Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8441]

[Socrates 8441]

[Socrates 8441]

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Carrera: Conte can stay at home

Sep 24, 2012

Juventus match-day boss Massimo Carrera has a solution to the problem of where Antonio Conte will sit at Fiorentina on Tuesday. “He doesn’t even have to be there…”

Conte is currently serving a 10-month ban for failing to report an alleged attempt to fix a Siena game while he was in charge of the Tuscan minnows.

The tactician can still train the Old Lady during the week, but he has to watch games from the stands – and that could be a problem at the Stadio Franchi given the hostility between the two sets of fans.

“To be honest, Conte could even decide to stay away and not watch the game,” Carrera stated on Monday afternoon.

“We’ve been working like this for a month now and we have refined our telepathy. We work hard in the week and we know what to do in whatever circumstances.

“We’re on the same wavelength. We see football in the same way, we know what we want and that is important.”

The ‘loss’ of Conte doesn’t seem to have affected the champions too much given that they are the only team in Serie A with a 100 per cent record.

“We are only four games into the campaign and the other teams will certainly pick themselves up,” the former stopper stated.

“There is a long way to go and we must continue to work. We have some big margins for improvement and we’ll look to make as few mistakes as possible.

“There is time to grow. We are just focusing on ourselves. We certainly have more belief in our strength this term, but we also know what we need to keep working on.”

Tomorrow night’s game is one of the most eagerly anticipated on the fixture list and one that Fiorentina fans are always eager to win.

“I’m not concerned about what is said about the game from the outside. It is a match like the others, for myself and for the players. It’s just a normal rivalry and everybody wants to beat us.

“It will be hard against a side who play in the same shape as we do. We’ll have to go there with a provincial mentality which is needed to get a result.

“Squad rotation? Those decisions will be taken after today’s training session. We’ll look to pick a team which offers us the most guarantees.

“Our physical condition is excellent and our opponents have to run a lot to keep up with us. We'll go to Florence looking to do all we can to clinch all three points.”

Stevan Jovetic and Fabio Quagliarella will be under the spotlight on Tuesday – especially given the claims that the two clubs were considering a swap deal for the pair this summer.

“We, as the technical staff, have never discussed Jovetic – also because we had a competitive attack last term,” Carrera noted.

“A swap with Quagliarella? I’m happy with the players I have. We've strengthened the squad and have strikers who have shown themselves to be top players.”

Quagliarella has scored three goals in his last two appearances for the Turin giants. Jovetic, meanwhile, is Serie A’s top scorer.

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Viviano hungry to beat Juventus

Sep 24, 2012

Emiliano Viviano has promised to take the Fiorentina squad out for a meal should his beloved Viola beat Juventus on Tuesday.

The Fiorentina ‘keeper is a massive fan of the club and is well aware of what it would mean to beat their Bianconeri arch-rivals.

“I’m going into this game as I do all of the others, but all of the Viola fans who I meet tell me this isn’t just another game and I know it,” he stated to La Nazione.

“On my way to training I met two fans, they were about 70, and they urged me to beat Juventus. If we do then I’ll take all of the squad out for dinner and I’ll pay the bill.”

Despite being hungry for the three points, the Italian international is well aware of what they’ll be up against in the champions and the current League leaders.

“It won’t be easy,” Viviano continued. “We’ll have to keep up with their rhythm and score a goal. We’ll give it a go, even if we are up against the best team in the Division.”

Viviano returned to Fiorentina this summer after spells at Brescia, Bologna, Inter and Palermo. “This was the right time to come back,” he explained.

“The club offered me this opportunity and I did all that I could to take advantage of it. It is a dream come true – although it wasn’t easy.”

Viviano also spoke of his admiration for Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon. “Francesco Toldo was my idol, but I quickly understood that if you wanted to be a goalkeeper then Buffon had to be your reference point.”

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Montella: Juve match virtually a derby

Sep 24, 2012

He might be new in Florence but Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella is well aware how big tomorrow's match against Juventus is.

