Socrates

Mexico wary of Pirlo threat The 34-year-old is set to win his 100th international cap and el Tri's boss is wary of his enduring quality. Jun 16, 2013 Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre believes Italy’s Andrea Pirlo is the player his side must stop if they are to emerge victorious on Sunday. The two sides go head-to-head in their opening Confederations Cup encounter, wiith the 34-year-old Italian set to win his 100th international cap - and el Tri's boss has highlighted the playmaker's threat. “Pirlo makes his team-mates play,” said De la Torre in a press conference Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. “(He) is an important piece, like (Mario) Balotelli, but they need the others for it to work. We need to concentrate on their movements to be able to break plays up.” De la Torre added that Italy have become a more attacking side in recent times and feels that could work to Mexico’s benefit, although the former Chivas coach also highlighted the qualities of the Azzurri. “Sometimes they give you a few more spaces, but that will also depend on us, on how we move, how we contain the opposition and break forward,” he stated. The Mexico coach is looking to put his side's disappointing CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign to one side and is adamant his goal is to win the Confederations Cup, even though el Tri have recorded just one win in nine games during 2013. “We’ve come to enjoy it and with the firm intention of winning. It won’t be easy, but that is our intention in every tournament.”

Marchisio considers Nani exchange Jun 15, 2013 Claudio Marchisio is increasingly likely to leave Juventus, as Manchester United offer Nani plus €15m. The midfielder is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup and made it clear in a Press conference he was not at all happy with the club’s stance. “I will have to talk to Juventus. I want to see if I’m still important for them. If not, then it is only normal for me to look at other teams. It has been said that my intentions are decisive, but it takes two to tango.” Italian newspapers today suggest Marchisio received absolutely no response from Juventus, while it was also implied a pay rise was out of the question. The Italian international who grew up in the Bianconeri youth academy is more likely than ever to leave Turin. Tuttosport claim Marchisio’s €30m valuation will fund the summer transfer strategy and include a potential exchange with Manchester United winger Nani plus cash. Monaco are also said to be interested in snapping up Marchisio for their midfield.

Marchisio hints at Juventus exit The midfielder has fuelled speculation that he could be on the move this summer amid reports that the Serie A champions are ready to cash in on him for the right price. Jun 14, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has hinted that he could leave Juventus in the summer transfer window if head coach Antonio Conte no longer sees him as an indispensable player. The Italy international has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United and Monaco in the past few weeks, but has so far stressed that he's keen to stay at Juventus. However, he has now admitted that he could decide to move on after all if the Bianconeri no longer regard him as a key player. "Juventus have stated that my own intentions are decisive when it comes to my future, but there are obviously two parties involved," the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport. "I will have to talk to Juventus to find out whether I'm still an important player like before. If that's not the case, it's only normal that I will start looking elsewhere. "Of course, I feel proud when I hear of the interest of Monaco and Manchester United, even though nobody has called me at this point." Marchisio has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

Pirlo rejuvenated by Old Lady Jun 14, 2013 Andrea Pirlo has predicted more success for Italian giants Juventus after two consecutive Scudetto titles. “Joining Juventus was the right thing for everyone involved,” the 34-year-old told the Corriere de Bahia while in Brazil with the national side. “I feel rejuvenated in Bianconero. I’m part of a great squad of players that has won and will continue to win. “Without that move then I may not have even been here with the national side.” The playmaker joined the Old Lady on a free transfer in 2011 after Milan opted against renewing his contract at San Siro. Turning to the Confederations Cup, which will start on Sunday for Italy against Mexico, Pirlo was looking forward to the event. “We deserve to be here, we are four-time world champions,” he said of the Euro 2012 runners-up. “It’ll be a great feeling to play at the Maracana and we want to impress. “And then I want to come back here next year for my third and final World Cup tournament.” Pirlo could win his 100th cap for his country this weekend. Only Dino Zoff, Paolo Maldini, Gigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro have reached three figures for the Azzurri.

