Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

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Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Coppa Italia Preview: Juventus v Napoli

The team from Turin will be aiming to win the double by overcoming Napoli.

May 20, 2012

Latest odds Juventus to win with over 2.5 goals 19/10

Juventus will be aiming to round off a glorious season by completing a domestic league and cup double.

But given the Turin giants finished the Serie A season unbeaten, this season will surely remain etched into the minds of Juve supporters regardless of the result against Napoli.

Yet victory in the cup would make this team legendary, and the Old Lady of Italian football are available at a generous looking 19/20 to win in normal time.

"Recent meetings between these two sides have been exciting high scoring affairs, with the 3-3 draw in Naples back in November as thrilling a match as there was in the Serie A season."

Attempting to spoil the party are a Napoli side who, as they have proved on countless occasions this season, are capable of playing some of the most attractive football on the continent.

They are priced at 57/20 to record a win in bwin’s 3Way football betting market, while the draw is available at 47/20.

Recent meetings between these two sides have been exciting high scoring affairs, with the 3-3 draw in Naples back in November as thrilling a match as there was in the Serie A season.

Each of the last seven encounters between these sides have seen more than 2.5 goals, and the price of evens for a repeat of that looks a nailed on selection at an extremely attractive price.

Similarly, the price of 21/20 for Juventus to score over 1.5 goals in the match looks like offering real value.

If goals look almost certain and Juventus are the overwhelming favourites, then combining a Juve win with over 2.5 goals at a price of 11/5 looks tremendously appealing.

[Socrates 8326]

betfair

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

-

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Coppa Italia Final: Napoli won't deny Juventus double

Michael Lintorn is backing Juventus to end a remarkable 2011/12 by lifting the Coppa Italia.

May 20, 2012

Juventus 2.12, Napoli 4.0, The Draw 3.55

There is an almost endless supply of plotlines to pick from ahead of Sunday's Coppa Italia final between Juventus and Napoli.

For Juventus, the match provides the opportunity to achieve their first double since 1994/95 and only the second in Italian football this century (ignoring Inter's 2005/06 off-field award), having finished the season as Serie A's unbeaten champions.

For Napoli, it is a chance to close a campaign that promised so much but ultimately delivered little with something tangible to celebrate and build on.

There are several more emotional tie-ins too, with the Stadio Olimpico clash poised to prove Alessandro Del Piero's final outing for his beloved Bianconeri.

From Napoli's perspective, this could be a farewell appearance for Ezequiel Lavezzi - who is wanted by Inter and Paris St-Germain and is judged the most likely of the Three Tenors to leave this summer - while coach Walter Mazzarri hasn't confirmed that he will stay either.

Though Giorgio Chiellini misses out through injury, Juventus have to be fancied at 2.12 to triumph. They are the joint-most successful club in Coppa Italia history with nine trophies to Napoli's three, and have been the best team in Italy this season.

Their only 90-minute defeat under Antonio Conte came in second leg of their semi-final with AC Milan, in which they reacted in extra time, and they have hit their best form recently, claiming victory in nine of their last ten games.

In that stint they overcame Inter, Lazio, Roma, Palermo and most significantly Napoli. They strolled past the southerners 3-0 in April, Conte halting the four-match winless run against the Azzurri that they were enduring.

Two other bets worth pursuing are both sides to score at 1.89, that having been a feature of seven of the last eight final encounters (who says Italian football is boring!) and two of Juventus and Napoli's last three collisions. The last seven have had over 2.5 goals 2.18.

Best Bet: Juventus to win @ 2.12

Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 2.18

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

-

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

COPPA ITALIA – Juventus vs. Napoli PREVIEW.

ONE LOVE. One Last One for ADP!

May 20, 2012

A whole season unbeaten, the best defensive record of all time, the Scudetto clinched one game before the end, and the chance for an Undefeated Double. The eve of the Coppa Italia final between Juventus and Napoli has all that in play, and more.

At the beginning of the season, no one would ever ever thought we’d be writing these words. Making the UEFA Champions League was our hope, the Scudetto our dream. Any idea of a record-breaking defense or undefeated campaign was beyond imagination. And yet here we are, the team having already written their names in Calcio history and prepared to write another page.

