Socrates

Mancini backs Tevez and Maicon Aug 23, 2013 Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is convinced Carlos Tevez and Maicon will be successes in Serie A this season. The Argentine has joined Juventus, while the former Inter right-back will be wearing the shirt of Roma this term after the duo left the Premiership club. http://markting10.nl/ “I never had any problems with Tevez,” Mancini told Il Messaggero. “He is a good guy. There was that one issue with him, but I am certain that he will do well in Turin. “As for Maicon, he is a great player who, if he is in good shape, could become a fundamental player for the Giallorossi.” Tevez’s City career almost prematurely came to an end after he allegedly refused to warm up at the request of Mancini during a Champions League game against Bayern Munich in 2011. “Juventus have remained as favourites for the title,” Mancini added of the side who have won the last two championships on the peninsula. “However, I would keep an eye on Milan and Napoli as well.”

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS August 24, 2013 8:45 PM Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris — Genova Referee:‬ L. Banti‎ Sampdoria squad for Juventus Aug 23, 2013 Sampdoria boss Delio Rossi has named a 24-man squad for their Serie A opener against Juventus on Saturday. http://markting10.nl/ New signing Vasco Regini and Renan Garcia are missing from the party as they are carrying suspensions from the end of last season. The game, to be played at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, will kick off at 20.45 local time. Goalkeepers: Da Costa, Fiorillo, Tozzo. Defenders: Berardi, Castellini, Costa, Fornasier, Gastaldello, Mustafi, Palombo, Salamon. Midfielders: De Silvestri, Eramo, Gavazzi, Gentsoglou, Krsticic, Obiang, Rodríguez, Soriano, Wszolek. Forwards: Eder, Gabbiadini, Pozzi, Sansone.

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS August 24, 2013 8:45 PM Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris — Genova Referee:‬ L. Banti‎ Facing Juve normal for Gabbiadini Aug 23, 2013 Manolo Gabbiadini will not have any split loyalties when Sampdoria entertain Juventus in Serie A on Saturday. The striker is co-owned by both clubs after the Old Lady initially signed him outright in the summer from Atalanta, before selling 50 per cent of his contract and this season’s sporting rights to Doria. http://markting10.nl/ “It will just be a game like any other,” the Italian Under-21 international told the Corriere dello Sport. “Will I celebrate if I score? Let us first see if I manage to find the net… “The Juventus defence is very strong, they are all Italian internationals. However, they can also make mistakes and we have to be ready to pounce on them.” Gabbiadini has impressed in pre-season so far and he admits he has been surprised by how quickly he has settled in Genoa. “I really wanted to start the season well, but I didn’t think I would be feeling so good already. I have to thank my teammates who are giving me a helping hand.” Gabbiadini spent last season on loan at Bologna where he scored six goals in 30 games.

Tevez hails Vucinic partnership The strikers started alongside each other in Juventus' 4-0 Supercoppa Italiana win, though the Argentine hopes the duo can propel the team to Champions League glory. Aug 22, 2013 Carlos Tevez has expressed his delight with his striking partnership with fellow Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic. The duo were picked to lead the line against Lazio in Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana and Tevez scored the fourth and final goal in the 4-0 triumph at the Stadio Olimpico. http://markting10.nl/ Ahead of the Bianconeri's opening game of the Serie A season on Saturday, the Argentine attacker has suggested that he can forge a great working relationship with the Montenegrin, whose future at the club had been shrouded in uncertainty this summer. "I get on well with Vucinic," Tevez, 29, told Tuttosport. "He is a player who makes the difference. "We only played for the second time together in Rome on Sunday and obviously we need to get to know each other better and refine our movements, but I’m already satisfied." Tevez also reiterated Juve's desire to lift a third successive Scudetto and "the dream" of winning the Champions League. "It was an excellent start to the season," he added, "but we have to remain focused and prepare well for the start of the championship. "I feel in good shape even if I think that I will improve game after game. "Our first objective here is to win the Scudetto again so that we can enter the history books. Then we can think about something else. "The dream is to win the Champions League and we’ll look to do all that we can to make that happen."

