JUVENTUS ZONE

JUVENTINI-INDONESIA CHAPTER BABEL

2009-01-12T15:33:00.003+07:00

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http://www.friendster.com/juventinibabel
http://juventus-zone.blogspot.com/

Salam....
militan_juventus (Juventini Belitung)
Sampai Mati Mendukung Juventus....

Video : Juventus 5 vs 2 Lazio

2008-04-28T10:04:00.001+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxzZ8-f60nA

Video : Atalanta 0 vs 4 Juventus

2008-04-21T12:16:00.003+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2zE-OtgHQE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnU8oUKPn4Y

Video : Juventus 3 vs 0 Parma

2008-04-17T10:37:00.004+07:00

Highlight Video Juventus vs Parma

www.dailymotion.com/swf/x53qwz

1st Goal for Juventus - Trezeguet

2nd Goal for Juventus - Palladino

Couto punches Chiellini in the face!

www.1000goals.com/juventus-vs-parma-highlights

Video : Juventus 3 vs 2 AC Milan

2008-04-13T14:18:00.003+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0PyfXjOsbw

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxxjBSTsVwU

Video : Palermo 3 vs 2 Juventus

2008-04-07T13:02:00.005+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIcDccuurUc

Video 30th Giornata : Inter Milan 1 vs 2 Juventus

2008-03-24T15:10:00.001+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ6HGV39T1c&feature=related

Video 24th Giornata : Reggina 2 vs 1 Juventus

2008-02-25T12:22:00.004+07:00

www.juventustube.com/watch/add814d197af4f4bab3a/Reggina---Juventus-2-1

Video 23th Giornata : Juventus 1 vs 0 Roma

2008-02-19T10:38:00.003+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHm81d0dHmk

Video 22th Giornata : Udinese1 vs 2 Juventus

2008-02-11T15:45:00.001+07:00

www.juventustube.com/watch/77a97fc38f3421614151/Udinese-vs-Juventus-1-2 - 11 Februari 2008

Video 21th Giornata : Cagliari 1 vs 1 Juventus

2008-02-04T11:57:00.001+07:00

www.juventustube.com/watch/3dc27118a0f19a198571/Juventus-vs-Cagliari-1-1

Video 20th Giornata : Livorno 1 vs 3 Juventus

2008-01-28T13:54:00.000+07:00

www.juventustube.com/watch/12acf12457e4d67635a9/-Livorno-Vs-Juventus-1-3 28 Januari 2007

Juve's Year, Part 4

2007-12-31T15:18:00.000+07:00

Juventus.com lets you relive Juve’s year, in four parts. Today the fourth and final part: from October up until today, from the draw in Florence to the win against Siena just before Christmas.

October

The derby win at the end of September could have been followed by another one, equally as prestigious. At Fiorentina, Ranieri's men played one of their best games, dominating over Prandelli's team. Iaquinta opened the scoring and the hosts only equalized in the 90th minute, when they were awarded a penalty, converted by former Juve player Mutu: the final draw result was a bit of an insult for Juventus.

Another break for the National team qualifiers (Juve taking advantage to play a friendly against Young Boys, drawing 1-1, with Olivera scoring) and when the Bianconeri got back on the pitch they weren't going to let themselves be caught off guard again. Gasperini's Genoa were a tough team to face, but Juve won thanks to man of the day Alessandro Del Piero. The Captain scored after renewing his contract and a few hours before the birth of his son Tobias.

There were highs and lows at the end of the month. At Napoli, Del Piero scored again, but then something weird happened. Two dubious penalties were awarded to the home team and Juventus suffered the second defeat of the season. It was somewhat undeserved, but they were able to redeem themselves just a few days later. In the mid-week round, it was up to Trezeguet to make Juventus’ fans smile again: a hat trick against Empoli and Juve were back on track.

November

November was the most eagerly awaited month, at least since the calendar had been released, as the match against Inter Milan was scheduled for the 4th. In front of a passionate Olimpico crowd, the Bianconeri proved equal to the Nerazzurri and didn't let Cruz's opening goal get them down. In the second half, Camoranesi, back from injury, found the equalizer that made all Juve fans happy. One week later, another draw coming from behind. At Parma, Juve went down 2-0 but never gave up. Tiago created the chances, Legrottaglie and Iaquinta scored the goals: it ended 2-2 and the Calabria-born striker also had a goal disallowed in the last minutes of the match, making the team regret not winning the game; it truly would have been an extraordinary feat.

After the final break, with Italy making everyone happy by qualifying for the 2008 European Championships (all the other national teams featuring Bianconeri players qualified too), Juventus restarted by scoring five goals again. Palermo were never in the match and were destroyed by goals from a fired up Del Piero (who got two), Trezeguet, Iaquinta and Marchionni.

December

So we come to the last month of the year. It started with the last classic match in the calendar, the away game at AC Milan. At the Meazza, the Bianconeri would've deserved more than the final 0-0 draw, if only because Trezeguet hit the post in the opening minutes. But Juve were flying and before the Christmas break they would give three early presents to their fans.

First off it was Atalanta who went down at the Olimpico, beaten by a great Nedved goal, on the day of his 300th game in Serie A. Then it was Lazio's turn to lose; Del Piero was on World Cup form on the day and Juventus won away from Turin again at last. The last win of the year came against Siena: 2-0 with goals by “Brazzo” Salihamidzic and Trezeguet, more than ever top scorer in the League.

2007 ends with Juventus flying high in the League's top positions: they're currently third, one point behind Roma and eight behind Inter Milan. And also with great news just before the New Year's Eve celebrations: the birth of Louis Thomas Buffon, perhaps the latest in a generation of future Juventus players. Let's hope that 2008 can give us all plenty of satisfaction still.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

EVERY GAME PLAYED, MONTH BY MONTH

OCTOBER

07/10 Serie A – Day 7
Fiorentina-Juventus 1-1
Iaquinta

12/10 Friendly match
Young Boys-Juventus 1-1
Olivera

21/10 Serie A – Day 8
Juventus-Genoa 1-0
Del Piero

27/10 Serie A - Day 9
Napoli-Juventus 3-1
Del Piero

31/10 Serie A - Day 10
Juventus-Empoli 3-0
Trezeguet 3

NOVEMBER

04/11 Serie A - Day 11
Juventus-Inter Milan 1-1
Camoranesi

11/11 Serie A - Day 12
Parma-Juventus 2-2
Legrottaglie, Iaquinta

25/11 Serie A - Day 13
Juventus-Palermo 5-0
Del Piero 2, Trezeguet, Iaquinta, Marchionni

DECEMBER

01/12 Serie A - Day 14
AC Milan-Juventus 0-0

06/12 Italian Cup – 1/8 final, first leg
Empoli-Juventus 2-1
Iaquinta

09/12 Serie A - Day 15
Juventus-Atalanta 1-0
Nedved

16/12 Serie A - Day 16
Lazio-Juventus 2-3
Del Piero 2, Trezeguet

23/12 Serie A - Day 17
Juventus-Siena 2-0
Salihamidzic, Trezeguet

www.juventus.com - 30 December 2007

Juve's Year, Part 3

2007-12-30T12:37:00.000+07:00

Juventus.com lets you relive Juve’s year, in four parts. Today the third part: from July to September, from Ranieri's men's first steps to the victory in the derby game.

July

Juventus officially began the new season on the 1st of July, and the squad at that point was mostly made. There was still time to make the final adjustments before playing the first games. Camoranesi and Nedved also renewed their contracts and Juve signed Andrade and two young keepers: Vanstrattan and Novembre. Ranieri and his staff had practically the whole squad at their disposal when the summer camp in Pinzolo started, on the 11th. This was a good group of players and Juve wouldn't make any more new signings before the League debut, only selling or sending a few players away on loan.

From the first training sessions it was clear what the new Manager had in mind: ball on the ground, quick passing and one-twos, and the utmost importance given to the group. The first games of the season were encouraging too: Juve were trying to refine their strategy and soon began showing progress, regardless of the results and the opponents they faced. The games against Mezzocorona and the Chinese Olympic team were showcases for fans. The tour of England and Germany, with the matches against Newcastle United, Hamburg and Sunderland, gave them the chance to taste the atmosphere of Europe again.

August

Having returned from England with good feelings - and the bad news of Marchionni's injury - the team started facing opponents which would be their rivals in the League: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma and Napoli. These tournaments and friendlies confirmed Juventus' constant progress and sent out signals to everybody else, especially after trouncing Roma 5-2 in Cesena.

This was the best preparation for the official League debut, scheduled for August 25 at the Olimpico against Livorno. The return to Serie A proved explosive: the Tuscans were beaten 5-1, with a Trezeguet hat trick and two goals by Iaquinta; a clear victory that was repeated a few days later in the Italian Cup. Juve authoritatively won 3-1 at the Tardini in Parma thanks to goals by newcomers Molinaro, Almiron and Salihamidzic.

September

September started at full speed too. The Bianconeri won at Cagliari despite two penalties awarded against them; Camoranesi created the chances, Del Piero, Trezeguet and Chiellini scored the goals, and Buffon did the rest in a 3-2 win. After two games, the League went on a break for the National teams’ qualifiers with Juventus firmly in first place.

After the break, during which Juve played in Saragossa (an unlucky game due to the bad injury suffered by Boumsong), Ranieri's men lost their unbeaten record, defeated at home by Udinese and plenty of bad luck (they hit the woodwork twice and there were a couple of dubious incidents in the guests' penalty area). But the team promptly redeemed themselves one week later. Againt Spalletti's Roma, then at their peak, Juventus played with three up front and showed a lot of character. They scored first with Trezeguet, then conceded two from Totti, lost Andrade too (for a long-term injury), but near the end they equalized with Iaquinta. The 2-2 result was worth a lot more than the single point won.

The team confirmed their strength during the following seven days. The month ended with two games in Turin that earned them six points. The first three came against Reggina, crushed by goals from Legrottaglie, Salihamidzic, Trezeguet and Palladino. The other three came in the way preferred by fans: winning the local derby against Torino in the last minute, thanks to a cracking Trezeguet goal right under the Scirea sector.

Part 1
Part 2

MONTH BY MONTH, ALL THE GAMES PLAYED

JULY

18/07 Friendly match
Juventus-Mezzocorona 5-0
Boumsong, Trezeguet, Salihamidzic, Palladino, Marchionni

22/07 Friendly match
Juventus-Cina Olimpica 4-0
Trezeguet, Nedved, Del Piero, Palladino

29/07 Friendly match
Newcastle-Juventus 2-0

AUGUST

01/08 Friendly match
Amburgo-Juventus 1-0

04/08 Friendly match
Sunderland-Juventus 1-1
Molinaro

08/08 Birra Moretti Trophy
Napoli-Juventus 0-1
Del Piero
Inter-Juventus 1-0

11/08 Friendly match
Juventus-Roma 5-2
2 Trezeguet, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Zalayeta

14/08 TIM Trophy
Inter-Juventus 0-0 (5-4 dcr)
Milan-Juventus 1-0

17/08 Berlusconi Trophy
Milan-Juventus 2-0

22/08 Friendly match
Juventus-Biellese 4-0
Palladino, Nedved, Legrottaglie, Bottone

25/08 Serie A – Day 1
Juventus-Livorno 5-1
3 Trezeguet , 2 Iaquinta

29/08 TIM Cup – Third round
Parma-Juventus 1-3
Molinaro, Almiron, Salihamidzic

SEPTEMBER

02/09 Serie A – Day 2
Cagliari-Juventus 2-3
Trezeguet, Del Piero, Chiellini

07/09 Friendly match
Real Saragozza-Juventus 2-1
Iaquinta

16/09 Serie A – Day 3
Juventus-Udinese 0-1

23/09 Serie A – Day 4
Roma-Juventus 2-2
Trezeguet, Iaquinta

26/09 Serie A – Day 5
Juventus-Reggina 4-0
Legrottaglie, Salihamidzic, Trezeguet, Palladino

30/09 Serie A – Day 6
Torino-Juventus 0-1
Trezeguet

www.juventus.com - 29 December 2007

Back At Work On January 3

2007-12-29T16:44:00.000+07:00

As from 5 pm yesterday, Juventus are officially on holiday. After the win against Siena closed 2007 in terms of football, all the Bianconeri were able to start enjoying a period of well-deserved rest.

They'll be back at work in the New Year. The victory against Siena gave the squad one more day of rest. Training commences again on Thursday the 3rd of January in Vinovo, in the afternoon. On the 6th, the day of the Epiphany, the winter camp in Malta will begin; the squad will stay on the island and train there until the day before the first official match of 2008, the evening game at Catania, on Saturday 12.

www.juventus.com - 24 December 2007

Juve's 2007, Part 1

2007-12-29T16:38:00.000+07:00

Juventus.com lets you relive Juve’s year, in four parts. Today the first: from January to March, from the end of the first part of last season to the start of the decisive run towards the return to Serie A

January

2007 began differently than 2006, i.e. with two defeats. The first was harmless, in the Berlusconi Trophy, which had been moved from the summer due to other commitments. The second was more onerous. Juve lost at Mantova (1-0, with Kovac scoring an own goal) and ended their unbeaten run which had lasted for 45 official games. It was a tough period, with several players injured, but the team's character compensated for it.

In four days, between the 16th and the 20th, Juve got six points at home, and they were set for first place after the first part of the season. Cesena were beaten (2-1, goals by Del Piero and Trezeguet) in the match that had originally been postponed on December 15 when Alessio Ferramosca and Riccardo Neri died. Bari were also defeated in what was Alessandro Del Piero's day: the Captain celebrated 500 Juve games by scoring a goal. Nedved (two goals) and Trezeguet did the rest for a final 4-2 result. The end of the month of January coincided with the end of the first part of the season. A great effort by Nedved at the last minute prevented defeat at La Spezia (1-1) and allowed Deschamps' men to be in front of everyone else at that stage of the season: not bad for a team that had started out with 17 points' deduction, later reduced to 9.

February

The month of February began with a very negative episode for Italian football. Police Inspector Filippo Raciti was killed during fighting between Catania and Palermo supporters. The League stopped to allow everyone to mull over the tragedy and the second part of the season started with the second game, Juventus travelling to Vicenza instead of facing Rimini at home, devoid of their own supporters due to a ban that was enforced because of the violence. The Bianconeri dominated on the pitch. Palladino and Del Piero scored two goals and the game seemed won, but it wasn't enough as the Veneto team came back to draw 2-2.

Juventus took out their frustration on Crotone. The team from Calabria were trounced 5-0 at the Olimpico. Del Piero got a hat trick, with Nedved and Balzaretti scoring too. The following match at Modena was more difficult. The score seemed set on 0-0, but then Centurioni's own goal paved the way for three precious points to end February on a high.

March

March saw Juve take the decisive steps toward promotion, with four wins in five matches. First Piacenza were thoroughly beaten 4-0 at the Olimpico, thanks to another Del Piero hat trick and a lighting fast goal by Trezeguet. The Captain stayed in contention for the top scorer position, scoring against Brescia too. But the Martelli Stadium in Mantova – a neutral ground used for the match against the “Rondinelle” – was jinxed for Juve again as a Serafini hat trick gave them their second defeat (3-1).

