..::Football III::..

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Juventus sign Sturaro

Juventus have announced the signing of midfielder Stefano Sturaro from Genoa for an initial fee of €5.5 million, with the youngster set to play the 2014-15 campaign on loan at his former club.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks of the Genoa youth academy and made his official Serie A debut in August 2013.

He made 16 league appearances last term, scoring once the process, thus earning himself a move to the reigning Italian champions.

"Juventus announce that the agreement with Genoa for the definitive acquisition of the registration rights of the player Stefano Sturaro has been finalised," an official Juventus statement reads.

"The contract envisages the payment by Juventus of €5.5 million in three years. The purchase value may increase by a further maximum of €3.5m on achieving given sports performances in the course of the duration of the contract from 2015-2016 football season. Juventus and the player have signed a five-year contract of employment.

"At the same time, for 2014-2015 Juventus have reached an agreement with Genoa for the free temporary disposal of the registration rights of the same player."

 

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Juventus rocked by Barzagli injury

Juventus will start their Serie A title defence without centre-back Andrea Barzagli after the 33-year-old was ruled out for up to three months.

Barzagli was a regular in Antonio Conte’s starting line-up and his performances for Juve helped his side win Serie A and reach the semi-finals of the Uefa Europa League.

The defender, who has undergone surgery for a heel injury, also started in all three of Italy’s World Cup games before they were eliminated at the group stage.

"Andrea Barzagli has this afternoon [Tuesday] undergone surgery on the heel bone of his right foot," a club statement read.

"Under the supervision of Juventus doctor Fabrizio Tencone, the defender was operated on by Professor Sakari Orava in Turku, Finland.

"Barzagli, who did not require surgical treatment on his Achilles tendon, is due to return to Italy tomorrow and will proceed with his rehabilitation programme after a period of complete rest.

"He is estimated to be out for approximately three months."

 

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Giaccherini tips Conte for Italy job

Emanuele Giaccherini has tipped Juventus boss Antonio Conte to replace Cesare Prandelli as coach of Italy.

Prandelli resigned from the role following the Azzurri’s dismal World Cup campaign, in which they failed to make it past the group stage.

The Sunderland player, who has represented his country on 18 occasions, worked with Conte at Juventus and has no doubt he has what it takes to lead the national side forward.

“Prandelli’s resignation? I don’t want to get into his decisions," Giaccherini told Sky Sports. "I think that his decision was made out of disappointment with results.

“The new CT? Conte wouldn’t be bad. I continued to hear from the boss even after my move to Sunderland because we had not just a professional relationship.”

The winger also took time to show his appreciation for the 44-year-old, who guided Juve to two Serie A titles and a Supercoppa Italiana during Giaccherini’s time with the squad.

“I cannot forget my adventure at Juve, where we won a lot. Conte gave me a lot and I can’t forget that.”

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been linked with the vacant position, while former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini and ex-Roma manager Luciano Spalletti are also in the frame to take over.

 

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Ochoa agent reveals transfer interest

Jorge Berlanga, the agent of goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, has confirmed that a lot of interest has been shown in his client.

Liverpool are rumoured to be among the clubs to have enquired about the 28-year-old, who is out of contract after his deal with Ligue 2 side AC Ajaccio expired.

The goalkeeper, who spent three years with the French club and made over 110 appearances, has been capped on more than 60 occasions for his national side.

The goalkeeper’s inspired performances helped Mexico to edge their way out of a tough group, which contained Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon, however a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands saw his side bow out of the tournament at the last-16 stage.

"Many clubs are interested in my client, but we still have not received any concrete offers,” the agent is quoted as saying TuttomercatoWeb.

“Now it is normal that many clubs will be interested in him after he played so well at the World Cup."

Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are said to be interested in signing the shot-stopper, however the Mexico international has revealed his desire to stay in France, which has led to talk linking him with a move to Monaco.
Ochoa has also expressed his desire to play in Germany, claiming that he “dreams” of playing in the Bundesliga.

"I dream of the Bundesliga,” he told Bild. “It is definitely one of the world's strongest leagues. It would be really great if I could present myself there."

