Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000‎

Del Piero the hero as late free-kick

returns Old Lady to Serie A summit

The legendary trequartista, who is set to leave Turin at the end of the season,

came off the bench to score a crucial goal in terms of this season's Scudetto race.

Apr 11, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero scored a stunning late free-kick to earn Juventus a vital 2-1 victory over Lazio in Turin on Wednesday night.

With the game tied at one goal apiece, with Stefano Mauri having cancelled out Simone Pepe's opener, the legendary trequartista was sprung from the bench and rolled back the years with a characteristically deadly set-piece which propelled his side back to the summit of Serie A.

Milan had reclaimed top spot the night before with their victory over Chievo in Verona but Juventus began as if intent on sending a message to their title rivals.

Indeed, the Bianconeri could have opened the lead as early as the fifth minute but Fabio Quagliarella was just off target after sliding to get himself on the end of Giorgio Chiellini’s cross from the left-hand side.

The hosts continued to dominate thereafter and really should have broken the deadlock on 28 minutes when the ball broke for Pepe in the area but he shot straight at Federico Marchetti.

However, the former Udinese man made amends just over 60 seconds later – and in some style too, Pepe controlling a clever chip from Pirlo on his chest before then volleying home acrobatically in one glorious movement.

The Bianconeri were now buzzing and had it not been for Marchetti, the game would have been over by the break, the Biancocelesti goalkeeper scrambling back to keep out Arturo Vidal’s stunning 60-metre strike before then stretching out a hand to deny Quagliarella after being wrong-footed by the forward’s deflected shot.

As it was, the two sides went in level at the interval, with Mauri beating Buffon with a bullet header after Juve's three-man defence, which had been so dominant up until that point, had gone AWOL.

Credit to a shell-shocked Juventus, they regrouped during the break and quickly set about reasserting their superiority after the restart.

However, while they were dominating possession once more, they struggled to open their opponents up and were restricted to long-range efforts from Quagliarella and Claudio Marchisio.

Stephan Lichsteiner did fluff his lines after being the recipient of a sublime pass from Vidal but there was an inescapable suspicion that the Bianconeri had run out of ideas.

However, cometh the hour, cometh the man, and with just eight minutes remaining substitute Del Piero curled home a 25-metre free-kick to secure a victory which moves Juve two points clear of Milan once more. As for Lazio, who lost Libor Kozak to a red card right at the death, they remain third.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000‎

Del Piero wins Juve-Lazio thriller!

Juventus dominated this game with Lazio, but only scraped a 2-1 victory

thanks to Alessandro Del Piero’s late free kick.

Apr 11, 2012

The Bianconeri took advantage of Milan’s shock home defeat to Fiorentina by leapfrogging them to the top of the table on Easter Saturday. The Rossoneri won last night’s game, so the pressure was back on Juve to regain the leadership. Antonio Conte had a full squad to choose from and opted for a last-minute change as Paolo De Ceglie was replaced in the named line-up by Stephan Lichtsteiner for a 4-3-3 system. Edy Reja’s injury crisis continued with Miroslav Klose, Andre Dias, Marius Stankevicius, Senad Lulic, Abdoullay Konko and Stefan Radu missing out.

Juve were unbeaten in their previous 14 meetings with Lazio in Serie A, last tasting defeat in Rome in 2003-04.

Giorgio Chiellini flashed a pass across for Fabio Quagliarella to scuff wide as he came sliding in, then Federico Marchetti was both lucky and unlucky simultaneously. Quagliarella’s snapshot from distance bounced very strangely off the turf to whack the goalkeeper in the face, leaving him in need of treatment.

Mirko Vucinic had penalty appeals for a tussle with Lionel Scaloni, but the referee waved play on.

Simone Pepe really should’ve opened the scoring on 27 minutes, but lost his nerve and fired straight at Marchetti.

Pepe got his goal soon after in truly spectacular fashion. Lazio were pegged back into their own penalty area, so Pirlo chipped up a pass for Pepe to spring the offside trap, chest it down and with a fantastic overhead kick beat the goalkeeper from six yards.

Arturo Vidal almost netted an even more astounding goal moments later, as he saw Marchetti off his line and lobbed from the centre-circle in a David Beckham style strike, but the goalkeeper back-pedalled furiously to fingertip it out from under the bar.

