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Pirlo: 'Juve, losers and Balotelli hair' Aug 25, 2012 Andrea Pirlo slammed “loser” Walter Mazzarri, called Zdenek Zeman “strange” and pledged to get a Mario Balotelli haircut if Juventus won the Champions League. The 33-year-old midfielder gave a rare interview to Tuttosport ahead of tonight’s Serie A opener against Parma. Click here for a match preview. “It is odd starting again with Parma on home turf. I hope it brings good luck,” said Pirlo in reference to last year’s opening match in Turin that started the Scudetto season. “This year our targets remain the same: continuing to affirm ourselves in Italy and try to carry that on to Europe. Clearly everyone is waiting for us to fail – it’s only normal, as winning does tend to irritate others. It is also normal to have more pressure, but we know that we are strong and can get even better. “Winning the Champions League would be a dream come true for me, the club and my teammates. If it were to happen... I’d get a Mohican haircut like Balotelli! “Barcelona and Real Madrid remain the favourites. European commitments do take something off you in physical and psychological terms, while the travel alone is tiring and your adrenaline needs to be on constantly. It takes the maximum concentration and a big squad.” Coach Antonio Conte works with the side in training, but his 10-month ban means he cannot sit on the bench or enter the locker room on match day. “We are concentrated on the day to day work, without making anything too extreme. After all, our staff is innocent and we can focus only on playing football. At the end of the day, that proved to be easier than expected. “The anti-Juve Scudetto contenders will be Napoli, Roma, Milan and Inter. The possible surprise could be Fiorentina, who signed quality midfielders like Borja Valero and have a super Coach like Vincenzo Montella. With or without Stevan Jovetic, they still play well.” Pirlo was asked to comment on the opposition tacticians who have been highly critical of Juventus recently and his verdicts were not kind. “Zeman is a special Coach, one who stirs up debate. He is a great tactician and his teams play really well. Every now and then he says something strange off the field, but that’s part of his character and by now we accept that. “Mazzarri talks like a loser, though. When you lose it’s normal to cling to everything, as there is disappointment, but we are accustomed to the battle of words. Juve are the most famous club, perhaps in the world, with many fans and many hoping we’ll fail. It’s only normal to expect them to gang up on you when you win.” Pirlo has been particularly impressed with new signing Paul Pogba, who arrived on a free transfer from Manchester United. “He really is remarkable. He’s a young lad with prospects and it was a great move to snatch him from such an important club.” The Italy hero was key in reaching the Euro 2012 Final against Spain and is keeping his fingers crossed for the 2014 World Cup. “I hope to get there, as I’ve never been to Brazil. The Final defeat left only bitterness, cancelling out all the achievements to get there. It’s true our journey was positive, but if you don’t win then it feels as if you didn’t do anything. “The dreams of the fans who became passionate about the tournament are to be underlined, but the adventure concluded with a defeat and we were upset. “When will I retire? I will stay on the field as long as I have the desire to work, feel in good shape and have fun. My passion for this sport is worked on every day. A future as a Coach? I haven’t thought about it yet, as I see myself only as a player.”

Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Andrea Romeo Don counts on 'Juve atmosphere' Aug 25, 2012 Roberto Donadoni is without Amauri for tonight’s Juventus encounter, but hopes Parma can step it up for “the atmosphere of the big occasion.” The striker had to miss out on a return to face his former teammates due to an injury, joined by Raffaele Palladino, Gianluca Sansone and the suspended Daniele Galloppa. “Amauri continues to have a problem that needs a few more days to be resolved, so he will be forced to miss the game, at least for this weekend,” said the Coach. Juve have Massimo Carrera on the bench after Antonio Conte’s appeal against a 10-month ban was rejected. “I am only interested in the football that takes place on the pitch and this is a difficult game only because of the qualities of our opponents,” insisted Donadoni. “We have changed a great deal over the summer, so it will take a little patience to support these lads in their growth. “On the field they will have to think as a team unit. If we don’t, then Juve will put us under even more pressure. “We know that we are not on a par with Juventus because of the great quality they can count on, but at the same time the atmosphere of the big occasion always pushes you on to give your best.”

Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Andrea Romeo Juve-Parma: Lucio out, Chiellini in Aug 24, 2012 Lucio is out of Saturday’s Juventus-Parma clash, but Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo make their comebacks. The Brazilian defender had been expected to start tomorrow evening in Turin, but sprained his ankle during today’s training session. A statement confirmed former Inter man Lucio will undergo tests over the next 48 hours. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also misses out with a thigh problem. Pirlo is back in the side after missing the Trofeo Berlusconi against Milan last week, but more importantly Chiellini returns for the first time since the Euro 2012 Final. Chiellini suffered three muscular strains in the space of a few weeks before and during the tournament, eventually pulling up with a second-degree calf strain 21 minutes into the Final against Spain. Juventus squad for Parma: Storari, Leali, Branescu; Chiellini, Masi, De Ceglie, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner; Pogba, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah, Marrone, Giaccherini, Padoin; Vucinic, Giovinco, Matri, Quagliarella, Boakye

Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Andrea Romeo Amauri out of Juve trip Aug 24, 2012 Amauri and Raffaele Palladino will not be able to face former club Juventus, as they are out of Parma’s squad travelling to Turin. The Brazilian-Italian was expected to start at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening, but Coach Roberto Donadoni confirmed he had skipped training today. “Amauri still needs a few days to resolve this little problem, so he won’t be part of the game this week.” Palladino is expected to be out until Week 3, while Fabiano Santacroce and Gianluca Sansone are also injured. Daniele Galloppa sits out a one-match ban. Kick-off in Turin is at 19.45 UK time, click here for a match preview. Parma squad for Juventus: Mirante, Pavarini, Bajza; Benalouane, Fideleff, Lucarelli, Paletta, Zaccardo; Acquah, Gobbi, Modesto, Morrone, Musacci, Ninis, Parolo, Rosi, Valdes; Belfodil, Biabiany, Pabon, Pellè

Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Andrea Romeo Serie A Preview: Juventus - Parma Old Lady commence defence of Serie A crown The Turin giants will hope for a routine victory over the visitors, despite the ban imposed on Antonio Conte, as domestic action returns in Italy. Aug 24, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS Storari Barzagli, Lucio, Bonucci Asamoah, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner Giovinco, Vucinic PARMA Mirante Zaccardo, Paletta, Lucarelli Biabiany, Morrone, Valdes, Parolo, Gobbi Amauri, Pabon This clash from the opening round of Serie A contains a number of intriguing subplots, including Amauri and Giovinco battling their former clubs. Juventus' shape and defence practically picks itself at the moment, with Mauricio Isla, Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, and Gianluigi Buffon all missing through injury. Simone Pepe’s absence likely leaves a spot for Kwadwo Asamoah. In attack, Sebastian Giovinco will partner either Mirko Vucinic or Alessandro Matri. Roberto Donadoni’s Parma will look to compete against the Scudetto incumbents with a similar shape. Raffaele Palladino will miss the match through injury, and Amauri, another former Juventus player, will look to inflict damage upon his old side. Marco Parolo, who made the switch from Cesena thus summer, will likely start the match in midfield, but Daniele Galloppa remains sidelined following a suspension from last season. DID YOU KNOW? • Giovinco and Amauri face off as adversaries, though the two were team-mates last season in a Parma side that finished the season with seven straight wins. • Antonio Conte’s 10-month suspension following his alleged involvement in Italy’s betting scandal has not been overturned. • Parma have made a number of signings during the off-season, including the acquisition of the former Roma duo Aleandro Rosi and Stefano Okaka as well as resigning Amauri from Fiorentina. • Giovinco scored 15 goals last season, including the sole Parma strike in his side’s 4-1 defeat in this same fixture. • Juventus failed to take full points from only one of their final 10 games last season, in a 1-1 draw against Lecce. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Feb 15, 2012 - Parma 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Sep 11, 2011 - Juventus 4 - Parma 1 Serie A‎ - May 15, 2011 - Parma 1 - Juventus 0 Serie A‎ - Jan 6, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Parma 4 Serie A‎ - May 9, 2010 - Juventus 2 - Parma 3 Last Five Matches Juventus Aug 11, 2012 - Juventus 4 - SSC Napoli 2 - Italian Supercup Aug 4, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Malaga 0 - FR Aug 1, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Benfica 1 - FR Jul 28, 2012 - Hertha BSC 0 - Juventus 2 - FR May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2 - Coppa Italia Parma May 13, 2012 - Parma 1 - Bologna 0 - Serie A May 6, 2012 - Siena 0 - Parma 2 - Serie A May 2, 2012 - Parma 3 - FC Internazionale 1 - Serie A Apr 29, 2012 - Lecce 1 - Parma 2 - Serie A Apr 25, 2012 - Palermo 1 - Parma 2 - Serie A Players to watch Sebastian Giovinco The diminutive forward was co-owned by both clubs last season and matured into both a goal-scoring threat and a creative distributor. He’ll be more than motivated to prove that his return to Juventus was warranted. Amauri The ex-factor on the other side, the former Juventus player suffered an awful time at the Old Lady but will be looking to prove to the Scudetto holders that giving him up has consequences. Prediction Juventus, despite their injuries, should be simply too strong for a Parma side weakened by the loss of Giovinco. With or without Conte, the Old Lady should rear back into last season's form in this fixture. Editor's Prediction: Juventus 3 - 1 Parma

