(Video) Juventus - Lazio 2-0

Nedved’s Goodbye: "As From Today I Quit Running!"

After the run around the stadium and the emotional ovation received from all the Olimpico, Pavel Nedved spoke of his feelings on his 327th and final match in black and white:

"It was a very difficult day but at the same time a beautiful one. I felt the affection of all the supporters and my mates which came as proof of the great things we did together in these years. I did not expect such a feast. I am really happy to have played for a team with these supporters".

"Today I quit running. I will leave my number 11 jersey to Amauri. I am happy about this because I know he really wanted it. As from tomorrow I can dedicate myself to my family who waited for me for all these years".

Juventus.com

Camoranesi: "Today We Came Second But We Soon We Will Win The Scudetto"

Mauro German Camoranesi on Juventus Channel: "The second place was the only objective possible and we had to reach it. We managed to do so but I can’t say I am completely satisfied. Our only real objective is the Scudetto which we will try to win as soon as possible. Pavel’s farewell made me emotional. He was an important player, one of those champions who helped this team win a lot in these last few years".

Juventus.com

Ferrara: "We Wanted The Second Place And We Managed To Achieve This"

Full marks for Ciro Ferrara who managed to obtain 2 victories in 2 matches made even more precious by 2 clean sheets and 5 goals scored. The Neapolitan coach certainly left his mark on the end of the season.

"We managed to win six important points. We wanted the second place and we managed to achieve this. I must thank the players who really worked hard in the last 15 days. They accepted me and my methods and worked really well. I am happy to know that the supporters appreciated my work".

"I felt really emotional sitting on the bench. It was not easy for me but the players made themselves available and helped me out a lot. The experience in the youth sector also helped me a lot even at this level things are very different even due to the different issues. I understand those players who wanted to play but could not make it".

"I thanked every one of them personally. The day after tomorrow I will join the national team for the Confederations Cup my mobile will however be on for any news with regards to the Juve bench".

The team showed great play and determination: "What I liked most about today’s Juve is the will to bring the victory home. In the second half we suffered a bit more but the players were determined. We could have done better when it came to finishing but having said this I am happy with how the team played".

On a day of such mixed emotions it is inevitable to comment on Pavel Nedved’s farewell: "It is always strange seeing a player who left a mark on the history of Juventus retire. I am glad that the supporters gave him the well deserved farewell. I am sorry that such a champion who is an example to youngsters decided to stop as I m also sad about Maldini’s farewell".

Juventus.com

Blanc: "It Was After All A Good Season"

Juventus ended the season in the second place, an honourable standing which augurs well for the future, a future which will be characterised by a number of decisions which will be taken by the board of directors amongst whom is general manager Jean Claude Blanc.

"It was after all a good season when you consider the second place. There were very good moments and a recent difficult moment but at the end this second place is a good result and it came thanks to everybody’s work: first with Ranieri and his staff who did a good job and then we decided to charge the players and Ferrara and his staff did really well to get the team back on track".

"Thanks should go to the players, to both groups of staff, Molinaro who played the most even though he couldn’t end the season. In sport one must have the capability to react. Everybody carried his responsibility and we finally managed to end the season well".

"We waited for the end of the season to evaluate everything and now we have to take the decisions for the next season, starting from the technical staff which we will decide about in the next ten or fifteen days".

Juventus.com

Juventus - Lazio 2-0

It was a match rich in emotion which saw Pavel Nedved descend on the field for the last time wearing the black and white jersey. Ferrara’s men continue from where they left off a week ago in Siena registering another convincing victory and the second clean sheet in as many matches with the former defence stalwart as coach.

The Ferrara factor seems to have left its mark really deeply on Juventus who descend on the pitch for the last match of the season very determined and well-placed. From the very start of the match the bianconeri seem to be fired from a cannon.

On the 1st minute there is a great move by Del Piero who after a run passes to Iaquinta in the Lazio area but the pass is a bit too long. One minute later a good run by Pavel Nedved on the flank sees the ball go over the line for a goal kick. The brilliant start, however, soon pays off and on the 3rd minute Marchisio puts a great through-ball towards Iaquinta who enters the area and puts the ball under the keeper and into the net for the opener (1-0).

On the 4th minute there is a corner for Juve: ball into the area, Legrottaglie tries to head but the defence clears. The ball reaches Iaquinta who crosses into the area with the ball put into corner by the defence. From the second corner Chiellini heads high. Two minutes later it is time for a demonstration of great play by Iaquinta and Del Piero in the area but the defence clears in some way.

The 8th minute sees Del Nero who crosses into the Juve area with Buffon saving easily but the flag was up. Two minutes later there is a free-kick for Juve from a long distance: Del Piero takes it but the ball goes wide. On the 12th minute there is a good cross into the area with the ball reaching Del Piero but the Juventus forward is blocked.

On the 13th minute a Del Piero goal disallowed for an inexistent off-side. One minute later Lazio have the best chance in the first half with Kozac who misses a sitter right in front of Buffon with the defence taken by surprise, shooting high. The quarter of an hour mark sees a good run by Zebina who crosses into the area but the cross is too strong and Del Piero does not manage to stop the ball.

The 16th minute sees a great run and pass towards Del Piero by Nedved but the defence manages to clear into corner. From the flag Nedved puts the ball into the area, the keeper punches away, Marchisio shoots but the ball goes high. On the 23rd minute great play by Juve with Brazzo who finally passes to Marchisio who with a powerful shot from outside the area sees the ball go inches wide. One minute later Foggia enters the Juve area and shoots but Buffon is well placed and saves well.

