Socrates

Pogba eyes Ballon d'Or The midfielder is clear about his ambition of becoming the world's best, but insists he will be keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Sep 7, 2013 Juventus starlet Paul Pogba has claimed he will not be satisfied until he wins the Ballon d'Or. The 20-year-old has been a standout performer for his club since moving to Turin on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United last summer and was rewarded with his first France call-up in March. http://markting10.nl/ But the midfield prodigy, who was also recognised as the best player at the Under-20 World Cup en route to captaining his side to victory in July, is refusing to rest on his laurels until he is crowned the world's best player. "I won the World Cup and was named the best player and it was all beautiful," Pogba recalled to L'Equipe. "But I do not feel like king of the world. "I will not stop there, because I have not yet won the Ballon d'Or." Suspension means Pogba has been absent from les Bleus' squad for their World Cup 2014 qualifiers with Georgia and Belarus but he is likely to feature when France are in action again in October.

Gianluigi Buffon performs miracles in Italy's win over Bulgaria Because God performs miracles. Duh. Sep 7, 2013 When you want to preserve a 1-0 lead in the second half, it's always nice to have somebody of the upmost of quality manning your team's goal. That's why the best of the best are so valuable and are so in-demand no matter how old they may be. http://markting10.nl/ Well, here's another thing to think about: It's even better to have Gianluigi Buffon as your No. 1 in goal. Luckily for Italy, that's been the case for the better part of the last 15 or so years. On Friday night at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo, Buffon was up to his Buffon best yet again. What exactly does that include? Well, saves — lots and lots of saves. And of the highest of difficulty, too. Saves that make us put our hands to our heads and wonder how exactly he did what we just saw in front of us. That talk of Buffon maybe being past it after a mistake against Lazio last weekend? Nah, forget that. Three world-class saves in the second half allowed Italy to maintain their 1-0 lead against Bulgaria, showing once again that just because he's in his mid-30s means he's on the downside of his career. Ah, far from it. Rai: Our Goalkeeper is a good one eh... Chiellini "He's not bad." Rai: Can he go on? Chiellini "This young man can go on for a while." Exactly, Giorgione. Exactly. And why not watch Buffon do his usual awesome thing in goal with an Arabic announcer screaming at the same time? Sounds wonderful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yRFHlA8Q1tE

INTER - JUVENTUS September 14, 2013 6:00 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan Referee:‬ Daniele Orsato Campagnaro ready for a battle against Juventus Sep 7, 2013 New Inter arrival Hugo Campagnaro is looking forward to play against current champion Juventus and expects a battle between the two rivals. http://markting10.nl/ The former Napoli centre-back joined the Nerazzurri along with manager Walter Mazzarri this summer and appeared in the starting 11 in wins against Catania and Genoa. “Juventus has a very strong team, but we are well organized: it will be a battle,” Campagnaro told Corriere dello Sport. The Argentine international also talked about his relation with Mazzarri and the promising defense performances which resulted in two successive clean sheets. “We’re not offering our opponents that many shots either, that’s an important signal. “It’s true that this is my seventh season with Mazzarri and I know what movements he is expecting, but Andrea Ranocchia and Juan Jesus are also aware now of what is required on the field of play.” The Biscione will welcome the Old Lady after the international break at the San Siro.

INTER - JUVENTUS September 14, 2013 6:00 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan Referee:‬ Daniele Orsato Furino: Juventus the team to beat Sep 7, 2013 Juventus legend Beppe Furino believes that the Old Lady remain favourites for the Scudetto this season and has singled out their young French midfielder Paul Pogba as an exceptional talent within the Bianconeri squad. http://markting10.nl/ However, the 67-year-old also feels that under the stewardship of new coach Walter Mazzarri, Inter could have an important part to play in Serie A this term after being impressed by their opening two victories. “Juventus is the team to beat, but I was impressed by the Inter and Mazzarri,” Furino told Tuttojuve.com. “The Nerazzurri can have a big season and be the main antagonist. “Pogba has extraordinary qualities and can become a great champion. The entire department, however, is very strong. Out on the field Juve have great players.” Born in Palermo, Furino amassed 361 league appearances for Juventus scoring eight times and won an impressive eight Serie A titles between 1971 and 1984.

