Socrates

Marchisio bemused by Supercoppa venue The Bianconeri midfielder admits it is odd they are playing the cup final at Lazio's ground and also backed Fernando Llorente to find his goalscoring touch. Aug 17, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio finds it peculiar playing the Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico - the home ground of their opponents. The Olimpico, considered a neutral venue in Italy, is the home of both the Biancocelesti and Roma and will host Sunday's cup final following the decision to move the match, which has been played in Beijing in recent years. And, while the Italy international finds it strange that the Olimpico has been selected as previously the Serie A champions have hosted the event, the 27-year-old is happy at the switch as he reflected on the energy-sapping conditions in last year's final which they won 4-2 after extra-time. http://markting10.nl/ "It is a bit odd playing in Lazio’s stadium when we are the Scudetto champions," Marchisio told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Oh well, let’s just say it is better to play in Rome than Beijing a week before the Serie A season begins. In China the humidity is incredible at the moment and I remember suffering a great deal last year. "I expect great support from the Bianconeri at the Olimpico. Wherever we go, there are always many Juventus fans. "It will be very tough, also on a tactical level, because last season we only beat Lazio once in four meetings and they knocked us out of the Coppa Italia. "We were also unlucky, as in those games we almost always played better and created more chances, but in the end it’s the result that counts." Antonio Conte's men have stuttered in pre-season, finishing eighth in the International Champions Cup, however, Marchisio insists he is unconcerned by the below-par displays and backed new signings Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente to find their goalscoring touch. "We’re not alarmed by the poor pre-season friendly results. I see my team-mates motivated and we want to win this trophy again," Marchisio added. "Carlitos is great, but we above all hope this can be Juve’s game. "Is Llorente in crisis? Some criticism seems exaggerated to me. He barely played at all last year and left Spain for a very different style of football. He needs time to understand that tactics are decisive in Italy."

Buffon: 'I won't urinate on Totti's locker!' Aug 17, 2013 Gigi Buffon had a rather curious way of describing his respect for Lazio and Roma. “I wouldn’t urinate on Francesco Totti’s locker.” The goalkeeper spoke at a Press conference with Coach Antonio Conte ahead of the Italian Super Cup, which kicks off at 20.00 UK time on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico. “In my view Lazio have over the last two years always shown themselves to be a tough opponent, hard to beat and in the Coppa Italia able to lift the trophy. We have great respect for this team. “The efforts of the club were important to build the team and on paper we certainly have a better squad than last season. We can only confirm that on the pitch and with our daily work, as we want to continue amazing people. http://markting10.nl/ “When there are one-off games for a trophy, there can be no risk of anyone being sated or unmotivated. “Our fans, especially in occasions like this, have always supported us in the best possible way. I remember the Coppa Italia Final here against Napoli and that defeat was a severe disappointment. We hope to make up for that tomorrow.” Miroslav Klose is Lazio’s primary hitman, but the German veteran has never scored against Juventus. “I read that statistic. It sent a chill down my spine! When facing a player of that lineage, it’s normal that sooner or later he’ll score against you. I just hope it won’t be tomorrow! If that should occur, I hope Juve can win the trophy anyway.” Buffon also praised his Italy teammate Federico Marchetti, who will be in goal for the Biancocelesti tomorrow. “I can only speak highly of Federico. He’s a great example for kids, as he worked hard every day through difficulties not necessarily of his own doing and is a very generous guy who is appreciated in the locker room. I can only tip my hat to him.” Some Roma fans are furious that Juventus have been loaned the Trigoria training camp to prepare for this big match, but Buffon had a rather colourful explanation of why nobody should be concerned. “I think it was a gesture of great civility from Roma and the media probably ought to show it in a better light rather than bow to those who have nothing to do with the mechanism of this sport. “It’s not as if I went to someone else’s house and urinated on my friend Totti’s locker! We showed great respect when visiting their training facilities, as we would when visiting anyone’s home. “The first time I played against Lazio at the Olimpico was at the age of 18. Ever since the fans have always shown respect and fondness for me, perhaps also because many years ago my move to Lazio had been rumoured. I will salute the supporters, of course.”

