Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Vucinic misses Udinese

Jan 27, 2012

Juventus face Udinese this weekend without Mirko Vucinic, but are able to call up Claudio Marchisio, Simone Pepe and Elijero Elia.

Vucinic, Marchisio and Pepe all sat out the Bianconeri’s midweek Coppa Italia victory over Roma, but where the latter two have shaken off knocks sustained last weekend at Atalanta, Vucinic’s continuing struggles with his left knee mean he misses the Udinese match on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Elia has been included in the squad after last week’s confusion over his fitness. The Dutchman missed the Atalanta fixture with Antonio Conte explaining that he had not trained for a majority of the preceding week, even as the player claimed via social networking site Twitter that he was fit to play.

Full squad to face Udinese:

1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 23 Borriello, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Krasic, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 34 Marrone

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Guidolin: “We’ll bring the will to amaze in Turin”

Jan 27, 2012

It is the eve of a big match at Udinese: in the match against Juventus Guidolin will have to take in consideration the number of absences among his players, but the aim is to do the best despite the line-up. “I don’t know if Isla is going to make it, he’s coming with us but we’ll wait until tomorrow. We have a few problems, we can’t pretend we don’t. But we have to face such a situation and be attentive and ready, giving the best we can. I’m sure my players will do so. Juve are strong, so it would be hard anyway. We hope to play a good match”.

How will you enter the Juventus Stadium? Do you aim at reaching them at the top? What is the secret of the squad?

“It will be my first time in the new stadium, everybody say it’s beautiful and gives an extra-boost to the squad. I think Juve are a modern club, they’ve made this step before others. It’s important for Italian football, the atmosphere is similar to the one in Northern Europe. A just comfort for the fans is fundamental. But they also have important qualities and determination, they remind me of the great Juventus coached by Lippi. Conte has managed to give the will to self-sacrifice to all the players. The group has 3-4 outstanding players, but they are all first-class ones: they are doing something that is admirable, but not surprising”.

Is it going to be a “free” match from a mental point of view?

“When a squad feels mentally “light” then it gets beaten. We’ll have to keep focused and use our qualities. Juve are tough, but we’ll try and play the match our way, with our weapons and our possibilities. I’ve been trying several game plans but I always do it throughout the week, it’s no big news. I’ve been thinking of alternatives, but I can’t make them due to the large number of absent players. We’ll try and give them a hard time, with a fast match made of our counterattacks. But a lot will depend on what the opponent will allow us to do”.

On Tuesday you said you are eager to amaze.

“We’ve been talking about it over and over. We need to be willing to overcome difficulties, it is fundamental. We’ll bring this will in Turin”.

What are the right moves to face Juventus?

“We’ll try and put our qualities as far as possible, fastness and initiatives to serve Di Natale as often as possible. We’re facing a solid team, we need the strength not to back down and counterattack every time we can. Battocchio is a chance, he might be playing”.

Which are the names we should keep an eye on?

“Juve have a lot of quality-players, so we have to be aware of the whole squad. My attitude is to go face them in their half-field, but facing such a first-rate squad we run the risk to face the possession and their other qualities”.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Serie A Preview

The winter champions host Francesco Guidolin's men on Saturday night,

knowing a victory would see them move six points clear of the visitors.

Jan 27, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Vidal, Pirlo, Marrone

Giaccherini, Matri, Vucinic

UDINESE

Handanovic

Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi

Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Fernandes, Armero

Floro Flores

Di Natale

The Old Lady have a few concerns going into Saturday's clash, with both Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe doubtful. The midfield pair both limped out of the 2-0 victory over Atalanta last week, and will need to pass late fitness tests to take part on Saturday.

However the league leaders have been boosted by the return of Fabio Quagliarella and Alex Manninger, with the duo returning to the squad who defeated Roma in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday, after recovering from fractured cheekbone and twisted ankle respectively.

Francesco Guidolin's troops will travel to Turin without two of their midfield enforcers in the form of Kwadwo Asamoah and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, with the pair both representing Ghana at the African Cup of Nations, while Mehdi Benatia will also miss out, as the former Marseille youth is also at the tournament with Morocco.

DID YOU KNOW?

- Juventus are the only side to have won a point away at Udinese in this campaign.

- No other side in Serie A have drawn more games than the Old Lady this season.

- The hosts have only conceded two goals in their last seven league games.

- Antonio Di Natale has scored 50 per cent of Udinese's league goals this term.

- The visitors have lost two of their last three games in all competitions.

- Only the hosts have conceded less goals than Udinese this season.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Dec 21, 2011 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- Jan 30, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Udinese 2

Serie A ‎- Sep 19, 2010 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 4

Serie A ‎- Apr 3, 2010 - Udinese 3 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- Nov 22, 2009 - Juventus 1 - Udinese 0

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Jan 24, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Roma 0 - Coppa Italia

Jan 21, 2012 - Atalanta 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Jan 15, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A

Jan 8, 2012 - Lecce 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Jan 5, 2012 - Al Hilal 1 - Juventus 7 - Friendly

Udinese

Jan 22, 2012 - Udinese 2 - Catania 1 - Serie A

Jan 15, 2012 - Genoa 3 - Udinese 2 - Serie A

Jan 11, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Chievo 2 - Coppa Italia

Jan 8, 2012 - Udinese 4 - Cesena 1 - Serie A

Dec 21, 2011 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Andrea Pirlo

Many believed the playmaker was on the wane following his release from AC Milan, but the midfielder has proved his doubters wrong with some excellent performances, and after chipping in with five assits so far this term, he will be hoping to again provide the spark on Saturday.

Antonio Di Natale

The veteran striker is the main man at Udinese, and is again the club's top scorer this season with 18 goals in all competitions. Although the visitors form has dipped in recent weeks, the Italy international has been on fire, netting five goals in his last four outings, and with the chance to close the gap at the top, he will be hoping his impressive form continues.

