Socrates

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Withdraws From Italy Squad Ahead Of Match Against Norway Sep 5, 2014 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has withdrawn from the Italy squad ahead of Tuesday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway as the Bianconeri player is out through suspension.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.

Barzagli: Juventus not on the same level as Europe's elite The defender says that the Bianconeri cannot compete financially with the continent's top teams and says that they should thus follow the example of Atletico Madrid. Sep 5, 2014 Andrea Barzagli has admitted that Juventus are not on the same level as Europe's elite but insisted that they can still allow themselves to dream of winning the Champions League. The Bianconeri were dumped out in the group stage of last season's tournament but the Italy defender has taken great encouragement out of Atletico Madrid's campaign. The Rojiblancos do not have anything like the same budget as the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, yet they managed to reach the final of the Champions League and win La Liga. "Not getting out of the group last year represented a huge disappointment," Barzagli told JTV's 'Filo Diretto'. "Now We're hoping to do better and at least get through to the next round. "It will not be easy. The Champions League is tough and the gap between the top European clubs remains, given the investment that they have made. "We're not on the same level but we can follow the example of Atletico Madrid, who were a minute from being champions of Europe last season. "Therefore, we can also dream." While Juventus have struggled in Europe, they have had no such problems in Italy and are currently bidding to win a fourth successive Serie A title. However, even though the Bianconeri opened with a 1-0 win at Chievo, Barzagli is taking nothing for granted, particularly having watched last season's runners-up, Roma, kick off their 2014-15 campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Fiorentina. "Roma is fresh from a great campaign and they have already had a good result," the defender mused. "They're the most formidable opponent. "Inter have signed experienced players. Napoli also had a good transfer market. "Milan can do well with Inzaghi and they have strengthened the squad a little. "Lazio also had a great market, so we cannot underestimate anyone." Barzagli, who joined Juve from Wolfsburg in 2011, is currently out injured but is expected to return to action in October.

Juventus cannot compete with big guns, says Allegri The former AC Milan boss believes the Serie A titleholders lack the financial resources to get the players they want, but is nonetheless happy with his current squad. Sep 4, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has admitted that Juventus cannot compete with Europe's elite clubs in the transfer market, after the Italian champions failed to lure any high-profile names to Turin this summer. The Bianconeri were linked with players such as Toni Kroos, Radamel Falcao and Alexis Sanchez over the past few months but, in the end, their most noteworthy addition was Alvaro Morata, who arrived from Real Madrid for €20 million. Allegri insists that he is happy with the strength of his squad but conceded that some players are simply out of Juve's reach. "I had an agreement with the club that we would only strengthen the team with players who could really add something," Allegri told reporters. "We eventually didn't sign anyone else, but that wasn't because we didn't want to strengthen. It's because there are big clubs out there with a different budget than Juventus. "It's enough to look at what clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United have done this summer. "It would not have added anything if we'd signed players we wouldn't have used. I am convinced that we already have a good squad to do well in the Champions League."

Allegri: Falcao would not have improved Juventus squad The Bianconeri were reportedly keen on signing the Colombia international but the Bianconeri boss insists that he was not disappointed to see him end up at Manchester United. Sep 3, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri has suggested that Juventus did not sign Radamel Falcao because they did not feel he would have improved their squad. The Bianconeri were heavily linked with a move for the Colombia international but he instead joined Manchester United on deadline day, with the Premier League outfit reportedly agreeing to pay Monaco over €12 million for the right to take the striker on loan for one season, with the right to buy the player outright next summer. When asked if he was disappointed by Juve's failure to sign Falcao, Allegri replied: "No, I feel that the directors have worked well. "The aim was to carry out targeted operations, not to buy just for the sake of buying. Ours was an intelligent transfer market. "We would have only done something more if we had found a player that would have really lifted the level of the squad. "Otherwise, buying for the sake of buying is useless. Juventus have already shown themselves to have a very competitive squad." Coincidentally, United were also reportedly intent on luring Bianconeri midfielder Arturo Vidal to Old Trafford but Allegri insists that there was no chance of the Chilean leaving Turin this summer. "He was never on the market," the former Milan boss stated. "The club told me from the start that he would stay. "We have maintained a good squad, with a lot of great acquisitions." Juve kicked off the defence of their Serie A title with a 1-0 win at Chievo last weekend.

Juventus mark Scirea passing Sep 3, 2014 Juventus are today marking 25 years since the passing of former defender and Italy international Gaetano Scirea. The centre-back enjoyed a decorated 14-year playing career with the Old Lady, winning 14 major honours at club level including seven Scudetti, the UEFA Cup and the European Cup. Scirea also represented Italy 78 times and was part of the team that finished fourth in the 1978 World Cup and that went on to lift the 1982 World Cup. Upon retiring in 1988, Scirea took up a position as a scout for Juventus, but tragedy struck just a year later when, on a scouting trip to Poland, the 36-year-old was killed in a car accident. Juventus are today marking exactly 25 years since his untimely passing.

