Socrates

Conte exit was a mutual decision, says Juventus president Agnelli The Bianconeri chief is delighted with the work of the former midfielder over the past three years and claims they were lucky that Massimiliano Allegri was available. Aug 5, 2014 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli insists Antonio Conte's decision to leave as head coach was mutual. Conte stunned Bianconeri supporters when he resigned from his post last month after guiding the club to three Serie A titles in his three years in charge, with some speculating a disagreement over transfer policy as a major factor in his decision. While Agnelli says he will always be grateful for Conte's efforts as both a coach and a player in Turin, he has stressed both he and the 45-year-old came to the agreement that his departure was the best option for all concerned. "Firstly I must say I'm very happy with the job that's been done over the last three years," he told Fox Sports Asia. "Conte left us after winning three Serie A titles in a row, as well as the ones he won as a player. "In the end we decided together he would leave the dugout and I'm glad we were able to work things out with [director general Giuseppe] Marotta and [sporting director Fabio] Paratici over the next few hours." Agnelli believes he was fortunate to have a readily-available replacement in Massimiliano Allegri and is looking forward to sustained success in the coming years. "We were lucky to find him available. We now start a new adventure with Max, with the same desire to win as always."

'I'm not interested in the future' - Pogba committed to Allegri and Juventus The France midfielder says he is not planning any discussions over a new deal or a transfer and claims he is ready to work "in complete harmony" with his new boss. Aug 5, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has insisted he is not interested in rumours over his future and has stressed he is fully committed to the club. The France international has been linked with a number of European giants following his exemplary performances for club and country, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea among those reportedly considering offers. Juve director Pavel nedved admitted earlier this summer that the Italian champions would be forced to consider any "high bids" for Pogba or Arturo Vidal and the departure of head coach Antonio Conte has served to increase the rumours over the duo's future. Pogba, however, has made it clear he is not considering a possible move in the coming weeks. "I'm not interested in the future. I live in the present. I'm working well on the pitch, I'm not thinking about my contract and I've not scheduled meetings with Allegri and [president Andrea] Agnelli," the Frenchman told reporters. New head coach Allegri revealed he plans a more attacking role for Pogba in 2014-15 and the 21-year-old admitted he is relishing the prospect of working under the former AC Milan boss. "Allegri and Conte are both great coaches. I've had a good feeling from the start. Conte is now gone and now we have Allegri. We met briefly, we talked a little over the weekend and we're ready to work together in complete harmony."

