Socrates

Pirlo returns to Italy training Jun 7, 2012 Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo was back in training on Thursday after he was rested as a precautionary measure yesterday. The key Juventus player missed Wednesday’s sessions due to concern over a bruised right calf muscle. The 33-year-old returned to action in Krakow this morning which will come as a boost to boss Cesare Prandelli ahead of the Spain game. Cagliari defender Davide Astori was also included after he joined up with the rest of the squad in Poland this week. Astori has been selected as cover for Andrea Barzagli should the Juventus man be ruled out of the competition with a calf strain. A decision on his inclusion will be made on Friday.

Pirlo 'has bruised calf' Jun 6, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has slight bruising on his calf, but is not thought to be at risk for Italy’s opening Euro 2012 game. The Juventus midfielder did not take part in today’s training session in Krakow and it was later revealed by staff that he was suffering from a bruise to his right calf muscle. However, it is only a light injury and the Azzurri are not worried about his fitness for Sunday’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain. Meanwhile, Christian Maggio returned to training after his muscular problem, while Davide Astori joined the group. The Cagliari defender was flown in to Poland as a stand-by in case Andrea Barzagli has to go home due to a calf strain. A final decision on Barzagli will be made on Friday.

Pirlo skips Italy session Jun 6, 2012 Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli skipped today’s training session as Italy prepare for Sunday’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain. The Azzurri took to the field this afternoon in Krakow, but Pirlo did not change into his football boots. When Cesare Prandelli called for the squad to begin their fitness work, the Juventus midfielder spoke briefly to the staff and then went back into the locker room.

Chiellini: De Rossi can defend Jun 6, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini says a three-man defence which includes Daniele De Rossi could work for Italy at Euro 2012. Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli is considering the use of a 3-5-2 system, but his plans to field a Juventus trio have been scuppered by injury. Although Chiellini is now back to full fitness alongside Juve colleague Leonardo Bonucci, Prandelli has tested Roma midfielder De Rossi in place of the sidelined Andrea Barzagli this week. “We are ready to play with three at the back and De Rossi has demonstrated that he knows what to do,” the stopper stated on Wednesday. “I don’t think that the Coach has definitely decided to try out a defence with three centre-backs, but that doesn’t matter. “We are all used to playing that way for our clubs and therefore the Coach will decide on what is the best thing to do. “De Rossi played in defence for Roma against us [Juventus] earlier in the season and he had a great game.” Chiellini should be in the starting XI to face Spain on Sunday after recovering from a thigh strain suffered on May 13 in the 3-1 win over Atalanta. “The injury was less serious than first thought,” he added. “I’m ready to play and I have no fear about doing so.” The Azzurri qualified for the tournament with ease, but they have lost their last three friendly games against Uruguay, USA and Russia. “There was a slump in results after qualification, but it is a bit much to say that we have disappeared. We’re now in Poland, the atmosphere has changed and we are finally breathing the air of Euro 2012.”

Marrone to consider Juve options Jun 6, 2012 Luca Marrone admits that he has no idea whether he will stay with Italian champions Juventus for the 2012-13 campaign. The 22-year-old made six appearances for the Old Lady this term, but his desire for first team football may see him move on. “It is still too early to talk about my future,” he told calciomercato.it. “Obviously I want to play with more regularity, so we’ll have to see whether that will be at Juventus or somewhere else.” The Italian Under-21 international returned to Turin in the summer at the request of Antonio Conte – the Coach who bossed him at Siena in 2010-11. “I owe a lot to Conte,” he added. “It was he who asked for me to be kept at Juventus. He was always close to me, even when I didn’t play and he offered me precious advice. “I grew a lot on a professional and human level over the course of the past season. I’m happy and proud to be a part of the project.” Marrone has been linked with loan moves to Atalanta, Genoa and Palermo over recent weeks.

