Fabio Paratici

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Juventus are the team to beat

The Serie A champions' general director has insisted things will be more difficult

for the Old Lady in the new season as every opponent will be keen to defeat them.

Jul 18, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has voiced his opinion that Antonio Conte's side are the team to beat in the upcoming season thanks to their impressive performances in 2011-12.

The Old Lady cruised to the Serie A title without losing a single league game, and have added the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Kwadwo Asamoah, Mauricio Isla and Lucio to their squad this summer to further strengthen their team, and is keen to win more silverware.

"We need to put the previous celebrations to one side. We now start from scratch," Marotta told reporters.

"We’re the team to beat, everyone will give their all against us and we’ll need to have more desire than the others.

"The new season has got off to a good start during pre-season in Chatillon-Saint-Vincent, a place that takes us back in time. Juventus built many important successes here and we’ll look to emulate them."

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Marotta: Van Persie signing is a Juventus fan's dream

The general manager of the Serie A champions remained coy on any potential bid

for the Arsenal man, but admitted he would be a top target for the Turin giants.

Jul 19, 2012

Juventus general manager Giuseppe Marotta has claimed his club are still chasing Arsenal captain Robin van Persie.

Having told the Gunners that he will not be signing a new contract, the Dutchman has alerted many potential suitors wanting to acquire his services and Marotta says Juventus are still chasing the forward.

"Robin van Persie is a fan's dream," Marotta told reporters.

"Everyone has dreams but then you have to confront this with the reality.

"We know what we have to do, and that is the important thing."

Juventus will face stiff competition to land last season's Premier League top goalscorer who hit 44 goals for club and country last season, with Manchester City also heavily linked with the Netherlands international.

They also face a battle convincing Arsenal to sell their key man as the Gunners are set to tell Van Persie that he will not be allowed to leave this summer, as exclusively revealed by Goal.com.

However, the Turin club are keen to strengthen as they look to retain the Scudetto and replace club legend Alessandro Del Piero.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta stands by Conte

Jul 26, 2012

Director general Beppe Marotta has assured “Antonio Conte will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome” of the betting trial.

Conte and several members of his staff were charged with failing to report an attempted sporting fraud while at Siena as part of the investigation into a betting scandal.

Simone Pepe was also charged, while Leonardo Bonucci was accused of the more serious sporting fraud due to his time at Bari.

“There is deep bitterness at seeing our members brought into the situation, as they are very professional and fair, so we believe in their good faith,” Marotta said at the presentation ceremony for the Serie A 2012-13 calendar.

“We have handed the reins to Conte, we’re happy with him and he will be Juventus Coach now and in future, regardless of the outcome of the sentence. We will find a solution.”

The Juventus director was also asked about their interest in signing Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie or Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic.

“The top player we are looking for is not only a name with an important price-tag attached. What we mean by top player is someone who can improve our quality level.

“Van Persie is an excellent player and Arsenal have no intention of losing him. It is not possible to negotiate for a player if the club is not open to talks.

“As for Jovetic, it’s only right that Fiorentina ruled he is off the market. We never even tried to get close to him.”

Roma won the tug-of-war with Juventus for Mattia Destro, although Marotta maintains it was never that clear-cut.

“We simply observed the Destro situation. Roma got themselves a very good deal.”

[Socrates 8328]

Juve: 'We're in Llorente talks'

Aug 12, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta confirms they are “negotiating to bring Fernando Llorente here, but it’s not easy.”

The reports have been swirling around Italy and Spain over the last few days that he is their new ‘top player’ transfer target.

“We are negotiating to bring Llorente here, but it’s not an easy process because Athletic don’t want to sell him,” Marotta told Tuttosport.

There could soon be a breakthrough, as Athletic Bilbao have called a Press conference for Monday.

Spain international hitman Llorente has only one year left to run on his contract and it’s believed he’d be available for around €20m.

