Miralem Pjanic

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

Pjanic backs under-fire Buffon

to 'prove he's the world's best'

 

The Juve skipper has been backed by his team-mate who does not think he is going

through a bad spell despite a couple of high-profile errors for club and country.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/10/17/28567832/-?

 

Oct 17, 2016

 

Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic has backed Gianluigi Buffon to prove he remains the best goalkeeper in the world despite two costly mistakes in recent matches.

 

 

Buffon presented Vitolo with a simple finish when he completely missed an interception during Italy's 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Spain on October 6.

 

The Juve captain fared little better on his return to club action on Saturday, as he allowed Jakub Jankto's shot to squeeze beneath his grasp to give Udinese the lead, before Paulo Dybala's double rescued a victory.

 

Pjanic, however, says the 38-year-old will produce his very best form when Juve take on Lyon in Tuesday's Champions League Group H encounter.

 

"Buffon is our captain. I don't think he's having a bad spell," Pjanic told a news conference. "He's still the world's number one.

 

"In a career, there are high points and low points - that's normal. But Buffon is playing and talking with us as normal so I don't think there's anything to say.

"He'll make the difference and prove he is the world's best."

 

Pjanic, who spent three years with Lyon before moving to Serie A with Roma in 2011, expects a difficult test at Stade de Lyon despite the home side having lost three of their last four matches.

 

"It's true that Lyon have had a tough period, but I know the players, the coach and how things are here, and usually these difficult times don't last very long," said the 26-year-old.

 

"That means it's a very difficult game for us. We have to give our best to qualify for the knockout stage.

 

"Nabil Fekir and Alexandre Lacazette can cause problems for a lot of teams, but we'll do our best to be more dangerous than they are."

 

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

Juninho: ‘Pjanic is class’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/93092/juninho-‘pjanic-class’?

 

Oct 18, 2016

 

Juninho Pernambucano believes Miralem Pjanic is “among the best” at free-kicks, and that Juventus can win the Champions League.

 

The Brazilian is regarded as one of the best free-kick takers of all time, and played alongside the Bosnian when they were both at Lyon, the club the Bianconeri face tonight.

 

“He had personality, talent and a desire to learn,” Juninho recalled in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“He was already giving the impression that he would be one of the best in the world in his role. He’s versatile, and he has the quality to play three positions in midfield.

 

“For me though he’s more of a 10, and if necessary a second striker. He has the professionalism of the greats, so I’m not surprised he’s at a club like Juventus.

 

“Did I teach him to hit free-kicks? Everyone has his own style, and he’s always had a good strike. Mire’s ability is to hit them in different ways, with curve, with power and effect.

 

“The trajectories are unpredictable, when the ball comes off his foot it often changes direction and that makes it difficult for the goalkeeper.

 

“Given how young he is, he’s already among the best in that speciality.”

 

Juninho was then asked for his opinion on the Old Lady’s chances in this season’s Champions League.

 

“Of course they’re prepared to get to the final of the Champions League and, why not, win it. They have a secret: a core of Italian players who have made history.

 

“[Gigi] Buffon, [Giorgio] Chiellini, [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Andrea] Barzagli have that warrior spirit, so in difficult times and even when they’re not playing well, they win.

 

“There are better teams on a technical level, but Juve have great balance. They’re an example of stability, and for that reason they’re one of the favourites.

 

“Tonight’s game? This new Lyon is younger [than mine], but very talented. Of course Juve are favourites, but they’ll have to be very alert.

“[Nabil] Fakir is excellent, [Alexandre] Lacazette is a star, but one who has grown and is still growing and [Corentin] Tolisso is a real leader.

 

“Juve have champions everywhere, I’d say Buffon and Chiellini above everyone, they have talent, leadership and the desire to compete.

“[Paulo] Dybala is also not bad…”

 

Juninho’s free-kick style has been cited as an inspiration by Andrea Pirlo, another all-time great on set pieces.

 

“It was always an honour to know I’d inspired him,” the Brazilian acknowledged.

 

“Take the last Euros: his absence was felt. Anyone who loves the game can only have nostalgia for him, and admiration for his awesome class.

 

“Among other things, we resembled each other: not too fast, but with quick reading of the game and the ability to use both feet.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Juve are consistent but Roma...'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/93097/pjanic-‘juve-are-consistent-roma?

 

 

Oct 18, 2016

 

Miralem Pjanic is “at Juventus to win titles” and admits there’s more “consistency of performance” than at Roma.

 

The Bosnian midfielder joined the Bianconeri this summer after they activated the release clause in his contract with the capital club.

 

“I’m at Juve to win titles,” Pjanic told France Football.

 

“That’s what I’m most lacking, and Juventus is the perfect club to do that, there’s a winning culture on every level. Up until now I’ve often been second.

 

“Juve have a consistency of performance that we definitely didn’t have at Roma, we always had ups and downs.

 

“Juventus have a consistency and solidity which often takes them to the end. It’s a big machine, difficult to shift.”

 

Pjanic will face his old club Lyon tonight, and was asked about the differences between Ligue 1 and Serie A.

 

“There’s more competition in Italy, more rivalry between the clubs. There are more good teams in Serie A, when you look at Roma, Napoli, Inter, Milan and Fiorentina.

 

“Those are always close, difficult games with more fervour around them. I think that existed more in France when I was at Lyon than it does today.

 

“Then there were Marseille, Paris Saint-Germain, Bordeaux, Monaco and Lille who could compete. Now it’s PSG and everyone knows it. PSG should have a League of their own!

 

“Was I close to PSG? It really almost happened [in January 2014]. I was fighting for the title with Roma though.

 

“There were concrete talks, but at the last minute I got a call from [sporting director] Walter Sabatini saying ‘Mire, even for €50m you’re not going!’”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Analysing Miralem Pjanic's First 4 Months with Juventus

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2672990-analysing-

miralem-pjanics-first-four-months-with-juventus?

 

 

Nov 1, 2016

 

Let’s start at the beginning. Juventus fans were never under any illusions about Paul Pogba. The Frenchman may have been transformed from an under-utilised player in the Manchester United reserves into one of the game’s most prominent midfielders, but he was never going to be loyal.

