Socrates

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Buffon sees 'spectacular' Coppa Final May 19, 2012 Gigi Buffon has committed his future to Juventus and expects a “spectacular” Coppa Italia Final against Napoli on Sunday night. The shot-stopper was rested for the last Serie A game of the season and is again likely to be benched tomorrow evening, as Marco Storari has been the regular in this competition. “At times it is also nice to participate when you are part of a group like ours,” Buffon told Radio Deejay. “I expect it to be a spectacular evening both on the pitch and in the stands between two great teams and two passionate cities. “My future is always in black and white. We can achieve many more important objectives after the Scudetto. “I celebrated as champion of Italy five times, but I realise that in the long-run always talking about this issue of the 30 Scudetti can get boring.” Juventus are adamant they have won 30 Serie A titles, counting the two that were stripped in the Calciopoli trial of 2006.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Lapo: 'Bring Juve the Coppa!' May 19, 2012 Juventus patron Lapo Elkann respects Napoli, but warns his side is not sated by the Scudetto. “We want to triumph in the Coppa Italia too.” The two teams go head to head at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for Sunday night’s Final. “Napoli are a side with great champions. At Juventus we proved our value by winning the Scudetto and can double that success in Rome,” Elkann told Il Mattino newspaper. “We want to triumph in the Coppa Italia too. I will say that with Juve out of the Champions League, the only team I cheered on this season was Napoli. “They had a positive campaign and put many opponents under pressure, including Chelsea. That night I was at the San Paolo as a guest of the President.” Elkann is one of the heirs to the Agnelli empire and can count himself as a personal friend of Alessandro Del Piero, who is set to make his final appearance in a Bianconeri shirt. “Alex is a friend and has done so much for not only Juventus, but also Italy and the whole world of sport. He is an example to all and continues to be that. “We have to speak about Del Piero in the present, because he will continue to do so much for us. In the new Juventus Museum we inaugurated on Wednesday, we dedicated the final section to him, because he represents the Bianconeri.”

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Ref chosen for Coppa Italia Final May 18, 2012 Christian Brighi has been assigned as the referee of Sunday’s Coppa Italia Final between Napoli and Juventus. The decision was announced this evening and Brighi will be assisted by Giorgio Niccolai and Cristiano Copelli, while Mauro Bergonzi is the fourth official. Napoli and Juventus face off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday evening in a one-off Coppa Italia Final.

Chiellini 'optimistic' for Euro 2012 May 18, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini is recovering quickly and “optimistic” for Euro 2012, revealed the Italy and Juventus star’s brother. The defender limped off during the final game of the Serie A season with a first degree thigh strain, which is expected to keep him out of action for three weeks. “Giorgio is doing well,” Claudio Chiellini told Calciomercato.it. “He is already hard at work at the Coverciano ground and can’t wait to get back on the field. He is disappointed to be missing out on the Coppa Italia Final, but we are optimistic for the Euros.” Chiellini’s sibling was also asked about reports of interest from Manchester City. “I don’t think there’s any need to comment on certain rumours that emerge at this time of year to fill up the newspapers.”

Coppa Italia - Finale - 20-5-2012 (ore 21:00) - Stadio Olimpico - Roma Arbitro: Christian Brighi Confronti ufficiali 151 - 132 (Serie A) - 8 (Coppa Italia) - 6 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 69 - 59 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Pareggi 49 - 45 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Vittorie Napoli 33 - 28 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) -1 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Juventus 231 - 192 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 21 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 3 (Serie B) Goals Napoli 168 - 145 (Serie A) - 11 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) - 5 (Supercoppa Italiana) -3 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Juventus - Napoli - Coppa Italia - Campo neutro Confronti ufficiali 0 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 0 Vittorie Napoli 0 Goals Juventus 0 Goals Napoli 0 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Napoli - Coppa Italia - Campo neutro - Ultimi confronti diretti 18.10.2008 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 04.02.2009 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 0-0 28.02.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 1-0 31.10.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-3 13.01.2010 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 3-0 25.03.2010 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-1 09.01.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-0 22.05.2011 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-2 29.11.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-3 01.04.2012 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 3-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 3 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Napoli 4 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Napoli 16

