Diego is officially a Juventus player

The news is now official: Diego Ribas da Cunha is a Juventus player. The talented Brazilian signed a five year contract which will see him at Juventus until the 30th of June 2014.

The midfielder who was in Turin yesterday for the medical tests and the signing of the contract returned to Germany where on Saturday the 30th of May he will be playing for Werder Bremen in the final of the German Cup against Bayer Leverkusen. Before returning to Bremen he stated: «I am very enthusiastic and proud of signing for Juventus, such a prestigious club which I dreamt of since I was a child. After the experience in Portugal and the Bundesliga I will be able to test myself in a championship of very high level and I am sure that with Juventus I will be able to reach great goals. Now, however, I want to concentrate on Saturday’s final: I really want to leave the supporters of Werder in the best of manners because it is also thanks to them that I improved in the last years up to the extent of deserving this new opportunity».

Juventus will pay Werder Bremen €24.5 million divided into three installments in bank guarantees: €14 million on the 1st of July 2009, €5.5 million on the 1st of July 2010, €5 million on the 1st of July 2011. The price can rise by a further €2.5 million in case of the fulfillment of established sports objectives in the next five years.

«Due to his technical characteristics – declared Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc – Diego is a fundamental player for the strengthening of the squad. We always said that our objective is to bring together youngsters and champions and Diego falls into both categories: notwithstanding he is only 24 years old, he is a player of great experience with more then 7 years of professional football at high levels. I am sure that his contribution will be important to continue helping the improvement of Juventus and to make a further step ahead in view of the next objectives».

«By depositing this contract – added sports director Alessio Secco – we have brought to a definite conclusion an agreement on which we have been working for months. Diego is a unique player and to bring him to Juventus we had to compete with some of the major European teams. His addition to the squad increases the team’s potential and allows the experimentation of new formations. His performances in the last seasons and his personality which distinguished him in German and in Europe are a confirmation of his qualities. He will be another weapon with which to face the next Champions League, for which we qualified mathematically last Sunday».

Diego Ribas da Cunha was born in Ribeirão Preto, On the 28th of February 1985.

The attacking midfielder with a compact and fast physique has excellent technique and vision of play. He is a complete player who is good at dribbling, sudden changes of pace and creating numerical superiority. He is very precise with long balls, has a powerful shot and is particularly skilled at taking free-kicks, capabilities which make him a great finisher.

After having made his debut with Santos in 2002 at 16 years of age he was transferred to Porto after two years during which he won 2 championships. At Porto he spent 2 seasons winning the Intercontinental Cup, a championship and a Portuguese Supercup before being transferred to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. In Germany Diego’s career exploded winning a League Cup and being named best player of the championship in 2007.

In the meantime he has been winning himself more and more space in the Brazilian national team with which side he won two Coppa America (in 2004 and 2007) and a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Season 2008-09

Championship : 20 appearances – 12 goals
European Cups: 8 appearances – 6 goals
German Cup : 4 appearances – 2 goals

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Juventus The Best Option For Me - Diego

Brazilian playmaker Diego spoke his first few words as a Juventus player following today's signing...
26 May 2009 19:46:44

On the day of his arrival at Juventus, former Werder Bremen playmaker Diego spoke to Sky Sport 24 about his ambitions for his stint at the Old Lady.

"Why did I choose Juventus? Because they're one of the best teams in the world and the way we have been talking for a long time, for two and a half years," he said. "I've also always had a special sympathy for Juve, it was the best option for me."

Asked what shirt number he would like to have at his new club, after wearing the prestigious number 10 shirt with the German side, the Brazilian said: "Let's wait and see, [Alessandro] Del Piero has a big history with the club, he is a world idol and so I am sure the number 10 shirt is in good hands right now.

"There are no problems at all, I will pick another number and when it's possible, I will take the number 10 shirt."

On Italian football, Diego said: "It's very competitive, teams play very compact, especially in defence. It will be a difficult league but a team like Juve has every chance to win.

"My message to the fans? It's a pleasure to be part of a club like Juve and I hope to give them a lot of joy."

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

Marchisio: «We are stronger with Diego»

«With Sunday’s victory we saved the season, after a negative period during which we nearly ruined our championship. We recovered and now we must continue like this». The victory against Siena saw a compact Juventus once again, capable of taking advantage of its champions and the freshness of its youngsters. Marchisio was one of the protagonists in a 3-0 victory obtained in Tuscany with a goal and a pass. Interviewed on Juventus Channel he asked his team mates for another effort: «we managed to win direct qualification to the Champions League but now we are obliged to beat Lazio to end as runners-up. We tried fighting for the scudetto, having the second place practically assured but then there was the negative period and risked losing it. Now we must win on Sunday to win it back, and I think we deserve this».

The topic of the day is the signing of Diego which came in addition to the one announced a few days ago, Fabio Cannavaro: «The club’s policy is clear. The club wants to strengthen the team. This year we did well in the Champions League after the Serie B and last year in which we qualified for European football but to do even better we need experienced champions like Cannavaro and players of a very high level like Diego. The next coach? For now we must work well with Mr. Ferrara and win the second place, then after the Summer break the club will take the best decision».

Attention shifted to the imminent Champions League final and Claudio did not high jis preference as being Manchester: «I like them a lot because they are in team in which all 11 players defend even Rooney sacrifices himself a lot and then they have a great counter-attack with Ronaldo, Park, Tevez...This can be the secret weapon against Barcellona who base much on ball possession».

In conclusion a though about Maldini’s last match at the San Siro which was ruined by a part of the fans: «Apparently some of the people who entered the stadium have nothing to do with football and support. Whistling against Maldini who can boast of more then 900 appearances for Milan is unimaginable. Some may say that his answer was overdone but for somebody like him who spent all his life fighting for the jersey and the club, I don’t think it is right to protest against him in his farewell match».

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Legrottaglie on the field with the Fair Play Team

This is yet another solidarity initiative with a Juventus champion on the front line. After the match between the National Designers Team and the All Star Juventus and the Partita del Cuore held in the past weeks, this time it will be Nicola Legrottaglie who will be on the field to support a noble cause. The Juventus defender will take part in “La partita del Fair Play Team”, a charity initiative that will take place on Monday 1st June at 18:30hrs at the San Siro. It will be a great feast involving many personalities from the world of entertainment alongside sports champions united with a unique objective: accelerating the research against Multiple Sclerosis and supporting the children who are victims of the Abruzzo earthquake.

Legrottaglie this morning took part in the launch of the event which took place in Milan Urban Center. The event also saw the participation of the Milan Sports Councillor Alan Christian Rizzi, The national president of the Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla Roberta Amadeo, he President of the Milan Province CSI (Centro Sportivo Italiano) Giancarlo Valeri one of the event partners, as well as Tommaso Ghirardi Parma president, Paolo Ligresti, Moreno Morello and Max Laudadio of “Striscia la Notizia”.

The 1st of June will therefore see the Nazionale Fair Play Imprenditori play against the Nazionale Calcio TV, two teams which will be made stronger by a number of footballers from the Fair Play Team. The money collected will go towards the AISM, Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla and Abruzzo nel Cuore, a committee founded by Toyota F1 pilot Jarno Trulli in aid of Abruzzo. Both associations will be working on a number of concrete projects: scholarships in research, the creation of playing areas and schools for children.

The list of participants is a very rich one: the testimonials of the event Nicola Legrottaglie, Gianluca Zambrotta and Francesco Toldo, the bianconeri Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio e Paolo De Ceglie, world champions Fabio Grosso and Simone Barone, as well as Cristiano Lucarelli, Luca Cigarini, Domenico Criscito and Daniele Dessena. Also Jarno Trulli, event promoter Paolo Ligresti, TV stars Diego Abatantuono, Paolo Bonolis, Gene Gnocchi, Teo Mamuccari, Baz, Bruno dei Fichi d’India, Ficarra e Picone, il Gabibbo, Luca e Paolo, Pucci, i Turbolenti, Max Laudadio, Moreno Morello, Daniele Battaglia, Roberto “Baffo” da Crema, Gianpaolo “Vespa” Fabrizio. Amongst the entrepreneurs there will also be a number of well known faces from the football world including Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi and Atalanta president Alessandro Ruggeri.

Entrance to the stadium will be free for children under 12 years of age while the tickets for adults will cost 10 Euro. The pre-sale will take place at the Banca Intesa branches and the AISM Lombardia and CSI sections whereas for the direct purchase of tickets this can be done through the ticket booths at the San Siro Stadium Entrance 7.
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Diego in white & black

26 May 2009
Juventus Football Club announces that the agreement with Werder Bremen for the acquisition of the registration rights of the player Da Cunha Diego has been finalized. Juventus and the player have signed a 5-year contract of employment starting from 1 July 2009.
The Brazilian midfielder, yesterday in Turin for medical check-up and for signing the agreement, went back to Germany where on Saturday May, 30th, will play the Germany Cup final vs. Bayer Leverkusen. Before going back to Brema he declared: «I’m enthusiastic of Juventus and proud of becoming part of such a prestigious club, a club I’ve been dreaming of since I was a little boy. After the experience in Portugal and in the Bundesliga I will have the chance to face a very high level soccer, in a difficult and very competitive championship. It’s the right time of my career to take such an important decision and I’m sure with Juventus I will be able to achieve great successes. But now I want to concentrate on Saturday’s final: I want to leave Werder’s supporters in the best way possible, because it’s also thanks to them if in these years I’ve grown up, so to deserve this new opportunity».

