Socrates

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Juve and Fiorentina, best of enemies Richard Thomas investigates the Juventus-Fiorentina rivalry and is convinced that a new, controversial chapter is waiting to be written over the next fortnight. Mar 8, 2014 It would be the understatement of the century to say there is no love lost whenever Juventus and Fiorentina go head to head. To put it simply, fans of the two clubs cannot stand one other. But why? AMAZONIAN The cities of Florence and Turin lie approximately 400 kilometres apart, meaning geographical proximity can hardly be considered a factor. Neither, even the most ardent Viola fan would admit, do the two clubs boast remotely comparable trophy hauls. Juve have won 29 official Scudetti to Fiorentina’s comparatively meagre two. The Bianconeri also have nine Coppa Italias, two European Cups, three UEFA Cups and one Cup Winners’ Cup to their name. The Florence outfit have six, zero, zero and one respectively. While still a total that is the envy of the vast majority of clubs around the peninsula, the Viola have not slugged it out for honours with their old foes on a particularly regular basis. Perhaps this is the root of the hatred in another sense though. On one of the few occasions Fiorentina have managed to go toe to toe with the Old Lady over the course of a season, they, to this day, feel they were robbed of a rare moment of glory. The year was 1982 and heading into the final day of the Serie A season the two sides were level on points at the top of the table. The Viola were chasing their third Scudetto and travelled to Cagliari, while the Bianconeri were after their 20th and prepared to take on Catanzaro. The rest is, as they say, history. The men from Tuscany had a seemingly legitimate second half goal chalked off and could only muster a goalless draw in Sardinia. Over in Calabria meanwhile, Catanzaro had strong appeals for a penalty turned down before Juve themselves were awarded a dubious one. Liam Brady tucked it away and, before you could say ‘ladri’ - thieves in Italian - the Old Lady were champions once again. What is it with Fiorentina and referees? Viola fans have never quite gotten over this perceived injustice and events since have only escalated the ill-feeling between the clubs. Fast forward to 1990 and a certain Roberto Baggio had become the new darling of the Artemio Franchi, only for that pesky Old Lady to stick her nose in where it wasn’t wanted once more. Taking advantage of the Viola owners’ willingness to cash in on their star man, Juve paid a then world record €10m to land the player and with it, send the city of Florence into a state of anarchy. Full scale rioting occurred and around 50 people were injured. AMAZONIAN On the off chance that this wasn’t enough to incense everyone with a persuasion for purple, for good measure the Bianconeri beat their old adversaries in that season’s UEFA Cup Final while the saga was ongoing. It didn’t end there though – when the sides faced each other in Florence the following season, Baggio refused to take a penalty awarded to Juve against his old side and later even left the field with a Viola scarf around his neck. Acts that needless to say did not go down well with fans of the club who paid his wages. More recently, the two clubs were once again at loggerheads in the summer of 2012 when the Old Lady made a late attempt to hijack Fiorentina’s attempts to sign Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United. In the end the Bulgarian chose to move to neither of them but this did not stop the Viola then issuing an official statement attacking Juve’s ‘reckless and arrogant actions’ and claiming that the Turin club ‘knew nothing of the values of honesty, fair play and sporting ethics’. Quite a shared history then, and one which makes the prospect of these two grand old Italian footballing institutions locking horns not once, not twice, but thrice over the next fortnight all the more mouth-watering for the neutral. After facing off at Juventus Stadium in Serie A this Sunday, the two sides will meet again in Turin for the first leg of their Europa League Last 16 tie four days later. A week later comes the return at what is sure to be a rocking Artemio Franchi, after which another new and fiery chapter will have surely been written in one of Italian calcio’s most bitter rivalries. AMAZONIAN The scene is perfectly set for this. As has so often been the case down the years, Juve come into the games as clear favourites and in the hunt for trophies once again. The Scudetto is theirs to lose once more and in the League game at least Fiorentina will be reduced to the role of trying to halt their rivals’ title charge as opposed to challenging to win it themselves. This is not to say Vincenzo Montella’s side don’t need the three points – far from it, they need them very badly if they are to maintain any hope of catching Napoli in third place and securing Champions League qualification. They have shown they are capable of getting them too, being the only team to beat Antonio Conte’s winning machine in Serie A so far this season. AMAZONIAN The Viola will also have the chance to really hurt the Bionconeri in Europe. Victory against the Old Lady over two