Juve arrive in Jeddah

Juventus arrived in Saudi Arabia after more than 5 hours of flight.

In the morning, the team bid farewell to the Juventus Center for 2009 with a training session. Under the command of Ciro Ferrara and the keen eyes of Roberto Bettega, the bianconeri worked on the field to fine-tune the preparation in view of tomorrow’s match against Al Ittihad, the last commitment for this year. The bianconeri will return to Vinovo in the afternoon of January 1st, in order to get back to work in view of the next official match, on the 6th January away in Parma.

Tomorrow, 30th December, the match against Al Ittihad will kick-off at 18:15 CET at the Prince Abdullah Alfaisal Stadium. The match will be aired live and exclusively on Juventus Channel with a live commentary by Giulio Sala. The Juve TV station will follow the event with a special pre-match programme and a post-match programme including a number of interviews at the end of the match.
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Injured players are improving. First training session for the South Americans in the afternoon.

While the team will be in Jeddah for the friendly against Al Ittihad, work will go on in Vinovo. Both on Wednesday 30th and on Thursday 31st the players who will not be travelling to Saudi Arabia will be working. Buffon, Camoranesi, Iaquinta, Chiellini, Salihamidzic and Zebina will be joined tomorrow afternoon by the three South Americans - Diego, Felipe Melo and Caceres – who benefitted of an extra day of holidays due to the intercontinental trips and who will have their first training session this afternoon.

In the meantime there is good news from a medical point of view. Chiellini took part in the whole session with his team mates while Zebina and Salihamidzic followed a separate programme. Iaquinta continued his preparation on the field. There was a specific visit made by professor Flavio Quaglia for Buffon and Camoranesi, with the professor confirming improvements shown. Both players have begun their return to athletic work phase in the gym and in the swimming pool and will be back on the field by the end of the week.
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Roberto Bettega back in bianconero

A symbol in Juventus’ history comes back home. Roberto Bettega is from today the new Vice General Manager of the Club, who communicated the news by a press release. The job foresees the responsibility on the whole sport department, with immediate operation.
To welcome him, Jean-Claude Blanc: «I proposed to Bettega to become part of our organization – the President declared – to assume the responsibility of all sport department. A decision matured in these months, to strengthen the department to which the Club dedicated its maximum effort. Roberto is the right figure to cover this role, because able to transfer experience and authoritativeness to technical staff and to the sport management, guaranteeing further solidity to our ambitions. I already had the chance to collaborate with the new vice general manager with satisfaction for almost a year: he brings passion for soccer and love for a Club which he contributed in a determinant way to write the history of. His entrance, in a high responsibility position and with operative delegation, consolidates our managerial staff, adding further proficiency and strong motivations ».
«I accepted with enthusiasm Blanc’s proposal – Roberto Bettega added – and I’ll immediately start working for my Juve. I rediscover a Club I know so well, Jean-Claude Blanc and colleagues whom I shared important experiences with, persons who in these years grew up and whom I’m happy to collaborate with. The faith in work done by the Club and in people leading it, gives me the sureness that, with everybody’s contribution and with supporters’ support, we’ll know how to be competitive at maximum levels».
Roberto Bettega was born in Torino on December 27th, 1950. His experience as Juventus player started in the Pulcini and ended in 1983, after 480 matches and 178 goals, seven Scudetti, two Coppe Italia and one Uefa Cup. He is the third scorer in Juventus history, after Alessandro Del Piero and Giampiero Boniperti. As a manager, he has been vice-president from 1994 to 2006 and market consultant from summer 2006 till the end of may 2007. From today, he is vice general manager.
by: www.juventus.com

Fabio Cannavaro: Juventus Can Get Out Of Trouble In 2010

The Juve stopper has asked for a revival in 2010.




Juventus defender Fabio Cannavaro has urged the club to pull together and work towards a brighter future in 2010.

The Bianconeri hit their worst patch of form since 1999 after losing 2-1 to rock bottom Catania in Turin on Sunday. The upshot of the loss saw a number of fans protesting angrily in Turin while the club confirmed faith in Ciro Ferrara amid calls for his head to roll.

Cannavaro is aware of the turmoil surrounding his club, and he has lobbied for some quick-fix solutions.

"The results over the past month have been little. We have to work more and give plenty," he told the press during a charity event in Naples.

"I don't think we have become poor all of a sudden. We need recover the injured players and have a bit of luck because we always seem to concede a goal at the first action."

A new year, a new life as the Italian hopes to revive the embers of Scudetto thinking.

"We hope that the new year brings us better results," he concluded.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Cannavaro disqualified, no Parma. Also out Lucarelli and Paci

More than two weeks from Championship restart, with the 18th match scheduled for January 6th, the sport judge has already issued judgments. For Parma-Juventus, three will be the players who won’t go on the pitch: one bianconero and two gialloblu.

Ciro Ferrara won’t be able to use Fabio Cannavaro. The National Team’s Captain got his fourth yellow card of the season vs. Catania and therefore he won’t be able to play vs. his former team. Guidolin will have to do without two defenders: Alessandro Lucarelli and Massimo Paci.

For the match in Emilia, among the bianconeri, Poulsen will be back, as he served out the match ban vs. Catania, but the disqualified list stretches out. With Grygera, Legrottaglie, Sissoko and Camoranesi, also Diego e Tiago, both warned yesterday. Yellow Card number two for Marchisio instead.
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Marcello Lippi Rules Out Juventus Return After 2010 World Cup

The Italian national team coach has cleared the air about his possible return to the Bianconeri after the tournament in South Africa.




Italian national team coach Marcello Lippi has clarified the situation in regards to a possible return to Juventus once the 2010 World Cup is over.

Lippi has categorically stated that he will not be involved with the Old Lady in any shape or form, on the bench or on the board of directors.

"After the World Cup, I will not return to Juventus," the 61-year-old stated to Sky Sports 24. "I am not a puppet of the team.

"I have simply given some tips to the directors, saying that [current coach Ciro] Ferrara is an excellent coach, and endorsing [Fabio] Cannavaro and [Fabio] Grosso as good acquisitions.

"Ciro has made some errors, but that is because of his age, but he has the right personality and charisma to do really well.

"He also has some clear ideas," Lippi added.

Rick D'Andrea, Goal.com

Blanc: «The management’s line of though does not change. We have complete faith in Ferrara»

Jean-Claude Blanc would surely have wished to have a better first Christmas as president of Juventus. The home defeat against Catania brought a bad end to 2009 for Juventus.

The words of the Juventus number one are the same spoken eight days ago after the defeat against Bari, and therefore an expression of faith in Ciro Ferrara and the team: «The line of thought does not change after a few days. This championship break comes at the right moment to reflect. After the holidays we have to return with one condition and a higher morale to bring home different results. In any case, we will not touch the team during the transfer market. We have faith in the quality of our players, especially those who joined us this summer and for whom we received compliments. We have the capability to come out of this situation. We must analyze well everything we must do with the staff and work harder, with the same unity seen after the visit by the proprietors. The protests? I understand the disappointment of the supporters who cannot feel happy at the moment, just like we cannot».
by: www.juventus.com

Juventus Keep Ferrara As Coach, Elect Bettega As Director

After five grueling hours, the Juventus Board of Directors (Consiglio di Amministrazione) have confirmed current coach Ciro Ferrara will stay on as boss of the club.


The board of directors have decided to keep the former defender as the club's tactician, and also chose a transfer market consultant.

