Juventus Season 2011-2012

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[Luigi Daniele 68]

The second shirt is hideous @@

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Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Tesser plots Juventus upset

Apr 26, 2012

Novara boss Attilio Tesser is thinking about upsetting Juventus at the weekend. “I could do with 12 players though…”

Title chasing Juve will travel to their Piedmont rivals on Sunday afternoon looking for their eighth straight Serie A win.

“Juventus are having an extraordinary campaign, their intensity is crazy,” Tesser told Radio Sportiva on Thursday.

“I’ve already been thinking about the game. I think I could do with an extra player in order to better cover the field of play though…

“We just have to do our best under all aspects and not have any fear. That’s the only way that we could get something from the game.

“If we offer them any opportunities then, sooner or later, they will hurt you.”

Novara beat Lazio 2-1 yesterday to keep their slim hopes of salvation alive. They are still eight points away from safety with four games left.

“We have to believe we can do it,” added Tesser. “We are forced to honour the shirt and the fans.”

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Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 27, 2012

Novara caused a huge upset by beating Lazio midweek, but any hope of Serie A survival will surely end against unbeaten League leaders Juventus.

Unfortunately for the Biancoazzurri, that Week 33 win may prove to be too little too late, as even without considering this game, their run-in includes away trips to Florence and Milan. By the time Novara welcome relegated Cesena in the penultimate round, both teams will more than likely have been consigned to Serie B, unless Attilio Tesser's men can do the unthinkable, and prove to be the banana skin that de-rails the Bianconeri's season.

The likelihood of that scenario is lessened all the more by the fact that the Lazio result was their first win in six games, and only their sixth win of the season. It was also just their fourth at the Stadio Silvio Piola, form which is simply not good enough to ensure their Serie A Status.

Francesco Marianini, Samir Ujkani, Jeda and Carlalberto Ludi are unavailable, but Giuseppe Mascara's free-kick winner against Lazio may earn him a start here.

At the opposite end of the table, the Juventus juggernaut charges on with the Scudetto set firmly in their sights. With victory over the Cavallucci Marini bringing the champions-elect level with Fabio Cappello's Milan and their unbeaten season record of 34 games, a win or a draw here will see Conte's men stand alone as record holders, in what is only his maiden season.

It looked as if the Bianconeri had allowed the title to slip through their fingers at one point, having failed to take advantage of their two games in hand over Milan, and indeed surrendering the initiative to the Rossoneri.

Conte's sheer passion and tenacity once embodied on the pitch in a Bianconeri jersey, has been instilled into his players, with every one of them playing their part. Summer signing Arturo Vidal in particular has been a stand-out performer recently, after contributing two in the massive win over Roma last Sunday.

Living legend and club captain Alessandro Del Piero started in the 2-0 home victory over Novara in Week 16, and may be afforded just his fourth League start of the season here.

There have been 12 top-flight encounters here but Novara have only been victorious on two occasions, with the last being a 3-1 result, on what will be 61 years ago to the day when the teams meet on Sunday. Juventus have won six times, but the last result was a goalless draw in March 1956, of which there have been three, and a 2-2 draw in October 1954.

Keep an eye on: Arturo Vidal (Juventus) The Chilean midfielder has had an explosive debut season for the Bianconeri, and has certainly contributed both in attack and defence to their title challenge. With Real Madrid showing interest in the player, Vidal can cement his loyalty with his seventh strike of the season.

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

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: At one end of the pitch the second worst attack in the League faces the best defence in the League, and at the other the second worst defence welcomes the third most prolific in attack.

Novara: Fontana; Morganella, Lisuzzo, Paci, Garcia; Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni; Mazzarani; Mascara, Caracciolo

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Del Piero

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

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Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Novara v Juventus – Preview

Apr 27, 2012

Novara caused an upset midweek by beating Lazio 2-1 midweek at the Stadio Olimpico. It was the Biancoazzurri’sfirst win in six outings, but the run home is quite tough. S

hould things go against Atillio Tesser’s men, thry could be relegated as early as this weekend by their Piemonte rivals.

Juventus are still undefeated this season, and are aiming for another win this weekend. Milan fans believed Cesena had scored against the Bianconeri, denying the Turin side the win and closing the gap at the top of the table, but they were misinformed. The 1-0 victory saw Juventus relegate the Seahorses, and could do the same this weekend.

Juventus to win, Novara to be realistically relegated.

Prediction: Novara 0-3 Juventus

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

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Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Juventus Nears League Title and Loss-Free Season

Apr 27, 2012

Juventus is moving closer and closer to its first Italian league title since the 2006 match-fixing scandal, with Antonio Conte’s club still undefeated and finding new weapons.

With four rounds remaining in Serie A, Juve has a three-point lead over defending champion AC Milan and also holds the tiebreaker with a win and a draw head-to-head.

Both Juve and Milan scraped out 1-0 wins on Wednesday. This weekend, Juve, seeking a first title since 2003, visits a Novara squad battling to avoid relegation, while Milan is at mid-table Siena.

