Happy Birthday Pavel!!

39 years of Czech Fury, who would have known, his attitude to his work could be summed up in two words: hard work. There was never a more hard working midfielder than Nedved and that is how he has always managed to remain in the hearts of Bianconeri fans everywhere. His outlook on his performance was that of always improving, he was always looking to make himself better and lift his team. He also had a never- say- die attitude that could turn every situation into the perfect opportunity to win the game.

He was brought to Juventus to try and replace Zidane in 2001, and he did that with ease, becoming a regular in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons in which Juve won the League. In 2003 he was influential in Juventus' progression to the Champions League final against Milan, however, sadly he was forced to miss the final due to a build up of yellow cards. It was visible how much being in the final meant to him as he was seen crying afterwards, I think everyone was thinking about what could have been if he had been at the final, and that yellow card has haunted him ever since. Juve were beaten on penalties and had to watch as Milan lifted the Trophy with the "big ears". That year Nedved won The European Football of the Year Award for his inspirational performances. But everyone knows what trophy he really wanted, eventhough he won the Ballon D'or, you get the feeling that a Champions League winners medal would have meant a whole lot more, because it is a celebration of the whole team, and Nedved was all about the club. He proved this even more when he decided to stay with the club even after they were demoted to the second division. Whereas a number of big names "jumped ship", he stayed and helped her get back to where she belonged. This type of commitment and dedication has endeared him to the Juve faithful. Even through this act of loyalty to the club, his future was still in the midst of rumour. In 2008-09 it was rumoured that he might leave the Turin club for Japanese side: Jubilo Iwata, but he remained loyal to the club that  he spent so many years with when he signed a one year extension ending in June 09.
It was made painfully visible that he could not keep putting his body through the constant knocks that were inevitable in the mordern game, and so he finally hung up his footballing boots at the end of the 08-09 season.

He may have retired his footballing boots but it was apparent that his love for the club did not die, he returned to the club as a Director and a Member of the Board. Throughout his illustrious career, I think the greatest tragedy was that he never got his hands on the Champions League trophy, but who knows, maybe he can help the current squad win it and help instil the never- say- die attitude that he had in abundance.

Elia to Juve?

This is hard to believe considering that just a month ago he was saying how Juve is not a step up for him. Now, not only is this disrespectful but it shows that he will not be "sweating" for the shirt. A player that thinks the club as beneath them  is not exactly going to play 100% as he would believe " it's not worth it". Not only that, but having a new squad each season is going to be difficult to adjust, every season they bring in a new coach who wants to stamp his own style on the team, I wish they would just make up their minds.

As I predicted Aquilani has gone to Milan, even though I'm glad he got to come back to Italy, I am very disappointed with Juventus. They would rather think of short term success rather than long term goals, if they keeping getting rid of the young talent, they will live to regret it... probably not long though!

Footballers Strike...

Don't you just find that to be the most insulting thing, especially with the wages they already receive, what have they got to stike about? It's slightly different in Spain as some of the players from the sides that aren't Barcelona or Real Madrid they are actually losing their homes because these two teams take so much of the revenue. In Italy they have so many other issues, more important and in some ways this is taking away the spotlight away from whatt really matters. People who strike are people who have suffered some major injustice, not because someone was mean to them and made them sit in the naughty corner!! I was looking forward to Conte' new Juventus and the new stadium, and now I have to wait one more week or even more.

In some ways this comes as a blessing as Krasic has been ruled out for 10 days and Matri for 2 weeks, so it's not all doom and gloom.

Di Natale (HD)

Udinese v Arsenal..

This was a very open game, a game that Arsenal could have easily lost. People are only interested in the scoreline, and it blinds them from their own faults, for example, Arsenal may have had a majority of possession but they gave the ball away too easily and too often, they would have been severely punished if they came up against a better team. Not only that but they couldn't string passes together, there was no movement off the ball and players were often seen just strolling or doing nothing, anyone who compares the to Barca should be made to eat their tie!! The only thing they have in common with Barcelona is that the both wear shorts, jerseys, socks and football boots!!

