Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

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[Socrates 8240]

Rossi tips Juventus & Napoli as favourites for Serie A title

The 51-year-old believes the two perennial rivals are the league's most complete sides,

while he touched on his bust-up with Adem Ljajic and plans to reform Italian football.

Sep 6, 2012

Delio Rossi has revealed that he expects the 2012-13 Serie A championship to be fought out by Juventus and Napoli.

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport on Wednesday, the former Lazio and Lecce boss explained that the superiority of the Supercoppa pair sees them lead the way in the Italian top flight, and gave special mentions to Fiorentina, his former club, and Roma.

"The two most complete teams I have seen are Juventus and Napoli," Rossi said. "They both followed a strict philosophy.

"Napoli took a certain type of young player, and that will come in handy not only now but also in the future.

"Juventus have always targeted players who are already 'built'.

"Fiorentina did the only thing they could do - initiate a total revolution. Roma have also recruited well."

Rossi then covered a wide range of issues currently affecting the development of Italian football, and identified long-term planning and the downsizing of professional leagues as to what is needed to boost calcio's prospects.

"It has become a necessity to sign young players. Economic difficulties have led to a focus on players with lower salaries," he pointed out.

"For budgetary needs, our football requires a thorough reform. We should reduce the number of professional teams, and introduce a system for semi-professional clubs.

"Serie A and B should cut down in size, while Lega Pro should only have a couple of divisions.

"Seventy or eighty professional teams are more than enough. And then if you really want to focus on young players, then you should also start looking at the youth leagues."

[Socrates 8240]

Tacconi doubts Milan clubs

Sep 6, 2012

Former Juventus ‘keeper Stefano Tacconi expects Milan and Inter to struggle in Serie A. “They’ll need time.”

Both San Siro outfits have made some substantial changes to their squad this summer and Tacconi believes that will hurt them.

“Juventus are in pole position for the Scudetto,” noted the former Italian international goalkeeper. “On the second row I would put Napoli, Lazio and Roma.

“The two Milan clubs are behind them. They will need some time to return to the highest levels.”

Inter and Milan are currently tied on three points in the standings after winning one game and losing one.

[Socrates 8240]

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Udinese 1-4 Juventus

Sep 6, 2012

Tactics-wise, the two teams fielded their formations as expected. The Bianconeri confirmed the same line-up they vs. Parma, with the exception of Chiellini replacing Marrone and the return of Gigi Buffon between the sticks. Thus, in their customary 3-5-2 line-up, JUVENTUS fielded BUFFON in goal, BARZAGLI-BONUCCI-CHIELLINI (R to L) as the defensive trio. On the outside, LICHTSTEINER and ASAMOAH, with usual suspects VIDAL, PIRLO and MARCHISIO in the middle. The attacking pair was once again formed by VUCINIC and GIOVINCO.

UDINESE coach Francesco Guidolin also replied with a 3-5-2: Brkic in goal, Benatia, Danilo and Domizzi forming the backline, Basta (right) and Armero (left) on the wings; Pinzi playing defensive mid in front of the D line and in between Pereyra and new signing Andrea Lazzari (the two mezz’ali). Up front, Fabbrini was paired with Totò Di Natale.

Tactical Developments

The two squads both lined up with three defenders, five midfielders and two strikers, but similar team positioning does not usually coincide with identical playing philosophy. Indeed, Juventus focus obsessively on ball control and territorial domination while Udinese, especially for big matches, prefer to close up shop at the back and restart with fast counter-attacks, exploiting in particular the running ability & speed of their wingers.

Amazingly enough and compared to the Friulians’ usual habits (and those exhibited by teams facing Juventus), with Udinese not holding the ball Guidolin chose not to line up his strikers vertically (which would entail assigning Fabbrini to control PIRLO) but rather horizontally, instructing both to challenge the passing movements of the Juventus defensive trio. PIRLO, who’d eventually be picked up by an Udinese midfielder as each play developed, was thus left relatively free… a mistake which the Friulians would pay for dearly.

The two following slides show the position of Fabbrini and Di Natale, during Udinese’s pressuring phase at the start of the Bianconeri’s build-up.

On the other side of the field, in a similar situation, Juventus tried to force pressuring by pushing MARCHISIO up towards Benatia and thus challenging the Udinese defenders’ ball movement in even-number situations.

In the 10 minutes during which the two teams played 11 vs. 11, Udinese were able to bring the ball towards the Juventus box a few times, in particular thanks to the liveliness of Fabbrini, who moved to receive passes in the intermediate zone (in front of Juve’s defenders and behind the Bianconeri midfield) of the playing field.

Juventus on the other hand, with a consistency indicating a clear tactical desire to strike what evidently had been identified as the weak point of the Friulian backline, played several deep balls behind the Udinese defenders. In the first 10 minutes of play, Juve managed to send a lone man through against Brkic on three separate occasions.

In the first opportunity shown below, GIOVINCO moves in between Benatia and Danilo and is sent deep thanks to MARCHISIO‘s pass. Juve’s #12 is only a few centimeters short from getting to the ball before the Serbian goalkeeper.

