Juventus Season 2011-2012

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena — Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri‎

Pirlo suspended for Juve

Dec 1, 2011

Juventus will be without the suspended Andrea Pirlo – for the first time this season – when they take on Cesena.

The Italian international picked up his fourth yellow card of the campaign in last night’s 3-3 draw at Napoli and will thus be sidelined on Sunday.

Pirlo, 32, has played in every minute of Juventus’ 12 League games since joining the club from Milan in the summer.

The good news for the Old Lady is that Claudio Marchisio is available again after he was banned for the Stadio San Paolo tie.

Juve will face Cesena with Leonardo Bonucci, Arturo Vidal, Giorgio Chiellini and Simone Pepe just one booking away from a suspension.

Cesena, meanwhile, will be without Luca Ceccarelli and Nicola Ravaglia as they too are banned.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Conte to make Juve changes?

Dec 2, 2011

Juventus boss Antonio Conte could make some alterations to his preferred starting XI for the game against Cesena on Sunday.

According to some reports on Friday, the tactician will ponder resting some key players ahead of the Week 15 trip to Roma.

Conte is already without the suspended Andrea Pirlo, but a few other first team regulars could be left out of the team too.

Simone Pepe, Leonardo Bonucci and Arturo Vidal may be amongst those rested as they are one booking away from a suspension.

Giorgio Chiellini is also a yellow card away from a ban, but he may start in the middle of defence alongside Andrea Barzagli. That will allow Paolo De Ceglie to start on the left.

There is also the possibility that Fabio Quagliarella may be handed his first start of the season at the expense of Mirko Vucinic.

Conte used a 3-5-2 system at Napoli during the 3-3 draw in midweek, but he’s expected to revert back to a 4-3-3 this weekend which has proved successful recently.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Conte: 'Juve competitive again'

Dec 2, 2011

Antonio Conte admits he has achieved his first target, “to make Juventus competitive again,” but faces Cesena without Andrea Pirlo.

The Bianconeri boss has refused to discuss the Scudetto despite the fact they are the only team left unbeaten. After the 1-0 win away to Lazio and fighting back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw at Napoli, even the Coach cannot hide.

“Juventus were coming off two consecutive seventh place finishes, so it wasn’t right to put us among the Scudetto favourites,” said Conte.

“My first objective was to make Juventus competitive again, therefore to have credibility in the eyes of fans and opponents. That objective has been achieved. Now the second step is to confirm our competitive nature in the long run.

“If we can hit that target too, then we can start to think about other ambitions.”

Pirlo has played in every game so far this season, but sits out a ban in Sunday’s encounter with Cesena. There is the risk Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci could miss next week’s trip to Roma if they pick up cards.

“Pirlo is a very important player and man for this club, but whoever plays tomorrow will have my utmost faith,” continued Conte.

“It’s true Pirlo is a reference point, but the team will play at 120 per cent to ensure he is not missed. As for the others on a yellow card, that doesn’t interest me. Cesena are worth as many points as any other, so we must win.”

The Coach also looked back at Tuesday’s spectacular fightback in a six-goal thriller.

“At half-time in Naples I preferred to speak to the squad rather than change line-up or system. And I was right. It’s not true that Napoli were more tired, as we were in the same condition.”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juve name squad for Cesena

Dec 3, 2011

Claudio Marchisio returns, but Andrea Pirlo is out of Sunday’s Juventus-Cesena match.

Antonio Conte named his squad for tomorrow afternoon’s encounter, which does not include Pirlo due to a one-match ban.

Marchisio sat out his suspension in Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Napoli, so is back in the side.

Juventus squad

1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 5 Pazienza, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 22 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Krasic, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 34 Marrone.

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Mutu faces Juventus past

Dec 3, 2011

Adrian Mutu looks forward to facing his former club for Cesena, but concedes “I didn’t want to leave Juventus in 2006.”

The Romanian has had a chequered career and was given another chance by Juve after Chelsea fired him for failing a drugs test.

“I was so happy at Juve, it was a fantastic time for me,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“I won two Scudetti. Calciopoli scandal or not, I feel that they are mine.

“There was a particularly strong bond with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I didn’t want to leave in 2006, but in the end I found myself at Fiorentina.”

Mutu was sold after Juventus were demoted to Serie B in that scandal, but joined Cesena this summer and returns to Turin tomorrow.

