Andrea Barzagli

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli to retire from Italy after Euro 2016

The Juventus defender has announced that he will retire from international football
after the tournament in France next year, though will continue to play club football.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/4961/international-football/2015/10/14/16320372/-?

 
Oct 14, 2015

World Cup-winning defender Andrea Barzagli is to retire from international duty with Italy after Euro 2016.

The 34-year-old has 52 caps to his name, having debuted against Finland in November 2004, and featured in Italy's final Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway on Tuesday.

Antonio Conte's men sealed their place at the competition with a 3-1 win over Azerbaijan three days earlier and the tournament is due to be Barazgli's last in an Italy shirt.

"I'll leave the Azzurri after the Euros," Barzagli told Sky Sport24.

"It's right to give the younger players a chance."

The Juventus man featured twice as Italy won the World Cup in Germany nine years ago while he also helped the country to the final of the European Championship in 2012, where they were beaten by Spain.

[Socrates 7964]

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli to retire
from Italian national team after Euro 2016

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/15/9534959/juventus-defender-andrea-barzagli-to-retire-from-italian-national

 
Oct 15, 2015

If you like watching Andrea Barzagli play in a Juventus jersey, the same can probably be said whenever he throws on an Azzurri kit. However, your chances to see The Great Wall play with Italy are getting smaller and smaller as the international friendlies or, in this case, competitive matches go by.

It's not because it's some injury situation that is forcing any of this. This is by choice. And also because Barzagli will be 35 years old the next time Italy takes part in a major tournament.

"I'll leave the Azzurri after the Euros," Barzagli revealed in an interview with Sky.

"It's right to give younger players a chance. I think I'm lucky to still be in the national team at 34-35.

"Andrea Pirlo and Gigi Buffon are another category of player. Personally I'm just lucky to be in the national team this year and next year."

(Source: Football Italia)

Seeing how he's in his mid-30s and has had plenty of injury troubles of the last couple of years, Barzagli stepping aside from the international side of the equation totally makes sense. He can clearly play at a very high level. He's proven that once again this season both domestically and in the Champions League.

The good thing is that he's stepping aside on his own terms, not because he's been forced to do so after months and months of injuries like we might have thought would be the case this time last year. And, in theory, if Juventus renew his contract any further, then the workload for one of the game's most underrated defenders goes down a pretty good amount. Same goes for the risk of injury, which we know with Barzagli — and every other player — is ever present.

And let's be honest, if Barzagli steps aside, then it creates and opportunity for one of Italy's talented young defenders. Maybe somebody like, I dunno, Daniele Rugani. Yeah, a Barzagli-for-Rugani swap doesn't sound like a bad thing at all — whether it's at Juventus in a year or two, or on the Italian national team.

[LoreRock 12]

I think that it's correct and I'm sure that his place will be palced from Rugani another such a player who will deserve his place in Italy and Juventus too.

[Socrates 7964]

I think that it's correct and I'm sure that his place will be palced from Rugani another such a player who will deserve his place in Italy and Juventus too.

Barzagli can not play forever, noone can do that, Rugani is young and very good, we will surely hear about him in the future.

[Socrates 7964]

Juventus talks with Barzagli, Evra

http://www.football-italia.net/76977/juventus-talks-barzagli-evra?

 
Dec 11, 2015

Juventus will reportedly offer new contracts to Andrea Barzagli and Patrice Evra, but Martin Caceres will leave.

The three defenders are all out of contract at the end of the season, meaning they can talk to other clubs in January.

According to Calciomercato, the club will meet with Barzagli’s agent, Claudio Orlandini, before Christmas, with the veteran expected to agree on a new deal, although he has other offers.

It’s thought the World Cup-winner could agree a slight reduction in his current €2.5m per year salary, in exchange for an extension.

There is said to be more doubt, however, about Evra, who has an offer on the table but is also considering a move to MLS.

Calciomercato reports that Bianconeri general manager Giuseppe Marotta has planned a meeting with the left-back’s agent to determine whether or not he wishes to remain in Turin.