Having already changed clubs four times while still a teenager and employing Mino Raiola as his agent, Pogba’s career was inevitably going to be somewhat nomadic. Sure enough, the player whom supporters of the Old Lady had seen rocket to superstardom left for UEFA Euro 2016 and never returned.

No player has ever earned a club more profit than the difference between the minimal fee the Bianconeri sent to Old Trafford to acquire him and the world-record sum he fetched just four years later.

 

 

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But this isn’t about Pogba, it’s about replacing him. Given the choice of which Serie A player they would sign to fill that void if money was no object, followers of Juventus would’ve offered up a very short short-list.

The names of only Marek Hamsik and Miralem Pjanic would feature heavily upon it, with perhaps a large majority opting to move on from bad haircuts and thus ignore the mohawked Napoli skipper.

All of which is said to say this: Miralem Pjanic was and is the perfect acquisition for Juventus in 2016. He is a midfielder who possesses every quantifiable attribute the current team lacked and needed in abundance, a player capable of filling a multitude of roles with remarkable versatility and a signing that sent a signal of intent loudly across the continent.

 

 

CARLO HERMANN/Getty Images

Dealing with Hamsik’s barber so soon after Pogba would have been too much.

 

Yet much like Pogba’s thus-far disappointing second spell in Manchester, Pjanic’s time in Turin is going under heavy scrutiny. Yes, despite the club suffering a catastrophic number of injuries to key players—especially in midfield—he has been widely criticised for failing to make a significant impact.

Let’s pump the brakes and look at the facts. Following the win over Napoli last Saturday, he has three goals and three assists in just 818 minutes of action. That’s more goals than any Juve player not named Gonzalo Higuain or Paulo Dybala, and a team-high tally of assists, but look even deeper.

According to WhoScored.com, only Dani Alves (77) and Andrea Barzagli (57.4) have made more passes per game than Pjanic’s average of 54.8. His average of 2.9 scoring chances created per game is another team high, although as the graphic below highlights, Alex Sandro has a higher overall total.

 

 

Chances Created 2016/17 via squawka.com

 

There is no denying that Pjanic has not yet reached peak form in a Juve shirt, but those figures show a player making a significant contribution to a team who have struggled at times this season.

The fact that the club gears its preparation towards contending for trophies in March, April and May makes that an impossible task, with arguably none of his team-mates playing at their best either.

A case could be made for Gigi Buffon or Barzagli doing so, but neither of those men rely on their physical fitness as much as a dynamic midfielder like Pjanic, so that, too, is understandable.

 

 

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Barzagli: "Gigi is a point of reference, there is no need to praise him for what he has done." Sky

4:36 PM - 19 Oct 2016

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Pjanic was undeniably poor in his most recent outing against Napoli, the team improving when Claudio Marchisio replaced him with around 25 minutes remaining. Putting aside the fact that the Italian would make almost any team in Europe better for his inclusion, it was a rare off day for the man who made way for him.

Indeed, even when Juve have struggled this term—which unfortunately has been an all-too regular occurrence—Pjanic has tried to carry them forward. Identifying games in which he has visibly struggled is a difficult task, but the 2-1 loss to Inter Milan in September would arguably be foremost among them.

 

 

Adam Digby via WyScout

 

Fielded as the central player in coach Massimiliano Allegri’s three-man midfield, the graphic above highlights just how well-covered the 26-year-old was by an uncharacteristically well-drilled Nerazzurri side that day.

Yet Pjanic still made his presence felt, with a flowing team move in the first half showcasing just what he brings to the side. An Inter attack ended with the ball in Buffon’s hands, the goalkeeper rolling the ball out before the former AS Roma man picked it up deep inside his own half.

 

 

 

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.@Miralem_Pjanic initiates an attack vs Inter, trails play for 60 yards to finish it with a shot https://gifs.com/gif/internazionale-vs-juventus-2-1-full-match-18-9-16-LgADpX …

11:08 AM - 31 Oct 2016

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As can be seen via the video in the tweet above, he plays the first pass of the sequence, then trails the play over 60 yards up field, eventually taking a shot after great individual skill from Dybala.

Pjanic had previously enjoyed a fine debut outing against Sassuolo on September 10, playing in a role on the left of midfield and getting on the scoresheet. As the FourFourTwo Stats Zone graphic in the tweet below shows, the 26-year-old completed 54 of his 62 pass attempts and his one take-on, much to the pleasure of Juve boss Allegri.

“Pjanic likes more freedom and can roam, so the other two [Mario Lemina and Sami Khedira] must move as a consequence,” the coach told Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia). “It’s good to avoid giving the opposition reference points.”

 

 

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.@Miralem_Pjanic vs Sassuolo: 54/62 (87.1%) passes, 1/1 take-ons, one tackle (via @StatsZone)

9:09 PM - 10 Sep 2016

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After the Inter defeat, Allegri would return his new signing to that role on the left and was rewarded with more good performances. According to WhoScored, only Alves made more passes than Pjanic, as he added one assist in a 4-0 win over Cagliari, then scored one goal and laid on another assist in a 45-minute UEFA Champions League outing against Dinamo Zagreb.

Figures from the same source show that he then laid on a staggering six clear scoring opportunities in a 3-0 win against Empoli on October 2. If it is easy to say that opponents like Zagreb, Cagliari, Empoli and even Sassuolo don’t offer intense enough competition, Juve’s second visit to San Siro would bring the best from Pjanic once more.

 

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Juventus would lose again, but their No. 5 did everything he could to help avoid that 1-0 defeat to AC Milan. The video above shows his every touch from that encounter, but the statistics support what unfolded within the 90 minutes, as Pjanic performed well despite the result.

After thinking he had opened the scoring only to see the match officials rule out his set-piece effort, the midfielder continued to give a stellar contribution, as the FourFourTwo Stats Zone graphic in the tweet below highlights.

Solid as ever in his passing, Pjanic created five clear scoring chances, won two tackles and the only aerial duel he contested, as well as making one clearance. Buffon has since told La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) that he was “a little upset” that his side didn’t protest the legality of his team-mate’s free-kick more vociferously.