The defeat was compensated in the best possible way however. Just like in the first part of the season, the two games against teams from Triveneto were favourable and earned Juventus six points. Del Piero and Palladino's cunning move won the game against Treviso. Triestina were beaten much more comprehensively: they went one up but then Juve scored five. Palladino shone again with three great goals; Camoranesi and Bojinov scored the other two. After an international friendly in Liege against Standard (with Trezeguet scoring two goals, but the Belgians prevailed 3-2), there was time for another joy at the end of the month. At Pescara, against a team that were almost doomed, Juve suffered a great deal. Polito saved a Del Piero penalty but then another player of the old guard decided the match: Birindelli, who scored a close range tap-in from a Palladino corner.

After the first three months of 2007, Juve's return to Serie A was getting closer and closer.

MONTH BY MONTH, ALL THE GAMES PLAYED

JANUARY

06/01 Berlusconi Trophy
Milan-Juventus 3-2
Nedved, Del Piero

14/01 Serie B – Day 19
Mantova-Juventus 1-0

16/01 Serie B - rec. Day 16
Juventus-Cesena 2-1
Del Piero, Trezeguet

20/01 Serie B – Day 20
Juventus-Bari 4-2
2 Nedved, Trezeguet, Del Piero

27/01 Serie B – Day 21
Spezia-Juventus 1-1
Nedved

FEBRUARY

10/02 Serie B – Day 23
Vicenza-Juventus 2-2
Palladino, Del Piero

17/02 Serie B – Day 24
Juventus-Crotone 5-0
3 Del Piero, Nedved, Balzaretti

26/02 Serie B – Day 25
Modena-Juventus 0-1
Centurioni (aut.)

MARCH

04/03 Serie B – Day 26
Juventus-Piacenza 4-0
3 Del Piero, Trezeguet

10/03 Serie B – Day 27
Brescia-Juventus 3-1
Del Piero

13/03 Serie B – Day 28
Juventus-Treviso 1-0
Palladino

19/03 Serie B – Day 29
Juventus-Triestina 5-1
3 Palladino, Camoranesi, Bojinov

24/03 Friendly match
Standard Liegi-Juventus 3-2
2 Trezeguet

31/03 Serie B – Day 32
Pescara-Juventus 0-1
Birindelli

www.juventus.com - 27 December 2007

Juve's 2007, Part 2

2007-12-29T16:35:00.000+07:00

Juventus.com lets you relive Juve’s year, in four parts. Today the second part: from April to June, the end of the run, the return to Serie A, the end of Deschamps' tenure and the beginning of the Ranieri era.

April

Juventus were on a roll and took a decisive leap forward in April, thanks to a series of wins against promotion rivals, which confirmed the Bianconeri's predominance.

After an unexpected draw at home against Albinoleffe – coming from behind thanks to a great Balzaretti goal -, the Olimpico’s law applied again to Napoli, who were beaten 2-0 just after Easter, with goals by Camoranesi and Del Piero. A few days later, Juve won again, away at Lecce. Camoranesi was one of the stars of the match once more with a superb goal. Marchionni and Zalayeta scored the others in a 3-1 win.

Another home draw came against Rimini (0-0 despite several chances), but Juve made the decisive step before the end of the month, with two convincing wins: the first at home against rivals Genoa, 3-1 with goals by Nedved, Chiellini and Trezeguet, the second an away win at Verona, with the only goal scored by Boumsong with a header.

May

Juve made it three wins in a row at the beginning of May - on the 1st, Juve fans celebrating alongside the world’s workers. The 2-0 win at Frosinone (with two Zalayeta goals) was another important step toward promotion, just like the point earned in the insidious away game at Cesena. It ended 2-2 after an exciting match, Juve scoring with big names Trezeguet and Nedved within seconds of each other. Promotion was near and Juve got even closer by winning against Bologna at home. Four players were the stars of that match: Del Piero, who got two goals, Trezeguet, who scored the third, Buffon, who made two miracle saves when the result was still in doubt, and young talent Giovinco, immediately proving a favourite with Juve fans.

Juventus were almost there. They only needed one more win to return to the top division, and win they did on Day 19. There was no contest against Arezzo, managed by former Juventus player Antonio Conte, as Juve were too determined to get the result they needed: in the end they won 5-1 with Del Piero and Chiellini scoring two each, and Trezeguet getting the other one. Celebrations could finally begin. Didier Deschamps completed his 10-month mission but surprised everyone by quitting right after the following match, a home win against Mantova (2-0, with goals by Trezeguet and Nedved).

June

It was up to Giancarlo Corradini, deputy Manager for many years, to guide the team through the remaining two matches, which were stripped of any meaning. And they were certainly unmemorable, as they were both defeats, but with promotion already secured. First at Bari (1-0), and then at home against Spezia, who were battling to avoid relegation. The guests won 3-2 in the end (Trezeguet and youngster Bianco scoring) but didn't ruin the celebrations for Juventus’ return to Serie A, with the team receiving the Serie B trophy on the pitch, and Del Piero winning the top scorer award.

But the future had already begun. Three important announcements had been made on the eve of the last game: Claudio Ranieri signing on as the new Manager, and Zebina and Buffon renewing their contracts. In January three new signings had already been announced: Grygera, Salihamidzic and Criscito - and then in late June other players were signed up: Iaquinta, Tiago, Almiron, Nocerino and Molinaro. Plus vital player Trezeguet also renewed his contract. But more excellent news would arrive in the next few days.

2007: the first part

MONTH BY MONTH, ALL THE GAMES PLAYED

APRIL

06/04 Serie B – Day 33
Juventus-AlbinoLeffe 1-1
Balzaretti

10/04 Serie B – Day 31
Juventus-Napoli 2-0
Camoranesi, Del Piero

14/04 Serie B – Day 34
Lecce-Juventus 1-3
Marchionni, Zalayeta, Camoranesi

17/04 Serie B – rec. Day 22
Juventus-Rimini 0-0

21/04 Serie B – Day 35
Juventus-Genoa 3-1
Nedved, Chiellini, Trezeguet

27/04 Serie B – Day 36
Verona-Juventus 0-1
Boumsong

MAY

01/05 Serie B – Day 30
Frosinone-Juventus 0-2
2 Zalayeta

06/05 Serie B – Day 37
Cesena-Juventus 2-2
Trezeguet, Nedved

12/05 Serie B – Day 38
Juventus-Bologna 3-1
2 Del Piero, Trezeguet

16/05 Friendly match
Cuneo-Juventus 2-3
Bojinov, Del Piero, Lanzafame

19/05 Serie B – Day 39
Arezzo-Juventus 1-5
2 Del Piero, 2 Chiellini, Trezeguet

26/05 Serie B – Day 40
Juventus-Mantova 2-0
Trezeguet, Nedved

JUNE

04/06 Serie B – Day 41
Bari-Juventus 1-0

10/06 Serie B – Day 42
Juventus-Spezia 2-3
Trezeguet, Bianco

www.juventus.com - 28 December 2007

Italian Media: Huntelaar To Join Juventus In The Summer

2007-12-29T16:31:00.000+07:00

Besides Edgar Davids, who was a huge success in Turin from 1997 to 2004, Juventus have in general not linked up with Dutch footballers throughout their illustrious history. But it seems that things are about to change.

As La Gazzetta Dello Sport reports today, Rafael Van Der Vaart is not the only Dutch star packing his bags for a summer move to the capital of Piedmont, since Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is expected to keep him company.

Club president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli had openly admitted that La Vecchia Signora were negotiating with Ajax for the 24-year-old prolific striker, talking to Il Corriere Dello Sport back on December 7.

Done deal

And La Gazzetta Dello Sport reveals today that the Italian giants struck a deal with the player’s agent, Arnold Oosterveen, as early as last August to sign him at the end of this season.

The sports daily with a readership that exceeds the three-million mark insists that the Amsterdam-based club are prepared to let their star striker go for an amount between 15 and 18 million euros.

A former PSV Eindhoven, De Graafschap and Heerenveen man, Huntelaar joined Ajax in January 2006 for a fee of nine million plus future player incentives.

Needless to say he’s been an instant hit, scoring a breathtaking 74 goals in just 92 appearances!

www.goal.com - 28/12/2007 18:56

Ever Banega To Join Juve In January

2007-12-29T16:20:00.000+07:00

Talented Boca Juniors midfielder Ever Banega is on the verge of joining Juventus in a deal worth over 15 million euros.

Banega will arrive in Turin in early January if his club Boca Juniors accept an offer of more than 15 million euros made by Juventus for the youngster.

"Banega will leave Boca in January because the offer made by Juventus is excellent," affirmed an unidentified Boca source.

"As well as this, Carlos Ischia, Boca's new coach, won't get in the way of any possible departure, after advice from Carlos Bianchi," he added.

When the deal in finalised, Boca will recover the large sum of money they invested in Juan Roman Riquelme, who returned to the club from Villarreal.

Banega, who became one of Boca's key players last season is a highly rated midfielder - solid defensively but with also possessing great passing skills - who is likely to take Italian football by storm.

Many have compared the youngster to AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso, but insist that he is faster, smarter, and has a much higher level of technique.

So it was no surprise that Milan have also been after his signature, but seem to have already lost the race to bitter rivals Juventus.

www.goal.com - 28/12/2007 16:03

Juventus All-Time Best XI

2007-12-28T16:59:00.000+07:00

With Calcio taking a two week break, Carlo Garganese takes the opportunity to pick the best all-time elevens from the top teams. The first in the series are Juventus...

Goalkeeper: Dino Zoff (1972-83) – The best Italian goalkeeper of all-time and possibly the best goalkeeper in the world of all time, however Gianluigi Buffon may soon have something to say about both of these titles. Zoff is most famous for lifting the 1982 World Cup at the age of 40. While at Juve he won six Serie A titles, two Italian Cups and a UEFA Cup. Also made 112 appearances for the Azzurri.

Right Back: Lilian Thuram (2001-06) – One of the finest defenders of his generation, Thuram won four Scudetti in five years in Turin, although two of these were later stripped due to the Calciopoli scandal. As of 2007 he is the most-capped player in the history of the French national team, and was a champion at both France 98’ and Euro 2000. Memorably scored both of France’s goals in the 1998 semi-final victory over Croatia.

Centre Back: Claudio Gentile (1973-84) – One of the meanest and toughest defenders to ever set foot onto the field, strikers used to melt in their boots when up against Gentile. The stopper is notorious for violently man-marking Diego Maradona out of the game during the 1982 World Cup, while he also ripped Brazilian great Zico’s shirt in half during the same tournament. Gentile won six Scudetti for Juventus and is certainly a cult hero.

Centre Back: Gaetano Scirea (1974-88) – Arguably the greatest ‘libero’ in the history of the game along with Franz Beckenbauer and Franco Baresi, Scirea was a stylish and graceful defender with perfect tactical understanding. He would bring the ball out of defence and spark attacks for his team, something he did in creating Marco Tardelli’s second goal in the 1982 World Cup final. With Juve he won virtually every major honour in the game, before he died tragically in a car accident in 1989.

Left Back: Antonio Cabrini (1976-89) – Cabrini is perhaps just as remembered for missing a penalty in the 82’ final against West Germany as he is for being a quite fantastic wing-back. During 13 years with the Old Lady, Bell'Antonio made almost 450 appearances and won virtually every major honour in the game. Was capped 73 times for Italy, playing at Argentina 78’, Spain 82’ and Mexico 86’.

Midfield: Marco Tardelli (1975-85) - Yet another Juventus player in the Spain 82’ team, Tardelli’s celebration in the final is one of the World Cup’s most enduring images. In a decade with the Bianconeri he won five Scudetti, as well as the European Cup, UEFA Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup. Played 81 times for his country, scoring six goals.

Midfield: Giampiero Boniperti (1946-61) – Boniperti was the original ‘symbol’ of Juventus, playing for the club for his entire career. The attacking-midfielder was the all-time top-scorer for the Bianconeri for over 40 years, until he was overtaken by Alessandro Del Piero. He formed an unstoppable trident with John Charles and Omar Sivori in his latter years, and also played 38 times for Italy, including the 1950 and 1954 World Cups.

Midfield: Michel Platini (1982-87) – Legendary French midfielder who scored the winning penalty in the infamous 1985 European Cup final victory over Liverpool at Heysel. While at Juve he finished Capocannonieri and European Footballer of the Year three years in succession. For France at Euro 84’ he almost matched the individual achievements of Diego Maradona in Mexico two years later, scoring nine goals in five games as Les Bleus lifted the cup.

Midfield: Zinedine Zidane (1996-01) – The best player of his generation, Zidane signed for Juve on the recommendation of Michel Platini. ‘Zizou’ was an instant hero in Turin winning successive Scudetti in his first two seasons. The Bianconeri then went through a bit of a lean spell and he was sold to Real Madrid in 2001 for a world record €76m. He played 108 times for his country, winning France 98’ and Euro 2000, and in his last-ever match before retirement he infamously was sent off for head-butting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.

Forward: Roberto Baggio (1990-95) – This genius is regarded by many as the best Italian footballer of all time, and he scored 115 goals in 201 appearances for the Bianconeri. He left in 1995 having won a Scudetto, UEFA Cup and a Coppa Italia. For Italy he played at three World Cups, all of them full of wonderful memories. He scored the best goal at Italia 90’, while at USA 94’ he single-handedly dragged a modest team all the way to the final, where they lost on penalties to Brazil.

Forward: John Charles (1957-62) – In 1997 Charles was voted as not only Juventus’ greatest-ever foreign player, but the best Serie A foreigner ever. When you consider that the likes of Diego Maradona, Zico, Marco Van Basten and Zinedine Zidane have all graced Italian playing fields, you realise just how brilliant Charles was. Signed from Leeds in 1957, ‘The Gentle Giant’ scored 93 times in 150 games, a quite stunning goal ratio.

Formation: 4-1-3-2:

Zoff

Thuram Gentile Scirea Cabrini

Tardelli

Boniperti Platini Zidane

Charles Baggio

www.goal.com - 27/12/2007 14:19

Trezeguet: I Want To Equal My Goal Record

2007-12-28T16:55:00.000+07:00

Juventus star David Trezeguet has set himself the target of equalling his best goal-tally for a season in Serie A this campaign.

The prolific Frenchman was joint-top scorer in Serie A with Dario Hubner in 2001-02 after scoring 24 goals.

Surprisingly he hasn’t been the Capocannonieri winner since, although this could all change this season as he has hit the back of the net 13 times in just 17 games.

“It will depend on my team-mates and hopefully luck can give me a helping hand,” said Trezeguet.

“I have not missed a game yet so to equal my 24 goals from my second season with the Bianconeri would be beautiful.”

Despite Trezeguet’s incredible form, he has been left out of France Coach Raymond Domenech’s recent squads for October and November.

“The European Championships? It does not depend on me, but it depends if I am wanted. Domenech will need convincing,” Trezeguet explained.

The ex-Monaco star finally spoke about Juve team-mate Tiago Mendes, a player who has been hugely disappointing since his summer move from Lyon.

“Tiago is a champion, you will see he will give a large contribution to the squad. All he needs is time, his quality is not in question,” the 30-year-old concluded.

www.goal.com - 27/12/2007 13:55

Ranieri: We Will Sign A Champion, Like Lampard

2007-12-28T16:53:00.000+07:00

Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri says that the club will only sign a champion in the summer, and has described Frank Lampard as a ‘phenomenon’.

