Socrates

Pogba: I've progressed as a player May 25, 2014 Paul Pogba hopes that the progress he has made at Juventus this season will stand him in good stead at the World Cup. The young midfielder has become one of the lynchpins of the Bianconeri XI this term, and is confident that his club form can translate on to the international stage this summer. “I have made great progress as a player this season,” he told Telefoot. “I’m not used to playing so many games, but I think that experience will help me as a player. “I’ve been excited by the World Cup ever since I was a kid. It’s been my dream to play at one ever since I can remember.”

Spain: Reina & Albiol in, Llorente out May 25, 2014 Pepe Reina and Raul Albiol have been included in Spain’s 18-man squad for their friendly with Bolivia. Coach Vicente del Bosque has announced the list that will take part in the match next Friday at Sevilla’s Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. And the Napoli duo are amongst the players who will play on May 30. There is however, no place for Juventus’ Fernando Llorente or those who took part in the Champions League final. Goalkeepers: Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Man Utd) Defenders: Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla) Midfielders: Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Pedro, Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Ander Iturraspe (Athletic), Juan Mata (Man Utd), David Silva (Man City) [Gerard Deulofeo, Barcelona] Forwards: Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

Mavuba backs Pogba for WC stardom May 24, 2014 Rio Mavuba has claimed that his France international teammate Paul Pogba has the quality to shine at the World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ men have been drawn in Group E for the tournament, alongside Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras. And the Lille midfielder has insisted that the Juventus youngster has everything to set the world alight this summer. “It’s really nice to see Coach Deschamps putting faith in [Paul],” he told Tuttosport. “He’s exploded with Juventus and with France in recent times. “Paul has great potential and is good with dealing with pressure, so I’m sure he’ll be fine at the World Cup. “We’re great friends. I’m always with him – even at the dinner table!”

Chelsea to go for Pogba? May 24, 2014 Chelsea are reportedly considering using their cash windfall from selling David Luiz to make a bid for Juventus’ Paul Pogba. The sale of the Brazilian defender to Paris St Germain for £40m has been agreed, with the player now free to discuss personal terms with the big-spending French outfit. Once the deal has been completed, the Telegraph claim that Jose Mourinho will make Pogba one of his major summer transfer targets. It is said that the French midfielder is one of a three-man shortlist, which also includes Atletico Madrid’s Koke and Tottenham’s Paulinho, that the Portuguese has put together as he seeks to strengthen his midfield for next season.

Lichtsteiner: Juve the priority May 23, 2014 Stephan Lichtsteiner has outlined his ‘priority is Juventus’ with regards to a new contract, as he builds up Paul Pogba’s ability. The 30-year-old’s current contract in Turin expires in June 2015, meaning that talks over a renewal are likely on the agenda in the coming months. Whilst speculation in parts had paired him with moves to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, the defender has made clear where he wants to be. “It will probably be my last big contract,” Lichtsteiner has reflected in today’s edition of Tuttosport. “And my priority is Juventus. What counts is trophies, winning is the most important thing. “I still see myself at a good level for three or four more years, then I can close [my career] in Switzerland and then become a Coach.” Lichtsteiner had a word on teammate Paul Pogba, who has enjoyed a prominent season for the Bianconeri. “His quality is the best I have seen in a young player in my career. And he is incredibly strong technically, physically he is robust and he is fast. “He has a turbo shot. And then he also plays with extreme passion.” The full-back will be at the World Cup this summer with Switzerland. “We have quality this time in our team. And I feel I am a leader on the field. Also, what counts will be the form of the individuals.”

Juventus Sets New Serie A Points Record to Nab 3rd Straight Scudetto May 22, 2014 With a dominant 3-0 win over Cagliari on Sunday, Juventus reached 102 points on the season, setting a new Serie A record, per Sky Sports (via FoxSports.com). The dominant performance was especially notable given that Juventus had already clinched their third straight Scudetto two weeks earlier. Juve won their 32nd title in club history back on May 4 when AS Roma lost 4-1 at Catania. Nevertheless, the Bianconeri finished the season on a high note, winning all three games after capturing the title, including a 1-0 victory over Roma at Stadio Olimpico on May 11. While Juventus had an excellent domestic season, they failed to make it out of the group stage in the UEFA Champions League. Playing in tough Group B, Juventus finished third behind Spanish side Real Madrid and Turkish club Galatasaray. However, their finish did qualify them for the Europa League, where they ultimately made it to the semifinals before losing to Portuguese club Benfica. Making matters worse, the Europa League final was held at Juventus Stadium in Turin. On the plus side, manager Antonio Conte, who was rumored to be leaving the club this summer, will return next season with the goal of winning a fourth consecutive title. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Chiellini: Racism fought in silence May 22, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini has commented on tackling racism in the game and why footballers may say they don’t know any homosexual colleagues. The Juventus defender took part in a Twitter question and answer session today and was notably asked about the continued rhetoric surrounding racism in the game. On from the incident in La Liga recently that saw Dani Alves garner support for picking up a banana thrown at him and eating it, Milan’s Kevin Constant had a banana and knife thrown in his direction by Atalanta, whilst Mario Balotelli was reportedly racially abused by a handful of young men at Coverciano just yesterday. Chiellini was asked, given he has previously celebrated goals by beating his chest ‘like King Kong’, if would he eat a banana to show his support against racism. “I am not one who likes gestures that are too obvious and constructed,” the 29-year-old responded. “Racism is fought in silence and in everyday life.” Chiellini was asked why footballers say they do not know any gay footballers in the game. “Because it is true, no gay player has ever said so…” The centre-back tackled a number of other topics too. “Why are Juventus disliked by so many? Every team that wins is disliked. “Deschamps says Italy are among the favourites for the World Cup? Certainly he knows us well and there is mutual respect, I hope it is a good omen. “What’s life like with a twin? Great, it is a unique experience that I really wish everyone could have.”