“It’s going to be tough, as they are a great side once again. They do lose something with Andrea Pirlo’s ban, as he is unique, but I’m sure Juventus will be able to replace him well.”

Mutu faced another former teammate, ex-Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, and chipped him when scoring a penalty against Genoa last week.

“Will I try doing that to Gigi Buffon? I don’t know. It’s tough to beat him, but for now I won’t think about that.

“Daniele Arrigoni’s arrival shook up the Cesena side and restored our confidence. I now play in my preferred role, whereas Marco Giampaolo saw me as a centre-forward. I will admit I haven’t done enough on the field, so I give myself five out of 10.”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Antonio Conte: Pirlo is a very important player for Juventus

The former Siena man has spoken about the man who joined the club on a free transfer

in the summer from Milan, with the midfielder set to miss Sunday's Serie A fixture.

Dec 3, 2011

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has spoken of Andrea Pirlo's importance to the club since his summer arrival, as suspension rules him out of Sunday's game against Cesena.

The Turin giants could return to the top of the table if they win at home this weekend but the absence of Pirlo could be a big blow for Juventus.

Juventus also have Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci a booking away from suspension, but Conte maintains he is not worried about this.

"Pirlo is a very important player and man for this club, but whoever plays tomorrow will have my utmost faith," the former Siena coach told reporters in his press conference.

"It's true Pirlo is an example, but the team will play at 120 per cent to ensure he is not missed. As for the others on a yellow card, that doesn't interest me. Cesena are worth as many points as any other, so we must win."

Conte was also keen to play down his team's impressive start to the season, stating that their aim was to show that the side were competitive again.

"Juventus were coming off two consecutive seventh-place finishes so it wasn't right to put us among the Scudetto favourites," Conte added.

"My first objective was to make Juventus competitive again, therefore to have credibility in the eyes of fans and opponents. That objective has been achieved. Now the second step is to confirm our competitive nature in the long run."

"If we can hit that target too, then we can start to think about other ambitions."

Juventus are the only unbeaten side in Serie A this season after winning seven and drawing five of their opening 12 league fixtures.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Serie A Preview

The Old Lady could make it 13 matches unbeaten under Antonio Conte with another decent showing

on Sunday, but face the resurgent Seahorses, who have their last two on the bounce.

Dec 3, 2011

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie

Vidal, Pazienza, Marchisio

Pepe, Matri, Vucinic

CESENA

Antonioli

Rodriguez, Benalouane, Von Bergen, Lauro

Ghezzal, Guana, Parolo, Martinho

Bogdani, Mutu

Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte is expected to make two changes from the side that participated in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Napoli, as Paolo De Ceglie is set for a surprise start at left-back in place of Giorgio Chiellini, who in turn replaces Leonardo Bonucci. In addition, Andrea Pirlo will also be forced to sit the encounter out after accumulating a one-match ban, thus paving the way for Michele Pazienza to partner Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio in midfield.

Meanwhile, for the visitors, Cesena boss Daniele Arrigoni will be without Gianluca Comotto, Jorge Martinez and Giuseppe Colucci due to injury, while Luca Ceccarelli and Nicola Ravaglia are both suspended.

Unsurprisingly, the former Cagliari trainer will ring the changes from the XI that comprehensively disposed of Gubbio in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. The alterations should see Ceccarelli, Luca Ricci, Tommaso Arrigoni, Antonio Candreva and Eder sacrified for the talents of Steve von Bergen, Marco Parolo, Abdelkader Ghezzal, Raphael Martinho and top scorer Adrian Mutu.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus winger Simone Pepe's goal against Napoli was the first time he had scored in three consecutive Serie A game.

• Striker Alessandro Matri has had a direct involvement in an impressive nine of his team's 22 goals.

• The Old Lady remain the only unbeaten side in Serie A this season, with seven wins and five draws.

• Despite collecting just three points from their previous 10 games, Cesena have tripled their points tally in the last two games.

• Three of Cesena's six goals in this campaign have been scored by Adrian Mutu.

• However, Cesena have won just two of their last 22 meetings against Juventus in the top-flight.

• The Seahorses' only win in Turin came in the 1987-88 campaign; they were awarded a 2-0 win after the game was abandoned.