As for Caceres, the website reports that the Old Lady will seek to sell the Uruguayan international in January, rather than lose him for free.

The defender has suffered with a series of injury problems, and was excluded by the club earlier this year after crashing his Ferrari in Turin while under the influence.

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli in Champions League XI

http://www.football-italia.net/77161/barzagli-champions-league-xi?

 
Dec 15, 2015

Andrea Barzagli of Juventus has made it on to the official UEFA Champions League Team of the Group Stage.

The Italy international was the only representative from Serie A to make it on to the hallowed XI-strong list.

Barzagli got the nod because the Bianconeri conceded only once when he was on the pitch, keeping three clean sheets.

Kevin Trapp was chosen in goal after conceding only one goal in six games with Paris Saint-Germain.


UEFA Champions League team of the group stage

GK: Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain)

DF: Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)
DF: Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain)
DF: Diego Godín (Atletico Madrid)
DF: David Alaba (Bayern Munich)

MF: Sven Kums (Gent)
MF: Willian (Chelsea)
MF: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)

FW: Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich)
FW: Hulk (Zenit)
FW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

[Colettepr 0]

Wouldnt you think Jenner would tell Andrea that kind of personal information rather than someone else?

[Socrates 7964]

Andrea Barzagli to sign two-deal contract extension in February

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/24/10821666/report-juventus-andrea-barzagli-to-sign-two-deal-contract-extension

 
Jan 24, 2016

At the tender age of 34 years old, Andrea Barzagli doesn't have many years left in his career simply because the number earlier in this sentence tells him so. He's not young, not exactly had the best injury history over the last couple of years. But even with that, he's been able to be one of Juventus' best and most consistent players no matter what has kept him off the field and for how long.

And even though his mid-30s are already here, it seems as though both the player and the Juventus management are more than happy to keep this quality partnership going.

One of the soon-to-be out-of-contract decisions Juve have to make is reportedly out of the way, with Barzagli ready to sign a two-year contract extension through the end of the 2017-18 season, according to Sunday's giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (via Twitter). It could very well mean Barzagli, who arrived from Wolfsburg in January 2010 for a couple of bags of balls and some extra boots, will retire in a Juventus jersey considering he will be 37 years old when the second year of his new deal would expire.

Despite his age, Barzagli is still an important piece to the Juventus puzzle. We all know about how well drilled and in-tune the Barzagli-Bonucci-Chiellini combination is. It's just as vital to Juve's success as it has ever been. Whether it's Max Allegri switching between a four- and three-man backline en route to the Champions League final last season or now being part o the 2015-16 resurgence as Allegri has gone with the 3-5-2 formation full time, Barzagli's importance can't be denied.

Keeping him right where he is, age not withstanding, is another sign of that. Who knows what Barzagli's role within the squad will be come the beginning of the 2017-18 season, but his leadership and mentoring of players like Daniele Rugani will be valuable if he's playing in five games in the first half of the season or starting 35 straight matches.

So, yeah, you're damn right Barzagli sticking around is a good thing. It's a damn good thing. Why would we ever want him to leave if we had a choice?

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli: 'Juventus to the end'

http://www.football-italia.net/79144/barzagli-juventus-end?

 
Jan 30, 2016

Andrea Barzagli would “like to see out my career at Juventus” and explains their extraordinary turnaround.

The defender’s current contract expires in June, by which point he will have turned 35, but he’s not ready to hang up his boots yet.

“I’d like to see out my career at Juventus. We will calmly discuss it with the club,” he told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium.

A new deal is expected to hold him to the Turin giants until 2018.

Meanwhile, tomorrow against Chievo they are seeking a club record 12th consecutive Serie A victory.

“We have rediscovered our solidity and confidence,” added Barzagli.

“Compared to the start of the season we have changed the mentality of the team. There is more sacrifice from everyone, we’re back to pushing hard the way we did in previous years.

“Now we mustn’t think of the run of victories, as instead focus on one game at a time.”

Juve hope they can keep this form up going into the Champions League Round of 16 with Bayern Munich.

