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Moratti: Agnelli was just joking Oct 17, 2013 Inter chief Massimo Moratti has looked to cool the furore caused by a Facebook post from Juventus President Andrea Agnelli. http://markting10.nl/ The latter yesterday published a joke about the capital of Indonesia being changed from Jakarta to Jakartone following Inter’s sale to Indonesian businessman Erick Thohir. The jibe was a play on words with regard to the so-called 2006 Scudetto di Cartone – cardboard Scudetto – which was taken away from the Old Lady and handed to the San Siro club following Calciopoli. http://markting10.nl/ “You had a good laugh at the Jakartone jibes? Yes, because it came to me in a text message which was very warm towards both me and the club,” Moratti stated on Inter’s website. “So it was a joke that I thought would end there, yet then, perhaps naïvely, it appeared elsewhere. “Anyway, that's end of it,” he added. “There is no response to it whatsoever. It was a joke that ends there.”

Ancelotti promises a better Real Oct 17, 2013 Carlo Ancelotti has warned Juventus to expect an improved Real Madrid side when the two meet in the Champions League next week. “We are trying to change something, to play more possession football and this change takes time,” Ancelotti told the Corriere della Sera after his summer move from Paris Saint-Germain. http://markting10.nl/ “Indeed, so far we have played games badly and our problems have been compounded by the fact that Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have always won. “We have to play better, the criticism that we have received has been with substance. Here the fans are demanding and they are right to be. “As a Coach I can say that in the next matches, Malaga and Juventus at home, and Barcelona at the Camp Nou, we will do better. http://markting10.nl/ “This is also because we cannot play worse than we did against Levante and Elche.” The 54-year-old knows Juventus well given his previous coaching stint with the Old Lady of Italian football. “I do not know if Juve have dropped in intensity or not,” the tactician continued. “I only know that the Italian League has increased in competition. http://markting10.nl/ “They seem to be a solid team, with a well-defined style of play. “Andrea Pirlo is always a guarantee and will continue to be for a long time. I wanted him with me at Chelsea but it was not possible. For Andrea we will be prepared – he will be marked by two bulldogs. “Why the poor relationship between me and the Juve fans? To a section of their fans I was always considered an opponent. I have always been seen with the shirt of Milan or Roma.”

Gattuso: Pirlo still the best Oct 17, 2013 Gennaro Gattuso has underlined the continuing importance of former teammate Andrea Pirlo to Juventus and Italy. http://markting10.nl/ “He and Francesco Totti remain the best players in the country,” the recently sacked Palermo boss told Tuttosport. “Andrea is 34, he is no longer a kid, but he is the first person to be aware of that. And it is only normal that he is not in top shape every Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ “We are good friends and we often speak with each other. I know him really well and I can guarantee that he is in good form right now. “I thought he did well against Milan before the international break and on Tuesday with the national side. “He provided Mario Balotelli with one of ‘his’ assists against Armenia.” http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo’s club future is in some doubt given that his contract with the Old Lady is set to expire at the end of the season. Gattuso played alongside the playmaker for Milan and Italy.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Rossi looking to defeat Juventus Oct 15, 2013 Fiorentina’s Giuseppe Rossi is dreaming of a weekend goal against Juventus – a club who he admits came close to signing him in the past. http://markting10.nl/ The striker is now back to full service after missing the majority of the last two seasons with a recurring knee problem. “We are coming off two horrible home draws against Cagliari and Parma,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “We need three points. “Now I’m thinking of a goal against Juventus because I live in the present and not the future. Don’t ask me about the Maracana, the World Cup, the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ “All I want to do right now is try to beat Juventus.” The Old Lady, who are aiming for a third successive Scudetto, are currently in second place after winning six and drawing one of their seven League games so far this term. “If you are able to limit the influence of Andrea Pirlo then you have a nice advantage,” added the former Parma and Manchester United man. http://markting10.nl/ “Juve are in pole position for the title, but the other teams are close.” Rossi joined Fiorentina in January from Villarreal, 18 months after Juventus contacted the Spanish club for his services. “Talks with Juventus a few years ago were very active, but then Villarreal qualified for the Champions League and they didn’t sell anyone.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pirlo always delivers in big games, says Gattuso The former Palermo coach is confident that the veteran playmaker will rise to the occasion at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night. Oct 17, 2013 Gennaro Gattuso has voiced his admiration for Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo ahead of next week's vital Champions League match against Real Madrid, claiming that his former AC Milan team-mate always delivers when it matters most. http://markting10.nl/ The Serie A champions desperately need a good result at the Santiago Bernabeu next week after drawing their opening two games, against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, yet Gattuso has little doubt that the Bianconeri's most influential will show his team the way forward. "Andrea does not feel any fear and is almost always decivise in games like the one at the Bernabeu next week," the former Rossoneri enforcer told Tuttosport. http://markting10.nl/ "It's always been like that with Pirlo. It was already like that with Milan in the Champions League finals and nothing has changed. I tended to get all nervous and could hardly sleep, whereas Andrea always kept his calm. "Andrea is 34 years old, he's not a kid any more and he's the first to acknowledge that. You cannot expect him to be on top of his game every Sunday." Pirlo has made nine appearances for Juventus so far this season, scoring once in the process.

