Friday 17 September
Moggi warns against over-confidence
Yahoo! Sport Italia
There is renewed optimism for Juventus after the bianconeri achieved Fabio Capello's target of winning their opening matches in the Serie A and Champions' League. However Luciano Moggi sought to calm supporter expectations and warned the players against being over-confident.
"We will remain humble even if we are aware of our force. It shows that this squad is able to compete and that we can go a long way."
Juventus have not conceded any goals thus far this season and Moggi believes it is down to their teamwork. "We are strong at the back because the team works together defensively and everything has gone well so far."
Cannavaro compliments the squad
Yahoo! Sport Italia
Fabio Cannavaro has commented on Juventus' good start to the season. "The whole squad deserves the compliments. My performances? I have always had an good relationship with Buffon and Thuram and this is definitely very helpful."
The ex-Inter defender, however, prefers to be realistic. "It is too soon to make predictions as we have only played a few games and not against title-contenders. We are convinced of our ability but we must remain calm."
Nedved promising even better
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved looks to be back to his best - but the Juventus ace insists he still has more to offer. The Czech star impressed and scored a beauty in the 1-0 win over Ajax last night yet he expects more from himself.
"I’ve taken another step forward in my form even if there is still someway to go. I’m only at 60 per cent of my full capabilities," he stated.
The midfielder, who should be fit enough for the weekend after limping out of the game last night, was happy to have found the back of the net again after his strike against Brescia.
"I’m delighted with the goals because they help with morale. I saw the chance to shoot and I took it," he commented. "It isn’t easy to win at a place like this but we are happy to have got our campaign off to a winning start.
"Ajax made it tough for us because they are an organised side who never stop running but we played how the Coach wanted."
Alex Del Piero was also content with the victory despite clearly being disappointed with the decision to substitute him.
"There is no problem with the Coach," he insisted. "I was angry with a pass that I made just before being replaced and I wasn’t totally happy with my display."
Del Piero started the game alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack. Yet the Swede struggled against his former club.
"It was tough playing against my old teammates, especially mentally," he commented. "I thought I would have no problems but it was a strange game for me. The fans? They didn’t whistle me and I thank them for that. I obviously left them with some good memories."
Juve return flight delayed
Yahoo! Sport Italia
A breakdown to the airplane chartered by Juventus to Turin has forced the bianconeri to reach Italy only at dawn, after having to wait for two hours on the track of the Amsterdam airport. The Boeing 737 was already on the takeoff runway when some warning lights on the control panel in the aircraft turned on, causing the Pilots to ask for re-entry and parking permissions from the control tower.
Thursday 16 September
Ajax 0 - 1 Juventus
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved's spectacular goal has given Juventus a deserved and precious victory at Ajax's Amsterdam Arena.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic could not have asked for a more evocative atmosphere in which to make his first start in a Juventus shirt, as the £11m signing was back in Amsterdam to face his former club. He was partnered with Alessandro Del Piero, leaving David Trezeguet on the bench, while Mauro Camoranesi won the battle with Ruben Olivera for that right flank.
The Bianconeri stepped out in their new all-blue kit with Fabio Capello hoping to end his record of never having beaten this Dutch outift.
Ajax were thought to be a bit more toothless upfront after the departure of Ibrahimovic, but within 90 seconds Wesley Sonck had rattled the crossbar with a fierce effort from almost 20 metres. Camoranesi's error had given the ball away in midfield for this early scare.
Del Piero's relatively weak effort was easily dealt with and Ibrahimovic failed to make the most of a good scoring opportunity, but at the other end Gianluigi Buffon showed his confidence by chipping the ball around an approaching Rafael van der Vaart.
Pavel Nedved was furious when he fell under an Obodai challenge in the box and was booked for dissent. Almost all Juve's attacks were coming down the left from Gianluca Zambrotta.
With a rare move from the right, Nedved set up Camoranesi and the Italian international drove his effort wide of the near post. However, the former Verona player again gave the ball away in midfield and Buffon got down well to hold Mitea's half-volley.
Ibrahimovic and Zambrotta saw long-range shots charged down, then Nedved limped off after he had been accidentally kneed in the back by Obodai. The Czech international has a long history of back problems, but was able to carry on after treatment.
