Socrates

'No masterplan for England to stop Pirlo' - Cahill The Three Lions defender claims Roy Hodgson's side will not give the Italy playmaker any special attention in their World Cup opener in Manaus on Saturday. Jun 14, 2014 By Greg Stobart in Rio de Janeiro England defender Gary Cahill claims there is no plan to stop Andrea Pirlo in the World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday. The Three Lions take on Italy in the Amazon city of Manaus in a repeat of the Euro 2012 quarter-final, when Pirlo produced a man-of-the-match display before the Azzurri won on penalties. Much has been made of how Roy Hodgson’s men will try and handle Pirlo in the Group D clash on Saturday – but Cahill insists they will not give the 35-year-old playmaker special attention. “I don’t think there is a masterplan,” said the Chelsea defender when asked about Pirlo’s threat. “We’re respectful of what he’s done and what a player he is but our message is about how we want to play and approach the game – we want to control the game. “I think the key is to be organised and solid at the back, and to give our more creative players the ball to create opportunities. That’s the plan.”

Pirlo: Italy must be careful against improving England The veteran Juventus midfielder says that the Azzurri "know how to face" Group D opponents, though he urges caution against the Three Lions' young, fast starlets. Jun 14, 2014 Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has warned his team-mates that they can expect to face a different and much-improved England side than the one whom they sent crashing out of Euro 2012. The two sides meet in Manaus on Saturday in their opening game of the World Cup, a repeat of their quarter-final clash two years ago in Kiev, in which the Azzurri progressed after a penalty shootout. But Pirlo is not taking the Three Lions' threat lightly, highlighting the emergence of youth within England's ranks, though he is confident that Cesare Prandelli's men are capable of coming out on top. "We know England are a good team that has improved a lot," he told reporters. "They have new, young players, who are fast. We will have to be careful. "However, we know how to face them. Italy have always played great games against England and hence we will have our chances." Pirlo was instrumental in Italy's victory over England in Ukraine, famously completing more passes than Roy Hodgson's entire midfield combined, but he insists that the four-time World Cup winners are more than a one-man team. "This national team is not Pirlo-dependent," the 35-year-old argued. "In order to go all the way you need everyone's contribution. "Our aim should be to win and go until the end. We have a very competitive team and we will give our all to win this tournament. I never compete to take part but to finish first."

Buffon ruled out of Italy-England game The veteran hurt his ankle in training and has failed to recover in time to face Roy Hodgson's men in the two sides' opening World Cup fixture. Jun 14, 2014 Italy have been dealt a severe blow ahead of their World Cup opener against England after goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was ruled out with an ankle injury. The 36-year-old left training early on Friday with the problem, but it was hoped he would recover in time to take his place on Saturday evening, with coach Cesare Prandelli describing it as "nothing serious". However, Buffon confimed on his official Facebook page on Saturday that he would not be fit to start the game. "Good day everyone... Life is beautiful and I am still in your debt... It will take more than one missed game or one missed World Cup to change my mind!" wrote the 140-capped international. "There are still ways to be important, even if you are not a protagonist on the field... so... Forza Great Salvatore... Forza magic boys... FORZA ITALIA, my great love." Paris Saint-Germain keeper Salvatore Sirigu is expected to start in his absence as the Azzurri look to get off to a flying start in Group D. One positive for Prandelli, however, was the condition of the playing surface in Manaus, with a close inspection arresting fears of an uneven pitch that had been reported in the days leading up to the game. "Regarding the pitch, the grass was described to me as being in very bad condition, but when I got here it was actually very good," said the 56-year-old. Prandelli will keep his formation and selection a secret until the last minute, hoping to keep players competing for places. He believes Roy Hodgson's England are a different prospect to the one Italy overcame on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals. "Two years ago we won on penalties but England are a different team, they have changed their system, their style of play," Prandelli said. "We have to remember the good things we did in the past but we are facing a new team. Especially in attack, they have four players who are very, very good."

Buffon: 'A missed game or World Cup...' Jun 14, 2014 Gigi Buffon wished Salvatore Sirigu the best of luck, but hinted he could “miss another World Cup” due to injury. The goalkeeper has been ruled out of tonight’s opener against England in Manaus after spraining his left ankle during a training session. “Good day to everyone...” wrote Buffon on his official Twitter and WhoSay accounts. “Life is beautiful and I am still indebted to her... It won’t be a missed game or another World Cup missed out to make me change my mind!!! “Besides, there are many ways to be important, even if you’re not a protagonist on the field... therefore... forza great Salvatore... forza magical lads... FORZA ITALIA, my great love!!!” Cesare Prandelli insists he will “have another test” before kick-off at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT), but there are reports the sprain has also affected the knee. Buffon’s statement hints that the injury could be so serious as to rule him out of the World Cup entirely, an experience he already has after missing the 2010 edition.

