Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has confirmed that he is no longer in contention to become the country's next head coach after criticism surrounding his commercial association with Russian bookmaker Fonbet. The 47-year-old FIFA World Cup winner had reportedly emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso, after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly declined the opportunity to take charge of the Italian national team.&nbsp;However, Pirlo's candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Fonbet, drawing objections from officials within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as well as criticism from Italian lawmakers. Addressing the controversy in a post on Instagram, Pirlo revealed that he was informed on Sunday that he was no longer being considered for the role.&nbsp;"After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points," he said on social media. "Over the past few days, I have watched with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of taking on the role of Head Coach of the Italian national team. "Throughout my career, first as a player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries where I have worked and with the contracts I have signed."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-2026-gurindervir-singh-crashes-out-of-men-s-100m-heats-despite-record-breaking-season-1785153655142">Commonwealth Games 2026: Gurindervir Singh crashes out of men's 100m heats despite record-breaking season</a><h2>Pirlo defends Fonbet partnership</h2>Pirlo, who currently manages United FC in the United Arab Emirates Pro League, signed an ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet in October. He maintained that the partnership is purely commercial and sports-related. "To assign a political meaning to that collaboration is to attribute to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me," he added.&nbsp;The scrutiny intensified after Pirlo appeared alongside former Italy teammate Marco Materazzi at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium during a Fonbet-organized event, drawing criticism as Russia's war in Ukraine continues. Adding another dimension to the controversy, Russia's ambassador to Italy, Alexey Paramonov, publicly defended Pirlo.&nbsp;"It is saddening to see that, despite your extraordinary contribution to world sport and to Italy’s image abroad, in your own country you are now the subject of ostracism by an establishment that many describe as 'pseudo-democratic'; a fate that, moreover, has already befallen thousands of Russian athletes, conductors, musicians, artists, and film directors in recent years," Paramonov wrote in a letter posted on Facebook.&nbsp;Meanwhile, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, the former AC Milan and Italy legend, is leading the search for the next Italy head coach. The new manager will be tasked with guiding the four-time FIFA World Cup champions in their campaign to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, after Italy failed to reach each of the last three editions of football's biggest tournament.

Andrea Pirlo confirmed he is no longer in contention to become Italy's head coach after criticism over his commercial partnership with Russian bookmaker Fonbet

Former Italy international Andrea Pirlo has confirmed that he is no longer in contention to become the country's next head coach after criticism surrounding his commercial association with Russian bookmaker Fonbet. The 47-year-old FIFA World Cup winner had reportedly emerged as one of the leading candidates to replace Gennaro Gattuso, after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reportedly declined the opportunity to take charge of the Italian national team. However, Pirlo's candidacy came under scrutiny because of his role as a global ambassador for Fonbet, drawing objections from officials within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as well as criticism from Italian lawmakers. Addressing the controversy in a post on Instagram, Pirlo revealed that he was informed on Sunday that he was no longer being considered for the role. "After learning last night that I am no longer the candidate to lead the Italian national team, I believe it is my duty to clarify a few points," he said on social media. "Over the past few days, I have watched with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of taking on the role of Head Coach of the Italian national team. "Throughout my career, first as a player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries where I have worked and with the contracts I have signed." Also Read: Commonwealth Games 2026: Gurindervir Singh crashes out of men's 100m heats despite record-breaking season Pirlo defends Fonbet partnership Pirlo, who currently manages United FC in the United Arab Emirates Pro League, signed an ambassadorial agreement with Fonbet in October. He maintained that the partnership is purely commercial and sports-related. "To assign a political meaning to that collaboration is to attribute to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me," he added. The scrutiny intensified after Pirlo appeared alongside former Italy teammate Marco Materazzi at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium during a Fonbet-organized event, drawing criticism as Russia's war in Ukraine continues. Adding another dimension to the controversy, Russia's ambassador to Italy, Alexey Paramonov, publicly defended Pirlo. "It is saddening to see that, despite your extraordinary contribution to world sport and to Italy’s image abroad, in your own country you are now the subject of ostracism by an establishment that many describe as 'pseudo-democratic'; a fate that, moreover, has already befallen thousands of Russian athletes, conductors, musicians, artists, and film directors in recent years," Paramonov wrote in a letter posted on Facebook. Meanwhile, FIGC technical director Paolo Maldini, the former AC Milan and Italy legend, is leading the search for the next Italy head coach. The new manager will be tasked with guiding the four-time FIFA World Cup champions in their campaign to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, after Italy failed to reach each of the last three editions of football's biggest tournament.

Andrea Pirlo is out of the Italy coach race after criticism over his Fonbet ambassador role despite defending the partnership as purely commercial

Andrea Pirlo no longer in contention for Italy head coach role after Fonbet controversy

Serie A giants Juventus have brought back Massimiliano Allegri as their new manager just few hours after bidding goodbye to Andrea Pirlo.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/grazie-andrea-juventus-bid-adieu-to-coach-andrea-pirlo-after-just-one-season-388009" hreflang="en">Grazie Andrea': Juventus bid adieu to coach Andrea Pirlo after just one season</a>

Allegri had a great run with Juventus and have won five Serie A titles in his previous spell with the club (2014-2019). He has reportedly signed a 3-year deal.&nbsp;

"Allegri returns to a bench that he knows very well, a club that he loves and that loves him back, to begin today a new journey together, toward new goals,” Juventus said in a statement.&nbsp;

"What he achieved in his first adventure at Juventus are engraved in the club’s history: five Scudetti, four-consecutive doubles, coupled with the Coppa Italia and to the two Super Cups, reaching two Champions League finals in just three seasons, in what were epic feats both in Italy and in Europe.

"We said goodbye two years ago with the message, 'History Alone', the message on the back of the shirt given to Massimiliano Allegri by president Andrea Agnelli with an embrace and a shirt, on which in just two words encapsulated Allegri's experience at Juve.

"The beauty of the story, however, is that it never stops. In football, this means a concept that we have ingrained in our DNA: the best victory is the next one. Always.

"Now we are ready to begin again with Allegri, to build our future together; with his enormous professionalism, his moral strength, with the brilliant ideas of a coach capable of shuffling the cards, both on and off the pitch.

"With his smile, a sort of 'signature'. With his way of understanding football and life with simplicity, with his desire to play things down and with the commitment to enjoy every beautiful moment that being at Juventus can give and will give."

Serie A giants Juventus have bid adieu to Andrea Pirlo, who was the head coach for just one season. A win in Coppa Italia and a top-four finish were not enough to keep Pirlo with the Italian giants.

Serie A giants Juventus have brought back Massimiliano Allegri as their new manager just few hours after bidding goodbye to Andrea Pirlo. ALSO READ: 'Grazie Andrea': Juventus bid adieu to coach Andrea Pirlo after just one season Allegri had a great run with Juventus and have won five Serie A titles in his previous spell with the club (2014-2019).

Serie A giants Juventus have brought back Massimiliano Allegri as their new manager just few hours after bidding goodbye to Andrea Pirlo. ALSO READ: 'Grazie Andrea': Juventus bid adieu to coach Andrea Pirlo after just one season Allegri had a great run with Juventus and have won five Serie A titles in his previous spell with the club (2014-2019). He has reportedly signed a 3-year deal. "Allegri returns to a bench that he knows very well, a club that he loves and that loves him back, to begin today a new journey together, toward new goals,” Juventus said in a statement. "What he achieved in his first adventure at Juventus are engraved in the club’s history: five Scudetti, four-consecutive doubles, coupled with the Coppa Italia and to the two Super Cups, reaching two Champions League finals in just three seasons, in what were epic feats both in Italy and in Europe. "We said goodbye two years ago with the message, 'History Alone', the message on the back of the shirt given to Massimiliano Allegri by president Andrea Agnelli with an embrace and a shirt, on which in just two words encapsulated Allegri's experience at Juve. "The beauty of the story, however, is that it never stops. In football, this means a concept that we have ingrained in our DNA: the best victory is the next one. Always. "Now we are ready to begin again with Allegri, to build our future together; with his enormous professionalism, his moral strength, with the brilliant ideas of a coach capable of shuffling the cards, both on and off the pitch. "With his smile, a sort of 'signature'. With his way of understanding football and life with simplicity, with his desire to play things down and with the commitment to enjoy every beautiful moment that being at Juventus can give and will give." Serie A giants Juventus have bid adieu to Andrea Pirlo, who was the head coach for just one season. A win in Coppa Italia and a top-four finish were not enough to keep Pirlo with the Italian giants.

Football: Massimiliano Allegri returns to Juventus after Pirlo departs

Serie A giants Juventus have bid adieu to Andrea Pirlo, who was the head coach for just one season. A win in Coppa Italia and a top-four finish were not enough to keep Pirlo with the Italian giants.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-tottenham-hotspur-hold-talks-with-mauricio-pochettino-as-psg-boss-eyes-premier-league-return-387795" hreflang="en">Football: Tottenham Hotspur hold talks with Mauricio Pochettino as PSG boss eyes Premier League return</a>

Juventus issued a statement on their official website that read: "Thank you, Andrea. These are the first words that all of us need to say at the end of this special experience together.

