Juventus Season 2011-2012

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Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Alessandro Del Piero hails Francesco Totti

The Bianconeri legend has voiced his admiration for the Giallorossi icon, and is eagerly

anticipating Tuesday's Coppa Italia game quarter-final against Luis Enrique's men.

Jan 23, 2012

Juventus veteran Alessandro Del Piero has taken the time to praise Francesco Totti in the wake of the Roma captain's brace against Cesena last weekend.

Totti broke former AC Milan attacker Gunnar Nordahl’s all-time record of 210 league goals with a single Italian club following his double on Saturday, and Del Piero feels the Roma legend fully deserves his record.

"What Francesco has done is extraordinary, 211 goals with the same shirt, he deserves the record," Del Piero said at a press conference.

The Juve icon then looked ahead to Tuesday's Coppa Italia encounter, and expects a tight game versus the Giallorossi.

"We expect an important commitment in the Italian Cup against Roma. We all want to do well and to give our maximum because it's an important objective for us."

Tuesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final kicks off at 20.45CET.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Borriello: No Roma vengeance

Jan 24, 2012

Juventus striker Marco Borriello insists that revenge won’t be on his mind when he faces Roma in the Coppa Italia.

The centre-forward is being tipped to start tonight’s quarter-final game at the Juventus Stadium – just weeks after leaving the capital club on a loan deal.

“I’m not after revenge against Roma,” the Italian told the Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday. “However, I do want to be confirmed in Bianconero.

“I won’t fail to take up this opportunity because I want to demonstrate to everyone that I deserve to wear this shirt.

“I’ll look to convince everyone here over the next five months that I am a player that they can count on.”

Borriello, 29, has struggled for action so far this season after Luis Enrique was appointed as the new boss of Roma.

Under the Spaniard, the former Milan man only made seven League appearances. He’s made one substitute appearance for the Old Lady so far.

Borriello hasn’t scored for 247 days.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Antonio Conte wary of Roma threat

ahead of Coppa Italia quarter-final

The Bianconeri coach expects a difficult match, but is eager to go far in the Italian cup.

He added that he is likely to make changes to his regular starting XI.

Jan 24, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte is full of respect for Roma ahead of Tuesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final in Turin.

The Bianconeri trainer feels that his colleague Luis Enrique is doing a great job at the Giallorossi, but has nonetheless set his sights on progressing to the next round.

"Roma are doing very well. They have their own identity and a precise idea of how they want to play. Luis Enrique’s doing an excellent job," Conte said at his pre-match press conference.

"Nevertheless, we will give our all in the Coppa. It’s a competition in which we want to go far. We’ll give our utmost to get through to the next round, whilst remaining aware of the difficulties that could lie ahead."

Conte then went on to state that he will make a number of changes to his starting line-up compared to last weekend's 2-0 league win over Atalanta.

"We’ll definitely change certain things around. Both due to the injury situation and to give an opportunity to those who have played less. So we’ll look to do what we possibly can."

Tuesday's Coppa Italia encounter kicks off at 20.45 CET.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Goals to flow between Juventus & Roma

In form tipster Phil Kitromilides now has five winners in a row

and he is backing goals between Juventus and Roma, plus a 15/2 first goal scorer tip.

Jan 24, 2012

On paper this would seem a difficult match for punters to invest in as it pits a Juventus team, unbeaten all season playing at home, against an in form Roma side who have won their last five matches including and scoring 15 goals in the process.

A case could in theory be made for backing either side to win, with Juve priced at a an appealing price of 10/11 (1.91) and Roma available at a tempting 3/1 (4.00) while the draw is available at 12/5 (3.4).

It is perhaps too difficult to call so instead delve into the goals market which could be a more profitable not to mention more comfortable investment.

Roma have only failed to score twice in their last seventeen matches, while Juve have scored in every game they have played at home this season.

In a one-off cup tie both teams will look to progress and play attacking football, especially as there can be no holding back for a second leg.

Roma have been on a decent scoring streak recently netting fifteen goals in their last five games, while Juve have only failed to score once in their last fourteen matches and that was at Udinese who have a formidable defensive record at home. The bet of the day then has to be for both teams to score priced at an inviting 4/5 (1.80).

