Countdown to 2008/09 season begins

The holidays are almost over at Juventus. The last weekend in June will also be the last weekend of rest for most of the team. It all kicks off again next Friday, July 4th. Claudio Ranieri, his staff and all those Bianconeri that didn't recently take part in international competitions (Euro 2008 and World Cup qualifiers) will be gathering in Vinovo, ready to leave for Pinzolo the next day. 

Indeed it is there, in the Val Rendena, that the summer training camp will take place, this year from the 5th to the 16th of July. In the Trentino region, the team will work as always at the Pineta ground in Pinzolo and will play two friendly matches: the first against Mezzocorona on July 11th, the second against Piacenza on the 16th, before returning to Turin. 

Back at base, the second, "European" phase of the summer training schedule will begin. With the squad at full ranks by then (the internationals will be joining their team mates at different times), preparation will begin in earnest to get ready for the forthcoming European commitments, i.e. the third Champions League preliminary round, played over two games, the first on August 12/13 and the second on August 26/27. The Bianconeri will also travel extensively around Europe, from Copenhagen to Dortmund, from London to Manchester, for a series of friendlies.

As always, there'll be no shortage of prestigious summer fixtures in Italy either; among them, the TIM Trophy, played in Turin this year, the Moretti Beer Trophy and the Berlusconi Trophy.

The main focus will be on the Champions League, though. The key date is August 1st, the day when the name of Juventus' rivals for a place in the main event will be drawn (or the names of the two teams still fighting to play against Juve). 

In the meantime, the 2008/09 Champions League machine is ready to start. On Tuesday July 1 it will all officially kick off with the draw for the first two preliminary rounds, set to begin already in mid-July and end in early August, right before Ranieri's team make their entrance on the European stage.

To recap, here is the calendar of Juventus' summer engagements in full.

From July 5th to the 16th, summer training camp in Pinzolo, with two friendlies against Mezzocorona (on the 11th) and Piacenza (16th), at venues to be confirmed
July 23rd, friendly against Brondby in Copenhagen
July 26th, friendly against Borussia in Dortmund
July 29th, TIM Trophy in Turin against Inter Milan and AC Milan 
August 2-3, Emirates Cup in London against Arsenal and Hamburg
August 6th, friendly against Manchester United in Manchester
August 12th or 13th, Champions League preliminary round first leg
August 17th, Berlusconi Trophy in Milan against AC Milan 
August 21st, Birra Moretti Trophy in Naples against Inter Milan and Napoli 
August 26th or 27th, Champions League preliminary round second leg
August 31st, 2008/09 Serie A Day 1
*juventus.com

Chiellini commits to Old Lady

Giorgio Chiellini has renewed his contract with Juventus and set his sights on the captain’s armband.

After enjoying a revelatory 2007-08 campaign with the Old Lady, Chiellini was one of few Italy players to emerge from Euro 2008 with plaudits.

And the Turin giants have shown their faith in the Pisa native by offering him a contact extension that will tie him to the club until 2013.

“My hope is that I will be able to be Juventus captain,” Chiellini enthused.

“At the moment there is Alessandro Del Piero and after him Gigi Buffon. As long as Gigi is playing he will be captain, but in the future it would be a great pleasure to follow him.”

Chiellini was nearly sold to Manchester City last summer, but he demonstrated his importance to the Bianconeri when he took advantage of an injury crisis caused by the serious blow to Jorge Andrade.

“I showed that I deserve an important role for this team,” he said. “I want to thank the club, Claudio Ranieri and my teammates for all the help I have received.

“Negotiations for a renewal of my contract have been going on since the winter. We had a basic agreement, but we wanted to meet after the European Championship.

“It was a year to remember, but what happened to the national side was a shame. I would have preferred to be in Vienna right now and I thought we could win Euro 2008.

“It was an almost perfect season, but for me it is something to build on. Now the Champions League is something to look forward to.”

With the arrival of Swedish stopper Olof Mellberg and the possible signature of Dario Knezevic, there will be more competition for places in Juve’s defence next term.

“We will be playing so many games that there will be space for everyone,” Chiellini claimed.

“Mellberg is an experienced defender and will give us a real hand. The important thing is to have a big squad available and then whoever is in form can play.

“I can still improve in so many ways, especially in terms of speed and marking and the relationship with the other defenders is also important.

“I think that I have done well in taking my chances for Juve and Italy,” he continued.

“You need a little fortune and I have helped things by being able to change positions – I can play in the middle or as a wing-back.

“I don’t want to choose between the League and the Champions League for next season because I’m hoping we can go far in both.”

Chiellini finished by giving his view on the closing stages of Euro 2008.

“My favourites are Germany,” he said. “They are a great group with such determination.

“As for the Azzurri, we will start work in August. Some things will change but we will be the same group and whoever is in charge will make his decisions.”

*channel4

Sebastian Giovinco back at Juventus

A busy end of June at Juventus in transfer market terms: another three deals were completed today, all concerning young talents raised in the Club's youth sector - Giovinco, Lanzafame and Mirante. 

The most important item of news, the one all the Bianconeri fans wanted to hear, is that Sebastian Giovinco is again 100% a Juventus player. Indeed the Club exercised the option they had to buy back the whole ownership of the player, and Empoli were therefore unable to exercise their rights to buy the young talent in full. Thus Giovinco will be at Manager Ranieri's disposal for the 2008/09 season. 

Juventus did the same with Bari for Davide Lanzafame. They exercised their option, so the Puglia club couldn't get full ownership of the striker. Therefore Lanzafame, one of the best players in Serie B last year, comes back to Juventus.

And finally, Antonio Mirante; Sampdoria exercised their option rights on the Campania-born goalkeeper, who will stay at the Club another year, Sampdoria having full ownership with a participation agreement.

*juventus.com

Transfer market: joint-ownerships settled yesterday

The 25th of June was scheduled to be the last day to sort out joint ownership contracts. And Juventus indeed solved all the situations still pending.

One day after extending his contract (until 2013) and renewing the joint ownership with Udinese, Michele Paolucci was again the star of Juve's negotiations. Indeed Juventus approved the striker's temporary transfer from Udinese to Catania. 

These are the other operations finalized yesterday; they all concern young players grown up at Juventus who last season played in teams from Serie A, B and C.  

