Socrates

Does Carlos Tevez complete the Juventus puzzle? Jul 27, 2013 In acquiring Carlos Tevez, Juventus have solved the striker issue they had been struggling with for the past two seasons. In a way, Fernando Llorente also did that, but Tevez brings an extra plus that meshes the whole Bianconeri strike force together. This summer Juventus have acquired both Llorente and Tevez. The Argentine is a very important element of how Juventus will lineup next season. In fact, he allows Juventus a lot of flexibility in terms of how they could play. What Tevez brings is his combination of mobility and goal-scoring. Antonio Conte likes his team to be fluid, where every player participates in all phases of the game. Conte also likes to use the entire pitch, neither focusing on playing a strictly narrow or wide game. What Conte has also shown over the last couple seasons, is that he often changes his attacking lineup. Now whether that was out of uncertainty or tactical design, it’s irrelevant for the purpose of our conversation. The most important asset Tevez brings is as a reference point. Not just in terms of being a reference on the pitch, but more so in Conte’s tactical setup. Given how malleable Tevez is, he will be a fixture in Conte’s lineup regardless of which formation the Italian decides to employ. Tevez is able to lead the line, hold the ball, run behind defences, play with his back to goal, work the channels or drop deeper to link up the play. In other words, Tevez can play and dovetail well with Mirko Vucinic, Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri or Llorente. Let us look back at the last few months of Serie A when Conte played with a single striker in order to fit in all of his best midfielders on the field at once (with Paul Pogba playing in a higher central position). Conte chose Vucinic to fill that striker role then. But fundamentally, Vucinic is more of a seconda punto. At the same time, consistency would be an issue for Vucinic and Conte would probably not see this experimental formation as a long-term option. Carlos Tevez - JuventusThis is where Tevez’s value shines through. Conte could attempt his 3-6-1 with Tevez as the lone striker. But Tevez’s true value is also found in his work rate. We mentioned how fluidity was important to Conte. Tevez is a tireless worker who harasses defenders and contributes a lot to the defensive effort. This means he fits perfectly in Conte’s system where constant pressing is key to his strategy. Dynamism and mobility, those are the two aspects of Tevez’s game that will make him a key player for Juventus. Gonzalo Higuain would have also been a fine choice of course, but being essentially a poacher might have made him look a bit awkward in Conte’s system. Physicality is also an important aspect of Tevez’s game that Conte looked to bring to his side. In a way, this factor also explains the arrival of Llorente. Where Juventus really fell short, when Bayern Munich brushed them aside, in last year’s Champions League quarterfinals was in the physicality department. Conte certainly noticed that. And indeed, the 3-6-1 experimentations to try to crowbar Pogba into the midfield were just for that purpose. Today, Conte possesses both Llorente and Tevez to add that to his team. But Tevez also happens to be a neat package of just that and everything else a top striker possesses, making him an ideal signing for Conte’s Juventus.

Crespo backs 'champion' Tevez to shine for Juventus The former Argentina striker claims the 29-year-old is almost as reverred in his homeland as Lionel Messi due to his talent and fighting qualities. Jul 27, 2013 Former Inter striker Hernan Crespo has backed Carlos Tevez to bring huge success to Juventus this season. The 29-year-old joined the Bianconeri from Manchester City last month and Crespo - who scored more than 150 career goals in Serie A - believes his compatriot could help Antonio Conte's side to both domestic and European success this term. "Carlos is a real champion, a top player outside of the area," he told Tuttosport. "It will be interesting to see how Conte manages him. They are two real winners." "When I saw Carlos four months ago, he had become much more mature and calm than before. Tevez has joined a strong team. Juventus are sitting in pole position for the Scudetto and can also go far in the Champions League with a bit of luck. "Tevez is not the type of player to win games all on his own, though. Only Lionel Messi can do that. But he is a player who will not let you down. He is a guarantee for goals. He has what it takes to open up difficult games." Crespo went on to reveal the high esteem in which Tevez is held in his homeland, claiming that his combination of ability and fighting spirit makes him almost as popular as Messi. "People in Argentina nearly love Tevez even more than Leo," Crespo said. "He is a real fans' favourite with his style of play. He has learned his ways on the streets. He combines an impressive athleticism with a desire to fight."

Crespo: 'Higuain and Tevez right for Italy' Jul 27, 2013 Hernan Crespo is “not surprised” Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain turned down other options to join Juventus and Napoli. The former Parma, Lazio, Inter, Milan, Chelsea and Genoa striker commented on the big summer transfers. “Who got the best deal? Italian football,” Crespo told Tuttosport. “It is a sign that things are getting back to the glory days, when Serie A was at the top of European football. The real problem holding them back is that the same stadiums we dreamed of playing in 20 years ago have remained more or less the same, without adapting. “The only positive exception is Juventus, who have their own modern stadium.” Juve paid just €9m plus bonuses to sign Tevez from Manchester City, while Napoli needed €37m to prise Higuain from Real Madrid. “Tevez is a top player, a champion who makes the difference outside the system. The real question is will Antonio Conte allow him to stay outside the system? “It is going to be a fascinating challenge for both of them. Conte must explain how to move in order to be effective in Serie A, while also realising Carlitos has that creative streak that allows him to develop other things. “Tevez has become a more complete and organised player since coming to Europe. I saw him four months ago and he also seemed more mature. “Italian football has a very special place in the heart of Argentineans, as we feel at home here. I am not surprised, for example, that Higuain preferred Napoli to Arsenal. “Whereas Edinson Cavani arrived at a Napoli side that was already set up, Higuain will settle into a team that is in flux with a Coach who only worked for six months in Italy. “Pipita is a hitman, but can also help players like Marek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Maria Callejon score more goals too. “Actually, Juventus have an advantage over almost all the big clubs in the Champions League, as they have not changed their Coach. They must try to make the most of that.”

