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CHIEVO VERONA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, August 30, 2014 6:00 PM Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi — Verona Referee: Carmine Russo Chievo-Juventus Preview: Bianconeri begin new era under Allegri The Turin outfit are bidding for a fourth successive Scudetto - but they must do so without Antonio Conte, who surprisingly stepped down during the summer. Aug 29, 2014 Juventus kick off the defence of their Serie A title when they travel to Verona on Saturday to take on Chievo. The Bianconeri won three consecutive Scudetti under the stewardship of Antonio Conte, including last season's success, which saw the Turin side amass 102 points and finish 17 points clear of second-placed Roma. However, Juve were forced into a change of head coach when the former Italy international surprisingly announced his resignation last month - and he has since been named as Italy boss. In his place comes a man who was out of work following the end of his four-year tenure at Milan in January, during which time he led the team to the Scudetto crown in 2011. One of Allegri's main concerns will be helping his new charges match their domestic form in the Champions League this season and midfielder Paul Pogba is confident the club can do just that. "I'm not saying we're favourites for the league," he told Sky Sport Italia. "But if we play with the same concentration and ruthlessness displayed over the last three years we can maintain our winning run. "The Champions League is both a dream and target of ours. It's a competition that every player wants to win." One of the biggest talking points since Allegri's appointment has centred on his relationship with Andrea Pirlo, after he allowed the veteran midfielder to leave San Siro and join Juve on a free transfer in 2011. Any questions about Pirlo's selection are immaterial for Saturday's opening-day clash at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi, however, as the 35-year-old has been ruled out for the next month with a hip injury. Allegri has been busy adding to his squad throughout the transfer window, with full-back Patrice Evra, midfielder Roberto Pereyra and forward Alvaro Morata among those to have move to the Juventus Stadium - although the latter, who joined from Real Madrid, will have to wait to make his bow due to a knee injury. There are also reports in Italy that a flu virus has affected Juve's camp, while the absence of Andrea Barzagli with an ankle issue and Giorgio Chiellini, who is suspended, has left Allegri short in defence. While Juve have gone through somewhat of a transition, Chievo appear to have an element of stability with head coach Eugenio Corini having penned a new two-year deal in May. After avoiding relegation by just four points last term, Chievo have looked to strengthen their squad. Ruben Botta and Ezequiel Schelotto arrived on loan from Inter in the past week, while the likes of Edimar Fraga, Alessandro Gamberini and Valter Birsa have also joined. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Feb 16, 2014 - Juventus 3 - Chievo 1 Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2013 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 2 Serie A ‎-‎ Feb 3, 2013 - Chievo 1 - 2 Juventus Serie A ‎- Sep 22, 2012 - Juventus 2 - 0 Chievo Serie A ‎- Mar 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - 1 Chievo Last Five Matches CHIEVO Aug 22, 2014 - Pescara 1 - 0 Chievo 0 - Coppa Italia Aug 1, 2014 - Borussia Dortmund 1 - 0 Chievo - Friendly May 18, 2014 - Chievo 2 - 1 FC Internazionale - Serie A May 11, 2014 - Cagliari 0 - 1 Chievo - Serie A May 4, 2014 - Chievo 0 - 1 Torino - Serie A JUVENTUS Aug 10, 2014 - A-League All Stars 2 - 3 Juventus - Friendly Aug 6, 2014 - ISL All Stars 1 - 8 Juventus - Friendly May 18, 2014 - Juventus 3 - 0 Cagliari - Serie A May 11, 2014 - Roma 0 - 1 Juventus - Serie A May 5, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Atalanta - Serie A http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

CHIEVO VERONA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, August 30, 2014 6:00 PM Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi — Verona Referee: Carmine Russo Allegri: Juventus ready to defend Scudetto The coach has been handed a championship-winning side following Antonio Conte's resignation and he hopes to begin with a victory against Chievo this weekend. Aug 29, 2014 New Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he and his team are ready and raring to go ahead of the start of their Scudetto defence on Saturday. Juve get their season under way at Chievo, who crashed out of the Coppa Italia at the hands of Serie B side Pescara last week, but Allegri has warned his players to expect a tough encounter. “We're ready to go and will play with great concentration and attention," he told reporters. "It's not an easy one because Chievo have many new faces. "They will look to bounce back from their Coppa Italia elimination and cause us problems. "It's a tricky encounter at a ground where getting a result is never easy. We need to be on our game for 95 minutes." Allegri succeeded Antonio Conte, who has since assumed the reins of the Italian national team, and says he found Juventus in good order upon his arrival and insists Serie A is not a two-horse race between his team and Roma. "I've come into an environment with rules, discipline and a strong work ethic," he continued. "I'm very happy about that. "Juve and Roma aren't the only contenders - Inter, Napoli, Fiorentina, AC Milan and Lazio will also be in the chasing pack." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juventus are Scudetto favourites, says Conte Azzurri-coach feels his former team are sitting in pole position to win the title again, but has stressed that they will face stiff competition. Aug 29, 2014 Italy coach Antonio Conte believes that Juventus are the team to beat in the race for the Serie A title this term, but stresses that Roma, Napoli and Inter are all genuine contenders. Conte guided Juventus to three consecutive Scudetti before stepping down this summer and a lot of pundits feel they are significantly weaker heading into the new campaign under new boss Massimiliano Allegri. Conte, though, has little doubt that the titleholders can be progress even further under the new coach. "Juventus are definitely stronger than last season and have moved forward again. If they don't lose any players in the closing stages of the window, they have strengthened their team well," Conte told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Their key players have stayed put and some good players have come in like Roberto Pereyra, Romulo and Alvaro Morata, and not to forget the experience of Patrice Evra. "Roma have done a great job at the transfer market as well and they come off the back of an important season. I think Rudi Garcia has a number of solutions and options now. "And then there's Napoli of course, who will have to overcome the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League. "Inter should not be ruled out either. They have strengthened in all areas and have decisive players all over the pitch. They could spring a surprise in the race for the title." Juventus kick off the new Serie A season on Saturday with an away game versus Chievo.

