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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."

Why Juventus star Carlos Tevez is unlikely to play at the World Cup The Apache has been in great form for Juventus but a return to the international stage may not be within his reach - despite mounting media pressure. Oct 14, 2013 SPECIAL REPORT By Kris Voakes New to a league he calls the toughest he’s ever played in, it is fair to say that Carlos Tevez has hit the ground running. Despite the intensity of Serie A coming as a shock to him, the Argentine has adapted so quickly that his Juventus coach Antonio Conte has had to defend claims that the Italian champions have become a one-man side centred on the ability of the former Manchester City man. http://markting10.nl/ However, his fantastic early-season form with the Bianconeri has yet to have any noticeable effect on Alejandro Sabella, with the Argentina national coach continuing to overlook a player once considered a central figure in the Albiceleste’s future. Over the years, Tevez has had clear issues with the very concept of international football, and raised the idea of early retirement from the national team in late 2009. “I’m a little tired out by all this football,” he told Marca. “I want to start enjoying being with my family more. "I have really wanted to stop and have a bit of calm. I’ve gained a lot from the world of football, but I think that has saturated me a lot. http://markting10.nl/ “There’s a lot of bad blood in Argentina and with the national side I think, ‘Why bother? If we win or lose, it’s always the same.'” While many predicted that the World Cup in South Africa the following month would mark the end of his run with Argentina, Tevez continued to make himself available even after the quarter-final defeat to Germany. Yet the new season had not even begun when he was throwing doubts into people’s minds again, admitting once more that the travelling involved was too much for him. I think Tevez’s exclusion is the best thing that could have happened to our national team. It is not because of good or bad performances, it is more that Sabella has taken the decision with the dressing room in mind. Tevez only played in the 2011 Copa America because the media, fans and even some members of the government were calling for him to be included. He turned up 6kg overweight and ended up missing the key penalty against Uruguay. http://markting10.nl/ He has said in the past that his retirement from international football was near, and after a friendly against Ireland in August 2010 he said travelling back and forth for the Albiceleste is tiring. While he clearly wants to get back into the frame and is trying to play nice in order to help his case, at the same time he also seems resigned to his fate. - Sebastian Garcia | Goal Argentina One thing that has always helped Tevez has been the support of public opinion and the mass media. After the introduction of Lionel Messi as “the best player in the world” by the public address announcer before Argentina’s 0-0 Copa America draw with Colombia in 2011, Carlitos was presented as “the player of the people”. And all this in Messi’s home province of Santa Fe. Not since his crucial penalty miss in the quarter-final against Uruguay has Tevez worn his national team’s colours, and the exile has coincided with better form on the pitch for the two-time World Cup winners under Sabella. Unlike in the run-up to the 2010 finals, there is a real feeling that this tournament could bring the very best out of the players that have been representing their country of late. http://markting10.nl/ But still there is a great push behind Tevez, with many in Argentina continuing to petition for his return even after the player himself gave up on international football for good in the summer. "It's over," he said of his Argentina career. "I have nothing more to add. I have said what I feel and that's the end of the matter. If I say anything else then it would seem as if I'm asking for a recall." Yet while he talks like a man who has had enough, his actions have not entirely been in sync. When he set up a new Twitter account, allies in the media were among the first accounts he followed, with team-mates and friends largely coming later. Was this just Tevez keeping up with the Argentine news, or was it a political step as part of a campaign to regain his national place in time for the World Cup? http://markting10.nl/ "There comes a moment where you get tired, you get tired of football,” he added in the summer. “I wanted to leave the game but then Juventus, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, arrived. I had always said that I would retire at the age of 28 and I was close to retiring after the row with Roberto Mancini.” So, with his issues with the ex-Manchester City boss having been overcome to the betterment of his career, the Tevez question keeps being asked of Sabella. There is some suggestion that whatever friction the ex-Boca Juniors star once brought with him might not be an issue now that he is in a better place mentally thanks to his club form. “It is not right to talk about players that are not here,” the coach told a press conference in September. “But I can say that we always have one eye on our players. http://markting10.nl/ “Although the quality of our attackers is already very high, if his level remains this high for Juventus, it will be difficult to leave him in Turin.” For now, Tevez remains on the outside looking in. But if his form for Juve continues to make headlines in Italy, how long will Sabella be able to ignore the increase in public opinion and media pressure by keeping the striker on the sidelines? Even with his international career supposedly over, Tevez continues to give the Argentina coach something to think about.