Buffon out, Sirigu starts Jun 14, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon is out of Italy’s World Cup opener with England tonight, so Salvatore Sirigu starts in goal. The captain pulled up during last night’s training session at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus with a sprained left ankle. He underwent physiotherapy both yesterday and again this morning, but the fitness tests performed in the hotel gym were not reassuring. Italy medical staff have advised him not to play this evening, as there are also concerns the sprain might’ve spread to the knee and thigh muscle. If it proves to be a more serious injury, Buffon cannot be replaced, as players can only be brought in until 24 hours before the opening game. It’s reported Buffon sustained the injury during a practice goal kick. This means Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sirigu gets the nod in only his ninth cap, the second competitive match for Italy. His only other tournament game was a 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory away to Estonia in September 2010. The Azzurri must also do without the injured Mattia De Sciglio, who has a thigh problem, while Riccardo Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi pulled out before the tournament began. Probable line-ups England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge Italy: Sirigu; Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio; Balotelli

'Pessimism' over Buffon injury Jun 14, 2014 There is “pessimism” filtering through from the Italy camp over Gigi Buffon’s chances of facing England tonight. The Azzurri open their World Cup campaign in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT). Captain Buffon sprained his left ankle in last night’s training session at the Arena Amazonia and has been undergoing physiotherapy. There is no official word from the Nazionale staff yet, but Sky Sport Italia claim there is “pessimism” filtering through from sources. Buffon was spotted going into the hotel gym with physiotherapists and medical staff this morning after breakfast to perform tests. It is reported the initial results were not positive, as there are fears the sprain might’ve also affected his left knee. Salvatore Sirigu is ready to take over, although the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper is not 100 per cent fit either due to bruised ribs. The only other option would be Genoa youngster Mattia Perin, who has never made an official appearance for the senior Italy squad.

Buffon injury scare against England Jun 14, 2014 Gigi Buffon suffered a “slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment” ahead of tonight’s World Cup opener against England. Italy begin their tournament in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT), but are beset by injury problems. Last night the Azzurri trained on the Manaus pitch and Juventus shot-stopper Buffon sprained his left ankle. “He has a slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment,” explained Cesare Prandelli. Professor Enrico Castellacci was less reassuring and said Buffon has “a 50 per cent chance” of starting tonight’s game, as he was seen limping on to the team bus. There are further concerns, as second choice Salvatore Sirigu did not train for several days this week due to a bruised rib, so the PSG man is not in great shape either. It is possible Mattia Perin of Genoa might have to play, although Buffon will do everything possible to be there. The injury in the warm-up raises more questions about the pitch in Manaus, which looked suspiciously green last night compared to only 48 hours earlier. There are reports the Brazilian authorities might’ve painted the turf green in order to hide the patches and sand beneath the grass. Mattia De Sciglio was ruled out by a muscular injury on Thursday, so Giorgio Chiellini is moved over to his former role at left-back. In his place, Cesare Prandelli has been testing Parma defender Paletta alongside Andrea Barzagli, leaving Juventus man Leonardo Bonucci on the bench. Torino revelation Matteo Darmian is expected to beat Milan’s Ignazio Abate to the right-back slot. For some time now Prandelli has moved towards a 4-1-4-1 formation with Daniele De Rossi protecting the defence, but above all Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo together as dual playmakers. It is hoped this system will allow the Azzurri to maintain possession and provide other options when England man-mark Pirlo. Claudio Marchisio and Lazio’s Antonio Candreva are the attacking midfielders who can push up to support striker Mario Balotelli. Potential substitutes for the second half include Parma veteran Antonio Cassano, Serie A Capocannoniere Ciro Immobile and Napoli’s sparkling Lorenzo Insigne. Probable line-ups England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Henderson, Gerrard; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge Italy: Sirigu Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio; Balotelli

MARIO BALOTELLI 2-1

Pareggio inglese

CLAUDIO MARCHISIO 1-0

Barzagli ci salva.

No, é belga.

Italia molto lenta e macchinosa nella manovra. Poco sfruttate le ali.

Porca paletta!

Bravo Sirigu

Sembrava goal il tiro di Sterling.

Gli inglesi pressano molto.