Unbeaten through 34 rounds, Juventus has matched AC Milan’s Serie A record set in 1991-92 under Fabio Capello, when the Rossoneri went undefeated the entire season, which then lasted only 34 rounds.

No Serie A club has ever gone undefeated in a 38-round season. Juventus is also on a seven-match winning streak.

However, it didn’t look like the Turin squad was going to win on Wednesday until the 79th minute, when Marco Borriello scored his first goal since transferring from Roma in January.

Borriello hadn’t scored since the end of last season, having been cast aside by new Roma manager Luis Enrique at the start of this campaign.

“He arrived with a lot of bad baggage, but he remained humble and fought his way up in the group,” Conte said of Borriello, who scored 11 goals for Roma last season. “He never gave up, he worked hard in silence with great dedication and now I hope this goal gets him the affection he deserves.

“It moved us a big step toward our dream. Marco is giving his soul for Juve and these are the type of men I’ll defend with a sword, against anyone and everyone.”

Novara, Juve’s next opponent, is coming off a win over third-place Lazio.

“We’ve still got four finals,” Conte said. “In Novara we’re going to find more difficulty. ... Anyhow, Juve has become competitive again, with key fundamentals. For years we sat at the banquets of others, but now we’re hungry and we want to eat.”

Juve’s last two titles, in 2005 and 2006, were stripped in the match-fixing scandal. The last title it retains came in 2003.

Meanwhile, all Milan can do is keep winning and hoping that Juve will slip up at some point.

“Between Novara, Lecce, Cagliari and Atalanta, I think something could happen,” Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri said, referring to Juve’s remaining matches.

“When Juventus has clinched mathematically we’ll give them the scudetto, but why should we give it to them before?”

Allegri dismissed rumors he could be fired if Milan doesn’t win, taking heart from recent support expressed by vice president Adriano Galliani.

“The rumors make me smile,” he said. “The club has already said what it thinks.”

Compared to the title race, the battle for third place and the final Champions League berth is even more competitive.

Lazio is currently third with 55 points, followed by Napoli (54), Inter (52), Udinese (52) and Roma (50). With Lazio struggling, Napoli and Inter appear to be the favorites.

Napoli has won two straight, while Inter welcomed back long-injured Wesley Sneijder to a starring role in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Udinese.

This weekend, Lazio visits Udinese, Napoli is at Roma and Inter hosts a Cesena squad that has already been relegated.

Roma is in crisis mode following a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina and a 4-0 rout by Juventus, putting Luis Enrique’s job at risk.

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

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Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Conte: 'I believe in the Scudetto'

Apr 28, 2012

Antonio Conte “believes in the Scudetto,” although he shows great respect for Novara and reveals more injury problems.

The Bianconeri are now three points clear at the top of the table and visit practically-relegated Novara on Sunday afternoon.

“Novara play good football and, compared to Cesena who took on a more defensive approach, I think we will face a side who want to take the game to us,” said the Coach in his press conference.

“I really like this team, especially their Coach Attilio Tesser. Last season they played fantastic football in Serie B and I do cheer them on generally, especially as they tried to maintain that spirit even in Serie A. Compliments to Novara, even if they don’t manage to save themselves this season.”

Only a late Marco Borriello goal gave Juventus the win over Cesena, but there are further setbacks in Conte’s choice of players for tomorrow’s game.

“I have to evaluate the fitness levels of Fabio Quagliarella, who has a thigh problem, and Alessandro Del Piero. Alessandro Matri is suspended and Simone Pepe still out, so I will make my choices, aware that I can count on everyone, including the enthusiastic Borriello.

“A lot will depend on what the lads tell me, as if they are in good shape then I won’t make too many changes from Cesena.”

The Scudetto race is in Juve’s hands and they will have UEFA President Michel Platini in the stands at Novara along with another former Bianconeri legend, Giampiero Boniperti. Both have been invited to the Stadio Piola, as their families originate from the Novara area.

“I don’t think Platini has come to see Juventus in order to celebrate something,” argued Conte. “His visit had already been planned. It will be extra motivation for us, though.

“We are playing many games in a short space of time, so have to take it match by match. These lads have matured a great deal and I am proud of them.

“I’ve always said Milan have a superior squad, although now in terms of organisation we have caught them up. At the end of the season the title will be won by the side that deserves it. Nothing is decided yet and obviously Milan are still in the race.

“How much do I believe in the Scudetto? I do believe, seeing as we are at this stage. Let’s not forget where we started from and that has to make us proud. We have the chance to write an important page in the Juve history books.”

Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 8 Marchisio, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 23 Borriello, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 34 Marrone

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Tesser: 'Juve a big occasion'

Apr 28, 2012

Attilio Tesser feels Novara are fuelled by the “atmosphere of the big occasion” as Juventus come to visit with guests Michel Platini and Giampiero Boniperti.

This is a local derby that has not been seen in Serie A for 55 years and is extra special because Juve legends Platini and Boniperti will be in the stands, invited as their families originate from the Novara area.

“There is the atmosphere of the big occasion around this game and the stadium will be packed out, while you can already breathe the air of excitement in the city. However, we must not be touched by that,” said Tesser.

