Socrates

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Vidal: Inter clash will be a fight to the death The Chile midfielder is looking forward to the Old Lady's first game after the international break, and has stressed the reigning champions are in fine shape physically. Mar 23, 2013 Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is eagerly anticipating next weekend's match against Inter and expects a heated encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza. Both sides have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, and Andrea Stramaccioni's men prevented the Bianconeri from going 50 league games unbeaten back in November. It seemed like Inter's challenge for the title was beginning to take shape but a dip in form has left them well off the pace. However, Vidal believes Juve face a tough task as the Nerazzurri still have everything to play for in Serie A as well. "It’s the ‘Derby d’Italia’ and I think it’ll be a tough game," the Chile international told Sky Sport. "They need a good result against us to improve their league standing. They’re fighting for a place in the Champions League next season and there is a lot of competition. "Much like a final, the match will be a fight to the death." The combative midfielder then went on to discuss Juventus' busy calendar and stressed that they are in fine shape physically. "Physically, we’re in good shape. The work we’ve been doing with the coach and all the staff is paying off," he added. "Over the last year and a half, we have been training really well. Everyone is showing their great ability and we’re ready for anything, be it the league or the Champions League." Juventus currently sit atop of the Serie A table holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli whereas Inter lie in 6th, seven points off a Champions League place. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Barzagli claims Balotelli is better than Neymar The 31-year-old believes the Milan striker is more capable than his South American contemporary, and anticipates great things from his compatriot at Brazil 2014. Mar 23, 2013 Italy defender Andrea Barzagli has tipped Mario Balotelli to be the star of the 2014 World Cup ahead of Neymar, prompted by his international team-mate's display against Brazil on Thursday. Cesare Prandelli's men had found themselves 2-0 down to the Selecao before Balotelli struck a superb equaliser to cap a fightback, leading Barzagli to claim he believed the striker to be a more complete player than his Santos counterpart. "Who seems to be more ready to become the star at the next World Cup? For me, Balotelli is more ready, because he already has had important experiences," the Juventus stopper told La Stampa. "Neymar is a phenomenon and only lacks European experience to be the best, but as I mentioned, Balotelli is proving to be more ready at this point." Following their credible draw, the Azzurri now travel to Malta for their World Cup qualifier, and Barzagli has called for the squad to maintain similar focus against the relative European minnows. "We did well against Brazil, but now we need to keep up that attitude against Malta," the 2006 World Cup winner insisted. "It will be a difficult match, and we cannot afford to lose momentum for the three points then." Lazio custodian Federico Marchetti is an injury doubt for Tuesday after Giorgio Chiellini pulled out of the squad earlier this week, but Claudio Marchisio and Ignazio Abate are newly expected to be at Prandelli's disposal.

Pogba: 'France thanks to Juve' Mar 23, 2013 Paul Pogba made his senior France debut and publicly thanked Juventus. “I would never have reached this stage without Juventus and am very grateful.” The midfielder turned 20 last week and played in France’s 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Georgia last night. “I am happy to have my first cap and always try to ensure I am ready, both for France and my club,” said Pogba. “Obviously, I would never have reached this stage of the national team without Juventus, so I am very grateful to the Bianconeri.” It was another message to Manchester United, who Pogba left on a free transfer last summer after complaining of being ignored.