The 33rd witness is an example of Juventus’ great team and passing put into practice with ball finally ending in a corner. Nedved showed extreme class. Eight minutes later a long ball by Nedved towards Del Piero is slightly too long. The 42nd minute sees Foggia who enters the Juve area and shoots but Buffon is well-placed and saves easily.

On the 43rd minute there is a free-kick for Lazio: Ledesma puts the ball straight into the wall. From the rebound the ball reaches Kozac in the area but the striker is off-side. The last bit of action of the first half comes on the second of the two minutes of stoppage time given by the referee: Nedved crosses into the area towards Iaquinta who stops and crosses to Del Piero who with a spectacular overhead kick sees the ball go inches wide.

In the first few minutes of the second half Lazio try to get back into the game but Juventus are concentrated. On the 2nd minute there is a great clearance by Legrottaglie who anticipates Del Nero in an inviting position. One minute later there is a great pass by Del Piero towards Chiellini who misses the ball by inches for what could have been a great goal opportunity.

On the 8th minute Camoranesi is fouled after a good run. From the free-kick the ball reaches Nedved who from a lateral position shoots extremely well with the ball going inches high. One minute later great play by Zebina who crosses low into the area but the defence puts the ball into corner. On the 10th minute Amauri comes on for Zanetti.

The 11th minute sees Ledesma shooting wide from outside the area. Three minutes later there is a great pass by Nedved towards Iaquinta who enters the area and puts the ball beyond the keeper for his second of the game (2-0). The Czech Fury might not have scored but his pass is sure worth a great goal.

Juventus continue to play great football and on the 15th minute Nedved shoots wide but from a very long distance. One minute later there is a great attempt by Del Piero but the keeper is careful. On the 17th minute Brocchi shoots wide from a good position and four minutes later Nedved shoots from outside the area but the keeper manages to grab hold.

On the 25th minute Kozak heads slightly wide in what was a good goal opportunity. Giovinco comes on for an excellent Iaquinta. Four minutes later wonderful play by Del Piero who sees the ball finally being cleared into corner by the Lazio defence.

A player who certainly had a great match is Jonathan Zebina who on the 31st minute put a great ball towards Del Piero who passed to Nedved who was anticipated at the last moment. On the 35th minute Amauri puts a ball down for Nedved who with a great shot from outside the area sees the ball go inches wide. One minute later a Camoranesi attempt goes high over the bar.

Seconds later a Brocchi attempt is deviated into corner by Chiellini. On the 37th minute Juve benefit from a free-kick from the left after a foul on Giovinco which seemed to be inside the area: Del Piero leaves it to Nedved who is denied the goal by the keeper.

It is the 38th minute when Tiago comes on for Nedved who leaves the field for the last time hugged by all his team mates and with a standing ovation by all the stadium. It is hard to hold back the tears seeing a living Juventus legend leaving the field in black and white for the last time.

On the 39th minute there is a free-kick for Lazio: Ledesma shoots straight into the wall. One minute later Kozac hits the post in a rather awkward bit of action in the Juve area. Seconds later there is a free-kick for Juve: Del Piero from a great distance sees Carrizo saving.

No stoppage time is given by the referee and Juventus end the season in a good and well-deserved second place.

Serie A 2008/09 38th Match Day
Turin, Stadio Olimpico
Sunday 31st May, 2009

JUVENTUS – LAZIO : 2-0
Scorers: Iaquinta (3rd), Iaquinta (59th).

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Salihamidzic; Camoranesi, Zanetti (Amauri 54th), Marchisio, Nedved (Tiago 83rd); Del Piero, Iaquinta (Giovinco 71st). Reserves: Manninger, Mellberg, Tiago, Marchionni, Giovinco, Trezeguet, Amauri. Coach: Ferrara.

LAZIO: Carrizo; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia (Tuia 77th), Rozenhal, De Silvestri; Brocchi, Dabo (Meghni 62nd), Ledesma, Foggia; Del Nero (Mendicino 51st), Kozac. Reserves: Muslera, Kolarov, Tuia, Diakite, Meghni, Perpetuini, Mendicino. Coach: Rossi.

REFEREE: Peruzzo from Schio.

Yellow Cards: Lichtsteiner (78th), Ledesma (82nd)

Juventus.com

Pavel And Juventus, A Fantastic Story Which Lasted Eight Years

Like all beautiful stories, even the one featuring Juventus and Pavel Nedved has come to an end. It was a fantastic story which lasted 8 seasons and which is rich in satisfaction for both parties.

Nedved joined Juventus from Lazio at the beginning of the 2001/02 season. Lazio was the team that brought him to Italy and with him won a scudetto, 2 Coppa Italia, 2 Italian Super Cups, a Cup Winners Cup and a UEFA Cup.

In black and white his trophy cupboard added to its content. As from his first season he contributed to the winning of the scudetto after coming from behind Inter. His unforgettable goal against Piacenza two days from the end of the season re-opened the title race.

The 2002/03 season was even richer in satisfaction: another tricolour and a Champions League final against Milan which he missed due to suspension. Notwithstanding this he still won the golden ball 2003 which he more then deserved.

After the Lippi era, with Capello as coach, he contributed to two scudetto won on the field and then revoked. He was amongst the bianconeri who decided to stay with the club even during the season spent in Serie B and with his performances and his goals helped to bring Juventus first back into the Serie A and then into the Champions League.

Tomorrow’s match against Lazio will be his 326th appearance in which he scored 65 goals. The numbers say much (but not all!) about Pavel Nedved and what he has meant to Juventus.

Juventus.com

Juventus Thanks Pavel Nedved

The relationship between Juventus and Pavel Nedved is about to come to an end. Sunday’s match against Lazio (the only other Italian team for which he played) will be the last match of the Czech as a bianconero.

