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Juve want Tevez and Kolarov May 17, 2013 Juventus are reportedly setting their sights on Manchester City duo Carlos Tevez and Aleksandar Kolarov. The Bianconeri are eager to improve their squad over the summer to become more competitive in Europe after a second consecutive Scudetto. According to Sport Mediaset, their first target for ‘top player’ in attack is now Tevez, surpassing Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid and Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic. This is because his contract expires next summer and he could be available at a fairly small price-tag. It is certainly not the first time that Tevez has been linked with a move to Italy, though until now he has always patched up his differences with Manchester City. Juve are also thought to be tracking one of his teammates at Eastlands, as Kolarov would be a valid option for the left wing. The Corriere dello Sport claims Kolarov has already told City directors he is unhappy and would like a move away from the club. The Serbian is no stranger to Serie A, having arrived in Manchester from Lazio, and Juventus hope to take him for around €10m.

Juve to consider Marchisio offers Jun 25, 2012 La Nazione believe that Juventus could sell Claudio Marchisio in order to raise more funds to sign Stevan Jovetic. The Italy international has been linked with a move away from the Old Lady after admitting that he may consider his future this summer. Manchester United and Monaco have both been rumoured to be interested in the midfielder, and according to the newspaper, Antonio Conte’s men may consider offers so they can up their bid for the Fiorentina forward. The Bianconeri are said to have offered the Tuscan team €20m plus Luca Marrone and Manolo Gabbiadini for the Montenegrin. The Artemio Franchi side are holding out for a fee of nearer to €30m though.

Pogba ready to lead France to U20 World Cup success The Juventus midfielder admitted his pleasure at playing for the senior squad but hopes he can have an effect back in the national youth squad. Jun 21, 2013 France midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed his delight at captaining the Under-20 side at this summer's World Cup. The Juventus starlet has shone in Serie A this campaign and deservedly earned a call-up to the senior squad, where he tussled with the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta in a World Cup 2014 qualifier for les Bleus against Spain. But this summer he is back amongst the younger national charges ahead of the U20 World Cup in Istanbul, where France will be hoping to improve upon the fourth-place finish two years ago. "I had the chance to play in the A team," the 20-year-old told RMC Sport, "but I am proud to be back with my [younger] team-mates. "It's been a long time since the World Cup was within our reach. Being back here makes me happy. I am ready to take on this leadership role. I have shown I can lead by example. "I went to the A team and I think many players would do the same, but I have shown that I can come back." France defeated Ghana 3-1 in their opening game of the tournament and will face fellow Group A opponents United States and Spain in coming days.

Marotta on Higuain and Marchisio Jun 20, 2012 Beppe Marotta said Juventus “are looking for an eclectic player,” while commenting on Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Stevan Jovetic and Claudio Marchisio. The director general spoke to Sky Sport Italia this evening, amid reports Real Madrid striker Higuain has agreed terms with Arsenal. “Many players prefer Juventus to other clubs and we are still in an early phase of the transfer market,” said Marotta. “Who do I prefer between Higuain, Jovetic and Tevez? We analysed all three of them and they are great players, but I don’t want to lean too much one way, nor kid anyone. “We have already signed a very important player like Fernando Llorente who has won the European Championship and the World Cup. “We wish to improve the squad to bridge the gap with the other European giants. We are looking for an eclectic player who can fit our winning model. We always try to improve, taking the chances that the market offers us.” The Bianconeri are also linked with outgoing transfer stories, as they renewed a co-ownership deal with Udinese for Mauricio Isla. “It’s true Inter have shown an interest in Isla, but they are not the only ones, so we will see what is to be done there.” Monaco and Manchester United are reportedly prepared to offer €30m for midfielder Marchisio, who warned during international duty that he needs to speak to the club and discover if he is still ‘important.’ “There is absolutely no Marchisio problem. We’ll talk it over when he returns.”

Marotta hints Higuain deal still in Juventus pipeline The 58-year-old says the Bianconeri have not yet conceded defeat in the race to sign the Argentina international, despite reports suggesting otherwise. Jun 20, 2013 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has hinted that the club have not given up on signing Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain this summer. The Argentina international has expressed he wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and the Bianconeri were believed to be leading the hunt for the wantaway forward for much of the close-season. The 25-year-old, who has a contract with the Blancos until 2016, is suspected to have already agreed personal terms with Arsenal - although a deal is yet to be struck between the clubs - but Marotta thinks that there is still time for the transfer saga to take yet another twist. Speaking to Sky Sport, he said: "Higuain? I do not want to say anything because there is still so much time left for things to happen." The 58-year-old was equally as cavalier when asked about the potential arrival of Carlos Tevez and Stevan Jovetic to Turin this summer from Manchester City and Fiorentina respectively. "There is no hurry," he added. "Tevez and Jovetic are both great players but they are also with great clubs, so it would not be right to discuss them. "I do not want to create an illusion that things are already in motion."

