Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8328]

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

Conte eyes Serie A dominance with Juventus:

It is Scudetto number one for me

The Bianconeri boss reveals that he hopes Sunday's title success is the first of many

while he is at the helm in Turin, and congratulates the players and the fans for their triumph.

May 6, 2012

Antonio Conte has spoken of the significance in claiming his first Serie A title as Juventus coach, after hinting that he wants to win many more during his time in charge.

The Bianconeri secured their first Scudetto since 2003 with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Cagliari on Sunday, while AC Milan's 4-2 reverse to arch-rivals Inter ended the race for supremacy with one matchday left.

After the match in Trieste, Conte was quick to congratulate all of his staff and the club's supporters for their impressive feat.

"It is Scudetto number one for me as a coach, now we want to celebrate with the fans, even if there is too much bedlam at the moment and it is not easy for us to get out of the locker room," Conte said after the game to Sky Sport Italia.

"It is something beautiful and truly amazing. It's been a very special year and one that has become extraordinary [thanks to the title win].

"Congratulations to all the fans and the players: we always believed. Only against Lecce was there a blip, but we responded well."

Conte also reflected on his side's unbeaten league campaign and stated: "We are champions of Italy with a game left, and we have gone 37 games without defeat.

"We now want to close the season without being defeated.

"I have great respect for Milan, and we beat a great team to the title."

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

In Pictures: From doing the double over Inter to Del Piero's

free kick versus Lazio – Juventus' memorable moments of 2011-12

The Bianconeri have racked up a whole host of fantastic images

in their record-breaking campaign, and are now Serie A champions to boot.

May 6, 2012

Juventus are back at the top of Italian football. After being crowned champions for the 28th time on Sunday night, Turin immediately came alive as the realisation set in that six years of misery since the original Calciopoli verdicts is finally over.

Juve's 2-0 win over Cagliari in Trieste, combined with AC Milan's 4-2 defeat to Inter, brought to an end the title charge which has provided countless picture book moments.

So, to celebrate the magnificent achievements of Antonio Conte's still-unbeaten side, we have catalogued some of the memorable images of the Bianconeri's monumental 2011-12 season. With a new stadium, new coach, new players and a whole new approach, the Old Lady have given us plenty of spectacular sights over the past eight months.

A spectacular new beginning | Juventus Stadium is opened up to the public

History maker | Lichtsteiner hits the first goal in the new arena in a 4-1 opening day win

Returning hero | Conte soon got his side up to Scudetto speed

King pair | Marchisio's late double saw off Milan on Juventus Stadium's first great night

Marvellous Mirko | Vucinic's opener paved the way for San Siro success

A legend departs | But news of Alex's swansong wouldn't hinder Juve's push

Super Simone | Pepe takes the applause for his winner away to Lazio

Leading the fightback | Matri scored as Juve came back from 2-0 and 3-1 down at Napoli

Safe hands | Buffon's penalty save from Totti defined the first clash with Roma

Dropped points | Six draws in seven undermined their charge

That bit of luck | Juve survived unscathed after the controversial Milan clash

A familiar celebration | Del Piero's contribution changed the Inter game and the title race

Right man, right time | ADP's free-kick winner against Lazio sent Juve back top

Big gap | The 4-0 demolition of Roma put Milan a game behind with five to play

Goal kings | Vidal and Vucinic combined for three goals in the rout against Novara

Late slip-up | Buffon's error against Lecce looked like it could cost Juve dear

No looking back | Vucinic slides home the first as the Bianconeri clinch the title in Trieste

A moment to savour | The Juve players celebrate their 28th official title success

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

[Socrates 8328]

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 are back, says Bonucci

after clinching Serie A title

The Bianconeri defender is overjoyed after his team got the better of Cagliari on Sunday

to win the Scudetto with one more round of games remaining in Serie A.

May 6, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci has described Juventus' Serie A title success as "wonderful" after the Old Lady secured a 2-0 victory over Cagliari on Sunday to claim the Scudetto, and insists that his side are now back as a major force.

Antonio Conte's team went into the match in Trieste knowing that a win would seal the championship should AC Milan draw or lose against Inter in the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro.

However, the Rossoneri went down 4-2 to Inter while Juve comfortably overcame the Sardinians, and Bonucci was the first player to express his joy after the match.

