Socrates

Udinese to sell Asamoah and Isla May 31, 2012 According to Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla’s agent, Udinese are preparing to sell both players this summer. Both versatile midfielders have impressed in recent seasons at the Stadio Friuli and subsequently have attracted numerous rumours of a move away. Discussing such links today, the players’ agent believes that the Zebrette are already in the process of negotiating their sales. “The value of the players will be determined by Udinese - I guess they want to sell, this is how I read the club’s purposes,” explained Claudio Vagheggi on Radio Sport. “Discussions are ongoing, but I do not know who they are talking with. The players must wait until the parties agree. Even though the club intends to sell, their prices are high as they are valuable. “Inter and Juventus are among the teams interested, but there are others. When talking about the top teams there are no preferences, they are all at a very high level. “Udinese are already looking at alternatives to them, but the timing of the moves? It depends on Udinese, so we wait. Contacts, though, have already been made.”

Udinese deny agreement with Juventus for Asamoah The Zebrette have confirmed the Serie A champions' interest in signing the Ghanaian midfielder, but were keen to stress that a deal is still some way from completion. May 28, 2012 Udinese sporting director Fabrizio Larini has admitted that Juventus are interested in signing Kwadwo Asamoah, but denied rumours suggesting a transfer is close to being finalised. Reports in Italy had circulated that the Old Lady were nearing a deal for the 23-year-old this week, but Larini has made it clear that negotiations are not yet at an advanced stage. "I don't know why people are suggesting that Udinese and Juventus have already reached an agreement for the transfer of Asamoah," the Udinese director told Calcionews24. "I won't lie about it, we are aware of Juventus' concrete interest. However, meetings between all parties involved have yet to take place. "We have to consider the offer first, and discuss the possibility of player exchanges. "You can't suggest a deal is done when that's not the case yet. A lot of things will have to happen before it's a done deal." Asamoah, a full Ghana international, is under contract at Udinese until the summer of 2015.

Juventus like Asamoah, say Udinese May 28, 2012 Udinese have confirmed that Juventus are interested in Kwadwo Asamoah, but insist it’s still too early for a deal to be done. Reports suggest that the two clubs will discuss the midfielder in a meeting on Monday as the Old Lady look to strengthen for next season’s Champions League campaign. “We are only at the end of May and we still have to make plans for next term seeing as we have the preliminary round of the Champions League to prepare for,” stated Udinese sporting director Fabrizio Larini to calcionews24.com. “I honestly don’t know how people can suggest that an agreement between Juventus and Udinese for Asamoah has already been agreed. “I don’t want to lie and we are aware of Juve’s concrete interest, but there are meetings, the evaluation of an offer and possible player swaps before a signature can arrive. “You can’t say that a deal is done when no deal has been done…” The Italian champions are looking for a new midfielder and the 23-year-old has impressed with three goals in 31 League games this term.

Juve swap Pogba for Asamoah? May 26, 2012 Juventus are set to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United, but could turn him straight over to Udinese for Kwadwo Asamoah. Pogba decided not to sign a new contract at Old Trafford and is ready to join the Bianconeri on a free transfer this summer. According to Tuttosport, he could have a very brief stay in Turin, as Pogba is wanted by Udinese as part of an exchange deal for Asamoah. The Ghanaian midfielder is hot property on the transfer market and it’s reported Udinese turned down an offer from Manchester United. Juve hope to tempt Asamoah away in exchange for cash, full ownership of Michele Pazienza, half of young midfielder Luca Marrone’s contract and the loan of Pogba.

