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Juventus name 23-man TIM Cup squad Jul 22, 2013 Juventus have named their 23-man squad for the TIM Cup fixtures against Milan and Sassuolo. The Bianconeri face their Serie A rivals in the pre-season tournament on Tuesday evening, and Antonio Conte has named a strong squad to travel to Emilia-Romagna. New signings Angelo Ogbonna, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente are all involved, but those players who participated in the Confederations Cup will not be available. Juventus squad: Ogbonna, Vucinic, Tevez, De Ceglie, Peluso, Llorente, Motta, Rossi, Padoin, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Buchel, Untersee, Magnusson, Garcia, Tena, Penna, Citti

Italy one of the best, says Buffon Jul 22, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon is confident Italy will have a good chance of winning the World Cup in Brazil next summer. The Azzurri crashed out at the group stages in 2010, but the goalkeeper is upbeat about the strength of the national side after their showings at Euro 2012 and the recent Confederations Cup. “A beautiful national side is being born,” the Juventus captain told ANSA. “The side can still grow and take on anybody at the World Cup. “We demonstrated at the Confederations Cup that we are as good as the best teams in the world. We’ve also made progress in the way we play. “Now we need to keep following the instructions of boss Cesare Prandelli in order to continue growing.” Italy finished as runners-up to Spain in the European Championship a year ago. They achieved third at the Confederations Cup in Brazil last month. Buffon has won 133 caps for his nation. He is just three short of drawing level with record holder Fabio Cannavaro.

Hamsik: 'It's Napoli-Juventus war!' Jun 21, 2013 Marek Hamsik fired up the Napoli fans by declaring the Scudetto “is going to be war with Juventus.” The Slovak international spoke to supporters at pre-season training in Dimaro after a 5-1 friendly win over Lega Pro side Feralpi Salò. “We all know the Scudetto is going to be war with Juventus and we hope to win it this season,” grinned Hamsik. “Playing in the Champions League is the ultimate for a player, so it would be extraordinary to win it. “I also hope to beat Diego Maradona’s record of appearances, as I have many years ahead of me as a Napoli player.”

Palacio tips Tevez for 'leading role' at Juventus The Argentine believes that his compatriot's arrival in Turin has ensured that the Bianconeri will once again be "a step ahead of the rest" this term. Jul 20, 2013 Inter forward Rodrigo Palacio believes that Juventus counterpart Carlos Tevez will play a "leading role" in this season's Serie A title race. The Bianconeri lifted their second successive Scudetto back in May and have now bolstered their attack with the additions of Tevez and Fernando Llorente. Consequently, Palacio feels that Juve will again be the team to beat this year, particularly in light of his fellow Argentine's arrival in Turin. "Tevez is a great striker who has made a difference in every league in which he has played," the 31-year-old attacker told Corriere dello Sport. "For me, he will play a leading role this season. "For the Scudetto, Juventus is still a step ahead of the rest."

Juventus as big as Barca & Madrid, says Llorente The striker insists that Serie A is as strong as La Liga and the Premier League, while praising strike partner Carlos Tevez and coach Antonio Conte. Jul 20, 2013 Fernando Llorente has defended Juventus' reputation by insisting that his new side are as big as the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid. The striker left La Liga for the Bianconeri this summer on a Bosman transfer from Athletic Bilbao and the Spaniard is adamant that Serie A has a depth of quality to match any other top European league. "I chose Juventus because I think this is a great team and I know that I can improve here," Llorente, 28, told reporters at a press conference on Saturday. "Many sides have strengthened over the summer in Italy, but I’d say it is still too early to predict who our main rivals will be. "The team is no worse in quality than Barcelona and Real Madrid. I would say Serie A is on the same level as La Liga and the Premier League." Another summer signing from coach Antonio Conte has been Carlos Tevez from Manchester City - whom Llorente is thrilled to be playing alongside in Turin - and the Spain international is confident the Old Lady can challenge in the Champions League following their summer investment. "I’m very happy to be playing alongside Tevez, but I get along with all the other strikers too," the forward added. "Our most important objective for this season is a third consecutive Scudetto. "As for the Champions League, we need to take each game as it comes. We know that anything can happen, but I believe we have a very strong side. Antonio Conte’s methods are excellent and I’m very happy to work alongside him. "I’ve never seen anything like the welcome I got from the Juventus fans. They are magnificent. We are working hard at the moment, which is tough, but that’s the way it needs to be. I’m very happy right now, as it was a tough year in Bilbao, but now I am working to be in the best possible shape."

