Juventus birthday celebrations

'Compleanno da capolista!' reads the headline on the official Juventus site. The Bianconeri journey began in 1897, 29 Scudetti, 2 Champions League titles, 3 UEFA Cups, 9 Italian Cups, 9 Ballon d'Or winners and 114 years later, they are again in the midst of a purple patch. The Derby d'Italia needs no introduction. One of the fiercest rivalries in European football, the mere mention of Inter-Juventus is enough to have many fans salivating with excitement. The latest instalment did little to disappoint, with the boys from Turin coming away from San Siro with all three points while sending Inter a step closer to Serie B. Having already conquered the defending champions from Milan, another encouraging result has seen many pundits proclaim that the Old Lady is now window shopping for a classy frock ahead of receiving her Scudetto crown.

The derby represents an opportunity for the tifosi to enjoy a sense of revenge over the old enemy. With off-field hatred well documented, beating the Nerazzurri represents more than just the three points. Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio either side of a Maicon strike ensured Antonio Conte’s men remain top of the pile nine games in, and having enjoyed success over Fiorentina in mid-week, it rounds off an almost perfect week for the Turin giants. However, (unfortunately there is a however), let’s put the champagne on ice as there is not only a long way to go but there is plenty more to prove.

Admittedly, any win over the Milanese duo are impressive results, particularly considering the way in which those wins were attained from a performance point of view. Full of grit, determination and a willingness to restore pride to the Juve shirt, it has all the trademarks of a typical Conte-influenced side. However, it’s still far too early to consider Juve as genuine contenders. The Bianconeri overcame Milan at a difficult period for Massimiliano Allegri’s men, with their early season form reminiscent of that of Cesena. While Sinisa Mihajlovic had troubles of his own ahead of the Viola’s trip to Turin, there is no hiding the fact Inter currently have serious problems domestically. Deserved or opportunistic, wins are wins and thus you can only beat what’s put in front of you. The issue arises when taking into consideration the draws against Bologna, Catania, Chievo and Genoa. This weekend represents a huge test for both Conte and the players. Juventus travel to Naples on Sunday, and despite their issues with consistency, Napoli at the San Paolo will undoubtedly be the biggest test so far this season. There are still trips to the capital, to face both Lazio and Roma, and to Udine before the winter break arrives, only then will we have a realistic idea of how far the squad has come and where it could potentially go.

“Juve have returned after a long time away, while Milan are back to their best after struggling in pre-season. The two teams will fight for the title until the very end” said Marcello Lippi earlier this week. Only a few weeks ago he prophesied Napoli would be the Rossoneri’s closest rivals, providing the perfect example that things can change very quickly as Walter Mazzarri’s men no longer even get a mention. Undoubtedly Juve will be up there, but it’s a top-three finish that should be the priority, with a Scudetto triumph an after-thought until next year when we enter the business end of the season. Talk that the title is destined to go to Turin at such an early stage of the season is almost as far-fetched as talk of Inter being relegated, with the latter on balance a more realistic prospect.

What are your thoughts on Juve’s start to the season? Are they already genuine title contenders or have they yet to prove so?

Last but not least, a quick mention for Milan ace Antonio Cassano. Putting aside the various rumours surfacing about his mystery illness, I would like to wish him a speedy recover. Let’s hope we see ‘Fantantonio’ back on the pitch in the near future, regardless of club allegiance, the world of Serie A is a much better place with the Bari-native on our screens every weekend

Manchester United winger Valencia is reportedly interesting Juventus.

Juve coach Antonio Conte wants to sign a new winger in January and is understood to have earmarked the United wingman.

United teammate Nani, Arsenal ace Theo Walcott and Tottenham's Aaron Lennon have all attracted enquiries from the Italians since August.

CalcioMercato.com says Valencia is now being actively discussed inside Juve as the solution to Conte's frustrations.

Juventus deny Carlos Tevez approach but could make move in January

Juventus have admitted they may sign Manchester City player Carlos Tevez in January but have denied they have already made an approach for the wantaway striker.

The Old Lady has emerged as a strong contender for the Argentine hitman, who has become surplus to requirements at Manchester City.

It was originally thought that Inter Milan were favourites to land him but Turin may now be his destination.

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has distanced the club from Tevez, but it is thought the Italians may come in for him in January.

'It's normal to talk about players when it comes to Juventus,' said Marotta to Gazzetta dello Sport.

'But we have not started negotiations to sign Tevez.

'We have a squad that meets our needs and we will evaluate week by week if we are lacking something. We are not the ones to discover Tevez.

'He is a great player and we are a great club so it's normal that there is a link. But to say that we are negotiating is a different matter.'