Despite a recent run of poor results - which has seen the Bianconeri lose five of their past six matches - the board chose to stick with the former defender, according to TMW.

Juve also added Roberto Bettega to the list of directors at the club, who will help with more than just being a transfer market consultant.

Bettega will also provide assistance in overseeing young talent from the youth system.

An official announcement by the Turin based outfit will be made over the coming days.

Rick D'Andrea, Goal.com

Marchisio: «Dobbiamo ripartire»

As from today Claudio Marchisio is the new testimonial for the Crescere Insieme al Sant’Anna project. During the press conference of the presentation of the Conad initiative in favour of the project, Claudio visited the antinatal ward: «I was deeply touched by this visit – he said -, during which I saw the little premature babies. I am happy to be able to contribute with my image to this fund raising».

Marchisio then spoke of football, starting from the visit to the training field by John Elkann and Andrea Agnelli: «It was a good sign, that made us once agian feel the closeness of the proprietors». Now the team has to do just one thing: «Win against Catania to start-off in the new year in the best of manners. Besides, I am still convinced – continued Marchisio – of what I said at the start of the season , that is compared to last year we have improved and have been strengthened». With regards to this, the journalists asked if it is actually the new signings that did not deliver as mush as was expected from them: «I think that they encountered the same difficulties faced by others – answered Marchisio – me included. These are things that happen. I am sorry about the elimination from the Champions League, which we compromised right from the away match against Bordeaux leading to the disappointment of the match against Bayern, but I am also sorry for the 6 points disadvamtage from the top of the table which could have been less if we hadn’t wasted points».

Now it is the trun of Catania: «A match to win and an opponent which must not be underestimated – stated Marchisio-. Even though they are last in the table, it is a team that never give up right to the very end and it will surely not do so against us. Their absentees? They count very little, because those who will be on the field and who up to now played less will have a great want to show the coach their value and will give everything».

by: http://www.juventus.com

Juventus 2-1 Inter: Bianconeri Bring Down Nerazzurri Juggernaut

A second half Claudio Marchisio wonder goal proved the difference in a hotly contested encounter at the Stadio Olimpico.



Juventus 2-1 Inter – Stats/Lineups
Serie A Fixtures/Results

Juventus were desperate to close the gap at the top as they hosted Serie A leaders Inter in the long awaited Derby d'Italia.

The Bianconeri were rewarded for a determined start when they took an early lead from a set-piece. Felipe Melo's decisive touch wrong footed Julio Cesar inside the box leaving to leave the Nerazzurri fuming following some pushing and shoving in the mixer. Inter came back fighting and took just five minutes to find a leveler when Samuel Eto'o headed home unchallenged just yards out from goal.

Inter came out strongest after the re-start but it was Juventus who went back in front when Claudio Marchisio finished off a spectacular move inside the six-yard box, to chip the ball over Julio Cesar. Despite being reduced to ten men in the closing stages, the Bianconeri managed to resist a late surge from the visitors. With a solid second half performance at the back, the Old Lady held on for a precious victory to restore some competition at the top of the standings.

The game started at an electric pace, but it was the Old Lady who looked the more threatening as they burst forward from the off.

Juventus had a golden chance to score on five minutes when Amauri chested a wonderful ball square to Mohamed Sissoko inside the box. Unfortunately for the Bianconeri the Malian was tackled just as he looked to pull the trigger, and Inter had Lucio to thank for his razor sharp timing in front of goal.

The Old Lady continued to press forward but they left themselves vulnerable at the back. Diego Milito looked to take advantage as he burst forward on the break, but 'El Principe' couldn't find Dejan Stankovic as he cut an inviting ball across the six-yard box.

The Nerazzurri looked to control possession in the middle of the park but were continually hustled by the intense pressing of a determined Bianconeri. Ciro Ferrara's men kept up a frantic rhythm as they looked to take advantage with an early breakthrough.

On 20 minutes Juventus were rewarded for their positive approach when Giorgio Chiellini's headed effort took a decisive deflection off Felipe Melo - to finish in the back of the net. There was little Julio Cesar could do to intervene as the ball slipped past to his left, and Inter immediately voiced their protests for what looked like some pushing in the box.

Seconds later coach Mourinho was sent to the stands by referee Massimo Saccani for an ironic round of applause gestured towards the match official.

Despite the absence of their boss on the touchline, Inter wasted no time in hitting back and poured forward in anger as they looked to level the scoring. Just five minutes later the Nerazzurri did exactly that when Eto'o nodded home Stankovic's cross with a free header inside the six-yard box. Gianluigi Buffon was understandably outraged with his centre-backs, as they let the Cameroonian slip through unchallenged.

Both side's continued to commit everything, as they knocked lumps out of each other challenge after challenge. The physical approach was clearly restricting Inter a little, and Juventus seemed to have the upper hand in the middle of the park.

After the re-start it was Inter who looked to take early command, and Juventus were forced to pack men around the box in order to protect Buffon's goal.

On 57 minutes it was Juventus who re-established the lead however, when Marchisio produced a moment of magic inside the six-yard box to crush Inter as they started to look in control. When a parried save went loose inside the box, the Italian rounded Walter Samuel with lightning quick feet, and chipped the ball home in ice cool fashion.

The goal seemed to take the wind out of the visitors sail a little and they began to rush things in order to find a quick response.

On 67 minutes Lucio should have punished the Old Lady when Buffon's miss-timed punch went flashing past the Brazilian just meters from goal.

Shortly after the Nerazzurri were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Martin Caceres made full contact with Milito inside the box. As 'El Principe' went down appeared to have a decent view of things but he didn't hesitate to wave play on.

As the clock started to run down Juventus began to look ever more assured at the back as their organized line gave Inter little space to attack. Mourinho's men started to go route one, but were unable to force the Bianconeri into difficulty.

Five minutes from time tensions stated to get the better of things after Felipe Melo swung a loose elbow into the path of Mario Balotelli. Althought the Brazilian made little contact with the Inter hitman, the intention was there and referee Saccani had no option but to send him for an early bath.

Despite a late Inter surge, Juventus kept a cool head at the back and managed to hold on for a precious victory. Ferrara's men moved back to within five points of the Italian champions, and restored some life back into the scudetto race.

Stefano Federici, Goal.com

Faletti: «L’Avvocato, is an example to the supporters»

The moment of Juventus-Inter is drawing near. It is the most awaited match by all Juventus supporters, from the “normal” ones to the VIPs. Just like Giorgio Faletti, for example. The writer from Asti will be at the Stadio Olimpico, on Saturday night, to watch the match. And while waiting to savour the show he gave an interview exclusively to Juventus Channel.

Directly from his house in Asti, Faletti spoke of the match, launching a particular message to the supporters who will be present on the stands: «When they are all together, I know it is hard not to get carried away by the enthusiasm and fall into something which cannot be considered as support. We must behave in a civilized manner, remembering that there are no enemies on the filed but only opponents who should not be judged by the fact that they are wearing another jersey or have a different skin colour».

To make the appeal even more significant, the artist from Piedmont quoted him who has always been considered as the number one fan: «As per tradition, Juventus ahs always been linked to personalities like that of Avvocato Agnelli who has always represented class in its pure state and the supporters must behave in the same manner. Besides, on our jersey, the black and white co-exist and this should mean something».

With regards to the purely sport part, Faletti is counting on an important response from Ciro Ferrara’s team: «I would be stupid to say that things are going well at the moment. I am a supporter but most of all a sportsman and I think that it is right for the best team to win. I am a keen Ferrari fan and I was so even during the dark years. I think it is in these situations that you see the true supporters. Juventus has all the resources, human and technical, to recover and return to winning».

