Socrates

Pirlo rues wasted chances Jun 14, 2012 Andrea Pirlo concedes Italy wasted the opportunities to defeat Croatia, as his majestic free kick was not enough. “We could’ve finished off the game with another goal in the first half, then went too deep after the break and it’s a shame Croatia got that equaliser,” said the midfielder after a 1-1 draw. “Today the team did well and we’ll see what to do on Monday. Goals are everything in football and hopefully we can start getting a few more of these chances in the net.” “We want to grow and improve. We sat back a bit too much after the break, which was normal considering Croatia were pushing forward in search of an equaliser. We can do better.” “It was a match we had to win, but there is no reason to get downhearted and we still have a chance of qualifying.” If Spain beat Ireland this evening, then both La Roja and Croatia will go through if they draw 2-2 in the final match. It is an identical situation to the one that saw Italy eliminated in Euro 2004 by a 2-2 between Sweden and Denmark. “Spain are a great side, so are Croatia, and I’m sure they’ll play fair.”

Chiellini takes blame for Croatia equaliser The 27-year-old knows that his error cost Italy an important win in Group C and says they need to stop giving their opponents chances to score. Jun 14, 2012 Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has taken the blame for Croatia’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw on Thursday in Poznan. Mario Mandzukic was allowed to bring the ball down in the six-yard-box, after Ivan Strinic’s looping cross floated over the Italian's head. Mandzukic then smashed the ball home at the back post and the 27-year-old admits he should have done better. "I made the mistake for Croatia's goal. I gave too much space to Mandzukic. He did well to control the ball and score, but I had to be closer to him," Chiellini told reporters after the game. It was the same story against Spain in their opening Group C game as Italy took the lead through Antonio Di Natale but were pegged back just four minutes later when Cesc Fabregas was allowed to run through and score. The Juventus defender knows the importance of keeping a clean sheet and how tough it can be defending on an international level. "Even against Spain we were winning and at this level it is like this. You give away a chance and they will score. In the second half we were too close to our own goal." The two draws means Italy will have to beat the Republic of Ireland in their final game to have a chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds.

Capello: Pirlo makes the difference for Italy The former England boss is impressed with the Azzurri midfielder, and sees the Juventus playmaker as the team's undisputed star. Jun 14, 2012 Fabio Capello has taken the time to praise Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo following his stellar performances against Spain and Croatia at Euro 2012. The Juventus playmaker provided the assist for the opening goal in the Azzurri's 1-1 draw versus the titleholders last Sunday, and scored an exquisite free-kick in the stalemate with Croatia on Thursday. "The player who has made the difference is Andrea Pirlo," Capello stated to Uefa.com. "Pirlo makes the difference but I have to say that the real surprise has been the quality and the confidence with which the Italy midfielders have been playing." "Largely Thiago Motta and Claudio Marchisio but more so Pirlo because he is the player who has a lot of the ball and every time he starts a move it's a move which will be dangerous for the opposition." Capello also had words of praise for veteran attacker Antonio Di Natale, who netted Italy's opener against Spain. "Di Natale played for 20 or 30 minutes against Spain but scored the goal and had a chance to score a second one. These are the type of players who, luckily for the coach, can be brought off the bench and are directly involved in the game. These are dangerous players." Italy have two points from their first two games in Group C and will lock horns with the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Jarni: Croatia must stop Pirlo to beat Italy The former Vatreni international defender believes that the new-look Italians pose a big attacking threat which can only be stemmed by closely marking their playmaker. Jun 14, 2012 Former Croatia full-back Robert Jarni believes that Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is central to the Azzurri's new brand of attacking football under Cesare Prandelli. Prandelli's men produced an impressive performance in their Group C opening match - a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Spain. Croatia currently top the group after their 3-1 victory over Republic of Ireland, but Jarni believes Italy will present his compatriots with a much stiffer test when the two countries clash in the Stadion Miejski in Poznan on Thursday. Talking to 24Sata, Jarni highlighted Juventus playmaker - and 2006 World Cup winner - Pirlo as the Azzurri's heartbeat and supply line. "Prandelli has completely changed Italy, they score more goals now and are no longer considered defensive," he stated. "Italy will probably play 3-5-2 and look to push forward but, due to our disciplined formation, they will not have as much space as they did against Spain. "Regardless of the likes of Balotelli, Cassano and Di Natale in attack, the key to Italy's game is in their midfield. Marchisio is doing a phenomenal job and even more attention needs to be paid to Pirlo. "We must not allow him too much time on the ball. We will play against a team who have been world champions, a team who cannot be compared with Ireland. But no matter what, I think we can beat Italy."

