Socrates

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.”

Pogba ready for Juve medical Jul 26, 2012 There are reports Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba will arrive in Turin tonight to undergo a medical with Juventus. The 19-year-old is a free agent after his contract with United expired last month and has long had an agreement in place with the Bianconeri. According to Sky Sport Italia, the French youngster will arrive in Turin this evening and undergo his medical with Juve staff on Friday. Pogba can then put pen to paper on the new contract.

Betting scandal: The charges Jul 26, 2012 The betting scandal today saw 44 people and 13 clubs charged, but Napoli, Lazio and Genoa are waiting for September to learn their fate. The FIGC prosecutor announced the charges for the first phase of the trial into alleged match-fixing after a summer of interrogations. Between Serie A, B and Lega Pro there are 44 individuals charged with various accusations ranging from sporting fraud to failing to report an attempt at sporting fraud. These include five Serie A clubs, although only Lecce and Grosseto are accused of direct responsibility for the incidents. All the other clubs face the charge of indirect responsibility – this means they knew nothing about the wrongdoing, but are punished because individuals within the club or squad did. Direct responsibility is a very serious accusation, so Lecce and Grosseto could well be demoted. The investigation is far from a complete picture, as games involving Lazio, Napoli and Genoa are still being scrutinised and charges are not expected before September. In the current phase of the trial, the charges are as follows. Clubs charged with direct responsibility: Lecce and Grosseto Clubs charged with indirect responsibility: Udinese, Bari, Bologna, Portogruaro, Sampdoria, Siena, Ancona, Novara, Torino, Varese and Albinoleffe Individuals charged with sporting fraud: Andrea Masiello, Salvatore Masiello, Nicola Belmonte, Alessandro Parisi, Leonardo Bonucci, Antonio Bellavista, Stefano Guberti, Marco Rossi, Filippo Carobbio, Daniele Padelli, Cristian Stellini (ex-Siena assistant manager), Giuseppe Vives, Pierandrea Semeraro (Lecce President), Piero Camilli (Grosseto President), Carlo Gervasoni, Mario Cassano, Edoardo Catinali, Cristian Bertani, Davide Drascek, Mavillo Gheller, Marcelo Larrondo, Roberto Vitiello, Alessandro Pellicori, Emanuele Pesoli, Ruben Garlini, Davide Bombardini, Dario Passoni, Luigi Sala, Mirko Poloni, Fernando Coppola, Claudio Terzi Individuals charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud: Simone Pepe, Guido Angelozzi (former Bari director of sport), Simone Bentivoglio, Marco Di Vaio, Angelo Da Costa Junior, Antonio Conte (ex-Siena Coach), Angelo Alessio (ex-Siena assistant manager), Marco Savorani (ex-Siena goalkeeping coach), Marcello Sanfelice (Bologna team manager), Bortolo Mutti (ex-Bari Coach) and Giorgio D’Urbano (ex-Siena fitness coach) Individuals charged with violating Article 1 on sporting fraud: Marco Esposito.

Agnelli 'sadness' at betting charges Jul 26, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli expressed “deep sadness” after Antonio Conte, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci were charged in the betting scandal. Coach Conte and Pepe were charged with failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities at Siena and Udinese respectively, while Bonucci is charged with sporting fraud due to his time at Bari. “Today’s events leave a deep sadness in all of us, mitigated by the knowledge that, as indicated by the leaders of Italian football, the sporting justice system will find clarity,” said Juventus President Agnelli. “On behalf of the club I confirm our full support for Antonio Conte, Angelo Alessio, Christian Stellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe.” Alessio and Stellini are members of Conte’s management staff who were also with him at Siena. “Juventus are a club floated on the stock exchange, but for those of us who dedicate our work and passion to the Bianconeri colours, it is more than that. “In a team you help each other out and battle. Whether you win or lose, you are never left alone. I can assure everyone that will be the case this time too.” There are reports Conte could face a six-month ban, so Juventus could hand the bench to a surrogate tactician for that period.