My ban is absurd and embarrassing, fumes Conte The Juventus boss has seen his attempts to get his 10-month suspension lifted thrown out of court, and has now taken aim at many of the parties involved in his conviction. Aug 23, 2012 Antonio Conte has maintained his innocence after the appeal to dismiss his 10-month touchline ban was rejected by the Federal Court on Wednesday. The Juventus coach was suspended by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) until the end of the 2012-13 campaign after failing to notify authorities about two instances of match-fixing during his spell as Siena boss. Conte has now seen all of his attempts to legally clear his name fail, and with Massimo Carrera now set to fill in as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season, the 43-year-old took to a press conference to share his side of the story. “The time has arrived for us to talk after hearing what everyone else had to say,” said Conte to reporters. “I’ve always respected the rules, on and off the pitch. I have comported myself in the right way throughout this whole affair. "I’ve behaved in the right way, despite the fact that I have suffered some grave injustice. I’ve never placed a bet in my life, but I’ve become an advert for the betting scandal. Now I want to clear a few things up." Conte then proceeded hit out at former player Filippo Carobbio, who provided evidence against the Bianconeri boss that helped the prosecution achieve its guilty verdict. “They judged Pippo Carobbio, who they painted as my best friend, as a reliable and credible person, while the Federal Prosecutor has deemed me not credible. "What the Federal Prosecutor said is chilling. I consider a plea bargain blackmail. I'm an innocent person, yet I’m told by my lawyer to plea-bargain. “It’s embarrassing. They have ruined my credibility in the changing room. Those people who know me know what type of person Antonio Conte is. "I’m used to winning on the field of play. It’s all absurd. Everyone needs to understand what has been done to me because it is embarrassing. “Now I’m afraid to argue with one of my own players. If I send one of my players into the stands then this type of thing can happen. "They believe the word of someone who has been selling games for three-and-a-half years, someone who sold his family. “What can I do? Take a camcorder with me everywhere which records my every move? This type of thing can now happen to anyone." The former midfielder also reacted incredulously to the words of Italian judge Piero Sandulli, who claimed that he was lucky to have escaped a three-year ban for his involvement in the scandal. “Yesterday’s comments [by Sandulli] seemed to be the icing on the cake. I was left appalled by what was said by one of the commission’s judges, who, perhaps in order to make the papers, said some unusual things," he concluded.

Alessio stunned by ban Aug 23, 2012 Juventus assistant Coach Angelo Alessio has spoken of his incredulity after he was banned as part of the betting probe. Alessio has been suspended for the same alleged offences as Juve boss Antonio Conte given that he worked alongside him at Siena in the past. Alessio was initially given an eight-month ban, but that was reduced on appeal to six months earlier this week. “I’m here today, but I still don’t understand why,” the former Juventus midfielder stated at a Press conference which also included Conte. “I consider myself as a good person and I’ve always behaved in an educated manner. “I was charged and sentenced without even being interviewed by the prosecution. I was judged without ever being heard!” Alessio, like Conte, will now take his case to the Italian Olympic Committee’s TNAS court in an effort to be acquitted of the charge of failing to report attempts to fix matches.

