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JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Valero 'confident' ahead of appeal Mar 7, 2014 Borja Valero has claimed he is ‘confident’ that his four-match ban can be overturned this afternoon. AMAZONIAN The Fiorentina midfielder was sent off during Fiorentina’s match with Parma and was handed the additional punishment for laying hands on the referee while he protested. This infuriated Viola fans, players and directors alike, with supporters making their feelings clear by holding protests against match officials during their most recent League game with Lazio. But ahead of a meeting with the FIGC this afternoon, the Spaniard has revealed he is calm. AMAZONIAN “I am confident,” he told reporters. “I am here today because I want to explain my reasons. “I want to thank the city of Florence and all the fans for their solidarity. AMAZONIAN “I have received so many messages, and they have all been on my side. “I am calm. But whatever happens, I hope Fiorentina do well against Juve.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Tevez: Juve know our strength Mar 7, 2014 Carlos Tevez has spoken of his pride in wearing the shirt of Juventus, and on how he is not surprised by the team’s form this term. AMAZONIAN The Argentine currently leads the Serie A scoring charts midway through his first season with the Old Lady and notably holds the No 10 shirt made famous by the likes of Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero. “The No 10 jersey is very important for the fans and also a little for me too,” Tevez has commented today to JTV. “When I wear the shirt of Juventus, this is the identity of the club. I am happy whether on a Sunday or a Thursday, whenever I play, to wear the shirt of Juventus. I think it is important for a player.” AMAZONIAN Tevez was asked how he feels his early work in Turin has gone, and his adaptation in the city. “I believed that if I have worked hard to adapt, I knew I could do everything right on the field. I have remained physically fit, which I had hoped for this year. When I arrived, I said: if physically fit, we can do great things. “Yes I expected such a start at Juventus, because we knew of our potential in the field, inside and out. We are a strong team and we know it. When we all play together, it is hard to beat Juventus. AMAZONIAN “How has it been in Turin? I really the city as a city, because I lived seven or eight years in Manchester and to live in Manchester is difficult. “Turin is like living in an Argentine city, not Buenos Aires because that is too large, but it is similar to an Argentine city. For me, for my family, it has been easy to adapt to Turin. “The most difficult is the Italian League. I have played in many countries, but the most difficult is the Italian League because it is very tactical, the game is too tactical, the Coach tactically controls the game. It is why Italian football is very difficult.” AMAZONIAN The Argentine was also asked for comment on whether last week’s goal scored at Milan was his best yet. “I always think that the next goal is the most beautiful, if it arrives against Fiorentina or after that. The next goal is always the most beautiful.” This weekend the Bianconeri host Fiorentina. AMAZONIAN “I think it will be a very good game, because they are the only team to have beaten us in the first half of the season. It is going to be a very nice game.” One objective that Juve have fallen short of this term has been the Champions League. “I think it is the dream of everyone, not just the fans, but also the players. But we have to remove the pressure of winning the Champions League, otherwise it will be impossible to win.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus meet over Pogba The Champions League hopefuls are keen to lure the midfielder back to his native country and have opened informal talks. Mar 7, 2014 By Romeo Agresti Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has met with his Juventus counterpart Andrea Agnelli in a Paris hotel to discuss a potential move for Paul Pogba. AMAZONIAN The Ligue 1 champions have long been linked with the France international as they aim to further strengthen their squad this summer and Al-Khelaifi has now sounded out Agnelli in a bid to test the water over a summer transfer. Pogba has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016 and the Serie A giants are keen to extend the 20-year-old's stay at the club beyond the expiry date of his current deal. The Europa League hopefuls are willing to offer the Frenchman a new contract until June 2018, worth €4.5 million per year. AMAZONIAN However, even though Agnelli stated earlier this week that the powerful midfielder is untouchable, he has previously admitted that Juventus may be unable to hold on to Pogba if a big-money offer comes in and PSG are ready to test the club's resolve. The former Manchester United man could be offered wages of up to nearly €9m-a-season with the Paris giants and Pogba could be tempted to push for a transfer if PSG step up their interest come the end of the current season. AMAZONIAN Pogba will not be available on the cheap, but PSG could include either Ezequiel Lavezzi or Lucas Moura in the deal to soften Juve's demands. The midfielder has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this term, scoring eight goals in the process.

