Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Line-ups: Milan-Juventus

Feb 25, 2012

Robinho, Alexandre Pato and Urby Emanuelson take on Fabio Quagliarella, Marco Borriello and Andrea Pirlo in tonight’s Scudetto showdown at San Siro.

The top two teams in Serie A go head-to-head this evening and Juventus hope to maintain their unbeaten record when it kicks off at 19.45 UK time.

Milan’s choices are limited, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended after losing his appeal against a three-match ban.

The injury list includes Alessandro Nesta, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Maxi Lopez, Clarence Seedorf, Antonio Cassano, Mathieu Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso.

It’s a very Brazilian attack for the Rossoneri with Robinho and Pato leading the way, supported by the versatile Emanuelson.

Philippe Mexes steps in to the back four, as Nesta failed a fitness test earlier today, while Sulley Muntari starts in midfield for the second game running.

Juventus are still unbeaten and have defeated Milan twice this season in Serie A and the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Milos Krasic was left out of this trip and Luca Marrone is sidelined, but other than them Antonio Conte has a full squad to choose from.

He adopts the 3-5-2 system with strikers Quagliarella and Borriello, who surprisingly are chosen ahead of Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic.

Borriello prepares for a very special game, as he faces his former club, but Pirlo has even more pressure, as he was at San Siro for 10 years.

Marcelo Estigarribia is chosen out wide rather than Simone Pepe.

Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari; Emanuelson; Pato, Robinho

Milan bench: Amelia, Bonera, Yepes, Bonera, Ambrosini, Inzaghi, El Shaarawy

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Quagliarella, Borriello

Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, Pepe, Giaccherini, Del Piero, Vucinic, Matri

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Pato returns for AC Milan's crunch clash with Juventus

The Brazil international has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury

in last month's Coppa Italia clash with Novara but will start up front alongside Robinho.

Feb 25, 2012

AC Milan have been buoyed by the return of Alexandre Pato for Saturday night's Serie A showdown with Juventus at San Siro.

The 22-year-old striker has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in last month’s Coppa Italia win over Novara but he returns up front to form an all-Brazilian frontline with Robinho.

Maxi Lopez misses out through injury, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also unavailable after the Rossoneri failed in their bid to have the final game of his three-match suspension quashed.

The top-of-the-table clash has come too soon for Kevin-Prince Boateng, so Urby Emanuelson will continue in the role of trequartista in front of a three-man midfield consisting of Antonio Nocerino, Mark van Bommel and Sulley Muntari.

Philippe Mexes slots back into the heart of the Milan defence alongside Thiago Silva in place of Daniele Bonera, while Luca Antonini has got the nod ahead of Djamel Mesbah at left-back.

As for Juventus, Marco Borriello will partner Fabio Quagliarella in attack, with top-scorer Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic both having to make do with a seat on the bench.

Elsewhere, Marcelo Estigarribia takes over from Emanuele Giaccherini on the left-hand side of midfield and there are also recalls for Stephen Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal as the Bianconeri revert to 3-5-2.

However, all eyes will of course be on Andrea Pirlo, who has, as expected, been again entrusted with the playmaking duties at the base of the Juventus midfield in his first league outing against Milan at San Siro since moving to Turin last summer.

AC Milan (4-3-1-2):

Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari; Emanuelson; Pato, Robinho.

Subs: Amelia, Inzaghi, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Bonera, Yepes, El Shaarawy.

Juventus (3-5-2):

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Borriello, Quagliarella.

Subs: Storari, Caceres, Pepe, Del Piero, Vucinic, Giaccherini, Matri.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Matri equaliser cancels out Nocerino opener

and preserves unbeaten run of Turin giants

An absorbing clash between the two heavyweights saw the substitute save a point late on

for the visitors, who stay a point behind in the standings but still hold a game in hand.

Feb 25, 2012

A late goal by Alessandro Matri rescued a point for Juventus after a 1-1 draw with AC Milan in Saturday's top of the table Serie A matchup at San Siro.

A calamitous piece of defending by Leonardo Bonucci gifted Antonio Nocerino an opener in a first half dominated by the hosts, who also saw a Sulley Muntari goal questionably not given.

However, Juventus belatedly came alive in the second half, and an equaliser by substitute Matri seven minutes from the end salvaged a draw, as Arturo Vidal was also sent off in injury time for a reckless challenge.

Both sides were clearly not shying away from the occasion in the initial exchanges, with an open game in midfield developing thanks to some sloppy passing from the visitors.

Juve were soon made to pay for their carelessness on the ball, after a horror sequence from Bonucci a quarter of an hour in.

Under no pressure, the defender passed the ball straight to the opposition, allowing Nocerino time to stride forward and fire an effort from distance which deflected back off Bonucci, wrong footed Gianluigi Buffon and nestled into the back of the net.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men were in the ascendancy, and should have been 2-0 up after 25 minutes, but for a controversial incident which saw a legitimate goal not given.

Buffon initially did well to parry a header by Philippe Mexes from a corner, but hooked out Sulley Muntari’s rebound with the ball clearly over the line, sparking Milan celebrations.

However, referee Paolo Tagliavento did not signal, and play continued as Juventus immediately stormed down the pitch on the counterattack, with only the fingertips of Christian Abbiati denying Marcelo Estigarribia from range at the end of the move.

Milan were instantly back on the offensive though, as Robinho was put through on goal, but Buffon was quick off his line to thwart the Brazilian expertly from a one-on-one.

The home side were dictating the flow of the game, with Juventus struggling to shift the pressure away from their goal. Vidal and Mark Van Bommel both flashed efforts wide from outside the box as the half ended with Antonio Conte’s men on the ropes.

Milan continued to find space in and around the visitors’ back line coming out of the break, but lacked the cutting edge of the first half as Buffon remained relatively untroubled.

With the Milan offence seeming somewhat blunted, Juventus slowly grew the game, and increasingly looked to get shots in on goal as the match crossed the hour mark.

