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The Week in Black and White
– Welcome folks, to an all new feature for Juvefc.com – The Week in Black and White. Many years ago, when the site was still hand coded in HTML, i wanted to create a feature that covers all the Juve news from the week in a handy digest. Due to the limited software available, it was always difficult to try and create that format in the old version of Juvefc.com.
With all the recent changes, I’ve installed some new plugins and finally created a format that i think is worthy of the site. Every week, i’ll aim to round up all that is happening in the Juve world and place it here. We’ll have updates from the club and players, quotes, videos and reviews, the latest news and of course all the latest transfer rumours that are doing the rounds.
Sit back, put your feet up, and let me take you through the last week in Black and White.
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Del Piero to leave Sydney FC
Alessandro Del Piero has confirmed that he is leaving Sydney FC following two highly successful seasons in Australia. The Juve legend scored 24 goals during his time down-under and announced his departure via his web site this morning:
“Australia, the moment has arrived to say “arrivederci“. My adventure with Sydney FC is about to be concluded, and, even if it makes me rather sad, because I have had wonderful time here, I have communicated my decision to the club,” the notice read.
“I’m really grateful for the last two years and for the club’s request for me to remain and with whom, I am happy to explore new opportunities to continue our relationship. It hasn’t been an easy choice, also because my life on and off the pitch has been fantastic, my family and I have really enjoyed these two wonderful years: Australia will remain in our hearts forever.
“I’ve come to know and love this fabulous country, even though I have lived on the opposite side of the world, right from the first day, you made me feel “at home”. For this I cannot be more grateful to anyone, above all to my supporters, not only those of Sydney FC, all of whom have always shown me their love and respect, in all the cities of Australia.
“Together we have managed to do so much, it’s enough just to think about the training camp in Jesolo, the first experience of this kind for an Australian team; this is an excellent point from which to make a new start, and even more so the support of our Sky Blues fans, constantly growing and ever closer to the team, so much so that in these two seasons the record attendances for the stadium have been rewritten. Now is the right moment to simply say “thank you” to everyone.
“My greatest satisfaction is the rapid growth of the Australian football movement, with interest increasing incredibly for the public, television and sponsors, in this country, considered to be an undisputed role model in the world of sportive culture [both for athletes and spectators], the passion for this sport , that I love so much, is constantly growing.
“I will remain a bit “Australian”, and will continue to be close to the football movement in this country and the Australian Football Federation, also as ambassador of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, that will take place right here next year.
“The moment has arrived to make some changes. I am well aware that I have given a lot and received even more. Now I just need some time to think over all the prospective opportunities for my future.I would like to thank once again, the owner of Sydney FC Mr. David Traktovenko, the chairman Mr. Scott Barlow and his wife Alina, all of the staff and directors at the club, my team-mates, the technical staff, all of the supporters, this fabulous city and this wonderful country: arrivederci, Australia!
“See ya mates. With love, Ale.”
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Conte v Garcia
Ahead of Juve’s visit to Sassulolo, Antonio Conte responded to Rudi Garcia’s call for opposition teams to raise their game against Juventus in order to keep the title race alive (Via Football Italia)
“I was honestly surprised by Garcia’s comments, as I found them very provincial and going back, if added to the ‘help’ I can catalogue them in the folder marked ‘bar talk.’ I don’t think Serie A needed Garcia to bring new motivation to teams facing Juventus. Don’t forget that for many years any Italian side that faces Juve plays the game of a lifetime.
“I also find it a huge lack of respect for the Coaches, players and clubs, but also the fans, as I don’t think supporters would think their team comes to the Juventus Stadium and doesn’t try hard. I thought it completely unnecessary.”
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Arturo Vidal Injury Lay-Off
Arturo Vidal is set to miss the game tonight against Sassuolo and may possibly miss the must-win match against Benfica later this week.
The Chilean midfielder is still struggling with a knee problem he picked up in the 2-0 defeat against Napoli some weeks ago.
There was speculation that Chile’s medical staff were being flown to Italy to check Vidal’s condition for themselves ahead of the World Cup in the summer.
Beppe Marotta was quick to dismiss any doubts about it being a long-term injury: “We don’t think it’s anything serious, but the pain persists so we need further tests. We’ll know more over the next few days.”