"A few months ago, Andrea Pirlo, an icon of world football, began his new adventure, his first as a coach.

"To do this, first of all, it takes courage, as well as awareness of one's own means, especially in a period marked by thousands of difficulties, with the world forced by the pandemic to reinvent its own rules day after day.

"Pirlo has just begun the first steps of what will no doubt become a brilliant career as a coach. An adventure of transformation, seeking, and often managing, to bring his ideas and his experience as a champion on the pitch from the 'other side' of the fence.

"Since in football, what counts are the victories, let's remember them. In the space of a few short months Pirlo's Juve has raised two trophies: the Italian Supercup and the Coppa Italia. He, as coach, brought home brilliant victories on the most prestigious of fields, from San Siro to Camp Nou.

"For all this, for the courage, the dedication, the passion with which he demonstrated every day, our thanks go to the Maestro, the Coach and to Andrea, that really comes from the heart. As well as our good luck for the future that will surely be a wonderful one."

Massimiliano Allegri, who won five Serie A titles, is expected to take charge of the club after Pirlo's departure.&nbsp;

Serie A giants Juventus have bid adieu to Andrea Pirlo, who was the head coach for just one season. A win in Coppa Italia and a top-four finish were not enough to keep Pirlo with the Italian giants.

Serie A giants Juventus have bid adieu to Andrea Pirlo, who was the head coach for just one season. A win in Coppa Italia and a top-four finish were not enough to keep Pirlo with the Italian giants. ALSO READ: Football: Tottenham Hotspur hold talks with Mauricio Pochettino as PSG boss eyes Premier League return Juventus issued a statement on their official website that read: "Thank you, Andrea. These are the first words that all of us need to say at the end of this special experience together. "A few months ago, Andrea Pirlo, an icon of world football, began his new adventure, his first as a coach. "To do this, first of all, it takes courage, as well as awareness of one's own means, especially in a period marked by thousands of difficulties, with the world forced by the pandemic to reinvent its own rules day after day. "Pirlo has just begun the first steps of what will no doubt become a brilliant career as a coach. An adventure of transformation, seeking, and often managing, to bring his ideas and his experience as a champion on the pitch from the 'other side' of the fence. "Since in football, what counts are the victories, let's remember them. In the space of a few short months Pirlo's Juve has raised two trophies: the Italian Supercup and the Coppa Italia. He, as coach, brought home brilliant victories on the most prestigious of fields, from San Siro to Camp Nou. "For all this, for the courage, the dedication, the passion with which he demonstrated every day, our thanks go to the Maestro, the Coach and to Andrea, that really comes from the heart. As well as our good luck for the future that will surely be a wonderful one." Massimiliano Allegri, who won five Serie A titles, is expected to take charge of the club after Pirlo's departure.

'Grazie Andrea': Juventus bid adieu to coach Andrea Pirlo after just one season

Cristiano Ronaldo said he has realised one of the goals he set for himself when he joined Juventus in 2018 and valued everything the club had achieved this season despite their run of nine straight Serie A title coming to an end.

Ronaldo, 36, has one year remaining on his contract at Juventus but there has been a flurry of media speculation that the Portuguese forward could be leaving in the summer.

Juventus were deposed as champions by Inter Milan and only climbed into the top four on the final day of the campaign on Sunday (May 23) to secure Champions League qualification.

"This year we couldn't win Serie A, congratulations to Inter for the well-deserved title. However, I have to value everything that we achieved this season at Juventus, both in collective and individual terms," Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, May 24.

"The Italian Super Cup, Italian Cup and Serie A top scorer trophy fill me with happiness, mainly due to the difficulty they carry with them, in a country where nothing is easy to win.

"With these achievements, I reached a goal I had set myself since the first day I arrived in Italy: to win the championship, the Cup and the Super Cup, and also to be Best Player and Top Scorer in this great&nbsp;football&nbsp;country filled with tremendous players, giant clubs and a very own&nbsp;football&nbsp;culture."

The 36-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid player said he was delighted to have won major individual and team honors with clubs in three different countries.

"This is what I work for, this is what moves me and this is what I'll always keep chasing for until the last day," added Ronaldo, who did not play in their 4-1 win over Bologna on the final day.

"Thanks to everyone who took part in this journey. We stand together."

The club declined to comment on the post.

Cristiano Ronaldo said he has realised one of the goals he set for himself when he joined Juventus in 2018 and valued everything the club had achieved this season despite their run of nine straight Serie A title coming to an end.

Cristiano Ronaldo said he has realised one of the goals he set for himself when he joined Juventus in 2018 and valued everything the club had achieved this season despite their run of nine straight Serie A title coming to an end. Ronaldo, 36, has one year remaining on his contract at Juventus but there has been a flurry of media speculation that the Portuguese forward could be leaving in the summer. Juventus were deposed as champions by Inter Milan and only climbed into the top four on the final day of the campaign on Sunday (May 23) to secure Champions League qualification. "This year we couldn't win Serie A, congratulations to Inter for the well-deserved title. However, I have to value everything that we achieved this season at Juventus, both in collective and individual terms," Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, May 24. "The Italian Super Cup, Italian Cup and Serie A top scorer trophy fill me with happiness, mainly due to the difficulty they carry with them, in a country where nothing is easy to win. "With these achievements, I reached a goal I had set myself since the first day I arrived in Italy: to win the championship, the Cup and the Super Cup, and also to be Best Player and Top Scorer in this great football country filled with tremendous players, giant clubs and a very own football culture." The 36-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid player said he was delighted to have won major individual and team honors with clubs in three different countries. "This is what I work for, this is what moves me and this is what I'll always keep chasing for until the last day," added Ronaldo, who did not play in their 4-1 win over Bologna on the final day. "Thanks to everyone who took part in this journey. We stand together." The club declined to comment on the post.

Football: Cristiano Ronaldo says achieved his goal at Juventus

Andrea Pirlo has revealed the reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo's exclusion from their starting XI in the 4-1 win over Bologna. Talking after the game, Andrea Pirlo was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's surprising exit from the playing XI as the Portuguese star warmed the bench for the entire 90 minutes.&nbsp;

The Juventus manager uncovered the choice not to pick Cristiano Ronaldo was a mutual one between the player and the club's staff. In such a manner, Andrea Pirlo said:

“It was a shared decision, Ronaldo was tired after Wednesday’s game, so I decided to start Morata, another great player. Ronaldo was available, I have a deep squad, and I can pick many different players.”

The choice to leave out Cristiano Ronaldo in ostensibly Juventus' most significant game this season was a strange one. With Champions League qualification on the line, Andrea Pirlo's call additionally brought up issue stamps over Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Juventus.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus future has been the subject of discussion since the time the Old Lady hit a fix of helpless form. Many anticipated the Portuguese star would move to greener fields if Juventus neglected to meet all requirements for next season's Champions League.&nbsp;

In any case, with Champions League capability tied down because of Hellas Verona's 1-1 draw against Napoli, the Juventus chain of importance will trust Cristiano Ronaldo stays in Turin for at any rate another season.

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Andrea Pirlo was justifiably satisfied with Juventus' qualification for the Champions League.&nbsp;

“For me, it was important to finish the job, winning the Coppa Italia and qualifying for the Champions League, which was a very important target," Pirlo said. &nbsp;

The 42-year-old Italian manager is positive he will get another season at Juventus following a Coppa Italia title and a top-four finish in Serie A.“I’ve always put in the total commitment, and this is the result. Those who must decide about my future will do it. I see myself on the Juve bench next season, I would confirm myself, but now we must enjoy what we have achieved," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-juventus-and-ac-milan-qualify-for-champions-league-napoli-miss-out-387023" hreflang="en">Football: Juventus and AC Milan qualify for Champions League, Napoli miss out</a>

Indeed, even with a UCL spot on the line, Cristiano Ronaldo was the idea all through Juventus' clash with Bologna. Andrea Pirlo additionally ruled against utilizing him as a substitute.&nbsp;

Alvaro Morata, who began instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, scored two goals as Juventus easily crushed Bologna.&nbsp;

Regardless of Andrea Pirlo's idea that the choice to drop Cristiano Ronaldo was mutual, there are continually going to be tales encompassing the Portuguese's future. The 36-year-old has been connected with his previous sides Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon. 
&nbsp;

Andrea Pirlo has revealed the reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo's exclusion from their starting XI in the 4-1 win over Bologna. Talking after the game, Andrea Pirlo was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's surprising exit from the playing XI as the Portuguese star warmed the bench for the entire 90 minutes.