The Bianconeri are having an excellent Serie A campaign and currently sit in third position in the table.

Nevertheless it is widely accepted that the club needs to make two or three top-class signings if they want to restore themselves to the very top of Italian and European football.

“It will be different from the past summer,” said Ranieri, when asked about his plans for the pre-season transfer market.

“We need to identify an individual of outstanding ability who will enable us to make the leap in quality. It is a decision we absolutely cannot get wrong.”

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has been heavily associated with a summer move to Turin, with some sections in the Italian media believing that a transfer is as good as done already.

“Lampard is a phenomenon,” stated Ranieri.

“However he plays for Chelsea and I don’t think that Abramovich will allow him to leave because the Italian clubs have restricted economic potential compared to the Spanish and English teams.

“In Spain for example, in the first contract you pay 25 per cent less in taxes. In simple terms it is difficult to compete.”

www.goal.com - 27/12/2007 18:00

Juventus Prepare 15M Van Der Vaart Bid

2007-12-28T16:31:00.001+07:00

The Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are about to make a 15 million euro bid for Hamburg star Rafael van der Vaart...

The Gazzetta dello Sport contends that Rafael van der Vaart could be en route to Turin to join Juventus. His Hamburger SV paymasters rejected all approaches for him this summer, but the Old Lady are set to make an approach weighing in at 15 million euros.

Should he join, it could be part of a greater reshuffle of the Juventus squad which, while remaining competitive in Serie A, is likely to be trimmed of some of its young players or deadwood.

The likes of Olivera, Paro and Criscito could be farmed out to Genoa to make room for both van der Vaart and Claudio Marchisio, who has been on loan at Empoli to decent effect.

Such moves are also linked to the potential selling of Almiron in summer, which could give Marchisio a real chance to shine at his boyhood club, or possibly open the door for the arrival of Parma's Luca Cigarini.

However, neither Juve nor Hamburg have yet to comment on VDV's move, rendering the domino effect purely hypothetical.

www.goal.com - 27/12/2007 11:47

Zamparini: Juve Want Amauri, Milan Rejected Toni

2007-12-28T16:28:00.000+07:00

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini declared to Italian daily sports newspaper 'Corriere dello Sport' that Juventus are the only club who could pry Amauri away from him, and that AC Milan had turned down another of his strikers in the past...

The fiery Zamparini was speaking to the 'Corriere' about the futures of star duo Amauri and Andrea Barzagli.

Amauri has been heavily associated with a move to Milan, however Zamparini is adamant that he will not allow the Brazilian to move to the Rossoneri.

"Milan don't have to call me, as Galliani is the last person I would sell him Amauri to," declared the Palermo president.

"Before selling Toni to Fiorentina, I offered him to Galliani. I even begged him to sign him, but he responded that he was not suitable to wear the Rossoneri's shirt."

Toni famously went on to win the European Golden Boot in his first season with the Viola, becoming the first person in almost 50 years to score more than 30 goals in a Serie A campaign.

“I would like to make something very clear,” Zamparini continued.

“We are not a branch of Inter and Milan, handing over our champions to them. If a club is interested in a Palermo player they have to ask officially and with correctness, just like Juventus did when Moggi was there, and also how the present Juventus does.

"In the last months Juventus got closer to Amauri and Barzagli. The Bianconeri are the only club who could offer me an adequate player exchange, even though for the time being I'm not selling anyone."

www.goal.com - 27/12/2007 11:17

Juve Pull Out Of Ivanovic Race

2007-12-28T16:20:00.000+07:00

Juventus are reported to have dropped their interest in highly coveted Lokomotiv Moscow defender Branislav Ivanovic. The top-rated Serbian defender, who was one of the stars of the European Under-21 Championships in Holland during the summer, has been heavily linked with Juventus since several months, but today Controcampo have pulled out of negotiations due to his ‘excessive’ salary demands.

Should the news of Juve’s pull-out be substantiated, it will be treated as a significant development by the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have all been credited with a serious interest in the 23-year-old.

Ivanovic, who specializes in left-back but can play anywhere along the defense, has a termination clause in his contract of €15m, which means that if a big club puts in a bid of this figure, then Lokomotiv are powerless to stop him from leaving.

Juventus are now expected to devote their total attention to securing a deal for Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg.

www.goal.com - 26/12/2007 02:06

Video 17th Giornata : Juventus 2 vs 0 Siena

2007-12-24T16:07:00.000+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4izoT9tICx0 - December 23, 2007

Merry Christmas “Brazzo”

2007-12-24T15:21:00.000+07:00

Ranieri wanted to finish the year in the best possible way and the lads satisfied his desires. Siena were beaten with authority (2-0) at the Olimpico and this Christmas will have an even sweeter taste now.

The year’s last man of the match was “Brazzo” Salihamidzic, who gave an exceptional performance, scoring the first goal and going close two other times. Trezeguet also scored, as usual, a spectacular goal in cooperation with Tiago.

On a Sunday when Inter Milan overcame the dangers of the derby, Ranieri's men kept up with the pace of the top teams, especially Roma. With this win over the team from Tuscany, the Bianconeri wrapped up the last mini-cycle of the year on a high.

Ranieri's men have won four and drawn one since the mid-November break. This was the best possible way to welcome the New Year, which will start on Saturday the 12th of January with an away game at Catania.

www.juventus.com - 23 Dicember 2007

Juventus Stroll To Victory Over Siena

2007-12-24T15:14:00.000+07:00

Juventus 2 - 0 Siena

Siena may have got better as the game went on, but it was nowhere near enough as Juventus picked up a routine three points. Alessandro Del Piero was entrusted with a starting berth alongside David Trezeguet for the hosts, while the visitors were surprisingly attack-minded themselves, with Frick, Maccarone and Locatelli all starting.

But it was clear from the outset as to who would be doing the attacking. Within mere minutes the hosts had already threatened Manninger, who brilliantly halted a Trezeguet header five minutes in before the Frenchman hit the side-netting with a drive not long after.

The pressure was tangible, with Del Piero looking particularly spry, but eventually Siena began to ease the strain as Loria took a grip of the defence.

Ultimately, though, the home side's class seemed too much for them to bear as Salihamidzic made it 1-0 on the half hour mark.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international seemed to be very slightly offside as the tireless Nedved drove in a low cross for him, but the goal stood after a neat finish. Siena tried to fight back, but Juve still went in looking more comfortable at the break.

The Robur side, though, did succeed in causing a little pressure as the second half began, but it seemed to be only delaying the inevitable. Thus it proved when Trezeguet made it 2-0 an hour into the game. The Frenchman capitalised on some superb work from Del Piero, who has rediscovered his form of late, to slam past Manninger from close range.

That prompted a bit of relaxation in the hosts, who allowed Siena, who had already shown signs of life, back into the game. Loria came close with a header before, 76 minutes in, a flashing ball across goalmouth went begging.

Gigi Buffon, whose afternoon began quietly, ended the game in a state of excitement as he - and some last-ditch defending - kept a clean sheet in the face of both free kicks and corners.

Siena, then, refused to quit, but were still given a first-half lesson by high-flying Juve.

www.goal.com - 23/12/2007 16:57

Serie A Preview: Juventus - Siena

2007-12-23T13:04:00.000+07:00

What: Serie A, Round 17
Who: Juventus (3rd, 32 points) v Siena (17th, 14 points)
When: Sunday, 23rd December 2007, kick-off 15:00 CET
Where: Stadio Olimpico, Turin

Juve Looking To End 2007 In Style

Juventus will be confident of signing off 2007 in style with a victory over relegation-strugglers Siena. The Bianconeri were expected to labour this season following their post-Calciopoli promotion from Serie B but they have surprised everyone with their consistent level of performance.

Indeed had it not been for some scandalous officiating during the games with Napoli and Parma, as well as the stunning form of Inter, Juve may now be finding themselves even closer to the top of the table. Nevertheless the Old Lady are looking strong in third position and are currently odds-on to qualify for next year’s Champions League.

Juve have won three of their last four Serie A matches, including successive wins against Atalanta and Lazio. Last week at the Olimpico saw the return to the starting line-up of Alessandro Del Piero, who scored two fine goals in a 3-2 victory. However the Bianconeri were indebted to Gianluigi Buffon, who pulled off a string of excellent saves, including one miraculous stop from Tommaso Rocchi.

Siena With Dreadful Record Against Juve

Siena have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and have picked up a win and two draws from their last three games. Nevertheless they still hover just one place above the relegation zone and the odds of them getting a result in this one are not good.

The Tuscans have won just twice all season, and have scored only four times away from home in seven games. In eight previous meetings between these two teams, Juventus have won all eight. This includes three Serie A matches in Turin, three in Siena, and two Coppa Italia games.

The last time these two squads met in Italy’s top-flight was on April 30, 2006 when Juve roared to a 3-0 win at the Stadio Franchi. The Old Lady scored all three goals within the first eight minutes of the match, with Patrick Vieira, David Trezeguet and Adrian Mutu on target.

FORM GUIDE

Juventus

December 15 v Lazio (A) WON 3-2
December 9 v Atalanta (H) WON 1-0
December 6 v Empoli (A) LOST 1-2 (Coppa Italia)
December 1 v Milan (A) DREW 0-0
November 25 v Palermo (H) WON 5-0

Siena
December 16 v Napoli (H) DREW 1-1
December 9 v Genoa (A) WON 3-1
December 2 v Lazio (H) DREW 1-1
November 25 v Udinese (A) LOST 2-0
November 11 v Livorno (H) LOST 3-2

TEAM NEWS

Juventus
Vincenzo Iaquinta may return from his injury but he will have to make-do with a place on the bench. Mauro Camoranesi is still out injured, as are long-term absentees Jean-Alain Boumsong and Jorge Andrade.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic, Nocerino, Zanetti, Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet

Siena
Cristian Bucchi may return following an ankle injury, although Alberto and Enrico Chiesa are still sidelined and will remain so for quite some time. The impressive Paolo De Ceglie, seen by some as a star of the future, will line-up against the team who owns his contract.

Siena (probable): Manninger; Bertotto, Portanova, Loria, De Ceglie; Vergassola, Codrea, Galloppa; Locatelli; Frick, Maccarone

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Juventus (Alessandro Del Piero)
The Golden Boy again proved his critics wrong last week with two clinical finishes against Lazio. The 33-year-old has a great scoring record against Siena having contributed to five of Juve’s nine goals against them in Turin in the past.

Mario Frick (Siena)
The Swiss forward is in fine recent form, having scored three times in his last two games. The ex-Verona man will need to have his shooting boots on though if he is to continue this trend against the world’s number one shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon.

PREDICTION
Juve are in brilliant form at the moment and Siena require a minor-miracle if they are to return to Tuscany with anything other than a severe beating. ......... Juventus 4-0 Siena

www.goal.com - 22/12/2007 07:46

Squad Named For Siena Game

2007-12-23T12:58:00.001+07:00

After supervising the last pre-match training session, Claudio Ranieri named a 21-man squad for Juventus' Sunday afternoon game against Siena (kick off at 3 pm). The match is valid for Serie A’s 17th round and will be the last League match played in 2007.

Only Camoranesi and Andrade are unavailable, due to injury. All the other players in the squad are available.

1 Buffon
2 Birindelli
3 Chiellini
4 Almiron
5 Zebina
6 Zanetti
7 Salihamidzic
9 Iaquinta
10 Del Piero
11 Nedved
12 Belardi
17 Trezeguet
18 Boumsong
19 Criscito
20 Palladino
21 Grygera
23 Nocerino
28 Molinaro
30 Tiago
32 Marchionni
33 Legrottaglie

www.juventus.com - 22 December 2007

Juventus' 2008 To Start Early

2007-12-23T12:51:00.000+07:00

2008 will start... early for Juventus. The Football League has officially released the dates of the first matched to be played in the New Year and the calendar for the Italian Cup third round return matches. And Juventus will have a starring role from the start.

The away game at Catania, valid for the 18th day of Serie A, the penultimate round before the return games begin, will be played on the 12th of January at 8.30 pm. Then there'll be a “regular” round, the last before the return matches, playing against Sampdoria, on Sunday the 20th of January at 3 pm, and then the return matches begin with another evening match. The Livorno game will indeed take place on Sunday the 27th of January at 8.30 pm.

Some changes in the Italian Cup calendar too. After opening the first leg of the third round matches, Juventus and Empoli will open the return leg too. The game at the Olimpico will be played on Tuesday January 15th at 8.45 pm, and shown live on La7.

Summing up, this is Juventus' January programme.

Saturday January 12, at 8.30 pm, Catania-Juventus (Serie A 18th round)
Tuesday January 15 at 8.45 pm, Juventus-Empoli (Italian Cup third round second leg)
Sunday January 20, at 3 pm, Juventus-Sampdoria (Serie A 19th round)
Sunday January 27, at 8.30 pm, Livorno-Juventus (Serie A 1st return round)

www.juventus.com - 22 December 2007

Ranieri: “We have to finish the year well”

2007-12-23T11:44:00.000+07:00

It seems like only yesterday when Claudio Ranieri's Juventus were taking their first steps in Pinzolo and yet it's already time to wrap up the first part of the season. 2007 comes to a close and, despite there being two more matches in January before the return rounds begin, the Manager can already make a first assessment. “I'm pleased but not satisfied; I think we can do more. Just consider how often I've had to do without Camoranesi. Individually, there's space to grow and when the individuals grow, so will the team. Points? We have as many as we deserved. Sometimes we would've deserved more, other times we got more than we fully earned. And that's ok with me. The squad? I'm happy with how they behaved and therefore we won't be signing anyone new in the January transfer market”.

But there's one more match to go, to wrap the year up on a high. Juventus face Siena at the Olimpico and this could be a good chance to continue the recent string of good results in the best possible way. Indeed, after the National teams break in mid-November, the Bianconeri have won three and drawn one (in Milan, with many regrets) and getting three more points tomorrow would be icing on the cake. The men from Tuscany can be beaten, but on one condition, as Ranieri himself explained: “We have to play better than we did in the Lazio game. You can be lucky once, but not twice in a row. I wasn't happy with that performance, but neither were the lads, and this is a good thing. That's why I'm expecting the highest levels of attention, concentration and quality from them”.

On paper, and looking at the previous encounters between the teams, the match against Siena could be the right one to celebrate Christmas in the best possible way. But the Rome-born Manager knows how dangerous a game like this can be: “First of all, some of my players have the flu, and I'll only be able to decide the line-up tomorrow. I've been telling the lads all week that this will be a match like the one against Atalanta. Siena will play defensively, they'll press us and then go on the counter-attack. We'll face a team that has become a tight unit again with Beretta's return. Already last year they'd won several times away from home, that's why we need to be careful and stay concentrated; but having said that, we must win and end the year on a high note”.

www.juventus.com - 22 December 2007

Gilberto Silva Juventus’ Number One Target

2007-12-21T20:34:00.001+07:00

Out-of-favour Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva has emerged as Juventus’ number one transfer target in January, according to the Corriere dello Sport.

The Brazilian, who joined the Gunners in 2002 from Atletico Mineiro, has lost his place in the first team this season to Mathieu Flamini and wants to leave.

Although Arsene Wenger has publicly stated that he wishes for Gilberto to stay until the end of the season, the huge wealth of midfield talent coming through at the club, such as Abou Diaby and Denilson, will probably persuade Wenger otherwise.

