Socrates

Bonucci risks three-year ban for Scommessopoli involvement The defender could face a lengthy ban for his role in the match-fixing scandal, while Antonio Conte and Simone Pepe could also be slapped with suspensions. Jul 26, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could face a three-year ban for his role in the Scommessopoli scandal as the Italian FA (FIGC) has announced that the centre-back will face charges of sporting fraud. The FIGC revealed the names of 44 players and 13 clubs that have been indicted for their part in the match-fixing probe, with Bonucci being one of the high-profile names on the list. The 25-year-old is believed to have been involved in fixing the result of matches during his spell at Bari in 2009-10. Furthermore, Juve coach Antonio Conte could be suspended as he faces charges of failing to report two attempts of match-fixing during his time at Siena. The Scudetto-winning trainer was questioned by the prosecution earlier this summer, and was cleared of sporting fraud. However, Conte is now accused of being aware of attempts to fix the results of the games against Novara and Albinoleffe. Juventus winger Simone Pepe also faces charges of failing to report attempted match-fixing activities during his stint at Udinese. Other players who will be judged for their roles in the scandal are Marco Di Vaio, Daniele Portanova and Andrea Masiello.

Bonucci risks three-year ban for Scommessopoli involvement The defender could face a lengthy ban for his role in the match-fixing scandal, while Antonio Conte and Simone Pepe could also be slapped with suspensions. Jul 26, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci could face a three-year ban for his role in the Scommessopoli scandal as the Italian FA (FIGC) has announced that the centre-back will face charges of sporting fraud. The FIGC revealed the names of 44 players and 13 clubs that have been indicted for their part in the match-fixing probe, with Bonucci being one of the high-profile names on the list. The 25-year-old is believed to have been involved in fixing the result of matches during his spell at Bari in 2009-10. Furthermore, Juve coach Antonio Conte could be suspended as he faces charges of failing to report two attempts of match-fixing during his time at Siena. The Scudetto-winning trainer was questioned by the prosecution earlier this summer, and was cleared of sporting fraud. However, Conte is now accused of being aware of attempts to fix the results of the games against Novara and Albinoleffe. Juventus winger Simone Pepe also faces charges of failing to report attempted match-fixing activities during his stint at Udinese. Other players who will be judged for their roles in the scandal are Marco Di Vaio, Daniele Portanova and Andrea Masiello.

Juventus boss Conte on trial Jul 26, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte will face sporting charges of allegedly failing to report attempts to fix two Siena games. Conte was questioned by the Italian Football Federation’s chief prosecutor earlier this month, after claims were made that he was involved in plans to arrange the outcome of games against Novara and Albinoleffe while in charge of Siena. While the tactician has been cleared of sporting fraud, he will have to face charges that he was aware of the circumstances around the games. Conte, if found guilty, could be fined or suspended – with a ban, according to some sources in Italy on Thursday, at around the six-month mark. The tactician has always maintained his innocence following the accusations made against him by his former player at Siena, Filippo Carobbio. The FIGC have been investigating the possibility that numerous games have been rigged as part of a numerous betting probes up and down the peninsula. Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Simone Pepe have also been caught up in the drama given their time at Bari and Udinese respectively. Bonucci will face a deferral for sporting fraud, while Pepe will have to prove his innocence after also being accused of failing to report knowledge of attempted match-fixing in reference to a Bari-Udinese tie in 2010. It is being alleged that Bologna’s Daniele Portanova and Atalanta’s Andrea Masiello could face lengthy bans too. Clubs such as Lecce, Grosseto and Siena will also be in the dock as they run the risk of a point penalty for the new season. Those individuals charged with sporting fraud could face lengthy bans if found guilty. Hearings are set to start on August 2.