“The draw was not kind to us, but Bayern can say the same thing. We are facing a powerhouse of European football, they picked the toughest opponent in the pot.”

[Socrates 7964]

ANDREA BARZAGLI TO EXTEND JUVENTUS CONTRACT

http://www.juvefc.com/barzagli-to-extend-juventus-contract/?

 
Jan 31, 2016

Andrea Barzagli is hoping to see out the remainder of his career at Juventus and is expected to sign a new two-year deal.

The defender joined I Bianconeri in 2011 and has become a cornerstone of their formidable defence.

His current contract ends in June but Barzagli isn’t ready to call it a day just yet.

“I’d like to see out my career at Juventus. We will calmly discuss it with the club,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Juve are expected to offer the defender a new two-year deal which will be finalised in the coming week.

Turning his attention to the game against Chievo, the veteran defender explained Juve’s recent turnaround

“We have rediscovered our solidity and confidence,” added Barzagli.

“Compared to the start of the season we have changed the mentality of the team. There is more sacrifice from everyone, we’re back to pushing hard the way we did in previous years.

“Now we mustn’t think of the run of victories, as instead focus on one game at a time.

“The Champions League draw was not kind to us, but Bayern can say the same thing. We are facing a powerhouse of European football, they picked the toughest opponent in the pot.”

[Socrates 7964]

Juve target Barzagli extension

http://www.football-italia.net/79893/juve-target-barzagli-extension?

 
Feb 15, 2016

Juventus are reportedly pressing to extend Andrea Barzagli’s contract before it expires in the summer.

The Italy international defender’s current deal runs out in June, meaning that he’s free to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club.

However, Tuttosport reports that Juve director Giuseppe Marotta is making efforts to extend the 34-year-old’s deal after an impressive performance against Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain.

The newspaper believes that an agreement is yet to be found and that Patrice Evra is also awaiting news on his future in Turin.

Barzagli has made 26 appearances in all competitions for the Bianconeri this season.

[Socrates 7964]

Andrea Barzagli to sign contract extension through 2018

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/15/10994218/report-juventus-defender-andrea-barzagli-to-sign-contract-extension

 
Feb 15, 2016

Just a couple of weeks ago before the calendar went from January to February, we got word that Andrea Barzagli and Juventus weren't done being one in the same. By that, I mean Barzagli, a free agent at season's end because his contract tells us so, was going to sign a contract extension and it was only a matter of time before it did take place.

Well, it's February, and said contract extension hasn't taken place just yet.

But, according to the same giornalaccio rosa dello Sport that reported the first go-around of contract extension news, that doesn't mean it's suddenly not happening.

The giornalaccio rosa (via Twitter) has reiterated — as well as Tuttosport (via Football Italia) — its January report that Barzagli will be signing a two-year contract extension that will run through the 2017-18 season and likely see the Italian defender retire in bianconero. How much of this has to do with Barzagli's colossus of a game against Napoli on Saturday night is anybody's best guess, but it's just another sign that it's not a matter of if he will sign a contract extension, but rather when we'll see him posing for a picture with Andrea Agnelli or Beppe Marotta in Juve's trophy room.

No matter if it happens two days from now, two weeks from now or in the next couple of months, Barzagli signing on is just another piece of good news to come our way. The Napoli win was just the latest example of how Barzagli, at 34 years old, is still fully capable of being amongst the best in the business and a player Juventus can rely on going forward.

Not bad for a guy that Juve paid such a tiny transfer fee for, huh?

Tarek Khatib @ADP1113
Buffon to Marotta in 2011 "Barzagli? Director, sign him straight away, no joke. Best Italian CB at the moment & an exceptional professional"

So, when San Gigi speaks, we all — including Marotta himself — should listen. Not that we didn't know that already, but it's just good to remind all of you every once in a while. You know, just in case something happens.

[Socrates 7964]

Juve to tie down defence

http://www.football-italia.net/80362/juve-tie-down-defence?