ROMEO BENETTI Samp, Milan, poi Juventus e Roma per un grande del nostro calcio. Due mondiali e nove anni in azzurro. Sicuramente quando si parla di Benetti, nei nostri ricordi risorge la figura dell’atleta forte e grintoso, muscoli e decisione, tattica e volontà. Per tanti anni è stato uno dei più grandi centrocampisti in circolazione in Italia e nel mondo, e la sua caparbietà lo ha portato ad essere presente sulla scena internazionale fino alla veneranda età di trentacinque anni.Pochi sono i calciatori che superata la trentina hanno vestito la maglia azzurra. Romeo Benetti nasce a Albaredo d’Adige, in provincia di Verona nel 1945. Comincia a giocare e diciassette anni nel Bolzano, per poi passare a Siena, Taranto, Palermo fino ad esordire in serie A nel 1968-69 vestendo la gloria maglia della Juventus.Il torneo successivo viene acquistato dalla Sampdoria, dove dimostra la sua forte personalità di giocatore. Non passa inosservato a Rocco, che lo vuole nella suo Milan n.2. Con la maglia rossonera Benetti giocherà sei campionati, debutterà nel 1971 in azzurro (Italia-Messico 2-0), e porterà il Milan ai vertici del campionato, anche se lo scudetto tante volte sfiorato non arriverà mai. In nazionale partecipa ai mondiali in Germania del 1974, risultando uno dei migliori calciatori della nostra squadra al punto tale che sarà uno dei pochi ad essere riconfermato sia nella gestione di Bernardini che in quella di Bearzot. Nel 1976 ritorna alla Juventus, in cambio di Fabio Capello, e con Trapattoni in panchina, lo aveva già allenato l’anno prima con il Milan, arrivano anche due scudetti consecutivi (1977 e 1978), la Coppa UEFA e il posto da titolare nella nazionale in Argentina. Nel 1979 passa alla Roma di Liedholm, dove giocherà le sue ultime due stagioni e vincerà consecutivamente due Coppe Italia. Rimarrà nel giro della nazionale e giocherà agli Europei del 1980 in Italia. La sua cinquantacinquesima ed ultima casacca azzurra e nella finale per il III posto persa con la Cecoslovacchia. D. - Lei debutta in nazionale nel 1971 e partecipa a due mondiali di calcio. Il primo è quello sfortunato in Germania, che porta alla fine dell’era Valcareggi. R. - Non fu una esperienza felice, infatti uscimmo al primo turno, dopo solo tre partite.Partivamo come sempre con i favori del pronostico, invece ci fu una vittoria con Haiti, un pareggio strappato all’Argentina per 1 a 1 grazia anche ad un autogol su un mio tiro, e infine la batosta con la Polonia di Lato. Molto i motivi di questa disfatta. Sicuramente l’atmosfera non era delle migliori.Più che una squadra di calcio, la nazionale si era trasformata in una lotta tra due distinte fazioni, quella di Mazzola e quella di Rivera; poi esistevano altri gruppi di giocatori che appoggiavano le volontà o dell’uno o dell’altro. Fu una spedizione che non fu organizzata, secondo il mio parere, nel migliore dei modi. Alla fine di quel mondiale, con l’eliminazione dell’Italia, finì quella che molti chiamano il ciclo di Valcareggi, ma finì anche la carriera in azzurro sia di Mazzola che Rivera., che lasciarono la nazionale. D. - Lei invece fu convocato sia da Bernardini che da Bearzot, arrivando a giocare il mondiale in Argentina nel 1978. R. - Sicuramente l’atmosfera era diversa; la squadra presentava un blocco della Juventus, con nove undicesimi. La nazionale era la squadra bianconera, con l’eccezione di Rossi e del regista, Antognoni o Zaccarelli. Bearzot non ha fece altro che portare la personalità della mia squadra dal campionato al mondiale. Del resto la Juventus di quel periodo aveva appena vinto due scudetti e conquistato, dopo tanti anni di digiuno per il nostro calcio, una coppa europea. D. - Quel mondiale cominciò benissimo, tre vittorie fra cui quella storica con i futuri campioni dell’Argentina, poi la squadra azzurra comincia a perdere colpi, anche se poi conquistò un meritato quarto posto. R. - Infatti il mondiale del 1978 andò proprio in quel modo! Debuttammo giocando una grande partita con la Francia, vincemmo di slancio sull’Ungheria per 3 a 1 ,ed io firmai il terzo gol, e poi ci fu la storica la vittoria con l’Argentina, che ci aveva rilanciato come squadra favorita per la vittoria finale. Poi la nostra nazionale perse vivacità; seguì un pareggio con la Germania, superammo con un solo gol l’Austria e infine giunse la sconfitta con l’Olanda, che ci chiuse la porte della finalissima. Dobbiamo però evidenziare che gli arbitraggi non furono molto felici, specialmente nella partita con i forti arancioni. Ma non bisogna più di tanto recriminare; la squadra era molto bene amalgamata, ma alla fine dei ventidue convocati, solo quattordici giocarono. In un mondiale dove si disputa una partita ogni tre giorni, si arriva alla quarta partita che si ha ancora la fatica del primo incontro da smaltire! Giocando solo in quattordici alla fine la squadra risentì di questa situazione; forse se si fosse attivato un turn-over con più calciatori, il risultato sarebbe stato differente. D. - Lei ha giocato anche la famosa partita del 1973 a Wembley, dove l’Italia battè l’Inghilterra per la prima volta sul suo storico campo. R. - L’Inghilterra l’avevamo già superata qualche mese prima a Torino per 2 a 0, in una amichevole per i 75 anni della Federazione. Sicuramente la vittoria di Wembley fu un avvenimento di grande risonanza! A dire il vero è stato un vero e proprio assedio da parte dell’Inghilterra; ma con uno Zoff che si è superato e con una linea difensiva guidata da Facchetti e Burgnich che giocarono veramente in modo magistrale abbiamo avuto una sorte propizia che sul finale ci ha regalato il gol della vittoria di Capello; quindi un partita che, per essere obiettivi, abbiamo vinto sia per bravura ma anche con un pizzico di fortuna.Comunque rimane una delle pagine più esaltanti della storia del nostro calcio. D. - Per ben sei stagioni ha giocato nel Milan avendo numerosi allenatori come Rocco, Giagnoni e Trapattoni, tutti per una squadra fortissima che però non ha vinto nessuno scudetto. R. - Il Milan di quegli anni fu caratterizzato dal cambio di numerosi allenatori, conseguenza anche del cambio al vertici di numerosi presidenti! Nonostante questo il Milan rimase sempre protagonista del campionato; infatti siamo arrivati quattro volti secondi, e poi non dimentichiamo la stagione del 1973 quando perdemmo a Verona un titolo che già sembrava conquistato. Ci fu parecchia tristezza, ma perdere lo scudetto per un punto significava che il Milan era sempre una grande formazione, in lotta fino all’ultima giornata! Inoltre abbiamo vinto due Coppe Italia e la Coppa delle Coppe pochi giorni prima della sconfitta con il Verona. D. - Il suo ultimo anno nel Milan vede il debutto sulla panchina di Trapattoni, che poi l’anno dopo lo porterà nella Juventus. R. - Fu proprio così;nel 1975 Giovanni Trapattoni ha debuttato come allenatore proprio con la sua ex-squadra,il Milan, per poi passare l’anno dopo alla corte di Agnelli e portandomi nelle file di una Juventus in via di rinnovamento.Fu un periodo splendido, tre anni dove vincemmo due scudetti, una Coppa Italia e una Coppa UEFA. Poi ho un ottimo ricordo di Giovanni, con cui ho lavorato insieme per ben nove anni, prima come calciatore poi come collega! D. - Lei è l’unico giocatore che ha giocato tutti i quattro derby,vestendo le maglie di Sampdoria, Milan, Juventus e Roma. Un rapido paragone fra le atmosfere di queste grandi partite. R. - A Torino è un discorso classista, i bianconeri e i granata sono simboli di diverse estrazioni sociali: a Milano si gioca fra le tifoseria all’insegna dello sfottò, semplice e senza astio, a Genova ricordo un derby “all’acqua di rosa”, dove la tifoseria lo vede come un’amichevole festa che si organizza per migliorare la scenografia dello stadio. Infine a Roma dove la stracittadine è una la ragione per incontrarsi allo stadio anziché al ristorante! D. - Tante stagioni da protagonista e ben nove anni titolare nella nazionale; se deve citare un momento, una stagione che vorrebbe “incorniciare” per sempre nella sua memoria? R. - E’ difficilissimo dire; infatti ho giocato quasi 350 partite, e ho vestito per 55 volte la maglia azzurra! Ho tanti ricordi emozionanti, legati specialmente ai derby, quelli che magari si sono vinti negli ultimi minuti ! Sicuramente ricordo come strepitoso l’anno con la Juventus che vinse il titolo nel 1977, quando superammo il Torino di Pulici e Graziani, che nel torneo precedente ci aveva sottratto il primato. Quella fu un eccezionale campionato finito con 51 punti, ovvero abbiamo perso su 30 partite solo nove punti! Fu una vittoria sul filo di lana; infatti fu una stagione combattuta spalla a spalla con i granata che terminarono a quota 50, un solo punto di svantaggio. Veramente un campionato giocato ad altissimo livello ed indimenticabile.