With 68 minutes gone, Andrea Pirlo fed the overlapping Giorgio Chiellini on the left, who in turn teed up Fabio Quagliarella for a shot that was saved superbly by the arm of Abbiati.

The visitors thought they had equalised with 10 minutes to go, but Alessandro Matri’s goal was chalked off for an offside on Mirko Vucinic, despite the Montenegrin appearing to be uninvolved in the passage of play.

Matri would get his leveller three minutes later though, after a mistake by Thiago Silva saw Juventus maintain possession and spread the ball wide to Pepe, who crossed for the substitute to volley home.

Conte’s men poured forward for a winner, but their endeavor was halted in the 89th minute after a dangerous challenge by Vidal on Van Bommel saw the Chilean receive a straight red card.

The hosts were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority in the little time that remained, and both teams were forced to settle for a point after a captivating contest.

The result sees Milan move onto 51 points, and maintain their one point lead over Juventus. However, the Turin outfit has the advantage in the title race as they still hold a game in hand.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Milan-Juve all square amid scandal

Antonio Nocerino and Alessandro Matri secured a 1-1 draw, but both Milan and Juventus

were denied evident goals in a controversial encounter.

Feb 25, 2012

The two top teams went head-to-head in this Scudetto showdown and it was particularly special for Andrea Pirlo and Marco Borriello against their former club. Zlatan Ibrahimovic lost his appeal against a three-match ban, joining the injured Maxi Lopez, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Clarence Seedorf, Alberto Aquilani, Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Merkel, Antonio Cassano, Rodney Strasser and Gennaro Gattuso. Alexandre Pato got a rare start with Robinho and Urby Emanuelson.

Antonio Nocerino couldn’t get enough power to a volley at the back post, while Leonardo Bonucci was robbed for an Urby Emanuelson shot deflected wide.

Bonucci’s wayward pass was intercepted again in midfield, so Nocerino unleashed a screamer from 20 metres that took a decisive deflection off the same defender to leave Gigi Buffon stranded.

Thiago Silva bravely charged down an Arturo Vidal snapshot with his crotch, while Robinho forced a corner from Andrea Barzagli as he tried to go past him at the by-line.

From that corner, Buffon palmed a Mexes header off the line, then Sulley Muntari had the follow-up from a couple of yards that the goalkeeper again scooped away, but replays clearly show it was well over the line. Nonetheless, play continued and Juve nearly scored at the other end, as Christian Abbiati had his palms stung by a Marcelo Estigarribia strike.

Pirlo fired wide from a huge distance, but the Bianconeri were struggling, so after 37 minutes switched from the 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 system. Andrea Barzagli went into the book for tripping Emanuelson as the Dutchman surged forward on the counter-attack in the final third.

Thiago Silva’s free kick was straight into the wall, but the Mark Van Bommel follow-up skimmed a coat of paint off the upright.

A poor clearance fell to Vidal on the edge of the box for a chest and volley inches wide. At half-time both sides made changes, as Stephan El Shaarawy and Simone Pepe replaced Pato and Estigarribia.

However, within 60 seconds of the restart Mexes was caught on camera punching Borriello in the ribs in an off the ball incident. The referee did not spot it, but Mexes will undoubtedly be penalised using video evidence.

Robinho seemed to be tripped on the very edge of the box by Vidal, but the referee was right there and waved play on. Robinho also threaded a smart through ball that Muntari just failed to control when clear on goal.

Emanuelson’s pass was sending El Shaarawy through, but Barzagli’s crucial sliding tackle stopped him short.

Juventus finally created an excellent scoring opportunity on 68 minutes, as Chiellini rolled the ball across the face of goal for Fabio Quagliarella, but Abbiati managed to parry from point-blank range.

Moments later Abbiati flapped a cross off the head of Vucinic, but in the final 15 minutes Vidal had to limp on as there were no more substitutions.

Alessandro Matri ran on to a through ball and put it in the net, but the offside flag was incorrectly raised and the goal did not stand. It was the same linesman who got it wrong with the ‘phantom’ goal.

There was a huge risk on the counter with three Milan men after Pirlo’s poor free kick, but Barzagli performed a decisive sliding tackle to stop Robinho on the edge of the box.

With seven minutes to go, Juventus equalised in spectacular fashion. Pepe got down the right and crossed for Matri, who got in front of Thiago Silva and volleyed a powerful right-foot strike at the near post.

In the final minutes it was end-to-end stuff, but Vidal was shown a straight red card for going through the back of Van Bommel. Moments later, Pepe risked another red when he went through Robinho, but got away with a booking.

Luca Antonini knocked down a cross for Muntari, but Buffon smothered at his feet from six yards. There was an ugly scuffle after the final whistle, as both Chiellini and Massimo Ambrosini had to be dragged away by teammates.

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

Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari; Emanuelson (Ambrosini 71); Pato (El Shaarawy 46), Robinho

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia (Pepe 46); Quagliarella (Matri 70), Borriello (Vucinic 53)

Ref:Tagliavento

Sent off: Vidal 88 (J)

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Matri ensures spoils shared

Feb 25, 2012

AC Milan and Juventus remain first and second in Serie A following their draw at the San Siro although both teams could feel aggrieved by refereeing decisions that may have cost them three points.

Antonio Nocerino put Milan ahead in the 14th minute and Sulley Muntari appeared to have doubled the lead midway through the first half when his header crossed the line but inexplicably it was not given.

Juventus then had the ball in the net 11 minutes from time but Alessandro Matri was wrongly adjudged to be offside before the same player scored four minutes later. Juve ended the game with 10 men after Arturo Vidal was sent off in the 88th minute for a challenge on Mark van Bommel.

The hosts went ahead with the first chance of the game, Nocerino's powerful shot from outside the area dipping beneath the bar.

Milan seemed to make it 2-0 when Muntari's header clearly crossed the line before Gianluigi Buffon clawed it back - however, the goal was not awarded.