Reviewing Fernando Llorente's 2013-14 season May 21, 2014 Much like the way they arrived in Turin, Carlos Tévez and Fernando Llorente began their 2013-14 season in completely different scenarios. Juve's new No. 10 came out full guns blazing, scoring the game-winner against Sampdoria on his official Serie A debut. Llorente, on the other hand, was essentially shaking off the rust of his lack of playing time the season before, having to wait his turn before Antonio Conte felt he was truly ready to play. Many wondered, why, exactly, Conte wasn't going with Mirko Vucinic rather than Llorente alongside Tévez. The Italian press went on a full-court press, thinking of every possible scenario as to why Llorente wasn't playing. Remember those rumors two weeks into the season that Fernando was off to London to sign with Arsenal? Yeah, those were pretty hilarious. Okay, cliche time: Good things come to those who wait. Llorente admitted that it would take time to get up to speed considering everything he had been trough the previous season with Bilbao. And it was no fault of his, of course. There's only so much you can do when you're basically frozen out of a squad for an entire season. But that was Fernando's reality no matter how much work he put in during training. Scoring between 15 and 17 goals in his first season with Juventus wasn't exactly out of the question based on his career accomplishments in Spain. Llorente, pre-Bilbao exit, was one of the better prima puntas La Liga had to offer. And when you consider the squad he was joining, it's not like there was going to be a lack of scoring opportunities to take advantage of. The end result in Llorente's first season in Turin? Glad you asked... Sixteen goals on 63 shots on goal? I'd say that's a pretty good ratio. Llorente started 29 league games, played 2,502 minutes total in his 34 Serie A appearances. So basically, he scored a goal every other game — which is something that I'd take pretty much every day of the week. And then when you consider the season he was coming off of, one where he seemingly strapped to the Bilbao bench, it's even that much more impressive. Even with the outside factors, Llorente's first season with Juventus has to be considered pretty good ... right? I remember sitting down to write the preseason Llorente post and basically having three possible outcomes of how things might go pop into my head. 1. Llorente will light Serie A on fire and score goals like they're basically going out of style. 2. Llorente will be good, but not great, scoring a decent amount goals - some of which being decisive. 3. Llorente will be completely meh, sprinkling in sporadic quality performances around a bunch of so-so outings. I guess in that scenario listing there should have been a fourth option, something between No. 1 and No. 2. Llorente didn't light Serie A on fire and score goals like a mad man. But Llorente wasn't "good, but not great," either. Llorente was great at times — that's a definite way to describe Llorente in the middle part of the season as he scored goals in both Serie A and the Champions League. There were other times when Llorente was so-so and really didn't have huge impacts on games. The final verdict was something that is undoubtedly really good. And compared to what Juve were getting from their lead strikers in previous season, I makes Llorente's season look that much better. The biggest thing for Llorente going forward is that now he gets to have a "normal" summer — even if he ends up going to Brazil with the Spanish national team. There won't be the extra incentive to knock the rust. He will be in the same boat as everybody else whenever he starts preseason training. "E' SOLO BELLO?" huh, Tuttosport? I think Fernando Llorente is having the last laugh. And he should be.