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Conte: ‘Great Regret For This Unjust Result’
Antonio Conte called it an ‘Unjust result’ and was quick to call out his defence following Juve’s 2-1 defeat to Benfica in the Europa League.:
(Via Football Italia)
I think there is great regret for this unjust result,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“The game didn’t start in the best way, as we conceded after a couple of minutes from a set play and knew the enthusiasm for Benfica.
“However, after that we took control and allowed Benfica practically nothing. We felt from one moment to the next they would capitulate, but instead this goal arrived out of nowhere.
“It’s a shame, as at that moment we were pushing for our second goal. We fell asleep at the back. We fell asleep. Let’s say we were caught napping there…
“We have understood that the semi-final is open and the Juventus Stadium, when it wants to, is capable of matching the extraordinary atmosphere in Lisbon. It’s a Final we all want.”
“Optimism and confidence are given to me by the performance tonight. It wasn’t easy to come here and play like this against a team that was unbeaten on home turf.
“We didn’t play in the clichéd Italian style, as we attacked, kept the tempo up, were intense and forced Benfica to focus exclusively on the counter. We kept up the honour of Italian football tonight.”
“In the first half that start really didn’t help, even though Benfica did practically nothing after that. We tried to go through the centre, but in the second half Markovic was struggling to keep up with Asamoah, so I told them to push more down that channel.
“We could’ve been more efficient in front of goal and scored a lot more, but we remain optimistic for the second leg, even if we know it’ll be difficult.”
“Systems count up to a certain point. Principles are more important and Juventus have done well to play attacking football over the last three years, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals and now hopefully the Europa League Final.
“Other teams who play with four at the back are at home watching us on television, so the systems don’t make much difference.”
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Benfica 2 – 1 Juventus
Juventus were outplayed and outclassed for much of their Europa League tie against Benfica which saw the Portuguese side edge narrowly ahead thanks to goals from Garay and Lima 84. Carlos Tevez scored a precious away goal ahead of the reverse fixture in Turin this week. Full review and ratings here.
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Juve & Fiorentina Fined
Juventus and Fiorentina have been fined for offensive chants and banners displayed during their league encounter on March 9th. Anti-Semitic songs and a banner referencing the Heysel disaster were on show during the match which Juventus won, 1-0.
The Giudice Sportivo have since agreed that the Turin outfit will be handed a €25,000 fine for their chants.
Whilst the Viola have been given an €8,000 fine for their banner.
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Simone Scuffet to Juve ?
He’s been touted as the heir apparent to Gianluigi Buffon for some months now and following some truly exceptional performances for Udinese, Simone Scuffet is being linked with a summer 2015 move to Juventusc, according to Sportmediaset.it. According to the Italian site, the 17-year-old is likely to spend another term at the Stadio Friuli before making a permanent move. A little too early to talk of transfers in my humble opinion, but based on his displays so far, he may just be the real deal.
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Conte To United
Following the dismissal of David Moyes at Manchester United last week, Antonio Conte was one of a host of names linked to the vacant managerial role at Old Trafford. Despite a few days of rather pointless reports and numerous managers responding to the speculation, Louis Van Gaal was confirmed as coach from the start of next season. Relax folks, Conte is going nowhere…..for now.
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Pogba Contract Talks
Paul Pogba has reiterated that there’s been no talk about contract extensions or his immediate future at Juventus. The French midfielder was speaking to BeIn Sport and had this to say about his future at Juventus (Quotes via Football Italia):
“So far I have not spoken to anyone about the contract renewal with the club nor the future on the market.
“I am focused on the field, I am thinking only about this season and winning a Scudetto which for the club would be historic.
“And then there is also the Europa League. If we achieve the double then it would be something exceptional. I just think about making history this season.
“I just have to repeat myself. Of course I am happy that many big clubs are interested, but the mind is focused on my present work, and that’s it. It is Juve today.
“The fans’ chants asking me to stay? They encourage me to do my best, they are beautiful.
“Paris Saint-Germain? They are a great club…”
Pogba scored Juve’s only and decisive goal against Bologna in Week 34 to bring the Bianconeri ever closer to the League title.
“It is certainly important, but only because it gave us the three points. Here at Juventus, the team comes before anything personal.
“And now we feel closer to the Scudetto, which whilst we are not yet there, we are almost.
“Antonio Conte? I have a good relationship with him, I chose to wear this shirt after speaking with him. I have learned a lot at every place I have been, from Le Havre through to Manchester United and now in Turin.
“Whilst I also went through some difficult times. If I want to reach the top then I have to follow the path of people like Vieira, Buffon and Pirlo.”