Socrates

Pogba agrees Juve contract Jul 27, 2014 Italian papers are confident Paul Pogba will renew his Juventus contract to 2018 or even 2019. The midfielder is hot property on the transfer market, catching the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Today two of Italy’s three major sports newspapers have as their front page news Pogba has agreed a renewal with the Bianconeri. They differ on the details, as the Corriere dello Sport claims the expiry is set for June 2018. Tuttosport, on the other hand, insist the contract will last until June 2019. The wages are thought to be €3.2m per season, plus a further €1m in performance-related bonuses for the 21-year-old.

A very young Fernando Llorente ... Goals scoring has always been his passion!

Tuttosport has thrown out some figures regarding Paul Pogba's potential contract extension Jul 27, 2014 As we've come to learn with Arturo Vidal over these last few months, it doesn't really matter what a contract situation is like, transfer rumors will surround a player like hundreds of bees buzzing about. They will be there, forever annoying the living hell out of you — and probably scaring you at the same time. Another significant member of Juventus' midfield, Paul Pogba, has seen plenty of transfer stories involving his own name the past 12 months. And there have also been a handful of stories about Pogba and the contract — with the significant pay raise that will accompanying it — he could get in the not-so-distant future. Beppe Marotta has repeatedly said that after Vidal got his new contract, Pogba would be one the next players to get one. Are those contract talks happening with a potential agreement on the horizon? The always-reliable (lol) Tuttosport seems to think so. The short version of it: Juvefc.com @juvefcdotcom Paul #Pogba is close to renewing his contract with #Juventus. The deal will be until 2019. Pogba will earn €3.2m + €1m bonus. [TS] This isn't the first time talk of a Pogba contract extension has been brought up. But unlike those times before, we're actually getting some kind of figures — no matter if they're close to the truth or far from it — to go along with the it. This could be the baseline from where the Juventus management and Pogba's reps (most notably Secret Agent Mino) begin talks, it could be some close to the difference as to where they'll try and agree on something. Right now, we're not so sure. But even with Pogba taking a vacation for a day or two in London making the British press lose their minds and go completely bonkers, it's not exactly like the sheer number of continuous transfer rumors are anywhere close to that of Vidal this summer. Sure, there was the initial freakout when Antonio Conte stepped down nearly two weeks ago, but they've subsided quite a bit. And it's not like Pogba's reps have given any indication that their client wants to move to another club before the summer transfer window is closed. That means, by all accounts, Pogba is still happy in Turin. And because he's happy, he will still have the desire to stay around in Turin for the somewhat immediate future. Maybe not for the rest of his career because it's so rare for players to do that these days, but for a good amount of time as he becomes even that much more of an important part of the squad no matter who the manager is.

Evra Move To Juventus Unaffected By Conte Exit States Agent Jul 26, 2014 Federico Pastorello, agent of new Juventus defender Patrice Evra, has revealed that his client’s move to the Old Lady went smoothly despite the departure of coach Antonio Conte. The former Bianconeri boss had been fond of bringing the 33-year-old to Turin and originally played a big part in the pursuit of him, but the ex-Manchester United man’s agent insists that a deal was still quickly completed without the tactician present. Pastorello spoke to ‘Speciale Calciomercato’ on Sky Sport Italia about Evra’s transfer to Juventus and commented on his relationships with all of his past coaches. “When he has had to make any important transfers in the past, he has always spoken to the coach first,” said the agent. “It has also happened with Didier Deschamps, in the past. Conte and Evra had met and liked each other. “He had chosen to join Juventus and everyone had spoken highly of Conte, including Alex Ferguson. “Then even after the departure of Conte, we had still been able to finalise everything within 48 hours.”

