Claudio Marchisio

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Manchester United to use Nani
to tempt Juventus to sell Claudio Marchisio?

Jan 9, 2014

Manchester United are reportedly planning to offer winger Nani to Juventus in a bid to sign Claudio Marchisio.

AMAZONIAN

The North-West outfit are desperate to strengthen their midfield following their failure to land big-name targets in the summer window.

Despite Nani recently signing a new contract, it is understood that United will offer Juve the Portugal international as a makeweight for a possible deal involving Marchisio, according to Forza Italian Football.

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Nani is said to have been a long-standing target for the Serie A side.

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Moyes at Cagliari-Juventus to scout Marchisio & Astori

The Manchester United boss will be disappointed to see the Italy midfielder
named on the substitutes' bench, while Fiorentina have confirmed their interest in Anderson.

Jan 12, 2014

By Paul Clennam

David Moyes is at the Sant'Elia Stadium in Cagliari to keep an eye on Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio, Goal understands.

The Manchester United manager is also on the island of Sardinia to monitor Davide Astori, Cagliari's 27-year-old centre-back, but it is Marchisio who is the key target.

AMAZONIAN

THE VIEW FROM ITALY

Sergio Chesi | Goal Italy

It’s not the best moment for Claudio Marchisio at Juventus. Paul Pogba’s growth has relegated him to a replacement role, especially after an injury kept him out of action for several weeks at the beginning of the season.

It’s hard to see Juventus selling him in January, though it could be different if a very good offer arrives at the end of the season.

Juve still need to make some cash to improve their squad every season and they could do with Marchisio the same thing they did with Giaccherini and Matri last summer.

AMAZONIAN

However, Moyes will have been disappointed to learn that the Juve midfielder was named on the substitutes' bench for the match, just as he had been for the Bianconeri's 3-0 win over Roma a week ago.

In fact, Marchisio has started just 10 of Juve's 18 matches this season due to the emergence of former United midfielder Paul Pogba.

AMAZONIAN

Moyes' trip to Italy comes as United step up their winter recruitment programme, according to various reports over the weekend. A newspaper report on Sunday afternoon has claimed that first-team coach Phil Neville is in Spain to cast his eye over Rayo Vallecano's 19-year-old defender Saul Niguez, on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Goal has also learned that Moyes has been given £150 million to spend in January and over the summer, and will overhaul his squad by allowing a number of players to leave Old Trafford.

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Marchisio: Bench is tough to take

Jan 15, 2014

Claudio Marchisio has admitted that being a substitute is tough to take, but claims that he wants to keep making a contribution.

AMAZONIAN

The midfielder has found himself on the bench for the last two League games, but with reports linking him with a move to Manchester United, the 27-year-old has insisted that he wants to keep playing his part for the Bianconeri.

“It’s normal that my goals increase my estimation [for playing time], however, as I have always said my desire is to be here and be available,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“My teammates know that I am ready to contribute in training and in matches.

AMAZONIAN

“The bench is never easy to accept, but everyone wants to make a contribution.

“Now we must continue to think about the championship, the long road in the second half of the season awaits us.

“If we continue like this, with this will to win, we can claim the Scudetto.”

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Benched or not, I want to help Juve - Marchisio @@

The midfielder is impressed with how the whole team have dug in to win
back-to-back Serie A titles and says hard work will secure a third Scudetto .

Jan 16, 2014

Claudio Marchisio has stressed he wants to help Juventus to a third straight Scudetto, regardless of whether he is in the first team or not.

AMAZONIAN

The 27-year-old Bianconeri midfielder is a reported transfer target for Manchester United, with manager David Moyes having watched him score in Juve's 4-1 victory away to Cagliari on Sunday.

However, the Italy international has reiterated his desire to help his current club to the Serie A title and insists he is not fretting about being benched for the champions from time-to-time.

"After winning the Scudetto two years in a row it's never easy," Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia. "This group have always given their all - even those who aren't necessarily regular starters - and the results are clear to see.

