Socrates

Juventus line up Astori as Bonucci replacement As the former Bari defender prepares to learn his fate, the Old Lady have compiled a list of possible alternatives, and the Cagliari man is believed to be top of the pile. Aug 5, 2012 Juventus are ready to launch a bid for Davide Astori if Leonardo Bonucci is handed a three-year ban for his involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal, claims Tuttosport. The Italy stopper is potentially facing a considerable spell out of football, having been charged for sporting fraud along with Bianconeri team-mate Simone Pepe, and it has forced the side's hand into looking at defensive reinforcements. According to reports in Italy, Juve general manager Giuseppe Marotta had reportedly targeted Bruno Alves and Salvatore Bocchetti, but they have now set their sights on the Cagliari centre-back, who is expected to leave Sardinia this summer. The Scudetto holders are expected to propose a cash-plus-player offer to the Rossoblu, with young Dutch midfielder Ouasim Bouy the likeliest man to go in the opposite direction. However, there is also a chance that a new face will not be brought in, as they have faith in Martin Caceres and Alberto Masi's abilities in making the step up next season, while Lucio has already been secured from Inter Milan. The publication also claims that the Italian champions have cooled their interest in Pablo Armero for the time being, and instead switched their attentions to Federico Peluso. The Colombian left-back appeared to be on the verge of completing a transfer to Turin, but Udinese now want him to stay put for their Champions League play-off campaign.

Juve eye Astori for Bonucci Aug 5, 2012 With Leonardo Bonucci facing a potential ban of three-and-a-half years, Juventus are targeting Cagliari defender Davide Astori. Bonucci was in court yesterday to fight the charges of sporting fraud, which could see him suspended for three years and six months if found guilty. A verdict is expected between Wednesday and Friday, but in the meantime he has gone with the squad to Beijing for the Italian Super Cup against Napoli on Saturday. According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri are preparing for the worst and therefore beginning talks with Cagliari for his replacement. The target is fellow Italian international Astori, who had already been very close to Milan this summer. Cagliari are not prepared to part with their centre-back for less than €12m, although Juve are hoping to propose a paid loan with option to buy plus the loan of Ouasim Buoy. Other options include Salvatore Bocchetti, Bruno Alves, Andreas Granqvist, Federico Peluso and Marco Andreolli.

Napoli squad for Super Cup Aug 5, 2012 Napoli have named their squad for the Italian Super Cup encounter with Juventus in Beijing, including Edinson Cavani. The Coppa Italia holders take on the Scudetto winners at the Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing on Saturday August 11, kick-off 13.00 in the UK. The Partenopei squad will fly out tomorrow morning and hold their first training session on Tuesday afternoon. Cavani was expected to miss out on the clash, but Uruguay were eliminated from the 2012 Olympics in the first round, so he is free to play next weekend. Napoli squad for Italian Super Cup: De Sanctis, Rosati, Colombo, Aronica, Britos, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Fernandez, Gamberini, Grava, Bariti, Behrami, Donadel, Dossena, Gargano, Hamsik, Inler, Maggio, Zuniga, Cavani, Insigne, Pandev, Vargas

Conte included in Bari investigations over Scommessopoli Despite already facing a 15-month ban from football, the Juventus boss could now be sanctioned via his alleged involvement in foul play at the San Nicola three years ago. Aug 5, 2012 Antonio Conte will be questioned when Bari are investigated for their role in the Scommessopoli scandal on Tuesday, according to Corriere dello Sport. The 43-year-old had already been threatened with the possibility of a 15-month ban by federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi, after failing to report instances of match-fixing while at Siena, and will now stand trial to clear his name. However, it has now come to light that the coach, who recently led Juventus to their first official Serie A title since 2003, could face further punishment, relating to his spell in charge of second-tier outfit Bari between 2007 and 2009. The accusations claim the Biancorossi deliberately threw their 3-2 defeat to Salernitana on May 23, 2009, with Conte, in his post-match reaction, suggesting: "It was a real game and I would like to have come out unscathed." Conte sat out Juventus' 2-0 friendly victory over Malaga on Saturday, with first-team coach Massimo Carrera taking the reins.

Bonucci & Pepe included in Juventus squad for Supercoppa Italiana Both players will travel with the squad to Beijing to face Napoli despite the prosecutor in the ongoing Scommessopoli case calling for them to receive lengthy bans. Aug 5, 2012 Juventus have announced their 27-man squad for their Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli in Beijing on Saturday, with both Leonardo Bonnuci and Simone Pepe both included. Despite the prosecutor in the ongoing Scommessopoli case calling for the duo to receive lengthy bans, the Italian champions are hoping to field them against the Partenopei. Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte has also been implicated in the match-fixing scandal, and could be barred from appearing on the touchline for 15 months for failing to report match-fixing acitvities. The Serie A champions completed their preparations for the event with a 2-0 victory over Malaga on August 5, and will travel to China on Sunday. Paul Pogba, who completed his long-awaited switch from Manchester United on Friday, will also travel with the squad while Michele Pazienza, who featured as a substitute against Malaga, has not been included. Kick off on Saturday is scheduled for 14:00.

