Socrates

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Buffon warns Galatasaray: Your fans can't score for you The Italy shot-stopper believes that the Turin side will bring their top form to the Türk Telekom Arena to ensure a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League. Dec 10, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has warned Galatasaray that their famously passionate fans cannot score for them on Tuesday. http://markting10.nl/ Roberto Mancini's men need to beat the Bianconeri to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, while Antonio Conte's men can seal second place in Group B with a win or a draw. Buffon is well aware of the Turk Telekom Arena's reputation for being a fortress, but he believes that the Scudetto holders will reproduce their unstoppable recent league form to avoid European elimination. "I've never seen supporters score a goal," Buffon told reporters. "And I think the same now obviously. http://markting10.nl/ "A lot will depend on our attitude and the way we respond when their fans start making themselves heard. "We know that we are playing better in Serie A than the Champions League this season but we hope that tomorrow we'll produce a good performance like in the league. http://markting10.nl/ "Galatasaray have some great attacking players but we hope to find a solution to whatever problems they give us." Juve are unbeaten in their last nine matches in all competitions, with eight of those games finishing as wins in the Turin club's favour.

Ribery beats Pogba & Matuidi to French Player of the Year award The 30-year-old has scooped the prestigious individual award for the third time in his career and only needs two more to equal France legend Thierry Henry's record haul. Dec 10, 2013 Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery has been voted France Football's French Player of the Year ahead of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Paris Saint-Germain's Blaise Matuidi. http://markting10.nl/ The 30-year-old winger had previously won the individual award in 2007 and 2008 and his stellar performances during his club's treble-winning campaign have now seen him scoop up the trophy for a third time. The France international needs to be named French Player of the Year twice more to equal record-holder Thierry Henry and he's keen to emulate the former Arsenal star. http://markting10.nl/ "I know that Henry has won the award five times and it's a great honour to follow in his footsteps. Thierry is one of France's all-time greats. He now knows that I'm gunning for his record," Ribery commented. Ribery is also one of the three remaining candidates to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the other two contenders.

Debate: Should Juventus keep or release Andrea Pirlo? The metronomic midfielder’s deal in Turin runs out next June but should the Bianconeri build their future around the ageing World Cup winner? Dec 10, 2012 DEBATE By Carlo Garganese and Peter Staunton http://markting10.nl/ The biggest talking point ahead of Juventus’ do-or-die Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday centres around someone who won’t even be playing in Istanbul. Andrea Pirlo will be unable to assist his team-mates in earning the point they need to qualify from Group B, after being ruled out for at least six weeks with a knee ligament injury. The 34-year-old’s contract at Juve will expire next summer and so far the two parties have yet to agree on a new deal. Goal’s Juventus correspondent Romeo Agresti understands that the 2006 World Cup star wishes to remain in Turin and is requesting a two-year contract. But Juve, who will not make their final decision until February, are only willing to propose a one-year extension with the option of a second. They also plan to reduce Pirlo’s annual €4 million salary by between €700,000 and €1m. http://markting10.nl/ So, are Juventus right to play hardball and thus risk losing their legendary midfielder? Or should they rethink their strategy and ensure they tie down the ex-AC Milan star? Goal’s Carlo Garganese and Peter Staunton go head-to-head over the issue. http://markting10.nl/ "JUST LIKE MILAN, JUVE WOULD REGRET LOSING PIRLO" By Carlo Garganese If Juventus lose Andrea Pirlo at the end of the season, they will live to regret it. Just as AC Milan did back in 2011, when Adriano Galliani refused to alter his policy of offering one-year rolling deals to players over the age of 30. http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo may turn 35 next May, but he is a timeless footballer. He has never boasted pace, physique or stamina – not even at the peak of his powers back in 2006 – but he is so uniquely intelligent that he can easily star on the biggest stage for at least another couple of years. Like a Francesco Totti or Frank Lampard, the Brescia native won’t shine three times a week at a high intensity – but, managed properly, he will continue to be an indispensable member of the Juventus team. Furthermore, Pirlo is set to retire from international football after the World Cup - which will increase his rest periods. After two successive Scudetti, Juventus are comfortably the strongest side in Italy and their next step is to conquer the Champions League. In order to achieve this, they will need to switch formation to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, which will require new full-backs and outside-attackers. http://markting10.nl/ Were they to release Pirlo, instead of improving these areas, Juve would waste a large chunk of their transfer budget signing a replacement in centre midfield – the one area of the pitch where the Bianconeri can currently match any side in Europe. It would take a bid of at least €20m to secure his natural heir, Marco Verratti. And if we are to further extend the economic argument, commercially Pirlo is - along with Gianluigi Buffon - a huge asset in markets such as Asia. The equally brilliant Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba are not. From both a sporting and economic standpoint, it would be suicide for Juventus to let Pirlo go. http://markting10.nl/ "PIRLO IS PAST HIS BEST & CAN NO LONGER DELIVER" By Peter Staunton After what will be another 40 or 50-match season and another summer of tournament football, it is worth asking just how fit and useful Andrea Pirlo will be heading into the 2014-15 campaign. http://markting10.nl/ To offer a multi-year deal, at €4m-€5m per annum, to a 35-year old midfielder coming off the back of a knee ligament injury would be folly of the highest order. Juventus did not hang around when it came to renewing Arturo Vidal's contract but Pirlo's situation does not seem to be the same kind of priority. It's time that Juventus began to embed a new way of playing - with Paul Pogba replacing Pirlo at the heart of midfield. That's the long-term plan. They need the energy of Vidal and Pogba in there, along with the probing capabilities of Claudio Marchisio. Vitally, all three can press more intensely than Pirlo, who has never provided that sort of athleticism in the engine room. While Pirlo has flickered this season, it is clear that he is past his best. Ponderous play on the ball has seen him repeatedly caught in possession, while he lacks the requisite thrust to track counterattacks when Juventus lose the ball. He deteriorates as games go on and has had to be replaced on occasions. And when the important games roll around, especially in the Champions League, Pirlo can no longer deliver. http://markting10.nl/ He remains a player who dictates the pace but Juventus are noticeably slower for his presence. Furthermore, as Bayern and Mario Manduzkic showed last season, if a team can prevent Pirlo from playing his natural game, Juventus are as good as neutered. To be so reliant on one man is not a position a club the scale of Juventus should be in - and coach Antonio Conte knows it. It is true that no single player has done more to reinvent Juventus as a winning team since 2011. But it's time to cut him loose.

