Socrates

Cristian Stellini resigns amid Scommessopoli allegations The club have confirmed that a member of Antonio Conte's backroom staff had submitted his resignation to the club after being implicated in the scandal. Aug 6, 2012 The on-going investigation into the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal has led to Cristian Stellini resigning from his position as technical assistant coach of Juventus. The future of their coach Antonio Conte, and his deputy, Angelo Alessio, remain uncertain, but the former Bari player, who had also been part of Conte’s coaching team while at Siena in 2010-11 when the alleged match-fixing occurred, has confirmed his exit. The 38-year-old posted a statement on the club's official website, apologising for his role in the affair. "The events of the last month have deeply affected me. In a short space of time I went from member of the technical staff of the champions of Italy to a cause of turmoil for those with whom I worked," Stellini wrote. "Whatever the outcome of the legal situation I am in, I feel it is only right to show a professional attitude and release this weight from Juventus which fell on to the club’s shoulders due to my time elsewhere in my career. "I think it is right to dedicate all my time and efforts to clearing my position in these matters, which are exclusively about me and not those I simply shared a locker room with. "I therefore tend my irrevocable resignation as technical assistant at Juventus." However, there was optimism elsewhere at the club on Monday as the lawyer of the Bianconeri defender Leonardo Bonucci stated that he was confident his client would be cleared of the charges of sporting fraud levelled against him.

Bonucci has nothing to admit to, says lawyer The Italy international's legal representative says the 25-year-old is entirely innocent after accusations of sporting fraud were levelled against him. Aug 6, 2012 Giampietro Bianchi, the lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, believes that his client will be cleared of any role in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. Our definitive countdown of the finest players from 2011-12 has commenced. Click here to view our slideshow of the stars who ranked 50-4 in our list! The centre-back has been charged with sporting fraud in relation to incidents that occurred during his spell at Bari during the 2009-10 season, with the federal prosecutor in charge of handling the on-going scandal, Stefano Palazzi, requesting a three-and-a-half-year ban be given to the 25-year-old. Despite the sanctions proposed by Palazzi, the defender's representative is confident that his client's name will be cleared in due course. "The prosecutor offered us the opportunity to move the charge from sporting fraud to simply failing to alert authorities to a potential fix, but only if there were new facts that he was going to admit to,” Bianchi explained to Tuttosport. "Bonucci has not done anything, so what was he supposed to admit? It is true there would be some risks of civil court action too, but in any case he would never have 'confessed' to anything untrue. It is a moral decision. "He would have evaluated the possibility out of respect for Juve's interest, but not if it meant admitting to something he never actually did." The lawyer pleaded his case to the Disciplinary Committee of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Saturday, identifying inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony against his client.

Bonucci has nothing to admit to, says lawyer The Italy international's legal representative says the 25-year-old is entirely innocent after accusations of sporting fraud were levelled against him. Aug 6, 2012 Giampietro Bianchi, the lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, believes that his client will be cleared of any role in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. Our definitive countdown of the finest players from 2011-12 has commenced. Click here to view our slideshow of the stars who ranked 50-4 in our list! The centre-back has been charged with sporting fraud in relation to incidents that occurred during his spell at Bari during the 2009-10 season, with the federal prosecutor in charge of handling the on-going scandal, Stefano Palazzi, requesting a three-and-a-half-year ban be given to the 25-year-old. Despite the sanctions proposed by Palazzi, the defender's representative is confident that his client's name will be cleared in due course. "The prosecutor offered us the opportunity to move the charge from sporting fraud to simply failing to alert authorities to a potential fix, but only if there were new facts that he was going to admit to,” Bianchi explained to Tuttosport. "Bonucci has not done anything, so what was he supposed to admit? It is true there would be some risks of civil court action too, but in any case he would never have 'confessed' to anything untrue. It is a moral decision. "He would have evaluated the possibility out of respect for Juve's interest, but not if it meant admitting to something he never actually did." The lawyer pleaded his case to the Disciplinary Committee of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Saturday, identifying inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony against his client.

