Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Conte: It's been a while since Juventus played

a big role in the title race

The Bianconeri boss is pleased that his players continue to develop as the season

goes on and is happy to see the Bianconeri become a genuine Scudetto contender again.

Feb 14, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has stressed that the pressure of fighting for the Scudetto is a positive thing for the Old Lady as it means they are playing a key role again in Serie A after a string of disappointing seasons.

The Turin giants will return to the top of the table if they bag the full three points in Wednesday's league game against Parma, and Conte is delighted with Juve's progress this season.

"What’s happening to us this year is obviously very pleasing. It’s been many years since Juventus were one of the key teams in the race for the league title," Conte said in a press conference.

"Something great is happening, something that must fill us with satisfaction and pride. We’ve got back to playing a key role and to being competitive in very little time. For us it’s a positive pressure.

"Many things have changed [since the home game against Parma], and the team have continued their development process from every aspect: organisational, tactical, physical and psychological."

Wednesday's encounter at the Ennio Tardini kicks off at 18.30CET.

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

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Mancini feels AC Milan are the best team in Serie A,

but tips Juventus to win the title

The Manchester City manager believes that the Bianconeri have something extra

over the Rossoneri, and insists that Inter will fight for third place in the table.

Feb 15, 2012

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini feels that AC Milan have the best team in Serie A, but backs Juventus to win the Scudetto this season.

The Bianconeri are currently trailing the reigning champions by two points, but have two games in hand and will go top of the table if they beat Parma on Wednesday evening.

"I believe that Milan have the best squad and have the most quality," Mancini said in an interview with RMC.

"However, I think that Juventus can win the Serie A title. They have shown so far that they can bring something extra. We will see what happens as there are still many games to be played."

Mancini, who coached Inter from 2004 until 2008, then went on to discuss the Nerazzurri's performances, and stressed that they are still in the race for third spot, and thus Champions League qualification.

"It's normal that a team that's been winning for so many years goes through a difficult period. I still think that they'll be fighting for third place, even if Udinese, Lazio and Roma all have the same objective."

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Zola: Giovinco is the heir to Del Piero

The former Italy international has voiced his opinion that the Parma star has developed

into an excellent finisher and has what it takes to succeed the Juventus legend.

Feb 15, 2012

Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola believes that Parma forward Sebastian Giovinco is Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero's heir.

Zola worked with Giovinco when he was assistant coach of Italy's Under-21 side, and feels that the 25-year-old has made huge steps forward.

"Giovinco is Del Piero's heir in my opinion," Zola was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"I thought I would find myself struggling for a classic finisher when he was with U-21s. He's equipped with class and creativity.

"He has grown a lot since then. He no longer only creates chances, but also knows how to find the net. He has become an excellent second striker."

Giovinco is a product of the Juventus youth academy, but the creative attacker never really managed to secure regular first team action at the Old Lady.

Therefore, he opted to leave the club for Parma on a one-year loan deal in the summer of 2010, and the Ennio Tardini side acquired 50 per cent of the player's rights last summer.

Giovinco has scored nine league goals for Parma so far in 2011-12.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Parma-Juve nine months on

Feb 15, 2012

Juventus will take their unbeaten record to Parma this evening – the scene of their last competitive defeat.

The Old Lady face the Gialloblu at the Stadio Tardini on Wednesday after the Week 21 tie was postponed because of the snow.

Antonio Conte’s boys are yet to taste defeat this season in League or Cup. In fact, Juventus, as a club, haven’t lost since their Week 37 reverse last term at Parma on May 15.

Since then the Bianconeri have gone 25 games and nine months unbeaten.

Sebastian Giovinco, now part-owned by both sides, scored the only goal of the game in their last meeting at the Tardini.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Signing Giovinco too easy for Parma

Feb 15, 2012

Parma director general Pietro Leonardi says it was crazy that his club didn’t face any competition for Sebastian Giovinco.

The Tardini outfit bought a 50 per cent share in the player from Juventus over the summer after impressing on loan for the outfit in 2010-11.

“It’s absurd that no other clubs tried to take us on when we signed him in a co-ownership deal with Juventus,” the official told Radio Mana Mana.

“As a director, I’m very attached to Sebastian. He is a great player and one who deserves to play on the biggest stages.”

Giovinco has scored nine goals in 19 League games so far this season and faces Juve this evening – the club some are tipping him to re-join in the summer.

“It is difficult to say what his future will be,” Leonardi, a former employee of the Old Lady, continued.

