Socrates

'I can't even throw a ball compared to Pirlo' - Verratti The young Italian says he has a lot he can still learn from the Juventus veteran and has admitted that he would like to play alongside Paul Pogba. May 17, 2014 Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has insisted that he has not done enough to warrant comparisons with Juventus star Andrea Pirlo. The young Italian has quickly become a star at the Parc des Princes, leading to critics hailing him as the long-term successor to the former AC Milan man. However, Verratti says he does not want to let any praise get to his head and has stressed that he still has a lot to learn. "Until last year, we were comparing us but now we're playing time in a different position," he told Tuttosport. "But to get to that level takes time. Compared to Pirlo, I can't even throw a ball. I like to learn from him about what to do ahead of time." Juve's Paul Pogba has been widely linked with a move to PSG, and Verratti admits that he would like to line up alongside the young Frenchman. "Juve are not a club who sell their champions," he said. "Pogba is already a champion and I'm sure he'll become even stronger. "Juve want these plays so they can have them, not to sell them. I like to play with great players and I'd like to play with someone like him." Verratti turned down Juve to sign for PSG and insists that he has no regrets over the move after picking up the award for the best young player in Ligue 1. "Up until now, we've had two great years, winning four titles so it was a great choice. The award was a great satisfaction personally. It's important to be voted by my colleagues."

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI May 18, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee:‬ Mauro Bergonzi Cagliari Updates: the Quest for 100 May 16, 2014 The final match of the season will be an unusual cross between a meaningless formality and a chance for Serie A glory. The Bianconeri have already set the record for points in a season by reaching 99 on Sunday, but the chance to break 100 will be irresistible to Antonio Conte, especially if it’s some kind of parting gift to Juventus… actually, let not think about that. In any event, while we shouldn’t expect this to be an astonishing all-out display of attacking prowess, we should expect Juve to do just enough to pull this out and hit 102 points, challenging every Italian team in perpetuity to “top that.” There is very little to go on right now, but Sunday should see a very strong lineup to face Cagliari, albeit one missing two Bianconeri titans. The big news is that Giorgio Chiellini will miss out on Cagliari, having been suspended for three matches for his elbow on Miralem Pjanic in the Roma match (he’ll sit out the first two matches of next season). The replays show nothing deserving of that kind of punishment, especially when you consider the Italian penchant for “embellishing” contact. This was likely a reactionary case of “See? We’re not favoring Juve!” logic. The upshot is that Angelo Ogbonna or Martin Caceres will take Giorgio’s place alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli. At press time it’s not certain that Gigi Buffon will be rested for a third straight week, but Marco Storari will still be a strong possibility to start. In central midfield, the key absence will be that of Arturo Vidal, who was given leave to return to Chile while he recovers from his knee surgery. Sadly, Arturo will miss the ceremony for the Scudetto he played such an integral part in winning. Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba will make up the numbers. On the flanks, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah will be the obvious choices, unless there’s some physical issue or World Cup considerations taken into account. In attack, although Carlos Tevez sadly won’t need to be rested for Argentina’s World Cup campaign but will be given a chance to add to his 19-goal Serie A tally. Fernando Llorente would be the logical choice to start with him, but Sunday’s hero Dani Osvaldo and the recently resurgent Sebastian Giovinco will make cases for starts. Even Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella could see action in what will likely be their last matches as Juventus players. Despite the absence of any pressure in this match, results from Thursday’s practice friendly with Vicenza indicate that the Bianconeri are intent on seeing out the season with goals galore (via Juventus.com):  "The goalfest began not long after the kick-off thanks to a penalty converted by Carlos Tevez, and it was soon 2-0 when Claudio Marchisio sent a delicate chip past the Vicenza goalkeeper from the edge of the area. “The Lega Pro visitors to Juventus Center were lively and pressed the Bianconeri all over the park, but they didn’t have any greater luck in the second half as a rotated Juve XI were equally successful in front of goal. “Dani Osvaldo netted two: the first a well-controlled lob that headed in off the bar and the second a wonderful effort hit on the turn from outside the area. “Rounding off an enjoyable game was a goal from Fabio Quagliarella, expertly placed beyond the Vicenza goalkeeper to delight the watching public.” So it’s likely that even if Juve take it relatively easy on Sunday, they’ll continue to press and attempt to score in bulk. In any event, the Antonio Conte Situation will hopefully take a back seat for 90 minutes of valedictory triumph in front of an adoring partisan crowd. FINO ALLA FINE, FORZA JUVE!!! http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI May 18, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee:‬ Mauro Bergonzi MATCH PREVIEW May 16, 2014 Record breakers Juventus can surpass the 100-point mark should they triumph against mid-table Cagliari. When Pablo Osvaldo popped up seconds from the end of injury time to score his first Serie A goal for Juve, he broke a League record in the process. With that strike and three subsequent points against Roma, Juventus surpassed Inter’s record of 97 points, set in 2006-07. The new mark stands at 99. They have one game to attain triple figures. Juventus would join Real Madrid, Barcelona and Celtic in reaching 100 points in main European leagues, yet go into the contest and Scudetto party with constant headlines surrounding Coach Antonio Conte’s future. He has been linked away from Turin, with a number of potential replacements named. The Bianconeri go into the final game without Arturo Vidal – recovering from knee surgery – as well as Mirko Vucinic and the suspended Giorgio Chiellini. He was cited on video evidence for elbowing Miralem Pjanic last week. Cagliari lost their last home encounter of the term against a desperate Chievo outfit last week, however their survival had been known for some time. Dario Danielli headed home the only goal of the game with less than 20 minutes remaining to give the visitors maximum points. Ivo Pulga’s second spell on the bench has garnered four wins, steadying the Isolani ship after a downturn in form cost Diego Lopez his job in February. This includes their only away win to date, a crucial success at Genoa. Currently 15th, the Rossoblu cannot better last season’s 11th place finish, but they can leapfrog the Grifoni should results go their way. They go to Turin without a number of players. Francesco Pisano, Matias Cabrera, Matias Vecino, Albin Ekdal, Nene and Nicola Murru are all absent through injury. The fixture is historically slanted in Juve’s favour. They have won on 18 occasions compared to Cagliari’s two, from 33 meetings. However, the Isolani have claimed successive 1-1 draws at Juventus Stadium. Keep an eye on: Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus) – It has been a season of contrasting fortunes for the Atomic Ant, from Juventus Stadium jeers to improved performances in the closing months. Giovinco will look to continue his recent purple patch and finish on a high, as well as add to his two goals. Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Cagliari (D W W L L) Last season: Juventus 1-1 Cagliari Stat fact: Should Juventus win they will become the first club in Serie A history to win every home match in a season. JUVENTUS (probable): Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Osvaldo, Giovinco CAGLIARI (probable): Avramov; Perico, Rossettini, Astori, Avelar; Dessena, Conti, Eriksson; Cossu; Sau, Ibarbo http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Buffon 'upset' by CL questioning May 16, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon has refused to comment on whether he would swap three Scudetti for a Champions League triumph. The Bianconeri won their third-straight League title this term, and could, with a win at the weekend, become the first Italian side to register over 100 points in the League. And the goalkeeper has insisted that the trio of triumphs have been the result of incredible amounts of work. “Would I swap a Champions League for three League titles? It’s a question that upsets me,” he told the Wired Next Fest in Milan. “Those trophies are a result of hard work every day for three years.” The Italy international then commented on rumours that Coach Antonio Conte could leave in the summer. “The departure of Antonio Conte is an idea that we’re not even taking into consideration.”

