Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8326]

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 win takes Juventus closer to title

Apr 29, 2012

Juventus remained on course for their first Serie A crown in nine seasons after crushing relegation-threatened Novara 4-0 on Sunday as AC Milan stayed three points adrift with a 4-1 win at Siena.

A brace from Mirko Vucinic and goals from Marco Borriello and Arturo Vidal helped unbeaten Juventus record their eighth success in a row to reach 77 points with three matches left.

The Bianconeri, who have a better head-to-head record against Milan, could clinch the title as early as Wednesday should they defeat Lecce and Milan lose to Atalanta.

Despite the heavy defeat, Novara, eight points adrift of safety, were not condemned to Serie B after third-from-bottom Lecce were beaten 2-1 at home by improving Parma.

Coach Antonio Conte admitted Juve could only lose the scudetto now.

"Three days ago Novara beat Lazio so we knew it wouldn't be easy but we got the early goal and we kept our concentration right until the end," he told Italy's Sky Sports.

"We are getting closer and we are the masters of our own destiny. The squad has gone from strength to strength, driven by a great desire for success... Wednesday will be the game of our lives."

At Novara, Borriello, in the starting lineup after scoring the winner at Cesena in midweek, almost gave Juve a second-minute advantage with a left-foot shot that flew just on the wrong side of the far post.

But with the away side piling forward the lead arrived soon when another former Roma striker, Vucinic, cleverly steered home Andrea Pirlo's 16th-minute free kick.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Emanuele Giaccherini and Pirlo, with a fierce strike from 30 metres, then all went close as Juve threatened to kill off the game within the opening half hour.

However, the Bianconeri finally doubled their lead five minutes before the break when an unmarked Borriello headed home Giaccherini's inviting centre.

Chilean midfielder Vidal made sure of the points five minutes after the restart, stroking the ball home after goalkeeper Alberto Santana had halted Vucinic's charge, before the livewire Vucinic struck his second of the afternoon on 64 minutes.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Player Ratings

Mirko Vucinic grabbed two goals, with Marco Borriello and Arturo Vidal also on target

as the Bianconeri enjoyed an afternoon stroll at the Stadio Silvio Piola.

Apr 29, 2012

Novara

Alberto Maria Fontana 5.0 - Made an excellent save from Borriello in the second minute, yet the referee awarded a goal kick, then could do little as Vucinic scored the opener. Did well to keep his eyes on a dipping lange-range effort from Pirlo, but had no response as Juve racked up goal after goal.

Giuseppe Gemiti 5.5 - Still doesn’t look anywhere near as comfortable playing in the narrow midfield three as he does when playing as a left-back, and he was unable to add a toughness to the Novara three today.

Andrea Lisuzzo 4.5 - Allowed Borriello to dominate him a little too much in the early minutes, and struggled up against Vucinic throughout.

Pablo Hernan Dellafiore 4.0 - Struggled to cope with the running of Giaccherini for most of the first half, and it was no surprise when he was replaced at the break by Gabriel Silva.

Massimo Paci 4.5 - Should really have done more to dominate both in the air and on the ground, but Juve found it easy to bypass the home back line with straight balls, and headed over when well placed to grab a consolation goal.

Santiago García 5.0 - Couldn’t do much to stop Lichtsteiner in full flight down the right. And he resorted to steaming straight through the Swiss and Vidal in quick succession at one point.

Marco Rigoni 6.5 - The ex-Juve man was the main threat in blue for much of the game, and his great run and cross put Mazzarani in a great position late in the first half. His intelligent use of the ball was also a highlight in an otherwise anonymous Novara performance.

Filippo Porcari 5.5 - Had no control over the midfield battle, often resorting to chasing the ball around as Juve played penetrative balls through Novara central players at will.

Andrea Mazzarani 5.5 - Had Novara’s best chance of the first 45 when heading just over the bar from Rigoni’s run and cross, then tested Buffon with a good strike just after the break, but it was always going to be in vain anyway.

Simone Pesce 5.5 - Anonymous as Novara struggled to get any kind of headway in midfield, the former Catania midfielder was unable to show his best at any point in proceedings.

Andrea Caracciolo 5.0 - Sank without trace due to Novara’s complete inability to get a real foothold in the game. Unable to hold up the ball effectively when it was required, and he was replaced by Morimoto soon after half time.