“To talk about what may happen in June now would be showing a lack of respect to the Parma fans.

“Giovinco, thanks to his performances, is illustrating that he is a great player. If a foreigner did what he is doing then he’d be appreciated more.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Against All Odds:

Parma can frustrate Juventus

Feb 15, 2012

Juventus travel to Parma tonight in Italy's Serie A knowing that a win will return them to the top of the table. The market has them odds-on but Paul Robinson thinks that Parma will be no pushovers.

Parma are 13th in the league with 27 points from 21 matches. The main reason for their lowly standing is their away form; six losses, three draws and just two wins. Italian legend Roberto Donadoni has his side in better nick at Stadio Ennio Tardini as their record this season is: WLWLWWDDDW. That run includes an impressive 2-1 victory over high flying Udinese so they are more than capable of raising their game against top level opponents.

Juventus are flying this campaign and are second in the table after collecting 45 points from 21 fixtures. The Old Lady are in irresistible form this season and are yet to taste defeat in Serie A. Away from Turin, Antonio Conte's men have won their last two, but they were both against teams in the bottom six, and before that they failed to pick up the full three points in their previous trio of matches.

Many are predicting this as an away win, but I think it could prove much trickier for Juventus than expected. Parma are very hard to beat at home and Juventus have a habit of drawing games on the road. The last match between the two ended in a 2-1 win for Parma and while they might not be able to repeat that tonight, I can't see them losing. Odds of 1.8 are too short for my money and that's why I have to make Juventus my lay of the day.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

No Parma drama for unbeatable Juventus

Feb 15, 2012

Jonno Turner is backing Italy's top two to impress this evening, with Juventus reclaiming first place in Serie A at Parma.

I hope you all enjoyed Valentine's Day yesterday. I was shattered all day. I had to get up at 6:00 to open all of my cards. Plus I was up until the early hours writing them all out.

We'll try and make up for that today as we head to Italy, with Juventus travelling to Parma in Serie A looking to extend the cracking form which has taken them to second in the league.

The hosts have a good record at the Stadio Ennio Tardini this season, but have dropped off slightly of late, and have won just once in their last five in front of their fans. And that makes it a mere two wins in ten league games for Roberto Donadoni's side, leaving them 13th with 17 to play.

Juventus are in the midst of one of their best seasons in recent history, and are unbeaten since they kicked off back in September, a total of 24 games in all competitions.

Antonio Conte's side are in pole position to secure the Serie A title, just two points behind leaders AC Milan with two games in hand, so it's integral that they take advantage of the first of those. And the Bianconeri have won their last three on the road, scoring five and conceding only one.

The last time these two sides met, Conte's side ran out 4-1 winners, and I think we'll see them continue their unbeaten run this evening.

Bet 1: Juventus (AWAY) to win @ 1.83

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Bojinov: Juve must re-sign Giovinco

Feb 15, 2012

Valeri Bojinov feels that Juventus would be the right place for Parma star Sebastian Giovinco to be playing his football.

Giovinco is in his second season at the Stadio Tardini, but there are whispers that he will return to Turin given that both clubs own a 50 per cent share in him.

“Sebastian is doing well at Parma, but he should be at Juventus,” Bojinov, who has played alongside the Italian for the Gialloblu, told Sky Sport Italia.

“The Bianconeri must decide to take him back to Turin. He’s an exceptional guy and a player of a great level.

“After this season he must join a club in the Champions League. He’s given Parma a lot, but the big stage now awaits.”

Bojinov presently finds himself at Lecce after a career in which he too has represented the Old Lady of Italian football.

“I have no regrets about Juve,” said the man who was part of their 2006-07 squad. “It was a beautiful experience and I got to know many champions.

“Those people helped me to understand that you can only become a champion if you suffer and work hard.

“It was a spectacular year for us and winning the Serie B title was great.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

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Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Vucinic starts for Juventus against Parma

The Montenegrin was only on the bench for last week's Coppa Italia clash with Milan

but he has been paired with Alessandro Matri up front for the game at the Ennio Tardini.

Feb 15, 2012

Mirko Vucinic has been recalled to the Juventus starting line-up for Wednesday evening's rescheduled Serie A clash with Parma.

The fit-again Montenegrin was only on the bench for last week's Coppa Italia clash with AC Milan but he returns up front alongside Alessandro Matri, who was rested for the trip to San Siro. Marco Borriello and Alessandro Del Piero are the men to make way.

