Socrates

Buffon: 'I did nothing wrong' June 2, 2012 Gigi Buffon gave an update on his injury, but above all hit back at reports trying to drag him into the betting scandal. “I’ve done nothing wrong.” The goalkeeper went off at half-time in yesterday night’s 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia – when it was still goalless – due to a shoulder strain. “I had a little knock on my shoulder when I went down to save, but I’m ok and I think my half was played with the right determination.” Naturally, the conversation with RAI Sport drifted to the betting scandal, as police staged a dawn raid on the Coverciano training ground on Monday and most recently newspapers tried to drag Buffon into the affair with details of €1.5m he gave to a Parma tobacconist. The tobacconist also has a betting booth, but Buffon insists most of the payments were for 20 Rolex watches. “It has been a very tough week for everyone. That’s the truth, there’s no point lying about it. But in these moments you can tell who the real men are. “We have zero fear, a lot of determination and are ready to step up when called upon to battle. “I don’t have to clarify anything, as it is all clear. My expenditures, whether a collection of watches or helping a friend to buy a house, is private and of no interest to anyone. “Someone decided to spread this to the media. Next time I’ll just tell everyone when I spend money, that way we can save the effort. “All week the squad, including the Coach, realised something is amiss. Around five or six of us were dragged into it. “Of course last night I was very upset, but at the end of the day I’ve done nothing wrong and didn’t kill anyone. It’s all so perfectly clear in my accounts that I have nothing to fear. It’s just a terrible shame to see speculation and people playing with human beings as if it was a game. “I hope the media do something about this too, as everyone has to do their job well and work with conscience.” It is illegal for players to bet on football matches, but the goalkeeper has said in the past he used to bet on other sports. “I have broken absolutely no rules, not sporting or legal. I have a collection of watches and helped a friend to buy some land. It’s my business and there was already an investigation 18 months ago with nobody finding anything wrong. “Clearly when you take the responsibility to vehemently express opinions then you have to be ready to accept the blow-back. “The scandal is disappointing and does not honour football, but it’s also true we are talking about a minority. Therefore the majority needs to be protected.”

