Juventus

Waftradamus wrote:Serie B leaders Juventus are set to look to Holland in their bid to strengthen their squad for next season.

The Bianconeri have already snapped up Ajax stopper Zdenek Grygera and had a full scouting team at last weekend’s Eredivisie clash between the Amsterdam giants and PSV Eindhoven.

The two primary targets are believed to be 23-year-old defender Johnny Heitinga and highly-rated striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Both men have long-term contracts with the Godenzonen, but are said to be keen to leave Holland in the summer to play on a bigger stage.

Huntelaar’s vast haul of 33 goals last term attracted attention across Europe with Manchester United and Inter among many clubs reportedly eyeing his signature.

Ex-Juventus supremo Luciano Moggi kept a close eye on Huntelaar for two seasons and now sources suggest that the Old Lady would need to table an offer of at least £15m to persuade Ajax to let him go.

A move for Heitinga would not be so costly. Around £5m would reportedly be enough to secure a deal for the Dutch international who can play at right-back or in the centre.

I really hope they are able to sign Heitinga at least...Juve need to strengthen their defence

Rocchi considers Juve approach Wednesday 21 March, 2007

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Tommaso Rocchi could start against Scotland and, although he’s heading for the Champions League with Lazio, admits he’s tempted by a Juventus offer.

“I am flattered and honoured by the interest from such a prestigious club as Juve,” said the Biancocelesti star.


It’s especially pleasing considering that Rocchi was in the Juventus youth academy, but the Turin giants opted to release him.


“If a proposal came in then I would consider it, even if I am happy at Lazio and there is a plan here that I intend to stick with.”


This could well be a bargaining tool for Rocchi’s upcoming contract extension talks, as he has quickly become a fan favourite at the Olimpico with 13 Serie A goals this season.


“It is good to hear that President Claudio Lotito considers me untouchable. I do not want to leave Lazio and we have agreed to meet at the end of the season to decide to continue together for life.”


His current deal expires in June 2009 and his annual salary is a measly £510,000, so a pay rise is definitely on the horizon for the 31-year-old.


Considering Rocchi’s splendid form at the moment, it’s rumoured that Italy Coach Roberto Donadoni will start him upfront in a 4-3-3 system against Scotland on March 28.


Fiorentina’s Luca Toni is also expected to begin as the centre-forward. This afternoon Donadoni experimented in an unusual 12 v 12 game between ranks.


On one side were Amelia, Zambrotta, Barzagli, Bonera, Pasqual, Perrotta, Pirlo, De Rossi, Semioli, Rocchi, Gilardino and Quagliarella.


On the other were Buffon, Oddo, Materazzi, Cannavaro, Tonetto, Camoranesi, Ambrosini, Gattuso, Mauri, Di Natale, Toni and Del Piero.

decent player, but not good enough for us, plus too old

Seems a bit silly to move for him if you already have Trezeguet and Del Piero in the ranks who are better than him. And youngsters like Bojinov that will become a force in the Juventus team in years to come. Rocchi will only block there development.

I though Juventus were after Saviola?

young Palladino is already >>>> Bojinov

Bojinov will most likely be returned to Fiorentina this summer.

Rocchi is class, and finally proving it. He will be a great 3rd striker to have, IMO better than Saviola. Much better.

Quite frankly, I just cannot see Lazio letting him go after this season, specially if they are in CL (which is almost confirmed).

Cesc wrote:Seems a bit silly to move for him if you already have Trezeguet and Del Piero in the ranks who are better than him. And youngsters like Bojinov that will become a force in the Juventus team in years to come. Rocchi will only block there development.

I though Juventus were after Saviola?

Agree with both of you. Palla has already said he is sad that Juve are being linked with so many strikers in the summer, as it would mean less of a chance for him to break through, I'd rather keep him than get Rocchi or Saviola.

Deschamps keeps it real

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Didier Deschamps has underlined that Juventus will need to spend big in the summer if they hope to be immediately competitive in Serie A.

Both FIAT President Luca Cordero Di Montezemolo and director general Jean-Claude Blanc have optimistically predicted that the side will fight for major honours next term, but the tactician is keeping his feet on the ground.

“As I have already said, as it stands this squad can’t fight for the Scudetto,” noted the Coach on Friday.

“But if this group of players is confirmed and a number of new players arrive then I could change my mind.

“My evaluation shouldn’t hamper anyone’s desire to be ambitious. I’m ambitious too, but I have to be objective.

“I don’t want to wipe out our dream, because we all must continue to give our all for the team,” he continued.

“However, there are clubs who will be favoured over us and we must keep this in mind. We can’t think that one year will be enough to reach their level.

“We will be competitive and we can fight for the top positions, but it wouldn’t be logical to think that we are as strong as Milan, Inter and Roma.”

Juventus won’t be in action domestically this weekend given that international commitments have seen their Week 31 showdown against Napoli rescheduled for April 10.

As a result, the Old Lady of Italian football will face Standard Liege in a friendly match on Saturday evening instead.