• Substitutions

Gabriel Silva 5.0 - Replaced Dellafiore at the break as Novara looked to better deal with the threat posed by Giaccherini, but the game was practically over by then anyway.

Ivan Radovanovic 5.5 - A replacement for Mazzarani, he was brought on to provide extra solidity in the Azzurri midfield.

Takayuki Morimoto 5.5 - Came on for Caracciolo at 3-0, but was unable to change Novara’s fortunes up front as Juve continued on relentlessly.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Might as well not have been playing for the first 55 minutes, but then produced a fine stop from Mazzarani’s effort. He was rarely bothered other than that.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Was allowed to join attacks with some regularity as Novara dropped deep, and on the rare occasions the Azzurri got forward he was a match for them, including one great challenge on Rigoni.

Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - Had a fairly simple afternoon, though Rigoni was allowed to progress too easily down his channel during the first half.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Led the back line well on a comfortable afternoon for the Juve defence. Had Caracciolo’s number throughout.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 7.0 - Playing in the wing-back role which allows him to get forward plenty, he did exactly that, teeing up Vidal after connecting with Giaccherini’s cross. Also found it too easy to take on Silva at times during the second period.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Should have done better when sliding in on a low cross just a few yards from goal, but continued to provide support to the work of Vidal and Pirlo until being replaced by De Ceglie.

Andrea Pirlo 7.0 - As ever, he was at the hub of most things, and it was no surprise when his free kick was turned home by Vucinic for the crucial opening goal. Continued to call the shots as the Bianconeri toyed with their hosts.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.5 - His overhead effort early on wasn’t far off target, but he eventually did find the net when slotting home Juve’s third after Vucinic’s effort was parried by Fontana. Rested for the final stages, with Padoin replacing him.

Emanuele Giaccherini 8.0 - Started well, bombing down the left at will, and from one of his forays Vidal came close, then he struck just wide of the far post when finishing a great run through the defence with a first-time volley. Added one assist when crossing for Borriello to head home and a second for the fourth as Vucinic slotted home.

Mirko Vučinić 7.5 - Expertly flicked home Pirlo’s cross off the underside of the bar before his run and shot opened the way for Vidal to make it 3-0. Added a second for himself when collecting Fontana’s parry to slot home.

Marco Borriello 7.0 - Made a superb run and struck cleanly to force Fontana into a good save in the opening minutes, then went one better when diving low to head home his second goal in consecutive outings.

• Substitutions

Paolo De Ceglie 6.5 - Immediately added a spark with a surge down the left after replacing Marchisio.

Eljero Elia 6.0 - Given a rare run-out in the place of Vucinic for the final quarter, and very nearly got on the end of one throughball soon after. Should have done better with a later effort as he sliced his shot off target.

Simone Padoin 6.0 - Brought on for Vidal with the game already won, and he was allowed to play his part in a comfortable second half.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Conte: We are masters of our own destiny

After their impressive victory at the Silvio Piola, the Bianconeri know that

if they win their next two games, against Lecce and Cagliari, they will be champions of Italy.

Apr 29, 2012

Ebullient Juventus coach Antonio Conte has proclaimed his players masters of their own destiny after Sunday's rousing 4-0 victory at Novara.

The win at the Silvio Piola means that the Bianconeri remain three points clear of AC Milan at the summit of the Serie A standings, with just three rounds of the season remaining.

Given that Juve have a better head-to-head record against the Rossoneri, Conte's troops can secure the Scudetto if they beat Lecce on Wednesday and then Cagliari next Sunday.

"We know that we are masters of our destiny," the former Bianconeri midfielder is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"We're feeling good, the team is determined and we want to do something extraordinary. We are approaching our goal in exactly the right manner."

In-form attacker Mirko Vucinic struck twice against Novara, with Marco Borriello and Arturo Vidal accounting for the visitors' other goals, but the Montenegrin insists that the players will not spend any time celebrating their triumph.

"There are just now three games to go and we’re already focused on Wednesday’s fixture against Lecce," the former Roma forward stated.

“Dangers can only come from ourselves now. Therefore, in our next fixtures we’re required to get on the pitch with the right attitude, like we did today [sunday]."

Vucinic also paid tribute to forward partner Borriello after the on-loan Roma man struck for the second game in succession.

“Marco has now achieved the right kind of form," he enthused. "Moreover, when a striker nets, it enhances the morale of the entire group."

