Socrates

Juventus Keen On Leonardo Bonucci Juventus are keen to add Bonucci to their squad this summer... Jun 15, 2010 Italian powerhouse Juventus are eager to add highly rated Bari defender Leonardo Bonucci to their squad in the summer transfer window, if a report in Corriere dello Sport is to be believed. The Bianconeri are in the market for defensive reinforcements following the departure of Fabio Cannavaro, and newly appointed head coach Luigi Del Neri has supposedly made Bonucci one of his primary targets on the transfer market. The 23-year-old defender came through the ranks of the Inter youth academy, but was offloaded to Genoa in the summer of 2009. He was transferred to Bari on a co-ownership deal only days later. Bonucci has since been in impressive form for Bari and his good performances haven't gone unnoticed elsewhere in Italy. Inter and Fiorentina are also believed to be keeping tabs on the centre-back.

Bonucci: I Would Be Crazy To Turn Down A Move To Juventus Bari defender would not turn the Old Lady down... May 31, 2010 Bari defender Leonardo Bonucci admits that he would be crazy to refuse an offer from Juventus. Bonucci is currently in training with the Azzurri ahead of the World Cup and the 23-year-old revealed that he could form a centre-back pairing with Fabio Cannavaro, shifting Giorgio Chiellini to left-back. "Do Juve want me? I don't know," Bonucci stated to Tuttosport. "Every time someone mentions it, I start to laugh. "Bari or Genoa would be a nice destination for me, but should an offer from Juventus really arrive, I would have to be crazy to refuse it. "Over the past few days, we have been working in developing a centre-back combination with Cannavaro. He keeps telling me to play like I did this season at Bari. "Should Chiellini really be a candidate for the left-back position, I could be in the running for a central defender role. We have even tried instances where the left-back pushes up the ground, and how we would position ourselves," he added.

Preziosi: Juventus Are After Leonardo Bonucci, Not Inter But the Old Lady must pay ‘crazy’ money… May 28, 2010 Genoa president Enrico Preziosi has revealed that Inter are not in the race to sign their former youth product Leonardo Bonucci, but admits that Juventus might try to lure the highly-rated centre-back to Turin this summer. “Bonucci is a target for Juve, but not for Inter,” he told Telenord. Genoa share the Italian international’s services with Bari, where he has enjoyed a successful time this season, and Preziosi added: “We want to keep him. We’ll see how much Bari ask for him.” But what if Juve come calling after Genoa have regained full ownership of Bonucci? “He will only leave if we are presented with a crazy offer,” explained Preziosi. “We are not a branch of any of the big sides. We do things the way it suits us best to try to improve our squad.”

Leonardo Bonucci 'Honoured' By Juventus Link Bari defender Bonucci would ultimately like to play for Inter, but is flattered that the Bianconeri are interested in him... May 12, 2010 Bari defender Leonardo Bonucci says that if he had to choose where to ply his trade next season, it would be at Inter, but would still be honoured to play for Juventus. The Italian international is currently co-owned by Bari and Genoa, and looks set for a move to a big club during the summer transfer season. "I know that the two clubs are deciding my future, as I am co-owned by Bari and Genoa, but if I had to choose, Inter would be the highest aspiration," the defender told TuttoSport. "But thinking that Juventus wish to reinforce their defence honours me. "After playing against Inter at home, I realised that this could be my standout season. With the injury to Ranocchia, I felt the defensive responsibility even more, learning how to resolve issues on the fly." The 23-year-old also has high hopes of travelling to South Africa for the World Cup next month with the Azzurri. "I read somewhere that Bocchetti and Cassani may not go, which makes me feel more confident about my chances. But until the squad is finalised, I will not know."

