Socrates

Bonucci: We’re stronger than England Jun 23, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has praised England’s defensive solidity in Euro 2012, joked about Daniele De Rossi and advised Mario Balotelli. Ahead of Italy’s quarter-final clash with England on Sunday night at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Bonucci sat down with the Press on Thursday to take general questions on the latest with the Azzurri. First on the agenda was Daniele De Rossi, who in light of Giorgio Chiellini’s thigh strain, could again be lining up alongside Bonucci in the centre of defence. Bonucci was asked if it bothered him that De Rossi played in the centre of the three, rather than him. “Daniele is a great force in midfield, he must play in the middle…” joked the 25-year-old. “But in all seriousness, against Spain and Croatia he has demonstrated his added value. I am available to the Coach and it’s true that I am used to playing in the centre of defence, a position that allows me to read the game at Juventus. “If you are moved to the middle then you have to be more aggressive and good at jumping [for crosses]. For me, I’m fine in any case.” The Azzurri will face a new-look England under Roy Hodgson, who in this tournament have become known for a very defensive, counterattacking style of play. “They have the attitude of an Italian team, good defensively, tough, they should be studied carefully. Their line of defence, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Joleon Lescott and Ashley Cole is world class. “Technically, we are stronger in the field for how we play. But, what also counts are attributes like aggression, desire to win and competitiveness, whilst we also have those. “We’ve started to study [Wayne Rooney]. Moreover, Cesare Prandelli is like Antonio Conte. He prepares for games with many videos and lots of work at training. It is so you always know what to do. And in this case, we must be wary of the English.” Bonucci was then asked about his action against Republic of Ireland earlier this week, when he put his hand over goalscorer Mario Balotelli’s mouth to prevent the forward from an outburst likely to be aimed at Cesare Prandelli. “I know Mario well, from when we were 17, I would berate him even then, in the primavera at Inter. He remains a good guy, at that time [against Ireland] let’s say I took care of him, he could have incurred a heavy penalty, I’m glad I found myself there. “What he said then and there I didn’t really understand, it was a typical outburst in the heat of the moment. “After the game I went to him in the dressing room to congratulate him and to prompt him to only think about playing. Mario thanked me for the gesture and the kind words. “We are different, temperamentally, he’s instinctive, 21 years old, I have important people around me, I always respect everyone, I try to be myself. Again, he thanked me, and he must only think of fun, realising that what we are paid for as work is fun.” There was some debate in the run-up to the tournament as to whether or not Bonucci should have been selected, in light of Domenico Criscito’s removal from the squad, despite the differences in their situations with regard the ongoing investigation into illegal betting and match-fixing in Serie A and B. “I was disappointed that Mimmo was not here for something outside of football. It’s never easy to take certain decisions. There have been ups and downs that led the Federation to make choices, for the protection of everyone. Otherwise, we would always be here wondering why or why not. Anything done at the time can have its pros and cons.”

Udinese's Kwadwo Asamoah undergoes Juventus medical The Ghana international appears to be on his way to the Serie A champions after undergoing a series of physical check-ups in Turin. Jun 14, 2012 Juventus have announced on their official website that Udinese midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah is currently undergoing a medical ahead of a proposed summer move. The Ghana international has long been linked with a move to the Old Lady, and now appears to be one step closer to a summer transfer. "Kwadwo Asamoah has arrived in Turin for a medical ahead of a proposed switch to Juventus," an official statement on the Juve website reads. "The Ghanaian midfielder, who has featured for Torino and Udinese since moving to Italy in 2008, earlier visited the city's Clinica Fornaca di Sessant, and will now conduct further tests at the Istituto di Medicina dello Sport." The 23-year-old Asamoah is expected to sign a long-term deal upon completion of his medical.

