Socrates

Pirlo considers contract offers Nov 17, 2013 Andrea Pirlo’s contract expires in June and he’s considering a new Juventus offer, but several Premier League clubs are calling. http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder will turn 35 in May, although he remains one of the top players in the world in his role. He shook up the situation this week when revealing he wanted to continue playing, “we’ll see if it’s with Juve or another team, but I won’t rule anything out.” Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United are all said to be preparing offers if he wants a new experience as a free agent next year. http://markting10.nl/ According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport today, Pirlo’s agent is ready to discuss the Juventus proposal of a two-year contract worth €4m per season plus performance-related bonuses. The Daily Star claims Spurs are leading the chase with a three-year contract worth €5m per season.

'Juventus will not be intimidated by Galatasaray,' insists Chiellini The versatile centre-half is well aware that their European fate is likely to be decided in Istanbul next month but he is not concerned by the hostile atmosphere that awaits. Nov 17, 2013 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini remains confident that his side can progress to the knockout stages of the Champions League - even though they face a daunting showdown with Galatasaray. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri have picked up just three points from their first four games and face Danish side Copenhagen at home next week before a potentially decisive trip to Turkey. Speaking to Tuttosport, Chiellini insisted his side will not be upset by the likely hostile atmosphere that awaits them in Instanbul. “We will not be intimidated by the whistles and screams from the crowd," the Italy international declared. http://markting10.nl/ "Of course, the home team can benefit from the atmosphere and give their best, but we will not let it affect us. "Though I should also point out we have a tough game against Copenhagen first.” Chiellini also took time to praise his manager Antonio Conte for rejuvenating the club following his arrival from Siena in 2011. http://markting10.nl/ "He is very good - he evaluates everything according to the moment," the versatile centre-half explained. "I never thought he could change so much in so little time. I lived through both seventh-placed finishes [before Conte's arrival], which were much worse than Calciopoli and Serie B. "To immediately recover and win the league unbeaten will remain forever in the history of Juventus as unique and special.”

Buffon: Balotelli is not treated unfairly The Italy international does not believe the striker is subject to prejudice from referees and warns that the Azzurri will be up for the fight in Brazil next summer. Nov 17, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon does not believe that there is any prejudice from officials towards Mario Balotelli, insisting the striker is not a victim of refereeing decisions. http://markting10.nl/ The Italy star felt aggrieved at the lack of protection afforded by referee Olegario Benquerenca in Friday's 1-1 draw with Germany, but Buffon has made it clear the AC Milan star must not consider himself harshly treated as officials attempt to keep the game moving. "I see no prejudice against Mario," the 35-year-old told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "It's just that now the way games are refereed has changed to prevent them becoming bogged down. Referees tend to whistle less and let the play run more - and I agree with that." http://markting10.nl/ Italy will not be among the top seeds when the draw for the World Cup group stages takes place on December 6, but Buffon believes the Azzurri proved they are a team to be feared with their display against Germany. "We might not be the strongest but we can endure as much as anyone," the Juventus shot-stopper added. http://markting10.nl/ "We've just drawn a type of game that others would lose. You will see the real Italy in Brazil - the problem will be for those who will have to deal with us, not the other way around." Italy continue their preparations for Brazil 2014 with a friendly against Nigeria, who themselves have secured a World Cup berth, at Fulham's Craven Cottage on Monday.

Buffon: Italy excel under pressure The Juventus veteran thinks the Azzurri have the quality to surprise at next year's World Cup if they maintain the right belief. Nov 16, 2013 Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon feels pressure brings out the best in Italy as they continue preparations for the 2014 World Cup. http://markting10.nl/ The Azzurri battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Germany in Milan on Friday to prolong their impressive unbeaten run against Joachim Low's side. While he was keen to appear cautious over their chances at next summer's finals, Buffon insists Cesare Prandelli's men can achieve anything if they maintain their level of belief. "There are certainly those who are at a more advanced stage than we are, but we are still in good shape," the Juventus custodian told reporters. http://markting10.nl/ "Unlike others, we have the quality of knowing when and how to suffer under pressure. When there is a complicated situation, we tend to do very well indeed. "However, it's not easy to say what the real Italy are like now. Prandelli is right when he says we mustn't ask for the moon, that we are not the strongest team in the world. "We've got to go into the World Cup expecting the same as we did before Euro 2012 and the Confederations Cup. That means good performances, often hand-in-hand with good results." http://markting10.nl/ Italy finished second at the European championship last summer, before coming in third in this year's World Cup dress rehearsal held in Brazil after their semi-final defeat to Spain on penalties. They will face Nigeria in London on Monday in their next friendly, with the Super Eagles having secured their place in Brazil with Saturday's 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia.

