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Agent Of Chiellini Claims Man. Utd Have Not Made An Approach Agent unaware of United interest... Jun 15, 2010 Manchester United have not made an approach for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to his agent Davide Lippi in reaction to press reports. Both La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and The Sun claimed United were pondering a move for the Italian international should Nemanja Vidic leave the club. But Lippi has said the Premier League side have not made contact for his client. He claims the stopper is in line for a new deal. "I have never heard from Manchester [united] and I don't know anything," he told Tuttomercatoweb.com. "I am waiting for a call from Juventus in relation to an extension, but no one has contacted us."

Manchester United Eye Giorgio Chiellini Red Devils ready to move for Chiellini if Vidic leaves, according to reports... Jun 15, 2010 Manchester United are weighing up the idea of moving for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to Tuttosport. Nemanja Vidic's possible departure - he is being linked with Manchester City and Real Madrid - could prompt Sir Alex Ferguson into looking at the Italian international. Despite his stature with Juventus as one of the club's leading defenders, no one in Turin is guaranteed a stay. A

Gianluigi Buffon - I Will Never Go To Inter The 32-year-old custodian has laughed off Inter suggestions... Jun 10, 2010 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has declared he has no interest in ever linking up with Inter. The Azzurri No.1 has been linked with football away from the Stadio Olimpico after nine years of service with the Old Lady. Milan and Manchester City have both been reported as possible suitors, but Inter are understood to be on the lookout for a keeper to challenge Julio Cesar for a starting role. And while Buffon did not mention the first two clubs, or even his future at Juventus, he was very firm in his assessment of the Serie A champions to Tuttosport: "One thing I can say with certainty: I will never go to Inter." Buffon, who cost Juventus

Court Told Referees Were Not Under Pressure To Book Players That Risked A Suspension Former linesman claims referees were not under pressure to book players risking suspension to favour one team and hinder another... Jun 8, 2010 The Calciopoli trial at the Tribunal of Naples resumed for the latest hearing on Tuesday and prosecutors Giuseppe Narducci and Stefano Capuano were keen to continue their examination of former referees and linesmen in relation to allegations that draws for referee assignments were rigged. It follows last week's hearing in which referees claimed there was no external pressure from club directors. After a brief statement from Judge Teresa Casoria at the start of the hearing, the trial was adjourned after witnesses called in by defendant and former referee designator Paolo Bergamo failed to show up for various reasons. It left Casoria less than impressed. She told the court: "Can you let Pierluigi Collina know that I expect to see him next time. Everyone knows he must attend." The current designator was absent aftrer being granted special dispensation from the court for legitimate reasons. He will be present next Tuesday. Luciano Moggi's lawyer Maurilio Prioreschi issued a roll call for witnessses he will call into the hearing next week. The list read out in court included a number of former referees, directors and key figures from the Calcio world. FIGC president Giancarlo Abete is among the witnesses. He was expected in court today and next week, but he was and will be absent because of commitments with Italy, who fly out to South Africa for the World Cup tonight. He explained his absence via a statement. "I will not be able to attend because of the World Cup, but I have given my availability after that," he said. Abete also confirmed he will receive an update from the FIGC over proposals to radiate Moggi from football by the end of the month. Meanwhile, the hearing continued and prosecutors questioned former referee's assistant Alessandro Stagnoli over allegations that referees were under pressure to book players who risked suspensions. Stagnoli, who is Collina's assistant designator at the national referees committee, told the court: "Bookings that were aimed? We never knew those who were on the verge of being suspended. "We had never discussed anything like this. We were not interested in these things." Stagnoli was then asked of his relationship with Moggi. "I only had contacts with Moggi when refereeing his teams. The relationship was a cordial one," he said as the defence tried to dismantle allegations of an exclusive relationship with the former Juventus chief. The case continues.