Asamoah, Isla set for Juve Jun 14, 2012 Udinese’s Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla have moved a step closer to completing transfers to Juventus, as both undergo medicals this afternoon. The 23-year-old versatile Ghanaian Asamoah has spent the last four seasons on the Zebrette’s books, whilst 24-year-old Chilean Isla has been with the Friulani since 2007, but both now look set to complete a move to the Italian champions Juve. Reports this morning suggested that the Turin outfit had struck an agreement with Udinese patron Gino Pozzo to sign both midfielders on co-ownership agreements. Juventus will reportedly pay a total of €15m to take up 50 per cent of the duo’s registration, with both players equally valued in the deal at €7.5m. Asamoah has been pictured arriving at the club for his medical this afternoon and Isla is expected to follow shortly afterwards.

Juventus to sign Kwadwo Asamoah Jun 7, 2012 In what may be the first major mercato move for Marotta and co this offseason, Juventus have signed Udinese’s 23-year old Kwadwo Asamoah. Tuttosport broke the story this morning, and it has since been confirmed by Claudio Zuliani (close to Juventus) as well as journalist Gary Al-Smith. (close to Asamoah) Terms have not yet been disclosed, and it has not appeared on Juve’s official website yet, but those two sources are as good as it gets. Asamoah- excited to stay in Bianconero Asamoah himself hinted at the move this morning, tweeting: “Hi guys. Training is S.A. is going well. Playing the African Champions Zambia this weekend then back to Europe to sort some things” Manchester United was heavily interested in the Ghanaian, who has already accumulated 41 caps by the age of 23 for his country, but former Juventus midfielder (and a fellow Ghanaian) Stephen Appiah advised Asamoah to go to Juventus. Gary Al-Smith confirmed this story, which had previously been rumored, by stating that Appiah had a “big, big, big influence” on Asamoah. We’ll have a full welcome piece on the energetic midfielder later, but I for one think this is a true coup to add to an already world class midfielder. Welcome to Juventus, Kwadwo!

Fabbrini will miss Udinese duo Jun 7, 2012 Diego Fabbrini admits that Udinese will be losing some quality players if Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla join Juventus. Reports suggest that the Old Lady have already virtually wrapped up a deal for the midfielders who helped the Bianconeri finish third in Serie A this term. “Asamoah and Isla are very strong,” the 21-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. “They are among the top five midfielders in Serie A. “Juventus will have made some fine swoops and they are important losses for us, even if the club already have players ready to take their places.” It is understood that Juve will hand over €15m to Udinese for a half-share in each of the two individuals.

Asamoah drops Man Utd hint Jun 6, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah noted on Twitter that he could join Juventus “or go to England” for Manchester United. The Udinese midfielder is currently on international duty with Ghana, but today the Friulani confirmed advanced negotiations with Juve for Asamoah and Mauricio Isla. “Can’t say a lot except that where ever my future is I want to win things and better myself as a player. Will let u know where that is,” he wrote on Twitter this evening. “Udinese is in my heart. If I stay in Italy or go to England that doesn’t change. Attention now on Ghana and hope to have news nxt wk.” This is an important statement, as it suggests the talks with Manchester United are not entirely concluded. It was reported last week that United had seen their €12m offer for Asamoah turned down by Udinese.

Udinese: 'Can't say no to Juve' Jun 6, 2012 Udinese director Fabrizio Larini admits “it’s difficult to say no to Juventus” for Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla, but confirms two new arrivals. The Friulani had advanced negotiations with the Bianconeri on Tuesday evening in a double swoop for the two midfielders. “In the last few days we have had some preliminary meetings with many different clubs to understand reciprocal requirements,” director of sport Larini told Udinese Channel. “In particular Juventus manifested their interest in these two players. Juve are an important club and it’s difficult for us to say no when faced with certain teams and players who want to go as high as possible in their profession, not to mention economic advantages.