Returning to victory. In the big match Saturday, a match which could really be a launching pad. «A prediction? – he concluded –. I am sure that our players will enter the field determined to fight hard, but Inter at this moment is more in form and is showing this with the advantage it has in the table which cannot be considered simply as a stroke of luck. On Saturday I will go to the stadium, sure and hopeful that Juventus can pull out a rabbit from the hat!»

Blanc: «We have faith in Ferrara»

«Ferrara is not risking anything. He is working well and we have complete faith in him». Juventus president, Jean-Claude Blanc, on the side-lines of the Lega Calcio assembly held yesterday afternoon chased away any possible doubt: Juventus will go on with Ferrara as coach. « The results of the next two matches will not change anything. We will be going ahead with the same project – continued Blanc – Ciro has great capabilities and is a great worker who has with him a staff of great quality. The next two matches are very important for the championship and the Champions League and obviously we will be facing them with professionalism, serenity, great commitment and work».

Blanc admitted to the current difficulties but looked ahead: : «Other great clubs, like Real and Bayern, had difficult moments. Now we have this and we must overcome it. There is very little to say and very much to work on so as to get back to the field and win. I understand that there might be a bit of nervousness from the supporters but I ask them to moderate their tone and maintain a civilized attitude».

The defeat in Cagliari hurts, even though, as stressed by Ferrara, the outcome of the match was also influenced by two penalties which Juventus were denied by the referee: «There is no difference between what Ferrara said and what the management thinks. We hope that during the rest of the season everything returns in equilibrium».

Finally a thought about new signings Diego and Felipe Melo and their difficulty to adapt: «We understand that the championship is difficult and that certain players do not have enough space to play therefore encountering certain difficulties. With regards to Diego, he is fouled a lot and it is not always easy for him to express his talent. I have faith in the investments made and the quality of the team».

Secco: "We Are a Team And Everybody Has The Same Responsibility"

Alessio Secco and Gianluca Pessotto took part at Sesto San Giovanni during an evening which assigned the traditional Torretta award. Amongst the persons receiving the awards were Juventus sports director Alessio Secco and Giorgio Chiellini, who was not present because he had just undergone an operation to the nose. His prize was collected by Pessotto.

Alessio Secco spoke to the journalists present who made quite a few questions about the current situation of the team. They asked whether the next two matches, against Inter and Bayern Munich, are decisive for Ferrara’s future. Secco answered:

"Absolutely not. He has the faith of all the management of the club" Others targeted were the Brazilian players about whom the sports director declared: "You are the ones to judge these players, who are absolutely of high value, after reading your articles published in August. It is true that we can and must do better, but this goes for all. We are a team and there is nobody who is more responsible than others. Felipe Melo? I would sign him again today".

Secco concluded speaking of the way one can emerge from this difficult moment: "I will not look into the technical level as this is in the competence of the coach. I say we must remain united and work even harder and better than we did up to now".

Juventus.com

Ferrara: «We must react»

Ciro Ferrara has very few alterantives in attack: with Trezeguet and Iaquinta injured, only Del Piero and Amauri are at the coach’s disposal and the Brazilian due to the gluteus problem suffered during the match against Bordeaux, did not train in the last few days. Ferrara hopes to have him back on Sunday, but should have clearer indications in the next few hours: «He will only be fielded if he is in the right condition to do so. Often, players enter the field with small problems but I don’t know to what extent this problem can limit him». If Amauri is not able to make it, the solutions would be very limited: launching Immobile from the first minute or fielding Del Piero as only striker as was tried during the Friday training session: «For Alessandro, it would be news. Even though, yesterday during tarining we only tried it out because of the absence of Amauri, it is not said that we will use that solution. Immobile has already played. This time it would be different but I do not want to feel conditioned by his age or his lack of experience».

The subject changes to the defeat against Bordeaux and the moment of the team: «The defeats we suffered were clear cut ones, apart from the one against Napoli. We must be clever enough to manage good and bad situations and not feel conditioned. It is clear that the defeat against Bordeaux has bothered us but we must react. The udeal would be to have a certain continuity but it would be wrong to think we can win all the matches. Unbeatable teams do not exost and in our learning curve there are also shortcomings. We must be clever to take note, accept our responsabilities and react together».

After Bordeaux the papers wrote of a critical Diego towards Ferrara and the coach brought an end to the controversy: «Diego came to me to clarify his position and after I spoke to him I am tranquil and satisfied with the fact that he wanted to explain himself. Since he has not played for long in our championship and with a few language problems, his sentences may be interpreted wrongly. I know his idea because he told me face to face and even if he really think what was reported in the papers, I would have answered him directly and not through the media».

Lately even Gigi Buffon spoke, defending the group and Amauri, Melo and Diego in particular after they were at the centre of criticism after the Champions League match: «Gigi’s words made me very happy. It was right to defend three team mates. I don;t think that the moment and the defeat can be attributed to three players. As Isaid, everyone must accept their responsability. This is how it should be in a group. Defending the group must be considered holy and this is why I liked his words: it is in difficult moments that one must be clever enough to react and it is in these moments that real men are seen».

During the press conference the journalists insisted on the fact that Juventus is not performing up to the expectations and Ferrara answered in this manner: «I have been the Juventus coach for 20 matches. Are we doing badly in the championship? I don’t think so. The Champions League is more competitive and it seems to me that Juventus is in line with the other great teams. We could have done more in Bordeaux, both when it comes to result as well as the approach to the match, but otherwise I don’t think that we made a disaster. We are there and we can still qualify».

The coach then tried to bring back attention to Sunday’s match:
«The most dangerous thing for us is that you don’t care about the match against Cagliari. The right tension must be created to play against a team that has shoen strength, organization and brilliance. I don’t think, however, that my players lack concentration: it would be a serious mistake to think of other matches. I am aware that today, in the papers, not much was said about Cagliari. This is the danger and it is up to the intelligence of the players to understand that our objective must be different from that presented by the press».

And the objective is obviously to win on Sunday against a team in great shape: «Cagliari is at team which is well organized and fast. They have players who can hurt us and who attack very well in depth. The team has quality and they showed this even in Milan. It is a very difficult match against one of the helathiest teams of the championship. Not having other weekly commitments, furthermore, they can work well to channel all their energies for the match on Sunday».

Finally, he is asked about the controversy following the chants against Balotelli: «I already answered after the match against Udinese and you know what I think: I am against any form of racism, discrimination and insult against anyone. I do not want to comment about the declarations made by Moratti or Zanetti. Juventus did all it could to stop the chants and even the sentence of the sport authorities confirmed this. I repeat, I am against any kind of insult. When I came here to Turin and heard a chant against Neapolitans I asked myself: “do they have something against me?”. I don;t know what the right road is, the battle is oong and hard, because we Italians have a wrong sports culture: when I see a boy, together with his parent who makes horns towards you as you enter the stadium, I don not understand... If I had to see my son do something similar I would slap him immediately».

Buffon Defends Juventus Fans After Anti-Balotelli Chants

Buffon doesn't think the fans' anti-Mario Balotelli chants are racist in nature.



During Juventus' last two matches against Udinese and Bordeaux in the Champions League, a section of their fanbase were heard making chants against Inter starlet Mario Balotelli.

Although many think there were some racist undertones to the chants, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon doesn't agree and he came to the defence of the Bianconeri faithful.