Tevez: Serie A the most difficult league The forward - who enjoyed spells in Argentina, Brazil and England prior to last summer's switch to the Bianconeri - has a new found respect for Italy's top flight. Mar 7, 2014 Juventus attacker Carlos Tevez feels that Serie A is the most difficult league on a tactical level he has ever played in. AMAZONIAN The 30-year-old has a wealth of experience in various divisions across the world, having played for Boca Juniors, Corinthians, West Ham, Man United and Manchester City prior to joining the Bianconeri last summer. And while Serie A no longer attracts the biggest names in world football as it did during the 1990s and much of the early-2000s, Tevez believes tactically the league is unrivalled. "Of all the championships in which I have played, the Italian league is definitely the most difficult and tactical," he told the club's official website. AMAZONIAN Tevez then went on to stress that he's not surprised by Juventus' fine run of form in Serie A this term. "We all know that we have the potential on and off the field. We are a strong team and we are very hard to be beat when we play together. AMAZONIAN "Juventus are a great club. You realise how big Juve are when you see how all the teams are desperate to beat us." Tevez has netted 15 goals in 26 Serie A appearances since joining the club from City in the summer of 2013.

Chiellini: Buffon the best of all time The Juventus centre-back says his international and club colleague is the greatest goalkeeper ever and that he will have a big part to play in Italy's World Cup campaign. Mar 7, 2014 EXCLUSIVE By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon is the best goalkeeper of all time, Giorgio Chiellini has told Goal. AMAZONIAN The Juventus defender believes his skipper at both club and international level is the greatest ever No.1 and says that his quality and experience could be key factors in the Azzurri having a good run at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. “Buffon, for us, is the captain. He is the player with the most experience and we are lucky to have the man who I believe is the best goalkeeper of all time defending our goal,” said Chiellini of the 36-year-old. “We always try to make sure that he has to make very few saves, but it is extremely reassuring having him in goal.” AMAZONIAN But Buffon, who holds the Italian record for international caps with 139, is not the only player whose experience could be vital according to Chiellini. “Andrea Pirlo is football, he is a fantastic and sensational footballer,” the 29-year-old continued. “In the past years I have had the fortune of having him in my club team, Juventus, in addition to the national team and since he joined we have started winning again. “He is a winning player who manages to draw the best out of his team. He also has an exceptional personality, which is something fundamental in a competition like the World Cup.” AMAZONIAN Cesare Prandelli’s side have been placed in a tricky Group D for the summer showpiece, but Chiellini is hopeful that striker Mario Balotelli will live up to the hype and score the goals that lead Italy to the latter stages. “Mario Balotelli is undoubtedly the greatest talent of Italian football,” he added. “His career so far has lived many ups and downs, but let's hope that in this upcoming World Cup he will manage to lead this team in the way that all the Italy fans hope.” Italy face England in their opening game of the World Cup in Manaus on June 14, following by clashes with Costa Rica and Uruguay.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Juventus have been sensational, says Llorente The towering attacker has hailed the titleholders' fine run of form and says they will be gunning for revenge against Fiorentina on Sunday. Mar 7, 2014 Fernando Llorente has voiced his delight with Juventus' "sensational" form this season, but warned his team-mates they cannot afford to lose focus as the Serie A title race is not over yet. AMAZONIAN The reigning champions currently hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Roma - who have a game in hand - but the Spanish striker has stressed Juve must keep up their current form until the end of the season in order to win the Scudetto again. "The distance we’ve established over the Giallorossi has even surprised me a little. Our campaign has been sensational so far but it’s not easy to pick up this many points," Llorente told Sky Sport Italia. "What matters now is continuing this form right until the very end. AMAZONIAN "The important thing is to not let our focus slip for even a moment, because Roma would be ready to pounce at any opportunity." Llorente then went on to discuss this weekend's match against Fiorentina, who beat Juventus 4-2 earlier this season, and made it clear that the Bianconeri are desperate to get their revenge. "We want revenge. Fiorentina are the only side that have managed to beat us in the league and we want to demonstrate that what happened in Tuscany was just an error. AMAZONIAN "We had played a great first half and we could even have scored again right after the break. Then there were those twenty minutes in which Fiorentina came to life and we made some mistakes. I don’t really know how to explain what happened." Juventus also meet Fiorentina in the Europa League round of 16. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

