Down to Ten Men

Juventus’ new signing Matthijs de Ligt has acknowledged that he has been surprised with the quality of players present in the club’s ranks. The Netherlands international had been linked with some of Europe’s elite clubs this summer but the Bianconeri eventually won the race to land his signature from Ajax.

Speaking to reporters, De Ligt revealed that he has formed an instant bond with his new teammates and he is learning more from the experienced players within the squad. He added that he has been surprised with the intensity of the players in training and may have to up his game to match up to the level, he told: "I get on well with my teammates, they are very nice. I learn from them every day. There are many experienced players so I am really happy. I am surprised by everyone's level: they are all concentrated, no one stands out because many individuals are strong. It is difficult to play with such strong players but I will do my best."

AC Milan manager Marco Giampaolo has spoken about the qualities of new signing Theo Hernandez and believes the Frenchman can become one of the best in the left-back role. The 21-year-old became the club’s first signing of this summer’s transfer window and he is expected to compete with Ricardo Rodriguez and Diego Laxalt for the left-back position.

Speaking to reporters, Giampaolo said that the Rossoneri pursued Hernandez after making a thorough research and he is looking forward to working with the former Real Madrid man, he told: "Theo is a footballer for whom the club has done important research, with great qualities and potential. He is young. He is 21 years old, they also called me to grow young people with quality. I'm curious to understand what player he is, he brings with him an ambition to become among the best in that role. It is closer to Laxalt, different than Rodriguez. It is also there that we must see how to do."

ESPN pundit Craig Burley has said that Juventus should have the advantage over Manchester United in the race to sign Kalidou Koulibaly this summer. The Senegal international has been committed to Napoli over the past few years but he has been touted for a fresh challenge in order to achieve the ambition of securing regular silverware.

Speaking on ESPN FC, Burley said that the Red Devils would have the centre-back in a heartbeat, considering their troubles at the back in the past 12 months. However, Burley believes the Senegalese could fancy joining the Serie A champions over United, considering he could be reunited with Maurizio Sarri, who is set to be confirmed as the new Bianconeri boss.

The representative of Jorginho has said that the Chelsea midfielder may consider a potential move to Juventus regardless of their recent rivalry with Napoli. The Italian only joined the Blues from Naples last summer but his agent has opened the door for a Serie A return amid doubts regarding the future of manager Maurizio Sarri.

Sarri was hugely influential towards Jorginho making the move to Stamford Bridge but the Italian’s future appears to be hanging in the balance with Blues owner Roman Abramovich deemed to be mulling over a change. As such, there have been reports indicating that the 60-year-old could make the switch to Juventus this summer and when asked about the prospect of Jorginho reuniting with him, the player’s agent said:

Italy manager Roberto Mancini has admitted that he is pleased to work with the likes of Moise Kean and Nicolo Zaniolo, who have enjoyed breakthrough seasons with their respective clubs this term.
Kean has played his part in Juventus’ eighth successive Serie A title this term while Zaniolo has been crucial to Roma’s push for the top four during the second half of the season.

In a report covered by Tuttosport, Mancini said that he has been pleased with the development of the duo and suggested that the national team requires such kind of players, he told the publication: "Risk that Kean is not injured? He knows the way: work hard and work hard. He is a good boy, he has quality and he was lucky enough to emerge at a time when the national team needs young people like him or Zaniolo. Zaniolo? We are the people of genius, of inventiveness and of great discoveries. I like to explore talent and now I am lucky not to have to buy anyone, but I can choose, discover and punt."

Former Inter Milan ace Lisandro Lopez has said that Argentina must call up Mauro Icardi for the Copa America during the summer. The striker was recently excluded from the national setup amid his lack of gametime with the Nerazzurri, but he has managed to sort out the concerns in the run-in to the end of the season.

Speaking to TyC Sports, Lopez indicated that Icardi is presently one of the best strikers in the world and it is a no-brainer for Argentina to select him for the summer’s Copa America in Brazil, he said: “He is one of the best number nines in the world. There is no doubt about it. He had some problems with Inter but now he is back on the field playing and he will soon find form again. In my opinion he must be called up by Argentine for the Copa America because he has a lot to give to the national team.”