“We hope to make our intentions become real on the pitch. Facing this team, at this stage of the season and with everything this game could be worth, fires us up to a remarkable degree.

“I wanted to see a reaction after the Napoli defeat and it was there when we beat Lazio. Now I hope to see the same determination tomorrow.”

Novara are practically relegated and would mathematically go down tomorrow afternoon if they lost and Genoa were to win.

“We must not leave the game in Juve’s hands. Of course they are a squad of immense value, but it would be a mistake to focus only on defence. We must know how to turn the situation around and stop them coming forward.

“Juventus have extraordinary intensity and attack you for the entire 90 minutes. It would be terrible to let them come at us from the opening minute, especially as the start of a match can give you confidence.

“I am evaluating whether to use the 3-5-2 or the 4-3-1-2 system. It depends on the condition of some players and also how Juve run out.”

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

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Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Chiellini's Novara concerns

Apr 28, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini warns Juventus that “this match with Novara is more complicated than the one at Cesena, but our future depends only on us.”

The Bianconeri are three points clear at the top of the Serie A table and travel to the Stadio Piola for a local derby that could doom their opponents to relegation.

“We showed great heart against Cesena, even at the end with a series of crosses and corners,” the defender told Libero newspaper.

“It would’ve been important to find the net in the first half-hour after we created so many chances, especially the penalty, as the game would have changed. In any case, we did well to keep calm and avoided counter-attacks, which Barcelona didn’t manage against Chelsea on Tuesday night.

“You can attack for infinity and all it takes is one single distraction to make it all fall to pieces. To beat medium-level teams you need to score straight away or get a goal from a set play. What is essential is to always put an aggressive approach into the game. This match with Novara is more complicated than the one at Cesena.

“The future depends only on us,” continued Chiellini. “We know it is extremely difficult, as in every round we face a team that will give its all to beat the leaders and end the unbeaten run, but our future is in our hands.

“I’ve been saying for a month that the most complicated games are against the bottom of the table clubs. When they’ve had a negative campaign, they want to lift themselves back up by beating Juve.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Conte: I believe Juventus can win the Scudetto

The 42-year-old coach trusts his side's chances of lifting the Serie A crown

this term and highlighted the growth of the team since the start of the season.

Apr 28, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has declared that he believes that his side can fend off AC Milan's threat and win the Scudetto.

The Bianconeri are three points clear of the holders at the top of the Serie A table, as they prepare to visit Novara on Sunday afternoon.

"I do believe in the Scudetto, seeing as where we are right now," Conte told reporters at a press conference.

"Let's not forget where we came from, this is a source of pride. We have the possibility to write an important page in Juve's history.

"We are playing so many matches in such a short space of time, we are thinking match after match. My players have matured a lot and I am proud of them."

Conte then praised Milan, but said that Juventus are closing the gap between themselves and the Rossoneri.

"I have always said that Milan have a better squad," the 42-year-old noted. "In the end, the side who deserves it the most will win.

"In terms of organisation, we are now at Milan's level."

The Italian coach also took the time to comment on Novara, noting that he expects a more open match than the one against Cesena in mid-week.

"Novara always play good football," Conte explained. "Compared to the match against Cesena, who played a very defensive game, we will find a side who will try to play their own game."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Serie A Preview - Conte's troops look to continue title march

The Bianconeri will be hoping to secure another three points when they lock horns

with the relegation strugglers at the Stadio Silvio Piola on Sunday.

Apr 28, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

NOVARA

Fontana

Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Paci, Garcia

Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni

Mazzarani

Mascara, Caracciolo

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie

Quagliarella, Vucinic

Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella is available for selection on Sunday after missing the midweek victory over Cesena through suspension and will likely get the nod up front in place of Alessandro Matri, who is serving a one-game ban.

Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte has no injuries to deal with although Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli are all one booking away from being suspended.

Meanwhile, Novara coach Attilio Tesser will be without the services of Samir Ujkani, Francesco Marianini and Jeda, who are out injured. Defender Michel Morganella is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards and will also miss out on Sunday's fixture.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Novara are unbeaten in their last six games at the Stadio Silvio Piola (W2 D4).

• The Serie A new boys have conceded 11 goals in their last five encounters.

• Tesser's side have lost five games by a three-goal margin this season.

• Juventus are currently riding a seven-game winning streak, outscoring their opponents 19-1 during that span.

• The Old Lady have not lost this term but have the most draws in Serie A with 14.

• The Bianconeri have only conceded 18 goals in 34 league games this season and have kept seven clean sheets in their last eight contests.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Dec 18, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Novara 0

Last Five Matches

Novara

Apr 25, 2012 - Novara 2 - Lazio 1 - Serie A

Apr 21, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Novara 0 - Serie A

Apr 11, 2012 - Parma 2 - Novara 0 - Serie A

Apr 7, 2012 - Novara 1 - Genoa 1 - Serie A

Apr 1, 2012 - Roma 5 - Novara 2 - Serie A

Juventus

Apr 25, 2012 - Cesena 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Apr 22, 2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 0 - Serie A

Apr 11, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Lazio 1 - Serie A

Apr 7, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Apr 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - SSC Napoli 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Marco Rigoni

The 32-year-old leads Novara in scoring this season with seven goals. The midfielder has only found the back of the net though once in his last 17 appearances and will need to rediscover his scoring touch if the hosts are to end Juve’s impressive unbeaten run.