'I won't talk about Tevez' - Sabella The Albiceleste laboured to a 0-0 draw with Romania on Wednesday, but the coach is refusing to listen to reasoning for the Juventus forward's involvement. Mar 6, 2014 Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella has refused to entertain the notion of calling up Carlos Tevez despite a lacklustre attacking display on Wednesday. AMAZONIAN The Albiceleste, who are among the favourites for the upcoming World Cup, failed to overcome Romania as they drew 0-0 with a team who will not be at the finals in Brazil this summer. Lionel Messi threw up on the field of play while Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Rodrigo Palacio and Ezequiel Lavezzi also failed to fire on all cylinders in Bucharest. Tevez has scored 15 times for the Bianconeri in Serie A this season, but his goals have not had any impact on his chances of a return to the Argentina set-up and Sabella was in no mood to discuss the former Manchester City striker's chances of being part of his 23-man squad this summer. AMAZONIAN "I have confidence in my players and I have confidence in my strikers," the coach responded tersely when asked if it was ridiculous that Tevez's performances have not merited a call-up. "They're all stars of Argentina football. And I do not want to talk about players who are not here [like Tevez]." Argentina have been drawn alongside Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria in Group F of the World Cup finals.

Pogba is untouchable, declares Juventus chief Agnelli Bianconeri chief Andrea Agnelli has compared the midfielder to a World Heritage Site and says Antonio Conte's future in Turin is a certainty. Mar 6, 2014 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has suggested that midfielder Paul Pogba is untouchable and that his future lies in Turin. AMAZONIAN The Frenchman, who joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, has been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain with a new contract in Turin yet to materialise. With his current deal set to run out in June 2016 and talks with the player reported to be rumbling on, however, Agnelli is confident that the reigning Scudetto holders can fend off interest in the highly-rated 20-year-old. "Pogba is one of Juve's World Heritage Sites," he told gathered media at a UNESCO event. "He enjoys the attention of other big clubs but Juventus are already looking towards his future." AMAZONIAN The Juve chief almost hailed the relationship he has with coach Antonio Conte and says that the pair have a clear idea of wha lies ahead in the Serie A leaders' future. "My relationship with Conte is extremely healthy," Agnelli added. "Antonio shares the same dreams of where we want to take the club." Juve currently boast a comfortable 11 point lead in the Italian top tier, although second place Roma have a game in hand, and sit in the last 16 of the Europa League having been drawn against Fiorentina.

'Maldini and Baresi were my idols' - Italy stars Chiellini and Buffon share their World Cup memories The versatile centre-half is proud of how many great defenders the country has produced, while the Azzurri goalkeeper has admitted all the heroes from his youth were strikers. Mar 6, 2014 EXCLUSIVE Giorgio Chiellini has voiced his admiration for former Italy internationals Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi. AMAZONIAN "When I was young my idols were definitely Maldini and Baresi. I think defenders have always been one of the best aspects of our football. We have a different mentality," the versatile centre-half stated. "I believe that our defenders' toughness should be looked upon with pride and definitely shouldn't be seen as something negative." Meanwhile, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he idolised strikers when he was a youngster. AMAZONIAN "When I was young my heroes were Paolo Rossi for what he did in '82, Gianluca Vialli for his performance in the '86 World Cup and Totó Schillaci for the in 1990 where he allowed to dream a whole country," the Italy and Juventus captain explained. "Then, from 1994 onwards, they weren't heroes anymore; instead they became personalities and athletes that I should try to emulate and from which I could try to learn secrets that could help me better myself. AMAZONIAN "The memory I have about Italia '90 is an absolutely beautiful one because it was the first World Cup that I lived with a certain awareness. "When the matches were on, Italy looked as if it was almost frozen, without a single sound coming from outside."

