Socrates

The reforms Italian football must make to return to the top of Europe The peninsula's final representatives were eliminated from continental competition this week, prompting Juventus coach Antonio Conte to suggest calcio is far from healthy. Apr 14, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer After his Juventus side had been knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday, Antonio Conte was honest and forthright in his assessment of calcio’s place in the European game. “I can’t see an Italian team winning the Champions League in the coming years,” admitted the former Bari and Siena coach. “It makes me laugh when I hear that with just two or three new signings we can win the Champions League. Italian football has come to a standstill and that should be a concern for everyone.” A Juve side arguably better-equipped than the Chelsea outfit which was triumphant on the continent 11 months ago bowed out with their tails between their legs after a 4-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich, but comparisons to the over-achieving English side are misleading. It is the comparative strength of some of Europe’s top clubs which has Conte worried for the future of Italian football. While the Bavarians continue to excel in their push to topple Barcelona and Real Madrid as the game’s powerhouses, German football in general is growing. And while the Premier League continues to attract attention come rain or shine, Serie A is foundering. “When was the last time an Italian team reached the semi-finals?” asked Conte, knowing full well that Lazio’s subsequent failure to overcome Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday leaves the peninsula without representation in a European semi-final for the third successive season, a first for Italian football. “I think everyone has to pull together to try to change things. When I say everyone, I mean the clubs, the supporters, the media and all the institutions,” he continued. And with that statement he hit the nail on the head. For while other leagues continue to prosper despite severe global economic issues, times are hard in Italy’s national game. The Azzurri’s continued good form from Euro 2012 into the ongoing World Cup qualifiers has shown that there is talent at the very top, but the depth, appeal, organisation and marketing is simply not in evidence. And now is the time for action. Italian football must prepare itself for a massive overhaul if it is not to fall even further off the pace in the years to come, and there are many different areas in which improvements must be made. BUILD NEW STADIA, WITH OR WITHOUT LEGGE STADI In October 2009, authorities drafted a law which would aid clubs in the construction of their own stadiums. However, as recently as December 2012, FIGC president Giancarlo Abete warned that “save for miracles, it will remain only a proposal”. At present, only Juventus own their own stadium, with the remaining 19 renting from local bodies for match days. The Bianconeri are the only ones who can take advantage of the financial boon of collecting all gate receipts, hosting concerts and other such events which can be staged during each week. Currently, the Legge Stadi remains tied up in red tape. “It is a typical Italian story,” Abete explained. “New buildings are needed, but if the law doesn’t go through we will just have to forget about it.” The change of law, which would force councils to make a judgement on a stadium planning application within 90 days, is desperately needed by Italian football. But there are ways of getting around it should there be no redrawing of the lines. As happened when Juve knocked down the old Stadio delle Alpi and constructed Juventus Stadium, it is permitted for new stadia to be built on existing sites. This should prompt clubs to follow a similar pattern. There is nothing to stop boards making the decision to buy the land of their ground from the local council and then putting plans in place to build a new stadium on the site. Clubs could either play at a nearby Serie A ground for the duration of the work or build the new structure in two phases to allow football to continue throughout. While it is not an ideal scenario, and may not resolve problems for the Milanese and Roman clubs who share their homes, it sure beats standing still. For as long as there is no change to the status quo, calcio is falling further behind, grounds are becoming even older and more decrepit, and clubs simply cannot make money from matchday revenue. Until a new law is finally passed, it remains about the only option left open to clubs, and as such needs to be taken seriously. STOP BURYING BAD NEWS It is an all too regular occurrence in Italian football for people to want to overlook issues within the game. Whether that be the widespread ignorance of racist behaviour from supporters (this writer has witnessed on several occasions very noticeable chanting which has been completely passed over by the media and authorities), the continuation of poor results on the field, or the lenient sentences for match-fixing, there is a very real need to start taking such problems seriously. Attention needs to be drawn to these issues if they are ever to go away, with the practice of allowing them to go on almost forgotten in the background adding fuel to the fire of the problems. When the Calcioscommesse scandal broke in the summer of 2011, it was Italian football’s chance to show that it really wanted to get to the root of the problem of match-fixing in the country’s pastime. Instead, the news soon moved from page one to page 17 or 25, and before long it was being explained away as a largely misunderstood sequence of events. Players, agents and others implicated in the scandal sat out short suspensions for the most part, and many of them are back doing their jobs once more. Bans should have been far longer, if not permanent, in order to send a message that calcio will not stand for match-fixing. Similarly, results in Europe cannot continually just be accepted and passed off as the result of clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain having been injected with foreign cash. Instead, there should be deep inquests into the elimination of every single Italian club from Europe. Hopefully, on this point at the very least, Antonio Conte’s words will be heeded. But the trend has not been thus in calcio of late. Bad news has instead been buried, and the practice has to stop if people are ever going to feel the pressure to push the country’s football forward. FAVOUR EUROPA LEAGUE CLUBS MORE Uefa are not going to change their mind. As brain-dead as the current country coefficients clearly are, they are here to stay. So now it is up to Italian football to do whatever possible to help clubs who represent the country on foreign shores. A system which dictates