Pogba rubbishes Juventus exit rumours The 20-year-old says his focus for the summer is the Under-20 World Cup with France rather than a move away from the Bianconeri. Jun 13, 2013 Paul Pogba has moved to distance himself from the speculation regarding his future by stating he will "certainly stay with Juventus". The 20-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive first season in Turin and despite speculation linking him with the likes of Arsenal, the Frenchman is eager to further his career in Serie A. "I'm good at Juventus, so now I'm focusing on the Under-20 World Cup," he told Le Parisien. "There's nothing new about my future. I will certainly stay with Juventus." Pogba moved to Italy from Manchester United last summer on a free transfer and scored five goals in 27 appearances.

Marchisio: 'Do Juve still want me?' Jun 13, 2012 Claudio Marchisio confirms his Juventus future is not secure. “I’ll have to talk to them and see if I’m still important.” The midfielder grew up in the Bianconeri youth academy and has become a symbol for the fans, but the summer has seen repeated rumours of €20m offers from Monaco and Manchester United. “I will have to talk to Juventus. I want to see if I’m still important for them,” he told journalists in Brazil today. “If not, then it is only normal for me to look at other teams. It has been said that my intentions are decisive, but it takes two to tango. “Eventual offers from Manchester United or Monaco make me proud, but nobody has called me. Now I am focusing on the Confederations Cup and after that I’ll understand what’s real and what isn’t.” Marchisio is in Rio de Janeiro with the Italy squad and there are reports he could start in a more advanced role against Mexico with a 4-3-2-1 system. “Cesare Prandelli’s philosophy remains the same, so whether I play a few metres further in front or behind makes little difference. I am accustomed to changing position and the Coaches I work with know my versatility. “The Confederations Cup is a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, but it remains a very important tournament. We must follow up the excellent Euro 2012 performance, while we are also testing ourselves in the climate we’ll see next year. “The last two games against the Czech Republic and Haiti were unsatisfactory, but we remember before Euro 2012 we had similar fitness problems and they disappeared on our debut.”

Give Marchisio the Juve No 10 shirt Jun 13, 2012 Claudio Marchisio would be the right man to inherit Alessandro Del Piero’s No 10 shirt at Juventus, says former President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli. Talk this week suggested that Arturo Vidal had asked club officials to be handed that jersey for next season, a claim he has subsequently denied. “I thought that the 10 should go to Marchisio,” Cobolli Gigli, who was Juve chief for three years after his appointment in 2006, told Radio Sportiva. “He was born, he grew up and turned into a champion while wearing the Juventus shirt. However, I now don’t know whether he will stay or be sold. “Vidal? He is one of the pillars of this Juventus side, so there is no reason why there would be a problem if he wanted that jersey. “Personally speaking though I would like to see that jersey on the shoulders of an Italian.” Marchisio, born in Turin and raised in the club’s youth ranks, has been linked with possible moves to Manchester United and Monaco. Juventus have, on numerous occasions, insisted that they have no plans to sell their best players during the summer. Marchisio currently wears the No 8, Vidal has the 23. The No 10 shirt was unassigned in 2012-13.

Arrogance cost Italy, says Buffon Jun 12, 2012 Italy captain Gigi Buffon has slammed his side’s overconfidence after they threw away a victory against Haiti. The Azzurri took a 2-0 lead against the minnows in Tuesday’s international friendly, only to concede twice in the last 10 minutes. “We should have avoided such a result given that we had a double advantage,” the Juventus goalkeeper stated after the 2-2 draw in Rio, Brazil. “I don’t want to be discriminatory, but we were not playing against Spain or a highly decorated national side. “This result is the son of an ounce of superficiality and arrogance, because we thought we’d have no problems in ending the game with a victory.” Buffon was not used by boss Cesare Prandelli last night as Paris Saint-Germain’s Salvatore Sirigu and Lazio’s Federico Marchetti were given a half each. Italy will begin their Confederations Cup campaign against Mexico on Sunday.

