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JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) From lost Scudetto to Baggio & Berbatov - The history behind the fierce rivalry between Juventus and Fiorentina There have been plenty of heated clashes between both Italian sides over the past three decades and the sides will approach their Europa League tie desperate for bragging rights. Mar 13, 2014 ANALYSIS By Federico Casotti Of course, there was the 11-0 win for Juventus in 1928, but the rivalry between the Bianconeri and Fiorentina really started on May 16, 1982. Both sides were level on points going into the final matchday of the Serie A season, but whereas Juventus beat Catanzaro 1-0 courtesy of a Liam Brady goal, Fiorentina had to settle for a scoreless draw against Cagliari. The Turin side thus lifted the Serie A title, much to the dismay of the Viola. AMAZONIAN Illustrious movie director and producer Franco Zeffirelli then further heated up things in the 1980s with a series of controversial comments. Zeffirelli served as an unofficial spokesperson for the people of Florence and angered Juventus fans by attacking club icon Giampiero Boniperti, while wiping his nose with a Juventus banner live on television. His remarks about the Heysel incident infuriated Juve fanatics more than anything. After a decade of controversy, where Fiorentina never came close to the Scudetto again, both sides met in the final of the Uefa Cup. Dino Zoff's Juventus recorded a 3-1 win in the first leg in Turin, with Fiorentina complaining about a number of contentious decisions. The Tuscans were unable to turn things around in the return as it remained scoreless, resulting in Juventus' second Uefa Cup win in their history. Things only got worse for Fiorentina that summer as their precarious financial situation forced them to sell star player Roberto Baggio to Juventus. The forward reluctantly left Fiorentina and refused to take a spot kick upon his return to his former club. Luigi De Agostini then missed from 12 yards, which proved to be the start of a cold relationship between Baggio and the Juve faithful. Not even the Uefa Cup of 1993 or the Scudetto of 1995 could repair this. AMAZONIAN After eight years without the Serie A title, Juventus were desperate to challenge for top honours again in 1994-95. They started the season well and met Fiorentina on December 4. Baggio did not make the starting XI, with a young Alessandro Del Piero taking his place. Fiorentina grabbed a two-goal lead before the break, but two goals from Gianluca Vialli and a Del Piero strike eventually saw the Turin giants emerge victorious as they went on to win the title. Fiorentina got their revenge some 14 years later in yet another breathtaking direct confrontation. Both sides were challenging for a Champions League spot as Juventus were on their way back to the top after a season in Serie B following Calciopoli. Things seemed to be going the Turin side’s way as they went 2-1 up after goals from Mohamed Sissoko and Mauro Camoranesi, but Papa Waigo levelled the scoring before a certain Pablo Osvaldo helped Fiorentina to three vital points. One of the more delicate episodes of the fierce rivalry between both sides took place in 2009 around the Champions League encounters between Fiorentina and Liverpool. The Premier League side's fans received a warm welcome by their Italian counterparts on their visit to Florence and prepared to return the favour in the return at Anfield. Nevertheless, Liverpool fans then realised that Fiorentina's affection has to do with the English side's involvement in the tragedy at Heysel and quickly distanced themselves from the Viola ultras. AMAZONIAN Fiorentina's pride took a big blow when both clubs met in March 2012. Antonio Conte's Juventus were on course to win their first Scudetto since Calciopoli and went into the match against the Viola unbeaten. Fiorentina fans once more turned to Heysel taunts in an attempt to rile their opponents, but were silenced by the Old Lady as Conte’s men recorded a 5-0 thrashing en route to the title. Tension between Juve and Fiorentina rose again in the summer of 2012, with Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov the main protagonist in the latest drama. The Florence side were set to sign the Bulgarian striker when Juventus attempted to hijack the deal for the flamboyant forward. Berbatov eventually opted for Fulham, but both Serie A sides slammed each other for their behaviour in the transfer saga. There was more bad blood in October 2013 as Fiorentina hosted Juventus in a highly anticipated Serie A encounter. The guests were superior before the break and Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez both found the net to give the Bianconeri a 2-0 lead. Their Gabriel Batistuta-style celebration did not go down well with the Viola faithful, however, and also seemed to motivate the home side’s players. Giuseppe Rossi led his side to a 4-2 win after the break, which remains Juventus' only defeat this Serie A season.

Marchisio has not held Manchester United talks, insists agent The Juventus midfielder is admired by David Moyes but the Italy international's agent has insisted his client has not held talks with the Premier League champions. Mar 13, 2014 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has not held talks with Manchester United regarding a possible summer move, according to his father and agent Stefano. http://markting10.nl/ United boss David Moyes scouted Marchisio in January as he drew up a list of possible midfield targets – having already missed out on the likes of Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas and Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera. But the Italy international's representative has played down suggestions he has already discussed a move to the Premier League. "Sometimes I have received phone calls from agents who told me of the interest of clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool," he is quoted as saying by Calciomercato. http://markting10.nl/ "But no one from these clubs, however, has ever contacted directly us. And in (that) case I would tell them to talk to Juve." Marchisio's current contract expires two years from now but Stefano has insisted the 28-year-old is in no rush to extend his stay in Italy. http://markting10.nl/ "I've read that the renewal should be imminent, but Claudio is focused on the season and doesn't think about the contract," he said. "The current agreement expires in 2016 and there is time for (us to) talk about it."

Pirlo hints at imminent new Juventus contract The veteran midfielder has moved to assure supporters there is "no possibility" he will leave the club in the summer and will sign fresh terms at the earliest opportunity. Mar 13, 2014 Juventus star Andrea Pirlo has insisted that he will put pen to paper on a new contract with the club in the very near future. http://markting10.nl/ The veteran midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the season and he is yet to commit his future to the Bianconeri. However, he has now revealed that there is been a delay over minor details and assured fans he will still be representing the club next term. "I still haven't signed. There are little things we are talking about but there is no possibility that I'll go. The announcment will be there shortly," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. http://markting10.nl/ "Things have been busy and we've not had the time to sort it out. We'll fix things once we have a minute, the fans can rest assured." Pirlo also revealed that he and coach Antonio Conte have an excellent relationship, although he conceded tempers can flare when he is left out of the starting XI. "The coach and I have always got along well. Sure, sometimes we argue - you'll never see a player leave the filed or sit on the bench with a smile on his face," he said. http://markting10.nl/ "But they are small things. He's one of the best I've had. He's a great coach and I was amazed by his tactical preparation, concentration and ability to stay focused. "His desire to chase perfection is amazing. He transfers all that stuff into the team well."