Agnelli 'sadness' at betting charges Jul 26, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli expressed “deep sadness” after Antonio Conte, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci were charged in the betting scandal. Coach Conte and Pepe were charged with failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities at Siena and Udinese respectively, while Bonucci is charged with sporting fraud due to his time at Bari. “Today’s events leave a deep sadness in all of us, mitigated by the knowledge that, as indicated by the leaders of Italian football, the sporting justice system will find clarity,” said Juventus President Agnelli. “On behalf of the club I confirm our full support for Antonio Conte, Angelo Alessio, Christian Stellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe.” Alessio and Stellini are members of Conte’s management staff who were also with him at Siena. “Juventus are a club floated on the stock exchange, but for those of us who dedicate our work and passion to the Bianconeri colours, it is more than that. “In a team you help each other out and battle. Whether you win or lose, you are never left alone. I can assure everyone that will be the case this time too.” There are reports Conte could face a six-month ban, so Juventus could hand the bench to a surrogate tactician for that period.

Conte considers plea bargain Jul 26, 2012 Antonio Conte’s lawyer admits the Juventus Coach could offer a plea bargain after he was charged with failing to report attempted match-fixes. The tactician had faced the far more serious accusations of sporting fraud, but his interview with prosecutors convinced them he was at most only aware of an attempted fix rather than actively involved in it during his time at Siena. “When this whole affair began, there were much more serious scenarios painted by the sporting and civil justice systems,” lawyer Antonio De Renzis told Tgcom24. “That scenario has been taken down a few notches and I think we are going towards a shelving of the civil charges. “As for the sporting judges, we see that now it has been taken down from sporting fraud to simply not reporting an attempted fraud. That has again changed the scenario that had been painted. “I think the work done during the investigation helped to show how little responsibility Conte had in the matter.” Several clubs have already taken plea bargains to reduce their punishment and get the sporting trial over as quickly as possible. It is a route Conte could well follow. “A good lawyer never takes anything off the table because he has to evaluate the situation. A plea bargain is one thing in a civil court and another in a sporting court. “Everyone always said that the sporting justice system is the opposite of a civil one, as here the accused has to prove his innocence rather than the other way round. The accused must prove in some way that the accuser is lying. “In that sense, a plea bargain would perhaps lack intellectual honesty. For the moment we are simply content to see the prosecuting scenario dropped down a few notches.” It is big news for Conte, because he was dragged into the trial by former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claimed the Coach told the team in a locker room meeting that a result was ‘already decided.’ However, the other players in the same meeting denied this ever happened and Conte’s testimony also helped prosecutors to consider Carobbio’s accusations less than entirely reliable. It could well prompt the rest of Carobbio’s testimony to be reconsidered by prosecutors, who had until now stated he was “a reliable witness.” Conte had claimed Carobbio was implicating him because there had been a row between their respective wives. Instead, it seems as if the prosecutors only took into account the alleged testimony of ex-Siena player Roberto Di Martino, who said he told Conte at the time that he’d turned down the offer to ‘fix’ Novara-Siena as a high-scoring match. Conte and Di Martino are therefore accused of not reporting the attempted fix to authorities.

'Nobody will be abandoned' - Juventus president Agnelli vows to stand by Conte amidst match-fixing accusations The former Italy international is accused of failing to report two attempts to arrange the outcome of a game during his time in charge of Siena, but the owner is behind his man. Jul 26, 2012 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has vowed to stand by coach Antonio Conte, defender Leonardo Bonucci, winger Simone Pepe and the two club officials implicated in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. On Thursday morning, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) revealed the identity of the 44 players and 13 clubs under investigation as part of their enquiry into the affair. Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud, while Conte and Pepe stand accused of failing to report instances of match-fixing. Agnelli, though, insists that Juve intend to support all three, as well as coaches Angelo Alessio and Cristian Stellini. "Today’s events leave a bitter taste in our mouths, which is relieved only by the awareness that, as stated by the Italian sporting authorities, the circumstances will be clarified ahead of any case," the Bianconeri supremo explained in a statement on the Old Lady's official website. "On behalf of our club, I'd like to confirm that our full support lies with Antonio Conte, Angelo Alessio, Christian Stellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe. "Juventus are a company on the Stock Exchange, but people perceive us like a team, and all those involved who have devoted work and passion to the Bianconeri’s colours have an even stronger perception. "In teams, people help one another while fighting, losing and winning. But nobody is alone. And even now nobody will be abandoned." The charges against Conte relate to two games involving former club Siena, the club he left for Juventus last summer.

