At last! Juventus have confirmed on their official website that Palermo forward Amauri has completed a transfer to the Old Lady...
Juventus have confirmed the arrival of Brazilian striker Amauri with Antonio Nocerino moving to Palermo.
It has been one of the longest ever transfer sagas in Calcio history but it has finally come to an end today as the club released a statement confirming the deal.
The communiqué reads:
“Turin, 30th May 2008 Juventus Football Club S.P.A. would like to communicate the following agreements with U.S Citta Di Palermo S.P.A.
- The purchase of Carvalho de Olieira Amauri on a permanent basis for €22.8m which will be paid in three annual instalments.
-Juventus and the player have agreed and signed four year deal
* Antonio Nocerino has been sold to Palermo for €7.5m and this will be paid by three yearly instalments.
- Palermo will also co-own Davide Lanzafame.
Amauri is officially a Juventus player after he signed a four year deal at the Vinovo training ground on Friday afternoon worth €3.5m per season plus €250,000 in bonuses.”
The Bianconeri will be hoping Amauri continues his good form as they look to mount a serious challenge both in Serie A and in Europe.
goal.com
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Amauri To Juventus - Confirmed
Friday, May 30, 2008
Twenty-three years since Heysel tragedy
«Every year we remember the victims with a youth tournament held here, near Arezzo» Otello Lorentini, the President of the “Roberto Lorentini e Giusy Conti” Permanent Committee Against Violence in Sport, explained, «and we join in the pain of all the families that lost loved ones on that night». And Juventus too, alongside all the fans, are deeply moved in commemorating the Heysel victims, twenty-three years on.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
De Rossi Handed Italy Number 10
Daniele De Rossi will waer the prestigious number 10 for Italy at Euro 2008 after the Azzurri's squad numbers were announced.
There was much speculation in Italy, as there is in every major international tournament, as to who would be granted the honour of wearing the number 10 on their back.
The four main contenders were believed to be Daniele De Rossi, Antonio Cassano, Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Del Piero. However it is De Rossi who won the nod, having worn the number during most of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.
Del Piero takes the number 7 that he has had in recent tournaments, while Cassano and Pirlo receive 18 and 21 respectively.
Many players in the squad will have the same number that they had during the victorious 2006 World Cup. These include Fabio Cannavaro, Fabio Grosso, Andrea Barzagli, Marco Materazzi, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mauro Camoranesi, Gennaro Gattuso, Simone Perrotta and Luca Toni.
Squad Numbers in Full
Goalkeepers – 14 Amelia, 1 Buffon, 17 De Sanctis Defenders – 6 Barzagli, 5 Cannavaro, 4 Chiellini, 3 Grosso, 23 Materazzi, 2 Panucci, 19 Zambrotta Midfielders – 13 Ambrosini, 22 Aquilani, 16 Camoranesi, 10 De Rossi, 8 Gattuso, 20 Perrotta, 21 Pirlo Forwards – 12 Borriello, 18 Cassano, 7 Del Piero, 11 Di Natale, 15 Quagliarella, 9 Toni
Anthony Sormani
Donadoni Names Final Euro 2008 Squad
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has named his 23-man squad for Euro 2008, and Riccardo Montolivo is the unlucky player to be cut from the coach’s final list.
Last week Donadoni named a 24-man provisional squad for Austrian and Switzerland, from which he would then have to cut one player before submitting his final squad to UEFA at midday on May 29 (tomorrow).
Fiorentina midfielder Montolivo was always the favourite to get the chop, but other candidates were Roma duo Alberto Aquilani and Simone Perrotta, the latter who has been struggling with injury, as well as striker’s Fabio Quagliarella and Marco Borriello.
As expected Montolivo is the player discarded, and he will now be a standby, in case an injured player is forced to leave the squad between now and the start of the Euros.
Full Italy Squad for Euro 2008
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla)
Defenders: Cristian Panucci (Roma), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Fabio Grosso (Lyon), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Midfielders: Rino Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Mauro German Camoranesi (Juventus)
Forwards: Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Marco Borriello (Genoa), Antonio Di Natale, Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria)
Standby: Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina)
Carlo Garganese
Goal.com
Juve spend day strolling around Melbourne
8,000 Euros “from space” to the Sant’Anna
8,000 Euros, “from space” to the Growing Together at the Sant’Anna Foundation: that's how much the auction on Del Piero and Nedved's “space” shirts, the ones launched into orbit by the RealDream Association, raised. The auction, held on the Juvestore.com website in June 2007, was won by Saudi prince Turki Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. A football lover and great Juventus fan (he recently opened the first-ever Juventus Store outside of Italy, in Riyadh), the Prince had received the shirts directly from Del Piero and Nedved's hands just before the first match of the League, Juventus vs. Livorno. Yesterday morning, at Juventus' headquarters in Corso Galileo Ferraris, in Turin, the cheque was finally handed over. Doctor Daniele Farina, the man in charge of the Newborn Department at the Sant'Anna Hospital in Turin, was there to accept the cheque, welcomed by Chairman Cobolli Gigli in person.
*juventus.com
So much warmth in Australia
Indeed over two hundred supporters attended Ranieri's men's first training session at Princes Park Stadium, one the temples of Australian Rules football (and Carlton Football Club's home ground), given over to soccer for the day.
There was a lot of affection and cheers for all the players, particularly local boy Jess Vanstrattan, an ambassador of Australian soccer in Europe.
Before the start of the session, held just a few hours after flying in from Shanghai, there was a meeting with the local press at the Stadium to introduce Friday evening's event: the friendly between Juventus and the home side, reigning Australian champions Melbourne Victory. The two managers, Claudio Ranieri and Ernie Merrick, attended the conference alongside Jonathan Zebina and the Australian team's captain Kevin Muscat.
Ranieri and Zebina spoke about the game, to be played at 8 pm local time, 1 pm CET. «I'd already been in Australia in the ’80's – the Manager recalled – and I'm happy to be back. I know there'll be a huge crowd to see this game so I hope they can have fun enjoying a good match. I'm sorry we can't play some of the fans' idols, but Juventus are always Juventus, regardless of who goes on the pitch. Soccer in Australia? Australian players in our League have shown they have the right attitude. As for Victory, I know they won the last League title and I know their Manager is Scottish so I'm expecting them to be a very determined team».
The Telstra Dome, the Stadium where the game will be played, is a 60,000-seater facility. The buzz in town is that there'll be a full house, thanks to the very many Juve fans living here. Zebina and team mates will want to give joy to them especially: «We got here a few days early, so we'll have a little more time to prepare this match. In any case, the important thing is the attitude to have. A lot of people will be there just for us, ready to support us and push us on. We'll try not to disappoint them and to make up for our great players missing».
Youth Team to face Fiorentina in quarter finals
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Bye-bye China, Australia waits us
After almost a week, the first part of the “Juventus Asia-Pacific Tour 2008” has come to a close. The Asian leg of the tour has indeed ended. After stops in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the squad is ready to leave China and move on to Melbourne, Australia, where they will be staying until Saturday May 31.
The last “Asian” morning was spent resting. The squad remained at the Hotel where they received two special visits.
A delegation from the Shanghai Juventus Club Doc, captained by their President, had the chance to meet all the players.
The other meeting concerned Shenhua once again. Indeed it was Yang Yun who came over to meet Manager Ranieri; the 20-year old defender was chosen as the winner of the “Join us” selection competition, and will spend an internship period with Juventus' Youth Team. The lad was accompanied by Wu Jingui, the Manager of the Chinese team Juve faced Saturday in the FIAT Cup.The flight to Melbourne is scheduled for late in the afternoon. The team should arrive in the Australian city the next morning.
*juventus.com
Monday, May 26, 2008
Sunday with Costa Cruises and FIAT
After taking part in the FIAT Cup, the squad are having a day of semi-relaxation. Indeed the Sunday schedule includes no training or matches, but two important engagements connected with the sponsors of this tour: Costa Cruises and FIAT.
After the event in Hong Kong, when the whole squad were guests on board the “Costa Allegra” ship, Costa Cruises held a presentation in Shanghai too. A photo exhibition was set up at the Shanghai Times Square shopping centre to celebrate the company's 60th anniversary. Manager Claudio Ranieri was in attendance, representing Juventus, alongside Zanetti, Marchionni, Legrottaglie, Stendardo and Tiago.
Late in the afternoon, there will be another social event. Most of the squad will attend the VIP FIAT Aperitif, at the Bar Rouge, one of the most well-known bars not only in Shanghai and China, but in the whole world.
In the meantime, two members of the expedition bid farewell to the group and left the tour early. As scheduled, David Trezeguet and Hasan Salihamidzic returned home due to personal engagements. And soon Carlo Vecchione will be following them. The Youth Team lad, who sprained his left knee during yesterday's mini-match against Parma, will travel back to Italy with team doctor Bartolomeo Goitre, to undergo tests.
Meanwhile, his team mates are getting ready to travel on to the third stop of their trip. The flight to Melbourne is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
*juventus.com
Juventus is looking for young Asian football player with the project Join US
During the permanence of the team in Hong Kong and Shanghai for the Costa Cruises Juventus Asia-Pacific Tour 2008 , Juventus technical staff is making a selection for a young Asian. The young football player will have the opportunity to come to Italy and spend a training period with Juventus Youth Team. This technical training will be executed in Turin - Italy, at Juventus Training Center.
Tomorrow, after the matches played in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the chosen player will be announced. In agreement with his team of origin, Juventus will organize all the details about the internship. He will join for a period the Youth Sector Team of Juventus Football Club.
Thanks to this initiative, the Costa Cruises Juventus Asia Pacific Tour provides a golden opportunity for the Juventus Head Coach, Claudio Ranieri and Team Manager, Gianluca Pessotto, to look out for a talented player, aged 20 years old and below.
During the period spent in Italy, the young player will have the opportunity to get in touch with European soccer and way of life, in a very professional environment like Juventus one.