Conte: 'No Super Cup favourites' Aug 17, 2013 Antonio Conte has “blind faith” in Juventus ahead of the Super Cup against Lazio, but insisted “there are no favourites.” The Coach sat down at a Press conference for the Italian Super Cup, which kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 20.00 UK time on Sunday. “I don’t think there are any favourites. All I hope is that the team that lifts the trophy truly deserved it and was not considered ‘lucky’ to get the victory. http://markting10.nl/ “I have great respect for all of Lazio and their Coach, so it would be reductive to choose one player to remove from their team. “Is it already my Juve? This is my third year, so it would be a serious problem if it weren’t my Juve. We are coming off a month of pre-season training and I have blind trust in these lads because I’ll never forget that in my first two years as a Coach at Juventus I won the title.” The Bianconeri have struggled badly in pre-season, finishing last in the International Champions Cup in America with three defeats. “Preparing for a Super Cup match in three days isn’t going to make me leap with joy. The break for international duty wasn’t pleasing, but Vladimir Petkovic is in the same situation, so there is no alibi for either side. “We are challenging for a trophy, but I wouldn’t like a Juventus victory to be treated as normal and a Lazio triumph considered amazing. These are two strong teams and either side could win the silverware. “The thing that gives me the most confidence is knowing my players. In that respect, I am very relaxed. I’ve worked with these lads for two years, so have guarantees on their professionalism as well as the kind of men they are. “This match arrives in a difficult moment for both us and Lazio, so I think we’re on an even keel.” Last season Juve only managed to beat Lazio once in four meetings, which included the Coppa Italia semi-final. “In the Coppa Italia I thought Juventus deserved much more, but having said that Lazio must be given credit for managing to qualify,” continued Conte. Much has been made of Fernando Llorente’s problems settling in at Juve and he’ll reportedly be on the bench tomorrow, but the Coach vented his irritation at the media’s line of questioning. “Thinking of getting around certain difficulties with a single player is just wrong, as we play as a team – one that won the Scudetto. “The media is trying to create a situation around Llorente that I find laughable. He arrived three weeks ago, is working hard – which is the most important thing for me – and above all barely played for a year. It is inevitable a player will encounter difficulties in those circumstances. “We know him well, were fortunate and smart enough to sign him on a Bosman and he’s trying to get into our system. There ought to be some respect and not just hurling insults at someone or piling on the pressure to create a headline. The media creates controversy out of nothing.” There was controversy around the Super Cup for months, as it was originally set to be in Beijing, then the clubs battled over dates, venues and how to split the ticket sales. It took another twist this week when Juventus cancelled their training session at La Borghesiana and as of today borrowed Roma’s Trigoria camp. “The Lega made the decision along with the two clubs. We accepted it and prepared as best we could. We had planned a certain training regime, but unfortunately we had to change because we found some situations that were not suitable. “Someone even wrote that we changed training camps because there were ‘spies,’ which again made me laugh. We simply wanted the players to be in the best circumstances. “We trained at Trigoria – for which I thank Roma – because we were struggling. I also propose that if they want to, we can host them at Vinovo when they come to Turin, to thank them for their hospitality. I see nothing special or abnormal in this situation.”

Klose: 'I'll score past Juve eventually' Aug 17, 2013 Miroslav Klose is hoping to score his first goal past Juventus in tomorrow’s Italian Super Cup and considers his future. Lazio take on Scudetto winners Juve for the trophy at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday at 20.00 UK time. “I am sure that sooner or later I will score a goal against Juve. Hopefully it will happen tomorrow,” he smiled in the Press conference. “Besides, I am not the only person who can score goals. Our midfield is full of attacking players like Antonio Candreva and Senad Lulic. I hope to score even more this year, although I am also happy to provide assists. http://markting10.nl/ “It is fundamental to play as a unit both when attacking and defending.” Juventus have reinforced their squad this summer with Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente. “Tevez is a great player who can win a game by himself. He has great movement and a fierce shot, so he is an excellent striker. Juventus have many players who can hurt Lazio, for example Arturo Vidal with his movement behind the defence. “This is our first official game of the season and we want to prove we’re ready. I am sure we can win, especially in our home stadium, though as always we’d need a bit of luck.” Klose was asked about his future, as his contract expires in June 2014. “There is the possibility I could renew my contract after the World Cup. I could stay or I could return to Germany. We’ll see,” concluded the 35-year-old.