How Juventus will line up in 2014-15 Massimiliano Allegri has taken over in Turin, while Pippo Inzaghi is the new man in charge at San Siro, resulting in great tactical intrigue in Italy ahead of the 2014-15 campaign. Aug 29, 2014 By Mark Doyle It has been a turbulent summer for calcio. The national team suffered an embarrassing first-round elimination at Brazil 2014, while the election of Carlo Tavecchio as the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) made headlines for all the wrong reasons and felt more like a step backward than forward. The hope now is that Serie A can give the country's disillusioned football fans something to cheer about and the good news, at least, is that this season's title race looks set to be one of the more intriguing in recent seasons. As defending champions, Juventus will obviously start as favourites but the shock resignation of Antonio Conte as coach has cast some doubt on their chances of a fourth successive Scudetto, particularly as Roma have once again strengthened impressively during the summer. Despite Aurelio De Laurentiis tightening the purse strings at the San Paolo, Coppa Italia holders Napoli could sustain a Scudetto challenge this time around, particularly as they no longer have the Champions League to contend with, while Vincenzo Montella's wonderfully free-flowing Fiorentina side have been in encouragingly fine form in pre-season. Inter, meanwhile, should be stronger in Walter Mazzarri's second season at the helm and city rivals AC Milan are hoping that former San Siro favourite, Pippo Inzaghi, can restore some long-lost pride to the Rossoneri shirt. Here, Goal takes a look at Juve will line up as the 2014-15 Serie season prepares to kick off this weekend. JUVENTUS There was always a chance of a high-profile departure at Juventus this summer - but nobody thought that Conte would be the one to leave. The former Bianconeri midfielder's sudden resignation as coach in July left the club's supporters in a state of shock. Their disbelief then turned to outrage when Juve opted to replace the man that had led them to three successive Serie A titles with Massimiliano Allegri, who had been sacked by rivals Milan midway through last season. However, their rage has been tempered by the club's success in holding onto Arturo Vidal, who looked set to depart for Manchester United. There's also the fact that the change of coach could most likely result in an arguably overdue change of formation, with Allegri poised to ditch Conte's tried-and-trusted 3-5-2, which, while successful in Serie A, has shown itself to be too easy to play against in Europe. Juve now look set to switch to a flat back four, with Patrice Evra slotting in on the left-hand side following his free transfer from Manchester United. Roberto Pereyra, who has arrived from Udinese, will challenge Claudio Marchisio for the attacking midfield role in front of the regular trio of Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba, with Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez set to renew their prolific partnership up front. However, the €20 million signing of Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid, coupled with Simone Pepe's return to full fitness, gives Juve the option of playing three up top this season, underlining that while there is much uncertainty surrounding the Old Lady this season, there's also no end of unpredictability, which may not be a bad thing.

Juventus will not make same mistakes again in Champions League, says Marotta The Bianconeri director is optimistic about his side's chances of reaching the knockout stages in European club football's elite competition. Aug 29, 2014 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta is confident the Serie A champions have learned from their mistakes in the Champions League and can reach the knockout stages this term. The Turin side failed to survive the group stages in 2013-14 as Real Madrid and Galatasaray proved to be too strong. This time, they have been paired with Atletico Madrid, Olympiakos and Malmo during Thursday's draw. And Marotta has little doubt the Bianconeri will do better this time around, but admits there is a large void between them and the elite clubs in Europe. "We now have a proven group of players that, in recent years, was undone by a lack of experience. I think what happened last year will help us to not repeat the same mistakes again," Marotta told the official Juventus website. "Having said that, we must be aware of our club’s history and remember that qualification is certainly attainable. We're satisfied with the outcome of the draw. "In the Champions League there is a considerable gap between ourselves and the big clubs. "We hope to progress as far as possible in Europe and you can be sure that we’ll give our all in every single match, because we are well aware that this is a competition which can be decided by the smallest details." Juventus kick off their European campaign with a home game against Malmo on Tuesday September 16.

Atletico braced for 'difficult' Champions League clashes with Juventus The champions of Spain finished as runners-up last season but they are taking nothing for granted this time around, having been placed in the same pool as the Bianconeri. Aug 29, 2014 Jose Luis Caminero has conceded that Atletico Madrid face a difficult task in trying to beat Juventus to top spot in Champions League Group A. The Rojiblancos reached the final of last season's competition, only losing out after extra-time to city rivals Real. However, Caminero is taking nothing for granted after Atletico were drawn in the same pool as Juve, Olympiakos and Malmo. "All of them are the reigning champions of their respective leagues," Atletico's sporting director pointed out. "They have great players and I’m sure they will make it difficult for us to get through to the knockout stage. “Juventus have won the Scudetto for the past three seasons and broke the league’s points record last year. They are one of the historic clubs in this competition and they are used to gaining success. "They have top players such as Pirlo, Buffon, Pogba, Vidal, Llorente and Tevez ... Both games are going to be difficult."