While that market is definitely worth an investment, punters looking for some longer odds for this game could consider Francesco Totti to open the scoring.

With four goals in the three games since the turn of the year the veteran has recaptured his scoring touch and at 15/2 (8.50) to break the deadlock on Tuesday night he represents a decent value bet.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Juve record spurs on Roma

Jan 24, 2012

Roma boss Luis Enrique has made it clear that his side are eager to end Juventus’ unbeaten start to the season in the Coppa Italia tomorrow.

The two teams meet at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday and the Spaniard insists that the chance to beat the Old Lady is a massive motivating factor.

“It will be stimulating for us to take on a team who still haven’t been defeated this season,” the tactician stated on Monday.

“The League table shows that they have been consistent and we have not. At the beginning of the season we struggled.

“The Bianconeri showed in the League game here that they are winners. They came to Rome and played their game, we’ll have to do the same tomorrow in Turin.”

Roma started the season in problematic shape, but they’ve found some form at last having won their last four completed games in Serie A.

“We go into this game in good shape,” the former Barcelona B tactician continued.

“I think it’ll be a great match even if it will be difficult as they are unbeaten. We’ll play on the attack with intensity. We’ll just have to see what happens.

“It was tough at the start, but fortunately things improved. Now I’m starting to see a lot of things that I like.

“There has been a change of mentality. The results took a while to arrive, but they are here now. We’ll see if we can maintain this level. In 19 games, clubs will finish where they deserve.”

The Giallorossi are expected to be without Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo in the quarter-final tie on Tuesday.

Roma (probable): Stekelenburg; Rosi, Juan, Heinze, Taddei; Simplicio, Gago, Pjanic; Totti; Lamela, Borini.

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Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Conte to make Coppa changes

Jan 24, 2012

Antonio Conte has admitted that he’ll make alterations to his preferred starting XI in Juventus’ Coppa Italia tie against Roma.

Conte has rarely changed his line-up in Serie A since striking on a winning formula, but he will shake things up against the Giallorossi on Tuesday.

“We’ll certainly change something because of injuries, but also to give a chance to the players who have always been at our disposal since the beginning of the season,” he stated.

“We’ll aim to give an opportunity to those who deserve to play and those who already impressed against Bologna in the last round.”

Juventus will definitely be without Claudio Marchisio after the Italian international picked up a knee problem at Atalanta.

“I hope that Claudio recovers quickly. I need to replace him with someone of similar characteristics and Emanuele Giaccherini comes close in terms of quantity, quality and his ability to break from deep.

“There is also Luca Marrone who is growing a lot and who can replace Pirlo. Luca can play in all three midfield roles, Giaccherini can cover two because he obviously can’t be used as a deep playmaker.”

Roma are in a good spell of form and Conte has respect for the Stadio Olimpico outfit – even if he’s keen for a spot in the semi-finals.

“It’s a quarter-final game and we shouldn’t forget that Roma knocked us out at home last season. We’ll look to get through against a team who is doing really well.

“When we faced Roma in the League I already stated that I had been impressed by the work of Luis Enrique.

“They are a team who now have a more precise identity and an idea of how football should be played.”

Conte, meanwhile, confirmed that Dutch international Eljero Elia probably wouldn’t be available because of injury.

“The doctor has told me that Elia can’t play because he’s picked up a knee problem.

“I’ve spoken with Elia – he’s struggled to adapt which is understandable given that he has come from a foreign League and he doesn’t speak the language.

“A lot of players in the past have had similar issues like Platini or Zidane. I myself was in a coma for a year before I settled in the world of Juve…”

Elia, 24, cost €9m from Hamburg in the summer but he’s played just two games in Serie A for a total of 58 minutes.

Juventus (possible): Storari; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Ceglie; Pirlo, Vidal, Giaccherini; Krasic, Borriello, Del Piero.

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Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Line-ups

Jan 24, 2012

Marco Borriello starts with Alex Del Piero as Juventus welcome his old club Roma in tonight’s Coppa Italia quarter-final.

The teams go head-to-head at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, kick-off at 19.45 UK time, in this one-off game.

Borriello moved to the Bianconeri on loan at the start of January and makes his first start against his former teammates, joined by Del Piero.