Andrea Pirlo has revealed the reason behind Cristiano Ronaldo's exclusion from their starting XI in the 4-1 win over Bologna. Talking after the game, Andrea Pirlo was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's surprising exit from the playing XI as the Portuguese star warmed the bench for the entire 90 minutes. The Juventus manager uncovered the choice not to pick Cristiano Ronaldo was a mutual one between the player and the club's staff. In such a manner, Andrea Pirlo said: “It was a shared decision, Ronaldo was tired after Wednesday’s game, so I decided to start Morata, another great player. Ronaldo was available, I have a deep squad, and I can pick many different players.” The choice to leave out Cristiano Ronaldo in ostensibly Juventus' most significant game this season was a strange one. With Champions League qualification on the line, Andrea Pirlo's call additionally brought up issue stamps over Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Juventus. Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus future has been the subject of discussion since the time the Old Lady hit a fix of helpless form. Many anticipated the Portuguese star would move to greener fields if Juventus neglected to meet all requirements for next season's Champions League. In any case, with Champions League capability tied down because of Hellas Verona's 1-1 draw against Napoli, the Juventus chain of importance will trust Cristiano Ronaldo stays in Turin for at any rate another season. ALSO READ: Football: Who will challenge for Man City's Premier League crown next season? Andrea Pirlo was justifiably satisfied with Juventus' qualification for the Champions League. “For me, it was important to finish the job, winning the Coppa Italia and qualifying for the Champions League, which was a very important target," Pirlo said. The 42-year-old Italian manager is positive he will get another season at Juventus following a Coppa Italia title and a top-four finish in Serie A.“I’ve always put in the total commitment, and this is the result. Those who must decide about my future will do it. I see myself on the Juve bench next season, I would confirm myself, but now we must enjoy what we have achieved," he added. ALSO READ: Football: Juventus and AC Milan qualify for Champions League, Napoli miss out Indeed, even with a UCL spot on the line, Cristiano Ronaldo was the idea all through Juventus' clash with Bologna. Andrea Pirlo additionally ruled against utilizing him as a substitute. Alvaro Morata, who began instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, scored two goals as Juventus easily crushed Bologna. Regardless of Andrea Pirlo's idea that the choice to drop Cristiano Ronaldo was mutual, there are continually going to be tales encompassing the Portuguese's future. The 36-year-old has been connected with his previous sides Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon.

Football: Andrea Pirlo explains Cristiano Ronaldo omission against Bologna

Andrea Pirlo believes Champions League qualification will not be the decisive factor in whether Juventus decide to keep him on as coach for next season.

To clinch a top-four finish, the Turin club must win their final game in Bologna on Sunday and hope AC Milan or Napoli drop points in their games against Atalanta and Hellas Verona.

Failure to reach European soccer’s top club competition would be an enormous disappointment for Juve, winners of nine consecutive league titles before this season, and the situation has resulted in speculation that Pirlo will be replaced.

"I do not think the club will decide based on what happens tomorrow. I think they have an idea of what has been done over the season, what went well and badly," Pirlo told a news conference on Saturday.

"They do not take decisions based on the last match or on one result. It is up to them to decide we will see what happens.

"I like doing this job, it is normal that I would reconfirm my position because I like having this adrenaline and pressure.

"You need to feel the blood running through your veins and I want to continue working with this squad and this club."

Juventus travel to Bologna in a confident mood after beating Atalanta on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia final.

It marked a third consecutive win for Pirlo’s side since a 3-0 defeat by AC Milan earlier in May threatened to derail their top-four hopes.

"We believe. We were dead and buried after the Milan game, but picked ourselves up again. We did that on our own, but the results of other teams also brought us back to life,” Pirlo said.

"We must think first of all about ourselves, looking to play a great game and win, and then see what the others do."

Pirlo also addressed media speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could depart Juventus if they fail to reach the Champions League.

"I see him still in a black and white shirt and focused," he said.

"He showed that the other night by making sacrifices and chasing because he wanted to win the cup."

Andrea Pirlo believes Champions League qualification will not be the decisive factor in whether Juventus decide to keep him on as coach for next season. To clinch a top-four finish, the Turin club must win their final game in Bologna on Sunday and hope AC Milan or Napoli drop points in their games against Atalanta and Hellas Verona.

Andrea Pirlo believes Champions League qualification will not be the decisive factor in whether Juventus decide to keep him on as coach for next season. To clinch a top-four finish, the Turin club must win their final game in Bologna on Sunday and hope AC Milan or Napoli drop points in their games against Atalanta and Hellas Verona. Failure to reach European soccer’s top club competition would be an enormous disappointment for Juve, winners of nine consecutive league titles before this season, and the situation has resulted in speculation that Pirlo will be replaced. "I do not think the club will decide based on what happens tomorrow. I think they have an idea of what has been done over the season, what went well and badly," Pirlo told a news conference on Saturday. "They do not take decisions based on the last match or on one result. It is up to them to decide we will see what happens. "I like doing this job, it is normal that I would reconfirm my position because I like having this adrenaline and pressure. "You need to feel the blood running through your veins and I want to continue working with this squad and this club." Juventus travel to Bologna in a confident mood after beating Atalanta on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia final. It marked a third consecutive win for Pirlo’s side since a 3-0 defeat by AC Milan earlier in May threatened to derail their top-four hopes. "We believe. We were dead and buried after the Milan game, but picked ourselves up again. We did that on our own, but the results of other teams also brought us back to life,” Pirlo said. "We must think first of all about ourselves, looking to play a great game and win, and then see what the others do." Pirlo also addressed media speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo could depart Juventus if they fail to reach the Champions League. "I see him still in a black and white shirt and focused," he said. "He showed that the other night by making sacrifices and chasing because he wanted to win the cup."

Football: Andrea Pirlo says his Juventus future does not depend on top-four finish

Andrea Pirlo's hopes of convincing Juventus bosses he deserves another season as coach will be under scrutiny on Sunday as his side look to snatch a Champions League spot on the final day of the Serie A season.

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Juventus are in a three-team race with AC Milan and Napoli for the final two places behind champions Inter Milan and Atalanta.

AC Milan and Napoli, both on 76 points, are a point clear of Juve, who travel to 11th-placed Bologna hoping to avoid missing out on the Champions League for the first time since 2011-12.

Despite being denied a 10th consecutive Serie A title, the Turin giants have won two trophies in Pirlo's debut season, the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup, and he wants to continue in the hotseat.

"There is still a crucial game and it will be a battle, then we will take stock," said the 42-year-old.

"The victories do not cancel out the difficulties, but in my first year I have learned a lot.

"Now we head into Sunday, when our future will be decided, even if it's not all in our hands."

Juve's European hopes depend on beaten cup finalists Atalanta's match against AC Milan in Bergamo, and Napoli's game at home against midtable Hellas Verona.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta are focused on achieving their first Serie A runners-up finish, four days after losing out in their bid for a first trophy since 1963.

"We are not responsible for the fate of others even if they all try to pull us by the jacket for this match," said Gasperini. "Everyone is responsible for their own destiny.

"We have scored the points and we will play to finish in second place, knowing however that we have already reached our target."

Milan have only managed one win in their last 11 Serie A matches against Atalanta, with the Bergamo side winning their last home game against Milan 5-0.

Atalanta could exceed their best-ever points tally, already equalled with 78. In addition, they could claim a club record number of league games won in a season, now equalled with 23, and have the top attack in the league for a third straight campaign with 90 goals scored.

Champions Inter Milan will get to celebrate their first league title since 2010 in front of 1,000 supporters in their final game at the San Siro against Udinese on Sunday.

According to reports, they will not be paying fans, but 'Nerazzurri' guests, including employees, staff, families of the players and sponsors.

At the end of the match, Antonio Conte's side will receive the league trophy.

Key stats:

90 goals: Atalanta are the top scorers in the league for a third consecutive season.

28 goals: Ronaldo is set to finish the season as top scorer.

15: AC Milan's wins away from home this season

1: Point between Juve and Champions League rivals AC Milan and Napoli.

Fixtures (all times GMT):

Saturday

Cagliari v Genoa, Crotone v Fiorentina, Sampdoria v Parma (all 1845)

Sunday

Inter Milan v Udinese (1300), Atalanta v AC Milan, Bologna v Juventus, Napoli v Hellas Verona, Sassuolo v Lazio, Spezia v Roma, Torino v Benevento (all 1845)

Andrea Pirlo's hopes of convincing Juventus bosses he deserves another season as coach will be under scrutiny on Sunday as his side look to snatch a Champions League spot on the final day of the Serie A season.

