Socrates

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.

FIGC hits back at Agnelli: His criticism is unacceptable The governing body for Italian football stated that the Bianconeri president's comments are beyond the pale after he accused it of operating in a dictatorial system. Aug 2, 2012 The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has responded to the comments made by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli about the legitimacy of the organisation's decisions. Earlier on Friday, the Bianconeri chief publicly criticised the governing body for Italian football as coach Antonio Conte will go on trial to prove his innocence in the Scommessopoli scandal after his plea bargain deal was rejected by magistrates. Agnelli had accused the FIGC of operating on a 'dictatorial system', and the federation has now come out to criticise the comments made by the Juventus supremo. "The FIGC and its administrative bodies operate in the full respect of the rules which guarantee the independence and autonomy of the sporting justice," a FIGC statement read. "The comments made by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli are unacceptable and go beyond the legitimate right to criticism. "They also contrast with the statements he made on July 26, in which the natural sadness at the charges was - in his own words - 'mitigated by the knowledge that the rules of the sporting justice system will achieve clarity in this match which is played in front of the various courts.'"

FIGC hits back at Agnelli: His criticism is unacceptable The governing body for Italian football stated that the Bianconeri president's comments are beyond the pale after he accused it of operating in a dictatorial system. Aug 2, 2012 The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has responded to the comments made by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli about the legitimacy of the organisation's decisions. Earlier on Friday, the Bianconeri chief publicly criticised the governing body for Italian football as coach Antonio Conte will go on trial to prove his innocence in the Scommessopoli scandal after his plea bargain deal was rejected by magistrates. Agnelli had accused the FIGC of operating on a 'dictatorial system', and the federation has now come out to criticise the comments made by the Juventus supremo. "The FIGC and its administrative bodies operate in the full respect of the rules which guarantee the independence and autonomy of the sporting justice," a FIGC statement read. "The comments made by Juventus president Andrea Agnelli are unacceptable and go beyond the legitimate right to criticism. "They also contrast with the statements he made on July 26, in which the natural sadness at the charges was - in his own words - 'mitigated by the knowledge that the rules of the sporting justice system will achieve clarity in this match which is played in front of the various courts.'"

FIGC: 'Agnelli criticism unacceptable' Aug 2, 2012 The FIGC has reacted angrily to Juventus President Andrea Agnelli’s “unacceptable” attack on their sporting justice system. The Bianconeri patron released a harsh statement today when Antonio Conte began the betting trial, in which he risks a 15-month ban. “The FIGC operates fairly in the full respect of the rules that guarantee the independence and autonomy of the Sporting Justice system,” read the Federation’s response. “The evaluations of Juventus President Andrea Agnelli are unacceptable and go beyond the legitimate right to criticism. “They also contrast with the statements he made on July 26, in which the natural sadness at the charges was – in the words of Agnelli – ‘mitigated by the knowledge the rules of the sporting justice system will achieve clarity in this match that is played in front of the various courts.’” Agnelli’s statement today was extremely critical of the entire system, which it accused of being “dictatorial” and of protecting those who confessed to sporting fraud more than those who maintained their innocence.

FIGC: 'Agnelli criticism unacceptable' Aug 2, 2012 The FIGC has reacted angrily to Juventus President Andrea Agnelli’s “unacceptable” attack on their sporting justice system. The Bianconeri patron released a harsh statement today when Antonio Conte began the betting trial, in which he risks a 15-month ban. “The FIGC operates fairly in the full respect of the rules that guarantee the independence and autonomy of the Sporting Justice system,” read the Federation’s response. “The evaluations of Juventus President Andrea Agnelli are unacceptable and go beyond the legitimate right to criticism. “They also contrast with the statements he made on July 26, in which the natural sadness at the charges was – in the words of Agnelli – ‘mitigated by the knowledge the rules of the sporting justice system will achieve clarity in this match that is played in front of the various courts.’” Agnelli’s statement today was extremely critical of the entire system, which it accused of being “dictatorial” and of protecting those who confessed to sporting fraud more than those who maintained their innocence.