Elsewhere, Juve's two-goal hero against the Rossoneri, Martin Caceres, is replaced at right wing-back by Stephan Lichtsteiner, while Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio both slot back into the midfield in place of Emanuele Giaccherini and Simone Padoin.

As for Parma, new coach Roberto Donadoni must make do without the services of defender Gabriel Paletta, while Nicola Pavarini has gotten the nod ahead of Antonio Mirante in goal.

Parma (3-4-3): Pavarini; Zaccardo, Ferrario, Lucarelli; Valiani, Morrone, Mariga, Modesto; Giovinco, Floccari, Biabiany.

Subs: Mirante, Santacroce, Jonathan, Gobbi, Musacci, Palladino, Okaka.

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

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

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Line-ups: Parma-Juventus

Feb 15, 2012

Juventus have Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri in their 3-5-2 line-up against Sebastian Giovinco’s Parma this afternoon.

The Serie A game was originally snowed off in January, but kicks off at the Stadio Tardini at 17.30 UK time.

The Bianconeri have apparently decided to mirror Parma’s tactics, so are going for a 3-5-2 with Marcelo Estigarribia and Stephan Lichtsteiner out wide and front two Matri and Vucinic.

Simone Pepe and Luca Marrone are absent due to injuries, but Fabio Quagliarella is on the bench after he was widely expected to start.

Parma have Giovinco leading the way, who is a Juventus youth product and still half-owned by the Turin giants.

The ‘Atomic Ant’ partners Sergio Floccari, but Gabriel Paletta and Daniele Galloppa are late additions to the treatment table.

Stefano Ferrario gets the nod in defence ahead of Fabiano Santacroce.

Parma: Pavarini; Zaccardo, Ferrario, Lucarelli; Biabiany, Morrone, Mariga, Valiani, Modesto; Giovinco, Floccari

Parma bench: Mirante, Jonathan, Gobbi, Okaka, Palladino, Musacci, Santacroce

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

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

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000‎

Vucinic & Giaccherini squander excellent chances

to ensure AC Milan stay top of Serie A

The Bianconeri could have moved above the Rossoneri in the table with a victory

at the Tardini but they are now one point adrift of their rivals, albeit with a game in hand.

Feb 15, 2012

Juventus paid the price for some wayward finishing as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Parma on Wednesday night.

The Bianconeri could have returned to the summit of Serie A with a victory at the Ennio Tardini but despite dominating for long periods they failed to make the breakthrough, with Mirko Vuvinic and Emanuele Giaccherini squandering their best openings.

Having had their scheduled clash with Bologna on Sunday night postponed because of heavy snowfall, Juventus began as if intent on making up for lost time and Giorgio Chiellini was desperately unfortunate not to open the scoring just four minutes in, the defender getting his head on Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick from the right-hand side only to see the ball come back off the base of the left post.

The Bianconeri threatened to break the deadlock with another set-piece soon after, Pirlo just inches away from finding the top right corner with a curling effort from the edge of the area.

For all Juve’s dominance, Parma goalkeeper Nicola Pavarini had little to do in the opening half hour but he was kept busy in the closing 15 minutes of the opening period as the visitors really began to pile on the pressure.

Vucinic twice drew smart saves out of Pavarini as half-time approached before the Parma No.1 was forced to dive at the feet of Alessandro Matri after the forward had jinked his way into the area just seconds before the break.

Parma barely threatened during the first half but they did at least get a shot away four minutes after the restart but Gianluigi Buffon turned Sebastian Giovinco’s effort around the post.

Giovinco was far more prominent in the second half, causing all sorts of panic in the Juve defence after getting on the end of McDonald Mariga’s wonderful through-ball before then sparking shouts for a penalty from the home fans when he tumbled in the box under pressure from Andrea Barzagli with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Vucinic then dragged a shot wide and Pavarini saved well from Pirlo as Juve tried to reassert their first-half supremacy before Giaccherini squandered a great chance to win it for the visitors when he shot straight at Pavarini after being put in on goal by a floated ball over the top from Pirlo.

Juve became increasingly desperate and Pirlo resorted to a ill-conceived dive in the area just before the full-time whistle in the hope of nicking all three points but, in the end, they were forced to settle for a draw which means they remain one point adrift of leaders AC Milan, albeit with one more game in hand.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Juve frustrated in Parma

Feb 15, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini hit the woodwork and there were penalty appeals from Emanuele Giaccherini, Andrea Pirlo and Sebastian Giovinco, but Parma stalled Juventus 0-0.

