Socrates

Paul Pogba wants to be an impact player Apr 28, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba aims to make France forget the 2010 World Cup and leave his mark as an impact player. "What happened just happened," Pogba told ESPN FC’s Gabriele Marcotti about the 2010 debacle. "You have to make people forget about this. We’re gonna try our best to make them forget this." Pogba has already established himself in the France national team, and his dynamic midfield displays for Les Bleus have seen parallels drawn between himself and Vieira, who was part of France's 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000-winning squads. But Pogba 21, who moved to Turin in 2012 after failing to break into the Manchester United first team, said he is determined to trace his own path and avoid comparison to Arsenal great Patrick Vieira. "I want to be Paul Pogba, not Vieira, but I want to be better than him," Pogba told Marcotti. "It’s gonna be hard because Patrick Vieira is a top-class player and to become better than him I have to work hard." France coach Didier Deschamps has been credited with renovating the squad after taking the reins from Laurent Blanc following France’s elimination by Spain at Euro 2012. France competes in Brazil in Group E with Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras. "For the team, we have a very good group, we get on a lot outside the pitch and in the pitch. That is a good thing," Pogba told Marcotti. "We have a lot of young players, that is good, I think is a good mix. We could've picked (drawn) a lot of bigger teams, but World Cup is World Cup. If they qualified for the World Cup, that means they are good. The World Cup you never know who is gonna win. We have to play like we’re playing against Spain or Portugal or bigger team, you know? That’s what we have to do." Pogba said he has a childhood memory of France winning the World Cup in 1998 when he was just aged 5. "I remember because we were at home and we saw the final against Brazil and we all went out on the street, all happy," he said. "I remember that day. That’s the thing I remember of the World Cup." Vieira, a three-time Premier League champion with Arsenal who left the Londoners in 2005 to join Juve, said Pogba is a more complete player than he was at the same stage of his career, which coincided with Pogba's early years in England. "He's more technical and more at ease with the ball than I was at the same age," Vieira told beIN SPORTS. "It's easier for him to go forward. I was more concerned with defensive duties. He's more attack-minded, and takes part more in the team's play."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPUyAEBy0Tk

