Socrates

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.

Allegri Faces Impossible Juventus Job Aug 21, 2014 When AC Milan was falling backwards a couple of seasons ago, the media’s fingers were pointed firmly at their coach. Massimiliano Allegri was accused of playing reactive, provincial, football not fitting with the clubs’ stature. The Italian relied on containing attacks and hitting the opposition on the break rather than dominating and controlling games the way Juventus did under Antonio Conte. Following such criticism of his coaching style in Milan, Allegri has returned to post this summer. The former Rossoneri chief now in charge of Juventus, the previous grey areas that tarnished his previous achievements can finally and more decisively be judged as — very literally — black or white. It feels a long time since Allegri took over at the San Siro and won the Scudetto in his first season. Having battled to second spot the following campaign, he endured recrimination from press and supporters alike as his side struggled, garnering criticism for behaviour that seemingly baffled all parties. This is the crux of the problem facing Juventus fans this summer. One the one hand, their new coach is a Scudetto winner, one who took over at AC Milan and led them to unexpected glory. On the other, he is a man who found regular spots for Kevin Constant and Urby Emanuelson in his side and, perhaps most damning of all, oversaw Andrea Pirlo’s departure from the San Siro. Yet there is sense in Allegri’s appointment. Allegri has garnered some merit in promoting youth to some extent, something that many Serie A coaches have consistently failed to do. Having brought through Stephan El-Sharaawy and Mattia De Sciglio into the Rossoneri first team, he contributed in lowering the side’s average age. Juventus do not quite have that problem, though youth development is something worth keeping an eye out for. Pirlo, Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli are not in the first throes of youth, nor is Carlos Tevez. In taking 16 year old Mattia Vitale on the tour of the Far East, there are already signs that Allegri is looking to lower Juventus’ squad age – certainly during his time at AC Milan, there were instances of players being parachuted into the first team who might not seem immediate choices; some worked, some didn’t. In that context, he may well look to ‘revolutionise’ the shape of the team as well. Although well experienced and phenomenally successful when operating with a three-man defence, the Bianconeri will likely find themselves set up in the 4-3-3 formation more familiar to Allegri and which has deployed with some success elsewhere. Although he has also used a trequartista (playmaker) behind a front two, the Italian coach has exclusively operated with a back-four. In some ways, given the task that Allegri undertook at AC Milan, his appointment at Juventus is almost the exact opposite. Instead of stopping the rot and trying to guide a Rossoneri side who were on an irreversible slide, he takes over a side at the peak of their powers and will be trying to keep them at a high level, while perhaps improving their European performances. One can understand Juventini’s reluctance to take Allegri in their hearts immediately. Not only has he come from one of their biggest rivals, but he has arrived with a number of questions that need answering both in terms of his coaching and man-management. After the regimented ‘win at all costs’ approach that Antonio Conte embodied, Allegri is a very different kettle of fish and watching his Juventus will be a very different experience to watching Conte’s . However, Allegri takes over the best squad in Italy by a distance. He managed his previous team to a Scudetto at the first time of asking; something he should be able to replicate with the Bianconeri. The problem he will have is that, if he fails to win Serie A with the squad at his disposal, he can have no real excuse. As far Allegri and Juventus go, they will probably never be a match made in heaven but then. On the other hand they don’t need to be. They just need to get along.