Agnelli harbours European regret May 16, 2014 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has admitted that their possible 100-point season has been marred somewhat by European failure. The Bianconeri play Cagliari on Sunday, and could become the first Italian team ever to reach triple points in Serie A. But the club’s leader has conceded that being knocked out of the Champions League to Galatasaray, and the Europa League to Benfica has been a bitter pill to swallow. “There is a certain amount of regret to have lost that semi-final,” he told the Wired Next Fest in Milan on Friday. “There’s regret there, but it’s even bigger for the Champions League elimination. “That has spurred us on for this season though, and hopefully we can continue our growth next term as well.”

Buffon: Three Serie A titles are payback for Calciopoli The Juventus captain remains aggrieved about being stripped of two Scudetti following the scandal in 2006 and says his club deserves their success. May 16, 2014 EXCLUSIVE Gianluigi Buffon has described Juventus' three successive Serie A titles as "payback" for all the misery the club suffered following the Calciopoli crisis. The Bianconeri were controversially stripped of two Scudetti and demoted to Serie B after being implicated in the infamous scandal in 2006. After losing a number of star players, as well as incurring heavy economic losses, Juventus struggled to recover - finishing seventh in consecutive seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11. However, following the appointment of Antonio Conte as coach three years ago, the Turin club finally returned to their former glories and a fortnight ago celebrated a third straight Scudetto. "These Scudetti feel a bit like payback for everything we’ve had to go through as a club and for me as a player," Buffon told Goal at a launch event for the new PUMA Tricks boot. "For the difficult choices that I had to make, ones that complicated my career, that disrupted my career path. "Winning these three championships in a row has given me something in return, some happiness and success." The Calciopoli scandal represents one of the bleakest periods in Italian football, and one that has led to years of sporting and civil court cases - as well as an acrimonious rift between rivals Juventus and Inter. Juventus have refused to accept the legitimacy of the original court judgement, acknowledging that they have won 32 Scudetti and not the 30 recognised by the Lega Serie A. "Calciopoli deprived me of future successes and it deprived me of two successes from the past," added Buffon. "On a professional level, as a player, to have all of that success taken away from you like that, it was devastating." Juventus and Buffon face Cagliari this Sunday in the final round of the Serie A season. A victory will take the Old Lady up to 102 points, which will represent a new all-time seasonal record for a major European league.