AMAZONIAN

"My goal against Cagliari was an important one, not because some have been saying I'm unhappy on the bench and the like, but rather because we were in a bit of difficultly in that first half.

"Like I've always said, whether I'm on the bench or not I'll always have a great desire to help out the team and the manager, not just in the games but also in training, so I'm completely calm about it.”

Juve's victory over Cagliari gave them a half-season total of 52 points, but Marchisio remains focused on winning the league and not reaching a triple-figure points tally.

AMAZONIAN

"One hundred points is something to aim for, but our main objective is the Scudetto, regardless of the number of points we pick up," he continued. "If we manage the third league title in a row then I think we can talk about the best Juve ever.

"We need to concentrate on what we're doing - on our path and the games we've got coming up - as opposed to the first year, when we were in pursuit of Milan for almost the whole of the second half of the season.

"If we keep working as hard as we are and maintain our desire to win, we can definitely achieve our Scudetto objective."

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Marchisio targets Juventus stay amid Manchester United links

The midfielder has dismissed suggestions that he could be on his way out
of the Bianconeri and is eagerly anticipating the Coppa Italia game against Roma.

Jan 21, 2014

Claudio Marchisio says he has no intention of leaving Juventus this winter amid interest from Manchester United, insisting that he intends to honour his contract with the Serie A champions.

AMAZONIAN

United manager David Moyes travelled to Italy earlier this month to see the 28-year-old in action in Juventus' Serie A win over Cagliari, and the expected arrival of Fredy Guarin from Inter has further fuelled speculation about Marchisio's future.

However, the midfielder has stressed that he will not get distracted by the rumours as he sees his long-term future in Turin.

"Every transfer window things get talked about, but I'm happy about it as I have a long contract at Juventus and I intend to honour it," Marchisio told Rai Sport.

AMAZONIAN

The Italy international then looked ahead to Juventus' Coppa Italia quarter-final clash against Roma and believes his side will need to be at the top of their game to progress.

"Our 12 wins in a row show that this Juventus team are having an excellent season, but Roma have the same number of points that we had this time last season and have also hit a good rhythm," he continued.

"It will be a great game. Roma are a great team with quality players and, even beyond Francesco Totti, they have players you need to keep an eye on.

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"We really want the Coppa Italia trophy that we have been missing during two years of victories."

Juve have not won the domestic cup since 1995.

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Marchisio considering future?

Feb 7, 2014

The Corriere dello Sport suggest Claudio Marchisio is considering his future at Juventus beyond this summer.

AMAZONIAN

The midfielder has fallen down the pecking order under Antonio Conte in recent months, whilst reports have continually linked him with interest from Manchester United in particular.

Today the Corriere dello Sport suggest that a combination of the two has the Italy international considering his future in Turin, and the prospect of a possible move elsewhere come June.

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Vidal: 'Marchisio does it all'

Mar 1, 2014

Arturo Vidal praised Juventus teammate Claudio Marchisio and said he could “do anything in midfield.”

AMAZONIAN

The Chilean is suspended for Sunday night’s showdown with Milan, so Marchisio is set to take his place after filling in for Andrea Pirlo against Trabzonspor.

“Marchisio is proving he can move very well as a deep-lying playmaker,” Vidal told Tuttosport.

“After all, we already knew Claudio can do anything in midfield. He can be the inside line pushing forward or the man who sets the tempo.”

AMAZONIAN

There are also reports this recent upturn in form and rediscovered versatility will earn Marchisio a new contract.

He had been ready to leave Juve for more playing time with Manchester United interested, but could be awarded a new deal until June 2018.

AMAZONIAN

Vidal is no stranger to transfer gossip either, as Barcelona, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are among those interested.

“I thank anyone who thinks about me, but I am ever more determined to continue my path in this team. I have only one objective: to work day by day and contribute to the success of Juventus.”

