Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Simone Pepe eagerly anticipating Udinese test

The attacker is looking forward to taking on his old team in the Old Lady's final

Serie A game before the winter break and assured his side will be out to end the year on a high.

Dec 19, 2011

Juventus winger Simone Pepe is looking forward to the upcoming Serie A match away to Udinese on Wednesday, and added that the Bianconeri will do their utmost to get a good result at the Stadio Friuli against his former club.

The 28-year-old Pepe made over 100 official appearances for Udinese between 2007 and 2010 before joining the Old Lady, and the Italy international is keen to return to the club where he rose to prominence.

"We’ll face a really tough test against a team who play good football and know how to win," Pepe was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website.

"Udinese gave me a lot, it’s a city that is dear to me and in which I managed to break into the national side. The fact that I’m now at Juve is thanks to Udinese. However, we’ll do our utmost to obtain a positive result."

Juventus currently sit top of the Serie A table with 33 points from 15 games, and have a two-point lead over joint second AC Milan and Udinese.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Pepe owes it to Udinese

Dec 19, 2011

Simone Pepe has paid tribute to former club Udinese on the eve of Juventus’ trip to the Stadio Friuli.

Pepe has been in fine form for the Old lady this season after hitting five goals in 15 League games – including the first in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Novara.

That victory saw Juve move two points clear at the top of the table before Wednesday’s potentially tricky encounter at Udine.

“We’ve overcome another hurdle,” he noted after Sunday’s triumph at the Juventus Stadium. “We were perhaps less composed in front of goal, but we showed a great intensity from start to finish.

“Now we’ll face a really tough test against a team who play good football and know how to win.

“Udinese gave me a lot, it’s a city that is dear to me and in which I managed to break into the national side.

“If I’m now at Juve it’s thanks to Udinese – even if we’ll do all we can go obtain a positive result.”

Italian international Pepe, 28, spent three years at Udinese before his 2010 loan switch to Turin. He was signed on a permanent basis by the Bianconeri last summer.

Udinese are joint second with Milan in Serie A.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Di Natale on Juve test

Dec 20, 2011

Udinese goal machine Antonio Di Natale feels that Wednesday’s game against Juventus will reveal just how good his side actually are.

Udinese have a 100 per cent home record in Serie A this season, but visitors Juve are unbeaten in the top flight.

“The game against Antonio Conte’s side will be fundamental to understand what our real ambitions are for the season,” the 34-year-old commented.

“If we come away with a win then we will actually get back to the top of the table. This match could be like a massive trampoline for us.”

Udinese are joint second in Serie A with Milan, two points shy of the Old Lady, also thanks to Di Natale’s 10 goals in 14 games.

Francesco Guidolin’s outfit finished the last campaign in fourth place before selling Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Cristian Zapata over the summer.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Guidolin: Title for Milan and Juve

Dec 20, 2011

The Scudetto is between Juventus and Milan only, says Francesco Guidolin, ahead of welcoming the Bianconeri to Udine.

Udinese are currently alongside Milan on 31 points in the table and just two points behind League-leaders Juve, who visit the Stadio Friuli on Wednesday evening.

Such has been the Zebrette’s start to the season - a best ever that has included seven consecutive home wins - there are continuous questions about their ability to mount a title challenge.

However, before facing Antonio Conte’s side in the final round of League fixtures before the winter break, Guidolin looked to play down Udinese title assertions.

“Without offending the other big teams, for now, the discussion about the League is between Juventus and Milan. It is not a matter that concerns us.”

The last two meetings between the two sides in Udine have proven one-sided affairs, from Udinese’s 3-0 win in March 2010 to Juve’s 4-0 win some six months later.

“We know that tomorrow we will close the calendar year with a very important match,” commented Guidolin. “We know their qualities, their character. We’ll have our usual profile and we’ll try to play a good game. We’ll bring out everything that’s left, hoping we can contrast them.

“Juve are strong everywhere, not only in the midfield but also in defence and attack. They have several alternatives and I want to salute Conte: he deserves the role he’s been given.

“I’m seeing the character of the “old” Juve, I think they’re becoming stronger and stronger thanks to their players.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Antonio Conte: We have exceeded all expectations

Juventus coach revealed his satisfaction with the results shown by the Old Lady so far, praising the commitment of his players, and also had a word on upcoming opponents Udinese.