That decision was almost compounded moments later when Claudio Marchisio shot from the left but Christian Abbiati saved well.

Thiago Silva was just wide for the hosts before Andrea Pirlo, returning to the San Siro for the first time since his summer move, also narrowly missed.

Matri then appeared to have equalised after scoring in the bottom right-hand corner but he was flagged offside - replays showed, however, he was onside.

However, Matri then levelled with a close-range volley from Simone Pepe's cross although the point was overshadowed by Vidal's lunge on Van Bommel and subsequent red card.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of those involved in the Serie A showdown at San Siro,

a game in which the visitors preserved their unbeaten record thanks to Alessandro Matri.

Feb 25, 2012

AC Milan

Christian Abbiati 6.5 - Had little to do during a first half in which Juve offered little going forward but he fisted away a dangerous cross from the right-hand side from Lichtsteiner before parrying Vidal’s shot from distance away to safety. However, when Milan needed him most, Abbiati came up trumps, making a wonderful point-blank save from Quagliarella.

Philippe Mexes 6.0 - Caught in possession early on but looked pretty composed otherwise and deal well with Borriello. The Frenchman also drew a wonderful save out of Buffon with a powerful header from 12 yards out. However, he let himself down with a petulant dig on Borriello in the second half and also became increasingly erratic as the game wore on.

Ignazio Abate 6.0 - Got forward when he could during the opening period, forcing a corner early on, but, for the most part, he was more concerned with keeping Estigarribia quiet - which he did to good affect. However, Pepe caused him much more trouble in the second half.

Thiago Silva 5.0 - Did not look his usual classy self in the first half, though he should perhaps be granted some leeway in that regard given he took an awful blow to the… eh, groin area, after bravely throwing himself in the way of a shot from Vidal. However, his distribution was poor at times and he was also booked for needlessly going through the back of Quagliarella. The Brazilian did not improve after the restart and it was his shocking clearance which led to Juve's leveller.

Luca Antonini 5.5 - Selected ahead of Mesbah because of his defensive qualities and justified his inclusion with a reasonably solid display. Indeed, he did remarkably well in nullifying the threat posed by Lichtsteiner, one of Juve's principal attacking threats this season. However, it was Antonini who failed to track Quagliarella's run when Chiellini picked out the former Napoli forward. Luckily for Antonini, he was bailed out by his keeper.

Mark van Bommel 6.0 - Mixed bag from Van Bommel, who gave the ball away badly on occasion and yet also won it back for his side with great regularity. Indeed, he stripped Pirlo of possession at one point, albeit thanks to a sly elbow to the back of the head. Saw a daisy-cutter from the edge of the area roll just wide in the first half but did not really offer anything going forward for the most part.

Sulley Ali Muntari 6.5 - Made two wonderful interceptions inside the opening 13 minutes of a very encouraging first-half display. Indeed, his endeavour should have been rewarded with a goal - but the linesman decided otherwise. In saying that, Muntari really should have made sure with his one-yard header! He also faded as the game wore on.

Antonio Nocerino 6.5 - The surprise success story of Milan's season, Nocerino's goal may have taken a wicked deflection but his willingness to shoot when he had players making runs to either side of him underlined just how much he has grown in stature this season. Worked tirelessly for the Milan cause, putting in a succession of well-executed challenges in the middle of the park.

Urby Emanuelson 5.5 - Miscued embarrassingly after being teed up on the edge of the area by Robinho early on but he did threaten sporadically during the first half and picked out some nice passes. However, he struggled to really get into the game.

Alexandre Pato 4.0 - A desperately ineffective display from the Brazilian. In his defence, this was his first outing in a month because of a thigh problem but he may as well have not been playing during the first half. Indeed, he made no impact on the game and even when he was gifted possession by Bonucci, he failed to make the most of the opening, losing the ball almost immediately. Hauled off at half-time; in turth, Allegri would have been within his rights to take him off earlier.

Robinho 6.5 - Milan's liveliest player during the first half and their most menacing attacking player throughout. Robinho popped up everywhere during the opening 45 minutes and it was he who intercepted the loose pass from Bonucci which led to Nocerino's goal. However, the Brazilian wasted a glorious opportunity to put El Shaarawy straight through on goal in the second half with a poorly-weighted pass.

• Substitutions

Massimo Ambrosini 5.5 - Came on for Emanuelson as Milan moved to shut up shop for the final 20 minutes and did his job to good effect.

Stephan El Shaarawy 5.5 - Replaced Pato during the break and posed a greater attacking threat - though that is not saying much. Indeed, while he proved a far more willing runner than the Brazilian, the youngster never got a clear sight of goal.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Could not be faulted in the slightest for Nocerino's goal, which took a massive deflection off Bonucci. The Italy international then kept his side in touch with a stunning double save midway through the first half from Mexes and Muntari – even if the second was made from at least a yard behind the line. Was scarcely troubled in the second half.

Giorgio Chiellini 7.5 - Failed to cut off a through-ball from Robinho to Emanuelson but, for the most part, Chiellini did not put a foot wrong for Juve at the back. The versatile defender made a string off wonderfully-timed challenges, the most memorable of which left Van Bommel in a heap. Chiellini also laid the ball on a plate for Quagliarella to level the game but the forward shot straight at Abbiati from point-blank range.

Andrea Barzagli 5.5 - Struggled during the first half. Indeed, he was left on his backside after being bamboozled by Robinho's quick feet but he just managed to flick the ball away out for a corner. Barzagli was then booked for taking out Emanuelson as the Dutchman looked to get away. However, Brazagli looked far more comfortable in the second period.

Leonardo Bonucci 4.5 - Endured a nightmare opening half hour. The defender was stripped of the ball after stepping out of defence 13 minutes in and then gifted Milan the opener by passing the ball straight to Robinho before deflecting the ball into his own net as he tried to block Nocerino's subsequent strike on goal. The second half provided some respite but this was a night to forget for Bonucci.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 5.5 - Nowhere near his usual dynamic self down the right flank. He worked hard and regularly got himself into good positions but his distribution was, on the whole, uncharacteristically poor. Kept plugging away but this was not one of Lichtsteiner's better displays.