Petkovic: 'Lazio mentality crucial' Aug 17, 2013 Vladimir Petkovic is confident Lazio can beat Juventus for the Italian Super Cup on Sunday. “Mentality will be fundamental.” The Coppa Italia holders take on the Scudetto winners at 20.00 UK time at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow evening. “I have been happy over the summer at not having to reply to too many questions,” joked the Coach in his Press conference. “We have improved in every sense and tomorrow the team will give its response on the field. Our heads must be in top condition, just like in the Coppa Italia Final. Mentality will be fundamental against a very strong Juve. http://markting10.nl/ “If we both play at 100 per cent, then we would have more problems than Juventus, but I am sure we can make life difficult for them. We’ll do everything possible to win.” Last season the Biancocelesti knocked Juve out of the Coppa Italia and lost only one of four encounters. “At the start we struggled to contain Juve, but then with courage we saw the team attack as a unit. This has to be the spirit we follow tomorrow, imposing our style of play on Juventus. “The Bianconeri are stronger than last term, as they haven’t sold any of their big stars and brought in some valid newcomers. It’s up to them to confirm that on the pitch, though.” Lazio have reinforced since beating Roma 1-0 to lift the Coppa Italia in May, bringing in the likes of Lucas Biglia in midfield. “We do have something more now, yes. We are not all ready, as there have been some injuries, but I’m curious to see at what level we perform tomorrow. We are solid defensively and need to be more clinical in attack, because Juve won’t allow us too many chances.” The Italian Super Cup arrives only a few days after international duty, with many players travelling halfway round the world and back. “We had 11 or 12 players away on international duty this week, which fills us with pride. Hernanes can take the team by the hand and prove his leadership,” continued Petkovic. “With this match we conclude the first era and open a new one. Victory must motivate us more and we need the support of our fans, as this is going to be an action-packed season and we’ll do all we can to honour the jersey on three fronts.”

Marchisio: 'Juve want the Super Cup' Aug 17, 2013 Claudio Marchisio feels it is “a bit odd” Juventus are playing the Italian Super Cup in Lazio’s home stadium. The venue for the trophy was originally going to be Beijing, but weeks of heated arguments resulted in the Lega Serie A assigning it to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This is where the Coppa Italia Final is regularly played and is considered Italy’s ‘neutral’ venue, though it also acts as home to Roma and Lazio. http://markting10.nl/ “It is a bit odd playing in Lazio’s stadium when we are the Champions of Italy...” mused Marchisio in La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. It kicks off on Sunday at 20.00 UK time. Some years ago the Scudetto winners tended to host the Italian Super Cup, with the Coppa Italia holders as the visitors. “Oh well, let’s just say it is better to play in Rome than Beijing a week before the Serie A season begins. In China the humidity is incredible at the moment and I remember suffering a great deal last year. “I expect great support from the Bianconeri at the Olimpico. Wherever we go, there are always many Juventus fans. “We’re not alarmed by the poor pre-season friendly results. I see my teammates motivated and we want to win this trophy again,” continued Marchisio. “It will be very tough, also on a tactical level, because last season we only beat Lazio once in four meetings and they knocked us out of the Coppa Italia. “We were also unlucky, as in those games we almost always played better and created more chances, but in the end it’s the result that counts.” The summer signings in attack have struggled to make an impact so far, with Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente missing the target. “Carlitos is great, but we above all hope this can be Juve’s game. Is Llorente in crisis? Some criticism seems exaggerated to me. He barely played at all last year and left Spain for a very different style of football. He needs time to understand that tactics are decisive in Italy.”

Juve train at Roma ground Aug 17, 2013 Juventus are preparing for the Italian Super Cup against Lazio by training at Roma’s Trigoria ground. The trophy is decided at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday, kick-off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT). http://markting10.nl/ Juve have been in Rome for a couple of days to prepare for the match, but abandoned the Borghesiana training facilities after one day, as Antonio Conte was not happy with the venue. Today the Bianconeri started training at Roma’s Trigoria ground, as the Giallorossi are away for a friendly against Ternana this evening.

