Socrates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...”