Prandelli backs champions Juventus Aug 23, 2012 Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has given his thoughts on the new Serie A season. “Juventus will be the team to beat.” The campaign kicks off this weekend and Prandelli, a former midfielder with the Old Lady, is convinced they are firm favourites for the Scudetto. “I’d put Juventus in pole position,” he told the Corriere dello Sport on Thursday. “They will be the side to beat. “Firstly, because they are coming off the back of an extraordinary season. Secondly, because they want to confirm themselves and prove a point at the European level.” Although the Turin giants are expected to do well, Prandelli is looking forward to seeing what sort of challenge Roma put up after the appointment of Zdenek Zeman. “I’m intrigued by the Roma project which has been handed to Zeman, a Coach who focuses on the quality of play and offensive football,” he added. “I also like the idea of this new Fiorentina led by Vincenzo Montella.” Prandelli was optimistic too that the two Milan clubs could impress despite some mass changes, while he backed Napoli to be up there. “Milan have changed a lot, but they are counting on interesting players like Stephan El Shaarawy. You’ll see Massimiliano Allegri’s hand. “Inter will count on the pride of the squad and the enthusiasm of boss Andrea Stramaccioni. They’ve made some well considered decisions which means they have precise ideas led by the Coach. “Napoli are now an expert side that will fight to win. Coach Walter Mazzarri will have the same qualities which he has been able to transmit in these years.”

Juventus to face Parma without injured Buffon The Italy international has been ruled out of the titleholders' first game of the season due to a muscular problem, and will be forced to watch the match from the stands. Aug 23, 2012 Juventus coach Massimo Carrera has received some bad news on the injury front ahead of their Serie A opener at home against Parma on Saturday, as he will have to make do without first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The Italy international picked up a muscle injury in training earlier this week, and Juve have now revealed that he will not be match fit in time for Saturday's encounter. "Gigi Buffon has undergone MRI and ultrasound scans on his thigh after feeling some discomfort in Tuesday's training session," a statement on the Juventus website reads. "The scans identified an elongation along the distal myotendinous junction of the femoral biceps in his right thigh. "The light injury will cause the 34-year-old to sit out Saturday’s opening championship fixture against Parma." Saturday's match is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

Italian judge: Conte lucky ban was not longer Piero Sandulli has said that the Juventus coach can count himself lucky that he was not banned for three years for sporting fraud. Aug 22, 2012 Federal Court member Piero Sandulli has warned Antonio Conte that he was lucky not to receive a three-year ban for his part in the Scommessepolli scandal. The Bianconeri coach was acquitted of one of two charges relating to his failure to report match-fixing activities whilst in charge of Siena, prompting the Turin club to label his ban a "witch-hunt." "The Novara-Siena accusation was removed, but the other seemed very serious to us and perhaps should've been dealt with differently," he told Radio Capital. "This is why the ban was confirmed. On Novara-Siena it seemed illogical that such a senior and experienced coach would say in the locker room 'we're drawing this one.'" "We can say that he was lucky, especially as he was cleared for one of the two accusations. With sporting fraud he'd have been banned for three years."

