Socrates

Buffon to take pay cut in new Juventus deal The Italy goalkeeper is believed to be close to signing a new three-year contract with the Bianconeri, but he has been forced to accept a €2 million deduction in his salary. Jul 15, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has been asked to take a pay cut by Juventus as talks over a contract extension reach an advanced stage, according to Tuttosport. The goalkeeper, 34, has made no secret of his intention to end his career with the Serie A champions, but negotiations regarding a new deal have dragged on for months. It is now reported, however, that an agreement is close to being struck and Buffon is set to sign a new contract until 2015, when he reaches 37. Tuttosport further claims that Buffon's new deal will be worth €4 million per year, which represents a €2m reduction from his current deal, as Juventus follow the example of other Italian clubs and try to reduce their wage bill. Buffon, who joined the Old Lady from Parma in 2001 for €54.2m, made 35 appearances for the side last season, conceding just 16 goals.

Inler plays down Pirlo tag Jul 13, 2012 Gokhan Inler has reflected on a possible new role for Napoli next term, but played down comparisons with Andrea Pirlo. With Napoli experimenting in their first week of pre-season with a new 3-5-1-1 formation, reports have listed Inler as based centrally in front of the defence, leading to comparisons with Pirlo, who takes up the same position for Juventus in a similar system. However, reflecting on the introduction of this change of shape, Inler has suggested that his role will be different in character to Pirlo’s. “We are working with this new system of playing and will need time to assimilate the movements, even though I already know it, having seen it implemented in Udine with excellent results. “The comparison with Pirlo? I am different, even though I love the way he plays. For me it is important to offer security for the team. “When you have a regista playing in front of the defence it is not an easy role. It puts you under a lot of pressure because if you lose the ball then there will be trouble.”

Juventus move surprised Asamoah Jul 13, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah has conceded that he never expected the opportunity to play for Italian giants Juventus. The midfielder has joined the Old Lady this summer after a co-ownership agreement was reached with Udinese. “I thank God because I never thought it possible that I would be here today,” the 23-year-old stated on Friday afternoon. “This is an important step for me. I’m in a top team and I’ll do all that I can to give a helping hand to my teammates. “I was very happy at Udinese. After a difficult first season there where I struggled, I was able to settle and become a key player. Now though, being at Juventus, I have to do even more.” Asamoah has been brought in to strengthen a midfield which already contains the likes of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. “Vidal is really strong,” the Ghanaian international stated. “I saw a lot of games last season and I always liked him. “As for Pirlo, he has a great career behind him and he has always played at the highest levels.” Given that the club can also boast the talent of Claudio Marchisio, there is a suspicion that Asamoah will have to fight for a chance in the line-up. “Football is not about just one player, but a team of 11 players,” he explained. “There will be no problem even if I have to start on the bench. As I’ve said before, I’m here to help the team. “I was happy at Udinese, but when I got an offer from Juventus – the Italian champions and one of the most important clubs in the world – then I immediately accepted.”

Conte to be questioned over match-fixing scandal on Friday The Juventus coach will meet with FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi in Rome to discuss his alleged knowledge of the Scommessopoli scandal. Jul 13, 2012 Juventus trainer Antonio Conte travelled to Rome on Thursday evening for a meeting with Italian FA (FIGC) prosecutor Stefano Palazzi on Friday afternoon to discuss his part in Italy's most recent match-fixing probe, Tuttosport reports. Former Siena player Filippo Carobbio recently stated to the prosecution that Conte had told his players a Serie B match against Novara had been fixed, and the former Italy international will get the chance to defend himself against the accusations at 15:00CET on July 13. Palazzi will first receive sworn testimonies of 15 people who were present during the meeting where Conte supposedly stated the clash had been fixed, statements that will all contradict Carobbio's revelations. The FIGC prosecutor will then listen to the people who witnessed an altercation between the current Juventus boss and Carobbio's wife during his spell at Siena. Conte will be accompanied by his legal team during Friday's meeting, and the 42-year-old is confident that he will be acquitted.

Buffon, Juve’s new No 10? Jul 12, 2012 There is speculation that Juventus’ search for a successor to Alessandro Del Piero’s No 10 shirt may stop with goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Interest this summer surrounds who will take famous shirt number at the club, after Del Piero’s departure this summer. Speculation has pushed Sebastian Giovinco to the shirt and also transfer target Stevan Jovetic, whilst President Andrea Agnelli yesterday admitted that it is a decision that carries significance. The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport believe that goalkeeper Buffon is a surprise contender for the shirt and that he would be prepared to drop his No 1 jersey to take it. This is understood to be an attempt from the ‘keeper to avoid internal disputes in the dressing room arising over the destination of the No 10 and so as to remove the burden that any replacement to Del Piero would otherwise face. This would not be Buffon’s first experience of a less-than-traditional number, as during his days at Parma he wore the No 88 and No 77 shirts.