Cavani for Italian Super Cup Aug 2, 2012 Edinson Cavani’s Olympic adventure is already over, so Napoli will take him to Beijing for the Italian Super Cup against Juventus. The striker was expected to miss out on the August 11 clash in China because he was in London with Uruguay. However, the South Americans were surprisingly knocked out in the first round and so his time at London 2012 is already concluded. It’s widely reported Cavani will fly back to Naples this evening so that he can begin training tomorrow morning. Napoli confirm El Matador will be going with the squad to Beijing for the Italian Super Cup on August 11.

Match-fixing prosecutor requests 15-month ban for Conte Juventus coach decided against attempting to renegotiate his plea bargain agreement and is now facing a far more severe suspension, while Andrea Agnelli was angered by events. Aug 2, 2012 The federal prosecutor in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal has requested that Juventus coach Antonio Conte be hit with a 15-month touchline ban. The Bianconeri boss had agreed a plea bargain with Stefano Palazzi which would have seen the former Italy international suspended for three months and pay a fine of €200,000. However, the agreement was rejected by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Disciplinary Committee. There was an option to renegotiate the terms of the plea bargain but Conte, who has maintained he knew nothing of alleged match-fixing during his time in charge of Siena, decided against doing so, preferring instead to go to trial in order to try to clear his name. Consequently, Palazzi has now called for a far heavier ban for the 43-year-old, based on the evidence of former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claimed that Conte was aware of the attempts to influence the outcome of games against Novara and Albinoleffe. "Carobbio would have got the same penalty even if he had not mentioned Conte's name," the federal prosecutor reasoned. "So there was no element of personal animosity. "Instead, we have shown that there is consistency in the player's statements." Juve president Andrea Agnelli has once again vowed to stand by the man who led the Old Lady to a surprise Scudetto success last season. "I note that the FIGC and its sporting justice system continue to operate outside of any logic of rights and fairness," the Bianconeri supremo stated on the club's official website. "Yesterday's decision by the Disciplinary Committee of the national football federation, which refused to accept a plea bargain already agreed with the federal prosecutor, is testimony to the total inadequacy of the legal system and the sports federation within which it operates. "I note again the inability to interpret the modern requirements of a high level of professionalism. "Even having chosen, against every instinct of logic, the path of plea bargaining in order to limit the damage done by a contradictory sporting justice system, we are up against a dictatorial system that robs clubs and their employees of any right to defence or honour. "The respectability of the individual is at risk and it is up to them to have the final word on what decisions should be taken, knowing that Juventus will support them at every level of court." Two members of Conte's backroom staff, Angelo Alessio and Cristian Stellini, defender Leonardo Bonucci and winger Simone Pepe have also been implicated in the match-fixing scandal.

Conte lawyers attack Carobbio Aug 2, 2012 Antonio Conte’s lawyers have begun their defence as the Juventus Coach goes to a full trial, risking a 15-month ban, in the betting scandal due to his time at Siena. Conte was charged with failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities, but the only evidence against him is the testimony of ‘pentito’ (someone who has confessed and receives a large discount on his punishment by naming other names) Filippo Carobbio. The testimony is based around a team meeting in which Conte allegedly stated there were ‘agreed’ results against Novara and Albinoleffe. However, 23 other players present at the same meeting testified he never said that. “There is no evidence,” said lawyer Antonio De Rensis. “There is one person’s word against another. No intercepted phone calls, no evidence, no passage of money, nothing. “I am not here to tell you Carobbio is not credible. I am here to tell you Carobbio is not the only credible one. When we are faced with an accusation and no other evidence aside from that, we have to look at the testimony very carefully. “When Carobbio was interrogated on January 19, he did not mention Conte, nor did he remember any of his involvement. He only ‘remembered’ on February 29 when testifying before the federal court. “His accusation is counter to Conte’s history and the 20-month-ban Carobbio got in a plea bargain proves he had interest in dragging others into it. “The court says Carobbio is credible and Carlo Gervasoni is credible, but one says black and the other white when describing the same thing. “Carobbio lied about other aspects of the affair, claiming he had no more contact with the betting syndicate although he was shown to have made a series of phone calls using an Egyptian SIM card. So why are you so eager to believe him? “There were enormous contradictions and admitting would mean you forfeiting the trial. This is not justice, but a pure battle. Carobbio’s testimony on July 10 is a banana skin and the silence speaks volumes. He was not asked about the phone calls. It would’ve been the first thing I’d have asked him.” The lawyer also made it clear the plea bargain of three months and a €200,000 fine “was agreed with the understanding it did not represent an admission of guilt in any way.” Many in Italy accept plea bargains in order to avoid a lengthy trial and potentially much longer bans, as one is essentially guilty until proven innocent. Meanwhile, prosecutor Stefano Palazzi explained why he requested a 15-month ban for Conte and took Carobbio’s word over those of the other 23 players at the team meeting. “We considered those testimonies to be irrelevant, even if they contrast what was previously said about Albinoleffe-Siena. “The declarations of those present at the Siena team meeting are not credible, because otherwise they’d be charged with failing to report sporting fraud. Therefore they cannot be used in the trial.” Many of Conte’s supporters have pointed out if the 23 players were lying about the meeting, then why have they not also been charged with failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities? The trial continues and a decision is expected next week.