A hard-fought title run, the Scudetto was the merit of a truly stunning TEAM display. Maintaining possession, tracking back to defend, as many as 20 roster players getting on the scoresheet… our success came not from any one player or individual, it was a ‘vittoria di gruppo’! As yet another campaign comes to an end, the Coppa Italia perfectly shows how far we’ve traveled under both Beppe Marotta and Antonio Conte.

Most big teams in Europe do heavy rotation in their domestic cup(s) in order to give some of the secondary squad members some playing time, and Juventus is no different. Yet in years past, Bianconeri fans could only expect to see players like Jonathan Zebina, Fabio Grosso, Jorge Martínez or Marco Motta take the field under such circumstances, as Claudio Ranieri, Ciro Ferrara, and Gigi Delneri all had decent starting XIs but rather average reserves. What was missing above all in Turin was squad depth.

This year, Juventus have done heavy rotation in the Coppa Italia, but with a great second squad at their disposal. Instead of shambolic & unreliable back-ups, we’ve had Emanuele Giaccherini slalom his way through to goal against Bologna, young Luca Marrone overpower Roma’s midfield, and Martín Cáceres score a double against Milan. Beppe Marotta’s most visible contribution was improving the starting XI, but the Juventus director general deserves an equal amount of credit for creating a revolution among Juve’s “second string”, one which fights with the same intensity and grinta as the first side.

Lining up in a 3-4-3 (a three-man defense anchored by flying wing-backs and the Three Tenors up top) seemingly for ages now, Napoli fielded the same formation when they traveled to Turin just six weeks ago. There was certainly plenty of motivation from both sides in that game: Juventus were aiming to continue an incredible winning streak and erode the gap with AC Milan to -2, Napoli were still gunning for 3rd place tied in a fierce challenge for Champions League qualification with Lazio, Udinese, and Inter.

Well, after having been defeated during the Delneri era 3-0 in Naples, Juventus got revenge and smashed Napoli to pieces, utterly dominating and beating the Partenopei by the same margin. Indeed, the much vaunted Three Tenors were unable to get a single shot on target, as was the rest of the Napoli team.

The irony is that despite the big final scoreline, Juventus didn’t manage to score until the 2nd half albeit still dominating the Azzurri in the 1st. Heroic defending from Aronica and Cannavaro hid the fact that the Three Tenors were stifled by Juve’s attack, Napoli’s four-man midfield overrun by Juve’s five. Bonucci, Vidal, and Quagliarella would all get on the scoring, with Vidal’s effort being a particular stunner.

NAPOLI

Goalkeepers: De Sanctis, Rosati, Colombo

Defenders: Aronica, Britos, Campagnaro, P.Cannavaro, Fernández, Fideleff, Grava, Dossena

Midfielders: Amendola, Dzemaili, Hamsik, Inler, Maggio, Zúñiga

Forwards: Cavani, Lavezzi, Pandev, Vargas

Considering their limited squad depth, this season has been relatively successful for the Azzurri. A decent Champions League run (that nearly saw them into the Quarterfinal) coupled with a Coppa Italia final and 5th-rank Serie A campaign is no small accomplishment. Napoli’s recent success is the merit of a successful project: a consistent style of play applied with a solid core of players resulting in a team with a strong playing identity. Unlike Genoa for example, the Partenopei have not shaken up the managerial position or gone through revolutions of their squad.

It’s certainly a concept Juventus would like to accomplish themselves, but while the Bianconeri are at the very beginning of such a project, Napoli may be nearing the end of theirs. Outstanding results has seen their players wildly desired in Italy and Europe (as clubs like Inter, Man City, PSG, and Juventus themselves eye the various Edinson Cavanis and Ezequiel Lavezzis of the team) while Napoli’s management has also frequently butted heads, with coach Walter Mazzarri and president Aurelio De Laurentiis often at each other’s throats.

That said, regardless of their future Napoli would like nothing more than some silverware to bring home, and field their best starting XI in order to do so.

NAPOLI (3-4-1-2)

De Sanctis

Campagnaro, Britos, Aronica

Maggio, Dzemaili, Inler, Dossena

Hamsik

Pandev, Cavani

JUVENTUS

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Manninger, Storari

Defenders: Cáceres, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner

Midfielders: Giaccherini, Estigarribia, Marchisio, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Pirlo, Vidal

Forwards: Borriello, Del Piero, Quagliarella, Matri, Vucinic

For Sunday’s match, though Juventus is likely to continue their rotation policy (Marco Storari has featured between the sticks for the entire Coppa campaign, and there’s no indication tomorrow will be any different) this will also be the first time Conte has to face important absences, as those of Paolo De Ceglie and Giorgio Chiellini to injury. While this is unlikely to affect the manager’s tactical plans (in the campionato, Conte switched to a 3-5-2 for the first time in order to counter Napoli’s 3-4-3, and was relatively successful with Lichtsteiner and Estigarribia largely cancelling out the Azzurri’s adventurous fullbacks), a few tweaks will be necessary among the starting components.

