Diego: «Our objective is victory»

The adventure in black and white of Diego Ribas de Cunha could not have a better start. The Brazilian, who made his debut yesterday against Seongnam took control of the game after a few minutes, gave some brilliant prescise passes and topped it all up with a fantastic goal. He definitely lived up to the great expectations: : «It was a special goal which I hope was the first of many. I think it was a perfect evening for me, because after two months without playing I managed to win and score. I am very happy. Obviously, I still have to improve but I will manage through work».

What struck people most of Diego’s match was the way he clicked nearly perfectly with Vincenzo Iaquinta: «When we speak of our attackers, we’re speaking of four high level players. With time I will learn how to understand their movements and where they prefer to receive the ball. Our scheme is similar to the one I played in Germany. Yesterday I felt well in that position. This system is perfect for me».

With regards to possible competition with Del Piero, Diego immediately cleared the situation: « I am not here to compete with Del Piero. I am here to do my job and win myself space. Del Piero is one of the best players in the world and deserves great respect from all. He is a special player. My objective is to win. Personally, I don’t care who takes the free-kicks or who scores».

After having seen Diego at work, more people are convinced about the potential of this Juventus: «It is one of the strongest teams in the world, part of the elite of football. It can win any trophy and that is why I am here. I feel well here, both with my mates and with the technical staff who are treating me with great affection and I can only improve».

The first objective has already been declared: beating Real in the semi-final and taking the Peace Cup home: «We are not in the ideal form yet, but the match against Real Madrid will be special as always. We will play to win because our objective is winning the tournament».

The match against Real evokes the Champions League and Diego does not hold back on the subject: «It is impossible for a team like Juve to take part in a tournament simply to participate. With the investments it made and the players it has it must always try to win. This is our mentality. Everybody is awaiting Juventus and we must be conscious of this. The Champions League is an objective, a difficult one true, but we must work to win it».

He is ambitious but with his feet firmly on the ground. Diego wants to help Juventus to win but is not seeking personal success: «The golden ball is not one of my objectives. Those are things that come slowly. A career is made up of many steps and I want to concentrate on the first: playing well, helping Juventus and winning. The world cup is another great objective of mine. Up to now I have never taken part in one, but to do so I have to do well with Juventus and I am 100% concentrated on this. We must try to win and the rest will follow by default».
*juventus.com

Serie A fixtures : Juventus – Milan on the last day

The wait is over: the fixtures of the 2009/10 Serie A have been drawn at the coni building. The first match will see the bianconeri hosting Chievo at the Olimpico in Turin. It will be the Olimpico in Rome however to host the next two matches against Roma and Lazio. The Serie A will kick-off on the 22nd and 23rd of August.

The end of the season promises to be as exciting as the start with the match against Inter on the 15th match day and the one against Milan on the very final day.

Below are the fixtures:

1 – Juventus-Chievo
2 - Roma-Juventus
3 – Lazio-Juventus
4 - Juventus – Livorno
5 – Genoa –Juventus
6 – Juventus – Bologna
7 – Palermo – Juventus
8 – Juventus – Fiorentina
9 – Siena – Juventus
10 – Juvebtus – Sampdoria
11 – Juventus – Napoli
12 – Atalanta – Juventus
13 – Juventus –Udinese
14 – Cagliari – Juventus
15 – Juventus – Inter
16 – Bari – Juventus
17 – Juventus – Catania
18 – Parma – Juventus
19 – Juventus – Milan

*juventus.com

Diego Grabs Debut Goal As Juventus Beat Seongnam To Make Peace Cup Semi-Final

The Bianconeri are through to Friday's semi-final following a convincing display against Seongnam.
Juventus 3-0 Seongnam
28 Jul 2009 20:19:41

Goals from Iaquinta, Diego and Legrottaglie saw the Old Lady cruise past a Seongnam side who were never in the race in the Estadio Chapin in Jerez. Juve are through to the semi-final where they may face the Galacticos of Real Madrid.

First Half

Juventus started brightly knowing that a draw would take them through to a possible semi-final clash with Real Madrid. It was scrappy early on as Seongnam closed the spaces well. Diego made his debut after his summer move from Werder Bremen.

The first real chance fell to David Trezeguet. Vincenzo Iaquinta crossed in from the far side for the Frenchman who rose above the defence to head the ball towards goal. However, it was a weak effort and comfortable for Sung Jong Ryun. Minutes later it was Iaquinta who should have done better from close range. Mauro Camoranesi fed the Italian. He beat Hwan Kim for pace, but he failed to leave his mark as he fired wide with his left foot.

The Koreans showed their fitness compared to the Italian side. Molina fed Dong Won Han with a nice through pass, but Nicola Legrottaglie spared Jonathan Zebina blushes with a nice clearance. It was an open game as both teams attacked each other.

Iaquinta was once again at the centre of the action. Diego found Camoranesi with a delightful ball on the right. The Italian crossed in for Iaquinta but he failed to make contact with his head. Dong Won gave Gianluigi Buffon a scare moments later. Zebina who didn’t look confident, allowed his opponent to slip through, but the Italian goalkeeper was quick off his line to smother the danger.

Minutes later Zebina fouled Molina on the left and a free kick was awarded on the edge of the box. However, Molina’s effort was well cleared by Chiellini. The Chunma continued to attack and Cho should have given them the lead after 30 minutes, but he failed to connect to Kim's low cross from the right. Molina was the Korean side's dangerman, but his finishing was poor as he dragged his left-foot effort wide of Buffon's goal.

Down the other end Juve were awarded a free kick after Sasa fouled Iaquinta on the edge of the box. Diego stepped up to take it, but his curling effort deflected off the wall. At the back the Old Lady was well organised. Seongnam found it hard to breach Ciro Ferrara’s side and the didn’t create any chance worthy of mention.

Juventus finally took the lead following a comedy of errors from Jung in goal. Diego passed out wide to Camoranesi who crossed in with a first time effort. The Seongnam keeper came but never caught the ball and it deflected into the net via Iaquinta's head. It was a dreadful mistake from the Koreans as Jung lived his nightmare moment.

The Italian side were boosted by the goal and it showed as they continued to batter to Koreans' goal. Cristiano Zanetti should have done better when he was fed by Trezeguet. The Italian midfielder controlled well, but he blasted his right-foot effort over the crossbar.

