Socrates

Buffon: Juventus cannot slow down The experienced shot-stopper has urged his team-mates to remain focused and has stressed that he is not thinking about retiring yet. Jan 11, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Juventus cannot afford to slow down if they are to win silverware in 2013-14. http://markting10.nl/ The Turin giants currently sit top of the Serie A table with 49 points from 18 games, holding an eight-point lead over second-placed Roma. Nevertheless, Buffon has warned that the Bianconeri must remain focused in order to hold off their rivals. "We need to keep our foot on the accelerator now more than ever," the Italy international, 35, told the official Juventus website. http://markting10.nl/ The veteran goalkeeper then went on to discuss his future and made it clear that he's not thinking about retiring just yet. "I turn 36 on 28 January, but I’m still hungry for more. http://markting10.nl/ "Maintaining my physical fitness is key, but above all I hope to make sure I always deserve that No.1 spot." Buffon has a contract with Juventus until June 2015.

Bonucci eager for 'incredible' Pogba to stay at Juventus The defender admits interest in the 20-year-old is inevitable after his form this season and says he is determined to see out his own career in Turin. Jan 11, 2014 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci says he hopes that "incredible" midfield starlet Paul Pogba stays with the club for the next few years. http://markting10.nl/ Pogba has been strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain after a string of fine performances at the heart of the Bianconeri midfield this season. While Bonucci admits the 20-year-old was always likely to catch the eye of foreign suitors with his form for the Serie A champions, he is eager for the former Manchester United youngster to commit himself to the club for the time being. "It's right that Pogba doesn't listen too much to voices coming from the outside," Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia." http://markting10.nl/ "It's normal though, he's a 20-year-old boy who has done some incredible things in the last two years and it's right that big clubs should want him. "However, I hope that Juventus can keep him for another few years." Bonucci himself insists he has every intention of finishing his own career with the Bianconeri after enjoying two Scudetto triumphs since his move from Bari in 2010. http://markting10.nl/ "I don't have any intention of moving," said the 26-year-old. "I have always said that for me it would be an honour to continue at Juventus and to end my career here, because it's a shirt you are proud to wear. "Unfortunately, you never know in football - if one day they should tell me that I am no longer part of this great family, I will act and find another club." Bonucci also stressed his desire to make 2014 a memorable year as he eyes a third-straight Serie A triumph as well as success in the 2014 World Cup. http://markting10.nl/ "Of course I want to be greedy, because I want the Scudetto in the Juventus shirt," he added. "Then I want to be a protagonist and win the World Cup with the national team shirt."