Juventus set for Asamoah talks The Ghana midfielder is one of the most sought-after names in Italy, and the new champions are hoping to tempt the Zebrette by including two of their players in a potential deal. May 20, 2012 Serie A champions Juventus are set to open talks with Udinese over Kwadwo Asamoah in the next couple of days, according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. The newspaper reports on Sunday that the Coppa Italia finalists have scheduled two days of meetings with the Friulani in which they are likely to offer co-ownership rights to Michele Pazienza and Luca Marrone as part of a deal to bring the highly-rated midfielder to Turin. The 23-year-old, who has 39 caps for Ghana, has become one of the most sought-after players in Italy with a consistent stream of eye-catching performances since his €1 million move from Bellinzona in 2008. The Bianconeri are thought to be eager to add him to their ranks ahead of the added workload next season. Pazienza has already spent four months with Francesco Guidolin's side, having been loaned out by the Old Lady in January, while Marrone scored his first Serie A goal in the season-ending 3-1 victory over Atalanta last week. However, it is expected that Juve would insist on a clause allowing them the right to buy back Marrone's full ownership at a later stage.

Juve make Asamoah offer May 20, 2012 Udinese rejected a €12m Manchester United offer for Kwadwo Asamoah, but Juventus are now making their own bid for the midfielder. It was reported yesterday that the Old Trafford club saw its proposal turned down for the Ghanaian talent. He has long been linked with Juve and, according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, details of the bid are emerging. The Bianconeri would offer cash, plus co-ownership of both Michele Pazienza and Luca Marrone. Pazienza spent the last six months on loan in Udine, while Under-21 international Marrone scored his debut Serie A goal in the last game of the season against Atalanta. However, Juventus would want to maintain an option to buy back Marrone in future.

Udinese's Asamoah on Juventus radar The Ghana international has supposedly caught the attention of the Turin giants with his impressive performances in the 2011-12 campaign. Mar 25, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah could be on his way out Udinese at the end of the season as Juventus have shown an interest in luring the midfielder away from his current club in the summer transfer window, Tuttosport reports. The Bianconeri are looking to add some fresh blood to their squad ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, and they supposedly see the 23-year-old Asamoah as a valuable addition to their midfield. The Ghanaian has a contract with Udinese until the summer of 2015, and an offer of well over €10 million could be needed to prize him away from the Zebrette. The midfielder moved to Italy in January 2008, and has developed into a key player at Udinese since making his official debut on January 11, 2009. The Ghana star has made over 70 official appearances for the Udine side in the past few years.

Just Juventus for Barzagli Jun 20, 2012 Italian international Andrea Barzagli has underlined that he would like current club Juventus to be his last. The centre-back joined the Old Lady in January 2011 from Wolfsburg and ended up winning the championship this term. “I would like to stay at Juventus for life,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “I came back to Italy from Germany and I think I have settled well. “We won a splendid Scudetto. I am now 31-years-old and I have no desire to move away from Turin now.” Juventus and Barzagli surprised many onlookers this term and he hopes 2012-13 will be just as successful. “The new campaign is already looking good for Juventus,” the former Palermo man continued. “Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah are two great signings from Udinese.” The Bianconeri are also close to signing Sebastian Giovinco back from Parma, while they are on the verge of doing a deal for Pescara’s Marco Verratti – although he won’t arrive until the summer of 2013. Barzagli is contracted to Juve until June 2015.

Chiellini out of quarter-finals Jun 19, 2012 Italy will have to make do without Giorgio Chiellini for their Euro 2012 quarter-final, after the defender’s thigh strain was confirmed. The Juventus man suffered the injury during the Azzurri’s final Group C game against Republic of Ireland on Monday night, with initial fears that he had suffered a thigh strain in his left leg. Unfortunately for the defender and for Cesare Prandelli, those fears have been confirmed after tests carried out today. “Unfortunately they confirmed the feelings from yesterday,” chief medic Enrico Castellacci explained to reporters today. “We tested the player with an ultrasound that showed a stretch of the first degree in the left bicep, which is a previous injury. “The defender has already started treatment but won’t be there for England. “It is hard to forecast his recovery, we will see. It is clear though, we are in no hurry with his recovery, the player must return well.” The player is likely to be unavailable for the duration of the tournament, as this type of injury generally takes up to 20 days to fully recover from.

