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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."

Llorente: I do not have a problem with Diego Costa The striker has dismissed reports that he has been upset by the prospect of missing out on the World Cup because of the Brazil-born forward's decision to declare for la Roja. Mar 5, 2014 Juventus attacker Fernando Llorente has insisted that he does not have any problems with either Spain coach Vicente del Bosque or Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa. http://markting10.nl/ The former Athletic Bilbao forward has been left out of the squad for Wednesday's international friendly against Italy but has dismissed suggestions that he's unhappy with the Brazil-born striker's inclusion. "I need to accept Del Bosque's decision," Llorente told Cadena Cope. "I would have liked to have been in the squad but Diego Costa is having an incredible season." The 29-year-old then went on to stress that he has not given up hope of fighting his way back into the Spain squad ahead of this summer's showpiece event. http://markting10.nl/ "It would be a shame not to go to the World Cup but there is still a long time before the next squad is named," he pointed out. "I will do my utmost to make the team again." Llorente has been in fine form for Juventus this season, scoring 11 goals in 23 Serie A appearances.

Tevez: Scudetto three-quarters ours Mar 4, 2014 Juventus forward Carlos Tevez believes that the Scudetto is now ‘three-quarters ours’, following victory at Milan on Sunday. AMAZONIAN The Bianconeri came away from San Siro with a 2-0 result thanks in part to the Argentine striker’s fierce effort midway through the second half. “My shot was unstoppable, Abbiati could not do anything,” Tevez has reflected in today’s edition of Tuttosport. “And it was one of the most beautiful and important goals of my career. Also, because I could celebrate the birth of my son, the pacifier was for him.” AMAZONIAN The 30-year-old was asked of the continued attention surrounding refereeing decisions in Serie A and if Juve are benefiting where others are not. “We do not care if others create a mess around the referees, because we win on the field. The Scudetto is three-quarters ours, after the success at Milan. “Thanks to Roma’s draw, our victory at San Siro can really be worth the title - it is a victory worth six points, not three.” AMAZONIAN The former Manchester United and Manchester City man considered his work this term with Antonio Conte. “I have a special relationship with Conte, he was the first to talk to me to know me better and to bring me to Juve, he quickly proved that he had so much confidence in me and wanted me strongly. “We often talk, he makes he feel important to Juve. Sometimes he compliments me and my character: ‘you’re a lion!’ AMAZONIAN “Other times he motivates me. For example, at San Siro, at one point, he asked me: ‘Carlos, are you there?’ I answered yes. “And then I proved that not only with the goal. Conte and I have the same ambition.” AMAZONIAN Despite Tevez’s form, he continues to be left out of the Argentina squad by Alejandro Sabella. “I do not know whether it is a political choice, I think it is a technical choice.”

Chiellini warns against Juventus complacency Mar 4, 2014 Defender Giorgio Chiellini has warned Juventus they cannot take their current 11 point advantage over nearest rivals Roma for granted, believing that they should also take into account that the two sides are still to meet in Rome where the Giallorossi knocked them out of the Coppa Italia. AMAZONIAN Despite securing a 2-0 win at AC Milan on Sunday the Italian international also expects the Bianconeri’s attempts end the season with a Europa League and Serie A double will also be demanding towards the end of the campaign. “The ranking does not say it all. First of all we need to consider that the points advantage is between eight and 11,” Chiellini told Rai Sport. AMAZONIAN “The Parma team are very positive, but we need to think negatively and therefore to a possible victory by Roma. “Obviously the cup will take away a lot of energy, we saw that last night [versus Milan] and you have to accumulate as many points as possible to manage in the end.”

Vieira: 'Pogba better than me!' Mar 4, 2014 Patrick Vieira believes Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba “is certainly more talented than I was.” AMAZONIAN The France legend tipped his 20-year-old heir to surpass him very soon after a remarkable rise through the ranks since he was allowed to leave Manchester United as a free agent. “Compared to me, Pogba is more attacking, whereas I was more defensively-minded,” Vieira told France Football and Tuttosport. “He pushes forward more and therefore scores more goals. He is also better on a technical level and is certainly more talented than I was. AMAZONIAN “He is a player capable of scoring 10 to 15 goals every year. In a three-man midfield I think it suits his style of football.” Pogba’s contract with Juventus expires in June 2016, but the club is already at a very advanced stage in renewal negotiations. It’s reported agent Mino Raiola wants to include a buy-out clause, but the Bianconeri are against the idea.

