Socrates

Nedved: Bayern will be a battle Mar 15, 2013 Pavel Nedved has accepted that Bayern Munich will be tough to beat, but he has underlined that his Juventus side are ready for the fight. The Old Lady will face Bayern in the last eight of the Champions League following today’s draw in Nyon. “It was a difficult draw to choose an opponent from,” the former midfielder, now a club director, commented. “Bayern are one of the most difficult that we could have netted, they have international experience and they are very good. “We’ll know how to prepare for the game with humility and respect, as well as with a free mind. “The Germans are hard to face as they are meticulous – they don’t overlook anything. It will be a battle between two very good teams.” Juve are the last remaining Italian side in the competition after Milan were knocked out by Barcelona this week. “I’m proud of Juventus, a club who are representing Italy in Europe,” added the former Czech international. “We have to live through this experience in the best way possible as we are back amongst the greats of Europe.” Nedved also clarified his comments about Zlatan Ibrahimovic earlier this week after he claimed that he’d like him back in Turin. “I have spoken to PSG director Leonardo here about Ibrahimovic. I just made some technical judgements about him and PSG. “Ibra belongs to them and that is the only truth.”

‘Hit Bayern on the counter’ Mar 15, 2013 Alessandro Costacurta believes that Juventus can hurt Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Old Lady were paired with the German giants this morning and will start the tie as underdogs. However, former Milan and Italy defender Costacurta thinks that the Turin outfit will have a chance of reaching the semi-finals. “It will be very difficult for Juventus,” Costacurta told Sky Sport Italia. “The level of German sides is always high and they have an important mentality. “Bayern, though, do suffer when they are counter-attacked seeing as their central defenders are their weak point.”

Juventus can eliminate Bayern - Cannavaro Speaking from Cambodia, the 2006 World Cup winner thinks La Vecchia Signora can raise their game to defeat the Bavarian club, but cannot see much between the two sides. Mar 15, 2013 EXCLUSIVE By Will Jones Fabio Cannavaro has tipped his former side Juventus to eliminate Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. The former Bianconeri defender believes the Serie A league leaders have what it takes to overcome the four-time European Cup winners and progress to the semi-finals. Speaking to Goal.com in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at the Tiger Street Tournament where players from all over the world can meet in a 5-a-side competition, he said: "Juventus can eliminate Bayern Munich. "It won't be easy, but they can play at the Germans' level. "All four games seem very balanced and can go either way. It is the quarter-finals, of course only very good teams can make it this far." The Italian left the Old Lady for Real Madrid in 2006 where he won two La Liga titles, and here he went on to outline his ideal final. He said: "It is hard to say which team is favourite to lift the trophy, but my dream would be to see a final between my ex-teams Juventus and Real Madrid." The Champions League draw sees his former team face die roten in Munich on April 2 before hosting the two-time European Cup winners in northern Italy on April 10.

Nedved: Bayern among most feared in Champions League The former Juventus midfielder has warned of the threat the Bundesliga leaders pose after the two teams were drawn against each other in the Champions League last eight. Mar 15, 2013 Juventus director Pavel Nedved believes Bayern Munich are to be one of the "most feared" sides remaining in the Champions League this season. The reigning Italian champions were drawn against die Roten in the quarter-finals on Friday morning after the Bianconeri comfortably overcame Celtic, while Bayern went through after putting out Arsenal on away goals. And Nedved knows the side are going to be in for a tough match when they play Jupp Heynckes' outfit. "The Germans are strong and skilled, but above all they’re experts in this situation and that’s their main characteristic," the 40-year old told Sky Italia. “We’ll be up against a side who are among the most feared in the competition. Bayern are a team with experience in this competition. But we’re also aware of our strengths." He added: “We’re very proud to be here as representatives of Italy and above all among the best eight in Europe. It’s the maximum as far as we’re concerned, after plenty of suffering. The first leg will be played on April 2 at the Allianz Arena followed by the return leg at Juventus Stadium on April 10.

