Juventus Season 2011-2012

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[Socrates 8326]

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Serie A Preview - Rampant Serie A leaders aim for seventh league

win in a row agaisnt relegation-bound hosts

The Seahorses could become the first club to drop out to the second tier in 2011-12,

as the Old Lady look to keep up their powerful march towards the Scudetto ahead of AC Milan.

Apr 24, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

CESENA

Antonioli

Comotto, Moras, Rodriguez, Lauro

Guana, Arrigoni, Parolo

Santana

Malonga, Mutu

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie

Matri, Vucinic

Cesena could finally be mathematically relegated to Serie B on Wednesday, a possibility the club have been facing for some time due to their poor form this season as they sit 14 points from safety with five matches left, going into this fixture against Juventus.

Coach Mario Beretta will have to do without the services of suspended centre-back Steve Von Bergen, who will be replaced by Guillermo Rodriguez. Midfielder Marco Paolo, one of their stars last season, is expected to start after featuring as a substitute during the 2-2 draw with Palermo. Playmakers Jorge Martinez and Martinho are sidelined through injury, as well as Czech defender Daniel Pudil.

Former Juventus player Adrian Mutu will once again provide the bulk of the firepower up front, but Vincenzo Iaquinta, currently on loan at Cesena from the Turin side, will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Meanwhile, Antonio Conte's men are in a rich vein of form and will be boosted by their 4-0 win over Roma on Sunday that saw them extend their lead at the top of Serie A to three points over rivals AC Milan.

They have relatively few worries, with Fabio Quagliarella the only absentee due to suspension. Alessandro Matri is expected to take his place in attack alongside Mirko Vucinic as the in-form trio of Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo, and Claudio Marchisio continue at the heart of midfield.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Cesena have not been able to defeat Juventus for 24 years - last earning a 2-0 victory in November 1987.

• The Seahorses could become the first team to be mathematically relegated to Serie B this term if they lose or draw, or even if they win depending on other results.

• The hosts have scored the fewest goals in the league this season (21).

• Juventus defeated Cesena 2-0 back in their last meeting on December 4, 2011.

• Conte's men now have a three-point lead over AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table with five games remaining after their 4-0 win over Roma on Sunday.

•The Bianconeri have conceded just one goal in their last seven top flight fixtures. That began with a 0-0 draw versus Genoa followed by six successive victories.

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 22, 2012 - Cesena 2 - Palermo 2 - Serie A

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

Juventus

Apr 22, 2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 0 - Serie A

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

Players to Watch

Mario Alberto Santana

The attacking midfielder was arguably his side's best player during the draw with Palermo on the weekend and scored a wonderful solo-goal - Cesena will need similar moments of inspiration to have any chance of beating goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and his defenders.

Arturo Vidal Pardo

The summer signing has struck an effective and spectacular understanding with Pirlo and Marchisio in the centre of the pitch and has also found his shooting boots of late, scoring four times in his last six appearances. His performances are a major reason the Bianconeri are on course for the Serie A title.

Prediction

Cesena have not won in Serie A since January and their slide shows no real signs of stopping and it's only a matter of time before their drop to Serie B is confirmed. Meanwhile, Juventus are on a brilliant run and the hosts simply will not be able to stand up to Conte's side. It should be a routine victory for the visitors.

Editor's Prediction

Cesena 0 - 2 Juventus

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Juventus remember Fortunato

Apr 25, 2012

League leaders Juventus will be going for victory against Cesena today to honour the memory of Andrea Fortunato.

The 24-year-old, a promising left-back, died on this day in 1995 when he sadly lost his battle against leukaemia.

The club’s website remembers the Italian international by recalling the words of Gianluca Vialli at the boy’s funeral.

“We believed you to be invincible,” he emotionally stated.

“In these 11 months you were an example for us, for how you dealt with true problems – not those to do with winning and losing – with courage and calmness, strength and determination.

“We loved you and will keep you in our hearts. Honour to you, our brother Andrea Fortunato.”

Current Juve boss Antonio Conte was also a teammate of Fortunato.

“Conte will have an additional reason to spur his men on to success in Cesena this evening,” the Old Lady’s website continued.

“A success in memory of the unforgettable Andrea Fortunato. Forever in our hearts.”

Juventus signed the former Como and Pisa man from Genoa in the summer of 1993.

