Socrates

On Paul Pogba's rumored contract extension Aug 24, 2014 It is no secret that Juve's two biggest commodities are Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal. Sure, Juventus has plenty of other players that will fetch the club a lot of money, but the two central midfielders have the most value in the whole squad. Vidal has been the subject of much speculation for the last little while, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich rumored to be interested in the player. Our director sportivo, Beppe Marotta, has been quoted saying the same things over and over again: "Vidal will only be sold he asks to leave." More recently, Marotta said the following in case a player requested a move: "Obviously there are also some timing issues to fulfill such a request." Curiously, as far as I know, Marotta has said little about the club getting fair remuneration if a player asked to leave. While the Roma camp go out and put a €100 million price tag on Kevin Strootman, Juventus have never been caught saying that Vidal is worth X amount of dollars or euros. It has always been about the player's desire to move, not about the club making a profit. The Ciro Immobile transfer showed that Marotta meant the statements above. Immobile found a club he wanted to play for and Juventus and Torino were keen on cashing in on the Naples native; a win-win-win if you will. The timing of the operation was right, although if Immobile did more at the World Cup, Juventus would have looked foolish. However, just like with the Vidal case, Marotta didn't offer the player to the highest suitor. Actually, there was no highest suitor because Marotta didn't seem bothered to start a bidding war for the Cappocannoniere of the 2013-14 season. At this point you may be asking, how does this relate to Pogba? Pogba is arguably the biggest asset at Juventus. You know that, I know that, Pogba knows that, Raiola knows that, and the management knows that. You know who also knows? Every soccer club on the face of the earth. Of course, the value of this asset decreases as his contract gets closer to its expiry date and that is where the issue lies. If sold this summer, Pogba could have fetched a nice sum, next summer things may be different. If a bidding war starts Juventus can get a lot of money. If however, Pogba is set on joining one club and one club only, our biggest prize can be walking out the door for pennies on the dollar. With that being said, am I happy Pogba is staying for the season? You bet! But I will be elated the moment he signs that extension. Take home message here is :Juventus wants Pogba to renew. Pogba is a smart kid, and he knows that at this moment his destiny is in his hands. One more year at Juve can only be helpful, and after that, forcing a transfer or waiting another year and moving for free will allow him all the freedom in the world. Pogba is also ambitious, and I think he sees that he has won everything at Juventus that he can win with the club. Whether that is true or not is a matter for another time. So from his point of view why should he sign an extension? More money? He knows that in five years he'll be making more than he can count. More playing time? Juventus are not going to bench him even if he doesn't sign an extension. There is really little driving force to sign a contract extension if he has decided that his chances of getting what he really wants, that is trophies and not money, lies elsewhere. Take home message here is: Pogba may not be very interested in signing an extension if it means he is shackled to a club he doesn't want to be part of anymore. So maybe Beppe's reassurances to Vidal over the last few months have been aimed at Pogba, and not at the Chilean. After all, Vidal has stated time and again that he wants to remain in Turin and his contract until 2017 a few months ago are a testament to this. Juventus are essentially saying to Pogba sign the contract extension, we will pay you as much as we can (over €4 million allegedly) and when you are ready to go, we won't hold you back. We ask that the move is done with reasonable timing but that's it. You are free to go when you want to. So why not hold out for an astronomical transfer fee once his contract is extended? Because Mino Raiola is his agent. The moment Pogba requests to leave, Mino will ensure the biggest splash is made on the transfer market. While Marotta has never put a price to any of Juve's players Raiola has not been as coy. Among other things, he has said that Pogba is worth twice as much as Bale. If Juventus get what Totthenham got for Bale, I will learn to live without the Frenchman. I never thought Pogba would stay at Juve and become a legend with our club. His move from Manchester to Juventus showed that the player is hungry for success and trophies. Pogba will surely move when trophies dry out, or when he is unable to play the big games in Europe year in and year out. I am okay with this, but the club needs a big pay day when young Paul does say his goodbyes. If Marotta needs to reassure the player in any way, shape or form, no matter how weak he looks, I'm all up for it.

