Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Juve recover to beat 10-man Catania

Juventus fought back from a shock early Catania goal to win 3-1 thanks to

Andrea Pirlo’s first strike for the club, but ex-Juve defender Marco Motta saw red..

Feb 18, 2012

The Bianconeri were hoping to end their run of two consecutive stalemates, even though they were still unbeaten this season in all competition. Arturo Vidal sat out a ban and they adopted a 3-5-2 system with Fabio Quagliarella, Marco Borriello and Paolo De Ceglie getting rare starts. Catania were fresh from thumping Genoa 4-0 and could count on former Juve men Sergio Almiron, Marco Motta and Nicola Legrottaglie. Andrea Campagnolo, David Suazo, Alessandro Potenza and Ciro Capuano missed out.

Gigi Buffon had to beat away an Almiron drive in the opening three minutes as it was heading towards the near top corner. The ball remained in play and Catania took the lead, as Pablo Barrientos curled an angled drive in off the far post from the edge of the box.

An audacious Borriello overhead kick was deflected for a corner, then the ex-Roma striker’s header bounced off Kosicky’s chest.

Another Borriello glancing header from a corner was acrobatically hooked away by Mariano Izco practically off the line.

Juve’s pressure paid off with the first Andrea Pirlo goal in a Bianconeri jersey. He curled one of his trademark free kicks in from just outside the area, going round the defensive wall into the near bottom corner with Kosicky rooted to the spot.

Quagliarella unleashed a screamer that beat Kosicky only to smack against the crossbar on the half-hour mark.

Just 120 seconds later, it was Catania’s turn to rattle the woodwork, as Gonzalo Bergessio went past Leonardo Bonucci down the right flank and his rising shot struck the underside of the bar to bounce back out, possibly with the aid of Buffon’s fingertips.

Kosicky parried a Pirlo snapshot and did enough to force Quagliarella on to the side-netting from a tight angle.

An Izco strike from distance stung Buffon’s palms, while Pirlo’s cross was knocked down for Quagliarella to turn on to the side-netting.

After the restart a long-range Pirlo free kick clipped the top of the crossbar. Both Quagliarella and Borriello had efforts charged down in quick succession by defensive bodies, while Simone Padoin horribly scuffed a volley from the D.

Catania went down to 10 men when Motta, who arrived on loan from Juventus in January, went through the back of De Ceglie for a second yellow card.

However, moments later Almiron nearly restored the Sicilians’ lead when pounced on a Bonucci error and Buffon had to beat away the strike with his legs.

Mirko Vucinic almost scored with his first touch, as he was allowed a volley at the back post from Pirlo’s free kick, but sent it wide from six yards. Claudio Marchisio had acres of space, but he too couldn’t make the most of a Pirlo assist.

Juventus did finally take the lead when a Pirlo free kick was whipped in and Kosicky flapped at it, allowing Giorgio Chiellini a diving header into the open goal.

Vucinic earned a yellow card for an obvious dive in the box and fired another chance straight into the arms of the goalkeeper.

It was another mistake by the Catania shot-stopper, as Kosicky’s poor clearance allowed Quagliarella to pounce, his shot looping up off the player’s hand to soar into an empty net. Bizarrely, during the celebrations Marco Storari ran from the touchline and jumped on top of the group of Juve players, causing a cut to Quagliarella’s head and Simone Pepe’s nose!

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

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Giaccherini, Marchisio, Pirlo, Padoin (Pepe 60), De Ceglie (Vucinic 68); Borriello (Lichtsteiner 76), Quagliarella

Catania: Kosicky; Motta, Bellusci, Legrottaglie, Marchese; Izco, Lodi (Spolli 60), Almiron; Gomez (Seymour 70), Bergessio, Barrientos (Biagianti 50)

Ref:Brighi

Sent off: Motta 65 ( C)

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Unbeaten Juve back on top

Feb 18, 2012

Juventus moved to the top of Serie A thanks to a convincing win over 10-man Catania.

Pablo Barrientos gave Catania the lead in the fourth minute but Andrea Pirlo levelled matters in the 22nd minute.

A red card for Marco Motta in the 64th minute left Catania with a battle on their hands and it was one they lost with Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella scoring to earn Antonio Conte's side all three points and take them above AC Milan into top spot.

Sergio Almiron warned Juventus that Catania were not just in town to make up the numbers with a dangerous shot in the third minute.