Season Review: Juventus May 21, 2014 Domestically, this has been Juventus' best ever season. Breaking records, Juve amassed more points than any other team have managed in Europe's top five leagues. Undefeated at home, they scored 80 goals overall and conceded only 23. As far as Serie A goes, the Old Lady was imperious. In Europe, the Bianconeri harbour regrets. Their Champions League exit was humiliating for a side that, at the very least, had the means to qualify out of their group, but their lethargy at the start of the season impeded their progression. When it came to the Europa League, mental and physical exhaustion took its toll on a side that relies on intensity to secure wins. Yet they cannot complain since domestic success was the priority. Star Pupil: Carlos Tevez Statistically, one must acknowledge the impact Carlos Tevez has had on the side, even if Arturo Vidal is the man who makes Juventus tick. The Argentine's hard work off the ball coupled with his technique has allowed the side to be more efficient. Wearing the number 10 shirt, Tevez coped with the pressure and immediately understood the soldier mentality at the club. He fought for the wins, developed his understanding with Fernando Llorente and improved the overall quality of the side's play in the final third. Top scorer with 19 goals and seven assists, he is ambitious, creative and lethal and now the proud winner of Juve's "Player of the year" award. Detention: Angelo Ogbonna Unlike most teams, it's incredibly difficult to pick "the worst" player at Juventus simply because they all contributed to this unprecedented success. However, as a new arrival that cost the club a large sum of money, Ogbonna has not lived up to expectations. Erroneous, panicked and tense, the composure one requires at the highest level is missing while it seems he is still uncomfortable with the team’s style of play. However, his potential is evident and this is only his first season. With a little continuity and continued belief, Ogbonna will undoubtedly grow into his role and better demonstrate his skills. Teacher's notes: What can we say about a coach who created history with Juventus and can count on the support of all the Bianconeri fans around the world? His ability to motivate and develop players is what makes Antonio Conte a truly remarkable coach and one the club will hope to retain. Effectively rotating a side so that they could cope with the heavy schedule, he has created a team that play entertaining and attacking football, yet they are defensively strong to secure results. While he has faltered in Europe despite the talent in the team, demanding better men to challenge effectively, one cannot reasonably claim the tactician is not the best Italy has seen in a long time. Final Grade: A Only the Champions League exit prevents this year's from one that deserves an A+. A record-breaking season domestically, from next year the focus will be on performing better in Europe to progress both on a sporting level as well as to develop the brand worldwide. While the team is capable of more than they actually managed, the squad must be bolstered to allow for various tactics. Greater mobility at the back as well as better quality in the wide areas is important to raise the level of play while an intelligent forward would be icing on the cake -- someone capable of making the right runs or of pushing opposing defences back to create room for midfield insertions. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS Serie A Pts..P.. W.. D. L. F.. A 1st ... 102. 38. 33. 3. 2. 80. 23 Coppa Italia: Quarter-finals / Team rating: 10 / Top scorer: Tevez (19) Europe: Champions League group stage, Europa League semi-finals The history makers Antonio Conte’s Juventus did what no-one at the club had managed to do in 80 years and win three consecutive Scudetti. Luca Cetta recaps another successful season for the Bianconeri. May 21, 2014 A third Scudetto, won in record-breaking fashion, has etched Antonio Conte’s warriors into Juventus folklore. It proved a devastating Bianconeri side, one which swept away all challengers placed before them. The Old Lady defeated each one of its Serie A rivals, most both home and away. They were irresistible in front of the vocal Juventus Stadium support, winning every game – a League record. Conte spoke at length in pre-season about the possibility of doing what no other Juventus side had done since the 1930s and win three Championships in a row. To continue the progression in Europe was also important, but the Coach’s primary focus was domestic. While Conte talked of creating history, questions were asked about whether Juve would be motivated for another long haul. With a number of challengers – Napoli welcomed a number of new faces, Fiorentina strengthened and there were rebuilds at Inter and Roma – how would the Bianconeri fare? Gianluigi Buffon warned of the task ahead: “It won’t be easy to reclaim our title. In fact, this year will be even harder than the previous two.” Their work in the transfer window went some way to alleviating those questions. They finally secured the ‘top player’ in attack when Carlos Tevez joined from Manchester City. Tevez showed he was up to the challenge ahead, taking the No 10 shirt left vacant by Alessandro Del Piero. “In truth I feel absolutely no pressure. I don’t think about the shirt number at all,” he quipped. Giuseppe Marotta completed another shrewd piece of business in acquiring Fernando Llorente on a free transfer. “Our most important objective is to win a third consecutive title,” the new signing said. Angelo Ogbonna crossed the Turin divide to strengthen the defence. Making way were Alessandro Matri to Milan and Emanuele Giaccherini to Sunderland. Juve started ominously, crushing Lazio in the Super Cup. An amazing six-minute spell in the second half had the Bianconeri four goals to the good by the hour mark and primed for the challenge ahead. Tevez was on target in Rome and followed it up with a debut League goal, netting the winner against Sampdoria. Lazio were lambs led to the slaughter again, this time in Turin, a 4-1 result and Again the Argentine scored. Juve’s winning start was halted by Inter, but they remained unbeaten until the Week 8 visit to Florence. Along the way were wins against Verona, Chievo, Torino and Milan. Not always convincing, but a near perfect start. However, it wasn’t enough to occupy top spot. In the early stages Juve had to contend with a record-setting Roma and the new-look Partenopei. Further questions were asked following an astonishing afternoon on the banks of the River Arno. Juventus had not lost in Florence since 1998 and looked set to continue that run when Tevez and Paul Pogba scored. They may even have forged further ahead, but an amazing 15 minute spell washed away 15 years of purple pain. Giuseppe Rossi’s hat-trick and Joaquin’s goal inflicted a first defeat on the Champions. Juventus recovered domestically, enjoying a long winning run, but attention turned to the faltering Champions League campaign. A stuttering start could not be recovered and amid a snowstorm and two-day affair with Galatasaray, Juve were eliminated. That was a failure, but the Bianconeri roared on in Serie A. From Fiorentina to the winter break Conte’s men won all nine matches, conceding just once. This included victory over Napoli, as Llorente started to get in on the scoring act. That set up a New Year showdown with Rudi Garcia’s Roma. The previously unbeaten Giallorossi were brushed aside with an emphatic 3-0 result. If unbeaten Roma could not stand up to Juve, who would? Yet Conte wasn’t taking anything for granted. “I am only ever moderately satisfied until we achieve our targets, so this remains a stepping stone, but nothing definitive. There’s an entire second half of the season to go and we must do well.” The Bianconeri showed their human side with draws at Lazio and Verona, but then returned to winning ways. Tevez sealed another Derby della Mole triumph, while he and Llorente were on target at gallant Milan. “These are three very important points, but we’ve got to be very careful,” Buffon noted, with Roma still within touching distance. A series of slender triumphs followed, as Juventus mixed domestic duty with Europa League progress. Single-goal wins against Fiorentina, Genoa and Catania were matched by Juve’s passage to the last eight. These games were won through moments of individual brilliance, such as Andrea Pirlo’s sumptuous free-kick at Genoa. It led Conte to declare Juventus ‘50 per cent Champions of Italy’. Their 22-game unbeaten run eventually came to an end against Napoli. The Stadio San Paolo continues to haunt Juve, now without a win there in 14 years. As they marched to the last four of the Europa League –only to be denied a home final by Benfica – wins against Livorno, Udinese, Bologna and Sassuolo put Juve within reach of that historic achievement they craved. “I believe that a fundamental shift was the victory at Genoa with the last minute goal from Pirlo,” Giorgio Chiellini commented, “and then perhaps that win in Udine, because it was one of the last occasions in which Roma could have hoped we would drop points.” In the end, they won it while watching on television. As Roma faltered in Catania, out came the champagne bottles in their Turin hotel. Juventus were crowned Champions even before taking the field against Atalanta. They finished the season with victories over the Bergamaschi, Roma and Cagliari. Juve’s final tally of 102 points set a new record, breaking Inter’s 97-point mark from 2006-07. They also won 33 games this term, another record. It left Conte to honour his players: “These lads tore up records upon records and people will talk about this Juventus side for a long time to come.” An incredible Juve, one which proved their domestic supremacy. As Andrea Barzagli summed up: “The first Scudetto? Surprising. Second? Confirmation. Third? Devastating.” The Coach - Antonio Conte Antonio Conte stressed in pre-season his main aim was to create Juventus history. He wanted to match Carlo Carcano and the 1930s golden era and did just that. The former Bianconeri captain oversaw a dominant outfit and will look to lead them to greater heights next season and beyond. Player of the Year - Carlos Tevez The Argentine joined from Manchester City and was immediately hailed as the ‘top player’ Juventus had craved. He assumed responsibility of the No 10 shirt and lived up to the tradition of past greats with a fine season. Tevez has become a fan favourite thanks to his committed performances and goals. Did you know? - Juventus became the first team in Serie A history to win all home matches, completing a 19 from 19 Juventus Stadium clean sweep. - With 102 points, Juventus not only broke the Serie A record for most points in a season, but also joined Real Madrid, Barcelona and Celtic in claiming more than 100 points in a term from major European leagues. - Juve’s 12-game winning run from October through to January set a new club record for most consecutive victories. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS Juventus’ season in Review – Domination and Despair May 21, 2014 It’s been a long and wild season for Juventus. In Serie A, they dominated amidst a record breaking Scudetto winning season. This is despite Roma having one of the best seasons in their club history. Meanwhile in Europe things were less easy. Juve fell out of the Champions League group stage, and then made it to the Europa League semi-final where they fell just short of beating Benfica. The end of the season was then clouded by speculation over whether or not Antonio Conte would stay with Juventus. Spoiler alert: he did. Just as I wrote he would last week. This season also saw some interesting changes in the strengths and weaknesses – relatively – of the side. The arrivals of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez gave Juve two very talented strikers, and the goals flowed – at least in Serie A. The changes in Juve’s build up play were subtle, but this was the best Juve attack we have seen in years. Though we also saw the declines of Fabio Quagliarella and – to a lesser extent – Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic as important parts of Juve’s attack. Finally, we also saw a reduced need for the midfielders to score goals, as Tevez and Llorente were scoring them by the dozen. Speak of the midfield, the dynamic there shifted as well. Arturo Vidal, in my opinion one of the best players in the world, had a poor season by his standards. He wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t brilliant every match as we’ve come to expect. However, Paul Pogba continued his rise – in fact he led the team in appearances. It was due to Pogba that Juve were able to seamlessly move forward despite Vidal’s dip in form, though of course much credit is due to Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo, though not the end all be all of the Juventus attack like he was two years ago, had yet another great season with Juve, and his free kicks bailed Juventus out in numerous situations. Then there is the defense, which is supposed to be Juve’s biggest strength. The defense did not start the season off very well, but they regained form – in Serie A – and managed to only get better in the league as the season went on. In fact, even when Andrea Barzagli was injured late in the season, Martin Caceres filled in and Juve kept a run of clean sheets. While that was a highlight – and Martin Caceres named himself as Barzagli’s eventual replacement – I can’t ignore Juve’s defensive woes in Europe. Time and time again, they fell victim to a late goal after taking the lead, or a silly defensive error led to a goal that should not have been. Say what you will about formation and Antonio Conte’s ability as a manager, but the defensive woes in Europe have been under-looked compared to other aspects of the team’s play. However, the starting wingbacks had another stellar season, and Kwadwo Asamoah truly excelled down the stretch. Speaking of which… Player of the Season It’s a tie – between Kwadwo Asamoah and Carlos Tevez. Tevez was a revelation, not only did he score but he worked hard all over the field, hassling opponents and closing them down. He even broke his European scoring drought, even if it took until almost the very end. His form in Serie A was sensational, it was a nice upgrade from having a rotating cast of strikers who sometimes scored. I honestly do not know how Juve were able to win two Scudetti without a striker on the level of Tevez or Llorente. Tevez decided so many matches for Juve, and even if he didn’t score he was always contributing to the side’s total effort with his defensive work and help in the build up play. Then we have Asamoah. He had been a fine wing back his first season with Juve, but just that. He started off slowly, playing well but not amazingly, until exploding in 2014. He had a fantastic run in the first three months of 2014, and he hasn’t looked back since. I had thought that perhaps Juve would need an upgrade in the left back or left wing back department, but Asamoah’s growth has proven me very wrong. Goal of the Season Many options for this one. Pirlo had a number of free kicks that decided games – including the one versus Genoa – and Tevez and Llorente both scored their fair share of game winning late goals. However, I’m going with flair for this one. When Juve played Napoli in November, they scored early via Llorente. They stayed in control, and Pirlo added a second goal later on. It was a standard Juve beat down of a Serie A side, until THAT Pogba goal. Pogba received a pass, flubbed the first touch – thus launching the ball in the air – and then volleyed the ball in for a fantastic goal. It was some beautifully fast thinking by Pogba, and it showed what he is capable of at any moment. Best and Worst Signings This is a tough decision. On the one hand, Tevez was huge for Juve this year. On the other, Dani Osvaldo was quite the bargain! Just kidding, Tevez is my choice for best signing. Fernando Llorente deserves a shout, but more so for the fact that he was signed on a free. Tevez only cost 12 million euros – compare that to the price Milan paid for Alessandro Matri – and he has re-invented both himself and Juve’s attack. I will stress that this is mostly due to the money spent – but – Angelo Ogbonna. He could very well develop into a strong centerback, but he had an inconsistent first year at Juve and the club spent 13 million euros on him. Time will tell for this signing, but in the meantime it has to be Juve’s worst this season. That’s all for this year folks, until September. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

