haha at all the juventini

Massimiliano Allegri confirmed as new Juventus manager.

Did a decent job at Milan if not spectacular. Interesting to see if he keeps the squad together or some players go elsewhere.

That's like the first lesson you're taught in journalism. Surely a practice you'd want to maintain.

Conte officially named the manager of the Italian national side, brilliant news for Italy.

Thankfully it's not Mancini. I'm not convinced Conte will be a success, but at least it's only a 2 year contract and with Conte and Pirlo being close, Pirlo might actually come back and play in Euro 2016. Good news Maybe Ancelotti will agree to take over in 2 years' time.

I think Pirlo should stay gone. They were almost relying on him which didn't work and it's a perfect opportunity for a new Italian national team, I'd have them focus more on the likes of Verratti, Poli and Florenzi now.

BIB - Noooo!! You must know how I feel about that

To be honest, I agree that Italy are completely reliant on Pirlo and if he is not given space to play, the whole team falls apart. I just can't see anyone replacing Pirlo's quality any time soon. I don't think the names you mentioned are anywhere near Pirlo's level. The way he reads the game is quite incredible.

Buffon should stay gone though!

Lippi's return sullied his initial spell somewhat, I think Pirlo's best to leave it alone. Same as with the talk of various other players linked with a recall that never materialised like Nesta and Totti, it was almost definitely right for it to not happen.

It will be interesting to see how he adapts from not seeing the players every day, to only seeing them briefly; some managers can cope with the difference, whilst others struggle with it.
I like Conte, so I hope that he is a success with the Italian national team.

I'm very happy that Totti and Del Piero (and Nesta I guess) got to win the World Cup when they did and end their international careers on a high.

Lippi should never have come back. What was he thinking?! How could he have topped his previous result? Nevertheless Italy fans are all still eternally grateful to Lippi for 2006 of course.

(King) Cannavaro should also have retired after 2006, just like Lahm did with Germany. Buffon definitely needs to retire!

However, Pirlo was very young in 2006 and he got injured in 2010. He played incredibly at Euro 2012 and the whole Italy team is built around him, so I can understand why he stayed with the national team as long as he did. He is still the best player they have.

Buffon is still good enough to be playing for the national team, Dino Zoff won the World Cup at 40 year old!

I don't think Buffon is still good enough to be Italy's no1. I have the utmost respect for Buffon and he was phenomenal in 2006, but I don't think he's Dino Zoff. Even if he was as good as Zoff, I don't think Buffon is Italy's best keeper anymore. Salvatore Sirigu is a better keeper now in my view. I know it's very hard for Italians to say goodbye to their national team, but sometimes enough is enough.

Im not saying whether he is better than Zoff or not. My point is that age isnt a barrier to some players when they are still performing well.
Sirigu is a good goalkeeper, I agree with that but i think Buffon still has it too, yeah he isnt as good as 2006 but he isnt completely past it and plodding along like an old boxer who just can't give it up. He still has something to offer.

Buffon will be 2 years older in 2016 and although he's still a good keeper, I think Sirigu is now better and would certainly be a better choice for Euro 2016. Obviously a lot can happen in 2 years.

As expected Pirlo said he's available for Italy if Conte wants him and I'm sure Conte will want him. I think he will play until he's 50

Inzaghi is having an absolute nightmare start at Milan.

what is happening to Monaco lost 4 1 today wow

Monaco look terrible, but does anyone know what the hell Brandao was thinking when he lurked in the tunnel after the game just to break Motta's nose?! Wtf?! I would have understood if he did it on the field in the heat of the moment, but to actually launch a planned attack on another player after the game finished is quite crazy and criminal! Is Brandao mentally ill?

what Brando did was worse than what Suarez did he should face a very long ban

Fifa reject Barcelona appeal against their 2-transfer window ban from signing players

They are free to sign more players this summer though, as the ban starts from the next transfer window.

Ok , didn't realise that. i was wondering about the Suarez deal but that explains it

Pointless as they have made sure they signed more than enough players to cope!

sure is, interesting to see what punishment he gets.

He could be banned for life! And there are likely to be criminal proceedings against him too. He must be mad. That was pre-planned and a very serious attack.