Marchisio: Juventus can be successful in the Champions League The versatile midfielder believes the Old Lady can make an impact in Europe's premier club competition if they show the fighting spirit that they exhibited last term. Jul 24, 2012 Claudio Marchisio believes that Juventus can enjoy a successful season in Europe in 2012-13 if they show the right attitude. The Turin giants claimed the Serie A title with an unbeaten league campaign, and the Italy international believes they can go far in the Champions League this term if they show the same determination as they did in 2011-12. "Juventus will be even stronger than last year, and will also be fighting for the Champions League," Marchisio was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "Nobody thought that we could win Serie A without losing a single game. We can be successful in Europe if we have the same spirit that we had last year. "We hope that Juventus will return to the top of Europe again. The important thing is to believe in yourself. You must have faith in your own qualities in every game, just like we did last season." Juventus last featured in the Champions League in 2009-10, when they failed to progress past the group stage.

Fiorentina want Juventus to include Marrone in Jovetic deal The Old Lady are desperate to lure the Montenegro international to Turin this summer, and the inclusion of the young midfielder could be enough to convince the Viola. Jul 24, 2012 Fiorentina have asked Juventus to include Luca Marrone in their offer for Stevan Jovetic, Goal.com can reveal. The Turin giants saw their previous bid of €13 million plus Alessandro Matri and Michele Pazienza turned down by the Viola, who were initially holding out for a transfer fee of €30m. However, Fiorentina could now accept an offer in the region of €22m plus 50 per cent of the economical rights of Marrone as head coach Vincenzo Montella sees the 22-year-old midfielder as a useful addition to his squad. Juventus trainer Antonio Conte considers Marrone to be an important player for the future, and would support the ideal of seeing the former Italy Under-21 starlet earn first-team experience elsewhere as long as the Serie A champions can re-sign him in the future. Marrone is a product of the Juve youth academy, and made his official first-team debut in the 2009-10 campaign. Although a deal is still far away at this stage, negotiations between both clubs are ongoing, and the Bianconeri remain hopeful of acquiring Jovetic. The Montenegro international, 22, was recently stripped of the Fiorentina captaincy, and is keen to make the move to Turin as he wants to play Champions League football.

Marchisio: Beware of Juve hunger Jul 24, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has failed to rule out Juventus as serious contenders for the 2012-13 Champions League. The Old Lady will return to the competition after winning Serie A last term and the midfielder is in optimistic mood.

Marrone can play Pirlo role Jul 23, 2012 Luca Marrone says he’s ready to stay at Juventus to act as cover for Andrea Pirlo during the 2012-13 campaign. “The Pirlo role is the position in which I prefer to play,” the 22-year-old Italian has commented. “I have the characteristics of a deep-lying playmaker.” It was unclear what the Old Lady would do with Marrone given that he was limited to just six appearances in all competitions last season. “Anything can still happen in the transfer market,” the Italian Under-21 international continued. “But the Coach has wanted me to stay in Turin for over a year now and I’m happy.” Antonio Conte knows the midfielder well given that he first bossed him during a loan spell at Siena in the 2010-11 season.

Conte makes us all feel important, says Marrone The young midfielder has nothing but praise for the Bianconeri trainer, and expressed his ambition to do even better than last term with the Turin giants. Jul 23, 2012 Juventus youngster Luca Marrone has hailed head coach Antonio Conte's role in the club's recent success, as he feels the former Italy international does a great job of keeping everybody motivated. Marrone added that the 42-year-old has played a big part in his personal development, and he is determined to reward the trainer for the faith shown in him. "The coach makes us all feel important. We feel we have all got a possibility of being in the starting line-up," Marrone stated to the club's official website. "I have been working with Conte for a few years and I know what he wants, so I will look to make my contribution. The belief shown by him and the club can only give me confidence, pride and desire to work with the utmost commitment." The 22-year-old then went on to express his delight with Juve's activity in the transfer market, and is hopeful that the Old Lady can replicate last year's success in the new campaign. "There have been important arrivals and the club continues to work to bolster the squad even further. We are the champions and we will face this season with a great desire to follow up last year's achievement."

