Socrates

Lotito: 'Super Cup in Beijing' Jun 4, 2013 Lazio President Claudio Lotito warned the Italian Super Cup will be in Beijing. “Juventus must respect the rules.” A meeting between the two clubs and the FIGC failed to pick a venue or date for the game, which sees the Serie A winners face off against the Coppa Italia holders. “Juventus have to find a solution to their issues, because were meant to sign the contract today to play in Beijing,” Lotito told lalaziosiamonoi. “Juventus organised themselves a tour of the USA and maintain they cannot play in China, but that is not an objective impediment. “Lazio are giving up a tour of South America and with it considerable income so we can prepare for the Super Cup. “Juventus must respect the rules. We are within an association where everyone has to respect the rules. The contract signed with Beijing organisers has to be respected, or the Lega Serie A will lose credibility. “I don’t see that Juventus have much support within the Lega over this. The way I see it when you are within a community or association, you first have to consider the rules and then personal interests.” Playing in Beijing will guarantee Lazio a half share of €3m, so they shot down proposed alternatives of playing in Canada on August 10, Turin or Milan on August 18. Juve are prepared to play in China on August 24, but this is the opening weekend of the Serie A season, so their domestic games would have to be postponed.

Still no Super Cup Final decision Jun 4, 2013 When and where the Italian Super Cup Final will take place remains a mystery after Juventus and Lazio failed to reach an agreement. Champions Juve will take on the capital Coppa Italia winners in the traditional season opener during the month of August, but a date and venue has yet to be decided. Lazio want the tie to be staged in Beijing, during early August, seeing as the Lega are contracted to host at least one more Final in the Chinese city before 2016. Taking the game there will also guarantee Lazio a half share of €3m. However, Juventus are opposed to the idea as that will clash with their pre-season tour of the United States. As a result, they have proposed three alternatives – playing in Canada on August 10, playing in Turin or Milan on August 18 or Beijing on August 24. Lazio chief Claudio Lotito isn’t impressed with any of those options, especially as the latter would be staged on the weekend of the opening round of Serie A – thus League games involving Lazio and Juve would be postponed. “No decision has been taken yet,” stated Lega chief Maurizio Beretta. “We are looking at the option of playing in China again. “Anyhow, a decision will be taken soon and we already have another meeting set up at the end of this month. “The only certainty for now is that the Final will not be played during the winter break. That proposal has fallen.”

Super Cup in China or Dubai? Jun 1, 2013 Juventus and Lazio are still debating where and when to hold the Italian Super Cup, as Beijing and the United Arab Emirates are options. The trophy traditionally opens the Italian season in August and is between the Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders. On Monday there will be a new meeting to discuss organising this match, which was initially set to be on August 10 in Beijing. However, there are now reports the United Arab Emirates could be prepared to host the game in December. Juve are inclined to push for an Italian venue, as they already have friendly tours of the USA and Canada planned. Lazio are determined to play in China, as it would be a big publicity and marketing opportunity as well as bringing in fresh funds from sponsors. In recent years the Italian Super Cup has often been played in Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium, while other venues included New York and Tripoli.

Llorente targets Juventus title hat-trick The Spain striker laughed off question marks over his readiness for the season ahead at his official unveiling with the Italian champions. Jul 2, 2013 Fernando Llorente says he is 100 per cent fit and looking forward to leading Juventus' charge for a third straight Scudetto and further European glory. The Spain striker has signed a four-year contract with the Turin giants after an unsettling final season with Athletic Bilbao, in which he started only four Liga games due to a dispute with coach Marcelo Bielsa. But the 28-year-old insists he is physically and mentally ready to spearhead the Juve attack as Antonio Conte's men go in search of more major honours after claiming back-to-back Serie A titles. "Physically I feel very well," said the Bosman free signing at his official unveiling on Tuesday. "I have worked very hard during my holidays and now I am ready to work even harder in the future. "Over the last two years I have still done a lot of physical training even when I have played much less. I know Italian football is very difficult, but I am sure I will be able to do well." The World Cup winner also stressed his delight in joining the Italian champions, explaining that Juve were the sole attraction in his move. "I decided to come to Italy because this is where Juventus play! I chose to play for Juve because they are a great team, and it is a dream for me to play here. I want to develop as a player and I have chosen the best team with which to do that. "I have spoken a few times with Antonio Conte and I'm very happy to be able to play under him. Juve played wonderful football last season and deserved to win the Scudetto. Now I want to help the team win and achieve the feat of a third consecutive title. The Champions League, though, is a difficult competition and we must take one step at a time." Llorente's unveiling comes days after the club confirmed the arrival from Manchester City of Carlos Tevez as Juventus add to an already star-studded squad, and the Spaniard was quick to point out one player in particular he is looking to join forces with. "I hope that Andrea Pirlo can help me to develop as a player," he said. "I admire champions like Roberto Baggio, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet too, and the fans' welcome was incredible. They are fantastic. I would like to thank them and say that I am very happy." The Spain international will wear the No.14 shirt with his new club.