It was Nedved himself who announced it by means of this press release issued in the afternoon.

"After eight seasons with Juventus it is time to bid farewell to all the supporters, my team mates and the club and thank them for all the support I received in these years. In Turin I won 4 scudetti and a golden ball. As from Monday I’ll start thinking of my future".

"I would like to especially thank my wife Ivana and my son and daughter for always supporting me, accompanying me throughout my career allowing me to reach extraordinary goals. I will continue to feel tied to Juventus by means of an affectionate relationship and I am particularly thankful to the Agnelli family for having given me the opportunity of playing for this great team. I would like to make it clear that my decision has nothing to do with any economical factors".

Juventus answered by means of a note: "Juventus took note of Pavel Nedved’s decision to end his career in black and white after his contract expires. Tomorrow, during the last home match, the club, the players and all the supporters will give him the right tribute as a thank you to a player who wrote memorable pages in the history of this club, contributing in a determinative manner to the reaching of important goals.

During his 8 years in black and white Nedved always fielded his maximum effort, showing great attachment to the jersey and a great dedication which will remain in the memories of all Juventus fans of both today tomorrow. The club wishes Pavel Nedved an equally victorious future in the hope of maintaining a professional partnership which thanks to his charisma and experience can give him and Juventus more causes for satisfaction".

Juventus.com

19 Players Called-Up For Last Match. Tiago Recovers, De Ceglie Does Not.

The Juventus Center in Vinovo this morning said bye to the bianconeri for this season. The team took part in the last training session of the season which will come to an end after the match against Lazio on Sunday.

After the session, Ciro Ferrara announced the list of players called-up. Out of the two who were still in doubt, only Tiago recovered while De Ceglie (problems with an ankle) joined the other players who said “see you next season”: Molinaro, Sissoko, Grygera, Ekdal and Knezevic, apart from goalkeeper Chimenti.

Ariaudo will not be part of the group either, after having returned to the Primavera which as from Monday will be playing for the national title in Trentino. Salihamidzic will be part of the starting line-up as announced by Ciro Ferrara during the press conference.

Below is the list of the 19 players called-up for the match against Lazio:

1. Buffon
3. Chiellini
4. Mellberg
5. Zebina
6. Zanetti
7. Salihamidzic
8. Amauri
9. Iaquinta
10. Del Piero
11. Nedved
13. Manninger
16. Camoranesi
17. Trezeguet
18. Poulsen
19. Marchisio
20. Giovinco
30. Tiago
32. Marchionni
33. Legrottaglie

Juventus.com

Ferrara: "We Have To Make Sure That We Are Focused"

It is the last match of the season. Juventus coached by Ciro Ferrara will be attempting to confirm themselves in the second place of the championship.

In order to make sure of this the bianconeri must win: "The objective was to qualify directly to the Champions League but we have another objective now: that of ending in the second place and this would be the cherry on the cake for these two weeks of hard work".

"Tomorrow is the last day of school but we have to attend class and we will be tested so we have to make sure that we are focused. We will be playing at home in front of our supporters and we want to leave a great impression through good football".

The match against Lazio will see the return of a player who has been absent for quite some time due to injury – Hasan Salihamidzic: "Salihamidzic will be playing. He has been absent for a very long time but he is well and trained for the last two weeks with us and with problems in the defence he is the automatic choice".

Asked about his impression of the last two weeks since he has been sitting on the Juventus bench Ciro Ferrara could not hide his satisfaction:

"I am very satisfied because we managed to win ourselves a tranquil position but also for these two weeks during which we worked very well. I am also happy that notwithstanding qualifying directly for the Champions League last week they were still very committed this week and I would like to thank the players for this. Against Siena the team responded to the negative moment as if they suddenly recognized their objective and helped me as coach very much".

"They are obviously aware of the jersey they are wearing. I would like to thank all those who helped me in these two weeks. The staff must be on the same wavelength and in my case they certainly are. I am trying to carry-out the role entrusted to me with determination, dedication and hard work knowing that this was a perfect week but it is not always like this".

"There will come difficult times and very difficult times but I will try to overcome them in the best of manners. The coach is important during the week: preparing the match and trying to motivate the players. On the match day however it is the players who are professionals of very high level and who are the absolute protagonists".

Asked about Jonathan Zebina who the coach chose to field from the first minute against Siena, Ferrara said: "Jonathan had a number of injuries but in the last two weeks he worked really well. I tried to explain to him that in his role he must first defend and then only attack when it is possible. We spoke a lot during the week. He was very available and this showed".

The players seemed to respond well to the coach from Naples and his methods: "I think the attitude is that of professional footballers who want to do well. All the players have great personality. They helped me understand how to manage a team after having seen how it is done when I was a player".

"My role as director of the youth sector also helped me very much. Then it is normal that day after day one improves and learns. I am a good listener and observer and this has helped me a great deal. One must be open to the players’ ideas but then take his decision and make sure that the team accepts it".

"Obviously the coach’s decisions are not always necessarily right but one learns also from mistakes. All players want to play but the coach has to take some decisions. In a great team there are players who play less but many times players who do not play so often are very important at certain stages of the season".

Tomorrow is the last match of the season and many are asking if Ciro Ferrara, who seems to have filled the role of Juventus coach so well in these last two weeks, will be confirmed or whether Juventus will opt for another coach:

"The decision about my future does not depend on me or the players but on the club directors. I am rather tranquil about it because words were clear when I accepted this role which I will surely keep till Sunday and then next week we’ll know what the definite choice is. For me this was a great possibility which could have been risky but which was worth it and very important for my future".