TIM: Pereyra revives Juve Aug 23, 2014 Roberto Pereyra gave Juventus a hard-fought 1-0 win over Sassuolo in the Trofeo TIM mini-match. The Bianconeri were straight back in action after losing the opener 1-0 to Milan, but this was the first game of the night for hosts Sassuolo. The tournament awards three points for a win in 45 minutes, two for a victory on penalties and one for a shoot-out defeat. It was an important night for Francesco Acerbi, who is ready to play again after beating cancer twice in a year. Giorgio Chiellini was twice decisive on Jasmin Kurtic after a hole developed in the back four, while Rubinho did well to smother a Raman Chibsah effort from a corner. Ex-Udinese man Roberto Pereyra drilled wide from a promising position and Romulo’s attempt was deflected off target, while a Kwadwo Asamoah cross-shot flew past everyone. Juventus had a great chance on 36 minutes when Alessandro Longhi failed to cut out a cross for Simone Pepe at the back post, but Ciro Polito reacted quickly to parry from point-blank range. Pepe wasted a golden opportunity soon after, as Martin Caceres and Romulo combined to set him up from 10 yards, but the unmarked veteran hit a fresh-air shot. Juve finally broke through with only 120 seconds left in this mini-match. A low cross was deflected, turning it into an assist for Pereyra, who was quick to react and toe-poke in from eight yards. Sassuolo 0-1 Juventus Scorers: Pereyra 43 (J) Sassuolo: Polito; Cannavaro, Terranova, Acerbi, Longhi; Brighi, Chibsah (Magnanelli 30), Kurtic; Sereni (Berardi 30), Pavoletti, Floro Flores Juventus: Rubinho; Romulo, Marrone, Chiellini, Caceres; Mattiello, Padoin, Asamoah; Pepe, Pereyra; Vitale

TIM: Milan beat Allegri's Juve Aug 23, 2014 Keisuke Honda gave Milan a surprise 1-0 win over Juventus in the opening Trofeo TIM mini-match. This is a traditional pre-season tournament with three 45-minute games. They get three points for a victory, two for a win on penalties and one for losing a shoot-out. The first match was the biggest and also gave Allegri his first opportunity to face former club Milan, who were still smarting from Mario Balotelli’s sale to Liverpool. Milan had a very aggressive start with Andrea Poli and Jeremy Menez efforts charged down in quick succession. Paul Pogba hit a weak effort straight at Diego Lopez and Patrice Evra crucially stopped Keisuke Honda tapping in on the counter. Sulley Muntari wasted a golden opportunity when pouncing on a Leonardo Bonucci howler, as he ballooned the half-volley high and wide. Diego Lopez did well to save from point-blank range until Sebastian Giovinco wandered offside in a chaotic move. Milan eventually broke through when Mattia De Sciglio burst down the left and pulled back for Honda’s well-taken strike from 12 yards. Honda also curled a free kick just over the bar, while at the other end Giovinco just failed to get a touch to Pogba’s assist from close range. This victory gives Milan three points. It also means the next game in the Trofeo TIM this evening will be between Juventus and hosts Sassuolo. Juventus 0-1 Milan Scorers: Honda 30 (M) Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra; Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba; Marchisio, Tevez, Giovinco Milan: Diego Lopez; Abate, Alex, Bonera, De Sciglio; Poli, Muntari, Essien; Honda, Pazzini, Menez