Juventus technical staff, together with the Team Manager, Gianluca Pessotto, has already been working on some videos of a few young players. During the stay in Asia, both in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the selection work went on both at training and at the matches.
The name will be announced tonight, after Fiat Cup in Shanghai on www.juventus.com.
Three goals against Parma not enough
The FIAT Cup will leave China and make its return to Italy. Alas not to Turin, though, but to Parma. The team from Emilia won the tournament in Shanghai, mostly thanks to the riveting draw they got in the last match against the Bianconeri. Juventus tried to win up to the last moment, and Ranieri's men were actually winning the trophy until just minutes before the final whistle. The Italian derby finally ended 3–3 and offered plenty of excitement as well as some great plays, such as Trezeguet's momentary 2-1 goal. Paolucci and Marchionni scored the other goals for Juventus. Martinez, Galli and Lucarelli scored for Parma, who then went on to win the game on penalties.
The FIAT Cup thus ended with Parma in front of everyone with 5 points, Shenhua second with 3 and Juventus third with 1. Most importantly, everyone at the Shanghai Stadium had a great time. Juventus’ evening, however, was unfortunately marred by Youth Team player Vecchione having to leave the pitch due to a knee injury.*juventus.com
Next stop: Shanghai!
“Costa Cruises Juventus Asia-Pacific Tour 2008”, act two: this afternoon Juventus left the city of Hong Kong to move further north in China, to Shanghai. The summer tour continues without interruption; it'll end in Melbourne, Australia, after three more days on Chinese territory.
It was another hectic day for the whole group, busy from the morning up until late at night.
Before leaving Hong Kong, all the Bianconeri took part in events connected to Juventus' two prestigious sponsors, who have important business ties with China and the Far East in general: FIAT and Costa Cruises.
Before travelling to the airport to catch the flight out, the whole squad paid a visit to the Hong Kong port, where the “Costa Allegra”, one of Costa Cruises' ships sailing in this part of the world, had just arrived. Juventus climbed on board and had lunch, then took part in one of the many events organized to celebrate the company's 60th anniversary. The Bianconeri thus spent their last few hours in their first stop of the tour between a toast and an exhibition with a few young local footballers.
In the evening, as mentioned, the second stage of the tour began. Shanghai greeted Trezeguet and his team mates' arrival with great enthusiasm. Several Juventus fans crowded the airport to welcome their beloved players. In the Chinese city, where some of the football games of the next Peking Olympics will be played, Juventus will have their second engagement already on Saturday: the “FIAT Cup”, a three-team tournament with home team Shenhua and Parma, who are also currently on tour in Asia.
Albin Ekdal signs 4-year contract with Juventus
Juventus Football Club have officially signed footballer Albin Ekdal from Swedish Club IF Brommapojkarna for 0.6 million Euros; the four-year contract with the player will end on June 30 2012.
Swedish attacking midfielder Albin Ekdal was born on July 28 1989 and has already played 4 seasons at Brommapojkarna in the Swedish League – 2 in the youth teams and 2 in the first team – and is a first-team regular in the Swedish Under 19 national team, where he has collected 5 caps and one goal up until now.
The player expressed his satisfaction about signing the contract: «I'm very happy and proud to have the opportunity to wear Juventus' colours. This will be an important experience in terms of my professional growth and my career. I'll have the chance to play and train with many great players and I can't wait to begin doing so».
Alessio Secco also wanted to express his satisfaction about the successful signing just completed: «Albin is a young and very promising player. His signing is part of a project Juventus have to invest in young players. We're happy that Ekdal has chosen to join our team: he will certainly be an important player who will do his part in helping to build Juventus' future».
*juventus.com
Friday, May 23, 2008
Chinese football celebrates wins
It was meant to be a celebration night for football made in Hong Kong, and so it proved to be. The many fans cramming the Hong Kong Stadium had the privilege of seeing their local teams earn two prestigious wins in succession. First a representative team made up of local players managed to beat Manchester City 3-1, and then South China defeated Juventus by 2-1.
Ranieri's team thus began their tour of China and Australia with a defeat, albeit by only one goal's difference. The Bianconeri let in two goals in the first half, scored by Santos Filho and Bento Dos Santos. In the second half, Zebina scored and there were other chances to take the game at least to a penalty shoot-out, but to no avail.
The match was intense from the kick off, the home team showing character and pace. The Bianconeri tried to create chances, Tiago and Palladino opening up the Chinese defence with their flair. After a couple of close chances for Juve, the Chinese side scored first with a Santos Filho tap-in that left no chance to Vanstrattan. Juventus reacted and went close to equalizing several times, with Trezeguet, Palladino again and Zanetti. The Frenchman also had a goal disallowed for offside after Tiago had set up Marchionni beautifully. Before the break, another Brazilian player, Bento Dos Santos, found a great angle and got the second goal.
In the second half, Ranieri replaced Salihamidzic with Vecchione and a few minutes later Marchionni with Pasquato. But it wasn't so much Juventus going close to getting the 2-1 goal as much as South China almost getting the third, forcing Vanstrattan to make a couple of vital saves. Palladino and Trezeguet never gave up, though, and the two young players who came on were also lively in the opponents' penalty area. Before the end, Zebina scored with a header from a corner kick situation. The final result was 2-1, after Stendardo wasted a chance from just a few yards out at the whistle. All for the joy of the many local fans who crowded the Hong Kong Stadium and who'll remember an evening like this for a long, long time.
It's almost time for Juventus to leave Hong Kong now. Tomorrow afternoon, Friday May 23, the group will travel on to Shanghai, the second stop of this “Costa Cruises Juventus Asia-Pacific Tour 2008”.
Hong Kong, Thursday May 22 2008
Hong Kong Stadium
Friendly match
SOUTH CHINA-JUVENTUS 2-1 (2-0)
GOALS: Santos Filho 26 mins, Bento Dos Santos 45 mins, Zebina 88 mins.
SOUTH CHINA: Zahang Chunnui; Lee, Sidrailson, Wong; Chang Wai Ho (Bai 55 mins), Pereira, Li, Chan Chi Hong (Kwok 15 mins) (Schutz 58 mins), Santos Silva (Lai 86 mins); Santos Filho, Bento Dos Santos (Yeung 68 mins). Sub not used: Jianzhong Zhang. Manager: José Luis.
JUVENTUS: Vanstrattan; Birindelli, Zebina, Stendardo, Molinaro; Marchionni (Pasquato 63 mins), Zanetti, Tiago, Salihamidzic (Vecchione 46 mins); Trezeguet, Palladino. Subs not used: Novembre, Fiory, Rossi, Castiglia, Paolucci. Manager: Ranieri.
Ranieri: «We paid for the heat and jet lag»
The tour of China and Australia began with a close defeat against South China. 26 hours were too few to get used to the Hong Kong climate and to allow a full recovery from jet lag; this was Claudio Ranieri's theory: «We landed only yesterday morning. We were affected by jet lag, but also by the great heat and humidity. In any case the lads did well and we could've drawn. Our opponents ran a lot and this was demonstrated by the fact that many of them, despite being used to this climate, ended with cramps. The important thing is that there were no injuries. Pasquato and Vecchione? They moved around well and helped out the veterans».
*juventus.com
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The shirts for the Fiat Cup
On the first day of the tour, some of the players posed for a series of photos wearing the shirt they'll use during the FIAT Cup, a tournament between Juventus, Parma and Shenhua scheduled for Saturday May 24 in Shanghai.
For the first time in the Club's history, Juventus will play with FIAT as sponsors on their shirts; the brand will take the place of New Holland's logo for the occasion. Juve will still use their normal sponsors for the rest of the tour, however, i.e. in tomorrow's game in Hong Kong and in the one in Melbourne.
First day in Hong Kong
The first official day of the “Costa Cruises Juventus Asia-Pacific Tour 2008”, now in its Hong Kong stage, was already an intense one for the squad. After landing in the morning, the 19 called up players immediately held a training session supervised by Claudio Ranieri, at the Hong Kong Stadium, the ground where they will play their first friendly on Thursday, against South China. The game will kick off at 8.45 local time (2.45 pm CET) and will be shown live in Italy on Sky TV (on the Sky Sport 1 and SuperCalcio channels) and later ‘as live’ on Juventus Channel, with match commentary by Antonio Paolino.
Juventus' stay in Hong Kong has naturally attracted the attention of both the local fans and the media. From the arrival at the airport onwards, the team has been greeted with a lot of enthusiasm by local Juventus fans (there are plenty of those even in this part of the world) who at last had the chance to see their idols in person.
The media schedule is also rather intense. Before training, Manager Claudio Ranieri, Team Manager Gianluca Pessotto and David Trezeguet took part in a press conference at a large shopping centre located in the city, to present Thursday night's event. The friendly between the Bianconeri and South China won't be the only match of the evening. Indeed there will be another friendly beforehand between Manchester City (managed by Sven Goran Erikkson, who was at the press conference) and the South China Invitation Team, a side made up of local players.
Two other members of the group also met the media. Jonathan Zebina and Hasan Salihamidzic were guests of local TV programme Now Sports, where they show Italian football games to Hong Kong audiences.*juventus.com
Ranieri: «We feel for the Chinese people»
Juventus have arrived in China to bring football and fun. But they don't forget the terrible tragedy that has befallen the Asian nation. Claudio Ranieri, who met the press alongside Pessotto and Trezeguet today, to present Thursday's game against South China, sent a clear message speaking on behalf of the whole Club: «We were struck by what happened and this is why we feel for the Chinese people». After training, the Manager reinforced the concept in an exclusive interview with Juventus Channel: «In Italy we have had similar calamities in the past, so we know very well what it means to be hit by an earthquake».
During the chat on the Juventus-themed channel, the Manager also spoke about the first game the team will be playing: «This will be a friendly against opponents who run a lot. We'll have to make the tactical aspect prevail and we'll have to stay tight. It'll also be a chance to see all the lads that have come with us. They’ll surely want to make a good impression and give a good show for the local fans, who have immediately greeted us with a lot of affection».