Pirlo and Marchisio impress Pogba Jul 11, 2012 Paul Pogba is excited by the prospect of playing in a Juventus midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio. The 19-year-old is set to soon be confirmed as a player in Turin after opting against renewing his contract with Manchester United. “There are three players in Italy who have truly impressed me,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “They are Pirlo, Marchisio and Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “Pirlo is a great player and I, like him, can play in front of the defence.” Pogba is a highly-rated youngster who says that he has similarities with former Arsenal and Juventus ace Patrick Vieira. “I would say that my style of play is inspired by Vieira, but I want to make my own mark in the game,” he added. Pogba is still a relatively inexperienced player, but he insists that he has been taught a lot since his 2009 move to Old Trafford from Le Havre. “When you want to be the best and train with the best you progress a lot,” continued the France youth international. “I would say that I'm more mature because I've been playing with the best,” he added. “I've learnt a lot.”

Agnelli: Juventus don't recognise the FIGC's method of counting Scudetti Speaking at the unveiling of the Bianconeri's new kit, the 36-year-old criticised the governing body's handling of Calciopoli, and is confident Antonio Conte will clear his name. Jul 11, 2012 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has stated that the club do not recognise the Italian FA's (FIGC) methods of counting the number of Serie A titles the club have won. The Old Lady lifted what would have been their 30th Scudetto last season, were it not for their titles in 2004-05 and 2005-06 being stripped in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal. However, the club maintained their innocence throughout the saga, and were adamant that they would add a third star to the crest on their kits for the coming campaign. And Agnelli revealed that the Bianconeri found a novel method of circumventing controversy when it came to designing their jerseys for next season. "I always said that Juve would respect the decisions of that time [2006]," he said at the unveiling of the new kit. "New facts have emerged, so I have decided not to agree with that decision. The games were legal and I have to protect the company which I represent as the president, and a fan of Juventus. "We did the maths: 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 etc equals 30. The arithmetic of the Federation is to miss out two and get 28. So we removed the two stars from the jersey, and wrote the words 'Thirty on the field' on the top." Six years on, another match-fixing scandal, Scommessopoli, has plagued Italian football, and Juventus boss Antonio Conte was allegedly aware of illegal activities when he was the coach of Siena. However, Agnelli has given Conte his full support, and said that the 42-year-old has not had an opportunity to clear his name. "It's been all over the front pages several times," he continued. "But he hasn't had an opportunity to have his voice heard yet. On Friday, he's finally going to Rome, summoned by the court. "I'll give my views: I know his values and his personality. He finally has the opportunity to go to court and explain his position under interrogation, before returning to Juventus in peace the next day." AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri had joked earlier on Wednesday that Juve had won 31 titles, including their Serie B triumph after being relegated for their part in the scandal, but Agnelli brushed off the 44-year-old's comments. "It makes me laugh that he likes to talk about Juventus, without looking at his own home."

Cambiamo il nick in Elkan Cerry?

Ho modificato il sottotitolo del topic inserendo le parole del mister.

Pogba keen to emulate Vieira after Manchester United exit The France Under-19 international is confident he can replicate the retired Les Bleus ace during his time in Italy, but is also eager to prove himself as a deputy to Andrea Pirlo. Jul 11, 2012 Paul Pogba has revealed that he hopes to follow in the footsteps of former France and Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira. The French youngster is on the brink of the completing a transfer to the Turin-based giants after he failed to reach an agreement with Manchester United regarding a new contract. Speaking ahead of his anticipated switch to Juventus, Pogba is positive he can prove to be an able deputy to Andrea Pirlo in the Bianconeri midfield, but his style is centred around the ex-Arsenal man. "Andrea Pirlo is a great player and I can guarantee I can play in front of the defenders like he does," Pogba told Sky Sport Italia. "I would say that my style of play is inspired in that of Patrick Vieira, but I want to make my mark. "There are three players in Italy who have truly impressed me: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio."

No, sono io che mi ricordo di te ...

Io voteró contro.

Ci siamo arricchiti qui dentro. Buon lavoro, nuovi colleghi.

Bayern Munich dismiss Pirlo link Jul 9, 2012 Bayern Munich have distanced themselves from reports that they have made a bid for Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo. “We have made no offer for him to Juventus,” Bayern President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge stated. “We haven’t contacted the player or his agent.” The 33-year-old has had a stunning past 12 months since leaving Milan for the Old Lady on a free transfer. The playmaker inspired Juventus to Scudetto glory last term and then guided Italy to the Final of the 2012 European Championship.