Andrea Pirlo's hopes of convincing Juventus bosses he deserves another season as coach will be under scrutiny on Sunday as his side look to snatch a Champions League spot on the final day of the Serie A season. ALSO READ: Football: Steven Gerrard, David Beckham complete Premier League Hall of Fame 2021 inductees list Juventus are in a three-team race with AC Milan and Napoli for the final two places behind champions Inter Milan and Atalanta. AC Milan and Napoli, both on 76 points, are a point clear of Juve, who travel to 11th-placed Bologna hoping to avoid missing out on the Champions League for the first time since 2011-12. Despite being denied a 10th consecutive Serie A title, the Turin giants have won two trophies in Pirlo's debut season, the Italian Cup and Italian Super Cup, and he wants to continue in the hotseat. "There is still a crucial game and it will be a battle, then we will take stock," said the 42-year-old. "The victories do not cancel out the difficulties, but in my first year I have learned a lot. "Now we head into Sunday, when our future will be decided, even if it's not all in our hands." Juve's European hopes depend on beaten cup finalists Atalanta's match against AC Milan in Bergamo, and Napoli's game at home against midtable Hellas Verona. Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta are focused on achieving their first Serie A runners-up finish, four days after losing out in their bid for a first trophy since 1963. "We are not responsible for the fate of others even if they all try to pull us by the jacket for this match," said Gasperini. "Everyone is responsible for their own destiny. "We have scored the points and we will play to finish in second place, knowing however that we have already reached our target." Milan have only managed one win in their last 11 Serie A matches against Atalanta, with the Bergamo side winning their last home game against Milan 5-0. Atalanta could exceed their best-ever points tally, already equalled with 78. In addition, they could claim a club record number of league games won in a season, now equalled with 23, and have the top attack in the league for a third straight campaign with 90 goals scored. Champions Inter Milan will get to celebrate their first league title since 2010 in front of 1,000 supporters in their final game at the San Siro against Udinese on Sunday. According to reports, they will not be paying fans, but 'Nerazzurri' guests, including employees, staff, families of the players and sponsors. At the end of the match, Antonio Conte's side will receive the league trophy. Key stats: 90 goals: Atalanta are the top scorers in the league for a third consecutive season. 28 goals: Ronaldo is set to finish the season as top scorer. 15: AC Milan's wins away from home this season 1: Point between Juve and Champions League rivals AC Milan and Napoli. Fixtures (all times GMT): Saturday Cagliari v Genoa, Crotone v Fiorentina, Sampdoria v Parma (all 1845) Sunday Inter Milan v Udinese (1300), Atalanta v AC Milan, Bologna v Juventus, Napoli v Hellas Verona, Sassuolo v Lazio, Spezia v Roma, Torino v Benevento (all 1845)

Football: Pirlo's Juve future under microscope in three-team Champions League race

Juventus are keen on bringing Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this mid-year, as indicated by Fichajes.net via Juve.com. The 2018 World Cup champion has had a stop-start life at the Nou Camp since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

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Barcelona had marked Dembele from Dortmund for a club record of €135 million. Notwithstanding, he neglected to satisfy the expectations just as the sticker price because of an absence of form and repeating injuries.

With his agreement lapsing the following summer, Juventus are hoping to sign the winger at an extensively less expensive cost.

Barcelona followed through on a heavy cost to carry Ousmane Dembele to the Nou Camp in 2017. Nonetheless, the Frenchman neglected to supplant the active Neymar at the club. With just a year left on his Blaugrana contract, Barcelona are in danger of losing him free of charge in the coming months.

Juventus are hoping to exploit this agreement circumstance. They are hoping to offer €40 million for Dembele. This could end up being an extreme choice for Barcelona. On the off chance that they don't acknowledge the Juventus offer, they could lose the 23-year old on a free exchange the following summer.

Barcelona are reputed to have enormous freedom this mid-year, with upwards of 14 players in danger of being sold. This is to create assets for new and better players and furthermore to diminish the club's pay spending plan in these troublesome monetary occasions for clubs across Europe.

Barcelona are without a doubt to acknowledge any proposal from Juventus in the event that they can acquire an appropriate substitution at the club. They have been connected with different attacking players, including Erling Haaland, Sergio Agüero, and Memphis Depay.

Ousmane Dembele has been a baffling signing for Barcelona. He has neglected to play for a long length because of his physical issue inconveniences. In the four seasons, he has been at the club, Ousmane Dembele has played multiple times for Barcelona and has scored just 30 goals.

Notwithstanding having a superior season this time around, it would appear that his time at Barcelona is everything except over. Maybe a transition to Juventus will launch Ousmane&nbsp; Dembele's profession and assist him with satisfying his potential in a group that is much slower contrasted with La Liga.

Juventus are keen on bringing Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this mid-year, as indicated by Fichajes.net via Juve.com. The 2018 World Cup champion has had a stop-start life at the Nou Camp since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

Juventus are keen on bringing Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this mid-year, as indicated by Fichajes.net via Juve.com. The 2018 World Cup champion has had a stop-start life at the Nou Camp since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017. ALSO READ: Leicester City players express support for Palestine after FA Cup win Barcelona had marked Dembele from Dortmund for a club record of €135 million. Notwithstanding, he neglected to satisfy the expectations just as the sticker price because of an absence of form and repeating injuries. With his agreement lapsing the following summer, Juventus are hoping to sign the winger at an extensively less expensive cost. Barcelona followed through on a heavy cost to carry Ousmane Dembele to the Nou Camp in 2017. Nonetheless, the Frenchman neglected to supplant the active Neymar at the club. With just a year left on his Blaugrana contract, Barcelona are in danger of losing him free of charge in the coming months. Juventus are hoping to exploit this agreement circumstance. They are hoping to offer €40 million for Dembele. This could end up being an extreme choice for Barcelona. On the off chance that they don't acknowledge the Juventus offer, they could lose the 23-year old on a free exchange the following summer. Barcelona are reputed to have enormous freedom this mid-year, with upwards of 14 players in danger of being sold. This is to create assets for new and better players and furthermore to diminish the club's pay spending plan in these troublesome monetary occasions for clubs across Europe. Barcelona are without a doubt to acknowledge any proposal from Juventus in the event that they can acquire an appropriate substitution at the club. They have been connected with different attacking players, including Erling Haaland, Sergio Agüero, and Memphis Depay. Ousmane Dembele has been a baffling signing for Barcelona. He has neglected to play for a long length because of his physical issue inconveniences. In the four seasons, he has been at the club, Ousmane Dembele has played multiple times for Barcelona and has scored just 30 goals. Notwithstanding having a superior season this time around, it would appear that his time at Barcelona is everything except over. Maybe a transition to Juventus will launch Ousmane Dembele's profession and assist him with satisfying his potential in a group that is much slower contrasted with La Liga.

Juventus are set to bid for Ousmane Dembele: Reports

Juventus are gearing up to face Serie A champions Inter Milan in the penultimate game of their season.

The Bianconeri cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Andrea Pirlo's men are currently 5th in the league, one point behind Napoli in 4th place. The Italian manager knows his future depends on Juventus' rivals dropping points in their next two games. However, he will have to make sure that the Bianconeri win both their games to avoid a disastrous end to the season.

With all that in mind, here is the latest&nbsp;news on Juventus.

Andrea Pirlo has expressed that he was satisfied with Juventus' presentation in the 3-1 win against Sassuolo in midweek and has called for business as usual when they take on Inter Milan.&nbsp;

Tending to the media in front of the Bianconeri's match against the Nerazzurri on Saturday, the Italian said:

“I liked the attitude on Wednesday, we needed to regroup after the match against Milan and we were compact. Having seen the performance on Wednesday suggests that we are sorry, we could have had more points by always remaining as focused as in - Reggio Emilia."

“At the end of the year, we will review the whole season, analyzing the mistakes to not commit them again. When you train, you have to measure your own idea of the game with the players, adapting to their characteristics and understanding how to put them on the pitch, in the positions where they can perform more" - he added

"Alex Sandro plays tomorrow because he’s disqualified for the Coppa Italia Final. For the others, we will see, we must recover energy. Federico Chiesa is getting better and better, I think he’ll be available tomorrow night. Merih Demiral is available, he could start the match."

Juventus are purportedly near agreeing to sign AC Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu this mid-year as Andrea Pirlo hopes to upgrade his midfield. The 27-year-old midfielder will turn into a free agent in June and presently can't seem to go to an understanding over an agreement expansion at Milan. 
&nbsp;

Juventus are gearing up to face Serie A champions Inter Milan in the penultimate game of their season. The Bianconeri cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

Juventus are gearing up to face Serie A champions Inter Milan in the penultimate game of their season. The Bianconeri cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to finish in the top four and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Andrea Pirlo's men are currently 5th in the league, one point behind Napoli in 4th place. The Italian manager knows his future depends on Juventus' rivals dropping points in their next two games. However, he will have to make sure that the Bianconeri win both their games to avoid a disastrous end to the season. With all that in mind, here is the latest news on Juventus. Andrea Pirlo has expressed that he was satisfied with Juventus' presentation in the 3-1 win against Sassuolo in midweek and has called for business as usual when they take on Inter Milan. Tending to the media in front of the Bianconeri's match against the Nerazzurri on Saturday, the Italian said: “I liked the attitude on Wednesday, we needed to regroup after the match against Milan and we were compact. Having seen the performance on Wednesday suggests that we are sorry, we could have had more points by always remaining as focused as in - Reggio Emilia." “At the end of the year, we will review the whole season, analyzing the mistakes to not commit them again. When you train, you have to measure your own idea of the game with the players, adapting to their characteristics and understanding how to put them on the pitch, in the positions where they can perform more" - he added "Alex Sandro plays tomorrow because he’s disqualified for the Coppa Italia Final. For the others, we will see, we must recover energy. Federico Chiesa is getting better and better, I think he’ll be available tomorrow night. Merih Demiral is available, he could start the match." Juventus are purportedly near agreeing to sign AC Milan star Hakan Calhanoglu this mid-year as Andrea Pirlo hopes to upgrade his midfield. The 27-year-old midfielder will turn into a free agent in June and presently can't seem to go to an understanding over an agreement expansion at Milan.