"Racist chants certainly aren't good for football or for anyone else," he said to Sky Sport 24. "It's always right to stigmatise them and take positions. However, it's important not to give them too much importance, or mistake chants against a particular player for racism. I think Juve's fans are fair and I'm sure that during the match against Inter there won't be any chants against Balotelli."

Buffon also talked about the rumours linking fellow Italian international Gennaro Gattuso with a move away from AC Milan.

"It's certainly not an easy moment for him, but I don't see him leaving Milan," he continued. "He is a symbol of that team, I really couldn't see him in another shirt."

On young goalkeeping talent Federico Marchetti of Cagliari, Buffon said, "He is a very good goalkeeper, he's a good lad and he has great qualities. In Italy he's certainly the goalkeeper I like the most, he reminds me of myself when I was young."

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

The Euro-rivals’ weekend

During the weekend which will see Juventus play against Cagliari on Sunday at 15:00hrs, the other teams which make up Group A of the Champions League together with the bianconeri, will also be on the field.

Bayern Munich, the next opponents of Ferrara’s team in the decisive match for the qualification to the next round, on the 8th December, will be travelling to Hannover on Sunday afternoon (at 17:30hrs).

Bordeaux will be playing away against Nancy, on Sunday at 17:00hrs, while Maccabi Haifa will be playing on Saturday night away against Maccabi Tel Aviv at 20:00hrs.

Poulsen looking ahead

«Bordeaux is a great team but we played a bad match. We must improve on Sunday against Cagliari, an important match before the home match against Inter. Against Bordeaux things turned out badly but there is still one match for us to qualify to the final 16». Christian Poulsen, interviewed on Juventus Channel, looks ahead. The Dane is already thinking of the next matches against Cagliari, Inter and Bordeaux, crucial matches for the season of Juventus: «They will be three big tests for the team, three very important moments for us». Christian is winning himself an even more important role at Juventus, while up to a few months ago he seemed like he would be leaving: «In Summer I went through a difficult time but I prepared very well and now I feel at ease with the mechanisms of the team. Last year served me as a lesson». In reality, Poulsen, has improved very much after a running-in period and compared to last year: «Juve is a great team and it was not easy fitting in. I like being here however, there is a great group and I think that my performances this year have improved».

Claudio Marchisio Sees An In-Form Juventus Side

The midfielder says his condition is getting better, and cannot wait to play in an in-form Bianconeri outfit...

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has spoken about how he sees his team-mates, as they are coming back from international duty over the next week.

The Bianconeri currently sit in second place, and received a morale boost before entering the break, as they were able to close the gap to leaders Inter by two points.

"I see an in-form Juventus side," the 23-year-old said to Corriere Dello Sport. "We now await the re-entry of our national team players to be able to compete in the domestic and Champions League."

The Italian international - should he be selected by coach Ciro Ferrara - will make his first appearance since undergoing an operation to fix his damaged meniscus in his right knee.

"I am now better, and will continue to work with the trainers to arrive at peak fitness.

"My aim is to make an appearance against Udinese," Marchisio summed up.

Rick D'Andrea, Goal.com

Ferrara: Juve Always Need To Have This Mentality

Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara commented on his side's 5-2 win away to Atalanta.

After tonight's 5-2 win away to Atalanta, Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara urges his team to keep their feet on the ground.

"Can we catch Inter? Calm, calm, calm, because we know Inter are Italian champions and every team will fight against them to take the Scudetto away from them," he said after the match to Sky.

"Juve have to think about their own season and how to improve themselves. I think games like this give you confidence, strength, and make you understand that we can go all the way with this spirit. It won't be easy, it's not easy to recover our disadvantage, but we must try, we are in November, the league is still long."

Currently Inter are four points ahead of Juve, although they have a match in hand, tomorrow night against Roma.

On the victory against Atalanta, Ferrara said: "We need to have this kind of mentality, always going forward and push our opponents into their own area. I think that we have been on a good run of results aside from the match against Napoli, and our play is also improving.

"Tonight I'm very satisfied with how the team handled difficult moments, with personality, because when they managed to come back twice some fear could have crept in, but the lads continued to maintain the same mentality."

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

Diego: Juventus Can Win The Champions League

The Brazilian believes that success for Juve will come more readily on the continent, despite currently trailing Bordeaux in the Group A standings.

Juventus playmaker Diego believes his side are better equipped to win the Champions League than the Scudetto.

The Old Lady are chasing Girondins de Bordeaux at the summit of Group A. A win against the French side in three weeks will guarantee the Old Lady a second place finish, but Diego wants to go all the way to the final.

"Looking at Juve so far, you can see that this is a team for the Champions League," Diego told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"You need to maintain more focus in the league, but every game tells its own story in Europe.

"There is more balance, and this is evident from the crisis with Bayern Munich, and the games between Milan and Real Madrid.

"Juventus are second to no-one though. We want to go all the way."

Juve clash against Atalanta this weekend. Ciro Ferrara has only one striker available following the injury to Vincenzo Iaquinta. Alessandro Del Piero is still not ready to return, Amauri is suspended and Sebastian Giovinco is doubtful.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Report: Manchester United & Bayern Munich Chase Buffon

Gigi coveted by Europe's elite.

Manchester United and Bayern Munich have reportedly taken a good look at Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon with a view to making a bid for him in the summer.

According to Tuttosport, both the German and English clubs are keeping tabs on the 2006 World Cup-winning 'keeper.

After Bayern lost to Bordeaux in the Champions League - a result that has put their qualification in grave doubt - general manager Uli Hoeness hinted at signing a new goalkeeper, fuelling speculation of a move for Buffon.

"[Hans-Jorg] Butt will continue until the end of the season, then we will buy a great keeper in the summer," Hoeness said.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are looking for a replacement for veteran No.1 Edwin van der Sar. Fiorentina's Sebastien Frey has also been linked with the Old Trafford side.

The Italian paper also suggests Juve would be keen to swap their custodian for Franck Ribery. However, Real Madrid and Barcelona are likely to have a bigger say in the Frenchman's future.

Juventus Coach Ferrara Pleased With 'Important Win' Against Maccabi

The coach has reflected on the game, and is happy with the outcome.

Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara is satisfied with the 1-0 win over Maccabi Haifa in the Champions League, but it wasn't all easy at the Ramat Gan on Tuesday night.

The Old Lady were saved by a fortunate goal from Mauro Camoranesi at the end of the first half. Juventus didn't play to their full potential. At times they were lackluster, and way below par. Nevertheless, they held on despite a barrage of attacks from Maccabi. Juve are now second in their group, and the coach can see the glass half full.

"The group is smiling at us and there are still two matches left. We hope to go to Bordeaux to win and qualify with a game in hand," Ferrara told Sky Sport Italia.

"Clearly it was very important that we won tonight and after drawing with Bordeaux in the first game, we have never really stopped moving ahead.

"I noticed that the team had difficulty as we were not able to close the game such as the one against Napoli. But it was important to get the three points. We suffered, but we deserved the win."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Buffon: «We fielded the right determination in the first half»

After a few days, Gigi Buffon can finally dedicate a victory to David Lee, his second son who was born on Saturday morning and if Juventus brought home the three points from Tel Aviv, once again he holds part of the merit following an incredible save in the first half. This came during the only bit of action by the Israeli team in the whole match.

Here are the comments of the number one at the end of the match: «We faced the match with the right determination, especially in the first half. We started-off well and created many opportunities, thanks to a great Diego. In the second half we suffered a bit more while trying to maintain the result but what counts is the victory».