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Sassuolo v Juventus – Team News, Tactics, Lineups And Prediction Apr 28, 2014 Two more wins, that’s all that separates Juventus from yet another Serie A title. Had it not been for Roma’s comfortable victory over AC Milan, the Old Lady could have secured the Championship with a win against Sassuolo. As things stand though, they look set to conquer Italy on the 5th of May, a day that in the past, has been synonymous with winning the league for them. Sassuolo, at the other end of the table, have it all to fight for. Eusebio Di Francesco’s have managed to string together positive results that has seen them elevate themselves above the dreaded drop zone. As things stand, they are level on points with Bologna but a superior head-to-head record has them hovering above the relegation trio. Team News and Tactical Brief SASSUOLO There’s a ray of hope for Sassuolo. It looked like the writing was on the wall as relegation stared them right in the face but the month of April has been kind to them as their revival has given them a new lease of life. Wins over Atalanta and Chievo are just what the doctor ordered but with games against Juventus, Genoa, Fiorentina and finally Milan to go, they do have their work cut out for them. Nevertheless, it’s the fear of dropping down into the lower divisions that brings out the best in teams and on this evidence, Sassuolo won’t go down without a fight. Di Francesco has a number of absentees that don’t help his cause. Missiroli and Biondini are accompanied by the talismanic Domenico Berardi in the suspension list. Berardi, who has won plaudits across the peninsula is a big miss in particular. With 13 goals to his name, the man co-owned by Juventus, will be a huge miss for his side. Alexe, Acerbi, Brighi, Bianco, Manfredini and Luca Marrone are doubts for this fixture. Sassuolo are one of the few bottom sides in the league that love to go out and play their own brand of attacking football. Di Francesco is a disciple of Zdenek Zeman’s philosophy so the expectation would be that they won’t resort to extremely defensive tactics. With the fear of relegation looming over their shoulders, the onus would be on them to go out and get the points on board that would be a step towards safety. Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Pegolo; Gazzola, Antei, Cannavaro, Longhi; Chibsah, Magnanelli, Ziegler; Floro Flores, Zaza, Sansone JUVENTUS The performance against Benfica in midweek had encouraging signs; there were plenty of positives for Antonio Conte to take. Juventus put in an excellent yet the score-line leaves them with a lot of work to do in the return leg. Coming back to the league, the bianconeri will feel that they have one hand on the Scudetto. A historic title it would be as they chase the possibility of winning it for the third time on the trot, something they haven’t managed to do since the 1930s. They could also breach the 100 points barrier, as of now they’re 10 short off the mark. Arturo Vidal and Simone Pepe are facing injury troubles and could miss out on this fixture. The Chilean won’t be risked as the medical staff declared him unfit. There are minor fears that his World Cup adventure could be in jeopardy although nothing is conclusive yet. A bit of rotation is in motion as Mauricio Isla should come in allowing Stephan Lichtsteiner to recharge his batteries for the Benfica game while Martin Caceres is expected to retain his position in the back three. The game-plan for Antonio Conte will of course be to get the points on the board as quickly as possible. The game against Benfica will certainly be playing at the back of the manager’s head and as such expect the first team to be rotated. Recent league games have shown their tendency to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the first period and a goal or two cushion will allow them a slightly laid back approach in the second. Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Giovinco, Llorente Player To Watch Out For Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) Arturo Vidal’s absence means that a lot of burden the Chilean carried will fall on the shoulders of Marchisio. The Italian International hasn’t had the best of seasons but he remains an integral part of the team. Marchisio’s typically late runs into the box often go unnoticed and it is here that he is at his most lethal going forward. Expect a good display from the Il Principino. Prediction Sassuolo 0-2 Juventus This game could be a bit of the banana skin. There’s plenty of motivation on the part of both the sides to go out and grab the three points. When it comes to form, Juventus are ahead and when it comes to the technical quality, the bianconeri are miles ahead. You’d tend to lean in favor of a Juventus victory with them inching closer to the title. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Sassuolo-Juventus Betting Preview: Resolute hosts to make life difficult for distracted Bianconeri Having enjoyed a minor resurgence under the returning Eusebio Di Francesco, Al Hain-Cole expects i Neroverdi to frustrate a visiting side who have one eye on European commitments. Apr 28, 2014 Juventus will be looking to move one step closer to a third successive Scudetto when they travel to the Stadio Citta del Tricolore to take on Sassuolo on Monday. Having seen Roma cut their lead at the top of Serie A down to five points with a 2-0 victory over AC Milan on Friday, the champions are 4/9 (1.44) favourites with William Hill to re-establish an eight-point cushion heading into the final three games with a win this evening. Eusebio Di Francesco’s men have pulled out of the relegation zone by taking seven points from the last possible nine and are available at 7/1 (8.00) to boost their survival hopes even further with a massive upset against the leaders. The hosts played out a 1-1 draw against Cagliari in their last fixture on home soil, and you can get odds of 3/1 (4.00) on them claiming a precious point in this one. After leading i Neroverdi to the top flight for the first time in their history last season, Di Francseco was sacked at the end of January with the club mired in the relegation zone. However, the ensuing run of five consecutive defeats soon convinced the board to reverse their decision and reinstate the 44-year-old, leading to a resurrection that has seen the side pick up the same number of points in eight games as they had earned in the previous 17. The key to this improvement has been a defence that has conceded just seven goals in the eight games since the boss’s return, meaning a repeat of December’s 4-0 home defeat is unlikely. Having seen his side go down 2-1 away to Benfica in last week’s Europa League semi-final first leg, Antonio Conte could be forgiven for keeping one eye on Thursday’s return clash with a final on home turf up for grabs, meaning tonight’s action is unlikely to see a classic Bianconeri performance. With this in mind, even money (2.00) looks extremely appealing on under 2.5 goals going in for the 10th time in 11 Juventus games and fifth game in a row for Sassuolo, with 12/5 (3.40) offering extra value on the visitors sneaking a tight win. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Zidane calls Pogba to Madrid Apr 28, 2014 France Football claim Zinedine Zidane has asked Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to join him at Real Madrid. According to the French publication, Real assistant manager and sporting director Zidane made the phone call personally to the Bleus star. Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are already known to be interested in signing Pogba over the summer. Juve have been adamant they will not part with the 20-year-old, who joined as a free agent two years ago from Manchester United’s youth academy. However, they could waver if presented with an offer worth upwards of €70m. Real have been known to make marquee signings every summer, spending €100m to take Gareth Bale from Tottenham last term. It’s reported Carlo Ancelotti sees Pogba as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso in the Real Madrid midfield.

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Vidal and Barzagli face Sassuolo Apr 27, 2014 Juventus have named their squad for Monday’s trip to Sassuolo, including Arturo Vidal and Andrea Barzagli. It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia tomorrow at 20.45 CET. Vidal and Barzagli have been training separately from the squad due to a knee problem and bursitis respectively, but make the trip anyway. Juventus squad for Sassuolo: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Vucinic, Tevez, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Serie A - 16^ Giornata Ritorno - 28-4-2014 (ore 20:45) - Stadio Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore Reggio Emilia Arbitro: Antonio Damato Confronti ufficiali 1 - 1 (Serie A) Vittorie Juventus 1 - 1 (Serie A) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Sassuolo 0 Goals Juventus 4 - 4 (Serie A) Goals Sassuolo 0 Sassuolo-Juventus a Sassuolo Serie A Confronti ufficiali 0 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 0 Vittorie Sassuolo 0 Goals Juventus 0 Goals Sassuolo 0 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Sassuolo a Sassuolo 0 presenze 0 goals Ultimi confronti diretti 15.12.2013 Serie A Juventus-Sassuolo 4-0 Giocate 1 - Vittorie Juventus 1 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Sassuolo 0 - Goals Juventus 4 - Goals Sassuolo 0

Si potrebbe fare anche tenendo conto che al Sassuolo mancheranno anche alcuni giocatori importanti.