Allegri concedes Juventus are favourites for Serie A title The Rossoneri coach admits the reigning champions are the team to beat in the new season, but is hopeful his men can spring a surprise, despite numerous high-profile departures. Aug 6, 2012 AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has conceded that Juventus are the favourites to win the Scudetto in 2012-13, but stressed anything can happen in football. The Turin giants started last year as one of the outsiders for the Serie A title, but finished the season as the unbeaten champions, and Allegri hopes the Rossoneri can pull off a similar surprise this time around. "Juventus have made some good signings and they are the favourites to win the title. However, you never know how things will pan out out in football," Allegri told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Last year, everybody thought that we would dominate the league and that it would be a duel with Inter. But in the end Juventus went on to win the title without losing, so who knows..."

Juventus ready to avenge Coppa Italia loss against Napoli, says Marrone The midfielder has made it clear that the Serie A champions are desperate to win their first trophy of the season, and would be willing to deputise in defence whenever necessary. Aug 6, 2012 Luca Marrone has stressed that Juventus are raring to go ahead of the Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli on August 11. The Old Lady missed out on a domestic double last season, as the Partenopei proved to be too strong in the Coppa Italia final, and the Turin giants will be gunning for revenge on Saturday, according to the youngster. "The season's only just starting but we feel good, our legs are starting to tick over nicely and in a week's time we'll be in top shape. We're fired up for this game with Napoli," Marrone was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "The Super Cup is the first piece of silverware up for grabs and we're determined to avenge our defeat in the Coppa Italia final. We can't wait to get out there and play it." Marrone featured in defence earlier this pre-season, and the 22-year-old - a midfielder by trade - has made it clear that he is happy to help out wherever he is needed. "The boss told me a few days ago that he wanted to try me out in defence," he added. "We already discussed it last year before the game in Genoa, but then Vidal came in and did a great job. I'm ready to do my bit for the team wherever the coach wants me to play."

Juventus line up Astori as Bonucci replacement As the former Bari defender prepares to learn his fate, the Old Lady have compiled a list of possible alternatives, and the Cagliari man is believed to be top of the pile. Aug 5, 2012 Juventus are ready to launch a bid for Davide Astori if Leonardo Bonucci is handed a three-year ban for his involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal, claims Tuttosport. The Italy stopper is potentially facing a considerable spell out of football, having been charged for sporting fraud along with Bianconeri team-mate Simone Pepe, and it has forced the side's hand into looking at defensive reinforcements. According to reports in Italy, Juve general manager Giuseppe Marotta had reportedly targeted Bruno Alves and Salvatore Bocchetti, but they have now set their sights on the Cagliari centre-back, who is expected to leave Sardinia this summer. The Scudetto holders are expected to propose a cash-plus-player offer to the Rossoblu, with young Dutch midfielder Ouasim Bouy the likeliest man to go in the opposite direction. However, there is also a chance that a new face will not be brought in, as they have faith in Martin Caceres and Alberto Masi's abilities in making the step up next season, while Lucio has already been secured from Inter Milan. The publication also claims that the Italian champions have cooled their interest in Pablo Armero for the time being, and instead switched their attentions to Federico Peluso. The Colombian left-back appeared to be on the verge of completing a transfer to Turin, but Udinese now want him to stay put for their Champions League play-off campaign.

Juve eye Astori for Bonucci Aug 5, 2012 With Leonardo Bonucci facing a potential ban of three-and-a-half years, Juventus are targeting Cagliari defender Davide Astori. Bonucci was in court yesterday to fight the charges of sporting fraud, which could see him suspended for three years and six months if found guilty. A verdict is expected between Wednesday and Friday, but in the meantime he has gone with the squad to Beijing for the Italian Super Cup against Napoli on Saturday. According to Tuttosport, the Bianconeri are preparing for the worst and therefore beginning talks with Cagliari for his replacement. The target is fellow Italian international Astori, who had already been very close to Milan this summer. Cagliari are not prepared to part with their centre-back for less than €12m, although Juve are hoping to propose a paid loan with option to buy plus the loan of Ouasim Buoy. Other options include Salvatore Bocchetti, Bruno Alves, Andreas Granqvist, Federico Peluso and Marco Andreolli.

