Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Vidal: Juventus cannot afford any more mistakes

The Bianconeri have a slender lead over AC Milan in the race for the league title

with two games remaining, and the Chile international knows the Old Lady need to win both fixtures.

May 5, 2012

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has stated that his side cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to win the Scudetto.

The Bianconeri unexpectedly drew 1-1 with Lecce in their last outing, which saw their lead at the top of the Serie A standings reduced to one point.

With AC Milan in hot pursuit, the Chile international has urged his side to get back to winning ways when they take on Cagliari on Sunday.

"We can’t many any more mistakes," the South American confessed on his official Facebook page.

“We anxiously await Sunday so we can prove we are the best."

With two games remaining, Juventus can secure the Serie A title if they win against Cagliari this weekend and Milan are defeated by rivals Inter.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Conte full of pride at Juventus Scudetto challenge

The former Siena trainer believes his team have done brilliantly to compete for the Serie A

title and claims they have put the disappointing 1-1 draw against Lecce behind them.

May 5, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has told his players that they should be proud that they are even challenging for the Scudetto on the back of two disappointing campaigns.

The former midfielder took over as the club's head coach last summer and has immediately changed the fortunes of the Turin outfit after two consecutive seventh-placed finishes in Serie A.

Juve currently hold a point lead over AC Milan at the summit of the league with two games to go and face a tricky trip to face Cagliari on Sunday evening, a game the side are desperate to win.

“We are back to experiencing these high profile games and I think that is the most positive aspect of all,” the coach stated in his pre-match press conference.

“All of this is thanks to the work done by the club, the staff and the players. We should be full of pride to be challenging for the Scudetto with two rounds to go and that must motivate us even more

“Fortunately, I have experience of going through completely opposing experiences. I’ve been trailing at the last 90 minutes and on another occasion out in front.

“Football always brings new sensations and what counts is the present. We want to achieve something super-extraordinary. I always say to win you need head, heart and legs, in that order.”

The Bianconeri are looking to return to winning ways after a late Gianluigi Buffon mistake allowed Lecce to earn a 1-1 draw midweek, and Conte believes the team have put the result behind them.

“At this stage we have such a strong unity within the team that we only need a glance to understand each other,” added Conte.

“It is important for me to understand how everyone is feeling and I don’t see why anything should change tomorrow. After the Lecce game, everyone wanted to get straight back on to the pitch and play again.

“That was a heavy blow, but it only fuels our desire to make up for it and cancel out what happened on Wednesday night. The lads are ready and have belief, they know this is an historic moment.

“We can put ourselves in the Juventus history books and I doubt I need to do anything to motivate my men. If anything, I might have to hold them back.”

Juventus are still without a league defeat this term, winning 21 and drawing 15 of their 36 Serie A encounters.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juve win Scudetto if...

May 6, 2012

We round up the possible scenarios for tonight’s games, as Juventus could mathematically clinch the Scudetto this evening or open it all up again.

Juventus win the title tonight if:

Juve beat Cagliari and Inter get a result in the derby.

Even a San Siro stalemate would prize the Bianconeri, because they have a superior head-to-head record with Milan, so going three points clear would mathematically put them beyond reach.

It goes to the final round if:

Juventus and Milan register identical results, leaving a one-point gap going into the last match.

Juve fail to beat Cagliari and Milan see off Inter, potentially leaping to the top of the table.

Any combination of results that leaves a gap of under three points.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Cossu: 'Why I want to beat Juve'

May 6, 2012

Massimiliano Allegri can count on special friends at Cagliari to trip up Juventus tonight. “They sent us into Serie B,” noted Andrea Cossu.

Milan are one point adrift of the leaders and Allegri has to hope his former club, including many of the players he launched in Serie A during his time there, can hold the Bianconeri.

“If you beat Juve, then you are the only ones who did it. If you draw, you enter the history books as Scudetto deciders,” said Davide Astori.

“Allegri is a unique and truly incredible person. We all owe him a great deal.”

Cossu has already scored against Juve this season in a 1-1 draw in Turin and has an ulterior motive to cause an upset.

“Allegri is a great man, but I want to win for Cagliari. We don’t forget that 20 years ago Juve sent us into Serie B.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Ficcadenti's Juve rivalry

May 6, 2012

Cagliari may be safe, but they have every reason to trip up Juventus. “I played for Torino, that says it all,” smiled Massimo Ficcadenti.

The Bianconeri will mathematically be crowned champions tonight if they win and Milan fail to beat Inter.

“What is our motivation? I played for Torino, that says it all,” grinned the Cagliari Coach.

“Juventus will play with the determination of a side that knows it is top of the table.

“It is undoubtedly pleasing to be safe with two rounds to go, as that was our objective for the season and we achieved it.

“Having said that, our tournament is not over yet. There are still two games left to play and we have to give our all.

“Juventus are very strong and still unbeaten, but we are in good shape and I saw the team training with enthusiasm. We have no pressure on our shoulders and playing with a clear head can be an advantage.”

Once again this Cagliari home game is played at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste due to a dispute over restructuring work at the Stadio Sant’Elia.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Lippi: 'Juve won't get it wrong'

May 6, 2012

Marcello Lippi is confident Juventus will clinch the Scudetto this season. “Milan have been unlucky, but the Bianconeri won’t get it wrong.”

The title race will be over this evening if Juve beat Cagliari and Inter avoid defeat in the Derby della Madonnina.

“In theory anything could still happen, but the derby is a big risk for Milan,” 2006 World Cup winner Lippi told Tuttosport.

“On the other hand, I struggle to think that Juve, especially after dropping points to Lecce on Wednesday, will allow victory to get away from them against Cagliari.

“I agree with Massimiliano Allegri, who said if both teams win tonight, then the final round will not change the table.

“I don’t believe Juve are getting stingy with their efforts. This team has head, heart and the desire to finish this magnificent journey on a high. The draw with Lecce really was out of nowhere.”

Antonio Conte was Lippi’s captain during his strongest Juventus era and could now start a new phase in the club’s history.

“The first step is certainly to win the title. After that you must create a squad capable of surviving the double commitment of domestic and European competition, because that changes a great deal.

