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Chiellini diagnosed with calf injury The Juventus defender sustained a muscle strain in the Euro 2012 final against Spain on Sunday, and now faces a spell on the sidelines after undergoing medical tests. Jul 4, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte will possibly have to make do without the services of Giorgio Chiellini in the opening weeks of pre-season due to the defender being diagnosed with a calf injury. The centre-back picked up a knock in Italy's 4-0 loss against Spain in the final of Euro 2012, and was forced to leave the pitch after only 21 minutes of play due to the problem. Chiellini has since undergone tests to determine the extent of the injury, and has been diagnosed with a second degree calf strain. "Giorgio Chiellini was today in Turin to undergo an ultrasound scan after picking up an injury during Sunday night’s Euro 2012 final against Spain," an official statement on the Juventus website reads. "The defender has sustained a first-to-second degree tear of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in his left calf." The injury could keep Chiellini out of action for up to five weeks, meaning that he could be a doubt for the Supercoppa Italiana season curtain-raiser against Napoli on August 11.

Pirlo would welcome Balotelli at Juventus The veteran playmaker explained that the pair speak the same language - literally - and rubbished claims that the Manchester City striker has a poor attitude. Jul 4, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he would welcome Mario Balotelli at Juventus and dismissed the suggestion that the enigmatic forward would be a disruptive influence in the dressing room. The Bianconeri's primary summer transfer target is believed to be Arsenal forward Robin van Persie but all of the major Italian dailies claimed last week that Balotelli is now a very real alternative to the Dutchman. When asked by Sky Sport Italia if he would like to see Balotelli join him in Turin this summer, Pirlo answered unequivocally. "Of course," the playmaker replied. "We are two Bresciani and we even speak in that dialect when we're with the national team." When it was put to Pirlo that the arrival of his Italy team-mate at Juventus Stadium could create tension within Antonio Conte's squad, the regista insisted: "There is no problem [with Mario]." Meanwhile, Pirlo admitted that he hopes that not only will he be a part of the Azzurri's World Cup squad, but also that Cesare Prandelli will still be at the helm. "I hope to have the strength to get to Brazil 2014," the midfielder confessed. "Prandelli created something new; it would be terrible to see him leave the national team." Pirlo drew plenty of plaudits for his performances in Poland and Ukraine this summer and it was even suggested that he had propelled himself into contention for this year's Ballon d'Or. However, the 33-year-old believes that such talk is fanciful. "I believe there is little chance there," he argued. "I think that fun players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi should win it." Pirlo joined Juve on a free transfer last summer after AC Milan decided against ceding to his request for a new three-year contract.

Sir Alex Ferguson slams Pogba ahead of his move to Juventus The 70-year-old has blasted the lack of respect shown by the Serie A-bound midfielder towards the club. Jul 3, 2012 Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed the behaviour of Paul Pogba and confirmed that the midfielder has departed the club, with a move to Juventus all but concluded. The 70-year-old introduced the highly-rated Frenchman into the Red Devils' first team fold last season but has failed to convince the teenager to sign a new contract. Speaking to MUTV, Sir Alex revealed "Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware. Which is disappointing. "I don’t think he showed us any respect at all so, to be honest, I’m quite happy that if they carry on that way, they’re probably better doing it away from us.”

Bonucci, Ranocchia interviews booked Jul 4, 2012 Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci and Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia have had interviews confirmed for their alleged involvement in the betting scandal. Investigations into the match-fixing and illegal betting scandal to have hit the Italian game this year are now entering a stage where a number of individuals alleged to have been involved or had some knowledge will be quizzed by prosecutors. The Federation recently confirmed interview dates for Walter Mazzarri and Antonio Conte, plus a number of current and retired footballers. Former Bari teammates Bonucci and Ranocchia have now been added to the schedule and the duo will appear before investigators on the same day, to take questions on the investigation into Bari’s alleged involvement in the entire affair.