Prediction

With the Old Lady in form following the 3-0 victory over Roma on Tuesday, along with having the opportunity to further stretch their lead at the Serie A summit, a victory for the hosts seems a likely outcome.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 2 - 0 Udinese

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

MATCH PREVIEW

Jan 27, 2012

Udinese haven’t made it easy for Juventus in Turin over recent seasons and they won’t roll over on Saturday.

The Old Lady may be Winter Champions after an unbeaten start to the campaign, but their Bianconero rivals will be a force to be respected at the Juventus Stadium.

Udinese have won just six times at Juve in the League, but three of those have come in the last 10 meetings and two in the last four. Goals from Cristian Zapata and Alexis Sanchez cancelled out a Claudio Marchisio effort last January.

Marchisio is a doubt for this one after picking up a knee injury in the 2-0 win at Atalanta. Simone Pepe is also struggling with an ankle problem that saw him replaced in Bergamo, while Leonardo Bonucci has a knee issue that the club are continuing to monitor. Mirko Vucinic may be absent too.

Juve wrapped up the winter crown last week with a deserved 2-0 victory at Atalanta, yet their difficulties in finishing off the game earlier will have alarmed boss Antonio Conte. Despite creating a hatful of chances, they had to wait for second half goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner and Emanuele Giaccherini.

Alessandro Matri wasted numerous chances and his position could be under threat from Marco Borriello, the January loan arrival who started his first game for the Old Lady against Roma in the Coppa on Tuesday.

Juve’s run of four consecutive home wins was stopped by Cagliari on January 15 as the Rossoblu collected a 1-1 draw. In the Old Lady’s favour is Udinese’s pretty mediocre away form. While they have collected 28 points from a possible 30 at the Stadio Friuli, they have won just twice away from home in the championship.

Udinese recovered from a 3-2 loss at Genoa to net a 2-1 against Catania last week. That win saw them set a new club record of 38 points at the half-way stage of the season. Not bad for a side who sold Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Zapata in the summer.

Boss Francesco Guidolin has no suspensions to deal with, but Barreto, Coda, Fabbrini and Pinzi are injury worries. Meanwhile, Benatia, Asamoah and Badu are away on African Cup of nations duty.

In 37 League games in Turin, Juventus have 27 wins, there have been just four draws and six Udinese victories.

Keep an eye on: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese) – He may only have three goals in 12 League games for Udinese against Juventus, but every time he has scored against the Old Lady his side have won. He’s in great form – as his wonder goal against Catania last week underlined. He has 14 goals in 18 League games this term.

Last time in Serie A: Juventus 1-2 Udinese

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

Stat fact: Juventus have only scored four goals in their last five home games against Udinese. The last time they scored more than once in a game against the Zebras was 2-1 in February 2005 when Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mauro Camoranesi hit the target.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marrone; Giaccherini, Matri, Estigarribia

Udinese (probable): Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi, Pasquale; Basta, Isla, Fernandes, Armero; Floro Flores, Di Natale

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus v Udinese: Preview

Jan 27, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has stressed the importance of tomorrow's home game against Udinese to his players as they look to stretch their advantage at the Serie A summit.

The Turin giants go into the encounter unbeaten and holding a one-point lead at the top of the standings at the halfway stage of the campaign.

Conte's men followed last weekend's 2-0 triumph at Atalanta with a 3-0 midweek victory over Roma in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

Despite his side's great run of form, Conte has warned his players not to underestimate third-placed Udinese, who lie just three points behind them.

"This game is worth double," he said. "It's worth six points and not the usual three."

"We must be smart and understand the importance of this game to play with the right determination."

"We take on a team that is no longer a surprise and that is fighting to achieve important results."

"But this is an important time for us and I want my players to deliver."

Juve face an arduous schedule with a game against Parma on Tuesday and Siena next weekend before travelling to the San Siro for the cup semi-final first leg against AC Milan on February 8.

Rivals Udinese have clinched just 10 of their current 38 points on the road, but they go into this weekend's encounter on the back of a 2-1 triumph over Catania.

"We've had great results so far but we cannot look back," Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin said. "Our aim is to continue to surprise ourselves and do well."

"Juve have a great squad but we will go out determined to take a win."

Udinese, who held Juve to a goalless draw at the Stadio Friuli last month, will be without midfielder Giampiero Pinzi because of a thigh injury.

Guidolin will be hoping to recover midfielder Mauricio Isla, who is doubtful with a muscular problem.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Best defences? Juve-Udinese

is also an…attacking challenge!

Jan 27, 2012

The first leg goalless draw was a clue: Juventus and Udinese have the best defences of the championship.

Antonio Conte’s squad has conceded only 12 goals, Gianluigi Buffon having been beaten only twice in the last 8 matches by Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Cossu. The keeper, who has been voted “best keeper of the last 25 years” recently, has saved a penalty to Francesco Totti. He has conceded 6 goals in home matches. AC Milan, Chievo and Udinese are the only ones to have done better than him.

Udinese have conceded 14 goals, 10 of which in away matches. Things have gotten worse in the last two matches against Lazio (2-2) and Genoa (2-3), yet our squad has one of the most reliable defences after Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina.

But Juventus and Udinese have also two of the best forwards of the championship: right begind AC Milan (40 goals) and Napoli (34), stands the “Old Lady” with 31 goals. Udinese, with 28 goals scored, is fifth, right after Inter (30).

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juve-Udinese under the snow

Jan 28, 2012

Tonight’s Juventus-Udinese showdown should go ahead as planned despite heavy snow, as the new Juventus Stadium prepares for a big test.

It’s first against third at 19.45 UK time, but the weather has not been kind to the Scudetto clash, as it is already snowing in Turin.

The official Bianconeri website confirmed the giant cover has been placed over the pitch to keep off the snow, while the field is heated from beneath by specially-constructed pipes.

The Juventus Stadium is also taking care of the fans’ safety by laying salt in the car park and anti-freeze on the walkways and stands.