Projecting Fernando Llorente's 2014-15 season Jul 26, 2014 On the first day of preseason training, Fernando Llorente told the press in attendance a simple reason why he was early to arrive at Vinovo: He showed up a week early because he didn't want to have a repeat of last season. But this season isn't like last season. There will be no coming off months of no playing time and being frozen out of an Athletic Bilbao squad. Instead, Llorente went from free transfer to one of the key pieces in Juventus' third straight title. His partnership with Carlos Tévez was one of the best 1-2 punches in all of Europe last season, as the Beauty and the Beast tandem scored a combined 35 goals in Serie A a year ago. While it was delayed satisfaction for the big Spaniard, Llorente ended the season with one of the best goal tallies of his career. Not bad, right? Nope, not bad at all. So that leaves one question: What's next for El Rey León? You look back on what Llorente did a season ago in Serie A — 16 goals and five assists in 29 starts (34 games overall) — and just think that it's the continuation of what he's done in Spain. He shook off the rust and then got back to being, well, Fernando Llorente. How do I know this? Because there's evidence that says so. What does Llorente's last five seasons in Spain sans 2012-13 freeze out tell us? That right there is consistency, ladies and gents. Fernando plays, Fernando scores goals. Fernando plays consistently, Fernando contributes consistently. It's not any kind of whacky formula that can only be broken down with some kind of scientific degree. Llorente's game is more than just goals, assists and flicks, of course. It's not like we can measure the sheer importance of his ability to hold up the ball as a target man by simple numbers and then share them with the masses. Llorente can supply opportunities almost as well as he can put them away in the back of the net. But his main job is to score. And based on what he did last season, when he's clicking, he's easily one of the best threats to lead the line in all of Serie A and Europe. That's exactly what he showed us last season. Once the rust was shaken off, Llorente got down to business. But a different year brings different happenings, a somewhat different roster and different things going on at the club. Like, say, who is managing Juventus for the future in the short term. Obviously the possibility of the long-rumored Juventus switch to a 4-3-3 formation doesn't seem as likely now that Max Allegri in the guy in charge as it seemed like when Antonio Conte was still inhibiting the managerial position. Could Llorente thrive the way he did in a formation like a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-2-1 like he did in the 3-5-2 Conte used last season? There's no doubt in my mind that Llorente's talent, ability and attributes as a striker are there to play in pretty much any kind of tactical lineup and formation Allegri decides to go with this season. You just can't help but think what it would have been like with Llorente being the middle man in the three-pronged attack, though. Good service from both wings and the Lion King would be using every bit of that 6-foot-5 frame to smash home headers. Of course that's still possible, but, ah, what could have been under Antonio... FERNANDO LLORENTE 2014-15 PROJECTION (SERIE A ONLY) Games: 35 games Starts: 30 starts Goals: 17 Assists: 6

Agent warns Juve over Lichtsteiner Jul 26, 2014 Stephan Lichtsteiner’s agent warns his position is “distant” from Juventus over a contract renewal. The Swiss international is tied to the club until June 2015, so failure to pen a new deal would mean a summer sale to avoid losing him on a Bosman. “We spoke to Juventus in recent months, but there is still no agreement and the two parties are quite distant at the moment,” representative Federico Pastorello told Sky Sport Italia. “Stephan’s contract expires next year and in all honesty I think he will remain at Juve in the end, but we do need to discuss his contract again.” Paris Saint-Germain have been heavily linked with a bid for Lichtsteiner.

Allegri wants Zapata at Juve Jul 26, 2014 It’s reported Juventus boss Max Allegri wants a reunion with Milan and Colombia defender Cristian Zapata. The centre-back played regularly under Allegri for the Rossoneri, but was pushed to the bench when Clarence Seedorf took over in January. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the tactician has requested Zapata to reinforce the defence in Turin. There are also suggestions in the media that Angelo Ogbonna will be the one making way, as there is interest from Spanish side Sevilla.