Verratti has Pirlo dream Jul 4, 2012 Pescara star Marco Verratti has admitted that he’d love the opportunity to play alongside idol Andrea Pirlo. Verratti is being labelled as an heir to the Juventus and Italy player and is liked by the Old Lady of Italian football. “Alessandro Del Piero was my idol, now that is Pirlo,” the 19-year-old midfielder told La Stampa on Wednesday. “Could I be his heir? Pirlo is above imitation, he is a unique player and can not be remanufactured,” added the Under-21 international. “I hope to one day play alongside him as he is the kind of person who could teach me a lot. For now, though, I’m just flattered that I have been likened to him.”

Chiellini out of Super Cup Final Jul 4, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss the Italian Super Cup Final against Napoli because of injury. The stopper limped out of Sunday’s Euro 2012 defeat to Spain with a calf strain that will require 40 days out. The centre-back, who can also be used as a left-back, will thus take no part in the August 12 Coppa Italia re-match in Beijing. His absence could open the door for Lucio to make his competitive appearances for the club given that he is expected to complete his move to Turin after leaving Inter on Friday. Thanks Prandelli!

Chiellini injury test results Jul 3, 2012 Tests have revealed Giorgio Chiellini suffered a second degree calf strain during the Euro 2012 Final between Italy and Spain. The defender started that match in Kiev, but limped off after just 21 minutes. Juventus medical staff today ran a series of tests on Chiellini’s latest injury and confirmed a second degree strain at the top of the left calf muscle. This is the kind of injury that would usually keep a player out for around three to five weeks, so could affect his pre-season training and presence at the Italian Super Cup against Napoli next month.

Pirlo: 'I can talk to Balotelli' Jul 3, 2012 Andrea Pirlo reveals he’d “bring Mario Balotelli to Juventus straight away. I know how to talk to him – in Brescia dialect!” The midfielder was asked on Sky Sport Italia whether he’d support recent rumours Juve are interested in signing Manchester City hitman Balotelli. “I’d bring Balotelli to Juventus straight away. We have had no problems and I know how to talk to him,” said Pirlo. “We are both from Brescia and when we are playing for Italy we speak in a tight Brescia dialect.” Curiously, Pirlo, Balotelli and Coach Cesare Prandelli are all from Brescia. “There has been no problem dealing with him in the locker room. People need to be close to Balotelli, but at Euro 2012 he behaved very well. I’d happily have him as my teammate in Turin.” The 33-year-old midfielder was Italy’s star of the tournament and is already looking ahead to the next challenge. “I hope to have the strength to reach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

Man Utd confirm Pogba-Juve deal Jul 3, 2012 Paul Pogba has “signed for Juventus,” revealed angry Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “I don’t think he showed us any respect at all.” The midfielder is out of contract this summer and was offered a new deal at Old Trafford, but it seems as if he has already agreed terms with the Bianconeri. “Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware, which is disappointing,” Ferguson told MUTV. “I don’t think he showed us any respect at all so, to be honest, I’m quite happy that if they carry on that way, they’re probably better doing it away from us.” The 19-year-old French midfielder had been in Manchester since 2009 for their youth academy, but his contract expired this summer. If the move to Juventus is confirmed, then he will be another valuable addition to the growing squad.

Buffon: No Balotelli clash Jul 3, 2012 Italy captain Gigi Buffon has rubbished reports that he clashed with Mario Balotelli after the Euro 2012 Final. Reports today claimed that the two men had an angry exchange at the end of Sunday’s 4-0 loss to Spain. The Juventus custodian, however, has today taken to his Facebook page to condemn the speculation by insisting nothing happened between the duo. The Manchester City striker angrily walked down the tunnel at the end of the game, but did re-appear to collect his medal.