Chelsea, Manchester United And Real Madrid Prepare For Pogba Fight Sep 3, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba may be the subject of a bidding war next summer, as the player attempts to win his third consecutive Serie A title. The French international attracted no official bids in the 2014 summer transfer window, but the Bianconeri are aware of at least four clubs who are heavily interested in the player. L’Equipe report that Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all shortlisted the 21-year-old as a potential recruit for next season. Pogba recently renewed his Juventus contract until 2019, which would drive his market value up even more should a bid arrive in a future window. The former Manchester United player scored seven league goals during last season’s campaign.

Llorente: I Have No Plans To Leave Juventus Sep 3, 2014 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has revealed that he’s happy in Turin and currently has no intentions of leaving the Old Lady in the near future. The 29-year-old, who scored 16 goals and provided five assists in his 34 Serie A appearances during his debut season in Italy last term, was thought to be on the verge of making his exit from the Bianconeri this summer in order to fund a move for Radamel Falcao, but he insists that everything is going fine at Juve and claims he has no desire to play elsewhere. Llorente spoke to Marca about his current situation at Juventus and his future with the club, while also commenting on his team’s biggest competition in the league this season. “It’s an exciting season, the league will be very difficult this year,” said the Spaniard. “Roma have become even more reinforced, while other teams like Napoli, AC Milan, Inter and Fiorentina are teams that will keep fighting for top positions. “At the moment I’m doing very well in Turin. I don’t know what could happen in the future, but I currently have no plans to leave Juventus.”

Remembering Scirea, Juve's sweeper supreme Sep 3, 2014 Calcio had long been crammed with defensive hardmen. Luis Monti, Giorgio Ferrini, Tarcisio Burgnich, Claudio Gentile, Fulvio Collovati shook fear into opponents, while Italy had infamously engaged in wars such as ‘The Battle of Highbury’ and ‘The Battle of Santiago’. Juventus recruited its latest brute in 1973. They called him Claudio Gentile. He was anything but gentile, the Italian word for ‘gentle’, crunching foes ruthlessly and regularly. The following year La Vecchia Signora signed a beauty to accompany its beast. Gaetano Scirea, whom they lured from Atalanta, would become one of the classiest footballers in history. A sweeper who read the game impeccably, possessed the touch of a trequartista and sauntered effortlessly into midfield to launch attacks. The Lombardy native began 1974/75 on the Bianconeri bench but was quickly promoted to the starting XI. Juventus kept a clean sheet on his debut against Varese, and would only concede one goal in Scirea’s first seven Serie A games. The Turin heavyweights finished the season as champions. It was the first of seven Scudetti Scirea would seize during 14 years as a Juve player, during which time he made 552 appearances – a record that lasted until broken by Alessandro Del Piero decades later. Scirea also remains one of only five men to have won the Intercontinental Cup, European Cup/UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, alongside Antonio Cabrini, Sergio Brio, Stefano Tacconi and Danny Blind. Scirea also excelled for Italy, winning 78 caps and playing an indispensable role in their 1982 FIFA World Cup™ triumph. Remarkably, in around 700 professional appearances, he never once received a red card. “He was one of the greatest players in history,” recalled Dino Zoff, his long-time Juventus and Italy team-mate. “The most graceful player I have ever seen. He had the skill of a playmaker. He could do everything. There will never be another of his kind.” Scirea quit playing in 1988 but didn’t quit his beloved Juventus, assuming the role of club scout. Twenty-five years ago to this Wednesday, while checking out upcoming opponents Gornik Zabrze in Poland, he was tragically killed in a car accident. Scirea’s life may have spanned only 36 years, but his legend will live on infinitely.

Allegri: 'No Falcao disappointment' Sep 3, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri is “not disappointed” by the Juventus transfer session or their failure to sign Radamel Falcao. The Coach spoke to reporters at the UEFA Elite Forum get-together of tacticians. “Am I disappointed at not getting Falcao? No,” shrugged Allegri. Monaco loaned Falcao to Manchester United on transfer deadline day after a lengthy medical. “We worked well, with targeted operations, without buying just for the sake of buying. If we had found the player truly capable of helping the team make a step up in quality, then ok, otherwise there’s no point when we already have such a strong squad. “Young players? I’ve always allowed them to play in my teams. It’s even better if they find space with the national side, but that’s Antonio Conte’s issue to deal with and not mine.” Allegri was also asked whether the Champions League was a genuine target for Juve this season. “First let’s focus on the group stage and reaching the last 16...”

