Juventus Season 2011-2012

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Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

1 - 1

Marco Di Vaio (17')

Mirko Vučinić (59′)

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Attendance: 19000‎

Juve still in title race, says Marchisio

Mar 8, 2012

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is remaining positive despite his side dropping more points at Bologna on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri drew 1-1 at the Stadio Dall’Ara, a result which allowed Milan to remain at the top of the table on their own.

“We are two points away from Milan and we gained a point on [third-placed] Lazio,” the Italian international commented.

“The team is in good shape, we’re still unbeaten, we’re running hard and we didn’t lose our shape even after we went down to 10 men.”

Juve started the game well, only to then concede when Marco Di Vaio was played onside by Stephan Lichtsteiner.

“It was like being slapped,” Marchisio noted. “But we mustn’t make excuses and it shouldn’t take a goal against us to wake us up.

“Bologna are in very good shape and played a great game.”

Juve went into the tie without the injured Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. Both centre-backs will be joined on the sidelines by Leonardo Bonucci at the weekend after his dismissal in the game.

“We can’t think about the absences,” the 26-year-old noted. “The squad is competitive and that’s already been seen.

“We’ve got confidence in ourselves and in the group, this was also made evident this evening.”

One positive to come from the game was the return of Mirko Vucinic to the scoresheet.

“He has great class,” Marchisio argued. “This evening he put in a great performance and scored a precious goal.

“We hope he’ll go on and score even more.”

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

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Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

1 - 1

Marco Di Vaio (17')

Mirko Vučinić (59′)

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Attendance: 19000‎

Draw-obsessed Juventus set to go season unbeaten,

but still fail to win Serie A

It was the same old story for the Bianconeri at Bologna, sending them another game

closer to the unwanted record of being unbeatable losers, just as Perugia were 33 years ago.

Mar 8, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

It’s a common sight in Italy, taking place in recreation ground changing rooms and bars, pizza places and piazzas. Football fans sit with a pen and that week’s pools coupon, shouting out fixtures and welcoming suggestions from their friends. But with each passing game this season, the very mention of Juventus brings increasing calls of ‘X’, with the Bianconeri becoming such draw specialists that their hopes of winning a first official title in eight years are going down the tubes, and fast.

Wednesday evening’s latest stalemate away to Bologna was symptomatic of their recent malaise. Their fifth draw in six league games has resulted in them dropping two points behind leaders AC Milan in the Scudetto race, despite the fact they remain unbeaten through the first 26 rounds of the campaign. Maybe those keen gamblers across the peninsula should turn their attentions to sticking money on the Old Lady ending the season without a loss, but also without the title.

Because right now, there is increasingly less fun in predicting Juve games. With each goal, you can almost immediately see the equaliser coming. And last night was no different.

Bologna grabbed the lead when Stephan Lichtsteiner decided at the last second to attempt to play offside, despite being in the perfect position to see that he was the last man able to curb Marco Di Vaio’s route to goal. Instead, the striker drew Gianluigi Buffon away from his line and finished expertly.

But not at any point did a home victory ever seem likely, and Juventus duly equalised during a much improved second-half performance. Andrea Pirlo played a trademark pass in the channel which pierced through the heart of the Rossoblu, and Mirko Vucinic delightfully dinked the ball over the onrushing Jean-Francois Gillet.

Yet again though, Juve’s push for a winner appeared to the neutral like something you’d seen a million times before. Like a bad TV series where all of the episodes have the same storyline, the Old Lady’s away trips in particular are suddenly taking on a remarkably similar vein. When Marco Borriello’s header was superbly kept out by Gillet, Claudio Marchisio fired straight back at the keeper, who reacted quickly to ensure Bologna held on for a vital point.

That header was about the best thing Borriello had to offer in yet another unconvincing display. Two months after his move from Roma which caused such consternation in the stands at Juventus Stadium, he still awaits his first goal. His situation sums up the current state at Vinovo, with the forwards still not having clubbed together to find the finishing power necessary to turn their side into potential champions. Once again, it felt like reading an old newspaper checking out Juve’s full-time stats.