Pogba nears Juventus switch Jun 5, 2012 As Shinji Kagawa arrives at Manchester United another young star edges closer to the exit door at Old Trafford with Paul Pogba revealing he he is in Turin to complete his transfer to Italian champions Juventus. The 19-year-old midfielder is a free agent this summer and after turning down the offer of a new contract with United now looks set to seal a protracted move to Juve. "I am thinking about my future, I am in Italy with Juventus to discuss my transfer," Pogba wrote on Twitter this morning. Pogba's departure is a bitter blow to United boss Sir Alex Ferguson who had had hoped to convince the highly-rated midfielder to perform a U-turn and pledge his future to the Red Devils having faced a possible FIFA investigation to wrestle him away from Le Havre in 2009. However, despite matching Juve's lucrative offer to double his salary, Pogba has his heart set on joining the Bianconeri who claimed their first Serie A title since 2003 after enjoying an unbeaten season. The deal, negotiated by Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, who also represents AC Milan star Zlatan Ibrahimovic among others, is also set to net the teenager a bumper signing on fee, rumoured to be £1million.

Midfielder confirms United exit imminent Jun 5, 2012 Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has confirmed he is closing in on a summer move to Serie A giants Juventus. The 19-year-old rejected the offer of a new contract at Old Trafford after failing to break into Sir Alex Ferguson's first-team squad on a regular basis and has been in talks with Juve. He is hoping to become the Italian side's first summer signing after revealing on Twitter that he was in Turin. "I am thinking about my future, I am in Italy with Juventus to discuss my transfer," Pogba Tweeted. The teenager, who left Le Havre in France to join United's youth academy in 2009, was tipped to have a bright future in the Premier League but has struggled to make the desired impact and made just three league appearances for the Red Devils last season.

Italy are not afraid of Spain, declares Marchisio The Azzurri defeated La Furia Roja 2-1 last August in an international friendly and the Juventus midfielder insists they are capable of a repeat performance in Gdansk. Jun 5, 2012 Claudio Marchisio says Italy have no reason to fear any country at Euro 2012, including Spain on the basis that they defeated the reigning world and European champions last summer. The Azzurri go into their curtain raiser against Vicente Del Bosque's side on a low after slumping to a 3-0 defeat by Russia, while there are serious concerns over a defence which has lost Andrea Barzagli to injury and Domenico Criscito to the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal. However, Marchisio cannot understand the negativity currently surrounding the squad, as he maintained that Italy are entirely capable of repeating their heroics from last August, when they inflicted a 2-1 reverse on Spain. "We are not afraid of anyone. We are Italy, a great country," the Juventus man told reporters at a press conference on Monday. "We will face the champions of Europe, who play the most beautiful football in the world. "But last summer we beat them after playing a great game and we need to play like we did then." Given Italy also have Republic of Ireland and Croatia for company in Group C, there are those that believe that the Azzurri are heading for another embarrassing first-round elimination at a major international tournament, having failed to reach the knockout stages of the 2010 World Cup. But Marchisio countered: "We should not worry about that, but work calmly, without fear, or else it would be better not to go. "We should not leave for the Euros fearing a repeat of what happened in the 2010 World Cup." Italy's Group C clash with Spain in Gdansk is scheduled to kick off at 18:00CET.

Barzagli hopeful of recovery Jun 5, 2012 The injured Andrea Barzagli is remaining optimistic that he will be able to feature for Italy at Euro 2012 this summer. Barzagli is struggling with a calf strain that could see him sidelined for the next 20 days and he may be replaced in the squad before the tournament begins. However, the Juventus stopper is hopeful that he could remain in the party for the European Championship. “Let’s hope it all works out,” Barzagli noted. “I don’t know how long I will be out for, you’ll have to ask the doctors… “The calf is a big muscle and if the medical staff are optimistic about my recovery then I am even more optimistic than they are. “The problem occurred in the last few minutes of the game against Russia on Friday when I stretched for the ball. “At the time it didn’t seem like a big issue, but I was limping the day after. I feel better now, but we’ll have to wait and see.” It is understood that Cagliari centre-back Davide Astori has been put on stand-by. A final decision on Barzagli will be made on Friday.