“Juve are the positive face of this season, as they progressed much quicker than anyone expected and were aided by the end of the Inter era and the distraction of Napoli, who concentrated on the Champions League.

“Milan’s myriad of injuries also contributed, as they were unlucky. However, if at the end of the day Juventus do win the Scudetto, then they will have deserved it by working very hard.”

Lippi has been linked with a return to the bench for the first time since the ill-fated 2010 World Cup.

“The next stadium I step into will not be an Italian one. Is an announcement imminent? No, but I am in contact with different federations.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

The destination of the Scudetto is in Inter’s hands,

but would they rather Juventus or AC Milan win it?

The Nerazzurri are in a unique position going into tonight's derby Della Madonnina

as they could have the final word in the title race, or allow their neighbours to keep dreaming.

May 6, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

It’s not exactly an enviable position Inter find themselves in. Trailing in the chase for Champions League football, tonight they will also be between a rock and a hard place as they take on neighbours AC Milan in the knowledge that a good result for the Nerazzurri could well also be a dream result for Juventus.

A victory for the Bianconeri away to Cagliari in Trieste will leave them needing only a Milan slip-up to make them official champions of Italy for the 28th time, and that setback could well happen for the Rossoneri in the Derby della Madonnina. Of course, Inter themselves wake up with the ambition of reaching the Champions League still burning bright, but come kick-off time that may no longer be the case.

If Napoli win in Bologna on Sunday afternoon, they will be six points clear of Inter, with Andrea Stramaccioni’s side having only two games to go. To make things worse, the Nerazzurri will be unable to leapfrog Walter Mazzarri’s men no matter what their results before the season’s end, with their head-to-head record being inferior regardless of the status of the tie for third.

But with a historic rivalry between Juve and Inter which blew up some more as a result of Calciopoli, there is more to consider than their own seasonal targets. To many, the Bianconeri are now the most hated rivals possible, meaning a derby victory could well be soured by the knowledge that it has handed Juventus the Scudetto.

With all that in mind, what are the opinions of Interisti heading into the derby?

"Coming in to the game, Inter find themselves in an impossible situation," says Don Nerazzurri, of NerazzurriWorld.com. “With the result possibly deciding this season’s Scudetto between our two biggest rivals, obviously I would prefer neither to claim the title! But, as it will definitely be one of them I have to say my preference would be for the title to remain in Milan.

"Saying that though, Inter still have their own targets of a European qualifying place to play for so even if it means that Juventus win their 28th Scudetto, the Nerazzurri must play for the win."

But if Napoli win in the afternoon, prompting a relaxation of personal drive about the Nerazzurri’s season, will their fans mind quite so much if they are to go down to derby defeat?

Matteo Leonardi, an Interista and Mediaset broadcaster, says there may be a split opinion about the destiny of the title, but there should be no thinking twice about the best derby outcome.

"Nobody (at least, nobody with a brain) can think that it is better to lose in the derby. Unfortunately, there are some human beings without brains"

- Matteo Leonardi, broadcaster and Interista

"Interisti in Milan all hate Milan, yet Interisti across Italy – of which there are a lot – hate Juventus," explains Matteo. "This is logical. For those who live in the city, they hate whoever is closest, whereas for those who live across the country, they don’t just support Inter, but also any club anti-Juventus.

"That said, nobody (at least, nobody in possession of a brain) can think that it is better to lose in the derby. Unfortunately, there are some human beings without brains!”

So it would seem that no Inter fan would be willing to give up on the opportunity of winning the derby, even if it meant that their hated rivals Juventus walked away with the Scudetto as a result.

It is a quandary summed up somewhat succinctly by the landlord of the Hall of Fame sports bistrot in Milan, Alessandro Polenghi, himself an Interista.

"Juve are the evil empire," says Alessandro, "but we MUST win the derby!"

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

AC Milan have been unfortunate with injuries

but the table does not lie, argues Lippi

The Rossoneri have been forced to make do without key players for large parts of the campaign

but the ex-Italy boss still feels that the Bianconeri will make for worthy champions.

May 6, 2012

Marcelo Lippi has acknowledged that AC Milan have been unfortunate with injuries this season but argues that the table does not lie and that Juventus deserve their place at the summit.

The Bianconeri are currently one point clear of the Rossoneri with just two rounds remaining, with Antonio Conte's men set to tackle Cagliari in Trieste on Sunday night while their title rivals are facing Inter in the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro.

Former Juve boss Lippi believes that his old side's surprise Scudetto challenge has been aided by the amount of injury problems Milan have had this season, but he is still of the opinion that the Old Lady are top of the table on merit.

"Injuries have affected Milan, but the ranking is correct," the ex-Italy coach exlained to Tuttosport. "And now Milan will have the unknown quantity that is the derby, while it seems unlikely that Juve will allow victory against Cagliari to get away from them."

Indeed, Lippi feels that the fact that sixth-placed Inter have so much to play for themselves is a huge boost for Juve.

"The beauty of this derby on the penultimate day of the season is that in addition to the importance for city supremacy, it will inevitably influence the table," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"At San Siro both the championship and third place, which brings with it qualification for the Champions League, come into play.

"There will be major players on the field: Ibrahimovic and Diego Milito; the recovered Sneijder and Cassano, the experienced Javier Zanetti, Cambiasso, Gattuso, van Bommel, the reliable Julio Cesar and Abbiati, the great defensive stalwarts Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva and Walter Samuel.

"As always there will be big and healthy competition and the desire to present their fans with a victory, the affect of which will last until the next derby.

"In short, there are many reasons to consider this one of the most important games of the year, even if the team that enjoys it could be Juventus."

Both the Milan derby and Juve's meeting with Cagliari kick off at 20.45CET.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Cagliari's Ficcadenti targets Juventus scalp

The coach has stressed that the Sardinians will do their utmost to cause

an upset on Sunday even though they have nothing left to play for.

May 6, 2012

Cagliari boss Massimo Ficcadenti is hopeful of getting a good result in Sunday's match against Juventus in order to frustrate the Old Lady's title bid.

The Rossoblu sit in 15th position with only two more games to go and have already secured their Serie A status for next season.

Nevertheless, Ficcadenti has insisted that his men will play to win against table-toppers Juventus.