Buffon: 'I earn my Italy place' Sep 7, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon was decisive against Bulgaria and can set an Italy record on Tuesday. “I have to earn my place.” The 1-0 win over Bulgaria was his 135th cap and the goalkeeper will match Fabio Cannavaro’s all-time record of 136 games. To make it even more special, on Tuesday the Azzurri face the Czech Republic at the Juventus Stadium and a victory would secure their World Cup qualification. http://markting10.nl/ “I hope it can be a celebration in Turin for the squad. As for personal matters and records, it can be satisfying, but only if we book our ticket for the World Cup in Brazil,” he told Rai Sport. Buffon performed at least three stunning saves from point-blank range to beat Bulgaria 1-0 at the Stadio Barbera in Palermo. “I am there to save chances, so when your work goes well and helps the team you’re even happier. The toughest saves were in the second half and there were two or three tricky situations that I responded to in a fairly convincing way, let’s say. “I am happy, but I don’t think it was my first! I did some good things in other matches too. While I am in the Nazionale, I have to earn my place.” It’s a wonderful return to form for Buffon, who after 16 years in the Italy shirt is still the undisputed Number 1. “The back surgery in 2010 was a very tough moment in which you have to dig deep for resources and motivation to see if you can go back to being what you were. The objective initially was to be healthy, then slowly to find the conviction – above all psychologically – that I still wanted to amaze people. “At the age of 35, some things can still affect you. I didn’t want to just sit back and passively wait for my career to end in such a disappointing way. “As long as Italy feel I am able to give my contribution to the team, both on and off the pitch, I will always happily accept any call for my country. If they don’t feel I am needed, then I will accept that with great calm, as I always have done.” He recently extended his Juventus contract too and has been in Turin for 12 years, including a spell in Serie B. “Antonio Conte made me feel confident and like someone who even off the field could continue to bring his charisma, character and experience to the side. That’s gratifying. The whole club, from President Andrea Agnelli to Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici were very close to me and I thank them for that. I hope I repaid them on the field and they didn’t regret my staying. “Will I end my career at Juventus? I think so! Unless they get sick of me…”

Buffon: I'll finish my career at Juventus The veteran shot-stopper says he has no plans to quit the club and is looking forward to the prospect of equalling Fabio Cannavaro's Italy appearance record in Turin. Sep 7, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon insists he wants to finish his illustrious playing career at Juventus. The 35-year-old has played more than 430 games for the Bianconeri since joining from Parma for €51 million in 2001, and the veteran has stressed he has no desire to represent another club prior to hanging up his gloves. http://markting10.nl/ Speaking after Italy's 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Bulgaria, he told reporters: "I'll finish my career at Juventus. As long as they don't get tired of me I don't think I'll leave Juve." Italy boss Cesare Prandelli said his side were indebted to Buffon following Friday's win after the World Cup winner pulled off a string of sensational saves to maintain his side's lead in Palermo. But, Buffon feels his exertions were par for the course in a long and successful international career. "I don't know which [save] was the most difficult. As a degree of difficulty they were similar stops. I'm happy, but I don't think this is the first time in 135 games I've done something good," he said. Buffon will equal Fabio Cannavaro's record of 136 Italy caps should he continue in goal for Tuesday's meeting with Czech Republic, and the ex-Parma shot-stopper admits he will be proud to achieve the personal feat at Juventus Stadium - but only if his side can secure three points. "I hope it will be a celebration for everyone. The situation may be about personal satisfaction, but it will only matter if we are able to qualify for the World Cup," Buffon added.