Juve's crucial clash with Lecce kicks off in Turin at 20.45CET.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Juventus' third star is not Uefa's concern: Platini

The Bianconeri have enraged their rivals by effectively claiming that they have won

29 Scudetti - and not 27, as the official record books now state because of 'Calciopoli'.

Apr 29, 2012

Uefa president Michel Platini has revealed that the European game's governing body will not get involved in the row over Juventus' plan to put a third star on their shirts should they win Serie A this season, claiming that "it's an Italian problem".

The Bianconeri were stripped of two Scudetti as a result of the fallout from 'Calciopoli', meaning their current title tally officially stands at 27. However, Juve have claimed that if Antonio Conte's men manage to end AC Milan's reign as Italian champions next month, they will sew a third star onto their jerseys in recognition of what they believe would be their 30th championship success.

A number of the Old Lady's rivals have been left less than impressed by the revelation but Platini insists that this is not a matter for Uefa.

"The third star is a debate which I know little about," the former Juventus trequartista told Mediaset Premium. "It's an Italian problem."

Platini was speaking at Juventus' 4-0 victory over Novara on Sunday afternoon but he revealed that he had not attended the game as a Bianconeri fan, explaining that his aim as Uefa president is to ensure that sides such as the Biancoazzurri are in a position to compete on an equal footing with the game's traditional superpowers.

"I came to see Novara," the Frenchman claimed. "Italian football has to defend this sport. We will protect the Financial Fair Play rules."

Platini spent five seasons in Turin as a player, winning two Serie A titles and one European Cup during that time.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Impenetrable defence one of the secrets of this Juventus side, claims Bonucci

The Italy defender has heaped praise on the Bianconeri's rearguard after a run in which

Antonio Conte's troops have conceded just one goal in their last eight Serie A games.

Apr 29, 2012

Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci has paid tribute to his side's "impenetrable defence" after Sunday's 4-0 victory over Novara.

The clean sheet at the Artemio Franchi means that the Bianconeri have now conceded just once in their last eight Serie A outings.

Consequently, Bonucci believes that the Old Lady's defence deserves as much credit for their Scudetto challenge as their attack.

“It’s certainly an added value," the Italy international is quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"We’ve conceded one goal in eight games and I think our impenetrable defence is one of the secrets of this Juve side.”

Bonucci also hailed the entire team's concentration and humility, revealing that they have already turned their attention to Wednesday's clash with Lecce after moving to within two victories of the title courtesy of their rout of Siena.

“We spoke in the dressing room and knew it would be another tough game like we faced in Cesena [in midweek]," the centre-half explained. "We took to the field with the right focus, possessing the hunger of those who want to win.

“We instantly managed to get things going in our favour, and did well to immediately put the game to bed.

“It was a good victory that’s come from a great team, a great manager and a great project. We’ll now think ahead to Wednesday, because we still haven’t achieved anything.”

Juve's meeting with relegation-threatened Lecce gets under way at 20.45CET.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Conte: 'Closing on the Scudetto'

Apr 29, 2012

Antonio Conte admits Juventus are “getting closer to the Scudetto in the right way and we know Milan are great antagonists.”

The Bianconeri remain three points clear at the top of the table with the advantage in their head-to-head record, so could in theory secure the title on Wednesday.

“It wasn’t easy today, as Novara beat Lazio three days ago and today they really wanted to trip us up,” he said of their 4-0 victory at the Stadio Piola.

“We are in good shape and anyone who saw the game witnessed a Juventus team that plays with intensity.

“We can make calculations too and we are closing in on the Scudetto in the right way, though we know Milan are great antagonists. The important thing is that our destiny is in our hands.”

Marco Borriello had not scored a single goal in a Bianconeri jersey, but has now netted in two consecutive games.

“Marco is in great shape and has entered into the mechanism of our football. Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero also had some physical problems. He put in a fine performance along with Mirko Vucinic today.”

Juventus legend and UEFA President Michel Platini was in the stands, invited by Novara as his grandparents hail from that area.

“I hope Platini can come and see us play again,” concluded Conte.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Comments: Novara-Juventus

Apr 29, 2012

Attilio Tesser: “There wasn’t much we could do against this Juve side. We did everything within our capabilities, even if we weren’t in the best shape. My future? It’s too early to talk about this.”

