Claudio Marchisio

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio set to miss Italy friendly

Mar 21, 2013

Claudio Marchisio could be out of Italy's friendly match with Brazil this evening because of a fever.

Calcio News have reported that the Juventus midfielder may miss the Azzurri's game with Luis Felipe Scolari's side tonight, with Riccardo Montolivo set to replace him.

Cesare Prandelli had been expected to line-up with a 4-3-1-2 formation, based on a midfield triumvirate of Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo and Marchisio.

But if reports are to be believed, the Milan playmaker will start in place of the Bianconeri man.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio: Inter first then Bayern

Mar 28, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has put next week’s game against Bayern Munich to the back of his mind. “Inter come first,” says the Juventus player.

The Old Lady will face the German giants in the opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, but they have a Derby d’Italia date on Saturday first.

“We’re trying to not think about the Champions League too much,” the midfielder told Tuttosport. “We have Inter in the championship and that is a game that we really want to do well in.

“Our first task is to maintain the gap in the standings over Napoli and Milan. And, of course, there was also that stinging defeat against Inter.

“I admit that, after that 3-1 loss, there is a great desire for revenge…”

Inter ended Juventus’ unbeaten League run at 49 games earlier this term and also became the first away side to win at the new Juventus Stadium.

Turning his attention to Bayern Munich, the Italian international admitted that his side would not start the last eight tie as favourites.

“They are certainly superior to us in terms of experience and quality because they have great champions,” he added.

“However, we will go there without any fear. We’ll go there and play as we did at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, the European champions, and as we did at Shakhtar and Celtic.

“We can go and play anywhere and win. We are united, the compactness of our squad is one of our strengths.”

[Socrates 7971]

Manchester United target Claudio Marchisio?

Mar 28, 2013

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly keen to recruit Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio this summer.

Ferguson is thought to have first lodged a bid for the Italian international back in 2010, but Juve rejected his approach.

However, amid reports that he is planning to overhaul his playing squad at the end of the campaign, Ferguson has decided to rekindle his interest in the 27-year-old, according to Tuttosport.

Marchisio, who joined the Italian champions as a trainee, made his debut back in 2006.

[Socrates 7971]

Man Utd target Marchisio

30 April, 2013

Italian sites are claiming Manchester United’s interest in Juventus star Claudio Marchisio will be revived this summer.

Ironically, it is the arrival of Paul Pogba on a free transfer from Manchester that could push Marchisio towards Old Trafford.

Pogba’s stunning season has prompted Antonio Conte to change his system so he can accommodate both the French youngster and Marchisio in a 3-5-1-1.

However, Marchisio is not entirely happy in this support role and according to Sport Mediaset he could be considering a transfer away from Turin.

This is certainly not the first time Manchester United have shown an interest in the Italian international, but before now all offers had been turned down point blank.

The 27-year-old grew up in the Juventus youth academy and only had a brief loan spell at Empoli in his career.

His sale would fund numerous other signings, as Marchisio’s market value is thought to be around €30m – approximately £27m.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio: I'd be crazy to leave Juve now

The Italian midfielder has ruled out leaving the Old Lady and hopes to extend his contract, while he would welcome back Zlatan Ibrahimovic with open arms.

May 4, 2013

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has shrugged off rumours he may leave in the summer by confirming his desire to remain with the Italian champions.

The 27-year-old has in recent weeks been linked with a move to Manchester United, and while he is flattered by the interest, he says he has no plans to swap Turin for Manchester.

"I have a long contract with Juventus and I want to see it out and renew it even," Marchisio told Mediaset.

"It would be crazy to leave now that we have just started winning.

"I am not interested in the rumours even though they fill me with pride.

Marchisio also commented on the recent speculation that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set for a sensational return to Juventus, the club he left in 2006.

“Ibra is a player who has always won in all the jerseys that he has worn,” Marchisio continued.

“If he arrives then we would welcome him with open arms.

“All players who can help us to grow would be accepted. These are situations for the club to consider, but he is certainly a great player.”

Ibrahimovic went on to play for Barcelona, Inter and later their city rivals Milan before making the switch to Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio: We need more champions

May 10, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has admitted that Juventus need 'more champions' in order to claim their third successive Scudetto next term.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain have both been heavily linked with a move to the Bianconeri in the summer.

And the Italy midfielder has claimed that they would be welcome additions, but has echoed the words of Alessandro Matri – claiming that the players already at the club deserve some gratitude.

“We'll have to give a little more next season,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “It is obvious that we need new champions.