He recovered after a couple of minutes, because just before the break Nedved gave Juventus a deserved lead. Del Piero's chipped pass found Camoranesi, but realising he was closed down he set it up for Nedved's spectacular flick into the top corner with the outside of his right foot.
Buffon performed an extraordinary reaction save on both Sonck's back-heel and a close-range Pienaar attempt at the dawn of the second half, as the Ajax players saw their shots squeezed out from three yards.
Van der Vaart then just failed to get on the end of Mitea's sweeping low cross as the home side poured on the pressure, while Emerson nodded a Del Piero free kick off target.
Fabio Capello made two substitutions on the hour mark, introducing Gianluca Pessotto and Ruben Olivera for Alessandro Birindelli and a badly limping Nedved. At first Camoranesi was set to make way for Olivera, eliciting a fuming reaction from the Argentine-born winger, but Capello changed his mind after seeing that Nedved was in some pain.
Buffon flew to pluck van der Vaart's splendid free kick out of the top corner, so Capello tried to ease the pressure on their midfield by replacing Del Piero with Ghanaian Stephen Appiah.
Ibrahimovic finally had a chance on goal on 78 minutes when his glancing header from Camoranesi's cross was well saved by former teammate Stekelenburg.
The goalkeeper was then at full stretch to palm Olivera's powerful long-range strike out as it whipped towards the right-hand side of his net. Soon after their duel was played out again with the Uruguayan's free kick, this time at the opposite post.
Ajax: Stekelenburg; Grygera (Escude' 75), Heitinga, De Jong, Maxwell; Obodai (Anastasiou 71), Sneijder (De Mul 66), Van der Vaart; Pienaar, Sonck, Mitea
Juventus: Buffon; Birindelli (Pessotto 65), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved (Olivera 65); Del Piero (Appiah 77), Ibrahimovic
Ref: Meier (Swi)
Capello pledges Juve improvement
Football Italia
Fabio Capello and his men are confident that the win in Amsterdam was just a starting point for this Juventus side.
"We played very well in the first half, clearly dominated and should have scored more," noted the Coach after Pavel Nedved's winning goal, "Then Ajax raised the tempo for 20 minutes in the second half. But we controlled the rest of the game and could have made it 2-0 if we hadn't kept making mistakes with the final ball in."
The Bianconeri were put under pressure for the second period, but Capello believes a good defence is all part of a Champions' League contender. "To go forward in this competition you need to be solid and this team does some things very well, but has a long way to go before being satisfactory."
Juve's Group is now split in two with the Turin giants and Bayern Munich earning 1-0 away victories.
"Winning in Amsterdam is an important result," added Capello, "as three points on your travels is crucial in the Champions' League. Obviously nothing is sealed up yet, but the mentality of this side leaves me confident."
There were cracks in the squad when Mauro Camoranesi and Alessandro Del Piero seemed none too happy with substitutions, but the tactician was undeterred.
"I have to be a Coach and therefore get this side to earn results with the right choices. Everyone must accept the rotation system and I am happy these players are annoyed when they don't get to play, as it means they have drive."
Capello refused to comment on tonight's disgraceful incident at his old club Roma, as did former Giallorossi midfielder Emerson. "Ajax are a young and talented side with some great players," noted the Brazilian, "but I think that apart from those 20 minutes we were the better team and could have scored more."
Juve also appear to have solved their defensive frailties after keeping clean sheets against Brescia and Ajax this week. "It's a team game and the defence is stronger because the midfield provides great cover," explained goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
"I think it is impossible to come to Amsterdam and not struggle to earn a victory. It was obvious that Ajax would come back at us in the second half, so we were prepared to hold on under pressure for a while."
Juventus coach: Ajax surprised us
Tribal Football
A superb Pavel Nedved effort won Juventus their Champions League opener at Ajax last night. The European Footballer of the Year scored just before half-time in a match which Ajax dominated for large spells in the second half, but without breaking through as Juventus held on to claim all three points.
Juve coach Fabio Capello said: "I am very satisfied with this result. Ajax were better than I expected they would be but we were very concentrated and played well.
