Socrates

Vediamo come gioca.

Siena accept new plea bargain Aug 1, 2012 Siena have agreed a new plea bargain in the betting scandal for a six-point penalty and €100,000 fine, but then-Coach Antonio Conte is yet to decide his next step. The sporting trial began this morning and the judges shocked everyone when rejecting the proposed plea bargains of a five-point ban for Siena and Conte’s three-month ban with €200,000 fine. The magistrates complained that the plea bargains – which had been negotiated with the prosecutor Stefano Palazzi – were “not suited” to the charges of failing to alert authorities to an attempted fix. Siena have now come back into the court room and their new offer of a plea bargain – six-point penalty and €100,000 fine – has been accepted. It means Siena will begin the new season from -6 in the Serie A table, just as Torino and Serie B side Varese begin from -1. The Disciplinary Commission’s judges also accepted new plea bargains for Poloni (six months), Savorani (five months and 10 days), D’Urbano (five months and 10 days), Passoni (six months and 15 days) and Albinoleffe (-1 point and €30,000 fine). However, Conte – who is now Coach of Juventus – has not yet come forward with a new plea bargain. It’s not clear if he will opt for a different bargain, said to be a four-month ban with €100,000 fine, or go to full trial. Conte has always stated his innocence and wanted to defend himself, but was advised by lawyers to accept a plea bargain instead. The entire case against Conte revolves around the testimony of former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claims the Coach told the whole team in a locker room meeting that a result was already fixed. The other players present at the meeting have testified to deny Conte ever said that. Meanwhile, prosecutor Palazzi has set out his requests for those who did not seek plea bargains in the betting trial. Bertani (three years and six months), Bombardini (three years and six months), Camilli (five years), Mario Cassano (nine months), Catinali (three years and six months), Coppola (three years and six months), Drascek (three years and six months), Gheller (three years and six months), Pellicori (three years and six months), Pesoli (three years), Terzi (three years and six months), Vitiello (four years), Ancona (€10,000 fine), Grosseto (relegation to Lega Pro and three-point penalty), Novara (four-point penalty in Serie B).

Conte to agree new plea bargain? Aug 1, 2012 It’s reported Antonio Conte could secure a different plea bargain for four months and €100,000, an increase of one month from the rejected proposal. This afternoon there was a shock in the betting scandal when the FIGC judges rejected a proposed plea bargain of three months and €200,000 that had been agreed with the prosecutor. It could either mean the matter will go to a full trial or a new plea bargain will be negotiated. According to rumours from Tuttosport, the solution will be an increase on the plea bargain to four months and a €100,000 fine. It would keep Conte off the bench, out of the locker room and the interview hall on match days until December 1, although he would still be in charge of day-to-day training. Conte was charged with two counts of failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities in 2010-11 while he was at Siena. The matter is further complicated by the Juventus lawyers attempting to recuse the judges from a full trial because they have “already judged” on the charges by rejecting the plea bargain. Prosecutor Stefano Palazzi insists this is not the case and “there is no incompatibility” between judging on a plea bargain and a full trial.

Conte plea bargain rejected! Aug 1, 2012 In a shock move, the FIGC judges in the betting trial have rejected plea bargains from Antonio Conte and Siena, but Torino and Varese accept one-point penalties. The trial into the match-fixing scandal began this morning with FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi putting forward his requested sentences to the judges. Several were plea bargains, which the panel was widely expected to accept and ratify this afternoon. However, the judges sensationally rejected the plea bargains as “not suited” to the charges and turned down almost all of them. As already reported, Juventus Coach Conte offered a plea bargain of three months and a €200,000 fine set to go to charity. Conte was charged with failing to report an attempted fix to authorities while he was Coach of Siena in 2010-11. In the terms of the rejected plea bargain, he would’ve been unable to sit on the bench, enter the locker room or give interviews on match day until November 1, though Conte could continue day-to-day training. The same accusations were levelled at Siena, who offered a plea bargain of a five-point penalty and a €40,000 fine. Torino and Serie B side Varese proposed a one-point penalty with €30,000 fine and these were accepted by the judges. Juventus lawyers have reacted angrily and are trying to have the whole trial scrapped. They have requested that the judges be recused from the case, because by rejecting the plea bargain “you have already made your decisions and you therefore cannot judge in a trial what you have already judged. The Corte Costituzionale in 1992 ruled a judge cannot rule after he rejected an agreed plea bargain.” The other requests rejected by the judges were: Angelo Alessio (Juventus assistant manager), two-month ban and €60,000 fine. Giorgio D’Urbano (Siena fitness coach), four-month ban. Dario Passoni (Bolzano) and Mirko Poloni (Albinoleffe assistant), four-month ban. Marco Savorani (Siena goalkeeping coach), four-month ban. The plea bargains accepted were: Filippo Carobbio, four-month ban on top of previous 20-month suspension after he confessed. Carlo Gervasoni, three-month and 20 day ban on top of previous 20-month suspension after confessing. Marcelo Larrondo, three-month and 20 day ban plus €30,000 fine. Daniele Faggiano (ex-Siena director of sport), four-month ban. Da Costa (Sampdoria), three month ban and €30,000 fine. Luigi Sala (ex-Milan and Bari defender), two-year ban. Cristian Stellini, two year ban and €50,000 fine.