Kroos unhappy at facing Juventus in Champions League The Germany international is full of respect for the Serie A champions, while Manuel Neuer is also wary of the Bianconeri but believes they can progress. Mar 15, 2013 Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos feels that the Bavarians were unfortunate to be paired with Juventus in Friday's draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Kroos believes that only Barcelona would have been a worse outcome, and has stressed that Bayern need two great performances if they are to reach the final four. "Juventus knocked last year's Champions League winners out of the competition at the group stage. It's the least good draw after Barcelona," Kroos told the official Bayern website. "We'll need two top performances to go through. It would be optimal if we won the first leg while keeping a clean sheet. Arturo Vidal has emerged as a top-class player with Juventus." Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer is full of respect for the Serie A champions as well. "Juventus are a big name and a great team. Italian teams are always well organised, but I still think we definitely have a chance of going through. "We're looking forward to both games and we're delighted to be starting at home." The first leg will take place at the Allianz Arena on April 2.

CL draw: Juventus net Bayern Munich Mar 15, 2013 Juventus will have to get past German giants Bayern Munich in the last eight if their Champions League adventure is to continue. The Old Lady went into today’s Nyon draw primarily looking to avoid three sides – Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. However, Bayern and Juventus were the last two teams out of the hat. The first leg will take place in Germany, with the return set for the Juventus Stadium. Bayern came through the last 16 by beating Arsenal on the away goals rule, while Juve smashed five past Celtic. Elsewhere, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund were handed ‘kind’ ties against Galatasaray and Malaga respectively. Barcelona, conquerors of Milan in the last round, will face a Paris Saint-Germain outfit bossed by former Diavolo tactician Carlo Ancelotti. That tie will also see PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic come up against his former side. The first leg games are set to be played on April 2 and 3 and second leg ties are scheduled for April 9 and 10. Quarter-final draw: Malaga-Borussia Dortmund [Apr 3 and 9]; Real Madrid-Galatasaray [Apr 3 and 9]; Paris Saint-Germain-Barcelona [Apr 2 and 10]; Bayern Munich-Juventus [Apr 2 and 10].

Juventus to take on Bayern Munich Barcelona are rewarded for their second-leg triumph against AC Milan with a last-eight tie against the French giants. Mar 15, 2013 Paris Saint-Germain will take on Barcelona in the standout tie of the Champions League quarter-finals after the draw at Uefa house in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday. Barcelona, who won the competition in 2011 and overturned a 2-0 deficit to dump out AC Milan this season, will face Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain with the first leg taking place in the French capital. Last season's finalists Bayern Munich face a tough clash with Serie A leaders Juventus in another huge fixture. Primera Division champions Real Madrid are rewarded for their victory over Manchester United with a tie against Turkish giants Galatasaray, while Malaga, who knocked out Porto, take on German champions Borussia Dortmund. The four first legs will take place on March, with the second legs scheduled for April 9 and 10. The draw for the semi-finals will be held on April 12, and the tournament concludes at Wembley Stadium on May 25. QUARTER-FINAL DRAW MALAGA VS BORUSSIA DORTMUND REAL MADRID VS GALATASARAY PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS BARCELONA BAYERN MUNICH VS JUVENTUS

Pogba honoured by first France call-up The 19-year-old has been rewarded for his performances in Serie A by being named in Didier Deschamps' latest squad. Mar 15, 2013 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has revealed his delight after being called up by France for the first time. The 19-year-old has impressed since joining the Bianconeri from Manchester United last summer, scoring five times in 20 appearances and catching the eye of Dider Deschamps in the process. “This is a very beautiful gift, I am still very happy and shocked. I am moved, so many people have sent me messages and I find it hard to realise that my dream is taking shape," he told RMC Sport. Pogba, who has been likened to les Bleus legend Patrick Vieira, then revealed his memories of the national side growing up and noted several players from whom he drew inspiration. He added: “Now, I must remain in the side for as long as possible. My goal is to stay in France team. I still remember 1998 and 2000. “I had idols, Zidane, Vieira, Pires or Thierry Henry. There were many. It is an honour to wear this jersey." Pogba will hope to feature for France in their World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Georgia and Spain.

