Thiago Motta's first game in charge of Juventus ended in defeat as an unfamiliar Bianconeri side was thrashed 3-0 by 2. Bundesliga outfit Nurnberg on Friday.

The likes of Timothy Weah, Nicolo Fagioli and Dusan Vlahovic were limited to substitute roles as Motta selected a young side at Max-Morlock-Stadion, with the latter hitting the post with a second-half penalty at 1-0.

Caspar Jander had earlier given Nurnberg a 19th-minute lead, and they put some gloss on the scoreline with two late strikes after Vlahovic's missed spot-kick.

Substitutes Dustin Forkel and Tim Janisch both converted from inside the penalty area in the final four minutes as Motta's reign began in disappointing fashion.

The Bianconeri are next in action versus Brest on Saturday, with a further friendly against Atletico Madrid in the diary before they begin their Serie A campaign at Como on August 19.

Data Debrief: Juve's second string miss their chance

It's fair to say few of the youngsters selected by Motta made a big impression, with the Bianconeri only managing two shots to Nurnberg's seven before they rang the changes at half-time.

No Juventus starter created a chance in Bavaria, and things did not get much better when Motta made his changes, with Vlahovic in particular enduring a disappointing outing. 

He only had 18 touches, one of them coming when he struck the woodwork from 12 yards.  

Thiago Motta insists that Federico Chiesa remains a Juventus player "for now" amid growing uncertainty around his future with the 36-time Serie A champions. 

Chiesa, who has made 131 appearances for Juventus, was offered a new deal before the end of last season but is yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms. 

The Italian's contract runs out next year with the possibility of Juventus losing him on a free, as the club are eager for the 26-year-old to make a decision. 

Chiesa has been of interest to fellow Serie A sides Roma and Napoli, with several Premier League teams also keen to add the Italy international to their ranks.

The Bianconeri are currently preparing for the new season in Germany, but Chiesa not part of Motta's travelling squad. 

“He’s part of Juventus at this moment and then we’ll see," Motta told reporters ahead of Juventus' first pre-season friendly against Nuremberg on Friday. 

Chiesa played a pivotal role in Juventus' 15th Coppa Italia success against Atalanta in May, also helping the club to a third place finish in Serie A. 

He created more chances (54) and recorded more completed dribbles (35) than anyone in the Juventus squad in Italy's top flight, with his nine goals in 33 appearances only bettered by Dusan Vlahovic's 16. 

Former Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci, who played alongside Chiesa in Turin between 2020 and 2023, offered a straightforward response when asked about his former team-mates future at the club. 

“I don’t know if Chiesa will stay or leave. I think he needs to understand what he wants,” Bonnuci said. 

"In recent years, he had difficulties in terms of physicality and character, now he needs to take another step to become a top player. I hope he will be at Juventus."

Thiago Motta insists that Federico Chiesa remains a Juventus player "for now" amid growing uncertainty around his future with the 36-time Serie A champions. 

Chiesa, who has made 131 appearances for Juventus, was offered a new deal before the end of last season but is yet to put pen to paper on fresh terms. 

The Italian's contract runs out next year with the possibility of Juventus losing him on a free, as the club are eager for the 26-year-old to make a decision. 

Chiesa has been of interest to fellow Serie A sides Roma and Napoli, with several Premier League teams also keen to add the Italy international to their ranks.

The Bianconeri are currently preparing for the new season in Germany, with Chiesa not part of Motta's travelling squad. 

“He’s part of Juventus at this moment and then we’ll see," Motta told reporters ahead of Juventus' first pre-season friendly against Nuremberg on Friday. 

Chiesa played a pivotal role in Juventus' 15th Coppa Italia success against Atalanta in May, also helping the club to a third place finish in Serie A. 

He created more chances (54) and recorded more completed dribbles (35) than anyone in the Juventus squad in Italy's top flight, with his nine goals in 33 appearances only bettered by Dusan Vlahovic's 16. 

Former Juventus captain Leonardo Bonucci, who played alongside Chiesa in Turin between 2020 and 2023, offered a straightforward response when asked about his former team-mates future at the club. 

“I don’t know if Chiesa will stay or leave. I think he needs to understand what he wants,” Bonnuci said. 

"In recent years, he had difficulties in terms of physicality and character, now he needs to take another step to become a top player. I hope he will be at Juventus."