Four Serie A names up for Golden Foot Jun 4, 2012 Juventus duo Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon and Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Clarence Seedorf are all nominated for the annual Golden Foot award. The Golden Foot, which has been running since 2003, is awarded to European-based footballers aged 29 or above, recognising their achievements both on and off the field of play. The 2012 edition of the award sees Buffon and Pirlo as Italy’s representatives, and alongside Ibra and Seedorf as four Serie A-based men in contention against six other candidates. Once a player wins the award, they cannot be nominated again. Ryan Giggs won the last edition of the award, which has otherwise been dominated by players based in Italy. Past Serie A recipients include Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Alessandro Del Piero, Andriy Shevchenko, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. 2012 Golden Foot nominees: Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ricardo Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Carles Puyol, Clarence Seedorf, Xavi Hernandez

Four Serie A names up for Golden Foot Jun 4, 2012 Juventus duo Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon and Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Clarence Seedorf are all nominated for the annual Golden Foot award. The Golden Foot, which has been running since 2003, is awarded to European-based footballers aged 29 or above, recognising their achievements both on and off the field of play. The 2012 edition of the award sees Buffon and Pirlo as Italy’s representatives, and alongside Ibra and Seedorf as four Serie A-based men in contention against six other candidates. Once a player wins the award, they cannot be nominated again. Ryan Giggs won the last edition of the award, which has otherwise been dominated by players based in Italy. Past Serie A recipients include Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Alessandro Del Piero, Andriy Shevchenko, Pavel Nedved and Roberto Baggio. 2012 Golden Foot nominees: Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ricardo Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Carles Puyol, Clarence Seedorf, Xavi Hernandez

Barzagli could miss Euro 2012 Jun 4, 2012 Andrea Barzagli could potentially be ruled out of the 2012 European Championship after the Italian picked up an injury. The Juventus stopper has suffered a calf strain that Azzurri medics fear could see him sidelined for the next 20 days. Italy are set to assess his condition before making a decision on whether to replace him in the squad with another stopper. They will have until 24 hours before their Spanish tie on Sunday to request a squad change. Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia would be in pole position to be called up as he was in the 25-man squad before Cesare Prandelli reduced it to 23. Reports today suggested that Italy could try out a Juventus three-man defence consisting of Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at Euro 2012. A 3-5-2 now seems unlikely. Italy lost 3-0 to Russia on Friday. Their preparations for the tournament have already been hampered by the match fixing investigation and an earthquake which saw their Luxembourg friendly cancelled.

Buffon 'not in betting investigation' June 3, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon’s lawyer has reiterated “he is not involved in the investigation” into a betting scandal after his tobacconist in Parma was raided by police. The Juventus and Italy goalkeeper was dragged into the scandal by the media, who pointed out he had paid large sums to a tobacconist who also has a betting booth. However, he assured the payments were for a collection of watches and helping his friend buy some land, while there were no irregular betting patterns flagged here, nor did the investigators suggest he was in any way part of the investigation. “The tobacconist being inspected in Parma had nothing to do with Buffon and there are absolutely no elements that would suggest Gigi is involved in the investigation,” said lawyer Marco Valerio Corini. “We have not been notified of anything, we have not received any notice and I don’t see why it should arrive. “All the news that has leaked out has no relevance to illegal activity on a civil or sporting justice level. If Buffon is called to explain any of it, then he will. “The only regret is that Gigi is forced to explain things that are irrelevant and publicise matters that are private.”

Pogba in Turin for Juve medical Jun 3, 2012 It is reported Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is already in Turin to complete his transfer to Juventus. Pogba is out of contract with the Old Trafford side after rejecting their offer of a renewal and has been linked with the Bianconeri for some time. Tuttosport claims the 19-year-old is already in Turin today in order to undergo his medical and sign the paperwork. However, it is by no means certain that he’ll be wearing the Juve jersey next season. Antonio Conte wishes to evaluate the player in pre-season training before deciding whether to keep hold of him, send Pogba on loan or include him in a potential exchange deal. He has been mentioned as a possible bargaining tool in Juventus’ attempts to sign Kwadwo Asamoah from Udinese. Curiously, Asamoah is also a target for Manchester United, who reportedly had a €12m proposal turned down.

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 to present Pogba? May 19, 2012 Juventus are expected to officially announce the capture of Paul Pogba from Manchester United on Monday. The 19-year-old midfielder’s contract expires in June and Sir Alex Ferguson urged him to stay at Old Trafford. However, it is widely reported that Juve have convinced Pogba to try Serie A and will present him to the media after the Coppa Italia Final. “As things stand now it is more likely that he goes away from Manchester,” revealed agent Mino Raiola this week. It’s believed Manchester United will receive only £300,000 compensation for the French talent.

