Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8450]

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

-

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Caceres chosen ahead of Lichtsteiner for Juventus' trip to Palermo

The Uruguayan gets the nod at right wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation,

with Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic starting up front.

Apr 7, 2012

Martin Caceres has been given the nod to start for Juventus in their crucial Serie A trip to Palermo this evening, with Stephan Lichtsteiner left on the bench.

The Uruguayan has been chosen in preference to the normally first-choice Swiss, while Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic will start up front, with Alessandro Matri only a substitute. Marcelo Estigarribia gets a rare place in the first XI, preferred to Paolo De Ceglie on the left.

Juventus know that a win will send them top after AC Milan's defeat to Fiorentina this afternoon, but they will come up against a Rosanero side led by striker Fabrizio Miccoli.

The clash kicks off at 18.30CET, with full coverage to come on Goal.com.

Palermo (3-5-1-1): Viviano; Munoz, Milanovic, Labrin; Pisano, Migliaccio, Barreto, Della Rocca, Acquah; Ilicic; Miccoli.

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Quagliarella, Vucinic.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

-

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

HT: Juve wasteful in Palermo

Apr 7, 2012

Juventus have dominated the first half in Palermo, but wasted far too many scoring opportunities, as it’s still 0-0 at the break.

The Bianconeri went into this game with an unexpected boost, as earlier this afternoon Milan lost 2-1 at home to Fiorentina, meaning a win in Sicily would put them top of the table. Fabio Quagliarella, Martin Caceres and Marcelo Estigarribia were given rare starts in the 3-5-2 system. Palermo were decimated, as bans alone ruled 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 was completely revamped.

Quagliarella had a chance in the opening minute, but his first touch let him down and he slipped in the box. Quagliarella then turned provider with a cross from the right that flashed across the face of goal, but Mirko Vucinic just failed to get the final touch from six yards.

Quagliarella should’ve scored when he ran on to an Estigarribia through ball, but fired wide of the near post from close range when trying to surprise the goalkeeper.

Vucinic went extremely close as he shook off Ezequiel Munoz in the box and Emiliano Viviano did just about enough to send him wide, so the cross-shot flashed past an open goal with nobody ready to tap in.

Martin Caceres seemed certain to score on his birthday when sneaking up on the Palermo defence to latch on to a chipped Vucinic pass, but his finish with the outside of the boot was off target from eight yards.

Juventus wasted another chance, but play was halted just after it went begging as there was a nasty clash of heads between Milan Milanovic – who was left with a heavily bleeding nose – and Estigarribia. The Palermo defender was able to resume after several minutes of treatment.

Viviano had his palms stung by a sudden Andrea Pirlo right-foot snapshot from distance, then another of the veteran midfielder’s attempts was well smothered.

Palermo had their first shot on target in first half stoppages when Gigi Buffon easily gathered an Edgar Barreto strike from outside the box.

Palermo 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

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

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

Ref: Brighi

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Bonucci and Quagliarella send dominant

Bianconeri back to the top of Serie A

Two second-half goals saw the Bianconeri emerge from Sicily with victory and a one-point

lead in first place, leaving the Rossoneri to chase in the race for the Scudetto.

Apr 7, 2012

Juventus have returned to the Serie A summit following a 2-0 win over Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera on Saturday evening, sending them one point clear at the top of the table.

AC Milan’s shock 2-1 loss at home to Fiorentina in the earlier kick-off had left the door open for Antonio Conte's men, who were presented with the chance to overturn a two-point deficit to the Rossoneri with a win against Bortolo Mutti’s side.

Juve dominated the contest from start to finish, but a slew of missed chances had sent the game into half-time deadlocked. However, they were able to finally break Palermo's resistance 10 minutes after the restart through a headed goal by Leonardo Bonucci. Fabio Quagliarella then sealed the victory with 20 minutes to go to hand the Bianconeri the advantage in the title race, and stretch their domestic unbeaten run to 31 games.

Ex-Juve striker Amauri had done his former club a huge favour earlier in the day, with a late winner at San Siro, leaving Conte’s men with the knowledge that victory in Sicily would see them reclaim top spot for the first time since February.