"Life is always full of risks. I am not thinking of my future at the moment but my thoughts are exclusively on tomorrow’s match. Conte? I spoke via sms with Antonio Conte because our relationship is very good but we obviously both have our aspirations for the future. We joke about it".

From the future of the coach to the future of the Czech fury: "I don’t know about Nedved. I’ve been hearing much about this but the player himself has not yet spoken about it. As an ex-team-mate I really enjoyed coaching him in these last two weeks especially when you see his great dedication and intensity during training. Seeing from the way he trains he has still many more minutes in his legs. What I can say is that if he decides to retire it would be sad for world football just like in the case of Maldini".

Juventus.com

30-5-09 Juventus News

Serie A Preview: Juventus - Lazio
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Nedved: I Quit Juve, Not Football
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Ferrara Odds 'Drop To 33 Per Cent'
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Giovinco: "Ranieri Didn't Like Me"
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Iaquinta Confirms Juve Contract
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Sissoko & Mellberg Look Forward To Juventus Peace Cup Adventure
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David Trezeguet's Future Depends On Juventus - Agent
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Nedved Had Many Requests From Italian Clubs - Agent
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Hamburg’s Marcell Jansen On Juventus Radar
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Pandev 'Not On The Market'
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Sissoko: "Concentrated On Next Season"

Juventus’ 2008/09 season is about to come to an end and Sunday will see the last match against Lazio. For Momo Sissoko the season ended quite a while ago due to an injury suffered during the return match of the derby a few days before the decisive return match against Chelsea. The Mali player had to watch his team-mates from outside the field while working hard to recover.

Now Momo is well and since a few days he has been working hard with the group even though he will not be ready for the last match. The appointment for his return is postponed to the beginning of the next season when Juventus will have him back even stringer and more charged up then before:

"I am already concentrated on next season – he confessed to journalists present at the launch of the Peace Cup 2009 -. I am sorry to have missed out on the most important part of the season but unfortunately these are things that happen".

His was a heavy absence which many defined as the main cause of the negative period of Juventus between April and May but Momo does not believe in this theory:

"Juventus is not only Sissoko but a strong group who fight in unison. Things did not turn out the way we would have liked them to but this was not due to my absence, The important thing now is to end the season well and then think of the next".

Sissoko already has his mind on the beginning of next season, a championship which he would like to play alongside Pavel Nedved. The question about the Czech midfielder’s future was expected:

"I don’t know what his decision will be but we, his team-mates, are doing everything possible to convince him to go on. From his performances on the field I think he could still play for another two years".

Juventus.com

Tiago And De Ceglie In Doubt For Match Against Lazio. Saturday Conference With Ferrara

Even the last Friday of the season is part of the past. The team worked in Vinovo in the morning, continuing with their preparation for the last match on Sunday against Lazio at the Olimpico. For the match against the capitolini, Ferrara has still two players in doubt: Tiago and De Ceglie who worked separately.

For both players the decisive training session is the one on schedule for the eve of the match on Saturday morning. Up to now the definite absentees are Sissoko, Molinaro, Grygera, Knezevic and Ekdal.

On Saturday, therefore the team will have the last training session of the year, at the end of which at 12:30hrs, Ciro Ferrara will meet the journalists in the press room of the Juventus Media Center. The press conference will be transmitted live on Juventus Channel.

Juventus.com

29-5-09 Juventus News

Momo Feels For Ranieri
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Iaquinta: Diego And Cannavaro Will Help Juventus Win Trophies
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Ciro Ferrara Focusing Only On Lazio
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Ferrara In Dark Over Nedved
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Nedved For D-day Talks
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Juve To Let Knezevic Leave
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David Trezeguet Willing To Take Pay Cut To Join Roma – Agent
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Juventus Pushing For Liverpool Stopper Andrea Dossena
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Inter & Juventus Chase Argentine Prodigy Eduardo Salvio
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Maggio's Juve Link Refuted
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Wenger Is An Option
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Blanc Enters Juve Frame
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Conte Unsure Of Future
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The Juventus Revolution: Why The Bianconeri Will Take Europe By Storm In 09/10
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The Peace Cup Visits Turin

From England to Spain. While in 2008 the team travelled to Britain this Summer Juventus will be travelling to Andalusia. The Iberian region will host the 4th edition of the “Peace Cup”, one of the most important tournaments in the world cup, defined as the Summer Champions League.

Juventus will be there, ready to fight against high level opponents – coming from all over the world – such as Real Madrid, Seville, Deportivo La Coruna, Malaga, Porto, Olimpique Lyon, Aston Villa, Celtic Glasgow, Fenerbahçe, LDU Quito (Colombia), Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) and Seongnam (South Korea). The bianconeri were drawn in Group A together with Seville and the Korean side Seongnam.

The tournament will take place between the 24th of July and the 2nd of August for the first time in Europe after three editions held in Korea. In the meantime another stage en route to the tournament took lace. The trophy, which in the past was won by Psv Eindhoven, Tottenham and Olimpique Lyon visited Turin together with Deputy Secretary General Sean Kim.

A press conference which saw the participation of Juventus team manager Gianluca Pessotto, Momo Sissoko and Olof Mellberg was organized at the Juventus Media Center in Vinovo for the occasion.

Sean Kim underlined the values of the tournament, that is to promote football as an instrument of peace and social development and expressed his appreciation ion behalf of the organization for having Juventus as one of the participating teams. The appreciation was exchanged by all at Juventus and expressed by Pessotto:

"We are happy to be Italy’s representative in this important tournament. For us it will be the first appointment of the new season and an occasion to be able to see how we measure up with difficult opponents and test the team’s strength. Besides, it is an honour to be able to merge sports with solidarity".