«Thanks to his technical characteristics – Juventus’ CEO Jean-Claude Blanc stated – Diego becomes a fundamental player to strengthen the team. We have always said that our goal is to put young men and champions together and Diego summarizes both these two identities: even though he’s only 24, in fact, he is a great experience player, with more than 7 years as a professional at high levels. I’m sure his contribution will be important to make Juventus keep on growing and to make a further step forward, considering our next goals».

«Registering this contract – Sport Director Alessio Secco added – we have definitively entered an agreement we’ve been working on for many months. Diego is a unique player and to bring him to Juventus we had to compete with some of most important European Clubs. His acquisition increases the team potentiality and will allow testing different forms of play. His performances during the last sport seasons, and his personality that made him special in Germany and in Europe, are the confirmation to his qualities. He will be a further “weapon” to face with faith also the next Champions League, mathematically achieved last Sunday ».

The attacking midfielder with a compact and fast physique has excellent technique and vision of play. He is a complete player who is good at dribbling, sudden changes of pace and creating numerical superiority. He is very precise with long balls, has a powerful shot and is particularly skilled at taking free-kicks, capabilities which make him a great finisher. After ghaving made his debut with Santos in 2002 at 16 years of age he was transferred to Porto after two years during which he won 2 championships. At Porto he spent 2 seasons winning the Intercontinental Cup, a championship and a Portuguese Supercup before being transferred to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. In Germany Diego’s career exploded winning a League Cup and being named best player of the championship in 2007. In the meantime he has been winning himself more and more space in the Brazilian national team with which side he won two Coppa America (in 2004 and 2007) and a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. In the last season Diego played 32 matches and scored 20 goals (Championship: 20 appearances – 12 goals, European Cups: 8 appearances – 6 goals, German Cup: 4 appearances – 2 goals).

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Player Ratings: Siena 0-3 Juventus

Ciro Ferrara's first game in temporary charge of Juventus ended with a 3-0 win at Siena. Goal.com rates the players on show...

24 May 2009 16:30:08

SIENA

Curci -7.0: Kept the scoreline down with fine one-on-one saves from Iaquinta and Del Piero, but could do nothing on the strikes that did beat him.

Rossettini -5.0: Struggled badly against the ageless Nedved, who repeatedly got in behind him.

Portanova -4.5: Played Iaquinta onside early on, and was not able to continue what had been a fine individual season up until today.

Ficagna -4.5: Like Portanova, Ficagna had no answer to Del Piero, who raced behind the backline on countless occasions.

Rossi -6.0: The best of a bad Siena defence. Coped relatively well with Camoranesi, but, like his team-mates, could not hold the line.

Coppola -5.0: Made no impact whatsoever in midfield, and you would be forgiven for thinking that Coppola was not even playing.

Vergassola -5.5: Tried his best, but was second to every ball against Marchisio.

Galloppa -6.5: Possibly Siena's best player in the first half, spraying some sweet passes around with his left foot. Succumbed to injury just after the break.

Jarolim -6.0: One of the few Siena players to actually try his luck at goal, but nothing to write home about.

Calaio -6.0: Was lively in the opening stages, but the Juve defenders soon got the measure of him.

Maccarone -5.0: Worked hard and never stopped running, but got little change out of Legrottaglie and Chiellini. Substituted on 63 minutes.

Subs

Zito 5.0: Made no impact.

Ghezzal -5.5: A few tricks and flicks.

Del Prete -N/V

JUVENTUS

Buffon -6.5: Barely had a save to make all game. Commanding on crosses and set-pieces, it has been a long time since Buffon enjoyed an afternoon like this.

Zebina -7.0: Has been shaky since returning to the team, but there were few signs of his erratic form against the Tuscans. Also attacked well down the flank.

Legrottaglie -8.0: Won everything in the air, was attentive, and comfortably coped with everything Siena threw at him.

Chiellini -8.0: His partnership with Legrottaglie was the backbone of the Juventus victory. Chiellini won every challenge he went in for, and was far too strong for the Siena attackers.

De Ceglie -6.5: Perhaps fortunate to avoid a red card on 12 minutes for pulling back Calaio, but, this aside, De Ceglie was sound today.

Camoranesi -6.0: Far from vintage Camoranesi. Had his moments, but most of Juventus' good work came down the left-hand side.

Marchisio -8.5: Came back in for the dropped Poulsen, and what a difference it made. Made the centre of the pitch his own, scoring Juventus' second, creating a golden chance for Iaquinta, and running the show.

Zanetti -7.0: Did a tactical job, breaking up Siena's play and allowing Marchisio to charge forward. Added to his ludicrously high career total of petty fouls.

Nedved -8.0: The Czech legend has been rolling back the years recently, and he must be seriously reconsidering retirement now. A machine down the left hand side, Nedved wreaked havoc down his flank.

Del Piero -9.0: Restored to the team by Ferrara, Del Piero proved his worth with two goals, one of them a quite stunning free kick, as well as the assist for Marchisio's strike.

Iaquinta -6.5: Linked up well with Del Piero and worked tirelessly. A little clumsy with his final ball, and he missed a one-on-one early in the game.

Subs

Poulsen 6.0: Replaced Zanetti.

Mellberg -N/V

Trezeguet -N/V

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com

Three goals worth the Champions League!

Ferrara’s first match as Juve coach is marked by a brilliant 3-0 victory which assures Juve direct qualification to the Champions League and their return to the second place. It’s the first match for Ciro Ferrara on the bench. The heat is high and the players have to deal with the temperature as well as the Tuscan bianconeri. After a few seconds from kick-off, Siena benefit from a free-kick: ball is put into the area but Buffon cradles it well. One minute later there is a corner for Juve: ball into the area, Legrottaglie with an overhead kick tries to shoot towards goal but the flag is up for off-side as the strikers moved forward.
On the 4th minute Iaquinta turns well in the area after receiving from Camoranesi and passes to Nedved who leaves the ball to Marchisio who is contrasted by a defender as he is about to shoot. Juventus show good initiative keeping Siena under constant pressure and on the 8th minute a good cross into the area by Camoranesi towards Del Piero is just slightly too long. Two minutes later Nedved puts a long ball into the area towards Iaquinta but Curci anticipates the striker. The 11th minute sees a good cross into the Siena area with Camoranesi attempting to head home but Curci punches away. One minute later however, De Ceglie is shown a yellow card for a foul outside the area. Free-kick for Siena: ball goes high over the bar. On the quarter of an hour mark Iaquinta with a good run enters the area but his shot is straight into the keeper. A golden opportunity gone wasted. The goal however is close. On the 17th minute there is a free-kick for Juve and Del Piero with a wonderful shot puts the ball into the back of the net for the opener (0-1). Three minutes later Maccarone shoots high from outside the area. On the 23rd minute there is a corner for Siena: ball into the area but Camoranesi clears away. The Juventus at the Franchi is definitely a different Juve in attitude from that seen in the last month and a half. On the 25th minute Siena with a header towards goal find Buffon well placed to grab the ball safely. One minute later A good Nedved cross is nodded by Camoranesi towards Del Piero who turns well but sees his shot going high. Great team work! On the 29th minute there is a free-kick for Siena: Jarolin puts the ball straight into the arms of Buffon. The half hour sees a great bit of action by Nedved who after a good run and a series of balls into the area sees Juve winning a corner. Two minutes later it is once again Nedved in yet another great run who passes to Del Piero who in turn enters the area but is stopped by Portanova at the crucial moment in what seemed to be a great goal opportunity.
Juve keep piling up the pressure on the Siena defence and on the 37th minute Del Piero puts a good through ball towards Marchisio in the area with the young midfielder lifting it over Curci for the second goal (0-2). On the 41st minute Nedved with a powerful shot from a long distance sees Curci saving. One minute later there is a corner for Juve: ball into the area but Portanova heads for another corner. From the second flag-kick the ball is put into the area with the defence clearing. The last bit of action in the first half is a free-kick for Siena which sees Maccarone driving the ball straight into the wall. In the second half Juventus continue where they left off in the first 45 minutes of the match, keeping the initiative and controlling well. On the 3rd minute the ball is played into the Siena area after some good passing but the defence clears. Two minutes later an off-side is signaled against Juve after a series of beautiful maneuvers to launch Iaquinta. On the 6th minute a ball is put into the Siena area but there are no Juve players to attempt a strike. Two minutes later a modest attempt by Siena sees the ball being headed away by Chiellini. On the 11th minute there is a free-kick for Siena: ball into the Juve area but Chiellini heads into corner. From the flag the ball is put into the area but Buffon grabs without difficulty. The 15th minute sees Iaquinta who passes to Del Piero outside the area, the captain shoots beautifully with the keeper managing to save. Two minutes later, there is a good pass by Iaquinta towards Nedved who slips before managing to shoot. On the 19th minute a shot by Jarolin from outside the area goes wide. On the 24th minute there is a free-kick for Juve from outside the Siena area after foul on Zanetti: Del Piero fires a good free-kick but the keeper saves. One minute later Poulsen comes on for Zanetti. The half hour sees great play by Del Piero after receiving from Nedved but Curci saves magnificently taking the ball from the captain's feet as he is about to go round him. Mellberg comes on for De Ceglie on the 36th minute and two minutes later Trezeguet replaces an exhausted Iaquinta.
The 43rd minute sees Nedved with a good shot upon entering the area with Curci saving. One minute later however it is Del Piero who receives, enters the area, goes round Curci and deposits at the back of the net for the 0-3.
Serie A 2008/09 - 37th match day
Siena, Stadio Artemio Franchi
Sunday 24th May, 2009
SIENA – JUVENTUS: 0-3 Scorers: Del Piero (17th), Marchisio (38th), Del Piero (89th). SIENA: Curci, Ficagna, Portanova, Rossettini, Rossi (Del Prete 71st), Coppola, Maccarone (Ghezzal 63rd), Vergassola, Galoppa (Zito 50th), Jarolim, Calaiò. Coach: Giampaolo. Reserves: Manitta, Bradao, Packer, Del Prete, Codrea, Zito, Ghezzal. JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, De Ceglie (Mellberg 81st), Camoranesi, Zanetti (Poulsen 70th), Marchisio, Nedved, Del Piero, Iaquinta (Trezeguet 82nd). Coach: Ferrara. Reserves: Manninger, Mellberg, Giovinco, Marchionni, Poulsen, Trezeguet, Amauri. REFEREE: Damato Yellow Cards: De Ceglie (13th), Zanetti (21st), Vergassola (24th), Coppola (68th)