Dec 20, 2011

Juventus coach Antonio Conte is of the opinion that his team have exceeded all expectations so far this season.

The Old Lady sit top of Serie A, courtesy of a 15-game unbeaten run. The Turin-based outfit are yet to taste defeat in the league this season and have a two-point cushion over AC Milan and Udinese.

The 42-year-old coach praised his players for their commitment and shared his thoughts about the game against Francesco Guidolin's men on Wednesday.

"So far Juve have gone beyond all expectations, including mine and we are in a beautiful moment just now," Conte said at a press conference at Vinovo.

"Even though the title is handed out in May and it only matters where we are then, I must say the boys are currently doing something extraordinary.

"After 15 rounds the numbers are important and our success has been possible thanks to the efforts of the players, who have embraced my idea of ​​football. The big credit goes to them.

"It cannot be considered a surprise that Udinese are challenging AC Milan for the Scudetto after what they achieved last year. We have great respect for them, but we will not go there to roll over as this is foreign to our way of thinking."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Mauricio Isla: I want to score against Gianluigi Buffon

The 23-year-old hopes to put one past the Italy international and is confident

his side will perform well against Juve on Wednesday.

Dec 20, 2011

Udinese defender Mauricio Isla has revealed that he would love to score against Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ahead of their top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday.

The Chile international also stated that Antonio Conte's men are in for a much harder game than last year's fixture at the Stadio Friuli, when the Old Lady dominated in a 4-0 victory.

"I want Buffon in my collection of great goalkeepers I have scored against. I already have Julio Cesar and Casillas amongst others," Isla told Tuttosport.

"Last year Juventus beat us 4-0, but this time it will be different. We changed our system just after that setback and we have done very well."

The defender also had words of praise for team-mate Antonio Di Natale.

"Di Natale is the best player I have trained with."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Udinese ready for Juve test

Dec 20, 2011

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin said his side will not be changing their playing style for their meeting with Serie A leaders Juventus.

Guidolin's side have the chance to leapfrog Juventus if they can win their encounter at Stadio Friuli on Wednesday.

Despite taking on a team unbeaten in their opening 15 league matches, Guidolin said his side will approach the encounter like they would any other fixture.

"We know that tomorrow we're going to play a very important match which closes the year and we know that we'll be facing a very strong team," he said on Tuesday.

"We already knew this and now that we're concentrating on them we're realising the strength of Juventus, their skills and personality."

"I believe we'll keep our usual attitude and we'll try and put in a good performance. We'll try to use all our remaining energy and hope we'll be able to create difficulties for Juventus."

Udinese will be hopeful their defensive record of having conceded just nine goals in 15 matches - the best in the league - will hold them in good stead against the high-flying Juve.

Table-toppers Juventus have surprised several pundits with their remarkable start to the campaign, and Guidolin congratulated the club on their success so far.

"I take the chance to congratulate Juventus and Antonio Conte, who is doing an extraordinary job," he said.

"He deserves his role and the chance he has been given to train a big team. He really deserves it since he is making excellent progress."

"I'm not surprised by Juventus' position, since Juventus are a great team."

"They had already showed signs of improvement even last year, when they hadn't achieved big results, but this year I can see Juventus improving."

"In addition to this, they have players of excellent quality, which makes a very good team."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Leaders clash in Serie A's lost opening round

Dec 20, 2011

Udinese and Juventus meet in a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday as Italy finally plays what was intended to be the opening round of matches in Serie A.

This week's fixtures were due to be played in late August but had to be postponed when the players went on strike in a row over collective rights.

The Italian Players' Union (AIC) wanted guarantees that players who were no longer wanted by their clubs would not be forced to train separately from their squads or be forced to move. The clubs wanted their coaching staff to be allowed to make the decision.

The two sides eventually reached a compromise and the season kicked off with the second round of games.

Few could have imagined at the time that unassuming Udinese's meeting with Juve would have been so significant.

Juventus top the table with 33 points from 15 games, two ahead of Udinese and defending champions AC Milan.

Although they finished fourth last term, Udinese sold two of their most influential players with Swiss midfielder Gokhan Inler joining Napoli and Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez moving to Barcelona.