 

 

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.@Miralem_Pjanic v Milan: 41/51 passes (80.4%), FIVE chances created, 2 tackles, 1 clearance, 1 disallowed goal

11:37 AM - 31 Oct 2016

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They would bounce back with a 1-0 win away to Olympique Lyonnais, with WhoScored showing that Pjanic again played a vital role in the victory. Two tackles, two interceptions and two chances created—the play often went through him rather than anyone else as Juve ground out another result.

The same source named him man of the match against Sampdoria on October 26, Pjanic weighing in with another goal and an assist to Giorgio Chiellini from a corner. He made two other scoring opportunities, with Allegri telling Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) that his midfielder was somewhat fatigued against Napoli as a result:

Pjanic worked very hard when defending and I think he was a bit short on fuel, so he was fatigued and has been playing a lot lately. He had a good pass for Gonzalo Higuain in the first half, he has different characteristics to a classic midfielder, but can improve when he’s sharper and less tired.

However, Buffon insisted in his own post-match interview that the team must do more. “If we want to play on a par with Barcelona and Bayern Munich,” the skipper told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia), “then it is our duty to do better and find another gear.”

 

 

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Marchisio - Juventino man and boy - Changes the game in 20 mins. Never gives less than his all. How we missed him

10:51 PM - 29 Oct 2016

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Some of that must come from Pjanic. He has been somewhat hesitant to push forward when teamed with Hernanes in midfield, recognising—as most observers do—that the Brazilian is weak defensively.

It is therefore no real surprise that some of Pjanic’s best displays have come when Mario Lemina is alongside him to provide greater security. The Gabon international started the aforementioned matches against Sassuolo, Cagliari and Lyon, but it is the return of Marchisio that should make the difference.

The team looked sharper against Napoli once the Turin native took to the field, but when he lines up next to a fresh-and-ready Pjanic, Allegri and Juventus will finally have the midfield they need to compete at the highest level.

His first four months have not been perfect, but he is delivering and will continue to do so.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Miralem Pjanic has yet to settle

into Paul Pogba role for Juventus

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2986904/

miralem-pjanic-has-yet-to-settle-into-paul-pogba-role-for-juventus

 

 

Nov 2, 2016

 

Many are in agreement; Juventus are not living up to expectations. A well-executed transfer market campaign that included the arrivals of champions such as Gonzalo Higuain and Dani Alves had people betting on the Old Lady, expecting her to be a firm favourite to win Serie A and even the Champions League. Two months into the season and the critics as well as the fans are disappointed, Juventus are playing poorly.

The Bianconeri have simply not clicked into gear. Some have blamed the large turnover in personnel, others have rightly pointed out the number of injuries but most will agree that Max Allegri has experimented too much resulting in tactical instability. The truth is, Juventus have to change the way they play and Allegri is well aware of that hence the need for more experimentation.

A tactician renowned for his ability to evolve, he took a physically strong and aggressive side and converted it into one that demonstrated technique on the ball, morphing into different formations in his first season.

Loyal to the 3-5-2 formation the following year, Allegri built the side around the beauty of Paul Pogba. With Claudio Marchisio doing the dirty work and Sami Khedira running back and forth with intelligence, Pogba's ability to carry the ball forward rapidly coupled with his vision and desire to participate in attacking moves ensured balance. Athletic and quick, he needed the 3-5-2 formation as much as it needed him.

The Frenchman's departure was not mourned as Miralem Pjanic arrived in his place and many imagined he would provide the quality required to ensure a smooth transition. Except he hasn't much to the chagrin of regular watchers. This is partly down to him and partly down to Allegri.

This Juve side is still built to exploit the skills of Pobga, so the very fact Pjanic cannot do what his predecessor managed provokes frustration, especially as he's been slotted into the same position. Both players are hugely talented but differ in what they can provide for the team.

Pjanic by nature is a playmaker, a man who plays with his head, instigating moves and facilitating attack moves rather than joining the attack to help finish off chances. Pogba by contrast would use his athleticism to burst forward, providing a direct approach before joining the offensive line. Pogba was a wide player who ran off the ball but didn't dictate attacks, Pjanic can dictate but he needs runners and movement ahead of him to exploit his vision.

It is said a 4-3-3 shape would better utilise the skills of the Bosnian, who would benefit from having another attacker ahead of him. But the 4-3-1-2 should also be studied. Pjanic would enjoy being a trequartista, especially if his midfielders jumped into the play in a timely fashion to create greater offensive danger. The second formation would also strengthen the team's ability through the middle where they have proved vulnerable thus far this season.

Playing progressive football that will help Pjanic to shine will take time, as will finding the right balance to extol the virtues of the new recruits. Now that Marchisio is back, the coach can experiment a little more but he needs both Marko Pjaca and Paulo Dybala available and healthy to truly implement new strategies.

Tactics aside, Pjanic must also help himself. We sympathise with the player's struggle to integrate within the new patterns of play but he must also accept that having only 35 touches of the ball against Napoli is unacceptable and not in keeping with a player of his calibre. Juventus only truly shone when the Bosnian was replaced.

While tactical solutions are being sought, the Bianconeri must play with determination, masking the lack of fluidity with greater intensity. "Against Napoli we had the right attitude, we were not there to lose, which was essential," Gianluigi Buffon told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We were lacking that a little bit in the past."

On Wednesday evening, Juve will need to repeat that show of character against Lyon if they are to secure top place in their Champions League group. For only the second time this season, Allegri will have the opportunity to play his first choice midfield and he'll be hoping for another comprehensive victory, like the team managed against Sampdoria.

As we have come to learn from Lyon, they possess both pace and physicality -- a combination that nearly ruined the Bianconeri had it not been for Buffon's heroic display the last time around. The only way to combat Lyon's direct style of play is by controlling the tempo and playing with patience and intelligence.

The Khedira-Marchisio partnership will be vital in this match. When they are played together, Juventus are better equipped at controlling the tempo and slowing down the game to hinder the opponent should they run with the ball at pace. Precision and composure, especially in the central areas, will ensure defensive safety. If possession is surrendered cheaply, Bruno Génésio's men have the weapons required to punish an error-prone opponent.