Stephan Lichtsteiner: The Right Man For The Job June 2, 2012 The new Juventus Stadium had seen just fifteen minutes of official match play when, having had his own route to goal blocked by not one but two opposing players, Andrea Pirlo checked his run and almost without looking clipped a ball over the top of the static Parma backline. Floated perfectly, it dropped to the feet of Stephan Lichtsteiner who had cut in unnoticed from his position on the right. He controlled the ball with one foot before slotting past the helpless Antonio Mirante with the other, the ball settling into the back of the visitor’s goal. Their new home had its first competitive goal and Juventus had not only found a new hero but, finally, a quality right-back to fill the team’s most long-standing void. Antonio Conte rightly deserves all the plaudits he has received for steering the club he captained with such distinction to the Serie A title in his debut season on the Bianconeri bench. Similarly, Pirlo’s immaculate passing, thoughtful probing and sublime vision undoubtedly made him the side’s most outstanding performer on the field. During the campaign however, the Switzerland international was perhaps the one other player whose arrival could match that of the 2006 World Cup winner in terms of significance and importance to a team which improved greatly thanks to his presence. Since their enforced relegation six years ago, a seemingly endless stream of poor performers have attempted to fill the right-back slot so ably covered by the accomplished Lilian Thuram prior to the fallout of the Calciopoli scandal. Sure, Alessandro Birindelli was a loyal and perfectly serviceable option in the second division but, after returning to the top flight in 2007, Jonathan Zebina, Zdeněk Grygera, Olof Mellberg and Marco Motta all failed to reach anything like the required standard while Martín Cáceres’ biggest admirers would admit the rawness of his game during his first tour of duty with the Turin club. Even the signing of Lichtsteiner – brought from Lazio for a significant sum of €10 million in late June last year – was, prior to his arrival, viewed something of a gamble. Here was a player considered solid but temperamental and far better suited to a wing-back role rather than being pressed into service as an orthodox full-back. He had collected no fewer than twenty yellow cards in ninety league appearances for the Biancocelesti and was involved in a number of memorable spats, none more so than with Christian Panucci in the Rome derby in which he also scored the winning goal. He enjoyed a relatively successful three year spell in the Italian capital, netting a shootout penalty in their 2009 Italian Cup Final win over Sampdoria and also helping Lazio defeat Inter in the Super Cup that same year. Yet, as has happened with almost every signing from last summer, moving to Juventus has seen the Swiss international elevate his game to a higher level than any previous point in his career. As we saw on that sunny September afternoon, life in Turin would begin in the best possible fashion as he netted that historic opening goal, a strike which would also mark the beginning of a wonderful understanding with Pirlo. It became a huge weapon for Conte’s men throughout the campaign and the move would be repeated countless times, culminating in many dangerous attacks and leading to his only other goal, a header in January’s win at Atalanta. He added two assists and completed 87% of his 1575 pass attempts making him the seventh best passer at the club but it was undoubtedly his defensive attributes which were most vital to the team. Lichtsteiner made 64 tackles, 91 clearances, 27 interceptions and blocked seven shots in 34 league games and, while the former Lille man was dribbled past by opposition players seventeen times, he was able to recover his position many times thanks to his incredible stamina and pace. What is even more interesting however has been the way he impressed so greatly as part of a back four which made his performances as a wing-back – where he shone at Lazio – seem far more average. The popular stat based website WhoScored.com gave him an average of 7.04 in his 24 games as a right-back but that dropped to 6.52 across the ten matches he was deployed on the right of a five man midfield. Looking for reasons for that difference in performance it is important to note that Conte has largely utilised the 3-5-2 against Serie A’s tougher sides. Indeed, among those ten games Lichtsteiner featured in that role are two matches against each of Roma, Napoli and Udinese as well as one against Milan, all among the Old Lady’s rivals at the top end of the league table at the end of the season. Added to that is his position on the field and those taken by team mates in each different shape. As part of the midfield Lichtsteiner would usually occupy the flank alone, often lining up against both the opposition full-back and a covering midfielder. This would make space hard to find, a by-product of better quality defenders and was exacerbated by him being further forward, increasingly condensing the field and cut down on opportunities to break free from his marker. In contrast, playing in a 4-3-3 not only meant his direct opponent would be a midfielder – far more likely to be caught out of position than a natural defender – and with a wide player such as Simone Pepe or Emmanuele Giaccherini also occupying the full-back on the Juventus right. He would also have room to run into, the player often referred to by the self-explanatory ‘lo Swiss Express’ moniker allowed to build up a head of steam before receiving the ball. It may perhaps be an overly simplistic way of looking at his efforts, but it is no surprise that both his goals – and his two assists – all came in games he played as part of a back four. Fatigue would also play its part with Lichtsteiner looking increasingly tired as the season drew towards a triumphant conclusion for la vecchia Signora and indeed he played more minutes than all but four other outfield players at the club. He was replaced after just 25 minutes of the decisive game against Cagliari due to injury, marking one of only five occasions in which he would fail to complete the full ninety minutes during a draining campaign. The mental and physical energy required of all the players as Juventus fought, not only to secure the Serie A title but also maintain their unbeaten run, cannot be understated and perhaps only Arturo Vidal and Simone Pepe would embody that incredible drive more than the 28 year old. He may be widely known as ‘Forrest Gump’ but all that truly matters is that Juventus can finally call on a player who displays the consistency and talent befitting a club that has been home to some of world football’s best since the birth of his position. His name is Stephan Lichtsteiner and he is, at last, the right right-back.

Masiello: Bonucci was open to influencing Udinese - Bari fixture The Atalanta player and former team-mate of the Italy international affirmed the defender's willingness to ensure the 2009-10 game ended in a draw. June 2, 2012 Andrea Masiello has implicated Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in the Scommessopoli gambling scandal that continues to rock Italian football, swearing under oath that his former Bari team-mate was prepared to fix the result of the clash against Udinese two years ago. Answering questions from judge Giovanni Abbrescia, the current Atalanta player explained how several men from the Puglia club, including Bonucci, Salvatore Masiello and Alessandro Parisi, were interested in ensuring that the match in the 2009-10 season ended in a high-scoring draw. However, Masiello did absolve Simone Pepe from involvement, stating that the winger had no interest in influencing the score. "I went to the training field to talk with Bonucci, Belmonte, Parisi and Salvatore Masiello and present this thing. Businessman Nicola Di Tullo was prepared to start betting live and a draw would have paid out for us," the public hearing heard from Masiello. "I said to Bonucci that as well as other partners Di Tullio was ready to give us some money, I don't know how much. He wanted to bet on the game live if it ended in a tie. He and his team-mates were in favour, he said 'you can tell him that we are interested'. "In the practice Pepe was called, and he was asked if he was interested or not... Later when I was in the room Belmonte came back to me, and told me 'no, Pepe told me no.'"

