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Marotta: 'Advanced talks for Llorente' Jan 19, 2013 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta confirms they are “at an advanced stage” for Fernando Llorente and will not sell Arturo Vidal. There were reports this week that Athletic Bilbao star Llorente’s representatives were in Turin thrashing out the final details of a contract, as he will be a free agent in June. “We are looking to the future and monitored those players who will be out of contract, among them the Basque striker, who we are at an advanced stage with.” There were also rumours in the media that Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were planning big money offers for Vidal. “We have received requests for our players, but are generally more accustomed to buying than selling,” added Marotta. “It’s no real surprise that Bayern want him, but there are no offers.”

Athletic Bilbao turn down final Juventus offer for Llorente The Primera Division outfit have decided not to accept the Old Lady's final bid for the 27-year-old, who is now set to stay at San Mames until the end of the season. Jan 19, 2013 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Athletic Bilbao have told Juventus that they have no intention to sell Fernando Llorente in the January transfer window, despite the Serie A side issuing them with an ultimatum, Goal.com understands. The Bianconeri made a final offer of €4 million plus a €300,000 bonus if they successfully defend their Scudetto earlier this week, giving Athletic until Friday to make a decision. The Basque side have opted not to accept the bid, though, meaning that the Spain international will stay put until his contract expires at the end of the season. Juventus had earmarked the 27-year-old striker as the perfect addition to their attack this winter, but they will now have to wait until June to get their man. Llorente will join the Serie A champions on a Bosman at the end of the season on a four-year deal worth €4m per annum after Juve agreed personal terms with the forward back in October. The Spain international told Athletic at the start of the 2012-13 campaign that he did not want to extend his expiring deal, and has since been struggling for game time, scoring just once in 12 Liga games.

Juve wrap up terms with Llorente Jan 18, 2013 A representative of Fernando Llorente is reportedly in Turin finalising personal terms ahead of a summer move to Juventus. The Spanish international will join the Bianconeri on a free transfer once his contract with Athletic Bilbao expires in June. The centre-forward will put pen to paper on a deal until 2017, with an option for an additional season in Turin. Llorente will net a basic salary of €4.5m a season, but that will rise depending on the activation of certain bonus clauses. An official Llorente announcement could be made by the Bianconeri at some stage over the next 10 days.

Juventus make final €4m offer for Llorente The Scudetto holders are still hoping to sign the Spaniard in January, but would turn to Ciro Immobile should their bid for the Athletic striker prove unsuccessful. Jan 16, 2013 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Juventus have presented Athletic Bilbao with a final offer of €4 million for Fernando Llorente, and have given the Basque outfit until Friday to make a decision, Goal.com understands. The Basque side recently announced that the Bianconeri had opened talks with Llorente over a free transfer in the summer when the striker's contract expires, but the Italian champions remain keen to sign the Spaniard in January. Athletic turned down a first offer from the Turin powerhouse earlier in January, but they have now made a final offer worth €4m, plus a €300,000 bonus if Juventus successfully defend their Serie A title. A winter transfer remains a complicated matter as Llorente's current employers are determined to hold on to the player until his contract runs out. The Primera Division side do not need the funds a transfer would generate, having sold Javi Martinez to Bayern Munich for €40m in the summer transfer window, and they see keeping the 27-year-old Llorente at the club as a matter of pride. Should Athletic turn down Juventus' ultimatum, the Bianconeri will look to immediately purchase the other half of Ciro Immobile's contract from Genoa, while they could leave the Italy Under-21 star at his co-owned club until the end of the season if Llorente arrives this month. Juventus held talks with Genoa over Immobile on Tuesday, but the Grifone have told the Serie A leaders that they want to sign a replacement for the striker first before letting go of the player.