Andrea Pirlo 'close to signing new Juventus deal' May 15, 2014 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo has said that he will sign a new contract with the Italian club in the coming days. The 34 year-old's contract expires in the summer and reports had suggested that the former AC Milan midfielder could be on his way out of Turin. However, the veteran has moved to quash those rumours and has suggested that he will sign a new two-year extension with the Seria A champions. "More or less we have reached an agreement," Pirlo told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "I hope the announcement will be made in the coming days." The Italian international, who joined Juve from AC Milan in 2011, has been included in Italy's World Cup squad.

Platini offers advice to Paul Pogba May 15, 2014 UEFA president Michel Platini has told Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba not to forget what the Italian club have done for him if he feels the urge to leave this summer. Pogba has frequently been linked with a move away from Turin after the World Cup with Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona reported to be monitoring his progress. The former Manchester United midfielder has taken strides in his career since joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer in 2012 and he is now reported to be worth in excess of 50 million euros. Should such a bid be forthcoming, it may be difficult for Juve to turn it down and Platini has advised his compatriot to choose his next club carefully, having experienced for himself the benefits of playing for the Old Lady. "Players like Pogba have the chance to do what they want nowadays, so I don't know what he will do, but certainly he should remember that it is Juventus who have made him great," Platini told Tuttosport while in Turin for the Europa League final.

Carlos Tévez voted Juventus' Player of the Season May 15, 2014 Carlos Tévez taking the No. 10 jersey at Juventus was greeted with mixed emotions. It's a jersey that is held in the highest esteem. It has been worn by some of the greatest players the club and footballing world has ever seen. Lofty standards would probably be an understatement. But based on the final outcome, I'd say he lived up to the billing of a No. 10. And because of it, Tévez has been recognized for his outstanding first season in a Juventus uniform, being voted as the club's Player of the Season by Juventus Members. A surprise? Oh hello no. Other than struggling to find the net in Europe, Tévez has been a simply fantastic form for nearly the entire season. Here's the official announcement from the Juventus website: Carlos Tevez has been elected by Members as this season's MVP. There were hundreds of votes cast for the Apache, who won over Bianconeri fans from the very start with his goals and sublime play. Even in his first appearance in a Juventus shirt back in August, Carlos lived up to expectations with his strong performance in the Italian Super Cup against Lazio in Rome. He took off like a rocket at the beginning of the season and hasn't slowed down since: 21 goals in all (and he's not finished yet), with one in the Super Cup and one in the Europa League. The Argentine striker has played for 3,619 minutes over 47 appearances, providing eight assists. Yes. There's been a whole lot to like about what Tévez has done this season — especially with his 19 goals in Serie A, the most since the days of Del Piero and Trezeguet. His partnership with Fernando Llorente has not only been one of the best in Italy, but also one of the most productive in all of Europe. Entering the final week of the season, the Beauty and the Best pairing has found the back of the net 34 times. Not too shabby, eh? JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen The #JMembers have chosen: their Bianconeri player of the season is @carlitos3210! That picture is pretty. And if you visit Tévez's WhoScored player page, the numbers are even prettier. There's been assists, ackles, interceptions, plenty of shots on goals and everything in between. Tévez has truly been the kind of striker Juve had been searching for since Antonio Conte took over as manager. Let's just hope that next season is just as good. Oh, and that there's a couple goals in the Champions League, too. Just a suggestion, Carlitos. Though you probably know that by now.