Pirlo believes in Prandelli’s Italy Jul 3, 2012 Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is delighted that national boss Cesare Prandelli has opted to continue his adventure with the side. The tactician signed a four-year contract with the Federation following the 2010 World Cup, but he did consider stepping down after Euro 2012. “Given what he was saying, it seemed as if he had a few doubts about his future,” the Juventus man told Sky Sport Italia. “But we all knew that he wanted to create a new squad, with a new brand of football, and it would have been horrible to leave after reaching an unexpected Final. “Now we are even more sure that we can do well with him.” The Azzurri finished the championship as runners-up – the 4-0 loss to Spain perhaps taking away some of the shine from their tournament. “There is bitterness about the Final which we lost badly, but we know that we did all that was possible,” the 33-year-old added. “We were very tired and playing against a great side. “We played some good football and we went all the way to the last game, but we had a bad day. Spain too, after a few games played below their usual standard, gave it their best and caused us problems.” The former Milan man had an outstanding tournament where he made a claim to lift the next Ballon d’Or. “I don’t believe that I can win the Golden Ball,” he admitted. “For as long as there are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and others around, it is right that they win it.”

Official: Juventus sign Udinese duo Isla & Asamoah The Turin giants have announced on their website that they have secured the services of the Ghanaian midfielder and the Chile international. Jul 2, 2012 Juventus have confirmed on their official website that they have completed the transfers of the 23-year-old Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla, 24, from Udinese. They recently already underwent medical tests at the Serie A champions, and the Old Lady have now wrapped up deals for the Udinese duo. "Juventus announce that an agreement with Udinese has been finalised over the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of Asamoah for a fee of €18 million to be paid in three years," a statement on the Juventus website reads. "At the same time, Juventus and Udinese signed a player sharing agreement related to the same player for a consideration of €9m to be paid by Udinese in three years. "Juventus also announce that an agreement with Udinese has been finalised over the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of Mauricio Anibal Isla for a fee of €18.8m to be paid in three years. "At the same time, Juventus and Udinese signed a player sharing agreement related to the same player for a consideration of €9.4m to be paid by Udinese in three years." Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Cristian Pasquato moves in the other direction for a fee of €3m paid over three years, with Juventus re-signing 50 per cent of the forward's economical rights for a fee of €1.5m.

Official: Isla, Asamoah to Juventus Jul 2, 2012 Juventus have confirmed the double signing of Udinese midfielders Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah, both on co-ownership agreements. Terms for such a deal were reached a few weeks ago, with both versatile midfielders then soon after having medicals in Turin. The Bianconeri have now confirmed both players’ arrivals at the club, with publication on their official website of the finer points to the transfers. For 50 per cent of 24-year-old Isla's contract, Juve have paid €9.4m, whilst 50 per cent of 23-year-old Asamoah’s registration has cost them €9m. Also as part of the deal, youngster Cristian Pasquato has moved in the opposite direction on a co-ownership basis, for a fee of €1.5m. Asamoah is the second Ghanaian to play for the Old Lady, after Stephen Appiah, whilst Isla links up with international colleague Arturo Vidal at the Juventus Stadium.

Barzagli: 'A good tournament' Jul 1, 2012 Andrea Barzagli admits this Final defeat to Spain was “not pleasant,” but urged Italy to see the bigger picture. “There is disappointment, but it doesn’t wipe out the good work we did in the tournament. Losing a Final 4-0 is certainly not pleasant,” said the defender. “Spain deserve a lot of credit, as you don’t win three major tournaments in a row by chance. We helped them a little with our performance, as we were very tired, but can only compliment Spain. “You could see from the start we were having problems and were always second to the ball. “Physically we were drained and we know Spain pass it around like that to make the other team chase them. “We had an excellent tournament apart from the Final, so we resume with a good mentality and some young players. We won’t always be playing against Spain! “I think the Nazionale has changed completely since the 2010 World Cup.”