This match was originally snowed off on January 31, but also represented the last time Juventus were defeated in all competition, a 1-0 loss at the Tardini in April. Sebastian Giovinco faced his former club, though Gabriel Paletta and Daniele Galloppa were out of action. Juve adjusted to a 3-5-2 system with Simone Pepe still sidelined.

Juve had a great chance within the opening four minutes, as Giorgio Chiellini’s towering header from a corner cracked against the outside of the near post.

Mirko Vucinic went on the counter, but hesitated when it came to the crunch and allowed Alessandro Lucarelli to close him down in the box rather than pass to the unmarked Alessandro Matri.

A Matri looping header was easily saved when Vucinic was right behind him in a better scoring position.

Andrea Pirlo’s trademark free kick shaved a coat of paint off the top of the far post with Nicola Pavarini flailing.

Vucinic fired over after skipping past Lucarelli on the edge of the penalty area. The Montenegrin found a corner at the near post, but again the shot was charged down by Sergio Floccari.

In first half stoppages, Matri ran on to a through ball, but tried to take an extra touch and allowed Nicola Pavarini to smother at his feet.

After the restart, Stefano Morrone threaded through for Giovinco, whose finish was fingertipped just wide of the near post.

Marcelo Estigarribia feinted a cross and flashed the strange angled drive over the bar, but there was some controversy when Emanuele Giaccherini had strong penalty appeals for a clumsy Jonathan Biabiany tackle as he ran on to a Pirlo pass.

MacDonald Mariga’s long ball allowed Giovinco to sprint between two defenders and draw out Gigi Buffon, but the angle was then too narrow and Andrea Barzagli was able to clear for a corner in front of an empty net.

Giovinco also wanted a spot-kick on 71 minutes when Barzagli held his shoulder, but the Parma man appeared to let himself fall quite some time after the contact.

Buffon flapped away a Giovinco free kick from the left flank and Vucinic wasted another good chance with a wayward finish. Pirlo’s effort was palmed round the post and Claudio Marchisio’s snapshot flashed just wide from the resulting corner.

At the 84th minute Giaccherini sprung the offside trap from a Pirlo ball over the top and hit the half-volley at the near post, but Pavarini performed a desperate reaction save.

Pirlo had penalty appeals deep into stoppages when Fabiano Santacroce touched him in the back as he went to get on to a looping pass, but the referee waved play on.

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

Parma: Pavarini; Zaccardo, Ferrario, Lucarelli (Santacroce 77); Biabiany (Jonathan 68), Morrone, Mariga, Valiani (Musacci 54), Modesto; Giovinco, Floccari

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Caceres 86), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia (Giaccherini 58); Matri (Quagliarella 68), Vucinic

Ref: Mazzoleni

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Juve frustrated in goalless draw

Feb 15, 2012

Juventus missed the chance to return to the top of the Serie A standings after being held to a goalless draw in their rescheduled clash against Parma.

Juve dominated in terms of opportunities but could not find a way through and they remain in second spot, a point behind AC Milan, albeit still with a game in hand on the pacesetters.

Antonio Conte's men were well-rested coming into tonight's match - which was postponed last month due to bad weather in Parma - as their fixture against Bologna on Sunday also fell foul of the adverse conditions in Italy.

However, while Juve were taking an enforced break at the weekend, Milan moved two points clear at the summit with a 2-1 win at fourth-placed Udinese, and the Turin giants would have been desperate to respond with a victory tonight.

It was not to be though, despite creating a number of decent chances at the Ennio Tardini stadium,

It was actually mid-table Parma who threatened first inside the opening two minutes but McDonald Mariga's weak shot was easily saved by Gianluigi Buffon, and after that it was largely all Juve.

In the fourth minute Giorgio Chiellini saw his header from Andrea Pirlo's free-kick hit the post, Pirlo then flashed another dead-ball effort just inches wide before Mirko Vucinic drew a parry out of Parma goalkeeper Nicola Pavarini with a low shot from outside the box.

It was a similar story in the second half with the visitors continuing to look the more likely scorers.

After the Parma strikeforce had failed to make the most of a dangerous Jonathan Biabiany cross, Marcelo Estigarribia spurned an opportunity for Juve before Pavarini again denied Vucinic with a superb stop from a close-range shot.

Vucinic fired another opening wide in the 75th minute as Juve continued to push for a breakthrough.