Champions League: Juventus fixtures Aug 28, 2014 Juventus play their first Champions League game at home against Malmo and end the group with Atletico Madrid in Turin. The Bianconeri were drawn in Group A along with Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos and Malmo. Matchday 1 Sep 16 Olympiacos-Atletico Madrid Juventus-Malmo Matchday 2 Oct 1 Malmo-Olympiacos Atletico Madrid-Juventus Matchday 3 Oct 22 Atletico Madrid-Malmo Olympiacos-Juventus Matchday 4 Nov 4 Malmo-Atletico Madrid Juventus-Olympiacos Matchday 5 Nov 26 Atletico Madrid-Olympiacos Malmo-Juventus Matchday 6 Dec 9 Olympiacos-Malmo Juventus-Atletico Madrid

Marotta: 'Juve happy with draw' Aug 28, 2014 Beppe Marotta admits Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos and Malmo represent “a Champions League group Juventus are happy with.” The Bianconeri are in Group A with last season’s beaten Finalists, but Olympiacos and Malmo should represent much less frightening prospects. “This is a Champions League group Juventus are happy with, but there are also hidden dangers like Malmo – who have already started their season and that’ll end in November,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “We must honour the jersey we wear, as qualification is within our grasp. The group paid for a lack of experience over the last two or three years, but is now solidified. “We learned from what happened last season. We are Juventus, we have to learn from our recent errors.” Juve crashed out in the first round following a shock 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray, despite a relatively simple draw. Marotta was also asked whether Juventus were making a bid to sign Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco. “There are many rumours that are pumped up, but there was no meeting. We are already competitive for our targets, considering we haven’t sold any of our key players. “I am very realistic and don’t think there will be any shock moves. If they are dreams, then fine, but let’s be realistic and say that operation is not within our grasp.”

Allegri: 'Nice balanced Juve group' Aug 28, 2014 Max Allegri thinks Juventus have a “nice and balanced” Champions League group with Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos and Malmo. The Bianconeri were placed in Group A with last season’s beaten Finalists. “There’s a nice and balanced group for us with fiery venues at Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos.” Milan went out to Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 last season, but Allegri had already been fired before those fixtures and replaced by Clarence Seedorf.

Juve-Atletico Madrid- Olympiakos-Malmö Aug 28, 2014 Juventus will face Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos and Malmo while Roma enter the Group of Death with Bayern Munich, Manchester City and CSKA in the Champions League. The draw for the tournament was held this evening at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Max Allegri’s Bianconeri face last season’s beaten Finalists and Liga victors Atletico Madrid, who are coached by ex-Inter and Lazio star Diego Simeone. They also take on Champions of Greece Olympiacos and Swedes Malmo. Roma enter the undoubted Group of Death with Bayern Munich (including Mehdi Benatia), Manchester City and CSKA Moscow. Ciro Immobile’s Borussia Dortmund are in Group D with Arsenal and Cesare Prandelli’s Galatasaray. Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool have a tough Group B with Real Madrid, Basel and Bulgarian fairytale team Ludogorets. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – and Italian teammates Marco Verratti, Salvatore Sirigu and Thiago Motta – will be in action at the Camp Nou, as PSG are in with Barcelona, Ajax and Cyprus side APOEL. The group phase begins on September 16-17 and terminates on December 9-10. There were only two Serie A sides involved, as Napoli lost their play-off 4-2 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao. Juve were second seeds, while Roma’s absence from top European competition since 2010-11 saw them relegated to the fourth pot. Group A Atletico Madrid (ESP) JUVENTUS (ITA) Olympiacos (GRE) Malmo (SWE) Group B Real Madrid (ESP) Basel (SWI) Liverpool (ENG) Ludogorets (BUL) Group C Benfica (POR) Zenit (RUS) Bayer Leverkusen (GER) Monaco (FRA) Group D Arsenal (ENG) Borussia Dortmund (GER) Galatasaray (TUR) Anderlecht (BEL) Group E Bayern Munich (GER) Manchester City (ENG) CSKA Moscow (RUS) ROMA (ITA) Group F Barcelona (ESP) PSG (FRA) Ajax (NED) APOEL (CYP) Group G Chelsea (ENG) Schalke (GER) Sporting Lisbon (POR) Maribor (SLO) Group H Porto (POR) Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) Athletic Bilbao (ESP) BATE Borisov (BLR)

CHIEVO VERONA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, August 30, 2014 6:00 PM Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi — Verona Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Pirlo out for a month Aug 28, 2014 Juventus have confirmed that tests carried out on Andrea Pirlo have ruled him out of action for up to 30 days. The midfielder was seen as a doubt for this weekend’s season opener at Chievo having picked up a knock during last weekend’s Trofeo TIM. Again absent from training this morning, the Bianconeri have now confirmed the full extent to the player’s issue, revealed in tests. Confirming the news in a statement, Juve report that as the result of a blow to the hip suffered during the Trofeo TIM, the 35-year-old underwent an MRI that highlighted a strain in his rectus femoris - thigh muscle - that will require 30 days for ‘complete functional recovery’. The player will enter into a specific rehabilitation training programme and also be subject to follow-up tests on the injury in 15 days’ time. It rules Pirlo out of potentially Juventus’ first five Serie A fixtures, at least the first matchday in the Champions League group stage and also contention for Italy’s first squad under Antonio Conte, to be announced this weekend. The injury heightens Max Allegri’s selection issues ahead of his competitive debut on the Juve bench, as he is already without Alvaro Morata, Arturo Vidal, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini for Week 1. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Lacazette earns France recall as Deschamps preserves Evra The coach has made only a couple of changes to the side that travelled to Brazil in the summer, with the Lyon forward replacing Olivier Giroud in his 23-man panel. Aug 28, 2014 France coach Didier Deschamps has resisted the urge to experiment too greatly in his side’s forthcoming friendlies against Serbia and Spain but has offered Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette a recall to the side while preserving 33-year-old Patrice Evra. The former Juventus and Marseille boss has named a 23-man panel for the two encounters next month, which also includes Steve Mandanda, who missed out on the World Cup due to a neck problem. Deschamps has not used the World Cup as a watershed moment for veteran left-back Evra, as he feels the ex-Monaco star could still be available when Euro 2016 comes around. “Evra was competitive during the World Cup,” the coach explained. “After eight years with Manchester United he is with Juventus, so I’m not the only one who thinks he remains competitive. “No one can know what level he will be at in two years’ time. But I can bring in other players to that post if I need to.” Deschamps has decided to stick closely to the side that travelled to the World Cup in the summer, with only two alterations made. Lacazette is in for the injured Olivier Giroud, while Mandanda takes the place of the retired Mickael Landreau. Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal have both announced their decision to quit the international game recently, while Samir Nasri had previously ruled himself out of selection. Goalkeepers: Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Ruffier (Saint-Etienne) Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal), Lucas Digne (PSG), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle) Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Remy Cabella (Newcastle), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Loic Remy (QPR), Mathieu Valbuena (Dinamo Moscow)