Andrea Pirlo speaks ahead of the penultimate game against Inter Milan

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo did not have a great first season with the club as the Turin side are struggling to secure even a Champions League spot. However, former Juve star feels that his side can redeem the title loss to Inter by securing the top four spot.&nbsp;

Pirlo's side are fifth in the league table after securing just five wins in the last 10 matches. The only hope left for the team is to secure 3 points against Inter in the upcoming clash.&nbsp;

"Congratulations to Inter for the Scudetto, but we could have done more," Pirlo told a news conference on Friday.

"Inter have done better, have been more consistent and hungrier than us. There are some regrets for the players I didn't have available, but regret is part of the ambition.

"To see our opponents as Italian champions tomorrow must give us more motivation. Let's also not forget that we have a chance to qualify for the Champions League."

Juve lost 3-0 to AC Milan, however, they bounced back to winning ways after beating Sassuolo (on Wednesday) by 3-1.&nbsp;

"The performance suggests we could have had more points by always remaining as focused as we did at Sassuolo," Pirlo said.

"At the end of the year, we will review the whole season, analysing the mistakes to not commit them again."

(Inputs from Reuters)

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo did not have a great first season with the club as the Turin side are struggling to secure even a Champions League spot. However, former Juve star feels that his side can redeem the title loss to Inter by securing the top four spot.

Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo did not have a great first season with the club as the Turin side are struggling to secure even a Champions League spot. However, former Juve star feels that his side can redeem the title loss to Inter by securing the top four spot. Pirlo's side are fifth in the league table after securing just five wins in the last 10 matches. The only hope left for the team is to secure 3 points against Inter in the upcoming clash. "Congratulations to Inter for the Scudetto, but we could have done more," Pirlo told a news conference on Friday. "Inter have done better, have been more consistent and hungrier than us. There are some regrets for the players I didn't have available, but regret is part of the ambition. "To see our opponents as Italian champions tomorrow must give us more motivation. Let's also not forget that we have a chance to qualify for the Champions League." Juve lost 3-0 to AC Milan, however, they bounced back to winning ways after beating Sassuolo (on Wednesday) by 3-1. "The performance suggests we could have had more points by always remaining as focused as we did at Sassuolo," Pirlo said. "At the end of the year, we will review the whole season, analysing the mistakes to not commit them again." (Inputs from Reuters)

'We could have done more': Andrea Pirlo feels Juve can redeem themselves by securing CL spot

Cristiano Ronaldo's first game for Juventus in his native Portugal ended in 2-1 defeat as FC Porto out-played the Italians for much of Wednesday's Champions League last-16, first leg tie.

Such was Juve's lacklustre performance that coach Andrea Pirlo claimed his team handed victory to their hosts on "a silver platter".

Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi put Porto ahead after just a minute at Estadio do Dragao following a Rodrigo Bentancur error.

And Mali striker Moussa Marega added a second straight after the break.

But Federico Chiesa pulled a goal back with eight minutes to go to keep Juventus afloat with the second leg in Turin on March 9.

"The approach was wrong from the first minute," said Pirlo.&nbsp;

"When you concede a goal like this it's normal that fear sets in, you lack a bit of certainty.&nbsp;

"Porto are good at closing down and after that goal it was much more difficult. We served them the match they wanted on a silver platter.

"Fortunately we scored an important goal through Chiesa and now we will focus on the return leg."

It was a below-par performance by Juventus,chasing their third Champions League title and first in 25 years.

Record Champions League goal scorer Ronaldo, 36, drew a blank against a side captained by his Portuguese international teammate Pepe, as the visitors struggled to recover from their early blunder.

"We studied Juventus well," said defender Pepe who won three Champions League titles with Ronaldo at Real Madrid.&nbsp;

"We knew that we had to press hard to keep Juventus from playing.&nbsp;In these type of games it's difficult to concede goals at home, but we played a great game."

It was a shocking start for Juventus, with Wojciech Szczesny sending the ball out to Bentancur, who passed back to the Polish goalkeeper despite Taremi being just on front of goal.

The Iranian quickly pounced to prod past Szczesny for his first Champions League goal.

Porto pressed forward with Juventus almost conceding a second on 23 minutes as Szczesny cleared straight to Sergio Oliveira whose shot was deflected away from goal.

To add to Andrea Pirlo's woes captain Giorgio Chiellini limped off 10 minutes later with defender Merih Demiral coming off the bench.

Pirlo had juggled Juve's defence with Leonardo Bonucci out injured with Alex Sandro returning, playing alongside veteran Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt and Danilo.

Juve had to wait until four minutes before the break for their first shot on goal with an Adrien Rabiot overhead kick cleared by Porto 'keeper Agustin Marchesin, but the offside flag had already been raised.

The Italians suffered another terrible start to the second half with Marega picking up a Wilson Manafa cross to finish low past&nbsp;Szczęsny.

Ronaldo had to wait until five minutes after the break to have a shot on goal. Weston McKennie nodded the ball into the path of the Portuguese star, whose weak effort was blocked.

However, Chiesa pulled Juventus back into the tie following a Rabiot run down the right with a pull back for the Italian to finish off into the corner of the net.

"The goal will give us strength for the second leg, and it will certainly be another game," said Chiesa.&nbsp;

It was the first goal conceded by Porto in the competition at home this season for the former two-time winners.

Ronaldo had penalty appeals waved away after going down under a Sanusi Zaidu challenge late as the hosts held on for their first win over Juventus in five meetings.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first game for Juventus in his native Portugal ended in 2-1 defeat as FC Porto out-played the Italians for much of Wednesday's Champions League last-16, first leg tie.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first game for Juventus in his native Portugal ended in 2-1 defeat as FC Porto out-played the Italians for much of Wednesday's Champions League last-16, first leg tie. Such was Juve's lacklustre performance that coach Andrea Pirlo claimed his team handed victory to their hosts on "a silver platter". Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi put Porto ahead after just a minute at Estadio do Dragao following a Rodrigo Bentancur error. And Mali striker Moussa Marega added a second straight after the break. But Federico Chiesa pulled a goal back with eight minutes to go to keep Juventus afloat with the second leg in Turin on March 9. "The approach was wrong from the first minute," said Pirlo. "When you concede a goal like this it's normal that fear sets in, you lack a bit of certainty. "Porto are good at closing down and after that goal it was much more difficult. We served them the match they wanted on a silver platter. "Fortunately we scored an important goal through Chiesa and now we will focus on the return leg." It was a below-par performance by Juventus,chasing their third Champions League title and first in 25 years. Record Champions League goal scorer Ronaldo, 36, drew a blank against a side captained by his Portuguese international teammate Pepe, as the visitors struggled to recover from their early blunder. "We studied Juventus well," said defender Pepe who won three Champions League titles with Ronaldo at Real Madrid. "We knew that we had to press hard to keep Juventus from playing. In these type of games it's difficult to concede goals at home, but we played a great game." It was a shocking start for Juventus, with Wojciech Szczesny sending the ball out to Bentancur, who passed back to the Polish goalkeeper despite Taremi being just on front of goal. The Iranian quickly pounced to prod past Szczesny for his first Champions League goal. Porto pressed forward with Juventus almost conceding a second on 23 minutes as Szczesny cleared straight to Sergio Oliveira whose shot was deflected away from goal. To add to Andrea Pirlo's woes captain Giorgio Chiellini limped off 10 minutes later with defender Merih Demiral coming off the bench. Pirlo had juggled Juve's defence with Leonardo Bonucci out injured with Alex Sandro returning, playing alongside veteran Chiellini, Matthijs de Ligt and Danilo. Juve had to wait until four minutes before the break for their first shot on goal with an Adrien Rabiot overhead kick cleared by Porto 'keeper Agustin Marchesin, but the offside flag had already been raised. The Italians suffered another terrible start to the second half with Marega picking up a Wilson Manafa cross to finish low past Szczęsny. Ronaldo had to wait until five minutes after the break to have a shot on goal. Weston McKennie nodded the ball into the path of the Portuguese star, whose weak effort was blocked. However, Chiesa pulled Juventus back into the tie following a Rabiot run down the right with a pull back for the Italian to finish off into the corner of the net. "The goal will give us strength for the second leg, and it will certainly be another game," said Chiesa. It was the first goal conceded by Porto in the competition at home this season for the former two-time winners. Ronaldo had penalty appeals waved away after going down under a Sanusi Zaidu challenge late as the hosts held on for their first win over Juventus in five meetings.

Pirlo says lacklustre Juventus handed Porto victory 'on silver platter'

Andrea Pirlo won his first trophy as a coach on Wednesday as Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo blasted in his 20th goal of the season following a corner on 64 minutes in Reggio Emilia, before Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne missed a penalty and Alvaro Morata added a second deep into injury time.

Pirlo, 41, clinched his first silverware five months after taking over at his former club where he won four league titles.

"Winning a first title (as a coach) is a great joy, different from that felt as a player, it's even more beautiful," said Pirlo, who lifted the trophy three times as a player with Juventus and AC Milan.