Allegri: Vidal's return the most important thing The Chile international, who has been heavily linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford, featured in Saturday's 45-minute friendly defeat to AC Milan. Aug 23, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri was a happy man after seeing Arturo Vidal don a Juventus shirt for the first time since being linked with Manchester United. The Chile midfielder has not featured at all during pre-season, with the midfielder having been afforded an extended break to recover from his exploit's at Brazil 2014 this summer. Speculation was rife that Vidal had played his last game for the Old Lady, with United reportedly on the verge of luring the 27-year-old. However, Vidal, who has also been battling a knee problem, played in Juve's Trofeo TIM clash with AC Milan in Reggio Emilia on Saturday night, which, as far Allegri was concerned, more than made up for the 1-0 loss to their Serie A rivals. "It was the first time that he's played since we have returned to training, so he's still missing something [in terms of fitness]," Allegri told Mediaset. "The important thing, though, is that he has returned." While Vidal now looks certain to remain in Turin, Juve are reportedly still looking to strengthen their squad before the close of the transfer window. It has been claimed that director general Giuseppe Marotta is targeting a defender and an attacker, and Allegri admitted that he is not against the idea of making more signings. "We [the coaching staff] are in full harmony with the club," he explained. "If there's the chance of improving the squad, the club will certainly do it." Allegri took charge of Juve last month, after the shock resignation of Antonio Conte as coach.

Milan squad for Trofeo TIM Aug 22, 2014 Milan named their squad for the Trofeo TIM against Juventus and Sassuolo, including Mattia De Sciglio. The traditional pre-season tournament sees three 45-minute games and the team with the best record wins the trophy. It takes place at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia on Saturday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). De Sciglio is included in the list after shaking off an injury. Milan squad for Trofeo TIM: Abbiati, Agazzi, Diego Lopez, Abate, Albertazzi, Alex, Armero, Bonera, De Sciglio, Rami, Zaccardo, Zapata, Cristante, Essien, Honda, Mastalli, Muntari, Poli, Saponara, El Shaarawy, Menez, Mastour, Niang, Pazzini

VIDEO: Pirlo is not impressed Aug 22, 2014 Juventus have sparked a new internet meme – can you break the ice-cool Andrea Pirlo’s stony expression? The Bianconeri posted this video and asked fans to provide their best attempt at getting the Italy legend to smile. You can send in your entry with the hashtag #pirloisnotimpressed

