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Marotta confirms Juventus' interest in Cavani The Serie A champions are willing to offer the prolific Uruguay international striker a five-year contract worth €30 million to swap Naples for Turin during the summer. May 24, 2012 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club's interest in Napoli forward Edinson Cavani. Goal.com revealed on Thursday that the Bianconeri are attempting to lure the Uruguay international to Turin with the promise of a five-year contract worth €30 million. Marotta has now admitted that Cavani, who netted 23 times in Serie A last season, would be a fine addition to Antonio Conte's side. “Cavani is an interesting player and I believe he could be integrated into this squad," the Old Lady's director general told Radio Radio. "But he is the property of Napoli and their patron [Aurelio] De Laurentiis, has every intention of keeping a tight hold of him." Marotta also confessed that Juve are also tracking youngsters Marco Verratti and Mattia Destro, both of whom have been included in Italy's preliminary squad for Euro 2012. “We know Verratti very well," Marotta admitted. "Over the course of the past few years he has demonstrated his prowess and he is a youngster who is destined to become a top player. "Today he is more than just a player of promise and so can be considered a player of great interest. But we need to remember that these prospects must be allowed to grow in the right way. Otherwise, they risk burnout. "But, on our part, there is certainly interest. However, for him to mature for another year in Abruzzo could be the right choice. "We're following Destro, who is another interesting prospect. If we can succeed in signing him then well and good, but not if the economic requirements are not in line with ours." Elsewhere, Marotta revealed that Juve have yet to decide whether to hold on to Roma forward Marco Borriello and that the future of Parma star Sebastian Giovinco, in whom they retain a 50 per cent stake, also remains undecided. “We took a chance on Borriello during the winter market," he mused. "We took him on loan and have the right to sign him outright from Roma, an option which we are evaluating whether to exercise or not. “As for Giovinco, we felt that this player needed to mature elsewhere, so we sent him to gain experience at Parma, and this experience, has been very positive for him. “Now he is a player who is ready for any stage. So, we’ll soon clarify his co-ownership with Parma.”

Marotta talks Juventus transfers May 24, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has answered transfer questions about Edinson Cavani, Marco Borriello, Didier Drogba, Sebastian Giovinco, Marco Verratti and Mattia Destro. In an interview with Radio Radio on Thursday, the former Sampdoria official was quizzed on their summer transfer plans. The club are expected to make changes in attack, with Napoli’s Cavani and available Bosman Chelsea striker Drogba paired. “Cavani is an interesting player who could be integrated into this squad, but he belongs to Napoli and [President Aurellio] De Laurentiis is able to keep a tight grip on him,” he stated. “A lot of names are being mentioned, but I can say that Drogba is not part of our plans. He’s not a priority target.” Juve netted Borriello at the start of the year from Roma, as a replacement for Amauri and Luca Toni, with an option to keep him for €8m. “We had an opportunity to grab Borriello in January and we took him on loan,” he said of the player who struggled to score just two goals. “We knew of his ability and we have an option to sign him outright which we are evaluating.” Another player who the club will have to make a decision on is Giovinco, the attacker who is co-owned with Parma. “We thought it was best to send Giovinco out into the provinces to gain experience,” Marotta explained. “It has been a positive for him, he has matured and is therefore ready for any stage. We’ll soon sort out the co-ownership with Parma.” The Turin giants are also interested in two Under-21 internationals – Pescara playmaker Verratti and Siena striker Destro. “Verratti is a good player who has shown well over the years. He’s a youngster who is destined to become a top level player. Experience is crucial though and Verratti will have to grow gradually. “We are interested and we could consider leaving him at Pescara for another season.” “Destro is a really interesting youngster. We’ll make our move and hopefully we’ll get him, but if we don’t then whoever signs him would have done well.” Both Verratti and Destro were surprise inclusions in Cesare Prandelli’s preliminary 32-man squad for Euro 2012.