‘Italy will cause headaches’ May 20, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon admits that Italy may not be outright favourites to win the World Cup, but sees them capable of causing a few headaches. The Azzurri today begin training in preparation for the summer tournament, which their captain and 139-cap veteran believes they can carry optimism into, even if tempered with a bit of reality. “This is an Italy that certainly will not start on the front row, but perhaps in the second row, yes,” Buffon has explained this week to Sky Sport Italia. “In the second to third group we are there, because we have deserved it, because at the last two international competitions we have been at we have two medals - a silver at the European Championships and a bronze at the Confederation Cup. “It signifies something good and that we are on a rising path. And we hope that we can reach the climax of this journey at the World Cup. “We know that to win another World Cup, you have to eliminate other national sides like Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and for this it is very complicated. “With this I say that, if we were to progress and then one day we have to meet one of them, I am convinced that they too will have their headaches and will not be happy to meet us. “In short, we shall see…” Buffon, who also considered Antonio Conte’s influence at Juventus, reflected on his season at club level and from a personal viewpoint. “I think that from October, so after Florence, it has been a great season, full of satisfaction for the team, but also personally, because I think I have been at a consistent performance level. “In all this I think I have some of the credit, because in the end I am 36 and after a start in which I could have been criticised, I wanted to sweep away all doubt in the best way, the most suitable way. “That is, once again demonstrating, if there was any need, my worth and what I can do.”

