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Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni MATCH PREVIEW Feb 8, 2013 There's more than just pride at stake as old rivals collide, with Juventus chasing the Scudetto and Fiorentina aiming for Europe. Juve recovered from a case of the January jitters to overcome Chievo in Verona last weekend. Alessandro Matri and Stephan Lichtsteiner were first half scorers to put the Bianconeri in command, although Cyril Thereau sent a scare through the camp by pulling a goal back. Captain Gianluigi Buffon admits they were given a wake-up call by Napoli’s rapid ascent up the table. The Partenopei have become genuine Scudetto contenders and the goalkeeper declared Juve must be wary of the Azzurri from here on in. Assistant Coach Angelo Alessio keeps his position as matchday leader with Antonio Conte to serve one more match on his ban. Leonardo Bonucci also has a week to go, but Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio return. Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Nicklas Bendtner and Kwadwo Asamoah are unavailable. Fiorentina’s abject start to the new year was put to rest by their maiden win, a 2-0 success over Parma. Luca Toni opened the scoring just prior to the half-hour mark, before Stevan Jovetic’s drought-ending sealer five minutes after the interval. Jovetic last netted when the Viola last won, at Palermo pre-Christmas. Vincenzo Montella’s side are four points from the Champions League places. Poor recent form cost the Viola a spot in the European zone, although they are currently only a point behind fifth-placed Inter. The boss is not helped by suspensions to Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio, while midfielder Mati Fernandez and defender Michele Camporese are injury casualties. Former Juve midfielder Momo Sissoko is yet to make his debut as he remains at the Africa Cup of Nations. Last season’s 2-1 triumph was Juve’s first success over the Viola in their past three attempts. It took their overall tally to 47 wins from 73 encounters. Fiorentina have left Turin with maximum points on just six occasions. Keep an eye on: Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina) – Fiorentina’s captain will have a pivotal role to play. Aside from leading the team, defensively Pasqual will aim to keep Juve’s Swiss Express Lichtsteiner in check, while his drive on the left-hand side is crucial to the Viola in attack. Form guide: Juventus (L D W D W) Fiorentina (L L D L W) Last season: Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina Stat fact: Fiorentina last won away at Juventus in 2007-08. Pablo Osvaldo’s dramatic, injury time winner ensured a 3-2 result. PROBABLE LINE-UPS Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Matri Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic, Toni http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Pirlo a doubt for Juventus Feb 8, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that Andrea Pirlo, amongst others, is a doubt for the tie against Fiorentina. The playmaker returned from international duty this week, after the 1-1 draw in Holland, with a problem. “Pirlo didn’t train yesterday and I’ll have to speak to him,” the tactician noted. “Meanwhile, Mauricio Isla returned with a cold and Stephan Lichtsteiner came off for Switzerland. “We’ll evaluate all of these situations tomorrow.” There is some good news for the tactician though given that he will have two other players back after injury. “Sebastian Giovinco is causing me no worries and Claudio Marchisio is training with us – they are both at 100 per cent.” Juventus-Fiorentina games are always fiery affairs, but Conte has played down the significance of the tie. “I didn’t live this game as a rivalry when I was a player. I think that matters more to Fiorentina. Juventus are a great side and I think all the teams that face us give that little bit extra. But, for us, it is a game like the others. “There is a long way to go until the end of the championship so I think it is premature to suggest the Fiorentina match is a Scudetto tie. Tomorrow we’ll face a strong side in Fiorentina. We have to try to beat everyone and not just Fiorentina.” The Viola will line-up with Stevan Jovetic in their side, a player who is of transfer interest to the Bianconeri. “Jovetic is a Fiorentina player, a young one, but a player with possibilities. I though have my players whom I consider important – so I’ll keep them.” It’s a big week for Juventus as they face Celtic on Tuesday and then Roma on the following Saturday. “What counts is the next game, thus Fiorentina,” Conte added. “From tomorrow night we’ll be thinking about the Champions League and Celtic. “Roma? I thought it would be more logical to schedule such a game for Sunday. It makes no sense playing tomorrow, Tuesday in Europe and then again on Saturday against Roma.” Conte also insisted that he’s happy to have Nicolas Anelka in his ranks following his arrival in January. “I’ve tried a few different solutions and mechanisms this week. When I believe the right moment arrives then I will call upon his services. I’m convinced that he can give us a big helping hand.” Sky Sport Italia are today suggesting that Juve’s starting XI will