Basisphilosophie » ear-old Allegri was fired by Milan in Janu

TURIN, Italy -- New Juventus coach Massimo Allegri says he was both surprised and honoured when the Italian champions approached him to take the job on Wednesday, just a day after Antonio Conte made his sudden departure. The 46-year-old Allegri was fired by Milan in January after 3 1/2 seasons with the squad, having led the Rossoneri to the Serie A title in his first year in charge in 2010-11. He also previously coached Grosseto, Sassuolo and Cagliari. "It was like a lightning bolt in a clear sky when I was called yesterday," Allegri said after signing a two-year deal. "Its an honour and I realize how important it is to coach Juventus. Im here to help this squad continue to win." Conte led Juventus to the past three Serie A titles but left by mutual consent Tuesday. "Were closing one winning cycle and opening another," Juventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta said. "We had to react quickly and the choice of Allegri was made to continue winning." Conte hinted that his departure was due to differences with club officials over the transfer market. He reportedly wanted to sign highly priced players like Chiles Alexis Sanchez, who instead left Barcelona for Arsenal, and Colombias Juan Cuadrado, who is still entertaining offers to leave Fiorentina, but the club didnt agree. Instead, Juventus has gone after Manchester United left back Patrice Evra, Real Madrid forward Alvaro Morata and Hellas Verona striker Juan Manuel Iturbe. "Winning is difficult. It comes with a lot of effort, especially in a club like Juventus where there is the obligation of victory," Conte said Tuesday. Allegri had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Cesare Prandelli as coach of Italys national team but now Conte and Roberto Mancini are the top candidates for that job. Allegri might have to make peace with Juventus midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo, who was let go by Milan in 2011 -- apparently because Allegri wanted a more physical presence in front of the defence. Pirlo became one of the architects of Juves title runs the past three seasons and at 35 remains a key playmaker. "Unfortunately that year Andrea had a series of injuries and had trouble coming back," Allegri said. "There were never any problems with Andrea and I never questioned Andreas qualities, otherwise I would be considered crazy. Im happy to have him again after three years." Many Juventus fans were critical of the hiring of Allegri. "I understand the fans skepticism, because in the space of a single day their coach was changed," Allegri said. "I hope to win them over with hard work, respect and professionalism. Darnell Savage Jr. Youth Jersey . -- Howie Kendrick had a two-run single in his first game batting leadoff this season, Chris Iannetta hit a pair of RBI singles and the Los Angeles Angels beat Cleveland 6-4 Tuesday night, sending the Indians to their fifth straight defeat. Elgton Jenkins Youth Jersey . - The Denver Broncos kept rookie wide receiver Tavarres King from joining the Green Bay Packers by promoting him to their active roster Tuesday. http://www.packersrookiestore.com/Packers-Paul-Hornung-Jersey/ . PAUL, Minn. Green Bay Packers Jerseys . -- During a players meeting following the All-Star break, Jermaine ONeal promised his teammates to play the rest of the regular season like he would never play again -- because he very well might not. Paul Hornung Youth Jersey . However, the 38-year-old is in no hurry to sign with another team. "Im not in a rush. This will be my last contract, so I want to do it right," said Burris on Thursday.UMAG, Croatia - Heavy rain washed out the Croatia Open semifinals on Saturday. Organizers of the ATP clay-court event said the matches will be held on Sunday morning, and the finals in the evening..dddddddddddd In the semis, top-seeded Fabio Fognini of Italy faces Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay, and third-seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia plays defending champion Tommy Robredo of Spain. ' ' '