Second Half

Juve got the second half underway and came close through Zebina. The defender made a good run down the right as he latched on to a pass from Diego, but he fizzed his shot wide of the mark. Felipe Melo came on for Zanetti as the Brazilian made his debut. The Brazilian showed his skills as he slowed the rhythm of the game down and linked up well with Diego. The number 28 played the ball out to Camoranesi on the right. He crossed well, but Iaquinta was late and Jung caught well.

Iaquinta continued to move well inside the box and he spotted Trezeguet's clever run in behind Ognenovski. However, the Frenchman incredibly missed from point-blank range as he fired high. It was easier to score than to miss.

Diego made it 2-0 to the Italians with an outstanding strike. He dribbled his way into the box before unleashing a powerful drive into the bottom right corner, leaving Jung with no chance. Juve were cruising by this stage. Sebastian Giovinco came on for Diego and he made an instant impact. 'La Formica Atomica' cut into the box following a short corner and he picked out Legrottaglie who headed home to seal the win.

The Korean side didn't give up though and Hack Yong Jang should have scored with his head, but the ball flew over the crossbar. The Bianconeri held on to make it through to the semi-final in style.

Teams

Juventus (4-3-1-2): Buffon (Chimenti); Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Salihamidzic; Camoranesi, Zanetti (Melo), Tiago; Diego (Giovino); Trezeguet, Iaquinta.

Seongnam (4-4-2): Sung Ryong Jung; Sung Hwan Kim, Ognenovski Byung Kuk Cho, Hack Yong Jang; Dong Won, Han, Ho Lee, Jung, Woo Kim, Ban; Dong Geong, Cho, Radonzic.

Goals: Iaquinta (J), Diego (J), Legrottaglie (J).

Goal.com

What a debut for Diego! Juve books Real

At the end of the day, the qualification to the Peace Cup semi-final was a smooth one. In Jerez, Juventus had their best match of this new season and tonight Ciro Ferrara can’t help but be satisfied in all aspects. The final 3-0 score against Korean side Seongnam is the result of the great authority shown by the bianconeri who did not miss a single step. A match to enjoy, especially for the subscribers of Juventus Channel who can watch the game as from 23:30hrs, a match which should not be missed. It was supposed to be Diego’s night and it was. The Brazilian left an impressive mark on his first match: great passes, a share in the first goal scored by Iaquinta (following a first-timer cross by Camoranesi) and the beautiful second goal. All of this in 60 minutes which were enough for the first match. Diego’s was not the only debut. The first 45 minutes of Felipe Melo were also good. The midfielder came on for Zanetti. Great match by Legrottaglie and Giovinco who excused themselves for the delay in joining the team by creating the 3-0: cross by the Atomic Ant and goal by Nicola. One last remark? For the first time since the start of the season, Juventus achieved a clean sheet and even this is a sign of great steps ahead made by the squad. What about the Peace Cup? Mission accomplished and semi-final reached. Now the team must wait for a couple of hors to know the name of their opponent against whom they will play on Friday. The name of the team will be known at the end of the match between Real Madrid and the Colombian side of Lega de Quito. It is useless to say that everybody expects the Galacticos for a first tasty appetizer of the season. To meet Cristiano Ronaldo, Kakà and friends immediately, even though at the end of July, would be a nice way to test the qualities of the bianconeri.
In Jerez, Ferrara fielded a defence made up of Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini and Salihamidzic with Buffon back in goal. The midfield was made up of Camoranesi, Zanetti and Tiago. The Brazilian played behind Iaquinta and Trezeguet.
The expectations are immediately satisfied. Diego has a will to perform and the rather careless way of playing of Seongnam suited him perfectly. There are immediately great spaces and the great touches of the playmaker are pure honey for his mates, especially for Iaquinta who is launched twice. On the first occasion there is a dubious offside flag waved while on the second a precise save by the Asian keeper. The Brazilian also tried from a free-kick, one of his specialities, but the wall’s deviation made a well-calibrated shot look less dangerous. Seongnam tried to react and just before the 30th minute Dong Won put the ball slightly wide from an inviting position.
The dead-lock was broken on the 40th minute. A great one-touch bit of football by the magical bianconeri: Diego for Camoranesi who crossed to the middle with the keeper in a faulty exit and Iaquinta depositing at the back of the net. The striker from Calabria has had a great seasonal start after the mark left against Seville. The goal saw the teams end the first half on 1-0 and the bianconeri draw closer to the semi-final. The second half began with the public who had their eyes all on Diego in the first half having to share their gazes with Felipe Melo who came on for Zanetti. Once again the match starts off with the duo Diego-Iaquinta. The Brazilian passed to the striker who moved past an opponent and passed to Trezeguet who missed from just under the goal. The goal is however scored by Diego and it is a real pearl. Two touches with the soles of his shoes to get rid of a rival player and a beautiful left-footed shot to the corner of the net with no chance for the Korean goalkeeper: 2-0 and result assured.
The Brazilian’s match came to an end after an hour. He left the field for Giovinco (also on his seasonal debut) amidst the applause of the public. Molinaro replaced Zebina. Buffon cannot just be a spectator and saved following an incursion by Radonzic. Ferrara’s team immediately won back control of the match and Trezeguet went close to the third goal heading after a perfect cross by Camoranesi: well done to the Korean keeper. There is however, just a short while to wait before the third goal and it is created by the last two players to join the squad. On the 26th minute Giovinco runs on the flank and crosses to Legrottaglie who headed the ball hammering it into the back of the net.
Marrone also came onto the field, as a replacement for Tiago, Ariaudo on for Legrottaglie and Chimenti on for Buffon but the match has nothing left to say. Seongnam seeks a bit satisfaction but this denied them by Chimenti, Juventus try to pass the time and begin to think of Friday’s semi-final, without yet knowing the name of their opponent for which they still have to wait for a few more minutes.
*juventus.com

Ferrara: «I am happy but we can improve further»

If anybody still had any doubt about the kind of coach Ciro Ferrara is he would have had a clear sign at the end of the match in Jerez. Just like so many illustrious predecessors, even the new Juventus coach is one that is never pleased enough.

Even after the 3-0 victory against Seongnam that saw the bianconeri through to the semi-final of the Peace Cup, Ferrara is still seeking to improve his team. «I am happy with the result but there is still room for improvement. At the end of the first half I was not happy and I even told the boys. In the second half, on the other hand, there was a good performance. Diego’s debut? I hoped it would be like this. His talents are known by all but even he has to improve further. He can give so much to this team. Now we’re through to the semi-final. Our objective is to win the Peace Cup even if we have to play against Real in the sem-final».
*juventus.com

Felipe Melo: «I am happy with my debut and the welcome by my mates»

In the first episode of the Brazilian festival, in which Diego was the absolute protagonist, even Felipe Melo managed to play a role. 45 minutes on the field less in then a week since his signing for Juventus is definitely not bad at all especially seeing the result.