Lichtsteiner fears Bayern threat Mar 15, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted that Juventus would find it tough to beat Bayern Munich in the last eight of the Champions League. The Old Lady will find out the name of their quarter-final opponents today once the draw is made in Nyon. “I’ve seen Bayern Munich play and they are a really strong side,” the Swiss international told Sky Sport Italia. “They are a really organised team and they are very hungry after their misfortune in the competition over the last two years. “They are a team to avoid.”

Boghossian impressed by Pogba Mar 15, 2013 Juventus’ Paul Pogba could have an even better career than Patrick Vieira, says Alain Boghossian. The kid who today celebrates his 20th birthday has been likened to Vieira, but the former Napoli, Parma and Sampdoria midfielder sees greater potential. “The most common comparison is with Vieira, but I think he can become stronger than Patrick,” Boghossian told TMW. “Pogba is doing very well and he has had a great impact on the Italian championship. “He’s a good kid, he works hard and he has won the confidence of his Coach. If he keeps his head right then I’m sure he will become a top player.” Pogba left Manchester United for Juventus during the summer. He has scored five goals in 20 Serie A games this term.

Juve await Champions League draw Mar 15, 2013 Italian champions Juventus will today find out who they’ll face in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Juve are the only Serie A side left in the competition after they disposed of Celtic in the last 16, while Milan blew a 2-0 advantage in a 4-2 aggregate loss to Barcelona. The latter, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are arguably the sides who the Bianconeri will be looking to avoid. However, Paris Saint-Germain, who are bossed by former Juve tactician Carlo Ancelotti, would also pose a threat. Borussia Dortmund have impressed in this season’s competition too, while Galatasaray added Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba to their ranks in January. Spanish side Malaga will also be in the hat after they dumped Porto out of the competition on Wednesday. The draw will take place at 12pm CET from UEFA’s base in Nyon. The first leg games are set to be played on April 2 and 3 and second leg ties are scheduled for April 9 and 10. Last eight teams: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

‘Juve need to avoid Barca and Real’ Mar 15, 2013 Paolo Rossi believes that Juventus need to avoid the two big Spanish clubs in Friday’s Champions League draw. The Old Lady will today find out which team awaits them in the quarter-finals of the European Cup and Rossi is concerned by the threat of La Liga. “I think that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the teams to avoid for the Bianconeri,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Real Madrid have a big squad and a lot of quality, while Barcelona showed against Milan that they are a team to be feared. “I hear talk that Barca are on the slide, but you can’t forget that they have great players and a Lionel Messi who can always make the difference.” Juventus could also be paired with Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich or Galatasaray.

Pogba 'honoured' by France call Mar 14, 2013 Juventus starlet Paul Pogba is overjoyed at receiving his first call-up for France. “This is only the first step.” The midfielder celebrates his 20th birthday tomorrow and has been named in Didier Deschamps’ squad to face Georgia and Spain. “This call-up is very important for me,” he told L’Equipe. “From the moment I got into the Under-16 side, my objective has always been to reach the senior squad. “Obviously I am very happy and it is an honour to wear this jersey. However, this is only the first step and the really difficult stuff comes now. “I have to continue working hard, as I have not ‘arrived’ yet. I need to improve in order to become a real top player.”