Udinese were in this competition for the first time, so they were all a little inexperienced, but not only that, they are an older squad with Antonio Di Natale at 33. Now compare that with Arsenal who put out a young squad with the average age of 21, a significant advantage in terms of pace and endurance, least we forget it was 36 degrees in Udine! Udinese had also lost the "spine" of their team, they had lost Sanchez, Inler and Zapata. The absence of Sanchez was really apparent, especially when Di Natale would strike the ball towards the goal and there was no one to follow up. Udinese were perhaps guilty of burning out too quickly as they over performed in the first half and were unable to sustain that momentum in the second half, where they dropped of a little, allowing Arsenal to take the game.
Arsenal have great pace, but pace alone can't win a game, you must also know what to do with it, as Theo Walcott showed on a number of occasions, he would have the ball, get past the players and then he wouldn't know what to do.

Udinese can only learn from this and do better next time, atleast they showed those critics out there that Serie A is far from dull!

Milan V Juve- Friendly

One word that we must keep in mind is that it was only a friendly, but with all the money spent by Juve, it is the same mistakes- defensive errors.  Leaving Kevin -Prince Boateng that mUch space was a mistake that the Bianconeri duly paid for. The second goal by Seedorf showed that maybe he learnt a little too much from Pirlo, it was spectacular, and goes to show that age has nothing to do with your performance, if you're determined enough, you can achieve anything, as Seedorf clearly showed, and also Del Piero, who reinvigorated the team when he came on. The first half was a blueprint of how Juventus should not play, with basic defensive errors, which they still have time to work on, as the defensive line does take a while to gel. Which brings me to my next point, rumours are running amok about Bonucci leaving for Zenit, this would be a huge mistake as he is still very young with the chance to still get better, not only that, but his partnership with Chiellini is starting to gel, and as I said before, these partnerships take time and it will be a mistake for Juve to change it now.

The second half was more encouraging especially with the goal by Vucinic early on. They showed greater urgency and determination as was apparent with Marchisio's spectacular shot that thumped the crossbar. This game should be considered as a practice run to next weekend when the Championship begins. One must also consider that many of the players for Juve have not been playing with the group long enough, like Vidal, who has only had a few training sessions with the group. On  the plus side none of the players were seriously injured on Matri limped off in the second half, after all this is meant to be a friendly, but I'm sure Quagliarella will be able to step in. Buffon was amazing as usual, putting in some fine saves near the end of the game,he denied Kingsley- Boateng and Cassano at the end of the game to keep the score as 2-1. What Conte should encourage is this " never say die" attitude that was clear in this game and things can start to get better from then.
FORZA JUVE!

2011 Tim trophy

In the end, Inter were victorious, but they sure did have a fight on their hands, Juventus pushed them all the way to penalties. All you have to keep in mind, is that this is a pre season friendly, eventhough they do get a trophy at the end, we all know what trophy really matter.. The Scudetto. These were 45 minute matches between three teams, Milan and Inter. The encouraging thing in this tournament was that Juve beat the current Serie A title holders Milan 2-1, with goals coming from new signing Vidal and Matri. Which gives a positive indication on how he is settling into the group. They were always going to need time to work well as a team and it's rather encouraging how well they're doing. The final game against Inter proved one thing...they couldn't beat The Old Lady from open play. Vucini was the first to strike on the 9th minute and it took Inter until the 16th to equalise with a Ranocchia goal. Juve are showing some of their previous weaknesses: not being able to hold onto a lead, but I think this is more to do with the fact that the Inter man was so tall and Chiellini wasn't there. No team should have to go out on penalties as it is a kind of lottery and luck does play a key role in it. And luck was not on young Pasquato's side as he was the first to miss, but it was nice that his teammate patted him on the back to let him know it's okay. That is the kind of thing I like to see, players supporting each other and encouraging them to play on. Late Storari did him a favour and saved the next one, but, like I said before, luck does play a key role and it wasn't with Bazargli as he tried to send the ball through the middle, but it agonizingly hit the bar.

Some good, some bad, but overall very useful, and I hope Conte uses the time left before the start of the season on making the team spectacular again!

Happy Birthday Giorgio!

