Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 16, 2012

The latest episode in one of Italy’s most bitter rivalries could be particularly fiery with both Juventus and Fiorentina's seasons in the balance.

Juventus remain unbeaten but their inability to score goals and to kill teams off is costing them dearly. Sunday’s 1-1 with Genoa was the Bianconeri’s sixth draw in the last seven games and their 14th in total this season, leaving them four points behind frontrunners Milan, who have scored 16 goals more. The problem was compounded midweek by stats published in the Italian sporting Press which showed that only 41% of La Vecchia Signora’s goals have been scored by their forwards.

Once again the Turin Club felt they had been subject to poor refereeing decisions, causing them to announce a media silence, which in turn irked Fiorentina’s Sandro Menucci. “This is the second time this season we’ve faced a team that has complained about previous refereeing performances,” said the Viola’s General Manager. “We are not victims and we don’t want to become victims. We don’t want to see anyone psychologically conditioned by these complaints.”

That Fiorentina are unsympathetic to their visitors complaints is no surprise as the rivalry between the clubs, which burst into life almost exactly 30 years ago, was borne out of contentious decisions going in Juve’s favour during the 1982 Scudetto race.

Quite aside from the rivalry the Florentines will want to atone for their 2-1 defeat in the reverse fixture last October, a game in which they were outplayed to an embarrassing extent. Delio Rossi’s Gigliati are 15th, seven points clear of the drop zone, but their wildly inconsistent form this term means that safety simply cannot be taken for granted.

Fiorentina’s Per Kroldrup and Stevan Jovetic are injured, as is Juve’s Andrea Barzagli.

Keep an eye on: Amauri (Fiorentina) – The bumbling Brazilian is the latest in a surprisingly long line of players to have been ‘de-hunchbacked’ i.e. transferred from Juventus to Fiorentina. The on loan striker is yet to score in seven appearances for the Viola and netted just 17 in three years with Juve, how ironic – if not particularly surprising – it would be if he broke his duck on Saturday night.

Form Guide: Fiorentina (L L W D L) Juventus (W D D D D)

Last season: Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus

Stat fact: Fiorentina haven’t beaten Juventus in Florence since December 1998. Antonio Conte started for the Bianconeri as Gabriel Batistuta’s goal gave the Viola a 1-0 win.

Fiorentina: Boruc; Cassani, Nastasic, Natali, Pasqual; Behrami, Montolivo, Lazzari; Cerci, Amauri, Vargas

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Caceres, Chiellini; Vidal, Marchisio, Pirlo; Vucinic, Matri, Pepe

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Match Preview

Mar 16, 2012

Fiorentina striker Amauri is hoping to end his goalscoring drought when the Viola host his former club Juventus tomorrow.

The Brazilian joined the Tuscan outfit in the January transfer window after being frozen out of the Juve squad following the arrival of coach Antonio Conte at the Turin giants last summer.

With Fiorentina's top scorer Stevan Jovetic doubtful for the encounter with a muscular problem, Amauri is set to lead his team forward.

The 31-year-old striker has made 12 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina this season but has yet to find the target.

"The important thing is that I return to score and that Fiorentina wins," Amauri said.

"I'm hoping I will end the drought as soon as possible.

"It has been a long time since I suffered a long spell without scoring but this will only give me more motivation to find the back of the net."

Amauri knows his side will have to step up their game if they are to surprise unbeaten Juventus.

Fiorentina lost 1-0 at Catania last time out and lie 15th in the standings, seven points clear of the drop zone.

"We cannot give up," Amauri said.

"We must transform the bitterness we felt after our loss at Catania with positive energy to beat Juventus.

"We know that Juve are strong but they can expect a fiery atmosphere in Florence."

With just one win collected in their last seven league games and Serie A leaders AC Milan showing no signs of slowing down, Juventus cannot afford any further slips.

Last weekend's controversial goalless result at Genoa left Juve in second place, four points behind Milan with 11 games remaining.

The Turin giants travel to the Artemio Franchi stadium still licking their wounds after last weekend the referee disallowed Simone Pepe's goal for a highly dubious offside.

Juve imposed a media silence this week as a sign to protest for refereeing mistakes.

Conte will have all of his players available with the exception of injured defender Andrea Barzagli. Fiorentina welcome back defender Matija Nastasic from suspension.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Serie A Preview: Back Juve to break

draw sequence with a win

An ill-tempered affair could be the order of the day when Fiorentina host Juventus

this weekend, but Dave Farrar believes Juve will gain the upper hand and secure a narrow victory.

Mar 16, 2012

Juventus have decided this week to enforce a media silence as a protest at what they perceive as refereeing decisions going against them.

Those among you who are long standing Serie A fans will see a certain irony in this as there was a time when Juve seemed to be on the right side of a number of strange refereeing calls, a phenomenon that was later proved to be not entirely coincidental.

So no one is crying for Juve, but the stats back up their criticism. They've received only one penalty all season, which is less than any other club, and while the verve with which they played early on in the season is long gone, they've deserved better than the results they've had lately.