For Sissoko it will be the right occasion to meet Seville once again, the team for which he played in Spain: "This is a very important tournament for us players and for the club. The fact that is linked to an interesting project in favour of people in need makes us even prouder".

Mellberg chose to focus his attention on the sports dimension: "We will immediately be faced with difficult matches against prestigious teams just like last year during the tour in England when we played against Arsenal and Manchester United".

Juventus.com

The 39 Heysel Victims In The Heart Of Juventus

The years go by and the 29th of May remains an unforgettable date for all Juventus supporters. On the night of the 29th of May 1985, 39 persons (36 of which were Juventus fans) lost their lives at the stadium in Brussels, the stage for the Champions Cup final. The club commemorates the tragedy: "We must remember in order to build the future".

The thirty-nine victims are remembered by all Juventus supporters and all sports enthusiasts. "Nobody can or should forget – declared president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, on behalf of the club and its supporters – and on these anniversaries we stand by the families that lost their loved ones on that tragic night. Even on their behalf, we try to interpret football in a more serene manner, educating the youngsters to respect the sport values and fair play. In these years much improvement has been done but we still have along way to go to defeat violence once and for all".

The respect for sport values is also at the basis of the commitment of the “Per non dimenticare Heysel” (So as not to forger Heysel) committee which on Saturday 23rd May, held a memorial ceremony in fReggio Emilia in front of the monument by sculptor Gido Vanlessen, the only monument in Italy against stadium violence.

To get to know more about this and remember please visit: www.saladellamemoriaheysel.it

Juventus.com

Third Training Session From Last Till End Of Season, Followed By Party For Youths

The third training session from last till the end of the season before bringing all official commitments to an end on Sunday with the match against Lazio. The match is fundamental to confirm the second place in the table and finish the season in the best way possible.

It is for this reason that Ciro Ferrara continued to encourage the team. Separate training for Ekdal, Knezevic and De Ceglie and gym for Sissoko and Tiago to iron out a simple muscle strain. Zanetti was on the field with the rest of the team who together with three Primavera first took part in a warm-up and then intense repeats with the ball first by using the hands and then the feet.

After the training session, the Juventus Center in Vinovo welcomed the approximately 300 youths from the youth sector for the usual end of season party. Staff, directors and players all took part in a mini-tournament before the real party complete with music and entertainment.

It was also the ideal occasion to distribute a copy of the “Formazione Juventus 2008/09” magazine which includes all the guidelines for the Formation Project demanded by the club, to all the youths present.

Juventus.com

Ferrara: "I Am Already Thinking Of Lazio"

After ten days of work on the field with the first team, Ciro Ferrara continues to be in the spot light with the most recent bulbs being those of the Juventus channel studios. The new Juventus coach was the special guest during the last episode of the season of Filo Diretto.

It was another occasion to receive the embraces of –even if only virtually- of the Juventus supporters after the victory against Siena: "The joy following the victory against Siena was soon forgotten and we are already thinking of the next match, on Sunday against Lazio".

Ferrara continues to work hard with the group in order to complete the job and confirm the second place in the championship, before ending the season and thinking of the future.

"I don’t know what will happen after. I confirm all I have said after the first press conference. I am at the disposal of the club whatever the decision may be. Sunday is Nedved’s last match? To say the truth we have not yet understood whether Pavel will retire. If he does it will be a sad thing to see a champion like him leaving football just like it was said to see the end of the career of Paolo Maldini. They are both examples to follow for what they did both on the field and off it".

While at Juventus thoughts are shifted to the match against Lazio, everybody is still speaking of the Champions League final played yesterday with the victory of Guardiola’s Barcelona over Manchester United. Ferrara commented on the match and congratulated his colleague:

"Barcelona deserved to win even though it was not a great game. I am very happy for Guardiola who I think established a record by winning three competitions in his first year as coach. It is a sign which shows that even young coaches can do well".

Juventus.com

28-5-09 Juventus News

Ferrara: It's Me Or Conte
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Giovanni Cobolli Gigli: Juventus Will Sell Trezeguet For The Right Price
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Trez Future Remains A Riddle
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Pavel Nedved To Sign New Juventus Deal, Vincenzo Iaquinta Already Committed
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Antonio Conte Moving Closer To Juventus
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An “Azure” Summer For Many Bianconeri

Serie A 2008/09 is not yet over but it is already time to think of tomorrow or rather of the appointments with the national teams that await the bianconeri.

Marcello Lippi, today announced the list of players called-up for the next matches: the friendly on the 6th of June against Northern Ireland and most of all the Confederations Cup which will be played in South Africa.

Six Juventus players have been called up. Nicola Legrottaglie will be the only representative of the team in the first match. In the provisional list for South Africa are the names of Buffon, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Camoranesi and Iaquinta. The complete list will be announced on the 4th of June.

Technical Work In Vinovo

The second training session of the week took place this morning under the keen eyes of sports director Alessio Secco, of the head scout Renzo Castagnini and of a particularly welcome guest, Lilian Thuram, who met many former team-mates in Vinovo.

The bianconeri, who were already on the field at 10:30hra worked especially on technique: after the warm-up they first took part in a classic “torello” and after in exercises intended to improve precision in passes on the move and ball circulation.

The team was divided into two groups: the defenders worked with Ferrara and Maddaloni while Sormani directed the midfielders and the attackers in an attacking and shooting exercise. Finally the intense session came to an end with the usual mini-match.