Pogba: I'm happy at Juventus The France international is keen to stay in Turin and has dismissed suggestions that he could be on the move at the end of the season. Oct 14, 2013 Paul Pogba has insisted that he is happy with life at Juventus and is not thinking about leaving the Serie A champions amidst reports linking him with Paris Saint-Germain. http://markting10.nl/ Bianconeri president Andrea Agnelli recently stated that the Italian giants might be unable to hold on to the France international if a lucrative offer came in for the 20-year-old midfielder, but the man himself has dismissed suggestions that he could soon leave Turin. "I am not angry that Juventus are talking about a possible transfer," Pogba told Sky Sport. "I do not know anything about PSG's interest. I am only thinking about Juventus. I am happy here. http://markting10.nl/ "We have not discussed a contract renewal yet, so there's no news on that front. I am only thinking about football and my agent Mino Raiola takes care of the rest." Pogba's current contract with Juventus is due to expire in the summer of 2016.

Chiellini unconcerned by Pogba talk The defender isn't concerned about the France international possibly leaving the club for another of Europe's biggest clubs. Oct 13, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini is confident Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba will remain in Turin amid rumours linking the midfielder with a January transfer. http://markting10.nl/ The France international has been in superb form for the Serie A champions this season, with the Bianconeri starting the campaign undefeated. His performances have drawn reported interest from Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea and former side Manchester United. But Chiellini suggested that the 20-year-old would already have departed the Juventus Stadium if the club were looking to sell. http://markting10.nl/ "As far as Pogba is concerned, Juventus has already proved this summer that they didn't want to sell him," he said. "There were many teams which wanted and needed to spend money: we have seen in the last days of the transfer market that there were teams which wanted to spend such an amount of money. "This means they have a huge budget and don't know how to spend it and sometimes they even pay a player more than they wanted to. http://markting10.nl/ "Therefore Pogba could be one of the most suitable players, but Juventus clearly said he wouldn't leave the team and he didn't leave." However, Chiellini also admitted Pogba could depart further down the line if Juventus received an attractive offer. He added: "As regards the future, you can't promise a player that he will remain in a team forever. http://markting10.nl/ "In today's football world, and especially in Italy, everybody has got a price and if a club receives such an offer, then a player will leave the team. "I believe this episode is a non-problem, it is something normal. Instead of Pogba, there could have been any other player."

