Juventus Season 2011-2012

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Serie A Week 23 - 12-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Renato Dall’Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Simone Pepe unlikely to return for Bologna-Juventus

Antonio Conte's men may have to face Bologna this weekend without

the Italian winger, who has yet to fully recover from an ankle injury.

Feb 9, 2012

Juventus winger Simone Pepe is unlikely to return for his side's Serie A clash away to Bologna this weekend.

The Italy international was substituted in last weekend's match against Siena after just 37 minutes with an ankle injury and has not yet made a full recovery.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, this weekend's upcoming clash may be one game too soon for Pepe to return, despite Juventus coach Antonio Conte's desire to have the player make his comeback.

Pepe has proven to be one of the more important players in Conte's side, starting 19 of Juventus' 21 matches this season- the same number as goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

At this point in time, the report indicates that Pepe is more likely to return next Wednesday for his side's match against Parma.

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

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Serie A Week 23 - 12-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Renato Dall’Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Bologna-Juve to be assessed

Feb 10, 2012

Juventus’ trip to Bologna is at an ever-increasing risk of being postponed this weekend as a blizzard has hit the Emilia-Romagna region.

Snow has again returned to the area and is anticipated to continue into Saturday. As a result, a meeting will be held on Saturday to determine whether to go ahead with the currently scheduled 8.45pm Italian Sunday kick-off between the Felsinei and visiting Bianconeri, or move it back to 3pm or postpone it.

The Security Operations Group (GOS), which has been responsible for assessing the safety of football grounds during this past month, will hold a meeting with representatives from both clubs tomorrow morning.

Bologna confirmed earlier this week that they had officially requested that the fixture be put back to 3pm, so as to avoid the freezing cold temperatures anticipated on Sunday evening.

Both clubs already have one outstanding fixture each to play, after the Rossoblu’s home fixture with Fiorentina and Juve’s previous trip to Emilia-Romagna to face Parma both victims of the weather in Week 21.

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

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Serie A Week 23 - 12-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Renato Dall’Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus' game against Bologna and Fiorentina's trip

to Parma postponed due to adverse weather conditions

Italy has been experiencing extreme snowfall and the proposed fixtures at the Stadio

Renato Dall'Ara and Stadio Ennio Tardini have been called off after pitch inspections.

Feb 11, 2012

Sunday's Serie A fixtures between Bologna and Juventus at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara and Parma against Fiorentina at the Stadio Ennio Tardini have been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.

Italy is in the midst of heavy snowfall and Antonio Conte's men have already had one match, against Roberto Donadoni's side, called off recently due to an unplayable surface.

ANSA have confirmed that both pitches were checked on Saturday morning by Serie A officials and GOS [security Operations Group] representatives, with it deemed that the games the next day would be unplayable.

There were also concerns over supporters travelling to both games, as a majority of the roads leading to the grounds are treacherous due to around 15 centimetres of snow.

Bologna officials had asked for a later kick-off time for their fixture earlier this week due to the anticipated snowfall on Sunday, but it has now been decided that the games will be rearranged for a later date.

As yet no intimation of when the fixtures will be replayed has been given.

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

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Serie A Week 23 - 12-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Renato Dall’Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Bologna-Juve, Parma-Fiorentina off

Feb 11, 2012

Bologna-Juventus and Parma-Fiorentina have officially been called off due to blizzards.

The Stadio Dall'Ara match was set to kick off at 19.45 UK time on Sunday evening, but had been in doubt for several days due to the latest wave of arctic weather.

The Emilia-Romagna region has had the worst of the record-breaking snow and ice, a situation that deteriorated on Friday when a blizzard hit the area.

It was confirmed this morning that the Stadio Dall’Ara is not able to host the game and so, rather than bring the kick-off forward to the afternoon, it has been called off.

Parma is also in the Emilia-Romagna region and the Stadio Tardini encounter with Fiorentina has been snowed off too. It was set to begin at 14.00 UK time on Sunday afternoon.

The fixture list is going to be increasingly packed, as Parma-Juventus and Bologna-Fiorentina had already been postponed due to the weather in previous weeks.