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari Referee: Marco Guida Lopez to attack Juventus Jan 11, 2014 Cagliari host Juventus tomorrow and Coach Diego Lopez admits it would’ve been “better to keep Radja Nainggolan a bit longer.” http://markting10.nl/ The Serie A leaders visit Sardinia on Sunday at 15.00 CET. “Games like this don’t need me to motivate the players,” he said in his Press conference. “Juventus are a strong and organised side, plus they’ve been playing together for three years and this makes it an even more dangerous match than the one against Napoli. http://markting10.nl/ “I don’t think the Bianconeri will be relaxed after winning the head-to-head with Roma and going eight points clear. Strong teams are up there thanks to their mentality. “Andrea Pirlo is world class and everyone would like to lock him down in midfield, but every time he still manages to play his game. Carlos Tevez is doing very well in his debut Serie A season.” This is Cagliari’s first match since sending midfield dynamo Nainggolan to Roma. http://markting10.nl/ “It would be impossible to find a perfect replacement for him, but we have players with different characteristics who can do well,” continued Lopez. “I wish Radja all the best for his career. Perhaps it would’ve been better to keep Nainggolan a bit longer, both for us and for Roma, seeing as we are trying to take points off Juve! “We have to attack Juventus, because if you clam up against such a strong opponent then it’s all over. We must try to annoy their defence.” http://markting10.nl/ Cagliari squad for Juventus: Adan, Avramov; Astori, Avelar, Del Fabro, Murru, Perico, Pisano, Rossettini; Cabrera, Conti, Cossu, Dessena, Ekdal, Masia; Ibarbo, Ibraimi, Pinilla, Sau http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari Referee: Marco Guida Barzagli out, Pepe in Jan 11, 2014 Andrea Barzagli is banned, but Simone Pepe returns to the Juventus squad against Cagliari. http://markting10.nl/ This Serie A fixture kicks off at the Stadio Sant’Elia at 15.00 CET on Sunday. Defender Barzagli is suspended, though Pepe is back in the squad after a series of injury problems that have kept him out for a year. The winger has played just nine minutes in the Coppa Italia this term and 22 minutes in Serie A last season. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus squad for Cagliari: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho; Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Peluso, Bonucci; Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner; Vucinic, Tevez, Giovinco, Llorente, Quagliarella. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari Referee: Marco Guida Conte: 'Juve, ignore Roma' Jan 11, 2014 Antonio Conte warns “nothing has changed” after beating Roma, as Juventus face a tricky trip to Cagliari. http://markting10.nl/ It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET. “It’s still the same season and the important thing is to follow up the 3-0 win over Roma,” said Conte in his Press conference. “I said it before that game too, that winning against Roma was worth only three points, just as tomorrow’s match with Cagliari is worth three points. Nothing has changed.” http://markting10.nl/ A week on from the 3-0 demolition of their closest title rivals sent them eight points clear, the Coach tried to shrug off that achievement. “I don’t think about it anymore. If I did then it would be very dangerous ahead of tomorrow’s game. It was just a first leg. We played well and now we must focus on Cagliari. “It’s going to be a probing test against a tough team to beat on their own turf. The fact we’ve won 10 in a row will also make Cagliari even more eager to break that run.” http://markting10.nl/ An 11th consecutive victory would set a new club record as well as consolidate their status at the top of the Serie A table. “Records were made to be broken. We’ve already surpassed my own best streak from previous seasons and don’t forget last year we had nine victories in a row before that run was interrupted against Cagliari. We can write a new page in the history books, but records are worth little if they are not followed by the final success.” Andrea Barzagli is suspended and Conte noted Martin Caceres would be “an excellent option” to replace him in defence. http://markting10.nl/ “Cagliari are a tough side, solid tactically with some very dangerous forwards. Diego Lopez is doing a great job with them and Marco Sau and Victor Ibarbo are particularly worrying opponents. Few relegation battlers have a front line like they do. “It’s a shame there will only be 5,000 people allowed into the stadium, as Cagliari is a wonderful city and they deserve to see this game. There are also so many Bianconeri supporters in Sardinia, so it’s a pity about the restriction.” The capacity of the Stadio Sant’Elia is down to 5,000 while restructuring work aims to bring the arena up to code. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pirlo: 'I want Juve extension' Jan 11, 2014 Andrea Pirlo revealed he “wants to stay at Juventus,” will soon secure a contract extension and is eager to forget the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder’s current deal expires in June, prompting fears he could leave on a free transfer for Real Madrid, where he’d reunite with Carlo Ancelotti. “If I chose to leave Milan for Juve it was because I hoped to begin a winning era in a new club,” he told Radio 105. “My intentions are clear, as I want to stay at Juventus. Over the next few days we’ll meet with the club and there is optimism. http://markting10.nl/ “I still want to play. I don’t know when I will retire, but as long as I have the desire to train and fight, I will certainly continue. “Antonio Conte is a Coach who gives his players a great deal, but expects a lot in return. He brought back a winning spirit to Juve and there is certainly a lot of his doing in our results. http://markting10.nl/ “The turning point of our campaign was definitely the black-out against Fiorentina. Going from 2-0 down to losing 4-2 made us think about what we were doing and from then on we won 10 consecutive games. We realised that winning is not the norm. To win you need desire and sacrifice. “Unfortunately in the Champions League we got the first two games wrong and they proved decisive, because they compromised our qualification. Now we have turned over a new leaf and focused on Serie A. It’s better not to think about it now.”

