David Trezeguet Glad To Have Stayed At Juventus

Juventus attacker David Trezeguet believes he made the right choice in remaining at the club, despite having attracted interest from various other important sides.
Now he is fully concentrated on helping the team reach the top again and reclaiming the league title.

"I'm happy that I have stayed," admitted the Frenchman to Sky. "Here we have found back the enthusiasm like during [Fabio] Capello's days.
Trezegol was also pursued by Milan this summer, but his heart would not allow him to join the Old Lady's rivals.
"I could not leave Juventus, who gave me so much in ten years," he continued. "I will try to award them more trophies to reach the world class players like [Alessandro] Del Piero and the others.
"The new players have brought a lot of enthusiasm and we shall do well. I've known the coach [Ciro Ferrara] for a long time, since he was a player.
"He told me few but clear words and in front of my team-mates he made me understand what I gave and what I can still give to this team. I'm happy that I have stayed, now we look forward and I hope to give my contribution."

The 31-year-old player has been at Juventus since 2000, making a total of 226 league appearances and scoring 131 goals in the process.

Source:Goal.com

Juventus' Ciro Ferrara Reveals Truth About Cristiano Zanetti's Departure To Fiorentina

Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara admitted that he was surprised by Cristiano Zanetti's decision to join Fiorentina earlier this week.
Ferrara believed that Zanetti could be an important squad member for the Bianconeri, even if he was not considered a first team player.
"When I was offered the job by the club as a coach, I was told he was a player I could count on," declared the former defender to sportmediaset.it.
"During the pre-season he worked hard and I was very happy with his work. Last week Zanetti came to speak to me and asked me how the situation in midfield was.
"I replied that with the arrival of Felipe Melo, the competition increased, but that there would be space for everyone. He seemed satisfied with our dialogue, but then he went to speak to Alessio Secco.
"Afterwards, the situation changed, and during the match against Villarreal, Zanetti told me not to take him into consideration.
"Evidently, a club came and made him an offer he liked. I say all this because it's fair that everyone takes responsibility for what he said and for what he did."

Zanetti spent three seasons with the Old Lady, playing a total of 63 league games and scoring four goals for the club.
Source: Goal.com

Juventus Interested In Atletico Madrid Pair Sergio Aguero & Maxi Rodriguez

According to Spanish daily newspaper Marca, Juventus are interested in Atletico Madrid duo Sergio Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez.
The Bianconeri are reportedly testing the waters to determine how much both players would cost and if it would be possible to bring them to Turin.
Aguero has been linked with a number of high-profile moves this summer, with Manchester United, Inter and Chelsea among his suitors.
Earlier in the summer, the Bianconeri unsuccessfully tried to lure Giuseppe Rossi away from Villarreal and would likely have similar difficulties in trying to obtain the signature of Aguero, who is considered one of the top young strikers in world football.

Maxi Rodriguez may be a more realistic target. The 28-year-old joined Atletico in 2005 for €7 million. Both players featured yesterday in Argentina's 3-2 win over Russia in Moscow.

Buffon: Azzurri await Amauri

Gianluigi Buffon is already welcoming Juventus teammate Amauri into the Nazionale. “He will bring immense enthusiasm.”The Brazilian has not yet completed his paperwork to achieve Italian citizenship, but should be eligible from next month.

“I am certain of one thing: Amauri will come to the Azzurri and bring immense enthusiasm and I am sure he’ll do all he can for the team,” said Buffon.“However, we must not forget those who have done and can still do a lot more for the Nazionale. I’m thinking of people like [Alberto] Gilardino and [Luca] Toni, especially Luca who was not called for yesterday’s game against Switzerland.”

The 0-0 draw in Basel saw Claudio Marchisio and Domenico Criscito made their debuts, but Coach Marcello Lippi has hinted he will call Amauri when he becomes eligible.

“Many of us have been putting the pressure on him, not just the players but also the media. I am not absolutely certain Amauri will play for Italy, but the important thing is that he is sure. This is not a decision to be made lightly.”

Buffon also turned his attention to the new boys in the Azzurri squad, as the renewal process begins after the Confederations Cup debacle.

“In the first half-hour I saw a good Italy performance with many scoring opportunities that we were unable to convert,” continued the goalkeeper.“We played with a different spirit and there were some changes to recent games. Criscito, Marchisio and also Angelo Palombo showed they are ready and mature. If they continue like this, they can make their mark for Italy.”There has been debate over Italy’s chances of winning back-to-back World Cups, but Buffon has a different take on the issue.“I think our chances are very slim, but no worse than our odds before lifting the trophy in 2006.”

