Andrea Barzagli

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli to have surgery

Jul 1, 2014

It is reported that Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli will today undergo surgery to cure an ankle problem.

The veteran, who featured in Italy’s disappointing World Cup campaign, has been struggling with injuries throughout the course of the season.

Tuttosport say it was decided some time ago that Barzagli would go under the knife this summer, and according to the report today is that day.

The player is said to have flown to Finland for the operation, and it is stated that his recovery time will put him out of action until late September or early October.

This means he is set to miss the start of the Old Lady’s defence of their Scudetto.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli out for three months

Jul 1, 2014

As expected, Andrea Barzagli will be out for three months after undergoing surgery on his heel.

The Juventus defender has suffered from a series of Achilles tendon and ankle problems, so opted to take action during the summer.

The Bianconeri announced he underwent surgery on the heel bone of his right foot this afternoon.

“Under the supervision of Juventus doctor Fabrizio Tencone, the defender was operated on by Professor Sakari Orava in Turku, Finland.

“Barzagli, who did not require surgical treatment on his Achilles tendon, is due to return to Italy tomorrow and will proceed with his rehabilitation programme after a period of complete rest.

“He is estimated to be out of action for approximately three months.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Juventus not on the same
level as Europe's elite

The defender says that the Bianconeri cannot compete financially with the continent's
top teams and says that they should thus follow the example of Atletico Madrid.

Sep 5, 2014

Andrea Barzagli has admitted that Juventus are not on the same level as Europe's elite but insisted that they can still allow themselves to dream of winning the Champions League.

The Bianconeri were dumped out in the group stage of last season's tournament but the Italy defender has taken great encouragement out of Atletico Madrid's campaign.

The Rojiblancos do not have anything like the same budget as the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, yet they managed to reach the final of the Champions League and win La Liga.

"Not getting out of the group last year represented a huge disappointment," Barzagli told JTV's 'Filo Diretto'. "Now We're hoping to do better and at least get through to the next round.

"It will not be easy. The Champions League is tough and the gap between the top European clubs remains, given the investment that they have made.

"We're not on the same level but we can follow the example of Atletico Madrid, who were a minute from being champions of Europe last season.

"Therefore, we can also dream."

While Juventus have struggled in Europe, they have had no such problems in Italy and are currently bidding to win a fourth successive Serie A title.

However, even though the Bianconeri opened with a 1-0 win at Chievo, Barzagli is taking nothing for granted, particularly having watched last season's runners-up, Roma, kick off their 2014-15 campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Fiorentina.

"Roma is fresh from a great campaign and they have already had a good result," the defender mused. "They're the most formidable opponent.

"Inter have signed experienced players. Napoli also had a good transfer market.

"Milan can do well with Inzaghi and they have strengthened the squad a little.

"Lazio also had a great market, so we cannot underestimate anyone."

Barzagli, who joined Juve from Wolfsburg in 2011, is currently out injured but is expected to return to action in October.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Back four no issue

Sep 5, 2014

Andrea Barzagli admits that Juventus have done very well with a back three, but says there’s no issue if Max Allegri switches to a four-man defence.

The club have been working to both formations this summer, with it widely seen that over time their new Coach will implement a switch back to four defenders.

For one of the side’s regulars over the past three years, in which predominantly play has been in a 3-5-2 formation, such a change is not an upheaval.

“I start from the premise - every player on our team, every defender, began their career in a back four and had always played in a back four,” Barzagli has explained in a question and answer session with JTV.

“In the last two-three years we moved to a back three and certainly there were significant results, we enjoyed it, it definitely enhances our characteristics very well.

“But I always value a defence that is made from defensive organisations, and then, beyond the three, beyond the four, it is a little the responsibility of the whole team to defend.

“Then there are individual duels and there are individual mistakes that you can come across in both a three man and four man defence.

“Certainly the back three has made the most of our characteristics, but we all developed with a back four and there are no problems in introducing it.”

The defender also reflected on Max Allegri’s first impressions at Juve, since coming in as Antonio Conte’s replacement this summer.

“I rate him very highly, we have started on the right foot, as we have seen from last Saturday. It remains the same Juve, there is a great desire to win again, to prove ourselves and it is the one thing that matters most.

“We have a new Coach, who definitely brings new ideas and we can only do well. It is important that as players the desire and hunger to win something again remains.”

Barzagli is currently recovering from a foot injury that required surgery in July and reflected on an anticipated return shortly.

“I hope soon. Honestly, things are going well, we are shortening by a little the time that was originally expected. I have begun to do things with the rest of the team, so I am confident.