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari Referee: Marco Guida MATCH PREVIEW Jan 10, 2014 Mid-table Cagliari are unbeaten since November, but have the ominous task of attempting to topple a dominant Juventus outfit. http://markting10.nl/ The Isolani played out a dull scoreless draw with Chievo last weekend. In a game of few chances, the visitors were presented a golden opportunity to net from the spot. Mauricio Pinilla blasted his penalty high over the crossbar. However, the result did extend Cagliari’s unbeaten run to seven matches. Yet during this time they’ve won only twice and their past three encounters have ended in stalemates. For Diego Lopez, his side threw away two points in Verona. They sit 12th on 21 points, but the Coach believes it is not reflective of their form. Radja Nainggolan has joined Roma on a loan deal, while Nene and Sebastian Eriksson are unavailable through injury. Vlada Avramov is hoping to shake off an injury complaint. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus extended their lead at the top to eight points following a 3-0 victory over Roma. Arturo Vidal netted with their first attempt, while Leonardo Bonucci extended the lead. Substitute Mirko Vucinic completed the scoring from the penalty spot, after two quick-fire Giallorossi dismissals. Despite the gap, Antonio Conte is only ‘moderately satisfied’. The tactician was quick to stress that there is still more than half a season to play. “These eight points are important, but must not become an illusion, as if they rob us of the concentration and desire we need then we’ll be in real trouble. Anything could happen.” Andrea Barzagli is the only player sidelined after he reached the yellow card limit. Martin Caceres is expected to take his place. http://markting10.nl/ This will be the first Stadio Sant’Elia meeting since 2010-11, the fixture played in Trieste and Parma since. Juve shade the historical ledger - winning 12 times to the Rossoblu’s nine, with 12 further draws. Keep an eye on: Paul Pogba (Juventus) – Currently keeping Claudio Marchisio from the starting XI, the Frenchman struggled to impose himself against Roma last weekend. Pogba will be looking for a strong performance here to solidify his starting role. Form guide: Cagliari (D W D D D) Juventus (W W W W W) Last season: Cagliari 1-3 Juventus http://markting10.nl/ Stat fact: Since promotion in 2007, the Bianconeri have triumphed in this fixture on five occasions – including the last three contests – compared to Cagliari’s one win. CAGLIARI (probable): Adan; Pisano, Rossettini, Astori, Murru; Dessena, Conti, Ekdal; Cossu; Ibarbo, Pinilla JUVENTUS (probable): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari Referee: Marco Guida Serie A Preview: Cagliari v Juventus Jan 10, 2014 Juventus have the longest winning run of the 2013-14 Serie A season in their sights as they prepare to visit Cagliari on Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ Juve currently share that record with Roma, who kicked off the season with 10 straight victories, but a 3-0 triumph over the men from the Italian capital last weekend has teed them up to surpass that marker. Antonio Conte's men have not been short of goals during their winning streak, netting an average of 2.6 per match, and success against Roma put the reigning champions eight points clear at the top of the table. However, Juventus will be wary heading into this tie as Cagliari held the Turin outfit to a 1-1 draw when the sides last met in May. http://markting10.nl/ Victor Ibarbo put Cagliari ahead at Juventus Stadium, before Mirko Vucinic spared the hosts' blushes just after the hour mark. That said, the head-to-head record between these clubs reads in favour of Juve, who have not tasted defeat in the last seven league meetings. The Sardinians currently sit 12th and have carved out a reputation as draw specialists in recent weeks, with five of their last six games finishing all-square. http://markting10.nl/ Cagliari's last defeat came more than two months ago, when they went down 2-1 at Verona on November 3. Conte knows his Juve side cannot afford to take their eyes off the prize in the pursuit of a third consecutive Serie A title, and has vowed not to get carried away following the win against Roma. "Our victory against Roma was a step forward," he said. "This is all it is. http://markting10.nl/ "There is an entire second half of the season to go. Anything can happen from here to the end of the campaign." Juventus will be without the suspended Andrea Barzagli for the trip to Cagliari, while Nene is expected to miss out for the hosts. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari Referee: Marco Guida Juventus News – Cagliari Content, Roma in Coppa Italia Jan 10, 2014 It may be historically cold at STTBS headquarters this week, but things are heating up for our Bianconeri. http://markting10.nl/ The Serie A schedule is set to turn over, the transfer rumors are circulating, the next Coppa Italia opponent has been revealed (hint: we just destroyed them 3-0), and off in the distance is the Europa League — sobering for sure, but no less of a challenge. On Sunday, Juventus travel to Cagliari for the official last match of the first half of the season. As explained below, three points are essential before heading into a return of the packed run of fixtures which caused Juve a problem or two at the beginning of the season. Mistakes are never taken lightly in Conte’s Castle, but a slip during the Bianconeri’s last period of relative tranquility is an especially unwelcome prospect. Meanwhile, in today’s episode we’re going to tackle some transfer rumors, prepare to inflict more pain on Roma, dabble in some stadium choreography (totally optional), and attempt to solve the Mystery of Pirlo’s Contract Extension (with or without the help of Phyllis Diller and the Harlem Globetrotters). Here’s all you need to enjoy the end of the beginning, and look forward to the beginning of the end! http://markting10.nl/ Cagliari Updates: Barzagli Suspended As mentioned earlier this week, Antonio Conte will be without Andrea Barzagli, whose perfunctory intervention late in the Roma match gave him his telltale yellow card (just as well he sits out this match, rather than part of February’s gauntlet). Otherwise, expect Conte to field a similar lineup to the one that destroyed Roma, with the possibility of some light turnover — particularly for the strikers. Gigi Buffon will start in goal as per usual; however, at press time the identity spelling Barzagli remains a mystery. We can imagine either Martin Caceres or Angelo Ogbonna will line up alongside Leo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini — probably Caceres, since he’s more comfortable as the right center-back. http://markting10.nl/ In the midfield, Andrea Pirlo will be flanked by Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, unless Conte decides to rest one of them. In any case, Pirlo has had more than enough rest while recovering from injury, so he’ll resume his role as “too valuable to sit.” If the rumors of his imminent extension are to be believed (see Lightning Round, Part 1), he’ll remain invaluable for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, the wings should be covered by the always