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-3 Napoli

After the Bianconeri threw away their two-goal advantage at home to the resurgent Partenopei, Goal.com's Anthony Wright was on hand to rate the

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 6.5 - Made a brilliant save from Aronica's 19th minute shot, but in reality could do little to prevent the goals as his defense evaporated in front of him.

Grygera: 6 - A real game of two halves. Linked well with Camoranesi and delivered a superb cross for Juventus' first goal, but was horribly exposed by Datolo in the second half.

Cannavaro: 5 - Struggled to deal with the pace of Lavezzi and looked uncharacteristically uncertain on crosses.

Chiellini: 5.5 - He will be disappointed with the manner in which Juventus conceded the three goals, but he must take a share of the blame.

Grosso: 5.5 - Tried to get forward but was well marshaled by Maggio. When he did get into the final third his crossing was poor, and he lost out on numerous tackles over the course of the match.

Melo: 6 - He missed having Sissoko alongside him and did not dominate as much as against Sampdoria. Fairly comfortable in possession but didn't offer much protection to the back four in the second half.

Poulsen: 5.5 - Gave the ball away on occasions but had a solid first half. Has never really succeeded at Juventus and his less talented side came out in the second half, doing very little to stop Napoli's attacks.

Camoranesi: 6.5 - He was very bright early on but had to be substituted after 30 mins due to injury.

Diego: 5 - Saw glimpses of his talent but he was not as prominent as previous games. Someone needed to take command of the game when it was all square in the second half, and he was conspicuous by his absence.

Giovinco: 6.5 - He missed a glorious chance in the 1st minute, but made up for it by converting his 54th minute goal. Worked hard and is clearly growing in confidence.

Trezeguet: 6.5 - He scored with an excellent header to give Juventus the lead, but should have doubled the lead on the hour.

Substitutes:

Tiago: 4.5 - Initially he settled into the midfield well but it was his woeful clearance that set up Napoli's decisive third goal.

Amauri: 3 - Brought on with 15 minutes left to give Juventus the lead, but was totally anonymous until his boot caught De Sanctis' face to earn him a red card.

De Ceglie: N/A - Too little time to influence a game that was rapidly slipping away from Juventus.


NAPOLI

De Sanctis: 6 - Will be disappointed not to have kept Trezeguet's header out, but was brave as he dived both at the feet of the Frenchman after an hour as well as Amauri in injury time.

Campagnaro: 5.5 - He stood and watched as Trezeguet ran in front of him for Juventus' opening goal. Substituted on the hour for Datolo.

Cannavaro: 6 - Tried to keep Giovinco quiet, and he denied Tiago early on in the second half. Not his best evening, but organised the defence well as Juventus threw bodies forward in the closing minutes.

Contini: 4.5 - Very lucky not to be punished for an elbow on Camoranesi in the first half. When Juventus were at their free-flowing best, he was clearly out of his depth. Inexplicable header to gift Giovinco a goal.

Maggio: 7 - He played well on the right hand side, acting in a more defensive role in order to stop Grosso's runs.

Gargano: 7 - Hassled and harried the Bianconeri midfielders, winning the ball on a number of occasions and always looked to spread the ball forwards.

Cigarini: 6.5 - Slightly overwhelmed by Juventus midfield in the first half but improved after the break. Like Gargano, he was vital in sending the ball forwards with speed to aid Napoli's counter-attacks.

Aronica: 6 - Comfortable performance. Linked well with Lavezzi and brought a world-class save from Buffon in the first half.

Hamsik: 8.5 - He was in the right place at the right time for both of his goals, and converted the second with a perfect finish. His runs were always a danger to the hosts' defense, while his set pieces were inch-perfect.

Denis: 4.5 - Should have scored in the 7th minute and on a number of occasions thereafter. He worked hard up front, but his job is to score goals and when it came to the crucial moment, the Argentine slipped, missed the target or missed the ball completely.

Lavezzi: 6.5 - Very energetic, creating a number of chances for his team-mates. Playing off the main striker, his movement was a constant distraction to the hosts' defense.

Substitutes:

Datolo: 8 - Made an instant impact as he made a great run to set up the goal. Showed superb instinct to score the equalizer and gave Grygera no end of problems.

Quagliarella: 6 - Did nothing wrong in the 20 minutes he was on the pitch.

Pazienza: N/A - Came on for Lavezzi in the dying minutes.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Trezeguet speaks of himself on “Open Mind”

29 October 2009

It was a particular day for David Trezeguet who from a merciless striker in the penalty area, moved this afternoon from the field to the centre of Turin, or more precisely to Piazza Castello to change into an orator for “Open Mind”, a project addressed to youngsters supported by the Ministry for Internal Affairs and co-financed by the European Union.

It was an occasion for a meeting which the city of Turin organized to allow youngsters to come into contact with illustrious co-citizens and ask them about their stories, the opportunities they came across, their passions and the principles which guided them in their adult life. It is a moment in the growth of these youngsters who during the Week of Citizenship, from the 27th to the 31st of October, will have the opportunity to learn from the dialogue with personalities such as John Elkann (Exor president) and Angelo Benessia (Compagnia di San Paolo president), yesterday .

David was adopted by Turin 10 years ago and he has always stressed his bond with the city besides with Juventus and hence attended the activity with pleasure. To the over 300 youngsters present, David spoke of his life, starting from Argentina and his first kicks to the ball to a goal made by two stones, up to the triumph in the World Cup and European Cup as well as of his many victories with Juventus. David then spoke to the journalists present about the current team, saying: «that the most beautiful thing about the match against Sampdoria was that the players enjoyed themselves and made the public enjoy it too». The thought’s of Trezegol and his team mates however are already on Saturday’s match against Napoli, «a good team against which we will have to field the same spirit that we had against Sampdoria». «We must not let go – ended Trezeguet – because we have many matches ahead of us».

Buffon and Diego nominated for FIFA World Player 2009

30 October 2009

After the list of candidates for the Golden Ball, the list of finalists for the FIFA World Player 2009 has also been published. Juventus has two candidates. Whilst in the list for the Golden Ball, the only name was Diego, in that of the International Federation, there are two bianconeri. Apart from Diego there is also Gigi Buffon.

In all there are 23 players nominated for the award currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo the winner of which will be announced on the 21st of December. Here is the complete list: Michael Ballack, Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Samuel Eto'o, Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andres Iniesta, Kakà, Frank Lampard, Luis Fabiano, Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Franck Ribery, Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi.

Give me 5!!! Show of class by Juve!

28 October 2009

Ferrara fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation identical to the one against Maccabi and Juve responded brilliantly. The bianconeri immediately had a great start immediately showing great determination and an offensive mentality.

On the 1st minute there is immediately a free-kick for Juve: Diego puts the ball into area but it is a bit too long for Chiellini. Two minutes later a good ball into the area by Giovinco reaches Camoranesi who is stopped for a foul in attack.

The 7th minute sees a corner for Juve: Diego's cross reaches Melo who crosses into the center put there is nobody close enough to tap in. Three minutes later, there is a great Camoranesi cross into the area with Amauri missing the overhead kick by a millimetre. On the eleventh minute there is a great confusion in the Samp area with Giovinco doing a great job but the ball exits for a corner: from the flag Diego puts in a perfect ball which is headed greatly by Chiellini who is denied a near goal by Castellazzi.

On the 13th minute Buffon saves into corner on a dangerous close encounter with Ziegler. Three minutes later, Diego's ball for Amauri is too long and Castellazzi has no difficulty in saving.