“But I want to add to those words of Matri.

“The players that are already here deserve some gratitude for what they've already done here.

“We have given everything to win these two titles.”

[Socrates 7971]

Man Utd could buy Marchisio

May 18, 2013

Tuttosport claim Juventus are prepared to sell Claudio Marchisio to Manchester United this summer.

The midfielder has been a target for some time, but until now had been considered an integral part of the club’s plans.

According to Tuttosport, the 27-year-old is no longer considered untouchable and could be sold for the right price.

Manchester United are in pole position for Marchisio, even though Sir Alex Ferguson has now left.

‘Il Principino’ has been at Juventus since childhood, as he grew up through their youth academy.

[Socrates 7971]

Man Utd prepare £25m for Marchisio

May 20, 2013

Momentum continues to build around reports Juventus will sell Claudio Marchisio to Manchester United for £25m.

The 27-year-old midfielder grew up in the Juventus youth academy and has been a key figure for the side since 2006.

Manchester United have long been interested in Marchisio, but up until now he was considered to be off the market.

According to persistent Italian reports, the situation has changed with the arrival of Paul Pogba on a free transfer from Manchester United.

His sale for around £25m would help raise funds for the reinforcements Juve want in attack over the summer.

Among the targets are Carlos Tevez of Manchester City and Liverpool’s Luis Suarez.

[Socrates 7971]

Monaco offer €25m for Marchisio

May 30, 2013

Monaco are preparing a €25m bid for Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, reports in the French Press have claimed this afternoon.

L'Equipe have revealed that the nouveaux riche Ligue 1 team will hope to lure the Italy international to the principality by offering him €6m per season – double what we currently earns for the Bianconeri.

Claudio Ranieri's men have already splashed out James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho, Radamel Falcao and Ricardo Carvalho this summer, and hope to make Marchisio their latest big-money signing.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio awaits Monaco offer

Jun 1, 2013

Monaco are on a spending spree and Juventus are thought to be awaiting an official €25m bid for Claudio Marchisio.

The midfielder grew up in the Bianconeri youth academy and had been untouchable until this summer, when Paul Pogba exploded on to the scene.

Manchester United have also been linked with Marchisio, but Monaco are emerging as contenders for his signature.

Newly-promoted into Ligue 1 under Coach Claudio Ranieri, Monaco have already spent approximately €120m this week thanks to billionaire owner Dmitry Ryboloviev.

They signed Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid for €50m, plus Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez from Porto for a combined €70m.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: 'Marchisio's intention counts'

Jun 1, 2013

After reports of interest from Manchester United and Monaco, Juventus said “only Claudio Marchisio’s intentions matter.”

The last few weeks and the emergence of Paul Pogba pointed to a potential sale for the Italian international midfielder, who is valued at €25m.

“Is Marchisio not for sale? We always said the player has Juventus DNA and so therefore only his intentions matter,” director Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“As far as we are concerned, we have no intention of selling him. You should know that we at Juventus do not just sell anyone, so for the moment Marchisio will stay where he is.”

This comment does leave the door open for an exit if Marchisio requests a transfer, so Juve are putting the responsibility back on to his shoulders.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio: I want to stay at Juventus

The Italy international has downplayed suggestions that he could be on the move
this summer and has stressed that he is keen to stay at the Bianconeri.

Jun 3, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has insisted that he has no intention of leaving Juventus any time soon amid reports that he could be on his way out of the Serie A champions if a good offer comes in.

General director Giuseppe Marotta further fueled speculation that Marchisio could be on the move this summer when questioned about the midfielder's future at the weekend, but the Italy international has stressed that he is happy with life at his current club.

"I want to stay at Juventus. I want to keep fighting for silverware and win things with the club where I grew up," Marchisio told Tuttosport.

Marotta discussed Marchisio's future on Saturday and, although he stated that Juventus are not a selling club, he refused to rule out a summer exit for the midfielder.

"Juventus are not a selling team. We want to win trophies and build a team that keeps getting stronger. Marchisio started at this club as a little boy and has Juventus DNA," Marotta told reporters.

"We have to respect our budget, but the goal is to raise the level of the team. Of course, the will of the player also plays an important role, though..."

Nevertheless, Marchisio seems to have little interest in leaving the club following his latest comments. The 27-year-old has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio wants Juventus future

Jun 3, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has committed his future to Juventus amidst reports that he is wanted by a number of foreign clubs.

The Italian international, previously paired with Manchester United, is now apparently on the wish-list of Monaco.