reliable Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah. Conte has some interesting decisions to make in attack this month, as January always doubles as a showcase for outgoing transfers. So while pairing Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente is usually a no-brainer (and may indeed be his choice on Sunday), Conte may be tempted to give Fabio Quagliarella, Mirko Vucinic or Sebastian Giovinco time to audition for potential suitors. The latter two seem up for it, given they scored in this week’s practice friendly with Lega Pro 2 side Monza. Tellingly, that training session was conducted under the “watchful eyes of club president Andrea Agnelli, Giuseppe Marotta and Pavel Nedved” — at least one tough decision should be made this month regarding the attack. Given that all three secondary strikers are competent enough to take on Cagliari, and with the schedule set to heat up with the resetting of the schedule, Sunday is ideal for some lineup experimentation. http://markting10.nl/ Juve will be expected to win this match—which is precisely why they should take it very seriously. As mentioned above, the campionato schedule resets next week, which means a reprise of September/October’s brutal run of Serie A fixtures with all the heavy hitters — and that excludes the added Coppa Italia and Europa League dates. A rest in the schedule is only enjoyable if you take care of business, and a win here not only holds or even extends Juve’s lead, but it will allow some marginal breathing room if they should falter in February. Unfortunately, a tricky date with Cagliari is what constitutes a “breather” in calcio. ANDIAMO, RAGAZZI!!! http://markting10.nl/ Juve Draw Roma in Coppa Italia This week brought Juve another opportunity to further put Roma in their (second) place — this one’s more metaphorical in nature, but it’s no less glorious for being so. Roma defeated Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, which means the Giallorossi’s quarterfinal date with the Bianconeri is all set for January 21, minus one important detail: the match location. According to the official site, Lazio hold the key to the match’s venue (ain’t that always the way, Totti?):  http://markting10.nl/ It all depends on the outcome of Lazio v Parma and Napoli v Atalanta, taking place on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 January respectively. Roma have a higher coefficient than Juve in the draw, so are entitled to play at home; a right they will obviously still hold if Parma qualify for the quarter-finals, but which Lazio – the title holders – will inherit if the Biancocelesti find themselves in the quarter-finals with Atalanta. In that case, Juventus will play Roma in Turin. But if Napoli win, their higher coefficient will mean Lazio will have to play at the Stadio San Paolo and the Bianconeri will instead travel to take on the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico. There are generally very few reasons to cheer for Lazio, but the chance to take Roma down another peg or two in this particular year is too good to pass up. http://markting10.nl/ Guida Guides Cagliari Clash Marco Guida of Campania will preside over the Cagliari match this weekend. As with many Serie A referees, Juventus have a proportionately excellent record under Guida’s whistle: In six matches, the Bianconeri have four wins, a draw and a loss (I’m assuming it was a loss, since the official site conspicuously fails to mention it — I’m all for selective amnesia here and there). Guida has a Juve-Cagliari match in his recent past, that being an underwhelming 1-1 draw in January of 2012. Happily, his most recent Juve gig was the resounding 4-0 win over Catania this past October. http://markting10.nl/ Marco’s linesmen will be Stefano Liberti and Giuseppe Stallone (please tell me he’s related to Sylvester!). The fourth official will be Gianluca Vuoto — a slightly ominous choice, considering his last name means “vacant.” Don’t stare into the void, ragazzi! http://markting10.nl/ Cagliari Content In the run-up to Cagliari, Juventus.com is offering the usual assortment of facts, figures and history concerning the Sardinian club and Juve’s past encounters with them. One particularly surprising episode in the Isolani annals (at least for me) saw Cagliari engage in a brief fling with the USA:  In the summer of 1967, Cagliari upped sticks to America to compete in a new league called the United Soccer Association, renaming themselves the Chicago Mustangs for the adventure. Their top scorer was Roberto Boninsegna, later a Juventus player, as they finished joint-second. http://markting10.nl/ Interestingly, the last clash at Cagliari saw the Bianconeri mount a comeback, a decidedly rare occurrence in the history of their trips to Sardinia:  Juventus’ most recent away fixture against Cagliari was a memorable one for the travelling Bianconeri faithful, who witnessed their side come back from behind to pull off a 3-1 triumph. It was a welcome Christmas treat in the final game before the 2012 winter break, with the Rossoblu’s advantage from the penalty spot at the end of the first half shot to ruins by some inspired second-half Antonio Conte substitutions. http://markting10.nl/ Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic entered the fray, and both made the difference. The current Milan striker netted a swift double, with the second goal prompting wild celebrations in the Juve dugout, and the Montenegrin finished the job when he walked the ball into an open net after a pinpoint cross from Sebastian Giovinco. Otherwise, comebacks at Cagliari are few and far between:  In the history of Juventus’ away trips to take on Cagliari, only once previously had the hosts been unable to hold on to a lead established in the first 45 minutes. http://markting10.nl/ The date was 8 May 1983, and it was Zbigniew Boniek and Michel Platini who ensured the Bianconeri emerged with three points after going behind to a Gigi Piras strike. Which means the Bianconeri would do well to get a lead and keep it — or at least keep form conceding in the first half. Remember when Boniek used to strike for us, rather than strike out at us in the press? http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marotta: No offers for Pogba Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both said to be interested in the France international but neither club has yet made an official approach. Jan 10, 2014 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta insists that the club has yet to receive any offers for midfield ace Paul Pogba. http://markting10.nl/ The France international has been linked with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks and the 20-year-old was recently pictured in the shirt of the Ligue 1 champions. However, Marotta claims that no formal approach has been made by PSG - or any other club for that matter. “Pogba? That's just talk,” he told Tuttosport. “We have not received any offers.” http://markting10.nl/ After nailing down a regular birth in Antonio Conte's line-up in his first, title-winning season in Serie A, Pogba is now being touted as one of Europe's brightest young talents. Consequently, Juventus are currently trying to fend off potential suitors by tying the former Manchester United man down to a new four-year contract.