Napoli squad for Super Cup Aug 5, 2012 Napoli have named their squad for the Italian Super Cup encounter with Juventus in Beijing, including Edinson Cavani. The Coppa Italia holders take on the Scudetto winners at the Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing on Saturday August 11, kick-off 13.00 in the UK. The Partenopei squad will fly out tomorrow morning and hold their first training session on Tuesday afternoon. Cavani was expected to miss out on the clash, but Uruguay were eliminated from the 2012 Olympics in the first round, so he is free to play next weekend. Napoli squad for Italian Super Cup: De Sanctis, Rosati, Colombo, Aronica, Britos, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Fernandez, Gamberini, Grava, Bariti, Behrami, Donadel, Dossena, Gargano, Hamsik, Inler, Maggio, Zuniga, Cavani, Insigne, Pandev, Vargas

Conte included in Bari investigations over Scommessopoli Despite already facing a 15-month ban from football, the Juventus boss could now be sanctioned via his alleged involvement in foul play at the San Nicola three years ago. Aug 5, 2012 Antonio Conte will be questioned when Bari are investigated for their role in the Scommessopoli scandal on Tuesday, according to Corriere dello Sport. The 43-year-old had already been threatened with the possibility of a 15-month ban by federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi, after failing to report instances of match-fixing while at Siena, and will now stand trial to clear his name. However, it has now come to light that the coach, who recently led Juventus to their first official Serie A title since 2003, could face further punishment, relating to his spell in charge of second-tier outfit Bari between 2007 and 2009. The accusations claim the Biancorossi deliberately threw their 3-2 defeat to Salernitana on May 23, 2009, with Conte, in his post-match reaction, suggesting: "It was a real game and I would like to have come out unscathed." Conte sat out Juventus' 2-0 friendly victory over Malaga on Saturday, with first-team coach Massimo Carrera taking the reins.

Bonucci & Pepe included in Juventus squad for Supercoppa Italiana Both players will travel with the squad to Beijing to face Napoli despite the prosecutor in the ongoing Scommessopoli case calling for them to receive lengthy bans. Aug 5, 2012 Juventus have announced their 27-man squad for their Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli in Beijing on Saturday, with both Leonardo Bonnuci and Simone Pepe both included. Despite the prosecutor in the ongoing Scommessopoli case calling for the duo to receive lengthy bans, the Italian champions are hoping to field them against the Partenopei. Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte has also been implicated in the match-fixing scandal, and could be barred from appearing on the touchline for 15 months for failing to report match-fixing acitvities. The Serie A champions completed their preparations for the event with a 2-0 victory over Malaga on August 5, and will travel to China on Sunday. Paul Pogba, who completed his long-awaited switch from Manchester United on Friday, will also travel with the squad while Michele Pazienza, who featured as a substitute against Malaga, has not been included. Kick off on Saturday is scheduled for 14:00.

Juve name Super Cup squad Aug 5, 2012 Juventus have named their 27-man squad for the Italian Super Cup against Napoli in Beijing, including Leonardo Bonucci. The Bianconeri beat Malaga 2-0 last night in a Salerno friendly and will fly directly to China for the encounter on August 11. Only Michele Pazienza was left behind of the 26 players in Salerno, but they have been joined by Andrea Barzagli and Mirko Vucinic. Tellingly, Bonucci is included in the squad despite the fact he could well be suspended by the time the Super Cup clash comes around. Bonucci was in front of the Disciplinary Commission yesterday afternoon and is fighting the betting trial charges that could see him banned for three years and six months. Antonio Conte is also fighting a potential 15-month ban, so the Coach sat in the stands for last night’s friendly against Malaga, handing the reins to assistant Massimo Carrera. The betting trial is expected to make a ruling on August 8-10. Juventus squad for Italian Super Cup: Buffon, Storari, Leali, Branescu, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Ceglie, Lucio, Masi, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Untersee, Ziegler, Asamoah, Giaccherini, Marchisio, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Boakye, Giovinco, Matri, Quagliarella, Vucinic.