'Nobody will be abandoned' - Juventus president Agnelli vows to stand by Conte amidst match-fixing accusations The former Italy international is accused of failing to report two attempts to arrange the outcome of a game during his time in charge of Siena, but the owner is behind his man. Jul 26, 2012 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has vowed to stand by coach Antonio Conte, defender Leonardo Bonucci, winger Simone Pepe and the two club officials implicated in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. On Thursday morning, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) revealed the identity of the 44 players and 13 clubs under investigation as part of their enquiry into the affair. Bonucci has been charged with sporting fraud, while Conte and Pepe stand accused of failing to report instances of match-fixing. Agnelli, though, insists that Juve intend to support all three, as well as coaches Angelo Alessio and Cristian Stellini. "Today’s events leave a bitter taste in our mouths, which is relieved only by the awareness that, as stated by the Italian sporting authorities, the circumstances will be clarified ahead of any case," the Bianconeri supremo explained in a statement on the Old Lady's official website. "On behalf of our club, I'd like to confirm that our full support lies with Antonio Conte, Angelo Alessio, Christian Stellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe. "Juventus are a company on the Stock Exchange, but people perceive us like a team, and all those involved who have devoted work and passion to the Bianconeri’s colours have an even stronger perception. "In teams, people help one another while fighting, losing and winning. But nobody is alone. And even now nobody will be abandoned." The charges against Conte relate to two games involving former club Siena, the club he left for Juventus last summer.

Bonucci risks three-year ban for Scommessopoli involvement The defender could face a lengthy ban for his role in the match-fixing scandal, while Antonio Conte and Simone Pepe could also be slapped with suspensions. Jul 26, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could face a three-year ban for his role in the Scommessopoli scandal as the Italian FA (FIGC) has announced that the centre-back will face charges of sporting fraud. The FIGC revealed the names of 44 players and 13 clubs that have been indicted for their part in the match-fixing probe, with Bonucci being one of the high-profile names on the list. The 25-year-old is believed to have been involved in fixing the result of matches during his spell at Bari in 2009-10. Furthermore, Juve coach Antonio Conte could be suspended as he faces charges of failing to report two attempts of match-fixing during his time at Siena. The Scudetto-winning trainer was questioned by the prosecution earlier this summer, and was cleared of sporting fraud. However, Conte is now accused of being aware of attempts to fix the results of the games against Novara and Albinoleffe. Juventus winger Simone Pepe also faces charges of failing to report attempted match-fixing activities during his stint at Udinese. Other players who will be judged for their roles in the scandal are Marco Di Vaio, Daniele Portanova and Andrea Masiello.

Bonucci risks three-year ban for Scommessopoli involvement The defender could face a lengthy ban for his role in the match-fixing scandal, while Antonio Conte and Simone Pepe could also be slapped with suspensions. Jul 26, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could face a three-year ban for his role in the Scommessopoli scandal as the Italian FA (FIGC) has announced that the centre-back will face charges of sporting fraud. The FIGC revealed the names of 44 players and 13 clubs that have been indicted for their part in the match-fixing probe, with Bonucci being one of the high-profile names on the list. The 25-year-old is believed to have been involved in fixing the result of matches during his spell at Bari in 2009-10. Furthermore, Juve coach Antonio Conte could be suspended as he faces charges of failing to report two attempts of match-fixing during his time at Siena. The Scudetto-winning trainer was questioned by the prosecution earlier this summer, and was cleared of sporting fraud. However, Conte is now accused of being aware of attempts to fix the results of the games against Novara and Albinoleffe. Juventus winger Simone Pepe also faces charges of failing to report attempted match-fixing activities during his stint at Udinese. Other players who will be judged for their roles in the scandal are Marco Di Vaio, Daniele Portanova and Andrea Masiello.