Pogba, Pjanic or Cabaye - who will Paris Saint-Germain sign in January? Laurent Blanc's side are focusing on strengthening their midfield, yet the approach of the Ligue 1 champions will be one of patience to ensure they secure the correct man. Jan 10, 2014 SPECIAL REPORT By Robin Bairner & Simone Rovera There will be no indecent offers or enormous changes in the Paris Saint-Germain squad this January. http://markting10.nl/ If something does happen in the French capital this month, it will be in midfield. Any potential arrival will not be a replacement, but a starter who can play with Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti, most notably in the Champions League. The two Italians are now untouchable (more so than Blaise Matuidi) in an area of the field that Laurent Blanc would increasingly like to resemble Barcelona. For the Parc des Princes club, their dream is named Paul Pogba. This is nothing new. The director general of Juventus, Beppe Marotta, responded to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi before last weekend’s match with Roma: “There is nothing planned in the short term. The relationship with him and his representatives is excellent and I don’t believe there will be any issues.” The Bianconeri are aiming to extend Pogba’s contract, which expires in 2016, with a pay increase, to avoid an offer from PSG turning his head, or that of agent Mino Raiola, who is always ready to raise the stakes when one of his players is targeted by a big club. http://markting10.nl/ The leaders of the Old Lady are ready to increase the salary of the player to €3 million net per year, with significant bonuses for victories in Serie A and the Champions League. Will it be enough? Maybe not. Paris currently can make a large offer, though perhaps not the €7m that the Italian press speak of, due to fears of upsetting the balance of the locker room – Pogba is only 20 and cannot just appear having been handed the fourth-largest salary at the club. He is a prodigy but he has only played two seasons at the top level, winning one Scudetto – the second is on its way - with Juve. He has only played 14 Champions League matches and seven with the France team. http://markting10.nl/ In fact, he has more or less the same experience as Verratti, who is Italy's biggest hope and has only four international caps. After his first contract extension, he was awarded only €2m per season. Can PSG risk presenting a similar player with three times his salary? In this case, Donato Di Campli, the agent of the young Italian, would not be content to sit on his hands, and this could trigger a domino effect with several players looking for new deals. To avoid exactly this situation, the Parisian leaders took three of four months to negotiate the extension of Thiago Motta, and are still in talks with the agents of Alex, Salvatore Sirigu and others. http://markting10.nl/ One rumour that is circulating around Paris persistently since the summer is a move for Newcastle’s Yohan Cabaye. This has been at the emphasis of others, most notably the French press. In the capital, it is only Blanc and the PSG board, who dictate transfer strategy, and there is no one who believes that the international midfielder would not increase the technical level of the midfield. In short, Cabaye would be a good substitute, but not a key element for the future. In addition, Newcastle’s asking price of €20m has taken the player away from being a priority for PSG. Miralem Pjanic is now the preferred option to arrive in January. He is 23 years old and already has seven seasons in top leagues between Ligue 1 and Serie A, as well as 23 appearances in the Champions League with Olympique Lyonnais and nearly 50 caps with Bosnia. Roma are currently strengthening their midfield with the arrival of Radja Nainggolan (€3m for the loan, and potentially up to €15m for his full rights), Leandro Paredes (loan and an option to buy for €4.5m) and they are dreaming of Juan Iturbe, the Hellas Verona ace, who could leave for €15m. http://markting10.nl/ It is easy to think that the sale of Pjanic could fund these transfers, but will the deal take place in January or June? Pjanic is admired by Blanc and Parisian leaders. Even Al-Khelaifi admitted that he considers him a great player. The established team leaders would also consider him a top-level recruit, with his experience in Serie A working in his favour. In addition, those players who have arrived from Italy in the last two seasons are now the most important players on and off the field. His situation is not so different to Pogba’s: his contract in Rome lasts until 2015, while the Giallorossi's sporting director Walter Sabatini is ready to match the player’s requested wage of €3m per year in order to entice him to stay. An exchange with Javier Pastore has been muted, but though the Argentine’s wage could be matched by Roma, negotiating a deal in 20 days will be problematic. http://markting10.nl/ On paper, this exchange remains a solution that would not displease PSG or Roma, where Sabatini, the former sporting director of Palermo who brought the Argentine to Europe, officiates. The link between the two has never been broken, as Pastore explained to the Italian press a few weeks ago. That said, ‘El Flaco’ has no intention of leaving Paris this winter, even to rejoin his former master in Italy. If for Pjanic, as for Pogba, the simplest solution is to wait until June, Verratti’s muscle problem shows that, aside from rookie Adrien Rabiot, there is no high-level replacement in the middle of the field. However, PSG do not want to buy players who do not fit 110 per cent into the framework of the club. Blanc has repeated this several times recently. When he was still in Doha, he announced to beIN Sport that he is happy with his squad, but if an injury should occur, he would need more in midfield. He repeated this on Wednesday after the Coupe de France win over Brest. http://markting10.nl/ Asked about the need for a replacement on the right of his defence after an injury to Christophe Jallet, Blanc said that at this moment he is happy to have seven players for four positions, but conversely the alternatives in the midfield were limited. PSG's strategy is clear: there will be no arrivals to increase the number of substitutes available to Laurent Blanc, and that goes for the midfield as much as the right-back role. If there is a replacement, he will be a very good player and will start. The absence of Jallet, a replacement who alternates good games with more discreet ones, has offered PSG the chance for reflection with regards to buying in this area. http://markting10.nl/ According to several good sources, it is not easy to find a high-level right-back in this January window. It is not practical to sign a full-back by default to offer back-up to Gregory van der Wiel and then have three players for the same position when Jallet returns. Abundance of quality is not harmful, it is generally said, except that this proverb does not apply to PSG, who seek excellence and quality, rather than quantity. Marquinhos played some strong games at right-back when he was with Roma, and he took up the post during the last 20 minutes of the friendly match against Real Madrid on January 2. And as he is third in the hierarchy of centre-back, behind Alex and, of course, Thiago Silva, he may seize his chance at this position in the coming weeks. Unless something better arrives ...