It is interesting to note how out of the two Juventus forwards, GIOVINCO was the one instructed to make runs into space and stretch the opposing team.

In the slide below, a deep run by the diminutive striker, moving in between Domizzi and Danilo, once again generates — on the long pass of a perfectly unmarked PIRLO — a serious danger to Udinese. Upon reception of the ball by the Juventus forward, deep into Udinese’s half, the Friulians are then forced to commit the foul leading to the penalty kick.

In between the two GIOVINCO chances, another great opportunity landed on the foot of LICHTSTEINER. Starting from his now familiar deep right-wing position, the Swiss player performs, in the slide below, his typical cutting move (from outside to inside) and is served with an inch-perfect Andrea PIRLO long ball which surprises Armero.

★ ★ ★

In the 10-minute timespan during which the two teams played at even strength, Juventus were thus able to create serious danger for Udinese, exploiting the Friulian backline’s difficulty at reading the deep runs of Bianconeri players. Antonio Conte’s team confirmed the trends of its 3-5-2, which already emerged during the course of the Parma game. In particular, the runs performed by Claudio MARCHISIO (compared to those of the other mezz’ala, Arturo VIDAL), and the coordinated movements required by the two forwards against an already-deployed opposing defense.

Once again, MARCHISIO was continuously able to penetrate towards the center-left of the Juventus attack, leaving the central and center-right regions to the two strikers (in the following two slides, Juventus almost looks like they’re fielding a three-pronged attack with MARCHISIO, GIOVINCO, and VUCINIC). The slide below depicts a PIRLO pass towards MARCHISIO occupying the aforementioned area.

Another situation (shown below), illustrates how GIOVINCO moves towards the ball carrier (CHIELLINI), while MARCHISIO makes a deep penetrating run while receiving the ball from Juve’s #12.

On the other side of the pitch, the movements of VIDAL were more horizontal and included supporting Andrea PIRLO during Juve’s build-up phase, as well as drifting towards the wing in support of Stephen LICHTSTEINER‘s plays.

★ ★ ★

As mentioned previously in this column, the match furthermore confirmed a trend and tendency that is also a feature of Conte’s 4-4-2/4-2-4 formation: two strikers playing very close together and looking for fast combinations between one another. The tactical choice of Sebastian GIOVINCO as the preferred partner for Mirko VUCINIC is therefore hardly surprising: a typical sequence of Juve’s combinations involves the first forward (the one closest to the ball) making a move towards the ball carrier and, upon receiving the ball, delivering a first-time touch towards his striking partner. It is clear that plays of this kind require quick thinking and a good dose of technique, skills which GIOVINCO possesses in more-than-satisfying amount.

For illustrative purposes let us look at a couple of the combinations we’ve just described. In the first play, GIOVINCO moves towards and receives the ball from PIRLO, then plays it first-time to Mirko VUCINIC.

The second set of slides depicts the excellent opportunity obtained by GIOVINCO in the 50th minute. In this case it is VUCINIC that moves to meet the ball carrier (LICHTSTEINER) and serves, with a great backheel, a first-time pass towards GIOVINCO who is then able to get inside the box and beautifully use his dribbling skills to create space for himself, but then fails to get his shot on target.

★ ★ ★

With regards to the match’s development, after achieving a one-man advantage and consequently taking the lead, Juventus appeared to be in absolute control. The most common tactical situation was to see Udinese adopt a 3-5-1, and defend low with 5 defenders in line and three midfielders in the middle.

After Fabbrini‘s exit (who came on to allow substitute goalkeeper Padelli to replace Brkic in net), Udinese was no longer capable of counter-attacking effectively. Juve were thus able to continuously maneuver with 10 men inside Udinese’s half, looking for the right opening, by alternating central combinations in narrow space and wide penetrations on the wing. As soon as Udinese lost the ball, they were incapable to build significantly durable phases of possession or even minimally dangerous counter-attacks. Juve’s doubling of the score was only a matter of time and was achieved by the end of the first half, thanks to a precise finish by Mirko VUCINIC.

After a few minutes in the second half, Guidolin tried changing the match’s inertia by switching to a 3-4-2 and inserting Muriel (who partnered up Di Natale in attack) in place of Pereyra. Udinese’s pair of inner midfielders (Pinzi & Lazzari) was however unable to effectively counteract the Bianconeri’s midfield, thus allowing Antonio Conte’s team to run up the score even more. GIOVINCO‘s 3-0 came almost immediately, effectively marking the end of the game.

Comments

In the first 10 minutes before the red card, Andrea PIRLO delivered two long balls, one for LICHTSTEINER and another for GIOVINCO (who had moved into space), generating two great scoring opportunity for Juve. The second one resulted in the penalty / Udinese goalkeeper’s ejection but the two plays, along with another one (starring once again GIOVINCO), show how attacking the space behind the Friulian defense was considered — by Juve’s technical staff — to be the most indicated solution to put the Udinese rearguard into serious trouble. This choice resulted to be a winning one because of all the danger it created, and because it also directly left Udinese with 10 men. With their team already in trouble, deprived of Fabbrini‘s ability of stretching the Juventus defense and “hold onto” the ball in Udinese’s offensive third, the Friulians were left unarmed to counter Antonio Conte’s team’s superiority.