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS October 20, 2013 3:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Montella: 'Napoli for the title' Oct 13, 2013 Vincenzo Montella tips Napoli to win the Scudetto ahead of Juventus and Roma, then reveals his secret Fiorentina tactic. http://markting10.nl/ “Napoli will fight for the Scudetto, as they have a great chance of winning it this year,” the Viola Coach told La Nazione newspaper. “Juventus are the strongest team in terms of structure and they are accustomed to winning, but the difference could be in the motivation. “Roma are very balanced and travelling on the wings of enthusiasm at the moment, while Inter can make life difficult for any team. http://markting10.nl/ “I believe Napoli will finish on top with Juve second and Roma third. Mind you, I always get predictions wrong...” Fiorentina face arch rivals Juventus next weekend and Montella has a cunning plan. http://markting10.nl/ “We’ll try to play worse football than we did last season, but hope we’ll win instead. I know how much this game means to the fans and we’ll try to make them happy. Our supporters are passionate, but also demanding.” Montella is also pleased that Juan Cuadrado returned from international duty two days early after picking up a ban for Colombia. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Chiellini: 'No Prandelli to Juve' Oct 12, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini laughed off rumours linking Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli to Juventus and defended Mario Balotelli. http://markting10.nl/ The defender spoke at a Press conference at the Coverciano training ground after last night’s 2-2 World Cup qualifier in Denmark. “The next game with Armenia will not be pointless, as we want to end the campaign unbeaten,” said Chiellini. “Balotelli’s absence from the stadium is not such a big deal, as he wasn’t feeling well. We hope he can be ready for Tuesday. Mario has been unlucky during this international get-together, because he picked up an injury in the first training session and then had a fever. “This is and always will be Balotelli’s Italy, even if it is possible to play without him. Nobody is indispensable. Some people might not like Mario, but that’s the story of his career. The Nazionale helped him to calm some of the antipathy towards him.” http://markting10.nl/ This week the papers also speculated that Prandelli will leave the Italy bench after the World Cup in order to take over at Juventus. “I think all this is premature, as we are so tied to Antonio Conte at Juventus and Prandelli for Italy. We are doing well and cannot help but speak highly of Prandelli, but these rumours of him joining Juventus are just fantasy football. http://markting10.nl/ “Roma surprised everyone, as I did not expect them to start with seven consecutive victories. They are also playing great football and at times remind me of the Juventus we saw two years ago, especially in their enthusiasm to overcome difficult situations. “They have such energy that it allows them to do anything. It is exciting to watch them play. They can be stopped, just as all teams can be stopped, but I hope they are not too consistent like this. “Considering the fixture list Juventus have had a good start and we must continue taking it one game at a time.”

Ljajic: 'Only Juve challenge Roma' Oct 12, 2013 Roma have a perfect record and Adem Ljajic isn’t shying away from the Scudetto. “Only Juventus are stronger.” http://markting10.nl/ The Giallorossi have been careful to avoid talking about the title despite starting with seven consecutive victories, conceding one goal and scoring 20. “I am always an optimistic type, but I must admit I didn’t expect us to do so well,” Ljajic told Il Tempo newspaper. “So far Roma have been fantastic, but we must continue taking it one game at a time, just like Rudi Garcia asks. It’s the only way we can win something. “Scudetto? I said before I arrived from Fiorentina that only Juventus are stronger than this Roma side. Another four or five, including us, can fight for second place. http://markting10.nl/ “Our minimum objective is to qualify for Europe, then at the end of the day we’ll see where we are.” The Lupi already passed one big test by beating Inter 3-0 at San Siro, while next weekend they face Napoli. “The Partenopei are candidates for the Scudetto and have champions of international level, but if we play the way we did in the first seven games then we’ll certainly beat them,” continued Ljajic. http://markting10.nl/ “We are not inferior to Napoli. I was out of the Inter game because I had problems with my back and thigh, but I am ready for the next game.” The Serbia international had been heavily linked with Milan before making the move to Roma, but insists it was all speculation. “I never spoke to anyone at Milan. We didn’t agree for a contract extension with Fiorentina and my agent told me Roma were among the clubs interested. ‘Let’s go there,’ I said. I am very happy with my choice, as you can see from the table...”

'Balotelli is not indispensable for Italy' - Chiellini The defender played down the absence of the enigmatic striker and says recent reports of Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli going to Juventus after the World Cup are untrue. Oct 12, 2013 Italy stopper Giorgio Chiellini has claimed the team is not dependant on Mario Balotelli, even after they drew 2-2 against Denmark on Friday. http://markting10.nl/ The AC Milan striker missed the World Cup qualifying match due to illness, but Chiellini refused to attribute the draw in Copenhagen to his absence. "Nobody is indispensable," the defender told reporters at a press conference. "This is and always will be Balotelli’s Italy, even if it is possible to play without him. "Mario has been unlucky because he picked up an injury in the first training session and then had a fever. I do not care if he annoys someone, that is the story of his career." http://markting10.nl/ Meanwhile, Cesare Prandelli has been linked to the Juventus dugout after his contract with the Azzurri expires next year after the World Cup, but Chiellini has dubbed such reports as pure speculation. "I think it is fantasy football, as we are so tied to [Antonio] Conte at Juventus and Prandelli for Italy," he continued. "We are carrying out a good project with him here [for Italy], but everything else is really fantasy football." http://markting10.nl/ Chiellini then moved to play down his club's admission that they are resigned to losing Turin prodigy Paul Pogba at some point in the future. "The statements about Pogba are nothing striking. In the face of a big offer, no player is not for sale," the 29-year-old said. "It does not mean that Juventus have put Pogba on the market - he'd have been sold this summer if that was the case. http://markting10.nl/ "I hope that Paul stays with us for a long time, and I am sure he will soon renew his contract. But as for the future, no one can safely say." Pogba joined the Bianconeri in 2012 on a free transfer from Manchester United, and has since established himself as a mainstay for the Italian champions.