Juventus have turned up in Hong Kong without some of their first team regulars, and this is because of the European Championships scheduled in a few weeks' time. Ranieri took the chance to congratulate his lads who were called up to play in the tournament, particularly the Italian ones: «I'm happy about our players being called up. It’s a sign that this team is made up of great champions».*juventus.com
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Four Bianconeri called up for European Championships
Juventus, together with Roma, are the team with more players in the Italian team for Euro 2008. Four Giallorossi have been called up by Donadoni, and the same number of Bianconeri: they are Buffon, Chiellini, Camoranesi and Del Piero, whose extraordinary season earned him this just reward. «Del Piero has done well – Donadoni remarked – he played a great season and, after having some problems at the beginning, he kept improving, earning once again a place on the team».
This is the squad list in full:
Goalkeepers: Buffon, Amelia, De Sanctis
Defenders: Barzagli, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Materazzi, Panucci , Zambrotta
Midfielders: Ambrosini, Gattuso, Aquilani, Camoranesi, De Rossi, Perrotta, Montolivo e Pirlo
Strikers: Toni, Borriello, Del Piero, Di Natale, Quagliarella, Cassano.
*juventus.com
Juve on tour with nineteen players
Coba ke indonesia..trezegol ikut nih.....
Juventus set off this morning from Malpensa airport for Hong Kong, to start their tour of Asia and Australia, in which the Bianconeri will play three friendlies.
Ranieri takes along a nineteen-man squad for the matches against South China and Victoria; between the two games, Juve will also play the FIAT Cup with Parma and Shenua. Players not going on tour include the internationals, plus Andrade and Iaquinta, still injured, Belardi, who has measles, and Nedved, who's suffering from an inflammation to his left ankle. Four Youth Team boys were called up to fill out the squad, Fiory, Castiglia, Vecchione and Pasquato, alongside Rossi and Paolucci, on loan from Siena and Atalanta respectively. The Bianconeri are scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning at 7.10 am local time (3 am in Italy). The squad will be training already in the afternoon, to prepare the game against South China, scheduled for Thursday at 8.45 pm, 2.45 pm in Italy. The game will be shown live on Sky TV and later on Juventus Channel
Here is the squad list in full:
Goalkeepers: Fiory (Youth Team), Novembre, Vanstrattan
Defenders: Birindelli, Legrottaglie, Molinaro, Rossi (on loan from Siena), Salihamidzic, Stendardo, Zebina
Midfielders: Castiglia (Youth Team), Marchionni, Tiago, Vecchione (Youth Team), Zanetti
Strikers: Palladino, Paolucci (on loan from Atalanta), Pasquato (Youth Team), Trezeguet
*juventus.com
Alex king of the goal-scorers
Alessandro Del Piero has been crowned king of the goal-scorers. 21 goals, one better than the other, and now he towers over all his rivals. After the Captain scored two in Genoa, it was necessary to wait the end of the other games, because Borriello, who had nineteen goals and was playing in Bergamo against Atalanta, could still potentially overtake him. But Genoa's forward failed to score and so Alex repeated himself after scoring twenty last year and winning the Serie B top scorer award. By scoring twenty-one goals in Serie A this year he equalled his own personal record (he'd scored the same number of goals in 1997/98) and won the Serie A top scorer award for the first time in his career. To make the top scorer list even more 'black and white', David Trezeguet came in second place, with twenty goals. Congratulations to both stars!
*juventus,com
Platini Full Of Praise For Old Lady
UEFA president and former Juventus great Michel Platini has hailed the Bianconeri’s excellent season following their return from Serie B.
Le Roy played for the Bianconeri between 1982 and 1987 and he won the 1985 European Cup for his side, scoring the penalty which sealed the silverware on that tragic night in Heysel against Liverpool.
The chief took time from his busy Schedule in Moscow ahead of the Champions League final on Wednesday to spare a few words for the Old Lady.
“Apart from their third place finish, Juventus has obtained dignity following everything which happened to them,” said Platini.
“They (Juventus) went to Serie B and had to start off from scratch without asking anyone for assistance.
“They have been very good, they admitted their mistakes and they restarted from nothing after having lost some many important players.”
The Bianconeri will be hoping to go far in next season’s competition and they are currently in the process of adding reinforcements to the team in light of their European adventures next term.
Salvatore Landolina
Juve Always Better Than Inter – Birindelli
Outgoing Juventus veteran Alessandro Birindelli has launched another attack on Inter, and says that the Nerazzurri have always been inferior to the Old Lady.
Inter wrapped up their second straight Scudetto on the field at the weekend with their win at Parma. Birindelli was asked if the Beneamata deserved their title success."Yes, they had the strongest team,” he told Tuttosport.
“In some ways they are similar to the Juventus that won those two championships [under Fabio Capello], the ones that were taken away from us.”
Juventus had the two Scudetti they won on the pitch in 2005 and 2006 revoked following the Calciopoli crisis.
Most Juventini have never recognised the legality of Calciopoli, and indeed some have blamed Inter for the scandal. Birindelli is one of these people.
"Inter know who won those championships,” he roared.
“Their players know very well who was always superior on the field. We're never been inferior to Inter, even this year.
“When we won at San Siro I looked at their team and saw a kind of inferiority complex.”
Birindelli will leave Juventus this summer after 11 years at the club, and it is something he is still coming to terms with.
“I have a strange feeling of emptiness, because Juve has been my life over the last 11 years and I miss them very much already," he concluded.
Gianni Wilson
Monday, May 19, 2008
Del Piero-Trezeguet in front of everybody
Motivation was the key in making Juventus finish the 2007/08 season on a high. Del Piero and Trezeguet's desire to win the top scorer award made all the difference and the golden duo gave plenty of excitement at Sampdoria too.
In the Saturday game of Day 38, the last round of Serie A, Del Piero scored two and ended with 21 goals. The Frenchman “only” got one and closed with 20. Rival Borriello still has 90 minutes to play, at Atalanta, but for now the two Bianconeri have scored more than anybody, and the Captain could even get yet another record in his career: topping the goal-scorers list in both Serie B and Serie A in consecutive seasons.
Meanwhile, Juventus' League run finished in spectacular fashion. It ended 3-3 at the Ferraris, and there was joy for everybody. Belardi saved a Cassano penalty, but the Bari-born talent still scored one and set up the final equalizer by Montella. Maggio scored the other Sampdoria goal.
The 2007/08 season (at least in terms of official games) ends here. Tuesday the tour of China and Australia kicks off, while the summer camp in Pinzolo begins in July. And in August, it will be at last time to play the Champions League again.
2007/08 Serie A, Day 38
Saturday May 17 2008, 3 pm
Genoa, Ferraris Stadium
SAMPDORIA-JUVENTUS 3-3 (2-2)
GOALS: Del Piero 7 and 65 mins (pen), Trezeguet 15 mins (pen), Cassano 22 mins, Maggio 84 mins, Montella 90 mins.
SAMPDORIA: Mirante; Campagnaro (Sala 61 mins), Gastaldello, Accardi; Maggio, Palombo, Sammarco, Franceschini (Delvecchio 68 mins), Pieri; Cassano, Bonazzoli (Montella 71 mins). Subs not used: Fiorillo, Zenoni, Ziegler, Miglionico. Manager: Mazzarri.
JUVENTUS: Belardi; Zebina, Legrottaglie (Stendardo 55 mins), Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic (Castiglia 89 mins), Sissoko, Tiago, Nedved; Del Piero (Marchionni 71 mins), Trezeguet. Subs not used: Vanstrattan, Birindelli, Pasquato, Palladino. Manager: Ranieri.
REFEREE: Valeri from Rome.
NOTES: Belardi saved a Cassano penalty after 45 minutes.
RED CARDS: Sissoko 59 mins.
YELLOW CARDS: Sissoko 19 mins, Tiago 35 mins, Maggio 36 mins, Nedved 60 mins.
*juventus.com
Congrat's Alex...
Cobolli's and Blanc's congratulations
Another season goes in the archives. With no title or trophies won, it’s true, but it remains one of the best and most exciting in recent years: from Serie B to the Champions League in the space of 12 months. The whole squad managed by Claudio Ranieri deserves to be applauded by everybody.
After the game at the Ferraris, Giovanni Cobolli Gigli and Jean-Claude Blanc were the first to speak with Juventus Channel. Both wanted to extend their congratulations to the fantastic Bianconeri fans.
«We honoured the League again today – the Chairman began -, all the team did great, Del Piero did great and he's practically won the top scorer award, so I think he deserves to be called up for the European Championships. At the end of a season such as this, I can only thank everybody in the team for the contribution they gave on the pitch, but also the fans, for the love and passion they put in. Del Piero and Trezeguet? The nicest thing was Alex's gesture, when he let his team mate take the penalty. They scored 41 goals together, they worked really well together and this bodes very well for next season».
The Managing Director added his views: «We had an excellent season and especially in the second part of it we showed we can fight it out with anybody. This winter we decided to anticipate some of our investments and Sissoko's arrival proved to be important. At one point we even got close to Roma. I pay my compliments to the teams that have come above us, we couldn't have done more this season, but next year we'll try and close this gap, by using the same weapons such as our winners' DNA and our humble spirit, starting from the preliminary rounds. To do this we'll still need the love from our fans; that has never faded and it was they who spurred us on: the 14 million Juventus fans living in Italy but also the ones abroad».
*juventus.com
Del Piero: «That gesture toward David came naturally to me»
Alessandro Del Piero will have to wait 24 hours to learn if he'll be able to get another incredible record (top scorer in Serie A after being top scorer one year ago in Serie B): the time needed to watch Borriello play with his Genoa at Atalanta. Some things are already set in stone though: the record of goals with Trezeguet (41 goals between them!), but most of all his gesture of leaving the second penalty to his team mate.