Europa League legs would end their hopes of playing a final that they themselves are hosting. It would also clear a sizeable obstacle on the Florence side’s own potential path to glory. Juve meanwhile are the tournament favourites and their motivation is clear. Both sides have it all to play for and as this much anticipated three-part drama approaches, the two chief protagonists have been cast in their familiar historical roles. The Bianconeri are on another relentless march to glory and will not want their old adversaries getting too big for their boots, while the Viola will be desperate to finally rise from the shadows of their illustrious rivals and write their own little piece of history. Oh, and they have recently had some well-publicised grievances with referees. Now where have we heard that before? 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 Fiorentina squad for Juventus Mar 8, 2014 Borja Valero sits out a ban as Fiorentina visit Juventus in the first of three meetings over two weeks. AMAZONIAN Borja Valero is suspended after his four-match ban was reduced to three on appeal, though he continues to maintain he did not push or insult the referee. Nenad Tomovic is also ruled out by the Disciplinary Commission with Giuseppe Rossi and Ante Rebic sidelined. AMAZONIAN These two teams will go head-to-head in the Europa League Round of 16 on March 13 and 20. Fiorentina squad for Juventus: Ambrosini, Anderson, Aquilani, Bakic, Compper, Cuadrado, Diakite, Mati Fernandez, Gomez, Ilicic, Joaquin, Lupatelli, Matri, Neto, Pasqual, Pizarro, Rodriguez, Roncaglia, Rosati, Matos Ryder, Savic, Vargas, Wolski 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 Chiellini in, Pirlo out Mar 8, 2014 Andrea Pirlo is suspended, but Giorgio Chiellini returns for Juventus-Fiorentina on Sunday. AMAZONIAN Pirlo is absent in midfield due to a one-match ban, though Arturo Vidal is back following his suspension. Chiellini was at the centre of a row with Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli last week when Juve complained he was called up for international duty despite not being 100 per cent fit. AMAZONIAN Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe are still sidelined. Juventus squad for Fiorentina: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Tevez, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

'Pogba-Juve the perfect marriage' Mar 8, 2014 Agent Mino Raiola insists Paul Pogba doesn’t need a contract renewal. “We are interested only in Juventus, the perfect marriage.” AMAZONIAN Every day the papers claim there is a bidding war for the 20-year-old French midfielder, starting from Paris Saint-Germain’s €70m offer. “Why should he renew his contract? He has a good deal,” Raiola told Radio Deejay. “We are interested only in Juventus. So far I haven’t heard from anyone, so until I do then nothing can happen. AMAZONIAN “It is the perfect marriage and it’s still going strong. Antonio Conte and the Bianconeri are very important in Paul’s growth process. “He is a special lad and doesn’t want to be disturbed, because he wants to achieve the objectives he set at the start of the season. “Those are the Scudetto and now the Europa League, which will have the Final in Turin. It’s not often you get the chance to win a European trophy in your own stadium.” AMAZONIAN Raiola is famous for comparing his star players to works of art and did the same for Pogba. “Let’s just say if one day the Mona Lisa is put up for sale, it won’t be a problem finding a buyer.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Montella: 'Fiorentina not Juve victims' Mar 8, 2014 Vincenzo Montella says Fiorentina must “not be victims” when taking on Juventus for the first of three clashes. AMAZONIAN The Viola visit Turin on Sunday at 12.30 CET. They’ll then face off against the Bianconeri in the Europa League Round of 16 on March 13 and 20. “Of course we would’ve preferred to face a different team in Europe, but these are exciting challenges. Any result can happen against Juventus, but the important thing is to play with enthusiasm and character. We must prove that we have important objectives,” said Montella in his Press conference. AMAZONIAN “Will we rotate the squad? We’re playing against a team you really can’t beat if you hold something back.” Fiorentina fought back from 2-0 down to beat Juve 4-2 earlier this season, a result that remains Antonio Conte’s only Serie A defeat of the season. “Why are we the only team to have beaten Juventus? You have to look at it logically. Juve are a very strong team both as individuals and as a tactical unit,” said Montella. AMAZONIAN “They have an excellent leadership and a winning history as a club. This game does bring particular motivation and I am sure the players are aware of this. We’ve got to give our all and I expect to see a team not afraid to push forward its ideas of football. “In the 4-2 victory earlier this season we did what we usually do. I should also show the team the first 70 minutes of that match, which were not exactly encouraging...” Borja Valero will not take part, as his four-match ban was cut to three on appeal, something President Andrea Della Valle called “a defeat for football.” However, Montella is eager to calm the