'Maldini and Baresi were my idols' - Italy stars Chiellini and Buffon share their World Cup memories The versatile centre-half is proud of how many great defenders the country has produced, while the Azzurri goalkeeper has admitted all the heroes from his youth were strikers. Mar 6, 2014 EXCLUSIVE Giorgio Chiellini has voiced his admiration for former Italy internationals Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi. AMAZONIAN "When I was young my idols were definitely Maldini and Baresi. I think defenders have always been one of the best aspects of our football. We have a different mentality," the versatile centre-half stated. "I believe that our defenders' toughness should be looked upon with pride and definitely shouldn't be seen as something negative." Meanwhile, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he idolised strikers when he was a youngster. AMAZONIAN "When I was young my heroes were Paolo Rossi for what he did in '82, Gianluca Vialli for his performance in the '86 World Cup and Totó Schillaci for the in 1990 where he allowed to dream a whole country," the Italy and Juventus captain explained. "Then, from 1994 onwards, they weren't heroes anymore; instead they became personalities and athletes that I should try to emulate and from which I could try to learn secrets that could help me better myself. AMAZONIAN "The memory I have about Italia '90 is an absolutely beautiful one because it was the first World Cup that I lived with a certain awareness. "When the matches were on, Italy looked as if it was almost frozen, without a single sound coming from outside."

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Neto: 'Not afraid of Juve' Mar 6, 2014 Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto assures he is “not afraid of Carlos Tevez” or Juventus ahead of Sunday’s clash. AMAZONIAN The rivals go head-to-head in Serie A this weekend, then will meet twice for the Europa League Round of 16. “We know how important this game is, but we must maintain a high level of concentration. That’s the only way to get a result,” the Brazilian said in his Press conference. “We are well aware of how the city perceives this challenge and in speaking to Anderson I explained to him the rivalry that exists between the clubs. The city lives through this game without thinking about anything else. AMAZONIAN “Do I fear Tevez now he’s Capocannoniere? No, there’s no fear. After all, our Giuseppe Rossi was top scorer until last week. “We mustn’t focus only on Tevez and Fernando Llorente, but play our game and recreate what we test out in training during the week. We know of Juve’s strengths, but we have ours too and can’t just try to limit them. “Juve will play their game and we will play ours. Gigi Buffon is a wonderful goalkeeper who needs no introduction, but there are others of his level and perhaps even better. I really like Iker Casillas, for example, even if he’s not playing regularly.” AMAZONIAN Neto had been bitterly criticised at the start of his Fiorentina career, but has won over the supporters with some strong performances, including the 4-2 victory over Juventus. “My mentality is that this game was truly important and remains in the history of the club. However, this will be a different match with a different atmosphere. We must gain from that performance the confidence that we are strong. AMAZONIAN “If we look at the statistics, we have the third best defence in the League. What irritated me was that at the start I didn’t play, but the media did not influence that, because criticism is part of football. “I am taking it one day at a time and hope to be the goalkeeper of Fiorentina in future too. You’d have to ask the club or my agent about a contract extension, but if the proposal satisfies everyone then I am happy.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Orsato officiates Juve-Fiorentina Mar 6, 2014 The referees for Serie A Week 27 have been assigned, as Daniele Orsato takes Juventus-Fiorentina and Gianluca Rocchi officiates Napoli-Roma. AMAZONIAN It is a return for Rocchi, who was also in charge when Napoli beat Roma 3-0 in the Coppa Italia semi-final last month. Orsato has the difficult task of officiating Juventus-Fiorentina, a fixture that has always been fiery and now more than ever is under the spotlight following recent controversial decisions. AMAZONIAN Bologna-Sassuolo (Guida) Catania-Cagliari (Rizzoli) Chievo-Genoa (Gervasoni) Inter-Torino (Calvarese) Juventus-Fiorentina (Orsato) Lazio-Atalanta (Peruzzo) Napoli-Roma (Rocchi) Parma-Verona (De Marco) Sampdoria-Livorno (Giacomelli) Udinese-Milan (Russo) http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Llorente can’t explain Viola loss Mar 6, 2014 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente was at a loss to explain the Old Lady’s second half performance in their 4-2 defeat to Fiorentina earlier this season. AMAZONIAN The Bianconeri conceded three goals in five minutes towards the end of the match at the Artemio Franchi in October and the Spaniard still doesn’t know how it happened. “In the first half of that match we played very well,” Llorente told Sky. “Even in the second half we deserved to score more goals but unfortunately we couldn’t do it. AMAZONIAN “Then there were 20 minutes in which Fiorentina played very well and we made a lot of errors in concentration. “In the end it really was a mess, I really don’t know how it happened. “Sometimes there are matches like that.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juve 'won't deprive ourselves of Pogba' Mar 6, 2014 Juventus won’t “deprive ourselves of Paul Pogba” despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, said Andrea Agnelli. AMAZONIAN The 20-year-old midfielder has become a star since he was released as a free agent by Manchester United in 2012, fuelling reports of a PSG bid in the region of €70m. “PSG's interest in him? Attention of the big clubs cannot frighten you, but it is a source of pride. You have to stay calm” said President Agnelli at the UNESCO event for football against racism. AMAZONIAN “I don’t see the reason why we should deprive ourselves of Pogba: he is our growth. Every season we try to make Juve stronger, and Pogba stays with us. “Just two years ago nobody knew Paul Pogba, and our directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici were good to find him, now Juventus want to find another Paul Pogba.”