'Extraordinary' Buffon saved Italy - Prandelli The veteran keeper pulled off a number of stunning saves to preserve the Azzurri's 1-0 win over Bulgaria, leaving them just three points away from the World Cup. Sep 7, 2013 Cesare Prandelli admits Italy were indebted to an "extraordinary" peformance from Gianluigi Buffon after the keeper's heroics enabled the Azzurri to beat Bulgaria 1-0 on Friday. Alberto Gilardino’s first-half goal gave Italy the lead in the World Cup qualifier in Palermo, but they had captain Buffon to thank for earning a vital three points as he pulled off several top-class saves as the visitors pressed hard for the equaliser after half-time. http://markting10.nl/ Italy are now all but assured of reaching Brazil 2014 as the result leaves them seven points clear of Bulgaria at the summit of Group B, but coach Prandelli knows his side rode their luck at times on Friday. "Gigi saved the result with an extraordinary performance, so it’s nice to suffer and still win," he told RAI Sport. "Bulgaria poured forward towards the end, they gambled it all, so it was predictable we would suffer." The former Fiorentina boss was forced into making several changes for the game, with Mario Balotelli, Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Riccardo Montolivio all unavailable. And Prandelli felt these alterations were partially responsible for his side’s stuttering performance. "Unfortunately tonight we had to make three changes due to injuries so it became complicated," he added. "Our fitness levels are not optimal and that makes it all much more difficult." Italy now need only one win from their remaining three games to secure their place at next year's finals, and they have an opportunity to do so when they entertain the Czech Republic - who succumbed to a home defeat to Armenia - in Turin on Tuesday. "We’ll try to get as many players as possible back to fitness," Prandelli added. "The Czechs are also gambling their last chips, so I warn you it is not going to be a walk in the park, but we’ll give it our all too. We’re fired up."

Pogba will play Pirlo role says Juventus coach Sep 6, 2013 Paul Pogba will be drafted into Andrea Pirlo’s creative midfield role when the 34-year-old is unavailable, says Juve boss Antonio Conte. http://markting10.nl/ Due to the injury currently to Claudio Marchisio, Pogba is playing on the left of a three man central midfield. But Conte, speaking to Corriere dello Sport, is of the opinion that the Frenchman can succeed with the playmaker responsibility. “Pirlo is a champion who can’t be equaled and there is nobody in Italy, even if some are getting better, with his characteristics, his direction or who can give such peace of mind to the squad,” stated the coach. “That being said, Pogba can fill the vice-Pirlo role. He already did that last season and, if there is the need, he can mask the absence of Andrea even if they have different characteristics. “Paul is a modern midfielder who can play in any midfield role because of his physique, fitness and his ability to break into attack. “He is a complete player, although one who still has big margins of improvement to make.” Pogba, now a full France international, has impressed greatly in Turin since making the move from Manchester United.

Early Impressions of Carlos Tevez at Juventus Sep 6, 2013 "Fuerte Apache" read the t-shirt, in homage to the barrio of Buenos Aires that he originates from. Carlos Tevez wheeled away in jubilation after putting the icing on the cake of Juventus' 4-1 victory over Lazio. http://markting10.nl/ It marked a sensational start for the Argentine, who has now struck three times in as many games for the Old Lady since his move from Manchester City. The first thing you notice about Carlitos in a Bianconeri shirt is that beaming smile, which was missing for large spells during his time in the Premier League. This is a player who is happy, finally, revelling in his role at an elite club who are willing to play him in his preferred position—leading the line of attack. The Tevez of old has returned to our screens, galloping across the pitch, chasing lost causes, but now willing to utilise an array of talent around him, too.

Pogba wants wages quadrupled? Sep 6, 2013 According to Sport Mediaset, Paul Pogba’s agent has asked Juventus to quadruple his wages. The 20-year-old midfielder arrived a year ago on a free transfer from Manchester United and has quickly become a mainstay in the squad. http://markting10.nl/ However, he still earns only a reported €0.8m per season and a new contract is going to be thrashed out. Sport Mediaset claim Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola has demanded wages of €4m per season, whereas the offer from Juventus is closer to €1.5m. The France international has become hot property on the transfer market after Juve turned down a £20m bid from Arsenal this summer.