Xabi Alonso admires Pirlo Jun 9, 2012 Xabi Alonso believes Italy are “combative and competitive” when under pressure, revealing Spain have studied Andrea Pirlo and their tactics carefully. The two nations go head to head in the Group C opener on Sunday at 17.00 UK time. “Scandals and injuries are just reasons for us to be even more concerned about facing Italy,” Xabi Alonso told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “All this chaos makes us even more alert, because we know what the Azzurri are like. We saw you in 2006 with a big scandal, Juventus sent to Serie B and Italy winning the World Cup. “Italy are combative and competitive when dealing with difficulties. The problems they are going through do not remotely relax us.” Cesare Prandelli is likely to switch to a 3-5-2 system after three consecutive friendly defeats without scoring a goal. “We are studying hard. If you play with five at the back, five in the middle, four in a diamond or with the Christmas Tree formation, we are ready. “That won’t make us change the way we play, though. It’s just about being intelligent and trying to anticipate the moves of our opponents. We pay attention, but are not obsessed by tactics,” continued Xabi Alonso. “Pirlo is decisive and that is certainly not a surprise. This season he did a great thing, as it wasn’t easy to leave Milan after a spectacular career as leader and model player to join Juve and win the title with style. “Pirlo has always put himself forward as a reference point for seeking ever more beautiful football. I always liked Pirlo, because he never wanted to be a protagonist off the field, so ended up being one for what he does on the pitch.”

CONI sure 'Juve will abide by rules' June 9, 2012 CONI President Gianni Petrucci is “confident Juventus will respect the rules” by placing a new Calciopoli-baiting motto on their shirts. The Bianconeri had been expected to add a third star to their jerseys for next season, each one representing 10 Scudetti. This raised huge controversy, as the club was stripped of two titles in the Calciopoli scandal, so have 28 rather than 30. Instead, Juve announced they will have a motto on the club symbol that reads: ‘30 sul campo’ (30 won on the pitch). “I know President Andrea Agnelli very well and really respect him as a person,” commented Petrucci, President of the Italian Olympic Committee. “For this reason I am firmly confident Juventus will respect the rules with whatever it is they’ll do.”

Juventus shirts will not have third golden star but '30 won on the pitch' motto The Bianconeri sparked outrage by refusing to acknowledge the fact that they were stripped of two Scudetti because of their alleged involvement in Calciopoli. June 8, 2012 Juventus have decided against sewing a third golden star onto their shirts but the words "30 won on the pitch" will appear beneath the club crest. The Bianconeri lifted the Scudetto last month and angered many of their rivals by revealing that they would put a third gold star on their jerseys in recognition of what they believe is their 30th Serie A title, even though they were stripped of two championships in the Calciopoli scandal. However, Juve commercial director Francesco Calvo has now revealed that the club has had something of a change of heart. “The new Juventus shirt will not have the third star on it,” the Bianconeri official told Sky Sport Italia. “Instead, under the club logo, will appear the words: 30 won on the pitch. "Our shirt represents Juventus and their people. Only the club, along with all the fans, can define our identity.” Juve lifted the title after becoming only the third side in history to go through an entire Serie A campaign undefeated.

Pirlo fit to face Spain despite sitting out Italy training session The veteran regista remained on the sidelines as the Azzurri are unwilling to jeopardise his participation in the eagerly-awaited Group C clash with the defending champions. June 7, 2012 Andrea Pirlo caused a stir by sitting out training on Wednesday, but any fears were quickly dashed as the Italy midfielder has been passed fit to face Spain in Gdansk on Sunday. The Juventus playmaker appeared briefly just before the session in Krakow but returned to the dressing room without lacing up after a brief chat with the Azzurri's coaching staff. Pirlo picked up a minor knock earlier this week that he has yet to fully recover from and it was decided that there was no sense in running the risk of aggravating the injury. Meanwhile, Napoli wing-back Christian Maggio eased concerns over his participation in Italy's Euro 2012 opener against the defending champions by returning to training after his recent thigh problem. Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli was again left kicking his heels on the sidelines as he prepares for the final medical exams on his calf strain which will determine whether he will be able to play any part in his country's campaign. The Azzurri's hugely-anticipated Group C curtain raiser with Spain is scheduled to kick off at 18:00CET.