Juventus are almost certain to purchase a centre midfielder in the January transfer market, and have been linked with numerous top-stars, including Frank Lampard, Rafael Van der Vaart and Diego.

The ‘Corriere’ claims that Juve boss Claudio Ranieri’s number one target is Gilberto.

The 31-year-old would certainly be open to the move, while he could also be purchased at a relatively low price.

Gilberto also has a wealth of experience, having played 59 times for the Brazil national team, and having participated at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

www.goal.com - 21/12/2007 11:35

Udinese Ahead Of Juve In Fenin Race

2007-12-21T20:31:00.000+07:00

Under 20 Czech Republic starlet Martin Fenin has already won the interest of various clubs, with Juventus and Udinese heading the list and fighting for the opportunity to sign the young talent.

Until a few days ago, Juventus were touted as the most likely destination for Fenin, but according to the 'Gazzetta dello Sport', Udinese have suddenly stormed in between the young player and the Old Lady in a bid to sign the promising Czech attacker.

For Udinese, Fenin would be the ideal substitute for Asamoah, who will be taking part in the African Nations Cup and will therefore have to miss some games for his team in the coming weeks.

According to earlier reports, Juventus had already agreed a deal worth 4 million Euros with Teplice, as the Italian giants see him as the ideal future substitute of David Trezeguet.

However, nothing was signed, so Udinese got the opportunity to talk to the Czech side, and start up their own negotiations.

The player is supposedly keener on the Friuliani, who can guarantee him pitch time and help him grow into Serie A, as opposed to Juve, who are likely to loan him out anyway.

www.goal.com - 21/12/2007 09:53

Ujfalusi Wanted By Juve & Inter

2007-12-21T20:26:00.000+07:00

Fiorentina star Tomas Ujfalusi is a transfer target for seven top European clubs, including Juventus, Inter, Liverpool and Tottenham.

The Czech international’s contract with the Viola runs out at the end of the season and he is refusing to sign an extension.

This means that from January 1, Ujfalusi will be able to talk with other clubs about a free transfer move in the summer.

Sevilla had seemed like hot favourites to snap up the 29-year-old, however earlier today the player said it was 50-50 that he could stay at Fiorentina.

"Tomas is right, it is 50-50," Ujfalusi’s agent Dalibor Lacina told Sport.

"Their captain Dario Dainelli extended his contract two weeks before its expiry and the same may happen in Tomas' case.

"A lot of clubs are interested in him, we will decide in the summer.

"The clubs which have been questioning us about him are Inter, Juventus, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Zenit St Petersburg, Tottenham and Sevilla."

Ujfalusi signed for Fiorentina from Hamburg in 2004 and has since gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.

He has also won 64 caps for the Czech Republic national team and he played for them at Euro 2004, where they reached the semi-final, and last summer’s World Cup in Germany, where they were dumped out in the group stages.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 17:48

Giovinco: I Want Juve Return

2007-12-21T20:22:00.000+07:00

On-loan Empoli wonderkid Sebastian Giovinco says he wants to save the club from relegation before returning to Juventus.

The 20-year-old trequartista is rated as one of the most promising players to come out of Italy in recent times and has been described by some sections of the media as the “Italian Lionel Messi.”

Giovinco was loaned out to Empoli this season, along with fellow starlet Claudio Marchisio, in order to gain some Serie A experience.

“My intention is to contribute in saving Empoli from relegation before then returning to Juventus,” said Giovinco.

“My dream, like all footballers, is to play for a big team, and I have found this chance at Juventus.”

Giovinco was used fleetingly at the start of the campaign, making mainly substitute appearances.

However since Coach Gigi Cagni was sacked and replaced by Alberto Malesani, the pint-sized star has been a virtual ever-present.

“Recently I have found a certain continuity and I hope to be able to continue like this,” Giovinco added.

“I believe that Empoli will succeed in saving themselves from relegation.”

Giovinco is the team’s second top goalscorer, having hit the back of the net three times from 15 appearances. He was on target during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Genoa.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 17:18

Juventus Will Bid For Sissoko

2007-12-21T20:16:00.000+07:00

Juventus will make an official transfer bid for Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko in January, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Mali midfielder is unhappy at his lack of playing time at Anfield, as he currently finds himself behind Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano in the centre-midfield pecking order.

Bianconeri boss Claudio Ranieri is a huge admirer of the player, having worked with him at Valencia in 2004/05.

The Tinkerman is in desperate need of a top-class centre midfielder as big money summer signings Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes have failed to shine.

Sissoko, who had the chance to move to Turin in the summer before signing a contract extension at Liverpool, declared last week that he wanted to leave the club.

“I am sick and tired and want to leave,” the 22-year-old moaned.

“I am really disappointed because the game against Marseille [in the Champions League] I was counting on.

“I respect the choices of the coach but now I want to discuss my future before the January transfer market. I am not happy about playing one game per month.”

Meanwhile there are reports that Inter Milan may try to hijack Juventus’ deal for Sissoko. The Nerazzurri are currently in the midst of an injury crisis in midfield, and seem certain to enter into the January transfer market.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 13:49

Ranieri Tells Buffon: Only Trezeguet Is Irreplaceable

2007-12-21T20:08:00.000+07:00

Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri says that David Trezeguet, and not Gianluigi Buffon, is the only indispensable member of his team. Trezeguet has had the best start to a club season in his entire career and is top of the Serie A scorer’s charts having already hit the back of the net 12 times.

The 30-year-old, who bizarrely cannot find a place in Raymond Domenech’s France squad, was on target again last weekend, scoring the opener in Juve’s 3-2 win at Lazio.

“David is having a fantastic championship,” declared Ranieri.

“He scores goals and is the first one to return to defend, he is irreplaceable. I could do without Buffon, but not Trezeguet.”

The Bianconeri are surpassing expectations for the season, and currently sit in an excellent third place.

“We are doing well because in the changing room there is a desire to fight and the champions give a good example to the youngsters.

“The championship? I am content but not satisfied – we have achieved nothing yet. This will be shown at the end of the season.”

Juve have a chance to finish the calendar year off in style when they host Siena at the Stadio Olimpico this Sunday.

www.goal.com - 20/12/2007 12:15

Juventus Join Race For Banega

2007-12-21T19:58:00.000+07:00

Juventus have jumped to the front of the queue to sign Boca Juniors starlet Ever Banega, according to Tuttosport.

The 19-year-old midfielder is one of the most promising youngsters playing in the Argentine league and he was a star at his country’s successful FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign in Canada during the summer.

Banega only made his professional debut for Boca in February of this year, replacing Fernando Gago, who had left for Real Madrid.

The teenager made an instant impact and he was a crucial part of the team that won the Copa Libertadores, and finished runners-up to AC Milan in last Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final.

Last month it was reported that Milan had a €10m offer turned down by Boca chairman Mauricio Macri.

Macri has put a price-tag of €20m on Banega, although it is believed he would accept the €15m Juventus would be willing to pay for him.

The Bianconeri have made the signing of a top-class centre-midfielder a priority during the January transfer window, following the disappointing form of Sergio Almiron and Tiago Mendes.

Banega, who is nicknamed “tarjeta amarilla” due to the number of yellow cards he receives, is a player in the mould of Liverpool star Javier Mascherano, sitting in front of the defence, winning tackles and spraying the ball around the field.

As well as AC Milan, Juventus also face competition from Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Inter Milan for the signature of the youngster.

www.goal.com - 19/12/2007 17:35

Italian Press: Juve Line Up Tiago–Diarra Exchange Deal

2007-12-21T19:48:00.000+07:00

Juventus are set to offer a cash plus player deal to Real Madrid for Mahamadou Diarra, according to Tuttosport.

It is common knowledge that the Bianconeri are in the market for a top-class centre midfielder and they have been linked with a host of stars, including Rafael Van der Vaart, Momo Sissoko and Frank Lampard.

It now appears that Real Madrid’s unsettled Malian international Mahamadou Diarra, 26, is also high on Juve sporting director Alessio Secco’s shortlist of wanted players.

Secco is said to have offered Real Madrid €10m plus Tiago Mendes for Diarra, although it is as yet unknown if this bid will prove successful.

Diarra joined the Spanish-giants in 2006 after winning four straight French championships with Olympique Lyonnais.

In his first year in Madrid he captured La Liga title, however there have been persistent stories linking him with a move away ever since Fabio Capello was sacked and replaced by Bernd Schuster as Coach.

Diarra has played 22 times for the Mali national team, scoring five goals.

www.goal.com - 19/12/2007 00:37

Buffon : Scudetto Not Impossible

2007-12-21T16:54:00.000+07:00

Juventus shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon seems to have had a change of heart regarding the team's chances of winning the Scudetto on their return to Serie A.We're getting to the end of the year, and so it's time to draw up the balance for everyone. Also for Gigi Buffon, who 365 days ago was playing in Serie B with Juventus, who now find themselves in the high regions of the Serie A table, in third place.

"Perhaps we are doing something more than everyone expected," the goalkeeper said. "But I knew that with our will to surprise people and to never feel inferior to any other team could have made up for a gap which divided us from the stronger teams."

In an interview given to Sky Sport, the keeper talked about the demanding Juventus fans, who have been used so well in the past: "If things go on like this it might be possible that they ask us to win the Scudetto. I stayed here for this, it's a task that does not scare me. It would be the closing of a circle, like the Club World Cup for Milan."

With Inter going so strong on top of the table, it seems like an impossible mission for Juve, but Buffon, who until very recently said the team were not yet ready to compete for the Scudetto, now seems to believe more in the Bianconeri's possibilities.

"I've always liked difficult challenges," he continued. "Not impossible ones, because in that case they remain impossible. I've always wanted to surprise, I'm an idealist, a dreamer. I dream of reaching great objectives, and I've already achieved some.

"I thought that, after winning the World Cup, there was also room for the heart: a Scudetto victory with Juve now would give me more satisfaction than a league title won anywhere else. A trophy with Juventus would have a priceless value, which I would not feel anywhere else."

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 22:16

Tiago Apologises For Outburst

2007-12-21T16:52:00.000+07:00

Tiago Mendes has apologised to Juventus for the outburst he made against the club, his father and agent has revealed.

The Portuguese midfielder was the Bianconeri’s most expensive acquisition for the new season as they forked out £9.2m for the Lyon man.

However things have not gone according to plan and Tiago has started just two games in Serie A so far. This led to the 26-year-old threatening to leave if he wasn’t played more.

“If things carry on like this I’ll leave in January,” he warned several weeks ago.

“I’ve spoken to [Coach] Ranieri and told him that I’m not happy because this isn’t what I came here for.

“So far my time with Juve has been a disappointment. I thought I’d be a first-choice player, but it has been the exact opposite and my time here hasn’t been easy.”

Tiago’s agent and father Jorge Mendes now says that his son regrets what he said and hopes to make a success of things in Turin.

“What was said in the interview is regrettable,” he explained. “He wasn’t playing and felt that he had been banished to the periphery at Juve.

“Now it’s different and as the days go by his desire to keep wearing the Bianconeri shirt increases.

“He has realised that his boss Claudio Ranieri values him, but clearly he needs everyone’s support if he is to stay in Turin and so I will talk to the directors.”

Tiago’s form has improved recently, and he produced a fine performance on Saturday night after coming on as a substitute at half time in the 3-2 win at Lazio.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 17:08

Juventus Line Up Flamini Free Transfer

2007-12-21T16:33:00.001+07:00

Juventus could be set to take advantage of Mathieu Flamini’s contract dispute with Arsenal, by signing him on a Bosman next summer.

‘The Times’ today reports how Flamini, who’s contract at the Emirates runs out in June, has rejected the club’s offer of a new deal.

The 23-year-old seemed certain to leave Arsenal last season due to limited chances in the first-team, however this term he has been a virtual ever-present and has been absolutely outstanding in the centre of midfield alongside Cesc Fabregas.

Flamini is said to be unimpressed by Arsenal’s latest offer - said to be in the reagion of £35,000 a week - and is considering leaving the club.

“I am a free agent in January, so we will see what happens,” the Frenchman said.

“I am happy here, but we will see. We have so many games in December, so it is very difficult to be concentrated on this kind of thing as we are playing every three days.”

From January 1, Flamini will be permitted to talk to interested clubs about the possibility of a Bosman free transfer.

Juventus are well known to be in the market for a centre midfielder, and Flamini, who has some Italian ancestry, has said in the past that he wants to play in Serie A.

The Bianconeri are already being tipped to sign Aston Villa’s Olof Mellberg on a free transfer for next season, and it seems Flamini could follow suit.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 13:16

Ranieri Is Doing Great – Buffon

2007-12-21T16:20:00.000+07:00

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says that Coach Claudio Ranieri is doing a fine job at the club.

The Bianconeri were expected to struggle this season following their post-Calciopoli promotion from Serie B, however they have surprised everyone by launching themselves into third position in the table.

Despite this Ranieri has still received some criticism, most of it referring to his sparing use of Alessandro Del Piero.

The Golden Boy has been in superb form in recent weeks, however he was left on the bench for the three successive games against Palermo, Milan and Atalanta.

Del Piero started the match on Saturday night against Lazio and showed his class by scoring two goals in the 3-2 away victory.

"The victory at the Olimpico was down to Ranieri,” stated Buffon.

“I think the coach is running the team in the right way, getting the best from each player.

"In any case, Alex has always shown himself to be an excellent professional."

Juventus complete their 2007 calendar this weekend with a home clash against Siena.

With leaders Inter playing Milan in the derby, there is every chance that the Bianconeri could close the eight point gap between them and the Nerazzurri.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 12:48

Ranieiri To Call Back Giovinco At Almiron's Expense?

2007-12-21T16:08:00.000+07:00

There are rumours in the peninsula that Juventus are looking to convince Empoli to return loanee Sebastian Giovinco early, and are prepared to give them back misfiring Argentine midfielder Sergio Almiron in exchange.

Giovinco, who is considered one of the most promising young players to have come out of Italy in the past few years, grudgingly joined Empoli during the summer to gain experience, and his subsequent performances for the Italy Under-21 as well as his adopted club have gone a long way towards proving that he is already ready for the big time.

Almiron, on the other hand, has floundered in Turin, which some are saying has convinced Ranieri to strongly consider sending him back to the place where he made his name.

While Giovinco would doubtlessly be delighted to be back at Juve in January already, Almiron would almost certainly be less enthused. Truth be told, he won’t have much of a choice of Empoli agree to reverse the temporary swap deal.

However, the reports of a possible transfer reversal need to be taken with a grain of salt unless some factual information emerges. Especially when one considers Ranieri’s last public comments in this regard, which were made barely over a week ago and seemed pretty straightforward.

"I wouldn't make an Almiron-Giovinco exchange," said the Juve coach after the pint-sized striker inspired Empoli to victory over them in the Coppa Italia.

"If I did so, I would not be giving too many opportunities, as he would only train with us, and this wouldn't be good for him."

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 04:28

Secco Has Our Trust - Blanc

2007-12-21T15:56:00.000+07:00

Juventus delegate administrator Jean-Claude Blanc defended the club's sporting director Alessio Secco after allegations that he is still in close contact with Luciano Moggi.

Sometimes it's hard to deal with the past, especially when a big part of it is tied to Luciano Moggi and evokes memories (of "Calciopoli") that Juventus are still trying to distance themselves from.