The 28-year-old would fit the bill with the characteristics of a tall striker that Juve and Antonio Conte are looking for.

Previous targets include Robin Van Persie, Stevan Jovetic and Luis Suarez.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Juve monitoring Llorente

Aug 13, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has given an update on Juventus’ search for a striker, admitting Fernando Llorente’s situation is being monitored.

The Bianconeri have been linked with a number of strikers this summer, as well as suggested to be considering selling at least one of their current forwards too.

Whilst Edin Dzeko and Robin Van Persie have been paired with the Turin side this summer, Athletic Bilbao’s situation with Llorente has many believing that he is now the Italians’ prime target.

However, whilst Marotta confirmed that he is under consideration, any move won’t force the departure of Alessandro Matri or Fabio Quagliarella.

“We give substance to those that we have. Like every club we try to improve our quality when there is an opportunity, if there are the players there who can help us leap forward then we will evaluate things.

“Llorente? We are waiting and watching the evolution of the situation, but we could pursue other contacts.

“Van Persie? Difficult to track. Arsenal does not want to lose him easily, despite the player being almost out of contract, they demand a high figure.

“Matri? He is not on the list of outgoing players, we consider him in all effects to be a Juventus player. Quagliarella? He’s a part of our project.

“Dzeko? His situation is always susceptible to change and he is certainly an important player, but he has a high price.

“These situations can evolve from morning to night.”

The dg also commented on Roma Coach Zdenek Zeman’s assertion that Antonio Conte’s ban for his alleged role in the match fixing scandal should also apply to training.

“I think it is unfortunate for Zeman to make such a bad statement. He himself says he does not read the papers, so you cannot give his words meaning. I hope that the President of the Italian Coaches’ Association takes a position on this matter.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta unhappy with 'inappropriate' Zeman comments on Conte

The Bianconeri general manager has voiced his dismay with the Roma trainer's

latest outburst, and urged the coaching union to take measures against the Czech.

Aug 14, 2012

Giuseppe Marotta has hit out at Roma coach Zdenek Zeman in the wake of the veteran coach's comments about Antonio Conte's suspension.

The 65-year-old claimed over the weekend that the Juventus boss' ban should not allow him to train his team during the week, and the general manager feels the Czech's remarks were out of order.

"As a football man and the general manager of Juventus, I feel Zeman's comments are inappropriate," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

"He was referring to Conte even though he didn't mention him specifically. It was either a joke, and therefore a worthless comment, or an intentional jibe.

"He admitted that he hadn't read the documentation himself and that he couldn't explain this first-instance ruling given to a fellow coach from the same association, who has been sentenced for failure to report rather than for any violation.

"I find these latest remarks by Zeman out of place. He had his say on Juventus' titles just two weeks ago and now he is speaking out against a fellow manager, which I think is even more serious.

"I hope the president of the coaches' association takes a stance on this matter because situations such as these only create more tension in what is already a delicate time for Italian football."

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: 'Tough to buy for Juve'

Aug 25, 2012

Juventus director Beppe Marotta hit back at Zdenek Zeman and Walter Mazzarri, then revealed “there aren’t many easily available players.”

The transfer guru spoke ahead of tonight’s Serie A opener against Parma in Turin.

“We are the team to beat, as we have the Scudetto on our shirts, so we must be motivated and read the games well, seeing as everyone will give their best against us,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Bids for a star striker have included Robin Van Persie, Edin Dzeko, Stevan Jovetic and now Fernando Llorente, but time is running out.

“It’s not easy to operate on the market, as there aren’t many easily available players, but we’ll see. Marco Borriello? He is a Roma player and we are not in talks.”

Coach Antonio Conte is in the stands due to his 10-month touchline ban in the match-fixing scandal.

The suspension and his protests against it have sparked comments from Roma boss Zeman and Napoli tactician Mazzarri, who suggested he ought to receive another ban for criticising the sporting justice system.