Masiello cannot get his story straight, insists Bonucci's lawyer Claims implicating the Bianconeri centre-back in the ongoing Scommessopoli scandal are confused and unfounded, according to the player's court representative. Aug 4, 2012 The lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has hit out at Atalanta right-back Andrea Masiello, claiming that he is forever changing his claims in the ongoing investigation into match-fixing in Italian football. The 25-year-old Italy international is facing a ban of three years and six months after he was deemed to have allegedly played a part in fixing two games while on the books of the Bari, alongside the full-back, in 2009-10. But his legal representative has swiftly stepped in to discredit the claims made in Masiello's testifying statements, claiming they are riddled with contradictions with regards to key events. "Masiello contradicts himself so much as he tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor," Gian Pietro Bianchi was quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "We don't even know what role Bonucci played here anymore." "The prosecutor claims Masiello's changing testimony is 'progressively enriched', when in actuality it is rather a progressive climax towards illogicality. "Masiello has already spoken twice, but not once did he bring up the Udinese-Bari match. Even here, he cannot get his story straight. Evidently, something doesn't fit here, there are illogical discrepancies." Meanwhile, Bonucci's Bianconeri team-mate Simone Pepe has also been implicated, with the winger accused of not reporting an attempted fix to the relevant authorities. But he has decided not to accept a plea bargain proposal, which would have seen him banned for one year. "That option becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it's about three months, but not more than that," clarified lawyer Luigi Chiappero. Juve coach Antonio Conte has also been implicated in ongoing investigations, and could face a 15-month ban.

Masiello cannot get his story straight, insists Bonucci's lawyer Claims implicating the Bianconeri centre-back in the ongoing Scommessopoli scandal are confused and unfounded, according to the player's court representative. Aug 4, 2012 The lawyer of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has hit out at Atalanta right-back Andrea Masiello, claiming that he is forever changing his claims in the ongoing investigation into match-fixing in Italian football. The 25-year-old Italy international is facing a ban of three years and six months after he was deemed to have allegedly played a part in fixing two games while on the books of the Bari, alongside the full-back, in 2009-10. But his legal representative has swiftly stepped in to discredit the claims made in Masiello's testifying statements, claiming they are riddled with contradictions with regards to key events. "Masiello contradicts himself so much as he tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor," Gian Pietro Bianchi was quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "We don't even know what role Bonucci played here anymore." "The prosecutor claims Masiello's changing testimony is 'progressively enriched', when in actuality it is rather a progressive climax towards illogicality. "Masiello has already spoken twice, but not once did he bring up the Udinese-Bari match. Even here, he cannot get his story straight. Evidently, something doesn't fit here, there are illogical discrepancies." Meanwhile, Bonucci's Bianconeri team-mate Simone Pepe has also been implicated, with the winger accused of not reporting an attempted fix to the relevant authorities. But he has decided not to accept a plea bargain proposal, which would have seen him banned for one year. "That option becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it's about three months, but not more than that," clarified lawyer Luigi Chiappero. Juve coach Antonio Conte has also been implicated in ongoing investigations, and could face a 15-month ban.

'Conte's dignity is priceless' Aug 4, 2012 Antonio Conte’s lawyer reveals why the Juventus Coach took a plea bargain and then chose to fight the betting charges in a full trial. “His dignity is priceless.” The tactician is charged with failing to alert authorities to a potential fix while he was at Siena, something he has always denied. He was willing to take a plea bargain on the strict condition it was not an admission of guilt (which is possible under Italian law), but the Disciplinary Commission rejected the suspension of three months with €200,000 fine. Conte and his assistant manager Angelo Alessio have taken a surprising step by not sitting on the bench for tonight's friendly against Malaga. Massimo Carrera takes the reins instead, as Juve are forced to prepare for life without Conte on the touchline. “He was always very consistent, saying he wanted to respect the work of the prosecutors and judges,” lawyer Antonio De Rensis told Sky Sport Italia. “Despite the difficulties this situation created for Juventus and his family, he is the one who gives us strength. The same level of strength and support comes from President Andrea Agnelli. “A plea bargain in a sporting trial is an opportunity and I can guarantee it was very hard to convince Conte to accept the three-month ban. When that failed, every other option fell away, because Antonio Conte’s dignity is priceless. “What irritated him the most? He always put the needs of the team first, even in front of his pride and dignity. What hurt Antonio the most was being painted as someone unfair, which everyone knows is completely opposed to the reality. “He is a man of great heart and honesty. Those who know him, love him.” After the plea bargain collapsed, the prosecutor requested a 15-month ban and the Disciplinary Commission judges are expected to make a decision around August 8-10. “I think the fact the prosecutor quintupled his requested ban shows how out of proportion this is,” continued the lawyer. “The truth is in the paperwork, as there are some passages of testimony that are completely contradictory. In five versions Carlo Gervasoni and Filippo Carobbio changed their stories in the detail and every time this happened Carobbio said that Gervasoni was lying. If one says black and the other says white, then someone here is not telling the truth. “I am convinced the Disciplinary Commission is not targeting Conte, it’s just that Carobbio said things that are contradicted within the paperwork at their disposal. Unfortunately, they have so little time to get to the bottom of things. “The paperwork says it all. I’d like to point out that against my client there are no intercepted phone calls or a money trail. The only evidence is the testimony of someone who already confessed to sporting fraud. “I feel evidence has to be fundamental, otherwise we are facing a witch-hunt.”

