Claudio Marchisio

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio: Balotelli would struggle to adapt at Juventus

The midfielder is of the opinion that the Italy international would have problems

with the strict rules at the Bianconeri, and would not fit the team if he arrived in Turin.

Dec 28, 2012

Juventus' Claudio Marchisio does not believe that Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is disciplined enough to play for the Serie A title holders.

The controversial striker has recently been linked with a move to the Old Lady, but the midfielder does not believer the former Inter player will be a good fit at the Bianconeri.

"I would put a question mark over a potential transfer of Mario to the club," Marchisio told Il Messaggero.

"Here, we have rules. He has tremendous talent, but I'm not sure whether he will be able to change here.

"I don't think there's any money for a striker. Karim Benzema is someone I liked even before he went to Real Madrid – he reminds me of the first Ronaldo."

Marchisio then went on to dismiss comparisons between Juve and Barcelona, insisting that the Old Lady try to play "purposeful" football.

"Comparisons with Barca are nice, but they are exaggerated. The numbers speak for themselves. We are on the start of a path, trying to win by playing spectacular, but also purposeful football.

"I want 2013 to be at least equal to 2012. We have to lift at least one trophy."

Juventus currently top the Serie A table with an eight-point advantage over Lazio.

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Fears over Marchisio injury

Jan 6, 2013

There are fears Claudio Marchisio could be out of action for weeks or even months after he was stretchered off with a sprained knee.

The midfielder picked up a knock to his right knee during the 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria today, but carried on playing because all the substitutions had been completed.

He eventually collapsed and appeared to be weeping in agony, clutching his knee, so had to be stretchered off.

Initial reports suggest Marchisio has badly sprained his right knee and tests will be needed to ascertain potential ligament damage.

It would be a bitter blow for the Bianconeri, who have already lost Giorgio Chiellini and Nicklas Bendtner for three months.

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Marchisio tests show 'no lesions'

Jan 6, 2013

Claudio Marchisio and Juventus breathe a sigh of relief, as tests show “no lesions” to knee ligaments.

The midfielder bravely continued for at least 10 minutes after suffering a knock to the right knee, as there were no more substitutions in today’s 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria.

He eventually had to be stretchered off, but Juventus announced this evening that tests “showed no lesions.

“There is only a heavy bruise to the knee.”

It is great news for Marchisio, as ligament damage or even a sprain could have kept him out for weeks or months.

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Marchisio: 'I can't stand Napoli!'

Jan 10, 2013

Juventus star Claudio Marchisio is fighting off a hail of insults after declaring he has particular “antipathy towards Napoli.”

The midfielder made the comment during an interview with the Corriere della Sera, in which he was asked if there were any players who stirred up a healthy dose of antipathy in him.

“It’s not any particular face, but a team, especially after the rough Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup Finals: Napoli.

“When I am faced with Napoli, something goes off in me.”

The Napoli fans certainly went off at Marchisio, as his Facebook page has been inundated with insults after this statement.

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio: When I play Napoli, something in me goes off

The Bianconeri midfielder has created a media storm after saying in an interview he holds

a grudge against the Serie A contenders from the south but the Partenopei have responded.

Jan 10, 2013

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has revealed his contempt for Serie A rivals Napoli with the Neapolitan club demanding an explanation for his "grave insult".

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the Italy international was asked if there was any one player that he held particular antipathy towards and he responded by saying Napoli.

“It’s not any particular face, but a team, especially after the rough Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup finals: Napoli," Marchisio was quoted as saying in La Repubblica.

“When I am faced with Napoli, something goes off in me.”

Unsurprisingly, his comments have not been well received in the Southern Italian city and Napoli have already issued a public statement in response, asking for an explanation from the midfielder and his club.

“Marchisio’s comments represent a grave insult towards Napoli and all of Italian football. We are surprised that a player of his stature and who plays in such a prestigious club would say things like that," read the club's official website.

“We hope it is only a misunderstanding and await clarification from the player and from Juventus.”

Relations between the two Italian giants have traditionally been sour but were only intensified in the Italian Super Cup played in Beijing earlier this season, when the Partenopei boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony in protest to refereeing decisions made during the final.

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Napoli: 'Marchisio's grave insult'

Jan 10, 2013

Napoli have released a statement slamming Claudio Marchisio for his “grave insult” towards the club and demanded clarification from Juventus.