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Marchisio: 'Spain are always strong'

Mar 5, 2014

Claudio Marchisio was impressed with Spain, but also by Italy’s debutants after a 1-0 result in Madrid.

AMAZONIAN

“Spain are always strong and even as the years go by they still bring out more talent from their youth academies, like Thiago Alcantara,” the midfielder told Rai Sport.

“Anyone who faces them at the World Cup will need a great performance. We did well against them at Euro 2012 and in the Confederations Cup, but we know it’s tough.

“We always try to counter their possession and be strong on the attack, which at times we did and created some good chances. It’s something we need to do better than we did tonight.”

AMAZONIAN

Cesare Prandelli said the difference in fitness levels between the sides was “almost embarrassing.” How can Marchisio explain such a gap?

“There are periods over the season where teams are in better shape than others. I expected Spain to play this way on home turf. Some said Spain were on the way down after the Confederations Cup, but I really didn’t see that.

“We will work hard over the next few months to be ready for the tournament, even if we won’t see each other much in that time.”

AMAZONIAN

Marchisio also had kind words for debutants Gabriel Paletta and Ciro Immobile.

“Paletta has a strong character and settled in quickly, but then we do all know each other.

“It was a not remotely simple test against a great team and Paletta immediately moved well with the others in defence.

AMAZONIAN

“I also have to praise Immobile for his performance, as he caused the Spanish defence problems.”

Marchisio was asked about the recent controversy between Juventus and Prandelli over the decision to call Giorgio Chiellini when not 100 per cent fit.

“When we wear this jersey we think only about Italy. We have so little time to prepare for the World Cup, so we cannot listen to everything that goes on outside.”

[Socrates 8406]

The new Marchisio

Il Principino’s versatility has made him stand-in regista at Juventus,
where he is proving to be a worthy protégé on the eve of Fiorentina, says Jeremy Lim.

Mar 8, 2014

The silly booking picked up by Andrea Pirlo against Milan means he misses the first tie of Juventus’ triple header with Fiorentina this weekend. Ordinarily, the prospect of facing such a redoubtable opponent as Vincenzo Montella’s men without their midfield maestro would leave the Bianconeri faithful quaking. Not this time, however - this time, they have Claudio Marchisio. Specifically, Marchisio in his newest guise as Pirlo’s understudy and closet regista.

AMAZONIAN

Serving as stand-in normally fell to Paul Pogba. The French sensation’s wide array of skills and ability to change a game established him as a mainstay in 2013. Wowing the club and public alike with his precocious ability, Pogba began making up the engine room alongside Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, displacing Marchisio from the starting XI. Previously unthinkable, the shuffle was testimony of how much the Italian champions had moved on.

It would not be the last Old Lady supporters saw of Il Principino, though. Instead of becoming disenchanted with a lack of playing time, Marchisio evidently spent his time on the periphery upgrading his skill set. The player’s versatility and willingness to improvise ensures he has stayed relevant over the two decades spent representing his boyhood club; first as an attacker, then a midfielder, followed by out to the wing, and again back in the centre.

Now the crowd favourite has been rediscovered slotting in front of the defence. Pirlo’s knee injury in December presented a golden opportunity to force his way back into the reckoning. Coach and former midfielder Antonio Conte went against the grain and thrust the keys to midfield into the hands of the man he has constantly built up in his own image.

AMAZONIAN

Showcasing remarkable intuition and speed of thought versus teams such as Sampdoria and Trabzonspor, pass completion rates of 90% would become the norm for Marchisio in his new role. Demanding proactivity and responsibility never fails to transform the Turin native into a world-beater. “Marchisio is proving he can move very well as a deep-lying playmaker,” teammate Vidal affirmed in glowing tribute. “After all, we already knew Claudio can do anything in midfield. He can be the inside line pushing forward or the man who sets the tempo.”