Io non avrei tanta fiducia guardando il tuo avatar. Scherzo.

Caro Desmond, ma il tuo vero nome é Giacomo Leopardi? A negativitá vi somigliate molto.

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ MATCH PREVIEW Apr 27, 2014 Sassuolo are currently safe but their Serie A future remains up in the air, while Juventus could be crowned Champions this week. Eusebio Di Francesco called the match at Chievo crucial and the Neroverdi responded by gaining maximum points. Domenico Berardi was on target to push Sassuolo out of the drop zone, replacing Bologna. Both have 28 points, with Di Francesco’s side ahead due to a better head-to-head record. Sassuolo look to be gaining momentum, collecting seven points from their last three matches. They’ll need to take that energy into what is a difficult run-in, starting with the Champions-elect, before matches against Fiorentina and Milan. The Neroverdi have lost all home games against top six clubs. For the second time running, Berardi will skip the clash against the Bianconeri due to suspension, joined by Davide Biondini and Simone Missiroli. Marius Alexe, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Brighi, Paolo Bianco, Thomas Manfredini and Luca Marrone are all injured. Juventus took another step towards emulating the group of the 1930s by knocking-off Bologna last weekend. Paul Pogba broke down a stubborn Rossoblu defence just past the hour, keeping the gap to Roma at eight points. Juve remain on course for a 100-point season. After midweek commitments in Europe – where the Bianconeri were defeated in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final against Benfica in Lisbon – Juventus know that should the Giallorossi fail to beat Milan, a win in Reggio Emilia will seal a third consecutive crown. Carlos Tevez and Federico Peluso have recovered from injury to be available for selection, while Leonardo Bonucci and Stephan Lichtsteiner are back, having been suspended for the win over Bologna. Arturo Vidal is set to be rested ahead of the return European game. The two clubs have met only once before, earlier this season as Tevez inspired a 4-0 hammering from the Bianconeri. Keep an eye on: Paolo Cannavaro (Sassuolo) - The experienced defender is well-versed in battles against Juventus. Cannavaro will be critical in the centre of defence for a Neroverdi outfit which has improved significantly since Di Francesco’s return, conceding just seven times in eight matches. Form guide: Sassuolo (L L W D W) Juventus (W L W W W) Last season: Not played Stat fact: There’s a Juventus connection at Sassuolo, with seven players having either represented the Bianconeri, or are owned by them. This includes Scudetto-winning Luca Marrone. SASSUOLO (probable): Pegolo; Gazzola, Antei, Cannavaro, Longhi; Chibsah, Magnanelli, Ziegler; Floro Flores, Zaza, Sansone JUVENTUS (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Giovinco http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Juventus vs. Sassuolo Preview: Round 35 — Party preparations Apr 27, 2014 The opportunities to watch Juventus this season are becoming fewer and fewer by the week. Then again, we could say the same thing in September and October. But when the schedule starts hitting March and April, you realize that you're not only hitting the home stretch, but also the games needed to wrap up the Scudetto are fewer and fewer. Think of this one as the game before the game where Juventus can clinch the Serie A title. Or you can think of it as the game before the game where Juventus can make it to the Europa League final. Either one is okay because both of them are the truth. Because of Roma's 2-0 win over Milan 48 hours ago, that's exactly the case. Maybe if Milan did something productive we could have put the champagne on ice and gotten ready to celebrate, but that's obviously asking too much of them this season. So now we're forced to wait to have a party. Those jerks. The champagne is going to be left on ice for the time being, you would think, but Juventus are still getting closer to their third straight Serie A title. Tomorrow night's game against Sassulo and the victory everybody is predicting that comes along with it will mean that Juventus are on the brink of the history they've pursued for weeks on end. They've talked about three straight titles, and that day is almost here. I feel safe in saying they're ready to celebrate. Now it's just time to make sure that day does arrive as soon as it possibly can. Juventus are looking to see off a Sassuolo side that has its own share of things to worry about. Even with all of their radical changes during the January transfer window, Sassuolo are still trying like hell not to get relegated. As of this post going live, Sassuolo is about as close as they can possibly be to not being sent into the relegation zone. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen #Conte: "#SassuoloJuve is a fundamental game. It won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination, they’re fighting to stay in the division." Hey, there's only so much we can ask for — and one of those is a Scudetto celebration next weekend. I don't know for sure, but I'll assume the players and coaches feel the same way. GOOD NEWS Juventus is atop the table, Sassuolo is in 17th place entering Sunday's action. See how simple that was? BAD NEWS Much like in Sassuolo's visit to Juventus Stadium earlier this season, a certain striker by the name of Domenico Berardi will be suspended. Unlike in Sassuolo's visit to Juventus Stadium earlier this season, a certain midfielder by the name of Luca Marrone is being tipped to start tomorrow. Much like Juventus' Europa League tie against Benfica on Thursday, it's looking more and more likely Arturo Vidal will be taking no part in tomorrow night's trip to the Stadio Città del Tricolore. Even if the rumors of a possible knee surgery aren't the actually the case, Vidal's ability to recover has to be on the top of Juve's must-watch list. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen #Conte: "Vidal will most likely be training with the team today and we’ll try and get him back to 100%, either for tomorrow or Thursday." WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. How many starters are rested in anticipation of Benfica's trip to Turin in three days. It's hard to say which way Antonio Conte will go at this point because Antonio Conte is Antonio Conte. Just when you think he might do something you expect, he goes in the opposite direction. The thing with Juventus' next two games is pretty easy to figure out — one is against a club fighting to not get relegated, the next is a European semifinal. If I was a bettin' man, I'd say one of those has preference over the other. But then again, my name is not Antonio Conte and I'm not a manager for the soon-to-be three-time defending Serie A champs. So I guess the guy has done a little bit better than i have the last couple of years. 2. How those reserve players actually, you know, play. I don't know why, but I'm getting a different kind of vibe when it comes to this squad rotation if it does end up happening tomorrow night. Some of the reserves, like Martin Cáceres, have been playing on a regular basis the past month. While others who are being tipped to get a start, like Federico Peluso, who haven't been seen on a field for months on end. (Feb. 27 in the second leg against Trabzonspor to be specific.) It's an interesting decision Conte has on his hands. He can say he will field a strong team as much as he wants, but it's pretty easy to figure out which game is more important right now. 3. Who starts up front, Sebastian Giovinco or Carlos Tévez? Here I was thinking that the word of the word of Tuttosport was right, and then Conte had to go and say this during his pre-match press conference on Sunday morning. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen #Conte: "Our medical staff have done a good job with @carlitos3210 . He’s in excellent shape, wants to play and will do tomorrow." So, I'd say that's a little bit of a curveball. There can be two ways to take "wants to play and will do tomorrow." Either it's an attempt to scare the living crap out of Sassuolo because Tévez scored a hat trick against them earlier this season. Or, Carlitos is actually going to team with Fernando Llorente tomorrow night. I don't really have a gut feeling about what it's going to be because the original gut feeling of the last 48 hours was that Giovinco was going to play from the start. If Conte feels the need to play Tévez before a crucial European tie, then so be it. But the way Seba has been playing lately, he's been bringing something to the table. That's more than you can say about some of Juve's other strikers right about now. 4. How desperate of a team Sassuolo actually is. Sassuolo entered the weekend about as close to the relegation zone without actually being there. After 34 rounds, they're tied on points with Bologna, who currently sit in 18th place. That thing is, by the time Sassuolo take their home field for the second to last time this season, they will know how Bologna have done — win, lose, or draw. Depending on the results, Sassuolo could either be sent back into the relegation zone themselves or have the chance to put some kind of breathing room between them and the bottom three. It's pretty easy for them to figure out what they need to do in the four remaining games this season. Having to try and do it against the soon-to-be champions isn't so simple. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Llorente, Giovinco OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Sassuolo-Juventus Preview: Resurgent relegation strugglers face potential backlash versus Bianconeri Antonio Conte will expect a response from his players as they seek to bounce back from their midweek Europa League defeat at Benfica. Apr 27, 2014 Relegation-threatened Sassuolo could face a backlash from Juventus when they host the Serie A leaders on Monday. Eusebio Di Francesco's side have moved out of the dropzone due to an impressive resurgence in the last three games, beating Atalanta and Chievo and earning a draw with Cagliari. They face a stern test in attempting to continue their good run of form against leaders Juventus, who head into the game on the back of a disappointing result in Europe in midweek. The Turin giants slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Portuguese champions Benfica in the Europa League semi-final first leg on Thursday, so they will have to come from behind to reach the final at their own Juventus Stadium next month. Coach Antonio Conte will expect a response from his side on Monday, as they close in on another Scudetto. Roma cut Juve's lead at the summit to five points with a 2-0 success against AC Milan on Friday and the capital club will be hoping Sassuolo do them a favour by securing a shock triumph. However, the prospects of Di Francesco's men consigning the champions to only their third league loss of the campaign would appear slim, especially considering the heavy defeat Conte's side inflicted on them in the reverse fixture. Juve were comprehensive 4-0 winners on that occasion back in December, with Carlos Tevez scoring a hat-trick. Sassuolo will face a near fully-fit Juve squad at Stadio Citta del Tricolore, with midfielder Arturo Vidal their only absentee because of a knee injury which reportedly could require surgery. Meanwhile, the hosts will be without three key players due to suspension: top scorer Domenico Berardi is banned, while midfielders Davide Biondini and Simone Missiroli are also suspended. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Dec 15, 2013 - Juventus 4 - 0 Sassuolo Last Five Matches SASSUOLO Apr 19, 2014 - Chievo 0 - 1 Sassuolo - Serie A Apr 12, 2014 - Sassuolo 1 - 1 Cagliari - Serie A Apr 6, 2014 - Atalanta 0 - 2 Sassuolo - Serie A Mar 30, 2014 - Sassuolo 0 - 2 Roma - Serie A Mar 26, 2014 - Sassuolo 1 - 2 Sampdoria - Serie A JUVENTUS Apr 24, 2014 - Benfica 2 - 1 Juventus - EL Apr 19, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Bologna - Serie A Apr 14, 2014 - Udinese 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A Apr 10, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 1 Olympique Lyonnais - EL Apr 7, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 0 Livorno - Serie A http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Di Francesco: 'Fight to the death!' Apr 27, 2014 Eusebio Di Francesco guarantees Sassuolo will “fight to the death” for points against Juventus tomorrow. It kicks off on Monday at 20.45 CET. While the Bianconeri are eager to secure the Scudetto as soon as possible, the Neroverdi need a result to escape the relegation zone. “We want to remain in Serie A,” assured Coach Di Francesco in his Press conference. “Juve have three times as many points as we do, but we are in a positive period of form. We’ll try to impose our style of play and put in a great performance from start to finish.” Sassuolo gave their chances of survival a huge boost with a victory over Chievo last week and can be buoyed by other results this weekend. Bologna, Chievo, Livorno and Catania all lost, so even a draw would take them out of the bottom three. “The lads want to go out there and give all they’ve got. Playing on Monday night also gives us an extra day of training to prepare. “We are Sassuolo, there are four games to play and it would be illogical not to give it our all. I think there ought to be more respect for the smaller clubs who fight to the death, just as we will tomorrow against Juventus. “This is a very important match for us and there is a lot at stake.” Di Francesco must reshuffle his pack, as Domenico Berardi, Simone Missiroli and Davide Biondini are all suspended. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Conte slams 'provincial' Garcia Apr 27, 2014 Antonio Conte reassured Chilean journalists on Arturo Vidal, prepared Juventus for Sassuolo and called Rudi Garcia’s comments “provincial.” The Bianconeri visit Sassuolo on Monday at 20.45 (CET). “Before starting the Press conference I’d like to remember Tito Vilanova, who proved himself to be not only a great Coach, but showed great strength, dignity and class when facing a horrible disease. I send his family great affection in this painful time and I salute him. “This is an important game, a fundamental one, as a victory would put our hands on the Scudetto. We know it’s not easy, as Sassuolo are fighting for safety, so we’ll need to be very wary, but go there to achieve our primary objective, which I repeat is the Scudetto.” There were several Chilean journalists in Turin and they asked about reports Vidal will require knee surgery ahead of the World Cup. “Arturo has this inflammation in the meniscus area. He seemed to be healed when he played against Lyon, but it became inflamed again. He is training with the team and we’ll try to get him on the field, maybe tomorrow for a small period, but more likely on Thursday in the Europa League. “He is an important player for Juventus, who pay his wages, and then he’ll be an important player for Chile. I understand there is alarm in Chile, but if anyone ought to be alarmed about an injury to our player it’s Juve. “The Chilean medical staff are always in contact with Juve doctors, just as they always have been. Similarly, when Vidal wasn’t well during a national team get-together we sent our doctor to Chile. The common objective is to ensure the player is well. We treat him with kid gloves!” Conte was asked about Roma Coach Garcia’s call for opposition teams to raise their game against Juventus in order to keep the title race alive. “I was honestly surprised by Garcia’s comments, as I found them very provincial and going back, if added to the ‘help’ I can catalogue them in the folder marked ‘bar talk.’ I don’t think Serie A needed Garcia to bring new motivation to teams facing Juventus. Don’t forget that for many years any Italian side that faces Juve plays the game of a lifetime. “I also find it a huge lack of respect for the Coaches, players and clubs, but also the fans, as I don’t think supporters would think their team comes to the Juventus Stadium and doesn’t try hard. I thought it completely unnecessary.” The Sassuolo fixture arrives just days before the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Benfica, where Juve must overturn a 2-1 defeat, so will he rest some stars? “Any squad decisions must be made looking for victory. The game of a lifetime is always the next one. If I need to make changes in some sectors based on fitness levels, then I will, as this game is too important. “Andrea Barzagli has this bursitis in the calf, he was unable to train yesterday and is doing better today. It has been a bit of a tormented campaign for him in fitness levels. Fortunately this season Martin Caceres has been giving a great response. “Carlos Tevez wanted to play even when he was ‘broken!’ He is a very generous player and we took a few risks, as every game was important in the Scudetto race. He’s doing much better at the moment and when the going gets tough, he has to be there.” Conte was asked whether this was the most intense week of his Juventus career. “Perhaps more than intense it is exciting. The first year we weren’t in Europe, last season we went out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals and this term we’re going forward in the Europa League. It’s the first time we have been challenging on two fronts to the end of the campaign. “It is tough and tiring, but very exciting and this scenario has to become habitual for Juventus. In just three years we managed to take Juventus to compete for more than one trophy to the end, which was another of our objectives when beginning this adventure. “We need our fans in Reggio Emilia on Monday and at the Juventus Stadium on Thursday, as with them things will be easier for the players.” Finally, Conte was asked how his English lessons were coming along amid reports of an approach from Manchester United. “It’s a non-issue. I continue to confirm I am so concentrated with the team, club and fans on achieving our objectives that nothing else can creep into our minds.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Conte enjoying 'exciting' season climax The Old Lady are battling on two fronts and admits it is "tough and tiring" on his squad but stresses it is "very exciting". Apr 27, 2014 Antonio Conte is relishing an "intense" week as Juventus look to move closer to the Serie A title and Europa League final. Juve face Sassuolo on Monday knowing a win will move them eight points clear with three games remaining in Serie A, while Thursday's home clash with Benfica provides the opportunity to reach a European final. The Portuguese side hold a 2-1 lead going into the second-leg but, with an away goal and a 27-match unbeaten home run behind them, Conte's side have a good chance of reaching the final, which will be held at the Juventus Stadium. Conte admitted maintaining momentum on two fronts had been tough, but praised the way his squad have adapted to the challenge. "Perhaps more than intense it is exciting," said the head coach. "The first year we weren't in Europe, last season we went out of the Champions League in the quarter-finals and this term we're going forward in the Europa League. "It's the first time we have been challenging on two fronts to the end of the campaign. "It is tough and tiring, but very exciting and this scenario has to become habitual for Juventus. "In just three years we managed to take Juventus to compete for more than one trophy to the end, which was another of our objectives when beginning this adventure." However, Conte expects a tough challenge against strugglers Sassuolo who are battling to preserve their top-flight status, currently sitting above the drop zone on goal difference. "This is an important game, a fundamental one, as a victory would put our hands on the Scudetto," he added. "We know it's not easy, as Sassuolo are fighting for safety, so we'll need to be very wary, but go there to achieve our primary objective, which I repeat is the Scudetto." Conte expects to have Arturo Vidal back after a knee problem, although he may not risk him in the league, while Andrea Barzagli is a doubt with a calf injury. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS April 28, 2014 - 8:45 PM Città del Tricolore Mapei Stadium — Reggio Emilia Referee:‬ Antonio Damato‎ Boniperti: 'Juve, repeat our Double' Apr 27, 2014 Ex-Juventus President Giampiero Boniperti urged the team to follow his example of doing The Double in 1977. That season the Bianconeri won both the Scudetto and UEFA Cup, while Antonio Conte’s men are still in the running for the title and Europa League. “These are tense days where you feel forced to win and drag out all the temperament within the players,” Boniperti told Tuttosport. “Of course, Conte and Juventus are accustomed to this situation. One of the toughest for us was in 1976-77, when we won two trophies in the space of a few days.” The first leg of the Final was 1-0 to Juve, who triumphed on away goals despite a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao on May 18. “We travelled to Bilbao and fought on the field in front of incredibly passionate fans. I left at the end of the first half, as I couldn’t resist being in that inferno. I took a taxi with a Juve security officer to a bar, but they weren’t showing the game on television. “Fiat flew the players back in a private plane. We had won the UEFA Cup, but had to concentrate straight away on Serie A, as four days later we’d gamble with the Scudetto at Marassi. “I asked for a private plane because I wanted the players to be free of stress. It went well in the end, as we beat Sampdoria 2-0 and won the title.” Juventus face Sassuolo on Monday, Benfica in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final on Thursday and can then potentially clinch the Scudetto next weekend at home to Atalanta. “I am optimistic, because we’re in a good position, even if it’s tough to win at all costs,” continued Boniperti. “These are tense days and it is important to experience them with the right concentration and calm. “What advice would I give to Conte? I’d never dare to offer advice! Besides, Antonio experienced this as a player, so he knows perfectly well what the dynamics are. “Conte has great players at his disposal and they seem to hold up well under pressure. At this moment they just need to stay united and give it their all.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