be: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Padoin, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Giovinco http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus-Fiorentina Preview: Bianconeri embark on big week With the Serie A leaders set to continue their Champions League campaign on Tuesday, three points would be the perfect tonic to kick-start four crucial days. Feb 8, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie Vucinic, Matri FIORENTINA Viviano Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Valero, Pasqual Jovetic, Toni Juventus displayed their battling qualities at just the right time last Saturday, as they defeated Chievo 2-1 and they will need much more of the same over the course of the next seven days. With the Bianconeri resuming Champions League duties with a last 16 clash against Celtic on Tuesday, Fiorentina are a domestic obstacle they must first overcome. Viola and head coach Vincenzo Montella have received plaudits for their season so far, with the club in sixth spot on 39 points going into the weekend, but Juve will still be confident of seeing off the Florence outfit and maintaining their three-point advantage at the top of the table. Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are all absent through injury, while Leonardo Bonucci serves the final game of a two-match ban. Fiorentina will be without Matias Fernandez, Michele Camporese, Giuseppe Rossi and Ahmed Hegazy, as they look to build on a solid 2-0 victory over Parma in their last outing. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus are undefeated in 35 of their last 38 matches in Serie A. • The Bianconeri are also unbeaten in their last nine games against Fiorentina in all competitions. • The last clash between the two sides ended in a drab 0-0 draw in Florence back in September. • Juve have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last five league games. • Viola possess the highest scorer of any player in both sides, with Stevan Jovetic finding the back of the net nine times this season. • On average, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Fiorentina's last six away games in Serie A. • Midfielder Borja Valero has eight assists to his name from midfield. Arturo Vidal has set up six of his side's goals this season. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 5 Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 1 Serie A ‎- Apr 17, 2011 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Nov 27, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Fiorentina 1 Last Five Matches Juventus Feb 3, 2013 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Jan 29, 2013 - Lazio 2 - Juventus 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 26, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Genoa 1 - Serie A Jan 22, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Lazio 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 19, 2013 - Juventus 4 - Udinese 0 - Serie A Fiorentina Feb 3, 2013 - Fiorentina 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A Jan 27, 2013 - Catania 2 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A Jan 20, 2013 - Fiorentina 1 - SSC Napoli 1 - Serie A Jan 16, 2013 - Fiorentina 0 - Roma 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 13, 2013 - Udinese 3 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Alessandro Matri It has been a long time coming in a Juventus shirt, but the 24-year-old at last looked the real deal in the 2-1 win over Chievo, scoring a sublime volley to open the scoring. Perhaps the arrival of Nicolas Anelka has at last sparked life into a striker who has frustrated so often. Stevan Jovetic At 23-years-old the Montenegro forward remains one of the hottest prospects in European football and his performances in Serie A continue to draw admiring glances from far and wide. Nine goals in 18 Serie A appearances is the mark of a top player and makes him Fiorentina's biggest threat. Prediction The prospect of a Champions League clash with Celtic looms large on the horizon for Juventus and that could see several players take their eye off the ball. Fiorentina have impressed so far this season and will blow the Serie A title race wide open with a battling point. Editor's Prediction Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Toni eyes 'historic' Juventus scalp The boyhood Bianconeri fan feels Fiorentina have what it takes to defeat his former employers on Saturday, but coach Vincenzo Montella insists they must be "perfect" to win. Feb 8, 2013 Fiorentina striker Luca Toni believes his side "can make history" by beating Juventus in the crucial Serie A clash. Toni realised a boyhood dream when he signed for the current Scudetto champions back in 2011, but his short spell in Turin came to an abrupt end when he joined UAE outfit Al Nasr. Now plying his trade for Viola, the 35-year-old is relishing the prospect of facing his old employers, and insists his current side are capable of picking up all three points given their performances so far this season. He told Corriere dello Sport: "I was a Juventus fan from a young age but when I moved to Modena I just started supporting the team I was playing for. "I injured myself during my second game for the club