Agnelli: 'Conte witch-hunt!' Aug 22, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has again blasted the sporting justice system for “confirming our worst suspicions” after Antonio Conte’s 10-month ban was confirmed. The Coach had hoped to be cleared of failing to alert authorities to a potential fix while at Siena, but although he was cleared of wrong-doing in one of the matches under investigation, the suspension remains intact. “Today’s Federal Court sentence confirms our worst suspicions on the matter that involved Antonio Conte,” announced Agnelli on the official Juventus website. “For many months I have observed this situation with incredulity, accompanied by a growing sense of shock, for a sporting justice system that increasingly resembles a witch-hunt. “Today we’ve reached the apex. When faced with a clear victory in the court, they decided to kill logic and apply the ban in an arbitrary manner, even doubling it. “Basically, after months and months in which we heard a certain Filippo Carobbio explain his Coach invited the players to draw the game during a pre-match meeting (Novara-Siena), today we discover Conte’s total innocence in that incident, but they are clinging to the second accusation (Albinoleffe-Siena) to apply the same punishment as the first trial. “This ignores all good faith for truth, arithmetic and justice – real justice. “The entire sporting justice system is happy to perform quick trials with asymmetric approach to different cases, people or worse clubs and with barbaric methods that do not belong in a democracy. “Not only, this system first of all encourages a plea bargain as an easy way out when insulting the sentiment and sense of justice of the individual, only to then refute it without reason.” Juventus confirmed they will take their next appeal to the TNAS tribunal at CONI. “As we have confirmed, Antonio Conte is and will continue to be the Juventus Coach. After deservedly winning the Italian Super Cup, bringing up new envy and old ‘anti-Juve’ militants, the team is united in taking on Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia. “Anyone who thinks the sporting justice events of the summer will affect our season has badly miscalculated the situation.”

Buffon out of Juve-Parma Aug 22, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon will miss Juventus-Parma on Saturday after he was diagnosed with a thigh problem. The goalkeeper has been struggling with the muscular twinge over the last few weeks and also missed last weekend’s Trofeo Berlusconi against Milan. He has now been diagnosed with the extension of a muscle in his right thigh, announced the official club website. It is not thought to be a serious injury, but it is enough to rule him out of Saturday’s Serie A opener against Parma.

Court: 'Conte lucky to avoid longer ban' Aug 22, 2012 Juventus protested that Antonio Conte’s 10-month ban was a “witch-hunt,” but one of the judges in the betting trial insists “he was lucky” not to get three years. The Coach was cleared of one of the two counts of failing to report a potential fix while he was at Siena, but the 10-month ban was confirmed on appeal this morning, prompting a furious response from Juve. “The Novara-Siena accusation was removed, but the other seemed very serious to us and perhaps should’ve been dealt with differently,” Federal Court member Piero Sandulli told Radio Capital. “This is why the ban was confirmed. On Novara-Siena it seemed illogical that such a senior and experienced Coach would say in the locker room ‘we’re drawing this one.’ “However, with regards to the Albinoleffe match it’s probable the request for sporting fraud would’ve been more suitable for the issue. “We can say that he was lucky, especially as he was cleared for one of the two accusations. With sporting fraud he’d have been banned for three years.” The only evidence against Conte is the testimony of former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, who claimed the Coach had assured his squad the results in those two games were already under lock and key. The other Siena players who were in the team meetings disputed Carobbio’s version of events, but his testimony was still considered credible enough to inflict the ban.

Conte fails in ban appeal Aug 22, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte’s 10-month touchline ban remains intact after he failed to clear his name in an appeal. The tactician had been suspended for most of the season after an initial probe by the Italian Football Federation saw him found guilty of failing to report attempts to fix two matches while in charge of Siena. Conte has always maintained his innocence and his legal team appealed the first sentence on Monday in a bid to have him acquitted – or at least get his punishment reduced. Although cleared in relation to the Novara-Siena tie, his 10-month stop has been untouched after the charges surrounding the Albinoleffe-Siena encounter were confirmed. The former Bari and Atalanta boss is now expected to take his case to the Italian Olympic Committee’s TNAS appeal court. Conte's right-hand man, Angelo Alessio, has meanwhile had his eight-month ban reduced to six. Conte continues to train the Italian champions, but assistant Massimo Carrera will take charge of the side on match days. There is better news for Juventus players Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci who have been cleared of any wrongdoing for the second time. Federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi had appealed the decision to acquit them during the initial hearing. Marco Di Vaio, who left Bologna this summer for Montreal Impact, has been cleared too. As have Nicola Belmonte and Salvatore Masiello. Daniele Portanova of Bologna has been banned for six months, while Siena man Emanuele Pesoli’s three-year ban has been confirmed. Meanwhile, Lecce’s exclusion from Serie B has been confirmed so they will be demoted to the Lega Pro. But Grossetto have won their appeal and will remain in the second tier. Novara’s appeal against their two-point penalty has seen that deficit cut to one.