Betting trial begins with Conte plea Aug 1, 2012 The trial into the betting scandal begins today with Antonio Conte preparing a plea bargain and Leonardo Bonucci eager to push for lesser charges. Juventus Coach Conte was accused of failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities while he was at the helm of Siena in the 2010-11 season. Although he has always denied the charge, Conte is reportedly ready to accept a plea bargain today that will ban him for three months plus a €200,000 fine rather than risking a year on the sidelines. It would mean tonight’s friendly against Benfica would be his last on the Bianconeri bench until November 1. However, the rules of the ban apply only to the bench, locker room and interview area on match day. Conte would still be able to train the team on a day-to-day basis and give talks before the squad actually get to the stadium in both Serie A and European competition. Juve defender Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud, a much more serious accusation, as he risks up to a three-year suspension. It is reported the Italian international, who is under fire due to his time at Bari in 2010-11, is eager to negotiate a plea bargain for the lesser charge of failing to alert authorities. Bonucci’s situation revolves around the testimony of former Bari teammate Andrea Masiello, who alleges he asked Bonucci to ‘throw’ the Udinese-Bari game and was immediately turned down.

Goalline officials for Super Cup Aug 1, 2012 The Italian Super Cup match between Juventus and Napoli will have goalline officials and they could be extended to Serie A this season. The Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders face off in Beijing on August 11. “That match will have the use of six officials, including two goalline officials,” confirmed AIA (Referees’ Association) President Marcello Nicchi. “We cannot yet say at which point we will begin that system in Serie A. We don’t want to run into surprises or find ourselves out of sync with the European guidelines.” The use of goalline officials has been criticised after errors still occurred during Euro 2012.

Buffon eyes new Juve contract Aug 1, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon is reportedly ready to sign a new contract tying him to Juventus until June 2016. The goalkeeper has often said he intends to end his career in Turin and his current deal expires next summer. According to the latest reports in the Italian newspapers, Buffon is set to meet with President Andrea Agnelli over the next few days. There will be a reduction in wages, as many of the old guard are asked to consider this possibility during a financial crisis. The contract is expected to be renewed until June 2015 or even 2016.

Disciplinary Committee rejects Conte plea bargain The coach's agreement with the prosecution has been rejected, which means that the Bianconeri boss could be banned for a year for his role in the scandal. Aug 1, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte will face trial for his role in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal after the Disciplinary Committee rejected his plea deal. The 42-year-old had reached an agreement with federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi to avoid the prosecution process, with a three-month ban and a €200,000 fine the punishment that had been agreed for the Italian coach. However, the Disciplinary Committee presided by Sergio Artico has turned down Conte's deal, which means that the Bianconeri boss will now go on trial and could face a year-long ban. Conte is charged with failing to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches against Novara and AlbinoLeffe in the 2010-11 season when he was in charge of Siena.

Buffon set to sign Juventus extension until 2016 The veteran goalkeeper is still a key figure at the Turin powerhouse, and is supposedly close to inking a new deal with the titleholders. Aug 1, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon is on the verge of signing a new contract with Juventus that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2016, Tuttosport reports. The 34-year-old's current deal with the Serie A champions is due to expire at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, but the Bianconeri are eager to hold on to Buffon beyond the expiry date of his existing contract. Buffon is set to meet Juve president Andrea Agnelli later this week to discuss a three-year extension, and could even accept a pay cut in order to agree terms. The Italy international is currently one of the top earners in Serie A with an annual salary of €6 million. The goalkeeper has stressed more than once that he wants to stay at Juve until the end of his active career, and the Old Lady are hopeful of reaching an agreement shortly. Buffon joined Juve from Parma in 2001 for €54m, and has since made over 300 league appearances for the Turin giants.

