Sampdoria chief Beppe Marotta has revealed Antonio Cassano came close to joining Juventus.

Speaking ahead of last night's defeat to Juve, Marotta revealed: "How close was he to Juve? Pretty close.

"Juve, like other clubs, set their sights on him, but genuine negotiations round a table never materialised.

"As for the chances of him making that move next season, those are very slim. Cassano has proved great love for Samp and we are in a position to keep him. We've put him at the centre of our project."