Socrates

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.

Bonucci to face betting questions May 28, 2012 Juventus stopper Leonardo Bonucci will also face questioning as part of the betting probe, it is being reported. The ANSA news agency is claiming that Bonucci’s name has turned up during the investigation by Cremona officials which led to the arrest of 19 people earlier today. However, their findings have been passed on to magistrates in Bari who are also investigating alleged match fixing in relation to betting syndicates. Bonucci will have to answer questions with regard to his time with Bari during their Serie A campaign in 2009-10. The centre-back was named in Cesare Prandelli’s 25-man squad for Euro 2012 today, but Domenico Criscito was omitted. The full-back left Coverciano after police raided his room as part of their enquiry into the calcioscommesse scandal. Juventus will hold a Press conference this evening after the house of boss Antonio Conte was also hit by the authorities on Monday.

Pirlo: Italy are like Juventus The experienced midfielder feels that the national side are similar to the Serie A champions, and is confident the Azzurri can make the semi-finals in Poland and Ukraine. May 27, 2012 Andrea Pirlo believes that Italy are similar to Juventus and insisted that the Azzurri have the quality to challenge for top honours at Euro 2012. The Bianconeri surprised everyone by winning the Serie A title in 2011-12, and Pirlo feels that the national team can achieve similar success at this summer's European Championship. "Italy are mentally very strong. This team is a lot like Juventus. We have everything it takes to go far at Euro 2012, and I'm confident that we can be successful," Pirlo stated at a press conference. "We are not one of the favourites to win the competition, but our objective is to go all the way. I am convinced that Italy can make it to the semi-finals. "We enjoy our football again, have plenty of quality and are hungry for success. Spain are the favourites, and Holland, Germany and France are great teams, too. We are Italy, though, and we want to reach at least the semi-finals." Italy are paired with Croatia, Republic of Ireland and Spain at Euro 2012.

Pirlo: 'Italy are like Juventus' May 27, 2012 Andrea Pirlo is confident Italy can shine at Euro 2012 by taking inspiration from Juventus. “At Milan they thought I was finished, but here I am...” The midfielder’s contract with the Rossoneri was allowed to expire a year ago and he revitalised his career by becoming decisive for Scudetto winners Juventus. “At Milan they thought I was finished, but here I am...” smiled Pirlo in a press conference on international duty with Italy. “I don’t know if I will continue my Azzurri career until the 2014 World Cup. We’ll see if I am still useful and will still be called up.” Cesare Prandelli has pledged that Pirlo will have a crucial role in the European Championships next month. “Our objective is to go all the way in this competition. We are not among the favourites and we know that, but I am convinced Italy can finish in the top four. “Spain are the reigning World and European Champions, so clearly they are the favourites. Then there are great sides like Holland, Germany and France. “Italy have great inner strength. This side resembles Juventus and can go far, as we have everything we need to go far. “We enjoy playing our football together, have quality and hunger, so those are our strengths. We aim to reach at least the semi-finals, because we are Italy and we can do it. “Am I crucial? There are many strong players here and it’s not always true that the one with the most touches during a game is the most important. In any case, I am happy to take my share of the responsibility. “I have no problem changing position on the field, as I’ve always happily adapted both at club and international level. We’re used to playing in various systems, so Coach Prandelli will decide.”

Buffon: Balotelli would fit in at Juventus The Bianconeri goalkeeper has admitted the controversial former Inter forward would be a success if he signed for the newly-crowned Italian champions. May 26, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that temperamental Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli would fit in at Juventus. The Etihad Stadium forward has been linked with a move back to his homeland this summer, and his international team-mate feels he would be a success in Turin. “Would Balotelli fit in at Juve? I’d see him do well here, as he’d fit in with all the strongest teams in the world,” Buffon told Sky Sport Italia. “He has potential and now we can say a little more than that, because he also proved in many occasions that he can decide a game. “If Mario came to Juventus he’d certainly become an idol for the fans. He is one of those characters who are in certain ways denigrated – even hated – by opposition fans, but is idolised by his own supporters.” The Bianconeri lifted the Serie A title with an unbeaten campaign in 2011-12, and Buffon has been quick to herald the impact of coach Antonio Conte. “The coach has been put at the centre of the project with his beliefs and his knowledge of Juve. In general you can never tell quite how much a coach affects a team, but I can say with certainty that our tactician has made a huge impact, more than anyone else, on this campaign. “It was possible because the team and club wanted to follow him.” Finally, Buffon praised outgoing attacker Alessandro Del Piero, who will leave the Turin side this summer. “We lose a lot without Alex. First of all I am losing a friend and a companion. We were together for 11-12 years and they were full of incidents, good and less good. There is enormous disappointment to be saying goodbye, as more than ever this year he has shown how he helps the Juve cause. “There was never a moment in which we heard him complain, as he always trained hard and set an example to the squad. In fact, he scored three or four goals that proved to be decisive,” Buffon concluded.