Del Neri hails reinforced Juventus Aug 22, 2013 Gigi Del Neri says former club Juventus have to be considered as favourites for Scudetto glory in 2013-14. “After watching them in the Italian Super Cup Final against Lazio, you have to see them as that,” the out of work tactician told the Corriere dello Sport after the 4-0 demolition of Lazio. http://markting10.nl/ “They have quality and character, they have been well forged by their Coach, while they possess security that other teams do not. “They have also reinforced their squad with intelligence. Their capture of Carlos Tevez was a great piece of business.” Del Neri spent one season on the Turin hotseat before being replaced by Antonio Conte, a man who has since led the Old Lady to back-to-back titles. “We wanted to open a new cycle, but things did not go as we would have liked,” he recalled when asked about his Bianconero stint. “The time wasn’t right and the results were not what the people of Juventus rightly demanded. “I have no regret though,” he continued. “I still regard it as a positive experience for me and I’m happy I got the chance to Coach them. “I hold on to the fact that I launched Frederik Sorensen who still wasn’t 18, while Gigi Buffon returned to world class levels after his six months out because of back surgery. “We were weighed down by injuries, a lack of experience and the fatigue of the Europa League. We lost our balance and we threw countless games away…” Del Neri’s Juve finished seventh.

Monaco now in for Marrone Aug 22, 2013 French Ligue 1 outfit Monaco have stepped forward as a possible contender to sign Luca Marrone from Juventus. According to Sky Sport Italia, Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici has held initial talks with representatives of the Principality outfit. http://markting10.nl/ Marrone, 23, was expected to leave Turin in some form this summer after appearing in just 15 League games for the club over the last two seasons. Juve are understood to value the central midfielder at around the €10m figure, although a loan or a co-ownership move has been touted as well. Marrone, now a former Italian Under-21 international, was mainly used as a centre-back by boss Antonio Conte last term. A variety of Italian clubs, as well as Everton, have been paired with the former Siena player over the last two months.

Tevez: Vucinic partnership works Aug 22, 2013 Carlos Tevez is confident he can form a potent strike partnership with Mirko Vucinic at Juventus this season. Boss Antonio Conte is set to field the duo at Sampdoria on Saturday given that Fernando Llorente, signed from Athletic Bilbao this summer, is struggling for form. http://markting10.nl/ “I get on well with Vucinic,” the capture from Manchester City told Tuttosport. “He is a player who makes the difference. “We only played for the second time together in Rome on Sunday and obviously we need to get to know each other better and refine our movements, but I’m already satisfied.” Tevez and Vucinic were handed starting shirts in the 4-0 Italian Super Cup win over Lazio at the weekend. “It was an excellent start to the season,” added the Argentine who scored in the rout. “But we have to remain focused and prepare well for the start of the championship. “I feel in good shape even if I think that I will improve game after game. “Our first objective here is to win the Scudetto again so that we can enter the history books. Then we can think about something else. “The dream is to win the Champions League and we’ll look to do all that we can to make that happen.”

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS August 24, 2013 8:45 PM Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris — Genova Referee:‬ L. Banti‎ De Silvestri calls for Sampdoria focus Aug 22, 2013 Lorenzo De Silvestri claims his Sampdoria side have the potential to stop Juventus in Serie A on Saturday. Although the defender has underlined the Old Lady’s status as favourites for another Scudetto, he doesn’t think they will necessarily win at Marassi in Week 1. http://markting10.nl/ “Juventus can win their third title in a row hands down, but that doesn’t mean that we should feel beaten before kick-off,” the 25-year-old told Tuttosport. “Juve are really strong, but it will still be 11 against 11 out there and if we stay focused, make sacrifices for each other, then we can play our own game.” Sampdoria, who are 7/1 shots at betfair online to beat the Old Lady this weekend, will also be facing a side who demolished Lazio 4-0 in the Italian Super Cup last Sunday. “I didn’t expect to see them at such an advanced stage already,” the former Lazio player, an Italian international, commented. “All summer we have been hearing about the hard work that their boss Antonio Conte has been putting them through, but I instead saw a Juve side in form. “Juventus were already so strong last season and now they are even stronger.” The Turin giants breezed to the championship last term, but the port club did actually do the double over them. “The win at the Juventus Stadium was like a fairy-tale,” De Silvestri recalled. “It was the perfect game for who won. “We were down to 10 men and Mauro Icardi, starting just his second game, scored a splendid double. “In the return, we wanted to give some satisfaction to our fans after some poor showings. We were really motivated, while Juve arrived with the Scudetto already in their pockets.”