Cannavaro tips Bayern Munich Mar 14, 2013 Bayern Munich are favourites to win the Champions League this season, according to Fabio Cannavaro. Former clubs Juventus and Real Madrid will be in tomorrow’s draw for the last eight, but the World Cup winning captain fancies Bayern for the trophy. “It’s a waste of time trying to predict what will happen from the quarter-finals onwards,” Cannavaro told Sky Sport Italia. “But Bayern, for me, remain one of the strongest and most solid. “Lionel Messi enchants Barcelona, but the German side are more consistent and the most difficult to face.” Friday’s draw will feature: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

Pogba named in France squad Mar 14, 2013 Teenager Paul Pogba has been rewarded for his form at Juventus by being named in the France squad. Didier Deschamps admitted this week that the 19-year-old was on his radar and he has been selected in his latest party. It is the first time that the midfielder has been picked at full international level. France play Georgia and Spain on March 22 and 26. Squad – Goalkeepers: Mickaël Landreau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Stève Mandanda (Marseille). Defenders: Gaël Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Christophe Jallet (PSG), Mamadou Sakho (PSG), Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Newcastle). Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), Maxime Gonalons (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille). Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Groud (Arsenal), Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon), Jérémy Ménez (PSG), Dimitri Payet (Lille), Loïc Rémy (Queens Park Rangers).

Jugovic: Juve could be finalists Mar 14, 2013 Vladimir Jugovic believes that Juventus can reach the Champions League Final this season. “I’d like to be there too.” The former midfielder scored the crucial penalty in the shoot-out victory over Ajax in 1996 that gifted the Old Lady the European Cup. “The Final this time around is possible,” Jugovic told Tuttosport. “You can see that this side is bossed by Antonio Conte. “The team has his characteristics, they resemble him, it’s the same as he is. They never give up and that is fundamental in a competition like the Champions League. “To get to the last eight is a great achievement. And their group wasn’t easy given that it included Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk. “Juve came ahead of everyone, they were not content with second place and that is a great sign of strength. “If they get to the Final in London then I’d like to be there with the team. I hope that President Andrea Agnelli remembers me. “I’d love to be there, perhaps to celebrate another feast.”

Varane & Pogba in France squad to face Georgia & Spain The teenage pair have been rewarded for their breakthrough campaigns at European giants Real Madrid and Juventus with call-ups to Didier Deschamps' latest Bleus selection. Mar 14, 2013 Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba have been named in the France squad ahead of next week's World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Georgia and Spain. The Real Madrid defender received widespread acclaim from much of the footballing sphere following impressive displays against Barcelona and Manchester United over the past few weeks and receives his third call-up, although has yet to be capped. Meanwhile, his fellow 19-year-old has been in similarly prodigious form since his summer move to Juventus from Manchester United, and in the wake of his maiden bow, Bleus coach Didier Deschamps explained the duo's inclusion. "Varane has not featured in a single minute with the senior side yet, but I consider him ready to play," the former Olympique de Marseille and Juventus boss said. "Pogba is often used as a runner, but when he is allowed to advance forward, he can strike the ball with venom. He is versatile enough to play in any midfield position." Deschamps then dropped his biggest hint yet that stoppers Varane, Laurent Koscielny, Mamadou Sakho and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa would be his first-choice centre-back quartet for the foreseeable future, while he backed Karim Benzema to rediscover his goalscoring touch. "Arsenal performed at a high level against Bayern. Laurent Koscielny's display caught my eye. He had good legs," he added. "I have no problems with Mamadou Sakho's playing time. He plays most of PSG's games, although I'd prefer it if he played week in week out. "It's likely that I will stick with these four central defenders [referring to Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa as the fourth man]. "Everyone can criticise Karim Benzema's performance. but his quality and potential will always be there. He needs just a goal, and he has my trust. France need Benzema at his best." The Euro 2000 winner then commented on the absences of midfield pair Abou Diaby - currently sidelined with a calf injury - and Toulouse's Etienne Capoue, before calling for complete focus on next Friday's visit of Georgia. "This is not punishment for Capoue, but he has not been good enough with his club. There is always competition for places," Deschamps continued. "Abou Diaby has gone three weeks without playing, it's complicated. There are currently too many uncertainties with him. "The most important fixture is against Georgia. We must be focused on this game so we can get to 10 points. We met the best team in the world (Spain) in October, and we will do so again."