The big man started his footballing career at just six, playing for the youth squad at Livorno. He wasn't always a left- back, he started his career as a central midfielder and then a winger, he had to work hard to get where his is now, he started in serie C1 and then B, and now finally he is in Serie A with Juventus. Juve bought him in 2004 for 6.5 million but was immediately sold to Fiorentina as part of a co- ownership deal. He became a regular, playing 42 games and scoring 3 goals, this brought him back into Juve's mind as he was recalled for the 2005-06 season. Chielllini made 23 appearance in his first season for Juve and helped the side to their 29th league title, Juve were then demoted to the second tier and Chiellini decided to stay and help the club rather than leave like other players. Giorgio was temporarily converted to left- back and centre- back by the respective coaches following injuries to fellow player showing his versatility as a player. The demotion was a chance for him to get some regular playing time and really hone his skills. Following their inevitable promotion, helped in no small way by Chiellini and his ability to defend hard, sometime too hard!! He was converted back to a centre- back by new Coach Claudio Ranieri, Chiellini had a tremendous season and was arguable the best centre- back in Serie A. He has been a regular fixture to the Bianconeri backline ever since there promotion and it looks as though it will remain that way, he has extended his contract to 30th June 2015. He obviously still has a lot to learn about the subtle art of defending, as he does sometimes seem "over eager" when it comes to tackling, but he has Buffon to keep him in order and under control, as is evident in some games when Gigi is the only one brave enough to calm him down.

'Giorgio Chiellini - Il Gladiatore Bianconero' by Reg- Happy Birthday!

Italy V Spain- Friendly

What a wonderful match, that they  didn't show on TV!! But the result says it all, 2-1 to the Azzurri and Spain could only score from the penalty spot and both goals for Italy were buy the two young men who have been the centre of much transfer speculation- do you think they were showing off?

Eventhough this was a Friendly, it is still significant, Italy were humiliated by Spain in the last Euros and haven't beaten the Spainards since 1994.

Italy started off the brighter with a shot by Criscito on 4 minutes but it struck the post and then Ranocchia had an attempt on 11 minutes but he fired over the crossbar, he is a defender after all! But their pressure finally paid off when current Fiorentina pariah, Montolivo opened the scoring for the Azzurri. Things went from bad to worse for Spain as Fernando Torres had to be withdrawn at the 15th minute and was replaced by Lliorente, who later aided his side in winning a penalty which Xabi Alonso scored. Never the less Italy were still the more dominate force. More woes for Spain as Pique had to be replaced because of a thigh injury.
At half time Casillias was replaced by Barcelona man; Victor Valdes, Italy brought on Aquilani, Nocerino and Bonucci. David Silva forced Buffon to make a save 12 minutes from time but it was Italy that walked out as worthy winner when Alberto Aquilani scored six minutes from time. One would think that these two player are putting themselves in the window for someone- both of the players have been linked with a move to Milan, but I have to be honest, if Aquilani goes to Milan Juve will be kicking themselves. Maybe they should have stuck with homegrown talent instead of chasing fantasies like Elia, who has no desire to play for them because they're not in Europe, on the other hand Aquilani was trying everything to try and stay in Turin!

Milos Krasic And Pavel Nedved (Juventus)

Diego Ribas 2011 HD - Next Football Club?

Milos Krasic...on the way out?

Such an audacious statement, but could it be true. Krasic has done well in all the pre season friendlies and new Coach Antonio Conte has said that he is part of the plan, but I remember them saying the same thing about Diego before they sold him. He was the only bright spark in a dismal season, so why would Juventus even entertain the notion of giving him to Chelsea in a deal that involves Alex- a central defender who is only a 3rd or 4th choice player for them? It makes no sense, but that's The Old Lady for you. I have noticed last season how everyone was embracing Krasic at the start and then you would see everyone complaining about him by the end, the media, the fans even his own teammate were showing unpleasantness towards him. And if that does continue, he may want to leave. However, during the friendlies I have noticed how hard Krasic is trying to stay on his feet and help his team, now this shows willingness to adapt which is an important skill for any footballer to possess, Juventus would be completely insane for getting rid of their fastest players, and if the rumours about getting Elia are true....then just imagine how great that would be, Elia on one side and Krasic on the other? Juventus could be competitive once again.... 