"Our goalkeeper, Gianliugi Buffon, made some good saves and ensured victory for us. The system I decided to play was the reason I picked Zlatan [Ibrahimovic]. Plus the fact that he knows the Ajax defenders. I had hoped he could make the difference but he didn't."
Serie A Preview: Juventus - Atalanta
Football Italia
Juventus have started the season better than any of the other giants with a convincing victory and now take on the sturdy newcomers Atalanta.
Fabio Capello's side were thought to be third favourites behind the Milanese cousins in the Scudetto chase, but the way they disposed of Brescia 3-0 away from home last Sunday proved once again that this club can never be dismissed out of hand.
The defensive frailties seem to have been sorted out with the arrival of Fabio Cannavaro, renewing his old Parma central defensive partnership with Lilian Thuram, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has settled in well with a goal on his Serie A debut. Paolo Montero and Ciro Ferrara remain injury doubts, but Emerson and David Trezeguet have recovered from small knocks.
Atalanta had a relatively good start to their comeback campaign, although poor finishing prevented them picking up all three points from their 2-2 draw with Lecce. The youth system has provided much of their squad, with Riccardo Montolivo and Giampaolo Pazzini showing particular promise. Igor Budan could be fit to partner the young striker and give them a bit more height upfront, while Gianni Comandini is still out of action with a thigh problem.
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Olivera, Blasi, Emerson, Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet
Atalanta (probable): Taibi; Rivalta, Natali, Gonnella, Bellini; Zenoni, Albertini, Marcolini; Montolivo; Pazzini, Budan
Ref: To folllow
Marek open to extension
Football Italia
Marek Jankulovski is ready to extend his Udinese contract even if he continues to dream of a move away. The Czech ace was expected to leave the Stadio Friuli this summer but remained after a bizarre twist of events.
Juventus and Inter were keen on the Euro 2004 star, but Udinese only agreed terms over a sale with CSKA Moscow - a switch the player rejected. Now the northern outfit want to keep the former Napoli midfielder by offering him a new deal.
"We've spoken about an extension which I know the club are very keen on," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "If an agreement can be reached which satisfies both parties then there won't be a problem at all."
However, the 27-year-old hasn't archived hopes of joining a major club once the transfer window opens again.
"I want to just illustrate all of my qualities from now on, in the hope that something happens which will allow me to step up to the next level in January," he concluded. "I've had a difficult last two months here but I will just keep on improving as a player in order to finally join a big club."
Jankulovski targets Juventus move
Tribal Football
Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski admits he is still aiming to leave the club in January. A target for Juventus, Jankulovski has also revealed that Udinese are keen to sign him to a new contract.
"We have spoken about a new contract, I know that the club would want this," he said. "My priority is to play regularly over the coming weeks. I want to show my best form and prepare myself for an eventual jump to a bigger club in January."
Ajax's Trabelsi keen on Juventus
Tribal Football
The agent of Ajax fullback Hatem Trabelsi remains keen on reopening talks with Juventus about a move for the Tunisia international. Trabelsi has been frozen out at Ajax over a contract dispute and injury concerns have seen potential moves to Arsenal and Newcastle collapse this season.
Juve director general Luciano Moggi is interested in Trabelsi and a January deal could be struck. But the Italians are concerned over why Arsenal chose not to push through a transfer for the player after agreeing a deal with Ajax in August.
Fiorentina to move for Man Utd, Juventus target Bonera
Tribal Football
Fiorentina are lining up a January bid for Parma fullback Daniele Bonera. The Italy U23 international has been tracked by the likes of Juventus and Manchester United over the past 12 months.
But Bonera admits he welcomes the interest of Fiorentina, "The city is beautiful, the club has a great atmosphere and their plans to me seem valid."
The right-back added: "My future is in the hands of my club, (director general) Luca Baraldi will decide my future. He has my confidence."
Coloccini arrives in Milan
Football Italia
There was a new face at Milan's training session on Wednesday after Fabricio Coloccini arrived at the club. The Argentine stopper is at boss Carlo Ancelotti's disposal after recently winning gold at the Olympic Games with his country.
Coloccini was actually signed by the Italian champions back in 2000 from Argentine giants Boca Juniors. However, he spent the last four years on loan with San Lorenzo, Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Villareal. There were suggestions that the 22-year-old would be loaned out again for the new campaign but he's been recalled to the San Siro.
