Juve truth on JoJo, Cavani & Verratti

Juventus director general Giuseppe Marotta has revealed the transfer truths behind the club’s failure to sign Stevan Jovetic, Edinson Cavani and Marco Verratti in the summer.

The Italian giants were linked with all three players, but the first two stayed at their respective clubs and Verratti left Pescara for Paris Saint-Germain.

“We spoke to Fiorentina President Mario Cognigni and sporting director Daniele Prade about Jovetic,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. “Nevertheless, the player is no longer of any interest to us.

“As for Cavani, we didn’t chase him in the summer because we already knew that Napoli wouldn’t have sold him to us.

“Verratti? Juventus signed Paul Pogba on a free transfer and we are enhancing Luca Marrone, two excellent talents who we believe in a lot.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t spend €12m on Verratti. It’s the same old story of financial restraints.”

The Old Lady did hope to net a big name striker ahead of 2012-13, but they had to make do with a deadline day loan deal for Arsenal’s Nicklas Bendtner.

“It’s hard to reinforce this side,” the official added. “We’ll have a look around, but a so-called top player will cost you €40m in terms of a fee and then another €10m net in wages.

“Those figures can’t be supported by our game right now. The big Spanish and English clubs earn double what we do. As a result, we’ll just look for wise opportunities.

“This is the most difficult phase as the squad is competitive and it is not easy to make it better,” he continued.

“We are only at 60 per cent of our project. Last season paid us back for the investments that we made, but the Juve world can’t stop. We need to grow. And by some way.”

Marotta was also asked for an opinion on boss Antonio Conte and Napoli’s Walter Mazzarri, two tacticians he has worked with, ahead of the Week 8 top of the table clash.

“Conte and Mazzarri are two Coaches who influence how their sides play. But, with all due respect, our Coach has already won. And he’s younger. Let’s say he is already ahead.”

Conte, however, won’t be on the touchline when Serie A resumes as his ban will not expire until December 8.

“It has been a heavy absence,” Marotta continued. “At times it just needs a gesture from Antonio to resolve a game situation. But everyone has done well during this time.”