Juventus Season 2011-2012

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Budan: 'Juve not world class'

Apr 3, 2012

Palermo striker Igor Budan has mocked Saturday’s opponents Juventus, complaining they have “no world class players.”

The two clubs go head-to-head at the Stadio Barbera at 17.30 UK time this weekend and Juve are just two points adrift of Serie A leaders Milan.

“Juve have no world class players,” said the forward during a press conference.

“I thought Mirko Vucinic would be able to do more, but he had a few problems. Unfortunately for us, he is now getting back in shape.

“I respect Marco Borriello and Alessandro Matri, but they are not Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, Andrea Pirlo is having a great season and I hope he gets a few passes wrong on Saturday.”

Palermo received a big boost at the weekend when they earned their first away victory of the season, conquering Bologna 3-1.

“I think Emiliano Viviano’s save on Marco Di Vaio when we were 1-0 down made a huge difference, as it would’ve been tough to come back from 2-0 down.

“We have a great squad and were always very united, trying to keep a positive atmosphere.”

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

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Second best Juventus

Apr 4, 2012

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport has today highlighted Juventus’ strength during the second half of their Serie A matches.

The unbeaten Old Lady turned draws into convincing victories against Inter and Napoli, after going in at the break 0-0, during their last two encounters.

The national newspaper has today examined the statistics which illustrate that the Bianconeri seem to get results as games go on.

If ties in Serie A finished at the 45-minute mark, Juve would have only collected 49 points this term and would be fourth behind Roma, Milan and Udinese.

If just second half results were used to calculate an hypothetical table, Juve would be top of that with 59 points.

As is stands in reality, the Turin giants are second in the classifica – two points behind Milan and 11 clear of Lazio in third.

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Quagliarella to net Juve start?

Apr 4, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella is being tipped to win a place in the Juventus first team this weekend after his goal against Napoli.

The Italian international came off the bench on Sunday to net in the 3-0 victory against his former club.

According to various newspapers on Wednesday, the forward could now be offered a chance from the start against Palermo.

Quagliarella, who missed the first six months of 2011 with knee ligament damage, has scored three goals in 18 League games this term.

However, Quagliarella has only started five League games under Antonio Conte so far.

It’s unclear at the moment whether Juve will field a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 at the Stadio Barbera on Saturday.

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

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Conte’s 12-minute team talk

Apr 4, 2012

The Italian media are speculating on exactly what Antonio Conte said to his Juventus troops during a 12-minute motivational speech.

The tactician spoke at length to his entire squad on Tuesday in a bid to fire them up ahead of the last eight games of the campaign.

“Milan will have to spit blood until the very end to win the championship,” the former midfielder allegedly stated.

“People are flooding us with praise right now, but that sends shivers through me. Why? Because I have fear, I have fear, I have fear that someone here will start to relax.

“There is applause and a consensus, but what is the reality? The reality is the pitch, the reality is sweat, the reality is sacrifice.

“That is what has led us to this point of the championship and we still haven’t done anything yet…

“Let’s look at who we have in front of us now because we are mature enough to fight until the very end.

“As I said before, they will have to spit blood until the last game.”

Juventus, who travel to Palermo this weekend, are now just two points behind leaders Milan in the championship.

The Old Lady, unbeaten this term, will also face Napoli in the Coppa Italia Final next month.

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Depleted Palermo target Juve upset

Apr 4, 2012

Palermo are aware that it will take some effort to get a result against Scudetto-chasing Juventus on Saturday.

The Rosanero have the fourth best home record in the Division, but the Old Lady are in form having won their last three games – scoring 10 and conceding none in the process.

“We’ll try to beat them, but it will be very tough,” Vice-President Guglielmo Micciche commented.

“We will be without the suspended Abel Hernandez, Massimo Donati and Andrea Mantovani. Meanwhile, Federico Balzaretti, Eros Pisano and Matias Silvestre are out injured.

“It will be hard without half the team to get a positive result, but we’ll try to get some points even against a very strong Juventus side.”

The Bianconeri haven’t beaten Palermo in Sicily since a 2-0 in February 2009 thanks to goals from Momo Sissoko and David Trezeguet.

Palermo have won three of the last four at the Barbera against Juve – 2-1, 2-0 and 3-2.

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

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Chiellini: 'Juve will fight to the end'

Apr 4, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini assures “Juventus will fight to the bitter end” to take the Scudetto off Milan this season.