Head to Head

Serie A - Mar 12, 2011 - Cesena 2 - Juventus 2

Serie A ‎- Nov 7, 2010 - Juventus 3 - Cesena 1

Serie B ‎- May 6, 2007 - Cesena 2 - Juventus 2

Serie B ‎- Jan 16, 2007 - Juventus 2 - Cesena 1

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Nov 29, 2011 - Napoli 3 - Juventus 3 - Serie A

Nov 26, 2011 - Lazio 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Nov 20, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Palermo 0 - Serie A

Oct 29, 2011 - Inter 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Oct 25, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A

Cesena

Nov 30, 2011 - Cesena 3 - Gubbio 0 - Coppa Italia

Nov 27, 2011 - Cesena 2 - Genoa 0 - Serie A

Nov 20, 2011 - Bologna 0 - Cesena 1 - Serie A

Nov 6, 2011 - Cesena 0 - Lecce 1 - Serie A

Oct 30, 2011 - Parma 2 - Cesena 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Alessandro Matri - Position: Striker - Squad Number: 32

Another prolific performer of late, he has arguably been Juventus' most important player in their surge to the summit, scoring in four successive games while incorporating assists into his game. Although not the quickest of attackers, his ability to lead the line efficiently while using his instinct to bury chances will make for fascinating viewing.

Adrian Mutu - Position: Striker - Squad Number: 10

The scorer of exactly half of Cesena's goal output in Serie A this season, including a brace in last week's 2-0 win over Genoa to lift his team off the bottom of the table, Mutu is fast developing into a talismanic figure in Emilia-Romagna. Despite a difficult start to his career at the club, there can be no denying the undoubted talent that the Romanian forward possesses.

Prediction

An Andrea Pirlo-less Juventus should dispose of the Seahorses with relative ease if they are serious about their title aspirations. Some of their more prominent performers have begun stepping up to the plate in recent weeks, therefore giving less cause for concern about the absence of the gifted playmaker in the middle of the pitch.

Editor's Prediction: Juventus 2 Cesena 0

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Arrigoni challenges Juve

Dec 4, 2011

Daniele Arrigoni cannot deny Cesena face “a very difficult game” against Serie A leaders Juventus today.

The Sea Horses looked doomed to relegation when he took over from Marco Giampaolo, but have improved their fortunes with two consecutive victories.

“We are playing against a team that fights for the Scudetto, even if I think Milan are still the favourites. There’s no doubting it is a very difficult game,” said the Coach.

“Juve know full well they cannot afford mistakes in these games, while I am worried by the quality of their players. We’ll try to do our best.”

Andrea Pirlo is suspended for the Turin giants, while Arrigoni is keeping his cards close to his chest.

“I still haven’t decided about the right-back and midfield, but I can confirm Abdel Ghezzal will start. I expect a great deal from him. I want Antonio Candreva behind the strikers, but at this moment we need balance.”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Claudio Marchisio returns for Juventus versus Cesena

The in-form midfielder has made his way back in the starting XI

after missing the game against Napoli due to suspension.

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has opted to make two changes compared to the team that drew 3-3 against Napoli in midweek for Sunday's Serie A match at home against Cesena.

Claudio Marchisio returns from a one-match ban and takes his place in midfield again at the expense of Marcelo Estigarribia, while playmaker Andrea Pirlo is suspended and will be replaced by Michele Pazienza.

Simone Pepe, Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic will form Juventus' three-man attack, meaning that Milos Krasic and Alessandro Del Piero start from the bench once again.

Cesena coach Daniele Arrigoni will be looking toward star players Marco Parolo and Adrian Mutu as his side aim to get a good result at Juventus Stadium.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Marchisio, Pazienza, Vidal; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic.

Subs: Storari, De Ceglie, Giaccherini, Krasic, Del Piero, Quagliarella, Estigarribia.

Cesena: Antonioli; Comotto, Von Bergen,Rodriguez, Lauro; Candreva, Guana, Parolo, Martinho; Bogdani, Mutu.

Subs: Calderoni, Ricci, Benalouane, Rossi, Djokovic, Eder, Livaja.

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Line-ups: Juventus-Cesena

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus have adjusted their tactics and look to Michele Pazienza in Andrea Pirlo’s absence against Cesena.

The Bianconeri have to reshuffle with Pirlo’s suspension ruling him out for the first time this season, as the veteran has so far played every single minute.

Claudio Marchisio returns from his ban, but Pazienza is given his first start in a Juve jersey. It looks like a 4-3-3 system with Simone Pepe possibly coming back to help the midfield, leaving Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri in attack.