Juventus won the annual trophy, played between the league champions and Italian Cup holders, for the ninth time, having finished runners-up last year to Lazio.

"This trophy is very important because it can give us confidence for the rest of our season," said Ronaldo.

Juventus sit fifth in the league, 10 points behind leaders AC Milan, after losing 2-0 to second-placed Inter Milan last weekend.

"The Scudetto is possible, Milan and Inter are very strong, but there are still a lot of games to be played and we can still do it," added Ronaldo.

It was the first meeting between Pirlo and Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso, who won the 2006 World Cup together and spent a decade as AC Milan teammates, winning two Serie A titles and two Champions League crowns together.

<h2>- 'Sorry for Gattuso' -</h2>

They have not faced off this season after Napoli refused to travel to Turin for their October league match because of coronavirus cases -- a fixture which has still to be played.

"I'm sorry for Gennaro Gattuso, but we wanted to react after the defeat against Inter Milan," said Pirlo.&nbsp;

"We bet a lot on the pride of the players, we wanted to show that we were a team."

Juventus received a boost hours before kick-off with Juan Cuadrado recovering from coronavirus and starting for the first time in two weeks.

Napoli had the best chance of the first half in the Mapei Stadium, with Juve keeper Wojciech Szczsesny demonstrating quick reflexes to save Hirving Lozano's diving header just before the half-hour mark.

Federico Bernardeschi came off the bench after the break in place of Federico Chiesa and immediately had an impact.

Juventus piled on the pressure after an hour when Ronaldo was sent through on goal and defender Kostas Manolas almost deflected the ball into his own net.

But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the most of the resulting corner, with the ball bouncing off Tiemoue Bakayoko and into the path of the unmarked Portuguese forward to fire in his 20th goal of the season.

Napoli had a chance to equalise from the spot after Weston McKennie fouled Dries Mertens, but Insigne wasted the opportunity by dragging a woeful effort wide.

Szczsesny pulled off another late save before a last-gasp Morata goal sealed victory.

"We all lost together, not because of Lorenzo's penalty. Let's move on," said Gattuso, 43, whose side beat Juventus in last season's Italian Cup.

"In the first half there was a bit of fear.&nbsp;I don't remember Juve's serious chances today.

"We could have done better, but the match is very similar to the one seven months ago. In fact, we suffered more seven months ago than today."

Andrea Pirlo won his first trophy as a coach on Wednesday as Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo blasted in his 20th goal of the season following a corner on 64 minutes in Reggio Emilia, before Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne missed a penalty and Alvaro Morata added a second deep into injury time.

Andrea Pirlo won his first trophy as a coach on Wednesday as Juventus beat Napoli 2-0 in the Italian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo blasted in his 20th goal of the season following a corner on 64 minutes in Reggio Emilia, before Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne missed a penalty and Alvaro Morata added a second deep into injury time. Pirlo, 41, clinched his first silverware five months after taking over at his former club where he won four league titles. "Winning a first title (as a coach) is a great joy, different from that felt as a player, it's even more beautiful," said Pirlo, who lifted the trophy three times as a player with Juventus and AC Milan. Juventus won the annual trophy, played between the league champions and Italian Cup holders, for the ninth time, having finished runners-up last year to Lazio. "This trophy is very important because it can give us confidence for the rest of our season," said Ronaldo. Juventus sit fifth in the league, 10 points behind leaders AC Milan, after losing 2-0 to second-placed Inter Milan last weekend. "The Scudetto is possible, Milan and Inter are very strong, but there are still a lot of games to be played and we can still do it," added Ronaldo. It was the first meeting between Pirlo and Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso, who won the 2006 World Cup together and spent a decade as AC Milan teammates, winning two Serie A titles and two Champions League crowns together. - 'Sorry for Gattuso' - They have not faced off this season after Napoli refused to travel to Turin for their October league match because of coronavirus cases -- a fixture which has still to be played. "I'm sorry for Gennaro Gattuso, but we wanted to react after the defeat against Inter Milan," said Pirlo. "We bet a lot on the pride of the players, we wanted to show that we were a team." Juventus received a boost hours before kick-off with Juan Cuadrado recovering from coronavirus and starting for the first time in two weeks. Napoli had the best chance of the first half in the Mapei Stadium, with Juve keeper Wojciech Szczsesny demonstrating quick reflexes to save Hirving Lozano's diving header just before the half-hour mark. Federico Bernardeschi came off the bench after the break in place of Federico Chiesa and immediately had an impact. Juventus piled on the pressure after an hour when Ronaldo was sent through on goal and defender Kostas Manolas almost deflected the ball into his own net. But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the most of the resulting corner, with the ball bouncing off Tiemoue Bakayoko and into the path of the unmarked Portuguese forward to fire in his 20th goal of the season. Napoli had a chance to equalise from the spot after Weston McKennie fouled Dries Mertens, but Insigne wasted the opportunity by dragging a woeful effort wide. Szczsesny pulled off another late save before a last-gasp Morata goal sealed victory. "We all lost together, not because of Lorenzo's penalty. Let's move on," said Gattuso, 43, whose side beat Juventus in last season's Italian Cup. "In the first half there was a bit of fear. I don't remember Juve's serious chances today. "We could have done better, but the match is very similar to the one seven months ago. In fact, we suffered more seven months ago than today."

Pirlo wins first trophy as Juventus beat Napoli in Italian Super Cup

Juve boss Andrea Pirlo confirmed that star Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury by the end of 1-1 draw against Lazio.&nbsp;

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In the final 15 minutes, Ronaldo collided with Spanish midfielder Luis Alberto after which he was seen limping off the pitch.&nbsp;

During the post-match conference, Pirlo said: "[Cristiano] Ronaldo is a key player not only for us but for all the teams he has played for. Unfortunately he had an ankle problem and was forced to leave the field."

The severity of the injury is still unknown.&nbsp;

The Portuguese has missed out on most of the action this year. Earlier, he was tested positive for coronavirus and now the injury.&nbsp;

This injury has come amidst reports that suggest Juventus are considering to sell the Portuguese in the upcoming summer. The report comes as rumours are making rounds that the player is not intending to extend his contract with the club.&nbsp;

Juve boss Andrea Pirlo confirmed that star Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury by the end of 1-1 draw against Lazio. Also read: Harry Maguire reacts to Manchester United criticism In the final 15 minutes, Ronaldo collided with Spanish midfielder Luis Alberto after which he was seen limping off the pitch.

Juve boss Andrea Pirlo confirmed that star Cristiano Ronaldo suffered an injury by the end of 1-1 draw against Lazio. Also read: Harry Maguire reacts to Manchester United criticism In the final 15 minutes, Ronaldo collided with Spanish midfielder Luis Alberto after which he was seen limping off the pitch. During the post-match conference, Pirlo said: "[Cristiano] Ronaldo is a key player not only for us but for all the teams he has played for. Unfortunately he had an ankle problem and was forced to leave the field." The severity of the injury is still unknown. The Portuguese has missed out on most of the action this year. Earlier, he was tested positive for coronavirus and now the injury. This injury has come amidst reports that suggest Juventus are considering to sell the Portuguese in the upcoming summer. The report comes as rumours are making rounds that the player is not intending to extend his contract with the club.

Juve star Cristiano Ronaldo suffers ankle injury, confirms Andrea Pirlo

In a highly-anticipated first clash between two former stars of Italy and AC Milan now chasing coaching glory, Gennaro Gattuso's Napoli test their 'Scudetto' ambitions at Andrea Pirlo's Juventus on Sunday.

Both won the 2006 World Cup for Italy and spent a decade as AC Milan teammates, winning two Serie A titles and two Champions League crowns together.

It is a clash which Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte can't wait to see.

"Juve v Napoli? I'll enjoy watching it," said Conte, who coached Pirlo as a player to the first three of Juventus's current run of nine Serie A titles.

"Napoli are underestimated a lot," continued Conte.&nbsp;

"They are an excellent team, they are among the favourites for the Scudetto.&nbsp;

"They have a staff and a very good coach who will make life difficult for everyone."

Gattuso begins his second season on the Napoli bench having taken over from Carlo Ancelotti last December. The club finished seventh but qualified for the Europa League after winning the Italian Cup, their first trophy in six years.

Former Glasgow Rangers defensive midfielder Gattuso has been coaching since he hung up his boots in 2013, with the bulk of his footballing career spent at AC Milan.

He had stints at Sion, Palermo, Crete and Pisa before returning to Milan where he trained the youth team before coaching the first-team for 18 months.

The 42-year-old left Milan after the team missed the Champions League by just one point.

By contrast, Pirlo, 41, had no coaching experience before taking over from Maurizio Sarri, receiving his coaching diploma days before the season kicked off.

"Well he's stuck now! That's the job," quipped Gattuso on hearing Pirlo's appointment.

"He's lucky to be starting at Juventus, but this profession is one where a great playing career is not enough. You have to study, to work hard, and you don't get much sleep."

<h2>Coronavirus tests&nbsp;</h2>

This season Gattuso has the ambitious task of winning a first Serie A title since the days of Napoli legend Diego Maradona in 1990.