Agnelli furious with court's decision to uphold Conte's ban in 'witch hunt' case The club president was left fuming after the appeal against the suspension of the coach was turned down, and called for reforms in the country's legal system. Aug 22, 2012 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has blasted the Italian Federal Court of Justice after they decided to uphold Antonio Conte's 10-month ban from football. The coach was suspended by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) until the end of 2012-13 after failing to report two incidences of match-fixing while he was in charge of Siena. The coach and the club filed an appeal against the decision, but the court refused to remove or reduce the ban. "For many months I have observed this situation with disbelief, accompanied by a growing bewilderment regarding sporting justice which resembles a witch hunt," Agnelli told the club's official website. "Given that Conte was found not guilty in one of the two matches for which he was originally sentenced, the decision to uphold the full sentence arbitrarily imposes a sentence that, in effect, is double what it should be. "To impose the original sentence is like not accounting for the truth, fair justice and fails simple arithmetic. For months, I listened to members of the concerned legal institutions, and other commentators in the field told me to trust the sport judicial system. "Yet, this is a system content to make decisions and brandish penalties in the absence of evidence. It is a system that allows for plea bargains to be easily lodged, yet, rejects them without reason. " Despite the outcome, Agnelli once again declared his full support of his coach. "I reiterate the full support of Juventus towards Antonio Conte as well as Angelo Alessio, who is also fighting against the system which, in my opinion, is in need of great structural reform. Antonio Conte, as already repeatedly stated is and will remain the coach of Juventus "However, I am confident in the judicial bodies of C.O.N.I, who we will now look to help us in this battle against such profound injustice which among other things causes damages not just to individuals but companies, too."

Conte's 10-month Scommessopoli ban upheld The 43-year-old will not be allowed to take charge of the Serie A champions on matchdays, after his appeal was rejected by the Federal Court of Justice. Aug 22, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte's appeal against his 10-month ban following his involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal has proved unsuccessful. The trainer was suspended by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) until the end of the 2012-13 campaign after failing to report two instances of match-fixing during his time in charge of Siena, and the decision has now been confirmed by the Federal Court. Conte maintained earlier in the week that he was innocent and had expected to be allowed to return to the Juve bench for this weekend's Serie A opener against Parma, but assistant Massimo Carrera will now assume first-team duties of the Old Lady instead. "This situation is like an open wound for me. I am innocent and I have a clear conscience," Conte told reporters on Tuesday. The 43-year-old will still be allowed to train Juventus throughout the week, but not coach them on matchdays. Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe's acquittal was also confirmed by the Federal Court. The duo's names had already been cleared, but prosecutor Stefano Palazzi filed an appeal against the decision, which has since been rejected.

Paris Saint-Germain prepare €18m offer for Lichtsteiner The Swiss wing-back has caught the attention of the Ligue 1 giants with his consistent performances last term, and the Old Lady face a tough choice in whether to sell or not. Aug 22, 2012 Paris Saint-Germain are ready to make an €18 million offer for Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, Goal.com understands. The Ligue 1 giants are keen to add a new right-back to their squad, and had initially earmarked Anthony Reveillere as the perfect candidate. However, the right-back failed a medical at PSG, prompting the Champions League hopefuls to turn their attentions elsewhere, and they have now set their sights on Lichtsteiner. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti recently denied that the Parisians are interested in signing the Switzerland international, but they are now looking into the possibilities of luring Lichtsteiner away from his current club after all. The 28-year-old has developed into a key player at Juventus since joining them from Lazio in the summer of 2011, but the Old Lady could be tempted to cash in on the stopper if a good-enough offer comes in. PSG believe that a bid in the region of €18m will be enough to convince Juve to let go of the right-back, and the French giants are expected to make a formal offer shortly. Juventus already brought in Mauricio Isla from Udinese earlier this summer as an alternative to Lichsteiner, while Martin Caceres could also feature as right-back in a 4-3-3 or on the right side of a five-man midfield in a 3-5-2 formation.