A minute later, the Sicilians led with Barrientos turning past Andrea Pirlo on the edge of the penalty area and sending a shot curling beyond the reach of Gianluigi Buffon into the far corner.

Marco Borriello, given a chance to impress in the Juve starting XI, headed straight at Tomas Kosicky in the 16th minute before Mariano Izco made a goal-line clearance minutes later as the Bianconeri searched for an equaliser.

They found it in the 22nd minute with Pirlo curling a direct free-kick round the wall and into the side of the goal left unguarded by Kosicky.

Quagliarella hit the crossbar in the 30th minute with Gonzalo Bergessio replicating at the other end two minutes later.

Pirlo was next to strike the woodwork with his free-kick dipping and just grazing the crossbar early in the second half.

Former Juve defender Motta was shown a second yellow card in the 64th minute, and with Catania reduced to 10 men Juve dropped anchor in their half of the field.

It was only a matter of time before they scored and, although Almiron wasted a good chance when he shot straight at Buffon, there was to be no further threat to the Juve goal.

They took the lead just 10 minutes after Motta's dismissal with Chiellini winning a wrestling match with Bergessio at the far post to head Pirlo's free-kick in.

Quagliarella then put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute.

Kosicky made a poor clearance which Pirlo played into the path of Quagliarella, whose shot struck the Catania goalkeeper's hand, but the ball still looped into the goal.

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Juventus on top ahead AC Milan's Sunday game

Feb 18, 2012

Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella were on target for Juventus in 3-1 from-behind win Saturday against 10-man Catania.

The unbeaten Bianconeri from Turin moved two points clear of Serie A champions AC Milan, who play Sunday at lowly Cesena. Juve, who have a game in hand, visit the Devils next weekend.

At the Juventus Stadium, Argentines Mariano Izco and Sergio Almiron forced two early saves from Gianluigi Buffon before their compatriot Pablo Barrientos on four minutes stunned the international with a swerving drive into the far corner.

As Buffon scolded his defence, which remains the league's best with 14 goals conceded, the Bianconeri began pressing for an equalizer that Pirlo scored on 22 minutes, curling a free kick past a poorly placed wall.

After Pirlo's first goal this season, Quagliarella came close with a drive against the bar, while Gonzalo Bergessio shook Buffon's woodwork from a tight angle.

Pirlo forced one more save from Tomas Kosicky and after the break sent another free kick to graze the bar above the Slovak custodian.

Things got easier for Juve, who were held to two straight scoreless draws against minnows Parma and Siena, after the dismissal of defender Marco Motta, a former Juve defender who received a second yellow card on 65 minutes.

There was a chance for Catania one minute later, as Almiron pounced on a loose ball but found Buffon ready for a prodigious save.

Juve's pressing was rewarded on 74 minutes by Chiellini's header off a free kick by Pirlo, who set up Quagliarella for a closing flick with nine minutes left.

'It was important to score (my first goal) tonight. We were behind, and it was important to score,' Pirlo said. 'We always play our game at our best, even in the last two when we did not manage to score.

Pirlo looked ahead to next week's game at AC Milan, where he played 10 seasons: 'There will be some emotion for me in Milan, but we go there to play at our best.'

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Pirlo-inspired Juventus back on top

Andrea Pirlo started the Juventus fightback as the Bianconeri moved two points

clear at the top of Serie A coming from behind to beat ten-man Calcio Catania 3-1.

Feb 18, 2012

Juventus moved two points clear at the top of Serie A after coming from behind to complete a 3-1 win against ten-man Calcio Catania.

Pablo Barrientos stunned Antonio Conte's side with a delightful fourth-minute strike, and the game was finely balanced even after Andrea Pirlo (22) levelled with a free-kick. However, once Marco Motta had been dismissed for the visitors, Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella made sure of the points for the still unbeaten Bianconeri.

In an open match Juventus might have taken the lead in the opening 60 seconds, Claudio Marchisio sending a free header over the bar, but it was Catania who edged in front when Barrientos curled a shot past Gianluigi Buffon.

Juve hit back midway through the first half when Pirlo − excellent throughout − scored his first goal for the club since his summer move from AC Milan. Both sides then hit the woodwork before half-time, through Quagliarella and Gonzalo Bergessio, and the furious tempo continued after the interval, Pirlo skimming the crossbar with another free-kick.

Catania were reduced to ten men after Motta − on loan from Juventus − was dismissed for a second bookable offence (65) and La Vecchia Signora took full advantage as Chiellini headed in another Pirlo set piece (74) and Quagliarella broke through to lob Tomás Kosický (81).

