Socrates

‘Gattuso will always catch you’ Apr 17, 2014 Andrea Pirlo has revealed that one of his favourite past-times between games was to pick on then Milan and Italy teammate Gennaro Gattuso. Pirlo has just released his autobiography in English this week and in an exclusive extract, the creative midfielder recalls how his on-field relationship with Gattuso also included a lot of off-field teasing. My face, with its fixed expression, doesn’t let on what I’m thinking. But therein lies the beauty. I can make up the most crazy stories, say the most ridiculous things to my team- mates and everyone thinks I’m being deadly serious. They don’t realise what’s happening and I have a whale of a time. I’ll be smiling inside, but outwardly completely impassive as I plot my next joke. And sometimes it’s cost me a slap, particularly when Rino Gattuso was around. With him not being a man of letters, a distinguished orator or a member of the Accademia della Crusca, whenever Rino opened his mouth the dressing room turned into the Rio Carnival. People would be blowing raspberries, making trumpet noises, doing the conga. Always the same reaction. We’d never let him finish before we started taking the piss. It was the Maracana at Milanello (or Coverciano), and he’d be speaking Portuguese without even knowing. To be fair, it’s the same story with Italian where Rino is concerned. I’d call him te***ne and he’d hit me. To get my own back, I’d nick his phone and send a bunch of texts to Ariedo Braida, our general manager. This one time, Rino de Janeiro, like me, was waiting for his contract to be renewed. I did the negotiating on his behalf by means of a single message. “Dear Ariedo, if you give me what I want, you can have my sister.” Rino found out and gave me a beating before ringing up Braida. “It’s just one of Pirlo’s stupid jokes,” he said. I’ve always wondered if the response was, “what a pity”. Before Italy games, De Rossi would hide under Rino’s bed and wait. He’d be there for anything up to half an hour. Gattuso would come in, brush his teeth, stick on his leopard- print pyjamas, get into bed, take out a book and look at the pictures. Just as he was about to fall asleep, Daniele would reach up from under the bed and grab his sides, while I’d burst out of the wardrobe like the worst kind of lover, making horrendous noises. Rino took it really well, despite risking a massive heart attack. First he’d beat up Daniele and then he’d do the same to me. Just to prove he was even handed. Another time we gave him a soaking with a fire extinguisher. A draw away to the Republic of Ireland had been enough to secure our qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and so the last group game, against Cyprus in Parma four days later, had become almost like a friendly. Pretty much meaningless, and that’s exactly how we treated it. Lippi gave us a night off in Florence, and almost all of us went out for dinner. Gattuso didn’t – he stayed at the team hotel. When we got back, we were quite drunk, actually very drunk, and we ended up chatting in the lounge. We weren’t tired, so we needed to find something to pass the time. Everyone had the same idea: “Let’s go and piss off Gattuso.” He was already asleep, with his little nightcap on his head. On the way up the stairs to Rino’s room, De Rossi spotted a fire extinguisher. “I’m off to put out Gattuso,” he said. We knocked on the door and out Rino came, screwing his eyes up as he advanced. Daniele started spraying, covering him in every last drop before running off to hide in his room (i.e. our room). He left me at the mercy of that monster in its underpants, absolutely dripping with foam and shouting total gibberish. Listening to him, though, I knew he was beginning to wake up and regain his senses. I tried to escape, but I was already done for. When the guy on your shoulder is Gattuso and he’s out to do you harm, you can run as hard as you like, but he’ll always catch you. You could be a gazelle or a lion – it makes absolutely no difference.

Tuttosport says Sebastian Giovinco will play in Serie A, Carlos Tévez in the Europa League Apr 17, 2014 The news following Juventus' 2-0 win over Udinese on Monday has been, well, relatively slow when it comes to actual on-the-field matters. It's pretty easy to understand why. There's no Scudetto race to hype up with Juve being ahead of Roma by a comfortable eight-point margin and Juve are about to battle with a couple of relegation battlers rather than title contenders. There's been plenty of interviews, though, if that's your thing. Gigi Buffon talked about Paul Pogba and how he trusts the Juve management when it comes to the French midfielder's future at the club. Andrea Pirlo wrote in his English-version book about how Rino Gattuso tried to kill people with forks. Beppe Marotta talked about Antonio Conte and a contract renewal for the Juve manager. You know, some stuff we've heard for months, some stuff that is relatively new and interesting. But on Wednesday morning, Tuttosport rolled out something that would directly impact Juventus on the field. And not as they cranked up their in-house Transfer-O-Meter another notch for next season. This has to do with Juve this season. Hell, it has to do with Juve this weekend. Well, potentially this weekend if their report has any kind of juice behind it. It's something coming from Tuttosport, you know, so we probably have to take it with a grain of salt until it actually becomes a reality. But let's say all of this is what Antonio Conte is planning on doing for the final month of the season. Instead of spitting out typical transfer blabber on a daily basis, they actually went with something that makes a decent amount of success. The gist of it, if you didn't figure out the caption by now, is that Sebastian Giovinco will be the one playing in Serie A matches and Carlos Tévez will put his attention towards Juve's upcoming Europa League games against Benfica — and possibly beyond if Juventus get that far. The two biggest things of having a Tévez-Giovinco alternation? 1. Having Tévez solely concentrated on the two Europa League matches against Benfica — and a possible cup final in the middle of May at Juventus Stadium — would allow him to rest any kind of injury he has been bothered by over the past week. It's why Conte kept him out of Juve's trip to the Friuli on Monday night and you would like to assume it's why any kind of Giovinco-related playing time will be coming in the future. 2. Giovinco will get playing time — and a lot of it. And based off what he has done his last couple of times out, he's adding something positive to the team. His goal against Udinese this past Monday night will be the headliner of why he should be playing more these days — and I understand why. You never know, if this playing time scenario is the case and Giovinco is playing the rest of the way in Serie A, he could very well be showing what can do when it comes to next season. And while it won't be the biggest sample size in the world, this would be Giovinco's first regular playing time for the first time since last season. A year ago, the little guy started over half of Juve's games in Serie A. This season? All of four. That's what you'd expect out of somebody like Simone Padoin, not a player like Giovinco who is a known favorite of Conte. (I know there's been injuries, but just go with me here, people.) Just consider this: Juventus have an eight-point lead over Roma and two big-time European games on the horizon. Would you rather have Tévez get extra rest against Bologna and be 100 percent and ready to break that favorite discussion point of everybody outside of Juventus circles a week from today? I think I know which one I'd go after. But it's not like if you open Door No. 1 you're going to get a magical prize. Well, maybe Juventus playing in the Europa League final next month. In that case, I'd say Door No. 1 is a pretty good choice. I understand that Conte wants to win everything left on the schedule because that's what Conte does. But a healthy Tévez is so much better than any other striker in Serie A these days.