VIDEO: Party animal Pirlo! May 20, 2014 Andrea Pirlo, the Juventus and Italy man who never loses his cool, calm, collected demeanour. Unless he’s partying on an open-top bus!

Pogba: I’ve had to make sacrifices May 20, 2014 Paul Pogba has explained the ‘sacrifices’ and difficult moments he has faced this season in adapting to increased playing time for Juventus. The 21-year-old became a regular under Antonio Conte this term and in all competitions for club and country this term managed 63 appearances. “This year will remain in my memory because it was harder, longer and I had to make many sacrifices,” Pogba has reflected to L’Equipe today. “I had to make many sacrifices because playing every three days implies responsibilities. You cannot relax and do whatever you want. “My season can be summarised as training-match-rest, training-match-rest. It was only that. You go out less, you see your friends less. “You try to eat well, rest well, take more care in order to recover a bit faster. But professionally, you learn and you grow.” Pogba admitted that during the season he did experience a period of doubt. “It was a difficult time because I was getting tired, I was not at the top, not as efficient as at the beginning. But I also know that the biggest names in football have been there. “These are things that are a part of your career - there are times when you are happy and times when you are sad, because I had never played so much in a season up to then. “It’s hard, you mean well, but you cannot do it. I was not good and it was a really difficult time. I doubted myself. “But it was weird because around me, everyone was convinced that I was going to bounce back. “I now feel better, I want to give the best of myself and I really hope to perform for the national team. “Playing in a World Cup, I had dreamt of this since childhood. For me, it is a dream come true.” The midfielder has been the subject of continued speculation linking him with a move away from Juventus, until he and his agent both recently alluded to future contract talks with the club. “‘Pogba is going here, Pogba is going there’, whereas I said nothing. I have not even talked to my club about anything and there is nothing. “Did Zinedine Zidane call me? I received no call and I have not changed my number recently.”

‘Juve without Conte unthinkable’ May 20, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon has offered insight into Antonio Conte’s management style and described a Juventus without him as ‘unthinkable’. The club have confirmed that the Coach is in place to stay with them for the 2014-15 campaign, despite recent hints from the 44-year-old that he was considering the team as having reached the end of a cycle. For his club captain, his influence on the team’s current run of success, including three consecutive League titles, cannot be quantified. “He is a maniacal professional and obsessed with victory, because I believe he does not take into account that one day he may not win,” Buffon has considered to Sky Sport Italia this week. “He has this strong will to excel, he has certainly made us great and he was a blessing for Juve, for us players and for the whole environment. “But it is also true that for his part, the effort, the mental and nervous energy that this all requires, it’s huge. “Juve without Conte is something unthinkable, because of how we have been and how we have enjoyed great growth - I believe there is still room to improve the whole. “But it is also true that we must always be convinced of what we do. I believe that at a corporate level, Juve is really back on top, so we have this fortune, and we also have the certainty that any decision made will be for the good of Juve. “There is no measurement to understand his merits, he has been very good in getting the most out of every player. And I put myself in there too, with his own way of doing things, which, if you will, can be cantankerous. “Just before the match with Cagliari [Week 38], the day before, we were starting the meeting, I started to say: ‘Mister, I’m sorry, but we should talk about something’. “And he in a manner so brisk: ‘No, no, no, no, no, I do not have to take a break, now watch the video’. I mean, I was speechless for a second. You say, okay, you are 36, you are the captain. “But later, in retrospect, you know why he does it, maybe because he was afraid that talking about other things would see us not focus on the commitment the next day, and perhaps with that the chance of 102 points would have gone. “And so, in some respects, after a day or two, we laugh really, because you can say that in his life, he can do nothing but win.”