Bonucci lawyer fights betting charges Aug 4, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is also set to go to a full betting trial after plea bargain negotiations failed, as his lawyers picked apart the Udinese-Bari evidence. The Italian international is accused of sporting fraud due to his time at Bari, risking three years and six months suspension. There were reports this morning he was in talks with the prosecutor Stefano Palazzi to work out a plea bargain based on failing to report an attempted fix to authorities rather than the more serious charge, but it seems to have collapsed. Bonucci’s lawyer, Gian Pietro Bianchi, criticised the basis of the evidence against Bonucci, which came from Andrea Masiello’s testimony. “The prosecutor claims Masiello’s changing testimony was ‘progressively enriched’ rather than contradictory. But it is a progressive climax towards illogicality. “As Masiello tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor, he contradicts himself so much that we can’t even work out what role Bonucci had in this match. “Masiello spoke twice to the Cremona prosecutors, once in Bari, and he never mentioned the Udinese-Bari match. On February 7 Iacovelli was the first to talk about Udinese-Bari, including Masiello but not Bonucci. “When Masiello discovered through the newspapers that Iacovelli had talked – which is in itself damaging the evidence – then Masiello brought Bonucci into it. “However, even here Masiello cannot get his story straight. First he said he asked Bonucci for the fix the week before the training camp, then he said specifically in the locker room. In the meantime, Bonucci proves he couldn’t have been there at that date because he was on international duty. “So Masiello is asked about the circumstances of their meeting again, because the dates don’t match up. Masiello changes it to before the trip to Udine, which is his fourth testimony and fourth change, but it’s not enough. “When he testifies on July 10 and ‘perfectly remembers’ Bonucci was not present during the week, so the meeting happened on the team bus to Udine. But Bonucci was there from Thursday and trained regularly each day. “Evidently something doesn’t fit here, there are illogical discrepancies. Masiello also testified with discrepancies over whether the fix was meant to be an ‘over’ with many goals, a draw with goals or specifically 2-2. “Then Masiello said he was passive on the second and third goals on purpose. But why? If it was meant to be a 2-2 for the betting syndicate, why would he favour a 3-2 result for Udinese? “De Tullio testified that Masiello sorted the ‘fix’ Udinese-Bari all by himself and is just a big liar.” Simone Pepe is also involved in this match, dragged in by Masiello’s testimony for failing to report an attempted fix to authorities, as Salvatore Masiello was the one who was meant to call Pepe. Udinese could also see their fine revoked, because the charge of sporting fraud would be reduced to an attempted – and failed – fix orchestrated entirely by Andrea Masiello. Prosecutor Palazzi requested several breaks during today’s court session, with many suggesting this means his entire case around Udinese-Bari is collapsing.

