yeah..too bad...we almost won it! damn!

Tiago Not Leaving
11/11/2008

Juventus midfielder Tiago looks set to remain in Turin until next June, according to Tuttosport.

Despite speculation suggesting that a January move could be imminent for Juventus midfielder Tiago, it appears now that he will be staying with the Old Lady, at least until next summer.

The Portuguese joined the Serie A giants from Ligue 1 side Lyon last year, but failed miserably in his first season at the Stadio Olimpico, when he spent most of his time warming the bench.

However, he seems reborn in recent weeks and has gained the trust of coach Claudio Ranieri, who has been regularly handing him the reins in  midfield of late.

The former Chelsea man had a positive performance in the Champions League game with Real Madrid last week and also showed promising signs in last Sunday’s away win to Chievo Verona.

The 27-year-old had stated his desire to leave Piemonte last month, due to the rarity of his first-team appearances.

But his recent revival has not gone unnoticed and his performances have clearly pleased the entire Bianconeri environment, from the directors to the fans.

Tuttosport claims that Juve will definitely keep hold of the midfielder until at least next summer, before sorting out his future.

Tiago rejected several European clubs this summer, including Atletico Madrid and Porto, and was also linked with French side Monaco yesterday.

But the midfield injury crisis which has affected Juve this term, with Cristiano Zanetti and Christian Poulsen currently out, will probably convince sporting director Alessio Secco to hold on to the want-away midfielder for the time being.

From Goal.com

Sissoko's sigh of relief

Tuesday 11 November, 2008

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Juventus midfielder Momo Sissoko has avoided disciplinary action for kicking out at Chievo defender Mario Yepes.

The Bianconeri conquered Chievo 2-0 last weekend, but Sissoko was an anxious man as he left Verona.

The Mali international tussled with Colombian ace Yepes just before half-time and aimed a kick off the ball, which was missed by the referee.

The media had suggested that Sissoko could be handed a two-game ban if video evidence was reviewed, which would have ruled him out of the Derby d'Italia against Inter on November 23.

However, it has been confirmed today that Sissoko faces no action and will be free to feature in Thursday's Week 12 encounter with Genoa.

From Channel4.com.

Not Easy For Youngsters At Juve - Palladino
11/11/2008

Juventus-owned Genoa striker Raffaele Palladino talked about Thursday night's match against his former side and complained about the lack of chances being given to young players by the Turin giants.

It will be a special night on Thursday for Genoa striker Raffaele Palladino, who will come up against Juventus, who were part of his past, but also could play a big role in his future. Last summer he was loaned out to the Grifoni, where he hasn't quite managed to set the world alight just yet, scoring only once in eight appearances so far.

"It will not be a match like the others for me," he admitted, "it would be hypocritical to say the contrary. But, although I don't need to say this, I only think about Genoa, where I am doing great. We should not fear anyone or anything, we will enter the pitch with the same mentality as always. We'll have to wait and strike at the right moment, we cannot make mistakes."

The 24-year-old also took the opportunity to hint at the difficulties of being a young player at Juventus.

"Juve are going through a great moment of form, look at [captain Alessandro] Del Piero: he's infallible on free kicks, a true captain, with whom I have a very good relationship, we frequently talk on the phone.

"Juve's strength is mainly in the old guard, for youngsters it's not easy to come through," Palladino concluded.

From Goal.com

Giovinco To Go Out On Loan?
12/11/2008

Juventus starlet Sebastian Giovinco may go out on loan in January, according to Tuttosport...

The Italian under-21 international has not seen much action this term with coach Claudio Ranieri seemingly forgetting about the talent he has at his disposal.

Ranieri has preferred to use Paolo De Ceglie and Marco Marchionni rather than the youngster, leading to speculation the attacking midfielder is on his way out.

Tuttosport claims Sampdoria, Genoa and Palermo are all on standby and ready to pounce during the January transfer window.

A move on-loan could suit La Formica Atomica as he would be getting regular football under his belt which, in turn, would benefit everyone involved in the deal.

There is no chance Giovinco will leave permanently as he signed an extension until 2013; the 21-year-old has been looked at by many major clubs around Europe, including Arsenal.

However, if he does move, he is likely to remain in Serie A. Turin-based Tuttosport have always claimed Giovinco would move, but his agents and the player himself made it clear and stated his ambition to remain on many occasions.

From Goal.com

Del Piero Dreams Of 2010
13/11/2008

Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero is in career-best form, and he has once again reiterated his desire to play at the 2010 World Cup.

Alessandro Del Piero and his Juventus side are in incredible form at present, as they have won six consecutive matches in all competitions, and are looking miles ahead of the team that failed to win in five successive outings just over a month ago.

The Bianconeri will be hoping to make it seven victories on the trot later tonight when they entertain Genoa at the Olimpico in Torino.

Many believe that Del Piero's return to his very best has contributed to Juventus' own ascendancy. And when questioned about his recent good form, Pinturicchio responded by making mention of his one last dream at international level – the 2010 World Cup.

"The 2010 World Cup would be the icing on the cake of my career," he said.

"It is still far away though, so for now I just have to focus on my performances for Juve."

Alex had one final comment on the championship, by humorously claiming that, "someone said that too many eulogies were bad, although we’ve received many lately, so I’m not so sure if this is true.

"Against Genoa we will see if we have done good or evil, we must be careful though, because we face one of the most in form sides in the league."

Play gets underway in Turin at 2030 CET later tonight. A win for the Bianconeri will see them skyrocket to the top of the table, whilst a win for the visitors will send them into the top four.

From Goal.com

I would like to see im in an Azzurri Shirt in the 2010 World Cup as well. Come on Lippi please remember to bring Ale there and we will taste success for one more time!!

FORZA JUVE ! FORZA ITALIA!

Buffon: I Became Depressed And Sad With Football

Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has sensationally revealed that he became depressed and was unhappy in his career, and life in general, during the 2003/04 season, when the Bianconeri lost the Champions League final...

Arguably one of the world's best shot-stoppers, Buffon has been out injured recently but he is slowly making a steady return to action.

The Juve man has released his autobiography "Numero 1" wherein he talks about his rise in the game.

The Massa-Carrara-born player revealed there was a spell in his life five years ago where he became depressed and thought about quitting the game.

La Stampa have published an extract from the book and it reads: "I fell in depression and I had to be cured by a psychologist.

"Fame and money? There were thousands of reasons. This then becomes the norm. Maybe one realises he couldn't find the right woman or you don't win the Champions League.

"I went away for two months to receive treatment and to cure the depression.

"Every time you miss a save then this thing seems to recall you but you can't go away every three months to cure it.

"I don't have any regrets at all. I arrived in football when I was just 17. If I said I was satisfied I would be a fool but I don't feel anything was ever my fault.

"Maybe my youth as I would have liked to have lived in the ways I wanted."

Juventus welcome Genoa to the Stadio Olimpico later tonight but Buffon will not be involved in the action.

Many will remember Juve losing out to Milan in the 2003 Champions League final on penalties where the goalkeeper was in between the sticks.

From Goal.com