Juventus had another amazing opportunity, all of it in the space of five minutes. Quagliarella’s shot seemed certain to go in after he spun round Mobido Diakite in the six-yard box, but Marchetti showed cat-like reflexes to stick up a trailing hand and palm it over the bar while he was on the ground.

The first half was one-way traffic and Pirlo’s long ball found Lichtsteiner to pull back from the by-line for Vucinic, but Diakite’s sliding tackle was decisive to deflect over the bar.

Juve were made to pay for wasting all those chances, though, as Stefano Mauri equalised on the stroke of half-time with Lazio’s first real opportunity. Leonardo Bonucci completely forgot his man, so Mauri was allowed a free header from a cross whipped in from the right.

After the restart Rocchi went on a dangerous counter-attack, so Lichtsteiner was booked for a cynical foul in the final third against his former teammate. Vucinic controlled a long pass well, but flashed the angled drive across the face of goal as Marchetti rushed out at his feet.

Marchetti flapped away a dangerous Pirlo free kick, then saved from Lichtsteiner from point-blank range even though he was offside. Both sides made substitutions to maintain the amazing intensity of this match.

Lichtsteiner sprung the offside trap again only to pull his cross too far back for Chiellini, who was ready to tap in.

Alessandro Del Piero rescued Juve in the final minutes, as he came off the bench and curled a magnificent free kick into the near bottom corner, leaving Marchetti rooted to the spot. The Lazio wall seemed to split in the middle and Marchetti was wrong-footed, sending the Juventus Stadium wild.

Edoardo Reja was sent off in stoppages for dissent and bizarrely Libor Kozak was also red carded. He accidentally clashed heads with Leonardo Bonucci and may have broken the Juve defender’s nose, but did not use his elbow.

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

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pepe (Matri 72), Vidal (Giaccherini 81), Pirlo, Marchisio; Quagliarella, Vucinic (Del Piero 73)

Lazio: Marchetti; Scaloni, Diakitè, Biava, Garrido; Cana, Ledesma; Gonzalez (Brocchi 81), Mauri (Hernanes 72), Candreva; Rocchi (Kozak 74)

Ref: Damato

Sent off: Kozak 93 (L)

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000‎

Juve regain top spot

Alessandro Del Piero came off the bench to net the decisive goal as Juventus regained

top spot in Serie A with a hard-fought home victory over Champions League hopefuls Lazio.

Apr 11, 2012

The unbeaten Turin outfit found themselves toppled at the summit by AC Milan last night, the Rossoneri winning 1-0 at Chievo, but Simone Pepe set them on their way tonight with the opening goal after half an hour.

Stefano Mauri equalised for the visitors on the stroke of half-time but Del Piero grabbed an 82nd-minute winner with a superb free-kick to lift Antonio Conte's side a point above Milan with six games left.

Libor Kozak was sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence to add to Lazio's misery.

Juve started well, but Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella were both off target with their shots after getting themselves into good positions.

Quagliarella was then denied by Federico Marchetti, with Pepe also firing wide after finding himself through one on one with the Lazio goalkeeper.

The Bianconeri deservedly made the breakthrough after 30 minutes, lashing a half-volley into the bottom-right corner from Andrea Pirlo's pass.

Vidal almost doubled his side's advantage straight away but his shot was tipped over the bar by Marchetti.

Third-placed Lazio had offered little in attack but just before the interval they were level, Mauri heading home Lionel Scaloni's perfect cross from the right.

Juve started the second half full of intent, Mirko Vucinic sending a left-footed drive over the bar and Claudio Marchisio and Vidal shooting wide.

Del Piero was introduced in place of Vucinic after 73 minutes and wasted no time making his presence felt, testing Marchetti from outside the box two minutes later.

And, after 82 minutes, he produced the winner, despatching a superb free-kick into the top-right corner from 25 yards.

Lazio substitute Hernanes blasted wide in stoppage time, but the evening ended on a sour note for the visitors as fellow substitute Kozak was sent off for a second bookable offence after fouling the lively Del Piero.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000‎

Del Piero sends unbeaten Bianconeri top

Apr 11, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero rolled back the years with a peach of a goal to hand Juventus a potentially decisive 2-1 victory over Lazio on Wednesday night - a result which sends them back to the top of the Serie A table.

