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AC Milan and Juventus to fight over Manchester City striker Jun 19, 2012 AC Milan and Juventus are locked in a bidding war to sign Carlos Tevez from Manchester City. The Argentinian has long been linked with a move to Italy, and has been linked with Juventus and Milan heavily this summer. Juventus are still on the look-out for a forward, while Milan view Tevez as a player who would be a viable replacement for Robinho. Tuttosport report that Juventus want to pay €12m for the City forward over the course of three years, and that Juve director Beppe Marotta wants to insert Mirko Vucinic in the deal to further reduce the cost. Milannews.it have reported that the Rossoneri have already struck a deal with Tevez and his agent to pay the striker €5.5m a year for three years, but will need to offload a player before they can pay for Tevez. It is thought that Robinho is that player, who is in negotiations with Santos regarding a return to Brazil.

Juve reject Tevez 'war' with Milan Jun 13, 2012 Milan seem closer to Carlos Tevez, as Juventus reportedly insist they won’t get into a bidding war for the Manchester City star. The striker’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, was photographed in Milan today in a meeting with Rossoneri Vice-President Adriano Galliani. “It was a meeting between old friends,” admitted Galliani to the media. Sport Mediaset had claimed Juventus directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici had also met with Joorabchian earlier today. However, Sky Sport Italia suggest Juve did not meet anyone and are in fact irritated at Milan’s intrusion. Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio revealed Bianconeri sources had told him “we won’t take part in a bidding war.” If Milan are to sign Tevez for around €10m, then it’s likely they will use the money from Robinho’s sale to Santos.

Veron: Higuain or Tevez could make the difference for Juventus The former Argentina international feels both of his compatriots could help the Serie A giants close the gap with the European top. Jun 8, 2013 Juan Sebastian Veron believes that Juventus could challenge for the Champions League next season if they strengthen their team with Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain or Manchester City's Carlos Tevez this summer. The Serie A champions are keen to add a high-profile striker to their squad ahead of the 2013-14 campaign and Veron has advised the Turin giants to sign one of his compatriots. "Juventus are already an excellent team, but both Higuain and Tevez are the kind of player they are looking for. They have worn the jerseys of some big teams and have made the difference in important games," Veron told Tuttosport. "They are part of a small group of strikers who can make the difference all by themselves. I think Juventus could win the Champions League if they had a player like Tevez or Higuain. "Just look at the teams that made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Bayern have [Arjen] Robben and [Franck] Ribery, Dortmund have [Robert] Lewandowski and [Mario] Gotze, Barcelona have [Lionel] Messi and [Andres] Iniesta, while Madrid have players like [Cristiano] Ronaldo and Higuain. "Juventus have already given a good account of themselves in Europe this season and things can only get better with Higuain or Tevez." Higuain, 25, has a contract with Madrid until June 2016, but recently stated that he wants to leave the Spanish giants this summer, while Tevez is widely expected to leave City ahead of the new campaign with a contract that runs out in 2014.