Juventus attack 'dictatorial' FIGC Aug 2, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has launched a scathing attack on the sporting justice system, as Antonio Conte refuses a plea bargain and will try to plead his innocence. Conte was talked into accepting a plea bargain of four months and a €200,000 fine yesterday in the betting scandal, but the Disciplinary Commission judges surprisingly turned it down. The Coach, who is involved due to his time at Siena and the testimony of just one player – Filippo Carobbio – has rejected a new plea bargain attempt and will go to full trial in order to prove his innocence. In taking this route, Conte faces a potential 15-month ban. Juventus President Agnelli released a scathing statement that attacks the entire sporting justice system. “We have realised the FIGC and its sporting justice system continue to operate outside of all logic for rights and fairness. “For a long time and with great sense of responsibility, Juventus and its employees have maintained a relaxed and consistent attitude towards the institutions and respect for attitudes that straight away suggested a new attack was aimed at damaging the club. “The results of these various charges show enormous contradictions and seem to protect exclusively those who committed sporting fraud. This is paradoxical and cannot be accepted.” Carobbio’s testimony is considered credible in accusing Conte despite the fact another 23 Siena players who were in the team meeting also testified that the Coach never alluded to any fixed games. The Italian sporting justice system is effectively set up so that one is guilty until proven innocent, which is why many take plea bargains to avoid much longer bans and a long trial process. “Yesterday’s decision of the FIGC Disciplinary Commission to reject an offer of a plea bargain that had already been pondered and underwritten by the Prosecutor, is proof of the total inadequacy of the sporting justice system and the Federation within which it operates,” continued Agnelli. “I must again point out the incapability this structure has of interpreting the needs of modern professional football at the highest level. “The path of plea bargaining in order to limit the damage done by a contradictory sporting justice system clashes against a dictatorial system that robs clubs and their employees of any right to defence or honour. “The respectability of individuals is put in danger and it is therefore up to them to make the final decision on which path to take, aware Juventus will support them in every court. “It will be a complex and difficult season, but the concentration on performances on the field remains high with the objective to confirm ourselves as winners in May 2013.” This betting scandal comes in the wake of the Calciopoli investigation and controversy over the intercepted phone calls involving other clubs like Inter that were not taken into consideration during the original 2006 trial.