Llorente: Tevez and I deserve Brazil Apr 16, 2014 Juventus forward Fernando Llorente believes both himself and Carlos Tevez deserve to be going to the World Cup this summer. The duo have been in fine form for the Old Lady this season but both could well miss out on being named in their respective countries’ squads. “How is it possible that Tevez and I won’t play at the World Cup?” Llorente said to Sky. “The Italian League is difficult and competitive and we are hoping we can go to the World Cup. “It will be difficult but we are doing well with Juve. Let’s see. “If everything goes well maybe we will have something to celebrate.” The Spaniard then commented on his side’s charge for the Scudetto. “We are in a great situation but it’s still not won. There are still three matches left for us to win it mathematically, but we hope to do it as soon as possible. “Is it the best year of my life? I don’t know but I’m having a great season.”

Llorente & Tevez not giving up on World Cup dream The former Athletic Bilbao striker has fallen out of favour with Spain coach Vicente del Bosque, while his Argentine colleague has never been picked by Alejandro Sabella. Apr 16, 2014 Fernando Llorente has revealed that he and Juventus team-mate Carlos Tevez have not yet given up hope on playing in this summer's World Cup. After a slow start to life in Italy, the Spaniard has enjoyed a stellar debut season in Serie A, netting 14 times in total as well as forming a formidable partnership with his Argentine accomplice, who has 18 goals to his name. Tevez, though, has not featured for his country since Alejandro Sabella took over in 2011, while Llorente has fallen out of favour with Spain boss Vicente del Bosque. However, Llorente says that both he and Tevez are still dreaming of travelling to Brazil with their respective nations. "The Italian championship is difficult and competitive, and we're hoping to be able to go to the World Cup," the former Athletic Bilbao hitman told Sky Sport Italia. "It's difficult but we're doing well with Juve and if everything goes well, maybe we'll be rewarded [at international level]. "Is this the most beautiful year of my life? I don't know but I'm having a great season." Llorente and Tevez's goals have put Juve within touching distance of a third successive Serie A title triumph, but even though Antonio Conte's men are eight points above second-placed Roma with just five games to go, he is taking nothing for granted. "We're in a privileged position in terms of the Scudetto but nothing is won yet," he warned. "We're still three games away from mathematical victory, but we're hoping to reach that goal as quickly as possible."

Gianluigi Buffon considered Roma Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has told Sky how he was close to joining Roma before Antonio Conte's arrival convinced him to stay in Turin. Apr 16, 2014 Prior to Conte's appointment, Buffon admits he was growing disillusioned with life with the Bianconeri. "We had finished seventh two years in a row, and the fans were wondering whether I would ever be myself again after injury, and at times like those, a player does want to start over again, and the only solution was to make a change," the 36-year-old said. Instead, Conte was appointed as Juve coach in the summer of 2011 and Buffon, who remained with the club in 2006 despite their enforced relegation to Serie B, felt that change had been made for him -- without leaving Turin. "Like I've said, everybody's destiny is laid out, or at least there is a path which either you choose to follow or change, and at a certain point there was a series of events, including Conte's arrival and the president getting closer to the club again, that gave me renewed energy to try to win the league again," continued Buffon. "Considering that now we're close to winning a third scudetto in a row, then I think I've never made a better decision than that one. You only have regrets when you make the wrong decisions, and my decision to stay with Juve and write an important chapter in this amazing club's history cannot allow any room for regret. "How could I ever regret not having joined Roma seeing how my story with Juve has continued?" Juve need to win just three of their remaining five matches to secure a third straight Serie A title with eight points currently separating them from Roma, who host the Bianconeri on the penultimate weekend of the season, when the title may already have been decided.

Tevez has been great for Juve, says Buffon The veteran shot stopper praised the Argentina international and hailed Antonio Conte for the way he has motivated the players after winning two straight Serie A titles. Apr 16, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon has credited Carlos Tevez for being one of the driving forces behind Juventus' title challenge this season. Tevez arrived at the Juventus Stadium in a reported €10million deal from Manchester City in the close-season, and has responded with 18 league goals in a fruitful debut campaign thus far. And Juve captain Buffon believes that the Argentina international's desire for victory has been crucial this term, particularly at the start of the season. "I have to say that in key moments of the season, in my opinion, the will to win and the characteristics of a driver like Carlos Tevez has given us a big hand, especially at the beginning, when we were a bit apathetic," he told Sky Sport Italia. "His great physical prowess, although he is not enormous, his competitive spirit, in many games, especially at the start, dragged us through and earned us the three points." Juventus are seemingly on their way to a third straight Serie A title, and hold an eight-point lead over second-placed Roma with just five games remaining. Buffon also paid tribute to head coach Antonio Conte for continuing to motivate the team. "He has brought a lot this year on a motivational level, because it can be argued that after two titles, the third is not so clear cut because in some groups there can be a sense of fulfilment that can cause issues," Buffon added. "But someone like him has helped us this year to always stay on track, not to take anything for granted."