Conte: I'm innocent and want to return to the Juventus bench for Serie A opener The 43-year-old has once again stressed that he did not do anything illegal, and expects to be acquitted to return to the dugout. Aug 21, 2012 Antonio Conte has maintained his innocence in the Scommessopoli scandal and wants to return to the Juventus bench for Saturday's Serie A opener against Parma. The successful coach was handed a 10-month suspension for his failure to report two instances of attempted match-fixing during his time in charge of Siena, but Conte refuses to accept his punishment and has lodged an appeal. The former Italy international is hopeful that his ban will be scrapped, and expects the judges to acquit him based on the evidence presented during a hearing on Monday. "This entire situation is really painful for me. The accusations are not based on anything. It will be very hard for me to forget all this. This is an act of injustice and I'm confident that the judges will acquit me after reading the evidence," Conte stated to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "I am innocent and I have a clear conscience. I am very calm and feel confident. I hope to return to the bench for this weekend's game against Juventus." Conte initially negotiated a plea bargain with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi, but the disciplinary committee rejected the proposal for a three-month ban. "I agree with the judges on one thing: 90 days wasn’t a suitable punishment - the right one is zero. "Even if today I had the certainty of a three-month ban, my answer would have been 'no'. I didn’t do anything illegal and I didn’t fail to report anything." Conte missed Juventus' 4-2 Supercoppa Italiana win over Napoli due to the suspension.

Pogba denies disrespecting Sir Alex Ferguson following Juventus move The highly rated midfielder departed Manchester United to join the Serie A giants over the summer but has refuted suggestions that he undermined his former boss. Aug 21, 2012 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has denied disrespecting Sir Alex Ferguson following his acrimonious summer exit from Manchester United. The highly rated Frenchman joined the Serie A outfit after snubbing a new contract at Old Trafford, prompting the Scot to claim that he was "quite happy that [Pogba's] away from [the club] anyway". However, the 19-year-old has hit back, revealing that he left the Premier League side after growing frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities. "I understand that people were surprised that I refused to extend my contract with Manchester United," Pogba told L'Equipe. "But Manchester United and Juventus are the same - they are two great clubs. "There were things which we [Pogba and Manchester United] did not agree on but I don’t regret anything. I learned a lot there. "The coach [Ferguson] trusted me, but he didn't play me, he said I was too young. He told me 'Your time will come', but it didn’t come. Despite the fact that he is the boss, my goal was to play. "He said I disrespected him. I do not know why he said that. A 19-year-old who says no [to him], maybe he was stuck. But for me, it will not change anything. This is not to say that I will speak ill of Manchester. I love this club. "I didn't realise that at 19 years old, I'm playing at one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I'm still young. I have not yet played 60 matches in any league or the Champions League. For now I am nothing. It is simply a chance for me to play in a big club."

Betting appeal verdict tomorrow Aug 21, 2012 The Federal Court confirms it hopes to give a verdict on the betting trial appeal “by tomorrow” after Antonio Conte and others pleaded their case. The original betting trial concluded earlier this month with Juventus Coach Conte receiving a 10-month ban for failing to report a potential fix to authorities while he was at Siena. Conte has appealed against the decision, while the FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi launched his own appeal against the exoneration of Leonardo Bonucci, Simone Pepe and Marco Di Vaio. Now the judges have heard the appeals and will consider the evidence. “We are called to some very difficult work, but will try to keep our promise to release the verdict by tomorrow,” said President of the Federal Court Gerardo Mastandrea. Conte stated in his testimony today that he is “counting on being back on the bench for the game against Parma [on Saturday].”