The 18th minute sees great play by Diego as he takes Giovinco by surprise. Four minutes later, a great cross by Camoranesi into the area but Amauri is stopped for off-side. On the 26th minute, there is great play by Diego with a cross towards Giovinco who is anticipated into corner: from the flag the ball reaches Amauri who shoots home for the opener: 1-0!

Juve are getting what they deserve as they dominate occupying the opponents’ three quarters most of the time. On the 29th minute a great Giovinco shot from outside the area is saved by Castellazzi.

The half hour mark sees another free-kick for Juve: beautifully taken by Diego towards Amauri who misses the deviation by a millimetre. One minute later, Diego dribbles two and crosses well but the defence manages to clear. On the 37th minute, good cross into the area by Grosso with Amauri's header going wide. Good play.

On the 39th minute, there is a free-kick for Juve but Diego's shot is blocked by the defence. Three minutes later, Amauri enters the area, crosses into the centre of the area and Chiellini deposits the ball into the net for the 2-0.

The 45th minute sees a good cross into the area by Camoranesi but Castellazi anticipates. Seconds later a very powerful Stankevicious shot from far out goes wide.

After one minute of stoppage time the two teams enter the dressing rooms but Juve has definitely been the much better of the two teams.

The second half sees Juve continue where they left off in the first. On the 2nd minute, there is a free-kick for Juve: it is taken excellently by Diego and Lucchini forces Castellazzi to a brilliant save. One minute later, good ball into the area by Camoranesi and Amauri is stopped for a foul in attack.

On the 5th minute, a great run by Melo and great work by Giovinco who enters the area, passes to Camoranesi in the middle with the Italo-Argentinian hammering in for the 3-0. Juve is simply outstanding and devastating today.

Samp try a desperate move and a Poli shot goes very high over the bar. One minute later, Poulsen comes on for Sissoko. On the 9th minute there is a free-kick for Samp: Chiellini heads away twice and Amauri frees the area with an overhead kick. Seconds later, great play by Giovinco who enters the area after a great run and his shot hits the external part of the net.

On the 11th minute, Grosso tries a shot at goal but Castellazzi saves. One minute later a great shot by Grosso from outside the area goes inches wide. On the 13th minute, Amauri stopped debatably for a foul in attack after a good run to enter the area.

The 16th minute there is a corner for Juve: Diego's ball reaches Melo who crosses well wide. Seconds later, a perfect cross by Camoranesi into the area is headed brilliantly by Amauri who deposits at the back of the net for the 4-0.

Two minutes later, Pazzini surprises the defence and heads home for the 4-1 goal. This is the only real attempt on Buffon’s goal in the whole match. Trezeguet and De Ceglie come on for Amauri and Melo on the 20th minute.

On the 23rd minute a Diego shot after receiving from De Ceglie is blocked by the defence. Three minutes later, Giovinco puts in a great cross and Trezeguet does not manage to shoot well from a great position. Two minutes later, there is a great exchange by Juve as Trezeguet and De Ceglie are caught off-side.

The 29th minute sees a great Giovinco cross is headed by Trezeguet who sees the flag go up for a dubious off-side. Four minutes later, Diego wins a great ball, enters the area but the ball is stolen in the final moment.

On the 39th minute, there is a free-kick for Juve: ball enters the area but Trezeguet is off-side. Three minutes later, there is a great ball into the area by Grosso and Trezeguet heads home for goal number 5.

The match ends right on the 90th minute. The summary is easy: Juve dominate and hammer Sampdoria winning the second place. In other words: a five star performance by Juve!

Serie A 2009/10 – 10th match day
Turin, Olympic Stadium
Wednesday 28th October, 2009

JUVENTUS-SAMPDORIA: 5-1

Goals: Amauri (26th), Chiellini (42nd), Camoranesi (50th), Amauri (62nd), Pazzini (63rd), Trezeguet (87th),

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso; Sissoko (Poulsen 53rd), Felipe Melo (De Ceglie 65th); Camoranesi, Diego , Giovinco; Amauri (Trezeguet 65th). Reserves: Manninger, Legrottaglie, Trezeguet, Immobile. Coach: Ferrara.

SAMPDORIA: Castellazzi; Stankevicius (Cacciatore 61st), Gastaldello, Lucchini; Mannini,Zauri (Bellucci 38th) Tissone (Padalino 48th), Poli, Ziegler; Pazzini, Cassano. Reserves: Fiorillo, Rossi, Cacciatore, Padalino, Franceschini, Bellucci, Pozzi. Coach: Del Neri.

REFEREE: Rocchi from Florence.

Yellow Cards: Sissoko (19th)

Juventus 5-1 Sampdoria: Brilliant Bianconeri Smash Sorry Samp

The Old Lady leapfrog Samp into second.
Oct 28, 2009 5:35:51 PM

Juventus 5-1 Sampdoria Lineups/Stats
Serie A Table/Results

Juventus made it two wins on the bounce in Serie A with a thumping 5-1 win over Sampdoria at at the Stadio Olimpico.

Amauri (2), Giorgio Chiellini, Mauro Camoranesi and substitute David Trezeguet scored the goals as Juventus produced their best performance of the season to leapfrog Sampdoria, for whom Giampaolo Pazzini grabbed a consolation, into second place.

It was third against second in Turin, as both sides looked to chase leaders Inter. The Bianconeri ended a run of four winless league matches at the weekend, but came into this game with serious injury problems as Tiago, Alessandro Del Piero, Claudio Marchisio, Hasan Salihamidizic, Jonathan Zebina, Martin Caceres and Vincenzo Iaquinta were out. Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Momo Sissoko and Sebastian Giovinco returned in a 4-2-3-1.

Samp were in confident mood having thrashed Bologna 4-1 on Saturday, and could temporarily go top by winning again. The Blucerchiati made two changes as Daniele Gastaldello came in for Marco Rossi at the back, while Angelo Palombo suffered a muscular problem and was replaced by Fernando Tissone. The best strikeforce in Italy at the moment, Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini, led the attack.

Juventus created the first opening of the game on 10 minutes as Luca Castelazzi saved well from Grosso before Diego fired over from the rebound via a deflection. From the following corner Castellazzi flew low to his right to make a brilliant stop from Giorgio Chiellini's header.

The home side were doing most of the running, but Samp fired a couple of warning signs through Marius Stankevicius and Reto Ziegler.

The deadlock was broken in Juventus' favor on 25 minutes in scrappy circumstances. A corner from the left was not cleared properly by the Samp defense, and Amauri was on hand to lash home the loose ball.

Giovinco tested Castellazzi with a long shot, and Amauri headed wide before Samp made a tactical switch on 36 minutes as Claudio Bellucci replaced Luciano Zauri and the visitors moved to a 4-3-1-2.

A second Juventus goal was on the cards, though, and it arrived on 42 minutes. Chiellini charged forward from defense, laid the ball off to Amauri on the left, and then tapped home at the back post from the Brazilian-born striker's center.

Stankevicius fizzed an effort wide before the half time whistle, but it had been Juve's best half of football this season so far.


Amauri scored two and made one

Juventus almost made it three straight after the interval, but Castellazzi saved brilliantly to prevent a Stefano Lucchini own goal.

Marco Padalino replaced the disappointing Tissone as Samp threw on their second substitute of the evening.

On 49 minutes it was indeed 3-0. Diego slipped through Giovinco, who cut back expertly to Mauro Camoranesi to sidefoot home.

Giovinco was on fire down the left, and could have made it four a few minutes later as he raced past Stankevicius before shooting into the sidenetting. Grosso also hit a 30-yard piledriver inches past the top corner.

