New Inter Signing Yuto Nagatomo: I Have To Prove My Worth To The World Champions

Nagatomo can't wait to strut his stuff for the Nerazzurri.
Japan international left-back Yuto Nagatomo has admitted that he will have to prove that he belongs with Inter and cannot take anything for granted.

The 24-year-old joined the Italian and European champions on loan from Serie A strugglers Cesena for the rest of the season on Monday.

Nagatomo had a brilliant Asian Cup with Japan and inspired his nation to the title but believes that he will have to give his all to succeed at Inter.

"I'm very happy to have joined Inter, the world champions," enthused Nagatomo on Monday, according to Inter's official website. "Now I have to prove to everyone that I can play.

"What's happened today came out of the blue, but now that I'm here I have to give it everything I've got.

"I already know some of my new team-mates," he added. "I met Samuel Eto'o when I played against him with Japan in the World Cup and the same goes for Wesley Sneijder.

"But I expect I'll soon make friends with the whole team," he concluded.

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Juventus Sporting Director Giuseppe Marotta: It Wasn't Easy Signing Alessandro Matri From Cagliari

Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that it was difficult recruiting Matri and also explained the failure to sign Giampaolo Pazzini.
Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that signing striker Alessandro Matri from Cagliari was not an easy transaction.

The forward moved to Turin on a six-month loan deal and the Bianconeri have the option of completing a permanent transfer for the 26-year-old for a €15.5 million fee in summer, having paid €2.5m for the loan.

“It was a difficult transaction, we took advantage of the chance given by [Cagliari] president [Massimo] Cellino who accepted to release the striker," he told Juve's official website.

"We targeted Matri some time ago and we knew that he was followed by several other clubs.

"Moreover, the transaction had to be managed on several tables, considering the simultaneous release of Amauri.”

Marotta went on to speak about Juve's failed attempt to sign Giampaolo Pazzini, who joined rivals Inter instead.

“I’m still hearing media talking about Pazzini. He’s a great player, like Matri, and many clubs wanted to sign him.

"However, Inter signed him with a permanent contract and we didn’t at this stage. We opted for a loan, intending to buy the player in June, being also aware of the possibility to add some other players as compensation.

"Maybe one of our young players who has to practice at a higher level. But I’d like to point out that the option to buy is a right, not an obligation.”

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Juventus Midfielder Claudio Marchisio: We Must Stick Together To Overcome Our Difficulties

Marchisio believes that Juventus have must faith in themselves.
Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has stated that the squad must stick together and stay focused in order to pull themselves out of their current slump.

The Bianconeri have been sub-par in January, suffering back-to-back defeats to Parma and Napoli in the league and crashing out of the Coppa Italia. On Sunday Juve lost 2-1 to Udinese and are now outside the top six.

The Old Lady have relinquished all hopes of a Scudetto but Marchisio believes that they must regain their confidence and start February on a positive note.

“This negative month is over at last," said Marchisio, according to Juve's official website. "We’re really disappointed about this period and about the defeats.

"Unfortunately, we aren’t in luck, but the group stick together, we want to win and do our best.

"Football gives you the chance of reversing the circumstances and on Wednesday in Palermo we have to show our value through a great performance.

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Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri Less Than Satisfied After Lazio Draw

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri takes positives from draw against Lazio.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri admits his players looked tired against Lazio following a busy schedule.

Despite numerous chances, his side were unable to pierce the Aquile's backline at San Siro as the game produced a 0-0 draw.

"In the first half we were a bit rushed and we made too many errors passing," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

"Lazio defended very well and we hardly shot, but we had come into the game having played six games spaced out every three days.

"There was confusion at times, but we played well in other moments. It's the third game we have not conceded, and so this is good."

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