Juventus Season 2011-2012

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

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Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Conte admires Juve attitude

Sep 24, 2011

Antonio Conte is pleased with the attitude of his Juventus players so far this season and aims to continue in Catania on Sunday.

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Capello gives Scudetto prediction

Sep 24, 2011

England manager Fabio Capello looks at the Scudetto race and reminds everyone

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

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Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Montella: 'Juve loss good for football'

Sep 24, 2011

Vincenzo Montella argues Catania

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

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Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Line-ups: Conte changes Juve again

Sep 25, 2011

Juventus give Fabio Grosso, Arturo Vidal and Eljero Elia starts in their match against Catania.

The Bianconeri hope to keep hold of the Serie A top spot, but face a tricky trip to Sicily, where Catania have a very solid record.

Mirko Vucinic was sent off during the midweek 1-1 draw with Bologna and is therefore suspended, joining the injured Vincenzo Iaquinta.

It prompts Antonio Conte to reshuffle again, giving Vidal his first start and Dutch international Elia his debut in a Juventus jersey.

Catania suffered their first defeat of the season on Wednesday in a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Genoa.

Cristian Llama, Marco Biagianti, Alessandro Potenza and ex-Juve defender Nicola Legrottaglie all missed out.

Coach Vincenzo Montella surprisingly opted to leave Maxi Lopez, Adrian Ricchiuti, Pablo Ledesma and David Suazo on the bench.

Catania: Andujar; Alvarez, Bellusci, Spolli, Capuano; Lodi, Almiron, Delvecchio, Catellani; Bergessio, Gomez

Catania bench: Kosicky, Marchese, Ricchiuti, Ledesma, Lanzafame, Maxi Lopez, Suazo

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Grosso; Marchisio, Pirlo; Krasic, Matri, Vidal, Elia

Juventus bench: Storari, Bonucci, Pazienza, Pepe, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Del Piero

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

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Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Eljero Elia makes Juventus debut against Catania

The Netherlands international has been included in the starting XI

for the first time since moving to Serie A from Hamburg.

Sep 25, 2011

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has decided to make several changes to the squad which drew 1-1 against Bologna in midweek as the Turin giants take on Catania on Sunday afternoon.

Dutch winger Eljero Elia will start for the first time since moving to Italy, displacing Simone Pepe on the left wing.

Additionally, Paolo De Ceglie has lost his left-back berth to Fabio Grosso, while Alessandro Matri replaces Alessandro Del Piero up front.

Arturo Vidal has been included in the starting line-up, standing in for the suspended Mirko Vucinic, and will play in an advanced midfield position in Sicily.

Catania tactician Vincenzo Montella has decided to bench star striker Maxi Lopez, who will be joined in the technical area by former Juventus winger Davide Lanzafame.

Catania: Andujar; Alvarez, Bellusci, Spolli, Capuano; Almiron, Lodi, Delvecchio, Gomez; Bergessio, Catellani.

Subs: Campagnolo, Marchese, Ricchiuti, Ledesma, Suazo, Lanzafame, Lopez.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Grosso; Pirlo, Marchisio; Krasic, Vidal, Elia; Matri.

Subs: Storari, Bonucci, Pepe, Pazienza, Quagliarella, Del Piero, Giaccherini.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Krasic equaliser ensures Old Lady return to the Serie A summit

Despite earning a second successive draw, Antonio Conte's side move back

to the top of the table thanks to a second-half goal from the Serbian winger.

Sep 25, 2011

Juventus moved back to the top of the Serie A table after drawing 1-1 with Catania at the Angelo Massimo on Sunday.

Gonzalo Bergessio gave the home side the initiative midway through the first half, but Milos Krasic was on hand to salvage a point for the Old Lady and preserve their unbeaten start to the season.

Juventus started the game with an interesting tactical change, as Antonio Conte opted to switch from his trademark 4-2-4 formation to a 4-1-4-1 system, with Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio all featuring from the beginning.