From certainties to uncertainty The departure of Antonio Conte and subsequent arrival of Massimiliano Allegri has left Juventus looking vulnerable. With Arturo Vidal’s future also up for contention , Luca Persico profiles a mixed summer for the Bianconeri faithful. Aug 22, 2014 “I have decided to terminate my contract with Juventus. I have matured with time and my feelings led me to make this choice. It may be more difficult to keep winning with Juventus.” Tuesday July 15 is a day that changed the outlook for the 2014-15 Serie A season. Antonio Conte, the Coach who had led Juventus to three straight titles, announced that he was leaving the Old Lady by mutual consent. The Lecce native had started pre-season just a day earlier and despite uncertainties over his long-term future, was expected to see out the campaign. What motivated Conte to depart is unclear. Rumours suggested that the new Azzurri Coach had an agreement with Milan, while concerns over new signings and the way the club wanted to progress are also believed to have irked him. What is certain is that the 45-year-old leaves behind an incredible legacy. In his first season, he won the league without losing a game - a feat that has been unappreciated - while last term he set a record points total - 102. For his replacement - Massimiliano Allegri - the task to maintain such levels of dominance is surely daunting. The former Milan Coach will, however, be grateful to at least have the opportunity. Sacked by the Rossoneri in January, the 47-year-old is not a crowd pleasing replacement and was even met with protests upon his appointment. His first game in charge - a 3-2 defeat to amateur side Lucento - hardly endeared him to the fans, but Allegri is not short on confidence. “The Scudetto or the Champions League? Both,” he has stated. “Our qualities are many.” Juventus’ pre-season schedule has seen them shun the United States and head to Asia, where they have toured Indonesia, Australia and Singapore to much fanfare. Results have been good, with a 3-2 win against an A-League All Star team - which included Alessandro Del Piero - perhaps the most challenging contest. For Allegri, the aim of pre-season is to ascertain what system he wants to use. Conte’s blueprint - an aggressive 3-5-2 - is perhaps not his preferred formation, even if his early matches suggest he could start out with it. A 4-4-2, with a diamond midfield, or a version of 4-3-3 have also been tested and are under consideration. To help field a back four, Patrice Evra has been brought in from Manchester United. The experience left full-back has shown his versatility and may even displace Kwadwo Asamoah at left wing-back, should Allegri chose to use 3-5-2. Evra is joined at Juventus by Alvaro Morata who, despite being injured almost immediately, has the potential to be an exciting addition. Other notable arrivals include Romulo and Roberto Pereyra, both of whom will start as squad players, but have the potential to be more valuable that the lack of enthusiasm for their arrivals suggests. The new players and new ideas will help refresh Allegri’s squad and as long as Arturo Vidal stays, his side remain favourites for the Scudetto. To match Conte’s achievements would be near impossible, but if Allegri can retain the title and go deeper into the Champions League - his main aim - then the Juventus faithful may grow to appreciate their Coach. Coach - Massimiliano Allegri A Scudetto winner with Milan and Panchina d'Oro recipient whilst at Cagliari, Allegri has his merits, but also his critics. The 47-year-old did well to keep Milan competitive despite having his key players sold and not replaced, but his credentials as a top level tactician, especially compared to predecessor Conte, will be severely tested. The difference maker - Carlos Tevez The Buenos Aires native was always likely to be a success in Turin and his return of 21 goals in 48 appearances last term highlighted his undoubted talent. If there is a question mark over Tevez, however, then it is his record in Europe, with 30-year-old managing just one goal in 12 starts. Best buy - Alvaro Morata With Allegri looking for greater tactical flexibility, Evra may be Juventus’ most important signing, but Morata has the potential to be the best. The 21-year-old may need longer to settle due to a disrupted pre-season, but he has all the capabilities to be a perfect foil to both Tevez and Fernando Llorente. Could be of use to Conte… Romulo The Brazilian-born midfielder would have represented Italy at the World Cup were it not due to fitness, but if he can get enough playing time at Juventus, he should remain in contention. Antonio Conte was reportedly not keen on bringing him to the Bianconeri, but Romulo’s grit, pace and determination makes him well suited to international football and ironically to the same Coach now overseeing Italy. Probable line-up Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente Season prediction - 1st The loss of Conte means Juventus are no longer outright favourites, but they still set an impressive benchmark.

Juventus Right to Rely on the Talented Luca Marrone In the summer of 2011, both Luca Marrone and Antonio Conte came back to Turin after a spell at Siena, but the arrivals of the two men could not have been more different. While the coach was hailed as a returning hero, the future of his young charge was open to numerous questions. Having helped the Tuscan minnows earn promotion to Serie A together, their careers once again diverged, the coach leading the Bianconeri to three years of incredible success, whilst the young player struggled to carve out a niche with the club. Marrone was sent in co-ownership to Sassuolo last term, just as Conte was guiding the Grand Old Lady of Italian football to a third consecutive league title. The former was then sold back to Juve, arriving just in time to see the coach walk out on the club he had restored to prominence. While he has now taken the job as national team coach, the future of Marrone appears to be with the club Conte has left behind. Born in the Torinese municipality of Bosconero, he helped the under-19 side lift the prestigious Viareggio Cup before moving on to Siena where he played a key midfield role. Since then, however, he has evolved into a very different position, becoming an understudy to Leonardo Bonucci in the centre of the back three. Only this week, Beppe Marotta cited the improvements in his play as a reason the club would not be pursuing defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the director general said that “the positive start Marrone has made” meant La Madama would “begin the season with the same defensive options that we currently have available to us," per Juventus.com. Looking for what has lead to that assessment, it is impossible to ignore Marrone’s displays for Juventus in 2012-13, his first campaign in his new post. After being the subject of transfer speculation last January, the player declared that it was “better to play 10 games for a big club like Juventus instead of 30 games for another team,” per Football Italia, and did just that. The Bianconeri won nine of those games, drawing the other fixture, and his stats made for impressive reading. According to WhoScored.com, Marrone averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per appearance, whilst his passing was excellent—a major factor in his ability to adapt to the role. Like Bonucci, he shared playmaking duties in order to free up Andrea Pirlo, averaging 48.9 passes per game and completing them at an excellent rate of 91.8 percent. That form prompted another of his Italian international team-mates to hint at what may lie ahead for the talented Marrone, as Andrea Barzagli told reporters, per Goal.com's Stefan Coerts: "Luca possesses great quality. He’s good at man-marking and can withstand physical contact. He is very good as a central midfielder, but he also knows how to adapt well as a central defender. When he’ll be able to play more regularly he’ll also gain consistency and will be the future of Juventus." With Sassuolo struggling and only narrowly securing their Serie A status for this term, Marrone failed to build upon that impressive start, but it seems Massimiliano Allegri looks set to continue Conte’s work with the talented 24-year-old. Five of the club’s pre-season fixtures—including Wednesday’s traditional encounter with a youth-sector side—have seen Marrone feature in central defence, and he was listed as a defender for their tour of Asia and Australia earlier this month. However, the new coach also sees the need to play with a four-man back line, and in that framework he is likely to become a deputy for Pirlo in midfield. Playing time there may be even more difficult to find, but all indications are he will feature much more heavily this time round. It appears Barzagli’s assessment of him may well prove accurate, and Marrone might yet be the future of Juventus.