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

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Serie A Week 23 - 12-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Renato Dall’Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Conte slams Milan attitude

Feb 11, 2012

Antonio Conte said Juventus were ready to play in Bologna before it was snowed off and blasted Milan. “Clubs and players must set an example.”

The Bianconeri boss held his press conference just before the announcement came through that Sunday’s trip to the Dall’Ara had been postponed.

“We’re waiting for news from Bologna. We prepared the game and are ready to step on to the field, but my idea is always that fans must be able to watch a spectacle. Therefore we need to be in the right conditions to guarantee that,” said the Coach.

The main talking point in the absence of football is the bitter row that exploded between Milan and Juventus after the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Giorgio Chiellini protested that Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be punished for an altercation with Marco Storari, while the Rossoneri accused the defender of ‘telling tales.’

“Chiellini simply replied to questions from the journalists,” noted Conte. “As for the rest, certain attitudes on the field are not good for football.

“These are things that can provoke reactions and we must always act responsibly. Clubs and players must set the example.”

The teams also go head-to-head in the Scudetto race as well as the Coppa Italia.

“We won the first leg and are now the favourites to reach the Final of the Coppa, but when it comes to the Scudetto it’s a different story. There’s a long way to go and we’ll be battling till the very end, while a lot will depend on the other teams who get into the race. I am not so certain it will be just Juve and Milan for the title.”

Conte was also asked about Fabio Capello, who resigned as England manager this week and is reportedly heading to Juventus as a director.

“I worked with many great tacticians, but never had the good fortune to work with Capello, a person I respect very much. I am very happy with the club and we are all doing extremely well.”

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

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Serie A Week 23 - 12-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Renato Dall’Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Bologna-Juve 'was not safe'

Feb 11, 2012

Bologna President Albano Guaraldi explains why Sunday’s game with Juventus had to be called off.

“Despite fact we worked every day to keep the pitch clear until Friday evening, the heavy snowfall over night made it too dangerous,” explained Guaraldi.

“We could not guarantee the safety of the stadium, the fans coming into the arena or the roads around it, so a unanimous decision was made to postpone the match.

“It will probably be played on March 7 at 18.30 (17.30 UK time, ndr).”

This is the second Bologna home game to be snowed off in the last few weeks, as their tie with Fiorentina was also postponed.

The Emilia-Romagna region has had the worst of the record-breaking arctic weather sweeping across Italy, leading to blizzards that shut down schools, roads and airports.

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

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Milan and Juventus Set to Challenge for Serie A Title

Feb 12, 2012

Milan and Juventus are currently the top two teams in the Italian league with the Rossoneri ahead by two points but the Serie A champions have played two more matches than their rivals Juventus. Juve’s positive run, the club is undefeated this season in official play, is due to a number of factors such as a solid defensive record and a midfield marshaled by veteran Andrea Pirlo with the aid of Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal.

As for Milan, the league champions are dependent on the volatile star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and an experienced squad spearheaded by savvy veterans such as Alessandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf.

Below is a glance at what makes Antonio Conte’s Bianconeri prime candidates for the Italian league title:

1) Hunger: There is a hunger among established Juve players, particularly Marchisio and Giorgio Chiellini, who have yet to win a major trophy with the club. In addition, Pirlo has a point to prove after his free transfer from Milan during the summer.

2) Balance: The proper blend between the old and the young players. Older stars such as Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon offer the experience and stability needed at a prestigious club (such as Juve) while emerging players such as Vidal and Marchisio provide the energy and enthusiasm.

3) Pirlo: Midfielder Andrea Pirlo has been one of the most successful stories of this season after some pundits and fans wrote him off following his reduced role with Milan due to injury in 2010-11. Pirlo has been both decisive and crucial in leading Juve’s charge with his pinpoint passing, calm demeanor and his ability to keep the ball as well as dictate the game when needed. While Vidal provides non-stop running and Marchisio knocks in crucial goals such as his late winning double against Milan, the rejuvenated Pirlo orchestrates the attacks and serves as the focal point of Juve’s possession game.