Juve-Pirlo talks on hold until… Sep 6, 2013 Juventus will talk with Andrea Pirlo at the end of the year to discuss the possibility of a new contract. The 34-year-old playmaker is only tied to the Old Lady until June 2014 following his Bosman free transfer from Milan in 2011. http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo has been a key figure for the outfit since his arrival given that he has helped them to two consecutive Scudetti. Tuttosport claim that club officials will wait until the last few weeks of 2013 before thinking about his future. Pirlo admitted last month that he wanted to continue his career in Turin – so long as he felt like an integral part of the project. “I’ll certainly play on, we’ll just have to see where,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in August. “Juve are my priority, but I don’t want to be a weight for anybody. The years go by, but it is not written that I have to stay here just because I am called Pirlo. “I want to feel important and a part of the side’s success, otherwise I’ll leave. But I want to underline that it won’t be a problem about money or choosing between one club and another. “If I had to change, perhaps I’ll go abroad. I’ll certainly continue playing for a high level team.”

Llorente thanks Juventus fans for continued support The Spaniard has yet to score a goal for the Bianconeri and is currently behind Carlos Tevez and Mirko Vucinic in the striking pecking order. Sep 5, 2012 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has thanked the club's fans for standing by him during what has been a difficult start to life in Turin. The Spain international joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao this summer but he has yet to find the back of the net for his new employers, having struggled to force his way into Antonio Conte's starting line-up ahead of either fellow new arrival Carlos Tevez or Mirko Vucinic. http://markting10.nl/ Llorente is therefore touched that the club's fans are still showing him so much love from the stands. "Many thanks to everyone for the trust shown in me and for continuing to believe in me," the forward wrote on his Facebook page. "I want you to know that I am working day after day to repay your trust with great moments of happiness." Llorente scored only four Liga goals during the final season of what was an otherwise successful spell at Athletic.

Lichtsteiner: Juventus have won 31 titles The Bianconeri were stripped of two Scudetti as a result of the 'Calciopoli' scandal but the Swiss feels that both triumphs still stand. Sep 5, 2012 Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted that he believes Juventus should have 31 title triumphs to their name. The Bianconeri were stripped of two titles (2004-05 and 2005-06) because of their involvement in the 'Calciopoli' refereeing scandal that rocked the Italian game seven years ago. http://markting10.nl/ Consequently, the issue of just how many championships is a contentious one, but Lichsteiner has a clear opinion on the controversy. "Still there are some who try to explain that Juventus would not have won those two revoked championships on the field, but it is not so," the wing-back told Neue Zurcher Zeitung. "Those titles were won by the team on the field. For me, Juventus have won 31 Scudetti. "There's not much else to add ... I will not talk further about this topic." Lichsteiner, who is currently on international duty with Switzerland, joined Juventus from Lazio in 2011.

Chiellini wary of Bulgaria threat Sep 5, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has warned his Italy teammates not to underestimate the threat posed by Bulgaria tomorrow. http://markting10.nl/ The Azzurri face the Eastern Europeans in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Palermo, and the Juventus defender has claimed that his side are focused on making the tournament in Brazil, and has insisted that club loyalties will not get in the way. “Italy are not guided by a Juve block,” he told reporters. “They are too many players from different clubs for that to happen. “There are a lot of players from Milan, for example. What we do at club level gives us confidence at international level, certainly. “But we are a very united group. Everything goes beyond the individual clubs. “We have not qualified yet, so we cannot underestimate Bulgaria. They are an excellent side. “We want to achieve our goal as soon as possible, so we have to concentrate on playing as well as possible in Palermo.”

Sabella has 'one eye' on Tevez Sep 5, 2013 Argentina Coach Alejandro Sabella has admitted that Carlos Tevez will be hard to ignore if he continues scoring for Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The striker has netted twice for the Bianconeri since his summer move from Manchester City, but has not been included in the Albiceleste squad. “It is not right to talk about players that are not here,” he told a Press conference. “But I can say that we always have one eye on our players. “Although the quality of our attackers is already very high, if his level remains this high for Juventus, it will be difficult to keep him in Turin.”