Cesena have revived their fortunes recently with two consecutive victories, but had Luca Ceccarelli and Nicola Ravaglia suspended, while Gianluca Comotto, Jorge Martinez and Giuseppe Colucci were sidelined. Adrian Mutu returns to face his former club, albeit in their new stadium, with support from Rafael Martinho and Erjon Bogdani.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Vidal, Pazienza, Marchisio; Pepe, Vucinic, Matri

Cesena: Antonioli; Rossi, Von Bergen, Rodriguez, Lauro; Ghezzal, Guana, Parolo; Martinho, Bogdani, Mutu

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Claudio Marchisio (72')

Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Attendance: 27000‎

Marchisio and Vidal on target as Turin giants return to Serie A summit

The Bianconeri struggled to create any openings of note during the first half but their goalscoring

Italy midfielder came up trumps for them once again with the breakthrough.

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus reclaimed top spot in Serie A with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Cesena in Turin on Sunday afternoon.

The Bianconeri struggled badly to break down their relegation-threatened visitors but Claudio Marchisio popped up with just 18 minutes to go to score his sixth goal of the season, before Arturo Vidal slotted home from the penalty spot after Francesco Antonioli had been harshly sent off for bringing down Emanuele Giaccherini.

Juventus started promisingly enough, with the movement of Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe asking questions of the Cesena defence. The only trouble for the home side was the visitors had answers more often than not.

Admittedly, Guillermo Rodriguez was somewhat fortunate to have avoided giving away a penalty when he clattered into Lichtsteiner but the referee saw no foul and waved away Juventus’ protests. There was some doubt over whether the offence had occurred in or outside the box but it should have been a free kick at the very least.

That penalty shout aside, Cesena had few scares during the opening 45 minutes. Indeed, Antonioli was only really forced into one notable save, the Cesena goalkeeper using his feet to keep out Vucinic’s low drive shortly before the break.

After a presumably stern talking-to from Antonio Conte during the interval, Juventus began the second half with greater endeavour and Pepe squandered two terrific opportunities to open the scoring.

In the first instance, the Italy international could only fire straight at Antonioli after the keeper had failed to hold Vucinic’s effort from distance. Then, just moments later Pepe headed wide after being picked out at the far post by a wonderful cross from Giorgio Chiellini.

By this point, Fabio Quagliarella had come on for the unusually ineffective Alessandro Matri and Conte opted to make another change before the hour mark, sending Alessandro Del Piero on for Vucinic.

However, Del Piero did not have nearly enough time to make an impact, the legendary No.10 being stretchered off with a nasty head wound after being booted in the face by Marco Rossi as he stooped to nod the ball on.

It seemed that fate was conspiring against Juventus. However, Marchisio then came up trumps for the Bianconeri once more, the Italian exchanging passes with Pepe and Arturo Vidal on the edge of the box before finding the bottom right corner of the Cesena goal with a sweet left-footed strike.

Juve sealed their victory seven minutes form time, Vidal easily beating Rodriguez from 12 yards out after the Cesena defender had been forced to go in goal following Antonioli's dismissal for simply colliding with Giaccherini as the pair competed for Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross.

The victory means that the home side move two points clear at the summit once more, while Cesena remain one point and one place off the bottom of the table.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Claudio Marchisio (72')

Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Attendance: 27000‎

Juve thank Marchisio

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus thanked Claudio Marchisio’s sixth goal of the season, as they strained to break down Cesena and had a hotly contested penalty.

The Bianconeri had to reshuffle with Andrea Pirlo’s suspension ruling him out for the first time this season. Claudio Marchisio returned from his ban and Michele Pazienza was given his first start in a Juve jersey. Cesena had revived their fortunes recently with two consecutive victories, but had Luca Ceccarelli and Nicola Ravaglia suspended, while Gianluca Comotto, Jorge Martinez and Giuseppe Colucci were sidelined. Adrian Mutu returned to face his former club, albeit in their new stadium.

Alessandro Matri had a couple of chances in the opening six minutes, but lost his footing. Stephan Lichtsteiner was tripped right on the edge of the box by Rodriguez and Juve wanted a red card, but the referee instead awarded a corner.

Cesena were solid at the back and ran very few risks, as Marchisio’s deflected shot from distance was comfortably smothered by Francesco Antonioli.

Matri was not having a good day and horribly scuffed his volley from Marchisio’s cross around the penalty spot, while Pepe’s right-foot effort hit the side-netting.