Indeed, Juventus seemed determined to make the most of Milan’s slip-up, dominating play right from the start of the match.

Mirko Vucinic came within inches of turning home a Quagliarella cross, before the Italian striker himself sliced wide after being put clean through with only the keeper to beat.

Juve were running Palermo ragged, but their wastefulness told, as they were unable to take one of the many chances that fell their way. A mix-up between Ezequiel Munoz and Emiliano Viviano left Vucinic with an open goal, but the Montenegrin could not find the target from an angle.

Martin Caceres was next to try his luck, after a surging run into the box left him with space to shoot, but his finish was woeful and bounced out of play off his shin.

Palermo were nowhere to be found, despite the cutting edge of Conte’s men tailing off slightly as the half wore on. Pirlo tested Viviano with a pair of efforts from range as the visitors continued to search for a breakthrough.

Arturo Vidal sent a shot straight into Viviano’s arms from the edge of the box in the 50th minute with Juve looking to make headway coming out of the break.

They would finally get their breakthrough five minutes later, after Andrea Pirlo’s corner was glanced into the far corner by Bonucci to give Juventus a priceless lead.

Palermo continued to show precious little in the attacking third, as Conte’s men continued to control possession inside their half. Vucinic cut in from the left to sting the palms of Viviano with a drive from distance as the game crossed the hour mark.

Fabrizio Miccoli caused Juve hearts to flutter as he beat Giorgio Chiellini brilliantly towards the right byline, but his drilled centre across the face of goal was just too far ahead of the waiting Josip Ilicic.

However, barely a minute later, Juventus went 2-0 in front. Substitute Alessandro Matri held the ball up well at the top of the box, before teeing up Quagliarella for a cool finish into the corner to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.

Viviano then had to be alert to tip over a dangerous cross by Pirlo in the 77th minute, with Caceres lurking at the far post.

The Palermo keeper was called into action once more to deny Alessandro Del Piero on the stroke of injury time with his legs from close range, but by that point, the Old Lady already had the result in the bag.

Juventus now lead Milan by a single point at the top of the Serie A table with only seven games remaining of the season. Palermo meanwhile remain in 11th place, and continue to sputter in mid-table mediocrity.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Juve soar past Palermo into top spot!

Juventus dominated against a decimated Palermo and the 2-0 victory

puts them top of the Serie A table on Easter weekend!

Apr 7, 2012

The Bianconeri went into this game with an unexpected boost, as earlier this afternoon Milan lost 2-1 at home to Fiorentina, meaning a win in Sicily would put them top of the table. Fabio Quagliarella, Martin Caceres and Marcelo Estigarribia were given rare starts in the 3-5-2 system. Palermo were decimated, as bans alone ruled 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 was completely revamped.

Quagliarella had a chance in the opening minute, but his first touch let him down and he slipped in the box. Quagliarella then turned provider with a cross from the right that flashed across the face of goal, but Mirko Vucinic just failed to get the final touch from six yards.

Quagliarella should’ve scored when he ran on to an Estigarribia through ball, but fired wide of the near post from close range when trying to surprise the goalkeeper.

Vucinic went extremely close as he shook off Ezequiel Munoz in the box and Emiliano Viviano did just about enough to send him wide, so the cross-shot flashed past an open goal with nobody ready to tap in.

Martin Caceres seemed certain to score on his birthday when sneaking up on the Palermo defence to latch on to a chipped Vucinic pass, but his finish with the outside of the boot was off target from eight yards.

Juventus wasted another chance, but play was halted just after it went begging as there was a nasty clash of heads between Milan Milanovic – who was left with a heavily bleeding nose – and Estigarribia. The Palermo defender was able to resume after several minutes of treatment, although it was later confirmed he had fractured his nose.

Viviano had his palms stung by a sudden Andrea Pirlo right-foot snapshot from distance, then another of the veteran midfielder’s attempts was well smothered.

Palermo had their first shot on target in first half stoppages when Gigi Buffon easily gathered an Edgar Barreto strike from outside the box.