INTER - JUVENTUS September 14, 2013 6:00 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan Referee:‬ Daniele Orsato Inter striker could make comeback from injury against Juventus Sep 5, 2013 Inter’s Argentine striker Diego Milito could be ready in time to feature in the Derby d’Italia against Juventus on September 14. http://markting10.nl/ The 34-year-old is a long-term injury absentee and hasn’t played for Inter since rupturing cruciate ligaments seven minutes into the Nerazzurri’s 2-0 Europa League win over CFR Cluj in February. However, according to TuttoJuve.com manager Walter Mazzarri could name Milito on the bench for the encounter at the San Siro, depending on how the veteran progresses in the next 10 days. The Argentine international faces a decisive test on his road to recovery with a friendly against Lugano on Saturday morning, which will help determine if he will be ready to play in an official match.

Buffon 'quite worried' about Bulgaria qualifier The veteran keeper admits his side will need to be fully focused as they look to move clear at the top of Group B in the race to reach the World Cup. Sep 5, 2013 Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon is "quite worried" about his side's crucial World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on Friday. Cesare Prandelli's men can take a huge step towards automatic qualification from Group B for Brazil 2014 with a win at Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo. http://markting10.nl/ Buffon and his side sit four points clear of Bulgaria with four matches to play but the 35-year-old Juventus goalkeeper is concerned about his team's chances against Lyuboslav Penev's men. "I'm quite worried for the match against Bulgaria, as always before matches that become decisive for qualification," Buffon said on Wednesday. "We deserve the qualification for what we've done up to now but we haven't gained it yet. We will have to prepare and face the match with great attention to take another important step forward." In PSV's Stanislav Manolev and Aston Villa signing Aleksandar Tonev, Bulgaria have two of the group's top scorers with three goals each. Buffon is wary of the individuals in Bulgaria's side and warned his team-mates the visitors would try and punish them on the counter-attack. "Bulgaria are a team with two or three important single players but they're also a very close group that knows very well how to face these kinds of games, trying to defend well and counter-attack," said the veteran goalkeeper, who is in line to equal the record number of performances for the Azzurri in the upcoming qualifiers. "They have three or four good runners and they're in good condition. We need to be good at limiting them." Buffon was also full of praise for Prandelli, who may step down after the 2014 tournament according to reports in Italy. "Prandelli's touch was and is very important because he made us believe that we can try and reach aims and win also having fun, playing well and improving the technical aspects of a game," Buffon added. "It's been a turning point compared to our past."

Pogba can play in Pirlo role Sep 5, 2013 Paul Pogba will be asked to dictate play for Juventus this season when Andrea Pirlo is unavailable, says boss Antonio Conte. The Frenchman is currently being used on the left of the three central midfielders given the injury to Claudio Marchisio. http://markting10.nl/ But Conte, speaking to the Corriere dello Sport, thinks he has the ability to be given the playmaker responsibility if necessary. “Pirlo is a champion who can’t be equalled and there is nobody in Italy, even if some are getting better, with his characteristics, his direction or who can give such peace of mind to the squad," stated the Coach. “That being said, Pogba can fill the vice-Pirlo role. He already did that last season and, if there is the need, he can mask the absence of Andrea even if they have different characteristics. “Paul is a modern midfielder who can play in any midfield role because of his physique, fitness and his ability to break into attack. “He is a complete player, although one who still has big margins of improvement to make.” The 20-year-old, now a full France international, joined Juve from Manchester United a year ago.