The Captain is enjoying his umpteenth moment in the spotlight and while he awaits a deserved call-up for the 2008 European Championships, he commented this day, interviewed by Juventus Channel: «The gesture toward David came naturally to me. Over the years it happened many times to exchange roles, it's something that goes beyond this current season. The League top scorer award? It would confirm a positive season for me. So I take the chance to thank all my team mates for their commitment. We all know the hard part comes now, we'll be expected to improve and it won't be easy. We'll have to work hard from day 1 of summer camp».
*juventus.com
Ranieri: «We'll have to restart from here»
A match ends, a season finishes (at least in terms of official engagements, as there's still a tour of China and Australia to go on), but the focus is already on the future. This has always been Juventus' way of thinking. And it's the way of thinking of the current team and their Manager too.
Claudio Ranieri spoke to Juventus Channel with his mind already on next July: «This year we created a group and the team came into its own. We'll have to restart from here. In these last few months, some milestones have been set. The first was returning to Serie A, the second was qualifying for the Champions League. The next one will have to be to build on these foundations and progress. I would've wanted to win the League title already this year, we'll try to do so next season. Today's game? We had fun watching two teams that had no table worries but only focused on playing football. I took Del Piero off because we were missing a man in midfield and we were struggling too much there. In any case he played an extraordinary game again, just like Cassano».
*juventus.com
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Last “slog” in Vinovo for Ranieri
Bye-bye Vinovo. Juventus end their second season at the sport centre today. There's one last training session in the facility before leaving for Genoa, where on Saturday the match against Sampdoria will end the Bianconeri's 2007/08 League season. Then on Tuesday the team will leave for a tour of China and Australia and at the end of May another successful season will officially end.
But one step at a time. First of all Juve must focus on Samp. This will be the Bianconeri's second match without any influence on the final League position, just like it has none for the home team. But Claudio Ranieri wants to see the same Juve he saw against Catania: «Nothing has changed from last week. I want us to give a good impression against a team that has deservedly earned a place in the UEFA Cup. I'll give Buffon a rest, and decide everything else tomorrow. I don't know who will win the top scorer award between Trezeguet and Del Piero. The important thing is that one of them wins it, but I'd be happy if they both won it together».
Juventus and Sampdoria will play on the Saturday due to Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Genoa and will kick off what promises to be a riveting League round, especially due to the fact that the two teams fighting for the title will meet two teams still fighting to avoid relegation. As an outsider, the Manager doesn’t have a vested interest in the results, but he will be egging one of the teams on. «I'm not interested in the outcome Sunday. I simply hope Parma make it. I had a great time with them last year, I'd be happy if they could avoid the drop. And let's hope we can be up there fighting for the title ourselves next year».
Next year: this is the subject the journalists in Vinovo's press room were most interested in today. They wanted to know the team's ambitions, their hopes and especially the names of future Juventus players to be signed this summer. There'll be plenty of time to discuss these things when the Pinzolo summer camp begins, but Ranieri already knows what he wants: «Juventus always have to be contenders. We want to fight for the League title, to do so we will have to close the gap with the other teams even more and we'll have to do this playing in different competitions. Motivation is important and we always have a lot of that. If our fans keep supporting us like they did this year, we'll do even better. I'm happy that Nedved renewed his contract, he's a very important player for us due to the example he gives to the other players».
*Juventus.com
Squad named for season's last game
After supervising the last pre-match training session, Claudio Ranieri named a 20-man squad for the Day 38 game against Sampdoria, the last round of the League. The match will be played before the others, on Saturday, at 3 pm.
Juventus' Manager will have to do without Camoranesi, Grygera and Nocerino, all suspended. Andrade, Iaquinta and Zanetti are still injured. Buffon will sit this one out so he can rest. Birindelli and Molinaro are back in the squad. Three Youth Team players have also been called up: Pasquato, Castiglia and D’Elia.
2 Birindelli
3 Chiellini
5 Zebina
7 Salihamidzic
10 Del Piero
11 Nedved
12 Belardi
13 Vanstrattan
17 Trezeguet
20 Palladino
22 Sissoko
25 Stendardo
28 Molinaro
30 Tiago
31 Novembre
32 Marchionni
33 Legrottaglie
34 Pasquato
36 Castiglia
38 D’Elia
*juventus.com
Friday, May 16, 2008
A light session before the celebration gala
Half an hour of work - mainly physical training - on the pitch: this was the team's programme for today, Thursday the 15th of May. There was a party atmosphere in Vinovo, thanks to the usual end-of-the-year fun gala with the youth sector boys.
It was a brief training session, but still useful to keep preparing the last fixture of the season in the best possible way, i.e. Saturday's away game at Sampdoria. Momo Sissoko was available again and worked with the squad, after two days off, granted to him so that he could take part in a charity game in Seville.
The match against the team from Liguria – which has nothing left to say in terms of League standings – is getting closer. Just one more training session will be held before travelling to Genoa, the one scheduled for tomorrow afternoon (at 3 pm). Before the session, Manager Claudio Ranieri will hold his press conference at 2 pm, with live TV coverage on Juventus Channel.
*Juventus.com
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Another year in black and white for Pavel Nedved
Juventus will still be able to rely on Pavel Nedved for its return in Europe. The Czech midfield player has extended his contract with Juventus for another year. The agreement – valid until 30th June 2009 – was signed this afternoon in Vinovo where the player met Juventus Managing Director Jean-Claude Blanc after practice.
« The extension to Nedved’s contract – said Blanc – is the best way to start our campaign to strengthen the team before the next season. Pavel has written pivotal pages in the history of Juventus and will continue to provide the team with character and quality. His experience, class and determination are a certainty for his team mates, manager and supporters ».
After practice Pavel Nedved said he was proud to wear the Juventus shirt for another year: «Behind my decision is the awareness of having lived seven extraordinary years and the desire to once again live the European experience with I team I feel trongly connected to. I wish to thank our supporters for the warmth they greeted me with, my team mates for the esteem they expressed for me in the last few days and the club which has chosen to continue to entrust me with an important role ».
Pavel Nedved was born on 30th August 1972 and has been playing for Juventus since the 2001-2002 season. In the past seven years he has played 282 games, between League and Cup games, national and international, scoring 58 goals.
Preparing for the last hurdle
Juventus started training again for the last game of the season when Ranieri’s men will play Sampdoria at Marassi.
An afternoon session with physical work and a series of small games four a side on a reduced field, but without Tiago, Del Piero and Gigi Buffon who worked in the gym and Sissoko, who was on leave. The player from Mali had been invited to Seville by hi compatriot Kanout̬ to play in a fund-raising match for Unicef Champions for Africa РTogether for Children, between Seville and Kanout̬ Selection.
*Juventus.com
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Formulir JI
Buat formulir pendaftaranya, bisa di download disini
- Formulir juventini-indonesia excel format
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untuk Form yang sudah di isi mohon untuk di kirim ke email apratista@gmail.com
SYARAT – SYARAT KEANGGOTAAN JUVENTINI INDONESIA
1. WARGA NEGARA INDONESIA ATAU WNA YANG BAIK YANG TINGGAL DI INDONESIA MAUPUN DILUAR INDONESIA.
2. MENJUNJUNG TINGGI SPORTIVITAS DAN SEMANGAT PERSAUDARAAN
3. PENDUKUNG SETIA KLUB JUVENTUS.
4. MENGISI FORMULIR KEANGGOTAAN DENGAN BENAR DAN MEMBAYAR IURAN KEANGGOTAAN.
PAKET KEANGGOTAAN JUVENTINI INDONESIA :
1. FREE MEMBERSHIP
AKSES FORUM http://www.juventini-indonesia.org/ DAN MILIS juventini-indonesia@yahoogroups.com
2. SILVER MEMBERSHIP
BIAYA PENDAFTARAN : RP 50.000 (BERLAKU UNTUK 1 (SATU) TAHUN)
FASILITAS YANG DIPEROLEH :
• ID CARD
• PIN
• STIKER
• DVD JUVENTUS
• DISKON SAMPAI DENGAN 10% UTK PEMBELIAN MERCHANDISE
• DISKON PEMBELIAN KONSUMSI SETIAP ADA ACARA NONTON BARENG
• AKSES MULTIMEDIA DI FORUM http://www.juventini-indonesia.org/ DAN MILIS juventini-indonesia@yahoogroups.com
3. GOLD MEMBERSHIP
BIAYA PENDAFTARAN : RP 100.000 (BERLAKU UNTUK 1 (SATU) TAHUN)
FASILITAS YANG DIPEROLEH :
• T-SHIRT JUVENTINI INDONESIA
• ID CARD
• PIN
• STIKER
• DVD JUVENTUS
• DISKON SAMPAI DENGAN 20% UTK PEMBELIAN MERCHANDISE
• DISKON PEMBELIAN KONSUMSI SETIAP ADA ACARA NONTON BARENG
• AKSES MULTIMEDIA DI FORUM http://www.juventini-indonesia.org/ DAN MILIS juventini-indonesia@yahoogroups.com
UNTUK PEMBAYARAN KEANGGOTAAN JUVENTINI INDONESIA BISA MELALUI NOMOR REKENING DIBAWAH INI.
BCA
NO REK : 0071248983
ATAS NAMA : VEBBY BUNGAWAN
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ATAS NAMA : VEBBY BUNGAWAN
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Sampdoria-Juventus, kick off at 3 pm
Genoa, Ferraris Stadium, Saturday May 17, 3 pm: these are the details of Juventus' last official game in this 2007/08 season. Today the Italian Football League officially announced that the match against Sampdoria will be the only Serie A Day 38 one to be played on Saturday, and that it'll be played in the afternoon, therefore exactly 24 hours before all the other teams.
Ranieri's team will resume training tomorrow (Tuesday May 13) to prepare the match against Sampdoria. An afternoon session is scheduled, starting at 3 pm.