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Ferrara: «Everything worked perfectly»

A true cross-road in destiny: n one side Ciro Ferrara in his first match on the bench and on the other side Paolo Maldini in his last match as a player. Many were the points of contact between the two champions who wrote their names in Italian football. This is confirmed by the Juventus coach: «I sent him a sms in which I wrote that my joy at this moment is equal to the sadness for his goodbye to football. It is the retirement of the best defender of the last three decades».

After the well deserved applause to Paolo Maldini, Ferrara commented a match for the first time as Juventus coach. He made his debut with a few but very significant words: «Everything worked perfectly. I couldn’t ask for better».Then he went on: «It was a very intense week during which I experienced various feelings. Happiness on one side, worry on the other. Then I came to the stadium, before the match and I felt better».

The Juventus seen on the field today gave the results which all had hoped for: «I thank the boys for the commitment shown during the week. I spoke clearly to them as fro the first day: it is difficult to work on the tactical aspect two weeks from the end of the championship and so I tried to work on motivation, on self-appreciation and on the intensity during the training sessions and they responded well»

One cannot miss out on a comment about the performance of the captain who scored twice and passed the ball of the other goal notwithstanding the injury suffered during the week: «I chose to field him- concluded Ferrara – because during the week he trained well and only slowed down a bit because of that blow during training. However, even during the fine-tuning session he played the mini-match and took the free-kicks. I had to choose who to field alongside Iaquinta and I chose him and I did well: great play, goals, passes and perhaps he could have been even more incisive when it came to scoring but he reacted like a captain»
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Del Piero and Marchisio: a pair of protagonists

All those who watched the match against Siena, witnessed the great match played by the captain and the youngster. Both players seemed to be on the same wavelength throughout crowned by two goals by the captain and another by the young midfielder.

The captain seemed to be very happy with the outcome of the match and positive about the future, even though rather disappointed with the outcome of the season in general: «It was a god match, we played well, we ran, we had many attempts, we even missed a few chances, but it was a great match. We were more concentrated then in the past few weeks. We had the right motivation and mentality and we have a coach who makes us see things positively. I would have preferred having ended the season in a different manner but we will work harder next year. Now we must try to end this season in the second place».

Asked how it feels to have Ciro Ferrara as coach after all the matches played together on the field: «As a player he was great. As a coach he just played one match but I really hope he will have many more sitting on the bench».

Claudio Marchisio came back from a series of injuries to immediately leave his impact in a crucial match for the final outcome of the season: «I am happy to have come back after a month of injuries. I feared cramps but I am glad to have healed well thanks to the staff. The team played well and we managed to put a large weight on the match from the first half».

The midfielder spoke of the changes in the last week: «We worked differently this week. It is normal with a change of coach. Today we felt we could cope with the heat. I am happy with the goal and I would like to thanks Alex for the pass. I try to help out even in the attack because that’s what all good players do and today I managed to do so well».

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Zebina: «The mentality was the most positive thing»

It was a transformed Juventus that we saw on the field and even a transformed Zebina who was seen running up and down the flank with determination: «We are much more relaxed because what we managed to reach our objective a week ahead. This is a reward for all of us and our work. We will now work hard to obtain the second place».

The defender seems to have liked the change on the bench: «Ciro managed to remind us of whom we are. He charged us up and it was clear from his words that he is an ex-Juve player who won a lot. The mentality was the most positive thing. We were under a lot of pressure but when we have this mentality and everybody helps each other we manage to make a difference. I am very happy for one reason: I was not considered much by Ranieri and this is acceptable but I felt the faith in me immediately by the new coach. I am very happy that I gained the faith of Ferrara and played a good match».


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Grygera’s season comes to an end

This morning saw the third training session at the Juventus Center in Vinovo under Ferrara. The heat did not show the bianconeri any mercy. The team was once again busy with an intense session which started off with a warm-up with the ball alternating with stretching exercises. Paolo De Ceglie returned with the group who just like Momo Sissoko only missed out on the mini-match training separately during the final phases of the session. Only Zebina remained in the gym according to a pre-established schedule.

After the warm-up, the bianconeri took part in a tactical exercise which saw them passing the ball with their hands before moving on to doing so with their feet while paying particular attention to the movements on the field. The same attention was once again expressed during the mini-match which saw Alessandro Del Piero being forced to stop due to a contusion to the left thigh after a collision with Tiago. The captain’s conditions will be verified during the coming days. In the meantime today Grygera underwent an ultrasound scan which showed a muscle injury to the femoral biceps of the left thigh. The time of recovery is thought to be of a few weeks and therefore his season has come to an end.

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Fabio Cannavaro on "Permette Signora": «I’m back to win»

A few days ago the club officially announced his return to Juventus. However, before getting back to wearing the black and white jersey, Fabio Cannavaro will have to finish his adventure at Real Madrid, a few matches which will end a three year parenthesis during which he won two championships.

As from July he will return for a new experience in Turin. As from the first day with the team he will be seeking to complete the mission “winning back the fans”. After having said so during the announcement of the contract having been signed, Cannavaro repeated his concept on “Permette Signora”, the magazine programme which will be aired on Sky Sport 1 (at 18:30 with a repeat at midnight): «Each persons either sees the glass half full or half empty. I see it as being half full. For the club it was a good deal since I was sold for an amount between 8 and 10 million but I am returning on a free contract and earning much less then before».

The recipe to get back to what he was three years ago and therefore an idol of the Juventus fans is already complete: «For a footballer the most important thing is doing his utmost and I have always done this. Obviously this is another Juve, another club. There will be a lot to work on but this does not frighten me. I will do my utmost and give my maximum professionalism. Then, rightly so, the supporter goes to the stadium and applauds what he liked and boos what he doesn’t. I will always respect everybody but will proceed on my path».

What is clear right from the start is his want of victory. «Fighting for the scudetto? I not why would I have returned…This is not only my objective but also of all the Juve supporters. We want to add another star. Everybody knows Juventus won 29 scudetti. We won them on the field even though the sport authorities handed them to other clubs for other situations. The most important objective is working to win. A club like Juventus must always aim at winning».
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First day of work with Ferrara

After the words come the facts. The day after the announcement and the official presentation of Ciro Ferrara came the time to begin work on the field.

The adventure has begun, for him as coach but also for all the members of his technical staff. At the start of the afternoon session all the team got to know those collaborating with him. The faces are known to all since they are those of professionals coming directly from the youth sector.

The deputy-coach is Massimiliano Maddaloni. Michelangelo Rampulla will get back to coaching the goalkeepers while Dodo Sormani is the new technical assistant. Only Andrea Scanavino has been confirmed as trainer and is a sign of continuity from the Ranieri period.

Here are the presentation details of the four collaborators of Ciro Ferrara:

Ciro Ferrara

First of all a first class player who was capable of winning 6 scudetti on the field. He is also a valid manager capable of leading the youth sector in one of the most important times in its history. He is now also the coach of the first team. Since 1994, when he joined Juventus, Ciro Ferrara has made of the relationship a stronger one each day.

Born in Naples on the 11th of February 1967, as a player he played 500 matches in the Serie A, 247 of which with the Napoli jersey and 253 for Juventus, the team which he played for between 1994 and 2005. Besides 8 scudetti (one of which was revoked), he won 2 Coppa Italia, 5 Italian Supercups, a UEFA Cup, a Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup.

He formed part of the technical staff of the Italian national team who went on to win the 2006 World Championships as an assistant to Marcello Lippi. Since 2006 he is the personal responsible of the Juventus youth sector. In 2008, with the return of Lippi as Italian national coach he was once again appointed as assistant to the national coach.

On the 18th of May he replaced Claudio Ranieri as coach of the first team.

Michelangelo Rampulla

Two years later, Michelangelo Rampulla returns to coaching the goalkeepers of the first team after having been part of Didier Deschamps’ technical staff.

This is another experience for one of the most loved persons by the Juventus supporters. Born in Patti (Messina) on the 10th of August in 1962, his name is linked to Juventus since 1992. For 10 years, as a goalkeeper, he was part of one of the most successful periods in the history of the club.