Catania had started the season inconsistently, with a 3-0 reverse at Genoa last Wednesday ending their previously unbeaten start, but the Sicilians seemed desperate to flush the defeat out of their system.

It was fitting, then, that the hosts would open the scoring in the match. Bergessio made it 1-0 on 22 minutes, beating Giorgio Chiellini to Gomez's tantalising low cross to divert the ball past Gianluigi Buffon.

Juventus began to pile on the pressure, as new recruits Vidal and Eljero Elia grew in stature as the game wore on.

However, it was four minutes into the second half before a Bianconeri equaliser arrived, thanks to Krasic and some lax goalkeeping from Mariano Andujar.

The Serb powered a shot straight at goal from a central position after collecting Vidal's probing pass, but the Argentine stopper failed to get his body behind the strike and only succeeded in pushing the ball into the net.

Straight afterwards, Catania almost scored via the right boot of Bergessio, but, incredibly, the ex-Saint-Etienne hitman failed to find the net, blazing over from less than six yards out, although the chance was later ruled offside.

At the other end, Alessandro Del Piero sent a horribly misguided free header well wide after Krasic advanced to the byline and picked him out with a pinpoint cross.

There were chances galore in stoppage time, but Gomez and Vidal, two of the game's better players, blasted their respective opportunites over the crossbar.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Juve scrape Sicilian draw

Sep 25, 2011

Juventus had to fight back for a second consecutive 1-1 draw, this time held in Sicily.

The Bianconeri lost their 100 per cent record with a midweek draw against Bologna, but were still top of the table. Mirko Vucinic saw red in that game and was suspended with Vincenzo Iaquinta injured, so Antonio Conte changed again with Arturo Vidal's first start and the Juve debut of Eljero Elia in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Catania built their safety on home turf last season and aimed to do so again, though Nicola Legrottaglie, Cristian Llama, Alessandro Potenza and Marco Biagianti were out. Surprisingly, Vincenzo Montella left Maxi Lopez, Pablo Ledesma and Adrian Ricchiuti on the bench.

Juventus were unbeaten in Sicily since September 1964 and have won four of their following seven visits.

It was a sluggish start from both sides and Catania broke through with the first real burst of pace. Gonzalez got down the right flank and rolled across for Gonzalo Bergessio to come sliding in from five yards, toe-poking the ball by anticipating both Giorgio Chiellini and Gigi Buffon.

Vidal's daisy-cutter was palmed out at full stretch by Mariano Andujar, then Andrea Pirlo tried to curl in directly from the corner flag, again forcing the goalkeeper to save.

Francesco Lodi threatened a second for the Sicilians, testing Buffon at the near post. Catania went close again, as a Catellani smashed a fierce volley across the face of goal to skim the back post. Alvarez had to be stretchered off for a knee injury.

Juve had penalty appeals for a challenge on Alessandro Matri in the penalty area, but Nicolas Spolli seemed to get the ball first. Catania also complained, as the already-booked Claudio Marchisio risked a second yellow for his tackle on Catellani in midfield.

Sergio Almiron risked scoring an own goal in favour of his former teammates, as the wayward header on Elia's cross drifted over an open goal, as Andujar had come out to fresh air.

Elia made a poor debut and was replaced at half-time by Simone Pepe. It also started raining heavily in Sicily.

It should've been 2-0 after the restart, but Gennaro Delvecchio horribly scuffed his finish from eight yards to fire wide after a defensive error.

Instead, Juventus equalised with Milos Krasic, who until this point had a dreadful game. His shot from outside the box did not seem particularly dangerous, but Andujar confirmed his poor form this season with another howler, only palming the ball into his own net.

Moments later, Bergessio again wasted horribly, as a free kick over the top found him totally unmarked from six yards only to balloon the volley over.

The game sprung to life and Vidal's snapshot was deflected for a corner, then Marchisio completely scuffed his shot from the edge of the box. Juventus were pouring forward, leaving gaps for a Catania counter-attack, but the Sicilians wasted them by hesitating.