Claudio Marchisio 5.0 - Was full of running but was a bit of a passenger, truth be told. Indeed, he struggled horribly to impose himself on the game and has still not rediscovered the attacking threat which made him such a key player for Juve before the winter break.

Andrea Pirlo 5.5 - Pressed and probed throughout but his passing was surprisingly poor. Twice tried his luck from distance but failed to trouble Abbiati on either occasion. Kept Juve moving forward right until the end but this was by no means a vintage showing from the playmaker.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 4.5 - Never really managed to impose himself on the game in a positive sense, though he did call Abbiati into action with a well-struck shot from 25 yards out during the tail end of the first half. However, he became increasingly frustrated with himself as the game wore on and it was not really that surprising that he saw red in the closing stages for a reckless challenge on Van Bommel.

Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 5.0 - Saw a fair bit of the ball during the first half but did absolutely nothing with it. Indeed, it is hard to think of one occasion on which he managed to beat the first man with a ball into the box. Unsurprisingly withdrawn at the break.

Fabio Quagliarella 5.5 - Got a shot away in the opening minute but he was forced to live off scraps during the first half. Credit it to him, he was always willing to drop deep to hassle and harry when Milan were in possession but while he worked hard, his game will be defined by his failure to convert the most inviting of crosses from Chiellini from just five yards out.

Marco Borriello 5.0 - Like his striker partner, he also did his best to unsettle the Milan defenders when they were in possession but Borriello did not threaten once and his game was best summed up by his dreadful attempt at a backpass to Buffon which gifted Milan a corner. He was called ashore a couple of minutes later.

• Substitutions

Simone Pepe 6.5 - Not deemed fit enough to start but the winger was thrown on at the break and made a vital contribution, providing the cross from which Matri earned Juve a precious point.

Mirko Vučinić 5.5 - Replaced Borriello ten minutes into the second half and got himself far more involved than the on-loan Roma forward but did not exactly alter the course of the game.

Alessandro Matri 7.0 - Overlooked by Conte once more but did not sulk and instead kept his head down until given the chance to prove his worth to this Juve side once more. The former Cagliari man came came on for Quagliarella with just over 20 minutes to go and ended up rescuing his side from a first defeat of the season with a terrific volley with just seven minutes to go. It was just reward for Matri: primarily because he should have started but also because he'd had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside moments earlier.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Disallowed goal makes us even with AC Milan, says Matri

The Bianconeri hitman had a goal ruled offside by the linesman, but he feels

it is justice for Sulley Muntari's first-half header, which appeared to have crossed the line.

Feb 25, 2012

Juventus striker Alessandro Matri has claimed his offside strike should take the sting out of Sulley Muntari's disallowed header, following his side's 1-1 draw with Serie A rivals AC Milan on Saturday.

The Ghanaian looked to have scored a perfectly-legitimate goal 10 minutes after Antonio Nocerino's early opener, as the ball was shown to have crossed the line despite Gianluigi Buffon's best efforts to clear the effort, but the linesman deemed that it wasn't a goal.

However, Matri also had a valid goal of his own chalked off for offside near the end of the encounter, and he believes the two incidents have cancelled each other out in a bid to defuse tensions after the match.

"My disallowed goal? It ties us with AC Milan, as I have said Muntari's header to be a regular goal," the 27-year-old Sky Sport Italia.

Nevertheless, Matri managed to salvage a draw for Juventus late on and preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign, much to the relief of the striker, who reckons the point may not be decisive in the title race, but important for team morale as the business end of the season approaches.

"It was important we were able to equalise in such a difficult match. It's a draw that makes a difference in the league table, but not one that will be decisive in the race for the title.

"The result also keeps our momentum going, which for us is the most important thing," he concluded.

Juventus remain in second place and one point behind Milan at the Serie A summit, but have a game in hand over their rivals.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Allegri: I wasn't upset, but Muntari's

disallowed goal affected the game

Milan coach says he did not see Matri's equalising strike but ponders how the complexion

of the match could have been different had his side been given the second goal.

Feb 25, 2012

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says he is not disappointed with his side's play in their 1-1 draw at home against Juventus on Saturday, although he states that Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal changed the game.

The Rossoneri took the lead in the first half after Antonio Nocerino capitalised on a howler from centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, before Alessandro Matri's late strike ensured a share of the spoils.

Both sides had a goal controversially called off when Muntari's header was picked out of the net by Gianluigi Buffon after it had crossed the line, and another of Matri's shots was incorrectly adjudged to be offside.

Speaking to Sky Sport immediately following the match, Allegri said it did not feel like two points lost.

"I wasn't upset at the end of the game. It was a beautiful game played very well by Milan; regrettably there was that episode that affected the game.

"The cancellation of Muntari's strike harmed us because we would have been up 2-0. Maybe we would have drawn all the same but the game would have been different," he noted.

"Matri's goal? I didn't see it to be honest. It would have been the tying goal or just 2-1 if they had given us Muntari's goal."

The draw keeps Milan just one point ahead of Juventus in the standings, although the Old Lady have a game in hand.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

How Paolo Tagliavento fared in AC Milan-Juventus clash

The senior official was always likely to be in the firing line, and so it proved

on the night as a web of controversy grabbed all the headlines at San Siro.

Feb 25, 2012

ANALYSIS

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

It was always tipped to be a controversial fixture, given the backdrop of recent claims and counter-claims to refereeing decisions involving AC Milan and Juventus. We were reliably informed that Paolo Tagliavento is the best referee Italy has to offer before Saturday night's 1-1 draw, but there were almost inevitably a number of talking points during the 90 minutes.