Mirko Vucinic burst down the left and smacked his shot towards the near post, forcing veteran goalkeeper Antonioli to parry with his legs. From that corner, Leonardo Bonucci steered a looping header to the same spot where Vucinic couldn’t quite reach. Perhaps Bonucci should’ve gone for goal, as he was unmarked.

Juventus had a great double chance after the restart. First Antonioli got down to beat away a Vucinic screamer from distance, then got back on his feet straight away to block Pepe’s volleyed follow-up. Pepe nodded inches wide from a Giorgio Chiellini cross, but Antonio Conte introduced Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero.

It was a siege on Cesena’s area, but Juve struggled to find a way through, as Quagliarella and Pazienza drilled over.

Del Piero was very unlucky, as he accidentally got a cut to the face from Rossi’s boot in midfield. The veteran was bleeding heavily and stretchered off in clear agony, so his match lasted just eight minutes. It was not a good way to mark his 500th appearance in League games for Juventus, between Serie A and B.

Cesena had their first real shot on goal at the 65th minute with Gigi Buffon beating away a Martinho counter-attack. Pepe hit a free kick straight into the wall, but it took their top scorer Marchisio to finally break the deadlock.

Marchisio scored his sixth goal of the season, exchanging passes with Arturo Vidal just inside the area to smash a left-foot strike in at the base of the near post. Coach Conte’s celebrations were particularly excitable, leaping up to slam his hands on the Plexiglas.

It got worse for Cesena, as Antonioli gave away a penalty and was sent off for clattering into Emanuele Giaccherini as both went for a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross. However, replays suggest Giaccherini would not have really reached the ball and the goalkeeper got to it before the Juventus man.

Cesena had already completed their substitutions, so Rodriguez pulled on the shirt and gloves. His first move was to pick Vidal’s penalty out of the back of the net.

Eder should’ve got one back for the visitors, but scuffed his finish wide in acres of space down the middle. Rodriguez did get to act as goalkeeper with a good save on Quagliarella from close range.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Vidal, Pazienza, Marchisio; Pepe, Vucinic (Del Piero 56) (Giaccherini 64), Matri (Quagliarella 50)

Cesena: Antonioli; Rossi, Von Bergen, Rodriguez, Lauro; Ghezzal, Guana, Parolo, Martinho (Candreva 78); Bogdani (Malonga 46) (Eder 78), Mutu

Ref:Doveri

Sent off: Antonioli 81

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[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Claudio Marchisio (72')

Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Attendance: 27000‎

Juve cruise past Cesena to go top

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus moved back to the top of Serie A with a comfortable 2-0 win over a cautious Cesena at the Juventus Stadium.

Claudio Marchisio opened the scoring in the 74th minute of a one-sided game and Arturo Vidal scored the second from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute after Francesco Antonioli was sent off.

The home side deserved their win as they dominated from start to finish against a side whose only intent was clearly to snatch a 0-0 draw.

Juve were hungry to return to the top of Serie A after seeing both Udinese and AC Milan move above them this weekend and the ball was practically confined to the Cesena half for the entire match.

The first chance for the host team came in the seventh minute when Alessandro Matri slipped and sent his shot over the bar from a good position. A minute later, Simone Pepe lifted the ball over the Cesena defence to send Vidal through, but the Chilean tried to pull the ball across goal for a team-mate rather than shooting with only Antonioli to beat.

Cesena resisted well for the first 45 minutes, but Juve moved up a gear in the second half. Mirko Vucinic's shot was parried by Antonioli and Pepe shot straight at the Cesena goalkeeper on the rebound in the 50th minute.

Pepe then headed just wide of the post from Giorgio Chiellini's deep cross. Cesena's one and only shot on goal arrived in the 65th minute with Raphael Martinho's effort straight at Gianluigi Buffon, who was given a rare touch of the ball.

Ten minutes later, Marchisio finally broke the deadlock with his sixth goal of the season. He received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and turned on to his favoured left foot to shoot low into the bottom right-hand corner.

A dubious penalty decision then gave Juve the chance to make it two as Antonioli was sent off for a foul on Giaccherini, who took a tumble over the Cesena number one before he saw he had earned a penalty.