*juventus.com
Foschi: No Juve Deal For Amauri
Rino Foschi, the Rosanero chief executive, met with Bianconeri officials on Monday and following a long and arduous five hour meeting, neither party were able to come to terms over Amauri’s future which is beginning to look all the more complicated.
Juve have been after the Brazilian but Milan have also joined the race. It seems as if Palermo want the Old Lady to give them Sebastian Giovicno as part of the deal but Juventus are not willing to meet the Rosanero’s requests.
“The talks with Juventus over Amauri are still on-going but nothing has changed since we spoke last time,” said Foschi.
“We spoke with them for a long time but we have not been able to make any progress.”
Milan’s decision to gate crash the party has only made the transfer more difficult as Palermo can ask for a better deal knowing that the competition for their star man is rife.
Salvatore Landolina
Player Ratings: Juventus 1-1 Catania
JUVENTUS
Gianluigi Buffon: 6.0- He had a light workload but was directly at fault for Martinez’s goal. Made a nice save on a free kick from Vargas in the 40th minute.
Jonathan Zebina: 6.0- Made some forward runs but his final pass was always lacking.
Nicola Lerottaglie: 7.0- He had a solid match at the back and almost scored from a set piece in the second half but sent his header wide of the target.
Giorgio Chiellini: 6.5- Made himself useful with some forward runs in the second half. Zdenek Grygera: 6.0- He was fairly anonymous most of the afternoon except for a speculative effort in the first half.
Rafaele Palladino: 5.5- He had a brutal afternoon and may well be out the door this summer.
Mauro Camoranesi: 6.5- The midfield maestro is the heart of the Bianconeri’s attack but struggled today in all facets of the game.
Tiago: 7.0- Probably the best performance of the season for the Portuguese international but was substituted nonetheless in the second half.
Momo Sissoko: 6.0- Unleashed a laserbeam that almost found the back of the net in the first half but gave the ball away too many times for his liking.
David Trezeguet: 6.0- Was quiet for most of the match but had a great chance to bring the match back onto level terms in the final moments but Bizzarri made a vital save.
Alessandro Del Piero: 7.0- The captain did not have one of his best matches but he managed a goal to salvage a draw and vault himself into a tie for the lead in the race for the Serie A scoring race in the process.
SUBS
Antonio Nocerino (66”) 6.0, Pavel Nedved (72”) 6.0, Cristian Pasquato (92”) NA
CATANIA
Albano Bizzarri: 7.5- Good save on Del Piero in the early going that kept his team in the match and followed that up with a majestic save on Trezeguet in the last five minutes of the match.
Gennaro Sardo: 6.5- He put together a decent performance and won everything in the air this afternoon.
Christian Terlizzi: 6.5- He kept Del Piero and Trezeguet in check for most of the match but will be extremely disappointed about Del Piero’s late goal.
Rocco Sabato: 6.0- Earned his paycheque today with a very workmanlike performance.
Juan Vargas 7.0: He was the most dangerous Catania player on the pitch and almost gave his team a shock lead with a brilliant free kick in the 40th minute but was inexplicitly substituted in the second half.
Davide Baiocco: 6.0- He will be left feeling black and blue after the match as he was on the receiving end of three tackles that warranted yellow cards for Juventus.
Marco Biaganti: 5.5- He was a non factor and failed to make any impression on the match today.
Giacomo Tedesco: 6.5- Pulled the strings in the midfield and gave Sissoko and Tiago a run for their money today.
Jorge Martinez: 7.0- Was invisible for long stretches of the match but won the free kick that almost open up the scoring and finally bagged the opening goal of the match in bizarre fashion.
Giuseppe Mascara: 6.5- Did a decent job upfront today as made a nuisance of himself in the first forty-five minutes but disappeared in the second half.
SUBS
Mariano Izco (61’) 6.0, Mark Edusei (69”) 6.0 Cristian Silvestri (88”) NA
Max De Luca
Monday, May 12, 2008
Del Piero shines in last home game
If one of Juventus’ objectives this Sunday was to chase the top scorer award, we could say mission accomplished. Del Piero got his 19th goal, and caught up with team mate Trezeguet (and Genoa forward Borriello) on top of the goal-scorers’ list.
Juventus honoured their League commitment in full, drawing (1-1) against Catania, who were sure to avoid relegation up to a few minutes from the end and thus the fight for Serie A survival stays open thanks to the Bianconeri. The decisive touch came from the Captain, who equalized Martinez's opener.
Del Piero “against” Trezeguet will be the theme of Juve’s last League match too, next Saturday at Sampdoria, a game that will have no meaning in terms of the final placements of the two teams.
The Bianconeri bid farewell to their fans at the Olimpico and were heartily cheered. Juve's fans must in turn be cheered for their great support, which never dwindled during the whole of this exciting 2007/08 season. And in August, the Champions League will be back in Turin!
2007/08 Serie A, Day 37
Sunday May 11 2008, 3 pm
Turin, Olimpico Stadium
JUVENTUS-CATANIA 1-1 (0-0)
GOALS: Martinez 47 mins, Del Piero 89 mins.
JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grygera; Camoranesi, Sissoko, Tiago (Nocerino 66 mins), Palladino (Nedved 72 mins); Del Piero (Pasquato 92 mins), Trezeguet. Subs not used: Belardi, Stendardo, Salihamidzic, Marchionni. Manager: Ranieri.
CATANIA: Bizzarri; Silvestri, Terlizzi, Stovini, Sabato; Baiocco, Biagianti, Tedesco (Edusei 69 mins); Mascara, Martinez (Silvestre 87 mins), Vargas (Izco 51 mins). Subs not used: Rossi, Sardo, Colucci, Pià . Manager: Zenga.
REFEREE: Trefoloni from Siena.
YELLOW CARDS: Tiago 26 mins, Grygera 37 mins, Camoranesi 56 mins, Chiellini 66 mins, Nocerino 71 mins, Izco 76 mins.
*Juventus.com
Del Piero: «Chiellini made a great pass»
The League's regularity first and foremost. But the biggest motivations before the game against Catania, devoid of meaning for Juve, were definitely Trezeguet's and Del Piero's: team mates on the pitch, but “rivals” in the fight for the League top scorer award. Both tried to score more than once. In the end it was the Captain who found a way to score. Catching up both with Catania and with the Frenchman and Borriello (who didn't increase their 19 quota today) on top of the goal-scorers' list.
The motivations will still be there for another week. At Sampdoria, next Saturday, Trezeguet and Del Piero will have one more reason to play the League season up to the very end. «How will I prepare myself? – the Captain remarked to Juventus Channel – Like the other weeks, to give my best for the team. If I score too, I'll be happy. Today's goal wasn't easy, I have to thank Chiellini for making a great pass, I saw the ball at the last moment and it was just enough to touch it and put it in the back of the net. The League has been re-opened? Sunday there'll be two exciting matches, when Inter Milan and Roma face Parma and Catania. It's great that the League title is awarded on the last day and at the moment it's impossible to tell what will happen».
*Juventus.com
Juve Held By Lowly Catania
Juventus 1-1 Catania
Relegation-threatened Catania, who needed a win to stay ahead in the demotion dogfight, looked set to steal a famous victory at Juventus after Jorge Martinez had put the visitors ahead two minutes into the restart. But two minutes from the end, an Alessandro del Piero goal broke Sicilian hearts as Walter Zenga’s men will now have to take their survival battle all the way to the final round of the season.
With third place in the table all but secured, Juventus went out to the Stadio Olimpico with the sole purpose of making sure their fans were given a perfect send-off in the final home game of the season. But La Vecchia Signora almost suffered an embarrassing defeat in a match that they had total domination, but lacked the killer finish.
First Half
It was
Juve responded immediately when two minutes later, Alessandro del Piero wiggled his way past his marker before firing in a left footed shot on the turn from 12 yards but
And five minutes after that, it was del Piero again who took another crack at goal this time from some 25 yards out but his low piledriver flew just wide of the right post. Clear cut hances were few and far between after that and in fact, the next one didn’t arrive until the 22nd minute. Mauro Camoranesi whipped in a delicious cross from the right but there was just too much pace on it, as del Piero failed to react quickly enough to position himself as the ball pinged off his shins and over the bar.
Mohamed Sissoko then tried his luck from distance when he latched onto a loose ball and smashed in a first time shot but his effort just whizzed inches over the bar. The Bianconeri continued to dominate proceedings and del Piero again had a look-in at goal in the 35th minute when David Trezeguet expertly played the captain into space with an overhead pass but del Piero crashed his half volley just wide.
Second Half
The Bianconeri were made to pay early in the second half for their wastefulness, as Walter Zenga’s side took a surprise lead two minutes into the restart. Buffon and Chiellini both failed to deal with a corner and Jorge Martinez was there to bundle the ball over the line with his chest. After a three-second delay to check with the officials to make sure the ball had gone in legally, the Rossazzurri began their goal celebrations.
But Del Piero had a great chance to draw level just three minutes later when Palladino charged down the left and squared a low cross to the centre but Il Capitano completely missed the shot as the ball zipped right between his legs.
A minute later, del Piero was put through clean on goal by Camoranesi down the right channel but he sent his left footed toe-poke into the side netting with only Bizzarri to beat.
The Old Lady continued to pepper the visiting goal and on 54 minutes, Nicola Legrottaglie rose high to meet a Camoranesi corner but his header flashed just wide with Bizzarri rooted to the ground. The chances dried up after that as the home sides struggled to break down the Catania defence who were growing more confident and assured by the minute.
The most threatening the Bianconeri came was in the 82nd minute when substitute Pavel Nedved tried to catch Bizzarri off-guard with cheeky, looping cross from the left but the veteran ‘keeper caught the ball right on the line.