Serie A - 10^ Giornata - Ritorno - 16-3-2013 (ore 20:45) 0 - 2 Mirko Vučinić (62′) Claudio Marchisio (74′) Stadio "Renato Dall’Ara" - Bologna Arbitro: Mauro Bergonzi Spettatori: 34415 Serie A - Vucinic e Marchisio lanciano la Juve a +12 I bianconeri passano anche al Dall’Ara grazie alla coppia gol che si scatena nella ripresa: nona vittoria in trasferta per gli uomini di Antonio Conte che salgono a 65 punti dopo l’anticipo serale della 29esima giornata. Eurosport - Sabato, 16 marzo 2013 La Juventus soffre, fatica a trovare spazi. Ma al momento opportuno sente “l’odore del sangue” e affonda il colpo espugnando un Dall’Ara vestito a festa con un 2-0 tanto netto quanto cinico. Gli uomini di Antonio Conte confermano ancora di più la propria leadership in campionato nell’anticipo serale della 29esima giornata di Serie A, battendo anche un Bologna reduce da tre vittorie consecutive. Dopo un primo tempo di pura sofferenza, ci pensano Mirko Vucinic e Claudio Marchisio a garantire i tre punti. Un gol del montenegrino con assist del centrocampista e un gol del centrocampista con assist del montenegrino. Una coppia micidiale che lancia la Juventus a quota 65, temporaneo +12 sul Napoli secondo. KONE TITOLARE, LICHTSTEINER IN PANCA - Stefano Pioli cambia di quattro undicesimi la formazione che una settimana fa ha sbancato San Siro schierando Cherubin al centro della difesa e Garics sull’out di destra, con Kone ala destra al posto del connazionale greco Christodoulopoulos. Confermatissimo Gilardino al centro dell’attacco, con Diamanti e Gabbiadini a supporto. Fuori per infortunio l’ex Sorensen. Antonio Conte riporta in panchina Pogba, con il trio di centrocampo composto dai titolari Vidal, Pirlo e Marchisio. A centrocampo la novità è sugli esterni, con Padoin a destra e Peluso a sinistra. Soltanto panchina per Lichtsteiner, mentre in attacco partono dal 1’ Vucinic e Giovinco. Ancora ai box Bendtner e Pepe. DIAMANTI SPAVENTA, MA E’ 0-0 - La partita inizia nel migliore dei modi. Squadre che si affrontano a viso aperto, su ritmi alti e con una fisicità ben connotata sin dalle prime battute. Il Bologna sembra andare sull’onda lunga della prestazione vista contro l’Inter, con Diamanti che dopo 6’ va vicinissimo al gol dopo un’uscita disperata di Buffon su Gilardino. Chiellini devia e salva il risultato tenendo in partita una Juventus che sale progressivamente, esprimendosi al meglio poco dopo il quarto d’ora. Al 18’ Giovinco salta Antonsson con un tunnel ma calcia lentamente su Curci, mentre al 19’ spara alto da buona posizione dopo una sponda al bacio di Vucinic. È l’ultimo squillo di un primo tempo che progressivamente si affloscia. Il Bologna chiude bene gli spazi ma rinuncia a giocare al cospetto di una Juventus che manca del piglio giusto per sfondare. Le ultime emozioni sono nel recupero, con Pirlo che colpisce Diamanti con una gomitata involontaria eppure dolorosa. E con Vidal che spara alto un contropiede ben orchestrato da Giovinco. VUCINIC E MARCHISIO ED E’ 2-0 – La partita si alza decisamente di livello nella ripresa. Giovinco si divora due clamorose occasioni tra 47’ e 54’, prima calciando a lato e poi sparando su Curci da posizione centrale. Il tutto mentre Gilardino si vede annullare giustamente (fuorigioco) un gol nato da una punizione dalla sinistra di Diamanti al 52’. In un match ad alta tensione e ricco di molti cartellini gialli, Pioli capisce che i suoi rischiano qualcosa di troppo per le vie centrali e opta per un cambio radicale. Fuori Kone, dentro Naldo e passaggio al 3-4-2-1 (57’). Una mossa che non paga, anzi. Marchisio vede Vucinic spalle alla porta in area e lo serve. Il montenegrino si gira sul destro, Naldo salta come un birillo e sul tiro di punta del centravanti bianconero Curci si fa bucare (62’) per l’1-0. Pioli torna al 4-2-3-1 con Christodoulopoulos per Garics, ma la partita è finita, come testimonia eloquentemente il 2-0 di Marchisio, servito sul filo del fuorigioco su imbeccata di Vucinic (74’). Non restano che i titoli di coda, una girandola di cambi inutile. Finisce 2-0 per la Juventus, sempre più padrona del campionato. VANTAGGIO SIDERALE PER LA JUVE - Finisce con Conte che manda baci alle telecamere e alza le braccia ai tifosi bianconeri, aizzando il popolo juventino. Pioli non la prende bene. Ma il verdetto del campo non cambia. La Vecchia Signora ipoteca una volta di più il campionato con la nona vittoria esterna stagionale, con 30 dei 65 punti complessivi conquistati lontano da Torino. Un vantaggio che sa tanto di scudetto, come forse l’esultanza scomposta di Conte stava a significare. Il Bologna si deve accontentare di una prestazione generosa sì, ma insufficiente per portare a casa la quarta vittoria consecutiva che mancava dal 1967. Ci sarebbe voluto un mezzo miracolo per battere la capolista. I campioni d’Italia passati e presenti. Al 99,99% anche futuri. Mattia Fontana http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Gomez a doubt Bayern-Juve Mar 22, 2013 Mario Gomez could be a doubt for Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Juventus, according to reports. The 27-year-old has had to withdraw from the Germany squad for their two World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan through injury. And Calcio News believe that the forward may be out for up to two weeks – meaning he will miss the game against the Bianconeri in the quarter-finals of the European Cup.