Allegri has already warned his team of the importance of this game, it's up to the players to produce a performance worthy of this great competition.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Zola: ‘Pjanic like Pirlo’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/94146/zola-‘pjanic-pirlo’

 

 

Nov 10, 2016

 

Gianfranco Zola compares Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic’s free-kick technique to that of Andrea Pirlo.

 

The Bosnian scored the winner against Chievo on Sunday with a set piece, confirming himself as the latest Bianconero free-kick specialist after the likes of Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio.

 

“I’ve looked at some of their free-kicks,” Zola, a specialist himself, explained to Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“The basic concepts, the movements: they’re punitive and deadly. Pjanic and Pirlo are very similar, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Miralem had studied Andrea.

 

“In the past I read that Pirlo was inspired by Juninho Pernambucano, who was also a reference point for Pjanic.

 

“The secret to a perfect free-kick? It takes training and attention. The closer I was to the goal the more effective I was, whereas [Sinisa] Mihajlovic was more precise the more pitch was between him and the goal.

 

“Pirlo and Pjanic know how to be precise both close-in and from range. Their technique is similar, they don’t take many steps back from the ball.

 

“Miralem takes two steps, Pirlo is similar. There are players who hit the ball with their instep, giving it spin.

 

“Baggio was one of the most skilled at that, but the two of them tend to strike through the middle of the ball, giving it a trajectory from top left to bottom right.

 

“There’s less curve but more speed, the ball starts fast and dips a lot and that makes it very difficult for goalkeepers. They strike it with their three little toes.

 

“If Pirlo calls his the ‘maladetta’, well, you could also call Pjanic’s that too.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'Not just about free-kicks'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/94194/pjanic-not-just-about-free-kicks?

 

 

Nov 11, 2016

 

Miralem Pjanic has told reporters that there he is not at Juventus 'just for the free-kicks'.

 

The 26-year-old is on international duty, with his Bosnia and Herzegovina side due to face Greece away from home in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

 

"I'm not here just for free-kicks. I have found a new system, a different way of playing with less dribbling," the midfielder told Corriere dello Sport. "I'm adapting, we know each other better now and the way we play is improving.

 

"Expectations are high, but I am not worried. Step by step we will grow, but meanwhile what counts is that Juve win."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Miralem Pjanic says he’s not just here for free kicks

 

 

Midfielder speaks to media during international duty

 
http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/11/12/13596926/pjanic

-not-just-here-for-free-kicks-juventus-marotta-zola-pirlo

 

 

 

Nov 12, 2016

 

Juventus and Bosnia midfielder Miralem Pjanic spoke to the media about his role in Turin ahead of his nation’s World Cup qualifier away at Greece.

"I'm not here just for free kicks. I have found a new system, a different way of playing with less dribbling.

"I'm adapting, we know each other better now and the way we play is improving.

"Expectations are high, but I am not worried. Step by step we will grow, but meanwhile what counts is that Juve win."

Earlier in the week, Juve director Beppe Marotta had called for patience with Pjanic as he settled into his role in the middle.

“Pjanic has settled in with difficulty, but is an excellent professional and has all the characteristics to make his mark. In recent years he proved his quality, so we just need to patience to wait for him.

“People expect a modern player to be eclectic and the Coach must get the best out of his resources by adapting the tactical system. I think Pjanic can be considered a versatile figure.

“The history of Juventus has been dominated by many victories and a great deal of criticism, so we are accustomed to it.

“The team is excellent, we are top of the Serie A table with 27 points and doing well in the Champions League. Nobody is perfect, we must work every day to improve.”

Former Italian international Gianfranco Zola has also highly praised Pjanic’s free-kick taking ability, comparing him to another Juve legend Andrea Pirlo.

“I've looked at some of their free-kicks. The basic concepts, the movements: they're punitive and deadly. Pjanic and Pirlo are very similar, and it wouldn't surprise me if Miralem had studied Andrea.

“In the past I read that Pirlo was inspired by Juninho Pernambucano, who was also a reference point for Pjanic.

“The secret to a perfect free-kick? It takes training and attention. The closer I was to the goal the more effective I was, whereas [Sinisa] Mihajlovic was more precise the more pitch was between him and the goal.

“Pirlo and Pjanic know how to be precise both close-in and from range. Their technique is similar, they don't take many steps back from the ball.

“Miralem takes two steps, Pirlo is similar. There are players who hit the ball with their instep, giving it spin."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

'Pjanic ambitious like Juventus'

 

 
http://www.football-italia.net/94294/pjanic-ambitious-juventus?

 

 

Nov 13, 2016

 

Miralem Pjanic’s father said he’s the best free kick taker in the world and “just like Juventus: ambitious and winning.”

 

The Bosnia international midfielder was born in Zvornik in 1990, but a year later his father Fahrudin Pjanic whisked the family to Luxembourg to continue his professional playing career, escaping the imminent war.

 

“It’s almost as if I protected him using the football,” Fahrudin told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“I was fortunate enough to take him away from the atrocities of the war and Miralem, as he grew up, never made me feel bad about running. He has always felt Bosnian, but became a champion in Luxembourg, his second home.”

 

Pjanic moved on to Metz, Lyon and Roma in his playing career before landing at Juventus over the summer.

 

“He has followed the directives of the club, listened to the Coach and sacrificed himself for the team. When he behaves like this, the results will arrive. The fans shouldn’t worry, especially after his free kick against Chievo.

 

“I know he’s sweating up a storm in training. Compared to previous years he had a few more fitness problems at the start, but now everything is fine.

 

“It’s a completely new world to him and Turin is a totally different city to Rome. Miralem is aware this is a step up in his career with an incredible club, perfect for those who want to triumph, just like him.

 

“In fact, I’d say Juve are similar to my son: ambitious and winning. The desire for success is the thing he likes the most, that is why he is in the ideal club and will adapt quickly.

 

“Rome is also a city for winners, but I don’t know how it works there… At the start of the season it’s all great, then something always happens.”