Buffon: We won't stop Jan 10, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that his Juventus side ‘will not stop’ in their bid for a third successive Scudetto. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri travel to face Cagliari this weekend, knowing that three points could pull them 11 points clear of second place Roma. And the goalkeeper has insisted that his men are fully focused on claiming another League title. “I feel great physically and full of confidence,” he told JTV. “The wins are certainly helping in this regard! http://markting10.nl/ “This stretch of consecutive wins has filled us with energy – but we will not stop or rest on our laurels. “On January 28 I’ll be 36-years-old – but I’m not satisfied. The criticism I received pushes me to do better.” The shot-stopper then reflected on the fondest moments in his career. http://markting10.nl/ “Winning the League in Trieste,” he said. “The entire Curva supported me after I made a mistake against Lecce that almost cost us the title. “That was important for me – it was a delicate moment, but we got through it.”

Bonucci: I want to win Scudetto Jan 10, 2014 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has declared that he wants to conquer both the Scudetto and the World Cup in 2014. http://markting10.nl/ The 26-year-old also shared his thoughts on the Old Lady’s upcoming fixtures, which include an away day meeting with Cagliari, and a quarter-final Coppa Italia clash against second-placed Roma. “We still have a few days to think about the Coppa Italia, now the pressing commitment is the match against Cagliari,” Bonucci has commented in conversation today with Sky Sport Italia. “However, then we will concentrate on what we will contend for at the [stadio] Olimpico, because it’s still to be seen. http://markting10.nl/ “It’ll be another interesting match and a great challenge between two teams which are rediscovering themselves and putting themselves on the pitch with their own ideas, and it will surely be a great battle.” Juve’s next League game sees them pitted against 12th placed Cagliari, and Bonucci is not underestimating the Sardinians. “Of course they will want to cause an upset against Juventus. When you play against the big teams, you always put in that little bit more, and they certainly have some dangerous weapons on the counter attack, because they have interesting players like Ibarbo, Sau and Cossu, who if you give space can hurt you. http://markting10.nl/ “Therefore, we will need maximum concentration, and a great Juve like we have seen in the last 10 games.” Having suffered from inconsistency in Turin until the arrival of Coach Antonio Conte two years ago, the former Bari defender has enjoyed an upturn in fortunes, and he reserved special praise for the Leccese tactician. “I’ve improved so much, however the boss [Antonio Conte] is one who prepares the matches down to the finest details, therefore this helps everyone in the squad to improve, even in simple body posture. http://markting10.nl/ “In these two years, I have definitely made many improvements, and I owe that to him, myself and my character. “However, I have met a great Coach, and above all a great person on my road.” Meanwhile, Bonucci has reportedly never thought about leaving Turin, and would only seek a move away if he were no longer wanted. http://markting10.nl/ “No, I don’t have any intention of moving. I have always said that for me it would be an honour to continue at Juventus and to end my career here, because it’s a shirt you are proud to wear. “Then unfortunately you never know in football - if one day they should tell me that I am no longer part of this great family, I will take act and find another club.” French international starlet Paul Pogba has had a stellar start to the 2013-14 campaign for Juventus, and has been linked with transfers to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in recent times. http://markting10.nl/ “It’s right that Paul doesn’t listen too much to voices coming from the outside. “It’s normal though, he’s a 20-year-old boy who has done some incredible things in the last two years and it’s right that big clubs should want him. “However, I hope that Juventus can keep him for another few years, our squad still hopes.” http://markting10.nl/ When asked about his hopes for 2014, Bonucci confirmed that he has big ambitions for the New Year with both club and country. “Of course I want to be greedy, because I want the Scudetto with the Juventus shirt. “Then I want to be a protagonist and win the World Cup with the national team shirt.”