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

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Juventus recall Matri for Cesena clash

The Italy international has slipped down the pecking order in recent weeks but he gets

his chance to shine at the Dino Manuzzi because of Fabio Quagliarella's suspension.

Apr 24, 2012

Alessandro Matri has been recalled to the Juventus starting lineup for Wednesday evening's crucial Serie A clash with Cesena.

The former Cagliari forward was an unused substitute in Sunday's 4-0 rout of Roma but he returns to the Bianconeri attack in place of Fabio Quagliarella, who misses the trip to the Dino Manuzzi due to suspension.

Matri's inclusion is one of just two changes to the side which hammered the Giallorossi in Turin, with coach Antonio Conte also opting to replace Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right-hand side of Juve's five-man midfield with Martin Caceres.

As for Cesena, Steve Von Bergen is suspended, resulting in a start for Guillermo Rodriguez at the back, while Marco Parolo slots back into the midfield after coming on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Palermo.

Jorge Martinez, Martinho and Daniel Pudil are all sidelined through injury as relegation-threatened Cesena seek to keep their head above water.

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

Subs: Storari, Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Marrone, Giaccherini, Borriello, Del Piero.

Cesena (4-3-1-2): Antonioli; Ceccarelli, Moras, Rodriguez, Comotto; Guana, Colucci, Parolo; Santana, Malonga, Rennella.

Subs: Ravaglia, Lauro, Benalouane, Arrigoni, Del Nero, Lolli, Filippi.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Line-ups: Cesena-Juventus

Apr 25, 2012

Juventus look to Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic for their trip to bottom of the table Cesena, who are unbeaten in five.

It is top against bottom, as Juve are three points clear of Milan and on their way towards the Scudetto.

The Sea Horses were practically relegated weeks ago and 14 points adrift of safety, but have notched up five consecutive stalemates.

Fabio Quagliarella and Steve von Bergen sit out bans, while injuries hit ex-Juve men Vincenzo Iaquinta, Adrian Mutu and Jorge Martinez.

Daniel Pudil, Alex Calderoni and Raphael Martinho are also sidelined for Cesena, who are yet to win under Coach Mario Beretta.

Cesena: Antonioli; Ceccarelli, Moras, Rodriguez, Benalouane; Del Nero, Colucci, Parolo, Djokovic; Santana, Rennella

Cesena bench: Ravaglia, Comotto, Rossi, Guana, Arrigoni, Lolli, Malonga

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Storari, Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Marrone, Giaccherini, Borriello, Del Piero

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

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000‎

Borriello goal sees Turin giants continue

title charge and condemn hosts to Serie B

The on-loan striker came off the bench with just over 15 minutes remaining to decide

the game in the Bianconeri's favour, thus maintaining their three-point lead over AC Milan.

Apr 25, 2012

Juventus moved a step closer to the Scudetto by recording a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cesena at the Dino Manuzzi on Wednesday.

Marco Borriello, who arrived in Turin on loan from Roma in January, picked a most opportune time to net his first Serie A goal of the season, coming off the bench to fire home with just 10 minutes remaining.

Juventus made a rip-roaring start to Sunday’s 4-0 rout of Roma and they should have been ahead inside nine minutes against Cesena. However, Andrea Pirlo struck the base of the right post after referee Marco Guida had pointed to the spot after his assistant had incorrectly ruled that Vangelis Moras had handled the ball in the area as Mirko Vucinic tried to flick the ball past the Greek defender.

For a long time it appeared that Pirlo’s miss might prove costly as the Bianconeri struggled to take command of the game. Indeed, their best opportunities arrived from set-pieces, with Vucinic nodding over from just five metres out after being left unmarked at a corner before Paolo De Ceglie saw a header kept out by a combination of Francesco Antonioli and the right post.

The Bianconeri did up the tempo after the interval and Alessandro Matri very nearly broke the deadlock after being slipped in on goal by Claudio Marchisio but his subsequent shot was palmed off the line by Antonioli after being initially slowed down by a deflection off the keeper’s legs.

Juve continued to threaten through Pirlo’s pinpoint dead-ball deliveries but they became increasingly frustrated by Cesena’s disciplined rearguard action.

Coach Antonio Conte decided to send on Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Borriello in the hope of forcing a winner and the latter fired first time into the bottom left corner of the Cesena goal after reacting quickest to Vucinic’s knockdown.

