Socrates

Disgraced Suarez finally admits to biting Chiellini Having previously denied any wrongdoing, the Uruguayan has come forward to apologise to the Italian defender. Jun 30, 2014 Disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has finally admitted to biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. The Liverpool forward has been barred from all football-related activity for four months, banned for nine competitive international matches and hit with an €80,000 fine. Suarez had previously denied biting the defender, instead insisting his face "hit against the player, leaving a small bruise ... and a strong pain in my teeth" but has now come clean. The fallout from the incident has been vast and wide-reaching, with the president of the Uruguay Football Association, Jose Murjica, calling the ban "fascist" and Uruguay team-mate Diego Lugano branding it an "act of barbarity". Suarez was previously banned for seven matches in 2010 for biting PSV's Otman Bakkal, during his time at Ajax before being suspended for a further 10 games after biting Branislav Ivanovic while playing for Liverpool. The Uruguayan FA have informed Fifa that they will appeal against the ban, though it remains to be seen if Suarez's apology will change their stance. Chiellini himself has called the punishment on Suarez "excessive" and took to Twitter shortly after the Uruguayan's apology to make it clear he holds no grudges over the incident. Luis Suarez ✔ @luis16suarez My apologies to Chiellini: pic.twitter.com/CvfkkjxzlM Giorgio Chiellini ✔ @chiellini .@luis16suarez It's all forgotten. I hope FIFA will reduce your suspension.

Pogba happy at Juventus, says agent Mino Raiola has ruled out any transfer while France remain in the World Cup, but he feels the 21-year-old's immediate future will be with the Serie A champions. Jun 30, 2014 The agent of Paul Pogba says his client is unlikely to leave Juventus ahead of the 2014-15 season, despite Chelsea's interest in the midfielder. Goal understands the Blues have prepared a lucrative package to entice the French youngster to Stamford Bridge, though they would have to fork out at least €75 million [£60m] for him to be allowed to leave Turin. But Mino Raiola has insisted that while France remain in the World Cup no transfers will be discussed, though a move from the Serie A champions does not seem likely. "We have decided not to speak of the transfer market with regards to Paul until after the World Cup," he told Rai Sport. "But I can calmly say that his future will still be at Juventus, where he feels very happy." Chelsea have already signed Cesc Fabregas, but with Jose Mourinho keen to play the Spaniard in an advanced role behind the striker, Pogba is seen as someone who can drive the team forward from a deeper position. The 2013-14 Champions League semi-finalists had hoped the former Manchester United trainee would be open to a return to the Premier League, though Juventus had previously outlined their determination for him to stay. And this latest development will please the hierachy at La Vecchia Signora, who are hopeful the 21-year-old will sign a new contract with Antonio Conte's side.

Pirlo today, Pirlo tomorrow Andrea Pirlo’s future with Italy continues to hang in the balance, but Livio Caferoglu is keen to see the midfielder remain part of the country’s present. Jun 28, 2014 As the dust settled on Italy’s miserable World Cup campaign, so did the unfathomable realisation that Andrea Pirlo may never don the famous Azzurri jersey again. Prior to the World Cup, Pirlo had stated that his international career would be coming to an end once his sojourn in Brazil was over. His reasoning that the time had come for younger players to take centre stage was wholly understandable, given his advancing years and widespread calls for younger players to be entrusted. After a second performance of epic proportions against England in an opening 2-1 victory, the Italians became expectant and placed their trust in the evergreen star. The country had just given the best passing display seen at a World Cup in 48 years - an accolade not possible without Pirlo’s contribution. However, his influence wavered in their remaining group matches, and the nation promptly crashed out at the first hurdle for the second time running. But the 35-year-old gave a glimmer hope to his compatriots when he announced that all may not be lost: “If the new Coach asks for my availability, I would willingly return.” Ever since his debut in 2002, Pirlo has been the most important member in La Nazionale’s development. While the likes of Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero, arguably more stylish contemporaries, spent their Italy careers stealing the headlines, the midfielder was quietly at work, laying the foundations for a glorious era in the Azzurri cycle. In the current Italy set-up, Pirlo’s role of regista has begun to diminish, as the entire team is instructed to maintain possession. Although he continues to dominate the centre-circle, his mobility has evaded him. His mental sharpness has only increased with experience, meaning he is still able to orchestrate attacks at free will – providing his team-mates offer ample movement around him. Before the reign of Cesare Prandelli, the Azzurri were known primarily as a counterattacking team, built on the ideals of catenaccio. Pirlo’s primary role under Marcello Lippi was to release the ball quickly on the break. It may not sound that ravishing, but the ability to remain calm and make a split-second decision in the pressure cooker of international football cannot be underestimated. Following on from the 2010 debacle, Prandelli engineered a shift in Italy’s style of play – one which certainly plays to the strengths of an ageing Pirlo. The former Fiorentina boss once again made Pirlo the focal point of his philosophy, which has been to turn the side into a team that can relentlessly adapt itself to the opponent while remaining in control at all times. Yet there are certain issues with Pirlo’s continued indispensability. Prandelli’s approach has faced criticism for a variety of excesses - too similar to the Spanish tiki-taka system that has nosedived in efficacy over the past 18 months, too much tactical convolution and too much reliance on the No 21 to “make a magic pass” in the words of Brazil great Zico. Pirlo’s impact has also suffered at the hands of heavy pressing. Two of the world’s fittest sides, Spain and Bayern Munich, carried out their best efforts to stifle the midfielder, and it rendered Italy and Juventus one-dimensional, as they recorded convincing defeats in both Euro 2012 and the Champions League without reply. However saddening it may be, his brilliance has been clouded by sentiment at times. Lippi blindly entered the South African World Cup in the hope that the class of 2006 could repeat their heroics of four years prior, without a contingency plan to boot. Still, it’s hard to blame Pirlo for their joint failures. The ex-Milan ace was ruled out for most of the group stage due to injury and can’t be held accountable for the lack of another creative presence on the pitch. But Pirlo is like a fine wine, as Juventus have seen since grabbing him on a free transfer from Milan three years ago. The creative heartbeat for both club and country, there still isn’t an equal and may never be another of his ilk. With that in mind, his availability crucially bides Italy some extra time in moulding their plans for the future.