Given the way that Serie A works, and given the latent power of Juve, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are awarded a spot kick soon. If you want to take that chance at the Artemio Franchi this Saturday night, at around the 3.7 mark, then I won't put you off.

Ever since the sale of Roberto Baggio to Juve back in 1990, these two clubs have loathed each other, a feeling that extends back to the "daylight robbery" UEFA Cup final a year previously. There should be a poisonous atmosphere in Florence this weekend, and there'll be an expectancy amongst the home fans that they can beat Juve for the first time since Gabriel Batistuta got the winner back in 1998.

I'm not sure that those hopes will be justified, though. Juve are playing pretty well, and, while statistics can lie, they managed thirty shots on goal in their 0-0 draw against Genoa last week. That was their sixth draw in their last seven games in Serie A, and their fourth in a row. Their fourteen draws this season are looking like they may cost them the title. Juve may still be the only major European team to remain unbeaten in the league all season, but they must start winning soon if they're to have any chance of taking the Scudetto.

Juve are up against a Fiorentina side who have won only one of their last six, a hard fought home victory against Cesena. They were pretty desperate in their defeat against Catania last week, and the 2.02 about a Juventus win is more than fair. The draw, if you want to stay down that road with Juve, is priced up at 3.4.

The former Juve forward Amauri will hope to torment his old club, but his last Serie A goal was back in April of last year, and for all that their home form is better than the paltry returns that they've managed away, I can't see Fiorentina finding a way past Juve's solid backline. Juve are pretty solid at 2.08, but any win is likely to be a narrow one, and so I'm happy to risk a 1-0 Correct Score at 8.0.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Conte: "Allegri said we must all keep quiet,

yet he keeps on talking about referees"

Juventus coach believes that the Rossoneri trainer should refrain

from making comments about refeereeing decisions, as he suggested earlier in the week.

Mar 16, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has criticised his AC Milan counterpart, Massimiliano Allegri, for his continuous comments on the state of officiating in the country.

The Bianconeri imposed a media blackout in the wake of the goalless draw against Genoa on Sunday in protest of several refereeing decisions the club believe have damaged them this season.

Allegri had recently called on criticism targeted at Italian referees to come to an end, but Conte believes that the Milan coach is failing to honour his own words.

"Some days ago, I read an interview with him in which he asked for everyone to keep quiet," Conte told reporters at a press conference.

"Yet he is the only one who keeps on talking, while we have been in absolute silence."

Looking ahead to Juventus' trip to Fiorentina on Saturday, Conte was coy when asked about his tactics for the match.

"It is hard to use a 4-3-3 system if we are without Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe, because I have so many central strikers, we will see," he noted.

The 42-year-old coach was then asked to share his thoughts the on referee of Saturday's match, Mauro Bergonzi, who was the fourth official when Conte was given his marching orders in the match against Bologna earlier in the month.

"For me, he is a good referee, but it is clear that his decision is unique," Conte said. "We will know after the game if this was the best decision.

"In any case, we will not be commenting on the referee, whoever he is."

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Fiorentina: 'Juve cry to sway ref'

Mar 17, 2012

Today’s Fiorentina-Juventus is hotting up with general manager Sandro Mencucci accusing Antonio Conte of “crying to influence the referee.”

This has always been a fiery fixture with a bitter rivalry between the clubs, but tonight’s match at the Stadio Franchi is already causing controversy.

“It’s good to fire up this game, but the truth is I am tired of hearing certain talk around the place,” Viola general manager Mencucci told Radio Blu.

“During the week I wanted to remind everyone to keep an even tone and not talk about sobbing or presumed errors against them.

“Don’t forget against Parma we conceded a very soft penalty because of the moaning that the Gialloblu did in the lead-up to that match.

“Hearing yet again on Friday that the Juventus Coach was doing his sack cloth and ashes routine definitely didn’t please me. It’s time to put an end to this.

“It’s not right to start crying in order to influence the referee before either team has even stepped on to the pitch. Besides, Juve are stronger than Fiorentina, so it’s even worse to try to condition the referee the day before.

“We are certain that we’ll take part in a fair game. Motivation for facing Juve isn’t hard to come by, as this is our match. Delio Rossi has also learned how important this fixture is for us.”

The Fiorentina fans have planned a huge choreography before kick-off and many sent out the call to bring wigs to the stadium so they can mock Conte’s hair transplant.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Juventus cry to sway the referee, says Mencucci

Antonio Conte's side have felt hard done by recently in terms of officiating,

but the Fiorentina general manager wants Saturday's visitors to Florence to stop complaining.

Mar 17, 2012

Fiorentina general manager Sandro Mencucci has added spice to Saturday's game against Juventus by stating that the visitors to Florence cry and complain to try and influence refereeing decisions.

Antonio Conte has felt hard done by of late, with a number of officiating calls not going his way, which he has blamed for the Bianconeri falling four points behind AC Milan at the top of Serie A.

The Stadio Artemio Franchi executive has expressed that he is tired of the moaning from the Turin club, and they are not the only team to have wrong decisions against them.