4) Spirit: Prior to Calciopoli, the Juve squads were often defined by their fighting spirit and other related intangibles. Juve players often conjured their never-die attitude to pull famous wins and avoid defeats in some tight clashes. The determination and dedication were hallmarks of the Marcello Lippi era yet the Bianconeri lost such priceless qualities in the previous couple of years. During this season, former Juve captain Conte, who played under Lippi, has worked hard on restoring the club’s pride. Conte has done a phenomenal job up to this point and it would not be surprising to see Juve end up with the title once the season is over. One great example of Juve’s fight was the 3-3 draw with Napoli after the Bianconeri trailed 1-3 to the dangerous Partenopei side.

5) Stadium: The new Juventus arena has been a decisive factor in helping the club with the supporters playing a positive role in spurring the players forward when the visiting teams were attempting to force a draw on the Bianconeri. Juve did draw 4 home games but these games came against weaker sides which opted to close shop and pack their area in order to prevent the Bianconeri from scoring.

Below is a list of factors which could tip the title in Milan’s favor:

1) Ibrahimovic: The Swedish star has weighed in with 15 goals and 4 assists in league play. Zlatan is Milan’s focal point in attack and is often the key player when the Rossoneri are looking for an opening against tough opponents.

2) Experience: The Rossoneri squad is composed of experienced players in every position starting with goalkeeper Christian Abbiati and centre-back Nesta as well as midfielders Massimo Ambrosini and Mark Van Bommel. These players have won the league title last season so they have the knowledge of what is needed to win trophies.

3) Depth: Despite the injuries and absence of key players such as Antonio Cassano (heart issue), Alexandre Pato (injury) and now Ibrahimovic (suspension- did not feature against Udinese), the Rossoneri squad has shown it is deep enough to cope with such emergencies. The Rossoneri have been without injured goalkeeper Abbiati as well as Alberto Aquilani, Gennaro Gattuso and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

4) Attack: The Rossoneri have Serie A’s best attack having registered 45 goals, 8 more goals than Lazio, while by comparison Juve have managed only 33 goals.

5) Nocerino: The midfielder signed from Palermo was signed to replace the aging Gattuso yet Antonio Nocerino has proven to be a very important player for Milan having played 20 league matches so far, including 19 as a starter. However, the biggest surprise has been Nocerino’s scoring exploits as the midfielder, not known for his goals, has managed to register 7 goals so far.

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Amelia expects Milan-Juve duel

Feb 13, 2012

Milan and Juventus will be fighting for the title until the very last day of the season, says Marco Amelia.

The Rossoneri returned to the top of the table with a win at Udinese. They are two points clear of the Old Lady, but Juve do have two games in hand.

“It will be a nice duel with Juventus and I think it will last until the very end of the campaign,” the Diavolo goalkeeper noted.

“They won’t give up as they have the desire to start winning trophies again. We, meanwhile, want to confirm the Scudetto which we won last term.

“It’s battles like this one which stir up desires for victory.”

The 29-year-old, currently the club’s first choice while Christian Abbiati is sidelined with injury, also revealed his hopes for the future.

“I want to win the Champions League with Milan,” he added. “However, one day I hope to play for Roma and be a protagonist.”

Amelia grew up on the Giallorosso youth system but has never played in Serie A for his hometown club.

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March 7 given three games

Feb 13, 2012

The postponed Bologna-Juventus, Parma-Fiorentina and Cesena-Catania ties will now take place on Wednesday 7 March.

The matches have been recently postponed in Italy because of the bad weather and all three will now kick of at 18.30 local time on Match 7.

Cesena-Catania was originally set to take place on Wednesday 15 February, but that has been called off again because of the continuing snowfall in the region.

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Lippi: Postponements will not slow Juve's title charge

The Bianconeri have had two games called off in recent weeks because of the heavy snowfall

in Italy but their former coach does not believe they will be affected by the disruption.

Feb 13, 2012

Juventus' title challenge will not be adversely affected by the postponement of their recent clashes with Parma and Bologna, according to Marcello Lippi.

Antonio Conte's side have been displaced at the summit of Serie A by AC Milan because of their relative inactivity during the cold snap which has affected Europe.

Their trips to Parma and Bologna will mean two midweek outings for Juve, who have had the benefit of at least seven days to prepare for nearly every league game this season because of their absence from European competition.