Juventus Right to Rely on the Talented Luca Marrone Aug 22, 2014 In the summer of 2011, both Luca Marrone and Antonio Conte came back to Turin after a spell at Siena, but the arrivals of the two men could not have been more different. While the coach was hailed as a returning hero, the future of his young charge was open to numerous questions. Having helped the Tuscan minnows earn promotion to Serie A together, their careers once again diverged, the coach leading the Bianconeri to three years of incredible success, whilst the young player struggled to carve out a niche with the club. Marrone was sent in co-ownership to Sassuolo last term, just as Conte was guiding the Grand Old Lady of Italian football to a third consecutive league title. The former was then sold back to Juve, arriving just in time to see the coach walk out on the club he had restored to prominence. While he has now taken the job as national team coach, the future of Marrone appears to be with the club Conte has left behind. Born in the Torinese municipality of Bosconero, he helped the under-19 side lift the prestigious Viareggio Cup before moving on to Siena where he played a key midfield role. Since then, however, he has evolved into a very different position, becoming an understudy to Leonardo Bonucci in the centre of the back three. Only this week, Beppe Marotta cited the improvements in his play as a reason the club would not be pursuing defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the director general said that “the positive start Marrone has made” meant La Madama would “begin the season with the same defensive options that we currently have available to us," per Juventus.com. Looking for what has lead to that assessment, it is impossible to ignore Marrone’s displays for Juventus in 2012-13, his first campaign in his new post. After being the subject of transfer speculation last January, the player declared that it was “better to play 10 games for a big club like Juventus instead of 30 games for another team,” per Football Italia, and did just that. The Bianconeri won nine of those games, drawing the other fixture, and his stats made for impressive reading. According to WhoScored.com, Marrone averaged 1.8 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per appearance, whilst his passing was excellent—a major factor in his ability to adapt to the role. Like Bonucci, he shared playmaking duties in order to free up Andrea Pirlo, averaging 48.9 passes per game and completing them at an excellent rate of 91.8 percent. That form prompted another of his Italian international team-mates to hint at what may lie ahead for the talented Marrone, as Andrea Barzagli told reporters, per Goal.com's Stefan Coerts: "Luca possesses great quality. He’s good at man-marking and can withstand physical contact. He is very good as a central midfielder, but he also knows how to adapt well as a central defender. When he’ll be able to play more regularly he’ll also gain consistency and will be the future of Juventus." With Sassuolo struggling and only narrowly securing their Serie A status for this term, Marrone failed to build upon that impressive start, but it seems Massimiliano Allegri looks set to continue Conte’s work with the talented 24-year-old. Five of the club’s pre-season fixtures—including Wednesday’s traditional encounter with a youth-sector side—have seen Marrone feature in central defence, and he was listed as a defender for their tour of Asia and Australia earlier this month. However, the new coach also sees the need to play with a four-man back line, and in that framework he is likely to become a deputy for Pirlo in midfield. Playing time there may be even more difficult to find, but all indications are he will feature much more heavily this time round. It appears Barzagli’s assessment of him may well prove accurate, and Marrone might yet be the future of Juventus.