"It's wonderful, I feel beautiful," Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia.

"We demonstrated that this 30th championship is well deserved and that Juventus are back.

"On the pitch we have won 30 titles, but right now let's forget about everything because all I care about is what happens on the pitch and nothing else.

"I have grown a lot as a player and I have to thank Conte for helping in my development."

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Del Piero happy to end trophy drought with Juventus

The legendary forward says that winning the Serie A title has left a special taste

in his mouth, but insists that it is not the right time to discuss his future.

May 6, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero has admitted that he is revelling in Juventus' Scudetto triumph after they secured their first Serie A title since 2003 on Sunday.

The Old Lady's 2-0 win over Cagliari was enough to hand them the league trophy with one game left this season, as AC Milan succumbed to a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Inter in the Derby della Madonnina.

Del Piero reflected on their success after the contest in northern Italy, and could not hide his delight at finally ending his recent barren spell on the trophy front, with his last medal coming five years ago.

"This Scudetto has a special taste after some difficult years and I'd go as far as to say that this Scudetto is even better than the one we achieved in Rimini [serie B title in 2007]," said Del Piero after the match to Sky Sport Italia.

"I start every season with the hope of winning something, and sometimes it doesn't happen, but what has happened to me tonight makes up for many years [of failing to win a trophy].

"Tonight we are celebrating a championship that we all deserve and I'm glad to have contributed."

Del Piero, though, refused to be drawn into discussing his future so soon after the clash in Trieste.

"In 15 days we have another game that we want to win [the Coppa Italia final against Napoli], but it will be a strange ending," he noted.

"On my part there is a willingness to smile and nothing else right now. There will be time to discuss my future."

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Conte: 'Super-extraordinary!'

May 6, 2012

Antonio Conte is celebrating the “super-extraordinary” Juventus title triumph. “Now we hope to end the season unbeaten, as it’d be truly historic.”

The Coach was interviewed in Trieste after the 2-0 victory over Cagliari which, coupled with Milan’s derby defeat, secured the Scudetto.

“The sensations are something indescribable, fantastic, extraordinary. We are so happy to have achieved a super-extraordinary season.

“I thank the players who worked so hard, the fans who put themselves behind us 100 per cent and I also tip my hat to Milan, who provided a huge challenge and are a great club. It’s even more satisfying to get the better of a side like that, as it was unexpected.

“Only the slip-up with Lecce caused a little apprehension, but we are Campioni d’Italia with a round to go and unbeaten after 37 rounds. We hope to end the season unbeaten, as that would be truly historic.

“It is my first Scudetto and I am truly very happy. We want to celebrate on the pitch with our fans, but it’s tricky with the chaos that is out there.”

This is on paper the 28th Juventus title, but the club has made it clear they consider it to be the 30th and have placed ‘30’ on the champagne bottles.

The 2004-05 and 2005-06 editions were stripped in the Calciopoli trial.

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Allegri: 'Juve deserved it'

May 6, 2012

Massimiliano Allegri complimented Juventus for their Scudetto victory and felt Milan paid a price for injuries, both overall and in the derby.

“Juventus won the title, deserved to win it and it was a fascinating season with two teams on many points. Compared to last season, many more points were needed,” said the Coach after a 4-2 defeat to Inter.

“Juventus had a great campaign, so did we despite all of the problems we went through from injuries to incidents. I thank the lads for the work they did this year and next term we’ll be here fighting again.

“It’s difficult to say what Milan lacked compared to last year. We did make mistakes that forced a heavy price, including tonight when we were close to going 3-2 up and instead went 3-2 down.

“We played pretty well tonight and did all we could to bring home the result, but this is football. Last season Samuel Eto’o missed an open goal from point-blank range in an important moment of the game and we won 3-0.

“We lost Daniele Bonera after 10 minutes, Christian Abbiati had a thigh strain, we had to end the match with Mattia De Sciglio limping on a swollen ankle. It’s just one of those years.

“I don’t think there is a gap from Juventus, as these teams are on the same level and it will be interesting to see how they fare next season when they have to deal with the Champions League.