Mancini sets his sights on Juventus defensive star May 17, 2012 Manchester City are preparing for their Premier League title defence by lining up a move for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to reports in Italy. Roberto Mancini's side claimed the title with a dramatic last-day victory over QPR but have at times appeared shaky in defence, with Stefan Savic coming in for particular criticism. And Tuttosport newspaper now claim City are preparing a £12m bid for Juventus defender Chiellini, who is part of the Italy squad for Euro 2012. Mancini has reportedly been tracking Chiellini for some time, and has been so impressed by his performances as Juventus completed an unbeaten Serie A season that he has made the 27-year-old City's top priority for the summer.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Marrone eyes Coppa glory May 17, 2012 Luca Marrone is hoping that his Juventus side will soon be able to display the Italian Cup in their new club museum. The centre was officially opened last night and the Old Lady, fresh from their Scudetto success, will have a chance to show off the Coppa Italia in it should they defeat Napoli on Sunday. “This museum represents Juve’s history, it’s something unique and makes you realise the importance of wearing this shirt,” the young midfielder noted. “The trophy room is truly special and we know we’re playing to fill it even more. We’ll try and win another Cup in Sunday’s Coppa Italia Final. “Napoli are a great team, they’re not going through the best of spells, but anything can happen in a one-off game. “We’re ready, we’ve put the title celebrations behind us and the Coach has immediately prepared us in the right manner.” Marrone, 22, appeared in three Serie A games this season and scored on the last day of the season against Atalanta. He was also used on three occasions in Coppa games.

Bonucci almost moved to Zenit May 17, 2012 Juventus Scudetto winner Leonardo Bonucci was close to joining Zenit St Petersburg before the start of this season. The Russian club made an offer for the defender after a difficult first season in Turin, but he eventually remained at Vinovo. “There was a concrete possibility that Bonucci could have gone to Zenit,” agent Davide Torchia told Sky Sport Italia. Bonucci wasn’t guaranteed a starting shirt at the beginning of the season, but he gradually proved his worth in both a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 system. It led to a contract renewal until 2017. “We’re proud that he was offered an extension before the Scudetto arrived,” added Torchia. “I don’t think he improved just because of the formation change, he grew with the rest of the squad.” The former Bari stopper was part of a defence which conceded just 20 goals in 38 League games this season.

Playing alongside Pirlo next season would be fantastic, admits Verratti The 19-year-old has often been compared to his older counterpart, and has now affirmed suggestions that he has modelled his game after the Juve man . May 17, 2012 Pescara wonderkid Marco Verratti has spoken of his admiration for Andrea Pirlo and revealed it would be a great honour to play alongside the Juventus midfielder. Verratti's scintillating form has caught the eye of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, who called the 19-year-old up to Italy's Euro 2012 preliminary squad. "Andrea Pirlo is the best midfielder in Italy, perhaps even the world, and I admit to always watching him on TV in a bid to understand my similar role on the pitch," he said according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Playing alongside him next term would be fantastic, but we'll only talk about that at the end of this season." Verratti's agent has confirmed there are talks ongoing between Juventus and Pescara, but negotiations have reportedly hit a snag over the transfer fee.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Marchisio: Juventus' hunger for success was decisive in Scudetto race The Italy international believes that the Old Lady's determination to lift silverware drove the team to success in the Serie A title race as he now looks for cup glory. May 17, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has voiced his opinion that Juventus' hunger for success was one of the main reasons they won the Serie A title. The Bianconeri finished four points clear of AC Milan in the league table to secure their first official Scudetto since 2002-03, and Marchisio feels their determination to win proved to be vital. "We won because we were hungrier than the other teams. We also played a very important brand of football in every game, even when we missed several goalscoring opportunities and didn’t get a result," Marchisio stated to Sky Sport. "We always looked to take the game to our opponents every Sunday, both home and away. Our coach also deserves credit for this; he has instilled the right mentality required to get back to winning ways." The midfielder then discussed the upcoming Coppa Italia final against Napoli, and stressed that Sunday's game will not be easy based on the two league meetings. "It will certainly be a difficult test. The draw in Naples and the game we won at home were both tough encounters. The two games represented the two most important periods of our season." Sunday's cup final at the Stadio Olimpico kicks off at 21.00CET.