Did Cassano blame Buffon? Jun 28, 2014 It’s reported Antonio Cassano turned on Gigi Buffon and the Italy ‘senators’ after their World Cup exit. According to La Repubblica, the Parma man stood with the younger players and pinned the blame on the old guard. “We only won when you weren’t on the pitch,” Cassano is alleged to have told captain Buffon on the flight home from Brazil. The goalkeeper was injured for the 2-1 victory against England, as Salvatore Sirigu impressed in his place. La Repubblica also claims FantAntonio complained that Buffon and Daniele De Rossi “want to make all the decisions.” It’s reported Buffon threatened to “give Cassano a slap” if he continued his protests. However, in today’s interview with the Corriere della Sera, Buffon insisted Cassano did “nothing out of the ordinary. “I don’t understand this desire from the media to create controversy.”

Buffon: 'Same old faces deliver' Jun 28, 2014 Gigi Buffon slammed those calling for a generational shift. “You have to judge people on what they are doing, not what they could potentially do.” The Italy and Juventus captain spoke to the Corriere della Sera newspaper about the dire first round World Cup exit in Brazil. “Before the World Cup we knew we weren’t the best, but still thought that we were mature and reliable enough to reach the Last 16, at the very least. “The initial victory over England gave us false hope. Before this World Cup Italy were a team appreciated for their entertaining football, but here we looked like a side without ideas. “That is in no way a criticism of the Coach. Cesare Prandelli is a good man and a great tactician, so I am sorry he resigned. He brought the fans closer to the Nazionale with patience, sentiment and hard work. He won that challenge. “The idea of adopting a new style of playing with the men at his disposal was right. In three competitions, we twice finished on the podium. The blame in a huge debacle like this is to be spread out between everyone. No single person was at fault, but everyone was.” Straight after the defeat to Uruguay, Buffon was highly critical of the young players who didn’t step up, appearing to point the finger in particular at Mario Balotelli. “I have never been afraid to express myself,” the goalkeeper told the Corriere della Sera. “Sometimes opinions burst out of me like sneezes. “I expressed an idea that I am still convinced of now, but in 20 years of my career I’ve never attacked a teammate. Imagine if I could’ve done that in such a moment. Besides, Balotelli is 24, so he’s certainly not a young player. “When I was 24 I hated people acting like big brothers or extra fathers with me. I have a father, a mother and two sisters already. So Balotelli needs no advice from me, he needs to listen to his family. If I had something to say to him, I’d do it directly. “I often hear ironic comments on the ages of Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Barzagli and also Buffon. Idle chatter passes by and the facts remain on the field: the players who break their bones for the cause are always the same ones, every time. “Those who tell us to think carefully if we want to continue should look at who is still the focal point of this Nazionale. You have to judge people on what they are doing, not what they could potentially do. This is how you build men, otherwise you risk looking like an idiot. “Often youngsters have so much responsibility and expectation heaped upon them, but are fragile underneath. I’ve heard since 2010 that this Italy side is old. If you are young and have the talent to become a champion, you don’t play for the Nazionale after three or four games. You have to earn your stripes in Serie A. “I played for the Nazionale two years after my Serie A debut and realised it was an honour and not an easy burden to shoulder. Now after three good performances a player gets into the squad and takes everything for granted. “I agree with what De Rossi said. In these competitions it is your strength of character as a man that makes the difference.” Buffon may well have been referring to Mattia Destro, who was asked to accompany the Italy squad to Brazil as an alternate to the list of 23 in case of injury, but told Prandelli he’d “have to think about it.” Meanwhile, Pirlo said he’s prepared to reconsider international retirement if the new Coach wants him in the side. “If he is made to feel important, then Pirlo can still be fundamental,” concluded Buffon. “Someone of his talent doesn’t deserve to end this career with a failed World Cup.”