“We have some players reaching the end of their contracts and must evaluate with the club what we will do to reinforce the squad.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Marotta: 'Juve's 30th Scudetto'

May 6, 2012

Director general Beppe Marotta makes it perfectly clear Juventus consider this to be “our 30th Scudetto” regardless of Calciopoli.

The Bianconeri are technically on 28 now after their 2-0 win over Cagliari and Milan’s derby defeat, as the 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles were stripped in the Calciopoli trial.

“It is our 30th Scudetto. We have 30 on all the champagne bottles and we have won 30 titles,” said Marotta.

“There was a lot of hard work from the whole club, but we absolutely deserved this. Our added value is Antonio Conte.

“As a club we started a new journey last year and this season earned the tricolor.”

Marotta was asked about Alessandro Del Piero, who will not have his contract renewed this summer.

“Alessandro is celebrating with his teammates and I don’t want to think about anything else.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Buffon: 'Greatest day of my life'

May 6, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon admits the Lecce howler left a mark, but he is celebrating this Scudetto thinking of Calciopoli and those who went into Serie B with Juventus.

“It’s pointless saying that error didn’t weigh on me or leave a mark. More than anything else, I was afraid I’d be responsible for someone getting tense or afraid in the final sprint. This is why I had a very bad time the last three days.

“They were the three most horrible days of my sporting existence. I was afraid I had thrown away the title with my own mistake. I felt a great sense of responsibility.

“So tonight, without doubt after the World Cup, this is the greatest joy of my sporting life. Finally it can give a sense to the phrase that hard work pays off. I always thought it was 20 per cent true and 80 per cent rhetoric, but now I think it’s 80 per cent true.

“I thought of many people in these moments and there are many dedications to make, first of all to Alessandro Del Piero, as finally we were able to celebrate together again. I also thought back to Camoranesi, Trezeguet and Nedved, who also deserved to be protagonists on this night. I thank my family for standing by me throughout and guiding me to the right decisions.

“At the end perhaps I was the one who had the most offers, but when winning a World Cup and going down into Serie B straight away, it’s never easy. I think the only reason we did it was our love for the club, sense of belonging at Juve, respect for the fans and friendship between us.

“I suffered a great deal, as six years are a long time, but it was worth the wait.”

This is the first post-Calciopoli Scudetto and Juventus consider it to be their 30th, although officially it is the 28th.

“The issue of how many titles we have has been going for a long time and will probably never end. I really thank the Inter lads for their efforts tonight and I sent a few messages to Javier Zanetti saying I had faith in him! He’s a good friend.

“I won five titles on the field, then they put three on my CV, but there’s not much I can do about it. I can only say what I experienced and celebrated at the time.”

“I can reveal something now. The day after the presentation of the Juventus Stadium I went to see some people who gravitate around us and told him we’re winning the Scudetto. I said the same to some of the Milan lads when we were on international duty and they laughed in my face. I didn’t take that well!

“The truth is that in August I was really struck by the new stadium, as it gave me huge motivation and refreshed me. I realised that day I belonged to a club that had made history, so we could not afford to stay on the level of the previous two years.

“I said in August I rediscovered the dream and when that happens, it’s trouble for everyone else!”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Bonucci: 'Juve are back!'

May 6, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci was exhilarated by the Scudetto celebrations. “This is our 30th title and Juventus are back!”

The defender received a lot of criticism from the fans and media this season, but provided the assist for Mirko Vucinic in tonight’s 2-0 win over Cagliari.

“It looked like an Andrea Pirlo pass, didn’t it? But it was Bonucci!” he grinned after what seemed to be quite a lot of celebratory champagne.

“It’s wonderful and an astounding sensation. This is marvellous and the Scudetto was earned by real Juventini.

“When everyone said we were done for, we fought and won for the fans. We conquered the Scudetto in the games that counted and also proved this 30th title was deserved. Juventus are back!

“On the field Juve won 30 titles, then we can leave the rest because I am only interested in what happens on the pitch.

“We are celebrating in the locker room with champagne. Winning a Scudetto at the age of 25 is wonderful. I have grown so much and have to thank Antonio Conte for the help he has given me as a player.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Del Piero: 'A special flavour'

May 6, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero admits this Scudetto “has a special flavour for what happened in 2006” and his final year at Juventus.

“I start every year to win. Sometimes it doesn’t happen – recently a lot – but this repays us with a very special flavour for what happened in 2006,” said the captain.