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Juve hit back to beat Catania

Feb 18, 2012

Juventus fired back to defeat ten-man Catania 3-1 in Turin today and move back to the top of Serie A ahead of AC Milan's trip to Cesena tomorrow.

Pablo Barrientos gave the Sicilians, who had Marco Motta dismissed in the second half, a shock early lead but goals from Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella secured the three points.

Juve now lead Milan by two points, having played the same number of games, and brought an end to a run of two straight goalless draws.

"It will be emotional returning to the San Siro but the game is vital for our season so I'm calm," said Pirlo, who scored his first goal for the Old Lady of Turin since a summer move from Milan, where he spent a decade. "It was an important goal tonight because it got us back on level terms."

"We've always played our game it's just that on the last few occasions we struggled to score so the three points were important," Pirlo told SkySport.

The first half was an action-packed and entertaining affair starting with an early header from Juve's Claudio Marchisio that flew just over the crossbar. Catania then gave their hosts two warning signs as Mariano Izco broke from deep only to shoot straight at Gianluigi Buffon before Sergio Almiron gave the veteran goalkeeper some problems with a swerving long-distance effort.

Juve didn't heed the warnings, though, and on four minutes Barrientos turned Pirlo with effortless ease before curling a delightful left-footed shot around Buffon from 20 yards. Juve came firing back, but Marco Borriello's downward header was easy for Tomas Kosicky in the visiting goal.

The equaliser came on 22 minutes as Pirlo curled a free-kick around a badly placed wall to leave Kosicky motionless on his line. Quagliarella hit a rocket from distance that crashed back off the bar.

At the other end, Gonzalo Bergessio played a one-two with Francesco Lodi and crashed his own shot off the woodwork from a tight angle. Kosicky saved a daisy-cutter from Pirlo with Quagliarella shooting the rebound into the side-netting. And, the former Italy forward hit the side-netting again after Borriello teed him up in the box with a cushioned header.

Juve kept on pushing at the start of the second period with Borriello and Quagliarella seeing shots blocked, while Pirlo whipped a free-kick from distance just over the crossbar.

The game turned when Motta, playing against his former employers, picked up a second yellow card for a senseless foul near the halfway line 25 minutes from time. Even so, Catania almost went ahead on the counter attack but Buffon blocked Almiron's fierce low drive.

Then 14 minutes from time Kosicky failed to gather Pirlo's free-kick from the right and Chiellini headed home. Kosicky paid for another error nine minutes from time as his scuffed clearance fell to Pirlo, who played in Quagliarella to beat the goalkeeper.

Somewhat comically, reserve goalkeeper Marco Storari managed to draw blood from both Quagliarella and Simone Pepe with his over-zealous celebrations.

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com casts a studious eye over the performers at Juventus Stadium as a midfield

clinic by Andrea Pirlo leads the hosts to all three points and sends them top of the league.

Feb 18, 2012

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 7.0 - Could do nothing about the placement of the Catania opener, and kept his concentration to deny the visitors superbly on more than one occasion on the break.

Giorgio Chiellini 8.0 - Not the busiest evening, but was always alert to snuff out the threat on the counterattack, with one brilliant challenge on Gomez standing out. Scored the second Juventus goal with an unmarked header from the six-yard box.

Paolo De Ceglie 7.0 - Had an intriguing tussle with Motta all game long, and was often able to beat the Catania defender to the byline. His persistence on the flanks eventually caused Motta to snap and hack him down in the second half, for which he was shown red.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Despite a nervy opening 10 minutes, he intercepted danger well and was quick to move the ball forward to midfield.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Largely untroubled, and dealt comfortably with whatever Catania attempted to throw his way.

Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - With Pirlo causing havoc in the middle, Marchisio often found himself unmarked and used that to his advantage, slipping through on goal on more than one occasion. However, his finishing let him down as he should have scored a one-on-one in the second half.

Simone Padoin 6.5 - Took his time and never looked fussed, as Juventus' superior numbers in midfield allowed him to have a relatively stress-free evening. Was on point with a few deliveries from out wide as well.

Andrea Pirlo 9.0 - The veteran actually started horribly, standing too far off Barrientos for the opener. However, he made amends in emphatic fashion by scoring a trademark free kick, and another in a series of fantastic set pieces led to the go-ahead goal by Chiellini. His passing was hypnotic, with every ball seeming to find a pink shirt in traffic. Laid on chance after chance with that majestic right boot of his, and eventually put the clinching goal on a plate for Quagliarella. Brilliant, brilliant game.