A corner was cleared as far as Arturo Vidal for a fierce shot straight into Viviano’s arms, but Juventus did finally break through at the 55th minute.

A Pirlo corner kick got a touch from Leonardo Bonucci’s glancing header to turn it past Viviano and in off the inside of the back post. Bonucci celebrated with particular joy, as he had a goal taken off him last week when replays failed to show his deflection on the Vucinic shot.

Another corner was pulled back to the D for Claudio Marchisio to balloon over. Palermo introduced another striker, Igor Budan, for midfielder Afriyie Acquah. The Rosanero had a good chance when Giulio Migliaccio found himself unmarked, but he just failed to get the final touch to a chipped pass.

Viviano had his palms stung by a long-range Vucinic screamer, but angered Antonio Conte with two solo efforts and the Coach replaced him with Alessandro Matri.

Miccoli ran rings around Giorgio Chiellini down the right flank and his ball whistled across the six-yard line with Ilicic sliding in unable to make contact in front of an open goal.

However, moments later Quagliarella scored Juve’s second with a fantastic strike. Quagliarella and Matri combined on the edge of the box for the Neapolitan to curl the finish past Viviano with the inside of his boot to the far bottom corner.

Substitute Armin Bacinovic blasted over in the closing stages, but Alessandro Del Piero went on a mazy move in the box and forced Viviano to parry with an outstretched foot.

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

Palermo: Viviano; Munoz, Milanovic, Labrin; Pisano, Migliaccio (Bacinovic 73), Barreto, Della Rocca, Acquah (Budan 62); Ilicic (Vazquez 82), Miccoli

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal (Pepe 82), Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Vucinic (Matri 67), Quagliarella (Del Piero 77)

Ref: Brighi

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Comfortable win as Juve go top

Apr 7, 2012

Juventus took advantage of AC Milan's 2-1 defeat at home to Fiorentina by beating Palermo 2-0 to return to the top of Serie A. Leonardo Bonucci and Fabio Quagliarella were both on target for Antonio Conte's side in the second half of a one-sided game.

The win takes Juve one point clear of Milan in a two-horse race for the Scudetto which looks likely to go down to the wire.

The Bianconeri dominated at the Stadio Renzo Barbera but until the 56th minute to make it count.

Earlier, Quagliarella missed the first chance in the 13th minute when he poked the ball wide of the near post with his toe. Two minutes later, a mix-up between Emiliano Viviano and Ezequiel Munoz let in Mirko Vucinic, who took the ball wide of the goal and did not have an angle for a shot on target and his cross found no takers. In the 20th minute, Martin Caceres was put through on goal by an excellent lobbed pass from Vucinic, but despite an excellent first touch to bring the ball under control he then nudged the ball wide of the far post with only Viviano to beat.

The Bianconeri finally took the lead after 55 minutes after the home side had put together their first attacks of the game. Andrea Pirlo's corner was flicked by the head of Bonucci at the near post and went in off the far post.

Quagliarella added the second in the 69th minute when he placed his left-footed shot into the far corner after Alessandro Matri just touched the ball to him right inside the penalty area.

Juve played down the clock without any worries as they returned to pole position with seven games of the season remaining.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Juve win, dethrone AC Milan atop Serie A

Apr 7, 2012

Juventus moved to the top of the Serie A with a 2-0 win Saturday at Palermo after AC Milan crashed 2-1 at home to strugglers Fiorentina.

A second-half header by Leonardo Bonucci and a drive from Fabio Quagliarella helped the unbeaten Bianconeri take a one-point lead over Milan with seven games left.

In Milan, striker Amauri, who left Juve on bad terms in January, came on to score a late winner for Fiorentina after Zlatan Ibrahimovic converted a penalty for the Devils' lead and Stevan Jovetic levelled with a great drive.

'After Milan's defeat we knew we had to win to keep chasing them,' Bonucci said. 'Luckily, Amauri managed to score his first (goal this season), and now we are here in first place. 'It was important to win, and now everything is up to us. I did not expect this at start of the season, but now we must make the dream come true and do it with all our strength.'