However, Lippi feels that Conte's troops will be able to cope with their ever so slightly congested fixture list.

"I do not think that it will affect their path [towards the title]," the former Italy boss told La Stampa.

"If the team had to deal with these changes earlier in the season, maybe it could have disturbed them.

"But now the team have grown tremendously and they are aware of their own strength."

Lippi, who enjoyed two separate stints in charge of the Bianconeri, does not believe that Juve will lose any momentum as a result of the cancellations.

"If Juve had been inactive for three weeks in a row, they would suffer," he reasoned. "But missing one Sunday does not change anything.

"Especially since they were notified of the postponement of the Bologna game ahead of their journey. Unlike the other time with Parma, Juventus stayed at home and were able to train."

Juventus currently sit two points behind leaders Milan and play the first of their two games in hand on the Rossoneri against Parma at the Ennio Tardini on Wednesday night.

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Fabrizio Ravanelli: Games in hand are a 'psychological weight'

Having been overthrown at the top of Serie A and with games in hand, the 'Silver Fox' believes

the pressure is on Anonio Conte's men to regain their place at the top of the league.

Feb 14, 2012

Ex-Juventus and Italy international striker Fabrizio Ravanelli believes that his former side face a test of mental strength in order to return to the Serie A summit.

The Bianconeri's weekend fixture against Bologna was postponed and they were subsequently displaced from top-spot by AC Milan as they earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Udinese.

Juventus remain undefeated in Serie A this season but sit two points adrift of their title rivals.

However, they possess a two-game advantage over the Rossoneri, but Ravanelli believes they cannot count those points as a foregone conclusion.

"Points and games to recover, do not count. Mentally you may think you have six points, but they count only the real ones," he told La Stampa.

The two-time Scudetto winner believes that now the pressure is on Juve, who can move above Milan if they win their re-arranged fixture against Parma this Wednesday.

"Well now it is Juve who are chasing: for this they will face the recoveries with a remarkable psychological weight," Ravanelli added.

Juventus could move four points clear at the top should they win both their games in hand.

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Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juve could do with Giovinco

Feb 14, 2012

Juventus legend Antonello Cuccureddu believes that Sebastian Giovinco could become an important tool at the disposal of boss Antonio Conte.

The Italian international is currently playing his football at Parma after the Gialloblu bought a 50 per cent share in him from the Old Lady last summer.

The forward is enjoying his campaign at the Tardini as his nine goals in 19 League games help to illustrate.

“I don’t want to get involved with the decisions of the club, but I would have personally kept Giovinco at Juventus,” Cuccureddu told Tutto Juve.

“When you consider his extraordinary qualities, I think that Giovinco could have a part to play in Conte’s side.

“After all, the present Juve doesn’t include players as talented as Giovinco right now.”

The 25-year-old’s future will be discussed at the end of the season when his co-ownership status needs to be reviewed.

There is a possibility that his fate could be decided by a blind auction.

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

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Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Conte calls on Juventus DNA

Feb 14, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has demanded victory when his side face Parma on Wednesday in their re-arranged Serie A tie.

The Week 21 Tardini meeting was originally postponed because of the snow, but it will be played tomorrow at 18.30 local time.

“Victory has to be in our DNA if we are to return to being a winning side,” the Coach said as his outfit, with two games in hand, are now two points behind leaders Milan.

“My career as a Coach hasn’t been long, but I’ve understood that there are certain moments where you have to take advantage of situations.

“The game is worth three points. It is inevitable that we’ll go on to the field of play with the mentality required to win the tie.

“We always look to win – sometimes we succeed and sometimes we don’t.”

The Old Lady are still unbeaten in Serie A and defeated Parma 4-1 on the opening day of the season back in September.

“I remember the first game between us well,” added Conte. “It was an excellent start to the championship for us. And there has been a process of growth ever since.

“Parma? Sebastian Giovinco? Parma are an excellent side, who strengthened during the January window.

“Giovinco is a Parma player. I admire him, but as an opponent. I only speak about my players.”

Conte was giving little away with regard to his starting XI – “I’ll choose the best side available to me after my daily evaluations” – but he’s set to field a 3-5-2.