"It’s good to fire up this game, but the truth is I am tired of hearing certain talk around the place,” Mencucci told Radio Blu.

“During the week I wanted to remind everyone to keep an even tone and not talk about sobbing or presumed errors against them.

“Don’t forget against Parma we conceded a very soft penalty because of the moaning that the Gialloblu did in the lead-up to that match.

“Hearing yet again on Friday that the Juventus coach was doing his sack cloth and ashes routine definitely didn’t please me. It’s time to put an end to this.

“It’s not right to start crying in order to influence the referee before either team has even stepped on to the pitch. Besides, Juve are stronger than Fiorentina, so it’s even worse to try to condition the referee the day before.

“We are certain that we’ll take part in a fair game. Motivation for facing Juve isn’t hard to come by, as this is our match. Delio Rossi has also learned how important this fixture is for us," he stated.

Fiorentina head into the weekend in 14th place in Serie A, seven points the relegation zone.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Line-ups: Fiorentina-Juventus

Mar 17, 2012

Juventus have Giorgio Chiellini on the bench for their big trip to Fiorentina tonight, as Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic take on Amauri.

The Bianconeri need a victory to keep up with Serie A leaders Milan and are without Andrea Barzagli, while ex-Viola defender Chiellini is only fit for the bench.

The forward line picked by Antonio Conte for this grudge match is Matri, Vucinic and Simone Pepe.

Fiorentina have to do without the injured Stevan Jovetic, Dias Felipe and Per Kroldrup, while Valon Behrami failed to shake off a knock and is another late addition to the injury list.

Amauri has a particularly special game, as he hopes to score his first goal in a Viola jersey against the club he left under bitter circumstances in January.

Fiorentina fans have turned up wearing wigs to mock Juventus Coach Conte’s hair.

Fiorentina: Boruc; Cassani, Natali, Nastasic, Pasqual; Olivera, Montolivo; Lazzari, Vargas, Cerci; Amauri

Fiorentina bench: Neto, De Silvestri, Gamberini, Kharja, Salifu, Acosty, Marchionni

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

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

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Bonucci returns for Juventus, Jovetic out for Fiorentina

Conte will shuffle his side for the clash in Florence, putting Vidal back in the midfield

thanks to the return of the young centre-back at the cost of Giaccherini up front.

Mar 17, 2012

Antonio Conte will be able to call on nearly a first-choice starting XI for Juventus, who play away at Fiorentina, following injuries last week which saw three centre-backs ruled out of contention.

Although Andrea Barzagli is still out injured and Giorgio Chiellini only makes the bench, the return of Leonardo Bonucci from suspension allows Arturo Vidal to take his usual role in the midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.

Bonucci's return sees Emanuele Giaccherini dropped from the first XI after starting for Juventus at their draw away to Genoa last weekend. Simone Pepe fills in for the winger up top.

Delio Rossi's side are without star forward Stevan Jovetic, who misses the match due to injury. Per Koldrup and Valon Behrami are out as well.

Alessandro Gamberini is dropped to the bench following last weekend's loss to Catania, allowing the 18-year-old Matija Nastastic to start in his place.

Fiorentina (4-3-3): Boruc; Cassani, Natali, Nastasic, Pasqual; Olivera, Montolivo, Lazzari; Cerci, Amauri, Vargas

Subs: Neto, De Silvestri, Gamberini, Kharja, Salifu, Acosty, Marchionni

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

Subs: Storari, Chiellini, Padoin, Giaccherini, Del Piero, Borriello, Quagliarella

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

HT: Juve lead 10-man Fiorentina

Mar 17, 2012

Juventus are in a commanding 2-0 half-time lead, as Fiorentina had Alessio Cerci red carded for an off the ball kick.

This has always been a bitter grudge match, but the Viola needed points to avoid being sucked into the relegation dogfight, while the Bianconeri had to win in order to keep up with leaders Milan. Andrea Barzagli was out and Giorgio Chiellini only fit for the bench. The home side missed Stevan Jovetic, Valon Behrami, Dias Felipe and Per Kroldrup, but had Amauri against his former club.

The Fiorentina fans crowded into the Stadio Franchi wearing colourful wigs with which to mock Juve Coach Antonio Conte.

Mirko Vucinic had the first chance after six minutes with a low side-foot finish that cracked against the base of the upright, then Alessandro Matri turned the follow-up over the bar.

Vucinic did get it on target and into the net to give Juventus the lead. It was a smart close-passing move in the build-up and the ex-Roma striker eventually curled into the near top corner from the edge of the box, leaving Artur Boruc rooted to the spot.

The game took another twist for Fiorentina when Alessio Cerci was shown a straight red card for kicking at Paolo De Ceglie’s backside. It was spotted by the assistant referee, as it was an off the ball reaction but did not seem capable of causing harm, although it was a gesture that had to be sanctioned.