That's why the Old Lady's management did not hesitate to come to the defence of their sporting director Alessio Secco, following allegations made on certain newspapers that his relationship with his predecessor is still strong.

At the end of today's Administration Council, delegate administrator Jean-Claude Blanc reassured the fans of Juve, and of Italian football in general.

"The fact that, according to articles published on some newspapers, our sporting director Alessio Secco has had contacts with his predecessor does not diminish our professional trust in him, because I am certain of the correctness and independence of the club in its sporting activities, from the moment I became part of it," he said.

He also talked about the current trial being held in Naples, which is investigating new allegations of sporting fraud after the infamous 2006 trials.

"Juventus will follow closely the trials being held in Naples, but I remain convinced of the correctness and the professional qualities of my collaborators. Consequently, as I've told the other councilors, there are no reasons why my trust should decrease," he concluded.

www.goal.com - 18/12/2007 00:24

Del Piero: Goals Not A Signal To Ranieri

2007-12-21T15:29:00.000+07:00

Alessandro Del Piero insists that his superb brace against Lazio are not meant as a gesture towards boss Claudio Ranieri. The Golden Boy had been left on the bench for three successive Serie A matches against Palermo, Milan and Atalanta, however he was restored to the first-team during the 3-2 win on Saturday against Lazio.

“I was happy about our victory and also about my goals,” Del Piero told Tuttosport.

“I do not see the goals as a message to Ranieri; he is the coach and decides the team. I just think about playing and that is enough.”

Del Piero has a good record against Lazio and he scored two goals against them during a classic 4-3 win in Rome in December 1994.

“I also hit two goals against Lazio at the Olimpico in 1994-95, the first season that Lippi was manager,” continued the 33-year-old.

“We went on to win the Scudetto that year so I don’t know if there are any parallels to make or if it is just a coincidence.”

Del Piero finally spoke about his hopes for the Italian national team. Having been left out of Coach Roberto Donadoni’s squads for October and November, many have questioned if the forward has played the last game for his country.

“My objectives are Euro 2008 and the World Cup of 2010,” Del Piero stated confidently.

www.goal.com - 17/12/2007 18:20

Buffon Will Play Till He Is 45 – Berlusconi

2007-12-21T15:21:00.000+07:00

Milan President Silvio Berlusconi is just one of a host of top figures in the Calcio community to praise Gianluigi Buffon, and believes he will play until he is 45. Buffon is the undoubted number one goalkeeper in the world, and underlined this status on Saturday evening with one of the greatest saves in recent memory against Lazio.

With Juventus leading Lazio 2-1 at the Stadio Olimpico, Cristian Ledesma looped in a free-kick which was met with force by Tommaso Rocchi from just six yards out.

The shot seemed 99 per cent a goal, however Buffon somehow miraculously managed to pluck the ball away from off the goal line with one-hand.

“I admire him as a man and as an athlete. For me he will keep on playing until he is 45,” said Berlusconi.

“Milan does not have an urgent need for a goalkeeper because we have Dida who is great.”

Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi was also full of praise for the man he also coached at Juventus.

“He is the best goalkeeper in the world,” declared the Viareggio-born tactician.

Former AC Milan great Arrigo Sacchi echoed these sentiments.

“When I was at Parma I said that Buffon was worth 15 points a season,” the 1989 and 1990 Champions League-winning boss stated.

www.goal.com - 17/12/2007 17:59

Juventus And Parma Set To Exchange Players

2007-12-21T15:08:00.000+07:00

According to Italian sports daily Tuttosport, Juventus are interested in the services of Luca Cigarini from Parma, and to do so they are ready to let new signing Almiron leave. Following the disappointing season both Tiago and Almiron have had, the Bianconeri are searching for a new midfield player who can offer good cover until the end of the season.

The Turin giants have found this player in Parma's young midfielder Cigarini, who has been impressing with his club this season.

However, president Tommaso Ghirardi does not want cash for his star players, but other quality players in order to remain competitive.

For this reason, Juventus are ready to offer Almiron in exchange for Cigarini.

This move would also offer the Argentine midfielder the possibility to re-discover himself in a more serene environment, considering that he was seen as one of the best midfielders in Serie A last season.

No negotiations have been set up yet, but a meeting between the two clubs is expected to occur in the first week of January.

www.goal.com - 17/12/2007 13:55

Video 16th Giornata : Lazio 2 vs 3 Juventus

2007-12-16T22:10:00.000+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIkPg5g1rIE

Juve Win Honours Ale And Ricky

2007-12-16T22:05:00.000+07:00

On the first anniversary of Alessio Ferramosca and Riccardo Neri's deaths, Juventus chose the best way to honour the two boys. They defeated Lazio in Rome, winning away from home again at last - just like Ranieri asked on the eve of the match - and took a big leap forward in the League. With Udinese losing at Catania, the Bianconeri are temporarily in second place alongside Roma, five points behind Inter Milan.

Just like at Cagliari, the last “real” away win (not counting the derby), it was Juventus' stars that made the difference. Del Piero scored two great goals, in the same net where he'd scored one of the best goals in his career back in 1994. Trezeguet scored again and now has 12 goals in 16 League games. Buffon showed why he's the best keeper in the world once more with an absolute miracle save on Rocchi when the score was 2-1.

The match played at the Olimpico was an exciting one. Lazio seemed more motivated than depressed after being chucked out of the Champions League and played well, especially up front where Rocchi, Pandev and Mauri were always dangerous. The game was balanced at the start, with both teams missing chances, especially Chiellini and Mauri who couldn't convert from close range. After half an hour Juve went one up with Trezeguet scoring from a Salihamidzic pass. Lazio equalized before the break with Pandev heading in from a Mutarelli pass. At the break the score was 1-1.

In the second half, Juventus came on the pitch without Nedved – who'd suffered an injury to his head – but with Tiago playing very well. However, the two stars of the half were undoubtedly Zanetti and Del Piero. Two perfect passes by the midfielder gave the captain the chance to score two almost identical goals, after 48 and 70 minutes. Between the two goals, Ballotta had saved very well on Trezeguet and Buffon had been truly miraculous on Rocchi. Seconds from the end, Pandev scored the second for Lazio but it didn't change things. Juventus won away from home again in the day dedicated to Ale and Ricky's memory. Another reason to smile.

www.juventus.com - 15 December 2007

Ranieri: “Let's start winning away from home again”

2007-12-15T18:18:00.000+07:00

Claudio Ranieri goes back to Rome, his native city, for the second time this season. After the draw with Roma, Juventus face Lazio and will go for the whole three points, more important than ever in this phase of the season. One week before the start of the winter break, to end the year with a positive run would be the best way to spend the Christmas holidays happily.

The team must win to keep up the pace in the top positions, but most of all to start winning away from home again, as it's been a while since the last away win. In fact, apart from the derby, the Bianconeri have only won once away from home this season, at Cagliari. “That's not a lot for a team with our ambitions - Ranieri confirmed during the press conference on the eve of the game -. Getting back to winning away from home would give us more of an awareness of what we can achieve. We're less confident away from home? I don't think that's the problem. Just look at our games. We did well in Rome, Florence and Milan. But the teams we face are always more motivated in front of their own crowd, for sure”.

The Bianconeri will face Lazio right after they were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid, but this won't make them any less motivated. Ranieri confirmed as much: “They played well in Madrid. Lazio have been handicapped by injuries this year. Everything went well for them last year, this year they've been very unlucky. But despite all this, Delio Rossi is doing remarkable things. We face a team that play well; they play vertically, they attack with several men at once and push forward on the wings. They have a good team organization. Do I remember a match against Lazio at the Olimpico? A 4-0 win in the Champions League when I was at Chelsea springs to mind, but I tend to look to the future, not the past”.

Juve go back to the Olimpico three months after the game against Roma, but this time without the star of that match. Iaquinta has the flu and joins a list of unavailable players that already included Camoranesi. “I'm sorry about that; he was doing well lately – Ranieri concluded -. But we're still going there to win. We’ll take advantage of AC Milan not playing? I don't worry too much about who we have behind us; we look to who's in front, knowing we can still improve. You just have to see how many games we've had to play without Camoranesi”.

www.juventus.com - 14 December 2007

Squad Named For Lazio Game

2007-12-15T18:05:00.000+07:00

After directing the last training session, Claudio Ranieri named a 21-name squad for the away game at Lazio. The Serie A 16th round match is to be played Saturday evening (kick-off at 8.30 pm).

Iaquinta joins Camoranesi in the list of unavailable players. The forward is out of action due to a bout of flu.

Molinaro however has made it, just a few days after surgery on his hand, and Grygera is available again too.

1 Buffon
2 Birindelli
3 Chiellini
4 Almiron
5 Zebina
6 Zanetti
7 Salihamidzic
10 Del Piero
11 Nedved
12 Belardi
17 Trezeguet
19 Criscito
20 Palladino
21 Grygera
22 Vanstrattan
23 Nocerino
24 Olivera
28 Molinaro
30 Tiago
32 Marchionni
33 Legrottaglie

www.juventus.com - 14 December 2007

Marcello Lippi At The Juventus Center

2007-12-15T18:00:00.000+07:00

A pleasant surprise on the eve of the match in Rome: Marcello Lippi paid a visit to the Juventus Center in Vinovo. The former Juventus manager and World Cup winner had been invited by Claudio Ranieri when the two men met last Monday in Turin, at a talk given to present a book about the Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli.

Lippi arrived early in Vinovo together with Ciro Ferrara and, after visiting Juventus Center's Youth Academy facilities, he watched the first team training session, the last one before leaving for the capital.

Before meeting everyone, Lippi gave an interview to Juventus Channel that will be shown during the 231 Live programme at 3 pm. He spoke about today's Juventus, comparing it with “his” old Juventus teams, and previewed Saturday night's game: “I'd never been here in Vinovo and I have to pay my compliments to everybody, it really is a great facility. This team isn't the strongest? Even when I managed Juventus, often they weren't the strongest, but they would win in the end thanks to their mentality. Ranieri is doing a great job and also the big stars that have stayed, as they're transmitting the right mentality to the younger players. Lazio? They're always dangerous and they'll want to erase the Champions League disappointment”.

www.juventus.com - 14 December 2007

Happy Birthday Jean Alain

2007-12-15T17:53:00.000+07:00

Another special day in the Boumsong household: after the birth of little Eva, it’s Jean Alain’s turn to celebrate. Today, December 14, is the French defender's 28th birthday.

Best wishes to Jean Alain from everyone at Juventus and all the fans.

www.juventus.com -14 December 2007

CSKA Offer Juve £6m for Almiron

2007-12-14T18:13:00.000+07:00

CSKA Moscow have offered Juventus £6m for midfield flop Sergio Almiron, according to the Corriere dello Sport.

The Argentine schemer signed for the Bianconeri in the summer after three fine seasons with Empoli.

However he has dreadfully failed to live up to his tag as the “new Sebastian Veron” and is well down in the centre midfield pecking order, behind the likes of Antonio Nocerino, Cristiano Zanetti and even Tiago Mendes.

Almiron, the son of the 1986 World Cup winner Sergio Almiron Sr, is certain to leave Juventus in January and there are a whole host of interested parties.

So far Russian-outfit CSKA Moscow are the only club to have tabled a concrete bid, offering £6m for the 27-year-old.

However the Bianconeri are likely to entice bids from Fiorentina, Palermo and Lazio, who are all also interested.

In the case of Fiorentina, Juventus may ask for Manuel Pasqual to be added into any deal, with a similar scenario for Palermo with Andrea Barzagli, and Lazio with Stefano Mauri.

Almiron has played a total of seven Serie A games this campaign, starting just five of these matches.

www.goal.com - 13/12/2007 18:52

Chiellini: We Need A Miracle To Overtake Inter

2007-12-14T18:10:00.000+07:00

Giorgio Chiellini says that Juventus require a minor miracle to finish above Inter this season, while he also explains how happy he is to be a Bianconero.

The ex-Fiorentina man was close to moving to Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Manchester City after a disagreement with the club in the summer, but in the end he remained at Juve.

“I am happy to have stayed a Bianconero,” Chiellini told Tuttosport.

“If I’d have moved clubs I would have committed a big mistake.”

The 23-year-old has since switched into the centre of defence and has been in outstanding form alongside the re-born Nicola Legrottaglie.

Juventus are going well in third position in Serie A, however they still find themselves eight points behind runaway leaders Inter.

“Realistically to finish above Inter will be difficult and will require a minor miracle because the Nerazzurri have shown their superiority,” Chiellini explained.

“However we want to keep going and earn a place in the Champions league and then in life you never know what could happen.”

Chiellini will next be in action on Saturday night as Juventus travel to the Stadio Olimpico to face struggling Lazio.

www.goal.com - 13/12/2007 18:49

Gigli Admits Van Der Vaart Interest

2007-12-14T18:06:00.000+07:00

Rafael Van der Vaart’s potential transfer from Hamburg to Juventus moved another step closer after Giovanni Cobolli Gigli admitted the Bianconeri’s interest in the player.

The Dutch midfielder is virtually certain to leave the Bundesliga at the end of the current season, as he has a clause in his contract which will allows him to be sold for just £1m in 2009.

Hamburg will thus avoid the risk of this taking place by cashing in on their star man next summer.

A host of big European clubs have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old including Valencia and Inter Milan, but Juventus have emerged as strong favourites for his signature in the past few days.

“For sure we will return to the market and we are at looking around for players for the summer,” said Juve President Cobolli Gigli.

“We will buy players of a certain calibre, someone on the level of Van der Vaart.”

Van der Vaart himself opened up a path for a move by admitting he would move to a big club like Juventus.

“I will only leave Hamburg for a big club, such as Juventus,” the ex-Ajax man told Voetbal International.

“I know that they are interested and if the Bianconeri were to make me a concrete offer I would consider it very carefully.”

www.goal.com - 13/12/2007 18:16

Agent: Criscito Going Nowhere In January

2007-12-14T18:02:00.000+07:00

Domenico Criscito will not be moving to Fiorentina or any other club during the January transfer window, according to his agent Sandro Gedda.

The 20-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Italy, and has been described as the “new Fabio Cannavaro”.

However despite playing some absolutely outstanding games with the Italy Under-21 team, he has struggled badly with Juventus this season.

After starting the campaign as a regular starter, the youngster has gradually fallen out of the reckoning and he was given a horrid tide by Francesco Totti during the week four draw with Roma.

This has all led to talk that Criscito will leave Turin in January, possibly on loan, and Fiorentina, Palermo and Genoa are three teams that have been linked with a move.

“Honestly, I haven’t ever had any contact with Fiorentina for Criscito,” Gedda told Viola Gol.

“There is no news and I think that Juventus will want to keep hold of him as he is a quality player with a big future.

“He will certainly stay in January and there is an agreement in place for June that Genoa get first refusal if he is sent out on loan.”

Juventus secured full-ownership of Criscito in January of this year, by buying out the remaining 50 per cent of his contract from Genoa.

www.goal.com - 13/12/2007 17:45

Van Der Vaart: I Am Ready For Juve

2007-12-14T17:55:00.000+07:00

Hamburg midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart has admitted that he is ready to join Juventus. The 24-year-old playmaker joined the Bundesliga club in 2005 but is now desperate to test himself in a stronger league.