“My experience here has been wonderful, with great happiness and enthusiasm, embracing my teammates tonight and in all the games whether I played or not. It was a little strange, but right now I only want to smile.

“In a few days we face the Coppa Italia Final, then there will be the time and the place to talk about the rest.”

Del Piero was one of the veterans who accepted the drop down into Serie B in 2006 after Calciopoli.

“I remember everything from our Serie B season, which was wonderful for me and the others who experienced it, even if it started out as traumatic. This is why for me and the others like Gigi Buffon, Claudio Marchisio, etc. who were there have a very special sensation with this title.

“I lived this season to the full and will celebrate it completely. The important thing is to win, so whether it is as a protagonist or not makes little difference. Of course I can say that now as a winner tonight!”

Del Piero was one of the players who was able to give a fairly sober interview after the champagne.

“I have a little experience in these things,” he smiled.

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Vucinic: 'It's a dream'

May 6, 2012

Mirko Vucinic scored the decisive goal for the Scudetto, but admits he can’t even remember it. “It’s like being in a dream state.”

The ex-Roma striker netted in the 2-0 victory away to Cagliari that handed Juventus the title.

“It’s indescribable. I went close with Roma, but to be here is extraordinary and a dream come true. I barely even remember scoring the goal! It’s like being in a dream state.

“Were we a little nervous that we were losing it? A bit, but we did well to hide it! We’re good actors as well as players.

“In my first year in Turin I won the Scudetto. It’s not something that happens to everyone. I tried to give my all, which sometimes I managed and others I didn’t, but always felt the Coach had faith in me.

“When I was contacted to come here the Coach was crucial.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

No Scudetto revenge for Pirlo

May 7, 2012

Andrea Pirlo didn’t have revenge on his mind when Juventus pipped former club Milan to the Scudetto on Sunday night.

The Old Lady were crowned champions following their 2-0 win against Cagliari, while the Rossoneri lost the derby 4-2 to Inter.

“There’s no revenge,” said the playmaker who left the Diavolo in the summer on a Bosman after they opted against offering him a new contract.

“I left Milan because I needed new motivation. I chose Juventus and their project to win and I’ve been able to do that immediately.

“I was convinced that I was still No 1 and I think I’ve shown that.”

The Italian international has played a key role in the club’s Scudetto success after boss Antonio Conte changed his system to accommodate his skills.

“I always played my part, I was in good shape all season and I had a desire to win,” he added.

“It was a deserved Scudetto and one that we wanted from the very start. There was no revenge in my mind.”

Pirlo was being written off by some at the start of the season, but the 32-year-old responded with three goals and numerous assists in his 36 League games to date.

“I hope to play for a few more years yet,” he said when asked about a possible heir. “I’m still enjoying myself and I have great desire.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Chiellini targets more glory

May 7, 2012

Winning the Scudetto is only the first of four objectives for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini this season.

The centre-back celebrated the title with his teammates last night after the 2-0 win against Cagliari, but he’s underlined that the season isn’t over.

“We’ll celebrate and then have a few days off,” stated the stopper. “However, we want to finish the season unbeaten, we want to win the Coppa Italia and then the European Championship with Italy.”

Juve will face Atalanta in their last League game next weekend, before the Italian Cup Final against Napoli.

“All of the squad did well this season,” continued the former Fiorentina man when asked about Juve’s defensive strength this term.

“If we concede few goals then that is down to the work of the whole team. After years of sacrifices this victory rewards us for our efforts.”

Juve have conceded just 19 goals in 37 League games so far.

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Nedved: Juve deserve Lo Scudetto

May 7, 2012

There are no doubts that Juventus deserved to win the Italian Championship this season, says club legend and current director Pavel Nedved.

The Czech won two Serie A titles as a player in Turin, as well as the two stripped Calciopoli Scudetti, before taking a job behind a desk.

“It’s a lot worse fighting for the title as a director than it is as a player,” noted the 2003 Golden Ball winner. “You suffer a lot more in the stands than on the pitch.

“I don’t think we deserved to win the Scudetto, we thoroughly deserved it,” he added. “The team played the best football and rightly triumphed.

“The squad and the club work as a team and we’ve returned to victory as a team.”