Juventus Club Focus: Season Preview 2013/14 Aug 21, 2013 Overview Juventus are back to back reigning Italian champions but that has not kept them from further improving their squad in the transfer market. The club had been searching for a proper long term solution up top and had fallen flat through several previous attempts (often ending with a last minute purchase of a player who adds only depth to the squad – Nicklas Bendtner, Nicolas Anelka, etc) but finally this summer they succeeded. http://markting10.nl/ Mercato Fernando Llorente, who was signed on a free transfer from Atletico Bilbao, had his signing announced way back in January, but nonetheless did not join the club until July. Llorente is very much out of form, as he was practically frozen out last year at Atletico, so he not only needs to get used to a new league, a new country, a new coach, new teammates, and a new tactical set up; he also has to get himself back into playing form. This is why I warn Juventini and others not to expect too much from Llorente for the first few weeks (maybe months) of the season. That said, Llorente has the potential to be a world beater, and at Juve he has the teammates to help him achieve as much. The other striker brought in this summer, and one who had a more immediate impact, is Carlos Tevez. One of the goal scorers from the August 18th 4-0 stomping of Lazio in the Supercoppa, the Tevez signing came as a slight surprise, if only because the media had linked Juve to so many other, different, strikers. Still, for a price of at most €12 million (€10m base fee with an extra two in incentive based rewards) Juventus came away with one of the better strikers in Europe. Another new arrival, and one who was signed with the long run in mind, is ex-Torino wonderkid Angelo Ogbonna. The CB, a position where Juve already have much quality, is likely to be a depth option for this season, but given the grueling schedule of Serie A, Champions League, and, Coppa Italia, all combined and you have a recipe for Ogbonna to receive a fair amount of appearances and starts. Ogbonna has already looked somewhat comfortable in black and white during the pre-season, and he will surely grow to be another valued member of the Juventus defense. In terms of transfers elsewhere, Juventus sold two players: Felipe Melo, and Emanuele Giaccherini. Melo, whom the club had been trying to offload for two years now, was purchased by the same club who had loaned him for two seasons, Galatasary of Turkey. Meanwhile, Giaccherini was signed by the English Premier League club Sunderland, after a particularly impressive performance playing for the Azzuri in the Confederations Cup. Losing Melo was part of the plan, while losing Giaccherini is bitter-sweet. I like seeing the player succeed, and he isn’t an essential part of Juve’s squad, but I (and probably other Juventini) are sad to see him go. Antonio Conte Then there is Conte. The man has led the club to all sorts of various glory, but now he wants more: the Champions League trophy. Conte, who played at Juventus in the ’90s during Marcello Lippi’s tenure of greatness, knows the difficulties behind continued greatness. He knows the difficulty of winning Serie A three times in a row, and he knows the difficulty of winning a lone Champions League trophy, especially in today’s world of superclubs like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Conte is very much capable of leading Juventus back to the top of the Serie A table, but he has sometimes shown an inability to rotate some players (we usually see some rotation but then various players get overused, end up fatigued, and then play badly in a big match) and has yet to prove his tactical chops on the big European stage. This season provides more opportunities for him to achieve both. Predictions This should be a tough season for Juve, but it also should be very exciting and very fun. The team is back in the Champions League, with a new strikeforce and new yellow away jerseys, and Serie A is an all new ball game, with several rival clubs having beefed up their rosters during the transfer window. There are new coaches, old coaches at new clubs, and plenty of skilled players who are new to Italy and to their respective clubs. While I believe Juventus are the favorites to win the Scudetto, I could also easily see a scenario with the Champions League distracts them, and perhaps fatigue and injury take a toll during midweek fixtures, and Juventus let the Scudetto slip (but still finish 2nd or 3rd, and do well in the Champions League) but I do not see this as the most probable scenario. Realistically, I expect Juventus to win a third consecutive Scudetto, and to fare well in Europe but not to win the Champions League. I think it’s possible for the squad to win the Champions League, but they first have to get to the final. Looking at the potential clubs that Juventus could face in the knock out rounds, that won’t be easy. The easiest way for Juventus to win the Champions League at this moment would be for a lucky draw, to draw smaller clubs in the first two or three rounds, and then only have to take down one giant (and depending on the giant, I think Juventus could take them, but again it depends on which European giant it is) but at this point it is all speculation. We do not even know what group Juventus will be drawn in. We’re in for a wild season, and I can’t wait for it to start. Praise Conte and Forza Juve.