“The intensity of the snowfall is being constantly monitored and at the moment the situation is under control,” confirmed the statement.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Matri and Quagliarella both start against Udinese

Antonio Conte has rung the changes from the Coppa Italia win over Roma in midweek,

and the striking duo are entrusted to lead the line against the Zebrette.

Jan 28, 2012

Juventus have made four changes from the side that convincingly put Roma to the sword in the Coppa Italia quarter-final on Tuesday for Saturday's visit of Udinese.

However, Antonio Conte has chosen to experiment, as the coach has opted to match his opposite number Francesco Guidolin by also using a 3-5-2 formation.

The personnel changes see Gianluigi Buffon, Arturo Vidal, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella come into the fold, replacing Marco Storari, Luca Marrone, Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Borriello.

Emanuele Giaccherini and Marcelo Estigarribia, erstwhile, have been rewarded for their positive efforts of late by retaining their places in the XI.

Meanwhile for Udinese, just the one alteration from their 2-1 victory over Catania last weekend sees Giovanni Pasquale picked at the expense of Giampiero Pinzi.

The teams are as follows:

Juventus (3-5-2) : Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Estigarribia; Matri, Quagliarella

Subs: Storari, De Ceglie, Marchisio, Krasic, Pepe, Del Piero, Borriello

Udinese (3-5-1-1): Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Fernandes, Armero, Pasquale; Abdi; Di Natale

Subs: Padelli, Neuton, Battocchio, Sissoko, Ekstrand, Floro Flores, Torje

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Line-ups

Jan 28, 2012

Juventus rely on Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri in a 3-4-1-2 against Antonio Di Natale’s Udinese, as it’s first against third in Turin this evening.

Only three points separate these teams at the top of the Serie A table and it ended 1-1 when they met at the Stadio Friuli last month.

Quagliarella is given a rare starting spot along with Matri and support from Eljero Estigarribia in a 3-4-1-2 system.

Stephan Lichtsteiner moves up to a wide midfield role matched on the other side by Emanuele Giaccherini.

The home side are without Mirko Vucinic, but Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio have recovered for a place on the bench. Milos Krasic is left in the stands.

Udinese are without Diego Fabbrini, Andrea Coda, Paulo Vitor Barreto and Gianpiero Pinzi for this difficult trip.

They also have Mehdi Benatia, Kwadwo Asamoah and Emmanuel Badu on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Capocannoniere Di Natale leads the way with support from Almen Abdi.

It is snowing in Turin this evening, but the new Juventus Stadium is prepared for inclement weather thanks to covers and under-pitch heating and the game should go ahead as planned.

Despite being the home side, Juve will play with the pink jersey.

Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Estigarribia; Matri, Quagliarella

Juventus bench: Storari, De Ceglie, Marchisio, Marrone, Pepe, Del Piero, Borriello

Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Fernandes, Armero, Pasquale; Abdi, Di Natale

Udinese bench: Padelli, Piccoli, Battocchio, Ekstrand, Pereyra, Floro Flores, Torje

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625‎

Matri double clinches points for Antonio Conte's side

and stretches lead at Serie A summit to four points

Matri took the lead for the Serie A leaders despite substitute Floro Flores cancelling out

the home side's first goal, however Juve answered in fashion and took all three points.

Jan 28, 2012

Two goals from Alessandro Matri proved the difference as Juventus beat Udinese 2-1, sending the Old Lady four points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday night.

Substitute Antonio Floro Flores cancelled out Matri’s first effort, yet the 27-year-old was at the double to ensure his side widened their gap to rivals AC Milan in a nail-biting thriller at the Juventus Stadium.

Antonio Conte’s men looked to continue their season-long unbeaten run, and made four changes to the team which cruised past Roma in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Tuesday.

The home side opted for a rare 3-5-2 formation, with Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella taking charge of the attack. Udinese made just a single change from the side which beat Catania 2-1 last weekend, with boss Francesco Guildolin deeming Giovanni Pasquale the correct choice at left-back.

Both teams kicked off with a spark, however the first chance came to Juventus after just two minutes. Arturo Vidal slotted a well-placed pass into midfielder Marclo Estigarribia’s path, forcing a good, firm save from keeper Samir Handanovic, leaving the Paraguay international with his head in his hands knowing he should have opened the scoring.

However, the Bianconeri soon found their feet going forward, putting pressure on Juventus through the flanks, as Almen Abdi received the ball on the edge of the area, striking a vicious shot through the defence for Gianluigi Buffon to fingertip away for a corner.

Udinese came close to taking the lead after Leonardo Bonucci headed the set-piece away from danger, only for Colombian Pablo Armero to catch on the volley and force yet another quality save from Buffon.

Play rallied back and forth with both sides creating chances going forward, yet it was Conte’s side who took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Quagliarella saw his header parried by Handanovic, only for Matri to answer his critics and score his eighth goal of the season from just two yards out.

Guildolin was the first of the coaches to make a change, replacing Abdi for Floro Flores.

It was The Old Lady who emerged from the break the more attacking side, yet Udinese caught the hosts on the counter and super-sub Floro Flores received the ball wide in the Juve box before curling a beautiful effort far past Buffon, marking his 23rd goal in 115 appearances for the Bianconeri.

Udinese’s lead was short-lived, though, as Conte’s men continued their second half attacking prowess, with substitute Claudio Marchisio providing an exquisite touch to guide Vidal’s cross into Matri, who turned his marker and produced a fine finish at the far post to defy Handanovic and put Juve back into the lead.

The visitors pushed for an equaliser, yet lacked the final touch as Di Natale failed to get a shot on target late into extra time.

Juventus' win sees them remain unbeaten so far this season, and edge clear of Milan, who face Cagliari on Sunday.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625‎

Matri's double breaks Udinese

Alessandro Matri’s brace gave Juventus a 2-1 victory over Udinese

in this top of the table showdown under the snow..