Eager to use the three-man defense which has worked so well against similar formations, Conte is bound to operate a straight swap for Chiellini with Martín Cáceres in defense, fielding the versatile Uruguayan alongside the reliable pillars that are Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci.

In midfield, the Juve tactician is likely to count on the quality of the ‘M-V-P’ group in the middle, as well as Lichtsteiner and Pepe (favored over Estigarribia) on the wings. Up front, our beloved Capitano will line up in his final game in a Juventus jersey and battle to bring yet another trophy to an already fantastic campaign and illustrious career.

Indeed Sunday will also – and especially – be about ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO.

JUVENTUS (3-5-2)

Storari

Barzagli, Bonucci, Cáceres

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pepe

Vucinic, Del Piero

Much like in their April encounter, Juventus and Napoli have massive motivations going into this game. Both sides will be eager to win some silverware, a Cup that neither have won in over 15 years. The Azzurri will be looking to cap a generally successful season, whereas the Old Lady will want to preserve their unbeaten record with a win and end their year in apotheosis.

The Bianconeri have spent much of the last two weeks celebrating the Scudetto, which may or may not lead to a more casual display than normal. It’s extremely unlikely however that Conte would tolerate such a display. Whether a friendly, a Serie A big match, or a game against Albinoleffe in Serie B, the man demands the absolute maximum from his players. Napoli are a good side, but it is destiny for Juventus to close out the Alessandro Del Piero era with one more trophy!!!

★★★ GRAZIE ALE ★★★

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

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Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Departing Del Piero starts for Juventus

in Coppa Italia final against Napoli

The club captain bids farewell to the Bianconeri on Sunday evening, and does so

from the first whistle, while the Partenopei have their first choice front line available.

May 20, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero has been chosen to start up front for Juventus in the Coppa Italia final against Napoli as he bids farewell to the club after 19 years.

Del Piero, who was informed earlier in the season that his contract will not be renewed for 2012-13, has regularly been used as a substitute during Juve's successful Serie A campaign, but has often been promoted to the first XI for Coppa matches, and leads the team out for Sunday's final.

At the back, coach Antonio Conte brings in Martin Caceres in the absence of the injured Giorgio Chiellini, while Marco Storari is chosen to start in goal.

Napoli include all three of their attacking 'senators', with Marek Hamsik ahead of the midfield four, and Ezequiel Lavezzi joining Edinson Cavani up front.

The final kicks-off at 21.00CET at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, with a near-capacity crowd anticipated. Juve will wear a commemorative shield on their shirts to mark Del Piero's final appearance for the club.

Finale Coppa Italia: Juventus-Napoli, probabili formazioni

Juventus (3-5-2): Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Borriello, Del Piero.

Subs: Manninger, Padoin, Giaccherini, Pepe, Vucinic, Quagliarella, Matri.

Napoli (3-4-2-1): De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Dzemaili, Inler, Zuniga; Hamsik; Lavezzi, Cavani.

Subs: Rosati, Grava, Fernandez, Britos, Dossena, Pandev, Vargas.

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

-

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Line-ups: Coppa Italia Final

May 20, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero starts his final game for Juventus in tonight’s Coppa Italia Final against Ezequiel Lavezzi’s Napoli.

The two sides go head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, kick-off 20.00 UK time.

Juve can do The Double after securing the Scudetto and count on departing captain Del Piero alongside native Neapolitan Marco Borriello.

Antonio Conte mirrors Napoli’s 3-5-2 system, though Giorgio Chiellini and Paolo De Ceglie are injured, while Marcelo Estigarribia gets the nod ahead of Simone Pepe.

Marco Storari has played in the Coppa throughout this season, so is given the gloves for the Final too.

Napoli have not won the Coppa Italia for 25 years and their last piece of silverware was in 1990, so expectations are high.

Walter Gargano sits out a ban, but Lavezzi returns to the starting XI after he was dropped in recent weeks.