In Palermo, a recurrent sterility upfront plagued Juve in a first half that saw glaring botches from Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic. Martin Caceres flicked wide as he confronted custodian Emiliano Viviano, while Andrea Pirlo had two drives saved and fired high before similar mistakes by Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio.

Pirlo centred a taut corner kick on 56 minutes to see the tall Bonucci jump by the first post to nod the ball by the far one. Captain Fabrizio Miccoli produced a dangerous break for the Sicily team before Quagliarella on 69 minutes drilled a low shot to Viviano's right.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Player Ratings

The Bianconeri dominated from start to finish, and goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Fabio Quagliarella

were enough to send them top of Serie A with just seven games remaining.

Apr 7, 2012

Palermo

Emiliano Viviano 6.0 - Had a mix-up with Munoz as Vucinic almost broke the deadlock, then beaten to the ball by Caceres, who shot wide. Was equal to a near-post effort from Pirlo, but couldn’t do anything about the two efforts which ended in his net.

Ezequiel Muñoz 5.5 - Made a right royal mess of seeing off Vucinic, almost handing him a goal after hesitating in front of Viviano. Held off Matri on the run as Juve got their tails up, but he was too often left chasing shadows.

Milan Milanovic 6.0 - Handed over easy possession to Juve, which almost led to a goal for Quagliarella, then suffered a probable broken nose in a sickening clash with Estigarribia which required five minutes of repair work. Fought on bravely, and was not afraid to get involved in the tough stuff.

C. Labrin 5.5 - Looked uncomfortable on the left side of the three defenders, with Quagliarella allowed to drift into space too regularly down his channel. This was summed up when the striker was given cheap yards to slide home the crucial second goal.

Eros Pisano 6.0 - Used his weight well in a couple of challenges as he helped to keep Juve at bay, and showed a very calm head in vital moments at the back. Tested Estigarribia at the other end when he could, but his chances to get forward were limited.

Edgar Osvaldo Barreto 5.5 - Battled hard, but his touch at times was woeful, and he failed to take any show of authority when Palermo were struggling to get time on the ball in midfield. Never got nearly close enough to the dominant Pirlo.

Francesco Della Rocca 5.5 - Failed to keep any kind of close rein on the Juve midfield, and then was out-jumped by Bonucci as the defender gave the visitors a deserved lead. An increasing passenger the more the game wore on.

Giulio Migliaccio 6.5 - Left chasing shadows for much of the first half as Juventus dominated from minute one, but was forced to termporarily switch to centre-back after Milanovic damaged his nose in a collision with Estigarribia. Made one great run, but couldn’t quite reached the ball with the linesman’s flag still by his side.

Afriyie Acquah 5.5 - Playing out of position on the left, the youngster worked hard ahead of the back three, but one clearance straight at a team-mate put his side in temporary danger, and he really looked completely comfortable. Replaced by Budan as Palermo switched to a 3-4-1-2.

Josip Iličič 4.5 - Made it too easy for Bonucci to read his approach when trying to take on the last man on a break, and he gave away possession far too regularly when his side were looking to hold on to the ball and rebuild from the front.

Fabrizio Miccoli 6.0 - Left feeding off scraps as Palermo were dominated for the entire first half, though he did well to roll his man and set up his side’s best chance, but drilled a low cross just too forcefully for Ilicic to reach it at the far post.

• Substitutions

Franco Vázquez N/A - Brought on for the disappointing Ilicic late in the day.

Armin Bačinovič 6.0 - Came on for Migliaccio with the game already over as a contest, and his fierce drive which cleared the bar summed up his side’s night.

Igor Budan 6.0 - Replaced Acquah as Bortolo Mutti looked to change shape with Palermo chasing the game.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Rarely troubled by a Palermo side who only hit the target for the first time in the 46th minute, and their one great chance was drilled across goal by Miccoli moments before Quagliarella wrapped up the match.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - As brave and committed as ever, regularly ensuring he got to the ball ahead of Ilicic and Miccoli. Even charged forward at times as Juve practically had a night off defensively.