Chiellini: Mission accomplished for Italy The Euro 2012 finalists recorded a hard-fought win over Japan to progress to the knockout stages, but the defender has admitted they had their fair share of luck. Jun 20, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini concedes Italy were fortunate to beat Japan in Wednesday's Confederations Cup match, but says having reached the semi-finals of the competition is the most important thing. The Azzurri were trailing by two goals after a little over 30 minutes, but eventually recorded a 4-3 win courtesy of a late Sebastian Giovinco strike that saw them book their ticket for the next round. "This is still the win that sees us qualify for the semi-finals, so that's mission accomplished,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia. "We will have to learn from this game, though. Although we were a bit tired, we have to be more organised and act as a team. "This was an important win because we suffered a lot. The most important thing is that we won, but we will have to analyse the match. "The game against Brazil will decide whether we finish first or second in the group. We will now turn our focus to the Brazil game and then to the semi-finals." Italy lock horns with Brazil on June 22.

Barzagli: Japan were stronger than we thought The Juventus defender says Alberto Zaccheroni's outfit were a class above what he expected them to be as Italy sealed their progression to the last four of the Confederations Cup. Jun 20, 2013 EXCLUSIVE By Ricardo Pessoa in Recife, Brazil Andrea Barzagli has admitted Italy were surprised by Japan in the Confederations Cup cracker played in the Arena Pernambuco in Recife. The 4-3 victory for Italy has ensured they have qualified for the semi-finals and will now play Brazil on June 22, to decide the first place of the group, while Japan will attempt to get their first victory in the tournament against point-less Mexico. But the Juventus centre-half Barzagli said he was shocked by the level of quality from the Asian Cup champions, who are now eliminated. “We didn’t expect such a strong side, even if we know they had good players. Honda was fantastic, he could be a starter in any team in the world and everyone knows Kagawa," he told Goal. "But it wasn’t just them, it’s a very well organised side." However, Barzagli noted that the 85 per cent humidity and the high temperature were also to blame for the performance of the Azzurri. “The conditions were quite difficult. It was very humid and we only had two days to recover from the match against Mexico," he added. "It’s not an excuse but those things obviously affect the way a team plays a high-intensity match." The 32-year old-defender considered that Italy struggled to pick up the pace of the match but once they did, things were different. “They were fantastic in the first half, very intense, and took that 2-0 lead," he continued. "But when De Rossi scored we were back in the game. Still, it could have gone either way, but I think we were quite brave and our victory is not undeserved."

Luck favoured Italy, says Chiellini Jun 20, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini concedes Italy were fortunate to have beaten Japan in the Confederations Cup on Wednesday. The Azzurri won an enthralling match 4-3 after initially being 2-0 down and surviving a number of scares at the back. “We were a little lucky in terms of the final score,” the Juventus stopper commented after the game in Brazil. “This encounter has taught us one lesson – no matter how tired we are, we have to be more of a team. We risked too much.” The victory, coupled with their 2-1 over Mexico in their first game, has now assured the Azzurri of a place in the last four. “The result is decisive as it propels us into the semi-finals,” added the former Livorno and Fiorentina stopper. “The first objective that we set ourselves has now been achieved. Now we need to think about the game against Brazil with the right focus, even if the semi-final will be a more important fixture.” Italy and Brazil will meet on Saturday in a match that will decide who wins the group and who will finish second. The hosts currently top Group A as they have a superior goal difference.

Official: Juventus purchase Asamoah for €9m The co-ownership deal with Udinese has been terminated, while a deal regarding Mauricio Isla has been renewed. Jun 19, 2013 Juventus have announced that they have ended the co-ownership deal for Kwadwo Asamoah and have purchased the midfielder for €9 million. AMAZONIAN The Old Lady bought 50 per cent of the midfielder's contract from their Serie A rivals in the summer of 2012 in a deal also worth €9m and have now chosen to buy out the remaining half. With the deal between clubs complete, the Ghanaian has signed a four-year deal which is set to keep him at the Juventus Stadium until June 30, 2017. AMAZONIAN Asamoah, 24, has played 27 games for Juve and scored twice en route to the first Scudetto of his career. Antonio Conte's side's negotiations with Udinese also involved renewing two co-ownerships deal which began last season: Mauricio Isla will spend 2013-14 in Turin while Cristian Pasquato will remain at the Zebrettes.