“It still can’t be said that I am ready, but, shortly, I think I’m almost there.

“Not an easy recovery? It was an operation done to the heel bone, so it is not to be underestimated. Consequently, the recovery time has been a little longer.

“Though things are gong well, we are monitoring it day to day, the important thing being that the response is always everything is fine.

“Is there the desire to return to playing? There is a lot, especially because I have suffered greatly watching from the outside my teammates and the team play, and I hope to return as soon as possible to the group.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Roma most formidable

Sep 5, 2014

Andrea Barzagli lists Roma s the ‘most formidable’ title challenger, as he outlines Juventus’ Champions League hopes.

The Bianconeri are seen as facing a tougher challenge this season to retain their League crown and Barzagli admits the competition looks stronger, in particular from the capital.

“Roma have had a great market, they already had a great season last year, they have a strong squad, so surely they are the most formidable team,” the 33-year-old has told JTV today.

“Then others have also strengthened, Inter have signed some important players, also experienced, Napoli have undertaken their usual market, Milan have turned over their squad and with the arrival of Inzaghi can have a great season.

“Let’s say there is no-one to be underestimated, though, because in the Italian League there can always be something new, as we were three years ago, when no-one expected us to win the Scudetto.

“Verona last year had a great season, Lazio this year have also had a great market, but we will see, during the season we will really understand the situation - I cannot say now who might be the surprise.”

In a question and answer session with fans, Barzagli also discussed Juve’s hopes of improving in the Champions League this term.

“What we hope for is to at least progress to the next stage. Last year was a big disappointment for all, especially in the Champions League two years ago when we were on a good path and it was ended against Bayern, who then went on to win the competition.

“Certainly we hope to do better, we want to do better and now we have to have the mentality to progress. However, it will not be easy because the Champions League is always a very tough competition.

“Juve’s draw? Certainly there are trickier teams, whilst even last year it looked like a comfortable group, but in European competition you cannot trust a team that on paper may seem beneath you.”

[Socrates 7962]

Andrea Barzagli suffers setback
in comeback from heel surgery

Oct 3, 2014

When it was announced Andrea Barzagli underwent offseason surgery on his bothersome right heel, it was a foregone formality that the 33-year-old defender would miss the first few weeks of the 2014-15 season. Maybe a few weeks here and there, but Barzagli would be back in the starting lineup sooner rather than later once the Serie A season got underway in late August.

What we didn't expect, however, was Barzagli going beyond the projected time of return.

As Friday's giornalaccio rosa dello Sport states, there's a good reason as to why one of Juventus' most consistent players over the last three-plus years has yet to make his first appearance this season. Barzagli has reportedly suffered a setback in his quest for full fitness, thus the reason why he hasn't been included in any match day squads since Juve's win over Udinese back on Sept. 13.

So much for that mid-September return, huh?


The pink daily reports that Barzagli in fact suffered a relapse in his recovery after that Udinese fixture and his recuperation has been hit by persistent pain in his right ankle.

(Source: Football Italia)


While updating us on the conditions of Martín Cáceres and Álvaro Morata after they both suffered injuries in the 1-0 loss to Atlético Madrid, Juventus' official website had this piece of information on Barzagli:


On the injury front, Andrea Barzagli was absent from the group as he is still recovering from pain in his right heel which was operated on in the summer. He will visit a specialist in the next few days.


So, Barzagli's not training with the main group and going to see a specialist in the next couple of days. That's not exactly the kind of development that would be classified as "good news."

Luckily for us, Cáceres has been a damn good replacement for Barzagli in the starting lineup, so it's not like the right side of Juventus' back three has turned into a black hole or anything. But at the same time, having Barzagli injured for another substantial amount of time might keep Max Allegri from a potential switch to a four-man defense. That could just be me thinking out loud here, who knows. We'll see what happens. And hopefully this separated shoulder Cáceres is dealing with doesn't linger long at all. The last thing we need is Juventus heading into another busy portion of the schedule stretched as thin as they are right now when it comes to available central defenders.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli out for at least a month

Oct 5, 2014

Andrea Barzagli will be out for at least another month after the Juventus defender saw a specialist.

The centre-back underwent surgery to correct a long-standing heel problem in his right leg in July.

He continued to struggle in training and visited the specialist who performed the operation, Doctor Orava.

Today Juventus released a statement confirming a stress fracture was found in the heel.

Barzagli will therefore suspend the planned fitness regime and stick with treatment and specific training for another 30 days.