The visitors fashioned two more good opportunities in the final nine minutes but Pavarini performed more heroics to keep out efforts from Pirlo and Juve substitute Emanuele Giaccherini as the match finished goalless.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Why Juventus Cannot Score

Feb 15, 2012

Did Juventus throw away the title by drawing 0-0 in Parma after the scorless home draw with Siena? The Bianconeri continue to struggle in front of goal at an alarming pace which could cost coach Antonio Conte and his players the dream of winning the Serie A title. There are a number of factors but below is a list of some of the major concerns which were on display against Parma:

1) Vucinic: For the umpteenth time summer signing Mirko Vucinic failed to score while making wrong decisions or rushing his shots. Vucinic has managed only 3 goals in 16 league matches which is certainly not what the Bianconeri management and supporters were hoping for. Vucinic’s shot selection was questionable against Parma and this is perhaps due to a lack in confidence.

He was Juve’s most notable summer capture but he has failed to deliver. One thing is for sure: if Juve’s management expected Vucinic to contribute at least 15 goals a season then they might be off the mark because the attacker has not managed more than 14 goals in Serie A during his best season with Roma while he scored 19 goals in one Serie A campaign for Lecce.

2) The Forwards: The forwards at the disposal of coach Conte might be strong on paper but none of them appear ready to guarantee 15 goals a season for various reasons. The legendary Alessandro Del Piero is nearing the end of his historic journey in Bianconeri colors while Fabio Quagliarella is still trying to get back to his best after an injury-plagued year.

Considering Vucinic’s well-documented lack of scoring, there is tremendous pressure on Alessandro Matri to deliver the goals. Matri has been solid, if not spectacular, yet he remains Juve’s best hope for goals (at least among the attackers). Matri has scored 9 goals and assisted on 3 others. January signing Marco Borriello cannot be assessed at this stage.

3) Fatigue Factor: There are 16 matches left for the Bianconeri this season yet some players appear to be tired or lacking the cutting edge at this stage of the season. After a scintillating start, both Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal have slowed down. Marchisio was exceptional early in the season and has managed to score 6 goals in the league yet he seems to be tired and had to deal with minor injuries in recent weeks.

Simone Pepe is another player performing below his early season form when he scored 5 goals in Serie A. The incisive runs and aggressive play of both Marchisio and Pepe had been decisive in Juve’s rise to the top of the standings. Since the duo started facing fatigue, fitness and injury issues, the performances of the Bianconeri have declined.

4) Possession Game: Coach Conte seems to insist on following an approach similar to that of Barcelona. Juve’s midfield is a mix of talented, skilled and hardworking players yet the club does not have someone of Xavi’s or Cesc Fabregas’s caliber. However, Juve’s midfield has to be considered as one of the best in Europe. The combination of Marchisio, Vidal and Pepe along with the masterful Andrea Pirlo has turned the Bianconeri from an average side to a challenger capable of keeping possession and pressuring opponents.

One thing Barca has been suffering from is the lack of a scoring punch (for a number of reasons such as the lack of a genuine centre-forward) and it seems Conte’s team is facing the same problem. While Matri qualifies as a centre-forward and the same can be said of Borriello, both attackers do not have the physical presence to trouble opponents. Matri is not an aggressive player while Borriello is short on match fitness having settled for the bench most of the season (both with Roma and now Juve).

Against Siena and then Parma, the Bianconeri players possessed the ball for 70% and 63% of the time respectively but could not translate this dominance into a single goal. It appears Conte’s Juve adopted the possession game of Barca but unfortunately took along some of the few negative aspects attributed to such a style such as the lack of a killer instinct. The Barca style of play highlights patience and keeping the ball but seems to suffer from inefficiency and at times appears toothless in front of goal.

5) Undefeated Record: At times the Bianconeri and their coach Conte appear more concerned about preserving their unbeaten record as opposed to pushing harder for victories. In recent weeks there has been talk of how Perguia lost the Serie A title to Milan decades ago despite going the entire season without a single defeat in the league. While Juve employ a patient approach even against weaker opponents, there seems to be a fear factor involved, in particular in the last 20 minutes of matches. The Bianconeri seemed a bit rattled towards the end against both Siena and Parma.

Talk of going through the whole season undefeated has surfaced at times and some are even making comparisons between the current Juve team and that infamous Perugia side. A Bianconeri loss can perhaps open the floodgates and allow the players to perform more freely and with less pressure. Against Parma, Emanuele Giaccherini should have played more minutes because he tends to take up more dangerous positions and creates more scoring opportunities when compared to the less dangerous Marcelo Estigarribia.