Chiellini set to miss the rest of Euro 2012 after hamstring strain The Juventus defender, who pulled up in Italy's win over Republic of Ireland, will remain with the rest of the squad but it is feared that his tournament is over. Jun 19, 2012 Italy have been rocked by the news that Giorgio Chiellini has suffered a strained hamstring and is therefore unlikely to play any further part in their Euro 2012 campaign. The versatile Juventus defender limped off during the Azzurri's 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in Poznan on Monday evening and subsequent scans have now revealed the full extent of the damage. "Giorgio Chiellini has suffered a strained left hamstring," Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Tuesday evening. It is not yet known exactly how long the centre-half will be out of action for and he is set to remain with the squad in Poland. However, it is believed that his tournament is over. Chiellini's injury is a massive blow for the Azzurri as not only is he one of their most reliable performers, his versatility means that he is capable of playing at left-back as well as centre-half. It will also come as a huge disappointment to the player, who had worked incredibly hard to make himself available for his country's Euro 2012 campaign after suffering a thigh injury at the tail end of the Serie A season.

Marchisio: Italy fear nobody Jun 18, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has declared that Italy are not afraid of their quarter-final opponent after progressing through the group stages of Euro 2012 last night. Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli secured a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland and Spain’s victory over Croatia meant that Italy qualified for the knock-out stages as runners-up in Group C. Marchisio, speaking to RAI after the tense encounter, claimed the Azzurri have no preference who they face next. “No, we have no preference for our quarter-final opponent,” the Juventus midfielder stated. “We faced Spain who are the best team in the world and we stood up to them. “We are not afraid and our European Championships start now.” Italy will face the winners of Group D, which could be France, England or host nation Ukraine, in Kiev on Sunday.

Buffon thanks Spain after Italy make the last eight Juventus shotstopper was delighted with the Azzurri's performance as they secured second spot in Group C with a comfortable victory over the Republic of Ireland to send Croatia out. Jun 18, 2012 Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon has insisted his side were only concentrating on their own game as they beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 to advance to quarter-finals of Euro 2012, but thanked Spain for their helping hand anyway. Cesare Prandelli’s side could have been eliminated from the competition if La Roja and Croatia had drawn 2-2, however, a late strike from Jesus Navas ended that possibility as the Spaniards finished top of Group C with their win in Gdansk. The Juventus shotstopper was delighted with his team’s performance against Giovanni Trapattoni’s side and feels it was vital to register their first win in the tournament to send them through to the quarter-finals with confidence. He told Rai Sport: "I had four days of calm. The only concern was our game; I had confidence in Spain. Thanks also to them. Like Netherlands four years ago. "The important thing was to win and we deserved to. We were well balanced for the whole game. Nobody gifted us anything. I made two saves from dangerous shots; both were struck well.” Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli each found the net for the first time in the competition, with the Manchester City striker scoring in spectacular fashion with an overhead volley direct from a corner. And Buffon believes having their front men firing on all cylinders is a good omen for the latter stages of the tournament. He added: "The two strikers scoring? A good sign. They have played two good games without scoring, with the goals it's easier."