Jan 28, 2012

It was first against third at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, which held up well under heavy snowfall throughout the day. Mirko Vucinic was injured, with Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe only fit for the bench, so Fabio Quagliarella was given the nod against his former club. Antonio Conte mirrored Udinese’s three-man defence. The Friulani missed Diego Fabbrini, Andrea Coda, Paulo Vitor Barreto, Giampiero Pinzi, while Mehdi Benatia, Kwadwo Asamoah and Emmanuel Badu were at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Gigi Buffon celebrated his birthday and Marcelo Estigarribia nearly gave him a present in the opening 120 seconds, but Samir Handanovic rushed off his line to block with his legs after springing the offside trap. Handanovic also flapped at a looping Giorgio Chiellini header and Alessandro Matri was penalised for a foul on the goalkeeper as they both scrambled for the loose ball.

Buffon fingertipped an Almen Abdi snapshot over the bar and from the corner the birthday boy flew to push Pablo Armero’s volley round the post.

Matri went on another rapid Juve counter-attack, but once more Handanovic rushed off his line to block with his body. Abdi charged down a Stephan Lichtsteiner effort from six yards.

Juventus did break through just before half-time. Handanovic did brilliantly to get down and palm away a Quagliarella header on Marcelo Estigarribia’s cross, but could do nothing as Matri pounced to follow up.

Antonio Floro Flores replaced Abdi for a more attacking line-up, but Juve wasted a good chance when Estigarribia just failed to make contact with Quagliarella’s chipped pass at the back post.

It was Floro Flores who equalised, as Udinese intercepted Andrea Barzagli’s pass in midfield and surged forward, Mauricio Isla spreading it to the left for the substitute to pass it round Buffon into the far bottom corner.

The Friulani went on the counter again and Di Natale came sliding in to blast over with a deflection off his leg.

Instead, Matri restored the Juventus advantage with his second goal of the game. Substitute Claudio Marchisio flicked on the Arturo Vidal ball for Matri to turn Damiano Ferronetti and flash a snooker shot across Handanovic.

Simone Pepe came off the bench and clumsily slashed at a clearance in the box, but was fortunate no Udinese players were ready to take advantage. Barzagli had to block a dangerous pass from reaching Di Natale in the six-yard area.

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

Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (De Ceglie 82), Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Estigarribia (Pepe 64); Matri, Quagliarella (Marchisio 61)

Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi (Battocchio 73); Basta, Isla (Pereyra 85), Fernandes, Armero, Pasquale; Abdi (Floro Flores 46), Di Natale

Ref: Valeri

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Matri brace wins Bianconeri battle

Jan 28, 2012

Juventus saw off the spirited challenge of Udinese to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to four points with a 2-1 win in the snow in Turin.

Alessandro Matri scored both of Juve's goals with Antonio Floro Flores equalising for Udinese early in the second half. He missed two further chances, but Udinese did not just make up the numbers as they searched for goals themselves, justifying their third place in the table.

Despite the heavy snow falling in Piedmont, the pitch in the Juventus Stadium was in pristine condition with a slick surface making for a fast pace with both sides keen to attack.

It was a case of third time lucky for Matri when he finally put Juventus in front in the 42nd minute.

He missed two one-on-one chances in the second and 23rd minute with Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic coming out on top both times to deny him.

Not wanting to be outdone, at the other end, Gianluigi Buffon made a fine one-handed save to deny Pablo Armero in the 16th minute.

But it was Juve who were the most likely to score and, after Stephan Lichtensteiner shirked the chance to shoot from a good position in the 34th minute, Matri struck.

Marcelo Estigarribia's cross from the left was headed towards goal by Fabio Quagliarella. Handanovic got a hand to it, but only managed to lay it on a plate for Matri, who made no mistake this time from close range.

Udinese started to take more risks early in the second half with Antonio Di Natale shooting just wide from 20 yards out in the 53rd minute.

The visitors were particularly dangerous on the counter attack and that is how they levelled in the 56th minute with Mauricio Isla leading a three-against-two attack before feeding Floro Flores, who picked his spot in the far corner of Buffon's goal.

A four-against-three break minutes later culminated in Di Natale lifting his close-range shot over the crossbar.

Juve were under pressure, but they found the best way out of it by regaining the lead in the 62nd minute.

Claudio Marchisio touched the ball through to Matri, who held off a defender and turned to shoot into the opposite corner of Handanovic's goal.

It was enough to earn Juve all three points and take them four points clear of AC Milan at the top of Serie A.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Immediate Reaction: Juventus Defeat Udinese 2-1

Jan 28, 2012

It was a winter wonderland for Juventus, who started the second half of the Serie A season with a hard fought victory at home.

Two goals on the opposite side of the halftime break from Alessandro Matri were the difference, as Juve defeated Udinese 2-1 on Saturday.

The first half: It seemed, after 40 minutes, that the big story of the first half was going to be Juve blowing a handful of scoring opportunities, coupled with some solid saves made by goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The snow didn't seem to bother either side early on, as both clubs eagerly searched for a first goal in the opening minutes of the game. Juve had a golden opportunity to open the scoring two minutes in, when a through ball sprung Marcelo Estigarribia past the Udinese back line. Estigarribia took two touches into the penalty area as Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic broke off his line. The 'keeper slid to stop the attempt from Estigarribia, which, truth be told, probably should have been struck a little better.

A similar moment for Juve came 20 minutes later. This time, a duo of passes put Alessandro Matri down the left wing and past the defense. His first touch was just a bit too heavy, however, and Handanovic read the play perfectly, coming off his line and sliding into Matri's attempt. Handanovic certainly deserves credit for some brave goalkeeping, but Matri's first touch should have been better in that situation.