Marotta on Isla and Zuniga Jul 27, 2013 Juventus dg Beppe Marotta slammed the door on Mauricio Isla to Inter and Juan Camilo Zuniga to Turin. The transfer guru spoke in a telephone interview with SportItalia and briefly outlined his position on the latest rumours. “Isla to Inter? For now he is staying here,” replied Marotta. “Zuniga from Napoli? I don’t think he is going to arrive.” On Friday Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez reiterated that Zuniga is a valuable member of the team, so will not be allowed to join the Bianconeri. His contract expires in June 2014, so the club does not want to lose him as a free agent.

Tevez, Llorente fire friendly blank for Juventus The latest additions to the Bianconeri played in a pre-season tournament featuring Milan and Sassuolo but the strikers were unable to get on the scoresheet. Jul 24, 2013 Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Angelo Ogbonna played together for the first time as Juventus suffered mixed fortunes in the Trofeo TIM. The trio, signed by Juve in the close-season, were all named in the starting line-ups for the two fixtures in the pre-season tournament as Antonio Conte's side were beaten by Milan and then triumphed over Sassuolo. Tevez had already opened his account for the club in a 7-0 win over Val d’Aosta on Saturday, but neither Ogbonna nor Llorente were able to do the same on Tuesday. Conte's side drew 0-0 with both Milan and Sassuolo in normal time, before losing to the former and beating the latter on penalties. Sassuolo replaced usual Trofeo TIM competitors Inter this year and it was Rubinho who was the hero in the match against the Serie A newcomers. The 30-year-old Brazilian saved three penalties to ensure that Juventus ended the tournament with a 50 per cent record. The Serie A champions have only won the competition once, with this success coming in Bari in 2009.

Juve squeeze past Sassuolo Jul 23, 2013 Juventus were lucky in their 0-0 draw with Serie A new boys Sassuolo, eventually winning on penalties in the Trofeo TIM. “Overall the important thing was we finished this stage of pre-season with no injuries,” said Antonio Conte. “This evening it was positive that we didn’t concede, but we showed very little of what we know and are capable of. It’s understandable, as we trained very intensely and the legs were pretty heavy. “We know that we play a different type of football and will try to work even harder. I have a group of strikers available and will make my evaluations based on each game and who proves they deserve it during the week.” The Bianconeri lost the first game on penalties to Milan, so had one point and faced hosts Sassuolo in the second Trofeo TIM mini-match. It was a special night at the Mapei Stadium for Simone Zaza, who is co-owned by Juve. Sassuolo won the Serie B title last season, earning their first ever promotion into the top flight. They had the stronger start, as Jasmin Kurtic cut in from the right and his angled drive was fingertipped on to the base of the far post by Marco Storari. Moments later it was Alberto Pomini who needed his wits about him with a reaction save to deny Alessandro Matri from close range. Mirko Vucinic had plenty of time and space, but ballooned over the bar from a very promising position. The Montenegrin did better as an assist-man with a backheel flick, but Matri scuffed the finish well wide. Kurtic went very close again on 16 minutes, as he went on the counter-attack and cut back to commit Federico Peluso, but curled just past the far top corner. Domenico Berardi also turned over from the edge of the box, as did Zaza, while substitute Juventus goalkeeper Rubinho performed a great save on Emanuele Terranova’s glancing header from a free kick. Fabio Quagliarella hit the side-netting, but it was mainly Sassuolo and Romanian summer signing Marius Alexe ballooned another excellent scoring opportunity over the bar. The 0-0 result meant another penalty shoot-out for Juve and Quagliarella’s opener was saved by Pomini. Zaza sent Rubinho the wrong way to immediately give Sassuolo the advantage. Marcel Buchel, Kurtic (with a cheeky chipped penalty) and Pol Garcia Tena scored, but Rubinho parried the Alexe effort. However, Matri ballooned well over to give Sassuolo the advantage again, which Simone Missiroli took. Arturo Vidal converted and Terranova could’ve won it for the hosts, but Rubinho fingertipped his penalty on to the upright. It went to sudden death, as Marco Motta scored and Rubinho performed another excellent save on Berardi. As per the rules of the Trofeo TIM, Juventus picked up two points for winning on penalties, while Sassuolo received one. The final match is Milan-Sassuolo. Juventus 0-0 Sassuolo (4-3 on penalties) Penalty shoot-out: Quagliarella (saved J), Zaza (goal S), Buchel (goal J), Kurtic (goal S), Pol Garcia (goal J), Alexe (saved S), Matri (missed J), Missiroli (goal S), Vidal (goal J), Terranova (saved S), Motta (goal J), Berardi (saved S) Juventus: Storari (Rubinho 25); Lichtsteiner (Penna 25), Ogbonna, Peluso (Buchel 29); Isla (Vidal 37), Padoin (Motta 18), Rossi, Asamoah, De Ceglie (Pol Garcia 18); Matri, Vucinic (Quagliarella 25) Sassuolo: Pomini; Gazzola, Antei, Terranova, Longhi; Kurtic, Magnanelli, Missiroli; Berardi, Zaza, Alexe