Pogba explains Juventus move Aug 21, 2012 Paul Pogba has revealed why he decided to leave Manchester United for Juventus this summer. The teenager quit the Old Trafford outfit at the end of his contract in order to team up with the new Italian champions. “I don't regret anything about my decision,” he told L’Equipe. “I learnt a lot at United, but you have to be part of it to understand my choice. It is a feeling I had with Coach Sir Alex Ferguson. “The Coach trusted me, but he didn't play me, saying I was too young. He said my time will come but it never did. “Despite his 25-year career and despite the fact he was the boss, my objective was to play football and I am impatient. “Now I want to become a regular starter and become one of the best players in the world. “To achieve that, there is only hard work and I learnt that alongside the great players at Manchester United.” Pogba, though, may also find it difficult to break into a Juventus midfield which houses Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Kwadwo Asamoah. “I didn't go to Juve because I knew I would be part of the starting XI,” he continued. “I have no guarantees from them. “The Coach told me there are a lot of matches to play and he wanted a substitute for Pirlo and Vidal. He didn't tell me you will play X number of matches.” Pogba also responded to claims made by Ferguson that he lacked respect by turning his back on the Premiership outfit. “I don't know why he said what he did,” Pogba noted. “A 19-year-old who said no to Ferguson – maybe he took it badly? “There were things that we failed to agree on.”

Giovinco and Pogba impress Marchisio Aug 20, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has welcomed new signings Sebastian Giovinco and Paul Pogba to Italian champions Juventus. Giovinco has returned to Turin after two years at Parma, while the French teenager has joined the Old Lady on a free from Manchester United. “Sebastian and I have played alongside each other on many occasions for the Juve Primavera side, at Empoli and this summer as well with Italy,” the midfielder noted. “He's come back here and slotted straight into the Coach’s playing system. “As for Pogba, he’ll be an excellent player in the future. The boy has a lot of quality and he's come through a great academy like the one at Manchester United. “He’s got time on his side, he has to try and earn himself as much playing time as possible.” Italian football is renowned for sometimes not giving youth a chance. Giovinco himself was sent out on loan and then sold on a co-ownership basis because of a lack of opportunities in Turin. “We have a large squad this season and there are lots of games ahead,” Marchisio continued. “We'll have to be clever and make the most of our chances. There's room for everyone, if you deserve to play then you'll get games.”

Barzagli demands Juventus hunger Aug 20, 2012 Andrea Barzagli has urged his Juventus side to show the same appetite for success which helped them to the title last term. The Old Lady won the Scudetto after finishing the previous two seasons in the Italian top flight in seventh place. “We weren't favourites when we set out last year, but we believed in ourselves and we ran out as winners,” the January 2011 signing from Wolfsburg stated. “We just need to make sure we keep going out there with the same hunger and determination, otherwise you stop going forward.” Juventus have enjoyed a reasonably good pre-season after wins against Napoli in the Italian Super Cup and a 3-2 triumph over Milan on Sunday. “We're working really hard,” added the Italian international. “The new lads have settled in well and the results are there for all to see. “This match against Milan was an important test and we came through it well. We showed people what we're made of. “We weren't on top of our game in the Super Cup but we played well on Sunday, even though we were missing a couple of key men.”

Conte appeal starts today Aug 20, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte will today begin his legal fight to have his 10-month touchline ban dismissed. The tactician is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a probe by the Italian Football Federation saw him found guilty of failing to report attempts to fix two matches while in charge of Siena. Conte has always maintained his innocence and has taken his case to an appeal process which will start this afternoon. Conte, as confirmed yesterday, will be present. The former midfielder’s legal team will work on questioning the credibility of former Siena player Filippo Carobbio, whose testimony has landed Conte in hot water. The court could give its ruling as soon as Wednesday. If Conte isn’t cleared then he will at least try to have his suspension reduced, before taking his case to the next step of the appeal process which could clear him or reduce his sentence even further.

Lichtsteiner set for Juve talks Aug 20, 2012 Juventus will reportedly hold talks with the agent of Stephan Lichtsteiner this week about Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in him. Although PSG boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that the right-back is not one of their targets, the transfer rumour mill continues to link the defender with the French outfit. It is being claimed that Juventus director general Beppe Marotta will meet with the Swiss international’s representative towards the end of the week to discuss their options. The Old Lady now value the former Lazio player, signed at a cost of €10.5m last summer, at around €15m. Paris SG are also said to be willing to offer the stopper a four-year deal worth €4m a campaign – around double his current salary. The Turin giants could consider a sale given the presence of Martin Caceres, Simone Pepe and Mauricio Isla in their squad given that they can all play on the right in a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 system.