Llorente must mark the start of Juventus' striker search, not the end The Athletic Bilbao forward looks set to arrive in Turin this summer, but while he is an improvement on what the Bianconeri currently have, they still need to aim higher. Jan 6, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer It was hardly regarded as the breaking of a state secret when Athletic Bilbao announced this week that their striker Fernando Llorente was in talks with Juventus over a summer Bosman free transfer. The Bianconeri’s interest in the 27-year-old has long been obvious, and the Italian champions are still believed to hold some hope of bringing forward the Spain international’s potential arrival by paying up to €7 million for his signature this month. However, while the addition of Llorente to their squad would be a real statement of intent from the Old Lady, the need to continue aiming high is a great one. The 21-cap marksman would undoubtedly be the figurehead of a strike force which has underperformed massively in recent seasons, but one cannot shake the feeling that there is a further echelon of centre-forward from which Juve could select a true superstar if they so wish. 'STRONG, FAST AND COMMANDING' THE SPANISH VIEW ON LLORENTE "Llorente was key to the fantastic form of Athletic Bilbao last season, scoring a career-high 29 goals as the Basques reached the final of the Europa League and the Copa del Rey in Marcelo Bielsa's first season as coach at San Mames. "But Llorente delayed over a contract offer in the summer and began to doubt his future at the club, particularly after team-mate Javi Martinez joined Bayern Munich in a big-money deal. Llorente, like Martinez, has had problems with Bielsa and has seen himself sent off in training this term, as well as being forced to spend much of the campaign on the bench. At 27, he is also keen to play Champions League football, something he believes he is unlikely to fulfil at Athletic. "A traditional and old-fashioned centre-forward, Llorente is strong, fast, commanding in the air and with a fierce shot. A World Cup winner and European champion with Spain, he received an ovation at Real Madrid recently and has attracted interest from numerous clubs across Europe. Once his head is back and focused firmly on football, he'll be a superb signing for his next club." Ben Hayward, Goal.com's Spanish Football Writer. The Scudetto holders may well get a great deal of success out of Llorente, but they are not a club that needs to sell themselves short. Money is always a factor, but with regular sell-outs at Juventus Stadium, newly-added Champions League funds, and their standing as one of the most marketable club histories in the game, the Bianconeri have no excuse not to compete for the signings of players like Edinson Cavani and Radamel Falcao if they really want to aim high in Europe. There are other options too, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and David Villa also potentially on the market, with each offering attributes which Juve would do well to add to their locker. The likely arrival of Llorente gives them a boost, but a forward line which was led in the goals column by Alessandro Matri’s 10 strikes last term needs more than that in the longer term. Goals from midfield are all well and good, but in tight games on the big occasion, the central department have more to do than just steamroller weak opposition, and it is on these nights that Juventus sometimes need to show they have more power to their arm. Mirko Vucinic adds flair, but is now eight years removed from his last and only 20-goal season. Sebastian Giovinco also shows creativity, but he too is not a heavyweight supplier of goals. Llorente’s skill-set fits well with what Juve lack, with his ability in the channels matching his qualities in the air and in physical combat, but he is yet to play Champions League football, and few can calculate what a player can offer in that most prestiged of tournaments before he has had the chance to prove it for himself. There is no guarantee of goals from any player, of course, but then that is why the Cavanis and Falcaos are so highly-valued. The move for Llorente feels like a great January signing. A player of obvious quality who is not having a great time with his current club, could add a big boost to his new side, and could use the remaining five months of the season to give the management pause for thought ahead of the full summer transfer window to come. But a figurehead summer signing? Maybe not. A club like Juventus holds great sway in the market, and if they play their cards right they can ensure that Llorente is only the start of their renovation up front. Having put together a midfield and a defence of several differing attributes in recent times, now is the time to do the same with their strike force.