Juve finished the last two campaigns in seventh, but the Scudetto was always the target at the start of term.

“We believed in our chances because we played good football,” continued the former midfielder.

“The future? We have a team that has won the title, a side that is already strong and now we’ll see as to what needs improving.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Matri hails Pirlo impact

May 7, 2012

Alessandro Matri has hailed Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo as the architect behind their Scudetto success this season.

Pirlo joined the Old Lady on a free transfer from Milan in the summer and he’s been in charge of the side’s remote control.

“We had our reference point in midfield and that was Pirlo,” stated the former Cagliari centre-forward.

“He deserves the credit because, like our other champions, he was able to make the difference for us this season.

“Then there were the other squad members who gave their contribution to this victory.”

Matri, who returned to the starting line-up last night in the 2-0 win against Cagliari, is Juve’s top scorer in the League this season with 10 goals in 31 League games.

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Quagliarella has title dedication

May 7, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella has dedicated Juventus’ Scudetto victory to his family for the support they offered him during his injury nightmare.

The Italian international missed the first six months of 2011 after rupturing knee ligaments in a January defeat to Parma.

The former Napoli player returned to action at the start of this season and has contributed four goals to Juve’s League success.

“This is my first Scudetto and it is an incredible feeling,” stated the forward. “We are still unbeaten this term and that is incredible.

“My thoughts go to my family who all stayed so close to me during those difficult moments that I had with injury. I share this joy with them.”

Quagliarella then hailed boss Antonio Conte, the man who in his first full Serie A season has masterminded Scudetto glory.

“Conte, from the very start, gave us all faith and he always motivated us so that we offered our best,” the 28-year-old continued.

“We all rowed in the same direction and the results rewarded us for the hard work and sacrifices.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Beware Europe, warns Marchisio

May 7, 2012

Claudio Marchisio insists that Juventus will only get better once they return to the Champions League next season.

The Old Lady will again be fighting for the European Cup after they won the Scudetto last night following their win over Cagliari and Milan’s loss to Inter.

“Coach Antonio Conte was the architect of this victory and he gave this squad an identity,” the 26-year-old noted.

“We are a great squad, a team that is growing and we’ll improve even more next season when we are back in Europe.”

This season’s triumph is Marchisio’s first Scudetto, a player who grew up in the club’s youth system and played a part in their 2006-07 Serie B campaign following Calciopoli demotion.

“I’ve been waiting for this Scudetto since I first arrived in the first team and especially after our suffering over the last two seasons,” added the Italian international.

“We’ve had a great campaign.”

The midfielder has scored nine goals in 36 League games for the Old Lady so far this term.

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

Cruyff likes Juve’s winning style

May 7, 2012

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has praised the way that Juventus went about winning the Scudetto this season.

The former Barcelona star has criticised Italian football in the past for being too cautious, but he’s been impressed by Antonio Conte’s Old Lady.

“Juve play some good football,” he stated at a golf event in Turin. “They are attacking and entertaining. Winning is not the only thing that counts, playing well does too.

“They’ve come a long way since 2006 [serie B demotion] and this victory is the right reward for their efforts.

“Do they play like Barcelona? It’s hard to say, but they certainly entertain the fans.”

Cruyff was also asked for his opinion on playmaker Andrea Pirlo – a player he has previously hailed – and Alex Del Piero.

“Pirlo is a great, the ball does what he wants, and he could also play for Barcelona,” added the 65-year-old.

“Del Piero, like Gigi Buffon, has Juventus in him. He went down to Serie B with them and then returned. It’s hard to explain what he represents for the club.”

The club captain will leave Turin next month after the club ruled out an extension for the No 10.

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

[Socrates 8328]

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

AC Milan's Abate: Juventus deserve Serie A title

The Italy international has admitted that the Bianconeri are the worthy champions

this term following Sunday evening's results as he played down Sulley Muntari's ghost-goal.

May 7, 2012

Ignazio Abate feels that AC Milan's 4-2 derby loss to Inter on Sunday evening summed up the Rossoneri's injury-plagued season, and admitted that Juventusare the deserved champions following their impressive unbeaten Serie A run.

The Turin side beat Cagliari 2-0 at the weekend to move four points clear of Milan with only one more game to go, and Abate has already congratulated his former team-mate Andrea Pirlo with his league victory.

