Marchisio hails signing of new Juventus midfielder
Thursday June 16 2016
After missing out on the Azzurri’s involvement at Euro 2016, the Italy international has admitted that he is recovering well from his knee injury.
While continuing his recovery from injury, Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has praised the recent arrival of Miralem Pjanic, claiming that the former Roma man can help improve the Bianconeri.
Pjanic completed his move to the Old Lady on Monday after the two Serie A clubs agreed to a €32 million deal.
Furthermore, as Italy prepare to face Sweden in their Euro 2016 Group E clash on Friday afternoon, Marchisio also claimed that his Azzurri teammates can succeed under the guidance of Antonio Conte in France.
“He [Pjanic] is a great player, young but experienced, and can change games with his quality,” Marchisio said during an interview on Thursday. “He is an element that will strengthen the team and he is a targeted purchase.
“There is no need for wholesale changes, but a couple can make a big difference. And Miralem certainly has the quality to help us.”
Marchisio was stretchered off the pitch during the Bianconeri’s 4-0 Serie A victory over Palermo in April, after suffering a tear to his cruciate ligament, although he remains optimistic about his footballing comeback.
“As for myself I’m fine,” he added. “I had a minor mishap at the start but there have been great improvements and I’m happy with how things are going.
“The expected recovery times are the same as before, nothing has changed. It is difficult to predict the day exactly as we are focused on the present. In July, we will all meet again in Vinovo and access the situation.”
Following the Azzurri’s opening 2-0 victory over Belgium, the 30-year-old admitted he expected more from a talented Belgian outfit, but the performance of Conte’s men at the Stade des Lumieres did not surprise him.
“I was not surprised at the performance,” he concluded. “I expected it despite the pessimism that lingered for weeks. I know how Conte works. I was a little disappointed in Belgium, a team of great talent but with an attitude which was a bit naive.
“I wish I was in France, I’m happy for my team-mates but they will have to continue like this.”