Juventus Consider Selling Giorgio Chiellini To Big Bidders Real Madrid & Manchester City Chiellini wants more money, but club consider selling for quick income... Jun 3, 2010 Juventus are ready to sell Giorgio Chiellini to Real Madrid or Manchester City, who are racing head to head for the Italian stopper. Tuttosport reports Chiellini is less than pleased at earning

Former Referees Tell Court There Was "No Pressure" To Favour Teams Referees claim they were never under pressure to favour teams during Calciopoli... Jun 1, 2010 The latest hearing into Calciopoli took place at the tribunal of Naples on Tuesday and the main protagonists were former referees and referee draw co-ordinators. They were questioned by both the prosecuting team of Stefano Capuano and Giuseppe Narducci, and the defence team of former referee designator Pierluigi Pairetto. Of all the former referees, linesmen and other witnesses called to the dock, none of them told the court about receiving any pressure to favour certain teams. First up was former referee Stefano Farina. He told the court that he never received pressure from the referee designators. "There was never any pressure on referees to favour teams including Juventus or other sides. "As for referee draws that were allegedly tricked? No." Antonio Loli, who at the time was the notary that used to oversee the draws for referees, said he never had any suspicion on rigged draws. He argued that draws were conducted fairly and accurately as he was examined by the prosecution. "Everything that was related to these draws was written in the rulebook that has been obtained by the court. No one could see the contents of the draw balls. I never had any suspicion of irregularities," the notary said. Current referee designator Pierluigi Collina was expected to give evidence at the hearing, but he was absent, the court citing family reasons for his non-attendance. However, he is expected on June 8 when the trial resumes. There will be three further hearings on June 15, 18 and 22 before the summer break. The next round of hearings after that date will take place in October. Judge Teresa Casoria summed up the hearing, but before she adjourned the session former referee Massimo De Santis produced a handbook from the FIGC in 2004 which showed guidlines on how club directors should interact with referees inside dressing rooms. The prosecution tried to object to De Santis from showing the court the document, but Judge Casoria allowed him to. The court heard how directors were allowed to visit referees in the changing rooms before and after games, but the men in black were not allowed to accept gifts of excessive value. De Santis told the court: "If this was available during the original trial then we would have known things that we are only discovering now. "People say Moggi used to visit referees in dressing rooms, but everyone knew what could and couldn't be done." The handbook was deposited as part of the hearing's evidence. The case continues.

Gianluigi Buffon Criticises Jabulani Ball The latest to vent regarding the sphere is the Azzurri number one... Jun 1, 2010 Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has joined the chorus of players who have criticised the official World Cup 2010 ball, the Jabulani, saying it is unpredictable. Brazil shot-stopper Julio Cesar has already taken a swipe at the ball's design over the course of the last week, as has Buffon's Italy team-mate Giampaolo Pazzini. "The World Cup brings together the best players on the planet, these champions must be given something decent," he was quoted as saying by Ansa at the Sestriere training camp. "The new ball is not decent, not just for goalkeepers but for everyone. Its trajectory is unpredictable." Buffon is assured a spot in Italy's 23-man World Cup squad, expected to be announced later on Tuesday. The Azzurri's first match of the tournament is against Paraguay on June 14.

I Am Here Because Of Calciopoli - Claudio Marchisio Marchisio says Calciopoli had its positives too... Jun 1, 2010 Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio has said Calciopoli has been the springboard that allowed him to leap to new heights with la Nazionale and Juventus. He believes the penalties inflicted by the sports trial in 2006 allowed him the space to come through and develop at Juventus - leading to a rapid promotion on all levels. "I thank Calciopoli because if it didn't happen then I would have arrived here much later," he told the press at Sestriere. "With Deschamps I used to play often in the youth team, but then I found space in the first team. "Everyone always gets their chance, and I certainly took mine. For all young players Calciopoli was an opportunity, not just at Juventus, but Roma and Milan also trusted in youth."