"The game against Inter perfectly reflected our season: two muscle injuries within the space of 20 minutes," Abate mused to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"I have already sent Pirlo a text message. They deserve the Scudetto as they haven't lost once in 37 games," he added.

Abate then dodged the question of a controversial refereeing decision that Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri and CEO Adriano Galliani believe played a key role in Juve's title win.

"Muntari's ghost-goal? A lot of dubious decisions happen throughout the season, but in the end you can only compliment those who come out victorious."

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Redemption starts here: Juventus' Scudetto success ends

years of hurt, but could be just the beginning

The Bianconeri's wonderful season has taken them back to the top of Italian football,

but now they must kick on to regain their place as the dominant club of calcio.

May 7, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

As Turin wakes up to the kind of morning-after feeling nobody in the city has experienced for the past six years, it does so without the doubt and suspicion surrounding the last such celebration. For this time around there is no denying that Juventus are the worthy champions of Italy, with a season of exhilarating and dominant football rightly rewarded with the Serie A title.

Last summer was a period of new hope around Vinovo, with the inauguration of the new Juventus Stadium and the return of midfield legend Antonio Conte as coach allowing Bianconeri supporters to finally buy into a justifiable belief that the club could regain a Champions League berth after two seasons of failure.

The Scudetto, however, was rarely touted as a realistic target, with Conte himself still expressing deep into the second half of the campaign that it was third place that his troops needed to aim for first and foremost.

But there has been a very different feeling about Juventus this term, right from the opening day. Due to the players’ strike in August, the club’s campaign got off to its right and proper start, with the chance to welcome in their season and their new home venue on the same day.

The 4-1 win over Parma was notable for Juve playing with the kind of swagger few had seen in them for some time, but the whole of Italy would soon get used to. With Stephan Lichtsteiner grabbing the first competitive goal in the new surroundings, the last three goals came from midfield. That also would prove to be a running theme in their eventual title win.

Suggestions that it was simply the buoyant mood supplied by a fresh beginning with the sun on their backs was expunged in early October when reigning champions AC Milan came to town. The Rossoneri were dominated from start to finish, and quite how it took Juve so long to open the scoring remains a mystery. There were elements of fortune about both of Claudio Marchisio’s late goals, but they had earned all of that luck and then some. It was the first truly great night in the Old Lady’s new home.

New coach, new style | Conte had Juve imposing themselves on the opposition

Marchisio was earning early rave reviews for his regular contributions in front of goal, which would later include the winner in the San Siro leg of the Derby d’Italia with Inter, but he was just part of a midfield which was quickly becoming the focal point for Juve’s attacking machine.

With summer Bosman signing Andrea Pirlo’s creativity and Arturo Vidal’s magnificent engine also patrolling the centre, the trio were able to protect the defence and supply the forwards and wingers in equal measure.

The metronomic Pirlo was a particular symbol of their success, adding to the Juve ranks exactly what appeared to be missing from the Milan side he left behind. He had looked a shadow of his former self in his later years with the Rossoneri, but any talk that he was finished was quickly shot down once he donned the black and white stripes for the first time.

Having avoided defeat heading to the end of November, they finally appeared beaten when trailing 3-1 to a confident Napoli at the San Paolo. With a vital Champions League win over Manchester City having been recorded just a week before, the Partenopei looked set to claim a huge domestic scalp too, but Juve’s ability to keep asking questions of wanton back lines saw them through once more. Marcelo Estigarribia and Simone Pepe both found the net to preserve the unblemished record, and one of the most difficult hurdles of the season had been overcome.

The equaliser had been Pepe’s third goal in successive fixtures. To the delight of Juventini, and the surprise of much of the country, the former Udinese man was the embodiment of the new Juve way. Without the flair or pace of Milos Krasic, he instead used his sheer determination to overcome his technical shortcomings to such an extent that he was becoming a key member of the side. Meanwhile, just a year on from having exploded onto the Serie A scene, the Serb was left picking splinters on the bench.

As 2011 became 2012, Conte continued to mix things up. Having started the season playing in his tried and trusted 4-2-4 formation only to switch to a 4-3-3 to accommodate his trio of dominant midfielders, the coach changed shape once more in a bid to give all three of his centre-backs a starting shirt without having to use Giorgio Chiellini as a left-back. Far from having only one string to his bow, Conte was proving he could play a number of instruments when necessary.