Pirlo is counting on extending Juventus's winning streak to 10 consecutive Serie A titles.

Napoli are top of the Italian league table after two games with a win over Parma, and a 6-0 hammering of Genoa last time out.

Pirlo's Juventus is a team "under construction". They were held 2-2 by Roma last weekend.

As Napoli sit equal on maximum points with Inter Milan, Atalanta, Hellas Verona and AC Milan, Juve have four points.

Napoli are awaiting the results of a second round of coronavirus tests as last week's opponents Genoa had 16 positive tests this week, including 12 players.&nbsp;

Genoa's game against Torino on Saturday has been postponed.

A first round of swabs at Napoli came back negative, with the results of the second series of tests expected on Friday.

Inter, who have scored nine goals in their first two matches, take on a Lazio hurting after their 4-1 defeat to Atalanta in the Stadio Olimpico.

"Inter have been considered an outsider for many years, now we have acquired credibility," said Conte of last season's runenrs-up.

High-scoring Atalanta next host Cagliari with Hellas Verona&nbsp;looking for a third consecutive win at Parma.

Roma head for Udinese looking for their first win, with the north-easterners reeling after losing to promoted La Spezia, who next challenge AC Milan.

In a highly-anticipated first clash between two former stars of Italy and AC Milan now chasing coaching glory, Gennaro Gattuso's Napoli test their 'Scudetto' ambitions at Andrea Pirlo's Juventus on Sunday.

In a highly-anticipated first clash between two former stars of Italy and AC Milan now chasing coaching glory, Gennaro Gattuso's Napoli test their 'Scudetto' ambitions at Andrea Pirlo's Juventus on Sunday. Both won the 2006 World Cup for Italy and spent a decade as AC Milan teammates, winning two Serie A titles and two Champions League crowns together. It is a clash which Inter Milan coach Antonio Conte can't wait to see. "Juve v Napoli? I'll enjoy watching it," said Conte, who coached Pirlo as a player to the first three of Juventus's current run of nine Serie A titles. "Napoli are underestimated a lot," continued Conte. "They are an excellent team, they are among the favourites for the Scudetto. "They have a staff and a very good coach who will make life difficult for everyone." Gattuso begins his second season on the Napoli bench having taken over from Carlo Ancelotti last December. The club finished seventh but qualified for the Europa League after winning the Italian Cup, their first trophy in six years. Former Glasgow Rangers defensive midfielder Gattuso has been coaching since he hung up his boots in 2013, with the bulk of his footballing career spent at AC Milan. He had stints at Sion, Palermo, Crete and Pisa before returning to Milan where he trained the youth team before coaching the first-team for 18 months. The 42-year-old left Milan after the team missed the Champions League by just one point. By contrast, Pirlo, 41, had no coaching experience before taking over from Maurizio Sarri, receiving his coaching diploma days before the season kicked off. "Well he's stuck now! That's the job," quipped Gattuso on hearing Pirlo's appointment. "He's lucky to be starting at Juventus, but this profession is one where a great playing career is not enough. You have to study, to work hard, and you don't get much sleep." Coronavirus tests This season Gattuso has the ambitious task of winning a first Serie A title since the days of Napoli legend Diego Maradona in 1990. Pirlo is counting on extending Juventus's winning streak to 10 consecutive Serie A titles. Napoli are top of the Italian league table after two games with a win over Parma, and a 6-0 hammering of Genoa last time out. Pirlo's Juventus is a team "under construction". They were held 2-2 by Roma last weekend. As Napoli sit equal on maximum points with Inter Milan, Atalanta, Hellas Verona and AC Milan, Juve have four points. Napoli are awaiting the results of a second round of coronavirus tests as last week's opponents Genoa had 16 positive tests this week, including 12 players. Genoa's game against Torino on Saturday has been postponed. A first round of swabs at Napoli came back negative, with the results of the second series of tests expected on Friday. Inter, who have scored nine goals in their first two matches, take on a Lazio hurting after their 4-1 defeat to Atalanta in the Stadio Olimpico. "Inter have been considered an outsider for many years, now we have acquired credibility," said Conte of last season's runenrs-up. High-scoring Atalanta next host Cagliari with Hellas Verona looking for a third consecutive win at Parma. Roma head for Udinese looking for their first win, with the north-easterners reeling after losing to promoted La Spezia, who next challenge AC Milan.

Pirlo v Gattuso: World Cup-winners face off as Napoli test Juventus

Perugia prosecutor's department on Tuesday said that Barcelona's striker Luis Suarez is suspected of cheating to pass his Italian language test with the help of his teachers.

Perugia prosecutor's department on Tuesday said that Barcelona's striker Luis Suarez is suspected of cheating to pass his Italian language test with the help of his teachers. Also read: La Liga: Barca looking to block Luis Suarez's move to Atletico Madrid Clearing the Italian exam is the first step to receive a passport. Suarez has been looking for one after being linked to Juventus as a possible transfer. "The investigation showed that the subjects discussed during the exam were agreed beforehand with the candidate and that the grade was awarded to him even before the test," the prosecutor's department said in a statement. Raffaele Cantone, a former head of Italy's National Anti-Corruption Authority, has been investigating University for Foreigners officials over various irregularities since February. Suarez came under suspicion over an overheard conversation. "But what do you think, that we're going to fail him? Today I have the last lesson (with Suarez) and I have to prepare it because he barely speaks a word" of Italian, Stefania Spina, one of the people targeted by the investigation, is claimed to have said according to prosecution documents cited by Italian media. Asked by a colleague what level Suarez "should pass" in Italian, Spina reportedly replied: "He should not, he must, he will pass, because with a salary of 10 million (euros) per season, you can't make him fail" his exam, "even if he doesn't know how to conjugate verbs and speak in the infinitive." According to Juve coach Andrea Pirlo, a proposed deal for Suarez was unlikely to go ahead because of delays in the Uruguayan's bid to get an Italian passport. The Italian champions cannot recruit Suarez otherwise because they have already reached their quota for non-EU players. (Inputs from AFP)

Luis Suarez and cheating? Barca striker suspected of cheating on Italian exam

Italian side Juventus' new boss Andrea Pirlo is looking to drop six players in the team this summer and one of them is Aaron Ramsey. The former Arsenal star has been asked to look for another club after Pirlo made it clear that the player is not needed.&nbsp;

Ramsey joined Juventus last year on a free transfer from Arsenal. His wages of £400,000-a-week could well limit his options on moving to another club, and he will have to take a pay cut if he moves on.

Aaron Ramsey, under Maurizio Sarri, made just 11 Serie A starts and he does not fit into Pirlo’s ball-playing style.

Other players in the team like &nbsp;Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Daniele Rugani, Mattia De Sciglio, and Blaise Matuidi are also not included in Pirlo's squad. Matuidi is on his way to MLS to play for David Beckham's Inter Miami.&nbsp;

Last month, the Daily Telegraph reported that Juventus were hoping a swap deal involving Ramsey and Tanguy Ndombele. However, Jose Mourinho though wants to keep the £53.8million man, claiming that he will come good.

Aaron Ramsey is even being linked with Manchester United as their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was interested in the Wales star earlier in the summer.

Italian side Juventus' new boss Andrea Pirlo is looking to drop six players in the team this summer and one of them is Aaron Ramsey. The former Arsenal star has been asked to look for another club after Pirlo made it clear that the player is not needed.

Italian side Juventus' new boss Andrea Pirlo is looking to drop six players in the team this summer and one of them is Aaron Ramsey. The former Arsenal star has been asked to look for another club after Pirlo made it clear that the player is not needed. Ramsey joined Juventus last year on a free transfer from Arsenal. His wages of £400,000-a-week could well limit his options on moving to another club, and he will have to take a pay cut if he moves on. Aaron Ramsey, under Maurizio Sarri, made just 11 Serie A starts and he does not fit into Pirlo’s ball-playing style. Other players in the team like Gonzalo Higuain, Sami Khedira, Daniele Rugani, Mattia De Sciglio, and Blaise Matuidi are also not included in Pirlo's squad. Matuidi is on his way to MLS to play for David Beckham's Inter Miami. Last month, the Daily Telegraph reported that Juventus were hoping a swap deal involving Ramsey and Tanguy Ndombele. However, Jose Mourinho though wants to keep the £53.8million man, claiming that he will come good. Aaron Ramsey is even being linked with Manchester United as their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was interested in the Wales star earlier in the summer.

Aaron Ramsey has no place in Andrea Pirlo's Juventus: Reports

Without the star names that have graced Italy sides in the past, coach Antonio Conte says the secret to their success at Euro 2016 has been to shun the mentality of a national team and behave like a club. 
 
Italy came into the European Championship with an ageing squad shorn of standout talents and with few tipping them for success. 
 
Their tournament performances, however, have confounded expectations and a 2-0 victory over Spain on Monday propelled them into the quarter-finals, where they will face Germany in Bordeaux on Saturday. 
 
Recent Italy teams went into major tournaments with individual talents such as Mario Balotelli or Andrea Pirlo, who attracted enormous amounts of media attention. 
 