Gattuso: 'Couldn't drop Chiellini' May 15, 2014 Gennaro Gattuso said Cesare Prandelli “couldn’t leave out” Giorgio Chiellini for the World Cup using the Code of Ethics. The former Palermo Coach spoke to Radio Sportiva about the 30-man preliminary Italy squad for the tournament in Brazil. “Prandelli adopted the Code of Ethics, but it is a tough thing to implement. Chiellini is an important player and he couldn’t leave him out. “In any case, his half an elbow on Miralem Pjanic didn’t seem all that violent.” The Juventus defender received a three-match ban when video evidence was used on his altercation with Roma midfielder Pjanic. Gattuso also commented on Genoa striker Alberto Gilardino’s exclusion from the squad. “If we see the strikers called up, they all know how to put the ball in the net. He made his choices and will have his reasons. Gilardino is an experienced player, but you can’t keep everyone happy. “Brazil are the team to beat at the World Cup, but the Germans always go far and watch out for Argentina, as now they are very organised. “Italy are a strange side, as we need a bit of itching powder on the backside to get us going. History teaches us this.”

Marotta: 'Big Juve buys impossible' May 15, 2014 Beppe Marotta said Juventus will concentrate on keeping Antonio Conte, but warned big investments are “impossible.” The Coach has refused to commit his future to the club unless there are reassurances over transfer strategy, forming a team that can compete for the Champions League. “Conte showed not just with his extraordinary results, but also his modus operandi that he is among the best,” general manager Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “Now we are concentrated on celebrating the Scudetto, which is the end point of a remarkable run. We are focused on this and will celebrate with our fans in the best way possible. “From Monday or probably Tuesday we will concentrate on next season and the first objective is to make the coaching situation definitive.” Marotta was asked about reports former Roma and Zenit Coach Luciano Spalletti is in Turin for talks after an approach from Milan hit problems. “Newspapers are having fun with various theories on available Coaches, but we are not concentrated on that.” However, Conte’s demands for strong reinforcements appear to be falling on deaf ears at the club. “It’s true to say big investments are impossible for next season. Our duty is to achieve an excellent sporting result via a competitive squad, but it must be conjoined with strong work behind the scenes and respecting the economic parameters. “Certain transfer plans are nothing more than a utopia.”

Marotta: Conte? Next week… May 15, 2014 Beppe Marotta has reiterated that talks over Antonio Conte’s future at Juventus will only happen after the season has officially ended. The Old Lady has already wrapped up a third consecutive League title with a record points haul, and attention has now shifted to Coach Conte’s future, amid his hints of late that he could be set to leave. The 44-year-old was yesterday at Juventus Stadium to watch the Europa League Final and was pictured sitting alongside former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Asked if this was significant, Juve’s director general made clear the situation regarding Conte will only be discussed after Week 38’s match with Cagliari. “Yesterday was a festive atmosphere, a final of a major competition like the Europa League and it is always a reason to meet with other protagonists, such as icons like Sir Alex Ferguson,” Marotta began in conversation with Sky Sport 24. “So it is right that Conte could perhaps take some advice from him regarding his future as a Coach. “I just have to point out that the climate between us is absolutely calm. On the matter with Conte much has been said and written, even by me in previous weeks. “We have this final week, as we have said, to seal the achievement of an extraordinary goal, whilst we prepare for this party. “After the game, the season officially ends, then next week we will talk about the future, including the question of the Coach. “Our first target is to retain Conte? We have said it more than once. Now I cannot add anything else because you are likely to misunderstand. “Next week, as I have said, after the game with Cagliari, the season is closed, work will begin for the next season and then it will be dealt with correctly and necessarily, including the theme related to the Coach. “Should fans be worried about Conte’s statements? Absolutely not. It seems right to give fair recognition for what Conte has done, as we have repeatedly pointed out - Conte is a prepared Coach, a Coach who has had a profound effect in reaching the objectives achieved by the club, whilst clearly the concern from the fans is a wise concern. “Can I imagine a Juventus without Conte? I can tell you that today I reserve appreciation for what Conte has demonstrated and is demonstrating, he is one of the best Coaches out there. That’s it.” Juve missed out on the chance of making yesterday evening’s final, after a semi-final elimination to Benfica, who ultimately lost out to Sevilla on penalties. “This is football, unfortunately we must accept the verdict of the field. Certainly there was regret because it was a goal that in our minds we could reach, but we did not succeed and that is football. “Sunday’s celebrations? The protocol is the delivery of the Scudetto by Lega Calcio President Roberto Beretta, then we will do a tour of the city by coach and there will be many other initiatives to give proper recognition to a team that has had a great season.”