Signings, departures & possible starting XIs for the 2012-13 Serie A season Goal.com takes a look at the ins and outs at every Italian top-flight club so far this summer. Aug 1, 2012 N.B - Only official transfers have been included P: Permanent transfer - C: Co-ownership - L: Loan - EL: End of Loan - R: Released *Completed in 11/12 Atalanta Signings Denis (Att, Udinese, P)* Masiello (Def, Bari, P)* Cazzola (Mid, Juve Stabia, P)* Cigarini (Mid, Napoli, L)* Radovanovic (Mid, Novara, EL) Kone (Mid, Pescara, EL) Ardemagni (Att, Modena, EL) Pettinari (Mid, Varese, EL) Brivio (Def, Lecce, P) Tonon (Mid, Pavia, P) Parra (Att, San Felipe, L) Matheu (Def, San Felipe, P) Departures Doni (Mid, R) Mutarelli (Mid, R) Tiribocchi (Att, R) Basha (Mid, Torino, C) Possible starting Xl Consigli Bellini - Lucchini - Manfredini - Peluso Schelotto - Cigarini - Carmona - Bonaventura Moralez Denis __________________________________________________________________________ Bologna Signings Rickler (Def, Chievo, P)* Acquafresca (Att, Genoa, P)* Taider (Mid, Juventus, P)* Diamanti (Mid, Brescia, P)* Paponi (Att, Parma, P)* Marchi (Def, Piacenza, P)* Rodriguez (Att, Piacenza, EL) Gavilan (Att, Piacenza, EL) Riverola (Mid, Barcelona, P) Pasquato (Att, Udinese, L) Curci (GK, Roma, L) De Carvalho (Def, Tombense, P) Motta (Def, Juventus, L) Abero (Def, Nacional, P) Guarente (Mid, Sevilla, L) Natali (Def, Fiorentina, R) Umunegbu (Att, AC Milan, R) Departures Di Vaio (Att, Montreal, R) Raggi (Def, Monaco, R) Loria (Def, R) Bernacci (Att, R) Gillet (GK, Torino, P) Mudingayi (Mid, Inter, L) Possible starting Xl Agliardi Antonsson - Portanova - Cherubin Motta - Guarente - Perez - Morleo Ramirez - Diamanti Acquafresca __________________________________________________________________________ Cagliari Signings Perico (Def, Albinoleffe, P)* Dessena (Mid, Sampdoria, P)* Ekdal (Mid, Juventus, P)* Pinilla (Att, Palermo, P)* Thiago Ribeiro (Att, Cruzeiro, P)* Cocco (Att, Albinoleffe, EL) Ragatzu (Att, Gubbio, EL) Sau (Att, Juve Stabia, EL) Vigorito (GK, Triestina, EL) Rossettini (Def, Siena, P) Avelar (Mif, Karpaty Lviv, L) Camilleri (Def, Reggina, L) Departures Agostini (Def, R) Lazzari (Cen, Fiorentina, P) Canini (Def, Genoa, P) Possible starting Xl Agazzi Pisano - Rossettini - Astori - Perico Ekdal - Conti - Nainggolan Cossu Pinilla - Sau __________________________________________________________________________ Catania Signings Lanzafame (Att, Palermo, P)* Andujar (GK, Estudiantes, EL) Alvarez (Def, Saragozza, EL) Augustyn (Def, Vicenza, EL) Martinho (Mid, Cesena, EL) Moretti (Mid, Grosseto, EL) Sciacca (Mid, Grosseto, EL) Keko (Att, Grosseto, EL) Maxi Lopez (Att, Milan, EL) Morimoto (Att, Novara, P) Antenucci (Att, Torino, P) Salifu (Mid, Fiorentina, L) Frison (GK, Vicenza, C) Barisic (Att, Koper, L) Castro (Mid, Racing Club, P) Provenzano (Att, Cosenza, Undisclosed) Departures Suazo (Att, R) Campagnolo (GK, R) Kosicky (GK, Novara, P) Lopez (Att, Sampdoria, L) Possible starting Xl Frison Bellusci - Legrottaglie - Spolli - Marchese Izco - Lodi - Almiron - Gomez Barrientos - Bergessio __________________________________________________________________________ Chievo Signings Hetemaj (Mid, Brescia, P)* Fatic (Mid, Empoli, EL) Bentivoglio (Mid, Sampdoria, EL) De Paula (Att, Bari, EL) Granoche (Att, Varese, EL) Iunco (Att, Spezia, P) Farias (Att, Nocerina, P) Papp (Def, Vaslui, P) Farkas (Def, Vaslui, P) Guana (Mid, Cesena, P) Cofie (Mid, Genoa, C) Paloschi (Att, AC Milan, L) Bonato (GK, Sambonifacese, R) Santini (Def, Carpi, P) Stoian (Def, Roma, C) Di Michele (Att, Lecce, P) Pavanello (GK, Giacomense, P) Scolaro (GK, Sambonifacese, P) Virdis (Att, Progetto Calcio, R) Memushaj (Att, Carpi, P) Confente (GK, Sambonifacese, L) Departures Acerbi (Def, Genoa, P) Rickler (Def, Bologna, P) Hanine (Mid, Ascoli, C) Mandelli (Def, R) Squizzi (Def, R) Iori (Mid, Cesena, L) Bradley (Mid, Roma, P) Possible starting Xl Sorrentino Frey - Andreolli- Cesar - Drame Guana - Rigoni - Hetemaj Cruzado Pellissier - Thereau __________________________________________________________________________ Fiorentina Signings Lazzari (Mid, Cagliari, P)* Cassani (Def, Palermo, P)* Seferovic (Att, Neuchatel, EL) Babacar (Att, Santander, EL) Hegazy (Def, Ismaily, P) Roncaglia (Def, Fenix, P) El Hamdaoui (Att, Ajax, P) Lupatelli (GK, Genoa, R) Departures Boruc (GK, R) Montolivo (Mid, Milan, R) Amauri (Att, Parma, R) Marchionni (Mid, R) Natali (Def, R) Kroldrup (Def, R) Salifu (Mid, Catania, L) Kharja (Mid, Al Arabi, P) Gamberini (Def, Napoli, P) Behrami (Mid, Napoli, P) De Silvestri (Def, Sampdoria, L) Possible starting Xl Neto Cassani - Roncaglia - Nastasic - Pasqual Cerci - Lazzari- Olivera - Vargas Jovetic - El Hamdaoui __________________________________________________________________________ Genoa Signings Kucka (Mid, Inter, P)* Perin (GK Padova, EL) Dainelli (Def, Chievo, EL) Polenta (Def, Bari, EL) Tomovic (Def, Lecce, EL) Seymour (Mid, Catania, EL) Tachtsidis (Mid, Verona, EL) Boakye (Att, Sassuolo, EL) Ribas (Att, Sporting, EL) Rudolf (Att, Panathinaikos, EL) Hallenius (Att, Padova, EL) Rennella (Att, Cesena, EL) Von Bergen (Def, Cesena, R) Tozser (Mid, Genk, R) Immobile (Att, Juventus, C) Merkel (Mid, Milan, P) Lazarevic (Mid, Padova, P) Donaggio (Mid, Savona, P) Fenoglio (Def, Savona, P) Figone (Mid, Savona, P) Canini (Def, Cagliari, P) Bertolacci (Mid, Roma, C) Piscitella (Mid, Roma, C) Verre (Mid, Roma, C) Departures Kaladze (Def, R) Palacio (Att, Inter, P) Acerbi (Def, Milan, C) El Shaarawy (Att, Milan, P) Constant (Mid, Milan, L) Caracciolo (Att, Brescia, P) Bolzoni (Mid, Siena, P) Destro (Att, Siena, C; Roma, L) Acquafresca (Att, Bologna, P) Troest (Def, Varese, P) Eduardo (GK, Istanbul BB, P) Meggiorini (Att, Torino, P) Esposito (Def, Lecce, P) Veloso (Mid, Dinamo Kiev, P) Lupatelli (GK, Fiorentina, R) Tachtsidis (MF, Roma, C) Destro (Att, Roma, L) Lamanna (GK, Siena, C) Verre (Mid, Siena, L) Possible starting Xl Frey Mesto - Granqvist - Von Bergen - Moretti Rossi - Biondini - Kucka - Jankovic Immobile - Gilardino __________________________________________________________________________ Inter Signings Guarin (Mid, Porto, P)* Jonathan (Def, Parma, EL) Mariga (Mid, Parma, EL) Coutinho (Att, Espanyol, EL) Palacio (Att, Genoa, P) Bardi (GK, Livorno, P) Handanovic (GK, Udinese, P) Silvestre (Def, Palermo, L) Cossa (Mid, Novara, P) Mudingayi (Mid, Bologna, L) Zaro (Def, Aurora Pro Patria, P) Granziera (Def, Liventinagoghense, P) Departures Cordoba (Def, R) Orlandoni (GK, R) Lucio (Def, Juventus, R) Muntari (Mid, Milan, R) Forlan (Att, Internacional, R) Pandev (Att, Napoli, P) Kucka (Mid, Genoa, P) Lucio (Def, Juventus, P) Possible starting Xl Handanovic Maicon - Silvestre - Samuel - Nagatomo Zanetti - Mudingayi - Guarin Sneijder Palacio - Milito __________________________________________________________________________ Juventus Signings Caceres (Def, Siviglia, P)* Giaccherini (Mid, Cesena, P)* Motta (Def, Catania, EL) Pazienza (Mid, Udinese, EL) Felipe Melo (Mid, Galatasaray, EL) Giandonato (Mid, Lecce, EL) Martinez (Att, Cesena, EL) Iaquinta (Att, Cesena, EL) Giovinco (Att, Parma, P) Asamoah (Mid, Udinese, C) Isla (Mid, Udinese, C) Leali (GK, Brescia, P) Lucio (Def, Inter, P) Boakye (Att, Genoa, C) Laursen (Mid, Aalborg, P) Slivka (Mid, Futbolo Klubas Ekranas, L) Mattelli (Def, Foligno Calcio, L) Departures Del Piero (Att, R) Grosso (Def, R) Manninger (GK, R) Immobile (Att, Genoa, C) Taider (Mid, Bologna, P) Ekdal (Mid, Cagliari, P) Pasquato (Att, Udinese, C) Motta (Def, Bologna, L) Boakye (Att, Genoa, C) Possible starting Xl Buffon Lichtsteiner - Barzagli - Chiellini - De Ceglie Vidal - Pirlo - Asamoah Isla - Matri - Giovinco __________________________________________________________________________ Lazio Signings Candreva (Mid, Udinese, C)* Carrizo (GK, Catania, EL) Stendardo (Def, Atalanta, EL) Cavanda (Def, Bari, EL) Foggia (Mid, Sampdoria, EL) Sculli (Att, Genoa, EL) Zarate (Att, Inter, EL) Floccari (Att, Parma, EL) Ederson (Mid, Lione, P) Falasca (Mid, Inter, R) Departures Del Nero (Mid, R) Makinwa (Att, R) Possible starting Xl Marchetti Konko - Biava - Dias - Radu Candreva - Ledesma - Lulic Ederson - Hernanes Klose __________________________________________________________________________ Milan Signings El Shaarawy (Att, Genoa, P)* Muntari (Mid, Inter, R)* Albertazzi (Def, Varese, EL) Taiwo (Def, QPR, EL) Didac (Def, Espanyol, EL) Paloschi (Att, Chievo, EL) Traore (Mid, Nancy, R) Montolivo (Mid, Fiorentina, R) Gabriel (GK, Cruzeiro, P) Acerbi (Def, Genoa, C) Constant (Mid, Genoa, L) Maresi (Att, Olginatese, P) Melello (Att, Novara, P) Pacifico (Def, Novara, C) Bortoli (Mid, Novara, L) Raviotta (Mid, Monza Brianza, L) Departures Roma (GK, R) Nesta (Def, Montreal Impact, R) Zambrotta (Def, R) Oddo (Def, R) Van Bommel (Mid, PSV, R) Gattuso (Mid, Sion, R) Seedorf (Mid, Botafogo, R) Inzaghi (Att, R) Merkel (Mid, Genoa, P) Umunegbu (Att, Bologna, R) Paloschi (Att, Chievo, L) Thiago Silva (Def, Paris Saint-Germain, P) Ibrahimovic (Att, Paris Saint-Germain, P) Taiwo (Def, Dynamo Kiev, L) Possible starting Xl Abbiati Abate - Mexes - Acerbi - Antonini Montolivo - Ambrosini - Nocerino Boateng Cassano - Pato __________________________________________________________________________ Napoli Signings Dezi (Mid, Giulianova, P)* Pandev (Att, Inter, P)* Vitale (Def, Bologna, EL) Rinaudo (Def, Novara, EL) Maiello (Mid, Crotone, EL) Santana (Mid, Cesena, EL) Insigne (Att, Pescara, EL) Gamberini (Def, Fiorentina, P) Behrami (Mid, Fiorentina, P) Departures Santacroce (Def, Parma, C) Lavezzi (Att, Paris Saint-Germain, P) Cigarini (Mid, Atalanta, L) Fideleff (Def, Parma, L) Santana (Att, Torino, L) Possible starting Xl De Sanctis Campagnaro - Cannavaro - Britos Maggio - Inler - Behrami - Zuniga Hamsik - Pandev Cavani __________________________________________________________________________ Palermo Signings Benussi (GK, Torino, EL) Garcia (Def, Novara, EL) Di Matteo (Def, Lecce, EL) Cetto (Def, Palermo, EL) Andjelkovic (Def, Ascoli, EL) Simon (Mid, Bari, EL) Viola (Mid, Reggina, C) Kurtic (Mid, Varese, P) Morganella (Def, Novara, P) Ujkani (GK, Novara, P) Brienza (Att, Siena, P) Goldaniga (Def, Pergolettese, P) Dybala (Att, Atletico Central de Cordoba, P) Arevalo (Mid, Tijuana, P) Departures Gonzalez (Att, Novara, P) Cassani (Def, Fiorentina, P) Lanzafame (Att, Catania, P) Pinilla (Att, Cagliari, P) Misuraca (Att, Vicenza, P) Darmian (Def, Torino, C) Struna (Def, Varese, L) Silvestre (Def, Inter, L) Joao Pedro (Mid, Santos, P) Succi (Att, Cesena, P) Acquah (Mid, Parma, L) Possible starting Xl Viviano Pisano - Migliaccio - Mantovani - Balzaretti Brienza - Barreto - Donati - Ilicic Miccoli- Hernandez __________________________________________________________________________ Parma Signings Santacroce (Def, Napoli, C)* Castellini (Def, Sampdoria, EL) Lofqvist (Mid, Gubbio, EL) Jadid (Mid, Grosseto, EL) Pelle (Att, Sampdoria, EL) Paonessa (Mid, Bologna, P) Ninis (Att, Panathinaikos, R) Rossi (Def, Siena, C) Belfodil (Att, Lyon, P) Pabon (Att, Nac. Medellin, P) Amauri (Att, Fiorentina, R) Parolo (Mid, Cesena, L) Biabiany (Mid, Sampdoria, C) Mario Rui (Def, Gubbio, P) Guadiano (Def, Fondi, P) Brandao (Def, Siena, C) Pigliacelli (GK, Roma, P) Dallaglio (Att, Fidenza, P) Acquah (Mid, Palermo, L) Musacci (Mid, Empoli, C) Fideleff (Def, Napoli, L) Mungo (Mid, Piacenza, P) Musi (Mid, Piacanza, P) Parolo (Mid, Cesena, L) Rossetto (GK, Montebelluna, P) Mazzocco (Mid, Montebelluna, P) Traore (Def, Foggia, P) Margaglio (Mid, Valenza, P) Tozzi (Att, Monterotondo,P) Departures Giovinco (Att, Juventus, P) Borini (Att, Roma, P) Coppola (Mid, Siena, C) Schiavi (Def, Spezia, L) Paponi (Att, Bologna, P) Feltscher (Def, Padova, L) Rispoli (Def, Padova, L) Ze Eduardo (Mid, Padova, L) Nwankwo (Mid, Padova, L) Danilo Pereira (Mid, Roda, L) Brandao (Def, Cesena, L) Dellafiore (Def, Siena, C) Possible starting Xl Mirante Zaccardo - Paletta - Lucarelli Biabiany - Parolo - Valdes - Galloppa - Gobbi Ninis - Amauri __________________________________________________________________________ Pescara Signings Caprari (Mid, Roma, C)* Abbruscato (Att, Vicenza, P) Colucci (Mid, Cesena, P) Di Pentima (Def, Vicenza, L) Cosic (Def, CSKA Moscow, L) Quintero (Mid, Atletico Nacional, L) Chiaretti (Att, Taranto, R) Celik (Mid, Gais, P) Departures Ariatti (Mid, R) Sansovini (Att, Spezia, P) Verratti (Mid, Paris Saint-Germain, P) Possible starting Xl Anania Zanon - Romagnoli - Capuano - Bocchetti Nielsen - Quintero - Cascione Caprari - Abbruscato - Soddimo __________________________________________________________________________ Roma Signings Borini (Att, Parma, P)* Marquinho (Mid, Fluminense, P)* Julio Sergio (GK, Lecce, EL) Crescenzi (Def, Bari, EL) Bertolacci (Mid, Lecce, EL) Guberti (Mid, Torino, EL) Brighi (Mid, Atalanta, EL) Pizarro (Mid, Manchester City, EL) Borriello (Att, Juventus, EL) Okaka (Att, Parma, EL) Stoian (Att, Bari, P) Florenzi (Def, Crotone, P) Dodo (Mid, Corinthians, R) Lucca (Mid, Internacional, P) Bradley (Mid, Chievo, P) Castan (Def, Corinthians, P) Tachtsidis (Mid, Genoa, C) Destro (Att, Genoa, L) Departures Cassetti (Def, R) Cicinho (Def, Recife, R) Barusso (Mid, R) Antunes (Def, R) Caprari (Mid, Pescara, C) Viviani (Mid, Padova, L) Curci (GK, Bologna, L) Stoian (Def, Chievo, C) Bertolacci (MId, Genoa, C) Piscitella (Mid, Genoa, C) Verre (Mid, Genoa, C) Pigliacelli (GK, Parma, P) Borini (Att, Liverpool, P) Juan (Def, Internacional, R) Possible starting Xl Stekelenburg Rosi - Castan - Burdisso - Jose Angel Bradley - De Rossi - Pjanic Lamela - Destro - Totti __________________________________________________________________________ Sampdoria Signings Costa (Def, Reggina, P)* Renan (Mid, Cluj, P)* Eder (Att, Empoli, P)* Cacciatore (Def, Varese, EL) Palombo (Mid, Inter, EL) Poli (Mid, Inter, EL) Sammarco (Mid, Chievo, EL) Maccarone (Att, Empoli, EL) Piovaccari (Att, Brescia, EL) Tissone (Mid, Udinese, P) Lopez (Att, Catania, L) De Silvestri (Def, Fiorentina, L) Departures Dessena (Mid, Cagliari, P) Regini (Def, Empoli, L) Biabiany (Mid, Parma, C) Possible starting Xl Romero Cacciatore - Gastaldello - Rossini - Costa Munari - Obiang - Poli Eder - Pozzi - Juan Antonio __________________________________________________________________________ Siena Signings Destro (Att, Genoa, J)* Bolzoni (Mid, Genoa, P)* Contini (Def, Saragozza, P)* D'Agostino (Mid, Udinese, P) Paolucci (Att, Vicenza, EL) Dellafiore (Def, Parma, C) Rubin (Def, Torino, C) Paci (Def, Novara, P) Farelli (GK, Siena, R) Lamanna (GK, Genoa, C) Verre (Mid, Genoa, L) Departures Codrea (Def, R) Carobbio (Mid, R) Brienza (Att, Palermo, P) Troianiello (Mid, Sassuolo, P) Sansone (Att, Sassuolo, P) Rossettini (Def, Cagliari, P) Garofalo (Mid, Spezia, L) Grossi (Mid, Verona, L) Brandao (Def, Parma, C) Gazzi (Mid, Torino, P) Possible starting Xl Pegolo Terzi - Dellafiore - Contini Mannini - Vergassola - Bolzoni - D'Agostino - Del Grosso Calaio - Bogdani __________________________________________________________________________ Torino Signings Darmian (Def, Palermo, C)* Basha (Mid, Atalanta, C)* Meggiorini (Att, Genoa, P)* Gorobsov (Mid, Timisoara, EL) Rubin (Def, Bologna, EL) Gillet (GK, Bologna, P) Migliorini (Def, Chieti, P) Sansone (Att, Sassuolo, C) Gazzi (Mid, Siena, P) Santana (Att, Napoli, L) Ferronetti (Def, Udinese, R) Departures Morello (GK, R) Pratali (Def, R) Zavagno (Def, R) Gasbarroni (Att, R) Antenucci (Att, Catania, P) Ebagua (Att, Varese, P) Rubin (Def, Siena, C) Possible starting Xl Gillet Darmian - Glik - Ogbonna - Parisi Sgrigna - Basha - Vives - Stefanovic Bianchi - Meggiorini __________________________________________________________________________ Udinese Signings Brkic (GK, Siena, EL) Angella (Def, Reggina, EL) Gabriel Silva (Def, Novara, P) Mazzarani (Mid, Novara, EL) Obodo (Mid, Lecce, EL) Cuadrado (Mid, Lecce, EL) Muriel (Att, Lecce, EL) Beleck (Att, AEK, EL) Forestieri (Att, Bari, EL) Chara (Def, Empoli, P) Heurtaux (Def, Caen, P) Willians (Mid, Flamengo, P) Allan (Mid, Vasco, P) Pawlowski (GK, Lechia, P) Faraoni (Def, Inter, C) Villalba (Att, Huesca, P) Departures Ferronetti (Def, R) Denis (Att, Atalanta, P) D'Agostino (Mid, Siena, P) Tissone (Mid, Sampdoria, P) Asamoah (Mid, Juventus, C) Isla (Mid, Juventus, C) Doubai (Mid, Sochaux, P) Sissoko (Mid, Brest, L) Koprivec (GK, Perugia, C) Torje (Att, Granada, L) Floro Flores (Att, Granada, L) Pasquato (Att, Bologna, L) Candreva (Mid, Lazio, C) Handanovic (GK, Inter, P) Ferronetti (Def, Torino, R) Possible starting Xl Brkic Benatia - Danilo - Domizzi Basta- Pereyra - Pinzi - Willians - Armero Di Natale - Muriel