Why Marchisio should no longer be a first-choice player for Italy or Juventus The 27-year-old does not warrant inclusion in a midfield three for either club or country, and is clearly incapable of operating in a more advanced position. Jun 19, 2013 COMMENT By Mark Doyle | Italy Expert According to the Italian media, Manchester United sent scouts to watch Claudio Marchisio in action in the Azzurri's Confederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday evening. They would have followed him closely, which is just as well, really, because a casual observer would not have noticed that the Juventus midfielder was playing for much of the contest. The Red Devils representatives would have left the Maracana wondering whether they really need Marchisio in their midfield. They would not be alone in that regard, because Juventus, and now Italy, are asking themselves the same question. Other interested parties such as the nouveau-riche Monaco - who have been considering a €30 million bid - will also be thinking twice about tabling such a huge offer. Marchisio is, on his day, an indefatigable, industrious, multi-tasking midfielder with an eye for goal. However, when he is not making timely and lethal late runs into the area, it is difficult not to wonder if he brings much else of value to the party. The 27-year-old functions best in a midfield three, but it has become abundantly clear over the past six months that he is no longer among the top three midfielders at Juventus. He has never been in the same class as either Andrea Pirlo (in fairness, so few are) or Arturo Vidal, and now he has arguably been overtaken in the pecking order by Paul Pogba, who, coincidentally, arrived in Turin on a free transfer from United last summer. MARCHISIO'S LAST TWO ITALY STARTS PLAYER RATING VERSUS CZECH REPUBLIC Absolutely anonymous for the 90 minutes he was inexplicably afforded, failing dismally to even offer his customary goal threat. PLAYER RATING VERSUS MEXICO Worked hard but failed to have any influence on the game. Looked out of his depth in a role that clearly didn't suit him. Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte confessed during the closing stages of last season that he had changed from his tried-and-trusted 3-5-2 formation to 3-5-1-1 in order to accommodate Pogba, after a string of sensational displays from the Frenchman. Now, while that decision to sacrifice a striker was a damning indictment of the quality of Juve's forwards at Conte's disposal, it was also an obvious, tacit admission that Pogba was more worthy of a place in midfield alongside Pirlo and Vidal than Marchisio, who had been moved forward in support of lone striker Mirko Vucinic as a consequence of the tactical rethink. Marchisio, though, is no trequartista. He does not have the requisite vision, technique or range of passing to play what is a highly-skilled position. That was once again painfully evident in Italy's Group B clash with Mexico. With Stephan El Shaarawy out of form and seemingly incompatible with Mario Balotelli, Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli opted to play 'Super Mario' as a lone striker against el Tri, with Emanuele Giaccherini and Marchisio in behind. For all his failings, Giaccherini made a reasonable fist of the role. Yes, he took the wrong option several times and lost possession in inexplicable circumstances, but the Bianconeri utility man also drifted out to the flanks to good effect, embarked upon a couple of threatening runs and even played a part in Balotelli's winner. Marchisio, by complete contrast, was virtually anonymous. One could not fault his energy or desire to get involved but, at times, he resembled a headless chicken who had been drinking heavily before his decapitation. He looked lost and confused in an advanced role - and not for the first time. Indeed, Marchisio's performance has now left Prandelli with a problem. The 'new Tardelli' did net in a cameo appearance during last week's 2-2 draw with Haiti, but in his last two competitive starts, against Mexico and the Czech Republic, he may as well have not been playing, so little did he contribute to the cause. And that begs the question: does Marchisio deserve to remain a first-choice player for his country? This time 12 months ago, Prandelli preferred to play Riccardo Montolivo in the troublesome trequartista role because of a dearth of viable alternatives, and the former Fiorentina captain made the best of an unwelcome assignment at Euro 2012 - witness his pass for Balotelli's second goal in the win over Germany. However, over the course of a stellar debut season at San Siro in which he was deployed in his preferred position in the middle of the park, it became clear that Montolivo, like Pogba at Juventus, had overtaken Marchisio in the Azzurri's midfield pecking order. Montolivo, therefore, deserves to once again start alongside Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi against Japan. But does Marchisio really warrant another start in an advanced role, in light of his no-show at the Maracana? It is not as if Italy do not have other options: Alberto Aquilani, Alessandro Diamanti, Alessio Cerci and Antoni Candreva are all in better form than Marchisio; not only that, they are all far more suited to playing as attacking midfielders. The noises coming out of the Italian camp on Tuesday night suggest that Marchisio will indeed be dropped for the game against Japan, indicating that Prandelli has now realised what Conte reluctantly accepted last season: that while he has a couple of indispensable midfielders at his disposal, Marchisio is no longer one of them.