Antonio Conte: “We are three games away from a dream. We’re unbeaten in 35, but many had something to complain about, so this gave us further strength and grit.”

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Conte pleased as Juventus keep control

of Serie A ‘destiny’ with win

Apr 29, 2012

Antonio Conte has expressed his satisfaction with Juventus’s form in the wake of a comfortable 4-0 away victory against lowly Novara this afternoon.

The win left the Old Lady three points clear at the top of the Serie A table, with just three league fixtures standing between the Bianconeri and a record 28th Scudetto.

Montenegrin stiker Mirko Vucinic was the star of the show with his opening goal on 16 minutes setting the tone for what was a relatively stress free afternoon at the Stadio Silvio Piola.

Things were made even easier five minutes before half-time when midweek goal hero Marco Borriello made it 2-0 before the break.

The second half had barely got going when Arturo Vidal pounced on a rare mistake from Novara’s veteran keeper Alberto Fontana to make it 3-0.

Vucinic then sealed the comprehensive victory with a fourth on 64 minutes, leaving Antonio Conte reasonably satisfied with the team’s work.

Speaking to Italy’s Sky Sports, the Juve boss admitted there had been some apprehension ahead of the game, given the host’s impressive win in midweek.

“Three days ago Novara beat Lazio so we knew it wouldn’t be easy but we got the early goal and we kept our concentration right until the end,” he explained.

But despite the crucial win, Conte noted that the job was far from done for Juventus.

“We are getting closer and we are the masters of our own destiny,” he said.

He also praised the performance of his players in recent weeks, following a string of crucial wins over the likes of Inter Milan, Roma, Lazio and Napoli

“The squad has gone from strength to strength, driven by a great desire for success… Wednesday will be the game of our lives,” Conte said.

Juventus face Lecce in Turin this Wednesday.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Three Steps to the Scudetto

Apr 30, 2012

Sunday's 4-0 win at Novara made it eight consecutive wins for Juventus, and with just three games remaining this season, the Scudetto is well within grasp. While Milan faltered during the early weeks of April and handed the initiative to Antonio Conte's side, the Bianconeri have hit title-winning form just at the right time, and are now closing in on realising what appeared to be a mere dream at the beginning of the campaign.

'We are three games away from a dream. We're unbeaten in 35, but many had something to complain about, so this gave us further strength and grit'

- Antonio Conte

Only Lecce, Cagliari and Atalanta now stand in the way of the table-topping Old Lady, while Milan face Atalanta, the second Derby della Madonnina of the season against Inter, before ending their campaign against Novara. However, while it is natural to monitor the results of their title rivals, the beauty of the run-in is that Juve have their destiny in their own hands as Conte alluded to in his post-match comments. Undoubtedly the task will prove difficult as his side look to close out the season, but based on recent displays confidence is high.

Whether or not this evolves into a title-winning season, the club can take great pride from performances throughout the team. The defensive back-line, including Gigi Buffon, have been highly impressive this season. Having conceded just a solitary goal in the eight-game winning streak, the overall figure stands at just 18 for the season so far, a monumental effort from the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leo Bonucci to name but a few. Moving further up the field, Conte arguably possesses one of the best midfield trios' in European football, with Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal outstanding over the course of the season. While individually they are evidently talented midfielders, collectively they appear to compliment each other terrifically and have been integral at both ends of the pitch. Equally impressive is the contribution of goals throughout the team, as various strikers have been under pressure over their clinical edge, or lack of, it is refreshing to see even the likes of Marco Borriello scoring goals at such an important time. Looking at the statistics, the defence rightly earns the majority of the plaudits, but it is also worth noting that only Milan have scored more goals than Juve this season, with the difference standing at just six.

While selfishly the performance of the Juve defence is pleasing to those with an allegiance to the Bianconeri, looking further ahead Cesare Prandelli can only be delighted with what he is witnessing in Turin. The Juve back-line potentially represents the majority of the Italian defence in Poland and Ukraine this summer, and while in such solid form, it can only mean good things for the Euro 2012 campaign.

As the Scudetto nerves continue to build, what is assured for next season is the return of Champions League football. While it is fair to suggest that the rigours of European football will have an effect on domestic form, something Conte and Co have had the luxury of not dealing with this season, a strong Juve side will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the interests of Serie A in Europe. With the addition of some world-class individuals in the summer, perhaps a striker topping the list, these exciting times are a far cry from what the Bianconeri faithful have had to endure over the past few seasons.