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Asamoah learns from Juve-Fiorentina Mar 12, 2014 Kwadwo Asamoah scored against Fiorentina on Sunday and feels that clash will help Juventus in the Europa League. AMAZONIAN “I think the victory was useful to understand many things going into the European challenge with Fiorentina,” said Asamoah. “We are analysing our errors on the footage to understand how we should approach the game on Thursday. AMAZONIAN “Every match has its story and so much depends on how we behave on the field. That is why we are always working to improve ourselves.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Tevez out of Juve-Fiorentina Mar 12, 2014 Carlos Tevez is out of the Juventus squad to face Fiorentina in the Europa League on Thursday. AMAZONIAN The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow at 20.05 GMT in Turin. Hitman Tevez had been in doubt with a knee problem and is not even called up for the game. AMAZONIAN Andrea Pirlo is available after missing Sunday’s 1-0 Serie A victory over Fiorentina due to suspension. Daniel Osvaldo also returns, as he was on paternity leave at the weekend, and is expected to start alongside Fernando Llorente or Sebastian Giovinco. AMAZONIAN Juventus squad for Fiorentina: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Isla, Rubinho

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Juventus vs. Fiorentina Preview Mar 12, 2014 Italian champions Juventus welcome fellow Serie A club Fiorentina in this all-Italian Europa League round of 16 clash. AMAZONIAN Juve are arguably the favourites for the famous trophy after their shock exit from the Champions League, leading to their entry into Europe's second club competition. They once again sit proud at the top of their nation's domestic league, having accumulated a huge 14-point lead over second-place Roma, per BBC Sport. Fiorentina are also having a good season and currently sit fourth in Serie A. The Champions League could well be beckoning them for 2014-15. However, they are some 27 points behind the Turin giants, showing the difference in class between the two teams. AMAZONIAN Key Storylines Will Juve intimidate their opponents? When two teams from the same country meet in European competition, the usual rules of engagement cease to be relevant. Fiorentina will know Juventus intimately compared to teams from other countries and this could be a concern for the Turin giants. However, the team in black and white have been so dominant in Serie A this season that the reverse might well be the reality. Juventus lead the Italian league by a landslide as they look to retain three consecutive championships in a row. Fiorentina are definitely one of the better teams in Italy this year, but they are miles behind their Europa League opponents. This gulf in class could be telling in this fixture, and Juve will be looking to put their Italian brothers to the sword in this first leg. AMAZONIAN However, Fiorentina do have one notable mark against their illustrious opponents. Juve's one crushing moment this season came away in Florence when they were defeated 4-2, aided by a Giuseppe Rossi hat-trick, coming back from 2-0 down after goals from Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez, per Squawka. Fiorentina managed to net four times in a 14-minute period in the game, so they have little to fear in this encounter. AMAZONIAN Indeed, the two teams met this past weekend at the Juventus Stadium with the hosts only able to edge the affair by a single goal, winning 1-0, per Squawka. Fiorentina will fancy their chances of keeping things tight again and will chase an unlikely result away from home. The win for Juve saw many concede that the title is theirs. BeIN Sport's and Al Jazeera's Matteo Bonetti took to Twitter to proclaim his opinion: AMAZONIAN Matteo Bonetti @TheCalcioGuy Congratulations Juventus on winning the Scudetto. Biggest battle remaining is for second spot. With the Serie A seemingly sewn up, the Europa League will now likely become their priority, which is bad news for those who encounter them. AMAZONIAN Team News For the Viola, both Nenad Tomovic and Borja Valero missed the match against Juve at the weekend due to suspension, per WhoScored.com. Both are sure to return to the first-team for this tie. Rossi is still sidelined through injury. However, Mario Gomez is back fit to compete for a position to start with Alessandro Matri. The 28-year-old German marksman has two goals from his seven Serie A games, per Squawka, and will be looking to kick-start his season after injury. AMAZONIAN Juve rested Leonardo Bonucci at the weekend, while Andrea Pirlo was also absent through suspension. Both seem more than likely to start this game. Juve's one big individual concern will be the possible absence of Tevez, as reported by Football Italia. The Argentina striker has been suffering with a knee injury and will undergo a late fitness test. Tevez has been sensational since his move from Manchester City. He has scored 15 goals in 27 Serie A games this season, per Squawka, and has been the heartbeat of a Turin side who will bid to secure a lead to take into the second leg.

Agnelli: Juventus marriage will last forever The 38-year-old says his family's 91-year association with the club has created a bond that will never be broken. Mar 12, 2014 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has likened his family's relationship with the club to a marriage that will "last forever". AMAZONIAN Agnelli is the fourth member of his family to preside over the Serie A giants, following in the footsteps of his father, uncle and his grandfather who first took charge of the club in 1923. "The Agnelli and Juventus marriage is forever,” he told reporters. “I am not the majority shareholder, but I am not going to leave. Why would I? “We are the longest ever owners. [Massimo] Moratti was at Inter for 20 years, but Juventus have got 91 years from us.” AMAZONIAN The president went on to condemn the alleged discriminatory chants from Bianconeri fans in the recent league meeting against Fiorentina. Mariella Scirea, the wife of Juve icon Gaetano, asked for her husband’s name to be taken down from the stand, where the abusive chants apparently emanated from. “We have a responsibility to send the correct messages," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "The reaction of Mrs Scirea is legitimate because the name of her husband is related to the stand where the most passionate fans are. AMAZONIAN “We are proud to have the name there. The discrimination must be fought. “I'm surprised by the fact that, despite the advanced technology in stadia, it is not able to identify the few people responsible. "But we should be careful not to overemphasise certain situations, otherwise you are likely to give publicity to 20 or 30 people, who do not deserve it.”