 

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Maicon gets hit in the 'family jewels'

There was a painful accident during Brazil's training session when Maxwell accidentally hit Maicon's "family jewels".

The Brazil right-back, who has yet to make an appearance in this World Cup, had to briefly suspend his training as he shook off the pain.

 

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Scolari: Neymar being fouled like Ronaldo

Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari says the rough treatment dished out to Neymar at the World Cup reminds him of the treatment towards Cristiano Ronaldo during his time as coach of Portugal.

The Barcelona forward has been one of the tournament’s standout performers so far, hitting four goals in four games, but is a slight doubt for the hosts’ quarter-final with Colombia after picking up a knock during the penalty-shootout victory over Chile.

And Scolari, who coached Portugal between 2003-2008, believes the 22-year-old is being unfairly targeted by opposition defenders, just as he believes Ronaldo was.

"I have already experienced this at Euro 2004, when I was the coach of Portugal," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Then it was Cristiano Ronaldo in the viewfinder. Always subject to 'special' marking.

"I remember that in the semi-final against the Netherlands he was hit hard after just five minutes and he was forced to quit in the second half.

"Neymar is undergoing the same treatment as Cristiano. Every game he ends with swollen legs. After five minutes of the game against Chile he was hit violently."

Scolari also admitted he is now unsure as to whether the Barcelona forward will be able to shake off his thigh complaint for Friday’s showdown in Fortaleza.

"He has been a hero,” Felipao added. “But I do not know if he will recover for Friday against Colombia.”

 

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Nigel de Jong out of World Cup

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong will miss the remainder of the World Cup after sustaining a groin injury in Sunday's match against Mexico.

The AC Milan midfielder was withdrawn from his side's last 16 clash with Mexico with less than 10 minutes played in Fortaleza on Monday, after which coach Louis Van Gaal admitted the 29-year-old's tournament could be over.

And on Tuesday the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed he would play no further part in Brazil and could be on the sidelines for up to a month.

"An MRI examination at the hospital confirmed that Nigel de Jong has suffered with a tear in his groin muscle. The 75-times capped international is therefore ruled out for two-to-four weeks,” read a statement on the national team website.

"De Jong, who last Sunday in the last 16 match against Mexico was injured after nine minutes, will remain with the team in Brazil to work on his rehabilitation."

Netherlands continue their campaign for their first ever World Cup crown when they travel to Salvador on Saturday for a quarter-final clash with Costa Rica.

Louis van Gaal's men reached the final four years ago only to lose to Spain in extra-time, with De Jong's role as midfield enforcer memorably encapsulated by his 'karate kick' on Xabi Alonso which he somehow did not get sent off for.

 

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Maradona: Matuidi’s stamp worse than Suarez bite

Diego Maradona has slammed France midfielder Blaise Matuidi’s challenge on Nigeria’s Ogenyi Onazi worse than the bite Luiz Suarez unleashed on Giorgio Chiellini.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Matuidi was shown a yellow card for the late tackle during his side’s 2-0 over the Super Eagles, which left Onazi facing months on the sidelines with a fractured leg.

France will now meet Germany in the quarter-finals but Maradona believes Matuidi shouldn’t be there, insisting the tackle deserved a harsher punishment than the four-month ban handed to Suarez for his bite on Chiellini.

“Where’s the ball? It’s criminal,” said the 1986 World Cup-winning captain of Argentina.

“Now I want to see the reaction of Fifa. The reaction of [Pele] and of [Franz] Beckenbauer. You must have a lot of nerve to not see that this is worse than Suarez.”

Matuidi said he apologised for the challenge for after the game.

"I'm sorry," he told the media after the game. "I've not gone in to hurt him; I'm disappointed because I'm not a dirty player.

"I went into the [Nigeria] dressing room afterwards to apologise."

Maradona previously described the four-month ban handed to Suarez as a "disgrace".

 

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Official: Orlando City confirm Kaka deal

Orlando City SC have confirmed the signing of Kaka from AC Milan.

The Brazil international will join the MLS club in January on a free transfer after Milan confirmed they have terminated his contract.

“Orlando City SC announced today it has signed global soccer icon Kaká to a multi-year contract,” read a statement from the Florida club on Tuesday.