It was a crucial goal for Juventus in light of AC Milan’s victory over Genoa at San Siro as it keeps them three points above their title rivals. It also represented the final nail in Cesena’s coffin as it confirmed their demotion to Serie B.

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

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Borriello and Boateng keep Scudetto race alive

Borriello and Boateng scored late winners against Cesena (who are mathematically relegated)

and Genoa, so the gap remains three points at the top between Juventus and Milan.

Apr 25, 2012

Andrea Pirlo missed a second consecutive penalty, but Marco Borriello’s first goal in a Juventus jersey beat relegated Cesena to keep their three-point advantage. The Cavallucci Marini are mathematically heading back into Serie B next season.

It was top against bottom, as Juve were three points clear and on their way towards the Scudetto. The Sea Horses were practically relegated weeks ago and 14 points adrift of safety, but had notched up five consecutive stalemates.

Fabio Quagliarella and Steve von Bergen sat out bans, while injuries hit ex-Juve men Vincenzo Iaquinta, Adrian Mutu and Jorge Martinez. Simone Pepe, Daniel Pudil, Alex Calderoni and Raphael Martinho were also sidelined.

Just eight minutes into the game, the referee pointed to the spot for a handling offence, as Vangelis Moras seemed to prod the ball away from Mirko Vucinic, though replays do not entirely clarify whether it was inside the box. Andrea Pirlo stepped up and just three days after seeing a penalty saved against Roma, he hit the base of the near post with Francesco Antonioli perhaps getting a fingertip to it.

Alessandro Matri’s first touch let him down, while Claudio Marchisio ran on to a Pirlo pass only to fire over. Vucinic had a great chance on 27 minutes, but turned his free header over from five yards on a corner. It was a terrible miss from the unmarked Montenegrin.

Moras stopped a dangerous Marchisio counter-attack with a well-timed tackle, but Cesena lost captain Giuseppe Colucci to injury.

Juventus threatened on 38 minutes, as Pirlo whipped in a free kick to the back post, where Paolo De Ceglie’s header was palmed round the upright from point-blank range by 43-year-old Antonioli. Vucinic blasted another chance off target from Pirlo’s assist.

Juve thought they had taken the lead straight after the restart Matri’s angled drive that squirmed between Antonioli’s legs, but the goalkeeper managed to scramble back to flap it off the line before the ball could cross over completely.

Moments later Matri put the ball in the net, but was flagged offside. Marchisio blasted over from a set play and Matri’s header from a Pirlo cross was off target.

On 68 minutes De Ceglie again went close with his header whistling just wide from a corner. Ex-Cesena star Emanuele Giaccherini came on for Martin Caceres, but Antonio Conte went for it by throwing on Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Borriello too.

Del Piero earned a free kick outside the area and his sensational curling effort was going in before Antonioli performed a desperate save.

The move continued and moments later Vucinic knocked down a cross for Borriello’s half- volley from 14 yards into the far bottom corner. It was his first goal in a Juventus jersey.

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

Cesena:Antonioli; Ceccarelli, Moras, Rodriguez, Benalouane; Del Nero (Arrigoni 65), Colucci (Guana 31), Parolo, Djokovic (Rossi 77); Santana, Rennella

Juventus:Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres (Giaccherini 69), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie (Del Piero 74); Matri (Borriello 74), Vucinic

Ref:Guida

Missed penalty: Pirlo 9 (J)

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Conte: 'Let's write history!'

Apr 25, 2012

Antonio Conte can practically taste the Juventus title after winning in Cesena. “The pen is on the table and we can write history.”

The Bianconeri maintained their three-point lead at the top of the table after Marco Borriello’s late strike for a 1-0 victory that doomed Cesena to relegation, but it started badly with Andrea Pirlo missing a penalty.

“The spot-kick had zero influence on the game. It was after just nine minutes and we had the whole match ahead of us. Of course, scoring immediately would’ve forced Cesena to open up and made it a different encounter,” said Conte.

“Will Arturo Vidal take the next penalty? Probably! The great thing is that in this campaign we’ve had very few penalties, but at the end of the training sessions the players still stay back to practice and I told them it was pointless, as we wouldn’t receive any... Now we have missed two in as many games, but won anyway, so that’s fine with us!”

Borriello has been criticised by fans since the moment he arrived on loan from Roma in January, but got his first goal in a Juve jersey and rushed to hug his Coach.