Juventus.com

No Suspended bianconeri For The Last Championship Match

For Juventus-Lazio, the last match of the 2008/09 championship, Ciro Ferrara will not have to deal with suspended players. There are in fact no Juventus players in the list complied by the sport authorities. De Ceglie and Zanetti, the only players shown a yellow card against Siena, are only in their second yellow card and have not yet reached the yellow cards limit as opposed to Tiago, Amauri, Grygera and Poulsen.

On the other hand Pandev is suspended and therefore his season is already over.

27-5-09 Juventus News

Diego: 'My Juve Can Win Scudetto'
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Diego Grateful To Werder
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Pavel Nedved May Postpone Retirement
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Claudio Marchisio: To Whistle Paolo Maldini Is 'Unimaginable'
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Poulsen: We Had A Great Attitude
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Thuram Tells Juventus Fans Not To Criticise Cannavaro
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Clause In Marek Hamsik’s Napoli Deal Could See Juventus Land Him
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Juve Chase Tasci
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Tasci Agent Denies Juve Deal
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Juventus Ready To Fight Real Madrid For Liverpool Midfielder Xabi Alonso
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Juventus New Target From Spain
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Napoli Edge Closer To Fabio Quagliarella, But Juventus & Roma Also Interested
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Sacchi: Conte, Ferrara Both Great Prospects For Juventus
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Conte Will Be The Next Coach
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Club Focus - Juventus - The Restoration Of Juve Pride
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Thuram Re-Embraces Former Team-Mates: "The Return Of Cannavaro Is Good"

A pleasant surprise brightened the morning work for the bianconeri at the Juventus Center: Lilian Thuram visited his former team-mates. Many embraces, taps on the shoulders and an interview on Juventus Channel:

"I am happy to be her. It is a pleasure to meet Alessio Secco, Gianluca Pessotto and so many friends again". Some of these friends are still running like crazy, see Pavel Nedved for instance: "It is true – continued Lilian – I told him to stop but I used to tell him when we still played together and yet...At the end of the day he’s right because it is always nice to see him on the field".

Soon the same field will see the return of Thuram’s defence partner, that Cannavaro who together with him and Buffon first defended the Parma goal and that of Juventus:

"The persons who criticize the return of Fabio perhaps do not understand what it means to be a footballer. A player always wants to play at high levels and three years ago this was not possible. Apart from this, it was good for Juventus to transfer Fabio because the club earned a lot of money".

"It would have been stupid not to sell him and stupid on Cannavaro’s part if he did not go to Real. Now that Juve have called him back it means that the club knows he is a person they can trust and who always does his work well".

Returning to say hello to one’s friends is always a pleasure but Thuram does not miss football since he still follows Juventus:

"The team is doing well and I must say it is incredible that after a year in the Serie B the team managed to return to the Serie A, staying at the top".

Juventus.com

Diego Is Officially A Juventus Player

The news is now official: Diego Ribas da Cunha is a Juventus player. The talented Brazilian signed a five year contract which will see him at Juventus until the 30th of June 2014.

The midfielder who was in Turin yesterday for the medical tests and the signing of the contract returned to Germany where on Saturday the 30th of May he will be playing for Werder Bremen in the final of the German Cup against Bayer Leverkusen. Before returning to Bremen he stated:

"I am very enthusiastic and proud of signing for Juventus, such a prestigious club which I dreamt of since I was a child. After the experience in Portugal and the Bundesliga I will be able to test myself in a championship of very high level and I am sure that with Juventus I will be able to reach great goals. Now, however, I want to concentrate on Saturday’s final: I really want to leave the supporters of Werder in the best of manners because it is also thanks to them that I improved in the last years up to the extent of deserving this new opportunity".

Juventus will pay Werder Bremen €24.5 million divided into three installments in bank guarantees: €14 million on the 1st of July 2009, €5.5 million on the 1st of July 2010, €5 million on the 1st of July 2011. The price can rise by a further €2.5 million in case of the fulfillment of established sports objectives in the next five years.

"Due to his technical characteristics – declared Juventus general manager Jean-Claude Blanc – Diego is a fundamental player for the strengthening of the squad. We always said that our objective is to bring together youngsters and champions and Diego falls into both categories: notwithstanding he is only 24 years old, he is a player of great experience with more then 7 years of professional football at high levels".

"I am sure that his contribution will be important to continue helping the improvement of Juventus and to make a further step ahead in view of the next objectives".

"By depositing this contract – added sports director Alessio Secco – we have brought to a definite conclusion an agreement on which we have been working for months. Diego is a unique player and to bring him to Juventus we had to compete with some of the major European teams. His addition to the squad increases the team’s potential and allows the experimentation of new formations".

"His performances in the last seasons and his personality which distinguished him in German and in Europe are a confirmation of his qualities. He will be another weapon with which to face the next Champions League, for which we qualified mathematically last Sunday".

Diego Ribas da Cunha was born in Ribeirão Preto, On the 28th of February 1985.

The attacking midfielder with a compact and fast physique has excellent technique and vision of play. He is a complete player who is good at dribbling, sudden changes of pace and creating numerical superiority. He is very precise with long balls, has a powerful shot and is particularly skilled at taking free-kicks, capabilities which make him a great finisher.

After having made his debut with Santos in 2002 at 16 years of age he was transferred to Porto after two years during which he won 2 championships. At Porto he spent 2 seasons winning the Intercontinental Cup, a championship and a Portuguese Supercup before being transferred to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga. In Germany Diego’s career exploded winning a League Cup and being named best player of the championship in 2007.