Ultimate summer transfer targets: Carlos Tevez Liverpool have entered the race to sign the ever-controversial striker from Manchester City this summer, with Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus also targeting the Argentine. Jun 7, 2013 By Jonathan Birchall If you momentarily put to one side the on-field sniping at Roberto Mancini, the driving disqualification, the 250 hours community service order, the talk of wanting to return to Boca Juniors, the talk of moving to Paris Saint-Germain and the talk of moving to Monaco, Carlos Tevez, with 17 goals in 39 games, has looked quite the player for Manchester City this season. Perhaps Liverpool, who are considering a €8.2 million move for the 29-year-old this summer, are the latest club willing to turn a convenient blind eye to the indiscretions. City aren't. They want rid of Tevez this summer. But with a year remaining on his €233,000-a-week contract - almost double that of any potential deal from the Anfield side - Tevez somehow again holds the aces over another club at which his behaviour has been, at best, jaw-gapingly, head-shakingly brazen. The common consensus at both City and beyond is that it has been far, far worse than that. Not for the first time, Tevez and his representative Kia Joorabchian have left City officials shifting in their seats and scratching their heads. Their options switch between offering the 29-year-old a new contract on similar terms to his current eye-watering deal, accepting a bid for far less than the roughly €28m they paid for him in 2009, or do nothing and lose the forward for no fee at all next summer. And just as was the case on the Allianz Arena bench to which he seemed so oddly attached in September 2011, Tevez is happy to sit still as chaos ensues around him. One more year of €57 steaks at his favourite Manchester restaurant Gaucho, the occasional round of golf with wife Vanessa, no more Mancini to boss him around at the day job and a €11.1m salary under a fellow Spanish-speaker in Manuel Pellegrini would be tolerable to a man who has at times acted as if the word simply doesn’t fall under his vocabulary. Monaco could yet provide a solution to keep all parties happy, after already securing the services of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Ricardo Carvalho, bankrolled by the soon-to-be Ligue 1 outfit’s billionaire owner Dmitry Rybolovlev. Ever the extrovert, Tevez admitted in May that he would “really like” a project like Monaco. Elsewhere, Paris Saint-Germain remain an “interesting option” for the player whom many would say is lucky to even still be on City’s payroll after spending over three months of the 2011-12 season on gardening leave in Buenos Aires, in which he spent more time on his homeland’s golf courses than their football pitches. THE VIEW FROM FRANCE HOCINE HARZOUNE, GOAL FRANCE PSG need a great striker to team him up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the other attackers in the squad have failed to deliver. With both Ezequiel Lavezzi and Kevin Gameiro facing the exit door. After being utterly dependent on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the club know they need to add depth. Tevez could be the perfect solution. As for Monaco, the Ligue 2 champions remain intent on making a statement before the start of next season. Tevez is a big enough name to do that, but neither club can afford to entertain the press with rows and scandals between managers and players like Man City did with Tevez and Mancini, as both try to build their image. Juventus, well aware of the 29-year-old’s delicate contractual situation, have admitted to undergoing informal talks with Tevez’s representatives in recent months, though are said to favour a move for the striker’s compatriot and Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain. Meanwhile, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano are mindful that they must amass around €47m from player sales and wage bill savings if they are to secure their ideal €140m-rated shortlist of six summer targets, headed by the man they see as Tevez’s ideal replacement in Edinson Cavani. €29.5m new boy Fernandinho and Jesus Navas, who is set to be confirmed as a City player this week, have been targeted alongside, Isco, Thiago Alcantara, Diego Novaretti and Cavani by Etihad Stadium officials ahead of the transfer window, with the likes of Edin Dzeko, Javi Garcia and Samir Nasri all being made available to leave the club in the next few months. But Tevez, who is impressed by the arrival of Pellegrini from Malaga, is happy to stay in self-imposed - and let’s not forget lucrative - limbo at City, with Soriano ready to meet with the striker and Joorabchian in the coming weeks to discuss a new deal to keep him at the club and up his value in the face of potential bidders. It is an unhappy, ludicrous marriage of convenience. Tevez doesn’t like Manchester, and Manchester is proving increasingly less fond of him, yet both he and City are set to come together to ensure he remains a valuable asset for his employers, as well as one of the game's best-paid players. You can't help but wonder if he really even cares anymore. So welcome to Manchester and welcome to the world of Carlos Tevez. Quite the player. Quite the problem.

Higuain-Arsenal, Tevez-Juve? Jun 7, 2013 Juventus are closer than ever to Carlos Tevez, especially amid reports Arsenal have agreed a deal with Gonzalo Higuain. The Bianconeri had made it clear they had two primary transfer targets to join Fernando Llorente in attack next season. The first was Real Madrid hitman Higuain, who confirmed he is set to leave the Bernabeu after seven years. However, a report in the Daily Mirror today claims Arsene Wenger already met with his father – who acts as his agent – in Paris to agree personal terms. “Arsenal? They would suit me. I’m still young and I have goals [still in me],” he is quoted as saying. His father Jorge was also interviewed by the Daily Mirror. “Madrid will want to sell. Juventus or Arsenal? I guess he has spoken with them. “The clubs first have to talk to Madrid in direct negotiation. Gonzalo currently has three years left on his contract,” revealed Jorge. The 25-year-old would be available for €22m, which is likely to be above Juve’s preferred price-range, with current wages worth £130,000 per week. It pushes the Turin giants closer to Tevez, as some bookmakers have gone so far as to stop taking bets on the Manchester City forward joining Juve. Higuain was sent off last night against Colombia after a brawl with Napoli's Juan Camilo Zuniga.