Buffon: You'll have to sweat to beat Italy The Azzurri skipper is adamant that his side's opponents can expect a tough match at this summer's World Cup and is keen to stay at Juventus. May 20, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon has told Italy's World Cup rivals not to expect an easy game when they face his side this summer. Cesare Prandelli's side have been drawn into a daunting group also involving England, Uruguay and Costa Rica but the veteran goalkeeper says his team-mates will be hard to crack. "A solid, well organised team that will never lose games on its own," Buffon replied when asked by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport what to expect from Italy. "It will be tough to beat us, without exception. Against us you sweat, because this group does not give anything to anyone on the field. "We have the technical and moral qualities to aim high at the World Cup." Buffon helped Juventus clinch a third consecutive Serie A title this season and is pleased with the form he has displayed since undergoing back surgery in 2010. "For three years I have been giving very important answers to myself and to those who doubted, appropriately, a full recovery," Buffon added. "At 36 I'm still here, at a high level, and it is a great feeling." The former Parma man's contract at Juve expires in 2015 and he has no desire to leave the Italian champions. "I'm fine in Turin," he explained. "And the relationship with chairman Andrea Agnelli is nice and fair. "He has already shown the willingness to support my every decision. So everything will be very clear."

Reviewing Carlos Tévez's 2013-14 season May 20, 2014 The summer of 2013 was deemed as the transfer window that Juventus gets its long awaited top striker. The names were out there for everybody to read about. The Italian press hammered those names home like they were a nail on a construction site. To miss a name being linked to Juventus was virtually impossible. Gonzalo Higuain. Stevan Jovetic. Who would it be? It was like a vicious cycle. The same names over and over again for weeks on end. But Juventus didn't sign either of those names that vastly populated. Instead, Juventus went a different route. A cheaper route, too. Beppe Marotta went to England for a player who had scored 15 goals combined in the past two EPL seasons with Manchester City and gotten a good amount of attention for what he was doing away from the field rather than on it. Carlos Tévez had no place in the Man City squad. But when the swift, almost out-of-nowhere move for Tévez was completed, he became the center of Juventus' new-look attack along with fellow summer signee Fernando Llorente. They were brought in to take Juventus to the next level and give the club what they had lacked compared to the last couple of seasons — proven, consistent goal scorers at the striker position. Two weeks before the season started, we played a game. Something that involved predictions of just how well Carlitos might do in his first season with Juventus. It wasn't difficult, really. Name the amount of goals and assists that Tévez would record. Simple enough. What I projected for Tévez: Games played: 33 Goals: 16 Assists: 10 What actually happened: Games played: 34 Goals: 19 Assists: 7 Nailed it. Well...almost. Outside of the whole "CARLOS CAN'T SCORE IN EUROPE!!!" narrative that dominated a lot of talking heads throughout Juventus' European roller coaster ride this season, Tévez seemingly could do no wrong. And that's pretty much the truth, too. He was a consistent pest, a consistent threat who spearheaded Juve's attack. Was there some skepticism that Tévez might not do that well? Yeah, I guess you can say that. You never really know how somebody is going to adapt to Serie A until they actually start playing games. But when he found the back of the net against Sampdoria in Juve's opener, it was the first goal in a season full of them. Nineteen goals in Serie A, to be exact, the third most in all of Italy this season. Here's the thing I've come to admire about him: Even when he isn't scoring goals, he's busting his ass trying to do so. He is basically the striker that Antonio Conte lacked in his first two years as manager — the energy, the effort, the grinta each and every game. And then when you pair him with somebody like Llorente who compliments Tévez so well, good things are bound to happen. And good things did happen. So I guess in hindsight it's not a surprise that Tévez was damn good in his first season with Juventus. Even with a couple extra million euros going over to Man City's bank account after the season, Tévez's price looks like a total bargain. Maybe not a Llorente or Andrea Pirlo kind of bargain, but close enough. Money well spent, I say. Juve gave him the No. 10, and he proved that he's worthy of it. Now about those goals in Europe... Okay, I'll just stop right there.