Even the histrionics had a sense of deja-vu about them. Just as at Parma and Milan recently, there was much debate on the touchline over various refereeing calls. Antonio Conte was sent off for his protestations, and before long he was joined by Leonardo Bonucci, who arguably could have been shown a second yellow card long before Luca Banti eventually brandished it for a foul on Gaston Ramirez.

Bonucci’s mindless challenge was made all the worse when you consider his main mandate from his coach must have been to not get himself suspended, given that Juve’s other two first-choice centre-backs, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, are both out with injuries. Bonucci’s stupidity strips them of a third for the trip to Genoa on Sunday.

Just like Perugia in 1978-79, Juventus are fast heading for a runners-up spot rather than a Scudetto triumph thanks to their inability to turn draws into wins. Having now drawn as many as they have won over 26 games, it will need a significant change in attitude during tight games for Juve to pull off a title win. While a leap from two successive seventh place finishes to second this term would be reason for some celebration, it is bound to feel like an opportunity missed.

As much as Milan have shown at vital times this season that they have the depth of ability to pick up wins even when not always convincing, the Turin giants have dominated game after game without ever looking likely to convert their superiority into a significant lead in the table.

Just like Perugia in ’79, they will almost certainly end the season with the best defensive record. But also just like Perugia in ’79, they will have the worst goals return of the sides at the top end of the league. And, crucially, they look set to finish the season with no defeats, but also no title.

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

1 - 1

Marco Di Vaio (17')

Mirko Vučinić (59′)

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Attendance: 19000‎

Conte: The more Juventus are denied a penalty,

the more 'pissed off' we'll be

The Bianconeri coach was proud of his players despite yet another draw in the league

as he once again vented his frustration with the standard of refereeing.

Mar 8, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has launched another scathing attack on referees as he shrugged off yet another draw this season.

A 1-1 stalemate at Bologna on Wednesday left the Bianconeri two points adrift of leaders AC Milan as they missed the chance to catch the San Siro outfit in their rescheduled Serie A match.

"We deserved to win. The lads cannot be blamed for anything. To see the faces of my players after the match fills me with pride," Conte told reporters after the match.

"This was our 26th match in the league without a defeat: no one has beaten us.

The 42-year-old coach has been highly critical of the standard of refereeing in Juventus' matches this season, and he was left fuming on Wednesday, when he and Leonardo Bonucci were both given their marching orders.

"We are never awarded penalties. The more we are denied penalties, the more pissed off we will be," he barked.

"We may not get penalties, but at least it would not bad to get fouls outside the box, like the one that Marco Borriello suffered. After all, we have good free-kick takers."

Juventus, who have now drawn exactly half of their 26 Serie A games this term, travel to Genoa on Sunday.

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

1 - 1

Marco Di Vaio (17')

Mirko Vučinić (59′)

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Attendance: 19000‎

Marchisio insists Juventus remain confident

The Italy international was slightly disappointed with his side's draw versus Bologna,

but stressed that the Old Lady are still in a great position in the Scudetto race.

Mar 8, 2012

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has stressed that the Bianconeri's morale will not be affected by their recent results as they remain confident of their qualities.

The Turin giants have dropped to second spot in the Serie A table after drawing five out of their last six league games, and Juventus were again held to a draw on Wednesday evening as they had to settle for a 1-1 against Bologna.

"We’re two points off Milan and have gained a point on Lazio. The team’s fine, we’re still unbeaten, we run a lot and we kept our balance even when we went down to ten men," Marchisio was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"The squad is competitive and that’s already been clear to see. We’ve got confidence in ourselves and in the group, this was also made evident this [Wednesday] evening."

Juventus resume Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to Genoa looking to return to winning ways.

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

1 - 1

Marco Di Vaio (17')

Mirko Vučinić (59′)

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Attendance: 19000‎

Bonucci & Conte to miss Genoa clash due to suspension

The Bianconeri coach and defender have both received a one-game ban for the upcoming

Serie A match following their dismissals on Wednesday against Bologna.