Juventus attack 'dictatorial' FIGC Aug 2, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has launched a scathing attack on the sporting justice system, as Antonio Conte refuses a plea bargain and will try to plead his innocence. Conte was talked into accepting a plea bargain of four months and a €200,000 fine yesterday in the betting scandal, but the Disciplinary Commission judges surprisingly turned it down. The Coach, who is involved due to his time at Siena and the testimony of just one player – Filippo Carobbio – has rejected a new plea bargain attempt and will go to full trial in order to prove his innocence. In taking this route, Conte faces a potential 15-month ban. Juventus President Agnelli released a scathing statement that attacks the entire sporting justice system. “We have realised the FIGC and its sporting justice system continue to operate outside of all logic for rights and fairness. “For a long time and with great sense of responsibility, Juventus and its employees have maintained a relaxed and consistent attitude towards the institutions and respect for attitudes that straight away suggested a new attack was aimed at damaging the club. “The results of these various charges show enormous contradictions and seem to protect exclusively those who committed sporting fraud. This is paradoxical and cannot be accepted.” Carobbio’s testimony is considered credible in accusing Conte despite the fact another 23 Siena players who were in the team meeting also testified that the Coach never alluded to any fixed games. The Italian sporting justice system is effectively set up so that one is guilty until proven innocent, which is why many take plea bargains to avoid much longer bans and a long trial process. “Yesterday’s decision of the FIGC Disciplinary Commission to reject an offer of a plea bargain that had already been pondered and underwritten by the Prosecutor, is proof of the total inadequacy of the sporting justice system and the Federation within which it operates,” continued Agnelli. “I must again point out the incapability this structure has of interpreting the needs of modern professional football at the highest level. “The path of plea bargaining in order to limit the damage done by a contradictory sporting justice system clashes against a dictatorial system that robs clubs and their employees of any right to defence or honour. “The respectability of individuals is put in danger and it is therefore up to them to make the final decision on which path to take, aware Juventus will support them in every court. “It will be a complex and difficult season, but the concentration on performances on the field remains high with the objective to confirm ourselves as winners in May 2013.” This betting scandal comes in the wake of the Calciopoli investigation and controversy over the intercepted phone calls involving other clubs like Inter that were not taken into consideration during the original 2006 trial.

Conte goes to full betting trial Aug 2, 2012 Juventus Coach Antonio Conte has refused to negotiate another plea bargain, so goes to a full betting trial and faces a potential 15-month ban. The betting trial took a sensational twist yesterday when the plea bargain of a three-month ban and €200,000 fine was agreed with the prosecutor, but rejected as ‘insufficient’ by the Disciplinary Commission judges. Conte has been charged with failing to alert two attempted fixes to authorities from his time at Siena in the Serie B 2010-11 campaign. He has always denied knowing anything about the attempted interference from betting syndicates and was talked into taking a plea bargain by his lawyers. This is because the justice system is one of ‘guilty until proven innocent’ when there is an accusation from someone who has confessed to another charge. It was reported that Conte was negotiating another plea bargain with the prosecutor of a five-month ban, but the tactician stood his ground and opted to go to a full trial by pleading not guilty. This means prosecutor Stefano Palazzi has requested a ban of one year and three months for Conte. Ex-Siena player Filippo Carobbio claimed Conte had mentioned the ‘agreed’ results against Novara and Albinoleffe during a team meeting, but the other players who were present have testified the Coach never said that. Siena also had their initial plea bargain rejected, but have now accepted a new six-point penalty for ‘indirect responsibility’ – as Carobbio was their player when he was in contact with the betting syndicates. It should be noted the ban for a Coach only means he cannot sit on the bench, go into the locker room or give interviews in the Press room on match day, but he can continue day-to-day training.

Krasic pareggia!

Beh, ormai ci sono solo ragazzini e riserve in campo.

Juventus announce media blackout Aug 1, 2012 Juventus have announced a media blackout in protest at the decision to reject Antonio Conte’s plea bargain in the betting trial. The Coach, who is charged with failing to report an attempted fix while he was at Siena in 2010-11, had agreed a plea bargain of a three-month ban with €200,000 fine with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi. However, in a shock move the Disciplinary Commission judging panel rejected the plea bargain. It now remains to be seen if he’ll renegotiate a new plea or go to a full trial. “Juventus have today enforced a media blackout,” read a statement on the club website. “The situation will be assessed tomorrow, based on today’s facts, which are considered as, regardless of the event’s outcome, an extremely serious act concerning the honour of all subjects involved: professionals, managers, employees and the club. “The club will make further comment tomorrow.”