Buffon: There will never be another title like this Scudetto The Italian goalkeeper is overjoyed to see his side return to the top of Italian football, while saying that he still has plenty of years left in his career. May 17, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admtted that the club's latest Scudetto win was a unique achievement. The Bianconeri finished four points clear at the top of the Serie A table to win their first league crown since 2003, after the 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles were revoked in the Calciopoli trial. As Juventus opened their new club museum on Wednesday, complete with its own section dedicated to the iconic keeper, Buffon shared his emotions about winning the Scudetto and guaranteed that he has no plans to retire just yet. "I am lucky enough to be able to play much longer, I hope that this museum will be filled even more," the 34-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. "The fact that there is a small space here dedicated to me is very good. "Celebrating this Scudetto was great. There was so much joy repressed in us. This title does not resemble any other we have won, and there will never be any other like this." Buffon, who joined Juventus from Parma in 2001 in a €54 million deal, has a contract with the Bianconeri until 2014.

Fabio Cannavaro: Juventus have won 30 Scudetti The retired defender is thrilled to see his former club win the league title again, and says that he takes into consideration the two titles lost after the Calciopoli scandal. May 16, 2012 Former Italy international Fabio Cannavaro has said that he considers Juventus' 2011-12 Scudetto is the club's 30th league title. Official records say that the latest triumph was the Old Lady's 28th league crown, as the 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles were revoked as a result of the Calciopoli trial. However, Cannavaro is refusing to forget the two Scudetti, while heaping praise on coach Antonio Conte for guiding the club to the title. "For me, Juventus have 30 Scudetti, I won two and I will defend them," Cannavaro is quoted as saying by Ansa. "Juve deserved to win the title this year, they had a fantastic season. "I would like to congratulate Conte, I am happy for him and my former club. I know what it means to win after making so many sacrifices."

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Pirlo: Juventus want to lift the Coppa Italia The influential midfielder has stressed that the Old Lady are targeting the Italian cup in order to complete the domestic double but warned that Napoli will provide a stern test. May 16, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has made it clear that Juventus are hungry for more silverware after winning the Serie A title as they set their sights on claiming the Coppa Italia. The Old Lady lock horns Napoli in the final this Sunday evening, and Pirlo has insisted that the Turin giants are eager to complete the domestic double. "We've started an important week. On Sunday we'll show the right concentration and desire to lift this trophy," Pirlo said to Sky Sport. "We've laid the foundations to do something great. When you start to achieve success, you want to get more. We'll have the chance to lift further cups and trophies and to play more finals. We can definitely win more silverware." However, Pirlo acknowledged that Napoli will not be pushovers in this weekend's encounter. "Napoli are a great side, they've showed their value over recent years, and will certainly give their all. It will be a tough match." The final at the Stadio Olimpico kicks off at 21.00CET.