Matteo Cavagna: joint ownership with Ravenna was renewed and the player's contract was extended until 2011; 
Andre Cuneaz: Juventus bought out full ownership of the player, paying Pistoiese € 500; 
Davide Di Berardino: Juventus bought out full ownership of the player, paying Juve Stabia € 8k; 
Stefano Dicuonzo: Juventus bought out full ownership of the player, paying Ravenna € 500; 
Tomas Guzman: joint ownership with Piacenza renewed; 
Andrea Luci: Ascoli win bid;
Matteo Paro: Genoa bought out full ownership of the player, paying Juventus € 2m. 
Giuseppe Rizza: Juventus bought out full ownership of the player, paying Juve Stabia € 50k; 
Matteo Trini: Juventus bought out full ownership of the player, paying Juve Stabia € 5k; 
Francesco Volpe: joint ownership with Livorno renewed; 
Pietro Zammuto: Piacenza bought out full ownership of the player, paying Juventus € 170k.

*juventus.com

Lippi New Coach Of Italy

Donadoni’s position became virtually untenable after Italy crashed out of Euro 2008 at the quarter final stage to Spain on Sunday night.

The Italian media have long since claimed that Lippi had already been lined up as his replacement, and the FIGC have now confirmed the 60-year-old’s return.

”Marcello Lippi returns to guide the Italian national team,” a statement reads.

“The president of the FIGC Giancarlo Abete has appointed a new national team coach of the Azzurri in place of Roberto Donadoni. Lippi will be presented next Tuesday, July 1, in a press conference in Rome.”

Lippi has been on a two year sabbatical since winning the World Cup with Italy in the summer of 2006.

The 60-year-old has stated on numerous occasions that he would be returning to the bench in time for next season, and he will lead the Azzurri into their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, hoping to retain the title he won in Germany.

Lippi is expected to bring Ciro Ferrara and Angelo Peruzzi as part of his backroom staff. The latter, who was second choice goalkeeper at the last World Cup will act as a unifying force in the dressing room.

Lippi should also confirm coach Narciso Pezzotti, goalkeeping coach Ivano Bordon, and doctor Enrico Castellacci.

Anthony Sormani,goal.com

Donadoni Quits Italy

Roberto Donadoni has been relieved of his duties as coach of the Italian national side the FIGC (Italian FA) have confirmed.


Following a two hour meeting with the Italian FA on Thursday afternoon, Roberto Donadoni is no longer the coach of the Ialian national football team.

The former Azzurri coach has been relieved of his duties with La Nazionale less than two years after taking over from Marcello Lippi. His failure in Euro 2008 seems to have cost him his job.

A stament from the Italian FA reads:

"President Abete met with Roberto Donadoni at the FIGC headquarters on Thursday afternoon.

"During the meeting, a review of the past two years was made as well as a review of the European Championship.

"We would like to confirm our personal esteem in Donadoni and the appreciation for his serious and qualified professionalism with his work for the National side.

"The president also confirmed to Donadoni the FIGC's decision that his contract has now finished."

Marcello Lippi has been tipped to take over following Donadoni's exit and a formal announcement on this is set to be made within the next few hours.

Salvatore Landolina

ciao donadodol

Chiellini: «Proud of my Euro performances»

To suffer a burning disappointment on the same night you play your best-ever international match. It was indeed a strange Sunday for Giorgio Chiellini, who played a fantastic game against Spain – with the whole press acknowledging this and praising him – but it was all in vain as Italy went out on penalties. 

The day after the end of his Euro 2008 cup run, the Livorno-born defender spoke of his feelings with Juventus Channel during the “231 Estate” afternoon programme. 

«I can only be proud of how I played at these European Championships – Giorgio confessed – even though I'm sorry it ended like that for Italy, alas we were not very lucky. The striker who impressed me the most? Villa of Spain. I don't know how this tournament will end, once you get to the semi-finals there are no favourites any more, every team has the same chances; having said that, Russia look very strong. From today I'm focusing on my holidays, I think I'll be back in mid-July».
*juventus.com

Podolski: Juve want me

Germany’s top scorer Lukas Podolski has confirmed he is in negotiations for a move to Juventus.

“I’ve been told Juve are interested in me,” revealed the Bayern Munich star in the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Although I haven’t personally spoken to anybody from the club, let us just say some information has come through to me.

“I have not had contact with any other club, not even with Bayern, during Euro 2008. I am just here to win the trophy.”

German of Polish descent, Podolski got his team off to a flying start in the competition with three goals in four games.

It is no surprise he is looking for a move elsewhere, though, after the 23-year-old spent much of the past season on the bench at Bayern Munich.

“Recently I had been playing a little more and trained very hard to be ready for this tournament. There is more faith in me within the national side.”

The reason Podolski has been shelved is the arrival of Luca Toni, who banged in almost 40 goals for Bayern and yet has failed to net in Euro 2008.

“It’s difficult to understand what is better for a competition like this – if you gather rust on the bench do you find your form at the end of the season or is it the other way round?

“I hope Luca manages to break his duck. I saw the game against France and he missed chances he usually buries with an arm behind his back.”

While Toni moved to the Bundesliga, Podolski is set to make the opposite journey towards Turin, according to today’s newspapers.

“I have become a left winger nowadays rather than a striker. It seems to work, but I am not going to turn into a defender.”

It is this versatility that interests Juventus, especially if the equally mobile but far older Vincenzo Iaquinta is set to leave in the summer
*channel4

Jean-Claude Blanc speaks across the board

Exactly two weeks before the new season kicks off, the new 2008/09 Juventus continues to take shape. In a period where even the European championships risk being obscured by all the summer transfer rumours, it was up to Jean-Claude Blanc to recap the situation. The Managing Director gave a long interview with Sky Sport, showed during the “Euro Calciomercato” show.

He spoke about a variety of subjects, from the transfer market to the European Championships, but mostly about Juventus. Blanc will be celebrating two years at the club on the 29th of June. 

Ready for Pinzolo. «Our aim is to complete all transfers before the summer camp starts; by July 4th we hope to have a complete squad».

Transfer market in full swing. «After signing Amauri, renewing Nedved's contract, getting back three great young players such as Marchisio, Giovinco and De Ceglie and purchasing Mellberg already in January, our priority now is finding a quality midfielder. We're also looking for reserve goalkeepers, obviously the first team one's role is covered…».
 
Everything passes from the middle. «We're looking for a midfielder of great quality. There aren't many around, and some of them aren't free to move. So we need to speak to the clubs first and then the players. We're in talks with a few; in the end we'll make the best choice under a football point of view but also in terms of money. Aquilani, Stankovic or Xabi Alonso? We're negotiating with more than three». 
 