Juve’s Swiss dynamo Following his stunning Italian Super Cup display, Luca Cetta praises Juve’s marauding wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner. Aug 21, 2013 Lazio were trying to regroup from the shock of seeing unlikely figure Giorgio Chiellini finish a clinical counter-attack as play developed on the right hand side. This was just 120 seconds later, with the Bianconeri showing no sign of resting on their advantage. A burst through the centre and exchange of passes with Mirko Vucinic, then a deftly placed shot with the outside of the foot. A fantastic goal. But it wasn’t a piece of magic conjured by Carlos Tevez. Nor Arturo Vidal. Instead, it was a dazzling run and finish by Stephan Lichtsteiner, the man who put Lazio to the sword in the 4-0 Super Cup demolition on Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ On a night when Juve dominated the Biancocelesti to win a record-equalling sixth Super Cup, the Swiss international shone brightest. Whistles from former supporters in Curva Nord upon his substitution were tinged with acknowledgment. Lichtsteiner replied in kind by offering a bow. A move typical of the cheeky and antagonising Lichtsteiner. A move which makes him the sort of player popular only to his club's fans and one which riles the opposition. He is not an official’s best friend either. But it’s all part of the Lichtsteiner package. The other side was his influence on the pitch. Nobody was better. Lichtsteiner played a role in all four goals. His deflected cross from Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick found Paul Pogba, while he tore away and centred for Chiellini on that lethal counter. In the midst of the six minute second half blitz Lichtsteiner scored. Finally, his initial shot was saved before Tevez netted. It’s a display which bodes well for the upcoming campaign. Now in his third season with the Bianconeri, the 29-year-old is a vital cog in Antonio Conte’s XI, even if not spoken of in the same breath as some teammates. Lichtsteiner’s ability to power up and down the right flank not only augurs the ‘Forrest Gump’ nickname, but suits Conte perfectly. Even if it takes some shouting to get it done: “Antonio Conte has always screamed at me! I need a Coach who shouts and always demands more, as it brings the best out of me.” This helps especially towards the end of a campaign, where in a role such as his, energy levels can drop. The Swiss player was a regular throughout his three terms in the capital. When Juve’s 2011 right-back search narrowed to two names – Lichtsteiner and Mattia Cassani, who had excelled at Palermo – they chose the former. While Cassani has stagnated in recent years, Lichtsteiner put paid to Juve’s ongoing full-back concerns. Hindsight says it was the right decision. Lichtsteiner commenced brightly in the 4-3-3 formation, his athleticism allowing for a highly-attacking, but defensively conscientious style. He was one of those to initially struggle with the nuances of the wing-back introduction. It didn’t appear to suit his game as much. But Lichtsteiner did not throw in the towel. Just as he doesn’t when chasing a ball or opponent. His personality is to excel. It’s to show desire and have a high work ethic. He embodies his Coach in that respect. It’s why Lichtsteiner is now at home on Juve’s right flank and why he remains first choice in what is a physically and tactically demanding position. Lichtsteiner netted four times in Serie A last season thanks to his running and ability to be an extra body in attack. He gives an outlet for teammates inboard. Given Simone Pepe is just returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines and with rumours continually swirling above Mauricio Isla’s head, Lichtsteiner is a steady and capable wing-back choice. He may be a hothead, but with Conte driving him forward, Lichtsteiner will continue to be a force for the Bianconeri.

Juventus will ignore Pogba offers Aug 21, 2013 Juventus have told admirers of Paul Pogba that making an offer for the player would be a waste of time. Reports this week suggested Arsenal were ready to make a £20m – €23.5m – bid for the Frenchman. Chelsea have also subsequently been linked. http://markting10.nl/ “Forget about Pogba,” Bianconeri director general Beppe Marotta is quoted as saying in Tuttosport. “We do not have the slightest intention of listening to any offer which may arrive for our midfielder.” Juve signed the new French international last summer after his contract at Manchester United came to an end. The 20-year-old had a debut campaign to remember in Italy where he scored six goals in 38 games across Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. Pogba is set to be handed a starting shirt at the beginning of this term given that fellow midfielder Claudio Marchisio will be sidelined for the next month. The youngster is tied to the Bianconeri by a €1.5m a season contract until 2016. Talks regarding a new improved deal will start once the transfer window closes.

Juventus issue hands-off warning to Pogba suitors The likes of Arsenal have been linked with a bid for the French starlet but the Serie A champions will not entertain any offers. Aug 21, 2013 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has issued a hands-off warning to clubs chasing Paul Pogba amid reports that the France international could be on the move this summer. The likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid are rumoured to be interested in the former Manchester United man, but the Serie A champions have made it clear they have no intention of cashing in on the 20-year-old. http://markting10.nl/ "Forget about Pogba," Marotta told Tuttosport. "We do not have the slightest intention of listening to any offer which may arrive for our midfielder." Pogba joined Juventus from Manchester United on a free transfer in the summer of 2012 and has since developed into an integral first-team player in Turin, making 37 appearances for the Bianconeri last season. The midfielder, who captained France to Under-20 World Cup glory this summer, has a contract with Antonio Conte's side until the summer of 2016.