Udinese threatened a handful of times around the 15-minute mark. While Juve were sloppy and bit disorganized off the ball, Buffon prevented the hosts from going down a goal. Juve finally settled into the game after about a half hour, and they then opened the scoring just minutes before the break. In the 42nd minute, Estigarribia sent a cross from the left wing into the box. Handanovic did well to stop a header from Fabio Quagliarella, but the 'keeper could do nothing about Matri's rocket rebound shot fired into the back of the net. Juventus, the better side in the 12 minutes leading up to the goal, took a deserved 1-0 lead into the break.

The game changed: A little over ten minutes into the second half. Juve threatened and threatened in the opening minutes, but failed to work a decent ball into the penalty area. Udinese survived these nervous moments and then found an equalizer in the 56th minute. A bad turnover in the midfielder began a three-on-two break for the visitors, a break that concluded with substitute Antonio Floro Flores having possession just to the left of center of the outskirts of the box. Floro Flores squared up and put an unstoppable shot across Buffon and into the far corner of the net. It was a perfect finish, as a fully-stretched Buffon couldn't get a touch.

The winner: Juventus, like Udinese did earlier in the half, survived a few nervous attacks after Floro Flores leveled the match. Six minutes after that goal, Arturo Vidal played a high ball from the right wing toward the center of the field. Claudio Marchisio headed the ball for Matri into the middle of the box, and Matri turned to his left, held off a defender and slotted home a brilliant left-footed shot into the far corner of the net. Handanovic had no chance here, and a vintage Matri finish eliminated much of the wind from the sails of the visitors.

Things largely quieted down after Matri's goal. Juventus tightened up in defense, and failed attacks visibly frustrated an Udinese side that never recovered after Matri put them back down a goal. The hosts did well to kill the clock in the final five minutes, taking the 2-1 victory and three points.

What it means: Juventus are now four points clear of second place AC Milan. Udinese remain in third, two points behind AC Milan and three points ahead of Inter. Both AC Milan and Inter play on Sunday.

Overall: This was a much more entertaining contest than when these same sides met just before the Christmas break. All three goals were deserved, and the better team earned the victory.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Invincible Juve out in front after edging Udinese

Jan 28, 2012

A brace from Alessandro Matri saw Juventus do their hopes of winning the Italian title the power of good on Saturday, seeing off fellow high-riders Udinese 2-1 in Turin.

The win preserved Juve's unbeaten league record and opened up a provisional four-point lead over AC Milan, who host Cagliari on Sunday, while Udinese could see Inter Milan draw level with them if the Nerazzurri can win at Lecce.

Juve moved onto 44 points from 20 games but were eternally grateful to Matri for his predatory instincts after Antonio Floro Flores had threatened to bag a point for the visitors.

Matri's winner just after the hour mark owed much to an inspired substitution by Juve coach Antonio Conte, who sent on Claudio Marchisio for ex-Udinese favourite Fabio Quagliarella.

Marchisio promptly diverted an Arturo Vidal cross right into Matri's path and the striker lashed the ball past visiting goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to clinch a crucial win.

Matri had notched his opener from point-blank range after Handanovic had palmed out a near-post header from Quagliarella straight to the lurking forward three minutes before the interval.

But substitute Floro Flores pilfered the equaliser 10 minutes after the restart, curling a neat right-footed effort beyond Gianluigi Buffon for his second goal of the season.

Buoyed by that, Udinese fought in snowy conditions to take the game to their hosts, whom they held to a goalless draw earlier in the season.

Colombian Pablo Armero fired in an early volley that Buffon did well to push away diving low to his right and 14-goal hot-shot Antonio Di Natale also went close from close range.

Handanovic just managed to take the ball off the toes of the effervescent Matri mid-way through the opening half, while industrious Swiss Stephane Liechsteiner found himself in space on the half hour but dithered and, crowded out, saw the chance fade away before he could pick his spot.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Matri & Juventus Strike Down Udinese in Top of Table Showdown

Jan 28, 2012

At the beginning of the month, Juventus and the club's fans were becoming exceedingly worried about a possible—and recently traditional—drop in form.

Juventus has suffered in January over the past few years, and a weak 1-0 win against Lecce, followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw with Cagliari, did little to calm Il Tifosi's nerves.

Then, the Old Lady's fortunes started to rise.

Juventus persevered to a 2-0 win over Atalanta. Then, on Tuesday in the Coppa Italia, Juventus crushed Roma 3-0. Now, to bring that winning streak to three games from two, Juventus has beaten top-of-the-table rivals Udinese 2-1.

The game was, at times, utterly similar to their 0-0 draw a month ago. But, at other times, it was very different. The chief difference, of course, was the goal-scoring.

Antonio Conte had Juventus playing in a 3-5-2 today, mirroring Udinese. This formation has been used by Juventus on several occasions this season, though rarely has it been the starting formation.

The backline consisted of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. Barzagli was, per usual, magnificent. He had six interceptions, second only to Chiellini's seven, and he was the rock in Juve's backline throughout the game.

This was needed, as Leonardo Bonucci made a pair of puzzling errors.

Regular readers know that I am a big fan and big defender of my dear boy Leo, but I will say that he had a poor second half today.

His first big mistake came during an Udinese counter attack. He was high up in Juve's half, and he pushed up to try and intercept an Udinese pass. His timing was just off, and his attempt failed.

Thus, he found himself out of position, and Udinese were fast on the break. Some Juve players scrambled to stop Udinese, and, after a few contentious moments, Barzagli came in with an interception to stop the play.

His second mistake did not have as severe consequences, though it could have.

While in possession near Juve's box, an Udinese player closed him down. Bonucci panicked, and his errant pass went straight to another Udinese player. Luckily for Leo, Giorgio Chiellini came in with a fine challenge to stop the danger.

Despite his mistakes, Leo did well in other areas.

He had blocked two shots, one of which was a particularly forceful Antonio Di Natale effort. Additionally, he had a 93-percent passing accuracy rating. This is higher than that of any other starter.

Perhaps most importantly, he displayed great chutzpah by shoving Antonio Di Natale right in front of the referee. Bonucci was arguing with the ref, and Di Natale ran over and started getting in Leo's face.