- U.E.F.A. EUROPA LEAGUE (Andata ottavi di finale) 13 marzo 2014 - ore 21:05 Juventus Stadium — Torino Arbitro: Björn Kuipers (Paesi Bassi) Confronti ufficiali 166 - 150 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 75 - 69 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Pareggi 54 - 49 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Fiorentina 37 - 32 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 281 - 244 (Serie A) - 19 (Coppa Italia) - 15 (Campionato a gironi) - 3 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Fiorentina 186 - 162 (Serie A) - 23 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Juventus - Fiorentina a Torino Coppa UEFA Confronti ufficiali 1 Vittorie Juventus 1 (L'ultima il 02.05.1990, 3-1) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Fiorentina 0 Goals Juventus 3 Goals Fiorentina 1 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Fiorentina - Coppa UEFA 2 presenze Alejnikov Sergeij 2 Alessio Angelo 2 Casiraghi Pierluigi 2 De Agostini Luigi 2 Galia Roberto 2 Marocchi Giancarlo 2 Napoli Nicolò 2 Rui Barros Gil Soares 2 Schillaci Salvatore 2 Tacconi Stefano 1 goal Casiraghi Pierluigi 1 De Agostini Luigi 1 Galia Roberto Ultimi confronti diretti 17.10.2009 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-1 06.03.2010 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 1-2 27.11.2010 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-1 17.04.2011 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-0 25.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 2-1 17.03.2012 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-5 25.09.2012 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-0 09.02.2013 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 2-0 20.10.2013 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 4-2 09.03.2014 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 4 - Vittorie Fiorentina 1 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Fiorentina 8

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) All change for Juventus vs. Fiorentina Part II Mar 12, 2014 For the sake of Italy's coefficient points, it would have been better not to have two Italian sides facing each other at this stage of the Europa League, but alas, Juventus will take on Fiorentina again, for the second time this week, on Thursday night. If they are not already sick of the sight of one another, they soon will be. AMAZONIAN Antonio Conte and Vincenzo Montella are regarded as the two best coaches in Serie A and whilst Fiorentina are not quite ready to mount a serious title challenge, they are well versed in the art of hurting a rival. They are, of course, the only team to have beaten the Bianconeri in Serie A this season and are looking to cause more damage in Europe in the hope of qualifying for the next round, a great objective of theirs this year. As such, it seems Montella will likely alter a few things, including the formation, to overcome Juventus, who are considered the favourites in this competition. Having seemingly decided upon the 4-3-3 formation going forward, the Viola will instead look to play a 3-5-2 formation on Thursday night. The hope is that this will allow for greater defensive stability as the side will shift to a five-man back-line when out of possession, whilst allowing for greater control in the midfield area. For the first half of the match between the two teams on Sunday, Montella's men were woeful when it came to closing down Claudio Marchisio, who acted as a deep-lying midfielder, whilst their carelessness gifted Juve possession in dangerous areas. Montella will be keen to change it to allow his side a firmer grip of the game from the outset as well as frustrating Juventus to prevent the concession of an early goal. AMAZONIAN In the second half, the Viola improved dramatically, but whilst the squad proved more effective when in possession, they also benefitted from Juve's unambitious attitude. Fiorentina have only won half of the eight matches they have played in Serie A when deployed in a 3-5-2 shape, or a variation of it. However, formations mean little when the psychological motivation is so high. We have already seen how much the Viola can hurt a complacent Juve and it's up to Conte and his boys to prove they care just as much about their European performances as they do about their domestic victories. Both sides will look to offer others members of their respective teams their moment to shine in this Europa League tie. Fiorentina are likely to play Josip Ilicic and Joaquin, whilst Alessandro Matri is also expected to make an appearance. Carlos Tevez has a minor pain in his knee and Conte may instead opt to play Pablo Osvaldo to make it a battle of the ex-strikers. AMAZONIAN On the wings, Juventus will once again rely on Federico Peluso and Mauricio Isla, whilst both teams will have their midfield maestros, Borja Valero and Andrea Pirlo, back in the side to inject a certain level of creativity to make for a more interesting match. The choice of referee is an interesting one, only because his presence brings back bad memories for the Bianconeri in this competition. On March 18, 2010, lowly Fulham defeated Juventus 4-1, a dark moment in the Old Lady's history. Bjorn Kuipers was the referee in charge and he has been tasked with overseeing the match on Thursday night between Juventus and Fiorentina. The Bianconeri will be hoping for a more attractive score-line this time around.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) How Juventus Will Line Up Against Fiorentina Mar 12, 2014 Juventus brushed aside Fiorentina at the weekend in their second meeting of the Serie A season. It was revenge, to an extent, for the Viola's stunning triumph at the Stadio Artemio Franchi back in October. AMAZONIAN Now the two sides meet on Thursday for the first leg of their last-16 Europa League tie. The crest of the wave that Vincenzo Montella's side were riding has long since crashed, with Giuseppe Rossi one of the casualties to dismount the board, succumbing to another serious injury. Mario Gomez's return was long and drawn out, and since the German has returned to the pitch it has been tough to recognise the former Bayern star. AMAZONIAN This is a tie that appeals to calcio fans and even branches over to the more casual football fan. There is going to be a certain amount of glamour with the inevitable tifos (choreography) displayed by both sets of fans over the two legs. However, the result at the end of 180 minutes is almost a formality. Juve are a juggernaut who will dispatch Fiorentina even if the Viola flirt with their best form. Antonio Conte will refuse to accept this reality though, perhaps due to the fact that the title race back in Italy is wrapped up for another season, meaning the Old Lady's exertions over the next week will be concentrated on this tie. AMAZONIAN Juve's rotation should be limited, and when changes are made, the replacements should be those capable of snatching a start moving forward, not those who are squad players and just need appeasing with minutes on the pitch. With Leonardo Bonucci resting at the weekend, we can expect him to return to the line-up, as will be the case with Martin Caceres, who came on as a substitute with 12 minutes remaining as a right-midfielder at the weekend. The Uruguayan returned prematurely from the international break and did not feature for La Celeste against Austria, so Conte presumably decided not to risk him in the first match back after the break, instead opting for the Italian Angelo Ogbonna, who was not called by Cesare Prandelli for the Azzurri. AMAZONIAN