Mancini reveals Pogba rejection Dec 10, 2013 Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to sign Paul Pogba. http://markting10.nl/ The Italian tactician has claimed that whilst in charge at Manchester City he rejected the chance to bring in the French midfielder on a free from Manchester United. “Pogba is a player that I really like,” he told Tuttosport. “Two years ago, before he came to Juventus I had the chance to take him to Manchester City for no cost. http://markting10.nl/ “But honestly, I do not remember the reason why we didn’t.” Pogba has since gone on to become a Juventus regular and has recently been named Golden Boy as the best under 21 player in Europe.

Pogba second in Player of the Year Dec 10, 2013 Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has piped Paul Pogba to the title of French Footballer of the Year. http://markting10.nl/ France Football magazine revealed on Tuesday that the attacker, who has been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, has won the title for the third time. The Juventus youngster came in second place, whilst Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi finished in third. http://markting10.nl/ "I now have to go get Thierry Henry’s record," Ribery, who has now won the prize three times to Henry's five, told the magazine.

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Juve will not be affected by Pirlo absence, says Conte Dec 9, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte feels his side will not be affected by the absence of Andrea Pirlo when they face Galatasaray on Tuesday. http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo, 34, misses out on Juve's final UEFA Champions League group stage match due to knee ligament damage sustained in the Turin club's 1-0 win over Udinese at the start of the month. Conte's men only need to avoid defeat in Istanbul to ensure qualification for the last 16, but the 44-year-old insists Juve will not set out to earn a share of the spoils. "Unfortunately, Pirlo's missing. But we did well without him against Udinese and Bologna. We'll need to do even better tomorrow (Tuesday)," said Conte. http://markting10.nl/ "Speculating about the result is not in our mentality; we'll look to win as we always do. "We won't be affected by the fact that two out of three results will see us through. We'll play our usual game." Conte is wary of the threat posed by the Turkish champions, who boast the likes of Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder and former Juve man Felipe Melo among their ranks. http://markting10.nl/ "Galatasaray are very strong and will want to make their home advantage count," added Conte. "We'll stick to our plan and try to dictate the play. "The likes of Drogba and Sneijder are always dangerous. We'll have to be on our guard throughout."