Coloccini is highly-rated in the game even if he faces stiff competition for a starting shirt with Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini and Jaap Stam all at the club.
Wednesday 15 September
Capello seeks Ajax revenge
Football Italia
Juventus boss Fabio Capello is confident that he can finally beat Ajax after being haunted by them for years.
"I have some bad memories of Ajax both as a player and as a Coach. They bring me bad luck," he said ahead of Wednesday's Champions' League tie. "I remember the defeat when I was in charge of Milan in the European Cup Final at Vienna, but I now have a chance to get rid of this taboo."
The Dutch outfit also recently ended Capello's hopes of Champions' League glory while he was still in charge of Roma.
"This time I think Juventus have a better chance of winning. The losses while at Roma occurred because they were a better team than us," he added. "This time things are different and my Juventus side have everything that is needed to win the game."
Ajax's chances of causing an upset have been greatly reduced after they sold star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Juventus in the summer.
"I don't think Zlatan will have any problems with either the crowd or his former teammates," added the tactician. "I always thought that he was an excellent player and now that I have him at my disposal I can assure you that he is an excellent investment."
It's unclear though whether the Swede will start the game despite whispers that he would replace Alex Del Piero in the line-up.
"We need to be very alert against Ajax," said the captain. "They are a team that we must not underestimate. Every error in the Champions' League is more costly than in our own national championship."
Juventus probable: Buffon; Birindelli, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Olivera, Emerson, Blasi, Nedved; Del Piero (Ibrahimovic), Trezeguet
Nedved halts Czech career
Planet Football
Juventus playmaker Pavel Nedved has temporarily called time on his international career with Czech Republic.
Nedved picked up a knee injury during Euro 2004 and he has yet to return to peak fitness for his Italian club. He admitted last month that he was considering his future with the national team as he felt the situation was unfair on Juventus.
The mercurial schemer has now decided that his current physical condition prohibits him from representing both Juve and Czech Republic. Though he has not definitively retired from international football, he has opted to pledge his allegiance to the Old Lady for the time being.
"My physical problems are so serious that they don't allow me to play with the same engagement and same strength for both Juve and the national team," said Nedved. "This is the reason for which I have momentarily decided to play only for my club.
"I never said I had ended my career with the national team. If I have decided to interrupt my presence with the team now, it is only due to physical reasons."
Nedved is edging nearer towards 100 percent condition after playing for 90 minutes, and scoring, in Juventus' 3-0 victory at Brescia at the weekend. He will continue his battle to reach his peak level by appearing for Juve in the team's opening UEFA Champions League group game against Ajax on Wednesday.
Injury worries for Juve
Planet Football
New Juventus coach Fabio Capello is counting the cost of Saturday's opening day defeat of Brescia after picking up a pair of injuries. The Turin giants were in dominant mood at the weekend, winning 3-0, but have paid the price with injuries to Emerson and David Trezeguet.
New boy Emerson, who moved to the Stadio delle Alpi in the summer from Roma, was forced to withdraw on the hour mark with a knee injury. The talented anchorman suffered severe swelling and is almost certainly a non-starter against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Prolific striker Trezeguet is another doubt for the midweek trip to the Amsterdam Arena but Capello is confident the player should play.
Ibra shows Ajax respect
Football Italia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he won't celebrate if he scores for Juventus against former club Ajax. "I'll restrain myself," said the £11m summer signing ahead of Wednesday's Champions' League clash. "I still have a lot of respect for the Ajax Amsterdam supporters and my former teammates too."
Ibrahimovic spent three years with the Dutch outfit but believes the time was right to move on. "Ajax helped me to mature but I felt ready for a big club and I chose Juventus. I consider myself to be a winner and I want to lift Lo Scudetto and the European Cup."
Although the Swede has respect for his ex-side, Ibra is confident that the Bianconeri can collect the three points.
"They are a compact and organised team but we are more experienced than them and have better individual players. However, we must look out for Maxwell, as well as Sonck and Anastasiou who are two talented attackers."
Whispers in Turin suggest that Ibrahimovic will start the game alongside David Trezeguet, with Alex Del Piero relegated to the bench. Emerson should be fit enough to be selected in midfield despite fears over a thigh muscle injury.