Pirlo backs Conte, Chiellini May 15, 2014 Andrea Pirlo hopes Sunday is not Antonio Conte’s last game in charge, as he defends Giorgio Chiellini and outlines World Cup ambition. Juventus face an uncertain period as they conclude a third consecutive Scudetto-winning season, with Coach Antonio Conte indicating that he may be prepared to walk away in the summer. For the team’s central playmaker, hope remains that this is not the case. “He has given us so much and I hope that Sunday is not his last game in black and white,” Pirlo has told Sky Sport 24 today. “In three years he has taken us to three League titles, so I hope it is not his last game. “And my own future? More or less we have reached an agreement on the contract, I hope the announcement is made in the next few days.” Pirlo considered how the Bianconeri have managed to finish ahead of the rest once more this term and in doing so achieve a new points record of 99, which could be extended into treble figures after Week 38. “It’s an important milestone. We have the opportunity to reach 102 points and we will not let it escape us. “Our strength? In a team that was already united in spirit we have inserted Tevez and Llorente. “But the winning factor has been the spirit of our group, the unity between the players and the Coach. “The Europa League? It is a big regret, because I think that Juve are stronger than Benfica and Sevilla. Unfortunately we did not succeed. “But the experience can be seen as a step in making it better. “Winning in Europe is not easy, look at teams like PSG and Manchester United. Football is like this - a lot of teams play, but only one team wins. To win, it takes a serious project.” Attention has focused this week on Giorgio Chiellini, having caught Miralem Pjanic with an elbow during Roma-Juventus last weekend, picked up a three-game ban, but avoided falling foul of Cesare Prandelli’s code of ethics with the national team. “These are questions that belong to the Coach. For me it was not a violent act. Football is a contact sport. But it is the Coach who must evaluate the code of ethics.” The World Cup will be Pirlo’s final major tournament with the Azzurri and he has reflected on expectation heading out to Brazil. “The minimum objective is to progress from the group stage. Then we will see what will happen. Brazil is favoured but in football anything can happen. “How much will the climate play its part? A lot, but this is an important factor for us and for everyone.”

Tevez: Argentina, pull together May 15, 2014 Carlos Tevez has called on Argentina to group together for the World Cup, and has a word for those saying his international career is over. The Juventus man was, as expected, left out of Alejandro Sabella’s provisional World Cup squad named this week, continuing an absence from the national side that has lasted for a few years. However, the assertion from the Argentina Football Association’s President that his omission has been based on a ‘group issue’ drew the player to comment on social media. “Through this medium I want to thank all the people for the nice things and the affection I have received,” Tevez has written on Twitter. “We must understand that I have never been a part of this process. In this national team do not look for problems where there are not. “I ask reporters, journalists, players, technical staff and directors that they are all united. Pull on the same side. We have to give joy to the people and this is the most important thing. “For those who are under the illusion that my cycle is finished, do not forget that I come from a place where it was said that it was impossible to win.”

Pirlo: I hope Conte stays at Juventus The Italy midfielder is hopeful the team and coach can continue their good work together after lifting a third successive Scudetto. May 15, 2014 Andrea Pirlo hopes coach Antonio Conte will follow him in agreeing a new deal to stay with Juventus. Juve have been crowned Serie A champions for the third consecutive time under the coach but the 44-year-old has hinted he could leave the club this summer. Pirlo, though, hopes the former midfielder will, like him, sign a new deal with the Turin club and says his side hope to become the first Italian team to finish with more than 100 points in the league. "He took us to three league championships in a row and has given us so much," he told Sky Sport Italia. "Hopefully the next game will not be his last. "At the end of the season he is tired and wants to go on holiday. You have doubts, but I and all the people connected to Juventus hope to continue this adventure together with him. "My renewal? We have more or less reached an agreement, I hope the announcement is given in a few days. "One hundred and two points would be a unique achievement, we have this great opportunity and we will not let it escape us." On Wednesday night, Sevilla lifted the Europa League in the Juventus Stadium after beating Benfica on penalties in the final. And Pirlo spoke of the disappointment of seeing another team win the competition on his side's field after they were eliminated in the semi-final by the Portuguese outfit. "There is a big regret of not being able to play the final in our stadium, because I think that Juve are stronger than Benfica and Sevilla," he explained. "It was one of our goals after we were knocked out of the Champions League. "We were not able to reach it but it was still an important step in going a step further next year. "Besides, it's not easy to win in Europe. Watch PSG and Manchester United. Football is this: you play a lot, but one team wins." The 34-year-old turned his attention to Italy's World Cup campaign as the competition in Brazil approaches. "The minimum goal is to go through to the knockout stages, then we'll see, anything can happen. "Brazil are the favourites, they are a good team, but in football everything is to play for. "How much of a factor will the climate be? Huge, but this is an important factor for everyone else as well."

