Giaccherini agent: No sign of return to Juventus

Reports linking Sunderland winger Emanuele Giaccherini with a return to Juventus are wide of the mark, his agent insists.

The Italy international departed the Turin giants for England in the summer and has made 19 appearances in the Black Cats' stuttering season, scoring three times.

With Gus Poyet's side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League and rumours claiming that the 28-year-old has not settled on Wearside, some reports had linked him with a move back to Antonio Conte's Serie A champions but his representative, Furio Valcareggi, has dismissed any notion of a return.

I read the news but, in all honesty, I haven't seen any evidence," he told calciomercato.com.

"First of all, I don't understand how he would be a target for Juventus, who are out of the Champions League.

"Secondly, contrary to what I keep hearing, the player is having a great time at Sunderland and his family are very happy in England.

"Most importantly, the English club do not want to lose the player.

"I've also spoken with Giaccherini's family and no one is aware of any interest from Juventus."

Giaccherini made 52 appearances in a two-year stint with Juventus prior to his Sunderland move, netting six goals.

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Conte : Juve can still make a great season

Antonio Conte says Juventus can still ensure the 2013-14 campaign becomes a permanent fixture in the club's history books despite their Champions League exit.

The Italian champions lost out to Real Madrid and Galatasaray in Europe's elite club competition but Conte has his sights set on winning a unique treble.

Juventus can still secure a third-straight Serie A title, as well as the Europa League – with the final being held at the club's home stadium – and what would be a record-breaking 10th Coppa Italia prize.

The Juve coach was speaking after he won the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards title for Coach of the Year ahead of Rafael Benitez and Jurgen Klopp.

Conte said: "We want to roll up our sleeves in 2014. We want to take the Europa League, especially as the final will be played at the Juventus Stadium.

"This season we still want to win it all. There could be a third Scudetto in a row and the Coppa Italia too. If we win the Coppa that would be a record, as we could be the first side to win it 10 times.

"The Champions League elimination in Istanbul still stings, but we couldn't really play football that day against Galatasaray. Next season we will resume our assault on that competition."

On winning the coaching award in Dubai, Conte was keen to thank his players for their performances over the calendar year.

He added: "This honour fills me with pride and I above all thank my players for helping me achieve this award. Without doubt, the credit is to be split with my lads.

"Will I win the Fifa Coach of the Year award? There is still a very long way to go before achieving that because you need to win international trophies like Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho did."

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Cagliari: No Nainggolan deal with Roma

Cagliari sporting director Nicola Salerno has rubbished rumours that the club have agreed to sell Radja Nainggolan to Roma.

The Belgium international is widely expected to leave the Sant'Elia during the January transfer window and has been reportedly attracting interest from traditional Serie A heavyweights Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.

It has been reported that Roma have also entered the race after a meeting between Cagliari president Massimo Cellino and Roma director of football Walter Sabatini but Salerno insists that it was nothing more than a chance encounter.

"There is no agreement," the Rossoblu official told ASRomaRadio.it. "Cellino and Sabatini have spoken with one another in general terms and I can tell you that they met at the airport by accident. This story was born of that.

"But there is nothing concrete in relation to Nainggolan. We have not started any negotiations with Rome. I do not know to what extent the Giallorossi are interested in the player.

"We are not in a position to give an answer [to that question]. We have started several negotiations and within 10-15 days we will be able to give you a definitive answer.

"It can't even been said that we will give him away. For the moment, there is nothing concrete; I can assure you of that 100 percent."

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Seria A : Atalanta VS Juventus - 22/12/2013

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Tevez: Ribery should win Ballon d'Or

Carlos Tevez believes the Ballon d'Or should go to Franck Ribery ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The 29-year-old Juventus forward says that the winger's pivotal contribution to Bayern's treble of the Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League makes him the stand out candidate for this year's prize.