Allegri: I want another striker The Juventus coach has outlined his plans to bolster both attack and defence, while putting to bed rumours that Arturo Vidal will leave the club this summer. Jul 26, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed he is looking to sign a striker and a defender before the summer transfer window shuts. The Italian champions completed a loan move for Udinese winger Roberto Pereyra on Friday just days after the club signed left-back Patrice Evra from Manchester United and striker Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid. The three high-profile acquisitions followed on from Antonio Conte's shock resignation last week, and his successor Allegri has now revealed his bid to bolster the Juve squad further ahead of the new season. "If we sign another defender and another striker then we're in good shape,” Allegri told Gazetta dello Sport. “I would prefer a striker first, though. The team's working well – it's not easy to improve an already strong group of players though.” Juve recruited 18-year-old French midfielder Kingsley Coman from Paris Saint-German in early July, a signing that Allegri admitted he was pleased with. "Coman must remain and Pereyra is a versatile player that will give us more solutions in both our attack and our midfield," he said. Despite Juve having strengthened the team this summer, the future of Chile star Arturo Vidal remains the subject of much speculation. Premier League side Manchester United were believed to be lining up a €54 million offer for the 27-year-old after Louis van Gaal approved the move. However, Allegri confirmed that he has no fears that Vidal will leave Juve this summer. "I've already talked to Vidal, I am very calm about him staying,” he told Tuttosport. “He's an important player for the team."

Juventus Coach Rules Out Vidal Departure Jul 26, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has moved to quell speculation linking midfielder Arturo Vidal with a move away from the club. The Chilean international has caught the eye of several clubs across Europe, including Manchester United and Liverpool. Speaking after their shock 3-2 loss to amateur side Lucento, the former AC Milan boss ruled out speculation linking Vidal with a move away from the Bianconeri. “I am not worried, he is a Juventus player and I am calm,” he said. “I have already spoken to him, as I have done with all our players.” Allegri then went on to speak about the game against the Eccelenza side, saying that the side’s “legs were a little heavy”, whilst also giving his insight about the upcoming Serie A season. “We were coming off of two days of hard training, so our legs were a little heavy,” he said. “We will start to prepare for the new season on Monday, and then we have our first official friendly against Cesena.” “We are coming off the back of three titles in a row, so we remain the favourites. “However, we have to fight; Napoli and Roma will be our major rivals along with AC Milan, Inter, and Fiorentina.” It is also worth noting that Allegri was appointed as coach of Juve in mid-July after the resignation of former boss Antonio Conte.

Juventus In The Market For A Back-Up Striker Admits Marotta Jul 26, 2014 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has denied rumours linking the Italian club with a move for Samuel Eto’o despite the club’s interest in signing another striker. New signing Alvaro Morata suffered a second grade tear of the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during his first training session with the club that has ruled him out for a minimum of seven weeks. The injury, along with the sale of experienced striker Fabio Quagliarella to city rivals Torino has left the Bianconeri with a shortage of attacking options upfront for the beginning of the new season though Marotta told reporters at a press conference that they have no interest in the Cameroonian striker. “We’ve never talked about Eto’o, but the club needs at least five strikers, so we are missing someone,” Marotta stated. “Considering that Morata will be absent for a couple of months, I can confirm that we are looking for another forward, but I will not say too much because the market is constantly changing.” Eto’o has been a free-agent since his Chelsea contract expired at the end of last season and has been linked with a move to newly promoted English club Queens Park Rangers.