So, he got a nice shove.

Leo's recent inconsistent form has continued today, but this is still not a confirmation of his doubters. He hasn't had an all-around bad game recently—just a few notable mistakes.

His passing has continued to be important for Juventus in her own half, and, so far, Barzagli has been adept enough at fixing Juve's jams. Still, Leo needs to nip these silly mistakes in the bud going into February. He can't rely on Chiellini and Barzagli; he needs to return to the Bonucci of the first half.

Juve's midfield was a mixed bag.

On the wings, starters Marcelo Estigarribia and Stephan Lichtsteiner had fines games, though Lichtsteiner went off late in the game with a slight injury. This was the first game of the Serie A season in which Lichtsteiner did not play the full 90 minutes.

In central midfield, Emanuele Giaccherini and Arturo Vidal put in strong performances.

Granted, Vidal did have one stretch of play where a nagging injury bothered him. It was not severe enough to get him off the field, but he was limping for several minutes. Still, he was handling the ball and making passes. Some of the passes were sloppy, but still impressive for a man on one good leg.

He eventually recovered, and had a fine game.

The other man in midfield, Andrea Pirlo, put in a sublime performance.

Pirlo's performances often serve as microcosms of the team's entire play. Today, his fine play mirrors Juve's.

His passing was, as always, the fuel for the engine of the Juve offense.

The two men injured against Atalanta, starting eleven stalwarts Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio, both made substitute appearances.

Marchisio had a good performance, assisting on the second Juve goal.

Pepe's play was adequate, especially when considering he's coming off an injury.

Up top, Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri had different games.

Quags put some pressure on Udinese's keeper Samir Handanovic, and, in the end, he had an important part in Juve's first goal.

On the other hand, Matri was superb. He scored both of Juve's goals, and each was characteristic of Prettyboy Ale.

The first came from an Estigarribia cross out wide. Quags received the header and got it to Matri, who fiercely sent it into goal. Matri has struggled to score lately, so this goal was a fantastic confidence boost to the poacher.

Udinese would equalize shortly after the second half began with an Antonio Floro Flores goal, but Matri eventually put Juve on top once again.

Vidal passed to Marchisio, who had been playing up after he subbed on for Quags. Marchisio displayed his great touch by flicking the ball on to Matri, who slid it right past Handanovic into the far post.

It was a trademark Matri goal, and it was beautiful.

All in all, it was an alright performance by Juventus. Offensively, they were on par at times, though they also struggled at other times to create opportunities.

Still, two goals against one of the top defenses in the league is nothing to frown about. On the other side of the spectrum, they had some rather annoying defensive lapses. They would dictate play for swathes of match time, and then some silly positioning error would let Udinese launch fierce counter attacks.

Juventus got the three points, and Udinese now have to worry about Inter passing them in the standings. Juventus have also now beaten all of the top four teams, with return matches against Inter and A.C. Milan, plus Coppa matches against A.C. forthcoming.

Parma is up next, on Tuesday. Hopefully, Juventus can repeat their 4-1 thrashing from opening day. Praise Conte, and Forza Juve.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com rates the players on show as the Turin giants

extend their lead at the summit of Serie A.

Jan 28, 2012

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Produced two world-class saves to keep his side in the balance, and couldn’t have done anything to stop Flora Flores’ fine effort.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Top work at the back as he centred the three defenders, and made sure Di Natale didn’t get a sniff. Left stranded with Flora Flores as the visitors equalised, although that was more of a communication problem than anything else.

Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - Disposed Di Natale well just on the half hour mark, then regained possession shortly after with a clean slide tackle. Good overall performance.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - The 24-year-old did well to keep Udinese at bay, and was also an asset going forward in the first half, heading down into good areas.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 7.0 - Good performance by the Swiss international, who bossed the 3-5-2 formation put out by Conte.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Looked less comfortable on the ball than in other games, perhaps thanks to the extreme weather conditions, but still put in a shift for Juve, especially through his set-pieces.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.0 - Good vision throughout the game. Movement off the ball was exceptional and proved the difference in a very tight encounter.

Emanuele Giaccherini 5.5 - Could see his intention in his role behind the attack, but got booked and looked less cynical after the break.

Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 5.5 - Looked good going forward, and had a decent effort saved in the first half. Replaced by Simone Pepe on the hour mark.

Fabio Quagliarella 7.0 - Great distribution and provided some excellent crosses into dangerous areas. Subbed on the hour-mark.

Alessandro Matri 8.0 - Opened the scoring just before half-time with a typical striker’s goal, poaching Handanovic’s parried save for the lead and deserved the second to conclude a well earned performance.

• Substitutions

Paolo De Ceglie 6.0 - Replaced Lichtsteiner with seven minutes to go.

Simone Pepe 5.5 - Used the wings to his advantage, not much else apart from that.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Excellent touch put Matri through for the eventual winner. Nice cameo.

Udinese

Samir Handanoviç 6.0 - Made a fine effort in the first half to deny Estigarribia a clear chance, however was not at fault for Juve’s first goal as he equalled Quagliarella’s effort but could have covered his angles better for Matri’s second.

Mauricio Isla 6.0 - Run his socks off and put in a good display, and proved to be the Bianconeri’s best player. Replaced by fresh legs in the second half.

Danilo 4.5 - Poor effort from the Brazilian, who struggled against Matri throughout.

Dušan Basta 5.5 - Partnered Fernandes in midfield and moved the ball around well. Could have done better defensively as Pirlo took full advantage on occasions.

Maurizio Domizzi 5.0 - An average game by his standards, and didn’t do much to keep the Juve attack at bay.

Giovanni Pasquale 4.0 - Barely noticeable as the visitors went forward and proved the weaker link of the team.

Pablo Armero 5.5 - Good effort from the Colombian as he stamped his way through the game, tackling the likes of Vidal and Pirlo with gusto.