Official: Director Roberto Bettega Leaves Juventus The Bianconeri official's latest stint with the club was only for a few months... May 31, 2010 Juventus have annoucned the departure of director Roberto Bettega, through a note on their official website juventus.com. Bettega played for the club from 1969 to 1983, making over 300 appearances and then later became the club's vice-president. Midway through the disappointing 2009-10 season he returned to the club as vice-chairman in order to help steady the ship, but the club and Bettega have now decided to part ways as management and new coach Luigi Del Neri look to rebuild ahead of next season. "Juventus and Roberto Bettega communicate the successful termination of their collaboration," began the statement. "Juventus thank Roberto Bettega for working with the club at a particularly complex time. Bettega salutes the white and black jersey and it's fans, he has dedicated a long and memorable part of his life to the club with passion and love in exciting times and also the most difficult ones."

Luciano Moggi Lauds New Juventus Leadership The former chief likes the new Juventus rulers... May 28, 2010 Luciano Moggi has given his seal of approval to the new Juventus leadership, hailing president Andrea Agnelli, general director Giuseppe Marotta and coach Luigi Del Neri. Moggi feels previous top level management prohibited the club from making progress following their return to the top flight three years ago. And he is confident the introduction of Agnelli and company mark the start of an important legacy. "Finally we see a competent man at the helm of Juventus. Agnelli is one who understands football having followed his father, who was president of Juventus," Moggi told Nuovo Spazio Radio. "It's a good thing because the club has appointed people who understand football." Moggi expects to see a return to the good times as he explains what the club can expect under Del Neri. "He is a good coach, not a phenomenon, but surely he is a good coach. As for Marotta, he understands football. "They are intelligent people and they will do well at Juventus."

Juventus Want Me To Stay, And I Will - Gianluigi Buffon Goalkeeper and agent insist there will be no move away from Juve... May 27, 2010 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said he wants to remain at the club and he is looking forward to a brighter campaign next term. He has recently been linked with Milan, with reports claiming he would be used as a bargaining tool for a move for Marco Borriello. But the Italian international has made it clear his will is to continue playing in Turin. "As everyone knows, I have a linear situation with Juventus seeing that both myself and them want to continue working together," he is quoted as saying on Stadionews.it. "I have affection from the fans and club and this is very important to me. It's a value that cannot be obscured, and thus it means a lot for this new adventure." Buffon's agent Silvano Martina backed his client's stance, denying reports of any move. "There are no doubts that Gigi will remain at Juventus. There has been plenty of transfer talk over the last few weeks, but that's all it has been," the agent told Radio Milan Inter.

Giorgio Chiellini Deserves A Big Money Deal At Juventus Or He Could Leave - Agent Chiellini wants improved deal, says agent... May 26, 2010 Giorgio Chiellini wants a big money deal at Juventus, or he could renounce his commitment there and join another club, warns his agent Davide Lippi. The Italian international was linked with Real Madrid on Tuesday as reports claimed Jose Mourinho wants him in Spain. And Lippi has told Juventus to offer his client real wages or face the prospect of losing him to the Spanish giants. "It's normal big clubs want him given his performances. He's not forced to stay at Juventus. They have to show they want him to remain. He deserves a big player contract," the agent told Corriere dello Sport. Reports suggest new general director Giuseppe Marotta is already working on ways to keep top performing players like Chiellini happy ahead of next season.

