Socrates

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!

Who is Juventus Player of the Season? Goal nominates the top three stand-out performers for the Italian giants in 2013-14. May 13, 2014 Juventus have been creating history throughout the 2013-14 season, clinching a third successive Scudetto - only the fifth Italian team ever to do so - and smashing the Serie A all-time points record in the process. Despite being pushed all the way by an outstanding Roma side, Antonio Conte's men have once again reigned supreme on the peninsula. In Europe, the Bianconeri enjoyed less success. They were disappointingly dumped out of the Champions League in the group stages and were then denied a place in the Europa League final on home soil by Benfica in the semis. But throughout the squad there were a long list of stars who contributed to another very rewarding campaign. Below, in alphabetical order, are Goal's three nominees for Juventus' player of the season, based on their club performances in all competitions. ANDREA PIRLO Perhaps the most timeless footballer in circulation, Andrea Pirlo continues to delight footballing purists with his magnificence despite turning 35 this month. The metronomic midfielder has again pulled all the strings for Juventus this season, ensuring that the brilliant trio also containing Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba has dictated the majority of matches. But 2013-14 will be best remembered for the genius of Pirlo's free kicks. The ex-Milan hero has struck an incredible six times from dead balls in all competitions, which included memorable efforts against Fiorentina and Genoa. There can be little doubt that Pirlo is the best free kick taker in the world and heading into the World Cup he remains one of the most loved, feared and irreplaceable players on the planet. CARLOS TEVEZ Despite having won successive Scudetti going into this season, Juventus possessed an undoubted weakness in attack. Alessandro Matri top-scored with just 10 goals in 2011-12, while Mirko Vucinic did so with 13 in 2012-13. This all changed with the arrival of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City at a bargain price of just €9 million. Domestically, the Argentine has been absolutely unstoppable - forming a productive partership with fellow new arrival Fernando Llorente. Nineteen Serie A goals tell only half the story for a forward who has scored, assisted, run, pressed and fought for every ball from the first minute until the last. Tactically he has been the perfect player for Juve - his spectacular long range strike versus AC Milan at San Siro perhaps his highlight of highlights. The only black mark against Tevez was his failure to break his five-year European scoring drought until the semi-final Europa League loss to Benfica. But that should not disguise what a brilliant campaign the 30-year-old has had. ARTURO VIDAL Is there a better all-round central midfielder in the world right now than Arturo Vidal? For the third year in succession, the Chilean has underlined his class in all competitions. Most forwards would be proud to register the 18 goals that Vidal has scored this season, let alone a midfielder whose first priority is to win the ball and who has been 'injured' for the last six weeks. And unlike some of his team-mates, Vidal was equally brilliant in Europe - he scored five times in the Champions League group stages despite his team's early exit and added another two in the Europa League. With the Chilean recovering from surgery, every football fan should be praying that the 26-year-old is fit enough to play at the World Cup because he would be a huge loss to the competition.

Swiss include five from Serie A May 13, 2014 Ottmar Hitzfeld has named his 23-man Switzerland squad for the World Cup and included five Serie A-based players. Napoli’s trio of Valon Behrami, Blerim Dzemaili and Gokhan Inler have all made today’s squad submitted to FIFA, alongside Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner and Juve-owned Reto Ziegler, who has spent this season on loan at Sassuolo. Udinese's Silvan Widmer is one of seven players listed on stand-by, should one of the initial 23 pick up an injury. “The idea is to have two options for every position, to go to Brazil with every role covered,” Hitzfeld has explained to reporters today. “That is why I have called up Ziegler. “At the World Cup it will be important to acclimatise quickly. We will need to play with tactical intelligence, organisation. “The emotion will have an important role, especially against the South American countries.” Switzerland are drawn in Group E of this summer’s tournament and face Ecuador, France and Honduras. Switzerland World Cup squad Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Roman Bürki (Grasshopper), Yann Sommer (Basel) Defenders: Johan Djourou (Hamburg), Michael Lang (Grasshopper), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg), Fabian