‘Agnelli and Conte share dreams’ Mar 6, 2014 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has spoken of his great relationship with Coach Antonio Conte and says the two of them have much in common. AMAZONIAN The 38-year-old was speaking at a function in Paris organised by UNESCO to help the fight against racism in football and also said his club have been playing their part. “My relationship with Antonio Conte is very healthy,” he said. “Antonio and I have the same dreams, we share the same dreams of where we want to take the club. “It is an honour to be able to speak at UNESCO, a place where opinions can be shared and there is a great diversity of cultures. AMAZONIAN “Football is not only a distant spectacle taking place at grand stadiums, it is the dream of millions of people and represents happiness. “I am convinced that Italy, which has welcomed immigrants for years, does not suffer from true, hardcore racism. AMAZONIAN “At the moment Italy is going through a period of mass immigration and at times, for example in the stadiums, some people struggle to fully understand it. “Juventus has tried to help people understand the situation better with its ‘Un calcio al razzismo’ programme.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Marchisio: Forza Napoli? Forza Juve! Mar 6, 2014 Claudio Marchisio says that Juventus’ attention will not be on hoping Napoli stall Roma’s title bid further, but on Fiorentina. AMAZONIAN The Old Lady currently lead second placed Roma by 11 points in Serie A and the Giallorossi face a particular test away to the Vesuviani this Sunday evening. However, for Marchisio, focus for the Bianconeri cannot move beyond their own tricky opponents this weekend, Fiorentina. “Forza Napoli this Sunday? I would say forza Juve, because first we have to think about ourselves,” the No 8 explained to reporters, speaking after yesterday’s Italy friendly with Spain. AMAZONIAN “We play before and we face a very important challenge. It is going to be a challenge in which we have to be very careful because we will also face them on Thursday in the Europa League. “We will face three matches with them in two weeks, so it will be very compelling.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Del Bosque: Llorente great but… Mar 6, 2014 Vicente del Bosque admits Spain better controlled the play against Italy yesterday, as he reflects once more on Fernando Llorente’s international prospects. http://markting10.nl/ La Roja defeated the Azzurri 1-0 on Wednesday evening in a game that Cesare Prandelli complained had his players physically below par. “In a period in which there is an intense schedule, it is not easy to play,” offered Del Bosque post-match. “I did not see a big difference with Italy, we can say that we had more speed in the movement of the ball. Compared to the other times against the Azzurri, we controlled the game better.” http://markting10.nl/ Del Bosque was asked once more of the chances of any changes to his squad ahead of the World Cup, namely with the potential re-introduction of Juventus forward Fernando Llorente. “He is a great player, but we cannot call up everyone. There remains three months until the World Cup, there is time to do all the evaluations and we will see. “There could be some changes. We can’t really say anything specific just yet because we’ve got three months ahead of us.”

