Updates: 02/08/11
"Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio was given an ultrasound scan yesterday afternoon, which identified an overloaded long adductor muscle in his left thigh. The player will be treated over the next few days by physiotherapy and is expected to return to training in three or four days." Juventus.com
Someone spoke to this earlier in the comments section; Marchisio seems to get hot then picks up an injury due to exhaustion unfortunately all too often. Poor kid, you’ll recall the same sort of thing happened last year under Ferrara. Sadly, we’ll have to wait another week before we can see that midfield triangle of Melo, Marchisio, and Aquilani again.
Alessandro Matri receives his first call-up ever to the Italian squad. Joining him will be Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, and Aquilani. The five Bianconeri players, or five and a half if you include Giovinco, will play on Wednesday, February 9th, against Germany in Dortmund. The friendly will be the first fixture in 2011 for the Azzurri. In addition, Krasic has been called up by Serbia for the game in Israel.
Ciro Ferrara’s U-21 side took on England today in a close match in Empoli. Captained by Davide Santon and led by Macheda in attack, the Azzurrini took the lead in the dying minutes after Giannetti, the only Juventus Primavera player that was called-up after Marrone withdrew due to a left thigh twinge as well, won a penalty shot after coming on as a second half substitute. Macheda converted, and the final score was 1-0.
4-1-4-1 anyone? With Melo playing in the hole, Martinez shifting to the far left partnering with Marchisio, Aquilani, and Krasic, there seemed to be much more continuity in attack against Cagliari. Well done Del Neri, my hat goes off to you sir.
IERI... OGGI... DOMANI... SEMPRE JUVE!!!