Chiellini: I wouldn't miss Euro 2012 for the world The Juventus defender is still sidelined with a thigh injury sustained against Atalanta on the final day of the Serie A season and missed the Coppa Italia final as a result. May 23, 2012 Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini says that he has no intention of allowing an injury to ruin his hopes of participating in Euro 2012. The versatile Juventus centre-back suffered a minor thigh injury in his club's final game of the Serie A season, against Atalanta, and was ruled out of action for 20 days. There are still concerns over whether Chiellini will be fully fit for the Azzurri's tournament opener against Spain on June 10 but he was able to offer a positive injury update on Wednesday. "I think I'll recover for the Euros," the 27-year-old Pisa native told reporters. "I have already started running again. "I've been waiting two years for this tournament and I wouldn't miss it for the world. On the day of the injury I was really disappointed, but soon after, I calmed down." Chiellini's injury has prevented him from training with Pescara youngster Marco Verratti, a surprise inclusion in Italy's preliminary squad for Poland and Ukraine, but has been impressed by what he has seen from the reported Juve target. "Verratti is definitely a young man with great prospects," he enthused. "He would do well in coming to Turin. He would only grow and improve." Chiellini, who arrived in Turin from Fiorentina in 2005, has been capped 50 times by the Azzurri.

Juventus will try to win the Champions League, says Marotta The Bianconeri official stated that the club will try to go as far as possible in the competition, and that they are considering a number of options to bolster the team's attack. May 23, 2012 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has promised that the club will fight to win the Champions League next season. The Serie A champions return to the prestigious Uefa competition after a two-year absence, and Marotta promised that Antonio Conte's men will try to go all the way to honour the club's history. "We must try to win, we cannot just be content with just participating," he told Corriere dello Sport. "Then, it will depend on many factors. Look at Chelsea, who seemed to be out and came out on top. "We are looking to increase the size of the squad, which is necessary because we will play more matches next season. "For that same reason, Conte and his team are trying to come up with training methods to use to prevent injuries." Marotta then discussed Juventus' transfer plans, as Robin van Persie, Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain have all been tipped to strengthen the Bianconeri's attack in the summer. "Van Persie, Suarez and Higuain are all interesting players," he added. "We are not interested in Mario Balotelli. "Sebastian Giovinco? We have always believed in him, but he still had to affirm himself as the important player he is today. "He has matured and we will discuss that possibility with Parma."

Juventus have lured Pogba away from Manchester United, says Marotta The Italian champions' CEO claims that talks are advanced with the French teenager, but rules out a move for Mario Balotelli and Edinson Cavani. May 23, 2012 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta claims that the Serie A side are on the verge of signing Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. The French teenager's future has long been a source of speculation and Marotta has stated that discussions are at an advanced stage, seemingly closing the door on the youngster extending his deal with the Premier League team. "We have lured Pogba away from Manchester United," he told Corriere dello Sport. "We respected the rules. "Pogba, for his own reasons, didn't intend to renew his contract with United. We informed the club and we are now waitinig for an answer. Talks are well advanced." Marotta also played down reports that Juventus are interested in signing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and Napoli's Edinson Cavani. "We have never thought about Balotelli. He doesn't fit the profile we are looking at, a profile which isn't based solely on technical ability," he added. "Cavani? You always have to consider the wishes of the clubs which own the players."

