Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8330]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Cartoon of the Day: Juventus ruin Chelsea's big Oscar night

Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day.

Sep 20, 2012

It was a performance worthy of an award, but not quite enough for three points - Oscar dazzled fans at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night with two first-half goals to give Chelsea a commanding lead over Juventus.

But the Italian side would soon pull the red carpet out from underneath the Blues as Arturo Vidal struck before the interval.

And, 10 minutes from time, Fabio Quagliarella clinched a valuable Champions League point to put a dampener on what would have been a perfect night for the competition holders.

[Socrates 8330]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA 2 - 2 JUVENTUS

Oscar (31′)

Oscar (33')

Arturo Vidal (38′)

Fabio Quagliarella (80′)

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Attendance: 40918

Bonucci: Scare factor Juventus

Sep 21, 2012

Juventus are working to become one of Europe’s most feared sides, says centre-back Leonardo Bonucci.

The Old Lady returned to the Champions League on Wednesday when they collected a 2-2 draw at holders Chelsea.

“We’re back in Europe with our heads held high and need to keep showing this hunger to make us feared by everyone,” the Italian told Sky Sport Italia.

The game started badly for the Bianconeri as they went 2-0 down, but they kept their cool to hit back against the London outfit.

“We’re satisfied at gaining an important draw from a tough venue,” he added. “We again displayed that we’re a team with great values.

“We have drive, the desire to never give up and can hold our own wherever we play.

“The two goals conceded in quick succession were certainly a blow, but we didn’t drop our heads. We did well to get back into the game in the first half and then we drew level through Fabio Quagliarella.”

The striker came off the bench to seal a point after he broke the offside trap.

“It was a move prepared on the training ground and demonstrates that our work during the week pays dividends,” Bonucci explained.

“Our preparations with Coach Antonio Conte enable us to be calm when we take to the field and we know that whoever is on the bench will stick to his game plan.”

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Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Sorrentino plots Juventus upset

Sep 20, 2012

Chievo Verona ‘keeper Stefano Sorrentino is hoping to bring Juventus’ unbeaten League streak to a shock ending.

The Bianconeri have now gone 42 games in Serie A without defeat and they’ll host the Flying Donkeys on Saturday.

Although the football odds will be heavily stacked in favour of the Old Lady, Sorrentino fancies his side’s chances.

“Sooner or later Juventus will have to lose a game in the championship,” he stated. “We want to make history on Saturday night!”

La Signora last lost in the Italian top flight on May 15, 2011, when Gigi Del Neri’s side were defeated 1-0 at Parma.

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Quagliarella to face Chievo?

Sep 20, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella may have earned himself a starting place in the Juventus side this weekend with his goal at Chelsea.

The forward came off the bench at Stamford Bridge to net the equaliser, before shaving the bar with a late effort in the 2-2 draw.

According to Sky Sport Italia, the former Napoli player is now in pole position for a place in the first XI against Chievo on Saturday.

Quagliarella has been given just 17 minutes in Serie A so far this season as a substitute in the 4-1 win at Udinese.

Quagliarella, it is being claimed, could replace Sebastian Giovinco and partner Mirko Vucinic against the Flying Donkeys.

Boss Antonio Conte could also rest Stephan Lichtsteiner and Andrea Pirlo ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Fiorentina.

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Carrera: Bendtner could feature

Sep 21, 2012

Stand-in Juventus Coach Massimo Carrera has confirmed the Bianconeri have a full squad to pick from for tomorrow's game against Chievo.

The former Juve defender also congratulated the side for their 2-2 draw with defending European champions Chelsea on Wednesday.

“Everyone is available,” he told a press conference today. “We'll work out our best starting line-up over the next two training sessions.

“We have many important players here, and I'm confident that whoever is selected for Chievo will fit well into our system.

“We'll take heart from the performance in London. We saw the aggressive, determined Juventus from last year.”

Carrera then gave an update on the progress made by deadline day signing Nicklas Bendtner, who could make his debut in the game at the Juventus Stadium.

“Bendtner has been training with the squad and is ready. We'll see if he'll have a part to play.”

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Di Carlo: 'Chievo can upset Juve'

Sep 21, 2012

Chievo Coach Domenico Di Carlo hopes being the undoubted underdogs can help his side cause an “upset” against Juventus tomorrow night.

The two teams come face to face in Turin on Saturday evening and the Flying Donkeys have drawn four of their last five meetings with Juve.

“Juve are charging forward in Serie A and fresh from a great Champions League performance against Chelsea,” said Di Carlo in his Press conference.