In Juve’s own merit, the Bianconeri were skilfully able to keep the game under complete control thanks to their ball possession and territorial domination. Against 8 men lined up in front of Padelli‘s goal, generating scoring chances and increasing the team’s lead was not an obvious task, but Juve were able to do just so right before the stroke of half-time, thanks to Mirko VUCINIC‘s calibrated shot. And as soon as Guidolin tried to give his team some offensive options (with the insertion of Muriel), Udinese effectively collapsed, unable — with only two central midfielders — to counter Juve’s passing game.

From a tactical point of view, the Udinese match confirmed the trends that were already visible during the Parma game: the movements of MARCHISIO on the forward line, the various movements of VIDAL, the position very high up the field of Juve’s wingers with the team in possession. And, above all, looking to deliver the ball to the strikers with vertical passes on the ground and, subsequently, have these execute narrow combinations between one another. The choice of GIOVINCO partnering up VUCINIC was thus inevitable, due to the former’s ability at passing quickly & effectively in tight spaces. It is also interesting to note the skill with which Juve’s #12 moved into space, inserting himself in the gaps created between the opposing defenders. A skill which GIOVINCO did not possess (or at the very least did not display) during his previous tenure in Turin.

Originally published in Italian on uccellinodidelpiero.com

[Socrates 8240]

Zola: 'Napoli the anti-Juve'

Sep 9, 2012

Gianfranco Zola believes Napoli “can be Juventus’ main rivals for the Scudetto” this season and advises ‘heir’ Lorenzo Insigne.

The Watford manager started his Serie A career in Naples and continues to keep a close eye on their progress.

“Napoli can be Juventus’ main rivals for the Scudetto, because Milan did not reinforce and Inter don’t seem superior to their status last season. There could be room for teams like Napoli and Roma,” he told Il Mattino newspaper.

Napoli fans are already enamoured with Insigne, the local lad and Under-21 international who has replaced Ezequiel Lavezzi.

“I saw him play for Pescara last season. I liked him a great deal and hope he has the chance to play and grow at Napoli,” continued Zola.

“In a way, it would’ve been better for Lorenzo if Lavezzi had still been there. He would’ve had a reference point to learn from, like Diego Maradona was for me.

“I only advise Insigne to keep his feet on the ground. The atmosphere around Napoli can lift you up very high if things go well and that can mean losing a sense of reality for a 21-year-old. Never feel as if you have arrived.”

[Socrates 8240]

Juventus in Profile -

The Old Lady Has A New Lease of Life

Sep 9, 2012

They’re Italian, so it’s tough, but Juventus, known as La Vecchia Signora (the old lady), are not the force of old. Italian champions always deserve respect, and Juventus have made something of a comeback, but they are still trying to recapture past glories.

What’s more, they have signed Nicklas Bendtner on loan for 2012-13 from Arsenal. The Danish irritant has yet to make his Serie A debut, but has been signed to give Juve more options up front. Chelsea fans will savour the sight of veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who drove Italy to the Euro 2012 final. Pirlo netted on the opening day of the Italian season when Juventus beat Parma 2-0. They followed that up with a 4-1 win at Udinese. That win put Juventus on top of the first Serie A table.

Juventus coach/manager call it what you will, Antonio Conte clinched the title in his first year in charge. But in the summer, Conte was accused of misprision of felony over the latest match-fixing scandal and later suspended for 10 months. So, on matchdays, Massimo Carrera runs the team!

Juventus’ title was their 28th and went some way to compensate for being stripped of two titles in 2005 and 2006 due to the match-fixing scandal that engulfed the Italian game. [Note: Why is Italian football so susceptible to bribery, corruption and malpractice? It’s not as if Italian players are badly paid. Perhaps FIFA/UEFA should punish them appropriately – they would soon change their ways if the Azzuri were banned from the World Cup or the top Italian clubs were exiled from the Champions League. Of course, it’s not going to happen.]

Since winning the title, Juventus have added to their already huge squad (have you seen the number of players they have out on loan, for example). As well as Bendtner, they spent more than EUR 50m in the summer – not bad for an economy that’s on its knees! Sebastian Giovinco cost EUR 11m from Parma and he’s already netted twice against Udinese in game two. Ghanaian midfidler Kwadwo Asamoah came from Udinese for EUR 9m and his compatriot Richmond Boakye – a striker – arrived from Genoa for EUR 4m. Chilean defender Mauricio Isla was also picked up from Udinese for EUR 9.4m and another defender, Uruguay’s Martin Caceras, cost EUR 8m from Sevilla.

Conte described Juventus’ return to the Champions League as “the right place for a club that, for tradition and results, has made and continues to make history in Italian football and beyond.”