and Luigi Del Neri told me not to give up. But then Antonio Conte arrived and told me to pack my bags. "Fiorentina can make history. We are strong and we give every opponent we face a lot of trouble. No one has ever truly dominated us and in the reverse fixture we dominated them." Viola coach Vincenzo Montella has warned that his side will need to be "perfect" in order to triumph at Juventus Stadium, and stated he hopes that the burgeoning rivalry between the sides will not boil over during the match. "We have prepared well for the game and we’ll need to be perfect," the former Catania coach told a press conference. "It’s true that the rivalry between Juventus and Fiorentina, also at management level, has intensified, but we have to keep that within the context of a sporting rivalry. "We must transform that into positive energy and not arrogance." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: Verratti very similar to Pirlo The Italy star believes the youngster has similar qualities as the former AC Milan ace, and is confident he has a bright future ahead of him. Feb 8, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has taken the time to praise Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti and drew comparisons between him and fellow Italy international Andrea Pirlo. Verratti impressed in the Azzurri's 1-1 friendly draw against Netherlands on Wednesday after coming off the bench at half-time, and Marchisio believes the 20-year-old has a bright future ahead of him. "Marco is still young and has room for improvement, but he already has a lot of quality," the Juventus midfielder was quoted as saying by La Stampa. "He is the player who is most similar to Pirlo. Andrea is a great player and still has plenty of years to play. We would be happy if he played for us forever, but Marco has some great qualities in his role, too. "Will Verratti ever play for Juventus? I am in no position to answer that. The transfer market is open twice per year, so there's always a chance." Verratti joined PSG from Pescara in the summer of 2012 and has a contract with the Ligue 1 side until June 2017.

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus lose Bonucci appeal Feb 8, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci will miss Juventus’ game against Fiorentina after his two-match ban was confirmed. The defender picked up a 180-minute suspension for his protests at the end of the 1-1 draw with Genoa, when he felt the Old Lady should have been awarded a late penalty. Bonucci sat out the 2-1 win at Chievo Verona, but his club appealed his punishment in an effort to have him available for Saturday. Luca Marrone is set to replace Bonucci in the middle of Antonio Conte’s back-three against the Viola. Juventus’ attempt to get their €50,000 fine wiped was also rejected. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio hails quality of Verratti Feb 8, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is a big fan of Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti. “He’s the closest thing to Andrea Pirlo.” The 20-year-old continues to be linked with a future in Turin and Marchisio would happily welcome his international teammate. “Marco is young and he needs to improve, but he already has some great qualities,” the Bianconero told La Stampa. “It’s disappointing that a talent like him has had to go and play his football outside of Italy, but, as he says, the market opens every six months so there is always a chance…” The Old Lady did make a bid for the player in the summer, before PSG offered Pescara €12m, given the belief that he will be Pirlo’s heir in the Italian game. “He’s the closest Italian player to Andrea,” Marchisio added. “Pirlo is a great and he still has lots of years to play. “We’ll be happy if he always played for us, but Verratti has some important qualities in the Pirlo role. “Will he come to Juventus? That is a question that you should ask someone else…”

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus to rest duo Feb 8, 2013 Sebastian Giovinco and Claudio Marchisio will start on the bench in Juventus’ game against Fiorentina, claims the Corriere dello Sport. The duo have been struggling with injuries that saw them miss out on Italy’s 1-1 draw with Holland in midweek. Although the youth team graduates are ready for action, boss Antonio Conte will not risk them from the start on Saturday evening. Conte is thought to be saving them ahead of Tuesday’s game in Glasgow against Celtic in the last 16 of the Champions League. The Corriere dello Sport adds that Stephan Lichtsteiner and Andrea Barzagli should be available this weekend after returning from international duty with fitness concerns. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Caceres: Juventus’ week of truth Feb 8, 2013 Martin Caceres has underlined how big the next week will be for Italian champions Juventus. The Old Lady will entertain Fiorentina on Saturday as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the table, before travelling to Scotland for the first leg of their last 16 European Cup tie. “We’re conscious of the fundamental week that lies ahead,” the Uruguayan international told Mediaset and Sky Sport Italia. “The Champions League is a fascinating competition, Celtic are a great side and we’re playing away from home. “But for now we’re purely focused on the Fiorentina game. Regardless of the opposition, we always take to the field to do our best and win. “Results wise, we didn’t have a brilliant January, but it’s now behind us.” Caceres has been brought into the first team in recent weeks following the injury sustained by Giorgio Chiellini. “It’s inevitable that we’ll feel the loss of a player like Chiellini,” the versatile stopper continued. “But we’re all great players here and we’ll do everything to compensate for his absence. We know that everyone’s contribution is required.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Marchisio wants to play, but… Feb 7, 2013 Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio is keen to return to action after injury, but he doesn’t know whether he’ll be risked against Fiorentina. The midfielder has been sidelined for the last week with a hip problem, but he is well on the road to recovery. “Everything is going well,” the Italian international stated on Thursday. “I’m always keen to play, but we’ll have to see. “Now we have a few days before the Fiorentina and the Champions League ties to carefully evaluate if I can return. “These things will be considered now that everyone is back from international duty.” Juventus are still League leaders, but Napoli’s run of form means that the Azzurri are now just three points shy of the Old Lady. “The championship is saying that Napoli are our biggest rivals at the moment,” the former Empoli player added. “Napoli have done some great work over the years and this season, more than ever, they are showing their true worth. “They’ll be looking to take us on for the Scudetto right until the very end. But we are just thinking about Fiorentina...” It will be a big month for Juventus seeing as they will take on Celtic in the first leg of their last 16 European Cup tie on Tuesday. “The Champions League, along with Serie A, is an objective. They are important targets, but we just have to take things one game at a time.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Viola’s Toni targeting Turin triumph Feb 7, 2013 Luca Toni insists Fiorentina are capable of defeating former club Juventus in Turin on Saturday. “We can beat them because we are a strong side,” the summer signing told the Corriere dello Sport on Thursday. “We cause problems for every team that we face. “Our Coach Vincenzo Montella is right when he says nobody has walked all over us this season. And we caused them problems in the first game (0-0) this season.” The 35-year-old, seven goals in 19 ties this term, spent a difficult year at Juventus following his January 2011 arrival from Genoa. “I got injured in my second game, but Gigi Del Neri asked me to grit my teeth,” the World Cup winner continued. “Then Antonio Conte arrived as boss and I was forced to pack my bags. “I have no regrets though. I simply told Conte that he could have told me his plans for me sooner. At the start he said I was part of his project, then he changed his mind.” Toni then outlined his admiration for Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic and defender Andrea Barzagli. “Vucinic is the player to be feared. He may not score that many goals, but he creates goals. He can also dribble past players. “The absence of Giorgio Chiellini? To be honest, I would prefer it if I could take away Barzagli from their defence. He’s the best in Italy in his role.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Fiorentina hail golden Pirlo Feb 7, 2013 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo has won the praise of Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella ahead of this weekend’s meeting. “I would have given Pirlo the Golden Ball,” the former Roma and Catania tactician told Tuttosport. “It would have been a reward for an exceptional career.” Viola technical director Eduardo Macia mirrored Montella’s view. “Pirlo deserved the Golden Ball,” he added. “He’s been playing at the highest levels for 15 years.” Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was given the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or prize ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo or Real Madrid and Barca’s Andres Iniesta. Pirlo – who ranked seventh behind Xavi, Radamel Falcao and Iker Casillas – won the Scudetto last year, as well as helping Italy to the Final of Euro 2012. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Juve want Ghana to release Asamoah Feb 7, 2013 Juventus are hoping to have Kwadwo Asamoah back from the African Cup of Nations for the clash with Celtic in the Champions League. The 24-year-old was part of the Ghana side that lost to Burkina Faso on Wednesday evening in the semi-finals of the competition. But the Black Stars still have one more game to play in South Africa, as they face Mali in the third-place play-off in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. According to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport though, the Bianconeri are pressing the Ghana Football Association not to play the midfielder as they want him back for the trip to Glasgow. Juve travel to Celtic Park to play Neil Lennon's men on Tuesday February 12.