Juventus boss Conte on trial Jul 26, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte will face sporting charges of allegedly failing to report attempts to fix two Siena games. Conte was questioned by the Italian Football Federation’s chief prosecutor earlier this month, after claims were made that he was involved in plans to arrange the outcome of games against Novara and Albinoleffe while in charge of Siena. 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. Conte, if found guilty, could be fined or suspended – with a ban, according to some sources in Italy on Thursday, at around the six-month mark. The tactician has always maintained his innocence following the accusations made against him by his former player at Siena, Filippo Carobbio. The FIGC have been investigating the possibility that numerous games have been rigged as part of a numerous betting probes up and down the peninsula. Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Simone Pepe have also been caught up in the drama given their time at Bari and Udinese respectively. Bonucci will face a deferral for sporting fraud, while Pepe will have to prove his innocence after also being accused of failing to report knowledge of attempted match-fixing in reference to a Bari-Udinese tie in 2010. It is being alleged that Bologna’s Daniele Portanova and Atalanta’s Andrea Masiello could face lengthy bans too. Clubs such as Lecce, Grosseto and Siena will also be in the dock as they run the risk of a point penalty for the new season. Those individuals charged with sporting fraud could face lengthy bans if found guilty. Hearings are set to start on August 2.

Marchisio: Juventus can be successful in the Champions League The versatile midfielder believes the Old Lady can make an impact in Europe's premier club competition if they show the fighting spirit that they exhibited last term. Jul 24, 2012 Claudio Marchisio believes that Juventus can enjoy a successful season in Europe in 2012-13 if they show the right attitude. The Turin giants claimed the Serie A title with an unbeaten league campaign, and the Italy international believes they can go far in the Champions League this term if they show the same determination as they did in 2011-12. "Juventus will be even stronger than last year, and will also be fighting for the Champions League," Marchisio was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "Nobody thought that we could win Serie A without losing a single game. We can be successful in Europe if we have the same spirit that we had last year. "We hope that Juventus will return to the top of Europe again. The important thing is to believe in yourself. You must have faith in your own qualities in every game, just like we did last season." Juventus last featured in the Champions League in 2009-10, when they failed to progress past the group stage.

Fiorentina want Juventus to include Marrone in Jovetic deal The Old Lady are desperate to lure the Montenegro international to Turin this summer, and the inclusion of the young midfielder could be enough to convince the Viola. Jul 24, 2012 Fiorentina have asked Juventus to include Luca Marrone in their offer for Stevan Jovetic, Goal.com can reveal. The Turin giants saw their previous bid of €13 million plus Alessandro Matri and Michele Pazienza turned down by the Viola, who were initially holding out for a transfer fee of €30m. However, Fiorentina could now accept an offer in the region of €22m plus 50 per cent of the economical rights of Marrone as head coach Vincenzo Montella sees the 22-year-old midfielder as a useful addition to his squad. Juventus trainer Antonio Conte considers Marrone to be an important player for the future, and would support the ideal of seeing the former Italy Under-21 starlet earn first-team experience elsewhere as long as the Serie A champions can re-sign him in the future. Marrone is a product of the Juve youth academy, and made his official first-team debut in the 2009-10 campaign. Although a deal is still far away at this stage, negotiations between both clubs are ongoing, and the Bianconeri remain hopeful of acquiring Jovetic. The Montenegro international, 22, was recently stripped of the Fiorentina captaincy, and is keen to make the move to Turin as he wants to play Champions League football.