Buffon: 'Casillas, Cech and I' Mar 4, 2014 Gigi Buffon believes the Cesare Prandelli-Juventus row was “a misunderstanding” and hailed Spain’s Iker Casillas. AMAZONIAN The friendly kicks off in Madrid on Wednesday at 22.00 CET, one of the last warm-ups before the World Cup. However, the last couple of days have been overshadowed by Juve complaints that Italy called Giorgio Chiellini when still recovering from an injury. “These are situations I cannot get involved in, especially as I don’t know what happened specifically and my role allows me to listen without judging,” said the Juventus and Italy goalkeeper in his Press conference. AMAZONIAN “I have enough experience to know it is best not to get involved. In any case, I believe it was a misunderstanding. Everyone thinks they are doing their best to look out for their team and that is true of both the Nazionale and Juve.” Buffon was asked whether he was considering his future and the possibility of stepping aside to let younger goalkeepers through. “Since my back surgery in 2010, I have had 50-60 games per year for the last three or four seasons. I am back to giving consistent performances, which means I am in good shape. AMAZONIAN “For a sportsman, the response is always on the pitch. That’s the response you journalists should look at too. If someone wants to try other options, then I will take that into account, without causing controversy.” Buffon remains the undisputed Number 1 for Juventus and Italy, whereas his Spanish counterpart Iker Casillas is struggling to get games at Real Madrid. AMAZONIAN “We managed to stay at the top level for 10-15 years, though it’s only normal that over such a long period of time there were some dips in form, but our strength has been our consistency. We weren’t the only top goalkeepers, as some forget Petr Cech, probably because he plays for the Czech Republic and not one of the bigger nations. "Mario Balotelli? We have great affection for him and he always makes us laugh in the locker room, but this Nazionale must not be dependent on anyone, including Andrea Pirlo or me."

Deschamps: Pogba plays too much Mar 4, 2014 France Coach Didier Deschamps says he is concerned at the number of games Juventus star Paul Pogba has been playing over the last year. AMAZONIAN The former Bordeaux tactician was speaking as his side prepare to take on Holland in an international friendly tomorrow evening. “Paul has played so much since the U-20 World Cup,” Deschamps commented. “He has been preparing for games in different ways and he has been playing so often. “Juve and Antonio Conte cannot rest him, he is having a great season and they are also in the Europa League. AMAZONIAN “But he is young and they need to be careful with him.” Pogba has feature in 35 matches in all competitions so far this season, with 25 of those coming in Serie A.

Chiellini trains alone for Italy Mar 4, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini trained virtually alone in Italy’s first session ahead of facing Spain, before a one-on-one with Cesare Prandelli. AMAZONIAN The Juventus defender has been the subject of a fall-out between club and country, after being included in this week’s squad to face La Roja in Madrid, despite having sat out the last three weeks for the Bianconeri with a calf injury. On from defending his decision to select the centre-back, though, CT Prandelli notably held a brief chat with Chiellini on the Ciudad Real Madrid training turf after yesterday evening’s workout, which saw the 29-year-old generally work alone out on the field. AMAZONIAN The squad’s goalkeepers also had a separate routine, whilst Dani Osvaldo, Mattia Destro, Lorenzo Insigne and Mattia De Sciglio all worked part of the session on the pitch. The rest of the selection, however, was confined to general gym work during this first session together.

Llorente accepts Del Bosque decision Mar 4, 2014 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has accepted Vicente Del Bosque’s decision not to call him up to the Spanish national squad. http://markting10.nl/ The 29-year-old will miss the friendly with Italy but is on course to win more trophies with his club side this season. “I need to accept Del Bosque’s decision,” Llorente said to Cadena Cope. “I would have liked to have been in the squad but Diego Costa is having an incredible season. http://markting10.nl/ “It would be a shame not to go to the World Cup but there is still a long time before the next squad is named. “I will do my best. http://markting10.nl/ “Juventus are having a good period. We have a great chance to win the League but we can’t relax yet. “In Italy everyone wants to win but at home we are very strong.”