Llorente is key for Del Bosque Feb 7, 2013 Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque is hoping that Fernando Llorente gets back to his best once he joins Juventus. The striker will leave Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer at the end of the season once his contract expires. “I don’t want to do without him for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign,” the tactician, whose side beat Uruguay 3-1 last night, stated. “I want him to do really well when he joins Juventus because I consider him to be a fundamental player for our journey.” The 27-year-old Llorente, nicknamed The Lion King, has scored seven goals in 21 games for his country.

Buffon: Italy are a work in progress The veteran goalkeeper has admitted that the Azzurri struggled against Netherlands on Wednesday, but has insisted that their youngsters need time to improve. Feb 7, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has stressed Italy are still improving as a team and that people cannot expect too much from the Euro 2012 finalists just yet. The Azzurri had a difficult evening against Netherlands at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday, and had Marco Verratti to thank for leaving the Dutch capital with a 1-1 draw following the midfielder's stoppage-time equaliser. "It's true that we need a bit more character. We have a lot of young players, though, and are going through a growth process," Buffon told reporters. "We will have plenty more tests from here until the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. The younger players have time to improve, and to get in great shape in time for Brazil. "It always depends a bit on your opponent how you can play. Netherlands were never going to be an easy opponent. They made things difficult for us and it looked as if we were not giving our all. "The truth is that we were looking to hit them on the counter-attack, though." Italy's next game is the 2014 World Cup qualifier away against Malta on March 26.

Pirlo: Celtic atmosphere won’t intimidate Juventus The playmaker says that the noise created by the Hoops faithful will only serve to make his side stronger when they meet in the Champions League. Feb 6, 2013 Andrea Pirlo has said that Juventus will have no fear when they visit Celtic next week. Antonio Conte’s side face Neil Lennon’s Scottish outfit in the first leg of their Champions League tie at Celtic Park, but the Italian midfielder believes the ground's famous atmosphere will not intimidate Juve’s experienced players. “I'm sure the noise from the Celtic fans will be crazy, but that will only make us more determined to go into battle,” Pirlo told Skysports.com. “I know that Celtic Park will be like a gladiator arena, but we're ready. We are prepared for whatever Celtic have to offer. We have players who have won the World Cup and Champions League, so we are used to intimidating games.” The 33-year-old did however refer to the Hoops’ victory over Barcelona in November, but feels that result will make his side approach the game in the correct manner. He added: “We saw that they beat Barca in Glasgow, but we are prepared to adapt maybe more than Barcelona did. We know Barcelona play fantastic football, but Celtic frustrated them. Whatever way Celtic want to play, we are ready for them. “If they want to play football, we'll play football. But if they want to battle, we are ready to go to battle.” The first leg of the tie will be played on Tuesday, February 12, with the return leg on Wednesday, March 6.

Pirlo’s Juve ready for Celtic Feb 6, 2013 Celtic Park will hold no fear for Andrea Pirlo or his Juventus teammates when the Champions League resumes this month. Juve will travel to Glasgow in the first leg of their last 16 tie and the Italian international is in confident mood. “I'm sure the noise from the Celtic fans will be crazy, but that will only make us more determined to go into battle,” the playmaker noted. “We have players who have won the World Cup and Champions League, so we are used to intimidating games. “I know that Celtic Park will be like a gladiator arena, but we're ready. We are prepared for whatever Celtic have to offer.” The Scottish giants did catch the eye earlier in the competition when they defeated Spanish outfit Barcelona. “We saw that they beat Barca in Glasgow, but we are prepared to adapt maybe more than Barcelona did,” the former Milan man added. “We know Barcelona play fantastic football, but Celtic frustrated them. Whatever way Celtic want to play, we are ready for them. “If they want to play football, we'll play football. But if they want to battle, we are ready to go to battle.”