Europa League Team of the Season: Pirlo, Rakitic and Luisao all feature Four of Sevilla's final heroes are named alongside the tournament's other top performers, including Paco Alcacer and Yann Sommer. May 15, 2014 Sevilla clinched the Europa League in dramatic style on Thursday as they condemned Benfica to a second successive final loss after a penalty shootout victory. The Spaniards' third trophy in nine years in the tournament brought a thrilling end to a superb competition in the 2013-14 season, and the very best performers throughout the campaign are rewarded with a place in our Team of the Season. There is little doubt that Basel's Yann Sommer has been the outstanding keeper in the Europa League this season and the Borussia Monchengladbach-bound man is rewarded with the No.1 position in our selection. In front of Sommer is a back four, beginning with Alberto Moreno at left-back - the Spain youngster was superb at both ends of the pitch en route to lifting the trophy. At centre-back, Luisao - immense throughout the campaign for Benfica - partners Valencia stopper Jeremy Mathieu, who deserved a chance of competing in the final following his form during the tournament. Our defence is completed by Maxi Pereira, who has excelled on Benfica's right-hand side this season. Our three-man midfield is anchored by Stephane Mbia. The Cameroon international was the driving force behind Sevilla's grloious campaign, scoring the dramatic late goal to send them to the final before running himself into the ground for the cause in Turin. Alongside him is team-mate Ivan Rakitic, the tournament's best player this season, whose creativity and guile in midfield carried Unai Emery's men to the trophy. Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo completes the trio after inspiring his own side to the semi-finals with consistently strong passing displays and set-pieces. In attack, tournament top-scorer Jonatan Soriano earns a place, with only Basel's Sommer doing enough to stifle the eight-goal Spaniard. Next to Soriano is Paco Alcacer, who scored seven goals before picking up a harsh suspension which kept him out of the semi-final second leg, and Kevin Gameiro, who - despite often being used as a substitute - fired Sevilla to glory with five goals and the crucial penalty in the final shootout.

Serie A - 19^ Giornata - Ritorno - 18-5-2014 (ore 15:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Mauro Bergonzi Confronti ufficiali 76 - 67 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 34 - 31 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 28 - 25 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Cagliari 14 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Juventus 98 - 88 (Serie A) - 9 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Cagliari 65 - 57 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Coppa Uefa) Juventus - Cagliari a Torino - Serie A Confronti ufficiali 33 Vittorie Juventus 18 (L'ultima il 26.09.2010, 4-2) Pareggi 13 (L'ultimo l'11.05.2013, 1-1) Vittorie Cagliari 2 (L'ultima il 31.01.2009, 2-3) Goals Juventus 53 Goals Cagliari 27 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Cagliari a Torino 11 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 10 Furino Giuseppe 10 Salvadore Sandro 9 Cuccureddu Antonello 8 Bettega Roberto 8 Zoff Dino 7 Anastasi Pietro 7 Causio Franco 6 Anzolin Roberto 6 Capello Fabio 4 goals Anastasi Pietro 4 Causio Franco 4 Trezeguet David Sergio 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Krasic Milos 3 Nedved Pavel 2 Inzaghi Filippo 2 Menichelli Giampaolo 2 Ravanelli Fabrizio 2 Vucinic Mirko Ultimi confronti diretti 29.11.2009 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 2-0 11.04.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-0 26.09.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 4-2 05.02.2011 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-3 15.01.2012 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-1 06.05.2012 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 0-2 12.12.2012 Coppa Italia Juventus-Cagliari 1-0 21.12.2012 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-3 11.05.2013 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-1 12.01.2014 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-4 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Cagliari 1 - Goals Juventus 20 - Goals Cagliari 9

