Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Crunch Genoa trip for title-chasing Juve

Mar 10, 2012

Juventus face a crucial trip to Genoa at the weekend as Antonio Conte's men bid to keep pace with champions AC Milan in the Serie A title race.

Juve dropped two points behind Milan following a 1-1 draw at Bologna in midweek and face by far the tougher test this weekend.

Leaders Milan host relegation-threatened Lecce while Juve travel to play a team with one of the best home records in the division.

What's more, Juve will be without all three recognised centre-backs and Conte will also be sitting in the stands suspended.

Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are injured while Leonardo Bonucci is banned meaning South American Martin Caceres, a full-back, and Arturo Vidal, a midfielder, are likely to line-up at the back.

It will be a tall order for Juve to keep hold of Milan's coat-tails, although they may be hoping the rossoneri's confidence has been hit by their 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in midweek.

That may not be the case, though, as Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani believes the club will benefit from their reaction to that humbling defeat - which did not prevent them from progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals as they had won the home leg 4-0.

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was particularly annoyed by the performance and described it as unacceptable.

And Galliani is pleased the big Swede is angry.

"The more angry Ibra gets, the better things go. He's made this way, otherwise he wouldn't be Ibrahimovic," said Galliani.

The manager also refuses to get carried away by Milan's league lead, the first time this season they have been above Juve without having played a greater number of games.

"We're there, two points clear but nothing has changed. There are 12 matches left and hence 36 points up for grabs," added Galliani.

Juve face possibly the biggest threat to their stunning unbeaten season on Sunday.

After 26 league games, and three in the Italian Cup, they have yet to be beaten but are still second.

That is because they have drawn half their league matches, including their last three and five of their last six.

It is a run that has allowed Milan to suck them in and streak past.

Goals have certainly been hard to come by for Juve in the last few months, only scoring more than once five times in their last 14 matches.

In fact they have nine draws and just six wins in their last 15 despite mostly dominating possession and territory.

If they don't start finding wins easier to come by they may come under pressure from third-placed Lazio, who host Bologna on Sunday and are just four points back.

Also in the mix are fourth-placed Udinese, two points behind Lazio and facing a trip to rock-bottom Novara this weekend.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Conte fumes at touchline ban

Mar 10, 2012

Juventus manager Antonio Conte enforced a media ban on Saturday, refusing to speak ahead of his side's clash with Genoa on Sunday.

The Italian was sent to the stands in Wednesday's 1-1 Serie A draw with Bologna for complaints made when he felt his side should have been awarded a penalty.

Conte was angered by the subsequent one-match touchline ban and insisted he would not speak to the media as a result, with assistant coach Angelo Alessio speaking instead.

"First of all, Antonio Conte suffered an injustice, we all saw and know what happened there. Some journalists were there too and I think he's very bitter about the ban at the moment," Alessio said.

"I've been working with Conte for two years and I've never seen him behaving badly toward a referee or his assistants, and I repeat: he suffered an injustice and hope that it won't happen again in the future."

With recent results going against Juventus, Alessio insisted their tactics and approach would remain the same.

"We'll play against Genoa in the same way as we have against everyone else this season, with the same determination and desire to win," he said.

"I think we won't make any major tactical changes, despite the difficult time we've had recently. We also don't have enough men in defence to make changes, so we'll adopt the same tactics."

With a defensive crisis on his hands, Conte may be forced to use Arturo Vidal and Luca Marrone in defence as centre back Leonardo Bonucci also serves a one-game ban for two yellow cards against Bologna.

Alessio went on to defend his strikers who have been lambasted in the Italian press for a return of three goals in three consecutive 1-1 draws.

"I think that Conte chooses a striker or a couple of strikers for a match because he's convinced they're the right guys to win," he said.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Serie A Preview: Antonio Conte's men seek victory

at the Marassi to boost flagging title hopes

After drawing five of their last six matches, the Old Lady will be hoping they can

nab three points at the expense of the Grifoni on Sunday to keep the pressure on leaders AC Milan.

Mar 10, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

GENOA

Frey

Rossi, Roger, Kaladze, Moretti

Jankovic, Kucka, Biondini, Sculli

Gilardino, Palacio

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Vidal, De Ceglie

Marrone, Pirlo, Marchisio

Pepe, Borriello, Vucinic

With Luca Antonelli, Cesare Bovo and Andreas Granqvist all out, coach Pasquale Marino is forced to name a makeshift defence, as Roger Carvalho and Marco Rossi should fill in at centre-back and right-back respectively to replace Granqvist and Giandomenico Mesto, who is to be dropped from the XI that drew 2-2 with Lecce last weekend.

However, the biggest news sees the return of Alberto Gilardino, who will partner Rodrigo Palacio up front for the Rossoblu. As a result, Giuseppe Sculli will be forced to play out on the left-hand side of midfield, despite his two-goal salvo against the Serie A strugglers.

Meanwhile for Juventus, they too have troubles at the back, with Leonardo Bonucci's suspension, incurred during the 1-1 draw with Bologna, only adding to the injury woes of key duo Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. To compensate, expect Arturo Vidal to fill in alongside Martin Caceres at centre-back.

Fortunately for young midfielder Luca Marrone, he will be the biggest winner out of the Old Lady's current lack of numbers, as he is set to replace the Chilean in midfield. Also, regardless of his latest disappointing performance, Marco Borriello should be given the chance to redeem himself ahead of Alessandro Matri in attack.

DID YOU KNOW?

•Genoa have lost more times against Juventus than any other Serie A opponent.

•They have won just one of their last seven home games against Juventus.

•Genoa are also winless in their past five league fixtures, losing three of these.

•Juventus' Alessandro Matri has scored in both of his games against Genoa in a Bianconeri jersey.

•However, Antonio Conte's men have been held to a draw in five of their last six league games, including the last three.

•The Old Lady have also drawn six of their last eight away games in this campaign.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Oct 22, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Genoa 2

Serie A ‎- Apr 10, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Genoa 2

Serie A ‎- Nov 21, 2010 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 2

Serie A ‎- Feb 14, 2010 - Juventus 3 - Genoa 2

Serie A ‎- Sep 24, 2009 - Genoa 2 - Juventus 2

Last Five Matches

Genoa

Mar 4, 2012 - Lecce 2 - Genoa 2 - Serie A

Feb 25, 2012 - Genoa 2 - Parma 2 - Serie A

Feb 19, 2012 - Genoa 0 - Chievo 1 - Serie A

Feb 15, 2012 - Atalanta 1 - Genoa 0 - Serie A

Feb 12, 2012 - Catania 4 - Genoa 0 - Serie A

Juventus

Mar 7, 2012 - Bologna 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Mar 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Chievo 1 - Serie A

Feb 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Feb 18, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Catania 1 - Serie A

Feb 15, 2012 - Parma 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Rodrigo Palacio

The Argentina international has been in excellent form for the Rossoblu this term, leading both the assists and goalscoring charts for the Grifoni. 14 goals and four assists signal his sheer importance to the Genoa cause, and without him they would be relegation fodder this season. His lightning pace and mesmerising movement in and around the final third is sure to cause lots of problems for the makeshift Juventus back four.