Gianluigi Buffon robs Diego Forlan not once, but twice Jul 1, 2013 Seeing Gianluigi Buffon put on a clinic in goal isn't exactly some newfound phenomenon. It's actually quite the contrary. To be the best in the world, you must continually show us why — and I'm pretty sure Buffon has done that. But just in case you were wondering if a 35-year-old Buffon still had it, go ahead an watch the video above. In a game that featured not much to play for other than third-place at a tournament that isn't exactly the highest on Italy's priority list, Buffon made sure the team he captains were able to go on summer vacation with their head held high. (Although one could argue a few weeks in Brazil in June no matter what you're there for is a vacation already.) Sure, it ended in penalties — where Buffon stopped three out of five shots by Uruguay, including one on Juventus teammate Martin Caceres' attempt — but it wouldn't have been if not for the double he did against Diego Forlan, making two remarkable saves in a matter of two seconds. Did I mention he's 35 years old? I think so. And as he closes in on Fabio Cannavaro's cap record — Buffon won his 133rd agains Uruguay and needs three more to tie the former Italy captain — San Gigi isn't showing any signs of slowing down. But then again, most of us around these parts know that having watched him week-win and week-out the past two years after he returned from back surgery. Still, it's always nice to see Buffon doing Buffon things. When isn't it, though?

Llorente picks No 14 shirt? Jul 1, 2013 Fernando Llorente has been greeted by fans at Turin airport on Monday, as reports suggest he’ll wear the No 14 shirt at Juventus. The Spain international has flown out to Italy today to undergo a medical and finalise his Bosman transfer, having seen his Athletic Bilbao contract expire on Sunday. Despite arriving 90 minutes later than expected, the Spaniard was greeted by a crowd of around 50 supporters at Turin airport this afternoon. Over the course of Monday evening and Tuesday morning, the 28-year-old is expected to put pen to paper on a previously agreed four-year deal and complete his medical examination. Llorente will then be presented to the media on Tuesday afternoon at 4pm local time. It is speculated that the striker has chosen the No 14 shirt to wear for the Bianconeri, last worn at the club by Mirko Vucinic in 2011-12.

'Buffon can play until he's 40' Jul 1, 2013 The agent of Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that the goalkeeper can play at the top of the game until his 40th birthday. The Juventus shot-stopper was the hero on Sunday as Italy beat Uruguay 3-2 on penalties in the Confederations Cup third-place play-off. And his representative has admitted that the 35-year-old goes into next season as one of the best in the world. “Gigi can reach 40 quietly and without a fuss,” Silvano Martina told Radio Sportiva. “He can make the World Cup in 2018. “Gigi is an absolute champion and is still the strongest goalkeeper of them all. “The penalty shoot-out against Spain [in the semi-final of the tournament] was unlucky – those penalties were unstoppable. “A goalkeeper can't really be judged by a shoot-out – he has less to lose than the attacker. “But the Confederations Cup was a event which prepared the team well for next year. “Italian football has got back to its optimum level, amongst the top five in the world.”

Elkann on Tevez & Buffon heroics Jul 1, 2013 Chairman of the Exor group that owns Juventus John Elkann has praised the signing of Carlos Tevez and Gianluigi Buffon's performances for Italy. The Argentine forward arrived from Manchester City last week to much fanfare, and the Bianconeri chief has claimed that it is a great purchase by the club. “We have a really strong team already,” he told reporters. “The collective is very important for us. “Tevez is a great buy. Juventus have always had strong No.10s throughout its history.” Elkann then commented on the club's goalkeeper and his heroics in the Confederations Cup third-place play-off. “Buffon has once again proven to be a great champion. “We are very proud of our captain's performances in Brazil.”