Marotta: Juventus have too many forwards The Bianconeri have been reportedly trying to cash in on Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella in order to fund a move for Napoli wing-back Juan Camilo Zuniga. Jul 20, 2013 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has claimed that the club have a "surplus" of forwards and hinted that even Mirko Vucinic could be sold. The Bianconeri have already brought in two new strikers this summer in the form of Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez, and given that they also have Vucinic, Sebastian Giovinco, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella on their books, it has been suggested they have been trying to hawk their attackers to the highest bidder. Marotta refused to confirm what players were for sale but did concede that Juve have a problem to address as they look to free up funds and squad space for additional transfers. "We have a surplus up front," he told reporters on Friday. "But to speak about names is obnoxious, also because consent is essential to any transfer." Marotta sought to play down mounting speculation that Vucnic might be on the market, but then appeared to suggest that the Montenegrin could be allowed to leave for the right price. "Speaking about Mirko [like this] is like talking about an entire squad that has brought with it two championships in a row," he claimed. "There are players of great value who must be respected. "Today, anyway, there are not the right conditions for the boy to be transferred." It has been claimed that Juve's attempts to sign Juan Camilo Zuniga from Napoli hinge on their ability to offload one of their strikers.

Tevez: 'I'll write Juve history' Jul 20, 2012 Carlos Tevez insists he is at Juventus to “write history” and “never had doubts over joining this great club.” The striker completed a €9m transfer plus performance-related bonuses from Manchester City and has been greeted with extraordinary enthusiasm by the supporters. “I am here to write more pages in the history books of Juventus,” he told Juventus TV. “The Champions League is a dream for all the fans and I will do whatever I possibly can to help that come true.” Tevez was speaking to supporters at pre-season training in Chatillon. “I haven’t seen much of Turin yet, but what I’ve seen suggested it is a passionate city. I accepted the offer from Juventus immediately. I never had doubts over joining this great club.” The Argentine hitman also commented on the Number 10 jersey, which he has inherited from Alessandro Del Piero. “It is a privilege to wear the Number 10 shirt at Juventus, as it has so much history attached to it.”

Llorente: 'Juve make me better' Jul 20, 2012 Fernando Llorente expressed his joy at the new Juventus experience. “I know I can improve here.” The Spanish striker held a Press conference this afternoon at the team’s pre-season training camp in Chatillon. “Antonio Conte’s methods are excellent and I’m very happy to work alongside him,” said the forward who joined on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao. “I’ve never seen anything like the welcome I got from the Juventus fans. They are magnificent. We are working hard at the moment, which is tough, but that’s the way it needs to be. I’m very happy right now, as it was a tough year in Bilbao, but now I am working to be in the best possible shape.” In games between ranks Llorente has already started to improve his rapport with teammate Carlos Tevez. “I’m very happy to be playing alongside Tevez, but I get along with all the other strikers too. Our most important objective for this season is a third consecutive Scudetto. “As for the Champions League, we need to take each game as it comes. We know that anything can happen, but I believe we have a very strong side. “I chose Juventus because I think this is a great team and I know that I can improve here. Many sides have strengthened over the summer in Italy, but I’d say it is still too early to predict who our main rivals will be. “I would say Serie A is on the same level as the Liga and the Premier League.”