After that period, he will see the specialist again for a check-up.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli ‘hopes to return soon’

Dec 16, 2014

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli says he hopes to return to action ‘soon’, but doesn’t give a timeframe.

The defender has been struggling with an achilles injury all season, and hasn’t featured at all for the Bianconeri this term, and the club hasn’t given a return date for the 33-year-old.

“I hope to return to the field soon,” Barzagli told the official Juventus website.

“It’s hard to watch the games on television. My hope is that I’ll be back soon.”

The centre-back also discussed the Old Lady’s Champions League draw which will see them take on Borussia Dortmund in the Last 16.

“The draw pits us against a team which has been a top Champions League side in recent years, and played in the final recently [2013].

“They’ll definitely be a tough opponent, they have good players and a good Coach.”

Juventus have drawn their last three games with Fiorentina, Atletico Madrid and Sampdoria, but Barzagli is not overly concerned.

“We played against three big, physical sides, but the important thing is we’re still top.

“It’s a long season, and we have to stay as focused as ever.”

[Socrates 7962]

When Andrea Barzagli will be back healthy
is still a complete mystery to everybody

Dec 30, 2014

The folks who run the production side over at SB Nation recently upgraded their photo search tool. That, in turn, gives us folks who author post after post on a daily basis a much bigger selection of pictures, many of which we haven't able to use or even see, well, ever. We can go back years, find cool photos we've never had access to and then show them off to all of you faithful readers.

Recent photos of Andrea Barzagli in Juventus' most recent edition of their fabled black and white stripes don't exist. For that matter, pictures of Barzagli in a Juve jersey can't be found unless you're looking in the May 2014 edition of the photo tool.

Barzagli hasn't been seen in an official game since Italy were crashing out of the World Cup in Brazil. It's been even longer since he wore a Juventus jersey in a match (the 1-0 win over Roma at the Olimpico last May). No photo options for the man who cost so little yet has meant so much to Juventus' rebirth — and we don't know when the next chance to see Barzagli in black and white will be.

Mike Mac @mikemacaroni
giornalaccio rosa say Barzagli won't be back until at least mid-February. He's been out since June and is looking more and more like Simone Pepe...



The non-emoji reaction is that it's pretty dang hard to come close to disagreeing at this point. Barzagli missed a large chunk of last season, has yet to play in the current campaign, and the rumored date of his return keeps getting pushed back time and time again more than a baseball game in a classic rain delay.

First it was the original diagnosis of three months after surgery in July. Then it was pushed back. Then pushed back again. Now it's to the point where the Barzagli-related medical updates are few and far between.

So basically we're left to wait.

I sure hope you're all comfortable, folks.

But with as many games, weeks and months as Barzagli has missed over the last season or so, it's hard to be all that patient at this point. Not to any fault of Barzagli himself, though. It's not like he's sitting in the Juventus training room right now just absolutely cursing his physical ailments on purpose. There's only so much he can do as he attempts to recover from the handful of setbacks he's dealt with over the last 18 months.

Barzagli isn't young — he'll turn 34 years old in early May. It's not like time is suddenly going to be on his side whenever he does get completely healthy. Yet the matter of getting 100 percent fit is still to be determined.

He's obviously isn't the only Juventus player to get injured this season. Nor will he be the last. But even with Juventus having the best defense in Serie A — again — this season, seeing Barzagli not included in the team sheet week after week is still tough to wrap my head around. To go from one of the best yet still vastly underrated defenders in all of Europe to a player who may or may not be back in a month or two must be

Thank goodness Martín Cáceres is around to fill the awesomeness void.

Oh, wait, he's currently hurt, too.

Thank goodness Leonardo Bonucci and Angelo Ogbonna are around and playing quite well this season. There, that's a little better than talking about more injuries to central defenders.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli to return for Juve?

Feb 9, 2015

Andrea Barzagli could be set for his first Juventus appearance of the season at Cesena on Sunday, according to reports.

The Italian international hasn’t featured at all for the Bianconeri this season, as he struggles with an achilles injury.

The 33-year-old has recently returned to training with the squad, and giornalaccio rosa dello Sport believes that he could make his first appearance of the season on Sunday.

Barzagli is very unlikely to start the game given his lack of playing time, but could make an appearance from the bench, before potentially being in contention for a start at home to Atalanta five days later.

The newspaper believes that Juve Coach Massimiliano Allegri is keen to have the defender back for his side’s Champions League Last 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli closer to Juventus return

Feb 12, 2015

Andrea Barzagli is inching closer to a Juventus return, playing 75 minutes for the club’s youth team today.