Leonardo Bonucci Not Focusing On Juventus Speculation Bari defender is only interested in doing well for the Galletti... Mar 2, 2010 Bari defender Leonardo Bonucci is in the midst of a stellar season and has attracted attention from some of Italy's biggest clubs. But the 22-year-old is only interested in doing well for the Biancorossi, and will let Bari and Genoa decide whether he can move to Juventus. "I am not thinking about the rumours that are linking me to Juventus," Bonucci stated to TMW. "All that I am thinking of is doing well at Bari. "Bari and Genoa will decide my future, as I am co-owned by them. I know nothing about the Juve interest. "It would not be a problem if I went to Juventus. For every player, a consequence of becoming a better footballer is that you attract interest from the big clubs," concluded Bonucci.

Juventus Target Leonardo Bonucci Only Focused On Bari - Agent It’s too early to speculate about the youngster’s future… Feb 23, 2010 The representative of Bari centre-back Leonardo Bonucci has insisted that his client is blocking out talk of a summer move to one of Serie A’s biggest clubs to stay concentrated on the Galletti’s bid to clinch survival. The Inter youth product has attracted a lot of interest this season and Sky Sport 24 is suggesting that Juventus have made an official offer for the 22-year-old, who is co-owned by Bari and Genoa, but the player’s agent, Davide Torchia, has nipped rumours in the bud. “First of all, I have to say that Leonardo is only focused on doing well with Bari in order to secure safety as soon as possible,” he told Tuttomercatoweb. “The rest is just press talk, the player is on a co-ownership deal and I honestly believe that the two clubs will find an agreement since they are on good terms. “However, it’s too early to talk about this type of thing.”

Luciano Moggi Angry With Italian FA After Dinner With Bologna Chiefs Costs Them A Three-Month Ban Moggi blasts the FIGC over the Bologna president ban, as well as Inter's alleged shady deals with Genoa... Jun 23, 2010 Luciano Moggi has turned his fire on the Italian FA after Bologna president Francesca Menarini received a three-month ban for having dinner with him. The Menarini family, who own the Emilia-Romagna-based club, had treated Moggi to dinner several months ago, but they never expected the bill to come to a three-month ban for an involvement with the currently banned former transfer chief. And neither did Moggi, who was left with a sour taste by the FA's decision to punish the Bologna chief. "The sentence from the FIGC against the Menarinis for having entertained me at dinner is a story that borders on the theatre of the absurd," Moggi told Libero. "Since I am no longer part of the Federal administration following the unfounded condemnation of July 2006 [Calciopoli], I have long been a private citizen. Obviously, the sports justice system does not cease to persecute me, exposing a serious liability for unlawful interference in private dimensions, such as the dinner." Moggi then turned up the heat on the FA, asking them what punitive action they would take against Genoa and Inter following the alleged irregularities in the transfers involving Diego Milito and Thiago Motta in which an investigation from the FIGC is ongoing. "If the Menarinis were give a three-month ban for dinner, what will happen to Preziosi and Massimo Moratti after the Motta and Milito deals?" The Italian FA are currently investigating the allegations against Inter and Genoa after Preziosi admitted he had instigated the deals last year while serving a ban from the game.

Juventus Will Stick With Gianluigi Buffon - Agent Injury will not affect Buffon's club future, claims agent... Jun 19, 2010 Gianluigi Buffon's agent Silvano Martina has curbed panic following the goalkeeper's back injury, making it clear Juventus will not give up on him. The latest from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is that Buffon could require surgery to solve his spinal disc hernation problem, and he may be out for several months. Juventus have made plans to sign Marco Storari on a thre-year deal from Milan as a replacement for Buffon. Concerns surrounding the 'Gigi' is growing, but Martina feels Juve will take essential steps to safeguard his future. "There is not much to say, Buffon is obviously not pleased with what is happening," the agent told Calcionews24.com. "However, injuries happen in football. There is no need to worry, Juventus will continue to trust him." Sky Sport Italia report the goalkeeper will not travel to Nelspruit on Saturday night with the Italy squad for Sunday's clash against New Zealand.