A fourth goal was coming, and it arrived on 61 minutes as Amauri bulleted home a header into the far corner from Camoranesi's cross.

It had been a miserable night for Samp, but they at least grabbed a consolation three minutes later. Bellucci crossed from the left and Pazzini nodded into the top corner from six yards.

Juventus gave a run-out to David Trezeguet and Paolo De Ceglie, who came on for Amauri and Felipe Melo.

Trezeguet should have scored on 71 minutes as Giovinco put the ball on a plate for him at the back post, but the Frenchman fluffed his shot.

Substitute Trezeguet did find the back of the net three minutes from time as he headed past Castellazzi from Grosso's deep cross.

With this win Juventus swap places with Sampdoria and move up from third to second, one point behind Inter who play tomorrow against Palermo.

Anthony Sormani, Goal.com

Objectives and Strategies

Juventus Football Club S.p.A.

Juventus are the most-loved professional football Club in Italy and among the most important ones in the world. In Italy there are around 12 million supporters of the club, spread out all across the land. Juventus are the favourite team in 11 regions. In the world, there are over 170 million supporters, mostly located in the Far East (100 million approximately). In Europe there are around 43 million Juventus fans.

Juventus’ first and foremost goal of is to give fans the biggest gratifications in terms of sporting results, always having a starring role in football and continuing a winning tradition that has recurred in the over 100 years of the Club's glorious history. This aim is pursued following precise rules, which the Club has decided to collect in a code of ethics that all employees and consultants must adhere to. Among the main principles, the will to promote ethics in sport and to reconcile the professional and business side of football with its ethical and social role, maintaining a style of conduct in tune with the Club’s tradition, together with the utmost respect towards their fans and all sport enthusiasts in general.

Juventus, as a company with shares on the Stock Exchange, also have a series of duties towards shareholders, with whom they want to maintain and develop a relationship based on trust. The objectives of the Club in this sense include: increasing the value of the brand, preserving a top-level sport organization, and studying and carrying out projects to diversify the Club's activities.

Shareholders meeting, continuous updates on Juventus Channel

27 October 2009

The Juventus shareholders meeting will begin at 11:00hrs and will be held at the Media Center in Vinovo. The order of the day includes the approval of the last financial balance and the election of the new Board of Directors. It is an important day for Juventus Channel which will follow all this with maximum attention thanks to 3 editions of Studio News at 13:30hrs, 14:30hrs and 15:30hrs as well as constant live updates during the course of the meeting. Besides this, at the end of the meeting, the channel will also air a live transmission of a press conference by Jean-Claude Blanc.

All this, will still leave space for the sporting part. Today, on the eve of Juventus-Sampdoria, Ciro Ferrara will hold the usual press conference. After a first look at this on Juventus News on schedule for 19:15hrs and 20:00hrs, the entire press conference will be aired at 22:30hrs.

Siena 0-1 Juventus: Late Amauri Header Wins The Day For Juve

Amauri won the day in Tuscany

The Old Lady stay third.
Oct 25, 2009 12:00:00 PM

Siena 0-1 Juventus Lineups/Stats
Serie A Table/Results

Juventus ended their poor run of form in Serie A with a 1-0 win over Siena at at the Stadio Franchi, as Amauri headed home 17 minutes from time.

The visitors, without a league win in four, came into this game having fallen seven points behind league leaders Inter. There were injury problems as Tiago, Alessandro Del Piero, Claudio Marchisio, Hasan Salihamidizic and Jonathan Zebina were out. Amauri returned to the starting XI, while Fabio Cannavaro and Momo Sissoko were rested.

Siena were languishing in the relegation zone with just two points from their last six games, and they had to do without the suspended Michele Fini and Abdelkader Ghezzal, and injured Luca Rossettini and Anssi Jaakola. There were reports that another defeat here could result in the sack for coach Marco Giampaolo.

There was a labored start with the first effort not being registered until the 11th minute when David Trezeguet saw a shot charged down by Daniele Ficagna.

Midway through the half there was an opening at the back post as Paolo De Ceglie found himself all alone, but the youngster slipped and sliced horribly wide.

Juventus started to up their game, and Diego blazed over from the edge of the area. The Brazilian then released Cristian Molinaro with a sumptuous chipped through pass, but the left back got it all wrong and the danger passed.

Siena were happy to sit behind the ball, but on rare voyages forward both Mato Jajalo and Massimo Maccarone fired over from long range.

Juventus created their best chance of the half on 41 minutes when Giorgio Chiellini headed wide from six yards from a Diego free kick.

But the visitors risked falling behind in first half injury time as Gianluigi Buffon did brilliantly to stop Albin Ekdal's lob after the Juve-owned youngster raced through on goal.


Juventus made one change at half time as Martin Caceres replaced Zdenek Grygera.

The away side almost broke the deadlock immediately, as Chiellini hit the post from close range, but there was an offside anyway.

There was a nasty incident as Nicola Legrottaglie and Caceres clashed heads, but both were able to continue after treatment.

Mauro Camoranesi was introduced to add some creative spice, but it was Siena who threatened just after the hour mark as Emanuele Calaio was denied by a fantastic last-gasp Chiellini sliding tackle.

Juventus were creating very little, but they took the lead on 73 minutes. Diego chipped in a free kick, and Amauri flicked on a header from 12 yards into the bottom corner.

Diego's last action of the match before being subbed for Sissoko was to shoot just wide from 25 yards.

With this win Juventus consolidate third place, while Siena remain deep in the relegation zone.

Anthony Sormani, Goal.com

Juventus Set To Make A Move For Arsenal’s Eboue

The Bianconeri look set to continue their assault for the Ivorian.
Oct 19, 2009 5:45:05 PM
Emmanuel Eboue, Arsenal (PA)
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Emmanuel Eboue, Arsenal (PA)
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There have been fresh batches of reports emerging over the past week or so, indicating Juventus’ intent on signing Arsenal’s talented right wing-back Emmanuel Eboue in the coming transfer period.

According to the very latest reports from Tuttosport, these rumors seem to have intensified recently, as the Bianconeri are said to be formulating an offer that they will present to the English club and the African born player shortly.

Eboue has a Belgian passport, which would be welcomed in Turin as he would not take up a non-EU place. Earlier reports have suggested that Bianconeri scouts have been following the African in London, and that they have reported back with some interesting news.

He is seen as a key addition to the squad, as the Italian outfit feel they are lacking in his position, with the likes of Jonathan Zebina and Zdenek Grygera who are not getting any younger, whilst the youngster Jose Martin Caceres is still seen as a gamble at this point of his career.

The player is currently contracted with the Gunners until 2011, however if there are any issues with that, then Juve may turn to their alternative option, with that being Andreas Beck of Hoffenheim.

Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com

Amauri: I'm Happy With The Goal, But We Deserved More

The hitman has spoken of his delight at having scored in Serie A after an eight month goal drought.
Oct 17, 2009 1:53:03 PM

Teams

* Juventus

Players

* Amauri

Juventus striker Amauri is delighted after getting his name back on the scoresheet, but feels his side deserved more from the 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.

The Old Lady started off brightly, but found themselves a goal down after just five minutes. Juan Manuel Vargas did the damage as he tapped home from close range to silence the Olimpico. However, Amauri, who hadn't scored since February 15th coming into the match, slotted the ball home into an unguarded net after Vincenzo Iaquinta's cross-shot found the Brazilian unmarked.