Eight contenders left for the Champions League Wins for Bayern Munich & Malaga on Wednesday saw them join the remaining qualifiers battling for a place at Wembley in May's showpiece final. Mar 14, 2013 Full time at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday represented not only the extinguishing of Arsenal's spirited attempts at an unlikely comeback against Bayern Munich, it wrapped up the roll call of names who will contest the quarter-finals of this year's Champions League. In the evening's other tie, Malaga were able to overturn a first leg loss, beating 10-man Porto 2-0 at La Rosaleda to triumph 2-1 on aggregate. The success of Manuel Pellegrini's men ensured La Liga has three representatives, with Barcelona and Real Madrid joining them in the hat. Barca did it the hard way, becoming the first side to wipe out a 2-0 deficit incurred away from home when they won 4-0 at Camp Nou to eliminate AC Milan, while Real Madrid's success over Manchester United was completed by Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half winner. Scottish champions Celtic were put to the sword by Juventus as they lost 5-0 on aggregate, while Paris Saint-Germain ensured a French side would appear in the latter stage by seeing off Valencia. Galatasaray, another club boosted by some high profile recent glamour signings, won through to the last eight after seeing off a resilient effort by Schalke. Borussia Dortmund's passage was far more comfortable however, dispatching the Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2. Below is a run down of who will be in the draw for the last eight on Friday, March 15. BARCELONA BAYERN MUNICH REAL MADRID BORUSSIA DORTMUND JUVENTUS PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN MALAGA GALATASARAY