Bonucci: 'Italy can rely on Juve' May 26, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci is confident the Juventus defensive block will remain solid at Euro 2012, as “the Coppa Italia Final was just a blip.” The Bianconeri won the Scudetto and have the strongest back line in Serie A this season, conceding only 20 goals, so form the basis of Cesare Prandelli’s Italy line-up. “We at Juve were impatient to reach the Nazionale and got here earlier than the deadline,” Bonucci told Tuttosport. “After an extraordinary season with the Juve jersey, I hope to be part of the final squad of 23 and maybe even play alongside my teammates on international duty. It is only right that the Coach confirms the system that worked well in qualifying, though.” Juventus were unbeaten in all competition until the last game, losing the Coppa Italia Final 2-0 to Napoli. “It was tough to lose, but we still have within us a great desire to win. We are just at the start and certainly haven’t been sated by the Scudetto. “Prandelli did great work in training, giving Italy a style of football, a code of ethics and created a team in his image.” Bonucci was often criticised by the fans and media for his performances since moving to Turin. “It was certainly tough to go from a small club like Bari to Juventus, as the first mistake can be fatal. I had the faith of the Coach and the contract was renewed during my moment of greatest difficulty, so they really helped me.”

Montolivo and Chiellini 'improvements' May 26, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini and Riccardo Montolivo underwent tests on their thigh strains that showed “improvements for both.” The two players are both carrying injuries going into Euro 2012 and it remains to be seen if they can make it for the tournament. “The response of the tests showed improvements for both, even if obviously they are not 100 per cent yet and it’ll take a few more days to see further changes,” said chief medic Professor Enrico Castellacci. “I outlined the situation to Cesare Prandelli and he seemed relaxed. Obviously it’s up to him to decide on the final group of 23 players. “The tests were originally meant to be on Monday, but that is a packed day and it wouldn’t have made much difference, so we anticipated them to today.”

Ferrara: 'Verratti is not Pirlo' May 26, 2012 Under-21 Coach Ciro Ferrara shot down Marco Verratti’s status as the new Andrea Pirlo. “Maybe in 10 years...” The Azzurrini boss has seen 19-year-old Verratti propelled into the limelight by Pescara’s promotion from Serie B and his call-up in Italy’s long list for Euro 2012. “We are talking about a boy who was born in 1992. History will tell us if he’ll end up like Pirlo,” Ferrara told Sky Sport Italia. “For the moment there might be a resemblance, but when it comes to matching him, then maybe in 10 years... Andrea has never really had the publicity he deserves, as he is one of the best in the world.” Another Under-21 star, Lorenzo Insigne, has been linked with a move back to parent club Napoli after topping the Serie B Capocannoniere charts with Pescara. “I am convinced Insigne can make the step up to Serie A. In fact, he already earned that with their promotion. He has the quality to play with the big boys. “However, it would be a shame if he went back to Napoli without being a protagonist. I believe if Napoli make this choice to recall him, then it’ll be because they give him the space he deserves. There are so many young foreign players getting a chance, I don’t see why Insigne shouldn’t.”

Buffon tells all! May 26, 2012 Gigi Buffon gave an extensive interview on Antonio Conte’s contribution to Juventus, Calciopoli, Alex Del Piero, Robin van Persie, Mario Balotelli and Euro 2012. The goalkeeper sat down with Sky Sport Italia and naturally had to start from the record-breaking unbeaten run to clinch the title. “The Coach has been put at the centre of the project with his beliefs and his knowledge of Juve. In general you can never tell quite how much a Coach affects a team, but I can say with certainty that our tactician has made a huge impact, more than anyone else, on this campaign. It was possible because the team and club wanted to follow him.” Conte has been mentioned in the betting scandal investigation from his time at Siena last season, leading some papers to speculate he could be suspended. “I am not afraid,” assured Buffon. “That’s because I know him and I know football, plus I heard from many Siena players who gave completely different versions to the one put forward by the accuser. Also, those who belong in football already have a good idea on what happened in these situations. “It’s nothing to do with organised crime or something like that. In some cases you do think to yourselves it’s better to have two injured teams than a dead one, which is why occasionally you get draws. Working out the probabilities in your head and realising a point each suits everyone is not a crime.” Another investigation in 2006 saw Juventus demoted and stripped of two Scudetti, though the club continues to celebrate this as their 30th rather than 28th title. “I always say one thing happened on the pitch, another in different arenas. If someone asks how many Scudetti I’ve won with Juve, I’d say five, but they assigned three. That’s the truth.” Buffon went down to Serie B in 2006 along with Del Piero, but the captain has left Juventus after he was not offered a contract renewal. “We lose a lot withour Ale. First of all I am losing a friend and a companion. We were together 11-12 years and they were full of incident, good and less good. There is enormous disappointment to be saying goodbye, as more than ever this year he has shown how he helps the Juve cause. “There was never a moment in which we heard him complain, as he always trained hard and set an example to the squad. In fact, he scored three or four goals that proved to be decisive. “Would Balotelli fit in at Juve? I’d see him do well here, as he’d fit in with all the strongest teams in the world. He has potential and now we can say a little more than that, because he also proved in many occasions that he can decide a game. “If Mario came to Juventus he’d certainly become an idol for the fans. He is one of those characters who are in certain ways denigrated – even hated – by opposition fans, but is idolised by his own supporters. “I was amazed by van Persie, because I didn’t think he’d become such a good hitman when he was out wide. Instead he has shown intelligence to change position and become so important. At the end of the day I don’t know where he could be used at Juve, but that’s up to the Coach. “Luis Suarez is also a great striker who has been impressive on the international stage for the last four or five years, is very quick, can often skip past his man and find the winning finish. He’s a real hitman.” Buffon is currently on international duty with Italy preparing for Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland next month. “I said I’d be happy if Italy had a good Euros, which in my book means at least the semi-final. From there on in, nobody wants to lose and that’s normal. I think the group phase and especially the opening game has always been our Achilles tendon. “In the tournaments I played in, I don’t remember a winning start or one that brought enthusiasm. In this case we’re facing Spain in our first match, so it’ll certainly be tough and just reaching the next round will be a good result.”