MARCO TARDELLI EROE DELLA NAZIONALE E DELLA JUVENTUS MARCO, URLO AZZURRO GIOVANE NELLA JUVENTUS, DIVENTERA' UNO DEI CENTROCAMPISTI PIU' FORTI DI SEMPRE E' sicuramente "l'urlo del calcio italiano", ovvero Marco Tardelli, uno dei protagonisti della storia della nazionale di calcio. Nato a Capanne di Careggine in provincia di Lucca, cominciò a giocare negli allievi del San Martino di Pisa. Il ragazzo pur essendo agile e scattante, ha un fisico troppo asciutto. La Fiorentina è interessata al giovane Marco, ma Radice lo scarta considerandolo troppo minuto. Arriva però la sua grande occasione con la quadra di casa il Pisa, che lo acquista per meno di un milione. A solo diciannove anni esordisce in serie C con la squadre pisana con un successo per 2 a 0 contro l’Olbia. Pur essendo nato come centrocampista, L’allenatore Robotti lo inserisce come terzino, per poi trasformarlo come ala. Già nel Pisa risalta la personalità di Marco Tardelli. Nel Pisa milita due stagioni, la seconda diventa titolare a tutti gli effetti; 33 presenze e 2 reti.Il primo trasferimento importante è nel Como, che "brucia" nelle trattative il Varese. Marchioro sfrutta al meglio l’agilità e la potenza del giocatore, e diventa titolare e punto fisso per la squadra lombarda che nel 1974-75 milita in C. Le presenze sono 36 e le sue indiscusse doti tecniche lo fanno subito diventare interessante obiettivo del calcio-mercato di numerosi club. E’ la Juventus che lo compra battendo all’asta l’Inter per 950 milioni.La storia di Marco Tardelli è la storia della Juventus di ben dieci campionati. I bianconeri sono guidati da Trapattoni, e con la fortissima squadra juventina Tardelli vince ben cinque scudetti (76-77 con 51 punti, il campionato dei record battendo il Torino, nel 77-78, 80-81, 81-82 e 83-84), si aggiudica due Coppe Italia (1979 e 1983) e in campo europeo, la Coppa UEFA nel 1976-77, battendo nella doppia finale l’Atletico Bilbao , firmando il gol della vittoria per 1 a 0 al Comunale nella partita di andata, la Coppa delle Coppe nella stagione 1983-84, dominando l’edizione e terminando imbattuti il torneo superando in finale per 2 – 1 i portoghesi del Porto, la Supercoppa Europea nel 1984, superando in un'unica gara il Liverpool per 2 a 0, e la tragica Coppa dei Campioni della successiva 1984-85.Nel 1985-86 passa all’Inter dove disputerà due campionati terminando la sua gloriosa carriera propria nella squadra che lo ha visto sempre tifoso…ma è solo un "arrivederci" al club neroazzurro. In serie A Tardelli ha giocato 302 partite realizzando 37 reti. In nazionale viene considerato all’inizio un autentico jolly. Nel gennaio del 1976 viene convocato da Vicini nell’Under 23 e nello stesso anno viene subito schierato come terzino da Enzo Bearzot nella nazionale maggiore, contro il Portogallo nella amichevole del 7 aprile al Comunale di Torino.Ben presto lo proverà come mezzala per poi farlo giocare all’occorrenza, come nella finale del mondiale in Spagna, come puro regista. Diventerà subito elemento indispensabile per la squadra azzurra che con lui raggiungerà ambiziosi risultati come il titolo di Campione del Mondo in Spagna nel 1982 , e i quarti posti nel mondiali del 1978 e nell’europeo del 1980.Nella nazionale conterà 81 presenze, di cui ben 9 con la fascia di capitano, e 6 reti, tutte importantissime; ricordiamo i due gol nel mondiale in Spagna, contro l’Argentina e lo "storico" 2 a 0 contro la Germania in finale, e il gol che con il quale eliminammo l’Inghilterra agli europei del 1980. L’ultima maglia azzurra la veste nella amichevole con la Norvegia il 25 settembre 1985 in una partita che perdiamo per 2 a 1. Verrà sostituito nel secondo tempo da Franco Baresi, suo compagno di squadra nell’Inter.Un atto di stima sarà la convocazione per Tardelli, non più giovanissimo, fra i ventidue giocatori per il deludente mondiale del 1986. Appena smessa la maglia di giocatore c’è subita una panchina pronta che lo aspetta; è’ quella della nazionale under 16. Diventa secondo di Maldini con la nazionale under 21 e con lui vince in campo internazionale.Debutta sulle panchine del Como, per poi passare a quelle del Cesena. Nel 1997 è secondo di Maldini nella nazionale maggiore per poi passare ad essere allenatore nel 1998 dell’Under 21 con il quale conquista nel 2000 il titolo europeo per poi partecipare alla non esaltante missione olimpica a Sidney. La sua carriera da allenatore deve registrare una non esaltante stagione sulla panchina dell'Inter, e attualmente guida insieme a Trapattoni la nazionale dell'Irlanda. GolCalcio.it

‘Good feeling with Allegri immediately’ Aug 5, 2014 Paul Pogba says that just as with Antonio Conte, the feeling with new Coach Massimiliano Allegri was ‘good and pretty immediate’. The Old Lady is out in Indonesia at the moment for the first leg of their tour of Asia and Oceania, with their new Coach and France international midfielder first to face the media. “I am honoured to be here, it’s a good thing to prepare for the coming season in Asia,” Pogba has commented to reporters sat alongside Allegri. “This wonderful reception has surprised us. It is nice to be in Jakarta and we hope to have fun, tomorrow in the field. And to keep you entertained during the friendly.” “The difference between Conte and Allegri? They are two of the greatest Coaches, with both the feeling was good and pretty immediate. “We are motivated, ready to work well with Allegri. Conte has gone and now there is Allegri. We met recently, we talked a little over the weekend, we are ready to work together with absolute harmony.” Inevitably Pogba was also asked about his future. “I am very happy to play for Juve, I am just focused on work at this moment. The future does not concern me, I live in the present. “I am not thinking of the contract and do not have meetings scheduled with Agnelli or Marotta. “My goal is to continue to do well in the field.”