Emanuele Giaccherini 8.0 - An enterprising and dynamic display out wide. Left his marker for dead more than once, and was always able to supply a consistent end product from his deliveries.

Marco Borriello 6.5 - Functioned well linking up play in the first half as a target man, winning the majority of his headed duels as Juventus looked to pick him out in the air. Did not look like scoring apart from a pair of close headers, and grew tired after the interval.

Fabio Quagliarella 7.5 - Smacked a great effort off the bar in the first half, but despite numerous chances, his radar became more and more wayward as the game progressed. However, just when it seemed like it wasn't his day, he popped up with an opportunistic clincher late on.

• Substitutions

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Came on in the second half and his freshness told, as he was able to bomb forward one or twice on the flanks.

Simone Pepe 6.0 - Apart from one off-target attempt, he was quiet in his time on the field.

Mirko Vučinić 5.5 - Was heavily involved after his introduction, spurning two good chances and getting himself booked for simulation after trying to win a penalty.

Catania

Tomáš Košický 4.5 - One could assign at least part of the blame for each Juventus goal on him. Wrong-footed for the first, caught in no man's land for the second and not convincing enough off his line for the third. There were positive moments as well, though, with some athletic saves preventing a bigger defeat.

Nicola Legrottaglie 5.5 - Though he was beaten too easily in the air by Borriello, he contained the Juventus target man well on the ground. Made some decent interceptions too, but the relentless Juve offensive was sometimes too much to bear.

Marco Motta 4.0 - Looked to have the better of De Ceglie in the early goings but as the match wore on, the Juventus wide man was able to increasingly have the beating of him. He eventually lost it, planting his boot into his tormenter's ankle and was justly sent off, leaving his team with an impossible task.

Giovanni Marchese 4.5 - Shocking game defending his flank, as he was completely blitzed by Giaccherini throughout. Simply outdone.

Giuseppe Bellusci 6.5 - A one-man rock at times at the back tonight. A last-ditch tackle or header by him was often the only thing preventing Juventus from a clear sight on goal on many occasions. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Sergio Bernardo Almiron 5.0 - Should have scored from a one on one with Buffon, but instead the Juve keeper was able to block his finish with his legs. Was taken apart in midfield as he failed to stem the tide of the home side's forward play.

Francesco Lodi 5.0 - Stood out for playing in Bergessio with a one-two that was a Buffon fingertip away from a second goal for his side, but was otherwise overrun by pink shirts in midfield.

Mariano Julio Izco 6.0 - At times he appeared to be the only one trying to make things happen in attack for the visitors after the break, but his task was often isolated and ultimately in vain.

Alejandro Gómez 4.5 - Came alive once or twice to lead the charge on the break, but was otherwise completely anonymous in the match.

Pablo César Barrientos 7.0 - Opened the scoring with a goal of some quality, curling the ball into the corner from outside the box to shock the hosts after only four minutes. Found things difficult thereafter, and spent the rest of his time providing cover in his own half.

Gonzalo Bergessio 5.5 - Had a shot at 1-1 that was pushed onto the bar by Buffon that might have changed the complexion of the game, but one gets the feeling that Pirlo's brilliance would have shone through anyway. Like the rest of his attacking team-mates, he found the pickings extremely slim, especially after half-time.

• Substitutions

Nicolás Federico Spolli 5.0 - Came on after the break but failed to make a difference at the back

Felipe Seymour 5.0 - Replaced the invisible Gomez, but did not fare much better as Juve scored twice within 10 minutes of his introduction.

Marco Biagianti 5.0 - Given nearly an entire half on the field, but was left chasing shadows all over the pitch.

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Important to get back to winning ways

against Catania, says Andrea Pirlo

The playmaker, who put in a man-of-a-match shift against the Sicilians, claims it was vital

the Old Lady ended their winless run on Saturday, and is now looking forward to AC Milan.

Feb 18, 2012

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says it was important his side put their recent run of draws to an end on Saturday, following their 3-1 win over Serie A rivals Catania.

The 32-year-old was in imperious form against Vincenzo Montella's outfit, assisting two goals and grabbing one for himself in a convincing victory in Turin, but despite his individual brilliance, he was only too happy to ensure his team found themselves back on the winning trail again.