He’s not wrong, but regulars at the newly-built Juventus Stadium will be hoping the club makes the right history going forward.

As far as the Champions League is concerned, Juventus have made good history, winning the competition twice, 1984-85 and 1995-96. They’ve also been runners-up five times. Interestingly, Juventus was named by FIFA as the most successful Italian club in the 20th century and the seventh most successful in Europe. There’s some pedigree there!

So while Juventus have slipped from the lofty heights of the 1980s and 1990s, when a trip to Turin was one of the most daunting for any club, they are on their way back. Chelsea will be up against a side out to prove that it belongs in the top strata of European super clubs. It should make for two interesting games – starting on September 19 at The Bridge.

[Socrates 8240]

Juventus Stadium Celebrates Its First Birthday

Sep 9, 2012

In the last 12 years, I have had the privilege of seeing both of my favorite sports teams open the doors to brand new stadiums that everybody wants to proclaim their love for. They both took years to build, but in their short period of existence, have captured the pure essence of each team that inhibits them.

But since this is a Juventus blog, I'm sure not many of you care too much about baseball and the beautiful bay-side ballpark I've spent many of days over the last decade at. (But come on, you gotta admit that setting is absolutely gorgeous.) Because of that, I'll keep it to Juventus Stadium only. Or at least try my best to do so.

Today, Sept. 8, is the one-year anniversary of Juventus Stadium officially opening its doors to the public. If Juventus Stadium was a baby, it would probably be a spoiled as hell and need two rooms in its house just for all of the extra presents because of everything wonderful that has happened in its 12 months of existence. But because it's, ya know, a stadium, that obviously not the case.

In this one year, Juventus has gone from a club that coming of consecutive seventh-place finishes in Serie A to current Scudetto holders. That's one hell of a ride. And Juventus Stadium has been one of the brightest spots of all during the past 365 days.

When Andrea Agnelli declared "Welcome home" to the tifosi at the inauguration, you knew he meant it. The man knows Juve as well as anybody, so when he said those words, there was nothing but complete seriousness behind it.

Juventus Stadium was designed to be Juve's fortress. It turned out to be exactly that.

Juventus Stadium was designed to be a place that is the definition of 'home field advantage.' It turned out to be exactly that — and more.

Juventus Stadium was, as Agnelli said, designed to write a new chapter in the club's glorious history. It's doing just that.

You get the point.

But all of this ... for a stadium?

Yes, for a stadium.

Stadiums that are as nice as the one we watch Juve plays at half the time every season are quite rare. How many times in Europe, let alone Italy, can say they have a stadio that even rivals the one that Juventus has? Few. Very, very few.

A stadium, in a very unique way, takes the personality of those that are not only there to watch, but those who play on the field that is surrounded by the thousand upon thousand of seats. I've seen it happen in San Francisco since AT&T Park opened in 2000 and the same thing is happening in Torino. Both are models of modern technology and 21st century amenities — most notably, those fancy luxury boxes and top-notch restaurants — but give the old-school kind of feel, which make sense since both teams are enriched such a great history.

Further confirmation of this? Just ask those who also see it as their home.

Juventus players loving playing there. Honestly, how many times do we hear a Juve player saying that the crowd's support gave them a boost in strength/passion/whatever? Sure, the actual people filling those seats have a lot to do with it. But they aren't there just to be there. They aren't there just to sit on their backside and twiddle their thumbs for two hours. They sing for Alessandro Del Piero, Gigi Buffon, and Antonio Conte on a regular basis. They are there to experience everything that a Juventus game has to offer.

And for one whole year — and counting — those who attend a Juventus game haven't seen a Serie A loss.

Juventus Stadium is where Juventini come from all over the world to watch their beloved Old Lady play some calcio. It is where, for a lot of us, we only get to see Juve play a few times in our lifetime. And for many others, it is a place that we may never get to see in person and only admire from afar.

But regardless of where you are, Juventus Stadium is "our home." There is no denying that.

That is what makes it so special.

I'll leave you with this video of a few guys you may know a few sentences below the one you have just read. It's pretty damn interesting to listen to what Del Piero said then and look back on it a year later. After everything that has taken place at the stadio since it saw its inauguration, its first win, its first Scudetto.

May it just be the beginning.

And don't you worry. They will be chanting "c'e solo un capitano" for ADP again.

[Socrates 8240]

Juventus 2012-13 SQUAD NUMBERS

Sep 9, 2012

With the Summer mercato now over, the Juventus Squad Numbers for the 2012-13 season are pretty much finalized until January 1, 2013. Though there have been a few changes compared to last year, nothing too noteworthy or too surprising from what we already discovered during pre-season.

One interesting point that should be mentioned is that Juventus have historically been known to use a “standard” numbering system — going from #1 to the last number on the list — without allowing players to pick years of birth or otherwise digits that are too high. As an example, Barzagli had to give up his customary #43 and pick #15 when he was signed in 2011; similarly Buffon changed from the #77 he wore at Parma to the more traditional goalkeeper’s #1. That would perhaps explain a certain number of “forced” choices this year as well.