Facts first. «As is our wont, we only talk when an agreement has been reached; to speak before that only makes the fans dream and increases player prices».  

Trezeguet not going anywhere. «Some agents have been busy trying to create enthusiasm for the player in Spain and Italy. But as it stands now, Juventus are not in talks with Barcelona. We've already said that David cannot be sold, even more so if there aren't any talks going on. He's an important player, not just for us but for his National team. We saw how difficult it is to score without him».

Come on Italy. «Del Piero and Buffon deserve to be Italy's captains, alongside former Juve player Cannavaro. They deserve it after the last two terrible but beautiful years they lived at the Club. These European Championships are like a reward for all they've done, and the same goes for Chiellini and Camoranesi. They deserve to lift this trophy. When we watch them win these games, for us it's like Juve winning too».

Towards the second anniversary. «What's the thing that I liked the most in these two years? Juve's ability to make a lot of people happy with a win, with an attitude, a certain style, a statement by captain Del Piero or Gigi Buffon. I think this ability to make people happy so quickly, only in football and at a club like Juventus can this sort of thing happen».

Towards the Juventus of the future. «We've built a modern and professional club, working extensively on our youth sector. What will it be like in a year's time? Juve will have already started a new winning cycle, two years before moving to the new stadium, a very strong signal that Juve are contenders and they'll be in the future too, as we've put down some solid foundations for the future. Juventus' house has very solid walls and we'll keep building on top of that. We're well organized and we're working very well».

*juventus.com

Mellberg: «I can't wait to start»

After his untimely exit from the European Championships in Switzerland and Austria, Olof Mellberg is now on holiday. The Swedish defender, after his long tenure at Aston Villa, is ready to join Juventus at last. He will reach his new team mates in Pinzolo in early July.

Mellberg seems very keen for that moment to arrive, so much so that he's almost counting the days before he can at last wear the black and white colours. Indeed in an interview with Sky TV he confessed as much: «I can't wait to start. I'll be in Italy in three weeks’ time, to start the pre-season. I spoke to Ranieri before the end of the last season and now I'm eager to meet him. I'm happy about playing with Del Piero as well as all the other team mates; this really is a world class team».
*juventus.com

Italy's run ends

Italy's run at Euro 2008 ended in the quarter finals. The Azzurri lost on penalties to Spain after 120 hard-fought minutes had yielded no goals, despite a great chance for Camoranesi (Casillas made a wonderful save) and an extraordinary performance by man of the match Chiellini.

A penalty shoot-out decided the clash. Camoranesi did his duty with a cool, clinical finish, and Buffon saved one Spanish penalty. Del Piero was supposed to take the last one, but he didn't get the chance due to De Rossi and Di Natale's fatal mistakes. The Spaniards celebrate and go through to the semi-finals where they'll face Russia again, a team they already beat comprehensively in the first round.

For Donadoni's Italy it's all over. And the season also ends here for our own Buffon, Chiellini, Camoranesi and Del Piero. The four Bianconeri will start training again in July, when they'll catch up with their Juventus team mates at the summer camp.

*juventus.com

Player Ratings: Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 on pens)

Spain became the final team to qualify for the semi finals of Euro 2008 by beating Italy on penalties following a 0-0 draw. Carlo Garganese analyses the players on show…

SPAIN

Casillas 9: The hero on the night. Made a brilliant save from Camoranesi in what was the only clear cut chance of normal time. In the shootout, his stop from De Rossi was world class, while he also denied Di Natale.

Sergio Ramos 7.5: Impressive tonight. Won everything in the air, and helped double up on Toni.

Puyol 7: Showed all of his leadership skills tonight, and was really fired up for the game. Having said that he was up against clearly out-of-form Toni.

Marchena 6.5: Would have been identified as a weak link, yet he was rarely troubled given Italy's lack of numbers in attack. Made one crucial intervention on Toni.

Capdevila 6: A virtual spectator for almost the entire 120 minutes. Had no one to defend against down his side yet offered nothing as an attacking force.

Iniesta 6: Not quite up to his usual standard, but held possession well enough before he was substituted.

Senna 6.5: Directed the play well in the middle of the park and was generally in the right place at the right time. Put away his penalty well.

Xavi 6: Started brightly but was unable to penetrate the imperious Italian backline, and was rightly replaced for Fabregas.

Silva 8: Spain's best outfield player, and the only one who really looked capable of knocking down the Italian brick wall. Came closest with a shot early in extra time that finished inches wide.

Torres 5.5: Worked hard but was not afforded the space that he thrives on. Owned by Chiellini, and was unsurprsingly substituted for Guiza.

Villa 6: Energetic but playing against an Italian defence is a different proposition to the Russians or the Swedes. His touch let him down at the crucial moment but he dispatched his penalty well.

Substitutes

Cazorla 6: Added very little after his introduction, and spent most of the game moaning at the referee.

Fabregas 7: Added some spark after his second half introduction, and helped Spain control the ball even more, but was also unable to unlock the door. Scored the winning penalty to put Spain through.

Guiza 6.5: Did well after coming on, and offered something different for the Italians to think about. Missed his penalty but it didn't prove costly.

ITALY

Buffon 6.5: Had virtually nothing to do during the 120 minutes, but was fortunate after spilling a harmless Senna shot onto the post. Saved one penalty in the shootout, but unfortunately for Italy it wasn't enough. Reading penalties is the only weakness in Buffon's game, despite saving two in this competition.

Zambrotta 7: Excellent defensively, controlling Iniesta as well as Villa when he drifted to the left. Made few raids past the half way line, and this was a signal of Italy's negative play.

Panucci 7: A calming influence in defence. Made a couple of poor clearances, but tactically he organised the backline superbly. Spain could have played all week and they still wouldn't have scored.

Chiellini 8.5: An absolute rock at the back. Owned both Torres and Villa, and made two brilliant last-gasp interventions. The most positive thing to come out of this tournament for Italy is that they have found a warrior of a centre back.

Grosso 6.5: Not as impressive as in the group stages, and was caused a few problems by Silva one-on-one, when the winger switched flanks. However, tactically, he did his job as part of the Italian unit.

De Rossi 6: Sat in front of the back four, and closed up the space. But with a lack of creativity among his midfield peers, he couldn't dominate, or leave his post, like he did against France.