Buffon lawyer slams betting stories June 1, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon’s lawyer has blasted talk of his involvement in the betting scandal as “supposition, gossip and malice.” The Italy and Juventus goalkeeper was rumoured to have spent €1.5m on various bets at a Parma tobacconist who also has a betting booth at his business. This is not per se illegal, as players are only barred from betting on football, but can place bets on other sports. “It is supposition, gossip and malice,” declared lawyer Marco Valerio Corini on RadioCalciomercato.it. “The thing that really amazes is seeing this information hit the newspapers with such violence after a particularly bitter press conference Gianluigi had given at Coverciano. There is a strange synergy between the two things. “In legal terms there is absolutely nothing that caught the interest of the magistrates, who already knew of this reserved information for the last six months. “Buffon is not remotely of interest to the investigation, not even as a witness. The beneficiary of the cheques Gianluigi wrote has among his businesses a Lottomatica betting booth. Anything else is bar talk level of speculation. “Something similar happened in 2006 and I hope that can bring Italy luck, just as it did in that World Cup. At the time Gianluigi was also interviewed by police, but the investigation regarding him was shelved both in a sporting and civil justice system. “Unlike in 2006, here we are giving credence to thin air, as there isn’t even an investigation involving him. We are monitoring everything that is published and after the Euros we will return to analyse calmly who and above all why certain stories were spread.”

Mancio wanted Cavani & Chiellini June 1, 2012 Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed that he’s requested Edinson Cavani and Giorgio Chiellini in the past. In an interview with Tuttosport on Friday, the tactician was asked about possible transfer targets for his Premiership champions. City have been paired with Napoli ace Cavani, but the Sampdoria legend insists he’s not looking for any strikers this summer. “We won’t buy in attack unless one of our players leave first,” he stated. “Saying that, Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie is world class. “Van Persie or Cavani? They are different. The Uruguayan’s valuation is impossible to match at this moment in time. “He is a player who has it all and I wanted to sign him for Inter while I was still with the Nerazzurri.” The Manchester outfit have also been paired with Juventus and Italy stopper Chiellini over the years. “I thought about Chiellini a year ago, but that is no longer the case as we have a lot of options at the back now,” Mancio insisted.

Juventus snub bid for Marrone June 1, 2012 Juventus have reportedly rejected an offer from Atalanta for the services of Italian Under-21 international Luca Marrone. Marrone, 22, is a promising midfield player yet he was restricted to just three League appearances during 2011-12. Atalanta are understood to have made an enquiry for the midfielder earlier this week, but their interest was rebuffed. Despite his lack of use over the last 12 months, Juventus boss Antonio Conte is an admirer of the Azzurrini regular. Conte kept him in Turin last summer after working with him at Siena during the 2010-11 Serie B campaign. Cagliari have also been paired with a bid for the player who was born in Turin back in 1990.

Agnelli’s Juve target top player June 1, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has admitted that the time has arrived for the club to sign a top player. The Old Lady went in search of a big name signing last summer, but they were foiled in their attempts to buy Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid and then Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi. “Winning the Champions League is an objective for Juventus next season and we are now ready to net a top player,” Agnelli told La Stampa after his club’s Scudetto success. “Signing a big name player two years ago would have been a waste of time. It would have been like buying a plasma TV when you really needed to build a house first. “Now we just have to make some evaluations on who to target – to consider whether a player is a good lad or one who has the spirit of a rebel.” The Old Lady are hoping to sign a notable centre-forward and they’ve been paired with Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain, Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie and Liverpool’s Luis Suarez amongst others.