How Juventus Can Improve If They Sell Paul Pogba Jul 25, 2014 Paul Pogba has been a revelation since joining Juventus, going from being a peripheral figure at Manchester United to two-time Serie A champion and a member of the France World Cup squad. His rise has been incredible to witness, and there is every chance he could mature into one of the best midfielders on the planet. At just 21, the Lagny-sur-Marne native has excelled in Turin, despite still having started just 70 professional matches, according to stats site WhoScored.com. Last term, he featured in all but two of Juve’s league games, notching seven goals and the same number of assists, per the same source. He has blossomed into one of the finest prospects in Europe, coveted by a number of clubs despite his agent insisting he is going nowhere. “Everything is perfect at Juventus and no meetings are planned,” Mino Raiola told TuttoSport (h/t Yahoo Sport) when asked about interest from Chelsea earlier this month. In that same interview, he also said that Pogba moving was “just fantasy football,” but what if that became reality, what if Juventus decided to cash in on the talented midfielder? While sacrificing Arturo Vidal makes little sense—a theory expanded upon here—an argument for selling Pogba now can be rationalised far more easily. There would be no shortage of deep-pocketed suitors, with Paris Saint-Germain, per Le Parisien (via Stefan Coerts of Goal.com), and his former employers at Old Trafford, per Matt Dickenson, Gary Jacob and George Caulkin of The Times (subscription required), joining Chelsea in being strongly linked with a move for Pogba. Where Vidal embodies everything positive about this Juventus and is clearly the club’s best player, his midfield colleague can—and often is—ably replaced by the likes of Claudio Marchisio. The latter lost his place to the young Frenchman, but his statistical output rivals Pogba’s reasonably well. Looking at WhoScored once again, they completed an almost identical number of tackles, Pogba averaging 2.3 to Marchisio’s 2.2 per game. The latter held the edge in interceptions—1.4 per appearance to 1.0—whilst passing more accurately to complete 86.7 per cent to Pogba’s 83.8. With the Bianconeri looking to win now, as well as in the future, Marchisio is able to carry the load in the present despite his team-mate possessing a much higher ceiling in the future. A sale for the sums discussed would allow Juventus to add other pieces, too, finally handing La Madama the resources to compete with Europe’s greatest clubs. Seeing the likes of Real Madrid win the Champions League, then adding Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez to their squad leaves others trailing in their wake. Moves for two of the World Cup’s finest players that Juventus have missed out on in Alexis Sanchez and Juan Manuel Iturbe highlights just how great the gap has become. Their last two Champions League campaigns have also shown Juve to still be somewhat short when matched against the elite teams, lacking the weapons to unlock the finest defences. Having the money from a potential Pogba sale would allow the Bianconeri to contest for the signature of these players more keenly, adding genuine star quality to an already talented squad. Alvaro Morata is a step in the right direction, but others such as Xherdan Shaqiri would allow Juventus to make the necessary leap to join those truly giant clubs once again. The Bayern Munich forward discussed a possible move with TuttoSport earlier this week (h/t Football Italia), but the money is likely to once again be the stumbling block. Selling Pogba before he is the finished product may sound sacrilegious to supporters of the club, but sacrificing a major talent is not new territory for the club. The reigning Italian champions sold both Roberto Baggio and Zinedine Zidane when the team belonged to Alessandro Del Piero, a similar scenario to cashing in on the French youngster when Vidal is the star of the show. It might hurt, it might seem like a mistake, but if the money was reinvested properly, selling Paul Pogba could actually improve Juventus.

Allegri: 'I'm not worried' Jul 25, 2014 Massimiliano Allegri is “not worried” by the Arturo Vidal situation or his debut Juventus defeat to an amateur team. The new Coach had a sensational first friendly game in charge, losing 3-2 to Eccellenza level side Lucento today. “This was more of a training session than a proper match,” he told Tuttomercatoweb. “I wanted to see who will remain and how they would play. We were coming off two days of intensive training, so our legs were a little heavy. “I expected the first few days to be like this, but there is a great atmosphere and everyone wants to work hard. From Monday we’ll start playing for real and then there’s our first official friendly against Cesena.” Allegri was also asked about the Vidal situation, as the Chilean midfielder said he wants to talk to the new Coach before making a decision on his future. “I am not worried. He is a Juventus player and I am relaxed. I’ve already spoken to him, as I have done with all the players who are currently all over the world.” Allegri tested out the 4-3-2-1 system in today’s friendly and explained how he will move Juve on from the Antonio Conte era of three consecutive Scudetti. “It’s not intelligent to completely revamp a side that works well, but I will make some modifications. It is only normal that a Coach who did as well as Conte is remembered fondly, but in football and life everything can change. “Roberto Pereyra allows me to have different options and more or less the same characteristics as Claudio Marchisio, but until I have the whole squad at my disposal, I cannot give you precise indications. “Napoli and Roma will be our big rivals this season, just like Inter, Milan and Fiorentina. Juve are coming off three titles and remain the favourites, but it’ll be a tough battle.” Allegri’s reign has not started well, as on top of this friendly defeat they lost Alvaro Morata for 50 days to a knee injury. “He’d only been with us for a day, so was very unlucky. We have to look on the positive side, as he’ll be back for the start of the season.”

