Pjanic: ‘Juventus respect Fiorentina’

Midfielder Miralem Pjanic assures Juventus “have a lot of respect” for Fiorentina, ahead tomorrow’s game.

The Bianconeri travel to Florence this weekend, for what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

“It’s a difficult place to go, so we’ll have to play a good game,” Pjanic told Sky.

“It’s a game in which we want to take all three points, we know we’ll have to fight to the end and it’ll be a game which comes down to the details.

“We have a lot of respect for these opponents, so we need to be humble but above all we want to take home three points.

Juve Coach Massimiliano Allegri complained that his side keep dropping in intensity, after they came close to throwing away the win against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia.

“We just have to keep our concentration. It shouldn’t be happening, we need to close out games earlier.

“We’re going forward, we’re working well and we’re getting results but there are some details which we need to correct.

“Up until now the team has always been able to correct what we’ve been doing wrong and we want to do that in the coming games.”

Pjanic also discussed his understanding with forward Paulo Dybala.

The Bosnian has three goals and five assists in his last eight games, while Dybala has scored in his last two games as he recovers from an injury lay-off.

“The objective is always to find ourselves between the lines,” Pjanic explained.

“Then we have the freedom to combine with each other and switch positions up-front. We find each other on the pitch very often and it’s easy and a pleasure to play with him in the side.

“We have so many good players and we respect that the Coach tries to put the best team out on the pitch.

“And as I’ve said, I make space for Dybala and he makes space for me. We combine, and now we understand each others’ movements well.”

Gagliardini in Inter squad

Roberto Gagliardini could make his Inter debut against Chievo, as he’s included in Stefano Pioli’s squad for the match.

The midfielder officially completed his move to the Nerazzurri this week, joining on loan from Atalanta with an obligation to buy.

It has been suggested that Gagliardini could go straight into the team for the visit of the Flying Donkeys, and Pioli has named him in his 24-man squad.

Gary Medel is also in the squad for the match, with Andrea Ranocchia also included despite increasing rumours of his departure.

Atalanta sign Gollini

Atalanta have officially confirmed the signing of Aston Villa goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini on a two-year loan with an option to buy.

The 21-year-old arrives as a replacement for Marco Sportiello, whose transfer to Fiorentina was confirmed earlier today.

“Atalanta BC announces the signing of the player Pierluigi Gallini from Aston Villa,” the Orobici announced in a statement on their website.

“The goalkeeper arrives on a two-year loan with an option to buy.”

Gollini began his career with Fiorentina, before being involved in the Manchester United youth setup.

Following two seasons with Verona, he returned to England with Villa this summer.

Sportiello joins Fiorentina

Fiorentina have officially confirmed the signing of Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, on loan with option to buy.

The 24-year-old is seen as one of the most promising young ‘keepers in Italy, and was heavily linked with Napoli in the summer.

However, it has today been announced that he’ll join the Viola, on what will initially be a loan deal. “ACF Fiorentina announces the signing, on a temporary basis until June 30, 2018 with the right of redemption, of the player Marco Sportiello from Atalanta,” a statement on the club’s official website reads.

“Sportiello was born in Desio on May 10, 1992 and has worn the Orobici shirt for the last four seasons, making 84 Serie A appearances.”

It’s not yet clear if Fiorentina’s right of redemption will become mandatory under certain conditions.

Orsolini to Juventus done

Riccardo Orsolini is likely to become a Juventus player on Monday, as Ascoli’s sporting director confirms “an agreement has been reached”.

The winger has been in talks with the Bianconeri, and Sky Italia is reporting that his signing will be made official on Monday.

It does appear that a deal is very close, as his current club have confirmed that an agreement is in place with the Turin giants.

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