Pogba is a force of nature, says Buffon The Italy international has nothing but praise for his young team-mate and has little doubt the Bianconeri directors will make the right decision on whether to sell the midfielder. Apr 16, 2014 Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon has voiced his admiration for Paul Pogba, describing the young Frenchman as "a true force of nature." The midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest young players in Europe following his excellent form for the Bianconeri since his move from Manchester United. The 21-year-old is continually being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants reportedly willing to pay up to €70 million for the powerful midfielder, and while Buffon admits such a fee could prove too tempting for the club to ignore, he is eager for the player to stay at the club. "Paul is a natural talent. There's no arguing about that. He is a true force of nature," the Juventus goalkeeper told Sky. "He has surprised everyone. He has just exploded and didn't need much time for it. We all understood within two months or so that he was a huge talent and that we were talking about a great player. "But in a difficult economic situation like this, you have to take a lot of things into consideration if a big offer comes in. "But I would like to stress that the directors and the president have always made the right choices and will do the same in this case." Pogba has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

The hilarious story of Rino Gattuso trying to 'kill' Andrea Pirlo with a fork This extract from Andrea Pirlo's autobiography, 'I think therefore I play', details some of the hilarious pranks that the Italy star played on his former team-mate. Apr 16, 2014 My face, with its fixed expression, doesn't let on what I'm thinking. But therein lies the beauty. I can make up the craziest stories, say the most ridiculous things to my team-mates and everyone thinks I'm being deadly serious. They don't realise what's happening and I have a whale of a time. I'll be smiling inside, but outwardly completely impassive as I plot my next joke. And sometimes it's cost me a slap, particularly when Rino Gattuso was around. With him not being a man of letters, or a distinguished orator, whenever Rino opened his mouth the dressing room turned into the Rio Carnival. People would be blowing raspberries, making trumpet noises, doing the conga. Always the same reaction. We'd never let him finish before we started with the p*** taking. I'd call him "te***ne" (a derogatory term for a southern Italian) and he'd hit me. To get my own back, I'd nick his phone and send a bunch of texts to Ariedo Braida, our general manager. This one time, Rino de Janeiro, like me, was waiting for his contract to be renewed. I did the negotiating on his behalf by means of a single message. "Dear Ariedo, if you give me what I want, you can have my sister." Rino found out and gave me a beating before ringing up Braida. "It's just one of Pirlo's stupid jokes," he said. I've always wondered if the response was, "what a pity". Before Italy games, Daniele De Rossi would hide under Rino's bed and wait. He'd be there for anything up to half an hour. Gattuso would come in, brush his teeth, stick on his leopard-print pyjamas, get into bed, take out a book and look at the pictures. Just as he was about to fall asleep, Daniele would reach up from under the bed and grab his sides, while I'd burst out of the wardrobe like the worst kind of lover, making horrendous noises. Rino took it really well, despite risking a massive heart attack. First he'd beat up Daniele and then he'd do the same to me. Just to prove he was even handed. Another time we gave him a soaking with a fire extinguisher. A draw away to the Republic of Ireland had been enough to secure our qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and so the last group game, against Cyprus in Parma four days later, had become almost like a friendly. Pretty much meaningless, and that's exactly how we treated it. Lippi gave us a night off in Florence, and almost all of us went out for dinner. Gattuso didn't – he stayed at the team hotel. When we got back, we were quite drunk, actually very drunk, and we ended up chatting in the lounge. We weren't tired, so we needed to find something to pass the time. Everyone had the same idea: "Let's go and p*** off Gattuso." He was already asleep, with his little nightcap on his head. On the way up the stairs to Rino's room, De Rossi spotted a fire extinguisher. "I'm off to put out Gattuso," he said. We knocked on the door and out Rino came, screwing his eyes up as he advanced. Daniele started spraying, covering him in every last drop before running off to hide in his room. He left me at the mercy of that monster in its underpants, absolutely dripping with foam and shouting total gibberish. Listening to him, though, I knew he was beginning to wake up and regain his senses. I tried to escape, but I was already done for. When the guy on your shoulder is Gattuso and he's out to do you harm, you can run as hard as you like, but he'll always catch you. Rino ran me through his full range of slaps. Gattuso's also superstitious to a pretty disgusting degree. At the 2006 World Cup, because things were going well, he kept the same tracksuit on for more than a month. It was something like 40 degrees in Germany and he was going about dressed like a deep-sea diver. From round about the quarter-finals, he began to stink. Never mind a fire extinguisher – what he really needed was an industrial supply of lavender. "Gattuso would grab a fork and try and stick it in us. Some of us ended up missing games because of Rino's fork attacks" Rino's always been my favourite target, top of the table by some distance. This despite the fact that on several occasions he's tried to kill me with a fork. During meal times at Milanello, we'd invent all sorts to torment him and put him on the spot. When he got his verbs wrong (pretty much the whole time), we'd jump on him immediately. And then when he actually got them right, we'd make out that it was still wrong just to wind him up even more. Me, Ambrosini, Nesta, Inzaghi, Abbiati, Oddo: that was the group of bast***s right there. "Rino, how are you?" "Bad. We got beat yesterday. I was better if we won." "Rino, try again. It's: 'I'd be better if we'd won.'" “But it's the same thing." "Not exactly, Rino." "Fine then. I'd be better if we'd won." "Rino, just how ignorant are you? 'I was better if we won.' That's how you say it." "But that's what I said before." "What, Rino?" "That thing about winning." "What thing, Rino? Can you repeat it?" You could see the red mist coming down and he just wasn't able to hide it. We could tell what was coming and so we'd commandeer all the knives. Gattuso would grab a fork and try to stick it in us. On more than one occasion, he struck his intended target and the fork sank into our skin. We were as soft as tuna; the kind you can cut with a breadstick. Some of us ended up missing games because of one of Rino's fork attacks, even if the official explanation from the club was one of “muscle fatigue”. We'd get out of his way when he got mad but once he'd calmed down and gone to his room, we'd come back out, pile up the sofas in front of the door and block his exit. "Let me out – training starts in a while." "Deal with it, te***ne." He'd then go crazy again, smashing up everything in sight. But even when he was angry, he was one of the good guys. Amongst other things, I've seen Rino catch and eat live snails for a bet. He really does belong in a film.

