Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (57′)

Alessandro Del Piero (71′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Attendance: 34000‎

Del Piero made the difference, says Chiellini

The powerful defender has hailed the experienced attacker, and was very pleased

with the Old Lady's defensive display in what he feels was a "fundamental" win.

Mar 26, 2012

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has taken time to praise team-mate Alessandro Del Piero in the wake of the Bianconeri's 2-0 home win over Inter in Sunday's Serie A encounter.

The veteran attacker scored his side's second goal of the evening to effectively put the match to bed after Martin Caceres had given the Bianconeri the lead, and Chiellini feels that Del Piero made the difference for the Turin giants when he came on as a 53rd-minute substitute.

"Del Piero deserves this recognition, along with our other team-mates who don't feature in every single game," Chiellini stated to the official Juventus website.

"Whenever they come off the bench, they manage to make the difference for us. These players give us something extra that can help us to a successful season."

The Italy international then went on to underline the importance of Sunday's victory, and expressed his delight with Juve's defensive display.

"It was important to win in a fundamental game. We barely concede goals because we all do a great job defensively.

"When we all press high, we run a lot and hold our positions, which makes everything easier."

Juventus remain second in the Serie A table, trailing leaders AC Milan by four points. They host Napoli in their next league encounter.

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

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (57′)

Alessandro Del Piero (71′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Attendance: 34000‎

Are you watching Agnelli & Conte? Ageless Del Piero shoots down

Inter to show Juventus what they've been missing all season

The club captain came off the bench to help see off the Nerazzurri. Now there needs

to be some serious consideration given to keeping him on for another year.

Mar 26, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

After showering and changing, Alessandro Del Piero went off to do interviews for Italy's various media outlets. He talked of the result coming first, and of the countless reasons why the victory was so important. He thanked all of the pundits for their kind words when they praised him for his performance. He even neatly sidestepped a question from the studio floor on Antonio Conte's hair-piece. He remained the perfect professional until the end.

He could have stuck two fingers up to Conte and Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, but he'd already done that on the pitch. In his 40-minute cameo, Del Piero scored one goal and created plenty more trouble for Inter as he gave the greatest example yet as to just why he should be kept on for another year by the Bianconeri.

When the No. 10 entered the fray in the 53rd minute, the Derby d’Italia was still largely there for the taking. While Juve had undoubtedly had the better of the game to that point, Inter were looking threatening on the break, particularly through Diego Milito. But that was all to change.

Conte switched to a 3-5-2, as Alessandro Matri and Simone Pepe were both replaced, with Leonardo Bonucci also joining the proceedings. And within four minutes, with Claudio Ranieri’s men still trying to adjust to the extra aerial threat that Bonucci provided from deep, Martin Caceres had been allowed a free header from an Andrea Pirlo corner, and the Uruguayan made no mistake in giving the home side the lead.

Enter Del Piero. As a side who had been failing to kill off teams all season, Juve now needed to bury their greatest rivals in order to move back to within four points of the Serie A summit. And it was their skipper who would lead the way.

First, a classy turn in the box forced Lucio to clear, then he linked with Pirlo in providing the silky skills which showed his threat. But his crowning moment was still to come.

On 71 minutes, Arturo Vidal, a colossus again in midfield, picked up the ball in Inter territory. With no angle to pass, he feinted one way, saw a gap, and played Del Piero into it. ‘Il Capitano’ read the through-ball perfectly, drifting unchallenged into the space the Chilean had opened up to meet the pass with a first-time strike across Julio Cesar. Game over.

It was the skipper’s first league goal of the season, but his second in five days, following on from his opportunist effort against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg in midweek. Almost more than that, it was a reminder that he still has something to offer. At a club he loves as much as anyone else in the world, his talent is still needed.

He may well be 37 years of age, but, just as Javier Zanetti has something at 38 that no younger Inter player can provide, the same can be said of Del Piero. Yes, it is a very different type of something to the Argentine, and it may well come in shorter bursts, but Conte’s tendency to ignore his skipper when Juve have needed that little extra has got the coach nowhere so far this season.

Agnelli celebrates derby win | But is it time to reconsider Del Piero's future?

Not since he started against Novara in December had the former Padova man been entrusted with such a long run-out in Serie A, but he proved in the second half that he can still trump what many of the Bianconeri strikeforce have been producing this term. The country’s most profligate forward line has needed the surefootedness in front of goal that Del Piero provides, but he has been given far too few opportunities to contribute.

But what now for Del Piero? It is more than five months since Agnelli announced that this would be the striker’s last season in Turin, but the past five days should have him and Conte thinking again. New additions could well be brought in this summer to render a further 12 months for the skipper rather excessive, but why take the risk?

When Mirko Vucinic was signed at the start of the present campaign, many suggested Del Piero would be all but forgotten. He wasn’t. And with other recent additions such as Marco Borriello and Matri having done little to diminish the captain’s status at the club, who is to say that Juve won’t find themselves in exactly the same position again this time next year?