Arturo Vidal Pardo

The Chile international has bossed the midfield this season and is a big reason why Juve are poised to win the Scudetto. The 24-year-old has chipped in with six goals this term, including two in his last three encounters. Should be a highly-influential figure against Novara at the weekend.

Prediction

The Bianconeri are firing on all cylinders at the moment and it’s hard to see them dropping points against the hosts on Sunday. All signs point to an easy Juve victory.

Editor's Prediction

Novara 0 - 2 Juventus

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[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Novara v Juventus: Preview

Apr 28, 2012

Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic believes his team can cope with the pressure of leading the Serie A standings with four games remaining.

The Turin giants travel to the Silvio Piola stadium to face relegation-threatened Novara holding a three- point advantage over AC Milan.

Wednesday's 1-0 triumph at Cesena left Juve still unbeaten in the league this season and stretched their winning run to seven games.

"We have four battles left to win the war," Vucinic told www.juventus.it .

"We have four difficult games left to play, starting with Sunday's game at Novara.

"We know that destiny is in our hands.

"In recent months we have grown more aware of our physical and mental strength and our competitive quality so we are optimistic."

Juve, coached by Antonio Conte, must overcome the absence of striker Alessandro Matri, who must serve a one-match ban.

Matri is the team's top scorer with 10 goals so far.

Fortunately for Juve, Novara have the second worst backline in the competition behind Genoa, with 57 goals given away in 34 games.

Novara go into the encounter on the back of Wednesday's 2-1 triumph over Lazio which kept their faint hopes of avoiding the drop alive.

However, Novara know that anything other than a win tomorrow could see them relegated from Serie A.

Attilio Tesser's side are in 19th place, eight points from safety with 12 points still up for grabs.

"We have to win," Tesser said. "It's going to be a battle from start to finish.

"We will give all that we have.

"There are still four games left and until the numbers say otherwise, we are still in the battle to avoid the drop."

Novara have not lost at home since February 2.

The hosts will be without defender Michael Morganella, who serves a one-match ban.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Novara v Juventus Preview:

Serie A Leaders Face Biancoazzurri

Apr 28, 2012

NOVARA

v

JUVENTUS

Silvio Piola

April 29th 2012, 13:00 GMT Kick-off

****

It’s a Piedmont derby as struggling Novara host run-away leaders Juventus at the Silvio Piola in a crucial encounter on Serie A’s Sunday afternoon fixture. The hosts are languishing in 19th position in the table and hopes of survival have all but faded away. With 12 points to play for and an eight-point gap between them and Genoa, every game will be treated as a final. But with games against Juventus and Milan on the horizon, they certainly look set to return to Serie B next season.

With just four games to play for this season, Juventus have one hand on the Scudetto already. Their three-point advantage over Milan means the Scudetto is well within their sights. The next four games include – Novara, Lecce, Cagliari and Atalanta – all four fixtures which look easy enough on paper for Antonio Conte’s men.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Novara

For Attilio Tesser’s men, the upset win in midweek against Lazio provides a little ray of hope as they battle on for survival. Their tough fixture list, however, dictates that survival looks a minor possibility with big games ahead and it doesn’t come bigger than Juventus.

Tesser is expected to keep faith in his 4-3-1-2 formation that overcame Lazio. Just a couple of changes for Novara as Giuseppe Gemiti is expected to take the suspended Morganella’s place at right back, while Giuseppe Mascara’s free-kick winner against Lazio will earn him a starting role instead of Takayuki Morimoto. Mascara is expected to partner Andrea Caracciolo in attack. The former Sampdoria striker will be expected to hold up play and bring others into the game. He will have to be clinical and add to his goal-tally which stands at an uninspiring two goals this campaign, if Novara want to come away with anything from this game.

Like most teams, Novara are expected to sit back and defend against Juventus and hope to break quickly. Mazzarani will act as the trequartista and will play just behind the attacking duo. Their central defensive duo of Massimo Paci and Andrea Lisuzzo will have a daunting task ahead of them in trying to limit the influence of Juve’s tricky attack. Mirko Vucinic and Quagliarella both do have the quality to unlock this Novara defense and with waves of Juventus attack after attack, Novara do have their work cut out for them.

Carlalberto Ludi, Samir Ujkani, Jeda and Francesco Marianini are all set to miss the game through injury.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2): Fontana; Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Paci, Garcia; Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni; Mazzarani; Mascara, Caracciolo

Juventus

Against Cesena, Juventus met a tough side who were predictably going to sit back and defend. And they did so resiliently, until Marco Borriello netted his first goal for the Bianconeri. It wasn’t the best performance from the away side but they still managed to grind out three points which is exactly what champions manage to do.

