Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8386]

Prandelli: 'Scudetto is 50-50'

Apr 14, 2012

Italy Coach Cesare Prandelli believes the Scudetto race is wide open. “Both Milan and Juventus have a 50 per cent chance of winning.”

Just one point separates the sides at the top of the Serie A table and anything can still happen.

“Both Milan and Juventus have a 50 per cent chance of winning the Scudetto,” said Prandelli today.

He was paying visit to the Lecce training ground during his tour of various clubs in the lead-up to Euro 2012.

“I applaud Cosmi for the great work he has done here.”

[Socrates 8386]

Zeman: 'Juve deserve Scudetto'

Apr 14, 2012

Zdenek Zeman has always been one of their harshest critics, but says “Juventus deserve to be top of the table” ahead of Milan.

The current Pescara Coach famously blasted the Bianconeri on numerous occasions and was asked to comment on the Scudetto race.

“Juve are hungrier,” he told news agency ANSA. “Up until a few weeks ago I thought Milan were stronger, but the Bianconeri are doing very well.

“Juventus are a younger team and perhaps have more desire to win this season. In recent games I saw Juve were hungrier for points.

“They deserve to be top of the table. However, Milan have many injuries and they need to figure out why that is.”

Only one point separates the two sides in the Serie A standings.

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 33 - 15-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Serie A Preview - Basement boys lock horns with league leaders

The Seahorses could become the first club to drop out of Serie A on Sunday,

but will hope to delay confirmation of their relegation with a spirited display against the Old Lady.

Apr 14, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

CESENA

Antonioli

Comotto, Moras, Von Bergen, Lauro

Guana, Colucci, Parolo

Santana

Malonga, Mutu

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio

Pepe, Quagliarella, Vucinic

Cesena are on course to become the first relegation casualty in Serie A this season, and their fate could be sealed as soon as the end of the weekend if they are defeated by Juventus and their rivals in the table fare better.

Unfortunately for coach Mario Beretta, his task has not been helped by the news that Bianconeri loanees Jorge Martinez and Vincenzo Iaquinta have been ruled out with injury, while Alex Calderoni and Raphael Martinho are also sidelined.

However, the former Chievo and Parma boss is ready to welcome back Gianluca Comotto, Steve von Bergen, Maurizio Lauro, Giuseppe Colucci and Mario Santana into the fold, at the expense of Luca Ceccarelli, Marco Rossi, Yohan Benalouane, Tommaso Arrigoni and Martinho, who all started in the Seahorses' 1-1 draw with Genoa on Wednesday.

Juventus returned to the league summit with a 2-1 win against Lazio midweek, maintaining their unbeaten Serie A campaign in the process. Unsurprisingly, coach Antonio Conte is not expected to make any changes, with a full-strength team ready to take to the Dino Manuzzi.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The last time Cesena beat Juventus was 24 years ago - a 2-0 victory in November 1987.

• In total, the Seahorses have won just one of their 11 home fixtures against the Old Lady.

• However, their last three Serie A meetings have all ended in draws.

• Juventus, meanwhile, have had the better of Cesena on 11 previous occasions.

• They have failed to score more than a single goal against Cesena only twice in Serie A.

• In just 73 minutes of football, stretching over four substitute appearances, Alessandro Del Piero has scored twice and laid off one assist.

Head to Head

Serie A - Dec 4, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Cesena 0

Serie A ‎- Mar 12, 2011 - Cesena 2 - Juventus 2

Serie A ‎- Nov 7, 2010 - Juventus 3 - Cesena 1

Serie B ‎- May 6, 2007 - Cesena 2 - Juventus 2

Serie B ‎- Jan 16, 2007 - Juventus 2 - Cesena 1

Last Five Matches

Cesena

Apr 11, 2012 - Genoa 1 - Cesena 1 - Serie A

Apr 7, 2012 - Cesena 0 - Bologna 0 - Serie A

Apr 1, 2012 - Lecce 0 - Cesena 0 - Serie A

Mar 25, 2012 - Cesena 2 - Parma 2 - Serie A

Mar 18, 2012 - Cagliari 3 - Cesena 0 - Serie A

Juventus

Apr 11, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Lazio 1 - Serie A

Apr 7, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

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

Players to Watch

Adrian Mutu

The Romanian ended a run of five games without goal on Wednesday following his equaliser against Genoa to keep his side in Serie A on mathematics, but despite his frequent barren spells, he is still by far Cesena's biggest goal threat, with eight to his name this season. A former Juventus player, Mutu has also scored on two previous occasions against his one-time employers, so he will be sure to impress the Old Lady faithful.