Guillermo Rodriguez went in goal since all three substitutes had already been used, but he could do nothing to deny Vidal from scoring the second. He did deny Fabio Quagliarella a third in the 89th minute, though, preventing any further damage for the Serie A strugglers.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Claudio Marchisio (72')

Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Attendance: 27000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of all of those involved in Juventus' clash

with Cesena in Turin, a game in which the hosts laboured for long periods.

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - A virtual spectator for most of the game but got down well to save from Martinho when he was finally called into action in the second period.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Another very solid display from Chiellini. Had a couple of misplaced passes but he got forward very well and his delivery from the flank was good. Indeed, Pepe should have scored from his wonderful cross shortly after half-time.

Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - Not his most taxing afternoon given Cesena's lack of a goalscoring threat but he made some decent interceptions all the same and can be pleased with his efforts.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - Had an early slip but got back well to recover the situation and proved pretty reliable thereafter. Also contributed at the other end, playing a wonderful first-time ball out to Pepe on the half volley at one point before then very nearly setting up Vucinic for the opener with his header back across goal.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.5 - Perhaps not as effective as he was against Palermo a few weeks back but was still full of running down the right-hand side and remains a great outlet for Juve. It was from his cross that Giaccherini won the penalty.

Michele Pazienza 5.5 - Not a particularly eye-catching display from Pazienza, who was charged with the rather unenviable task of filling in for the suspended Pirlo in midfield. Decent showing, though, and he was unlucky not to hit the target with a fine drive from distance during the second period.

Simone Pepe 6.5 - A bundle of energy throughout the game, he always looked the most likely to make something happen for Juventus. However, he squandered a couple of terrific opportunities at the start of the second half and was no doubt very relieved when Marchisio finally made the breakthrough.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - It has to be said that Marchisio was pretty subdued before his goal. His passing was poor and he just wasn't carrying his usual goalscoring threat. However, he then came up trumps by firing home left-footed after two neat exchanges on the edge of the box.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.0 - A very industrious performance from Vidal, who was constantly pressing and probing in the middle of the field. His penalty was just reward for a dynamic display.

Mirko Vučinić 6.0 - Carried a real attacking threat while he was on the field, doing a lot of good work down the left-hand side. However, there remains a big concern over his end product, something clearly shared by Conte, who whipped him off before the hour.

Alessandro Matri 5.0 Unusually poor showing from the striker. Nothing went right for him at all - he miscued horribly on two occasions during the first half - and it came as no surprise when he was hauled off five minutes into the second half.

• Substitutions

Emanuele Giaccherini 6.0 - Thrown on for Del Piero, Giaccerini proved a lively replacement and it was he who earned the penalty from which Juve sealed their win.

Alessandro Del Piero 5.5 - A desperately frustrating - and painful - cameo for the legendary No.10. Came on for Vucinic just before the hour but only last roughly eight minutes before being stretchered off with a nasty head wound after taking a boot to the head.

Fabio Quagliarella 5.5 - Has been starved of game time this season but was given 40 minutes to make an impression. That he failed to do so was particularly disappointing, his best effort being a shot from the edge of the box which flew over.

Cesena

Francesco Antonioli 5.5 - Had surprisingly little to do before being beaten by Marchisio from the edge of the box. He was then harshly sent off for taking out Giaccherini as it seemed he had gotten plenty on the ball.

Guillermo Rodriguez 6.0 - A pretty eventful afternoon for Rodriguez, who was lucky not to give away a penalty - or at least a free-kick - for a lunge on Lichtsteiner in the first half before later being forced to go in goal following Antonioli's dismissal. He actually performed pretty well in between the sticks!

Maurizio Lauro 5.5 - Struggled with the movement of Pepe but was also left exposed whenever Lichtsteiner bombed forward. Got stuck in, though, and was full of running throughout.

Marco Rossi 5.5 - Defended well for the most part but became increasingly reckless. Indeed, less than five minutes after booting Del Piero in the head, he took out Chiellini on the edge of his own box.

Steve von Bergen 6.0 - Did not really put a foot wrong during a pretty disciplined display at the back. His efforts deserved better.

Roberto Guana 5.5 - Put himself about in the middle of the park and also exhibited a decent range of passing. However, became an increasingly peripheral figure in the second half as Juve began to dominate possession.

Marco Parolo 5.5 - Like Guana, Parolo had some nice touches on the ball but the trouble was that he too saw very little of it during the second period.

Adrian Mutu 5.0 - The Romanian held the ball up very well whenever it came his way and showed flashes of his undoubted talent. However, he was largely starved of any decent service.