He seemed all set for a move to Valencia in the summer, however Hamburg scrapped the deal at the very last minute.

Van der Vaart is tied to the Germans until 2010, however due to a special clause in his contract he will be able to leave the club a year earlier for just £1m.

Hamburg are thus almost certain to sell their prized asset at the end of the season and a number of Serie A clubs, including Inter and Juventus have been linked.

Yesterday the Bianconeri were associated with a swap deal including Argentine flop Sergio Almiron, who has been a huge disappointment in Turin since signing from Empoli.

Either way it seems that Van der Vaart is ready to sign for Claudio Ranieri’s men if they come in with a serious offer.

“I will only leave Hamburg for a big club, such as Juventus,” said the Dutchman.

“If the Italian team were to make a serious offer, I would pay attention to it and I think that Hamburg are ready to do a deal.”

www.goal.com - 13/12/2007 12:56

Juventus Remember Giovannino Agnelli

2007-12-14T17:39:00.000+07:00

Ten years ago, on December 13 1997, the whole of Italy mourned the passing of Giovanni Alberto Agnelli, Dr. Umberto’s son. In the day of the 10th anniversary of his death, Juventus join in remembering “Giovannino”, a wonderful person and a huge Juventus fan.

www.juventus.com - 13 December 2007

Buffon Happy With Juventus Form

2007-12-14T11:21:00.000+07:00

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the team are doing well, and is not perturbed by the eight-point difference between them and league-leaders Inter.

“Being eight points back from Inter can be read in two ways,” Buffon told Tuttosport.

“In a normal year, we would already be disappointed and be dismissing the season as a failure and in December we would be concentrating on next year.

“However, this is not a normal year as we are newly promoted and we have the potential to return to the highest level.

“We are third in the table and we want to stay there or better.”

Buffon believes that Juventus are more than capable of finishing in the top-four and qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

“Champions League qualification is more than possible and it would be such a good achievement after the pre-season predictions,” the 29-year-old insisted.

“What sets us apart from other sides is the fact that we are still humble and determined.”

www.goal.com - 13/12/2007 12:11

The “Old Lady” Charms Van Der Vaart

2007-12-13T12:00:00.000+07:00

With the likes of Chelsea, Internazionale, Valencia, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona all allegedly interested in signing him, it now seems that Rafael Van Der Vaart is a Juventus Turin target as well – and he’s enjoying the attention.

The HSV captain says that he’s aware of La Vecchia Signora’s interest and sees a move to Italy feasible. “I already know that there’s something going on here,” he told the Voetbal International magazine.

“If they come up with a concrete offer then I will listen to it in any case. I will only leave Hamburg for a club of a higher stature. Juventus certainly meet this criteria and their interest doesn’t really surprise me.”

Special clause

Van Der Vaart’s move to Valencia last August fell through in the very last minute with HSV’s call, but things have changed since then. The spectacular playmaker, worth at least 20 million euros, is under contract up until June 30, 2010, but according to a special clause would be able to leave the club a year earlier for just one million!

The former Ajax star said on October 18 that he’ll play for Hamburg until the end of the current season and a few weeks later, on November 24, he didn’t rule out a possible contract extension. His current employers have reportedly offered him a deal until June 30, 2012, with a significant pay-rise. The 24-year-old’s current salary is estimated at two million.

But it seems like he’s already set his mind on leaving. “I think that HSV are prepared to open talks should another club lay the money on the table.” he said.

However, Van Der Vaart is poised in proving himself as a man of his word, excluding a January move. “I have never left a club in the middle of a season and therefore I won’t do it now either.”

www.goal.com - 12/12/2007 19:16

Juve Line Up Van Der Vaart Swap

2007-12-13T11:56:00.000+07:00

Juventus are set to offer Hamburg cash plus Sergio Almiron for midfield schemer Rafael van der Vaart.

The Gazzetta dello Sport says that Almiron and team-mate Ruben Olivera have been put up for sale by the Bianconeri and will leave in January.

Uruguayan midfielder Olivera signed for Juve in 2003, but has never established himself, and Genoa are believed to have already made an approach for his services.

Almiron arrived in Turin only this summer from Empoli and was immediately labelled the “new Sebastian Veron”. However the 27-year-old has been a huge disappointment and is way down in the centre-midfield pecking order, behind the likes of Antonio Nocerino, Cristiano Zanetti and even Tiago Mendes.

Hamburg are believed to be interested in ending Almiron’s Juventus nightmare, and Dutch playmaker Rafael Van der Vaart could move the other way as part of the deal. The 24-year-old is eager to leave the Bundesliga, and Inter Milan and Valencia have also been heavily linked with the star.

The Nerazzurri in particular may make a move as they are currently in the midst of a midfield injury crisis, with Dejan Stankovic, Patrick Vieira, Luis Figo and Olivier Dacourt all sidelined.

www.goal.com - 12/12/2007 18:14

Mellberg Admits Juve Interest

2007-12-13T11:48:00.000+07:00

Olog Mellberg’s free transfer move to Juventus at the end of the season is looking more and more likely after the defender admitted that the club were interested in him.

The defender’s contract with Aston Villa runs out this summer, which means he is permitted to talk to interested parties from January about a Bosman free transfer.

Juventus are in desperate need of some reinforcements in the centre-back position and have been linked with Mellberg for a number of weeks now.

“Juventus, I cannot deny it,” the Sweden international stated today.

These comments will come as a blow to Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill who is still retaining hope that his centre-back will stay at the club.

"I don't know if there is anything in the Juventus link and Olof will tell me in his own time if that is the case. Players are free to make decisions here,” O’Neill said on Monday.

"This is an important contract for Olof. He has been here seven years and, in terms of the commitment he has given since I've been here, I couldn't ask any more.”

Mellberg joined Villa from Racing Santander in July 2001 for £5m and has since made more than 200 appearances for the club.

www.goal.com - 12/12/2007 17:23

Lampard Juventus Deal To Be Done By Christmas

2007-12-13T11:43:00.000+07:00

The deal to bring Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard to Juventus next season could be signed and sealed by Christmas, according to reports in Italy and England.

The Times newspaper says that Lampard will utilize a FIFA transfer clause to sign for the Bianconeri in the summer.

As the ex-West Ham man is over the age of 28, and has already seen out most of his current contract, Chelsea are powerless to let him leave for a cut-price sum.

Italian newspaper ‘Leggo’ has also reported on the matter, and there are more claims that Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco will fly to London before Christmas to complete the deal.

Secco has already held extensive talks with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy last month, and it is believed that there are only a few formalities to complete.

Lampard will agree to a cut in wages in order to hook up with Claudio Ranieri, the man who launched his career by signing him for Chelsea from West Ham in 2001.

The 29-year-old has since developed into of the most prolific goalscoring midfielders in Europe, and he has netted 20 plus goals for the past two seasons.

www.goal.com - 12/12/2007 13:27

Agent: Nedved May Play At Euro 2008

2007-12-13T11:07:00.000+07:00

Pavel Nedved’s agent has admitted that his client may return for the Czech Republic in time for next summer’s European Championship.

The Juventus star retired from international for the second, and it seemed final, time shortly after last summer’s World Cup in Germany.

After playing in Serie B with the Bianconeri last year, and almost giving the game up altogether this summer, very few believed that Nedved would play for his country again.

However, despite recently turning 35, the midfielder has shown he has still got what it takes at the very highest level, and he has been in superb form in recent weeks, scoring a brilliant winner at the weekend against Atalanta.

Following this game defender Nicola Legrottaglie made the startling revelation that Nedved would return for the Czech Republic.

“You will see - Nedved, like me, will return to his national team and play in the European Championships next June,” he said.

Nedved’s agent Zdenek Nehoda seems to have now supported Legrottaglie’s declaration by also hinting of a return.

“I am able to say that everything is possible,” said Nehoda.

Fellow Czech and Juventus star Zdenek Grygera says that everyone hopes that Nedved will play at Euro 2008.

“We all hope in the Czech Republic that Pavel will return,” said the former Ajax man.

“We want to convince him to come, however this is Pavel’s decision and we cannot force him.”

www.goal.com - 12/12/2007 12:51

Juve Offer Palladino For Quagliarella?

2007-12-13T10:59:00.000+07:00

Juventus are set to offer Raffaele Palladino for Udinese sensation Fabio Quagliarella, according to Italian newspaper ‘Leggo’.

Quagliarella burst onto the Serie A scene last season with Sampdoria scoring 13 goals, most of them spectacular.

This led to a call-up to the Italian national team, and on his first start for the Azzurri he scored two brilliant goals in the 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Lithuania.

In the summer he moved to Udinese, after the club won a blind auction with Samp to obtain full-ownership of the player. After a slow start with the Zebrette, he has recently found his feet once again, and is in scintillating form having scored five times in his last four matches. This has alerted Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri, who is keen to add the Naples-born star to his forward line.

The Tinkerman is set to offer cash plus the services of another Neapolitan, Raffaele Palladino. At just 23, Palladino is rated as one of the most promising young prospects in Italy, and he recently made his national team debut in the Euro 2008 qualifier with the Faroe Islands last month.

However Ranieri is not convinced by his ability to play up-front and has utilised him mainly on the wing this season. For this reason he is prepared to let him go, providing they can sign Quagliarella in exchange.

www.goal.com - 12/12/2007 11:48

Chiellini: “In Rome To Win”

2007-12-13T10:50:00.000+07:00

With Christmas getting nearer, Giorgio Chiellini already knows what present to ask for: a great 2007 finale for his Juventus. Before the winter break starts, the Bianconeri want to confirm the good things done in the first half of the season.

The defender spoke about all this at today's press conference, previewing the next two games, especially the one on Saturday night, against Lazio in Rome. “We have Lazio and Siena before Christmas and we want to win both games, even though we know it won't be easy. We've done well up until now and we want to consolidate our position in the League. We've got a long way to go in the tournament and we have to try and remain close, knowing full well that we have a team like Inter Milan in front of us, who have showed they're clearly head and shoulders above the rest, especially in the last few matches. In any case we're not giving up”.

The first match is in the capital against Lazio, who have just been eliminated from the Champions League. “I don't think Lazio will be demoralized or angry – Chiellini continued -, they did what they could against Real Madrid and I think the players themselves knew that winning there was going to be almost impossible. They'll be fired up and immediately wanting to fight to get to more ambitious positions in the League than the one they currently occupy. We have to fear Rocchi and Pandev most of all, as they've scored almost all Lazio’s goals, we'll have to be good to contain them”.

This is the last away game of the year: the last chance to get an away victory, after going so close recently. Chiellini confirms everybody's desire to win away from Turin again: “Apart from the derby which doesn't count, we've only won at Cagliari and we were even a bit lucky that day. We need to improve in that respect. We don't always seem to fully express our character and personality away from home, although it's true that our opponents are more motivated in front of their own crowd. That's why we're going to Rome with the intention of winning”.

Last of all, a comment on the defence: Juventus are getting better and better at the back and Chiellini and Legrottaglie in particular are truly shining - two players that ran the risk of leaving in the summer. Nicola was linked to a move to Turkey, and Giorgio also wasn't sure about his future for a short while, but quickly - and luckily! - he overcame those doubts. “I'm really happy I stayed, leaving would have been a big mistake. After what happened in July, I understood that sometimes you need to count to ten before speaking and I did wrong back then. Mistakes are useful learning tools”.

www.juventus.com - 12 December 2007

Eva Boumsong Born, Congratulations Jean Alain

2007-12-13T10:46:00.000+07:00

A pink ribbon at Juventus: Jean Alain has become father for the third time. His partner Juliette gave birth to a little girl, who has been named Eva. The couple already had two children: Camron and Carlie.

Congratulations to all the Boumsong family from all of us here at Juventus.

www.juventus.com - 12 December 2007

Molinaro Operation Successful

2007-12-13T10:40:00.000+07:00

Cristian Molinaro underwent surgery this afternoon at the Fornaca clinic in Turin, on his right hand, injured during last Sunday's game against Atalanta. A compression screw was applied to the defender’s hand, reducing the fracture to his third metacarpus.

The operation, carried out in topical anaesthesia, was a total success. A comfortable tutor was applied to Cristian's hand and the player will be back at home tonight.

He'll rest on Wednesday, but Thursday he's expected to be back in training and his condition will be appraised then, to see if he can be part of the squad for Saturday's away game in Rome against Lazio.

www.juventus.com - 11 December 2007

Camoranesi Back In January

2007-12-13T10:33:00.000+07:00

This morning Camoranesi underwent an NMR scan, which confirmed yesterday's diagnosis by Juventus' medical staff. The player has suffered a strain to the third superior muscle in his right thigh and will have to take a period of rest.

After the Christmas break his condition will be checked again via a new NMR scan. Mauro should be able to train with the squad again from mid or late January.

www.juventus.com - 12 December 2007

Camoranesi Faces Long Spell Out

2007-12-12T16:07:00.000+07:00

Juventus have been hit by a potentially huge blow with the news that Mauro Camoranesi could be out of action for a considerable amount of time.

The winger has endured an injury-hit campaign and was out for almost six weeks after picking up a problem in the week three defeat to Udinese.

After scoring on his return against Inter on November 4, and helping Italy qualify for Euro 2008 with a victory in Scotland, Camoranesi has continued to pick up niggles.

After missing the last two matches against Milan and Atalanta, he sustained yet another injury yesterday in training, this time to his right thigh, and the initial prognosis is not said to be good.

Camoranesi will undergo a series of tests tomorrow to assess how long he will be out of action for, although initial reports suggest this could be months rather than weeks.

Juventus face a tricky away game at Lazio this weekend, before hosting struggling Siena on December 23.

There is then a mid-season break before the Serie A action resumes on January 13, with Juve travelling to Sicily to play Catania.

www.goal.com - 11/12/2007 17:36

Fiorentina Want Almiron And Criscito

2007-12-12T15:40:00.000+07:00

Fiorentina seem set to make a January transfer bid for out-of-favour Juventus duo Sergio Almiron and Domenico Criscito, according to the Corriere dello Sport.

Almiron signed for the Bianconeri in the summer from Empoli for €9m, and was immediately labelled as the “new Sebastian Veron”. However the 27-year-old, along with fellow new-boy Tiago Mendes, has been hugely disappointing and has made just seven appearances, most of these coming at the beginning of the campaign.

He seems certain to be sold in January and Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli is set to come in with a bid for a player he holds in high regard. Another player likened by the Viola tactician is Domenico Criscito. The 20-year-old is regarded by many as the most promising young defender in Italy at the moment, however he has also failed to shine for Juventus this season.

The Bianconeri believe he requires more experience before he is ready to play for such a big club, and are set to send him out on loan in January for either six or 18 months. Fiorentina face competition from Palermo for the loan signature of Criscito. Indeed any deal could hinge on the future of Andrea Barzagli. The Azzurri centre-back is a target for Juventus, and they may include Criscito in a part-exchange deal.

www.goal.com - 11/12/2007 22:22

Juve & Milan Fight It Out For Amauri

2007-12-12T15:30:00.000+07:00

Juventus and AC Milan face a straight scrap for the services of Palermo star Amauri, according to Tuttosport.

The Brazilian hitman is one of the top strikers in Serie A and has recovered well from a serious injury to score five times this campaign.

The 27-year-old is widely expected to leave the Rosanero at the end of this season in order to move to a bigger club, and a number of European giants have all been linked with a move, including Milan, Juventus, Roma and Chelsea.