Juve made it 2-0 from a corner, as Vucinic shielded the ball to pull back from the by-line for Arturo Vidal, whose first shot was beaten away by Boruc, but he got the second into the net. Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci celebrated with a mock punch-up, referring to stories of a nightclub brawl involving the two last week.

Martin Caceres accidentally passed straight to Amauri, but the Juve defence were able to recover. Boruc clumsily punched an Andrea Pirlo pass off the head of Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Vucinic burst down the left and dribbled past Mattia Cassani to flash a shot across the face of goal.

Fiorentina 0-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Vucinic 15 (J), Vidal 27 (J)

Fiorentina: Boruc; Cassani, Natali, Nastasic, Pasqual; Olivera, Montolivo; Lazzari, Vargas, Cerci; Amauri

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

Ref: Bergonzi

Sent off: Cerci 21 (F)

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 5

Mirko Vučinić (15′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (28′)

Claudio Marchisio (55′)

Andrea Pirlo (67′)

Simone Padoin (72′)

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 40000‎

Five-star Bianconeri thrash 10-man hosts

to end run of four successive draws

A 21st minute red card to Cerci made it all easy for the Turin outfit, who romped

to a five-goal victory that moves them to within four points of Milan at the top of the table.

Mar 17, 2012

Juventus dismantled Fiorentina at the Stadio Artemio Franchi as a resounding 5-0 victory maintained their push for the Serie A title after putting an end to a sequence of four consecutive league draws.

Mirko Vucinic opened the scoring just after a quarter of an hour, but the real turning point in the match was the dismissal of Alessio Cerci, who saw red for a petulant kick on Martin Caceres after 21 minutes.

The hosts never recovered from the numerical disadvantage, and further goals from Artuo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Simone Padoin rounded off the emphatic win for Antonio Conte's men, who close the gap at the top of the table on AC Milan to four points.

Juventus nearly stormed into the lead after only six minutes of play. Vucinic’s shot from the edge of the area rebounded off the base of the post, and Alessandro Matri's follow up was volleyed high and wide.

However, 10 minutes later, Vucinic would make no mistake as he fired the visitors into the lead. A brilliant short passing move found the Montenegrin in space at the top of the box, and his curled effort flew in with Artur Bouc rooted to the spot.

Juventus took full advantage of their numerical superiority from 21 minutes onwards following Cerci's dismissal as they doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark. Andrea Pirlo’s near post corner was held up fantastically by Vucinic, who set up Vidal for a strike on goal. The Chilean’s initial effort was saved, but he wasted little time in slotting the rebound home.

It was one way traffic thereafter, as Juve had little trouble in maintaining pressure in the attacking third. Fiorentina were perhaps relieved to see the half time whistle blow as they were struggling to keep the visitors at bay.

However, the Viola regrouped and renewed their focus after the break and controlled play at the start of the second half. Nevertheless, it was Juventus who went closest to scoring again in the 52nd minute when Matri teed up Vucinic for a strike from outside the box which flashed just wide.

Moments later, Juventus grabbed their third. Marchisio was both the architect and the finisher, spraying the ball wide to Vucinic, continuing his run into the box and heading home the Montenegrin’s cross from point blank range.

With an hour gone, Andrea Lazzari sent a powerful shot that seemed to be destined for the back of the net, but a fingertip stop from Gianluigi Buffon diverted the shot onto the post.

Juventus added another goal not long after when a sumptuous through-ball by Vucinic was tracked by Pirlo, who dinked his shot impudently over Boruc and into the back of the net.

Fiorentina were floored after the fourth goal, and found themselves further behind in the 72nd minute. Pirlo’s long range effort took a deflection right into the path of substitute Padoin, who, with his first touch of the match, side-footed home with aplomb.

The remainder of the contest was played out by the visitors with consummate ease, never looking troubled as they closed the match at their own pace.

The result sees Juventus reduce the deficit on Milan at the top of the table to four points with 10 games remaining. Fiorentina meanwhile sink to 16th place, seven points above the relegation zone.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 5

Mirko Vučinić (15′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (28′)

Claudio Marchisio (55′)

Andrea Pirlo (67′)

Simone Padoin (72′)

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 40000‎

Juve smash five past Fiorentina

Juventus humiliated rivals Fiorentina 5-0 at the Stadio Franchi with Mirko Vucinic

pulling the strings after Alessio Cerci was sent off.

Mar 17, 2012

This has always been a bitter grudge match, but the Viola needed points to avoid being sucked into the relegation dogfight, while the Bianconeri had to win in order to keep up with leaders Milan and end their run of four straight stalemates. Andrea Barzagli was out and Giorgio Chiellini only fit for the bench. The home side missed Stevan Jovetic, Valon Behrami, Dias Felipe and Per Kroldrup, but had Amauri against his former club.

The Fiorentina fans crowded into the Stadio Franchi wearing colourful wigs with which to mock Juve Coach Antonio Conte.

Mirko Vucinic had the first chance after six minutes with a low side-foot finish that cracked against the base of the upright, then Alessandro Matri turned the follow-up over the bar.

