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Buffon: 'What a splendid 2012' Dec 29, 2012 Gigi Buffon looks back over 2012, ahead to “at least another three years at the top” and claims Andrea Pirlo is on the same level as Leo Messi. “I am 34 and for a goalkeeper I don’t consider myself old. I am mature,” the Juventus star told Sport Mediaset. “I know where I can push myself and I think I have at least another three years at the top level. “This year has been very satisfying both on the field and off, so 2012 will be remembered for a long time. After two consecutive seventh-place finishes, we even surprised ourselves by doing something memorable. “It was all down to hard work, sweat and the fortune of being led by a great Coach. “As for Italy, nobody expected us to reach the Euro 2012 Final. It’s true, getting there isn’t the same as winning, but at the starting gate I dare anyone to say we were among the favourites to reach the Final.” It was hoped that Pirlo would win the Ballon d’Or after a year in which he took Juve to the Scudetto and was instrumental in Italy’s revival. “I think it’s impossible to say Messi isn’t the best player in the world, as it’ll be incredible if anyone is ever able to replicate his figures,” continued Buffon. “However, a striker always gets the front page headlines. For example, Pirlo is on the same level with Messi and anyone else in terms of quality, but he is a midfielder and won’t be treated the same way.”

Agnelli: 'Juve best is yet to come' Dec 29, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli looked back over his favourite memories of 2012 and promised “the best victory is always the next one.” The patron spoke to the official club website and was asked to comment on a year in which they won the title, reached the Coppa Italia Final, won the Italian Super Cup and qualified for the Champions League knockouts. “I think my favourite memory from 2012 was seeing 400,000 people on the streets on the day we won the Scudetto. That was something extraordinary. “I live up in the hills and heard the noise after the team’s victory against Cagliari in Trieste. Watching from afar, hearing and sensing what was going on, was something magnificent.” Agnelli was questioned over what present the Bianconeri supporters could expect under the tree this Christmas. “There are many things, but Juventus fans are perfectly aware that what happened in the past no longer counts for anything. “Juventus fans always want the next target, so we know we’ll have to work with professionalism, attention and tenacity, because the best victory is always the next one. “There certainly won’t be a lack of determination, knowing that 2013 will possibly be even tougher than this last year.”

Agnelli: There's more to come from Juventus The Bianconeri supremo reflected on the club's achievements during the past year, and insisted that the Old Lady must work even harder to achieve success in 2013. Dec 29, 2012 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has warned that there is still more to come from his side in the future. The Turin outfit enjoyed a memorable 2012 as won the Scudetto and finished the year back on top of Serie A. The Bianconeri are also through to the round of 16 of the Champions League, where they are set to meet Celtic. Agnelli is confident that the club can reach new heights if they continue to work hard and fight to the end on all fronts. "I think seeing 400,000 people out and about on the day we won the Scudetto was something extraordinary," the Juventus president told the club's official website. "I live up in the hills, and I heard the noise after the team's triumph in Trieste. Watching from afar, hearing and sensing what was going on, was something magnificent. "Juventus fans are perfectly aware that what's happened in the past no longer counts for anything. Juventus fans always want the next target. "So we know we'll have to work with professionalism, attention and perseverance, because the best victory is always the next one. "There certainly won't be a lack of determination from me, knowing that 2013 will possibly be even tougher than last year."

Capello: Only Roma can challenge Juventus for Scudetto The experienced coach believes the Giallorossi are the only team in Italy capable of putting up a fight against the Bianconeri, and dismissed the chances of the Milanese clubs. Dec 29, 2012 Russia coach Fabio Capello has stated that only Roma are in any position to challenge Juventus for the Scudetto this season. The former England boss believes neither AC Milan nor Inter are capable of emerging victorious in the title race, and stated that the Giallorossi - who are 12 points behind the Old Lady in the standings - have a better chance. "I think that on paper the only team that can challenge Juventus is Roma," Capello told Sky Sport Italia. "This Juve team is doing well, you have to congratulate them even if they do not have any real competitors. In my days in charge of Juve, our opponents for the title were Milan, Inter and Roma. "Milan are now without many important players, but Roma are still up there and can put up a fight for the title." Capello then went on to comment on the rumours linking Daniele De Rossi with an exit from Roma in the upcoming transfer window. "I gave De Rossi his debut, as I did with Aquilani," the Italian added. "He is an important player and Zeman knows that, but he will have to adapt to the ideas of the coach. "I do not know what will happen in the future. The important thing is that the player is happy and hopefully this will rub off on his team-mates. De Rossi is a key player, who makes the difference."