“I choose to ignore the insulting comments from Zeman and Mazzarri. Instead I’d like to say that I understand Conte’s bitterness at what he is facing. He was cleared of a shocking accusation, which pushed him to speak in a Press conference.

“He is very direct, but stayed within the rules and did not insult anyone. I feel there ought to be an immediate reform of the sporting justice system, because the stakes are very high. If Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe had been banned, it would’ve cost the club €25m, so they have to be certain when deciding on a verdict.”

[Socrates 8328]

Juventus not interested in Barcelona forward Villa, says Marotta

The Bianconeri are looking to recruit a traditional target man rather than the gifted

Spaniard, who has recently returned to first-team action following a lengthy injury lay-off.

Aug 26, 2012

Juventus chief Giuseppe Marotta has denied that the club have approached Barcelona over forward David Villa.

Reports in Spain had suggested that a move could be in the offing, but this has now been refuted by the 57-year-old executive.

The Old Lady are looking to sign a high-profile striker this summer, and have been linked with Robin van Persie, Edin Dzeko and Fernando Llorente at various times. However, 30-year-old Villa is not on their list of targets.

"I can rule out any interest or negotiations for David Villa," Marotta is quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.

"He is a great player, but not the type we are looking for. We want a striker in the style of Edinson Cavani or Llorente, who are our primary targets along with Edin Dzeko."

With time running out in the transfer window, Juve will no doubt be concentrating their efforts on recruiting a new goalscorer to aid their quest for back-to-back Serie A titles.

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Marotta: 'Juve fair on Berbatov'

Aug 29, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta insists they “acted fairly” towards Fiorentina, but have lost Dimitar Berbatov to Fulham.

The Manchester United striker had agreed terms with the Viola and flown out for a medical today, but never turned up, instead flying to Munich.

That transfer was hijacked by Juve, but this evening he changed his mind again and chose Fulham.

“These are very normal things that happen in the transfer market, especially in the last few days,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

Fiorentina had accused Juve of arrogance and lacking sporting ethics in their interception of negotiations.

“We only approached Manchester United and got close to the player after discovering he had turned down Fiorentina. There was an offer from Fulham, but he wanted to evaluate our proposal too and give a definitive response tonight.

“He wants to stay in the Premier League. Why was he in Munich? His wife is from there.”

Now both Juve and Fiorentina are thought to be turning towards Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner instead.

“Bendtner is an available player and we have evaluated him, but we cannot say that we’re about to conclude the deal,” continued Marotta.

“Fernando Llorente could remain an objective, seeing as his contract expires in 2013. When the rules allow us to make an approach, then we’ll see how it ends. At the moment it is a utopia to think he’ll play for us.”

[Socrates 8328]

Robin van Persie was an impossible signing for Juventus

and any Italian club, says Giuseppe Marotta

The Bianconeri official revealed that signing the Dutchman would be a hard task

for any side from the peninsula, whilst clarifying what happened with Dimitar Berbatov.

Sep 2, 2012

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that signing Robin van Persie was impossible for any Italian club during the transfer window.

The Bianconeri official also insisted that there was no wrongdoing against Fiorentina in regards to the potential transfer of Dimitar Berbatov, who eventually snubbed the two teams in favour of Fulham.

Nevertheless, Marotta revealed that whilst signing the former Arsenal captain was an objective, the transfer fee was not a feasible option for any Italian side in the current climate.

"Last year we were able to hit a record that is hard to beat such as ending the season unbeaten. We had some goals and not all of them have been achieved," the 57-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

"I take the example of Van Persie. He is impossible for an Italian club right now. Spending €30 million on a player, not to mention the wages, is not feasible for Juve or for any other club in Serie A.

"The Berbatov case? I hope to meet with President Andrea Della Valle soon to clarify the situation of Berbatov, but I want to clarify that there was no misconduct against Fiorentina.

"We made an enquiry after the player said he did not want to go to the Viola, but it was off very shortly because he said he preferred Fulham."