Conte isn’t expected too many changes from the game against Cesena. He is expected to retain his 3-5-2 with Lichtsteiner reclaiming his place in the starting line-up in Martin Caceres’ place. The Uruguayan was below-par against the Seahorses and might be relegated to the bench. The other change will see Fabio Quagliarella return to the Juventus set-up after missing out on the Cesena game through suspension. He will take Alessandro Matri’s place who is suspended for this game.

The back three will comprise of Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini. Bonucci is a ball playing defender that enjoys distributing the ball from the centre of defense. On the other hand, Barzagli and Chiellini provide the elegance and steel, respectively, to Conte’s defense. The three of them also form the meanest defense in the league and much of Juve’s success is down to their rock-solid back three.

De Ceglie and Lichtsteiner will provide the width down the flanks. Vidal and Marchisio will patrol the midfield area, while Andrea Pirlo who had an unusually low game against Cesena, will provide the creativity and direction from midfield. The moody Mirko Vucinic will partner Quagliarella in attack. Expect a cameo appearance from Alex Del Piero who might be given 30 odd mins by Antonio Conte.

Probable Starting Lineup (3-5-2):Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Vucinic

Key Match Facts

1. Juventus are the only unbeaten team in the top five leagues in Europe.
   
2. Juventus have the tightest defense in the league having conceded just 18 goals.
   
3. Novara have just one win out of their previous 6 games.
   

TheHardTackle’s Players to Watch Out For

Marco Rigoni (Novara)

With 7 goals and 6 assists this season, Marco Rigoni has been Novara’s stand-out player in an otherwise abysmal season. The former Juventus midfielder will have to perform at his inspirational best to help his side achieve a positive result.

Fabio Quagliarella (Juventus)

Time for another Quagliarella special.

The former Napoli front man scored an impressive header against Novara in the reverse fixture. It hasn’t been the most prolific of seasons for Quagliarella and he may have to come up with another long overdue play-station goal to overcome the Biancoazzurri.

TheHardTackle’s Prediction

Novara 0-2 Juventus

This won’t be an easy game for Juventus as Novara have it all to play for. But with quality and determination on their side, expect the away side to justify their favorites tag and come away with three points.

TheHardTackle’s Blast From The Past

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[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Novara vs. Juventus preview:

The Most Important Derby We Will Play This Year…

Apr 28, 2012

Well, I guess the worst-kept secret since Andrea Pirlo got his vitals checked by Fabio Grosso has finally been revealed. We all knew that I couldn’t stay away. I did at least. And for everyone who doesn’t get the joke, well, you obviously don’t know me. You will. And while my return to the blogosphere took far less time (and a touch less drama) than our Old Lady’s triumphant return from Serie B, I plan on avoiding the subsequent whimper of the Secco years and dive straight into full-time/all-the-time Conte, baby. Yup. I’m back. Let’s do this.

***

In a run which began appropriately enough on St. Patrick’s Day the anniversary of Italian Unification, la Fidanzata d’Italia began a streak of seven (7!) consecutive wins, during which they’ve outscored their opponents by a staggering 19-1 margin. Considering that during this streak, Juventus has faced Fiorentina, Inter, Napoli, Lazio and Roma, and that’s pretty damn impressive.

I like to play this game with myself where I think about where I was exactly one year ago, and reflect upon that as I think about where I am today. I’ve touched on this theme before, but if you told any of us this time last year that we’d have clinched Champions League qualification with five games to go (as we did after the 4-0 Roma beat-down) without any further information, we’d have all signed up for this, without a doubt, no questions asked. I certainly would have. The fact that we’re three points clear of Scudetto holders AC Milan with a favorable head-to-head record is, well – pretty damn impressive.

And oh yea, we’re undefeated.

But alas, people, now we are where we are, and I can simply smell it. I’m afraid to say it, but yes, the S-word. No, not that, you sickos. You know. The badge we get to sew on our chest next to the three gold stars and the silver one (alright, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself). At this point, it’s not greedy to dream of anything less.

Novara meanwhile are, well, Novara. Having won promotion to Serie A last year, they’re just about ready to take a seat right next to Cesena on the next train back to Serie B (sorry, guys… eh, not really), looking every bit the team that spent the previous 55 seasons out of the top-flight. Math is still on their side but reality is not (although, at least it’s looking as if we’ll be able to get a proper derby next season instead of the calcio-equivalent of the Yankees versus the Brooklyn Cyclones; although one should be careful what he wishes for). It’s alright guys. Your time up here was not a complete loss, at least.

Meanwhile, coach Attilio Tesser wishes his team were more like AC Milan and could begin each game with a built-in one-goal penalty advantage could play with a 12th man, and I can’t blame him. Novara haven’t won since a 2-0 win over Siena, but since then held to four goals in six games – two of which came in a 5-2 loss against Roma, who might as well play with a 0-3-1-2 formation. Right now they’re on the opposite streak as Juventus, and Conte will likely look to deploy the (recently) trusty (again) 3-5-2 which has worked so well in recent weeks.