Pirlo: Now is not the time for contract talks The Juventus midfielder has made it clear that he is in no hurry to decide where his future lies though says he wants to keep playing at the top level. Nov 16, 2013 Andrea Pirlo says he will not be rushed into making a decision regarding his future at Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The 34-year old Italy international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season. And speaking to journalists during a post match interview following Italy’s 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday, Pirlo felt relaxed about where his future lies beyond the current campaign. “My future? There is throughout the season to talk about it; we’ll see,” Pirlo said. http://markting10.nl/ “I’m optimistic. I want to keep playing, because I'm good and enjoy it. I don’t know if it will be at Juventus or another team." Pirlo, who joined from Milan back in 2011, has helped Juventus secure two Serie A titles, as well as two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

Benatia: Roma are not Serie A favourites The 26-year-old insists that Juventus and Napoli are likely to become champions this season despite the Giallorossi's unbeaten start to the campaign. Nov 15, 2013 Mehdi Benatia insists Roma should not be considered favourites for the Serie A title despite their unbeaten start to the campaign. http://markting10.nl/ The Giallorossi sit atop the table, a point ahead of Juventus, with 10 wins, two draws and no losses to their name. However, the Morocco international maintains the current Scudetto holders and Napoli will be scrapping for glory all the way this season and stresses Rudi Garcia's men are simply focused on European qualification. "We're not favourites for the Scudetto, our principal objective this season is to get this team back into European competition," he told Sky Sport Italia. http://markting10.nl/ "If anything more than that is possible then we'll do that, but Juventus and Napoli will fight until the end and we'll have to duel with them." Juventus have clawed themselves back to within a point of Roma following back-to-back draws for the Giallorossi, and Benatia admits he is in awe of the strength in depth at Antonio Conte's disposal. "Juventus have been the strongest team in Italy for three years," he confessed. http://markting10.nl/ "They are a great side, they have a complete squad and a quality one. "They'll do well in the Champions League as well."

Neuer not at Buffon's level, says Zoff The former Italy shot-stopper has taken the time to praise the former Schalke star, but insists he's not the best in the world just yet. Nov 15, 2013 Italy legend Dino Zoff believes Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer still has some work to do if he is to reach Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon's level. http://markting10.nl/ Zoff feels the Germany international is already one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, but has stressed that the Azzurri icon remains in a league of his own for now. "Neuer is definitely one of the best goalkeepers around in Europe at the moment," Zoff was quoted as saying by TZ ahead of Friday's international friendly between Cesare Prandelli's side and Joachim Low's men. "He has proven his worth time and time again over the past few years. http://markting10.nl/ "However, he still misses a number of titles in order to reach Gigi Buffon's level. "I have no doubt that Neuer will get there in the end, though. He is still very young for a goalkeeper." The 27-year-old Neuer has been in sublime form for Bayern so far this term, keeping six clean sheets in 12 Bundesliga appearances.

Barzagli injury update Nov 16, 2013 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli is out of Monday’s Italy-Nigeria and at risk for Livorno after an injury against Germany. AMAZONIAN The centre-back limped off after clutching his thigh during last night’s 1-1 international friendly at San Siro. He was sent back to Turin rather than make the trip to London with the rest of the Azzurri side for Monday night’s game against Nigeria. AMAZONIAN “Andrea Barzagli, who left the field towards the end of last night’s Italy v Germany game due to muscular discomfort in his left thigh, has undergone an MRI scan this afternoon in Turin which has revealed a pectineus muscle strain. “The extent of the injury will be assessed over the coming days,” read a statement from the Juventus website. It therefore remains to be seen whether he can recover in time for next weekend’s Serie A encounter with Livorno.