Martín Cáceres 7.0 - Completely miskicked a simple lifted shot as Viviano came out, having made a great run to meet Vucinic’s pass in the first place. He kept getting forward though, and his delivery was normally good, except for one attempted cut-back after a heavy pass from Marchisio.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Won the ball off Ilicic all too easily at times, as Juve’s back line enjoyed a very relaxing evening against his former side.

Leonardo Bonucci 7.5 - Sent Quagliarella free with a great ball over the top in the second minute, and a similar pass soon after almost led to an opener. Broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, heading home Pirlo’s cross from the left.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Fired one shot over the bar when well placed after a corner and ran the ball out of play when he tried to flick it behind his back, before another chance was blazed high and wide. His passing was mostly effective, though a heavy through ball helped force Caceres wide when in a good position.

Andrea Pirlo 7.5 - Absolutely dominated the middle of the field in the first half, and tried to catch Viviano off guard with a well struck effort at the near post. Continued his metronomic style after the break, and his excellent corner was headed home by Bonucci.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.5 - Won back possession so often in the centre he made it look too easy. Sent in a fierce shot which flew straight into the midriff of Viviano, and was the industrious heart of Juve’s midfield before being withdrawn early for Pepe.

Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 6.5 - Left his mark on Milanovic when the two clashed heads in the first half, and a through ball for Quagliarella should really have resulted in a goal. Not only did he attack well, but he also tracked back to ensure Pisano couldn’t cause trouble at the other end.

Mirko Vučinić 6.5 - Scuffed a shot goalwards after a nice move through the middle, then shot horribly high and wide on the counter. Kept causing trouble for the Palermo defence, picking up some great space, but rarely looked likely to score and was replaced by Matri for the final quarter.

Fabio Quagliarella 6.5 - Twice set free by Bonucci early on, he almost found Vucinic in the area with the latter effort. When the favour was returned, he took too long getting a shot in, then he fired badly wide after Estigarribia’s through ball. Made up for it later when he finally found the net with a left-foot shot set up by Matri.

• Substitutions

Simone Pepe N/A - Given the last eight minutes in place of Vidal.

Alessandro Del Piero 6.0 - Replaced Quagliarella with the game already won 12 minutes from time.

Alessandro Matri 6.5 - Came on for Vucinic and immediately held off a defender to tee up Quagliarella for the clinching goal.

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

[Luigi Daniele 68]

In vetta baby!!!

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Conte: 'Better to be the leaders'

Apr 7, 2012

Antonio Conte prefers “to lead because that way you depend on nobody except yourself,” and told Juventus they must work hard to stay top of Serie A.

The Bianconeri leapfrogged Milan over the Easter weekend thanks to their 2-0 win at Palermo and the Rossoneri’s shock 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina.

“I always prefer to lead because that way you depend on nobody except yourself,” said Conte.

“We did well to take advantage of Milan’s two recent slip-ups. There are still seven rounds to go and we have a tougher fixture list, but we also gained belief and are improving day after day.

“We wanted to get on this bicycle, so now we’ve got to pedal like crazy to the bitter end. I know it’s better to be in front, because as a player and a Coach I have been in these situations.

“The hierarchy has changed with this result, but we have to stay determined and concentrated to finish ahead of a superpower like Milan.”

Leonardo Bonucci and Fabio Quagliarella netted at the Stadio Barbera this evening, as Palermo barely had a shot on goal.

“We had many chances in the first half and were unable to make the most of them.

Palermo allowed us to play football, sitting back with five in defence and leaving very little space through the middle.

Compliments to them for making life difficult for us.

“Even when playing attacking football, we risk very little at the back thanks to the concentration of all the lads who step on to the field. You can see our growth by the fact we are more patient now too, as I told the players to be less hasty.

“We are still unbeaten and this makes us very proud.”

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Bonucci: 'Juve will cling to top'

Apr 7, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci says Juventus are top of the table now and “we want to hold on tight. It’s a dream and we live it with the dagger between our teeth.”

The defender soared above the crowd to nod in the opener in a 2-0 victory away to Palermo.

“We knew that we had to win tonight to stay close to Milan, then fortunately Amauri broke his duck and made life easier for us,” he said of Fiorentina’s shock 2-1 win at San Siro.