Conte to accept three-month ban? Jul 31, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte will reportedly accept a three-month ban rather than try to prove his innocence as part of the match-fixing probe. Conte has been charged with failing to report having knowledge of attempts to allegedly fix two Siena games while he was in charge of the Tuscan outfit. While the tactician has been cleared of sporting fraud, he will have to face charges that he was aware of the circumstances around the games against Novara and Albinoleffe. The former midfielder has always maintained his innocence following the accusations made against him by his former player at Siena, Stefano Carobbio. However, there is a risk that if he tries to clear his name and fails then he could be banned for seven months. As a result, Conte may opt for a plea bargain that will result in a shorter sentence – a three-month ban and a €200,000 fine. If that is indeed what occurs, Conte could miss 10 Serie A games and three in the Champions League. He would return to the bench for the Week 11 encounter against Inter. Conte could be replaced on the bench during his absence by youth team boss Marco Baroni or assistant Massimo Carrera.

Conte reportedly reaches deal on match-fixing ban Juve boss set for three month ban, say sources. Jul 30, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte is said to have reached a deal with Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) lawyers to accept a three-month ban and a heavy fine to order close match-fixing charges against him, ANSA sources said on Monday. Conte, who led Turin side Juve to the Italian championship last season, is suspected of having known about agreements to fix two matches when he was in charge of Siena in the 2010-11 campaign and failing to inform the authorities. The coach was charged by FIGC prosecutors last week along with a number of players and five Serie A clubs for different levels of involvement in betting-related match-fixing. Juve, who extended Conte's contract by three years in May, recently said they had no plan B for the eventuality the coach would be banned as they are confident he is innocent. Over 40 people have been arrested since the Cremona-based 'Last Bet' probe went public last year. They include Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri and former Italy internationals Beppe Signori and Cristiano Doni. Italy's sporting justice system has already given out punishments related to the match-fixing at previous rounds of hearings. Signori and Doni are among a raft of people to have been banned from soccer and Bergamo-based Atalanta had six points deducted at the start of last season and will start the 2012-13 campaign at -2.