Italy on right road, says Bonucci Mar 22, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci expects his Italy side to be a threat at the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. The Juventus stopper made the claim after last night’s 2-2 draw with Brazil, the country which will host both competitions. “It was a great Italy,” he stated following the Geneva international friendly. “We created so many scoring opportunities. “We’ve been doing some great work for the last two and a half years, we have a style of play and an identity. “We can have our say at the Confederations Cup in the summer and the World Cup next year.” The latest Azzurri squad contained eight Juventus players and five from Serie A rivals Milan. “The Juventus block? There is a good base on which to build something important,” he added. “Look how well Emanuele Giaccherini played – he’s someone you can always rely on. “Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio and Mario Balotelli? De Sciglio is a great talent,” he explained of the debutant. “He played a great game. “Balotelli has important qualities and I congratulated him for his display. When he wants to make the difference then he does.”

'Balotelli has the right attitude for Italy' - Buffon The veteran goalkeeper has hailed the AC Milan star's positive attitude and feels he proved himself worthy of the Italy jersey. Mar 22, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has nothing but praise for Italy team-mate Mario Balotelli's performance in Thursday's 2-2 friendly draw against Brazil. The Azzurri fell two goals behind before the break, but a second-half strike from the 22-year-old helped them to a share of the spoils, and the goalkeeper was impressed with the his positive attitude as well as his fine goal. "Balotelli was superb. I would also have said that if he hadn't scored the equaliser," Buffon told reporters. "The way he sacrificed himself for the team and worked very hard was a great thing to see. "For me, Balotelli has shown that he deserves the respect of his team-mates with this performance. He showed that he has the attitude needed for the national team." Italy will now start their preparations for the World Cup qualifier away against Malta on Tuesday.

Bayern can win the Champions League, says Toni The former Roten forward believes the Bundesliga leaders have the potential to beat another of his old clubs, Juventus. Mar 21, 2013 Fiorentina striker Luca Toni believes his former side Bayern Munich have the potential to go all the way in the Champions League. The Bavarians take on another the veteran's old teams, Juventus, in the quarter-finals, and though the forward thinks the Bianconeri will be concentrating fully on the match, he feels Jupp Heynckes' men could reach the final in May. "It will be nice to watch the game. Juve will have to be very careful because Bayern can go all the way," he told Tuttosport. "They will be two tough games because we are talking about two big clubs. Juve will have the advantage of being able to concentrate on the Champions League after creating a big gap at the top of Serie A. "The Bianconeri and the Bavarians are two very different teams. Bayern have a lot of quality but sometimes lose incredible matches." The 35-year-old spent three years in Munich and one in Turin, and he conceded that he would not be supporting either side in the encounter due to have still having friends at both clubs. "I have many friends from both sides, so I'm just going to be watching to see who is the strongest. In my opinion, Bayern really are a team that can go all the way," he added.