Ancelotti denies Paris Saint-Germain interest in Pirlo and Van Persie The Italian insists the pair are not on the Parisians' shopping list this summer, but did confirm that they are in advanced talks with Pescara over the signing of Marco Verratti. Jul 9, 2012 Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed reports linking Paris Saint-Germain with moves for Andrea Pirlo and Robin van Persie. The French giants have been suggested as a potential destination for the forward, who revealed last week that he will not renew his contract with Arsenal, as the trainer is reportedly keen to increase his attacking options. The Juventus midfielder, who played under Ancelotti at AC Milan between 2001 and 2009, has also been mooted as a potential target for PSG, but the 53-year-old asserted that neither player is part of his plans. "Van Persie is not a target of ours, but I think he is for other clubs," he told a press conference. "Pirlo is an interesting player for any club, but I have had the chance to coach him for eight years and that is enough." Ancelotti was then questioned about the state of play regarding negotiations between PSG and Pescara for midfield starlet Marco Verratti, who is also being tracked by the Old Lady. "We have spoken with Pescara, and now we must wait a few days," he added. "I have not spoken with him, I have only watched some of his matches from last season. "I do not think there will be any problems. If he arrives, we will have two players for every midfield position. "But he is a very young player, a prospect for the future and an investment, so we could sign one more midfielder."

Bayern deny making Pirlo offer Die Roten have quashed rumours they were bidding to sign the veteran Bianconeri midfielder, after a stunning season of excellent performances for club and Country. Jul 9, 2012 Bayern Munich have denied reports that they have made an attempt to sign Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo. The 33-year-old has rejuvenated his career after starring in Antonio Conte's unbeaten Bianconeri side last season, and also led Italy to the final of Euro 2012 this summer. However, the Bavarian giants have denied they made any attempts to lure the former Milan man to the Allianz Arena, as has been reported in various Italian media outlets. "Bayern have neither contacted the player and his advisers, nor made an offer to Juventus," a statement from CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge read on the club's official website. Pirlo played in 37 Serie A games for Juventus last season, scoring three goals. He joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer last summer after a decade of service at AC Milan.

Juve compensation for Chiellini Jul 5, 2012 Juventus will receive financial compensation from UEFA for Giorgio Chiellini’s calf injury picked up whilst on international duty. Part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in March between the European game’s governing body and the Europe Club Association saw UEFA agree to cover the cost of wages over enforced periods of absence at club level which were the result of injuries picked up at international level. Chiellini picked up a second degree calf strain just 21 minutes into Italy’s Euro 2012 final with Spain and has been ruled out for between three and five weeks. Reports indicate that as a result, the club will receive as much as €420,000 in compensation from UEFA, an amount equivalent to the defender’s wages during this anticipated period of recovery.

Buffon goes on religious pilgrimage to Bosnia The former Parma shot-stopper flew into the country on Tuesday before making his way to the site, which has also been visited by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. Jul 4, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has made a trip to the Bosnian holy town of Medjugorje following Italy's second-place finish at Euro 2012. According to local authorities, Buffon landed in Mostar on a private jet on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after the Azzurri suffered a 4-0 defeat against Spain in Kiev. The 34-year-old then made his way to Medjugorje, which has been a site of religious pilgrimage since 1981 after reports of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to six local Catholics. Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini also made the trip to the religious site in March, when his side were trailing rivals Manchester United by two points in the Premier League. Buffon started in each of Italy's matches at Euro 2012, saving a spot-kick from Ashley Cole in the Azzurri's quarter-final penalty shoot-out victory.

Chiellini diagnosed with calf injury The Juventus defender sustained a muscle strain in the Euro 2012 final against Spain on Sunday, and now faces a spell on the sidelines after undergoing medical tests. Jul 4, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte will possibly have to make do without the services of Giorgio Chiellini in the opening weeks of pre-season due to the defender being diagnosed with a calf injury. The centre-back picked up a knock in Italy's 4-0 loss against Spain in the final of Euro 2012, and was forced to leave the pitch after only 21 minutes of play due to the problem. Chiellini has since undergone tests to determine the extent of the injury, and has been diagnosed with a second degree calf strain. "Giorgio Chiellini was today in Turin to undergo an ultrasound scan after picking up an injury during Sunday night’s Euro 2012 final against Spain," an official statement on the Juventus website reads. "The defender has sustained a first-to-second degree tear of the medial gastrocnemius muscle in his left calf." The injury could keep Chiellini out of action for up to five weeks, meaning that he could be a doubt for the Supercoppa Italiana season curtain-raiser against Napoli on August 11.