Marchisio hit the headlines when telling the Corriere della Sera that he had “antipathy” towards Napoli. “When I am faced with them, something goes off in me.”

Now the San Paolo club has responded with an official statement.

“Marchisio’s comments represent a grave insult towards Napoli and all of Italian football. We are surprised that a player of his stature and who plays in such a prestigious club would say things like that.

“We hope it is only a misunderstanding and await clarification from the player and from Juventus.”

The rapport between the clubs hit a new low after the Italian Super Cup in Beijing this August.

Napoli saw two players sent off and lost the trophy in extra time, so boycotted the presentation ceremony in protest.

[Socrates 8433]

Juve: 'Napoli create controversy'

Jan 10, 2013

Juventus hit back at Napoli for “trying to create controversy out of nothing” with their reaction to Claudio Marchisio’s comments.

The midfielder told the Corriere della Sera that he felt “antipathy” towards Napoli and was particularly fired up when playing against them.

The Southern club responded with a statement criticising his “grave insult to Napoli and to Italian football,” demanding clarification.

That arrived this evening with a statement on the official Juventus website.

“Claudio Marchisio expressed an opinion during an interview with the Style section of the Corriere della Sera.

“This opinion was clearly referring to the healthy sense of competition that has seen Napoli and Juventus take part in fiery and spectacular matches.

“There was no offence: failing to comprehend that means trying to create controversy out of nothing.”

[Socrates 8433]

Juventus back Marchisio in Napoli row

The Old Lady have suggested the Italy midfielder's comments were not malicious

and added that those who did not understand this were only trying to stir up trouble.

Jan 10, 2013

Juventus have issued an official statement backing their midfielder Claudio Marchisio after the 26-year-old was caught up in a heated debate with title challengers Napoli.

The Italy international had revealed that he could not stand the Partenopei which has fuelled the already fierce rivalry between two sides with Napoli claiming the comments were hugely insulting.

However, although the Bianconeri distanced themselves from the comments, they have stood by their player claiming nothing malicious was meant by the remarks and those who saw it differently were causing "unnecessary controversy."

“Claudio Marchisio expressed a personal opinion during an interview with Corriere della Sera's monthly magazine Style," read Juventus' official website.

“His view was clearly a reference to the healthy rivalry between Napoli and Juventus that has led to some thrilling and hard-fought matches.

“No offence was intended: those who fail to understand that are simply seeking unnecessary controversy.”

Juventus lead Serie A by five points and are seven points ahead of third-placed Napoli.

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio 'meant no offence'

Jan 11, 2013

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has admitted that he did not intend to offend any Napoli fans following his comments yesterday.

The 26-year-old was accused by the Partenopei of a 'grave offence' on Thursday after he told Corriere della Sera that he conceded that he has an 'antipathy towards Napoli'.

But the Italy international has today claimed that his words were said with no malice.

“Napoli are a tough opponent,” he posted on his Instagram account. “They are a team that can compete with us.

“And I defined just that. I did not want to offend any citizens of Naples.”

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio apology from fake account

Jan 11, 2013

Juventus have confirmed that the comments attributed to Claudio Marchisio in his Instagram account are fake.

The Bianconeri midfielder was reported to have claimed that he 'meant to offence' following remarks to Corriere della Sera regarding his 'antipathy' towards Napoli on Thursday.

But the club have since admitted that the Instagram page in which the apology was made is in fact not the player's official account.

[Socrates 8433]

Conte: Napoli should be proud of Marchisio's antipathy

The successful coach has downplayed the Italy international's

recent comments on the Partenopei.

Jan 12, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte feels Napoli should be proud that other clubs dislike them as it shows the Partenopei are taken seriously by their rivals.

Bianconeri midfielder Claudio Marchisio revealed earlier this week that he feels a certain antipathy toward Napoli, but the 45-year-old has insisted that the Italy international's comments should be taken as a compliment.

"Marchisio was obviously referring to the sporting rivalry between Juventus and Napoli. It is only normal to have a certain rivalry between big clubs. They probably feel the same about us," he stated at a press conference.

"Napoli should be proud to have our antipathy rather than get upset about it as it means that they have joined the group of big clubs of Juventus, Inter and AC Milan that have certain feelings of rivalry."

[Socrates 8433]

Mazzarri: 'A Marchisio compliment'

Jan 12, 2013

Walter Mazzarri agrees with Antonio Conte that being disliked “is a compliment” and warns Napoli not to underestimate Sunday’s opponents Palermo.