Juventus – the Coppa killers Juventus underlined with their Italian Super Cup win over Lazio that they will still be the team to beat this season, writes Giancarlo Rinaldi. Aug 20, 2013 Their pre-season form had raised the hopes of every other side in Serie A. The difficulties of slotting in their new signings had people wondering if the big name acquisitions might adversely affect a well-oiled winning machine. And then, when the competitive matches started, Juventus blew away all the doubts in devastating fashion. It is hard to credit that the start of their Super Cup demolition of Lazio started in a slightly fortuitous manner. It took an injury to Claudio Marchisio to get Paul Pogba on to the pitch. Within moments he had broken the deadlock and, in the process, suggested that Antonio Conte will have a job keeping him out of the side this year. http://markting10.nl/ Prior to that strike, midway through the first half, neither side had really shone. There was more perspiration than inspiration on display from both teams prior. But a deadly spell at the start of the second half ended any thoughts of the Biancocelesti sneaking back into the match. The route to the rout came via Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right flank. He motored through to tee up Giorgio Chiellini who was making a cameo appearance as a striker on a lightning counter-attack. Then he finished off a neat Mirko Vucinic flick himself. The panic in the heart of the Lazio defence was almost palpable. The icing on the cake for Juventus came with a goal for Carlitos Tevez who had looked a little bit off the pace and out of the play up until then. The strike gave him confidence and he started to look much more at home in a black and white shirt. You get the feeling he will find the net plenty of times this year as he develops a greater understanding with his new teammates. A flicker of resistance from the Roman side was easily enough snuffed out in the closing stages. Gigi Buffon denied Miroslav Klose their best chance but it was unlikely to kick-start any kind of revival. The capital club looked short of the quality required for that sort of comeback. There was time, in the closing stages, for yet another pathetic display of the racism which haunted the Italian game last season. Jeers for Paul Pogba and Kwadwo Asamoah provided a depressing finale to the match. If Calcio wants to make a new start, it needs to tackle such idiocy head on. On more sporting matters, the early indications were that Juve will set the standards for Serie A once again this year. Their old guard are still going strong and their new signings can make a significant contribution. Coach Conte will be driving them on to produce both in Italy and Europe. As for Lazio, they need not hit the panic button just yet. They won’t come up against many teams in Italy as strong as the Bianconeri and can surely carve out a role in the top half of the table once again. On this display, they might struggle to retain their Coppa Italia or challenge at the very top end of the League. However, they have made a habit of defying the critics in the past and may well do so again. All in all, the Super Cup was a tasty little appetiser for the season ahead. There was some sweeping, entertaining and attractive football on show for much of the match. It bodes well for a championship which is trying to re-establish itself as one of the best in Europe. If it can kick out the distasteful acts of racism, Serie A still has a lot to offer. Let’s hope those good elements shine through in the weeks and months ahead.

Unstoppable Pogba puts Marchisio's Juventus future at risk The Italy star may have to get used to watching on from the sidelines as the Frenchman looks to take advantage of Il Principino's absence. Aug 20, 2013 COMMENT By Carlo Garganese It is not often you lose a first-choice midfielder to injury after 20 minutes and are actually strengthened by the enforced substitution. But that is exactly what happened to Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico during Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio, as Claudio Marchisio hobbled off with a knee complaint and was replaced by French wonderkid Paul Pogba. While Juve laboured in the opening exchanges, it took just three minutes for the ex-Manchester United man to make an impact as he swivelled brilliantly in the area to break the deadlock with a left-footed snapshot past Federico Marchetti. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus reigned supreme thereafter to crush the Romans 4-0 in the Eternal City and claim the first piece of silverware of the new Italian season. Along with flying wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, the long-legged Pogba was the outstanding player on the pitch – powerfully dominating the midfield and setting up new signing Carlos Tevez for his first official Juve goal. With Marchisio having since been ruled out for 30-35 days with a first to second degree tear of his medial collateral ligament, Pogba will now start Saturday's Serie A opener in Genoa against Sampdoria alongside Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal. Just like on Sunday, Marchisio's injury could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Juve (and a devastating blow for the Italian). And not just in the short-term. At just 20 years old, Pogba is already arguably superior to the Euro 2012 runner-up. Physically, mentally, technically – he possesses all the credentials to develop into the most complete midfielder in the world. Hence why former manager Sir Alex Ferguson - never fazed at having to supplant top class stars such as Jaap Stam, Ruud van Nistelrooy and David Beckham – was so enraged at losing the youngster on a Bosman a year ago. Coach Antonio Conte acknowledged towards the end of last season's successful Scudetto defence that Pogba was too good to be a deputy. The problem was that his MVP midfield trio of Marchisio, Vidal and Pirlo was untouchable. Pirlo was the best creator on the peninsula, Vidal the number one ball-winner in Europe and Marchisio the silent complement to the world class duo. Conte attempted to shoehorn them all into the same line-up by tweaking his formation from a 3-5-2 to a 3-5-1-1, with Pogba taking Marchisio's place and the Italian pushing into the 'hole', but the experiment failed. Marchisio lacks the guile and fantasy to interpret such a role, meaning that only three of the four midfielders can play at one time. Despite being strongly linked with a transfer throughout the summer – particularly to big-spending Monaco – Marchisio remained. But his position within the club and the first team had been significantly weakened due to a lack of public support from his employers during the 'silly season'. Not to mention some anonymous performances for club and country at the tail end of 2012-13, including at the Confederations Cup. The feeling is that Conte recognises that Pogba is already a superior option to the 27-year-old but that he has to play the situation smartly from a political sense. Il Principino (Little Prince) is hugely popular among the Juventus fanbase; born in Turin, a graduate of the youth system – he bleeds black and white and is regarded as a future captain of the club. Now Conte's hand has been forced by Marchisio's injury. Should Pogba excel, as expected, then the ex-Siena boss will have no choice but to retain the Under-20 world champion in his starting XI (unless, of course, pigs fly and Arsenal sign Pogba this summer). While Juventus' assault on three fronts - plus Pirlo's advancing years - mean that Marchisio would still enjoy plenty of game time, he would be officially behind Pogba in the pecking order. And with Marchisio turning 28 in January and entering the peak years of his career, his future in Turin will undoubtedly be brought into question once again.