Schär (Basel), Philippe Senderos (Valencia), Steve von Bergen (Young Boys), Reto Ziegler (Sassuolo) Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Eintracht Frankfurt), Valon Behrami (Napoli), Blerim Dzemaili (Napoli), Gelson Fernandes (Freiburg), Gökhan Inler (Napoli), Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich), Valentin Stocker (Basel), Granit Xhaka (Borussia Monchengladbach). Forwards: Mario Gavranovic (Zurich), Josip Drmic (Nurnberg), Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad), Admir Mehmedi (Freiburg) Reserves: Marwin Hitz (Augsburg), Timm Klose (VfL Wolfsburg), Silvan Widmer (Udinese), Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Fabian Frei (FC Basel), Pajtim Kasami (Fulham), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Kwadwo Asamoah named to Ghana's provisional World Cup squad May 13, 2014 Juventus' central midfielder-turned-wingback Kwadwo Asamoah has been named to Ghana's 26-man provisional World Cup squad. Not that it's any surprise, really. Asamoah, who has been with the Black Stars for the past eight years after his international debut in 2006, was probably one of the first names to be put on the list. Why? Because he's really good. And this summer we'll be able to watch him in a more natural central midfield role, one that I'm sure he's going to do quite well at since that's what he's been doing for almost his whole life. Okay, so maybe he hasn't that bad as a wingback. It's pretty much the opposite, actually. There's a reason why Asamoah may very well have a future as one of these fancy wingbacks Antonio Conte loves so much. Here's the full squad that will be trimmed down to the final 23: Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey, Fatawu Dauda, Stephen Adams. Defenders: Samuel Inkoom, Daniel Opare, Harrison Afful, Jeffrey Schlupp, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Jerry Akaminko, Rashid Sumaila. Midfielders: Michael Essien, Rabiu Mohammed, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah, Sulley Muntari, Albert Adomah, Wakaso Mubarak, Christian Atsu, David Accam, Andre Ayew, Afriyie Acquah. Forwards: Asamoah Gyan, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Abdul Majeed Waris, Jordan Ayew. Ghana and the United States open Group G play against one another at the Estadio das Dunas on Monday, June 16.

ROMA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (90+4′) May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Attendance:‬ 39000‎ Prandelli defends banned Chiellini The Italy coach's previous decisions on Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli have raised questions over whether the Juventus defender will be selected in Brazil. May 12, 2014 Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has indicated Giorgio Chiellini will be in his World Cup squad, despite picking up a ban for violent conduct. Juventus defender Chiellini was slapped with a retrospective three-match ban after elbowing Miralem Pjanic in Sunday's 1-0 win over Roma. The suspension rules the defender out of Juve's remaining Serie A fixture against Cagliari on Sunday - as well as their first two of next season. The punishment raised doubts over the 29-year-old's involvement in Brazil, with Prandelli having previously dropped the likes of Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli from his international squads due to disciplinary issues at club level. However, the former Fiorentina boss does not believe Chiellini's actions were undertaken with violent intentions, a stance that suggests the Juve man will be named in the 30-man provisional squad on Tuesday. Prandelli told Ansa: "I have looked again and again at what Chiellini did. For me, it is not a violent act. "Do I expect criticism for my decision? My code of ethics has been controversial for four years!" http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Chiellini gets three-match ban May 12, 2014 Serie A's sporting judge on Monday banned Juventus and Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini for three matches for elbowing AS Roma's Miralem Pjanic in the face during his side's 1-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The decision means Chiellini will miss the Serie A champions' last game of the season against Cagliari next weekend and their first two matches of the 2014-15 campaign, unless the club successfully appeals. A Serie A statement said the referee did not see Chiellini elbow Pjanic, even though he blew up for an illegal block on the Bosnian playmaker during a freekick. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli usually drops players temporarily while they are serving disciplinary bans in accordance with his code for the national team. But ANSA sources said the coach was set to include Chiellini, one of his best players, in his preliminary 30-man World Cup squad, as he did consider the code of conduct to apply in this case.