Thus, Conte will in all likelihood look to rest one of Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, with the former the favourite. Stephan Lichtsteiner will drop out of the side, as has been the case for each of the three cup matches in 2014, with the Chilean Mauricio Isla ready to start for the fourth time in this calendar year. Andrea Pirlo was missing from the weekend's match through suspension, so the maestro will surely come back into the line-up, leaving the Mister to decide which two from Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio will join the 34-year-old to complete the midfield trio. AMAZONIAN Kwadwo Asamoah has been spectacular in recent weeks, and while he has also missed all three of the cup matches in 2014 (the second leg of the Trabzonspor tie was through injury), Conte may be tempted to keep the Ghanaian in the line-up while he is in such a rich vein of form. Carlos Tevez was set to keep his place in the team, despite being rested for the match in Turkey in the last round, but El Apache is now a doubt for the starting line-up due to a knee injury, per Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia). Thus Dani Osvaldo, who was rested completely at the weekend and could be seen in the stands of the Juventus Stadium, could take Tevez's place. The Azzurri international will join Fernando Llorente, who was absent from the starting line-up in the last three cup matches. AMAZONIAN Despite the inclusion of a couple of players who would not be present if Conte was forced to name his strongest line-up, the team is formidable. The Bianconeri will look for a sizable advantage to take to Florence, even if their exertions lead to a hangover of sorts at the weekend when they travel to Genoa to face the Grifone. Conte will be satisfied knowing they are in the driver's seat to reach the quarter-finals. AMAZONIAN Expected line-up: Gianluigi Buffon; Martin Caceres, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Mauricio Isla, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoh; Fernando Llorente, Dani Osvaldo.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Fiorentina looking to upset Juventus Mar 12, 2014 Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella wants his side to defy the history books by beating Juventus in the Europa League. AMAZONIAN Acknowledging his side are underdogs against the Bianconeri, Montella insists his side have not returned to the Juventus Stadium for the second time in four days just to make up the numbers. Instead, he is taking heart in the performance of his side in the second half of the Serie A fixture at the weekend to fuel his optimism. "I don't know how many sides have played here at the Juventus Stadium the way my team played the second half [on Sunday] so we've got to believe in it," Montella said at a news conference in Turin. "Not always the strongest team with the greatest history wins. It's important we show our quality, don't hold back and have the courage to play a game against stronger opponents." Fiorentina are the only Italian side to have beaten Juventus in the league this season, although they lost 1-0 in Turin on Sunday. AMAZONIAN After two tight games between the two antagonists, Montella has not ruled out extra-time or even penalties separating them at the Artemio Franchi in a week's time. To improve the chances of that happening, grabbing an away goal or two is Montella's objective. Defending a goalless draw is not the gameplan. "We know it's a tie which lasts 180 minutes, maybe even more," he said. "We're aiming to score at least one and win, as always. You can't predict anything, especially against a Juve at this level. I'd like to win by more than one goal, but that's not easy. We may make some slight alterations, but we always remain faithful to our philosophy of playing."

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Remembering the 1990 UEFA Cup Final Between Juventus and Fiorentina Mar 12, 2014 In the summer of 1982, while Fiorentina were grinding to a 0-0 away draw against Cagliari, Ireland's Liam Brady converted a 75th-minute penalty against Catanzaro in Calabria. It won Juventus the game, and the Serie A title. The Viola have never forgiven them for it. AMAZONIAN Just a single point separated the sides that season, after 30 games. Juve had lost one more but drawn less. They'd won their 20th title and denied the Florentines their third. Eight years later, when Juventus met Fiorentina in the 1990 UEFA Cup Final, it brought the old rivalry back to the fore. The Bianconeri were no match that year for Maradona's Napoli in the league but in Europe they beat Paris Saint-Germain, FC Koln, Hamburg, Poland's Górnik Zabrze and East Germany's FC Karl-Marx-Stadt along the way to the final. Fiorentina, meanwhile, overcame Atletico Madrid, Sochaux, Dynamo Kiev, Auxerre and Werder Bremen. It was an awful campaign domestically for the Viola, where they narrowly avoided relegation. Their European campaign had seen them pull off a number of lucky escapes and was marred by crowd trouble against Werder Bremen in the semi-final. As punishment for the violence in the stands, the club was ordered to play their home leg of the final at least 300km away from Florence. They chose Avellino, south of Naples. AMAZONIAN Juve and Italy legend Dino Zoff, who was the manager of the Old Lady at the time, remembers the day clearly. Speaking to Uefa.com, the ex-goalkeeper shared his memories of the clash: “Those are extraordinary memories, because to win a UEFA Cup as a coach was something special. Furthermore, we won the Italian Cup [a few days earlier] as well, with a great team. Great credit goes without doubt to the players. We had a fantastic second half of the season in the UEFA Cup, in the Italian Cup and in the Italian league. So that year was full of great satisfaction. We had to solve the biggest problems in the home game because they caused us some in Turin. They also scored, but then we took a 2-1 lead and made it 3-1. That gave us a good chance to win the trophy because the second leg was played in Avellino, not in Florence. That helped us bring the trophy home.” AMAZONIAN The first leg was played at the old Stadio Communale in Turin. It was to be the venue's swansong, because afterwards both Juve and Torino moved into the Olimpico, which had been renovated for the 1990 World Cup. Knowing that Fiorentina's home advantage had been eroded by the crowd sanctions, Zoff's side pushed the pace from early on in Turin. Salvatore Schillaci, so influential all season for Juve and about to shine for Italy at the World Cup, cut Fiorentina open almost immediately. He made an electric break down the flank before cutting back to set up Roberto Galia, who slotted it right under Marco Landucci in the Fiorentina goal. His fifth goal in the competition was scored after just three minutes. AMAZONIAN Marco Nappi came close for the Viola shortly after, but he was denied by the brilliant Stefano Tacconi, who palmed it over the bar with a lightening-quick reflex save. It showed what the guests were capable of. They did have, after all, the Brazilian Dunga running the show in midfield and the young Roberto Baggio in the No. 10 shirt. Nappi and Baggio linked up well in the early stages, and the young fantasista's irrepressible ability caused the Juve backline several problems. He tested Tacconi but despite his efforts he couldn't bring his side level. That opportunity fell to Renato Buso, the journeyman midfielder from Treviso in Northern Italy. Buso was actually on loan at Fiorentina from Juventus at the time, but there was no doubting his loyalties when he made a dramatic diving header to get on the end of Alberto Di Chiara's cross. AMAZONIAN The stage was set for a classic. An away goal gave Fiorentina hope, but it also spurred the hosts on and forced them to play at their very best. The second leg would be a drab 0-0 draw, but the remaining 80 minutes of the clash in Turin were classic calcio at its best. Zoff's side had been living under a cloud since the 1985 Heysel Stadium Disaster. They'd won that year's European Cup final, but it was an empty victory under the circumstances. The 1990 Coppa Italia was the first piece of silverware they'd won since then but seeing the UEFA Cup within their grasp they pounced on Fiorentina in the second half and showed little mercy. Schillaci, in particular, was impressive that night. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but his tireless running and selfless play were key to the goals of Pierluigi Casiraghi and Luigi De Agostini, proving that there was more to the forward than just the 15 goals he'd scored that season. AMAZONIAN Totó had been something of a late bloomer, performing well but not outstandingly during his five years at Messina. He was only signed by Juve, in fact, as cover, late in the transfer window and after they'd missed out on their first choice forward, the curiously-named Brazilian, Muller. The scoreless return leg in Avellino gave Juventus the second of their three UEFA Cup titles. Despite the triumph, Zoff was sacked, presumably as punishment for Juve's fourth place finish in the league behind Napoli, Milan and Inter. AMAZONIAN He was replaced by Luigi Maifredi, who broke the world transfer record to sign Baggio from Fiorentina, deepening the hatred felt for the Old Lady in Florence. The No. 10 would be an instant success but even with him, Juve limped to seventh in the league, their worst finish in 30 years and a humiliation for a club of their stature. Giovanni Trapattoni followed and after a couple of barren seasons, success returned to Turin. Another UEFA Cup final, but this time with Baggio in black and white against Borussia Dortmund. All the Viola fans could do that night was watch and wonder what might have been.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Europa League: Preview ahead of Juventus' clash with Fiorentina in Turin Fiorentina return to Turin on Thursday for a second meeting with Juventus in the space of five days to play the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. Mar 12, 2014 The Florence outfit fought hard but lost 1-0 to Juve in Serie A on Sunday to fall 10 points behind Napoli in the race for Champions League football next season. AMAZONIAN "I want my team to pick up where they left off in the second half against Juventus on Sunday," Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella said. "I was satisfied with my team's performance and we have to have confidence in view of Thursday's match. "Juventus are strong but I think we can have a say." AMAZONIAN The Viola have been a force in Italy this season and can approach the tie with confidence as they are the only side to have beaten Juve in Serie A, a 4-2 triumph in October, while they have reached the Coppa Italia final. In the Europa League, Montella's team topped Group E before dumping out Esbjerg in the last 32. "I expect a battling Fiorentina," Juventus coach Antonio Conte said. "They will be determined to progress in the competition because they have little to play for in Serie A while we, in contrast, have a third straight Scudetto to work for. AMAZONIAN "Fiorentina will try to put all that they have into this competition. "Montella is a great coach and I think this tie will be a beautiful advert for Italian and European football." Juve have the extra incentive of getting to the final because it will be held in their own stadium. AMAZONIAN Moreover, they are keen to end their drought of European titles with their last coming in 1999, the UEFA Intertoto Cup. "It would be fantastic to go all the way in this competition, it would allow us to grow from an international standpoint," Conte said. Sunday's win, courtesy of Kwadwo Asamoah's goal, coupled with Roma's defeat at Napoli allowed Juve to take a giant step towards their third straight league title. AMAZONIAN Juve are 14 points clear of Roma at the top of the standings. "We are doing well but the Scudetto race is not over and there are still 11 games left to play," Conte said."We needed three points on Sunday and we've got that. "Now we face the Europa League and this becomes the game of our lives." AMAZONIAN Fiorentina, who host Juve in the return leg on March 20, will be bolstered by the return of Borja Valero after the midfielder missed Sunday's game through suspension. The Viola will be without Spanish winger Joaquin, who is sidelined with a muscular injury sustained in training.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Juventus and Fiorentina go again Four days after meeting in Serie A, Juventus and ACF Fiorentina go head to head in the round of 16 with Antonio Conte hoping it "will be a great game fit for the occasion". Mar 12, 2014 The pressure is on for UEFA Europa League final hosts Juventus as they welcome ACF Fiorentina to Turin for the round of 16 first leg, knowing their opponents have every possible motivation to block their path. AMAZONIAN Fiorentina lost 1-0 at Juventus in Serie A on Sunday – a result which further confirmed they have little chance of claiming a UEFA Champions League place for next season – and fans with longer memories will be harking back to the 1990 UEFA Cup final, when the Bianconeri got the better of the Viola over two legs. Juve coach Antonio Conte summed it up. "There's not much for them to play for now in the league so this is it for them – not like us who have the aim of a third Scudetto in a row, as well as the Europa League," he said. "Fiorentina can focus all their efforts on the Europa League as they're out of the cup and don't have a chance in the league." However, while the 44-year-old acknowledged his side were being pushed to their limits by a busy fixture schedule – "you can't keep running without petrol," he noted cryptically – Juventus will not lack desire. "We know the Scudetto has a huge importance, but we also know the Europa League is a beautiful competition and it would be fantastic to go all the way," he said. AMAZONIAN Conte did that with the Old Lady in the 1992/93 UEFA Cup, being the only coach in the last 16 to have won the trophy as a player, and feels this is a fixture that belongs on the highest stage. "We are two sides who play great football and this could be a good advert for Italy and for Europe," he said. "I say this and then it could end up 0-0 without any shots on goal, but I doubt it – both teams always want to hurt opponents by scoring goals and I hope it will be a great game fit for the occasion." Though his charges were beaten in Turin at the weekend, Vincenzo Montella was heartened by Fiorentina's display, particularly after the break. "When you're playing at this kind of level, a lot also depends on your opponents," the coach said. "I don't know how many sides have played here at the Juventus Stadium the way my team did in the second half so we've got to believe." The tie will be a special one for forward Alessandro Matri, who left Juventus for AC Milan last summer after 27 goals in 69 top-flight appearances, subsequently moving to Florence on loan in January. "It's the third time I come here, but it's always emotional," said the 29-year-old, an unused substitute on Sunday. "I've got to say I'd love to score against my former club."