Juventus will need luck in the Champions League, says Lippi The former Azzurri boss feels the Bianconeri could have gone all the way in the competition last term, but were unfortunate to draw Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Aug 19, 2013 Juventus will need lady luck on their side if they are to triumph in the Champions League this season, according to Marcello Lippi. Antonio Conte's men were defeated 4-0 on aggregate by the Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the tournament last term, with the Bavarians going on to win the tournament. http://markting10.nl/ And the former Juve boss - who lifted the Champions League with the club in 1996 - feels the luck of the draw was against the Bianconeri, but believes they are capable of winning the trophy this season if fortune works in their favour. "Conte has a strong team but winning the Champions League depends on several factors, including luck, which does not play a secondary role," the 65-year-old told the Corriere dello Sport. "If last year they didn't meet Bayern in the quarter-finals, they could have reached the final." Furthermore, the trainer believes the Bianconeri are in a favoured position to secure their third title in a row this term. "All the teams that win Serie A are considered favourites the following season," he said. "Juve have a winning mentality, the right belief and strengthened themselves with new signings. "Winning the league is difficult, it is harder to win back-to-back titles and winning it the third consecutive year even more so." Regarding the club's new signings Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, Lippi is confident they will strengthen the squad, but also remarks they have to prove their worth in Serie A. "I think Tevez is a great signing, he will add value and Llorente can be the player Juve have missed out on from a technical aspect. "However, both are foreigners and have to prove their worth in Italy." Lippi led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 before leaving his post in charge of the national side in 2010 and joining Chinese outfit Guangzhou Evergrande.

Prandelli: Juventus will win Serie A The Azzurri head coach expects the Bianconeri to be Serie A champions once again, but believes Napoli and Fiorentina's new recruits will see them challenge. Aug 19, 2013 Cesare Prandelli says Juventus are "the number one favourite" to retain their Serie A title and predicted another season of success for Antonio Conte's side. The reigning Italian champions start the defence of their title away to Sampdoria next Saturday and are firm favourites to record a third successive first place finish. Conte's men ended last season nine points clear of closest challengers Napoli, and have since added the names of Carlos Tevez, Fernando Lllorente and Angelo Ogbonna to an already stellar squad. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri have lost just five of their last 76 Serie A league games and Italy boss Prandelli is predicting the Turin giants to dominate again. "For the championship, Juventus are always the number one favourite," the 55-year-old told SkyItalia. "After what Conte has done in the past two years, there have been further reinforcements to the squad and it will be difficult to remove them from the top of Serie A." But after envisaging yet more glory for Juventus, Prandelli then went on to say he expects both Napoli and his former club Fiorentina to enjoy good campaigns after a strong summer of recruitment. The Naples outfit have seen coach Walter Mazzarri depart for Inter and star striker Edinson Cavani join Paris Saint-Germain, but president Aurelio De Laurentis has moved astutely to lessen those blows. Rafa Benitez has been charged with taking over from Mazzarri, and the Spaniard has been granted a raft of new recruits at the San Paolo. Jose Callejon, Raul Albiol and Gonzalo Higuain have all been signed from Real Madrid, with that trio being joined by Dries Mertens, Pablo Armero and Pepe Reina. Fiorentina have been similarly active in the transfer market as they seek to improve on an impressive fourth place finish last term, with the losses of Stevan Jovetic and Alessandro Cerci being offset by the arrivals of Josip Ilicic, Mario Gomez, Massimo Ambrosini, Joaquin, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and Oleksandr Yakovenko. "Napoli and Fiorentina are making the fans dream. They have done the best in the transfer market."