"It was important to score because we were at a disadvantage, and it was crucial to win again," said Pirlo.

"It was also important to find the three points against such a plucky side, but I will now concentrate on winning the league with Juventus."

Pirlo also added he would be keen to face former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their upcoming league clash with AC Milan next Sunday, although the Swede's participation currently hangs on his red card against Napoli for a slap on Salvatore Aronica being overturned.

"I hope he can play because it will make the match an even more beautiful occasion," Pirlo said.

Juventus are now two points clear of Milan at the Serie A summit, as the duo prepare to lock horns next weekend.

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Conte delighted Juventus 'have shown themselves

to be a great team' following win over Catania

The young trainer has commended his side for responding maturely to their goalless draw

against Parma, and feels the Bianconeri have now proved their credentials for Serie A glory.

Feb 18, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has praised his side for showing themselves to be a "great team" after coming back from behind to beat Catania 3-1 in Serie A on Saturday.

An Andrea Pirlo-inspired Old Lady eventually coasted to a comfortable victory on the night, and the 42-year-old was pleased to see his players put on a display of maturity and professionalism, but also reserved credit for their Sicilian opponents at Juventus Stadium.

"We were good tonight, we were concentrated and mature and gave an excellent response to the fans, as we showed that we are a great team," said Conte after the match.

"We are a large group and it was also seen in our celebrations tonight. I knew we'd face a strong and motivated team like Catania, who also showed their strength.

"They have some very interesting players and it is proof that [sporting director Pietro] Lo Monaco and the board are doing a great job."

Conte then explained his reasons behind his decision to ring the changes from the XI that started the goalless draw against Parma.

"On Wednesday we played Parma and [the players] had little time to recover," he continued.

"We also have a month of matches every three days coming up, and for this I needed to deploy a different team from the beginning to keep things fresh for the rest of the season."

The coach was also anxious to stress the outcome of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's hearing for his red card appeal will not affect his plans ahead of the clash with AC Milan next weekend.

"I trust that the right decision will be made. However, we're going to San Siro to play and win the game, without thinking that Ibrahimovic may or may not feature," he concluded.

Juventus have now moved two points clear of Milan in the Serie A table.

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Montella admires Juve mentality

Feb 18, 2012

Vincenzo Montella has “regrets” about Catania’s missed opportunities in the 3-1 defeat, but praised the Juventus mentality.

The Sicilians had taken the lead in the opening minutes, but after Marco Motta saw red they tumbled 3-1 in Turin.

“It’s certainly not easy to play in a stadium like this against a team that is strong in its individuals, its temperament and mentality. I compliment my side for allowing Juve so little, but unfortunately their goals did come from our mistakes,” said the Coach.

“There are regrets, as we even had the chance to go 2-1 up straight after the red card with Gigi Buffon’s great save on Sergio Almiron. It wasn’t simply to keep Juve in check, but we tried to the final minute.

“Juventus strongly wanted this result and attacked us consistently. We wanted to hit them on the break and had four or five opportunities.

“As for Motta, he struggled when we moved to five at the back, as he doesn’t know this system as well.”

Goalkeeper Tomas Kosicky made a few mistakes, as he flapped at a free kick for Giorgio Chiellini’s header and his poor clearance allowed Fabio Quagliarella to net the third.

“Tomas had done well in previous outings and we were forced to change after selling Mariano Andujar, then Andrea Campagnolo picked up an injury. There is no definitive choice on the goalkeeper.”

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Conte: 'Juve passed Catania test'

Feb 18, 2012

Antonio Conte is pleased Juventus ended their dry spell and passed the Catania test. “We’d never gone behind at home before.”

The Bianconeri were trailing in the early minutes, but fought back to equalise with Andrea Pirlo. After Marco Motta saw red, they emerged 3-1 winners.

“We’d never gone behind at home before, but did well and showed maturity, giving a strong response to the fans and proving this is a strong side,” said the Coach.

“We are a great squad and I saw that in the celebrations too. We knew that Catania were strong and motivated with many interesting players. I think they’re doing a great job in Sicily.”

Juve adopted the 3-5-2 system against Catania’s initial 4-3-3 and were caught out at the back in the first half.

“I think we did well both with the 4-3-3 and the 3-5-2 this season, but I believe the team is happier with this tactic. We have three excellent centre-backs and it’s a shame to leave one out.”

Conte had complained a great deal about the referees recently, but had no qualms about Christian Brighi.