Feb 25, 2016

Juventus will reportedly offer a new contract to Andrea Barzagli and ward off Manchester City’s interest in Leonardo Bonucci.

Bayern Munich Coach Pep Guardiola described Bonucci as ‘one of my favourite players’ after their 2-2 Champions League draw on Tuesday.

Tuttosport report today that the former Barcelona boss wants the Italy international to join him at Man City this summer, while Chelsea have also been linked.

However, the newspaper believes that Bonucci has no intention of leaving and he has a contract until 2020.

The report also says that a contract until 2018 is ready for Barzagli as his current deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

Discussions are believed to be at the final details for the centre-back who had reportedly attracted interest from Roma, Milan, Inter and Napoli.

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli-Juve reach agreement?

http://www.football-italia.net/80639/barzagli-juve-reach-agreement?

Mar 1, 2016

Reports say Juventus have reached an agreement with Andrea Barzagli to extend his contract until 2018.

The Italy international’s current deal expires at the end of the season and an extension has been expected.

Tuttosport reports that the player reached an agreement with Juve today to pen a new two-year deal and that only an official announcement remains before it is confirmed.

The 34-year-old, who will retire from international football with Italy after Euro 2016, has been at the Old Lady since 2011.

[Socrates 7964]

Juve agree Barzagli deal

http://www.football-italia.net/81743/juve-agree-barzagli-deal?

Mar 23, 2016

Andrea Barzagli will reportedly sign a new two-year contract with Juventus next week.

The centre-back’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, but it appears that the Old Lady have tied him down for another two seasons.

Tuttosport reports today that Juve directors have agreed the final details of an extension until 2018, which should be announced after Easter weekend.

The 34-year-old has scored one goal in 24 appearances this season for the Turin giants and first joined the club in January 2011.

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli, Evra renewals due?

http://www.football-italia.net/82355/barzagli-evra-renewals-due?

Apr 5, 2016

Reports say that Andrea Barzagli and Patrice Evra will sign new Juventus contracts in the next few days.

The two Bianconeri defenders have deals running out in June, but they are set to be rewarded with extensions.

Tuttosport reports that Barzagli will be handed a two-year extension until 2018, pointing out that he will retire from international football after Euro 2016 to focus exclusively on Juve.

France international Evra will reportedly sign a one-year extension despite competition for his spot from Alex Sandro.

Both players have been key for the Old Lady this season, with Barzagli making 25 Serie A appearances and Evra having 21 outings.

[Socrates 7964]

Euro 2016 Squad Selector: Barzagli

In the run-up to Euro 2016, Football Italia will be asking who Antonio Conte
should select in his Italy squad. Chris Smith makes the case for Andrea Barzagli.

http://www.football-italia.net/82667/euro-2016-squad-selector-barzagli?

Apr 11, 2016

A true elder statesman in the Italy camp, Andrea Barzagli certainly doesn’t fit the mold of many of the young, promising players Antonio Conte has brought into the fold. But the veteran Juventus centre-back brings much-needed grit and experience to a squad that needs to tighten up at the back if they’re to progress past the group stage at Euro 2016.

He may be 34-years-old and has already announced his intent to retire from international football after the Euros, but what better way to go out than featuring at the back – likely alongside Juventus teammates Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci – in France this summer?

That Juventus partnership has been one of Europe’s best backlines over the past few seasons, and all three should be natural choices should Conte play the three-man defence he typically deployed in his time at Juventus. Their chemistry was instrumental in helping Gianluigi Buffon set the Serie A record for the longest stretch without conceding, and they lead the league in clean sheets.

Yes, Barzagli has lost a step or two over the years, but his vision, ability to read the game and strength make him a tremendous asset, especially in a cagey international tournament. He’s rock-solid mentally and remains productive at the highest level. It’s almost unthinkable that Conte would leave a key piece of one of European football’s strongest defensive units behind when the stakes are so high.

The competition in Group F suggests that Barzagli’s style of football isn’t entirely out of place, either. Belgium possess pace in Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku and a host of young, energetic players, but Ireland and Sweden play a more conventional game, where Italy will be likely be on the front foot and hold much of the possession. Sweden especially will be heavily dependent on the individual talent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and bringing Barzagli into the side could help nullify that threat.