Damiano Ferronetti 4.5 - Average display from the former Parma defender, who essentially failed to get going.

Gelson Fernandes 5.0 - Did OK with Basta in the heart of the pitch, commanding display but didn’t prove the difference in the clash.

Almen Abdi 3.5 - Inefficient and never looked likely to get a goal. Replaced by goalscorer Floro Flores for the second half.

Antonio Di Natale 6.0 - Should have done better with his chance in the second half, shooting just wide after escaping his marker. Could have sneaked an equaliser late on but scuffed his shot.

• Substitutions

Cristian Battocchio 4.5 - Was on the field for just 20 minutes but made an effort to control Udinese in the midfield.

Roberto Pereyra N/A - Subbed four minutes from time – made no impact.

Antonio Floro Flores 6.5 - Replaced Abdi for the second half and scored within just ten minutes with a fine curling effort to beat Buffon at his far post.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Antonio Conte: We didn't keep the ball well against Udinese

The Bianconeri boss was frustrated at his side's failure to retain possession

against the Zebrette, but praised the in-form Emanuele Giaccherini for impressing once more.

Jan 28, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has admitted that his side's ball retention during the 2-1 victory against Udinese in Serie A on Saturday was not good enough.

The 42-year-old aired his relief at seeing the Old Lady eventually edge out their league rivals, whom he feels posed a potentially dangerous threat to his team, but called on his players to improve their possession of the football against similarly ranked outfits in the future.

"I was very concerned about this match because Udinese are a team that play attractive football and have a lot of quality players who function as a great team," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

"In the end we paid a small price of fatigue from the Coppa Italia, but still earned a major victory.

"We need to improve our grip on a match, as today we lost too many balls in midfield, leaving too much space for Udinese to hit us on the counterattack."

However, Conte had far kinder words for forward Emanuele Giaccherini, who has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks after initially struggling for minutes at Juventus Stadium since his summer arrival from Cesena.

"Giaccherini is a player who has strength and technique, fits in between the lines well and times his runs superbly," continued Conte.

"He is the example that even in the minor leagues you can fish for important players, who can benefit clubs like Juventus."

Juventus have moved four points clear of AC Milan once again after their win over Udinese, though the Rossoneri have a game in hand.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Andrea Barzagli urges Juventus to avoid

complacency following Udinese win

The stopper is of the opinion that, despite an important victory over their league rivals

on Saturday, the Old Lady have not achieved anything yet of note and must remain focussed.

Jan 28, 2012

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has challenged his side to hold their nerve for the remainder of the season, following a 2-1 win over Serie A rivals Udinese on Saturday.

The Italy international praised the Bianconeri for their resolve after managing to find the all-important winning goal deep in the second half, but reminded supporters that nothing has yet been achieved in regards to adding another Scudetto to their trophy cabinet.

"It was a tough match, but in the end we managed to win," Barzagli told Sky Sport Italia after the match.

"It is an important victory against a team fighting for the title, but we have not achieved anything yet so we must stay focused."

Juventus have restored their four-point lead over AC Milan in the Serie A table following the victory, though the Rossoneri have a game in hand.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Conte: 'Juve have to do better'

Jan 28, 2012

Antonio Conte admits he “really feared” the meeting with Udinese and listed ways in which Juventus need to improve.

The Bianconeri won 2-1 under the snow in Turin thanks to an Alessandro Matri brace.

“I really feared this game, because Udinese play interesting football and have many quality players who are worthy of a top club,” said the Coach.

“At the end we felt the fatigue of our midweek Coppa Italia test, but we controlled the field and earned an important victory.

“We’ve got to improve the way we control the result. We lost the ball too many times in the middle of the park, allowing counter-attacks to Udinese.

“I got very angry at our sterile possession, which was just playing into Udinese’s hands. Emanuele Giaccherini did well in this new role and he is a great example that clubs can search out talent in the lower leagues.

“It’s not necessarily true that spending millions on a well-known player is really best for the team.”

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Guidolin stands by choices

Jan 28, 2012

Francesco Guidolin is disappointed at defeat to Juventus, as Udinese “could’ve done better. We got it wrong in the last five minutes of the first half.”

The Friulani were beaten 2-1 by an Alessandro Matri brace around Antonio Floro Flores’ temporary equaliser.

“A defeat can never be satisfying, although my lads gave their all. I just know we could’ve done better, as the team is capable of more,” said the Coach.

“We had the chances to equalise, but unfortunately we got it wrong in the last five minutes of the first half, when we were pegged back in defence.”

Substitute Floro Flores scored straight after coming off the bench, so some might suggest Udinese should’ve started with two strikers.

“I think I made the right choices to make it difficult for Juventus, even if in the first half we left Antonio Di Natale a little isolated. After the break I wanted to risk something by introducing Floro Flores, because I knew what he could give.

“Maybe with our first choice midfield available then we could’ve left less space for Andrea Pirlo, but many of my players had to be out of position tonight. I have to thank my squad for their hard work in difficult circumstances.”

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Alessandro Matri: We showed great character to beat Udinese

The attacker netted a brace to help his side to the full three points,

and was very satisfied with the team's performance.

Jan 29, 2012

Juventus attacker Alessandro Matri has expressed his satisfaction with his side's performance in their 2-1 home win over Udinese in Saturday evening's Serie A encounter.

Matri gifted the Old Lady the lead shortly before the break, but the guests restored parity in the second half via Antonio Floro Flores. Nevertheless, the forward netted a second to help Juventus to the full three points.

"It was an important test, in which we showed great character for the way in which we managed to react to Udinese's equaliser," Matri explained on the club's official website.

"It's been a year packed full of emotions. Last year didn't end as we'd hoped, but now things are going well. The manager's doing a great job and even when we change our formation we're able to express ourselves to our best."

