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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buffon a fan of Jovetic and Ogbonna Jun 4, 2013 Juventus captain Gigi Buffon has welcomed transfer links with Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic and Angelo Ogbonna of Torino. The Old Lady are looking to reinforce ahead of next season and the two players are on their wish-list. “Jovetic, like all the other players who could arrive to improve Juventus, would be welcome,” Buffon stated on Tuesday. “Ogbonna, meanwhile, is an exceptional lad, a very intelligent one,” he said of his Italian international colleague. “In my opinion he is a very strong player with great potential, even more than he is showing at this moment in time. “When he matures he will be a reference point of this Italy team.” Fiorentina value the Montenegro international forward at around the €30m figure, while Toro think their centre-back is worth close to €15m. In order to fund such proposed swoops, there are suggestions that Juve could sell Claudio Marchisio this summer. “I’ve read that there have been offers for Marchisio, but clubs have the right to make bids for Juventus players,” Buffon noted. “Claudio is a great champion and I think it is normal that there are teams who would want a player of his calibre. “I don’t know if the club will sell anybody or not, but we have a very capable and ambitious President, a staff who will certainly want to improve the squad so I have no fear.”

Marchisio wants Juventus future Jun 3, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has committed his future to Juventus amidst reports that he is wanted by a number of foreign clubs. The Italian international, previously paired with Manchester United, is now apparently on the wish-list of Monaco. “I want to stay at Juventus,” the 27-year-old told Tuttosport on Monday. “I would like to continue battling for and winning with the club in which I grew up in.” The midfielder is a product of the outfit’s youth system and has developed into a key figure under boss Antonio Conte. In 2011-12, Marchisio grabbed nine goals in 36 League games as the Old Lady won the Italian championship. He netted six in 29 ties this season as the Bianconeri regained the Scudetto. Juventus director general Beppe Marotta recently noted that the club had no intention of selling the Turin-native.

Llorente: I would have loved to stay with Valverde The striker, who will join Juventus this summer, wishes circumstances had been different as his former boss is linked with a return to San Mames as he prepares to depart. Jun 4, 2013 Fernando Llorente says he "would have loved" to have stayed at Athletic Bilbao under Ernesto Valverde. The striker has endured a disappointing campaign at San Mames following his decision to sign a pre-contract agreement with Juventus in January, which will see him move to Turin when his contract expires on July 1. And with Valverde strongly linked with a return to the club he once played for and coached, following his sacking by Valencia, the 28-year-old admits he wishes he'd had the chance to work with him again. "I have very fond memories of Ernesto," Llorente told Cadena SER's 'El Larguero' radio programme. "I would have loved to continue with him, but circumstances have occurred otherwise, and I have another future apart from Athletic and hope to do well in Turin. "I hope Valverde comes to Athletic Bilbao and takes them to the top. My debut with him was unforgettable and later [Joaquin] Capparos allowed me to grow, but my first season with Bielsa was my best with Athletic. "In a few months I will go to Turin and it will be more difficult for me to come back here. I feel nostalgic." Los Leones finished 12th in La Liga, with Llorente finding the back of the net just four times in 26 league appearances.

Marchisio: I want to stay at Juventus The Italy international has downplayed suggestions that he could be on the move this summer and has stressed that he is keen to stay at the Bianconeri. Jun 3, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has insisted that he has no intention of leaving Juventus any time soon amid reports that he could be on his way out of the Serie A champions if a good offer comes in. General director Giuseppe Marotta further fueled speculation that Marchisio could be on the move this summer when questioned about the midfielder's future at the weekend, but the Italy international has stressed that he is happy with life at his current club. "I want to stay at Juventus. I want to keep fighting for silverware and win things with the club where I grew up," Marchisio told Tuttosport. Marotta discussed Marchisio's future on Saturday and, although he stated that Juventus are not a selling club, he refused to rule out a summer exit for the midfielder. "Juventus are not a selling team. We want to win trophies and build a team that keeps getting stronger. Marchisio started at this club as a little boy and has Juventus DNA," Marotta told reporters. "We have to respect our budget, but the goal is to raise the level of the team. Of course, the will of the player also plays an important role, though..." Nevertheless, Marchisio seems to have little interest in leaving the club following his latest comments. The 27-year-old has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