Marotta also turned his attention to the Champions League group stage, where the Serie A holders were drawn against Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjaelland.

He continued: "We are pleased to return to an important competition like the Champions League. Although we can't say we are on par with the four or five most important clubs in Europe, we will focus especially on the way we play and on strengthening.

"Progressing from the group is within our reach, even though there are dangers hidden around the corner. Just look at Basel and Apoel last year."

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Van Persie ‘impossible’ for Juventus

Sep 3, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has insisted that it was “impossible” to sign Robin Van Persie from Arsenal this summer.

The Italian giants had tracked the Dutchman, but he eventually decided to join Manchester United instead – the club he scored a hat-trick for on Sunday.

“We had a few objectives on the market and we couldn’t get all of them,” the Turin official stated when asked about his club’s moves.

“Take Van Persie for example, at this moment in time it was impossible for any Italian club to sign him.

“To pay €30m for a player coming towards the end of his contract, without taking into account his wages, was not possible for Juventus or any other Serie A side.”

The Italian champions were looking for a new forward and eventually landed Niklas Bendtner, but only after failing to sign Dimitar Berbatov from United.

Juve’s bid to net the Bulgarian has been heavily criticised by Fiorentina who have blamed Juve for interfering with their proposed swoop for the forward.

“I hope to come across President Andrea Della Valle soon so that we can clear up this Berbatov situation, but I want to underline that we didn’t do anything wrong towards Fiorentina.

“We made an enquiry after the player had already turned down the Viola, but it all ended quickly because he told us that he preferred Fulham.”

Juve have started the season as favourites for the Scudetto, but they are also keen to challenge in the Champions League.

“We have reinforced a lot for Europe even if we can’t say that we are at the same level as the four or five top teams on the continent,” Marotta added.

“But we will be hoping to make a difference with our style of play. We’ll need a lot of intensity which was our winning characteristic from last season.”

[Socrates 8328]

Van Persie would have been a bad choice for Juventus, says Marotta

The Turin giants eventually opted against signing the Dutchman, but are pleased

with their overall transfer activity, while still keeping tabs on Ogbonna and Llorente.

Sep 7, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta feels that signing Robin van Persie would have been the wrong choice for the Serie A champions due to his hefty transfer fee.

The Bianconeri were eager to lure the Netherlands international away from Arsenal this summer, but eventually decided against signing the attacker, who joined Manchester United in the end.

"I have some regrets about Van Persie, but it would have been a bad choice for the club if we had paid €30 million for a player with an expiring contract," Marotta stated to Tuttosport.

"We are happy with the business we were able to carry out, though. We signed good, young players with reasonable salaries - Asamoah, Isla and Giovinco.

"Additionally, we should not forget that we managed to hold on to Vidal and Marchisio amid foreign interest."

Marotta then admitted that Juve are closely monitoring the situation of Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna.

The Italy international has a contract with his current club until the summer of 2016 and Torino have so far been adamant that they will not sell Ogbonna. Nevertheless, the Juve director has made it clear that Juve are ready to make a move if they decide to make the defender available.

"Ogbonna is a big talent and a player we really like. Juventus would have an obligation to make a move for him if Torino were to make him available on the transfer market," he said.

The Juve director then went on to discuss the situation of Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who was believed to be on his way to the Turin giants in the summer transfer window, and stressed that they remain interested in signing the towering attacker.

"Llorente remains an option for us as long as he's on the market. We will look at what's possible in January."

The Spain international's contract with Bilbao is due to expire at the end of the season.

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Juventus still looking at Llorente, reveals Marotta

The Old Lady's sporting director claims the Italian side are still working hard

to identify potential targets ahead of the January transfer window.

Sep 12, 2012

Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that Juventus are looking to bring in suitable players when the transfer window re-opens in the new year, including Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente.

The 57-year-old spent the summer trying to land the signature of a top-class centre-forward but were thwarted in their attempts to sign Robin van Persie, Stevan Jovetic and the Spain international.