"Messi and Cristiano are compete for the award every year, but for what he's done last season with Bayern and the way he played, I'd give it to Franck Ribery. He deserves it more," Tevez told Argentine radio station La Red.

All three will appear at next year's World Cup in Brazil, a tournament Tevez admits he expects to miss.

"Even if I score 30 goals this season I don't think I'll stand a chance of being included in Argentina's World Cup squad. That's very clear to me.

"I don't have to explain anything to the fans. It's not me who has to explain why I'm not playing for Argentina."

"Sabella is entitled to his decisions. I have to be a grown up person and accept it.

Tevez has not appeared for his country since 2011 when Argentina failed to claim the Copa America on home soil and hopes that he will one day get the opportunity to enjoy some happier memories of international football.

"It would make me sad if my last image with the national team is that missed penalty-kick against Uruguay at the Copa America 2011 quarter-finals."

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Conte : Pogba must work hard

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has urged Paul Pogba to keep working hard after winning the prestigious Golden Boy award.

The French midfielder won the prize earlier this week following a string of impressive performances for club and country, including four goals in 14 Serie A outings this season.

However, Conte says the former Manchester United youngster has the potential to reach a higher standard and has advised him to continue on his current trajectory.

"I’m happy for Paul Pogba's Golden Boy award," Conte said at a press conference. "He’s got all the potential to reach the very top.

"In the space of 18 months, Pogba has developed in an exceptional way. Credit to him. As a club we've always believed in Pogba and he knows he has to keep his head down and continue to work hard."

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Bonucci : Llorente is our weapon in attack

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has lauded his teammate Fernando Llorente as the club's "weapon" on the back of a 3-1 win over Copenhagen on Wednesday.

The Spanish striker was a key focal point as the Bianconeri secured a comprehensive Champions League victory on home turf, though it was midfielder Arturo Vidal who grabbed the headlines with his hat-trick.

Bonucci was pleased with how he and his team-mates handled the anti-attacking tactics of the visitors and heralded Llorente for helping to break down the Danish side's defence.

"Copenhagen tried to defend with 10 players behind the ball," the Italy international, 26, said to reporters after the match.

"We did well to bring the advantage back in our favour by playing with the calm and the experience that we have acquired over the years.

"In recent years we have played great football but we are changing it [against some] opponents. When we sometimes play ball high, Llorente is certainly a most effective weapon for us."

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Chiellini: Juventus need to continue excellent form

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is hoping his side can maintain their winning streak when they visit Livorno on Sunday.

The Bianconeri have won their last four Serie A matches, including a 3-0 victory over Napoli before the international break to narrow the gap to only one point from leaders Roma.

And Chiellini is determined to keep up their impressive form whilst putting thoughts of their crucial Champions League clash with Copenhagen on Wednesday to the back of his mind.

“We headed into the international break on excellent form and need to pick up where we left off," he told reporters.

“We know about the difficulties we could run into after the break, but also the importance of not underestimating anyone and dropping points that at the end could prove decisive.

“We’ve never done so and it won’t happen this time around. Just like we won’t run the risk of thinking about Copenhagen, we’ll start focusing on the Champions League from Sunday night onwards.”

Antonio Conte's men have some defensive concerns, with Chiellini only making his return following muscular problems. Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci and Angelo Ogbonna are suspended and Andrea Barzagli is sidelined for the clash.

However, Italy international Chiellini has played down the significance of the absence of key players in defence.

“I’m good, barring any last minute hitches I’ll be available. We’ve got a few difficulties injury-wise in defence and I’m also ready to play in the middle of the back three if asked to do so," he continued.

"The position’s a little different to where I usually feature, but that’s no problem as far as I’m concerned.”

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Nedved : Tevez is phenomenal

Juventus legend Pavel Nedved has described current fan favourite Carlos Tevez as "a phenomenon".

The Argentine has proven a revelation since joining the Bianconeri from Manchester City in the summer, scoring six goals in his first 10 Serie A games.