That side will include Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, two midfielders who have struggled of late.

“I’m not concerned about the condition of Vidal and Marchisio,” the former Juve captain continued.

“They made a blistering start, but the fact that the team is still competitive despite some players slowing up says a lot. I’m convinced that both will put in excellent performances tomorrow.”

Juventus possible XI: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, De Ceglie (Estigarribia); Matri, Vucinic

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

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Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juve without Pepe, Marrone, Krasic

Feb 14, 2012

Juventus have named their squad for the rearranged midweek League match with Parma and have to make do without Simone Pepe.

The flexible Italian midfielder misses the return trip to the Ennio Tardini as he continues to work on his return to full fitness after an ankle injury sustained during the Bianconeri’s last League match at home to Siena.

Milos Krasic and Luca Marrone are also left off the travelling squad. Antonio Conte takes his team back to face the Gialloblu for what was originally a Week 21 fixture, after snow forced the reschedule.

Wednesday’s match with Parma is set to kick off at 5.30pm UK time.

Juve go into the midweek fixture having not played since last Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final at Milan, after the weekend match away to Bologna was also postponed because of the weather.

Juventus squad to play Parma: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 8 Marchisio, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 23 Borriello, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 32 Matri

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

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Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Donadoni: We’ll make Juve work

Feb 14, 2012

Roberto Donadoni is fully aware of the strengths of Wednesday’s visitors Juventus, but he is adamant that his Parma side will not roll over.

The Gialloblu welcome Antonio Conte’s unbeaten side to the Stadio Ennio Tardini for the rearranged Week 21 fixture this midweek, after the original game was postponed due to heavy snow.

Ahead of the 5.30pm UK time kick-off tomorrow evening, Donadoni reflected on his plans and the approach his team will likely take.

“I do not want to talk about how my team will play, because it is Juventus who is coming here to play. They will have to work hard, clearly, and if they don’t then anything goes.

“Our modus operandi will be that, regardless of [Andrea] Pirlo, [Alessandro] Matri or [Andrea] Barzagli. We must give away little.

“Juventus are a team who will be pushing for the ultimate victory of the title, but it is a good test for us and everyone who will go into the field must know that it is an important opportunity.

“We will try to continue to do the good things that we have done up to this stage. We’ll also triple our commitment because to take points off of the big sides means much more.

“We’ll both start with the same plan of approach. Will I play for a draw? I will play my game, then the result will be seen.”

Donadoni was asked about the significance Sebastian Giovinco could play against the team that currently co-own him.

“I do not like to bet on a single player, I bet on a team, made up of many players who I believe are up to the task.

“Although Giovinco scored a goal in Chievo that only certain players can achieve, it must be said that he would not have done it without the run of [McDonald] Mariga.

“You must understand what matters most is the team. The team on Wednesday should be pretty much the same as that which beat Chievo.”

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

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Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Serie A Preview

The two sides lock horns in the domestic league after their fixture,

originally set for the end of January, was rearranged due to a snow-covered pitch.

Feb 14, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

PARMA

Mirante

Paletta, Lucarelli, Zaccardo

Valiani, Morrone, Mariga, Modesto, Gobbi

Floccari, Giovinco

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie

Matri, Vucinic

Both teams have been afforded some extra rest due to their weekend fixtures being called off following the cold snap in Italy as new coach Roberto Donadoni looks to continue a positive start to his Parma tenure.

The former Italy national team coach has yet to be defeated in charge of the Gialloblu and can count on the return of defender Gabriel Paletta. The major doubt for his team remains in goal, where he will have to choose between Nicola Pavarini or Antonio Mirante.

Meanwhile, Juve coach Antonio Conte will once again be without winger Simone Pepe and should opt for a 3-5-2 formation with full-backs Stephan Lichtsteiner and Paolo De Ceglie pushed up into midfield.

Up front, the Bianconeri will have at their disposal Mirko Vucinic, who has recovered from injury. The former Roma striker should edge out Fabio Quagliarella for a spot in the starting XI alongside striker Alessandro Matri.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Parma have not lost in Serie A since the appointment of new coach Donadoni, picking up two wins and two draws.