Buffon reveals poker passion May 17, 2012 Gigi Buffon was the first pick on Cesare Prandelli’s list for his Euro 2012 squad. No surprise there. A Serie A regular with Parma and Juventus since making his debut as a 17-year-old back in 1995, he’s been Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper for over a decade and has passed the 100 caps mark with many more to come. He’s vital to the Azzurri’s chances of success in Poland and Ukraine this summer after helping Juve to Lo Sucdetto this season. But he could continue his sporting career long after his football life is over – swopping the green turf for the baize of the poker tables. Italy’s World Cup winner was introduced to poker a couple of years ago when he participated in a charity poker event. Gigi says that his love of competition is one of the reasons that he took up the game. Since then, he continued to work on his poker game and he eventually caught the eye of online poker giant, PokerStars.com. In 2010, Gigi joined the ranks of Daniel Negreanu and Chris Moneymaker when he signed an agreement with Team PokerStars. As part of their deal, Gigi has become the brand ambassador of PokerStars' Italian market and plays in a number of online and live events particularly on the European Poker Tour. PokerStars are delighted with the partnership. Spokesperson Barbara Beltrami says: “It’s a union that combines the qualities often found in both sport and poker – those of skill, hard work and mental concentration. It also highlights that the very best players relish the challenge, whether it’s on the football pitch or at the poker table – a passionate pursuit of victory,” While few can beat Gigi on the football field, players will have an equal chance when they play with him online under his nickname "gigibuffon". Gigi's competitiveness is known by many football fans and that his competitive spirit will become a huge factor in his success at poker. Italy, who leave for Poland on June 5, have two friendlies lined up against Luxembourg on May 29 and June 1 against Russia. Buffon then will head the Azzurri challenge against Spain (June 10), Croatia (June 14) and Republic of Ireland (June 18). Football fans will be hoping he won’t have time to concentrate on his poker until after the Final in Kiev on July 1.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Cannavaro: '30 Juve titles' May 16, 2012 Fabio Cannavaro reveals he’s becoming a Coach, will watch Napoli in the Coppa Italia Final and insists “Juventus have won 30 Scudetti.” The Bianconeri celebrated their triumph last week in what was officially the 28th title-winning campaign, as the 2004-05 and 2005-06 editions were stripped in the Calciopoli trial. “Juventus have won 30 Scudetti. I won my two on the pitch and I defend them,” stated Cannavaro, who was in their defence during those seasons. “Juve deserved the title this year, as they had a fantastic season. I compliment Antonio Conte and I’m happy for him and my former club, as I know what winning after so many sacrifices means.” The 2006 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner is back in Italy at the moment to sit a coaching exam at Coverciano, but while he’s here will also watch the Coppa Italia Final on Sunday. “Who will I support? I played for Juve for three years and have great respect for them, but I am Neapolitan, have always been a Napoli fan and my brother is the team captain. Therefore, it’s easy to guess. “I don’t see a favourite in the Final, as Juve have kept an amazing level of consistency, but in a one-off match anything can happen. “Since hanging up my boots I don’t really miss playing football. Right now I am enjoying myself with some of my 2006 teammates at the coaching course. “Do I dream of one day being the Coach of Napoli? Obviously, as leading the big clubs is everyone’s objective. “As for Euro 2012, it is a difficult adventure and there are strong opponents, but Cesare Prandelli has done great work and brought back enthusiasm. Therefore we should be optimistic.”

Buffon: 'Scudetto not like others' May 16, 2012 Gigi Buffon points out the 2011-12 Juventus Scudetto “will never be the same as the others, not in the past or the future.” The Bianconeri made history by becoming the first side to end a 20-team Serie A unbeaten, while it was also the first post-Calciopoli trophy for the club. “I will hopefully be playing for a long time yet and hope the Juventus Museum can be further filled with new silverware,” said Buffon at the inauguration. “Already today seeing a little space dedicated to me was wonderful. Celebrating the Scudetto was fantastic, as there was so much repressed joy waiting to burst out. “This success will never be the same as the others, not in the past or the future.” Alessandro Del Piero naturally has a place in the Juventus Museum, although his contract was not renewed this summer. “As he ends his Juve career like this, having beaten every record, he will be seen as the image of this club for the next 150-200 years,” continued Buffon. “I don’t think he could’ve asked for anything more and I’d have loved to be in his place after everything he has achieved. “Alex’s gesture in not wanting the number 10 jersey to be retired only confirmed what a great man he is. In future those who have the honour of wearing it will know whose shoulders it graced.”