Simone Pepe had given the hosts a first half lead before Stefano Mauri equalised with Lazio’s only meaningful attack of the game. But veteran Del Piero proved the hero with a trademark free-kick in the final 15 minutes to move Juve two points clear of AC Milan in the race for the Scudetto.

The first half was about as one-sided as 45 minutes of football can be but Lazio somehow sneaked into the break on level terms. The visitors’ goalkeeper Federico Marchetti was the star of the show making a string of vital saves.

Fabio Quagliarella should have opened the scoring early but he failed to turn home Giorgio Chiellini’s cross from six yards. Marchetti was then deceived by a bounce but Quagliarella’s shot hit him in the face and rebounded to safety.

Juve were in total control and Arturo Vidal played Pepe in behind the backline but Marchetti saved. The pressure told on the half hour mark as Andrea Pirlo’s delightful chip sent Pepe clear and with his back to goal he controlled the ball on his chest and then sent an acrobatic overhead bicycle kick past the goalkeeper.

Vidal tried his luck from 60 yards, spotting Marchetti off his line, but the goalkeeper scrambled to save. Modibo Diakite then dived in to block what seemed a certain goal for Mirko Vucinic before Marchetti stuck out his left hand to stop Quagliarella’s deviated shot.

But then on the stroke of half-time, Lazio took a quick free-kick and Mauri headed home Lionel Scaloni’s pinpoint cross.

Juve were straight back on the attack after the break but although Vucinic beat Marchetti, his shot fizzed past the post. Chiellini had a glorious chance when set up by Stephan Lichsteiner but the big defender didn’t have quick enough feet to finish.

But eight minutes from time Del Piero wrong-footed Marchetti, who seemed unsighted, with a free-kick from 25 yards out to send the home fans into ecstasy.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000‎

700 Times ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO!!!

Apr 11, 2012

It was in the cards. Following AC Milan’s win over Chievo just the day before, pressure was back on Juventus as they welcomed 3rd-place Lazio to Juventus Stadium Wednesday night. The battle, much as it was expected, was a tense one though completely dominated by the home team. After a lovely Simone Pepe bicycle kick opened the score, it really looked like the Bianconeri were going to win this game by a four-goal margin at least, but on their only chance of the game Lazio equalized. Who better at that point, to give Juventus a most vital three points for the Scudetto race, than their iconic captain who was celebrating tonight his 700th game in Bianconero? Aaron and Marco bring you the after-action report of a night truly under the effigy of Alessandro Del Piero.

MATCH ANALYSIS (by Aaron Giambattista)

In recent weeks, English newspapers have dubbed Antonio Conte “the Italian Mourinho” largely for his personality, man-management, and motivation skills. When it comes to tactics, as exemplified by his effortless switches between the 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 3-5-2 this season, Il Mister has proven to be no slouch either, though it wasn’t exactly clear what formation the manager planned to use against Lazio. Well, either a tactical “Eureka” moment or a knock to Paolo De Ceglie during the pre-match warm-up must have settled Conte’s mind, as a probable (and, according to TV commentators & journalists worldwide, announced) 3-5-2 line-up was shelved in favor of a 4-3-3, with Stephan Lichtsteiner replacing De Ceglie as the squad’s only genuine fullback.

Lazio, who manager Edy Reja veered off in 4-2-3-1 mode, were missing some key members of their roster, notably Miroslav Klose and midfield playmaker Hernanes (out-of-form and benched) and it showed. The Biancocelesti were beaten from start to finish, unable to provide any legitimate counter-attacking threat as their midfield was completely dominated by Juve’s. Cana, Ledesma, Candreva, Mauri, and González all were bullied by their Juventus counterparts, and only heroics from goalkeeper Federico Marchetti kept the visitors in the game longer than they should have.

Indeed, until the Biancocelesti’s equalizer, Juventus had laid siege to Marchetti’s box throughout much of the first half. The team went ahead through a superb Pirlo-assisted Simone Pepe goal, as the winger beat the offside trap, chested the ball, and then bicycle-kicked it into the net. After that more Juve chances ensued, with Vidal (shot of the century from 60 meters out), Quagliarella (sure goal denied by a super reaction save) and Vucinic (close-range finish deflected by the last-ditch tackle of Diakité) all somehow failing to hit the back of the net.