Ambrosini 6: An honest and committed performance from Ambrosini, but unfortunately he offers nothing going forward, meaning Itay were on the backfoot for most of the game.

Aquilani 4: Hid like a little schoolkid scared about getting the slipper from his mother. He needed to step up to the plate tonight but he was like a ghost. Pirlo was sorely missed.

Perrotta 5: Worked tirelessly, but like all of the midfield, barring De Rossi, did not have the quality to match. Italy looked far more dangerous when Camoranesi came on.

Cassano 5.5: Had some nice touches, but in truth it never really happened for Cassano. In his defence, he was playing far too far away from goal due to a lack of midfield support. He was also partnering the attrocious Toni. Even Maradona or Pele would have looked bad next to the Bayern man.

Toni 3: What has happened to the great Toni this tournament? Or was he really ever that great? Toni has never really done it in the big matches and against the big teams for Italy. Slow, lumbersome, he looked like your old fashioned English centre forward who would try get onto the end of lumped long balls. A pub brawler reminiscent of the 1930s American/Italian boxer Tony Galento.

Substitutes

Camoranesi 6.5: Added some creativity to the play after coming on, and at least linked the play with the attack. Had the best chance of the game, and was denied by a brilliant Casillas save.

Di Natale 5.5: Looked sharp, but despite his age he lacked the experience at this level. Penalty miss was crucial.

Del Piero N/A

Carlo Garganese

Euro 2008, only Juve's Italians left

It's still verdict time at Euro 2008. With the games played Wednesday night, the first group phase has ended and the names of the eight teams who will fight for the trophy have been decided. The last team to qualify were Russia, who won against rivals Sweden and put them out.

So it's all over for Mellberg, after Grygera went out with his Czech Republic too. For both defenders, the 2007/08 season ends here. The next season will start in July for them (presumably the second week of the month), when they'll reach Ranieri and their team mates at the summer camp in Pinzolo.

Now we only have Buffon, Chiellini, Camoranesi and Del Piero left representing Juventus in Austria and Switzerland. The Italians, after defeating France, are preparing Sunday night's match against Spain (to be played in Vienna). This will be the last match of the quarter finals that start today with the Portugal vs. Germany fixture. Croatia vs. Turkey (on Friday) and Holland vs. Russia (on Saturday) will be the other games.

*juventus.com

Molinaro sets aims on Italy shirt

A season in the spotlight at Juventus and the European Championships in Switzerland and Austria only watched on TV have made Cristian Molinaro more eager than ever to get into the National team set-up. The day after Italy achieving qualification, the defender shared his thoughts with Juventus Channel during a phone-in interview shown in the afternoon programme “231 Estate”.

«On a football level, I've always had two dreams – the Campania-born midfielder remarked –, to play for a big Club and to get in the National team. Thanks to Juventus I fulfilled the first dream, and I have the chance to play at the highest level, now I've set my aims on the second one. The Italy-France game? The lads made us all very happy. They did well in playing a physical game; they started off very determinedly, more than the French for sure. This was our secret weapon, and then luckily Holland did their part too».

*juventus.com

Birra Moretti Trophy to take place on August 21st

Two dates were still to be set in Juventus' summer and one has now been decided. Today the 12th edition of the Birra Moretti Trophy was presented in Naples.

The 2008 edition will follow in the tradition of the last three years. The tournament will have the same three team formula and the same teams taking part again: Juventus, Inter Milan and Napoli. It will be played at the San Paolo in Naples on Thursday August 21st. The whole event will be shown live on Italian TV channel Canale 5 in prime time.

Only the date of the exhibition at Villar Perosa remains to be defined to complete Juventus' summer calendar. In any case this is the latest updated schedule.

From July 5th to the 16th, summer training camp in Pinzolo, with two friendlies against Mezzocorona (on the 11th) and Piacenza (16th), at venues to be confirmed
July 23rd, friendly against Brondby in Copenhagen
July 26th, friendly against Borussia in Dortmund
July 29th, TIM Trophy in Turin against Inter Milan and AC Milan
August 2-3, Emirates Cup in London against Arsenal and Hamburg
August 6th, friendly against Manchester United in Manchester
August 12th or 13th, Champions League preliminary round first leg
August 17th, Berlusconi Trophy in Milan against AC Milan
August 21st, Birra Moretti Trophy in Naples against Inter Milan and Napoli
August 26th or 27th, Champions League preliminary round second leg
August 31st, 2008/09 Serie A Day 1

*juventus.com

gallery Italy V France

Italy's heart still beating, Azzurri in the quarter finals

At their third attempt, Italy got what they wanted: they beat France, won their first Euro 2008 and got through to the quarter finals all at the same time, thanks also to Holland's win over Rumania in the other Group C game.

It was a lucky Tuesday the 17th for the Azzurri. In Zurich, the same teams that played the 2008 World Cup final in Germany faced off and the match went well from the start. First Ribery had to go off injured, and then Abidal committed a foul on Toni: Pirlo converted the penalty and the defender was sent off, with former Juve player Boumsong coming on to fill the gap in defence. Up one goal, Italy controlled the match and Chiellini had to do his best to contain an unstoppable Thierry Henry.

All went well in the second half too. Knowing that Holland had now scored gave new enthusiasm to the Azzurri, who got the second thanks to De Rossi: his free kick hit the back of the net due to Henry's unlucky deflection. Camoranesi came on the pitch and Captain Buffon confirmed himself as the star of the team with a great save on Benzema.

This was the last thrill of the match (thanks also to Holland's second goal against Rumania), and Italy can now focus on the quarter finals, where they will find one of the best teams seen at these Euro 2008 championships: Spain.
*juventus.com

Nedved: « Italy, don't do what we did!»

The day after the Czech Republic's incredible elimination and on the eve of the decisive Italy vs. France clash, who better than Pavel Nedved to comment what has happened at Euro 2008 so far. Still in disbelief for what his fellow country men did, the “Czech Fury” spoke exclusively to Juventus Channel, in a phone call broadcast during the “231 Estate” programme today (to be shown again at 8.15 pm).

«I still don't understand what happened – Pavel remarked, speaking about his former team mates' match against Turkey – It was really strange, our National team hadn't played a match like that in a long, long time. I guess when they were up 2-0 the lads were convinced it was over and they let go a bit, then when the Turks scored they got scared and then the equalizer just took the wind out of them. Grygera? I haven't had the courage to call him yet. I spoke to him before the game and he told me they were all excited and convinced they were going to win».