Fabio Quagliarella

Quagliarella's Juventus career looked to be coming to a premature end after struggling to prove to coach Antonio Conte that he was a viable option in attack, having scored just twice in 17 matches. However, he has bagged that return in his last three outings, and it seems the attacker is slowly but surely regaining the form that made him hot property before his injury midway through last season, as his boss continues to show faith in his ability.

Prediction

Juventus are currently in a rich vein of form, having won their past four on the bounce with just one goal conceded during the sequence, and all systems are set to go once more against Cesena. Antonio Conte seems to have finally found his best XI and consequently is now getting the best out of his players, while the same cannot be said for the hosts, who despite their apparent quality on paper, have sorely lacked cohesion.

Editor's Prediction

Cesena 0 - 3 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 33 - 15-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 14, 2012

Juventus will have no intention of relinquishing their hard-fought Serie A lead in taking on almost-certainly relegated Cesena.

Propping up the table on 21 points, Cesena only have the mathematics left on their side as the season winds to its conclusion. Sitting a massive 15 points from safety with only 18 points left on offer, this match could seal their fate.

On Wednesday they showed spirit in coming from a goal down at Genoa to draw 1-1, ensuring their fourth successive stalemate. Unfortunately for Cesena, this stubbornness has come too late as they are without a win since January and have tasted victory just four times this season.

Mario Beretta is not helped by a spate of injuries. Former Juve players Vincenzo Iaquinta and Jorge Martinez are amongst those missing, as well as Gianluca Comotto, Daniel Pudil, Steve von Bergen, Alex Calderoni and Marco Parolo.

Juventus’ stirring 2-1 win over Lazio on Wednesday was their fifth victory in a row. Simone Pepe netted against the Romans for the second time this season, before Alessandro Del Piero added another chapter to his storied Juve career with a match-winning free kick in his 700th appearance for the club.

Antonio Conte feared it would be another game in which the Old Lady failed to capitalise on their dominance. However, Del Piero’s late goal means they enjoy a one-point advantage over Milan as they prepare for what they hope is not a roadblock on the path towards potential Scudetto glory.

The tactician once again has a full squad to choose from and despite suffering a nose injury on Wednesday which required an operation, Leonardo Bonucci is expected to start.

Last season - Cesena’s return campaign to Serie A following a 20-year absence - the sides drew 2-2 after Alessandro Matri’s brace was pegged back. Overall it was the sixth draw between the two. Cesena have won just once and Juve four times.

Keep an eye on: Fabio Quagliarella (Juventus) – With two goals scored in his last three matches, Quagliarella is slowly rebuilding into the player he was early in his Juve career. Conte has shown faith and Quagliarella aims on continuing to repay that trust.

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

Last season: Cesena 2-2 Juventus

Stat fact: The last League fixture to end with a victory came back in 1989-90 when Juve won 2-1. Since that result there have been four draws between Serie A and Serie B.

Cesena: Antonioli; Ceccarelli, Moras, Rodriguez, Lauro; Arrigoni, Guana, Djokovic; Santana; Mutu, Malonga

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Quagliarella, Vucinic

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

[Socrates 8386]

Maldini slams Allegri moaning

Apr 15, 2012

Paolo Maldini has criticised Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri for focusing on the ‘phantom goal’ against Juventus. “It’s in the past now.”

Allegri went back on the Sulley Muntari goal that was not awarded in their 1-1 draw, as he feels with only one point separating the teams, the Scudetto could be decided by that incident.

“It was an important incident, but it is in the past now,” said former Rossoneri legend Maldini.

“In order to relax and focus on your work, you have to forget. It would be better for both sides to avoid further controversy.

“In 20 days Milan have lost two of their three objectives for the season, going out of the Champions League and Coppa Italia, but the Serie A title race is still open.

“Both Milan and Juve have a 50 per cent chance of winning the Scudetto, because slip-ups are very common this season.”

Maldini was also asked to comment on Andrea Pirlo’s rebirth as a free transfer at Juventus and the possibility Alessandro Nesta could follow.

“I never doubted Pirlo could still give a great deal, as he is a unique player,” the ex-defender told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Nesta with the Bianconeri? I don’t know, he had a lot of physical problems and I think he takes it day by day.”