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CAGLIARI Andrea Pirlo (8′) Fernando Llorente (15′) Claudio Marchisio (40′) May 18, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee:‬ Mauro Bergonzi Attendance:‬ 39344‎ Teams of the century: 100 points and more Juventus completed the Italian season with an awesome final total of 102 points; UEFA.com meets the only other sides who have made it to three figures in a European top flight. May 19, 2014 Having ended the campaign with a mighty 102 points, Juventus have become only the fourth club to finish a European top-flight season with a three-figure points total. UEFA.com meets the members of football's 100 club. 105: Barry Town AFC (Wales 1996/97) 104: Barry Town AFC (Wales 1997/98) Regarded as the best club side in Welsh league history, player-manager Gary Barnett's side lost only one of their 40 league games in 1996/97, and remained undefeated throughout all 38 fixtures in the following campaign. "We had an incredible squad of players during that era," reflected Barnett, whose side also won two League Cups and a Welsh Cup during that purple patch. "The passion we had, the team spirit we had – it was unbelievable." Barry ended both seasons with an extraordinary +103 goal difference - strikers Tony Bird and – later – Eifion Williams were prolific, but Barry's defence was equally proficient – their late goalkeeper Mark Ovendale set a record by not conceding in over 1,000 minutes of league football, while defender Gary Lloyd became the first – and to date only – player from the league to be called-up to the Welsh national team. 103: Celtic FC (Scotland 2001/02) The Hoops pulled out all the stops as they claimed a second consecutive Scottish Premier League title under Martin O’Neill, losing just one game all season, and conceding only 18 goals. Strike partners Henrik Larsson (29) and John Hartson (19) racked up a mighty 58 league goals between them. "Martin spent good money at a time when the club needed to spend money," said current Celtic manager Neil Lennon, who was a key midfielder in O'Neill's side. "It was a terrific team, exceptional actually – probably the best since the [Lisbon] Lions [who won the European Cup in 1967]." 102: Juventus (Italy 2013/14) Juventus's 3-0 final-day defeat of Cagliari Calcio set a new benchmark in Serie A, outstripping the record of 97 set by FC Internazionale Milano in 2006/07. The Bianconeri won 33 of their 38 games, including all 19 at Juventus Stadium – another Serie A record. "Our target was to win the Scudetto, but once we had it in our pockets, we tried everything to reach this incredible amount of points," said coach Antonio Conte. "I think it will be very hard to beat this record." Rudi Garcia, whose AS Roma side finished 17 points back in second, concurred: "They did something unique this season. Honestly, I don't think we will see a team passing the 100-point mark again in the near future." 100: Real Madrid CF (Spain 2011/12) "It was hard winning league titles in Portugal, England and Italy, but this was the hardest of them all," is how former Madrid coach José Mourinho summed up the achievement of leading the Merengues to their first championship in four years. "This was truly one to celebrate." If it seemed difficult to the coach, then his side certainly made it look easy, scoring 121 goals (including 46 for Cristiano Ronaldo) and finishing nine points clear of FC Barcelona as they took their 32nd Liga title, and becoming the first Spanish side to rack up a century of points. 100: FC Barcelona (Spain 2012/13) Tito Vilanova’s Barcelona matched Madrid's record within a season, starting as they meant to go on with 18 wins and a draw in their first 19 games. Having scored 50 in the previous campaign, Lionel Messi scored 46 – including, for the first time, at least one against all of the other sides in the league. "There are some records we won't be able to break, like being league leaders from the first to the last week of the season," Vilanova said, a little nonplussed after leading the club to their 22nd crown. "But after everything we've come through, I think we should be pleased." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CAGLIARI Andrea Pirlo (8′) Fernando Llorente (15′) Claudio Marchisio (40′) May 18, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee:‬ Mauro Bergonzi Attendance:‬ 39344‎ Juventus vs. Cagliari: 6 Things We Learned May 19, 2014 Juventus kicked off their final match of 2013-14 safe in the knowledge that the Serie A title was already assured. The Bianconeri have been in incredible domestic form throughout the campaign and have certainly enjoyed a season to remember. With a new record points tally set last week, very little motivation remained for the squad, yet they still ran out 3-0 winners against their overwhelmed opponents. Cagliari proved no match for the all-conquering champions, able to provide little resistance to the Turin giants. Over the following pages are six lessons to be taken from the game. This Juventus Is Truly 1 for the Ages Having already bettered Inter's record points tally, Juventus have raised the bar significantly this term. Victory here took them to a staggering 102 points, a total that could stand for quite some time, and they can look to their imperious home form as a major factor. The win over Cagliari meant the Bianconeri are now the only team to ever record a perfect campaign on their own soil, winning an incredible 19 of 19 matches at Juventus Stadium. That dominance bodes well for next season, and few teams will relish a trip to Turin in 2014-15. Antonio Conte Puts All the Credit on His Players Antonio Conte has enjoyed a remarkable three seasons at Juventus, winning the title in each campaign and setting countless records along the way. The coach is quick to defer to his players however, quickly praising them to Sky Italia once the final whistle blew against Cagliari, telling them (via FootballItalia): “The players were special with three straight titles and a record of points, but they surpassed themselves because 102 points will be very tough to beat. I will never stop thanking them. I tried to pull them to the end, but it wasn’t hard to get them going really. I continually thank them, as over three years they have been incredible.” But the Players Thank the Coach While he may believe it is those on the field who are responsible for Juve's success, Antonio Conte's players are happy to hand him the plaudits. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Andrea Pirlo thanked the coach, telling them how he had transformed the club's fortunes. "This was an extraordinary campaign and crowned by this victory,” the midfielder said (via Football Italia). "Much of the credit for these trophies goes to Conte, as he picked up a team fresh from finishing seventh twice and won three Scudetti in a row.” And so Do the Supporters The prospect of Conte leaving Juventus, via Matthew Scott of Goal.com, has dominated the headlines in recent weeks, with serious questions asked about how long he will remain with the club. Against Cagliari, the Bianconeri supporters would leave no such uncertainty about their faith in the 44-year-old coach. As the second half began, the fans behind one goal unveiled a huge banner with a picture of Conte’s face and the phrase: "Without you we won’t go far...Because you are the best and have Juve in your heart!!!" Focus Will Now Shift to Transfer Talk With the season over, talk about potential transfer targets is likely to dominate the news, and that is certain to be the case with Juventus. Always linked with a plethora of new signings, the Bianconeri collapsing in the Champions League could see a shift in focus and players arriving to fill that tactical shift. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Barca: Cesc out, Pogba in? May 19, 2014 Reports in Spain this afternoon claim that Barcelona will make a move for Paul Pogba, but only if Cesc Fabregas leaves. There have been heavy rumours that the Spain international is open to a move away from Camp Nou this summer, following a disappointing campaign. The former Arsenal man has been a perennial substitute in the big games for the Blaugrana this term, and Manchester United are thought to be keen on bringing him back to England for the new campaign. If the 27-year-old does then depart for Old Trafford, Marca believe that the Catalan giants will try and bolster their midfield by signing the Juventus man. The France international has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain said to be interested.