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Mancini expects Sneijder to play Dec 9, 2013 Roberto Mancini has revealed he expects Wesley Sneijder to play in Galatasaray's crucial UEFA Champions League tie with Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The Turkish champions will qualify for the last 16 should they defeat Juve at the Turk Telekom Arena on Tuesday. Attacking midfielder Sneijder has struggled with a recurring thigh injury in recent times and has featured just once - as a substitute - since November 1. However, Galatasaray coach Mancini is set to be boosted by the return of the former Inter man as the hosts look to reach the knockout stage for the second consecutive season. http://markting10.nl/ "We will finally look at Wesley Sneijder's situation tomorrow (Tuesday) morning," Mancini said. "He feels good and it seems that there will be no obstacle to play." Former Manchester City boss Mancini is confident his club can beat the Serie A title-holders and secure qualification. http://markting10.nl/ "Our primary goal is not conceding. If we do not allow our rivals to find chances, I think we will win this game," he added. "Our target is definitely qualifying for the next round. We are not thinking of another possibility, such as finishing the group in third place."

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Match preview Dec 9, 2013 Juventus know only a draw in Istanbul Tuesday night will seal their passage into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions league. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri haven't had the smoothest of rides in group B and have made heavy work of qualification. Thanks largely to some uncharacteristic defensive errors letting in the opposition. Coach Antonio Conte knows his side need to paper over these cracks if they are to proceed further in the competition. Unsurprisingly Real Madrid have dominated top spot leaving Juventus to joust with Turkish side Galatasaray for the runners up place. Last time out the Turks received a battering by the 'ten' men of Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, and currently lie in a disappointing fourth place in the Turkish superlig. Juventus are on fire domestically winning seven consecutive games without conceding a single goal, and head the Serie A standings by three points. Arturo Vidal bagged his first champions league hat-trick against FC København to elevate Juve up to second in the group, and set up this decider between the two sides. With a two point advantage Conte's men only need a draw while Roberto Mancini's team need to go all out for the victory. http://markting10.nl/ Conte will be without midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo after he suffered knee ligament damage against Udinese a week ago. While Hamit Altintop will be absent until next March for Galatasaray after undergoing a hip operation. Turkish sides have struggled to make headway in Europe this season with firstly Fenerbahçe putting up little resistance against Arsenal in the qualifying stages. And Galatasaray perhaps still fortunate to have an opportunity to make the last 16. Earlier on in the campaign the capital side parted company with coach Faith Terim after a string of poor results. Mancini was bought in as his replacement and progress has been slow but sure. Tuesday's crucial clash will witness some goal scoring talent that's yet to make amends thus far. Burak Yilmaz is still searching for his first champions league strike of the season after netting eight in the previous tournament. Carlos Tevez too is looking for his debut European goal for Juve despite finding the back of the net regularly in Italy. Currently Vidal is Juventus top scorer with five goals in the competition thus far to Umut Bulut's three for Galatasaray. http://markting10.nl/ Probable Lineups: Galatasaray (3-4-3): Muslera; Zan, Guiselam, Chedjou; Eboue, Melo, Inan, Riera; Sneijder; Yilmaz, Drogba Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente http://markting10.nl/ Previous Meeting: Juventus 2 - 2 Galatasaray (2.10.13 Match day 2) Vidal 78 (p)', Quagliarella 87; Drogba 36', Bulut 88 Author's Prediction: Galatasaray 1 - 2 Juventus