Buffon: 'Thank you, Spain!' Jun 18, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon thanked Spain for helping Italy qualify and felt it was “a sign” that Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli got the goals. The Azzurri beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0, but that was only enough because Spain defeated Croatia 1-0, as a 1-1 draw would’ve knocked them out. “I’ve been relaxed for the last four days, as our only concern was our match. This is because I was absolutely convinced Spain would win their game and we must thank them,” said Buffon. “I was relaxed, as knowing Spain they would be likely to keep the ball for the final minute. They didn’t? Lucky I didn’t watch it, then! “As I said to the Dutch four years ago, who beat Romania to help us through, we will always keep a fondness for them. I might retire in a few years, but we must remember that. “There were two dangerous shots, as their midfielder hit free kicks very well. The important thing was to win, especially as so far we’ve always made every game balanced, whether against stronger or weaker sides. That can be a good or a bad thing and we needed the cynicism that we found this evening. “Our minimum objective was to go through to the knockouts. We could go out, as there are strong teams left in the competition, but now we’re here we can really go for it.” Cassano and Balotelli finally broke their droughts to score in tonight’s game. “It’s a great sign because we really needed Cassano and Balotelli, who despite good performances had been unable to score. “In the Euros you play every four days and it’s really difficult to recover. In my view, in the long run teams will feel the fatigue. The Coach changed his line-up because he has faith in all 23 players, but he also changed system and these players were more suited to those characteristics.” Buffon also posted some messages on his Facebook page this week criticising the media for focusing on the betting scandal or the potential 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia. “I accept criticism and nastiness with a smile on my face. I’m glad with the internet we have found a diplomatic way for players to give their own unfiltered position without it being misinterpreted.”

Buffon: 'No alibis for Italy' Jun 18, 2012 Gigi Buffon has warned Italy must accept tonight’s Euro 2012 results “without ifs, buts or alibis. The team that deserves it will go through.” The Azzurri must beat the Republic of Ireland and hope Spain-Croatia doesn’t end 2-2 in order to reach the quarter-finals. “If destiny wants it, then we will be rewarded, otherwise the team that deserves it will go through,” wrote the goalkeeper on his Facebook page. “That’s the truth, without ifs, buts or alibis. The only ingredients I know to win a game are head, heart, courage and legs. “When needed, I’ll try to add hands... The fans in the stadium can add their voices to the passion and trepidation of those gathering together with friends to watch on television. “What happy memories I have and what emotions, anger and joy at watching the Azzurri.”

Marchisio: 'Tense and surreal' Jun 18, 2012 Claudio Marchisio admits there were tense and “surreal” moments when waiting to hear the Spain result that sparked Italian celebrations. Although the Azzurri beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0, it would not have been enough to reach the Euro 2012 quarter-finals if Croatia had equalised against Spain. “We didn’t know the result and couldn’t really hear what the bench was telling us. It was even more emotional as we had to wait to find out what Spain did, but a new Euros begins for us now,” explained Marchisio. “I saw Gigi Buffon coming to the corner and thought ‘oh no, is it 1-1?’ but it hadn’t finished yet. It was surreal waiting for the news to come through, but then we all got to celebrate together.” Italy finally got a victory after two consecutive 1-1 draws against Spain and Croatia. “We brought on players who helped make the difference and we were determined to the very end. We suffered on Ireland’s long ball game, but overall deserved it and played well. “We played on a par with Spain and they are the strongest side in the world, so we proved ourselves here and can build on that performance.”

Chiellini limps out of Italy-Ireland clash with injury The Juventus defender went down after a challenge early in the second half in Poznan and was replaced by his club team-mate Bonucci. Jun 18, 2012 Italy defender Georgio Chiellini limped off during his side's Euro 2012 Group C match versus the Republic of Ireland after receiving a knock early in the second half. The Juventus centre-back was involved in a tangle with striker Kevin Doyle and was immediately replaced by his Bianconero team-mate Leonardo Bonucci. The Azzurri won the game 2-0 courtesy of goals from Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli and have progressed ahead of Croatia and alongside Spain, who have topped the group, to the quarter-final stage, but the injury could be a major loss for Cesare Prandelli's team. The centre-back had recovered from a thigh injury that he picked up in a win over Atalanta towards the end of the Serie A season, and there were doubts about whether the Old Lady defender would make a full recovery ahead of this summer's tournament. The substitution was swift and possibly a precaution, but a reoccurrence of the thigh injury could see him miss the rest of the competition. Goal.com's Italy expert Mark Doyle commented on the Chiellini substitution, saying: "Chiellini being forced off after another tangle with Doyle is very worrying. "It should not cause too much disruption given his Juventus colleague Bonucci has come on in his place, meaning the Azzurri will still have two Bianconero at the heart of their defence. "However, Chiellini did not look at all happy and he ever appeared to suggest he's suffered a serious injury, perhaps a break or a muscle tear. That would be a massive blow for the Azzurri given his importance to the team and his versatility."