And Nedved has been more taken with the heart, desire and grit displayed by Tevez, "a champion" the Czech feels would have been a worthy addition to the Juve side that won back-to-back titles a decade ago.

"He's a phenomenon," the former Ballon d'Or winner told Tuttosport. "For what he puts on the field, he reminds myself and [coach Antonio] Conte of our times.

"When we got him [from City], we knew we could move forward with security. Carlitos is a phenomenon; we never had any doubts [about him], and the results are confirming why.

"He is leader. Could he play with us in our great Juve team? Certainly: he's a champion. He's irresistible when he gets to chase the ball: he never gives up."

Nedved won the Ballon d'Or in 2003, the year of Juve's second successive Scudetto.

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Tevez : Dont blame the referee

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has insisted that the referee is not culpable for his team's 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo hit a first-half double either side of a Fernando Llorente strike, but the encounter was marred by the dismissal of Giorgio Chiellini for a seemingly innocuous challenge on the Portuguese just three minutes into the second half.

But the Argentine has refused to point the finger of blame at referee Manuel Grafe for the result - which consequently leaves the Bianconeri third in Group B with just two points.

He told Sky Sport Italia: "We’re upset about the result, but it was a good performance and with a man down in the second half we still caused them problems.

"We have time to recover from this situation, but we have to give our all on the field. I have no problem playing wherever the team needs me.

"We should think about ourselves and not the referee. If you make mistakes like we did, then Real Madrid do not forgive you.

"I can’t blame the referee, as we have to think about our own performance and the errors we made."

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Jovetic : I never wanted to join Juventus

Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic has refuted claims that he wanted to move to Juventus during the transfer window.

The Montenegro international, 23, was heavily linked with a move to the Serie A champions during the summer, but eventually left Fiorentina for the Etihad instead.

Jovetic has admitted that talks took place with the Bianconeri, but he has stressed that he was not seeking a move to Turin.

"I never said I wanted Juventus," Jovetic was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "It is true that there was a negotiation. But I chose to go abroad."

Jovetic then went on to back his former team to claim a Champions League spot this season, despite an indifferent start that has seen them drop nine points in the league.

"I am continuing to follow Fiorentina. I have many friends in Florence," he explained.

"They have been a bit unlucky at the start of the season, but even though it will be tough, I think they can still reach the Champions League."

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Buffon has no intention to join Real

The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has laughed off speculation linking his client with a move to Real Madrid.

Reports emanating from Spain recently have suggested that the Blancos are lining up a bid for the veteran Italian, who could face his reported suitors when Antonio Conte's men travel to Madrid for a Champions League clash on October 23.

However, the player's representative, Silvano Martina, has dismissed the notion that the 35-year-old could enjoy regular visits to the Santiago Bernabeu in the future.

He told TuttoJuve: "How am I meant to comment on a rumour like that? I do not know where it has come from, but it is pointless to even consider it.

"Real Madrid will be playing Juventus in the Champions League - and that will be the only meeting Buffon will have with them."

The Italy international, whose current deal with the Bianconeri expires in 2015, is the world's most expensive goalkeeper after joining the reigning Italian champions in a deal worth €54 million in 2001 from Parma.

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Juventus vs Milan LINEUPS

Juventus injuries and suspensions

Martín Cáceres, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Simone Pepe, Rubinho and Mirko Vucinic (injured)

Milan injuries and suspensions

Walter Birsa, Daniele Bonera, Mattia De Sciglio, Stephan El Shaarawy, Kaka, Giampaolo Pazzini, and Matias Silvestre (injured); Mario Balotelli (suspended)

Probable starting lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Quagliarella

AC Milan: Abbiati; Zaccardo, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Poli, De Jong, Muntari; Montolivo, Robinho; Matri

Match Date/Time
Sunday, October 6 at 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

Venue
Juventus Stadium, Turin

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Tevez : Never criticised Llorente

Carlos Tevez has denied criticising Juventus team-mate Fernando Llorente, insisting that the Spaniard will become a key player.