that Europa League semi-finalists Benfica have so far this season gained the same number of coefficient points as Juventus, despite them failing in the Champions League group stages, needs reforming. But it will not be. Instead, calcio needs to come to terms with the fact that the Europa League needs greater attention if Italy are to hold on to their third Champions League place, let alone regain the fourth place lost to Germany in recent years. At present, there is little at stake for clubs who play in the little sister competition, with minimal prize money offered and at least 17 games needing to be negotiated in order to win the trophy. It seems to many in the Italian game that the number of injuries suffered can sometimes be greater than the proceeds in Euros a decent run on Thursday nights can provide. However, calcio needs to offer greater incentives to clubs who do more to gain coefficient points for their country. Prize money from Serie A should be weighted towards those who go further in the Champions League and Europa League rather than simply on league finishes in order for clubs to take their Thursday football more seriously. There is currently only €5 million available to the Europa League winners, but if Italian authorities agree to offer independent financial incentives to clubs who progress into the latter stages of the tournament, perhaps the likes of Udinese, Napoli, Sampdoria, Genoa, Palermo etc. will place greater stock in their hopes of going further on the continent the next time they are representing Italy. Until such a system is considered, clubs will continue to put their own targets of Champions League qualification or Serie A respectability a long way above the Europa League in their list of priorities. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF TEAMS IN SERIE A It was not really a decision made for the wider benefit of Italian football when Serie A was expanded to contain 20 teams back in 2004, but rather a misjudged reaction to the Caso Catania as calcio looked for a way to alleviate the issues growing in an expanded Serie B. Nine years on, it is fair to say the expansion of the top flight has not really worked. Yes, teams have two extra home games from which to make money, but it is not as though they are coining it in to the tune of millions. And in other regards the 20-team format has many downsides. Too often come the latter weeks of each season there are too large a number of teams with nothing to play for, and the tendency is for those already safe to go through the motions in the final weeks of the campaign. Bologna’s reaction to reaching 40 points with eight games to play in 2010-11 was to take the final two months off. They collected just two points from their remaining matches, scoring two goals and conceding 15, and finished just two places above the drop zone. And that case is typical. But it also damages the integrity of the sport, too. While Bologna played both Milan and Napoli in their run-in, losing to both, they had already taken on Inter twice, meaning that the three-way title race was partly conditioned by the calendar. Yes, that can be said of the schedule in almost all countries, but given the Italian trait of not caring too much once your destiny is fixed exaggerates the issue in Serie A. Therefore, there needs to be greater competition for longer. Serie A should return to being an 18-team league. In each club’s 34 games there would be that bit more urgency for points, such as there is in the thriving Bundesliga. The tendency to believe that bigger is better doesn’t really apply. If Italian football is to become more appealing to the masses, it will not suffer for the loss of a couple of provincial clubs from the top flight. STAGGER KICK-OFF TIMES The growing world market has helped to ensure that the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga receive more attention than ever before, and it is high time Serie A got a piece of the action. With football TV audiences growing by the day in Asia, the Lega Calcio have made note of the appeal but have so far not gone far enough in cashing in. The Supercoppa Italiana was taken to Beijing for three years and one Serie A fixture was moved to 12:30CET each week in a bid to win over fans in the Far East who may otherwise be drawn to English and Spanish football. But that has not gone quite far enough, especially considering some of the third-rate match-ups rescheduled for the lunchtime appointment over the course of the season. Inter and Juventus have each played in the early slot only twice so far in 2012-13, while Milan’s trip to Fiorentina last week was their first such fixture. If Italy is serious about drawing an audience from Asia, then staggering kick-off times has to be considered. Given that every game is televised on the peninsula, there is little chance of affecting either attendances or viewing figures too much at home by moving more games to the early afternoon for the benefit of those abroad. In the format suggested here for an 18-team league, a Sunday triple-header of three of the weekend’s more appealing fixtures could be played at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00CET, allowing Asian audiences to watch Serie A’s best clubs battle it out before bedtime. Meanwhile, there would be the opportunity to have Champions League sides play games on Friday nights (replacing the Monday slot for that week) and Saturday afternoons ahead of European appointments, while Italian audiences would also be catered for with three evening games. While a completely staggered fixture list may not sit well with traditionalists, it is vital that there is more than a cursory nod given towards attracting what is a huge foreign market. For instance, this Sunday for potential Italian football fans in Tokyo there is the appetite-whetting clash between Palermo and Bologna at 19:30 in the evening, while Milan-Napoli kicks off at 03:45 in the morning. That in itself is a great example of why calcio doesn't help itself sometimes.

Lippi: 'Not a good sign' Apr 13, 2013 Marcello Lippi celebrated his 65th birthday in China and cast his eye over the Italian football scene. “The clubs aren’t doing as well as the Nazionale.” The 2006 World Cup winner is now Coach of club side Guangzhou Evergrande and to mark his birthday on Friday spoke to RaiSport. “I am happy in China. As for the future, we’ll see,” said Lippi. “It’s a bad sign for Italian football that none of the teams got past the quarter-finals this season. It reflects the economic situation too, as the top European clubs have very different options on the transfer market. “The Italy squad is in great shape, but that is a different matter altogether. They are close to qualifying for the World Cup and have a good future ahead of them, but the clubs aren’t doing as well as the Nazionale.”