Juventus not giving up on January move for Llorente The Bianconeri are already in talks with the Spain international over a move in the summer, but they remain hopeful that they can get their man sooner to help strengthen the side. Jan 4, 2013 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Juventus have not given up hope of signing Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente in the winter transfer window rather than at the end of the season, Goal.com can reveal. The Primera Division side announced on Thursday that the Serie A champions have opened talks with the striker over a free transfer once his contract with Athletic expires in June. However, the latest developments do not mean that Juventus have accepted that a transfer in January is out of the question. The Old Lady recently saw a €4 million offer for the 27-year-old turned down by his current club, but they are now preparing a €7m bid to test Athletic's resolve. Juventus are desperate to add a high-profile striker to their squad this winter, and Llorente could be their only remaining high-profile alternative after players such as Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund) and former Chelsea star Didier Drogba were seemingly ruled out.

Gurpegui: We hope Llorente will help us until the end The Spanish defensive midfielder has expressed his desire for the side's striker ‘saga’ to end quickly and hopes his team-mate will stay until the end of his contract. Jan 4, 2013 Athletic Bilbao player Carlos Gurpegui has said that he hopes the Fernando Llorente "saga" will end soon. The 27-year-old midfielder said he hoped his team-mate would remain with the club until the end of his contract in the summer. “The club have said [that he will stay], at least until somebody pays his release clause. In that respect we are calm," Gurpegui told a press conference on Thursday. "We know that he belongs to Athletic until that day and the only thing that I ask of Fernando until June 30 is that he can be at the highest level and help us score as many goals as possible." Italian giants Juventus have begun negotiations with the striker who has spent nine seasons at the Liga club. Llorente had previously rejected a new deal and stated that he would see out the remainder of his contract.

Athletic: Juventus want Llorente Jan 3, 2013 Juventus have informed Athletic Bilbao that they intend to begin negotiations with Fernando Llorente over a summer move. The Spanish club have released a note on their website where they have revealed that the Italian club have told them of their intentions to sign him on a free transfer. The Spanish international is now free to talk to interested parties seeing as his contract with the Bilbao outfit will expire in June. The Old Lady have been linked with the player, who also has admirers in the Premiership, since last summer.

Juventus in Llorente negotiations The Liga outfit have revealed they have been contacted by the Old Lady, who wish to acquire the Spain international when his current deal with Marcelo Bielsa's side ends in June. Jan 3, 2013 Athletic Bilbao have confirmed that Juventus are in negotiations to sign Fernando Llorente when his contract expires with the Basque club. The Serie A champions have long been linked with a move for the Spain international, who confirmed shortly before the New Year that he would be leaving the Liga outfit in the near future. Athletic have now confirmed that Llorente is in talks with Juve over a move to the Turin club when his current deal with Marcelo Bielsa's side expires at the end of the current season. A statement on the club's official website read: "Juventus football club have contacted Athletic Bilbao on January 3, 2013 to confirm that when Fernando Llorente completes his time with our club on June 30 2013, they will begin negotiations with the player to incorporate him into their squad."

I'm leaving Athletic Bilbao, confirms Llorente The Spain international has revealed he plans to depart the Basque outfit, but was coy on his destination, stating that his future was in the hands of his agent. Dec 30, 2012 Juventus target Fernando Llorente has confirmed he plans to leave Athletic Bilbao. As Goal.com exclusively revealed earlier this week, the Bianconeri are set to make a renewed €7 million bid to tempt the striker to move to Turin in January before rival suitors can begin negotiations. Llorente has now confirmed his intention to depart the Basque side, although he conceded it was painful to quit his boyhood club. "I'm leaving Athletic," he told Tuttosport. "The truth is that the project is very good and for me it's a pain, an absolute sadness not to play next year in the new San Mames, but football is like that." The 27-year-old refused to be drawn on his destination, however, stressing that his sole focus was to continue training and playing for Marcelo Bielsa's side. "Everything is in the hands of my representatives. I'm only focused on training, to train, to play," he added. "I'm just thinking about football today, about our league."

