‘Agnelli would like this Juve’

This present Juventus side would have won the approval of legendary club patron Gianni Agnelli, says Cesare Prandelli.

“He liked to win, therefore…” the Italy boss told Tuttosport as we approach the 10-year anniversary – January 24 – of the former FIAT supremo’s death.

“He would have still liked today’s football because he was fond of gestures, aesthetics, pure technique. He knew how to defuse certain situations with irony, wit and jokes.”

Juventus are the reigning Italian champions, but they have made a stuttering start to 2013 which has seen questions asked of boss Antonio Conte.

“Sooner or later everyone has to be criticised,” the former Old Lady midfielder noted. “You become even stronger when you get over them.

“The Juventus players are doing well and Juve have given life to that mentality that we all want to transmit to our youth sectors.

“That being with hard work and planning you can do without a top player. Conte’s work has been extraordinary – maniacal organisation, culture of sacrifice, determination and concentration. “