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Champions League: Galatasaray v Juventus team news Dec 9, 2013 Roberto Mancini knows it is not going to be easy trying to beat Juventus to make the last 16 of the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ Only a home win against Juventus on Tuesday will be good enough for Galatasaray to join Real Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League but coach Roberto Mancini knows it is not going to be easy. A 4-1 loss at the Santiago Bernabeu a fortnight ago left the Turkish giants third in Group B, two points adrift of second-place Juventus heading into the decider at a sold-out Turk Telecom Arena in Istanbul. Galatasaray are level on four points with Copenhagen but have a better goal-difference against the Danes, who host already-qualified Real Madrid in the other pool game. http://markting10.nl/ "We have all to play for," Mancini told www.tuttosport.com. "We need to be calm and show focus. "We play at home and in a game, anything can happen. "We know it's going to be a very difficult match because Juve is a very good side. http://markting10.nl/ "I think if we are fortunate like we were in the first leg (a 2-2 draw in Turin - Mancini's first game in charge of Galatasaray), and we limit mistakes, then we can do well and achieve our aim." The hosts, who are third in the Turkish Super League, will be bolstered by the return of former Lazio goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and ex-Inter Milan forward Wesley Sneijder. Muslera returned to action in Friday's 2-0 triumph against Elazigspor after being sidelined with a fractured toe since October 31. http://markting10.nl/ Sneijder, meanwhile, has been out for a month with a recurring thigh injury but is set to play in support of lone striker Didier Drogba against Juve. Juve's 3-1 triumph against Copenhagen on November 27 was the Italian champions' first win in the competition this season. More importantly, it allowed Antonio Conte's men to keep their destiny entirely in their own hands heading into the final group game. http://markting10.nl/ A draw in Turkey will be enough to see the Italians progress to the knockout stages. "We cannot go there with fear but determined to win," striker Fernando Llorente said. "If we control the game and if we give all that we have inside, then we can do it. http://markting10.nl/ "Our journey in the competition has not been easy but we have recovered and we are one step away from achieving our aim." Llorente will partner Carlos Tevez up front. Juve warmed up for the encounter with Friday's 2-0 triumph at Bologna, their seventh straight Serie A victory. http://markting10.nl/ The result moved the Turin side three points clear of Roma at the top of the standings. Paul Pogba is set to replace injured playmaker Andrea Pirlo in midfield with the latter out until the new year with a knee injury.

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Preview: Galatasaray vs. Juventus Dec 9, 2013 One of the most important games of the sixth and final matchday of the Champions League group stage takes place in Istanbul on Tuesday night when Galatasaray host Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ Both sides know that victory will guarantee second spot in Group B and a place in the last 16 of the competition, with Real Madrid already guaranteed to finish top no matter what they do in Copenhagen. Gala have to win and end Juve's nine-game unbeaten run to progress, while Antonio Conte's side will still scrape through with a draw even if Copenhagen beat Madrid as they have the better head-to-head record. Uruguayan goalkeeper Fernando Muslera should be available for Gala after making his return from a broken toe against Elazigspor on Friday night and helping the Turkish club keep their first clean sheet in 14 games. http://markting10.nl/ Wesley Sneijder sat out that match but he should be fit to start tomorrow night, with both sides expected to field 3-5-2 formations. Visitors Juventus should line up with Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente in attack as both were rested for the victory at Bologna on Friday and Mirko Vucinic picked up an injury. In the reverse fixture on matchday two, the pair played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Turin that finished with a goal for each side in the final five minutes. http://markting10.nl/ Recent form Galatasaray: WWDLWL Juventus: WWWWWD Possible starting lineups GALATASARAY: Muslera; Zan, Guiselam, Chedjou; Eboue, Melo, Inan, Riera; Sneijder; Yilmaz, Drogba JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente Sports Mole says: 2-2

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Buffon believes attitude is key Dec 9, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that everyone at Juventus is ‘aware’ how important tomorrow’s game with Galatasaray is. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri travel to Istanbul knowing that a draw or a win will see them through to the Last 16 of the Champions League. And the goalkeeper has insisted that his men will remain calm under the pressure of what is sure to be an intense atmosphere in the Turkish capital. “I’ve never seen a fan score and if it happened tomorrow it should be disallowed, so we’re perfectly calm from that point of view,” he told reporters. http://markting10.nl/ “A lot will depend on our attitude and how we’re able to deal with any difficulties we encounter, a bit like our meeting with Celtic in March. “When you play games at this level you find yourself up against quality opponents, so the risk of conceding is always there. “Galatasaray have world class players up front and so we could have some problems. The important thing is also to have a solution.”

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Conte: Business as usual Dec 9, 2013 Antonio Conte has insisted it is ‘business as usual’ for Juventus when they face Galatasaray on Tuesday. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri play the Turkish side tomorrow knowing that a win or a draw will see them through to the Last 16. But the Coach has claimed that his men will try and win at all costs. “It’s a make or break match. It’s not the first one we’ve faced and I hope we’ll be able to play more of these games in the future,” he told a Press conference. http://markting10.nl/ “It’s another step in our development, against a strong Galatasaray side who will want to make their home advantage count. “We’ll try to dictate the game without thinking about the fact that a draw would also suit us. We’ll go for the win, just as we always do.” Conte then paid tribute to Gala boss Roberto Mancini. http://markting10.nl/ “Mancini’s an excellent Coach and Galatasaray are in good hands, just like they were with Terim. He’s only recently joined the club and it always takes a while to settle in and convey your philosophy to the squad. “There isn’t a favourite for tomorrow’s match. We both approach it on a level playing field and I hope the team that has shown itself to be the best emerges victorious at the final whistle. http://markting10.nl/ “We’ve certainly improved since the last time we met Galatasaray, but we know we’ll be up against a very good side. “Players like Drogba and Sneijder are very dangerous and we’ll have to be on our guard throughout.”