Juventus suffer Marchisio blow The midfielder has suffered a "first-second degree tear" of his medial collateral ligament and will now be missing for over a month. Aug 19, 2013 Juventus have confirmed that Claudio Marchisio will be out for a period of between 30 to 35 days, after he picked up an injury during Sunday's Super Cup victory over Lazio. Goals from Paul Pogba, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Carlos Tevez secured the trophy for the Bianconeri on Sunday. But with the success came a major setback, as Marchisio suffered a torn ligament during the match at Stadio Olimpico. http://markting10.nl/ "Claudio Marchisio today underwent an MRI scan at Turin’s Fornaca Clinic after taking a knock during the first half of last night’s Super Cup clash with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome," read a statement on the club's official website. "The scan of the midfielder’s right knee revealed a first-second degree tear of his medial collateral ligament. "He is expected to be sidelined for a period of between 30 and 35 days." Antonio Conte's men will start off the 2013-14 Serie A campaign with a trip to Sampdoria on August 24.

Buffon: Juventus perform when it matters The goalkeeper praised the Bianconeri's performance versus Lazio, which Stephan Lichtsteiner says was made sweeter by being at the Stadio Olimpico. Aug 19, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon says it is typical of Juventus to perform when they need to most following their 4-0 demolition of Lazio on Sunday in the Supercoppa Italiana. Antonio Conte's men had failed to win once in pre-season but the Scudetto winners rocketed to top form against last season's Coppa Italia champions, which left the Italy shot-stopper praising his team-mates and his coach. http://markting10.nl/ "It was my fifth Supercoppa Italiana. I’m a pentacampeon!" the 35-year-old told Rai Sport. "Juventus showed themselves and that’s usually the way for big teams and big players - we aren’t seen in friendlies in America or China. We make our mark when it counts. "Conte’s attitude on the touchline is crucial for us and a large amount of the credit for these triumphs go to him, but also a bit to us. "This is the first game this team have been able to celebrate with our fans in a one-off match. The Coppa Italia went badly and the [previous] Supercoppa game was in China, so it was great to be in Italy at last." Stephan Lichtsteiner, a former Biancocolesti star, was equally delighted with Juve's victory ahead of the start of the Serie A season, which he says was made even better by winning at the Stadio Olimpico. "It’s a great night for Juventus, as to win 4-0 in their home is remarkable," the wing-back said. "I had three splendid years at Lazio, we won two trophies but now I am a Juventino. "Antonio Conte has always shouted at me! I need a coach who shouts and always demands more, as it brings the best out of me."

Tevez: Conte is just like Fergie The Juventus striker has lauded his new coach's winning mentality in the wake of the 4-0 Supercoppa Italiana triumph over Lazio on Sunday. Aug 19, 2013 Juventus forward Carlos Tevez has compared coach Antonio Conte to Sir Alex Ferguson, whom he played under at Manchester United. The Argentine made his competitive debut for the Italian champions in the 4-0 Supercoppa win over Lazio on Sunday and says the 44-year-old has the same mentality as the legendary Scot. http://markting10.nl/ “He’s just like Ferguson because he is winner,” the former Manchester City striker told Rai Sports. “Conte, just as Sir Alex, does not leave anything to chance.” The 29-year-old was on the scoresheet against Vladimir Petkovic's side and while he is happy with his first contribution for the Bianconeri, he has stressed that he is still getting back to full fitness. “I’m happy with how things went in the game with the way we played," he continued. “I’ve not been playing for some time, but physically I’m fine, I’m just missing a little fitness.” Tevez also reserved praise for new team-mate Mirko Vucinic after the game. “He has incredible qualities,” he admired. “It is the second game we have played together and it’s always nice to play alongside great players.”

Marchisio out for a month Aug 19, 2013 Juventus have confirmed that Claudio Marchisio will be out for at least one month after suffering a knee injury against Lazio. The Italy international limped out of the Bianconeri’s 4-0 win over Lazio on Sunday, and this afternoon the club have announced that the midfielder has suffered a slight ligament tear. http://markting10.nl/ A statement on the Juve website read: “An MRI scan reveals a first-second degree tear of the midfielder’s medial collateral ligament. He is expected to be sidelined for a period of between 30 and 35 days.” The news means Marchisio will miss the Old Lady’s League games against Sampdoria and Inter, as well as the Azzurri’s World Cup qualifiers at home to Bulgaria and Czech Republic.