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Juventus-Fiorentina Preview: Viola seeking revenge for Turin defeat Vincenzo Montella's men were beaten by the Bianconeri at the weekend, but they will hope that they can conjure up their second win over Antonio Conte's men this season. Mar 12, 2014 Fiorentina will be out for revenge when they face Juventus for the second time in a week in Thursday's Europa League last-16 first leg. AMAZONIAN Vincenzo Montella's charges visited the impregnable Juventus Stadium in Serie A on Sunday and, like many before them this season, fell to defeat with Kwadwo Asamoah’s 42nd-minute winner proving enough to seal a 1-0 win for the hosts. They travel to Turin for the second time in five days on Thursday for the first leg of their all-Italian clash hoping to upset the form books and become the first side to win at the home of the reigning Serie A champions since Bayern Munich in the Champions League on April 10. Juve have won 12 consecutive home games in all competitions, and have a perfect record in the league with 14 wins out of 14. AMAZONIAN However, Fiorentina can take heart from the fact they are the only side to have beaten Antonio Conte’s men in the league this season, Giuseppe Rossi's hat-trick seeing them come from 2-0 down with 25 minutes to play to win 4-2 in an incredible game at the Stadio Artemio Franchi back in October. They will have to make do without their chief goalscorer on Thursday however, the 27-year-old still not having recovered from injuring knee ligaments in early January. Montella's side made it through to this stage in comfortable fashion, claiming a 3-1 win in the first leg in Denmark against Esbjerg before securing their passage with a 1-1 draw in Italy. AMAZONIAN Their opponents were even more assured in their progression, winning 2-0 in both legs against Turkey's Trabzonspor to secure a 4-0 aggregate success. Pablo Daniel Osvaldo scored in both legs of that tie, his first goals since arriving on loan from Southampton. Osvaldo was in the last Fiorentina side to win at Juventus back in March 2008, scoring a last-minute header in a 3-2 success, before being sent off for removing his shirt in celebration. AMAZONIAN Head to Head Serie A ‎- Mar 9, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina Serie A ‎- Oct 20, 2013 - Fiorentina 4 - 2 Juventus Serie A ‎- Feb 9, 2013 - Juventus 2 - 0 Fiorentina Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - 0 Juventus Serie A ‎- Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - 5 Juventus AMAZONIAN Last Five Matches JUVENTUS Mar 9, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina - Serie A Mar 2, 2014 - AC Milan 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A Feb 27, 2014 - Trabzonspor AŞ 0 - 2 Juventus - EL Feb 23, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Torino - Serie A Feb 20, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 0 Trabzonspor AŞ - EL FIORENTINA Mar 9, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina - Serie A Mar 2, 2014 - Fiorentina 0 - 1 Lazio - Serie A Feb 27, 2014 - Fiorentina 1 - 1 Esbjerg - EL Feb 24, 2014 - Parma 2 - 2 Fiorentina - Serie A Feb 20, 2014 - Esbjerg 1 - 3 Fiorentina - EL

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Matri dreams of Juventus Stadium goal Mar 12, 2014 Alessandro Matri hopes to score a goal against his former club in Fiorentina’s Europa League trip to Juventus. AMAZONIAN The first leg kicks off in Turin on Thursday at 21.05 CET. “This is the third time I’ll come here this year, so I hope I have the right emotional reaction to the Juventus Stadium. Will I score? I hope so,” said the forward in his Press conference. Matri already played here for Milan and Fiorentina in Serie A this season, losing on both occasions. AMAZONIAN “Juve’s strength was evident over the summer and they have reinforced this term. I expected them to be so successful. “The two strike forces are both strong, but unfortunately at the start of the campaign Fiorentina had two serious injuries to Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez.” It is reported Gomez could partner Matri for the first time in tomorrow’s game. AMAZONIAN “We have played together in training and it helps us get to know each other better. Naturally in some moments of the season you need greater balance, though as the Coach said we can play together. “I am in good shape now, though at the start I suffered because I was no longer accustomed to playing so many games in quick succession. “It’s true Fiorentina are struggling to score recently, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get scoring opportunities. I have to work harder to get it in the net.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Montella: 'Best team might not win' Mar 12, 2014 Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella warns Juventus “the strongest side doesn’t always win” in the Europa League. AMAZONIAN The first leg is in Turin on Thursday at 21.05 CET, less than a week after Juve beat the Viola here 1-0 in Serie A. “We know that this is a tie that is played over 180 minutes, but the intention is to score at least one goal here and hopefully to win,” said Montella in his Press conference. “We cannot make calculations, especially when playing against opponents of this level. Naturally, I hope to win with more than a one-goal difference. AMAZONIAN “Compared to our usual standards, we haven’t scored many goals recently. I don’t think it depends on the system, but we will have to do something better while remaining within the same principles of football.” Fiorentina impressed in the final 20 minutes of Sunday’s game with Juve, but had been over-run for the rest of the encounter. “We had wanted to play that way in the first half too, but a lot depends on the opponents. I don’t know how many teams played like we did in that second half and that gives us strength. However, I am convinced Juve will set the tempo of the game.” AMAZONIAN Montella hopes to have Stefan Savic available despite the fact he did not train today, but Borja Valero is available as his three-match ban only applies in Serie A. “I am happy to have Borja back and hope he can be calm enough psychologically to give his best. Andrea Pirlo will also be available for Juve and he is extraordinary. Of course, if I were Antonio Conte I’d let him rest tomorrow....” Alessandro Matri could well partner Mario Gomez from the start for the first time this season in a bid to break that goal drought. AMAZONIAN “It is a possibility, either from the start or during the game. They are compatible, but need to be supported by the team and for various reasons we haven’t been able to do that recently.” Fiorentina are fourth in Serie A and Juventus the runaway leaders, but Montella denies suggestions the Viola’s League campaign is effectively over. “We have a lot more to play for. The team knows everything is still in the balance and we’ll use all our energy to go forward in Serie A and not just in that competition. I think so far our season has been positive. AMAZONIAN “Are the two teams on a par? If there’s a 20-point gap in the table and they have amassed so many points in recent years, it must mean something. “However, the strongest team and the most prestigious side doesn’t always win. We respect our opponents, but have the courage to face them with our qualities. It is a very stimulating challenge.