With his Czech Republic now out, Pavel's focus is entirely on Italy. In fact, the whole Nedved family's focus is on them: «My son supports the Azzurri and he cried when they lost the other day. Now I'm hoping they won't do what my fellow countrymen did. Unfortunately it's not going to be easy because to qualify they must not only win against France, but also hope Rumania don't win their game. But I don't believe Holland will arrange to lose on purpose because no-one wants to make a bad impression».

And finally, just a few words about Juventus. There'll be time to think about Pinzolo and the exciting new season after his well-deserved holiday. But Nedved wanted to speak specifically about new team mate Amauri. And he couldn't have praised the new man more: «I'm really happy he's coming to play with us, he is exactly the kind of player we needed. He's very strong but very skilful too; Juventus really did a great thing in signing him up».

Bianconeri set for busy summer

The summer that's about to start will be quite an eventful one for Juventus. There'll be no shortage of prestigious friendlies along the way in the long road taking Ranieri's team up to the two Champions League preliminary games (first leg on August 12th or 13th, second leg on the 26th or 27th).

The schedule has almost been completed by now. The last games to be officially announced were the friendly in Denmark against Brondby, the TIM Trophy and the Berlusconi Trophy. But let's see them in more detail.

Juve will be travelling all around Europe even before the Champions League preliminary round; before setting off to Germany (to play in Dortmund against Borussia Dortmund) and England (to play the Emirates Cup and at Old Trafford in Manchester), they will start off in Denmark. On Wednesday July the 23rd, Juventus will be playing in Copenhagen against one of the most prestigious teams of the country where former Juve star Michael Laudrup was born. Just like on the trip to Dortmund, the Bianconeri will be travelling there and back on the same day.

The month of July will finish with an event in Turin. Indeed for the first time the Olimpico will host the TIM Trophy, which has become a staple of the football summer diet by now. In 2008 it'll be the most prestigious of the three-team formula summer tournaments again, with Inter Milan and AC Milan taking part.

AC Milan will be playing against the Bianconeri in the other traditional summer engagement too, the Berlusconi Trophy. As always, the game will be played at the Meazza in Milan, on August 17th.

Just a few details still need to be defined before work begins again on July 5th, the day the squad departs for Pinzolo. For instance, the venues for the two friendlies to be played during the period in Val Rendena, i.e. the match against Mezzocorona on July 11th and the one against Piacenza on the 16th, the last game before returning to Turin, are still to be selected.

The last details also have to be defined regarding the dates of the Birra Moretti Trophy, and the most traditional of all summer engagements, the showcase at Villar Perosa, still needs to be organized in full too.

This is the calendar of Juventus' summer 2008 engagements that have already been officially announced:

From July 5th to the 16th, summer training camp in Pinzolo, with two friendlies against Mezzocorona (on the 11th) and Piacenza (16th), at venues to be confirmed
July 23rd, friendly against Brondby in Copenhagen
July 26th, friendly against Borussia in Dortmund
July 29th, TIM Trophy in Turin against Inter Milan and AC Milan
August 2-3, Emirates Cup in London against Arsenal and Hamburg
August 6th, friendly against Manchester United in Manchester
August 12th or 13th, Champions League preliminary round first leg
August 17th, Berlusconi Trophy against AC Milan in Milan
August 26th or 27th, Champions League preliminary round second leg
August 31st, 2008/09 Serie A Day 1

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2008/09 Serie A line-up now official

Finally we know all the names of the teams taking part in the 2008/09 edition of Serie A. The Serie B play-offs have ended, and it's Lecce who achieved promotion, alongside Chievo Verona and Bologna. Lecce beat Albino Leffe in the final over two games.

Empoli, Parma and Livorno having been relegated, this is how the top Italian League will look next season:

Atalanta
Bologna
Cagliari
Catania
Chievo Verona
Fiorentina
Genoa
Inter
Juventus
Lazio
Lecce
Milan
Napoli
Palermo
Reggina
Roma
Sampdoria
Siena
Torino
Udinese

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Czech Republic incredibly defeated, Grygera out

Euro 2008 already over for Zdenek Grygera. The Czech Republic literally threw away their qualification when they allowed Turkey to come back and beat them 3-2 from being two goals down up until the 75th minute. The Turkish side sail through alongside Portugal.

Now it's the Italians and Mellberg's turn to try and go past the first round. The Azzurri have their last chance on Tuesday against France, but it all depends on the result of the Holland vs. Rumania game too. Sweden also have one match left to try and make it; after being defeated at the last minute by Spain in the previous game, they will be facing Russia on Wednesday.

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SuperGigi keeps Italy afloat

Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini gave a huge hand in Italy's 1-1 draw against Rumania, their second match in the Euro 2008 qualification round. The super-keeper saved a penalty near the end, taken by his former team mate Mutu (who'd scored the opening goal), while the defender played a vigorous game and was decisive in setting up Panucci's goal.

Italy played in Zurich with Donadoni choosing to start with all four Bianconeri at once (Del Piero, playing as captain, and Camoranesi trying to feed Toni up front), and wanted to redeem their defeat with Holland, but the Rumanians showed they're a first class team. After the first half had ended 0-0 – despite a goal by Toni that was wrongly disallowed -, at the start of the second half Mutu squeezed in between Zambrotta and Buffon and scored. But Italy immediately got the equalizer: on a free kick from the left, Chiellini headed towards Panucci, who netted in from close range. Near the end, after Del Piero had left his place to Quagliarella (Camoranesi was also later replaced by Ambrosini), it was Buffon who came under the spotlight. Norwegian referee Ovrebo gave a penalty for a venial foul by Panucci. Mutu took it but SuperGigi was exceptional, saving superbly and keeping the Azzurri afloat.

The final 1-1 result doesn't help Italy. In the other match of Group C, Holland-France 4-1.

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Blasi and Zalayeta: agreements with Napoli

From today, Manuele Blasi isn't a Juventus player any more. Indeed the Club have sold him to Napoli on a permanent basis. Marcelo Zalayeta will also be staying in Naples: the two clubs have decided to extend the player share contract they signed last August.

The Civitavecchia-born midfielder bids a permanent farewell to Juventus after collecting 57 appearances, all occurring during the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, when with Fabio Capello as manager he helped to win two League titles and earned himself a call-up in the Italian national team too.