“It is clear for all to see that Juventus are the stronger team. Tomorrow we will require the perfect performance, but I believe my team has already proved it can do that. I believe this upset is not impossible.

“We must use our grit, work-rate, determination and hunger. The important thing will be not to repeat the mistakes we made against Lazio, which were due to a lack of concentration.

“With a little luck and all those qualities, we can do this. I believe in my team.”

Luciano, Boukary Dramè, Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi are out injured.

Chievo squad for Juventus: Puggioni, Sorrentino, Viotti, Andreolli, Cesar, Frey, Jokic, Sardo, Papp, Dainelli, M Rigoni, Cruzado, Hetemaj, Cofie, L Rigoni, Guana, Vacek, Di Michele, Moscardelli, Pellissier, Thereau, Stoian, Samassa

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Vidal in Juve squad

Sep 21, 2012

Arturo Vidal is in the Juventus squad for tomorrow night’s match with Chievo despite his ankle injury.

The midfielder was limping heavily in Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Chelsea, although he managed to score a goal.

There were suggestions Vidal would be rested for the Saturday Serie A encounter, especially as they face a trip to Fiorentina on Tuesday.

However, he is in the squad named by Antonio Conte and stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera.

Juventus squad: 1 Gianluigi Buffon, 2 Lucio, 3 Giorgio Chiellini, 4 Martin Caceres, 6 Paul Pogba, 8 Claudio Marchisio, 9 Mirko Vucinic, 11 Paolo De Ceglie, 12 Sebastian Giovinco, 15 Andrea Barzagli, 17 Nicklas Bendtner, 19 Leonardo Bonucci, 21 Andrea Pirlo, 22 Kwadwo Asamoah, 23 Arturo Vidal, 24 Emanuele Giaccherini, 26 Stephan Lichtsteiner, 27 Fabio Quagliarella, 30 Marco Storari, 32 Alessandro Matri, 33 Mauricio Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Luca Marrone

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Carrera: Bendtner is ready to play for Juventus

The stand-in Bianconeri coach has confirmed that there are no injury concerns ahead

of their next Serie A fixture, and says the Denmark international could feature.

Sep 21, 2012

Massimo Carrera has revealed that Juventus will have a full squad to pick from for Saturday's tie with Chievo at the Juventus Stadium, and suggested Arsenal's on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner could feature.

The Bianconeri currently lie first in the early Serie A standings, ahead of Napoli and Lazio on goal difference.

"Everyone is available," the former Juve defender told reporters. "We'll work out our best starting line-up over the next two training sessions.

"We have many important players here and I'm confident that whoever is selected for Chievo will fit into our system well."

The 48-year-old also spoke of the encouragement his players could take from their 2-2 draw away to Chelsea in the Champions League.

"We'll take heart from the performance in London," said the once-capped Italy international. "We saw the aggressive, determined Juventus from last year."

Carrera also suggested that summer signing Bendtner could be in line to make his debut.

"Bendtner has been training with the squad and is ready," said the caretaker coach. "We'll see if he has a part to play."

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Carrera: Chievo match will be extremely difficult

The caretaker manager has warned the Bianconeri of complacency as they look to stretch

their 42-game unbeaten run, though, have not beat this weekend's opposition in three years.

Sep 21, 2012

Massimo Carrera had demanded full focus from his Juventus side as he sets out to claim their first home win over Chievo since 2009.

The Serie A champions have started off this season’s campaign with three wins out of three, nine goals scored and only two conceded while stretching their run to 42-games unbeaten.

But the 48-year-old coach, who is at the helm while Antonio Conte serves his 10-month ban, demands full focus against Chievo on Saturday who they have failed to beat in their last five attempts.

“It’s been a while since we got the better of Chievo, so we’ll need to take to the field with the right mentality. We know we’ll be in for an extremely difficult game and must remain focused,” he said.

“We’re aware that we’re the team to beat. Everyone we come up against wants to be the first side to take all three points off us. We need to be up for the fight and give as much as we can. Quality isn’t necessarily enough to overcome opposition like the Gialloblu.”

Carrera has hinted there may be some changes at the weekend following Wednesday night’s gruelling Champions League tie against Chelsea which finished 2-2.

But he has reassured fans he believes the team has enough depth in quality to ring the changes this weekend.

“We’ve still got two training sessions remaining, so we’ll use them to assess the physical condition of the entire squad and work out our best starting line-up,” he said.