Juventus’ Marotta talks transfers Jul 19, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta insists they have no immediate plans to sell Mauricio Isla or Mirko Vucinic. The Chilean international, co-owned with Udinese, is wanted by Inter. Vucinic, meanwhile, is said to be considering his future after the arrivals of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente. “At this moment in time, Isla is not available for transfer,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “Mauricio was of interest to Inter. We sat down around a table to evaluate the offer financially and technically. “However, right now, and in agreement with the Coach, we don’t think that he should be made available. Isla is our player.” The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport this morning suggested that Juventus could sell Vucinic if a €15m offer was received. “Vucinic is, like everyone else in the squad, a valuable player and he deserves respect,” Marotta continued. “It is only normal that competition for places increases with new signings, but the Coach will make his considerations game by game. “Competition is positive and not negative. At this moment there are not the conditions in place to sell Vucinic.” Marotta though did concede that Juventus have too many options in attack with Sebastian Giovinco, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella also at the club. “We know that we have too many forwards and we want to start the season with five in the squad, but to sell you need the right offer and the desire of the player to leave as was the case with Emanuele Giaccherini. “Other transfer moves? If an opportunity presents itself then we’ll take advantage of that, but right now there are no opportunities that could become concrete in the near future. “We have to respect our financial parameters, but we’ll look to remain number one in Italy and be super competitive in Europe.”

Del Piero: Tevez, love the No 10 Jul 19, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero has urged Carlos Tevez to show his love for the Juventus No 10 jersey which was his second skin for almost two decades. The Argentine summer signing from Manchester City has become the first player to wear the mythical jersey at the club since Del Piero joined Sydney FC in 2012. “I thank Tevez for his kind words about me at his official unveiling,” the Italian veteran told Sky Sport Italia on Friday. “I hope that he wears the No 10 shirt with love.” The Turin giants won their second consecutive Scudetto last season and the 38-year-old is predicting more success. “Juventus are favourites in Serie A and they will be very competitive in the Champions League,” added the forward who spent 19 years with the club.

Marotta hints at further Juventus signings The 56-year-old is thrilled with the club's summer purchases to date but claims they will continue to monitor the transfer market for any other "decent opportunities". Jul 19, 2013 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has hinted that the club's summer spending may not be at an end. The Bianconeri have already invested heavily in the off-season, with Fernando Llorente, Carlos Tevez and Angelo Ogbonna for a combined fee of approximately €25 million, but Marotta maintains the Serie A champions will continue to scour the market for any further "decent opportunities." “The recent arrivals have fitted in well. We’ve moved early to assemble a very competitive squad,” he told reporters. “Considering the foundations are already strong, comprised of players who have lifted us to two consecutive league titles, we can already consider ourselves satisfied, even though we’ll continue to monitor the transfer market should any decent opportunities arise. “The competition has certainly increased following the arrival of such important players. But this can only positively impact a squad that’s about to embark on a long season with plenty of fixtures.” Marotta is hopeful the club's investment this summer will allow them to push for European glory in addition to domestic dominance, after they reached the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League before being knocked out by Bayern Munich. “We’ll aim to reclaim our title in Italy and go even further in Europe. However, given the recent acquisitions made by the main foreign teams, we know it won’t be a straightforward task," he added.

Mazzarri expects Juve-Napoli battle Jun 19, 2013 Inter boss Walter Mazzarri expects Juventus and former club Napoli to be on the front row of the Scudetto grid for 2013-14. Although the tactician expects the top half of the table to be pretty tight, he’s told Sky Sport Italia that there are two teams who seem to be above the rest. “There are at least six or seven teams, including Fiorentina and Lazio, who will be bunched together on the starting grid,” he noted. “It's hard to know who has got more quality, who can do better – it depends on how you work on the pitch, on whether you manage to exploit the players' ability to the max. “Besides Juventus, I think that in terms of financial muscle and on the strength of the last four years, Napoli could be a notch above the rest. Along with Juve.” When asked about his club’s title chances, Mazzarri refused to make any promises. “Nothing is impossible,” he added. “But what I'm saying is that as things stand, looking at the factors usually weighed up in football – signings, wages, squad, the previous season – if Inter finished ninth, then that's where we start from. “Then the technical work takes over, the work put in on the pitch, the chemistry within the squad, and that can make the difference, help a club which was perhaps fourth, fifth or sixth in the eyes of some to shock a few people and finish ahead of the pack. “That's what the teams who on paper start a little further back always hope.”