Llorente: Juve, then Spain Sep 3, 2014 Fernando Llorente is prioritising work with Juventus, believing that any return to the Spain squad would only come as the result of that. The striker is again out of Vicente del Bosque’s selection for La Roja’s games this international break with France and Macedonia, but does not believe a change in scenery would address his absence. “At the moment I am very happy in Turin,” Llorente has told Marca this week. “In the future I do not know what will happen, but for now I have no intention of leaving Juve. I have had a week with flu, without being able to train. “I am working so as to do well with Juve, whilst the national team would be a reward that would follow on from that. “We are facing an exciting season - the League this year will be very difficult. Roma are reinforced, whilst other teams like Napoli, Milan, inter and Fiorentina are teams that will fight for the top positions, and they are not easy to deal with. “The goal for us is always the Scudetto - it is important to win. And there is the Champions League - the group is difficult, and [Atletico Madrid’s] Vicente Calderon and that at Olympiacos are difficult stadiums, whilst Malmo are the lesser-known opponent. “With Simeone, Atletico in recent years have played as a complete team. They are the most dangerous.”

Buffon: Conte a perfectionist Sep 3, 2014 Gigi Buffon considers Antonio Conte the right man at the right time for Italy, and says work is similar to how it was at Juventus. The 45-year-old is overseeing a first week of work with the Azzurri squad since taking over on the bench in place of Cesare Prandelli. For Italy’s captain, who up until the start of pre-season was working with Conte at Juventus, the transition is going well. “The Coach is a perfectionist, a Coach and a man who believes in discipline and rules,” Buffon has told reporters in Florence, in picking up the 2014 Nereo Rocco Award. “In a time in history like this I think he was the only one who in a short time could have the strength to drag us back up. “I see him as we saw him at Juve - very clear ideas, transmitting concepts without any possibility of being misunderstood. “I believe that our players need this type of guidance. I see him as really well, calm, energetic, at the right place.”

Injured Chiellini to miss Netherlands clash The Italy defender will not be fit for the high-profile friendly after suffering a calf problem during a training session on Tuesday. Sep 2, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini will miss Italy's clash with Netherlands on Thursday due to a calf problem. The Juventus star limped out of a training session on Tuesday with a swollen calf and Italy's team doctor Enrico Castellacci subsequently confirmed he will not be risked for the friendly match in Bari. Antonio Conte's side are still hopeful the 30-year-old can feature in Italy's opening Euro 2016 qualifying clash against Norway next Tuesday. "Chiellini has some pain in his left calf," Castellacci said. "This morning we performed an ultrasound that showed some swelling. "There's no damage to the muscle fibres, but just fatigue. He will miss the match on Thursday. We will try and help him recover for Tuesday." Italy had earlier confirmed that Inter forward Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (hamstring) and Parma defender Gabriel Paletta (back) will also miss out through injury. Elsewhere, Stephan El Shaarawy is delighted to be back playing after missing almost all of the 2013-14 campaign through injury. The AC Milan forward has thanked club boss Filippo Inzaghi and new Italy coach Conte for retaining confidence in his ability. "I'm glad to be back playing," he said. "I'm feeling really good, physically. "Inzaghi and Conte have given me so much. I hope to repay their confidence. They have both made me understand that I have ability to do well. "Both are motivators and can express what they want to the group." Conte is set to take charge of Italy for the first time since being named as Cesare Prandelli's successor last month.

É vero. @@ 25 anni fa se ne andava un campione la cui statura morale sarebbe servita al calcio: Gaetano #Scirea, uomo con la #Juve e l'Azzurro nel cuore https://twitter.com/OfficialAllegri

Juventus submit 26-man squad list for Champions League group stage Sep 2, 2014 If you wanted to be shocked by who Juventus put on their Champions League squad list for the group stages, maybe you should go back to previous years and see who they were signing checks to. This year, though, won't shock you. It probably won't even make you think somebody got snubbed. The complete list, courtesy of juventus.com: Juventus have today submitted a 26-man squad for this season's Champions League group stages to UEFA. Here is the list in full: 1 Buffon 2 Romulo 3 Chiellini 4 Caceres 5 Ogbonna 6 Pogba 7 Pepe 8 Marchisio 9 Morata 10 Tevez 11 Coman 12 Giovinco 14 Llorente 15 Barzagli 19 Bonucci 20 Padoin 21 Pirlo 22 Asamoah 23 Vidal 26 Lichtsteiner 30 Storari 33 Evra 34 Rubinho 37 Pereyra 38 Mattiello 39 Marrone Unless you were expecting everybody's favorite outcast, Marco Motta, to be there, it's not like there are any kind of major surprises on the list above. Out of the 26 players named to the squad, there's just one primavera player included in the list, Federico Mattiello. Of course, the 19-year-old's inclusion in actual match day squads will be dependent on who is or isn't healthy in the midfield. So if you see Mattiello in for say, Andrea Pirlo, on the squad call-ups list (no, not the starting lineup) when Juventus open their Champions League campaign on Sept. 16 against Malmö at Juventus Stadium, then that's what he's there for. Other than that, though, it's just atatus quo. Max Allegri pretty much named who everybody expected him to. How boring.