Agnelli outlines Juve ambition Aug 5, 2014 Andrea Agnelli has outlined Juventus’ aims for next season and their hopes to better connect with fans worldwide. The Bianconeri are heading into the new season with a handful of new arrivals so far secured for new Coach Massimiliano Allegri. “We have had an interesting transfer window, with the arrival of players like Patrice Evra, Alvaro Morata and Roberto Pereyra to strengthen a squad that has won the last three consecutive Scudetti,” President Agnelli has considered to Bloomberg today. “We want to reconfirm ourselves in Italy and do the best that we can in Europe. This is our ambition.” Juventus are currently out in Asia for a three-game pre-season tour that will also take in Australia. “We have experienced four years of growth, in which Juventus have seen a turnaround on a large scale both in sporting and management terms. “One of the cornerstones of this strategy is the internationalisation of the brand. We went to Tokyo during last season and we have done a lot of activity at a digital level in Asia, but it is nice to be here physically to reinforce the bond that connects us to our fans in person. “We have the team that is best supported in Italy, with 14 million fans, to which we can add a further 180 million fans reached worldwide. “If we could obtain €1-2 from each, we would yield €1.8m-€3.6m. Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have turnovers of €450m-€500m - we are behind in these tours, but we monetise. “Whilst the fans come closer to us in terms of dreams and passion, they remain physically distant from the action. The only way to connect with them is through the digital universe, and it is an opportunity that we continue to explore. “The goal is to test the growth of the fanbase in this way and to bring them closer to the team. In 2006 Juve and Milan made a similar amount to the top European clubs, but since then have suffered a collapse.” Agnelli considered the focus back home at the moment on the upcoming FIGC presidential elections. “Looking to Italy there is no plan nor a shared idea about the direction that the system should take. “The elections have presented a candidate who talks about players eating bananas, rather than outlining his proposals for us to move forward. “There is still much to do and we should look forward, rather than dwell on the past.” The President was asked for comment once more on Arturo Vidal’s future at Juventus. “We have not put any player on the market.”

Dunga: Allegri a smart Coach Aug 5, 2014 Dunga has backed Max Allegri to succeed at Juventus and says he will continue to follow Romulo. Juve head into the new season with their most notable change being on the bench, with Allegri having come in to replace Antonio Conte. For one of Allegri’s former midfield teammates at Pescara, though, fears over the direction the club may be going in are misplaced. “Allegri is a great Coach, as he demonstrated at Milan,” Dunga has explained to Tuttosport. “The resignation of Conte does not surprise me, in football things change often. “Allegri is a smart Coach, I am convinced that he will blend his winning mentality with the excellent base built by Conte. “[Former Pescara boss] Giovanni Galeone’s teachings are showing their influence. Allegri has developed along this path, the base is solid. “Pirlo? He is a champion who all Coaches could use.” One new face at Juve this summer is Romulo, the Brazilian born utility player who was a member of Cesare Prandelli’s provisional World Cup squad, but has yet to play for Italy. “He was struggling to emerge but now he can make the leap. I still consider him a Brazilian and will follow him whilst it is possible to call him up.”

Allegri: Vidal, Pogba happy here Aug 5, 2014 Max Allegri has considered focus for Juventus’ first friendly of their tour, a new role for Paul Pogba and transfer talk on the Frenchman and Arturo Vidal. The Bianconeri are in Indonesia for the first leg of their pre-season tour of Asia and Oceania, to face the national football team tomorrow in Jakarta. “We are very happy to be here, the reception from the fans was great yesterday when we arrived and there were so many there,” Allegri has told reporters at a first Press conference on the tour. “It was a beautiful surprise. Thank you to all our fans. I do not know much about Indonesian football, I know that it is developing. “It will be a good workout against guys who will look to stand out. The objective of the game tomorrow is to try to improve the physical condition. “We have just had a first week of working with the national team players. All matches are useful because we only have four before the start of the season. “New tactics? At this time I insist with the defensive three, then later we will try alternatives.” However, one new approach could be in Paul Pogba’s role in the side. “I will try to use him more in the attack. He is one of the best youngsters in the world, with huge technical and physical qualities. “Yet, there is also still plenty of room for improvement.” Both Pogba and teammate Arturo Vidal have had a summer full of speculation regarding their future at Vinovo. “Vidal and Pogba are very happy to be here and I am very happy to coach them.”

Pogba to be given new attacking role - Allegri The coach explained where he will play the talented Frenchman, while the midfielder himself stressed pre-season training under Antonio Conte's replacement is going well. Aug 5, 2014 Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has revealed his plans to utilise Paul Pogba in a more attacking role this season as he bids to succeed Antonio Conte in style. The Bianconeri won three Scudetti in a row and dominated Italian football under Conte but, following the coach's resignation last month over frequent disagreements with the board, Allegri was handed the Turin reins this summer. Pogba, brought to Serie A from Manchester United two years ago, is one of Juve's prize possessions, stamped his authority on the first team last season but Allegri claims that the French midfielder will be ushered into a more forward-minded role in 2014-15. "I will try to use Pogba more in attack," the coach told reporters in Indonesia as Juventus embark on a tour of South East Asia. "He is one of the best young players in the world, with enormous technical and physical qualities. Having said that, there is also still plenty of room for improvement." Pogba and fellow Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal have been persistently linked with a transfer away from Italy this summer but Allegri says both are content with life in Turin. "Vidal and Pogba are delighted to be here and I am delighted to coach them," the former AC Milan coach added. Pogba, who claims he has no plans to leave the reigning Italian champions, was equally gushing with praise for his new trainer and says Juventus have adjusted to life without Conte with ease. "Conte and Allegri are two of the best coaches around and the atmosphere was immediately pretty good," the France international stated. "We are motivated and ready to work successfully with Allegri. Conte's gone and now we have Allegri, we are ready to work together in absolute harmony. "I am very happy to play for Juve, I am just focused on playing right now, the future does not concern me, I live in the present. "I am not thinking of my contract and do not have meetings scheduled with Juventus chiefs. My goal is to continue to do well on the pitch."