'We can make calculations too and we are closing in on the Scudetto in the right way, though we know Milan are great antagonists. The important thing is that our destiny is in our hands'. Those were the words of Conte, now it is essential to put those words into action, starting against Lecce in Turin on Wednesday night. Recent performances suggest that Juve are both focused and hungry to complete the job, now they must hold it together for three more games to seal a memorable season.

Have Juve got both the belief and momentum to continue their incredible current form and wrap up the Scudetto? Or do you still have lingering doubts?

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Conte asks Juve for "game of our lives"

Apr 30, 2012

There are 17 places between them in Serie A but Juventus coach Antonio Conte has described Wednesday's visit of lowly Lecce as the most important match of the season.

Juve, who were stripped of the 2005 and 2006 Scudettos because of their involvement in the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal, could claim their first title in nine years should they defeat Lecce and AC Milan lose to Atalanta at the San Siro.

"We know how to add up," Conte said after Sunday's 4-0 win at Novara, which maintained their three point lead over second-placed AC Milan with three matches of the season to go. "We are ahead and are masters of our own destiny."

Juventus, who finished outside the European places last season, are still unbeaten and have won their last eight matches, plundering 23 goals in the process to leapfrog Milan, against whom they have a better head-to-head record.

When people talk about Juventus there is always someone trying to put a spanner in the works.

Juventus coach Antonio Conte

With the finish line in view in his first season as coach of the Turin giants, former Bianconeri Conte bristled as he belatedly gets the recognition his record deserves.

"When people talk about Juventus there is always someone trying to put a spanner in the works," he said. "In this campaign, in which we are still unbeaten, there has always been a but. First it was the draws that were brought up, then they spoke about the lack of goals from our forwards.

"But this just gave us extra drive to succeed, which together with our day-to-day improvement as a team, is helping us achieve something extraordinary. Wednesday will be the game of our lives."

Conte is likely to keep faith with the Mirko Vucinic-Marco Borriello partnership up front with the rejuvenated former Roma forwards having scored four goals between them in the past two victories.

"Borriello's in great form and he's fitted perfectly into our system," he said. "Together with Vucinic his performance was excellent against Novara."

Lecce visit the Juventus stadium for the first time fighting for Serie A survival after suffering back-to-back home defeats against Napoli and Parma.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Cassano's miraculous Milan magic not enough

as Juventus juggernaut closes in on Scudetto

The Italy international returned to the starting line-up and steered the Rossoneri

to victory, but they once again made no ground in the title race as the Bianconeri march on.

Apr 30, 2012

Antonio Cassano returned to the starting XI with a fair old bang at Siena on Sunday, but AC Milan’s excellent 4-1 victory over the Robur gave them no significant boost in the Serie A title race as Juventus’ relentless run-in continued at Novara.

For Cassano, the trip to Tuscany was a further chance to prove that he has overcome the medical issues that threatened a whole lot more than just his participation in Euro 2012. Having been ruled out for the rest of the season, he has gradually worked his way back to full fitness long before the predicted date, and at the Franchi Montepaschi Arena he looked like the ‘Fantantonio’ of yesteryear.

Two minutes after tapping home the opening goal following a spill by Zeljko Brkic, he fired in an excellent angled pass for Zlatan Ibrahimovic that allowed the Swede to control and then belt home with his left foot. For a Milan side that weren’t really taking over the contest, it was a vital few moments.

In recent times, they have looked insipid for long spells. Points have been dropped thanks to an inability to turn possession into significant chances, and even in the victory over Genoa in midweek there were extended stints without any real work for Grifone keeper Sebastien Frey.

But on Sunday it was different. The Rossoneri had no more possession or territory than they had in any game over the past month. In fact, this may well have been their least dominant performance. The difference was that they had Cassano adding the creativity up top.

After Erjon Bogdani’s goal had threatened to give Milan a tough final few minutes, the reigning champions stepped it up again. Antonio Nocerino responded to being left on the bench by grabbing the clincher in the final minute of normal time to reach double figures in the league this season. The ex-Palermo midfielder has now scored as many goals as any Juventus player this term.