Juventus have quality players, warns Ancelotti Madrid's boss believes the signings of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente has added an extra dynamic to the side and feels Real Madrid will have to be at their best to beat them. Oct 17, 2013 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has warned of the quality at Juventus' disposal ahead of next week's Champions League encounter. http://markting10.nl/ The Spanish champions host the Serie A holders on Wednesday with four points separating the sides after just two rounds of matches, but Ancelotti insists they will face a stern test to record a win at Santiago Bernabeu. "Juventus are very motivated and very well organised, with quality players," the 54-year-old was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website. "They've signed some important players in the summer, like Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez who have given the team some extra quality. http://markting10.nl/ "They have played together for three years under the same coach and it's a well-structured club. Those are their biggest qualities." Juventus have collected two points from their opening two Group B games with Copenhagen and Galatasaray, while Madrid have recorded wins in each of their first two games.

Buffon: I nearly joined Barcelona The experienced goalkeeper claims he spurned the chance to join the Blaugrana in 2001 in favour of remaining in Serie A with Juventus. Oct 17, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he turned down the chance to join Barcelona in 2001. http://markting10.nl/ The Italy international was one of the most sought after shot-stoppers around at the time after a number of impressive seasons with Parma and the Blaugrana were keen to lure him to La Liga. The Catalans even made an offer for the Italy international, but Buffon ultimately opted to remain in Serie A by joining Juventus - a decision he is adamant he does not regret. "I could have joined Barcelona in 2001," Buffon told Mediaset. http://markting10.nl/ "However, I decided to join Juventus after discussing it with my father and I'm still grateful for it. Being at Juventus is a unique experience and has brought me a lot of satisfaction. "And let's not forget that Barcelona back then were nothing like the team they are now." The 35-year-old admitted he was thrilled to sign a new contract with the Turin giants earlier this year and is determined to continue playing at the highest level for as long as possible. http://markting10.nl/ "My contract renewal was another milestone for me. I could have gone to Eastern Europe for a lot of money, but I opted to stay at Juventus. "I want to keep on playing for many more years and I want to keep on surprising people." Buffon, who surpassed Fabio Cannavaro's record of 136 international caps for Italy last Friday against Denmark, signed a deal to stay at Juventus until 2015.

Pogba: I'll wait for France chance The 20-year-old has been recently getting a run in les Bleus' first time but says it is up to Didier Deschamps on whether that continues. Oct 16, 2013 Paul Pogba says he is willing to wait for his chance with France's first team. http://markting10.nl/ The 20-year-old midfielder has featured intermittently for the national team under Didier Deschamps following impressive performances at club level with Juventus. And Pogba, who has played in les Bleus' last three games, is aware that he may have to accept being rotated but is determined to take his chance when he gets it. "It depends on the coach. When I'm on the pitch I give 100 per cent," he told L'Equipe. http://markting10.nl/ "I don't want to deceive the French staff or my team-mates. I feel like a France player. If I have to be on the bench, I'll be there and I'll be ready to play." Meanwhile, talks between Pogba and Juventus over a new deal could well happen over the next few weeks, according to reports circulating in Italy on Wednesday. http://markting10.nl/ Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, is due to meet with representatives of the Bianconeri at the end of this month despite Juve president Andrea Agnelli recently admitting it would be hard to turn down a good offer for the midfielder. Pogba's current contract expires in June 2016.