Juventus without injured Pirlo for a month The midfielder is set to miss at least five Bianconeri games, along will a pair of Italy clashes, after he pulled a tendon this month. Aug 28, 2014 Juventus will be without veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo for around a month after he sustained a hip injury in last weekend's Trofeo TIM pre-season tournament. An MRI has confirmed that the 35-year-old has pulled a tendon in his hip and is set to miss the first four or five Serie A games of the new season, as well as the first Champions League group stage game of 2014-15. The Bianconeri kick off their title defence on Saturday against Chievo Verona but Massimiliano Allegri will have to rely on others to get his debut season in charge off to a solid start, though he is already set to be without Arturo Vidal, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Alvaro Morata. The former AC Milan talisman featured 45 times under Antonio Conte in 2013-14 and has helped to navigate Juventus to three successive Scudetti since his arrival in 2011 from San Siro. Pirlo is yet to confirm if he will retire from the national team, which Conte now coaches, but he will definitely not be involved in Italy's upcoming internationals in early September against Netherlands (a friendly) and Norway (a Euro 2016 qualifier).

Juve & Roma await Champions draw Aug 28, 2014 Juventus and Roma will today learn their opponents for the Group stage of the 2014-15 Champions League. Today’s draw in Monaco, set to begin at 4.45pm UK time, will pair the 32 qualified clubs together into eight groups of four teams. Determined by coefficient rankings, clubs are separated into four seeding pots and each group will contain one team from each pot - teams cannot be drawn against others from the same pot, nor against teams from the same country. Following Napoli’s Play-off round defeat to Athletic Bilbao over two legs, Italy has two representatives in this afternoon’s draw - Juventus and Roma. Juve, who were eliminated at the Group stage of the competition last year before going on to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, are placed in Pot 2. Roma, who are making a return to the competition after three years away, are in Pot 4 and risk a tough draw today. Champions League draw Pot 1: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Porto Pot 2: Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund, JUVENTUS, PSG, Shakhtar Donetsk, Basel, Zenit, Manchester City Pot 3: Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, CSKA Moscow, Ajax, Liverpool, Sporting Lisbon, Galatasaray, Athletic Bilbao Pot 4: Anderlecht, ROMA, Ludogorets, APOEL, BATE Borisov, Maribor, Monaco, Malmo

Champions League draw set Aug 27, 2014 Juventus are second seeds in tomorrow's Champions League draw, but Roma are pushed down to fourth. This evening’s results set the scene for the draw and unfortunately Napoli will not be a part of it, as they lost the play-off 4-2 on aggregate to Athletic Bilbao. It leaves only two Italian sides in the group phase and is the fourth time in five years that a Serie A representative has gone out in the preliminary round. Steaua Bucharest and Ludogorets went to extra time, but the Bulgarians thanked a heroic performance from Cosmin Moti to qualify. With their goalkeeper sent off, centre-back Moti went in goal for the penalty shoot-out and incredibly saved two spot-kicks. Pot 1 Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Benfica, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Porto Pot 2 Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund, JUVENTUS, PSG, Shakhtar Donetsk, Basel, Zenit, Manchester City Pot 3 Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiacos, CSKA Moscow, Ajax, Liverpool, Sporting Lisbon, Galatasaray, Athletic Bilbao Pot 4 Anderlecht, ROMA, Ludogorets, APOEL, BATE Borisov, Maribor, Monaco, Malmo

Juve: No Lichtsteiner for Shaqiri Aug 27, 2014 There are reports Bayern Munich wanted to give Juventus Xherdan Shaqiri, but they refused to hand over Stephan Lichtsteiner. According to Sky Sport Italia, Swiss international Shaqiri was prepared to make the move to Turin and Bayern were also open to the proposal. However, negotiations hit a brick wall when Bayern Munich requested full-back Lichtsteiner as part of the deal. Juventus replied with a clear no, refusing to part with their ‘Swiss Express.’ It’s also claimed Juve asked for Shaqiri on loan with option to buy, but were unimpressed with Bayern’s demands. They would loan him for €6m and an option to buy for a further €25m.

Pogba: It's different under Allegri Aug 27, 2014 Paul Pogba has conceded it is different under Massmiliano Allegri, but believes that Juventus can still win the title. The former Milan boss took over from Antonio Conte earlier this summer, with some suggesting that the new tactician’s arrival could see a drop off in performance. But the France international, who recently signed a contract extension, has insisted that won’t be the case. “I feel good,” he told Sky Sport Italia, “We’re working well with Allegri. We know him a little more. “It’s true that he is different from Conte, but that is only normal. We’re going to get used to Allegri, but I feel comfortable with him. “There isn’t that much difference from before. Allegri has a different style to Conte, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep on winning. “I’m not saying that we’re favourites for the title, but we’re focused and want to win the League as much as we have done over the past three years.”