BENFICA 2 - 1 JUVENTUS Ezequiel Garay (3′) Carlos Tévez (73′) Lima (84′) April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Attendance:‬ 55779‎ Juventus can't afford to slip up - Jesus The 59-year-old has attempted to divert the spotlight away from his players by suggesting the expectancy of the home support could affect the Bianconeri. Apr 27, 2014 Jorge Jesus says all the pressure is on Juventus ahead of the second leg of Benfica's Europa League semi-final next week. The newly-crowned Primeira Liga champions won the first leg in Lisbon 2-1 last week and they travel to Turin on Thursday looking to make it to successive finals in the competition. With this year's final being held at the Juventus Stadium, the Benfica boss has piled on the pressure on Antonio Conte's side by suggesting they cannot afford not to be eliminated. "I know full well that anything could happen in Turin, as these are two great teams who can score at any moment and this leaves qualification in the balance," he said. "It's only right that both sides are confident about going through, but don't forget we have one more goal. "Playing at the Juventus Stadium is an important advantage for them, but it's also true that all the pressure is on Juventus. "They can't get it wrong the year that the Europa League final is in their home stadium. "All we have to do is repeat the first-leg performance." Benfica will have an extra day to prepare for the fixture given they face Porto in the Taca da Liga on Sunday, while Juventus do not play their Serie A game with Sassuolo until Monday.