Giorgio Chiellini Deserves A Big Contract - Agent The centre-back could get a pay rise, at Juve or elsewhere... Jun 18, 2010 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini's agent, Davide Lippi, has told the press his client deserves a better contract and that it is not certain he will remain in Turin next season as other European giants show an interest. "We are honoured that Giorgio is liked by clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid," he said according to the Daily Mirror and tuttomercatoweb. "We've decided not to discuss the transfer market until after the World Cup. Giorgio signed a contract with Juve two years ago when he was young, but now he has been playing for two seasons at the highest level. "Now is the time he deserves a big contract. The Juventus directors aren't in any hurry, for now everything is still. We'll see." Chiellini's form has seen him become an indespensible member of the Juve starting XI and he was one of the few players to have a good season at the club despite their seventh place finish in Serie A in 2009-10. He is currently on international duty with Italy in South Africa.

Andrea Agnelli Promises Return To Greatness Juventus president highlights aims and ambitions for the future... Jun 18, 2010 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has reassured fans anxious to see improvement upon last season by publishing a letter on the club's official website underscoring the aims and plans for the future. Agnelli, who was approved as president by the club's board after consultations with John Elkann, is ready to take Juventus into a new world as he embraces a culture of sustainbility and success. His letter reads: "Dear Supporters, A month has passed since I took over the presidency of Juventus. Many of you have encouraged me, shown me faith and support and I am really grateful for this. Football, especially in the summer months, is made of words, interviews and futive emotions, sometimes perhaps illusions. I believe that dreams will always be accompanied by reality and sincerity, and therefore today I chose to turn to you by means of our website in order to tell you about the priorities of Juventus in the next few months. The team, which is the passion of all of us, is the fulcrum of our activity and our commitment. This is why the most important signing of Juventus 2010-11 is without any doubt Giuseppe Marotta, a man of football and a great connoisseur both of the transfer maret and of the complex mechanisms of management of a sports club." And his forecast is good as he promises further reinforcements on the transfer market having already signed Italian international Simone Pepe. "Jean Claude Blanc and myself are guaranteeing our director general all the support necessary to be able to get to the end of August with a competitive squad to make available to our coach, Gigi Del Neri. He has the delicate task of bringing back culture and sporting discipline to the changing rooms. The distance from the rivals, which has been created in recent years, requires a complex path, but we are conscious that with professionalism and passion we will be able to build a team capable of winning against any opponents. "The management, which I consider as being the other team, is going through a time of change. We are all, from the first to the last, each in his role and with his competencies, working to guarantee economic stability and sporting competitiveness. Personally, I am trying to dedicate myself without saving any energy, on all fronts." And Agnelli also said he was eagerly following the FIGC's movements after the club applied for the revocation of the 2006 Scudetto, handed to Inter by default following the original sports trial into Calciopoli. "Besides, I would like you to know that, just like you, I am waiting to know the definite decisions by the sports justice authorities that must show it is equal for all in any historical moment. This is why I will always make the voice of Juventus heard at the FIGC, Lega Calcio and in all establishments. "Summer is at our doorstep and therefore I wish all of you a serene and happy summer while waiting to meet you all at the stadium! Andrea Agnelli"

Gianluigi Buffon Hopes He Can Recover From Injury As He Aims For The Final Italy goalkeeper has offered a glimmer of hope in relation to his recovery from a back injury... Jun 18, 2010 Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has spoken of his hopes to recover and play a part at the World Cup, keeping his fingers crossed that the Azzurri go all the way. A source of hope has empowered the goalkeeper as he holds strength and belief in relation to his spinal disc herniation. Buffon has summed up his confidence and hopes to achieve a full recovery, despite being told by doctors there is no timescale over returning to full fitness. "I hope I can make it even though it will be tough. But I have to for Italy. I want the final," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. There were some broken suggestions in the Italian press that Buffon was ready to head back to Italy to focus on his recovery. But he insists he wants to stay in South Africa to be close to the team, regardless of his injury. "I would never say no to Italy. They would have to kick me out," he concluded.