Tevez denies Messi rumours Apr 16, 2014 Carlos Tevez denies that one of the reasons he is not being selected for Argentina is because he has a poor relationship with Lionel Messi. The 30-year-old is set to miss out on a place in his country’s squad for this summer’s World Cup but says he is on good terms with the Barcelona man. “I really don’t know where certain stories come from,” Tevez said as part of his interview with Cronica. “The truth is that we have played together in matches and training and there has never been a problem. “He is a very nice person and very polite. This should be his World Cup and I wish him well from the bottom of my heart because he is a marvellous player. “He and Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom I played at Manchester United, are the best players in the World.”

Tevez ‘won’t follow’ Argentina Apr 16, 2014 Juventus forward Carlos Tevez says he has no plans to follow Argentina at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. The 30-year-old seems set to miss out on a place in Alejandro Sabella’s 23-man squad for the tournament but refused to criticise the tactician for his exclusion. “No, I don’t think I will go to watch Argentina’s matches,” Tevez said to Cronica. “I have plans to go to Disneyland with my wife and children instead! “When I was at Corinthians I had a great relationship with Sabella. We never had any problems and the respect was always there. “Everyone asks me why I’m not in the national team, but I can’t answer that because it would not be respectful. It’s just the way things are. “I think the CT is just happy with the players he has called up and that’s it. If he wins, everyone will thank him for his decisions. “Because of this it wouldn’t be right if I were called up now. “I haven’t been part of the journey. So once I have finished celebrating Juve’s victories at the end of the season, I will go to Disneyland.”

'Conte extension at end of season' Apr 16, 2014 Beppe Marotta has revealed that Juventus will sit down with Antonio Conte at the end of the season and discuss a contract renewal. The 44-year-old has a deal with the Bianconeri until June 2015, but the sporting director has admitted that they are likely to sign an extension soon. “Conte has already said that a renewal will be discuss at the end of the current season,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We, as a club, are fully satisfied with the work of our Coach. He has a contract with us, and is our leader. “We are really proud to have Antonio with us. “We have already spoken, and by mutual agreement we have agreed to meet after winning something special - whether that's the Scudetto or the Europa League...or both!"

Marotta: Juve are a buying club Apr 16, 2014 Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta has insisted that the club will endeavour to keep Paul Pogba this summer. Several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, have been linked with a move for the France international at the end of the season. But the Bianconeri board member has claimed that the Turin outfit would do all they could to keep the youngster, after Gianluigi Buffon admitted earlier on Wednesday that he would ‘understand’ if Pogba was sold. “Buffon’s statement on Pogba and financial equilibrium? Buffon made an argument not only as a player but also as a businessman,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We will make the appropriate evaluations on the squad, but I reiterate that Juve are a buying club not a selling one.”

'Still room for Pogba improvement' Apr 16, 2014 France national team Coach Didier Deschamps has warned against extreme expectations from Paul Pogba this summer. The Juventus midfielder has been one of the stand-out performers for the Bianconeri this term, and is expected to light up the tournament in Brazil. However, Les Bleus’ boss has insisted that the former Manchester United youngster still has a lot of maturing to do. “Paul’s still a young lad and this World Cup will be his first competition,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “He has huge potential, but even if he’s doing very well, I still think Paul has room to mature and improve. “We’re all calm though ahead of the World Cup.”

Buffon: I’d understand Pogba’s sale Apr 16, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon says he understands if Juventus sell Paul Pogba, as he reflects on the importance of Antonio Conte and Carlos Tevez this term. Young midfielder Pogba has continually attracted transfer speculation during his two seasons so far with the Old Lady, with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid all linked with interest in the €40m-rated star. For his captain, there is a realisation of why there is such interest and also why it may bear fruit over the summer. “Paul is an undeniable talent, a natural talent, a force of nature, he is a guy who has surprised everyone, that has exploded, not even in a lot of time,” Buffon has considered to Sky Sport Italia this week. “Within two months, two-and-a-half months we had already figured out his talent, the player we were talking about. “Then, evaluating in an economic time like this, at these particular moments, one can have so many considerations. “But I also say that the directors at Juventus, together with the President, have always made very prudent decisions and have hardly put a step wrong. That will again be the case this time.” Juventus stand on the verge of collecting a third consecutive League title and for Buffon, the credit belongs to Carlos Tevez and Antonio Conte. “First of all, without Conte, I would have gone to Roma. Then, he has brought a lot this year on a motivational level, because it can be argued that after two Scudetti, the third is not so clear cut, because in some groups there can be a sense of fulfilment that can only cause issues. “But someone like him has helped us this year to always stay on track, not to take anything for granted. “I also have to say that in key moments of the season, in my opinion, the will to win and the characteristics of a driver like Carlos Tevez has given us a big hand, especially at the beginning, when we were a bit apathetic. “His great physical prowess, although he is not enormous, his competitive spirit, in many games, especially at the start, dragged us and earned us the three points. “Our objectives? We want the Scudetto and the Europa League, to return to being among the best in Europe. “The Europa League is not a requirement, it is definitely a goal that could be within our reach, or is within our reach. “If we express ourselves 100 per cent and if all the factors are in our favour.”