Juventus to make renewed bid of €7 million for Llorente The Old Lady are prepared to redouble their efforts to sign the Spain international, having seen a previous bid of €4m rejected for the target man by the Basque club. Dec 28, 2012 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Juventus are set to make a renewed bid of €7 million for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, Goal.com can reveal. The Bianconeri have long been linked with the Spain international as they desperately seek to add a proven goalscorer to their ranks, particularly following the injury to Nicklas Bendtner, and had a previous bid of €4m rejected by the Basque club. Although the forward's contract is set to expire next summer, director Guiseppe Marotta is keen to bring him to Turin sooner rather than later, and will attempt to prise the 27-year-old away from San Mames with a fresh €7m bid. While Marotta is confident that such an offer would be enough to sign the player in January, he believes that if the latest bid is unsuccessful, then, Llorente will still join the Serie A leaders on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season. Such an agreement could be reached in February. Juventus have been linked with a host of strikers in recent months as they seek to bolster their forward line. As Goal.com exclusively revealed earlier this month, Antonio Conte's men contacted Borussia Dortmund over the availability of Robert Lewandowski, while rumours linking them with a move for Didier Drogba still linger despite the club ruling out a bid. The Scudetto champions are also considering the prospect of recalling Manolo Gabbiadini from his loan spell with Bologna, although Conte is thought to be keen for the 21-year-old to continue his development away from Turin.

Juve to make €7m bid for Llorente Dec 28, 2012 Juventus are ready to make a €7m bid for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, according to reports. Fichajes.net reported recently that the Bianconeri had made a €4m bid for the Spain international, but Calcio News have today claimed that Antonio Conte's side are willing to up that by €3m in order to sign the 27-year-old. Llorente is available on a free transfer at the end of the season after he revealed that he would not renew his contract. But Juve want to bring the forward to Turin in January as they look for the goalscorer that could fire them to League and European glory.

Llorente Set For Free Transfer Summer Move After Juve Deal Falls Through Dec 26, 2012 Despite the transfer window being closed, there is always transfer gossip doing the rounds in the papers and we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest news during the coming months. Today, more on the future of Fernando Llorente. Arsenal and Liverpool target Fernando Llorente is set to remain with Athletic Bilbao until the end of the season after his January move to Juventus fell through, according to talkSPORT. The 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract at Bilbao and has so far been unable to agree terms over a new deal. This has lead to speculation over his future with talkSPORT linking the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Juventus with a move. The report claims that Llorente was expected to move to Juventus in January but understands that deal has fallen through and the Spanish striker will now stay with Bilbao for the rest of the season and leave on a free transfer in the summer. This news could be of interest to Arsenal and Liverpool as a player of Llorente’s quality doesn’t become available very often. I’d love to see the striker in the Premier League next season as his talent is undoubted and at 6 foot 5 inches he’ll be able to handle the physical aspect of English football. He was superb last season, scoring 29 goals in 53 games, with his goals helping Bilbao to the Europa League final. His form has been less impressive this term but has seen himself regularly left on the bench as punishment for his contract wrangle.

Llorente denies Juve deal Dec 13, 2012 Athletic Bilbao outcast Fernando Llorente declared it is “totally untrue” that he has agreed a move to Juventus, as his options are open ahead of the January transfer window. The World Cup winning striker has refused to sign a new contract and will be a free agent in June, meaning he can begin negotiations from next month. “It is true that we are approaching the date when I can sign for other clubs,” Llorente told Sky Sports. “I'm trying to keep it so that it is something which is managed by my brother and my representatives. That leaves me to focus in my football and help my team, Athletic, and nothing else, maintain focus. “I really like the Premier League and I've mentioned on more than one occasion that it's a league which appeals to me a lot. “You never know. It's one good option in terms of my future but we'll have to wait until the end of the season to see what happens.” So far the favourites to sign Llorente have been Juventus, including reports he has already agreed a transfer to Turin. “No. That's totally untrue. I think it's normal that people talk about these things, but ultimately you have to respect the rules. I am an Athletic player and, until January 1, I cannot sign with any other team.”