Juventus back among European elite, says Marotta The Old Lady director feels proud with his side's return to the European top this season, and is dreaming of winning more silverware. Mar 21, 2013 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has voiced his delight with his side's return to the Champions League and has set his sights on both European and domestic glory. The Bianconeri qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2005-06, and the 57-year-old has urged the team to keep up their current form and claim silverware. "We feel pride and satisfaction at reclaiming our place among the most important European clubs, but also absolute determination to reclaim our Scudetto title," he was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "Last season we just had the championship, whereas this year we've also got the Champions League. The most difficult aspect is managing the group on a physical and psychological level. There are still 27 points to play for in the league and we’ll need to sustain our good form. "Perhaps there’s a little more luck involved in the Champions League, because incidents can play an important role over 180 minutes. The Bayern clash, however, will be very useful to work out our strength and at what point we are."

Chiellini a doubt for Inter Mar 21, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini is a doubt for Juventus' match with Inter on March 30, according to reports. Calcio News have claimed that the central defender could be a doubt for the game with the Nerazzurri after being sent home from international duty. The 28-year-old picked up a pair of ankle injuries whilst training for the Azzurri this week, and the website believe that he may not be fit to play Andrea Stramaccioni's men in nine days' time.

Marchisio set to miss Italy friendly Mar 21, 2013 Claudio Marchisio could be out of Italy's friendly match with Brazil this evening because of a fever. Calcio News have reported that the Juventus midfielder may miss the Azzurri's game with Luis Felipe Scolari's side tonight, with Riccardo Montolivo set to replace him. Cesare Prandelli had been expected to line-up with a 4-3-1-2 formation, based on a midfield triumvirate of Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo and Marchisio. But if reports are to be believed, the Milan playmaker will start in place of the Bianconeri man.

Chiellini ruled out of Brazil game The Juventus defender will not have recovered from his ankle injury in time to take part in Thursday's friendly encounter. Mar 20, 2013 Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has received some disappointing news on the injury front in the build up towards Thursday's international friendly at home against Brazil as he will have to make do without the services of Giorgio Chiellini due to injury. The Juventus defender picked up an ankle knock in his side's 2-0 win over Bologna at the weekend, and will not have recovered in time for the game versus the 2014 World Cup hosts. "We conducted new tests on Chiellini's condition this morning and, although recent therapy has improved his condition, I can say with certainty he will not be available for the Brazil game," national team doctor Enrico Castellacci told the official FIGC website. "The player is also in doubt for the Malta game." Italy take on Brazil in Geneva on Thursday, before the World Cup qualifier against Malta on March 26.