Pinging precise cross-field passes around may have defined the rejuvenated workhorse's positional exploits, but neither has he shunned the dirty work entailed by the position. Indeed, after seeing him put in robust performances to his usual high standards in important results away at Atalanta and Lazio, it is difficult to comprehend why someone who has seemed so natural for the part was not considered for it before.

Juventus have ordained a candidate to be Pirlo’s heir through their diverse use of Marchisio. Pondering a tangible future for the club product in the regista role, particularly with their current mainstay in the waning days of his career, does not seem so far-fetched anymore. Now dictating play with the best, Marchisio will seek to cement his status as a worthy protégé with another influential display come Sunday’s clash with Fiorentina.

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Marchisio has not held
Manchester United talks, insists agent

The Juventus midfielder is admired by David Moyes but the Italy international's
agent has insisted his client has not held talks with the Premier League champions.

Mar 13, 2014

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has not held talks with Manchester United regarding a possible summer move, according to his father and agent Stefano.

http://markting10.nl/

United boss David Moyes scouted Marchisio in January as he drew up a list of possible midfield targets – having already missed out on the likes of Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas and Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera.

But the Italy international's representative has played down suggestions he has already discussed a move to the Premier League.

"Sometimes I have received phone calls from agents who told me of the interest of clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool," he is quoted as saying by Calciomercato.

http://markting10.nl/

"But no one from these clubs, however, has ever contacted directly us. And in (that) case I would tell them to talk to Juve."

Marchisio's current contract expires two years from now but Stefano has insisted the 28-year-old is in no rush to extend his stay in Italy.

http://markting10.nl/

"I've read that the renewal should be imminent, but Claudio is focused on the season and doesn't think about the contract," he said.

"The current agreement expires in 2016 and there is time for (us to) talk about it."

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Marchisio is not seriously injured
after thigh strain scare

Mar 15, 2014

Juventus had already lost their 1-0 lead to Fiorentina and the minutes were ticking down to a full 90 minutes. Then, just outside of the 18-yard box, Claudio Marchisio grabbed his hamstring. That sound you heard wasn't just the grumpy Juventus fans in the stadium voicing their opinion. No, no. It was that "Oh, no..." moment as Marchisio tried to fend off the pain moments after something didn't feel right in his right leg.

AMAZONIAN

Well, I guess after two days of waiting to see and reading a bunch of rumors as to what is going on with Marchisio's health status, we didn't have to look very far for the official word.

From the man's own Facebook page, he breaks his own medical news, I guess. Marchisio says the following:

Per fortuna l'ecografia è negativa,niente lesioni.

Ora qualche giorno per recuperare,poi si torna in squadra!

AMAZONIAN

An English translation, please?

Luckily the ultrasound is negative, no injuries.

Now a few days to recover, then it's back on the team!

And...exhale.

AMAZONIAN

No, seriously. You can relax now. It's going to be okay.

I'm not normally one to speculate around these parts, but "a few days to revoer" should put Marchisio in line to be available for Juventus' trip to Florence for Leg 2 of their Round of 16 tie against Fiorentina. Based on how he's been playing the past few weeks, that's probably a pretty good development. As Marchisio has gotten back into form, he's been seeing more of the field — which makes sense. And since he's developed into a sound replacement for Andrea Pirlo whenever The Beard needs a break.

Either way, no matter what position in Juventus' midfield he will be playing in the weeks to come, Marchisio's just a few days away from being health again. So we've got that going for us, which is nice.

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Marchisio back in training

Mar 24, 2014

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio today returned to training with the rest of the Old Lady squad, having been out for the last 10 days.

http://markting10.nl/

The 28-year-old may now come into contention for a place in Coach Antonio Conte’s squad to face Parma at Juventus Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Paul Pogba will also return to the fray, having been suspended for yesterday’s win over Catania.

http://markting10.nl/

Fernando Llorente is expected to line up alongside Carlos Tevez in attack, which would mean Danny Osvalso dropping to the bench.