After having shelved his gloves, he remained with Juventus undertaking various roles within the youth sector (Primavera goalkeepers’ coach, goalkeeper coaches’ coordinator and coaches’ organization coordinator) but also as the person responsible of the Juventus Club Doc Coordination Centre. This, apart from that of goalkeepers’ coach during the Deschamps period in the 2006/07 season.

Massimiliano Maddaloni

As deputy-coach, Ferrara re-embraces an old companion who formed part of his adventure since the times of the Napoli youth sector. Massimiliano Maddaloni will be undertaking the role simultaneously with that of Primavera coach.

Having joined Juventus at the beginning of the 2007/08 season as coach of the Allievi Nazionali, he has been successful since the beginning of the season as Primavera coach. Having won the Viareggio Cup in February and gone close to triumph in the Coppa Italia, the bianconeri under his direction are currently busy with the final phase of the championship after having dominated the elimination phase.

Born in Napoli on the 22nd of June 1966, his sports curriculum includes a long parentesis as professional footballer in Serie C and D between 1985 and 2000. As coach, before his arrival in Turin, he coached Tuscan teams (Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Versilia and Cecina) in Eccellenza category, Serie D and Serie C.

Adolfo Sormani

A historical name for Italian football is now part of the staff. Son of Angelo Benedicto, Adolfo “Dodo” Sormani, is the new technical assistant to Ciro Ferrara, with whom he has already been collaborating for two years within the youth sector.

Born in Genova on the 11th of August 1965, he is close to the end of his second season with Juventus as technical instructor within the youth sector. This is the latest stage in a career which saw him first as a player (for a number of important team such as Parma, Napoli, Avellino and Sambenedettese) and then as coach of Serie D teams like Portosummaga, Conegliano, Chioggia and Cattolica.

Andrea Scanavino

Andrea Scanavino represents continuity in the technical staff. He will keep the role of athletic coach. His collaboration with Juventus will continue after he joined in 1999, the year in which he was enrolled as the person responsible for the recovery of injured players.

In these years he collaborated actively with all the professionals who came along: from Giampiero Ventrone (during the two periods of Marcello Lippi and with Carlo Ancelotti) up to Riccardo Capanna, and through the times with Massimo Neri during the Fabio Capello era and Antonio Pintus during the time of Didier Deschamps.

No suspended players against Siena, Chiellini is back

For his first match as Juventus coach, Ciro Ferrara will have no suspended players. There are in fact no bianconeri in the list compiled by the sport authorities, a logical consequence to the match on Sunday against Atalanta which did not see any yellow cards being shown. In compensation, Giorgio Chiellini will be available for the match against Siena after having paid the one day suspension against the bergamaschi.

There are no suspended players amongst the toscani either

*juventus.com

Cannavaro back with Juventus

Fabio Cannavaro returned to Juventus. At the end of the current season with real Madrid, with whom his contract expires on the 30th of June 2009, the captain of the Italian national team will return to being a Juventus player.After three years with real Madrid, during which he won the Liga twice, the defender from Naples and golden ball winner in 2006, will return to the team with which he won 2 scudetti (2004/05 and 2005/06). His contract will come into force as from the 1st of July 2009 and expires on the 30th of June 2010.

Fabio Cannavaro, who was in Turin yesterday to take part in the Partita del Cuore, expressed his satisfaction with regards to the agreement reached: «I am happy to have returned to Turin and to have the opportunity to wear the black and white jersey again. I am sorry that for a section of the fans the anger for having been transferred is greater then the appreciation for the glorious seasons which we lived together. I am sure that I can convince the most sceptical through my work, professionalism and the passion with which I will face this new adventure».

The club also expressed its satisfaction through Alessio Secco who felt he should explain the reasons while the player left Juventus in 2006: «Fabio is a world champion, a golden ball winner and a great team-spirit builder. During the Summer of 2006 the club was forced to sell him due to great economic necessities. This year we took advantage of the natural expiration of Cannavaro’s contract to bring him back to Turin and we are sure that his technical abilities will help Juventus become more competitive».


*juventus.com

Blanc: «We wanted to give the players the right charge»

It is not customary for Juventus to dismiss a coach before the end of the season, however the situation and the victory drought of the last two months forced the club to take a drastic decision in order to try and move the team in the last two and most important matches. This is the gist of the press conference held on Monday evening at the Juventus Media Center in Vinovo which saw the participation of Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc and the new coach Ciro Ferrara.

Putting the past behind and on with the next:
Mr. Blanc began by thanking Claudio Ranieri: «I would like to thank Mr. Ranieri and his staff for what they did in these two years. However, seeing the results lately especially the one achieved yesterday when we had the possibility of drawing close to Milan and now find ourselves just one point ahead of Fiorentina we were forced to take decision. We now hope to finish the season at least in third place and therefore decided to entrust this mission to Ciro Ferrara. We know it will not be an easy task. Ciro accepted immediately when we called him last night and I thank him for his disposition.»

Ferrara and the future:
Asked whether Ciro Ferrara will be the coach even during the next season Mr. Blanc answered: « Most of all Ferrara will be coach for these two days which leave a heavy mark on next season. Direct qualification to the Champions League would leave us with more time to prepare for next season and therefore to prepare better. Ciro’s mission is at least for these two matches. Then we will see and evaluate all that happened this season as we do each year and take the decision. We chose to entrust the role to a Juventus supporter, who has Juve in his blood and who has a successful past with the club. At the end of the day its the players who go down on the field but we had to take a decision and we are sure that this decision will drive the message home to the players that the next two matches are very important and the two matches must be played with the maximum effort. As from tomorrow Ferrara and his staff will be leading the team. The fact that to us the future are these two upcoming matches does not mean that we do not look ahead but that we want to concentrate totally on these two matches. We obviously are looking ahead but at the moment we are concentrating so as to give Ciro and his staff the best conditions to work in so as to overcome this difficult mission. Obviously we will not judge Ciro’s qualities on these two matches. We know his worth and his past and he will not be risking his future in these two matches. A person who has the moral strength to accept such a difficult mission immediately has the right personality to be considered even in the future. Ciro Ferrara will definitely be considered for next year at the end of the season but we must consider everything and see what our technical expectations are».

An uncustomary decision:
Juventus are not known to dismiss a coach before the end of the season and the decision even though in the air recently came with somewhat of a surprise: «We take decisions after considering the facts and we came to this decision after discussing things. By appointing Ciro Ferrra we wanted to give the players the right charge. Now the rest is up to them to start afresh with Ferrara and his staff. He is the right man at the right moment. It is true that in the last 3 years Juventus have been in a different situation from that in the past and therefore things have to be considered in that perspective. I know it is not in Juve’s style to sack a coach before the end of the season but I also know that Juve’s style is to end each season well and play in the Champions League without preliminaries and therefore we took this decision which does not fit exactly in the style of Juventus because we want to end the season well. Qualification to the Champions League without preliminaries allows the team to prepare better for the next season and therefore we had to be efficient and concrete. We had to try and change the situation which saw us not winning a single match in the last two months and therefore 55 days later we had to take this decision. The table changed things. It is clear that we must do different things then what we saw yesterday including on the field and this must come from the coach who as from today is Ciro Ferrara».

The transfer market:
Asked how this decision will effect the transfer market, Mr. Blanc answered: «The Juventus transfer marker will see the closure of the negotiations we were making with Ranieri as coach. Alessio Secco worked hard on these and we will see that they are concluded. The first is Driego who we hope to sign in the next few days. Then there is Cannavaro who I know certain supporters do not want back but when we consider all the pluses and minuses of the player we see many more pluses and we hope the signature will come very soon. Apart from these two operations we will have to study the technical situation and discuss with the coach for next season well before beginning or going on with other deals even though we have our ideas already».
*juventus.com

Ferrara: «My intention is to see a different Juve»

Ciro Ferrara: a defence stalwart of the Juventus which saw so many successes, the director of the youth sector who has achieved great satisfactions since his appointment and now the new Juve coach called to a difficult mission: that of gaining direct access to the next Champions League in the remaining two matches against Siena and Lazio.

Mr. Ferrara had little time to think about his decision and yet he accepted the challenge without blinking an eyelid: «I was very direct with Jean-Claude Blanc. I would like to thank all those who beleievd that I could be useful at this moment. Perhaps it is partially due to my recent past with this jersey. I did not ask questions or make any requests but I made myself available for the club. I have been part of this club since 1994 and after retiring in 2005 I was given a managerial role and therefore I feel I should make myself available. For me it is a great honour. I told Blanc and Secco to feel completely free with regards to the next coach were it to be me or somebody else. If I am not the coach next season I will return to my post as director of the youth sector without any problems. The club should not feel obliged to confirm me for next year. I am proud to have been chosen for these two day at least. When it comes to the future we’ll see but the club should do what it thinks is best».

The team’s performances have been rather bleak recently, to say the least, with no victories in the last 2 months and therefore a drastic change is necessary: «My intention is to see a different Juve. I know I have little time and that I must intervene but i can’t change a team completely in these two weeks. Hopefully by the end of the week I will be more precise with regards to details. Apart from the technical, tactical and physical aspect of the role i think I will have to work on other things. I think I will have to show the players the difficult time the club is going through. Sometimes little details are necessary to make big changes. I think the problem is not the scarce physical condition but that the players must find the right motivation for these two matches».