Vucinic did get it on target and into the net to give Juventus the lead. It was a smart close-passing move in the build-up and the ex-Roma striker eventually curled into the near top corner from the edge of the box, leaving Artur Boruc rooted to the spot.

The game took another twist for Fiorentina when Alessio Cerci was shown a straight red card for kicking at Paolo De Ceglie’s backside. It was spotted by the assistant referee, as it was an off the ball reaction but did not seem capable of causing harm, although it was a gesture that had to be sanctioned.

Juve made it 2-0 from a corner, as Vucinic shielded the ball to pull back from the by-line for Arturo Vidal, whose first shot was beaten away by Boruc, but he got the second into the net. Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci celebrated with a mock punch-up, referring to stories of a nightclub brawl involving the two last week.

Martin Caceres accidentally passed straight to Amauri, but the Juve defence were able to recover. Boruc clumsily punched an Andrea Pirlo pass off the head of Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Vucinic burst down the left and dribbled past Mattia Cassani to flash a shot across the face of goal.

It was an aggressive start to the second half from 10-man Fiorentina, as Cesare Natali’s effort was charged down, then the defender had a free header over from the Juan Manuel Vargas free kick.

Another Vargas ball across the face of goal was scrambled clear just before Lorenzo De Silvestri could tap in. Matri pulled back for Vucinic, who fired wide with only Boruc to beat.

Juve made it 3-0 when Vucinic avoided the offside trap down the left and crossed to the back post for a Claudio Marchisio diving header from six yards.

Fiorentina were extremely unlucky not to get one back when Andrea Lazzari curled from outside the area, but Gigi Buffon got a fingertip to it and turned the shot on to the upright.

Manuel Pasqual pounced on a poor Vidal backpass, but blazed well wide of the near post.

Instead, Juventus added a fourth with Pirlo, who ran on to a Vucinic through ball and drew out Boruc, chipping the goalkeeper from a tight angle, the outside edge of the six-yard box.

Substitute Simone Padoin scored with his first touch, as a Pirlo effort was deflected into the path of the ex-Atalanta midfielder to tap in at the back stick.

Fiorentina fans left in droves, while others congregated around the directors’ box to hurl abuse at the club owners, who also walked out long before the final whistle. This was the Viola’s biggest ever home defeat to Juventus, as the previous worst was 4-1 in April 1995.

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

Fiorentina: Boruc; Cassani, Natali, Nastasic, Pasqual; Olivera (De Silvestri 46), Montolivo; Lazzari, Vargas, Cerci; Amauri

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Caceres, De Ceglie; Vidal (Padoin 69), Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri (Quagliarella 59), Vucinic (Borriello 69)

Ref: Bergonzi

Sent off: Cerci 21 (F)

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 5

Mirko Vučinić (15′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (28′)

Claudio Marchisio (55′)

Andrea Pirlo (67′)

Simone Padoin (72′)

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 40000‎

Five-star Juve keep pace with Milan

Mar 17, 2012

Juventus returned to within four points of Serie A leaders AC Milan thanks to a comprehensive 5-0 win over 10-man Fiorentina.

Mirko Vucinic put the visitors in front in the 15th minute and Fiorentina's hopes of recovering suffered a blow when Alessio Cerci was sent off five minutes later.

Arturo Vidal gave Juve a two-goal lead at the break before further strikes from Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Simone Padoin finished off the home side as the Stadio Artemio Franchi emptied gradually as the second half progressed.

The signs were ominous when the Bianconeri hit the post in the sixth minute with Vucinic's shot rebounding out to Alessandro Matri, who sent the ball over the crossbar.

Vucinic was more accurate with his next shot in the 15th minute to put Juve in front from 20 yards out.

Cerci was then given his marching orders for kicking Martin Caceres off the ball, and it was easy from then on for Juve.

They doubled their lead seven minutes later as Vidal's first shot was saved by Artur Boruc, but he continued his run to slide the rebound into the bottom corner.

Vucinic flashed a shot across the face of goal in the 42nd minute with the Viola managing to go in at the break just two goals behind. But further punishment was on the way.

Marchisio headed in Juve's third in the 54th minute with Vucinic the provider for the second time.

Many fans were already leaving the stadium when Gianluigi Buffon turned Andrea Lazzari's shot against the post as Fiorentina came close to scoring.

But only five minutes passed before Pirlo added the fourth, lifting the ball over Boruc, angling his shot into the far corner.

Padoin added the fifth to compound the home side's misery in the 72nd minute, racing in to meet Pirlo's deflected shot and lift the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 5

Mirko Vučinić (15′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (28′)

Claudio Marchisio (55′)

Andrea Pirlo (67′)

Simone Padoin (72′)

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 40000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com casts a studious eye over the performers at the Stadio Artemio Franchi as

an early red card for the hosts was the catalyst for the Old Lady's romp to an emphatic victory.

Mar 17, 2012

Fiorentina

Artur Boruc 5.0 - Completely hapless as he was beaten five times, and although none of the goals were fully his fault, he did not always inspire confidence.