“We won and leapfrogged the Rossoneri, so now we want to hold on tight. We will already play on Wednesday to stay on top.

“It’s a dream and we live it with the dagger between our teeth. My celebration? I was happy for the goal that broke the deadlock in a difficult match. I was not thinking about what happened last week.”

Bonucci had a goal originally credited to him, but it was then handed to Mirko Vucinic because replays could not prove he deflected the shot.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Bonucci: Serie A title is now in Juventus' hands

Having scored in Saturday's 2-0 defeat of Palermo, the defender pointed out that

it was up to his club to stay on top in the last seven matches and secure the Scudetto.

Apr 7, 2012

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has saluted his team after victory against Palermo took the Italians to the Serie A summit, and pointed out that their chances of lifting the Scudetto now depend only on their form.

The Bianconeri were inspired by second-half goals from Bonucci and Fabio Quagliarella to record a 2-0 win over the Sicilians in the Renzo Barbera, taking the Turin outfit to 65 points for the season. The triumph was enough to lift Juve one point ahead of title rivals Milan, who fell to Fiorentina and lost their grip on the league summit.

Speaking after the final whistle, an elated Bonucci underlined the importance of Saturday's victory, and affirmed that it was now down to him and his companions if Juventus wished to break a nine-year period without a league title following the Calciopoli scandal.

"It was vital to win, we did it and we climbed above Milan. Now it is up to us, the season is starting all over again," the 24-year-old told reporters.

"At the start of the season I was not even thinking about the chance of a Scudetto, but now we are all enjoying the dream of being crowned as champions."

Juve will next host Lazio on April 11, while Milan visit Chievo the day before.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000‎

Mutti applauds Palermo anyway

Apr 8, 2012

Bortolo Mutti applauds a decimated Palermo’s efforts against Juventus, especially Milan Milanovic, who played on with a fractured nose.

The Rosanero were without numerous star players, including four who were suspended, for Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to leaders Juve.

“I complimented the lads, as they gave absolutely everything,” said the Coach. “We accept this defeat, but must also praise these boys who showed their worth.

“We had a very young defence out there and they did pretty well against a Juventus side in great shape. It was tough, as Juve are unbeaten and hearing about Milan’s result just fired them up even more.

“I don’t know how things might’ve gone if we’d had a full squad at our disposal, but I want to thank those who did play, as we came out of this game with our heads held high. I can only praise their courage.”

Defender Milanovic was a particular hero for the fans, as he fractured his nose in a clash of heads with Marcelo Estigarribia during the first half.

The fracture was put back in place on the pitch by medical staff and he insisted on playing the full 90 minutes. Milanovic, who turned 21 last week, will undergo surgery to stabilise the fracture on Monday.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000

Conte glad to be back on top of Serie A

The Bianconeri leapfrogged AC Milan to move to the summit with a 2-0 win over Palermo

on Saturday, with the champions beaten 2-1 by Fiorentina at San Siro.

Apr 8, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has declared his delight at moving back to the top of Serie A, after watching his side beat Palermo 2-0 on Saturday.

Second-half goals from Leonardo Bonucci and Fabio Quagliarella ensured three points for the Bianconeri, whilst AC Milan suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina.

With the Turin giants now a point clear at the summit, Conte has confessed that it is better to be in the lead in the race for the Scudetto.

“I always prefer to lead because that way you depend on nobody except yourself,” the former midfielder told reporters after the win at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

“We did well to take advantage of Milan’s two recent slip-ups. There are still seven rounds to go and we have a tougher fixture list, but we also gained belief and are improving day after day.

“We wanted to get on this bicycle, so now we’ve got to pedal like crazy to the bitter end. I know it’s better to be in front, because as a player and a coach I have been in these situations.

“The hierarchy has changed with this result, but we have to stay determined and concentrated to finish ahead of a superpower like Milan," he concluded.

Juventus are next in action against Lazio at home on Wednesday evening.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000

Amauri hits AC Milan where it hurts, leaving Juventus

in sight of first post-Calciopoli Scudetto

The former Bianconero was the unlikely hero for the Old Lady, as his late winner

at San Siro edged his one-time employers' noses in front in the title race.