Juventus reach agreement for Isla and Asamoah The Bianconeri will pay the Zebrette a combined fee of €15 million for 50 per cent stakes in the Udinese duo, who had previously been linked with moves to Inter and AC Milan. June 5, 2012 Juventus are reportedly on the verge of signing Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah from Serie A rivals Udinese. According to both Tuttosport and Sky Sport Italia, the two clubs have reached an agreement which would see the pair move to Turin for a combined fee of €15 million as part of a co-ownership deal. It first emerged earlier this week that the Bianconeri were in talks with the Zebrette over signing Isla and Asamoah, with the fee considered nothing more than a minor stumbling block. Indeed, now that a deal has brokered, it is expected to be finalised on Wednesday. Versatile Chile wing-back Isla had been heavily linked with Inter during the January transfer window, while Ghana international midfielder Asamoah was reported to have attracted the interest of AC Milan, among others. Consequently, the double deal is something of a coup for Juve, who will be able to utilise Isla anywhere down the right-hand side and avail of Asamoah's dynamism in midfield.

Udinese: 'Juve deal not done, but...' Jun 5, 2012 Udinese have “categorically” denied a deal with Juventus for Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah, but confirmed “advanced negotiations.” Tuttosport splashed the report this evening that an agreement to sign both players in co-ownership deals had already been decided. “I can categorically deny the claim this affair can be considered a done deal,” Udinese director of sport Fabrizio Larini told TMW. “I won’t deny there are some advanced negotiations and that Juventus are very interested in the two players, but I can rule out the idea this operation is concluded, especially as both of them are currently on the other side of the world. “The problem is not the formula of sales, especially as if we were to reach an agreement, then it would be for a permanent sale.”

Juve agree Isla-Asamoah deal? Jun 5, 2012 Juventus have agreed a double swoop for Udinese pair Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla, according to Tuttosport. The Turin-based newspaper claims the deal has been struck with the Friulani, who have been in negotiations for several weeks. Asamoah was also wanted by Manchester United and it was earlier reported that Udinese rejected their €12m offer for the Ghana international. Tuttosport suggests the agreement is a co-ownership deal for both players with an option for Juventus to buy out the remaining 50 per cent at the end of the season. Isla is a Chilean winger who missed the last few months of the campaign due to a knee injury. He turns 24 later this month and Inter have also stated he is one of their objectives.

Udinese won’t be rushed for Asamoah Jun 4, 2012 Udinese have told Juventus that they’ll have to show some patience with regard to their courtship of Kwadwo Asamoah. The Old Lady are keen on the midfielder as they look to strengthen the squad ahead of next season’s Champions League assault. However, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport says that Udinese are in no rush to sort out the 23-year-old’s future. Udinese will thus only consider their options when it comes to the player, one valued at €18m, much later into the summer. Asamoah scored three goals in 31 games for the Stadio Friuli outfit. It is by no means certain that they will sell given that they too have qualified for the Champions League. Juventus may look to convince the Udine side by offering them the services of midfielder Saphir Taider. The Turin giants own a 50 per cent share in the 20-year-old player with Bologna.

Udinese to sell Asamoah and Isla May 31, 2012 According to Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla’s agent, Udinese are preparing to sell both players this summer. Both versatile midfielders have impressed in recent seasons at the Stadio Friuli and subsequently have attracted numerous rumours of a move away. Discussing such links today, the players’ agent believes that the Zebrette are already in the process of negotiating their sales. “The value of the players will be determined by Udinese - I guess they want to sell, this is how I read the club’s purposes,” explained Claudio Vagheggi on Radio Sport. “Discussions are ongoing, but I do not know who they are talking with. The players must wait until the parties agree. Even though the club intends to sell, their prices are high as they are valuable. “Inter and Juventus are among the teams interested, but there are others. When talking about the top teams there are no preferences, they are all at a very high level. “Udinese are already looking at alternatives to them, but the timing of the moves? It depends on Udinese, so we wait. Contacts, though, have already been made.”