Antonio Conte adopts a 4-4-2 system to counter Luis Enrique’s 4-3-3. Andrea Pirlo does play with Emanuele Giaccherini and Marcelo Estigarribia, although Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe are out injured.

Roma are without Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Daniele De Rossi, but rotate the squad much less than Juventus have.

Fernando Gago and Fabio Simplicio take over in midfield, while Bojan Krkic is given the nod to complete the trident with Francesco Totti and Erik Lamela.

Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Estigarribia, Marrone, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Del Piero, Borriello

Juventus bench: Manninger, De Ceglie, Vidal, Pazienza, Krasic, Quagliarella

Roma: Stekelenburg; Taddei, Kjaer, Heinze, Jose Angel; Simplicio, Gago, Pjanic; Lamela, Totti, Bojan

Roma bench: Lobont, Rosi, Juan, Viviani, Perrotta, Greco, Borini

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

HT: Classic Del Piero stuns Roma

Jan 24, 2012

Juventus are leading Roma 2-0 at the break in the Coppa Italia thanks to Emanuele Giaccherini and a truly classic Alessandro Del Piero stunner.

Neither side is in Europe this season, but Serie A Winter Champions Juve still opted to rotate the squad for this quarter-final. Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio were out injured, so Alessandro Del Piero and former Roma striker Borriello started. The Giallorossi missed Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

It took just six minutes to break the deadlock, as Emanuele Giaccherini sprung the offside trap through the middle from a searching Andrea Barzagli pass and kept his cool to place an angled drive over the on-rushing Maarten Stekelenburg.

Marco Storari did well to rush off his line and smother at Miralem Pjanic’s feet when sent clear by Erik Lamela, while Simon Kjaer’s header was over the bar.

Del Piero doubled their lead with a simply stunning goal, which used to be called ‘alla Del Piero.’ It was in his style, bursting forward, cutting back past his marker to find space on the edge of the box and curling an unstoppable right-foot shot into the far top corner. The strike came just a day after the Juve captain was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oscars del Calcio.

Fernando Gago unleashed a long-range effort that Storari beat away with some difficulty, but Marcelo Estigarribia fired on to the side-netting when sent clear on goal by Marrone’s cross-field pass.

At the other end, a Pjanic free kick skimmed the upright to Storari’s right.

Juventus 2-0 Roma (Half-Time)

Scorers: Giaccherini 6 (J), Del Piero 30 (J)

Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Estigarribia, Marrone, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Del Piero, Borriello

Roma: Stekelenburg; Taddei, Kjaer, Heinze, Jose Angel; Simplicio, Gago, Pjanic; Lamela, Totti, Bojan

Ref: Banti

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Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Del Piero classic the highlight as league leaders

advance to Coppa Italia semis

Antonio Conte's men secured safe passage through the quarter-finals with a comfortable victory

against 10-man Giallorossi, and now face either AC Milan or Lazio in the last four.

Jan 24, 2012

Juventus secured a spot in the Coppa Italia semi-finals with a 3-0 victory over 10-man Roma at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

First half goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Alessandro Del Piero put the hosts on easy street, while a second-half red card for Erik Lamela and a late Simon Kjaer own goal eventually ensured that Antonio Conte's men would progress with the minimum of fuss.

The result now sets up a mouth-watering, two-legged semi-final clash between the Bianconeri and the winner of the AC Milan versus Lazio tie, which is set to be played this coming Thursday.

Despite controlling possession for the opening five minutes, Roma were taught a lesson in penetrative football when the hosts took the lead against the run of play in the sixth minute.

Central defender Andrea Barzagli dissected the Giallorossi defence with a 40-yard pass which bypassed Kjaer and released Giaccherini, who made no mistake, slotting across the haplessly exposed Maarten Stekelenburg from 10 yards to fire Juventus ahead.

The goal rocked Roma, and after a shaky period in which Del Piero went close to adding a second with a left-footed strike which finished narrowly wide of the upright, they eventually composed themselves and began to knock the ball about in the manner coach Luis Enrique demands.

However, the extent of their passing game seemed to entail passing back and forth in unthreatening areas, particularly along the back line, before eventually launching an aimless long ball forward - with Fabio Simplicio the main culprit - in the face of relentless Juve pressing.