The main concern at this stage was the lack of goals. At one point, Juventus had had around 100 shots more than any other team in Italy, yet ranked only seventh when it came to finding the net. With Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic trusted for much of the first half of the season, Fabio Quagliarella was left out for almost four months before finally being given a start, while for Alessandro Del Piero it was turning into a campaign to forget. Rarely used and seemingly unwanted, the club legend’s departure at the end of term was confirmed by club president Andrea Agnelli.

The announcement was hidden amongst good news, with Juve fans informed at a time when the club was flying high at the top of the table and the mood in the camp good. However, left catching up games due to the arctic Italian winter, the Old Lady recorded six draws in seven matches in February and March to undermine their push for silverware. Their first really notable injury worries had seen Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli miss successive games and resulted in Vidal dropping into a makeshift back four alongside Leonardo Bonucci.

By the time they were back to full strength, they remained unbowed, yet had now chalked up only 13 wins against 14 draws. There seemed no obvious end to the profligacy that had blighted them in front of goal all season, but then something clicked. Away to Fiorentina, there was a new hope, with the Viola left battered and bruised by five goals from five different scorers. It was the first time they’d racked up more than three since the opening day win over Parma, and the same emotions flooded back. This time they would ride them long enough to take them on a Scudetto march while a battered and bruised Milan foundered.

Inter were beaten for a second time after Conte changed shape midway through the game. Del Piero was suddenly deemed important again, and sure enough it was his introduction that sparked the 2-0 win, with his first league goal at Juventus Stadium crowning the evening. He would add another, altogether more important, strike weeks later when firing home a stunning 82nd-minute free kick winner against Lazio. With that goal, the Bianconeri were back at the top of the table, and they would never again be deposed as leaders. The dispassionate destruction of Roma was the sign that it was over, and despite the Lecce slip-up, Novara and Cagliari were mere formalities.

JUVE'S NEAR-FAULTLESS RUN-IN

But that is not where the Juventus story ends. For this is still that great club which had racked up almost as many titles as Milan and Inter combined up to 2006, and as such they just don’t do one-year wonders. With the return to the top comes the rebirth of great expectations … if they ever really went away.

The next stop is the Champions League, with the Turin side having only previously conquered Europe twice to this point. In a modern game in which such huge emphasis is put on achievement on the continent, a third and perhaps even fourth success should be the aim in order to take the great Juventus name back to the very top of the football reckoning.

To do that there is a need for evolution. The term “never change a winning side” never seemed so foolhardy. With the extra demands of European football next term comes the need for extra resources, but most importantly, extra quality. If the squad is not injected with big-game players this summer, the work of the past 12 months could well be wasted. The current first team is young enough, but needs to also become good enough.

Make no mistake about it, this season has been a huge success story, providing the denouement to six years of strife the like of which no football giant has ever known. However, this is not a time for self-congratulation, rather it is a point from which Juventus can become Juventus again.

The Bianconeri faithful live and breathe dominance, and it is now the job of Agnelli, Giuseppe Marotta, Fabio Paratici and Conte to ensure that this is not the full story. If the post-Calciopoli tale is told in years to come by a budding Stieg Larsson figure, 2011-12 must represent the Old Lady with the Dragon Tattoo, not she who kicked the hornet’s nest.

No, this has to be the first part of the trilogy. Next comes domestic domination, then finally European glory. The club craves silverware, and the fans need it too. Success is in the black and white blood, and that is one thing the last half-decade has not changed one iota.

Redemption starts here.

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Cartoon of the Day: Juventus emerge

from dark days of 2006 to win Serie A title

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

May 7, 2012

Juventus finally secured the Serie A title on Sunday with a victory over Cagliari, as AC Milan stuttered to defeat against rivals Inter.

The championship is the Turin side's first since their demotion to Serie B in 2006, owing to their involvement in the Calciopoli scandal.

It has been a long road back for the Old Lady, who can finally claim to be among Italy's finest once again, if they manage to avoid defeat in their final game of the season, they will have gone the entire league season unbeaten.

Juventus emerge from dark days of 2006

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