Luca Marrone

The young midfielder is set to be given a huge opportunity to impress in midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, and he will do his utmost to make sure he does not get outshined by his more experienced peers. An energetic defensive midfielder by trade, Marrone, an Italy Under-21 international, also possesses a natural footballing ability - he has an impressive passing range in his locker and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.

Prediction

Genoa currently have no problems in finding the back of the net, but it's their deficiencies at the back which continue to haunt them - in stark contrast to Juventus, who hold the key to the most watertight defence on the peninsula, but currently are finding trouble at the other end. Therefore, a draw seems the most likely outcome, frustrating Antonio Conte once more in the process.

Editor's Prediction

Genoa 1 - 1 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 10, 2012

Juventus will be aiming to return to the winners list when they travel to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to face Genoa on Sunday.

A typically chaotic Grifone run of form saw a four-match home winning streak – which included victories over Udinese and Napoli – snapped by Chievo and Parma. Where Genoa could normally rely on their home ground advantage to see them over the line, the recent downturn has equalled a slide into the bottom half of the Serie A ladder.

Genoa went five matches without a win last Sunday as Giuseppe Sculli rescued a point late against Lecce. President Enrico Preziosi was forced to come out in support of Coach Pasquale Marino before the 2-2 draw, claiming he was not at risk. Marino will be seeking a response from his players against Juve.

However, the tactician goes into this fixture without defenders Luca Antonelli, Cesare Bovo and what appears to be a season-ending injury to Andreas Granqvist, but Alberto Gilardino returns from a five-match stop.

Meanwhile, Juventus missed the chance to retake first position following consecutive 1-1 draws against Chievo and in the rescheduled Bologna clash. A run of three consecutive stalemates has taken Juve’s season record to 13 wins and 13 draws, yet whilst still unbeaten, the team is lacking a clinical edge in attack.

Juve’s Wednesday deadlock against the Rossoblu highlighted the creativity issues up front, with the trio of Marco Borriello, Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe largely ineffective and unable to fashion clear-cut scoring opportunities. Antonio Conte’s continued exile of Eljero Elia and lack of starts for Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero is puzzling.

Conte will hand the reigns over to assistant Angelo Alessio following his dismissal in Bologna and will be joined by defenders Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. This will result in a makeshift central defensive pairing of Martin Caceres and Arturo Vidal.

The Turin giants tasted success at the Luigi Ferraris last season, as Milos Krasic starred in a 2-0 win. Historically, the fixture has proved to be quite even - Juve shading it 18 wins to 17, with a share of the points occurring on ten occasions.

Keep an eye on: Rodrigo Palacio (Genoa) – The Argentine has scored 14 goals in 2011-12, including eight post-Christmas. A constant menace in and around the penalty area, he will be up against the temporary Juve central defensive duo.

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

Last season: Genoa 0-2 Juventus

Stat fact: Genoa captain Marco Rossi has scored four career goals versus Juventus - the only club he has netted against more than once.

Genoa: Frey; Rossi, Carvalho, Kaladze, Moretti; Mesto, Kucka, Biondini, Sculli; Gilardino, Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Vidal, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Match preview

Mar 10, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has brushed aside rumours of a crisis despite his team's failure to win a game in recent weeks.

The Turin giants visit Genoa on Sunday looking for their first win since February 18. Having led the Serie A standings for several months earlier this season, Juventus fans had high expectations that this could be their year.

However, recent results have cast doubts on whether Juve can keep up with AC Milan in the Scudetto race.

Wednesday's 1-1 result at Bologna was Juve's fifth draw in their last six league games.

"I don't think we are dropping off the pace and I don't think it's right to talk about Juve losing momentum" Conte said.

"We are two points behind league leaders AC Milan with 12 games remaining and my group never gives up."

"Perhaps it is for that reason that we are still unbeaten this season."

"I can assure everyone that my team is united and ready for Sunday's game."

Conte will have to watch the encounter from the stands at the Luigi Ferraris stadium as he serves a one-match touchline ban.

The visitors are still without injured defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli while defender Leonardo Bonucci is suspended.

Rivals Genoa will be bolstered by the return of striker Alberto Gilardino this weekend.

The Italy international has been sidelined for the last month with a muscular injury but will lead the Grifoni's attack on Sunday.

Without Gilardino, Pasquale Marino's Genoa have mustered just two points from their last five league games.

Genoa have lost just one of their last six league games at home but know they face a stern test on Sunday.

"Juventus is not in a crisis," Genoa captain Marco Rossi said.

"We watched their game against Bologna and there were no signs that Conte's team is struggling."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Preview

Mar 11, 2012

Genoa were somewhat lucky to get a 2-2 draw with Lecce last week, as the Grifoni’s Giuseppe Sculli scored his second of the afternoon with minutes to spare. Hailed by coach Pasquale Marino as their “best away performance of the season”, the Rossoblu could have easily made it 3-2 had luck gone their way.

Andreas Granqvist will miss the remainder of the season, as the defender suffered a serious knee injury. Alberto Gilardino could partner both Rodrigo Palacio and Sculli up front, as the Italian international returns from injury.

It is crisis time at Juventus – and not because the team cannot get a win. Despite getting its 12th and 13th draws of the season against Chievo and Bologna over the past seven days, the Bianconeri have no fit defenders. Only Martin Caceres remains a full bill of health defensively.

Without Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, the Bianconeri could use Arturo VIdal as a centre-back. Antonio Conte will not be on the sidelines after being sent off against the Rossoblu.

A 2-2 draw occurred in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, and a similar scoreline should occur on Sunday.

Prediction: Genoa 2-2 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Caceres ready to answer Conte’s call against Genoa

Mar 11, 2012

For this weekend’s match against Genoa, Juventus will be missing their main defenders Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, meaning new arrival Martin Caceres will most likely step in to replace them.

“We are missing some great players, but I can play in the center without problems, I’ve already done it other times,” Caceres said to Juventus Channel.

On his return to the club last January after two years in La Liga with Sevilla, he said: “I always wanted to return, so I was very happy when this chance came along. Compared to the team where I played then, few players have remained, but I feel fine with this group. At Juve there is always a nice environment and fine players.”