Chelsea bid €75m for Pogba? Jun 28, 2014 English newspapers maintain Chelsea are prepared to pay £60m (€75m) for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. According to the Daily Star, Jose Mourinho’s side believe the 21-year-old Frenchman is the ideal replacement for Frank Lampard. This would be a new transfer record for Chelsea, surpassing the £50m they paid for Fernando Torres in 2011. However, that figure is still below the Juve asking price of €100m (£80m). The Bianconeri snapped Pogba up on a free transfer when he failed to agree a new contract with Manchester United. He is now at the centre of a bidding war between Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal and his old club Manchester United. Roman Abramovich is spending big this summer, as he has already signed Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona for £30m and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is on the verge of a similar switch. The Stamford Bridge side has fresh funds from selling Juan Mata to Manchester United and David Luiz to PSG for a combined £97m.

Chiellini: Suarez ban is excessive The Italy defender insists he holds no grudge over the biting incident this week and feels the player and his family will suffer from his four-month "alienation". Jun 27, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini has surprisingly voiced his support for Luis Suarez, claiming his four-month ban from football is "excessive." The Azzurri defender criticised Suarez heavily for biting him during the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay which sent Cesare Prandelli's side crashing out at the group stages of the World Cup. The Liverpool forward has been handed a nine-game suspension and has been banned from all football activity for four months by Fifa. However, Chiellini revealed he is not angry at the striker and instead feels that the punishment world football's governing body has handed down could ultimately leave the player feeling alienated. "Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that's done," he said in a statement on his official website. "There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match. "At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period. "I always thought that official judgements are unquestionable, but on the other hand I believe that Suarez has been excessively punished. "I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."

Chelsea step up Pogba pursuit The Londoners are putting together the most lucrative package in the club's history to entice the highly rated France midfielder, who is valued at around €75 million by Juventus. Jun 27, 2014 EXCLUSIVE By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent Chelsea are stepping up their pursuit of Paul Pogba by preparing to offer him the most lucrative contract in their history, Goal understands. The Londoners are putting together what sources say is a "staggering" package to entice the French sensation to Stamford Bridge this summer. Cesc Fabregas joined Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres and John Terry in the top bracket of Chelsea earners on the playing staff when he transferred from Barcelona earlier this month for €35 million in a deal worth a basic €225,000 a week. Owner Roman Abramovich is ready to sanction an even more lucrative offer for Pogba, who Jose Mourinho wants to pair in central midfield with Nemanja Matic next season. With Fabregas earmarked for the No.10 playmaker role, Mourinho wants Pogba, who he believes will develop into one of the world’s finest midfielders, to be the driving force from a deeper position. The 21-year-old, who started for France on Wednesday night in their 0-0 draw against Ecuador, has established himself at Juventus following his free transfer from Manchester United two years ago and was a key player in the club's Serie A triumph this season. Goal understands that Juve are determined to keep hold of their prize asset but could be tempted into a sale were they to receive an offer that meets their €75m-plus valuation. The Stamford Bridge club have already made discreet enquiries for Pogba and believe that he could be open to a return to the Premier League. The midfielder has said that he wants to stay in Turin but his agent Mino Raiola has spoken of the possibility of him leaving the Italian champions. The club will to have to offer Pogba a vastly improved contract to fend off interest from Chelsea and keep him in Italy next season. His current deal has two years to run and Giuseppe Marotta, the general manager of the Serie A club, said last month: "We intend to extend Pogba's contract and we have already spoken with his agent. Paul is a smart guy and this is the perfect place for him to improve further. You cannot imagine him leaving Juventus." The west Londoners have already been active in the transfer market this summer as Mourinho builds a team that he thinks can make an even stronger challenge next season for Premier League and Champions League glory. Fabregas is expected to be followed through the entrance door by Atletico Madrid pair Diego Costa and Filipe Luis for a combined €70m. Costa has agreed to join Chelsea in a deal worth €43m and Luis is in advanced talks over a €26m switch. However, David Luiz has agreed to join Paris Saint-Germain for an initial €50m and the Londoners have freed up space on their wage bill by releasing high earners Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard. VIEW FROM ITALY Sergio Chesi | Goal Italy Juventus are determined to keep Pogba as they consider him a huge player both for now and the future as they look to retain their place among the European elite and improve on recent poor showings in the Champions League. Juve's ambition is to renew the player's contract but, particularly in the recent history of Italian football, everyone has their price. Juventus would, therefore, be willing to discuss a Pogba move if they were to receive a monster offer of around €75 million. Were he to make a major impact in the latter stages of the World Cup his value would soar even further.

