New Jerseys, Expectations Rising

The waiting is nearly over. On Thursday 9th July, Juventus’ season will kick-off officially with the summer camp in Pinzolo but before the return to sport activities another important appointment is in line. On Wednesday 8th July, in fact the new jerseys for the 2009/10 season will be presented.

The event will take place at 17:00hrs at the Officine Grandi Riparazioni in Turin. Much is the curiosity with regards to the new gear of Del Piero and company. Those subscribed to Juventus Channel will be able to follow the event live.

At the end of the presentation general manager Jean-Claude Blanc and coach Ciro Ferrara will hold a press conference to inaugurate the new season.

Juventus.com

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Lyon snub Trez

Lyon have rejected the chance to sign Juventus striker David Trezeguet, choosing Porto's Lisandro Lopez instead.

After selling Karim Benzema to Real Madrid last week, Lyon have been trying to wrap up a deal for his replacement.

Lyon have been repeatedly linked with Trezeguet this summer. However, their interest never turned into anything concrete.

Les Gones have now formally announced the arrival of Lopez, who could cost them as much as £24m depending on his performances.

Juventus would have liked to do a deal for Trezeguet, as they are looking to raise funds so another big signing can be made before the transfer window closes.

However, in a show of their respect for the Frenchman, the Bianconeri are only willing to sell him if the solution is to his liking.

Trezeguet joined Juventus in 2000 and is the most prolific foreign goalscorer in their history.

Channel4.com/sport/football_italia/

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Fiorentina Have Not Contacted Juventus For Grygera

Juventus and Fiorentina could be set to make another deal, according to the latest reports from Italy that are suggesting that Zdenek Grygera may be ready to switch the Bianconeri colours for a Viola shirt.

The two clubs were recently involved in the transfer that saw Marco Marchionni move from Turin to Florence, whilst they also may be involved in a potential deal that could see Felipe Melo go the other way.

In stark contrast to the latest reports surrounding the future of Grygera though, his agent has come out and stated that he is unaware of any interest from the Florentine club.

“I honestly do not know anything about this,” the agent Zdenek Nehod affirmed in an interview with Firenzeviola.it.

“I have not been contacted by the Viola at any stage this summer, so I have nothing to say about this.

“Before we do anything, we still have to speak with the Bianconeri to discuss our situation, so it is too early to be assessing other options.”

Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com

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Italy Legend Antognoni Tells Melo: Reject Juventus

Italy legend Giancarlo Antognoni, who won the 1982 World Cup and spent most of his career with Fiorentina, has told Viola ace Felipe Melo to reject a proposed move to Juventus.

Reports suggest the Bianconeri are ready to make a bid for the much sough-after Brazilian who is also wanted by Arsenal. Melo claimed he was happy in Florence and that it was the club's decision as to whether to keep him or sell up. Viola legend Antognoni has now told the Brazilian that rejecting the Bianconeri is not difficult, as he did it during his day.

"Melo? Yes, you can say no to Juventus. And it was not difficult as it can sometimes seem from the outside," the former midfielder told Il Corriere Fiorentino.

"I was 24 and I had just come back from the World Cup in Argentina (1978). I had big ambitions and wanted to win, but I decided [not to join Juventus] when I spoke about it with my wife. She agreed with me."

Football has changed plenty since then, and despite Antognoni's advice, it's down to Melo and Fiorentina to consider his future.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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Juventus Ready To Deal For Napoli's Fabiano Santacroce

Juventus are ready to reconstruct the path that will lead them to driving Napoli's Fabiano Santacroce towards Turin, according to Tuttosport.

New coach Ciro Ferrara, who has strong links to Napoli, wants to bring in Santacroce in order to complete what would be a starting four that would also include Fabio Cannavaro, Nicola Legrottaglie and Giorgio Chiellini.

The report suggests Ferrara wants a formidable defence as Juve are aiming to challenge for Scudetto and Champions League success next season. The Bianconeri are now ready to make their move for the stopper.

Napoli have signed Juan Camilo Zuniga, leading to speculation that the former Brescia defender could be allowed to move on. However, the problem Juve face is the player's price. Voices around the San Paolo claim Napoli want around €6 million, but the Old Lady want to spend less than that.

However, should Juve cash-in on David Trezeguet, who has been linked to French side Olympique Lyonnais, they may have enough funds in their transfer kitty in order to provision Santacroce's arrival.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

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