Ten things to love about Juventus' No. 10, Carlos Tevez Mar 5, 2014 There could be a lot of ways to describe how good Carlos Tevez has been during his first season in a Juventus jersey. Or, we could think of an easier way to say it. Like, you know, basically coming out and declaring that Tevez has been pretty dang awesome this season. Not exactly any other way around it. The facts are the facts. AMAZONIAN But what makes Tevez so awesome? Well, a number of things. So much so that it's tough to single some of them out. Yet that's what we're doing here. And what better number to dwindle it down to than the one he wears on the back of his fancy black and white jersey. AMAZONIAN 1. He's the top player Juventus was seeking. While Juventus won back-to-back Serie A titles, there was something missing. Yeah, that 'top player,' the long-talked-about signing by Beppe Marotta and Co. who would make Juventus only that much better and that much more of a threat. Well, guess what? He's done just that. Champions League goose egg aside, it's not often you can bring in a guy and he becomes the league's top goal scorer right off the bat. But that's what Tevez has done. He's pretty good. Pretty, pretty good. 2. Grinta, grinta, grinta. If you were to put the attributes of Antonio Conte the player into a striker, Tevez would probably be the end result. But since that's not possible, having Tevez in a system like the one Conte runs is the next best thing. You watch Tevez through the course of a game, you notice one major thing amongst many characteristics — he never stops working. Take Juventus' 2-0 win over AC Milan this past weekend as an example. Just mere minutes after scoring one of the best goals we'll see this season, Tevez was busting his ass on defense to help stifle a Milan attack. That's grinta at its finest. 3. Goals, goals, goals. Before the season, we played a little game. A projection game, to be exact. The rules were simple — predict how Tevez would do in his first season with Juventus. The vast majority of people thought Tevez would have a very good season, one that would see him score at least 14 goals in Serie A. Well, we sit here in the first week of March and Tevez is already at 15 goals this season and atop the Serie A scoring chart. Champions League struggles aside, I'd say he's been a pretty good investment, don't you? AMAZONIAN 4. When there aren't goals, there's the setting up of goals. Who's leading Juventus in assists this season? It's not Andrea Pirlo, it's Tevez. That's 21 goals being created through one player. I'd say that's rather impressive. Then you throw in all the goals that didn't happen that Tevez played a part and it makes you think just how many assists he'd have if some of those shots found the back of the net. 5. We get to see awesome drawings on a regular basis. Exhibit A... ...I rest my case. 6. It's all about Juventus, not Carlitos himself. I have a friend, who just so happens to root for Manchester United, describe Carlos Tevez as something that rhymes with "moosh rag" the other day. He had some other choice words for Carlitos, but I think the first reference gave you the gist of how he feels about Tevez. My rebuttal was that Carlitos hasn't had any of those issues that he had during his days in England. The guy is happy in Turin, and it's showing not just in his play, but in his overall mood. Happy Carlitos, happy Juventus. AMAZONIAN 7. The interviews he's given. This is an extension of Np. 6, and for good reason. Tevez doesn't speak in the press very often. But when he does, you get the sense that he's not trying to hide something. Or, in short, he's being honest. Take this interview from Feb. 22 with Sky Italia that ran on the Juventus website. "I've always said, ever since my first day here, that I would have to respect the shirt and all the fine players to have worn it. But when I put the Juve shirt on, I almost don't know what number I've got on my back. What I do know is that I need to fight for the symbol of Juventus and give my all on the pitch for the club." I mean, how do you not love what the guy has to say? 8. He cost all of €9 million (plus bonuses) this summer. It's not as good as getting Fernando Llorente on a free transfer, but it's close. There was crazy amounts of money being thrown around for strikers over the summer. It didn't matter who it was, the eight-figure amounts of cash were crazy to think about. And then there was Tevez, who has been just as important to his team as any of those signings yet didn't even come close to any of them in terms of transfer fees. AMAZONIAN 9. The partnership he's formed with Fernando Llorente. Twenty-six goals combined is the thing that stands out, but there's much more than that. Tevez and Llorente have meshed into quite an impressive duo. Llorente is obviously the point man of the operation, holding up play while Tevez and the rest of the attack takes shape. No bad for a duo that has started just about a half-season worth of games. 10. He has shown that he fully deserves to wear such an important number in Juventus' history. I remember some of us around these parts being a little hesitant when Carlitos popped his head out Juventus headquarters and held up a Juve jersey with a No. 10 and his last name on it. That's what a No. 10 does. He's a top player, indeed.