Conte will however have to do without duo Andrea Barzagli and Angelo Ogbonna, who are both currently injured.

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Marchisio: 'Juve miss Champions'

Mar 27, 2014

Claudio Marchisio will go all out to win the Europa League, but admits Juventus “haven’t won the Champions League in far too long.”

http://markting10.nl/

The midfielder came up through the youth ranks and spoke to fans in Tokyo via a video chat.

“Antonio Conte has brought back the winning mentality that had been lacking for a few years. As everyone knows, we work hard and that is down to our Coach.

“It is that work ethic that allowed us to achieve these results over the last three seasons.”

http://markting10.nl/

The Juventus Stadium in Turin has also received a great deal of praise and the Europa League Final will be held there in May.

“As a fan I experienced the Stadio Delle Alpi and as a player the Stadio Olimpico. Above all in the former there wasn’t that same connection between the team and crowd that there is now.

“You could tell right from the first game against Parma how intense that rapport was. The fans really are our 12th man.

http://markting10.nl/

“Can we will the Europa League? It is a competition we care about a great deal and the Final will be in our home stadium, so we hope to win the trophy here in Turin.

“Of course, the dream is the Champions League. This club hasn’t won it in far too long. We’ll try to make up for it next year.”

Juventus last lifted the Champions League in Rome, beating Ajax on May 22 1996.

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Marchisio: 'Juve aren't tired'

Apr 12, 2014

Claudio Marchisio insists Juventus “have plenty of energy left” as they go for the Scudetto-Europa League Double.

The Bianconeri are eight points clear at the top of the Serie A table and will face Benfica in the semi-final.

“Juve have plenty of energy left,” assured the midfielder on Sky Sport Italia.

“I am not just saying that because of all the fitness tests we’ve done recently. You can tell we’re in good shape, especially in recent outings, despite some criticism on our style of football.

“Our team doesn’t run many risks and is clinical, which means over the last year we have matured a great deal.”

Arturo Vidal is likely to be rested against Udinese on Monday evening due to a knee problem.

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Marchisio: Great motivation

Apr 22, 2014

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes his side have all the motivation they need to win the Europa League.

The Old Lady face Benfica in the first leg of their semi-final tie tomorrow and the 28-year-old says confidence is high within the camp.

“Juve haven’t lifted a European trophy in nearly 20 years,” Marchisio told Uefa.com. “Lots of the players in the squad have never won an international trophy.

“We have the chance to do that now. Our motivation can make the difference, but you must never underestimate the team you are facing.

“We are playing against a team who, in recent years, have always done well in their domestic League.

“They certainly have players with quality and experience who can cause us some problems.

“It will be two excellent teams playing against each other and it will be a great spectacle.

“From our point of view, we are confident we can reach our objective – to play in the final in Turin.”

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Marchisio: 'We're nearly there'

Apr 28, 2014

Claudio Marchisio admits Juventus have one hand on the Scudetto after a win at Sassuolo. “We’re nearly there.”

The midfielder scored in tonight’s 3-1 victory, fighting back from an early Simone Zaza strike, and the celebrations at the Mapei Stadium were far more than for a simple win.

“The celebration is because we need two points from three games. It was truly a difficult game for the weather, the turf and Sassuolo who put us under a lot of pressure,” Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia.

Juventus face Roma in two rounds and the gap is eight points with nine available, so one point might not be enough.

If the two teams were to finish level, the title would be decided by their head-to-head record, which is still to be determined.

“This match reflects our season, as we got through with character and determination. We’re nearly there.

“It was an important goal, just as all of them were today. I told Andrea Pirlo on a pitch like this it’s always better to play it first time.”

Juve can secure the title against Atalanta next Monday evening, but on Thursday they host Benfica in the second leg of the Europa League semi-final.

“Now we are close to another objective that we really care about, so have to be focused on that. We already proved in Portugal that we are improving in Europe and we’ll give our all with home advantage.”