Juve name Super Cup squad Aug 5, 2012 Juventus have named their 27-man squad for the Italian Super Cup against Napoli in Beijing, including Leonardo Bonucci. The Bianconeri beat Malaga 2-0 last night in a Salerno friendly and will fly directly to China for the encounter on August 11. Only Michele Pazienza was left behind of the 26 players in Salerno, but they have been joined by Andrea Barzagli and Mirko Vucinic. Tellingly, Bonucci is included in the squad despite the fact he could well be suspended by the time the Super Cup clash comes around. Bonucci was in front of the Disciplinary Commission yesterday afternoon and is fighting the betting trial charges that could see him banned for three years and six months. Antonio Conte is also fighting a potential 15-month ban, so the Coach sat in the stands for last night’s friendly against Malaga, handing the reins to assistant Massimo Carrera. The betting trial is expected to make a ruling on August 8-10. Juventus squad for Italian Super Cup: Buffon, Storari, Leali, Branescu, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Ceglie, Lucio, Masi, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Untersee, Ziegler, Asamoah, Giaccherini, Marchisio, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Boakye, Giovinco, Matri, Quagliarella, Vucinic.

Masiello cannot get his story straight, insists Bonucci's lawyer Claims implicating the Bianconeri centre-back in the ongoing Scommessopoli scandal are confused and unfounded, according to the player's court representative. Aug 4, 2012 The lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has hit out at Atalanta right-back Andrea Masiello, claiming that he is forever changing his claims in the ongoing investigation into match-fixing in Italian football. The 25-year-old Italy international is facing a ban of three years and six months after he was deemed to have allegedly played a part in fixing two games while on the books of the Bari, alongside the full-back, in 2009-10. But his legal representative has swiftly stepped in to discredit the claims made in Masiello's testifying statements, claiming they are riddled with contradictions with regards to key events. "Masiello contradicts himself so much as he tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor," Gian Pietro Bianchi was quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "We don't even know what role Bonucci played here anymore." "The prosecutor claims Masiello's changing testimony is 'progressively enriched', when in actuality it is rather a progressive climax towards illogicality. "Masiello has already spoken twice, but not once did he bring up the Udinese-Bari match. Even here, he cannot get his story straight. Evidently, something doesn't fit here, there are illogical discrepancies." Meanwhile, Bonucci's Bianconeri team-mate Simone Pepe has also been implicated, with the winger accused of not reporting an attempted fix to the relevant authorities. But he has decided not to accept a plea bargain proposal, which would have seen him banned for one year. "That option becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it's about three months, but not more than that," clarified lawyer Luigi Chiappero. Juve coach Antonio Conte has also been implicated in ongoing investigations, and could face a 15-month ban.

Masiello cannot get his story straight, insists Bonucci's lawyer Claims implicating the Bianconeri centre-back in the ongoing Scommessopoli scandal are confused and unfounded, according to the player's court representative. Aug 4, 2012 The lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has hit out at Atalanta right-back Andrea Masiello, claiming that he is forever changing his claims in the ongoing investigation into match-fixing in Italian football. The 25-year-old Italy international is facing a ban of three years and six months after he was deemed to have allegedly played a part in fixing two games while on the books of the Bari, alongside the full-back, in 2009-10. But his legal representative has swiftly stepped in to discredit the claims made in Masiello's testifying statements, claiming they are riddled with contradictions with regards to key events. "Masiello contradicts himself so much as he tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor," Gian Pietro Bianchi was quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "We don't even know what role Bonucci played here anymore." "The prosecutor claims Masiello's changing testimony is 'progressively enriched', when in actuality it is rather a progressive climax towards illogicality. "Masiello has already spoken twice, but not once did he bring up the Udinese-Bari match. Even here, he cannot get his story straight. Evidently, something doesn't fit here, there are illogical discrepancies." Meanwhile, Bonucci's Bianconeri team-mate Simone Pepe has also been implicated, with the winger accused of not reporting an attempted fix to the relevant authorities. But he has decided not to accept a plea bargain proposal, which would have seen him banned for one year. "That option becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it's about three months, but not more than that," clarified lawyer Luigi Chiappero. Juve coach Antonio Conte has also been implicated in ongoing investigations, and could face a 15-month ban.