Pogba says yes to Juventus May 10, 2012 Juventus have convinced Paul Pogba to join them instead of staying at Manchester United, reports the Corriere dello Sport. A transfer tug-of-war has developed over the last six months between the two European giants for the 19-year-old midfielder. The Frenchman is available on a Bosman in the summer once his contract with the Premiership club expires. United have offered him a renewal, but reports in Italy are suggesting that he’s snubbed that bid in favour of moving to the new Italian champions. Stories earlier this year claimed that Juve have offered the teenager a salary of €23,000 a week. That translates to an annual wage of just under €1.2m. United would not receive a transfer fee for the youngster should he leave, but would net around €350,000 from the Italian club as training compensation. United signed Pogba from Le Havre in October 2009.

Manchester United's Pogba accepts Juventus offer The French teenager has spent over a month considering his future at Old Trafford but he is now poised to sign a four-year contract with the newly-crowned champions of Italy. May 7, 2012 EXCLUSIVE By Romeo Agresti Manchester United starlet Paul Pogba has decided to join Juventus on a free transfer this summer, Goal.com understands. The France Under-19 international's current deal with the Premier League outfit expires at the end of the season but Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson claimed last month that an agreement had been reached with the player's agent, Mino Raiola, over an extension. However, Goal.com has learned that Pogba has now accepted a four-year contract offer from Juve worth an estimated €1 million per season, plus bonuses. The Bianconeri had been growing increasingly impatient with the midfielder's reluctance to make a decision over his future and even issued him an April 30 deadline in order to bring the matter to a head. It seems that tactic has worked - albeit belatedly - and that the Old Lady has finally got her man. Raiola's influence is said to have been key as the man who used to represent current Juventus director Pavel Nedved has excellent relations with the Bianconeri, having also persuaded Ajax youngster Ouasim Bouy to move to Turin during the January transfer window. Pogba's imminent arrival at Juventus Stadium is likely to coincide with the departure of Luca Marrone, who will be sent out on loan for a season in order to secure the highly-rated midfielder more experience and game time. Cagliari appears to be the most likely destination for Marrone, but Atalanta are also said to be keen, while a return to Siena cannot be discounted in light of the 22-year-old's impressive season-long stay at the Artemio Franchi last season. In addition, Juventus are also hoping to complete the signing of Marco Verratti in the coming weeks. The deal has been mooted for some time now, with the Bianconeri having reportedly agreed to pay Pescara €3.5m for a 50 per cent stake in a player being described by some in the game as 'the new Andrea Pirlo'. The deal has yet to be finalised, yet despite the alleged interest of Inter the 19-year-old has his heart set on joining the newly-crowned Italian champions. Once the transfer goes through, Juve will then consider whether to allow Verratti to stay at Pescara for another season, given Zdenak Zeman's side are currently top of Serie B and pushing for promotion to the Italian top flight. In that instance, the plan then would then be to bring Verratti to Turin the following year to team up with Marrone in the engine room of a Juve side being spearheaded by Pogba.

Pogba's future at Manchester United to be decided next week - agent Red Devils youngster is out of contract this summer and will choose between a new deal at Old Trafford and a lucrative free-transfer move to Juventus according to his agent. May 2, 2012 Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba will decide on his future next week, according to his agent Mino Raiola. The talented youngster also has an offer on the table from Serie A table-toppers Juventus and the Frenchman's representative has revealed that the midfielder's choice is between the two clubs. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said last week that a deal had been agreed with Raiola and that it was now down to Pogba himself to choose. "I don’t know [which way he will go]," Raiola is quoted as saying in The Times. "It could be United. I will know next week. I think Paul is positive about Ferguson. The boy has a difficult decision to make." Pogba is reportedly highly thought of at Old Trafford but had become frustrated with the lack of first-team opportunities. He was given a run in the side during January but an injury last month has prematurely curtailed his season.

Pogba to pick United or Juve May 2, 2012 Paul Pogba will next week decide to stay at Manchester United or leave for Juventus, his agent has confirmed. The French youngster, 19, could quit Old Trafford in the summer once his contract with the Premiership club expires. “I don’t know which way it will go between United and Juventus,” agent Mino Raiola is quoted as saying in The Times. “It could be United. I think Paul is positive about Sir Alex Ferguson. The boy has a difficult situation to make. I will know next week.” Although United want to keep hold of the midfielder, the Frenchman is being targeted by the Old Lady of Italian football. Reports in the peninsula have suggested that Juve have offered the teenager a salary of €23,000 a week. That translates to an annual wage of just under €1.2m. United would not receive a transfer fee for the player should he leave, but would net around €350,000 from the Italian club as training compensation. United signed Pogba from Le Havre in October 2009.