Oro olimpico a Belino nel '36, sul tetto del mondo con Vittorio Pozzo Morto Rava, ultimo dei campioni del '38 Da calciatore totalizzò 330 presenze con la maglia della Juventus di cui era ormai da tempo il decano

Allegri is like Ancelotti, says Buffon The Juventus skipper believes the two take a similar approach to man management and is taking Champions League inspiration from Dortmund and Atletico. Aug 4, 2014 Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has compared the approach of new coach Massimiliano Allegri to former boss Carlo Ancelotti. The 46-year-old took over from Antonio Conte this summer and the veteran goalkeeper has praised the ex-Milan boss for his consensual manner with the players. "Everyone has their own character," he told La Stampa. "There is no formula that guarantees victory, otherwise it would have been patented. "There is the sergeant like Louis van Gaal and then there's those like Carlo Ancelotti, who look for direct contact, and they both know how to achieve success. "Which style do I prefer? I was pleased with both approaches because I received an education that helped me to respect authority. "It is up to the players to figure out how to interact with the coach so as to give their best. Ancelotti said that the coach must be one of the group, not above it. Allegri is like this and it is a quality that I like." Buffon went on to say that his team-mates are taking inspiration from Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, who reached the last two Champions League finals, as they plan an assault of their own on Europe. "In the past two years Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have reached the final," he added. "Surprises do happen, although it is strange to define Juventus like this." The 36-year-old also considered Juve's main contenders in the league for the upcoming season and believes Roma's success in the previous campaign marks them as the biggest threat. "After last year they begin with enthusiasm and awareness of being competitive and having strengthened," Buffon continued. "At the start they are our equals."

Chiellini: Electing Tavecchio FIGC president would be embarrassing for Italian football The Juventus defender has lashed out at the 71-year-old, who is at the centre of a racism row, and stated that Demetrio Albertini is the only "adequate" candidate. Aug 4, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini believes that it would be embarrassing for Italian football if Carlo Tavecchio were to be elected president of the country's Football Federation (FIGC). Tavecchio caused outrage during a speech on the influx of foreign players into the domestic game by claiming that those from Africa had merely been "eating bananas" before signing professional terms with top Serie A sides. Up until that point, the 71-year-old had been expected to defeat Demetrio Albertini in their battle to succeed Giancarlo Abete as FIGC president but Tavecchio is now coming under mounting pressure to withdraw his candidacy. "I read his words the day after and they left me disconcerted," Italy defender Chiellini told reporters on Sunday. "I have nothing personal against Tavecchio but, at the moment, the only adequate person for the role is Albertini. "We mustn't let Italian football embarrass itself again. The national team is bigger than Tavecchio but we must avoid having a certain type of figure for these roles. "We need a person with a certain decorum and personality to perform certain roles." The FIGC presidential vote is scheduled for August 11.

Trap: Juve still the team to beat Aug 4, 2014 Giovanni Trapattoni believes that Juventus are still the team to beat this season, even without Antonio Conte. The 45-year-old tactician left the Bianconeri last month after three successive title-winning years. But even with Massimiliano Allegri now in charge, Trap is confident that the Old Lady can keep up their winning run. “Juventus are the team to beat,” he told La Nazione. “Juve have always been that team, regardless of who the Coach is. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Conte, Allegri or Trapattoni, Juve are always strong. “However, Roma look to be as good as they’ve ever been. They’re going to be a force. As will Napoli, who are moving well in the market.” The former Milan boss then commented on the Rossoneri, and new man Pippo Inzaghi. “Milan have an obligation to be near the top of the table. But I have to admit I see a bit of myself in Pippo. “I started with the youth team after a good career.” Conversation then moved to Fiorentina, and their formidable strike force. “It is fundamental that Rossi and Gomez are fit and playing well. And I wish them all the best after what they’ve been through. “I had Gomez at Stuttgart. The lad has a great physique and has improved vastly on his technique. “I’m really rooting for him.”

Buffon: Allegri one of the group Aug 4, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon sees Massimiliano Allegri as ‘one of the group’ at Juventus, whilst he reflects again on heartache suffered with Italy. The goalkeeper is working under new management this pre-season following Antonio Conte’s surprise summer exit and has considered the changes so far noticed. “Everyone has their own character. There is no formula that guarantees victory, otherwise it would have been patented,” Buffon has considered in today’s edition of La Stampa. “There is the sergeant like Louis van Gaal and then there’s those like Carlo Ancelotti, who look for direct contact, and they both know how to achieve success. “Which style do I prefer? I was pleased with both approaches because I received an education that helped me to respect authority. “It is up to the players to figure out how to interact with the Coach so as to give their best. Ancelotti said that the Coach must be one of the group, not above it. Allegri is like this and it is a quality that I like. “If the player is able to give something more, then they do so in certain situations. “There have been several changes, but after a fantastic journey with the same men in command, a change can also be physiological. “Concerns over Allegri’s relationship with Andrea Pirlo? I have never understood these - even if there were problems, between men these are resolved in a few words, it’s just a joke.” Discussion remains on Juve’s ambitions heading into the new season, particularly in the Champions League. “Investments play their part, but in the last two years Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have reached the final. “Surprises do happen, although it is strange to define Juventus like this.” Roma are seen as Juve’s key competitors for the Scudetto, alongside Napoli. “Roma? After last year they begin with enthusiasm and awareness of being competitive and having strengthened. At the start they are our equals.” Meanwhile, Conte has been linked with taking on the vacancy with the national team. “He would have to change the way he works because he would not have time to be so manic, but it would be quite a challenge.” Buffon also had his say on the controversy surrounding prospective FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio, who in the run-up to this month’s election has faced pressure over racist and sexist comments released. “The ‘banana’ phrase was and remains unfortunate, then it has been manipulated, but it will not be decisive. The future of the game depends on radical change, on programmes that are much more precise. “Just for the fact there is an atmosphere like this makes it a half-defeat, let’s see if before August 11 [when the presidential election is held] it becomes a full one. “If nothing changes from here to the 11th then we all have to feel part of the blame - players, journalists and anyone who gravitates around football. To remove some from their positions and change certain relations of power that are now exhausted cannot be so complicated. “In politics they are trying and in sport they can too. The new President of CONI has ideas and presents himself as a reformist. Whoever is elected should have the same effect in conveying a sense of responsibility to those who insist on fighting for its interest.” Tavecchio and Demetrio Albertini are standing for President as part of the fallout from the World Cup campaign, which saw Giancarlo Abete and Cesare Prandelli resign their positions. “I am not one to drench my shirt in tears, I drench it in my soul. In Brazil, we lost everything, we had the opportunity to make our country proud during a difficult moment and we were eliminated in a manner so unseemly. “I do not know the reasons for a debacle like this but I agree with De Rossi - you win with men and not with figurines. “My words were not referring to an individual. We do not need a scapegoat. What bothers me is the conditioning of certain media - they exalt the youngster before they have done something concrete in their career. “Pirlo is the greatest in the world and he should have to stay at home? The fanfare around some names, perhaps it is to drive up their price tag.”