Marotta: 'Inter can't ask Giovinco' Jun 16, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta warns Inter are “breaking the rules” by sniffing around Sebastian Giovinco, while they are “down to details” for Marco Verratti. Parma have confirmed that Inter are interested in Giovinco, who is currently co-owned by the Ducali and Juve. “I can’t understand how a club can make enquiries after a player who is owned by us and another club. It is breaking the rules,” slammed Marotta on Sky Sport Italia. “In any case, we believe that our strong rapport with Parma can help us reach a positive conclusion to the negotiations.” If the clubs do not reach an agreement by the end of next week, it’ll go to a blind auction. This means both sides put a figure in a sealed envelope and the highest bid wins. Marotta also commented on talks for Pescara and Italy midfielder Verratti, who was on the Euro 2012 long-list at the age of 19. “We are down to details for Verratti. As for Edinson Cavani, we have no meetings planned with Napoli and they’d do well to keep such a good striker.” Pescara have made it clear if they are to sell Verratti – the ‘new Andrea Pirlo’ – then he’d remain at the Stadio Adriatico for at least another six months.

Barzagli: 'I'm ready for Ireland' Jun 16, 2012 Andrea Barzagli is ready to make his Euro 2012 debut against Ireland and criticised the media for focusing on a potential 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia. The defender was almost ruled out of the competition entirely by a calf strain, but has now recovered and could feature in Monday’s final Group C match. “I am ready and Cesare Prandelli will make the decision. It makes little difference to me whether I am to the right or the left of Daniele De Rossi in the three-man defence,” said the Juventus man. Most of the coverage on Italy’s chances of qualification have focused on the possible 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia, a result that would send both those teams through. “It is a complicated issue and it would’ve been better if we hadn’t talked about it,” noted Barzagli. “I do not put anyone’s motivation in doubt and it comes normal to me to think the reigning champions Spain would never consider playing for a draw. The same goes for the Croatians. “It is a mistake to even think about these things. In fact, I say it’s a problem stirred up by the media, because within the squad very few – probably nobody – believes this. “It’s true that it has already happened in football, but we are not thinking about this possibility. We only want to win our game.”

Marchisio warns Balotelli Jun 16, 2012 Claudio Marchisio supports Italy’s 3-5-2 system, warns Mario Balotelli “his opportunities could run out” and believes Spain won’t stitch up the Azzurri. Although Italy have to beat the Republic of Ireland on Monday evening, most of the media coverage has been on the possibility Spain-Croatia could end 2-2, rendering the other results futile. “I believe Spain when they say they’ll play to win, but then we have to believe them, otherwise we wouldn’t even step on to the pitch,” said Marchisio in today’s Press conference. “The Spaniards are certainly the favourites, but Croatia impressed me too, especially Luka Modric. As for our own record, I don’t want to think about comparisons with 2010. If we considered those, it would be negative for the team.” Italy went out in the group phase of the 2010 World Cup after two draws and a defeat, while so far in Euro 2012 they have only two points. Cesare Prandelli confirmed he is standing by the new 3-5-2 system, although there are rumours the Juventus players in the squad pushed for this approach. “Absolutely not,” assured Marchisio. “It was the Coach who realised with the men at his disposal that he could change system. Besides, in the two games we’ve played with the 3-5-2, the team has done well and didn’t run many risks at the back. “This Italy could be a little bit like Juventus mid-season when we had a few too many draws and I do see some analogies. With Juve we slowly managed to take our chances again and I hope the same will happen with Italy. “I had several scoring opportunities too over the last couple of games, but at the moment the important thing is for the team to score against Ireland. We have to win, the rest does not matter. “The way I see it, we won’t suffer the pressure of being either in or out, as we’re a team with so many experienced players and some World Cup winners. “Of course on paper we hoped things would go better than this, but in top competitions it can happen to struggle against teams with less quality, because they are more highly motivated.” Balotelli is new to a major tournament and has wasted several sitters, leading to reports he could be benched against Ireland. “We can all see that he’s not happy when he’s substituted and keeps it all in. The way I see it, the Coach could keep faith with him for the third match too, even if Mario also has to understand that sooner or later his opportunities could run out.” UEFA are taking disciplinary action against Croatia after their fans made racist chants and reportedly threw a banana on to the pitch when Balotelli was substituted. “It doesn’t take much intelligence to understand some things ought to be condemned,” added Marchisio.