Serie A - 9^ Giornata - Ritorno - 10-3-2013 (ore 15:00) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1') Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Antonio Giannoccaro Spettatori: 38000 Serie A - Giaccherini regala mezzo Scudetto alla Juve L'1-0 sul Catania è deciso dall'esterno in pieno recupero. Ora il vantaggio sul Napoli è di nove punti, sul Milan di 11. Gli etnei hanno giocato una buona partita, soprattutto difensivamente, ma al 91' hanno capitolato. Migliore in campo uno strepitoso Pogba. Palo di Vucinic e due grandi occasioni per Marchisio. Eurosport - Domenica, 10 marzo 2013 All’ultimo respiro è uno dei gregari più utili della squadra di Conte a mettere la firma su una vittoria che potrebbe significare Scudetto. Emanuele Giaccherini da Talla, provincia di Arezzo, segna al 91’ l’1-0 sul Catania, regalando tre punti alla Juventus e l’allungo decisivo in classifica sul Napoli, sconfitto a Verona. Ora i bianconeri, a quota 62 in graduatoria, hanno nove punti di margine sui partenopei (11 sul Milan terzo) a 10 giornate dalla fine: un gap difficilmente colmabile, con il vantaggio negli scontri diretti con gli azzurri di Mazzarri. La squadra del tecnico Maran, espulso nel primo tempo, aveva imbrigliato bene la Juve, vicina al gol due volte con Vucinic (un palo colpito) e due con Marchisio. Prova maestosa di Pogba, migliore in campo per distacco. La Juventus continua ad essere la squadra della serie A 2012/13 ad aver finora guadagnato il maggior numero di punti nelle riprese, rispetto ai propri risultati dei primi 45' di gioco: +17. CATANIA ORDINATO, LA JUVE NON TROVA VARCHI. Nel primo tempo, come da copione, è la Juventus a far la partita. I bianconeri, che devono rinunciare a Vidal squalificato, però, faticano ad imporre il solito brillante gioco offensivo. Il Catania di Maran, espulso a metà prima frazione per proteste, è schierato benissimo in campo. Il 3-5-2, nel quale sembrano non pesare le assenze di Legrottaglie, Barrientos e Bergessio, è cortissimo, con pochi metri tra le linee di difesa e centrocampo e con Gomez e Castro frecce offensive che non danno punti di riferimento alla retroguardia juventina. Le ripartenze etnee sono comunque rare e, così, senza spazi per sfondare, e con Lichtsteiner e Asamoah meno attivi del solito sulle corsie esterne, sono le idee di Pirlo e Marchisio a creare gli unici pericoli alla porta di Andujar nei primi 20 minuti. VUCINIC PALO, MALE GIOVINCO. Pur senza impressionare, è la Juventus a sfiorare il gol in tre occasioni il vantaggio nei primi 45 minuti. Vucinic si crea da solo due belle iniziative: in una è bravo Andujar a deviare in angolo un destro dal limite, nell’altra il montenegrino,dopo aver rubato palla a Spolli, vede il palo interno respingere la sua conclusione da dentro area. Anche Marchisio va vicino al gol con un destro da fuori, ma lo 0-0 nel primo tempo non si sblocca, con il pubblico dello Stadium irritato e indispettito, come spesso accade, nei confronti di Sebastian Giovinco, al quale non riesce nemmeno una giocata decente. RIPRESA ALL’ARREMBAGGIO. Nel secondo tempo la Juventus continua nel suo forcing offensivo. Conte, col passare dei minuti e con il risultato che non si sblocca, inserisce Matri, Quagliarella e Giaccherini per Giovinco, Vucinic e Asamoah. Ma il Catania continua a difendere benissimo, con 10 uomini dietro la linea della palla, concedendo ai bianconeri solamente una grande occasione con Marchisio, che mette fuori in spaccata. Spolli e Bellusci respingono tutto, Gomez e Lodi alleggeriscono con qualche ripartenza fastidiosa, e la Juventus comincia ad innervosirsi alla ricerca frenetica del vantaggio. GIACCHERINI REGALA MEZZO TRICOLORE. E così è l’uomo che meno ti aspetti, ma che Conte, anche lo scorso anno, ha spesso lanciato nei momenti decisivi, a risolvere un match che sembrava terminare col più classico degli 0-0. Emanuele Giaccherini, ammonito poco prima per simulazione, sigla al 91’ la rete decisiva, irrompendo in area dopo l’ennesima meravigliosa iniziativa a destra di un Pogba in formato Vidal. Il numero 24 bianconero controlla una respinta maldestra di Andujar su cross del francese e infila dentro il suo secondo gol in campionato, quello che manda la Juventus a più 9 sul Napoli secondo, in piena crisi di risultati e più 11 sul Milan terzo, in rimonta, ma ancora distante. A 10 giornate dalla fine, sfidando la scaramanzia, almeno mezzo Scudetto sembra essere assegnato. Per la Juventus ci sarà un mese intenso e impegnativo, con la Champions, la Lazio e l’Inter in trasferta e il derby col Torino, nel quale potrebbero essere persi anche alcuni punti. Il margine però, per una squadra che non molla mai e che ha anche nelle cosiddette riserve dei punti di forza, sembra essere tale da poter concedere il bis tricolore a Pirlo e compagni. Enrico Turcato http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Gabbiadini on facing Juventus Mar 13, 2013 Bologna’s Manolo Gabbiadini is treating this weekend’s game against Juventus – the club who own him – like any other top-flight match. The 21-year-old moved to the Stadio Dall’Ara on loan in the summer after Juve had signed 50 per cent of his contract from Atalanta. “We know that the city is eagerly awaiting this game,” he told the club’s website. “It is an important match and we are preparing for it as we do every week. “Juve are just like any other opponent because in Serie A you can not afford to be complacent against anyone. “Nor will it be a different game for me. When I take to the field of play I do so focused with the task that my Coach has given me. “With all due respect to which opponent I have in front of me, I will not be affected by anyone. “A goal on Saturday? Let’s hope so!” Gabbiadini, five goals in 23 League games, was wanted by Juve in the January transfer market and it’s unclear where he’ll be playing next term. “I work day after day to improve and grow,” the Under-21 international said. “I don’t want to think about my future as I’m just focused on ending the season well with Bologna, that’s more important.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pogba wants France call-up Mar 13, 2013 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has claimed that he deserves a call-up to the French national team. The 19-year-old has yet to play for Didier Deschamps' men, but the Bianconeri man has insisted that his club form is worth an international cap. “I have been doing some great things this season,” he told reporters. “I have played 20 League games and have scored five goals. “Serie A is not an easy League and I am very happy. “Now I am looking forward to hearing the call from the national team. “I'm working hard to achieve that goal, and if I continue like this, then hopefully it'll come soon.”