Buffon: 'I could've joined Barca' Oct 16, 2013 Gigi Buffon revealed he “could’ve gone to Barcelona” in 2001, but thanks his father for steering him towards Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The goalkeeper has become an icon in Turin, staying on even after Calciopoli and their demotion to Serie B. “Before joining the Bianconeri in 2001, I could’ve gone to Barcelona,” he told Sport Mediaset. “My father suggested Juventus. I still thank him to this day, as I had many satisfying moments here. The Barcelona back then was not the same team as today. http://markting10.nl/ “Signing a contract renewal in 2013 was another important step. I decided to stay at Juventus, even though I had an important offer from Eastern Europe that would’ve made anyone wobble. “I hope to play for a few more years, as long as I will be able to surprise the way I always have done in my career.” Buffon went back to the beginning and the decision to join Parma as a teenager. http://markting10.nl/ “I was wanted by Parma, Milan and with more moderate interest also Bologna. My parents did well to choose Parma, as they considered it more suited to a 13-year-old. Any parent, perhaps rightly, would’ve preferred to say their child played for Milan, but they worried about finding the best place for me to grow up. “My Serie A debut was a dream come true, but then again at the age of 17 I was already an audacious kid. I knew I wouldn’t be a flash in the pan and wanted to write important pages in the history of this sport. “I won a great deal with Parma, but there are regrets I never won the Scudetto with them. Perhaps we were too young and immature to find the consistency needed.” http://markting10.nl/ There is another trophy Buffon is yet to win for Juventus or any other club – the Champions League – and next week he’ll face Real Madrid. “They say Real are not going through a good moment, but the truth is that with their players it doesn’t take much to turn the situation around. It might be unsporting, but I do hope they face us with empty tanks. “A victory against Real Madrid would boost our self-confidence. We need to start a winning journey in Europe too.”

Pogba set for extension talks Oct 16, 2013 Juventus are soon expected to hold talks with the agent of Paul Pogba in an effort to extend his contract. http://markting10.nl/ The Frenchman, signed in the summer of 2012 when his deal at Manchester United expired, is tied to the club until June 2016. However, the Old Lady are ready to reward the player for his progression in Turin with a new improved agreement. French international Pogba, according to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport’s annual salary charts, currently nets €1m a season. http://markting10.nl/ The 20-year-old’s representative, Mino Raiola, will reportedly meet with officials towards the end of this month or at the start of November. Pogba has played in all seven of Juventus’ League games so far this season, scoring one goal in 605 minutes of action.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Fiorentina 'wouldn't swap' with Juve Oct 15, 2013 Fiorentina director Daniele Pradè insists he “wouldn’t swap” his team or Coach Vincenzo Montella with Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The two arch rival clubs go head-to-head this weekend and there’s no love lost between them. “Would I exchange Antonio Conte with Montella? Absolutely not. He’s the tactician we’re counting on and we’re growing together,” director of sport Pradè told Radio Blu. “I do have to recognise Conte is a Coach capable of transmitting his character to the squad. Juventus are a winning side and we too are trying to bring in a winning mentality. http://markting10.nl/ “This is a match that means a great deal to everyone in Florence and it’s different to all the others. We know how much the fans and club want to do well. “What do Juventus have more than Fiorentina right now? Their ability to deal with results. Their team was constructed in order to win, whereas we have a different budget, but I still wouldn’t change our squad with theirs. http://markting10.nl/ “After all, we have 12 players away on international duty at the moment, whereas Juventus have only nine. “We are convinced that we can start an important era at Fiorentina.” (Yes, like 50 years ago!) http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pogba: I'm happy at Juve Oct 15, 2013 Paul Pogba has insisted that he is committed to Juventus, despite rumours that he could leave the club in the summer. http://markting10.nl/ President Andrea Agnelli admitted last week that the club would not be able to turn down a huge bid for the French youngster. As such, the rumour-mill has gone into overdrive with varying reports linking the midfielder with everyone from Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal. “PSG? I don’t know about that,” he told Le Parisien. “I am happy at Juventus. I have already told you that. http://markting10.nl/ “Words of a potential sale don’t bother me. At the moment, I’m with the national team and only want to talk about that. “Once I’m back in Turin I’ll comment. I just take care of what happens on the pitch, [agent] Mino Raiola takes care of the rest.