Juve to bid €6m for Llorente Dec 7, 2012 Another day and another transfer story suggesting that Fernando Llorente could leave Athletic Bilbao for Juventus in January. Although the player this week suggested that he would remain with his present club until his contract expired in June, that hasn’t silenced the speculation. Reports in the peninsula are claiming that the Old Lady – who have now qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League – could make a cheeky €6m bid after Christmas. The Bianconeri, who are also being paired with Shanghai Shenhua’s Didier Drogba, will face competition from English clubs for the Spaniard.

Juventus back in Llorente hunt The Serie A powerhouse have revived their interest in the Spain international as other targets are proving difficult to acquire. Dec 7, 2012 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Juventus have turned their attentions back to Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente as the chase for Robert Lewandowski from Borussia Dortmund has ground to a halt, Goal.com can reveal. The Bianconeri had made the Poland international their primary target in the transfer market, and contacted BVB earlier this week to enquire about the striker's availability. Nevertheless, Dortmund are in no rush to sell Lewandowski to Juve as they aim to hold on to the prolific hitman, while there is also interest from Manchester United and Manchester City. The Serie A champions have therefore turned their attentiona to La Liga and are ready to make a €7 million offer for Llorente in the January transfer window. Juve attempted to lure the Spain international to Turin during the summer but Athletic refused to sell the 27-year-old. The Bianconeri are hopeful that the Basque side will now be willing to cash in on Llorente, though, as the striker remains reluctant to sign a new deal, and could leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season. Llorente has not featured in the Champions League yet this season, and would therefore be eligible for the Old Lady in the round of 16.

Juve target Llorente confirms exit Dec 4, 2012 Fernando Llorente has moved closer to Juventus after confirming he won’t sign a new contract, as his current deal with Athletic Bilbao expires in June. The Spanish media are confident the striker has chosen the Bianconeri despite competition from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter. “Let’s be clear that it is not an economic decision. Athletic’s offer was irresistible,” declared Llorente in a Press conference today. “Is the decision firm? Yes, I took that decision when I played my first match at San Mames in the Europa League [against Slaven Koprivnica on August 2] and I saw this whole situation that had derived. “That made me sad and I decided not to renew. I also want to try other things. I have been European and world champion, I have played for years at a high level.” Llorente will be available on a free transfer in June, but it’s possible he could be sold during the January transfer window for a cut-price fee. The World Cup and European Championship winner blamed the media for making his situation in Bilbao untenable. “The Press has not really helped my renewal, they are one of the reasons for the bad feelings on the pitch and that is what has prompted me to not renew. That, along with many other things.”

Juventus prepare €7m offer for Llorente The Serie A powerhouse failed to sign the prolific striker in the summer, but are preparing another move for the forward come January. Nov 28, 2012 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Fernando Llorente could be on his way out of Athletic Bilbao in the January transfer window as Juventus are ready to make a €7 million offer for the powerful attacker, Goal.com can reveal. The Serie A champions already attempted to lure the Spain international to Turin in the summer transfer window, but Athletic refused to let go of the 27-year-old earlier this year. The Bianconeri are hopeful that the Basque side are willing to cash in on Llorente now, though, as the striker remains reluctant to sign a new deal, and could leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season. Llorente has mainly been warming the bench at San Mames ever since he announced his desire to leave at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, and he is desperate to leave sooner rather than later in order to get his career back on track. The potential arrival of Llorente at Juventus Stadium effectively means the end of Alessandro Matri or Nicklas Bendtner's spell with the Old Lady. Juve are ready to part company with one of the two once they have secured the services of a new striker, and general director Giuseppe Marotta has scheduled meetings with the agents of both players next week to discuss their future at the club.