Costly misses as it were (in the short-term analysis of things), because just before half-time Lazio equalized through their only real scoring chance of the game. Scaloni’s cross from the right was met by Stefano Mauri, who thanks to some rather poor marking by the Juve backline, adjusted his headed finish out Gigi Buffon’s reach. 1-1, and Lazio promptly returning to their defensive game plan. It nearly worked, as after the break Juventus continued to pound at Marchetti’s goal but couldn’t pierce through their opponents’ desperate defending and/or quality saves of their Biancoceleste goalkeeper.

Enter one Alessandro Del Piero. With time dangerously ticking away, Il Capitano eyed a 30-yard set-piece in the 82nd minute and with Andrea Pirlo at his side (almost providing a “diversion”, with the ex-Milan midfielder continuing to complain to referee Damato about the wall’s distance, just as ADP hit the ball), aimed a dipping effort through a chaotic wall into the back of the net.

Marchetti was finally beaten again and with minutes to go, the score was settled at 2-1. Lazio simply didn’t have the ideas or the energy to hit back, and Juventus would not let go of their lead for a second time. The team thus earns a capital three points that moves them back into 1st place at +1 over AC Milan. Choruses of “Salutate la Capolista” re-roared through Juventus Stadium, a radiant celebration for Alessandro Del Piero’s 700th hallmark night…

LE PAGELLE (by Marco Pantanella)

Buffon s.v. – Once again, practically nothing to do for 90 minutes. Bears no fault on the Lazio goal, because Mauri literally placed the ball out of Gigi’s reach.

Lichtsteiner 6.5 – Many press outlets (JuventiKnows included) had suggested – following the Swiss right-back’s intense efforts September to February – that the player was a bit tired these days, making Cáceres the better option at the moment. Well, Conte disagrees and Lichtsteiner promptly repaid his manager’s confidence. A tireless performance, running up and down the pitch practically as a right midfielder. Too bad he scoffed that shot in front of Marchetti…

Barzagli 6 – Solid as ever, keeping the Lazio offense well at bay. Forced Reja to switch his wingers often because Barzagli was giving them virtually no space. Bears the crime of leaving Mauri relatively undisturbed for the Lazio goal though, with Lichtsteiner’s complicity. His only lapse of the game, but as is customary in soccer a fatal one.

Bonucci 6.5 – Another solid performance from “Bonny”, very good positionally and comfortably at ease with the ball at his feet. In true warrior fashion remained on the field at the end, after an unintentional Kozak header opened up his nose. Preliminary reports indicate it’s broken and will require Leo to undergo surgery tomorrow.

Chiellini 6.5 – Dominating physical presence on the center-left/left-wing, mainly defensively. Had a few decent runs forward, though certainly not as many as his Swiss teammate on the opposite flank.

Vidal 7 – The more I watch this man play, the more I remain in awe of his technical skills. After his wonderstrike against Napoli, King Arturo very near scored the goal of the year from 60 yards. A daring effort that only the tipping hand of an in-form Marchetti could deny. On top that moment of inspirational genius, tons of quality touches and defensive work from the Chilean midfielder.

(80′) Giaccherini s.v.

Pirlo 7.5 – Once again, the majority of Juve’s plays today came from the velvet touches of Il Pittore. Created the wonderful aerial pass for Pepe’s finish, assist #11 of his Juventus season, and otherwise tons and tons of through balls (primarily for the forward runs of Lichtsteiner, who literally seems to have developed a telepathic understanding with the ex-Milan playmaker).

Marchisio 6.5 – Principino may have stopped scoring vital goals for his team lately, but transparent he is not. After his January dip of form, battled on every ball and provided vital quality in midfield defensively as well as offensively.

Pepe 7.5 – Hasn’t featured much in the starting eleven lately, but @pepigno7 (as he is known on Twitter) produced a generous performance of running, dribbles, and yes… quality touches/crosses. His bicycle-kick goal (after a lovely chested control) was the cherry on an already very sweet cake.

(71′) Matri 6 – Brought on to provide some freshness and weight to the Juve attack. Didn’t get many touches on the ball but his tactical intelligence near the 90th minute, bringing the ball towards the corner flag in order to waste time, must be noted.

Quagliarella 6.5 – This is Fabio’s moment of form, and Conte knows it. Rewarded with another starting eleven spot, Quags didn’t get on the scoresheet today but provided plenty of quality touches in that Juventus forward line. Had an almost-certain goal denied by Marchetti’s golden reflexes.