Goal del Milan!

Buffon: 'Juve are Number 1' Jul 21, 2012 Gigi Buffon “can’t wait” to get back to his Juventus teammates and play at least 50 games this season. “We have the Number 1 club in Italy.” The goalkeeper is still on vacation because he was part of the Italy side that reached the Euro 2012 Final. “I can’t wait to join my teammates, as too many days have passed since I was last on the football field,” he told Sky Sport Italia. The Bianconeri have already signed the likes of Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah, while they have reportedly made an offer to Arsenal for Robin Van Persie. “I won’t name names, but we have the Number 1 club in Italy and great directors. Giuseppe Marotta is excellent at his job and knows what to do, so I am relaxed and have the utmost faith in the club.” Buffon is already 34 years old, but has no intention of winding down his career ahead of the next World Cup. “I have set myself the target of playing at least 50 games this season between Juventus and the Nazionale. I know that I can do it. “Brazil 2014? Well, if you saw what I did at the Euros, then you’d have worked out roughly whether I’ll be at the World Cup in two years or not...” The shot-stopper was speaking at the presentation of Carrarese’s new campaign, as he bought his hometown club and could be the President in future. “I am in a situation that I’m not really accustomed to, as I am still a player, but I could not resist the call of my homeland. When Carrarese were in difficulty, I felt it was my duty to help. At that point I decided to buy all the club shares. “There is a serious and credible project in place here and we took some young players from Juve who will have a future in Serie B or A.”

Buffon targets 50-game-a-season mark for Juventus and Italy The experienced goalkeeper has admitted that he wants to play as many matches as possible for club and country in the new season and is looking towards the World Cup in 2014. Jul 21, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he is aiming to make at least 50 appearances for Juventus and Italy in the 2012-13 campaign. The veteran goalkeeper, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years, captained the Azzurri at Euro 2012, and confessed that he is looking forward to getting back to action for the Turin giants despite just a short break. “I can’t wait to join my team-mates, as too many days have passed since I was last on the football field,” the 34-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. “I have set myself the target of playing at least 50 games this season between Juventus and the national team. I know that I can do it. “We are the number one club in Italy and we have great directors. Giuseppe Marotta is excellent at his job and knows what to do, so I am relaxed and have the utmost faith in the club,” the shot-stopper continued. Buffon went on to admit that he has one eye on the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, and feels that he can compete in the tournament. “Brazil 2014? Well, if you saw what I did at the Euros, then you’d have worked out roughly whether I’ll be at the World Cup in two years' time or not,” he said confidently.

'I will ask for Pirlo's signature' - New Juventus signing Canizares The 16-year-old is delighted to sign for the champions, arriving at the same club as legends such as the defensive midfielder, who he plans to ask for an autograph. Jul 20, 2012 Nicolas Canizares has expressed his joy at signing for Juventus, and is relishing the opportunity to play with new team-mates such as Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini. The centre-back was out of contract at Liga club Rayo Vallecano, but has agreed terms with the Old Lady, and will sign a contract with the Italian champions on Sunday. The Spaniard admits that he was initially apprehensive about the idea of moving to a foreign country so young, but is eagerly awaiting the challenge ahead of him. "I still can not believe it, but when they told me I did not think I was very attracted to the idea of moving countries," the defender told AS. "I am looking forward to moving to the city. I will be asking for Chiellini's, and especially Pirlo's autograph."

Asamoah: It's a dream to play for Juventus The 23-year-old is over the moon with his move to the Turin giants, and added that he's keen to play in the same team as his childhood idol Andrea Pirlo. Jul 20, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah has voiced his delight with his recent transfer from Udinese to Juventus, saying that it is a dream come true for him to have made the move to Turin. The versatile midfielder recently signed a contract till the summer of 2017 with the Serie A champions, and is very pleased to have followed in the footsteps of compatriot Stephen Appiah. "It is a dream to play for Juventus. I am only the second Ghanaian after Appiah," Asamoah stated to Juventus Channel. "Juventus are a very big club that won the Scudetto last term. I saw a lot of their matches and I am delighted to be at this club. Having joined Juventus is the best thing in my life." The Ghana international then went on to praise Andrea Pirlo, stressing that the experienced playmaker is his idol. "I’m excited about playing for the same team as Andrea Pirlo, who has always been my idol. He is still the best for me, because he always plays well. "He has so much experience, but never changes and for me he is the most important player."