• Sebastian Giovinco has scored four goals in his last three league appearances against Juventus.

• The Gialloblu have not conceded more than a single goal in any of their last four matches.

• Juventus can jump back to the top of the Serie A table with a win at the Tardini, as they currently trail Milan by two points but have two matches in hand.

• Conte's side remain the lone unbeaten team in Serie A and have the best defensive record, conceding only 13 goals in 21 matches.

• Andrea Barzagli and Stephan Lichtsteiner have started every league game this campaign for the Bianconeri.

Head to Head

Serie A - Sep 11, 2011 - Juventus 4 - Parma 1

Serie A - May 15, 2011 - Parma 1 - Juventus 0

Serie A - Jan 6, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Parma 4

Serie A - May 9, 2010 - Juventus 2 - Parma 3

Serie A - Jan 6, 2010 - Parma 1 - Juventus 2

Last Five Matches

Parma

Feb 5, 2012 - Chievo 1 - Parma 2 - Serie A

Jan 28, 2012 - Catania 1 - Parma 1 - Serie A

Jan 22, 2012 - Bologna 0 - Parma 0 - Serie A

Jan 15, 2012 - Parma 3 - Siena 1 - Serie A

Jan 7, 2012 - FC Internazionale 5 - Parma 0 - Serie A

Juventus

Feb 8, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 - Coppa Italia

Feb 5, 2012 - Juventus 0 - Siena 0 - Serie A

Jan 28, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Udinese 1 - Serie A

Jan 24, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Roma 0 - Coppa Italia

Jan 21, 2012 - Atalanta 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Sebastian Giovinco

The 25-year-old, still co-owned by Juventus, has often proved to be a real handful whenever he comes up against his former employers. Can he produce some magic to convince the Bianconeri of his abilities on the pitch and continue making a case for his presence at Euro 2012?

Andrea Pirlo

The 2006 World Cup winner's influence on Juventus' stellar campaign thus far cannot be ignored. The deep-lying midfielder has been at the heart of their play all season and will need to be at his best to overcome the pressure of a Parma midfield that includes many younger and more energetic options.

Prediction

Although Parma have been rejuvenated under Donadoni, they have yet to face a team of the calibre of the Old Lady and despite wanting revenge for the 4-1 drubbing at the beginning of the season, they may fall just short once again.

Editor's Prediction

Parma 1 - 2 Juventus

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

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Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Parma v Juventus: Preview

Feb 14, 2012

Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has called on his team-mates to make tomorrow's rescheduled clash at Parma count as they look to go back to the top of Serie A.

The match at the Ennio Tardini stadium was originally due to be played last month, but was postponed due to bad weather in Parma.

Juve go into the encounter unbeaten and fully rested after their game at Bologna on Sunday was called off because of heavy snow.

Juve sit two points behind league leaders AC Milan, who beat Udinese 2-1 at the weekend.

However, the Turin giants have two games in hand.

"This is a testing period for us,'' Giaccherini said. "We have two games to recover while we will also be competing in the Coppa Italia this month.

"We will be playing so many games in a short space of time this month and this could be crucial.

"We are ready. We have a good squad and I'm sure everyone will give their all to help the team succeed.

"It's true that Milan are playing a great campaign, but we are only focusing on ourselves and not on others.''

Winger Simone Pepe has been rested for the clash with a minor knock, but Juventus coach Antonio Conte welcomes back strikers Alessandro Matri and Mirco Vucinic from injury.

Opponents Parma go into the game on the back of a 2-1 triumph at Chievo.

The Ducale club, coached by Roberto Donadoni, have lost just one of their last nine league games and lie 13th in the standings.

"We are ready to face Juventus,'' Parma defender Massimo Gobbi said. "They are a fantastic team who are battling for the scudetto.

"But we are doing well and gaining confidence week by week.

"We will need to use the same tactics Juventus will use against us to try to stop them.

"We need to play at a high tempo, fully concentrated and showing plenty of determination.''