Buffon believes Pirlo is 'same quality' as Messi The Old Lady's captain says his team-mate is as good as the Barcelona star, and adds that he wants to continue playing until he is 37 years old. Dec 29, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says that team-mate Andrea Pirlo is as good as Lionel Messi, but says his team-mate does not get as much recognition because he does not score as much. Messi has hit 91 goals during a record-breaking 2012, and while the Italy international praised the Barcelona legend, he believes Pirlo has similar abilities. “He's a once in a generation player. I think it's unlikely that any human being again will repeat the numbers that Messi is getting,” Buffon told Sport Mediaset. “But he is a striker, so numbers are on his side. I think Andrea Pirlo has the same sort of quality. “He does not have to envy anyone, but in the world of football, awards go to those who score goals.” The Juve captain also said his own recent success makes him believe he can play until he is at least 37-years-old, and admitted that last season's success had given him added confidence in his abilities. "I'm 34 and I do not feel old but mature," he said. "I know where I can go and I think I can play at least three more years at the highest level." Buffon led Juventus to a domestic double last term, winning the Serie A title and Super Cup, before captaining the Italian national team to the European Championship final, eventually losing out 4-0 to Spain. "2012 was a year full of sporting satisfaction, personal and otherwise," he added. "It was a year that I will remember for a long time. We were able to do something memorable thanks to hard work and sweat as well as the good fortune of being led by a great coach. "No one expected we were able to get to the final, we were not even remotely favorites."

Mourinho: I fear Juventus in the Champions League The Blancos boss compared the structure of the Italian champions' side to that of his triumphant 2004 Porto team. Dec 29, 2012 Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he is wary of the threat posed by Juventus in the Champions League. The Serie A champions finished top of a difficult qualifying group to progress to the knock-out phase, and the Portuguese boss has acknowledged that Antonio Conte's side will be tough to beat in this season's tournament. "I'll be honest: I do not like Juventus because I'm afraid of them," he said in an interview with Tuttosport. "And I say that Conte's team can win the Champions League. "It is a collective, an extremely compact, solid, almost unsinkable ship. Missing a top player in attack? That's just as well, I believe. This means that the goals can come from anywhere and at any time: a midfielder, a striker from outside the box. I mean it: it does not matter if there is a Benzema or Higuain in a team structured like that. "This reminds me of my Porto in 2004. And if anyone, by chance, had forgotten, Porto won the Champions League final in Gelsenkirchen."

Marchisio: Balotelli would struggle to adapt at Juventus The midfielder is of the opinion that the Italy international would have problems with the strict rules at the Bianconeri, and would not fit the team if he arrived in Turin. Dec 28, 2012 Juventus' Claudio Marchisio does not believe that Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is disciplined enough to play for the Serie A title holders. The controversial striker has recently been linked with a move to the Old Lady, but the midfielder does not believer the former Inter player will be a good fit at the Bianconeri. "I would put a question mark over a potential transfer of Mario to the club," Marchisio told Il Messaggero. "Here, we have rules. He has tremendous talent, but I'm not sure whether he will be able to change here. "I don't think there's any money for a striker. Karim Benzema is someone I liked even before he went to Real Madrid – he reminds me of the first Ronaldo." Marchisio then went on to dismiss comparisons between Juve and Barcelona, insisting that the Old Lady try to play "purposeful" football. "Comparisons with Barca are nice, but they are exaggerated. The numbers speak for themselves. We are on the start of a path, trying to win by playing spectacular, but also purposeful football. "I want 2013 to be at least equal to 2012. We have to lift at least one trophy." Juventus currently top the Serie A table with an eight-point advantage over Lazio.

Marchisio on Balotelli, De Rossi & trophies Dec 28, 2012 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has claimed that he wants to win at least one trophy with the team this season. The Bianconeri won their 28th Scudetto last season, going the entire campaign unbeaten. And the 26-year-old has admitted that he would like to retain the title this year. “I want 2013 to be at least equal to 2012,” he told Il Messaggero. “We have to raise at least one trophy.” He also commented on the rumours that Mario Balotelli could move to the Old Lady, as well as revealing his friendship with Daniele De Rossi. “I would have a question mark over Mario's move here,” he said. “Here, we have rules. He has tremendous talent, but I'm not sure whether he will be able to change here. “De Rossi and I have so much in common. We came through the youth ranks at the team we supported. He is a true friend that has been built through the national team. “Daniele should be the focus of the project at Roma. He is the image of the club, along with Totti.” The Italy international then remarked on the comparisons between Juve and Barcelona, and also disclosed which striker he thinks the team should buy. “Comparisons with Barca are nice, but they are exaggerated. The numbers speak for themselves. “We are on the start of a path, trying to win playing spectacular but also purposeful football. “I don't think there's any money for a striker, however, Karim Benzema is someone I liked even before he went to Real Madrid – he reminds me of the first Ronaldo.”