[Socrates 8386]

Maldini urges AC Milan to stop moaning about Juventus 'phantom goal'

The Rossoneri legend has voiced his opinion that the reigning champions should stop

complaining about previous incidents, and has urged them to move on.

Apr 15, 2012

AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini has urged Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri to stop talking about Sulley Muntari's phantom goal against Juventus in their 1-1 Serie A draw earlier this season.

The Ghanaian's strike crossed the line but was not given in the draw between the Scudetto challengers in February; much to the dismay of Allegri, who has brought up the incident more than once in recent weeks.

"I agree that it was an important incident, but it's in the past now. You have to forget in order to relax and focus on your job. It's better for both sides to avoid further controversy," Maldini said to reporters at an Adidas event.

"Milan have lost two of their three objectives for the season within three weeks. They were eliminated from the Champions League and Coppa Italia, but are still in the race for the Scudetto.

"Any team can slip up. It's very common this season. I'd say that both Juventus and Milan have a 50 per cent chance of winning the title."

[Socrates 8386]

Fly Little Angel, Fly High in the Soccer Sky

Apr 15, 2012

Italian soccer mourns the tragic death of Piermario Morosini today, the Livorno midfielder who suffered a cardiac arrest during Saturday afternoon’s Pescara vs. Livorno Serie B fixture.

Juventus F.C. have sent their sincere condolences to the player’s family. The entire JuventiKnows crew joins them in prayer.

The FIGC has postponed all of this weekend’s fixtures. Cesena vs. Juventus, which was to be played at 15:00 CET Sunday, has been canceled. We now await an announcement from Serie A regarding potential rescheduling dates.

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Juve-Roma sold out in 40 mins!

Apr 17, 2012

The tickets for Sunday night’s Juventus-Roma match all sold out within 40 minutes, as Scudetto fever is burning up Turin.

Sales were suspended until this afternoon because the Lega had not yet confirmed the kick-off time or date.

When they did become available, the Juventus Stadium was completely sold out in 40 minutes.

Juve are the Serie A leaders and face off against old rivals Roma, who are in the running for a Champions League spot.

It will also see Mirko Vucinic and Marco Borriello face their former club.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Bonucci to play with mask

Apr 18, 2012

Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci will be available to start the League game against Roma this weekend following nose surgery.

The Italian international sustained a small fracture in the closing minutes of the 2-1 win over Lazio, an injury which required an operation.

Bonucci was included in the squad to face Cesena last weekend, before the tie was postponed, but it was thought that he wouldn’t be risked.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is today writing that the former Inter and Bari stopper will begin against the Giallorossi with the aid of a protective mask.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Trieste will host Cagliari-Juventus

Apr 19, 2012

There are likely to be more Juventus fans than Cagliari supporters when the two sides meet in Week 37 after Trieste was confirmed as the venue.

The Rossoblu have decided to play their last four home games of the season at a neutral ground because of a bust-up with the local council regarding plans to erect a new stadium.

Given that Trieste is over 600 miles away from Sardinia, Scudetto chasing Juventus are set to be heavily backed at the Nereo Rocco.

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Roma set to recall Heinze for Juve clash

The Argentine defender was demoted to the bench for last weekend's clash with Udinese,

but lined up alongside Simon Kjaer in training on Thursday.

Apr 19, 2012

Roma coach Luis Enrique looks set to recall Gabriel Heinze for Sunday night's crucial Serie A clash with league leaders Juventus.

The veteran stopper was dropped to the bench for last weekend's victory over fellow Champions League chasers Udinese, with midfielder Daniel De Rossi dropping back into defence alongside Simon Kjaer.

However, according to the Corriere dello Sport, Heinze was paired with Kjaer during a training game at Liguria on Thursday between the first-team and the reserves.

Going on the respective line-ups, it seems that Aleandro Rosi will get the nod at right-back ahead of Jose Angel, with Taddei set to continue on the opposite side of the back four.

Roma are currently just four points behind third-placed Lazio ahead of this weekend's games. Juventus, meanwhile, top the table by a solitary point from defending champions AC Milan.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Juve-Roma almost a derby

Apr 20, 2012

Juventus-Roma games are the closest thing you can get to a derby match between two teams from different cities, says Vincent Candela.