Chiellini drops Diamanti hint Jul 1, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has dropped a cheeky hint that Alessandro Diamanti could make a move to Juventus this summer. The Bologna playmaker scored a superb free-kick in Italy's 2-2 draw with Uruguay on Sunday. And in the mixed zone after the match, the Bianconeri defender playfully admitted to reporters that the former West Ham may be seen at the club's training ground. “He will make an appearance at Vinovo later this month,” Chiellini told journalists.

Mancini: Tevez is a true champion Jul 1, 2013 Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that Juventus can win even more silverware with Carlos Tevez up front. The Argentine signed from the Premier League club last week to much fanfare, and the Italian tactician has claimed that the fans' reaction is for a reason. “I cannot wait to see him play in our League,” he told Tuttosport. “Tevez is a champion – the top player Juve were missing. “He will allow Juve to make that next step. That purchase will allow the Bianconeri to go a step above the other teams. “It is never easy to win, especially if you have already won two championships, but I think Conte's team have what it takes to win a third. “Tevez knows how to make the difference. “I think Carlos is a worthy successor to Alex [Del Piero's No.10 shirt]. “Conte will have no problems because Carlos is a model professional.” Mancini then commented on his own future. “For now I am resting – sea, sun and lots of sports. Then we will see what happens.”

Tevez deserves No.10 shirt, says Mancini The former Manchester City coach is full of praise for his old player and says he is a worthy successor to Alessandro Del Piero's jersey in Turin. Jul 1, 2013 Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini feels Carlos Tevez is a "worthy successor" to the No.10 jersey previously worn by Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero. The Argentine striker played under the Italian between 2009 and 2013, before moving on to the Bianconeri for a fee of around €12 million. And Mancini is backing Antonio Conte's decision to hand over the No.10 shirt to the 29-year-old on his arrival, saying he is one of the most gifted forwards on the planet. "Carlos is one of the most talented strikers in the world, with Juve he will be a step above the others in Italy," the 48-year-old told Tuttosport. "He has just been handed the No.10 jersey, formerly worn by Del Piero. Alex will always be remembered as a Juventus legend but I think Carlos will be a worthy successor. Indeed, he is the right man to wear the 10 on his back." "Now Conte will not only win the third championship in a row, but is also ready to assault the Champions League. Tevez is about to make a difference in Europe. I can't wait to see him play in our league." Mancini went on to voice his hope that Serie A can attract more star's of Tevez's ilk in the coming years. "In recent years, some great players have moved away from our country and for this reason the arrival of Tevez is also be an important signal for Italian football. "I hope that in the coming years other top players will follow, but I think we have to remain patient before the league can get back to being as competitive as it used to be."

Llorente targets Champions League glory with Juventus The Spain striker is pleased to have completed his move to the Bianconeri and has identified European success as his number one target. Jul 1, 2013 Fernando Llorente has set his sights on Champions Leage glory with Juventus following his free transfer from Athletic Bilbao. The 28-year-old underwent his medical at the weekend having already agreed a four-year deal with the Serie A champions in the wake of his decision not to extend his expiring contract with Athletic and is hungry for honours next season. "Juventus are the strongest team in Italy and one of the best in Europe as well," Llorente was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport. "The club's project is spectacular. Juventus want to win the Champions League. That's one of the reasons why I came here. "I never thought that I would leave Athletic, but things have turned out differently. I cannot wait to start this new adventure." Llorente had made over 300 official appearances for Bilbao over the past nine years.

Buffon's career far from over, says agent The Italy skipper's representative is adamant his client can stay in the game until he is 40 and says Italy are back among the top-five teams in the world. Jul 1, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has at least another five years ahead of him, according to his agent Silvano Martina. The 35-year-old came in for criticism during Italy's Confederations Cup campaign and was even labelled a "pensioner" by Franz Beckenbauer after the Bianconeri's 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. However, Martina is certain his client will ease towards 40 and possibly even appear for the country during the World Cup 2018 in Russia. "Gigi can reach 40 quietly and without a fuss," the player's representative told Radio Sportiva. "He can even make it to the World Cup in 2018. Gigi is an absolute champion and still the strongest goalkeeper of them all. "The penalty shoot-out against Spain was unlucky, those were simply unstoppable. A goalkeeper can't really be judged by a shoot-out." Martina also feels Italy are back at the highest level following their third-placed finish at the Confederations Cup and can be considered one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Brazil next year. "The Confederations Cup was an event which prepared the team well for next year," he added. "Italian football has got back to its optimum level, we are back among the top five in the world."