Pogba: My future lies at Juventus The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from the Turin giants, but a summer transfer is not on his mind at this point. Jun 11, 2013 Paul Pogba has insisted that "his future lies at Juventus" after confirming he will still be at the club next season. The France international faces stiff competition from the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio for a starting berth at Juve and a number of recent reports suggested that he could be on the move this summer in an attempt to get a guaranteed first team spot elsewhere. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has no intention to leave Juventus just yet, having only joined the club from Manchester United last summer. "I will still be at Juventus next season. My future lies at this club," Pogba told reporters. "It has been a good season for me. I am feeling very well in Turin and I'm happy at Juve." The midfielder has a contract with the Scudetto holders until June 2016 and scored five times in 28 Serie A appearances last term.

‘My future? Juve, of course’ Jun 10, 2012 Paul Pogba has taken the chance today to once more affirm his future is with Juventus, as links with a return to England continue. The former Manchester United man has been linked in recent weeks with a return this summer to the Premier League, with Manchester City said to be interested. However, in addressing reporters ahead of his summer international commitment, the 20-year-old also had time to reflect on where he sees himself come next season. “Playing with my national team is extraordinary,” began Pogba to reporters today from France’s training base. “I’m happy to be at the World Cup, I have worked hard for this opportunity and I feel lucky to be able to make the most of it. “Here I will prove my worth. I hope to be 100 per cent and bet everything on the experience I have accumulated. “Next season? At Juve, of course. Here I am fine, I am happy to wear this shirt.”

Marotta: 'No Higuain exchanges' Jun 9, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has warned Real Madrid any deal for Gonzalo Higuain will not include “our best players.” The transfer guru spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a lunch meeting with President Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid-Juventus Legends game at the Bernabeu. “We met with President Perez and it’s obvious that we also talked about football at this lunch,” confessed Marotta. “It is all still to be defined, because Real have not yet clarified their coaching situation. Therefore any debate on players is postponed. “The two clubs have an excellent rapport and they showed appreciation for some of our players. It is possible to see market strategies.” However, Marotta insisted the Bianconeri would not be parting with the likes of Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal. “We will not sell our best players, regardless of the fact they have impressed other clubs. “As for Higuain, if we renew our consideration towards the player then it can be considered a step forward, but any other discussion has to wait until their situation is better defined. “There will be the all-clear to negotiate only if Real consider it opportune to do so.” It is reported that Real Madrid agreed to Juve’s request to pay the transfer fee in instalments, but not on the €22m offer.

Marchisio: 'Balotelli's too nice' Jun 9, 2012 Claudio Marchisio says Mario Balotelli on Twitter is not necessarily a good idea. “He is too nice sometimes.” The Milan and Italy striker joined the social network last month as @FinallyMario and delighted fans with photographs, jokes and occasional rows. He took to Twitter on Friday evening to lambast his critics after a red card against the Czech Republic, but apologised the next day. “He is too nice sometimes,” commented Marchisio, who has been on Twitter for much longer. “Since he joined Twitter, he follows everything. It’s good that he does, but he has to learn how to answer too. “He did well to say he cares about the Nazionale and it is also important that he apologised.” The Italy squad flies out from Rome to Rio de Janeiro for the Confederations Cup tonight.

Marotta: 'No Higuain without Coach' Jun 9, 2012 Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirms talks with Real Madrid for Gonzalo Higuain are blocked “until they have a new Coach.” Marotta and President Andrea Agnelli had a lunch meeting with Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez and FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti this afternoon in the Spanish capital. “Right now Higuain is not on the transfer market, as Real Madrid are waiting until they have a new Coach,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “The moment this decision is made official, then we will meet them again with pleasure.” Meanwhile, there are reports that Real Madrid are willing to spread the payment over several instalments, but that the €22m offer was too low. Arsenal are said to have proposed €24m for the Argentina striker. Real are without a tactician since parting company with Jose Mourinho, as first choice Carlo Ancelotti is struggling to break free of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