The Bianconeri are in second place and just two points adrift of the Serie A leaders going into the Easter Saturday games.

“I am certain Juventus will fight to the bitter end for the Scudetto,” the defender told children on a visit to a local school.

“I tell youngsters not to smoke, to eat healthily and do lots of sports. We football players know that we set an example for children, so for this reason we must keep an eye on our behaviour.”

This weekend Juventus visit Palermo, while Milan welcome Fiorentina to San Siro.

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Conte: Juventus are waiting for a Milan slip-up

The 42-year-old coach reiterated that he is not obsessed with how the Rossoneri fare,

but assured that his side will be ready to pounce if the Serie A champions drop points.

Apr 6, 2012

Antonio Conte is hoping for AC Milan to slip up and allow Juventus to return to the top of the Serie A standings.

The Old Lady trail the Rossoneri by just two points, and with only eight matches remaining in the championship, they must rely on Massimiliano Allegri's men dropping points to have a chance of securing the Scudetto.

"We are not thinking about what Milan will do, but what we will do," Conte told reporters at a news conference.

"We will have an important match against Palermo on Saturday, which could allow us to keep our dream alive.

"Milan have a two-point lead and an easier fixture list than us. We are on the right track, we must continue to win and wait for Milan to slip up.

"We will give our all so that we will not have any regrets after our matches."

Conte, who took charge of Juventus in the summer, stressed he is not worried about extending his contract, which expires in 2013.

"I think that when the time is right, we will discuss it all," the 42 year old said.

The Italian coach then confirmed that he will give Fabio Quagliarella the nod to start on Saturday after the striker's goal against Napoli last weekend.

"Quagliarella is in good shape and he will feature from the start," Conte added.

Juventus' clash at Palermo kicks off at 18.30CET.

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

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Palermo will make life difficult for Juventus, says Mutti

The 57-year-old coach is eagerly anticipating this weekend's encounter

against the Turin giants, and is confident that his side can trouble the Bianconeri.

Apr 6, 2012

Palermo boss Bortolo Mutti is looking forward to the upcoming Serie A match against Juventus, and believes that the Sicilians have what it takes to spring a surprise over the visitors.

Mutti admits that it won't be an easy game, but is nonetheless confident that they can record a positive result on Saturday.

"We must face them in the right way and we have to try to make their life difficult. Juve are still unbeaten, but football is quite strange and anything can happen," Mutti stated during a press conference.

"Sometimes you have to show a different attitude in certain situations. We need to field a balanced line-up in order to cause Juve difficulties. We must not limit ourselves to the defensive aspects of the game though."

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AC Milan or Juventus for the Serie A title?

Goal.com editors make their predictions

Goal.com's team of experts turn their attention to the Serie A title race as they predict

the results from the final six weeks to decide who they think will be crowned champions.

Apr 6, 2012

There are just six weeks of the Serie A season remaining, with eight games separating success from failure for many of the 20 top-flight sides. For AC Milan and Juventus in particular, the run-in will be of significant consequence, with the destiny of the Scudetto still very much up in the air.

Though Juventus have led the way for much of the term, it is now Milan who are in the driver's seat. However, after Juve's 3-0 win over Napoli last week, they now sit just two points behind the Rossoneri, whose 1-1 draw at Catania saw their advantage halved.

But Milan's defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday means that both sides are on a level playing field, with no distractions for either club between now and May 13. But who will be celebrating after Week 38?

We assembled a panel of experts and asked them to predict the run-in, and judge who will win the title as a result.

Will Milan hold their nerve to come through in the final weeks? Do Juventus have what it takes to stay the course and clinch their first post-Calciopoli title? Our experts have their say below, and we'd also like you to consider the run-in yourself and tell us who you reckon will finish top in our poll.

VITTORIO CAMPANILE - Goal.com Italy

WINNERS: Juventus (84 points)

RUNNERS-UP: Milan (84 points)

I think Juventus will emerge triumphant because Antonio Conte has the will to push his team over the line. For their part, Milan are the better team, but they have too many injured players. The Champions League could have a negative impact not only on the minds of the players, but also on the legs, and with not too many options available, Massimiliano Allegri could be in big trouble. The match against Siena should be the deciding one for Milan. And don't forget that there is the derby and Inter would love to stop Milan on the penultimate week.