Mar 8, 2012

Serie A giants Juventus will have to make do without head coach Antonio Conte and defender Leonardo Bonucci in the upcoming league game away against Genoa.

Conte was sent to the stands halfway through the second half in Juve's 1-1 draw against Bologna on Wednesday evening, and has consequently been handed a one-match suspension.

The 24-year-old Bonucci received his second yellow card of the evening in the match versus Bologna after 84 minutes of play, and was handed a one-match ban as well for his dismissal on Wednesday.

Juventus will be looking to return to winning ways in Sunday's match at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris after drawing their last three league encounters.

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

1 - 1

Marco Di Vaio (17')

Mirko Vučinić (59′)

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Attendance: 19000‎

Conte and Beretta banned

Mar 8, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte and Cesena counterpart Mario Beretta will have to watch their teams from the stands this weekend.

Both tacticians were sent off last night and have today been suspended for the Week 27 schedule.

Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci will also miss out on Sunday’s Genoa clash as he was red-carded against Bologna.

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

1 - 1

Marco Di Vaio (17')

Mirko Vučinić (59′)

Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Luca Banti

Attendance: 19000‎

Investigation into Pessotto banner

Mar 9, 2012

An investigation has been launched after an offensive banner towards Gianluca Pessotto was shown during Bologna-Juventus.

Former Juve and Italy player Pessotto fell from a window in the summer of 2006 while suffering from depression. His life was in danger for many weeks, but he has now recovered and is a team manager at the club.

During Wednesday’s Serie A match at the Stadio Dall’Ara, a couple of Bologna fans briefly held up a banner that read: ‘Pessotto’s a diver. Either he jumped or it was a penalty.’

The FIGC has now confirmed an investigation is underway into the banner, which was not spotted by the referee and therefore could not be dealt with via the usual disciplinary channels.

Juventus were stunned by the bad taste of this banner, with general manager Beppe Marotta calling it “truly inhuman.”

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

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Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus defender Caceres targets victory against Genoa

The Uruguay international is looking forward to the Serie A game at the Luigi Ferraris,

and is pleased to be back at the Bianconeri after his previous loan spell in Italy.

Mar 9, 2012

Juventus defender Martin Caceres is eagerly anticipating Sunday afternoon's Serie A game away against Genoa, and is determined to get the full three points again after a number of disappointing results.

The Turin side have drawn their previous three league encounters and have consequently dropped to second spot in the table, with Caceres is desperate to return to winning ways.

"We know that it will be a difficult game. That’s why we’re preparing with the maximum effort. But this Juve side has the characteristics to play home and away with the same conviction and desire to impose ourselves. We’ll go to Genoa looking to win," Caceres was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

The Uruguay international then went on to express his delight with his return to Juventus after a previous loan spell in 2009-10.

"Since I left here a year and a half ago, I always wanted to come back and so I was delighted when this opportunity came about.

"Very few players are left from the team I played with, but I’m very happy in this group. The lads are friendly and great players. There’s always a nice atmosphere at Juventus."

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Caceres: We’ll miss Conte

Mar 9, 2012

Martin Caceres believes Antonio Conte’s absence will be as significant this weekend against Genoa as the makeshift defence he may find himself a part of.

With Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini injured and Leonardo Bonucci now suspended, Juventus are heading into the weekend’s trip to Marassi anticipating playing Caceres in an untried centre-back pairing alongside midfielder Arturo Vidal.

Appearing on Juventus Channel ahead of the potential challenge, Caceres reflected on the task at hand, but suggested that Coach Conte’s absence through suspension will be as equally significant.

“Obviously we are missing two big players in Barzagli and Chiellini. If I have the opportunity to play with Arturo in defence, we will do our best to cover these two heavy absences.

“It will be difficult without the Coach, because the Coach is everything. You feel it when you play and the Coach is missing. We know he is a major presence, he is very involved from the bench, he lives the game with the players, giving us a great deal.

“But, we will try to play in the best possible way to win at Genoa.”