Juventus signings impress Padoin Jun 19, 2013 Juventus’ Simone Padoin has praised club officials for their work on the transfer market so far this summer. http://markting10.nl/ The reigning Italian champions have been strengthening the squad thanks to the captures of Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Angelo Ogbonna. “They’ve settled in quickly and well,” the former Atalanta player noted on Friday. “They are important players and the club should be congratulated for bringing them in. “Only the season will say whether we are stronger than last year, but we are convinced that their arrivals will benefit us.” http://markting10.nl/ The Old Lady have netted the trio with the intention of becoming more of a force in the Champions League. “We’ll aim to do well in Europe, but our first objective is winning a third consecutive Scudetto,” he continued. “It won’t be easy by any stretch of the imagination, because after you win back-to-back titles, you become the team to beat. But we’ll give it our best shot.” http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder could potentially see more action this term after the club sold Emanuele Giaccherini to Sunderland. “I’ve shown in the last year and a half that I can get a game, but I know that the players ahead of me are on another level. http://markting10.nl/ “My objective is thus to just make sure that I am ready whenever I am called upon. “It will be a long, taxing campaign, with different objectives to fight for and many games to play.”

Del Piero urges Tevez to treasure No.10 shirt The Juventus legend wore the famous jersey for many years and wants the Argentina international to show his 'love' for it in his time with the Old Lady. Jun 19, 2013 Former Juventus star Alessandro Del Piero has told Carlos Tevez to cherish wearing the No.10 shirt during his time with the Old Lady. The 29-year-old Argentina international joined the club from Manchester City earlier this summer and was very complimentary of the Italian when he was officially unveiled. Del Piero now wants Tevez to treasure his former shirt. “I thank Tevez for his kind words about me at his official unveiling,” Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia on Friday. “I hope that he wears the No.10 shirt with love.” Del Piero also believes his old side remain hot favourites to retain their crown, as well as mount a serious Champions League challenge. He added: “Juventus are favourites in Serie A and they will be very competitive in the Champions League."

Tevez: Calm key to Champions League glory The striker believes that Juventus have a chance of winning the Europe's top trophy in 2013-14 but claims that the team are prioritising Serie A. Jun 19, 2013 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has insisted that the key to the club claiming the Champions League crown this season lies in staying calm and not succumbing to pressure. The 29-year-old joined from Manchester City - who failed to get beyond the group stage of the continental competition for two campaigns running - this summer and has been given the No.10 shirt under Antonio Conte. Despite being keen on triumphing on the top European stage, the Argentine says that the Bianconeri have prioritised winning Serie A for a third straight season over toppling Bayern Munich on the continent in 2013-14. "I think we have to be calm and make sure we don't put pressure on ourselves to win the Champions League," Tevez told CNN. "If we don't then that pressure will become impossible to escape from. "We have to be calm and know that winning the Scudetto again will make us part of Italian history and then we can think about everything else. "We all dream of winning the Champions League but our main objective is winning Serie A. Then we can be calm in the Champions League and everything will become a lot easier."