Buffon: 'The missing trophy' Jun 9, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon is already looking to next season with Juventus. “I’d like to win the trophy I haven’t won yet...” The goalkeeper has had a remarkable career, lifting the World Cup, several Scudetti, the Coppa Italia, four Italian Super Cups, the UEFA Cup and European Under-21 Championship. However, the Champions League has always remained out of reach. “What do I dream of winning? The important thing is that my teammates and I do our best to find success,” said Buffon at a media event. “Obviously I’d like to win the trophy I haven’t won yet...” The Bianconeri reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League this season, but were knocked out by eventual winners Bayern Munich. The Turin giants are active on the transfer market with strong links to both Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid) and Carlos Tevez (Manchester City). “I have no preferences between those two, as I have faith in the club. Whoever does arrive will be a great player who’ll allow us to improve further.”

Juventus are as big as Real Madrid and Barcelona, says Llorente The Spain international is flattered to be playing for the Serie A champions next season after an acrimonious departure from Athletic Bilbao. Jun 8, 2013 Fernando Llorente is relishing the prospect of playing for Juventus next season, insisting they are a club to rival Real Madrid and Barcelona. The outgoing Athletic Bilbao striker, who will leave his boyhood club once his contract runs out this summer, is enthused by the prospect of playing under Antonio Conte's leadership at one of Europe's elite sides. "It's one of the best teams in Europe and the best in Italy," the 28-year-old told Marca. "Juventus has impressed me ever since it expressed an interest. "It's a really big club, comparable to Real Madrid and Barcelona. I'm lucky to be able to play for a team like that. It's as though I've always known it was my team." Despite excitement for his imminent move to Italy, the Basque forward admitted he has been saddened by the acrimonious nature of his departure from his boyhood club, with coach Marcelo Bielsa restricting him to just four starts in last season's La Liga. "I've always attempted to choose the best option for both Athletic and me. I tried to get the best deal but I came up against a brick wall," he concluded. "I didn't want to go for free. Neither did I want to have the year I've had. I'll never go through that again if I can do anything to avoid it."

Llorente: 'Juventus are the best' Jun 8, 2012 Fernando Llorente reveals why he chose Juventus. “They are one of the best teams in Europe and the best in Italy.” The Athletic Bilbao striker will arrive next month on a Bosman transfer when his contract expires, having agreed terms back in January. “They are one of the best teams in Europe and the best in Italy,” Spanish international Llorente told Marca today. “I’m lucky to be able to play for a team like that. I’m really looking forward to entering a new phase. “Why Juve? Because they have impressed me ever since they expressed an interest. It’s a really big club, comparable to Real Madrid and Barcelona. It’s as though I’ve always known it was my team.”

'It can happen to anyone' - Buffon downplays Balotell red The AC Milan forward was sent off in the space of two second-half minutes against the Czech Republic on Friday, but his Italy team-mate has urged his critics to lay off him. Jun 8, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Mario Balotelli was unlucky to be shown a red card in Italy's 0-0 draw with Czech Republic in Friday's World Cup 2014 qualifier. The AC Milan striker was given his marching orders on 71 minutes following two bookable offences before punching and kicking the tunnel in frustration as he departed the pitch, but the goalkeeper was keen to play down the severity of the incident. "I don't see anything serious [in Balotelli's red]. He picked up two yellows and it can happen to anyone, so I think people are reading too much into it," he told Rai Sport. "What matters is that when he goes onto the pitch, he gives his maximum. It's not an issue of maturity, they are just on-field situations." Buffon then reflected on Italy's performance and admitted that his side were reeling from the demands of a tough club season, having been outplayed for long spells in the Czech capital. "It's an important point. In our next matches, we must arrive [on the pitch] with righteous anger, competitive charge, but also the desire to fight. All these components were missing due to not playing for a month," the Juventus man added. "We struggled to put them into practice. I think it was a problem physically and mentally. When the season ends, you become deflated and are unprepared for matches like this. "We have also carried heavy loads [over the course of the season]. But what matters the most is our allegiance to the national team, which never fails on the part of anyone." Meanwhile, Alberto Aquilani - who came off the bench to replace Andrea Pirlo in the second half - took the positives out of the stalemate and voiced his delight at finally establishing himself in the national team. "It was a complicated match. [The Czechs] played to the death and gave everything for all three points. It is a draw that gives us hope, so we must accept it in a positive way," the Fiorentina midfielder said. "I tried to give my best when I entered the pitch. I'm fine with being labeled as a midfield deputy. I'm glad because it means I can play many roles."