“We have many important players here and I’m confident that whoever plays will be able to fit into the team’s system. If we decide to give Pirlo a rest, Pogba and Marrone are both players capable of stepping in and doing a good job.”

The former Juventus defender paid tribute to the work ethic of those in the squad and in their performances in the absence of their manager.

He added: “We have a group ethic here. We’ve displayed it in the last few games, when those called upon to come off the bench have weighed in with an important contribution.

"I make the decisions on the bench but speak with Antonio during the week and before the game to try and predict various moves. During the action I consult Filippi. He’s a coach and is able to give me a hand."

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Juventus - Chievo Preview -

Conte's men look to dispatch the Gialloblu

The Bianconeri will look to build on their good start to the season with a home win

over the Flying Donkeys, as the champions look to stay atop of Serie A.

Sep 21, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lucio, Barzagli, Chiellini

Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah

Vucinic, Quagliarella

CHIEVO

Sorrentino

Sardo, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic

Vacek, Rigoni, Hetemaj

Thereau, Cruzado

Pellissier

Juventus are likely to welcome back Lucio from injury as he makes his first start for the Bianconeri. The Serie A champions will look to gain three points at home following their draw in London against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Arturo Vidal, who scored in the Champions League game but also picked up a minor knock, is likely to sit this match out, with the versatile Mauricio Isla to come in and Kwadwo Asamoah set to retain his place on the left-hand side of the midfield.

Fabio Quagliarella will most likely get the nod up front after his midweek equaliser, though Alessandro Matri may come into the reckoning if Antonio Conte looks to freshen up his attack.

Chievo, meanwhile, will look to field the same defence that lost to Lazio 3-1 at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi last weekend. In midfield, Kamil Vacek will replace Luciano, who is set to drop to the bench.

In attack, Alberto Paloschi is still injured, so Sergio Pellissier will play up front alone, while David Di Michele will start from the sidelines as Peruvian Rinaldo Cruzado gets a start.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus have drawn the last four games against the Flying Donkeys. Their last win came in this fixture in 2009, a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Vincenzo Iaquinta goal.

• Juve defender Andrea Barzagli played 29 times for Chievo during the 2003-04 season.

• The Old Lady go into this match on the back of a huge unbeaten run of games in Serie A, now standing at 42 matches since they last lost.

• Chievo have one win this season, after they beat Bologna 2-0 at home on the opening weekend of the Italian season.

• The Gialloblu have a record of four draws and one win against Juve in their last five league games, both home and away.

• If he plays, the Chievo captain Sergio Pellissier will be making his 299th Serie A appearance for the club, having been with the side from Verona since 2001.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Mar 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Chievo 1

Serie A ‎- Oct 16, 2011 - Chievo 0 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- May 9, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Chievo 2

Serie A ‎- Dec 19, 2010 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 1

Serie A ‎- Jan 17, 2010 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 0

Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

Sep 19, 2012 - Chelsea FC 2 - Juventus 2 - CL

Sep 16, 2012 - Genoa 1 - Juventus 3 - Serie A

Sep 2, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Juventus 4 - Serie A

Aug 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A

Aug 11, 2012 - Juventus 4 - SSC Napoli 2 - Italian Supercup

CHIEVO

Sep 16, 2012 - Chievo 1 - Lazio 3 - Serie A

Sep 2, 2012 - Parma 2 - Chievo 0 - Serie A

Aug 26, 2012 - Chievo 2 - Bologna 0 - Serie A

May 13, 2012 - Chievo 1 - Lecce 0 - Serie A

May 6, 2012 - Palermo 4 - Chievo 4 - Serie A

Players to watch

Fabio Quagliarella

The dynamic forward scored his first goal of the season on Wednesday and will look to carry over his form into Serie A. Should he receive the right service from Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and others, Quagliarella could be the man to make the difference in what could be another terse match against stubborn opposition.

Sergio Pellissier

The hardworking frontman and captain will look to lead by example as Chievo look to secure a result from the game in Turin. If the match is tight late on, there may be a sniff of a chance for the Gialloblu and Pellissier as tiredness sets in for the Bianconeri.

Prediction

Having played a tough Champions League encounter in midweek, Juventus will need to find real quality to capture three points against wily opponents with a fantastic record against the Old Lady in recent fixtures. Chievo will be looking to avoid losing three games in succession and will no doubt look to sit back and soak up pressure. Will Juve be able to break through? We say yes, just.

Editor's Prediction:

Juventus 1 - 0 Chievo

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

MATCH PREVIEW

Sep 21, 2012

Fresh from a positive Champions League start, Serie A leaders Juventus take on a Chievo side that have lost two on the bounce.