Apr 8, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

Claimed by many to be one of the worst signings in Juventus’ recent history, derided for his poor finishing, stripped of his squad number, and forced to train with the club’s youth players, Amauri would have every reason to take great pleasure in seeing the Bianconeri fail in their bid to win the Serie A title this season.

Yet on Saturday, he scored perhaps his most valuable ever goal in their favour by netting Fiorentina’s winner against AC Milan at San Siro which helped send Juve top of the league with just seven games remaining.

The Italo-Brazilian exchanged passes with star of the show Stevan Jovetic before slotting neatly under Christian Abbiati in the 89th minute of a lethargic Milan performance on their return to league play following Tuesday night’s Champions League exit to Barcelona.

It was a deserved goal for the visitors, who had looked dangerous on several occasions in the second half, while the Rossoneri failed to test Artur Boruc often enough to cause any great worry for Delio Rossi’s outfit. The champions’ only goal came from a very debatable penalty in the first half, and they rarely looked convincing after Jovetic had equalised early in the second period.

As bad weeks go, Milan’s past seven days really take the biscuit. Since last Saturday evening, they have been eliminated from Europe and have seen their comfortable-looking four-point lead atop Serie A completely disappear. They now sit one point behind Juventus, with the head-to-head record also favouring the Turin side. That it was a former Juve laughing stock who clinched the victory for the Viola simply rubbed salt into the wounds.

For the past five months, most people involved with the Rossoneri and with Italian football have been counting down the days until the return of Antonio Cassano after heart surgery, but no sooner had the former Sampdoria man made an 84th minute return than Milan were being kicked in the guts again. Cassano's health is more important than a title, but many Milanisti will have forgotten that in the moments after Amauri's winner.

It was a poetic finish in many ways. They didn’t need reminding just what a defeat meant in terms of the title race, but the sight of Amauri celebrating his first goal for Fiorentina – his first since being freed of the Juve shackles – ensured that the Bianconeri theme ran right through their day.

However, it was only due to their own deficiencies that Milan lost. Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed occasional flashes of genius but wasn’t at his best, while Urby Emanuelson, Antonio Nocerino and Sulley Muntari were well off form. The awful showing was crowned by two major defensive errors which led to Fiorentina’s goals, with Ignazio Abate dropping five yards behind the rest of the back line to keep Jovetic onside for the equaliser, and Philippe Mexes failing to deal with a routine ball over the top as Amauri ghosted in behind him to win it.

Antonio Conte’s side had still to play their fixture, participating in the early-evening fixture against Palermo, but from the moment the game got underway in Sicily it was clear the Bianconeri would collect the three points they needed to go top.

They simply dominated proceedings against a bruised and bloodied Palermo side missing much of their first team. That said, Juventus played with such a swagger across the park that they may well have bossed the clash even if the Rosanero had every player on their roster to choose from.

Only poor finishing from Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic stopped Juve from taking a huge lead into the break, with Martin Caceres also chucking in a candidate for miss of the season. After the interval, as has happened so often already this term, it was a defender who bailed out his misfiring team-mates, with Leonardo Bonucci heading home from Andrea Pirlo’s corner.

Before long a second was added; substitute Alessandro Matri holding off his marker to play a neat flicked pass for Quagliarella to finally hit the target and seal the win. A two-goal margin was the very least they deserved.

With a 31st unbeaten game this season, Juve have now passed the 30-match run of Perugia in 1978-79 which saw the Umbrian side go a whole campaign without defeat. They sit level with Inter’s 31-game stretch in 2006-07, and are just three behind the invincible Milan of 1991-92.

Week after week, they are creating records, but only one target is in their sights, and that is the Scudetto. Another potential hurdle has been overcome, and they have now won four straight games for the second time this season. They are hitting form just as Milan are suffering. Momentum is one of the greatest weapons any football team can possess, and right now Juve have it in abundance.