Andrea Pirlo sees off Zlatan Ibrahimovic to win Goal.com's Player of the Season award in Serie A The midfielder wins your vote as the outstanding performer in Serie A in 2011-12 as his impact on Juventus' title success helped him eclipse the Swede in our poll. May 23, 2012 The wait is over. Last Monday Goal.com asked you to vote for the player you believed had been the best in Serie A during the 2011-12 campaign. There were four candidates from four different clubs. They were Udinese's Antonio Di Natale, Parma's Sebastian Giovinco, AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus' Andrea Pirlo. And the winner is ... Pirlo. HOW YOU VOTED 1. Andrea Pirlo - 64.19% 2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 30.24% 3. Sebastian Giovinco - 2.98% 4. Antonio Di Natale - 2.59% Of just under 7000 people who voted, a whopping 4441 picked out the Bianconeri midfielder as the best player in Italy over the course of the past season to leave the other three on the shortlist trailing in his wake. While Ibrahimovic gained a fair chunk of the vote, he finished a distant second to Pirlo. The two took almost 95 per cent of the total votes as Giovinco polled 2.98% and Di Natale claimed 2.59%. Pirlo got his hands on the Scudetto for the second successive year, having been a winner with Milan in 2010-11, but this time around he had a much greater say in his team's triumph. He racked up 13 assists as the Old Lady claimed their first league-title win since Calciopoli, but more than that the Italy international was the rock around which Antonio Conte built his side. The 33-year-old added three goals to his tally in 37 league matches, and was also a part of the Bianconeri side that reached the Coppa Italia final before falling to Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. In moving from Milanello to the new Juventus Stadium, Pirlo backed himself as a regular starter in a title contender, and was quick to remind everybody of his winning qualities after Juve won the Scudetto. "It's a title well deserved and one that we wanted from the beginning," Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia. "I think that we earned it on the pitch. "I wanted to win and I did. I left Milan because I needed more motivation in my career, so I chose Juve and bought into their project. "I believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season." The honour of being named Goal.com's Serie A Player of the Season deservedly goes to Pirlo despite the superb form in front of goal shown by Ibrahimovic in the past nine months. The Swede broke his personal best tally for goals in a single campaign, netting 28 in Milan's ultimately fruitless chase for the title. His return included a first-half hat-trick at Palermo, and six doubles, with only one of those - against Inter in week 37 - not ending in a win for the Rossoneri. Such was his form in comparison to many of his team-mates that there has been serious questions asked of his future with the club, with some expecting him to move on after his first failure in nine years to win a domestic title. "I wanted to win and I did. I believed I was number one and I believe I have demonstrated it again this season" - Andrea Pirlo For Giovinco and Di Natale, it was also a season of personal and team success. The 'Atomic Ant' was the star of a Parma side that improved markedly on their 2010-11 finish, securing another season in Serie A with plenty to spare. Giovinco's 15 goals more than doubled his previous career best, and has led many observers to speculate that he could return to co-owners Juventus before long. Di Natale racked up a third straight 20-goal season, with his 23 strikes taking his tally to 80 since the summer of 2009. His continued form has seen him gain a belated call for the provisional Italy squad heading to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012, while his 2012-13 campaign will begin with another Champions League play-off appearance after his goals helped lead Udinese to an unexpected third-place finish. Pirlo is the winner of your vote, however. The midfielder adds the Goal.com readers' accolade to the Serie A winner's medal he already has on his mantelpiece. So congratulations, Andrea! Now be sure to stay tuned in the coming days for the results of the best coach, best moment and best goal awards.

Padoin targets Juventus XI May 24, 2012 Simone Padoin is looking to break into the first team plans of Juventus boss Antonio Conte next season. http://markting10.nl/ The midfielder joined the Turin giants in January from Atalanta, but he was only used in six Serie A games and one Coppa Italia tie. “We’ll be in the Champions League next season and that is the biggest stage you want to play on,” he told Sport Orobici. “My hope is that I’ll be able to step on to the pitch with a bit more regularity in order to give the best of myself. http://markting10.nl/ “I know that I was criticised for leaving Atalanta and that was legitimate,” he continued. “However, the train for a big club arrived and I had to get on it. “Juventus will give me the opportunity to improve and offer me the chance to win some trophies.” Padoin, 28, had played in 19 League games for the Nerazzurri this term before his Turin switch at the start of this year.

Chiellini hungry for Euro glory May 23, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini insists that the Juventus players in the Italy squad are still hungry for Euro 2012 success. “It would be the icing on the cake.” The Old Lady officially ended a nine-year Scudetto drought this season and just missed out on the Coppa Italia when losing 2-0 to Napoli in Sunday’s Final. However, the Juve stopper is adamant that his Bianconeri colleagues are fully motivated ahead of the European Championship. “Us Juventus players still have an appetite,” the former Fiorentina man stated at Coverciano on Wednesday. “Winning at Euro 2012 would be the icing on the cake to what has been a great campaign for all of us. “Italy will go into the tournament in good shape, with changes after the disappointment of the World Cup in 2010. There is a desire to show that Italy can do well. “We were considered as a Serie B side over recent years and that was not right. We can’t wait to take on the best.” Chiellini should be in the squad even though he picked up a thigh muscle strain on the last day of the League season. “I’m calm and hopeful,” he added. “I couldn’t understand how serious the injury was at first, I was in real pain and I thought I’d miss out on something that I have waited two years for. “Now I’m focused on getting back as soon as possible.” Chiellini has been a key part of Italy’s tightest defence along with fellow Azzurri members Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. “A block of Juventus players in defence for Italy? That is something that the Coach will have to consider…” The trio can be used in a three-man defence or a four with Chiellini being switched to left-back.