Here’s the numerical run-down:

1 - Gigi Buffon

2 - Lúcio - NEW - 2010-2011 Marco Motta

3 - Giorgio Chiellini

4 - Martín Cáceres

6 - Paul Pogba - NEW - 2010-2011 Fabio Grosso

7 - Simone Pepe

8 - Claudio Marchisio

9 - Mirko Vučinić - 2010-2011 (14) - 2010-2011 Vincenzo Iaquinta

11- Paolo De Ceglie

15- Andrea Barzagli

17- Nicklas Bendtner - NEW - 2010-2011 Eljero Elia

19- Leonardo Bonucci

20- Simone Padoin

21- Andrea Pirlo

22- Kwadwo Asamoah - NEW - 2010-2011 Arturo Vidal

23- Arturo Vidal - 2010-2011 (22) - 2010-2011 Marco Borriello

24- Emanuele Giaccherini

26- Stephan Lichtsteiner

27- Fabio Quagliarella - 2010-2011 (18) - 2010-2011 Miloš Krasić

30- Marco Storari

31- Laurenţiu Brănescu - NEW - 2010-2011 (not assigned)

32- Alessandro Matri

33- Mauricio Isla - NEW - 2010-2011 Fredrik Sørensen

34- Rubinho - NEW - 2010-2011 Luca Marrone

39- Luca Marrone - 2010-2011 (34) - 2010-2011 (not assigned)

• Among the players already here last season in 2011-12, four players changed their numbers: Mirko Vucinic (from #14 to #9), Arturo Vidal (#22 to #23), Fabio Quagliarella (#18 to #27), and Luca Marrone (#34 to #39).
  

• Mirko VUCINIC switched from #14 to #9, the number he had during his Roma days and which last year was assigned to Vincenzo Iaquinta (who remains without an official number this year… now isn’t that the saddest thing you’ve ever heard?). #9 is traditionally the number of the prima punta, the cannoniere who scores lots of goals, and though Vucinic is certainly no Trezeguet, one can only hope he intends to hit the back of the net more than he did in 2011-12 (a resolution we can only give two thumbs up to).
  
• 
  
• Arturo VIDAL went up a notch and switched to #23 (the number he wore at Leverkusen, and worn by Marco Borriello from January to May last season) to leave his #22 to newcomer Kwadwo ASAMOAH. When Vidal was signed by Juventus last year #23 was being worn by Zdenek Grygera, but by the time the Czech defender left before the end of the Summer mercato, Juve had already registered Vidal as #22 with Lega Calcio (you cannot switch mid-season). It is also possible that Asamoah requested #22, but for what reason…? (he wore #20 at Udinese, and wears #10 / 21 for Ghana).
  
• 
  
• Taking advantage of the departure of nouveau Istanbulite Milos Krasic (sold to Fenerbahce), Fabio QUAGLIARELLA grabbed back his #27 (which he wore at Sampdoria & Napoli) and left #18 in the wind.
  
• Luca MARRONE switched to #39 and left his old #34 he had last year to new signing and 3rd goalkeeper RUBINHO. No idea here if Rubinho asked for that specific number, or why Marrone changed his.
  
• Speaking of goalkeepers, Primavera’s Laurentiu BRANESCU has been officially given a first-team number this season (#31), likely as a sign of the club’s trust in this budding young Romanian talent. Despite Leali’s loan to Lanciano however, Rubinho’s arrival effectively precludes Branescu from ever even seeing the senior team bench this year.
  
• 
  
• LÚCIO grabbed the #2 left to him by… Marco Motta (not really) and was apparently forbidden to pick #6 (which he wore at Inter), surely to avoid any tifosi-backlash that would have resulted in giving Gaetano Scirea’s legendary number to an ex-Nerazzurro (didn’t exactly stop Fabio Grosso though, did it?). So the number went to another new signing, Paul POGBA, instead.
  
• Mauricio ISLA picked #33, perhaps symbolically trying to show he will “redouble” his efforts now that he’s at Juve (he had #3 at Udinese, which is also the number he wears in the Chilean national team).
  
• 
  
• Sebastian GIOVINCO, who volunteered to take over Alessandro Del Piero‘s number, was given #12 instead. It is likely Conte prefers having the youngster earn his stripes, rather than being bestowed such a heavy responsibility in his first season back at the club. We approve 100%, especially since it means #10 will remain unassigned for one season, a more-than-rightful homage to our former Capitano as Nick Barbieri discusses in this week’s guest-post.
  
• Lastly, loanee Gunner Nicklas BENDTNER was given #17 (he couldn’t pick #52 because Juve doesn’t do high numbers, as mentioned before). Let’s hope he goes the David Trezeguet route instead of Eljero Elia‘s. Note that Bendtner’s original #52 at Arsenal came from the fact he likes #7 (5+2=7), probably explaining his choice of #17 (hey, at least one digit’s there).
  