In the meantime he has been winning himself more and more space in the Brazilian national team with which side he won two Coppa America (in 2004 and 2007) and a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Season 2008-09

Championship : 20 appearances – 12 goals
European Cups: 8 appearances – 6 goals
German Cup : 4 appearances – 2 goals

Press Release

Juventus.com

Guest Blogger, Gareth Freeman: Benzema To Juve, Trezeguet to Lyon?

Reports have surfaced over the last couple of weeks suggesting the Bianconeri could be about to complete a sensational swap deal that would see Karim Benzema move from Lyon to Juve and David Trezeguet move in the opposite direction. Benzema is a great player but ‘Trezegol’ has been a loyal servant to the Juventus cause and it would be hard to watch him play anywhere else.

If I detach myself from my admiration of Trezeguet though I have to concede it is probably a good deal for Juve. Sure the big Frenchman will always been remembered around the Stadio Olimpico for scoring some important goals and sticking around when Juve were in Serie B, but he has looked distinctly average in all honesty this season. Benzema is also 10 years younger than Trezeguet and he would surely be worth more to the club.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas is desperate to sign ‘Trezegol’, according to Tuttosport anyway. Trezeguet is tied down at the Stadio Olimpico until 2011 but if Benzema was offered in return I would take that all day long personally. The younger Frenchman is more in the same "trequartista" mould as Alessandro Del Piero rather than a target man like Trezeguet is, but I still think the deal is worth thinking about for the Juve hierarchy.

At 34 Del Piero is no spring chicken and in Benzema the Bianconeri would have a ready-made replacement. He would get to play alongside the Italian maestro and therefore improve even further for at least a season or two (though Il Padrino has said he will play until he is 40 in the past – I would love that!).

The Capture of Benzema would be somewhat of a coup for Juventus as Manchester United and Real Madrid are known admirers of the talented young Frenchman, meaning his value would undoubtedly rise if he was a success in Italy.

If Juve let Trezeguet go they already have Vincenzo Iaquinta who could take over the target man role, in fact imagine how dangerous an attack Juve would have with Iaquinta, Del Piero and Benzema up front? Now that is a mouth-watering prospect! It’s definitely something to think about (and pray for) but an eventual deal is not expected until next season at the earliest according to the reports I’ve read.

Gareth Freeman

Marchisio: "We Are Stronger With Diego"

"With Sunday’s victory we saved the season, after a negative period during which we nearly ruined our championship. We recovered and now we must continue like this". The victory against Siena saw a compact Juventus once again, capable of taking advantage of its champions and the freshness of its youngsters.

Marchisio was one of the protagonists in a 3-0 victory obtained in Tuscany with a goal and a pass. Interviewed on Juventus Channel he asked his team mates for another effort:

We managed to win direct qualification to the Champions League but now we are obliged to beat Lazio to end as runners-up. We tried fighting for the scudetto, having the second place practically assured but then there was the negative period and risked losing it. Now we must win on Sunday to win it back, and I think we deserve this".

The topic of the day is the signing of Diego which came in addition to the one announced a few days ago, Fabio Cannavaro:

"The club’s policy is clear. The club wants to strengthen the team. This year we did well in the Champions League after the Serie B and last year in which we qualified for European football but to do even better we need experienced champions like Cannavaro and players of a very high level like Diego. The next coach? For now we must work well with Mr. Ferrara and win the second place, then after the Summer break the club will take the best decision".

Attention shifted to the imminent Champions League final and Claudio did not high his preference as being Manchester:

"I like them a lot because they are in team in which all 11 players defend even Rooney sacrifices himself a lot and then they have a great counter-attack with Ronaldo, Park, Tevez...This can be the secret weapon against Barcellona who base much on ball possession".

In conclusion a though about Maldini’s last match at the San Siro which was ruined by a part of the fans:

"Apparently some of the people who entered the stadium have nothing to do with football and support. Whistling against Maldini who can boast of more then 900 appearances for Milan is unimaginable. Some may say that his answer was overdone but for somebody like him who spent all his life fighting for the jersey and the club, I don’t think it is right to protest against him in his farewell match".

Juventus.com

At Work For The Final Sprint

Juventus got back to work this afternoon in Vinovo in order to prepare the last match of the season, on schedule for next Sunday at the Turin Olimpico against Lazio.

The hot weather gave the team a break today in fact the first minutes of training were held under torrential rain which did not stop the bianconeri from working on the field.

After the warm-up the group was busy with ball possession exercises and after the players who took part in the match in Siena took part in athletic work while the others played a mini-match on a reduced field. Sissoko and Knezevic worked separately while Buffon and De Ceglie stayed in the gym and Del Piero and Nedved benefited from a day off.

Juventus.com

26-5-09 Juventus News

Official: Diego Signs For Juventus
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Blanc Hails Diego Deal
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Marchisio Hails Diego And Cannavaro Acquisitions
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Juventus Striker Amauri Angry After Being Left Out By Ferrara
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PSG, Keen On Trezeguet
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Serie A Dominates List Of Nominees For Golden Foot Award
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Diego A Great Signing, But Juventus Need More Players - Goal.com Italia & Germany
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Lessons In Calcio - Alessandro Del Piero
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Primavera To Meet Palermo In Quarter-Finals

The start of the final phase of the Primavera championship is just a few days away. Eight teams have qualified: besides Juventus are Chievo Verona, Genoa, Lazio, Palermo, Reggina, Siena and Udinese. These teams will play direct elimination matches beginning from the quarter finals the draws of which were held today. Juventus will be playing against Palermo.

The match will be played on Monday 1st June at 21:00hrs at Pergina Valsugana (Stadio Comunale Costa di Vigalzano). The semi-finals will be played on the 4th and 5th of June while the final will take place on Monday 8th June.