Buffon's bank transfer was for 20 Rolex watches and not sports betting, reveals lawyer The World Cup winner is said to have handed over €1.5 million to a bookmaker but his legal counsel has claimed that there is no evidence that his client placed a single wager. June 1, 2012 The lawyer of Gianluigi Buffon has dismissed the suggestion that the Italy captain is guilty of illegal gambling, revealing that one of the payments he made to a Parma betting shop was for 20 Rolex watches. According to a document produced by the country's financial law enforcement agency on Thursday, the Juventus goalkeeper made out 14 cheques, worth approximately €1.5 million, to the owner of the tobacconist over a nine-month period. As a member of the Italian Football Federation, Buffon is forbidden from gambling on any games sanctioned by the FIGC, Fifa or Uefa, but his lawyer has stated that there is absolutely no evidence that his client placed bets of any variety. "The most significant bank transfer, dating back to September 13, 2010, concerns the purchase of 20 Rolex watches, which have been in Gianluigi's safe for months," Marco Valerio Corini told Radio Radio TV. "A purchase that is compatible with his income and one that is written in the random bank transfer. What else should he do? We can show that every payment was not related to sports betting." Indeed, Corini is dismayed that Buffon is even under suspicion, claiming that there is no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the World Cup winner. "If we want to get to the facts, it is not a criminal process or a sporting law interest," the lawyer argued on Sky Sport24. "There is nothing that can be shown that Buffon has bet. These are economic transactions between two people who have known each other for years, one of whom also runs a betting shop. "From there, there is no doubt that they could not be real estate transactions or otherwise; one thinks that they must necessarily be bets and what's more, illegal. But there is not even any proof that it is a bet. "Buffon has been and is always available in a frank, loyal and cooperative manner." The news that Buffon's transactions were under investigation came just days after the veteran launched a stinging attack on the nation's media for their coverage of the Scommessopoli scandal.

Buffon's injury in not serious, says Italy doctor The Azzurri were sweating over the fitness of the 34-year-old, but the knock that he picked up will not keep him out of the Euro opener against Spain. June 1, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon's shoulder injury sustained in Italy's pre-Euro 2012 friendly against Russia is not serious, doctor Enrico Castellacci has said. The Juventus goalkeeper was placed between the sticks during the first half of the contest, but was replaced by Morgan De Sanctis at the interval because of the ailment. It was feared that the injury could rule Buffon out of the Euros, but it has been revealed that the 34-year-old was only taken off as a precautionary measure. "It is nothing serious," Castellacci told Rai. "He had a small strain on the tendons of the right shoulder, but there are no concerns with regards to the match against Spain. "Before he returns to training he must do some recovery work, but there is not a problem." Buffon helped keep the scoreline goalless during the first half, denying Russia's players the opener with a number of great saves. However, Cesare Prandelli's side went on to lose the match 3-0 following second-half goals from Aleksandr Kerzhakov and a double from Roman Shirokov. Italy will take on Spain on June 10 in their first Euro 2012 group match before meeting Croatia and Republic of Ireland.

Buffon was the victim of an ambush, says lawyer The goalkeeper's attorney lamented the timing of the reports and declared that there is no evidence that his client engaged in any illegal betting activities. June 1, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon's lawyer has taken a swipe at Italian media, saying that his client has been the victim of an "ambush". Italian reports claimed on Thursday that the Juventus goalkeeper had made over €1.5 million in payments to a Parma-based tobacconist, which also serves as a betting shop. The purpose of the transaction is still unknown, but he would be breaking the rules of the Italian Football Federation if it was proven that that he had bet on matches sanctioned by the FIGC, Fifa or Uefa. However, Buffon's lawyer has questioned the timing of the report after the shot-stopper had slammed the local media at a press conference, and insisted that the Italy captain did not engage in any illegal activity. "The hypothesis of betting and abnormal movement of money was not picked up by any investigation by the Financial Police in 2010," Marco Valerio Corini told Radio Mana Mana. "This is a strange timing: Gigi is bitter about the ambush against him after his press conference at Coverciano. "Who says that those payments were made for betting purposes? Because these two people, a goalkeeper and the owner of a betting shop, operated together, then the purpose of their transaction had to be to make illegal bets? "That argument is very poor, because they have known each other since Gianluigi was in Parma's youth team, and their friendship can be linked to commercial transactions, such as real estate. "These are false news that trigger a media bomb that has no criminal value, as confirmed by investigators in Turin. The prosecutor also has denied involvement. "I would be very surprised if Buffon was interrogated. The prosecutor cannot pay attention to every suspicion when there is no evidence. "If there is evidence that there were bank transfers between two subjects, that does not necessarily mean that there was a crime." Buffon had criticised the Italian press for sensationalising the coverage of the ongoing Scommessopoli scandal.