Conte reaches plea bargain deal to reduce ban in Scommessopoli scandal The Juventus coach has reportedly come to an agreement with Italian authorities to avoid the prosecution process, with the 42-year-old expected to be suspended until November. Jul 30, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has reached a plea bargain with the Federal Prosecutor in exchange for a reduced ban as part of Scommessopoli in Italy, Ansa reports. The 42-year-old is one of a number of players and coaches who are currently under investigation for their role in the latest match-fixing scandal hitting Italian football. It is believed that Conte failed to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches against Novara and AlbinoLeffe in 2010-11 when he was in charge of Siena. According to Tuttosport, Conte's lawyers will submit the plea bargain deal to the authorities on Wednesday as the Italian coach looks to avoid a lengthy ban. The Bianconeri boss will reportedly face a three-month ban if his plea bargain is agreed, meaning he would miss a significant number of matches into the new season, before returning to the bench only on November 1.

Marchisio on Chinese Super Cup Jul 30, 2012 Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio has admitted that he would have preferred to fight for the Super Cup on Italian soil. The re-match of the Coppa Italia Final against Napoli – which Juventus lost in May – will take place in China on August 11. “It’s a shame that we are not playing the game in Italy,” the Azzurri midfielder wrote on his official Facebook page. “However, I’m certain that even in Beijing there will be a lot of our fans who will charge us up with their affection.” Juventus will warm up for that match with a friendly against Benfica on Wednesday. “We have to keep working to make sure that we are in the best shape for the Napoli game.”

Marchisio laments decision to play Supercoppa Italiana in China Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis threatened to pull his side out of the game in Beijing but was eventually persuaded into allowing Walter Mazzarri's men to travel. Jul 30, 2012 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio feels that the Supercoppa Italiana should be played in Italy, claiming it is a shame that next month's clash with Napoli will be staged in China. The venue for the annual meeting between the champions of Serie A and the Coppa Italia holders has been the subject of much debate in recent days, with Partenopei president Aurelio De Laurentiis having threatened to boycott the season opener, describing it as "a crazy trip and an unnecessary stress". The Napoli owner eventually backed down but Marchisio has now admitted that he too feels that the curtain-raising event should not be held on the other side of the world. "We are doing our best to try to get to the Italian Super Cup in the best condition," the Italy international wrote on his Facebook page. "It really is a shame that we're playing in Beijing and not in Italy, but I'm sure there will still be many fans there who will not be lacking in support and affection for us. "For now, though, we are preparing as best we can for our first official outing, against Benfica on Wednesday." Marchisio is a product of the Bianconeri's youth academy and played a key role in last season's Scudetto success, scoring nine goals in 36 Serie A appearances.

Conte 'unworried' by Scommessopoli charges Juventus coach has vowed to publicly speak about the case in the future and insisted that he remains calm, despite facing a lengthy ban over match-fixing. Jul 29, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has indicated that he is "not worried" that he is being investigated for his role in Scommessopoli scandal. Conte is accused of failing to report two attempts to fix the outcome of a match during his time at Siena, with Italian sources claiming the 42-year-old is looking for a plea bargain in exchange for a reduced ban. But with no definite decision made over whether he, as well as a number of other players, coaches and officials, will be charged, the Juve coach is calm. "I am and remain confident in the sporting justice system, but when I get the chance, I, too, will speak out," Conte told reporters. "I am not worried, especially as nothing has actually been decided so far."

Everyone at Juventus is behind Conte, Pepe and Bonucci, says Lichtsteiner The right-back, who played in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin, insists everyone at the club retains their full support in the trio, who have been implicated in Scommessopoli. Jul 28, 2012 Stephan Lichtsteiner has asserted that Juventus are fully behind Antonio Conte, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe, who are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal. The Bianconeri coach, along with the centre-back and winger, form part of the 44 players and coaches targeted by FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi. Conte and Pepe stand accused of failing to report instances of match-fixing, while Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud. However, Juve president Andrea Agnelli vowed to stand by the trio, and the Swiss full-back is the latest to pledge his support. "Juve are a big family and we are all with the coach, Leo [bonucci] Simone [Pepe] and the other staff involved," Lichtsteiner said after the Old Lady's 2-0 victory over Hertha Berlin on Saturday. "They are excellent professionals and have all of our support in this matter."

Everyone at Juventus is behind Conte, Pepe and Bonucci, says Lichtsteiner The right-back, who played in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin, insists everyone at the club retains their full support in the trio, who have been implicated in Scommessopoli. Jul 28, 2012 Stephan Lichtsteiner has asserted that Juventus are fully behind Antonio Conte, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe, who are currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal. The Bianconeri coach, along with the centre-back and winger, form part of the 44 players and coaches targeted by FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi. Conte and Pepe stand accused of failing to report instances of match-fixing, while Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud. However, Juve president Andrea Agnelli vowed to stand by the trio, and the Swiss full-back is the latest to pledge his support. "Juve are a big family and we are all with the coach, Leo [bonucci] Simone [Pepe] and the other staff involved," Lichtsteiner said after the Old Lady's 2-0 victory over Hertha Berlin on Saturday. "They are excellent professionals and have all of our support in this matter." Reflecting on the friendly success in the German capital, Lichtsteiner, who started the match, noted: "It was a good test and I am satisfied with my performance and that of the team. "I like to try other positions and it is useful for the team to have more solutions."