Ranieri calls Marchisio to Monaco? Jun 7, 2013 After Manchester United, now Monaco and Coach Claudio Ranieri are linked with Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio. The Italian international has been with Juve since childhood, as he grew up through their youth academy and broke into the first team in 2006. Last week there had been reports of interest from Manchester United, who might be willing to pay the €30m price-tag. Now Mercato365 claim Monaco have thrown their hat into the ring with direct contact from manager Ranieri. The club has been on a spending spree since earning promotion to Ligue 1 and would comfortably pay the €30m required to pry Marchisio away from Turin. Ranieri already worked with the midfielder at Juventus from 2007 to 2009.

Marchisio has three weeks to prove that Juventus are right not to sell him The midfielder looks set to stay in Turin despite a great deal of speculation about his future and Italy's forthcoming schedule gives him a chance to prove his worth to his club. Jun 6, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes Until recently there appeared to be very little question as to what the future might hold for Claudio Marchisio. Adored by Juventus fans, valued by his coaches at both club and international level, and a regular starter in the ‘MVP’ midfield that had inspired the Old Lady to two successive Scudetti, it seemed the Turin-born ace was destined to spend the rest of his days as an employee of the club he has supported all his life. But the Italy international’s status as a definite starter for years to come was called into question towards the end of the domestic season and the last week has seen speculation mount regarding a potential mega-offer from Monaco. Juve sporting director Giuseppe Marotta stirred the pot a little more when addressing the issue, saying: “We have to respect our budget, but the goal is to raise the level of the team. Of course, the will of the player also plays an important role, though...” "MARCHISIO STILL PART OF JUVE'S CORE" "Juventus don't want to sell their valuable assets. In particular, they want to keep Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio. "In several summit meetings with his bosses, Antonio Conte has made it known that he is relying on the presence of these core players in the short and medium-term future. "There are other signs to suggest Conte sees Marchisio as key too. When arriving at Juve's summer camp in Bardonecchia recently, the coach was asked if he saw any player as being his heir in Italian football. The answer? 'Yes, Marchisio. He is a lot like me.' This helps us understand what Conte sees in Marchisio, but the player himself also wants to finish his career with the club at which he started. "There are many clubs around Europe who have looked at Marchisio as a possible signing, particularly Monaco, but it would take a sensational offer to tempt Juventus, and even then it may not prove enough to part Marchisio from the Old Lady." - Romeo Agresti | Goal's Juventus expert The fallout has prompted Marchisio himself to speak out, telling Tuttosport: “I want to stay at Juventus. I want to keep fighting for silverware and win things with the club where I grew up.” And while the next few weeks take him away from his beloved black and white to defend his national colours, the Azzurri’s forthcoming fixtures offer Marchisio the opportunity to end the matter once and for all. Starting with Friday night’s World Cup clash with the Czech Republic and running through to the end of the Confederations Cup, the 27-year-old could have as many as six games in front of the eyes of the world, and, just as importantly, the eyes of the decision makers at Juventus. Should he display an ability to deliver on the global stage, then there would surely be no more questions to be asked by those in power at Vinovo. However, if Marchisio were to show the other side of his character, the one that goes missing at key moments in big games when his team need a hero – as evidenced once more in the Old Lady’s exit from the Champions League against Bayern Munich, then there’s always the chance that Juve could look elsewhere for the player Marotta talked of; the one who will take them to the next level. For all of his passion and heart, Marchisio isn’t an easy player to pigeon-hole. He isn’t really a combative type, full of drive and forcefulness like an Arturo Vidal. Neither is he a creator, a catalyst or a playmaker like Andrea Pirlo, or someone with range both in his legs and in his passing game like Paul Pogba. What the lifelong Bianconero does offer is a luxury third option in the centre of midfield. And while that has worked out just fine for much of the last two seasons, the increasing clamour for Pogba to be given a regular start has come to Marchisio’s detriment. He was pushed up into an attacking midfield position towards the season’s end in order to make way for the Frenchman, but this clearly cannot be a permanent measure. So what happens now? Do Juve and Antonio Conte stand by their man in the hope that he can continue to turn in the occasional heart-stopping moment, or do they opt for performers of a more consistent nature? It is easy to see why Marchisio is loved at a club like Juventus, whose fans cherish loyalty above almost every other virtue in a footballer – just ask any of the 2006 team, whether they chose to stay or go – but a tipping point could well be coming in the former Empoli loanee’s career. For all of Conte’s bravado relating to Marchisio’s position at the club, a big offer from Monaco could yet test Juventus’ resolve. With a handful of big performances for his country, the No.8 could put any doubts regarding his place in the club, and even the first XI, into retirement. But another collection of scratchy showings may well leave the transfer chiefs thinking hard about the possibility of cashing in. These three weeks with Italy could well represent the most important period of his Juventus career.