Vucinic 6 – Despite a few wasted chances (a scoffed shot, another effort saved by Diakité) Mirko worked hard today, running up & down the left flank and circulating the ball well with his teammates. A constant thorn in Scaloni’s backside.

(73′) Del Piero 8 – We’re running out of adjectives to describe Il Capitano. Thrown into the mix of an extremely delicate, potentially Scudetto-deciding match in the 73rd, ADP took less than 10 minutes to stamp his mark onto the game. Magisterially-executed free kick to fool Marchetti and give Juventus a vital three points. If you haven’t already done so, sign TuttoJuve’s Facebook petition: PRESIDENTE, PLEASE GIFT US DEL PIERO FOR ANOTHER YEAR!

Conte 7.5 – After the game, Lazio coach Edy Reja declared to the press: “Conte executed his pre-match warm-up with 12 players. He fooled me”. The battle of wits of Juventus-Lazio began this way. Every commentator at Juventus stadium received a starting eleven formation that included De Ceglie, yet at the last possible minute Conte switched his plan from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 and put Lichtsteiner in. The Juve manager could not have been more spot-on, as for 45 minutes there was only one team on the field: Juventus. Conte then mixed things up in the second half (after Juve dropped in rhythm) and threw a certain Alessandro Del Piero into the mix. The rest as they say, is history…

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of the players involved in the Bianconeri's

slender victory over Edy Reja's men in Turin on Wednesday.

Apr 11, 2012

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - Dealt quite comfortably with a Ledesma free-kick and a decent strike from Candreva but had no chance on Mauri's header. Had little or nothing to do in the second period.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Shifted out to the left-hand side because of the late withdrawal of De Ceglie from the starting line-up and, as usual, got forward pretty well, picking out Quagliarella early on only to see the former Napoli man fire wide. Began to lose his control after the break, though, and was booked for a late challenge on Scaloni seconds after clashing with Diakite.

Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - He was enjoying something of an armchair ride for most of the opening half but, like his defensive colleagues, he also went missing when Mauri rose to head Lazio level. Did make a crucial block on Candreva late on, though.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Was so comfortable in the first half, winning everything in the air, that he elected to step forward at every opportunity. Caused panic in the Lazio box with a chip forward before then trying his luck with an audacious shot with the outside of his boot.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - A late addition to the starting 11, the Swiss wasn't his usual dynamic self going forward and, from a defensive perspective, he was very nearly sent off for bringing down Rocchi early in the second half when he was very close to being last man.

Simone Pepe 6.5 - Recalled to the starting line-up, the former Udinese man blew a glorious chance to open the scoring on 28 minutes by shooting straight at Marchetti but then immediately made amends by controlling Pirlo's pass before volleying home in some style. Was pretty ineffective thereafter, though, and was replaced by Matri on 72 minutes.

Claudio Marchisio 6.0 - Played his part in Juve's midfield dominance without ever really exerting the same level of control over the proceedings as either Pirlo or Vidal. Went close with an effort midway through the second half but, overall, did not pose much of a goal-scoring threat.

Andrea Pirlo 7.0 - Typically influential, Pirlo had already been passing and probing away for half an hour when he produced a sublime ball to pick out Pepe in the area for the game's opening goal. A constant threat with his set-pieces and always looked the most likely Juve player to open Lazio up.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 6.5 - As ever, was always looking to make something happen and very nearly scored a contender for goal of the season when, in a fine demonstration of his wonderful vision, he let fly from fully 65 yards out only to see a scrambling Marchetti pull off a terrific save. Also played a sumptuous ball into Lichtsteiner in the second period only to see the Swiss squander the opportunity.

Mirko Vučinić 6.0 - Like Quagliarella, the Montenegrin began very brightly, with his jinking runs and clever moment asking plenty of questions of the Lazio defence. Perhaps should have had a penalty in the first half but his influence faded as the game wore on.

Fabio Quagliarella 6.5 - Retained his place in the starting line-up and very nearly netted early on, but he diverted Chiellini's low cross over the bar. Then tried his luck from distance before going desperately close to getting on the end of a long ball forward from Bonucci. Was full of running throughout and collected a booking after the break but was not as dangerous during the second period.

• Substitutions

Emanuele Giaccherini 5.5 - Came on in place of Vidal for the last 10 minutes and did not make much of an impact.