It means Goran Pandev moves to the bench, as Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani complete the Three Tenors.

Cavani has not played for two weeks, as he was suspended for the last Serie A game of the season.

Blerim Dzemaili and Juan Camilo Zuniga complete the midfield, chosen ahead of Andrea Dossena.

Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Del Piero, Borriello

Juventus bench: Manninger, Padoin, Giaccherini, Pepe, Matri, Vucinic, Quagliarella

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Dzemaili, Inler, Hamsik, Zuniga; Lavezzi, Cavani

Napoli bench: Rosati, Grava, Fernandez, Britos, Dossena, Pandev, Vargas

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Cavani and Hamsik clinch Coppa Italia

and dash double dreams of Turin giants

The Partenopei delivered an impeccable performance to bring the Bianconeri

to defeat and win their first title in more than 20 years.

May 20, 2012

Napoli have won the Coppa Italia for the fourth time in their history after a deserved 2-0 victory over Serie A champions Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

After a tightly-contested first half, the Partenopei hit the Bianconeri with strikes from Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik after the break, as Walter Mazzarri's men extinguished the Old Lady's hopes of a double on Alessandro Del Piero's farewell game for the Turin giants.

Napoli got off to a wonderful start, as in the third minute Camilo Zuniga found himself unmarked on the end of a great cross by Hugo Campagnaro, but saw his close-range header tipped wide by Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari.

Moments later, Napoli created another superb chance when Ezequiel Lavezzi released Cavani with a exquisite pass after winning the ball from Arturo Vidal, but the Uruguayan was flagged for offside just as he was about to pull the trigger.

Juventus' answer came through Claudio Marchisio in the 19th minute, when the midfielder collected an Alessandro Del Piero finish, which was blocked by Napoli's defence, and struck the ball from well outside the box, only to see his powerful drive saved by Morgan De Sanctis.

Just before the half-hour mark the Partenopei almost got the opener when Hamsik fell one step short of connecting with a floating cross by Lavezzi at the left post, much to the relief of the Juventus faithful.

The last minutes of the first half belonged to Juventus as Marchisio and Del Piero tested De Sanctis, but the goalkeeper stood strong to deny the duo.

Both teams employed conservative tactics in the beginning of the second half as the game became increasingly scrappy. Blerim Dzemaili created a superb chance for Napoli in the 50th minute when he whipped in a cross, which Cavani just could not connect with in the centre of the box.

The Partenopei would not wait long for the opener, however, as just after the hour mark Lavezzi found himself behind Juventus' defence only to be taken down in the penalty area by Bianconeri goalkeeper Storari.

Cavani stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, sending a powerful low effort in the right corner to give Napoli a deserved lead. This was the Uruguayan's fifth goal in Coppa Italia this season, securing the striker as the top scorer of the competition.

Juventus tried to get back into the game, but were struggling to to create chances after the opener as the Partenopei valiantly held off the Old Lady's advances. Coach Antonio Conte decided to withdraw Del Piero in the 68th minute as the curtain fell on the legendary striker's illustrious career with the Bianconeri.

The tireless Vidal almost drew the game level shortly after, but was denied by former Juventus goalkeeper De Sanctis, who did well to parry the Chilean's thunderous volley at the right post.

In the 74th minute Simone Pepe was rather unfortunate to see a goal-bound finish deflected from its path as the Old Lady were tightening the grip. But despite their best efforts, the Bianconeri were unable to break down Napoli in the remaining time, and were punished for their overcommitment in attack with another goal.

A quick break saw Goran Pandev release Hamsik in a one-on-one with Storari, and the attacker made no mistake as he slipped the ball past Storari to bring Juventus to a devastating loss.

To add to the Bianconeri's misery, Fabio Quagliarella was sent off in the final minutes of the game for elbowing Salvatore Aronica as the Old Lady's capitulation was complete.

The victory saw the Partenopei lift the Coppa Italia for their first piece of silverware in 22 years.

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Napoli beat Juve to Coppa glory!

Napoli have ended the Juventus unbeaten record for this season

and lifted their first trophy in 22 years by winning the Coppa Italia 2-0!

May 20, 2012

The passion was palpable at a packed Stadio Olimpico in Rome with 30,000 fans for each team, as it was Alessandro Del Piero’s final game in the Bianconeri jersey (the 705th) and his team wore a special patch marking the occasion. Juve had the chance to do The Double and it could be Napoli’s first piece of silverware since 1990.