NOVARA (4-3-1-2)

Fontana

Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Paci, Garcia

Pesce, Porcari, Rigoni

Mazzarani

Mascara, Caracciolo

BENCH: Coser, Centurioni, Dellafiore, Radovanovic, Jensen, Rubino, Morimoto

Starting %:

Gemiti 60-40% Dellafiore, Paci 60-40% Centurioni

Injured:

Jeda (TBA), Ludi (#35?), Marianini (season), Ujkani (season)

Suspended:

Morganella (1)

Other:

Coubronne, Rinaudo

At YC risk:

Marianini, Morimoto, Lisuzzo, Mascara

*********************************

JUVENTUS (3-5-2)

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie

Quagliarella, Vucinic

BENCH: Storari, Cáceres, Giaccherini, Marrone, Estigarribia, Del Piero, Borriello

Starting %: Quagliarella 80-20% Borriello

Injured: Pepe (1 week)

Suspended: Matri (1)

Other: Manninger, Grosso, Padoin, Elia, Krasic

At YC risk: Barzagli, De Ceglie, Marchisio, Vidal, Giaccherini

Bottom Line: I failed to mention that Juve’s current string of seven wins came right off the heels of four drab draws. That period saw us fall out of the top spot, with most experts recognizing our Champions League-qualifying-contenders tag but writing us off as Scudetto pretenders. Not everything has been cake and ice cream, and the smaller sides have, predictably, been the ones giving us the most problems. Sunday’s 4-0 thumping of Roma followed by a 1-0 skin-of-your-teeth win over Cesena illustrates this fact quite well.

Novara will conversely be playing for their Serie A survival, as improbable as it may be. AC Milan travel to Siena to face off against Conte’s former side, who are comfortably set to remain in the top-flight. This weekend could be decisive. These are the games that champions must win. The fact that Juve’s destiny is in their own hands is a great credit to the project underway, and especially to Conte. Here’s to hoping the master motivator works his magic yet again in Novara.

In Conte we trust!

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Mondonico: 'Novara banana skin for Juve'

Apr 29, 2012

Former Novara Coach Emiliano Mondonico believes Juventus should be wary of today’s trip to the Stadio Piola.

“Novara are a team who get some excellent results on home turf, as proved by recent successes against Udinese and Lazio,” he told TMW.

“They will give their all and will certainly be a tough nut to crack. On paper the difference is enormous, but football matches are not decided on paper.

“In any case, I am sure Juve will be concentrated, hungry and desperate for the Scudetto. The Bianconeri are going to have to give 100 per cent, otherwise they could have problems.

“When facing a side that is much stronger, it is natural to act more defensive, but that really isn’t in Novara’s mentality. For the last two years they were top of the table in Lega Pro and then Serie B, so fighting to avoid relegation was a new experience that many of their players were not accustomed to.

“The statistics confirm that, as they have the second worst defensive record in Serie A. At this moment they are not mathematically relegated, but that remains the final alibi,” continued Mondonico who had a brief spell on the bench from January 30 to March 6 before Attilio Tesser was recalled.

“I don’t think Juventus will slip up, because they know full well there could be banana skins on the road to the Scudetto and therefore look carefully where they’re treading.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Line-ups: Novara-Juventus

Apr 29, 2012

Juventus opt for ex-Roma duo Mirko Vucinic and Marco Borriello in this afternoon’s tricky trip to Novara.

The Bianconeri are three points clear at the top of the table and are on the artificial turf of the Stadio Piola against a side with a foot in Serie B.

Alessandro Matri sits out a ban and Simone Pepe is sidelined, while Quagliarella has not shaken off a muscular problem, so starts from the bench.

Paolo De Ceglie was also expected to start, but Emanuele Giaccherini gets the nod instead.

Novara have lost Carlalberto Ludi, Francesco Marianini, Samir Ujkani and the suspended Michele Morganella.

Giuseppe Mascara is carrying an ankle injury and on the bench, but doubts remain over whether he’ll be able to feature.

They may be practically relegated, but this is a local derby in Piedmont and last week they caused a huge upset by beating Lazio 2-1.

Novara: Fontana; Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Dellafiore; Paci, Garcia, Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni; Mazzarani, Caracciolo

Novara bench: Coser, Centurioni, Rinaudo, Radovanovic, Antunes, Morimoto, Mascara

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Giaccherini, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Borriello, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, De Ceglie, Padoin, Elia, Quagliarella, Del Piero

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Borriello starts for Juventus against Novara

with Quagliarella on the bench

The former Roma striker takes his place alongside Mirko Vucinic in attack

having hit the winner coming off the bench against Cesena in midweek.

Apr 29, 2012

Marco Borriello has been chosen to start Juventus' Piedmont derby clash with Novara this afternoon, with his midweek goal heroics seeing him chosen ahead of Fabio Quagliarella in attack.

Borriello starts alongside Mirko Vucinic at the head of a 3-5-2 formation, with Stephan Lichtsteiner returning to the side at right wing-back.

For the home side, Michel Morganella is suspended, meaning Hernan Paolo Dellafiore moves to right-back, while Andrea Mazzarani starts once more, with midweek match-winner Giuseppe Mascara carrying a knock.

The match at the Stadio Silvio Piola kicks off at 15.00CET, with Bianconeri legends Giampiero Boniperti and Michel Platini, now president of Uefa, expected to be in attendance.