All the matches will be transmitted on Sky Sport and Sky Calcio.

Juventus.com

(Pictures, Video) Diego In Torino

The Last Week Of The Season Starts On Tuesday

The last week of work for this season for Juventus will begin on Tuesday afternoon. The bianconeri, who with the victory against Siena managed to qualify directly to the next Champions League one week ahead, will be on the field at 15:00 to start preparing for the last match of the championship on Sunday against Lazio at the Turin Olimpico. The match is an important one since with a victory Juventus would end the season in a more then well deserved second place.

The one on Tuesday will be the first of two afternoon training sessions on schedule for this week. The other is scheduled for Thursday whilst on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday the sessions will be held in the morning.

The match against Siena did not leave any problems with regards to physical condition. Apart from Grygera, whose season is over due to a muscular injury to the femoral biceps suffered last week, Ferrara will have a practically complete group.

Juventus.com

25-5-09 Juventus News

Ferrara: Mission Accomplished!
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Ciro Ferrara Proud To Be Coaching Juventus
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Del Piero 'Didn't Understand' Ranieri
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Alessandro Del Piero Hails Juventus Coach Ciro Ferrara For Debut Win
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Marchisio Thanks Del Piero For Assist
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Jonathan Zebina Criticises Former Coach Claudio Ranieri
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Juventus Need To Be More Competitive - Gianluigi Buffon
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Let's End The Season In The Best Possible Way - Juventus' Alessio Secco
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Alex Manninger Committed To Juventus - Agent
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Ciro Ferrara Gets Maradona’s Backing
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Juventus To Announce Diego Signing Shortly
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Diego Ironing Out Details
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Juventus' David Trezeguet Could Join Roma - Agent
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Poulsen Not Leaving Juventus - Agent
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Juventus Eyes On Keirrison
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Juventus Choose Bari’s Antonio Conte As Future Coach
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Blog: Ferrara Forever?
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(Video) Siena vs Juventus 0 - 3

Del Piero And Marchisio: A Pair Of Protagonists

All those who watched the match against Siena, witnessed the great match played by the captain and the youngster. Both players seemed to be on the same wavelength throughout crowned by two goals by the captain and another by the young midfielder.

The captain seemed to be very happy with the outcome of the match and positive about the future, even though rather disappointed with the outcome of the season in general:

"It was a god match, we played well, we ran, we had many attempts, we even missed a few chances, but it was a great match. We were more concentrated then in the past few weeks. We had the right motivation and mentality and we have a coach who makes us see things positively. I would have preferred having ended the season in a different manner but we will work harder next year. Now we must try to end this season in the second place".

Asked how it feels to have Ciro Ferrara as coach after all the matches played together on the field: "As a player he was great. As a coach he just played one match but I really hope he will have many more sitting on the bench".

Claudio Marchisio came back from a series of injuries to immediately leave his impact in a crucial match for the final outcome of the season: "I am happy to have come back after a month of injuries. I feared cramps but I am glad to have healed well thanks to the staff. The team played well and we managed to put a large weight on the match from the first half".

The midfielder spoke of the changes in the last week: "We worked differently this week. It is normal with a change of coach. Today we felt we could cope with the heat. I am happy with the goal and I would like to thanks Alex for the pass. I try to help out even in the attack because that’s what all good players do and today I managed to do so well".

Juventus.com

Zebina: "The Mentality Was The Most Positive Thing"

It was a transformed Juventus that we saw on the field and even a transformed Zebina who was seen running up and down the flank with determination:

"We are much more relaxed because what we managed to reach our objective a week ahead. This is a reward for all of us and our work. We will now work hard to obtain the second place".

The defender seems to have liked the change on the bench: "Ciro managed to remind us of whom we are. He charged us up and it was clear from his words that he is an ex-Juve player who won a lot. The mentality was the most positive thing. We were under a lot of pressure but when we have this mentality and everybody helps each other we manage to make a difference".

"I am very happy for one reason: I was not considered much by Ranieri and this is acceptable but I felt the faith in me immediately by the new coach. I am very happy that I gained the faith of Ferrara and played a good match".

Juventus.com

Ferrara: "Everything Worked Perfectly"

A true cross-road in destiny: n one side Ciro Ferrara in his first match on the bench and on the other side Paolo Maldini in his last match as a player. Many were the points of contact between the two champions who wrote their names in Italian football. This is confirmed by the Juventus coach:

"I sent him a sms in which I wrote that my joy at this moment is equal to the sadness for his goodbye to football. It is the retirement of the best defender of the last three decades".

After the well deserved applause to Paolo Maldini, Ferrara commented a match for the first time as Juventus coach. He made his debut with a few but very significant words:

"Everything worked perfectly. I couldn’t ask for better".Then he went on: "It was a very intense week during which I experienced various feelings. Happiness on one side, worry on the other. Then I came to the stadium, before the match and I felt better".

The Juventus seen on the field today gave the results which all had hoped for: "I thank the boys for the commitment shown during the week. I spoke clearly to them as fro the first day: it is difficult to work on the tactical aspect two weeks from the end of the championship and so I tried to work on motivation, on self-appreciation and on the intensity during the training sessions and they responded well".

One cannot miss out on a comment about the performance of the captain who scored twice and passed the ball of the other goal notwithstanding the injury suffered during the week:

"I chose to field him- concluded Ferrara – because during the week he trained well and only slowed down a bit because of that blow during training. However, even during the fine-tuning session he played the mini-match and took the free-kicks. I had to choose who to field alongside Iaquinta and I chose him and I did well: great play, goals, passes and perhaps he could have been even more incisive when it came to scoring but he reacted like a captain".

Juventus.com