Alessandro Birindelli is expected to replace the suspended Jonathan Zebina, while Ruben Olivera may step in for Mauro Camoranesi on the right wing.
Juventus chief determined to sign Udinese's Jankulovski
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi refuses to give up on Udinese midfielder Marek Jankulovski.
Though delighted with his work in the summer market, Moggi's one regret is that he was unable to sign the Czech Republic international. He had terms agreed with the midfielder, but couldn't strike a deal with Udinese, who were determined to sell the player to CSKA Moscow.
Moggi will try again in January, resisting a public slanging match with Udinese officials after criticism was levelled at his behaviour during negotiations. Along with Jankulovski, also being considered for the left-side of midfield at Juve are Ajax's Maxwell and Lazio wing-back Cesar.
Camoranesi in quit threat
Football Italia
Mauro German Camoranesi will leave Juventus if he falls out of favour with boss Fabio Capello. "If the Coach doesn't play him very often then we will evaluate other possibilities in both Italy and abroad," his agent Andrea Pastorello reportedly stated.
There are some massive question marks over Camoranesi's future following a difficult last year in Turin. His Juve career got off to a wonderful start, which eventually led to an Italian call-up after he rejected the chance to play for Argentina.
However, his form has dipped in recent times and he was a major disappointment at Euro 2004. Further doubts about his use emerged in pre-season after the rise of youngster Ruben Olivera on the right hand side of midfield. There were rumours in the summer that Inter were interested in the South American but no move took place.
Meanwhile, Juve teammate Alex Del Piero is on the verge of making his 400th appearance for the club. He'll reach that tally if he features against Ajax in the Champions' League on Wednesday evening. Del Piero will be the 14th man to appear over 400 times for the Bianconeri, with legendary defender Gaetano Scirea leading the way with 552 appearances.
Tuesday 14 September
More to come from Nedved
Football Italia
Pavel Nedved made an impressive start to the season but the Juventus ace insists he is nowhere near his best. The Czech star helped the Bianconeri to a 3-0 win at Brescia by scoring the opener in an influential display.
"In all honesty, I'm not in great form right now. I'm currently at only 50 per cent of my capabilities," he stated. "However, I'm very happy that I was able to give an important contribution to the rest of the team.
"What do I expect from this season? I'm looking to have a good year and win the Champions' League. The trophy I joined this club to lift."
Another player who caught the eye on Sunday afternoon was Juventus new boy Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "I'm very happy with my game because starting my Juve career with a goal is a dream," said the Swede. Ibrahimovic replaced David Trezeguet at half-time and instantly showed Serie A what he is capable of.
Zlatan ready for Ajax
Planet Football
Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being tipped to start against his former club Ajax in their UEFA Champions League opener.
Ibrahimovic came on a substitute on his Juve debut and scored in the 3-0 victory over Brescia. Now it is being reported that Alessandro Del Piero could be dropped by coach Fabio Capello to make way for the talented Swede.
Ibrahimovic explained how much he enjoyed his time in Amsterdam. "Ajax helped me grow, but I felt myself ready for a really big team and I chose Juve," said Ibrahimovic. "I consider myself a winning player and I want to win either the Scudetto or Champions League."
Ibrahimovic also admitted that should he find the net at The Amsterdam ArenA, he will not be celebrating. "In case of me scoring, I won't celebrate," he said. "I have still a big respect for my former supporters and my former team-mates."
Ibrahimovic: Ajax's Maxwell ready for Juventus
Tribal Football
Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted former Ajax teammate Maxwell is ready to move to a bigger club. Brazilian Maxwell is a top target for Juve and Ibrahimovic said ahead of their Champions League clash: "Maxwell is the No1 danger.
"A lot of Ajax's play comes through him and I'm sure that he is ready to jump to a great club."
Monday 13 September
Emerson to miss Ajax?
Tribal Football
Emerson limped off with a thigh injury and is a doubt to play in Juve's Champions' League opener. The Brazilian suffered the setback during the first half of Juve's 3-0 win at Brescia, but carried on until the hour mark.