'Conte's dignity is priceless' Aug 4, 2012 Antonio Conte’s lawyer reveals why the Juventus Coach took a plea bargain and then chose to fight the betting charges in a full trial. “His dignity is priceless.” The tactician is charged with failing to alert authorities to a potential fix while he was at Siena, something he has always denied. He was willing to take a plea bargain on the strict condition it was not an admission of guilt (which is possible under Italian law), but the Disciplinary Commission rejected the suspension of three months with €200,000 fine. Conte and his assistant manager Angelo Alessio have taken a surprising step by not sitting on the bench for tonight's friendly against Malaga. Massimo Carrera takes the reins instead, as Juve are forced to prepare for life without Conte on the touchline. “He was always very consistent, saying he wanted to respect the work of the prosecutors and judges,” lawyer Antonio De Rensis told Sky Sport Italia. “Despite the difficulties this situation created for Juventus and his family, he is the one who gives us strength. The same level of strength and support comes from President Andrea Agnelli. “A plea bargain in a sporting trial is an opportunity and I can guarantee it was very hard to convince Conte to accept the three-month ban. When that failed, every other option fell away, because Antonio Conte’s dignity is priceless. “What irritated him the most? He always put the needs of the team first, even in front of his pride and dignity. What hurt Antonio the most was being painted as someone unfair, which everyone knows is completely opposed to the reality. “He is a man of great heart and honesty. Those who know him, love him.” After the plea bargain collapsed, the prosecutor requested a 15-month ban and the Disciplinary Commission judges are expected to make a decision around August 8-10. “I think the fact the prosecutor quintupled his requested ban shows how out of proportion this is,” continued the lawyer. “The truth is in the paperwork, as there are some passages of testimony that are completely contradictory. In five versions Carlo Gervasoni and Filippo Carobbio changed their stories in the detail and every time this happened Carobbio said that Gervasoni was lying. If one says black and the other says white, then someone here is not telling the truth. “I am convinced the Disciplinary Commission is not targeting Conte, it’s just that Carobbio said things that are contradicted within the paperwork at their disposal. Unfortunately, they have so little time to get to the bottom of things. “The paperwork says it all. I’d like to point out that against my client there are no intercepted phone calls or a money trail. The only evidence is the testimony of someone who already confessed to sporting fraud. “I feel evidence has to be fundamental, otherwise we are facing a witch-hunt.”

Bonucci lawyer fights betting charges Aug 4, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is also set to go to a full betting trial after plea bargain negotiations failed, as his lawyers picked apart the Udinese-Bari evidence. The Italian international is accused of sporting fraud due to his time at Bari, risking three years and six months suspension. There were reports this morning he was in talks with the prosecutor Stefano Palazzi to work out a plea bargain based on failing to report an attempted fix to authorities rather than the more serious charge, but it seems to have collapsed. Bonucci’s lawyer, Gian Pietro Bianchi, criticised the basis of the evidence against Bonucci, which came from Andrea Masiello’s testimony. “The prosecutor claims Masiello’s changing testimony was ‘progressively enriched’ rather than contradictory. But it is a progressive climax towards illogicality. “As Masiello tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor, he contradicts himself so much that we can’t even work out what role Bonucci had in this match. “Masiello spoke twice to the Cremona prosecutors, once in Bari, and he never mentioned the Udinese-Bari match. On February 7 Iacovelli was the first to talk about Udinese-Bari, including Masiello but not Bonucci. “When Masiello discovered through the newspapers that Iacovelli had talked – which is in itself damaging the evidence – then Masiello brought Bonucci into it. “However, even here Masiello cannot get his story straight. First he said he asked Bonucci for the fix the week before the training camp, then he said specifically in the locker room. In the meantime, Bonucci proves he couldn’t have been there at that date because he was on international duty. “So Masiello is asked about the circumstances of their meeting again, because the dates don’t match up. Masiello changes it to before the trip to Udine, which is his fourth testimony and fourth change, but it’s not enough. “When he testifies on July 10 and ‘perfectly remembers’ Bonucci was not present during the week, so the meeting happened on the team bus to Udine. But Bonucci was there from Thursday and trained regularly each day. “Evidently something doesn’t fit here, there are illogical discrepancies. Masiello also testified with discrepancies over whether the fix was meant to be an ‘over’ with many goals, a draw with goals or specifically 2-2. “Then Masiello said he was passive on the second and third goals on purpose. But why? If it was meant to be a 2-2 for the betting syndicate, why would he favour a 3-2 result for Udinese? “De Tullio testified that Masiello sorted the ‘fix’ Udinese-Bari all by himself and is just a big liar.” Simone Pepe is also involved in this match, dragged in by Masiello’s testimony for failing to report an attempted fix to authorities, as Salvatore Masiello was the one who was meant to call Pepe. Udinese could also see their fine revoked, because the charge of sporting fraud would be reduced to an attempted – and failed – fix orchestrated entirely by Andrea Masiello. Prosecutor Palazzi requested several breaks during today’s court session, with many suggesting this means his entire case around Udinese-Bari is collapsing.