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Mancini wants compact Gala Dec 9, 2013 Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini says his side will show patience in their must-win Champions League tie against Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The two teams will meet in Istanbul on Tuesday, with the home side needing three points to qualify. Juventus will require just a draw. “The objective is to remain compact,” the Italian noted on Monday. “A goal could arrive at any time over the course of 90 minutes. “We’re hopeful of the outcome, we’ll be focused on the win in the hope that all will go well for us out there. http://markting10.nl/ “Our primary goal is not conceding. If we do not allow our rivals to find chances, I think we will win this game. “Our target is definitely qualifying for the next round. We are not thinking of another possibility such as finishing the group in third place.” Juventus will be without key player Andrea Pirlo for the tie given that he will be sidelined until the new year with injury. http://markting10.nl/ “It will be difficult for Juventus boss Antonio Conte without Pirlo,” Mancio added. “Pirlo is a magnificent player and Juventus will lose power without him tomorrow. “But they have good quality players who they can replace him with.” Meanwhile, Galatasaray and former Lazio ‘keeper Fernando Muslera noted: “It will be very difficult game. Our preparations are about winning the game and qualifying for the next round.”

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Melo: We can beat Juventus Dec 9, 2013 Felipe Melo is confident Galatasaray have what is needed to shatter Juventus’ Champions League dream. http://markting10.nl/ The two meet in Istanbul on Tuesday with the home side needing a win and the Italians just a point to reach the last 16. “When the draw happened, many people said Real Madrid and Juventus would qualify,” the former Juventus player told UEFA.com. “But we, with our feet on the ground, have done our work. http://markting10.nl/ “It is in our hands to qualify. So we will go out and look to get it done, showing respect for our opponents who are strong, but also knowing that we can achieve it.” The Turkish giants, who drew 2-2 in Turin, reached the last eight of the competition last term and the Brazilian fancies their chances of a repeat. “Last season we had a great campaign, with a lot of respect and a lot of confidence. We will try to repeat that and try to improve and go further.”

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Llorente: Juve can do it at Gala! Dec 9, 2013 Fernando Llorente is confident Juventus will get the result they need at Galatasaray to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ The Old Lady will be in action in Istanbul on Tuesday needing just a draw to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition. “It’s true, we didn’t start the Champions League campaign in the best possible way, but we are a strong side,” the Spaniard told Sky Sport Italia. “We have put ourselves back in the race and we have given ourselves a chance to reach the last 16. http://markting10.nl/ “In order to succeed we need to do as we always play – with great concentration and to control the game. “By playing without fear and by giving 100 per cent, we will get through the group stages.” Juventus have won one, drawn three and lost one of their Champions League games in Group B which also contains FC Copenhagen and Real Madrid.

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Juventus don't need Pirlo to reach last 16 - Conte The Bianconeri coach thinks his side can continue their winning run without the influential midfielder but warned his charges that Galatasaray are no pushovers. Dec 9, 2013 Antonio Conte insists that Juventus can beat Galatasaray to reach the last 16 without the injured Andrea Pirlo Tuesday. http://markting10.nl/ The 34-year-old misses out on Juve's final Champions League group stage match due to knee ligament damage sustained in the Turin club's 1-0 win over Udinese at the start of the month. Conte's men only need to avoid defeat in Istanbul to ensure qualification for the last 16, but the 44-year-old insists Juve will not set out to earn a share of the spoils. "Unfortunately, Pirlo's missing. But we did well without him against Udinese and Bologna. We'll need to do even better on Tuesday," Conte told reporters. http://markting10.nl/ "Speculating about the result is not in our mentality; we'll look to win as we always do. "We won't be affected by the fact that two out of three potential results will see us through. We'll play our usual game." Conte is wary of the threat posed by the Turkish champions, who boast the likes of Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder and former Juve man Felipe Melo among their ranks. http://markting10.nl/ "Galatasaray are very strong and will want to make their home advantage count," Conte continued. "We'll stick to our plan and try to dictate the play. "The likes of Drogba and Sneijder are always dangerous. We'll have to be on our guard throughout."