The midfielder can feel satisfied with his landing on planet Juve: «We managed to win against a difficult team which only two days ago drew against Seville. Since I joined my mates I’ve worked a lot. I am happy with the welcome I received and my adaptation is moving faster then I thought. I immediately understood I joined a great family and this is important. A long season awaits us an, even thanks to Diego, we can reach high goals. The scudetto is a dream but that is what we are working for».
*juventus.com

Legrottaglie: «There couldn’t have been a better start»

Together with Sebastian Giovinco, he was the last to return from his holidays, but at the end of the day Nicola Legrottaglie excused himself for…the delay. On his seasonal debut he immediately had a positive performance (which coincided with the first clean sheet) and a goal typical of a striker, scored in collaboration with Giovinco.

At the end of the match, Nicola expressed all his satisfaction: «A debut with a goal. It certainly couldn’t have been a better start to the season. I am happy. It was the prize for the hard work I am doing at the moment, since I joined my mates. A player with my build always finds it harder to find his form. Diego? He is exceptional. We all know his qualities and we know he can do really well with us».
*juventus.com

Victory on Peace Cup debut!

The adventure of Juventus in the Peace Cup has begun. Ferrara fielded Del Piero and Amauri as attacking couple, assisted by Camoranesi in a more advanced position in comparison to the midfielders. The defence sees Cannavaro and Chiellini at the centre. Juventus are wearing the tradition black and white jersey, while Seville is sporting a white jersey and fielded in a 4-4-2 formation. In the first five minutes there are no shots on goal. The first shot came on the 9th minute with Zokora trying from a distance but the ball is cleared. On the 11th minute Perotti has a go from a free-kick on the left side of the area but it goes high over the bar. Juventus try to react on Palop’s side with a long ball by Tiago addressed to Amauri who is however anticipated by the Andalusia keeper. On the 19th minute it is Camoranesi who launches the Brazilian but the flag is up for an off-side.

With the passing of time Juventus start taking control of the field, press and remain compact. On the 23rd minute Del Piero takes a fee-kick from 25 metres but his shot hits the wall. Two minutes later it is Seville who are dangerous: Konè on the counter-attack opens up on the right for Renato who attempts to return the ball to his mate in the area but his cross is too long and the action is lost. On the 26th minute it is Juventus who score the opener: Del Piero shoots perfectly from the corner flag and Amauri chooses the right moment to jump anticipating the defender and heading the ball into the net behind Palop for the 1-0. Seville react immediately and Manninger is clever to close the space on Konè.

On the 30th minute there is the first substitution: Camoranesi leaves the field for Iaquinta and Juventus are now in a three-striker formation. The Italian international tries to be a protagonist immediately and on the 34th minute after receiving from Amauri, tries a right-footed shot from outside the area but the shot is blocked by Fernando Navarro. One minute later, Cannavro fouled Zokora who is running towards goal and was shown the yellow card. The subsequent free-kick sees Konko shooting hard and Manninger punching into corner. At the end of the half it is once again Juve on the attack: Zebina enters the area from the right and crosses, Palop waves the ball away, Iaquinta deviates slightly and Zanetti shoots high.

The last opportunity came from Perotti who once again from a set-piece saw the ball skim the post. The first half ended after one minute of stoppage time with the bianconeri leading.

The second half began with Luis Fabiano coming on for Duscher, while Ferrara did not make any substitutions keeping the forward line with Amauri, Del Piero and Iaquinta. Seville are immediately dangerous : on the 2nd minute Konè controlled the ball in the area and shot with his right foot with the ball going inches wide. A few seconds later it is Luis Fabiano who tries a hot from outside the area but Manninger blocked well. The match is lively: on the 5th minute Amauri tried a run on the left but was stopped before shooting at goal and shortly after did not manage to stop the ball in the area following an inviting pass by Tiago. On the 7th minute Diego Capel substituted Perotti and right after the substitution, Manninger made a great save on a powerful shot by Josè Navas. On the 11th minute it is the post to deny Juventus the second goal. Marchisio shoots with his right foot from outside the area hitting the post. A few seconds later the midfielder is shown a yellow card for a foul on Zokora in midfield.

On the 15th minute Luis Fabiano enters the area from an angled position but shoots directly at Manninger who performed a shor exit.

Seville press on but on the 20th minute it is Juventus to score a second thanks to Vincenzo Iaquinta who from outside the area dished out a low shot to the bottom left corner with Palop beaten (2-0). Right after Marchisio left the field for Salihamidzic while Adriano and Romaric came on for Fernando Navarro and Zokora.

Manninger continued with his show: on the 27th minute Luis Fabiano heads well but Alex flies and deviates and three minutes later he once agains saves over the bar after a powerful shot by Konko. On the 33rd minute Del Piero tests Palop from a free-kick and one minute later it is Jesus Navas who leaves the field for José Carlos. Seconds after the substitution Seville score thanks to Squillaci who headed the ball following a corner to beat Manninger. A few minutes later Konè went close to equalizing with the ball going wide from a difficult angle. On the 39th minute Del Piero is replaced by Molinaro. Seville are trying all they can and during stoppage time it is Romaric to keep Manninger busy but the keeper deviated into corner and blocked the ball a few seconds later following the last shot by renato. Juventus win by 2-1 and now they can start thinking of the match against Seongnam on Tuesday 28th in Jerez.

SEVILLE-JUVENTUS 1-2
Scorers: 26th Amauri, 65th Iaquinta, 80th Squillaci

SEVILLE
Palop; Konko, Escudè, Squillaci, Fernando Navarro ( 69th Adriano) ; Jesus Navas 79th José Navas), Duscher (45th Luis Fabiano), Zokora (69th Romaric), Perotti (52nd Diego Capel); Konè Renato
Reserves: Dragutinovic, Luis Fabiano, Javi Varas, Alfaro, David Prieto, Diego Capel, Acosta, Romaric, Lolo, Josè Carlos
Coach: Manuel Jimenez

JUVENTUS
Manninger; Zebina, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grygera; Marchisio (65th Salihamidzic), Zanetti, Tiago; Camoranesi (30th Iaquinta) Amauri (92nd Marrone), Del Piero (84th Molinaro).
Reserves: Buffon, Chimenti, Felipe Melo, Salihamidzic, Trezeguet, Molinaro, Giovinco, Sissoko, Ariaudo, Diego, Legrottaglie, Marrone
Coach: Ciro Ferrara

Referee: Stephan Johannesson (Sweden)
Assistants: Magnus Sjoblom (Sweden), Joakim Flink (Sweden)
Fourth Official: Kevin Blom (Holland)

Yellow Cards: 34th Cannavaro, 39th Zebina, 57th Marchisio, 78th Zanetti
*juventus.com

Friendly: Juve triumph in Seville

Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta earned a 2-1 Juventus victory away to Sevilla for the Peace Cup, but Mauro Camoranesi is injured.