Bonucci lawyer fights betting charges Aug 4, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is also set to go to a full betting trial after plea bargain negotiations failed, as his lawyers picked apart the Udinese-Bari evidence. The Italian international is accused of sporting fraud due to his time at Bari, risking three years and six months suspension. There were reports this morning he was in talks with the prosecutor Stefano Palazzi to work out a plea bargain based on failing to report an attempted fix to authorities rather than the more serious charge, but it seems to have collapsed. Bonucci’s lawyer, Gian Pietro Bianchi, criticised the basis of the evidence against Bonucci, which came from Andrea Masiello’s testimony. “The prosecutor claims Masiello’s changing testimony was ‘progressively enriched’ rather than contradictory. But it is a progressive climax towards illogicality. “As Masiello tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor, he contradicts himself so much that we can’t even work out what role Bonucci had in this match. “Masiello spoke twice to the Cremona prosecutors, once in Bari, and he never mentioned the Udinese-Bari match. On February 7 Iacovelli was the first to talk about Udinese-Bari, including Masiello but not Bonucci. “When Masiello discovered through the newspapers that Iacovelli had talked – which is in itself damaging the evidence – then Masiello brought Bonucci into it. “However, even here Masiello cannot get his story straight. First he said he asked Bonucci for the fix the week before the training camp, then he said specifically in the locker room. In the meantime, Bonucci proves he couldn’t have been there at that date because he was on international duty. “So Masiello is asked about the circumstances of their meeting again, because the dates don’t match up. Masiello changes it to before the trip to Udine, which is his fourth testimony and fourth change, but it’s not enough. “When he testifies on July 10 and ‘perfectly remembers’ Bonucci was not present during the week, so the meeting happened on the team bus to Udine. But Bonucci was there from Thursday and trained regularly each day. “Evidently something doesn’t fit here, there are illogical discrepancies. Masiello also testified with discrepancies over whether the fix was meant to be an ‘over’ with many goals, a draw with goals or specifically 2-2. “Then Masiello said he was passive on the second and third goals on purpose. But why? If it was meant to be a 2-2 for the betting syndicate, why would he favour a 3-2 result for Udinese? “De Tullio testified that Masiello sorted the ‘fix’ Udinese-Bari all by himself and is just a big liar.” Simone Pepe is also involved in this match, dragged in by Masiello’s testimony for failing to report an attempted fix to authorities, as Salvatore Masiello was the one who was meant to call Pepe. Udinese could also see their fine revoked, because the charge of sporting fraud would be reduced to an attempted – and failed – fix orchestrated entirely by Andrea Masiello. Prosecutor Palazzi requested several breaks during today’s court session, with many suggesting this means his entire case around Udinese-Bari is collapsing.

Bonucci and Pepe case rests Aug 4, 2012 Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci’s lawyers explained why they are going to a full betting trial, but Simone Bentivoglio takes a 13-month plea bargain. The betting trial continued today with Juventus players Pepe and Bonucci accompanied in the court by director general Beppe Marotta. There were reported negotiations for hours on a possible plea bargain, but instead Bonucci and Pepe opted to fight the charges and go to a full trial. The sentence is expected on August 8-10. It can be a risky tactic, considering Bonucci faces a three-and-a-half year ban, while Pepe could be suspended for a year. “The plea bargain becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it’s about three months, but not more than that,” said lawyer Chiappero. Most of those involved in the scandal are charged with failing to report a potential fix to authorities. This means even those who were approached and refused a proposed fix, or might’ve been aware something strange was happening, can be banned for a year or more. For example, Juve Coach Antonio Conte risks a 15-month ban for this charge while he was at Siena. “It’s about time we reconsider the existence of this charge. It was useful when there weren’t full trials, but now it can become even dangerous.” Bonucci and Pepe left the Rome court this afternoon and travelled to Salerno, where Juventus are set to play Malaga in a friendly this evening. Meanwhile, Chievo midfielder Bentivoglio has accepted a plea bargain for one count of sporting fraud (Palermo-Bari, May 2011) and two of failing to report to authorities (Bari-Sampdoria, April 2011 and Bari-Lecce, May 2011). Bentivoglio has negotiated a 13-month ban plus a €50,000 fine. The prosecutor had requested a ban of three years and six months.

Bonucci and Pepe case rests Aug 4, 2012 Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci’s lawyers explained why they are going to a full betting trial, but Simone Bentivoglio takes a 13-month plea bargain. The betting trial continued today with Juventus players Pepe and Bonucci accompanied in the court by director general Beppe Marotta. There were reported negotiations for hours on a possible plea bargain, but instead Bonucci and Pepe opted to fight the charges and go to a full trial. The sentence is expected on August 8-10. It can be a risky tactic, considering Bonucci faces a three-and-a-half year ban, while Pepe could be suspended for a year. “The plea bargain becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it’s about three months, but not more than that,” said lawyer Chiappero. Most of those involved in the scandal are charged with failing to report a potential fix to authorities. This means even those who were approached and refused a proposed fix, or might’ve been aware something strange was happening, can be banned for a year or more. For example, Juve Coach Antonio Conte risks a 15-month ban for this charge while he was at Siena. “It’s about time we reconsider the existence of this charge. It was useful when there weren’t full trials, but now it can become even dangerous.” Bonucci and Pepe left the Rome court this afternoon and travelled to Salerno, where Juventus are set to play Malaga in a friendly this evening.

Pogba: 'I can be better than Vieira' Aug 4, 2012 Paul Pogba has given his first interview as a Juventus player, noting he wants to “make history and maybe become stronger than Patrick Vieira.” The 19-year-old French midfielder signed a four-year contract after he had become a free agent from Manchester United. “I’m so happy to have seen the Juventus Museum and be able to fully appreciate the club’s history,” he told the Bianconeri website. “I’ve noticed there are many champions who have played for this team and I hope that I’ll be able to form part of this group of champions to share its history in the future. “I’m happy to be here, it’s a real honour. Among the former players I was particularly inspired to see Michel Platini, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. From the current crop I’d say Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon, Claudio Marchisio and also Giorgio Chiellini. “They’re all quality players and I’ve got a great desire to play alongside them. I hope it all goes well and I’m able to forge a good understanding with everyone.” Pogba was able to leave Manchester United when his contract expired this summer. “I started playing there when I was 16-17 years old. I learned a great deal from strong players like Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney. I played alongside them and was able to admire their excellent level of football. “I’m sure that at Juventus, with players like Pirlo, it will be a similar learning experience. I am truly happy to embark on this new adventure and hope I can do even better. “I hope the fans take to me and support me. I like it when the fans yell your name and urge you on. It can give you an added boost.” Pogba was asked to describe his own characteristics and looked to a former Juventus player. “I’ve been compared to Vieira and it’s a compliment as far as I’m concerned. I hope to maybe become even stronger than he was, taking some of his best qualities, but also offering something different as Pogba and not Vieira. “I’m really happy to be here and proud to wear the black and white colours.”

