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Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Pioli: 'Ready for Juventus' Mar 15, 2013 Bologna won three on the bounce and Stefano Pioli feels “this is the right time to take on Juventus” as they clash on Saturday evening. The Stadio Dall’Ara hosts the Serie A match at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview. “Our journey this season has been unusual and not at all easy, but if there is ever a right time to take on Juventus, then this would be it,” said the Coach. His Rossoblu are fresh from three consecutive victories, including a 1-0 at San Siro against Inter last week. “Juve are the strongest team in Italy. They do not seem to have any weak points and put everything on to the field, including technique, organisation and intensity. “In order to get a positive result, we need an exceptional performance. This is the most prestigious match of the season, as it is against the reigning Scudetto holders and the only Italian team left in the Champions League. “We will not hide the difficulties of this game, but at the same time we won’t rule anything out either. Letting Juventus get close to our penalty area would not be wise, so we aim to attack them and be pro-active. “We have great respect for Juve and Antonio Conte, who is a great Coach, but we also want to give it a go. We’re in great shape right now and need to lift the bar even higher, as our performance must be another improvement on the last.” Panagiotis Kone returns from suspension and the only injury absentee is defender Frederik Sorensen. Bologna squad for Juventus: Agliardi, Curci, Lombardi; Abero, Antonsson, Cherubin, De Carvalho, Garics, Morleo, Motta, Naldo; Guarente, Kone, Krhin, Pazienza, Perez, Taider; Christodoulopoulos, Diamanti, Gabbiadini, Gilardino, Moscardelli, Pasquato http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Trio back for Juventus Mar 15, 2013 Martin Caceres, Arturo Vidal and Paolo De Ceglie are all back in the Juventus squad to face Bologna on Saturday evening. Coach Antonio Conte announced his players for the trip to the Stadio Dall’Ara at 19.45 GMT tomorrow. Vidal returns from his one-match ban, while Caceres and De Ceglie have shaken off long-term injuries. The only remaining absentees are Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner. Juventus squad for Bologna: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho; Chiellini, Caceres, De Ceglie, Peluso, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner; Pogba, Marchisio, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Isla, Marrone; Vucinic, Giovinco, Anelka, Quagliarella, Matri http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Conte respects Bologna threat Mar 15, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte is not under-estimating this weekend’s opponents Bologna. “They’re in good form.” The Old Lady tactician spoke to the media this morning, before the Champions League draw was made, ahead of Saturday’s match at the Dall’Ara. “We’ll probably be up against the most in-form team in the Division tomorrow,” he commented. “They’ve won their last three games, they are virtually safe and they’ll be looking for an exploit against us. “They’ll have that possibility seeing as they have players like Alessandro Diamanti, Alberto Gilardino, Manolo Gabbiadini and others. Boss Stefano Pioli, too, is doing an excellent job. “We expect a tough match. “Diamanti? It’s hard to talk about players who I don’t train. I want to congratulate him for what he is doing, he deserves a big club. “I’ll pick the best team possible, knowing that whoever comes on from the bench will be up to the job.” Turning to the Champions League, where Juve were later paired with Bayern Munich, Conte admitted that he was saddened by Milan’s exit this week. “I was disappointed. After 15 days, Milan faced Barcelona in the same way but they came up against a phenomenon. “We in Italy are two or three steps below teams like Barcelona. Milan did everything possible to get through. “We’re proud to be the only Italian side, along with Lazio, left in European competition. “The Champions League is a dream, we are not one of the favourites, but we’ll take on whoever we get. “I didn’t join Juventus to just participate. That is not part of the DNA of this club. The target was to become protagonists again and we have managed to do that in a short space of time. “The draw will be great to watch, but our Champions League right now is tomorrow against Bologna.” An international break will follow this weekend’s round of action. “International breaks take a lot of our players away, but we are proud to give so many to national sides. Paul Pogba being an example,” he said after the Frenchman received his first cap. “He’s making big strides. He’s already on a good road, but he has to be kept on it as he has great ability. He’s changed a lot since the first day I saw him – he’s now much more certain in himself, calmer.” Conte also used the conference to silence rumours that Juventus are interested in re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “It’s a topic that has nothing to do with me and it is a negative topic for our environment, especially for the players here who are doing their all.