With coach Antonio Conte and director Pavel Nedved having complained about Juve's rough justice of late in the past 10 days, sporting director Giuseppe Marotta was quick to back Tagliavento pre-game. But did he justify the credit that came his way?

Two moments in particular will stick in everyone's mind post-match, but how did the referee and his team do in the big flashpoints on the whole?

Below we break down all of the key moments.

FLASHPOINT 1: 25th min - Muntari no-goal

The game's big talking point. With Milan a goal to the good and bossing much of the territory, Philippe Mexes' header forces Gianluigi Buffon into an excellent save, but the ball is only cleared as far as Sulley Muntari. The Ghanaian's header is far from emphatic, but is more than enough to beat Buffon and clear the goal-line before the keeper claws the ball back into play.

However, referee's assistant Roberto Romagnoli inexplicably fails to spot the ball's flight despite being stood in a perfect position to call it. Tagliavento signalled as if to award the goal, but bows to his colleague's over-rule given his better positioning. His instinct had been right, the assistant's decision-making was wrong.

FLASHPOINT 2: 46th min - Mexes' dig in the ribs

The second half was barely a minute old when Philippe Mexes and Marco Borriello clashed in back play after the ball had been cleared from their immediate surroundings. With initial pushing and pulling having not quite subsided, the Frenchman lands a hefty blow into the ribs of the Juventus striker. With no official catching it, the Milan man gets away with his indiscretion. One for the video panel, perhaps.

FLASHPOINT 3: 54th min - Vidal and Robinho clash

With Tagliavento in close proximity, Robinho makes a run for the Juventus penalty area with the ball in tow. The Chilean comes across to make a challenge, but when the Milan attacker knocks the ball wider to his left, Vidal seems to half pull out of the tackle. As contact is made between the two right on the edge of the box, the referee decides that the Juve man had done enough to avoid bringing down the now prostrate Brazilian. His decision to allow play to continue was probably the right one.

FLASHPOINT 4: 80th min - Matri's equaliser chalked off

Another black mark against Sgr. Romagnoli. Juventus substitute Alessandro Matri latches onto a throughball and fires home what appears to be an equaliser for the Bianconeri, only to see the linesman's flag go up. The striker's instincts were right.

On the video replay, it is clear that Matri had timed his run perfectly, and while strike partner Mirko Vucinic was in an offside position, the Montenegrin had not interfered with play, meaning the goal should have stood.

Juve fans may well claim that it was enough to cancel out the bad call on Muntari's goal, but since when have two wrongs made a right? The timings of the 'goals' were also very different, but it's hard to say one was more harsh than the other. Either way, Matri was right to feel aggrieved.

FLASHPOINT 5: 89th min - Vidal's red card

The Chilean topped off a poor night by going to ground and taking down Mark van Bommel from behind. The challenge was not only late, and nowhere near the ball, it was also high. The resulting red card was fair.

There had arguably been other tackles in the game which the referee could have taken a hard line with, but taking this incident in isolation, it was again the right call.

And as if all of that wasn't enough, there were tempestuous scenes at full-time, as Van Bommel and Andrea Pirlo came head-to-head after an incident during the second half when the Juve man claimed his former team-mate delivered an elbow to the head. Then, Massimo Ambrosini and Giorgio Chiellini got into a spat of their own.

There will be plenty for the Lega Serie A's Disciplinary Committee to keep themselves busy with in the coming days!

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Conte bemoans refereeing errors in controversial AC Milan draw

Juventus coach is disappointed that the match will be remembered for its officiating

rather than the football it served up, but nevertheless happy his team rescued a point.

Feb 25, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has expressed his disdain at the tense nature of his side's 1-1 draw with AC Milan in Serie A on Saturday.

The Old Lady bagged a late point courtesy of substitute Alessandro Matri, who cancelled out Antonio Nocerino's early strike, but the game was overshadowed by a pair of questionable refereeing decisions in the form of two disallowed goals from Matri and Sulley Muntari.

A half-time bust-up between both clubs also ensued, and Conte could only apologise for the controversy that unfolded at San Siro.

"These things happen, and I'm sorry that this match had too much tension," he told Sky Sport Italia after the match.

"There was not a beautiful atmosphere for the purists. Too many things happened that were not football-related, and I did not like them.

"The best thing was the game itself, the rest should be improved in the future. I, for one, must also improve."

Conte then backed Alessandro Matri's view that both incidents cancelled each other out, but attacked former Milan midfielder and Sky pundit Zvonimir Boban, who claimed Muntari's header held more significance to the final outcome of the match than Matri's offside finish.

"There were two serious technical errors on two goals from Matri and Muntari. These are errors that can occur, but they are both even," he continued.

"We hope that errors can always be balanced for and against all teams come the end of the season, but I find unacceptable to say that a goal is more regular than the other."

However, despite the negativity surrounding the game, Conte praised Milan for successfully putting his team on the back foot for the first hour, but was pleased the Bianconeri responded thereafter.

"We must credit Milan because they played at a very high level for an hour, putting us under intense pressure," he stated.

"But it was unlikely that they could sustain it for the entire match and we were good at exploiting them, aided by the players I brought on.

"The people watched a great Milan team, although they missed many important players. We were both good and lucky, but there is still much to do for the Scudetto."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Robinho: 'Error can decide Scudetto'

Feb 25, 2012

Robinho has warned the officials that the ‘phantom goal’ denied to Milan tonight “can decide the Scudetto. It was so clear!”

Gigi Buffon scooped a Sulley Muntari header out, but only after it had clearly crossed the line by at least 20cm.

“It was so clear and it’s incredible the goal has not been given. This can decide the Scudetto,” blasted Robinho on Sky Sport Italia at half-time.

After 45 minutes, Milan are leading Juventus 1-0 with Antonio Nocerino’s deflected strike.

“Now we have to stay calm and get back on to the field with the same determination we showed in the first half.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Allegri: 'Result falsified'

Feb 25, 2012

Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri mocked Juventus after a phantom goal. “It falsified the result. I am entertained by all this.”