Roberto Mancini Gives Evidence In Court, Luciano Moggi Challenges 'Defrauded' Claims & Another Inter Call Emerges Goal.com rounds up the biggest Calciopoli stories of the day... May 26, 2010 The Calciopoli trial at the Tribunal of Naples resumed on Tuesday and the prosecution attorneys Stefano Capuano and Giuseppe Narducci were keen to question former Inter coach Roberto Mancini. The hearing started with Judge Teresa Casoria calling Mancini to the witness dock and Capuano started his examination. He was keen to hear Mancini's evidence in relation to whether Moggi had a system which he used to influenced referee designators and referees. The court heard how four years ago Mancini alleged Moggi had some sort of influence, but he appeared to give a different version when asked by Capuano to explain what he told investigators in 2006 during the original trial. Mancini told the court: "At the end of a Roma-Inter game, which ended 3-3, I told the referee [Roberto] Rosetti that him and his friends in Turin would have paid everything? I referred to Moggi, the referee is from Turin and therefore the link was easy." "But I didn't really want to say anything in particular. When you feel like you have been wronged after the game you say certain things in the heat of the moment. "I remember the game, but not any moments that were contested. Neither do I remember shouting 'disgrace' to the referee during an Inter-Lazio clash, but I did have regular problems with referees. "I saw Moggi near the benches only during extra-time in a Italian Super Cup match in Turin." Moggi was not present in court as Mancini continued to be questioned. His session was brief though, speaking to the prosecution team for just 20 minutes. Once Mancini left room 216 of the Tribunal of Naples, Moggi turned up. And he was keen to respond to Carlo Ancelotti's statements from a fortnight ago when the current Chelsea and former Milan boss claimed he and the Rossoneri felt 'defrauded' during the 2004-05 campaign. That season Ancelotti's men lost to Juventus on the final day - a result which handed the Old Lady the title, only for it to be revoked following the 2006 Calciopoli trial. Moggi attacked Ancelotti's words, claiming that referees who were allegedly involved with him made errors in favour of Milan. He argued that he and Juventus felt defrauded. "The man responsible for referees at Milan, Leonardo Meani, is part of the club's structure. In the games against Parma, Reggina and Atalanta, refereed by Pieri, Racalbuto and Bertini, replays show they had made errors which had favoured Milan," Moggi told the court. "If, like alleged, these referees were part of the so-called dome, then their decisions would have been different. Listening to these things, those who were defrauded were us." The trial was adjourned and will resume on June 1. The case continues. Meanwhile, another phone call regarding Inter has emerged and it was published in Tuttosport. In it, former referee Paolo Bertini speaks with former referee designator Paolo Bergamo in which he alleges former Inter president Giacinto Facchetti put pressure on him before a game inside the referee's dressing room. The game was a Coppa Italia semi-final first leg between Inter and Cagliari on May 12, 2005. It ended 1-1. Here is an extract from the call: BERGAMO: Those from Inter protested a little... when? BERTINI: Eh, I didn't notice. But at the beginning of the game Facchetti came into the dressing room to say hello like always. He said: 'This is game 13 you know. For now we have won four, drawn four and lost four. This is not good for Inter.' Therefore we prepared the game in a certain way. BERGAMO: Mm, mm. BERTINI: It was not nice, he was not nice. BERGAMO: You have to speak to him... be more tranquil on the pitch. I had already spoken to him about this before. He [Facchetti] doesn't understand anything.

Gianluigi Buffon Is Happy At Juventus - Agent Agent denies exit talk... May 26, 2010 Gianluigi Buffon is unlikely to leave Juventus for Milan, according to his agent Silvano Martina, who has denied the latest reports linking him with an exit from Turin. Tuttosport had claimed Buffon would be used as a makeweight in a deal that would see Marco Borriello of Milan join the Bianconeri. However, Martina has made it clear the Italian international has no intention of leaving the club he joined in 2001. "Gigi to Milan? Yes, he has already bought a house there," joked the agent as he told Tuttomercatoweb.com his client was not leaving. "He is being linked with a number of teams at the moment, but he is under contract with Juventus. And he is happy there."

Juventus Set To Offer Milan Gianluigi Buffon In Return For Marco Borriello Juventus want Borriello from Milan, according to Italian reports... May 26, 2010 Milan and Juventus are considering a deal which would see Gianluigi Buffon swap places with Marco Borriello, reports Tuttosport. The Italian striker is Luigi Del Neri's first objective for the summer transfer market, and he could use Buffon as bait to land him. Milan are chasing a goalkeeper and, like Juventus, they have been linked with Cagliari's Federico Marchetti. However, Juventus will offer Buffon and David Trezeguet in exchange for Borriello. They will then launch a bid for Marchetti to replace Buffon. If Milan take part in any eventual deal, they will look to replace Borriello with either Edin Dzeko or Zlatan Ibrahimovic. But Ibra's agent Mino Raiola firmly denied his client was leaving Barcelona for Milan on Tuesday. He said an exit was highly unlikely because Barcelona "have no intention to sell". On Monday, Buffon suggested he would be staying at Juventus.