The Italian champions did manage to sign Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal but Marotta is still hoping to further bolster their attack.

"We are continuing to monitor interesting players and we will decide whether to make any moves in January," he told reporters.

"We have looked for players with a certain profile and Jovetic fits that, but he is a Fiorentina player and the Viola will decide his future. Llorente? We are continuing to work.

"The first judgements from Conte on Bendtner are very positive. He is a youngster who wants to do well."

However, Marotta dismissed reports that the Turin side were interested in signing Lazio centre-back Modibo Diakite, after the Senegalese star refused to sign a new contract at Stadio Olimpico.

"There are usually a lot of bombastic headlines about us and we get linked with moves that I can categorically deny.

"For example, we have not talked to Diakite. He is a Lazio player and will not be coming to Juventus.”

Juve coach Antonio Conte is currently serving a 10-month ban for failing to report match-fixing activities, but Marotta is optimistic that the former Siena boss' upcoming appeal will be successful.

“We are very optimistic about the TNAS hearing," he revealed."

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Juve still pondering transfers

Sep 12, 2012

The transfer window may have closed but Juventus are still working to strengthen the squad, says director general Beppe Marotta.

“We are continuing to monitor interesting players and we’ll decide whether to make any moves in January,” stated the official.

Marotta and Co spent the whole summer looking for a new striker, but failed in bids to net Robin Van Persie, Stevan Jovetic or Fernando Llorente.

While the Dutchman has now been lost to Manchester United, the Fiorentina and Athletic Bilbao men are still on their radar.

“We have looked for players with a certain profile and Jovetic fits that, but he is a Fiorentina player and the Viola will decide his future. Llorente? We are continuing to work.”

Juve eventually opted to take Niklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal, a player who has a number of question marks against his quality.

“The first judgements from Conte on Bendtner are very positive,” Marotta added. “He’s a youngster who wants to do well.”

The Turin giants also rubbished reports that they are interested in Lazio stopper Modibo Diakite after he rejected a new deal in Rome.

“There are usually a lot of bombastic headlines about us and we get linked with moves that I can categorically deny.

“For example, we have not talked to Diakite. He is a Lazio player and won’t be coming to Juventus.”

Marotta also spoke about boss Antonio Conte’s appeal to the TNAS tribunal, set for September 21, in his effort to get his 10-month touchline ban scrapped or reduced.

“We are super optimistic about the TNAS hearing,” he noted.

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta hits out at Sensibile

Sep 13, 2012

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has responded to claims by Sampdoria director Pasquale Sensibile that deals with the Bianconeri 'are too difficult to carry out'.

The 57-year-old has claimed that he was 'amazed' by the 'inappropriate' allegations after the Samp man hit out at his colleague over the attempted signing of Andrea Poli.

“I read the statements,” he told the Corriere Mercantile. “I don't want to cause controversy, but I would like to clarify that I was amazed by them. I consider them inappropriate and not very truthful.

“We tried to get Poli this summer. I concocted a deal with Sensibile and he was perfectly aware of the contents of our proposal. It was all very clear and straightforward.

“Two summers ago we requested Daniele Gastaldello on loan as well, with the right to buy. It is a formula that's recognized in football and happens regularly.”

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Marotta and Buffon to extend

Sep 14, 2012

It’s renewal time at Juventus with director general Beppe Marotta and Gigi Buffon set for new contracts.

According to Tuttosport, the official will be handed an extension until June 2015 as reward for his work in Turin.

Marotta moved to the Old Lady in the summer of 2010 after leaving Sampdoria. Although not all of his signings have been a success, some of his buys were key to Scudetto success last season.

Once the 55-year-old puts pen to paper, the club’s attention will then switch to Italian international Buffon.

His present agreement expires in June, but he’s set to accept a cut to his €6m a year salary in order to remain in Turin.