“I think the referee was impeccable and deserves praise.”

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Pirlo: 'I'm ready for Milan reunion'

Feb 19, 2012

Andrea Pirlo is already looking ahead to next week’s clash against his old club Milan. “I won’t be emotional, as the game is too important.”

The midfielder spent 10 years at San Siro, but scored his first goal in a Juventus jersey during last night’s 3-1 win over Catania.

“I am happy and the goal was important, as we were trailing at the time. We always put in strong performances against the smaller clubs, but lately were unable to score.”

Next weekend there is a head-to-head for the Scudetto against Pirlo’s former teammates.

“The return to San Siro will be exciting, but I won’t be emotional after that, as the game is too important. I don’t think we are the favourites for this match.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to miss out due to his ban, although Milan have lodged an appeal to have it reduced.

“I hope all the strongest players can take part,” added Pirlo.

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Buffon: Juventus' win over Catania was 'a victory of character'

The experienced goalkeeper was pleased with his team's response to the early setback

in the game and believes that the triumph will put them in good stead to face AC Milan.

Feb 19, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signalled the importance of his side's 3-1 victory against Catania on Saturday.

The Bianconeri found themselves on the back foot just four minutes into the game following a Pablo Barrientos strike, but goals from Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella allowed the Turin outfit to turn the score around.

The result saw Juventus leapfrop AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table and Buffon believes that it is a major boost ahead of Saturday's trip to San Siro.

"These three points will give us much peace of mind before the match against Milan," Buffon told reporters. "This will be an important week.

"I was angry when I suffered the goal, but the team responded in the best possible way. This was a victory of character.

"I am very happy that Pirlo has scored his first goal in a Juve shirt and that Quagliarella has scored again."

Coming back from conceding the early goal meant that Buffon's side maintain their unbeaten Serie A record in 2011-12.

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

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Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Chiellini hails 'vital' win over Catania

The powerful defender has expressed his joy with Saturday's Serie A victory

and is eagerly anticipating the crunch clash versus AC Milan next weekend.

Feb 19, 2012

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has underlined the importance of his side's 3-1 Serie A win over Catania on Saturday.

The Old Lady had to settle for draws against Siena and Parma in their last two league encounters and Chiellini feels it was essential to beat the Sicilians.

"It was vital to get all three points against Catania. We felt the importance of the game because we wanted to redeem ourselves after the last two encounters," Chiellini was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"The goal scored 15 minutes from the end shows exactly how much we pushed and how we never give up."

The Italy international then looked ahead to next weekend's game against AC Milan and expects an entertaining encounter.

"It will be a spectacular game. It’s important to go into it off the back of a victory. The difference between the two sides is that we’ve drawn more against the smaller teams, while they can count on Zlatan Ibrahimovic who makes the difference in those games."

Ibrahimovic is likely to miss Saturday's encounter at San Siro due to suspension following his dismissal against Napoli earlier this month. A decision on his appeal against the three-match ban will be made on February 23.

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

[Socrates 8327]

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 1

Pablo César Barrientos (4′)

Andrea Pirlo (22′)

Giorgio Chiellini (74′)

Fabio Quagliarella (81′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 31000‎

Conte: Referee was 'perfect' against Catania

Juventus coach sparked controversy after the midweek draw with Parma

by claiming that officials have been afraid to award his side penalties this season.

Feb 19, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte was at pains to praise the performance of referee Christian Brighi after Saturday night's 3-1 victory over Catania.

The Bianconeri boss sparked controversy after the midweek draw with Parma by claiming that Serie A officials have been afraid to award his side penalties this season.

Conte then moved to try to defuse the situation on Friday by arguing that he is not seeking favours from referees, merely equal treatment.

The former Italy international felt that Juve got exactly that against Catania.

"Today [saturday], Brighi was perfect," Conte told Sky Sport Italia after the game against the Sicilians. "I give him my compliments."

Turning his attention to next weekend's top-of-the-table clash with AC Milan, Conte insisted that his preparations for the game will not be affected by the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the Rossoneri reportedly still trying to have the final game of this three-match ban for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica quashed.

"It's for someone else to decide in this regard, but we hope that the right decision is made," the former Siena boss stated.

"We still go to Milan to play our own game whether Ibra is there or not, and Milan will do the same."

Juventus are currently one point behind their title rivals in the table, but the Bianconeri have a game in hand on the reigning Italian champions.

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

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