Claudio Marchisio caused a diplomatic incident this week when he told the Corriere della Sera he had “a particular antipathy” towards the Partenopei.

Conte argued in this morning’s Press conference that they ought to be flattered and Mazzarri agreed.

“I did not take Marchisio’s comments as offensive. In fact, being disliked in football is a compliment. Conte is right, in this sport we all want to win and the only teams everyone likes are the ones nobody respects. This means Napoli are respected.”

[Socrates 8433]

Juventus disliking us is a compliment, says Mazzarri

The Napoli boss has insisted that Claudio Marchisio's distaste for his club should be taken

as a compliment as it shows that the Bianconeri take them seriously as rivals.

Jan 13, 2013

Walter Mazzarri has suggested that Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio paid Napoli a big compliment after publicly revealing his dislike for the club.

The Italy international revealed this week that he is extra-motivated to beat the Partenopei due to his antipathy towards the San Paolo club.

Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte claimed that Napoli should take the player's comments as a sign that they feared by big clubs, a view which Mazzarri shares.

"In our environment, everyone wants to win," the 51-year-old Italian was quoted by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"Marchisio gave us a nice compliment because those in this world who are nice are not considered a threat by anyone. As a result, the match against Palermo is an opportunity to demonstrate that we really are 'dislikeable'."

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio: '20 years with Juve'

Jan 19, 2013

Claudio Marchisio celebrates his birthday today with a message for the fans. “I’m 27 years old, 20 of them spent with the Bianconeri jersey.”

The Juventus midfielder was born in Turin and grew up in the club’s youth academy to become a hero for the supporters.

He won’t be able to celebrate his birthday with a goal, as he is injured for tonight’s home game against Udinese.

“Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes I am receiving! I am trying to read them all, but there are truly so many!!!” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“I will always try to repay your affection towards me by giving my all on the pitch and never giving up!

“Today I am 27 years old, 20 of them spent with the Bianconeri jersey, full of wonderful memories, people who have given me so much and who I’ll never stop thanking.

“That includes you, who were present even in the most difficult moments!! THANK YOU!!!”

Marchisio is nicknamed 'Principino' (The Little Prince) by Juve ultras.

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Marchisio hails quality of Verratti

Feb 8, 2013

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is a big fan of Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti. “He’s the closest thing to Andrea Pirlo.”

The 20-year-old continues to be linked with a future in Turin and Marchisio would happily welcome his international teammate.

“Marco is young and he needs to improve, but he already has some great qualities,” the Bianconero told La Stampa.

“It’s disappointing that a talent like him has had to go and play his football outside of Italy, but, as he says, the market opens every six months so there is always a chance…”

The Old Lady did make a bid for the player in the summer, before PSG offered Pescara €12m, given the belief that he will be Pirlo’s heir in the Italian game.

“He’s the closest Italian player to Andrea,” Marchisio added. “Pirlo is a great and he still has lots of years to play.

“We’ll be happy if he always played for us, but Verratti has some important qualities in the Pirlo role.

“Will he come to Juventus? That is a question that you should ask someone else…”

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio: Verratti very similar to Pirlo

The Italy star believes the youngster has similar qualities as the former

AC Milan ace, and is confident he has a bright future ahead of him.

Feb 8, 2013

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has taken the time to praise Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti and drew comparisons between him and fellow Italy international Andrea Pirlo.

Verratti impressed in the Azzurri's 1-1 friendly draw against Netherlands on Wednesday after coming off the bench at half-time, and Marchisio believes the 20-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.

"Marco is still young and has room for improvement, but he already has a lot of quality," the Juventus midfielder was quoted as saying by La Stampa.

"He is the player who is most similar to Pirlo. Andrea is a great player and still has plenty of years to play. We would be happy if he played for us forever, but Marco has some great qualities in his role, too.

"Will Verratti ever play for Juventus? I am in no position to answer that. The transfer market is open twice per year, so there's always a chance."

Verratti joined PSG from Pescara in the summer of 2012 and has a contract with the Ligue 1 side until June 2017.

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Juve duo banned

Feb 11, 2012

On the player front, 12 have been suspended ahead of the Week 25 games and it’s not good news for the Italian champions.

Marchisio and Peluso were both booked against Fiorentina and will thus be unavailable for Saturday’s game at Roma.