Pogba: Juventus can win without Conte It has been suggested that the Bianconeri will struggle to win a fourth successive Scudetto - but the midfielder insists that they need only remain concentrated. Aug 27, 2014 Paul Pogba insists that Juventus can continue winning under Massimiliano Allegri, arguing that the new coach is not so different to predecessor Antonio Conte. Bianconeri fans were left stunned when Conte sensationally parted company with the Turin club by mutual consent in July, after winning three successive Serie A titles with the Old Lady. Their shock turned to anger when Massimiliano Allegri, who was sacked by rivals AC Milan midway through last season, was promptly hired as a replacement but Pogba sees no reason for concern ahead of the start of Juve's Scudetto defence this weekend. "We know him a little more now and everyone is good with him," the France international told reporters on Thursday. "That he's different to another coach is normal. "For me, it's the first change of coach, but we feel good with him, also on the field, and there are not so many differences to Conte. "It's true that Conte had a different style, but does not mean that we cannot win [with Allegri]. "We know that we can win if we are concentrated, as Juve have been in these last three years." However, Pogba admitted that his primary aim now is to help the Bianconeri end their 18-year wait for a third European Cup triumph. "The Champions League is not an obsession, but an objective and a dream, as it is for all players," the midfielder told reporters. "It's a goal and I really want to win it." Pogba also confessed that he feels perfectly placed to emerge as a leader on and off the field this season, revealing he has learned much from Juve veteran duo Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo. "I feel older," he mused. "I'm more mature and grown-up because I'm 21 now. "But playing and training with Buffon and Pirlo makes you grow."

CHIEVO VERONA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, August 30, 2014 6:00 PM Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi — Verona Referee: Carmine Russo‬ Paloschi: No Juventus fear Aug 27, 2014 Alberto Paloschi has brushed aside concerns over Chievo’s pre-season and asserts they are ready to face Juventus. The Flying Donkeys will play host to the defending League champions on Saturday evening in Week 1’s opening fixture. For Paloschi, it brings back memories of a disallowed goal against the Bianconeri last season. “I remember it well, but I have put it behind me. The thing that matters most, mindful of what happened last season, is a good start,” last season’s top scorer for Chievo has considered this week. “Juventus are champions, but we are ready to face them. We want to have a good game, playing as we do.” Pre-season has seen concerns raised over the Mussi Volanti’s level of performance. “In pre-season we struggled, we could not express ourselves as best we could because of the amount of work we had done and as a result there were some lacklustre performances. “But now we are improving, we have found more brightness as the weeks have gone by.” Chievo are seen as likely to move between three different formations this season - 4-3-1-2, 4-3-3 and 3-5-2, with one of those likely to place Paloschi out wide. “If we are playing with three strikers, I could adapt to play on the outside of a trident. “I did that three times last year and scored six goals. I prefer to act from the centre, but I have no problem in changing.” Strike partner Sergio Pellissier could be on the verge of leaving the club. “Sergio is a point of reference, he has always been close to everyone, in times of trouble. Maybe in the future I can become a leader like him, but I still have much to prove.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Tevez, Higuain and the contenders to be Serie A top scorer this season The departure of last season's top scorer Ciro Immobile means the race for the Capocannoniere is wide open heading into the new term. Goal takes a look at the main contenders. Aug 27, 2014 Serie A returns this weekend and it is set to be an enticing and competitive campaign as several teams look to bring an end to Juventus' era of dominance. Following the transfer of last season’s Serie A top goalscorer, Ciro Immobile from Torino to Borussia Dortmund, the race for the Capocannoniere is wide open with main candidates Juventus, Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina being led by strikers who will all be looking to finish top of the goalscorer charts. After a successful first season with Napoli, Gonzalo Higuain enters the new campaign as one of the favourites to top the scorer charts. The Argentine striker joined the Partenopei from Real Madrid and linked up well with Jose Callejon, Lorenzo Insigne and Marek Hamsik, scoring 17 times. Fully settled into the team and with Rafael Benitez’s side looking to mount a stronger challenge for the title, Higuain, boosted by the support of Michu, will have better service and will be confident of improving on his tally this term. Following the departure of coach Antonio Conte, there is a growing feeling that Juventus’ reign of dominance is set to come to an end. However, the Bianconeri should still be confident of winning a fourth consecutive league title as they head into the new campaign with the same squad. Crucial to the Old Lady's title hopes is striker Carlos Tevez. The Argentine scored 19 goals last term, only one of which was a penalty. The former Manchester City forward will be confident of racking up a similar record this year as his partnership with Fernando Llorente continues to flourish. Despite starting only 19 games last season, Giuseppe Rossi netted 16 goals for Fiorentina. His conversion rate of nearly 35 per cent was the highest of anyone in the top 10 goalscorer chart. Worries have already been expressed over his knee heading into this campaign, but with the Viola looking to improve on their fourth place finish, Rossi, if fit will be critical and has a great chance of improving on his record. Luca Toni, who finished runner up in the scorer charts last season will fancy his chances of at least matching his remarkable tally of 20 for Hellas. However, the loss of Romulo, who set up eight goals last season, on loan to Juventus and the sale of Juan Iturbe to Roma severely lowers the quality of service to the Italy international. Two-time Capocannoniere winner Antonio Di Natale will be looking to bow out in style by topping the charts once again while Juve forward Fernando Llorente will feel he has to improve on his record of 16 goals in 34 appearances last term. With Inter looking to recover from another poor season, a lot of their hopes rely on Rodrigo Palacio who remains their main goal threat, having scored 17 times in 2013-14. Mattia Destro has the potential to play a crucial role for Roma as they look to build on their magnificent 2013-campaign. No striker in last year's top 30 had a higher shot conversion rate than the 23-year-old's rate of 37% as he scored 13 non-penalty goals in 14 starts last term.