Tevez recently arrived back in the UK after spending time in Argentina during a two-week club suspension for allegedly refusing to play against Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League

MAXbet.org home of the largest selections of Free Bets

MAXbet.org home of the largest selections of Free Bets from international bookmakers. MAXbet.org free betting tips and betting advice will show you how to MAXimise these free bet offers.

MAXbet.org help you to turn your free bets into real money.

http://www.maxbet.org

Many online bookmakers offer a bonus to try to entice you to open an account with them. This bonus usually comes in the form of a free bet. This site will show you how to best hedge your free bets in order to turn it into money.

http://www.maxbet.org

findfreebet.com give information for best online sportsbooks

findfreebet.com give information for online bets of the best online sportsbooks and betting exchange.findfreebet.com offer sportsbooks and betting exchange ratings, free bets, livescore, help, news, links to best sportsbooks and betting exchange and meny more.

Giovinco: 'Juve return not down to me'

Sebastian Giovinco has declared he is determined to make the most of his opportunity with Italy, whilst intimating he is unlikely to return to Juventus.

Cesare Prandelli confirmed on Monday that the playmaker will play against Northern Ireland in Italy's final Euro 2012 Group C qualifying match and Giovinco took the time to reflect once again on his spell at Juventus.

“There is one thing that hurt me in my career - not being able to show how well I could do at Juve. In Turin I did not received many beautiful words.”

Prandelli confirmed the player will start in attack alongside Antonio Cassano on Tuesday night in a second striker role.

“I've played all the roles and adapted but now this is mine - and my reward is goals. I do not think about vindication but to have fun, with the goals - I have five from five, my goal is to reach double figures.”

Giovinco was then asked about a possible return to Juve. Prandelli suggested in an earlier Press conference that it would be to his benefit to mature as a player.

“I do not know, it does not depend on me. In the summer there was talk of Juve redeeming me. I never believed that, I knew I would be staying in Parma. Closed argument? Nothing stays closed, but we need more clarity.

“I'm always sorry to hear that I was too young to play at high levels. But given I am here it means that it did not have an influence. It is a long-awaited moment that I will not let slip.

Area 12

Mancehster United Set to Make £20m Move for Marchisio

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is looking to step up his pursuits of a new midfielder and has set his sight ons Juventus' Claudio Marchisio, according to reports on Caughtoffside.com.

During the course of the summer transfer window Manchester United were linked with Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder as replacements for the retired Paul Scholes, however nothing materialised.

Ferguson is still on the lookout for a top midfielder as a long term replacement for Scholes and the Scottish manager feels Marchisio could be the solution.

The 25-year-old, Italian international has been with Juventus for his entire career, and it is believed he would relish the opportunity to ply his trade in the Premier League with Manchester United.

It is believed that the Old Trafford club are going to make Juve and offer of £20million when the January transfer window opens.

Marchisio: record-man with the Azzurri

Another record with the National side. After the supremacy shown due to the number of players who featured in yesterday’s clash against Serbia, Juventus gave their contribution to another important chapter of the Azzurri’s history.

The split-second goal by Claudio Marchisio was the 250th goal scored by a Juventus player wearing the Azzurri’s shirt and completed an 80-years cycle. The first name which appeared in this special scoresheet was Pio Ferraris. Born in 1899, the striker from Turin scored the third goal which, on 5 May 1921, helped Italy to overcome Belgium (3-2) on the occasion of a friendly match occurred in Antwerp.

Thanks to Marchisio’s goal, Juventus further stand out in this particular ranking. In fact, their direct rivals Inter and Milan follow with 204 and 109 goals, respectively.

Theo Walcott may not sign new Arsenal deal

The agent of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has ruled out a potential switch to Serie A outfit Juventus, but admits he 'doesn't know' if his client will sign an extension to his current deal with the Gunners.

Arsene Wenger revealed a new intention to secure a number of his first choice players to new deals last month, in order to avoid situations like the one that led to Samir Nasri forcing through a move to Manchester City during the summer.

The Frenchman has already held initial talks with some of those key players, including Andrey Arshavin, but captain Robin van Persie has put off speaking about a renewal, much to the frustration of the Arsenal faithful.

It now appears that Walcott is set to follow suit, after his agent Colin Gordon told calciomercato.it: 'We'll see. I don't know what will happen', when asked about whether his client was seeking an extension to his current contract, with expires in two years time.

Gordon also spoke about links with Juventus, but gave those short shrift, saying: 'Juventus have never called us. We have not received calls from Italy recently'.

Walcott's performances have been under intense scrutiny since his big money switch from Southampton in 2006, with many players, pundits and fans being critical of his perceived lack of development.

It seems unlikely that Arsenal would want to sell the 22-year-old, but the fresh comments from his agent will do little to appease a selection of Gooners already calling for him to dropped, in favour of summer acquisition Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.