Buffon had to flap a Bergessio cross-shot out from the far top corner, but when Krasic went on the counter all alone he was too tired and hit a weak finish straight at Andujar.

Juve went so close again on 80 minutes when Krasic skipped past two defenders to cross for Alessandro Del Piero, but the captain nodded wide.

At the 86th minute, Chiellini did just about enough to unbalance David Suazo and allow Buffon to smother at his feet.

Vidal really should've equalised from a poor clearance when he came running in on nine yards, but horribly ballooned over the bar. It was end to end stuff and Gomez fired wide on the counter, then Buffon rushed off his line to smother at Lodi's feet.

Deep into stoppages, Catellani was clear only to attempt a lob that he scuffed with an awful finish.

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Catania: Andujar; Alvarez (Marchese 29), Bellusci, Spolli, Capuano; Lodi, Almiron (Ledesma 66), Delvecchio, Catellani; Bergessio (Suazo 78), Gomez

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Grosso; Marchisio (Quagliarella 81), Pirlo; Krasic, Vidal, Elia (Pepe 46); Matri (Del Piero 72)

Ref: Mazzoleni

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Krasic rescues Juve

Sep 25, 2011

Milos Krasic grabbed a second-half equaliser as Serie A leaders Juventus had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw with Catania.

And it could have been much worse for Juve had Andrea Catellani not squandered an injury-time chance to win the match for the Sicilian outfit.

Gonzalo Bergessio fired Catania ahead in the 21st minute after Alejandro Gomez supplied an inviting cross from the right.

Juve, without suspended striker Mirko Vucinic, fought back immediately. Catania goalkeeper Mariano Andujar kept out a 25-yard scorcher from Claudio Marchisio and swiftly followed that by tipping another effort from the same player over the bar.

Juve keeper Gianluigi Buffon saved from Francesco Lodi and Catellani volleyed over the bar on the half hour.

Andrea Pirlo blazed high over the bar on 37 minutes and two minutes from the break Marchisio could not take advantage from close range after Andujar had failed to claim a cross.

Catania midfielder Gennaro Delvecchio found himself unmarked in the Juve box two minutes into the second half but wastefully dragged his shot wide.

Krasic made Catania pay for that missed opportunity when he drilled home an equaliser two minutes later with Andujar at fault.

Andujar recovered to pull off a fine save to deny Arturo Vidal on 53 minutes.

Buffon denied Bergessio a second by tipping his shot over the bar in the 67th minute.

Catellani only had Buffon to beat in the fifth minute of injury time but shot wide.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com analyses the players on show during the Old Lady's draw in Sicily

- a point which moves them back to the top of the Serie A table.

Sep 25, 2011

Catania

Mariano Gonzalo And

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Antonio Conte praises fighting spirit after Catania draw

The Turin side's head coach was pleased with his players' attitude

and added that they have to continue to work hard.

Sep 25, 2011

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has praised his players' hard work in their 1-1 Serie A draw away to Catania on Sunday afternoon.

Gonzalo Bergessio gifted the Sicilians an early lead, but Juventus fought back after the break and Milos Krasic helped his side to a draw with his 49th minute goal.

"I'm happy with the performance shown by the lads, because they really didn't want to lose this game and showcased excellent fighting spirit," Conte was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

The Turin giants climbed back to top spot in the Serie A table following this weekend's results, but Conte urged his men to keep their feet on the ground.

"We must not delude ourselves, nor delude our fans. We must continue to work hard in order to improve. We have to bear in mind that this team only reached seventh position in the table for two consecutive years."

Juventus' next game is the home match against current Serie A champions AC Milan on October 2.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Conte: 'Juve are still growing'

Sep 25, 2011

Antonio Conte again warned Juventus fans their draw in Catania was a step towards growth.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Montella 'regrets' not beating Juve

Sep 25, 2011

Vincenzo Montella feels Catania deserved to beat Juventus this afternoon.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Pirlo: 'We lacked desire in first half'

Sep 26, 2011

Andrea Pirlo looked at the positives to come from Juventus' 1-1 draw with Catania, but did admit the first half performance lacked desire.