Gaetano Scirea – A Forgotten Juventus Legend Aug 26, 2014 The epitome of decency, chivalry, courage, skill, talent and even personality, Gaetano Scirea has been long forgotten in the footballing world. A silent guardian, Scirea single-handedly constructed the back four of the World Cup winning Italian side in 1982. He also played crucial and vital roles for his club side Juventus. Operating as a Sweeper, who plays behind the Center Back, Scirea kept arguably world’s best defender, Franco Baresi, out of the National Team. In his 16 year career, Scirea has won almost every trophy there is to win, including a World Cup. Scirea is one of only five players in European football history to have won all international trophies for football clubs recognized by UEFA and FIFA. Scirea is also one of only nine players in the history of the European football to win all three major UEFA football competitions. It can be said the Gaetano Scirea wrote poetry in football . Il Giocatore ( The Player ) Scirea was a defender of skill and tactical ability. In contrast to the ruthless tactics often employed by other defenders, including his paired partner, Claudio Gentile, Scirea was renowned for his class, fair play and sportsmanship. Scirea never earned a red card in his career. He played the sweeper, or libero, role for most of his career, and contributed to the development of the position. Thus, Scirea would detach himself from the defensive line and contribute to the attacking potential of his team, frequently being involved in the build-up of goals, and sometimes even scoring himself. In the latter part of his career, Scirea played a more defensive central-defender role. During the ’80s Juventus was full of stars. Although there were players such as Bettega, Zoff, Tardelli, Platini, Brady, Boniek, Gentile, and Furino, to name a few, one stood above them all—captain Gaetano Scirea. He was a clean fighter, capable of transmitting confidence and strength at the same time. Il Campione ( The Champ ) Starting his career with Atalanta, Scirea played with the Orobici for two long seasons, crafting his talent to take roots in the tough annals of Italian football. Initially he was used as a midfielder but gradually he shifted to sweeper, a position that would later make him legendary. Solid performances for Atalanta saw Scirea move to Italian giants, Juventus. At first there was a lot of criticsim with the Turin based club as they were accustomed to Sandro Salvatore, but then after couple of matches his class was there for all to see. Later his commitment and professionalism would make him a Legend for the bianconeri. During a game against lower Italian sides, Scirea’s foot was regularly stamped upon, the opponents trying to cut it open, constantly harming him. A champ as he was, he played without fear throughout the match, using only his right foot’s instep to control the ball, the rest was done by the left foot, and in the words of Giuseppe Furino “He did it so naturally, that I was amazed”. Il Compagno ( The Team mate ) Giuseppe Furino in his interview with Juventus TV, captures the true essence of Gaetano Scirea as a team mate, he concludes “You could always find Scirea, it was very hard not to find him. Wherever you were, he was never far away and he was an important figure. You could always lay it off to him and he would give the ball back. You could always find him, he’d be near you”. Gaetano Scirea knew how to score, when to assist, when to pass. He would often take the blame of others upon him, calming the situation. Legendary Juventus midfielder Sergio Brio, loved playing infront of Scirea and even credited him for his illustrious career, as Scirea mopped up the mistakes made by Brio, also assisting him along the way. Brio says ” If I made a mistake, you could hear V********O, even from him, its not like he was a saint, but yes I must say that it was always constructive and never insulting”. Even foreign players such as Michel Platini had never met such a selfless player, who would think about the team apart from his own instincts. In a league game, Juventus were behind and the opposition only had one striker up the field, in a brilliant tactical move by Scirea, he told Brio to go infront of the player, whereas he would drop deep, sandwiching the opponent in the process. Incidences like these sum up Scirea, as a pillar of motivation that he was. L’uomo ( The man ) Scirea was born on 25th May, 1963 in Cernusco sul Naviglio in Lombardy, Northern Italy. Scirea was born into a modest family with his father working for Pirelli. Football, the game which would later give him world-wide fame, was soon introduced in his life as he started participating in seven-a-side matches in Cinisello Balsamo in his locality. As a man, Scirea was shy and introvert but regardless of these attributes he was known for his great character and his ability to get-on with team mates. He was capable of cracking jokes and socializing with every body. In fact, he would bring a lot of people together in his personal life. Injected with calmness, Scirea was known to bring with himself a positive aura. In a hilarious incident, Scirea dressed as an old hag to scare his two kids, implementing that he also knew how to be fun. His friendship with Dino Zoff was built throughout his time in Juventus. As Zoff puts it, ” What I remember most is not the laughs we had, it was after the World Cup and we were savouring this joy without laughing about victory. We talked very little that evening”. Marco Tardelli dubbed Zoff and Scirea’s room as Switzerland as it was so calm, when every body was off the edge. A man who always took time out for his friends and family, Scirea was a man of few words, but was respected and loved by everyone. Suo Legato e decoro( His Legacy and Honours ) Scirea’s name has become attached to various youth tournaments and fair-play awards as a role model for sportsmanship and sporting excellence. In 2005, former Italian national team coach Enzo Bearzot proposed the retirement of the number six jersey of the national team and Juventus in recognition of Scirea’s career.The north stand in Juventus’ former home ground Stadio Olimpico di Torino was also known as the Curva Scirea and was occupied by the ultras. In his 16 year career, Scirea won almost every trophy there was to win. His accolades includes, 7 League Championship (1974–75, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1981–82, 1983–84, 1985–86) , 2 Italian Cup (1978–79, 1982–83) , 1 UEFA Cup ( 1976–77) , 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1983–84) , 1 European Cup (1984–85) , 1 UEFA Super Cup (1984) and 1 Intercontinental Cup (1985), with Juventus. He also won the World Cup with Italy in 1982. Two decades have passed since Gaetano Scirea’s death but he still remains one of the most respected Juventus legends. An epitome of professionalism on and off the pitch, Scirea was an ideal example for many , including kids. Nobody in the modern football game comes close to the class and chivalry of this modest man. A long forgotten hero, Gaetano Scirea is certainly one of of the top defenders the world has ever witnessed, if not The Top Defender.