“I want to stay at Juventus,” the 27-year-old told Tuttosport on Monday. “I would like to continue battling for and winning with the club in which I grew up in.”

The midfielder is a product of the outfit’s youth system and has developed into a key figure under boss Antonio Conte.

In 2011-12, Marchisio grabbed nine goals in 36 League games as the Old Lady won the Italian championship.

He netted six in 29 ties this season as the Bianconeri regained the Scudetto.

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta recently noted that the club had no intention of selling the Turin-native.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio has three weeks to prove
that Juventus are right not to sell him

The midfielder looks set to stay in Turin despite a great deal of speculation about his future
and Italy's forthcoming schedule gives him a chance to prove his worth to his club.

Jun 6, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes

Until recently there appeared to be very little question as to what the future might hold for Claudio Marchisio. Adored by Juventus fans, valued by his coaches at both club and international level, and a regular starter in the ‘MVP’ midfield that had inspired the Old Lady to two successive Scudetti, it seemed the Turin-born ace was destined to spend the rest of his days as an employee of the club he has supported all his life.

But the Italy international’s status as a definite starter for years to come was called into question towards the end of the domestic season and the last week has seen speculation mount regarding a potential mega-offer from Monaco. Juve sporting director Giuseppe Marotta stirred the pot a little more when addressing the issue, saying: “We have to respect our budget, but the goal is to raise the level of the team. Of course, the will of the player also plays an important role, though...”

"MARCHISIO STILL PART OF JUVE'S CORE"

"Juventus don't want to sell their valuable assets. In particular, they want to keep Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.

"In several summit meetings with his bosses, Antonio Conte has made it known that he is relying on the presence of these core players in the short and medium-term future.

"There are other signs to suggest Conte sees Marchisio as key too. When arriving at Juve's summer camp in Bardonecchia recently, the coach was asked if he saw any player as being his heir in Italian football. The answer? 'Yes, Marchisio. He is a lot like me.' This helps us understand what Conte sees in Marchisio, but the player himself also wants to finish his career with the club at which he started.

"There are many clubs around Europe who have looked at Marchisio as a possible signing, particularly Monaco, but it would take a sensational offer to tempt Juventus, and even then it may not prove enough to part Marchisio from the Old Lady."

- Romeo Agresti | Goal's Juventus expert


The fallout has prompted Marchisio himself to speak out, telling Tuttosport: “I want to stay at Juventus. I want to keep fighting for silverware and win things with the club where I grew up.”

And while the next few weeks take him away from his beloved black and white to defend his national colours, the Azzurri’s forthcoming fixtures offer Marchisio the opportunity to end the matter once and for all.

Starting with Friday night’s World Cup clash with the Czech Republic and running through to the end of the Confederations Cup, the 27-year-old could have as many as six games in front of the eyes of the world, and, just as importantly, the eyes of the decision makers at Juventus. Should he display an ability to deliver on the global stage, then there would surely be no more questions to be asked by those in power at Vinovo.

However, if Marchisio were to show the other side of his character, the one that goes missing at key moments in big games when his team need a hero – as evidenced once more in the Old Lady’s exit from the Champions League against Bayern Munich, then there’s always the chance that Juve could look elsewhere for the player Marotta talked of; the one who will take them to the next level.

For all of his passion and heart, Marchisio isn’t an easy player to pigeon-hole. He isn’t really a combative type, full of drive and forcefulness like an Arturo Vidal. Neither is he a creator, a catalyst or a playmaker like Andrea Pirlo, or someone with range both in his legs and in his passing game like Paul Pogba. What the lifelong Bianconero does offer is a luxury third option in the centre of midfield. And while that has worked out just fine for much of the last two seasons, the increasing clamour for Pogba to be given a regular start has come to Marchisio’s detriment.

He was pushed up into an attacking midfield position towards the season’s end in order to make way for the Frenchman, but this clearly cannot be a permanent measure. So what happens now? Do Juve and Antonio Conte stand by their man in the hope that he can continue to turn in the occasional heart-stopping moment, or do they opt for performers of a more consistent nature?
It is easy to see why Marchisio is loved at a club like Juventus, whose fans cherish loyalty above almost every other virtue in a footballer – just ask any of the 2006 team, whether they chose to stay or go – but a tipping point could well be coming in the former Empoli loanee’s career.