Alessandro Del Piero 7.0 - Given 17 minutes at the end and brought the house down with a typically brilliant free-kick. Are Juve really going to allow their legendary No.10 to leave at the end of the season?

Alessandro Matri 5.5 - Replaced Pepe with just under 20 minutes remaining but did not really get a sniff of goal.

Lazio

Federico Marchetti 7.0 - Had it not been for Marchetti, Lazio would have been routed, with the goalkeeper pulling off a string of stunning saves. He did wonderfully well to keep out Vidal's audacious strike from inside his own half but the way in which he denied Quagliarella's deflected effort as he was going the other way was truly breathtaking. Did not deserve to end up on the losing side.

Lionel Scaloni 5.5 - Scaloni played an integral role in Lazio's equaliser, the former West Ham United man advancing forward down the right wing before picking out the head of Mauri with a wonderful cross. However, he looked defensively suspect throughout and very nearly gave away a penalty after tangling in the area with Vucinic.

Javier Garrido 6.0 - Coped quite competently with the threat posed by Pepe and Lichtsteiner down the right-hand side, without ever really offering much by way of an attacking threat.

Giuseppe Biava 5.5 - Struggled for long periods in the first half and it came as no surprise when he picked up a yellow for bringing down Vucinic but was more solid after half-time.

Mobido Diakite 6.5 - Booked for an incredibly reckless tackle on Vidal just 10 minutes in but more than made up for that with a goal-saving block on Vucinic shortly before the break. Continued to defend valiantly thereafter.

Stefano Mauri 6.5 - Had really struggled to impose himself on the game before he headed his side level right on half-time after being left completely unmarked in the area. Battled gamely throughout but was booked for a trip on Pirlo shortly after the restart and ultimately ran out of steam.

Alvaro González 6.0 - Did not really offer much of an outlet for the Biancocelesti, though he did work hard, doing his best to protect Scaloni.

Cristian Ledesma 6.0 - Had a string of set-pieces in the opening quarter and although his delivery wasn't always up to much, he did at least draw a save out of Buffon with a 26th-minute free-kick. Worked tirelessly but cut a pretty frustrated figure by the death.

Lorik Cana 6.0 - Put in a real shift in the middle of the park but was chasing shadows for long periods.

Antonio Candreva 6.5 - One of Lazio's livelier attackers. Starved of possession but showed what he can do when he cut in from the left wing just before the break and tested Buffon with a well-struck drive. He also very nearly got in towards the end only to be denied by Bonucci.

Tommaso Rocchi 6.0 - Playing in the lone striker role, Rocchi didn't really get in a look-in during the first half. When he did get himself on the ball just after half-time, he caused mayhem and would have had a sight of goal had he not been chopped down by Lichtsteiner, who was booked for his indiscretion.

• Substitutions

Hernanes 5.5 - Dropped from the starting line-up, Hernanes was given just over 15 minutes to strut his stuff but he was unable to alter the course of the game.

Cristian Brocchi 5.5 - Throw on in place of Alvaro Gonzalez with nine minutes to go, offering him insufficient time to get into the game.

Libor Kozák 4.5 - Came on for Rocchi with 16 minutes remaining but did not see the game out, getting himself booked moments after his introduction before receiving his marching order in the dying seconds.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000

Conte: Del Piero is an asset to Juventus

The 42-year-old coach heaped praise on match-winner Del Piero after he scored his side's

winner, but believes they should have put the game beyond the Biancocelesti earlier.

Apr 11, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has hailed Alessandro Del Piero after the veteran forward came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 2-1 Serie A victory over Lazio on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old replaced Mirko Vucinic in the 73rd minute of the match and found the back of the net with a free kick just 10 minutes later. Conte had special words of praise for Del Piero, but was coy when asked if the club board would hand the striker an extension to his expiring contract.

"Luckily, he comes on and scores," he told Sky Sport Italia. "For me, he is an asset to his team.

"Whether I ask him to play for a minute or an entire match, he comes to help.

"Right now we are thinking about the match against Cesena. We are fighting for something unthinkable, so we must be focused on this race.

"There will be time to address other matters. We must pick up our strengths and win the remaining matches."

Conte then admitted he was relieved that his side were able to grind out the 2-1 victory to send the team back to the top of the Serie A table ahead of AC Milan.

"There is a little bit of regret, because we have drawn so many matches, like the ones against Genoa, Cagliari and Chievo, after being in command," Conte added.