Gaetano Scirea – A Forgotten Juventus Legend Aug 26, 2014 The epitome of decency, chivalry, courage, skill, talent and even personality, Gaetano Scirea has been long forgotten in the footballing world. A silent guardian, Scirea single-handedly constructed the back four of the World Cup winning Italian side in 1982. He also played crucial and vital roles for his club side Juventus. Operating as a Sweeper, who plays behind the Center Back, Scirea kept arguably world’s best defender, Franco Baresi, out of the National Team. In his 16 year career, Scirea has won almost every trophy there is to win, including a World Cup. Scirea is one of only five players in European football history to have won all international trophies for football clubs recognized by UEFA and FIFA. Scirea is also one of only nine players in the history of the European football to win all three major UEFA football competitions. It can be said the Gaetano Scirea wrote poetry in football . Il Giocatore ( The Player ) Scirea was a defender of skill and tactical ability. In contrast to the ruthless tactics often employed by other defenders, including his paired partner, Claudio Gentile, Scirea was renowned for his class, fair play and sportsmanship. Scirea never earned a red card in his career. He played the sweeper, or libero, role for most of his career, and contributed to the development of the position. Thus, Scirea would detach himself from the defensive line and contribute to the attacking potential of his team, frequently being involved in the build-up of goals, and sometimes even scoring himself. In the latter part of his career, Scirea played a more defensive central-defender role. During the ’80s Juventus was full of stars. Although there were players such as Bettega, Zoff, Tardelli, Platini, Brady, Boniek, Gentile, and Furino, to name a few, one stood above them all—captain Gaetano Scirea. He was a clean fighter, capable of transmitting confidence and strength at the same time. Il Campione ( The Champ ) Starting his career with Atalanta, Scirea played with the Orobici for two long seasons, crafting his talent to take roots in the tough annals of Italian football. Initially he was used as a midfielder but gradually he shifted to sweeper, a position that would later make him legendary. Solid performances for Atalanta saw Scirea move to Italian giants, Juventus. At first there was a lot of criticsim with the Turin based club as they were accustomed to Sandro Salvatore, but then after couple of matches his class was there for all to see. Later his commitment and professionalism would make him a Legend for the bianconeri. During a game against lower Italian sides, Scirea’s foot was regularly stamped upon, the opponents trying to cut it open, constantly harming him. A champ as he was, he played without fear throughout the match, using only his right foot’s instep to control the ball, the rest was done by the left foot, and in the words of Giuseppe Furino “He did it so naturally, that I was amazed”. Il Compagno ( The Team mate ) Giuseppe Furino in his interview with Juventus TV, captures the true essence of Gaetano Scirea as a team mate, he concludes “You could always find Scirea, it was very hard not to find him. Wherever you were, he was never far away and he was an important figure. You could always lay it off to him and he would give the ball back. You could always find him, he’d be near you”. Gaetano Scirea knew how to score, when to assist, when to pass. He would often take the blame of others upon him, calming the situation. Legendary Juventus midfielder Sergio Brio, loved playing infront of Scirea and even credited him for his illustrious career, as Scirea mopped up the mistakes made by Brio, also assisting him along the way. Brio says ” If I made a mistake, you could hear V********O, even from him, its not like he was a saint, but yes I must say that it was always constructive and never insulting”. Even foreign players such as Michel Platini had never met such a selfless player, who would think about the team apart from his own instincts. In a league game, Juventus were behind and the opposition only had one striker up the field, in a brilliant tactical move by Scirea, he told Brio to go infront of the player, whereas he would drop deep, sandwiching the opponent in the process. Incidences like these sum up Scirea, as a pillar of motivation that he was. L’uomo ( The man ) Scirea was born on 25th May, 1963 in Cernusco sul Naviglio in Lombardy, Northern Italy. Scirea was born into a modest family with his father working for Pirelli. Football, the game which would later give him world-wide fame, was soon introduced in his life as he started participating in seven-a-side matches in Cinisello Balsamo in his locality. As a man, Scirea was shy and introvert but regardless of these attributes he was known for his great character and his ability to get-on with team mates. He was capable of cracking jokes and socializing with every body. In fact, he would bring a lot of people together in his personal life. Injected with calmness, Scirea was known to bring with himself a positive aura. In a hilarious incident, Scirea dressed as an old hag to scare his two kids, implementing that he also knew how to be fun. His friendship with Dino Zoff was built throughout his time in Juventus. As Zoff puts it, ” What I remember most is not the laughs we had, it was after the World Cup and we were savouring this joy without laughing about victory. We talked very little that evening”. Marco Tardelli dubbed Zoff and Scirea’s room as Switzerland as it was so calm, when every body was off the edge. A man who always took time out for his friends and family, Scirea was a man of few words, but was respected and loved by everyone. Suo Legato e decoro( His Legacy and Honours ) Scirea’s name has become attached to various youth tournaments and fair-play awards as a role model for sportsmanship and sporting excellence. In 2005, former Italian national team coach Enzo Bearzot proposed the retirement of the number six jersey of the national team and Juventus in recognition of Scirea’s career.The north stand in Juventus’ former home ground Stadio Olimpico di Torino was also known as the Curva Scirea and was occupied by the ultras. In his 16 year career, Scirea won almost every trophy there was to win. His accolades includes, 7 League Championship (1974–75, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1981–82, 1983–84, 1985–86) , 2 Italian Cup (1978–79, 1982–83) , 1 UEFA Cup ( 1976–77) , 1 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1983–84) , 1 European Cup (1984–85) , 1 UEFA Super Cup (1984) and 1 Intercontinental Cup (1985), with Juventus. He also won the World Cup with Italy in 1982. Two decades have passed since Gaetano Scirea’s death but he still remains one of the most respected Juventus legends. An epitome of professionalism on and off the pitch, Scirea was an ideal example for many , including kids. Nobody in the modern football game comes close to the class and chivalry of this modest man. A long forgotten hero, Gaetano Scirea is certainly one of of the top defenders the world has ever witnessed, if not The Top Defender.