Buffon: 'World Cup calls deserved' May 14, 2014 Gigi Buffon believes Cesare Prandelli’s World Cup picks were “deserved” and hopes Italy can excel as underdogs. The goalkeeper was interviewed by Il Sole 24 Ore and Sky Sport Italia at the Palasport di Verbania this evening. “In the last four years we built something important that brought many fans back to the Nazionale and increased our sense of belonging,” said Buffon. “Italy are never the favourites going into a major tournament, but history teaches us that as underdogs Italy have always been able to find their role as a protagonist. We always want to amaze and this year is no different. “Prandelli has created an ideal mix, so I think the call-ups are right and deserved. The Coach looked at the Serie A performances to find the 30 names. “As far as I am concerned, I think Antonio Cassano’s call-up was deserved. We’ll see if this mix proves to be a winning one, but it’s only normal when there are some who are unhappy after such a large group of talents is cut down to just 30. “I take this opportunity to send thanks to all the lads, like Alessandro Diamanti, Emanuele Giaccherini, Alberto Gilardino and Domenico Criscito, who aren’t here and proved themselves to be great men during their time with the Azzurri.” The World Cup winner looked back over his lengthy Azzurri career and picked some of his favourites. “The 2006 semi-final against Germany was very important, as there was a real sense of payback. There were so many Italian immigrants in Germany who wanted this victory and throughout the tournament that sensation was palpable. “The match I remember with the most disappointment was against South Korea in 2002. At that time they were still using the Golden Goal and it was shocking to be eliminated that way. “In all these years of my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet splendid people. The person I cultivated the greatest friendship with is Alex Del Piero. We had unforgettable moments together, both good and bad.” Buffon is seen as a role model, as captain of Italy and Juventus, so commented on the state of the sport today in Italy. “Football is the national sport because it is part of our culture and will continue to be passed on from father to son. It is an economic sport and the one that brings the most people together. For children there is nothing easier than to play football together in any place. “However, often too much expectation from parents takes children away from the beauty of this sport. I think kids should always try to face off in a fair and real way, respecting the rules. That helps you to grow every day in life as well as on the field.” Buffon comes from a sporting family, but not a footballing one. “From the moment I made my debut, I was the black sheep of the family! My parents were international athletics stars, my sisters play volleyball for Italy. Fortunately I arrived in the Nazionale too. “During the 1990 World Cup I became very passionate about football and the Cameroon goalkeeper N’Kono was my absolute hero. Thanks to my father I became a goalkeeper. By the age of 13 I’d played in every role and he advised me to try going between the posts. From that moment on I never moved from the box.”

Tevez out due to 'group issue' May 14, 2014 Argentina’s FA President Julio Grondona said Carlos Tevez was left out because of “a group issue.” The striker scored 19 Serie A goals for Juventus this season and supporters held marches in Buenos Aires to call for his international recall. However, there was no room for Tevez in the provisional World Cup squad. “It’s a group issue, one to do with the players,” explained Afa President Grondona. “There are many players battling for one position in the team. In these situations, it is not positive that they are all there, as at the end you don’t know who is going to play. “That is when the problems start, as already happened on previous occasions.”

Palacio in, Tevez out for Argentina May 13, 2014 As expected, there are several Serie A players in Argentina’s World Cup squad, but no Carlos Tevez. Alejandro Sabella named his provisional list of 30 players for the tournament in Brazil, which will be cut to 23. There are eight Italy-based figures in the list, including Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, Inter’s Ricky Alvarez, Hugo Campagnaro and Rodrigo Palacio. Of the three goalkeepers, two of them play in Serie A, as Mariano Andujar was relegated with Catania and Sergio Romero is owned by Sampdoria. Despite scoring 19 goals in his debut Serie A campaign, Juventus hitman Tevez is not included. Argentina World Cup squad Goalkeepers: Orion, Andujar, Romero Defenders: Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo, Campagnaro, Basanta, Otamendi, Lisandro Lopez, Mercado, Demichelis Midfielders: Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria, Banega, Biglia, Maxi, Augusto, Sosa, Enzo Perez, Ricky Alvarez, Rinaudo Forwards: Messi, Palacio, Lavezzi, Higuain, Aguero, Di Santo

Deschamps: Pogba may be in talks May 14, 2014 Didier Deschamps has urged Paul Pogba to focus on the World Cup this summer, but suggested his Juventus future may not be so clear. The 21-year-old and his agent recently commented that the Bianconeri do not intend to sell him and that contract renegotiations are on the horizon. However, after naming him in his 23-man France squad for the World Cup, his international Coach and a former Juve man himself believes that rumoured interest from the likes of Paris Saint-German and Real Madrid may not have ended. “Juventus have said that he is unsellable? Unsellable is dangerous,” Deschamps has considered to reporters this week. “Usually when you say a player is not for sale, it is to drive up the price, and then the wind can change very quickly. “Paul is young and has great quality, he could be in the middle of negotiations. “However, he and the others know that they are not going for a picnic at Club Med, we will be going to the World Cup - they must focus on what is awaiting them.”