 

Max Allegri has moved Pjanic around several midfield roles so far this season. Where does his father think he’s best suited?

 

“That is a question for Allegri, as he is the one who decides. I say he can play anywhere, because he has quality and works hard. He can move into a more advanced role, because he has this decisive passing ability, but proved he can defend too and organise the play from in front of the defence.”

 

Pjanic famously learned the art of free kicks from his Lyon teammate Juninho Pernambucano. Is he the master now?

 

“Absolutely, the best free kick taker in the world,” assured Fahrudin. “It was a great learning experience being close to Juninho, but his strength has been in creating a style all his own. Now we can say that in football there is a Pjanic-style free kick.

 

“It’s true that I realised he’d be great when as a kid I heard him kicking the ball against the garage door. I remember the sound it made.

 

“From age 10 it was confirmed to me that he was something special, at age 11 he was playing for Luxembourg, at 16 the Metz directors could see this great future ahead of him.

 

“However, when it came time to choose a national team, he naturally went for Bosnia. It has been wonderful to watch him grow up, accompany him on the field and off it for so many years.

 

“I ended my career at age 32 when I realised my son could complete his father’s dreams: this is why I regret nothing.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'Criticism part of football'

 

 
http://www.football-italia.net/95253/pjanic-criticism-part-football

 

 

Dec 5, 2016

 

Miralem Pjanic admitted that he had heard criticism of his performances since joining Juventus this summer, but 'it's just part of football'.

 

The Bosnian was highly praised for his contribution to his side's 3-1 victory over Atalanta after he was deployed further forward by Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

 

"It is not a matter of role and position on the pitch, because at Roma I played as a mezzala for five years," Pjanic told Tuttosport. "But here it’s a different kind of game and I'm getting used to it.

 

"In Rome there were more short passes and a lot more possession of the ball, here they play more vertical passes.

 

"The Coach and my teammates are giving me confidence. The integration into the team is taking longer than I thought and longer than I’d hoped, but I remain calm and serene.

 

"The important thing is that Juve win, then my qualities will come out, I know what I can give.

 

"I heard the comments, although I do not need to be criticised in order to know if I played well or badly.

 

"Juventus are a very demanding club and I'm here to improve. I wanted this reality, the titles, and the challenges that go with it.

 

"Criticisms come and go, they are part of football."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'Higuain doesn't need me'

 

 
http://www.football-italia.net/95254/pjanic-higuain-doesnt-need-me

 

 

Dec 5, 2016

 

Miralem Pjanic claims that Juventus teammate Gonzalo Higuain 'doesn't need an assist-man, he can score on his own!'

 

After the Bosnian responded to criticism over his earlier performances for his new club, the 26-year-old also admitted that he would like to become a leader with the Bianconeri.

 

“Me as a leader? Yes, I want to take the team by the hand," Pjanic continued in an interview with Tuttosport. "I want to assume this responsibility, this is what I’m here for.

 

"I'm becoming more integrated, I'm doing my best, but I know what it is to play in a place where you have to take responsibility.

 

"There are many other very good players, great players in every position who are helping me and are helping the whole team to get better and better.

 

"Higuain? He only needs himself, he does not need me. He’s a player that can score by himself, without help.

 

"He does not need an assist-man, is so good that he creates his own goals.

 

"And we are very happy to play with him. Gonzalo is very calm."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

RUMOURS: Wenger lines up bid for Juve's Pjanic

 

 

The Bosnian is seen as a quality replacement for Cazorla, with reports of

a verbal agreement over a move to the Emirates in the summer.

 

 
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/11562/transfer-talk/2017/01/02/31098212/-

 

 

Jan 2, 2017

 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has opened talks with Miralem Pjanic concerning a potential move to the Emirates Stadium, according to The Sun. 

 

With Santi Cazorla tipped to leave north London, Wenger is set on recruiting a top-class midfielder to fill in for the Spain international. 

 

And Juventus' Bosnian star has already been contacted by the veteran manager, with a potential transfer most likely in the summer window.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

TRANSFER RUMOUR: ARSENAL EYE MOVE FOR JUVENTUS STAR

MIRALEM PJANIC AS SANTI CAZORLA REPLACEMENT

 

 

Arsenal are targeting Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic as a

potential replacement for Santi Cazorla, according to reports.

 

 
http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2017/01/03/transfer-rumour-arsenal-

eye-move-for-juventus-star-miralem-pjanic-as-santi-cazorla-replacement/

 

 

Jan 3, 2017

 

The Sun report that Arsene Wenger has personally called Miralem Pjanic in a bid to bring him to the Emirates, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina international has “responded with enthusiasm.” They state that the two have now been working on a verbal agreement, with a view to bringing Pjanic to Arsenal to replace Santi Cazorla.

The Sun go on to say that Juventus are reluctant to sell Pjanic, especially having missed out on Axel Witsel, who is on the verge of moving to China. Even though signing Pjanic in the January transfer window is highly unlikely, Arsenal are set to test Juventus’ resolve with a £28m offer for the midfielder.

Pjanic has made 19 appearances for Juventus this season in the Serie A and Champions League combined, with a return of 6 goals and 6 assists. A player who has a wide range of passing and is equally comfortable with quick exchanges as he is incisive through-balls, Pjanic would fit right into Arsenal’s style of play. He is also adept at taking set pieces, just like Santi Cazorla.

Pjanic had been linked with moves to several Premier League clubs after catching the eye of clubs around Europe – including Barcelona and Real Madrid – with his performances for Roma. He eventually joined Juventus in June 2016 in a deal worth a reported £25m. He has since gone on to become one of Juventus’ most influential players since the departure of Paul Pogba.

Arsenal have been linked with a few central midfielders over the last few weeks, with links to Sevilla’s Steven N’Zonzi resurfacing earlier this week. Although Arsenal are well-stocked in midfield, Santi Cazorla has had recurring injury issues over the last couple of years and has missed significant parts of the campaign.

The Spaniard’s injury last season saw Arsenal’s worst run of form – a run that saw them drop out of the title challenge fairly quickly. After his injury against Ludogorets, Arsenal have once again went through a string of poor performances and dropped off the pace.

With Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny, Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla all on the books, Arsenal are well stocked in midfield. But should Cazorla depart in the summer, Arsene Wenger will no doubt want a midfielder with his creative and technical nous to come into the side.

Despite Jack Wilshere set to return to the club at the end of the season, Arsenal have reportedly not opened contract talks with the England international. Depending on how the situation with Cazorla and Wilshere plays out, Arsenal could indeed be lining up Pjanic as a potential successor for the Spaniard.

Given that he only joined Juventus at the beginning of this season, however, and has a contract that runs until 2021, it is more than likely that Arsenal will have to stump up more than £28m for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international.

 

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Miralem Pjanic to Arsenal: Could

Juventus star replace Santi Cazorla?

 

 
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/soccer-usa/3/post/3031301/miralem

-pjanic-to-arsenal-could-juventus-star-replace-santi-cazorla

 

 

Jan 3, 2017

 

Santi Cazorla's absence has weighed heavily on Arsenal during the midfielder's injury spells in each of two seasons. So perhaps it's natural that Arsene Wenger would be looking for a direct replacement to the 32-year-old Spaniard.

According to The Sun, he may have found his man in Miralem Pjanic, the Bosnia international who has quickly become a key part of Juventus' midfield engine. The Sun claims Wenger has even contacted Pjanic to gague his interest in a move to the Emirates, although any concrete bid in January remains unlikely.

Would Pjanic be a good fit in this Arsenal team?

Pjanic has many of the same attributes that make Cazorla such a key part of Arsenal's plans: a quick passing game, great vision, good at dribbling and with excellent from set-pieces. And like Cazorla, Pjanic can drop deep to receive the ball from the back four and quickly instigate an attack. As a like-for-like replacement, Pjanic would fill Cazorla's boots in a more natural way than Granit Xhaka or Aaron Ramsey, who both have differing playing styles.

Who would have to give way in the Arsenal team?

Well, Cazorla for one as Pjanic -- like the Spaniard -- would need a more robust holding midfielder next to him to function well in Wenger's 4-2-3-1 system. But Ramsey and Jack Wilshere would likely be the real losers if Pjanic was to join up with the Gunners as both still have hopes of being regulars in central midfield.

Will a deal happen?

On paper, Pjanic looks like an ideal replacement for Cazorla and Wenger's interest may well be genuine. But there are several reasons for why a deal remains unlikely, at least in the short term.

Wenger has already said he plans to extend Cazorla's contract for next season, while Xhaka is gradually finding his own role as a deep-lying playmaker for the Gunners so there is little urgency in bringing in another player.

Then there's the small matter of convincing Juventus to sell. The Serie A giants paid €32 million for Pjanic this past summer and signed him on a five-year deal, so would have little reason to let him go already.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Report: Arsenal approach Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic

 

 
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk

/news/report-arsenal-approach-juves-pjanic_288643.html

 

 

Jan 3, 2017

 

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

Pjanic only joined Juve from Roma last summer and has impressed for the Italian champions this season - scoring six times in 20 appearances under Massimiliano Allegri.

The Bosnian international signed a five-year contract upon his arrival in Turin, but according to The Sun, Arsenal are confident that they can entice the midfielder to England as they seek a replacement for Santi Cazorla.

The same report claims that the Gunners received a favourable response when they approached Pjanic over a move and the two parties are currently in discussions ahead of a potential transfer at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

It is understood that Arsenal are considering a bid of around £28m, which is £3m more than Juve paid Roma in June.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Sabatini: 'Pjanic fee market value'

 

 
http://www.football-italia.net/96801/sabatini-pjanic-fee-market-value

 

 

Jan 13, 2017

 

Roma received 'market value' from Juventus for Miralem Pjanic, believes former Sporting Director Walter Sabatini.

 

The Bianconeri activated a €32m buyout clause in the player's contract, prizing him away from their rivals last summer.

 

The DS believes that Marquinhos was his biggest success in terms of profit, but how much money did he bring into the club during his tenure?

 

"It was a lot, but do not know it exactly," Sabatini continued in his interview with Rete 7.

 

"Making gains is the prerogative of my work, the important thing is to leave the squad competitive

Was selling Pjanic to Juventus a huge disappointment for the club?

 

"It was an operation in the transfer market like any other. There were also economic prerogatives to be respected. We received his market value."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Juventus 'in great shape at the moment' - Miralem Pjanic

 

 
http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/3055456/

juventus-in-great-shape-at-the-moment-miralem-pjanic

 

 

Feb 7, 2017

 

 

Miralem Pjanic has declared Juventus are in "great shape" after their 1-0 Derby d'Italia victory over Inter Milan, but says the most important part of the season is still to come.

Juventus took another step toward their sixth straight Serie A title at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday, moving six points clear of second-placed Napoli with a game in hand.

Pjanic, who moved to Turin from Roma last summer, has yet to win a Scudetto title and is bullish about his chances to lift the trophy this season.

"We are in great shape at the moment, we are playing some good football and have struck a fine balance between scoring goals and keeping them out," Pjanic told the club's official website.

Miralem Pjanic like his chances to win a Serie A title this season.

"Inter made life difficult for us but our home form has always been our ace in the hole. We rarely let things slip and you saw why on Sunday.

"Our squad is deep and packed with quality; when you have strength in depth like that it allows the boss to tailor the starting XI for whatever opposition.

"The most important part of the campaign is just beginning and we need to make sure we are ready for it. The further we go, the smaller the margin for error; the sides behind us will not give up the chase and we must not rest on our laurels."

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'On right road to Scudetto'

 

 
http://www.football-italia.net/98080/pjanic-right-road-scudetto

 

 

Feb 8, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic reveals that his Juventus side are 'on the right road' to a sixth consecutive title win.

 

The Bosnian has scored five goals and five assists in the league since arriving from Roma in the summer, but insists the team always comes first.

 

"Against Inter we won and we didn’t concede a goal," the free-kick specialist told Mediaset Premium. "We're on the right road, but there is still a long way to go for the Scudetto.