Bonucci: 'We changed Italy's identity' Jul 1, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci was in floods of tears after Italy’s defeat to Spain, but insists the victory was “shaking off the reputation of catenaccio.” The defender was distraught at the final whistle of a 4-0 defeat that ended their Euro 2012 adventure. “It’s a heavy blow. You can lose a Final, but it hurts to lose it like this,” he told Rai Sport. “If we had been a different side from the start then we wouldn’t have lost 4-0. Spain probably would’ve won anyway, but we would’ve made it more difficult for them. “There was also such bad luck with two thigh strains and no substitutions left, so that knocked the wind out of our sails. “We came into the tournament off a friendly defeat to Russia, but we showed that we had character. That character was perhaps what was missing tonight, as we reached the Final completely exhausted. “When you play certain games, everyone wants to push through the pain and be there. Andrea Barzagli and Daniele De Rossi looked tired yesterday, so they rested for the training session. “I think we got the wrong approach from the start, as with a team of this level you can’t give them any space. “We came on after the break with a different level of determination, but then Iker Casillas saving from Toto Di Natale and Thiago Motta’s injury knocked us for six. There was no way back. “Spain are certainly a step above the rest and we have to keep working to reach their level, but we are on the right track. “We have earned our identity, shaken off the reputation of catenaccio and must now continue along this path.” Bonucci was part of an almost entirely Juventus-based defence along with Gigi Buffon, Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. “When there is a block of players from the same club, they know each other well and so there was an excellent rapport. But this is also Cesare Prandelli’s side and he gave us an important identity, which was playing the ball at all times. “We showed against a great side like Germany that we could be united, solid and determined enough to run the game. We were missing something this evening.”

Chiellini: 'We were shattered' Jul 1, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini reveals he suffered the third different thigh strain of the last six weeks. “There was no time to recover.” The defender limped off in the opening minutes of the 4-0 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2012 Final. “There is certainly bitterness at the way the match went. We were tired beforehand, as shown by my injury and that of Thiago Motta, as it’s not easy to recover in two days from an intense game like the one against Germany,” Chiellini told Rai Sport. “Spain absolutely deserved to win, but it’s a shame we were unable to play the way we did in the group game. “In any case, nobody can doubt the effort we put in, as we have worked so hard and should still be proud of this tournament. It represents a starting point for our future, when we will aim to win.” Chiellini looked tired and off the pace during the opening goal, when Cesc Fabregas burst past him to set up David Silva, and went off injured soon after. It is his third thigh strain over the last six weeks, as Chiellini was also injured before the competition and in the Republic of Ireland game. “The fatigue of Thursday that led to the thigh strain – which is in a different place to the one against Ireland – showed my muscles just weren’t able to recover. “For many of us, this was the most important game of our careers. We really thought we could win this trophy and make the dream come true, but we have to admit Spain deserved the victory.”

Buffon: 'Hats off to Spain' Jul 1, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon took his hat off to Spain. “Italy had a wonderful journey, but they have an inestimable value.” The Azzurri had been unbeaten up to the Final in Kiev, but were defeated 4-0 by a side that made history with a third consecutive major tournament. “The game with Germany felt like a Final, but tonight there was nothing to be done,” the goalkeeper told Rai Sport. “They were too superior and so the regrets about losing are possibly less hard, as when you face a powerful and invulnerable force like this, you can accept the defeat easier. “We had a great tournament, it was a wonderful journey and clearly you want to win when in the Final, but here you do meet a side of your level. Tonight we met a team with an inestimable value. “We thank the fans with all our hearts, as they never abandoned us and it gave us pride to give them these emotions. At times you meet someone stronger and so credit to them. “The Nazionale belongs to everyone and is the only vehicle that reanimates and brings some joy back into the homes of fans.”

Marchisio: 'Italy deserve Final' Jul 1, 2012 Claudio Marchisio assures Italy are “confident” ahead of tonight’s Euro 2012 Final with Spain. “We deserve to be here.” These sides met on June 10 for a 1-1 draw in the group phase and are reunited in Kiev to fight for the trophy. “We can beat Spain, because our team has improved game after game, we deserve to be here and will give our all,” said the midfielder. “We both start on an even keel. Spain are a great side, but we are not beneath them. We’re confident. “It is a fundamental match and it doesn’t matter who steps on to the field, as all that counts is bringing home the victory that would be very important for all of Italian football. “Cesare Prandelli did very well to give us his ideas both on the field and off.”