And five minutes from time, del Piero’s volleyed cutback right on the byline found Trezeguet but his close range effort was kept out by a superb reflex save from Bizzarri. However, Juve’s persistence paid off when del Piero finally found the target on 88 minutes, ghosting in between two
The single point mattered little to the
LINE-UPS
Juventus (
Unused subs: Belardi, Stendardo, Salihamidzic, Marchionni
Unused subs: Rossi, Sardo, Colucci, PiÃ
GOALS
0-1:
1-1: Juventus (del Piero 88’)
BOOKINGS
Juventus: Tiago (26’), Grygera (37’), Camoranesi (55’), Nocerino (70’)
Emotional Birindelli Says Arrivederci Old Lady
Juventus stopper Alessandro Birindelli will play his final home game for Juventus on Sunday and he looks back at a successful 11 year career.
Birindelli joined Juventus from Empoli in 1997 and he got off to a flying start with the Bianconeri by scoring a free kick a-la-Del Piero against Kosice in the Champions League, a game Juve went on to win 5-0. Birindelli became a favourite in Juventus’ backline and he was a regular in Marcello Lippi’s star studded side.
“This is my last month as a Juventus player,” Birindelli told Juventus Channel.
“I arrived in Turin aged 22, had been married for 10 days and for me it was a whole new beginning. I grew up here, learned values like professionalism and love for the team colours.
“I became a man and matured. After such a long time there are not just football links with a club, but true friendships both on and off the field.
“The greatest sporting disappointment was losing the Champions League Final to Milan in Manchester, but on a personal level the most painful bitterness was seeing Juve demoted to Serie B. In one moment I saw all the sacrifices of the season disappear.
“We know how we fought to win those two Scudetti and the opposition know it too. In fact, we proved that this year by beating them at San Siro.”
Birindelli is still unsure of what to do next but he would like to return to Tuscany more than anything else.
“I don’t know what my destiny will be now," he added. "I always said I’d like to return to Empoli, the club that launched me on the football stage.”
Salvatore Landolina
thank's Biri,
*goal.com
Friday, May 9, 2008
Second training session looking forward to Catania game
Second training session of the week for Juventus, who went on the pitch this morning in Vinovo. After ball possession exercises, the Bianconeri played a training game on a smaller pitch, nine-against-nine plus one player who alternated sides.
Alessandro Birindelli didn't train because of a slight problem to his left foot's Achilles tendon. There should be no problem concerning his availability for Sunday, but in any case his conditions will be checked again tomorrow. Obviously long-term injured players Andrade and Iaquinta were also absent. The striker underwent an ultrasound scan in the last few days which showed he's recovering well. However, he still needs to rest for a few days and as the League is almost over, and considering how delicate muscle injuries can be, Vincenzo will only begin training with the squad again in July, when the team start preparing the new season. Naturally all this has already been conveyed by Dr. Agricola, the man in charge of Juventus' Medical staff, to the National team's medical staff.
*Juventus.com
AWS and Juventus, another year together
Juventus and AWS together for another year: the Turin courier company, who in just a few years have established themselves all across Italy, have indeed renewed their sponsorship contract today, becoming one of the first Juventus commercial partners to join the “Less is More” marketing plan, with which the Club aims to decrease the number of sponsors, but granting them superior benefits.
«We're happy that such a dynamic and strongly expanding company such as AWS has taken the opportunity to join our groundbreaking marketing plan – Juventus M.D. Jean-Claude Blanc explained – a plan we want to carry through with companies that have a modern mentality just like we have. If companies are proud that their name is associated with Juventus' name, Juventus themselves are proud to have a working relationship with companies that have ambitious plans and want to become leaders in their field, just like our team does in the field of football»
*Juventus.com
Members become part of Juventus history
Supporting a team means sharing their thrills, their troubles, their triumphs. It means being part of their history. Juventus know very well how important the fans' passion has been in their successful hundred-and-ten year history; that's why they're now offering a unique opportunity to them.
The opportunity of having a place for them in the place that symbolizes their history: the Club's Trophy Room. Alongside all the Cups and trophies won, among the photos of the players that have won them, will be placed a Membership card, resting on an electronic display on which all the names of the Juventus online community members who’ll have joined by June 30 2008 will permanently scroll: to all effects and purposes these will be the Juventus Membership Founder Members.
Members will have the chance to visit the Trophy Room on select days and see their name alongside all the trophies. And there's more: from July the 1st 2008, a special page on the official Juventus.com website will be created, with a virtual link to the room, allowing fans to see their name at any given time right there among the triumphs and the most beloved stars in the history of Juventus.
This is a chance not to be missed. Become a Juventus Member today.
Juve To Meet Schwarzer On Monday
According to La Stampa, Juventus have arranged a meeting next Monday with Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer’s representatives in a bid to thrash out a free transfer move for the player.
The Old Lady are attempting to strengthen their squad ahead of next season’s two-fronted attack on Serie A and Europe.The objective is to find two suitable players in each position on the field, and one area that needs to be fortified is that of the goalkeeper.
While Juve currently possess the undisputed number one in the world in the form of Gianluigi Buffon, his understudy Emanuele Belardi has failed to impress when given the opportunity.
Last week it was reported that Juventus were looking likely to beat off competition from the likes of Fiorentina and Bayern Munich to sign Mark Schwarzer, who is available on a free transfer as his contract at Middlesbrough runs out in the summer.
La Stampa today claims that Juve have arranged a meeting with the 35-year-old Aussie’s representative for Monday of next week, where they will attempt to thrash out a deal.
The Bianconeri have already snapped up Olof Mellberg on a Bosman, and there are reports that Firoentina defender Tomas Ujfalusi could follow him to Turin in an identical move.
Gianni Wilson
Thursday, May 8, 2008
John Elkann visits team as training resumes
After two days off, the team have resumed training this morning in view of Sunday's game against Catania: a special day, as John Elkann paid a visit to the team.
The Vice-President of FIAT and IFIL (set to replace Gianluigi Gabetti as President from next week) travelled to Vinovo to meet Jean-Claude Blanc – who was also at the training centre -, Claudio Ranieri and all the Bianconeri.
*Juventus.com
Buffon: Inter Will Win Title
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is certain that Inter will lift the scudetto this season and he was full of praise for the Nerazzurri.
The shot stopper has, yet again, made his claim to be arguably the best shot stopper in world football following another fine season between the sticks.Buffon believes Inter deserve to win the league and he has reassured Azzurri fans that he will be playing in Euro 2008 despite concerns over his recent back problems.
“Inter have dealt with every situation and their adversaries have not been able to profit from their recent blip,” Buffon told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.
“They will win the scudetto because they are the strongest team and they continue doing well.
“Compliments to Inter and Mancini. Would I be surprised to see Mancini leave? When you talk about football and Inter then I am not surprised, there have been many rebounds in Milan."
There have also been suggestions that Claudio Ranieri may give Buffon a rest for the final few games of the season, something which has raised concern over his fitness, but the shot-stopper insists all is well.
“As for the Euro’s I will be there 100 percent, I have been playing for four months now and we have managed to sort out the back problem.
“Ranieri might rest me but that’s down to him, we spoke about it and I told him I am always available.”
Juventus will hope to return to winning ways against relegation strugglers Catania at the weekend.
Salvatore Landolina
Trezeguet Backs Del Piero Euro 2008 Bid
Juventus striker David Trezeguet backs Alessandro Del Piero to be picked for the Euros and the Frenchman hopes he gets the nod from Domenech.
Both strikers have a lot in common, they play for the same club and they have the same ambitions to take part in the forthcoming Euro 2008 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.There have been major doubts over whether both players would represent their country in the finals but Trezegol is hoping he and Del Piero will be there.
“We have nothing to prove anymore, we deserve to be called up to the national team,” Trezeguet told Sky Sport Italia.
“Alex is very important for his side and I have no doubts as to whether he should get the call up.
“He has shown everyone this season that he is one of the most important players in Serie A.
“As for myself, I hope I can play in the Euro’s as a protagonist rather than a fringe player, which is what happened during the last World Cup.
“If that happens then I will take a step backwards and the team would have to find a striker who would accept being the fifth or sixth choice.”
Del Piero has been in stunning form for his club recently but just when Donadoni turned up to watch him, he put in a woeful performance against Siena on Sunday.
The Frenchman too has shown his class this season, but he has had problems in the past with Domenech off the pitch and thus this could go against him.
Salvatore Landolina
Buffon Dreaming Of Ronaldinho Transfer
Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that it would be a dream if Juventus signed Ronaldinho, while he also gives his thumbs up to the imminent purchase of Amauri.
Ronaldinho & Summer TransfersJuventus are ready to return to their glorious times of the past, having booked their place in next season's Champions League.
Buffon warns though that the squad needs to be strengthened greatly if they are to be in with a serious shout of challenging both at home and abroad.
“It will take a group even more competitive both in number and in quality,” stated the world's best shot-stopper.
“In every department we need one or two players of a certain level.
"Ronaldinho would be the dream of any player or supporter, however all the right conditions must be in place, because if they were not it would only be bad for the team.
"It is very satisfying to return to Europe to play against the strongest teams in the world. This is something I was missing."
Amauri & Mellberg
Buffon then gave his thumbs up to the imminent summer signing of Palermo striker Amauri, while he is also happy about the Bosman capture of Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg.
"Amauri is the best expression of the new attackers in Italy, and in Palermo he scored two beautiful goals against me," said the 30-year-old.
“But next year, in a great team, he needs to prove that he is a player of international class.
“Mellberg is someone who knows how to lead the defence, he is physical and has personality. We need players of this type.”
Gianni Wilson,Goal.com
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Gigli Wants Nedved Stay
Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has expressed his desire for Pavel Nedved to remain at the club for at least another season.
There has been much speculation regarding the Czech international’s time with the Bianconeri and many believe that this will be his final season with the club, with the Japanese J-League being touted as a possible swan-song venue.Gigli, however, insists that the 'Czech Fury' is still very much wanted at the club, despite the fact that he will be all of 36 next season.
"Nedved will make his case to us, but by how he played this season, he has a good chance of doing good things with us next season," said the Bianconeri supremo.