Marotta: No Italian Champions League winner for 'years to come' The Bianconeri director believes his side's defeat by Bayern Munich has underlined just how far they have fallen behind Europe's elite. Apr 12, 2013 Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that he cannot foresee a Serie A side winning the Champions League for "many years to come". The Bianconeri reached the quarter-finals of this years competition but were thoroughly outclassed during both legs of a 4-0 aggregate defeat by Bayern Munich. Marotta believes that the games clearly illustrated just how far Italy's finest have fallen behind Europe's top clubs in recent years. "It's time in which you have to work with what you have," the 56-year-old told Tuttosport. "At this moment, I do not see any prospect of victory for an Italian team in the Champions League for many years to come. "We can not do any more work than we are currently doing: I think the car is moving at full throttle! "The problem is that Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, [Manchester] United and [Manchester] City are economic superpowers, with revenues and budgets of €450 million. "From this point of view I think that society is moving in an important way: the fact that we built the stadium shows that we are moving 360 degrees. "But, I repeat, it takes patience."

Chiellini to miss two weeks Apr 12, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini is set to miss the next two weeks after over-stretching during Juventus' training session this afternoon. The defender has complained of soreness in his knee, with reports suggesting that there could be come collateral ligament damage. It means the centre-back will definitely miss the match against Lazio this Sunday, and will more than likely be sidelined for the game with Milan next weekend. The 28-year-old will undergo further examinations in the coming days.

Juve require time and money Apr 12, 2013 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has underlined that it will take time and money to triumph in the Champions League. The Old Lady were knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage in midweek after a heavy 4-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich. “The theory that Juventus fans will, for at least three or four years, have to just be content with winning in Italy is right,” the club official told Tuttosport. “Let us not forget that we are at the beginning of a new cycle,” he added. “If you look at our squad from three years ago, there are just four of the old guard remaining – Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Paolo De Ceglie and Claudio Marchisio. “Time is required for Juventus to return to its former glory.” Marotta also underlined how important the economic aspect is when it comes to winning on the field of play. “A lot has changed in terms of finances over the last 10 years,” he continued. “Italian clubs were once leaders in revenue, but now our game is much weaker. “We’ve just finished our Champions League adventure and we’ve understood that we will need time and money to cut the gap between ourselves and the big European teams. “But time is synonymous with work and self-sacrifice, exactly what boss Antonio Conte is doing.”

Barzagli hails Euro Juventus Apr 12, 2013 Andrea Barzagli is classing Juventus’ Champions League campaign as a success despite their 4-0 aggregate loss against Bayern Munich. The Old Lady were knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage on Wednesday after failing to turn around a 2-0 first leg reverse. “I think we deserve an eight out of 10,” the centre-back told Tuttosport on Friday. “That’s what I would give us for our Champions League efforts. “Who would have thought that we would have got to the last eight at the start of the season? “Some are talking about our double loss, about our worst losses in these years, but you can’t ignore the fact that we had a battleship like Bayern Munich in front of us. “Bayern are a better team who have exceptional individual players at their disposal.” Barzagli was asked for his opinion on the claim that Juventus will struggle to compete because they don’t have the necessary transfer market finances. “These are issues for the club to discuss,” he stated. “We players just have to think about giving our all on the field of play.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 Juventus must build on Champions League experience, says Buffon The 35-year-old has reflected on the Bianconeri's elimination from Europe and is satisfied with the progress the club has made. Apr 11, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says the club must build upon their Champions League experience this season. The Bianconeri bowed out to Bayern Munich at the quarter-final stage on Wednesday, with the Bavarians running out 4-0 winners over the two legs. The Italy keeper remains upbeat about their European campaign, but admits there is work to be done next term. He told reporters: " We are among the top eight teams in Europe, that is a fact, and that is where we must start to improve again." The 35-year-old also revealed his delight with the support the Bianconeri received from supporters after the final whistle at Juventus Stadium. He continued: They were just amazing, the fans gave us extraordinary help, and the final applause was very nice, we were pleased, despite the disappointment of elimination. "The fans have realised that we have done the very best we could have done."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 Marotta: There's a gap between Italian football and other countries The Bianconeri director was left frustrated with the difference in class between his side and Bayern, but was pleased with their European campaign. Apr 11, 2013 Giuseppe Marotta believes Juventus' Champions League quarter-final loss against Bayern Munich was further proof that Italian clubs are not in a position to challenge the European top teams. The Serie A champions were beaten 2-0 in Wednesday's return in Turin after previously losing the first leg by the same scoreline, and Marotta feels there is a big gap between Italian football and the game in other countries. "Unfortunately, there is currently a gap between football in Italy and other countries," Juve's general director was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "Just look at Bayern, they had double the turnover of any Italian team. It’s impossible for us to spend €40 million on players at the moment. We know we have to grow and improve, and we’ll work towards that." Nevertheless, Marotta was pleased with Juventus' performances in Europe this campaign. "This new management only took over in 2010, so we would have happily settled for being in the Champions League quarter-finals and playing against a great team like Bayern," he continued. "It’s been an important experience for us, so the thanks of the entire club goes to Antonio Conte and his team."