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Mancini: I nearly signed Pogba The midfielder was on the Italian's list of targets during his time in charge of Manchester City but a transfer failed to materialise. Dec 9, 2013 Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini has revealed he had the chance to sign Juventus star Paul Pogba two years ago when his contract was expiring at Manchester United. http://markting10.nl/ The Italian coach will come up against the midfielder when his side host the Serie A leaders in the Champions League on Tuesday night, with Mancini still a big fan of his talents. Mancini told Tuttosport: "Yes, I really like him. Two years ago we could have brought him to Manchester City on a free transfer. I can't really remember why we decided not to." Galatasaray sit in third place in Group B ahead of the game, two points behind second-placed Juventus, but Mancini is confident his side have what it takes to record a famous win in front of their home fans. http://markting10.nl/ The 49-year-old added: "We must play seriously, without stress and no doubts in our mind. On Tuesday, the first thing we need to do is realise that the opportunity is in our hands. We have the home advantage. This is a football match, everything is possible. "Juventus’s advantage is the fact that a draw is sufficient for them. We have great respect for them. They are one of the biggest teams in Europe. "They develop every year and I think it will be a difficult game. As Buffon says, we have a great support. They really are extraordinary. I believe that they will be of great help to us in this game.” http://markting10.nl/ Juve will be without midfielder Andrea Pirlo for the trip to the Turk Telekom Arena, but despite acknowledging that loss will be a blow to Tuesday's visitors, Mancini was quick to highlight their depth of midfield options. "Pirlo is a very important player with his experience but even without him they have players such as Vidal, Marchisio and Pogba. Not a bad midfield at all."

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Galatasaray-Juventus Preview: Turkish champions must beat Bianconeri to progress The Serie A titleholders need only a point to qualify for the knockout stage but will face a typically hostile reception in Istanbul. Dec 9, 2013 Galatasaray host Juventus a winner-takes-all Champions League clash at the Turk Telekom Arena on Tuesday night. http://markting10.nl/ However, while Antonio Conte's men have just one win from five Group B fixtures so far, three draws sees the Serie A champions occupy the second qualifying spot behind Real Madrid, two points ahead of their hosts, meaning a draw would be good enough for the Bianconeri to progress to the knockout stage. Furthermore, the Italians have been on an impressive run of form of late and are unbeaten in nine matches in all competitions. That said, Gala's nine-game unbeaten home record against Italian opponents will be a cause of some concern for the men from Turin. http://markting10.nl/ Galatasaray coach Roberto Mancini - a boyhood Juventus fan - took charge of the Turkish champions for the first time in the reverse fixture on October 2 and has a record of five wins, nine draws and five defeats against the Old Lady as a coach. The matchday two fixture between these sides ended 2-2, with Didier Drogba putting the visitors ahead before late goals from Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella appeared to have given the Serie A titleholders the three points - only for Umut Bulut to fire home two minutes from time to snatch a draw. Drogba has history when it comes to eliminating Juventus from the Champions League, scoring in both games as Chelsea beat the Serie A club 3-2 over two legs in the round of 16 in 2008-09. http://markting10.nl/ The most significant piece of team news is the absence of Bianconeri playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who is set to be out until next month with knee ligament damage, though Galatasaray will be without long-term absentee Hamit Altintop. Speaking after his side's 4-1 defeat against Madrid a fortnight ago, Mancini said of the qualification showdown with Juve: "We will definitely need the support of our fans. "They have to back us until the final whistle and we are certain that it will be like that. We will try to get the three points with the famous pressure that Galatasaray fans create." http://markting10.nl/ Head to Head UEFA Champions League ‎-‎ Oct 2, 2013 - Juventus 2 - 2 Galatasaray Last Five Matches GALATASARAY Dec 6, 2013 - Galatasaray 2 - 0 Elazığspor - Süper Lig Dec 1, 2013 - Kasımpaşaspor 1 - 1 Galatasaray - Süper Lig Nov 27, 2013 - Real Madrid CF 4 - 1 Galatasaray - UCL Nov 23, 2013 - Galatasaray 2 - 1 Sivasspor - Süper Lig Nov 10, 2013 - Fenerbahce 2 - 0 Galatasaray - Süper Lig JUVENTUS Dec 6, 2013 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A Dec 1, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 0 Udinese - Serie A Nov 27, 2013 - Juventus 3 - 1 FC Copenhagen - UCL Nov 24, 2013 - Livorno 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A Nov 10, 2013 - Juventus 3 - 0 SSC Napoli - Serie A