Coach Francesco Guidolin, who still insists that his team's target is to reach 40 points and avoid relegation, has managed to cover for their absence without any high-profile reinforcements.

However, with little strength in depth and heavily dependent on the goals of 34-year-old forward Antonio Di Natale, who started on the substitutes bench in the 2-2 draw with Lazio at the weekend, Udinese's third match in a week could prove taxing.

"We've had a battle in Europe and we are the only team in Italy who have to play three matches in six games," said Guidolin. "We have to dose our energies otherwise we'll be exhausted by February."

Juventus, meanwhile, have enjoyed their best start to the championship since returning to Serie A following the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal which saw them stripped of the 2005 and 2006 titles and demoted.

Having finished seventh in each of the last two seasons, Juve, under new coach Antonio Conte, now enjoy the only remaining unbeaten record in any of Europe's big leagues.

Their big worry remains their wayward finishing which saw them settle for a 2-0 win over lowly Novara on Sunday when they could have had a hatful of goals.

"We will work a lot on this aspect, in the next games we'll look to capitalise on this more to avoid giving me heart problems," said Conte.

"However, I prefer to have this problem rather than others, I'm happy at the way the team work their way through to goal."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Wednesday's Bet of the Day:

A low scoring game between Udinese and Juventus

After a great return on Tuesday's Bet of the Day, Ed Malyon is back to examine

the betting opportunities when Udinese host Juventus on Wednesday.

Dec 21, 2011

Match odds: Udinese 2/1, Draw 11/5, Juventus 7/5

Udinese are a club that just continues to confound people with their success.

Last season's Champions League finish was an excellent achievement for the small side from the North-East, but having lost Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Cristian Zapata in the summer, they have surprised onlookers by continuing with their good form in this campaign.

If anything, they have been tightening up the defence in the process, as they currently sit third in the table.

The fear for Juve will be the Zebras home record, having won seven from seven league games at Friuli. The Old Lady are, of course, the only remaining unbeaten side in Serie A, and they are just two points ahead of Wednesday's hosts.

Juventus will back themselves to get a result, but up against the tightest defence in the league they will need leading scorers Claudio Marchisio and Alessandro Matri in top form.

The former's ability to break from midfield will be crucial in a match where Udinese's system will frequently leave them with an extra man at the back. Marchisio's well-timed late runs have bagged him six goals in Serie A already this season, and he is a good value 10.00 (9/1) to open the scoring in this one.

Betting on the result presents a tough call, and Mehdi Benatia will be a big miss for the hosts in the centre of defence. Having won 10 from 11 it is hard to oppose Udinese, and by taking the draw out of the equation, you can back them at 2.2 (6/5).

The best bet surely though is the under 2.5 goals market. Given the significance of the game, in addition to Udinese's tight defence, 1.72 (18/25) is more than tempting enough to be backed.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Serie A Preview

The Old Lady can make it a resounding 16 games unbeaten in the league if they avoid

defeat to Francesco Guidolin's Zebrette outfit, who have a 100 per cent record at home.

Dec 21, 2011

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

UDINESE

Handanovic

Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi

Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero

Abdi

Di Natale

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio

Pepe, Matri, Giaccherini

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin will be glad to have a virtually full-strength squad at his disposal, bar Mehdi Benatia, who is suspended for the encounter at the Friuli on Wednesday, and the peripheral trio of Paulo Barreto, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Andrea Coda, all of whom are doubtful.

However, the former Palermo boss is expected to make four changes to the XI that picked up a 2-2 draw at Lazio on Sunday, as Benatia, Giovanni Pasquale, Gabriel Torje and goalscorer Antonio Floro Flores are to be replaced by Maurizio Domizzi, Pablo Armero, Almen Abdi and Antonio Di Natale.

Meanwhile for Juventus, Antonio Conte is expected to revert back to his tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 that has been regularly deployed of late, and be forced to make do without forward Mirko Vucinic once more.

As a result, the personnel alterations should see Leonardo Bonucci, Arturo Vidal and Alessandro Matri come in for Paolo De Ceglie, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Quagliarella, who despite his goal against Novara, must settle for a place on the substitutes bench.

DID YOU KNOW?

•Udinese are unbeaten in four games, winning three times and drawing once.

•They are also the only Serie A team with a 100 per cent record on home soil this season.

•In the seven games played at the Friuli thus far, Francesco Guidolin's side have conceded just twice.