Juve open to £40m Pogba sale? Oct 15, 2013 Reports in England suggest that Chelsea may be lining up a £40m move this January for Paul Pogba and that Juventus may be prepared to accept. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri’s President Andrea Agnelli indicated just last week that the club would find it difficult to turn down particular offers for the young Frenchman, who continues to impress into his second season in Turin. The Express lead the way in the UK today as indicating that such an offer is imminent and set to arrive from Chelsea. http://markting10.nl/ It is suggested that Juve have already quoted a price of £40m at which to begin negotiations, with a planned £15m investment themselves then lined up for Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke.

Brits push on for Pirlo Oct 15, 2013 Reports are that clubs from England are pushing hardest to try and turn Andrea Pirlo’s head for next summer. http://markting10.nl/ The Juventus regista is out of contract at the end of the current season and is already attracting speculation as to his intentions come next June. With negotiations for a renewal in Turin seen as due only in February-March time, reports have been that the likes of Real Madrid and Inter may be interested in talking to the 34-year-old. However, on from Gianluca Vialli’s assertion last week that Tottenham are leading the way for Pirlo, reports today are that the Premier League is where the most interest is so far. http://markting10.nl/ Milannews.it believe that Spurs are pushing strongest for the Italy international but are only leading a group that also contains Chelsea, Arseanl, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. It is believed that this group of six, led by Andre Villas-Boas’ side, are increasingly pressing on with interest in Pirlo, ready to offer deals that at a financial level will be greater than those in Serie A.

Llorente or only Tevez for Madrid Oct 15, 2013 Antonio Conte is reportedly planning starting Fernando Llorente alongside Carlos Tevez against Real Madrid next week, or just the Argentine. http://markting10.nl/ Llorente has so far struggled for regular playing time since moving out to Serie A, but is seen as in contention for a starting berth come next midweek. The Bianconeri will travel out to the Spanish capital for the third matchday in the Champions League group phase likely without Mirko Vucinic due to a thigh injury. http://markting10.nl/ During the international break, Conte is seen as having already begun preparations for the trip to the Santiago Bernabeu and is contemplating either a 3-5-2 or 3-5-1-1 set-up. Should he go for the former, it is seen that Llorente will start against his compatriots, but that if Conte wants just the one striker up top, then it will be Tevez to start.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Jovetic believes Viola can defeat Juventus Oct 15, 2013 Despite nearly joining Juventus over the summer, former Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic believes the Gigliati can beat the Bianconeri on Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ Jovetic joined Manchester City over the summer but he still holds a soft spot for the Viola, and the 23-year-old is confident that his former club can get one over on their hated rivals this weekend. “I always follow Fiorentina because I still have many friends there and I left only two months ago,” the Montenegrin international told Tuttosport. “I have a lot of affection for Florence, for the fans and my former teammates, I still love you all. I have seen many of the Viola’s games. http://markting10.nl/ “They have played well so far while in a few games they have been unlucky. They are still a great team for whom I was very fond of and certainly will be cheering for now. “The Viola will win 1-0 with a goal from Giuseppe Rossi.” http://markting10.nl/ Jovetic admits he was aware of the Bianconeri’s interest in him over the summer, but states he was happy to leave for a club outside of Italy. “It’s true that there was interest from Juve but the president wanted €30 million and I chose to go overseas,” Jovetic concluded. Jovetic scored 40 goals in 134 appearances in all competitions for the Viola from 2008 to 2013. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Paul Pogba: Why Hinting the Frenchman Could Be Sold Is Dangerous for Juventus Oct 14, 2013 Juventus have been faced with some irritating speculation over Paul Pogba's long-term future during the international break, and it's their own fault for inviting it. http://markting10.nl/ The former Manchester United man, who opted to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer in search of more regular playing time in 2012, has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Real Madrid in recent months. The Bianconeri management should be focusing their energies on keeping him in Turin for the next decade, but instead, club president Andrea Agnelli has admitted to Gazetta dello Sport, via Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, that a big-money deal would be hard to resist. Giorgio Chiellini, the Old Lady's stellar central defender, has weighed in on the subject, suggesting that he too could see Pogba departing for a monstrous offer. http://markting10.nl/ He told Gazetta dello Sport, via the Daily Mail: At the moment, Pogba is the biggest talent in international football in his position. If Juve do receive an obscenely high offer for him... just look at the price Bale went for. Paul is settled here and he’ll probably renew his contract, but you never know with the transfer market. Anything can happen. When a club is offered an obscene amount of money for a player it’s difficult to say no. No-one can promise that a player will never be sold. Every player has his price, that's just the way it is. The fact that any player has a price and that everyone is for sale is a given in modern football, as evidenced by Cristiano Ronaldo's mammoth £80 million sale from Manchester United to Real Madrid. Why Chiellini needs to regurgitate that is unclear, and despite altogether not saying too much, he's invited heavy, unwanted speculation to the club. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus are in the process of phasing Andrea Pirlo out of his regista role and pushing Pogba into a more integral one. Antonio Conte is trying to build a future around the precocious French talent, and talking about him potentially leaving is hardly the ideal stance to take. Chiellini says it himself: "Pogba is the biggest talent in international football in his position." Perhaps not the biggest, but one of the biggest certainly, and the strides he has made so far in his short career are astonishing, to say the least. Pogba is the complete midfielder. He possesses every attribute required to reach the top. Power, aggressiveness, technical talent, height and speed are all his to exert, and he can produce a rasping long shot to boot. http://markting10.nl/ Whether Conte plans to plug him into the regista role in place of Pirlo or remodel the system around him in a different way is unclear, but the obvious moves to limit Pirlo's influence over the team—benched for certain games, contract situation unclear—can only point to the induction of Pogba as a Juve star. The Bianconeri have taken a quizzical approach to the situation, one that simply invites continued speculation for the next several seasons. That Agnelli has said a big-money deal would be tough to resist is a tool international media will use against the club in future transfer windows, and Pogba's early, ambitious move to Turin speaks volumes of the confidence he has in himself. http://markting10.nl/ It will now be excruciating to watch the papers to put two and two together every single transfer window from this point on. Juve need Pogba if they are to build a UEFA Champions League winning side and that has to be the goal. The Turin giants are one of Europe's finest, most storied clubs, and the fans will not be happy selling their star assets off to vultures. A stronger message in the other direction was needed on the subject of Pogba's future, and Agnelli could live to regret his off-the-cuff remarks.

4 Things Andrea Pirlo Can Teach Paul Pogba at Juventus Oct 14, 2013 What can't Paul Pogba possibly learn from a man who has accrued an astonishing trophy collection throughout his storied career, including one World Cup, two Champions League titles and a slew of Scudetti with two different teams? http://markting10.nl/ That man, of course, is Andrea Pirlo—and here are four things the legendary deep-lying playmaker can teach young starlet Paul Pogba at Juventus. Humility The biggest thing that differs from Andrea Pirlo and many modern players is humility. Pirlo's generation lacked the crazy hairstyles and bling-bling culture that has been embraced by many young footballers today. http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo's humility and quiet leadership made him a soft-spoken icon among teammates throughout a career which has spanned nearly 15 years. I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Pogba when he was in Miami over the summer of 2013 for the ICC competition, and can easily say that he's one of the nicest, most humble athletes I have ever met. Here's hoping the dynamic French midfielder has a long and prosperous career. http://markting10.nl/ Tactical Nuances Despite only being 20 years old, Paul Pogba plays with an elegance and tactical knowledge far beyond his age. If there's one thing Andrea Pirlo has mastered, it's the tactical aspect to the game. In any given moment, he'll know if passing out to a winger or darting it downfield to the No. 9 is the better choice. His decision will often astonish viewers while leaving the defense dead in its tracks. There's no one better than Pirlo to mold the young Pogba into a more modern midfield version of himself. http://markting10.nl/ Set-Piece Taking More recently at Juventus, winger Simone Pepe told tales of when Alessandro Del Piero took a week to teach him how to curl a ball into the back of the net from a set-piece situation. Paul Pogba has a much more powerful shot than Pirlo, so the thought of him learning how to put English on a free-kick and add yet another weapon to his already impressive repertoire is staggering. http://markting10.nl/ Coolness Under Pressure One of Pirlo's best traits is his coolness under pressure when he's in possession in his own half. Many times, teammates look for Pirlo to open himself up in front of the defense, and send him a pass right away—knowing their maestro will pirouette with the defense on his heels, turn around with a rapid feint and deliver a pinpoint pass 40 meters downfield.