Bonucci lawyer fights betting charges Aug 4, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is also set to go to a full betting trial after plea bargain negotiations failed, as his lawyers picked apart the Udinese-Bari evidence. The Italian international is accused of sporting fraud due to his time at Bari, risking three years and six months suspension. There were reports this morning he was in talks with the prosecutor Stefano Palazzi to work out a plea bargain based on failing to report an attempted fix to authorities rather than the more serious charge, but it seems to have collapsed. Bonucci’s lawyer, Gian Pietro Bianchi, criticised the basis of the evidence against Bonucci, which came from Andrea Masiello’s testimony. “The prosecutor claims Masiello’s changing testimony was ‘progressively enriched’ rather than contradictory. But it is a progressive climax towards illogicality. “As Masiello tries to make his version of events more useful to the prosecutor, he contradicts himself so much that we can’t even work out what role Bonucci had in this match. “Masiello spoke twice to the Cremona prosecutors, once in Bari, and he never mentioned the Udinese-Bari match. On February 7 Iacovelli was the first to talk about Udinese-Bari, including Masiello but not Bonucci. “When Masiello discovered through the newspapers that Iacovelli had talked – which is in itself damaging the evidence – then Masiello brought Bonucci into it. “However, even here Masiello cannot get his story straight. First he said he asked Bonucci for the fix the week before the training camp, then he said specifically in the locker room. In the meantime, Bonucci proves he couldn’t have been there at that date because he was on international duty. “So Masiello is asked about the circumstances of their meeting again, because the dates don’t match up. Masiello changes it to before the trip to Udine, which is his fourth testimony and fourth change, but it’s not enough. “When he testifies on July 10 and ‘perfectly remembers’ Bonucci was not present during the week, so the meeting happened on the team bus to Udine. But Bonucci was there from Thursday and trained regularly each day. “Evidently something doesn’t fit here, there are illogical discrepancies. Masiello also testified with discrepancies over whether the fix was meant to be an ‘over’ with many goals, a draw with goals or specifically 2-2. “Then Masiello said he was passive on the second and third goals on purpose. But why? If it was meant to be a 2-2 for the betting syndicate, why would he favour a 3-2 result for Udinese? “De Tullio testified that Masiello sorted the ‘fix’ Udinese-Bari all by himself and is just a big liar.” Simone Pepe is also involved in this match, dragged in by Masiello’s testimony for failing to report an attempted fix to authorities, as Salvatore Masiello was the one who was meant to call Pepe. Udinese could also see their fine revoked, because the charge of sporting fraud would be reduced to an attempted – and failed – fix orchestrated entirely by Andrea Masiello. Prosecutor Palazzi requested several breaks during today’s court session, with many suggesting this means his entire case around Udinese-Bari is collapsing.

Bonucci and Pepe case rests Aug 4, 2012 Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci’s lawyers explained why they are going to a full betting trial, but Simone Bentivoglio takes a 13-month plea bargain. The betting trial continued today with Juventus players Pepe and Bonucci accompanied in the court by director general Beppe Marotta. There were reported negotiations for hours on a possible plea bargain, but instead Bonucci and Pepe opted to fight the charges and go to a full trial. The sentence is expected on August 8-10. It can be a risky tactic, considering Bonucci faces a three-and-a-half year ban, while Pepe could be suspended for a year. “The plea bargain becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it’s about three months, but not more than that,” said lawyer Chiappero. Most of those involved in the scandal are charged with failing to report a potential fix to authorities. This means even those who were approached and refused a proposed fix, or might’ve been aware something strange was happening, can be banned for a year or more. For example, Juve Coach Antonio Conte risks a 15-month ban for this charge while he was at Siena. “It’s about time we reconsider the existence of this charge. It was useful when there weren’t full trials, but now it can become even dangerous.” Bonucci and Pepe left the Rome court this afternoon and travelled to Salerno, where Juventus are set to play Malaga in a friendly this evening. Meanwhile, Chievo midfielder Bentivoglio has accepted a plea bargain for one count of sporting fraud (Palermo-Bari, May 2011) and two of failing to report to authorities (Bari-Sampdoria, April 2011 and Bari-Lecce, May 2011). Bentivoglio has negotiated a 13-month ban plus a €50,000 fine. The prosecutor had requested a ban of three years and six months.

Bonucci and Pepe case rests Aug 4, 2012 Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci’s lawyers explained why they are going to a full betting trial, but Simone Bentivoglio takes a 13-month plea bargain. The betting trial continued today with Juventus players Pepe and Bonucci accompanied in the court by director general Beppe Marotta. There were reported negotiations for hours on a possible plea bargain, but instead Bonucci and Pepe opted to fight the charges and go to a full trial. The sentence is expected on August 8-10. It can be a risky tactic, considering Bonucci faces a three-and-a-half year ban, while Pepe could be suspended for a year. “The plea bargain becomes difficult when facing such a long ban. You can negotiate when it’s about three months, but not more than that,” said lawyer Chiappero. Most of those involved in the scandal are charged with failing to report a potential fix to authorities. This means even those who were approached and refused a proposed fix, or might’ve been aware something strange was happening, can be banned for a year or more. For example, Juve Coach Antonio Conte risks a 15-month ban for this charge while he was at Siena. “It’s about time we reconsider the existence of this charge. It was useful when there weren’t full trials, but now it can become even dangerous.” Bonucci and Pepe left the Rome court this afternoon and travelled to Salerno, where Juventus are set to play Malaga in a friendly this evening.