On the match against Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris stadium, the Uruguayan said: “We know it will be a difficult match, that’s why we are preparing the best possible way. But Juve have the characteristic of playing with the same conviction and desire both at home and away. That’s why we are going to Genoa to win.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Change back to a 4-2-4 & five things Antonio Conte

needs to do to rescue Juventus' title bid

The Bianconeri have fallen behind in the race for the Serie A crown, but not all

needs to be lost if their coach can get them back on their feet starting in Genoa on Sunday.

Mar 11, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor

Five draws in six, including three on the bounce, have left Juventus exactly where many fans feared their profligacy might leave them. With a third of the season to go, the Bianconeri find themselves playing catch-up to AC Milan for the first time. They have been behind the Rossoneri before now, but have always had games in hand. This time, it's different.

So with Milan having the title in their hands for the first time, what can Juve do to ensure they keep up the pressure rather than fade into the background? Coach Antonio Conte, in his first season at Vinovo, has exceeded the expectations of many, but has a big job still to do over the final 12 games.

If he is to pull off the ultimate debut season, it is important that Conte irons out the creases that have seen Juve lose ground of late. Below we look at the five main issues the former Bianconeri midfielder needs to address.

STOP TINKERING

Arguably one of the worst things that can befall a coach is the belief that anything he tries will pay off, or that he can stay ahead of the game no matter what he tries, and Juventus' constant changes of formation have shown Conte to be both indecisive and cocksure.

After beginning his reign employing the 4-2-4 system which had served him so well in his previous roles, he soon changed his side's shape to accomodate both Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio in a 4-1-4-1-cum-4-3-3. That also went out of the window later on, with a 3-5-2 favoured in order to regain some width, but once more it was a short-lived switch as the 4-3-3 has been back in vogue of late.

This is not a struggling side we are discussing here. Juve are second, not second from bottom. The need to search for answers to formation-related dilemmas is not one you would normally attribute to a side flying high, but Conte has never really settled on one plan.

This has been reflected in the way that he has never settled on a first-choice forward partnership since first walking in to Vinovo. With Alessandro Matri, Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero at his disposal, he was unable to find the right combination, and that hasn't changed since Marco Borriello was added to the ranks.

GO BACK TO THE 4-2-4 THAT WORKED SO WELL BEFORE

Coaches who are adaptable to change are normally worth their weight in gold, and this writer in particular is a huge advocate for the open-minded approach of a coach who isn't afraid to change when things are going wrong.

However, Conte's decision to abandon his tried and tested 4-2-4 at the beginning of the season has come back to bite him. Three formations later, he still hasn't found a shape he is comfortable with, and there is seemingly only one reason for not having switched back to the model which saw him succeed at Bari, Siena and, to a lesser extent, Atalanta.

With a 4-2-4, there was only space in the centre of midfield for one of Vidal and Marchisio alongside playmaking kingpin Andrea Pirlo. That meant he was torn between choosing an engine room man who would do Pirlo's dirty work while also supplying the necessary drive from midfield, and a luxury addition who has the capability of adding something extra in front of goal.

His choice was to turn his back on what had worked well for him in order to accommodate both, with Milos Krasic proving an easy sacrifice at the time. Rather than fitting square pegs into round holes, he decided to change the shape of the holes.

But now, with Marchisio having hit an extended spell of indifferent form, a lack of real fluency besetting his side ahead of Pirlo, and the likes of Emanuele Giaccherini and Marcelo Estigarribia having shown at various stages that there are options still available out wide, it may be time for Conte to go back to what he knows.

DO NOT PICK MARCO BORRIELLO

Whose bright idea was this in the first place?

The signing of Borriello from Roma was a very unpopular move among Juve fans, while the addition also drew widespread disbelief in the Italian media. With Luca Toni and Amauri having been moved on, and Vincenzo Iaquinta loaned out, the Bianconeri had seemingly palmed off the dead weight up front only to add more in the form of the ex-Treviso and Milan striker.

But worse than that, Borriello has been given regular playing time, and has recently been included in the starting XI ahead of the likes of Vucinic, Matri and Quagliarella. And while none of the first choice three has done quite enough to nail down a permanent spot from minute one, all three have shown they have infinitely more to add than the lumbering Borriello.

With no great amount of skill, no huge display of energy, no real hold-up ability and no goal threat, Borriello has fast become the flop many Juventini feared he would be. And yet he continues to get the nod from Conte.

Whether it is sheer bloody-mindedness or a constant impression that Borriello is about to turn a corner, Conte has developed an unhealthy belief in the striker. It is time to admit that the experiment hasn't worked and force Borriello to earn his place again like the rest of the strike force.

USE MARTIN CACERES ON THE RIGHT

Arguably one of the moves of the summer in 2011 - after Pirlo, of course - was the one which brought Stephan Lichtsteiner to Juventus Stadium. The former Lazio full-back proved to be the answer to a four-year long selection headache, with the Bianconeri having been through the likes of Zdenek Grygera, Dario Knezevic, Jonathan Zebina, Marco Motta and Fredrik Sorensen without finding a suitable resolution.

But one man who had fleetingly shown glimpses that suggested he could be the long-term solution was Martin Caceres, who, when on loan from Barcelona in 2009-10, had been largely disappointing when chosen as a centre-back, but proved to be a more than capable right-back.

So when Caceres returned in January, it was thought that he may provide competition for Lichtsteiner in the full-back spot. And, while he could yet pip the Swiss to the shirt thanks to his superior defensive ability, he has proven in the little time he has been spared so far that he could have enough of an attacking influence to give Conte a further option down the right.

The inclusion of both Lichtsteiner and Caceres on the right in a 4-2-4 would give them the extra defensive cover that the shift to 3-5-2 added, yet would also give the side the structured width and ability to overlap going forward. And, as he proved with his brace against Milan in the Coppa Italia, the Uruguayan is a real threat going forward too.

While Simone Pepe's endeavour is to be lauded and Lichtsteiner's energy has been a real feature, Caceres could potentially add a bit of both in either the right-back or right wing slot. Either way, giving him a chance beyond the length of Giorgio Chiellini's absence could turn out to be a masterstroke by the coach.

SHOW A COOL HEAD, HOWEVER HEATTED THINGS GET

Beyond what has happened within the field of play in recent weeks, there has been a real soap opera going off on the touchline and in the media, culminating in Conte's expulsion from today's fixture thanks to his midweek sending-off at Bologna.