Juventus Look For New Goalkeeper As Gianluigi Buffon's Injury Causes Unrest The Old Lady seek Gigi substitute... Jun 17, 2010 Juventus are in the market for a new custodian following Gianluigi Buffon's World Cup injury, according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. The Azzurri No.1 was substituted at half time during Italy's World Cup Group F opener against Paraguay on Monday because of a back problem. Tests later showed Buffon has a spinal disc herniation, a problem which may require the 32-year-old to go under the knife and face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Old Lady are already preparing for life without Buffon, and have identified Marco Storari of Milan and Chievo Verona's Stefano Sorrentino as likely candidates to replace Gigi. Storari has been linked with a move to Sampdoria after playing at the Marassi on a season-long deal, but his agent recently stated that the 33-year-old would remain at the San Siro. Sorrentino, who represented Juventus from 1997-98, signed for Chievo Verona on a permanent basis last year after a season on loan there, but he has been a bit-part player with the Flying Donkeys. It is believed that Juventus will set their sights on Monaco's 23-year-old keeper Stephane Ruffier, an Under-21 international for France, if they fail in their efforts for the Italian duo.

Agent Of Chiellini Claims Man. Utd Have Not Made An Approach Agent unaware of United interest... Jun 15, 2010 Manchester United have not made an approach for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to his agent Davide Lippi in reaction to press reports. Both La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and The Sun claimed United were pondering a move for the Italian international should Nemanja Vidic leave the club. But Lippi has said the Premier League side have not made contact for his client. He claims the stopper is in line for a new deal. "I have never heard from Manchester [united] and I don't know anything," he told Tuttomercatoweb.com. "I am waiting for a call from Juventus in relation to an extension, but no one has contacted us."

Manchester United Eye Giorgio Chiellini Red Devils ready to move for Chiellini if Vidic leaves, according to reports... Jun 15, 2010 Manchester United are weighing up the idea of moving for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to Tuttosport. Nemanja Vidic's possible departure - he is being linked with Manchester City and Real Madrid - could prompt Sir Alex Ferguson into looking at the Italian international. Despite his stature with Juventus as one of the club's leading defenders, no one in Turin is guaranteed a stay. A

Gianluigi Buffon - I Will Never Go To Inter The 32-year-old custodian has laughed off Inter suggestions... Jun 10, 2010 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has declared he has no interest in ever linking up with Inter. The Azzurri No.1 has been linked with football away from the Stadio Olimpico after nine years of service with the Old Lady. Milan and Manchester City have both been reported as possible suitors, but Inter are understood to be on the lookout for a keeper to challenge Julio Cesar for a starting role. And while Buffon did not mention the first two clubs, or even his future at Juventus, he was very firm in his assessment of the Serie A champions to Tuttosport: "One thing I can say with certainty: I will never go to Inter." Buffon, who cost Juventus