A few words should also be spent on the few players who — before shipping away on loan — did most of Juve’s pre-season this year. In case they are recalled during the Winter mercato (let’s hope that won’t be necessary), they’d likely be wearing the same number originally picked in July.

• Goalkeeper Nicola LEALI, now on loan at Lanciano, picked up the #13 left to him by Alexander Manninger.
  
• Alberto MASI, now on loan at Pro Vercelli, picked #5 initially (left to him — not really — Michele Pazienza).
  
• Richmond BOAKYE, now on loan at Sassuolo, picked #18 (left vacant — as mentioned — by Fabio Quagliarella).
  
• Reto ZIEGLER, ever-present on the Antonio Conte shitlist list of “undesirables”, picked #16 (the same one he had during the 2011 pre-season) before being shipped off to Lokomotiv Moskow. Here’s one guy who surely will NOT be recalled during the Winter mercato.
  

[Socrates 8240]

Napoli are Juventus' main threat -

Zola backing former club to be Serie A challengers

The ex-Partenopei player believes the Naples club are The Old Lady's biggest contenders

along with Roma, but feels Milan and Inter are not strong enough to challenge.

Sep 9, 2012

Watford coach Gianfranco Zola believes Napoli are Juventus' main obstacle in retaining their Serie A title.

The ex-Azzurri player, who spent four years in Naples as a player, does not think Milan or Inter are strong enough to challenge, but feels Roma could also be darkhorses in the race for the Scudetto.

"Because Milan did not reinforce and Inter don't seem superior to their status last season, there could be room for teams like Napoli and Roma," the former Chelsea star told Il Mattino.

Milan are currently reeling from the losses of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, while Inter have lost long-standing veterans in Maicon and Julio Cesar.

He is also impressed with the form of 21-year-old Lorenzo Insigne, who has come in to fill the void caused by Ezequiel Lavezzi's departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

"I saw him play or Pescara last season. I like him a great deal and hope he has the chance to play and grow at Napoli," stated Zola.

[Socrates 8240]

Sneijder: Inter can beat Juventus

The Netherlands international feels the Nerazzurri can go for the title,

while adding that their Milan rivals will also be in the running for the Scudetto.

Sep 10, 2012

Wesley Sneijder is confident that Inter have what it takes to challenge Juventus for the Serie A title this term, while refusing to dismiss AC Milan as title contenders.

The Dutchman has admitted that the reigning champions are the favourites, but believes that Inter have the quality to beat them this term after a disappointing 2011-12 campaign.

"I do not think that Juventus are stronger than Inter or any of the other teams. We can beat them," Sneijder said to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"It might look like Milan have fallen apart, but they always have great players. And then there are teams like Napoli and Roma in the race for the Scudetto as well.

"It is going to be a long and hard season for all of us. Juventus are the reigning champions and the favourites, but we can definitely beat them."

The attacking midfielder then stated that he would like to be Inter captain in the future, but admitted that he's unlikely to wear the armband anytime soon as Javier Zanetti is still going strong, while adding that he could finish his career in the MLS.

"The captaincy? If only, but Zanetti will play on until he is 60...

"If my wife continues to be an actress, the MLS might be an idea. But not at this point. I want to stay at Inter. I have never thought about leaving Inter. I like the team, the city and the club.

"As a minimum I want to stay until the end of my contract."

Inter have collected three points from their opening two Serie A games.

[Socrates 8240]

Zeman’s Roma catch Mancini’s eye

Sep 10, 2012

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini thinks that Roma could win a three-horse race for the Scudetto this season.

Although Mancio believes that reigning champions Juventus are favourites to lift the title, he’s impressed by the potential of Roma.

“I think the Scudetto will be between three sides in Juventus, Roma and Napoli,” the former Inter tactician told Il Messaggero.

“Perhaps Juventus have that something extra because they can rely on a winning team that has been reinforced.

“However, Roma and Napoli are very close to the Bianconeri and I can see a beautiful battle.”

Mancini added that he watched Roma’s 3-1 win at Inter in Week 2 and was impressed by Zdenek Zeman’s side.

“If Zeman can get the team to play the way they did at Inter then Juventus will have to take note,” added the Sampdoria legend.

“Roma also will not have to cope with the physical struggles and stresses of European competition which take their toll over the course of a season.”

Mancini also spoke well of Napoli, a side who knocked them out of the Champions League last year.

“Napoli? I like them and they’ve inserted some valid players into a squad which already demonstrated their ability in the Champions League.

“The club have built a lot in these years and they are now ready to target the Scudetto.”

[Socrates 8240]

Lippi: Only Barcelona And Real Madrid Are Better Than Juventus

Sep 10, 2012

Former Juventus boss Marcello Lippi has insisted that only Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are better than his old club.

The man who also led the Azzurri to the 2006 World Cup is now managing in China and is optimistic about the Bianconeri’s season ahead.

“I think that after Barcelona and Real Madrid who are the best teams, there are Juventus of course as well as clubs like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester City,” said Lippi.

When speaking about the rest of the sides in Serie A, he believes the league is in good shape with some fine teams at the top.