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 'Juventus have a lot of work to do' - Conte The 43-year-old has stated that the Old Lady cannot compete with the elite just yet and has urged his team to shift their attention to Serie A again. Apr 11, 2013 Antonio Conte has admitted that Juventus still have a long way to go before they can measure themselves with the European elite following their Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich. The Bianconeri crashed out of European football this season on Wednesday with a 2-0 home loss after previously being defeated in the first leg 2-0. Conte feels Bayern are simply too good for Juventus at this stage and, with Pep Guardiola set to take the reins in the summer, he predicted that the next few seasons could see the Bavarians dominate on the continent. "We have a lot of work to do, we already knew that. In any case, I congratulated my players because what we have done in the last 18 months is amazing," Conte said at a press conference. "Nobody likes to lose, but you have to admit it when you face a team that is so stronger than you. They have played two finals in the last three years, so we knew there was a big gap between them and us. "Bayern are really strong, individually and collectively, they can do wonderful things and they fight for every ball. It's tough to play against them and we did everything we could. We just have to admit they're better than us. "I don't think we could have done anything more and the way the fans reacted at the end proves it. Bayern will be one of the best teams in Europe for many years to come." Conte then went on to urge his men to turn their focus to Serie A again as they are looking to retain the Scudetto. "We woke up from our dream - now we have to focus on the league again, and fast, because we want to win our second Scudetto in a row which would be a great achievement." Juve currently hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli in the Italian top tier.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 Heynckes: Bayern too sloppy early on The experienced coach feels the Roten lacked focus in the opening stages of the game and has set his sights on more silverware this season. Apr 11, 2013 Jupp Heynckes feels that Bayern Munich were too sloppy in the opening stages of Wednesday's Champions League match versus Juventus, but was pleased with the way they responded after the interval as the Bavarians eventually recorded a 2-0 away win (4-0 aggregate). Bayern initially struggled against the Serie A leaders as they seemed to lack focus but they dominated proceedings in the second half after making a number of tactical changes. "It's not easy for players to be fully focused on a game after you've won the league just four days before," he told reporters at the post-match press conference. "That appeared to be the case in the first 20 minutes when we often lost possession too easily and weren't fluent in our game going forward, but slowly we took control of the match and improved a lot in the second half. "We discussed a few tactical matters at half-time. The tactical organisation had to improve and that's what happened in the second half. In the end we fully deserved the win." Bayern have received their fair share of praise so far this season, yet Heynckes has stressed that they are not getting carried away as they are desperate to win more silverware after clinching the Bundesliga title at the weekend. "We have received a lot of praise in the last few weeks. The positive aspect of this is that we recognised the praise but never let it influence our performances," he added. "We are having a very good season with some fantastic displays. We are Bundesliga champions, but we still have other goals. We will see if we are on the same level as Madrid or Barcelona." The draw for the semi-finals takes place in Nyon on Friday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 What Juventus must do to challenge for the Champions League next season The Bianconeri were outplayed by Bayern Munich in their quarter final but, with the right additions and adjustments, they can catch the Germans, Barcelona and Madrid. Apr 11, 2013 COMMENT By Carlo Garganese Losing to Bayern Munich is nothing to be ashamed of. The newly-crowned German champions have reached the Champions League final twice in the last three editions, boast numerous world class players - both young and experienced - and have comfortably been Europe's best team this season. In the aftermath of Juventus' emphatic 4-0 aggregate defeat on Wednesday night, coach Antonio Conte even suggested that this may be the "best Bayern team of all-time". Barring another mental collapse, die Roten will probably win the Champions League in May. When you consider where Juventus were just two years ago - set to finish seventh in Serie A for a second successive campaign - and where they have come from following their crushing Calciopoli-enforced relegation to Serie B in 2006, it is something of a miracle that the Bianconeri are already mingling with the continent's elite once again. Some would argue that, given their relative financial resources, Juventus have no right to be challenging Europe's three strongest teams, all of whom take their place in Friday's Champions League semi-final draw in Nyon - Bayern, Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Bavarians alone earned €128 million more than Juve in the last year. Madrid passed the €500m revenue mark in recently topping Deloitte's Money League for an eighth successive season. Barcelona were in second place with €483m, with Juventus down in tenth with 'just' €195.4m. 'JUVE WILL HAVE €35-40M TO SPEND' THE BIANCONERI'S SUMMER TRANSFER PLANS "This summer Juventus are likely to have €35-40m to spend, but this figure can be increased by selling the likes of Felipe Melo, Reto Ziegler and Jorge Martinez. Juventus have two key positions they wish to strengthen: a centre-back who can act as a vice-Giorgio Chiellini and a centre forward. Conte's preference for the former role is Torino's Angelo Ogbonna. The current options in attack are Porto's Jackson Martinez, Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez and Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic. Juve will buy out the remaining half of Kwadwo Asamoah's contract from Udinese and will explore a financially-viable way of doing the same for Mauricio Isla. In January, Giuseppe Marotta laid the foundations for signing Sampdoria's Andrea Poli. Sassuolo starlet Gaetano Berardi, 18, is also a possible acquisition. In terms of outgoing players, contrary to reports, Vidal has not been offered to clubs and is not on the market but the presence of Pogba means that this is a situation worth monitoring. With the arrival of Fernando Llorente, one of Fabio Quagliarella or Alessandro Matri should depart. Paolo De Ceglie's future is also uncertain." Romeo Agresti | Juve Correspondent, Goal.com Italy But this doesn't mean that Juventus can't maintain their phenomenal progress, especially as their new economic and sporting structure - with their own stadium - is already reaping rewards. Coach Antonio Conte, director general Giuseppe Marotta and president Andrea Agnelli are not miles away from constructing a Champions League-winning outfit. The jigsaw is missing a few pieces, but with a few smart moves it can be completed. Most importantly, Juventus must not fail in the summer transfer market. Last pre-season, the Bianconeri splashed out €53m on new players - more than Barca and Madrid - but, while their outlay strengthened the squad and secured some promising youngsters such as the potentially world-class Paul Pogba, there was no significant improvement of the first team that had cruised to the 2011-12 Scudetto unbeaten. This summer, Juventus must throw all of their budget at one or two top class individuals. The Rafa Benitez philosophy of buying five good players instead of two great ones does not work at big clubs. In terms of solidity and organisation, Juventus are the equal of anyone but what is missing is star quality in the final third; quality that Bayern have in spades through Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Muller. A world-class attacker who can beat opponents, such as the previously-linked Luis Suarez, is a necessity - even if it means paying slightly over the odds. But in order to finance Suarez-like operations, Juventus must not sacrifice Arturo Vidal. The sale of the Chilean is not impossible right now, with the thinking in some circles that Pogba is a more-than-able replacement. But selling Vidal would be suicide. The 26-year-old is the world's best ball-winner - executing the most tackles in the whole of Europe last season, and the most in the Champions League group stages. Andrea Pirlo turns 34 in May and despite his unique playing style is approaching the end of his career. To win the Champions League, though, you don't just need top class players but also a top class coach. Antonio Conte has been a revelation since taking charge in May 2011. His leadership and motivational qualities are Jose Mourinho-like, with his iconic video at Vinovo demanding his troops "spit blood" perfectly typifying his coaching style. But there are still question marks over Conte's tactical ability, an attribute that is so important in Europe. In tight knockout games, outthinking your opponent strategically and making the right substitution is often the difference between success and failure. A key reason for Manchester City's Champions League shortcomings is Roberto Mancini's tactical debility. The same goes for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. In Munich, Conte failed to be proactive or even reactive in dealing with Bayern's pressing and dominance in wide areas and waited until Bayern were 2-0 up before finally making a substitution. It is too early to write Conte off tactically, but this is an area of football that you can't really teach - you either have a natural grasp for tactics or you don't. In this respect, it may benefit Conte to employ a right-hand man who can bring this expertise to the Juventus bench. Current assistant Angelo Alessio may not be that man. As well as contemplating whether 3-5-2 is the ideal formation going forwards, Conte must learn to rotate his squad better and rest key players ahead of big Champions League games. Ten of the team who started in Munich took to the field at San Siro against Inter three days earlier. With Juventus nine points clear at the top of Serie A - and the Scudetto practically a certainty - Conte should have been smarter. If the Bianconeri want to win the Champions League then they may need to make some sacrifices in Serie A. Unlike Juve, Bayern are in prime physical condition for the business end of the season because they have spent the last month or so resting key players in domestic matches. Ultimately, Juventus will also need the gods on their side. Despite being outplayed, Bayern's two goals in Munich emanated from a freak deflection and an offside. Almost every team that has won the European Cup has ridden their luck at some point of the competition, the most obvious example being Chelsea last year. Franz Beckenbauer's Bayern deserved to lose all three of their consecutive finals from 1974-1976. Arrigo Sacchi's AC Milan class of '89 - perhaps the greatest club team of all time - were losing 2-1 on aggregate at Red Star Belgrade and down to nine men in their second round second leg when the game was abandoned due to fog with just over half an hour to go. Milan won the replay on penalties. Juventus fans will naturally be disappointed after their elimination on Wednesday night, especially as they did not show their true colours in the tie, but this outfit is not far away from the summit. With a good transfer market, some tactical tinkering and a bit of luck, the Old Lady can certainly challenge for the 2013-14 European crown.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 Brilliant Bayern show why the Champions League is theirs to lose Die Roten overcame Juventus with minimal fuss on Wednesday to record a second victory against the Italian champions, giving further evidence of their growing superiority in Europe. Apr 11, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes There was a palpable feeling of inevitability as Mario Mandzukic slotted home Bayern Munich’s killer first away goal against Juventus on Wednesday night. They had simply been the best team on the night just as they were eight days earlier at the Allianz Arena, proving worthy 2-0 winners in both legs. And if the oft-used phrase ‘the best team won’ is to be uttered at Wembley on May 25, then surely it will be die Roten lifting the Champions League trophy aloft. Over the last two midweeks, the Bavarian giants have once more shown everybody that they are the best team in Europe right now and must surely be considered as the favourites to win this season’s competition. Yes, they have fallen at the final hurdle with regularity in recent times - with defeats in 2010 and particularly 2012 hitting them right where it hurts - but, just as they have blown away the opposition in the Bundesliga this term, they are primed to deliver on the continent as well. Many observers are too quick to automatically install Barcelona as favourites simply because they are still in the competition but, just as was the case 12 months ago, the Blaugranahave shown significant frailties of late that most are willing to overlook simply because Lionel Messi wears blue and red. Yet those same critics are all-too-willing to rule out Bayern as serious front-runners because of nothing more than the events of years gone by. Very few give credence to the idea that the German champions may simply be more driven and more determined as a result of last season’s final defeat to Chelsea, as well as the participation of many of their players in Germany’s no-show against Italy in the Euro 2012 semi-final which followed soon after. Hard evidence tells us that Bayern are the continent’s most in-form side. While the more pragmatic Real Madrid are shaping up for a serious run at La Decima, it is die Roten who truly have the team to fear. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and a backline including the likes of Philipp Lahm, Dante and David Alaba will be difficult for even Messi to contemplate breaching, especially given the support and direction ahead of them which dictates that Bayern spend little of their time without the ball in most games. In possession, they are frightening, showing an ability to play at high speed for long periods. With the industry and artistry of Javi Martinez and Bastian Schweinsteiger feeding the forever-threatening front four, consisting at various times of top quality players like Mandzukic, Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Franck Ribery, Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben, they are simply the most formidable all-round unit in the European game as it stands. The fear is that they will not get the praise they deserve for just how good they are unless they are triumphant in north-west London in six weeks’ time. If they fail again, they will simply be written off as the lovable, laughable nearly-men that some critics are too quick to want to label them as. But the reality is very different and if a fifth Champions League triumph is what it takes for them to receive the headlines that they have earned with their magnificent football this term let us all hope that is what they achieve. In realistic terms, it is now Bayern’s trophy to lose.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 Buffon: Bayern on another level to Juve The experienced goalkeeper has no regrets as he has stressed the Bianconeri gave it their all but simply lacked the experience to trouble the Bavarians. Apr 11, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Bayern Munich were simply too strong for Juventus in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Serie A champions were beaten 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday after previously losing the first leg 2-0 and Buffon feels the Bundesliga giants were on another tier of quality. "I thought we could have played at their same level tonight but Bayern proved I was wrong. I think they can win the Champions League," Buffon was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website. "The dream is over tonight. We tried to play our game, we have no regrets, we did the best we could. Unfortunately it was not enough because we faced a team that, from every point of view, are better than us. "They were in better shape, they played better, they have more experience - they're just better than us. We have to improve and grow up, the big difference between them and us is experience: they have played together for a few years and went far in Europe in the last few seasons. "I knew they were strong but, to be honest, I did not think they were that strong. I was even more impressed tonight [Wednesday] than in Munich. Because in the first leg we did not give our all, but tonight we did; still, there was nothing we could do."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Beckenbauer makes Buffon U-turn Apr 11, 2013 Franz Beckenbauer insists he was wrong to describe Juventus' Gigi Buffon as a pensioner. “He’s still one of the best goalkeepers in the world.” The German legend criticised the 35-year-old after his showing in the Champions League first leg defeat at Bayern Munich. However, the Honorary Bayern President has now admitted that he should not have said what he did about the Italian international. “I retract my words,” Beckenbauer stated after last night’s second leg tie which also ended 2-0 in his club’s favour. “When you are live on television then you can say foolish things. But I was just referring to the two goals that he conceded in Munich, especially the first, and not his career. “I tried to be ironic, saying that Alaba shot from 120 metres away, but the joke was not understood. Unfortunately you can’t cancel out words spoken on television. “Buffon is no longer a kid, but he remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world.” Buffon last night insisted that he wasn’t particularly bothered by Beckenbauer’s criticism. “My father was harsher,” he smiled.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Heynckes still rates Juventus Apr 11, 2013 Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes has praised the ability of Juventus despite their comfortable 4-0 aggregate victory over the Old Lady. The German giants booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday by collecting another 2-0 win, this time in Turin. “We’re in the last four after beating a side of the highest level,” he insisted. “And I am sure that my players really enjoyed themselves in this stadium. “It is a beautiful theatre for a great spectacle like a game of football.” Juve started the second leg well, but Bayern kept them out and struck them down with two second half goals. “It's not easy for players to be fully focused on a game after you've won the League just four days before,” he added. “That appeared to be the case in the first 20 minutes when we often lost possession too easily and weren't fluent in our game going forward. “However, we slowly took control of the match and improved a lot in the second half. In the end we fully deserved the win. “We discussed a few tactical matters at half-time. The tactical organisation had to improve and that's what happened in the second half.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ ‘Bayern Munich are best in Europe’ Apr 11, 2013 Roberto Bettega and Gianluca Vialli believe that former club Juventus were knocked out by the best side in the Champions League. The Old Lady exited the European Cup on Wednesday against a Bayern Munich team who, after winning the first leg 2-0, won by the same scoreline in Turin. “The best side won,” Vialli, who lifted the trophy with the Old Lady in 1996, commented. “Bayern have been the strongest side on the continent for two years now. “They have some young players, but they are used to playing in these games. This German side is solid and complete. “But Juventus have now understood what is needed to arrive at the highest levels, they require a leader in attack.” Bettega, an ex-striker and club official, said: “Juventus were faced with the best in the competition, better even than Real Madrid and Barcelona. “Having conceded the first goal tonight, the light went out for Juventus. At that point there was no longer the necessary reaction to combat Bayern.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Robben: 'Juve a terrific team' Apr 10, 2013 Arjen Robben warns Bayern Munich’s achievements in knocking Juventus out should not be underestimated. “They are a terrific team.” The German side swept through to the Champions League semi-final by winning both legs 2-0, home and away. “If you win 2-0 away against Juventus it is an amazing result,” Robben told uefa.com. “They are a terrific team, the best in Italy, who are very strong at the back. It was a great performance from us. “We knew we had won the Bundesliga already so now we can focus on the Champions League. We also have a German Cup semi-final coming up so we are in some big games.” The semi-finalists are Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Real Madrid. “We'd like to be kept apart from Dortmund, but you don’t have a choice in these things. What comes comes. They are big games, the semi-finals, featuring four great teams. It's nice to be there.