English clubs watch Pirlo situation Nov 16, 2013 While Andrea Pirlo commented on his Juventus contract situation, it’s reported Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester United want him. http://markting10.nl/ The veteran midfielder’s deal expires at the end of the season and negotiations have not progressed far. “I don’t know, there’s a whole season ahead of us and we’ll talk about it at the right time. I am optimistic, always,” the 34-year-old told Rai Sport after last night’s 1-1 draw with Germany. “I want to keep playing because I have fun and am in good shape. We’ll see if it’s with Juve or another team, but I won’t rule anything out.” http://markting10.nl/ According to the Daily Star, this means there are four Premier League clubs who believe they can coax Pirlo to England next year on a Bosman. He already moved from Milan to Juventus as a free agent in July 2011, so it would not be the first time he’s taken such a step. The sides ready to pick up Pirlo are Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United.

African Player of the Year nominees Nov 16, 2013 Kwadwo Asamoah, Mehdi Benatia, Gervinho and Kevin Constant are nominees for African Player of the Year. AMAZONIAN The winner will be announced in Nigeria on January 9 from the list of 25 names. Nominees for African Player of the Year: Ahmed Musa (Ngr / CSKA Moscow) Asamoah Gyan (Gha / Al Ain) Dame N’Doye (Sen / Lokomotiv Moscow) Didier Drogba (Ivo / Galatasaray) Emmanuel Emenike (Ngr / Fenerbahçe) Islam Slimani (Alg / Sporting Lisbon) John Obi Mikel (Ngr / Chelsea) Jonathan Pitroipa (Bur / Rennes) Kevin Constant (Gui / Milan) AMAZONIAN Kwadwo Asamoah (Gha / Juventus) Luís Carlos Almada Soares (CV / Omonia Nicosia) Mehdi Benattia (Mar / Roma) Mohamed About Erika (Egy / Al Ahly) Mohamed Salah (Egy / FC Basel) Nicolas Nkoulou (Cam / Maseille) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gab / Dortmund) Ryan Mendes (Kaa / Lille) Saladin Said (Eth / Wadi Degla) AMAZONIAN Seydou Keita (Mal / Dalian Aerbin) Sofiane Feghouli (Alg / Valencia) Sunday Mba (Ngr / Warri Wolves) Victor Wanyama (Ken / Southampton) Vincent Enyeama (Ngr / Lille) Gervinho (Ivo / Roma) Yaya Toure ( Ivo / Manchester City)

Barzagli misses Italy-Nigeria Nov 16, 2013 Andrea Barzagli will not go to London for Italy’s friendly against Nigeria after limping off with Germany. AMAZONIAN The Juventus defender pulled up with a muscular problem during last night’s 1-1 draw at San Siro. He has been diagnosed with a slight pull of the left adductor, so is sent home ahead of Monday’s test at Craven Cottage. AMAZONIAN Medics are confident Barzagli will be fit for next Saturday’s Serie A match against Livorno. Sami Khedira came off considerably worse, as he tore a knee ligament during last night's match and will be out for six months.

Pirlo: 'Optimistic for World Cup' Nov 15, 2013 Andrea Pirlo is “optimistic” that Italy will do well at the World Cup after their 1-1 friendly draw with Germany. http://markting10.nl/ “When the Coach arrived he helped younger players to settle in, so we have time to put together a fine mix of youth and experience for a great World Cup,” he told Rai Sport. “This was an important test against a great side and we played them on an even keel. It was important to see what level we’re at on this stage of the season.” Joachim Löw said this week Italy were “master illusionists” who tended to take teams by surprise. http://markting10.nl/ “We are a team who never give in, we have great resources and always want to win. We proved that against Germany, where a few times in recent years they thought themselves superior and yet we still beat them. “Germany have been together a long time and know each other well, but Italy are getting there and we’re very optimistic for the World Cup. We must always play at 100 per cent with the ultimate concentration and determination, but we never disappoint in these big tests because motivation is not hard to find.” http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo was given a warm welcome at San Siro this evening, even though he has long since left Milan for Juventus. “I played at San Siro for 10 years, so it’s always nice to come back here and receive such a good reception.” He was asked about reports that Paolo Maldini will soon join the Milan staff as a director. http://markting10.nl/ “I don’t know what will happen in future, but he’s a legend and it would be good to see him back in Italian football. “I’d give the Ballon d’Or to Franck Ribery. I think he deserves it more, as with Bayern Munich he won everything there was to win this year.” http://markting10.nl/ Rai Sport also asked Pirlo about his upcoming contract renewal talks with Juventus and left the door open. “I don’t know, there’s a whole season ahead of us and we’ll talk about it at the right time. I am optimistic, always. I want to keep playing because I have fun and am in good shape. We’ll see if it’s with Juve or another team, but I won’t rule anything out.”