Milan, and more specifically Cassano, were not done there, though. With Siena’s defence retreating, the Bari native showed fantastic skill to twist one way and turn the other before steering a superb pass to Ibrahimovic, who slotted home his 26th goal of the campaign. Cassano’s ability to stretch defences in the fifth minute of injury time in his first start in seven months can only be a good sign for club and country.

What wasn’t such good news for Milan, though, was the scoreline from Novara as Juve’s title march turned into a canter. After struggling to put teams to bed for three quarters of the season, the Bianconeri are suddenly doing so with great regularity, and no result has been such a forgone conclusion all term as their win over their Piedmont neighbours.

Their eighth successive win takes their unbeaten run this season to 35 games, and it never looked in any doubt from the moment Mirko Vucinic swept the ball home superbly from Andrea Pirlo’s 16th-minute free kick. They continued to dominate the Azzurri for long spells, with Emanuele Giaccherini having a field day out on the left, and it was the former Cesena man whose cross teed up Marco Borriello’s diving header which killed the game as any kind of contest shortly before half-time.

It could well have been seven or eight for the Bianconeri by the end, but they were more than happy to settle for 4-0, with Arturo Vidal’s strike after Vucinic had tested Alberto Fontana and then the Montenegrin’s second following in Giaccherini’s shot crowning the victory with barely an hour played.

By the time the final quarter came around, Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Vucinic had all been rested, with even Eljero Elia given a run-out. That’s how straightforward it had become!

The remainder of the calendar surely holds no fears for Antonio Conte’s side in this mood. After bagging just 39 goals in their first 27 games, Juve have now netted 23 times in their last eight. As much as some claim that the back line which has allowed just one goal in that time has been their catalyst, it is their greater conversion of chances which has blasted Milan out of sight.

Two more wins in their final three games will see the Bianconeri secure a 28th official title. A defeat for Milan in midweek could see Juve crowned by Wednesday, but with Cassano back and in form, that seems unlikely. The Rossoneri and Il Talentino, though, can do nothing to stop Juventus swaggering towards the Scudetto. The race is very nearly run.

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Platini looking forward to Juventus' return to the Champions League

The Bianconeri legend is relishing the prospect of seeing the Old Lady compete

with Europe's elite once again, and reserved special praise for midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

Apr 30, 2012

Uefa president Michel Platini is looking forward to seeing Juventus play in the Champions League next season.

The Bianconeri legend was in attendance as the Old Lady dismantled Novara 4-0 to keep their three-point lead over second-placed AC Milan in Serie A.

After successive seventh-placed finishes in the league, Juventus are now just two wins away from claiming the Scudetto and Platini insisted that Antonio Conte's men will be a welcome addition to the Champions League.

"Europe has missed Juve, just as the Bianconeri have missed Europe," the Frenchman is quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

Platini went on to praise midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who has been instrumental to the Bianconeri's success this season, according to the Uefa president.

"Juve have been much stronger in every department his year, but Pirlo is directing everything."

The Bianconeri legend's sentiments were shared by Parma boss Franco Colomba who also lauded the impact of the former AC Milan man.

"Pirlo is their extra man," the 57-year-old coach told Sky Sport Italia. "He is a player who has allowed the others around him to grow. I think that has made the real difference this season.

"Juventus are now a very strong team mentally - they are aware that they are good physically and technically."

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

[Socrates 8326]

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

Allegri '100 per cent sure' of AC Milan stay

It has been reported that the former Cagliari boss will be shown the door if the Rossoneri

do not overhaul Serie A leaders Juventus over the course of the next three games.

Apr 30, 2012

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes he will still be at San Siro next season despite reports that the 44-year-old will be dismissed should the Rossoneri fail to retain their Serie A title.

However, Allegri has dismissed the rumours that Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi and CEO Adriano Galliani are considering firing him.

"I will be the coach of Milan next season," he is quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "I'm 100 per cent sure about that.

"Berlusconi told me again this morning that he's satisfied with my work, and I don't think that he also needs to say it publicly."

Milan are currently second in the Serie A standings, three points behind Juventus with just three games remaining.

The Bianconeri's resurgence this season has been inspired by Andrea Pirlo and is particularly difficult for Rossoneri fans to take given their club allowed the midfielder to move to Turin on a free transfer last summer.

Allegri has copped a lot of criticism for allowing that to happen but maintains that releasing the Italy international was the right call.