Asamoah: Being at Juve is a dream Jul 19, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah has reflected on his summer switch from Udinese to Juventus and admits that as a Ghanaian it will be a source of pride to play for the Old Lady. After completing his co-ownership move to Turin this summer, the midfielder became the second Ghanaian after Stephen Appiah, to join the team. “Yes, Stephen before me is the only Ghanaian to have played for Juve. I am the second to play for Juventus, it is a dream,” admitted the midfielder on Juventus Channel today. “It’s the best thing in my life, because Juventus are a very big club, who won the championship last year. I have seen many of their games and I am very happy to be here. “Who was my idol as a child? Andrea Pirlo. He is still the best for me, because he always plays well. “He has so much experience, but never changes and for me he is the most important player.” Speaking from the club’s pre-season base at Valle d’Aosta, the 23-year-old reflected on the work-out he and his teammates have undertaken so far. “I feel good, we have trained well, we’ve been here for a week. It’s difficult, but when you see so much support, we can do much more. It’s hard work, but in the end it is better for a player. “When you’re on the field you then don’t feel anything during the game, nothing. For me, it’s better that way.”

Marotta: Van Persie signing is a Juventus fan's dream The general manager of the Serie A champions remained coy on any potential bid for the Arsenal man, but admitted he would be a top target for the Turin giants. Jul 19, 2012 Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has claimed his club are still chasing Arsenal captain Robin van Persie. Having told the Gunners that he will not be signing a new contract, the Dutchman has alerted many potential suitors wanting to acquire his services and Marotta says Juventus are still chasing the forward. "Robin van Persie is a fan's dream," Marotta told reporters. "Everyone has dreams but then you have to confront this with the reality. "We know what we have to do, and that is the important thing." Juventus will face stiff competition to land last season's Premier League top goalscorer who hit 44 goals for club and country last season, with Manchester City also heavily linked with the Netherlands international. They also face a battle convincing Arsenal to sell their key man as the Gunners are set to tell Van Persie that he will not be allowed to leave this summer, as exclusively revealed by Goal.com. However, the Turin club are keen to strengthen as they look to retain the Scudetto and replace club legend Alessandro Del Piero.

Marotta: Juventus are the team to beat The Serie A champions' general director has insisted things will be more difficult for the Old Lady in the new season as every opponent will be keen to defeat them. Jul 18, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has voiced his opinion that Antonio Conte's side are the team to beat in the upcoming season thanks to their impressive performances in 2011-12. The Old Lady cruised to the Serie A title without losing a single league game, and have added the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Kwadwo Asamoah, Mauricio Isla and Lucio to their squad this summer to further strengthen their team, and is keen to win more silverware. "We need to put the previous celebrations to one side. We now start from scratch," Marotta told reporters. "We’re the team to beat, everyone will give their all against us and we’ll need to have more desire than the others. "The new season has got off to a good start during pre-season in Chatillon-Saint-Vincent, a place that takes us back in time. Juventus built many important successes here and we’ll look to emulate them."

Asamoah happy with Juve start Jul 18, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah is happy after making his debut for Juventus in Tuesday’s 7-1 friendly win over Aygreville. The midfielder moved to Turin this summer after a co-ownership deal was done with Udinese for his signature. “It was a good test,” the 23-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. “I’ve instantly settled in well with my new teammates. This first week of training has been excellent and I’m happy to be here.” After four years in Udine, the Ghanaian international is aware that he’s been given a massive opportunity by the Old Lady. “This is a very important step for my career,” continued the man born in Accra. “Everyone knows how important it is to play in this shirt. We are talking about the champions of Italy and I’ll give my best for these colours.”