Benfica won the first leg 2-1 last Thursday.

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Marchisio: Juventus cycle not over yet

The midfielder is confident the Serie A champions can
continue to dominate domestically for several more years.

May 27, 2014

Claudio Marchisio believes Juventus' dominance of Serie A is by no means nearing its conclusion and has set his sights on winning more silverware in the years to come.

Antonio Conte's men were crowned Italian champions for the third year in succession this season, but teams such as Roma and Napoli are desperate to close the gap with their rivals and end Juve's hegemony.

Nevertheless, Marchisio is confident that the Old Lady can continue to dominate Serie A for the foreseeable future.

"Juventus' cycle is not over. The last game of the season said it all. It was not just about reaching 100 points for us, but also about not conceding a goal to cap another strong year defensively," Marchisio told Tuttosport.

"This just goes to show that we still want to grow and improve and you cannot speak about the end of a cycle in these circumstances.

"Some people are already speaking about how next season will be difficult for us, but each season has been hard.

"At the beginning of the season, it did not look like it was going to be this easy, but in the end everybody had to admit that Juventus were the strongest. It's only normal that we won Serie A and we will try and repeat it once more next term."

Marchisio scored four goals in 29 Serie A appearances in 2013-14.

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Marchisio can see the positives

Jun 1, 2014

Claudio Marchisio believes that Saturday’s friendly with Republic of Ireland was a positive, apart from the injury to Riccardo Montolivo.

The Milan midfielder is out of the World Cup after he fractured his tibia early in the game at Craven Cottage yesterday.

But despite this, the Juventus man has claimed that the 0-0 draw with Martin O’Neill’s men was good preparation for the World Cup.

“It’s really bad that this [Montolivo’s injury] has happened in this match,” he told Rai Sport.

“We want to be around him because he’s very important to us. Hopefully we’ll see him at the hotel soon.

“But honestly, in my opinion, I think that this game was good for us. It was a competitive game with some difficulties.

“There are things to improve, but I think, overall, it was a positive performance.”

Marchisio then commented on Antonio Cassano’s performance and his own fitness going into the tournament.

“Cassano has done well at Parma and is doing well here. He’s physically fine and wants to be important at the World Cup.

“I feel good as well. It’s been tough work at Coverciano, but that’s what we have to do.”

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Marchisio: There is time for Italy to improve

Jun 2, 2014

Juventus and Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio feels that the Azzurri have time to improve after their recent 0-0 draw against Republic of Ireland.

Il Principino made his first appearance for the Italians under then coach Marcello Lippi against Switzerland in 2009 and has gone on to make over 40 appearances for the national team while scoring two goals.

Marchisio gave an interview to Rai Sport after the goalless draw against Ireland where he spoke about the positives that his team can draw from this game while expressing sadness for Riccardo Montolivo’s injury.

“I have a very positive opinion of the game,” said the 28 year old midfielder.

“We faced some difficulties but the team reacted well and created a lot of chances. We will have two more tests before the World Cup, so there is time to improve.

“I feel good but I also feel that the team responded positively given the effort we put in games like this that precede major events. Our idea of the game is new compared to other years.

“Montolivo’s injury was really bad. We will gather around him and we are very sorry because the injury was serious.

“Antonio Cassano had a very good season with Parma and he has also played well for the national team in the past. He will be very important for us in the World Cup.”

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Italy ready for different England - Marchisio

The Azzurri star knows his side will face a more youthful Three Lions team but insists
Cesare Prandelli's current crop are better than the losing finalists of Euro 2012.

Jun 11, 2014

By Liam Twomey in Rio de Janeiro

Claudio Marchisio insists Italy are fully prepared to face Roy Hodgson's new-look England squad when the two sides meet in Saturday's World Cup Group D opener in Manaus.

The clash sets up a rematch of the Euro 2012 quarter-final in Kiev which saw eventual tournament finalists Italy progress on penalties after a goalless draw.