 

"If we go on like this however, there will be less risk of making mistakes.

 

"We are ahead in the race, so if we win all the matches, the title will come to us.

 

"For me assists or goals are the same, I'm happy if the team wins, this always comes first.

 

"Is there a type of goal that I'm missing? A backheel or overhead kick, but I don’t know if I can do the latter!"

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Juventus a privilege’

 

 
http://www.football-italia.net/98515/pjanic-‘juventus-privilege’

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic says “playing for Juventus is a real privilege” but admits “I miss the sun in Rome”.

 

The Bosnian midfielder left Roma this summer after the Bianconeri activated his release clause, with the champions currently seven points clear of the Giallorossi.

 

“I like Turin, I’m slowly getting used to it,” Pjanic explained to Bosnian outlet Avaz.

 

“I miss the sun in Rome, it’s a bit colder here but you get used to it.

 

“I get on well with [Paulo] Dybala, [Gonzalo] Higuain, [Marko] Pjaca and [Sami] Khedira. We’re always together and its nice to be with them, moreover they’re champions and have shown they’re the strongest in Italy.

 

“Playing for Juventus is a real privilege.”

 

Pjanic was also asked about the Lupi’s form, as well as the scoring exploits of his compatriot Edin Dzeko.

 

“Roma play a more attacking style of football than we do, they’ll fight to the end. The goals of Edin will always keep Roma up there, they’ll make it difficult until the end of the season but we hope we can do it.

 

“If we’re champions and Dzeko is top-scorer I think that would be a good compromise!”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

Real Madrid track Pjanic

 

 
hhttp://www.football-italia.net/98717/real-madrid-track-pjanic

 

 

Feb 22, 2017

 

Real Madrid are said to be keeping a close eye on Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

 

According to Fichajes.com, los Merengues would be willing to offer one of Isco or James Rodriguez in exchange for the Bosnian this summer.

 

The former has struggled for playing time under Zinedine Zidane and has a contract that is due to expire in 2018, whilst the latter spoke of a desire to move elsewhere back in December.

 

Meanwhile Pjanic has racked up 29 appearances for the Bianconeri, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists since joining the side over the summer.

 

Coach Max Allegri has used the 26-year-old sparingly since adopting a new 4-2-3-1 formation last month, but it has been revealed that this is down to ongoing inflammation in his left ankle.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Never touched Albiol’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99162/pjanic-‘never-touched-albiol’

 

 

Mar 3, 2017

 

Juventus midfielder Miralem Pjanic insists “I never touched Raul Albiol” after the controversial Napoli game.

 

The Partenopei defender went down under the Bosnian’s challenge, but referee Daniele Doveri waved away appeals for a spot kick.

 

On the counter-attack, Juan Cuadrado surged into the box at the other end and was felled by Pepe Reina, with Doveri blowing his whistle this time.

 

“I’m not sure what this [the controversy] is about,” Pjanic began, speaking to Mediaset Premium.

 

“What I do know is that on the ‘penalty’ for Albiol, I never touched Albiol. He came upon us, the ball was in play, maybe he tried to make the most of it but the referee was right.

 

“Then there was Cuadrado’s counter-attack, he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and I haven’t seen the replays.

 

“These are refereeing decisions, to be respected, and it’s better to talk about the game, too much polemic is useless.

 

“Unfortunately we have to talk about these things, all these controversies which don’t help anyone.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Juventus want it all’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99165/pjanic-‘juventus-want-it-all’

 

 

Mar 3, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic declares Juventus “want to win everything possible” as they “live to win”.

 

The midfielder joined the Bianconeri from Roma in the summer, and is aiming to win the treble this season.

 

“We want to win everything possible,” Pjanic told ANSA.

 

“The will to win in this squad and this club is impressive, we live to win and to do that it’s important not to have too much enthusiasm after a game you’ve won.

 

“The season is long and the objectives are arriving now, in Europe and in Italy there are strong teams who will try to put us in difficulty.

 

“They’ll all be tough and complicated, but I really like the desire to win which characterises this squad and this club.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Juventus want CL’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99974/pjanic-‘juventus-want-cl’

 

 

Mar 21, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

 

Juventus’ Miralem Pjanic is unfazed by playing Barcelona in the Champions League - “to win the competition you have to beat the favourites”.

 

The Bianconeri will face the team which beat them in the 2015 final in this year’s last eight, but the Bosnian isn’t cursing the draw.

 

“We were all together, someone laughed but there was no particular reaction,” Pjanic recalled of the draw, speaking to Tuttosport.

 

“We realised because our game was the last one drawn, when Bayern [Munich] faced Real [Madrid] it was clear we’d face Barcelona. That’s how it is…

 

“We want to win this trophy, so to do that we have to be able to overcome one of the strongest teams. Sure, we drew one of the favourites but we want to win this trophy this year.

 

“We respect Barcelona very much, and we’ll study ways to cause them problems. I think they’d have preferred to draw someone else too. Everyone deserves to be here, because they got here.

 

“Atletico Madrid have always been in the Semi-Finals in recent years, if not the final. It’s a very balanced Champions League, but we hope to arrive at that period in good shape to play.

 

“Barcelona are Barcelona, but Juventus are growing.

 

“Can we go through? It’s possible, but Barcelona were one of the toughest teams we could have drawn. There were definitely more easy teams, but if you want to win the Champions League you can’t hope to only face the weakest teams: you have to face everyone.

 

“They [Barcelona] are a great team, beyond their star players they rely heavily on possession and use that to tire out their opponents.

 

“We need to stop them playing and cause them problems, the 6-1 [against Paris Saint-Germain] showed the power of Barcelona although PSG… they committed mistakes you shouldn’t make at certain levels.

 

“That said, the game was also a demonstration that it’s a lot more difficult at Camp Nou, it’s complicated for everyone.

 

“It’ll be tough, but on the other hand they have to come to Juventus Stadium and that won’t be easy because we do well at home. They’ll discover that home advantage applies to us too.

 

“We especially need to avoid conceding three in the last eight minutes, but Barcelona went through because they believed from the first minute to the 95th and they believed they could come back. That’s an enormous show of strength.