Angelo Peruzzi ; Juventus' Midfielders Are As Good As Barcelona's

Angelo Peruzzi, the ex-Juventus and Lazio 'keeper, has opined on the season ahead and believes that the Old Lady will be a real force to be reckoned with.
"[Juventus have] a strong, compact and well-matched squad. Above all, the midfield is particularly impressive for solidity, quality and the number of options. I don't think it is inferior even to the great Barcelona," Peruzzi told Tuttosport.
Peruzzi played with current coach Ciro Ferrara during their time at Juventus in the 1990s, and believes that the former centre-back is well suited to management.
"I think he is keeping a low profile, which is ideal for a coach. He knows his football and has clear ideas. He doesn't lack anything that will stop him from winning again.
"I know the philosophy of the club and of Ferrara. Juventus will always go out to win. Obviously the Champions League will be more difficult [to win than the scudetto]."
While Peruzzi believes that club icon Alessandro Del Piero will maintain his high standards, the 39-year-old believes Claudio Marchisio and Paolo De Ceglie will also make big impressions in the coming campaign.
"[Del Piero] is extraordinary. He isn't young any more, but he continues to be decisive. What's more, he keeps on scoring!
"Marchisio and De Ceglie - they will be revelations," he concluded.

Juve consider full-back trio

If Juventus release Zdenek Grygera, they could bring in a new full-back – Rafinha, Lorenzo De Silvestri or Francois Clerc.
Grygera has been offered a move to Fenerbhaçe, which would add another £4m to the club coffers after Cristiano Zanetti’s £1m sale to Fiorentina.The Bianconeri would use that cash to sign a new attacking full-back and Tuttosport has whittled it down to three candidates.Rafinha is the favourite and would be available from Schalke 04 for around £6.5m, as there is the threat he could invoke FIFA’s Article 17.

Juve have pledged never to use this law, which frees players for a set fee if they have been at a club for longer than five years, but the risk of other sides taking that action could work in their favour.Closer to home, Lazio rebel De Silvestri is an Under-21 international with just one year left to run on his contract.He has repeatedly demanded a move and has been frozen out of the Biancocelesti squad, though Milan are also interested in the youngster.The final alternative is Olympique Lyonnais defender Clerc, who also has just one year remaining on his deal.At the moment Clerc continues to be a starter in the Lyon squad, but could well be released if the offer reached £4m.

Source:football-italia.net

Cannavaro enjoys caps record

Fabio Cannavaro celebrates setting Italy’s new all-time caps record. “It is always an honour every single time to wear this jersey.”

His Azzurri career began on January 22 1997 and last night’s 0-0 draw with Switzerland was written into the history books with his 127th cap – one more than Paolo Maldini.“This is naturally a great honour for me to overtake a legend like Maldini. Now the games in my record are really quite a lot.“To wear the Azzurri jersey is the dream of every child, especially now it has four stars on it,” said the captain, referring to the number of World Cups won.“I never thought of setting records, as at the end of the day they are set to be broken. The truth is it is always an honour every single time to wear this jersey and represent Italy.

“Let us not forget these 127 caps included a victorious World Cup Final, that’s what really matters.”

Italy have stuttered since that triumph in Berlin, especially in the Confederations Cup last month, and Cannavaro has a feeling he knows why.“We know that in our careers we have done so much, but perhaps we felt that World Cup title too much and underestimated a few opponents.“The crucial thing tonight was to rediscover our motivation and team spirit. We proved the Conf Cup was just a blip and we will see a different Italy in the next few games.”Marcello Lippi changed his tactics to the ‘safer’ 4-4-2 for the goalless friendly in Basel.“We can cover the spaces better, Giuseppe [Rossi] is a trequartista who plays between the lines, so we are under less pressure. When not 100 per cent fit, the 4-4-2 is the system that protects you more.”Cannavaro remains hopeful for the future of this Italy squad, even though he’ll retire after the 2010 World Cup.“First of all we have to qualify. In all honesty, I don’t see teams around who can beat us if we are 100 per cent fit, so we have every chance of winning the trophy again.“We cannot wait for the young players, as there is only a year to the World Cup. If they are here, then it’s because they have already accumulated experience, for example [Claudio] Marchisio has played in the Champions League.”

Marchisio's 'almost perfect' debut

Claudio Marchisio could not help but be disappointed in his debut, as he came so close to making it “perfect” with a goal.The Juventus midfielder earned his first senior Italy cap during last night’s 0-0 friendly with Switzerland and had a great chance to open the scoring.

“To debut with a goal would’ve been perfect. In any case, I am already happy to make my first appearance in the Italy jersey and wish I could’ve helped give us a win,” said Marchisio.

“Tonight the squad created many chances, even if the goal did not arrive. “It is wonderful to be here with so many champions and I hope to have other opportunities. It is an honour to know the Coach has faith in me.”