“Although the two Milanese clubs are reconstructing their sides, Napoli represent the greatest threat to Juventus as well as Roma who have great players in their ranks and also at Fiorentina there is nothing missing from that side.”

Lippi also spoke candidly about how he has been likened to Antonio Conte and the future of the Italian game following big summer departures from the peninsula.

“If people say Conte is like me then I am flattered because he is a very skilled coach,” he said. “Also, for me it is a good thing not bad that some stars are leaving Serie A because we can finally give space to young players and if you look around there are many examples.

“This is the right way to advance our football.”

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juve's Borriello & Immobile warning

Sep 11, 2012

Genoa forwards Marco Borriello and Ciro Immobile could come back to haunt former club Juventus on Sunday.

Borriello spent the last six months of 2011-12 in Turin, but the outfit opted against signing him outright from Roma.

Immobile, meanwhile, is a player part-owned by the Old Lady who was the top scorer in Serie B last term while at Pescara.

“Borriello and Immobile will have a great desire to prove themselves and cause Juventus some regret,” former Bianconero boss Gigi Maifredi told Tutto Juve.

“Immobile is the best signing on the Italian transfer market this summer, while Borriello has returned to his happy place.”

Juve won the championship last term and the former Bologna and Brescia tactician understands why they are favourites to net the Scudetto again.

“Juventus are undoubtedly the strongest when looking at their squad and the way they play,” he continued. “Napoli, Inter and Roma are quite far away from them…”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8240]

Trapattoni's Scudetto tips

Sep 12, 2012

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has tipped Juventus, Milan, Inter and Roma for the Scudetto battle.

Il Trap spoke after Ireland’s 4-1 win over Oman and gave his views on the current Serie A title race.

“My Serie A starting grid is the usual teams,” he told calcio-inglese.it.

“Juventus have to defend their title, plus Milan, Inter and also Roma. I am convinced Zdenek Zeman’s side can do very well this season.”

[Socrates 8240]

The Dossier: How Juventus can topple European champions Chelsea

The Old Lady returns to the big-time next Wednesday with an opening Champions League

Group E trip to Stamford Bridge, here are the tactical tips Juve must follow to secure victory.

Sep 13, 2012

TACTICAL ANALYSIS

By Carlo Garganese

Scudetto holders Juventus don't need to reinvent the wheel in order to topple Chelsea. Six of their starting XI starred in the Italy team that outplayed Germany on the way to a Euro 2012 silver medal, with the majestic Andrea Pirlo many people's player of the tournament. The fact the Bianconeri are 41 Serie A games unbeaten is proof that their fast and fluid 3-5-2 formation is adaptable to any opposition.

First and foremost, Juventus must play to their own strengths. The midfield is the most important department in modern football – if you control the centre third of the pitch then your chances of success are significantly increased. In Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal, Juve boast a centre midfield that in Europe is second in quality only to Barcelona. Pirlo, along with Xavi, is the world's premier midfield dictator, while Vidal is arguably the globe's best ball-winner.

If the Juventus trio perform to their usual levels they will win the midfield battle against a rather immobile Chelsea duo of Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel, who in their last outing against Atletico Madrid couldn't cope with the energy of Koke and Gabi.

The Blues often revert from their starting 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-1-1 when not in possession, with wide-men Juan Mata and Ramires dropping. This ploy was successful en route to Champions League glory last season as Chelsea defended deep in numbers, cutting off the space for Barcelona and Bayern Munich to exploit. However, such a tactic would play right into the hands of Pirlo, who relishes such a scenario and famously ran the show for Italy against England at Euro 2012 when Roy Hodgson's men retired into their own half.

Juventus hold the better midfield cards regardless of whether Roberto Di Matteo sticks or twists. Chelsea were criticised for 'parking the bus' last season, but the perils of throwing too many men forward were evident in the 4-1 European Super Cup thrashing by Atletico Madrid a fortnight ago. The Blues are susceptible on the counter due to a lack of pace, and in the first-half Atletico created two one-on-ones direct from Chelsea corner kicks, breaking five on three and five on four respectively – Falcao completing his hat-trick with the latter opening. Juventus possess the pace throughout their line-up to similarly punish the English.

Playing at home, Chelsea will need to show some adventure – and the summer signing of Eden Hazard makes that a guarantee. How Juventus cope with the raids of the Belgian wonderkid and lone forward Fernando Torres will also be key. Torres' movement troubled Italy's Juve-dominated backline in both Spain v Italy games at Euro 2012; he missed two sitters in the former and scored in the latter.

Torres will float across the Bianconeri back three, meaning he will not have a designated marker. Thus, Leonardo Bonucci in the centre must read the game and sweep up – something he has struggled to do in the past, having failed to read a predictable through pass for Jordi Alba's goal in the Euro 2012 final.

Chelsea's main weapon is their physicality and power from set-pieces. At Stamford Bridge last season the west Londoners bombarded Napoli into aerial submission during their 4-1 second round second-leg Champions League comeback, three of their goals originating from elevated crosses.