Pogba: 'I can be better than Vieira' Aug 4, 2012 Paul Pogba has given his first interview as a Juventus player, noting he wants to “make history and maybe become stronger than Patrick Vieira.” The 19-year-old French midfielder signed a four-year contract after he had become a free agent from Manchester United. “I’m so happy to have seen the Juventus Museum and be able to fully appreciate the club’s history,” he told the Bianconeri website. “I’ve noticed there are many champions who have played for this team and I hope that I’ll be able to form part of this group of champions to share its history in the future. “I’m happy to be here, it’s a real honour. Among the former players I was particularly inspired to see Michel Platini, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. From the current crop I’d say Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon, Claudio Marchisio and also Giorgio Chiellini. “They’re all quality players and I’ve got a great desire to play alongside them. I hope it all goes well and I’m able to forge a good understanding with everyone.” Pogba was able to leave Manchester United when his contract expired this summer. “I started playing there when I was 16-17 years old. I learned a great deal from strong players like Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney. I played alongside them and was able to admire their excellent level of football. “I’m sure that at Juventus, with players like Pirlo, it will be a similar learning experience. I am truly happy to embark on this new adventure and hope I can do even better. “I hope the fans take to me and support me. I like it when the fans yell your name and urge you on. It can give you an added boost.” Pogba was asked to describe his own characteristics and looked to a former Juventus player. “I’ve been compared to Vieira and it’s a compliment as far as I’m concerned. I hope to maybe become even stronger than he was, taking some of his best qualities, but also offering something different as Pogba and not Vieira. “I’m really happy to be here and proud to wear the black and white colours.”

Pogba wants to become 'even better than Vieira' The young midfielder is aiming high for the future, as he intends to surpass his compatriot and eventually join the likes of Platini, Nedved and Baggio as Juventus greats. Aug 4, 2012 Juventus new boy Paul Pogba has revealed that his ambition is to become even better than Patrick Vieira, after acknowledging frequent comparisons between himself and the former France international. The midfielder, 19, signed a four-year deal with the Serie A champions on Friday to complete his free transfer switch from Manchester United, and he is keen to make an impact at his new club. "I have been compared to Vieira. That’s a compliment as far as I’m concerned," Pogba told the official Juventus website. "However, I hope to become even better than he was. I want to take some of his best qualities, while also offering something different. I am Pogba and not the new Vieira." The midfielder then went on to stress that his dream is to become part of Juventus' history and join former greats such as Michel Platini, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. "There are many champions who have played for this team and I hope that will be able to become part of this group of champions. "Among the former players I was particularly inspired to see Platini, Nedved and Baggio [at the Juventus museum]."

Joaquin scarico

Grazie a tutti.

Lucio sbaglia ancora.

Sono arrivato da poco. Ma c'é Carrera in panchina e Conte?

Scommessopoli prosecutor demands lengthy bans for Juventus duo Bonucci and Pepe Stefano Palazzi, the man in charge of dealing with those involved in Scommessopoli, wants heavy sanctions to be imposed on the pair, along with Montreal Impact's Marco Di Vaio. Aug 3, 2012 The federal prosecutor handling the on-going Scommessopoli scandal, Stefano Palazzi, has requested lengthy bans for Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe. The Juventus duo have been charged with sporting fraud as part of the match-fixing ring, with Palazzi wanting a three-and-a-half-year ban for the centre-back, and a year's suspension for the ex-Bologna winger. The prosecutor is also demanding a year-long ban for Marco Di Vaio, the former Bologna striker who recently moved to Canadian side Montreal Impact. Other prominent Italian footballers facing considerable penalties include Siena's Emilio Belmonte (four years), Giuseppe Vives (three-and-a-half years) and Daniele Portanova (one year), and former Bari trio Simone Bentivoglio, Stefano Guberti and Salvatore Masiello (up to three-and-a-half years). The heaviest sanction, however, lies with Pierandrea Semeraro, as Palazzi is holding out for a five-year ban to be imposed on the ex-Lecce president. The requests will now be reviewed by the Disciplinary Committee of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).