Lotito: 'No Lazio-Juve peace talks' Aug 16, 2013 Lazio President Claudio Lotito insists there’s “no need to make peace” with Juventus ahead of Sunday’s Italian Super Cup. The two clubs battled publicly for weeks over the venue and date of this match, which was originally set to be in Beijing, until it was officially moved to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. “I haven’t spoken to Andrea Agnelli recently,” Lotito told Tuttosport. http://markting10.nl/ “In reality, we are not accustomed to speaking. For two Presidents like us, these situations are water under the bridge. There’s no need to make peace or exchange any particular handshakes before the game. There is no bellicose controversy going on. “Unfortunately there was a disagreement over the issues of football, but the reciprocal respect is beyond doubt.” Nonetheless, Lotito couldn’t resist aiming a sideswipe at the Bianconeri. “My vision of football is more projected towards the future than Agnelli’s, so we see some things differently. In any case, there are no personal problems. “I repeat, there was a confrontation around the organisation of the Super Cup, then the Lega Serie A ruled the optimal venue was the Stadio Olimpico, which is the home of the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) and the Nazionale, to give the trophy greater prestige. That is all. “After winning two consecutive Scudetti, Juventus start out as favourites, but I hope Lazio can play at 100 per cent intensity. We don’t want to be sacrificial lambs.”

Rocchi ref for Lazio-Juventus Aug 16, 2013 Referee Gianluca Rocchi has been assigned to Sunday’s Italian Super Cup between Lazio and Juventus. The match kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT). http://markting10.nl/ Rocchi will be aided by linesmen Elenito Di Liberatore and Gianluca Cariolato, fourth official Paolo Mazzoleni and goal line referees Luca Banti and Antonio Damato. The Italian Super Cup is between Coppa Italia winners Lazio and Scudetto holders Juventus.

Juventus switch Rome training base Aug 16, 2013 Juventus arrived in Rome on Thursday ahead of the Italian Super Cup Final, but boss Antonio Conte cancelled training. The Old Lady were set to take to the field at the Borghesiana facilities in the capital, but Conte scrapped the session as he was unhappy with the training fields available. http://markting10.nl/ Juve returned to their hotel and will resume training this morning at the Centro Sportivo Paolo Cavoli instead. Conte has called up his entire squad for Sunday’s game against Lazio, but there are fitness doubts over Andrea Barzagli. The defender was ruled out of international duty with an Achilles tendon problem. Angelo Ogbonna should beat Martin Caceres to a starting shirt if Barzagli doesn’t recover in time. Meanwhile, Mirko Vucinic and Carlos Tevez are being tipped to lead the Juve attack in Conte’s 3-5-2 at the Olimpico.

Chiellini respects hunger of Inter Aug 16, 2013 Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini believes Inter will be a side to keep a close eye on during the 2013-14 campaign. Although the stopper doesn’t rank the Nerazzurri as one of the favourites for the Scudetto, he’s respectful of their potential. “I think that Napoli and Milan have a bit more than the rest of the teams, even if Fiorentina have bought well this summer,” he said when asked about Juve’s possible Scudetto rivals. http://markting10.nl/ “Inter, meanwhile, will start from last season’s ninth-placed finish and they can only improve,” continued the former Livorno left-back. “They will be a dangerous side because they will be hungry to hit back and we, a few years ago, demonstrated how much desire counts.” The Old Lady came back from two successive seventh-place finishes in the Italian top-flight to win back-to-back titles.

Petkovic: Lazio aren't afraid of Juventus Ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana on Sunday the Biancocelesti coach rejects the notion that his side are underdogs, though he accepts that the Bianconeri are Scudetto favourites. Aug 15, 2013 Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic has rejected suggestions Juventus are favourites to win Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana. The Biancocelesti triumphed over Roma in the Coppa Italia final last season to tee up a clash with the back-to-back Serie A champions a week before the new league campaign commences. Although Petkovic is aware of the Bianconeri's quality and accepts they are expected to lift a third successive Scudetto in 2013-14, he believes his side can triumph in a one-off match to claim the first piece of silverware of the Italian season. http://markting10.nl/ "The first few games of the season are always an unknown, especially when playing for a trophy," he told Lazio Style Radio. "It comes with many doubts but also some certainties such as the fact that we will do everything to win. "Finals are not made to play well in - just to win. Juve again this year will be the absolute favourites in Serie A - they have more quality and the best players. "But, in single games, we are not afraid of anybody and we can play well against everybody. We have made progress, we have been working in this direction. "The squad has been completed and we can make a good impression." Lazio kick off their Serie A campaign at home to Udinese on August 25.