•Juventus are the only Serie A side still unbeaten this campaign, with nine wins and six draws.

•The Old Lady have drawn their last two away fixtures, while drawing four of the last six games away from Turin.

•Both Udinese and Juventus have kept the most clean sheets in Serie A this season, with tallies of seven and nine respectively.

Head to Head

Serie A - Jan 30, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Udinese 2

Serie A ‎- Sep 19, 2010 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 4

Serie A ‎- Apr 3, 2010 - Udinese 3 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- Nov 22, 2009 - Juventus 1 - Udinese 0

Serie A ‎- Jan 28, 2009 - Udinese 2 - Juventus 1

Last Five Matches

Udinese

Dec 18, 2011 - Lazio 2 - Udinese 2 - Serie A

Dec 15, 2011 - Udinese 1 - Celtic 1 - EL

Dec 11, 2011 - Udinese 2 - Chievo 1 - Serie A

Dec 3, 2011 - FC Internazionale 0 - Udinese 1 - Serie A

Nov 30, 2011 - Stade Rennais FC 0 - Udinese 0 - EL

Juventus

Dec 18, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Novara 0 - Serie A

Dec 12, 2011 - Roma 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Dec 8, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Coppa Italia

Dec 4, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Cesena 0 - Serie A

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

Players to Watch

Antonio Di Natale

Udinese's talisman and top scorer will have to be at his indomitable best if he is to break down Juventus' on Wednesday. His versatile, all-action style allows him to not only fire goals at will, but also contribute greatly to the team.

Simone Pepe

In recent weeks Pepe has improved immeasurably, playing the best football of his career by adding a clinical edge to his game, andduel with Pablo Armero will be one of the most hotly-anticpated one-on-ones during proceedings.

Prediction

The two best defences in the league against arguably the two most potent attacks the top-flight has to offer will make for an extremely intriguing bout, but this one should be too close to call as a share of the spoils would be a fitting outcome.

Editor's Prediction

Udinese 1 - 1 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Juve should fear Di Natale

Dec 21, 2011

History shows that Udinese win when Antonio Di Natale scores against Juventus in Serie A.

Although the veteran hitman has netted just three times in 11 top-flight matches for Udinese versus the Old Lady, his goals have proved to be crucial.

The 34-year-old scored his first against La Vecchia Signora in a September 2007 1-0 win in Turin.

He then netted in January 2009’s 2-1 triumph at the Friuli, before he celebrated again in a 3-0 victory in April 2010.

In 37 Serie A games at home, Udinese have only beaten Juventus five times. But two of those have come in the last three matches.

Udinese, who have a 100 per cent home record this term, entertain Juve on Wednesday evening in their re-arranged Week 1 tie.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Juventus to go 3-5-2?

Dec 21, 2011

There are suggestions that Antonio Conte may field his Juventus side in a 3-5-2 formation against Udinese on Wednesday.

The tactician has used various shapes this term, whether it be 4-4-2, 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3. The only previous time he has used a 3-5-2 was in the 3-3 draw at Napoli.

The whispers claim that Conte wants to match Udinese in midfield and will line up with Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at the back.

Right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner will be pushed up into a midfield that will also contain Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Simone Pepe.

Fabio Quagliarella, following his goal against Novara at the weekend, is being tipped to partner Alessandro Matri in attack.

Whoever wins tonight’s game will end the year at the top of the table. If Juve triumph then they will be sole leaders, whereas Udinese would join Milan at the summit with three points.

Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A, while Udinese have a 100 per cent home record.

Should Udinese collect a triumph then they will end the solar year with 77 points. Only Milan, thanks to their 80, would have done better.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Why Di Natale didn’t join Juve…

Dec 21, 2011

Udinese have revealed the background to Juventus’ failed attempt to sign Antonio Di Natale in the summer of 2010.

The Old Lady targeted the veteran striker after deciding to sell Diego to German club Wolfsburg on the eve of the new campaign.

However, the move never happened after the Italian international committed his future to the Stadio Friuli outfit instead.

“We don’t sell players, but if they come to us asking for a move and there is no chance of keeping them then we talk about transfers,” Udinese patron Giampaolo Pozzo stated.

“With regards to Di Natale, his agent let us know that he was in possession of an offer from Juventus.