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Valero decision on Friday Mar 5, 2014 The decision on whether to reduce Borja Valero’s four match ban will be made on Friday, it has emerged. AMAZONIAN The Spaniard was sent off during Fiorentina’s match with Parma and was handed the additional punishment for laying hands on the referee while he protested. This infuriated Viola fans, players and directors alike, with supporters making their feelings clear by holding protests against match officials during their most recent League game with Lazio. AMAZONIAN Valero has already served one of the four games he was banned for, and should it be overturned on Friday he will likely go straight into Coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad for their match with Juventus two days later. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Prade: Viola can beat Juve again Mar 5, 2014 Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade believes that his side can beat Juventus in their upcoming clashes. http://markting10.nl/ Having overcome the Bianconeri 4-2 earlier in the season, the board member has confident that his team can beat Antonio Conte’s outfit in the League this weekend and the Europa League next week. “We are in the only ones to beat Juventus, and this is a real source of pride for us,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “I remember that day so clearly. The thrill of scoring three goals in six minutes when we were 2-0 down. It’s a game I’ll never forget. http://markting10.nl/ “And we will try to repeat that, even though we know it will not be easy. This team will always play to its maximum, because that’s the attitude we demand. “We know that these games with Juventus are an exciting challenge, and are much-anticipated by our supporters.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Buffon explains Spain goal Mar 5, 2014 Gigi Buffon revealed what put him off for the Spain goal and was surprised by Gabriel Paletta’s “sumptuous” debut. AMAZONIAN “The good news is we always make Spain struggle to beat us, even if we have to struggle even more to get a point off them,” he told Rai Sport after the 1-0 friendly result in Madrid. “Both these nations respect and fear each other. There is a great balance between them, even if Spain still have something more. “Unfortunately, when we do have the chance to hurt them and push forward, we lack the sharpness necessary to make those opportunities count. AMAZONIAN “Spain have many players with wonderful technique, so every stop, pass and run is perfect. As a consequence, you have to spend more energy than they do to keep up with them and intercept those moves. “Every now and then it’d be nice to beat Spain too!” Parma defender Paletta made his Italy debut and was Man of the Match for the Azzurri. AMAZONIAN “It’s the first time I played with Gabriel and I have to say his performance was extraordinary tonight. Many of us realised why he had been linked with the Azzurri jersey for such a long time. He didn’t just surprise me, but he surprised everyone with a sumptuous performance amid so many difficulties.” Pedro Rodriguez scored the decisive goal when Paletta’s sliding tackle had blocked off David Silva. It squirmed under Buffon’s body and the goalkeeper revealed what happened. “On the goal there was confusion with so many people in front of me. Pedro hit it first time and if he had hit it more cleanly then I could well have saved it, but the scuff took it slightly behind me. There was also a player right in front of me who was on the limit of offside and his presence meant I only saw the ball in its final three metres.” AMAZONIAN Diego Costa made his debut for Spain and Buffon felt he was slightly out of sync with the others. “Diego Costa has particular characteristics that will have to adapt to the way Spain play over time. With their system, it is inevitable he’ll have to adapt to them rather than the other way round.”

Marchisio: 'Spain are always strong' Mar 5, 2014 Claudio Marchisio was impressed with Spain, but also by Italy’s debutants after a 1-0 result in Madrid. AMAZONIAN “Spain are always strong and even as the years go by they still bring out more talent from their youth academies, like Thiago Alcantara,” the midfielder told Rai Sport. “Anyone who faces them at the World Cup will need a great performance. We did well against them at Euro 2012 and in the Confederations Cup, but we know it’s tough. “We always try to counter their possession and be strong on the attack, which at times we did and created some good chances. It’s something we need to do better than we did tonight.” AMAZONIAN Cesare Prandelli said the difference in fitness levels between the sides was “almost embarrassing.” How can Marchisio explain such a gap? “There are periods over the season where teams are in better shape than others. I expected Spain to play this way on home turf. Some said Spain were on the way down after the Confederations Cup, but I really didn’t see that. “We will work hard over the next few months to be ready for the tournament, even if we won’t see each other much in that time.” AMAZONIAN Marchisio also had kind words for debutants Gabriel Paletta and Ciro Immobile. “Paletta has a strong character and settled in quickly, but then we do all know each other. “It was a not remotely simple test against a great team and Paletta immediately moved well with the others in defence. AMAZONIAN “I also have to praise Immobile for his performance, as he caused the Spanish defence problems.” Marchisio was asked about the recent controversy between Juventus and Prandelli over the decision to call Giorgio Chiellini when not 100 per cent fit. “When we wear this jersey we think only about Italy. We have so little time to prepare for the World Cup, so we cannot listen to everything that goes on outside.”