Giorgio Chiellini and Paolo De Ceglie were injured, while Marcelo Estigarribia and Marco Borriello were given the start rather than Simone Pepe and Mirko Vucinic. As always in the Coppa this season, Marco Storari took the gloves. Walter Gargano was suspended for Napoli, but Ezequiel Lavezzi returned after being dropped in recent weeks. Juan Camilo Zuniga and Blerim Dzemaili stepped into the midfield.

It took 69 seconds for the first chance, as Hugo Campagnaro burst down the right and crossed for Zuniga’s header into the ground, beaten away by Storari. Edinson Cavani was flagged offside for a very tight decision on Lavezzi’s through ball. Lavezzi then went on the counter himself and drilled wide, while Zuniga’s fierce effort was charged down by Leonardo Bonucci in an aggressive Napoli start.

Morgan De Sanctis flapped away a Claudio Marchisio curler from the edge of the box. Lavezzi’s ball whipped across the face of goal, but Marek Hamsik just failed to get his head to it at the back post.

Borriello curled wide of the far stick from distance and Juventus had penalty appeals just before half-time when Marchisio was pulling the trigger on the edge of the area only for Salvatore Aronica’s tackle to intercept the kick. The defender did kick the inside of Marchisio’s thigh as he was swinging his leg.

With the last kick of the first half, Del Piero’s free kick was palmed away by De Sanctis.

After the restart Blerim Dzemaili went on a strong run forward from midfield, but his pass across the face of goal was a little too long for Cavani. Napoli were again piling on pressure as they had early in the first half, but Del Piero was incorrectly flagged offside on Pirlo’s pass.

Stephan Lichtsteiner ran a risk with a potential handling offence during a sliding tackle on Dzemaili in the box, then Christian Maggio also had timid appeals when going shoulder-to-shoulder with Martin Caceres.

On 62 minutes the referee pointed to the spot when Lavezzi snuck between Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli to latch on to a flicked-on throw-in, brought down by Storari. Cavani stepped up and sent Storari the wrong way to put Napoli in front.

Pepe and Vucinic were thrown on for Lichtsteiner and Del Piero, officially ending the captain’s Juventus career. Goran Pandev replaced Lavezzi, who could also be making his last appearance for Napoli.

De Sanctis got down well to parry a fine Bonucci volley at the base of the near post. Pepe had a great chance to score, but it took a strange deflection off Fabio Quagliarella and hit De Sanctis on the shin, looping up just wide of an open goal.

A Pirlo free kick hit the wall, while a crucial Caceres intervention stopped Cavani going clear on the counter-attack. Napoli were now pegged back in their own half and the tactic paid off, as they went on a classic counter-attack to double their lead.

Pandev burst forward and threaded through for Hamsik, who kept his cool to place a delicate angled drive across Storari and into the far side-netting.

Juventus finished the match with 10 men, as Quagliarella was sent off for lashing out an elbow as Aronica had his arms around the substitute.

Juventus 0-2 Napoli

Scorers: Cavani pen 63 (N), Hamsik 83 (N)

Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner (Pepe 68), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Del Piero (Vucinic 68), Borriello (Quagliarella 72)

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica; Maggio, Dzemaili, Inler, Hamsik (Dossena 85), Zuniga; Lavezzi (Pandev 72), Cavani (Britos 92)

Ref: Brighi

Sent off: Quagliarella 90 (J)

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83')

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Coppa glory for Napoli

May 20, 2012

Juventus' hopes of securing an Italian double of league and cup went up in smoke on Sunday as Napoli beat them 2-0 to win the Coppa Italia for the first time in 25 years.

Unbeaten Juve won the Italian title, but Napoli claimed the cup for only the fourth time in their history - and the first time since 1987. Edinson Cavani, from the penalty spot, and Marek Hamsik late on when the Old Lady were chasing the game, did the damage.

Napoli, who last tasted success with the 1990 league title, started positively, Juan Camilo Zuniga forcing a save from Marco Storari in the first minute and Cavani shooting wide moments later from Zuniga's corner.

Juve were struggling to get a foothold in the match and allowed Ezequiel Lavezzi the chance to strike at goal in the 10th minute only for his shot to squirm wide.

Juve's first opportunity came in the 17th minute, Morgan De Sanctis with a diving save to deny Claudio Marchisio.