Only seven players in Hodgson's 23-man group played that night, while the emergence of the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley has given England fans cause for optimism.

But Marchisio is adamant that Italy have also improved over the past two years and is confident that Cesare Prandelli's men will be able to cope with the formidable humidity of Manaus.

“I think we’ll meet a different England to Euro 2012," he told reporters at Casa Azzurri in Mangaratiba . "It will be a very difficult match, but just as they have changed since the Euros, so have we.

"For many of us it was our first major tournament, so we now have more experience and have done important things over the last two years.

"There is a very positive air here, as we worked well at Coverciano and in Brazil. We were glad to be given permission to have our families by our sides, as we already did at Euro 2012.

"We already saw against Fluminense what this humidity means, so the fact we worked so well over the last month has prepared us for the conditions in Manaus.

"The meetings with England are always great clashes, so we’ll let the pitch do the talking."

Marchisio also revealed that Prandelli is yet to tell his players who is likely to feature against England.

"We don’t know who will play," he added. "We tested two different systems in the last two friendlies and have many players who allow us to be versatile.

"We’ll see what the coach chooses, but the important thing is that everyone feels they are a part of this project."

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Marchisio: 'Italy-England uncertain'

Jun 11, 2014

Claudio Marchisio confirms Italy’s players “don’t know who will start against England” and expects a “different” game to Euro 2012.

The Juventus midfielder spoke at a Press conference about Saturday night’s opening game with the Three Lions.

“There is a very positive air here, as we worked well at Coverciano and in Brazil. We were glad to be given permission to have our families by our sides, as we already did at Euro 2012.”

“I think we’ll meet a different England to Euro 2012. It will be a very difficult match, but just as they have changed since the Euros, so have we. For many of us it was our first major tournament, so we now have more experience and have done important things over the last two years.

“We already saw against Fluminense what this humidity means, so the fact we worked so well over the last month has prepared us for the conditions in Manaus.

“The meetings with England are always great clashes, so we’ll let the pitch do the talking.

“We don’t know who will play against England. We tested two different systems in the last two friendlies and have many players who allow us to be versatile. We’ll see what the Coach chooses, but the important thing is that everyone feels they are a part of this project.”

Marchisio didn’t have as much playing time as usual at Juventus this term, but is finding his form at the right time.

“During the season I had some pretty important injury problems, but after January was finally able to return to the levels I’d been hoping for. The World Cup is very important and perhaps the fact I didn’t play much at the start of the season is making me fresher right now.

“We arrived in Brazil, which certainly has a different humidity level to Italy, but the fitness tests results have been very, very good. That means the training work we did was important and effective.

“Now we have to go out there with the motivation and great heart this Nazionale has always shown to do well in this World Cup.”

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Marchisio: 'Quality to hurt England'

Jun 11, 2014

Claudio Marchisio assures Italy “know England’s style of play” and will focus on quality against Roy Hodgson’s men.

The Juventus midfielder spoke at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s World Cup opener.

“We know England’s style of play, but tried with players of quality like Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta to keep the ball and attack them.

“England have physically strong players and are very quick in a classic 4-4-2. We are very different teams, but we must stick to our own playing style regardless of the opponents.”

The Azzurri drew 0-0 with the Republic of Ireland, 1-1 with Luxembourg and beat Brazilian club side Fluminense 5-3 with completely different line-ups and systems.

“We saw some positive and less positive things from our test games. We tried to work on the defensive movements this week, especially after seeing the problems against Luxembourg,” continued Marchisio.

“We played those games during periods of intense physical training, so we weren’t as sharp as usual. We are trying to make this team, this machine, more and more perfect. Now we just need to start this tournament and get on the field.

“We have a very difficult group, but that mustn’t be used as an excuse if things don’t go well. The first game is very important.

“Time-outs are fundamental, as in this climate and humidity the energy seeps out of you very quickly. We saw that in the Confederations Cup that the conditions are very different in various Brazilian cities.