Italy are playing like Juventus during mid-season, admits Marchisio Looking ahead to Monday's do-or-die match with Republic of Ireland, the midfielder believes that the Azzurri are playing good football, but need to take their chances. Jun 16, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has urged Italy to start taking their chances in front of goal on Monday, when the side take on Republic of Ireland in their Group C clash at Euro 2012. The Azzurri are at risk of falling at the first hurdle in consecutive tournaments, having drawn with Spain and Croatia in their opening two fixtures and sitting two points behind the duo with only one round of matches in the pool left. However, they gained plaudits for their impressive starts against their rivals, only to see their leads slip and a string of missed opportunities suffice. With this in mind, Marchisio took the time to offer an explanation for their profligacy. "Two draws like in 2010? I do not want to think [about the World Cup] at all, it would be a bad thing for the team to think about," he said at a press conference. "I have to say that in the two games we've played, the team have put some good moves together, but we have not taken enough risks to score. "This Italy reminds me of Juventus, who drew too many times during mid-season. With Juve, as the campaign wore on, we began to exploit more and more opportunities, little by little. "We hope to be able to do the same with Italy." The Juventus ace has too been guilty of not putting his chances away, with two close-range efforts in their last match being denied by Stipe Pletikosa, but he is more concerned about the team, as a collective unit, functioning properly in the final third. "I have had many scoring opportunities in these games, but at the moment, the most important thing is to score against Ireland. "Winning is all that matters. Personally, I believe we will not suffer at all from the pressure. We are a team with many players who know how it feels to be a world champion." "It has not [been a disappointment]. Certainly on paper it was hoped that things would be better, but in competitions like this, you often start by meeting teams with lesser quality, and they are more difficult to break down." Marchisio then responded to Xavi's pre-match quip that Spain would overcome Croatia in their last group match to seal progression, thereby dismissing the notion of a potential conspiracy. The 26-year-old, though, is not resting on his laurels. "Xavi said that Spain would beat Croatia? I believe him, but we mustn't necessarily believe it," he said at a press conference. "Can Croatia take the game to Spain? The Iberians are definitely favourites as they are superior to Croatia. "Still, they are a good team. I was very impressed by Modric." Team-mate Mario Balotelli has seen his campaign sadly tarnished by allegations of racist incidents in both of Italy's Group C fixtures to date, with derogatory chants being heard against Spain and a banana allegedly thrown onto the pitch by Croatia supporters. Nonetheless, Marchisio is expecting the 21-year-old to break through the shackles and put in his best performance yet for Italy at the European Championship against the Boys in Green. "We see that when all is not well [with Balotelli] he keeps it all inside of him," he continued. "In my view, he should be brimming with confidence for the third game, even if he has to understand that sooner or later he may lose his chance. "Racism? It does not take so much intelligence to realise that these things must be condemned." Finally, Marchisio gave his backing to Juventus' pursuit of Udinese duo Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla, who should line up in the colours of the Old Lady next season. "I see the arrivals of Asamoah and Isla as positives. It is good to have squad depth. I'm sure that next season we will do well in Europe, we will not go there just to make up the numbers."