“We set the price and the same representative informed us that in Turin they had agreed to pay what we were asking for.

“However, when we spoke to the player he told us that he was happy to remain in Udine. Everything ended there.”

The two teams meet at the Stadio Friuli tonight and Pozzo is keen for a home win after a 4-0 reverse in the same fixture last term.

“That defeat still hurts,” the owner continued. “We’ve not won that many games against Juventus so it is about time that we did.”

Udinese have triumphed in just five of their 37 home League games against the Old Lady of Italian football.

“I’m optimistic,” added Pozzo. “Juve are Juve so we expect a difficult game. Saying that, I’m convinced that it will be enjoyable.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Line-ups: Udinese-Juventus

Dec 21, 2011

Juventus have announced their starting XI for today’s top of the table showdown with Udinese, but the system remains a mystery.

The kick-off is at 17.00 UK time at the Stadio Friuli and the winner will end 2011 as Serie A leaders.

Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci return from their bans, though Mirko Vucinic is still out injured.

Marcelo Estigarribia starts with Alessandro Matri and former Udinese star Simone Pepe, but it is unclear whether this is a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 system.

Meanwhile, Udinese are without the suspended Mehdi Benatia, injured Andrea Coda, Emmanuel Badu and Paulo Vitor Barreto.

Almen Abdi is supporting Antonio Di Natale, while Damiano Ferronetti steps in to the defence.

Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi; Di Natale

Udinese bench: Padelli, Neuton, Doubai, Pereyra, Pasquale, Fabbrini, Floro Flores

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Estigarribia; Pepe, Matri

Juventus bench: Storari, De Ceglie, Pazienza, Elia, Giaccherini, Del Piero, Quagliarella

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Alessandro Matri starts in attack for Juventus in Serie A clash at Udinese

The Italy attacker will lead the line for Antonio Conte as the Turin giants aim

to reach the Christmas break unbeaten in Serie A.

Dec 21, 2011

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has opted for Alessandro Matri to spearhead his attack in their Serie A clash versus Udinese on Wednesday evening.

The Italy attacker will be flanked by Simone Pepe and Marcelo Estigarribia in Conte's patented 4-3-3 formation.

For the home side, Antonio Di Natale takes his place in attack, in the final round of domestic fixtures in Italy before the Christmas break.

Udinese (3-5-1-1): Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi; Di Natale

Subs: Padelli, Neuton, Pasquale, Doubai, Torje, Fabbrini, Floro Flores

Juventus (4-3-3): Buffon; Lichsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Estigarribia

Subs: Storari, De Ceglie, Pazienza, Giaccherini, Elia, Quagliarella, Del Piero

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

HT: Udinese-Juve tussle

Dec 21, 2011

Both sides have had chances and scares, but so far it’s goalless in the leadership clash between Udinese and Juventus.

The winners of this fixture would end 2011 on top of the table, while a draw would make Juve joint leaders with Milan. Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci returned from their bans, though Mirko Vucinic was still injured. The Friulani missed Andrea Coda, Paulo Vitor Barreto, Emmanuel Badu and the suspended Mehdi Benatia, so Damiano Ferronetti stepped into the back three.

Antonio Conte changed to an adaptable 3-5-2 with Stephan Lichtsteiner going into right-back when needed.

Claudio Marchisio had a great chance in the opening minutes, his scuffed shot with the outside of the right boot scraping a coat of paint off the far post. Ex-Udinese player Simone Pepe’s strike from distance stung Samir Handanovic’s palms, while Gigi Buffon had to rush off his line to charge down Mauricio Isla following a Giorgio Chiellini error.

Antonio Di Natale was incorrectly flagged offside and Stephan Lichtsteiner’s effort was deflected over. When two Udinese defenders collided at the back post, it was still enough to stop Marcelo Estigarribia nodding in a sweeping Pepe cross.

Alessandro Matri’s first touch let him down when one-on-one with Dusan Basta, then seconds later Isla blasted over. Marchisio had another fantastic chance, as his toe-poke from the D flashed wide of the upright with Handanovic left stranded.

Handanovic just about beat away an Andrea Pirlo free kick from a tight angle. Di Natale ruined a good opportunity for teammate Basta when going on to the pass despite being offside, as he should’ve left it.