Ciro, as he is amicably known, may boast of a great past as a player and a great present as the director of the youth sector and now as from tomorrow his future is that of Juventus coach: «It is clear that it is difficult to judge me technically since I have two weeks to work. I will try to work well and try to bring out the players’ capabilities even because I know them. Since I took on the managerial post I have put my footballer days behind me. I want to be judged on the work that I will do as coach from now on. I felt obliged to give my contribution and do not fear risking in this strange moment».

The new Juventus coach played with a few of the current members of the squad and now finds himself as their boss: «I don’t think I will need to spend much time speaking to the boys. I will use the right words but most of all get on the field and work intensely. We have 10 training sessions left in these two weeks and these 10 sessions must be intense so as to achieve the right results. I am sure to find players who are intelligent and who understand my position and the final objective. They are all fundamental to me. At this point I am the coach and even though I am friends with some of the players we must be able to distinguish a friendly relationship and a work relationship. When Ancelotti was our coach even though I knew him well from the national side I always tried to understand his choices. I don’t care if they call me Mister or simply Ciro, what interests me is working well».

Finally a word about the supporters: «At this moment we really need the supporters to reach a difficult objective that is the direct qualification to the Champions League and therefore we have to work together».
*juventus.com

Ferrara: a champion of the past at the helm of Juventus

The name Ciro Ferrara up to yesterday was associated with a great career as a defender and more recently as the director of the Juventus youth sector. As from today however, Ciro, will see himself in the shoes of the coach of the team he loves so much.

Ferrara’s career seems to have Juventus as part of his destiny. In fact playing for Napoli (the only other jersey worn by the defender) he made his debut in the Serie A on the 5th of May 1985 during a match against no less then the bianconeri. As from that day he never looked back and after being part of the triumphant times of Maradona’s Napoli he was transferred to Juventus in 1994 when he was to leave a great mark and win himself many satisfactions. In fact as a Juventus player “Ciro d’Italia” won 5 Italian Championships (in addition to the two won with Napoli), a Champions League, an Intercontinetal Cup, A European Supercup, a Coppa Italia, 4 Italian Super Cups (in addition to the one won with Napoli) and an Intertoto Cup. He also won a UEFA Cup with Napoli. Ciro Ferrara was also for many years an automatic choice for the Italian national team.

After retiring in 2005 he took on a managerial role at Juventus and is currently the director of the Juventus youth nursery with the most recent of successes being the Primavera’s triumph in the Viareggio Cup. He is also the deputy-coach of the Italian national team.

To summarize, Ciro Ferrara has been successful for many years, first as player and then as director and now he is called to straighten things out in this difficult moment as the new Juventus coach.

OFFICIAL: Juventus Sack Claudio Ranieri, Ciro Ferrara Takes Over

Juventus have sacked Claudio Ranieri, and former defender Ciro Ferrara will take charge with immediate effect...
18 May 2009 16:25:59

The club have officially confirmed that they have ousted Claudio Ranieri and replaced him with Ciro Ferarra.

A statement on their official website reads:

"Ciro Ferrara is the new Juventus coach. Juventus would like to communicate that they have sacked Claudio Ranieri.

"From today, the first team will be handed over, and guided by Ciro Ferrara. Juventus would like to thank Claudio Ranieri for the work he has done in these two years.

"We would like to wish new coach Ciro Ferrara well for immediate success."

A press conference with Ferrara will follow at 1815 CET.

The news follows a day of talks between Jean-Claude Blanc and Alessio Secco. Former club legend Ciro Ferrara had been hotly tipped to come in and it has now happened.

After suggestions of leading the team for its final two matches, updates from Turin imply that he could also be made coach for the whole of next season, but this has not been confirmed just yet. All will be revealed during this evening's press conference.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-2 Atalanta

JUVENTUS

Buffon- 6.5: Nothing he could do on either goal and he was visibly frustrated with the slow reactions of his defenders. The Italian international made some smart stops from Doni and Cerci.

Grygera- 5.0: He was not very involved in any capacity, being pinned back in his own half by Atalanta's attack.

Mellberg- 5.5: He is never up to the standard of Chiellini and struggled to deal with any burst of pace, being turned on a few occasions. He did well dealing with aerial threats.

Legrottaglie- 6.0: Unluckily, a deflection off the former Siena player took the ball past Buffon for the opening goal. He nearly made up for it when his header hit the woodwork.

De Ceglie- 7.0: the best of the Juventus backline, he was always well positioned in attack and defence and made plenty of runs forward on the left side.

Camoranesi- 6.0: He made many incisive movements forward in the first half, but the end product was constantly lacking from the winger.

Zanetti- 6.5: He added some poise to the Bianconeri midfield and scored an absolutely stunning goal with a volley from outside the area!

Poulsen- 4.5: Overall, a sloppy match, he was constantly nervous in possession and lost the ball on too many occasions. He nearly gifted Atalanta the winner with a weak header back to Buffon. He also missed a header from point-blank range at the other end.

Nedved- 7.5: The Czech veteran struggled to get into the match at first, but his influence grew as the match went on. He assisted Iaquinta's goal and set up many more chances for his team-mates.

Amauri- 6.5: A frustrating match for the ex-Palermo hitman, who held the ball up well and also saw a header cannon back off the woodwork.

Iaquinta- 7.0: He never stopped running and was rewarded with another goal for his efforts, his tenth in Serie A this season.

Substitutes

Del Piero- 6.0, Trezeguet - 6.0, Zebina - N/A

ATALANTA

Consigli- 8.0: The Italy Under-21 shot-stopper made a number of fine saves, including a fantastic one from Del Piero in the late stages to keep the scores level at 2-2.

Garics- 6.5: Put in a good display before being subbed due to injury in the 41st minute.

Capelli- 6.0: He was unable to effectively deal with Juventus' build-up play on their first goal, but otherwise turned in a commendable performance.

Manfredini- 7.0: The central-defender made few mistakes and was solid at the back for the entire match.

Bellini- 6.5: The left-back has been a bright spot for the team this season and continued that trend by doing plenty of chasing and blocking crosses.

Defendi- 6.5: He missed a great chance to score at the end of the first-half, when he turned the ball over the net from close range, but he worked hard.

Parravacini- 5.0: He lacks the intensity of the suspended Guarente and was not much of a force in the midfield for the Orobici.

Cigarini- 7.5: His deflected strike opened the scoring and he almost had another when his long range effort smashed against the post. He was one of the top performers in this match with a number of impressive passes.

Cerci- 5.0: The Roma-owned winger has simply been unable to perform in Serie A and misplaced a number of passed throughout the match.

Doni- 7.0: The veteran keeps on ticking, he helped to set up the first goal and was always involved in attack for the visitors.

Plasmati- 7.0: He worked hard to keep Mellberg and Legrottaglie busy and was unfortunate to hit the crossbar, not once, but twice, in the second-half.

Substitutes

Pellegrino- 6.5, Peluso - 6.0, Girasole - N/A
*goal.com

Juve draw one point closer to the second place

The mission was winning three points and climbing to one point under Milan in the second place while keeping Fiorentina away. Notwithstanding the determination shown the bianconeri did not manage to go further then a 2-2 draw which does reduce the margin from Milan by 1 point but sees Fiorentina hot at the heels of the bianconeri.

The match is immediately off to a fiery start with both teams determined to take home the three points notwithstanding the absence of supporters and the quiet stadium. On the first minute there is a good move by Camoranesi who manages to make it past a defender but not past the second. The match however has an unexpected start when in the 2nd minute a slip in the Juve area sees the ball reaching Cigarini who shoots from outside the area. The ball is deviated by Legrottaglie and ends in the net behind Buffon for the Atalanta opener.

On the 3rd minute Poulsen puts the ball into the Atalanta area but the keeper saves easily and one minute later a good Grygera cross reaches Iaquinta who tries to head home but the keeper saves well. The 7th minute sees a corner for Juve: Camoranesi crosses into the area, the defence clears with the ball reaching Mellberg who shoots very high. Two minutes later there is a corner for Juve shot by Nedved into the area. The ball finally reaches the strikers but the flag is up for off-side.

Atalanta are having the better when it comes to initiative and goal opportunities and on the 11th minute there is a good save by Buffon on Cigarini who once again sees himself in a dangerous position. Three minutes later the Juve super-keeper performs a miracle on Cigarini with De Ceglie saving a second time on Plasmati from the re-bound.

On the 15th minute Garics puts a dangerous ball into the area but nobody is there to try a shot at goal. One minute later Consigli leaves the area on a Juve long ball anticipating Amauri. Juve begin to react and on the 20th minute there is free-kick from a long distance for the bianconeri: Camo puts the ball into the area with Iaquinta heading slightly wide from an off-side position.

The 22nd minute sees a powerful Cigarini set-piece forcing Buffon who is well placed to grab the ball. One minute later there is a free-kick for Juve from the right side just outside the area with Camoranesi who puts the ball into the area but Doni clears. On the 24th minute Juve win a corner. Camo puts the ball into the area, the defence clears with the ball reaching Zanetti who hesitates before passing on the wing. One minute later Juve benefit from another shot from the flag: the ball reaches Nedved who crosses well from an impossible position with the ball once again into corner. Juventus are unlucky as from the corner Legrottaglie sees his header hitting the post. From the re-bound Poulsen heads high.