“I will field the players who have had less opportunities to play so far,” added Deschamps, who is set to field Primavera starlet Sebastian Giovinco.

“This match will give us the chance to taste European football again, taking advantage of the international break.”

Nocerino has Juve dream Monday 26 March, 2007

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Piacenza starlet Antonio Nocerino has admitted that he is dreaming of joining Juventus at the end of the season.

The Under-21 international, who appeared against England on Saturday, is currently co-owned between both clubs and could make the move north after an encouraging campaign.

“I’m happy at Piacenza, but joining Juventus is an objective which I hope to achieve as soon as possible,” he admitted.

“Wearing the Bianconeri shirt is a dream of mine and to do that in Serie A would be unbeatable.”

Nocerino, a combative central midfielder, was born in Napoli and has had spells at Avellino, Genoa, Catanzaro and Crotone in his short career to date.

I kind of agree with DD that unless Juve is able to spend big & more over convice a few big names to join, it will be very difficult to win major titles next season

I guess with the squad in hand right now finishing in top 4 would be a realistic possibility

Juve to tie down Palladino --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The prodigious Raffaele Palladino is on the verge of signing a new contract with Italian giants Juventus.

The 22-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in Italian football and Juve, who hope to ensure promotion to Serie A this season, see him as a key figure for the future.

The Old Lady are expected to offer Palladino a new contract until June 2012, thus tightening their grip on the former Salernitana ace.

The Serie B leaders are keen to tie down the man nicknamed ‘Palladinho’ by President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli given the uncertain futures of David Trezeguet and Valeri Bojinov.

Trezeguet, contracted until June 2008, is set to be sold while the Bulgarian will probably return to Fiorentina once his co-ownership deal expires in the summer.

As a result, the Under-21 international is close to committing himself to the outfit despite interest from clubs such as Manchester United.

“Palladino is an untouchable player,” confirmed Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco recently.

The forward, whose current deal expires in 2010, will reportedly net a pay increase too which will result in him receiving around £1.1m a season.

Meanwhile, reports on Tuesday continue to claim that Juve are still hoping to lure Luca Toni from Fiorentina in June.

Real Madrid’s Antonio Cassano may also be an option, seeing as he shares the same agent as Palladino.

Waftradamus wrote:hypothetical team for next year;

---------------------------------Buffon--------------------------------

Grygera --------Kovac---- Cannavaro ------Chiellini

------------------Gerrard--------- Zanetti ---------------------

Saviola ----------------------------------------------Nedved---


-----------------------Toni------------ Delps---------------------

Juve interested in Kanoute & Malouda...

David Trezeguet could leave Juventus at the end of the season in a swap deal with Frederic Kanoutè of Sevilla.

The Frenchman is unlikely to extend his contract with the Old Lady which expires in 2008, but wants to honour his contract – perhaps to net Bosman transfer status next year.

However, the Turin giants are not prepared to run the risk of losing him for nothing and are already pondering their options.

A solution may be found with Sevilla given that the Serie B leaders have expressed an interest in Kanoutè.

The striker, who led Mali to win the African Cup of Nations in 2004, is contracted until 2009 and has a £17.8m release clause, but Sevilla seem keen on letting him go if Trezeguet were to be included in the deal.

Kanoutè, who is liked by boss Didier Deschamps, joined Sevilla in 2005 after playing for West Ham and Tottenham, winning the UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup with the Spaniards.

The French-Malian currently leads the scorers’ chart in La Liga with 19 goals.

Meanwhile, Juventus have reportedly upped their interest in Lyon midfielder Florent Malouda, who has admitted that he would be happy to play in Serie A.

“I like the Italian championship and I am tempted by Juve. My contract expires in 2011, but I am sure that a deal can be found,” said the Frenchman.

[quote="TarunDang"]

Waftradamus wrote:hypothetical team for next year;

---------------------------------Buffon--------------------------------

Grygera --------Kovac---- Cannavaro ------Chiellini

------------------Gerrard--------- Zanetti ---------------------

Saviola ----------------------------------------------Nedved---


-----------------------Toni------------ Delps---------------------

This would be my line-up for Juve considering a couple of decent new signings:


-----------------------------------Buffon---------------------------------

Grygera------Kovac/Birindelli-----------Boumsong-----------Cheilleni

Salihamidzic/Camo------Paro-------Gilberto Silva--------------Nedved

------------------Saviola/Palladino----------Del Piero-----------------

considering this line-up as possible, in my opinion Juve still need to invest in 2 big signings a striker & a central defender

Strikers(possibility)...Klose, Kanoute, Huntelaar

Defender........Canna is always welcome back

Tarun, we have signed Domenico Criscito, the next Cannavaro, for next year.

TBH I would be mightily annoyed if we sign any one of Gilberto, Kanoute or Malouda, none of whom I rate. They do not compare favourably to the players they would be "replacing".

Waftradamus wrote:Tarun, we have signed Domenico Criscito, the next Cannavaro, for next year.

TBH I would be mightily annoyed if we sign any one of Gilberto, Kanoute or Malouda, none of whom I rate. They do not compare favourably to the players they would be "replacing".