Pogba on Deschamps’ radar Mar 13, 2013 France boss Didier Deschamps has admitted that he is keeping an eye on Juventus talent Paul Pogba. The 19-year-old is having an impressive first campaign in Turin which has led to calls that he is ready for the full international stage. “Paul will be a phenomenon when he’s been playing at these levels for three or four seasons,” former Juve boss Deschamps told Tuttosport. “However, there is no doubt that he has interesting potential. He has the characteristics and the right head to flourish. You don’t play in so many games for Juventus by chance. “I speak to Juventus boss Antonio Conte regularly. We’re friends,” the ex-midfielder continued. “I’m calm because Paul is in the right hands. “Paul’s time will come with the national team. His future just depends on him. He’s already on my preliminary list for the games against Georgia and Spain. You’ll have to see if he makes the final squad.” Deschamps, who bossed the club to the Serie B title in 2006-07, was also asked about Juventus’ objectives this season. “They’ve practically won the Scudetto,” he added. “Antonio will obviously say that is not the case, but they took an important step on Sunday. “In Europe, I don’t see why Juventus can’t win the Champions League. A lot will depend on the draw. If I was Juve I’d want to avoid Real Madrid.”

Conte questioned on fixing again Mar 12, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has been questioned again by the Italian soccer federation's prosecutor about a match fixing case. Having already been suspended for four months at the start of this season for failing to report fixing when he coached Siena two years ago, Conte faces a possible similar charge stemming from when he managed Bari in 2008-09. Court officials have been investigating Bari's matches with Treviso in May 2008 and Salernitana in May 2009. With little to gain, Bari lost both games, having already secured a mid-standings finish in 2008 and the Serie B title in 2009. Conte, on course to guide Juventus to a second consecutive Serie A title, was accompanied by three lawyers for the meeting with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi. Conte denies wrongdoing. Upon exiting the three-hour hearing, Conte said he ''absolutely'' is not worried about facing more punishment.