He limped off and was seen in some pain on the bench, while medical staff strapped ice to the affected area. He was seen having difficulty walking his way out of the Stadium and eye witnesses claim the knee was swollen.
However, later this evening it emerged that it was not a knee problem, but rather a muscular injury. Although there is no confirmation as yet, it's believed he is a major risk to feature against Ajax on Wednesday evening.
Juventus to bid for Villarreal's Rodriguez
Tribal Football
Juventus director general Luciano Moggi is considering a January move for Villarreal defender Gonzalo Rodriguez. Moggi moved for Rodriguez last Christmas, but the then San Lorenzo defender did not have a European passport and forced Juve to shelve the deal.
The Argentine has since signed for Villarreal, but he is said to be unsettled in Spain. Buenos Aries press reports suggest Juve will offer Villarreal £1.4 million for Rodriguez in January.
Brescia 0 - 3 Juventus
Football Italia
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus got off to a winning start as they leap to the top of the table with this comfortable victory.
Fabio Capello has won a League title with three different sides, Milan, Real Madrid and Roma, now aiming to make it four at the helm of Juventus. He faced a tough opening trip to Brescia, now shorn of Roberto Baggio, but with the experience of ex-Inter men Matias Almeyda and Daniele Adani.
Ruben Olivera was set to start, but picked up a minor injury during the warm-up and made way for Mauro German Camoranesi. Fabio Cannavaro made his official debut in a Bianconeri jersey due to Paolo Montero's injury, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was left on the bench.
Andrea Caracciolo recovered from a fitness problem to spearhead the Brescia attack. Caracciolo was a fitness doubt before the game and only lasted 24 minutes before making way for fellow Under-21 international Simone Del Nero.
Alessandro Del Piero was confident after his winning goal for Italy against Moldova midweek. His was the first real chance after four minutes when he earned a free kick and his finish was charged down with some difficulty by Luca Castellazzi. The goalkeeper was also called into a fine save on Pavel Nedved's long-range effort.
Brescia went close when a free kick was taken quickly and Gianluigi Buffon had to rush off his line to close down Del Nero. But the deadlock was finally broken on 34 minutes. A Del Piero corner kick found the head of Pavel Nedved from six yards, although Brescia's defence was not as attentive as it could have been.
Moments later the Bianconeri made it two with a smart team move. Nedved took a free kick quickly and Jonathan Zebina pulled it back for Trezeguet's tap-in from six yards. Brescia wasted two chances to get back into the game, as Buffon was able to easily control Giuseppe Sculli and Del Nero headers.
Fabio Capello made changes after the break, giving Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic his Serie A debut. However, there was worrying news for Juve when Emerson limped off with a knee injury that he had suffered during the first half.
The former Ajax striker scored a wonderful individual goal on his debut, gathering Ruven Olivera's pass with his back to the goal, turning Di Biagio and firing at the far corner. However, it has to be said that Castellazzi's woeful error helped the ball into the net, as he appeared to have the angle covered.
Nedved's powerful free kick skimmed the woodwork, but Brescia put up precious little fight.
Post-Match Comments
Gianni De Biasi: "Juve are a more advanced side in terms of physical fitness as well as talent. Until the opening goal, the game was relatively balanced. I think there might have been a foul just before the second strike, and after that it all became more difficult."
Fabio Capello: "It wasn't all as easy as it seems by the scoreline. Brescia were impressive and we didn't play particularly well, especially in the second half. In any case, I was satisfied with the overall performance for the first game of the campaign."
Capello delighted as Juventus off to flyer
Tribal Football
New Juventus coach Fabio Capello enjoyed the ideal start with this 3-0 win over Brescia. Pavel Nedved and David Trezeguet gave Juve a commanding half-time lead and the visitors' day was crowned when new-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic came off the bench to fire a third with 21 minutes remaining.
Capello said afterwards: "Brescia has impressed me a lot, but I must say that Juve has satisfied me. I now wait for them to do well for me in the Champions League. We have a very competitive squad."
He added: "We have acquired players who have increased the level of class. We have the possibility to turn a good season into a great one. We have important players, but also they must rest. Ibrahimovic still needs to understand how to play for us, but he a player of class."