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Llorente: Juventus must not fear Galatasaray The Spaniard is confident the Bianconeri will reach the Champions League knockouts but Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini thinks playing at home could give his side the edge. Dec 8, 2013 Fernando Llorente believes that Juventus should head into their decisive final Champions League group game without any fear. http://markting10.nl/ The Serie A champions take on Galatasaray at the Turk Telecom Arena knowing that a draw would be enough to take them through to the knockout stages and Llorente has no doubt that his side will be able to produce the goods in Turkey. "It's true, we didn't start in the best way," said the Spaniard when asked about Juve's European campaign so far. "But the team is strong, we got back into the race and we have earned the opportunity to advance to the next stage. http://markting10.nl/ "We have to do what we always do, train hard and play smart, always staying focused and concentrate on what we are doing. "We should no be afraid and if we give 100 per cent on the field we will be able to progress." The Italian giants are currently in fine form and won their seventh league match on the spin when they beat Bologna 2-0 on Friday. http://markting10.nl/ Their Turkish opponents know that only a win is good enough to see them grab second place in the group on Tuesday and even though Antonio Conte's side will be without the influential Andrea Pirlo, Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini insists the Biaconeri have more than enough strength in depth. "Pirlo is certainly a fundamental player, the one who sets the tempo," Mancini told Tuttosport. "But it's also true they still have Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. It's not as if their midfield is in bad shape." http://markting10.nl/ The former Manchester City coach is aware that his side face an uphill struggle if they want to stay in the competition beyond Christmas, but he hopes that playing in front of a boisterous home crowd can give his side the edge in the all-or-nothing tie. "What worries me is that Juve can be happy with a draw and still qualify," he added. "We have the utmost respect for them, as they are one of the best teams in Europe, getting better every year and it will be tough for us. http://markting10.nl/ "I think we need to be calm when playing football, not tense or full of doubt. "What we must first of all do on Tuesday is step on to that pitch aware that we have a chance and can gamble with our chips. We are playing at home, which is an advantage, and anything can happen in a football match."

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Juventus name 25-man squad for Champions League trip to Galatasaray Dec 8, 2013 Another day, another win in Serie A. That's seven straight on the trot and Juve's starting to establish themselves as the team But that's not what's on the forefront right now. Juventus have arrived in Turkey with one thing in mind — advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ Antonio Conte is ready. Juventus is ready. (I'll just assume that they are.) Antonio Conte has confirmed a 25-man squad for Tuesday's Champions League Group B fixture against Galatasaray in Istanbul. http://markting10.nl/ The full list of players travelling to Istanbul is as follows: 1 Buffon 3 Chiellini 4 Caceres 5 Ogbonna 6 Pogba 7 Pepe 8 Marchisio 9 Vucinic 10 Tevez 11 De Ceglie 12 Giovinco 13 Peluso 14 Llorente 15 Barzagli 16 Motta 19 Bonucci 20 Padoin 21 Pirlo 22 Asamoah 23 Vidal 26 Lichtsteiner 27 Quagliarella 30 Storari 33 Isla 34 Rubinho As you can see from the list of call-ups, Conte basically brought everybody who is eligible with him to Istanbul. As we know, there's no chance of Andrea Pirlo playing due to his knee injury. (It's not because he's hanging out with a bunch of new Jeeps, either, guys.) We know that status of Pirlo, but what's the status of Mirko Vucinic? Could Vucinic, who had to come off injured in the first half of Juve's 2-0 win over Bologna on Friday night, and his health status play a part in how Conte lines things up against Galatasaray? http://markting10.nl/ We'll see. It's certainly something to keep track of the next 48 hours. Oh, one more thing: Fernando Llorente has a message for all of you as he settles into his hotel in Turkey. fernando llorente ✔ @llorentefer19 #BuenasNoches #Buonanotte #GalatasarayJuve #Istanbul #vamooos! #ForzaJuve

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Llorente confident Juventus can beat Galatasaray Dec 8, 2013 Fernando Llorente said he is confident that Juventus could beat Galatasaray in its Champions League match in Istanbul on Tuesday if its gives its 100 percent effort. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus only needs a draw to guarantee second place in its group and qualify for the quarter-finals.