“It’s not a derby, but it almost is,” the Frenchman, who spent eight years with the Giallorossi, told Radio Incontro ahead of Sunday's meeting.

“It’s always been a really important game. And, at this point of the season, it’s a key tie for both clubs.”

Leaders Juventus are aiming to keep their one point advantage over Milan, while the Giallorossi are targeting third and qualification for the Champions League.

“Third will be hard for Roma,” the ex-full-back continued. “They might stand a chance if they beat Juve, but if they lose then I think it will be all over for them.”

The inconsistent capital outfit are currently fifth in the standings, four points adrift of city rivals Lazio in the last European Cup spot.

“Roma are just missing two or three champions to become a great side again,” added Candela. “They would complete that squad with such players.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Borini: Del Piero is my idol

Apr 20, 2012

Roma’s Fabio Borini has admitted a love for Alessandro Del Piero and Roberto Baggio ahead of Sunday’s game at Juventus.

“Del Piero is my idol and I’m not saying that because we will be facing Juventus this weekend,” he told La Stampa.

“I never remember Del Piero saying a word out of place, he’s the best you can get. Then there was also Baggio, Roberto Baggio.”

Del Piero succeeded Baggio in the Juventus No 10 shirt in Turin. The 37-year-old, signed in 1993 from Padova, will leave the Turin giants in the summer.

While leaders Juventus are going for the title, Roma are four points away from the last Champions League spot.

“We want third, but our season won’t be decided in Turin,” continued the new Italian international.

Borini, co-owned with Parma, has been a revelation in Serie A this term as the 21-year-old has scored nine goals in 19 League games.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Curci to face Juventus?

Apr 20, 2012

Gianluca Curci is on stand-by ahead of the Juventus game after Marteen Stekelenburg was struck down by a virus.

The goalkeeper missed training on Thursday and there are fears that he may not recover in time for Sunday’s showdown.

The summer signing from Ajax has been a stable member of Luis Enrique’s side when fit so far this season.

If the Dutch international doesn’t recover then the Spanish boss will have to turn to the former Italian Under-21 international.

Back-up ‘keeper Bogdan Lobont is struggling with a knee injury, so the 26-year-old will be promoted from third-choice.

Curci, a product of the club’s youth system, returned to the capital outfit in the summer after spells at Siena and Sampdoria.

He hasn’t played a single minute of competitive football this season.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Borini a doubt for Juve

Apr 20, 2012

Fabio Borini is a late fitness doubt to face Juventus this weekend, after picking up an injury in training for Roma.

The 21-year-old forward was forced to pull out of Friday’s training session at Trigoria after just 15 minutes, complaining of a muscular problem with his right buttock.

The injury will be assessed by doctors and a decision made soon as to whether he will be available or not to Luis Enrique for the journey north to Turin this weekend.

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

[Socrates 8386]

'Juventus will be like Real Madrid and Barcelona in two years' - Tacchinardi

The retired midfielder stated that the Turin club will soon be on top

of the football world and was full of praise for the work of the Bianconeri directors.

Apr 20, 2012

Former Italy international Alessio Tacchinardi believes that Juventus will soon scale the same heights as Primera Division duo Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The Bianconeri are currently one point clear at the top of the Serie A standings with six games remaining. They are also very close to securing a place in next season's Champions League after a two-year absence, and Tacchinardi says that the club will soon be back at the top.

"General director Beppe Marotta and president Andrea Agnelli are making the difference, when compared to their predecessors," Tacchinardi, who played at Juve between 1994 and 2007, told Radio Mana Mana.

"In two or three years, Juventus will be like Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"Antonio Conte has managed the situation differently because he is now backed by everyone at the club."

Juventus will host Roma on Sunday in their next Serie A fixture.

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Borini doubtful for Roma's trip to Juventus

The Italy international picked up a minor knock in Friday's training session

and his availability for this weekend's match in Turin is not certain.

Apr 20, 2012

Roma striker Fabio Borini is a last-minute worry for coach Luis Enrique ahead of Sunday's Serie A game against Juventus, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The 21-year-old left Friday's training session after just 15 minutes, complaining of pain in his lumbar region.

He will undergo a series of tests on Saturday to determine whether he will be able to take part in the match against the Serie A leaders.

Meanwhile, Maarten Stekelenburg has resumed full training after missing Thursday's session because of flu and is available for the encounter in Turin.