Who's the greatest? Buffon v Zoff The Juventus goalkeeper is measured up against the World Cup-winning captain in the second part of our series comparing current stars with their nation's legendary figures. Mar 20, 2013 ANALYSIS By Mark Doyle On November 15, 2011, Gianluigi Buffon equalled Dino Zoff's tally of 112 caps for Italy in a friendly against Uruguay. “I have always tried to be like Zoff,” Buffon admitted before the game in Rome. “He was a real maestro and the reference point for all the goalkeepers that followed him.” The question now is whether Buffon, who will make his 125th appearance for his country against Brazil on Thursday evening, has since surpassed his idol not only in terms of caps, but also eminence. Is it Buffon who is now the reference point when it comes to discussing Italian goalkeeping greats? Comparing players from different eras is obviously an exercise in subjectivity. However, what is also beyond dispute is that Buffon now warrants comparison with a man who in 2003 was voted Italy's best player of the preceding half century. Zoff acknowledges that himself. "I give my compliments to Buffon," he told GQ magazine ahead of the current Azzurri captain's aforementioned appearance against Uruguay in Novermber 2011. "Now he can be considered my heir. I believe that we have been two great goalkeepers." That much is most definitely true. Zoff led the Nazionale to World Cup glory in Spain in 1982 at the age of 40, making him the oldest player to have ever lifted the game's grandest prize, while Buffon played an integral role in his country's surprise success in Germany seven years ago. The parallels extend into their club careers, too. Both men have a Uefa Cup triumph to their names, while Buffon will almost certainly equal Zoff's haul of six Serie A titles later this season. When it comes to silverware, there really is nothing to choose between the two. On the face of it, though, Buffon is the more impressive physical specimen. The offspring of a discus-throwing mother and a weightlifting father, the Carrara native represents an imposing presence in between the posts. However, it is Buffon's body that, ironically, may also prove his undoing in his quest to establish himself as Italy's greatest goalkeeper. The Bianconeri No.1 has been blighted by back problems and while he recently penned a new three-year contract with the Italian champions, doubts remain over whether he can really hope to match Zoff in terms of longevity, given his idol played at the highest level for a staggering 22 years. Indeed, when it comes to reliability, there really is only one winner. Zoff didn't miss a game for Juventus for 11 years, making a total of 330 consecutive appearances during that remarkable period, and the former Azzurri boss has previously suggested he feels that durability is key when it comes to debating Italy's all-time No.1. "Gigi was stronger than me in his youth," Zoff mused. "But then, perhaps it has been the other way around thereafter, because I made some notable improvements from my younger days going forward, not forgetting that I played for the national side until I was 41." I give my compliments to Gigi. Now he can be considered my heir. I believe that we have been two great goalkeepers for Italy. - Zoff on Buffon in 2011 There is also a commonly held view that, despite his undeniable brilliance, Buffon is more accident prone, as evidenced by his miscue against Lecce last season. However, there is a mitigating factor there in that he is operating in an era in which goalkeepers have to be far more adept with the ball at their feet on account of the abolition of the back-pass rule. In addition, it should also be acknowledged that Buffon has not benefited from the same level of protection that Zoff was afforded, particularly at club level. The latter was stationed behind some of the finest defenders ever to have played the game, during what was a golden age for Italian football. Context, therefore, is key. Yes, Zoff managed to go 1143 minutes without conceding an international goal between 1972 and 1974 - a record which still stands today - but Buffon's goal went unbreached for 453 minutes during the 2006 World Cup. The former Parma shot-stopper kept five clean sheets during that tournament in total, beaten just twice, by a Cristian Zaccardo own goal and Zinedine Zidane penalty. Gigi was stronger than me in his youth, but then, perhaps it has been the other way around thereafter because I made some notable improvements from my younger days. - Zoff When it comes to leadership, Zoff comes up trumps in that he is a World Cup-winning captain. But again, Buffon leading a side without as many world-class performers to the final of Euro 2012 is perhaps just as notable an achievement. Zoff was clearly a fine skipper. An incredibly self-critical perfectionist, he was the consummate professional; one of those who preferred to lead by example: "I have always preferred deeds to words," he explains. Buffon, by contrast, is never one to bite his tongue - either in or out of the dressing room. He is regarded as a fine motivational speaker by team-mates and supporters alike (witness his stirring rallying cry on Facebook ahead of the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany last summer), while he has never been afraid to lock horns with the media. Whereas Zoff was exemplary, Buffon is inspirational. Choosing between the two, therefore, really is a matter of taste. However, even those firmly in the Zoff camp would concede that Buffon has the talent, the desire and, fitness permitting, the time to end this debate once and for all. Indeed, as Zoff himself conceded when pressed on whether he will be usurped as Italy's finest No.1: "Time will tell ... When he is doing well physically, Gigi has no rivals."