Top European leagues and players' union FIFPRO have launched legal action against FIFA, accusing the governing body of abusing its dominant position and harming player welfare by oversaturating the calendar.

The European Leagues – a body representing 39 leagues including the Premier League – has filed a complaint to the European Union's antitrust regulators.

The move comes amid controversy regarding the calendar, with the first edition of FIFA's expanded Club World Cup set to take place in the United States next year.

Last month, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti suggested the European champions could boycott the competition, only for Los Blancos to subsequently confirm their participation in a statement.

FIFPRO launched legal action against FIFA at the Brussels court of commence in the ensuing days, claiming the decision to schedule the Club World Cup had violated players' rights.

The union has now joined a number of leagues in taking the issue to EU lawmakers, with a joint statement reading: "The international match calendar is now beyond saturation and has become unsustainable for national leagues and a risk for the health of players.

"FIFA's decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.

"National leagues and player unions, which represent the interests of all clubs and all players at the national level and regulate labour relations through collectively agreed solutions, cannot accept that global regulations are decided unilaterally.

"Legal action is now the only responsible step for European leagues and player unions to protect football, its ecosystem and workforce from FIFA's unilateral decisions."

Madrid and Manchester City are among 12 European clubs to have booked a spot at the first 32-team Club World Cup, due to their recent Champions League successes.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and Juventus will also feature, with most qualifiers being determined by a ranking system that awards points for victories in the Champions League.

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has confirmed midfielder Adrien Rabiot has left the club ahead of the 2024-25 Serie A season. 

Rabiot, who featured for France in their semi-final run at Euro 2024, made 212 appearances for Juventus since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. 

The 29-year-old featured in 35 matches for the Old Lady under Massimiliano Allegri last season, helping them to a 15th Coppa Italia title. 

Rabiot became the fifth Frenchman to reach 200 appearances for Juventus, leaving him third in the list of the club's all-time French appearance makers alongside Zinedine Zidane. 

Only Michel Platini (224) and David Trezeguet (320) have completed more outings for the 36-time Serie A champions. 

"I want to thank Adrien Rabiot and wish him well for the future," Giuntoli said during Thiago Motta's first press conference as the new Juventus head coach. 

Motta was announced as Juventus' new head coach last month after leading Bologna to a club record 68 points in Serie A, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in the process. 

The 41-year-old, who addressed the media for the first time since being appointed, believes success is forthcoming for Juventus, who have failed to win a league title since the 2019-20 season. 

"I was convinced that Juventus has a great environment and I'm happy to have the best facilities at my disposal," Motta said. 

"Then we hope to play as many games as possible. The goal is always to win and I know I have a big responsibility.

"I would never change my coaching position here for anyone else.

"The past was a pleasure, but we don't have to think about it any more. Now I am focused on what lies ahead, with the desire to prove that we are capable of challenging anyone.

"We don't want alibis linked to our many commitments, but we will have a positive approach to the season and the many games we will play.

"The next gen will give us a big hand. There will be 23-24 starters in the first team, there will be healthy competition for starting places."

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has confirmed midfielder Adrien Rabiot has left the club ahead of the 2024-25 Serie A season. 

Rabiot, who featured for France in their semi-final run at Euro 2024, made 212 appearances for Juventus since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. 

The 29-year-old featured in 35 matches for the Old Lady under Massimiliano Allegri last season, helping them to a 15th Coppa Italia title. 

Rabiot became the fifth Frenchman to reach 200 appearances for Juventus, leaving him third in the list of the club's all-time French appearance makers alongside Zinedine Zidane. 

Only Michel Platini (224) and David Trezeguet (320) have completed more outings for the 36-time Serie A champions. 

"I want to thank Adrien Rabiot and wish him well for the future," Giuntoli said during Thiago Motta's first press conference as the new Juventus head coach. 

Motta was announced as Juventus' new head coach last month after leading Bologna to a club record 68 points in Serie A, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in the process. 

The 41-year-old, who addressed the media for the first time since being appointed, believes success is forthcoming for Juventus, who have failed to win a league title since the 2019-20 season. 

"I was convinced that Juventus has a great environment and I'm happy to have the best facilities at my disposal," Motta said. 