Agnelli: 'Refs chosen carefully' Jan 27, 2013 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli defended Antonio Conte and Beppe Marotta, reiterating that Neapolitan referees should not officiate their games. The Bianconeri caused controversy last night when angrily confronting referee Marco Guida after a 1-1 draw with Genoa. General manager Beppe Marotta was particularly harsh when suggesting the official didn’t give a penalty because he is from Naples. “There are very important games and a series of protagonists who live through them with emotion and sporting fire,” said Agnelli at tonight’s Players’ Association awards. “Asking them to behave like English Lords at the end of the match is difficult, especially when such a shocking incident occurs right at the death. “Reactions in the world of football will always exist. When certain incidents occur around Juventus, they are always emphasised, but reactions in the heat of the moment must not be used for other reasons. “Marotta’s statements last night were very calm and I’m sure the refereeing designator will look into how opportune certain choices are. When it comes to future designations, we will see whether his statements are considered or not. “Having said that, we must go forward, aware that whoever is right will be out in front come May. We have many expectations and realise it is more difficult to confirm success rather than win the first time. “The teams behind us have legitimate ambitions and Napoli must be considered a very serious contender for the title, as they have a strong squad and a capable Coach.”

Juventus priced out of Lisandro swoop, admits Marotta The Bianconeri chief has poured cold water on the chances of the striker pitching up in Turin this month due to being faced with what he considers an unreasonable price tag. Jan 27, 2013 Beppe Marotta has revealed that Olympique Lyonnais have priced Juventus out of a move for Lisandro Lopez. The Argentine forward had been linked with a switch to the reigning Serie A champions as the Old Lady look to add to their attacking options, with Nicolas Anelka set to join in the coming days. However, the general manager ruled out any chances of Lisandro touching down in Turin imminently due to Lyon’s excessive valuation of the 29-year-old. "I do not think Lisandro Lopez will join," Marotta told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "The position of the club is, as a result, frozen. Lisandro is a good player, but Lyon requested a transfer at a cost that does not appeal to us. "We must stay cool and rational in this kind of market." Juve have also secured Fernando Llorente on a Bosman free transfer, but the Basque striker must see out the remainder of the season with Athletic Bilbao.