The player himself has revealed that he will have a clearer answer over his career in two weeks.
Nedved has been at the club since 2001 when he was signed from Lazio for €41 million as a replacement for Zinedine Zidane who left the Old Lady to join the Galacticos of Real Madrid.
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
Secco: «I'm better, back at work soon»
Alessio Secco is feeling better but still needs rest and relaxation. Juventus' Director of Sport fractured a vertebra in a motorcycle accident and is still in hospital, but should be going home soon.
The scare has subsided and Alessio reassured everyone: «It's going better now. In the next few days I should be leaving the hospital and getting back to work as soon as possible. I take the opportunity to thank all those that called me and sent me their best wishes for a prompt recovery».
In the period of absence before Secco gets back to his job, Managing Director Jean-Claude Blanc is covering the Director of Sport role ad interim.
*juventus.com
Amauri is '98 per cent Juve'
Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini has stated that star striker Amauri is on the cusp of becoming a Juventus player.
Amauri has stated that he is “91 per cent Juve” and has stressed his desire to join the Old Lady at the end of the current campaign.
However, the Brazilian’s transfer has become something of a saga in recent weeks after he suggested that he could consider joining Milan or Roma and talks over personal terms in Turin were unsuccessful.
But today it seems that a deal is inevitable and the former Chievo man will be wearing the Bianconeri jersey next year.
“It’s almost done – we are very close to completion of the deal,” Zamparini told journalists.
“We are working out the final details and we are all very optimistic. There is a 98 per cent chance that Amauri will join Juve.
“Not much depends on Palermo now. It’s down to the Old Lady to work out terms with the player and I would expect that to happen soon.”
Juve are expected to offer a player in part-exchange for Amauri, but it doesn’t seem likely that unsettled forward Raffaele Palladino will be the man in question.
“He doesn’t want to come to Palermo,” Zamparini revealed. “He’s a bit like everyone else who doesn’t know the place and its beauty.
*Channel4
Ranieri wants more than Amauri
Claudio Ranieri has warned that Juventus need widespread reinforcement if they are to be a force at home and in Europe next term.
The Old Lady have enjoyed a miraculous season after returning from a period in the wilderness of Serie B.
Ranieri has guided the Old Lady back to the Champions League, but he believes it is a big step to make a challenge for European domination.
“We are in Europe’s biggest tournament, which is a prestigious achievement for a side that has just come from Serie B,” he said in La Stampa.
“Now, however, we can’t expect to see a Juve side perform like they last did in the Champions League because we are expecting a year of growth. Many of the lads don’t know what the climate is like at that level.
“Furthermore, this year we have made the most of the advantage of only having to play one game per week. Next year will be a new challenge at having double the workload.”
Palermo striking star Amauri is set to be Juve’s first signing of the summer, but Ranieri hopes he is the first of several big-name additions.
“Amauri is a great player and he could be an extra champion in the dressing room, but we aren’t a Scudetto chasing squad yet,” he admitted.
“I need two alternatives for every role and two or three emergency players. We have to improve in terms of strength and depth.”
Juve now can’t catch Roma for second place and know that they will have to come through the Champions League preliminary stages, which may pose some selection headaches.
“The Olympics will be played at the same time as the Champions League preliminaries,” Ranieri explained as he concluded his interview.
“I don’t know how many of our players Pierluigi Casiraghi will choose, but I need them.”
*channel4
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
In anticipation of the last home game of the season
Having immediately archived the harmless defeat in Siena, the team will start to think about the next game from Wednesday. Indeed after the match against the Tuscans, Claudio Ranieri granted two whole days of rest to the whole group, who will only resume training Wednesday morning in Vinovo.
That's when they’ll begin to prepare the penultimate game of the season. Catania will arrive at the Olimpico on Sunday afternoon still looking for points to avoid relegation. It'll be the last home game of the season for the Bianconeri, their last chance to pay tribute to their fans, who have never ceased supporting the team.
*Juventus.com
anieri: It Is Only Just Beginning
Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri believes his side still need to work hard as, according to the Tinkerman, they have not reached the Champions League just yet.
The Bianconeri blew their chances of reaching second place when they were beaten by Siena on Sunday.
Third place has been consolidated but Ranieri insists that the hard work will begin in the summer when Juve play in the preliminary rounds to try and qualify for the Champions League group stages.
“Now, the most important thing is to get in the Champions League because at the moment we are only in the prelimanaries,” said the former Chelsea man.
“The first objective of the new season will be to get through to the group stages by getting past the preliminary rounds.
“This will be a new Juventus in Europe, it will not be the same as the last one.
“Of course there will be many players who will know some of our players but not all of them.
“Those players will get to know this team and for us it will be important to show everyone that we can do well.
“Next season will be a year where we move up to the next level.”
Salvatore Landolina
Nedved Ponders Bianconeri Future
There has been much speculation regarding the Czech international’s time with the Bianconeri and many believe that this will be his final season with the club. However, such speculation about the player has been made before only to be proven wrong.
Nedved reveals that he will have a clearer answer over his career in two weeks.
“I don’t really know whether I will continue, I still have a couple of weeks to think and decide,” said Nedved.
“I am thinking very carefully as it will be an important decision.
“To play at Juventus has been an honour and I am proud, I have had some fun in the Bianconeri jersey over the years.
“I will make a decision on my future very soon.”
Nedved has been at the club since 2001 when he was signed from Lazio for €41 million as a replacement for Zinedine Zidane who left the Old Lady to join the Galacticos of Real Madrid.
Salvatore Landolina
Monday, May 5, 2008
In third place on the podium
Two games before the end of the 2007/08 League championship, Juventus already know their fate. They'll end up third and will therefore need to play the Champions League preliminary rounds.
The chase to catch up with Roma in second place ended in Siena today. After nine consecutive wins (between Serie A and the Italian Cup), the Bianconeri lost against the Tuscan team, who deservedly celebrate avoiding relegation. It ended 1-0 thanks to a great Kharja goal after just a handful of minutes. The attempts to equalize near the end were to no avail, particularly Camoranesi's and Nedved's efforts.
The League still has a lot of verdicts to give - the title race is open again, the chase for fourth place too, and the fight to avoid relegation is in full swing – but Juventus will practically play two exhibition matches: on Sunday against Catania, who aren't safe yet, and the last one (on May 17) away at Sampdoria.
TIM Serie A 2007/08 - Day 36
Siena, Artemio Franchi Stadium. Sunday May 4 2008, 3 pm
SIENA-JUVENTUS 1-0 (1-0)
RETI: Kharja 6 mins.
SIENA: Manninger; Ficagna, Portanova, Loria, Rossi; Vergassola, Codrea, Galloppa; Locatelli (De Ceglie 52 mins), Kharja (Frick 72 mins); Maccarone (Rossettini 91 mins). Subs not used: Eleftheropulos, Alberto, Jarolim, Riganò. Manager: Beretta.
JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina (Salihamidzic 46 mins), Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Sissoko (Marchionni 66 mins), Zanetti, Nedved (Palladino 82 mins); Del Piero, Trezeguet. Subs not used: Belardi, Grygera, Nocerino, Tiago. Manager: Ranieri.
REFEREE: Orsato from Schio.
YELLOW CARDS: Portanova 33 mins, Galloppa 51 mins, Molinaro 72 mins, Ficagna 89 mins.
*Juventus.com
Ranieri: «The early goal conditioned the game»
After several matches decided early on in Juventus’ favour, at Siena the first half proved fatal instead. A goal by Kharja (a stunner or a lucky shot?) favoured the Tuscans' game, so they were able to play the match they wanted.
Claudio Ranieri considers that episode after 6 minutes the key to the whole game: «The whole match was influenced by that early goal; I don't even know if he really wanted to make such a shot. We made a lot of mistakes, but we still created several chances, maybe we just weren't clear-headed enough when it came to the last pass in front of goal. On the other hand, we had a lot of corner kicks. The performance was there, the result wasn’t. We didn’t play like a content team that didn't even try, the tough thing was facing opponents that almost exclusively played in defence after they scored, and only tried going on the counter-attack occasionally».
*Juventus.com
Buffon: «They had stronger motivations»
Seven days after the wide win against Lazio, the post-match comments are exactly reversed. Just like the 5-2 drubbing against the Romans was due to the Bianconeri's stronger motivations, the same can be said after the K.O. suffered at Siena. The slim chances to reach second place were less strong than the Tuscans' desire to mathematically avoid relegation today.
This was Gigi Buffon's theory in an interview with Juventus Channel after the game: «They deserved to win, they believed in it more, they had a better attitude and they wanted to win more than us. Perhaps the result in Genoa didn't help us. In these last games of the season motivation is everything and they approached the game better than us. Kharja's goal? Maybe there was a foul on Chiellini. In any case he did well and he was lucky in getting such a shot in, impossible to save, considering he shot almost from the ground. He'd already scored against me when he was at Roma, I'll put him in my little black book…».
*juventus.com
Cobolli Gigli: «I was expecting a little bit more»
Hopes of finishing the season with seven consecutive wins and, more importantly, in second place, crashed at the Artemio Franchi in Siena today. But the 1-0 defeat by Beretta's team doesn't spoil Del Piero and Buffon and the others' excellent tournament.
Chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli agrees, even if today's performance was really not one of Juve's most brilliant. «I was expecting more today – he remarked to Juventus Channel – and in any case even a draw would've been useless in terms of catching up with Roma. Credit is due to Siena for winning and now let's try to finish off well the last two games against Catania and Sampdoria. I'm expecting the team to pick themselves up immediately. We've had a wonderful season; third place was probably the most we could achieve. We've seen a lot of great things this year, not so much today».
*juventus.com
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Two days to go ‘til Siena game
The third-from-last game of the season is fast approaching. On Sunday afternoon, Juventus will play at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Siena, to face the local team managed by Mario Beretta. Both teams wear black and white colours and the game is important for both of them, as they're still looking for points to chase their last objectives.