ROMA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (90+4′) May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Attendance:‬ 39000‎ Nainggolan: Juventus deserved to win Scudetto May 12, 2014 Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has revealed that Juventus were worthy winners of the Scudetto. The Bianconeri defeated Roma 1-0 on Sunday, taking their lead over the Giallorossi to 14 points, but the Belgian stated the Turin club have deserved their triumph due to their red hot form. “Conte’s squad deserved the title,” Nainggolan told Sky Sport Italia on Sunday. “I think that the team has had a great season and made many points, we broke the club’s point record, even though Juventus were even better. “We must not get some games wrong next year to be able to compete more.” Roma have collected 85 points, three more than 2007/2008 Luciano Spalletti-led squad, which previously held the club’s record, and ten more than Fabio Capello’s side that won Scudetto in 2001. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (90+4′) May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Attendance:‬ 39000‎ Title holders end Roma's home unbeaten streak May 12, 2014 Already champions of Italy, nothing but continued success can satisfy the appetite of this Antonio Conte led Juventus. The first team to win away to Roma, the Old Lady has now collected 99 points in the league and could well make it 102 next week at home to Cagliari. A prestigious game between the two best teams in Italy, it was tactical, it was technical and it was passionate. But it ended 1-0. With the two best defences taking one-another on, goals were always going to be hard to come by. But Juventus were measured, precise and fluid and that's what made the difference in the capital city tonight. A team that at times forces the issue in attack, they are never quite as devastating or as delicious to watch as when they demonstrate teamwork and work with one-another to maintain precision and accuracy to penetrate tight defences. Occupying the right positions, looking for the right man, the intelligent decisions were made for the Old Lady to score and win the match. The curse of the ex-player suggests it was always going to be Pablo Osvaldo who dealt the killer blow, much like it was Simone Padoin who managed against Atalanta. With both sides capable in attack and defensively sound, many expected a cagey affair, two teams that simply fought in midfield. However, it was a match that perfectly demonstrated the philosophies of both sides. Roma with their pace in attack and excellent dribbles and Juventus with their masterful teamwork and fluid passing game. Played with great intensity to laugh in the face of cliches regarding Italian nonchalance, Gervinho’s speed exposed Juve’s weakness while simultaneously showing them what they are indeed missing. Adopting a high position on the field, the Ivorian busied the Bianconeri centre-backs and waited for his team to win back possession and allow him to launch forward at high speed. With Giorgio Chiellini grabbing a yellow card, it was difficult to commit the necessary challenges but in essence, had Gervinho possessed more intelligence and made better decisions, he would have certainly grabbed a goal for his side. Defensively, it’s important that Juventus close up space and remain concentrated. Too often when the Giallorossi play with speed, they are capable of opening up the gaps at the back. Several Juve players went to close down the man on the ball leaving runners such as Gervinho to exploit the gap in-between the players. On one occasion, Chiellini ought to have better positioned his body to maintain awareness while Kwadwo Asamoah needed to tighten. The Ghanian is impeccably useful in defence but he must learn to push up when the team needs another body on the wing during the attacking phase of the game. Too often Paul Pogba was left wanting, needing a man to help him stretch the Roman backline so he could penetrate the space but instead Asamoah was too deep, not pushing forward enough to lend a helping hand. By the time he did move into the right attacking positions, Rudi Garcia’s boys had already reassembled themselves to shut down any potential threat. Roma tried in many ways to make most they had of space to volley the ball, to hit with pace but when the Bianconeri defence dropped concentration, Marco Storari was on hand to make vital saves. In fact the match was a wonderful demonstration of great goalkeeping with the Giallorossi's Lukasz Skorupski pulling off the spectacular to keep the likes of Fernando Llorente and the rest of Juve at bay. Speaking of the Spaniard, he demonstrated all his great qualities in this important match. His wonderful turn, his ability to hold the ball and the manner in which he taunted Mehdi Benatia should have resulted in a goal. Unfortunately for him, one is quick to forget his brilliance when he surrenders possession so easily, provoking great frustration. The striker, who benefited from Carlos Tevez’s movement today will continue to grow and settle in and hopefully offer even more next season. However, there ought to be no room for criticism on Juventus today. All their players, including Osvaldo who scored the goal in dedication to the side he has grown to love, deserve to celebrate. They won the festival of great Italian football. They will continue to accept criticism for certain European performances but domestically they are superior to the rest, both physically and psychologically. They continue to push themselves forward until the final moments of each game. For that, the fans are grateful, appreciative of this dedicated squad and its imperious manager. In his postmatch comments, Conte implied he may explore other avenues and one has to understand his position. The Old Lady's supporters are never satisfied and always demanding greater achievements and it's what makes the club glorious but also what makes them a difficult team to stay with. This current squad may not possess the power to compete with the world’s best but contrary to what the manager says, it is worthy of greater accomplishments should they reinforce this summer. The midfield is outstanding, combining the skills of the three highly coveted players in the world. The backline is the one that helped Cesare Prandelli reach the Euro 2012 final and will represent Italy in Brazil while the forward line has proved exceptional for their first season in Serie A. With greater quality on the wings and more intelligence upfront, there is every reason to believe in European success in the future. Fans pray Conte will commit. If he does, success is all but guaranteed but if he doesn’t, the Bianconeri will continue along their path and will find their way back to the top. They won before him and they will after him. It is the structure, the framework, the devotion of the great Agnelli family and the pioneering work of all who work within Juve’s walls that has put the team at the forefront of calcio and for that reason, we must trust in the vision. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (90+4′) May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Attendance:‬ 39000‎ Roma vs. Juventus: 4 Things We Learned May 12, 2014 This game could have decided the Scudetto. Instead, it had no bearing on the standings. And yet, Juventus played with almost a full squad, and even at 0-0 for most of the match, they kept on going for the win. It was Dani Osvaldo who scored the winner right before the final whistle, picking this moment against his former team to score his first Serie A goal with the Bianconeri. The Juventus players all ran onto the pitch to celebrate. It was like they won the title all over again, though they had won another title of sorts. They now have 99 points this season: a Serie A record. Inter had amassed 97 during the 2006-07 season. Questions persist about the quality of opposition, whether Juventus really are as good as the stats suggest. But this is historic. This is a team that does not rest. This squad is managed by Antonio Conte, after all. Here are several things we learned from the match that wasn’t so meaningless. Osvaldo Makes Late Case His buyout clause remains £15.6 million, per the BBC, and Osvaldo isn’t worth that much. He has played mostly off the bench at Juventus. This goal was unexpected. He was all alone in the box, but he blasted the ball into the corner. The shot was actually on net. He has put just two shots on goal in 13 attempts, per ESPN FC, in Serie A. But this was timed well. He put his hand to his ear to hear the abuse. Roma had shooed him away last year. He had fights in training, and so off he went to Southampton. There, he had the same issues, but not so with Juventus. Osvaldo told Juventus.com: “The best thing was the hug from my team-mates. They were almost happier than I was! I respect my old teammates, and have many friends still in Rome, but now I’m at Juventus and I’d like to stay here, just as I’d like to go to the World Cup.” The Back-Ups Show Their Talent Marco Storari is simply as solid a back-up goalkeeper as you can find in Italy. We don’t hear anything negative from him. He genuinely appears happy to be playing with a championship team, as a teammate of Gianluigi Buffon. Storari is now 37, and he was last a full-time starter with Messina from 2003-2007. He could still start elsewhere, for a lesser club, if he'd like. But he is still sharp. In Rome, he was making superb saves. Across from him in net for Roma was Lukasz Skorupski, on the opposite end of age as well. The 23-year-old Polish international looked steady, and he gobbled up the ball and dove to save it. Roma Still Find Positives in Season Roma lost in the end, but coach Rudi Garcia said that the result does not “change this extraordinary season we’ve had,” as per Roma's official Twitter account. Indeed it was: a club-record haul in points (85) and a second-place finish. Roma had finished the previous three seasons sixth, seventh and sixth, respectively. They're back in the Champions League. So the players did a lap around the Olimpico one last time this season, blasted balls into the stands and applauded the supporters. The players brought out their kids, and it was all festive. There was one despicable sight. Some of the Roma ultras unfurled a banner: "Forza Daniele!" Daniele De Santis is the Roma ultra charged with the attempted murder of a Neapolitan last week. Three fans were shot in the area before the Coppa Italia final. Sunday's match was pushed up three hours to avoid any problems. Another Game, Another Record for Juventus This season is about much more than a third straight championship. Juventus have left their mark in Italy in a way that they have not in Europe. Next year, the Champions League has to come first. Progress has to be made, but the records here are huge: most-ever wins in a single season in club history (32); most points ever by any Serie A club (99); and a 30th title. With a draw against Cagliari next weekend, they will reach 100 points. No other team has done that in Serie A history. Conte is still not sure of continuing with Juventus, but he is proud. He told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) after the match: “We certainly have a lot to celebrate, as this is an incredible campaign. We’ve beaten Roberto Mancini’s Inter record of Serie A points and it will be tough for anyone to match. … Not even if my wildest dreams did I expect this the moment I sat on the Juventus bench for the first time. We broke all the records and there’s one more game to go.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Prandelli: Chiellini actions not violent May 12, 2014 Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli does not believe Giorgio Chiellini’s elbow on Roma’s Miralem Pjanic was a violent act. The Juventus man has today been banned for three Serie A matches by the Giudice Sportivo for the incident but the national boss takes a different view of proceedings. “I have looked again and again at what Chiellini did,” Prandelli said to Ansa. “For me, it is not a violent act.” The player is therefore expected to be named in the tactician’s provisional World Cup squad this week, as he will not fall foul of the 56-year-old’s code of ethics. “Do I expect criticism for my decision? My code of ethics has been controversial for four years!” Prandelli half-joked.