Buffon proud of Italy performance The veteran keeper was quick to praise his team-mates after his penalty heroics helped to salvage some pride at the end of the tournament. Jun 30, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon praised his side’s determination after Italy secured third place in the Confederations Cup with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Uruguay in Salvador. The Azzurri had to see out the final 10 minutes of extra time with 10 men after Riccardo Montolivo was sent off, but Cesare Prandelli’s team dug deep and secured victory on penalties when Buffon saved from Walter Gargano. "It's a moment for us to be proud, because we did well in a very difficult match," he said. “It would've been harder if we didn't show this type of character on the pitch. We suffered a lot during the match, but this outcome made it worthwhile and I was able to give my best for the team." Italy were knocked out in the semi-final by Spain on penalties after a brave display against the World champions and the manner of the victory over Uruguay convinced Buffon that his country are still right at the top of the international game. "We honoured our place in the football world the best way we could,” added the Juventus keeper. “It’s a miracle we’re here now. We managed not to lose, and this is very positive.”

Llorente excited by Juve Jun 30, 2013 Fernando Llorente flies in tomorrow for his Juventus medical, but has already discussed tactics with Antonio Conte. The striker arrives on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao and will be presented to the Press on Tuesday in Turin. “Juve are the best Italian team and one of the best in Europe,” he told La Stampa newspaper. “I can’t wait to start this new adventure. I have faith in my abilities and am not afraid to challenge myself against a different type of football culture. “I chose Juve because they really wanted me. I spoke to Conte on the phone and it was very important to know the Coach believed in me.” Carlos Tevez arrived this week, so there is speculation over how the Bianconeri will play next season. La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport suggested an audacious 3-3-4 system, in which the two wing-backs will push up constantly to form almost an attacking quartet. This would be a new version of the 4-2-4 that Conte used earlier in his career at Bari and is currently adopted by Giampiero Ventura at Torino.

Juventus Stunned As Tevez Could Face Jail Time Upon Return to UK Jun 30, 2013 In a stunning revelation for Juventus, it has been revealed that Carlos Tevez could face jail time if his appeal to alter the terms of his driving ban sentence goes awry. Reportedly, Carlos Tevez is returning to Manchester in order to attempt to appeal his sentence of 250 hours of community service. He is apparently hoping to attain a renewed sentence for his ban – due to his “changed circumstances” of now playing in Italy. However, if the court deems his appeal as evasion, then they are well within their rights to command Tevez to serve jail time in order to fulfill his punishment. The appeal is similar to that of red cards and yellow cards in footbal. A club is well within their rights to appeal the issue of a card to a player, but upon review the governing body is similarly able to increase the punishment rather than show mercy. Tevez was handed a six-month ban in January following three motoring offences within close proximity to one another. A substantial amount of the community service that Tevez was meant to complete remains unfinished, and probation officers have reportedly been warning Tevez that he must complete his service before he permanently moves to Italy. Tevez’s legal team are thus hoping to gain a re-sentencing hearing in order to lessen the load of community service on the Argentine. This appeal, however, could leave the forward behind bars rather than smashing in goals in Italy for the foreseeable future.