Raiola: 'Pogba best in the world' Nov 15, 2013 Agent Mino Raiola claims Paul Pogba is “the best player in the world at his age and is like a Monet painting.” http://markting10.nl/ He is already a regular for Juventus and France at the age of 20 and started the World Cup play-off against Ukraine this evening. “Paul is growing, though he has already done great things and his strength is that he thinks only about improving in the future,” Raiola told Sky Sport Italia. “Pogba is the best player in the world at his age. Zlatan Ibrahimovic teaches us that you can do better even at the age of 32, so imagine how much joy Pogba can still give us.” http://markting10.nl/ Raiola famously said another of his clients, Mario Balotelli, was like “the Mona Lisa,” so he continued the art theme. “I am not worried by how much Pogba is worth. He’s like a Monet painting now, as it doesn’t matter what happens in the World Cup, his worth is already clear for all to see. “Great works of art are not sold at auction, as they are already in the hands of collectors and they’ll keep hold of them unless there is the desire to sell.”

Juventus trio on the mend Nov 15, 2013 Mirko Vucinic, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Giorgio Chiellini should be fit for Juventus’ trip to Livorno, state Tuttosport. http://markting10.nl/ Vucinic and Lichtsteiner have been absent for some weeks, while the stopper picked up a problem on the eve of the 3-0 win over Napoli. The Montenegro striker, out since October 2, scored a brace in the 7-0 friendly win over Asti on Thursday afternoon. http://markting10.nl/ Chiellini’s return could be fundamental for boss Antonio Conte as both Leonardo Bonucci and Angelo Ogbonna will be suspended for the trip to Tuscany. Conte is also hoping to have midfielder Arturo Vidal fit for when his side face the Amaranto on November 24.

Juve to fill Curvas with kids Nov 15, 2013 The two Curvas at the Juventus Stadium could be populated by children for the Juventus-Udinese Serie A game. http://markting10.nl/ As it stands, those two sections of the ground – behind each goal – will be closed to supporters as a punishment for territorial discrimination chants aimed at the city of Naples during the 3-0 win over Napoli. The Curva Nord will be closed for 90 minutes, while the Curva Sud will be shut for two games – thus will also be empty for the Sassuolo tie. http://markting10.nl/ However, after an initiative by Turin daily Tuttosport, those two parts of the arena may now be filled with kids instead of Ultras. Italian Olympic Committee chief Giovanni Malago and Italian Football Federation President Giancarlo Abete are in favour of such a move.

Italy chief: Replace hooligans with kids Nov 14, 2013 The Juventus Stadium may not be half-empty when the two ends of the ground are closed for the upcoming visit of Udinese, if the president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) Giovanni Malago gets his way. http://markting10.nl/ The gates to the Curva Sud and Curva Nord will be locked when Juventus host Udinese on Dec. 1, but Malago, after a meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta on Wednesday, believes there could be a way to open them -- to children. "Opening all of the Curva closed due to racism and letting only children in is a fantastic idea," Malago said. "We need the clubs and the Lega (Serie A) to look into this from a regulatory point of view, but I like the idea a lot." Fenerbahce set a precedent by letting only women and children into their league game with Manisaspor in 2011 after a pitch invasion during a preseason friendly led to a full stadium closure. Rather than playing behind closed doors, the Turkish Football Association only banned those it was sure had caused the trouble -- the men. http://markting10.nl/ "It would be a great signal," continued Malago. "It would be like when we confiscated assets from the Mafia." Letta would like to go even further to improve the matchday experience at Serie A games by approving new rules to facilitate clubs in their attempts to build new or renovate old stadiums. At present, bureaucracy is hindering clubs from improving arenas, most of which were last enhanced ahead of Italia '90 and some of which date back even further since their last upgrade. http://markting10.nl/ Juve led the way by rebuilding the former Stadio Delle Alpi while Udinese have finally started work on renovating the Stadio Friuli after years of planning and wrangling. Lazio, Roma, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Sampdoria are just five clubs who have expressed their desire to build new grounds, although strict rules and drawn-out building application processes mean plans are pencilled on paper, but no more than that. http://markting10.nl/ "I want to have the final word on a long-standing stadium problem," Letta told reporters. "There will be an amendment drawn up in the stability plan which will define this issue once and for all, and I will be inviting the parliament to approve it. "This is the appeal I will be making to parliament: from Jan. 1, we need new laws for more modern stadia without any barriers."