"Tonight the same thing almost happened - we could not give the final blow when we should have - but we were able to win despite suffering in a way we did not deserve, considering all that we had done.

"We must grow in this aspect, but my players are doing something extraordinary. This is a small step forward, but there are so many matches remaining."

Questioned about Juventus' reported interest in AC Milan duo Alessandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf, Conte said: "They are both great players but they are fine where they are."

Juventus will take on Cesena on Sunday in their upcoming Serie A fixture.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000

Conte: 'Almost another draw...'

Apr 11, 2012

Antonio Conte felt “regret and even anger” at having to scrape a victory over Lazio when Juventus had dominated the game.

“There is certainly some regret and even anger, as we dominate games and don’t close them off, which often ended up in draws. This was heading in a similar direction, as we were in control and not determined enough to get the final blow,” he said of the 2-1 win.

“Unfortunately it was happening again today after an excellent first half and we allowed Lazio so little. We have to improve and grow, but the lads are achieving something extraordinary.

“It’s inevitable that if we converted all our scoring opportunities, we’d all be calmer and our coronary arteries under less stress! It’d also be fair, as Juventus dominated so much and had to suffer until the final whistle tonight.

“It’s ok, as we go back on top of the table and always have Milan’s pressure behind us, but it is a good step forward.”

It was set to be another draw until Alessandro Del Piero came off the bench to curl in a decisive free kick.

“Del Piero, it’s a great fortune for us to have him here. When you need to score, he’s your man. He has always been and will always be an added bonus for the team. If I ask him for a minute, five minutes, eight or a whole game, he always gives 100 per cent.”

Conte was asked whether he will speak to President Andrea Agnelli in a bid to renew Del Piero’s contract, as he is set to leave on a free transfer in June.

“Compliments to Ale and the whole team. At this moment we must focus on Cesena and the present, then there will be time to discuss the future. What is important right now is to recoup energy and be ready for the next test.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000

Chiellini asks for sharper Juventus

Apr 12, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini has again underlined that Juventus need to start taking their chances in front of goal after almost being held to a draw by Lazio.

The Old Lady dominated the tie at the Juve Stadium on Wednesday, but they needed a late piece of magic by Alessandro Del Piero to seal a 2-1 win.

“We all thank Alex for his wonderful goal, but we must learn to seal games in advance,” the international stopper noted.

“We made life difficult for ourselves. At the end of the first half, we should have been two goals in front, instead we conceded Lazio’s equaliser.

“After the break, our way of playing was quite fragmented. Tension was high because a draw in such a match was unconceivable considering that we clearly dominated.”

Juve returned to the top of the table with victory and the defender, who played at left-back last night, has called for focus ahead of the Cesena trip.

“These games are often tricky,” he added. “We’ll play on a synthetic pitch, against a team which will have the chance to write an important page of their history, seeing that we’re unbeaten.

“Therefore, we must be fully alert.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000

Pepe: Hard work paying off

Apr 12, 2012

Juventus’ lead at the top of the table is down to boss Antonio Conte’s work in training, says Simone Pepe.

The Old Lady went one point clear of Milan again last night after Pepe and Alessandro Del Piero netted the goals in the 2-1 win over Lazio.

“It’s no surprise we’re in form with all the work we do during the week,” the former Udinese man noted after a fifth straight win.

“The vast majority of us have played for many years and when we speak about it, the opinion is unanimous – we’ve never worked so hard.”

The wide attacker grabbed his sixth League goal of the campaign with a stunning bicycle-kick in the first half.

“I missed a good opportunity shortly before, partly due to [Lazio ‘keeper Federico] Marchetti’s good work and partly due to my error.

“I soon made amends though, thankfully…”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000

Chiellini thanks Del Piero

but warns Juventus must be more clinical

The towering defender has stressed that the Bianconeri cannot afford to keep missing

chances and relying on their veteran talisman to bail them out in the Scudetto race.

Apr 12, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini feels that Juventus made things unnecessarily difficult for themselves in Wednesday's 2-1 Serie A win over Lazio, and expressed his gratitude to match-winner Alessandro Del Piero.

The Old Lady created numerous chances to decide the match in their favour, but eventually needed a late Del Piero strike to bag the full three points and move back to the top of the league table.

"We made life difficult for ourselves. At the end of the first half, we should have been two goals in front, but instead we conceded Lazio’s equaliser. The final minutes usually are the worst moment to be caught up, because you have no time to react," Chiellini stated on the club's official website.