6) Conte’s System: Coach Conte relies on three midfielders who might be different in style yet who can all interchange positions on the field. These three midfielders will ultimately decide whether the Bianconeri can win the league title. The influential trio, namely Pirlo, Marchisio and Vidal, do not have a replacement on the squad and no one comes close to their talent level when they are forced to miss a match, are underperforming or playing while unfit.

Pepe’s injury has somewhat exposed Juve but the presence of Giaccerini and Estigarribia can somewhat compensate for the winger’s absence; however, no one on the Juve squad can take Pirlo’s or Marchisio’s place in the starting lineup. Even Vidal has no replacement on the bench. The fact all three play at the same time means whenever there is a suspension or a forced absence, the Bianconeri will likely struggle to compensate for the costly absence.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Paying the Penalty

Feb 15, 2012

There is an old adage that stipulates a title winning campaign is largely based upon finding a way of winning games without necessarily playing great football. Back-to-back goalless draws have seen Juventus fall a point behind title rivals Milan, with a game in hand away at Bologna yet to be played. Despite dominating for large periods at the Tardini on Wednesday night, the Bianconeri were unable to convert chances into goals, thus giving Coach Antonio Conte the foundations on which to deliver a furious post-match rant. Is the pressure building?

The heated tirade was based on the notion that the Old Lady’s luck has deserted her. While dismissing a penalty shout for Sebastian Giovinco as nonsensical, Conte revealed a deep rage over the performance of referees involved in games concerning his side thus far.

“I think at this stage referees are afraid of giving a penalty to Juventus. We’ve only received one spot-kick this season. This situation is really getting on my nerves and I cannot accept that Juventus are unfairly treated. At the moment they won’t give us a penalty even if we get killed.”

While his synopsis may be borderline irrational in terms of not earning a penalty even if we ‘get killed’, it is a view shared by Beppe Marotta who had previously questioned the standard of refereeing and demanded fairness. Similarly, this opinion was echoed by players both past and present. Pavel Nedved called for referees to 'have more courage', while Andrea Pirlo, who was at the centre of a penalty shout, claims 'we're not playing the victims and we don't want presents from anyone, but equality is what we're after'. While it is both acceptable to suggest and debatable as to whether the Bianconeri have wrongly been denied numerous penalty claims, Emanuele Giaccherini appeared to have a legitimate claim last night, it provides a distraction from a deeper lying problem, goals.

Of the top eight sides in Serie A, along with Palermo, Juve have scored the least goals so far this season, 33 in 22 games compared to Milan’s 45. While they may well boast the tightest defence in the league, it fails to address the issue of a lack of clinical edge. From Giorgio Chiellini’s effort against the post, to Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick which whistled past Nicola Pavarini’s woodwork, until there is a distinct improvement in front of goal, these draws will not be turned into victories (a penalty or two would help). Juve have scored more than two goals in a game on just three occasions this season, which ultimately paves the way for heart-wrenching moments in avoiding conceding late goals to scupper victory, to gasps of desperation when in search of a game-winning goal.

With the pessimistic outlook succinctly covered, numerous positives remain. The Bianconeri are still unbeaten, 12 wins and 10 draws attesting to that. Should they win their game in hand, they have an opportunity to open up a two point gap at the top with the upcoming trip to San Siro on February 25. While a grievance can have the undesired effect of frustration, it’s perhaps important to remain calm as we enter a crucial part of the season. While the Rossoneri appear to be regaining form with a win away at Udinese and their mid-week thrashing of Arsenal, it is more important than ever for Conte and Co. to concentrate on the task in hand, and hope lady luck returns before the end of the season.

Angry with some of the refereeing decisions in recent weeks and feel Juve are being hard done by?! Or is it all just a distraction from the real issue, the lack of goals?

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000‎

'Referees are afraid to award penalties

to Juventus,' says Antonio Conte

The Italian coach says that his side are being treated unfairly as far as spot-kicks

are concerned after they missed the chance to leapfrog Milan at the top of the table.

Feb 15, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has launched a scathing attack at Italian referees after Wednesday's goalless draw at Parma.

The Bianconeri had two penalty claims waved away by the referee as they were unable to return to the top of the Serie A table, which is occupied by AC Milan.

"I think referees are afraid to give penalties to Juventus and I am not talking about today's match," Conte told Sky Sport Italia. "What happened today I have already seen before.