Del Bosque: Hard to include all Mar 4, 2014 Vicente del Bosque says that whilst Borja Valero, Jose Callejon and Fernando Llorente have impressed in Serie A, he is struggling for space in Spain. http://markting10.nl/ The in form trio all missed out on a spot in Del Bosque’s latest squad for Wednesday evening’s friendly in Madrid against Italy. Talking to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the 63-year-old Champions League, World Cup and European Championship winner looked to explain why. “Today those who are not aware of what is happening abroad do not watch television,” began Del Bosque in response. http://markting10.nl/ “I know Borja perfectly, and since he was a kid. I have watched Fiorentina often recently and he has previously been called up with us. “But the competition in midfield is tremendous. It is impossible to call up everyone. “Callejon? He is doing very well, clearly he has the chance to be called up. This list is not definitive, it is only valid for the match with Italy. http://markting10.nl/ “But, I repeat, we have serious problems to fit into the squad the many excellent pieces that we have. “Is Llorente the most obvious absence? Yes, but someone from Chelsea may be wondering why Fernando Torres isn’t here, or from Tottenham on why Roberto Soldado isn’t, or from Atletico Madrid about David Villa. http://markting10.nl/ “It is not easy. For Fernando, it is important that he has moved on from what he experienced last year in Bilbao, that he now plays with continuity and is in contention at Juventus. “He is happy, the club also, so it is good. And he knows that we appreciate him very much, that he is not called up is one thing that bothers us.”

MILAN 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Fernando Llorente (44′) Carlos Tévez (68′) March 2, 2014 - 8:45 PM Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium — Milan Referee: Marco Guida Attendance:‬ 40000‎ Seedorf: Milan not trying to copy Juventus The Dutchman is not looking toward the Bianconeri for inspiration, yet believes Roma face a tough task to get back in the title race. Mar 4, 2014 Clarence Seedorf insists AC Milan are looking to create their own identity rather than try and copy the style that has brought Juventus so much success in recent years. http://markting10.nl/ The Turin side have dominated Serie A for the past two seasons and are on course to make it three domestic titles in a row following this weekend's 2-0 win over the Rossoneri at San Siro. However, Seedorf is not looking at the titleholders for inspiration, explaining that he has own ideas about how to bring the glory days back to the Giuseppe Meazza. "We are not trying to be like Juventus. We are Milan and we want to be like Milan," the Dutchman told reporters. http://markting10.nl/ Seedorf then went on to discuss the Serie A title race and admitted that Juventus appear to be sitting in pole position to retain the Scudetto, given Antonio Conte's men are now 11 points clear of second-placed Roma. "Indeed, it seems like the Bianconeri are out of their rivals' reach, but the title race is not over yet," he argued. "Roma are a great team and a comeback is always possible in football. But I admit that it's unlikely that Juventus will throw this lead away." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Tevez blasts title rivals: Juventus do their talking on the pitch The Argentine attacker is unimpressed with the Bianconeri's title rivals' media offensives and is delighted that Antonio Conte's men "effectively" sealed the Scudetto on Sunday. Mar 4, 2014 Carlos Tevez says that Juventus prefer to do their talking on the pitch rather than make bold claims about the title race and engage in debates over refereeing mistakes in the press. AMAZONIAN The reigning Italian champions defeated AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro on Sunday night to open up an 11-point lead over second-placed Roma in the Serie A standings, though the Giallorossi do have a game in hand. The Bianconeri have been repeatedly accused of benefiting from preferential treatment from referees this season but Tevez says that their rivals' accusations only serve to further motivate Antonio Conte's men. "The other teams are kicking up a fuss outside the pitch, while we do our talking on the pitch," the Argentine was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. AMAZONIAN "Last weekend's win over Milan could effectively have handed us the Serie A title again." Tevez has been un sublime form for the Old Lady since joining from Manchester City last summer, scoring 15 goals in 26 Serie A appearances.