Llorente: I was ready to quit Juventus The Spaniard has revealed that he was ready to leave Turin after a tough introduction to Italian football, but is happy to now have fought his way into the Bianconeri line-up. Nov 14, 2013 Fernando Llorente has admitted that he was ready to throw in the towel at Juventus after experiencing a difficult start to life at the Serie A champions. http://markting10.nl/ The Spain international, who joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao during the summer, struggled to live up to the high expectations in the opening months of the 2013-14 campaign and spent most of his time on the bench. However, he then broke into the starting XI following injuries to Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella, so now he's pleased with how things have panned out. "I could hardly train as my body simply couldn't keep up. My body was not used to working so much and I felt completely drained. I had a lot of doubts and was ready to throw in the towel," Llorente told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. http://markting10.nl/ "Also because there is a lot of competition for places. We are with five attackers and it's not easy to break into the team. "But then [coach] Antonio Conte considered me again and that gave me a lot of energy. I was fortunate enough to get more playing time. Vucinic and Quagliarella's injuries gave me the chance to prove myself. http://markting10.nl/ "I got more game time and started feeling better with each minute I got. I have found the right rhythm now." Llorente has netted four goals in 12 appearances in all competition for Juventus so far this season.

Llorente explains Juventus truth Nov 14, 2013 Fernando Llorente has revealed the difficulties of settling in at Juventus. “Being last choice was mortifying.” http://markting10.nl/ The big Spaniard moved to Turin in the summer on a Bosman free transfer after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired. However, he struggled for playing time at the start of the campaign as boss Antonio Conte opted for different solutions in attack. Speaking to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Thursday, the 28-year-old says it took him some time to adjust to the physical demands on Italian football. http://markting10.nl/ “I was in good shape when I arrived for pre-season, I felt strong, but my body was not used to so much work and at one stage in America I felt empty, totally rundown,” he revealed. “If the body doesn’t work then your mind reacts as a consequence and I started to have doubts. The competition for places was also frightening, there are five of us and it is not easy to find space. “The training at Juventus is totally different to what it was at Athletic Bilbao,” he added. “You never get a break and my body couldn’t take it. http://markting10.nl/ “I moved forward by working and because I felt the faith of everyone. Then, evidently, my body was able to switch, let us say that it accepted the radical changes and I started again. “I was given a few games, minutes and the more I played the better I felt. I found my rhythm even if I had a few problems at the beginning adjusting to the mentality. “I had the fortune of getting the chance to play when I was finally finding my form again, then the injuries to Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella helped.” http://markting10.nl/ There were reports that Llorente was already considering a January move away from the Italian giants given his anonymous start. “I didn’t want to leave, but I was disappointed because being the last choice striker is mortifying,” he continued. “The important thing was to not let my head drop and to keep fighting, working hard as I think hard work always pays. http://markting10.nl/ “Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane suffered initially at Juventus too, then I knew that Serie A was different, that getting used to it would take time and be a struggle. “It’s harder to score in Italy, you often defend with five. Conte explained to me that patience would be needed for me to adapt to Serie A. He stayed close to me.” http://markting10.nl/ Llorente added that he had been left impressed by the whole environment in Turin and by one player in particular. “Andrea Pirlo. I saw his qualities from the outside, but he makes a real impression in training. It’s striking because he never makes a mistake. You have to be left amazed by his free-kicks.” The centre-forward has scored four goals in 12 games for the Bianconeri.

Llorente surprised by Spain call Nov 12, 2013 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente wasn’t expecting to be selected for Spain’s friendlies versus Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. http://markting10.nl/ The forward was a late addition to the squad after Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa was ruled out with an injury. “I’m very happy to be back,” he stated on Wednesday. “I did not expect it and I was caught by surprise. “Now it is very difficult to be here, I have to fight a lot, but the year is long and there is time to prove myself. http://markting10.nl/ “It is always a joy to return to the national team. I have had a normal period of adaptation at Juventus and now I feel fully settled. “What I thought was to try to adapt as quickly as possible knowing that this was normal, that it would be tough, but that in the end things would work out with the work I was doing.” The 28-year-old, after initially struggling in Turin following his move from Athletic Bilbao, has scored four goals in 12 games for the Old Lady.