Juve had several opportunities to go on and win the game, but they were unable to turn their chances into goals. However, Amauri is delighted to have got his name on the score sheet.

"Surely I missed the goals going in, but I have always played well," Amauri told Sky Sport Italia.

"September was peculiar month for me as I went seven games out of seven without scoring. However, I am happy for the goal I scored, but less pleased with the result, we could have done better."

Juventus have not won in five matches, but Amauri is confident his side can come out of that spell.

"We don't win? Well, we have to get out of this moment. We have to think about Wednesday now in the Champions League as we have an important game and close this one."

The striker was then asked about a possible call up to Italy, and he has made himself ready.

"Italy? I play for Juve and I want to do well here. If [Marcello] Lippi gives me a chance then I will be very happy," concluded the hitman.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

Is the Old Lady back? Check out the October issue of Goal.com Magazine for an exclusive in-depth look at the new Juventus.

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-1 Fiorentina

After Juventus played out an entertaining draw with rivals Fiorentina, Goal.com's Anthony Wright was on hand to rate the players.
Oct 17, 2009 2:40:21 PM

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 6 – He was exposed by his defense for the first goal, but had little else to do.

Grygera: 5.5 – Caught out of position for the goal and was struggling to cope with Vargas and Jovetic in the first half.

Cannavaro: 7.5 – He kept Gilardino very quiet and dove-tailed very well at the back with Chiellini.

Chiellini: 7.5 - Made some crucial headed interceptions and used his strength to prevent Gilardino from being a threat.

Grosso: 6 – The left back tried to get forward but his delivery into the box was frequently poor.

Melo: 7 – The former Fiorentina man put himself about and bossed the midfield in the first half. Should have been punished when he tried to take the ball out of defense on a number of occasions by himself.

Sissoko: 7.5 – Early dive put him under pressure for the rest of the game but even though he was not 100 per cent fit, his physical presence played a major role in Juventus' dominance of the midfield.

Poulsen: 7 – Not as physical as his midfield partners but was more creative as he linked up with Diego and Grosso.

Diego: 7.5 – Showed his class with some clever touches, dictated the tempo in the midfield and was always looking to let the strikers in.

Iaquinta: 5.5 – He did well to get into the right positions but he was wasteful in his finishing, particularly when he volleyed at the 'keeper in the 15th minute. Unselfish to set up the crucial equalizer.

Amauri: 6 – Couldn't miss for his goal, but should have had more as he had several headers that were directed straight at Frey.

Substitutes

Camoranesi: 5.5 – Did very little in the time he was on.

De Ceglie: N/A – Given too little time to adjust to the game's tempo.

Trezeguet: N/A – He was brought on too late in the day to make an impact.


FIORENTINA

Frey: 6 – He made a good stop from Sissoko in the first half, but was otherwise rarely tested. Could do nothing for the goal.

Comotto: 6 – Got forward well and was putting himself about. However, he was poor in possession and his crossing was all over the place.

Gamberini: 7.5 – Heroic last-ditch tackle to deny Sissoko getting a free shot away in 14th minute, and made some crucial interceptions to keep the hosts at bay.

Dainelli: 8 – He was the rock on which numerous waves of Juventus attacks were broken up, and he put his body on the line for his team on a number of occasions.

Gobbi: 6 – Picked up an early knock and looked shaky at times, but tried to support the visitors' attack when possible.

Montolivo: 6 – Dominated by the hosts' midfield and had little influence on the game until late on when both sides were beginning to tire, but rarely gave the ball away.

Zanetti: 6.5 – Grew into the game in the second half and was doing his best to break up the unrelenting Juventus attacks.

Marchionni: N/A – He was replaced after 24 minutes due to injury.

Jovetic: 7 – Delivered a perfect pass for Vargas’ goal and was showing quality during the first half. His influence faded during the second period and was eventually replaced.

Vargas: 7 – Took his goal well and was causing problems with his set pieces. Should have crossed for Gilardino early in the second half but dallied on the ball and the chance to take the lead was gone.

Gilardino: 5 – While he had little service, he was virtually anonymous for most of the game and was disappointing when he had a couple of opportunities near the end.

Substitutes

Santanta: 6 – Not as active as Vargas on the opposite flank, but always looked to trouble Grosso and tested Buffon with a shot from range in the second half.

Mutu: 6 – Did his best in the short time he was given, getting involved in the play and managed to take more shots in 20 minutes than Gilardino did in 90.

Pasqual: N/A - Not enough time to make a real impact.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Is the Old Lady back? Check out the October issue of Goal.com Magazine for an exclusive in-depth look at the new Juventus.

Juve To Replace Trez With Gignac

Juventus have to compete with Manchester United and Lyon to get Andre-Pierre Gignac.
October 16, 2009 18:32:04
Andre-Pierre Gignac - Toulouse
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Andre-Pierre Gignac - Toulouse
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* Juventus
* Toulouse FC

By Aditya Ramadhan

Juventus reportedly targeting Andre-Pierre Gignac, the French national team striker who graze in Toulouse, to replace David Trezeguet.

Tuttosport reported Gignac will be an alternative, if Goran Pandev - Bianconeri main game - refused to move to Turin and joined Inter Milan.

Gignac shone with the French team, but this season is not too productive with Toulouse. Gignac predicted the French press will leave the club who raised him, muaim summer 2010.

Toulouse certainly will not let the cheap Gignac. The player is appraised worth £ 25 million. Juve will also compete with a number of clubs, especially Manchester United and Lyon, to get it.

So far the club have not made an approach to Toulouse, but not impossible one of them will try to get Gignac, January 2010.

Trezeguet will menigngalkan Juve next year, and returned to France. When Juve still handled Claudio Ranieri, Trezeguet had tried to leave Juve but failed

Diego Back to Win

Wednesday, October 14, 2009 15:48
Juventus

Diego Ribas ready to perform again with the army Trequartista Juventus Brazilian insisted he was back playing to bring victory for the Bianconeri.

As if to reassure the Juventini about his physical condition, Diego emphasized he has fully recovered and wanted to come back to win the match Serie A and Champions League.

"I did have some issue with, but now I have recovered 100 percent. I'm having muscle problems who are interested, but it was not serious. Things like that are part and gifts from our work. That could happen. If I 'fragile', then so did other players in the world, "said Diego.

Diego's return was greeted with a big game match against Fiorentina. Both clubs are now in the top Serie A and if one club can win a game at the Olimpico Turin is not impossible that will be perched on top of the league.

"I'm ready again to take risks in this team project. I came here to win the Scudetto and Champions League, "said the former Werder Bremen player's.

"The latest results achieved by us does not dampen our spirits. We are ready to take on Fiorentina. They are a great team, but we are Juve. We're playing at home and have no other choice, there is nothing better than a victory for the champions back on track, "added Diego

Olympic Stadium

Via Filadelfia 88, 10128 Torino
Il passato e il presente

The Olimpico (Olympic) Stadium, formerly known as Comunale, is owned by the city of Turin, who carried out extensive restoring of the facility for the 2006 Winter Olympics; the Stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the event.

As from the 2006/07 season, both city clubs, Juventus and Torino, play all their home matches there. The Stadium can hold 25,442 people.

The former Comunale Stadium was built in the Thirties. The first match played there, on June 29 1933, was Juventus vs. Ujpest (6-2), the return leg of the quarter finals of the Central European Cup, a tournament of the time featuring clubs from Italy, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Hungary.

Juventus played 890 games at the Comunale Stadium between 1933 and 1990, and won 17 League titles there in that same period.