Cannavaro "happy" with Juventus start
Tribal Football
Italy skipper Fabio Cannavaro was delighted with his winning Juventus debut against Brescia yesterday. "I am happy," said the defender, "it was important to begin the season and my Juve career on the right foot."
On the goal of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the defender added: "Turin is easy to get used to, the atmosphere helps you and he is a big player for us."
Sunday 12 September
Capello: Our only choice is victory
Football Italia
Fabio Capello is under a lot of pressure to deliver at Juventus and he believes anything less than a win at Brescia will start the press sniping. "We are forced to win all the time, because that's what being at Juve means," he commented ahead of today's season opener. "It will be important to start on the right foot."
The Bianconeri have struggled during the pre-season preparations, only coming out of their funk to conquer a Champions' League spot in Djurgarden, but Capello has clear ideas about his ambitions. "We need leaders who can guarantee concentration and focus, both on the pitch and off it. It is obvious that we will fight for every trophy this season."
The club has come under attack for its transfer policy this year, releasing Marco Di Vaio, Enzo Maresca and Fabrizio Miccoli in order to sign Emerson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "Ibrahimovic is not a new discovery for the football world. I saw him playing in Berlin a few years ago and he has improved in leaps and bounds since then. He also scored a goal against my Roma side."
There is concern over how he can balance a side that has three such different strikers, but Capello cut short any theories about mixing partnerships. "We have a long, hard season ahead of us with many matches to be played. There will be room for everyone."
The experienced tactician has won more than any Italian Coach in the last decade, lifting League titles with Milan, Real Madrid and Roma. Who does he fancy to take the Scudetto this season?
"At the start I thought it would be a three-horse race between Milan, Inter and Juventus, but Roma also did well on the transfer market and will be competitive right the way through. The surprises could be Fiorentina, Palermo, Sampdoria and Udinese, while the players to watch are Daniele De Rossi, Luca Toni and Obafemi Martins."
Lippi makes predictions
Planet Football
New Italy coach Marcello Lippi has predicted that the Serie A title will be fought out between Milan, Juventus, Internazionale and perhaps Roma. The former Juventus chief swapped club management for international coaching in the summer, but still maintains a strong interest in the top-flight.
"It will be a season with a race between three or four teams, if Roma start positively," said Lippi. "Juve, Milan and Inter are really strong with big motivations. For me it will be good, because the players of those teams will have the habit to struggle at the top and they will be competitive."
Meanwhile, the Italy boss admits that he will take a hard line policy on club's releasing their players for international duty. "When I call players up I only think of the good of Italy," he continued. "I can't be conditioned by the clubs and I don't fear their pressure."
Saturday 11 September
Juventus Season Preview
Planet Football
After failing to shine last season, Juventus pulled off a major coup by replacing departing coach Marcello Lippi with the iconic Fabio Capello.
After dominating domestic football for the past few years, Juve have slipped away under the increasing influence of Milan, but believe that Capello is the man that can bring glory - both in Italy and Europe - back to the Delle Alpi.
After facing criticism all summer for what were seen as signings that lacked ambition, the captures of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Fabio Cannavaro have brought back the optimism that the Turin club can compete this term. Emerson, Jonathan Zebina, Olivier Kapo all came in early in the summer, but it was Cannavaro and Ibrahimovic that finally quietened the rumblings of discontent.
Ironically the arrival of Ibrahimovic also looks set to pose Capello his first major selection headache, with Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet currently occupying the forward roles. If Capello sticks to his preferred 4-4-2 it is widely anticipated that Del Piero could be the man that drops deep, or even to the bench - with the fantasista not exerting the kind of influence he has shown in the past.
Early season blips in Europe appear to have been ironed out, and in Emerson, Juventus have captured an individual who was one of the players of last season in this league.
Capello will bring the authority and attacking ideas that were perhaps lacking in Lippi's final year in charge - and he certainly has the players at his disposal to challenge for the Scudetto.
Juventus to loan Maxwell back to Ajax
Tribal Football
Juventus are set to open formal talks with Ajax for wing-back Maxwell. The Brazilian is well aware of Juve's interest and admitted yesterday he'd welcome a move to Turin. The two clubs enjoy an excellent relationship and its been suggested Juve may seek to sign Maxwell in January and loan him immediately back to Ajax for the remainder of this season.