Questions raised over Buffon payments to bookmaker The Juventus goalkeeper is said to have handed over 14 cheques worth a total value of €1.5 million to a Parma-based tobacconist and betting shop. May 31, 2012 The Guardia di Finanza has revealed that it has raised questions over payments made by Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon to a bookmaker. According to a document released by Italy's financial law enforcement agency, the Juventus goalkeeper made out 14 cheques to a Parma-based tobacconist, which also serves as a betting shop, over a nine-month spell. The report claimed that Buffon handed over approximately €1.5 million to the owner. While gambling on sporting events is legal, Buffon, as a member of the Italian Football Federation, is forbidden from placing wagers on any games sanctioned by the FIGC, Fifa or Uefa. However, it is not yet known whether any of the money was for gambling purposes, or if indeed the former Parma player's alleged bets were placed upon other sports, which he is entitled to do. The Azzurri star's lawyer has stated that the cheques were merely "transfers designed to protect Buffon's personal assets." The Guardia di Finanza checks, which are being carried out by the Turin Prosecutor, are not related to the Cremona-led enquiry into match-fixing that earlier this week resulted in Italy left-back Domenico Criscito having his room searched by police. The news, though, comes in the wake of Buffon's criticism of the Italian press for what he believed was sensationalist coverage of the Scommessopoli scandal.

Italy deny Bonucci story May 31, 2012 Italian Football Federation Vice-President Demetrio Albertini has denied stories suggesting that Leonardo Bonucci will be placed under investigation. A report on Thursday afternoon suggested that the Juventus defender, who is named in Italy’s 23-man squad to go to Euro 2012, was on a list of those set to be placed under investigation for their part played in the ongoing probe into illegal betting and match-fixing in the peninsula’s sport. However, Albertini has moved to quickly deny the report, and also explain why Bonucci was selected for Cesare Prandelli’s squad where Domenico Criscito was not. “Leonardo Bonucci has not received any notice from the prosecutor to the effect that he is under investigation,” the former Milan player told ANSA. “The situation was different for Criscito, who received such a notice.”

Bonucci named in betting probe May 31, 2012 Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci has been under investigation for alleged match fixing since May 3, says Italian news agency ANSA. The defender’s name appears on the paperwork of prosecutors in Cremona with regard to his time with former club Bari. Bonucci has been included in the Italian international squad for Euro 2012, whereas Zenit’s Domenico Criscito was dropped after he was caught up in the betting match fixing investigation on Monday. The only difference between the situations of the two players is that Criscito was handed an official notification that he was under investigation, while Bonucci hasn’t. Neither player has been charged with any wrongdoing.

Chiellini to face Russia May 30, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini is set to start Italy’s friendly against Russia on Friday along with Riccardo Montolivo, Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli. The first match against Luxembourg had to be cancelled on Tuesday when the Parma area was struck by an earthquake. This means Cesare Prandelli has only one test before Euro 2012 begins in their meeting with Spain on June 10. Cassano and Balotelli were set to be the front two in that Luxembourg game, but are expected to be picked again to face Russia with Montolivo as a trequartista. Chiellini was a major doubt to be fit for the group phase, but is recovering quickly from that thigh strain and could even start Friday’s game. Juventus teammate Andrea Barzagli looks likely to be his centre-back partner, with Christian Maggio and Federico Balzaretti out wide. Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Daniele De Rossi complete the midfield.