Spain should be scared of us, insists Chiellini The Azzurri have been rocked by the loss of a couple of key players and are coming off the back of a resounding friendly defeat by Russia, but the Juventus man is feeling upbeat. June 7, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has dismissed the suggestion that Italy should be worried of what is awaiting them in Gdansk on Sunday evening, insisting that it is Spain who should be "scared" of the Azzurri. The Azzurri's preparations for their Euro 2012 opener have been far from ideal, given the Scommessopoli investigation has deprived them of the services of first-choice left-back Domenico Criscito and injury has ruled defender Andrea Barzagli out of the group stages. There is also the fact that they are going into the tournament on the back of three successive friendly defeats. However, Chiellini has revealed that Cesare Prandelli's men have been lifted by the fantastic support they have received since arriving in Poland and that facing La Roja, the reigning world and European champions, holds no fear for the Azzurri. "They should be scared of us," the versatile Juventus defender, who had been an injury doubt for the game, told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday. "The 10,000 who attended our training session [Tuesday] evening have given us new enthusiasm after a week that was not easy easy for us because of the many more or less legitimate attacks that we suffered. "But we are good at isolating ourselves and thinking only of the pitch. I'm feeling good and have been training with the rest of the group for a few days. There is a great desire to start this adventure." Indeed, Chiellini believes that the Euros should now be regarded as the pinnacle of international competition. "The game against Spain is maybe proof that the European Championship is more difficult than the World Cup." Italy's Group C clash with Vicente del Bosque's side will kick off at 18:00CET.

Pirlo returns to Italy training Jun 7, 2012 Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo was back in training on Thursday after he was rested as a precautionary measure yesterday. The key Juventus player missed Wednesday’s sessions due to concern over a bruised right calf muscle. The 33-year-old returned to action in Krakow this morning which will come as a boost to boss Cesare Prandelli ahead of the Spain game. Cagliari defender Davide Astori was also included after he joined up with the rest of the squad in Poland this week. Astori has been selected as cover for Andrea Barzagli should the Juventus man be ruled out of the competition with a calf strain. A decision on his inclusion will be made on Friday.

Pirlo 'has bruised calf' Jun 6, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has slight bruising on his calf, but is not thought to be at risk for Italy’s opening Euro 2012 game. The Juventus midfielder did not take part in today’s training session in Krakow and it was later revealed by staff that he was suffering from a bruise to his right calf muscle. However, it is only a light injury and the Azzurri are not worried about his fitness for Sunday’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain. Meanwhile, Christian Maggio returned to training after his muscular problem, while Davide Astori joined the group. The Cagliari defender was flown in to Poland as a stand-by in case Andrea Barzagli has to go home due to a calf strain. A final decision on Barzagli will be made on Friday.

Pirlo skips Italy session Jun 6, 2012 Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli skipped today’s training session as Italy prepare for Sunday’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain. The Azzurri took to the field this afternoon in Krakow, but Pirlo did not change into his football boots. When Cesare Prandelli called for the squad to begin their fitness work, the Juventus midfielder spoke briefly to the staff and then went back into the locker room.

Chiellini: De Rossi can defend Jun 6, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini says a three-man defence which includes Daniele De Rossi could work for Italy at Euro 2012. Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli is considering the use of a 3-5-2 system, but his plans to field a Juventus trio have been scuppered by injury. Although Chiellini is now back to full fitness alongside Juve colleague Leonardo Bonucci, Prandelli has tested Roma midfielder De Rossi in place of the sidelined Andrea Barzagli this week. “We are ready to play with three at the back and De Rossi has demonstrated that he knows what to do,” the stopper stated on Wednesday. “I don’t think that the Coach has definitely decided to try out a defence with three centre-backs, but that doesn’t matter. “We are all used to playing that way for our clubs and therefore the Coach will decide on what is the best thing to do. “De Rossi played in defence for Roma against us [Juventus] earlier in the season and he had a great game.” Chiellini should be in the starting XI to face Spain on Sunday after recovering from a thigh strain suffered on May 13 in the 3-1 win over Atalanta. “The injury was less serious than first thought,” he added. “I’m ready to play and I have no fear about doing so.” The Azzurri qualified for the tournament with ease, but they have lost their last three friendly games against Uruguay, USA and Russia. “There was a slump in results after qualification, but it is a bit much to say that we have disappeared. We’re now in Poland, the atmosphere has changed and we are finally breathing the air of Euro 2012.”