Juventus all but clinch the Scudetto - now they can focus on the Champions League After moving nine points clear at the summit of Serie A, the Bianconeri are now in the enviable position of being able to rotate players in the league with Europe in mind. Mar 11, 2013 COMMENT By Mark Doyle Ahead of this weekend's meeting with Catania, Juventus coach Antonio Conte was doing his utmost to guard against complacency. With title rivals Napoli facing what looked like a far easier assignment against struggling Chievo, the Bianconeri boss warned his troops: "Dropping points could be lethal." And so it proved. Just not for his men. Napoli's faltering Scudetto challenge finally broke down in Verona, with Walter Mazzarri's overstretched squad slumping to a dismal 2-0 defeat at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi that left them nine points adrift of the now runaway leaders. Had Catania secured a draw in Turin, one could have argued that there was still a flicker of life left in the title race. However, Emanuele Giaccherini's last-gasp winner in Turin has effectively extinguished it. Mazzarri unsurprisingly refused to admit as much. "I think the glass is half full and we cannot admit defeat yet," he said defiantly. Conte also refused to entertain the idea that Juve are out of sight. "We cannot make calculations right now, so [we'll] take it one game at a time," the former Italy international insisted. The Bianconeri boss is right, of course. Mathematically speaking, anything is still possible. There are, after all, still 10 rounds remaining. However, Juve's matchwinner, Giaccherini, merely said what everyone else is now thinking when he mused: "Of course now that we are nine points up on Napoli, we might have to close the Scudetto discussion." The harsh reality of the situation is that Napoli, who are without a win in eight games in all competitions, should be more concerned with holding on to second, than overhauling Juve. Indeed, even if Edinson Cavani does start scoring again; even if the Partenopei do start winning again; even if the San Paolo surface suddenly becomes playable; is it really conceivable that Juve will throw away what is, in light of their superior head-to-head record over their nearest title rivals, effectively a 10-point lead? There is nothing about this current crop of Bianconeri to suggest that a collapse is even remotely possible. They are in form, have no major injury concerns and, most importantly of all, have been here before. Indeed, Juve not only managed to fend off a far greater title challenge from AC Milan last season, they also kept their unbeaten record intact while doing so. Bottle is not a concern. This is a side for whom winning truly has become a habit. The Old Lady laboured for 91 minutes against the Rossazzurri on Sunday but still managed to find a way to secure three most precious points. As per usual. True, Juve have had the occasional wobble this term, but then, that's primarily because this season, unlike last, they have been burdened by participation in the Champions League. Viewed in that light, the serene nature of their march towards a second successive Scudetto seems a far more impressive feat, even accounting for the dearth of genuine pretenders to their throne. That they have all but clinched the title with 10 rounds remaining is not only a terrific achievement, it is also a massive boost for their hopes of European glory. With the league virtually in the bag, Conte is now in the very enviable position of being able to rest key players ahead of and in between the Champions League quarter-finals, just like a number of their prospective opponents, including Real Madrid, who have all but given up on holding onto their La Liga crown. As things stood before his weekend, Juventus represented a very dangerous opponent for any side in the last eight. With the Scudetto now all but taken care of, they look lethal. ELSEWHERE... • Milan are hoping to deliver a death blow of their own on Tuesday night, against Barcelona at Camp Nou. However, while they will arrive in Catalunya on the back of another domestic success, having triumphed 2-0 over Genoa on Friday evening, all did not go according to plan for the resurgent Rossoneri. Not only did Milan perform poorly against relegation-threatened opponents, Massimiliano Allegri also pointed out that they senselessly expended more energy than they should have done following Kevin Constant's needless red card midway through the second half. Most worryingly of all, though, the Diavolo will travel to Barcelona without in-form forward Giampaolo Pazzini, who was forced off through injury just moments after opening the scoring at the Luigi Ferraris. • Still, Andrea Stramaccioni would gladly trade places with Allegri right now. After an embarrassingly tame capitulation at White Hart Lane on Thursday, Inter were humbled by Bologna at San Siro on Sunday evening. The most disturbing thing about the Nerazzurri's 1-0 reversal against the Rossoblu was that it was not in the least bit surprising. The one saving grace for Stramaccioni is that the supporters at least acknowledge that he is working with a horribly substandard squad of players. "Let us have a go," implored one of the banners at the Giuseppe Meazza, "one of us is bound to be good and at least we’d be Interisti." • Unlike Inter, Lazio actually enjoyed their Europa League endeavours, winning away to Stuttgart. However, the effects of their midweek excursion were there for all to see in a disappointing defeat at home to Fiorentina, who, after their alarming mid-season slump, have seemingly rediscovered the form which prompted giddy talk of a Champions League place for the Viola. As if Napoli did not have enough to worry about with Milan now breathing down their necks ... http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Lichtsteiner committed to Juve Mar 12, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner has rejected the rumour that he could leave Juventus for Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. The Swiss wing-back is in his second Turin campaign, but he was linked with a switch to France in the summer and that rumour hasn’t totally disappeared. “There was never any sort of contact between myself and PSG,” the former Lazio player, who cost the Old Lady €10.5m, stated. “It is possible that the two clubs held discussions, but that didn’t involve me. “I’m happy at Juventus and it would be difficult to see me leave this club.” The 29-year-old, who has scored four goals in 22 League games this season, is contracted to the Turin giants until June 2015.