Buffon: Bayern won't be happy to face Juventus The Italy international has little doubt that FCB realise they face a tough task in eliminating the Serie A champions from Europe. Mar 20, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes Bayern Munich will not be pleased to have been paired with the Serie A champions in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The experienced shot-stopper admits Bayern have a better record than Juve in European club football's elite competition, but has stressed the Bianconeri are a force to be reckoned with, too. "We should approach the Champions League in the same way we’ve done up until now, hoping to gain the plaudits for a pro-active style of play, whilst also looking to gain the respect of our opponents. By and large we’ve achieved this objective," Buffon was quoted as saying on the official Juve website. "In the quarter-finals it's only right for us to encounter a team with a worldwide reputation like Bayern. I don’t think they’ll be happy to face us, meaning we’re respected and possess a certain fear factor. "It will be tough to try and win it. There are three or four teams, including Bayern, who have a better Champions League record than ours in recent years. "But the good thing is that everyone starts off on a level playing field. A slice of luck or detail could be the difference between winning or losing, but it’s important to know that you’re able to play the game." The first leg of the tie between Juve and Bayern takes place at the Allianz Arena on April 2.

Pirlo on Brazil and Totti Mar 20, 2013 Andrea Pirlo has labelled the Brazil friendly as fundamental and welcomed Francesco Totti’s proposed return to the Italy side. “Games against Brazil are never normal,” the Juventus playmaker noted. “It could be fundamental for our growth as a team. “It may tell us a lot about what we can achieve in the Confederations Cup this summer and the World Cup in 2014. “Italy often don’t play great in friendlies, but we’ll look to do well, to give our best, also for our supporters. “This Italy team is getting better and we are one of the top 10 sides in the world.” Pirlo was inevitably asked about the possible return of 2006 teammate Totti for the World Cup Finals next summer. “The doors to the national side are always open for champions such as him,” the former Milan man commented.

Juventus put transfers on hold Mar 20, 2013 Juventus insist they won’t consider their transfer market strategy until this season has come to an end. Director general Beppe Marotta was again questioned on the possibility of a top player arriving in the summer, but the official was reluctant to discuss options. “We are just thinking about our objectives for this campaign,” Marotta noted on Wednesday. “We’ll evaluate things further down the line. “However, our present squad should be respected.” While Marotta was cautious over what the squad could look like next season, he was adamant that boss Antonio Conte would still be in charge. “He’ll stay with us. I’m 100 per cent sure of that,” the former Sampdoria employee continued. “Antonio represents Juventus-ness and he has a great relationship with the President. “Could he become a kind of Sir Alex Ferguson? I hope so. I’m in favour of a Coach with such a profile.”

Italy explain Chiellini injury Mar 20, 2013 Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci says he expected to send home Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini. The stopper pulled out of the squad this morning after being examined by the Azzurri’s medical staff at Coverciano. “As promised, we looked at Chiellini’s problem again today,” Castellacci commented. “I wasn’t optimistic. “We already knew that he wouldn’t be able to play Brazil on Thursday, while we hoped he could be ready for Malta on Tuesday – even if there were still doubts about that tie too. He was borderline. “Both ankles are swollen and he returns home to continue treatment. He twisted his left ankle, but he’s also struggling with his right one.”

Chiellini ruled out of Italy ties Mar 20, 2013 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will take no part in Italy’s upcoming games against Brazil and Malta. The stopper has been struggling with ankle issues this week which had placed him into doubt for the ties. After monitoring his situation over the last two days, the decision has been taken by Azzurri doctors to send Chiellini back to his club. Italy face Brazil in a friendly on Thursday, while they will travel to Malta for a World Cup qualifier next Tuesday.