"It is great that we're already safe with two more games to go. However, our season isn't over just yet. We have to give our all in the last two games," Ficcadenti stated at a press conference.

"Juve are very strong and are still unbeaten. However, we are in excellent shape and the team is motivated to get a good result.

"We don't feel any pressure and that could prove to be a big advantage for us."

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Cagliari vs Juventus – Preview:

Can The Bianconeri Seal The Scudetto?

May 6, 2012

Cagliari host leaders Juventus at the Nereo Rocco in a must win clash for the Bianconeri in Serie A’s penultimate game of the season. Antonio Conte has offered AC Milan a priceless lifeline after they drew at home to 10 man Lecce. The Rossoneri took full advantage and narrowed the gap down to just one point at the top of the table to make for a fascinating two more weeks of Italian Football and the race for the Scudetto.

Cagliari have guaranteed themselves top-flight football for next season and have almost nothing to play for in the remaining two games. Now in 14^th place in the league table, Cagliari have only the possibility of improving up on last season’s 13^th place finish.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Cagliari

The home side are ensured safety despite their loss to Genoa in midweek following results that went their way. Massimo Ficcadenti will remain loyal to his 4-3-1-2 formation. He does however miss a few key players in Eriksson, Dessena, Rui Sampaio and El Kabir who are all on the treatment table while left-back Alessandro Agostini has been suspended for this game.

In midfield, which is Cagliari’s strongest area on the field, they have the trio of Ekdal-Conti-Nainggolan behind the playmaker Andrea Cossu. Nainggolan has been one of the revelations of the season on the left hand side of midfield and has been widely chased by top clubs in Europe including Juventus. He offers a lot of guile and energy to the Cagliari midfield.

Andrea Cossu will move around ahead of the midfield and offer creativity in the final third. For a player who normally is right up-there amongst the leaders of the assists charts, it hasn’t been the best of campaigns for Cossu. The diminutive midfielder has just 3 assists and a single goal to his name, which incidentally came against Juventus.

Mauricio Pinilla will spearhead the attack and is likely to be partnered by Thiago Ribiero. Pinilla, who is on loan from Palermo has 8 goals to his name so far and faces an uphill challenge as Cagliari try to breach Juventus’ strong defense.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2): Agazzi; Perico, Canini, Astori, Pisano; Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan; Cossu; Pinilla, Thiago Ribeiro

Juventus

It was a rather uncharacteristic error by the ever reliable Gianluigi Buffon that saw Juventus throw away two points against Lecce. But with two games and a single point lead over rivals AC Milan, the Bianconeri’s fate is still resting firmly in their own hands – a situation in which they definitely would have liked to be in.

Antonio Conte isn’t expected to make too many changes from the line-up he deployed against Lecce and will stick to his 3-5-2 formation. Paolo De Ceglie suffered an injury and is unavailable for the remaining Serie A games while Simone Pepe could make a return to the squad. One of either Emanuele Giaccherini or Martin Caceres could take De Ceglie’s spot as a left wing-back. Although reports emanating from Italy suggest Giaccherini will be given the nod over the Uruguayan international.

Bonucci will be playing in the heart of the defense and expect him to spread play from deep as Juventus will be fancied to dominate possession like they have done so consistently throughout this incredible campaign. Marco Borriello could reclaim his position in the role of prima punta as Fabio Quagliarella is expected to be relegated to the bench. Borriello looks to be hitting form just when it mattered most having slotted past minnows Novara and Cesena in the past few weeks. Mirko Vucinic will partner his former Roma team-mate in attack.

The midfield will line-up as expected. Stephan Lichtsteiner is expected to continue at right wing-back. The former Lazio man has been solid but not spectacular like he was in the first half of the season for Juventus. Nevertheless, expect him to bomb forward in support of the attack and give hard time to Pisano at left-back. Andrea Pirlo will control the tempo and offer the creativity from the centre of the park. He will be supported by Claudio Marchisio who scored the goal against Lecce and all rounder Arturo Vidal.

Probable Starting Lineup (3-5-2):Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Borriello, Vucinic

Key Match Facts

1. Juventus are the only unbeaten team in the top five leagues in Europe.
   
2. Juventus have the tightest defense in the league having conceded just 19 goals.
   
3. Cagliari have two draws and one win at Trieste.
   

TheHardTackle’s Players To Watch Out For

Davide Astori (Cagliari)

The young Italian has had a tremendous campaign so far and has already attracted the eyes of the bigger clubs in the peninsula. Another outstanding performance against Juventus could just help him make a late claim for a spot in Prandelli’s Euro 2012 squad and could also help his former team AC Milan in their quest for the title.

Arturo Vidal (Juventus)

Will Vidal Be The Difference Between The Two Sides?

The charismatic Chilean International has been in breath-taking form this season and has firmly established himself as one of the best midfielders in Italy. The game against Lecce wasn’t his best of the season having fluffed two chances from which you would expect someone of his quality to score. Expect him to come up with the goods though in this crucial encounter for Juventus.

TheHardTackle’s Prediction

Cagliari 0-2 Juventus

This could just turn out to be Juventus’ most important game of the season. The magnitude of the game cannot be understated and while the Bianconeri will be hoping for a favor from bitter enemies Inter in the Milan derby, they know that the direction the title will be heading is solely in their hands, despite Massimo Moratti’s claims. Expect Juventus to emerge victorious and grab all the three points in what will be a tough encounter for them.

TheHardTackle’s Blast From The Past

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AMQ--Jwt2U&feature=player_embedded

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Conte: Juventus know what is needed to secure Serie A title

May 6, 2012

Antonio Conte is sure that he and his players know exactly what is needed of them to come away from the final two games of the season with the Serie A title in their hands.

Juventus lead AC Milan by just one point, although they also have the edge in head-to-head battles before their trip to Cagliari while the rossoneri tackle Inter in their city derby.

However, Juve showed signs of nervousness in midweek when they gifted relegation threatened Lecce a point despite having led from the beginning and played most of the second half against 10-men.

Before that blip, though, they were on an eight match winning run and Conte believes his side are not about to crack.

"To win you need your head, heart and legs. With my players we have instant understanding and often all it takes is a look," he said. "I'm aware of everyone's feelings, emotions and state of mind and that's why I'm calm because this team have always given me belief from every point of view and will continue to do so."