It would make such a small dent into the coffers to keep Del Piero at the club, but it could prove hugely costly to let him go. The attitude, the passion and the professional approach would be missed, but above all, so would the ability to strike just when a goal is needed. It is time Agnelli and Conte invited Alex in for a chat.

The past week has been a reminder of just who Alessandro Del Piero is and what he provides. Now the spotlight falls on those who decided Juventus didn’t need it anymore. Do they have the balls to admit they were wrong?

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

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (57′)

Alessandro Del Piero (71′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Attendance: 34000‎

Del Piero: I never felt useless at Juventus

The veteran attacker has stressed that he has always felt he still had a role

to play at the Old Lady, and was delighted with the 'important' win over Inter.

Mar 26, 2012

Juventus attacker Alessandro Del Piero has stressed that he never considered leaving the Bianconeri in the January transfer window, and added that he has always felt useful at the Turin giants this season.

The veteran forward has been struggling to secure regular first team action in the 2011-12 campaign.

However, he played a vital role in Juventus' 2-2 Coppa Italia draw after extra-time against AC Milan last week, while netting in the Old Lady's 2-0 Serie A win over Inter on Sunday as well, and Del Piero is determined to continue his career.

"I have never felt useless this year, and I am not thinking about quitting. I never even thought about leaving in January," Del Piero stated to Rai 2.

The 37-year-old then went on to underline the importance of the Bianconeri's 2-0 Serie A win at home over Inter on Sunday evening, and stressed it was a crucial result in the race for the Scudetto.

The forward netted his side's second goal to effectively put the match to bed, and made it clear that the Old Lady have to keep pushing on in order to be successful in 2011-12.

"Today’s win was fundamental in order to keep Milan in our sights. Now we have to continue with our foot firmly on the gas," he said to Sky Sport.

"We’re in the Coppa Italia final and are four points adrift of Milan. We mustn’t give up if we want to be champions."

Del Piero then went on to express his delight with his individual success in Juve's last two games, and highlighted that he is not thinking about his long-term future.

"I’m happy that I scored in both games, it fills me with pride because they were very important as far as we are concerned.

"My future? The game against Napoli is next up. I want to enjoy this moment and continue to fight in every game."

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

[Socrates 8227]

[Luigi Daniele 68]

I still think that Juve will win. @@

Hiya amico mio

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Serie A Week 30 - 1-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Video: Juventus-Napoli preview

Mar 31, 2012

Get in the mood for this weekend’s big match between Juventus and Napoli at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

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

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 30 - 1-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Mazzarri: Napoli are used to big games now

The San Paolo side travel to Turin on Sunday and the 50-year-old trainer

believes his team can be the first to beat the Bianconeri this season.

Mar 31, 2012

Walter Mazzarri has stated that Napoli are not afraid of playing in big matches, and are up to the challenge of facing Juventus on Sunday.

The Partenopei played in some high-profile encounters during their exciting run in the Champions League this term and Mazzarri insists that the trip to Turin will not faze his side.

"We are now used to playing matches of a high level. We are going to get the most out of our game against Juventus," he stated in a press conference.

"I am sorry this match against Juve will not be a championship game for us. But we have done so much this year, taking into consideration the Champions League.

"In the championship we have dropped points, but we have been a little unlucky. But now we are looking forward to Juve.

"As long as we can still mathematically qualify for the Champions League we must aim for the maximum. After this complicated game that awaits us we will have a specific timetable that will allow us to decide our future," he clarified.

Mazzarri’s achievements with Napoli have led to speculation that he could take over at Inter, however, he reiterated his commitment to the Partenopei.

"I have a contract until 2013 and I intend to respect it," he concluded.

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

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 30 - 1-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sunday's Serie A Betting Preview:

Juventus and Napoli to share the points

The hosts are aiming to stretch their unbeaten run when they host Walter Mazzarri's

side on Sunday. But Adam Bate is expecting an even contest between the two sides.

Mar 31, 2012

It has the potential to be a thrilling game in Turin on Sunday when Juventus host Napoli – the two sides shared six goals when they met in November. Juventus scored two late goals that day to maintain their unbeaten record and they still haven’t tasted defeat more than four months on. The hosts are 4/5 (1.8) favourites with Bet365 to extend their record to 30 games for the season.

Napoli are enjoying good form themselves having gone nine games without defeat in the league. With Champions League distractions behind them, Walter Mazzarri’s men are focused on securing a top three spot and are well set-up to cause an upset here.

With the attacking trident of Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani, Napoli can be a real threat on the counter-attack and have had joy on their travels this season - scoring three at Inter, Palermo and Fiorentina. Napoli can be backed at 7/2 (4.5) and the draw is available at 5/2 (3.5).

Of the three Napoli stars, Lavezzi looks to be the best value to score first at 8/1 (9.0) with Bet365 – that’s an industry-best price.

For Juventus, the romantic choice is the on-form Alessandro Del Piero. After scoring the opener against Milan in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final the 37-year-old hit the net again versus Inter last weekend. Del Piero is 11/2 (6.5) to net the opener.