Marotta: 'I visited Real Madrid' Mar 5, 2014 Juventus director Beppe Marotta admits he met with Real Madrid today, but wouldn’t say if it involved Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal. AMAZONIAN The Bianconeri general manager is in Madrid for tonight’s Spain-Italy friendly and was spotted at the Merengues headquarters. “Today I did visit Real Madrid, but even if I had spoken about Pogba and Vidal I wouldn’t tell you,” Marotta said to Sky Sport Italia. AMAZONIAN He was also asked about the row over the last few days between Antonio Conte and Italy boss Cesare Prandelli over the decision to call up Giorgio Chiellini when not 100 per cent fit. “Conte said certain things because he loves Juve too much, but I will shake Prandelli’s hand.”

'Pogba in a category of his own' Mar 5, 2014 Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has praised Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, saying the youngster is ‘in a category of his own’. AMAZONIAN Holland play France in an international friendly this evening, with the Bianconeri man expected to start in the middle of the park. And the Oranje Coach has been full of compliments for the 20-year-old. “Pogba is in a category of his own,” he told reporters. “Paul’s physically strong, very fast and technically superb. AMAZONIAN “I don’t know many players with all these qualities. “He’s the type of player who could fit in any team in the world.” Pogba’s name has been doing the rounds in the transfer rumour-mill in recent months, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United both registering an interest.

Chiellini: Spain is a vital test for us The Juventus defender believes the trip to the Vicente Calderon will be of great benefit to the Azzurri, while he also reveals his admiration for Atletico Madrid's form this term. Mar 5, 2014 EXCLUSIVE By Federico Casotti Giorgio Chiellini says facing Spain in Madrid on Wednesday night represents a vital part of Italy's World Cup preparations. AMAZONIAN La Roja overcame the Azzurri 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012 final and the Juventus defender knows that Vicente del Bosque's side, who are also the reigning world champions, are the ultimate benchmark when it comes to international football. "When you face Spain it's not a normal friendly," Chiellini told Goal. "It's an important match for all of us - a significant test against the European and world champions who we have already faced several times. "We want to maintain our results after doing well over the past few years. We hope to play well because this will be the last match before we meet up for the World Cup." AMAZONIAN The match takes place at the Vicente Calderon just three days after a pulsating Madrid derby. Chiellini claims that Real, who claimed a 2-2 draw thanks to a late Cristiano Ronaldo goal, enjoy a unique advantage over their Liga rivals by way of their superior wealth, so the versatile centre-half has nothing but praise for the way in which the Rojiblancos have managed to sustain a title challenge this season. "When you speak about Real Madrid, you talk about a lot of money - almost infinite funds - something very unique in the world," he said. AMAZONIAN "The real model could be Atletico, who are growing year by year without having such financial power. With great humility they are fighting at the same level with Real Madrid and Barcelona." Italy head for Brazil 2014 with a settled unit and a defensive bedrock given to them by a number of Juventus players, including captain and talisman Gianluigi Buffon. Chiellini believes the understanding between the Juve contingent is an important factor for the national team and knows that Buffon can be relied upon when pressed into action, as underlined by the goalkeeper's sensational performance in Sunday's 2-0 win at AC Milan. AMAZONIAN "We have to take advantage from our harmony on the pitch in the national team," he said. "Gigi [buffon] was phenomenal against Milan as he always is. We hope to keep things more quiet for him because the less saves he has to make, the better for all of us. "But we know that when the moment comes, he'll be ready." AMAZONIAN Italy are placed in Group D at the World Cup alongside Uruguay, England and Costa Rica and Chiellini has pinpointed their tournament opener against England in Manaus on June 14 as a must-win tie if Italy are to stand any chance of progression. "England are a great team with a lot of champions who can be decisive in such a tough tournament," he said. "It will be a difficult group stage and the first match becomes crucial. We'll prepare for it in the best way possible in coming months because we know how it will be important to win." AMAZONIAN With only 99 days to go until the big kick-off in South America, the 29-year-old admits that the excitement is beginning to build in the Italian ranks. "The expectation and adrenalin are growing," he said. "We're starting to think about Brazil. "While we play for the club we are focused on usual routine, but when we are with the national team and the new kit is unveiled we feel closer to the World Cup."