Conte claims there is no hangover from the Lecce disappointment. Had they held on to the three points -- they led for 76 minutes and created numerous chances to double their advantage -- they would have been able to secure the title with victory on Sunday.

But Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made un uncharacteristic error, miscontrolling a backpass and handing Andrea Bertolacci a simple goal.

"After Lecce we wanted to get straight back onto the pitch, it was a joke, now we have a great desire for revenge to wipe out the unthinkable thing that happened," said Conte. "This is a historic moment to enter into the annals (of history).

"We have a thousand stimuli and maybe I'll even have to put the brakes on my lads.

"Wednesday night after Lecce, none of us slept a lot and maybe there were even a few tears but we're still a point above Milan."

But following two seventh placed finishes in a row, Conte insists everyone at the club is happy to have rediscovered the title pressure.

"I must underline the positive aspect of this situation which is the fact that we've quickly returned to living through important and significant pre-match experiences," he said.

"That's the fruit of the impressive work everyone's done. We're very satisfied to be fighting for the title two games from the end and it fills us with pride."

And having spent 13 years as a player at Juve, winning five titles and the Champions League, Conte has been in these type of situations many times before.

"I've had the good fortune and pleasure to find myself in such situations throughout my career and opposite ones such as being behind and chasing on the final day.

"That's the beauty of football, it always presents you with new feelings and great emotion."

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Cagliari vs. Juventus PREVIEW: No More Errors

May 6, 2012

It’s really difficult for me to write this.

I’m not going to lie, I began to think and brainstorm during the game against Lecce. I’m not a superstitious man at all, so I won’t even go with the “I jinxed it”, “I spoke too soon” (etc.) self-absorbed, narcissistic diatribes attributable to far too many sports fans. (Yes, you’re right. I get it. YOU’RE so important, you… that one fan out of a million, that God, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, the Soccer Gods, whoever it is that can influence and ultimately will determine these outcomes, cares about some stupid ritual you did or didn’t do, something you said or didn’t say, or worse, something you thought or didn’t think, like Zuul ‘The Gatekeeper’ is reading your thoughts and about to send the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man after you).

But still, I can’t help but feel a slight twinge of remorse. Yet, I didn’t do anything wrong, certainly nothing to affect the game’s outcome. More so because the draw against Lecce was so unexpected and happened in such a heartbreaking, unnecessary manner. I facetiously told my colleagues that we should PhotoShop a picture of Buffon with a smartphone (or an iPad or something) while standing in goal. The joke, of course, would be that he’s bored and has nothing else to do. Now, it’s not that funny…

But that was Wednesday. Now it’s time to move forward, travel to the Island of Sardinia pro-Juve ground Trieste, (still) in sole possession of the Serie A 1st place and everything ours to lose.

Opponents tomorrow, teammates in the Fall?

LE CHIAVI

One criticism that I’ve heard about Juventus in recent weeks pertains to their pressing style. The obvious comparison people make to Conte’s tactics is, as much as I hate this comparison, of Barcelona (with caveats, of course). The players are obviously not the same, arguably of a different caliber, and the Blaugrana’s movement is far more fluid they say. Specifically, I’ve heard people argue that when the Catalans press, they either get the ball back right away, or step back after a few seconds, reorganize, and then win the ball back eventually – usually sooner, rather than later. But the key is that the entire time they remain organized.

Juventus on the other hand, critics say, keep pressing – desperately – whether they can get the ball back right away or not. When they do step back, they’re often disorganized and sputtering, much like an old-school EPL team. Against Lecce, I didn’t see that at all. During the first half the Giallorossi split possession with Juve. Quite a feat, actually, considering the difference in caliber between the two teams. Despite that, the Bianconeri stayed organized and poured the pressure on.

What is this to do with this weekend you say? Well, they are going to have to carry that type of mentality over against Cagliari, another provinciale who will be happy to absorb pressure. And, they are tough in the middle of the pitch where possession and ball-movement will be key. Unlike against Lecce however, our finishing needs to be more modeled on the Novara game and less our mid-Winter form.

In January we played Cagliari at home, finishing in a 1-1 draw. In what would epitomize our mid-season struggles with putting away smaller sides for +3’s, an early, clinical show of ball-movement culminating into the TEAM GOAL OF THE SEASON would be negated by a second half Cossu strike. It is true that match would precede a run of two consecutive wins, the second of which dispatched Udinese and crowned us campioni d’inverno. Unfortunately, there is no silverware awarded for the ‘Winter Championship’ and, at such a critical stage into the season, we cannot afford any dropped points against Cagliari this time around.

No Paolino on Sunday... but he made the trip!

A PERSONNEL ISSUE

For the away trip to Trieste, Antonio Conte has brought along the entire team roster (yes, even injured Paolo De Ceglie). Unlike Football Italia is claiming, we really don’t think this is in expectation of a team “party” (though it could very well be) but rather, showing everyone the team is UNITED after Gigi’s midweek blunder and also remains FOCUSED towards the common goal. If so, that is exactly the right kind of message il Mister should be sending. Bravo!

As we said, Paolo De Ceglie had to come off the pitch after just a few minutes against Lecce, and is out for Sunday as well for the rest of the season probably (possibilities remain on him recuperating for the Coppa Italia final). While the normally right-sided & right-footed Martin Cáceres filled in okay, the question remains whether Conte uses him again or if he opts for Emanuele Giaccherini (or perhaps even (gulp) Marcelo Estigarribia) for that left wing. Though Simone Pepe has missed the past several games with an ankle injury he should be regularly available for this match (Conte said he’s “at 100%”), perhaps even from the start in lieu of De Ceglie.

Meanwhile everyone’s favorite punching bag (not to mention Mike’s blow-up doll) Marco Borriello was likely to return to the starting 11 until yesterday (we debated whether to put this into “BAD NEWS” below) but now seems to have been overtaken by Alessandro Matri. The verdict on Conte’s final selection? A few hours from kick-off tomorrow…

Looking to end his goal-drought and send Juve to 7th Heaven...

BAD NEWS

A razor-thin single point separates us from the team who currently has the tricolore shield stitched to their shirt. But you know what? Our fate is in our own hands. No team in Serie A would say no to the chance to switch places with us right now. Remember that.