The champions encountered some difficulties - especially in the opening 45 minutes – in Genoa last Sunday, but still managed to leave with the points. That stretched their unbeaten run to 42 matches. Goals from Emanuele Giaccherini, Mirko Vucinic and Kwadwo Asamoah after the interval cancelled out Ciro Immobile’s opener.

Against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday the Bianconeri marked their European return with a sound performance. They displayed a fighting spirit to come from behind and draw 2-2, as Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella responded to Oscar’s double.

With minds again focused on domestic matters, Antonio Conte and Massimo Carrera are not expected to make sweeping changes, although Mauricio Isla and Lucio look set to start their first League match for the club. The two Simone’s - Pepe and Padoin - remain on the sidelines.

Chievo faced Lazio at home on Sunday and were left steamrolled at the final whistle. Hernanes netted a double and Miroslav Klose the other, with Sergio Pellissier’s late penalty meaning little.

Domenico Di Carlo conceded the rampant Romans had more quality and were more clinical than his side. The reversal was their second in succession and the tactician will be looking to steady the ship before the downturn in results gains momentum.

They make the journey west without Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi, both of whom are out for several weeks through injury. Veteran Luciano will need to prove his fitness.

While the visitors have never left Turin with the three points, they have proved a tricky opponent, as last season’s 1-1 draw demonstrates. That was the third draw overall, with Juve enjoying six wins.

Keep an eye on: Mirko Vucinic (Juventus) – With Juve’s summer transfer campaign revolving around their hunt for and failure to land a top striker, Vucinic has started the season with a bang. He was vital off the bench in Genoa and carried that impetus to London in midweek.

Form guide: Juventus (- - W W W) Chievo (- - L L W)

Last season: Juventus 1-1 Chievo

Stat fact: Sergio Pellissier is the only player to net a hat-trick in this fixture. His treble in 2008-09 came during a 3-3 draw.

Juventus: Buffon; Lucio, Barzagli, Chiellini; Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

Chievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic; Vacek, L. Rigoni, Hetemaj; Cruzado; Thereau, Pellissier

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Juventus v Chievo Verona: Preview

Sep 21, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci has warned tomorrow's opponents Chievo that Juventus are ready to "terrify everybody" in Serie A following their Champions League exploits.

The Bianconeri went a long way to prove they will be a force to be reckoned with on the European stage after battling back from two goals down to hold reigning champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek.

With three wins from three league games, and holders of an impressive unbeaten run stretching back to the beginning of last season, the Old Lady were already the team to fear back in Italy.

And defender Bonucci believes their impressive continental display will give tomorrow's opposition further food for thought.

Quoted on juventus.com, he told Sky Sport Italia: "We're satisfied that we got a good draw in a difficult game.

"Juve has held its head high in Europe and now we must continue with the same hunger to terrify everybody we meet.

"We showed that we can be a great team, with the determination and desire to never give up and get results we want on the pitch."

La Vecchia Signora could not find their way past Chievo last season as the clubs played out two draws.

Flying Donkeys boss Domenico Di Carlo is without Luciano, Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi for the trip to Juventus Stadium with defender Gennaro Sardo eager for his team-mates to avoid suffering a third straight league defeat.

He told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "We have to forget about what happened against Parma and Lazio.

"Juve are a great side, (Kwadwo) Asamoah has impressed me the most.

"Pirlo? We're aware that most of Juve's good play comes through him, so stopping him will be a good place to start.

"But that won't solve everything, Juve are a team full of champions. We will have to pay close attention."

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

[Socrates 8330]

Montella ignores Juve shadow

Sep 21, 2012

Vincenzo Montella insists Fiorentina are “not thinking about Juventus” ahead of tomorrow’s Serie A trip to Parma.

The Viola fans are already fired up for next Tuesday’s midweek game, when they welcome arch-rivals Juve to the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Before then, they take on Parma.

“Maintaining the right attitude and tension ahead of Juve is the job of a Coach. We’ve got to take it one game at a time, which for me is easy and should also be for the players,” said Montella.

“We need to prove our step up in quality. It’ll be an important test against Parma and I have no doubts we are not thinking about Juventus already. The psychological approach is key, so I want to test the team and myself.”

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Del Neri reads Juve-Chievo

Sep 22, 2012

Gigi Del Neri has been Coach of both Chievo and Juventus, so has a special view of tonight’s game. “Nothing is impossible.”