Napoli could be a 'frightening' Juventus rival, warns Lippi The ex-Bianconeri boss thinks the €63 million received for Edinson Cavani can acquire some quality players, while praising "perfect" Carlos Tevez. Jun 19, 2013 Marcello Lippi believes Napoli could be a "frightening" rival for Juventus this season because of the €63 million sale of Edinson Cavani. The Partenopei finished second in Serie A, nine points behind Juve, in 2012-13 but are without coach Walter Mazzarri (Inter) and top goalscorer Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain) heading into the new campaign. However, the legendary former trainer of the Bianconeri, does not believe Rafa Benitez's side are going to suffer from the loss of the Uruguayan and also tipped AC Milan to challenge the reigning Scudetto winners. "Napoli hold the treasure in their hands after Cavani sale - €63 million is a frightening figure," Lippi told La Gazetta dello Sport. "If club president Aurelio De Laurentiis finds the right players, they can quickly become a credible rival. "Do you remember what happened when Juve gave Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid? I still remember the call from the chiefs: 'Marcello, we have to give bad news - Zidane's going to Real.' "It was a punch in the stomach. But the money brought in from Zizou's sale secured Juve signings such as Buffon, Cannavaro and Thuram and opened a new, extraordinary cycle. "The story can be repeated with the sale of Cavani. Do not forget that Napoli has a born winner on the bench in new coach Rafa Benitez. "Milan are another team that can come out from the group to challenge. Stephan El Shaarawy was and remains a champion. "After being out of this world for the first half of the season, he is back on Earth. He needed to take a breather. There's no mystery behind his little crisis. He can easily coexist with Mario Balotelli." Lippi is evidently a huge fan of Juve's signing of striker Carlos Tevez from Manchester City this summer, though he also took time to praise the progress of last year's transfer coup Paul Pogba. "Tevez is a perfect investment. He's a warrior, a fighter, he has that nastiness that brings positive electricity in a team," the World Cup-winning coach added. "Juve did not have a player like that. "And then there's Paul Pogba. He has class, strength, sense of play. He can use his feet and his head."

Tevez scores in Juventus debut The Argentine took no time at all opening his tally since moving to the Bianconeri earlier this summer, netting in the side's first pre-season clash. Jul 18, 2013 Carlos Tevez has enjoyed a goalscoring start to life at Juventus - scoring and starring in the side's 7-0 demolition of Rappresentativa Val D'Aosta. The opening Bianconeri pre-season friendly of the summer, in Saint Vincent, saw the Argentine open is tally in a non-competitive clash in the first half. The other goals in the clash came from fellow Juve strikers Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic - two apiece - with single goals each for Marco Motta and young debutant Federico Mattiello. Check out the former Manchester City and Manchester United forward's finishing in the video above and let us know in the comment section below whether you think Tevez can continue scoring when Serie A gets under way in August.

Carlos Tevez insists Juventus focused on Scudetto Jul 18, 2013 Carlos Tevez is focused on firing Juventus to their 30th Serie A title and insists that - rather than winning the Champions League - is the club's main focus for next season. Tevez, who joined Juve last month from Manchester City, scored his first goal for the Italian club on Wednesday night as the reigning Serie A champions beat a Val d'Aosta XI 7-0 in a pre-season friendly in Saint-Vincent. The 29-year-old striker was clear on his aims after joining the Turin club and is keen to avoid the overwhelming pressure to win the Champions League trophy which he felt at City. "I think we have to be calm and make sure we don't put pressure on ourselves to win the Champions League," Tevez told CNN. "If we don't then that pressure will become impossible to escape from. "We have to be calm and know that winning the Scudetto again will make us part of Italian history and then we can think about everything else. "We all dream of winning the Champions League but our main objective is winning Serie A. Then we can be calm in the Champions League and everything will become a lot easier." Under Roberto Mancini, City failed to progress from the group stage of the competition in the last two seasons - something which Tevez blames on there being too much scrutiny. "Yes, there was way too much pressure," he added. "It came from everyone - the club, the fans. I think that too much pressure just hurts the team. "What happened was that there was so much hype and pressure to be one of the giants of Europe and we didn't do it. "We dropped out in the first round of the Champions League on both occasions."