Roma lie in fifth position in the Serie A table, 18 points behind Juventus.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Unbeaten run will count for nothing

if we do not win Serie A, admits Marchisio

After 32 rounds of action, the Bianconeri have yet to lose a game, but the title

is the only thing that matters as far as the Italy international is concerned.

Apr 20, 2012

Claudio Marchisio has admitted that Juventus will derive no joy out of going through the entire Serie A season undefeated if they do not win the Ser.

With just six games to go, the Bianconeri are on the verge of becoming just the third Italian side to finish a league campaign unbeaten, after Perugia in 1978-79 and AC Milan in 1991-92.

However, Marchisio admits that the only thing that matters as far as Antonio Conte's men are concerned is preserving their one-point lead over the current Rossoneri lineup.

"It’s an even tussle with Milan," the midfielder mused during an interview with Sky Sport Italia "We’re unbeaten and this makes us proud, but maintaining that run is only nice if we have something to show for it at the end.”

Marchisio is also aware that Juve's unblemished record could also be ruined by Champions League-chasing Roma this weekend.

“Roma are an excellent team and they’re in a good run of form," the Italy international pointed out. "They have their ups and downs, but possess great champions and we’ll face them with total respect."

The Old Lady's crunch clash with the Giallorossi kicks off at 20.45CET on Sunday.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Juventus looking to strip Milan of Serie A title and record

Apr 21, 2012

Juventus are closing in on two prizes currently held by AC Milan as the Serie A race heads into a crucial and demanding period of the season.

Following the postponement of last weekend’s games due to the death of Livorno’s Piermario Morosini, top flight teams now face a run of five games in two weeks.

Not only are Juve defending a one-point lead at the top of the table over champions Milan but the Old Lady of Turin are also closing in on the rossoneri’s record unbeaten run.

Back in the days of Fabio Capello, Milan went 42 games unbeaten over 11 months from April 1992 to March 1993.

Juve’s current run stands at 37 games in league and cup, starting with the final match of last season.

If they get through the next two weeks without a loss, they will match Milan’s marker while remaining unbeaten to the end of the league season would allow them to surpass their rivals.

It has been a remarkable turnaround for a team that finished seventh in the previous two seasons and missed out on European competition in this campaign.

More than the unbeaten record, Juve are aiming for a league and cup double and have a cup final to come against Napoli a week after the Serie A season ends.

But the main prize is the scudetto and with six games left, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says it will come down to a mental battle.

“The team which keeps its nerve will win,” he said.

Milan have a slight advantage in playing first this weekend, at home to lowly Bologna.

Should they win, the pressure would be on Juve ahead of their meeting tomorrow against Roma.

But while all teams have a difficult next two weeks coming up, Milan forward Maxi Lopez says the rest over the last seven days has done them the world of good.

“We can’t let up at all, we managed to train well this week. Today’s match will be the first of six finals,” he said.

A couple of weeks ago the general consensus was that Juve had the tougher run-in but they have won their two toughest assignments against Napoli and Lazio, meaning Milan now appear to face the greater pitfalls, including a derby with Inter Milan in their penultimate match.

However, after the clash with Roma, Juve face the bottom three, which could be a difficult prospect against teams fighting for their lives, although both Cesena and Novara could be already relegated by the time they play the leaders.

Cesena could go down this weekend if they lose at home to Palermo and Genoa get at least a point at home to Siena.

If Novara lose at Napoli, they could also be relegated in midweek.

That match is not just crucial to Novara’s future but also Napoli’s.

They have lost their last three and failed to win in five leaving them six points behind Lazio in third, the final Champions League qualification position.

That battle looks set to go down to the wire, in part because none of the teams in contention are in good form.

Lazio have lost three of their last five while fourth-placed Udinese have lost three of their last six and have only one win in seven.

Those two play next weekend in what could be a decisive encounter.

This weekend Lazio host third-bottom Lecce while Udinese are at mid-table Chievo.

The other two teams in with a chance are Inter, who travel to Fiorentina, and Roma, although like Napoli, both will need to string some wins together to overhaul Lazio.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

"The Roma game will be an open affair" – Alessandro Matri

The Juventus striker is eagerly awaiting what he believes will be

a hotly-contested encounter at the Juventus Arena on Sunday.

Apr 21, 2012

With only a handful of matches left to play in the Serie A this season Juventus have a one-point lead over second-placed AC Milan and are highly fancied to secure what would be a 28th Scudetto.