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Isla 'lacked self-belief’ Mar 12, 2014 Juventus’ Mauricio Isla admits he has lacked belief in himself at times this season ahead of his side’s match with Fiorentina. AMAZONIAN The Chilean also said the Old Lady are extremely motivated to do well in the Europa League by the prospect of playing the final at home. “You asked me the same question after the last time I played in the Europa League,” Isla said to the journalists gathered at the pre-match Press conference for the Europa League Last 16 tie. “And that time I responded very sincerely that it what has happened in the last few months was my fault. AMAZONIAN “I didn’t have the belief in myself that the club, my teammates and the Coach all had. “That belief was missing but I have always spoken to the Coach about it. “Playing for Juventus, the biggest club in Italy, is a source of great pride. AMAZONIAN “The first year here for me has been difficult but now I want to prove my worth. “I need to do at Juventus what I have always done with the national team and what I did in the last match. “For us it would be fantastic to play the final at home, in front of our fans and win it. AMAZONIAN “The match tomorrow will be a very hard one because Fiorentina are a great team, with players who can hurt you. “But we just need to play our own game. “When we play like Juve can, we can beat anyone.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Juventus boss Conte defends Pogba performance against Fiorentina The France international was criticised for a lack of effort against the Viola in Turin but the Bianconeri boss felt the midfielder had been "excellent". Mar 12, 2014 Antonio Conte has rubbished the suggestion that he should be concerned by the performance of Paul Pogba in Sunday's Serie A win over Fiorentina. AMAZONIAN The France international was criticised for turning in an allegedly lethargic and disinterested display against the Viola in Turin, much to the bemusement of the Bianconeri boss. “Paul’s in good shape and I think he put in an excellent performance on Sunday," Conte told reporters on Wednesday. "But let’s not forget that he’s a 20-year-old lad who has played a great deal. He featured in the Under-20 World Cup in the summer and only had 15 days off. AMAZONIAN "But he’s a young guy and has no problems in covering the yards." Juve, of course, face Fiorentina again on Thursday in the first leg of a mouth-watering Europa League last-16 tie. Conte is hopeful of having a full squad at his disposal, but admits that he retains some doubts over the availability of star striker Carlos Tevez. AMAZONIAN "Carlos has experienced an inflamed patellar tendon, which we’ve been managing in training since last week," the former Italy international explained. "We’ll see how he is today [Wednesday] and make our required assessments." Conte added, though: “It’s inevitable that I’ll be making some changes with so many games coming up in a short space of time. AMAZONIAN "I’ll always look to pick a side capable of winning the game. "We’ve worked on our rotation policy and let’s hope they’ll help us get results both domestically and in Europe.” Conte knows, though, that Juve will again have their work cut out getting the better of Fiorentina, who currently sit fourth in Serie A yet retain little hope of catching third-place Napoli in the race for a Champions League place. AMAZONIAN “We’ll be up against a fierce Fiorentina side who will want to go through," the ex-midfielder acknowledged. "Their domestic situation means they’ll be focusing all their efforts exclusively on these two games. "We, on the other hand, are gunning for a great target in what would be the club’s third consecutive Scudetto. AMAZONIAN “But we’re also aiming to continue our journey in Europe. "The Europa League is a wonderful competition and, although it won’t be easy, going all the way would be very important for our development as a group. "It would give added international experience to a group that, aside from a few players, possesses very little on the European stage.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Joaquin misses Juve clash Mar 12, 2014 Fiorentina have named their squad for the Europa League clash with Juventus on Thursday, and will be without Joaquin. AMAZONIAN The Viola travel to Turin this week for the first leg of their Last 16 clash, just four days after their League loss. However, they will do so without the Spanish winger, who has picked up a thigh injury in training this week. Alessandro Matri has been called up to face his old side with Mario Gomez also in the traveling squad. AMAZONIAN Fiorentina squad for Juventus: Ambrosini, Aquilani, Borja Valero, Bakic, Bertolacci, Compper, Cuadrado, Fernandez, Gomez, Ilicic, Matri, Neto, Pasqual, Pizarro, Rodriguez, Roncaglia, Rosati, Ryder, Savic, Tomovic, Vargas.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Torricelli: Juventus will eliminate Fiorentina The former Italy international expects the reigning Serie A champions to progress when two of his old teams lock horns in the Europa League. Mar 12, 2014 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Moreno Torricelli thinks Juventus will prove to be too strong for Fiorentina in their Europa League round-of-16 tie. AMAZONIAN The 44-year-old wore the Juve jersey between 1992 and 1998 before spending four years at the Tuscans, and while he expects a "fascinating" encounter between the Serie A rivals, he is confident the reigning Italian champions will emerge victorious. "I think that Juventus will progress. I can see them win at home and then draw or get a small defeat in the return," Torricelli told Goal. "I expect a tough match, though. There's a huge rivalry between these two teams and the tie will be even more fascinating because it's a European game. AMAZONIAN "Juventus are the better team in my opinion. Their squad is very complete and they have a lot of quality, while they also have an entertaining style of play. "Fiorentina on the other hand have not really been fulfilling the high expectations, also because Giuseppe Rossi and Mario Gomez got injured." While he admits the Europa League might not be as high profile as the Champions League, Torricelli feels is is the perfect opportunity for Italian football to climb the Uefa coefficient ranking and earn back a fourth spot for European club football's elite competition. AMAZONIAN "Of course, the Champions League has a bigger reputation and more appeal, but the Europa League is a tough competition as well. "The presence of the teams that came in from the Champions League enriches the competition. You have to be of the highest level if you want to win it. AMAZONIAN "Italy must win places in the Uefa ranking in order to re-gain the fourth Champions League spot and playing in a European competition is always very motivating." The first leg of the Europa League tie between Juventus and Fiorentina is scheduled to take place in Turin on Thursday.

Verratti honoured by Pirlo comparisons The 21-year-old says he is flattered by the view that he would be the perfect replacement for the Juventus veteran as he approaches the end of his Italy career. Mar 12, 2014 EXCLUSIVE Marco Verratti says he is "proud" to be considered Andrea Pirlo's heir apparent in the Italy side. http://markting10.nl/ The 21-year-old midfielder has regularly been compared to the Juventus veteran, who is approaching the end of his stellar career with the Azzurri ahead of the World Cup in Brazil this summer. Verratti admits that he is honoured by the widely held perception that he would be the perfect replacement for 34-year-old Pirlo in Cesare Prandelli's side. "The comparisons are definitely something that make me feel proud," the Azzurri starlet told Goal. http://markting10.nl/ "Being compared to such a player like Pirlo, a guy who has won everything in his career, that's very important for me. "I'm very happy to be compared to Andrea." Verratti was heavily linked with the Bianconeri in the summer of 2012 before opting to join Paris Saint-Germain from Pescara, although rumours of a potential future switch to Juventus Stadium continue to circulate. http://markting10.nl/ However, Verratti says that he sees no reason to leave PSG, claiming that he is constantly improving in the French capital because he is able to train with world-class talents such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva on a daily basis. "They're all great players and above all great men," he enthused. "They give me a great support to become a better footballer and a better person. "When you train along with such great players, you just need to watch them to learn something new.