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Bologna-Juventus Preview: In-form Rossoblu looking to upset odds against Bianconeri The hosts have came into form at the right time of the season with three wins on the bounce ensuring they avoid the relegation battle, while the visitors continue to march on. Mar 15, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS BOLOGNACurci Garics, Antonsson, Cherubin, Morleo Perez, Taider, Kone, Diamanti, Gabbiadini Gilardino JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah Giovinco, Vucinic Juventus can play their strongest side against Bologna on Saturday and will be buoyed by the return of midfielder Arturo Vidal who was suspended for last week's 1-0 win over Catania. He is likely to replace Paul Pogba, who scored a last-minute winner against the Rossoblu back in October, and received a call up to the France squad for the double-header against Georgia and Spain. Antonio Conte, however, has Martin Caceres, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner unavailable, though none of them would have been likely to make the starting XI had they been fit. Sebastian Giovinvo, whose agent recently declared his client was content at Juventus Stadium despite rumours of an exit in the summer, is expected to continue alongside Mirko Vucinic, however, Alessandro Matri could also be in contention to partner the Montenegrin. Meanwhile for the hosts, Stefano Pioli will be forced into making one change as defender Frederik Sorensen has been ruled out of the encounter after the injury he suffered against Inter last week. Nicolo Cherubin is likely to deputise in his absence as he is preferred to Naldo. It is a special game for Bologna's Manolo Gabbiadini as the 21-year-old, who has netted five times this season in Serie A, will be desperate to impress against the Old Lady - his parent club. DID YOU KNOW? • Bologna are on a promising run just now having seen off Inter 1-0 last weekend to record their third victory in a row. • The Rossoblu have just won one match in their last 25 against the Old Lady (in all competitions), and that came back in February 2011 when Marco Di Vaio grabbed a double to give them a 2-0 victory. • Stefano Pioli's men have only been beaten three times at home this season: Parma, Milan and Inter have taken maximum points away from the Dall'Ara. • Juventus have recorded the two wins in their last five matches away from home in Serie A. • The Bianconeri are 10 league games unbeaten as the visitors. The last time Bologna won at home against the Old Lady was in 1998 - a 3-0 success that day. • The last two league games at Dall'Ara have ended in draws. Head to Head Serie A - Oct 31, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 Serie A ‎- Mar 7, 2012 - Bologna 1 - Juventus 1 Coppa Italia ‎- Dec 8, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 Serie A ‎- Sep 21, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Bologna 1 Serie A ‎- Feb 26, 2011 - Juventus 0 - Bologna 2 Last Five Matches Bologna Mar 10, 2013 - FC Internazionale 0 - Bologna 1 - Serie A Mar 3, 2013 - Bologna 3 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A Feb 26, 2013 - Bologna 2 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A Feb 17, 2013 - Catania 1 - Bologna 0 - Serie A Feb 10, 2013 - Bologna 1 - Siena 1 - Serie A Juventus Mar 10, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Catania 0 - Serie A Mar 6, 2013 - Juventus 2 - Celtic 0 - UCL Mar 1, 2013 - SSC Napoli 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Feb 24, 2013 - Juventus 3 - Siena 0 - Serie A Feb 16, 2013 - Roma 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Alessandro Diamanti When this talented No.10 is on song, the Rossoblu always have a chance. Scored a wonder goal against Cagliari a couple of weeks back demonstrating his excellent ability with his left foot as he curled one in from way out on the far right. A bit temperamental and could hardly be compared to Vidal's effort and work rate but has as much flair and vision as any of the leading Serie A stars and could be the key to unlocking a tight Bianconeri defence. Arturo Vidal The midfield 'warrior' is back and could be the difference between the two sides this weekend. The Chilean has an energy, a drive, a determination which helps to inspire those around him. If he is not spraying passes about, making clever runs or finding pockets of space to create chances in, then, without the ball, he is just as impressive, constantly hussling and harriing the opposition into making a mistake. His boundless enthusiasm can drive Juventus forward to victory on Saturday. Prediction This has the makings of a very tight encounter. The hosts by their own admission are on a great run of form having recorded three straight victories including the scalp of Inter, while Juventus continue to grind out results while others below them drop points. The Bianconeri have a good record against the Rossoblu but there have been a few draws in there, too and this could be another one on Saturday. Editor's Prediction Bologna 1 - 1 Juventus http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Matthaus: 'Juve can win Champions' Mar 15, 2013 Lothar Matthaus claims that “if Juventus beat Bayern Munich, then they’ll win the Champions League” after their quarter-final draw. The two giants were paired together in the tournament and the first leg will be in Germany on April 2, with the return in Turin on April 10. “It will be a very entertaining tie with two teams who start on level terms,” Matthaus told ItaSportPress. “I don’t see Bayern as the favourites, because the Juve I saw in the Champions League against Celtic seemed very strong to me.” Matthaus is a Serie A legend due to his time at Inter and had two lengthy spells playing for Bayern Munich. “Antonio Conte has done well to instil a winning mentality in his players. If they don’t suffer a heavy defeat in Munich, then they could well qualify in the new Juventus Stadium that pushes the team forward with its passion. “Bayern have more experience, but over 180 minutes this is only a slight advantage. If Juventus play the perfect game in Germany and go forward, they will win the Champions League, as the enthusiasm and self-belief will sky-rocket.”