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Pogba: 'We did all we could' Apr 10, 2013 Paul Pogba could only take his hat off to Bayern Munich after they knocked Juventus out of the Champions League. The German giants won both quarter-final legs 2-0 to go through. “There was nothing we could do against them. They are a great team, they’re stronger than us and we saw that over these two games,” the French midfielder told uefa.com. “I’m happy with our efforts but we played against a better team, with more experience. We hope to be ready for next time. “We would have liked to score early but they didn’t let us, they played a great game, so there was nothing we could do, especially after they managed to score.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Buffon: 'Bayern surprised me' Apr 10, 2013 Gigi Buffon admits he “didn’t expect Bayern to be this good” and revealed his father was harsher on him than Franz Beckenbauer. “If we had regrets after the first leg at not playing our best game, me especially, we were curious to see what the real difference was between us and the elite of European football. In all honesty, they have something more,” Buffon told Mediaset after a 2-0 home defeat. “If the target is Bayern Munich, then I don’t know what we need to reach them, as they have everything it takes to win this tournament. They have great technique, physicality, quick thinking, experience and have been together for a long time. “All these qualities mean they deserved to win, but I will candidly admit I didn’t expect them to be this good. We were concerned, but I was convinced we could play on a par with anyone in the quarter-final draw. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as they showed they were superior. “I want to underline the attitude of the Juventus fans was wonderful, as they showed how sporting and intelligent they are to appreciate the efforts. What we put on the field was the most we could do right now and we thank them for their support. Beckenbauer caused outrage after the first leg when he said Buffon “looked like a pensioner” in Munich. “Many asked me why I didn’t answer in stronger terms, but at the end of the day I didn’t take it as an insult. It was a comment, one that was probably avoidable, but it was a joke and one that can be understood. At times we footballers take ourselves a bit too seriously. “My father asked me after the game if I was drunk, so I think he was harsher than Beckenbauer! I honestly don’t get upset, because I know what my career has been and how well I’ve been doing over the past two years. I got it wrong in Munich, but that can happen – we are not infallible. “Seeing Bayern’s superiority over both legs, maybe it was better that we made those mistakes then, as we will avoid doing the same in a more balanced tie.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Conte: 'We woke up from the dream' Apr 10, 2013 Antonio Conte concedes Juventus “woke up from a wonderful dream, but are still in Europe’s top eight teams” after their Champions League exit. The Bianconeri were unable to recover from the 2-0 first leg defeat and lost 1-0 in Turin too against last season’s beaten Finalists Bayern Munich. “I think that the best team went through, which they proved in both legs. This side has been working together for a long time and always reaches the latter stages. They were created to win, so I don’t think it’s absurd to say this is the best Bayern team of all time. “They are all very physical, work very hard and do so with quality. In football you have to be honest and tip your hat when you find stronger teams,” the Coach told Mediaset. “This was an opportunity for us and we were basically newcomers to the Champions League after so many years out. We reached the quarter-finals, which in my view was something extraordinary. “Now we know there is a long and pretty hard road to go on. That shouldn’t scare us, but it should help us keep our feet on the ground and not hear some talking about the Treble in pre-season. Those who say things like that have clearly never won anything in their lives.” “When we were paired with Bayern, I said this was an opportunity for us to face an extremely strong side and understand the gap that separated us from the superpowers. “What I liked the most was the attitude of the fans today, as they recognised what these lads have been doing. The applause at the final whistle was what the lads deserved, as they gave everything, but at times 110 per cent is not enough. I am very proud of the Juventus fans.” The Bianconeri were certainly more aggressive than in the first leg and tried to counter-act Bayern’s pressing game, but the result was the same. “It is inevitable when facing a side with the quality of Robben, Ribery, Mandzukic or Muller, they do not feel panicked under pressing and do not give the ball away. They welcome double-marking, as they can go past two in one go. “We achieved a miracle last season by winning the Scudetto, so hopefully next year we can do something more in Europe, which would mean reaching the semi-final or Final – not to be sniffed at! “I complimented the players and will be always grateful to them for the extraordinary things they have achieved in the last two years. We woke up from a wonderful dream, but are still in the top eight sides in Europe. “We have something real to focus on now, as the Scudetto is there and we have to earn it.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Barzagli: 'Bayern are stronger' Apr 10, 2013 Andrea Barzagli admits “Bayern Munich proved they are stronger than Juventus, but we can work hard to reach their level.” The Bianconeri crashed out of the Champions League quarter-finals 4-0 on aggregate, losing both legs 2-0 to last season’s beaten Finalists. “We certainly played better than the first leg, but Bayern proved they are a very strong side and one stronger than us,” Barzagli told Mediaset. “We need to improve in order to reach their level and maybe by working hard we can get there. “This was our first Champions League in many years, for some of us the first full stop. Bayern have been at this level for five or six years, but we are just dipping our toes in. “We played with great fans and we thank them for supporting us. Now we have to end the season well. “It’s a shame we were unable to give them something to celebrate, but it was wonderful to receive applause even after a defeat.