La Vecchia Signora come into Sunday's mouthwatering fixture with Roma with five consecutive victories under their belt and will be hoping to make it six in a row to move within touching distance of the much sought after title.

However, they must be on top of their game at all moments, because rivals Roma are hungrier than ever and on paper appear to have what it takes to end Juve's impressive 32-game unbeaten run.

According to Alessandro Matri the clash with Roma will be a very difficult game, because both teams have much at stake. The 27-year-old, who believes that it will be an open game, stressed the importance for Juve to maintain total concentration throughout the entire ninety minutes to obtain the desired result.

"The Roma game will be an open affair because both teams are fighting for an important target. We need to do well to make the most of the chances that come our way and play with maximum concentration, urged on by the great support our fans will certainly provide," affirmed Matri.

Matri, whose ten goals for Juventus this season has made him the club's leading scorer, also expressed his joy for the moment which the Bianconeri are passing through.

"At the start of the season it would have been difficult to imagine being top of the league with six games remaining and Coppa Italia finalists," he said. "As the months have gone by, we've become aware of our strength and desire to be where we are. We're currently at the decisive moment, we mustn't give up now, we want to aim to reach both targets and fulfill our dream."

Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Roma at the Stadio Olimpico earlier on in the season, but they proved their superiority over the Romans with a crushing 3-0 victory in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals in January.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Pjanic: 'Roma hope to end Juve record'

Apr 21, 2012

Miralem Pjanic is looking forward to Sunday’s trip to Turin, as “Roma want to be the first to beat Juventus. It feels like a Champions League tie.”

These two clubs have not really experienced Europe this season, as the Giallorossi went out in the Europa League preliminary round.

“Roma want to be the first to beat Juventus this season,” smiled Pjanic on Sky Sport Italia.

“As a kid I watched Juve because Zinedine Zidane played there and I’ve always liked this team. They’re having a great campaign and are difficult to face, as they are such a compact unit. They are back to the top level.

“Third place is still possible for us, as there are six important games left and this with Juve is one of the best to play in. It feels like a Champions League tie.

“They are fighting for the Scudetto, we are fighting for third, but we want to play a great game and hopefully end their unbeaten record.

“I have learned more from Luis Enrique than any other Coach in my career. I am happy here and am concentrated on doing my best.”

The media has also pointed out this will likely be the last time Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti get to face off in a Serie A match.

“They are both great champions and won a World Cup together,” continued Pjanic. “It is a unique battle between two players who can always make the difference. It would be a shame not to see them together again, as all of world football would miss these two.”

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[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Enrique 'surprised Juve unbeaten'

Apr 21, 2012

Luis Enrique warns his Roma side that “you cannot make a mistake against Juventus,” but insists he won’t be content with a draw in Turin on Sunday night.

The Giallorossi have a dismal away record and visit the unbeaten Serie A leaders tomorrow evening in a huge Serie A fixture.

“The difference between the teams in the table is clear, but it will be an open game between two sides who know how to play football and know what they can do,” said the Spaniard.

“I am surprised that Juventus are still unbeaten, as often big clubs have a drop in concentration levels against the smaller sides, but it hasn’t happened to them this season.

“Antonio Conte is doing an extraordinary job. We will play our game, as we always do, trying to keep possession and score goals. It is exciting for us to play in Turin and try to end their run.

“We are 100 per cent motivated and you cannot make a mistake against Juventus. Don’t forget we lost 3-0 in the Coppa Italia despite what I thought was a good performance. I doubt the Juventus Stadium will be a problem for us, as the word ‘fear’ must not exist in the football world. If anything, the atmosphere will give further motivation.

“At the halfway stage of the season, I said Milan were the only team stronger than Roma, but today only Juve and Milan have done better than everyone else. We were inconsistent, which is why we’re far off the top of the table. We must work to get closer to their level.”

It will probably be the final Serie A meeting between Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero, as the Juve captain’s contract expires this summer.

“They are certainly two great champions and are still proving that,” continued Luis Enrique. “I praise both of them, although I am more interested in the group ethic to beat our opponents. If we make mistakes, then we will be punished.”

Juan, Marco Cassetti, Bogdan Lobont and Nicolas Burdisso are injured, while Fabio Borini and Maarten Stekelenburg are at risk. It means Daniele De Rossi could again be used in central defence.