ROMA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (90+4′) May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Attendance:‬ 39000‎ Chiellini: Roma win encapsulates Conte's Juventus The Italy international has hailed the Bianconeri's coach's fine work and is determined to reach the 100-point mark this term. May 12, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini feels Juventus' hard-fought 1-0 win over Roma on Sunday perfectly encapsulates the mentality of the Turin giants under head coach Antonio Conte. A draw would have sufficed for the Serie A champions to keep them on track to reach the 100-point mark this term, but a late Pablo Osvaldo goal eventually saw them bag the full three points at the Stadio Olimpico. "I think Sunday’s victory encapsulates our team under Conte," Chiellini told reporters. “Having the strength to go on and win it in the last minute when a draw would have been enough in terms of the dream of 100 points is thanks to the desire the boss instils in us. "We played a great game, better even than we could have expected. We were playing for pride and the chance to set a new record points tally as well as showing that we’re worthy title winners." The defender then went on to admit that Juventus never thought they could hit 100 points this season, but insisted that they are determined to make it happen now that they've come this far. "Honestly I didn’t believe we’d be able to do it when we started out this season because 100 really is a lot, and any slip-up in such a difficult fixture list could have put an end to it. “Now that we’re in this position though, with the chance to achieve the objective at home, we’ll give our all to pull it off." Juventus have collected 99 points from 37 games so far. They meet Cagliari on matchday 38. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

No code of ethics for Chiellini May 12, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini reportedly does not risk being dropped from Italy contention, as Cesare Prandelli has apparently assessed his weekend elbow. The Juventus defender was caught by television replays during yesterday evening’s 1-0 win at Roma catching Miralem Pjanic in the face with his left arm, whilst jostling in anticipation of an Andrea Pirlo free-kick. The player’s post-match interview saw him deny the incident was intentional and Il Messaggero today report that Italy Coach Prandelli is of the same opinion. Prandelli has brought in a much-discussed code of ethics as part of his four years so far in charge of the national team, to encourage players to behave on the pitch or risk being omitted from future squads. Whilst the likes of Dani Osvaldo and Daniele De Rossi have recently fallen foul of this, Il Messaggero report that, in approaching the World Cup, Chiellini will not, as Prandelli has reviewed his weekend incident and considers his action not violent, but involuntary.

ROMA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (90+4′) May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Attendance:‬ 39000‎ Osvaldo: I’ve grown at Juve May 12, 2014 Dani Osvaldo has commented on his gratitude towards Juventus, who have allowed him to “grow both as a professional and as a person.” The striker is coming to the end of an initial six-month loan spell with the Bianconeri, after falling out of favour at Southampton. Whilst only on the verges of first team activity with Juve, the Italy international has only positive things to say, having netted his first League goal for the club to decide their Week 37 meeting with his former side Roma. “The goal was great, particularly because it has not been an easy year for me,” Osvaldo has considered afterwards to JTV. “It was beautiful, especially for the celebration of my teammates, who have all come together to embrace me, the Coach included, and the staff. “I have so much respect for everyone, this is a fantastic group, sincerely. I am honoured to be a part of this group because it has helped me to grow both as a professional and as a person, whilst this is an experience that I will never forget in my life. “This Juve are now part of history? Yes, this is what we were aiming for [the points record], the most important thing. I believe that getting into the history at a club like Juventus is not an every day thing, perhaps it will never happen again, to anyone, or for many years. “So we have to enjoy this moment because we have done something spectacular.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111