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Conte starts media silence

Mar 10, 2012

Antonio Conte is refusing to speak to the media after his “unjust” ban, so assistant manager Angelo Alessio insists Juventus “will double our efforts” against Genoa.

The Coach is suspended after his red card for dissent against Bologna on Wednesday evening and opted against holding today’s traditional press conference.

“Antonio always behaved correctly with referees and assistants, so the dismissal was unjust,” said Alessio.

“We were there and we know how things went. He’s very upset at this one-match ban and I hope in future a similar situation does not happen again.

“We will face Genoa the same way we did the other teams, with that determination and hunger to get a result. This side has a team spirit constructed through eight months of work and tomorrow we’ll be even angrier about this situation, so will double our efforts.”

Conte isn’t the only absentee at Marassi, as Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are injured with Leonardo Bonucci suspended, so the defence has to be completely revamped.

“We tested both Arturo Vidal and Luca Marrone at centre-back during the last training session. Antonio will make the decision. At this moment of difficulty, we will not change the system.

“We hope Chiellini can recover to face Fiorentina, but must be cautious, as with this type of injury you can’t risk a relapse.

“As for the forwards, the ones we choose will always be functional to the match in hand. There is no hierarchy.”

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Marino expects Juve battle

Mar 10, 2012

Pasquale Marino does not believe Juventus are struggling ahead of the Genoa clash. “If they are unbeaten, there is a reason...”

The Bianconeri have fallen off the top of the table recently thanks to three consecutive stalemates and pay a visit to Marassi on Sunday afternoon.

“What does it feel like playing against a team that has not lost a single match? I’ll tell you on Sunday evening,” replied Coach Marino in his press conference.

“The draws must not lull us into a false sense of security, as if they are still unbeaten then there is a reason...

“Sides like Juve are always on a high level, so we must play and run as a unit, staying compact. Will the referees be affected by recent errors? No, I doubt it.

“Antonio Conte is in the stands due to a touchline ban, but I’d rather Andrea Pirlo was taken out of the game. You can only stop someone like Andrea with the sacrifice of our strikers.”

Alberto Gilardino is back from a long injury lay-off and could start along with Giuseppe Sculli and Rodrigo Palacio.

“We do not have any players with Gilardino’s characteristics in the squad, as he is useful in attack and when it comes to defending. His return is an important one that guarantees us some alternatives.

“We want to end this season on a high, as we do have the potential.”

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

[Socrates 8331]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Conte and Juventus players start media blackout ahead of Genoa game

The Bianconeri coach was sent to the stands in the 1-1 midweek draw against Bologna,

and the Turin outfit's trainer has decided that the club will not comment to the press.

Mar 10, 2012

Antonio Conte has enforced a Juventus media blackout, which means neither he nor any of the club's players will talk to the press ahead of this weekend's game against Genoa.

The Bianconeri trainer was sent to the stands in his side's 1-1 draw against Bologna in midweek, and as a result has had a one-match suspension sanctioned against him.

Only assistant coach Angelo Alessio has been allowed to speak to the press, and the number two feels that Conte's punishment was unfair.

"Antonio's disqualification I consider as a real injustice; he never behaves out of line with referees," the assistant stated in a pre-match press conference on Friday.

"This injustice suffered by our coach has made the team even more determined in view of tomorrow's game. We shall go to Genoa with the desire to get a result.”

The media have been critical of the Juventus attackers of late, but Alessio feels that his frontmen should not harbour the blame for the side drawing and not winning recently.

"There is no hierarchy of attack, we always choose the players to field based on the opponent.

“We create many more scoring opportunities and the moment has arrived in which our forwards will be even more cool in front of goal," he continued.

In defence Leonardo Bonucci is also suspended, and the club have decisions to make in who to play in their backline.

"We hope Giorgio Chiellini will recover as soon as possible; he is working well with the medical staff.

"In defence we have Luca Marrone, Martin Caceres and even Arturo Vidal; we will decide tomorrow who will take the field," he concluded.

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