Waft, I agree with you on this but then these are the rumours doing the rounds...esp. about Trez leaving the club at the end of the season

FIAT new Juve sponsor Thursday 29 March, 2007

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Juventus have finalised a partnership agreement with the FIAT group, which will sponsor the Bianconeri for the next three years.

The Italian car manufacturer, which has always been very close to the Turin outfit, had recently been paired with a shirt sponsorship contract, after President Luca Cordero Di Montezemolo confirmed that the group was interested in the project.

The logo that will appear on Juve’ shirts is New Holland, a leading firm in the international construction market, and the contract will guarantee Juve a total of £23m, plus performance bonuses.

Bianconeri director general Jean Claude Blanc expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, which will be signed on April 23.

“The fact that the largest private industrial group in Italy has decided to invest in Juventus is a reason to be proud and confirms the reliance that the firm has placed on our project.

“The appreciation and the reliance of the FIAT Group will encourage us to improve and to do well, on the pitch and off it,” explained the Juventino.

Juventus had lost out on a massive £160m after Tamoil rescinded their shirt sponsorship contract with the club in December.

The Bianconeri had a deal in place with the company until 2010, but the oil giants decided to end the relationship after the club’s demotion to Serie B.

Never heard of New Holland.

Waftradamus wrote:Never heard of New Holland.

Same here. Seems to be a FIAT group company
But anyway...any funds/backing coming thru is much needed as we prepare for the next season back in Serie A

Pescara on Sat, easy 3pts.

Waftradamus wrote:Pescara on Sat, easy 3pts.

should be.
Hope DD starts Palladino

Juventus face Prem threat
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The agent of Klaas Huntelaar and Rio Mavuba has warned Juventus that they’ll have to beat competition from England to sign the duo.

The Serie B leaders have been linked with both players, but representative Vincenzo Morabito has underlined how difficult it will be for the Old Lady to successfully swoop.

Huntelaar is the latest Dutch striking sensation who is being talked about as a possible successor to David Trezeguet in Turin.

“He is a player who scores a lot of goals and therefore he is liked by many clubs,” Morabito noted. “Juventus’ interest? I don’t think they have made a firm decision yet.

“However, it will also depend on the price. It will take more than £11m and Ajax know that he is a player who they can cash in on, especially in the English market.

“That is a League which can spend right now. Nevertheless, we probably won’t know his destiny until the start of June. He could even stay at Ajax.”

Juve boss Didier Deschamps has also requested a new midfielder and the Bordeaux man is understood to be an option.

However, Morabito again revealed that two Premiership giants are also massive admirers of French international Mavuba.

“We are aware of Juve’s interest, but we don’t have any confirmation of it,” he added. “However, there is something serious from sides like Chelsea and Manchester United.

“He’s a good player and the fact that he started in France’s 1-0 win over Austria last night is significant.”

Barcelona tabloid SPORT links you to Marquez. Not wholly impossible to sign him, relative to the other big names of our squad that are being linked with a move away.

Other defenders you're apparently after include Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Luisao (Benfica), Pepe (Porto), and Barzagli (Palermo).

Merte wont move , not yet.

kas wrote:Barcelona tabloid SPORT links you to Marquez. Not wholly impossible to sign him, relative to the other big names of our squad that are being linked with a move away.

Other defenders you're apparently after include Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Luisao (Benfica), Pepe (Porto), and Barzagli (Palermo).

Kas...how do you rate Marquez as a player? You think he will fit Juve's style of play considering he moved to Juve

^ When I've seen him play, he looks absolutely crap.

TarunDang wrote:

Waftradamus wrote:Pescara on Sat, easy 3pts.

should be.
Hope DD starts Palladino

Not recovered fully, Zalayeta will start. Camo rested.

TarunDang wrote:

kas wrote:Barcelona tabloid SPORT links you to Marquez. Not wholly impossible to sign him, relative to the other big names of our squad that are being linked with a move away.

Other defenders you're apparently after include Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Luisao (Benfica), Pepe (Porto), and Barzagli (Palermo).

Kas...how do you rate Marquez as a player? You think he will fit Juve's style of play considering he moved to Juve

Marquez came to us as an average defender, he was more comfortable as the defensive midfielder because he does have excellent ball distribution. But last season as Puyol's partner in the heart of defense he was immense, and really did a great job, showing a tough-tackling side to his game that I didn't know he had. He matured a lot.

But this year, through a combination of fatigue due to the world cup, our long season last year, and the bad pre-season tour, and also thinking too much of himself (IMO he is the one in our squad most affected by all the success of the last 2 seasons), he has been totally shit, making lots of elementary mistakes and looking very nervous all the time.

Though I don't know if he's a powerful enough defender to play well in Serie A, I certainly think he could do a good enough job in Italy. I don't think he'd be the best defender in the league, but he wouldn't be the worse either, if you get what I mean.

1-0 Birindelli

F/T.

Another 3pts, Napoli slip-up again. Job done.