Udinese 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi; Di Natale

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Estigarribia; Pepe, Matri

Ref: Tagliavento

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 16000‎

Points shared at the Friuli as Antonio Conte's men

enter Christmas break unbeaten in Serie A

Claudio Marchisio went close for the visitors during the first half but, for the most part,

both sides struggled horribly to create chances during a terribly anti-climactic clash.

Dec 21, 2011

Juventus reclaimed top spot in Serie A courtesy of a dour 0-0 draw with Udinese at the Stadio Friuli on Wednesday evening.

Claudio Marchisio threatened a couple of times for the Bianconeri but they were, for the most part, frustrated by a Udinese side who only threatened sporadically on the counterattack during the second half of what was a desperately disappointing game.

Juventus started promisingly enough, with midfielder Marchisio slicing wide from the edge of the box after a clever cutback from Marcelo Estigarribia, before Simone Pepe called Samir Handanovic into action for the first time on 10 minutes with a well-struck effort from 25 yards out which the goalkeeper could only parry away.

Udinese’s only real opening came from a mistake by Giorgio Chiellini, the defender botching an attempted headed clearance which put Mauricio Isla in on goal. However, Gianluigi Buffon was alive to the danger and made himself big to block Isla’s attempted lob.

However, the odd defensive lapse aside, Juve were relatively comfortable throughout and they came desperately close to taking the lead on two occasions shortly before the interval, Marchisio curling just wide from the edge of the area before Chiellini drew a fine reaction save out of Handanovic with his clever flick from Andrea Pirlo’s free kick.

The visitors continued to look the slightly more likely to break the deadlock in the second half, with Handanovic doing well to get down low to keep out another effort from Chiellini six minutes after the restart.

However, in truth, with Alessandro Matri looking desperately out of sorts up front, Juventus never really looked like scoring.

Matri eventually made way for Fabio Quagliarella midway through the second period and the former Udinese forward did inject some life into the game but when he was presented with a decent chance to win the game for Juve with seven minutes to go, the forward shot straight at Handanovic on the half-turn.

As it was, Juve were forced to settle for a point which, while disappointing, did at least see them climb back above AC Milan and into top spot on account of their superior head-to-head record. Udinese, meanwhile, remain third, three points adrift of the co-leaders.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 16000‎

Friuli stalemate puts Juve top

Dec 21, 2011

Both Udinese and Juventus had chances, but the finishing left a lot to be desired in their 0-0 draw, so Juve end 2011 as joint leaders with Milan.

Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci returned from their bans, though Mirko Vucinic was still injured. The Friulani missed Andrea Coda, Paulo Vitor Barreto, Emmanuel Badu and the suspended Mehdi Benatia, so Damiano Ferronetti stepped into the back three.

Antonio Conte changed to an adaptable 3-5-2 with Stephan Lichtsteiner going into right-back when needed.

Claudio Marchisio had a great chance in the opening minutes, his scuffed shot with the outside of the right boot scraping a coat of paint off the far post. Ex-Udinese player Simone Pepe’s strike from distance stung Samir Handanovic’s palms, while Gigi Buffon had to rush off his line to charge down Mauricio Isla following a Giorgio Chiellini error.

Antonio Di Natale was incorrectly flagged offside and Stephan Lichtsteiner’s effort was deflected over. When two Udinese defenders collided at the back post, it was still enough to stop Marcelo Estigarribia nodding in a sweeping Pepe cross.

Alessandro Matri’s first touch let him down when one-on-one with Dusan Basta, then seconds later Isla blasted over. Marchisio had another fantastic chance, as his toe-poke from the D flashed wide of the upright with Handanovic left stranded.

Handanovic just about beat away an Andrea Pirlo free kick from a tight angle. Di Natale ruined a good opportunity for teammate Basta when going on to the pass despite being offside, as he should’ve left it.

After the restart, Pirlo floated in a set play for Chiellini’s header, which Handanovic did well to pluck off the line. Pepe also drilled wide, but at the other end Buffon had to fingertip Danilo’s header over the bar from a Di Natale free kick.

Marchisio blasted over from the edge of the area and Buffon smothered an Asamoah angled drive. Matri made numerous mistakes to waste good chances, so was replaced by ex-Udinese striker Fabio Quagliarella, who with his first touch fired wide of the near post.