The Rossoneri had been leading 1-0 when Sulley Muntari’s header was flapped out by Gigi Buffon, but only after it had crossed the line.

“I had fun, as it was a wonderful game that Milan played very well. Unfortunately there was that incident that certainly falsified the result. Either the line was drawn wrong and was a bit too big… We have to accept it,” said Allegri in a sarcastic tone.

The 1-1 draw came after weeks of Juve directors, players and Coach Antonio Conte protesting at unfair treatment from referees.

“There’s no need to see the replays. It was pretty obvious from all round the stadium. The referee pointed to the centre-circle then it all just kept on going.

“Apart from everything, this incident certainly damaged us as we would’ve gone 2-0 up and that is a different match. This is a sign that perhaps someone ought to stay quiet. I am entertained by all this. In any case, it’s better to talk about the football.

“Juventus are unbeaten until now and are doing some great things. Tonight we chose to put pressure on them as high up the field as possible and take away their spaces. We kept up the tempo for most of it and got tired at the end, but wasted three or four great counter-attacks.

“This was an important turning point in the campaign, we put in a wonderful performance and I’d like to think the chances of winning the Scudetto are now 50-50.”

Alessandro Matri also had a goal incorrectly ruled offside in the final stages, but Allegri points out they cannot be compared.

“Muntari’s goal would’ve made it 2-0. Matri’s would’ve made it 1-1, so it’s a different situation entirely.”

Alexandre Pato disappointed, while replacement Stephan El Shaarawy brought more of an attacking threat.

“Pato was not 100 per cent fit, as he had a muscular twinge during the first half, so rather than risk I preferred to replace him.

“El Shaarawy gave us great intensity and could’ve done better with a few chances. I am happy with the spirit shown by the team and we will now relax a little, then begin again.

“We had a spell during the season where we felt a little mentally tired, such as the derby and against Lazio.”

There were also problems at half-time, as Vice-President Adriano Galliani reportedly shouted at the referee in the tunnel and then left San Siro due to "blood pressure problems."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Conte: 'Milan deserve praise'

Feb 25, 2012

Antonio Conte admitted “Milan deserved more” than a point, but engaged in a row on live TV because “both refereeing errors were equal.”

Juventus had spent weeks protesting at the controversial refereeing decisions that went against them, so there was huge pressure on the officials during tonight’s 1-1 draw.

The linesman, Romagnoli, made two errors when he failed to see Sulley Muntari’s header cross the line, then flagged Alessandro Matri offside.

“First of all we must praise Milan, as they played for an hour at the highest level and put us under pressure with our own weapons. Where I see that we went wrong, it’s also because they made us go wrong.

“Of course it’s tough to keep up that tempo and they collapsed at a certain point, while our substitutes brought fresh legs and allowed us to equalise.

“Let’s leave the Scudetto talk alone after this game. Anyone who saw this match realises Milan were wonderful, while Juve were lucky. We have a long way to go and Milan are a very strong team who proved it again today despite their many absentees.

“I compliment my lads for hanging in there and eventually snatching a draw at the end. That fightback showed our 24 games unbeaten are not down to luck, but also heart and hard work.”

Conte blamed the media and also accepted some responsibility for the tension around this fixture.

“These things happen. What I am disappointed by is that this game was fired up too much by everyone, both those within it and outside of it. The atmosphere in my view was not good for sport. It’s a shame, but the match is decided within the pitch and too many things happened this week.

“The most wonderful thing about all this was the match itself. The rest needs to be improved by everyone, including myself.

“The officials made two big mistakes again this evening. What can I say? These things happen and we take note one was in our favour and the other against us. We hope that the errors all even out at the end of the season for all the teams.”

However, Conte engaged in a row with former Milan star Zvonimir Boban, now a Sky Sport Italia pundit, when discussing the two incidents.

“I find it unacceptable that you can compare the two and say one error was more damaging than the other. Both goals were incorrectly disallowed and are therefore equal. What, was our goal not worth as much? I see no difference whatsoever. They were both mistakes.

“You always manage to make it into controversy, even when we come here very openly. For the last week we have been bombarded by questions and controversy, so the temperature was raised far too much.

“Admittedly, Milan deserved more from the match in terms of performance, but there were incidents against both teams tonight.”

The two eventually made peace and Conte apologised for using harsh words during the debate.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Matri enjoyed Milan revenge

Feb 26, 2012

Alessandro Matri admits it was particularly special to score against his former club and “perhaps it’s lucky my goal was disallowed.”

The striker came off the bench to net the equaliser in last night’s 1-1 draw with Milan, but before that was incorrectly flagged offside.

“The important thing is we were able to bring home a point,” said Matri. “Perhaps it’s lucky my goal was disallowed, as that evened out the one Sulley Muntari was not given in the first half.

“The performance was pretty good, although we all realised it was not the usual Juventus out there.

“My goal is worth a great deal, but not for the Scudetto. A defeat would’ve been a heavy blow, but we maintain our unbeaten record, which means a lot to us.”

Matri grew up in the Milan youth academy, but was never given much consideration at the club.

“It was a special atmosphere for me, as it was the first time I had played such an important match. It meant a lot to me to be here.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Buffon: 'On Muntari's goal...'

Feb 26, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon reveals even if he had realised Sulley Muntari’s effort had crossed the line, he “certainly wouldn’t have told the referee!”

Juventus fought back for a 1-1 draw against Milan last night, but when it was still 1-0 the officials failed to spot Muntari’s header go into the goal before Buffon batted it away.

“I have to be honest, it was all moving so quickly that I didn’t realise the ball had crossed the line. Mind you, even if I had realised, I certainly wouldn’t have told the referee!

“We are happy with this point against a team that remains the favourite for the Scudetto and who created so many problems for us for 65 minutes.

“It wasn’t a great start to the game for us and Milan always managed to pin us back, so after the break we changed a few things and it went better, especially in the final stages.”