situation. AMAZONIAN “We must not be victims of anything. Over the course of a campaign there are moments where you’re more easy-moving in your results and style. The important thing is to continue what we believe in, not losing conviction, enthusiasm or personal confidence. Besides, life is full of injustice...” Mario Gomez could well start, as he is heading towards complete recovery after five months out with a knee injury. “He is improving and probably he feels the weight of not delivering what he knows that he can, but he certainly isn’t guilty of anything. Injuries happen. He has realised when out for a long time it takes a while to get back into gear, but I think he’ll soon be back to his level. He just needs a goal, even a scuffed one,” continued the Coach. AMAZONIAN “Are Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente a stronger pairing than Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi? I don’t want to motivate our opponents with my answer. I’ll just say it would’ve been nice to have Rossi-Gomez for the whole season.” With Borja Valero banned and the fans furious, Montella warned Fiorentina cannot keep making the situation worse. AMAZONIAN It’s particularly a concern because referee Daniele Orsato has assigned the most yellow cards for dissent this season. “We have to understand the referee and not protest. Orsato doesn’t accept dissent and we know that.” 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 Marchisio's future and Fiorentina Mar 8, 2014 Claudio Marchisio talked about his Juventus future, including the triple showdown with Fiorentina. AMAZONIAN The two clubs will face off three times in the next few weeks, starting in Serie A on Sunday at 12.30 CET and then twice in the Europa League Round of 16. “It won’t be a chance for revenge as far as we are concerned, but it is an important game and an opportunity to send another signal for the season,” said the midfielder at a Hugo Boss presentation on Friday evening. “It won’t be easy to play at that time on a Sunday, but we will get on to the field in a focused way. AMAZONIAN “This is a fundamental phase of the campaign, as we will face Fiorentina three times and decide how our season goes. “We’ll aim to give our best in the Europa League too, as the effort and concentration will be the same, regardless of who is playing.” Marchisio had seemed likely to leave Juve after dropping out of the first choice line-up, but has come back with a bang in recent weeks. AMAZONIAN “I want to stay here for a long time, but I am not thinking about the contract renewal, as I still have two years left. “What counts is having the faith of the club and the Coach, which I always sense. I have often changed position on the field to avoid going on to the bench, because versatility and availability must be the priorities of every player.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

‘Japan important for Juve’ Mar 7, 2014 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli says the club’s popularity in Japan is vital in its attempts to expand its global brand. AMAZONIAN The Old Lady Chief was speaking at the launch of Juventus Lounge, a café that will be open for 40 days, in Tokyo. “The passion to wear our colours has always been very strong here,” Agnelli said at the launch, where Edgar Davids was also present. AMAZONIAN “Japan will represent a very important market for us in the South-East Asia and Pacific area.”

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA March 9, 2014 - 12:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Chiellini fit for Fiorentina Mar 7, 2014 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has been passed fit for the Old Lady’s match with rivals Fiorentina, report Tuttosport. AMAZONIAN The 29-year-old has only recently returned to full training following injury but was controversially called up by Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli for the Azzurri’s friendly with Spain. He has however returned from international duty unscathed and, though he has not played in a competitive game for around a month, it is reported he may even start Sunday’s encounter with the Viola. 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 Valero 'confident' ahead of appeal Mar 7, 2014 Borja Valero has claimed he is ‘confident’ that his four-match ban can be overturned this afternoon. AMAZONIAN The Fiorentina midfielder was sent off during Fiorentina’s match with Parma and was handed the additional punishment for laying hands on the referee while he protested. This infuriated Viola fans, players and directors alike, with supporters making their feelings clear by holding protests against match officials during their most recent League game with Lazio. But ahead of a meeting with the FIGC this afternoon, the Spaniard has revealed he is calm. AMAZONIAN “I am confident,” he told reporters. “I am here today because I want to explain my reasons. “I want to thank the city of Florence and all the fans for their solidarity. AMAZONIAN “I have received so many messages, and they have all been on my side. “I am calm. But whatever happens, I hope Fiorentina do well against Juve.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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