Juventus squad for Trofeo TIM Aug 22, 2014 Juventus named their squad for Saturday’s Trofeo TIM tournament against Milan and Sassuolo. The pre-season competition sees three 45-minute matches and the side with the best record on the night gets the trophy. It is the opportunity for Coach Massimiliano Allegri to face two of his former clubs. Juventus squad for Trofeo TIM: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Tevez, Giovinco, Llorente, Motta, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Vitale, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello, Marrone, Audero

Pogba set for renewal Aug 22, 2014 It is reported that Paul Pogba will soon sign a new contract that will keep him at Juventus for another five years. Should he do so, the French midfielder will put an end to months of speculation over his long term future with the Old Lady. The 21-year-old’s impressive performances since joining from Manchester United have made him one of the most sought after young talents in world football, with the likes of Real Madrid rumoured to be interested in securing his services. However, Sport Mediaset say that the player has been offered a new deal with wages of between €4m and €5m per season, depending on bonuses. Should he sign, he would become one of Italy’s highest paid players. While it is still unclear whether he will do so, Juve are hopeful he will.

‘Buffon to play for a long time’ Aug 22, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon is not yet near retirement, says his agent, who also looks to reassure over contract talks with Juventus. The 36-year-old has been reported for a number of months as set for negotiations with the Old Lady over a new deal, yet nothing has materialised as of yet. Talk has also arrived surrounding the player’s intentions with regards to retirement and on both matters his representative has now commented. “Calm, you have all seen the state Buffon is in, he will play on for a long time,” Silvano Martina has told Calciomercato.it. “The contract is due to expire next June, that is true, but the words of Marotta seem very clear in this regard. “There is no rush for the renewal - for this we have not yet set a date for a meeting. “Let the transfer market finish and the season begin, then we will see. “It will really take two minutes to sign a new agreement.”

‘Conte and Allegri both winners’ Aug 22, 2014 Robert Acquafresca has lifted the lid on what it is like to work with Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte. The current Bologna forward worked under new Juventus boss Allegri at Cagliari, before also briefly training under new Italy CT Conte at Atalanta. For the 26-year-old, the differences between the two are apparent, but both have similarities where it matters most. “When they were my Coaches they were taking their first steps, but they had interesting ideas and charisma to spare,” Acquafresca has told the Corriere dello Sport today. “The route taken in recent years testifies to the quality you could already sense. Both are winners, in this they are practically similar, although they are profoundly different. Especially in their nature and interpretation of their role. “With Allegri there was joking, we would laugh in the dressing room - I do not know if he has changed, at Cagliari the rapport was like this. With Allegri also there was a lot of tactics. “With Conte all this was not going on, there was more work - we would repeat patterns endlessly and also the athletic work was tough - neither myself nor my teammates had ever worked in that way. “Conte with Italy now? Frankly it surprised me, because I thought that someone like him would prefer to work every day with a team. “But I think that it was the right choice and I hope that he can take the national team back to where they belong.”