Antonio Conte had a row on live television with Zvonimir Boban, who claimed the two refereeing errors could not be considered equal.

However, Buffon seemed to go against his Coach and agree with the former Milan star turned pundit.

“We were certainly helped by the incidents. The linesman’s error on the Milan goal had a specifically different weight on the game and the way it played out.

“Having said that, the club was right to point out that it’s abnormal we have only received one penalty all season considering the way we play football. That is an incontrovertible fact.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Abbiati: 'Goal would've changed game'

Feb 26, 2012

Christian Abbiati and Urby Emanuelson believe the ‘phantom’ goal would’ve changed the game in Milan-Juventus.

The Rossoneri were 1-0 up in the first half when the linesman failed to spot Sulley Muntari’s header cross the line.

“We played so well and inevitably felt the fatigue in the second half,” said Emanuelson.

“However, if Muntari’s goal had been given, then on 2-0 it would’ve been a different game, opening up a lot more space.

“We remain confident for the Scudetto, because we played very well despite missing so many players.”

Goalkeeper Abbiati agreed that the Muntari incident weighed more heavily than Alessandro Matri’s late goal that was incorrectly ruled offside.

“We are disappointed with the result, but not too downhearted because we know that we played well,” said the former Juventus shot-stopper.

“In the locker room I saw that my teammates were sad, but also convinced they had proved a victory was deserved.

“Obviously, if we had gone 2-0 up in the first half, then it would’ve been a whole other game. I don’t know if we would have won, but it’d still be a different situation for us.

“It’s a shame, although a point against Juve is not to be sniffed at.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

'I was watching the ball, not the line' - Buffon

after ghost goal in Juventus' draw with AC Milan

Sulley Muntari appeared to have scored for the hosts with a header but the Italy goalkeeper

believed that he had kept it out, though he admits that he would not have spoken up.

Feb 26, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that he was watching the ball and not the line and so did not realise that a mistake had been made in the 'ghost goal' incident against AC Milan on Saturday.

A Sulley Muntari header for the Rossoneri appeared to be comfortably in the net, but the Italy international scooped the ball clear and a goal was not awarded, the game eventually finishing 1-1.

The 34-year-old stated that he was unsure whether the effort had crossed the line and was only interested in helping his team, adding that, if he had known that the goal was legitimate, he would not have corrected the officials.

"I was watching the ball, not the line," Buffon told La Repubblica.

"I didn't realise it had gone over the line, and even if I did I wouldn't have lent a hand to the referee.

"Taking a point and continuing the unbeaten streak makes it a special evening, where we played against most successful team to win the Scudetto.

"In the end what counts is that we were ready to adapt to whatever happened in the match. Milan had greater freshness, lucidity and technical skill.

"In the second half we tried to change and in the last 25 minutes we were better because in the first half AC Milan had control of the game," he admitted.

The draw means that Milan are still top of Serie A by one point, though Juventus have a game in hand.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Thiago Silva calls for more assistance

Feb 27, 2012

Thiago Silva says three match officials are not enough for the big games after the events of Milan-Juventus on Saturday evening.

The fiery Scudetto clash at San Siro ended 1-1, but the Rossoneri should have gone 2-0 up in the first half after a Sulley Muntari goal was not awarded – despite the ball clearly being over the line.

“I’m disappointed with what happened against Juventus,” the Brazilian international told Sky Sport Italia.

“I’m stunned by the mistake of the linesman. I saw the ball go in from where I was in the middle of the pitch and he was in a position where he could see everything…

“I’m in favour of the use of TV replays or officials behind the goals – we have to have them in the big matches.”

Although the centre-back criticised the referee and his assistants, he refused to blast Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon who clawed the ball away.

The Rossoneri have reacted angrily to the Juve No 1’s post-match claims that even if he thought the ball had crossed the line, he wouldn’t have told the referee.

“Had I been him, I would have done the same,” Thiago Silva continued.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Milan-Juventus: Now the bans…

Feb 27, 2012

The Milan-Juventus tie is set to be played out again on Monday as the sporting judge will rule on a number of controversial incidents.

While the red card handed to Arturo Vidal and the yellow to Simone Pepe during the 1-1 draw will see them banned for the next 90 minutes, they may not be alone.

Rossoneri stopper Philippe Mexes risks a three-match suspension after TV footage seems to show him punch Marco Borriello at the start of the second half.

Footage has also emerged of Sulley Muntari getting physical with Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner during the tie.

Meanwhile, Milan are claiming that Andrea Pirlo of Juventus elbowed Mark Van Bommel on two separate occasions during the encounter.

There is also a risk that Juventus boss Antonio Conte and Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani could be punished in some way for their argument during half-time.

Milan’s Massimo Ambrosini and Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus also exchanged strong opinions at the end of the game.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Buffon conscience is clear

Feb 27, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has stood by his controversial post-match comments over the Milan goal that never was.

Sulley Muntari should have put the Rossoneri 2-0 up in Saturday’s game after the match officials failed to recognise that the ‘keeper’s save had occurred behind the line.

Buffon claimed after the 1-1 draw that he wouldn’t have informed the referee that a goal should have been awarded had he realised the ball was in.

“I would repeat my words again,” Buffon told Sky Sport Italia this morning as he arrived at Italy’s Coverciano training base.

“If I had understood that the ball was over the line then I wouldn’t have said anything. I wouldn’t have buried my team.

“My conscience is clear. After all, I have set a good example on many other occasions.”

Buffon is also quoted in La Stampa today where he defended his point of view following the controversial incident.

“Bring me whoever would have helped the referee,” the former Parma shot-stopper noted. “All I thought about was to get the ball – perhaps Muntari should have done better.

“Their unfavourable incident may have weighed more than the one that went against us [Alessandro Matri’s disallowed onside goal], but the game should have finished 2-2 anyway…”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Allegri calm after the storm

Feb 27, 2012

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has looked to inject some calm following the furore in the aftermath of the Juventus clash.