Tuttosport today says that Milan and Juventus are both prepared to put aside £35m for Amauri’s transfer fee and wages, and will launch a bid once the summer market opens on July 1.

Amauri has been linked with a move away from Sicily in January, however his agent has confirmed that no transfer will take place until June at the earliest.

“He will remain here until June,” agent Mariano Grimaldi stated.

The former Chievo marksman has recently applied for an Italian passport and reports suggest that providing he receives this before next summer’s European Championships, he will travel to Austria and Switzerland as Luca Toni’s backup for the Azzurri.

www.goal.com - 11/12/2007 12:59

Juve Offer Zalayeta For Hamsik

2007-12-12T15:19:00.000+07:00

Juventus are set to offer Napoli full ownership of Marcelo Zalayeta in exchange for midfield starlet Marek Hamsik. The Bianconeri have been linked with a move for the Slovakian for a number of weeks now and see him as the ideal man to supply a bit of extra spark to their midfield.

According to Tuttosport Juve will offer Napoli full rights to Marcelo Zalayeta, who is currently on loan with the Partenopei, in exchange for Hamsik.

Napoli currently have a £7m option to make Zalayeta’s deal permanent at the end of the season. The 29-year-old has been in outstanding form and has scored seven times already in Serie A.

Hamsik, who only signed from Brescia in the summer, has also underlined why he is seen as one of the most promising youngsters in Europe with a string of mesmerising displays.

A few weeks ago Napoli sporting director Pasquale Marino insisted that Hamsik was going nowhere.

“Nobody is touching Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi or Walter Gargano,” he stated.

“Co-ownership deals will be resolved in June and we hope that our lads will grow here and after five years will renew and continue to grow.”

Meanwhile Juve have also started negotiations with Genoa for their outstandingly-named midfielder Ray Garibaldi.

Garibaldi is the current Italy Under-19 captain and is said to have an exceptional future in the game. Matteo Paro is likely to move permanently the other way as part of the deal.

www.goal.com - 11/12/2007 12:08

Pavel Gets The Three Points

2007-12-12T11:53:00.000+07:00

In the end it was up to Pavel Nedved to win the match, like in the good old days: a great right footer from just outside the penalty area and three golden points achieved against a good Atalanta side.

It wasn't an easy win; Atalanta again showed they're one of the teams most on form at the moment and that they fully deserve their position in the League. It was a nervous match, with the Bianconeri having trouble getting past the opponents' defence. In the first half Ranieri's men tried to use the wings (Molinaro was excellent) and Trezeguet's headers; Coppola's most difficult save was on a Nedved free kick. At the other end, Buffon saved on Floccari.

Del Piero and Marchionni came on in the second half. The Captain made his presence felt with a couple of dangerous free kicks. Juve's defence covered well and gave the guest team no chance for a counter-attack - both Legrottaglie and Chiellini were exceptional again today -, but it was hard to find space up front.

The decisive moment came after 85 minutes. Nedved got the ball, moved forward a couple of paces and exploded a perfect right foot low shot which ended in the bottom corner. The shot was worth three points, allowing Juventus to maintain third place on their own, recovering two points on Roma and especially three on Fiorentina. Against Lazio and Siena they'll have the chance to finish the year in the best possible way and spend a very happy Christmas.

www.juventus.com - 09 December 2007

I Was Frustrated At Leaving Juventus, Reveals Giovinco

2007-12-11T15:30:00.000+07:00

Empoli midfielder Sebastian Giovinco spoke about his disappointment at leaving the Bianconeri this summer, but also revealed that he is now maturing into a better player with his new club.

Sebastian Giovinco is one of the most interesting young players to have come out of Italy in the past few years and Empoli are trying to get the best out of him before he returns to Juventus at the end of the season.

However, the young Under 21 star declared that he did not want to leave the Old Lady this past summer, even though in the end it helped his career.

"The frustration of leaving Juventus was there, but only because I left a great club and my family," revealed the Empoli player. "However, I believe that I made the right choice because here at Empoli the young players grow well."

Giovinco then spoke about his height of 164cms.

"Now I got used to it, but even the small players can do well and in Italian football there are many examples, even in the recent past."

One of these players was surely Gianfranco Zola who has often been compared to Giovinco.

"The comparison honours me, also because I see Zola with the Under 21 national team and he was an incredible player.

"However, the comparison does not exist because Giovinco still has a lot to prove. I hope to continue like this," concluded the young midfielder.

www.goal.com - 11/12/2007 06:30

Important Victory For Our Morale - Del Piero

2007-12-11T15:11:00.000+07:00

Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero talked about yesterday's 1-0 victory over Atalanta, which came courtesy of a late goal by Pavel Nedved.

There's always talk surroundig the transfer market and new players, but at Juventus time and time again it's the old guard that ends up being decisive for the team's victories. The most recent example of this came only lasst weekend, when a strike from distance by midfielder Pavel Nedved a few minutes before the end of the match against Atalanta handed the Old Lady a 1-0 win.

Captain Alessandro Del Piero, who started from the bench yesterday, commented his performance: "I'm happy about my performance, but I'm especially happy for Pavel and that he scored the winning goal: the match was very tough because Atalanta were well organized and showed they deserve to be in the position they are now."

Meanwhile, Inter are continuing to win and are 8 points ahead of Juve, although both Roma and Fiorentina have slowed down. But Del Piero thinks the victory against Atalanta can give the team a big morale boost for the remainder of the season.

"We only broke the deadlock in the final minutes against Atalanta, but this is a victory that gives us confidence and morale for the rest of the season," he concluded.

www.goal.com - 10/12/2007 21:39

Ranieri: I Only Signed Tiago After Sissoko Failure

2007-12-11T15:00:00.000+07:00

Claudio Ranieri has made the startling revelation that he only signed Tiago Mendes because of the failure to get Liverpool’s Momo Sissoko.

Tiago signed for the Bianconeri in the summer from French champions Lyon in a big-money move.

The Portuguese international was expected to provide some much needed power and authority to the Juve midfield, however he has been a complete disaster and has made only seven appearances, with just two of these being starts.

His misery was compounded yesterday when he was brought on as a substitute against Atalanta in injury time.

“Tiago? I brought him on yesterday to hold the ball and he did very well,” said Ranieri.

“I wanted both Tiago and Almiron, no one is left out in the cold, but Nocerino and Zanetti are playing very well. I play whoever gives me the best possibility of winning.

“It is true that in the summer we spent a lot on Almiron and Tiago, but how much are Zanetti and Nocerino worth?

“With Tiago we were thrown into buying him after we were told we had to spend €32m on Sissoko.”

It will be interesting to see how Ranieri’s latest comments go down with Tiago, but the 26-year-old is nevertheless expected to move on during the January transfer window.

www.goal.com - 10/12/2007 18:40

Mellberg Not Ruling Out Juve Move

2007-12-11T14:17:00.000+07:00

Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg refused to rule out a move to Juventus next season when asked about his future. The Swedish stopper’s contract with the Villans ends at the end of the current campaign, meaning that from January onwards he will be able to negotiate with other clubs about a Bosman free transfer move.

The Italian press firmly believe that Mellberg will move to Juventus, and the 30-year-old is being coy about his future.

"The situation is the same as before. The focus is on Aston Villa, then we will see,” he replied.

"I understand that there are many rumours since I am out of contract at the end of the season."

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill however is hoping that his centre-back will stay at the club.

"I don't know if there is anything in the Juventus link and Olof will tell me in his own time if that is the case. Players are free to make decisions here,” O’Neill said.

"This is an important contract for Olof. He has been here seven years and, in terms of the commitment he has given since I've been here, I couldn't ask any more.

“He might think that seven years is a long time at one club in this day and age.

"But I will still think, if we can come up with something which is reasonably suitable, that he might stay at Villa. But if he chooses to go, all he has to do is just let me know.”

www.goal.com - 10/12/2007 18:19

Magnin In Juve Link

2007-12-11T12:00:00.000+07:00

Resurgent Italian giants Juventus are reported to have developed an interest in Swiss inernational defender Ludovic Magnin.

The storied Turin club are looking to add a player of international experience to their options for left-back in anticipation of European football next season, and the 28-year-old Stuttgart star not only fits that criteria, but he would be available on a ‘free’ to boot.

With what looks increasingly likely to be a permanent move for Giorgio Chiellini to central defense, the Bianconeri are looking a little light in the left-back department. Christian Molinaro and Domenico Criscito are both highly promising players, but with youth almost inevitably comes inconsistency due to lack of experience.

Magnin has caught the Old Lady’s eye during their scouting missions to Germany to keep tabs on Diego and Van der Vaart, and there are rumours that they could be planning a move as early as January.

VfB Stuttgart have always maintained that they are not looking to seel one of their most consistent performers. That being said, they have been unable to agree terms with the former Werder Bremen defender, who is also on the wish-lists of Olympique Lyon, Hertha Berlin, Bayer Leverkusen and FC Basel.

www.goal.com - 10/12/2007 04:26

Lampard To Juve: Pay Me And I'll Join

2007-12-11T11:54:00.000+07:00

Reports in Italy suggest that Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has told Juventus that he will join them if they match his €7m a year wage demands.

The Italian press have been covering this story for several weeks now, and they are adamant that a transfer in the summer is virtually nailed on.

The goalscoring midfielder is ready to quit Stamford Bridge after the departure of Jose Mourinho and would like a fresh challenge in a foreign country.

Juventus have unsuccessfully tried to lure Lampard to Turin in the past but with his contract expiring in 2009, the Bianconeri would only need to fork out around £9m to get their man.

The key person in luring Lampard to Turin is Juve Coach Claudio Ranieri. It was the Tinkerman who was responsible for launching the East Londoner’s career when he signed him from West Ham in 2001.

The pair have an excellent relationship and Lampard was said to be devastated when Ranieri was axed by Roman Abramovich in 2004.

Juventus have made the signing of a top-class centre midfielder a priority as summer signings Tiago Mendes and Sergio Almiron have dreadfully failed to shine.

Cristiano Zanetti and Antonio Nocerino have done well in the middle-of-the-park but they do not posses the goal threat that Lampard brings to the table.

The 29-year-old, who has scored 20-goals plus for the last two seasons, was on the scoresheet again at the weekend during Chelsea’s 2-0 home win over Sunderland.

www.goal.com - 10/12/2007 11:57

Lampard Almost Certain to Move To Juve - Report

2007-12-11T11:49:00.000+07:00

Chelsea star Frank Lampard is almost certain to move to Juventus next season, according to Tuttosport. Under new FIFA transfer rules, as Lampard is over the age of 28 and has already seen out most of his contract, he would be able to leave Chelsea for a cut-price fee.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich has set his stall out to create a more exciting and universally appealing brand of football at Stamford Bridge, and one of the major casualties of this change will be Lampard, who is known more for his substance than for his style.

The 29-year-old is keen to experience a new challenge abroad and would relish the chance to hook up with old boss Claudio Ranieri, the man who was responsible for launching his career when he signed him from West Ham in 2001.

According to Tuttosport, Lampard has agreed to move to Juventus next season providing they up their wage offer of £4m a season to £4.7m.

This miniscule difference is unlikely to cause problems, and the only thing that can now stop the East Londoner from moving to Turin is if Juventus fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

www.goal.com - 08/12/2007 12:52

Nedved The Hero For Juve Juventus 1-0 Atalanta

2007-12-10T22:45:00.000+07:00

Pavel Nedved scored a fantastic late winner for Juventus after a dogged Atalanta side had threatened to come away from Turin with a point .

The Czech veteran fired home a trademark 25-yard drive past Atalanta goalkeeper Ferdinando Coppola with less than five minutes remaining.

The Bianconeri had earlier struggled to break down an excellent Orobici backline, although Alessandro Del Piero was in superb form after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Juve boss Claudio Ranieri brought back a host of players rested during Thursday's Coppa Italia defeat at Empoli. Alessandro Del Piero was once again left on the bench, with Vincenzo Iaquinta and David Trezeguet up-front.

Atalanta made just one change from the team that thrashed Napoli 5-1 last week - Diego De Ascentis came in for Antonio Langella.

Juventus made a bright start and had two efforts within the first 90 seconds. First Ferdinando Coppola was at full-stretch to tip Raffaele Palladino's mis-hit cross away, then Trezeguet rose above his man to head a cross straight at the 'keeper.

On 10 minutes the Bianconeri twice went close within quick succession. Coppola pulled off a fantastic save to turn Nedved's vicious free-kick around the post. Then from the resulting corner, Antonio Nocerino hit a half-volley inches wide of the post.

Juve were doing most of the running but Atalanta also looked dangerous on the counter-attack. Sergio Floccari found space on the edge of the box and forced a fine save out of Gianluigi Buffon. Ferreira Pinto also had a decent opening as he ghosted in unchallenged at the far post but he could not direct a left-wing cross on target.

Trezeguet was winning everything in the air and he had a couple of dangerous headed efforts from Cristian Molinaro crosses, one going wide and the other over.

Cristiano Zanetti is not renowned for his shooting but he powered in a rocket of a drive that fizzed just over the bar. Nocerino then put a cross in down the right that Trezeguet was just unable to turn in from close range.

Juve were dominating possession and on 26 minutes Atalanta were forced into some desperate defending as Iaquinta twice had goal-bound shots blocked in the area.

For the remaining 20 minutes of the half the Bianconeri really lost their way. They continued to dominate territory, however they failed to create another opportunity of any note.

The side seemed to be really lacking the creativity of the injured Mauro Camoranesi. Ranieri tried to address this and brought on Del Piero for Iaquinta, in a bid to add some extra guille. Marco Marchionni also entered the fray for the disappointing Palladino.

Del Piero almost made an immediate impact with a delightful touch to put Trezeguet clean through, however the Frenchman was ruled offside.

The Golden Boy was the only player with any spark for the Bianconeri and he went on a mesmerising run down the left to win a corner. He took the set-piece himself and Zanetti jabbed the ball straight at the 'keeper.

On 58 minutes Del Piero beat two men and chipped a beautiful through ball towards Trezeguet. Coppola came out and spilled the ball, but fortunately for him it fell straight to an Atalanta defender.

Del Piero then released Molinaro who's cross was fired inches wide from Trezeguet. The home side continued to dominate possession but the Atalanta defence was holding its own.

In a rare counter-raid Floccari was unmarked from a Ferreira Pinto cross but he headed over.

If there was one man who was going to break the deadlock it was Del Piero and he hit a dangerous, swerving free-kick which skidded wide of Coppola's left-hand post. A minute later another set-piece from the 33-year-old caused problems for the Atalanta backline but the danger passed.

The Golden Boy was on absolute fire and he produced a world-class turn to beat his man, only to be crudely brought down. From the resultant free-kick, Coppola pulled off a magnificent save to turn Del Piero's dipping free-kick around the post. It was destined for the top corner.

It looked like it wasn't going to be Juventus' day but with four minutes to go they finally made the breakthrough. Nedved picked up a loose ball and fired a trademark drive from 25 yards past Coppola and into the bottom corner. It was the Czech star's first goal of the season.

There was still time for Pellegrino to miss a fine chance to equalise, however he failed to make contact with a free-kick from the left.

Juve held on for a priceless three points and they move within three points of second-placed Roma who drew at Livorno today.