Given their attacking struggles – two 1-0 wins against Malta spring to mind as warning signs – it is critical for Italy to remain disciplined and organised at the back, and Barzagli offers a commanding voice and well-demonstrated chemistry with his defensive partners. Having a World Cup-winner in the side will also provide steady leadership and a calming presence for the younger, less-experienced players in the squad.

Having a skilled attacking side is critically important; but, as Italy showed in 2006 (and, to some extent, in 2012) there is a place for defensive football, or at least defensive solidity, in the modern game. Given their squad and attacking limitations, a robust defensive display may be the Azzurri’s best shot at beating Europe’s top teams. It would be foolish not to include perhaps the finest example of the prototypical Italian centre-back in the squad for Euro 2016.

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli: 'Secret to Juve defence'

http://www.football-italia.net/83201/barzagli-secret-juve-defence?

Apr 22, 2016

Andrea Barzagli wishes he were younger to have more years with Juventus, while revealing their strength lies in teamwork.

The 34-year-old looks set to extend his contract for another year with the Bianconeri, though his age means he's unlikely to play for them much longer.

“I'd like to be a few years younger, so I could stay for a longer time,” he told Tuttosport. “When I signed with Juventus, I thought it was the biggest opportunity in my career. I wish I'd had this chance earlier.

“I was hoping to join a big team after the 2006 World Cup, but it didn't happen. People didn't think I was at that level, or there simply wasn't an opening.

“When Juve came, I was the first to question myself to make sure I could compete at those high levels. I showed that I can. Sometimes I regret my age, because I wish I'd had more time in the heights.”

Barzagli was then asked what was more important for him, the fifth consecutive Scudetto or the record for the longest unbeaten defensive spell.

“I care about both things. Winning the fifth Scudetto would be extraordinary, and we're very close. We'll make the club's history and we hope to keep that up.

“Setting a new defensive record, after [goalkeeper Gianluigi] Buffon managed to beat the record for the longest time with clean sheets, would be the cherry on a superb season.

“I'm a defender and sometimes I'd like to have a few records of my own. It's a personal gratification, since we're always suffering at the back!

“Seriously though, when we say that the whole team defends, that's not just an expression. If you look at the games, it's self-evident.

“Of course, you need some strong players at the back, because a few crosses will inevitably break the barriers, and then it's a personal duel against the striker.

“We're a strong defence, and we get results regardless of who's playing. In addition, we have Buffon, who makes us feel safe.”

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli: 'Juve CL not just luck'

http://www.football-italia.net/83202/barzagli-juve-cl-not-just-luck?

Apr 22, 2016

Andrea Barzagli says Juventus' defeats in the Champions League 'don't come down to bad luck'.

In spite of their domestic success, the Old Lady still struggle in Europe, having failed to lift the biggest continental trophy in twenty years now.

“I don't think it just comes down to bad luck,” Barzagli told Tuttosport. “We must get used to playing in certain matches. In the Champions League there's tremendous quality and the games are very open.

“It's a different competition from our championship, in which even our team may hold back and work on not taking goals. You can't do that in the Champions League, you have to strike a blow for a blow.

“The more used we get to facing certain teams, the more likely we are to make it all the way. I think this year we did better than the last in the group stage, although we were knocked out of the last sixteen in the final minute.

“If we'd passed that stage, who knows what we could have done. What matters is that we keep getting there every year, and that each of us keeps raising our bar.

“The Scudetto? I'd rather win it in person than mathematically in front of the TV. But let it go as it must. We did win it in front of the TV in the past.

“Now we must go to Florence with the same levels of determination, without cooling down. We still have a Coppa Italia final to play, we can't get there exhausted after two weeks' worth of celebration.

“Dybala? He doesn't play as well in training because he's up against us.

“As for my contract, everything's fine, there's no problem at all. The club will announce it soon.”