At a time when a unit who - a couple of players apart - have not been in a title race before, it is important that the coach provides a calming influence when things get a little hairy, but instead Conte's 'woe is me' attitude has summed up Juve's bad run.

Yes, decisions have gone against the Bianconeri. And yes, there has been a sense of dreadful timing about some of the calls which have caused them particular pain. But nothing has set Juve back more than their own inability to take their chances.

Instead of spitting his dummy out and calling media blackouts, now is the time for Conte to unite his side as a group and ensure they start to make the most of their dominance in games. No team has made more chances this term. No side has looked more able to make a helpless bystander of their opposition. Yet still they trail in the title race.

If they are to get back on the bike, Juve need a cool head directing them back on course, and that needs to come from their coach. Lots of progress has been made this term, but you cannot just pick and choose when to win a title, and they are in with a good chance still of winning a 28th official crown in 2012.

But they won't achieve it by pointing fingers and making accusations. They will do it by bringing the best out of what they have, and that's where Conte comes in.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Kucka spots Juve weakness

Mar 11, 2012

Juraj Kucka is confident Genoa can take advantage of the Juventus frailties today. “It won’t be easy for Arturo Vidal to play as a defender.”

The Bianconeri are without Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and the suspended Leonardo Bonucci for their trip to Marassi, so Vidal or Luca Marrone could be re-routed to centre-back.

“It won’t be easy for Vidal to play as a defender, as changing position is not a simple thing to do,” noted Kucka.

“I know what it’s like to play in the back, as I did it many, many years ago. We can make the most of this situation.

“Alberto Gilardino is back too, as he and Rodrigo Palacio are crucial players for us. We are without a win in five, but beating Antonio Conte’s side could be the turning point.”

Kucka’s contract is still half-owned by Inter and the midfielder is reportedly heading to San Siro next season.

“I am not thinking about what could be. I am happy in Genoa. My performances weren’t great at the start of the season because I need a little time to hit form. I’m healthier and therefore doing better now.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Matri: 'Race is wide open!'

Mar 11, 2012

Alessandro Matri insists the Scudetto race “is wide open” as Juventus go into the game with Genoa trailing Milan by two points.

“There are a few regrets at the recent stalemates, but we are also aware that we gave our all,” said the striker.

“Our season remains very positive. We are two points from Milan and the race is wide open, so the Scudetto dream remains and we’ll keep hold of it to the end.

“We score so many goals with our midfielders because of the tactics and movements we practice in training all week, so the credit goes to everyone.

“The Coach chooses his line-up based on what he sees during training and the characteristics of our opponents. I scored two goals against Genoa earlier this season, so I hope to be the ideal forward for this game...”

Antonio Conte will be in the stands due to a touchline ban, so assistant manager Angelo Alessio makes the substitutions.

“To be honest, we were all stunned by the red card against Bologna, as it didn’t seem as if he had protested that much,” noted Matri.

“In any case, Sunday’s performance also depends on what we did during the week, so Conte worked with us throughout. We’ll try to ensure he is not missed and collaborate as best we can with Alessio.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Vidal and Caceres start as Juventus centre-backs against Genoa

The Chilean switches to a defensive role as Leonardo Bonucci sits out the trip

to Liguria through suspension, with the Uruguayan already having moved inside to cover injuries.

Mar 11, 2012

Juventus will cover the suspension of Leonardo Bonucci by starting with Arturo Vidal alongside Martin Caceres at centre-back for this afternoon's Serie A clash with Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The Italian was sent off in the 1-1 draw at Bologna in midweek, resulting in a one-match ban which has forced Antonio Conte to switch Vidal from his usual centre-midfield slot to a centre-half role alongside Caceres. The Uruguayan himself is currently filling the role only due to injuries to first-choice pairing Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini.

Emanuele Giaccherini steps up from the bench to fill Vidal's empty berth in the centre of the park, with Alessandro Matri starting up front.

The home side are once more led by star forward duo Alberto Gilardino and Rodrigo Palacio, and will be hoping to secure the first win by any team against Juventus since May 2011 in order to move into the top half of Serie A.

The Bianconeri go into the game, which kicks off at 15.00CET, two points behind leaders AC Milan. Coach Conte will be banished to the stands after being sent from the touchline during Wednesday's draw with Bologna.

Genoa (4-4-2): Frey; Rossi, Carvalho, Kaladze, Moretti; Jankovic, Kucka, Biondini, Sculli; Gilardino, Palacio.

Juventus (4-3-3): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Vidal, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Line-ups: Genoa-Juventus

Mar 11, 2012

Juventus have Arturo Vidal playing centre-back as Genoa welcome Alberto Gilardino back from an injury lay-off.

The Bianconeri risk falling off the title pace after five draws from their last six rounds. Antonio Conte is in the stands due to a touchline ban, while the defence is completely revamped.

Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are injured along with the suspended Leonardo Bonucci, so Vidal acts as makeshift centre-back.

Mirko Vucinic keeps his spot in attack and is joined by Alessandro Matri and Simone Pepe.

Genoa are missing Cesare Bovo, Andreas Granqvist and Luca Antonelli, but welcome back Gilardino from an injury lay-off.

Genoa: Frey; Rossi, Carvalho, Kaladze, Moretti; Jankovic, Kucka, Biondini, Sculli; Gilardino, Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Vidal, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Storari, Marrone, Padoin, Elia, Del Piero, Quagliarella, Borriello

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Antonio Conte's misfiring side fall four points

behind AC Milan after frustrating stalemate

The Bianconeri were creative in attack but were not able to make their chances

count as they fall four points off AC Milan at the top of the table.

Mar 11, 2012

Juventus have extended their winless run to four matches after being held to a goalless draw by Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris.

Despite creating numerous opportunities, the Old Lady were unable to make the breakthrough, and AC Milan's win over Lecce means that Juve now trail by four points in the table.

It was an upbeat start to the first half, with Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon forced to make a great save just 10 seconds in to deny Rodrigo Palacio's shot.

The visitors responded, however, and worked Sebastien Frey on two occasions in the following minutes. On the first, the Frenchman denied Simone Pepe's shot from inside the box, while he saved Claudio Marchisio's close-range shot shortly after.

Genoa responded near the half-hour mark and gave Buffon a major scare, as Davide Biondini moved down the right flank and delivered a perfect cross into the six-yard box for Alberto Gilardino, who rose higher than his marker but powered his header over the bar.

Juventus will certainly curse their luck after coming out strongly in the second half, only to find the woodwork in the way of the opener every time.

In the 53rd minute, Mirko Vucinic flicked on a corner from the left and the ball smashed into the upright. Just five minutes later, the Montenegrin was unlucky again, as he connected well with a Pepe cross from the right, but his header hit the wrong side of the post.