“The signing marks yet another historic milestone in the club’s journey to joining Major League Soccer starting in the 2015 season.”

Milan confirmed on Monday that the former Ballon d’Or winner was leaving the club.

The MLS outfit also confirmed the 32-year-old will return home to join the club where he began his career, Sao Paulo, on loan for the Brasileirao 2014 season before joining up with his new team next year.

"I have said before that I wanted to play in America," he said. "It is a dream come true.

"MLS is growing so fast, I want to do my part to help to grow the sport in this country."

He joins Orlando for what will be their first season as an MLS side after being confirmed as an expansion club for the 2015 season.

Kaka becomes the second big name to move to USA this summer following David Villa's transfer to New York City from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

 

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Good Luck Kaka!​

 

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Arteta has 'no interest in leaving Arsenal' - agent

Mikel Arteta's agent has rubbished speculation the midfielder could be set to leave Arsenal.

The Spaniard - who has just one year remaining on his contract - is reported to be a target for Athletic Bilbao following Ander Herrera's big-money move to Manchester United last week

Arteta started his career as a trainee at Barcelona and also spent a season with Bilbao's rivals Real Sociedad. and his representative, Inaki Ibanez, has rubbished talk of a return to his homeland.

Ibanez told El Mundo Deportivo: "This is totally false. Mikel has no interest in leaving Arsenal."

The 32-year-old joined Arsenal in 2011 after six years at Everton and captained the team as they ended their nine-year trophy drought by beating Hull City in the FA Cup final in May.

 

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Roma close in on €3 million Basa

Roma are ready to make their first major move of the summer transfer window with a swoop for Lille defender Marko Basa.

Coach Rudi Garcia is keen to bolster his defensive options ahead of the new season and has identified the Montenegro defender as his top priority.

Garcia led the Giallorossi to a second-place finish in Serie A last term, securing the return of Champions League football to the capital.

He has now told club officials he wants suitable alternatives in every position in order to deal with the demands of an increased fixture calendar, with 29-year-old Basa, who played under Garcia at Lille and Le Mans, a top priority.

The 50-year-old coach has spoken to the defender a number of times in an attempt to convince the former Lokomotiv Moscow stopper to join him in Rome. However, it is believed he would not be brought in as a direct replacement for Mehdi Benatia, who has been linked with a move to a number of clubs including Manchester City and Manchester United.

Current Lille coach Rene Girard is keen to keep his man but Basa has decided he would rather continue his career in Italy.

Roma are ready to pay around €3 million for his services, but he will only be allowed to leave the club should Girard give the move his blessing.

Basa would be Roma’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of Seydou Keita on a free transfer from Valencia.

 

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Barcelona fans back Bravo over Ter Stegen

According to a leading Spanish football website, the majority of Barcelona fans would prefer to see Claudio Bravo rather than Marc-Andre ter Stegen as first choice goalkeeper.

A survey, undertaken by Sport.es, has found that 60 per cent of participants believe Bravo is more prepared than Ter Stegen to start the season as first choice goalkeeper at Camp Nou.

Following the departures of Victor Valdes and Jose Manuel Pinto, Barcelona signed Ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach in May, while they also recruited Bravo from Real Sociedad earlier this week.

At the age of 31, Bravo, who signed a four-year deal with the Catalan club for a reported €9million, has more experience and, after his impressive performances for Chile at the Fifa World Cup this summer where he helped his side reach the last-16, many believe he should claim the number one jersey.

The South American side’s captain, who has earned over 80 international caps, has also played in Spain’s top leagues for many years since moving to Real Sociedad from Chilean side Colo-Colo in 2006.

In the eight years he spent with the Txuriurdin, Bravo made 229 appearances and helped the club win promotion after they topped the Segunda Division in the 2009-10 season.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Ter Stegen rose to prominence after he established himself as Monchengladbach’s first choice keeper in 2011, making over 100 appearances in three seasons for the Bundesliga side.

Ter Stegen, who has been capped four times for Germany, is reported to have cost Barca €12million.