The Old Lady, meanwhile, were looking threatening on the counterattack, and punished Roma for a second time with a classic route-one goal on the half hour.

Goalkeeper Marco Storari’s no-nonsense punt found Marco Borriello, who held off Kjaer’s half-hearted challenge and headed down to Del Piero.

The 37-year-old strode forward and attempted to prod the ball to his strike partner only for it to come straight back to him off Rodrigo Taddei. But he made no mistake second time around, curling a sublime shot across Stekelenburg and into the net via the crossbar to double his side’s advantage.

Fernando Gago forced a smart save from Storari in the 37th minute with a dipping strike from 35 yards. Then, seven minutes later, the Juve custodian was forced to scramble across his goal to try to stop a thunderous Miralem Pjanic free kick. But to his and Juventus’ relief, the effort crashed into the advertising boards behind the goal rather than the net.

Roma finished the first half in the ascendancy, but took until the 54th minute to test Storari again when Taddei forced him to punch clear with a wicked, swerving shot from distance.

But any hope of an unlikely comeback fell by the wayside in the 68th minute when Lamela was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Giorgio Chiellini in an off-the-ball incident.

Substitute Fabio Quagliarella should have wrapped things up 12 minutes from the end, but side-footed against the crossbar with the goal gaping.

However, he made amends for the miss in the final minute by fizzing over a teasing, low cross which Kjaer only succeeded in forcing past Stekelenburg and into his own net to round off a miserable evening for Roma.

The Bianconeri now turn their attention back to Serie A and title rivals Udinese, who they host on Saturday evening. The Giallorossi, meanwhile, will salve their wounds before welcoming Bologna to Rome the following day.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Coppa: Juve crush Roma

Jan 24, 2012

Juventus swept Roma aside 3-0 in the Coppa Italia quarter-final with a trademark old-fashioned Alessandro Del Piero strike, but Erik Lamela saw red.

The Bianconeri now progress in the competition and will face the winners of Milan-Lazio in the semi-final.

Neither side is in Europe this season, but Serie A Winter Champions Juve still opted to rotate the squad. Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio were out injured, so Del Piero and former Roma striker Borriello started. The Giallorossi missed Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

It took just six minutes to break the deadlock, as Emanuele Giaccherini sprung the offside trap through the middle from a searching Andrea Barzagli pass and kept his cool to place an angled drive over the on-rushing Maarten Stekelenburg.

Marco Storari did well to rush off his line and smother at Miralem Pjanic’s feet when sent clear by Erik Lamela, while Simon Kjaer’s header was over the bar.

Del Piero doubled their lead with a simply stunning goal, which used to be called ‘alla Del Piero.’ It was in his style, bursting forward, cutting back past his marker to find space on the edge of the box and curling an unstoppable right-foot shot into the far top corner. The strike came just a day after the Juve captain was given a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oscars del Calcio.

Fernando Gago unleashed a long-range effort that Storari beat away with some difficulty, but Marcelo Estigarribia fired on to the side-netting when sent clear on goal by Marrone’s cross-field pass.

At the other end, a Pjanic free kick skimmed the upright to Storari’s right. After the restart, Leonardo Bonucci deflected Rodrigo Taddei’s cross and risked an own goal and from that corner Lamela nodded wide.

A Taddei screamer stung Storari’s palms and pinged up into the air, while Estigarribia’s cross flashed through the six-yard box just inches from the forehead of Borriello.

Gago’s shot on the volley whizzed just past the post and Andrea Pirlo’s free kick hit the side-netting from an improbable angle.

The tension exploded on 68 minutes, as Giorgio Chiellini fell in an off the ball incident. The assistant spotted it and advised the referee to flash a straight red card at Lamela. Replays aren’t entirely clear, but seem to suggest the Argentine kicked out when both had tumbled over.

Roma went close with Totti’s backheel flick completing a one-two with Fabio Borini, but the substitute blasted over. Moments later Totti was substituted after receiving a yellow card for a high kick on Bonucci.

Simon Kjaer dived in to stop Alessandro Matri tapping in a Stephan Lichsteiner assist. Fabio Quagliarella made his comeback from surgery for a fractured cheekbone and within a minute had rattled the frame of the goal, as Matri pounced on a Taddei slip to send him through, but at full stretch he hit the bar.