Juventus name Super Cup squad Aug 15, 2013 Andrea Barzagli and Simone Pepe are included in the Juventus squad for the Italian Super Cup Final against Lazio. The defender missed Italy’s game against Argentina last night because of an Achilles tendon problem, but he is part of the 27-man set-up for this weekend. http://markting10.nl/ Boss Antonio Conte has also named Pepe in the party. The wide attacker, 29, returns after an injury-plagued 2012-13 season in which he made just one appearance. Italian champions Juventus will play Coppa Italia holders Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night. Squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 5 Ogbonna, 6 Pogba, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 10 Tevez, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 14 Llorente, 15 Barzagli, 16 Motta, 17 Marrone, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho.

Buffon pleased for Lazio's Marchetti Aug 15, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has praised fellow goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, but has admitted that Italy deserved to lose to Argentina. The Azzurri went down 2-1 to the South Americans in Rome on Wednesday evening, but the Juve man believes that the Lazio shot-stopper deserves his chance. “Argentina deserved the victory,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We didn’t do enough in the first half. http://markting10.nl/ “There was a definite difference between us and them. “It was a particular game, one with a different meaning to other friendlies – it was right to do it in honour of His Holiness. “Marchetti? I thought he did well. With the National Team he has often been unlucky. “He did very well, but hopefully he will be quieter on Sunday [in the Supercopa match].”

Chiellini blames Italy fitness Aug 15, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini believes a difference in fitness levels was one of the main reasons why Italy lost 2-1 to Argentina on Wednesday. “Argentina have some really good players in attack,” the Juventus man noted. “We worked hard, but we probably paid the price for starting pre-season later than many of them. “It was clear out there – we were always second to the ball and we were not able to stay as compact as we would have wanted. http://markting10.nl/ “We wanted to beat Argentina because it is important to do so in games like this.” Chiellini, who celebrated his 29th birthday this week, was partnered in central defence by Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. “Daniele has the quality to play in that role,” added the former Livorno and Fiorentina left-back. “He’s just missing the consistency of being used there.”

Llorente still settling at Juventus Aug 13, 2013 Fernando Llorente says it will take a little bit of time before Juventus see him at his very best. The Spanish international joined the Old Lady this summer on a free transfer after his contract at Athletic Bilbao expired. Llorente, though, has been criticised for his pre-season form in the centre of Antonio Conte’s new look attack. “Juventus was the best decision for me,” the centre-forward told El Larguero. “I need to adapt and it will take time, but I have been welcomed well. http://markting10.nl/ “The Coach uses me as an attacker in his 3-5-2, so I will need to improve my movement and understanding with my teammates. “I need to do things which I haven’t done in the past, but things will improve. “We have the Italian Super Cup against Lazio this weekend and I can’t wait until the championship begins.” Llorente, though, may not be named in the starting XI against the Biancocelesti at the Stadio Olimpico. But he’s rejected suggestions that boss Conte has not been impressed with him so far. “Those rumours are not true, they are lies,” added the 28-year-old. “Conte is happy with what I have been doing. “We’ve had a really tough pre-season where we have worked a lot. I am doing all that is possible to integrate myself into the team’s way of playing.” Llorente is currently on international duty ahead of a friendly against Ecuador.

Barzagli to miss Italy-Argentina Aug 13, 2013 Juventus and Italy defender Andrea Barzagli has been ruled out of Wednesday’s friendly against Argentina. The centre-back is struggling with an Achilles tendon issue which will not clear up in time for the Stadio Olimpico clash. http://markting10.nl/ Although the decision to send him home was taken on Monday evening, the 2006 World Cup winner will still be part of the Azzurri group which will meet the Pope later today. Once their visit to the Vatican is over, he will return to Turin and placed into the care of Juventus medics. Juventus play Lazio on Sunday in the Italian Super Cup Final.

Llorente: I need time to adapt at Juventus The Spanish attacker has stressed that it might take a while before he's at his best due to the different conditions at the Turin giants. Aug 13, 2013 Fernando Llorente has admitted that he will need time to settle in at Juventus, but remains confident that he made the right call to sign for the Serie A champions. The Spain international joined the Bianconeri from Athletic Bilbao on a Bosman transfer after deciding not to renew his contract with the Basque outfit and he has urged the fans to remain patient as he will have to adapt to his new surroundings. "I still think joining Juventus was the right decision. I need a bit of time to adapt to my new surroundings, but I have been received very well here," Llorente, 28, told El Larguero. http://markting10.nl/ "The coach has been using me as one of the two forwards in a 3-5-2 formation. I am doing things that I didn't used to do at Athletic, so I need to get used to my different role. "I will need to improve my movement and the understanding with my team-mates. "It's not true that [Antonio] Conte has told me that he's not happy with me so far. He's said that he's pleased with my work up till date." The 28-year-old could make his official Juve debut in the Supercoppa Italia clash versus Lazio on August 18.