For Conte, who has a notorious emphasis on the team ethic and industry over individuality, the way to achieve success is to mould the national team around the model of a club, where a well-drilled tactical system can stifle even the best opponents. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ve always said, right from the start of my work here with the national team, that the only road we can follow if we want a bit of success is to be like a club, to be like a team that play together every week - we cannot allow ourselves to be a selection,&quot; Conte told reporters following the victory over Spain at the Stade de France. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m happy above all for the players. It&#39;s more than a month that we&#39;ve been working tactically, technically, mentally and we&#39;ve been trying to surprise everybody and I think we&#39;ve succeeded to some extent.&quot; 
 
Spain were comprehensively snuffed out, barely posing a threat until the closing stages of the game. 
 
Conte feels next opponents Germany, however, could pose a greater challenge. 
 
The world champions cruised through the group stage and thumped Slovakia 3-0 to reach the last eight. 
 
&quot;We now face the best side at the European Championship next Saturday,&quot; Conte said. &quot;It&#39;s going to be very, very hard in all aspects. We&#39;ve got to do well to recover and prepare for Germany the best way we can. We are without Thiago Motta (suspended) and that&#39;s a big blow, also because (Daniele) De Rossi took a knock to his hip. But we know that in adversity, we give that little bit more.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The team has been winning games despite fielding an ageing squad lacking any big-name talent

Without the star names that have graced Italy sides in the past, coach Antonio Conte says the secret to their success at Euro 2016 has been to shun the mentality of a national team and behave like a club. Italy came into the European Championship with an ageing squad shorn of standout talents and with few tipping them for success. Their tournament performances, however, have confounded expectations and a 2-0 victory over Spain on Monday propelled them into the quarter-finals, where they will face Germany in Bordeaux on Saturday. Recent Italy teams went into major tournaments with individual talents such as Mario Balotelli or Andrea Pirlo, who attracted enormous amounts of media attention. For Conte, who has a notorious emphasis on the team ethic and industry over individuality, the way to achieve success is to mould the national team around the model of a club, where a well-drilled tactical system can stifle even the best opponents. "I've always said, right from the start of my work here with the national team, that the only road we can follow if we want a bit of success is to be like a club, to be like a team that play together every week - we cannot allow ourselves to be a selection," Conte told reporters following the victory over Spain at the Stade de France. "I'm happy above all for the players. It's more than a month that we've been working tactically, technically, mentally and we've been trying to surprise everybody and I think we've succeeded to some extent." Spain were comprehensively snuffed out, barely posing a threat until the closing stages of the game. Conte feels next opponents Germany, however, could pose a greater challenge. The world champions cruised through the group stage and thumped Slovakia 3-0 to reach the last eight. "We now face the best side at the European Championship next Saturday," Conte said. "It's going to be very, very hard in all aspects. We've got to do well to recover and prepare for Germany the best way we can. We are without Thiago Motta (suspended) and that's a big blow, also because (Daniele) De Rossi took a knock to his hip. But we know that in adversity, we give that little bit more." (Reuters)

Italy's Coach Conte says club mentality crucial to success

New Italian coach Giampiero Ventura hinted today that striker Graziano Pelle could risk his Azzurri place following a recent move to China and gave Mario Balotelli little chance of returning to the national team. 
 
Pelle, 31, scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Southampton following his arrival from Feyenoord in 2014 and was an integral part of the Italy team that reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals in France. 
 
But Pelle&#39;s reported 15m Euros (&pound;12.7 million, $16.6 million) move to Shandong Luneng could dent his Italy future if he follows in the footsteps of former Juventus maestro Andrea Pirlo and ex-Bologna star Alessandro Diamanti. 
 
Pirlo&#39;s move to New York City FC and Diamanti&#39;s signing for Guangzhou Evergrande preceded the ends of their respective international careers. 
 
Ventura, officially unveiled as Chelsea manager Antonio Conte&#39;s successor today, said the circumstances surrounding Pelle and those players &quot;could not be compared&quot;. 
 
But he added: &quot;A player has to be strong, psychologically and mentally&quot;, to feature for Italy while playing outside of Europe. 
 
&quot;Diamanti, despite being a quality player, lost it (Italy place) when he went to China.&quot; 
 
Pelle scored twice for Italy in France last month but was one of several players to miss the target in an error-strewn 18-shot penalty shoot-out that Germany won 6-5 to advance to the semi-finals. 
 
Ventura said the striker, at least on paper, remains part of his plans but admitted the long-haul travel could complicate matters. 
 
&quot;I have to consider all the 23 players who were at the Euros because of what they achieved. Plus, there will be many others because we&#39;re moving forward,&quot; he explained. 
 
&quot;As for Pelle, apart from his missed penalty, he had a positive campaign. But China is far away. Let&#39;s see why he moved.&quot; 
 
Balotelli, meanwhile, will have to reignite his troubled club future if he is to have any chance of remaining an Italy international. 
 
Having spent a mediocre last season on loan at AC Milan, Balotelli was told recently by Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp to find a new club. 
 
Ventura said the door would remain open but that the troubled star was &quot;at a crossroads&quot; in his career. 
 
&quot;For me he&#39;s exactly the same as all other players when, a) he plays, and b) he is professional,&quot; added Ventura when asked about Balotelli. 
 
&quot;In terms of his character, he could do much better. The fact he&#39;s not playing at Milan, that Liverpool have abandoned him, means that he is at crossroads. 
 
&quot;The few times that Balotelli has really wanted to be a footballer, he has shown his quality. I have no prejudice, but his football must do the talking.&quot; 
 
A respected tactician, Ventura comes to the post after a five-year spell with Torino. 
 
Tasked with qualifying Italy for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he now hopes to convince rock-solid Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli to extend his international career. 
 
The sixty-eight-year-old coach also intends to build on Conte&#39;s two-year spell in charge by steering the new generation through the ranks. 
 
&quot;I haven&#39;t spoken to Barzagli yet but if I want to take up where Conte has left off it&#39;s obvious that he would be a crucial player for us,&quot; added Ventura, whose first game in charge is a friendly against beaten Euro 2016 finalists France in Bari on September 1. 
 
&quot;We have a lot of upcoming players and I want to bring them through. But we have to be patient and give them time to come through gradually.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Graziano Pelle is all set to leave Southampton for Chinese Super League's Shandong Luneng

New Italian coach Giampiero Ventura hinted today that striker Graziano Pelle could risk his Azzurri place following a recent move to China and gave Mario Balotelli little chance of returning to the national team. Pelle, 31, scored 30 goals in 81 appearances for Southampton following his arrival from Feyenoord in 2014 and was an integral part of the Italy team that reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals in France. But Pelle's reported 15m Euros (£12.7 million, $16.6 million) move to Shandong Luneng could dent his Italy future if he follows in the footsteps of former Juventus maestro Andrea Pirlo and ex-Bologna star Alessandro Diamanti. Pirlo's move to New York City FC and Diamanti's signing for Guangzhou Evergrande preceded the ends of their respective international careers. Ventura, officially unveiled as Chelsea manager Antonio Conte's successor today, said the circumstances surrounding Pelle and those players "could not be compared". But he added: "A player has to be strong, psychologically and mentally", to feature for Italy while playing outside of Europe. "Diamanti, despite being a quality player, lost it (Italy place) when he went to China." Pelle scored twice for Italy in France last month but was one of several players to miss the target in an error-strewn 18-shot penalty shoot-out that Germany won 6-5 to advance to the semi-finals. Ventura said the striker, at least on paper, remains part of his plans but admitted the long-haul travel could complicate matters. "I have to consider all the 23 players who were at the Euros because of what they achieved. Plus, there will be many others because we're moving forward," he explained. "As for Pelle, apart from his missed penalty, he had a positive campaign. But China is far away. Let's see why he moved." Balotelli, meanwhile, will have to reignite his troubled club future if he is to have any chance of remaining an Italy international. Having spent a mediocre last season on loan at AC Milan, Balotelli was told recently by Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp to find a new club. Ventura said the door would remain open but that the troubled star was "at a crossroads" in his career. "For me he's exactly the same as all other players when, a) he plays, and b) he is professional," added Ventura when asked about Balotelli. "In terms of his character, he could do much better. The fact he's not playing at Milan, that Liverpool have abandoned him, means that he is at crossroads. "The few times that Balotelli has really wanted to be a footballer, he has shown his quality. I have no prejudice, but his football must do the talking." A respected tactician, Ventura comes to the post after a five-year spell with Torino. Tasked with qualifying Italy for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he now hopes to convince rock-solid Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli to extend his international career. The sixty-eight-year-old coach also intends to build on Conte's two-year spell in charge by steering the new generation through the ranks. "I haven't spoken to Barzagli yet but if I want to take up where Conte has left off it's obvious that he would be a crucial player for us," added Ventura, whose first game in charge is a friendly against beaten Euro 2016 finalists France in Bari on September 1. "We have a lot of upcoming players and I want to bring them through. But we have to be patient and give them time to come through gradually." (AFP)

Italy's Graziano Pelle, Mario Balotelli receive warning

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