Pirlo out and Alonso in at Juve? Nov 12, 2013 The Corriere della Sera claims Juventus will make a move for Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso should Andrea Pirlo not sign a new contract. http://markting10.nl/ The Italian is in the last year of his deal in Turin and has made it clear in the past that he would only remain should he continue to be a key man for the side. The Spaniard is an attractive proposition to the Old Lady seeing as his agreement in Spain is also set to run out in June, thus potentially making him available on a free transfer. The 31-year-old Alonso was targeted by the previous regime in Turin while he was at Liverpool, but the Italian club then opted to sign Christian Poulsen instead. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus, according to the Corriere, have already held primary talks with Alonso, a man who also has admirers in England. Juve director general Beppe Marotta has a habit of signing good free transfers as Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Fernando Llorente – who all scored in the 3-0 win over Napoli – were signed for nothing.

Pogba: 'Juve sped up my career' Nov 12, 2013 Paul Pogba thanked Juventus for helping to speed up his career. “The Coach has faith in me and I feel at ease.” http://markting10.nl/ He left Manchester United on a free transfer when complaining Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t give him enough playing time, but has quickly become a Bianconeri mainstay. “Have Juventus helped me save time in my career? I’d say so, as I am 20 years old and have already played in the Champions League, which isn’t to be sniffed at,” he told L’Equipe. “The Coach has faith in me and I feel at ease on the pitch.” http://markting10.nl/ Pogba is also called up for France’s World Cup play-off against Ukraine. “Now we prepare for the next game and hope to achieve qualification for the World Cup. I will try to do my best and believe the Coach called me so that I can give a more attacking contribution to the team. “With Juventus I play in a more forward role compared to the Bleus, but it is not a problem for me to play in a deeper position. I can do both roles.”

Albertini hails golden Pirlo Nov 12, 2013 Juventus and Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo would be a worthy winner of the Golden Ball, says Demetrio Albertini. http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder is on the 23-man shortlist for the honour, but he isn’t expected to even finish on the Ballon d’Or podium. “The likes of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Francesco Totti would have deserved the Golden Ball as well,” the Italian Football Federation official told Sky Sport Italia. “Andrea is an extraordinary talent of Italian football. I have seen him grow up since the start of his career,” continued the former Milan man. http://markting10.nl/ “He knows of the affection that I hold for him – one I had even before he became an established player.” Pirlo is still a key man for club and country. He aided Juventus to a 3-0 win over Napoli at the weekend with a trademark free-kick.