For all of Conte’s bravado relating to Marchisio’s position at the club, a big offer from Monaco could yet test Juventus’ resolve. With a handful of big performances for his country, the No.8 could put any doubts regarding his place in the club, and even the first XI, into retirement. But another collection of scratchy showings may well leave the transfer chiefs thinking hard about the possibility of cashing in.

These three weeks with Italy could well represent the most important period of his Juventus career.

[Socrates 7971]

Ranieri calls Marchisio to Monaco?

Jun 7, 2013

After Manchester United, now Monaco and Coach Claudio Ranieri are linked with Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

The Italian international has been with Juve since childhood, as he grew up through their youth academy and broke into the first team in 2006.

Last week there had been reports of interest from Manchester United, who might be willing to pay the €30m price-tag.

Now Mercato365 claim Monaco have thrown their hat into the ring with direct contact from manager Ranieri.

The club has been on a spending spree since earning promotion to Ligue 1 and would comfortably pay the €30m required to pry Marchisio away from Turin.

Ranieri already worked with the midfielder at Juventus from 2007 to 2009.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio: 'Balotelli's too nice'

Jun 9, 2012

Claudio Marchisio says Mario Balotelli on Twitter is not necessarily a good idea. “He is too nice sometimes.”

The Milan and Italy striker joined the social network last month as @FinallyMario and delighted fans with photographs, jokes and occasional rows.

He took to Twitter on Friday evening to lambast his critics after a red card against the Czech Republic, but apologised the next day.

“He is too nice sometimes,” commented Marchisio, who has been on Twitter for much longer.

“Since he joined Twitter, he follows everything. It’s good that he does, but he has to learn how to answer too.

“He did well to say he cares about the Nazionale and it is also important that he apologised.”

The Italy squad flies out from Rome to Rio de Janeiro for the Confederations Cup tonight.

[Socrates 7971]

Give Marchisio the Juve No 10 shirt

Jun 13, 2012

Claudio Marchisio would be the right man to inherit Alessandro Del Piero’s No 10 shirt at Juventus, says former President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

Talk this week suggested that Arturo Vidal had asked club officials to be handed that jersey for next season, a claim he has subsequently denied.

“I thought that the 10 should go to Marchisio,” Cobolli Gigli, who was Juve chief for three years after his appointment in 2006, told Radio Sportiva.

“He was born, he grew up and turned into a champion while wearing the Juventus shirt. However, I now don’t know whether he will stay or be sold.

“Vidal? He is one of the pillars of this Juventus side, so there is no reason why there would be a problem if he wanted that jersey.

“Personally speaking though I would like to see that jersey on the shoulders of an Italian.”

Marchisio, born in Turin and raised in the club’s youth ranks, has been linked with possible moves to Manchester United and Monaco.

Juventus have, on numerous occasions, insisted that they have no plans to sell their best players during the summer.

Marchisio currently wears the No 8, Vidal has the 23. The No 10 shirt was unassigned in 2012-13.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio: 'Do Juve still want me?'

Jun 13, 2012

Claudio Marchisio confirms his Juventus future is not secure. “I’ll have to talk to them and see if I’m still important.”

The midfielder grew up in the Bianconeri youth academy and has become a symbol for the fans, but the summer has seen repeated rumours of €20m offers from Monaco and Manchester United.

“I will have to talk to Juventus. I want to see if I’m still important for them,” he told journalists in Brazil today.

“If not, then it is only normal for me to look at other teams. It has been said that my intentions are decisive, but it takes two to tango.

“Eventual offers from Manchester United or Monaco make me proud, but nobody has called me. Now I am focusing on the Confederations Cup and after that I’ll understand what’s real and what isn’t.”

Marchisio is in Rio de Janeiro with the Italy squad and there are reports he could start in a more advanced role against Mexico with a 4-3-2-1 system.

“Cesare Prandelli’s philosophy remains the same, so whether I play a few metres further in front or behind makes little difference. I am accustomed to changing position and the Coaches I work with know my versatility.

“The Confederations Cup is a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, but it remains a very important tournament. We must follow up the excellent Euro 2012 performance, while we are also testing ourselves in the climate we’ll see next year.

“The last two games against the Czech Republic and Haiti were unsatisfactory, but we remember before Euro 2012 we had similar fitness problems and they disappeared on our debut.”

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio hints at Juventus exit

The midfielder has fuelled speculation that he could be on the move this summer
amid reports that the Serie A champions are ready to cash in on him for the right price.

Jun 14, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has hinted that he could leave Juventus in the summer transfer window if head coach Antonio Conte no longer sees him as an indispensable player.