On 60 minutes, it was Pepe's time to hit the post as he was on the receiving end of an Andrea Pirlo free-kick, and with only Frey to beat inside the box, the 28-year-old could not direct the ball goalwards.

The Bianconeri were piling the pressure, but often at the expense of opening spaces at the back. In the 64th minute, Kakhaber Kaladze almost put Genoa up, but his shot from point-blank range went straight against Buffon after his initial header had been denied by the Italian goalkeeper.

Gilardino went close to scoring in the 78th minute, when he latched on to a through ball and rounded the onrushing Buffon, but from a tight angle, he screwed his effort high and wide.

The draw leaves Juventus in further trouble, as they are now four points shy of leaders AC Milan, while Lazio could get just within touching distance of the Bianconeri if they beat Bologna in Sunday's late match.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Just 0-0 but ...

Mar 11, 2012

It’s a mystery how Genoa-Juventus ended goalless, as the Bianconeri hit the woodwork three times and both sides had furious penalty appeals.

The Bianconeri were falling off the title pace after five draws from their last six rounds. The tension got to Antonio Conte, who was in the stands due to a touchline ban, while the defence had to be completely revamped. Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli were ruled out along with the suspended Leonardo Bonucci, so Arturo Vidal had to act as makeshift centre-back. Assistant manager Angelo Alessio was on the bench.

Genoa were missing Cesare Bovo, Andreas Granqvist and Luca Antonelli, but welcomed back Alberto Gilardino from an injury lay-off.

In the opening 10 seconds Genoa almost took the lead. Rodrigo Palacio sprung the offside trap and his lob was acrobatically flapped out from under the bar by Gigi Buffon. Moments later Emanuele Giaccherini threatened for Juventus, scuffing his tap-in wide from six yards on a Simone Pepe assist.

Sebastien Frey used his legs to parry a Pepe angled drive, while Buffon had to rush well out of his area to clear from Gilardino. It was end to end stuff at Marassi, as Frey beat away a Claudio Marchisio touch from Mirko Vucinic’s cross from close range.

Juventus were taking control and Alessandro Matri had penalty appeals for an evident Carvalho shirt-tug on 17 minutes, but the referee waved incredibly play on.

Gilardino’s header was just over the bar from Davide Biondini’s cross and there were more complaints for a Giuseppe Sculli handling offence as the ball ricocheted off Carvalho. A couple of Andrea Pirlo free kicks were off target.

On 38 minutes Juve went close again, as Matri ran on to a Vucinic through ball, but Marco Rossi made a decisive block to rescue Frey in the box. A low Bosko Jankovic free kick went past the wall and Gilardino was inches away from getting the final touch.

These teams had not drawn 0-0 here in Serie A since 1962, but the goals still weren’t coming despite their best efforts. Carvalho crucially blocked Matri’s shot from point-blank range, but from the resulting corner Juve rattled the crossbar! Vucinic flicked on the Pirlo cross with his head only to find the woodwork.

Frey fingertipped a Pirlo blockbuster over the bar and Vucinic went extremely close again on 58 minutes, as his looping header back across the face of goal shaved a coat of paint off the upright from Pepe’s cross.

The Genoa frame of the goal seemed cursed for Juve, as moments later Pepe hit the far post as well with low volley from Pirlo’s free kick that had Frey well beaten!

However, the home side also threatened with two Kakha Kaladze efforts from the same set play, both bringing saves out of Buffon, above all the volley at the back post. Paolo De Ceglie also risked a second yellow card when he brought down Gilardino.

A Marchisio blockbuster from distance was acrobatically palmed out from under the bar by Frey. Pepe was also left frustrated when he did hit the back of the net, but was flagged offside. Replays suggest it was not the correct decision.

Palacio also had penalty appeals when he pounced on a horrible Vidal clearance, but fired wide under pressure from Marchisio, who might’ve clipped his heel.

Even Marco Borriello was introduced against his former club, as Juve desperately poured forward.

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

Genoa: Frey; Rossi, Carvalho, Kaladze, Moretti; Jankovic (Constant 61), Kucka, Biondini (Belluschi 88), Sculli (Mesto 46); Gilardino, Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Vidal, De Ceglie; Giaccherini (Borriello 88), Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe (Elia 71), Matri (Del Piero 75), Vucinic

Ref:Rizzoli

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Juve lose ground on Milan

Mar 11, 2012

Juventus' title hopes suffered another blow today as they were held to their fourth successive Serie A draw by Genoa in a match they had more than enough chances to win.

Simone Pepe had a goal ruled out for a debatable offside decision after also hitting the post, while Mirko Vucinic also struck the woodwork twice as Juve sought to get back to winning ways.

The visitors could find no way through, however, and their 14th draw of the season saw them slip four points behind leaders AC Milan, who beat Lecce 2-0 today.

A frustrating afternoon might have been even worse for Juve as well, with Genoa also having several good chances to take the points in an exciting, open encounter at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Rodrigo Palacio had the opportunity to put the hosts ahead after just 20 seconds when he broke through and tried to lift the ball over Gianluigi Buffon, who managed to stretch and push the ball behind with his fingertips.

It was a sign of things to come in a game full of chances, but lacking goals.

In the third minute, Pepe's cross from the right was met by Emanuele Giaccherini at the near post, and he beat Sebastien Frey with his shot, but the ball went inches wide.

Four minutes later, Frey made a good save from Pepe before Claudio Marchisio tested the Genoa goalkeeper's reactions from close range.

Alberto Gilardino headed Genoa's next chance over the crossbar in the 26th minute before Vucinic hit the woodwork twice.

His first effort was a glancing header at the near post which struck the crossbar with Frey beaten before, five minutes later, he headed against the outside of the post.

Pepe should have put Juve in front on the hour mark, but he hit the post when it seemed easier to score from Andrea Pirlo's free-kick.

Kakha Kaladze tested Buffon with a volley at the other end before Marchisio gave Frey more work to do with a shot from 25 yards.

Pepe finally found the back of the net in the 71st minute, but the goal was controversially ruled out for a non-existent offside decision.

Gilardino wasted Genoa's best chance of the game in the 79th minute when he beat the offside trap and touched the ball past Buffon, but he cut his shot wide from a tight angle as the match finished goalless.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Vucinic, Pirlo Shine as Juventus Draw Genoa in Exciting Match

Mar 11, 2012

I've been hammering home a few Juventus-related themes during their latest run of depressing draws. Mirko Vucinic was hurting the team, Antonio Conte's player selection was stubborn, and so on and so forth.