[Socrates 7964]

Juventus to announce Andrea Barzagli's
contract extension on Wednesday

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/9/11638776/report-juventus-to-announce-andrea-barzaglis-contract-extension-on

May 9, 2016

For months and months we heard that Max Allegri extending his Juventus contract was going to happen. It was going to be next week, then the next week, then the week after that, and so on and so on. The reports from the big boys of the Italian press came and went what seemed like every week until Allegri's contract extension was finally announced just a few short days ago.

It seems as though the same can now be said for Andrea Barzagli's new and much-talked about contract extension as well.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Juventus are set to announce Barzagli's contract extension on Wednesday. The new deal will see the 35-year-old defender stay extend his stay with the club for another two seasons, getting the same June 2018 endpoint as Allegri just tacked onto his contract. There's also the added stipulation of Barzagli, who celebrate his birthday on Sunday, will be taking a front office role with the club after his playing days come to an end.

But let's not worry about Barzagli retiring right now. He's still a vital player on this team.

I say that because even at an age when players start to show signs of their age, Barzagli has continued to be one of the best there is in Italy. Despite being Juventus' oldest regular starter not named Gigi Buffon, Barzagli has appeared in 30 of Juventus' 37 Serie A games this season. And, in just about every one of them, he's been one of Juve's most consistent players. That's nothing new to us, though, but it's certainly a testament to just how he's been able to maintain his wonderful form and kick the injury bug he's dealt with despite going from his early-30s to mid-30s right before our very eyes.

Contract extension well earned? Yeah, definitely. And finally official in short order, too.

[Socrates 7964]

Buffon and Barzagli to 2018

http://www.football-italia.net/84129/buffon-and-barzagli-2018?

May 10, 2016

Gigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli will renew their Juventus contracts until June 2018, it’s reported.

Sky Sport Italia claim the announcement will be made tomorrow.

Buffon’s current deal holds him to the club until June 2017, so it would be a one-year extension.

The goalkeeper will be 40 years old in 2018 and has already said he hopes to retire after playing the next World Cup.

Barzagli celebrated his 35th birthday on Sunday and his contract was due to expire at the end of this season.

He has been a regular in the back three and showed few of the fitness problems suffered by teammate Giorgio Chiellini.

This convinced the club to add another two years to his contract.

These two deals effectively mean Buffon and Barzagli will see out their careers with the Bianconeri shirt.

[Socrates 7964]

OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli
sign contract extensions through 2018

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/11/11655072/official-juventus-gianluigi-buffon-andrea-barzagli-sign-contract-extensions-through-2018

May 11, 2016

When looking at two of Juventus' most consistent performers over the last five title-winning seasons, who pops into your head? If Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli are two of the first names you think of, then you're more than just on the right track. If there's a top five when it comes to that category, then they're easily there, if not within the top three.

They've been good, damn good. And it's not like they're going anywhere, too.

In a joint press conference with club president Andrea Agnelli, Buffon and Barzagli officially announced that they have both extended their contracts with Juventus through the 2017-18 season. It is a move that should surprise nobody considering who we're talking about here, but it's a day that signifies that these two pillars of Juventus' five-year title run are still incredibly important cogs to the club's success.

JuventusFC ✔ ‎@juventusfcen
OFFICIAL: @andreabarzagli2 and @gianluigibuffon extend contracts until 30 June 2018. #Barzagli2018 #Buffon2018

Good news day? Yeah, good news day.

As expected as this was, to see those two players who have been massive contributors to the club — especially at their age — sit up on that podium and talk about how committed they are to this club will never get old. I mean, never, ever, ever. They obviously arrived with two completely different kind transfer fees, but they have proven to be two of Juventus' most consistent and important players. And because of that, no matter how young or old they may be, you make sure that they're as happy as can be and maintain the desire to continue on this path.

Sure, the odds of Buffon and Barzagli leaving the club before they each retire was basically non-existent, but this is a good day. A really, really good day. There should be contract extensions more often. (Maybe since there's been three in less than a week I'm speaking with recency bias, but I don't care.)