Court Told Referees Were Not Under Pressure To Book Players That Risked A Suspension Former linesman claims referees were not under pressure to book players risking suspension to favour one team and hinder another... Jun 8, 2010 The Calciopoli trial at the Tribunal of Naples resumed for the latest hearing on Tuesday and prosecutors Giuseppe Narducci and Stefano Capuano were keen to continue their examination of former referees and linesmen in relation to allegations that draws for referee assignments were rigged. It follows last week's hearing in which referees claimed there was no external pressure from club directors. After a brief statement from Judge Teresa Casoria at the start of the hearing, the trial was adjourned after witnesses called in by defendant and former referee designator Paolo Bergamo failed to show up for various reasons. It left Casoria less than impressed. She told the court: "Can you let Pierluigi Collina know that I expect to see him next time. Everyone knows he must attend." The current designator was absent aftrer being granted special dispensation from the court for legitimate reasons. He will be present next Tuesday. Luciano Moggi's lawyer Maurilio Prioreschi issued a roll call for witnessses he will call into the hearing next week. The list read out in court included a number of former referees, directors and key figures from the Calcio world. FIGC president Giancarlo Abete is among the witnesses. He was expected in court today and next week, but he was and will be absent because of commitments with Italy, who fly out to South Africa for the World Cup tonight. He explained his absence via a statement. "I will not be able to attend because of the World Cup, but I have given my availability after that," he said. Abete also confirmed he will receive an update from the FIGC over proposals to radiate Moggi from football by the end of the month. Meanwhile, the hearing continued and prosecutors questioned former referee's assistant Alessandro Stagnoli over allegations that referees were under pressure to book players who risked suspensions. Stagnoli, who is Collina's assistant designator at the national referees committee, told the court: "Bookings that were aimed? We never knew those who were on the verge of being suspended. "We had never discussed anything like this. We were not interested in these things." Stagnoli was then asked of his relationship with Moggi. "I only had contacts with Moggi when refereeing his teams. The relationship was a cordial one," he said as the defence tried to dismantle allegations of an exclusive relationship with the former Juventus chief. The case continues.

Juventus Consider Selling Giorgio Chiellini To Big Bidders Real Madrid & Manchester City Chiellini wants more money, but club consider selling for quick income... Jun 3, 2010 Juventus are ready to sell Giorgio Chiellini to Real Madrid or Manchester City, who are racing head to head for the Italian stopper. Tuttosport reports Chiellini is less than pleased at earning

Former Referees Tell Court There Was "No Pressure" To Favour Teams Referees claim they were never under pressure to favour teams during Calciopoli... Jun 1, 2010 The latest hearing into Calciopoli took place at the tribunal of Naples on Tuesday and the main protagonists were former referees and referee draw co-ordinators. They were questioned by both the prosecuting team of Stefano Capuano and Giuseppe Narducci, and the defence team of former referee designator Pierluigi Pairetto. Of all the former referees, linesmen and other witnesses called to the dock, none of them told the court about receiving any pressure to favour certain teams. First up was former referee Stefano Farina. He told the court that he never received pressure from the referee designators. "There was never any pressure on referees to favour teams including Juventus or other sides. "As for referee draws that were allegedly tricked? No." Antonio Loli, who at the time was the notary that used to oversee the draws for referees, said he never had any suspicion on rigged draws. He argued that draws were conducted fairly and accurately as he was examined by the prosecution. "Everything that was related to these draws was written in the rulebook that has been obtained by the court. No one could see the contents of the draw balls. I never had any suspicion of irregularities," the notary said. Current referee designator Pierluigi Collina was expected to give evidence at the hearing, but he was absent, the court citing family reasons for his non-attendance. However, he is expected on June 8 when the trial resumes. There will be three further hearings on June 15, 18 and 22 before the summer break. The next round of hearings after that date will take place in October. Judge Teresa Casoria summed up the hearing, but before she adjourned the session former referee Massimo De Santis produced a handbook from the FIGC in 2004 which showed guidlines on how club directors should interact with referees inside dressing rooms. The prosecution tried to object to De Santis from showing the court the document, but Judge Casoria allowed him to. The court heard how directors were allowed to visit referees in the changing rooms before and after games, but the men in black were not allowed to accept gifts of excessive value. De Santis told the court: "If this was available during the original trial then we would have known things that we are only discovering now. "People say Moggi used to visit referees in dressing rooms, but everyone knew what could and couldn't be done." The handbook was deposited as part of the hearing's evidence. The case continues.