"The air we breathe says that if you do not whistle for something against Juve, it is not a mistake. If you make a mistake against Juve, nothing happens.

"We want to be treated fairly."

Juventus have so far been awarded just one penalty in Serie A this season, with director Beppe Marotta demanding "respect" from match officials earlier in the month.

"We play 70-75 per cent of our games in the opposition area and yet we are the team with the lowest number of penalties," Conte continued.

"Even the last team in the table is ahead of us in this matter. We dominated the match and had several chances to score. It is a shame that we did not take the three points."

Parma also had a strong appeal for a spot-kick in the second period, but Conte saw the play in a different way.

"There was nothing in Parma's appeal, as Sebastian Giovinco dived," he explained. "He deserved yellow for that."

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Refs need courage, warns Nedved

Feb 15, 2012

Juventus director Pavel Nedved has applauded the players for their efforts at Parma, but was annoyed by the performance of the referee.

The Old Lady failed to go back to the top of the table on Wednesday after being held to a 0-0 draw at the Tardini.

However, Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte made it clear after the game that he felt his side should have been awarded two penalties. Nedved shared that view.

“We can’t criticise the players as they performed with intensity, as did Parma,” the former Czech Republic international told Juventus Channel.

“It was a great game, one which was played until the very end and we saw numerous players suffering from cramp.

“Unfortunately I wasn’t in agreement with some of the refereeing decisions. Referees need to have more courage. You need personality to make the big decisions.

“However, we’ll now turn this anger into positive energy. Conte’s doing a great job and we’re all happy.”

Juventus’ previous game in Serie A against Siena ended 0-0 – a tie in which they also believed they should have been awarded a spot-kick.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Conte: 'Refs won't give Juve penalties'

Feb 15, 2012

Antonio Conte was furious at the referee after their draw in Parma. “They won’t give us a penalty even if we get killed.”

Juventus had two strong appeals for a spot-kick in today’s 0-0 rescheduled Week 21 tie at the Stadio Tardini.

“We dominated the game for long periods and need to win in these situations, so it’s a shame we didn’t get all three points,” said the Coach.

“Once again, there are a few replays I’d like to see. There was absolutely nothing in Parma’s appeal, as Sebastian Giovinco dived.

“As for us, the footage speaks for itself. I think at this stage referees are afraid of giving a penalty to Juventus. We’ve only received one spot-kick this season.

“I am not just talking about today’s incidents, but it is a general view of the whole campaign that people are afraid of giving a penalty in favour of Juventus.

“That fear comes from all sorts of areas. We carry on, but it is annoying. We’ve had fewer penalties than anyone all season and play 75 per cent of our games in the opposition area.

“This situation is really getting on my nerves and I cannot accept that Juventus are unfairly treated. I expect every referee to be even, fair and courageous, because you need guts to award a penalty in stoppages.

“At the moment they won’t give us a penalty even if we get killed. We train like animals to play an extraordinary season and just demand fair treatment on a par with everyone else.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Pirlo demands Juve equality

Feb 16, 2012

Juventus ace Andrea Pirlo was amazed that he wasn’t awarded a penalty in last night’s 0-0 draw at Parma.

The Italian international fell in the box after a challenge from Fabiano Santacroce, but the referee waved play on – just as he did earlier in the game when Emanuele Giaccherini asked for a spot-kick.

“I shielded the ball and I felt a knee in my back,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I thought it was a clear penalty, but it wasn’t given.

“We’re not playing the victims and we don’t want presents from anyone,” added the 32-year-old.

“Equality, however, is what we’re after and we ask that when it’s a penalty then it’s awarded – even if it is in the last minute.”

Juventus have now drawn their last two Serie A games 0-0 – results which have allowed Milan to go back to the top of the table.

“The problem is that we create many opportunities and we don’t score,” continued the summer signing from San Siro.

“We dominated the game against Parma, but goalkeeper Nicola Pavarini did well to keep us at bay. We’ll look to improve further, to get back to winning ways instantly.”

The Old Lady face Catania at home this weekend. They haven’t beaten them at home in Serie A since 1984.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

'Referees need to have more courage', says Nedved

after Juventus denied penalty against Parma

The Bianconeri legend has stressed that referees need to show more courage when making

big decisions, but added that the Turin giants will put the anger into positive energy.

Feb 16, 2012

Juventus director Pavel Nedved has expressed his anger with the lack of courage displayed by referees in the aftermath of the Turin giants' scoreless Serie A draw away to Parma on Wednesday evening.