Marotta: Jovetic fits our profile Jul 17, 2012 Beppe Marotta has dropped the biggest hint yet this summer that Juventus are considering a bid for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic. The Bianconeri have been linked with a big-money move for a front-man in this transfer window and have been paired with a €30m move for the Viola youngster recently. When asked of these links after Juve’s first match of pre-season, director Marotta was surprisingly open with his answer. “Overall we have made available to Conte a good squad of players, we are happy with the new arrivals, but at this stage we are also considering other market opportunities,” Marotta told Sky Sport 24. “I do not think that these will be ‘perfect’ purchases, but we can do well with a different idea and by operating differently. “Jovetic? He’s a player at Fiorentina that we like, whose profile responds to what we are looking out for, for our objectives, but from here we will talk about transfers as they happen. “That’s all I can say out of respect for Fiorentina.” The director general was asked of the club’s previous links this summer to youngsters such as Mattia Destro and Marco Verratti. The former is valued at €12m, the price that the latter is set to join Paris Saint-Germain for. “We are proponents of players made in Italy, but one must be cautious in their valuations, because players like Destro and Verratti are very young. “The market has changed, there is an inverse process - it’s bad, but it should stimulate the creativity of the club, which should then create a new model, which can allow it to remain competitive.”

30th Scudetto 13 May 2012 For the 2010–11 season, Jean-Claude Blanc was replaced by Andrea Agnelli as the club's president. Agnelli's first action was to replace Zaccheroni and Director of Sport Alessio Secco with Sampdoria manager Luigi Delneri and Director of Sport Giuseppe Marotta. However, Delneri failed to improve their fortunes and was dismissed. Former player and fan favourite Antonio Conte, fresh after winning promotion with Siena, was named as Delneri's replacement. With Conte as manager, Juventus went unbeaten for the entire season. Towards the second half of the season, the team was mostly competing with northern rivals Milan for first place in a tight contest. Juventus won the title on the 37th matchday, after beating Cagliari 2–0, and Milan losing to Internazionale 4–2. After a 3–1 win in the final matchday against Atalanta, Juventus became the first team to go the season unbeaten in the current 38-game format. Other noteworthy achievements include the biggest away win (5–0 at Fiorentina), best defensive record (20 goals conceded) in Serie A and second best in the top six European leagues.

Serie B 2006/07 Juventus were condemned by the sporting body to play a season in Serie B, and penalized nine points as the two previous Scudetti were taken away. Didier Deschamps was the new manager who began his mission with a core of champions: Del Piero, Buffon and Camoranesi, coming from the World Cup victory achieved in Berlin, as well as Trezeguet and Nedved. Alex Del Piero finished the season as Serie B’s top scorer, having broken the all-time Juve record for goals scored.

29th Scudetto 2 April 2006 With Mutu, Chiellini and moreover Vieira added to the squad, Juventus began season 2005-2006. Nine consecutive victories were recorded before this run came to an end in Milan against AC Milan. But the form of Capello’s men picked up again on 19th November, at the Olympic Stadium, triggered by a goal from Nedved at the end of the first half. The Bianconeri showed an impressive demonstration of force, winning 4-1 with an extraordinary goal from Ibrahimovic and a double from Trezeguet. Juve also won in Firenze, on 4th December, the 2-1 to send them clear at the top of the table. Any doubts were removed on 12th February 2006: against Inter in Milan they clinched three extremely valuable points to keep them ahead of the pack. A draw against Milan at the Delle Alpi was enough to secure a first place finish.