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Marotta: 'Gap is economic' Apr 10, 2013 The German side won 2-0 in both legs to reach the Champions League semi-final. “Over the 180 minutes they were superior, but it was not just because of this season,” Marotta told Mediaset. “Bayern have reached the Champions League Final three times recently and won the German League with six rounds to spare. “There was definitely a gap, that was clear, but the German clubs are at a more advanced stage in the rebuilding process. We are following their example. “The economic factor also decides the transfer strategy. Today we have clubs like Bayern who double the revenue of Italian sides like Milan, Inter or Juventus. Of course they can buy just one player for €40m, whereas Italian clubs have to band together with three or four to raise that sum. “Juventus are starting on that road with a new stadium, but the other Serie A clubs still have that handicap.” Juventus are the only Serie A side to own their stadium, as red tape continues to make it impossible for other teams. “It is very simple, as Italian sides have almost 70% of their revenue from TV rights, whereas the German clubs split between TV rights, commercial rights and the stadiums. It’s clear in Italy that there is a lack of stadiums that can be owned by the clubs to boost income. “I thank our squad, as we started this new era two and a half years ago, when we never imagined we’d be in the Champions League quarter-finals against a huge superpower like Bayern. “We are still working and do not have the quality needed as yet to be in that group of superpowers. Unfortunately, right now the Italian clubs are far behind in purely economic terms, which therefore affects the transfer potential.” Marotta was asked whether Juventus will finally invest in the so-called ‘top player’ over the summer? “This is not the right time to make promises. Further on, when we know the Scudetto result, then we can evaluate what needs to be done.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823‎ Mandzukic hails Bayern 'calm' Apr 10, 2013 Mario Mandzukic praised Bayern Munich for staying calm “with the atmosphere” at the Juventus Stadium tonight. The Croatian international scored the opening goal in Bayern’s 2-0 victory, sending them through to the Champions League semi-final 4-0 on aggregate. “We knew that it would be a difficult game today especially with the atmosphere in the stadium,” Mandzukic told UEFA.com. “It wasn't easy, but we had to stay calm and wait for a goal. Reaching the next round was the main objective obviously, but I'm also very happy about having scored tonight.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 Barzagli: Bayern proved they are stronger than Juventus The Bianconeri defender admits that the Bundesliga champions were worthy winners over the two legs and hopes his side can become more of a force in Europe next season. Apr 10, 2013 Andrea Barzagli admits that Juventus were second-best after the Italian side were defeated 2-0 at home by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final second leg, ultimately ensuring their elimination 4-0 on aggregate. Goals from Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Pizarro ensured it is now 10 years since the Bianconeri have reached the semi-finals, and on that occasion they were eventually defeated by Milan in the final. Speaking to Mediaset, the 31-year-old defender said: “We certainly played better than the first leg, but Bayern proved they are a very strong side and one stronger than us. “We need to improve in order to reach their level and maybe by working hard we can get there. “This was our first Champions League in many years, for some of us the first full stop. Bayern have been at this level for five or six years, but we are just dipping our toes in." Barzagli praised the support of the home fans and hopes that the team can achieve success by regaining the Serie A title. “We played with great fans and we thank them for supporting us. Now we have to end the season well," he added. “It’s a shame we were unable to give them something to celebrate, but it was wonderful to receive applause even after the defeat.” Paul Pogba has impressed in his debut Champions League campaign, but the Frenchman agreed Bayern were worthy winners over the two legs. Speaking to reporters after the game, he said: "I'm happy with the effort we put in, but we played against a better team with more experience. "We would have liked to score early but they didn't give us the chance. They played very well and the first goal made it too much for us in the end." Bayern join Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Barcelona in the semi-finals, with the draw being made on Friday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 0 - 2 BAYERN Mario Mandzukic (64′) Claudio Pizarro (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Attendance: 40823 Robben hails 'perfect away performance' The Dutchman feels Bayern Munich did everything right during their victory over Juventus, which came courtesy of goals from Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Pizarro. Apr 10, 2013 Arjen Robben paid tribute to "a perfect away performance" after Bayern Munich beat Juventus 2-0 in Turin on Wednesday night to sail into the semi-finals of the Champions League. Having triumphed by the same scoreline in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, there was little onus on the Bavarians to take the game to the Bianconeri but, after a cagey opening quarter, that is exactly what they did, and second-half strikes from Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Pizarro were just rewards for a dominant display. "Yeah, I think it was the perfect away performance," Robben told Sky Sports. "If you win 2-0 away in Turin, that's an amazing result because they're unbeaten in so many games in Italy and they're such a perfect team; so strong at the back. "So, if you dominate the game, too, then I think it's a great performance." Bayern are joined in the last four by Barcelona, Real Madrid and compatriots Borussia Dortmund. A semi-final showdown with Jurgen Klopp's men would guarantee a German representative in the final, but Robben would rather die Roten face their Bundesliga rivals in the final. "I think Germans will want us kept apart," the winger mused. "I think that's what we're hoping for. I think it'd be nice if we're mixed up, but we don't have a choice. "It's going to be a big one, the semi-final, as we're maybe the four best teams in the world at the moment, so it's going to be very nice." Robben is just happy that Bayern are once again in a position to record a treble, having wrapped up the league at the weekend. "We knew that was going to happen," the Netherlands international explained. "We had such a big gap with the second place, but I think it's good that it's done and dusted, and that we can focus on the Champions League now. "Next week we also play in the semi-final in the German Cup, so we have some pretty big games coming up." The Bavarians tackle Nurnberg in the Bundesliga on Saturday before taking on Wolfsburg in the DFB Pokal on Tuesday evening.