Barzagli: 'Italy strength is unity' Jul 1, 2012 Andrea Barzagli believes Italy’s star man will be “the group” in tonight’s Euro 2012 Final against Spain. “We know what to do.” The Azzurri opened their tournament against the reigning World and European Champions in a 1-1 draw on June 10, but now they face off again. “Now for the most difficult game against the champions of everything,” said Barzagli, who was injured for that first encounter. “There is tiredness, but we watched videos and have been playing together for a month, so we know what to do. We’ve got positive sensations.” Andrea Pirlo is the favourite to be named MVP of the competition, but Barzagli believes Italy’s strengths lie elsewhere. “Who is our star man? The group, then clearly we hope that we put some individuals in a position to come out with a world class moment. “Spain might not fear us, but they respect us a great deal.”

Chiellini: 'Spain are only human' Jun 30, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini is confident Spain “are only human and we can beat them” in tomorrow’s Euro 2012 Final. Italy drew 1-1 with the reigning World and European Champions in the group phase on June 10, but they face off again in Kiev on Sunday. “They are only human and we can beat them,” smiled the Juventus defender. “Tomorrow we’re not going into the game to take revenge on anyone, but to make our dream come true. “Even through the fatigue, we can always find the energy to play a Final.”

Buffon: Prandelli has made Balotelli a better player The veteran goalkeeper has hailed the 21-year-old Manchester City striker's recent improvement ahead of the Azzurri's Euro 2012 final showdown with Spain. Jun 30, 2012 Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has declared that team-mate Mario Balotelli has improved as a player under coach Cesare Prandelli. The Manchester City striker turned in an impressive display in Italy's 2-1 victory against Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-finals, scoring two goals to move to the top of the competition's scoring charts. Prior to the tournament, Balotelli's antics on and off the pitch almost saw him left out of the squad, but Buffon is happy that the 21-year-old is finally showing signs of improvement. "Mario has been playing very well because before he had all these great qualities, and that is always a good start," Buffon told reporters at a press conference. "He is also part of a fantastic group of players, and he found a great coach like ours, who has made him a better player. "But obviously the main merit on his improvement is on himself because he has worked hard to reach this level." The Azzurri's opponents in Sunday's final, Spain, could have sealed Italy's exit before the knockout stages had they drawn 2-2 with Croatia in their final Group C match. And Buffon praised La Roja's honesty and quality, adding: "I wanted to pay my respect to Spain because they were honest and did not draw against Croatia to eliminate us. "Spain's best player? They have so many good players that it is very difficult to state my preference for one. "It would be a lack of respect to a collective that has dominated the world's football scene in the last 4-6 years. I respect all of them, cannot just say one." When questioned about Italy's chances, the Juventus goalkeeper acknowledged that Spain are favourites following their recent successes. "I am very happy that Spain are extremely motivated to play a final after winning a World Cup and Euro 2008," he stated. "They know now how it is to win and will have a small advantage because of that." Earlier in the tournament, Buffon cast doubt over Italy's chances of vicotry, but the 34-year-old thinks that his side have improved with each game. "I said that we would not win the Euros if we kept on playing like we did against Croatia, because we were not able to reflect our superiority in matches," he explained. "This has obviously changed, but we still have to wait for tomorrow to see if we are good enough to win the tournament."

Buffon wants to win Euro 2012 for Italy fans Cesare Prandelli's men take on Spain in the competition decider on Sunday, and the Juventus goalkeeper is eyeing glory as a way of repaying the supporters' loyalty. Jun 30, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has stated that he wants to win Euro 2012 as a reward for Italy fans' loyalty. Cesare Prandelli's men take on Spain in the competition decider on Sunday, and the Azzurri captain is eyeing glory as a way of repaying the supporters for sticking with the side despite controversies in the game in Italy. “We are there, lads... We are there, fans... We are there, people,” the veteran Juventus stopper wrote on his Facebook page. “We are doing it for us, but also for you, who fire me up and take away two hours of every day so I can watch the street celebrations on YouTube. “For you who never abandoned us, for you who would’ve honoured the shirt the same way we are doing it... but also for The Dream. “The Dream that I found at the end of July 2011 when reading ‘The Dolphin’ by Sergio Bambaren. But we are still compact and vigil, as nothing has been achieved other than giving dignity and joy back to our country. “At these moments I like to remember the banner that I read as a child, when I used to collect the Supertifo fanzine and guard it jealously. “It was written by Foggia fans and read: ‘It is better to suffer so we can rejoice than kid ourselves and die.’ “This is also the reason behind my burst of anger after the Germany game. “A hug for everyone. AVANTI ITALIA!!!” he concluded.