Napoli were the real attacking force though, with Cavani just failing to get on the end of Lavezzi's teasing cross and Gokhan Inler shooting high and wide from 30 yards.

Alessandro Del Piero's first real sight of the target came just before the break, his free-kick kept out by De Sanctis. He tried his luck again five minutes into the second half but was well wide.

Napoli broke the deadlock after 63 minutes, Storari taking down Lavezzi in the area and Cavani converting from the spot.

Juve's best chance of an equaliser fell to Simone Pepe, but once again De Sanctis was up to the task.

Hamsik put the result beyond doubt in the 83rd minute, Goran Pandev providing the assist following a brisk counter.

All that was left was for Quagliarella to see red for an elbow on Salvatore Aronica, leaving Napoli celebrating and 37-year-old Del Piero bowing out on a low note.

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Coppa Italia Player Ratings

The Bianconeri's double hopes were shot down as Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik struck

in the second half to give the Partenopei their first major trophy in 22 years.

May 20, 2012

Juventus

Marco Storari 6.0 - Called upon to get in the way of Zuniga’s header in the opening exchanges, but was rarely truly tested before he brought down Lavezzi to give Napoli their penalty opener.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - More than once he appeared to be beaten only to get in an important tackle or header. Again proved to be the most reliable of Juve’s defenders as he regularly closed down what space Hamsik was able to find high up the pitch.

Leonardo Bonucci 5.5 - He and Caceres didn’t always seem to be on the same wavelength defensively, and it was often between the two that Napoli made good ground. Got turned around too easily by the flick-on which reached Lavezzi in the build-up to the penalty. Almost equalised with a volley which had De Sanctis at full stretch.

Martín Cáceres 5.0 - Didn’t look altogether assured when Napoli exploited the space between he and Estigarribia during the first half, then recklessly swung at fresh air as Maggio attacked, which could have resulted in a penalty.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Asked questions of Napoli both along the ground and in the air when attacking down the right, often pegging Zuniga back. However, Juve got little service from his flank, and Pepe was brought on in his place for the final quarter.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Seemed to have an exact picture of the game in his head at all times, delivering some penetrating passes and terrific touches. However, when Juve fell behind he couldn’t quite find the right balls to ramp up the pressure on Napoli.

Arturo Vidal Pardo 6.0 - Took his time really getting into the game, but he was soon causing trouble around the edge of the Napoli box. Regenerated possession well at moments when the Azzurri were looking to clear their lines, but he wasn’t in top form.

Claudio Marchisio 6.0 - After a quiet opening, he made De Sanctis work with a curled effort when the ball dropped to him 25 yards out. Picked up a yellow card for a foul on the marauding Inler before being fouled by Aronica as he looked to get a shot in.

Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 5.0 - He was needed off the ball more than on it in the early stages, and he found the going difficult when Lavezzi and Maggio found pockets of space just in behind him. Looked a step off the pace either physically or mentally on occasions, and his crosses were too often easy to read.

Alessandro Del Piero 6.0 - Barely saw the ball early on, and then when he did he had two men around him, Saw a poor free-kick come straight back off the wall and his corners were not out of his usual manual. Waved goodbye in the 68th minute when replaced by Vucinic.

Marco Borriello 5.0 - Failed to hold the ball up in the first half, and flashed a left-foot shot wide of the far post when well placed to trouble De Sanctis. Had little to no real effect on the game, with Juve paying the price as they couldn’t build pressure in front of goal.

• Substitutions

Simone Pepe 6.0 - Somehow had his effort blocked by De Sanctis soon after replacing Lichtsteiner, but couldn’t fashion any better chances thereafter.

Fabio Quagliarella 4.0 - Thrown on for Borriello late on, but didn’t see the end after elbowing Aronica in the face as the two exchanged pushes and pulls.

Mirko Vučinić 6.0 - Came on in place of the legendary Del Piero, but was unable to turn the game around in the Bianconeri’s favour.

SSC Napoli

Morgan De Sanctis 7.0 - Unworked in the early moments, but had to shovel away Marchisio’s drive after the defence failed to deal with Vidal then Del Piero. Asked plenty of questions after the opener, with Bonucci and Pepe both forcing him to stop at full stretch with the score still 1-0.

Juan Camilo Zúñiga 6.5 - Forced an early save out of Storari, though he may have done better with his back-post header. Regularly pushed back as Lichtsteiner asked questions of him, and some sloppy passing wasted good opportunities to build attacks. Made one crucial headed clearance as Juve pressed for an equaliser.