Buffon: An Italy win will do! Jun 15, 2012 Italy captain Gigi Buffon is confident Spain won’t be looking for a 2-2 draw against Croatia which could eliminate the Azzurri from Euro 2012. The Italian media is fearing a repeat of Euro 2004 when Giovanni Trapattoni’s side were dumped out of the competition thanks to a 2-2 between Sweden and Denmark. But the Juventus ‘keeper has told his official Facebook page that he believes a victory against the Republic of Ireland, now bossed by Trap, on Monday will be enough. “I’m convinced our destiny is exclusively in our own hands,” he stated after the 1-1 draw with Croatia. “If we win then we’ll go through, so we won’t start to worry unnecessarily about possible outcomes elsewhere. “When you have the awareness of being stronger, you’re not scared of anything. You play to enjoy yourselves and to win, while looking to express your superiority. “As I’ve said before, Spain will be Spain – I’m fully convinced about that.” Italy took the lead against Croatia on Thursday, but they failed to double their advantage and their opponents hit back after the break. “There’s an element of bitterness that will remain,” Buffon added. “At least until the next game – the decisive game!”

Bonucci defends Chiellini mistake Jun 15, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has refused to blame Italy teammate Giorgio Chiellini for Croatia’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw. The Juventus stopper mistimed his attempt to clear a cross and the result has left the Azzurri in third place in Group C with one game left. “We knew that Croatia would be especially dangerous when they throw balls into the area from the flanks,” Bonucci noted. “I, however, think that the positioning of the entire defence was wrong during their goal – it is never the fault of just one player when you concede in such a way. “Unfortunately, it takes just one incident to change the outcome of a game and that is what happened. “We played much better than Croatia in the first half, but our performance dropped in the second half and we paid the price for it.”

Buffon: 'Italy not clinical enough' Jun 14, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon insists Italy “play good football and just need to be more clinical when the scoring opportunities arise.” The Azzurri were held to a second consecutive 1-1 draw despite dominating the first half against Croatia. “We put in the performance and the desire to win, but we’re in a situation where it still depends on us. If we win the last game, then we can go through,” said the goalkeeper. “We could’ve finished more of our chances in the first half, as we had at least two or three great ones, but in a European Championship you’re facing tough opponents. “It was a shame getting this draw, especially as the defence had worked so well. We paid a heavy price for one of the few opportunities Croatia had. “Andrea Barzagli is doing well and recovering quickly, which is another weapon we can count on. “The team’s consistency also depends on the way we face games and play them. Objectively, I feel that this team is playing good football and just needs to be more clinical when the scoring opportunities arise. “When matches are so evenly balanced, we really cannot afford to give anything away. We will do everything we can to make the Italians proud.” Buffon was at Euro 2004 when a 2-2 draw between Denmark and Sweden knocked Italy out in the group phase. An identical situation could play out in Euro 2012 Group C if Spain beat Ireland this evening, as a 2-2 draw with Croatia would send both through. “In this case the two teams are of different quality, in that Spain are absolutely the favourites and strongest of all. “Their players have a pedigree that wouldn’t – in my view – allow them to be considered anti-sporting or become a laughing stock around the world for getting a 2-2.”

Chiellini takes the blame Jun 14, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini admits he “got my positioning wrong” when Italy conceded the Croatian equaliser. Andrea Pirlo’s free kick had put the Azzurri in front, but Mario Mandzukic secured a 1-1 draw in Euro 2012 Group C. “I was a little too tight and the ball was long, then Mandzukic did well to stop and score, but I certainly should’ve done better,” confessed Chiellini on Rai Sport. “Unfortunately at this level you get punished for every mistake. “We knew Croatia were good with crosses into the box and allowed them very little, but the team got too deep and we were under more pressure, then sadly I got my positioning wrong.”