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Juventus aware of hidden dangers

Sep 24, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has dismissed the notion that his club will have no rivals in the Scudetto race this season.

The Old Lady are now clear at the top of the table after winning all four League games so far, but Marotta is remaining cautious.

“We are proud of the way we have begun the campaign,” the official told RAI. “But there are dangers around every corner in football.

“The championship is still very long and to make any predictions now would be hazardous.”

The Turin giants seem to be favoured in the title race by the difficulties being encountered by historical rivals – Milan and Inter.

“This represents a clear sign of Italian football’s involution,” the former Sampdoria man continued. “In 2003, Italian football was top of the European rankings – we are now fourth.

“This fall in standard doesn’t include us at Juventus, but we are not happy about it.”

The Turin giants had two tough seasons of their own before winning the title again in 2011-12. “We have renewed a lot of things at the club and in the squad over the years.

“We created a structure with well defined roles. Then we realised a dream last season by winning the championship – a clear sign that our revolution worked.”

Marotta was also inevitably asked about his club’s market moves once the January transfer window re-opens.

“A top player? We continue to monitor everything with great attention. But our fans should remain optimistic with the Juventus model under the presidency of Andrea Agnelli.”

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Marotta: 'Juve fair on Berbatov'

Sep 25, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta insists his club “did nothing unfair or unethical” with regards to a battle with Fiorentina over Dimitar Berbatov.

The former Manchester United striker had agreed terms with the Viola and was flying out to complete his medical, but never turned up.

Juve claimed they only began talks after being told by United that the move to Florence had collapsed, but later that evening Berbatov changed his mind again and signed for Fulham.

“Have I met with President Della Valle after the Berbatov affair? No and I don’t want to talk about it,” said Marotta ahead of tonight’s Fiorentina-Juventus match.

“We didn’t do anything unfair or unethical. We acted with great respect and now false motivations are given to this whole situation.”

The Berbatov saga only added to the huge tension between the clubs, which means Coach Antonio Conte is watching this game from the Juventus Channel Plexiglas box rather than the stands.

“The tone around this match is a little over the top and the fact Conte can’t sit in the stands is a negative advertisement for Italian football. We put in the effort, but everything around this match seems exaggerated.”

Marotta also revealed the summer Juventus approach for Stevan Jovetic was not entirely unwelcome.

“We received positive feedback from the player and his entourage, but talking about anything else is pointless now.”

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Jovetic had agreed to join Juventus, claims Marotta

The Turin giants' general director has stated that the attacker was ready

to join the Serie A champions in the summer transfer window.

Sep 26, 2012

Giuseppe Marotta has claimed that Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic had already given a transfer to Juventus in the summer transfer window the go-ahead, before the move eventually fell through due to financial reasons.

The reigning Serie A champions had earmarked the Montenegro international as the perfect addition to their attack, but they failed to reach an agreement with Fiorentina over a transfer fee.

Jovetic revealed earlier this month that Juve pushed hard to sign him in the summer, but that he opted to stay at the Viola as he's happy with life at his current club.

Nevertheless, Marotta claims that the 22-year-old was ready to make the move to the Champions League hopefuls.

"Jovetic? It's a positive thing that the player and his entourage gave us the green light in the summer. It is useless to further discuss it. I can only say that we are closely monitoring a number of great players," Juventus' general director said to reporters.

Jovetic is under contract with Fiorentina until June 2016.

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Juve truth on JoJo, Cavani & Verratti

Oct 10, 2012

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has revealed the transfer truths behind the club’s failure to sign Stevan Jovetic, Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti in the summer.

The Italian giants were linked with all three players, but the first two stayed at their respective clubs and Verratti left Pescara for Paris Saint-Germain.

“We spoke to Fiorentina President Mario Cognigni and sporting director Daniele Prade about Jovetic,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Nevertheless, the player is no longer of any interest to us.

“As for Cavani, we didn’t chase him in the summer because we already knew that Napoli wouldn’t have sold him to us.