Juve to hike Pogba’s wage, but… Jan 10, 2014 Juventus are reportedly ready to offer Paul Pogba €4m a season, but three clubs are apparently preparing to offer up to double that. http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder has attracted equal recognition and transfer speculation over the past 18 months for his form in Turin, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain among those said to be following the 20-year-old’s progress with interest. Subsequently, and on from director general Beppe Marotta’s recent hints, it is believed that the Old Lady are looking to initiate talks over an improved contract. The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport indicate that the Bianconeri are willing to quadruple Pogba’s current earnings to €4m a season and extend his deal by a further two years. http://markting10.nl/ Such a move would pull the former Manchester United man up to the same wage bracket as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal and just below high earners Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente. However, it is suggested by the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport that PSG are willing to place an offer of at least €7m-a-year on the table to tempt Pogba, and that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich would both be offering as much as €8m as an annual salary.

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari Referee: Marco Guida No Cagliari-Juve crowd increase Jan 9, 2014 The capacity crowd allowed to attend Cagliari’s home match with Juventus this weekend reportedly won’t be increasing, as previously hoped. http://markting10.nl/ Due to restrictions in place at the Stadio Sant’Elia, the Sardinian outfit have only been allowed a maximum of 4,798 fans to attend games. Reports during this week, though, hinted at town officials working towards a hypothesis of erecting a further 1,000-2,000 seats in the curva Nord, ahead of League-leaders Juventus’ visit this Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ However, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport report today that this plan of action will not go through, due to rules on public security and with there not being enough time before the game to initiate it successfully. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juventus midfield maestro set for new contract Jan 9, 2014 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is expected to sign a two-year extension with the Old Lady, allowing anxious supporters to heave a sigh of relief. http://markting10.nl/ The 34-year-old reportedly met with the Bianconeri’s board of directors including president Andrea Agnelli and reached an agreement which will see the former AC Milan player earn around €4 million per season. According to TuttoSport, there are only a few details related to bonuses left to sort out, after which the club will likely make the deal official, keeping the player at the Juventus Stadium until the end of the 2015-16 season. http://markting10.nl/ The 2012 Serie A footballer of the year has been an instrumental part of the Bianconeri’s squad ever since his move from the Rossoneri in the summer of 2011, featuring 82 times and scoring 11 goals for the Old Lady.

Manchester United to use Nani to tempt Juventus to sell Claudio Marchisio? Jan 9, 2014 Manchester United are reportedly planning to offer winger Nani to Juventus in a bid to sign Claudio Marchisio. AMAZONIAN The North-West outfit are desperate to strengthen their midfield following their failure to land big-name targets in the summer window. Despite Nani recently signing a new contract, it is understood that United will offer Juve the Portugal international as a makeweight for a possible deal involving Marchisio, according to Forza Italian Football. AMAZONIAN Nani is said to have been a long-standing target for the Serie A side.

Man Utd to make £20m Marchisio bid Jan 9, 2014 Manchester United will table a bid of €25m for Juventus man Claudio Marchisio, according to reports. AMAZONIAN The Independent believe that David Moyes’ men will try to cure their midfield woes by offering for the Italy international. The Premier League side have struggled this season under the new manager, with many calling for an overhaul of the squad. The middle of the park is one area of the pitch that the Old Trafford have asked to be improved, and the paper insists that they will do so by going in for the Bianconeri man. AMAZONIAN It is claimed that United are willing to offer £20m for Marchisio, however, it is unclear whether the Old Lady would sell for that amount. Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are in the process, or have been, signing new deals with Juve this season.

‘Pogba will join PSG this summer’ Jan 9, 2014 FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti has hypothesised that Juventus will sign Paul Pogba to a new contract, but then sell him to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. http://markting10.nl/ The Frenchman has been linked with PSG as well as Real Madrid in recent months, for his development so far in Turin. On from increasing reports and indications from the Bianconeri that they will open contract renewal talks with the 20-year-old shortly, Bronzetti has offered his view. “Pogba to PSG is a scenario that is quite clear. In June he will go,” the agent, who has worked closely with Juventus in the past, has told Premium Calcio today. http://markting10.nl/ “It is not done, but it is an operation that I see happening in the end. “Juve will not decline an offer of €50m to €60m, whilst I also believe that would be good. “I think that in the coming months they may reach a preliminary renewal and then he will be sold in the summer. http://markting10.nl/ “In the deal, however, I do not think Verratti can be included.” Bronzetti commented also in this interview that ‘Juventus offered €30m for Gonzalo Higuain’ in the summer, before reflected on Real Madrid’s apparent interest in Andrea Pirlo and previous reports linking Giorgio Chiellini with the Spaniards. “Pirlo has never been a goal of Real Madrid’s. [President Florentino] Perez does not buy those aged over 30. http://markting10.nl/ “Chiellini was very close to Real Madrid for about €25m to €30m, but [then Coach Jose] Mournho decided to focus on [Ricardo] Carvalho.” Bronzetti also represents Carlo Ancelotti, who last summer left PSG to take over at Real Madrid. “He had been chosen by Manchester United before Moyes, but he had already given his word to Real Madrid.”