Udinese deny agreement with Juventus for Asamoah The Zebrette have confirmed the Serie A champions' interest in signing the Ghanaian midfielder, but were keen to stress that a deal is still some way from completion. May 28, 2012 Udinese sporting director Fabrizio Larini has admitted that Juventus are interested in signing Kwadwo Asamoah, but denied rumours suggesting a transfer is close to being finalised. Reports in Italy had circulated that the Old Lady were nearing a deal for the 23-year-old this week, but Larini has made it clear that negotiations are not yet at an advanced stage. "I don't know why people are suggesting that Udinese and Juventus have already reached an agreement for the transfer of Asamoah," the Udinese director told Calcionews24. "I won't lie about it, we are aware of Juventus' concrete interest. However, meetings between all parties involved have yet to take place. "We have to consider the offer first, and discuss the possibility of player exchanges. "You can't suggest a deal is done when that's not the case yet. A lot of things will have to happen before it's a done deal." Asamoah, a full Ghana international, is under contract at Udinese until the summer of 2015.

Juventus like Asamoah, say Udinese May 28, 2012 Udinese have confirmed that Juventus are interested in Kwadwo Asamoah, but insist it’s still too early for a deal to be done. Reports suggest that the two clubs will discuss the midfielder in a meeting on Monday as the Old Lady look to strengthen for next season’s Champions League campaign. “We are only at the end of May and we still have to make plans for next term seeing as we have the preliminary round of the Champions League to prepare for,” stated Udinese sporting director Fabrizio Larini to calcionews24.com. “I honestly don’t know how people can suggest that an agreement between Juventus and Udinese for Asamoah has already been agreed. “I don’t want to lie and we are aware of Juve’s concrete interest, but there are meetings, the evaluation of an offer and possible player swaps before a signature can arrive. “You can’t say that a deal is done when no deal has been done…” The Italian champions are looking for a new midfielder and the 23-year-old has impressed with three goals in 31 League games this term.

Juve swap Pogba for Asamoah? May 26, 2012 Juventus are set to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United, but could turn him straight over to Udinese for Kwadwo Asamoah. Pogba decided not to sign a new contract at Old Trafford and is ready to join the Bianconeri on a free transfer this summer. According to Tuttosport, he could have a very brief stay in Turin, as Pogba is wanted by Udinese as part of an exchange deal for Asamoah. The Ghanaian midfielder is hot property on the transfer market and it’s reported Udinese turned down an offer from Manchester United. Juve hope to tempt Asamoah away in exchange for cash, full ownership of Michele Pazienza, half of young midfielder Luca Marrone’s contract and the loan of Pogba.

Juventus set for Asamoah talks The Ghana midfielder is one of the most sought-after names in Italy, and the new champions are hoping to tempt the Zebrette by including two of their players in a potential deal. May 20, 2012 Serie A champions Juventus are set to open talks with Udinese over Kwadwo Asamoah in the next couple of days, according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. The newspaper reports on Sunday that the Coppa Italia finalists have scheduled two days of meetings with the Friulani in which they are likely to offer co-ownership rights to Michele Pazienza and Luca Marrone as part of a deal to bring the highly-rated midfielder to Turin. The 23-year-old, who has 39 caps for Ghana, has become one of the most sought-after players in Italy with a consistent stream of eye-catching performances since his €1 million move from Bellinzona in 2008. The Bianconeri are thought to be eager to add him to their ranks ahead of the added workload next season. Pazienza has already spent four months with Francesco Guidolin's side, having been loaned out by the Old Lady in January, while Marrone scored his first Serie A goal in the season-ending 3-1 victory over Atalanta last week. However, it is expected that Juve would insist on a clause allowing them the right to buy back Marrone's full ownership at a later stage.