“We have many games to play in quick succession to the end of the season and need a complete squad to get through them. De Rossi as defender is an option I could use. He remains in any case a midfielder, as that is his natural role.”

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[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Juventus v AS Roma Preview:

Del Piero v Totti, One Last Time?

Juventus take on AS Roma in what will be one of the most crucial encounters as Serie A limps

back to action after cancellation of all matches due to Piermario Morosini’s tragic death last week.

Apr 21, 2012

Antonio Conte’s Juventus were in unstoppable form before the unexpected break in action and the Juventus gaffer will be hoping that his team keeps their focus intact. AS Roma’s form has not been in the same level although they have picked up some very important points in last two months. With Lazio, Udinese and Napoli being in suspect form right now, the Lupi have a more than decent chance of sneaking into UCL spots.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Juventus

A wonderful run of form in past few rounds have seen Juventus overtake defending champions AC Milan in the table standings. With six games left to play, it is up to Conte’s men to maintain the lead till end of season.

Juventus suffered a mini-crisis the last time their matches were re-scheduled and one of Conte’s biggest challenges will be to bring back the intensity and drive shown by Bianconeri players against Napoli or Palermo.

The 3-5-2 has been overwhelmingly successful in last few matches for Juventus but Conte did change his formation back to a 4-3-3 at the very last moment against Lazio. His decision to change the formation was more down to Paolo De Ceglie’s last minute injury rather than a tactical one. However, Conte might stick to the 4-3-3 formation in order to counter Luis Enrque’s tactics in this match.

Stefan Lichtsteiner played one of his best matches in the black and white shirt against AS Roma in first leg. The Swiss express is likely to wrestle the starting position away from Martin Caceres. A fit-again Paolo De Ceglie is likely to start on opposite wing with the reliable pairing of Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini starting in central defence.

Juventus midfield triumvirate of Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal get picked on merit. Pirlo had another magical night against Lazio in last match as his beautiful floated assist to Simone Pepe opened the scoring for Juve. With 11 assists Pirlo is just one behind Fabrizio Miccoli in terms of most assists. However, no other player in Serie A comes close to his incredible record of completing 2252 passes out of attempted 2606 passes till now.

Fabio Quagliarella has been enjoying a good run of form recently and could have easily score a goal against Lazio if not for Marchetti’s brilliant saves. The ex-Napoli striker is being rumoured to be on the verge of signing a new Juventus contract in coming weeks and should be looking to cap off his new contract with a few more goals. Simone Pepe is most likely to start on the right-wing with Montenegrin striker Mirko Vucinic.

Ever since Alessandro Del Piero scored the all-important match winner against Lazio, news has been dominated by speculation about his Juventus contract. This will also be probably the last time when Del Piero squares off against Francesco Totti.

Possible Starting XI(4-3-3): Buffon(GK); Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Marchisio, Vidal, Pirlo; Pepe, Quagliarella, Vucinic

Possible lineups

AS Roma

Despite starting off with a stutter, Luis Enrique’s much-vaunted project at the Stadio Olimpico is looking towards a moderately successful finish. Roma has been pretty inconsistent in last two months but poorer form of other teams above them mean that the Giallorossi still have a good chance of clinching the third place. They are just four points behind third placed Lazio, though they have a daunting fixture list awaiting them. AS Roma’s last three matches have seen a lot of goals. They started with a 5-2 thrashing of basement boys Novara but surprisingly slumped to a 4-2 loss at relegation battlers Lecce. Roma bounced back in style and earned a 3-1 win over direct rivals Udinese with two late goals.

The Romans are suffering from a defensive crisis which sees them desperately short of proper central defenders. Daniel De Rossi is likely to partner Kjaer in central defence. De Rossi is usually one of Roma’s best players whenever they face off against Juventus though his Scandinavian partner has had a largely forgettable season till date.

The most intriguing battle will take place in midfield where the trio of Pjanic, Gago and Marquinho will clash against Juve’s M-V-P midfield. In terms of stats, Juventus and Roma are two of the best passing teams in the league and their respective midfields have a major role behind those stats. Like in many other matches, this match might very well be decided based on whoever takes control of center of the park.

Francesco Totti missed a crucial penalty kick against Juventus in the first leg and will be looking to make amends for that costly miss. Totti’s return to the starting line-up has acted as a primary catalyst to Roma’s resurgence. The hero of eternal city scored a goal against Udinese and will be once against crucial to Enrique’s plans, playing as the trequartista behind strikers Fabio Borini and Osvaldo.