Buffon smothered a Di Natale free kick and Handanovic was almost propelled backwards by the ferocity of a Quagliarella screamer.

Alessandro Del Piero picked out Stephan Lichtsteiner to blast over at the back post. In the final minutes, Udinese went on a strong counter-attack that Di Natale drilled wide, but this result ended their run of seven consecutive Serie A home wins.

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

Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi (Floro Flores 85); Di Natale

Juventus:Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Estigarribia (De Ceglie 90); Pepe (Del Piero 80), Matri (Quagliarella 71)

Ref:Tagliavento

Sent off: Guidolin (Udinese Coach 92)

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 16000‎

Juve lose grip on top spot

Dec 21, 2011

Juventus missed the chance to return to the summit of Serie A after being held to a goalless draw at title rivals Udinese.

Juve lost their grip on top spot on Tuesday night when AC Milan overhauled them with a 2-0 win over Cagliari, and Wednesday night's stalemate means Antonio Conte's men are now level on 34 points with the Rossoneri but behind them on goal difference.

The draw keeps Udinese in third place, just two points behind the leading duo.

Both sides had chances to win tonight's encounter at Stadio Friuli and goalkeepers Samir Handanovic and Gianluigi Buffon had to work hard for their clean sheets.

Juventus saw Claudio Marchisio pepper the Udinese goal with two sighters inside the first eight minutes, while Simone Pepe threatened for the visitors after 10 minutes but Handanovic made a routine save.

Two minutes later it was Buffon's turn to warm his hands, saving well from Mauricio Isla's effort from the right side of the area.

Marchisio fired wide on 35 minutes as Juventus continued to press, while moments later Handanovic got down well to stop Arturo Vidal's 25-yard drive. The home goalkeeper also had to be on his toes five minutes before the break, gathering well from Andrea Pirlo's angled drive.

Udinese looked sharper after the break and Buffon was the busier of the two keepers, with Kwadwo Asamoah and Antonio Di Natale both seeing efforts saved in the second period.

But the best save of the half belonged to Handanovic, who kept out Fabio Quagliarella's low 83rd-minute shot with a full-stretch save.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 16000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved at the Stadio Friuli,

a turgid affair in which both sides struggled horribly to create any chances.

Dec 21, 2011

Udinese

Samir Handanoviç 7.0 - By far the busier of the two goalkeepers, although that wasn't saying much. Dealt competently with everything Juve threw at him, including Pepe's shot from distance and two close-range efforts from Chiellini. Decent game.

Maurizio Domizzi 6.5 - Did not really put a foot wrong at the back as Udinese's three-man defence did a fine job frustrating Juve's forwards.

Danilo 6.5 - Solid showing from Danilo, who also threatened at the other end midway through the second half with a header which Buffon tipped over.

Damiano Ferronetti 6.5 - Had a couple of lapses in the first period but was, for the most part, pretty solid.

Pablo Armero 5.5 - His presence on the left kept Lichtsteiner occupied, thus nullifying one of Juve's main attacking outlets, but he did not really cause any panic in the visitors' defence.

Kwadwo Asamoah 6.5 - Industrious as ever, Asamoah got plenty of work done in the middle of the park, breaking up a number of Juve attacks.

Giampiero Pinzi 5.5 - Showed some neat touches at times and a willingness to make things happen but struggled really to impose himself on proceedings.

Mauricio Isla 6.0 - Had arguably Udinese's best (only?!) chance of the game when Chiellini's botched header put him in on goal but he failed to lob the ball over the advancing Buffon. Quiet overall.

Dušan Basta 5.5 - Worked hard throughout but failed to contribute much in an attacking sense.

Antonio Di Natale 5.5 - Horribly starved of quality ball, he was forced to make do with scraps throughout. Hit the side netting with a volley from a desperately acute angle in the first half before calling Buffon into action with a couple of tame efforts from distance in the second half. Frustrating night for the veteran forward.

Almen Abdi 5.0 - Did not really get into the game at all and yet lasted until four minutes from the end before being replaced by Floro Flores.