Pogba wants to become 'even better than Vieira' The young midfielder is aiming high for the future, as he intends to surpass his compatriot and eventually join the likes of Platini, Nedved and Baggio as Juventus greats. Aug 4, 2012 Juventus new boy Paul Pogba has revealed that his ambition is to become even better than Patrick Vieira, after acknowledging frequent comparisons between himself and the former France international. The midfielder, 19, signed a four-year deal with the Serie A champions on Friday to complete his free transfer switch from Manchester United, and he is keen to make an impact at his new club. "I have been compared to Vieira. That’s a compliment as far as I’m concerned," Pogba told the official Juventus website. "However, I hope to become even better than he was. I want to take some of his best qualities, while also offering something different. I am Pogba and not the new Vieira." The midfielder then went on to stress that his dream is to become part of Juventus' history and join former greats such as Michel Platini, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. "There are many champions who have played for this team and I hope that will be able to become part of this group of champions. "Among the former players I was particularly inspired to see Platini, Nedved and Baggio [at the Juventus museum]."

Joaquin scarico

Grazie a tutti.

Lucio sbaglia ancora.

Sono arrivato da poco. Ma c'é Carrera in panchina e Conte?

Scommessopoli prosecutor demands lengthy bans for Juventus duo Bonucci and Pepe Stefano Palazzi, the man in charge of dealing with those involved in Scommessopoli, wants heavy sanctions to be imposed on the pair, along with Montreal Impact's Marco Di Vaio. Aug 3, 2012 The federal prosecutor handling the on-going Scommessopoli scandal, Stefano Palazzi, has requested lengthy bans for Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe. The Juventus duo have been charged with sporting fraud as part of the match-fixing ring, with Palazzi wanting a three-and-a-half-year ban for the centre-back, and a year's suspension for the ex-Bologna winger. The prosecutor is also demanding a year-long ban for Marco Di Vaio, the former Bologna striker who recently moved to Canadian side Montreal Impact. Other prominent Italian footballers facing considerable penalties include Siena's Emilio Belmonte (four years), Giuseppe Vives (three-and-a-half years) and Daniele Portanova (one year), and former Bari trio Simone Bentivoglio, Stefano Guberti and Salvatore Masiello (up to three-and-a-half years). The heaviest sanction, however, lies with Pierandrea Semeraro, as Palazzi is holding out for a five-year ban to be imposed on the ex-Lecce president. The requests will now be reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