Arsenal make Pogba bid? Aug 19, 2013 Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a £20m bid in an effort to sign Juventus’ French ace Paul Pogba. According to Sports Direct News, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will table an offer for the former Manchester United player. http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder, who helped inspire the Old Lady to Italian Super Cup success on Sunday against Lazio, joined the Turin giants last summer after his Old Trafford contract expired. However, Juventus are unlikely to let go of their 20-year-old given how highly he is rated by boss Antonio Conte. The latter is understood to have told club officials in July that Pogba and fellow midfielder Arturo Vidal were not to be sold at any cost. Pogba, now a French international, scored six goals in 38 games for the Bianconeri last season across Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League.

Prandelli: Buffon still No 1 Aug 19, 2013 Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is happy with the competition Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon is facing within the Giro Azzurro. “Buffon, with me in charge of the side, has always been and will continue to be the No 1,” the tactician told Sky Sport Italia. http://markting10.nl/ “However, at the same time, he has to keep a look out over his shoulder because Lazio’s Federico Marchetti and Salvatore Sirigu of Paris Saint-Germain are growing a lot. “The first has re-found his consistency and security, while the second is maturing thanks to some important experiences in Paris.” Buffon, captain for club and country, is now 35 and just two caps short of equalling Fabio Cannavaro’s 136 games for his country. Turning to the other end of the pitch, Prandelli insisted that his national doors were still open for some heroes of the past. “In March and April we will have a look at the condition of certain players like Francesco Totti, Antonio Di Natale and even Alex Del Piero,” added the man who replaced Marcello Lippi in 2010.

Tevez sees Conte-Ferguson link Aug 19, 2013 Carlos Tevez has compared Juventus boss Antonio Conte to Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson. The Argentine has been working under the Italian for a matter of weeks since his move from Manchester City and he’s been instantly impressed. “Conte, in certain ways, reminds me of Ferguson,” the 29-year-old, who spent two seasons at Old Trafford, noted. “Especially in his desire to leave no stone unturned.” http://markting10.nl/ The forward was one of the club’s big three summer signings and he lifted his first trophy for the Old Lady last night. “I’m happy about the victory and the team’s performance as a whole,” he stated after scoring in the 4-0 Italian Super Cup win over Lazio. “This Juventus side can go far and the aim is to win another Scudetto, but we know we still have to improve.” Tevez had struggled to impress in pre-season friendlies, but he’s happy with the progress he is making at Vinovo. “I feel good physically and I will develop as I continue to get games under my belt,” he explained. “All I have to improve is my contact with the ball and my understanding with my teammates.”

Agnelli expects Juventus difficulties Aug 18, 2013 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli insists competing in Serie A and the Champions League this season won’t be as easy as their Super Cup win. The Old Lady won the first trophy of the campaign when they demolished Coppa Italia winners Lazio 4-0 at the Olimpico. However, he concedes that retaining the Scudetto again and making an impact in Europe will be problematic. http://markting10.nl/ “In over 100 years of history, and in 90 years of association with my family, just one Juventus side has won three consecutive Scudetto titles – and that came back in the 1930s,” he stated. “It will therefore be important to remind everyone on a daily basis – players, staff in the main offices and those in Vinovo – that we must give 100 per cent and also a little bit extra in order to keep winning.” While Juve dominated in Italy last season, their European Cup dream was brought to an abrupt end by eventual winners Bayern Munich in the last eight. “We know we’ve earned the right to allow ourselves to dream, but we mustn’t delude anyone,” the Old Lady chief continued. “We’ll have a look at the draw and try to get through the group stages. Then we’ll take things on a game by game basis, aware that there are many strong sides in Europe. “If we think about one of these, Real Madrid, who have not won the Champions League since 2002, we can fully understand how difficult it is to achieve this target. “But getting the season off on the right foot against Lazio was important. It’s a result that pleases us, because we know it will be a difficult year.”

Lichtsteiner: 'Remarkable win in Rome' Aug 18, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner concedes it’s “remarkable” for Juventus to beat Lazio 4-0 in their own back yard. Although the Stadio Olimpico in Rome was for the purposes of the Italian Super Cup seen as a ‘neutral’ venue, it is also where the Biancocelesti play their home games. http://markting10.nl/ “It’s a great night for Juventus, as to win 4-0 in their home is remarkable,” he told Rai Sport. Lichtsteiner was actively involved in three of the four goals, but jeered by his former fans when substituted. He responded by bowing theatrically. “I had three splendid years at Lazio, we won two trophies and now I am a Juventino.” Despite a splendid performance on the night, the Swiss international was regularly told off from the touchline. “Antonio Conte has always shouted at me! I need a Coach who shouts and always demands more, as it brings the best out of me.”