The Bianconeri felt they deserved a spot-kick late in the game when Andrea Pirlo went to ground inside the Parma box, but the referee decided against it and waved play on, much to the dismay of Nedved.

"There were incidents that influenced this game and it becomes difficult to explain these kind of draws to the players," Nedved was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"Referees need to have more courage. However, we’ll know to turn this anger into positive energy. Conte is doing a great job and we’re all happy."

The stalemate saw Juventus remain second in the Serie A table with 46 points, one point behind AC Milan but with a game in hand. They resume Serie A action on Saturday when they host Catania.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Berlusconi: Milan better than Juve!

Feb 16, 2012

Soon to be Milan President Silvio Berlusconi insists his side are a stronger outfit than title rivals Juventus.

Berlusconi made the claim after Juve drew 0-0 at Parma, while his Rossoneri demolished Arsenal 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

“We’ve never had any doubt about retaining the Scudetto,” the former Italian Prime Minister told Sky Sport Italia.

“We are convinced that we are superior to Juventus – even if we do have respect for the excellent squad that they have.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Donadoni questions Juve style

Feb 16, 2012

Parma boss Roberto Donadoni thinks that Juventus’ refereeing protests show a lack of class.

The two teams drew 0-0 at the Stadio Tardini on Wednesday, but the Old Lady were furious after having two penalty appeals turned down.

“I don’t comment on refereeing errors whether they are for or against my side,” the ex-Italy tactician told the Corriere dello Sport. “That is a stance that I have always set myself.

“Clubs of the calibre of Inter, Milan and Juventus should always maintain a certain kind of elegance in relation to match officials.”

Juventus boss Antonio Conte, midfielder Andrea Pirlo and director Pavel Nedved have all spoken out about the spot-kicks which were not awarded to La Signora last night.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Ranieri: Conte is wrong

Feb 16, 2012

Claudio Ranieri does not follow Antonio Conte’s assertion that only Juventus are suffering at the hands of referees this season.

After having two penalty appeals denied against Parma on Wednesday night, Conte delivered a post-match complaint to the Press that his Bianconeri are victims of referees unwilling to award them such decisions.

In his own news conference the next day that was otherwise for looking ahead to Inter’s Friday meeting with Bologna, Ranieri took time to assess Conte’s claim.

“The referees are afraid to award penalties to them?” he began. “Then with Inter they are terrified.

“With us too they have been wrong. I do not agree with Conte.

“I lost to Novara, and have been quiet with no excuses, the important thing is that the referee designator is not influenced by those who raise their voice.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Juve support Conte’s claims

Feb 16, 2012

Juventus have released a statement backing the comments from Coach Antonio Conte and midfielder Andrea Pirlo, that the club deserve equal treatment.

The pair, along with Pavel Nedved, have been vocal in complaining about the failure of referees to award the Bianconeri penalty-kicks this season.

The outcry followed the latest penalty appeals against Parma, that Conte claimed was the latest example of match officials being afraid to award the club spot-kicks.

“Juventus football club confirms and supports the statements by Coach Antonio Conte, director Pavel Nedved and Andrea Pirlo after the game,” read the official club note.

“The club hopes that equal treatment, which they are pursuing and will pursue at every ground, is always applied in accordance with the rules of the game of football.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.)

0 - 0

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 13000

Juventus back Antonio Conte's comments over state of refereeing

The Bianconeri have demanded fair treatment from referees after several club personalities

expressed their unhappiness with the lack of penalty kicks awarded to Conte's side.

Feb 16, 2012

Juventus have issued a statement in support of Antonio Conte's criticism towards the referees' treatment of the club.

The Italian coach, along with midfielder Andrea Pirlo and former Juventus star Pavel Nedved, aired his unhappiness towards the way match officials treat the Bianconeri after Wednesday's goalless draw at Parma.

Juventus have only been awarded one spot-kick in Serie A so far this season (the lowest record in the competition), and Conte demanded that his side be treated on par with the remaining clubs.

"Juventus Football Club confirm and support all statements from manager Antonio Conte, councillor Pavel Nedved and Andrea Pirlo at the end of the game," a club statement read.

"Juventus hope that treatment equality - a fundamental purpose pursued by the club - always applies in accordance with football rules and with both sports and ordinary law."

The Turin-based club lie in second position in the Serie A table, one point off AC Milan, albeit having one match in hand.

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