Buffon positive about Euro 2012 May 30, 2012 Gigi Buffon insists that Italy are in good shape ahead of Euro 2012 despite the latest scandal to hit the country. “Things are going well and we’ll enter the competition with the desire to win it,” the goalkeeper stated at Coverciano on Wednesday. “That is the reason why we are all here… “The climate within the squad is very good and I’m not just saying that. There is the right amount of joy and abandonment here to work in the best way possible. “There is nobody in the squad today that has been directly touched by what has occurred during these past few days.” Italy will start the competition with a game against champions Spain on June 10, before ties against Croatia and the Republic of Ireland. “I think Croatia could be a bit of a surprise,” the Juventus hero continued. “They have some top class players. And I fear Ivica Olic as he scored against me in World Cup 2002.” Today’s Press conference wasn’t just about football though, given the numerous arrests of the last few days with regard to the betting match fixing probe on the peninsula. And Buffon has been criticised over the last 72 hours for expressing his views at the weekend on why some games towards the end of seasons finish in draws. “I can’t honestly tell you what is in my heart and what are in my thoughts,” he stated today. “I have had yet more confirmation that those people with a clear conscience can not express their opinions. “Democracy and freedom, including that of thought, are the first things that should be preserved in life. Then one must accept any subsequent criticism.” Buffon also criticised the way that the media have been reporting developments in the betting match fixing enquiry. “You know about legal proceedings three or four months before they happen. People give evidence and you know what has been said 10 minutes later – it’s embarrassing. “I have faith that those investigating will serve justice, but there is nothing worse than playing or speculating on the lives of people.” Juventus boss Antonio Conte is also under investigation in reference to his time on the Siena bench last season. “I have no fear of losing Conte to a ban. I haven’t even considered that after taking into consideration what he has said himself.”

Buffon defends right to free speech after controversial Scommessopoli comments The Azzurri goalkeeper suggested earlier this week that it is only natural that teams sometimes agree to play out a draw if such a result benefits both parties. May 30, 2012 Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has defended his right to free speech after causing controversy with his comments on Scommessopoli. The Juventus goalkeeper intimated earlier this week that it is only natural that teams will sometimes agree on a draw if a point suits both sides, a view which was not well received in light of the ongoing investigation into match-fixing within the Italian game. Buffon, though, declined the opportunity to hit back during a press conference at Coverciano on Wednesday, but did declare that he was standing by his comments. "I will not tell you what I'm thinking about the controversies that have arisen after my statement," he explained. "I can only say that it has been the umpteenth confirmation that those who have a clear conscience are not free to express their thoughts. "Criticism is also normal, but the right to express one's thoughts should always be preserved. Anyway, like I always have done, I take responsibility for my comments." Buffon also responded to Italian Prime Minster Mario Monti's suggestion that football should be suspended for two to three years in light of the latest corruption scandal. "I think that a suspension would mean penalising the majority of players who are without blame," the World Cup winner argued. "The important thing is to make the right distinction between abnormal behaviour and criminal behaviour." Buffon insisted that the controversy, which has drawn comparisons with the Calciopoli scandal which overshadowed Italy's 2006 World Cup success, will not have an adverse effect on the Azzurri's preparations for Euro 2012. "The national team, like me, is arriving at Euro 2012 with great desire to win and hoping that if we do well all this controversy will go away," he admitted. "The atmosphere in the dressing room is good, I see Balotelli and Cassano doing very well." Italy have been drawn in the same group as defending champions Spain, Giovanni Trapattoni's Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

The best deep-lying playmaker in the world - Italy's key man Andrea Pirlo With the start of Euro 2012 just over a week away, Goal.com International's Italy expert Alex Mott profiles Juventus and Azzurri maestro Andrea Pirlo. May 30, 2012 As the creative hub from which everything revolves, Andrea Pirlo is the key cog in Cesare Prandelli's Italian machine. Dubbed 'l'architetto' (the architect) by team-mates, his vision and range of passing make him arguably the best deep-lying playmaker in the world; and that's certainly something Italy will want to exploit in Poland and Ukraine. With a probable duo of Daniele De Rossi and Claudio Marchisio alongside him in the Azzurri midfield, Pirlo will have the freedom to pretty much do as he pleases, a trick he has perfected for Juventus this past season. The Lombardy-born midfielder has enjoyed something of a renaissance in 2011-12, having left Milan for the Bianconeri last summer. Pirlo is now seen as the catalyst for the Old Lady's Scudetto triumph. His 37 appearances for the Turin giants yielded an astonishing 13 assists, the most in Serie A. And he also contributed three vital goals: at home to Roma and Catania, as well as away at Fiorentina back in March. Parma boss Franco Colomba put it best when he said back in April: "Pirlo is Juve's extra man, he is the player who has allowed the others around him to grow. I think that has made the real difference this season." And that sentiment was most recently echoed by Italian sports journalists, as they named him Serie A's Player of the Season. Goal.com also bestowed upon him the same honour. The 32-year-old is one of only four players - along with Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and De Rossi - to have been named in Prandelli's squad on Sunday having won the World Cup in Germany six years ago: a testament to his enduring class. That tournament experience will be crucial in and around the camp, as Italy aim to win their first European Championship in 44 years. "I always believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season" - Pirlo on his 2011-12 season As well as the obvious high of winning the World Cup in Germany back in 2006, he will also want to make amends for the Azzurri's dreadful showing two years ago in South Africa. It was a tournament to forget for the entire squad, but especially Pirlo, as former boss Marcelo Lippi was unable to use him in the first two games due to injury, sending him on for just half an hour in their last group match against Slovakia. Prandelli, like Juventus coach Antonio Conte, has made Pirlo the fulcrum of the side. A challenge that the man himself clearly feels he is up to: "I always believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season." Italians call him a 'regista', in England he is called a 'quarterback', but whatever he is, no one in Europe can match Andrea Pirlo's calm mastery on a football pitch. He's both metronome and compass; shield and dagger. He is Italy's key man at Euro 2012.