Juventus can't compete with big European clubs on transfer market, says Marotta The Bianconeri director has admitted that they lack the financial resources to take on the big guns, and added they will have to look at alternatives to close the gap. May 23, 2012 Giuseppe Marotta believes that it is impossible for Juventus to compete with the cash-rich European clubs on the transfer market because of the changing financial landscape. The Juve director beamed that Italy used to be the focal point when it came to big-money transfers, but acknowledged that the rise of clubs such as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain has shifted the balance. "Italian football used to be the point of reference when it comes to financial matters. That's not the case anymore. The market is dominated by clubs such as Manchester City, who can invest millions and millions," Marotta was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport. "The Italian clubs that used to invest heavily can no longer spend that much. We can no longer compete with the other big European clubs. "Juve cannot be market leaders in the current situation. We can only try and reduce the gap through good organisation, and with our football culture."

Juventus reveal transfer plans May 23, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has discussed the club’s transfer plans in a revealing interview with the Corriere dello Sport. Having won the Scudetto this season, the Turin official is now working on building a team to challenge in the Champions League – despite fierce competition from wealthier clubs on the market. “There are powerful owners in England, while the Germans depend on entrepreneurship and management,” the former Sampdoria man noted. “Having lost our leadership from the 1990s, the only solution open to Italy is to focus on organisation and culture. The gap remains though, especially in revenue terms. “We are looking to increase the size of our squad. That is a necessity because we’ll be facing the prospect of more games. “For the same reason, boss Antonio Conte and his team are already working on what training methods to use to prevent injuries. “We have to try and win the Champions League, our prestige obliges us to do that. Juve can’t only be content with taking part. But it depends on a lot of factors. Look at Chelsea, they seemed out and then they won it. “We are looking for two or three excellent elements, without losing sight of the balance of a squad which has important technical and human qualities. We also have to balance the finances.” The club’s top priority is a new striker and they’ve been linked with Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, Luis Suarez of Liverpool and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain. “Van Persie is one of the best players in circulation,” he smiled. “It is possible that he, along with Suarez and Higuain, will be one of the top players we are after. They are interesting players.” The Bianconeri have also been paired with Napoli’s Edinson Cavani and Mario Balotelli of Manchester City, but Marotta played down those reports. “Cavani? You always have to consider the desire of the clubs which own players. “We have never thought about Balotelli. He doesn’t fit the profile we are looking at, a profile which isn’t based solely on technical ability.” Moving on to the club’s midfield targets, it is no secret that they hope to sign two teenagers – Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Marco Verratti of Pescara. “We respected the rules,” he explained when asked about the Frenchman. “Pogba, for his own reasons, didn’t intend to renew. “We informed the club and we are now waiting for an answer. Talks are well advanced. “Verratti? Juventus have a strong appeal again and not just with youngsters. The fact that the player wants to join us could help negotiations, but an auction has now kicked off and his price is high. We want to invest, but we have rules.” Verratti, a surprise inclusion in Italy’s 32-man Euro 2012 squad, is being compared with Juve playmaker Andrea Pirlo. “Pirlo, like Alex Del Piero, is hard to replicate,” Marotta commented. “I don’t see any players around with similar experience or value. “Conte is a flexible Coach and we are looking for a versatile midfielder. Udinese’s Asamoah? He’s one of the names. “Our defence? It is one of the hardest to break down in Europe, but we need to fully integrate it.” Marotta was also questioned on the futures of Marco Borriello, on loan from Roma, and Sebastian Giovinco – the forward who is co-owned with Parma. “We took an opportunity in January with Borriello. We have a month to consider our options. “We’ve always believed in Giovinco, but he had to confirm himself as an important player which he now is. He’s matured. “We’ll now evaluate things with Parma to decide whether to recall him or choose another path.” The director general also confirmed whispers that Coach Conte would soon put pen to paper on a new contract until June 2015.