Llorente a fan of Higuain Jun 6, 2013 Fernando Llorente believes Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain would make a great teammate at Juventus next season. The Argentine international is of interest to the Italian champions as they look to strengthen for 2013-14. “I don’t know which other players will also arrive in Turin,” the Bosman capture told RTVE. “There is a lot of talk about Higuain. If that deal comes off then I believe he will be a great signing.” The Bianconeri wrapped up a deal for the Spanish international in January after he confirmed that he would not be extending his expiring contract with Athletic Bilbao. “I'm sorry to be leaving Athletic, I do not deny that,” the 28-year-old, who joined Bilbao in 2004, continued. “I did not think that my adventure with this club would end so quickly, in fact I thought that I would be here until the end of my career. “But my future is now at Juventus and I expect a fantastic journey. Their project is important and the team is fantastic. Juventus want to take one step closer to the Champions League. “A lot of the squad are internationals and that underlines the level of the team.” The centre-forward has had a problematic campaign as his decision to leave impacted on the number of appearances he made. Llorente scored just four goals in 26 La Liga appearances in 2012-13.

Italy U-21 suffer Marrone injury Jun 6, 2013 Luca Marrone’s European Under-21 Championship may already be over after the Juventus man suffered an injury in the 1-0 win over England. The midfielder limped out of Wednesday’s opening encounter and an ultra-sound scan has confirmed a strain to his right hamstring. It’s unclear how long the 23-year-old will be out of action for, but the tournament in Israel will end on June 18. This latest injury is a relapse of a recent problem which the youngster has been struggling with.

Bonucci focused on Czech Republic Jun 6, 2013 Italy won’t start thinking about the Confederations Cup until after Friday’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic, says Leonardo Bonucci. This week’s game in Prague is being somewhat overshadowed in the media by transfer rumours and the tournament in Brazil which will be played at the end of this month. “A lot of things are being talked about in these days, but not about our crucial World Cup qualifying game,” the Juventus stopper warned. “The tie in the Czech Republic will be a crossroads for us. “As Coach Cesare Prandelli has stated, we’re thinking about this important step and then from Friday night we’ll think about the Confederations Cup.” Italy will face Brazil, Mexico and Japan in the group stages of the competition – with Uruguay and Spain possible later threats. “It will be an important tournament for us,” added the 26-year-old. “Doing well there will help us forget about the European Championship Final that we lost. “Losing as we did to Spain, 4-0, still hurts.” The Azzurri are top of World Cup qualifying Group B – three points ahead of Bulgaria, five clear of the Czechs and seven in front of Denmark.