Well, today that all changed. Vucinic played well, and Conte gave inventive players like Alessandro Del Piero and Eljero Elia playing time. Neither man had that much time, and Elia's appearance was a mixed bag, but we'll get to that later.

Conte was suspended for this game, due to his midweek sending off. Also suspended was Leo Bonucci, and of course Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are both still out injured.

So, Juventus came out with a backline consisting of Stephan Lichtsteiner and Paolo De Ceglie on the right and left flanks, respectively.

They were complemented in the center by the South American duo of Arturo Vidal and Martin Caceres. Vidal was a makeshift option in central defense, but he did a pretty fine job. He committed a few too many fouls, but none were really serious, although he was cautioned once.

For the most part, though, he took the best parts of his midfield game and moved it down the pitch. He had four tackles and four interceptions, two things that he provides in great amounts when he plays his usual role. Caceres and Vidal were also pretty efficient at clearing balls, with the Uruguayan in particular having five effective clearances from five attempts.

Juve's defense were beaten a few times, and they were put in dangerous situations often. Genoa almost scored in the opening moments of the match, as Vidal was caught out of position on a pass to Rodrigo Palacio, whose effort was tipped away by Gianluigi Buffon. This save foreshadowed the many other saves that Buffon would make today.

One especially poor area of Juve's defense (in the first half at least) was Paolo De Ceglie's positioning.The youngster tends to excel in only one area in each match.

Some days he defends well, but usually he's most effective when pushing up and sending crosses into the opposition's penalty area. Today, Conte wanted him to provide cover to the emergency backline, but De Ceglie's poor positioning at times made that task more difficult than it should have been.

As I mentioned previously, Buffon made a great save early in the match. He would continue to make great saves, and he probably had one of his best games of the season today.

While Buffon usually is a high-quality keeper, he occasionally has those games where he just keeps making brilliant save after brilliant save.

The match in November against Lazio was one example, and today's game is yet another. Had it not been for Buffon, Juve very well could have lost by one or two goals.

While the defense may have been haphazard, Juventus were creating plenty of goal-scoring chances today.

Andrea Pirlo was the main force behind this, as he crafted another masterful performance. Pirlo was really like a puppet-master today, dictating Juve's attack with his passes, crosses, and long balls. He had 16 accurate long balls, and eight accurate crosses. He also had eight "key passes."

Pirlo's probing passes were behind most of Juve's chances. It was either a Pirlo pass that started things, or a Simone Pepe cross. And Pepe's crossing was far less accurate than Pirlo's passing.

He even excelled in one area where he usually doesn't: Tackling. Pirlo led the team with six tackles.

Of course, a deep lying midfielder cannot put together entire attacking motions by himself. Mirko Vucinic had a fine performance up top, helping to tie together Pirlo's passes into genuine goals.

Vucinic didn't score, but the match he had today was his best performance in weeks. He wasn't the most accurate shooter, and he was dispossessed six times, but his creative efforts were pretty consistent. He had five key passes, and five successful dribbles.

There was one more important hub for Juve's offense today, and that was Simone Pepe. Juve seemed to be, at times, focusing their attack down the right flank.

The statistics reflect this, as Pepe had 17 attempted crosses. Most of these came from the wings and were supposed to give service to the strikers, but only three were successful. Granted, those resulted in some close chances for Juve.

His most successful crosses went to Alessandro Matri. Each time, Matri would do very well to receive the ball and get a shot off with his first touch. However, these shots would be blocked. One of the blocked shots was probably going to go in had Genoa's captain Marco Rossi not made a last second block.

Pepe found some success when cutting inside. At one point, he received the ball on the wing, then made a diagonal run into the 18-yard box. He fired the first shot off to the keeper, but it was blocked. Pepe followed up the rebound, but his second effort was also stopped for a corner.

Pepe also had a goal disallowed due to an offside. The problem was that Pepe was onside. Pepe is basically exactly where he should be and onside. So, the real score should have been 1-0. Instead, it was 1-0 to the referees.

Claudio Marchisio and Emanuele Giaccherini also provided some attacking impetus for Juve. Marchisio had a fierce long-range effort that was just tipped over by Genoa 'keeper Sebastian Frey, and he was useful in helping to create attacking movement as well.

Giaccherini was all over for the field parts of the match; helping out in defense, central midfield, and attacking on the wings. He got tired as the game went on, and his crossing began to falter. He would later be subbed off for Marco Borriello. Borriello did nothing of note, but he managed to stay on his feet, which is a big accomplishment for him.

As I mentioned at the start of this match review, both Del Piero and Elia came on today. Elia went on for Pepe in the 71st minute, while Del Piero came on for Matri in the 76th minute.

Elia showed some glimpses of great ability and creativity, but he also made some errors. He was dispossessed a few times, but he also won the ball back immediately after two of his turnovers.

His most jarring error came late in the match, he had moved to the center of the field as the ball was in possession on Juve's left flank. The ball began to move around more, and he was still in the center of the attack when Pirlo looked to the right side for a pass.

Lichtsteiner was on the right, but he was back providing cover for Elia. Had Elia been in position, he could have received the pass in some space. Instead, Juve were denied an attacking option.

There were some positive moments for Elia. His first touch was a dispossession of a Genoa player, deep in Juve's half. He also successfully dribbled through a defender to bring the ball in from the right side. He was dispossessed by a second defender, but he won the ball back.

If Elia can accentuate the positives in his game while getting rid of the silly mistakes, he could really provide something for this Juve side. I have to say though, his absence does make a bit more sense now.

Although, it is perhaps a bit unfair to judge him from only 20 minutes. Is a pressure-filled twenty minutes for a young player who hasn't played in months really the best sample size? Hopefully he can receive a bit more time, perhaps even starting a match or playing a full half. Then, he can settle and really show if he has what it takes to be a Juventus player.

Del Piero came on too, but he was not given nearly enough time to influence the game. He had 14 minutes when he should have been given at least 30. He did not do much today, as by the time he came on, his supporting staff was pretty tired.

While Juve drew yet another match, Milan won yet again. With their victory over Lecce, they are now four points ahead of Juve in the table.

Juve's coming fixtures are difficult, but they can set a winning tone next week against struggling Fiorentina. The side from Florence lost to Catania today, 1-0.

Next week could bring the return of Chiellini, and it will give the team a chance to get revenge against Amauri for his crimes against football.

It's worth noting that Fiorentina has a rather leaky defense. However, Genoa has, statistically, the worst defense in the league and they held Juve to a clean sheet today.

Maybe next week, the Juve squad will finally remember how to score. The players will have a full week of rest, and if Pirlo and Vucinic can keep up this form, it's only a matter of time until the goals begin to come in.