Pogba in France World Cup squad May 13, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is in France’s World Cup squad, but Adil Rami, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy miss out. Coach Didier Deschamps announced his list of 23 players for the tournament, plus seven reserves. The reserves include Napoli transfer target Maxime Gonalons, along with Lacazette, Cabella, Perrin, Ruffier, Schneiderlin and Tremoulinas. France squad for World Cup Goalkeepers: Mikael Landrau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Steve Mandanda (Marseille) Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Lucas Digne (Paris Saint-Germain), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Porto), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Paris Saint-Germain), Clement Grenier (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (Paris Saint-Germain), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille) Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad), Loic Remy (Newcastle), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

How can Argentina not take Tevez to Brazil? The Juventus striker has been in exceptional form all season but, incredibly, it has not been enough to persuade Alejandro Sabella to take him to the World Cup. May 13, 2014 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent He played no part in Argentina’s World Cup qualifying campaign, yet on Monday a small band of fans gathered in the centre of Buenos Aires to petition for Carlos Tevez’s inclusion in Alejandro Sabella’s squad for the finals tournament in Brazil. They held flags carrying the inscriptions ‘Tevez Seleccion’ and ‘Tevez al Mundial’, and all the while sung songs deifying the Juventus striker. But their pleas fell on deaf ears. When the Albiceleste head for their training base near Belo Horizonte, they will do so without the driving force behind Juve’s record-breaking Serie A season, with Sabella announcing on Tuesday that Tevez is not to be a part of his 23-man World Cup panel. Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City star Sergio Aguero will don the famous blue and white stripes alongside Lionel Messi this summer, but Tevez will not. A superb return of 21 goals in all competitions, including 19 in the league as the Bianconeri marched to the verge of 100 points, have seen Tevez’s stock rise once more, yet Sabella has been unwilling to buckle under the weight of public pressure. "I think the coach of Argentina's national team must not have satellite television hooked up to watch Juventus," Tevez joked recently when asked about his hopes of returning to the national fold. He knew some time ago that the writing was on the wall. At the age of 30, it would appear that Carlitos’ World Cup career has been ended on the back of a season in which he adapted so quickly to Italian football that, less than two months into the campaign, Juve coach Antonio Conte had to fend off suggestions that the Turin outfit had become a one-man team centred on the qualities of their No.10. It is fair to say, though, that Tevez hasn’t helped himself over the years. Time and again, he has spoken publicly about international retirement and the tiresome task that is travelling back and forth for Argentina fixtures. And when he was included in the squad for the 2011 Copa America on the back of a campaign by media, fans and even members of the government, his response was to turn up 6kg overweight, completely underperform and, ultimately, miss the penalty that eliminated the Albiceleste at the quarter-final stage. Soon after, his club career seemed to be spiralling out of control, with his infamous bust-up with Roberto Mancini resulting in him sitting out of four months of football while at Manchester City. But just as he turned around his fortunes there to become a Premier League champion before moving on to Juve and adding an Italian league title, many were hoping for a similar renaissance in the national shirt. Yet the man once introduced by the public address announcer in Messi’s home state of Santa Fe as “the player of the people” is clearly not the kind of character Sabella believes can bring the best out of his other squad members. Tevez’s exile has coincided with the national side’s most convincing qualifying campaign in some years, and the coach is not willing to rock the boat now. Instead, the striker is a held up as a symbol of an Argentina that was underprepared, that underperformed, and that wasn’t ready to win a World Cup. But when the Albiceleste square up to Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 15, they will do so without arguably their best-performing player of the last 12 months. If they win the World Cup, Alejandro Sabella will forever remain a national hero. But if they don't, he will always be asked about the wisdom of overlooking Tevez.

Tevez left out of Argentina provisional World Cup squad As expected, the striker will not be joining Lionel Messi and Co. in Brazil this summer, with Jose Sosa and Franco Di Santo two of the more surprising call-ups. May 13, 2014 Carlos Tevez has been left out of Alejandro Sabella's provisional Argentina World Cup squad. The Juventus striker had widely been expected to be missing from the party to Brazil, with his impressive form in Italy this season not enough to convince Sabella to bring him back from international exile. Franco Di Santo and Rodrigo Palacio are both included alongside captain Lionel Messi in the forward positions, while Atletico Madrid loanee Jose Sosa earns a more surprising call-up. Squad in full: Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Monaco), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orionu (Boca) Defenders: Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Marcos Rojo (Sporting), Jose Maria Basanta (Monterrey), Hugo Campagaro (Inter), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Gabriel Mercado (River), Lisandro Lopez (Getafe) Midfielders: Fernando Gago (Boca), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Ever Banega (Newell's), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Newell's), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter), Augusto Fernandez (Celta), Enzo Perez (Benfica), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania) Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen)

Bentornato Marco!