Novara (4-3-1-2): Fontana; Dellafiore, Paci, Lisuzzo, Garcia; Porcari, Pesce, Gemiti; Rigoni; Caracciolo, Mazzarani.

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

Subs: Storari, Caceres, De Ceglie, Padoin, Elia, Quagliarella, Del Piero.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

HT: Juventus lead in Novara

Apr 29, 2012

Mirko Vucinic and Marco Borriello have given Juventus the 2-0 half-time lead in Novara, as they edge closer to the Scudetto.

The Bianconeri needed a late goal to snatch victory at Cesena midweek, securing their relegation, and travelled to another side practically in Serie B playing on artificial turf. Alessandro Matri was suspended and Simone Pepe injured, while Novara missed Carlalberto Ludi, Francesco Marianini, Samir Ujkani and the banned Michele Morganella. Marco Borriello got a rare start to follow on from his first goal in a Juventus jersey midweek.

There were some very special guests in the stands, as Juventus legends Michel Platini and Giampiero Boniperti both originate from the Novara area.

Borriello flashed an angled drive across the face of goal after just two minutes, while an Andrea Pirlo long-range effort was deflected over for a corner.

Juventus took the lead with Mirko Vucinic, who volleyed a Pirlo free kick in off the underside of the crossbar. He almost had his back to goal, but got behind his defender to flick in a strange finish.

Stephan Lichtsteiner came sliding in to fire over the bar from close range, while Emanuele Giaccherini’s curler was well off target. Another Giaccherini attempt was considerably more impressive, although the volley across the face of goal was again wide from Pirlo’s chipped pass.

Pirlo tried from distance to sting the goalkeeper’s palms and Novara also had a chance on the half-hour mark when Andrea Mazzarani’s header looped on to the roof of the net.

Juventus doubled their lead when Giaccherini got down the left and crossed for Borriello’s diving header unmarked from six yards. Pirlo’s long ball had started the move, knocked back from the by-line by Claudio Marchisio.

Andrea Caracciolo went shoulder to shoulder with Giorgio Chiellini, but Leonardo Bonucci was able to clear the danger.

Novara 0-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Vucinic 17 (J), Borriello 40 (J)

Novara: Fontana; Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Dellafiore; Paci, Garcia, Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni; Mazzarani, Caracciolo

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Giaccherini, Borriello, Vucinic

Ref: Celi

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 4

Mirko Vučinić (16′)

Marco Borriello (40′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (64′)

Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Attendance: 17649‎

Vucinic grabs a double as Bianconeri move to within two wins of Scudetto

Marco Borriello and Arturo Vidal were also on the scoresheet as Antonio Conte's side

continue to hold off the title challenge of a second-placed AC Milan.

Apr 29, 2012

Juventus retained their three-point advantage at the top of Serie A as they cantered to a 3-0 win over Novara at the Silvio Piola Stadium.

The result never looked in doubt as Mirko Vucinic catapulted the Old Lady ahead in the 16th minute before his strike partner Marco Borriello added the second before the break. Arturo Vidal added a third soon after the restart and Vucinic completed the rout with his second.

After the nail-biting victory over Cesena last week, Juve set about ensuring their supporters had a far more comfortable afternoon right from the kick off.

Within two minutes Borriello was played in behind the defence Vucinic. He aimed for the far corner with a cross-goal shot but it bent away from the target and shaded the outside of the post.

Juve continued to attack relentlessly and the Novara defence could only keep them out until the 16th minute.

Andrea Pirlo's free kick from the left found Vucinic in the box and the Montenegrin added the most deft of flicks that diverted the ball into the goal via the crossbar.

Antonio Conte's men were not letting up and continued to stretch the Novara defence but Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner failed to add to their team's tally.

Andrea Mazzarini missed Novara's best chance of the half on the half hour when his header looped onto the roof of the net. The hosts were then punished 10 minutes later when the Bianconeri finally added their second goal.

Emanuele Giaccherini supplied a superb cross to the back post which was met by an unmarked Borriello and the striker found the back of the net with a diving header.

The second half provided no respite for the hosts and after Borriello failed to convert a simple tap in three minutes after the restart, Vidal added the third.

With 50 minutes played Vucinic saw his initial effort saved by Alberto Fontana but the rebound fell straight to the feet of the Chilean. It was a simple finish and he coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner with the keeper out of position.

Novara were being totally outclassed and in the 64th minute Vucinic slammed in a rebound after Giaccherini's shot was saved by Fontana, to make it 4-0.

Elijero Elia failed to make it a five-star performance when his shot was saved magnificently by Fontana 12 minutes from time.

The Bianconeri stepped off the gas and coasted to the final whistle, but there was still time for Pirlo to rattle the post with an exquisite stoppage-time free kick 25 yards from goal.

Juventus are now one game closer to their first Scudetto since the 2002/03 campaign. AC Milan's victory over Siena means that the Turin side maintain their three-point lead over the Rossoneri but now just three games remain.