28th Scudetto 8 May 2005 The summer of 2004 saw the departure of Marcello Lippi, who was replaced as manager by Fabio Capello. The squad was reshaped significantly. Arriving were Emerson, Fabio Cannavaro, Blasi, Zebina and a new target man, the Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Juve got off to a flying start: overcoming Brescia and beating Atlanta and Sampdoria. The Bianconeri squad drew only once in the opening stages but soon regained their momentum. At the end of November, Inter recovered from 2-0 down to 2-2, and Milan left the Delle Alpi unbeaten on the 18th of December. However, Juve’s form made them unstoppable. On 5th March 2005, following the victory over Roma at the Olympic Stadium, it seemed that the Scudetto was well within Juve’s grasp. But the missed opportunity at home to Inter, and the great form of Milan meant there was only one other rival, with the game against the Rossoneri, on 18th May holding a great significance. Juventus emerged victorious, the winner came from Trezeguet, and this time first place was made safe. Milan, in second, finished 7 points away, while Inter were 14 points adrift of the Bianconeri.

4th Italian Supercup 3 August 2003 It is August 3, 2003: at the Giant Stadium in New York goes on stage the Italian Super Cup with the challenge of challenges, between Italian champions Juventus and Milan Italy Cup winner. But above all, the game is a rematch of the Champions League final in Manchester, won by AC Milan after penalties. 90 minutes and 0 goals. The match has a start in the second overtime. AC Milan took the lead on a penalty converted by Pirlo, but after less than a minute Trezeguet equalized. It goes to penalties, whith the transformations of Di Vaio (who had replaced Del Piero), Trezeguet, Birindelli, Camoranesi (replaced Miccoli) and Ferrara (entered in place of Iuliano). The decisive error of AC Milan is from Brocchi. Juve imposes for 5-3 and winning the trophy for the fourth time.

27th Scudetto 24 May 2003 15th September 2002, from the second game, saw the new tricoloured adventure of Juventus. Little had changed from the start of last season. According to the experts, it would be a season of the two Milan sides, and in fact Milan and Inter pushed the champions all the way. After the international break, on 19th October, it was Inter-Juve, a perfect opportunity for the Nerazzurri to dispose of a title rival in the early stages of the season. Juve had a great opportunity to win a hard-fought, nervous encounter thanks to a penalty from Del Piero in the 88th minute. However, Inter netted a late equaliser, following a frantic scramble in the penalty area which saw the Nerazzuri goalkeeper Toldo join the attack. November was the month in which Juve’s comeback was sealed. The start of the second half of the season began with a straightforward victory over Piacenza, dedicated by the squad and supporters to the memory of Gianni Agnelli, who had passed away several days before. Juve were flying high in their quest for the Scudetto: Scudetto that began to take shape on 27th April. Only the mathematical confirmation was needed. After the 0-0 at the Olympic Stadium against Lazio (Buffon superb, saving a Fiore penalty), of which Inter failed to take advantage by drawing in Bergamo, it was the 2-2 against Perugia, on 10th May that handed the Scudetto to Juve two games before the end. The final game of the season, on 24th May, saw Juve celebrate a feast of goals against Chievo, a true joy for the fans. Scudetto number 27 on the board, and a special mention to Nedved, who was great in the more troubled times.

3rd Italian Supercup 25 August 2002 Tripoli, 25 August 2002: it is again a challenge between Juventus and Parma to assign the Italian Super Cup. At the stadium, "June 11th" Juventus is on the field with this formation: Buffon, Thuram, Iuliano, Montero, Moretti, Camoranesi, Tacchinardi Baiocco, Nedved, Salas, Del Piero. Mister Prandelli opposes: Frey, Diana Ferrari, Bonera, Falsino, Marchionni, Lamouchi, Donati, Nakata, Di Vaio, Adriano. Farina of Novi Ligure as the referee. Del Piero took the lead and at the 38' scores but Juve is reached by a goal from Di Vaio at 64'. Again Del Piero at 73' brings definitively ahead the Bianconeri. This is the third success in the Italian Super Cup for Juventus