During his long tenure as a Juventus player (he was signed in 2003), Blasi spent a few seasons away from Turin on loan: at Parma, at Fiorentina and at Napoli, where he arrived last August (together with Zalayeta) after spending the entire training camp in Claudio Ranieri's squad.

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Juve to challenge European Champions on August 6th

Another prestigious engagement in a very eventful summer. On the long journey taking Juventus to the Champions League preliminary round (first leg on August 12th/13th, second leg on the 26th/27th), Ranieri’s team will now be playing against Manchester United too.

During their summer tour in England, where they will also be facing Arsenal and Hamburg in the Emirates Cup, Juventus will clash with the European (and English) Champions in a prestigious friendly. The game is scheduled for August 6th, at Old Trafford.

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Holland 3 - 0 Italy

Van Nistelrooy 25 (H), Sneijder 31 (H), Van Brockhurst 80 (H) An unlucky Italy got off to a disastrous Euro 2008 start, losing 3-0 to Holland including one extremely controversial Ruud Van Nistelrooy goal. With France's 0-0 draw against Romania earlier today, the Azzurri prop up the Group C standings and have a damaging goal difference. The world champions began their Euro 2008 campaign against seeds Holland, a team they had not lost to in 30 years. Their last European Championship meeting was the epic semi-final in 2000, won by the Azzurri on penalties despite Gianluca Zambrotta's dismissal 34 minutes in. Roberto Donadoni surprised many by leaving Daniele De Rossi on the bench in favour of an all-Milan midfield, while Gianluigi Buffon took the captain's armband. Holland were missing Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie and Mario Melchiot. Injured Fabio Cannavaro was given permission to sit on the bench as a non-playing captain, but only because a physiotherapist moved to the stands to keep inside the limits. Antonio Di Natale's cross was just a little too fast for Luca Toni to tap in from five yards, then Andrea Barzagli charged down a Ruud Van Nistelrooy effort. Wesley Sneijder's free kick hit the wall and as the move continued Buffon smothered a hopeful long-range attempt from Rafael Van Der Vaart. The first major scare came on 17 minutes, as Van Nistelrooy ran on to a Dirk Kuyt through ball, but Buffon did just enough to put him off and the Real Madrid striker went too wide to get the finish into an empty net! Marco Materazzi risked an own goal as he flicked a Sneijder free kick off the head of Van Nistelrooy at the back post. Holland took the lead in extremely controversial circumstances. Van Der Vaart's free kick was punched by Buffon, but only as far as Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, whose shot was redirected from four yards by Van Nistelrooy. He seemed to be clearly offside, but the linesman considered Panucci to be keeping him onside, although he was off the pitch having collided with Buffon. Toni was particularly angry and was booked for dissent. Italy had a great chance to equalise moments later from an Andrea Pirlo corner kick, but it was cleared off the line by Van Bronckhorst with Edwin Van Der Sar beaten. However, on the counter-attack the Dutch doubled their advantage with a sensational goal from Sneijder. A long cross-field pass was nodded back into the middle by Kuyt for Sneijder's right-foot volley between Buffon and the near post. Italy were left wide open as they poured forward to seek an equaliser. A brilliant Di Natale volley from Camoranesi's cross went through Khalid Boulahrouz's legs, but Van Der Sar performed a lucky reaction save. Zambrotta also went into the book for a late tackle on Kuyt. Camoranesi intercepted a pass from 20 metres, but the through ball could not find Toni. Yet it could've been 3-0 on the stroke of half-time when a pass cut out Materazzi to reach Van Nistelrooy and an outstretched Buffon foot deflected it over the bar. Di Natale had another promising opportunity and smashed a shot on the bounce too high to trouble Van Der Sar. Donadoni made no substitutions, though Gattuso was booked for repeated fouling. Zambrotta ran on to an inspired Pirlo pass, skipped past Kuyt at the byeline and flashed a shot across the face of goal. Fabio Grosso replaced Materazzi, moving Panucci into central defence and Zambrotta over to right-back in a completely reshuffled back line. Ambrosini dispossessed Nigel De Jong and the Dutchman was booked for hauling back the Milan midfielder to end a potential counter. Toni couldn't get enough power on his turn and Pirlo's ambitious free kick hit the side-netting as Italy began to pile on the pressure. Alessandro Del Piero came off the bench for another tactical adjustment, replacing Di Natale. Within minutes of stepping on to the field, Del Piero shrugged off Andre Ooijer and his right-foot swerver was smothered by former Juventus teammate Van Der Sar. Del Piero gathered another Pirlo assist and curled just over from a promising angle. Robin Van Persie has been struggling with injury, but replaced Van Nistelrooy for the final 20 minutes. Donadoni gambled all the way to recover from 2-0 and threw on Antonio Cassano for Camoranesi and the dream trident. A minute after coming on, Cassano's flicked pass over the top allowed Toni to spring the offside trap, but the Bayern Munich hitman incredibly ballooned his chip over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat. There was an equally clear chance moments later, as Grosso rode Kuyt's tackle and his angled drive from eight yards was beaten away on the ground by Van Der Sar, then Del Piero was anticipated before he could tap in. Yet again the Azzurri knocked at the door, but Van Der Sar performed a stunning save on Pirlo's free kick into the top corner. But once more Holland struck on the counter-attack to make it 3-0. Buffon did remarkably well to deny the first effort from Kuyt, but could do nothing on a Van Bronckhorst free header that hit Zambrotta on the way in. The action continued with substitute Afellay's cheeky cross-shot clipping the crossbar and Van Persie flashed an effort wide as the Italy defence went to sleep. Del Piero had the chance to at least get a consolation goal in stoppages, but it was deflected out for a corner off Toni's stop.

Holland: Van der Sar; Ooijer, Mathijsen, Bouhlarouz (Heitinga 77), Van Bronckhorst; De Jong, Engelaar; Sneijder, Van Der Vaart, Kuyt (Afellay 81); Van Nistelrooy (Van Persie 70) Italy: Buffon; Panucci, Materazzi (Grosso 54), Barzagli, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Camoranesi (Cassano 75), Toni, Di Natale (Del Piero 64) Ref: Frojdfeldt (Swe)

Juventus sign Paolo De Ceglie

he new 2008/09 Juventus side is taking shape. Next season, Claudio Ranieri will be able to count on Paolo De Ceglie too. The young player from Val d'Aosta, who turns 22 in September and spent years at Juventus' youth sector, returns to the team that moulded him and launched him at the top level.