Chiellini could miss Napoli clash Feb 5, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini's agent has admitted that the Juventus defender could miss the crucial clash against Napoli. The League leaders face their nearest challengers on March 1, and the 28-year-old's representative has conceded that he may still be on the sidelines for the match at San Paolo. “Giorgio is not a player the club want to take a risk on,” Davide Lippi told calciomercato. “I think he could be back at the end of this month, but I do not know. “I hope can be available to Conte for the Napoli game, but I'm not sure.”

Pogba accepts France snub Feb 5, 2013 Paul Pogba insists that he isn’t overly concerned with the fact that he continues to be ignored by France boss Didier Deschamps. The teenager, 19, has been a revelation at Juventus in his first Italian season and that has led to calls that he should be handed his full international debut by his national side. “I’m not disappointed with not being selected,” Pogba is quoted as saying in Tuttosport. “It’s not that serious if Deschamps doesn’t think I’m ready. “I’ll continue playing my football and if he calls me up then he calls me up.” Pogba has scored four goals in 15 League games for the Italian champions. “Am I surprised to have played so much? Yes and no,” he continued. “It’s definitely what I wanted. I left Manchester United to play and that is happening at Juventus.” The central midfielder again hit the headlines recently with two splendid strikes in the 4-0 win over Udinese. “They were great goals, but a career can not consist of just that,” he added. “You have to keep confirming yourself.”

Juventus' teenage star Pogba upbeat despite France snub The 19-year-old remains philosophical having being ignored by Didier Deschamps ahead of France's clash with Germany in Paris, and believes he was right to leave the Premier League. Feb 5, 2013 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is upbeat following his omission from the France national team. The 19-year-old has produced a series of eye-catching displays for the Bianconeri this season and was expected to be handed a first international cap by France coach Didier Deschamps. But having being snubbed by Deschamps ahead of France's friendly with Germany on Wednesday, Pogba insists he is unperturbed and will continue to give his best at club level. “I’m not disappointed with not being selected," Pogba told Tuttosport. “It’s not that serious if Deschamps doesn’t think I’m ready. I’ll continue playing my football and if he calls me up, then, he calls me up.” The Frenchman has featured 21 times in all competitions for Juventus this term and believes his decision to leave Manchester United has been vindicated. He said: "Am I surprised to have played so much? Yes and no. It’s definitely what I wanted. I left Manchester United to play and that is happening at Juventus." Meanwhile, Pogba also reflected on his magnificent double against Udinese a fortnight ago and insists there is more to come. He added: "Those were great goals, but a career can not consist of just that . You have to keep proving yourself."

Pogba, Niang, Varane – The future of French football suddenly looks bright again With the promising trio amongst the best in the world for their age, les Bleus can be optimistic that they can regain their former glories. Feb 5, 2013 COMMENT By Robin Bairner After years of false optimism, there is finally once again promise that France could rediscover their place as one of the world’s foremost international superpowers. Les Bleus might have crashed out of Euro 2012 in a limp manner, but a gaggle of exciting young players are in the midst of making their names at some of the continent’s greatest clubs, providing fresh hope in l’Hexagone ahead of its hosting of Euro 2016. The national team has spent much of the last decade lurching from disaster to disaster. Aside from reaching the World Cup final of 2006, France have tended to under-perform grossly at major tournaments, with their feeble exit at the hands of Spain during Euro 2012 all too typical of their inability to find cohesion on the greatest stage. Fast forward eight months, and the future of the game suddenly looks bright for les Bleus. About to break through into the senior national side are some of Europe’s brightest young players, who have been produced by a competitive domestic academy system before being honed by the game’s elite abroad. FIVE FOR THE FUTURE LUCAS DIGNE | LILLE - Teenage left-back looks certain to become one of the best in his position. M'BAYE NIANG | AC MILAN - Looks set to form one of Serie A's most lethal strike forces over the next decade. PAUL POGBA | JUVENTUS - Has left everyone in awe since moving to Turin in the summer from Man Utd. ADRIEN RABIOT | PSG - A talented young midfielder capable of complementing the imports in Paris. RAPHAEL VARANE | REAL MADRID - Has shown maturity beyond his years during his 18 months in Spain. Likened to Fernando Hierro. There is no more competitive a club to make a name at than Real Madrid, yet young centre-back Raphael Varane appears set to enjoy a long relationship with los Blancos after a storming performance in the Clasico only a week ago. Brought up in the Lens youth system, the 19-year-old produced a man-of-the-match performance in his first appearance in the world’s biggest club fixture, even scoring the levelling goal in a 1-1 draw. “He's still only 19-years-old and it is quite something to then play against Barcelona without making any mistakes like he did,” said Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno, who overlooked the fact that Varane did not only enjoy an error-free match, but actually spent much of the game clearing up mistakes made by the vastly more experienced Ricardo Carvalho alongside him. Quick, strong and a good reader of the game, he would have made his international debut against Germany on Wednesday had he not been forced to pull out of the squad injured. Nevertheless, with Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Mamadou Sakho still at the beginning of their careers, France looked well stocked for centre-backs in the years to come. In the midfield, there is another 19-year-old catching the eye, this time with Juventus. Paul Pogba came through Le Havre’s impressive youth system before being sold to Manchester United. Unhappy he was not getting first-team football at Old Trafford, the midfielder pushed through a move to Serie A in the summer. Critics considered him arrogant as he stormed away from the Premier League leaders, yet his decision has been vindicated fully this season as he has been featuring regularly for the Old Lady, albeit as first alternative to the midfield trio of Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, and performing to the highest standard. Over the course of the campaign, he has been described as everything from “the best teenager in the world” to the next Frank Rijkaard, and even to “a Dali painting”. Paris-born Pogba is a player who seems to have the world at his feet with the Turin giants, with whom he has displayed an ability to dictate games that belies his years. Another French youth making a name for himself in Italy is M’Baye Niang, who became AC Milan’s second youngest goalscorer in history when he struck in a Coppa Italia fixture against Reggina in December. “Niang is better than Balotelli,” president Silvio Berlusconi boasted only a few days later to Radio Mars, before swooping to sign the Manchester City forward in January. Even prior to the arrival of ‘Super Mario’ at San Siro, the young forward was being compared in style to the Italian, and his off-field antics did nothing to quell the comparisons. Niang admitted to RMC that he went “a bit mental” when he joined Milan, and he is presently serving a ban from the national team after breaking a curfew while on duty with the Under-21 squad in the autumn. Still, the 18-year-old has calmed down and is reaping the benefits on the field. At the side of Balotelli last Sunday against Udinese, he contributed immensely to the cause and is now ready to establish himself as one member of Serie A’s best offensive lines. Additionally, there is a terrific supporting cast of players bubbling away. Moussa Sissoko at 23 is a little older, but with Newcastle he is showing signs of reaching his fearsome potential, while Lille left-back Lucas Digne is another teenager destined for a massive future in the game. Meanwhile, Lyon’s Ligue 1 title push is being led by youths who have shown they have the skill, desire, belief and team work to match Paris Saint-Germain’s dollar, with the likes of Samuel Umtiti (19), Alexandre Lacazette (21) and Clement Grenier (22) amongst their most impressive performers. PSG, meanwhile, have a band of their own bright prospects coming through, the best of whom is 17-year-old Adrien Rabiot, who has been forced on loan to Toulouse in order to earn first-team football. So the future certainly does look bright in France, and with Varane, Pogba and Niang, who are arguably the best teenage trio any nation in the world can boast, the long-term future of les Bleus looks to be in safe hands.