Martinho 5.5 - A very hit and miss performance from Martinho. He looked a threat at times and stung Buffon's palms with a good strike in the second half but some of his passing was dreadful, the lowlight being a shockingly bad attempt to find Ghezzal at the far post during a promising breakaway in the first half.

Abdel Kader Ghezzal 5.0 - Another Cesena player who was not afraid to put the boot in but he failed to make a positive impact on the game and some of his distribution was desperately poor.

Erjon Bogdani 4.5 - A couple of neat lay-offs aside, he struggled terribly to get into the game during the first half and was whipped off at the break.

• Substitutions

Antonio Candreva 5.0 - Came on for Martinho 13 minutes before the end and did not have sufficient time to really get involved.

Eder 5.0 - Also brought on with just 13 minutes to go but he did at least have a half-chance late on, only to scuff the ball wide.

Dominique Malonga 4.5 - Shocking stuff from Malonga, who replaced Bogdani at the break but was then suffered the ignominy of being replaced himself after just 32 minutes of action.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Claudio Marchisio (72')

Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Attendance: 27000

Arturo Vidal: Win over Cesena was hard-fought

The Chilean midfielder admitted that the Bianconeri did not have an easy game,

and made clear that he is determined to help the team keep up their good form.

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has expressed his satisfaction with his side's 2-0 Serie A victory at home over Cesena on Sunday afternoon, and admitted that their opponents put up a good fight.

The Chile international assisted Claudio Marchisio's opener in the 72nd minute, and later on put the match to bed with a well-taken penalty.

"I’m very happy about the three points and the hard-fought victory. It was important to break the deadlock somehow, and we managed to do it," Vidal was quoted as saying on Juventus' official website.

"We’re continuing our spectacular championship form, and a win in this manner will help us to go on in the same vein."

Vidal then went on to express his satisfaction with the way he's adapted to life at his new club since his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.

"We’re a great group and my team-mates have made me feel indispensable. I couldn’t have settled in any better."

Following their win over Cesena, Juventus sit at the summit of the Serie A table with 29 points from 13 games.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Claudio Marchisio (72')

Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Attendance: 27000

Alessandro Del Piero to spend the night in hospital

following facial injury against Cesena

The legendary Bianconeri No.10 required several stitches to his left temple,

suffering a kick to the head from defender Marco Rossi during the victory over the minnows.

Dec 4, 2011

Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero will spend the night in hospital after needing eight stitches from a high boot in the face during his team's 2-0 win over Cesena in Serie A on Sunday.

The former Italy forward was the recipient of a kick from Seahorses defender Marco Rossi, forcing him to leave the pitch on a stretcher just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute for Mirko Vucinic.

After Juve's physio team managed to stop the blood streaming from his face with eight stitches to his left temple, the club released a statement, confirming that he was admitted to hospital for further treatment.

"He never lost consciousness and the wound was sewn up at the stadium with eight stitches," said the statement. "Our captain will however be taken to hospital for the normal controls."

News agency Ansa have since confirmed that although a CAT scan ruled out any other complications, Del Piero will remain in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure, potentially ruling him out of the Old Lady's Coppa Italia fixture with Bologna on Thursday.

Juventus have moved two points clear at the top of the Serie A table following their two-goal victory.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Claudio Marchisio (72')

Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Daniele Doveri

Attendance: 27000

Conte calmed Juve down

Dec 4, 2011

Antonio Conte explains how he kept Juventus calm enough to patiently break down the Cesena brick wall.

“I am very happy with the performance of the lads,” said the Coach after this 2-0 victory.

“At the end of the first half I told the players to stay calm, because sooner or later we’d have broken the deadlock with the way we were playing.

“I told the wingers to stay wide and make life difficult for the Cesena defence, without clogging up the midfield. We did well to keep them pegged back.”

Conte had to readjust his tactics due to Andrea Pirlo’s suspension, giving Michele Pazienza his first start of the campaign.

“I told him he couldn’t possibly and should not even attempt to play like Pirlo. We signed Pazienza to play like Pazienza, which is what he did very effectively.”

Juve are top of the table with a two-point advantage over Milan and Udinese. Next Monday they face a tricky trip to troubled Roma.

“First of all we are focused only on the next game, which is the Coppa Italia against Bologna on Thursday. That is an important objective for this season. After that, we will think about Roma.”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/