 

“Camp Nou gives the impression of having a pitch which is much wider than the others. When you see the measurements that’s not the case, but they’re so good at using the pitch it seems wider.

 

“In midfield they have players who always manage to put their strikers in front of goal. They key to stopping them will be there, in midfield.”

 

It’s a crucial period of the Old Lady, with the Champions League, Coppa Italia semi-final and a Serie A trip to San Paolo to face Napoli in the next month.

 

“It’s exactly why I came here. [Coach Max] Allegri explained that there are three seasons in one: from August to Decemeber, from January to March and from March until the end. It’s the third which decides everything.

 

“Now there are no opportunities to make mistakes, every game is crucial and needs to be prepared well.

 

“Could Barcelona distract us? That must not happen. Against Sampdoria it was a very important game to win against a strong and fit team.

 

“Now we need to keep our heads down, because we have an objective that we cannot fail in. We have a Roma side behind us who won’t give up, and we need to maintain the gap.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic: ‘Juventus controversy crazy’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/99975/pjanic-‘juventus-controversy-crazy’

 

 

Mar 21, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Miralem Pjanic looks forward to the Napoli double-header, and says the controversy around Juventus is “crazy”.

 

The Bianconeri face Maurizio Sarri’s men twice next month, in the second leg of their Coppa Italia Semi-Final and in Serie A.

 

“We’ll play a strong team who play attacking and exciting football,” Pjanic told Tuttosport.

 

“We respect them a lot, but we’ll go there to win the game, close the League and go through in the Coppa Italia.

 

“We know they have a special crowd, it’s a passionate stadium which will surely be packed-out. They’ll be two good games to play, as a player these are the best games.

 

“The controversy around Juve? It’s crazy how every detail, every tiny detail, is maximised when it involves Juventus. It’s hard, and it’s also sad.“They don’t recognise the results we’re getting, we’ve won a lot of games, we’re dominating the League, we’ve always played to win.

 

“Of course I can understand perfectly well the anger if you concede a goal on a 95th-minute penalty after you’ve fought for the whole game, but the penalty is there and then what are you talking about?

 

“We’ve been denied this year too, valid goals and penalties which were there - it happens! The way we take it is: move forward.

 

“When I arrived they told me how to think like Juventus. Here they tell us: ‘we move forward, it’s part of our job and the game. We don’t complain, we don’t stir things’.

 

“The club has set an example this year, in never creating controversy. We say: ‘focus on training and Sundays on the pitch’. That’s where you do your talking and give your answers.

 

“Refereeing errors are part of the game and you have to accept it. They’re judged too, they have assessors who evaluate them…

 

“Juventus are setting the example though, indeed recently we’ve been told to help the referee as much as possible, not protesting too much, not getting cards for a lack of respect for them.

 

“We need to lead by example.”

 

Pjanic controversially left Roma to join the Old Lady in the summer, and has been impressed with the winning atmosphere in Turin.

 

“When I was at Roma and I saw Juventus win, I always hoped they’d lose and it never happened. Now I understand why.

 

“The club is strong, solid, and the lads never give anything up. Ever. On the pitch or in training, not even a centimetre. And that’s why they don’t drop points!

 

“It’s a question of mentality, every day you set your head to prepare to the maximum for the next game. You don’t think of anything else, just the next game.

 

“They’re killers. I must tell you that I like this mentality, because I can take a lot of satisfaction.

 

“Do opponents step aside? Never in my career have I faced an opponent who stepped aside, much less so since I’ve been at Juventus. Every game is difficult.

 

“You can make games easier if you score right away and the opponents become demoralised, but that’s credit to us and our approach to the game.

 

“Yes, at first it was tough, I thought that I’d adapt more quickly to Juve. I found myself in a new system, new training, with new teammates. And a way of playing which didn’t bring out all the qualities of the team.

 

“The turning point? After the defeat to Genoa we talked and we said things and we found the right attitude from that point on.

 

“Tactically it was after the defeat [to Fiorentina] in Florence when we changed our style of play and found a way to exploit the best qualities of all the players. But it was also crucial to know each other better.

 

“My teammates now know where to find me and I know where to find them. I’ve learned to defend too, I didn’t do that very well before.

 

“[Coach Massimiliano] Allegri’s work has been important, he’s given me pleasure in defending, I’m understanding movements on the pitch better.”

 

The Bosnian international also took a moment to praise a former Bianconero, in the shape of Zinedine Zidane.

 

“My idol was Zidane,” Pjanic confirmed.

 

“He was my reference point. I like the Galacticos of Real Madrid, but he was an idol because he made the most difficult things look easy. He was football.

 

“I met him a few years ago and it was exciting.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Pjanic also returns to Juve early

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/100230/pjanic-also-returns-juve-early

 

 

Mar 26, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

 

Miralem Pjanic, Andrea Barzagli, Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves and Mario Mandzukic all return to Juventus from international duty early.

 

The Bianconeri have a tough run of games coming up, including the Serie A showdown with Napoli, Coppa Italia semi-final and Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona.

 

It seems as if the Juve hierarchy have made the most of their positive rapport with various Federations to get their players back a few days early from international duty.

 

Some decisions were forced, as Dani Alves and Higuain were booked and will be suspended for Brazil and Argentina respectively.

 

Barzagli was released by Italy due to “personal reasons” and Mandzukic was one of five Croatia players allowed to skip the friendly against Estonia.

 

Also sent home early was Fiorentina striker Nikola Kalinic.

 

Now Pjanic has been added to the list, because Bosnia allowed the midfielder to leave without taking part in Tuesday’s friendly with Albania.

 

The Juventus squad has Monday off anyway, so they will all resume training with Max Allegri on Tuesday morning.

 

Paulo Dybala was on the verge of being sent back because of injury, but today started training with the full Argentina squad and could feature in their World Cup qualifier with Bolivia.

 

Juan Cuadrado and Tomas Rincon are expected back in Turin on Thursday.

 

Gigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani and Marko Pjaca should be ready to train on Wednesday afternoon.