Conte: 'I will speak out too' Jul 28, 2012 Juventus Coach Antonio Conte insists he is “not worried” after being charged in the betting scandal. “When I get the chance, I too will speak out.” The tactician was charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud to the authorities during his time at Siena in 2010-11. “I am and remain confident in the sporting justice system, but when I get the chance, I too will speak out,” said Conte. “I am not worried, especially as so far nothing has actually been decided.” There are reports he is prepared to take a plea bargain in order to get the matter over with quickly and have the potential year-long ban reduced to three months.

Conte willing to consider plea bargain to reduce ban in Scommessopoli scandal The Bianconeri trainer is currently being investigated as part of the match-fixing allegations, and is thought to be ready to comply to assure a shorter period away from the game. Jul 28, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte is thought to be ready to issue a bargain plea in exchange for a reduced ban as part of the Scommessopoli scandal in Italy, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports. The Bianconeri boss is part of the contingent of players and coaches being investigated, with the trainer accused of failing to report two instances of match-fixing. With the ex-Siena coach facing a lengthy ban if found guilty of the charges, he is considering entering negotiations with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). According to the report, this would not be seen as an explicit admission of guilt from Conte, but simply represents an agreement between the parties to achieve a fair agreement and avoid the prosecution process. The likely time away from the game if this plea bargain was chosen is thought to be three to four months, with the Serie A champions considering who to appoint as interim coach in the meantime. Primavera trainer Marco Baroni and backroom staff member Massimo Carrera are both believed to be in consideration, but lack top-class experience.

Conte to accept plea bargain? Jul 28, 2012 There are reports Antonio Conte could accept a plea bargain in the betting scandal, suspending the Juventus Coach for four months. The tactician has been charged with failing to report an attempt at sporting fraud while he was at Siena – essentially knowing about an attempted fix without alerting the authorities. Conte firmly denies this and it is a step down from the previous accusation of committing sporting fraud, which was found to be without evidence. According to the Italian media, Juve lawyers have convinced Conte his best course of action is to accept a plea bargain. This would be an admission of guilt – although he denies the charges – and get the matter over with quickly. It would also represent a ban of only three to four months rather than the potential six months to a year if found guilty in a sporting trial. His assistant manager Angelo Alessio is also charged, so Juventus would have to look elsewhere for a temporary Coach. The most likely options are Massimo Carrera and Marco Baroni, who both work within the Bianconeri youth academy.

Marotta stands by Conte Jul 27, 2012 Director general Beppe Marotta has assured “Antonio Conte will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome” of the betting trial. Conte and several members of his staff were charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud while at Siena as part of the investigation into a betting scandal. Simone Pepe was also charged, while Leonardo Bonucci was accused of the more serious sporting fraud due to his time at Bari. “There is deep bitterness at seeing our members brought into the situation, as they are very professional and fair, so we believe in their good faith,” Marotta said at the presentation ceremony for the Serie A 2012-13 calendar. “We have handed the reins to Conte, we’re happy with him and he will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome of the sentence. We will find a solution.”

Pogba undergoes Juventus medical The France Under-19 international is on the verge of joining the Serie A champions, as he is currently in Turin to undergo his physical tests before putting pen to paper. Jul 27, 2012 Juventus have confirmed on their official website that promising youngster Paul Pogba has arrived at the club to undergo a medical ahead of his proposed transfer. The 19-year-old midfielder left Manchester United earlier this summer after deciding not to extend his expiring contract, and he is now one step closer to completing his long-awaited move to the Serie A champions. Pogba is seen as one of the biggest talents in his age category, and Juventus have pinpointed the midfielder as an important player for the future. The France Under-19 star is expected to ink a long-term deal with the Bianconeri once he passes his medical. Pogba 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 will now continue his career in the Italian top flight.

Pogba undergoes Juve medical Jul 27, 2012 Another transfer saga is close to completion after Juventus confirmed that Paul Pogba is having his medical on Friday. The 19-year-old arrived at the Clinica Fornaca in Turin this morning to start tests ahead of his anticipated switch to the Old Lady. Pogba is a French youth international midfielder who has opted to join Juve after turning down the offer of a new contract at Manchester United.

Marotta stands by Conte Jul 26, 2012 Director general Beppe Marotta has assured “Antonio Conte will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome” of the betting trial. Conte and several members of his staff were charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud while at Siena as part of the investigation into a betting scandal. Simone Pepe was also charged, while Leonardo Bonucci was accused of the more serious sporting fraud due to his time at Bari. “There is deep bitterness at seeing our members brought into the situation, as they are very professional and fair, so we believe in their good faith,” Marotta said at the presentation ceremony for the Serie A 2012-13 calendar. “We have handed the reins to Conte, we’re happy with him and he will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome of the sentence. We will find a solution.” The Juventus director was also asked about their interest in signing Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie or Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic. “The top player we are looking for is not only a name with an important price-tag attached. What we mean by top player is someone who can improve our quality level. “Van Persie is an excellent player and Arsenal have no intention of losing him. It is not possible to negotiate for a player if the club is not open to talks. “As for Jovetic, it’s only right that Fiorentina ruled he is off the market. We never even tried to get close to him.” Roma won the tug-of-war with Juventus for Mattia Destro, although Marotta maintains it was never that clear-cut. “We simply observed the Destro situation. Roma got themselves a very good deal.”