Four-month ban for Suarez bite Jun 26, 2014 Uruguay’s Luis Suarez has been handed a four-month ban after being found guilty of biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini. The forward committed the offence during the World Cup match between the nations on Tuesday, which was won 1-0 by the South Americans. It is understood a nine-game penalty will solely be for international fixtures, though the Liverpool man has also been banned from any football-related activity for four months. This means he will not return to club action until October 27 at the latest. “Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a FIFA World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field,” said Claudio Sulser, chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. “The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suárez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon it is communicated.”

Pogba happy with France progress The 21-year-old believes that Les Bleus will continue the fine form that they've shown at the World Cup despite their goalless draw with Ecuador on Wednesday. Jun 26, 2014 Paul Pogba insists France are in no way disappointed following their underwhelming goalless draw with Ecuador on Wednesday. Didier Deschamps' men progressed into the second round of the World Cup having topped Group E with two wins and a draw after their stalemate with the South American side. A much-changed XI were far from their fluent best against their opponents who were reduced to 10 men when Antonio Valencia was dismissed early in the second half. However, despite failing to break down Reinaldo Rueda's side, Pogba does not expect the result to slow France down ahead of their last-16 clash with Nigeria. "We played well and put in the performance that was expected of us, but we didn't get the result we deserved," he told Fifa.com. "All we lacked was a bit of a break in front of goal, that’s all. "I don't think this match will have any kind of negative effect on our confidence. We drew, we didn't lose. That's an important distinction." France's unbeaten group stage campaign is a step forward from their shambolic campaign in South Africa four years ago when they crashed out with just a point, and Pogba believes les Bleus can be proud of their efforts this time around. "We can be satisfied with how we did overall and with our qualification for the knockout stages," he added. "It could have been Argentina [who France booked a tie with in the last-16], or another team, but no matter who it is, our goals of winning and getting as far as possible in the tournament don't change. We're doing everything we can to achieve those aims."

Did Suarez try to bite Chiellini before? Make your own mind up - did the Uruguay striker already try to take a nibble out of the Italy defender's shoulder at the Confederations Cup last year? Jun 25, 2014 The world was stunned when Luis Suarez appeared to sink his teeth into Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder during Uruguay’s World Cup win over Italy on Tuesday. The 1-0 win for Oscar Tabarez’s side, courtesy of a Diego Godin header, was overshadowed when Suarez tangled with the Juventus defender in the penalty box. The 27-year-old thrust his head towards Chiellini before tumbling towards the ground claiming he had been elbowed. Closer analysis of the footage appeared to show Suarez taking a bite into the stopper’s shoulder and there were visible marks when the Italy international moved down his shirt while protesting to the referee. However, the widespread coverage of the incident has brought about the circulation of an image that may show Suarez had already attempted to bite Chiellini 12 months ago. At the Confederations Cup in 2013, Italy defeated Uruguay on penalties in the third-place play-off. Pictures from the match could indicate that the striker had already tried to bite his rival, who was equally infuriated as they clashed on the pitch last summer. Fifa is investigating the latest incident, which has seen the Liverpool striker widely condemned – and he could now be facing the third long-term ban of his career related to biting. In 2010, while playing for Ajax, Suarez bit PSV's Otman Bakkal to earn himself a seven-match suspension. In April of last year, his infamous nibble on Branislav Ivanovic during Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea saw him banned for 10 matches. Amazingly, Suarez’s nibble was profitable for one World Cup punter: Thomas Syversen, a Norwegian, placed a pre-tournament bet on the Uruguayan to bite an opponent at odds of around 175-1, meaning he pocketed a cool €668 because of the controversy.