Reports in Spain suggested that the former Manchester City attacker had said Llorente "would be better off playing basketball", but the Argentine has stressed that he never sad anything bad about his colleague.

"I want to explain I haven't said anything bad about Fernando," he said on his official Twitter account.

"In fact, I believe he is a great player and he will be a key player for us."

Llorente, 28, joined Juventus from Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer at the end of the 2012-13 campaign, but has been struggling to make an impact at his new club.

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VIDEO : Inter vs Juventus 1-1 [ HIGHLIGHTS ]

It scores first Icardi for Inter F.C ,but  less than 5minutes later , Juventus draw with A.Vidal.

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Inter vs Juventus Preview

Match Date/Time: Saturday, 6 p.m. local

Venue: San Siro, Milan, Italy

Inter injuries and suspensions

Out: Cristian Chivu, Javier Zanetti (injured). In doubt: None.

Juventus injuries and suspensions

Out: Claudio Marchisio, Martín Cáceres (injured). In doubt: Simone Pepe.


Inter : Samir Handanovič; Juan Jesus, Andrea Ranocchia, Hugo Campagnaro; Yuto Nagatomo, Mateo Kovačić, Esteban Cambiasso, Fredy Guarín, Jonathan; Ricky Álvarez; Rodrigo Palacio

Juventus: Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; Kwadwo Asamoah, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Stephan Lichtsteiner; Fernando Llorente, Carlos Tévez

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Buffon : Inter can challenge for the title

Juventus legend , Buffon has warned his team to not underestimate Inter this weekend.

Inter had to settle for ninth spot in the league table last season, but they have looked strong in the opening weeks of the 2013-14 campaign and the Italy skipper feels they could challenge his side title under new boss Walter Mazzarri.

"We do respect Inter , but we're going to win that match. " says Buffon to the reporters.

"With a great coach like Mazzarri and the advantage that they can focus on Serie A, Inter are a force to be reckoned with in Serie A."

"Inter will be around all year and could make life difficult for the teams challenging for the title."

The derby of Italia will be played this week-end , Saturday at 18:00CET

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Juve got 31 titles

Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted that he believes Juventus should have 31 title triumphs to their name.

The Bianconeri were stripped of two titles (2004-05 and 2005-06) because of their involvement in the 'Calciopoli' refereeing scandal that rocked the Italian game seven years ago.

Consequently, the issue of just how many championships is a contentious one, but Lichsteiner has a clear opinion on the controversy.

"Those titles were won by the team on the field. For me, Juventus have won 31 Scudetti.

"There's not much else to add ... I will not talk further about this topic."

Lichsteiner, who is currently on international duty with Switzerland, joined Juventus from Lazio in 2011.

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Astori and Nainggolan are not leaving

Cagliari's president Massimo Cellino has stated that neither Astori or Nainggolan are going to leave Cagliari for any other club this transfer market.

We don't want to upset our supporters. Astori and Nainggolan are not leaving Cagliari.

Astori have been followed by one of the best italian team , like A.C Milan or some Premier League teams like Everton or any other. Astori have made 148 appearances with Cagliari , scoring 3 times.

Meanwhile Nainggolan  has drawn attention from Serie Champions or Inter and Roma. He have made 117 appearances , scoring 7 goals with Cagliari.

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Has Nani signed a new deal with Manchester United?

Manchester United winger, Nani has signed a new contract with Manchester United, according to Giuseppe Marotta – the Juventus sporting director.


The winger, who made 10 appearances last season, scoring 2 goals with Manchester United, has been linked with various other teams, including Juventus, who have now said that they have stopped pursuing the striker as they believe he has signed a new club to keep him at Manchester United.


Nani also had interested from Galatasaray, Monaco and Roma over the summer break.

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