Estigarribia’s angled drive flashed inches past the far post from a Quagliarella assist and Kjaer got back again to clear a Matri attempt off the line.

In the final minute Juventus made it 3-0, as Quagliarella sprung the offside trap and rolled across for Matri, but Kjaer’s attempt to intervene just turned into an own goal.

Juventus 3-0 Roma

Scorers: Giaccherini 6 (J), Del Piero 30 (J), Kjaer og 90 (J)

Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Estigarribia, Marrone, Pirlo, Giaccherini (Krasic 88); Del Piero (Quagliarella 77), Borriello (Matri 63)

Roma: Stekelenburg; Taddei, Kjaer, Heinze, Jose Angel; Simplicio (Greco 67), Gago, Pjanic; Lamela, Totti (Perrotta 72), Bojan (Borini 58)

Ref: Banti

Sent off: Lamela 68

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Second string Juve outclass full strength Roma

Jan 24, 2012

Juventus maintained their unbeaten record in all competitions this season as despite fielding a second string side they overwhelmed a full strength AS Roma 3-0 in their Italian Cup quarter-final on Tuesday.

Emanuele Giaccherini set them on their way in the sixth minute as the vertically challenged Italian international forward broke the offside trap to score his second goal in as many matches, having hit the back of the net against Atalanta on Saturday.

Veteran Juventus icon Alessandro Del Piero doubled their lead in the 30th minute, the 37-year-old unleashing an unstoppable shot into the left hand corner of Maarten Stekelenburg's goal.

Roma didn't improve their chances of a comeback when they were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute, Argentinian Erik Lamela being sent from the pitch after fouling Giaccherini right in front of the linesman.

Fabio Quagliarella set up Alessandro Matri for Juventus's third in the final minute of the match and set up a semi-final against the winners of Thursday's tie between AC Milan and Lazio.

The other semi-final will feature the winners of Wednesday's match-ups between Siena and Chievo and a repeat of last year's quarter-final between Napoli and holders Inter Milan.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Del Piero on target as Juve streak continues

Turin club maintain unbeaten record.

Jan 24, 2012

A sublime Alessandro Del Piero goal helped Juventus to a 3-0 Italian Cup quarter-final win over AS Roma on Tuesday and preserved the Turin club's unbeaten record in all competitions this season.

Del Piero stroked a delightful 20-metre shot into the roof of Roma's goal after half an hour following Emanuele Giaccherini's opener on six minutes, when an overhit pass found the striker in plenty of space and he kept his cool to score.

Roma's job was made tougher when Erik Lamela was sent off with just over 20 minutes remaining before Simon Kjaer's own goal late on, meaning nine-times winners Juventus will play either AC Milan or Lazio in the last four.

Veteran striker Del Piero is the first man to have scored in the Serie A leaders' last three stadiums. The Bianconeri inaugurated the Juventus Stadium in September having previously been at the Olimpico and the unpopular Stadio delle Alpi.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Player Ratings

Goal.com casts a studious eye over the performers at Juventus Stadium as a dominant performance

from the hosts sends them through to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia.

Jan 24, 2012

Juventus

Marco Storari 6.0 - Made one or two smart stops, but otherwise the reserve keeper was rarely taken outside of his comfort zone as the blunt Roma attack offered little in the way of a goal threat.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Played his part in the opening goal, as his long range through ball made its way into the penalty box for Giaccherini to score. Had Totti under his thumb whenever the two squared off, though he did concede a dangerous free kick and saw yellow with some less than retrained tackling.

Giorgio Chiellini 7.0 - Despite being shifted out to the left flank of defence, the Italian saw no drop in his level of performance and kept Lamela under lock and key. In fact, the red-card worthy reaction of the young Argentine was probably a direct result of Chiellini’s devotion to his task tonight.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Handed a starting role tonight, the centre-back was never given much trouble by what little the visitors had to offer offensively.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 7.5 - An energetic performance from the Swiss international, who needed no invitation to bomb forward and supplement the Juve attack down the flanks. Crucially, he did not allow himself to be caught out positionally in his own half of the field.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Relatively subdued outing for the veteran playmaker, who kept his passing tidy and accurate without ever really causing any Giallorossi hearts to flutter. Did his fair share of work in tracking back off the ball to boot.