Juventus lose on Allegri debut Jul 25, 2014 Juventus lost their first game under Max Allegri, falling 3-2 to amateur side Lucento despite a Fernando Llorente brace. New Coach Allegri changed their system to his favoured 4-3-2-1 with Carlos Tevez and Sebastian Giovinco supporting the Spanish centre-forward. It started off badly, as Lucento took the lead when Gianluca Bo was allowed to nod in a corner. Llorente turned the game around before half-time, as he turned to fire in a Simone Pepe assist and then scored with an angled drive. Roberto Pereyra had his presentation Press conference before the game, but made his debut in a Juve jersey for the second half. Allegri performed many substitutions and Lucento netted twice in the final 15 minutes to secure a shock 3-2 victory at the Vinovo training camp. Cavazzi sprinted forward and held off a challenge from Angelo Ogbonna to fire past Marco Storari, then Cretazzo netted from the edge of the box. The Bianconeri were unlucky this afternoon, hitting the woodwork with Sebastian Giovinco and Pereyra. Juventus had already faced Turin-based Eccellenza League side Lucento in a 2011 pre-season friendly, winning 6-1. Juventus: Storari; Motta (Spinazzola 62), Sorensen, Ogbonna, Barlocco (Liviero 52); Padoin (Buoy 62), Marrone (Pereyra 51), Pepe (Gerbaudo 62); Tevez (Coman 52), Giovinco (Buchel 62); Llorente (Vitale 62)

Marotta: 'No reason for Vidal exit' Jul 25, 2014 “There is no reason” for Arturo Vidal to quit Juventus and Beppe Marotta would be “very surprised” if he requested a transfer. Director Marotta was naturally asked about Vidal’s future during a presentation Press conference for Roberto Pereyra. “It’s very simple. Vidal extended his contract with us last season, as there was a reciprocal desire to continue this rapport,” noted Marotta. “There is no reason for him to leave. Yesterday he gave an interview in a rushed and embarrassed manner, as he was getting his luggage and so was misinterpreted. “I can assure and confirm Vidal is happy to be with us and there’s no reason for alarm. He had these problems with the knee injury and rushing the recovery for the World Cup, so will take a while to find his fitness. “Nobody can doubt the quality of the player, nor how strong his bond is with Juventus.” Would Marotta be surprised if Vidal asked for a transfer? “Absolutely yes. It is a very remote chance, considering what the lad is like, and so I’m not even considering the possibility. “The situation around him is typical of the transfer market when several big clubs admire him. Vidal exploded in a fairly unexpected way over the last two years to become one of the most important players in the world. “He is naturally linked to big clubs, but I’ll point out Juventus are a big club too and we intend to hold on tight. I don’t get the sensation he wants to leave us.” Marotta was also asked about their search for a striker after a knee injury ruled new arrival Alvaro Morata out for 50 days. “So far we are satisfied, as we achieved the targets we were aiming for, when it comes to the profile of the player needed. “We are keeping a close eye on the evolution of the market, though obviously there are many problems with clubs who own the players we are interested in. It changes hour by hour.” The main name linked with the Bianconeri is Samuel Eto’o, who is a free agent. “We’ve never talked about Eto’o. The squad needs at least five strikers, so we are missing someone, especially considering Alvaro Morata’s injury. “Whether the target is Eto’o or someone else, I prefer not to say. As Giovanni Trapattoni said, in this market don’t say cat unless it’s in the bag. “I can confirm we are looking for another forward.”