The Bianconeri surprisingly left out Gigi Buffon and Diego is still not 100 per cent fit, but started with Camoranesi, Amauri and Alessandro Del Piero upfront.

Amauri was about to score the opener one-on-one with the goalkeeper after 18 minutes, but was halted for an incorrect offside flag.

His celebration was only postponed, as he rose to nod in Del Piero’s corner kick and give Juventus the lead in Seville.

Camoranesi’s injury-laden career continues, as he picked up a left knee problem and was replaced by Iaquinta just half an hour in.

Sevilla introduced Milan transfer target Luis Fabiano for the second half and the Spaniards almost equalised straight away, as Konè drilled inches wide with Alex Manninger beaten.

Claudio Marchisio thumped the base of the upright from distance and Manninger parried a Navas angled drive.

On 67 minutes substitute Iaquinta doubled Juve’s lead with a classic counter-attack. Jonathan Zebina sparked the move in his own penalty area and combined with Iaquinta, who placed a daisy-cutter into the far corner from the edge of the box.

Manninger required a splendid save to deny Luis Fabiano, but could do nothing when Schillaci was allowed a free header on a corner 10 minutes from time.

Sevilla poured forward in the final stages, but Manninger came to the rescue again on Jose Carlos and Renato to ensure Juventus won their Peace Cup opener 2-1.

Sevilla 1-2 Juventus
Scorers: Amauri 27 (J), Iaquinta 67 (J), Schillaci 80 (S)
Sevilla: Palop; Konko, Escudè, Schillaci, F Navarro (Adriano 70); Jesus Navas, Duscher (Luis Fabiano 46), Zokora (Romaric 70), Perotti (Capel 52); Konè, Renato
Juventus: Manninger; Zebina, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grygera; Marchisio (Salihamidzic 68), Zanetti, Tiago; Camoranesi (Iaquinta 30), Amauri (Marrone 93), Del Piero (Molinaro 85)
Ref: Johannesson (Swe)
*c4

Draw at the Briamasco

The match against Vicenza has one important novelty: the many international players on the field after the few days spent with the rest of the team in Pinzolo.

The first few minutes are rather slow which is acceptable and expected when one considers the heavy workload undergone by the players in the last few days especially the internationals who joined less then a week ago. The match however starts to warm up with Juventus beginning to take over the field and showing good acceleration. On the 8th minute there is a fast bit of action with a Camoranesi cross too long for Trezeguet.

Del Piero seems to be in grade shape and offers a number of magical touches with Juventus gaining metres. On the 13th minute Chiellini heads high from a corner. Three minutes later Bjelanovic takes the Juve defence by surprise, goes past Buffon and passes to Misuraca who scores the opener (1-0).

On the 19th minute Amauri is sent-off for kicking the ball towards an opponent with play at a stop. The decision of the referee is rather heavy and abrupt when one considers that the match is a friendly.

Notwithstanding being one player down, Juventus react well and on the 21st minute a Camoranesi cross is deviated by a defender forcing the keeper to a great save for a corner. Six minutes later it is once again the Italo-Argentine who after some beautiful ball play is fouled from behind with the referee simply awarding a free-kick. Del Piero takes it: the ball is kicked magically but the bar denies him the goal in what was an unlucky miss.

On the 29th minute there is a good Tiago pass towards Grygera who crosses well into the area but the defence manages to clear before any bianconero can head home. Two minutes later there is another bad Vicenza foul, this time on Del Piero with the referee once again keeping the card in his pocket. The captain takes the free-kick but the defence clears.

The 36th minute sees some beautiful footwork by Del Piero with the ball finally deviated into corner. From the flag the ball reaches Cannavaro who first tries to head the ball home and then shoots with his left foot to see the ball go inches wide of the post.

Seven minutes later another hard tackle, this time on Tiago, goes once again unsanctioned by the referee. On the 45th minute the ball is handed by a Vicenza player. It is Del Piero who takes the free-kick from a long distance sending it just slightly wide.

The second half, as is typical of these friendly matches, is characterised by a number of substitutions with Manninger, Zanetti, Salihamidzic, Poulsen and Ariaudo coming on for Buffon, Camranesi, Molinaro, Grygera and Chiellini at the kick-off of the second part of the match.

On the 10th minute Cannavaro is substituted by Alcibiade and five minutes later it is Marrone who comes on for Marchisio. On the 16th minute A good Alicbiade ball reaches Del Piero in the area but the captain is denied what would have been a beautiful goal by Frison. Trezeguet sees a goal being disallowed for off-side.

On the 21st minute Immobile comes on for the captain and on the half hour mark the continuous attempts to equalize bear their fruit. Da Silva fouls Brazzo in the area and a penalty is given which is scored by Trezeguet.

The 86th minute sees a good long ball by Poulsen reaching Trezeguet but the defence clears in time/

The end result, a 1-1 draw, doe not make any of the team particularly happy but when one considers the fact that the bianconeri played with one men less for over three fourths of the game it becomes more acceptable.


*juventus.com

Official: Felipe Melo joins Juventus

The news is official: Felipe Melo is a Juventus player. The last details of the deal with the player and Fiorentina have been finalised (see press release) and Felipe Melo is in full effect a Juventus player. The Brazilian midfielder, fresh from winning the Confederations Cup will spend a few more days in Brazil on holiday and will arrive in Turin on the 22nd of July to begin training.

Felipe Melo spoke to Juventus Channel on Tuesday, the day of his medical check-up at the Fornaca Clinic and the Centro di Medicina dello Sport: «I am very happy to have joined Juventus and can’t wait to start working. I believe very much in this team that was reinforced and that can compete with anybody in an attempt to reach all the goals in Italy and in Europe».