Juan Manuel Vargas 6.0 - Looked menacing in the early goings, with his typically energetic play out wide leading the charge for the hosts. His deliveries were purposeful and accurate, and he remained the lone beacon of attacking quality for his side, even as the deficit kept growing.

Cesare Natali 5.0 - Under pressure from the moment Cerci received his marching orders, although he went close at the other end of the pitch with a header from a Vargas delivery. Beaten for pace by Pirlo for the veteran midfielder’s strike.

Mattia Cassani 4.5 - Torrid time defending his flank as Vucinic was often able to exploit the space between him and Natali on the left side of defence. Will be glad to see the back of this match.

Manuel Pasqual 4.5 - Caught out twice by Juventus on the counterattack, the first time almost leading to a Matri goal, and the second ending with Marchisio finding the back of the net.

Matija Nastasic 5.0 - His head dropped after the second goal, and he was found ball watching when Marchisio and Vucinic combined for the third Juventus goal.

Riccardo Montolivo 5.5 - Looked good technically as always, but could not inspire his team to anything with his playmaking. Was drafted in for defensive duties to make up for diminished numbers in midfield.

Andrea Lazzari 5.5 - Struggled to get going as he was often left chasing shadows, though one brilliant shot almost led to a goal, but for an excellent save by Buffon.

Ruben Olivera 4.0 - Like the rest of his team-mates, he found life difficult in midfield after Cerci’s red card and never managed to make a mark. Taken off midway through the game.

Alessio Cerci 3.5 - One moment of foolishness cost his side the game. A petulant kick out at Caceres saw him receive his marching orders with the game barely 20 minutes old, and Fiorentina never recovered from the setback.

Amauri 4.5 - Showcased an unlikely turn of agility to skip past De Ceglie in a promising first-half move, but otherwise could not make his mark on proceedings, with a few offside calls halting what little openings he managed.

• Substitutions

Lorenzo De Silvestri 5.0 - Did not find things much easier than Olivera as Fiorentina conceded three more times after his arrival in the second half.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - For all intents and purposes, he was a spectator, but his quality remained evident with a world-class save on Lazzarri preserving his clean sheet.

Martín Cáceres 6.0 - Had an early slip in the first minute that almost cost Juventus. Looked nervy thereafter, with a few other dubious moments in possession. Other than that, he defended decently, and it was his tussle with Cerci that drove the Fiorentina man to his immature reaction and subsequent dismissal.

Paolo De Ceglie 6.5 - A solid showing in both halves of the field, with some good defensive work allied with a few well-placed deliveries into the area from out wide.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - On his return from suspension, he did not have much to do defensively since the red card. On the rare occasions that Fiorentina attacked, he was able to cut out the danger without much fuss.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Given the freedom of the right flank after Cerci’s red card, and took advantage of the space to set up shop deep in opposition territory. However, he picked up a costly booking that will rule him out of the Derby D’Italia against Inter next week.

Simone Pepe 6.0 - Industrious out wide, and never tried to over-complicate things too much. Remained a decent outlet on the flanks for his side.

Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - Surprisingly subdued, even with Juventus’ superior numbers, but came alive in one glorious moment to start and finish the third Juve goal. A good ball out wide to Vucinic was followed by a lung bursting run into the box, from which he headed home the Montenegrin’s return cross with authority.

Andrea Pirlo 7.5 - Ruled the roost in midfield after Cerci's sending off, which afforded him all the space he needed to dictate play from the centre of the pitch. Showed a great turn of pace that belied his years, and applied a cheeky finish to put Juventus 4-0 up.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.0 - Charged about the pitch to dismantle and disorganise Fiorentina in the midfield. Scored the second goal with a rebounded finish from his own saved shot that gave his side breathing room.

Mirko Vučinić 8.5 - Ran the show in an accomplished showing up front. Struck the post early on, before opening the scoring with a well-taken effort from the edge of the box. Cerci’s dismissal only served to heighten his dominance, and his quality set up further goals for Vidal, Marchisio and Pirlo. Fantastic game.

Alessandro Matri 5.5 - At times, his combination with Vucinic threatened to tear Fiorentina apart. However, he missed a gilt-edged early chance from a shot that rebounded off the post, and did not look like scoring otherwise, despite Juve’s dominance, and was taken off after an hour.

• Substitutions

Simone Padoin 6.5 - Scored with his first touch after coming on, a side-footed effort into the top corner after a deflected Pirlo shot.

Fabio Quagliarella 6.0 - Showcased a few nice touches in his time one the pitch.

Marco Borriello 5.5 - Given 20 minutes on the field and tested Boruc with a straight-on drive.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 5

Mirko Vučinić (15′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (28′)

Claudio Marchisio (55′)

Andrea Pirlo (67′)

Simone Padoin (72′)

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 40000‎

Pirlo dedicates 5-0 victory against Fiorentina to Muamba

The playmaker has said that his side's win is a form of tribute to the stricken player,

who collapsed on the pitch against Tottenham in the FA Cup earlier on Saturday.