Lichtsteiner hails Juventus start Sep 5, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner has explained how important it was for his Juventus side to start the season well. The Old Lady had struggled for results in pre-season, but they lifted the Italian Super Cup against Lazio before collecting League wins against Sampdoria and the capital outfit again. http://markting10.nl/ “It is always key to start the campaign well and we managed to do that,” the Swiss international told sport.ch. “Winning the Super Cup and our first two Serie A games was the best way to begin 2013-14. This start has only raised our self confidence.” September will be a big month for the Old Lady given that they will be facing Inter and Real Madrid. “I’m only thinking of the games against Iceland and Norway at this moment in time,” added the wing-back. “They are two matches that we desperately want to win. There will be time to think about Inter and Real at a later stage…”

INTER - JUVENTUS September 14, 2013 6:00 PM Giuseppe Meazza Stadium — Milan Referee:‬ Daniele Orsato Jonathan: Mazzarri gives me confidence Sep 4, 2013 Inter defender Jonathan has praised new Coach Walter Mazzarri for revitalising his Nerazzurri career. The Brazilian centre-back had struggled to break into the San Siro side’s first team since his 2011 move from Santos. http://markting10.nl/ But the 27-year-old has now started both League games so far this term. “The merit of my recent performances have been because of Mazzarri,” he told Sport Mediaset. “The Coach has given me confidence and that is really important. “Now we have to play Juventus, which will be tough. They are a strong team. Conte has worked well for years and manages to get the best out of his players. “Playing at San Siro will give us an extra boost though. “I’m sure we will give them a great challenge and maybe even beat them.”

Marotta plans Juventus January signings Sep 4, 2013 Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta is reportedly already busy planning for January’s transfer window. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri have been busy this summer, acquiring Argentine Carlos Tevez, Spanish World Cup-winner Fernando Llorente and Angelo Ogbonna among others, but they still have unfinished business. Tuttosport reports that Marotta’s first priority in January remains Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan of Cagliari, who was close to joining coach Antonio Conte’s squad just a few days ago. Although the transfer didn’t go through, the good relationship which exists between Isolani president Massimo Cellino and Juventus officials could see the deal completed in January. Meanwhile, the pursuit of Napoli winger Juan Camilo Zuniga will continue, with Conte having strongly requested the player. The firm no from Napoli has put a stop to the transfer for now, but after Christmas this could change.

Buffon on prospect of cap record Sep 4, 2013 Gigi Buffon is looking beyond the 136-cap record that he could equal with the Italian national side next week. The Juventus custodian will draw level with the tally of Fabio Cannavaro if he features against Bulgaria on Friday and the Czech Republic, at the Juventus Stadium, on Tuesday. http://markting10.nl/ “If all goes well, it would be a great achievement,” he stated. “However, it was predictable in a way given that I started with the national team at such a young age. “It will certainly be nice though, satisfying, because I have been in the national side for 16 beautiful years – in the squad since 1997 and a first choice since 1998. “Saying that, I’ve also had my injuries which raised doubts which I have been able to overcome.” World Cup winner Buffon, born in January 1978, made his debut in October 1997 during a World Cup qualifier in Russia. “There is a sense of honour when you represent your country,” said the custodian who has conceded 109 goals while wearing the Azzurri gloves. “You understand that with time, with maturity. Every appearance with the national side is not just a game, but something more.” Buffon obviously can’t stop the sands of time and, after a few errors over recent months, there are question marks over how much longer he can perform for his country. “There would be no problem if I wasn’t called up or if I was benched. The most important aspect is the team. “I personally would not turn down a call up. It would be like spitting in the face of good fortune, something that so many people want but only a few have the chance to experience.” The captain was also inevitably asked for his opinion on speculation that boss Cesare Prandelli will leave the Italy bench after World Cup 2014. “It’s not a problem because, like at a club, professional relationships can come to an end. It seems that we are all being gripped by an untimely anxiety,” he added. “With all due respect, we have a World Cup to think about. Our attention needs to be towards that. “Could Antonio Conte take over? Conte hasn’t said that he is leaving Juventus. “I didn’t think there could be candidates for the job already, even if it is normal that a Coach at a certain level would aspire to such a job. “A lot of people would make themselves available for the job and I think a new Coach could be found as quickly as four or five days after the World Cup is over.”