The Italian international defender has not played a single minute for the Bianconeri this term as he struggles with an achilles injury.

It has been suggested that the 33-year-old could make his first appearance of the season at Cesena on Sunday, and the club’s official website reports that the centre-back played 75 minutes of a Primavera win over Ivrea at Vinovo.

“Andrea Barzagli took an important step towards making his full first-team comeback by getting 75 minutes of game time under his belt in this afternoon’s 2-0 Primavera friendly victory over Ivrea,” the Bianconeri announced on their official website.

“The defender’s progress was monitored on the sidelines by Massimiliano Allegri, Fabio Paratici, Pavel Nedved, Gianluca Pessotto and Stefano Braghin.

“Also present to lend support to their team-mate were Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Andrea Pirlo.

“Back on the pitch, the defender put in an assured display during his 75 minutes alongside Fabio Grosso’s youngsters, making a series of important interceptions and marshalling the backline with customary composure.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: Pirlo is a unique talent

The centre-back was full of praise for his team-mate and highlighted
Luis Suarez and Didier Drogba as two of his most dangerous opponents.

Mar 12, 2015

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has hailed team-mate Andrea Pirlo as a “unique” talent.

The 33-year-old former Wolfsburg centre-back has endured a frustrating campaign spent on the sidelines due to injury, but he has offered praise to the veteran midfielder and has named Didier Drogba as one of his most formidable opponents.

In a Twitter question and answer session, he was asked who his greatest team-mate was, and he had not doubts over his identity: “I’ve been lucky to play with some great players, but Pirlo is unique,” he responded.

“My toughest opponent? Luis Suarez was the most dangerous but the most physically demanding was Drogba.”

Barzagli is expected to return to Germany with Juventus for the Champions League last-16 second-leg clash against Dortmund next week and when asked what the greatest difference between football in the Bundesliga and Serie A is, he replied: “In Germany there are more one on ones, in Italy we are more tactical.”

Injury prevented the defender from featuring for the Serie A champions this term as he made his return to the field in a win over Sassuolo on Monday and he spoke of his emotion upon getting back into the action.

“I must say I was very focused, but to hear the applause of the crowd was beautiful. These months away from the pitch were difficult; my wife and children were the only ones able to put up with me!”

Barzagli will hope to play a greater role as Juventus seek to close out yet another Scudetto while also pursue Champions League glory.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli delighted to make Juve return

The veteran defender made his first start of the season against Palermo
on Saturday, after eight months on the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Mar 15, 2015

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli says he is relieved and ‘feeling good’ after making his first start of the season.

The 33-year-old Italy international came off the bench for the final three minutes of his side’s victory over Sassuolo last week for his first appearance of the season, as a series of ankle problems left him side-lined for eight months.

And the veteran stopper was pleased to make a winning return after Alvaro Morata grabbed the only goal of the game against Palermo in Sicily.

“It would have been difficult for any player to go through what I have,” Barzagli told the club's official website.

“I’m happy with this evening’s result and also for how I fared out there - I felt good. My team-mates gave me confidence, we pick each other out even with our eyes closed.”

“Alongside Leo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in a three-man defence, we know each other’s movements off by heart.”

The victory saw Juve move 14 points clear at the top of Serie A, ahead of second-placed Roma’s clash with Sampdoria on Monday.

Next up for the Old Lady is a trip to Germany for the second leg of their Champions League clash with Dortmund.

“It was a mature performance from us today and we showed our solidity,” Barzagli continued.

“Now our focus is required in our Champions League game with Dortmund. We’ve stretched our lead over Roma but the title isn’t in the bag until the mathematics state otherwise.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli’s Nightmare Is Over

Mar 24, 2015

Juventus and Italy stopper Andrea Barzagli is ready to make an impact again for club and country after his injury hell came to an end.

He missed the majority of the season with a heel problem and after undergoing surgery, suffered a relapse when it was discovered that he had suffered a stress fracture and has made just two Serie A starts this season – both this month, due to his injuries.

But having been called into the Italy squad, he spoke about his problems on Tuesday at Coverciano: “My operation went ok but then in mid-September came the blow with a stress fracture to the bone that was operated on.

“It was a bad blow for me. I had to slow down but have did my best to return to the field as soon as possible and thankfully now I am here. I had to limp for six or seven months just to go to the bathroom and there were times when I felt like an outsider at the team. It is not the same when you are watching in the stadium but thankfully it seems to be over and I am very happy right now.”