Buffon and Casillas have been the best goalkeepers in the world for 10 years, says Pagliuca The two experienced keepers will go head-to-head in the Euro 2012 final between the Azzurri and La Roja on Sunday, and have been praised by the former Nazionale international. Jun 30, 2012 Former Italy international Gianluca Pagliuca has stated that Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas have been the best goalkeepers in the world for the last 10 years. The experienced duo will go head-to-head on Sunday as Spain face the Azzurri in the final of Euro 2012 in Kiev, and the retired shot-stopper feels it will be a top-quality clash. "They are the two goalkeepers that have dominated the international scene for years," he told Goal.com Italy. "If the Azzurri win, Gigi [buffon] will equal the titles won by Casillas; a World Cup and the European Championship. "Although they have different characteristics, they are undoubtedly the two best goalkeepers of the past 10 years. "Buffon is taller and has a great sense of position, while Casillas is more responsive, but in the end they will undoubtedly be counted among the greatest goalkeepers in the history of football." The 45-year-old went on to state that he feels Spain would have rather faced Germany at the final hurdle and that Cesare Prandelli's men will win the competition. "Spain, despite being the favourites on paper, we should not fear. In my opinion the Spaniards would have preferred to meet Germany in the final, who would have been a much easier opponent," he added. "For me the Azzurri have a good chance of winning. The Furia Roja have a really strong team, but watch out for Italy; the enthusiasm of the team can make a difference. "I see Italy winning; 2-1 to the Azzurri," he predicted.

Casillas: I always wanted to be like Buffon The Spain goalkeeper has spoken of his admiration for his Italian counterpart ahead of Sunday's Euro 2012 final in which both men will captain their national sides. Jun 30, 2012 Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas has revealed he has always aimed to emulate Italy counterpart Gianluigi Buffon. Both shot-stoppers will captain their national sides in the Euro 2012 final on Sunday, hoping to further add to their numerous honours at club and international level. And, despite the 31-year-old having matched the Italian in the eyes of many observers, Casillas admits he still looks up to the Juventus star. "Buffon has my admiration and maximum respect," he told Onda Madrid. "He is an exceptional goalkeeper and at 34 is still amongst the best. "For goalkeepers that are a little younger than him he has been a reference, he has driven us and we wanted to be like him. We have a good relationship and every time we meet it is a pleasure." The Spaniard also insisted that the Azzurri will be a tough nut to crack in Kiev, after they knocked out Joachim Low's much-vaunted Germany in the semi-finals. "At the end we will return to face the team we opened the tournament against," he added. "The opponent didn't matter to me because Germany, like Italy, appeared very good, each one with their own style of football. "Italy is a dangerous rival that will make it difficult for us."

Sirigu: Buffon is not only a great player and captain, but also a problem-solver in the group The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper praised the current Italian number one, insisting ahead of the Euro 2012 final against Spain that he provides comfort to the squad. Jun 30, 2012 Italy goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has spoken of his admiration for captain Gianluigi Buffon, despite the fact that he is yet to feature at Euro 2012. The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper has only been capped twice by the Azzurri, but maintained that he has no qualms about playing second-fiddle to the Juventus goalkeeper. Buffon has been in inspired form in the European Championship, making a number of key saves, whilst also saving an Ashley Cole penalty in the 4-2 shoot-out victory over England in the quarter-final. Sirigu insists that Buffon remains a key figure - not only for him as a goalkeeper, but for the entire squad as a leader. "His most important quality, before being a great player or a great captain, is that Gianluigi [buffon] is a very down-to-earth man," the 25-year-old told RMC Sport. "It's nice, he is amiable. He is the person who solves problems, who comforts us, that's a reference point in the group."