The game ended 1-1, but only after Milan had scored a ghost goal and the Old Lady were denied of an onside Alessandro Matri strike.

“There was anger because it was an important game,” the former Cagliari tactician stated on Monday afternoon.

“Certain episodes take place during games and they need to be faced with serenity. Referees make mistakes.

“I’m disappointed with what took place, but I have nothing against the match officials. There was an error, but the game was well officiated.

“We could have done without the post-match tension-induced statements. We’re disappointed, but I don’t want to create more tension.”

The Italian media today are focusing heavily on Gigi Buffon’s claims that he wouldn’t have told the referee that Sulley Muntari’s goal should have counted had he realised the ball was over the line.

“I don’t want to say anything about that,” the Coach noted. “I’d rather just talk about football. The referees need to make decisions therefore the responsibility is theirs.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Buffon refuses to retract controversial comments following AC Milan draw

The Italy international has reiterated that he would not have informed the referee

if he had realised that Sulley Muntari's header crossed the line in Saturday's crunch clash.

Feb 27, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has stood by his post-match comments regarding Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal.

The 34-year-old custodian was at the heart of the controversy in Saturday's 1-1 draw at San Siro as he saved the Milan midfielder's header after the ball had crossed the goal-line.

After the match, Buffon claimed he would not have helped the referee even if he had realised the goal was legitimate and he has now maintained his stance.

"The respect and the esteem I have for my team-mates are enough, I do not care about the rest," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"I am happy the way I am. This is a world where everyone defends their position. I would say exactly the same things.

"I do not have to justify myself, people can write what they want. I repeat that I did not see anything in that situation."

Juve remain one point behind Milan in the race for the Scudetto but have a game in hand.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Mexes banned for three games for punch on Borriello

The Frenchman escaped any punishment at the time as it went unnoticed by the referee,

Paolo Tagliavento, but the incident was caught by the television cameras.

Feb 27, 2012

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has been suspended for three games for punching Juventus forward Marco Borriello during Saturday's 1-1 draw at San Siro.

Mexes appeared to strike the Bianconeri forward in the kidneys during the second half of the Serie A clash at the Giuseppe Meazza but the incident was missed by referee Paolo Tagliavento and the Frenchman escaped punishment.

However, Mexes' offence was captured by the television cameras and he has now been handed a three-game ban, meaning he will miss the Rossoneri's upcoming Serie A meetings with Palermo, Lecce and Parma.

However, no action has been taken against either Milan midfielders Sulley Muntari or Mark van Bommel.

Muntari stood accused of slapping Stephan Lichtsteiner, while Van Bommel was said to have deliberately elbowed Andrea Pirlo in the head but both were cleared of any wrongdoing.

However, Milan team manager Silvano Ramaccioni has been hit with a one-game ban for comments he made towards Juventus players.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Mexes banned, Pirlo, Muntari acquitted

Feb 27, 2012

Milan defender Philippe Mexes has received a three-match ban after video evidence found him guilty of punching Juventus’ Marco Borriello at the weekend.

French centre-back Mexes was caught on camera punching former Roma teammate Borriello in the ribs, on the blind side of both the referee and his assistants, during Saturday’s clash between Milan and Juve.

After investigation, the No 5 has been handed a three-game ban and will now miss the Rossoneri’s fixtures with Palermo, Lecce and Parma.

Meanwhile, teammate Sulley Muntari and Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who were both also under investigation for alleged off-the-ball clashes, have both been cleared and will not face any action.

Muntari had seemingly been caught on camera twice lashing out at Stephan Lichtsteiner, whilst Pirlo reportedly elbowed Mark Van Bommel.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 1

Antonio Nocerino (14')

Alessandro Matri (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 53000‎

Tacconi backs Buffon: Never tell the truth in football

The former Bianconeri goalkeeper has admitted that he would not have readily informed

the match official if the ball had crossed the line against the Rossoneri either.

Feb 28, 2012

Stefano Tacconi has backed Gianluigi Buffon over the controversial comments the Juventus goalkeeper made regarding Sulley Muntari's 'ghost goal' at San Siro on Saturday, arguing that honesty is not the best policy when it comes to football.

The AC Milan midfielder beat Buffon with a close-range header during the first half of the top-of-the-table clash but the match officials failed to notice that the ball had crossed the line before Buffon was able to get it under his control.

Buffon claimed after the game that he had no idea if the ball had gone over the line but then infuriated the Rossoneri by claiming that even if he had known, he would not have informed the referee.

The Italy international's less than sporting attitude has shocked many but former Bianconeri goalkeeper Tacconi believes that there is no room for honesty in the game.

"I would not have said anything [either]," the 54-year-old Italian told Goal.com. "I'd have kept quiet.

"Never tell the truth in football. I've experienced it during my career when I was out for six months for telling the truth.

"Since then I have realised that being honest in football does not pay."

Tacconi also believes the fact that Buffon's comments have sparked such a heated debate within the game is indicative how times have changed since he was a player.

"In today's football everyone talks too much," he argued. "I say this: that everyone takes responsibility for their own actions and that we return to playing football.

"Once we were winning the Scudetto with fists, punches and broken teeth; now that there are thousands of cameras filming every game, however, the titles are won by talking ... They only want to go onto the field to talk.

"It's no longer football - it's football-gossip: who has gone out with who; who has sniffed coke. These are the arguments that you often read about in the papers and on the internet. Now the more you talk, the more you win."

As for who will win this year's Scudetto, Tacconi believes that the title race will go right to the wire, feeling that Bianconeri might have a slight edge given they have no European commitments.

"The duel could last until the end, though usually the Scudetto is decided in the spring," he mused.

"With the arrival of summer we will see who has more strength. Milan may have to expend a significant amount of energy in the Champions League, but the race remains open."

Tacconi, who was capped seven times by the Azzurri during his playing days, spent nine years with Juventus between 1983 and 1992.

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