Felipe Melo de Carvalho joins a more then ever Brazilian Juventus after the signing of Amauri (last season) and Diego. A central midfielder born in 1983 (in Volta Redonds on the 26th June), he joins Juventus after a good season with Fiorentina and long experiences in Brazil and Spain.
Brought up as a player by Flamengo, before travelling to Europe, Felipe Melo played for two more Brazilian teams: Cruzeiro and Gremio. In 2005 he crossed the ocean to join Maiorca but only spent a few months with the Spanish team. Two seasons with Racing Santander and one with Almeria introduced him to the crowds, In the summer 2008 he was transferred to Fiorentina with which team he made his debut in the Champions League (in the preliminaries) and in the Serie A during the match against Juventus on the first match day. The excellent performances with the viola earned him a call-up to Dunga’s national side of which he soon became a strong point. In February of this year he made his debut (against Italy in London) and in July the satisfaction of winning the Confederations Cup as a protagonist in South Africa.
*juventus.com

First test is satisfactory

In a sold-out stadium full of Juventus fans, the bianconeri played a good seasonal first to the joy of all those present.

The bianconeri had a fiery start: on the 8th minute Trezeguet headed over the keeper and into the back of the net after an excellent cross by Zebina. The French connection were the artifices behind the first goal for Juventus in 2009/10. Two minutes later Ambrosi performs a super-save to deny Amauri from heading home. The Cisco keeper seems to have an open account with the Brazilian when another of his miracles once again denies Amauri punching into corner after a great shot.

Fatigue started to show for the bianconeri after the first 20 minutes and on the 25th minute Franchini beat Manninger to make the score 1-1. Six minutes later however a golden opportunity is missed by Del Piero who saw the ball go high over the bar from an inviting position.

The second half saw all eleven players being substituted with the first two to come on being Bamba and Chimenti for Zebina and Manninger as from the start. On the 51st minute Juve demanded a penalty after a Cisco player handed the ball in the area. One minute later a Del Piero free-kick goes high over the bar.

On the 64th minute Zanetti made it 2-1 with a great shot after receiving from Trezeguet. Two minutes later a Daud freekick is saved by the keeper with the ball reaching Immobile who puts the ball into the center of the area where there is Amauri who with an aerial scissor-kick scores a beautiful goal making the score 3-1.

The 84th minute saw a beautiful Esposito cross reaching immobile who puts the ball at the back of the net for the final 4-1. Four minutes from the end great triangulization by Daud and Esposito with the latter seeing his shot being saved by the keeper.

The second half also saw the entrance on the field of Daud, Immobile, Marrone, Esposito, Alcibiade, Molinaro, Mirarchi and Serino. Brazzo was the last player to be substitued playing for 85 minutes.
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Ferrara: «I am statisfied. These kind of matches are hard»

The first match of Juventus this season ended in a 4-1 victory, a very satisfactory result especially when one considers the fact that the team has only been trianing for 6 days and that the players have had a heavy workload.

This is also the opinion of Juve coach Ciro Ferrara who seems satisfied after the seasonal debut against Cisco Roma, even though he did not sit for a single minute of the game: «It was how we expected. It was a difficult match since we just started our training. We won the match and this pleases us but I must say well done to Cisco for a good game. We started off well managing to get through their midfield and going near to the goal. We could have played better close to goal, especially when some fatigue started to be felt. At this moment however it is acceptable. In the future we must try to make the ball move more and keep away from too many long balls».

There is much more work to be done until the start of the official season but motivation and good will were not missing on the pitch: «I am satisfied. This kind of match is hard. The boys were concentrated and I am also happy with the youngsters who came in and showed their capabilities. They obviously were less tired because their training was less hard and it showed. My intention was to allow everybody to play 45 minutes but then I saw that the boys wanted to play on and so I let them play for nearly an hour».
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Tiago: «We will have a great championship»

Two years later, Pinzolo has re-found an idol: Tiago. The Portuguese player has won back all the love and affection which the Juventus supporters had greeted him with on his arrival in 2007. The faith shown in him by Ferrara, his mates and the club, a new formation which is mire apt to his characteristics and a slightly stronger dose of self-esteem: for Tiago it seems to be the right time.

At the end of the first match against Cisco, the Portuguese player commented about his and the team’s performance in this manner: «The first 20 minutes went really well, then things got a bit difficult when we started to feel exhaustion. The three-strong midfield is more adapted to my characteristics even though to play in this manner all have to give a helping hand. I am optimistic about the season which is about to begin. At the moment I am finding it hard because I’m not used to working so much. I am happy with the team spirit that is forming. We feel as if Ferrara is one of us».
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Pinzolo awaits internationals

One week since the start of the training camp in Pinzolo tomorrow – Thursday 16th July – Ciro Ferrara will be able to count on nearly the whole group. As scheduled, seven bianconeri will arrive in Val Rendena.

The seven players are 5 Italian internationals fresh from the Confederations Cup, that is Gigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Mauro German Camoranesi and Vincenzo Iaquinta. They will be joined by Claudio Marchisio who will be cutting his holidays after the Under 21 European Cup two days short and Sergio Almiron who due to influenza could not join the rest of the team immediately.

Only three players will still be missing. For Paolo De Ceglie it is a question of one day since he will return on Friday 17th July. The only players who will not join the team in Trentino are Nicola Legrottaglie and Sebastian Giovinco who will meet the rest of the squad in Turin before the departure to Andalucia for the Peace Cup.

As from tomorrow therefore, the group will be much larger. Up to now only Raffaele Bianco left the training camp just like Massimiliano Maddaloni who left for Coverciano for the coaching course.


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Juventus Team Of The Decade 2000-2010

As we approach 2010, Goal.com's Carlo Garganese selects his Juventus best XI from the past decade...

13 Jul 2009 21:45:04

Juventus
Italian football during the past 10 years has certainly been eventful. The capital clubs of Lazio and Roma shared the first two championships of the decade, before Juventus re-asserted their domestic dominance by winning three of the next four Scudetti, Milan claiming the other.

The Calciopoli crisis in 2006 signalled a change in power, as Juve were stripped of two titles and demoted to Serie B. A number of other punishments helped Inter become the No.1 force, and they closed the noughties by winning the Scudetto in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

It has certainly been a rollercoaster ride for Italy’s most successful club Juventus, and Carlo Garganese selects his best Bianconeri XI from the past decade…

Formation: 4-4-2

Gianluigi Buffon (2001- )
By the time Buffon retires, it's quite possible that he will be recognised as the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game. Arriving in 2001 from Parma for a world-record shot-stopper’s fee of €52 million, Buffon has more than paid this back, and he won the Scudetto in his first season at the club, before adding another three titles (two of which were revoked due to Calciopoli). Six times Serie A goalkeeper of the Year, three times UEFA best goalkeeper, and winner of the Silver Ball in 2006 says it all for this glovesman.