“I will be honest, he deserved this so much. He arrived in not great shape, worked hard to get on the same level as his teammates and it’s a shame that he has been treated badly. Today we talked and I know the quality he possesses. He deserves this joy for all the work he does.

“It was really difficult for us today with 11 men behind the ball, but this is a great sign of maturity and we passed the test. We sweat buckets against a team that did everything possible to stop us.”

Milan also won late on against Genoa, but the three-point gap remains and Juve have the advantage in head-to-head results.

“I told the lads we have to focus only on our own results, give everything and that way have no regrets,” continued Conte.

“A year ago there was practically nothing here. We are sitting around a packed dinner table, were not used to it and now we want to eat. We saw others banquet in previous years, so now my lads are starved.

“We have an extraordinary opportunity, you could even say unique. The pen is on the table and we can write history.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Beretta's goodbye to Serie A

Apr 25, 2012

Mario Beretta and Cesena say goodbye to Serie A after defeat to Juventus sealed their relegation.

The Sea Horses are mathematically unable to avoid the drop, as Marco Borriello got a last-gasp strike at the Stadio Manuzzi.

“We put in a great performance and it’s a shame, as we were holding on to Juventus despite the strong pressure,” said the Coach.

“We had to use up two substitutions due to injury and that weighed on us. I must compliment my side on their approach.

“The fans asked us to show great character and that is what we did, so we were pleased at their applause at the end of the game. We are happy that we’ve fixed that rapport with the supporters.

“It was already a complicated situation before I got here. We went unbeaten for five in a row, but in my view that was the pride of the players who realised they wanted to end the campaign on a high. We will aim to keep that going.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Chiellini expected Cesena battle

Apr 25, 2012

Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini expects Novara to be as tough to break down as Cesena were on Wednesday evening.

The Old Lady netted three crucial points last night, but they left it late as substitute Marco Borriello grabbed the only goal of the game.

“I’ve always maintained that the toughest ties would be the ones against Cesena and Novara,” stated the defender.

“They’re two teams with nothing to lose, both are looking to redeem themselves and both play on synthetic pitches. You can never take anything for granted in this League.

“Now we’ve won the first of these two games, but there’s still an important crossroad that lies ahead. We certainly didn’t underestimate Cesena, but it becomes tough when you’re not able to break the deadlock.”

Juve - who play Novara next - did have an opportunity to open the scoring after being handed a penalty, but Andrea Pirlo missed his second spot-kick in two games.

“The penalty could have changed the game, but we remained clear-headed,” the 27-year-old continued.

“We attacked and believed we could do it right until the end. Perhaps we didn’t create clear-cut chances, but we were always on the attack.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Cesena relegated from Serie A following defeat to Juventus

Mario Beretta's Seahorses have become the first side this season to drop out of the Italian

top flight due to their inability to earn a winning result against the table-toppers.

Apr 25, 2012

Cesena have been relegated from Serie A after their 1-0 home defeat to Juventus on Wednesday.

The Emilia-Romagna outfit went into the clash at the Dino Manuzzi in the knowledge that only a victory would be enough to keep their unlikely hopes of staging a miraculous survival alive.

But, despite their valiant efforts to keep the scoreline at a stalemate, it is now mathematically impossible for Cesena to extend their stay in Italy's top flight into a third consecutive season.

It has been a turbulent campaign for the Seahorses, who have overseen an alarmingly high turnover of players on their books and have made three managerial changes but to no avail.

The likes of Antonio Candreva, Adrian Mutu, Jorge Martinez and Gianluca Comotto were ambitiously snapped up last summer, while they also successfully kept want-away talisman Marco Parolo at the club.

However, the surprise decision not to retain coach Massimo Ficcadenti, who guided the side to 15th place in their first season back in Serie A since 1991, led to further unrest as three more trainers succeeded him.

Former Catania and Siena boss Marco Giampaolo was appointed as his immediate replacement, but he was sacked in October having led the team to just three points in the first nine games of 2011-12.

Daniele Arrigoni, once of Cagliari and Torino, oversaw a promising revival with four wins in his first six games at the helm, but they returned to their winless ways and he was dismissed in February.

Current incumbent Mario Beretta subsequently took charge, but he still remains without a win in 11 matches, with Marco Borriello's late winner at the Dino Manuzzi on Wednesday ending a run of five successive draws.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of those involved in the game at the Dino Manuzzi,

which was settled by Bianconeri replacement Marco Borriello.