 

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Bravo & Stegen 2nnama hodai​

 

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Adrian Ramos not 'afraid' of Brazil

Adrian Ramos has implored Colombia to continue in exactly the same vein as they prepare for their World Cup quarter-final against Brazil.

Jose Pekerman's side have been among the most impressive nations at the tournament so far, winning all four games with the likes of James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado particularly catching the eye.

A 2-0 win over Uruguay on Saturday propelled them into the last eight for the first time in their history, setting up a tie with the hosts in Fortaleza on Friday.

Ramos, who has made two appearances at the finals so far, wants the squad to prepare in exactly the same manner as they have done in previous games and not fear the threat of the host nation.

"We must continue our work," he said in a press conference on Monday.

"It is doing a good job and we have to continue that idea as it has given us results.

"We are not afraid, but we respect the Brazilian national team. We have to keep dreaming and keep believing.

"We know that what we are doing now excites the Colombian people, and we hope to continue our job.

"We have the opportunity to make history and we will continue to give everything."

 

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Juventus to beat Milan to €20 million Iturbe deal

Juventus are ready to begin their summer recruitment drive and have identified Juan Iturbe as one of their top targets.

The 21-year-old Argentinian winger is attracting suitors from all over Serie A after a fine season at Verona, with Roma and Milan also interested in the former Cerro Porteno and Porto youngster.

Real Madrid have long shown an interest in the youth international, who was raised in Paraguay, but the Spanish champions are believed to be focusing their attentions elsewhere this month.

After struggling to break into the Porto side, Iturbe had a largely disappointing time on loan back in his homeland with River Plate last year but was a revelation in Serie A this term, hitting eight goals in 29 starts.

Reigning champions Juve are now hoping to wrap up a deal by tabling an offer of €20 million plus Fabio Quagliarella. If Verona don’t accept, Juve will instead offer a deal including defender Federico Peluso.

Officials from the two clubs are set to meet in the coming hours in the hope of thrashing out a deal - but the Old Lady will be faced with competition in the form of AC Milan

New coach Filippo Inzaghi is keen to add some more creativity to his frontline following the mutual termination of Kaka's contract, with the Brazilian's departure freeing up funds for a big-money transfer.

 

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Barcelona to discuss Xavi and Alexis futures

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has made no assurances that Xavi or Alexis Sanchez will remain at the club amid speculation over their future.

Spain midfielder Xavi has spent his entire career at Camp Nou, but talk of a move away from the Catalan club has intensified.

A host of clubs have been linked with a move for the 34-year-old and the arrival of Ivan Rakitic from Sevilla has raised more questions over the playmaker's future.

Speaking at a press conference to introduce Rakitic as a Barca player, Zubizarreta revealed that he does not know whether Xavi will prolong his stay at the club and plans to hold talks with the midfielder.

"We are talking permanently with Xavi, we spoke to him before he went to the World Cup. He also wants the time to think, that's Xavi Hernandez, he's got every right to analyse things as he wants to do,” Zubizarreta said.

"He's our player, when he comes back from his holidays we'll sit down and we'll talk again. Any news he gives us will be good.

“If he decides to stay that will be fantastic news, if he decides that it might be the time to retire then we will treat that as well as we can.

"Time will tell, he's been at the club a long time, he owes us nothing. But obviously as soon as we've come to any specific decision then we will let you know. For the time being he's still there, he's still in the team.

"Essential, is anybody essential? We are talking about one of the key members of the team who has participated in one of the great eras at this club.

"We are not talking any old player, we're talking about somebody who is very special. We've been very open with Xavi in our conversations recently, we've been very transparent about things.

"If Xavi stays here he'll be competing with others for a place in the team, but if Xavi decides to explore other options we will respect that."

The former goalkeeper was also quizzed on the future of Alexis Sanchez, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League, and he admitted there had been interest in the Chile star."Regarding Alexis, there have been offers. We will try and find a solution best for everyone."

 

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Barcelona launch Suarez charm offensive

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and new signing Ivan Rakitic have praised Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after the Uruguay international released a public apology for biting Giorgio Chiellini.

Suarez released the statement on Monday after being hit with a four-month ban by Fifa for the incident that took place during his side’s World Cup Group D clash with Italy last week.