Juve could only draw to Catania in a rain-soaked Sicily, with Milos Krasic's second-half strike cancelling out Gonzalo Bergessio's opening strike for the hosts.

The Bianconeri have drawn their last two games, but took top spot on goals-scored from Napoli.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Vincenzo Montella regrets not beating Juventus

The Italian tactician is pleased to have held the Turin giants to a draw

but admits that they should have emerged victorious in the end.

Sep 26, 2011

Catania coach Vincenzo Montella has expressed his disappointment at his side

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Krasic: I'm happy with my goal, but I wanted a win

Serbian wideman is pleased with his personal contribution, but rues missed chances

after his side were forced to settle for a draw at Catania.

Sep 26, 2011

Juventus winger Milos Krasic has expressed his delight at having scored his first goal of the season in his side's 1-1 draw away at Catania, but insists that they could have won the game.

Following his strike, the Serbia international whipped in a fantastic centre to find Alessandro Del Piero in front of goal. However, the club legend missed the target from close range.

And Krasic rued the wasted opportunity after it ensured that his side would have to settle for a share of the spoils while preventing them from opening a lead at the top of the Serie A table.

"I'm happy for this first goal of the season," Krasic told Tuttosport. "I dedicate it to my team-mates who are very close to me at this time.

"I had set up one of my team-mates in the centre, and maybe we could have scored the second and gone it alone in the lead in the championship."

Krasic has recently been linked with a move away from Turin, having started the season on the substitutes' bench. AC Milan, Manchester United, Chelsea and Anzhi Makhachkala were rumoured to be among the interested parties.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Simone Pepe content with Conte's decision

to place him on substitutes' bench

The wideman is at ease with his head coach's rotation of wingers and has denied

press reports that he is unhappy with the situation at the Turin side.

Sep 26, 2011

Simone Pepe has insisted that he has no problem with Antonio Conte's decision to list him as a substitute for Juventus' 1-1 draw with Catania on Sunday.

The Italy international had started the opening three games of the 2011-12 Serie A season, but was dropped in favour of Eljero Elia at the weekend.

However, Pepe has made it clear that being listed as a substitute is not an issue for him, as he realises there is stiff competition for places at the Turin giants.

"Conte did not play me this time, but it's not a problem. Is the press going to make an issue out of it every time someone does not play?" he told Sky Sports Italia.

"The press started asking questions when Elia did not play, and it happened again when Krasic did not play.

"They remained on the bench in silence just as I did. This is simply the way it is in a large squad and there are no problems."

The 28-year-old attacker joined Juventus from Udinese on a one-year loan deal in the summer of 2010 and moved to Turin on a permanent basis in June 2011.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Lo Monaco: 'If you take Andrea Pirlo out,

Juventus' players become like ants'

The Sicilians' general manager claims that the Turin side must overcome their overreliance

on the playmaker if they are to successfully challenge for the Serie A title.

Sep 26, 2011

Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco has voiced his belief that Juventus are currently too dependent on midfielder Andrea Pirlo and feels the other players struggle without the Italy international's guidance.

The Turin giants were held to a 1-1 draw by the Sicilians on Sunday, and Lo Monaco was not impressed with Juventus' performance.

"Juventus are overreliant on Andrea Pirlo," Lo Monaco told Tuttosport. "It is Pirlo who dictates the game.

"If you take him out, the others become like ants."

Pirlo joined Juventus from AC Milan on a Bosman move in the summer transfer window, and the playmaker has since developed into a key player for Antonio Conte's side.

Juventus currently sit top of the Serie A table with eight points from four games.

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Serie A Week 5 - 25-9-11 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Gonzalo Bergessio (21')

Milos Krasic (49')

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: P. Mazzoleni‎

Attendance: 20000‎

Del Piero appreciates the point

Sep 26, 2011

Alessandro Del Piero and Leonardo Bonucci insists Juventus should be pleased with the point in Catania.

Some were disappointed with Sunday

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