Allegri alza la voce. In arrivo due acquisti. Coman può restare. E non per fare il comprimario... La voce non è mai stata squillante. Il tono, macchiato simpaticamente da un'inflessione toscana mai smarrita, non lo associa di certo alla pletora dei padri padroni da spogliatoio, rendendo semmai ancor più comica qualche espressione. Il presidente Cellino, atterrato in Inghilterra per rivitalizzare i fasti del Leeds glorioso che fu di Charles, oltre che meteora in Champions League soltanto qualche decade addietro, lo definì un poeta. Acuendo solo una delle sfumature forse meno evidenti di un giocatore divenuto tecnico in barba all'anarchia del ruolo ricoperto da giocatore. Un caso particolare, quello di Allegri. Capace di compattar uno spogliatoio di prime donne nel primo anno trascorso a Milano, salvo veder sgretolare il proprio giocattolo a seguito di una sequela di cessioni inizialmente non in programma. Accusato di esser eccessivamente aziendalista, avendo di fatto accettato qualsiasi tipo di compromesso con la dirigenza rossonera, il Conte Max pare aver definitivamente smentito questa diceria annunciando, sin quasi a pretenderli, due nuovi acquisti. Nessun comprimario, per carità. A Torino, sponda bianconera, ad sbarcare dovranno sempre essere campioni, con buona pace dei validi gregari come Padoin o Peluso, spedito a Sassuolo in una vasta operazione di mercato. Il desiderio di Allegri è quello di valorizzare il potenziale a disposizione, nel rispetto di un organico variegato ed, al momento, non orfano di alcun campione dell'era Conte. Come dichiarato a più riprese, e come osservato durante gli allenamenti, il grado di attenzione sul transalpino Coman pare essere ai massimi storici. Nemmeno l'arrivo di Pogba, inizialmente, fu in grado di suscitare tanto entusiasmo. Corsa, tecnica e qualità. Doti fondamentali nel futuro 4-3-3 o 4-3-1-2 che a breve diventeranno gli assiomi cartesiani di un nuovo sistema di gioco. Il ritorno al trequartista d'assalto, tanto per evitar scomodi paragoni con un passato infarcito di dieci non certo all'altezza, Diego su tutti, potrebbe per certi aspetti sorprendere. Con Pereyra, leggermente favorito su Coman, a darsi il cambio con Vidal o Pogba alle spalle del duo Llorente e Tevez. Al quale potrebbe esser chiesto di fare un passo indietro nel tridente, favorendo l'ingresso di Morata, in recupero dopo il leggero infortunio patito in ritiro.

Ore di terrore per Carlos Tevez: il padre rapito e poi rilasciato dopo il riscatto L'attaccante della Juventus ha fatto da tramite con l'Argentina, appena appresa la notizia shock, usando il telefono. 29-07-2014 Scossone in casa Juventus; nella mattinata di martedì 29 luglio è arrivata come un fulmine a ciel sereno la notizia del rapimento del padre di Carlo Tevez in Argentina. L'attaccante, appena appreso l'accaduto, ha cercato il modo di mettersi in contatto con i rapitori per risolvere di persona la triste vicenda che con il passare delle ore si sta arricchendo di particolari. Il padre dell'Apache della Juve sarebbe stato sequestrato nella sua auto da due rapitori per caso, cioè non sapevano chi fosse il signor Juan Carlos Cabral, padre adottivo del campione argentino. Apprese le sue reali generalità, i rapitori hanno deciso di chiedere un grande riscatto per liberarlo. Carlos Tevez in ansia per il rapimento del padre adottivo In poche ore, la famiglia di Tevez tramite l'avvocato ha fatto sapere ai media locali della costernazione e del dolore che stavano vivendo per l'accaduto con la speranza che tutto possa risolversi al meglio. La somma richiesta per il riscatto era di 2 milioni di pesos, circa 200 mila euro che sarebbero stati prontamente pagati, secondo indiscrezioni, per permettere l'immediata liberazione. L'attaccante della Juventus non è partito per l'Argentina come inizialmente si era detto ma ha contattato via telefono i rapitori riuscendo a risolvere il caso anche a chilometri di distanza. Dopo otto ore di sequestro, il signor Juan Carlos Cabral è stato liberato senza alcuna conseguenza, dietro il pagamento del riscatto richiesto. Sospiro di sollievo per Carlos Tevez; il padre è stato già liberato La stampa argentina si è occupata in modo dettagliato della triste vicenda che ha coinvolto l'Apache, un idolo nella sua terra d'origine e, al momento della tanto attesa liberazione è stato pubblicato un comunicato ufficiale. Alle 18.40 ora italiana anche il sito ufficiale della Juventus e tutti i media nostrani hanno riportato la bella notizia della fine dell'incubo che stava preoccupando Carlos Tevez dalle prime ore della mattina. Il signor Juan Carlos Cabral è di nuovo un uomo libero ed è già tornato in famiglia e, nonostante il grande spavento, pare stia piuttosto bene. L'attaccante della Juventus non è più partito per l'Argentina nonostante lo volesse fortemente perchè è stato tranquillizzato dai suoi familiari sulle condizioni del padre; dunque Tevez resta in ritiro con la squadra a Vinovo e continua la preparazione al prossimo campionato, anche se fortemente scosso dalla vicenda. http://it.blastingnews.com/calcio/2014/07/video/rapimento-lampo-per-il-padre-di-tevez-0018431.html?ref=115051 da Blasting News