Milan beat Juve in Trofeo TIM Jul 23, 2013 Robinho had a penalty saved, but Milan beat Juventus in a sudden death shoot-out for the opening Trofeo TIM match. “We did fairly well, though it’s normal we don’t have the pace of future games. I am relatively satisfied when facing Juventus as, even if it’s a friendly, it is still a tough test,” said Massimiliano Allegri. “Regardless of the victory, which is still important, the lads played pretty well, though we need to improve in physical and tactical terms. The transfer market is still long, Adriano Galliani knows what can be done, but the important thing will be for me to focus on the players at my disposal.” The 13th edition of the Trofeo TIM involves Juventus, Milan and Serie A newcomers Sassuolo, who play each other in three 45-minute matches. It is hosted at Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia. The Bianconeri debuted their brand-new strike partnership of Tevez and Llorente with defender Angelo Ogbonna, while Nigel de Jong was back for the Rossoneri after damaging his Achilles tendon in December 2012. There were early penalty appeals for a Philippe Mexes tackle on Llorente, while Bakaye Traore’s angled drive was comfortably smothered. On 15 minutes Christian Abbiati needed a fingertip save to deny Simone Padoin’s strike from the D. Milan kept a lot of possession, but struggled to turn it into scoring opportunities, as Kevin-Prince Boateng blasted over from distance. Llorente should’ve scored, but incredibly ballooned over the bar as he came sliding in at the back post behind Daniele Bonera, but couldn’t keep it down on Mauricio Isla’s assist. Stephan Lichtsteiner mis-timed his tackle from behind on Boateng, tripping the Ghanaian international for a penalty. Robinho stepped up in the absence of Mario Balotelli, but the spot-kick was well saved by Marco Storari. There was a nasty clash of heads between Llorente and Luca Antonini with the Milan player coming off worse, needing to be stretchered off. The Spaniard was also unable to continue due to a bloody nose. As it was still goalless after 45 minutes, the first mini-match was decided on penalties with one point to the losing team and two for the winners. Despite seeing a spot-kick saved during the game, Robinho stepped up first for the shoot-out and scored under the bar. Arturo Vidal and de Jong converted, but Abbiati beat away Lichtsteiner’s effort. Philippe Mexes scored, as did Tevez with a cheeky low finish that left Abbiati rooted to the spot, M’Baye Niang and Kwadwo Asamoah. Antonio Nocerino would finish it off by scoring, but attempted a Panenka and chipped it over the bar. Mirko Vucinic converted and it went to sudden death. Daniele Bonera and Federico Peluso netted, as did Traore and Paolo De Ceglie. Zaccardo’s penalty squirmed under Storari’s ribs and Padoin was not so fortunate, as Abbiati was able to beat his effort away. Juventus face Sassuolo next. Juventus 0-0 Milan (6-7 on pens) Saved penalty: Robinho 29 (M) Penalty shoot-out: Robinho (goal M), Vidal (goal J), de Jong (goal M), Lichtsteiner (saved J), Mexes (goal M), Tevez (goal J), Niang (goal M), Asamoah (goal J), Nocerino (missed M), Vucinic (goal J), Bonera (goal M), Peluso (goal J), Traore (goal M), De Ceglie (goal J), Zaccardo (goal M), Padoin (saved J) Juventus: Storari; Peluso, Ogbonna, Lichtsteiner; Isla, Padoin, Vidal, Asamoah, De Ceglie; Llorente (Vucinic 35), Tevez Milan: Abbiati; Antonini (Zaccardo 34), Bonera, Mexes, Constant; Traoré, de Jong, Nocerino; Boateng; Robinho, Niang Ref: Gervasoni

Applausi ad Acerbi tornato dopo l'esperienza tremenda di un cancro ai testicoli.

Berardi ma Rubinho para e la Juve vince. Bravissimo Rubinho, come pararigori meglio di Buffon.

Motta goal

Terranova specialista dei rigori ma Rubinho para!

Vidal goal

Missiroli goal

Matri altissimo.

Alexe - para Rubinho.

Goal di Garcia Tena

Cucchiao di Kurtic

Buchel segna

Bravo Berardi.

Garcia Tena lady

Mamozio mod!

É entrato Vidal.

Rubinho passa il pallone meglio di Motta.

Gran parata di Rubinho!