Juventus want Alexis Sanchez - Marotta The Italian champions are looking for a select type of attacker as they look to strengthen during the summer ahead of the 2014-15 campaign. May 18, 2014 Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta has admitted that the Serie A side would love to sign Barcelona attacker Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean forward meets a very specific criteria that the Bianconeri are looking for as they aim to strengthen their squad to become a major force in Europe. “We're looking for a versatile player who can operate in several positions,” Marotta told Sky Sport. “We are looking for a quick wide attacker. We would like to have a player like Sanchez but there aren't many players like him at the moment. “And we shouldn't forget that Barcelona made a big investment to get him. But I repeat, he's a player we would like to have.” On the subject of transfers, it is unknown whether Antonio Conte will remain with the Serie A champions, but Marotta could only speak highly of the Italian trainer. “I have always said that the relationship with Conte is a wonderful one. We consider him a great coach and hope to continue with him. “However, there are issues that need to be addressed before any announcements are made in the coming weeks.”

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CAGLIARI Andrea Pirlo (8′) Fernando Llorente (15′) Claudio Marchisio (40′) May 18, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee:‬ Mauro Bergonzi Attendance:‬ 39344‎ People will remember this Juventus for years - Conte The Italian champions finished the season with 102 points and a perfect home record in Serie A and their coach is delighted with their achievements. May 18, 2014 Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes his side's exploits this season will be remembered for years to come. The Turin outfit concluded their Serie A-winning campaign by breaking the 100-point barrier thanks to a 3-0 win over Cagliari, maintaining their perfect home record this term. The former Siena coach is delighted with his troops and believes they have earned a place in the history books. "The guys have been special up until now, but they’ve surpassed themselves and what they’ve done is truly extraordinary. I’ll never stop thanking them," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website. "Now we’ll all celebrate together because we’ve achieved a historic goal, toppling record after record: 102 points, 19 wins from 19 at home, the best attack and best defence. "People will be speaking about this Juventus side for a long time to come. "We had strong rivals in Roma but managed to maintain our ferocious mentality, continuing to win even when we had achieved Scudetto success. Only a special group would have been able to pull it off." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CAGLIARI Andrea Pirlo (8′) Fernando Llorente (15′) Claudio Marchisio (40′) May 18, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee:‬ Mauro Bergonzi Attendance:‬ 39344‎ Juve Scudetto party cut short May 18, 2014 Gigi Buffon lifted the Serie A trophy, but Juventus celebrations were cut short by a pitch invasion. The squad was called out one by one and their names chanted by the crowd after today’s 3-0 victory over Cagliari. Antonio Conte was the penultimate man out and given a standing ovation by the fans, who called for him to stay on. Captain Buffon lifted the trophy to the sky, the Bianconeri’s third in a row, but the planned run round the pitch with the silverware was cut short by a pitch invasion. The Curva Sud burst its banks and sent stewards flying, sending players, their wives and children running into the tunnel. It was also reported that Carlos Tevez was particularly angry at being manhandled by over-enthusiastic fans. The party therefore had to continue in a sedate manner inside the locker room, as milk replaced champagne with players holding their kids. Meanwhile, the ultras were seen trying to break apart the goal mouth to take home souvenirs from the Juventus Stadium. Juventus will now go through the city streets in an open-top bus. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pirlo: 'Credit to Conte' May 18, 2014 Andrea Pirlo said “much of the credit” goes to Antonio Conte for a record-breaking 102-point Juventus run. “We beat every record, amassed 102 points and it will be almost impossible for anyone to repeat that. “This was an extraordinary campaign and crowned by this victory,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia after a 3-0 win over Cagliari. The entire second half was dominated by supporters waving banners calling for their Coach to remain. “It was a lovely show of affection from the crowd towards Conte and we hope it can all be resolved over the next few days. “Much of the credit for these trophies goes to Conte, as he picked up a team fresh from finishing seventh twice and won three Scudetti in a row.” This is a new top five European League record of 102 points. They are also the first Serie A side to end a campaign with a perfect home record.

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CAGLIARI Andrea Pirlo (8′) Fernando Llorente (15′) Claudio Marchisio (40′) May 18, 2014 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee:‬ Mauro Bergonzi Attendance:‬ 39344‎ Garcia: 'Juventus run unique' May 18, 2014 Rudi Garcia was still content with Roma’s season, despite a third consecutive defeat, and hailed “unique” Juventus. The Giallorossi tested out several new faces for the 1-0 loss against Genoa this afternoon. Juventus shattered European records with 102 points in a single season and a perfect home record. “We won’t see a leader like that again for a very long time, as going over 100 points is unique. Next season is a new term, we have to be concentrated and the club also wants to make a competitive squad. “In Germany and Spain there are few teams after the first couple who can really challenge for the title or even the Champions League. In Italy there are Juventus, Roma, Napoli, Milan, Inter and Fiorentina, plus always a surprise element. “Serie A is very competitive, so we need to make sure we are able to challenge in Serie A as well as the Champions League.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111