Juve however are soon to be rewarded for the occasions created in the last 10 minutes and on the 26th stroke of the clock Amauri with a good run passes to Nedved on the wing who puts a ball into the center for Iaquinta who puts the ball into the net for the equalizer (1-1). Two minutes later, the ball is put into the area by De Ceglie, Amauri heads but the ball once again incredibly hits the horizontal bar for the second time in three minutes.

On the half hour there is a free-kick for Juve: Camoranesi puts the ball into the area, Legrottaglie heads but the flag is up for off-side. Four minutes later, the ball is put into the area, Consigli parries partially, the ball reaches an upcoming De Ceglie but the goalkeeper topples the bianconero as he is about to shoot. On the 36th minute there is a corner for Juve: Camo's ball is a bit too long but finally reaches Nedved who tries putting it back into the area with the defence clearing.

On the 37th minute a cross into the Atalanta area, is cleared by the defence but reaches Zanetti who from a great distance with a wonderful parabola sends the ball into the net off the bar for the lead (2-1). On the 42nd minute there is a corner for Atalanta: the ball cleared a first time by the defence but it reaches Defendi who shoots high over the bar. Atalanta benefit from another corner 2 minutes later: the ball is put into the area and Pellgrino (who came on a few seconds before) heads home for the equalizer (2-2). In the second minute of the two allotted as stoppage time there is a good ball into the area by Amauri towards Iaquinta who is anticipated by the defence from an inviting position.

Atalanta begin the second half seemingly more determined then the bianconeri. On the 2nd minute Plasmati hits the bar in what seemed to be a goal already scored. Four minutes later Cerci on a run enters the area with only Buffon in front of him and the super-keeper performs an incredible save putting the ball into corner. From the corner the ball is put into the Juve area with Legrottaglie anticipating once again into corner. From the flag the ball reaches Cigarini who shoots from a long distance once again hitting the bar. Two bars each for the teams and all on the same side of the field.

On the 9th minute there is a good cross into the area by Camoranesi but the ball is cleared by the defence. Seconds later, Amauri is grounded as he is about to enter the area but the referee signals to play on. The 12th minute sees Beautiful control and lob by Camoranesi towards Amauri who is however blocked by the defence. A quarter of an hour into the second half, Buffon saves brilliantly on Plasmati after a Poulsen error sees the Dane serving a delicious ball to the Atalanta attacker. At this point Del Piero comes on for Amauri and seconds later takes a free-kick for Juve putting the ball into the area but Iaquinta hits badly heading it away.

The 21st minute sees a Cigarini free-kick goes wide. One minute later Del Piero passes to Nedved on the wing who dishes out a beautiful cross into area but the keeper manages to punch away aided by the defence. On the 25th minute a good long-ball by Poulsen reaches Amauri who passes to Del Piero in the area but the captain is closed by the defence and tries an impossible strike from a lateral position with the ball going wide. Two minutes later Trezeguet comes on for Zanetti.

On the 27th minute the ball from the corner is put into area, cleared by the defence but reaches Nedved who shoots from outside the area with the keeper forced to a difficult save. One minute later Del Piero shoots from outside the area with the ball going inches wide. The 29th minute sees a free-kick for Juve from an ideal position for Del Piero: the captain shoots straight into the wall. After a series of re-bounds the ball reaches Poulsen who turns well and shoots forcing Consigli to a spectacular save. Two minutes later Nedved crosses towards Camoranesi after some great play with the Italo-Argentinian heading into the hands of Consigli. On the 35th minute Plasmati hits the same bar yet again after a defensive lapsus. Two minutes later Nedved crosses well into the Atalanta area but there is nobody to hit home.

The 40th minute sees a ball into the area following a good cross by Nedved but Del Piero and Iaquinta are off-side. Two minutes later Nedved passes to Del Piero inside the area who with an overhead kick puts the ball over the bar. One minute before the end of the regular time a good cross reaches Iaquinta who tries to head home with the keeper punching. The ball reaches Del Piero who shoots a ball which seemed destined for the net but the keeper saves again. One minute later, a great ball put into the area by Grygera reaches Zebina who is stopped for a presumed foul on the keeper.

The referee declares four minutes of stoppage time and in the third of these minutes Consigli anticipates Del Piero in a good position. In the dying seconds Nedved slips at the crucial moment failing to strike home.

The match ends in a 2-2 draw which does not satisfy Juventus who after the defeat of Milan yesterday against Udinese were hoping to gain more then a mere point in the race for the second spot.

Serie A 2008/09 - 36th match day
Turin, Olympic Stadium
Sunday 17th May, 2009

JUVENTUS – ATALANTA: 2-2

Scorers : Cigarini (2nd), Iaquinta (26th), Zanetti (37th), Pellegrino (44th),

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, De Ceglie (Zebina 78th); Camoranesi, Poulsen, Zanetti (Trezeguet 72nd), Nedved; Iaquinta, Amauri (Del Piero 60th). Reserves: Manninger, Ariaudo, Zebina, Tiago, Marchionni, Del Piero, Trezeguet. Coach: Ranieri.

ATALANTA: Consigli; Garics (Pellegrino 42nd), Capelli (Girasole 90th), Manfredini, Bellini; Defendi, Cigarini, Parravicini, Cerci (Peluso 70th); Doni, Plasmati. Reserves: Colombi, Peluso, Zaza, Girasole, Pellegrino, Villanova, Gabbiadini. Coach: Del Neri.

REFEREE: Ayroldi from Molfetta.

*juventus.com

Ranieri: «We can still believe in the second place»

Claudio Ranieri is visibly disappointed and surprised at the two points lost against Atalanta, especially after the excellent match played against Milan.

After a good performance against Milan at the San Siro, the team seemed to go back to the matches of the last month and a half and this does not render anybody at Juventus happy, including Claudio Ranieri: «We were once again disunited and long and not organized enough and this is not good at all especially since we know and have spoken of these mistakes. Today we gave Atalanta the chance to win. When we don not manage to close up in front of the defence we do not achieve results. I tried to risk as much as I could because I wanted the three points even though it gave them scoring opportunities. We were too slow in manoeuvring. Good thing that we had Gigi who saved us in couple of occasions».

The bianconeri could have reduced the margin from the second place by three points instead of one and yet the coach still has not given up of ending the championship as runner-up: «I will have to talk to the team because we did not manage to do what we planned to. Hopefully with Milan still to play against Roma and Fiorentina we can still believe in the second place. I believe in it and we will fight for it till the very end but I hope that even the boys believe in it».

The greatest disappointment comes since the team played a great match at San Siro a week ago: «We were slow today. I don’t understand how especially when one thinks of the match we played against Milan during which match we created goal opportunities showing that we were back to being a team, whereas today it seems like we forgot everything».


*juventus.com

Legrottaglie: «We are not managing to win anymore»

The non-positive period goes on. The “x” sign continues to accompany the bianconeri and this is the 6th consecutive time the team drew in the last 7 matches, the third at the Olimpico where after Chievo and Lecce even Atalanta managed to emerge with a point.

The Bergamaschi defied the myth of a team without objectives and went close to scoring the match winner a few times. It was a difficult day especially for the defence but Nicola Legrottaglie does not like the attack on his department: «Today was a bad day. We cannot allow us to concede like we did today. Unfortunately it is a bad moment. We are not managing to win anymore and our opponents are managing to score on their first occasion. However, I cannot accept the criticism addressed towards the defence. If we are conceding too many goals it is because the whole team is not playing as it should. Now things are looking bleak and we are risking being caught up with. It is for this reason that we must recover and win the last two matches, otherwise we will really be risking having to play the preliminaries».

*juventus.com

Diego 'signs for Juve'

Tuesday 12 May, 2009

A representative of Werder Bremen star Diego has announced that the Brazilian has signed for Juventus.

The in-demand midfielder has been a target for the Old Lady for the last few months and has stressed his desire to join the Bianconeri.

While negotiations are progressing fast no deal has been officially completed as yet, but one of the agents who protects Diego's interests believes it has been rubber-stamped.

“Diego has signed for Juventus and the player and the two clubs involved have reached an agreement,” agent Giacomo Peralito told German magazine Kicker.

“Juve are on the stock exchange and so they can't declare anything before May 31.”

Peralito claims that a deal was completed on Wednesday after a morning meeting in Bremen with Jean-Claude Blanc and Alessio Secco present.

Kicker insists that Diego will be sold for around £24m and will sign a five-year contract worth £4m per season.

*chn4

mudah2an terealisasikan

Back to work tomorrow. De Ceglie’s and Grygera’s conditions to be examined.

After the draw against Milan the team was today granted a day of rest and will return to work tomorrow in preparation for the match against Atalanta, (the third match from last until the end of the championship) on schedule for Sunday at 15:00 at the Olimpico.

When the team gets back to work the conditions of Paolo De Ceglie and Zdeneck Grygera will have to be examined after they left the field during the match at the San Siro. De Ceglie was forced to leave the field during the second half after a blow to the ribs in exactly the same spot injured in February during the match against Napoli in the Coppa Italia. The tests which he underwent excluded any fractures but his conditions will be monitored in the next few days. The same situation applies to Grygera. The Czech defender received a heavy blow to his foot during the match against Milan and his conditions, which are not serious, will be verified tomorrow.
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Juventus-Atalanta, ticket sales must wait until Thursday

With yesterday’s match at the Meazza, Juventus have played their last match at night for this season. The next three matches against Atalanta and Lazio at the Olimpico and away to Siena will be played at 15:00hrs.