Juve target Pogba after Pirlo Jan 9, 2014 Assumed off to a strong start in renewal talks with Andrea Pirlo, Juventus officials will reportedly start proceedings on a new contract with Paul Pogba. http://markting10.nl/ A number of Italian outlets yesterday picked up on Pirlo’s presence at club headquarters on Wednesday as a sign of contract renewal talks have begun, and perhaps having already seen an agreement on a two-year deal reached. On from the assumption that a deal to commit the playmaker until June 2016 is close, reports today highlight club officials as looking to initiate talks with Pogba over a contract extension. http://markting10.nl/ Tuttosport report that director general Beppe Marotta is hoping to open up talks soon with Pogba’s representative Mino Raiola. With the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain having been previously linked with the Frenchman, the Bianconeri are seen as requiring a ‘major economic effort’ in order to renew the former Manchester United youngster’s current deal.

Manchester United make offer for Marchisio Jan 8, 2014 Current English Premier league champions Manchester United have reportedly made an offer for Juventus’ midfield man Claudio Marchisio. AMAZONIAN The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their midfield after a very disappointing start to their season, which has seen them fall 11 points behind league leaders Arsenal. Forza Italian Football has learned that the Manchester giants made an offer of around €25 million for the 27-year-old, who has appeared on 13 occasiona in Serie A for the Bianconeri this season. AMAZONIAN United also enquired about the availability of French starlet Paul Pogba, who signed for Juve from the English side, but that request was flatly refused. Marchisio, a current Italian international, has found his place in the Juventus starting eleven under threat with the emergence of Pogba, thus with the impending World Cup in Brazil, he may well favour the chance of regular football elsewhere.

Pirlo agrees Juve contract? Jan 8, 2014 There are reports Andrea Pirlo has agreed a contract extension with Juventus after he was spotted at the club HQ. http://markting10.nl/ The 34-year-old midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of the season, fuelling rumours he could be snapped up on a free transfer by Real Madrid. Several different Italian news sources confirmed Pirlo was spotted at the Bianconeri headquarters this afternoon with President Andrea Agnelli, directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici. http://markting10.nl/ It’s reported Pirlo accepted the offer of a new two-year contract worth €4m per season plus performance-related bonuses.

'I haven't thought about leaving Juve' Jan 7, 2014 Kwadwo Asamoah has insisted that he has ‘never thought’ about leaving Juventus and is happy at the club. AMAZONIAN The Ghana international has been an integral part of the Bianconeri XI this season, playing in 15 League games. And the 25-year-old has claimed that he wants to stay with the Old Lady for the foreseeable future. AMAZONIAN “I have not spoken with anyone about my future,” he told Goal.com. “I’m doing well at Juventus, which is one of the biggest in the world. “It has never occurred to me to leave for another club.”

Marotta: We will renew Pirlo Jan 7, 2014 As Beppe Marotta reportedly probes Andrea Pirlo’s environment for indications, he comments: “There is no possibility of a separation.” http://markting10.nl/ Juventus are believed set to open negotiations this February on extending Pirlo’s current contract beyond its expiry at the end of this season. However, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport report that director general Marotta will look to pick up an indication from the player’s immediate environment on what his intentions may be. Juve are seen to be preparing a two-year offer paying €4m per season to try and keep the playmaker in their ranks beyond this summer. http://markting10.nl/ It is understood that Pirlo is looking for a three-year contract, with Tottenham said to still be pushing with their own offer, but Marotta has revealed his confidence on Juve’s position. “With Pirlo there is no possibility of separation, I can say that his contract will be extended as soon as possible, since relations are excellent,” Marotta has told reporters today. “The duration of his contract? We will let you know when it is defined.”

Marotta: Pirlo exit out of the question The 34-year-old playmaker has been linked with a reunion with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid in recent weeks but is now said to be on the verge of extending his stay in Turin. Jan 7, 2014 Andrea Pirlo's Juventus contract is due to expire in the summer but general manager Giuseppe Marotta has reassured fans that the midfielder is close to signing a new deal with the club. http://markting10.nl/ The veteran playmaker's three goals in 14 league appearances have boosted the Bianconeri's bid for a third successive Serie A title and, thanks to Sunday's 3-0 win over second-placed Roma, the reigning champions are now eight points clear at the top of the table. Marotta is happy with the way his team have performed this season and has stated that the club are not looking to offload anybody during the January transfer window. "The team is a strong and functional group and we do not want to sell anybody," he is quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. http://markting10.nl/ "We have a plan that goes on for three years and, at this moment in time, there is no possibility of selling Pirlo, even though his contract is coming to the end. “Relations are excellent between Pirlo and the club and we are currently seeking to prolong his contract.” Marotta is also confident that Paul Pogba, who has reportedly attracted the interest of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, will still be at Juventus Stadium next season. http://markting10.nl/ "He is a very good football player and so the eyes of big clubs are on him, but we don't want to sell him," he told Rai 2. "We will soon talk with his agent about his contract too." Juventus, meanwhile, have been linked with Parma attacker Jonathan Biabiany and PSG winger Jeremy Menez but Marotta revealed that there are unlikely to be any new additions to Antonio Conte's squad before the end of the month. http://markting10.nl/ "They are very good players but we are not seeking players like them; the group is strong," he declared. "We are not particularly interested in the January market."