Two-match ban: Colombo (Napoli), Coach Delio Rossi (Sampdoria).

One-match ban: Astori (Cagliari), Ambrosini (Milan), Biondini, Bonaventura (Atalanta), Conti (Cagliari), D'Ambrosio (Torino), Dessena (Cagliari), Ledesma (Lazio), Marchisio, Peluso (Juventus), Rigoni (Chievo Verona).

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio targeting Juventus trophy double

The Italy international is desperate to add more silverware

to his CV and has his sights set on two major prizes.

Feb 21, 2013

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is targeting a Champions League and Serie A double this season.

A 3-0 win over Celtic in the first leg of Juve’s last 16 European tie has seen them put one foot in the quarter-finals and, though the Bianconeri’s league form has faltered slightly since the winter break, Antonio Conte’s men remain top of the Italian crop in Serie A after 25 matchdays.

The Italy international told Tuttosport: "The aim is to win the championship again and to get to London [Wembley] for the Champions League final.

"I know that it is a difficult ask, but we’ll try everything possible in order to do just that."

On March 1, Juventus take on Napoli in what will be a battle between first and second - just as it was earlier this season - and Marchisio is anticipating a classic between the Serie A rivals.

He added: "I’m convinced it will be a spectacle, a great game between great sides."

The midfielder also defended his recent comments saying he dislikes the Partenopei and claims he was simply referring to the club in sporting terms, not the region itself.

"I was actually acknowledging Napoli for their excellent results over these past few years," he explained.

"I don’t hate Naples [the city] - that’s absurd, because every time that I go there I always manage to smile.

"I get to leave the fog behind and find a place in the sun, with marvellous people and incredible scenery."

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio targets Juventus double

Feb 21, 2013

Retaining the Scudetto and reaching the Champions League Final at Wembley are the objectives for Juventus this season, says Claudio Marchisio.

With the Old Lady currently top of Serie A and with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-0 win at Celtic last week, the midfielder is targeting glory.

“The aim is to win the championship again and to get to London for the Champions League Final,” he told Tuttosport.

“I know that it is a difficult ask, but we’ll try everything possible in order to do just that.”

The leaders’ title credentials will be tested on March 1 when they take on Napoli away, a side who are just four points behind them in Serie A.

“I’m convinced it will be a spectacle, a great game between great sides,” the Italian international continued.

Marchisio did hit the headlines recently when he spoke of his dislike for Napoli – although he maintained he was only talking in a sporting sense.

“I was actually acknowledging Napoli for their excellent results over these past few years,” he explained.

“I don’t hate Napoli, that’s absurd because every time that I go there I always manage to smile. We leave the fog behind and we find a place in the sun, with marvellous people and incredible scenery.”

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Marchisio: I prefer Bundesliga over Premier League

The midfielder would be open to a move to Germany at some point

in his career amid speculation linking him with Bayern Munich.

Feb 28, 2013

Claudio Marchisio says he would prefer to play in the Bundesliga rather than the Premier League if he was to leave Juventus in the future.

The Italy international has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich on more than one occasion in recent years, and while committed to the Old Lady, he has left the door open to one last European adventure.

"My priority is to stay at Juventus for the remainder of my career, but I am open to trying a new experience abroad in the future," Marchisio told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"The Bundesliga? I really love German football. Their modern stadiums and facilities are great. Games are almost always sold out.

"And I like the attitude of the German fans. They do not even leave the stadium when their team is trailing by four goals.

"I prefer the Bundesliga over the Premier League."

Marchisio has a contract with the Bianconeri until June 2016.

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German football attracts Marchisio

Feb 28, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has admitted that he could be tempted by a future in Germany if he ever left Juventus.

Marchisio, a graduate of the Bianconeri youth system, is seen as a future captain of the Italian giants.

Although he insists that he is happy at the club whom he supported as a boy, he’s told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport that he is a fan of German football.

“I wouldn’t mind an experience abroad even if my priority will always be Juventus,” the midfielder stated.

“Where would I go if that was the case? More Bundesliga than the Premier League. I love German football, their modern stadiums are always full.

“I admire the mentality of their fans who don’t leave the stadium early, not even when their side is four goals down.”

For now though, Marchisio is focused on a Juventus side who he believes are even stronger than last term.

“Juve are a team in every sense of the word,” he explained. “We may be losing more than we did, but we are coping well with the demands of the championship and Champions League.”