"Then we hope to play as many games as possible. The goal is always to win and I know I have a big responsibility.

"I would never change my coaching position here for anyone else.

"The past was a pleasure, but we don't have to think about it any more. Now I am focused on what lies ahead, with the desire to prove that we are capable of challenging anyone.

"We don't want alibis linked to our many commitments, but we will have a positive approach to the season and the many games we will play.

"The next gen will give us a big hand. There will be 23-24 starters in the first team, there will be healthy competition for starting places."

Khephren Thuram has joined Italian giants Juventus from Nice in a move reportedly worth €20million (£16.9m).

Thuram, a 23-year-old midfielder, has signed a five-year deal with Juve.

He follows in the footsteps of his father, the former France international Lilian Thuram, who also played for the Bianconeri.

Indeed, he also joins his brother Marcus Thuram in Serie A, which the attacker won with Inter last season.

While Marcus was part of France's squad for Euro 2024, Khephren did not make the cut, though he was named in Thierry Henry's Olympic squad, only to withdraw.

Thuram is the third signing of the summer window for Juve, who have also brought in Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa and goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio from Monza.

Fiorentina have announced the signing of Moise Kean from Juventus.

The Viola have paid a reported €13million for the forward, though that could rise to €18million with potential add-ons.

The forward scored 22 goals across two spells at Juve, though failed to find the net in 20 appearances last season.

He won the Scudetto three times and also lifted the Supercoppa Italiana and the Coppa Italia twice.

Kean came through Juventus' academy before making his senior debut in November 2016.

After disappointing spells at Everton and Paris Saint-Germain, he then resigned for the club on loan in 2021 before making the move permanent in 2023.

Thiago Motta believes that "togetherness" is the key to enjoying a successful first season in charge of Juventus.

The former Bologna manager arrived in Turin for his first day of pre-season on Monday.

Juventus finished third in Serie A last season but were 23 points behind Scudetto winners, Inter.

However, they did secure a return to the Champions League after serving a one-season suspension from UEFA after breaking financial fair play regulations.

Now, Motta is setting his sights on getting Juve back to the top.

"I've found myself in a really wonderful place to work," Motta told Juventus' official channels in his first interview. "It goes without saying at such a historic club that, together, we can do a great job.

"It will certainly be a demanding season, but at the same time, it's wonderful to be able to play so many matches, and we hope to play in the maximum number of games, because that means we will be doing well, and that is our objective.

"I send [the Juventus fans] fond greetings, and I hope to be able to meet you soon, in our stadium and in other grounds.

"I know that we will have your support, and we will certainly give everything on the pitch so that together we can all be proud of this team."

Paul Pogba insisted he will not be retiring from football despite his four-year doping ban.

The Frenchman tested positive for doping twice, including for DHEA in September last year, and was handed the sanction in February.

The ruling means he will not be able to play football until August 2027, when he will be 34, but he is awaiting a date for his hearing with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to see if his suspension will be reduced.

"There's still a chance to fight this injustice, which is what I believe it is," he told Sky Italia while attending France's last-16 tie against Belgium at Euro 2024 on Monday.

"Let’s see. Things are hopefully going to get better. I am always positive, but let's see.

"I have never said I am finished, that Paul Pogba doesn't exist anymore. Because Pogba is still here. Today I'm here. I am Pogba. You have never seen me say that I'm finished.

"I still feel like a footballer, I'm still training, and these are now moments where I have to be positive. I'm with my family, spending a lot of time with them, watching my kids grow up."

The rules of Pogba's ban prevent him from playing football professionally or training with Juventus, though the midfielder has continued individual training with coaches.

Asked if the suspension will affect his position at the club, Pogba added: "The latest news is I'm still a Juventus player. So, you need to speak to them.

"I am still contracted to them. I haven't had the chance to speak to them, the sporting director or the coach. I don’t know much, there's a bit of silence. Maybe they're waiting for the appeal to see what happens, but the rest you have to ask them."

Aston Villa have completed the double signing of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus.

The duo were signed for a combined £18.6million (€22m) just one day on from Douglas Luiz's €50million move to the Italian club in a separate deal.

Iling-Junior, a product of Chelsea's academy, joined Juventus in 2020 before making his senior debut in 2022.

The 20-year-old made 27 appearances in all competitions for Juve last season, scoring once and assisting two goals and won the Coppa Italia in May.