Therefore, Juventus get one of their most promising youngsters back, after settling in their favour the joint-ownership deal with Siena; this year Paolo played his first (excellent) season in Serie A there, collecting 29 appearances and two goals.

Meanwhile, it has been decided that Andrea Rossi will stay in Tuscany. The lad from the Marche region, who grew up at Juventus too, and recently went on tour with them in China and Australia, has been sold on a permanent basis to Siena.

Director of Sport Alessio Secco commented the deal after the announcement was made. «With De Ceglie's return to Turin, our plan of getting our young talents who grew up at Juventus back is marching on. Paolo has done very well at Siena and we're sure he'll be able to show his worth to Claudio Ranieri».
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Marchisio ties the knot: congratulations Claudio and Roberta

Claudio Marchisio will remember the year 2008 for a very long time. A season in the spotlight at Empoli (despite an unlucky last-minute relegation), the return to his beloved Juventus for next season and a place at the Peking Olympics secured.

And now a memorable event in his private life too. On Sunday afternoon, the young midfielder crowned his love story and married sweetheart Roberta.

Many congratulations to Claudio and Roberta from all of us here at Juventus.

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Euro 2008 starts favourably for Juve’s players

The first day of Euro 2008 already saw the Bianconeri in a starring role. Grygera played in Basel, and Del Piero held a press conference in Italy's training camp in Austria: Juventus are under the spotlight in this tournament too.

The football has begun and this is the most important thing. In Basel, it was Switzerland (the hosts alongside Austria) and the Czech Republic who opened the tournament and Group A, where the two teams are playing alongside Turkey and Portugal.

And it was a memorable debut for Grygera and his team mates. Their defence didn't leave much space to the Swiss forwards (apart from when they hit the crossbar near the end) and the Czechs won 1-0 thanks to a Sverkos goal, earning the first win of the tournament.

As the Czechs were starting off on the right foot in Switzerland, in Austria a top-form Alessandro Del Piero was itching to begin. Two days off from the first game against Holland, Juventus' skipper (who's up for Italy’s skipper role alongside Buffon due to Cannavaro's injury) was the star of a press conference held at Italy's headquarters in Baden.

Del Piero is ready to give his contribution to the Italian cause one more time, to try and win the European Championships after winning the World Cup two years ago in Germany. And Del Piero is also ready to play as well as he has done so many times at Juventus recently. «I've had two fantastic years, I have a son who has changed my life and all I can do now is enjoy this moment, without giving it too much thought – Alex remarked -, but with one desire in my heart, to convert this positive period into a perfect European tournament».

One more objective in a career that has given him plenty to be happy about, season after season. After winning the top scorer award in Serie A (one year after winning it in Serie B), Del Piero wants to leave his mark on Euro 2008 too, with the confidence given him by his record as the most prolific goal-scorer still playing. «I have never given up and I always believed I would make the selection, I never wavered. I gave my best to avoid any alibi and avoid people saying it was because of my shortcomings if I hadn't been called up. This is how I am; I always put my face forward».

Two days off from Italy's debut, Del Piero is confident about the Azzurri and himself doing well in this, the fourth European Championships of his career: «We're World Champions, we have to win the European Championships too. Two years ago we succeeded in everything we did and played at our best, but we've lost some of our players along the way and our opponents have also improved. These are not excuses, it really won't be easy. My tournament? You can't be at your best for twelve months, but I hope to be perfect here».

And if Del Piero plays as he's been playing at Juventus recently, he could really be Manager Donadoni's and Italy's added weapon.

2 Precious 2 Miss, 2nd Anniversary Juventini Indonesia

Pengumuman
1. ULTAH diadakan pada tanggal 19-20 Juli 2008 di sebuah vila di puncak
2. Kendaraan yang digunakan untuk transportasi rencananya adalah sebuah bus
3. Biaya setiap peserta Rp. 111.000 per orang (include t shirt)
Oiya, bagi peserta yang ingin mendapatkan kaos gath mohon segera konfirmasi, soalnya produksinya akan dimulai tgl 23 Juni. jika peserta yang mendaftar melewati tgl 23 Juni, mohon maaf sekali tdk dpt medapatkan kaos gath.

Cara pembayaran
pembayaran bisa dilakukan secara langsung maupun transfer.
Pembayaran terakhir yang diterima adalah tanggal 6 Juli 2008, mohon maaf jika pembayaran tidak diterima lagi setelah tanggal 6 Juli
Untuk transfer bisa dikirimkan ke rekening:
1. BCA dengan nomer 3422437131 atas nama gunawan
2. Mandiri dengan nomer 1570000324690 atas nama gunawan
setelah transfer diwajibkan untuk mengsms ke nomer 0818786247 sebagai bukti dengan mencantumkan nama asli, id forum dan ke rekening mana uang ditransferkan. terima kasih

info lebih lanjut klik Juventini

Juve to face Borussia Dortmund in July

Juventus' summer gains another prestigious international engagement. After the summer camp in Pinzolo and before the Emirates Cup, which the Bianconeri will play in London between the 2nd and 3rd of August against Arsenal and Hamburg, another important friendly has been added to the schedule: on July 26, Ranieri's men will fly over to Dortmund in Germany to play a friendly against Borussia. This match will not only allow Juventus to get a taste of Europe again, before the games in England and the preliminary rounds of the Champions League, but will also make them relive one of the classic rivalries of the '90's.

Indeed, between 1993 and 1997 Juventus and Borussia faced each other as many as seven times, both in the UEFA Cup and the Champions League, and the matches were always hard-fought and spectacular ones. The last game wasn't favourable for the Bianconeri, as they lost the 1997 Champions League Champions League final in Munich, but Juventus had achieved some great results in the previous encounters with Borussia: from the UEFA Cup final in 1993, to the 1995 UEFA semi-final, and up to the first round games in the 1996 Champions League. It was in the first of these last two matches, in Dortmund, that Alex Del Piero scored his first goal in the Champions League, with his trademark curling shot in the top right corner, like he'd scored many times in the Italian League before.

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Donadoni soldiers on without skipper

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is busy exploring his defensive options after it was confirmed that captain Fabio Cannavaro will miss the finals through injury.