"Tension was high, because a draw in such a match was inconceivable, considering that we clearly dominated. We all thank Alex [Del Piero] for his wonderful goal, but we must learn to decide our games earlier on."

Chiellini then urged his team-mates to turn their focus to the upcoming match against Cesena.

"These games are often tricky: we’ll play on a synthetic pitch, against a team who will have the chance to write an important page of their history, seeing that we’re unbeaten. Therefore, we must pay the utmost attention."

Sunday's match kicks off at 15.00CET.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Simone Pepe (30′)

Stefano Mauri (45′)

Alessandro Del Piero (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 35000

Del Piero: Dropping points would have been

'football suicide' for Juventus

The experienced attacker has expressed his delight with his strike against Edy Reja's

side, and added that it would have been "suicide" had the Old Lady spilled points.

Apr 12, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero hopes that his goal in the 2-1 Serie A win over Lazio will be decisive in the title race, and added that it would have been a huge blow for Juventus had they dropped points on Wednesday.

After Stefano Mauri's strike had cancelled out Simone Pepe's opener, it looked as though the Bianconeri would have to settle for a draw against the Stadio Olimpico side, until Del Piero helped Juventus to the three points with his winner in the 82nd minute.

The 37-year-old is hoping that his effort will be the goal that will deliver his side the Scudetto at the end of the season, but assured that Juventus will keep fighting for the title.

"I hope that this goal will be the one that eventually proves crucial in the race for the Scudetto," Del Piero said to reporters.

"It would have been football suicide if we had drawn or lost this game after our superb first half. We will keep fighting till the end. Milan won't give up, but neither will we.

"It's all about holding your nerves and fighting fatigue now. We're feeling great and are focussing on our next game."

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

[Socrates 8326]

Moratti: No one expected Juventus success

The Nerazzurri chief says that the Turin-based club are performing better

than anyone had expected, while saying that his side can still finish third in the league.

Apr 12, 2012

Inter president Massimo Moratti has admitted that he did not expect Juventus to fare so well this season.

The Bianconeri are en route to winning their first Scudetto since 2002-03 after finishing seventh in the league in each of the past two campaigns.

"I am admired Juventus, who are doing very well," Moratti told reporters at the inauguration of the restaurant of Nerazzurri players Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.

"They play well, a very efficient game. They are something new; no one expected this to happen.

"AC Milan? They still have a strong structure."

Inter currently sit seventh in the Serie A table, and Moratti believes that his side can still finish third, despite the six-point difference between that place and the Nerazzurri.

[Socrates 8326]

[Luigi Daniele 68]

Moratti: No one expected Juventus success

The Nerazzurri chief says that the Turin-based club are performing better

than anyone had expected, while saying that his side can still finish third in the league.

Apr 12, 2012

Inter president Massimo Moratti has admitted that he did not expect Juventus to fare so well this season.

The Bianconeri are en route to winning their first Scudetto since 2002-03 after finishing seventh in the league in each of the past two campaigns.

"I am admired Juventus, who are doing very well," Moratti told reporters at the inauguration of the restaurant of Nerazzurri players Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso.

"They play well, a very efficient game. They are something new; no one expected this to happen.

"AC Milan? They still have a strong structure."

Inter currently sit seventh in the Serie A table, and Moratti believes that his side can still finish third, despite the six-point difference between that place and the Nerazzurri.

Lou: I expected Juve's success

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We are distracted by Coppa Italia final

against Juventus, says Napoli's Cannavaro

Walter Mazzarri's men have endured a setback in their quest for a Champions League spot

over the last month, and the defender cited the cup's showpiece as the reason for this.

Apr 14, 2012

Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro has admitted that the Partenopei have been distracted by the upcoming Coppa Italia final against Juventus.

This season's Champions League quarter-finalists have been dealt a huge blow in the race for qualification for Europe's top club competition after three defeats in a row in Serie A.

The central-half has said that the game against Antonio Conte's men is in the back of the players' minds, leading to inconsistency in the league.

"I cannot deny that the mind wanders to May 20, but we have to stop it," he confessed to Radio Marte.

"I won't deny that the thought of being able to lift a trophy with Napoli is wonderful. It would be a dream come true, but now we must think about Serie A; we want to finish the season strongly."