Apr 25, 2012

Cesena

Francesco Antonioli 6.5 - Was helped out by the woodwork twice in the first half, first when Pirlo struck the base of the post with his early penalty attempt and then again when he managed to push De Ceglie's header onto the same upright. However, he did extremely well to palm a shot from Matri off the line and produced a terrific save from a Pirlo free kick. In the end, he was unlucky not to earn a clean sheet after being left with no chance by Borriello.

Guillermo Rodriguez 6.5 - Won a lot of important headers and was also on hand to make several timely interceptions. A fairly commanding display.

Yohan Benalouane 6.5 - Like everyone else in white, gave his all and defended impressively, managing to maintain both his discipline and his composure throughout.

Vangelis Moras 6.0 - Gave away a penalty eight minutes in, though it's difficult to be too critical of him given it appeared to be more a case of ball to hand than hand to ball. In addition, the contact was outside the area. In addition, he also deal wonderfully well with Marchisio when the midfielder ran straight at the heart of the Cesena defence.

Mario Alberto Santana 5.5 - Worked tirelessly but offered nothing by way of an attacking threat.

Marco Parolo 6.0 - Back in the starting lineup and while he put in a serious shift on the left-hand side of Cesena's midfield three, he was unable to really influence the game.

Damjan Djokovic 5.5 - Another man who could not be faulted for effort but, like the majority of his team-mates, he disappointed offensively and he eventually ran out of steam with 13 minutes remaining.

Simone Del Nero 5.5 - Put himself about and was full of running but he never really got a sniff of goal and did not look remotely capable of making something happen.

Luca Ceccarelli 6.0 - Spent most of the game on the back foot but he coped reasonably well with De Ceglie, who pushed forward at every opportunity.

Giuseppe Colucci 6.0 - Began brightly, firing wide with the first shot of the game before only just failing to connect with an attempted overhead kick in the six-yard box. However, he was then booked for accosting referee Marco Guida and ended up limping off just 32 minutes in after picking up an injury.

Vincenzo Rennella 6.0 - Looked very dangerous when allowed to run at the Juventus defence, though he did take too much out of the ball on occasion. However, he was starved of possession and quality ball for most of the evening and his frustration manifested itself in a booking.

• Substitutions

Marco Rossi 5.5 - Thrown on in place of Djokovic in the closing stages but had no impact on the game.

Roberto Guana 6.0 - Came on just over half an hour into the game for the injured Colucci and worked hard without really managing to catch the eye.

Tommaso Arrigoni 5.5 - Introduced into the action 20 minutes into the second half but proved just as ineffective as the man he had replaced, Del Nero.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - Looked a little vulnerable from set-pieces early on but was pretty comfortable thereafter, with his back three restricting Cesena to nothing more than pot shots from distance.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Was a little ruffled at times but, for the most part, he was his usual reliable self. Also played a wonderful ball in behind the Cesena backline which Vucinic managed to get on the end of only to shoot tamely at goal.

Martín Cáceres 5.5 - Got the nod on the right-hand side ahead of Lichtsteiner and was always a willing runner. However, he did not make much happen from an offensive perspective and his delivery was poor at times. Unsurprisingly replaced 20 minutes before the end.

Paolo De Ceglie 6.5 - Always a willing outlet down the left-hand side and very nearly broke the deadlock on 37 minutes but Antonioli kept out his far-post header with the aid of a post. He then squandered a similar chance in the second half, shouldering a corner from Pirlo wide after failing to make contact with his head.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Was given very little to do defensively and tried to step forward now and then, albeit to little effect. Didn't really put a foot wrong all evening, though.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Was pretty composed from start to finish and made a couple of tidy challenges but, in truth, not much was asked of him.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Did his best to drive his side forward in the first half but he fired wide after creating some space for himself before then being dispossessed by Moras after surging into the area. Put Matri in on goal with a delightful chip in behind but the forward's shot was saved by Antonioli - at the second attempt.

Andrea Pirlo 6.0 - Missed a penalty for the second game in succession, only this time he was unable to convert the rebound, his ninth-minute spot-kick coming back off the post and away to safety. However, he later put the ball on a plate for Vucinic but the forward headed the playmaker's pintpoint corner over the bar. Indeed, his set-piece deliveries were Juve's principal attacking weapon.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 6.0 - Was nowhere near as influential as he had been against Roma. Indeed, his most notable contribution in the first half was a desperate lunge on Del Nero which earned him a deserved booking.