The apology has led to talk that he was told to show remorse by Barca, who have been heavily been linked with a move for the 27-year-old.

And on Tuesday, as the club unveiled new signing Rakitic, the Croatia international and Zubizarreta praised the "character and humility" shown by Suarez.

"I think we know about the circumstances that happened in the World Cup and he's had the character and humility to first recognise that he made a mistake,” said Zubizarreta.

"I think that's very important. He had the honour to come out and apologise to the people who had been hurt by his actions; the opposition and also football in general in the middle of a world football festival.

"Now it's time for him to begin his recovery process. I think Luis Suarez did the best thing as a person and I also think as a footballer. What path he now takes, whether he stays at Liverpool or goes somewhere else, we will see.”

Suarez has been widely lambasted for the third biting incident of his career but has received support from his native Uruguay, with the nation's president Jose Mujica the latest to spring to his defence.

And Rakitic, who has signed a five-year-deal at Camp Nou, also spoke glowingly about the former Ajax man.

"That he has the character and the strength to step out in front of everyone and apologise says a lot about him as a person," Rakitic said.

"Not everyone has the strength to admit when have done something stupid… he should be commended for that."

Suarez is banned from all football-related activity until October 26.

 

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Robben will not face Fifa rap following diving admission

Netherlands forward Arjen Robben will not face retrospective action for admitting he dived against Mexico, Fifa has announced.

Bayern Munich star Robben won the decisive penalty, converted by substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, as the Dutch completed a dramatic last-gasp comeback to earn a 2-1 win in the World Cup round of 16 over Mexico on Sunday.

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera claimed the player dived on three occasions, but Fifa spokeswoman Delia Fischer confirmed Robben was in the clear as he would only have received a yellow card had Pedro Proenca opted to punish him for diving.

"Simulation is not something we want to see on the field of play but the referees are trained to identify these simulations and punish them by showing yellow cards," Fischer said.

"The disciplinary committee will look into serious infringements. We appeal to the spirit of fair play which is the over-arching message we have."

Robben is set to give a media briefing of his own on Tuesday following the furore caused by his comments and, in a statement on their official website, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) criticised media interpretations of the winger's interview.

"KNVB is unpleasantly surprised by publications in the media about the Dutch penalty in the match versus Mexico," the statement read.

"Media have interpreted statements from Robben in a Dutch post-match interview completely wrong.

"In a studio interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, the forward stated that the decision of the referee to give a penalty in the second half of the game was perfectly right.

"However, in the same interview Robben referred to two situations earlier in the match (first half), when he was brought down. The striker stated that in one of those situations he should have been granted a penalty, but that in the other case he was falling too easily."

Netherlands' next World Cup match is a quarter-final against surprise package Costa Rica on Saturday.

 

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Rakitic: It’s special to wear Pep’s Barcelona shirt

New Barcelona signing Ivan Rakitic has revealed his pride at being handed the famous No.4 shirt formerly worn by club great Pep Guardiola.

The Croatia international was officially unveiled as a Barca player on Tuesday after completing his reported €20 million move from Liga rivals Sevilla and penning a five-year contract in Catalunya.

Cesc Fabregas previously wore the same jersey before being sold to Chelsea earlier this summer, and Rakitic, 26, admitted he is delighted to follow in a long line of illustrious midfielders.

“it's special to wear the same number as Pep Guardiola,” Rakitic told a press conference.

“It's an honour to wear the No.4 shirt, he made history as player and coach. I hope to be as successful as him.”

The former Basel and Schalke man, who captained Sevilla to Europa League glory last term, admitted he is yet to speak in-depth to Barca boss Luis Enrique, but said he is well aware of the quality of his new team-mates.

"I spoke to Luis Enrique but not much because I was focused on the World Cup. It wasn’t not easy to train with peers and all wondering if it was already closed,” he continued.

"I want to win more trophies. I'm really motivated and I want to get better as a player.

"I hardly need to mention Lionel Messi and Neymar. I've seen them up close. A bad pass to them can even turn out to be a great pass given their quality.

"Hopefully I will try to make them a little better and they will do the same for me."

Barcelona announced that Sevilla have asked for the financial details of the transfer not to be released to the public.