Buffon welcomes rivals' challenge as title race in Italy hots up The Juventus No.1 believes the added competition from the likes of Napoli, who trail the league leaders by three points, could be key to driving them to Serie A success this year. Feb 4, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon insists the emergence of Napoli and Lazio as title contenders can motivate his team to a successful defence of their Serie A crown. The 35-year-old has seen the Bianconeri's lead cut to three points following a difficult start to the year, but Buffon is welcoming the added competition and hopes it will prove beneficial in the title race. Speaking to the club's official website, Buffon said: “Rivals can only be a good thing for us. With certain players, the more they’re put under pressure, the better they perform. "Now it can’t be taken for granted that Juve will win the Scudetto. At the end of December it seemed as if we’d already won the championship because there weren’t any rivals. "Now they’ve revealed themselves. Knowing that you can’t put a foot wrong brings added motivation.” Meanwhile, the Italy international also paid tribute to Napoli and their coach Walter Mazzarri. He added: “Napoli are a complete team. They have played together for many years and possess an excellent coach along with important individuals. They’ve got everything in place to fight for the Scudetto. “But we won’t stand back and watch. We need to play in a convincing manner as we did up until a month ago. At which point the others can do whatever they like…" Napoli face Lazio in a top-of-the-table clash on February 9, while Juventus host Vincenzo Montella's Fiorentina.

Llorente targets Champions League success with Juventus The 27-year-old revealed he turned down a number of other offers in order to sign for the Serie A champions, and has set his sights on European glory. Feb 4, 2013 Fernando Llorente believes he is joining "the best team in Italy" in Juventus, and is confident they can mount a serious Champions League challenge in the future. The Athletic Bilbao striker has signed an agreement to join the Serie A champions in the summer when his deal with the Liga side expires, and is hopeful of winning a number of trophies with Antonio Conte's side once he finally completes his protracted move. "For me Athletic has been everything, my club for life, but I am going to the best team in Italy, to one of the best in Europe and the world. Triumphing at Juve is a dream, a great challenge for me," he told AS. "I have had offers from many teams, but it is a very good project. Juve have strongly backed me from the first moment and I have been clear on that. "I have always liked the competitive spirit of Italian teams; they are the best, and I think that they are the ideal team to try to win the Champions League. "They’re a winning team, with the aim of winning many titles in the next few years. I see myself there and the future that awaits me excites me so much, and the method of playing that the team has, although I still don’t think about that because I am concentrating on Athletic." Llorente has been left out Vicente del Bosque's latest Spain squad to face Uruguay this week, but is hoping to win back his place in the national team in time for the 2014 World Cup. "It hurts me a lot (not being in the national team)," he added. "For me it was very important to be there and at the moment I have missed out. I want to do things very well at Juve so that I can get back in the national squad ahead of the World Cup. That is my biggest challenge."

Chiellini sorry for Genoa fracas Feb 4, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has apologised for his reaction at the end of the controversial 1-1 draw between Juventus and Genoa. Although the stopper didn’t feature in the game because of injury, he did step on to the field of play at the end of the tie to protest with officials. Chiellini, who was subsequently handed a one-match ban, was one of a number of Juventus personnel who felt that they should have been awarded an injury-time penalty for an Andreas Granqvist handball. “Yesterday we won a very important match on a difficult pitch like Verona, which in recent years had always created problems to us,” stated the defender on his website following the 2-1 win. “Even if I could not play because of my injury, I sat out the one-match ban imposed after my reaction at the end of Juventus-Genoa. “Now that the controversy about that match has gone, I would like to apologise publicly for the incident,” he added. “Unfortunately, watching the game from the stands gave me more tension and after the end of the match I reacted too vehemently. “We players should be the first who give a good example of how to behave on and off the field, so I wanted to apologise to all football and sports fans in general for my behaviour.”

Lichtsteiner satisfied with goals Feb 4, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner is delighted to be making a contribution in front of goal for Italian champions Juventus. The wing-back was again on target yesterday as he netted in the 2-1 win against Chievo Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi. “I’m consistently finding the net and I’m happy,” the 29-year-old, who has three goals in 17 League games this term, told Sky Sport Italia. The Swiss international’s strike proved to be the winner which allowed Juventus to move three points clear at the top of the table again. “The victory was very important for us,” he added. “We dropped many points in January, which was also down to an element of bad luck. “We’re still top of the League, but we know we’ll need to remain alert because Napoli are a great side, as are Lazio and Inter.”