Juventus must fight to improve, says Chiellini The defender has echoed his coach's call for the team to work hard on and off the pitch if they are to defend their Serie A crown and mount a challenge for the Champions League. Aug 12, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has called on his Juventus team-mates to battle even harder this season if they are to challenge for silverware. The reigning Serie A champions have thus far endured a miserable pre-season, including a 3-1 defeat to LA Galaxy that prompted coach Antonio Conte to question the work ethic of his players. Chiellini has backed his boss's sentiments, urging his fellow Bianconeri stars to work hard both on and off the pitch in order to defend their domestic crown and mount a challenge in Europe. "Conte is correct - talent needs to be nurtured on a daily basis with hard work,” the 28-year-old told Tuttosport. http://markting10.nl/ “We know that you can only achieve certain targets by working. And we want to affirm our place in Italy and improve in Europe. “Last season we beat the holders in Chelsea, dominating our home game with great authority in the Champions League. Obviously, though, when you play the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, you have to take them on at your physical best.” Juventus face Lazio in the Supercoppa on Sunday and Chiellini is convinced their stuttering pre-season form will not affect their chances against the Biancoceleste. “It's normal to have tiredness and a lack of spark at this point of the season, but we are growing and we’ll certainly be ready for an important meeting on August 18," he continued. “We want to win the Supercoppa as much as Lazio. We want to start the season on the right foot and, on Sunday, the pitch is where we will ultimately be doing the talking.”

Serie A title betting preview - Juventus to continue Scudetto form Aug 12, 2013 With the new Serie A season fast approaching, we thought we would ask the bookies for their expectations for the title race, after a summer of frenzied transfer activity in some quarters. Juventus is the team to beat also for the 2013-14 Serie A. The ‘Old Lady’ are the big favourites for the next season after they improved during the summer market, building on what was already a very competitive squad. The arrival of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente has given coach Antonio Conte the necessary strikers to perform well also in the Champions League. http://markting10.nl/ They now have many more options and the first objective will be to do well in Europe but without forgetting the Scudetto which this year is going to be more difficult to win. The odds for a Juventus win are at 1.80 and this is also the tip that Marco Narardi, Italian football betting expert, from BettingSpin has given us. Rivals have also made some interesting moves to try take the title away from Juve. Napoli have been the team that have made more changes during the summer: the departure of Edinson Cavani has been counterbalanced with a number of acquisitions that have made the team stronger than last season. President Aurelio De Laurentiis has been able to bring to the Vesuvio a top player like Gonazalo Higuain and other experienced international players like Pepe Reina, Raul Albiol and Jose Callejon. Also even if they have lost coach Walter Mazzarri to Inter Milan, they have signed-up Rafa Benitez, who has the necessary experience to make this good team a winning team. Napoli to win the title is at 7. AC Milan can be backed at 5 even though they haven’t really been impressive in the transfer market. They will be able to have Mario Balotelli from the start of the season and also they have maintained the core structure of the team, however I don’t see them able to compete with the likes of Juventus and Napoli. Inter Milan have made a good move to sign Mazzarri however the Nerazzurri still need time to rebuild a winning team so we don’t think that they are going to be in the title race for a long. The same thing can be said for Roma who have signed Rudi Garcia as a manager but they surely don’t have the same level of quality of the top two teams. 1.80 is a very good price for a Juventus team who shouldn’t have any major problem in retaining the title.

Chiellini: Talent not enough … Aug 12, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini says Juventus will have to sweat on a daily basis if they are to keep winning trophies. The Old Lady will start the season as favourites for a third straight title after strengthening on the transfer market. However, boss Antonio Conte has spoken of his concerns that his side may not be as hungry or as focused as over the last 24 months. Their pre-season form has also been average. “Conte is right because talent needs to be cultivated on a daily basis with hard work,” the defender told Tuttosport. http://markting10.nl/ “We know that you can only achieve certain objectives by working. And we want to confirm ourselves in Italy and improve in Europe. They are our targets.” Juventus will get back to competitive action on Sunday when they will face Lazio in the Italian Super Cup tie. “It is normal that there is tiredness and a lack of brilliance at this point of the season, but we are growing. And we’ll certainly be ready for an important appointment on August 18. “We want to win the Super Cup as much as Lazio. We want to start the season on the right foot and, on Sunday, the pitch will finally do the talking.” Chiellini also admitted that Juventus will be aiming to get past the quarter-final stages of the Champions League this term after falling at that point to Bayern Munich in 2012-13. “Last season we beat the holders in Chelsea, dominating our home game with great authority, in the Champions League,” he continued. “Obviously though, when you play the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, you have to take them on at your best physically.”