The first of these three matches is scheduled for next Sunday, the 17th of May against Atalanta. However, to know whether the match will be open to the public one will have to wait. On Thursday 14th May there will be another sitting of the Coni sport authorities High Court to decide about the sentenced pronounced against the bianconeri after the match against Inter.

Due to this, tickets for the match at the Olimpico will not be available for sale yet. Only after the sentence is pronounced and the eventual cancellation of the sanction for the match to be played behind closed doors, can ticket sales begin.

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Chiellini suspended. Will miss match against Atalanta

After just having recovered from injury, Giorgio Chiellini is once again forced to stop, this time due to suspension. The defender from Livorno will miss Sunday’s match against Atalanta following the yellow card received during the match against Milan. To compensate the list of players who reached the yellow cards limit of which Tiago, Amauri, Grygera and Poulsen form part has been shortened. As from the next match Ranieri will have Nedved and Mellberg back. The two players missed the match against the rossoneri due to suspension.

The opposite applies to Atalanta. Doni will be back after suspension but Guarente and Padoin will miss the match following the encounter with Genoa: the first was sent-off while the second exceeded the yellow cards limit.
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Player Ratings: Milan 1-1 Juventus

Milan failed to reopen the title race after they were held to a 1-1 draw with Juventus at the San Siro. Goal.com rates the participants...
10 May 2009 22:30:02
Milan

Kalac- 6.5: Called into question on numerous occasions. Despite having to parry more than once, he could do little on the goal which was muscled goal-bound from close range.

Flamini- 6.0: Played a great game until the Juve goal, hence the lower rating. Whilst he is still adapting to the full-back role, he clearly wasn’t strong enough when dealing with a determined Iaquinta inside the box.

Favalli- 5.0: The former Lazio man started well but was often out-muscled by the physical play of the Juve forwards. Given his experience he could have avoided a second bookable offence.

Maldini- 6.5 : A competent display from the veteran, he showed Chiellini he isn’t going soft in his old age when taking the Juve stopper by the scruff of the neck.

Zambrotta- 5.5: The former Juve man was positive going forward but a little suspect at the back. Like Flamini he made heavy work of containing Iaquinta who imposed his strength on every attack.

Pirlo- 7.0: The Italian put some great balls over the top for Inzaghi and had Pippo been on target he could well have been on the assist sheet.

Beckham- 7.0: Becks left to a round of applause from the Giuseppe Meazza. Despite his age, he is still more than capable of displaying a professional performance at the highest level and his crossing regular proved dangerous.

Ambrosini- 6.5: He may look to claim for the assist but his say in the Milan goal was simply a scuffed shot that fell in the path of Seedorf. Nevertheless the ageing midfielder kept on going and did well to help out going forward.

Kaka- 7.0: Mr €100m put in his regular elegant performance creating numerous chances for Inzaghi. With a little more protection from Orsato, he could have proven decisive as he looked to run at Juve.

Seedorf- 7.0: The Dutchman left the field once again to a pocket of whistles from the home crowd. Despite the strange objection from his home support, he combined well with Kaka to give De Ceglie a headache throughout.

Inzaghi- 7.5: SuperPippo continues to roll back the years with impressive performances at the highest level. Always a constant threat, the former Juve man created one and could have had a couple himself had he been on target following some ambitious volleying.

Substitutes

Pato – 6.0, Ronaldinho- 5.5, Senderos- N/A

Juventus

Buffon- 6.5: There was little he could do on the goal. With most of Milan’s close chances being sprayed wide, the Italian No. 1 wasn’t called upon too frequently.

Grygera- 6.5: The fullback made several good runs forward and limited Milan's influence down his side of the pitch. Had a penalty shout waved away in the first half.

Legrottaglie- 7.0: The former Siena man stepped in when called to and made a decisive challenge on Ronaldinho that sparked cries for a penalty from the Rossoneri.

Chiellini- 8.0: He put in a very concrete performance to step in on numerous occasions and deny the Rossoneri the chance to run at the Juve goal. Buffon wasn’t called upon too often thanks to Giorgio’s expert reading of the game.

De Ceglie- 5.5: He was given a hard time by Kaka and Seedorf for large spells, as they continuously switched roles. The youngster was caught napping as Milan broke to take the lead.

Camoranesi- 7.5: The Italo-Argentinean finally put in the performance he is paid for. Staying out of trouble and whipping constant crosses in for the big-man in the box, he was the spark behind much of the Juve forward play.

Poulsen- 4.5: Yet again the Dane looked out of his depth and could only contain the opposition with rash last ditch challenges. Had Orsato been a little stricter, Poulsen could well have finished early for a second bookable offence.

Zanetti- 7.0: He put in a professional performance at the heart of midfield and is an example to Poulsen on how to stay out of trouble whilst still keeping the opposition at bay.

Marchionni- 5.5: The zippy winger got himself into good forward positions at times, but he wasted a golden chance to put his side ahead in the first period when he was fed through on goal by Amauri

Amauri- 7.0: The Brazilian put in a real shift tonight. Testament to this was his request to be substituted with a quarter of an hour to go; His legs simply couldn’t give any more.

Iaquinta- 8.5: The stocky forward was a handful throughout and showed his power to beat Flamini to the ball inside the box. With performances like tonight’s it is a wonder why Ranieri hasn’t given Vincenzo more faith over the course of the season.

Substitutes

Del Piero- 6.5, Zebina- N/A

goal.com

Juve and Milan share the spoils

On the eve it was defined as an interesting match by Ranieri and so it was. The bianconeri fielded all their pride and good will playing a very good match right from kick-off.

The match first five minutes of the match are a studying period but once this patch is over the match does not take long to take-off living up to the eve’s expectations. On the 2nd minute Zambrotta tries to put a ball into the Juve area but it crosses the line for a goal kick. Three minutes later Inzaghi enters the area but the flag is up for off-side. On the 8th minute Beckham tries to run on the left flank but is blocked by De Ceglie.

The first chance of goal is for the bianconeri: on the 11th minute a great attempt by Camoranesi after a great Iaquinta pass sees ball going inches high. Two minutes later Buffon cradles the ball after what seemed a dangerous Milan initiative. On the 15th minute, Kaka' tries a shot upon entering the area but Chiellini blocks. One minute later Marchionni goes close to scoring the opener but the defence get to the ball at the crucial moment.

On the 17th minute Iaquinta enters the area and goes past one defender before being stopped by the next. Two minutes later Juve benefit from a corner: ball into the area, Amauri heads from a rather far position but the ball is saved by Kalac. On the 20th minute Inzaghi deceives Chiellini and shoots high from a rather iniviting position.

The 21st minute sees a great ball into the Milan area but Iaquinta is pulled to the ground before managing to hit the ball. The referee signals to play on. Two minutes later Zambrotta crosses into the area but Legrottaglie heads away. Seconds later a golden opportunity is missed by Kaka with Buffon looking on closely. On the 26th minute there is a good shot by Iaquinta from outside the area after a good pass by Amauri.

On the 29th minute Buffon saves well cradling the ball following a shot from outside the area by Kaka'. On the 36th minute Poulsen enters the area and shoots unguarded but the ball goes wide. The Dane is having a good match. On the 38th minute there is a good cross into the area by Iaquinta with Amauri who is anticipated by Kalac. Two minutes later there is a dangerous ball received by Inzaghi in the area who from a rather angled position shoots wide. The last bit of action of the first half comes on the 45th minute when a ball is put into the area for Iaquinta who is caught off-side after receiving from Amauri.

The second half has a fiery start. On the first minute Iaquinta slips as he shoots from outside the area with the ball going high. One minute later Inzaghi left unguarded heads high from an inviting position. On the 4th minute Iaquinta sees a great shot being saved by Kalac with the ball reaching Amauri who is stopped by Flamini.

On the 7th minute a great run by Iaquinta following a delicious ball by Zanetti sees the striker being anticipated by Kalac. One minute later Seedorf shoots badly from a dangerous position outside the area. The 11th minute sees a foul on Camoranesi outside the area. Free-kick for Juve: Iaquinta shoots hitting the wall.

It’s the 12th minute: a counter-attack by Milan finds the Juve defence unaware. Inzaghi passes to the center, the ball is deviated reaching Seedorf who posts into the net after hitting the ball badly scoring the opener (1-0).

Juve react immediately and on the 13th minute there is a free-kick for Juve from a central position outside the area: Marchionni touches the ball for Iaquinta who shoots a meter above the bar. Two minutes later a great cross by Camoranesi reaches Iaquinta who heads home for the equalizer (1-1).

On the 20th minute there is a free-kick for Milan: ball into the area but it is deviated into corner. On the 26th minute Kaka enters the area and shoots but Buffon saves. One minute later Zebina comes on for De Ceglie who did not make it after a contrast with Kaka a few minutes earlier. Two minutes later there is a corner for Milan after a Kaka shot is deviated by Legrottaglie.

The 29th minute sees Pato crossing into the area, Inzaghi shoots inches high. Del Piero comes on for Amauri and seconds later receives a ball in the area but slips at the crucial moment. Iaquinta shoots wide. The pitch is slippery and this can be seen from the number of times the players slipped.