“Verratti? Juventus signed Paul Pogba on a free transfer and we are enhancing Luca Marrone, two excellent talents who we believe in a lot.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t spend €12m on Verratti. It’s the same old story of financial restraints.”

The Old Lady did hope to net a big name striker ahead of 2012-13, but they had to make do with a deadline day loan deal for Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner.

“It’s hard to reinforce this side,” the official added. “We’ll have a look around, but a so-called top player will cost you €40m in terms of a fee and then another €10m net in wages.

“Those figures can’t be supported by our game right now. The big Spanish and English clubs earn double what we do. As a result, we’ll just look for wise opportunities.

“This is the most difficult phase as the squad is competitive and it is not easy to make it better,” he continued.

“We are only at 60 per cent of our project. Last season paid us back for the investments that we made, but the Juve world can’t stop. We need to grow. And by some way.”

Marotta was also asked for an opinion on boss Antonio Conte and Napoli’s Walter Mazzarri, two tacticians he has worked with, ahead of the Week 8 top of the table clash.

“Conte and Mazzarri are two Coaches who influence how their sides play. But, with all due respect, our Coach has already won. And he’s younger. Let’s say he is already ahead.”

Conte, however, won’t be on the touchline when Serie A resumes as his ban will not expire until December 8.

“It has been a heavy absence,” Marotta continued. “At times it just needs a gesture from Antonio to resolve a game situation. But everyone has done well during this time.”

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Juventus no longer after Jovetic, says Marotta

The Turin powerhouse have no intention of making a move for the creative forward

this winter, while they did not make a move for Edinson Cavani last summer either.

Oct 10, 2012

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that the Serie A champions are no longer interested in signing Fiorentina attacker Stevan Jovetic.

The Bianconeri were close to signing the Montenegro international in the summer transfer window, but the move eventually fell through as they failed to reach an agreement with his current club.

Juve remain keen to add some fresh blood to their attack, but Jovetic is no longer a transfer target as they have turned their attention to Roma's Pablo Osvaldo instead.

"We spoke with Fiorentina president [Mario] Cognigni and sporting director [Daniele] Prade about Jovetic," Marotta was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"However, we are no longer interested in signing him now."

Marotta then went on to discuss his side's interest in Napoli star Edinson Cavani, and insisted that Juve did not attempt to sign the Uruguay international during the summer transfer window.

"We have not even tried to sign Cavani. We knew that Napoli had no intention to sell him."

Cavani signed a new contract with Napoli earlier this year that will keep him at the club until June 2017.

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Marotta: 'Buffon criticism untrue'

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta told off critics who thought Gigi Buffon was faking his injury on international duty.

There were rumours the goalkeeper had pulled out of the World Cup qualifier with Denmark in order to preserve himself for today’s Juve-Napoli showdown, but in truth the thigh strain has ruled him out of this game too.

“The truth shows that the criticism on Buffon was incorrect. Wearing the Azzurri jersey must be a source of pride for everyone and so it happens to risk playing even when not at full fitness,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“Andrea Pirlo is in good shape and knows how to control his energy levels. He is one of those who moves the most on the pitch, even if he uses his brain more than his legs, so perhaps that helps him become less fatigued.”

The Bianconeri director joined forces with Udinese Coach Francesco Guidolin in urging a change to the Serie A system.

“We are all in favour of our players going on international duty, but the format ought to be revamped and return Serie A to 18 teams.”

Marotta was at the Juventus Stadium ahead of today’s top of the table battle with Napoli.

“There are two great Coaches who are doing good work for Italian football. Angelo Alessio is now available for the touchline after his ban was cut on appeal, so Massimo Carrera returns to an assistant role.”

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Marotta: Top player? Top team…

Oct 22, 2012

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has underlined that one player – even a top player – doesn’t make a team.

One of Marotta’s missions during the summer was the acquisition of a big-name striker, but he didn’t have the finances to make that happen.