[Socrates 7964]

Barzagli: 'Rugani is Azzurri future'

http://www.football-italia.net/84621/barzagli-rugani-azzurri-future?

May 20, 2016

Andrea Barzagli meditates on the future of Italian defence and touts Juventus' Daniele Rugani: 'But he must become nastier'.

The 35-year-old defender will almost certainly be joining his younger Juventus teammates Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci as they head off to Euro 2016. The latter defender was at the centre of some controversy as the Bianconeri refused to let him join the Azzurri training camps.

“I don't have Bonucci's playmaking skills,” Barzagli admitted, in an interview with Tuttosport. “I had a chat with him. The polemic created around him was overblown, after all Juve had no obligation to let him go.”

Italy used to be world-famous for the quality of its defenders, but that age appears to be past.

“In Italy there used to be a great defensive school at the times of [Franco] Baresi and [Paolo] Maldini.

“Rugani was smart to wait for his moment in a team that allowed him to grow, while [Alessio] Romagnoli suffered because of Milan's difficult season.

“The problem is that only too often, in Italy, clubs prefer to field foreigners. And we could really do with second teams.

“There is no courage, and youngsters are only allowed to play against those of their age. For my own part, I'm proud to have played from the lower categories up to Serie A, getting used to playing against 30-year-olds.

“Players who are young and good should get started, and only benched if they are not good.

“Rugani resembles me a lot in terms of the type of player he is. His tackles are very clean, he is observant and he asks for advice.

“He has to be a bit nastier. Every now and then a few yellow cards ought to be picked up.”

Barzagli then discussed his personal future with La Nazionale, and the prospects of Giampiero Ventura as the future Coach.

“I'll be retiring from international football after the Euros. Let's hope we can do well in France, after such a disastrous World Cup.

“I don't think about my situation with the club, because I feel like a footballer for all intents and purposes. I may not work in football later on, but I'll think of that after my holidays.

“Ventura must follow on Conte's path. We need a Coach capable of training the team and showing us the right direction.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

Barzagli: 'Juve block inspires Italy'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85419/barzagli-juve-block-inspires-italy

Jun 5, 2016
 

Andrea Barzagli hopes the confidence of the Juventus defensive unit can “spread” across the Italy squad at Euro 2016.

The Azzurri face Finland in a friendly on Monday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The first choice at the back is taken directly from Juventus in the form of Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Barzagli.

“Our defence is well-drilled, as we’ve been playing together for a very long time. We therefore feel confident around each other and hopefully that confidence spreads to the rest of the team.

“Hopefully we can be one of the strongest defences in Euro 2016,” said Barzagli in a Press conference.

“I did say it would be my last major tournament with Italy, but to be honest I hadn’t thought about it for a while. I am focused on the Euros and want to have a great competition.

“I am in good shape physically, psychologically and am trying to enjoy these final years. Unfortunately my age is getting to be an issue and that annoys me!

“It’s difficult to compare Italy teams, as there are two-year eras going into the Euros or World Cup, new faces come through and the players are never quite the same.

“What really counts is the team spirit and that is what we’re trying to create.”

[Socrates 7964]

 

Barzagli: 'Italy have work to do'

 

hhttp://www.football-italia.net/85997/barzagli-italy-have-work-do

Jun 17, 2016

Andrea Barzagli warned Italy “have a lot more work to do,” but confessed “tension at the taboo” of their second game with Sweden.

The Azzurri hadn’t won their second match in a major tournament since Euro 2000, managing only five draws and two defeats.

It seemed to be heading that way again at Euro 2016, until Eder curled in the winner at the 88^th minute.

“We knew that the second game was a taboo for Italy and we felt the tension of that,” Barzagli told Rai Sport.

“It was a pretty ugly match decided by a moment of magic from Eder. We did what we had to do and it’s good to qualify, but we have a lot more work to do.

“The pitch was quite slow and we struggled to pass the ball around accurately. It was also hot, so many factors contributed to a first half that was not very entertaining.

“After the break we created something more and a single strike sealed it.”