Barrenechea was with Juventus for two years, but spent last season on loan at Frosinone, becoming a first-team regular, but could not help the side avoid relegation back to Serie B.

Villa have already had a busy transfer window, with already brought in Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and Lewis Dobbin from Everton.

Meanwhile, along with Luiz, youngsters Tim Ireogbunam and Omari Kellyman have been sold to the Toffees and the Blues respectively.

Juventus have completed the signing of Brazil international Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa.

Luiz was a pivotal feature in Unai Emery's midfield last season, as Villa qualified for the Champions League.

However, the club required sales in order to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR).

Villa have sold youngsters Tim Iroegbunam and Omari Kellyman to Everton and Chelsea respectively, with winger Lewis Dobbin signing from the Toffees and full-back Ian Maatsen joining from the Blues.

Luiz, though, was always likely to be the big sale Villa required to get over the line, and that deal, worth €50million (£42m) has now gone through.

The 26-year-old, who is on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America, has signed a five-year deal with Juve.

In return, Villa are expected to sign Juve youngsters Samuel Iling-Junior and midfielder Enzo Barrenechea in a separate deal worth up to £18.6m (€22m).

They have also been linked with a move for Luton Town's Ross Barkley, who played for the Villans in the 2020-21 season.

Over the past two league campaigns, Luiz has created the most chances (98), teed up the most shots from a set-piece (42), made the most interceptions (63) and tackles (130) of any player in Villa's squad.

Juventus have confirmed the appointment of Thiago Motta as their new head coach.

The former Bologna boss has signed a three-year deal at the Allianz Arena, and comes in as Massimiliano Allegri's replacement following his sacking on May 17.

Allegri was relieved of his duties with immediate effect last month, with the club citing his behaviour during their Coppa Italia final win against Atalanta as a factor in their decision.

Motta was immediately linked with the vacancy after he opted not to renew his contract with Bologna, having led the Rossoblu to a fifth-place finish in Serie A and Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. 

And following the announcement on Wednesday, the 41-year-old cannot wait to get to work with his new employers.

"I am really happy to begin a new chapter at the helm of a great club like Juventus," he told the club's official website.

"I thank the owners and the management, who can be sure of my ambition to keep the Juventus flag flying high and to please the fans."

Motta's first senior managerial role at Genoa in 2019 ended after two months, but he bounced back by steering Spezia to Serie A safety in his only full season in charge before moving to Bologna. 

Bologna have confirmed the appointment of Vincenzo Italiano as the club's new head coach, with the former Fiorentina boss succeeding Thiago Motta.

Italiano has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Rossoblu, who will play in the Champions League next season following a fifth-place finish in Serie A.

The 46-year-old departed Fiorentina at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, after guiding La Viola to successive Europa League Conference finals during his three-year spell.

However, the Florence club suffered heartbreak on both occasions; losing to a last-minute winner from West Ham's Jarrod Bowen in 2023, while Ayoub El Kaabi struck in extra-time to clinch a dramatic victory for Olympiacos the following year.

Italiano also led Fiorentina to the 2022-23 Coppa Italia showpiece, where they were beaten by Inter.

A promotion winner with Trapani and Spezia earlier in his managerial career, he takes charge at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and succeeds Motta, who is expected to replace Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus.

Juventus have confirmed their withdrawal from the European Super League project and requested to rejoin the European Club Association (ECA).

Juve were one of 12 European clubs that signed up to form a breakaway Super League in April 2021, a plan that sparked widespread protests from fans.

Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Milan and Inter were also part of the original breakaway group.

As a result of the announcement, those teams were also excluded from the ECA.

However, following the backlash from supporters and threats of sanctions by UEFA, nine of the clubs backed out swiftly, with the project collapsing within 72 hours.  

They were then readmitted to the ECA, and in July 2023, Juventus began the process of pulling out of the European Super League.

ECA chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on Saturday: "I am pleased to report that Juventus has requested to re-join ECA, which will be formalised shortly.

"ECA's door is always open to clubs who believe in collective interests, progressive reform and working constructively with all stakeholders – we are delighted Juventus will rejoin the European football family."

Madrid and Barcelona are the only remaining teams backing the Super League and have led revived plans, proposing a revamped 64-club league.