‘Bayern must be perfect v Juve’ Mar 20, 2013 Dante expects his Bayern Munich side to be tested by Juventus in the Champions League last eight. “We’ll have to play a perfect game at the Allianz Arena,” the centre-back told Tuttosport on Wednesday morning. “We have to get a positive result ahead of the return leg in Turin. “I expect a very difficult match, tough, a battle and a complicated one for us. “Juventus are going through a good run of form,” he added. “Gigi Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. “Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are the foundations of a solid defence that doesn’t concede a lot. “Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio control the midfield. They’ll give us a lot of work to do.” Dante, a Brazilian international, will get a taster of what to expect when they face Italy in a friendly this week. “The game will be a match between Brazil and a masked Juventus,” the stopper added. “I see that eight of them have been called up by Cesare Prandelli. “It’s a little like what happens with Germany and the Bayern players.”

Rummenigge on open Juve tie Mar 19, 2013 Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that his side's Champions League quarter-final with Juventus is wide open. The Bundesliga leaders play the Serie A champions in the last eight of the competition, and the 57-year-old believes it is a game that both teams could take something from. “We're friends,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “There is definitely no problem between the two clubs. “We perhaps would have liked a different opponent – I think this game should have perhaps been the final. “But there are strong expectations in Munich, as there are in Turin. It is a tie that involves two teams at the highest possible level.”

Buffon on Totti, Balotelli and Brazil Mar 19, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that he would back the idea of Roma captain Francesco Totti receiving a re-call to the Italian national team. Coach Cesare Prandelli revealed earlier this week that he would consider calling up the veteran forward in the future. And the Juventus goalkeeper has conceded that the Giallorossi legend can still cut it in the international arena. “Some of us have shared this adventure with Totti from Under-15 level,” he told a Press conference. “So for me he will always be a companion in the national team. “If he continues to play at the level he is showing this season, then I think the Coach is right to say what he did. “It is logical to consider someone who is re-writing the history of Italian football. “After the World Cup in 2006, he preferred to devote more time to Roma, and perhaps that was the right thing to do to give his career longevity. “Have I asked him to come back? These are personal conversations. When we meet we speak about a lot of things. He knows what I think.” The 35-year-old also commented on Thursday's match with Brazil, some of the young players in the Azzurri squad and the form of Mario Balotelli. “We will play this friendly and it will be a good test for us,” Buffon added. “Over the next three months we will prepare for the Confederations cup – and it's a competition that we want to win. “It is perhaps a bit too early to get a proper impression of the new players – we have only been together for a few days. “But the fact that there are so many new players certainly bodes well for the future. This next generation looks like an important one. “I think we all want to see Mario finally come good. I've always seen him as a quiet person around the group. “Before he wasn't playing with continuity, but now he's at Milan that seems to have changed. “I hope that with the national team he can give us joy – and with Milan perhaps a little less!”

Molinaro: Bayern weak at the back Mar 19, 2013 Juventus are capable of creating Bayern Munich problems in their Champions League meeting, says Cristian Molinaro. The former Juventus full-back plays his football in Germany with Stuttgart and knows Bayern well. “Perhaps I’m not the right person to be giving advice to Antonio Conte seeing as I’ve only beaten Bayern once in nine attempts,” the Italian told Tuttosport. “However, I do agree with the fact that Bayern are not exceptional at the back. While Philipp Lahm may be world class, their problem is in the middle. “Dante is a decent player who is having a good season, but the questions revolve around who will partner him. “The Bayern boss has alternated Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng, but has also opted for Daniel Van Buyten who, in theory, should be the last choice. “This is their big flaw, perhaps their only one, when it comes to Bayern as they always give their opponents more than one chance. “I think that Juventus’ style of play will cause their centre-backs problems, especially Van Buyten, who is not quick and suffers against players like Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic.” Bayern will start the tie as favourites to reach the semi-finals, but the defender thinks his former club have a chance. “Juventus need to play in the way they know how,” Molinaro continued. “The Bianconeri have the players and the experience to cause the Germans problems. “Juve will have to copy what Leverkusen did to Bayern in October. They were perfect as they didn’t allow Bayern’s ball players to construct anything, so their wide players were out of the game. “Juve will have to be in top form, but they may arrive a little tired given that they’ll play an important game against Inter a few days before.”