Sabella to view Serie A stars Apr 27, 2014 Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella is due in Italy to view several players ahead of the World Cup, but not Carlos Tevez. The Coach is expected to fly in to the Peninsula over the next few days and has a few games already on his schedule. These include the Milan Derby and the Coppa Italia Final between Napoli and Fiorentina on May 3. Among those he’ll be keeping an eye on are Rodrigo Palacio, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Federico Fernandez, Hugo Campagnaro and Gonzalo Higuain. There are particular concerns over Higuain, who was stretchered off with a bruised right ankle during Napoli’s 0-0 draw against Inter on Saturday. However, despite continuing protest marches from fans in Argentina, Sabella has no intention of even watching Tevez in action. His itinerary in Italy does not include any Juventus fixtures, even with Apache scoring 18 Serie A goals this season.

Serie A stars add to tributes following death of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova Apr 27, 2014 Serie A joined the footballing world in mourning the premature death of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, with Juventus duo Fernando Llorente and Andrea Pirlo offering their condolences via social media. His death at just 45-years-old was officially announced on Friday evening after the Spaniard had fought a relapse of the throat cancer that had caused him to resign as Barcelona coach at the end of the last campaign. “You have been an example of a struggle for everyone, you will always be remembered Tito. Rest in peace,” countryman Llorente posted in Twitter. Bianconeri midfielder Pirlo reiterated those feelings and expressed how such a tragic end can make people appreciate those around them. “I cling to family and friends after the death of Mr Vilanova,” Pirlo announced on Twitter. Despite a vital win over AC Milan to keep pressure on Juventus at the top of Serie A Roma captain Francesco Totti included his thoughts of Vilanova’s passing during his post-match interview. “The whole day has given us joy, but also bitterness and sorrow for the death of Tito Vilanova,” Totti told Tuttomercatoweb. “He left as a football man respected by many and I join the condolences expressed by athletes throughout the world.”

Serie A stars add to tributes following death of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova Apr 27, 2014 Serie A joined the footballing world in mourning the premature death of former Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, with Juventus duo Fernando Llorente and Andrea Pirlo offering their condolences via social media. His death at just 45-years-old was officially announced on Friday evening after the Spaniard had fought a relapse of the throat cancer that had caused him to resign as Barcelona coach at the end of the last campaign. “You have been an example of a struggle for everyone, you will always be remembered Tito. Rest in peace,” countryman Llorente posted in Twitter. Bianconeri midfielder Pirlo reiterated those feelings and expressed how such a tragic end can make people appreciate those around them. “I cling to family and friends after the death of Mr Vilanova,” Pirlo announced on Twitter. Despite a vital win over AC Milan to keep pressure on Juventus at the top of Serie A Roma captain Francesco Totti included his thoughts of Vilanova’s passing during his post-match interview. “The whole day has given us joy, but also bitterness and sorrow for the death of Tito Vilanova,” Totti told Tuttomercatoweb. “He left as a football man respected by many and I join the condolences expressed by athletes throughout the world.”

5 Reasons Why Juventus Won't Let Paul Pogba Go Apr 25, 2014 As the summer transfer season approaches, expect there to be plenty of column inches dedicated to the future of Juventus' Paul Pogba. The France international has been sensational since joining the Bianconeri in 2012 and has made a name for himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football. He has a contract with Juve until 2016, but they might want to improve that deal if they don't want to lose him to a European rival—something that would greatly hurt their chances of bringing the Champions League trophy to Turin. Here are five reasons why Juventus won't let Pogba go right now. He's Their Best Young Player Let's start with the obvious: Teams that are serious about competing in the Champions League don't sell their best players. Especially not when they're so young that they're almost guaranteed to get a lot better. Pogba is already one of the best midfielders in Italy, but before long he looks set to become one of the leading lights in European and world football. Letting a player like that go before he's really made his mark on the club would be foolish, even for huge sums. If the Bianconeri can hold on to the young Frenchman for another couple of seasons, continue to dominate in Italy and possibly win Europe's biggest club competition, they could sell him for even more than they'd get now. He'd still be young and still be talented, but he'd have plenty of experience having achieved something special in Turin and couldn't be blamed for wanting a fresh challenge. If He Goes, It Will Be Hard to Keep Arturo Vidal Selling a player as clearly talented as Pogba now would send a clear message: Juventus are more serious about profits than they are about winning trophies. That would be a bitter pill to swallow for their other in-demand midfielder, Arturo Vidal. The Chilean is one of the best in the world and would not be short of offers if he elected to leave Turin. Despite that, he's repeatedly committed himself to the club and insists that he wants to win the Champions League with Juve (as reported in Italian by the Turin-based daily Tuttosport and reproduced online in Italian on tuttomercatoweb.com). If Pogba goes, it will be hard for the club to convince other top stars such as Vidal to stick around because if they're going to succeed in Europe, they'll need all of their current best players and then some. It Doesn't Make Sense to Strengthen Their Rivals It's unlikely that Pogba would return to Manchester United, the club he left for Juve back in 2012. But rumours persist and according to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils were scouting the Frenchman during the Bianconeri's recent Europa League clash with Benfica. Selling to United—or any other major European team—wouldn't make sense for Juve because they'd just be making their own task of winning the Champions League more difficult by strengthening a rival. It's tempting to use the example of Zinedine Zidane to illustrate the fact that Juventus aren't above selling their best players, but it's an unfair comparison. Zizou had already enjoyed plenty of success in Turin, and when the offer eventually came, it was too good for the player or the club to turn down. That world-record transfer fee allowed them to bring in Lilian Thuram, Pavel Nedved and Gianluigi Buffon—three players who would go on to define the decade for the Turin side. Pogba could be sold for big money, but he won't fetch a big enough price that it would allow a similar reinforcement. He's Not Ready for the Pressure For evidence of the damage that too much pressure, too soon, can do to a young player's career, look no farther than Milan's Mario Balotelli. The striker has been one of the most talked-about footballers in the world since he was a teenager—something that has almost certainly had an effect on his career. Balotelli is now as famous for outbursts like the recent one after Milan's loss to Roma as he is for scoring goals and is now struggling with being in the media spotlight 24/7. Big-money moves to Manchester City and then to Milan have only served to focus attentions on the young striker—and heap on the pressure. It would be better for Pogba to take his time developing as a footballer, surrounded by players and coaches with whom he has built a relationship and who are some of the most talented in the business. Juve Have More Faith in Him Than a New Club Would By his own lofty standards, Pogba's form hasn't been great of late—the outstanding showing against Bologna aside. He's still brilliant in patches, but it's been streaky in the second half of the season. Despite that, Antonio Conte continues to play him because he knows that dips are a natural thing for any player, especially one so young. Conte also knows what a great talent he's got on his hands, and he's obviously keen to nurture it. If Pogba moves to another club for big money, he'll be expected to justify the fee right away, and any slumps in form as he develops are unlikely to be looked upon kindly. Young players who find themselves going through difficult periods are all too often labelled flops or unfairly criticised for not being the finished article by the age of 21. Staying at Juve will give him more time to develop and fine-tune his talent.