CARLO GARGANESE - Goal.com International

WINNERS: Juventus (86 points)

RUNNERS-UP: Milan (86 points)

I am going to put everything I have on the line here and say that Juventus will win every single remaining game this season. On the face of it, this may seem unlikely, but if the Bianconeri can win their hardest remaining match this weekend then such a scenario is not impossible. Milan have a reasonably easy run-in and should have too much quality to beat Inter in the derby, but the away trips to Chievo and Siena will not be straightforward and it would not surprise me at all to see them slip up in one of them. Having said this, though, if Juventus don't beat Palermo this Saturday I expect Milan to win the Scudetto. So this weekend is absolutely crucial if the Old Lady are to dream of catching the Rossoneri.

KRIS VOAKES - Goal.com International

WINNERS: Milan (86 points)

RUNNERS-UP: Juventus (84 points)

Like Carlo, I believe that this weekend's trip to Palermo could be the biggest test for Juve, and the Rosanero could really put a spanner in the works, with their ability to play an efficient counterattacking game a huge danger to the Old Lady. Thereafter, they should have enough to win their remaining games, though there's always the danger of the odd slip-up as has been the case this season in many of their 14 draws. Milan look a little vulnerable right now, but they have the added bonus of a get-out clause in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and with his input there's always the belief that they'll scrape their way through difficult fixtures and just - JUST! - see their way to the title.

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

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Viviano: Juve not unbeatable

Apr 6, 2012

Emiliano Viviano is optimistic ahead of Palermo’s game with Juventus on Saturday. “Nobody is unbeatable!”

The Old Lady have yet to taste defeat this season, but the goalkeeper is remaining hopeful prior to the Stadio Barbera clash.

“In my opinion, no team is unbeatable,” he told Tuttosport on Friday. “Even when someone plays against Barcelona, they think they can win.

“Anything can happen in football – even beating a team like Juventus who have yet to lose so far this season.”

Viviano will come up against his international colleague Gigi Buffon tomorrow.

“He’s usually perfect,” the former Bologna man continued. “I hope that isn’t the case on Saturday…”

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Juve boss turns to Quagliarella

Apr 6, 2012

Antonio Conte has confirmed that Fabio Quagliarella will be in the Juventus first XI in their game at Palermo on Saturday.

The forward has only started five Serie A ties this term, but he’ll begin at the Barbera after his strike in the 3-0 win over Napoli last weekend.

“Quagliarella is in form and he’ll start tomorrow,” the Old Lady tactician stated on Friday morning. “Out wide or as a centre forward? I could play with two strikers…”

Conte has fielded 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 formations in recent weeks and he admitted that Quagliarella may not be the only change to his side.

“We have three games against Palermo, Lazio and Cesena coming up. If I can count on the whole squad then I’ll make my decisions one game at a time. But I think there will be some rotation.”

Juve are now just two points behind Milan in the standings and the Coach wants to increase the pressure on the Rossoneri – as his 12-minute team talk this week underlined.

“I’m disappointed that the journalists were able to pick up on my words, perhaps in future I’ll be a bit sneakier.

“We’re not thinking about what Milan will do, we’re just thinking of ourselves. Tomorrow will be an important game for us, a match that could help us keep our dream alive.

“Milan have the advantage and an easier fixture list than us. We’re on the right path, we just have to keep winning and wait for a false step from Milan.

“We’ll look to give our best to make sure that there are no regrets at the end of the season.”

Conte was also questioned on the fact that his name has been mentioned in the betting investigation in reference to his Siena side’s game at Sassuolo last term.

“I don’t need to defend myself from anything,” he underlined. “I was left disappointed rather than surprised.

“It’s all rubbish, there was no phone call or text message. If you think that this hoax will see me and my team gift Milan the Scudetto then you are mistaken.”

Conte has been a revelation in Turin and there are reports that he’ll soon sign a new deal seeing as he’s only contracted until June 2013.

“At the right time we will talk about everything,” he noted.

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Mutti: 'Juve haven't beaten Palermo yet'

Apr 6, 2012

Bortolo Mutti has an injury crisis on his hands, but trusts Palermo can cause an upset against unbeaten Juventus. “We’re not defeated before kick-off.”

The Sicilians are without Matias Silvestre, Matias Aguirregaray and Federico Balzaretti, while Eros Pisano and Giulio Migliaccio picked up knocks in this morning’s training session.

A quartet of players sits this one out due to suspension, namely Nicolas Bertolo, Andrea Mantovani, Massimo Donati and Abel Hernandez.