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Mirko Vucinic set to miss Fiorentina, doubtful for Real Madrid, according to reports Oct 14, 2013 When Mirko Vucinic's pulled lame and grabbed his hamstring in Juventus' Champions League tie against Galatasaray earlier this month, it wasn't good. You could basically see the moment something went wrong, and then seconds later Vucinic was grabbing his leg in obvious pain. http://markting10.nl/ Now, a few weeks later after some recovery time, it seems like it's almost a certainty that the Montenegrin striker won't be coming back for a couple of rather important games about FIorentine and Real Madrid coming out of the international break. I guess I have one less option to worry about in the match previews, right? Well, for the time being, at least. It's too bad. I was ready to break things down for all of you guys and gals. But now we're down one fewer option than a lot of us assumed would be in the mix to get serious playing time against two pretty good teams. And so is Juve heading into a very important three-day stretch for a pair of crucial matches both domestically and in the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ We know Carlos Tevez will start Juventus' next two games as long as he's fit and ready to roll. But who will be his strike partner coming Sunday afternoon in Florence and three days later in Madrid is up in the air. Could this finally be the time when Antonio Conte fully lets Fernando Llorente loose for two games in a row? Or, will Mr. Champions League, Fabio Quagliarella, look to continue to strive on the European stage? Maybe Sebastian GIovinco? All questions are fair game at this point with Vucinic still struggling to regain full fitness. With six days separating us from kickoff against the Viola, there will be plenty about who should get the chance to start next to the guy who currently wears Juventus' No. 10 jersey. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Paul Pogba on the wing? Oct 14, 2013 "Doesn't it seem strange to have a Sunday without Juventus?" asked the official club's Twitter account. It does seem bizarre to pass a weekend without a match to keep the masses entertained. However, off-pitch matters never cease to make the headlines and the latest discussion surrounds the position of right wing-back. http://markting10.nl/ Next weekend, Juventus will travel to face Fiorentina in a high-pressure match. Vincenzo Montella has already said he would happily play a far less aesthetically pleasing style of football if it means a win and a chance to make the fans happy. The Viola supporters view Juve as a great rival and a team they despise greatly. A win would be celebrated gleefully and Montella would do all that he can to ensure pleasure. Juventus are somewhat struggling with injuries, especially in that wide right position. Stephan Lichtsteiner is still recovering from his problems and it is thought Antonio Conte would rather rest him in view of the Champions League clash against Real Madrid than force his return against Fiorentina. Meanwhile, Mauricio Isla picked up an injury in his left thigh in the World Cup qualifier against Colombia and will need to be assessed. With Martin Caceres still in need of time to recover fully, who will Conte play on that important Sunday afternoon? Simone Padoin hardly impressed in the match against Milan, but as this blog has suggested before, why not allow Paul Pogba the opportunity to show off his skills on the right? His technique and attacking ability are certainly better exploited when the youngster is played through the middle. However, in moments like this, necessity really is the mother of invention. http://markting10.nl/ What Conte has insisted upon for some time now is a winger capable of creating numerical superiority with penetrative runs down the flank. Pogba, with his talent for holding on to the ball and intelligent thinking, will certainly create uncomfortable situations for the opposition if he is played in the wide area. More than that, his tireless running and stamina make him a good option on the flanks, considering his ability to both contribute in attack as well as secure the defence. Of course, he's less able to exhibit his real talents and it seems somewhat wasteful for that position to be made his on a regular basis, but with Claudio Marchisio still assured of a place in midfield, why not play Pogba as a winger? The Bianconeri have already benefited from the player's ability to stretch out the opponent's back-line while his pinpoint crosses have been a delight for a team so rarely accustomed to accuracy in the wide areas. It may be a stopgap solution but right now, it might be the only way to improve the manner in which the Bianconeri attack. http://markting10.nl/ With most of their attacking passages of play going through the centre, Juve are more predictable this season and have less variety going forward. It is at this time that alternatives become important for their game to open up different options on the pitch. With an additional player available, one who capable of overwhelming the opponents, there will be more gaps for the likes of Marchisio or Arturo Vidal to exploit with their timely runs into the box. With all four on the pitch, opponents will struggle to cut off the creativity within the side and the alternatives going forward should prove effective. It is up to Conte to make the decision and many still believe he will opt for Padoin on the right in the match against Montella's men. It will be interesting to see if he continues the experiment he started against Milan. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Pizarro to miss Juve clash? Oct 14, 2013 Fiorentina could be without the experienced David Pizarro for this weekend’s clash with Juventus. The veteran midfielder missed training for the Chile national team this afternoon as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier with Ecuador. http://markting10.nl/ Reports suggest that Pizarro has picked up a muscle injury, although the extent of the knock has not been revealed. The 34-year-old is likely to be out of the match in Santiago, but it remains to be seen if he will but enough to face the Bianconeri on Sunday. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Lichtsteiner in, Vucinic out Oct 14, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has some good and some bad news ahead of their game with Fiorentina this weekend. The Bianconeri travel to Florence on Sunday for a tough encounter with Vincenzo Montella’s men. http://markting10.nl/ But they will have to do so without Mirko Vucinic, who has failed to recover from the injury he picked up in the 2-2 draw with Galatasaray. The Turin side can call upon Stephan Lichtsteiner though, who is back in contention despite pulling out of the Switzerland squad. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Montella: Juve a major challenge Oct 14, 2013 Vincenzo Montella has commented on Fiorentina’s ‘major challenge’ when they face Juventus this weekend. http://markting10.nl/ The Viola host the Bianconeri on Sunday, and the Coach has admitted he is aware that it will be a tough match for his men. “I am aware how important this major challenge is,” he told reporters. “It’s important for the club and all the fans. “We are preparing to do better than we did last year – even though we did quite well against Juve. http://markting10.nl/ “Our goal is to satisfy the fans. We want to win.” Montella then commented on his early experiences in Florence and the controversy surrounding ‘territorial discrimination’ in Italian stadium. “I make the most of this beautiful city every day. I wake up ever yday and am thankful that I live here. “The atmosphere in the city is beautiful, and the fans reflect that – they are demanding but also warm. http://markting10.nl/ “For me, territorial discrimination is the same as chanting against someone because of the colour of their skn. “However, I do find it excessive that whole stadiums are close because of a few people.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Inter plan Pirlo attempt? Oct 8, 2013 Prospective new Inter owner Erick Thohir is reportedly intent on trying to sign Andrea Pirlo back to the Nerazzurri next summer. http://markting10.nl/ The Juventus man is the subject of increasing speculation regarding his future, having now entered the final 12 months of his current contract in Turin. Linked with Tottenham and Real Madrid among others, the Corriere dello Sport suggest today that Inter are also going to be on the veteran’s trail. Pirlo, whose career really took off only after ending a three-year spell with the Nerazzurri in 2001, is reportedly seen as the ‘gift’ signing that the club’s prospective new owner Thohir wants to sign to mark his arrival at San Siro. http://markting10.nl/ Whilst it is seen that there remain many obstacles to a possible move, the report is that Inter are starting work on ascertaining the player’s objectives come next summer. Pirlo is believed by the Corriere dello Sport set to only negotiate a possible renewal with Juventus come February-March next year, by which time he will also be free to negotiate with other interested parties. The playmaker currently earns €4m a season but is expected to take a pay-cut on any new deal signed, as by the summer he will have turned 35.

Madrid could be the turning point for Juve, says Vialli The Azzurri legend believes that the Bianconeri can use the match against los Blancos to bounce back from their initial struggles in Europe this term. Oct 14, 2013 Former Italy international Gianluca Vialli says the matches against Real Madrid could be the turning point for Juventus in the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri have drawn both of their matches against Copenhagen and Galatasaray in the group stages of the competition so far. But Vialli feels Antonio Conte's men can be successful in the upcoming fixtures with los Blancos, and turn the momentum in their favour. "Juventus can take advantage of an important opportunity," the 49-year-old told Tuttosport. "If they were to get a result in Spain, it would change the course of the season, going beyond all expectations. http://markting10.nl/ "The one with the Real could be the turning point of the race, but in the end I think for Juve the most important challenge in the group may be the one at Galatasaray. "I think that they will do well in this Turkish adventure, Juve will have to be careful, however. "At Juventus nothing is missing to make an impact in the Champions League." Juventus have won back-to-back titles in the Serie A in 2011-12 and 2012-13, but the former attacker is convinced that the league will be more balanced this term. http://markting10.nl/ "For Juventus, this year is much more difficult than the last two seasons. "On one side there are two to three teams that have strengthened a lot, thus becoming competitive for the championship. "On the other hand opponents now know the strengths and weaknesses of Conte's team and have begun to take countermeasures." http://markting10.nl/ Table-toppers Roma will meet second-placed Napoli on Friday, but Vialli does not think the match will be an early challenge for the league title. "At this time the Roma are very comfortable, but Napoli work great as a collective. It will be a good game, but it is too early to consider it a challenge for the Scudetto already."