Serie A leaders at odds over FIGC Jul 24, 2014 It seems that Serie A leaders are split on who should be the next President of the FIGC. Demetrio Albertini and Carlo Tavecchio are the two names in contention to replace Giancarlo Abete as the head of the Italian Football Federation. But Sport Mediaset have revealed that the men and women at the top of teams in Serie A are currently at odds as to who should be appointed. Juventus’ Andrea Agnelli, Milan’s Barbara Berlusconi, James Pallotta of Roma and a host of others believe that the game on the peninsula needs a complete overhaul – and thus, think that Albertini is the ideal man. Some of the older heads however, like Claudio Lotito and Enrico Preziosi of Lazio and Genoa respectively, think that Tavecchio would be a better, more conservative option. They are currently meeting this evening to try and come to a compromise, ahead of an election on August 11.

Sorensen ha rifiutato l'Udinese? E dove vorrebbe giocare questo, nel Real Madrid?

Carlos Tevez: 'Roberto Mancini arrival would not have forced exit' Jul 23, 2014 Carlos Tevez has dismissed suggestions that he would have asked to leave Juventus if the club had appointed Roberto Mancini as their new manager. The Argentine had a difficult relationship with Mancini during their time at Manchester City, but Tevez insists that he never asked Giuseppe Marotta, the club's CEO, any questions about who was going to replace Antonio Conte prior to the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri. "I have never spoke with Marotta about this," the forward told reporters. "The club is based on respect and I doubt the thoughts of a player could change anything. "Those who write these stories should have more respect. "I have never thought to leave - I've signed for three years and I want to end my contract here, staying with my team-mates." Mancini is currently without a club following his departure from Galatasaray.

Tevez: Ditching Juventus never on the cards The Argentine has claimed that it never crossed his mind to leave the Serie A champions, even after the departure of influential coach Antonio Conte. Jul 23, 2014 Carlos Tevez has claimed that it was never a possibility he would leave Juventus after the departure of Antonio Conte, who brought the former Manchester City striker to Turin last summer. The Juve boss' acrimonious resignation this month was reportedly sparked by a lack of intent and imagination in the transfer market, with several senior players also thought to have been left disillusioned with the club. However, the 30-year-old attacker insists he never thought about asking for a move - despite reports in Italy suggesting he threatened to force for a transfer if Roberto Mancini had been hired - while also claiming the team can succeed without Conte. "The idea of leaving Juventus never crossed my mind after the departure of Conte. I signed up for three years and I want to finish my contract," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "His choice to leave did not disappoint me. We have to show that this team is winners. Conte had a great influence on our victories, but the badge is not just about him." Conte's replacement, Massimiliano Allegri, has proven to be an unpopular choice among many Bianconeri fans while star midfielder Arturo Vidal continues to be linked away from Turin. Despite the stream of negativity coming from Juventus at the moment, though, Tevez remains upbeat when questioned about the new coach and his Chilean team-mate. "I don't know Allegri or how his methods work, but we are training well, which is important," the Argentine added. "Vidal is a phenomenon and a great champion. I hope that stays here with us, as he simply must not go away from Juve." Tevez was an integral member of the playing staff as he helped Juventus and Antonio Conte on their way to a third consecutive Serie A title last season.