Zabaleta: Tevez has joined a big club Jul 18, 2013 Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has admitted that former teammate Carlos Tevez has joined 'a big club' in Juventus. The Argentine striker signed for the Bianconeri from the Citizens earlier this month in a €9m move. And the full-back has conceded that the goalscorer has gone to one of the best teams on the continent. “I wish Tevez the best for the future,” he told reporters. “Carlos has gone to a big club. “Juve are one of the best in Europe. “He spent seven years in England, but has done well wherever he's gone. “We are all going to miss him as a teammate, but transfers are just part of football.”

Lichtsteiner targets Scudetto treble Jul 18, 2013 Juventus may be favourites to win the Scudetto, but Stephan Lichtsteiner has underlined that they’ll have to fight for the championship. The Old Lady dominated Serie A last season and their impressive transfer campaign so far has underlined their billing as the team to beat in 2013-14. “It would be nice and important to achieve a third consecutive Scudetto, but it won’t be a walk in the park,” the Swiss international noted. “A lot of teams have improved their squads by buying new players and hiring excellent new Coaches,” he warned. “However, we ourselves have signed two very strong strikers in Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez and the others have also shown they’ve got the required quality. “We certainly have more solutions than we had last season.” Lichtsteiner was in action during the 7-0 friendly win on Wednesday where he was asked to work just as hard on the flank as he has over the last 24 months. “It is a tough role to play in because you have to run a lot, you never stop,” continued the former Lazio defender. “As a result, it is important that the Coach has the players he needs to rotate. It’s key that the Coach has the ability to freshen things up.” Lichtsteiner was also asked about the club’s Champions League prospects after reaching the final eight last season. “There are a lot of teams in Europe with incredible quality, but we have the strength to do well against them too. Saying that, the Champions League is a very difficult competition.”

Tevez: Too much hype and pressure at Manchester City The Argentina international, who left the Premier League runners-up for Italy this summer, thinks the club and their fans need to be more patient for success in Europe. Jul 18, 2013 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez says there was "way too much pressure" to succeed during his time at Manchester City. The 29-year-old ended his stay at the Etihad Stadium this summer, joining Serie A champions Juventus in June for a fee of around €12 million. City failed to progress out of the group stages of the Champions League in consecutive seasons and Tevez believes pressure played it's part. "Yes, there was way too much pressure,” Tevez told CNN. "It came from everyone - the club, the fans. I think that too much pressure just hurts the team. "What happened was that there was so much hype and pressure to be one of the giants of Europe and we didn't do it. "We dropped out in the first round of the Champions League on both occasions." Tevez, who failed to register a goal in Europe last season, despite netting 11 times and assisting a further eight goals for City in the Premier League, moved to Turin on a three-year deal.

Carlos Tevez nets in 7-0 win Jul 17, 2012 Former Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez scored on his debut for Italian champions Juventus in a 7-0 win against a local representative side. The Argentine converted Arturo Vidal's cross in the first half to add to Marco Motta's earlier strike. Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri each scored two goals in the second half, with 18-year-old Federico Mattiello's goal completing the rout. Juve boss Antonio Conte praised his new players, as Tevez started upfront alongside fellow summer signing Fernando Llorente in a 3-5-2 formation. "I am happy," said Conte. "I was impressed by our first half performance and the way Ogbonna, Tevez and Llorente settled in." Tevez joined Juventus last month for a fee thought to be in the region of £10m.

Carlos Tevez bemoans Manchester City pressure Jul 17, 2012 Carlos Tevez has claimed that there was "too much pressure" at former club Manchester City following his move to Juventus. The Argentine striker recently joined the Serie A champions for a reported £10m after spending four controversial years at the Etihad Stadium. "Yes, there was way too much pressure," Tevez told CNN. "It came from everyone - the club, the fans. I think that too much pressure just hurts the team. "What happened was that there was so much hype and pressure to be one of the giants of Europe and we didn't do it." Tevez won the Premier League title and the FA Cup during his time at City.