Marrone to consider Juve options Jun 6, 2012 Luca Marrone admits that he has no idea whether he will stay with Italian champions Juventus for the 2012-13 campaign. The 22-year-old made six appearances for the Old Lady this term, but his desire for first team football may see him move on. “It is still too early to talk about my future,” he told calciomercato.it. “Obviously I want to play with more regularity, so we’ll have to see whether that will be at Juventus or somewhere else.” The Italian Under-21 international returned to Turin in the summer at the request of Antonio Conte – the Coach who bossed him at Siena in 2010-11. “I owe a lot to Conte,” he added. “It was he who asked for me to be kept at Juventus. He was always close to me, even when I didn’t play and he offered me precious advice. “I grew a lot on a professional and human level over the course of the past season. I’m happy and proud to be a part of the project.” Marrone has been linked with loan moves to Atalanta, Genoa and Palermo over recent weeks.

Pogba nears Juventus switch Jun 5, 2012 As Shinji Kagawa arrives at Manchester United another young star edges closer to the exit door at Old Trafford with Paul Pogba revealing he he is in Turin to complete his transfer to Italian champions Juventus. The 19-year-old midfielder is a free agent this summer and after turning down the offer of a new contract with United now looks set to seal a protracted move to Juve. "I am thinking about my future, I am in Italy with Juventus to discuss my transfer," Pogba wrote on Twitter this morning. Pogba's departure is a bitter blow to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson who had had hoped to convince the highly-rated midfielder to perform a U-turn and pledge his future to the Red Devils having faced a possible FIFA investigation to wrestle him away from Le Havre in 2009. However, despite matching Juve's lucrative offer to double his salary, Pogba has his heart set on joining the Bianconeri who claimed their first Serie A title since 2003 after enjoying an unbeaten season. The deal, negotiated by Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, who also represents AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic among others, is also set to net the teenager a bumper signing on fee, rumoured to be £1million.

Midfielder confirms United exit imminent Jun 5, 2012 Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has confirmed he is closing in on a summer move to Serie A giants Juventus. The 19-year-old rejected the offer of a new contract at Old Trafford after failing to break into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team squad on a regular basis and has been in talks with Juve. He is hoping to become the Italian side's first summer signing after revealing on Twitter that he was in Turin. "I am thinking about my future, I am in Italy with Juventus to discuss my transfer," Pogba Tweeted. The teenager, who left Le Havre in France to join United's youth academy in 2009, was tipped to have a bright future in the Premier League but has struggled to make the desired impact and made just three league appearances for the Red Devils last season.

Italy are not afraid of Spain, declares Marchisio The Azzurri defeated La Furia Roja 2-1 last August in an international friendly and the Juventus midfielder insists they are capable of a repeat performance in Gdansk. Jun 5, 2012 Claudio Marchisio says Italy have no reason to fear any country at Euro 2012, including Spain on the basis that they defeated the reigning world and European champions last summer. The Azzurri go into their curtain raiser against Vicente Del Bosque's side on a low after slumping to a 3-0 defeat by Russia, while there are serious concerns over a defence which has lost Andrea Barzagli to injury and Domenico Criscito to the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. However, Marchisio cannot understand the negativity currently surrounding the squad, as he maintained that Italy are entirely capable of repeating their heroics from last August, when they inflicted a 2-1 reverse on Spain. "We are not afraid of anyone. We are Italy, a great country," the Juventus man told reporters at a press conference on Monday. "We will face the champions of Europe, who play the most beautiful football in the world. "But last summer we beat them after playing a great game and we need to play like we did then." Given Italy also have Republic of Ireland and Croatia for company in Group C, there are those that believe that the Azzurri are heading for another embarrassing first-round elimination at a major international tournament, having failed to reach the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup. But Marchisio countered: "We should not worry about that, but work calmly, without fear, or else it would be better not to go. "We should not leave for the Euros fearing a repeat of what happened in the 2010 World Cup." Italy's Group C clash with Spain in Gdansk is scheduled to kick off at 18:00CET.

Barzagli hopeful of recovery Jun 5, 2012 The injured Andrea Barzagli is remaining optimistic that he will be able to feature for Italy at Euro 2012 this summer. Barzagli is struggling with a calf strain that could see him sidelined for the next 20 days and he may be replaced in the squad before the tournament begins. However, the Juventus stopper is hopeful that he could remain in the party for the European Championship. “Let’s hope it all works out,” Barzagli noted. “I don’t know how long I will be out for, you’ll have to ask the doctors… “The calf is a big muscle and if the medical staff are optimistic about my recovery then I am even more optimistic than they are. “The problem occurred in the last few minutes of the game against Russia on Friday when I stretched for the ball. “At the time it didn’t seem like a big issue, but I was limping the day after. I feel better now, but we’ll have to wait and see.” It is understood that Cagliari centre-back Davide Astori has been put on stand-by. A final decision on Barzagli will be made on Friday.