Romulo: Allegri Is Doing An Excellent Job As Juventus Coach Aug 26, 2014 Juventus midfielder Romulo believes that Massimiliano Allegri has been doing a great job as coach of the Old Lady since taking up the position in July. The 27-year-old, who joined the Bianconeri on a season-long loan from Hellas Verona this summer, has been finding his form after recovering from a minor injury as the Turin giants prepare for their first match of the 2014-15 campaign against Chievo on August 30 and he admits that the tactician has been issuing helpful advice to his players ahead of Saturday’s game. Romulo spoke to JTV about Juventus’ debut match of the new season and his current progress in training, while also praising the excellent job Allegri has been doing at the club thus far. “It will be a complicated game because we’ll be facing a team that will play with 11 men behind the ball,” said the former Fiorentina man. “It will take patience and lucidity, every chance we have on goal should be capitalised. “Physically I’m fine, but I still need a week, ten days maximum, in order to find my best form after my injury. I cannot wait to play in the Champions League, we hope to have a good run. “Allegri? He’s an excellent tactician, he asks us to give 100 per cent in every situation and is always ready to give us helpful advice.”

Pirlo a doubt for Chievo Aug 26, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri may be without Andrea Pirlo for his first official game with Juventus, as the midfielder has a knock. Allegri will competitively debut as Bianconero boss on Saturday evening away to Chievo, having come in this summer as a late replacement for Antonio Conte. However, speculation is that he may have to immediately find a solution for an absent Andrea Pirlo. Sportmediaset report that the 35-year-old has suffered a knock in training this week and that it leaves him a doubt to start at the Bentegodi. Officials will reportedly give Pirlo two-to-three days before assessing the condition of the injury, believed to be sustained to his knee.

‘More imagination with Allegri’ Aug 26, 2014 Claudio Marchisio believes that one key difference between Antonio Conte and Max Allegri is in their philosophy when in possession. Juventus are working under the latter ahead of kick-off for the 2014-15 season, following three years of success with the former. For the team’s versatile No 8, the suggestion of issues in the transition are wide of the mark, even as formation changes continue to be toyed with. “I do not see many problems, I feel like we are on course. Allegri and his staff are well placed and have found a group united and ready for sacrifice,” Marchisio has considered to Tuttosport today. “We have begun again with new ideas and with a different style of play, but we know it. Over the past two years we have won with 3-5-2, but the first year we set ourselves out in a 4-3-3. “We know a four-man defence - a little work to resume certain mechanisms is normal. Not even in the friendlies has it seemed problematic to me. “Against Milan [in the weekend’s Trofeo TIM] the test was great, but we gave away a few too many counter-attacks. In Verona will be a different Juve.” Speculation has centred on Marchisio perhaps taking a more advanced role in midfield under Allegri. “I’m used to moving between different roles, I am flexible and open to the changes. Against Milan I was played in the trequarti [area between midfield and attack], but it was not a classic Christmas tree formation - in defensive phases I was alongside Pirlo to provide cover. “I try to position myself between the lines for when we have more possession. It is something different to the days under Conte, when we had a much more planned game. It’s a different idea - we have to work, but not so much. “Allegri has made us understand that we will not dwell on a single formation - we have a list of quality that allows us to change identity during the game. “At the Trofeo TIM, Llorente was absent. And Morata has not yet returned. I expect a great season, we want to defend the three Scudetti we have won and to do well in Europe. “The Scudetto or the Champions League? I would exchange the Scudetto only if we were to win the Champions League.” Marchisio was asked if Juve are more free in attack under Allegri. “With Conte everything was more planned and the results speak for themselves - three League titles in a row and two Super Cups. Now it is different, Allegri has a different idea of the game, as we saw against Milan. “We work mainly on the possession of the ball. In Europe it works well, we saw it again last year when we faced teams with little to them - they played safe football, whilst we had some difficulties. This is the most important step to be taken. “And will this improved imagination be best felt in Europe? Definitely. We often speak of our failure in Europe, but the first year we went out against Bayern and last time we threw away qualification against Galatasaray.” Atletico Madrid have been mentioned as the type of example Juventus can take inspiration from in Europe. “We are not so far behind Atletico. With a bit more luck we could have won the Europa League in May. We are not that far from the top eight in Europe. “Then it is obvious - the economic difficulties are there in Italian football. The further down you go, the greater.” It was put to Marchisio that Conte’s exit this summer signals the end of a cycle at the club. “It is wrong to say this is the end of a cycle. It is Juve who continues - our nature compels us to win again. “To win a fourth Scudetto is difficult, but we want to succeed. There are many rivals - Roma ahead of the rest, but I also see Inter, Milan, Napoli and also Fiorentina. We would also love to win a 10th Coppa Italia. “Will we miss something without Conte’s screams? We are a big club, we do not necessarily need those screams. And then I can assure you that even Allegri raises his voice in the locker room.” Marchisio will still be able to catch those screams whilst on international duty, though, as Conte is now the Italy Coach, following his exit from Juve. “The resignation was a surprise, because it came on the second day of pre-season. I respect his choice, he also explained the reasons, but these will remain private. “Certainly he is not the type to continue as a Coach and a Juventino if he does not feel 100 per cent. “Italy will be a new role for him. But he is the right Coach for the ideas of football that he has. He will have more time to organise everything. “His task is similar to that of Prandelli, after the failure in the World Cup at South Africa, where he prepared us for the European Championships, where we finished as runners-up.” Juve’s pre-season campaign has seen them take in a considerable number of air miles. “I don’t think it will disadvantage us. It seems we are reliving the same situation as 12 months ago. We suffered in America, we played games below our level, then… we won the Super Cup and then started out great. “In this tour we have travelled further, that is true. But the group is the same, with some additions.” Marchisio was also asked about his future, with two years remaining on his current contract. “It is the first summer that my name has not appeared in the transfer rumours. The other day I was laughing about it with my wife - you’ll see that in the end I will be sold…obviously that is a joke…”