Juventus, however, haven’t missed a main hitman as they sit at the top of the table after seven wins and a draw from their first eight games.

“I always hear people talk about a top player, but here we need to speak about a top team,” he told Radio Rai. “The team unit is our true strength.

“The statistics enable us to make a full analysis and confirm that we have a winning model.

“This team has lost just once in 55 competitive fixtures, and we’re on a 47-game unbeaten run in the League. We’re at the top of the championship, with the best attack and best defence.

“This is down to the work which we started two years ago when President Andrea Agnelli arrived.”

The Old Lady’s form this term has been even more surprising given that it has come without Antonio Conte on the touchline given his four-month ban.

“The absence of Conte is something that weighs heavy on us, but his professionalism and that of his backroom staff enables the team to be fully prepared for our games,” Marotta added.

“We suffer without Antonio, but this gives everyone greater stimulation. The squad is our strength and this is also evident by the fact that 12 different players have hit the target so far this season.”

Juve are next in action on Tuesday in the Champions League against Nordsjaelland of Denmark.

“We go into the game knowing that we’re the superior side. This is a fundamental step and we’ll travel to Denmark looking for all three points.”

[Socrates 8328]

Marotta: Our model is winning

Oct 22, 2012

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta spoke to Radio Rai about his squad, returning to the definition of “little toy soldiers” that had been used by Inter’s Antonio Cassano to describe the Bianconeri.

He spoke about the professionalism of his players, and the importance of being a group.

“In a group, there must be a respect for rules, otherwise you won’t go very far,” he said.

“We have done that which should be done by every squad. We have some rules, and we have players who are very responsible, and who understand that their job takes sacrifices.”

He also took the time to speak about the statistics that speak about his team’s mentality.

“The statistics help us to do a more complete analysis.

“We have only lost one game in 55 official matches, and are unbeaten in 47 league matches.

“We are at the top of the table, we have the best defense, and the best attack. All this shows our model is winning.”

Marotta expressed his thoughts on the players in his Bianconeri side, especially the young, home-grown talents.

“At the moment no Italian club can purchase a player like Messi. Not only him, but there are many other players who are unreachable. We’re talking about players that cost €30 million and upwards. We are at a point in our football tradition where we must give higher value to our young Italian players.”

The Juventus big man was asked about Paul Pogba possibly being a new Andrea Pirlo.

“I don’t believe it is possible to find a new Pirlo. You need to look for good players that then must be handled by our technical staff. Pogba is a young player who is appreciated, but not glorified. Besides being an exemplary professional, he is a very intelligent player.”

On Tuesday night, Juventus take on Nordsjaelland in their next Champions League match.

“Tomorrow night against Nordsjaelland we must win,” he said.

“Dangers lie right around the corner. We must play with an awareness of being better than the opponents, but at the same a respect for their game.”

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Marotta: 'Juve must win'

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta admits they “have no alternative” but victory against Nordsjaelland and has a Nicklas Bendtner revelation.

“Juventus have to win, we have no alternative,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s Champions League match in Copenhagen.

The Bianconeri have drawn both their opening Group E games and risk being left behind in the race for qualification.

“We are facing a side that is technically inferior, but it will be the game of their lives, so we must have the right sporting aggression. This match has hidden dangers and Antonio Conte pointed out the players must step on to the field with great motivation and determination.”

Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri start in attack due to Mirko Vucinic still suffering from the after-effects of flu, but Bendtner is only on the bench after playing just 10 minutes of football this season.

“Sebastian is growing and has not yet achieved maturity or consistency in his career, but by playing regularly and taking part in these international tests he will become the complete player.”

Marotta seemed to suggest that Bendtner was not in the stands purely out of ‘respect’ for playing in his homeland.

“As for Bendtner, it was only right and respectful for him that he should be on the bench tonight. He is an idol in Denmark and should be involved, also as a form of respect for this game. If he plays, then he will be able to fulfil the requests of the Coach.”