In the other markets, the best bet is to back goals in this one. Napoli have scored in all but two of their last 19 matches – but they won’t shut out a Juventus side that have scored in all but one home game this season. Back both teams to score at 5/6 (1.83) with Bet365.

That’s the bet of the day here but for the value bet it is worth considering both teams habit of drawing games. In fact, 1-1 has been the most common score for Juventus this season with seven such results. That’s also been the most popular result in Napoli’s away games in this campaign. You can back 1-1 at 11/2 (6.5) with Bet365.

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

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 30 - 1-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Napoli: Campagnaro and Maggio OK

Mar 31, 2012

Napoli preparations for facing Juventus this weekend have received a boost with the news that Christian Maggio and Hugo Campagnaro are fit.

Alongside Gianluca Grava, Maggio and Campagnaro were hit with a virus in midweek that prevented their participation in training.

However, all three men are believed fully recovered, having returned to training to take a full part in Friday’s work.

Walter Mazzarri’s team travel north to Turin to take on second place Juventus on Sunday evening, keen to pick up three points to maintain momentum in the race for the third and final Champions League qualification slot.

Probable Napoli team to face Juventus: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Gargano, Inler, Zuniga; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Cavani

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

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 30 - 1-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Mazzarri: 'Napoli can beat Juventus'

Mar 31, 2012

Walter Mazzarri insists “Napoli can beat anyone – including Juventus” tomorrow evening, but laughs off links with the Lazio bench.

The Bianconeri are still unbeaten this season and welcome the Partenopei to Turin on Sunday night.

“We are now accustomed to playing games at a certain level and that is what is most enjoyable about this season,” said Mazzarri.

“Teams consider us to be an important club and for us it has become the norm to push all the way in every match. When we play at our best, Napoli can beat anyone – including Juventus. We’ll give our all in Turin for this shirt and our fans.”

It is a special occasion for Mazzarri, who marks his 400th match as a professional Coach.

“Many years have passed, but I remember my first season at Bologna. It’s been a nice journey and I had many satisfactions along the way. I started from nothing and worked my way almost to the top, because playing in the Champions League is truly important for a tactician.”

Their efforts in Europe could perhaps have cost Napoli the opportunity to fight for the Scudetto this term, but they will face Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final on May 20.

“I try to drill into my lads the desire to always play 100 per cent, but objectively it was difficult to fight for the title when playing in the Champions League. Of course there are regrets for how we lost certain points, like the two we dropped against Catania last Sunday.

“After that game, I sat down with my assistant manager and we focused on how to make our defending better from set plays. However, we shouldn’t get bogged down on that, as statistically we’re not that bad in these situations.

“What we do have to work on is maintaining our concentration to the final whistle, as it’s never over until that moment. When we lower our concentration levels, we are simply not the same team. It happened with Catania, but also against Siena.”

Mazzarri has been linked with a move away from Napoli at the end of the season, with the likes of Inter and Lazio on the cards.

“I am just focused on the next few games, so you’d have to ask the President about these matters. It is pleasing to hear of interest from Lazio, but I have a contract to 2013 with Napoli and I intend to respect it.”

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

[Socrates 8227]

Serie A Week 30 - 1-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Conte: 'Juve eyes on Napoli and Milan'

Mar 31, 2012

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte hopes Milan will “shoot themselves in the foot” and could start Marco Borriello against hometown club Napoli tomorrow.

“After this game there will be another eight and I have to say this is going to be a probing test for us,” said Conte ahead of the Sunday evening showdown.

“Napoli have done well to reach the Coppa Italia Final and went so close to the Champions League quarter-finals. In fact, seeing how Chelsea beat Benfica, I believe the Partenopei could’ve reached the semi.

“This club has grown so much and it is thanks to President Aurelio De Laurentiis, who constructed a long-term project that improved year by year. Walter Mazzarri and his players also did something extraordinary and only paid a price for not having that much strength in depth. The Champions League takes a lot out of you, as I know from when I played in it.

“Their strikers can be decisive when given space and are so dangerous. Mazzarri is a great Coach and I respect him. I believe that I am too and will be in years to come.”

Juventus changed their system to mirror that of Napoli in their spectacular 3-3 draw at the San Paolo on November 6, an approach many sides have since taken.

“Strangely, since we played with the 3-5-2 in Naples, everyone has adopted this system. Napoli are an atypical side, as they often over-run you. We will evaluate all options, as we can also play with a 4-3-3.

“Borriello and Fabio Quagliarella could both start tomorrow and are highly motivated to play against their hometown club. Fabio is going through a difficult year, while Marco perhaps would’ve had a different season if he had arrived in June.”

Juventus are in second place and hope to close the four-point gap from leaders Milan.

“If we win tomorrow, then we put second place under lock and key. It would be extraordinary to reach the Champions League without a preliminary round, but we are also keeping an eye open to take advantage of any slip-ups...

“The Scudetto is in Milan’s hands and only they can lose it. Our fixture list is tougher than theirs in the run-in, but if they were to shoot themselves in the foot...”

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