Emanuele Giaccherini 7.0 - Opened the scoring early in the contest with a tidy finish into the corner, and gave a good account of himself thereafter, with some direct running and impressive link up play.

Luca Marrone 6.5 - Always available to support the attack out wide, though he sometimes lacked the dynamism needed to cause real danger.

Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 7.5 - Owned the left flank for Juventus as he was always able to peel away into space and beat his man out wide. His deliveries were sometimes deadly, though he did spurn two glorious chances when put through on goal. Picked up a silly yellow for kicking the ball away after a foul.

Alessandro Del Piero 8.0 - What he lacks in pace, he makes up for in class. The Juventus talisman illuminated a stagnating match on the half-hour mark, rolling back the years with a strike to the top corner of the highest quality for his 24th goal in the Coppa Italia. His first touch was as knee-weakening as ever, and his link up play from the pockets of space between the midfield and defence was at times a joy to behold. Bravo.

Marco Borriello 6.0 - Found himself drifting out wide too often and did not look overly comfortable in his time on the pitch. He did register an assist for the second goal with his header to Del Piero, but his overall showing was below par and he was replaced just past the hour mark.

• Substitutions

Milos Krasic 5.5 - Given two minutes on the field to stretch his legs and picked up a booking.

Alessandro Matri 6.0 - Came on with about half an hour to play and found himself on the end of a pair of good chances which he failed to convert. However, his presence helped force the own goal from Kjaer near the end.

Fabio Quagliarella 6.5 - Made a definitive impact in his short spell on the pitch, first sidefooting a great chance wide with his first touch before spending the rest of the match picking out his team-mates with some well-weighted passes.

Roma

Maarten Stekelenburg 6.0 - Could not be blamed for any of the goals tonight and produced a few fine saves. However, like any international keeper, he will be disappointed with letting three past him.

Gabriel Iván Heinze 5.0 - The veteran Argentine would want to move on from this game quickly, as he was pulled left and right by the flow of the Juventus attack. His lack of pace was glaring, as a few attempts to drift wide to cover his full backs almost ended in disaster.

Simon Kjaer 5.5 - The lone beacon of competence in an otherwise shambolic Roma back four. The Danish international constantly covered the slip ups of his teammates with some excellent interceptions and blocks. Went close at the other end of the pitch with a header from a corner. However, he was unfortunate to see Matri’s shot deflect off him for the last goal of the match.

Erik Lamela 4.0 - The antagonist of an unsavory off the ball incident, as he kicked out in frustration at Chiellini, for which he was shown a deserved red card. Truth be told, his dismissal was not a significant loss for the visitors as his prior general play had bordered on the anonymous.

Fernando Gago 5.0 - Tested Storari with an effort from distance late in the first-half, but otherwise his time was spent chasing shadows all over the pitch.

Fabio Henrique Simplicio 4.5 - A performance devoid of any inspiration, as he seemed afraid of moving the ball more than five yards forward. Despite his maddening passiveness, he still managed to give the ball away on numerous occasions.

Miralem Pjanic 5.5 - Struggled to get anything going in the centre of the park, and took out his frustration on Lichtsteiner with a wild challenge, for which he was duly booked. Flashed a long range free kick just wide.

Taddei 4.0 - Chaotic game for the Brazilian, as he was torn a new one by the directness of Estigarribia. Conceded the left flank to Juventus as he was always a move behind and a step too slow.

Bojan Krkic 4.5 - One could probably count the amount of touches the former Barcelona forward had on both hands. Simply dreadful, and how he lasted to the hour mark is anyone’s guess.

Francesco Totti 5.5 - The Giallorossi stalwart never got it going tonight, as he was well marshaled by collective efforts of the Juventus back four. Tried to initiate things in the second half with one or two hopeful through balls, but the lack of enterprise from his teammates made that task impossible.