“I can only field one system because all these absentees leave me no other option, but that doesn’t take away from the fact we must go out there with the spirit of a side that wants to hurt its opponent,” said Coach Mutti.

“Palermo are not defeated before kick-off in this game. We must face this situation with great maturity. It is a difficult moment and we are taking on an important match, so hopefully adrenaline will help us through.

“It’s particularly complicated in defence, as some of our youth team players could make their Serie A debuts. Either way, it looks like we’ll have defenders who are under 20.”

The Rosanero are boosted by last week’s unexpected 3-1 victory at Bologna, their first away win of the season, and the return of Fabrizio Miccoli from compassionate leave.

Palermo squad: Brichetto, Tzorvas, Viviano; Di Chiara, Kosnic, Labrin, Milanovic, Munoz, Pisano; Acquah, Alvarez, Bacinovic, Barreto, Della Rocca, Ilicic, Migliaccio, Vazquez, Zahavi; Budan, Mehmeti, Miccoli

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Full strength Juve for Palermo

Apr 6, 2012

Antonio Conte has named a full-strength matchday squad to take to Palermo for the weekend’s match.

As the Bianconeri enter the final eight matches of the season just two points behind Milan in the race for the title, the Coach has the luxury of naming a fully-fit squad.

Selecting the same 22 who conveyed for last weekend’s 3-0 win over Napoli, Conte has again only left out outcast wingers Elijero Elia and Milos Krasic.

This Saturday sees the Turin side kick off at 5.30pm UK time away to Palermo. Conte confirmed in his Press conference today that Fabio Quagliarella will be in the starting XI.

Juventus squad to face Palermo: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 23 Borriello, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 34 Marrone

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Miccoli wary of Old Lady challenge

Apr 6, 2012

Palermo captain Fabrizio Miccoli admits his team face a mighty challenge when they host Scudetto contenders Juventus on Saturday having to do without a host of players.

The Sicilian giants go into the encounter at La Favorita without seven players through injuries and suspension.

"For the first time I don't have a good feeling heading into a game against Juventus," Miccoli said.

"I don't want us to give a bad image but it will be very difficult considering the number of players that are missing."

Palermo coach Bortolo Mutti will be forced to make wholesale changes to the team that won 3-1 at Bologna in the last round - their first win on the road this season.

Defender Andrea Mantovani, midfielders Nicolas Bertolo and Massimo Donati as well as striker Abel Hernandez are all suspended.

To add to Palermo's woes, defenders Federico Balzaretti and Matias Silvestre are out injured.

However, Mutti does not want to rule out his team's chances.

"We will not go into the game with a losing mentality," said Mutti, whose side sit 10th in the standings. "Of course, it doesn't help when you face a team like Juventus to be without a lot of players but we will try to give our best."

Juventus coach Antonio Conte will have all of his players available for the trip to Sicily.

The Bianconeri are still unbeaten this season and won 3-0 over Napoli last weekend.

The result followed their 2-0 triumph over Inter Milan and allowed the Turin giants to reduce the gap with leaders AC Milan to just two points.

"To be just two points behind the league leaders with eight games remaining gives my team and our fans strength and courage," Conte said.

"In the last two weeks we have achieved important wins against Inter Milan and Napoli, two sides that at the start of the campaign were considered to be superior to us.

"I can only thank my players, who have done something extraordinary."

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Conte only concerned about Juventus:

'We must watch our own house'

The Bianconeri boss says he is not thinking about their Scudetto rivals and is solely

focused on his own side's progress as they compete for the Serie A title with AC Milan.

Apr 6, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has urged his team not to think about the fortunes of title rivals AC Milan ahead of Saturday's league encounter with Palermo.

The Old Lady managed to cut the gap between themselves and Milan at the top of the table to just two points last weekend, but the former club captain insists his players should only focus on their own championship tilt, starting with three points against the Rosanero.

"Regardless of the title race, we must watch our own house and when we win we are all happy, especially if a victory comes after a good performance," Conte told Juventus Channel.

Conte then explained the factors his Juventus side take into consideration when preparing for matches, but stressed playing to win is paramount to his philosophy.

"Our countermeasures always remain the same: organisation, intensity, desire and sacrifice," he said. "We especially want to win the game, as we have always done.

"We know we will find an opponent who will try to put a spanner in the works, but we are ready and want to continue doing well."

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

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Serie A Preview - Serie A title chase back on

for Conte's men against crippled Rosanero

The visitors reduced the gap to leaders AC Milan down to two points last weekend

and will be hoping to make up further ground against the hosts, who have a number of absentees.