Bets stopped on Tevez to Juve Jun 7, 2013 Reports continue to build that Juventus have agreed an £8m deal with Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez. The Argentine international is on the last season of his contract with City and over the past few days several Italian sources have suggested talks are at an advanced stage. Sport Mediaset claimed on Wednesday that Juve had agreed personal terms with the 29-year-old and now certain bookmakers have stopped taking bets on the transfer. It’s believed Tevez has agreed to a four-year contract with wages that will increase with each campaign. However, the Daily Mail insists Liverpool are now showing an interest in the well-travelled forward.

Do Juventus have Tevez deal? Jun 5, 2013 Sport Mediaset are claiming that Juventus have agreed personal terms with Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez. The Argentine is one of three forwards being strongly linked with the Old Lady, alongside Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina. The report suggests that director general Beppe Marotta has convinced the former West Ham and Manchester United player to accept a switch to Turin. Tevez initially wanted an annual salary of €8m, but it is understood that a compromise has been reached. Marotta will now, apparently, conclude a deal with the Premiership side for a forward who is still only 29-years-old. Tevez, also linked with Monaco, is available for transfer as his contract with City is set to expire in June 2014. The South American has netted 74 goals in 148 games for his current club. If Juve really do have a deal for Tevez then they are expected to end their pursuit for Higuain in favour of signing Jovetic.

Juve bid Melo and €5m for Tevez May 29, 2013 Juventus could use Felipe Melo as part of the deal to sign Carlos Tevez from Manchester City. The Bianconeri have stated they want a new centre-forward and negotiations are also on-going with Real Madrid for Gonzalo Higuain. According to Leggo newspaper, Juve have suddenly moved closer to capturing Tevez after discovering they own a player City would like. Felipe Melo has spent the last two seasons on loan with Galatasaray, but the Turkish side does not want to buy him outright. Juventus could therefore add the Brazilian midfielder into the package deal with €5m to take Tevez from Manchester City. This would solve two problems in one fell swoop for the Turin giants, who are otherwise struggling to place Melo.

Juventus director hints at Tevez move Beppe Marotta admits that the Manchester City star would be easier to sign than compatriot Gonzalo Higuain due to the fact that the 29-year-old's contract expires next summer. May 18, 2013 Juventus director Beppe Marotta has suggested that contact has been made with Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez's agent as he outlined the Italian champion's intentions to "reinforce our offensive line". The Argentine forward has scored 11 goals in 33 Premier league games this season but has been strongly linked with a move away amidst serious interest from clubs worldwide, with ambitious French side Monaco currently chasing the striker's signature. Marotta heavily insinsuated that a move for the Argentine could be imminent as he admitted that Tevez would be easier to buy than compratiot and Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain due to the former's soon-to-be expired contract. "Tevez or Higuain? It could be easier to buy Tevez, only for the reason that Carlitos has only one year left of his contract," he told Sky Sports 24. "We haven't talked with City, but sometimes we talk with agents of players. For the next season we want to reinforce our offensive line."

Tevez agent flies in for Juve May 18, 2013 It’s claimed Manchester City star Carlos Tevez has turned down Monaco and his agent is in Italy for talks with Juventus. The Argentine seems set to leave the Premier League at the end of the season, as his contract expires in 2014, and is looking to keep his €10m per season wages. He had been in talks with newly-promoted French club Monaco, who have Claudio Ranieri on the bench, but new reports suggest the deal fell through. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Tevez’s agent Adrian Rouco is already in Italy to discuss a move with Juventus. The Bianconeri would propose a three-year contract worth a total €18m plus performance-related bonuses. He would be the ‘top player’ they are looking for to reinforce the attack and had already been heavily linked with a move to Serie A last year. Manchester City have requested Arturo Vidal as part of the Tevez deal, but Juve have made it clear the Chilean is absolutely not for sale.

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.