Italy record-breaker Buffon may go down as the greatest goalkeeper in history The veteran surpassed Fabio Cannavaro as the Azzurri’s most capped player against Denmark, and there is every chance he will be remembered as the finest ever in his position. Oct 11, 2013 COMMENT By Carlo Garganese From the moment Gianluigi Buffon took to a professional pitch for the first time in a baptism of fire against Fabio Capello’s all-conquering AC Milan on November 19, 1995, it was clear that a new phenomenon had been born. At just 17 years of age, Buffon earned Parma a goalless draw with world-class saves from Ballon d'Or winners Roberto Baggio and George Weah, as well as an even better stop from fellow striker Marco Simone. http://markting10.nl/ Still a teenager, Buffon's stardom was confirmed two years later on his international debut. The Azzurri were contesting a crucial World Cup 1998 first leg play-off in Russia and the omens were not good. Hosted in the freezing Moscow winter, the pitch was covered in snow and mist, and the teams even used an orange ball so appalling were the conditions. In the 32nd minute, goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca was forced off injured. As regular No.1 Angelo Peruzzi was also unavailable, a lean and lanky 19-year-old stepped into the snow for his Italy bow. Most Italians feared the worst. Everything pointed to a home victory: the weather, the Azzurri’s miserable record in Russia and, most importantly, the presence of a rookie goalkeeper. Yet Buffon proved to be the saviour and sold himself to the watching world with a string of stunning saves. For someone so young, his personality and confidence shone through as Italy miraculously escaped with a 1-1 draw. Cesare Maldini’s men won the return leg in Naples 1-0 and qualified for France '98. http://markting10.nl/ Fast forward another 16 years and Buffon is still going strong, having long since established himself as an unequivocal legend of the sport. A key component in Italy’s 2006 World Cup success – where he conceded just two goals in seven games, an own goal and penalty - the 35-year-old has won a hoard of individual and team honours, including six Scudetti and nine Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year awards. When it comes to positioning, decision-making, aerial ability and organising a defence, Buffon is the greatest there has ever been in his role. The best goalkeepers are usually those who don't need to make saves because they prevent them from being created, not those who are forced into dramatic highlight-reel stops because they are slow off their line or can't arrange a wall competently. Friday's appearance against Denmark in Copenhagen was Buffon’s 137th for Italy, overtaking former team-mate Fabio Cannavaro as the most capped player in his country's history. The World Cup final acrobatics against Zinedine Zidane, the European Championship penalty stops from Adrian Mutu and Ashley Cole, the miracle scooped saves versus Bulgaria and Georgia – the magical Azzurri moments for Buffon are never-ending. http://markting10.nl/ And though his reflexes and reactions may not be what they once were, and more Bayern Munich-like errors are creeping into his game, Buffon is still one of the world’s premier shot-stoppers. In terms of longevity, there has never been a goalkeeper who has been consistently brilliant for so many years. Buffon is set to play in his fifth World Cup next summer. Only two players have ever managed such a feat – Mexico glovesman Antonio Carbajal between 1950 and 1966, and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus from 1982 to 1998. And don't rule out Buffon from ending his career with a sixth World Cup in 2018 (fittingly in Russia) when he will be 40 – the same age that Dino Zoff was when he captained Italy to glory in 1982. Together with Lev Yashin and Gordon Banks, for many years Zoff was widely regarded as one of the best three goalkeepers of all time. By the time Buffon hangs up his gloves, he may have overtaken them all.