Barzagli also admitted that the upcoming European Championships next year will likely be his last at international level, at the age of 33 now, as he does not see himself being able to keep up the levels that his club and country teammates have.

“I struggle to see myself staying with the Azzurri after the European Championships,” admitted Barzagli. “After that, I will be more than 35. I am not like Buffon or Pirlo who can play until they are 40.

“There are young defenders like Romagnoli and Rugani coming through who can take over within the national team.”

[Socrates 7962]

Andrea Barzagli feared for career after foot injury

Mar 24, 2015

For the first time since the World Cup, defender Andrea Barzagli is back in the Italy team.

The Juventus defender, who said on Tuesday he feared his career could have ended because of injury, has been included in Antonio Conte's squad for Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Bulgaria and a friendly with England three days later.

Barzagli, who won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, made his return to Juventus this month following surgery on his right foot in July.

"I played three matches in one week so I would say that I was ready to be called up," said Barzagli, who returned to training in September but was still in persistent pain and faced more time out after it was revealed he has a stress fracture in his heel.

"It's horrible not to play and not to be in touch with your teammates at your club and the national team," he added. "I thought I wouldn't be able to play again because of the pain I was in."

Barzagli played a key role when Juventus won three straight Serie A titles under Conte, and has also been a mainstay for the national team, with 50 appearances since making his debut at the end of 2004.

The 33-year-old defender, who was also part of the Italy team who finished runnesr-up at the 2012 European Championship, said Euro 2016 would likely be his last appearance for the Azzurri.

"The aim is to get to the Euros, then I think I will end my time with the national team," Barzagli said. "I will be 35, I don't have that extra something which [Gianluigi] Buffon and [Andrea] Pirlo have, and I think that Italy should rejuvenate and trust in talents such as [Daniele] Rugani, [Alessio] Romagnoli and others."

Italy are behind Croatia on goal difference at the top of Group H, with both sides having won three matches and drawn one.

Barzagli also spoke about the debate on foreign-born players after Conte was criticised by Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini for calling up Sampdoria's Brazilian-born striker Eder and Palermo's Argentine-born midfielder Franco Vazquez.

"There have always been 'oriundi,"' Barzagli said, using the Italian word for foreign-born players. "There are rules, if they can be called up it's right that they have been because that means they are doing well in the league.

"I don't see why there should be debate, other nations have them, too. If they are good, if they can give us a hand, they're welcome in the national team."

[Socrates 7962]

Andrea Barzagli's Return Instantly
Boosts Bianconeri Back Line

Mar 25, 2015

Earlier this month, Juventus were locked in a tough battle with Sassuolo, the Serie A minnows giving the league leaders everything they could handle. Very few teams have entered the home of the reigning champions over the last three years and gone toe-to-toe with the Bianconeri, yet Eusebio Di Francesco’s men had given an incredible account of themselves over the opening 80 minutes.

Just as it seemed the Neroverdi were going to escape Juventus Stadium with a vital point, two things happened which highlight just why the current incarnation of Italian football’s grand Old Lady is a truly great side, rather than just a very good one.

First, Paul Pogba broke open the stalemate with a moment of pure individual brilliance, his thundering half-volley leaving visiting goalkeeper Andrea Consigli utterly helpless to stop it. It confirmed the Frenchman was capable of winning a match single-handedly, a trait he shares with Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez, meaning La Madama are even more difficult to beat.

The goal was wildly cheered by the home crowd, but a few minutes later, they would once again be on their feet, this time for a rather different reason. Looking to secure the result, Massimiliano Allegri turned to his bench, opting to send on a defender for one of his two strikers and switch to a three-man defence.

While that in itself is no cause for celebration, it was much more about what had brought this particular defender to this point. Having completed his warm up and taken off his tracksuit, Andrea Barzagli went to the touchline and waited to be allowed to enter the fray.

As he did so, Allegri walked over and gave his visibly emotional player a hug, after which Barzagli took a brief embrace from Tevez and ran onto the pitch. The stadium sung his name, and just four minutes later, it was over; a win, three more points in their pursuit of a fourth consecutive title and a clean sheet.

Juventus may well be seen as an impressive side defensively, but that was their first shutout in seven games and it would not be the last. The match was Barzagli’s first of the season, finally overcoming a list of calf and heel issues that had plagued him since the World Cup. He underwent surgery to address the problem but struggled to recover his fitness.