Apr 6, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

PALERMO

Viviano

Munoz, Milanovic, Labrin

Pisano, Migliaccio, Rocca, Barreto, Acquah

Miccoli, Budan

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie

Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio

Pepe, Matri, Vucinic

Palermo have a good record against Juventus in recent times, but will not be optimistic for this match due to a number of key absences. Coach Bortolo Mutti has four players suspended in the form of defender Andrea Mantovani, midfielders Nicolas Bertolo and Massimo Donati, as well as striker Abel Hernandez.

Meanwhile, first-choice left-back and centre-back, Federico Balzaretti and Matias Silvestre, are injured and will not recover in time to feature - meaning that youngsters Carlos Labrin and Afriyie Acquah should get rare chances to impress from the referee's first whistle.

The visitors are in the opposite situation, with no suspensions or knocks to worry boss Antonio Conte going into the clash in Sicily.

Following Marco Borriello's sub-par performance during the 3-0 victory over Napoli, he looks set to be dropped to the bench in favour of top-scorer Alessandro Matri as the coach reverts back to a 4-3-3 formation rather than the 3-5-2 he has utilised in recent weeks.

Former Palermo man Andrea Barzagli should line up alongside Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of defence, and further forward Simone Pepe is expected to re-enter the starting XI to provide width in attack after only earning a place on the bench last Sunday.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Palermo suffered a 3-0 loss to Juventus in the first part of the season, which ended a four-match winning streak against the Bianconeri in Serie A.

• The Rosanero have scored 32 goals on home soil, and are tied with Napoli for the highest total in the league.

• Since being promoted in 2004, Palermo lead the record between the two teams in the top flight over 13 encounters with seven wins, one draw and five defeats.

• Juventus have not won at the Renzo Barbera since a 2-0 victory in February 2009, when Mohamed Sissoko and David Trezeguet were on the scoresheet.

• Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Matri recently penned new five-year contracts with the Turin giants.

• Conte's side have only conceded eight goals away from home this campaign during a stretch of 15 matches.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Nov 20, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Palermo 0

Serie A ‎- Feb 2, 2011 - Palermo 2 - Juventus 1

Serie A ‎- Sep 23, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Palermo 3

Serie A ‎- Feb 28, 2010 - Juventus 0 - Palermo 2

Serie A ‎- Oct 4, 2009 - Palermo 2 - Juventus 0

Last Five Matches

Palermo

Apr 1, 2012 - Bologna 1 - Palermo 3 - Serie A

Mar 24, 2012 - Palermo 1 - Udinese 1 - Serie A

Mar 18, 2012 - Lecce 1 - Palermo 1 - Serie A

Mar 10, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Roma 1 - Serie A

Mar 3, 2012 - Palermo 0 - AC Milan 4 - Serie A

Juventus

Apr 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - SSC Napoli 0 - Serie A

Mar 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - FC Internazionale 0 - Serie A

Mar 20, 2012 - Juventus 2 - AC Milan 2 - Coppa Italia

Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 5 - Serie A

Mar 11, 2012 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Fabrizio Miccoli

Despite almost leaving Sicily last summer, Miccoli is having a banner year, even leading the Serie A in assists at the moment. The former Juventus man always seems to turn in dynamite performances against the club that cast him aside and will be eager to make them pay once again for not giving him more opportunities to shine in Turin.

Alessandro Matri

Juventus’ top-scorer this season does not seem to have the confidence of coach Conte and has been rotated in and out of the line-up. Now will be the former Cagliari star’s chance to prove he is worthy of being a mainstay in the Bianconeri attacking line.

Prediction

Juventus record away this season has not been spectacular with six wins and nine draws, but the Sicilians may be too depleted in personnel this time around to cause a roadbump in the Bianconeri's Scudetto challenge.

Editor's Prediction

Palermo 1 - 2 Juventus

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Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 6, 2012

Juventus will be aiming to continue their push toward the Scudetto as they visit a depleted Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera on Saturday.

Palermo overcame their greatest season obstacle and shook the ever-growing monkey off their back last weekend by earning a first away win of the season. The 3-1 result at Bologna came despite going a goal behind and is one which Bortolo Mutti feels is a great boost to the team.

“This victory allows us to relax. The youngsters did well and we showed great unity, spirit of sacrifice and concentration,” he noted.