Four Serie A names up for Golden Foot Jun 4, 2012 Juventus duo Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon and Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Clarence Seedorf are all nominated for the annual Golden Foot award. The Golden Foot, which has been running since 2003, is awarded to European-based footballers aged 29 or above, recognising their achievements both on and off the field of play. The 2012 edition of the award sees Buffon and Pirlo as Italy’s representatives, and alongside Ibra and Seedorf as four Serie A-based men in contention against six other candidates. Once a player wins the award, they cannot be nominated again. Ryan Giggs won the last edition of the award, which has otherwise been dominated by players based in Italy. Past Serie A recipients include Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Alessandro Del Piero, Andriy Shevchenko, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. 2012 Golden Foot nominees: Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ricardo Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Carles Puyol, Clarence Seedorf, Xavi Hernandez

Four Serie A names up for Golden Foot Jun 4, 2012 Juventus duo Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon and Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Clarence Seedorf are all nominated for the annual Golden Foot award. The Golden Foot, which has been running since 2003, is awarded to European-based footballers aged 29 or above, recognising their achievements both on and off the field of play. The 2012 edition of the award sees Buffon and Pirlo as Italy’s representatives, and alongside Ibra and Seedorf as four Serie A-based men in contention against six other candidates. Once a player wins the award, they cannot be nominated again. Ryan Giggs won the last edition of the award, which has otherwise been dominated by players based in Italy. Past Serie A recipients include Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Alessandro Del Piero, Andriy Shevchenko, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. 2012 Golden Foot nominees: Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ricardo Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Carles Puyol, Clarence Seedorf, Xavi Hernandez

Barzagli could miss Euro 2012 Jun 4, 2012 Andrea Barzagli could potentially be ruled out of the 2012 European Championship after the Italian picked up an injury. The Juventus stopper has suffered a calf strain that Azzurri medics fear could see him sidelined for the next 20 days. Italy are set to assess his condition before making a decision on whether to replace him in the squad with another stopper. They will have until 24 hours before their Spanish tie on Sunday to request a squad change. Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia would be in pole position to be called up as he was in the 25-man squad before Cesare Prandelli reduced it to 23. Reports today suggested that Italy could try out a Juventus three-man defence consisting of Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at Euro 2012. A 3-5-2 now seems unlikely. Italy lost 3-0 to Russia on Friday. Their preparations for the tournament have already been hampered by the match fixing investigation and an earthquake which saw their Luxembourg friendly cancelled.

Buffon 'not in betting investigation' June 3, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon’s lawyer has reiterated “he is not involved in the investigation” into a betting scandal after his tobacconist in Parma was raided by police. The Juventus and Italy goalkeeper was dragged into the scandal by the media, who pointed out he had paid large sums to a tobacconist who also has a betting booth. However, he assured the payments were for a collection of watches and helping his friend buy some land, while there were no irregular betting patterns flagged here, nor did the investigators suggest he was in any way part of the investigation. “The tobacconist being inspected in Parma had nothing to do with Buffon and there are absolutely no elements that would suggest Gigi is involved in the investigation,” said lawyer Marco Valerio Corini. “We have not been notified of anything, we have not received any notice and I don’t see why it should arrive. “All the news that has leaked out has no relevance to illegal activity on a civil or sporting justice level. If Buffon is called to explain any of it, then he will. “The only regret is that Gigi is forced to explain things that are irrelevant and publicise matters that are private.”

Pogba in Turin for Juve medical Jun 3, 2012 It is reported Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is already in Turin to complete his transfer to Juventus. Pogba is out of contract with the Old Trafford side after rejecting their offer of a renewal and has been linked with the Bianconeri for some time. Tuttosport claims the 19-year-old is already in Turin today in order to undergo his medical and sign the paperwork. However, it is by no means certain that he’ll be wearing the Juve jersey next season. Antonio Conte wishes to evaluate the player in pre-season training before deciding whether to keep hold of him, send Pogba on loan or include him in a potential exchange deal. He has been mentioned as a possible bargaining tool in Juventus’ attempts to sign Kwadwo Asamoah from Udinese. Curiously, Asamoah is also a target for Manchester United, who reportedly had a €12m proposal turned down.

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.