Borini and Osvalo have notched up 20 goals together in Serie A with the Argentine making further contributions with 5 assists. It will be interesting to see how lethal the duo can be in front of the best defence in Serie A.

Possible Starting XI(4-3-1-2): Stekelenburg(GK); Taddei, Kjaer, De Rossi, Jose Angel; Pjanic, Gago, Marquinho; Totti, Osvaldo, Borini.

Key Match Facts

• Juventus (61.2%) and AS Roma (60%) are the top two teams in Serie A terms of average ball possession per match.
  
• The teams are tied at the top of Serie A with 85% pass completion rate.
  
• Roma has not drawn a match since 8th February, 2012 while Juventus have most drawn matches in Serie A
  

TheHardTackle’s Players to Watch Out For

Arturo Vidal (Juventus)

Vidal’s costly error led to AS Roma taking an early lead in the first leg. Juventus never really recovered from that early set-back. The combative Chilean is in red hot form right now and will be looking to make up for that error.

Francesco Totti (AS Roma)

Totti’s career is filled with a number of stellar performances against Juventus. He would be looking to put his missed penalty in first half of the season and get back to scoring form against Juventus. This will probably be his last showdown with Del Piero, so he will have extra-motivation.

TheHardTackle’s Prediction

Juventus 1-0 AS Roma

The tickets for this match were sold out in just 40 minutes, which shows how eager Juventus fans are for this match. This will be first time for AS Roma to play in the pressure cooker environment of Juventus Stadium. Roma will make life difficult for Juve but home advantage will be crucial in this match in the end.

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[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Borini ready for Juve-Roma

Apr 21, 2012

Fabio Borini and Maarten Stekelenburg are in the Roma squad travelling to Turin, although it’s not clear if they are fit to face Juventus.

Both players have missed training sessions this week and there are particular doubts over striker Borini’s ability to play tomorrow evening.

Borini was not expected to be in the squad at all after interrupting Friday’s session with a left hip problem.

Stekelenburg has now recovered from a bout of flu and is fit to start between the posts.

Nicolas Burdisso, Juan, Bogdan Lobont and Marco Cassetti are all ruled out with injuries.

Roma squad: Borini, Curci, De Rossi, Gago, Greco, Heinze, Kjaer, Bojan, Lamela, Marquinho, Osvaldo, Perrotta, Pigliacelli, Pjanic, Rosi, Simplicio, Stekelenburg, Taddei, Totti, Jose Angel

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[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 34 - 22-4-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Conte 'trebles' Juve-Roma efforts

Apr 21, 2012

Antonio Conte trusts Sunday evening’s clash with Roma will be “tough and entertaining,” but reveals Fabio Quagliarella could miss out.

Juventus need a victory to be sure of holding on to the Serie A leadership, as Milan welcome Bologna tomorrow afternoon.

“It’s going to be a tough and entertaining game. We know we’re facing a side that is in good shape and can hurt anyone if in the right mood. We are ready to step on to the field, aware of our potential and good form,” said the Coach in his press conference.

“If you work at Juve or Milan, then you are always obliged to win from the first game to the last. If you are at the end of the season with two teams so close in the table, it’s even more important not to slip up. We will certainly be highly motivated.”

Quagliarella had been tipped to start the match, but Conte revealed he might not be able to feature at all.

“He had a problem with his upper thigh and I’m not sure if he will even be there tomorrow. He could be left at home.”

Roma are traditionally not a club with much patience, but they and the fans have stuck by Luis Enrique despite some very disappointing results.

“He always had the total support of the club and the city. This is thanks to him, because he brought a new mentality that everyone at Roma married without hesitation. It is difficult to work at Roma, so the club did a great job protecting him in difficult moments. I really respect Luis Enrique.”

Conte was in the headlines this week when reports emerged of his name being mentioned in the match-fixing investigation into his time at Siena.

“I read about that, but there is an investigation and I have faith in the authorities. Nobody has called me to testify, but if that happens then I will be happy to respond to all questions.

“Is it an attempt to destabilise Juve? If they try that, then they’ll find a brick wall. In fact, it would only increase our hunger and determination, trebling our desire to achieve something extraordinary.

“It is a dream to be six rounds from the end of the season with the Scudetto and Coppa Italia within our grasp.”

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