Lilian Thuram (2001-06)
A contender along with Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta for the world’s best defender of the past decade, as well as arguably the greatest French stopper of all time. Thuram also joined Juventus from Parma in 2001 for a big transfer fee, and during his five years at the club he played both at right back and his favoured centre back role. An indomitable rock at the back, Thuram was fast, strong, unbeatable in the air, and superb tactically – he was the perfect defensive package. His most memorable performance was in a 2003 Champions League extra time quarter final victory at Camp Nou against Barcelona, a display often described as the ‘perfect performance’.


Fabio Cannavaro (2004-06 & 2009- )
Although a 35-year-old Cannavaro has just returned to Juventus this summer, he will be best remembered for his two-year spell in Turin between 2004 and 2006, where he won back-to-back league titles that were eventually revoked. One of Luciano Moggi’s best buys, and Inter’s most peculiar sales, Cannavaro actually joined Juventus in part-exchange for reserve goalkeeper Fabian Carini. The Neapolitan soon rediscovered his form with the Bianconeri, forming an water-tight defensive triangle with former Parma team-mates Thuram and Buffon. The best defender in the world during his final season at Juve, as proved by his heroics at the 2006 World Cup for Juventus, which helped him win the Ballon d'Or.


Paolo Montero (1996-2005)
One of the toughest defenders in Calcio history, Montero holds the record for the most red cards received in Serie A. Despite his poor disciplinary record, the Uruguayan was also a world class defender during most of his Juventus career. Montero was man-made for the Italian game due to his excellent reading of the game, and professionalism. Knew every trick in the book, and was the natural heir to Claudio Gentile. If Montero didn’t get the ball, he would get the man. Unlucky to have lost three Champions League finals for Juve, one of them in 2003.


Gianluca Pessotto (1995-2006)
One of the most under-rated defenders of his generation, Pessotto rarely made the headlines in the press (aside from his near-death experience during the Calciopoli crisis) but he was a fine full back, with the versatility to play on the right or left of defence and midfield. A very dogged marker, who held the defensive line, Pessotto may not have been the most gifted technically, but it is difficult to think of many occasions when the current Juve team manager was beaten by his man. Many world class wingers failed to go past Pessotto.


Mauro Camoranesi (2002- )

Camoranesi was a virtual unknown, and nearly 26, when he joined Juventus from little Verona in 2002. Whoever scouted the Argentine-born Italian wideman certainly deserves huge praise, as Camoranesi has been an influential member of the midfield over the past seven years, even if he has suffered from injury problems recently. Creative and skilful, the ex-Cruz Azul man impressed so much on the right that he helped give Marcello Lippi the idea to convert Gianluca Zambrotta into a full-back.



Edgar Davids (1996-2004)

A candidate for the best defensive midfielder of his generation, most footballers would name Davids as their most feared opponent. The Dutchman really lived up to his nickname as ‘The Pitbull’, as he hunted down adversaries, tore the ball of them with crunching tackles before launching lightning attacks. Davids had a ferocious style of play, and he brought so much to Juventus up until his final season in 2004 when he fell out of favour before having a superb six-month loan spell at Barcelona. It could be argued that Juventus still haven’t really replaced him, as Patrick Vieira and Emerson were both slightly disappointing, while Momo Sissoko still needs to improve certain facets of his game.



Pavel Nedved (2001-2009)

Arrived as a direct replacement for Zinedine Zidane in 2001, with Juventus paying Lazio €41 million for his services. No one could have predicted that Nedved would actually have a better career in Turin than his French predecessor. The Czech Republic star was the driving force of the Bianconeri almost up until his expected retirement this summer, and during his peak he was perhaps the most complete midfielder in Europe. The long-haired schemer’s best year was in 2002-03 when he won the Ballon d’Or after he almost single-handedly took Juventus to the Champions League Final, only to sadly miss the Manchester showpiece through suspension. Best remembered for his thunderous goals against Barcelona in the quarter final and Real Madrid in the semis.



Gianluca Zambrotta (1999-2006)

Don’t let the 2009 Confederations Cup deceive you on what an outstanding career it has been for Zambrotta. Many people forget that until 2002-03, Zambrotta was a wide midfielder, a role he excelled in until he was converted into a full-back by Marcello Lippi in 2002-03. Between 2004 and 2006, Zambrotta was the top left back in the world, a marauding machine down the flank, with pace, intelligence and a great cross. The former Bari man was also very mean defensively, performing many perfectly-timed sliding tackles.



Alessandro Del Piero (1993- )

Juventus’ all-time appearance maker and top-scorer, it comes as no surprise that Del Piero is the first outfield name on the team-sheet for Team of the Decade. Despite being threatened by a number of reinforcements such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adrian Mutu, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Amauri, The Golden Boy has continued to be the Bianconeri’s main forward into his mid-thirties, scoring and creating goals with consummate ease. Many of Del Piero’s most memorable moments have come in the Champions League, often against Real Madrid. He scored a superb goal against the Blancos in that 2003 semi-final, and was applauded off the Santiago Bernabeu pitch last season. Italian Footballer of the Year and top scorer in 2007-08.



David Trezeguet (2000- )

With the exception of last term when he suffered terribly with injuries, Trezeguet’s goalscoring record with Juventus this decade has been simply astonishing, season after season. The Frenchman, who joined from Monaco in 2000, hit 15, 32, 13, 22, 14, 29, 15 and 20 goals in the first eight campaigns, and was both top-scorer and Serie A Footballer of the Year in 2002. Trezeguet, who was so impressive in his first year that he forced the sale of Pippo Inzaghi, struck up a telepathic understanding with Del Piero in attack. Likely to leave Juventus this summer.




Buffon

Thuram - Cannavaro – Montero - Pessotto

Camoranesi - Davids – Nedved - Zambrotta

Trezeguet – Del Piero


Do you agree with those who made it into the Juventus Team of the Decade 2000-2010? What would be your XI? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com

French feast at the Summer Village

On the 14th of July, day of the capture of Bastille, the feast was not only nheld in France. Even the Summer Village honoured the French national feast inviting two Frenchmen onto the stage: Jonathan Zebina and Momo Sissoko.