The precious result means the Sicilians have climbed into the top half of the ladder and ended a five-match winless streak that had threatened to call upon one of Maurizio Zamparini’s usual mid-season interventions. Too far away to challenge for Europe, Palermo can at least safely look down on the relegation zone.

Mutti has a problem this weekend with a number of players absent. Nicolas Bertolo, Andrea Mantovani, Massimo Donati and Abel Hernandez are all suspended; Matias Silvestre is a possibility to sit out, whilst Matias Aguirregaray and Federico Balzaretti are certain to miss. Fabrizio Miccoli returns after his omission from the Bologna clash due to personal reasons.

Juventus’ Scudetto bid was reignited last weekend as Milan slipped-up in Catania and the Bianconeri enjoyed a commanding 3-0 win over Napoli, narrowing the gap to two points. Antonio Conte was proud of their mature performance, but has reiterated the Scudetto is Milan’s to lose.

Giorgio Chiellini was content with the Old Lady all-but securing a Champions League place for next season as they now hope to capitalise on any further points dropped by the Rossoneri.

Conte is set to revert to the 4-3-3 formation and re-instate both Alessandro Matri and Simone Pepe to the starting line-up. Once again he has a full complement of players to choose from.

Juventus cannot afford a result like last season, where Palermo raced to a two-goal advantage and held on to win, despite Claudio Marchisio pulling one back. That was Palermo’s sixth win in this fixture, meaning they are just three behind Juve’s total.

Keep an eye on: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus): The 32-year-old put in yet another mercurial performance against Napoli and will run the game in the centre of midfield should Palermo fail to cut out the threat he possesses.

Form guide: Palermo (L L D D W) Juventus (D D W W W)

Last season: Palermo 2-1 Juventus

Stat fact: Fabrizio Miccoli has scored four times against ex-club Juventus – including one goal in each of the past three seasons for Palermo.

Palermo: Viviano; Munoz, Milanovic, Labrin; Pisano, Migliaccio, Della Rocca, Barreto, Acquah; Miccoli, Budan

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Palermo v Juventus: Preview

Apr 6, 2012

Palermo captain Fabrizio Miccoli admits his team face a mighty challenge when they host Scudetto contenders Juventus tomorrow having to do without a host of players.

The Sicilian giants go into the encounter at La Favorita without seven players through injuries and suspension.

"For the first time I don't have a good feeling heading into a game against Juventus,'' Miccoli said.

"I don't want us to give a bad image but it will be very difficult considering the number of players that are missing.''

Palermo coach Bortolo Mutti will be forced to make wholesale changes to the team that won 3-1 at Bologna in the last round - their first win on the road this season.

Defender Andrea Mantovani, midfielders Nicolas Bertolo and Massimo Donati as well as striker Abel Hernandez are all suspended.

To add to Palermo's woes, defenders Federico Balzaretti and Matias Silvestre are out injured.

However, Mutti does not want to rule out his team's chances.

"We will not go into the game with a losing mentality,'' said Mutti, whose side sit 10th in the standings. "Of course, it doesn't help when you face a team like Juventus to be without a lot of players but we will try to give our best.''

Juventus coach Antonio Conte will have all of his players available for the trip to Sicily.

The Bianconeri are still unbeaten this season and won 3-0 over Napoli last weekend.

The result followed their 2-0 triumph over Inter Milan and allowed the Turin giants to reduce the gap with leaders AC Milan to just two points.

"To be just two points behind the league leaders with eight games remaining gives my team and our fans strength and courage,'' Conte said.

"In the last two weeks we have achieved important wins against Inter Milan and Napoli, two sides that at the start of the campaign were considered to be superior to us.

"I can only thank my players, who have done something extraordinary.''

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Preview: Can Antonio Conte’s Men

Make It Four Wins Out of Four?

Apr 6, 2012

Juventus make the trip to Sicily to face Palermo in what is a must win clash for the Bianconeri as they chase Milan. Juventus closed down the gap on the Rossoneri who were held on to by Catania last weekend. The Bianconeri were successful in negotiating Napoli at home and capitalized on Milan’s slip-up. Palermo are in 9^th place currently, 4 points behind rivals Catania. With hopes of a European spot looking dim and the team fairly far away from the relegation zone, they will desire to end their season at least above their neighbors.