Pirlo to retire from internationals after World Cup in Brazil Apr 16, 2014 Juventus and Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo feels that once he retires he will not be taking up the role of a coach. The Azzurri veteran will be 35 when he heads into his seventh and final major tournament for the national team as he has decided to hang his boots after the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In extracts from his new autobiography, he addressed his future plans also his penalty against England in the 2012 European Championships, as well as the loss against Liverpool in the 2005 UEFA Champions League that almost made him retire. “After the World Cup in Brazil, I’ll retire from international football.”, said the Maestro during the interview “I’ll be hanging up my heart. Until that day, nobody must dare ask me to stop, apart from Cesare Prandelli, should he have tactical reasons. I’ll be 35 by then, and it’ll be time to give someone else a go. Being part of a team that belongs to everyone makes me feel good.” “A lot of the time, it’s better than sex: it lasts longer and if it falls flat, it can’t just be your fault. Take someone like Antonio Cassano, he says he’s slept with 700 women but he doesn’t get picked for Italy any more. Can he really be happy? I wouldn’t be.” “That shirt, with its Smurf-like blue, gives you a whole new image across the world. It takes you to a higher level. Much better to be a soldier on the pitch than in the bedroom. Pirlo also spoke about his plans once he retires as a player and what he hates the most as a professional footballer. “No Coaching for me. I’ll get a life. I wouldn’t bet a cent on me becoming a manager. There are too many worries and the lifestyle is far too close to that of a player. In the future, I’d like to get back a semblance of a private life. ” “One part of my job I’ll never learn to love is the pre-match warm-up. I hate it with every fibre of my being. It actually disgusts me. It’s nothing but masturbation for conditioning coaches.” The veteran also disclosed his mentality before he stepped up to take the penalty against England in the last Euro. “To be clear, I didn’t do a Francesco Totti against England at Euro 2012. Back at Euro 2000, against Netherlands, just before he went up to take his penalty Totti told captain Paolo Maldini that he was going to chip the keeper. I made my decision at the last second when I saw Joe Hart doing all sorts on his line. ” Pirlo confessed that he had considered retirement after suffering a painful loss in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool “I thought about quitting because, after Istanbul, nothing made sense any more. The 2005 Champions League final simply suffocated me I’ll never fully shake that sense of absolute impotence when destiny is at work.” “How it happened I don’t know, but the fact remains that when the impossible becomes reality. Somebody messed it up – in this case, the entire team. A mass suicide where we all joined hands and jumped off the Bosphorus Bridge.” “For that reason, I steer well clear of the DVD from the Liverpool game. I will never watch that match again. I have already played it once in person and many other times in my head, searching for an explanation that perhaps does not even exist.” The Juventus regista spoke of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tactics of using Ji Sung Park to mark him when the two sides met in 2010. “Even Sir Alex Ferguson, the purple-nosed manager who turned Manchester United into a fearsome battleship, could not resist the temptation. He’s a man without blemish, but he ruined that purity just for a moment when it came to me. A fleeting shabbiness came over the legend that night.” “They’d programmed him to stop me. His devotion to the task was almost touching. Even though he was a famous player, he consented to being used as a guard dog.” Pirlo also spoke of how close he was in snatching a move to Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea. “It was August 2009 and I’d reached agreement with Chelsea, the club where Ancelotti had just come in as manager. Carlo was like a father and a teacher for me, a kind, friendly man who knew how to make things fun.” “But, in the meantime, Silvio Berlusconi had pulled out a second piece of paper. Berlusconi blew my Chelsea move. AC Milan wanted too much cash, and they were also pushing for Branislav Ivanovic to be included in the deal. Finally, the Mozart also spoke of the racism circling Mario Balotelli. “Mario Balotelli is a special kind of medicine, an antidote to the potentially lethal poison of the racists you find in Italian grounds. They’re an horrendous bunch, a herd of frustrated individuals who’ve taken the worst of history and made it their own.” “And they’re more than just a minority, despite what certain mealy-mouthed spin doctors would have you believe. Whenever I see Mario, I’ll give him a big smile. It’s my way of letting him know that I’m right behind him and he mustn’t give up. A gesture that means ‘Thank you’.”

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Gabriel Silva: "Juventus are the strongest team of the season" The player gives credit to Juventus for their win and for being the leader of the ranking. Apr 15, 2014 Gabriel Silva analysed the match played at the Friuli stadium starting with giving credit to Juventus for their win against Udinese's underperformance: "I think Juventus are too strong, they showed everybody their value and the reason why they are on top of the table. Nevertheless, we need to do better, when we face these kinds of teams we need to give our all, use all our strength. We didn't do so today, and we paid for it". The Brazilian player also talked about the key actions of the match: "Giovinco did very well on the occasion of the first goal, a great action indeed. The second goal was avoidable, we made a mistake after the corner kick and they made the most of it. They are strong, we performed well but we could have done better. There is no time to moan though, we need to focus on Napoli". http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