Juninho: Pirlo a free kick demon Jun 11, 2014 Free kick maestro Juninho Pernambucano has admitted that Andrea Pirlo is now the new king of the set piece. The Brazil international is widely believed to be one of the greatest free kick takers of all time with, according to Who Scored, a conversation rate of just over 16 per cent. But the 39-year-old has claimed that the Italian veteran can now be considered the master. “Pirlo is a demon,” he told Sport TV. “He has not only copied my shot, but improved it. “If I was still playing I’d try and get hold of him, and ask him to teach me that technique.” Pirlo has recently signed a two-year extension at Juventus, but will first try and fire Italy to World Cup glory in Brazil.

Official: Pirlo signs Juve extension Jun 11, 2014 Juventus have confirmed that Andrea Pirlo has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club for another two years. The Italy international has become one of the lynchpins of a record-breaking Bianconeri team since joining from Milan in 2011. The 35-year-old has won three consecutive Scudetti under Antonio Conte, and has enhanced his reputation has one of the greatest midfielders in Europe. And this morning the Turin side have revealed that Pirlo has put pen to paper on a deal that keeps him with the Old Lady until 2016. “The fantastic story of Andrea Pirlo and Juventus continues,” a statement read. “The Professor has signed a new contract that will tie him to Juventus until June 30, 2016.”

Pogba on Juve-France differences Jun 11, 2014 Paul Pogba concedes he’ll have to “limit attacking runs” with France at the World Cup compared to Juventus. “We are a solid group and aim to do better than 2010,” the midfielder told journalists in Brazil. “Didier Deschamps is a Coach who won the World Cup in 1998, so that is a big advantage. Are we afraid? Not remotely, as it’s a pleasure to be here and we want to give pleasure to the rest of our country too. “Playing in the World Cup is the dream of every player, but winning is even better. I always work to improve and to be the best. I know that I’ll never be a star, but I love football and give my life for this sport." The 21-year-old scored nine goals and provided 16 assists in all club games this season, but has to take a different approach with Les Bleus. “Deschamps asks me to perform to the max, to play my football and give 100 per cent. Here I will have less freedom when defending than I do with Juve and must limit my attacking runs.”

Marchisio: 'Darmian a surprise' Jun 11, 2014 Claudio Marchisio is “really impressed” with Matteo Darmian, congratulated Mario Balotelli and Gigi Buffon. Torino right-back Darmian is turning out to be a surprise package in the Azzurri squad and could start on Saturday night against England. “He really impressed me in his first game against Ireland,” said Marchisio in a Press conference. “He had a great season with Torino, as did Alessio Cerci, and I was struck by his character. He had never played with us in the qualifiers, but presented himself in great shape in his first start. “Darmian is certainly an excellent player for us and we’ll see what happens in this World Cup.” Balotelli was greeted at the training ground with a round of applause today after announcing his engagement to girlfriend Fanny Neguesha. “You saw this morning, we applauded Mario and embraced him. How was his night? I don’t know, that’s his business. It’s certainly good news and now it’s important that we all focus on the World Cup.” Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is once again a key figure in the Italy locker room, confirmed Marchisio. “The years pass, but Gigi always has the same hunger. He is our captain at Italy and Juventus, but he’s also my friend and someone who can always come out with the right thing at the right time to shake up this team. “Buffon is a definite reference point for us.” Marcello Lippi confessed today that returning to the Italy bench for the 2010 World Cup was a “huge mistake,” one that Marchisio took part in. “Those were decisions the Coach made. Unfortunately it wasn’t a very fortunate expedition for us, but those of us who took part have put it behind us and want to focus only on this tournament.”

Marchisio: 'Quality to hurt England' Jun 11, 2014 Claudio Marchisio assures Italy “know England’s style of play” and will focus on quality against Roy Hodgson’s men. The Juventus midfielder spoke at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s World Cup opener. “We know England’s style of play, but tried with players of quality like Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta to keep the ball and attack them. “England have physically strong players and are very quick in a classic 4-4-2. We are very different teams, but we must stick to our own playing style regardless of the opponents.” The Azzurri drew 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland, 1-1 with Luxembourg and beat Brazilian club side Fluminense 5-3 with completely different line-ups and systems. “We saw some positive and less positive things from our test games. We tried to work on the defensive movements this week, especially after seeing the problems against Luxembourg,” continued Marchisio. “We played those games during periods of intense physical training, so we weren’t as sharp as usual. We are trying to make this team, this machine, more and more perfect. Now we just need to start this tournament and get on the field. “We have a very difficult group, but that mustn’t be used as an excuse if things don’t go well. The first game is very important. “Time-outs are fundamental, as in this climate and humidity the energy seeps out of you very quickly. We saw that in the Confederations Cup that the conditions are very different in various Brazilian cities. “The most important thing is to reach these tournaments in good physical shape. You can work on mentality and tactics up to the last day, but fitness levels are the real key.”