The last meeting between these two teams was in late November at the Juventus Stadium. The Bianconeri easily pushed aside the Rosanero and were very convincing in their 3-0 win. Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe hit the back of the net in what was a dominating performance by Juventus.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Palermo

Palermo at home are a tough outfit to face. Along with Juventus and Udinese, they boast of the most home victories in the league. Coach Bortolo Mutti has done relatively well since taking over the reins from Devis Mangia, who was famously sacked by trigger happy President Maurizio Zamparini after Palermo lost to rivals Catania in the Sicilian derby. Last weekend against Bologna, they managed to record their first away win of the season with an impressive 3-1 victory.

Mutti likes his 3-5-2 formation and is most likely to deploy the same. He faces huge selection dilemmas though, with a number of key players expected to sit out this game on account of either injuries or suspensions. Bertolo, Mantovani, Hernandez and Donati are all suspended for this game while Aguirregaray, Balzaretti and Silvestre are all on the treatment table. However, Silvestre will be assessed later and a final call will be made based on his fitness. Emiliano Viviano will take his place between the sticks. The former Bologna shot-stopper has been in good form for Palermo since making the switch from Inter.

Palermo’s defense will feature three young and very highly-rated players in Munoz, Milanovic and Labrin. The three 21 year olds will have their potential tested by the Juventus front-line. This lack of experience may just harm Palermo and Juventus will definitely try and force errors out of this young defensive trio.

In midfield though, Mutti will have a few familiar faces in the starting eleven. Eros Pisano will be given the task of handling and restricting the runs of an in-form Paolo De Ceglie. Della Rocca will be the anchor-man and sit just in front of the defense. The versatile Giulio Migliaccio faces an up-hill battle against the strong Juventus midfield. A lot will depend on how Palermo deal with this Juventus midfield and their capability to either dominate them or limit their influence on the proceedings. Fabrizio Miccoli will partner Igor Budan in attack. Budan hit out at Juventus in midweek saying the Bianconeri don’t have any world class players. He will hope to back his rather outrageous claims with a strong performance but it definitely won’t come easy against a team that does statistically have the meanest defense in the league.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Viviano; Munoz, Milanovic, Labrin; Pisano, Migliaccio, Della Rocca, Barreto, Acquah; Miccoli, Budan

Juventus

For Antonio Conte’s side, a win against Palermo is vital to maintain the pressure on Milan, who play a few hours before Juventus. After three wins on the trot, confidence is sky high among the Juventus contingent. The belief is there in their potential to win the Scudetto and all the games henceforth will be treated as finals for Antonio Conte’s men.

The win against Napoli was the second time in consecutive weeks that Juve have broken the deadlock through a set-piece after being left frustrated by the opposition defense. After the goal though, Juventus seemed a bit more comfortable and put the game beyond any doubt with strikes from Vidal and Quagliarella.

Conte is expected to revert to his 4-3-3 formation and not fight fire with fire as he has often done this season against teams which play with 3 defenders at the back. Lichtsteiner played out a decent game against Napoli but hasn’t reached the levels he touched early on in the season. But the Swiss international looks much more at home in as a fullback instead of a wing-back. He is expected to get the nod over Caceres at right-back.

Expect Juventus to dominate possession as they have done throughout the season. Away games have been tricky for the Bianconeri, testament to the fact is the number of draws outweigh the number of victories. While the number of stalemates, 14 currently, has been a problem for Juventus, the recent wins mean the Turin based outfit have hit top gear just when it matters most. Matri is expected to start ahead of the misfiring Borriello. Matri will be flanked by Vucinic and Pepe in attack.

Andrea Pirlo will provide the ammunition from midfield. The former Milan man will control the tempo and spray around passes throughout the game. The runners around him will be Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. Two key players in Conte’s tactical set-up, they cover every blade of grass and their pressing is key to Juventus’ game. Antonio Conte will also have the evergreen Del Piero on the bench. The Juventus captain has been in great form and has put in eye-catching shifts in recent weeks.

Probable Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic

Key Match Facts

• Juventus are the only unbeaten team in the top 5 leagues in Europe.
  
• Palermo have won 10 out of a possible 15 games at home, losing 4 and drawing 1.
  
• Juventus have won 6 out a of a possible 15 games on their travels, drawing 9.

TheHardTackle’s Players to Watch Out For

Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo)

Former Juventus striker Miccoli has been Palermo’s player of the season so far. With 12 goals and 12 assists to his name this campaign, he will represent Palermo’s most dangerous option going forward. And if the hosts want to get anything out of this game, they’ll have to turn to their captain once again.

Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)

Will he inspire Juventus to victory?

After a slow start to 2012, Marchisio has slowly started to rediscover the excellent form he showed at the beginning of the season.With 7 goals and 4 assists this term, Marchisio will once again hope to have an inspirational game in midfield for Juventus.

TheHardTackle’s Prediction

Palermo 0-2 Juventus

Juventus are in red-hot form coming into this game while Palermo don’t have a full squad at their disposal. This will be a tight game but expect the Bianconeri to pull through at the end. They definitely are favorites on paper and shouldn’t disappoint.

TheHardTackle’s Blast From The Past

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Juve determined not to relax after victories

Apr 6, 2012

Antonio Conte has urged his Juventus players to keep up the intensity ahead of this weekend's clash with Palermo to avoid wasting their recent winning form.

Juve were toiling recently when six draws in seven games saw them drop to four points behind Serie A leaders AC Milan.

But a 5-0 rout of 10-man Fiorentina set them back on the right track and Juve followed that up with crucial victories against Inter Milan and Napoli.

That latest success closed the gap to champions Milan to just two points, but Conte is aware that Juve's problems this season have not been with fellow giants.

Two wins against Inter, a win and a draw against both Milan and Napoli, a win away to Lazio and another at home to Udinese all show that Juve's form against their closest rivals is very good.

But it is against the minnows that they have consistently slipped up, as 14 draws in 30 games illustrates.

Home and away draws against strugglers Bologna, Genoa and Chievo, not to mention home draws against Cagliari and Siena, are the main reasons Conte's side are not top.

And the coach is adamant his team should not get carried away by their recent results and start thinking things will come easy.

"I'm afraid of relaxing now. We don't want anyone's intensity to drop," he said. "We still remember what happened against Chievo."

Twice this season Juve have played Chievo immediately after acquiring an impressive result against Milan, only to fail to sparkle and drop points.

However, club captain Alessandro Del Piero is expecting the defeats of Inter and Napoli to increase confidence in the camp.

"The two wins in such difficult matches, that came one after another, should give us a huge boost to continue on our path," he said.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Juve ready to pounce on Milan mistakes

Apr 6, 2012

Antonio Conte is hoping for AC Milan to slip up and allow Juventus to return to the top of the Serie A standings.

Conte's side trail Milan by just two points, and with only eight matches remaining in the championship, they must rely on Massimiliano Allegri's men dropping points to have a chance of securing the Scudetto.

"We are not thinking about what Milan will do, but what we will do," Conte told reporters.

"We will have an important match against Palermo on Saturday, which could allow us to keep our dream alive.

"Milan have a two-point lead and an easier fixture list than us. We are on the right track, we must continue to win and wait for Milan to slip up.

"We will give our all so that we will not have any regrets after our matches."

Conte, who took charge of Juventus in the off-season, stressed he is not worried about extending his contract, which expires in 2013.

"I think that when the time is right, we will discuss it all," the 42 year old said.

The Italian coach then confirmed that he will give Fabio Quagliarella a start at Palermo on Saturday after the striker's goal against Napoli last weekend.

"Quagliarella is in good shape and he will feature from the start," Conte added.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 31 - 7-4-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Line-ups: Palermo-Juventus

Apr 7, 2012

Juventus can go top of the table with a victory against a decimated Palermo this evening and rely on Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella.

Milan’s shock 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina means the Bianconeri can obliterate the two-point gap in today’s 17.30 UK time kick-off.

Antonio Conte has a full squad to choose from going into the Stadio Barbera, so Vucinic partners Quagliarella in attack with Marcelo Estigarribia given a rare start.

Palermo are decimated for this game, as bans alone rule out Nicolas Bertolo, Abel Hernandez, Andrea Mantovani and Massimo Donati.

The injured Federico Balzaretti, Matias Silvestre and Aguirregaray complete the absentee list, so the defence is completely revamped.

Fabrizio Miccoli returns after he missed the 3-1 win at Bologna on compassionate leave when his father-in-law was taken ill.

Palermo: Viviano; Munoz, Milanovic, Labrin; Pisano, Migliaccio, Barreto, Della Rocca, Acquah; Ilicic, Miccoli

Palermo bench: Tzorvas, Kosnic, Bacinovic, Alvarez, Vazquez, Zahavi, Budan

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Vucinic, Quagliarella

Juventus bench: Storari, Lichtsteiner, Giaccherini, Pepe, Borriello, Matri, Del Piero

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