3 Players Who Could Be Andrea Pirlo's Heir at Juventus Jun 30, 2013 Having been in the Serie A for more than a decade, Andrea has picked up the following accolades: a World Cup victory, multiple Champions League trophies and a few Scudetti to boot. He has left a lasting legacy both on the Azzurri and in previous clubs where he has played. The recently turned 34-year-old Pirlo has not really lost a step and managed to lead the Italian national team in the Confederations Cup to another impressive outing. Juventus needs to start seriously scouting for possible replacements for one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers who ever graced a grassy pitch. Here is a list of three potential players who could fill Pirlo's boots in the long run at Juventus. Marco Verratti Having recently suited up for the Italian national team's U-21 side, which made it all the way to the finals, Marco Verratti could be an excellent option to takeover the reigns of his mentor, Andrea Pirlo. The 20-year-old Paris St. Germain midfield creator still has plenty of room to grow and is gaining invaluable experience with his inclusion in a team with Champions League ambitions. It'll be hard for La Vecchia Signora to steal one of the newly rich club's biggest assets, even though the player himself has not shied way from echoing his desire of returning to his native Italy. Verratti is a bit different than Pirlo. Physically, he's a much shorter, stockier athlete. He tends to be slightly more direct type of player and lacks the same enviable free-kick-taking ability. Paul Pogba Let's be realistic: A player like Andrea Pirlo will be nearly impossible to emulate, so perhaps it's useless for Juventus to find the ideal substitute. Instead of trying to unearth a player in a position which is becoming extinct, thrust a modern midfielder like Paul Pogba into that role and reap the rewards. Pogba is an absolute behemoth of a player who can affect the match in a multitude of ways. He's tall, athletic and technically gifted. He possesses a cannon shot and is an intimidating aerial presence. Needless to say, Pogba brings a very different dimension to the midfield than Pirlo but perhaps one that will fit the team better in the future. As cliche as it may be, the sky is the limit for the young Frenchman, and he is truly developing into one of the best players worldwide in his position. Change the Tactics Let's hypothetically say that Juventus don't even bother filling Andrea's boots and just change the formation outright. With the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, they have two creators upfront who can both finish with clinical precision and pick out streaking teammates down the flank. If Juventus decides to switch from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1, they could employ two holding midfielders in front of the defense and go with a high-octane attack. These four-man defensive formations do not necessarily need an Andrea Pirlo-type player, and the likes of Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba will be good enough to hold up the overall quality of the starting XI.

Buffon: 'Hardest job in the world' Jun 30, 2013 Gigi Buffon faces Uruguay in the Confederations Cup today and warns “being a goalkeeper in Italy is the hardest thing in the world.” The Juventus shot-stopper has come in for criticism during this tournament and hopes to prove them wrong in Salvador de Bahia at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT). “Being a goalkeeper in Italy is the hardest thing in the world, because the criticism you get is always negative,” he told GloboEsporte. “If I get something wrong, they talk about that error for four months. I understand that if they talk so much about a mistake it’s because they are not accustomed to seeing me make errors. “Italy have always had three of the best goalkeepers in the world during any one period in the history of football. “When I look back and think about my career, I realise it was really difficult to be the first choice Italy goalkeeper for 20 years.”

Tevez: 'I used to be a hot-head' Jun 30, 2013 New Juventus signing Carlos Tevez admits he “used to be a hot-head, but I’ve learned how to behave. I am simply honest.” The striker completed his transfer from Manchester City for €9m plus a potential further €6m in performance related bonuses. He sat down with Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport to reassure fans about his fiery reputation. “I am simply honest,” he noted. “At the start of my career in England I used to be a hot-head. If the manager substituted me, I’d swear and insult him. I’m not like that anymore, as I’ve learned how to behave.” Most famously Tevez refused to come off the bench in the final minutes of a Champions League match with Bayern Munich, infuriating Roberto Mancini. “On TV it looked much worse than it was. When the manager decided to take off Edin Dzeko and introduce a defender, I was upset and sat back down on the bench. “However, at that moment the really angry one was Dzeko, who started insulting Mancini in Bosnian and the manager replied in Italian. It was a surreal scene. “I was sitting there talking to Zabaleta and when Mancini turned round he saw me sitting down, but was furious because of the row with Dzeko and took it out on me. “My rapport with Mancini wasn’t always ideal, but there was always great respect.” Carlitos was signed because Juventus lack a finisher, though he insists that is only a small part of his game. “I am not desperate to score goals, as I prefer to work for the team, perfect a move and create an assist for my teammate. Obviously if the chance arises then I do know how to find the net... I like scoring, but I am not egotistical. “I do not have a favourite goal, as they are all the same to me. The important thing is that it goes over the line.” Tevez had also been linked with Real Madrid, but aimed a sideswipe at their star player Cristiano Ronaldo – his former Manchester United teammate. “My ideal trident would be me with Wayne Rooney and Leo Messi. They are the players who make me dream, not Ronaldo.”