Marrone returns to midfield Sep 4, 2013 New Sassuolo signing Luca Marrone wants to resume his career as a midfielder after being used in defence at Juventus last term. The 23-year-old has joined the Neroverdi after the latter signed 50 per cent of his contract from the Turin giants for a fee of €4.5m. http://markting10.nl/ “If I have to be honest, the role I prefer is playing in front of the defence,” the former Italian Under-21 international commented after his experiences in a back-three in 2012-13. “I want to become an important part of this team and finally be able to demonstrate my worth,” he continued. “I thank the club for wanting me so much. My objective is to play with the regularity I did not have at Juventus.” Marrone has gone from targeting the championship with the Old Lady to fighting for survival with the newly promoted club. “We haven’t started the season on the right foot, but I’m certain the victories will arrive. We’ll know how to get some satisfaction.” Sassuolo lost 2-0 at Torino in Week 1, while they were thumped 4-1 at home by Livorno at the weekend.

Buffon targets Cannavaro record The 35-year-old will equal the former centre-back's appearance tally for Italy if he plays in his nation's upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers. Sep 4, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has set his sights on equalling Fabio Cannavaro's 136-cap record for Italy this week. The 35-year-old will draw level with the former centre-back if he plays against Bulgaria and the Czech Republic in the Azzurri's upcoming World Cup qualifiers and admits the feat would bring great satisfaction. http://markting10.nl/ "If all goes well, it would be a great achievement,” The Juventus goalkeeper told reporters. “However, it was predictable in a way given that I started with the national team at such a young age. “It will certainly be nice though, satisfying, because I have been in the national side for 16 beautiful years – in the squad since 1997 and a first choice since 1998. “There is a sense of honour when you represent your country. You understand that with time, with maturity. Every appearance with the national side is not just a game, but something more.” Buffon also says that, if the time comes when he loses his place in side, he will accept that the decision is for the good of the side. “There would be no problem if I wasn’t called up or if I was benched. The most important aspect is the team," he continued. “I personally would not turn down a call up. It would be like spitting in the face of good fortune, something that so many people want but only a few have the chance to experience.” Finally, the world's most expensive goalkeeper gave his thoughts on rumours suggesting Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli will leave his job after the 2014 World Cup, with current Juve boss Antonio Conte replacing him. “It’s not a problem because, like at a club, professional relationships can come to an end. It seems that we are all being gripped by an untimely anxiety,” he added. “With all due respect, we have a World Cup to think about. Our attention needs to be towards that. “Could Antonio Conte take over? Conte hasn’t said that he is leaving Juventus. “I didn’t think there could be candidates for the job already, even if it is normal that a coach at a certain level would aspire to such a job. “A lot of people would make themselves available for the job and I think a new coach could be found as quickly as four or five days after the World Cup is over.”