Agnelli: Tour crucial to Juve Aug 4, 2014 Andrea Agnelli has reportedly pressed upon the Juventus team the importance of their tour to Asia and Oceania. The Bianconeri play matches in Indonesia, Australia and Singapore over the coming two weeks as part of their pre-season preparations. Reportedly in heading out this weekend, the squad were told by their President of the importance this tour has. “I know it will be a challenging tour, but do yourself proud and make the most of it,” Tuttosport report Agnelli as telling the players this week. “Initiatives such as these are crucial to getting a stronger Juve brand across the world and, therefore, find more resources to improve the team and take it to the highest levels.” It is understood that the three-game tour will earn Juventus approximately €5m.

UN RAGAZZO CHE SI CHIAMA PAOLO ROSSI L'ESPLOSIONE DI UN GRANDE CAMPIONE Arriva, porta il Vicenza in A e vince la classifica dei cannonieri; l'anno dopo sfiora lo scudetto ed è eroe in Argentina...l'inizio della leggenda! Sono passati ormai tantissimi anni da quando lo vedevamo vincere e segnare in tutti i campi del mondo. Il suo sorriso, era la più bella firma dopo un gol realizzato. Il tempo è passato ma l’aria di ragazzino che si divertiva a giocare a pallone non lo ha affatto lasciato. Paolo Rossi è stato uno dei giocatori simbolo del nostro calcio e tuttora è fra gli italiani più conosciuti all’estero. Nato a Prato il 23 settembre 1956, a soli sedici anni, grazie al fiuto di Italo Allodi, un quasi bambino Rossi era già nelle file delle giovanili di una Juventus che aveva già capito le potenzialità di quel ragazzino esile ma sgusciante in area. Sembrava che il suo futuro fosse bianconero, ma nel 1975, dopo aver penato per l’asportazione di tre menischi, finisce a giocare nel Como, ovviamente in prestito. Una stagione alquanto anonima, sei partite e nessuna rete e retrocessione in serie B. La squadra comasca viene stravolta e Rossi lascia la Lombardia adocchiato da Farina, presidente di un ambizioso Lanerossi Vicenza. La Juventus cede una quota, la maglietta della giovane ala è diventata rossobianconera. L’ambiente fu molto favorevole a Paolo che trovò subito un allenatore paterno come Giambattista Fabbri. La sua stagione fu semplicemente strepitosa. Sono ventuno le reti, titolo di capocannoniere e tutti in serie A. L’anno successivo il Lanerossi è una una squadra che vede in lui il suo punto di forza, ma ha anche altri ottimi calciatori come Filippi, autentico motore del centrocampo, Lelj mente e punta pericolosa, Faloppa super regista e Marangon gigante in difesa. Il campionato ha però un inizio stentato, le prime partite solo pareggi e sconfitte. Poi arriva il momento di cominciare a vincere e a convincere. Ecco le vittorie con l’Atalanta, Lazio, Fiorentina, Roma, Bologna e Genoa…incomincia la scalata che porterà la squadra di Farina al secondo posto dietro la Juventus. Proprio nell’ultima giornata, con lo scudetto già bianconero, Paolo mostra a Boniperti al Comunale di che cosa è capace di fare in una partita persa per 3 a 2 ma dove mostra a tutti il suo immenso talento. La classifica dei cannonieri è sua realizzando ben 24 centri in 30 partite. Tutto riesce facile a Rossi, un giocatore atipico per il nostro calcio. Nessun tiro potente, un fisico tutto tranne che robusto, doti acrobatiche normali, ma una intelligenza tattica unica. Sembra quasi che capisca dove la palla andrà a finire su una respinta della difesa, su una difettosa uscita del portiere, su un cross sbagliato di un compagno. Paolo è sempre presente pronto alla deviazione vincente. La nazionale non può far finta di non vederlo e, dopo ottime partite nella nazionale under 21, arriva anche alla corte della squadra maggiore. Tutti voglio Rossi in nazionale, la stampa spende fiumi di inchiostro per convincere il nostro C.T. che è lui l’uomo nuovo del nostro calcio. Arriva anche il debutto in una non facile amichevole contro il Belgio. Sin dal primo minuto è in campo, e Antognoni segnerà il goal della vittoria di un match dominato dall’Italia. Ancora titolare nella successiva partita ma la sconfitta in Spagna per 2 a 1 appanna le virtù della punta vicentina agli occhi di Bearzot e riconsegna la maglia da titolare a Graziani. Finisce il campionato e si apre il calcio mercato. E’ il momento che Boniperti e Farina decidano il futuro del capocannoniere e anche dei loro club. Si va alle buste. La Juventus offre solo 800 milioni, una cifra che sottostima il suo valore. Farina invece getta sul piatto verde come un giocatore di poker la cifra record di due miliardi. Paolo Rossi rimane a Vicenza. Intanto arriva anche ai mondiali in Argentina. Bearzot, il grande vecchio, è conservatore e al centro dell’attacco azzurro vede la figura di Ciccio Graziani. Ma il granata non vive un periodo di forma esaltante e Rossi viene buttato nella mischia proprio sin dalla prima partita contro la Francia. Giocherà ad altissimo livello e con continuità in una squadra che partita alla grande, sconfitti i futuri campioni dell’Argentina, finirà un mondiale bellissimo ma in fase calante. Paolo Rossi, già al centro dell’attenzione di tutto il Paese, entra nel vortice del ciclone! Tutto il mondo guarda con attenzione il giovane attaccante e il Vicenza punta giustamente a traguardi ambiziosi. Farina per compensare il sacrificio economico per tenerlo é costretto a vendere gli altri “gioielli” come Filippi, che non troverà fortuna nel Napoli, e Lelj. Non arriveranno sostituti e la squadra dovrà riequilibrarsi da sola. Ma la stagione comincia male; in Coppa UEFA subito ai trentaduesimi viene eliminata dal Dukla Praga (1 a 0 e 1 a 1 a in casa). Il peso dell’attacco é sulle forti spalle di Paolo che segna gol su gol ma la difesa è assolutamente insufficiente. Alla fine del torneo realizzerà quindici reti; solo Giordano con diciannove gol avrà fatto meglio. Paolo ha segnato la metà dei gol realizzati dall’intera squadra. La difesa è però catastrofica con quarantadue centri subiti, la peggiore della massima divisione. Il Lanerossi perde sempre piú quota e finirà tristemente al terzultimo posto a pari merito con il Bologna; ma la differenza reti lo condannerà in serie B al termine di una stagione nata con ambizioni da scudetto. Farina sarà costretto a cederlo al Perugia, dopo una serie di motivi e di interessi mai chiariti. Termina la pagina più poetica della vita di Paolo Rossi, ma la città di Vicenza non sarà mai più dimenticata. GolCalcio.it