Juventus: Full Report Card for Every Position Entering Serie A Season Aug 21, 2014 It has been a tumultuous summer for Italian champions Juventus, with the Turin club rocked by the resignation of Antonio Conte just two days into their pre-season training schedule. The subsequent appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as coach led to a somewhat pessimistic air surrounding the club, although that seems to have since cleared. The Bianconeri have been—despite Arturo Vidal being constantly linked with a move away—relatively quiet on the transfer front, although there is still time left in the window for some late additions. Those who have already arrived at the club have reinforced the level of depth available to the new boss, while those departing have largely only been fringe players. What follows over the following pages is a breakdown of the current Juventus squad by position, looking at the strengths and the weaknesses of each department. Goalkeeper Captain Gianluigi Buffon returns for his 14th season representing the club, and he is only 12 appearances short of a landmark 500th match for the grand Old Lady of Italian football. The 36-year-old remains, despite his advancing years, among the world’s best at his position and can be relied upon to once again deliver consistently excellent performances. According to statistics available from Fox Soccer, only Morgan De Sanctis (21) managed more clean sheets than Buffon (18) last term, with the Roma ‘keeper playing almost 400 minutes more than his Juve counterpart. The same source shows he also made 89 saves, conceding a league-low 0.61 goals per game during 2013-14. Currently, Marco Storari occupies the position of deputy, although the former Milan man has been linked with a move to Sassuolo in recent weeks, per Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia). Grade: A Right-Back/Right Wing-Back Stephan Lichtsteiner remains the undisputed first choice on the right flank, with the Swiss international leading the club with eight assists. As discussed here previously, his link-up play with Fernando Llorente proved to be a valuable weapon last term, with the duo combining for six of the striker’s 16 league goals in 2013-14. While Mauricio Isla has left for Queens Park Rangers, the Bianconeri moved quickly to bring in Romulo as a replacement. Like the Chilean, the former Hellas Verona man is able to play in a variety of positions, but he is largely expected to act as back-up to Lichtsteiner on the right. The versatile Brazilian also notched eight assists while averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game for the Gialloblu. Weighing in with six goals of his own, the 27-year-old looks set to be an interesting addition for the reigning champions. Grade: B+ Left-Back/Left Wing-Back Perhaps the weakest position in the squad, the decision over who patrols the left flank is likely to depend on the formation chosen by coach Allegri. Should he opt to retain Conte’s 3-5-2 framework, the likely candidate is Kwadwo Asamoah, a standout performer for Juventus since arriving from Udinese. The Ghanaian has excelled as a left wing-back, improving his attacking forays while showing a sound ability to cover defensively when the need arises. Federico Peluso was previously second choice in that role, but the 30-year-old was sold on to Sassuolo earlier this summer. In his place comes Patrice Evra, a man who needs no introduction following eight successful seasons with Premier League giants Manchester United. Arriving in Turin for a low fee, the Frenchman provides a viable solution on the left should Allegri decide upon a more traditional back four. The positives of signing the 33-year-old defender were discussed in detail here, and his veteran experience should prove to be a viable asset, particularly in the Champions League. Grade: C- Central Defence The regular trio of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini remains intact, and they have proven beyond doubt their ability to perform domestically. Their displays as a three-man back line were largely responsible for the Bianconeri conceding a league-low 23 goals last term. Forming the backbone of the club’s three consecutive titles, the problem comes when switching to a back four. Chiellini is a top-quality player in any setup, but with Barzagli struggling with injuries, Bonucci is unsuited to the alternative formation. Angelo Ogbonna has yet to fully settle into life at a truly big club, which leaves Martin Caceres as the only viable alternative. The Uruguayan was excellent last term, averaging 2.2 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game while completing 90.5 per cent of his passes. Allegri will need him to continue that rich vein of form if he is to be able to constantly chop and change the team's playing style, particularly when the Champions League gets underway. There have also been major indications that Luca Marrone will provide cover in this area as the need to rotate arises. Grade: B- Central Midfield Undoubtedly, the team’s biggest strength lies in the quality, chemistry and variety of its four leading midfielders, each offering the side a vastly differing skill set and combining to become one of Europe’s very best units. Andrea Pirlo is usually the headline act, with the veteran genius providing four goals and six assists last term. He led the team with 69 completed passes per game. Beside him, both Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio added defensive awareness with attacking intent, their strength and stamina the perfect foil for Pirlo’s guile and cunning. However, it is Arturo Vidal that provides this Juventus with its beating heart, the Chilean proving to be the club’s most valuable player once again. As if 11 goals and five assists didn’t already mark out his vital contribution, only Udinese’s Allan (136) bettered his 2013-14 tally of 130 tackles, highlighting the impact of his contribution at both ends of the pitch. Roberto Pereyra may not have been the midfield signing Juventus supporters were hoping for, but the 23-year-old should add to the depth here as well as providing another option further forward. Grade: A+ Attack With the arrivals of both Carlos Tevez and Llorente last summer, Juventus took a giant leap forward in terms of attacking quality, with the duo combining for 35 league goals in their debut campaigns. Each played a vital role, with the impact of Tevez having adding a huge impetus to the side’s cutting edge upfront. Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic both left the club this summer, and that should see an increase in playing time for the much-maligned Sebastian Giovinco. Beyond that trio, the squad remains limited, although Alvaro Morata is the biggest name to arrive in Turin this summer. Able to play in a variety of attacking roles, the former Real Madrid star should provide Allegri with greater tactical flexibility, a matter dissected in greater detail here. Perhaps the side remains one player short in this department, but the level of quality is already high enough to challenge for the biggest honours in 2014-15. Grade: A-