Paul Pogba’s Time to Shine Sep 2, 2013 Years of adjective abuse have left football fans almost immune to reading the praise of players. Laden as it is with terms cheapened beyond all recognition, the game is littered with false idols and forgotten heroes who were prematurely labelled ‘World class’ or tagged as the next big thing. Such lazy narratives and poor journalism have left us with no way of saying something too positive without sounding ridiculously hyperbolic, or looking like an opinion piece is merely trawling for hits. http://markting10.nl/ It is into such a vacuous landscape that many articles about Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba have been flung in recent months. Often, the words ‘Manchester’ and ‘United’ are hamfistedly crowbarred into their titles, largely because search engine optimisation is the troll equivalent of catnip, and is the entire reason many of these pieces are even penned in the first place. The young Frenchman has become the darling of headline writers, quick to make use of nicknames such as JuventiKnows own ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Pogba’ (which remains brilliant!) or the well thought out ‘Polpo Paul’, bestowed by commentator Claudio Zuliani in homage to Marcel Desailly. The player’s penchant for Balotelli-esque hairstyles and the prominence of racist chants in his direction have also served to ensure the twenty year old is never far from the front page of Italy’s sports dailies. For me, it is easy to admit that when it came to Pogba I was hugely skeptical. Where and when would he get on the pitch I asked, convinced that Juventus was far too heavily stacked in midfield for him to ever find a reasonable amount of playing time. The rumored high wages of his new contract, the way he left first Le Havre and then Old Trafford only added to my personal doubts. Those concerns were also multiplied infinitely by the additional issues that dealing with his representative – none other than the vomit inducing Mino Raiola himself – would bring upon the already under pressure management of the club. With Beppe Marotta being criticised from all angles, I’ll readily admit that at this time last year I could see no real benefit in bringing Pogba to Turin. While my opinion ultimately counts for nought, I was far from the only one expressing doubts. United and Sir Alex Ferguson were so desperate to hang onto him as their own midfield lay bereft of quality, many saw his departure as yet another example of the agent driven greed which has spoiled so many promising young talents. However, in spite of all these factors, and in a squad boasting some of Europe’s very best midfielders, Pogba still enjoyed a breakthrough season. In a squad which had won the Serie A title in the season prior to his arrival, for a coach who has a seemingly pathological fear of fielding young players or rotating his lineup, he amassed thirty eight appearances. Well, I say ‘in spite” but perhaps ‘because’ would be much more accurate. Yes, BECAUSE he left Manchester United, BECAUSE of all the doubts, BECAUSE Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Kwadwo Asamoah are his team-mates and BECAUSE he defied Sir Alex Ferguson, Pogba enjoyed a debut season very few people connected with Juventus will ever forget. Because, when all is said and done, Paul Pogba is an extremely talented footballer. Even just the bare statistics of his 2012-13 season tell the story of a supremely well rounded player. His tally of five goals – including match winners against Napoli, Bologna and Udinese – barely scratches the surface of a contribution that shows him to be excellent in the air, a superb defender and an intelligent distributor of the ball. His per game averages of 2.5 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.8 clearances prove how much cover he provided the back three, while the 2.3 aerial duels he won were only bettered at Juventus by Giorgio Chiellini (2.8). “We started working on him a year ago and his progress has been incredible. I saw his interviews in which he said he wanted to become the best in the world. I am happy with that, because in my view he can be the best.” -Antonio Conte He created 31 clear goal scoring opportunities last term, a figure which – given the arrival of far more clinical strikers this summer- will undoubtedly lead to an increase in the number of assists Pogba records. Indeed, after failing to register any in the previous campaign, he has already made three this year. The first was setting up Carlos Tevez for the fourth strike in the Super Cup rout of Lazio. paul-pogba-juventus-dribblingHis second assist gave Tevez for the only goal of the league opener against Sampdoria. The third came in just week two against Lazio. Those chances are born out of his smart use of the ball as he completed 83% of his 1,037 pass attempts (38.4 per game). It hasn’t all been smooth sailing however, with the player suspended in May for spitting at an opponent who slapped him, and dropped for November’s trip to Pescara. That incident stemmed from Pogba twice being late to training, something he later described as “a mistake.” He was quick to make amends however, displaying a maturity he was often accused of lacking in the English tabloid press. “I will do my utmost to make sure I do not make the same mistake again,” he told TuttoSport. “I will not be late again in the future. The matter is closed now as far as I’m concerned.” Conte took the same approach, barely mentioning it in public and treating the player very differently than Sir Alex Ferguson previously had. Speaking to France Football in May, the midfielder recounted his first conversation with his new coach, telling them that the former Juventus captain had pushed all the right buttons; “He said ‘If you think you can establish yourself here, come, and we’ll see if you’re able to do it, show us what you can do.’ He pushed me, he struck where it was needed to convince me. I like being given challenges like that. I like indirect provocation,” Manchester United losing out on him has been lamented, lambasted and laughed at, but it seems the player was inspired by the manner of his exit. The desire to prove his choice to leave was not wrong, to supplant one of the established Bianconeri trio in midfield and repay the faith of Conte is what drives him. As Pogba went on to say in that same France Football interview; “That’s my goal: to be the best in my position, then the best in Europe and then the world. That’s what I want to do, what I would like to do.” With the startling progress he is making, Paul Pogba might yet just pull it off.