The tactician was a hero at the Bentegodi from 2000-04 and again in 2006-07, but his spell at Juve lasted only one disappointing campaign in 2010-11.

“Which of the two teams would I support? Chievo. I spent my best years there, so that Chievo side remains a unique masterpiece. Juve were also a wonderful story, but it lasted only a year. The situations and state of mind were different.

“As for the game, Juve are Juve, but Chievo know that nothing is impossible,” he told L’Arena.

“My story with Juve ended badly and too quickly, but in these cases it’s too easy to just throw the baby out with the bathwater. There were good things too.

“This is football take it or leave it. The sport gives you a great deal and it was an extraordinary opportunity for me to lead Juventus, when I feared a top club was never going to happen for me. How can you say no?”

It was a disastrous spell in Turin, as the Bianconeri finished seventh in Serie A and failed to qualify for Europe.

“When you work in certain environments, you have to take everything into account, from training world class players to understanding the supporters and media mood. I know that it was all going so well in January, as we were up there and challenging. Some people bet I’d be there for a long time.

“Then the tide turned. Fabio Quagliarella got injured and he was crucial for us. We dropped a few points, lost some certainties and it took us a moment to end up in the eye of the storm.

“I am consistent and will say something to your face, which is what players appreciate. I don’t lie to the players.

“In hindsight perhaps I should’ve stayed at Sampdoria, but I do not renege my Juventus experience.”

Before that Turin spell, Del Neri was at the helm of the ‘Miracle Chievo’ who surprised everyone in their debut Serie A campaign in 2001-02 by finishing fifth.

When the Flying Donkeys went to face Juventus in Week 3 of that first season, they were joint leaders and 2-0 up before the Old Lady fought back to win 3-2.

“That time we risked victory in Turin... If they hadn’t stopped us, we might’ve been able to win the Scudetto. We notched up 25 points in the first half of the season and that was an 18-team League, so...”

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

[Socrates 8330]

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carmine Russo

Juventus vs. Chievo Preview –

Breaking the Donkey-Curse

Sep 22, 2012

Having barely been offered the time to lower their arms after that wonderful London draw-that-felt-like-a-win, Juventus will face another test Saturday evening as the flying Donkeys of Chievo Verona visit Turin. While the Gialloblu are — on paper — an ‘easy’ opponent, it is worth remembering that the Bianconeri have an awful habit of tying the obstinate Veronese minnows. In fact, all of the last four meetings between the two sides have resulted in rather depressing draws, and Juventus have not recorded a win in this fixture since August 2009!

Given this recent history, it might not be a bad thing that some squad rotation is on the cards for this match, especially in light of the very busy calendar the Bianconeri have to deal with during this — and the coming — week. Indeed after their tie vs. Chelsea, Juve will have another midweek away game next Tuesday against Fiorentina (the pitchforks and torches already being raised to the Florence sky, as ever), which will then be followed by a clash against AS Roma Saturday. Phew!

From an optimistic angle though, some new blood and fresh ideas may be just the tonic to end the horrible string of results against the traditionally “old school” and extremely defensive Chievo, the very incarnation of the setup Juve have had a considerably hard time breaking down in the last few years. That is the best way to be looking at it, at least.

Juventus

As mentioned above, Antonio Conte / Massimo Carrera are expected to rotate the squad for this match. Warrior-king Arturo Vidal will be rested to recover from that ankle strain he heroically battled through against Chelsea, while both Andrea Pirlo and Stephan Lichtsteiner could do with a break. All of Paul Pogba, Mauricio Isla, Martín Cáceres, Paolo De Ceglie, Luca Marrone and Emanuele Giaccherini are in contention for the places potentially vacated, depending on the exact tinkering done. Pogba is particularly strongly rumoured to receive a starting berth — a very interesting proposition — because in case you don’t know this, Pirlo has been playing every 90-minute league game since last season started ( + Euro 2012 with Italy).

Some change at the back has been suggested as well, with Lúcio back from injury. Not sure how I like that idea really (especially since we can’t expect Lúcio to bring more pace to the backline), unless it is due to fatigue or injury in the B-B-C unit. The guys have been shaky, but one would imagine that more rather than less playing time together would be the cure? It is true that Andrea Barzagli has been struggling for form so far this season, which may be down to playing all of last year (Euros included). Like Pirlo, he is after all no spring chicken. We could also see Luca Marrone feature instead of Bonucci, as he has proven an admirable stand-in in the ball-playing, central role.