They have the momentum, they have the belief, they even have Amauri coming through for them. Suddenly, it’s Juventus’ title to lose with just 630 minutes of the season remaining.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000

Barzagli praises Juventus' attackers after Palermo victory

The Bianconeri went back to the top of Serie A with a victory at the Stadio Renzo Barbera

on Saturday, and the Italy international has hailed the team's midfielders and strikers.

Apr 8, 2012

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has praised the club's attackers after the 2-0 win over Palermo on Saturday.

With AC Milan unexpectedly being beaten 2-1 at home by Fiorentina, the Turin giants moved back to the top of Serie A with victory at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

The Italy international defender was happy to keep a clean sheet, but feels that credit should be given to the team's attacking players.

"The credit belongs to those who played in front of us, which meant we had little work to do," the centre half told Tuttosport.

"The first objective was to play to win against Palermo. It will not be easy, but we have seven games to play and are a point ahead.

"It will be a tough final sprint, but we will give it our all. Are we favourites? A week ago you would have said the opposite. This is proof that you should not give up.

"The goal by Amauri at San Siro was a nice present. We have grown a lot as a team and we have improved in recent months. Now with seven games left, we are super concentrated," he concluded.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000

Quagliarella: Juventus should not think about AC Milan

The attacker has urged the Bianconeri to solely focus on their own performances,

and was over the moon with his team's impressive display against the Rosanero on Saturday.

Apr 8, 2012

Juventus attacker Fabio Quagliarella has expressed his delight with his side's 2-0 victory over Palermo and has urged the Old Lady to concentrate on their own tasks rather than AC Milan's results.

The Bianconeri climbed to first spot in the Serie A table, following their win and the Rossoneri's 2-1 home loss against Fiorentina.

Quagliarella insisted that Juventus are determined to continue their fine run of form as they aim to lift the Scudetto this season.

"We must continue to play like this from here on in, regardless of Milan’s results. We were focused on this game today [saturday], without thinking about anything else," Quagliarella stated to the official Juve website.

"When you win and score, it’s the perfect game. It wasn’t easy, though. We knew that Palermo could cause problems for anyone they play at home.

"This was my fifth game in the starting line-up and the goal was a pleasant satisfaction, as is going back to the top of the league."

Juventus lock horns with Lazio on Wednesday in their next Serie A match.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000

Cartoon of the Day: Advantage Juve as Conte snatches

Scudetto shield from Allegri's grasp

Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day ....

Apr 8, 2012

After AC Milan suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina on Saturday, Juventus took the initiative in the race for the Scudetto by reclaiming top spot with a 2-0 win over Palermo in the early evening fixture.

With just seven games left to play, the unbeaten Bianconeri now lead the sprint for the Serie A title, and coach Antonio Conte will be hoping his side can hold on to their advantage and see off Massimiliano Allegri's reigning champions.

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

[Socrates 8450]

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

0 - 2

Leonardo Bonucci (56′)

Fabio Quagliarella (69′)

Renzo Barbera Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Christian Brighi

Attendance: 20000

Juventus surge to top of Serie A with victory at Palermo

Apr 8, 2012

Juventus surged to the top of Serie A, replacing Milan, with a 2-0 win at Palermo.

Juventus moved one point ahead of Milan, who earlier lost at home to Fiorentina, and the Turin club also hold the tiebreaker with a win and a draw in the clubs' head-to-heads.

"Now we don't have to rely on anything from anyone else," the Juventus manager, Antonio Conte, said.

"There are seven matches to go and we've got a tougher schedule than Milan, but something has changed in the hierarchy."

Juventus dominated but it took until the second half for them to hit the target when Leonardo Bonucci headed in from a corner in the 56th minute. Fabio Quagliarella doubled the lead in the 69th with a shot from the edge of the area after he collected a short pass from Alessandro Matri.

Having also reached the Italian Cup final, Juventus stretched their unbeaten streak in all competitions to 36 matches, with its last defeat coming against Parma at the end of last season.

The Bianconeri have looked especially sharp in their last four matches, all victories, with a 12-0 tally.

It is quite a turnaround for a team that finished seventh in the past two seasons.

"Now we're a squad that has gained knowledge and self-confidence," said Conte, in his first season in charge at Juve. "We're playing good offensive football and we're risking little."

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

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