Chiellini: Biter Suarez should have seen red The Italy defender was incensed by the referee's decision not to send off the striker for an alleged bite in his side's 1-0 defeat, accusing Fifa of "protecting" the Uruguayan. Jun 24, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini has hit out at referee Marco Rodriguez for failing to send off Luis Suarez for an alleged bite as Italy exited the World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay on Tuesday. Diego Godin's 81st-minute header settled a tense encounter, which also saw Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio dismissed, to send the South Americans through and dump the Azzurri out. However, the game's most contentious moment came when Chiellini clashed with Suarez, with the Juventus centre-half accusing the Liverpool forward of biting him and the officials of making a grave error. "The game was decided by the referee," the 29-year-old told Sky Italia. Goal @goal_intl Will FIFA act against Suarez? If found guilty, what punishment would you give? "It's a shame because we deserved it [to go through]. During the first half there had been many situations with different treatments - the expulsion of Marchisio was ridiculous and that, along with the lack of punishment for Suarez, has changed everything. "Eventually it proved decisive. Suarez is smart because Fifa allow it because they want to their champions to play. The referee saw everything, but did not have the courage. "There are episodes that affect the game. The action is clear, they say that the referees are informed on the players, but obviously they are not."

Italy are failures and deserved to go out, says Buffon The Azzurri goalkeeper believed that his side simply did not do enough and can have no complaints about their exit at the hands of Uruguay following a 1-0 defeat in Natal. Jun 24, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon has branded Italy's departure from the World Cup as a "failure" after their 1-0 loss to Uruguay in Group D. Diego Godin's 81st-minute header was enough for la Celeste to seal the victory required to take them through to the next round in a tempestuous encounter that saw Claudio Marchisio sent off and Luis Suarez accused of biting Giorgio Chiellini. However Buffon, reflecting on Italy's failure to reach the knockout stages for the second World Cup in succession, was critical of the manner in which his side departed the tournament. "It's a very sad day for us as a group, as individual players and as a nation," the 36-year-old told Sky Italia. "It was a failure and it is useless to deny it or go around it. We went out and deservedly so." Italy were hoping to make amends for going without a win in the 2010 World Cup, where they finished behind Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand in Group F, and Buffon was disheartened by their inability to build on creditable Euro 2012 and Confederations Cup campaigns. "After 2010 there were two competitions in which we performed well," he continued. "We had a good start and let expectations maybe get too high, and at the end we struggled against the harsh reality of playing two games in which we created little and failed to score."

'The referee ruined the game' - Prandelli blasts Marchisio red card after Italy exit The midfielder was given his marching orders for a high tackle on Egidio Arevalo Rios in the second half, with Uruguay going on to knock the Azzurri out of the World Cup. Jun 24, 2014 Cesare Prendelli believes referee Marco Rodriguez "ruined" Italy's World Cup crunch clash with Uruguay by showing a straight red card to Claudio Marchisio in the second half. Marchisio was sent off on 59 minutes after catching Egidio Arevalo Rios just below the knee with his studs, and the 10-man Azzurri went on to lose the match 1-0 to an 81st-minute Diego Godin header. The result sees Italy crash out at the group stage for the second successive World Cup, and after the match Prandelli laid the blame for the defeat at the feet of Rodriguez rather than Marchisio. "It didn't seem like a red card offence," he told Sky Sport Italia. "There were some tough tackles, but not worthy of a red card. It was a very balanced game, Uruguay never really had a shot on goal despite needing to win. "It was a good match tactically and in my view the referee ruined it. He cannot give a red card in that situation, he just can't. "We got the game with Costa Rica wrong and fought hard with Uruguay against two of the best strikers in the world, though they never caused us problems. "It's a great shame that we go out in these circumstances."

Ai mondiali non si mordono gli avversari ....

Abete ha la cultura dell'appoggio!!!!

Anche Abete si dimette. Alleluia!

Gli arbitri sud/centroamericani o sono ciechi o sono in malafede.

L'arbitro ci ha buttato fuori.

Arbitro in malafede!

Suarez morde di nuovo.

Ci stiamo chiudendo pericolosamente in area.

Entra Thiago Motta.

Verratti crampi

Cassano in campo, Immobile esce.