Friday return for Juventus Dec 27, 2012 Italian champions Juventus will return to training on Friday after being given a week off for Christmas following the win over Cagliari. The squad will face a double session at Vinovo as boss Antonio Conte prepares his side for the January 6 home game against Sampdoria. Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe will not train as all three are struggling with injuries. Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss the Sampdoria encounter at the Juventus Stadium as the right-sided wing-back is suspended.

Asamoah on new Juventus role Dec 27, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah has admitted that he had difficulties adapting to a new role at Italian champions Juventus. The Ghanaian was accustomed to playing in central midfield, but he’s been converted to a left wing-back by Antonio Conte following his summer switch from Udinese. “It wasn’t easy when I first joined Juventus,” he told TV3. “I was used to playing my football in another position. “But now I play on the wing in defence and in attack.” Asamoah has been a success in Turin so far and, thanks to 25 appearances, he’s been used more than any other player by the Old Lady this term. “The secret behind my success? Training,” he continued. “We work hard at Juve and that allowed me to adapt to my best.”

Nagatomo: Losing easy games is Inter’s weakness The Japan international says Juventus are better than Inter in the easier games, whereas we've lost a few points in those. Dec 26, 2012 Yuto Nagatomo believes Inter trail Juventus in the Serie A table because of their inability to win "easier games". The Bianconeri top Serie A with 44 points from 18 games, while the Nerazzurri - who had a rocky start to the campaign - are lagging nine points off the lead in fourth, with Lazio and Fiorentina also ahead of them. The Japan full-back told ANSA: "I think Juventus are very good in the easier games, whereas we've lost a few points in those. Our squad is still a work in progress, but we have huge potential." He then revealed Inter’s 3-1 win at Juventus earlier this season, which ended the reigning champions' 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A, is the highlight of his time at the club to date. JUVENTUS 44 - inter 35. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Andrea Pirlo: Report Card for Juventus' Bearded Genius Dec 26, 2012 Juventus fans did not know what to make of the signing of Andrea Pirlo two summers ago. An injury plagued season had caused many to regard him as a dimming star. Behind the scenes, Antonio Conte was puzzling as well. Long a proponent of the unorthodox 4-2-4 approach, Pirlo's strengths as a regista did not translate into the tactics that he had just used to send Siena to the top of Serie B. Rather than try to shoehorn Pirlo into his preferred formation, Conte showed his true quality as a manager and rebuilt his system to fit the talents of his new midfield general. The results were phenomenal: working out of either a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2, Pirlo revived his career with a fantastic season and led Juve to an undefeated season and the scudetto. He topped it off with a masterful performance at Euro 2012 that took the underdog Italians to the final and put his name forward as a top candidate for the ballon d'or. This year, the bianconeri faithful were optimistic but cautious. Yes, Juve had had a fantastic season in 2011-12, but it was done without the rigors of the Champions League. Pirlo would be 34 by season's end. Would the Champions League take its toll on l'architetto? The Italian made a huge statement in the Serie A opener against Parma. He took 94 touches, and completed 87 percent of his passes. He even kicked in two tackles—always a weakness for him—and topped the night off with a free kick goal that just made it past the goal line in the 58th minute. But the moment of truth for Pirlo's season this year would be the games after Champions League matches. These have brought mixed results. In Juve's first match after UCL play, against Fiorentina, Pirlo looked visibly off. He was hauled off the field after 68 minutes, Juve played out an uninspiring goalless draw, and alarm bells started ringing all over Turin. The second time he was trotted out after a Champions League tie, however, was a different story. Pirlo had been effectively bottled up by Shakhtar's Henrikh Mkhitaryan in midweek, and looked eager to break out. He throttled Siena, scoring a goal on a low, hard free kick, was denied a second by the woodwork and was named the man of the match. In the next four matches that followed Champions League play, Pirlo had no fewer than 95 touches in any match and completed no less than 81 percent of his passes. He completed a total of 12 key passes in those four matches, 34 accurate long balls (including 14 alone in the October 12 match against Catania), and notched an assist in the 6-1 demolition of Pescara that followed Juve's 4-0 Champions League win over Nordsjaelland. Overall so far this season, Pirlo has scored four goals in Serie A(one more than he did all of last year), notched three assists each in Serie A and the Champions League. In both competitions he is averaging 3.7 key passes, 8.6 long balls, and three accurate crosses per match, completing 86.3 percent of his passes. So Pirlo's overall grade through the winter break? Hiccups against Fiorentina and the first matches against Chelsea and Shakhtar notwithstanding, Pirlo has been fantastic. His form going into the winter break has never been better, including a magical match in Atalanta two weeks ago when he completed 96 percent of his passes, had 150 touches, scored a wonderful free kick goal and was accurate on a ridiculous 27 or 28 long balls. This mastery garnered a hard-to-come-by 10 rating from whoscored.com, and showed the overall level of his play on the year. The continued rumors of Pirlo's imminent demise are again unfounded. Pirlo has earned a solid A+ rating over the first part of the season, and looks only to be getting stronger as the new years looms, with (hopefully) a new target to find on Juve's forward line, the Champions League knockout phases coming, and the start of the ritorna bringing with it the prospect of revenge on Inter and AC Milan for the losses suffered during the andata. One thing is certain—if a team wants to beat Juventus, Andrea Pirlo is still the man that must be stopped in order to have any sort of chance.