Argentina boss Sabella all but ends Tevez's World Cup hopes The 59-year-old has ignored the forward since taking charge of the Albiceleste in 2011 and says he there is little chance of him ending the Juventus ace's international exile. Apr 26, 2014 Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella has all but ended Carlos Tevez's hopes of featuring in World Cup 2014, admitting that it is "very unlikely" that he will select any players that he has not called upon before. The striker has been in sensational form for Juventus this season, playing a key role in the Italian side's bid for a Serie A and Europa League double, and he recently admitted that he was still dreaming of representing his country in Brazil this summer. However, Sabella has not called up Tevez once since taking charge of the Albiceleste in 2011 and admitted that he is unlikely to imminently end the striker's international exile. "We're just a few weeks away from the selection," he told reporters. "I'm not saying no, but I think it's really hard to see it. "I will not stop evaluating [players] right up until the end and maybe there's a chance of me calling on someone I've never called upon before. "I don't want to name names. But I repeat: it's really very unlikely to happen." Tevez has struck 18 times in his debut season in Serie A, while he also bagged a crucial goal in Thursday's Europa League semi-final first-leg defeat at Benfica - his first in continental competition since 2009.

Liverpool look at Tevez Apr 26, 2014 The Corriere dello Sport claims Liverpool will target Juventus striker Carlos Tevez if Luis Suarez leaves. Tevez only joined the Bianconeri last summer for €9m (£7.9m) from Manchester City, scoring 18 goals in 30 Serie A games so far this season. According to the Corriere dello Sport newspaper, the 30-year-old is the first name on Liverpool’s shopping list if hitman Suarez decides to walk away from Anfield. Although Tevez has Premier League experience with West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City, he also ran into a series of personal issues in England. This move seems to be extremely unlikely, particularly as Suarez rejected offers to leave Liverpool last summer and is now on the verge of winning the Premier League with Champions League qualification.

BENFICA 2 - 1 JUVENTUS Ezequiel Garay (3′) Carlos Tévez (73′) Lima (84′) April 24, 2014 - 9:05 PM Estádio da Luz — Lisbon Referee: Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey) Attendance:‬ 55779‎ Lichtsteiner: Juventus conceded silly goals The Switzerland international has acknowledged his side defended poorly in the 2-1 Europa League defeat to the Portuguese champions on Thursday. Apr 25, 2014 Stephan Lichtsteiner has voiced his frustration with Juventus' defensive performance in their 2-1 Europa League defeat against Benfica on Thursday. The Serie A champions conceded two goals in a match for only the second time in 18 fixtures as the Portuguese giants recorded a vital win in the first leg of their semi-final tie courtesy of Ezequiel Garay and Lima. Lichtsteiner feels Juventus should have done more to prevent the "silly" Benfica goals, which came either side of a Carlos Tevez strike. "When you lose, it's never a good result," the Swiss defender told Sky Sport Italia. "The important thing was to score here and we had the chance to net a second or third. We didn't manage it, but those chances leave us confident for the second half. "Unfortunately we conceded a silly goal after two minutes which was avoidable. On the second goal we were all lined up in defence, but weren’t focused enough and at this level that gets punished. "But we feel confident that we'll be able to play the final at our home." The return takes place in Turin on May 1.