Category: Newsnow

Prandelli offers some advice to struggling Vlahovic

May 8, 2022

Cesare Prandelli looked to defend Dusan Vlahovic following his poor performance in Juventus’ 2-1 loss to Genoa on Friday.

The 64-year-old Italian coach resigned as Viola coach in March last year but has fond memories of the 22-year-old Serbian striker, who exploded in Florence that season with his devastating eye for goal. Things have been a little more difficult for Vlahovic following his move to Turin and he’s starting to receive some criticism for poor performances.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Prandelli first discussed Vlahovic’s €80m move to Juventus.

“As soon as he arrived at Juventus in the January market, he inevitably felt a great responsibility because so much was expected of him.

“And paradoxically, the fact that he started at the top, scoring a lot right away, put him in a condition where people were led to think that he could solve Juventus’ problems all by himself, right away.”

Prandelli then looked to offer some advice to the 22-year-old Serbian striker.

“The only advice I can give him is to stay calm, also because he is a real champion, so he will score a lot of goals.”

The 22-year-old Vlahovic scored 17 goals in the first half of the Serie A season for Fiorentina but has only netted six times in the league since making the move over to Juventus in January. He had a particularly invisible performance in the 2-1 loss to Genoa and appeared visibly frustrated on the bench after being substituted.

Genoa Juventus

Prandelli offers some advice to struggling Vlahovic

May 8, 2022

Cesare Prandelli looked to defend Dusan Vlahovic following his poor performance in Juventus’ 2-1 loss to Genoa on Friday.

The 64-year-old Italian coach resigned as Viola coach in March last year but has fond memories of the 22-year-old Serbian striker, who exploded in Florence that season with his devastating eye for goal. Things have been a little more difficult for Vlahovic following his move to Turin and he’s starting to receive some criticism for poor performances.

Speaking to Tuttosport, Prandelli first discussed Vlahovic’s €80m move to Juventus.

“As soon as he arrived at Juventus in the January market, he inevitably felt a great responsibility because so much was expected of him.

“And paradoxically, the fact that he started at the top, scoring a lot right away, put him in a condition where people were led to think that he could solve Juventus’ problems all by himself, right away.”

Prandelli then looked to offer some advice to the 22-year-old Serbian striker.

“The only advice I can give him is to stay calm, also because he is a real champion, so he will score a lot of goals.”

The 22-year-old Vlahovic scored 17 goals in the first half of the Serie A season for Fiorentina but has only netted six times in the league since making the move over to Juventus in January. He had a particularly invisible performance in the 2-1 loss to Genoa and appeared visibly frustrated on the bench after being substituted.

Genoa Juventus

Criscito reveals why he turned down Toronto FC

May 8, 2022

Domenico Criscito revealed that he turned down an offer from Toronto FC in the January transfer window in order to help in Genoa’s bid to avoid relegation.

The 35-year-old Italian defender’s contract expires with the Rossoblu next year and MLS side Toronto were keen to pick him up in January, adding an experienced player to their backline. The Canadian side also confirmed Lorenzo Insigne’s move on a free transfer in that period and it was clear that they had their eyes set on Serie A.

Speaking to Il Secolo XIX, Criscito discussed Toronto’s offer and why he turned it down.

“In 2018 I returned after seven years and in the past months I received an offer from Toronto, but it didn’t seem right to leave the team in these conditions. Then various injuries stopped me and I was so sorry not to have been able to help my teammates in so many games.”

The Genoa veteran then commented on the penalty he missed in the key 1-0 derby defeat to Sampdoria.

“It has been a very hard week. That penalty parried by Audero is a mistake I will always carry with me.”

Finally, Criscito commented on his successful penalty in the 2-1 comeback win over Juventus.

I only looked where the ball was, I went to get it to shoot. I just wanted to score, I had nothing else in my head.

What worked this time? I was calmer. And with Samp, the mistake was changing the corner at the last second. I shot badly, but yesterday it went well.

The 35-year-old Criscito may still join Toronto in the summer but there’s no guarantee, so he’ll be praying that Genoa at least avoid suffering relegation following his decision. He has scored six goals and provided one assist in 18 Serie A appearances this season for the Ligurian side.

Genoa

Criscito reveals why he turned down Toronto FC

May 8, 2022

Domenico Criscito revealed that he turned down an offer from Toronto FC in the January transfer window in order to help in Genoa’s bid to avoid relegation.