Having finally done so, he would be given his first start of the campaign the following week, Juventus once again running out 1-0 winners against Palermo. Again, holding their opponents scoreless was no mean feat, particularly given the fact Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez had already shared 19 goals and 16 assists in 2014-15.

Four days later, Barzagli would not retain his place for the most important game of the year, a trip to the Westfalenstadion in the Champions League. Having netted a vital away goal in the first leg, Borussia Dortmund knew a win would likely see them advance, but Juventus turned in a stunning all-round performance and swept Jurgen Klopp’s men aside with relative ease.

The 3-0 final scoreline reflected that dominance, and Barzagli was still at the heart of it, coming on with less than 30 minutes played when Pogba went off injured. The defender was flawless, helping the Bianconeri neutralise the threat of the German side who mustered just two shots on target in the entire match.

Barzagli was again in the starting XI as Genoa travelled to Turin this Sunday, with another 1-0 win duly following. Just as Pogba had against Sassuolo, the defender would have what must be seen as a match-winning moment, knocking the ball away from Diego Perotti who seemed almost certain to score.

“We’ve got an important and extraordinary defender back,” Allegri told Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia) before going on to say how important Barzagli is to the tactical flexibility of the side. “With him we can play with three or four at the back, plus can afford to rest someone like Leo Bonucci who has played non-stop.”

There is no arguing with either opinion, nor in underestimating just what the 33-year-old means to his team-mates, who had turned up en masse to watch him play a youth team game shortly before his first team return.

Make no mistake, the man known as “The Rock” to Juventus supporters is the calm, stoic heart of their defence, and with clean sheets in each of his four appearances this term, there will be more cheers to come.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: 'Juve welcome Conte'

Mar 29, 2015

Andrea Barzagli hopes for a “relaxed atmosphere” in Turin against England and slammed Antonio Conte controversy.

The Juventus defender spoke to reporters after last night’s 2-2 draw in Bulgaria.

“It certainly wasn’t a great performance and we made costly errors in the first half,” said Barzagli.

He was also asked about the furious row between Juve and Conte, sparked by the Claudio Marchisio knee injury on international duty.

“I think the controversy around Marchisio was basically invented, because Conte’s training sessions are absolutely normal.

“The injury Claudio had could’ve happened at any moment. It’s not as if it was a muscular problem.”

At first there were fears Marchisio had snapped the anterior cruciate ligament, but later tests showed any lesion was so minimal that he could even resume training in a couple of days.

Nonetheless, the tension over this incident sparked a vicious response from Juventus fans against their old Coach, some of them even sending death threats.

Barzagli tried to calm the waters ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against England, which will be at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

“I expect a relaxed atmosphere. We must remember the past and I am certain the Coach will be welcomed in the best way.”

[Socrates 7962]

Juve fear Barzagli calf strain

Apr 8, 2015

Andrea Barzagli suffered a suspected calf strain in training and Juventus could lose him for a month.

The defender reportedly pulled out during a warm-up ahead of their 3-0 Coppa Italia semi-final victory over Fiorentina.

According to Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset, medics fear a calf strain.

Barzagli had been playing regularly after eight months out of action due to an on-going Achilles tendon problem.

If a calf strain is confirmed, it would mean Barzagli missing the Champions League quarter-final against Monaco.

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli: ‘No fear against Madrid’

Apr 24, 2015

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli admits Real Madrid are favourites in their Champions League clash, but the Bianconeri have ‘no fear’.

The Italian champions were drawn against the current holders of the competition in this morning’s draw, with the sides vying for the opportunity to make the final in Berlin.

“It’s a great challenge, it’s a semi-final,” Barzagli told Sky.

“We knew whoever we drew would definitely be difficult. We don’t start as favourites, but we’ll play without fear.

“We definitely know the quality they possess, they have a squad full of great players. They have the Ballon D’Or winner [Cristiano Ronaldo], and great players who can make a difference.

“It’s a squad full of phenomenal players.

“It’s difficult to start thinking of Berlin now, although personally Germany has always brought me luck [barzagli was in the 2006 World Cup winning squad].

“We’ll see, but first we have a big task to undertake. Over two legs of a semi-final anything can happen.”

The Old Lady have played with both a back three and a back four this season, and Barzagli assures they’ll be confident with either shape against Los Merengues.

“We played [with three] for many years, so we know that system off by heart. This year we haven’t conceded many goals with 4. So anything the Coach chooses to do will be the right choice.

“Regarding the defence, in my opinion, in recent years Juve have made a difference as a team, collectively in terms of defence, not just us defenders.