Juventus confirm Pogba deal The Frenchman has completed his long-awaited move to the Serie A champions from Manchester United after a protracted saga concerning his Old Trafford future. Aug 3, 2012 Juventus have announced on their official website that they have completed the signing of Paul Pogba from Manchester United. The 19-year-old had already featured for the Bianconeri in the club's 1-1 friendly draw against Benfica, but only now have the Serie A champions announced the deal. Pogba has signed a four-year deal which will keep him at Juventus until 2016 after his contract with the Red Devils expired at the end of last season. "I am very happy to be here, it is a real honour," he told Juventus' website. "I have been told that there is a very good standard of play and the fans support their favourites. "I hope they take me and support me in the same way." Pogba, an Under-19 international for France, is a product of the Le Havre youth academy, but left the French side for Manchester United in the summer of 2009. He made his Premier League debut against Stoke City in January 2012, but he found playing opportunities very hard to come by at Old Trafford, but only lined up in three top-flight games for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Palazzi explains betting charges Aug 3, 2012 FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi outlined his case in the betting trial against Leonardo Bonucci, Simone Pepe and others over Udinese-Bari, Bologna-Bari, Bari-Lecce and Bari-Sampdoria. This evening Palazzi requested a series of bans, including three years and six months for ex-Bari defender Bonucci, one year for Pepe due to his time at Udinese, Bologna to be docked two points and for Lecce to be demoted to Lega Pro. With regards to the Udinese-Bari Serie A match in 2010-11, Palazzi explained gambler “De Tullio took part of the winning money from the bet after the game. Andrea Masiello testified about De Tullio’s proposal, negotiations based in the world of illegal gambling aimed at corrupting players. “Obviously at first those involved try to blame others for the proposed fix. Masiello claims the initial offer came from De Tullio, then that he told Bonucci, Alessandro Parisi, Nicola Belmonte and Salvatore Masiello. According to Andrea Masiello, they were all willing to listen. “Simply being willing to listen is already sporting fraud. Masiello’s proposal is further developed because he says Salvatore Masiello called Pepe, as they used to play together. We know they had a telephone conversation. “The confirmation can also be found by the fact Belmonte and Parisi were mentioned with regards to other games. De Tullio said he called Stellini to confirm the match had been fixed. “Bonucci claims Masiello’s statements were contradictory. We consider them to be progressive enriching of the statements. Masiello collaborated fully with the authorities. “As for the contradiction in the timing of this agreement, seeing as Bonucci was in the Nazionale, Masiello added the deal was struck on the team bus.” Palazzi moved on to the Bologna-Bari match, also in Serie A, which sees Daniele Portanova face a three-year ban for sporting fraud and the Rossoblu potentially docked two points. Marco Di Vaio, now at Montreal Impact, risks a one-year ban for failing to report a fix to authorities. “There was contact between Masiello and Portanova, the proposal made by Carella and Giacobbe, then the conduct of Portanova in engaging in negotiations over this proposed sporting fraud. “Neither side had any interest in getting results for the table, as Bologna were safe and Bari already relegated. “Portanova had a second meeting with them to conclude the sporting fraud, but first he had to ask captain Di Vaio. Once Di Vaio said no to the fix, Portanova re-called them to say the fix was off.” The biggest scandal is around Bari-Lecce, particularly as this is a local derby and so means a great deal to the fans. “On this game we have the converging testimonies of Andrea Masiello, Giacobbe and Carella. Carella offered €300,000, Quarta went off to talk to someone that Carella recognised to be Lecce President Rico Semeraro, then came back and handed them a cheque as ‘guarantee’ for the €300,000. “Around 10 days after the match, Quarta handed €70,000 to Carella, then another cheque worth €80,000. To discuss the transaction of the final cash sum, there was a meeting at the Hotel Tiziano in which Masiello confirmed he scored an own goal on purpose. The financial records confirm these transactions. “Semeraro’s presence cannot be considered coincidental. Vives is accused of participating in the fix and not reporting it to authorities. He was pin-pointed as the Lecce player who had to give the signal of the fix. Whether it happened or not is irrelevant, as he still participated in the proposed fix. Whether it was a pat on the shoulder or an exchange of jerseys doesn’t matter.” The final match involved in today’s betting scandal accusations is Bari-Sampdoria. “There was a double attempt, the first perpetrated by the so-called group of ‘Zingari’, but everyone except Bentivoglio took plea bargains on this. “A second attempt saw Stefano Guberti offer money to Masiello. Masiello spoke to Marco Rossi and not to others, because he was blocked by Mutti. Rossi confirmed Guberti made two attempts to contact him.” The judges are expected to make a ruling at the end of next week.

Bonucci faces ban, Lecce demotion Aug 3, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci could face a ban of three years and six months, Simone Pepe a year, Bologna -2 points and Lecce demoted to Lega Pro as the betting trial continues. The trial into the betting scandal continued today with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi stating his case and suggesting sentences for those who opted not to take plea bargains. Bologna could be docked two points for the new season and fined €50,000, while Lecce would be demoted to Lega Pro with a six-point penalty. Udinese would receive a €50,000 fine because their players were thought to be involved in match-fixing. The big news is that Juventus defender Bonucci – dragged into the trial due to his time at Bari – could be suspended for three years and six months. His Juventus teammate Pepe, whose charges date back to his Udinese career, would be banned for a year. Marco Di Vaio also risks a year on the sidelines, while the other requested bans are Nicola Belmonte (four years), Simone Bentivoglio (three years and six months), Stefano Guberti (three years), Salvatore Masiello (three years and six months), Padelli (three years), Daniele Portanova (three years) and Vives (three years and six months). Lecce are accused of knowing there was a potential fix in their games, so President Rico Semeraro – who has since sold the club – would be banned for five years.

Carobbio’s lawyers hit back Aug 3, 2012 Filippo Carobbio’s lawyers have hit back at Antonio Conte’s for their attack on the footballer for his role in Conte’s current situation. The Juventus Coach is facing the prospect of a potential 15-month ban from the game should his decision to go to trial this summer to plead his innocence in the betting affair prove unsuccessful. Conte must prove his innocence against accusations that he was aware of two specific matches being fixed whilst he was Coach at Siena. The tactician has been brought into this affair based on evidence provided by his former player at the Tuscan club, Carobbio. The rejection of Conte’s plea bargain of three months and a €200,000 fine and the comparison of the possible 15-month ban against Carobbio’s now extended 26-month ban prompted Conte’s lawyers to hit out at Carobbio this week. In response, Carobbio’s own legal team has hit out at criticism aimed at their client. “Filippo Carobbio has had the courage to break the wall of silence that unfortunately still exists in football,” Simone Giuliani told reporters today. “He acknowledged his mistakes and is paying for them, but it is unacceptable that he should continue to face severe threats, slander and repeated aggression towards his family, as he has for the past few days on the internet.” Carobbio’s team also examined further Cristian Stellini’s involvement in the issue. Stellini was a member of Conte’s coaching staff and has been handed a two-year ban - extended now to 30 months - on a plea bargain for his alleged role. “Ask yourself a question - who has sent Stellini to Carobbio to fix the AlbinoLeffe-Siena game?” asked another of Carobbio’s lawyers, Riccardo Donzelli today to reporters. “This is the black hole of the process - when we have this answered then we will understand some things. “You want to know if I am referring to Conte? For us, it is a point highlighted by the statement attached to Stellini’s plea bargain, and not clarified by the defence yesterday.”