Lippi: 'Juve faith in Allegri' Aug 3, 2014 Marcello Lippi was surprised Antonio Conte quit Juventus, but urged fans to “have faith in Max Allegri.” The Guangzhou Evergrande Coach and Juve legend spoke to Tuttosport newspaper about the dramatic changes in Turin this summer. “I had hoped Conte would stay at Juventus for many years, as it would’ve pleased me to see him lead several winning eras. I cultivated that romantic dream... “It’s difficult to get inside people’s heads. If he felt certain sensations and had the courage to express them, then his choice must be respected.” Conte announced his exit by mutual consent on the second day of pre-season training, so there was a scramble to get his replacement. “It probably would’ve been better for the club if Antonio had made this decision earlier, but other factors must’ve entered into the fray,” continued World Cup winner Lippi. “I have great faith in Allegri. He already worked at a top level club like Milan and won the Scudetto. There could be initial problems, also due to controversy from his past with the Rossoneri, but then Allegri’s great abilities will shine through. “It will be crucial to start strong. I have no doubts, the team will become one with its Coach. The current club structure is very solid and marches directly towards clear objectives. The club is Juve’s greatest strength. “They have won three consecutive Serie A titles, so it’s only natural they are the favourites. It is also natural that Roma, Napoli, Inter and Milan are trying to reinforce in order to bridge that gap.” Another of Lippi’s old players, Pippo Inzaghi, is now on the Milan bench. “He has great enthusiasm and is fortunate to work at a club that gives him strong support. It will depend on the quality of the squad, though, as passion and motivation can only get you so far.” Lippi famously left the Bianconeri and then returned to win another Scudetto, so could Conte follow the same path? “Could he return to Juve? Antonio’s rapport with these colours is great, as is his affection for the club. We shouldn’t rule out him coming back one day. “Will Conte become Italy Coach? I’d be happy if he felt that’s what he wanted to do, but I say the same about Roberto Mancini and some of the other names I’ve read about.”

Chiellini on Tavecchio and Suarez Aug 3, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini was one of those who complained about Carlo Tavecchio’s racist comments, but hopes Luis Suarez’s biting ban is cut. After FIGC Presidential candidate Tavecchio made racist comments during a speech last Friday, Players’ Association President Damiano Tommasi revealed he received several angry phone calls of protest demanding action. “As soon as I read those phrases, I was disconcerted,” confessed Chiellini today. “I immediately called Tommasi and asked him how it was possible Italian football could be heading towards this election and if there was any way we could stop it. “There is nothing personal in my words, but I think at this moment there is only one man suitable for the role and that is Demetrio Albertini. “There might be points in his programme where clubs disagree, but they must make the right decision for Italian football as a while. “We’ve got to stop embarrassing ourselves in front of the world. We need to choose the right people who have a certain decorum to handle these roles. As we are still in time, we should make the right choice.” The FIGC Presidential election is on August 11, but Tavecchio’s support within Serie A is crumbling with the likes of Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Sassuolo, Empoli and Cesena withdrawing their backing. Chiellini also commented on the lengthy ban given to Suarez for biting his shoulder during Italy’s World Cup game with Uruguay. “I said at the time I thought the ban was excessive and I hope it can be reduced.”