Mirko Vučinić 6.5 - Picked up where he left off against Roma, causing Cesena all sorts of problems with his movement and it was the Montenegrin who earned Juve an early penalty, the ball striking Moras' hand as Vucinic attempted to lift it past the defender. However, he missed a gilt-edged opportunity to open the scoring, nodding over from close range after being left unmarked at a corner. Made amends, though, by teeing up Borriello for the winner.

Alessandro Matri 6.0 - Recalled to the starting lineup because of the suspension of Fabio Quagliarella and he looked lively early on, linking well with Vucinic and always willing to drift out to the flanks to make room for himself. Was pretty unlucky to see Antonioli claw his second-half strike off the line but, in truth, the Italy international probably should have left the keeper with no chance after being put through by Marchisio.

• Substitutions

Emanuele Giaccherini 6.0 - Throw on in place of Caceres with just over 20 minutes remaining and got forward well down the flank.

Alessandro Del Piero 6.5 - Replaced De Ceglie in the 74th minute and very nearly proved Juve's saviour again but his fine free-kick attempt was saved by Antonioli. Another lively cameo, though.

Marco Borriello 6.5 - Came on for Matri with just 16 minutes to go and came to his side's rescue by netting the winner, firing home after pouncing on Vucinic's knockdown. A long overdue goal for the on-loan forward.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

We thought Cesena had drawn with Juventus,

admits AC Milan's Boateng

A huge roar rang out around the Giuseppe Meazza which convinced the attacking midfielder

and his colleagues that the Bianconeri had conceded a late equaliser at the Dino Manuzzi.

Apr 25, 2012

Kevin-Prince Boateng admitted that AC Milan's players had momentarily believed that Cesena had snatched a dramatic late equaliser against Serie A title rivals Juventus while they were battling their way to a 1-0 victory over Genoa at San Siro.

The Rossoneri looked set to drop more points on home soil but the attacking midfielder, on as a substitute, popped up with a precious winner with just four minutes of normal time remaining and their spirits were lifted even higher when a massive roar rang out around the Giuseppe Meazza moments later.

"We thought that Cesena had got a draw against Juventus when we heard the stadium cheer, but then the coach told me that nothing had happened [and Juventus won 1-0]," Boateng explained to Sky Sport Italia.

With Juventus having defeated Cesena at the Dino Manuzzi, Milan remain three points behind the Bianconeri at the summit of the standings.

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Borriello dedicates winner at Cesena

to former Juventus player Andrea Fortunato

The 29-year-old forward, who is on loan from Roma, scored the only goal of a game

which coincided with the anniversary of the former Italy international's death.

Apr 25, 2012

Juventus forward Marco Borriello dedicated his crucial strike in Wednesday evening's 1-0 victory over Cesena to former player Andrea Fortunato.

The game at the Dino Manuzzi took place on the anniversary of Fortunato's death, the once-capped Italy international passing away on April 25, 1995 at the age of 23 after contracting pneumonia.

Consequently, while Borriello was delighted at finally having got off the mark for Juve after arriving in Turin on loan from Roma in January, as well as helping the Bianconeri take another major step towards the Scudetto, the significance of the occasion was not lost on him or his team-mates.

"It is an important goal, which we are dedicating to Andrea Fortunato," the striker told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

"It's a goal that is worth three points, but there are still four games left and it will not be easy, as we have seen today against a Cesena side that were almost relegated going into the game.

"But there's no time to celebrate because in a few days we must face Novara."

Borriello admitted, though, that he was delighted to have broken his duck for the Bianconeri.

"Today I felt I was going to score and I had said it to the guys on the bench," he revealed. "I arrived in poor condition, but I'm now hoping that the goal will give me more confidence."

While Juve triumphed at Cesena, title rivals AC Milan also saw off Genoa at San Siro, meaning Antonio Conte's men remain three points above the Rossoneri in the standings.

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Conte: "We're in front of a laid table and we're hungry"

The Bianconeri are now just four three wins away from the title after Marco Borriello's

strike earned them a 1-0 victory over Cesena at the Dino Manuzzi on Wednesday evening.