GOOD NEWS

Aside from the aforementioned injuries, Juventus will still have a deep squad to choose from. Cagliari is a team with a solid defense and a good midfield. However, they are decidedly entrenched in the middle of the pack with very little else to play for in the penultimate match of the season.

Meanwhile, despite the unfortunate turn of events, Juve’s defense has been as air-tight as ever, a trend I can see continuing into Sunday.

Also AC Milan, just like Juventus, have the entire enchilada to play for. Only their opposition is their hated cross-town rivals, Internazionale, who are going into the Derby della Madonnina with a spot in Europe (and possibly the UEFA Champions League) on the line. Considering that Inter’s final match is against Lazio – who currently sit one point ahead of them and occupying the final UCL spot – you can be sure they (and their spry little new coach) will be motivated.

Oh God. No. Jesus. No. Don’t make me have to root for Inter…

THE BOTTOM LINE

It’s easy for a neutral soothsayer to foresee a 1-1 draw for both Juventus and Milan on the horizon, pushing the Scudetto showdown into the final week of the season. But my heart would give you 95 to 100 reasons per minute to wish against that. We simply cannot rely on anyone else to do our job for us. Certainly not Inter. We still control our own destiny, and simply must, and certainly can, win the next two games. That’s the only way to guarantee what is rightfully ours.

Avanti.

CAGLIARI (4-3-1-2)

Agazzi

Perico, Canini, Astori, F.Pisano

Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan

Cossu

Pinilla, Thiago Ribeiro

BENCH: Avramov, Ariaudo, Gozzi, Dessena, Larrivey, Ibarbo, Nené

JUVENTUS (3-5-2)

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pepe

Matri, Vucinic

BENCH: Storari, Cáceres, Padoin, Giaccherini, Borriello, Del Piero, Quagliarella

In Conte we trust!

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus recall Matri for crucial Cagliari clash

The former Rossoblu striker will line up alongside Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe

in the Bianconeri's three-pronged attack, with Fabio Quagliarella the man to make way.

May 6, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has recalled forward Alessandro Matri for Sunday night's crucial Serie A clash with Cagliari in Trieste.

The Italy international has slipped down the pecking order in recent weeks but he will spearhead the Bianconeri attack against his old club, with Fabio Quagliarella having been dropped to the bench.

Simone Pepe returns on the right wing as league leaders Juve revert to 4-3-3, with wing-back Paolo De Ceglie's season having been ended by injury.

As for the Rossoblu, Thiago Ribeiro and Ibarbo have both been selected to start and will flank top scorer Mauricio Pinilla.

Alessandro Agostini is suspended, while Daniele Dessena is only deemed fit enough for a seat on the bench.

Juventus (4-3-3): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic.

Subs: Storari, Caceres, Estigarribia, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Del Piero, Borriello.

Cagliari (4-3-3): Agazzi; Pisano, Canini, Astori, Ariaudo; Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan; Ibarbo, Pinilla, Thiago Ribeiro.

Subs: Avramov, Perico, Gozzi, Dessena, Cossu, Nene, Larrivey.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Vucinic: 'Juve are over Lecce draw'

May 6, 2012

Mirko Vucinic spoke ahead of the crunch match with Cagliari and said tonight Juventus “gamble with everything.”

The Bianconeri fumbled a three-point lead with their 1-1 draw against Lecce midweek and are now just one point in front of Milan.

“We have already put that disappointment behind us,” assured the Montenegro international.

“Tonight we are gambling with everything. We have to win without thinking about next Sunday or Milan’s result in the derby.

“Our strength is in our squad, as with unity we are achieving great things.”

Juve will secure the Scudetto tonight if they beat Cagliari and Milan fail to win against Inter.

The 1-1 draw with Lecce was decided by a Gigi Buffon howler, but there are many banners at the Stadio Nereo Rocco cheering on the goalkeeper.

One read ‘A mistake will not cancel out our love,’ while another stated ‘The greats are not those who never fall, they are those who fall and get back up.’

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Line-ups: Cagliari-Juventus

May 6, 2012

Juventus have Alessandro Matri, Simone Pepe and Mirko Vucinic leading the way as they could clinch the Scudetto tonight against Cagliari.

The Bianconeri will mathematically be crowned champions of Italy this evening if they win and Milan fail to beat Inter in the derby.

Paolo De Ceglie is the only player on the treatment table, as Simone Pepe returns to the starting XI after his ankle problem.

Matri faces his former teammates at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste, where Cagliari are now playing their home games due to restructuring work at the Stadio Sant’Elia.

The Bianconeri are adopting a 3-5-2 system with Pepe, Matri and Vucinic.

Cagliari are safely mid-table, but Alessandro Agostini is suspended with Daniele Dessena, Rui Sampaio, Sebastian Eriksson and Moustafa El Kabir injured.

They too have an exciting trident with South Americans Victor Ibarbo, Mauricio Pinilla and Thiago Ribeiro.

Many of the team worked under Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri and are therefore eager to help him win the Scudetto.

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

Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, Estigarribia, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Del Piero, Borriello

Cagliari: Agazzi; Ariaudo, Canini, Astori, Pisano; Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan; Ibarbo, Pinilla, Thiago Ribeiro

Cagliari bench: Avramov, Perico, Gozzi, Dessena, Larrivey, Cossu, Nene

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (6′)

Michele Canini (74′ - O.G.)

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Attendance: 9500

Antonio Conte's triumphant side earn

decisive victory to clinch Serie A title

The Bianconeri ultimately cruised to the win - and indeed the Scudetto -

thanks to Mirko Vucinic's early strike and an own goal from Michele Canini.

May 6, 2012

Juventus clinched their 28th Scudetto with a 2-0 victory over Cagliari in Trieste on Sunday night.

Going into the penultimate round of the Serie A season with a one-point advantage in hand over AC Milan, the Bianconeri turned in a professional – if uninspired display – against the Rossoblu, opening the scoring through Mirko Vucinic with just six minutes gone.

They survived a penalty scare early in the second half, when Andrea Cossu went down in the area under pressure from Giorgio Chiellini, before sealing the victory – and indeed the title – courtesy of an own goal from Michele Canini and the Rossoneri’s dramatic 4-2 defeat by Inter at San Siro.