Higuain: 'Wonderful' Juve with Llorente Jun 2, 2013 Gonzalo Higuain again fuelled links with Juventus by declaring “it’d be wonderful” to partner Fernando Llorente in Turin. The Argentine striker announced last night that he was going to leave Real Madrid and confirmed the Bianconeri have made an offer. “There is absolutely no chance of me staying in Madrid. I have made my decision,” Higuain told Spanish media today. Juventus have already signed Llorente as a free agent from Athletic Bilbao for next season and Higuain was asked if he’d like to form a new partnership with him. “It’d be wonderful. We’ll see what happens.” Higuain has shot to the top of the wish-list, as Fiorentina will only accept €30m cash for Stevan Jovetic.

Barzagli to miss Confederations? Jun 2, 2013 Andrea Barzagli could miss out on the Confederations Cup, as there are concerns over his Achilles tendon. The Juventus defender has been one of the stars of the Scudetto-winning campaign, but in recent weeks has struggled with a recurring Achilles tendon injury. According to the latest reports from the Coverciano training ground, Barzagli is still not 100 per cent fit and might not be risked for the tournament in Brazil. Coach Cesare Prandelli has to hand in the final 23-man squad for the Confederations Cup tomorrow, so a decision must be made quickly. The competition runs from June 15-30, while before that Italy play the Czech Republic in the World Cup qualifier on Friday.

Moggi: 'Juve had Cristiano Ronaldo' Jun 2, 2013 Luciano Moggi claims Juventus had already secured Cristiano Ronaldo when Marcelo Salas ruined the deal. The former Bianconeri director general insisted he had snapped up one of the best players in the world back in the summer of 2003. “It’s true, we had got Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Moggi at a publicity event. “We took Salas to Sporting Lisbon and Ronaldo had a medical in Turin. Then Salas suddenly turned down the transfer and in the end Ronaldo signed for Manchester United.” Inter had also been in advanced negotiations for the Portuguese international before he opted for Old Trafford. Moggi praised current Juventus President Andrea Agnelli, as “he worked with us for 12 years and proved he knew how to lead a club. “He often talks to us and remembers when he went to the games with his Dad. He took the helm because the club wasn’t winning anymore, but with him there is a breath of fresh air.”

Marotta: 'Marchisio's intention counts' Jun 1, 2013 After reports of interest from Manchester United and Monaco, Juventus said “only Claudio Marchisio’s intentions matter.” The last few weeks and the emergence of Paul Pogba pointed to a potential sale for the Italian international midfielder, who is valued at €25m. “Is Marchisio not for sale? We always said the player has Juventus DNA and so therefore only his intentions matter,” director Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “As far as we are concerned, we have no intention of selling him. You should know that we at Juventus do not just sell anyone, so for the moment Marchisio will stay where he is.” This comment does leave the door open for an exit if Marchisio requests a transfer, so Juve are putting the responsibility back on to his shoulders.

Marchisio awaits Monaco offer Jun 1, 2013 Monaco are on a spending spree and Juventus are thought to be awaiting an official €25m bid for Claudio Marchisio. The midfielder grew up in the Bianconeri youth academy and had been untouchable until this summer, when Paul Pogba exploded on to the scene. Manchester United have also been linked with Marchisio, but Monaco are emerging as contenders for his signature. Newly-promoted into Ligue 1 under Coach Claudio Ranieri, Monaco have already spent approximately €120m this week thanks to billionaire owner Dmitry Ryboloviev. They signed Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid for €50m, plus Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez from Porto for a combined €70m.