‘No Pogba renewal talks set’ Aug 21, 2014 Paul Pogba’s entourage has reportedly downplayed Beppe Marotta’s assertion yesterday that a renewal at Juventus was imminent. The director general yesterday commented that talks with the France international over an improved contract could be resolved ‘quickly’. However, L’Equipe are running quotes attributed to the player’s ‘entourage’ that suggest otherwise. “No appointment has been made and no discussions are planned,” the French publication quotes an unnamed source from the player’s camp. “Paul is happy in Turin. Now, generally so, the last 10 days of the transfer window ahead are important and hectic.” Pogba is represented by Mino Raiola, who is reportedly in England today as talks between Milan and Liverpool for Mario Balotelli’s transfer gather pace.

Allegri: 'I had a Juve poster...' Aug 20, 2014 Max Allegri is “happy” Arturo Vidal is staying and revealed why he had a Juventus poster on his wall as a child. The Coach spoke to reporters after a 6-1 victory over the Juve Primavera team, a traditional pre-season ‘family’ test. “It was a wonderful day and is part of the club history. We were welcomed very well by the fans and I thank them for their participation.” Patron John Elkann told the media today that Allegri confessed to always being a Bianconeri supporter, though he adjusted that slightly. “Was I a Juventus fan? More than anything else I always had a passion for Michel Platini as a child.” The tactician is looking forward to the Trofeo TIM on Saturday, which sees 45-minute games against Sassuolo and his old club Milan. “The team is preparing well and it’s not possible to be 100 per cent in the opening round, as we started late due to the World Cup. “Everyone is in good shape and the Trofeo TIM is very important, as it will allow us to see where we are compared to Milan and Sassuolo.” Today director Beppe Marotta declared Vidal was never on the market, slamming the door on Manchester United links. “The club was very clear on the fact we won’t be losing any players and I am very happy about that. As for those coming in, we’ll see what can be done. We are vigilant on the market and if there’s an opportunity to strengthen the squad I’m sure we will.”

Allegri 'always a Juve fan!' Aug 20, 2014 Juventus patron John Elkann reveals new Coach Massimiliano Allegri “has always been a Bianconeri fan!” The former Milan tactician took over from Antonio Conte last month and was greeted with mixed reactions from the supporters. “There is a new Coach with a new generation of fans,” Elkann told Sky Sport Italia. “We have always done great things and I am sure we can continue that with Allegri. “He feels profoundly connected to Juventus and confessed to me he has always been a Bianconeri fan! A new era begins and it will certainly be ambitious.” Meanwhile, Conte is officially the new Coach of the Italy squad after terminating his Juve contract by mutual consent. “I sent a personal message to Conte. It will be a great challenge for him and we hope he’ll be as successful as always. “Juventus will provide the spine of the Nazionale and there’s everything needed to do well.”

Marotta: 'Juve seek opportunities' Aug 20, 2014 Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta left the door open for more transfers. “If the opportunity arises...” The Bianconeri have been linked with Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic and even Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on loan. “If the opportunity arises, then we will take it, but at the moment we have achieved most of our transfer targets,” Marotta told reporters today. “We’ll see what happens over the next few weeks. We took on this season by maintaining most of the core from the previous squads and in the last 10 days we’ll see if any opportunities present themselves. “We still need a forward, a support striker in an area where we already have a lot of guarantees, but it won’t be a shock level profile. “Andrea Barzagli is recovering faster than expected and Luca Marrone showed he can play in defence, so apart from any other interesting opportunities we could well remain as we are.”