Just as they had done in midweek against Lecce, Juve struck early, with Vucinic coolly slotting the ball through Michael Agazzi’s legs after latching onto Andrea Barzagli’s chip in behind the Cagliari defence. Credit must go to the Montenegrin for a well-time run and tremendously composed finish but it was too easy from a Cagliari perspective, with their entire back four all guilty of ball-watching.

The Bianconeri should have built on their early advantage but, in truth, they struggled thereafter, although Simone Pepe forced Agazzi into action again with an attempted curler at the tail end of the half, before then seeing his low strike blocked after an incisive crossfield run.

Luckily for Juve, their opponents, for all their possession, posed little in way of an attacking threat and the closest they came to equalising was when the isolated Mauricio Pinilla fired a 35-yard shot just wide of Gianluigi Buffon’s right-hand post after a powerful surge from deep.

Cagliari looked more menacing in the second period and they very nearly earned themselves a penalty on 53 minutes after a wonderful counterattack instigated by Radja Nainggolan, but referee Daniele Orsato waved away their appeals after Cossu had been bundled over in the area by Giorgio Chiellini and booked the Rossoblu replacement for an alleged dive.

Juventus looked a little nervy but Vucinic lifted them with a terrific curling effort from the edge of the area which Agazzi kept out acrobatically before Martin Caceres headed just wide.

The second goal, it seemed, was coming and it promptly arrived on 74 minutes, Canini deflecting a Caceres cross up and over a helpless Agazzi in the Cagliari goal.

Moments later news arrived from Milan that Inter had ahead in the derby Della Madonnina, prompting wild scenes of celebration among the Juventus faithful – but calls for calm from coach Antonio Conte.

However, the former Bianconeri midfielder need not have worried as Inter added a fourth goal late on as undefeated Juventus ultimately cruised to their first legitimate Scudetto since 2003.

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

[Luigi Daniele 68]

30

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (6′)

Michele Canini (74′ - O.G.)

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Attendance: 9500‎

JUVENTUS CAMPIONI D'ITALIA!

Juventus are the new Campioni d’Italia after a victory against Cagliari

and Milan’s derby defeat mathematically secured the Scudetto!

May 6, 2012

The Bianconeri had to get back on track after throwing away a result on Wednesday night, Gigi Buffon’s howler handing 10-man Lecce a 1-1 draw, and there were several banners reassuring the goalkeeper. It reduced their lead at the top of the table to just one point, but a victory here and Milan failing to win the derby would mathematically secure the title.

Paolo De Ceglie was out with a thigh strain, though Simone Pepe returned from his injury. Cagliari played their last ‘home’ game of the season again at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste due to reconstruction work at the Sant’Elia. Alessandro Agostini sat out a ban, joined by Daniele Dessena, Rui Sampaio, Sebastian Eriksson and Moustafa El Kabir. They opted for an all-South American trio in attack.

There were only a handful of Cagliari fans in the stadium, as the vast majority were cheering on the Bianconeri. However, it was not full, as for this match Cagliari raised ticket prices to the range of €30-€150.

It took five minutes to break the deadlock in Trieste, as Mirko Vucinic sprung the offside trap on a Leonardo Bonucci long ball over the top and kept his cool to side-foot the angled drive past Michael Agazzi from six yards at the near post. It was an extremely tight decision.

Andrea Pirlo had an attempt from long range comfortably smothered by Agazzi, while Pepe cut in from the left and stung the goalkeeper’s palms at the near post with a fierce effort. Radja Nainggolan was booked for a scything tackle on Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Lichtsteiner was in the wars, as there was a horrific clash of heads with Mauricio Pinilla that left both struggling to stay conscious. The Swiss international looked to have suffered some whiplash in the incident and was stretchered off with a neckbrace, making way for Martin Caceres.

Pirlo curled a corner kick directly on to the near post, clattering the upright. Lorenzo Ariaudo charged down a Caceres cross with his arm, but it was from point-blank range, so could not be considered voluntary.

Nainggolan ran the risk of a second yellow card for hacking down Arturo Vidal, but was given a final warning.

Pinilla threatened for Cagliari with a sudden blockbuster from distance that skimmed the post and smashed a flag that was behind the goal.

Before the break Pepe flashed an angled drive across the face of goal and shaved a coat of paint off the base of the far post. Pepe also went close with a long run from his own half, but it was charged down.

It started raining heavily for the second half and Andrea Cossu came on, sparking a very dangerous counter and falling under the weight of Giorgio Chiellini, but the Cagliari man was booked for simulation instead. It was a dubious incident and one open to interpretation, as Chiellini did lean a little into the much shorter Cossu.

A weak Pepe effort was easily smothered and Cagliari threw on Joaquin Larrivey to bolster their attack, as Juventus were not causing them too many problems. Vucinic blasted over when he perhaps should’ve set up Emanuele Giaccherini in a stronger position.

In fact, Cossu went close with an angled drive that flashed across the face of goal.

Vucinic tried to wake Juventus up and his fierce curler was palmed out of the far top corner by Michael Agazzi. From that corner, Caceres had a glancing header just wide, anticipating teammate Marco Borriello.

It worked, as the Bianconeri did go 2-0 up thanks to a Michele Canini own goal. Caceres whipped a cross towards the penalty spot and in an attempt to anticipate Borriello, the defender accidentally looped it into his own net.

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

Cagliari: Agazzi; Ariaudo, Canini, Astori, Pisano; Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan; Ibarbo (Larrivey 61), Pinilla, Thiago Ribeiro (Cossu 50)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner (Caceres 25), Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal (Giaccherini 53), Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri (Borriello 71), Vucinic

Ref:Orsato

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (6′)

Michele Canini (74′ - O.G.)

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Attendance: 9500

Juventus clinch Scudetto title

May 6, 2012

Juventus clinched their 28th (30th) Scudetto with victory over Cagliari in Trieste tonight as title rivals AC Milan went down 4-2 to city rivals Inter.

Miko Vucinic put the Bianconeri in front in the sixth minute and an own goal from Michele Canini in the second half earned Antonio Conte's side the win, sparking scenes of joy on the pitch at the Stadio Nereo Rocco.

