the Bianconeri as having suffered a first-to-second-degree strain of the rectus femoris muscle in his left thigh. Further examinations will be carried out in the upcoming days to assess the gravity of the injury, and the estimated recovery time – a subject that has not been assessed yet.

Barzagli: Roma most formidable Sep 5, 2014 Andrea Barzagli lists Roma s the ‘most formidable’ title challenger, as he outlines Juventus’ Champions League hopes. The Bianconeri are seen as facing a tougher challenge this season to retain their League crown and Barzagli admits the competition looks stronger, in particular from the capital. “Roma have had a great market, they already had a great season last year, they have a strong squad, so surely they are the most formidable team,” the 33-year-old has told JTV today. “Then others have also strengthened, Inter have signed some important players, also experienced, Napoli have undertaken their usual market, Milan have turned over their squad and with the arrival of Inzaghi can have a great season. “Let’s say there is no-one to be underestimated, though, because in the Italian League there can always be something new, as we were three years ago, when no-one expected us to win the Scudetto. “Verona last year had a great season, Lazio this year have also had a great market, but we will see, during the season we will really understand the situation - I cannot say now who might be the surprise.” In a question and answer session with fans, Barzagli also discussed Juve’s hopes of improving in the Champions League this term. “What we hope for is to at least progress to the next stage. Last year was a big disappointment for all, especially in the Champions League two years ago when we were on a good path and it was ended against Bayern, who then went on to win the competition. “Certainly we hope to do better, we want to do better and now we have to have the mentality to progress. However, it will not be easy because the Champions League is always a very tough competition. “Juve’s draw? Certainly there are trickier teams, whilst even last year it looked like a comfortable group, but in European competition you cannot trust a team that on paper may seem beneath you.”

Barzagli: Back four no issue Sep 5, 2014 Andrea Barzagli admits that Juventus have done very well with a back three, but says there’s no issue if Max Allegri switches to a four-man defence. The club have been working to both formations this summer, with it widely seen that over time their new Coach will implement a switch back to four defenders. For one of the side’s regulars over the past three years, in which predominantly play has been in a 3-5-2 formation, such a change is not an upheaval. “I start from the premise - every player on our team, every defender, began their career in a back four and had always played in a back four,” Barzagli has explained in a question and answer session with JTV. “In the last two-three years we moved to a back three and certainly there were significant results, we enjoyed it, it definitely enhances our characteristics very well. “But I always value a defence that is made from defensive organisations, and then, beyond the three, beyond the four, it is a little the responsibility of the whole team to defend. “Then there are individual duels and there are individual mistakes that you can come across in both a three man and four man defence. “Certainly the back three has made the most of our characteristics, but we all developed with a back four and there are no problems in introducing it.” The defender also reflected on Max Allegri’s first impressions at Juve, since coming in as Antonio Conte’s replacement this summer. “I rate him very highly, we have started on the right foot, as we have seen from last Saturday. It remains the same Juve, there is a great desire to win again, to prove ourselves and it is the one thing that matters most. “We have a new Coach, who definitely brings new ideas and we can only do well. It is important that as players the desire and hunger to win something again remains.” Barzagli is currently recovering from a foot injury that required surgery in July and reflected on an anticipated return shortly. “I hope soon. Honestly, things are going well, we are shortening by a little the time that was originally expected. I have begun to do things with the rest of the team, so I am confident. “It still can’t be said that I am ready, but, shortly, I think I’m almost there. “Not an easy recovery? It was an operation done to the heel bone, so it is not to be underestimated. Consequently, the recovery time has been a little longer. “Though things are gong well, we are monitoring it day to day, the important thing being that the response is always everything is fine. “Is there the desire to return to playing? There is a lot, especially because I have suffered greatly watching from the outside my teammates and the team play, and I hope to return as soon as possible to the group.”

Argentina to recall Tevez? Sep 5, 2014 The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is suggesting Juventus star Carlos Tevez could be recalled to the Argentina squad. The forward hasn’t played for his country since 2011 after being ignored by previous boss Alejandro Sabella. However, according to the pink daily today, new Coach Gerardo Martino is monitoring the Serie A based striker with a view of selecting him in October. The former Manchester United and City ace has scored 13 goals in 64 caps for his country. He was a revelation at Juventus last season following his summer arrival thanks to his 19 goals in 34 League appearances.