Systems tested
With centre-back Cannavaro ruled out after sustaining ankle ligament damage in training on Monday, Donadoni returned to the drawing board and came up with two possible defensive templates. During Tuesday's training session he tried out a new three-man rearguard formed by Christian Panucci, Giorgio Chiellini – whose challenge inadvertently contributed to ending Cannavaro's tournament – and the skipper's replacement, Alessandro Gamberini of ACF Fiorentina. Then came a back four comprising Gianluca Zambrotta, Andrea Barzagli, Marco Materazzi and Fabio Grossi, with some observers tipping the second system to be trusted against the Netherlands on 9 June.

Keeping the faith
Donadoni said: "This team has its own identity and we are not going to change it because we have lost one player, albeit an important one. I have complete faith in the players here. Both Barzagli and Materazzi have done well in recent years. I am confident in the options I have and whoever replaces Fabio will know exactly what they are doing. We have experienced players who are ready to step up."

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Amauri: «Juve, my personal victory»

Welcome Amauri.....

«I was an unknown when I came to Italy and after eight years I find myself as one of the future stars of a team that have victory in their DNA. This is a dream come true for me, a personal victory».
These were the first words uttered by Amauri as a Juventus player. The forward, after signing a four-year deal, was introduced officially during a press conference at the Vinovo sport centre. «I signed today – Amauri explained – but I could've signed last week, or two weeks ago. The agreement had already been reached».

«We never feared the deal wouldn't go through – M.D. Jean Claude Blanc clarified – We went forward with this transfer respecting everyone; seeing as there were several people involved, the situation was a complex one and we needed the right amount of time. He only signed today even though the medical took place on Tuesday. But Nocerino wasn't here Tuesday, as he was with the Olympic National team in Toulon, whereas it was important for all parties to sign at the same time».

There was talk of Amauri joining Juventus for several months and, despite other clubs being interested, the Brazilian's first choice was always the Bianconeri:
«AC Milan were interested in me too, it's true, but as I always said to my agents, my first choice was Juve. There was talk of Juventus being interested in signing me already back in January and I wanted to see if there was any truth to this. Well, when I met the management I immediately knew what I read in the newspapers was true. The chance to play the Champions League was also important in making me choose this club».

Juventus have found another adaptable striker, able to play in any role up front: «At Chievo I was the second striker playing wide. This year at Palermo I played as centre forward and I liked it. I am lucky in being able to play in both roles».

Amauri, Del Piero, Iaquinta, Trezeguet; Juventus now have an exceptional forward line:
«I'm honoured to play with Alex, David and Vincenzo… three formidable players. I'm here to grow and take my chances. This year's League run already showed the strength of this team: they have the two top scorers. Next year we surely aim to win something and we have the players to achieve this. Juve have always won a lot, they've always been the kings in Italy and Europe and they want to be that again. And I want to be part of their return to the top».

At the end of the press conference, M.D. Blanc answered the journalists' questions about Juve's transfer market: « Our priority was reaching an agreement with a player of Amauri's class. That was our first objective. Obviously we want to complete the squad and our next objective is in midfield. We're having discussions now and we'll see if we can go through with another deal of the same quality as the one we've just completed. As for the defence, we'll have Mellberg in the middle, whereas on the left we'll insist with our policy of favouring younger players, betting on Molinaro and De Ceglie, who will be coming back to Juventus, as will Giovinco and Marchisio. Selling Trezeguet? Absolutely not. Our aim is to strengthen the team in view of the chance to fight to win three tournaments and to do so we'll have an extremely strong battery of forwards in Amauri, Trezeguet, Del Piero and Iaquinta»

Ranieri: «Amauri will make us improve even more»

Despite being thousands of miles away from Italy, one of the first to comment on Juventus’ signing of Brazilian striker Amauri was Claudio Ranieri. The manager, who has just led his team to victory against Melbourne Victory, a win that ended the summer tour and the whole 2007/08 season too, is relishing the prospect of training the new signing and this were his comments on receiving the good news.

«This is a player we've been following for a long time. After his injury he immediately returned to play at the highest level and he showed it against us too, scoring two brilliant goals in the game in Palermo. He's a very strong striker, and will further strengthen our forward line up, a line up that has already shown its worth. Being the player he is, he'll be able to play alongside Del Piero as well as with Trezeguet or Iaquinta and he could also play in a three-man attack if needed. With Amauri's arrival the process of strengthening our team continues, so that we can try and do even better next season».

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Nocerino moves to Palermo

Goodbye and succes for U noce...

Amauri is a Juventus player. The Brazilian striker, who had already undergone his medical Tuesday in Turin, signed a four-year contract in Vinovo today. 22.6 million Euros will go to Palermo, but the Sicilian Club will give Juventus 7.5 million Euros for Antonio Nocerino.

«Playing for Juventus is a great victory for me – Amauri declared just after signing the contract – After eight years in Italy moving from club to club I finally arrive at a great Club, with prestigious ambitions and where I'll be able to play the Champions League».

Amauri doesn't really need introductions: the fifteen goals he scored in the last League tournament speak for themselves. These aren't the only noteworthy numbers about him, though. First of all there’s his imposing physique: 1.86 m for 83 kg. And then there’s his remarkable experience in Italy, where he has already played 155 games in Serie A, scoring 41 goals, playing for Napoli, Piacenza, Chievo and Palermo, plus 23 games and 4 goals in Serie B with Messina. Now he's set to begin both his ninth season in Italy and his adventure at Juventus. And as he's going to turn 28 soon, on June 3, he really couldn't have hoped for a nicer birthday gift.

You can watch the video of the first-ever Amauri interview as a Juventus player on JuventusMember.com

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Youth Team, two minutes to forget

Two unlucky minutes condemned Juventus' Youth Team and pushed Fiorentina into the Youth Team League semi-finals. The game between the Bianconeri and the Viola was decided at the end of the first half: after 43 minutes a controversial decision awarded Fiorentina a penalty kick for a De Paola foul on Di Carmine, and Lepiller converted; two minutes later Di Carmine made it two, taking advantage of a deflected ball from an Ariaudo clearance. The two close goals in rapid succession, coming after a balanced first half, didn't discourage the Bianconeri, who tried to come back into the game, but they only managed to score in the 91st minute, with Daud. It was really too late to try for a draw. So Fiorentina qualify for the semi-final, to be played in Chieti on June the 5th, against Sampdoria. The other semi-final, scheduled for Thursday the 4th, will be between Udinese and Inter Milan.

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Melbourne Victory 1 v Juventus 4 30-May-2008