Juve will now pick up the trophy at their final game of the season at the Juventus Stadium against Atalanta next weekend.

Vucinic broke from a borderline offside position to reach Leonardo Bonucci's ball forward and he kept his cool to slot the ball through the legs of Michael Agazzi to put Juve in front on their first attack in the sixth minute.

Andrea Pirlo tried his luck from 25 yards, but Agazzi denied him, as he did moments later as Simone Pepe had Juve's next effort in a buoyant opening from the visitors.

Mauricio Pinilla came close to equalising for Cagliari with a speculative shot from 35 yards which went just inches wide of the post, but Pepe then flashed a shot across Agazzi's goal as Juve continued to look for a second goal.

Cagliari tried to make a fight of it early in the second half, and with the news filtering through that Milan had taken the lead against Inter, Juve started to look a little nervous.

But substitute Marco Borriello settled their nerves as he did enough to disturb Canini, who put Martin Caceres' cross into his own goal in the 74th minute, leaving his own goalkeeper no chance.

Juve just played down the clock as the fans started to celebrate, and with the news arriving that Inter had turned the game around against Milan and were 4-2 ahead, even Conte and the Juve bench started to celebrate the inevitable.

The final whistle was met by a pitch invasion as the estimated 15,000 Juve fans who had made the trip to Trieste started celebrating the Scudetto with one game of the season to go.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (6′)

Michele Canini (74′ - O.G.)

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Attendance: 9500

CAMPIONI D’ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 6, 2012

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqn3hf_juventus-campione_sport?start=79

IN THE LOCKER ROOM:

ON THE FIELD WITH THE FANS (and PIAZZA SAN CARLO in TURIN):

THE RETURN TO TURIN:

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

[Luigi Daniele 68]

Finally after 6 years of sporting hell....

@@

[Luigi Daniele 68]

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (6′)

Michele Canini (74′ - O.G.)

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Attendance: 9500

Juventus win 2011-12 Serie A title

AC Milan's lost in the derby della Madonnina gives the Turin side

an unassailable lead at the top of the league with one round still to play.

May 6, 2012

Juventus tonight clinched their 28th Serie A title thanks to a 2-0 win over Cagliari, with AC Milan's 4-2 defeat to Inter sealing the crown. The two results combined served to send the Turin side four points clear of the Rossoneri with one game remaining.

Juve picked up their first official title since 2003 thanks to goals from Mirko Vucinic and Marco Borriello in Trieste, while the Nerazzurri earned the spoils in front of 80,000 fans at San Siro.

Antonio Conte's men have led the way in Serie A for much of the season, but a run of draws led to Milan gaining the advantage heading into the final 10 games. However, just as the Rossoneri slumped, the Turin side hit their best run of form all term, racking up eight successive wins before their draw with Lecce on Wednesday.

They also remain unbeaten so far in the league this season, with their 37-match run the longest ever in a single Italian campaign. Their total of 38 successive league games without defeat stretches back to their defeat at Parma on May 15, 2011, since when they have won 22 games and drawn 16.

While the title is the Bianconeri's first official crown in nine years, their continued fight for the return of their revoked 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles means that the club may well go ahead with plans to sew a third gold star to their shirts next season in recognition of a 30th success in total.

The triumph coincides with a number of firsts, as this has been their debut season at the new Juventus Stadium, while coach Conte has never previously taken charge of a Serie A club for a full campaign.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (6′)

Michele Canini (74′ - O.G.)

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Attendance: 9500

The Old Lady is back: Juventus are Italy's best

again as they roar to Scudetto glory

The Bianconeri have returned to the top of the Italian game,

and their magnificent 37-match unbeaten run proves they are deserving champions.

May 6, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

They’re back. Six years after the shame, the conjecture, the recriminations and the introspection, Juventus are champions of Italy once more. And boy, how they have taken Serie A by storm in achieving it.

Everybody knew that this day would come, but it was almost as though the Bianconeri had to make an extra statement in making it happen, and tonight’s victory over Cagliari not only returns the Scudetto to Turin, but it also leaves Juve within 90 minutes of a unique 38-game unbeaten season. This isn’t just a title win, it’s a declaration.

Not only have they yet to be bowed, they have gone about destroying most of the peninsula’s top-flight clubs. While the scorelines have not always reflected their dominance, they have been about as impressive as any Italian side in living memory.

From their high pressing game and their near-faultless midfield base to an almost impregnable defence, the Bianconeri have had pretty much every facet covered. Even their poor conversion rate has been practically forgotten in the last 10 matches, with 26 goals helping them negotiate the potentially difficult run-in like a batter smashing home run after home run in a World Series decider.

Had their shooting boots fit so snuggly during the first three-quarters of the season, the title could have been won two months ago, such has been their clear superiority over the opposition. But it is not only a glorious achievement, to the majority of calcio fans it is also a great surprise.

TOP MARKS | Juve's leading scorers

Alessandro Matri 10

Mirko Vucinic 9

Claudio Marchisio 9

Arturo Vidal 7

Simone Pepe 6

Fabio Quagliarella 4

Andrea Pirlo 3

At the beginning of the season the main question mark hanging over Juve was in relation to their readiness to compete for a Champions League spot. With back-to-back seventh place finishes and the reduction of Italian representation for the main event in 2012-13, there were doubts among many as to whether the Bianconeri had what it would take to make a four-place leap in the standings.

But from early in the piece, it was clear that Antonio Conte’s outfit was a very different animal to the one steered off course by Ciro Ferrara, Alberto Zaccheroni and Luigi Del Neri over the previous 24 months. Instead of the fractured build-up play, there was unprecedented fluency. Where there had been pressure on their back-line, there was now a switch of emphasis to ensure that the defence was tested as rarely as possible.

This was a whole new Juve, with a new stadium, a new coach and a brand new philosophy defining their new era. And while they struggled to make their superiority count at times, there was never an inability to assert their authority.

It may not be the best Juventus ever, with many great versions of the past staking a claim for that crown, but that is not important right now. The fact is that the Bianconeri are back. Champions again, and convincingly so - however much Milan coach Massimilano Allegri argues otherwise, in relation to Sulley Muntari's phantom goal back in February. Rarely has a team’s supremacy been so unquestionable.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (6′)

Michele Canini (74′ - O.G.)

Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Attendance: 9500

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of those involved in the game

in Trieste as Antonio Conte's side clinched the Serie A title.

May 6, 2012

Cagliari

Michael Agazzi 6.0 - Hard to fault him for either goal as Vucinic placed the ball expertly between his legs after being horribly let down by his static back four, while he was given no chance by Canini's unintentional lob. Made a couple of decent stops, most notably from Pepe at the tail end of the first half, but, for the most part, he wasn't actually that busy.

Lorenzo Ariaudo 6.0 - Struggled at times to contain Pepe and offered little going forward as a result.

Davide Astori 6.0 - Reasonably sold display, managing to cope quite comfortably with the threat posed by the Juventus front two. But, like Canini, he was caught out badly for the opening goal.

Francesco Pisano 6.5 - Comfortable for the most part, though he did pick up a booking for a mistimed challenge five minutes before the break. Tried to venture forward whenever he could but did so to little effect.

Michele Canini 5.0 - Has to shoulder some of the blame for the dreadful defensive line which Vucinic exploited for the opening goal and although he was unlucky with the own goal, it was still poor technique on his part as he failed miserably to clear a cross from Caceres.

Radja Nainggolan 7.0 - A reported Juve target for some time now but did little to endear himself to his prospective team-mates with a late tackle on Lichtsteiner which left the Swiss requiring treatment. However, his energy was impressive and it was he who led the breakaway which very nearly earned Cagliari a penalty.

Daniele Conti 6.5 - Cagliari saw their fair share of possession over the course of the 90 minutes and Conti used it pretty well. What was missing, though, was just that little bit of incision which could have made this a far more interesting game.

Albin Ekdal 6.5 - Really put himself about early on and drew a fair few fouls. Indeed, he really seemed to savour his tussle with Marchisio. However, he never really got on top in that regard and faded as the game wore on.

Thiago Ribeiro 5.0 - May as well have not been playing, so little did he contribute to the game before being hauled off early in the second half. Indeed, the one surprise was that he lasted that long.

Víctor Ibarbo 5.5 - Made no impact on the proceedings after being introduced shortly before the hour mark.

Mauricio Pinilla 6.5 - Starved of any real quallity ball and was often forced to drop deep as a consequence. However, he gave Juve an almighty scare when, having picked up possession on halfway, he sped past a couple of players before unleashing a 30-metre drive which flew just wide of Buffon's post. Aside from that, though, never really got a look in.

• Substitutions

Andrea Cossu 7.0 - Made a real nuisance of himself after coming on in place of Thiago Ribeiro, injecting some much needed pace and energy to the Cagliari attack. Indeed, he was unlucky not to have earned a penalty - and even more unlucky to have been booked for diving - after being bundled over by Chiellini in the box.

Joaquin Larrivey 5.5 - Another Cagliari attacker who offered absolutely nothing going forward. Replaced 17 minutes into the second period.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - A lot of eyes were on him after his clanger in midweek but, in truth, he was rarely put under any pressure. He had Pinilla's long-range effort covered and also looked comfortable under the few high balls Cagliari lobbed into the Juve area.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Switched to left-back in the absence of De Ceglie and was his usual reliable self in the first half, making a crunching - but legitimate - challenge on Pinilla at one point. However, it was a difference story in the second period and he was very fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty early shortly after the restart after clumsily bundling over Cossu in the area, just moments after being booked for a poor tackle on Pinilla.

Andrea Barzagli 7.0 - Rarely troubled at the back and his most significant contribution was the terrific through-ball which Vucinic stuck away to put the Bianconeri a goal to the good. A commanding display.

Leonardo Bonucci 7.0 - Pretty tidy performance from the centre-half, who also distributed the ball very well at times. Didn't put a foot wrong all evening.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Forced off midway through the first half, the Swiss had only just recovered from the effects of a terrible tackle from Nainggolan before then being left prostrate on the floor after a sickening collision with Pinilla. Fingers crossed the neck brace was purely a precautionary measure.

Simone Pepe 7.0 - Earned a recall because of De Ceglie's season-ending injury and started brightly, very nearly doubling Juve's advantage only to see Agazzi pull off a decent stop. Drifted in and out of the game thereafter but went close again just before the break, first with a whipped strike from a narrow angle, and then with a blocked shot after a terrific crossfield run. Lively in possession throughout.

Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - Enjoyed quite the battle with Ekdal but, as usual, also managed to get forward with great regularity and drew a save - albeit a very easy one - with a shot from distance 13 minutes in after linking well with Vucinic.

Andrea Pirlo 7.0 - Tested Agazzi with a well-struck shot from distance 16 minutes in before then hitting the post - from a corner. Not at his best but oozed class from start to the finish, with the highlight of his game a wonderful piece of play which saw him bamboozle two Cagliari defenders with his sublime touch and fancy footwork.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 5.5 - Threatened early on but couldn't get sufficient purchase on a cross from Matri before then picking up his customary booking for a typically reckless challenge on Ekdal. Failed to exert any real control on the game and was unsurprisingly subbed shortly after the break.

Mirko Vučinić 7.5 - Opened the scoring by coolly slotting the ball between Agazzi's legs after well-timed run in behind a static Cagliari defence. Looked dangerous every time he got the ball but he was not as involved as usual and flashed a shot over the bar when well placed in the box midway through the second half. However, he remains Juve's most inspirational player and really lifted his side with a shot which drew a spectacular stop out of Agazzi just before the own goal.

Alessandro Matri 5.5 - Preferred to Quagliarella at the apex of the Juve attack but despite showing plenty of endeavour, he struggled to get himself into the game and never looked like scoring. Only a matter of time before he was replaced.

• Substitutions

Martín Cáceres 6.0 - Thrown on after just 25 minutes following Lichtsteiner's injury-enforced withdrawal and wasted little time in getting involved, winning a corner after a one-two with Vucinic.

Emanuele Giaccherini 6.0 - Came on for Vidal and showed plenty of enthusiasm without ever really threatening in an attacking sense.

Marco Borriello 6.0 - Came on for the ineffective Matri and deserves some credit for putting Canini under pressure for the own goal but, in truth, he didn't really make much of an impact.

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