Juventus, player for player, should be able to cope with this facet of the game - the back three and Stephan Lichtsteiner are outstanding in the air, while the strength and stamina of the entire line-up - barring Pirlo and the front-two - is impressive. Where Juve must be careful is in their organisation and concentration – an exam Napoli failed so spectacularly at the Bridge.

The European champions contain clear weaknesses, though, as Los Rojiblancos will attest. The biggest blemishes in Monaco were right-back Branislav Ivanovic and centre-back David Luiz. The former was roasted for speed from start to finish by Filipe Luis, Adrian and Cristian Rodriguez. Pacy left wing-back Kwadwo Asamoah will be licking his lips at the prospect of attacking Ivanovic one-on-one if the Serbian is preferred to new signing Cesar Azpilicueta. Luiz, on the other hand, continues to be blighted by lapses in concentration and positioning, and he was at fault for Falcao's first two goals.

John Terry will return from suspension against Juventus, and Chelsea will be better organised as a result. But, with the Blues conceding nine goals in five games, and Manchester City, Wigan and Atletico all registering 13-18 shots against Chelsea this term, Juventus will create chances. The question is whether the likely strikeforce of Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco will be clinical enough to take them. Profligacy was Juve's biggest weakness last season, with their top scorer Alessandro Matri hitting a meagre 10 goals. This led to the failed attempt to sign a world-class attacker in the summer.

Juventus are handicapped by the absence of coach Antonio Conte – controversially suspended for the season following the betting scandal – who is replaced on the touchline by Massimo Carrera. Conte's motivational influence and live tactical tweaks will be missed – especially as this is a squad returning to the Champions League after two years away.

While a draw at the champions on matchday 1 would be a good result, this is a Juventus who never settle for second best and if they play the right tactical game there is no reason they can't return to Turin with all three points.

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Merkel underlines Juve strength

Sep 13, 2012

Genoa midfielder Alexander Merkel is well aware of the task that is facing his side when they entertain Juventus in Serie A this weekend.

The Germany Under-20 international has praised the Bianconeri following their Scudetto success last season.

“Last year we came close to victory against Juventus and we will try again this time around,” he said on Thursday after the two draws between the sides in 2011-12.

“They are strong in every department and have great players. We can beat Juve, but we need a great game played by all.”

Merkel is back at Marassi after spending half of last season with Milan, but he doesn’t know whether he will have a role to play against the Old Lady.

“Will I play? I don't know, the Coach will decide,” he added. “We suffered defeat to Catania last time out and we can't repeat the mistakes we made against them.”

Merkel also commented on the deadline day arrival of Marco Borriello, the former Milan and Roma forward who spent last term on loan at Juve.

“I know Borriello well,” Merkel stated. “This year we will have the chance to play well together, starting with a bang on Sunday!”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Vargas to miss Juve match

Sep 13, 2012

Juan Manuel Vargas will miss out on Genoa’s big game against Juventus after picking up an injury on international duty.

The Marassi side are due to face Juve on Sunday, but Vargas returned from Peru with a left thigh strain.

It is not yet clear how long the former Fiorentina winger will be sidelined for, but it could be a couple of weeks.

More tests are needed on the small lesion to the left thigh muscle, which he picked up during the game with Venezuela.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Conte set to rest Juventus stars

Sep 14, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte is prepared to rest as many as four first team regulars against Genoa ahead of their Champions League campaign.

The Old Lady travel to Marassi on Sunday before then turning their attention to the trip to Chelsea on Wednesday.

Conte, whose side have collected two wins from two this term, is thinking of changes in defence, midfield and attack.

Giorgio Chiellini, despite being fit again, may not be risked in the back-three that could allow Martin Caceres to get a game.

In midfield of the 3-5-2, Chilean international Arturo Vidal and new signing Kwadwo Asamoah could start on the bench.

Meanwhile, Alessandro Matri looks like he will begin instead of Sebastian Giovinco alongside Mirko Vucinic in attack.

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Will Borriello-Immobile work?

Sep 14, 2012

Genoa could field a strike paring of Marco Borriello and Ciro Immobile against Juventus this weekend, but Gian Piero Gasperini has doubts over their partnership.

Borriello returned to Marassi from Roma after spending the last six months of 2011-12 at Juve, while Immobile is a youngster who is co-owned by both sides.

“Marco needs to feel loved in order to perform,” Gasperini, a former Genoa boss and an ex-Juventus youth sector tactician, told Tuttosport.

“Immobile, meanwhile, will have to have a great season – which he could – in order to win a Juventus recall.

“However, both players are centre-forwards and we’ll have to see whether putting them together is a good idea.”

Gasperini, still out of work following his dismissal at Inter last term, was also asked for an opinion on Sebastian Giovinco.

“He’s not world class, but he is certainly a player who can give the Bianconeri something extra,” he continued.

“Some are asking him to replace Alex Del Piero, but it is impossible to say today whether Sebastian will reach that level.

“Not all class players can be No 1. However, Giovinco knows how to make a difference.”

http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/