Apr 25, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has explained that the club's desire to reclaim the Scudetto has only intensified in recent years by having to watch their rivals pick up silverware while they floundered.

The Bianconeri maintained their three-point advantage at the summit of Serie A standings with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cesena on Wednesday evening and the former Italy international explained that his players are driven by the prospect of claiming their first legitimate title since 2003.

“We’re in front of a laid table, and after having attended other sides’ banquets, our hunger has grown," Conte is quoted as saying by his club's official website after the game at the Dino Manuzzi.

"Today we’ve shown our maturity: a tough game and a desired victory, against a team which battled until the final whistle.

"We gave our all. Inevitably, when our opponents are closed in, we struggle a little more."

Andrea Pirlo missed an early spot-kick against Cesena but Marco Borriello spared the midfielder's blushes by coming off the bench to net a late winner for the visitors.

“The missed penalty didn't affect the game, because the match had just started," Conte mused. "Certainly, if we had scored on that occasion, Cesena would have opened more, exactly like they did when we went in front."

The former Bianconeri midfielder admitted that he was delighted by the fact that Borriello had popped up with the game's only goal given he had yet to score since joining on loan from Roma during the January transfer window.

"I’m happy for Borriello," Conte enthused. "When he arrived in Turin he wasn’t in shape, and he had to work hard.

"Now he’s fine, I spoke with him about it and now that he’s achieved his teammates’ form. He’s been decisive in today’s clash. He deserves all our praise."

Up next for undefeated Juventus is a trip to the Silvio Piola to take on Novara.

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Borriello scores! Italy's laughing stock finally

finds the net to edge Juventus closer to Scudetto

The Bianconeri left it late to move nearer to a first title since Calciopoli,

with Kevin-Prince Boateng's late winner unable to put a dent in their charge for glory.

Apr 26, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

It finally happened on Wednesday. More than three months after his signing from Roma had drawn so much negative attention, Marco Borriello scored his first goal for Juventus. But the man who has become something of a laughing stock around Turin couldn’t have picked a better moment to open his account, putting to an end to a frustrating evening for the Bianconeri as they came within 11 minutes of throwing AC Milan right back into the title picture.

Their clash with Cesena at the Dino Manuzzi didn’t get off to a great start. After Mirko Vucinic’s path to goal was halted by the hand of Vangelis Moras, Andrea Pirlo hit the foot of the post with the resulting penalty. With still 81 minutes to go and Juve dominant, it shouldn’t have turned out to be so costly but very nearly did.

Like so many previous games this season, they were commanding but wasteful. Chances came and went, while all the while the Seahorses offered nothing. There wasn’t quite the fluency of movement at times as there has been during their current seven-match winning run, and it appeared that they may pay the price. As with most clashes between top and bottom, there was only ever likely to be one winner, but by the time Borriello entered the fray in the 74th minute it appeared as though Cesena may have managed to hold out for a sixth straight draw.

With time running out, fellow substitute Alessandro Del Piero crossed from the right, Vucinic headed back across goal, and Borriello lashed home left-footed. The relief was palpable, and while the home fans faced up to the certainty of Serie B football next season, Juve more than comfortably closed out the win to put themselves alongside Fabio Capello’s Milan in the annals on 34 unbeaten games in a single season.

And while they sit on a par with a previous incarnation of the Rossoneri, they have maintained their three-point lead over the current crop, after Massimiliano Allegri’s outfit also left it late to beat Genoa at San Siro.

The Rossoneri may have got back to winning ways, but Juve are one game nearer to glory. Antonio Conte’s men could be the champions of Italy by this time next week, with clashes against sides in the bottom three to be rounded out with a weekend trip to Novara and next Wednesday’s encounter with Lecce. They were far from their best at Cesena, but they will surely have to turn in even worse performances not to pick up two more wins in the next seven days. Whether they leave it late or not, they’re getting the job done.

They may have rescued a late win of their own, but Milan’s task continues to become steeper as Juve roll on.

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Marchisio: Juventus reaping the rewards of hard work

The midfielder feels that the Turin giants' extraordinary fitness levels are starting

to pay off, and added that they cannot afford to underestimate any team.

Apr 26, 2012

Claudio Marchisio feels that Juventus' hard work throughout the season is starting to pay off as their impressive fitness has given them the advantage over their opponents more than once this term.