Kroos: Juve hardest after Barca Mar 15, 2013 Bayern Munich man Toni Kroos has claimed that 'only Barcelona' would have been a tougher draw than Juventus. The Bundesliga leaders will play the Bianconeri in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. And the 23-year-old has admitted that his team are in for a tough challenge. “Juventus have eliminated the winner of the last Champions League [Chelsea],” he told uefa.com. “So I think, for us, they are the hardest team to face after Barcelona. “To win we have to give our best and do not concede a goal at home – that will be crucial. “Arturo Vidal has become a key player for them.”

Schweini: Juve are always tough Mar 15, 2013 Bastian Schweinsteiger has highlighted the threat posed by Andrea Pirlo when his Bayern Munich side play the Bianconeri. The Bundesliga leaders have been drawn against Antonio Conte's men in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. And the Germany international has insisted that the Turin giants will be a tough proposition. “Juventus are a great team,” he told uefa.com. “Italian players are always physical and you can rely on players like Andrea Pirlo to put in a good performance. “Facing Juventus is always tough – especially at a tactical level.”

Neuer: Bayern confident of win Mar 15, 2013 Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer believes his side have what it takes to defeat Juventus in the Champions League. The Bianconeri play the Bundesliga side in the quarter-finals of the competition in the first week in April. And the 26-year-old shot-stopper is confident that his men will defeat Antonio Conte's team. “The Italian teams are always very organized,” he told uefa.com. “But we have what it takes to get through to the semi-final.”

Bayern last team to beat Juve Mar 15, 2013 Who were the last team to beat Juventus in the Champions League? Bayern Munich – their next opponents in the competition. The two teams met in the tournament back in December 2009 and the German outfit collected a 4-1 win in Turin. The European giants have surprisingly only met on six occasions in the past and all have come in the continent’s most prestigious competition. Juve have the upper hand with three wins, two losses and one draw. They have scored six and conceded seven. From the 14 players who last faced Bayern, when Juve were bossed by Ciro Ferrara, there are four Juventini who are still in their squad today. Juventus versus Bayern in 2009: BUFFON, CACERES, Legrottaglie, Cannavaro, Grosso, Camoranesi, Felipe Melo (GIOVINCO 81), MARCHISIO, Diego (Amauri 65), Del Piero (Poulsen 46), Trezeguet.

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.”