For Novara, relegation looms ever larger and they could well be confirmed for the drop if they fail to win their next match away to Fiorentina.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 4

Mirko Vučinić (16′)

Marco Borriello (40′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (64′)

Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Attendance: 17649‎

Four-star Juve take Novara

Juventus made short work of Novara with Mirko Vucinic bagging a brace

to send them closer to the Scudetto.

Apr 29, 2012

The Bianconeri needed a late goal to snatch victory at Cesena midweek, securing their relegation, and travelled to another side practically in Serie B playing on artificial turf. Alessandro Matri was suspended and Simone Pepe injured, while Novara missed Carlalberto Ludi, Francesco Marianini, Samir Ujkani and the banned Michele Morganella. Giuseppe Mascara was only fit for the bench. Marco Borriello got a rare start to follow on from his first goal in a Juventus jersey midweek.

There were some very special guests in the stands, as Juventus legends Michel Platini and Giampiero Boniperti both originate from the Novara area.

Borriello flashed an angled drive across the face of goal after just two minutes, while an Andrea Pirlo long-range effort was deflected over for a corner.

Juventus took the lead with Mirko Vucinic, who volleyed a Pirlo free kick in off the underside of the crossbar. He almost had his back to goal, but got behind his defender to flick in a strange finish.

Stephan Lichtsteiner came sliding in to fire over the bar from close range, while Emanuele Giaccherini’s curler was well off target. Another Giaccherini attempt was considerably more impressive, although the volley across the face of goal was again wide from Pirlo’s chipped pass.

Pirlo tried from distance to sting the goalkeeper’s palms and Novara also had a chance on the half-hour mark when Andrea Mazzarani’s header looped on to the roof of the net.

Juventus doubled their lead when Giaccherini got down the left and crossed for Borriello’s diving header unmarked from six yards. Pirlo’s long ball had started the move, knocked back from the by-line by Claudio Marchisio.

Andrea Caracciolo went shoulder to shoulder with Giorgio Chiellini, but Leonardo Bonucci was able to clear the danger.

Pirlo threaded through for Giaccherini to roll across, but Borriello came sliding in and horribly mis-kicked from seven yards.

Arturo Vidal completed the rout moments later, as Vucinic ran on to a Lichtsteiner through ball and forced a tough save out of the goalkeeper at the near post, but Fontana could do nothing on Vidal’s follow-up.

Buffon’s palms were stung by a fierce free kick touched on for Mazzarani, but it was only Juventus at the Stadio Piola and Vucinic got the fourth. Giaccherini skipped to the by-line and had his shot parried at the near post, but Vucinic tapped in the loose ball on the rebound.

Andrea Barzagli deflected an Ivan Radovanovic effort to skim the woodwork, but Giaccherini threaded through for Eljero Elia to force a one-handed save out of Fontana.

Substitute Elia ran on to a long Pirlo ball and held off Lisuzzo to force another parry from Fontana.

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

Novara: Fontana; Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Dellafiore (Gabriel Silva 46); Paci, Garcia, Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni; Mazzarani (Radovanovic 67), Caracciolo (Morimoto 51)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal (Padoin 56), Pirlo, Marchisio (De Ceglie 60); Giaccherini, Borriello, Vucinic (Elia 65)

Ref: Celi

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 4

Mirko Vučinić (16′)

Marco Borriello (40′)

Arturo Vidal Pardo (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (64′)

Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara

Referee: Domenico Celi

Attendance: 17649‎

Novara 0-4 Juventus

Apr 29, 2012

Juventus moved a step closer to the Serie A title with a thumping win at struggling Novara.

Mirko Vucinic got two, opening and completing the scoring, while Marco Borriello and Arturo Vidal were also on target as Juve retained their three-point lead over AC Milan at the top.

Second-bottom Novara are almost down, though, this defeat leaving them eight points from safety with three games left.

Juve were quick to establish their superiority with Borriello shooting narrowly wide and Vidal also trying his luck before Vucinic opened the scoring in the 16th minute.

The Montenegrin fired high into the roof of the net from inside the area following Andrea Pirlo's free-kick.

Andrea Mazzarani had the hosts' first sight of goal in the 24th minute, but his effort went well wide.

But the Turin giants were soon on the attack again and Emanuele Giaccherini almost put them further ahead only for his shot from a tight angle to go just wide.

Mazzarani headed narrowly wide from six yards after being picked out by Giuseppe Gemiti's cross, but the hosts fell two behind five minutes before the break.

Borriello met Giaccherini's cross and planted a point-black range header into the bottom corner.

It was 3-0 five minutes after the break, Vidal finding the bottom corner from inside the area.

It was now a matter of damage limitation for Novara, but they conceded again in the 64th minute.

Vucinic got his second of the game with another smart finish, sending a right-footed effort low into the corner of the net.

Vucinic was replaced by Eljero Elia just after and the substitute was keen to make an impact, having two shots saved by keeper Alberto Fontana.

At the other end Gianluigi Buffon had to be alert to save from Simone Pesce as Novara looked for a consolation.

They could not find one, though, and instead Juve might have netted a fifth, but Borriello was denied by Fontana and Pirlo hit a post with a free-kick.

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