The 35-year-old Italian defender’s contract expires with the Rossoblu next year and MLS side Toronto were keen to pick him up in January, adding an experienced player to their backline. The Canadian side also confirmed Lorenzo Insigne’s move on a free transfer in that period and it was clear that they had their eyes set on Serie A.

Speaking to Il Secolo XIX, Criscito discussed Toronto’s offer and why he turned it down.

“In 2018 I returned after seven years and in the past months I received an offer from Toronto, but it didn’t seem right to leave the team in these conditions. Then various injuries stopped me and I was so sorry not to have been able to help my teammates in so many games.”

The Genoa veteran then commented on the penalty he missed in the key 1-0 derby defeat to Sampdoria.

“It has been a very hard week. That penalty parried by Audero is a mistake I will always carry with me.”

Finally, Criscito commented on his successful penalty in the 2-1 comeback win over Juventus.

I only looked where the ball was, I went to get it to shoot. I just wanted to score, I had nothing else in my head.

What worked this time? I was calmer. And with Samp, the mistake was changing the corner at the last second. I shot badly, but yesterday it went well.

The 35-year-old Criscito may still join Toronto in the summer but there’s no guarantee, so he’ll be praying that Genoa at least avoid suffering relegation following his decision. He has scored six goals and provided one assist in 18 Serie A appearances this season for the Ligurian side.

Genoa

Marino: ‘Atalanta collapse is inexplicable’

May 8, 2022

Atalanta director Umberto Marino admits their collapse in the second half of the season is ‘inexplicable,’ but there are no doubts on Gian Piero Gasperini’s future at the club.

La Dea visit Spezia at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.

Serie A Liveblog: Verona-Milan, Spezia-Atalanta, Salernitana-Cagliari, Venezia-Bologna

They are currently in eighth place on 56 points, level with Fiorentina, and risk not qualifying for Europe after three consecutive seasons in the Champions League.

“We have three games and will fight to the end,” Marino told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s difficult to make predictions, as every round seems to have big surprises. All I can say is we’ll play our cards to the very end.”

Atalanta seemed to crumble in the second half of the season, a complete turnaround to their usual routine of surging in Spring.

“We are all asking ourselves the same questions, from the President to the players. It’s fairly inexplicable and can’t be blamed only on fitness, injuries or anything else. There was certainly a drop in form, but we are still in the running and were on the verge of the Europa League semi-finals this season.”

Marino was asked if he was planning a meeting with coach Gasperini to discuss the future, especially now that Atalanta are under new ownership with the investment of American Stephen Pagliuca.

“There’s nothing to clarify. We are in daily contact with the coach, we are in symbiosis and have continual dialogue.”

Marino: ‘Atalanta collapse is inexplicable’

May 8, 2022

Atalanta director Umberto Marino admits their collapse in the second half of the season is ‘inexplicable,’ but there are no doubts on Gian Piero Gasperini’s future at the club.

La Dea visit Spezia at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s four Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.

Serie A Liveblog: Verona-Milan, Spezia-Atalanta, Salernitana-Cagliari, Venezia-Bologna

They are currently in eighth place on 56 points, level with Fiorentina, and risk not qualifying for Europe after three consecutive seasons in the Champions League.

“We have three games and will fight to the end,” Marino told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s difficult to make predictions, as every round seems to have big surprises. All I can say is we’ll play our cards to the very end.”

Atalanta seemed to crumble in the second half of the season, a complete turnaround to their usual routine of surging in Spring.

“We are all asking ourselves the same questions, from the President to the players. It’s fairly inexplicable and can’t be blamed only on fitness, injuries or anything else. There was certainly a drop in form, but we are still in the running and were on the verge of the Europa League semi-finals this season.”

Marino was asked if he was planning a meeting with coach Gasperini to discuss the future, especially now that Atalanta are under new ownership with the investment of American Stephen Pagliuca.

“There’s nothing to clarify. We are in daily contact with the coach, we are in symbiosis and have continual dialogue.”

Conte praised for Spurs work following Klopp’s frustrations

May 8, 2022

Antonio Conte has received praise and support following Tottenham’s tough 1-1 draw with Liverpool yesterday, a result that frustrated Jurgen Klopp.