Kwadwo Asamoah is delighted to be fully owned by Juventus Jun 19, 2013 Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah is delighted with his absolute capture as a fully-owned Juventus player. AMAZONIAN The 24-year-old has had his co-ownership deal from Udinese at the start of the just ended campaign turned into a full-ownership deal following an impressive first year with the Old Lady. Asamoah has been a hit since signing for Antonio Conte’s side before the start of last season, making 27 league appearances and scoring two goals. His more than satisfactory performance has seen the Italian move quickly to fully secure his economic rights. AMAZONIAN Juventus will pay an extra nine million euros as the cost of their full-ownership deal for the Ghana international. And the former Liberty Professionals couldn’t hide his delight at the news he now a fully-owned property of the Bianconeri. “Very proud to confirm that I am 100% Bianconero today,” Asamoah Tweeted. AMAZONIAN “Hungry for more success with our Old Lady. Juventus however refused to trigger a similar deal for Mauricio Isla who also moved alongside Asamoah in the original co-ownership deal last summer. Their preference of the Ghana international underlines the importance attached to the midfield enforcer.

Juventus sign Asamoah Jun 19, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah now totally belongs to Juventus, while the Old Lady have renewed their co-ownership of Mauricio Isla with Udinese. AMAZONIAN The Turin giants signed a 50 per cent share in each player last summer from the Stadio Friuli outfit, but with differing results. Asamoah impressed in a left wing-back role and he has today been signed outright at a cost of €9m. The international’s contract in Turin ends in 2017. Isla, meanwhile, struggled for regular action after returning from knee injury so his co-ownership has been extended for a further 12 months. AMAZONIAN However, the Chilean international’s future is unclear as he is a known transfer target for Inter. Meanwhile, Cristian Pasquato will remain in Udine after his co-ownership was also renewed by the two clubs.

Japan must stop Pirlo, says Hasebe The Wolfsburg midfielder has singled out the influential playmaker as the Azzurri's key man and remains optimistic about his side's chances of making it to the semi-finals. Jun 18, 2013 Makoto Hasebe admits Japan cannot afford to allow Andrea Pirlo any space if they are to get a good result against Italy on Wednesday. The Asian champions were beaten 3-0 by Brazil in their Group A opener, but Hasebe remains optimistic about his side's chances of making it to the semi-finals. "Pirlo? He's the brains of the team and an outstanding footballer. We have to get at him early and not allow him to play his game," the 29-year-old Wolfsburg midfielder told the official Fifa website. "We were too defensive against Brazil. It's a shame we lost, but they're a strong team and they had the crowd behind them. All of that definitely affected us. "We were massively disappointed and our heads went down at first, but we have to pick ourselves up now. We still have games against Italy and Mexico, and if we win both we're through to the semi-finals. "Italy always come up with a great team. They're very organised and solid in defence. The strategy is to stop Pirlo and beat Italy and anything’s possible after that." Italy recorded a 2-1 win over Mexico in their opening game.

'Our strategy is to stop Pirlo' Jun 18, 2013 Japan captain Makoto Hasebe has praised Andrea Pirlo ahead of their game against Italy on Wednesday. The Blue Samurai face Cesare Prandelli's team in Recife tomorrow knowing that a loss to the Azzurri would almost certainly put them out of the competition. And the Wolfsburg midfielder has admitted that will be a tough ask coming up against the Juventus star. “Pirlo is the brains of the team,” he told a Press conference. “He really is an exceptional player. “We can't let him play as he'd want to. Against Brazil we were too defensive. “Italy are a great team – they are organized and solid in defensive. “But our strategy is to stop Pirlo – only by doing that can we beat the Azzurri.”