'I belonged to Real' - how Andrea Pirlo agreed to join Madrid This extract from Andrea Pirlo's autobiography, 'I think therefore I play', looks at how the World Cup winner came close to signing for the Spanish giants. Apr 15, 2014 BOOK EXTRACT By Andrea Pirlo It's the summer of 2006, we've just won the World Cup, and I'm thoroughly drunk on life. I go out and about on my bike in the quiet little streets of Forte dei Marmi and, as I pass by on the seafront, people stop and pat me on the back. They must have thought that beating France in the final had fried my brain, but there was something they didn't know. They were missing a vital piece of the story, namely that as things stood, I belonged to Real Madrid, not Milan. I was a Madrid player in my head, my heart and my soul. I had a five-year contract sitting waiting, and a salary that was out of this world. It seemed that certain people at Milan had got themselves into one too many scrapes – or at least that was the story doing the rounds. Calciopoli was the second most popular topic of conversation back then, a close second to Italy's penalty shootout triumph in Germany. One day you'd read that we were going to be relegated to Serie B, the next that we were looking at a 15-point penalty. The next again they'd be talking about us handing back trophies and having our titles removed from the record books. After a while I began to suspect that it wasn't Mark David Chapman who killed John Lennon. It had been one of the Milan directors. The whole thing was an absolute shambles. Nobody had a clue what was going on and what Milan's fate would actually be, least of all me. One thing I was sure of, though: I would never drop down to Serie B. And if I had to leave, I wouldn't feel like a traitor. There was no way I was going to pay for other people's sins, if that's what they turned out to be. The Madrid coach Fabio Capello phoned. And then Franco Baldini, their director of football. Everyone wanted to speak to me. I had a word with my agent, Tullio Tinti, and asked him to find out what Milan were saying about it all. Shortly after, I was due back at Milanello. To make the Champions League proper, we had to get through a qualifier against Red Star Belgrade. At that point Tullio said to me: "Hold off on going back. Let me speak to Real. If you really want a change of scene from Forte dei Marmi, head back to your house in Brescia. And keep your mobile on – in a little while you'll get a call." No sooner had he said it than the phone started ringing. Nostradamus was a mere amateur compared to our Tullio. "Hello Andrea, it's Fabio Capello here." Only one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. "Hello, coach. How are you?" "I'm great, and I imagine you're even better. Come and join us. We've just signed Emerson from Juventus and you're the man to play beside him in midfield." "Okay then." He didn't need much time to convince me. Less than a minute, I reckon. Not least because I'd already seen the contract. My agent had studied it in great detail and then shot off to Madrid. "Andrea, we're on." "I'm really happy about that, Tullio." I pictured myself in that white jersey. Pristine, and at the same time aggressive; a mean streak running through its unusual purity. My thoughts often wandered to the Santiago Bernabeu, the Temple, a ground that struck terror into opponents. Bruised and battered slaves at the king's banquet. "What do we do now then, Tullio?" "Let's go for lunch in a few days." "Where? Meson Txistu in Plaza de Angel Carbajo?" "No, Andrea; not Madrid. Milanello." "What do you mean 'Milanello'? Are you stupid?" "Nope, you heard right: Milanello. We haven't got Galliani's approval yet." I was a Madrid player in my head, my heart and my soul. I had a five-year contract sitting waiting, and a salary that was out of this world" The menu was always the same: I knew it off by heart. Antipasto, starter, main course and then the legendary ice cream with crunchy bits on top. We met in the room used for team meals, halfway between the kitchens and the hall with the hearth where Berlusconi would pound away on the piano and tell various kinds of jokes. Tullio spoke first. "Andrea's going to sign for Real." Then me: "Yes…" Then it was Galliani, staring straight at me. "Andrea, my friend, you're not going anywhere." He pulled out a little case from under the table. That made me smile, thinking it had been just as well hidden as Monica Lewinsky under Bill Clinton's desk in the Oval Office. A contract then appeared from the case, with Mr Biro (Galliani) adding, "You're not leaving, because you're going to sign this. It's for five years, and we've left the salary details blank so you can write in whatever you like." Tullio just about ripped it out of my hands. "I'll keep hold of this." He took his time, brought it home, read it and read it again. I went off to the national team training camp at Coverciano and, for a few days, I didn't hear anything. I thought it was a done deal: I was thinking in Spanish, dreaming in Spanish. My imagination was in overdrive, flying off to Madrid and landing somewhere between Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. And then my agent phoned me. "Sign for Milan. Right now, they'll not let you leave." "No…" "Yes." "Ok, fine." You're then forced to tell the media a lot of crap; provided, of course, that they manage to ask you the right question. If they enquire whether it's right you'd practically signed for Madrid, you're duty-bound to respond hiding behind well-worn clichés and half-truths. You read a dull, lifeless script written by press officers with no talent or creative spark. "No, that's not the case. I'm perfectly happy at Milan." F*** off! It's a pity it went the way it did. I'd have signed for Real in a heartbeat. They're a club with more glamour than Milan; more prospects, more appeal, more everything. They strike fear in their opponents, whoever they happen to be. All that said, at the end of the season I had the consolation of winning the Champions League. It could have gone a lot worse.