"Pirlo is a great champion, but we have absolutely no regrets whatsoever about him leaving Milan and joining Juventus," the former Cagliari boss stated.

"Pirlo also wanted a three-year extension of his contract, but the board wouldn't give him that."

"Besides, he needed new challenges to motivate him. Perhaps he wouldn't have had such a good season if he had stayed at Milan."

Milan will be hoping to keep up the pressure on league leaders Juve when they tackle Atalanta at the Giuseppe Meazza on Wednesday.

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

[Socrates 8326]

Cagliari-Juventus could be moved

Apr 30, 2012

Week 37’s fixture between Cagliari and Juventus could be moved to a Sunday evening kick-off so as to be played at the same time as Inter-Milan.

Locked in a tight battle for Lo Scudetto, the two clubs are understood to prefer to play at the same time as each other so as to ‘remove any extra pressure on the match officials’ and to maintain the Rossoneri’s motivation for their derby.

Should both teams win their Week 36 tests this midweek, then Juve could mathematically wrap up the title with a win against Cagliari, which if played before the Milan derby, could render that game a nothing encounter for the red half of the city, something that the likes of Udinese, Lazio and Napoli would be keen to avoid for opponents Inter.

This is according to Sky Sport Italia, who say that a meeting held between Rossonero Vice President Adriano Galliani and Bianconero director general Beppe Marotta has the clubs in agreement on moving the fixture. A final decision on moving the game will be down to the Lega Calcio.

[Socrates 8326]

Juventus could win Serie A title on Wednesday

Apr 30, 2012

Juventus may be able to wrap up the Serie A title on Wednesday after thrashing Novara 4-0 on Sunday to stay three points clear at the top of Serie A.

The Turin giants will clinch their first scudetto since spending a year in the second tier and being stripped of two titles for involvement in the 2006 Calciopoli match-fixing scandal if they beat Lecce at home and second-placed AC Milan lose to Atalanta at the San Siro.

That would give unbeaten Juve a six-point lead with two games to go. This would be an unassailable advantage as they have a better record in the head-to-heads with champions Milan - the factor that decides who takes the crown if two sides finish level on points. "The difficult thing now is that we have to win on Wednesday, which is the match of a lifetime," Juve coach Antonio Conte said of the clash with third-bottom Lecce, who are fighting to avoid the drop to Serie B.

"We are are closing in (on the title) in the right way, by winning matches, although we know we are up against a great rival (in Milan). We know that we are in front and we are the masters of our own destiny".

Regardless of what Milan do, Juve now know that two wins from their last three games will suffice for them to win the title after a Mirko Vucinic double and goals by Marco Borriello and Arturo Vidal gave them victory in Novara. "I prefer to win all three," said Conte.

[Socrates 8326]

Cagliari-Juventus could be moved

The Bianconeri would like the match to be moved so it kicked off in the evening,

the same time as the Rossoneri's fixture against Inter.

May 1, 2012

The upcoming fixture between Cagliari and Juventus could be moved from a 15.00CET kick-off on Sunday to 20.45CET, so as to play at the same time as Inter against AC Milan, according to Sky Sport Italia.

With both teams involved in a battle to claim the Scudetto, it is understood the sides would rather play at the same time to avoid extra pressure on match officials.

The two teams are in action on Wednesday with Juve entertaining Lecce and AC Milan at home to Atalanta and if both teams win, the title could be decided if the Bianconeri were to pick up maximum points against Cagliari.

If this was to happen before the Milan derby, it would leave the Rossoneri with nothing to play for against their city-rivals - a situation the likes of Udinese, Napoli and Lazio would be keen to avoid for opponents Inter as all of them are fighting for the third place in the table.

According to Sky Sport Italia, a meeting was held between Milan's Adriano Galliani and Juve director general Beppe Marotta with both men agreeing on moving the fixture.

The final decision will be made by Lega Calcio.

[Socrates 8326]

Juventini Assemble! – The Shoutbox

May 1, 2012

JUVENTINI ASSEMBLE!

Ladies and Gentlemen, this season is almost finished.

Three matches remain and three points separate Juventus from AC Milan.

These are the foes our superhero team has left to face:

• LECCE

• CAGLIARI

• ATALANTA

Two victories are what it will take for Juventus to realize a dream.

Are you ready?

★ RAISE YOUR VOICE! ★

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