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI Fernando Llorente (2′) Andrea Pirlo (74′) Paul Pogba (80′) November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance:‬ 38000‎ Juventus launch Scudetto missile A second consecutive slip-up by Roma gave the reigning champions a scent of blood. And, as Giancarlo Rinaldi reports, Juventus showed their old lethal streak to move in for the kill. Nov 11, 2013 Anyone who thought they would give up their crown without a fight really knew nothing about Antonio Conte and his team. In the biggest Scudetto showdown of the season so far, the Bianconeri showed their determination to make it three-in-a-row. Ahead of the international break, it sounded like an alarm bell to any of their title rivals. http://markting10.nl/ La Vecchia Signora started their game with Napoli like a caged beast which had been starved of food for a fortnight. They sunk their teeth into Rafa Benitez’s side with great gusto in the opening stages and got their reward after just a couple of minutes. Fernando Llorente was narrowly offside when he prodded the ball home, but the Turin side needed no second invitation to take control. Not that the Partenopei went down without a fight, they had their chances to get back into the match but Gigi Buffon – the man some suggested was past his best – excelled himself in denying the visitors. Later in the game a typically pinpoint Andrea Pirlo free-kick and sweet swivelling finish from Paul Pogba put the outcome beyond doubt. It puts Conte’s men in the perfect position to carry out an overtaking manoeuvre at the top of the table once their players come back from national team duties. “We have sent an important signal to those ahead of us,” said Pirlo in post-match interviews. “We are all up there – Roma are having a great championship but we have to worry about ourselves. After the Giallorossi drew we had to close the gap and we did it in the best way possible.” http://markting10.nl/ “Napoli are a very strong team which can still improve a lot,” added Conte. “I am sure they are a team which will fight right to the end for the Scudetto. It will be a fight with them and Roma and then there are Inter and Fiorentina and maybe other teams.” “To start a game against such a strong side as Juventus and go behind after two minutes changes everything,” said Benitez. “Up to the 74th minute the team showed quality and concentration. Then we saw two goals which showed the quality of their players.” http://markting10.nl/ Those who had predicted a slowing of Roma’s pace got surprising proof of their wisdom against Sassuolo. The Giallorossi looked to be set for a Stadio Olimpico stroll when Alessandro Longhi thumped one into his own goal in the first half. But a personal duel between Adem Ljajic and Gianluca Pegolo saw the visiting goalkeeper thwart the Serbian on at least three occasions. When Rudi Garcia’s men failed to extend their lead it was up to special agent Domenico Berardi – owned by Juve – to level the match deep in injury time. “When we did not get the second goal this could always happen,” admitted the Roma boss. “You cannot relax when you are just one goal ahead. But we are still in first place and we played a good game – more so in the second half than the first. That is the important thing for me – we are playing well and as long as we are doing that we will win games.” http://markting10.nl/ For other teams, however, winning matches has become the hardest thing of all. For few sides is this more true than Max Allegri’s Milan. With Mario Balotelli banned again, the closest they came to downing Chievo was a Robinho shot which bounced off the post. Their tactician took the goalless draw – and the increased questions over his future – in philosophical style. “I am the Milan Coach – if the club thinks they need another one they will let me know,” he said. “We created a lot and conceded not much. I couldn’t have asked any more of my players. Sometimes scoring a goal and winning a game can change people’s opinions of a team.” It is the same story for Delio Rossi at Sampdoria who was surrounded by rumours that he would be shown the door after away defeat to Fiorentina. A quick-fire Giuseppe Rossi double looked to have given the Viola an easy victory but they trembled a little after Manolo Gabbiadini narrowed the gap. Vincenzo Montella’s men just held out to keep themselves in the European debate. http://markting10.nl/ Verona tumbled out of that equation a little with their defeat at the hands of back-in-form Genoa, but Inter kept up a good pace thanks to a Saturday night win over Livorno. Their task was made easier by an unfortunate blunder from visiting goalkeeper Francesco Bardi who pretty much threw the ball into his own net to open the scoring. The fact that he is on-loan from the Nerazzurri, like much of the Tuscan team, only made it look worse. Yuto Nagatomo completed the scoring in a match which was also notable for the return of Javier Zanetti to action after his long spell out through injury. Elsewhere, Lazio shared the spoils with Parma at the Ennio Tardini while two Daniele Conti thunderbolt free-kicks were enough for Cagliari to sink Torino. That victory allowed the Sardinians to pull clear of Bologna who were downed by a late Marko Livaja strike in a 2-1 defeat at Atalanta. Finally, there was some consolation for Maxi Lopez who was able to get his mind off widely-reported relationship problems by giving Catania a rare win this season at home to Udinese. However, the Sicilians might still be separating from Serie A come the end of this campaign. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Llorente penso sia stato convocato dal c.t. spagnolo quindi non ha giocato contro l'Asti.

Llorente: Tevez & I are great together The Spaniard has talked up his professional relationship with the Argentine and insisted his recent purple patch in front of goal is not a coincidence. Nov 11, 2013 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has talked up his strike partnership with Carlos Tevez and played down suggestions he is unhappy at the club. http://markting10.nl/ The Spain international scored the opening goal in the Bianconeri's 3-0 thrashing of Napoli on Sunday, with Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba sealing an impressive win for the reigning Serie A champions. Arsenal were prompted by the forward's struggles to break into Antonio Conte's first team and want to sign him on loan in January, despite having only joined the club in the summer, but Llorente insists he is comfortable in Turin and says he has worked hard to turn his form around. "I always try to help the team with my movement," he told Sky Sport. http://markting10.nl/ "My improvement is no coincidence, but came from hard work. I get on very well with Carlos Tevez and I am happy to be at the club." The victory over Rafa Benitez's men moves Juve to within point of Serie A leaders Roma after Rudi Garcia's men dropped points at home to Sassuolo and the 28-year-old is aware of the importance of beating a title rival. "Roma drew earlier and we knew that we had a great opportunity to close on them," Llorente added. "A win, especially against Napoli, is very important, even if there’s a long road yet to the Scudetto."