Conte, Pepe, Bonucci & Calcioscommesse: Just WHAT Is Going On? Aug 3, 2012 In the last year, a scandal has been raging through the lower echelons of Italian football. Calcioscommesse, or “football betting”, has involved players fixing matches for betting purposes, paid off by criminal gangs to assure a result. In some cases, there has been coordination between both teams involved, like when Bari players offered the Lecce ownership to throw the derby. Bari defender Andrea Masiello was paid €300k to score a decisive own goal in the match, which helped Lecce avoid relegation. Starting out originally in the Lega Pro and Serie B divisions, the scandal has crept up towards the higher levels of calcio. Bari and Lecce players have been charged, Atalanta and their players investigated for various Serie B match-fixing (on their way to promotion), leading to point deductions for the club in the past season and a 3.5-year ban for Cristiano Doni, their captain. As the scope of Calcioscommesse spread, the FIGC has recently charged 13 clubs, between Serie B and Serie A, of participating in illegal betting schemes, including Siena at the time that Antonio Conte was coach. There are two matches that the FIGC claims Conte was aware of irregularities, Siena vs. Novara and Albinoleffe vs. Siena. Three Siena players have been directly charged with committing match-fixing for betting purposes: Filippo Carobbio, Marcelo Larrondo, and Robert Vitiello. One of these players in particular, Carobbio, who has been charged for activities at other clubs such as Bari and has since outed other members of the conspiracy in exchange for a reduced sentence), has come out and claimed that Antonio Conte was fully aware of the match-fixing that went on at Siena. He stated that there was a tactical meeting before the Novara game in which then-coach Conte announced to the team that Novara had come to an agreement on fixing the match, so Siena would lose 1-0. Carobbio explicitly stated that the entire team agreed to do so. Carobbio’s statements have changed frequently: he first alleged that the match-fixing started in January, only to changed his view later and say that it only started in the Spring, when promotion was assured. When interviewed in January, Carobbio never mentioned Conte’s name. It wasn’t until 6 weeks later when he accused Conte of being in on the fix. Carobbio also claimed that the Siena players arranged the fix, only to later add that Siena President Mezzaroma insisted on the result, and passed it on through Conte. It’s interesting to note that in other cases, FIGC chief prosecutor Stefano Palazzi had not considered Carobbio’s statements credible. And while Carobbio alleged Conte was guilty of match-fixing, Palazzi charged Conte with merely being aware of the fix, but then failing to report it. The FIGC has not indicted Antonio Conte for disciplinary judgement for the serious charge of “match fixing”, thus, rejecting the idea that Conte arranged the fix with Novara or Albinoleffe. Rather, they have charged him with being guilty of “omission”, i.e. of knowing of the plot, but not contacting the authorities. The same charge has been issued to Simone Pepe for his time at Udinese, who was reportedly offered a fix between Udinese and Bari, rejected the idea, but did not report it. Leonardo Bonucci meanwhile, has been charged with direct responsibility with several other Bari players for the Udinese vs. Bari (3-3) match, and could face serious sanctions. This famous pre-Novara tactical meeting seems very questionable. 23 Siena players were present at this technical reunion, and have since signed sworn affidavits that a fix was not discussed, agreeing with Conte’s defense. And yet, none of these players have been charged with failing to report the incident, nor the Siena ownership, nor the Novara coaching staff. It’s a similar situation for the Albinoleffe game: the FIGC alleged there was another discussion of a fix, yet no other Siena players have been charged with omission. And yet again, neither the Siena nor Albinoleffe ownerships have been directly charged, nor has any Albinoleffe coach. Indeed, Conte’s players have given strong defenses. Ferdinando Coppola, goalkeeper for Conte both at Siena and Atalanta, strongly denied the discussion of any fix. “There is nothing true in this, Conte and [siena President] Mezzaroma are innocent. I remember that tactical reunion, we had just lost to Portogruaro. I remember the emotion of listening to Conte, who exhorted us to win after the loss.” Many Siena players were interviewed by the FIGC, each swearing the team never discussed illegal activities, thus contradicting Carobbio’s statements. Yet for some reason, Palazzi has thus far preferred the word of a criminal over the sworn word of 23 men. The question is: If Conte was charged of hearing of the fix at these tactical unions and failing to report it, why have these 23 Siena players not been charged, all of which who were at the same meetings and swore nothing happened?” Filippo Carobbio has been involved with Hungarian betting syndicates in the scandal, charged with fixing many games, including matches at Siena in which Conte isn’t implicated at all. And yet, in exchange for rolling over and granting testimony against others (who committed far less serious crimes), he’s getting a reduced sentence. In the most recent round of deals, Carobbio was given a 4-month sentence for several instances of match-fixing, only one month more than Conte’s plea deal would have been. It’s been a similar situation for Leonardo Bonucci. Like Carobbio, chief “witness” Andrea Masiello has been rolling on other targets in exchange for a lighter sentence, among which the Juventus ex-Bari defender. One of the senior officials in Bari’s medical staff has rubbished the fact that Bonucci was involved. “I hear the name of Belmonte, Bonucci, and Pepe, but these men weren’t involved because if it were true, I’d have known. The money after that match was taken by Andrea Masiello, who told me it was money for charity. I know that Bonucci is a good person, if you ask me, his name was dragged into this, even if innocent, because his relationship was poor with Andrea Masiello. The