Socrates

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.”

Kidnappers hope for Carlos Tevez forgiveness Aug 1, 2014 The men who kidnapped Carlos Tevez's father earlier this week said that they hope the Argentine striker can forgive their actions. Segundo Tevez was released after eight hours once the Juventus forward reportedly paid a 40,000 peso (£3,000) ransom. According to the Daily Mirror, Tevez Sr told the police that the gang said: "Carlos is our idol. He's the greatest there is. We don't want to hurt him. Why would we? "The problem is we've got children and we need the money. We haven't got any alternative. We hope he forgives us." The family's lawyer confirmed that Tevez's father was "in good shape" following his release.

Elkann: 'Tavecchio inadequate' Aug 1, 2014 Juventus patron John Elkann slammed FIGC Presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio as “totally inadequate.” The Bianconeri and Roma were the only Serie A clubs not to favour Tavecchio, but several others have joined them since his racist comments last Friday. “It’s impossible to comment on Tavecchio’s phrases. He is totally inadequate for the job,” declared Exor and Fiat President Elkann today. “In general, Italian and international sport shows us those who aspire to certain positions need to behave the right way.”

Juve plan Chiellini offer Aug 1, 2014 Juventus will reportedly offer Giorgio Chiellini a new contract next week, to extend him beyond June 2015. Reports as far back as six months ago have had the defender as in line for renegotiations with the Bianconeri. Today, Gianluca Di Marzio’s website is leading assertions that a renewal offer will be tabled to the 29-year-old during next week. Chiellini, who has been with the Old Lady since 2005, is currently in line to be out of contract next summer.

Lo dicono anche qui, in inglese. http://www.football-italia.net/53326/juves-isla-set-qpr-loan

Evra: I Left Manchester United For Juventus For Personal Reasons Jul 31, 2014 New Juventus signing Patrice Evra has revealed that leaving Manchester United for Juventus was a very difficult decision but that he had to leave for personal reasons. The 33-year-old was presented as a Juventus player on Thursday and gave a press conference detailing his transfer from the Premier League club. “It was really difficult to leave Manchester United. “It was for personal reasons. I asked the club if I could leave. When I knew Juventus were interested, the most difficult part was to leave. “But I did it and I am happy with my choice.” Evra also talked of his delight at linking up with Carlos Tevez once again, with the two having been team-mates at Old Trafford between 2007 and 2009. “It was tough for me to see him leave United, we are great friends on and off the pitch. It hurt me to see him in another shirt,” Evra explained. Evra also answered difficult questions regarding racism, with the Italian football federation under the spotlight in recent days over alleged racist remarks made by its vice-president, Carlo Tavecchio. “It’s hard to talk about racism. “I don’t understand why someone compares other people because they are a different colour. Maybe they fear the other person. “It is sad to be here and talk about it, I don’t understand it,” Evra added. Evra is nevertheless excited about the fresh challenge ahead in Serie A, with his new club looking for a fourth successive Scudetto under new boss Massimiliano Allegri. Evra was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2006 and went on to enjoy an illustrious eight-year career at Old Trafford, winning the Champions League in 2008, five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Club World Cup. He made a total of 379 appearances for United, scoring 10 goals, but was given permission to leave following the signing of England international Luke Shaw from Southampton.

Van Gaal was sorry to see me go, says Evra The defender admits it was very difficult to bid farewell to the Premier League giants but says he had no hesitation in accepting an offer from Juventus. Jul 31, 2014 Patrice Evra has revealed personal reasons were behind his decision to leave Manchester United and make the switch to Juventus - though he says new manager Louis van Gaal was eager to keep him. The France left-back agreed a two-year contract with the Serie A champions earlier this month after asking to leave United towards the end of the previous campaign. His decision to move on ended an eight-and-a-half year stay in England that saw the 33-year-old lift five Premier League titles, three League Cups and the Champions League. Evra revealed on Thursday that although he had signed a one-year extension at Old Trafford in May, he had no hesitation in making the switch to Turin once a €2.5 million deal had been agreed. "It was really difficult to leave Manchester United, it was for personal reasons," he said at a media conference in Turin. "Three months before the end of the season I asked to speak to other clubs and when I knew Juventus were interested it was an easy decision, but the most difficult thing was to leave Manchester United. "Manchester had great confidence in me. I spoke to Van Gaal, who was sorry to see me go, but I wanted to come to Juventus." Juve have won the past three Serie A titles under Antonio Conte but preparations for the new campaign were thrown into doubt when the head coach left his role with the club on July 16. Massimiliano Allegri replaced Conte at the helm and Evra, who does not have any concerns about the 45-year-old's departure, is ready for the challenges that come with defending the league crown. "The minute Juventus came calling, I knew it was the right choice for me," he added. "They have the same winning mentality as me. "Juve wants to win this year, I have never won the championship four times in a row, but it won't be easy. "I managed to do it three times with Manchester United and know how difficult the challenge is. "We hope to do well in the Champions League too. It's a great competition and we'll look to go as far as we can."