On the 35th minute Camoranesi tries from outside the area but the ball goes straight into the hands of the keeper. Four minutes later the referee brandishes the second yellow card for Favalli who is sent-off for protests. On the 45th minute there is a free-kick for Milan after a foul by Marchionni on the right: Pirlo puts the ball into the area but nobody manages to strike. The last chance for the bianconeri comes on the 47th minute when Legrottaglie shoots from outside the area but Kalac saves easily.

Serie A 2008/09 - 35th match day
Turin, Olympic Stadium
Sunday 10th May, 2009

MILAN – JUVENTUS: 1-1

Scorers: Seedorf (57th), Iaquinta (60th),

MILAN: Kalac; Flamini, Maldini, Favalli, Zambrotta; Beckham (Pato 66th), Pirlo, Ambrosini; Seedorf (Senderos 87th), Kakà; Inzaghi (Ronaldinho 74th). Reserves: Dida, Senderos, Jankulowski, Gattuso, Ronaldinho, Pato, Shevchenko. Coach: Ancelotti.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, De Ceglie (Zebina 72nd); Camoranesi, Zanetti, Poulsen, Marchionni; Amauri (Del Piero 74th) Iaquinta. Reserves: Manninger, Ariaudo, Zebina, Tiago, Giovinco, Trezeguet, Del Piero. Coach: Ranieri.

REFEREE: Orsato from Schio.

Yellow Cards: Beckham (4th), Favalli (24th), Poulsen (64th), Chiellini (66th), Maldini (66th), Favalli (84th)

Red Card: Favalli (84th),
*juventus.com

Ranieri: «The difference between us and Milan is minimal»

The match against Milan saw a different Juventus from the one of the last month and a half. This is the main consideration by Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri.

«I saw the Juventus of most of the season. It was a great performance. We should have been more decisive when we went close to scoring».

The attitude was such that it allowed an immediate reaction by the team after the goal scored by Milan: «The goal by Seedorf was a bit of a cold shower because we were playing better then them and managed to create more goal opportunities. Their goal seemed like another cols however but the team reacted well and showed the personality which they have».

The performance of the team saw a great effort by each and every one on the field with certain players showing great play and determination: «Iaquinta played really well. He worked hard for each ball and helped the team in the defensive phase. Finally both Zanetti and Polusen have recovered. The Dane had some problems recently but has recovered and we saw what he is capable of. Having Zanetti back is also very important».

Asked whether he looked at the table before the match the coach answered: « I never look at the table. It will not be easy to keep Fiorentina away but I look at who is in front if us and I still believe we can catch up with Milan rather then defend the third place from Fiorentina’s attack».
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Iaquinta: «Playing like this we can still achieve a lot»

Vincenzo Iaquinta did not need another great goal to show everybody he is the player of the moment. Even at the Meazza the striker managed to score and was denied a penalty by Orsato apart from helping the team throughout.

Here are his comments at the end of the match: «Against Milan we showed everybody how united we are. In the 95 minutes played we did not concede much. This is the fifth draw in recent matches but it is very different from the others because it was obtained with a different attitude. If we play like this we will go far even in this final phase of the season. I am happy with my current form. I am training seriously and I try to show this on the field knowing that nobody is irreplaceable».

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Marchionni: «I think we played a great game»

The match against Milan saw Marco Marchionni and Mauro Camoranesi both in the starting line-up with great results.

The midfielder also went close to scoring and was unlucky on the occasion to fins a very careful Flamini: « I think we played a great game against Milan who recently have been doing well. After what we went through, a difficult time to say the least, we needed a good performance to lift our morale and so this match has helped us in that sense. About the near miss with the intervention by Flamini: Well it was one of the few times that I managed to conclude and I wish it turned out better».
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Nonton Bareng : AC MILAN vs JUVENTUS

Senin Dini Hari, 11 Mei 2009 jam 01.00 WIB @Hanggar Futsal Pancoran.
Cover Charge : 10rb (1st Drink)

*Dilarang membawa makanan ato minuman dari luar Hanggar

Dresscode : Jersey, kaos merchandise, jaket, syal dll

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CP : Gunawan 021-99047337 & Jackerz 0813.112.606.34

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Del Piero and Buffon fathers for the second time

It’s a double happy event for the Juventus family, or rather a double stork visit. Sonia Amoruso and Alessandro Del Piero’s second child is born: Dorotea.

It was Del Piero himself who announced it on his website: «Sonia and I have become parents for the second time. Dorotea was born and we are very happy to share with you this happy event. Both mother and child are very well. We thank you for all your affection».

This is not all, however. Even Gigi Buffon is about to become a father for the second time: after the birth of little Luis Thomas, the goalkeeper and Alena Seredova are in fact expecting another child.

To both our champions and their families go our most heartfelt congratulations on behalf of Juventus and all the supporters.

Juventus-Lecce open to supporters

Juventus will be able to play Sunday’s match against Lecce in front of its supporters. The High Court of the sport authorities of the Italian Olympic Committee (Coni) accepted the appeal by the club against the decision by the sport judge who had decided that the match should be played behind closed doors following chants against Inter player Mario Balotelli.

The execution of the decision was suspended until the 15th of May and a new hearing was scheduled for May the 14th.

Juventus expressed its satisfaction for the sentence passed which confirms the basis of the appeal presented.

Thus, the public will be able to enter the Olympic Stadium to watch the match against the salentini. The ticket sale will begin tomorrow Friday 1st May only via the internet. As from Saturday the public will be able to purchase tickets from the usual ticket booths and on Sunday as from one hour before kick-off from the ticket booths at the Olimpico. The prices will be announced early tomorrow morning.

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Chiellini: «I will play against Milan»

«The recovery programme foresees my return to working with the team in the coming days to be in full force by Tuesday or Wednesday and therefore on the field against Milan. If there are no further problems I will be at the San Siro». The words of Giorgio Chiellini are comforting. The defender is aiming for the big match against the rossoneri but is no underestimating Sunday’s match against Lecce. Giorgio will not be there but the bianconeri must aim for the full points: «A match like the one against Milan has always a special taste but it is only right that my team-mates concentrate on the match against Lecce because it is very important for us to end this championship well. The words of the proprietors were significant and reflect the thought of each and every one of us because we want to do well independently from the place in the table we will achieve. Surely, we will try to win back the second place but what interests us most is ending the season well».

Giorgio then tries to explain the reasons behind the difficulties encountered by Juventus in the last period: «I think there are a number of reasons: we hoped we could fight for the scudetto and reach the Coppa Italia final. Perhaps having missed our first objective after the matches against Chievo and Genoa, it was hard to get back to the mentality which has always accompanied us and perhaps against Lazio we paid the price for the negative period. Getting back is always difficult even because we saw our primary objectives vanish quite suddenly: first the Champions League, then the championship and then the Coppa Italia. However now we really want to get back, because we at Juventus are not used to not winning for a month. We want to react, for ourselves, for the supporters and for the club».

Chiellini’s last thought is dedicated to the supporters’ unhappiness: «It is normal that they show they’re disappointment but we are the first to be disappointed. We can promise the maximum effort to end the season well and reach the second place and to start off in a better way next season».

Chiellini then participated in Filo Diretto on Juventus Channel, the programme which connects the viewers with the Juventus champions. Many were the questions received via JuventusMember.com. On the Juventus community website one can view the video with all of Giorgio’s answers.
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Trezeguet back with the group

Juventus continue to prepare for Sunday’s match against Lecce. The bianconeri trained in the morning observed by general manager Jean-Claude Blanc. Tiago, Knezevic and Marchisio worked in the gym. Salihamidzic who got back on the field yesterday, today underwent physiotherapy. Chiellini worked separately while David Trezeguet returned to training regularly with the group after having recovered from influenza. After a warm-up and ball exercises session the team was divided into two group. Iaquinta, Del Piero, Nedved, Camoranesi, Mellberg, Grygera and Molinaro were busy with one-on-one work ending inshots at goal with Gigi Buffon as keeper, while the rest of the troupe together with De Paola played a mini-match against a team made up of Primavera and Berretti elements.
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Primavera, last effort before the final 16

There is still one match left before the end of the regular season of the Primavera championship but Maddaloni and his boys can sleep soundly in view of the away match against Sassuolo on Friday 1st May: the team has already assured itself of the first place thanks to the victory on Saturday against Siena. What remains now is to find out who will be the opponents in the final 16. Before the finals between 8 teams which will begin on the 8th of June in Trentino, there is one more hurdle to overcome: a two-legged encounter.

Juventus, assured of the seeding, will play the first match away on the 16th of May and the possible opponent will be drawn amongst the 8th team who end between the 3rd and 5th place and the best 6th from all three groups. The bianconeri will definitely not be able to be drawn against teams from Group A, whereas they can be drawn against Albinoleffe, Udinese or Treviso from Group B. An attempt to guess the opponents from Group C is more difficult with the only real possibility at the moment being that of Reggina who finished 4th. The fight is harder for the 5h and 6th place: Ascoli, Napoli, Catania and Fiorentina are divided by a three point margin and will be fighting till the very end for a place in the final 16.

Talk of the Primavera, of the regular phase and of the possible rivals of the bianconeri will be featured in the weekly appointment with Springtime on Juventus Channel. This time there will be a special guest in the studio: Carlo Pinsoglio.