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Marco Borriello (68′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Attendance: 38000 Referee felt pressure because he was from Naples, suggests Marotta The official stopped short of claiming the referee favoured title-rivals Napoli after several controversial decisions against Genoa, but questioned why he had been selected. Jan 27, 2013 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has queried why referee Marco Guida, from Naples, was assigned to officiate the Old Lady's match against Genoa on Saturday. Guida controversially turned down several penalty appeals from Antonio Conte's men which meant the Italian champions dropped two points, which could allow fellow Scudetto contenders Napoli to close within three points at the top with a win on Sunday. "The referee Guida is from Naples, so maybe that's why he felt under certain pressure," explained Marotta to reporters after the match. "I am sure he is a good man, but if these referees are not assigned to the matches of clubs originating from their region, there has to be an underlying reason. "I am just discussing this error. He's young, and being assigned to our game must have been difficult for him. Imagine the fallout if a Turin referee had taken charge of a Napoli match." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Marco Borriello (68′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Attendance: 38000 Conte: Referee has to hand back licence The Bianconeri coach was harsh in his comments towards the match-official, after watching several credible penalty appeals to break the deadlock against Genoa fall on deaf ears. Jan 27, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte launched a tirade at referee Marco Guida in the aftermath of his team's controversial 1-1 draw against Genoa on Saturday evening. Ex-Bianconeri hitman Marco Borriello cancelled out Fabio Quagliarella's opener to ensure the spoils were shared in Turin, but what defined the match proved to be two calls for penalties being turned down. "The referee should take some responsibility. Even a blind man would have seen that [handball by Andreas Granqvist in the box]," a visibly furious Conte fired at reporters after the match. "In these cases, you've got to hand back your refereeing licence. I cannot tolerate what happened. Even the goal-line referee said it was a penalty. I think in these cases, saying ‘shame on you’ is the very least one can do. "I can accept it if they claim not to have seen the incident, but hearing a referee say they didn't feel like giving the penalty is not normal. This is not football. "For a long time, we've been well-mannered and valued fair play, but now I have seen too many incidents go against us. Parma once said that everyone was entitled to complain except Juventus. Now the incidents are there for all to see. "Now I'd rather not hear the media breaking our balls over pro-Juve and anti-Juve errors, because errors are everywhere for and against everyone." Despite the unlikely setback, the Old Lady are still on course to retain their Scudetto, after second-placed Lazio capitulated in a shock home defeat by Chievo. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Marco Borriello (68′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Attendance: 38000 Conte: 'Bad thoughts about ref...' Jan 27, 2013 Antonio Conte vented even more rage at the Juventus-Genoa referee in his Press conference. “I go home with bad thoughts in my mind.” The Coach was furious after the 1-1 draw with Genoa, as in stoppages the ball ricocheted off Andreas Granqvist’s shin and on to his arm. The referee judged it to be ‘not deliberate’ and therefore waved play on. “I did not get angry at the penalty that wasn’t given, let’s be clear. I was angry at the rest,” said Conte in his post-match Press conference. Conte claimed referee Marco Guida had said he “didn’t feel ready” to give the penalty. It is reported that Guida denied using this phrase. “To err is human, I can accept an error if I’m told that the incident could not be seen properly, just as other incidents weren’t seen like the shirt-tug on Mirko Vucinic, the push on Paul Pogba or the penalty for Genoa... “However, if an incident is so serious that the assistant tells you it’s a penalty, then you have to give it. How can we even discuss this? “I go home with a thousand thoughts in my head, because hearing a referee tell me he ‘didn’t feel ready’ is absurd. I say a referee, for or against Juve, must give the penalty right to the last minute. I am a man of sport, but I do not accept this sort of thing and I never will. Tonight I go home with bad thoughts in my mind.” Conte raged against those trying to tell him that handball must be deliberate to qualify as a foul. “The rules speak clearly. This is not a penalty that can be given, it is a penalty. Let’s not change the cards on the table, otherwise tomorrow I’ll read the papers with ‘dubious penalty not given to Juve.’ It’s not dubious, it is stonewall. Otherwise I’ll see people in bad faith. “Be objective. If Leonardo Bonucci had a situation like this, tomorrow you’d have splashed the headline ‘Clear penalty denied to Genoa.’ “I saw one team that was attacking and one that was defending with 11 men. They denied us three penalties.” General manager Beppe Marotta suggested Guida was nervous about giving the penalty because he is from Naples and Napoli are challenging Juve for the Scudetto. When asked about this comment, Conte refused to respond and asked for another question. “Do I fear a fine or ban for what I said? Oh great, now they’ll suspend me for saying ‘Shame.’ If there’s a goal line official who gives a penalty and the referee ignores him, what are we talking about? Does this seem like sport to you? Then I’ll hear some Saint on television moralising from his armchair. “We are talking about something very strange that happened here. A human error is one thing, but when an official says it’s a penalty and the referee doesn’t give it, then doubts are going to arise.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Marco Borriello (68′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Attendance: 38000 Marotta: 'Ref is from Naples' Jan 26, 2013 Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta stirred up huge controversy by suggesting referee Marco Guida didn’t give a penalty “because he is from Naples.” The Bianconeri were furious after a 1-1 draw with Genoa, as in stoppages Andreas Granqvist accidentally kicked the ball on to his arm in the box. “There are six officials around the pitch, but no synchronicity between them,” slammed Marotta. “You can’t go in with your arms raised and then be given the benefit of the doubt because of your mistake. “This is a period in which different situations have been occurring, but the fact remains the goal line referee was not listened to. “I will only say that it is a mistake. The referee Guida is from Naples, so perhaps that is why he felt he was in a difficult position. He is a young official, so it’s normal to be under pressure in certain situations.” Marotta was pressed on this suggestion Guida had wanted to favour Napoli, who are in second place and fighting for the Scudetto. “I am sure he is a good man, I am just discussing the error. If referees are not assigned to clubs from their own region, there must be a reason. “Assigning such a young official to this game made it difficult for him. Imagine if a referee from Turin had gone to officiate Napoli.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/