Bonucci believes in Euro Juve Jun 5, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci believes a reinforced Juventus will be able to challenge for the Champions League title next season. The Old Lady have won the Scudetto over the last two campaigns, but their European Cup dream ended in the last eight against eventual winners Bayern Munich earlier this year. “The big clubs are all strengthening,” the defender noted. “Even Bayern, who are already very strong, have signed great champions. “But the best team doesn’t always win. Sometimes you just have to be able to take your chances. “This season we met the best team, Bayern, in the last eight, while finalists Borussia Dortmund played Malaga and won at the end with an offside goal. “For the time being, we in Italy need to count on sacrifice, hard work and on ideas. But Juve have a good base, a great Coach and they’ll know how to improve during this transfer session.” Juve are being linked with a host of players, especially in attack, and Bonucci is happy with the names being mentioned. “Stevan Jovetic is a great player, he’s shown at Fiorentina this year that he can make the difference and he would be certainly welcomed if he arrived. “Perhaps we are missing a top player, someone who can decide the game for you in an instant. There were times when, especially against the smaller clubs, we struggled to break the deadlock. “Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain or Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez? More Higuain.” The Bianconeri are also being paired with a move for Torino centre-back Angelo Ogbonna. “I’ve known him for a long time,” the Italian international added. “He’s a good guy and a very good player. “He’s improved a lot over these years and it is only right that Juve are looking at him. If we want to improve we need 23 first team players.” The stopper also expects Claudio Marchisio to remain amid reports that French side Monaco are planning a bid. “He’s a world class player and if he’s wanted then it is because he’s a great champion, but I think it would be hard to get rid of a player who will become a Juve flag-bearer.”

Jovetic more than welcome at Juventus, says Buffon The experienced goalkeeper feels the Montenegro star would help the Serie A champions close the gap to the likes of Bayern Munich. Jun 5, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon says he would welcome Stevan Jovetic with open arms if the striker were to leave Fiorentina for Juventus this summer. The Montenegro international has long been linked with a move to the Serie A champions, although they face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal, and Buffon believes Jovetic would be an excellent signing as the Bianconeri look to compete with the likes of Bayern Munich in Europe next season. "Jovetic? Any player who will help Juventus improve is more than welcome, except a goalkeeper of course...," Buffon told Tuttosport. "We must follow the path we are on and try to improve on our performances from the past few seasons. "It will not be easy to close the gap with the European top clubs, of which Bayern Munich has impressed me the most. "But Italian football has plenty of young talents, both at Juventus and at other clubs. I believe in Juventus' management and don't fear the departure of any champions." The 23-year-old Jovetic has a contract with Fiorentina until June 2016, but could be available for a fee in the region of €25-30 million.

Buffon: Italy in safe hands Jun 5, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon thinks the future of Italian goalkeeping is in safe hands. “There will be no problem when I’m no longer here on international duty.” The Juventus captain is still widely considered as the best custodian on the peninsula, but he is now 35-years-of-age. Asked about his possible successor with the Azzurri, the veteran is convinced that there will be no lack of candidates to fill his gloves. “My successor is the least of problems,” he noted. “We have a large park of goalkeepers with great value. “There is Salvatore Sirigu who has won a championship with Paris Saint-Germain and is emerging at international level. “Lazio’s Federico Marchetti is on that same wave. We shouldn’t forget about Fiorentina’s Emiliano Viviano and then there is Cagliari’s Michael Agazzi who is on his way up. “There is also the new generation which includes the likes of Francesco Bardi, Nicola Leali, Vincenzo Fiorillo, Simone Colombi, there really are many smart ‘keepers coming through. “As a result, I don’t think there will be any kind of problem at all when I am no longer called up into the squad. “Even if I wasn’t playing today then there would be no need to panic.” Buffon has won 127 caps for his country and is now just nine games short of the appearance record held by Fabio Cannavaro.