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Buses put Coppa Italia Final at risk? May 16, 2012 This Sunday’s Juventus-Napoli Coppa Italia Final could be in doubt due to a row over transport for supporters. The match is set to take place this weekend at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, but there have been numerous problems. At first Napoli complained the stadium was not prepared to hold the huge number of supporters who want to see the game, leading the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) to pull the venue only to change their minds a few hours later. There have been discussions over ticket prices and now the match is up in the air again. The authorities had organised car parks on different sides of the city to ensure rival fans did not come into contact with each other, then they’d be taken to the Stadio Olimpico in mini-buses. However, the police and the transport authority (ATAC) have still not agreed on who will pay for the mini-bus service. “If ATAC do not provide the necessary buses for the transport of fans, then the game cannot be played here,” read a fax sent by the chief of police in Rome, according to news agency ANSA. “Without this mini-bus service, it has not been possible to identify suitable solutions for the fans to be allowed into and out of the stadium. “Therefore we will evaluate the opportunity to ban the game from going ahead due to the lack of security guarantees.”

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Chiellini ruled out of Coppa Italia final, confirms Conte The towering defender picked up a knock in Sunday's Serie A win over Atalanta, and his coach has now revealed that he will not play a part in the cup final against Napoli. May 14, 2012 Antonio Conte will have to make do without the services of defender Giorgio Chiellini in Juventus' Coppa Italia final against Napoli on May 20. The centre-back picked up an injury in the Old Lady's 3-1 Serie A win over Atalanta on Sunday afternoon, and was forced to leave the pitch after 88 minutes of play due to the physical problems. It is not yet known how long Chiellini will be out of action for due to the thigh injury, but Conte has confirmed that the defender will definitely miss the cup final against Napoli. "It was a thigh twinge and he will certainly be out of the Coppa Italia Final, but needs more tests," the Juventus coach commented on Chiellini's injury.

Agnelli: 'Invincible Juve in history' May 16, 2012 President Andrea Agnelli opened the new Juventus Museum by stating this season’s team “will be remembered as the Invincibles.” The club inaugurated the museum within the Juventus Stadium as part of their revamp and are still celebrating the Scudetto. “At the start of the season nobody gave us as favourites, while at most they tipped us for fourth place, but it brought us to an extraordinary title and celebration. “The joy was immense because of how the season went and in comparison with the previous two campaigns. We will be remembered as the Invincibles.” Antonio Conte’s side are the first to finish a 20-team Serie A season unbeaten and have the chance to win the Coppa Italia against Napoli on Sunday evening. “We are concentrated on the Napoli challenge, an important game against a team that put Champions League finalists Chelsea in crisis. Next year we’ll start on a par with all the others and must as always earn everything on the field.” The museum is on the east side of the Juventus Stadium and marks the 115 years of the club, including trophies, memorabilia and multimedia components in Italian and English. “This museum also covers the history of my family,” continued Agnelli. “It includes cult objects with more traditional ones and you can see the evolution of football as a whole. There are also many video clips and so much more for the Juventus fans.”

Buffon a leader, says Pagliuca May 16, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon is back to his best after helping Juventus to Scudetto glory, says Gianluca Pagliuca. Talking to Calcio News 24, the former Sampdoria, Inter and Italian national ‘keeper praised the Bianconeri No 1 for his efforts this term. “Buffon has had a great season and we’re certainly not discovering his talent now,” Pagliuca commented. “He risked compromising the title with his mistake against Lecce, but you can accept one error over the course of a campaign. “He conceded very few goals and he’s one of the greatest leaders in a Juventus side who have returned to title glory. “He really felt the importance of this triumph, a victory which came after a few difficult years in which his quality was also placed into doubt.” Buffon made 35 appearances in Serie A this term, conceding only 16 goals in the process.