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juve Visit Parma and Undefeated Donadoni

Feb 14, 2012

I literally jumped out my seat tonight as I watched Jeremy Lin (aka Super Lintendo) continue his outrageous run in the NBA with a game-winning three. “This has nothing to do with Juventus”, you’ll say. Wraung! I hadn’t jumped out my seat in a long time, I thought. And instantly I knew why: it’s been almost 7 days since Juventus played, when it should’ve been 3. Way too long.

After this weekend’s postponed game due to heavy snow, Juventus is snow-shoeing down to Enio Tardini to take on Parma in a game that was rescheduled due to heavy weather conditions as well.

For the first time in a while, we won’t be going into the match while holding the no. 1 position in Serie A. Milan is back up there now, 2 points ahead, with 2 games more than us. This is one of those games.

Last time we played Parma, it was our first official game at the Agnelli Arena and Juve put in a classy, 4-goal performance. On that sunny day back in September, Del Piero got a start and an assist, Pirlo hooked up with Steiner for the first (of many) times for a sweet goal, and Vidal and Marchisio scored some sweet volley goals.

Sadly, as is always expected, Giovinco did score against us (albeit from the spot). I don’t need to tell you he’s probably going to do the same on Wednesday. At least I’m writing this preview, cuz we all know how the John feels about him.

Juve News: Both teams are rested as both teams had their games postponed over the weekend. Conte is likely to continue with the 3-5-2 that dismantled Milan at Giuseppe Meazza last week, especially since Donadoni likes playing that with Parma as well.

Barzagli and Chiellini are sure starters, and I sense Bonucci will partner them in defense to complete the backline. Caceres did have a fantastic game against Milan offensively, but defensively he still has to learn his positioning and needs to get in the constant-pressure-grinta-till-your-tongue-bleeds spirit. He’ll get there tho.

Despite receiving a red-card and giving away a penalty against Parma last time around, De Ceglie is expected to start on the left alongside MVP & Steiner. It would be lovely to see a Quagliarella-Matri partnership up front, but I have a feeling Vucinic will get the nod one last time.

Parma News: Best news for Donadoni and his team is that they are well rested, which is necessary against a side like Juve that presses a lot and runs the whole field tirelessly. The former Azzurri coach has yet to lose with Parma in 4 games, and will like his chances on Wednesday despite Juve’s undefeated record.

Former Juventino Antonio Mirante should be healthy and back in goal, Mariga will be the midfield anchor, and Floccari + Giovinco will be the attacking options. No other injuries for Parma.

Le Chiavi:Giovinco is an obvious one. If he’s smart (which for such a big head he should be), he’ll be running wide a lot trying to stretch our 3-man defense and create gaps between them. It will also force Lichsteiner to play more defensively which should make him less of a threat in attack. I see Giovinco playing more of a wide seconda punta role, that way Floccari can play his natural striker position, which no one has been able to define yet.

Things won’t get any easier for Lichsteiner as Massimo Gobbi is also a good attacking player down that left hand side. Even though he plays left back/wing back naturally, the former Viola defender is a good crosser of the ball and pushes up quite a bit in Donadoni’s 3-5-2. Biabiany will likely be used as an impact-sub, and the former m***a player could cause problems for our defense late in the game with his pace.

For Juventus, Marchisio and Vidal will have to execute their roles of Pirlo-guardians as well as possible for us to have a chance at a win. This is no time for average games from our future captain. He needs to step up, provide an additional option for getting the ball out of defense, and also help our struggling attackers with runs in the last third of the field. Same goes for Vidal, with a lesser dose of hectic, of course.

Lastly, if Bonucci plays, you can bet your ass Giovinco and co. will try to get him exposed on the break. Could be a chance for Leonardo to impress with some quick thinking and no-bullshit type of performance.

Line-ups

My Juve Starting XI: Mr. Seredova; Kaiser, Gli, Boner; Hunchback, Principino, Malkovich, King Arthur, Forrest; Twitter-Cry-Baby, Mr. Nargi

Juve Probable: Buffon; Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Ceglie, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichsteiner; Vucinic, Matri

Parma Probable: Mirante; Zaccardo, Lucarelli, Paletta; Gobbi, Modesto, Mariga, Morrone, Valliani; Giovinco, Floccari

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni – does that name sound familiar? It’s because he was the referee of Milan vs. Juve last week in the Coppa Italia. Under his “whistling”, Juve have 4 wins, 3 draws, and 1 defeat.