The Italy international has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United and Monaco in the past few weeks, but has so far stressed that he's keen to stay at Juventus.

However, he has now admitted that he could decide to move on after all if the Bianconeri no longer regard him as a key player.

"Juventus have stated that my own intentions are decisive when it comes to my future, but there are obviously two parties involved," the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"I will have to talk to Juventus to find out whether I'm still an important player like before. If that's not the case, it's only normal that I will start looking elsewhere.

"Of course, I feel proud when I hear of the interest of Monaco and Manchester United, even though nobody has called me at this point."

Marchisio has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio considers Nani exchange

Jun 15, 2013

Claudio Marchisio is increasingly likely to leave Juventus, as Manchester United offer Nani plus €15m.

The midfielder is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup and made it clear in a Press conference he was not at all happy with the club’s stance.

“I will have to talk to Juventus. I want to see if I’m still important for them. If not, then it is only normal for me to look at other teams. It has been said that my intentions are decisive, but it takes two to tango.”

Italian newspapers today suggest Marchisio received absolutely no response from Juventus, while it was also implied a pay rise was out of the question.

The Italian international who grew up in the Bianconeri youth academy is more likely than ever to leave Turin.

Tuttosport claim Marchisio’s €30m valuation will fund the summer transfer strategy and include a potential exchange with Manchester United winger Nani plus cash.

Monaco are also said to be interested in snapping up Marchisio for their midfield.

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio and Italy’s ‘lost’ goals

Jun 17, 2013

Claudio Marchisio doesn’t think the 2-1 win over Mexico was a fair reflection of the game. “Italy should have scored more...”

The Azzurri opened their Confederations Cup account with the three points after two fine goals by Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli.

“It was important to start the competition well and we did that,” stated the Juventus man. “We played a great game and we, perhaps, should have netted more goals.

“They were three really important points and it is in our nature to win games like this.”

The Azzurri fielded a Christmas Tree 4-3-2-1 formation which used Marchiso and Emanuele Giaccherini behind Balotelli.

“It wasn’t easy to find space today,” the former Empoli man added. “The Mexicans closed up well between the lines.

“However, I’m happy with the team’s display – I place that above my own.”

Marchisio, winning his 35th cap last night, was replaced in the 68th minute by Alessio Cerci.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: Sell Marchisio? Never

Jun 17, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has insisted that the club have never thought about selling Claudio Marchisio.

The Italy international has been linked with a move to Monaco and Manchester United in recent weeks, and even has even questioned whether the Bianconeri are keen to keep him this summer.

But the administrator at the Turin side has claimed that the midfielder is a key player.

“Juventus have never thought about selling Marchisio,” Marotta told calciomercato.com. “Not now, not ever.

“In September 2012 the club extended his contract until June 30, 2016, adjusting his salary too.

"I think this is the clearest demonstration of how important Marchisio is for Juventus.

“We would only look at this again if a stratospheric offer, one not in line with the market, was made. But, up to this point in time, that has not happened.”

[Socrates 7971]

Marchisio: It's not about the money

Jun 17, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has rubbished claims he questioned Juventus' belief in him to get a better contract at the club.

The midfielder admitted at the weekend that reported interest from Manchester United and Monaco made him 'proud', and also conceded that he was unsure whether the Bianconeri still found him important.

However, the Italy international has insisted that those remarks were not a way to force the Turin giants to offer him a better deal.

Talking briefly to Sky Sport Italia, the 27-year-old said, “It is not for this reason. For me, it is not about money.”

Director general Beppe Marotta reiterated on Monday that the Old Lady would 'never' sell Marchisio.

[Socrates 7971]

Why Marchisio should no longer be

a first-choice player for Italy or Juventus

The 27-year-old does not warrant inclusion in a midfield three for either club
or country, and is clearly incapable of operating in a more advanced position.

Jun 19, 2013

COMMENT
By Mark Doyle | Italy Expert

According to the Italian media, Manchester United sent scouts to watch Claudio Marchisio in action in the Azzurri's Confederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday evening.

They would have followed him closely, which is just as well, really, because a casual observer would not have noticed that the Juventus midfielder was playing for much of the contest.

The Red Devils representatives would have left the Maracana wondering whether they really need Marchisio in their midfield. They would not be alone in that regard, because Juventus, and now Italy, are asking themselves the same question. Other interested parties such as the nouveau-riche Monaco - who have been considering a €30 million bid - will also be thinking twice about tabling such a huge offer.