Marchisio tired of Tardelli comparisons The are obvious parallels between the Turin native and the Bianconeri legend, but the 26-year-old has confessed he wants to write his own story. May 25, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has grown weary of the Italian media's apparent obsession with comparing him to Marco Tardelli. The 26-year-old Turin native has been nicknamed 'Tardellino' by the press given he plays in midfield for both Juventus and Italy, and has developed a keen eye for goal over the past year or so. However, Marchisio has had enough of the moniker, explaining that he wants to be his own man. “I’ve always been honoured by the comparison with one of the greats of the world game, but I think the time has arrived that we only talk about Marchisio," he told the La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Enough of the 'Tardellino' statements; now I want to write my own story. “I am old enough and mature enough to perhaps be seen as a reference point for younger players. Or I hope to soon become one.” Turning his attention to Italy's Euro 2012 opener against Spain, Marchisio claimed that playing against the defending champions would not faze the Azzurri. "Today Spain are the champions, but I don’t think they are that far ahead of us,” he argued. “We are not afraid of them and we have what we need in all departments of the team to go all the way. “We too have players in midfield to be scared of. Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi have won a World Cup, Thiago Motta and myself have tasted the highest levels over the last few years, generating the necessary experience in the process. Then we have Riccardo Montolivo and Antonio Nocerino.”

Bring on Spain, says Marchisio May 25, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has told Euro 2012 opponents Spain that Italy will have no fear going into their June 10 clash. The two countries have been placed into Group C, along with Croatia and Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland. “Today Spain are the champions at every thing, but I don’t think they are that far ahead of us,” the Juventus ace told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “We are not afraid of them and we have what we need in all departments of the team to go all the way. “We too have players in midfield to be scared of. Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi have won a World Cup, Thiago Motta and myself have tasted the highest levels over the last few years, generating the necessary experience in the process. Then we have Riccardo Montolivo and Antonio Nocerino.” Italy impressed during qualification with their possession play, but they do seemingly have problems in attack. However, the midfielder is convinced that both Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli, his former colleague at Under-21 level, can shine. “Cassano is a certainty and he has the backing of the entire squad,” the 26-year-old continued. “Balotelli knows that he can make the difference at any minute and he is aware that this is a crucial stage of his career. “I’m not interested in what he does away from the pitch, that is his business. I expect the European Championship to be his consecration. He has incredible skills and he needs to put those at the disposal of the team and the Italian shirt.” The Italian national team were heavily criticised after their disastrous showing in South Africa, but Coach Cesare Prandelli has been able to get the side back on track. “In two years Prandelli has cancelled the insecurities that we had after World Cup 2010. “He’s given enthusiasm and results back to the side. He’s also brought in a number of new things in terms of players and the philosophy of our football. “There are also youngsters coming through who are pushing us forward. I think our game is in good health and there are reasons to be optimistic about the future.” Marchisio also used the interview to try and bring an end to the constant comparisons with Juve and Italy legend Marco Tardelli. “I’ve always been honoured by the comparison with one of the greats of the world game, but I think the time has arrived that we only talk about Marchisio. Enough of the ‘Tardellino’ statements, now I want to write my own story. “I am old enough and mature enough to perhaps be seen as a reference point for younger players. Or I hope to soon become one.”