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juventus have won nothing yet, warns Caceres The Bianconeri defender insists that his side must not allow their standards to slip and believes rotation is vital as they challenge for Serie A and Europa League glory. Apr 15, 2014 Juventus defender Martin Caceres has insisted that his side have not yet achieved anything this season and must continue to fight to secure trophies. The Bianconeri are on the verge of wrapping up a third straight Serie A title following Monday's win over Udinese and and have a Europa League semi-final tie with Benfica on the horizon. Caceres, however, is adamant the players must not rest on their laurels at a crucial stage of the campaign. "There are still five games remaining, we're getting closer but still haven't won anything," he told the club's official website. Head coach Antonio Conte elected to shuffle his starting XI for the 2-0 win over Udinese and Caceres believes his decision is fully justified as Juve continue to fight on two fronts. "It's right for us to rotate at this current time. Today, Giovinco and Ogbonna got the call and both put in great performances. We haven't got 11 fixed starters, everyone is required," the Uruguayan added. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Udinese win decisive in Scudetto race, says Llorente The Spaniard was delighted to restore his side's eight-point lead at the top of Serie A after scoring the second goal in the 2-0 victory at Stadio Friuli. Apr 15, 2014 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has hailed his side's 2-0 win over Udinese on Monday as "decisive" in the Serie A title race. The Bianconeri triumphed thanks to first-half goals from Sebastian Giovinco and the Spanish striker to go eight-points clear at the top of the table. And the former Athletic Bilbao man feels that victory at Stadio Friuli could prove pivotal come the end of the season as they look to hold off the challenge from Roma. "It was a decisive game, it was so important for us to win and we're happy," he told the club's official website. "We're getting through the games and the distance between us and Roma is remaining the same, so that's great as far as we're concerned." Juve are still fighting on two fronts this season as they look to seal a third straight Scudetto and win the Europa League, but Llorente - who missed the majority of last season due to his protracted move from Athletic - insists that fatigue will not be a factor. "We've played so many games that that's normal. Now we've got time to recuperate before Saturday, so it's no problem." Juve's next Serie A game is at home against Bologna on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled at 18:30CET. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juve win easy to restore eight-point advantage Apr 15, 2014 Juventus manager Antonio Conte puffed out his chest and declared that the whole of Italy were against his side. Their success had made Juventus the most hated team in the peninsula and it was just how they liked it. Being the most hated means opponents play the match of their lives when the Bianconeri are in town making each game that bit harder. However, in Udinese, a 2-0 victory was achieved with ease to restore the eight-point gap over second-placed Roma. It must truly be frustrating to watch the Old Lady in action if you're not a fan. Even more frustrating to watch when the opposition clearly lack the talent required to halt the speeding train that continues to dominate domestically. A Bianconeri side without the energy of Arturo Vidal, the delicate skill of Carlos Tevez and the imperious form of Leonardo Bonucci triumphed with ease against a team many still feel are capable of an upset. Except Udinese head coach Francesco Guidolin's side are no longer what they were. While Guidolin attempted to praise his players who ran and believed in a late goal until the final moment of the game, they simply lacked quality. Unable to keep possession, easily pickpocket in midfield and woeful in the final third, not only was their defence easily overcome but their attack lacked the necessary rhythm to facilitate penetration. There is a reason why Antonio Di Natale spent much of the game complaining, looked aggrieved and is contemplating retirement. While the striker is hardly a spring chicken, football isn't as much fun when the players around you rob you of your enthusiasm. Udinese are all about their counter-attacking game, they prey on mistakes and exploit every situation with their pace and strength. However, while the determination is still evident in their style of play, the lack of real quality makes it difficult to effectively execute the game plan. It's rather hard to find the elusive goal when most runs forward result in a squandered opportunity, either because Di Natale's teammates simply kept the ball for too long or made the wrong decision in the final third. Distraught and agitated, the forward even made a point of not making the run forward at one stage to demonstrate his anger at a previous incident in which he was left alone at the top with no teammate to play off. While the no.10 once boasted teammates such as Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Mauricio Isla, at this moment in time he is playing alongside players still developing and unable to match his present quality. It was all the more frustrating when the opponent boasted such cohesion in their style of play. Every gap well covered, every pass clearly directed, Juventus are a well-oiled machine, bursting with talent in every area of the pitch and on Monday night they demonstrated just how much they enjoyed playing their opponents. First to every ball, quick to intercept and committing numbers forward to overcrowd the opponent's box, it was simply too difficult to restrain a side so eager to collect their third consecutive title. Conte opted to start Sebastian Giovinco who, on the back of his recent performances, deserved his place in the starting line-up. Truly magnificent in recent outings, the player has demonstrated exemplary tactical understanding, quick feet and rapid thinking. The only thing he was missing was the goal -- a much-needed, desperately-coveted goal. On Monday night it finally arrived: a perfect left-footed curl to beat the admirable Simone Scuffet. There is something about Giovinco that has caught the eye of late. While he always appeared to have suffered with the weight of a Juventus shirt, he is starting to show great character while raising the level of play of those around him. Capable of drawing defenders away, of speeding up movements in the final third and of losing his marker, his influence is no longer sporadic but rather systematic. Whether it be against Trabzonspor, Lyon or Udinese, he has yet to shy away from his responsibilities, clearly demonstrating his worth and ability to cope with the pressure despite the unimpressed reactions of the fans that he has now begun to win over. Conte's profound belief in the player and consistent praise has served a purpose and one hopes he will continue to play more minutes in order to thrive. He may never truly live up to the expectations of a demanding set of fans, but in his present condition, he's a brilliant player to have on the bench. As for the rest, Claudio Marchisio deserves a symphony of compliments while Fernando Llorente continues to delight with his scoring ability, scoring the second to secure the victory. Five more games and it's all over. Roma may be strong but in Serie A, Juventus have what it takes to break records. One only hopes, they will soon dominate Europe in the way they have dominated domestically under their passionate coach. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Conte ‘sorry’ for Benitez row Apr 15, 2014 Juventus Coach Antonio Conte says he is sorry about the way his exchange of words with Rafa Benitez has been reported in the media. The Napoli boss last week publicly offered to give the Old Lady tactician advice on how to beat Benfica, given that he did so with Chelsea last season. Conte initially refused but now believes Benitez’s words were twisted by the media in order to give them a negative slant. “I am sorry that Benitez’s words were reported in a bad way by the media,” Conte said to Rai Sport. “I’m sorry because it seems to me like Benitez was being serious with what he said, in the sense that he was offering a helping hand. “Let’s says that some newspapers didn’t report it in the right way. “I think Benitez was being genuine, so it’s up to me now whether I call him or not. “Looking at his words now, on his part it looks like it was a serious and genuine offer. “Reading about it before however it didn’t seem that way, so I’m sorry. “I know very well that it’s more important to report about a Benitez row with Conte than about an offer by Benitez to Conte.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marotta: Scuffet has great promise Apr 15, 2014 Beppe Marotta has commented that Simone Scuffet ‘has great promise’, as he enthuses at Juventus’ fitness as a group. The Old Lady defeated Udinese 2-0 on Monday evening with director general taking a pre-match interview and the subject of conversation the Zebrette’s promising 17-year-old ‘keeper. “I will say that he has great promise, because whilst he has yet to confirm it, I believe he has all the requirement to do something important in the game,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “This begins with a quality that I think is enough for him to truly cover the goal excellently.” Marotta also considered that the Udinese match was the club’s 48th of the season. “Yes this really is remarkable, the great professionalism shown by the group, an extraordinary group because we have played 47 [sic, now 48] matches so far. “And then we can even add to that the eight official games played by the national team players. We have demonstrated that whilst we cannot always go at the maximum, we definitely want to round off this season with two objectives that are clearly important.”

