Serie A On The Score: Settimanale Substitute
Adam joined regular hosts James Sharman and Kristian Jack on transfer deadline day to look back on recent events in Serie A. Among the issues discussed were Napoli’s poor league form, odd winter transfer campaigns from both Milan clubs including the much-delayed move for Catania striker Maxi Lopez. Of course Juventus were a hot topic with the tactics of Antonio Conte, the impact of the new stadium and the prospect of seeing the Bonucci-Barzagli-Chiellini backline carrying Italy into Euro 2012.
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Another Return To Bianconeri: Juventus Sign Simone Padoin
Hot on the heels of Martin Caceres’ return to Juventus, another defender who wore those famous black and white stripes in 2010 will do so once again. Unlike the Uruguayan however, Simone Padoin will not receive adulation from the tifosi nor see a rush on his shirt number in the club shop. While his transfer was unexpected, the reaction to it was not as the 27 year old only featured twice for the club when he was ‘borrowed’ for the North American tour led by the hugely unpopular Alberto Zaccheroni.
Primarily a central midfielder, where he will provide a reliable reserve for both Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, he is also a more than capable left-back. Padoin should prove a valuable addition for Antonio Conte who, during his time at Atalanta used the player extensively. Indeed, during the coach’s ill-fated spell in Bergamo, he played 90 minutes of every Serie A match, registering two goals and two assists. Adding a player who knows the coach and his system is an intelligent move, particularly in the January transfer window when there is very little time to learn.
This term he has made 18 appearances for Stefano Colantuono, keeping some more well known names sitting on the sidelines and arrives on a deal costing €5 million over three years. While many fans may have expected Radja Nainggolan, surely it is better to spend less on a player who is more of a guarantee, take stock and re-evaluate the available options in the summer?
Benvenuto a Torino Simone!
“Men can go away, executives can leave, but what really runs though this club are the players who have inherited that feeling of winning, of being the absolute best, which isn’t equalled by any other team” - Gigi Buffon in 2007
Buon compleanno e tanti auguri Superman!
The Same But Different: What’s Behind The Inter Revival?
During the early 1960’s, New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra watched two other greats - Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris - repeatedly hit back-to-back home runs and commented; “it’s déjà vu all over again”. While Inter’s black and blue shirts could never be confused with the Bronx Bombers famous pinstripes, it is hard to ignore a similar feeling of repetition when watching the Nerazzurri during the current campaign. Much like last season when the got off to a disastrous start under Rafael Benitez only to rediscover their old resilience and quality under Leonardo, a similar resurgence has taken place since Claudio Ranieri arrived at Giuseppe Meazza.
Read more at WhoScored.com
The goals that sealed the Scudetto d’Inverno
It’s Tricky, Ricky!
The form of both Ricky Álvarez and Inter over the past month is largely and undeniably due to the coaching influence of Claudio Ranieri. But while the displays of the Argentinian starlet must be a fantastic source of pride for the man giving him his chance, they seem set to provide the former Roma and Chelsea boss with his biggest dilemma since arriving at the Giuseppe Meazza back in September. With Wesley Sneijder fit again and in contention for the starting role his undoubted talent demands….
Read more at ESPNSoccernet
Juventus Youth Sector Latest: Key Results Plus More Magnu!
The Winter break ended for the Settore Giovanile this week and the top two teams returned to action in very different circumstances. Both the Primavera and Allievi squads may look back on the weekend as a defining period in their seasons, albeit for very contrasting reasons. This weeks post guides you through the latest as well as exciting news concerning Hörður Magnússon and introduces you to yet another central defender named Garcia.
Read more at JuventiKnows.com
The Milan Derby: Here We Go Again!
Italian football returned this past weekend, much to the delight of fans of clubs across the peninsula but, as far as two of the teams coming back from their shortened Winter Break were concerned, those fixtures were merely a warm-up for the main event this Sunday evening when Milan play cousins Inter in the 205th edition of the Derby della Madonnina. The match has written the narrative to many of Italian footballs greatest stories, from the original split of the clubs in a row over foreign players to becoming the embodiment of the Sandro Mazzola-Gianni Rivera ‘staffeta’ debate in the early 1980’s…
Read more at ESPN.com
Back Up Plan: Juventus Looking For Options Beyond M-V-P
The start made by Juventus in the 2011-12 season has been a joy to behold for all fans of the Bianconeri, a huge fillip following some dire years under the previous management regime. As vital a role Antonio Conte, the new stadium and finding a right-back worthy of the name have all played, it is undoubtedly the perfectly balanced midfield trio of Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo that has led the Old Lady out of those darkest days.
Read more at JuventiKnows.com