• Substitutions

Antonio Floro Flores 5.0 - Only got four minutes at the end of the game so was unable to do anything of note.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Did not have much to do, in truth, but he read the danger superbly well when Chiellini's poor headed clearance put in Isla and blocked away the Chilean's lobbed effort. Was also on hand to tip over Danilo's second-half header.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Very nearly gifted Udinese the lead with a woeful header early on which left Isla one on one with Buffon and was, overall, nowhere as reliable as usual. However, he was a constant danger at set-pieces and drew two fine saves out of Handanovic either side of the interval.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - Like his central defensive partner, Bonucci had a fairly solid game and nullified the threat posed by Di Natale.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Hassled into the concession of a corner by Abdi ten minutes in but was rarely ruffled thereafter. Pretty comfortable evening at the heard of the Juve defence.

Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 5.0 - Created a fine opening for Marchisio with a clever cutback but he did nothing to justify his inclusion in the starting line-up. An opportunity wasted.

Andrea Pirlo 5.5 - Plenty of probing and neat touches on the ball but the veteran midfielder did not exhibit the same control over the game as he normally does. Still caused trouble with the odd set-piece delivery but not his best game for Juve.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 5.0 - Started promisingly enough but his passing was poor at times and he was also caught in possession a few times.

Claudio Marchisio 5.0 - Nearly all of Juve's best openings fell to Marco Tardelli's alleged heir. But his shooting was unusually inaccurate. In fairness, his first strike, a curling effort from the edge of the box, did appear to have Handanovic beaten but the ball went just wide. Overall, though, he was poor and was particularly wasteful in possession.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 5.5 - Didn't have too many problems defensively but did not offer the same attacking threat down the right-hand side. Had one half-chance during the second half but snatched at it and fired high and wide.

Simone Pepe 5.0 - Looked lively in the early exchanges, stinging the hands of Handanovic with a well-struck effort from distance but his influence waned as the game wore on and he was replaced with ten minutes to go.

Alessandro Matri 4.5 - A shocking display from Matri, whose form of late has not been good at all. Repeatedly gave the ball away and nothing he tried came off. At one point in the second half, he squandered possession three times in a minute. Staggering that he lasted 71 minutes.

• Substitutions

Paolo De Ceglie 5.0 - Thrown on injury time for Estigarribia so barely got a look-in.

Fabio Quagliarella 6.0 - Did more in 19 minutes than Matri did in the preceding 71, firing wide with his first touch before then volleying straight at Handanovic.

Alessandro Del Piero 5.0 - Got ten minutes at the end after being thrown on for Pepe but struggled to make his presence felt.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 16000‎

Gianluigi Buffon: Our goal for 2012 is to get into the Champions League

The 33-year-old was happy with the 0-0 draw against Udinese, and insisted

that the team's primary objective is qualifying for Europe's elite tournament.

Dec 21, 2011

Juventus's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has conceded that the Old Lady's most important objective next year is qualifying for the Champions League.

Antonio Conte's team, who have been leading the Serie A standings for most of the season, conceded the top spot to AC Milan on goal difference after a 0-0 draw with third-placed Udinese on Wednesday.

Speaking after the clash with Francesco Guidolin's men, the 33-year-old stated that he was happy with the result, and dismissed talk of a Scudetto win in 2012.

"It was a beautiful game, very tactical and in the end a draw was the right result," said the goalkeeper as quoted by Corriere dello Sport.

"We kept the unbeaten run and it is a fact that makes us proud, no one thought we would be able to achieve this. Our goal for 2012? It is not the Scudetto, a place in the Champions League."

Juventus return to action in Serie A on January 8 against Lecce.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Friuli Stadium - Udine

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 16000

Conte content with Juve point

Dec 21, 2011

Antonio Conte insists Juventus should be content with their point at the Stadio Friuli. “These are the two best defences in Serie A.”

It was a top of the table tussle and Udinese’s 100 per cent record on home turf was ended by the 0-0 result.

“These are the two best defences in Serie A and my team proved its solidity in every respect,” said the Coach.

“It’s not everyone who can come to Udine and take the initiative. Let us not forget that last season Udinese finished ahead of us in the standings.

“Simone Pepe had a great game and I am satisfied with Alessandro Matri’s performance, in which his movement off the ball worked perfectly.

“We studied Udinese carefully and they did the same with us. In football nowadays you have to be organised and prepared for every situation. You can’t give your opponents even half a chance and that is the secret of our success.

“We never stopped looking for the victory here and proved we are a Team with a capital T.”

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