Praise Conte (I guess, he did do what I wanted), and Forza Juve.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Player Ratings

A Juve side decimated by injury and suspension at the back were unlucky

not to score as the Scudetto race is firmly in Milan's hands now.

Mar 11, 2012

Genoa

Sebastien Frey 7.5 - A superb showing from the shot-stopper who was equal to everything the visitors threw at him. Great stops from the likes of Marchisio and Pirlo prove him as one of the best in Italy.

Roger 6.5 - A great stop on Matri's shot early in the second half and a solid part of the backline that shut Juve out. The only low point on his grade comes from risking a penalty on 17 minutes, but he emerged unscathed.

Kakhaber Kaladze 6.5 - Could have won the game himself with two shots on goal after 64 minutes. Solid if unspectacular at the back.

Emiliano Moretti 6.0 - Blocked a shot from Marchisio in the 69th minute and did well at times to contain Pepe. Booked however when the winger got the best of him.

Marco Rossi 7.5 - Had a superb game and put in a true captain's performance. Did well to restrict a lively Vucinic, shut out Matri completely and could've even had a penalty very late after Pirlo's tackle.

Juraj Kucka 6.5 - Booked early on for a challenge with Marchisio but much less reckless after that, and forced Buffon into a great save from his free kick in the 74th minute.

Davide Biondini 6.5 - Absolutely ran his heart out during the match, even if he was unable to prevent Juventus from dominating possession. Always willing to try creative passes as well.

Rodrigo Palacio 7.0 - A constant problem for the makeshift visiting defence. Full of running and creative movement, forced a booking on De Ceglie but was somewhat wasteful of the chances he got.

Bosko Jankovic 6.5 - Subbed just after he was booked, alternated between wasteful and creative. An up and down performance from the player today.

Giuseppe Sculli 5.5 -Had one shot that blazed over the bar, but otherwise taken off at halftime due to a lack of involvement. Much less impressive that Palacio up front.

Alberto Gilardino 6.0 - Superb at holding up the ball and winning fouls, and a constant presence in the box, but failed to get on target during the match.

• Substitutions

Giandomenico Mesto 6.5 - Came on for Sculli in the second half and was a bit more lively but failed to truly compliment the impressive Palacio up top.

Fernando Belluschi N/A - Came on as a late sub for the very tired Biondini.

Kevin Constant 7.0 - Still has Elia in his pocket and was immense in the box during set plays.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 7.5 - Had one of the toughest jobs of the evening: a spectator for large parts of the match but always ready to deal with shots. One of the best goalkeepers of his generation, as he showed within the first minute when he had to be lively to keep out Palacio.

Martín Cáceres 6.5 - Did well with an unfamiliar partner to keep a clean sheet but was run ragged at times. Produced a perfect tackle on Biondini at the edge of the box to keep the home side out.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 5.5 - Will be hoping that one of the centre-backs returns so he can go back to his role in the midfield. Caught out a few times in his new position and hassled endlessly by Palacio.

Paolo De Ceglie 7.0 - A very impressive performance from the full-back, who was always full of running and helpful in both offense and defence. Could have earned a second yellow, however.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.5 - Not as dominant as one would come to expect from the fullback having a superb season in a Juventus shirt. Solid nevertheless.

Simone Pepe 6.0 - Needlessly booked, full of running and tireless with his crosses: it was a classic Simone Pepe performance.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Not the same player he was earlier in the season. Should have scored in the 15th minute but was creative in his passing nevertheless.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - As ever, the heartbeat of this Juventus side with some solid shots on goal, but the team needed a bit more from him to break down Genoa today.

Emanuele Giaccherini 6.5 - Had a fascinating battle with Rossi that went back and forth, and put a number of balls into the box as well. A decent game if not terribly memorable.

Mirko Vučinić 6.5 - Looked more and more like the Vucinic that nearly guided Roma to the Scudetto. Full of energy and creativity but couldn't score when his team needed him the most.

Alessandro Matri 6.0 - Did very well helping his side defend corners but was poor up front, wasting opportunities that he really should've scored.

• Substitutions

Eljero Elia 5.5 - Came on as a late sub but was hounded by Constant for his 20 minute appearance. Ineffective.

Alessandro Del Piero 6.0 - Came on with 15 minutes and showed flashes of creativity but like his fellow substitutes, failed to change the outcome of the match.

Marco Borriello 6.0 - A very late sub who tried an audacious scissor kick but failed to connect properly on a corner.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Juve call media silence

Mar 11, 2012

Juventus have called a media silence in protest at the refereeing decisions during today’s 0-0 draw with Genoa.

Coach Antonio Conte was already in the stands after his red card for dissent against Bologna.

The Bianconeri had a Simone Pepe goal disallowed for a tight offside decision, while there were also a couple of penalty appeals.

Genoa also thought they deserved two spot-kicks for challenges on Rodrigo Palacio and Marco Rossi.

The media silence means none of the Juventus employees will speak to the press.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Preziosi: 'Juve deserved win ...'

Mar 11, 2012

Genoa President Enrico Preziosi concedes “Juventus deserved to win,” but feels both sides had reason to complain about the referee.

The Bianconeri hit the woodwork three times during a 0-0 draw at Marassi, but then refused to speak to the media in protest at refereeing decisions.

“I will just say this: on the field, Juventus clearly deserved to win,” said the Genoa patron.

“It’s true we had a few chances, but Juve were a class above from the first to the 90th minute. If it had ended 2-0, we’d have had few complaints.

“Despite the fact they played on Wednesday, Juventus showed great strength and it’s no coincidence they are fighting for the Scudetto.

“Having said that, at the end we should’ve had a penalty, just as Simone Pepe’s offside goal could’ve been allowed. I’ll be honest here.

“I don’t know if is because we were at the end of the game that it wasn’t given, but I am not angry and have no intention of complaining. I just want it explained.

“As for Juventus refusing to speak to the media, I don’t think that’s right just because of the refereeing incidents.

“I do want to understand why the referee did not give us that penalty, but I don’t intend to stir up controversy.

“I am holding on tight to this point that I consider very fortunate in the circumstances. Compliments to Juve for their performance.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Juventus call media silence after Genoa draw

The Turin-based club have decided that none of their employees will make comments

to the press after they were held to another draw in Sunday's Serie A contest.

Mar 11, 2012

Juventus have enforced a media blackout on their players and staff in protest against the referee's decisions in Sunday's goalless stalemate against Genoa.

The Bianconeri had a goal disallowed late in the second half, when Simone Pepe was flagged offside after sending the ball past Sebastien Frey.