Tevez on Conte, Mancini and Juve Jul 23, 2014 Carlos Tevez insists he “never considered leaving” Juventus and denied warning them against hiring Roberto Mancini. The striker spoke at a Press conference this afternoon and was asked about the sudden departure of Coach Antonio Conte on the second day of pre-season training. “We players still have to prove we are playing in a team that won many Scudetti, that we weren’t just counting on the strength and hard work of the Coach,” said Carlitos. “We need to be stronger and prove we belong at Juve. I never considered leaving. Conte is a champion as a Coach just as we was during his playing career. I think he took this decision before announcing it.” It had been reported today that Tevez advised Juventus director Beppe Marotta against hiring Mancini as a replacement, so they went for Massimiliano Allegri instead. “I’ve never spoken to Marotta about this. The club is based on respect and I doubt the thoughts of a player could change anything. Those who write these stories should have more respect. “I didn’t know Allegri as a Coach, but I think we are working well now. We know the Juventini loved Conte, but we have to focus on training to prepare for Serie A and the Champions League. “What shape am I in now? I’m 8kg heavier! I’m fine and once all my teammates return we can start to really get this season into focus.” It has been said that Conte’s departure and the transfer strategies mean Roma and Napoli are favourites for the Scudetto. “The field will tell us whether that’s true, but one thing is for sure: we are champions of Italy. I also think with the team at our disposal we can play for the Champions League and give this joy to the fans.” Tevez was frozen out of the Argentina squad for the World Cup, who lost the Final to Germany in extra time. “We could’ve won the World Cup and everyone in Argentina truly believed that, but Germany played better on the night. We lost because the ball didn’t go in the net for us and it did for them.”

Tevez warned Juve off Mancini Jul 23, 2014 There are sensational reports in Italy this afternoon suggesting that Carlos Tevez told Juventus directors not to appoint Roberto Mancini. Following Antonio Conte’s departure last week, the former Galatasaray boss was one of the leading contenders to take over the Bianconeri. However, Corriere della Sera have claimed today that the Argentine striker openly warned the leaders at the club that he would force a move should they appoint Mancini. Tevez worked with the 49-year-old at Manchester City, and infamously fell out with the tactician during a Champions League game with Bayern Munich, when he refused to come off the bench. The goalscorer has put that behind him however, and has become a fan favourite in Turin with his performances. After becoming one of the most important members of the squad, the 30-year-old is rumoured to have felt it within his power to go straight to the top and force the champions to swerve away from the ex-Sampdoria striker. Tevez is reported to have said: “I will pack my bags and leave”, should Mancini have been given the job. As it was, Massimiliano Allegri was appointed.

Elkann: Conte a surprise, but… Jul 23, 2014 John Elkann, head of the majority shareholders of Juventus, says Antonio Conte’s exit was a ‘surprise’, but that the club ‘is stronger than the individual’. Elkann is President of Exor, the company that hold more than 60 per cent shares in the Bianconeri, and he is also one of the heirs to the Agnelli family. Considering the change in management at the club facilitated by Conte’s exit last week, the American-born patron admitted his surprise, but also considered his optimism. “It was a surprise, but the same as Conte has said, when you lack the motivation it is hard to move forward,” Elkann has told reporters today. “It was a very good period for Juve, but Juve is stronger than the individual. “We have before us a great future beyond Conte. “Allegri now has a great responsibility, as does any Coach of Juventus. “This responsibility is felt by all of those who work at Juventus because ahead of us we have so many important things and a great future.” Elkann was asked for his view on continued speculation linking Arturo Vidal with an exit. “The transfer market is open, there are those who are looking after it very well.”

Pirlo, Allegri resolve differences Jul 23, 2014 Tuttosport believe that Andrea Pirlo and Massimiliano Allegri have put their Milan past behind them to work together at Juventus. One of the main points of interest to Allegri’s arrival as Antonio Conte’s replacement at Vinovo was the role that Pirlo would play in the team. Whilst the regista has only recently renewed his contract at the club for two years, speculation had surrounded his position in the side following how his time at Milan ended under the same Coach in 2011. Minimal playing time in his preferred position for the Rossoneri at the discretion of Allegri saw the playmaker depart on a free transfer to Juve. However, Tuttosport suggest that the two have now sought to resolve any issues from that period, through a phonecall initiated by Allegri. Whilst Pirlo had reportedly already received assurances of his importance to Juve heading into next season via club officials, this believed conversation with Allegri has reportedly proved most important. It is understood that the 46-year-old tactician transmitted ‘serenity, confidence and motivation’ to the 35-year-old midfielder and that he specifically made clear that the player’s position will remain in the centre of midfield and not centre-right or centre-left. Pirlo apparently responded positively and offered Allegri his own assurance: “Do not worry, you can count on me.”