Marchisio expects new Juve faces May 16, 2012 Claudio Marchisio understands that the Juventus squad will have to evolve over the summer if they want to challenge for the Champions League. The Old Lady won the championship by going through the 38-game League season unbeaten, while they’ll face Napoli in the Coppa Italia Final on Sunday. “We’ve had a great season and we won because we were hungrier than everyone else,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia. “Now we have to try and keep pace with the big European teams and I’m convinced that our directors will reinforce the side on the market without revolutionising the squad. “We are now hoping to end the campaign by winning the Coppa Italia even if we know it will be very tough against Napoli.” Marchisio was one of the side’s key players this term after he grabbed nine goals in 36 games, but he’s shared around the praise. “Everyone in the squad has impressed me,” added the 26-year-old. “I think they all contributed something important to this Scudetto. “For example, Marco Borriello, who was heavily criticised, or players such as Martin Caceres, Luca Marrone and Emanuele Giaccherini.”

Bonucci 'hungry for Euro 2012' May 15, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has thanked Antonio Conte for improving him as a player and has “incredible hunger” for Euro 2012. “I improved a great deal thanks to Conte and I thank him, as be made me understand that at times I needed to be grittier and less lazy,” Bonucci told Sportal. He is one of several Bianconeri stars called up by Cesare Prandelli in his 32-man long list for Euro 2012. “The fact there are so many Juventus players in the Italy squad is certainly positive, as it means we have worked well throughout the year. “It also allows the Nazionale to be based on a group who already know each other and bring a winning mentality, the kind we’ve shown this season. “We laugh and joke with Gigi Buffon every day, even about the 2006 World Cup win. He is a champion both on and off the field. That is the secret, as he is never sated. “Andrea Pirlo is a real genius. It’s incredible what he can do with the ball at his feel. For him having a player pressing him or not makes no difference. “If I think about the Euros, then I feel incredible hunger. For a young player like me, hunger and humility must never be lacking.”

Pirlo: 'We start new Juve era' May 15, 2012 Andrea Pirlo believes the Scudetto and Sunday’s Coppa Italia Final with Napoli are the beginning of a new Juventus era. “Now we can start really winning.” The midfielder arrived on a free transfer from Milan last summer and proved decisive in their title triumph. “I felt great joy after doing something important and indescribable. The party on the open top bus through the city streets was really amazing, as there were so many people,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Today we began an important week of work, as we will reach Sunday with the right hunger and concentration to win this trophy. Napoli are a great team and proved that over the last few years. They too have the objective of winning, so it’s going to be a difficult game.” If Juve win the Coppa Italia, it’ll mean they end the entire season unbeaten in all competition, as so far they’ve played 38 Serie A matches and four in the Cup. “We laid the foundations to achieve something important, because when you begin a run of victories, it increases the hunger to keep going. Now other trophies and Finals to play are opening up to us, so we can start really winning,” added Pirlo. He was asked about his ‘heir,’ the 19-year-old Marco Verratti who shone for Pescara this season and has been called up for the Euro 2012 long list. “He is very talented. Is it irritating to hear about the ‘new Pirlo’? No, it’s not as if I can play until I’m 40. I keep going as long as I have fun and maintain the desire to play.”

Juventus should not retire the number 10 shirt, says Pirlo The Old Lady directors considered retiring the iconic jersey, but the Italian forward asked the club to keep it available, an opinion shared by the former Milan man. May 15, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero has refused a proposal by the Juventus board to retire his number 10 shirt, according to team-mate Andrea Pirlo. It remains unclear where il Pinturicchio will play next season, but it is almost certain that the veteran will leave the Old Lady after 19 years of service. However, Pirlo revealed that the 37-year-old does not want to see his number withdrawn from service. "Juventus wanted to retire the number 10 shirt now that Alessandro is leaving the club, but he asked them not to do so," Pirlo revealed in an interview to Sky Sport Italia. "I agree with his decision. It's unthinkable that someone will be up to Del Piero's legacy soon, but I am sure someone will, in the future." The Italian midfielder believes many players dream of wearing the number 10 jersey for Juventus, and that is "a very beautiful thing", but he denied that he will take on the responsibility next season. "I am staying with 21", he stated, "I've always had it and I want to keep it."