“The most important thing is to reach these tournaments in good physical shape. You can work on mentality and tactics up to the last day, but fitness levels are the real key.”

[Socrates 8406]

Marchisio: 'Darmian a surprise'

Jun 11, 2014

Claudio Marchisio is “really impressed” with Matteo Darmian, congratulated Mario Balotelli and Gigi Buffon.

Torino right-back Darmian is turning out to be a surprise package in the Azzurri squad and could start on Saturday night against England.

“He really impressed me in his first game against Ireland,” said Marchisio in a Press conference.

“He had a great season with Torino, as did Alessio Cerci, and I was struck by his character. He had never played with us in the qualifiers, but presented himself in great shape in his first start.

“Darmian is certainly an excellent player for us and we’ll see what happens in this World Cup.”

Balotelli was greeted at the training ground with a round of applause today after announcing his engagement to girlfriend Fanny Neguesha.

“You saw this morning, we applauded Mario and embraced him. How was his night? I don’t know, that’s his business. It’s certainly good news and now it’s important that we all focus on the World Cup.”

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is once again a key figure in the Italy locker room, confirmed Marchisio.

“The years pass, but Gigi always has the same hunger. He is our captain at Italy and Juventus, but he’s also my friend and someone who can always come out with the right thing at the right time to shake up this team.

“Buffon is a definite reference point for us.”

Marcello Lippi confessed today that returning to the Italy bench for the 2010 World Cup was a “huge mistake,” one that Marchisio took part in.

“Those were decisions the Coach made. Unfortunately it wasn’t a very fortunate expedition for us, but those of us who took part have put it behind us and want to focus only on this tournament.”

[Socrates 8406]

Marchisio: 'I was hallucinating!'

Jun 15, 2014

Claudio Marchisio “had hallucinations” due to the heat in Manaus, but still scored in Italy’s 2-1 win over England.

“It was important to get the victory, especially on a day when playing football in this humidity was frankly difficult,” the Juventus midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.

“In certain moments I felt like I had hallucinations due to the heat. However, this team showed it has great character, as we resisted in the final minutes and brought home and deserved win against a good England side.”

Marchisio ran to embrace Gigi Buffon after scoring the goal, as the captain had been ruled out by a sprained ankle.

“I was sad for him, but as a great captain he celebrated along with us. I also have to say Salvatore Sirigu had a wonderful performance in goal.”

Italy are now joint top of Group D with Costa Rica, while England and Uruguay face off in the next game.

“Can we get to the Final? I don’t know, it’s a long road. The important thing was to start well. Now we have to focus on Costa Rica, who already surprised Uruguay.”

[Socrates 8406]

Marchisio: 'More determined Italy'

Jun 21, 2014

Claudio Marchisio warned Italy “will need to be much more determined and gritty” against Uruguay.

The Azzurri can still progress in the World Cup after a shock 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica, but only if they get at least a point against Uruguay on Tuesday.

“We had the chances to take the lead in the first half, but we didn’t take them and then conceded at the other end,” Marchisio told RAI Sport.

“If we had scored first, then it would’ve been a very different match. We expected it to be difficult and unfortunately it went badly.

“We still have a very good chance of going through. We need to focus on Uruguay, which is the most important game.”

Thiago Motta complained about the heat in Recife at 13.00 local time and Marchisio agreed to a point.

“Many things changed from Manaus, as we weren’t playing against another European team like England and the kick-off time was the hottest time of day. I’d like to know who organised this schedule and ask a few questions...

“The heat was not an alibi, but it can make the difference. In any case, we will need Italy to be much more determined and gritty against Uruguay if we are going to qualify.”

Italy can go through if they draw with Uruguay, as they have a superior goal difference.

“In that sense, it was important that we lost 1-0 to Costa Rica and not 2-0, as that would’ve changed things.

“We haven’t got long to recover, as the next game is also at 13.00 and we have only three days to recover.”