Pogba or Pjanic in, Lavezzi out – PSG’s plans for a summer revolution The Ligue 1 champions have shortlisted a number of high-profile names - with the Juventus star at the very top - while they are also preparing to bid farewell to several players. Mar 12, 2014 SPECIAL REPORT By Simone Rovera Paris Saint-Germain have made plenty of waves in the transfer market in recent years, luring stars such as Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani to Ligue 1. AMAZONIAN And while the French giants are on course for a second successive domestic title and are cruising through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, they have no intention of cutting down on their spending. PSG's aim is to become the best team in Europe and if they fail to conquer the Champions League this season, then their summer activity should give them an even better chance next term. In order to reach the European summit, the Parisians are planning more major signings ahead of 2014-15. To make room for the new arrivals, they will offload a number of players from their first team squad. AMAZONIAN PSG are keen to add an extra centre-back to their squad and they have earmarked a number of players as potential defensive reinforcements. David Luiz of Chelsea, Mehdi Benatia of Roma and Eliaquim Mangala of Porto have all made the Ligue 1 champions' shortlist. Although they still have faith in Marquinhos, a more experienced partner for Thiago Silva is being considered. The titleholders are also keeping tabs on a number of right-backs and are eager to bring in some fresh competition for Gregory van der Wiel. Barcelona's Dani Alves is the club's dream target, but they accept it will be a difficult task luring the Brazil international away from his current club. Newcastle's Mathieu Debuchy is a cheaper alternative. In midfield, Juventus star Paul Pogba remains PSG's No.1 transfer target. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has held informal talks with his Juventus counterpart Andrea Agnelli to discuss a potential transfer. The PSG chief has also sat down with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola on a number of occasions in recent weeks while finalising the contract renewals of Maxwell and Blaise Matuidi. The Serie A champions will not let go of the energetic midfielder on the cheap, though, and will not open the bidding at less than €60 million. AMAZONIAN PSG have therefore already looked at alternatives and Miralem Pjanic is their Plan B. The Bosnia international is in talks with Roma over a new deal, but he could earn €4m per year at PSG against €3m per annum at his current club. Even if Pjanic does sign a contract extension with the Giallorossi, a summer move cannot be ruled out. However, the recent long-term injury to Kevin Strootman means Roma will now be more reluctant to sell. With Ezequiel Lavezzi possibly on his way out, PSG have set their sights on Eden Hazard to strengthen their attack, but there are two serious obstacles. One is Chelsea's valuation and the other is Jose Mourinho's admiration of the Belgium international. A transfer is therefore all but impossible. Another option is Pedro, who has had to settle for a spot on the bench at Barcelona more than he might be willing to accept. The Champions League challengers are also ready to bid farewell to a number of players, with Jeremy Menez all but certain to leave the Parc des Princes this summer. The versatile attacker has an expiring contract and a number of Serie A sides are closely monitoring his situation, including Juventus, AC Milan and Fiorentina. AMAZONIAN Another attacker who could be on the move come June is Lavezzi. The Argentine is happy and settled at PSG, but has been unable to replicate the form that saw him become a star at Napoli before his transfer to Ligue 1. Inter were keen to bring the attacker back to Italy last year and PSG are ready to open talks if the Nerazzurri reignite their interest this summer, although he would have to accept a pay-cut. The future of Brazil international Alex is also in doubt as still no agreement has been reached over a contract renewal. The defender is keen to stay at his current club, but PSG might be tempted to offload the former Chelsea man if a better alternative becomes available for the right price. Another player who could possibly move on ahead of the 2014-15 campaign is Javier Pastore. The Argentine is happy with his current situation at the club, but his status could change if one of Pogba and Pjanic were to arrive. If the latter joins, Pastore could be used in a part-exchange deal as Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini is a huge fan having first brought the South American to Palermo from Huracan. AMAZONIAN Edinson Cavani has also been linked with a transfer and a number of Premier League sides are keeping a close eye on his situation. There have been claims that the 26-year-old is unhappy to play second fiddle behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and would be open to another new adventure. However, a transfer does not seem a realistic option at this point as PSG see the Uruguay international as an integral part of their plans. Italy international Marco Verratti very much finds himself in the same boat as Cavani. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A, especially Juventus, but PSG are unlikely to let go of the playmaker following his outstanding performances since he joined from Pescara. Verratti has a contract with the French champions until June 2018 and an offer well in excess of €30m will be needed to make PSG even blink.

Ancelotti reveals Pogba interest The Italian rates him as one of the best young midfielders in the world alongside Isco and Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Verratti. Mar 11, 2014 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has hinted he could make a move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba this summer. AMAZONIAN The 20-year-old has become an increasingly key man for the Serie A champions following his move from Manchester United in 2012, having played in all but one of his side's league games this season. The France international has been strongly linked with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain as well as a move back to Old Trafford, but Madrid now appear to have entered the race. AMAZONIAN "He is a very good player," Ancelotti told RMC Sport. "He has a very good future. He is at a big club and is doing a very good job. "He is a complete midfielder. Get him? Why not. This is one of the best young midfielders alongside Marco Verratti and Isco."

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 13, 2014 - 9:05 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) Tevez to miss Juve-Fiorentina? Mar 11, 2014 There are reports Carlos Tevez will not be fit to start Thursday’s Europa League Juventus-Fiorentina tie. AMAZONIAN According to Tuttosport, the striker has been struggling with a knee problem and will undergo further tests tomorrow. Antonio Conte may well decide not to risk his Serie A top scorer, handing the starting spots to Daniel Osvaldo and Fernando Llorente. Osvaldo arrived in January on loan from Southampton and already scored in the Europa League against Trabzonspor. AMAZONIAN He is a former Fiorentina player, but missed Sunday’s 1-0 win over the Viola in Serie A as he was on paternity leave – even though he sat in the stands to watch. Andrea Pirlo was suspended for that League encounter and returns here, as do Borja Valero and Nenad Tomovic for Fiorentina. Another option for Conte is to partner Osvaldo with Sebastian Giovinco, as the pairing worked well against Trabzonspor in the last round and they have known each other since the Italy Under-21 side.