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Proenca for Galatasaray-Juve Dec 8, 2013 The referee for the crucial Champions League match Galatasaray-Juventus will be Pedro Proença. http://markting10.nl/ Istanbul hosts the head-to-head for qualification on Tuesday evening, as the Bianconeri need at least a point to go through to the next round. UEFA today assigned Portuguese official Proença to this match, assisted by Bertino Miranda and Tiago Trigo. The fourth official will be Venancio Tome and the goal line officials Joao Capela and Duarte Gomes. http://markting10.nl/ Proença has already officiated Napoli’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund this season. His record with Italian teams is three wins, two draws and a single defeat.

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) 'We're not afraid, we're Juventus' - Galatasaray atmosphere doesn't scare Chiellini The Bianconeri defender expressed his defiance ahead of his side's trip to Istanbul, while Arturo Vidal says they will embrace their role as "villains". Dec 8, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini dismissed the impact of Galatasaray's fiery atmosphere, saying that Juventus will show no fear against the Turkish champions. http://markting10.nl/ The Old Lady travel to the Turk Telekom Arena for their final Champions League Group B game having amassed six points from their five games - two ahead of their hosts - and needing only to avoid defeat to progress. However, though the Juventus players are bracing themselves for a hostile reception, Chiellini insisted that the team are unflustered. "In Istanbul it will be like playing a final," the 29-year-old wrote on his official Facebook page. http://markting10.nl/ "We're not afraid, we are Juve." Galatasaray fans have been known to go to great lengths to make visiting teams feel uncomfortable, camping outside hotels to disturb rival players' sleep with horns and creating a raucous atmosphere from the moment they arrive. However, Arturo Vidal also echoed Chiellini's assertion that the Bianconeri would not be worried by the response of the home support. http://markting10.nl/ "We will take to the field as villains," the Chilean told reporters ahead of the game. "We need to start strong need to understand who we are. If we play with our usual competitiveness it's difficult for anyone to beat us." Juventus go into Tuesday's clash after securing five straight wins in all competitions, while Gala warmed up for the encounter with a 2-0 win over Elazigspor on Friday.

GALATASARAY - JUVENTUS December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena — Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Mancini: 'Juve won't miss Pirlo' Dec 8, 2013 Roberto Mancini doubts Juventus will miss Andrea Pirlo too much in Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Galatasaray. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri will qualify for the Round of 16 if they avoid defeat in Istanbul, but a home win would send the Turkish giants through instead. “Our first game against Juve was a bit strange, seeing as I had only arrived two days earlier,” Mancini told Tuttosport. That meeting in Turin ended 2-2 on his debut after replacing sacked Fatih Terim. http://markting10.nl/ “We did well to put in a good performance that opened up the group, so if we are here now able to challenge for qualification it is because we’ve done fairly well. “I think we need to be calm when playing football, not tense or full of doubt. What we must first of all do on Tuesday is step on to that pitch aware that we have a chance and can gamble with our chips. We are playing at home, which is an advantage, and anything can happen in a football match. “What worries me is that Juve can be happy with a draw and still qualify. We have the utmost respect for them, as they are one of the best teams in Europe, getting better every year and it will be tough for us. http://markting10.nl/ “However, as Gigi Buffon said, we have extraordinary fans who can really help us in such an important game.” Juve will be without the injured Pirlo, though Mancio believes they won’t miss him too much. “Pirlo is certainly a fundamental player, the one who sets the tempo, but it’s also true they still have Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. It’s not as if their midfield is in bad shape...”

Leonardo: PSG did everything to sign Ronaldo and Pogba The club's former sporting director says Paul Pogba was one of the other few players he couldn't lure to the French capital when in charge. Dec 8, 2013 Former Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo admits he tried everything to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club from Real Madrid. http://markting10.nl/ The former Inter and AC Milan coach also admitted the French champions attempted to sign Juventus star Paul Pogba during his two-year spell in Ligue 1. Despite failing to sign the star pair, Leonardo believes he left PSG with a squad that is unrivalled by anyone else in Europe. http://markting10.nl/ He told Telefoot: "Pogba is at the level to play for PSG, of course. We thought of him and thought he would be a great investment because he is one of the best midfielders in the world. "We also thought of signing Ronaldo. I did everything within the written laws to try to get him to Paris but it was impossible to make him leave Real Madrid.