Gianluigi Buffon Criticises Jabulani Ball The latest to vent regarding the sphere is the Azzurri number one... Jun 1, 2010 Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has joined the chorus of players who have criticised the official World Cup 2010 ball, the Jabulani, saying it is unpredictable. Brazil shot-stopper Julio Cesar has already taken a swipe at the ball's design over the course of the last week, as has Buffon's Italy team-mate Giampaolo Pazzini. "The World Cup brings together the best players on the planet, these champions must be given something decent," he was quoted as saying by Ansa at the Sestriere training camp. "The new ball is not decent, not just for goalkeepers but for everyone. Its trajectory is unpredictable." Buffon is assured a spot in Italy's 23-man World Cup squad, expected to be announced later on Tuesday. The Azzurri's first match of the tournament is against Paraguay on June 14.

I Am Here Because Of Calciopoli - Claudio Marchisio Marchisio says Calciopoli had its positives too... Jun 1, 2010 Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has said Calciopoli has been the springboard that allowed him to leap to new heights with la Nazionale and Juventus. He believes the penalties inflicted by the sports trial in 2006 allowed him the space to come through and develop at Juventus - leading to a rapid promotion on all levels. "I thank Calciopoli because if it didn't happen then I would have arrived here much later," he told the press at Sestriere. "With Deschamps I used to play often in the youth team, but then I found space in the first team. "Everyone always gets their chance, and I certainly took mine. For all young players Calciopoli was an opportunity, not just at Juventus, but Roma and Milan also trusted in youth."

Official: Director Roberto Bettega Leaves Juventus The Bianconeri official's latest stint with the club was only for a few months... May 31, 2010 Juventus have annoucned the departure of director Roberto Bettega, through a note on their official website juventus.com. Bettega played for the club from 1969 to 1983, making over 300 appearances and then later became the club's vice-president. Midway through the disappointing 2009-10 season he returned to the club as vice-chairman in order to help steady the ship, but the club and Bettega have now decided to part ways as management and new coach Luigi Del Neri look to rebuild ahead of next season. "Juventus and Roberto Bettega communicate the successful termination of their collaboration," began the statement. "Juventus thank Roberto Bettega for working with the club at a particularly complex time. Bettega salutes the white and black jersey and it's fans, he has dedicated a long and memorable part of his life to the club with passion and love in exciting times and also the most difficult ones."

Luciano Moggi Lauds New Juventus Leadership The former chief likes the new Juventus rulers... May 28, 2010 Luciano Moggi has given his seal of approval to the new Juventus leadership, hailing president Andrea Agnelli, general director Giuseppe Marotta and coach Luigi Del Neri. Moggi feels previous top level management prohibited the club from making progress following their return to the top flight three years ago. And he is confident the introduction of Agnelli and company mark the start of an important legacy. "Finally we see a competent man at the helm of Juventus. Agnelli is one who understands football having followed his father, who was president of Juventus," Moggi told Nuovo Spazio Radio. "It's a good thing because the club has appointed people who understand football." Moggi expects to see a return to the good times as he explains what the club can expect under Del Neri. "He is a good coach, not a phenomenon, but surely he is a good coach. As for Marotta, he understands football. "They are intelligent people and they will do well at Juventus."

Juventus Want Me To Stay, And I Will - Gianluigi Buffon Goalkeeper and agent insist there will be no move away from Juve... May 27, 2010 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said he wants to remain at the club and he is looking forward to a brighter campaign next term. He has recently been linked with Milan, with reports claiming he would be used as a bargaining tool for a move for Marco Borriello. But the Italian international has made it clear his will is to continue playing in Turin. "As everyone knows, I have a linear situation with Juventus seeing that both myself and them want to continue working together," he is quoted as saying on Stadionews.it. "I have affection from the fans and club and this is very important to me. It's a value that cannot be obscured, and thus it means a lot for this new adventure." Buffon's agent Silvano Martina backed his client's stance, denying reports of any move. "There are no doubts that Gigi will remain at Juventus. There has been plenty of transfer talk over the last few weeks, but that's all it has been," the agent told Radio Milan Inter.