Prandelli: 'Bonucci is not Criscito' May 29, 2012 Cesare Prandelli has defended his decision to bring Leonardo Bonucci and not Domenico Criscito to Euro 2012. “Comparisons with 2006 are a cliché.” The Italy camp was rocked by a betting scandal, as on Monday police arrived for a dawn raid on the training complex. They arrested Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and searched the room of defender Criscito, while Juventus man Bonucci is also being mentioned in the on-going case. “We want to win and emerge clean from this situation,” Coach Prandelli told Rai Sport. “The most irritating thing is that someone linked Bonucci’s situation with that of Criscito, which is not the case. “Bonucci did not receive any official notice he was under investigation by police. This is why he is coming to the Euros with us.” It has also been said this scandal is remarkably similar to the Calciopoli storm that enveloped the Azzurri squad before the 2006 World Cup, which many credited as helping forge team spirit. “The comparisons with 2006 seem like a cliché to me. They say in difficult moments that the Italy team becomes more united. “I hope that will be the effect it has, but I don’t believe the theory that Italy only give their best under pressure. We should be giving our best in a calm atmosphere. “Now the important thing is to let people understand our intentions, which are to clean up the sport.” The Azzurri were meant to play a friendly against Luxembourg in Parma this evening, but it was cancelled after an earthquake struck the area this morning, leaving at least 15 dead.

Elkann: 'Juve not worried' May 29, 2012 John Elkann is confident there is “no shadow over Juventus” after Antonio Conte’s house was searched in the betting scandal. Police staged dawn raids to conduct searches and present notices of investigation on Monday morning, including Coach Conte due to his time at Siena last season and Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci. “There is no shadow over Juventus or this Scudetto,” club patron Elkann told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “It was a tournament won on the field and it seems entirely clear that the issues of the last few days have nothing to do with Juventus. “Today there is insufficient evidence to make any conclusions. This issue, as the sporting authorities confirmed, does not touch Juventus and now we’ll see how these investigations progress.” There is the risk Conte could be suspended, leaving the Bianconeri without a Coach for next season. “President Andrea Agnelli has said everything that needs to be said and was very clear. I haven’t spoken to Conte yet, but I know his state of mind and that is of someone thinking about the future and the many games to prepare.”

Bonucci implicated in Scommessopoli investigation? The Juventus centre-back will face questions in relation to his alleged involvement to fix former club Bari's meeting with Udinese during the 2009-10 Serie A season. May 28, 2012 Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci is also now reportedly under investigation as the enquiry into the Scommessopoli scandal continues to wreak havoc on the Azzurri's Euro 2012 preparations. The Juventus centre-back is under suspicion because of his involvement in Bari's 3-3 draw with Udinese during the 2009-10 Serie A season, according to ANSA. Ex-Bari defender Salvatore Masiello claimed last March that Bonucci was one of four team-mates he spoke to about fixing the outcome of the game in question. The report comes just hours after Domenico Criscito was dropped from the Italy squad for Euro 2012 following an early-morning search of the Zenit left-back's room at the Azzurri's training base at Coverciano.