Juve make Asamoah offer May 20, 2012 Udinese rejected a €12m Manchester United offer for Kwadwo Asamoah, but Juventus are now making their own bid for the midfielder. It was reported yesterday that the Old Trafford club saw its proposal turned down for the Ghanaian talent. He has long been linked with Juve and, according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, details of the bid are emerging. The Bianconeri would offer cash, plus co-ownership of both Michele Pazienza and Luca Marrone. Pazienza spent the last six months on loan in Udine, while Under-21 international Marrone scored his debut Serie A goal in the last game of the season against Atalanta. However, Juventus would want to maintain an option to buy back Marrone in future.

Udinese's Asamoah on Juventus radar The Ghana international has supposedly caught the attention of the Turin giants with his impressive performances in the 2011-12 campaign. Mar 25, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah could be on his way out Udinese at the end of the season as Juventus have shown an interest in luring the midfielder away from his current club in the summer transfer window, Tuttosport reports. The Bianconeri are looking to add some fresh blood to their squad ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, and they supposedly see the 23-year-old Asamoah as a valuable addition to their midfield. The Ghanaian has a contract with Udinese until the summer of 2015, and an offer of well over €10 million could be needed to prize him away from the Zebrette. The midfielder moved to Italy in January 2008, and has developed into a key player at Udinese since making his official debut on January 11, 2009. The Ghana star has made over 70 official appearances for the Udine side in the past few years.

Just Juventus for Barzagli Jun 20, 2012 Italian international Andrea Barzagli has underlined that he would like current club Juventus to be his last. The centre-back joined the Old Lady in January 2011 from Wolfsburg and ended up winning the championship this term. “I would like to stay at Juventus for life,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “I came back to Italy from Germany and I think I have settled well. “We won a splendid Scudetto. I am now 31-years-old and I have no desire to move away from Turin now.” Juventus and Barzagli surprised many onlookers this term and he hopes 2012-13 will be just as successful. “The new campaign is already looking good for Juventus,” the former Palermo man continued. “Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah are two great signings from Udinese.” The Bianconeri are also close to signing Sebastian Giovinco back from Parma, while they are on the verge of doing a deal for Pescara’s Marco Verratti – although he won’t arrive until the summer of 2013. Barzagli is contracted to Juve until June 2015.

Chiellini out of quarter-finals Jun 19, 2012 Italy will have to make do without Giorgio Chiellini for their Euro 2012 quarter-final, after the defender’s thigh strain was confirmed. The Juventus man suffered the injury during the Azzurri’s final Group C game against Republic of Ireland on Monday night, with initial fears that he had suffered a thigh strain in his left leg. Unfortunately for the defender and for Cesare Prandelli, those fears have been confirmed after tests carried out today. “Unfortunately they confirmed the feelings from yesterday,” chief medic Enrico Castellacci explained to reporters today. “We tested the player with an ultrasound that showed a stretch of the first degree in the left bicep, which is a previous injury. “The defender has already started treatment but won’t be there for England. “It is hard to forecast his recovery, we will see. It is clear though, we are in no hurry with his recovery, the player must return well.” The player is likely to be unavailable for the duration of the tournament, as this type of injury generally takes up to 20 days to fully recover from.

Chiellini set to miss the rest of Euro 2012 after hamstring strain The Juventus defender, who pulled up in Italy's win over Republic of Ireland, will remain with the rest of the squad but it is feared that his tournament is over. Jun 19, 2012 Italy have been rocked by the news that Giorgio Chiellini has suffered a strained hamstring and is therefore unlikely to play any further part in their Euro 2012 campaign. The versatile Juventus defender limped off during the Azzurri's 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in Poznan on Monday evening and subsequent scans have now revealed the full extent of the damage. "Giorgio Chiellini has suffered a strained left hamstring," Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Tuesday evening. It is not yet known exactly how long the centre-half will be out of action for and he is set to remain with the squad in Poland. However, it is believed that his tournament is over. Chiellini's injury is a massive blow for the Azzurri as not only is he one of their most reliable performers, his versatility means that he is capable of playing at left-back as well as centre-half. It will also come as a huge disappointment to the player, who had worked incredibly hard to make himself available for his country's Euro 2012 campaign after suffering a thigh injury at the tail end of the Serie A season.