The defender and the midfielder met with the fans on the first appointment with “Filo Diretto” of the week. The programme was presented by dj Nana and Valeria Ciardiello.

As always, many were the Juventus supporters awaiting the two idols who answered in a friendly manner to all their curiosities even the most personal ones.

After the words of Ciro Ferrara during the press conference, even Momo and Jonathan joined in inviting Pavel Nedved to return to Juventus as a member of the technical staff – a further helping hand in view of the new season: «We were prepared even in the past – said Zebina – but this year we are more equipped and even more determined to get back to winning».

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Ferrara before the first match

Two months later, Ciro Ferrara is ready for his second “debut” of his career as Juventus coach. The team is on the eve of its seasonal debut of Wednesday afternoon in Pinzolo against Cisco Roma. This will be the occasion to see the results of the work done in the first week of the summer camp in Val Rendena and for the team to show itself to all for the first time.

It is a provisional debut, as was underlined by Ciro Ferrara during his first press conference in Trentino: «In order to evaluate I need to have the complete squad at my disposal. For this reason I am counting on being able to field all the players for one half even though I think that out of precaution Diego and Sissoko will not take part in the match. We will try to have an attacking midfield even though I do not want to focus on numbers and formations. What interests me is leaving a good impression».

Ciro Ferrara will have a complete (or nearly) team in the next few days when all those involved will arrive. It is however a fact that the Juventus 2009/10 that is being born in Pinzolo satisfies the coach’s expectations: «The club made great efforts and met my requests. The objective is to have two players in each role and putting all on the same level in a healthy competition in order for everyone to have the right motivation. How I am facing the season? I am very motivated, I know my responsibilities but I am not afraid of what awaits me».

While waiting for the season to begin properly with matches worth three points, the bianconeri are preparing themselves with the idea in mind of always being protagonists without too many proclamations: «I do not say those sort of things – continued Ferrara -, like I never did when I was a player. We decide about our objectives in the dressing room but certainly our intention is to compete for the top. Nobody asked me to win the scudetto but that was not necessary. Many have won it with words but that won’t get anybody far. The gap between us and Inter? Only the pitch will decide whether it was reduced or overcome».

The most unexpected but most welcome bit of news for the supporters was reserved by Ferrara for the end: «Yesterday I spoke to Nedved and I told him that I would like to have him as my collaborator. Pavel decided to retire from football and needs a few months to rest but I think that he will finally agree perhaps by the beginning of the championship. If he were to accept I’d be very happy».

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Diego fever!

If a good day can be seen from the morning, that between Juventus and Diego is a love destined to last long and leave its mark. The Brazilian wore black and white for the first time during the summer training camp in Pinzolo and it was immediately Diego-mania.

The Juventus supporters could not have welcomed him in a better way. From Vinovo to Trentino: the affection for the Brazilian could be seen everywhere. The player, while awaiting to reciprocate on the field, did it through words. From the square in Pinzolo, where he was officially presented to the public and through Juventus Member, Diego sent his personal message.

«As from today my adventure with Juventus begins – he told the Members -, it is the coming true of a dream which I have had for some time, that is since my name was mentioned in connection with this glorious club. During this time I had the opportunity to get informed, I read the history of the club and of its many victories but most of all I got to know about the warmth of you our supporters».

This warmth was more then evident during the evening held at Pinzolo. On stage together with Diego were general manager Jean-Claude Blanc and sports director Alessio Secco the event was aired live on Sky Sport (during the programme Calciomercato presented by Alessandro Bonan) and on Juventus Channel. Most of all however the new signing was together with many fans who did not want to miss out on the baptism in black and white of Diego. Many of these wore the number 28 which the Brazilian will be wearing at the beginning of his new adventure.

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The 2009/10 season kicks-off!

The day after the presentation of the new jerseys and the inauguration of the new season with the words of Jean-Claude Blanc and Ciro Ferrara, as from today the team will be starting their engines. Still in the absence of the international players who took part in the Confederations Cup held in South Africa (Buffon, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Camoranesi and Iaquinta) and in the Under 21 European Cup in Sweden (De Ceglie, Marchisio and Giovinco), the bianconeri will begin making their first steps.

In the morning, all those called-up for the first part of the summer training camp (see list) will meet and undergo the routine medical check-ups. Lunch is scheduled for the late morning followed by the departure from the Turin Caselle airport en route to Verona where the team will board a coach to get to Val Rendena.

In Pinzolo, which is already braced to greet the team and the supporters, the group will arrive in mid-afternoon and will immediately descend on the field. The first training session at the Stadio Pineta under the orders of Ciro Ferrara and his technical staff is scheduled for 18:00hrs.

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Sissoko: «We will show our strength»

Momo Sissoko is ready for a season as protagonist. After having completely recovered from the operation which conditioned the second part of last season, the midfielder from Mali spoke to Juventus Channel: «I am sure it will be a beautiful year. Even I feel better and I can’t wait to descend on the field». In an interview to be aired at 17:30hrs during “231 Estate”, Sissoko went on: «With Diego and Cannavaro we made two great signings , two players of great value and experience which have shown their value in the teams they played for and they will do so again this year. I think all the teams made god decisions when it comes to transfers, but we are there, ready to play for the title with Inter and Milan. We are ready and we wont to show it on the field».
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Molinaro: «I am super-spoilt»

Cristian Molinaro received excellent news with regards to the last medical visits undergone on the eve of the departure to Pinzolo and therefore cannot wait to get back to work with his mates: «I am ready for the new season. At the beginning when I was told about the diagnosed problem to the kidney I was scared but I came through thanks to my family, friends, players and the club: I was super-spoilt » he told Juventus Channel. «I am happy to be able to take part in the training camp with my mates. With regards to the time of my complete recovery it is up to the medical staff to decide».

Molinaro spoke of the new signings and the ambitions of the team: «Diego is a great player and he showed it. Thanks to him Juventus, is stronger. Cannavaro? You need not ask: he is a winner of the golden ball, world champion, he made Italian football history. With his addition to the team we gained quality and experience. We have a strong fighting spirit and a strong will to do well and charged-up for the new adventure».
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All the dates of the new Serie A

The Serie A is about to embark on another season rich in appointments. With the 2010 South Africa World Cup round the corner and with the last qualifying matches to be played, the calendar will once again be very busy.

The Lega Calcio made official the dates for the 2009/10 season which, as previously announced, will begin on the Sunday 23rd August 2009 (Saturday 22nd with the first matches) and will end on Sunday the 16th of May.