Elkann: 'Champions League a dream' Aug 11, 2013 Club owner John Elkann says the Scudetto remains the top Juventus target, though “the Champions League is a dream.” Last season the Bianconeri went out in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Bayern Munich and won their second consecutive Serie A title. “The results of the summer friendlies in the United States are not indicative of the campaign ahead. We must not get worried,” assured Elkann. “Our principle objective for this season is to continue doing well in Italy for a third consecutive Scudetto, which is by no means a simple task. http://markting10.nl/ “After that, of course, the Champions League is a dream.” Elkann is one of the heirs to the Agnelli family and thanked UEFA President Michel Platini for today’s visit in Turin. “It was wonderful to see Platini arrive for an entirely private visit. He came to pay his respects to my grandfather Gianni 10 years after his death and also Umberto.” Today the Juventus A squad beat the Primavera 4-1, a tradition that opens the season in Turin. “I think my grandfather would be pleased to see this tradition. Of the current crop of players, I believe Paul Pogba would be his favourite.”

Tevez on target in Juventus Day Aug 11, 2013 Juventus A beat Juventus B 4-1 in today’s traditional game against the youth team, with Carlos Tevez on target. The so-called ‘Juventus Day’ is a celebration at the Villar Perosa training ground attended by thousands of fans and former players, which today included UEFA President Michel Platini. The senior squad took just three minutes to open the scoring with Arturo Vidal, followed by Leonardo Bonucci turning in a Tevez cross. http://markting10.nl/ Tevez got his own name on the scoresheet at the dawn of the second half with a smart chip over the goalkeeper. The Primavera pulled one back through Zoran Josipovic, who also hit the woodwork, but Fabio Quagliarella rounded out the scoreline. The match finished 10 minutes early due to a peaceful pitch invasion from the fans. Juventus A: Buffon, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Chiellini, Vidal, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah, Tevez, Giovinco Juventus B: Vannucchi, Bertinetti, Romagna, Garcia Tena, Cifarelli, Emmanuello, Cevallos, Gerbaudo, Donis, Marzouk, Lanini

Juventus to drop Llorente? Aug 11, 2013 Fernando Llorente has disappointed in pre-season and it’s rumoured Juventus could drop him for the Super Cup against Lazio. The Spanish international arrived on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao, but was out of shape after barely featuring last season due to a contract dispute. http://markting10.nl/ Coach Antonio Conte was spotted taking Llorente aside during training for a half-hour personalised lesson on tactics. La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport now claim he has been so disappointing that Llorente will be dropped for the first official match of the season. Juventus challenge Lazio for the Italian Super Cup in Rome on August 18 and the likely starting strikers are going to be Carlos Tevez and Mirko Vucinic.

Marchisio: 'I'm staying at Juve' Aug 11, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio pledged his future to the club and explained away their summer results. The Bianconeri celebrated ‘Juventus Day’ at the Villar Perosa training camp today with a game against the Primavera youth team. “This is a special day and the fans never stayed away, even when things weren’t going so well. It’s wonderful to feel them so close to us,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “It’s always a wonderful party for them and the Agnelli family, as well as a useful test for us ahead of the Italian Super Cup.” http://markting10.nl/ That trophy is decided at the Stadio Olimpico on August 18 between the Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders Lazio. Fans are hoping for a vast improvement from their pre-season friendlies, which saw them finish last in the International Champions Cup. “It is only normal that after winning so much a few negative results are surprising,” continued Marchisio. “These things can happen, especially as in America we lost two games on penalties after playing well. “This period is important to work hard and put petrol in the tank for the season ahead, so we’ll just have to work even harder to start on the right foot.” Marchisio had been linked with Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid over the summer, but is adamant there’s no other club for him. “I am staying here. I am happy at Juventus, but the fact that rumours keep emerging around me every summer is starting to get on my nerves.”