Marchisio: Italy fear nobody Jun 18, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has declared that Italy are not afraid of their quarter-final opponent after progressing through the group stages of Euro 2012 last night. Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli secured a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland and Spain’s victory over Croatia meant that Italy qualified for the knock-out stages as runners-up in Group C. Marchisio, speaking to RAI after the tense encounter, claimed the Azzurri have no preference who they face next. “No, we have no preference for our quarter-final opponent,” the Juventus midfielder stated. “We faced Spain who are the best team in the world and we stood up to them. “We are not afraid and our European Championships start now.” Italy will face the winners of Group D, which could be France, England or host nation Ukraine, in Kiev on Sunday.

Buffon thanks Spain after Italy make the last eight Juventus shotstopper was delighted with the Azzurri's performance as they secured second spot in Group C with a comfortable victory over the Republic of Ireland to send Croatia out. Jun 18, 2012 Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon has insisted his side were only concentrating on their own game as they beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 to advance to quarter-finals of Euro 2012, but thanked Spain for their helping hand anyway. Cesare Prandelli’s side could have been eliminated from the competition if La Roja and Croatia had drawn 2-2, however, a late strike from Jesus Navas ended that possibility as the Spaniards finished top of Group C with their win in Gdansk. The Juventus shotstopper was delighted with his team’s performance against Giovanni Trapattoni’s side and feels it was vital to register their first win in the tournament to send them through to the quarter-finals with confidence. He told Rai Sport: "I had four days of calm. The only concern was our game; I had confidence in Spain. Thanks also to them. Like Netherlands four years ago. "The important thing was to win and we deserved to. We were well balanced for the whole game. Nobody gifted us anything. I made two saves from dangerous shots; both were struck well.” Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli each found the net for the first time in the competition, with the Manchester City striker scoring in spectacular fashion with an overhead volley direct from a corner. And Buffon believes having their front men firing on all cylinders is a good omen for the latter stages of the tournament. He added: "The two strikers scoring? A good sign. They have played two good games without scoring, with the goals it's easier."

Buffon: 'Thank you, Spain!' Jun 18, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon thanked Spain for helping Italy qualify and felt it was “a sign” that Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli got the goals. The Azzurri beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0, but that was only enough because Spain defeated Croatia 1-0, as a 1-1 draw would’ve knocked them out. “I’ve been relaxed for the last four days, as our only concern was our match. This is because I was absolutely convinced Spain would win their game and we must thank them,” said Buffon. “I was relaxed, as knowing Spain they would be likely to keep the ball for the final minute. They didn’t? Lucky I didn’t watch it, then! “As I said to the Dutch four years ago, who beat Romania to help us through, we will always keep a fondness for them. I might retire in a few years, but we must remember that. “There were two dangerous shots, as their midfielder hit free kicks very well. The important thing was to win, especially as so far we’ve always made every game balanced, whether against stronger or weaker sides. That can be a good or a bad thing and we needed the cynicism that we found this evening. “Our minimum objective was to go through to the knockouts. We could go out, as there are strong teams left in the competition, but now we’re here we can really go for it.” Cassano and Balotelli finally broke their droughts to score in tonight’s game. “It’s a great sign because we really needed Cassano and Balotelli, who despite good performances had been unable to score. “In the Euros you play every four days and it’s really difficult to recover. In my view, in the long run teams will feel the fatigue. The Coach changed his line-up because he has faith in all 23 players, but he also changed system and these players were more suited to those characteristics.” Buffon also posted some messages on his Facebook page this week criticising the media for focusing on the betting scandal or the potential 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia. “I accept criticism and nastiness with a smile on my face. I’m glad with the internet we have found a diplomatic way for players to give their own unfiltered position without it being misinterpreted.”