Mar 17, 2012

Juventus have dedicated all of their goals in Saturday's 5-0 Serie A victory over Fiorentina to Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba.

The 23-year-old collapsed to the ground against Tottenham in the sides' FA Cup quarter-final tie earlier in the evening, and has since been admitted to intensive care at the heart attack unit of the London Chest Hospital.

Midfielder Andrea Pirlo was quick to pay the Old Lady's respects towards the critically-ill player after their match: "We wanted to dedicate our goals to Bolton's player Fabrice Muamba, who is fighting for his life.

"We are all close to him and hopefully he will recover soon."

Pirlo then reflected on Juve's five-star performance against Fiorentina, and ignored suggestions the early red card shown to opposing winger Alessio Cerci was a turning point in the fixture, claiming his team were hungry for the win from the first whistle.

"Tonight we scored a lot of goals, but perhaps it was better to register a few less today and a few more in previous matches," he continued.

"We started well and we wanted to respond to the victory of AC Milan [over Parma]. Certainly the sending-off of Cerci helped us, but we were on the ball from the first minute."

Juventus remain second in the Serie A standings, four points behind leaders AC Milan.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 28 - 17-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 5

Mirko Vučinić (15′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (28′)

Claudio Marchisio (55′)

Andrea Pirlo (67′)

Simone Padoin (72′)

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 40000‎

Conte dreaming of Serie A title after rout of Fiorentina

After four successive draws, the Bianconeri got back to winning ways in the most

spectacular fashion at the Artemio Franchi to breathe new life into their Scudetto challenge.

Mar 18, 2012

Antonio Conte believes his Serie A side can "continue to dream" of claiming this season's Serie A title after their 5-0 demolition of Fiorentina on Saturday night.

The Bianconeri's Scudetto hopes had taken a knock after a run of four successive draws which had seen them fall four points behind AC Milan at the summit of the standings, and with the Rossoneri having opened this weekend's action by triumphing 2-0 at Parma, that gap had been increased to seven points by kick-off at the Artemio Franchi.

Consequently, Juventus desperately needed to get back to winning ways in Florence - and they did just that, with Mirko Vucinic, Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Simone Padoin all registering during a dominant display against a 10-man Viola side which renewed Conte's faith in his side's faltering title challenge.

"It seemed that it wasn’t going to be our day again when Vucinic hit the post at the start of the game," the former Bianconeri midfielder is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"They had the desire - as did their fans - to throw a spanner in the works, but the lads did well.

"It wasn’t easy because it’s been a while since we’ve won, while Milan are motoring along like a train ...

"Instead, we displayed our personality and desire to win. And this is a sign of great maturity.

“We’re proud to find ourselves ten games from the end and in the position to fight and keep the championship alive.

"We’ll continue to do our maximum so we have no regrets at the end. We know that we have a strong and structured opponent ahead of us, but we want to continue to dream.”

The victory was Juve's biggest of the season and Conte argued afterwards that he always felt that it would only be a matter of time before the goals started to flow for his side.

“We’ve always played a great brand of football this season, even if it’s inevitable that the performance is associated with the result and judgements therefore change," he mused.

"Of course, we haven’t won in a while but that’s not due to poor performances. A deflected ball sometimes goes into the net, sometimes it goes behind. And this year ours have often ended up behind.”

Juventus face Milan in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night before returning to Serie A action against Inter next weekend.

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

[Socrates 8386]

[Socrates 8386]

[Socrates 8386]

[Socrates 8386]

[Socrates 8386]

[Socrates 8386]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Del Piero to start for Juventus against AC Milan

The veteran attacker has mainly been warming the bench in the 2011-12 campaign,

but is expected to feature from the start versus the Rossoneri in the cup midweek.

Mar 19, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte is ready to give Alessandro Del Piero the chance to prove his worth in the upcoming Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against AC Milan on Tuesday, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reports.

The 37-year-old attacker has been struggling to get regular action for the Bianconeri in the 2011-12 campaign, but will supposedly feature from the start in Turin.

Del Piero is expected to form an attacking partnership with Montenegro international Mirko Vucinic in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.

It will be only the seventh time this season that Del Piero will feature from the start. He also started in the first meeting between the two teams on February 8.

The Turin side recorded a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Italian cup tie at San Siro and will be looking to successfully defend their lead in the return at Juventus Stadium on Tuesday, kicking off at 20.45CET.

[Socrates 8386]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Ibrahimovic: AC Milan are going to Juventus

to qualify for Coppa Italia final

The Sweden international has stressed that the Rossoneri will do their utmost to eliminate

the Old Lady, and feels they can beat Barcelona in the Champions League.

Mar 19, 2012

AC Milan attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is eagerly anticipating the second leg of the Rossoneri's Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus on Tuesday.

The San Siro outfit were beaten 2-1 at home in the first leg back in February, but Ibrahimovic believes they have what it takes to turn the tie around in the return clash at Juventus Stadium.

"We are going to Turin to qualify for the final. We know that it will be tough, but it's possible and we want to make it through," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by Aftonbladet.