Marchisio: 'Italy-England uncertain' Jun 11, 2014 Claudio Marchisio confirms Italy’s players “don’t know who will start against England” and expects a “different” game to Euro 2012. The Juventus midfielder spoke at a Press conference about Saturday night’s opening game with the Three Lions. “There is a very positive air here, as we worked well at Coverciano and in Brazil. We were glad to be given permission to have our families by our sides, as we already did at Euro 2012.” “I think we’ll meet a different England to Euro 2012. It will be a very difficult match, but just as they have changed since the Euros, so have we. For many of us it was our first major tournament, so we now have more experience and have done important things over the last two years. “We already saw against Fluminense what this humidity means, so the fact we worked so well over the last month has prepared us for the conditions in Manaus. “The meetings with England are always great clashes, so we’ll let the pitch do the talking. “We don’t know who will play against England. We tested two different systems in the last two friendlies and have many players who allow us to be versatile. We’ll see what the Coach chooses, but the important thing is that everyone feels they are a part of this project.” Marchisio didn’t have as much playing time as usual at Juventus this term, but is finding his form at the right time. “During the season I had some pretty important injury problems, but after January was finally able to return to the levels I’d been hoping for. The World Cup is very important and perhaps the fact I didn’t play much at the start of the season is making me fresher right now. “We arrived in Brazil, which certainly has a different humidity level to Italy, but the fitness tests results have been very, very good. That means the training work we did was important and effective. “Now we have to go out there with the motivation and great heart this Nazionale has always shown to do well in this World Cup.”

Italy ready for different England - Marchisio The Azzurri star knows his side will face a more youthful Three Lions team but insists Cesare Prandelli's current crop are better than the losing finalists of Euro 2012. Jun 11, 2014 By Liam Twomey in Rio de Janeiro Claudio Marchisio insists Italy are fully prepared to face Roy Hodgson's new-look England squad when the two sides meet in Saturday's World Cup Group D opener in Manaus. The clash sets up a rematch of the Euro 2012 quarter-final in Kiev which saw eventual tournament finalists Italy progress on penalties after a goalless draw. Only seven players in Hodgson's 23-man group played that night, while the emergence of the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley has given England fans cause for optimism. But Marchisio is adamant that Italy have also improved over the past two years and is confident that Cesare Prandelli's men will be able to cope with the formidable humidity of Manaus. “I think we’ll meet a different England to Euro 2012," he told reporters at Casa Azzurri in Mangaratiba . "It will be a very difficult match, but just as they have changed since the Euros, so have we. "For many of us it was our first major tournament, so we now have more experience and have done important things over the last two years. "There is a very positive air here, as we worked well at Coverciano and in Brazil. We were glad to be given permission to have our families by our sides, as we already did at Euro 2012. "We already saw against Fluminense what this humidity means, so the fact we worked so well over the last month has prepared us for the conditions in Manaus. "The meetings with England are always great clashes, so we’ll let the pitch do the talking." Marchisio also revealed that Prandelli is yet to tell his players who is likely to feature against England. "We don’t know who will play," he added. "We tested two different systems in the last two friendlies and have many players who allow us to be versatile. "We’ll see what the coach chooses, but the important thing is that everyone feels they are a part of this project."

'It's good to play in a World Cup but winning is even better,' says Pogba The France midfielder hopes that victory in Brazil is not beyond him and his team-mates, and has set his sights on a successful tournament in the heart of the Bleus' midfield. Jun 11, 2014 Paul Pogba has not abandoned hope of France emulating their 1998 World Cup success in Brazil, and has revealed his desire to make an impact this summer. The 21-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's most promising young players after impressing in Juventus' midfield last season, scoring seven goals in 36 league games as the Bianconeri secured the Serie A title. Pogba, who already has ten senior caps to his name, intends to do whatever he can to ensure the Bleus are competitive and do more than simply make up the numbers in Brazil. "I've begun to realise my dream," he told L'Equipe, when asked about making Didier Deschamps' squad. "I'm happy, proud of myself, but it is not finished. It's good to play a World Cup but winning would be even better. I hope we will go very far. "I do not feel like an undisputed first-teamer; I just feel like a France player. My role is to give my maximum, to give everything I have. To play my football, that's all." Pogba has allegedly attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but the midfielder insists he is focused only on his own progress and development. "Raising my game, that's what I hope to achieve," he continued. "I work to be the best possible. After that, I know my game. People think I'm lazy, that I play without effort. But that's what my football has been like since I was little. This does not prevent me from being focused. I do my best, always. "I'll never be a star. I love football. I give my life to football. After that, if I can enjoy myself, I'll be happy." France face Honduras on Sunday in Porto Alegre to kick off their World Cup campaign.