Juventus: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Palladino (Marchionni 46), Nocerino, Zanetti, Nedved (Tiago 91); Iaquinta (Del Piero 46), Trezeguet

Atalanta: Coppola; Pellegrino, Carrozzieri, Capelli (Belleri 60), Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, De Ascentis, Guarente (Tissone 72), Padoin (Langella 65); Doni; Floccari

Goal: Nedved 86' (J)

www.goal.com - 09/12/2007 16:40

Video 15th Giornata : Juventus 1 vs 0 Atalanta

2007-12-10T00:40:00.000+07:00

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHQGBZPEC2c - December 09, 2007

Juventus Derbies At Euro 2008

2007-12-05T14:28:00.000+07:00

The draw in Lucerne has paved the way for two great Juventus derbies at the next 2008 European Championships in Switzerland and Austria. The four National teams who feature Juventus internationals have been divided into Groups A and C, ready to challenge each other in exciting matches.

In Group A, the Czech Republic and Portugal will try and qualify over Switzerland and Turkey. In Group C, Italy and France will meet yet again after facing each other in the 2006 World Cup final and in the recent Euro qualifiers. Holland and Rumania make up the rest of the group.

www.juventus.com - 3 December 2007

Buffon In Pursuit Of The Italian Cup

2007-12-05T14:07:00.001+07:00

“The Italian Cup is one of our objectives, like the League title, and it would be a great result if we managed to win it, also because I've never won it in my seven years at Juve”. Gigi Buffon spoke to Juventus Channel and focused his attention on the next Italian Cup game, which is to be played tomorrow night at Empoli, to qualify for the quarter finals.

A match that needs to be won, to keep up an alternative to the League, as Gigi has never kept it a secret that he sees other teams as the favourites for the title rather than Juventus this year: “I'm happy when I hear David or the Manager inviting everyone to keep the dream of winning the title alive. I'm an optimist by nature and like them I hope we can fulfil this dream as soon as possible. I don't know if it's going to be already possible this year; the League will be tough this year for sure, because there are some very strong teams around”.

The last question concerns the “third half” everybody's talking about. The League officials appreciated Fiorentina's players' gesture at the end of the match against Inter Milan, when they applauded and greeted their opponents, and have decided that from January this will have to be applied by all teams:
“This is an important fair play signal – Gigi commented – even though perhaps I don't like the fact that this initiative needs to be officially enforced, instead of coming from the players themselves. On an educational level, I think it's more than right to do this, but I definitely prefer the way this “third half” was applied in Sunday's match in Florence, spontaneously, without anyone pushing or forcing anybody to do it”

www.juventus.com - 4 December 2007

Del Piero Is Officially A Reserve - Report

2007-12-05T13:43:00.000+07:00

The Gazzetta dello Sport is today suggesting that Alessandro Del Piero is now officially a second-choice player at Juventus.

The Golden Boy has started the last two matches against Palermo and Milan on the substitutes bench, as Coach Claudio Ranieri preferred the combination of Vincenzo Iaquinta and David Trezeguet.

Del Piero came on against Palermo in the 68^th minute and produced a magical cameo performance, scoring a penalty, a brilliant free-kick, and creating a goal for Marcho Marchionni.

Despite this display, Del Piero was only offered 19 minutes of action in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Milan at San Siro, a decision for which Ranieri received criticism for.

Nevertheless it now appears that the Tinkerman has decided that Iaquinta and Trezeguet are his first-choice strikeforce, with Del Piero having to mostly make do with a role from the substitutes bench.

This is not a totally new scenario for the Bianconeri all-time record goalscorer, who rarely completed 90 minutes during Fabio Capello’s two-year stint at the club between 2004 and 2006.

The Don, who had a fractious relationship with Del Boy, often preferred to play Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic up-front.

www.goal.com - 04/12/2007 16:20

Ranieri Not Looking For Reinforcements

2007-12-05T13:40:00.000+07:00

Claudio Ranieri has cooled speculation linking Juventus with big signings ahead of the transfer window reopening in January.

The resurgent Italian giants have been linked with a host of players over recent weeks including Gilberto Silva, Olof Mellberg, Diego Lugano and Branislav Ivanovic, while there have also been persistent rumours about under-utilised summer signings Tiago and Almiron have been put in the shop window.

Not so, insists Bianconeri boss Clauido Ranieri, who has seen his side make a very positive return to the big time after a year stuck in Serie B as a consequence of the Calciopoli scandal.

"We won't make any signings in the January market because we have a group of players who are growing," Ranieri said to Sky Italia. "I believe a lot in Tiago and Almiron - they have big possibilities.

"When I say we have a big group, it's also because I have faith in these players."

Italian football daily Tutosport has other ideas, however, and just yesterday they ran a story about Juve having their mind set on either luring Werder Bremen star Diego or Hamburg's Rafael van der Vaart to Turin in time for the second-half of the season.

www.goal.com - 04/12/2007 04:13

Gigli Defends Ranieri Over Del Piero

2007-12-05T13:26:00.000+07:00

Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has defended Coach Claudio Ranieri after he waited until the 71st minute to bring on Alessandro Del Piero against Milan.

The game at San Siro on Saturday night ended in an intriguing 0-0 stalemate, but some people have criticised Ranieri for not introducing Del Piero from the bench sooner.

“I wasn’t amazed to see Del Piero on the bench,” Gigli insisted.

“We are used to Claudio Ranieri choosing formations that are appropriate and right on the money and we trust him to do that.

“Do I agree with Ranieri’s decision? I just want victory, that’s the first priority and as a Juventus fan I wan’t three points with or without Alex. Del Piero will have lots of chances to start.”

Gigli also believes that Juventus could have won the game. David Trezeguet hit the post in the first-half, while Milan ‘keeper Nelson Dida made a string of impressive saves to keep the score level.

“We could have won. Personally I’m disappointed that it finished 0-0,” Gigli stressed.

“We showed some important attributes and we have such great room for improvement.

“We have such great character and we have shown that in the top of the table clashes.”

www.goal.com - 03/12/2007 17:34

Trezeguet Still Believes In Scudetto

2007-12-02T16:12:00.000+07:00

Juventus striker David Trezeguet still believes that his side can win the league title despite yesterday failing to win all three points against Milan in a goalless draw at San Siro.

Trezeguet could have been the hero of the night on Saturday evening, but his shot in the 12th minute of the first half against the Rossoneri hit the post, in a game where Juventus played well, but were unable to win more than one point.

"It was a difficult game," admitted the French attacker, "And we have proven yet again that we came to Milan to win. We kept on attacking and I'm happy with the excellent performance.

"We are working for the Scudetto," he continued. "We know it's difficult, but it's also difficult for the others. I believe in it because we are Juventus."

Trezegol also spoke about Alessandro Del Piero and Mauro German Camoranesi.

"Ale (Del Piero) is calm and in every game he is showing that he is ready. He's important for us, he's our flag and captain. I miss German (Camoranesi), but all the entire team misses him, as he makes us improve in quality."

www.goal.com - 02/12/2007 09:13

Buffon Said :

2007-12-02T15:54:00.001+07:00

"Scudetto Race Does Not Concern Us"

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon talked about the performance against Milan, Kaká's imminent Golden Ball win, and the Scudetto race.

During the 0-0 stalemate tonight at San Siro between Milan and Juventus, the Bianconeri's keeper Gigi Buffon was probably among the best players on the pitch. A save on a shot by Kaká was particularly impressive.

Following the match, the keeper expressed satisfaction about his Juve's performance and praised his defence in particular.

"I have to give my compliments to my team mates in defence, we managed to contain a great champion like Kaká," he said.

"[Giorgio] Chiellini, [Nicola] Legrottaglie, [Cristiano] Zanetti, and [Antonio] Nocerino all did very well against Kaká, without them it would have been tougher."

On the Brazilian playmaker's imminent Golden Ball triumph, he said: "Kaká completely deserves to win the Golden Ball."

On the Scudetto race, the Italian international said: "It's not an issue that concerns us at this point in time, but winning the respect, the esteem and the fear of our opponents is already a big success."

www.goal.com - 01/12/2007 23:41

"I like this mentality"

He was bound to be one of the stars of the match, even more so after being “nominated” as such by Claudio Ranieri on the eve of the match. And at the Meazza Stadium, Gigi Buffon was once again the star, the man of the match alongside his AC Milan colleague Dida.

A great save on a Kakà volley from close range. Two confident saves on long-range efforts from his Italy team mate Pirlo. In short, Buffon is in top form, alongside pretty much the whole team, as confirmed by tonight's game in Milan.

“I'm happy when I keep a clean sheet - the keeper confirmed after the match - but I'm even happier when we manage to win. My team mates helped me a lot tonight. Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Zanetti and Nocerino did very well in limiting Kakà as best they could, it would've been tougher without them. The important thing is that we're growing and with this mentality we'll achieve a lot. We're not thinking about the League title for now, but it's already a victory to win our opponents' respect, admiration and fear”.

www.juventus.com - 01 December 2007

Ranieri: “It's hard on this pitch”

2007-12-02T15:49:00.000+07:00

Another draw against a title rival, but the team keep growing and going forward as planned. Juventus return from Milan conscious of being even closer to the top teams and with some regrets about not taking the full three points.

At the end, Claudio Ranieri can consider himself happy with the result, achieved against strong opponents and despite a pitch that really isn't worthy of the so-called Scala of football: “Coming to play here I understood why AC Milan have so many problems winning at home. It's really hard, players can't keep their balance and skilful teams suffer from this. But they're still the European Cup holders and we played a great match tonight. I'm sorry we didn't win, but I'm very happy because the lads showed personality, the younger ones too”.

www.juventus.com - 01 December 2007

Milan And Juventus In Exciting San Siro Draw

2007-12-02T15:22:00.000+07:00

AC Milan 0-0 Juventus

There were chances galore for both sides in this exciting game at San Siro, but ultimately no goals as Milan and Juventus were forced to settle for a goalless draw...

First Half

Juventus came out of the blocks on fire, immediately putting Milan on the back foot.

They had their first chance five minutes in as Christian Molinaro found Vincenzo Iaquinta, who chested it down for David Trezeguet, but the Frenchman fired inches wide.

He had another chance in the 11th minute, turning superbly before beating Dida, only to be denied by the post.

Having been handed a couple of early reprieves, Milan began to settle down, but Juve had been sent out with clear instructions to blank Kaka out of the game, and did just that.

Seedorf was also largely absent at the start of the game, meaning that Milan's attack lacked bite. Gilardino came close with a long range effort after being picked out by Serginho, but Buffon had it covered.

At the other end, Nedved tried to split Nesta and Oddo and fell to the ground but the referee had none of it and waved play on. Kaka was caught offside as he tried to sneak behind the Juventus defence on the break.

Milan grew into the game in the final ten minuted of the half, but once again failed to fashion clear cut chances despite Pirlo and Seedorf each testing Buffon from long range.

Second Half

Juventus started the second half much like the first, immediately putting Milan on the back foot again.

A fabulous run up the right from Salihamidzic saw him set up Trezeguet, who let rip a cracking effort that Dida palmed away. Nadved came charging in for the rebound, but Oddo put in a brilliantly timed tackle to deny him.

Dida was down clutching his shoulder, but recovered to continue after two minutes.

There was immediately a chance at the other end as Kaka had an acrobatic effort from eight yards out parried by Buffon. Gilardino latched onto the rebound and sent it into the back of the net, but the flag was up for offside. Replays showed the striker to be about a yard off.

It was end to end stuff, with both teams going for it, and Juve had the next big chance when Serginho brought down Nedved inches outside the box. With no Del Piero, it was duly wasted.

Almost on cue, Chiellini fouled Kaka at the other end. Pirlo stepped up and fired on target, but an alert Buffon was up to the task.

Both teams were looking for the winner, and the game was stretched. The likes of 'Pippo' Inzaghi, Alessandro Del Piero and Raffaele Palladino were thrown in to mix it up.

Inzaghi ran onto Serginho's cross to shoot, but once again, Gigi was up to the task. As the game wound down, Maldini came ever so close with a late effort.

Milan were once again finishing the half as the stronger of the two sides, and Inzaghi had a shot saved by Buffon in injury time. The flag had gone up, anyway.

This late Rossoneri push would come to nothing, though, as the referee blew for full time and both teams were forced to share the spoils.

It was an exciting game that deserved goals and winners. Juventus had the better of the chances overall, but the draw was by and large fair.

www.goal.com - 01/12/2007 22:28

A Draw Among Number Ones

2007-12-02T14:38:00.000+07:00

Claudio Ranieri was right once again. He'd identified Gigi Buffon as a possible star of the match and so it was. The main protagonist of the game between AC Milan and Juventus was indeed Juventus' keeper, alongside his AC Milan colleague Dida.

If AC Milan-Juventus finished 0-0, this is mostly due to the two keepers; especially the Brazilian, perhaps, who saved twice on Zanetti in the first half and most stunningly on Salihamidzic in the second. And when the Brazilian couldn't get to the ball, the post saved him, when Trezeguet had a chance at the beginning of the match. Meanwhile Buffon made a fantastic save on Kakà.

This draw is useful to everybody and nobody at the same time. The Bianconeri for the time being climb to second place alone, two points behind Inter Milan. And having played against all title rivals in this first half of the season, the following matches would appear - at least on paper - less insidious.

AC MILAN-JUVENTUS 0-0

AC MILAN: Dida; Oddo (Bonera 79 mins), Nesta, Kaladze, Sergihno (Maldini 63 mins); Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kakà, Seedorf; Gilardino (Inzaghi 63 mins).
Subs not used: Kalac, Cafu, Brocchi, Gourcuff.
Manager: Ancelotti.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic (Marchionni 66 mins), Nocerino, Zanetti, Nedved (Palladino 82 mins); Iaquinta (Del Piero 66 mins), Trezeguet.
Subs not used: Belardi, Birindelli, Criscito, Tiago, Marchionni.
Manager: Ranieri.

TIM Serie A 2007/08
Day 14

Milan, Meazza Stadium
Saturday December 1st 2007, 8.30 pm

REFEREE: Morganti from Ascoli Piceno.

YELLOW CARDS: Legrottaglie 35 mins, Chiellini 58 mins, Zebina 89 mins.

www.juventus.com - 01 Decembre 2007

Squad Named For AC Milan Game

2007-12-01T14:27:00.000+07:00

Mauro German Camoranesi is not going to make it. The midfielder tried running this morning before training, supervised by Coach Andrea Scanavino, but the test didn't give positive results. The player still has discomfort due to the muscle injury he suffered this week during training and so, as a precaution, he won't be available for tomorrow night's game at the San Siro. Zdeneck Grygera is also missing from the list. The Czech player has fully recovered from the muscle injury occurred with the National team, but hasn't been able to train consistently in the last week or so and thus won't be taking part in the away trip to Milan.

Manager Ranieri has named a twenty-man squad for tomorrow evening's game:

1 Buffon
2 Birindelli
3 Chiellini
4 Almiron
5 Zebina
6 Zanetti
7 Salihamidzic
9 Iaquinta
10 Del Piero
11 Nedved
12 Belardi
13 Vanstrattan
17 Trezeguet
19 Criscito
20 Palladino
23 Nocerino
28 Molinaro
30 Tiago
32 Marchionni
33 Legrottaglie

www.juventus.com - 30 November 2007