Pirlo would welcome Balotelli at Juventus The veteran playmaker explained that the pair speak the same language - literally - and rubbished claims that the Manchester City striker has a poor attitude. Jul 4, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he would welcome Mario Balotelli at Juventus and dismissed the suggestion that the enigmatic forward would be a disruptive influence in the dressing room. The Bianconeri's primary summer transfer target is believed to be Arsenal forward Robin van Persie but all of the major Italian dailies claimed last week that Balotelli is now a very real alternative to the Dutchman. When asked by Sky Sport Italia if he would like to see Balotelli join him in Turin this summer, Pirlo answered unequivocally. "Of course," the playmaker replied. "We are two Bresciani and we even speak in that dialect when we're with the national team." When it was put to Pirlo that the arrival of his Italy team-mate at Juventus Stadium could create tension within Antonio Conte's squad, the regista insisted: "There is no problem [with Mario]." Meanwhile, Pirlo admitted that he hopes that not only will he be a part of the Azzurri's World Cup squad, but also that Cesare Prandelli will still be at the helm. "I hope to have the strength to get to Brazil 2014," the midfielder confessed. "Prandelli created something new; it would be terrible to see him leave the national team." Pirlo drew plenty of plaudits for his performances in Poland and Ukraine this summer and it was even suggested that he had propelled himself into contention for this year's Ballon d'Or. However, the 33-year-old believes that such talk is fanciful. "I believe there is little chance there," he argued. "I think that fun players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi should win it." Pirlo joined Juve on a free transfer last summer after AC Milan decided against ceding to his request for a new three-year contract.

Sir Alex Ferguson slams Pogba ahead of his move to Juventus The 70-year-old has blasted the lack of respect shown by the Serie A-bound midfielder towards the club. Jul 3, 2012 Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed the behaviour of Paul Pogba and confirmed that the midfielder has departed the club, with a move to Juventus all but concluded. The 70-year-old introduced the highly-rated Frenchman into the Red Devils' first team fold last season but has failed to convince the teenager to sign a new contract. Speaking to MUTV, Sir Alex revealed "Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware. Which is disappointing. "I don’t think he showed us any respect at all so, to be honest, I’m quite happy that if they carry on that way, they’re probably better doing it away from us.”

Bonucci, Ranocchia interviews booked Jul 4, 2012 Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci and Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia have had interviews confirmed for their alleged involvement in the betting scandal. Investigations into the match-fixing and illegal betting scandal to have hit the Italian game this year are now entering a stage where a number of individuals alleged to have been involved or had some knowledge will be quizzed by prosecutors. The Federation recently confirmed interview dates for Walter Mazzarri and Antonio Conte, plus a number of current and retired footballers. Former Bari teammates Bonucci and Ranocchia have now been added to the schedule and the duo will appear before investigators on the same day, to take questions on the investigation into Bari’s alleged involvement in the entire affair.

Verratti has Pirlo dream Jul 4, 2012 Pescara star Marco Verratti has admitted that he’d love the opportunity to play alongside idol Andrea Pirlo. Verratti is being labelled as an heir to the Juventus and Italy player and is liked by the Old Lady of Italian football. “Alessandro Del Piero was my idol, now that is Pirlo,” the 19-year-old midfielder told La Stampa on Wednesday. “Could I be his heir? Pirlo is above imitation, he is a unique player and can not be remanufactured,” added the Under-21 international. “I hope to one day play alongside him as he is the kind of person who could teach me a lot. For now, though, I’m just flattered that I have been likened to him.”

Chiellini out of Super Cup Final Jul 4, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will miss the Italian Super Cup Final against Napoli because of injury. The stopper limped out of Sunday’s Euro 2012 defeat to Spain with a calf strain that will require 40 days out. The centre-back, who can also be used as a left-back, will thus take no part in the August 12 Coppa Italia re-match in Beijing. His absence could open the door for Lucio to make his competitive appearances for the club given that he is expected to complete his move to Turin after leaving Inter on Friday. Thanks Prandelli!

Chiellini injury test results Jul 3, 2012 Tests have revealed Giorgio Chiellini suffered a second degree calf strain during the Euro 2012 Final between Italy and Spain. The defender started that match in Kiev, but limped off after just 21 minutes. Juventus medical staff today ran a series of tests on Chiellini’s latest injury and confirmed a second degree strain at the top of the left calf muscle. This is the kind of injury that would usually keep a player out for around three to five weeks, so could affect his pre-season training and presence at the Italian Super Cup against Napoli next month.