“We can help each other and feel comfortable together, and that will certainly be important against a team like Real Madrid.”

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli doubt for Barcelona

May 24, 2015

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli is in doubt for the Champions League Final against Barcelona with a muscular injury.

The centre-back hobbled off during last night’s 3-1 victory over Napoli in Turin.

Coach Max Allegri has given the squad three days off to rest and recuperate, so Barzagli will only undergo tests on Wednesday afternoon.

Barzagli has a muscular problem at the back of his right thigh.

Juve will face Barcelona in the Champions League Final in Berlin on June 6.

[Socrates 7962]

Andrea Barzagli injury: Juventus defender listed
as 'day-to-day' after right thigh injury

May 25, 2015

We played the waiting game for Andrea Barzagli's medical test results to come in. Now we play the waiting when it comes to Barzagli being available for the Champions League final in less than two weeks' time.

Fun, fun, fun.

Juventus have announced their stalwart defender is listed as 'day-to-day' after suffering a first-grade tear in his right quadricep. Because of the injury, Barzagli — who made his return from a long injury layoff back in early back — had to be replaced at the beginning of the second half by Leonardo Bonucci in Juventus' win over Napoli this past weekend.

Here's the official word, courtesy of Juventus' website:

After leaving the pitch due to muscle discomfort at half-time of Saturday's 3-1 triumph over Napoli, Andrea Barzagli this morning underwent an MRI scan.

The medical examination showed that the defender has suffered a first grade tear of the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh.

Barzagli will now begin treatment and both his condition and availability for June's Champions League final are to be monitored on a day-to-day basis.

Now, as we've come to realize with the Juventus medical team's evaluations on things this season, being day-to-day could actually mean that, or he could be out for a couple of weeks. Barzagli's status for the Serie A finale this weekend against Hellas Verona doesn't matter at all, so go ahead and throw one last domestic appearance this season right

All that matters, like the last sentence of the Juventus website post says, is whether or not Barzagli will be available for the Champions League final against Barcelona on June 6. That's it. Nothing more, just the Champions League final.

If Barzagli misses out, it will be a huge blow even if Max Allegri doesn't plan on starting the game with a 3-5-2 formation. We've come to see that Barzagli can be a valuable part of the equation off the bench — especially when Juventus are winning and Allegri wants to lockdown the lead in the second half. And we know Barcelona are going to be coming at Juve with the best trident the world of football has to offer, so having one of your best defenders available will be huge.

All of this is dependent on Barzagli being healthy. We're counting down the days until the Champions League final. The waiting game isn't fun, but it's the only thing we can do now. Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...

[Socrates 7962]

Barzagli out of Italian Super Cup

http://www.football-italia.net/69804/barzagli-out-italian-super-cup?

 
Jul 27, 2015

Andrea Barzagli ruled out for three weeks by a thigh strain, so will miss the Italian Super Cup Juventus v Lazio.

The centre-back suffered the muscular problem in his right thigh during the friendly defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

Today tests showed a first degree lesion to the adductor.

It will require at least 20 days to get Barzagli back in the squad.

This means he won’t be ready for the Italian Super Cup against Juventus in Shanghai on August 8.

Fernando Llorente is also a massive doubt for that fixture, as he's out of action for 10 days with a sprained ankle.

However, Sami Khedira is back in training after skipping the Dortmund game.

[Socrates 7962]

Andrea Barzagli to miss three weeks with a thigh injury

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/7/28/9051639/juventus-andrea-barzagli-injury

 
Jul 28, 2015

Injuries and Andrea Barzagli have been a way too common pair of things used in the same sentence the last couple of years. It's the reason whenever we hear reports — and the subsequent official club statements — about Barzagli's latest injury we feel the need to throw our hands above our head and scream "AGAIN?!" at the top of our lungs.

Well, get ready to throw those hands up again. Yeah, you know why. From Juventus' official website:

Andrea Barzagli will be sidelined for 20 days after pulling up with an injury to his right thigh at the end of the weekend's fixture. Subsequent tests have revealed a first-grade tear of the defender's adductor muscle.

That's a portion of a paragraph that also says Fernando Llorente will miss a little over a week with a twisted ankle (the reason why he missed the friendly against Borussia Dortmund). But the more important matter, no offense to Fernando, is that Barzagli will be out for the Italian Super Cup against Lazio next month and could be at risk for the season-opening game against Udinese if his rehabilitation goes any longer than the 20-day diagnosis.