Hugo Armando Campagnaro 6.5 - Made early progress down the right, sending in a second-minute cross which Zuniga almost converted. Remained strong to the last, and was rarely overly stretched, even in a frantic 10 minutes following Napoli’s opener.

Paolo Cannavaro 6.5 - Made some excellent blocks to keep Juve at arm’s length but occasionally lost possession in silly areas. Won the ball but also took the man out when challenging Del Piero, resulting in a booking.

Salvatore Aronica 6.0 - Got lucky when he put in a late challenge on Marchisio as he was about to shoot, and later attracted the ire of Lichtsteiner with his gamesmanship. Came as no surprise when he was involved in the incident which saw Quagliarella sent off.

Blerim Dzemaili 7.0 - Filled the role usually reserved for Gargano very well, and when he drove down the channel at Juve in the early stages of the second half he very nearly managed to tee up Cavani. Continued to close down Vidal’s space with great regularity, helping Napoli to win the midfield battle.

Christian Maggio 6.5 - Progressed well down the right as Napoli came out of the blocks well, but was forced back a little more as the game developed. Practically a fifth defender along with Zuniga as full time approached and his side held on.

Gökhan Inler 7.0 - Organised well in the centre of the park, but occasionally took the wrong option on the ball. Came into his own when asked to play simple balls to stretch the opposition after his side had gone ahead.

Marek Hamsik 7.0 - Didn’t see quite as much of the ball as he might have liked, and looked hugely disappointed not to receive a pass from Lavezzi when he was in acres of space in the first half. Could have done better in a couple of good crossing positions, but killed the game off with an accurate finish as time ran out.

Edinson Cavani 8.0 - His build-up play was impressive during the first half, but he had few real chances in front of goal before drilling home the opener from the penalty spot. With great movement, he was the catalyst behind many counter-attacks which stretched the Juve back line like few have managed all season.

Ezequiel Lavezzi 7.0 - Used Hamsik as a dummy runner and shot wide of the far post when a pass to the Slovakian may have been advisable. Later brought down Vidal having taken a heavy first touch after being played in by Cavani, but made an excellent run in behind Bonucci to win the crucial penalty. Replaced by Pandev for the last 18 minutes.

• Substitutions

Andrea Dossena N/A - Replaced Hamsik late on.

Miguel Angel Britos N/A - Late replacement for Cavani.

Goran Pandev 7.0 - Came on for the closing stages in place of Lavezzi, and sent Hamsik in for the clincher with an inch-perfect pass.

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Antonio Conte: We have to be angry following Napoli defeat

The 42-year-old did not hide his frustration at seeing the Bianconeri lose their final match

of the season as they failed to add the domestic cup to their Scudetto triumph.

May 20, 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has spoken of his disappointment as his side lost 2-0 against Napoli in the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico.

Second-half goals from Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik gave the Partenopei a deserved victory and inflicted defeat upon the Serie A champions, who had enjoyed an unbeaten campaign in the league.

"I do not like to lose - especially in a final," Conte told Rai Sport after the game.

"This match has to make us understand that we must always be at 100 per cent. Napoli had something more than us tonight. This is a young group and we must always keep in mind what we needed to do in order to win.

"We had some players who were not 100 per cent fit, like Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal. The regrets are there, because we did not want to lose."

Prior to the match, Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta said that Conte's contract renewal with the club is a 'formality'.

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Mazzarri: 'Unthinkable success!'

May 20, 2012

Walter Mazzarri praised “an unthinkable” victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia and confirmed he’ll stay at Napoli.

“It was almost unthinkable to beat Juventus over 90 minutes when they hadn’t lost all season. It was an achievement within an achievement,” said the Coach.

Edinson Cavani’s penalty and a Marek Hamsik counter-attack secured the 2-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico.

“The whole team achieved something extraordinary over these three years. Hamsik, Cavani and Lavezzi are name-checked all the time, but they all deserve to be hailed on an equal level and as a group.”

There have been numerous question marks over Mazzarri’s future at the Stadio San Paolo.

“I have a contract until 2013, as far as I am concerned I intend to respect it. Now let us enjoy this celebration, then we’ll talk.”