Juventus' next Serie A match is an away game versus Parma on Tuesday.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Antonio Floro Flores (56′)

Alessandro Matri (62′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Paolo Valeri

Attendance: 39625

Juve mimic Udinese’s tactics but remain an all-round attacking threat

Jan 28, 2012

Alessandro Matri scored a classic centre-forward’s goal to strengthen Juve’s position at the top.

Antonio Conte switched to three at the back, as he did in the previous meeting between the sides. Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio were only fit enough for the bench.

Udinese lined up largely as expected – Francesco Guidolin was without various players because of the Africa Cup of Nations, plus Giampiero Pinzi through injury.

The sides played in a similar fashion but Juve were clearly the better side, able to offer a threat after long spells of possession, whereas Udinese were too reliant upon counter-attacking.

Early stages

Nevertheless, this was a game dominated by playing on the break, as Marcelo Estigarribia, Matri and Di Natale all had one-on-one chances on the counter. Both sides played three at the back with five midfielders ahead, though there were differences in the way they played upfront. Udinese were 3-1-4-1-1, with Gelson Fernandes sitting deep as a spare man in front of the defence, and Almen Abdi playing as the attacking midfielder. Juve were roughly the same, with the first key difference being the use of Fabio Quagliarella, a second striker rather than an attacking midfielder.

The second key difference was more important. Andrea Pirlo played in roughly the same position as Fernandes, but is clearly a different type of player – he’s a deep-lying regista who controls the game and prompts attacking moves. As a result, the main impact of his presence was to force Abdi deeper to pick him up without the ball, leaving Antonio Di Natale against three defenders by himself. He spent the game, as usual, drawing wide to find space, but Juve’s outside centre-backs were happy to follow him out there.

Juventus possession

The knock-on effect of the 3 v 1 situation, especially with Di Natale moving to the left, was that Giorgio Chiellini could move forward on the ball. He probably didn’t do this enough early on, but gradually started to force Udinese – particularly Mauricio Isla – forward to close him down, leaving space between the lines, especially when Fernandes then had to step forward to close down Emanuele Giaccherini. This gave Juve more fluidity when in possession.

The key tactical decision was a poor one from Guidolin. Abdi hadn’t been very effective going forward, so Guidolin decided to switch him and Pablo Armero after 25 minutes, presumably to give more drive on the break – Armero is a great runner with the ball. But the Colombian wasn’t as good as Abdi at tracking Pirlo – in fact, it looked like he either couldn’t be bothered or had been told not to. As a result, for the final 15 minutes of the first half Juve were dominant in terms of possession and clever on the ball too, with Pirlo instrumental in their spell of pressure. They went ahead on the stroke of half time.

Second half

Guidolin then changed things again, removing Abdi completely with Antonio Floro Flores on in his place. Armero moved back to his starting position. This was better – Floro Flores tracked Pirlo when out of possession, but also sprinted past him when Udinese won the ball. This worked out perfectly for the goal – Floro Flores first prevented a pass into Pirlo, and then when the alternative pass went astray and Isla intercepted, he got himself into a goalscoring position to equalise.

But that was the only way Udinese were going to score – their players, even Di Natale, all specialise on the break. Juve had Matri, who created a goal from nothing by getting the ball with his back to goal, rolling the defender then steering the ball into the far corner. Juve could be a threat, even with the opposition defence all in position.

The goal also owed much to a clever flick from Marchisio, who had just replaced Quagliarella. Marchisio is clearly a deeper player naturally, and so this worked very well for Juventus – as soon as they re-took the lead, they could use Marchisio as a number ten ahead of the midfield to retain possession. The sides had essentially switched formations – Udinese started with a forward and a number ten but went to two forwards, Juve had done the opposite.

Juve shut the match down

And with Marchisio playing deeper, Juve retained the ball excellently. Udinese aren’t accustomed to closing down and winning the ball high up, and seemed confused about how they were meant to do it. Pirlo was being left free more and more, which meant either Isla or Armero moved towards him. That left their man (Giaccherini or Arturo Vidal) free, which forced Fernandes higher up, which then left Marchisio free and the back three were reluctant to come out.

Eventually Guidolin sacrificed the back three, bringing on midfielder Cristian Battochio for Domizzi. They switched to more of a 4-4-2 – Giovanni Pasquale and Dusan Basta dropped in, with Armero and Isla wide in midfield, and Battochio joining Fernandes in the middle. It was numerically the right approach, but Pasquale and Basta moved too deep – really they needed to continue the pressure in midfield and leave 2 v 1 at the back – almost line up in a 2-6-2 formation.

Instead they stood off, let Juve play and never looked likely to come back. Yet again, it was an example of a counter-attacking side looking lost when they had to chase the game.

Conclusion

Two main factors here – first, the fact that Juve were more capable in possession, which basically comes down to having both a better playmaker (Pirlo) and more of an all-round striker (Matri).

Second, the battle concerning Pirlo – Abdi, Armero and Floro Flores all had a go, with varying levels of success.

Juventus were highly impressive yet again – Conte changed his shape, but Juventus looked comfortable. In a battle of similar systems, it was Juve, rather than Udinese, who looked as if they’d been playing this way all season.

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

[Socrates 8335]

Nocerino: Milan-Juve will be key

Jan 30, 2012

The February meeting between Milan and Juventus could decide the destination of the Scudetto, says Diavolo ace Antonio Nocerino.

The former Bianconeri midfielder was again on the scoresheet last night as his side beat Cagliari 3-0 to move back to within a point of leaders Juve.

“The championship is still long,” the Italian international told Sky Sport Italia. “However, ourselves and Juve are going strong.

“Let’s hope we can continue on this road until our game against each other. I think that tie will be decisive for both teams in the Scudetto race if we keep up this pace.”

The Italian giants are breaking away at the top of the table after Juve beat third-placed Udinese this weekend, while Inter dropped from fourth to fifth following defeat at Lecce.

Juventus beat Milan 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium earlier this season.

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[Socrates 8335]

[Socrates 8335]