The North London side took the lead in the 56th minute after Song Heung-min finished off a nice counter attacking move, but their advantage was short lived as Luis Diaz clawed one back for the home side in the 74th minute. The result was painful for Klopp and his team, who now have given Manchester City the chance to take a commanding lead in the Premier League title race.

Klopp expressed his frustration at Conte’s defensive playstyle when speaking to the press after the game. “For all the praise for Tottenham, a world class opponent, they won against City. The game play works for these games but they are still fifth and for everything they were time wasting, it makes not easier, it’s smart but not easy.” He later stated: “‘I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about because I don’t like this kind of football.”

Despite Klopp’s annoyance, many have come out in support of Conte and his tactics, praising his work turning around the North London outfit and highlighting that he did what was required to grind out a result against the title hopefuls. Spurs are still involved in the race for the top four and securing that would be a strong end to his first season with the club.

Conte praised for Spurs work following Klopp’s frustrations

May 8, 2022

Antonio Conte has received praise and support following Tottenham’s tough 1-1 draw with Liverpool yesterday, a result that frustrated Jurgen Klopp.

The North London side took the lead in the 56th minute after Song Heung-min finished off a nice counter attacking move, but their advantage was short lived as Luis Diaz clawed one back for the home side in the 74th minute. The result was painful for Klopp and his team, who now have given Manchester City the chance to take a commanding lead in the Premier League title race.

Klopp expressed his frustration at Conte’s defensive playstyle when speaking to the press after the game. “For all the praise for Tottenham, a world class opponent, they won against City. The game play works for these games but they are still fifth and for everything they were time wasting, it makes not easier, it’s smart but not easy.” He later stated: “‘I am sorry, I am the wrong person to ask about because I don’t like this kind of football.”

Despite Klopp’s annoyance, many have come out in support of Conte and his tactics, praising his work turning around the North London outfit and highlighting that he did what was required to grind out a result against the title hopefuls. Spurs are still involved in the race for the top four and securing that would be a strong end to his first season with the club.

Juve receive Locatelli boost ahead of Coppa Italia final

May 8, 2022

Manuel Locatelli will be called up for Juventus’ upcoming Coppa Italia final against rivals Inter.

The 24-year-old Italian midfielder, who joined the Bianconeri last summer from Sassuolo, suffered a medial collateral ligament problem in the first half of Juventus’ 1-0 loss to Inter on April 3, forcing him to miss the last five consecutive league outings.

As reported by Calciomercato.com, Locatelli has recovered from his injury and will be called up by Allegri for the Coppa Italia final against Inter on May 11. He has been working hard in training over the last few days and has been desperate to be fit for the match.

It’s hard to imagine Locatelli starting the match, but he could come off the bench in the second half to give Juventus a boost.

Weston McKennie, on the other hand, has not been able to recover from his injury in time and so will not be called up for the final. He’s aiming to be fit in time for the next league game against Lazio.

Manuel Locatelli

Vlahovic must drag himself out of crisis

May 8, 2022

Despite Massimiliano Allegri’s defence, it’s obvious that Dusan Vlahovic is failing to show his best with Juventus and now it’s time for him to turn things around.

The 22-year-old Serbian striker has now not scored in his last three consecutive outings and he was visibly frustrated on the bench after being brought off in the Bianconeri’s 2-1 defeat to Genoa on Friday. Vlahovic scored 17 goals in the first half of the season for Fiorentina but has only netted six in Serie A since making the switch to Turin.

Allegri tried to defend Vlahovic to the press after the loss to Genoa, feeling that “if he always played like this it would be good for the team. He doesn’t realise that the performance is good.” The stats from the match show, however, that the Serbian striker did not have a good match.

Against Genoa, Vlahovic only made 25 touches, won two of seven duels, made zero interceptions, crosses or key passes, took one shot on target and forced only one foul, a sign for a fairly invisible performance. In comparison, in Inter’s 4-2 win over Empoli, Lautaro Martinez made 47 touches, won 11 of 17 duels, took seven shots and scored two goals.

Whilst it would be remiss to directly compare the two, considering the difference in playstyle between teams, it’s obvious that Vlahovic is not hitting the heights he expected in Turin. He’ll need to shake off this frustration and start firing on all cylinders though, as Allegri won’t be able to defend him forever.