Chiellini: 'Conte's Juve exit a shock' Aug 3, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini admits it was a “shock” to see Antonio Conte leave Juventus, but Max Allegri “can make us unpredictable.” The defender spoke ahead of the Bianconeri’s pre-season tour of Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. “We are happy to export the name of Juventus and curious to see new places. This should help us to consolidate the group,” said Chiellini. They need to bond with new Coach Massimiliano Allegri, who arrived just three days into pre-season training. “I really did not expect Conte to leave. I was on vacation and there were rumours in the morning, but then it happened in the evening. “After an initial shock, we all put ourselves at the disposal of Allegri and want to continue the winning era after three years. The fans are struggling to see it clearly and were shaken, but they must understand Allegri is a very experienced Coach. “We reinforced with good players and the unconditional support of the fans is important. This is still a winning team and Allegri’s arrival can even make us more unpredictable. “I am convinced Arturo Vidal will stay with us. My contract is not formal, but I think it’s safe to say I will be a Juventus player for a long time yet.” It is possible Chiellini will be reunited with Conte in the Italy squad, though Roberto Mancini seems to be the favourite. “Considering our rapport, it’d be the best thing for me. I think we can all say it could only be positive.”

Chiellini: Vidal won't ditch Juventus for Man Utd The defender has no doubts that the Chilean will ignore overtures from the Premier League giants and admits that he was shocked Antonio Conte resigned last month. Aug 3, 2014 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is "convinced" that Arturo Vidal will ignore Manchester United's interest to stay in Serie A. The Chilean has been heavily linked with a transfer to Old Trafford and, despite the Bianconeri publicly claiming Vidal is going nowhere, rumours are continuing to bubble that a move is in the offing. However, his team-mate Chiellini has no doubt that Vidal will remain in Turin and insisted that he has no plans to depart Juventus either. "I am convinced Arturo Vidal will stay with us," he told reporters ahead of the Turin club's pre-season tour of South East Asia. "My contract is not formal, but I think it’s safe to say I will be a Juventus player for a long time yet." Antonio Conte guided Juventus to three successive Scudetti but became frustrated with decisions at boardroom level and stepped down this summer. Though Chiellini stressed his intent to impress under new boss Massimiliano Allegri, he admitted he was stunned by Conte's decision to part ways with the club he brought so much success. "I totally did not expect Conte to leave," he added. "I was on holiday and there were rumours, but then it actually happened. "After initially being shocked, we all put ourselves at the disposal of Allegri and we want to continue our winning era after three years of success. "The fans are struggling to see it clearly and were shaken up, but they must understand that Allegri is a vastly experienced coach. "We're reinforcing with good players and the unconditional support of the fans is important. This is still a winning team and Allegri’s arrival can even make us more unpredictable."

Scudetto not as easy as people think, insists De Rossi The midfielder does not believe champions Juventus will be significantly weaker without Antonio Conte and has pointed to the strengths of Inter, Lazio and Fiorentina. Aug 3, 2014 Roma vice-captain Daniele De Rossi feels the expectations on his side ahead of the new Serie A season are excessive. Rudi Garcia's men finished second in the Italian top flight last term in the Frenchman's maiden year in charge at the Stadio Olimpico. Despite going 17 league games unbeaten at the start of the season, Roma finished 17 points behind Juventus as the Turin club won their third consecutive title. However, the departure of Antonio Conte from the Juve dugout has led many to question their title credentials for this year, while Roma have recruited extensively to sign the likes of Ashley Cole, Davide Astori and Juan Iturbe. But, speaking after a 2-0 loss to Inter in the International Champions Cup in Philadelphia on Saturday, De Rossi still believes it will be a difficult ask for Roma to win their first Scudetto since the 2000-01 season. "This year for the first time I will say we have to target the Scudetto, but targeting is not the same as achieving and it's not as easy as people think," De Rossi told Roma Channel. "From what I hear people seem to say Inter are weak and Juve without Conte are an amateur team. "On top of that, Romanisti [Roma fans] might make fun of Lazio, but they have constructed a good squad, while Fiorentina recovered two important players like Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez. "Our objective is the Scudetto, but it won't be easy."

Juventus and Roma have an advantage over Napoli - Benitez The Spaniard believes there could be seven sides battling for the Scudetto this season but has tipped last year's top two as the teams to beat. Aug 3, 2014 Napoli coach Rafael Benitez believes Juventus and Roma have a clear advantage in the race for the 2014-15 Serie A title. Benitez enjoyed a promising first season at the helm, winning the Coppa Italia crown and securing Champions League football with a third-placed finish, although his side finished 24 points behind champions Juventus and seven adrift of Rudi Garcia's Roma. The Spaniard expects those two clubs to lead the way again in the forthcoming campaign, even though Juve have lost the services of coach Antonio Conte, but has also pointed to the threat posed by Inter, who beat Roma 2-0 on Saturday. "For the Scudetto, Roma and Juventus start with an advantage," Benitez told Sky Sport Italia. "We also saw Inter have constructed a younger team with more intensity. "All three of them will be difficult to beat, but we mustn't forget Fiorentina and Milan too."

Marotta: 'Vidal only sold if...' Aug 2, 2014 Juventus chief Beppe Marotta confirmed Arturo Vidal “would only be sold if he wanted to leave” and ruled out Samuel Eto’o. The general manager spoke at the presentation Press conference of new signing Romulo, who arrived from Verona on loan with option to buy for a total €7m. “I want to thank Verona for their patience in getting the details of this negotiation process. Romulo’s option to buy will become mandatory if he plays in at least 60 per cent of the games this season. “He is a versatile and eclectic player, so will be very useful for us.” Marotta also confirmed Mauricio Isla will undergo his QPR medical tomorrow, on loan with option to buy, but shot down more questions on Manchester United’s interest in Vidal. “We have already said Vidal is not on the market, but what the player wants is decisive. Vidal has never said he wants to leave and Juventus would only sell him if he wanted to leave. “Obviously there are also some timing issues to fulfil such a request, but there’s absolutely no reason to even be discussing this now.” Roma denied Portuguese reports they would pick up free agent Eto’o and Marotta said Juventus are in the same boat. “With all due respect for the champion, he does not represent the profile we are looking for. “The squad is more than competitive, but our market is not closed yet. We still need to do something in defence and attack.”