Marchisio is, on his day, an indefatigable, industrious, multi-tasking midfielder with an eye for goal. However, when he is not making timely and lethal late runs into the area, it is difficult not to wonder if he brings much else of value to the party.

The 27-year-old functions best in a midfield three, but it has become abundantly clear over the past six months that he is no longer among the top three midfielders at Juventus. He has never been in the same class as either Andrea Pirlo (in fairness, so few are) or Arturo Vidal, and now he has arguably been overtaken in the pecking order by Paul Pogba, who, coincidentally, arrived in Turin on a free transfer from United last summer.

MARCHISIO'S LAST TWO ITALY STARTS

PLAYER RATING VERSUS CZECH REPUBLIC

Absolutely anonymous for the 90 minutes he was inexplicably afforded, failing dismally to even offer his customary goal threat.


PLAYER RATING VERSUS MEXICO

Worked hard but failed to have any influence on the game. Looked out of his depth in a role that clearly didn't suit him.
Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte confessed during the closing stages of last season that he had changed from his tried-and-trusted 3-5-2 formation to 3-5-1-1 in order to accommodate Pogba, after a string of sensational displays from the Frenchman.

Now, while that decision to sacrifice a striker was a damning indictment of the quality of Juve's forwards at Conte's disposal, it was also an obvious, tacit admission that Pogba was more worthy of a place in midfield alongside Pirlo and Vidal than Marchisio, who had been moved forward in support of lone striker Mirko Vucinic as a consequence of the tactical rethink.

Marchisio, though, is no trequartista. He does not have the requisite vision, technique or range of passing to play what is a highly-skilled position.

That was once again painfully evident in Italy's Group B clash with Mexico. With Stephan El Shaarawy out of form and seemingly incompatible with Mario Balotelli, Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli opted to play 'Super Mario' as a lone striker against el Tri, with Emanuele Giaccherini and Marchisio in behind.

For all his failings, Giaccherini made a reasonable fist of the role. Yes, he took the wrong option several times and lost possession in inexplicable circumstances, but the Bianconeri utility man also drifted out to the flanks to good effect, embarked upon a couple of threatening runs and even played a part in Balotelli's winner.

Marchisio, by complete contrast, was virtually anonymous. One could not fault his energy or desire to get involved but, at times, he resembled a headless chicken who had been drinking heavily before his decapitation. He looked lost and confused in an advanced role - and not for the first time.

Indeed, Marchisio's performance has now left Prandelli with a problem. The 'new Tardelli' did net in a cameo appearance during last week's 2-2 draw with Haiti, but in his last two competitive starts, against Mexico and the Czech Republic, he may as well have not been playing, so little did he contribute to the cause.

And that begs the question: does Marchisio deserve to remain a first-choice player for his country?

This time 12 months ago, Prandelli preferred to play Riccardo Montolivo in the troublesome trequartista role because of a dearth of viable alternatives, and the former Fiorentina captain made the best of an unwelcome assignment at Euro 2012 - witness his pass for Balotelli's second goal in the win over Germany.

However, over the course of a stellar debut season at San Siro in which he was deployed in his preferred position in the middle of the park, it became clear that Montolivo, like Pogba at Juventus, had overtaken Marchisio in the Azzurri's midfield pecking order. Montolivo, therefore, deserves to once again start alongside Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi against Japan.

But does Marchisio really warrant another start in an advanced role, in light of his no-show at the Maracana? It is not as if Italy do not have other options: Alberto Aquilani, Alessandro Diamanti, Alessio Cerci and Antoni Candreva are all in better form than Marchisio; not only that, they are all far more suited to playing as attacking midfielders.

The noises coming out of the Italian camp on Tuesday night suggest that Marchisio will indeed be dropped for the game against Japan, indicating that Prandelli has now realised what Conte reluctantly accepted last season: that while he has a couple of indispensable midfielders at his disposal, Marchisio is no longer one of them.

[Socrates 7971]

Juve to consider Marchisio offers

Jun 25, 2012

La Nazione believe that Juventus could sell Claudio Marchisio in order to raise more funds to sign Stevan Jovetic.

The Italy international has been linked with a move away from the Old Lady after admitting that he may consider his future this summer.

Manchester United and Monaco have both been rumoured to be interested in the midfielder, and according to the newspaper, Antonio Conte’s men may consider offers so they can up their bid for the Fiorentina forward.

The Bianconeri are said to have offered the Tuscan team €20m plus Luca Marrone and Manolo Gabbiadini for the Montenegrin.

The Artemio Franchi side are holding out for a fee of nearer to €30m though.