Juventus And AC Milan Chasing Cagliari Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti The impressive shot stopper may move to one of the Serie A giants... May 25, 2010 Juventus and Milan are battling for the signature of Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, according to tuttomercatoweb. Milan's goalkeeping problems have been quite evident in the last few seasons, with Dida, who has now left the club, and the injury-prone Christian Abbiati failing to produce on a consistent basis. Marchetti could be their answer, as Marco Storari seems likely to remain with Sampdoria after a successful loan spell in 2009-10. Meanwhile, Juventus consider Marchetti a capable replacement for Buffon should he leave the club. The press have suggested the Bianconeri will buy the 27-year-old this summer - regardless of whether the World Cup winner stays or departs. Should Buffon remain with the Turin-based outfit, Marchetti would be loaned out to another team. Marchetti's currently training with the Italian national team ahead of the World Cup and is expected to be part of coach Marcello Lippi's final 23-man squad.

Giorgio Chiellini's Future Questioned As Jose Mourinho Wants Him At Real Madrid Mourinho wants Chiellini at Madrid as agent questions future in Turin... May 25 2010 Giorgio Chiellini is seeking reassurances from Juventus over his future, says agent Davide Lippi amid reports claiming Real Madrid want him. Chiellini, who is with the Italy squad preparing for the World Cup, has said he wants to remain at the club. His deal runs until 2013, but with wholesale changes across the board and management staff, he has been left hanging. "The intention is to remain, but property is usually agreed in two," Lippi told Calciomercato.it. "If Juventus want him to stay then he will, but they have to prove that." Such talk suggests Chiellini is looking for a new and improved deal. "Negotiations had started with the old directors. But we have not heard anything since. We will see what happens. The new directors have not contacted us," concluded the agent. Minutes after Chiellini's agent spoke, Tuttosport published an article claiming Jose Mourinho wants the Juventus man at Real Madrid once the Special One joins the Spaniards this week. It is said Mourinho has already told Florentino Perez to sanction the move and provide funds so he can table an early bid to Juventus.

Gianluigi Buffon Hints At Juventus Stay

Giorgio Chiellini Ready To Live Italy Dream Chiellini believes Italy can triumph... May 24, 2010 Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini believes the pursuit for the World Cup can end in glory this summer as he rates chances in South Africa. Chiellini was not part of the Azzurri back in 2006, but his hunger to win is clear from the outset. Asked whether Italy can win the trophy he told Sky Sport 24: "Yes. There have to be thousands of factors though. When a team wins it's because many things fall into place." Chiellini says team cohesion and motivation within the group is essential to maintain a challenge. "It's also important to have the right spirit. It's a dream and an adventure that I aim to live 100 per cent. I think there will be a great enthusiasm too," he added. "All I am thinking about is the World Cup."

Giorgio Chiellini Doubtful Over Future The stopper could be on his way out... May 23, 2010 The future of Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini could be linked away from the Bianconeri as the club are about to embark on a rebuilding phase at the club. According to La Stampa newspaper, the Italian international's agent, Davide Lippi, has begun working, trying to find a suitor for his client. Despite the 25-year-old already locked into a contract with the Turin giants until June 2013, the team's management could be preparing to deprive itself of an "untouchable" player. Manchester City is reportedly ready to offer the Bianconeri