Pogba's agent: No contract talks with Juventus The Frenchman’s representative has dismissed suggestions by Juve’s general manager Beppe Marotta that discussions had started over a new deal. Aug 21, 2014 Paul Pogba’s agent has stated that no contract talks with Juventus are underway, despite general manager Beppe Marotta claiming a renewal was close. Pogba, who joined the Turin club on a free from Manchester United in 2012, is currently tied to the Bianconeri until 2016 but reportedly drew interest from several of Europe’s top clubs this summer. And now it would seem that Marotta’s remarks that "talks to renew Pogba’s contract are underway" are wide of the mark. "There has not been and there is no meeting with Juventus," Pogba’s agent told L’Equipe. "We can repeat, however, that for now, Paul is fine in Turin." The 21-year-old was one of the mainstays in Juve's title winning team last season, making 36 appearances in Serie A, before going on to feature in each of France’s five World Cup games under Didier Deschamps.

Marotta confirms Juventus has started contract talks with Gianluigi Buffon, Paul Pogba Aug 21, 2014 For the first time in weeks Wednesday, Juventus were on home soil. Ah, Italy, how they have certainly missed you. And what have we also missed? The essential and what seems like a mandatory Beppe Marotta press briefing that comes along with this kind of Juventus function where all of the club's management are in one spot at the same time. Family match day became media day for Marotta. So basically it was another edition of "Hey, let's ask Beppe about those dang Arturo Vidal rumors, okay?" Or something along those lines. Yeah, Marotta discussed Vidal's status up to the very second of his meeting with the media. He was asked about those never-ending rumors and then mentioned how stupid they continue to be at Juventus' family match. He also addressed the contract statuses of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and 21-year-old midfield dynamo Paul Pogba, who have both been rumored to be in talks with the club for new deals over the course of the past few weeks. "Buffon? We are extremely grateful towards him. There is a blank contract ready, we'll meet when he wants to. He'll stay here until he wants. Pogba? We started negotiating with his agent, we hope to reach a positive conclusion in a short period of time."(Source: Gianluca Di Marzio) Blank contracts, eh? Sounds like a nice deal, doesn't it? I wonder where I can sign up for one of those if it's possible. The best thing of it all: Marotta wants to get Pogba signed to a shiny new deal in the near future, which will obviously see him make a lot more money than he is making right now. And why shouldn't he? Pogba is always going to be a sought after player no matter what his contract status currently is because of what he brings to the table. Still, getting the contract situation done and out of the way will be a pretty important step for both the club itself and Pogba, who has given plenty of indications in the past that he's quite happy in Turin. We've definitely heard a lot about new contracts this summer. And for a lot of different players, too. There's Pogba and Buffon. There's Stephan Lichtsteiner, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Cáceres. There's Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. Basically any important player who has a contract expiring in the next couple of years has been rumored at the very least to be on the brink of getting a new deal to remain in bianconero. Hey, if it's contract signing season at Juventus, that's fine with me. Might as well start with your captain and one of your biggest assets, right? Makes perfect sense.