Chiellini trains in isolation Mar 19, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini remains a doubt for the Brazil game after the Juventus man trained on his own this morning. The defender is struggling with ankle issues and it is unclear whether he will be available for Italy over the next week. The Azzurri face Brazil in a friendly on Thursday, while they will play a World Cup qualifier in Malta on Tuesday. The Azzurri squad took to the Coverciano playing fields at 10.45 local time this morning, but Chiellini worked in isolation away from the main group. Training will resume behind closed doors later this afternoon.

Bayern-Juventus will be like a Champions League final, says Rummenigge The Bavarian chief is of the opinion that the two European giants are set for a tough encounter in the last eight of the competition. Mar 19, 2013 Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes that the club’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Juventus is the sort of match which would befit the final. The two European giants have been drawn against each other having knocked out Arsenal and Celtic respectively in the last 16. Rummenigge, a former Bayern and Inter star, expressed his opinion that it will be a difficult tie for the Bavarians but one that will be entertaining due to the quality of the two sides. "It will be a tough game for us, and for them it will be an open meeting," he told Sky Sport 24. "There were weaker teams that Juventus could have met, but also weaker teams that Bayern [could have met]. "It's a possible final. There is no expectation in Munich but I think there is also none in Turin. "Anyway it will be an interesting round between two teams of the highest level." The last time the pair clashed in the Champions League was in 2009, when FCB emerged 4-1 victors away from home in a group stage game. The other three quarter-final fixtures to look forward to in early April are Real Madrid-Galatasaray, Barcelona-Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund-Malaga.

Totti may still have Italy future, hints Buffon The Juventus goalkeeper has added his weight behind growing support for the Roma forward to be recalled to the international fold. Mar 19, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon believes Francesco Totti could still have an international future with Italy. The Roma forward, who has 58 caps to his name, retired from Azzurri duty after their World Cup triumph in 2006, but boss Cesare Prandelli admitted on Monday that the door would be open for him to return. And his former team-mate, Buffon, has issued a glowing appraisal of the 36-year-old and says he is still more than capable of playing for Italy once again. "You cannot rule anything out with a player who can win matches by himself. He continues to write history in Italian football and not only has a past. He may still have a future as he is showing," he said at a press conference. "When he made the decision to leave the Azzurri in 2006, Francesco thought long and hard. After winning the World Cup, which is the most beautiful thing in football, he preferred to devote himself to Roma and his health as he was nursing a long-term injury. "I am still a little sorry that he left us, seven years on [since his retirement from international football]. What would I say if I wanted him to return to the national team? They are intimate things, he knows what I'd say. "The dressing room, in regards to the decisions of a coach, does not have any power. They are the specific responsibilities of those who lead the team. "When I talk about a man like Francesco, I still speak of him as if he were one of us. With some of us, myself included, we were with Totti in the Italy set-up from the age of 15, so he will always be one of my fellow national-teamers." Buffon then reflected on the call-ups handed to new boys Mattia De Sciglio and Alessio Cerci for Thursday's friendly clash with Brazil, the goalscoring form of Mario Balotelli since his move to AC Milan and the large Rossoneri and Juventus presence in the squad. "It's too early to make judgments on the new faces, but there is hope for the future. That was a problem which we paid for in the past, but it seems to have been resolved now," the Juventus No.1 added. "We all hope that he reaches his full potential, but that does not mean that he has to stifle his own nature. He has always been quiet on Italy duty. The only thing that was missing from his game was consistency. "Now he is finding that and I hope that his move to Milan gives the national team the joys that we expect from him. "Milan have always relied on an Italian nucleus, and even their attempts to refresh the squad are Italian-based. "It seems logical to me that these two teams [Milan and Juventus] give the most players to the national team."