The breaks for international matches and the Christmas festivities will be on the 6th of September, the 11th of October, the 15th of November, the 27th of December and the 3rd of January.

There will be four mid-week rounds all on a Wednesday: 23rd September, 28th October, 6th January and 24th March.
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New jerseys presented!

On the eve of the team’s departure to the summer camp in Pinzolo, the new jerseys for the 2009-2010 season were launched. The event, organized at the OGR (Officine Grandi Riparazioni), a suggestive location in the centre of Turin, saw the participation of general manager Jean-Claude Blanc and coach Ciro Ferrara while the jerseys were worn by the protagonists: Manninger, Amauri, Diego and Sissoko. Nike Italia was represented by general manager Andrea Rossi who illustrated the innovations especially with regards to the second or away jersey. Both jerseys refer to the histroy of the club. The first jersey, in particular, has narrower black and white stripes and brings to mind the jersey worn by the protagonists of the Quinquennio (1930-1935) when Juventus on 5 consecutive scudetti. The shorts are white with a lateral black and white stripe while the socks, white too, have a subtle black line with “Juventus” printed on the calf.

The second jersey is the true novelty for the season. Built around the famous sentence pronounced by Giovanni Agnelli before the Champions League final against Ajax in 1996 («If they are a team of Flemish painters we will be tough Piemontese») these are the innovations: a jersey the colour of steel with a black and white line in front. The shorts are black with a lateral line of the same colour. The socks are black with Juventus written in grey on the calf.

«Today - declared Jean-Claude Blanc – we are launching the new season which we hope can be rich in emotion and great results. All the Juventus group will be tenacious in order to confirm the value that this jersey carries along with it. In these seven years of collaboration, Nike has always been capable of working in this spirit and even this time they have come up with a product that fully reflects the history and value of Juventus».

Ciro Ferrara spoke of the jerseys themselves: «The first jersey, which brings the 1930s to mind, the one that contributed to Juventus being called “The Fiancee of Italy” (Fidanzata d’Italia), will accompany us towards new and prestigious objectives. The second is totally in line with the fighting and tenacious spirit of the club, the athletes and our supporters».

Finally, Andrea Rossi explained the choices made by Nike: «The first jersey reflects the Juventus tradition finding its inspiration in the Quinquennio, while in the second we were inspired by the character and pride which has always characterized the team in international football. This is from where the idea of steel colour and the diagonal black and white stripe was born. We hope that these new jerseys can give an important contribution in facing the new season».

To purchase the new jerseys immediately log on to www.juvestore.com
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Blanc: «No proclamations. It will be the field that shall speak»

During the presentation of the jerseys, the general manager was asked about the team’s objectives: «We will not make any proclamations – he answered – It will be the field that shall speak. We are making a step forward on the road which we embarked on three years ago with the right programme. The important things is to continue growing, improving the team and handing it over to the coach as a more competitive team».

Jerseys of steel for a tough team: «A team – concluded Blanc – that never gives up just like the team has done in the last 36 months. Then we will see. Football is nice because it always presents a number of surprises. I am sure that it will be a very sought-after championship and we will see how it ends».

Finally a remark about the transfer marker: «If we buy a player, he will be the last».


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Ferrara: «Diego is a great signing»

Jersey presentation: Amauri, Diego, Sissoko and Manninger on stage – a joy for the new coach who as from tomorrow will have at his disposal most of the squad, excluding internationals, to begin preparing for the season. The squad satisfies him completely as it is full of great champions and an important signing: «I noticed, that in Europe, with the exception of Real Madrid, there was no great movement of players or of money. Juve moved in a different manner by signing a very important player like Diego and is working towards another great objective. The club made a great effort to improve the team further and close in on the gap with Inter and the European greats».

Asked whether if with such a squad he feels a great responsibility Ferrara answered: «When you are at Juventus you always have a great responsibility and therefore it is better to work with players of a high level who have the right mentality for wearing this heavy jersey. I am proud and satisfied with the transfer operations carried out up to now and I don’t feel any particular pressure if not that felt by all».

With regards to the steel coloured jersey, Ferrara just like Blanc was asked to compare it to the team’s character: «Juventus has it in its history never to give up and this year just as per tradition Juventus will not want to lose a single game from the friendlies upwards. I remember that in the past sometimes we were not the strongest team but we won just the same thanks to the characteristics that Juventus possesses and which it shall never lose. If we then add the quality of the players we have I feel I can add that we think we shall do really well».

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Amauri: «Diego will give us more quality»

Amauri, Momo Sissoko, Alexander Manninger and new signing Diego, were models during the presentation of the jerseys for the new season. The teams were on the stage which was prepared at the Officine Grandi Riparazioni and sporting the new jerseys and the event was also the occasion for a quick exchange of remarks. Amauri could be seen wearing the new first jersey, the black and white one, and showing off a novelty. The Brazilian this year will be changing number from 8 to 11, the number which he wore when he played for Palermo. «It is a great honour to wear the number which belonged to Pavel Nedved», he underlined while he did not want to commit himself with regards to the number of goals he would like to score in the new season: «For superstition purposes it is better not to speak of that but I hope to score enough for the team to win something important». A helping hand can be given to him by Diego: «I am happy about his arrival and I hope he can do even better then he did last year. Certainly, he will be adding to our quality». After the presentation of the jerseys, Amauri spoke to the journalists about the Juventus that is being born: «Cannavaro is an important signing and he will bring along experience. Felipe Melo? I’d be happy if he came here, he is another champion. The club is making a great effort. Inter have perhaps the most complete squad but we can still win just like we could last year. The formation? I have no problems with adapting to any solution. I think I proved to be up to Juve’s standards. The national team? In September I will have the Italian citizenship and anything will be possible».

From one Brazilian to another: Tomorrow Diego will be the protagonist of the first training camp evening in Pinzolo during his presentation to the supporters. Today’s was a tasty appetizer. The Brazilian, in fact, wore the Juventus jersey for the first time. He wore the second jersey, the silver one enriched buy the diagonal black and white stripes, also showing the number he has chosen for next season, number 28: «Having joined Juve is perfect – he stressed – I am happy to be hear and to wear this jersey for the first time».

Even Momo Sissoko wore the second jersey. He however, did not change number and kept the number 22 as he did the strong will: «Now I am hundred per cent well and ready for the next season. I can’t wait to begin».

Finally Alexander Manninger, who referring to the goalkeepers’ green jersey commented smiling: «Let us hope the colour brings luck».

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