To all the Juventus Fans around the world celebrating Christmas, everyone here at JuventiKNOWS would like to wish you all a very special Buon Natale!

Agnelli: Juve not yet champions Dec 24, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli insists that the championship is still alive despite his club’s eight point lead at the top of the table. The Old Lady stretched their advantage thanks to a 3-1 win over Cagliari and Inter’s home draw with Genoa. “The championship is only decided when the maths say so,” the chief told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Monday. “There are still 20 games to go and we’ve killed nothing yet.” Juve are looking good for a second consecutive title, but they also have their eyes on the Champions League where they will play Celtic in the last 16. “Juventus always look to win everything,” Agnelli continued. “The most important thing today is winning in Italy again. “However, the Champions League allows us to dream and we like to dream. We can give anyone a game.” Agnelli, though, admitted that the Bianconeri do have to try to cut down the economical gap which exists between themselves and Europe’s giants. “Our annual turnover is €215m and that will rise next year, but we need to have a stable turnover of €300m-€350m annually to keep pace.” Turning to transfers, Agnelli admitted that the “important buys” are made in the summer, before commenting on past moves. “Our best signings in the current squad are Andrea Barzagli, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba – they cost us €300,000 in total!” That money was spent on Barzagli in January 2011, as Pirlo and Pogba were Bosman free transfers.

Ancelotti: 'Juve are stronger' Dec 23, 2012 PSG Coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident Juventus will succeed in Serie A and the Champions League, but is keeping an eye on Napoli. “I never miss a Serie A match,” Ancelotti told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport newspaper. “It seems to me that the Bianconeri have notched up a solid eight-point lead and are the strongest team in the Division. However, things can always be turned upside down in Italy. Let’s just say it won’t be easy for their opponents to bridge that gap.” Napoli have been docked two points in the betting scandal and fallen to fifth place, but the former Chelsea manager still sees them as the main contenders. “I think Napoli have the structure to do very well. It’s true they haven’t been enchanting of late and there was the points penalty, but in the long run Walter Mazzarri’s team will emerge. “Inter have changed a great deal and that takes time to settle. So far Inter have done well, but we cannot expect too much from them. They are in the Europa League and can earn qualification for the Champions League. “Serie A remains a very strong League, it’s just that Juve are stronger. Antonio Conte’s side have technical, tactical and psychological strengths that nobody should underestimate. The ferocity and aggression of the Bianconeri is astounding. They never give up and Conte deserves praise for that, as you can tell it’s his work. “I know Antonio, as I was his Coach. I can guarantee you he emerged covered in sweat even for a midweek game between ranks. I tip my hat to him!” Juventus also recovered from a shaky start to win their Champions League group, knocking out holders Chelsea, and will face Celtic in the next round. “European commitments weigh on a club and make a big difference, which is why the current eight-point lead is so important,” continued Ancelotti. “They can control that lead, although I’m not sure someone like Conte would try to control anything. Antonio is a sledgehammer, he won’t take the pressure off his men for a second. “Can Juve win The Double? One step at a time, after all my PSG are in the Champions League! I want to lift that trophy again... In any case, Juve had a good draw by being paired with Celtic and can progress.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/