Pirlo hails Real target Ancelotti Jun 18, 2013 Andrea Pirlo understands why Real Madrid want to appoint Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next Coach. The Spaniards are looking for a Jose Mourinho replacement and they have made a move for the Italian tactician. “He's a great Coach who likes to play good football and his teams play with real style,” Pirlo, who worked with Ancelotti at Milan, told Marca. “Ancelotti was a good choice for the clubs he has coached because he has a good footballing philosophy," the Juventus man added. “I have nothing but good things to say about him, he's a friend. He's an outstanding Coach, who treats his players well and is well-liked inside the dressing room. “Will he go? I don't know if he's going to Real Madrid or staying at Paris Saint-Germain. Carlo is a friend, a great person and I wish him all the best, wherever he is. “He's an amazing Coach, I was very happy playing under him and we'll just have to wait and see where the future takes him. “Real Madrid is a great club and I'm sure that one of Carlo's dreams is to work there.”

Marchisio: It's not about the money Jun 17, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has rubbished claims he questioned Juventus' belief in him to get a better contract at the club. The midfielder admitted at the weekend that reported interest from Manchester United and Monaco made him 'proud', and also conceded that he was unsure whether the Bianconeri still found him important. However, the Italy international has insisted that those remarks were not a way to force the Turin giants to offer him a better deal. Talking briefly to Sky Sport Italia, the 27-year-old said, “It is not for this reason. For me, it is not about money.” Director general Beppe Marotta reiterated on Monday that the Old Lady would 'never' sell Marchisio.

Marotta: Sell Marchisio? Never Jun 17, 2013 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has insisted that the club have never thought about selling Claudio Marchisio. The Italy international has been linked with a move to Monaco and Manchester United in recent weeks, and even has even questioned whether the Bianconeri are keen to keep him this summer. But the administrator at the Turin side has claimed that the midfielder is a key player. “Juventus have never thought about selling Marchisio,” Marotta told calciomercato.com. “Not now, not ever. “In September 2012 the club extended his contract until June 30, 2016, adjusting his salary too. "I think this is the clearest demonstration of how important Marchisio is for Juventus. “We would only look at this again if a stratospheric offer, one not in line with the market, was made. But, up to this point in time, that has not happened.”

Marchisio and Italy’s ‘lost’ goals Jun 17, 2013 Claudio Marchisio doesn’t think the 2-1 win over Mexico was a fair reflection of the game. “Italy should have scored more...” The Azzurri opened their Confederations Cup account with the three points after two fine goals by Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli. “It was important to start the competition well and we did that,” stated the Juventus man. “We played a great game and we, perhaps, should have netted more goals. “They were three really important points and it is in our nature to win games like this.” The Azzurri fielded a Christmas Tree 4-3-2-1 formation which used Marchiso and Emanuele Giaccherini behind Balotelli. “It wasn’t easy to find space today,” the former Empoli man added. “The Mexicans closed up well between the lines. “However, I’m happy with the team’s display – I place that above my own.” Marchisio, winning his 35th cap last night, was replaced in the 68th minute by Alessio Cerci.

Chiellini demands win versus Japan Jun 17, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini wants to secure Italy’s place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup before their last group game against Brazil. Having beaten Mexico 2-1 on Sunday, the Azzurri will face Alberto Zaccheroni’s Japan on Wednesday evening looking for victory. “It’s important to start such a short competition well,” the Juventus centre-back commented. “Mexico are a credible rival for qualification. “We played an excellent game and we deserved the win. “Now we must start again from that and we have a fundamental game in midweek in terms of qualification. “Winning would guarantee us a place in the last four and that is our intention.” Japan, bossed by former Juventus tactician Zaccheroni, lost 3-0 to hosts Brazil in their opener on Saturday evening.