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Conte: 'Juve should be angry'

May 20, 2012

Antonio Conte hopes Juventus will learn from their Coppa Italia defeat to Napoli. “We ought to be angry.”

The Bianconeri were unbeaten in all competition this season and fresh from a Scudetto triumph when falling 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I do not enjoy losing, especially in a Final,” the Coach told Rai Sport.

“We ought to be angry. This match has to make us understand that we must always go at 2,000km/h.

“Tonight Napoli had something more than us. This is a young group and we must always keep in mind what we needed to do in order to win.

“We also had a few players like Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner who were not 100 per cent fit. The regrets are there, because we didn’t want to lose.”

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Del Piero 'regret' at final defeat

May 20, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero admits there are regrets at ending his Juventus career with a defeat, “but these have been fantastic years and I am proud of everything I’ve done.”

The captain played his 705th and final match in a Bianconeri jersey, losing the Coppa Italia 2-0 to Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

“There are regrets, because losing a Final always leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, but we have to look forward,” said Alex.

“In these last few weeks so many emotions have been mixed up together. These have been fantastic years and I am proud of everything I’ve done.”

Substituted in the second half, at the final whistle Del Piero consoled his teammates and brought them under the curva to salute the Juventus fans.

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Marchisio rues ‘missed’ penalty

May 20, 2012

Claudio Marchisio insists that Juventus should have been awarded a penalty before Napoli went on to win the Coppa Italia.

The Azzurri lifted the trophy last night with a 2-0 win, but the midfielder has underlined that he was caught by Salvatore Aronica in a controversial incident which the referee ignored.

“It was a clear penalty,” the Italian explained after the final whistle. “Then they got their penalty and that, on the other hand, changed the game.”

Napoli edged the first half, but they struck both goals in the second period just when it seemed that the Old Lady were pushing for their own goal.

“We got off to a bit of a sluggish start,” the 26-year-old noted. “It’s a real shame as we wanted to end this unbelievable season in the perfect way.

“We’ve developed and gained confidence on a game by game basis,” added Marchisio given the club’s Scudetto success. “Everyone should be congratulated for this.”

Marchisio will now be given the week off before he meets up with his Italian international colleagues on Saturday.

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Mazzarri: It seemed unthinkable to beat Juventus this season

Napoli coach said that the Partenopei were the underdogs going into the domestic

cup match, while revealing that he will not depart the club during the summer.

May 21, 2012

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has said that his side beat the odds to see off Juventus 2-0 in the the Coppa Italia final.

The Bianconeri had not lost a single competitive game under Antonio Conte in 2011-12, but goals from Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik, both in the second half, prevented them from adding the domestic cup to the Scudetto win earlier in the month.

"I am thrilled, it seemed unthinkable to beat Juventus this season," Mazzarri told Rai Sport.

"The entire team has done something extraordinary in the last three years. This is an exceptional group that has now been rewarded."

As Napoli failed to qualify for the Champions League next season, Mazzarri's future at the San Paolo has been in doubt, but the 50-year-old insisted that he is not going anywhere.

"I have a contract until 2013 and I intend to respect it," he said. "Let's enjoy this moment, there will be time to think about other things."

[Socrates 8326]

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Edinson Cavani (63′- Penalty)

Marek Hamsik (83′)

Olimpico Stadium - Rome

Referee: Christian Brighi

Marchisio: Napoli penalty changed the game

The Italy international was not impressed with the referee's performance in Sunday's

Coppa Italia final, but felt Juve still had an "incredible season" after winning Serie A.

May 21, 2012

Claudio Marchisio believes that the referee's decision not to award Juventus a spot-kick in Sunday's 2-0 Coppa Italia final loss against Napoli was a wrong call, and eventually cost the Old Lady cup glory after their opponents were awarded a penalty themselves.

The Italy international went to ground in the Napoli area after a challenge from Salvatore Aronica shortly before half-time, but the match official did not deem it to be a foul and waved play on.

"It was a clear penalty," Marchisio was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

The referee did award Napoli a spot-kick after the interval, and Marchisio felt that decision changed the game. Nevertheless, the Italy international insisted that Juventus still enjoyed an "incredible" season, despite Sunday's defeat.

"Their penalty was the incident that changed the game. We got off to a sluggish start but then grew in stature.

"It’s a shame because we wanted to end this unbelievable season in a perfect way. We’ve developed and gained confidence on a game-by-game basis. Everyone should be congratulated for this. It has been an incredible season."

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