Is it a good thing that it happened on one of the final days of July rather than one of the final days of preseason training camp? Well, yeah, that's pretty much a given. But knowing Barzagli's injury history over the last couple of seasons — both major injury absences and minor ones — it's hard to think that this will be his only instance of missing time this season.

I guess that one positive in all of this is that we will probably see more of Daniele Rugani during the remaining friendlies. And when you consider that Rugani seems like Barzagli's natural successor, then we might as well let the kid show what he can do. (And hopefully do quite well at the same time.)

[Socrates 7962]

Max Allegri's utilization of Andrea Barzagli
pays off in droves for Juventus against Sevilla

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/1/9431077/juventus-andrea-barzagli-max-allegri-champions-league

 
Oct 1, 2015

The first time I heard the announcers say "Andrea Barzagli is at right back" on ESPN2 here in the U.S., I couldn't help but laugh. I had seen the Juventus starting lineup, even a couple of pictures of it, and every single thought in my head screamed out "That's a 3-5-2, jack! That's a damn 3-5-2!" It was as clear as clear-cut gets.

Except it wasn't a 3-5-2. It was far from the textbook 3-5-2 we've seen used in just about every other game that Juventus has lined up in that formation over the past four years. Juventus bounced in between a 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 like it was no big deal at all. And even though it was a role we've rarely seen Barzagli in — if at all — it was his effectiveness that allowed Juve to defend so well through their 2-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday.

Barzagli was the same old Barzagli. He was arguably the best defender on the field, which has become a pretty regular occurrence over his Juve career regardless of the opponent. He was the player we've come to know as 'The Wall' because he's so damn good at his job. Giorgio Chiellini had just as many tackles. Heck, Hernanes had more tackles than anybody in a Juventus uniform, according to WhoScored. Both Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci had more clearances. Chiellini had more interceptions. The stats never truly show how good Barzagli is, but that's nothing by now.

Instead, it was just a fantastic, consistent game from start to finish game from our old buddy Barzagli.

And at the time he needed to be just that, too. At right back. Yeah, right back.

This was the kind of move by Max Allegri, one that takes a little you-know-what, that paid off as well as even he could have hoped it would. It was a massive risk just as much it could have turned into a huge advantage. Nobody knew what to expect from Barzagli playing in a wider position, just like nobody really knew what to expect from Juventus as a team against Sevilla based on how things have gone in Serie A. But posed with a problem, Allegri found a different, out-of-the-box kind of solution. No natural right backs? Ha! Max has an answer for all of you — i's to play a 34-year-old centerback who has battled injuries the past two years in a position that he hasn't played in years and years. Certainly not in his days wearing a Juventus jersey. Yet, there Barzagli was playing on the right wing as Juventus settled into their defensive shape.

That isn't Stephan Lichtsteiner's heat map from his last appearance against Genoa. Nope, That's what Barzagli did against Sevilla on Wednesday night. As much as a lot of us didn't want to think it was anything other than a 3-5-2, this clearly proves that Barzagli was the right back that Allegri so desired when he filed his starting lineup.

The thing that made this all possible was knowing that on the other half of the field Juventus could lean on Juan Cuadrado to make an impact offensively. Therefore, Barzagli's onus could be on the defensive side of the ball where he obviously is so damn good at what he does. (Yes, even now as a right back.)

And, of course, Barzagli ended up getting the assist on what proved to be the game-winning goal from Álvaro Morata because that's just how the world works. You want something that's totally ironic, well, then there you have it.

Is this some kind of long-term solution? Nah, I don't think so. But in a pinch or when Allegri feels the situation calls for it, then Barzagli has shown he can handle this kind of new hybrid 3-5-2/4-3-3 kind of role on the right side of the Juve defense. (Of course, Juve would have everybody available for selection, too.)

For at least one game, though, Allegri's decision to play Barzagli as a right back turned to gold.

[Socrates 7962]

Juventus Prepare To Offer Defender New Contract

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-prepare-to-offer-defender-new-contract/?

 
Oct 9, 2015

Juventus are thought to be making attempts to extend the contract of defender Andrea Barzagli.

Barzagli’s current contract expires at the end of this season, and despite being 34-years-old, the Old Lady still consider him a very important figure at the club.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the club have contacted Barzagli’s representatives to talk about extending a contract and whether Barzagli himself is ready mentally and physically for another season with the Bianconeri.

No details have yet emerged to suggest the former Wolfsburg man will receive a pay rise in any potential new deal.

Barzagli has been a key figure already for Juventus this season having made seven starts and one substitute appearance.

Last season the defender made just 10 Serie A appearances due to injury.