• Substitutions

Leandro Greco 5.5 - Failed to stem Juve’s dominance, and never looked comfortable

Simone Perrotta 5.0 - Never got to grips with the game in his 18 minutes on the pitch

Fabio Borini 5.0 - His main contribution was to waste what was probably Roma’s best chance, skying the ball over the bar from a gilt-edged position.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Antonio Conte praises Juventus' Coppa Italia

squad after 3-0 win over Roma

The 42-year-old coach was pleased that the Bianconeri will progress in the competition

and hailed the commitment and focus of Giaccherini and Del Piero.

Jan 25, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte was understandably pleased with his side's performance in the 3-0 Coppa Italia victory against Roma on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri cruised to a comfortable win thanks to strikes from Emanuele Giaccherini and Alessandro Del Piero in the first-half and a late own-goal from Simon Kjaer.

The result allowed Juventus to take revenge on Roma after the Italian capital club had come out on top in previous years in the competition.

"We are doing well, we really wanted to go through in the tournament," he said after the game. "In the last years, Roma always knocked us out, but this time we defeated them.

"I am also happy because those who have not played as much this season proved they are ready and they deserve credit."

Conte then praised his side's scorers of the night, saying: "Giaccherini deserves my trust, some years ago he was in Serie C and thanks to his commitment he is living a fairytale.

"I am happy with Del Piero's goal, he was searching for it for a long time."

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Roma's Luis Enrique after 3-0 Coppa Italia defeat:

We were not inferior to Juventus

The Spanish coach lamented the mistakes which resulted in the Bianconeri's goals

but stressed that his side did not deserve such a heavy defeat.

Jan 25, 2012

Roma coach Luis Enrique has said that the scoreline in his side's 3-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Juventus on Tuesday night does not reflect what happened on the pitch.

The Italian capital club found themselves down 2-0 at half-time following goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Alessandro Del Piero, before Erik Lamela's sending off and Simon Kjaer's own-goal put the match to bed.

"We made some mistakes in their first goal, and in the second one Alessandro Del Piero had a great finish," Luis Enrique told Rai.

"The result is very hard on us, but we must continue to work because we are on the right track.

"We were not inferior to Juventus, but details make the difference. We made things harder for ourselves by allowing them to send through balls for the first two goals."

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Alessandro Del Piero delighted with first goal of the season

The illustrious attacker has expressed his happiness with his first strike of the 2011-12

campaign, and was pleased with the Old Lady's victory over Luis Enrique's men.

Jan 25, 2012

Juventus attacker Alessandro Del Piero has voiced his delight with his goal in Tuesday's 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final win over Roma.

Emanuele Giaccherini gifted Juventus an early lead before Del Piero doubled his side's lead at the half-hour mark, and the veteran attacker was over the moon with his side's first goal of the season.

"Not finding the target until today didn’t make me anxious, but I’ve shaken off a slight burden, because both myself and many fans had been waiting for this goal," Del Piero was quoted as saying on the Juventus website.

"It was also nice to score because the goal wasn’t just a moment, it came during a good performance, made up of plenty of movement and exchanges with team-mates.

"I wanted to play well, get through to the next round, and then score a goal. We’re all working towards the same objective with great commitment."

The 37-year-old has an expiring contract with Juventus and will either retire at the end of the season, or move elsewhere.

[Socrates 8403]

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (6')

Alessandro Del Piero (30')

Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Erik Lamela: Giorgio Chiellini provoked me

The Argentine attacker has defended himself in the wake of his red card on Tuesday,

but the Giallorossi are not amused with their forward's actions in the defeat.

Jan 25, 2012

Roma attacker Erik Lamela has defended himself in the wake of his red card in Tuesday's 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final loss away against Juventus.

The Argentine youngster received his marching orders in the 68th minute after kicking out at Giorgio Chiellini without the ball around, and Lamela has stressed that his action was a response to the Italy international's provocations.

"Chiellini provoked me," Lamela revealed to Il Corriere dello Sport. (Lamela, poor child)

Nevertheless, Roma director Franco Baldini was not amused with the attacker's behaviour, and has made it clear they will speak with Lamela about his dismissal.

"I didn't see what happened, but we will definitely talk with Erik about this. We can't have these kind of actions. This is not the behaviour we at Trigoria stand for," Baldini said.

The 19-year-old joined Roma from River Plate in the summer transfer window and has since become an important first team member.