Pirlo: I’ve never felt old Apr 15, 2014 In an exclusive extract from his new autobiography, Andrea Pirlo takes us back to the day he left Milan, headed for Juventus. The 34-year-old has chosen to begin his career retrospective, released in English today, where it all ended for him at Milan, after a decade with the Rossoneri. A pen. Beautiful, granted, but still just a pen. A Cartier: shiny, a little bit heavier than a biro and emblazoned with the Milan club crest. But still just a pen. The ink cartridge was blue. Plain old blue. I looked at the pen, spun it round in my hand like an infant examining its first soft toy. I studied the thing from a few different angles, seeking out hidden depths and meanings. Trying to understand. Trying so hard that I felt a headache coming on and a few drops of sweat slide down my face. Finally, the flash of inspiration arrived. Mystery solved: it was, indeed, just a pen. No added extras. Its inventor had left it at that. Deliberately? Who knows. Suddenly I heard a voice. “For goodness’ sake, don’t use it to sign for Juventus.” Adriano Galliani had at least managed to come up with a decent line. As a leaving present, I’d have expected something a little more than his perfect comic timing. Ten years at Milan, finished, just like that. Still, I raised a smile, because I know how to laugh, loud and long. As the club vice president and chief executive spoke, sat safely behind his desk, I had a look around. I knew his office like the back of my hand. It was a vault in the heart of Milan’s old administrative base on the Via Turati. I had happy memories of that room: other contracts, other pens. And yet I’d never noticed some of the photos on the walls, or had only done so distractedly. Those photos had a weighty history, but the prestige was subtly understated. There was every type of photo on display. Memories of glory days and once-in-a-lifetime occasions. Trophies lifted into the air; clouds always being pushed just that little bit out of shot. My picture was being taken down from the frame, but not by force. Getting bored of Milan was a risk I didn’t want to run. That’s why at that last meeting I was sorry, but just the right amount. Galliani and Tullio Tinti, my agent, both felt the same way. We said our goodbyes without regret. In the space of half an hour (probably not even that), I was out of there. When you’re in love, it’s time you need. When the feeling’s gone, having an excuse can help. “Andrea, our coach Massimiliano Allegri reckons that if you stay, you won’t be able to play in front of the defence. He’s got a different role in mind for you. Still in midfield, but on the left.” One small detail: I still thought I could give of my best playing in front of the defence. If the sea’s deep, a fish can breathe. If you put him just under the surface, he’ll get by, but it’s not quite the same thing. “Even with you sitting on the bench or in the stand we’ve won the league. And you know, Andrea, the strategy’s changed this year. If you’re over 30, we’re only offering a year’s extension.” Another small detail: I’ve never felt old, not even at that very moment. Only indirectly did I get the impression that people were trying to make out I was finished. Even now, I struggle to get my head round their reasoning. “Thanks, but I really can’t accept. There’s a three-year deal on the table at Juventus.” I Think Therefore I Play, by Andrea Pirlo, is out now in paperback and all electronic formats.

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Conte: 'Benitez advice? No thanks' Apr 14, 2014 Antonio Conte believes the Scudetto race is still open, but rejected Rafa Benitez’s offer to help Juventus. The Bianconeri made short work of Udinese this evening, winning 2-0 with Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente goals. With five rounds to go, Juve have already amassed 87 points – as many as throughout all of last season. “This was a dangerous game and we could not afford to drop points. Even in a difficult situation, we gave it our all,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “The season remains open and we did well to face this match with the right determination, approach and concentration.” Juve dominated despite resting Leonardo Bonucci, Arturo Vidal and top scorer Carlos Tevez. “Carlos needed a break, as he continued to suffer this thigh problem and it was not good for him or us, as he risked a long lay-off. We will monitor his condition for the next game and the same goes for Arturo’s knee injury. He’d happily play with one leg, but you need two to play football. “My choices were somewhat forced upon me today. Bonucci played eight consecutive games, so it was time he had a breather. Now we hope to have Andrea Barzagli back too.” Juventus host relegation battlers Bologna on Easter Saturday, but Bonucci and Stephan Lichtsteiner will be banned. “We were unlucky tonight, as Bonucci was booked on the bench and Lichtsteiner when he was coming off the field. “We have to keep going, we know the campaign is not over and that Roma won’t give up, so neither will we.” Sebastian Giovinco was often jeered by fans, but scored a sensational goal to break the deadlock this evening. “All my players had a great game tonight, which wasn’t easy. I knew Giovinco was in good form, he is a player who I already said in the past must realise he can make the difference at a side like Juventus too. “I am pleased with this performance, as some considered him to be like a child for me, but I had no favouritism for him. I defend all my players, as I did in the past with Mirko Vucinic,” insisted Conte. “They give me 110 per cent and as long as they do that I will defend them against anyone and everyone, even our own fans. The players give their all and I will always protect them.” Conte refused to suggest Juve had their hands on the Scudetto and reiterated no game will be snubbed, even with the Europa League semi-final approaching. “When playing against Udinese, you know they let you have possession because they can immediately hit you on the break at the slightest error. It’s their tactical approach. “We studied them and prepared for this match, as there’s no time left for a slip-up. We cannot afford to take any game lightly and every game must prove itself on the field, otherwise Barcelona would be in the Champions League semi-final right now. “The most important game is on Saturday against Bologna. The lads know that, they know Roma won’t let go. Roma had a step forward at the weekend and we had a step forward today. I expect to see a packed Juventus Stadium pushing us on to victory.” This week Benitez publicly offered to advise Conte on how to beat Benfica, as his Chelsea saw them off in the Europa League Final last season. However, the response was less than encouraging. “As Napoli went out against Porto, I’d prefer to avoid asking his advice on Portuguese sides! Maybe I have a little more faith in my own collaborators.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Guidolin: 'Credit to Juventus' Apr 14, 2014 Francesco Guidolin felt Udinese did all they could against Juventus, but “you have to give credit to the stronger side.” Ahead of this 2-0 home defeat, Udinese had notched up four wins and a draw in their last five Stadio Friuli outings. “I liked my team. They played well, faced Juventus with courage, made a few mistakes, but you have to give credit to the stronger side,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “Perhaps we could’ve done a little more in terms of aggression, but I saw my team run for 90 minutes and try to the end, hitting the woodwork at the death. “Unfortunately, when you concede the first goal against Juventus it becomes extremely difficult, as they keep possession and can also hit you on the counter. “I am moderately satisfied with our performance this evening. I thought we started fairly well and didn’t want to go behind, but that goal put the game in Juve’s hands. Let’s not forget we were facing the best team in Serie A. “We tried to attack Martin Caceres or Giorgio Chiellini when they pushed forward, but Juve have this perfect mechanism by now that sees other figures slot in to cover the gaps.” Juventus have an eight-point lead over Roma in the Serie A standings, but Guidolin admires both teams. “In my view Roma are still a great side with a very impressive campaign. They have a different style of football, different systems, but both very strong in their own ways. There isn’t a big gap between them.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111