Agnelli: 'Not too early' for Euro glory May 22, 2012 President Andrea Agnelli has confirmed Juventus consider this to be their 30th Scudetto and “it’s never too early” to go for Champions League victory. The 36-year-old patron spoke to CNN after winning the first post-Calciopoli title. “Well for the official records it's the 28th, for every single Juventino in the world it's the 30th,” he noted. “It's a very tough matter, I would say. One of the privileges of managing Juventus is managing people's dreams and emotions - in our emotions and our feelings we have 30.” The Bianconeri failed to qualify for Europe last season, but are in the Champions League next term and Agnelli sees no reason why they can’t win it. “It's never too early. Juventus takes part in every single competition with ambitions of winning it.” Juve were unbeaten for the entire season until losing the Coppa Italia Final 2-0 to Napoli on Sunday. “If they would have asked me in September, 'At the end of the year you win the Scudetto but lose the Coppa Italia final,' I would have signed a hundred times no question about it, so we're extremely proud of what we've done. “I think it's been an extraordinary result, let's say we've just missed a little topping on the cake and we might leave that for next year. “What I've tried to do is to revive the pride of being at Juventus. We're all extremely proud that we've achieved that in only two years. “We might not be full of stars but we're full of "wannabe" stars. Arturo Vidal is going to become a star - he's 24, he's got over 40 caps for his national team, he can be a star.” However, it was the end of the road for Alessandro Del Piero, who has not been offered a new contract. “I think Alessandro, as I've said many times, will always represent Juventus,” added Agnelli. “He's been our captain for 10 years and what a finale - lifting the trophy, that's an amazing story. I think we always have to be grateful to him.”

Marotta: 'Juve can't compete on market' May 22, 2012 Juventus have won the Scudetto, but director Beppe Marotta warns “it’s impossible to compete” with the big European clubs on the market. “We are proud to have created with Juventus the model for a football club. It all started with the return of an Agnelli to the Presidency, who gave everyone a sense of belonging,” he told the Corriere dello Sport. “We also must not underestimate the structure, where everyone has their own specific tasks. The Coach also knew the environment and what it meant to be a Juventino. Choosing Antonio Conte was down to Andrea Agnelli.” The Bianconeri are in the Champions League next season and have said they will reinforce the squad, but signing stars might be difficult. “Italian football used to be the economic reference point, but it isn’t any more. Today the market is dominated by clubs like Manchester City who can invest many millions. In Italy, those who invested heavily can no longer do it. “We cannot be market leaders in this environment, but through organisation and the culture of football we must try to reduce the gap.”

Chiellini: I’ll be fit for Spain May 22, 2012 Juventus stopper Giorgio Chiellini is adamant that he will be fit in time for the 2012 European Championship. The defender was ruled out for 20 days after picking up a thigh muscle injury in the win over Atalanta on May 13. That setback understandably raised some doubts about whether he would make Italy’s final 23-man squad, but he’s cooled the fears of anxious fans. “Is there a risk of me missing out on selection? Let’s not joke around here,” he told the Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday. “I’ll be ready at the right time. “If I don’t take part in the two friendly games before the competition then that will only be for prudence. “I want to be ready to take on Spain on June 10 and I will be…” Italy, who leave for Poland on June 5, have two friendlies lined up against Luxembourg on May 29 and June 1 against Russia.

I'll be fit for Spain Euro 2012 clash, says Chiellini The Bianconeri defender is being plagued by injury problems ahead of the European Championship, but is confident that he will be ready for Italy's opening encounter. May 22, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has promised that he will be match fit in time for Italy's Euro 2012 opener against Spain on June 10. The centre-back picked up a thigh injury in Juve's Serie A win over Atalanta earlier this month, and there were doubts about whether Chiellini would make a full recovery ahead of this summer's tournament. However, the 27-year-old has insisted that he will be cleared to play in the Azzurri's Group C opener against the defending European champions. "Is there a risk that I will miss out on the Euros? Let's not joke around. I will be ready in time," Chiellini stated to Corriere dello Sport. "If I don't feature in the pre-tournament friendlies, that's just a precautionary measure. I want to be ready to take on Spain, and I'll make sure that I will be ready." Italy will also have to contend with Croatia and Republic of Ireland in Group C of Euro 2012.

Agnelli: The days of big-money transfers are behind us Juventus supremo believes that the global recession will influence the football world, as he hailed Juve as one of the most successful teams ever in the game. May 22, 2012 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has voiced his opinion that mega-money transfers are something of the past as he feels the global recession will take its toll on the football world in the next few years. Agnelli believes that it is inevitable that clubs will change their spending pattern, but is confident that fans will continue to attend games, regardless of the economical situation. "I think the days of big-money transfers will be phased out," Agnelli stated at the London Business School’s Global Leadership Summit. "But the most important element - the fans - will still continue to go to the games. Sport is about dreams and emotions and is a way of escaping the problems of the real world." The Bianconeri boss then went on to stress that the Serie A champions are one of the most successful clubs in the world. "When we talk about Juventus it’s a matter of pride. It is one of the most successful football teams and the longest-lasting family franchise in the world of sport. My family has overseen 29 title victories since taking control of the club in 1923."