My Prediction: Parma 1:1 Juventus

FORZA RAGAZZI!!!

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[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus boss Conte not worried

about losing top spot to AC Milan

Feb 14, 2012

Antonio Conte says he is not worried at having lost the league leadership to AC Milan as he prepares his Juventus troops for tonight’s trip to Parma.

Milan moved to the top of the table with a 2-1 success at fourth-placed Udinese on Saturday, although that was in part to Juve’s game at Bologna being postponed due to the weather.

A previous game 10 days earlier at Parma had also been postponed leaving Juve two points behind the champions in second, but with two games in hand.

A victory in either, starting with tonight’s game, will be enough to send them back to the summit.

And Conte has played down the significance of losing top spot.

“I will show everyone the final table from last season,” he said in reference to the progress his side have made since he took over on the back of successive seventh-placed finishes.

“It’s been a great ride, we started well and inevitably many things have changed.

“We’ve improved from every point of view but we’ve felt the need to win from the first day.

“I’ve passed on my mentality to the squad and winning helps you, winning is in our DNA.”

Juve were under pressure to improve this season following two seasons in which results were not what either the fans or directors expected.

But this is the pressure that Conte thrives on. It’s many years since we’ve been title protagonists in Serie A and that’s all a positive stress,” added Conte.

“We’ve returned to being competitive in very little time and I prefer to go through this stress rather than that of being seventh.

“I know what the decisive moments are during the season, I’ve won two titles in Serie B. In this second half of the season, every missed opportunity could be decisive, both for us and our opponents.”

Opponents Parma go into the game on the back of a 2-1 triumph at Chievo.

The Ducale club, coached by Roberto Donadoni, have lost just one of their last nine league games and lie 13th in the standings.

“We are ready to face Juventus,” Parma defender Massimo Gobbi said. “They are a fantastic team who are battling for the scudetto. But we are doing well and gaining confidence week by week. We will need to use the same tactics Juventus will use against us to try to stop them.”

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[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juve seek return to summit

Feb 14, 2012

Juventus can move back to the top of the Serie A table when they travel to Parma on Wednesday.

In one of two midweek fixtures that were postponed a fortnight ago due to adverse weather, Antonio Conte's side can leapfrog table-toppers AC Milan with a victory at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Juventus have made an outstanding start to the season, avoiding defeat in every one of their 24 league and cup fixtures this season.

That means they have not lost on the road in the Serie A since May 2011, with five wins and five draws coming from their travels this term.

Coincidentally, their last loss came at the hands of Parma who won 1-0 thanks to Sebastian Giovinco's second-half strike.

Despite sitting 13th on the table, Parma's home form has been impressive this season, with just two losses from 10 fixtures.

They have scored three goals in each of their past three home matches with Giovinco their standout performer this campaign with nine goals from 15 league appearances.

They have the equal-best attacking record of any side in the top half but they have shipped 34 goals, which is in stark contrast to Juventus' miserly defence.

The success of Conte's side has come largely thanks to their ability to keep clean sheets, with Juve having not conceded in 11 of their 21 league fixtures.

They have only let through 13 goals for the season and the likes of Giovinco and French forward Jonathan Biabiany will have to be at the top of their game if Parma want to pull off an upset.

Parma have only beaten Juventus three times at home in the Serie A, but they have won three of the past four meetings between the two sides and will be quietly confident of pulling off an upset.

In Wednesday's other fixture, 15th-placed Atalanta host Genoa in Bergamo.

Genoa were brought back to earth by Catania in their last fixture as they suffered a 4-0 thumping on the back of successive 3-2 wins against Napoli and Lazio.

But they will still feel confident travelling to an Atalanta side who have just won twice in the league at home since September.

Genoa's last eight games in all competitions have seen 42 goals scored at an average of 5.25 per game and despite sitting ninth, they possess the equal-worst defence in the league.

That means goals are expected when the two sides clash in a match that could prove pivotal in Atalanta's hopes of getting away from the relegation zone, with a win potentially lifting them as high as 12th.

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