Marchisio believes that he is improving too. “You never stop growing,” he added. “You only gain full maturity with time. Winning the Scudetto and Euro 2012 have helped me.

“The future of Italy’s midfield? We’re in a good situation with Marco Verratti [PSG] and Alessandro Florenzi [Roma]. They’ve proved that they are ready.

“I’d also take a bet on Andrea Poli [sampdoria], who is growing in an interesting manner game after game.”

Marchisio also mirrored the view of many of his Juventus teammates who insist that Friday’s game at Napoli won’t decide the Scudetto.

“Let’s not joke,” he stated. “There will still be 11 games left, including dangerous ones against Inter, Milan and Lazio. There is also the variable of injuries.”

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Marchisio 'dreams' of Champions League glory

The Bianconeri midfielder says nothing would make him more happier

than winning Europe's most prestigious trophy.

Mar 8, 2013

With Juventus now in the pot for the last eight of the Champions League, midfielder Claudio Marchisio has admitted it would be a "dream" if the Serie A giants could go all the way and win Europe's premier competition.

The Old Lady dispatched Celtic this week to book their place in the quarter-finals which will be drawn on March 15.

The Bianconeri last lifted the trophy in 1996 after beating Ajax on penalties, and Marchisio wants to bring Juventus their third European crown.

"The Champions League is a dream," the 27-year old told Sky Sport 24.

"I know that will not be easy but we are giving all in the league and in Europe.

"We're playing great this season despite some criticism. After the [quarter-final] draw we'll see."

Antonio Conte's men are top of Serie A boasting a six-point gap ahead of second-placed Napoli, but the Italy international is pleased with how the team have performed on the European front, too, having finished first in a group which had Chelsea, Shakhtar and Nordsjaelland.

He added: "In the Champions League we have overcome a difficult group against strong teams, we beat Celtic in the second round, a team that was difficult for Barcelona."

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio 'dreams' of winning CL

Mar 8, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has revealed that Juventus are 'dreaming of the Champions League' after reaching the quarter-finals.

The Bianconeri defeated Celtic 5-0 over two legs in the last 16, and are in the hat for the last eight alongside Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid so far.

And the Italy international has conceded that his team are longing to lift the European Cup.

“Last year we dreamed of winning the League,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “This season our dream is the Champions League.

“We know it will not be easy, but we will give our all to win the League again and triumph in Europe.

“We're having a great season, although some people have found room to criticise – but we are taking the right road.

“Now we'll wait to see who we face in the next round.”

[Socrates 8433]

Marchisio: No Bayern fear

Mar 18, 2013

Claudio Marchisio is well aware of Bayern Munich’s strength, but he maintains his Juventus side will have no fear in the Champions League last eight.

The Old Lady were paired with the German giants in Friday’s draw and Marchisio has admitted that they’ve been handed a tie against one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

“They’re the strongest team in Europe alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid,” he stated. “However, we’re experiencing the Champions League campaign with great joy.”

The Turin giants began their European Cup campaign with the handbrake on after collecting three consecutive draws.

However, they’ve won every game since and topped a group containing Shakhtar Donetsk and holders Chelsea.

“We won our group convincingly and we will give Bayern as good as we get,” the 27-year-old Italian international added.

“We know about the strengths of Bayern Munich, but we’ll go to Germany without fear.”

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Marchisio: Brazil an important test for Italy

The Juventus midfielder is looking forward to a tough

challenge against the Selecao on Thursday.

Mar 18, 2013

Claudio Marchisio says Italy's friendly with Brazil is a game that "every kid wants to play in".

Cesare Prandelli's men are sitting pretty at the top of World Cup 2014 qualification Group B and face the Selecao in a friendly on Thursday, ahead of their latest qualifier against Malta on March 26.

"It's the game that every kid wants to play. It's the best," the 27-year-old told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"Brazil is the home of spectacular football. It will be an important test for Italy, a check of the highest levels.

"We shouldn't take the match against Malta too easy, it is crucial in the race to the World Cup, considering the difficulties we've encountered in the first leg."

He then talked about the pride Juventus players have in being selected for their country, and revealed his belief that Italy are currently among the top three teams in the world.

He added: "We at Juventus are proud to have many players that represent a great national team, after years of really hard work at the club.

"Our national side, I think, is only behind Spain and Germany."