The Bianconeri beat Cesena 1-0 on Wednesday courtesy of a late Marco Borriello strike to stay three points clear of AC Milan in the Serie A table, and Marchisio stressed that they cannot afford to underestimate any opponent.

"Our excellent fitness is thanks to the work we do on a daily basis. Perhaps not all of us accepted it at the start, because we were used to different methods. However, we’ve taken on board how much it pays off and we’re reaping the rewards," Marchisio stated to the official Juve website.

"The match against Cesena showed that you must never underestimate any team. The Roma game seemed difficult yet we saw them off in half an hour. Wednesday’s game should have been more straightforward, at least on paper, and we struggled more.

"But we’re still first and now we’ll regain our strength to play another game on a synthetic pitch, a type of surface that drains your energy."

Juventus resume Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to Novara.

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Marchisio applauds Borriello efforts

Apr 26, 2012

Marco Borriello deserved his goal in Juventus’ key 1-0 win over Cesena, says midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

The 29-year-old joined the Turin giants in January on loan from Roma, but he was only able to celebrate his first goal on Wednesday after 10 League appearances for the Old Lady.

“Marco has always put in a great effort and he’s given us the three points,” the Italian international noted.

“We’re a united group made up of those who want to reverse the two bad seasons we’ve had, along with those who want to demonstrate their value.”

Juventus maintained their three-point lead at the top of the table, but they were made to work hard by a Cesena side who have now been relegated.

“The Cesena game showed that you must never underestimate any team,” Marchisio continued. “The Roma match seemed difficult yet we saw them off in half an hour.

“On the contrary, Cesena should have been more straightforward, at least on paper, and we struggled more.

“But we’re still first and now we’ll regain our strength to play another game on a synthetic pitch, a type of surface that drains your energy.”

Juve will travel to Novara this weekend.

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Borriello: I owe Conte

Apr 26, 2012

Marco Borriello has thanked Juventus boss Antonio Conte for the faith he has shown in him this season.

The Italian joined the Old Lady in January on a loan deal from Roma, but only scored his first goal for the club in last night’s 1-0 win at Cesena.

“I owe everything to Conte,” the former Milan man continued. “My physical condition wasn’t great when I arrived, but I’m good now and I want to prove my worth.

“In the meantime, I’m just enjoying being part of a fantastic squad of players, a group who have always loved me.

“The way they all celebrated with me at the end of the game filled my heart.”

Borriello’s goal was crucial as it allowed the Bianconeri to maintain their three-point lead over Milan with four games left.

“It’s too soon to celebrate,” he added. “We now have to face Novara in a difficult game. They have just beaten Lazio and they certainly won’t be demotivated.”

The centre-forward added that Wednesday’s strike wasn’t just for the club’s title bid.

“The goal is dedicated to Andrea Fortunato,” he added in reference to the former Juve defender who died 17 years ago yesterday.

“I knew that I would score and I said that to my teammates on the bench. But there is no time to celebrate as Novara are next.”

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

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Serie A Week 33 - 25-4-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Marco Borriello (80')

Dino Manuzzi Stadium - Cesena

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 16000

Vucinic: Four more battles

Apr 26, 2012

Mirko Vucinic is aware that Juventus will still have to fight for the title. “We have four battles ahead of us to win the war.”

The Old Lady are in pole position to lift the Scudetto seeing as they have a three-point lead over Milan with just four games of the championship left.

“We are aware of our strength, but the most important thing is that four tough games now await us,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I’ve gone close to winning the title on two or three occasions. However, as Coach Antonio Conte says, nobody remembers when you don’t succeed.

“We’re in front and now it just depends on us. We have four battles ahead of us to win the war.”

Juventus were trailing Milan in the standings until the Old Lady started to put together a string of wins. The 1-0 at Cesena last night was their seventh in a row.

“We played great against Inter, then again against Lazio. We have understood, with the passing of time, that we were getting stronger,” he added.

Vucinic, 28, has only scored six goals in 29 League games for the club, but he’s been a vital cog in the plans of Conte.

“The Coach is an important figure for all and for everything in the changing room.

“He’s made me feel important, like he has with my teammates, and we are getting what our hard work deserves. Thanks to him, I’ve learned how to run like a madman.

“My position doesn’t matter, the important thing is to be first. I sacrifice myself because we breathe and live as a team. We’re a fantastic squad.”

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

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