The Sweden international admitted he is not fully match fit, but insisted that he will be ready to feature against the Old Lady.

"I have a bit of a cold at the moment, but nothing can stop me from playing."

The 30-year-old then went on to discuss the upcoming Champions League quarter-final showdown against Barcelona, and is confident that Milan have the quality to progress.

"It will be a difficult tie, but it's not impossible. We don't have any fear. We do not only want to win, but we have to beat them. We have already met them before, and the next two games won't be too different to those encounters. It will be difficult matches."

The first leg of the Champions League tie versus Barca takes place at San Siro on March 28.

[Socrates 8386]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Del Piero: Juventus have to stick together to reach Coppa Italia final

The veteran forward is eagerly anticipating the upcoming clash versus the Rossoneri,

and also took the time to voice his support for Eric Abidal and Fabrice Muamba.

Mar 19, 2012

Juventus attacker Alessandro Del Piero is looking forward to Tuesday's Coppa Italia semi-final second leg at home against AC Milan, and has stressed that the Bianconeri have to stick together and act as a team.

The Turin giants defend a 2-1 lead from the first leg, and Del Piero feels that Juventus are ready to meet the Rossoneri following their impressive 5-0 away win over Fiorentina on Saturday.

"We will play the return of the semi-final of the Coppa on Tuesday, and it will be a tough match. It is important to stick together in order to achieve our goal of making it to the final," Del Piero was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"We really needed this weekend's win over Fiorentina. It's the perfect preparation for the match versus Milan, and a real confidence boost."

The 37-year-old, who is expected to feature from the start on Tuesday, then went on to voice his support for Barcelona defender Eric Abidal and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba.

"My thoughts are with Muamba and Abidal. It's impossible not to be upset with what has happened. You can't think of a football pitch as a place where people suffer like this. We are all supporting Fabrice, and I'm confident that Eric will win this battle, too."

Abidal is due to undergo a liver transplant in the upcoming weeks, while Muamba currently lies in hospital in critical condition following his cardiac arrest during the FA Cup game versus Tottenham.

[Socrates 8386]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri confident ahead of Juventus match:

We will try to overturn the result

Milan trainer is wary of the threat posed by the Bianconeri but insisted

that his side will give their all to reach the Italian domestic cup final.

Mar 19, 2012

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes that his side can defeat Juventus on Tuesday in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie.

The Rossoneri will have to work hard to reverse a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, but Allegri trusts his side's chances of getting a good result from their tip to Turin.

"We will try to overturn the deficit to reach the final while being aware that this will be a tough match," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We are doing well and we know we can turn the tie around. The Coppa Italia is a goal for us and we want to reach the final.

"I am convinced that we will play a good game, even though we are missing some players."

Allegri confirmed that Philippe Mexes is back after suspension and Clarence Seedorf has fully recovered from an injury, while Robinho and Mark Van Bommel have both been deemed unfit for Tuesday's contest.

Kevin-Prince Boateng remains doubtful for the match and his availability will depend on a late assessment on his fitness.

Alexandre Pato remains short of match sharpness, and Allegri conceded he is in the dark about the Brazilian striker's recovery time.

"He is training, but right now I do not know when he will be available again," the 44-year-old coach said.

"He will surely play again before the end of the season."

The Italian coach then had some words of praise for Juventus, who head into Tuesday's contest on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Fiorentina.

"Antonio Conte's side play very well," Allegri noted. "Against Fiorentina, they showed they are in good physical shape.

"Tomorrow will be tough. Both teams are good."

Milan's last Coppa Italia trophy was won in 2003 when the Rossoneri defeated Roma 6-3 on aggregate in the two-legged final.

[Socrates 8386]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Daniele Orsato

Conte: This will be the most important match of the season

Juventus coach insists that the Italian cup is an important target for the club,

while stating that veteran Del Piero will start the game upfront for the Bianconeri.

Mar 19, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has highlighted the importance of Tuesday's Coppa Italia match against AC Milan.

The Bianconeri have taken a big step towards reaching the final of the competition following a 2-1 victory at San Siro in the first leg of the tie.

Juventus are four points behind Milan in second place in Serie A, but Conte insisted that he is not thinking about the league table.

"This is a match which gives the possibility of winning a trophy," Conte told reporters. "Tomorrow [Tuesday], we will play the most important match of the season.

"For us, at a time in which we are in reconstruction, it would be important to bring home this trophy.

"This match has nothing to do with what is going on in Serie A, the outcome of the game will not change anything in terms of what the two clubs will do in the league."

The 42-year-old trainer then revealed that veteran Alessandro Del Piero will start in the attack against Milan, while Marco Storari will be deployed between the sticks.

"Storari will certainly play because he offers a lot of stability," Conte added. "Del Piero will also play, he adds a lot to the team.

"I expect a lot from Del Piero and from Juve."

Conte also praised the Rossoneri's winning attitude, stating: "I have tremendous respect for Milan.

"In the last few years, they have never stopped playing to win. I envy them for this aspect."