http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/Itemid,3,/action,viewer/page,3/articleid,1319_02_1989_0234_0003_19344878/

BRADY: il fascino discreto della regia Irlandese, carattere di ferro, William Brady è stato il primo straniero della Juventus dopo la riapertura delle frontiere. Regista di grande efficacia, non faticò a prendere in mano le redini del gioco bianconero, portando la squadra di Trapattoni all'exploit di due scudetti consecutivi. Giocatore pratico ed efficace, nemico dei fronzoli eppure dotato di classe superiore, dopo due anni fu sacrificato al "gran colpo" di Gianni Agnelli, l'ingaggio di Michel Platini. Già consapevole di essere al passo d'addio, confermò la propria professionalità trasformando con freddezza lo storico rigore contro il Catanzaro all'ultima giornata che diede lo scudetto ai bianconeri sulla Fiorentina. Mentre la Juve apriva un nuovo ciclo (senza peraltro più vincere due titoli di seguito), William Brady trovava gloria a Genova, sponda blucerchiata, determinando il salto di qualità voluto dal presidente Paolo Mantovani. Insieme a Trevor Francis formò la coppia britannica della Sampdoria neopromossa, guidata da Ulivieri allo stabile ritorno nella massima serie. L'ottimo rendimento gli valse la chiamata di Ernesto Pellegrini, neo presidente dell'Inter, deciso ad avviare col botto la propria avventura nerazzurra e alla ricerca di una mente capace di armare il formidabile "braccio" ingaggiato in Germania: Karl Heinz Rummenigge. L'accoppiata funzionò a corrente alternata, specie per i guai fisici del biondo fuoriclasse teutonico, e dopo due anni, in mancanza di successi, Brady venne considerato al capolinea. Si accasò all'Ascoli, ma non fini la stagione: se ne andò l'11 marzo 1987. dopo aver chiesto la risoluzione del contratto (a salvezza ormai conseguita), per divergenze con i dirigenti. Si accasò al West Ham e ancora per un paio di stagioni rappresentò la bandiera dell'Eire, il pilastro imprescindibile dei verdi di Jack Charlton, dove disputerà ben 79 incontri in 15 anni. Terminata la carriera agonistica, ha tentato senza successo quella di allenatore prima di essere recentemente richiamato come vice di Trapattoni nella sua verde Irlanda. Dal 2 luglio 1996 ricopre la carica di direttore del settore giovanile dell'Arsenal. da Storie di calcio

ALTAFINI: il coniglio con il fiuto del gol Una carriera straordinaria, per qualità e longevità. Altafini ha poco meno di vent'anni quando partecipa al Mondiale 1958, che rivela al mondo Pelé. In patria lo chiamano "Mazzola", anzi, "Mazola", per la somiglianza fisica con Valentino Mazzola, eroe del Grande Torino. Centravanti, gioca le prime partite, poi Feola gli preferisce il più stagionato Vavà e vince il titolo. In compenso, per "Mazola" arriva l'ingaggio del Milan. Recupera il proprio cognome ed esplode in campo come una bomba: 28 reti in 32 partite, il Milan di Schiaffino e del "baby" Rivera vince lo scudetto. Fa il bis nel 1962 e l'anno dopo a Wembley è la prima squadra italiana a conquistare la Coppa dei Campioni. José è il capocannoniere (14 reti, un primato) e segna entrambi i gol con cui il Milan rimonta la rete iniziale di Eusebio. Tecnicamente eccezionale, vigoroso quanto basta, ha un senso del gol micidiale, anche se il direttore tecnico rossonero Viani lo chiama "coniglio" per via della cautela con cui nelle aree infuocate si cura di preservare integre le proprie preziose estremità. Il rapporto si guasta nel 1964-65, quando dopo un lungo braccio di ferro torna dal Brasile in inverno, in tempo per... far perdere ai suoi uno scudetto virtualmente già conquistato al termine dell'andata (a sorpresa vince l'Inter). La Juventus farebbe carte false per averlo, ma il Milan non vuole cederlo alla diretta concorrenza. Con il trasferimento dell'anno (110 milioni) va allora al Napoli, dove vive splendide stagioni assieme a Sivori, vincendo tuttavia solo una Coppa delle Alpi. Il colpo di scena nel 1972: a 34 anni lo ingaggia la Juventus, trasformandolo in un mortifero centravanti part time, che gioca da punta arretrata. Conquista due scudetti e due secondi posti e solo a 38 anni si arrende all'età, per emigrare in Svizzera dove chiude la carriera, per poi diventare commentatore televisivo. È stato uno dei più grandi attaccanti della storia del calcio italiano. da Storie di calcio