two rarely talked.” One of the chief issues we must remember here, is that this is a SPORTING JUSTICE trial, not a criminal/civil trial. Thus, there is not the same burden of proof… and not the same person holding it. In traditional Western countries, you are “innocent until proven guilty.” In sporting trials in Italy, it is the individual charged with the crime who has to prove their innocence, which is an awfully difficult thing to do if… you’re charged with knowing of match-fixing but failing to report it!! How does one prove they did not have knowledge? This brings us to the recent discussion of a plea bargain. There were 61 charged cases in Calcioscommesse earlier this year, in which 19 made plea deals, 38 were convicted, and 4 absolved. If convicted, Antonio Conte and Simone Pepe could face a year or more of suspension, whereas Leonardo Bonucci is looking at potentially a 3-year suspension. While Andrea Agnelli has stated those implicated have Juve’s full support, it’s rumored the club encouraged Conte, Pepe, and Bonucci to accept a plea deal. For Conte, it was include a €200k fine (donated to charity) and a 3-month suspension effective August 1st, which would prevent him from accessing the team bench on matchdays until November 1st, but enable him to still conduct training sessions. It’s worth noting that under Article 23 of the ‘Code of Sport Justice’, a plea bargain specifies there is no admission of guilt by the accused. The process would thus formally neither admit nor deny the charges originally presented, which in the eyes of Conte, Bonucci, and Pepe is very important as they yet maintain their innocence (and are very much inclined to fight the charges). For Bonucci, who faces a ban of potentially up to 3 years, it seemed — by early reports — that a plea deal would initially involve a full year suspension (leaving Bonucci stuck between a rock and a hard place on whether to plea or fight the accusations in court). However, if the charges against the Juve center-back were demoted from “sporting fraud” to “omission” (as they have in the case of Marcelo Larrondo), Bonucci could get away with only 3 months. In Conte’s case, a plea bargain would certainly damage the coach’s reputation, but it could be better than attempting to clear his name, which would leave a heavy cloud of uncertainty over the current season and possibly result in a longer suspension. His name has already been sullied by those newspapers eager to drag him through the mud, despite the lack of evidence or questionable testimony of a soon-to-be convicted felon. In a surprising plot twist, the plea deal negotiated by FIGC chief prosecutor Palazzi with Conte’s lawyers earlier this week (and which Conte was persuaded to accept), was however rejected by the sporting tribunal judges, who considered it to be too light! The court counter-offer included a 5-month suspension and a €100k fine, but irritated by the first rejection and fueled by a desire to clear his name, Antonio Conte rejected it, choosing instead to go to trial. The issue will now proceed into a full court hearing, with Palazzi seeking the regular 15-month suspension for all cases of “omission”. Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe have a bit of time left to decide on a plea bargain. Next Friday, the sporting court of justice and Palazzi will decide on what plea deal to offer the two Juventini. While Juventus encouraged Pepe, Bonucci, and Conte to accept a plea deal, things may change in the next week following the court’s rejection of Palazzi’s plea offer to Conte. Unsurprisingly, Juve’s upper management reacted very strongly to the sporting judges’ decision, especially after they had encouraged their coach to accept the deal offered by Palazzi. Juventus posted a formal media blackout (silenzio stampa) on their home page, handed Leonardo Bonucci the captain’s armband for the Benfica friendly, and then came out with a strongly worded statement from Andrea Agnelli regarding the FIGC and their judicial system: It appears that the Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio and its system of sporting justice continue to operate in complete disregard of law and equity. For a long while now, and with a great sense of responsibility, Juventus and its employees have maintained a calm and consistent approach in their dealings with the Institutions and in the face of stances which, right from the outset, appeared to suggest the club and its representatives were once again under attack. The results pertaining to the various charges are littered with contradictions and tend to protect only those who have committed infractions. This is a paradox and unacceptable. The decision taken yesterday by the FIGC’s national disciplinary committee, which opposed a plea bargain that had already been considered and approved by the federal prosecutor, is testimony to the complete inadequacy of the sporting justice system and the Federation within which it operates. Once again, I detect an inability to interpret the requirements of today’s top-level professional game. Having chosen to make a plea bargain in order to limit the damage of an antiquated and contradictory system of sporting justice, one is confronted with a dictatorial system that deprives the club and its employees of any right to defend themselves and their honour. It is the respectability of individuals that is being put in danger and therefore it is up to them to have the final say on the decisions to be made, in the knowledge that Juventus will support them at every level of the judicial system. It will be a tough and demanding season, but as a club we remain entirely focused on the team’s performances on the pitch and our target is once again to win trophies come May 2013. Whatever the reason Conte has been targeted, his treatment is unfair and is only further proof of the antiquated, corrupt, arbitrary mess of a judicial system present in Italy. But this will not be like Calciopoli back in 2006. Back then, the media massacred Juventus in the court of public opinion. The entire board of directors resigned, and the new management simply rolled over and never fought the charges. The new Juventus will not roll over.