"Footage speaks for itself," the club said via Twitter.

Juventus coach Antonio Conte was in the stands after being given his marching orders in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Bologna.

The result against Genoa was Juventus' fourth draw on the trot and their sixth in the last eight matches. Sunday's tie leaves the club four points adrift of leaders AC Milan, who defeated Lecce 2-0.

The Turin-based side have made no secret of their unhappiness with the standard of refereeing in their matches this season, with Conte complaining earlier in the week that his side were not awarded penalties nor fouls close to the box.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Comments: Genoa-Juventus

Mar 11, 2012

Pasquale Marino: “Juve created much more and put us under pressure. We lost possession too many times to make the most of the counter-attacks. I am therefore happy to hold on to the point.”

Juventus declared a media silence, releasing a statement that declares “the footage speaks for itself.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Juventus Between Pain And Hope

Mar 12, 2012

In what was supposed to be an entertaining encounter between two clubs with a combined total of 36 Scudetti at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, these giants of Calcio failed to get the ball in the net during 90 minutes of action. A solid performance by Genoa who did well to defend deep and a predictable Juventus, who once again lacked the creativity and the final third to make their opponent pay.

Suspended and sitting in one of the Marassi’s commentary boxes, Antonio Conte didn’t seem to be missed him much, proving to once again that the team knows how to react well despite missing three of their regular defensive starters.

With Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci unavailable due to injury and suspension, the Bianconeri lined up with the South American duo, Caceres and Vidal, instead, and both did an excellent job of keeping Genoa’s strike force at bay.

However, the attack is the main problem of this unbeaten Juventus side. Led by Alessandro Matri, Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe, together this “MVP” has produced 19 from a total of 39 goals scored this season and one would immediately argue about how much of an impact the midfielders have had during the course of this season so far. To make matters worse, the three men up front have been disappointing when it comes to converting opportunities on goal and the lethal touch seems to be all but forgotten at times. Against Genoa, the Bianconeri had a staggering amount of shots – 30 in total, from which only an implausible five ended on target, a fact which deserves zero excuses.

Just four points behind the leaders AC Milan, lady luck was not smiling on the Old Lady as in the last six matches they have won only one and drawn the other five. With the exception of the performance against Chievo last week, which was arguably the worst of the season, the Bianconeri have been dominating especially in possession in almost every game so far, though the creativity and finishing in front of the goal remains an issue which today sees the club in trouble.

Add to this, the harsh refereeing calls against them during the course of the season, such as the scenes in Genoa on Sunday which saw the club call a media silence in protest at the refereeing decisions against the Bianconeri. For example the penalty appeal not given on Matri when he looked to be clearly pulled back by Carvalho, and the very evident goal by Pepe which was called wrongly offside.

You could get down to the nitty-gritty of refereeing decisions but as a fan, (while not completely ignoring the “discrimination by the officials” so to say), I would rather worry more about the performance of my own team and stop playing the blame game with the officials. It is rather painful to see such a determined team on the pitch that is all but incompetent in terms of finishing their chances, they spend so much effort against the minnows yet still only manage to secure a single point, which is a situation much more worrying compared to that of a denied penalty or a valid goal called off.

On the bright side of things, we should never forget the fact that Scudetto was never one of the objectives at the very start of this campaign, whereas today we stand here staring at the high probability of exceeding expectations and are only four points away from the current Serie A leaders. Practice what you preach, have faith, trust your coach, the espirit de corps is well in the team and sooner rather than later, the goals will hopefully appear. This, however, is a crucial year which will see the Bianconeri rest between pain and the hope of another tricolore in the name of Juventus.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 0

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 28000‎

Stating the obvious

Mar 12, 2012

'Sometimes in football you have to score goals'. Those are indeed the wise (comedic) words once uttered by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, almost as obvious a statement as that which describes the current situation at Juventus. Four consecutive league draws, six in their last seven games, and just six goals scored since the start of February, all of which has seen the Bianconeri surrender their lead and allow Milan to open up a four point gap at the top of Serie A. Surrounded by cries of injustice and media blackouts, bad luck is one thing, having an impotent strike-force is another.

Watching both Genoa-Juventus and Milan-Lecce simultaneously on Sunday afternoon, it became apparent the clear difference between the two sides. While both dominated their respective matches for large periods, it was clinical finishing in the final third of the pitch that separates them. Midfielder Antonio Nocerino registered his 9th goal of the season, albeit via a favourable deflection, while ‘Zlatan’ ruthlessly smashed home his 19th, more than Matri, Borriello, Quagliarella, Vucinic and Del Piero combined (16). Simone Pepe will have fair reason to feel aggrieved his goal was ruled out for offside, thus sparking the ban on speaking to the media, with a simple ‘Footage speaks for itself’ comment from the club on Twitter. The Bianconeri had 64 per cent possession, seventeen corners, roughly around 98 shots at goal and conspired to hit the woodwork three times. It just doesn’t seem to be happening for them at the moment.

Gone are the goals from midfield of Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe, their last efforts coming on December 4 and December 18 respectively. Alessandro Matri continues to be the most consistent goalscorer, with his fellow strike partners lacking any sort of clinical edge to aid him. Fortunately, Lazio’s loss at home to Bologna curtailed any talk of second-place being in danger for now, but with games against Fiorentina (A), Inter ( H), Napoli ( H), Palermo (A) and Lazio ( H) to come, it would be preferable to see shots turned into goals sooner rather than later.

Despite the criticism levelled at those at one end of the pitch, there was reason to be positive at the other. With Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli both injured, and Leonardo Bonucci suspended, in stepped Martin Caceres and Arturo Vidal to steady the ship. Along with several fine saves from Gigi Buffon, the makeshift defensive duo did well in shutting out a usually potent Genoa attack, with the clean sheet a respectable achievement in itself. It was also refreshing to see ADP and especially Eljero Elia to be given a reminder of how it feels to step onto a football pitch, albeit just for the final quarter of the game.

As is expected, expectations are being lowered as the Scudetto begins to slip away. Yet in Antonio Conte’s first season in charge, 2nd place in Serie A with eleven games remaining and a semi-final Coppa Italia 2nd leg clash with Milan holding a 2-1 advantage isn’t such a bad return, is it? Looking ahead to the summer, a prolific striker might top the shopping list. Rather than a Marco Borriello 2.0, perhaps a proven goalscorer in the same mould of Gonzalo Higuain would help Juve make that step-up in quality?

What do you make of the reaction by the club to implement a media blackout? Is there an answer to the current woes in front of goal, something to be addressed in the summer? With a make-or-break fixture list approaching, can Juve still challenge for the Scudetto?

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

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]