Tevez: Ronaldo doesn't make me dream like Rooney & Messi The Argentine has confessed that he is not a massive fan of the Real Madrid ace, while also claiming his infamous touchline row with Roberto Mancini was not his fault. Jun 30, 2013 Carlos Tevez has revealed there would be no room for Cristiano Ronaldo in his fantasy forward line, claiming Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi are both superior players to the Portuguese. The Argentine, who has just swapped Manchester City for Juventus, insists his former Manchester United colleague lacks the ability to take the breath away. Indeed, when asked in an interview with Tuttosport what his dream attacking triumvirate would be, Tevez replied: "My ideal trident would be me with Rooney and Messi. They are the players who make me dream - not Ronaldo." Meanwhile, Tevez was at pains to reassure Juventus fans he is no longer a troublemaker, and insisted his infamous touchline bust-up with former boss Roberto Mancini during a Champions League game at Bayern Munich was not his fault. "On television, it seemed worse than it was," the attacker explained. "When the coach decided to remove [Edin] Dzeko and put on a defender I went back to the bench disappointed. "But the one who was really angry was Dzeko, who started to insult Mancini in Bosnian, with Mancini answering him in Italian - it was a surreal scene. "I was fine talking with [Pablo] Zabaleta but when Mancini turned, he saw me sitting down and was furious, but only because he was furious after the row with Dzeko. "At the beginning of my career in England, I was a hothead. If the coach replaced me, I cursed and insulted him. Now I'm not like this; I have learned how to behave." The 29-year-old Tevez will wear the No.10 jersey for the Bianconeri next season.

Buffon: Being a keeper in Italy is the hardest thing in the world The Juventus shot-stopper thinks the Azzurri have always had a wealth of choice between the sticks and has called for critics to go easy on young players when mistakes are made. Jun 30, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has stressed the difficulty of being a goalkeeper in Italy, labelling it "the hardest thing in the world". The veteran shot-stopper has been a constant for the Azzurri since his debut in 1997 and, ahead of the Confederations Cup third-place play-off final against Uruguay on Sunday, has picked up 132 caps. The Juventus No.1 believes that critics dwell on goalkeeping errors more than mistakes in any other area of the pitch and says that it is particularly tough in his homeland. "In Italy, being a goalkeeper is the hardest thing in the world," Buffon told Globo Esporte, "because criticism that goalkeepers suffer in general here in Italy is always negative. "If I fail, they speak for four months about that error. But I guess if they talk so much it is because they are not used to seeing me fail." Buffon believes that young footballers should not be heavily criticised as it is part of the learning process and also dismissed the importance of behaviour off the pitch. "I think the young player has the right to make mistakes," the 35-year-old said. "It's with such an error that he can mature and become a man. "A player off the field can do whatever you want, the important thing is that on the field they give their utmost to help the other 10 players." Cesare Prandelli chose Buffon, Paris Saint-Germain starlet Salvatore Sirigu and Lazio shot-stopper Federico Marchetti to take to the Confederations Cup and the Bianconeri captain thinks that the Azzurri have always had a trio of excellent options between the sticks. "Italy have always had three of the best goalkeepers in the world, in each selection and each period of football," he added. "It is a constant. "Now, when I look back and I think of my career, I see that it was really hard to get hold of the No.1 position for around 20 years".

Llorente set for Juventus medical The Spain international is joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao and will form a new-look attack alongside Carlos Tevez. Jun 30, 2013 Juventus have announced Fernando Llorente will undergo a medical in Turin on Monday before being officially presented to the press 24 hours later. The Bianconeri revealed in January the Spain international had agreed to join the Scudetto holders on a free transfer from La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao this summer. With his contract with the Basque side set to expire on June 30, Llorente is now ready to be formally unveiled as a Juventus player, the club's second star signing in a week, following the acquisition of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City. "The 28-year-old is scheduled to touch down at Turin’s Caselle airport on Monday lunchtime before completing the required medical checks," a statement on the Italian champions' website read. "The press conference, to be held on Tuesday July 2 at Juventus Stadium, will get under way at 16:00CET." Llorente scored four goals in the Primera Division last season, after falling out of favour with former Athletic boss Marcelo Bielsa.