Up front, one Mr. Fabio Quagliarella decided to mess up the hierarchy somewhat on Wednesday with a splendid effort and a classy goal to tie the most important game of the season so far. That would make him favourite to start on Saturday. It is indeed wonderful news for Juventini if FabQuags is truly back on form. However, Alessandro Matri and Nicklas Bendtner may not be overly thrilled at this development. Especially Matri will conceivably struggle to get time on the pitch for a while, as one would assume Bendtner will be played at some point in the near future (Elia-Alert! Elia-Alert!), while Giovinco and Vucinic remain the preferred front duo in the important games for the time being.

One thing is certain however: if Eta Beta continues to deliver, the selection headaches will increase for the coaching team. Which – in the wider picture – is a good thing of course, considering the amount of games to be played this season.

JUVENTUS (3-5-2)

Buffon

Lúcio, Bonucci, Chiellini

Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah

Quagliarella, Vucinic

BENCH: Storari, Rubinho, Barzagli, Cáceres, Marrone, De Ceglie, Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Vidal, Matri, Giovinco, Bendtner

Starting %:

Isla 60-40% Lichtsteiner, Lúcio 60-40% Barzagli, Pogba 70-20/10% Pirlo/Marrone,

Asamoah 60-40% De Ceglie, Vucinic 60-40% Matri

Injured:

Pepe (matchday #6), Padoin (#7)

Suspended:

-

Chievo

As already touched upon, the Flying Donkeys (or the “Soaring Asses”, as some would have it…) are the incarnation of the stubborn kind of calcio that was so dominant in the peninsula in the past. Be it at home (ably assisted by that World War I battlefield known as the “pitch” of Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi) or on the road (where this is almost a prerequisite of a team of Chievo’s mould) Chievo tend to play an extremely controlled game, always seeking first and foremost to annul the threats of the opposition.

This is of course frustrating for the team unlucky enough to face them, but – thankfully – football is a diverse affair, and one cannot blame a team for making the best of their limited resources. The ball will be thoroughly in Juve’s court, with coach Mimmo Di Carlo‘s team undoubtedly very eager to leave Juventus Stadium with the one point with which they came.

The Gialloblu have had a so-so start to the season, beating Bologna in week #1 only to suffer successive defeats to Parma (away) and Lazio (home). The 3-1 loss to the Biancocelesti especially stands out, as – while Lazio have been on great form so far – the Bentegodi is traditionally known as a stronghold for the Veronesi, who are not accustomed to be outfoxed there in such emphatic fashion. However, don’t expect that disappointment to alter anything for a Chievo team who will be hoping that their defence — and occasional forays from Sergio Pellisier (cursed be thy name) — can salvage points from the claws of the Old Lady, as they have been accustomed too.

Should all else fail, ex-Juve youth goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino – like many of his colleagues – seems to always have excellent games against the Bianconeri. In this fixture last season he had yet another blinder, a feat which he will likely have to repeat this time around if the Donkeys are to succeed.

CHIEVO (4-3-2-1)

Sorrentino

N.Frey, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic

Vacek, L.Rigoni, Hetemaj

Théréau, M.Rigoni

Pellissier

BENCH: Puggioni, Viotti, Sardo, Andreolli, Papp, Cruzado, Guana, Samassa, Di Michele, Moscardelli, Stoian

Starting %:

N.Frey 60-40% Sardo, M.Rigoni 60-40% Cruzado, L.Rigoni 60-40% Di Michele

Injured:

Paloschi (matchday #9), Squizzi (#12), Luciano (TBA)

Suspended:

-

No-one will question that this Donkey-curse has lasted long enough, so the object for Conte’s men is as simple to describe as it is (apparently) difficult to execute: find a way to penetrate the Chievo wall, preferably early on, and for God’s sake try and get a cushion to prevent any last-gasp equalisers!

Back in March, Juventus 1-1 Chievo was one of the most frustrating experiences of the season (and Lord knows there was a few to choose from!), prompting Marco to basically replace the review of the game with a majestic rant. Luckily such woes seem behind us now, as this Juventus team has grown a lot since March, which has been evidenced in abundance so far this season, not least in last week’s comeback victory in Genova.

Most Juventini will rightfully feel a lot less frustrated and a lot more confident now than they did in that dour period in the spring. However, in a packed fixture list, these are exactly the kind of games that will require something extra in terms of motivation and creativity. Here’s hoping that a revamped Bianconero side will be able to provide exactly that on Saturday.

Vincere è l’unica cosa che… CONTE!

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