If on the one hand Siena are chasing mathematical certainty of avoiding the drop (even though with seven teams behind them it looks like they've practically made it), on the other Juve are still hoping to end up in second place. And the round could be favourable for them to try and get closer to Roma, who play at Sampdoria. Indeed the Bianconeri face opponents who have never even managed to get a draw in the nine previous games against them – both in the League and the Italian Cup. And in the last five games against Juve they didn't even manage to score one goal.
The last time the teams played in Tuscany was two years ago almost to the day. On April 30 2006, the game was over in only eight minutes with Vieira, Trezeguet and Mutu getting the goals in a clear 3-0 win. In Turin this season, the Frenchman scored the second in a 2-0 win, with Salihamidzic getting the first.
Juventus trained this morning again in Vinovo preparing Sunday's game. The squad was almost full, only Iaquinta and Andrade being unavailable. To finish off preparation, there'll be only one more training session, on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm. Before that, Claudio Ranieri will hold his press conference at 2 pm.
*juventus.com
Friday, May 2, 2008
Agent: Amauri Should Join Roma
For most of the season there has been talk of the Brazilian being keen on a move to the Old Lady, and Amuri did say himself that it would be a dream to play for Juve.
However Grimaldi has revealed that the striker may end up plying his trade at the stadio Olimpico.
“We are dealing with many clubs and Juventus are amongst these,” the agent told Il Romanista.
“I had a meeting with Alessio Secco on Thursday and we spoke about the situation.
“As for Roma, they have been in touch but at the moment they are having a little problem in terms of the future of the club.
“However, I did meet Davide Prade (Roma director) recently and we had a little chat.
“All I can say is that Amauri could choose Roma if the offer was right and to be honest the atmosphere in Roma is better than that of Juventus and it would suit someone like Amauri.”
It now seems likely that Juventus will have to battle it out with the Giallorossi to try and land the player. It is believed that Amauri is valued at €25 million by Palermo, and thus it’s going to take some high bidding by both clubs if they are to sign him.
Salvatore Landolina
*Goal.com
Del Piero Set To Match Maldini Record
Alessandro Del Piero will match Paolo Maldini’s record of having played in seven major international tournaments, if he is chosen for Euro 2008.
Maldini holds the record for the most major competitions played in by an Italian, having participated in three European Championships in 1988, 1996 and 2000, and the four World Cups of 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002.
The Milan legend would have played at Euro 92’, however Italy failed to make it to the finals after finishing behind Russia in their qualifying group.
Del Piero meanwhile has taken part in six successive finals, playing at Euro 96, France 98’, Euro 2000, Korea/Japan 2002, Euro 2004 and the victorious 2006 World Cup.
If the Golden Boy is selected for the European Championships in Austria and Switzerland, he will equal Maldini’s record of seven.
For a long while it had seemed unlikely that Del Piero would travel across the border, but some stunning form in 2008 appears to have persuaded Donadoni.
“A few months ago I wasn’t sure, but now I would choose him for the plane,” Donadoni said in La Repubblica earlier this week.
“The facts speak for themselves.”
Del Piero is the Azzurri’s joint-fifth highest scorer of all time alongside Pippo Inzaghi, with 25 goals from 85 appearances.
Anthony Sormani
*goal.com
Jankovic flirts with Old Lady
Palermo starlet Bosko Jankovic has revealed his desire to play for Juventus, but President Maurizio Zamparini is angry at the Old Lady’s attitude.
Jankovic has started just 11 games this term since arriving at the Stadio Renzo Barbera from Real Mallorca last summer.
But the 23-year-old has been tipped from the top and is reportedly on Juve’s radar.
“To play for a club like Juventus is a lifelong dream for any player on earth,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“We are talking about one of the best known and loves clubs in the world and they are very popular in my city Belgrade and the rest of Serbia.
“There has been talk about me moving to Turin recently and I was delighted to hear it.
“When I heard that they saw me as a replacement for Pavel Nedved one day I was even happier.
“The big clubs are the main objective for any professional, but I want to keep my feet on the ground.
“I think it would possibly be best to spend another year at Palermo for my value as they are the perfect squad to grow at and prepare for the step up.”
Despite Palermo’s close working relationship with Juventus, chief Zamparini - who looks set to lose star striker Amauri to the Bianconeri - is becoming frustrated at the Turin giants’ cherry-picking.
“We have spoken to Alessio Secco and we have stated that Palermo isn’t a feeder club for Juve,” he roared.
“So he needs to explain to the rest of their directors and Coach Claudio Ranieri that we must respect our roles.”
*channel4
Juve close Amauri gap
Just £500,000 stands between Juventus and Amauri after advanced contract negotiations yesterday.
Juve sporting director Alessio Secco met the Amauri’s agent Mariano Grimaldi in Milan yesterday hoping to make a concrete deal for the in-demand hitman.
An agreement between the two clubs involved seems imminent, but the player has thrown the move into question by flirting with Milan and Roma.
Reports suggest that Grimaldi demanded a wage of £3.25m per year plus bonuses, but the Old Lady are tabling around £2.75m before their performance incentives.
It is now expected that promising midfielder Antonio Nocerino will join Palermo in a part-exchange deal, but there are whispers that the Rosanero are also demanding Davide Lanzafame.
Dangerous hitman Lanzafame is one of calcio’s rising stars and has netted 10 times at Bari, where he is on loan.
However, he may refuse to join the Sicilians because his heart is set on a move to Genoa.
“Lanzafame has expressed a desire to play for us,” Genoa President Enrico Preziosi admitted.
“But I’m sure that with a little reasoning we can find an arrangement that suits everyone.”
*Channel4
De Ceglie’s twin targets
Siena’s loan starlet Paolo De Ceglie is praying for a return to co-owners Juventus at the end of the season and eyeing a place at the Olympics.
The 21-year-old left-back has won numerous plaudits for his performances at Siena this term and has played an important role in guiding the Tuscans to comfortable Serie A survival.
De Ceglie belongs to both Juve and Siena after the Robur purchased 50 per cent of his rights in June 2007, but one side must take full possession this summer.
“Obviously it would be magnificent if Juventus took me back,” he said in Tuttosport.
“The Old Lady remain my first choice and it would be a dream to go back to them.
“But I know exactly what I want for my future, I want to go to a club that have faith in me.”
Siena have indicated that they will demand at least £5m for their half of De Ceglie – a sum that Juve are reluctant to pay. A part-exchange deal could be the mutually acceptable alternative.
De Ceglie is also hoping to influence the Bianconeri’s decision by gaining a spot in Pierluigi Casiraghi’s squad for this summer’s Olympic Games in China.
“You have to be good and also lucky to go to the Olympics,” he explained.
“I have been both and so I want to get the chance and make the most of it. I don’t have an Olympic medal and to get one would be an excellent achievement.”
*channel4
Tiago’s top of the flops
Juventus midfielder Tiago Mendes has been voted the biggest transfer flop of the season in Serie A by an online poll.
There were high hopes for the Portuguese international when he joined the Old Lady from Lyon last summer, but he failed to settle in his new surroundings.
Tiago was lambasted by Press and fans alike during a disastrous first half of the season, but has regained some form in recent months.
Nonetheless, the 26-year-old’s dismal start proved enough to convince voters in the Corriere dello Sport’s survey that he was the worst buy of the campaign.
Lazio’s error-prone goalkeeper Fernando Muslera received the second largest quantity of votes, followed by Cagliari’s misfiring Argentine striker Joaquin Larrivey.
There are also mentions for two of Italy’s most respected hitmen.
Cristiano Lucarelli has failed to meet expectations at struggling Parma and Rolando Bianchi has looked a shadow of the man who inspired Reggina since joining Lazio.
The top 10 flops:
1. Tiago Mendes (Juventus)
2. Fernando Muslera (Lazio)
3. Joaquin Larrivey (Cagliari)
4. Diego Tristan (Livorno)
5. Alvaro Recoba (Torino)
6. Mauro Esposito (Roma)
7. Emerson (Milan)
8. Sergio Almiron (Juventus)
9. Rolando Bianchi (Lazio)
10. Cristiano Lucarelli (Parma)
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Molinaro: «Two very important years at Siena»
*juventus.com
Back to work
No suspensions at Juventus. One Siena player suspended
Siena will have one suspended player, though: midfielder Coppola, who got cautioned against Napoli. Meanwhile, Maccarone received his third yellow card of the season in that game and risks suspension if he gets booked again.
New stadium project presented to the Turin Council
This is an important day for Juventus' new ground. The preliminary project was indeed presented to the Turin Council, at a meeting between IFIL and FIAT vice-president John Elkann, Juventus M.D. Jean–Claude Blanc, Juventus Chairman Giovanni Cobolli Gigli and Sergio Chiamparino, the mayor of Turin, who expressed his satisfaction about the plan described: «Juventus have chosen an extensive restoration that will make the Delle Alpi a modern temple of football. It'll be ready by 2011, the 150th anniversary of Italy reaching unification; this will help make Turin a role model for our entire country». Indeed construction work should begin in spring 2009, and end in spring 2011, so that the new facility can be tested with a few friendlies before the official 2011/2012 season fixtures. It'll have 40,000 seats, arranged so that everybody will be able to enjoy the games in the best possible way, as stressed by Jean–Claude Blanc: «In today's Delle Alpi the nearest seat is 28 metres away from the pitch. In the new stadium, this will be the farthest distance, whereas the closest seats will be less than 9 metres from the pitch. A stadium like this will be a great chance for the Club to generate more income, to be invested in the team. Therefore this project, despite the great cost, will not damage the team in sporting terms, in fact in time it'll make it even stronger».«I'm proud both as a fan and as a citizen of Turin – John Elkann concluded – that it was possible to get to this point, the presentation of this project, thanks to the great work carried out by the Club in obtaining financing. At last Juventus will have their own home».
*Juventus.com
Everybody off to Asia and Australia in May