'Still being spoken about long into the night' - Goal's World Player of the Week Andrea Pirlo Jun 17, 2013 Italy boss Cesare Prandelli struggled to find the right superlative to describe Andrea Pirlo's performance in Sunday night's 2-1 victory over Mexico in Rio. "There are no more words for Andrea," he reasoned. But then, the Azzurri boss nailed it. "Andrea Pirlo is football for us." He's football for so many others, too. Pirlo is proof that the brain can still triumph over brawn; that precision is more important than power; that subtlety is more effective than strength. The 34-year-old admitted earlier this week that he had learned a great deal about striking a dead ball from watching fromer Brazil and Olympique Lyonnais set-piece specialist Juninho in action. "I tried to imitate the way he kicked the ball, and it worked ... A lot!" Now the student has become the master, as so wonderfully underlined by the sublime free kick with which he ever so fittingly marked his 100th appearance for the Azzurri, at, of all venues, the Maracana, the spiritual home of Brazilian football. However, as Goal's Kris Voakes outlines below, Pirlo is not merely our World Player of the Week for one of his set-piece specials. "Appearing in Italy's national colours for the 100th time, the veteran playmaker was always likely to be the centre of attention as La Nazionale took on Mexico, but the metronomic midfielder's performance at the Maracana ensured that he was still being spoken about long into the night," he explained from Rio. "Not only did he score the opening goal in Italy's 2-1 win, but he also burst into the box early on and should have won a penalty after hitting the turf. "He could well have had an assist under his belt had Riccardo Montolivo buried a chance from Pirlo's free-kick, but the centurion, ever the team player, will be more than happy with having contributed to the Italians earning three points in Group A."

'I could only have dreamed of 100 caps as a child' - Pirlo The midfielder stamped a century of Azzurri games with a brilliant goal at the Maracana and took time to celebrate his achievements. Jun 16, 2013 Andrea Pirlo could not hide his delight at reaching his 100th cap for Italy after scoring during their 2-1 Confederations Cup victory over Mexico at the Maracana on Sunday. The midfielder became only the fifth player to reach the milestone for the Azzurri and marked the occasion with a stunning free kick to open the scoring in the first half. “First of all, it’s really rewarding for me,” the 34-year-old told reporters. “It’s not something everyone does. It’s a great feeling to get 100 caps and to score, especially in a historic stadium like the Maracana. I could only have dreamed of this as a child." But Pirlo was not ready to look at the landmark as the beginning of the end of his international career, and maintained that he still had much to accomplish in an Italy shirt before hanging up his boots. “I was lucky enough to get 100 caps for Italy, but it’s not over yet,” revealed Pirlo. "I have other objectives, including winning the Confederations Cup.” Pirlo joins Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluigi Buffon, Paolo Maldini and Dino Zoff as the other Italy centurions, but was the quickest out of the five to reach the landmark.

Prandelli: 'Pirlo is Italy guru' Jun 16, 2013 Cesare Prandelli revealed Andrea Pirlo was asked to skip the Confederations Cup, while Stephan El Shaarawy is “frazzled” ahead of Mexico. The Italy Coach spoke to Rai Sport just hours before their tournament opener against Mexico at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) in Rio de Janeiro. “Are we using a prudent tactical system today? Not necessarily, because there are players able to attack the space and create a situation of superiority, basically adding an extra forward. For example, Emanuele Giaccherini is very good at that.” The 4-3-3 system was a failure against Haiti, so Prandelli turns to a 4-3-2-1 with Giaccherini and Claudio Marchisio supporting Mario Balotelli. “It’s not that the 4-3-3 was scrapped, but rather in a tournament with so many strong sides it can be useful to surprise our opponents. As for the 2-2 draw with Haiti, I’d talk about mental fatigue rather than purely physical.” Some veterans keep pumping out the performances regardless and tonight Pirlo will celebrate his 100th Italy cap. “Pirlo had been asked to stay home and rest for this tournament, but he showed great professionalism and just how much he cares about the Azzurri jersey. He is the guru of this Nazionale.”

Pirlo: I dreamt of celebrating 100 caps at Maracana as a child The Italy midfielder will become a centurion at the prestigious Brazilian arena, and he is relishing the opportunity to celebrate his landmark in Rio de Janeiro. Jun 16, 2013 Andrea Pirlo says he will be realising a "childhood dream" when he takes to the pitch at Maracana for his 100th international cap in Italy's Confederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday. The Juventus midfielder is set to become only the fifth centurion in Azzurri history at the newly-renovated Brazilian stadium this weekend, joining the likes of fellow World Cup 2006 winners Fabio Cannavaro and Gianluigi Buffon in the exclusive club. "To get onto the Maracana pitch is the dream of every child. I will have the chance to play my 100th game with Italy here. I'm so happy," he beamed the at a press conference. Meanwhile, up to six Juve players will make up Italy's starting XI in Rio de Janeiro against the Tricolor - a feat which has been met with some scepticism - yet coach Cesare Prandelli could only see the positives in having so many Bianconeri-based personnel in his squad. "A coach is fortunate to have so many players [from one club] at his disposal. He can only benefit from the chemistry they have established. Blocks are a good thing for the national team," the 55-year-old remarked.