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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.

Pirlo: 'I can talk to Balotelli' Jul 3, 2012 Andrea Pirlo reveals he’d “bring Mario Balotelli to Juventus straight away. I know how to talk to him – in Brescia dialect!” The midfielder was asked on Sky Sport Italia whether he’d support recent rumours Juve are interested in signing Manchester City hitman Balotelli. “I’d bring Balotelli to Juventus straight away. We have had no problems and I know how to talk to him,” said Pirlo. “We are both from Brescia and when we are playing for Italy we speak in a tight Brescia dialect.” Curiously, Pirlo, Balotelli and Coach Cesare Prandelli are all from Brescia. “There has been no problem dealing with him in the locker room. People need to be close to Balotelli, but at Euro 2012 he behaved very well. I’d happily have him as my teammate in Turin.” The 33-year-old midfielder was Italy’s star of the tournament and is already looking ahead to the next challenge. “I hope to have the strength to reach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

Man Utd confirm Pogba-Juve deal Jul 3, 2012 Paul Pogba has “signed for Juventus,” revealed angry Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. “I don’t think he showed us any respect at all.” The midfielder is out of contract this summer and was offered a new deal at Old Trafford, but it seems as if he has already agreed terms with the Bianconeri. “Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware, which is disappointing,” Ferguson told MUTV. “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.” The 19-year-old French midfielder had been in Manchester since 2009 for their youth academy, but his contract expired this summer. If the move to Juventus is confirmed, then he will be another valuable addition to the growing squad.

Buffon: No Balotelli clash Jul 3, 2012 Italy captain Gigi Buffon has rubbished reports that he clashed with Mario Balotelli after the Euro 2012 Final. Reports today claimed that the two men had an angry exchange at the end of Sunday’s 4-0 loss to Spain. The Juventus custodian, however, has today taken to his Facebook page to condemn the speculation by insisting nothing happened between the duo. The Manchester City striker angrily walked down the tunnel at the end of the game, but did re-appear to collect his medal.

Pirlo believes in Prandelli’s Italy Jul 3, 2012 Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is delighted that national boss Cesare Prandelli has opted to continue his adventure with the side. The tactician signed a four-year contract with the Federation following the 2010 World Cup, but he did consider stepping down after Euro 2012. “Given what he was saying, it seemed as if he had a few doubts about his future,” the Juventus man told Sky Sport Italia. “But we all knew that he wanted to create a new squad, with a new brand of football, and it would have been horrible to leave after reaching an unexpected Final. “Now we are even more sure that we can do well with him.” The Azzurri finished the championship as runners-up – the 4-0 loss to Spain perhaps taking away some of the shine from their tournament. “There is bitterness about the Final which we lost badly, but we know that we did all that was possible,” the 33-year-old added. “We were very tired and playing against a great side. “We played some good football and we went all the way to the last game, but we had a bad day. Spain too, after a few games played below their usual standard, gave it their best and caused us problems.” The former Milan man had an outstanding tournament where he made a claim to lift the next Ballon d’Or. “I don’t believe that I can win the Golden Ball,” he admitted. “For as long as there are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and others around, it is right that they win it.”

Official: Juventus sign Udinese duo Isla & Asamoah The Turin giants have announced on their website that they have secured the services of the Ghanaian midfielder and the Chile international. Jul 2, 2012 Juventus have confirmed on their official website that they have completed the transfers of the 23-year-old Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla, 24, from Udinese. They recently already underwent medical tests at the Serie A champions, and the Old Lady have now wrapped up deals for the Udinese duo. "Juventus announce that an agreement with Udinese has been finalised over the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of Asamoah for a fee of €18 million to be paid in three years," a statement on the Juventus website reads. "At the same time, Juventus and Udinese signed a player sharing agreement related to the same player for a consideration of €9m to be paid by Udinese in three years. "Juventus also announce that an agreement with Udinese has been finalised over the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of Mauricio Anibal Isla for a fee of €18.8m to be paid in three years. "At the same time, Juventus and Udinese signed a player sharing agreement related to the same player for a consideration of €9.4m to be paid by Udinese in three years." Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Cristian Pasquato moves in the other direction for a fee of €3m paid over three years, with Juventus re-signing 50 per cent of the forward's economical rights for a fee of €1.5m.

Official: Isla, Asamoah to Juventus Jul 2, 2012 Juventus have confirmed the double signing of Udinese midfielders Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah, both on co-ownership agreements. Terms for such a deal were reached a few weeks ago, with both versatile midfielders then soon after having medicals in Turin. The Bianconeri have now confirmed both players’ arrivals at the club, with publication on their official website of the finer points to the transfers. For 50 per cent of 24-year-old Isla's contract, Juve have paid €9.4m, whilst 50 per cent of 23-year-old Asamoah’s registration has cost them €9m. Also as part of the deal, youngster Cristian Pasquato has moved in the opposite direction on a co-ownership basis, for a fee of €1.5m. Asamoah is the second Ghanaian to play for the Old Lady, after Stephen Appiah, whilst Isla links up with international colleague Arturo Vidal at the Juventus Stadium.

Barzagli: 'A good tournament' Jul 1, 2012 Andrea Barzagli admits this Final defeat to Spain was “not pleasant,” but urged Italy to see the bigger picture. “There is disappointment, but it doesn’t wipe out the good work we did in the tournament. Losing a Final 4-0 is certainly not pleasant,” said the defender. “Spain deserve a lot of credit, as you don’t win three major tournaments in a row by chance. We helped them a little with our performance, as we were very tired, but can only compliment Spain. “You could see from the start we were having problems and were always second to the ball. “Physically we were drained and we know Spain pass it around like that to make the other team chase them. “We had an excellent tournament apart from the Final, so we resume with a good mentality and some young players. We won’t always be playing against Spain! “I think the Nazionale has changed completely since the 2010 World Cup.”