Andrea Agnelli, Giuseppe Marotta & Luigi Del Neri Underline Juventus Direction The new Juventus trio are working for success... May 20, 2010 Juventus coach Luigi Del Neri and Giuseppe Marotta have been told they will have a sizeable transfer budget to weld a solid foundation for a successful squad. The mandate from new president Andrea Agnelli is to build upwards, reach out, and bring trophies back to Turin. "This is the start of the new season. We know we have plenty of work ahead of us. Marotta joins the club, a director of excellence. And, we have Del Neri, the right coach with great experience and the capacity to bring Juventus back to competitive levels," Agnelli told the press. "Marotta knows he has the resources to build a great Juventus. We won't discuss what, but they do have the resources to make this club a great one." Agnelli's big promises were met with commendation by Del Neri who has pledged maximum effort to fall in line with the club's new-found direction. "I will give this team the right appearance and we have the will and energy to give great contribution, hard work and preofessionalism," said the coach. "We will create a team that gives satisfaction to the fans. I think the club has built a good Juventus and we will try to obtain a winning Juventus. Not, just on the pitch, but in other situations." Marotta has a proven track record of attracting great players over the years on his travels. And, he has clear ideas. "I am very proud to have arrived at one of the best clubs in the world," said the general director. "I will do my best to be at the top. There is lots to do, and Juventus have to rise back to the levels of their great history. "The stronger the club, the stronger the team that plays on the pitch."

New Juventus President Andrea Agnelli Promises Success Agnelli is looking forward to rising up with Juventus... May 19, 2010 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli is ready to amalgamate experience and hard work to fuse a winning formula at the club after the board of directors ratified his appointment as leader. "The duty I have taken on board is testimony to the cohesion of our family, and the effort of this club," he told Juventus' official website. Agnelli thus takes over from Jean-Claude Blanc. But, contrary to speculative reports, the Frenchman will stay on to help place the building blocks. "The work we will carry out is very demanding. And for this, Jean-Claude Blanc, in harmony with the board, are already planning the future strategies for next season," added Agnelli. The appointments of ex-Sampdoria pair Giuseppe Marotta, as sporting director, and Luigi Del Neri, as first tewm coach, are expected to be announced later.

New Juventus President Andrea Agnelli Sacks Jean Claude Blanc & Alessio Secco The much-maligned duo look like they are on their way out… May 16, 2010 New Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has wasted no time in stamping his authority on the club by sacking predecessor Jean Claude Blanc and sporting director Alessio Secco, according to Tuttosport. Agnelli, who was announced as Blanc’s successor at the end of April and will officially begin his new role in the coming days, wants to remove all high profile figures who have contributed to the disastrous four years since the Calciopoli scandal in 2006. Out go Blanc – who originally was expected to be demoted to a financial role – and transfer chief Secco, who has been panned by critics for signing a string of expensive flops. Roberto Bettega and chief scout Renzo Castagnini are also expected to be shown the door. Blanc will wave goodbye after this summer’s tour of America. Next week Sampdoria coach Luigi Del Neri and CEO Giuseppe Marotta are expected to join Agnelli’s new Juventus. The Bianconeri lost their final game of the season 3-0 at Milan last night and finish a miserable season in seventh place in Serie A.

OFFICIAL: John Elkann Unveils Andrea Agnelli As New Juventus President Agnelli is the new president, and he will have a press conference at Vinovo this afternoon... Apr 29, 2010 John Elkann has officially unveiled Andrea Agnelli as the new Juventus president at the Exor general assembly in Turin. Elkann had given an indication of what to expect at the meeting in an interview he gave to La Stampa newspaper. And he has now welcomed Agnelli, who will work alongside Jean-Claude Blanc as the club's new president. "Seeing the situation of the last few months, I am pleased Andrea accepted. Knowing he will take the reigns is a big encouragement for me and a sign that Juventus will have a strong future," he told shareholders at the assembly, as reported by Tuttosport. "Andrea has gained experience in sport over the years and I am sure that he, Blanc and others will work to strengthen all elements of the team. I wish them good luck. "There are no doubts in the value of Juventus. Many things, such as the new stadium, have strengthened the club." Juventus have also confirmed the news on their official website with an article from Elkann explaining the changes.