AC Milan VS Inter ( 2-1 ) All Goals Highlights Italian Super Cup Final 2011

Milan V Inter- The Italian Supercup

All the talk before the match was about Sneijder's future and which side of Manchester will be his final destination, but it ended with a Milan victory and just goes to show that great teamwork and the ability to adapt will always win.
The first half was mostly dominated by Inter and they were the first to strike, with a trademark Wesley Sneijder free kick. The free kick came about from Gattuso's over " exuberant" tackles. The first was a fair tackle on Ricky Alvarez as he also got the ball, but the second one on Obi was a bit too far and he was lucky to be on the pitch, considering this was not a league match it was fairly ill tempered and the first half did have a lot of stop stars because of this. Before the match there was also a rather peculiar rumour that Thiago Motta was going across to the red side of Milan! But I can say with almost certainty, that after this match..it wont happen, after he stumped on a sitting Thiago Silva as well as numerous of fouls, he didn't exactly endear himself to the Milanista faithful! The second half Milan stepped up a gear and levelled the score by the hour mark with  Seedorf rolling back the years and forcing his way into a good crossing position as he saw the Big Swede, Ibrahimovich was poised to strike, and he didn't miss, as his diving header meant that it was all square. As Inter looked shaken by conceding the goal, Milan struck again at 69 minutes with an Alex Pato strike that hit the post but Boateng was in the right place to make it 2, and that's how the game ended.

This match surprisingly ended with all 22 players on the pitch considering how many fouls there were, but this was the first Milan Derby and combined with the heat of Beijing... tempers were always going to overflow but at least  they put on a show for the Chinese and showed them that Serie A is a force to be reckoned with!

AC Milan VS Inter - Celebrations Italian Super Cup Final 2011

Panorami di Torino- I need to see mountains again...

Juventus and money..

It seems to have come out of the sky, they have soo much money, yet they have won nothing for the past seasons but yet they can afford to get the likes of Elia, Alex and Nani- now I am under no illusions that it will materialise, but it does make you question their methods. Elia would be an exciting prospect, he's only 24 and very fast, he would be very exciting, especially with Krasic on the other side, the combined speed will be spectacular and now with a healthy Quagliarella and the new signing in Vucinic- it would be amazing to see. But it this will not happen overnight, too many new signings can not always be a good thing, it could lead to bitter resentment, especially if season regulars are being pushed out. For example, Juve are packing the midfield with new players such as Pirlo, Vidal and there;s talk of the Samp man Andrea Poli.What does this mean for players who have worked hard for years like Claudio Marchisio. With the Euro's creeping up, everyone will want to play regularly in order to stay match fit, but if The Old Lady is spending huge amounts of money on these new players, what will become of the old ones? Juventus can't be so blind to the gifts that they already possess...can they? They should realise, money will not buy you prestige, just look at Man City!

You got to be kidding me..

... For too long have people been comparing Arsenal to Barcelona, and the simple truth is that they are not even of the same species as Barca'. The common excuse from Arsenal fans when it comes to the poor results, is the fact that the premier league is too rough. I do, however agree to this, the league is full of brutes and passing the ball to a teammate is an alien concept to them, but Arsenals' passing is not much better. I have been watching them closely and growing increasingly annoyed with the continued comparison to Barcelona. Arsenal pass the ball, yes I admit this, however they are only able to pass the ball when stationary, wheras Barca' do it while running at the defence, also too many players are seen just standing around, whereas players at Barca's are seen to be running into spaces and making intelligent moves even without the ball. People who watch them and think they are anything like Barca', they need to get their head checked. British people are just so oblivious to there faults, they believe it is so great over here, yes you may have all the money, but there is a reason why talented players want to get out. They all know that if the stay it will be the end of their careers because of the brutish type of football played. Something that Fabregas is well aware of, hence him attempting to flee!

8 Claudio Marchisio, Gol Parade

Juventus' transfer policy...

.. Is it just me, but does anyone else find their policy a little baffling? Quagliarella might be replaced by Vargas, Vucinic has been bought from Roma, mainly because Giuseppe Rossi and Villiareal were tired of waiting and there was a little tease the Aquailani might actually return to Turin, now it seems that his destination is Milan. The latter is probably the most confusing. Why would Juve get Pirlo and give away Aquailani, who had a good season in the black and white. And Pirlo is not exactly a spring chicken, he has lost pace and the team will have to be built around him, it looks like Conte has just created more work for himself.

Quagliarella is a proven goal scorer and up until his injury in January, he was having a fine season. And not to mention he's had a good pre season, scoring the only goal against Chivas. Juve should try their best to limit change a create some of consistency if they are even contemplating about getting into the top four. But that's not the worst thing, each year they have bought new players and then given them back the next season. It's almost like they have money to burn or they're just spoilt children and get bored with the same toy and want a new one!