Pogba chooses Juve Apr 30, 2012 Paul Pogba has reportedly decided to turn down a new contract offer at Manchester United in favour of a move to Juventus. The young French midfielder, who was recently handed a run of games for the Old Trafford outfit, has reportedly been in talks with a number of clubs since the turn of the year, in light of his contract in Manchester running to an end this summer. Whilst the Red Devils have been prominent in making moves to extend his deal, reports in Italy suggest that the 19-year-old has turned them down so as to take up an offer from Serie A side Juventus. Calciomercato.com and Sky Sport Italia are both reporting that sources close to the Old Lady have confirmed that an economic agreement has been reached with the midfielder and that official confirmation of the deal is now merely a formality.

Manchester United reach agreement with Paul Pogba's agent over contract extension The 19-year-old, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, has been targeted by Juventus as his contract is set to expire in the summer. Apr 20, 2012 Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Manchester United have agreed a contract extension with Paul Pogba's agent. Pogba's current deal is set to expire in the summer and Juventus have been closely monitoring the midfielder's availability at Old Trafford, although earlier this week, Goal.com revealed the Serie A club had started to lose patience with the 19-year-old and issued him with an ultimatum to decide his future by the end of April. "We've agreed a deal with his agent," Ferguson told MUTV. "It's now down to the boy. I must stress, he's going to be a first-team player. There's no doubt about that. "The boy has great potential and I think he's at the right club. But he has to make that decision." Pogba has made seven appearances as a substitute this season but has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after suffering ankle ligament damage during a reserve team game at Newcastle on Monday.

Juventus give Pogba an ultimatum to make decision on summer move The Serie A side have grown tired of waiting for the 19-year-old to decide on a move to Italy, and have told the midfielder he has until the end of the month to make up his mind. Apr 17, 2012 Juventus remain keen to sign Paul Pogba this summer, but the Old Lady are running out of patience and want the Manchester United youngster to make a decision on his future before the end of April, Goal.com can reveal. The 19-year-old has an expiring contract at the Premier League side, and the Frenchman has so far been hesitant to sign a new deal with the Old Trafford club. Juventus are closely monitoring Pogba's situation at United and are keen to lure the youngster to Turin this summer on a Bosman move. The Bianconeri are willing to offer the midfielder a five-year deal worth €500,000 per season plus bonuses. Nevertheless, Pogba is having doubts about whether a move to Italy will benefit his career, and has been delaying his final decision. The Bianconeri are now starting to lose their patience, though, and have told the midfielder that they want an answer by the end of the month. Pogba is just one of many names linked with a move to the Bianconeri this summer as the club looks to compete on three fronts next season.

Juventus-target Pogba yet to make his mind up over future at Manchester United, says agent Mino Raiola claims the young Frenchman will choose between remaining at Old Trafford or moving to the Italian giants when his current deal expires in the summer. Apr 12, 2012 Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has yet to decide wheher to stay at Old Trafford or move to Italian giants Juventus, according to his agent. Pogba has made seven substitute appearances so far this season for the league leaders but has attracted interest from the Italian club and was reportedly close to signing a deal at the Juventus Stadium. Mino Raiola told Sky Sport Italia: "Pogba can remain at Manchester United or go to Juventus. "It's a tough decision to be taken by the boy, thinking of his career. Both possibilities present some chances. "It's a choice that should be made quietly. "United count on him and want to extend his contract. His future will depend very much on the will of the boy."

Pogba offered €1.2m by Juventus Apr 12, 2012 Tuttosport have today revealed the financial details regarding Juventus’ proposed move for Paul Pogba of Manchester United. The 18-year-old could leave Old Trafford in the summer once his contract with the Premiership club expires. Although United want to keep hold of the midfielder, the Frenchman is being targeted by the Old Lady of Italian football. The Turin daily is suggesting that Juve have offered the teenager a salary of €23,000 a week. That translates to an annual wage of just under €1.2m. United would not receive a transfer fee for the player should he leave, but would net around €350,000 from the Italian club as training compensation. Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola could allegedly be handed as much as €2m in the operation. United signed Pogba from Le Havre in October 2009.