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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pirlo's brilliance in this era is like Roger Federer beating Rafa Nadal with a wooden racquet The almost-mythical midfielder will win his 100th Italy cap in the Confederations Cup opener against Mexico and fans must cherish the final days of the 34-year-old's career. Jun 16, 2013 COMMENT By Carlo Garganese Tennis icon Roger Federer salutes the Centre Court crowd as he finally ends his Grand Slam final hoodoo against Rafa Nadal to win the Wimbledon Championships for an eighth time. Not only does the elegant and graceful Federer overcome the faster, stronger and graphite-armed Nadal – biceps and thighs the size of the Swiss' trophy cabinet - he does so with a wooden racquet he borrowed from 1970s Wimbledon legend Bjorn Borg. It is a miraculous achievement that completely defies all technological and physical progress made in sport over the last 30 years. This fictional story is not too far-removed from what footballing legend Andrea Pirlo has been accomplishing in reality over the course of his incomparable football career. Given the tools and attributes at his disposal, and considering today's trans-human environment, the Juventus veteran – who is set to earn his 100th Italy cap on Sunday in the Confederations Cup opener against Mexico in Rio de Janeiro – should not be excelling in this era. An era where, in almost all cases, a technical player cannot succeed at the very highest level unless supplemented by athletic qualities such as stamina, strength, pace and pressing. Pirlo possesses none of these characteristics. He doesn't boast the gym-toned body and six-pack of a Cristiano Ronaldo, the bull-like brawn of a Didier Drogba, the searing speed of a peak Thierry Henry or the closing down of a Barcelona or Bayern Munich midfielder. He can't tackle or head the ball, is easily brushed aside in shoulder-to-shoulder situations, and exhibits a work-rate that often puts Dimitar Berbatov to shame. Yet despite all this Pirlo will go down, together with Spain's Xavi, as the best midfielder of his generation. Arguably the greatest centrocampista Italy has ever produced, a legend of the game. That he has achieved such a status when the climate and conditions are so designed against him is truly remarkable. Pirlo's laid-back style is a throwback to some of the elegant, rhythm-setters from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The names of Giancarlo Antognoni, Gunter Netzer, Socrates and Glenn Hoddle spring to mind – not necessarily positionally but in how they represent a brand of technician who cannot exist in today's gladiatorial arena. The Argentine artist Juan Roman Riquelme, who, as early as 2002, was labelled "too slow for the modern game" by Marcelo Bielsa when being dropped from his country's World Cup squad, is often described as the last classic playmaker – an athletically-limited foot-on-the-ball individual who demands an entire team be built around him. Pirlo, a year younger than Riquelme, is surely the last of this dying breed. His ability to dictate and influence proceedings through his intelligence, vision, passing and through balls are traits that the robotic masses just can't interpret. The way he creates space, the drop of the shoulder, the feints before crossing that defenders know are coming but are powerless to prevent, the trademark free-kicks – we must cherish these moves as Pirlo approaches the home straight of his playing days. The 34-year-old has already announced that he will retire from international football after next year's World Cup and, although 2012 was arguably the best individual year of his career, purists must start preparing themselves for life after Pirlo. Life will never be the same. Although there will always be intelligent, deep-lying midfielders to carry on the creative baton – Marco Verratti and Thiago Alcantara just two examples from the current European Under-21 Championship in Israel who are destined for great things – there will never be another Pirlo. Changes in the game – both artificial and evolutionary – and advances in training and medicine have pushed geniuses of Pirlo's ilk out of football. Somehow, miraculously, the ex-Milan hero overcame the new order. He took his proverbial wooden racquet and defeated the graphite-armed generation.

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

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

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

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

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

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