“This game is virtually a derby in Florence,” the former Catania Coach told a press conference this afternoon. “We must try and understand the importance of the game to the fans, and capture the mood of the city in our performance.”

The fixture ended 5-0 in Juve's favour last season, but Montella isn't interested in trying to contain the Bianconeri this time around.

“We can't take the field and look to just not be beaten. Juventus have a competitiveness out of the ordinary, and a solid group that believes in what it does, but we have try and win the game like any other.”

Montella’s side came away with just a point on Saturday in Parma, after conceding a last minute penalty.

“Against Parma we made some small mistakes, but the players know what they did wrong. We have been low on confidence recently, and that is a mindset that needs to be changed.”

The former Roma hero concluded by remarking on star-striker Stevan Jovetic, and the rumours Juventus are interested in the 22-year-old.

“Players of his level are accustomed to these things,” he said. “Fans still expect him to do his best anyway.”

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Bonucci: Biggest challenge yet

Sep 24, 2012

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has claimed tomorrow's game away at Fiorentina is the most difficult of the season so far.

The 25-year-old centre-back describes Vincenzo Montella's hosts as 'a real challenge' ahead of the Bianconeri's visit to the Artemio Franchi.

“We are facing the most difficult challenge of this early season,” Bonucci told Juventus.com.

“Playing in Florence is difficult for a thousand and one reasons. Last year, they lost to us 5-0, so for them this is the game of the year. This is a real challenge for us.”

Antonio Conte's side go in search of their fifth win in five Serie A games this season in Florence tomorrow night, with kick off at 20.45.

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Pradé: No Juve explanation

Sep 24, 2012

Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Pradé has questioned Juventus' part in the Dimitar Berbatov affair before tomorrow's grudge match.

The Bulgarian forward was on the brink of joining the Viola over the summer, but before a deal could be struck - and with the player en route to Florence - the Old Lady intervened.

Ultimately neither side completed the purchase, former Manchester United man Berbatov deciding to sign for Fulham instead, but Fiorentina remain unhappy with how the situation unfolded.

“A certain behaviour has to be maintained,” Pradé told ANSA. “We have to set an example for young people and all the fans that are watching. There was no explanation and no phone call.”

The Gigliati offficial refused to comment on whether the club would refuse to do any more deals with the Turin giants, but did remark on the League meeting between the two sides.

“It is a frightening Juve team,” he said. “They have some very strong players who can make a difference. Experienced players who know how to win.

“However, we are on the right track. We want to be a competitive team with its own identity. In football, no team is unbeatable.”

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Carrera coy over Conte attendance against Fiorentina

Speculation that the suspended boss could sit in the stands at the Artemio Franchi on Tuesday

has gathered momentum, but the caretaker coach is refusing to be drawn on the matter.

Sep 24, 2012

Massimo Carrera has played down the signficance of Antonio Conte potentially attending Juventus' Serie A fixture against Fiorentina on Tuesday.

The Scudetto-winning boss incurred a 10-month touchline ban prior to the start of the season after being found guilty of involvement in the Scommessopoli betting scandal, but sections of the Italian media claim that he could be a spectator at the Artemio Franchi.

However, speaking at a press conference in Vinovo ahead of the league meeting with Vincenzo Montella's men, the caretaker boss insists he shares the same line of thinking with Conte, and for that reason does not believe his presence could make an impact on the side's fortunes.

"Antonio and I are on the same wavelength, that's for sure," Carrera remarked.

"He might not even come to Florence to watch the game, because for the past month and a half, we have worked this way.

"We have refined a method of telepathy, so we will carry on thinking the same way. We work during the week and we know what we must do in any case.

"We think the same way, we see football in the same way, we played together, we know what we want from the team and I think this is the most important thing."

Juventus and Fiorentina have developed a fierce rivalry in recent times following an incident on the last day of the 1981-82 Serie A campaign, when a fortuitous penalty saw the Old Lady pip the Viola to the title, but Carrera is confident that both sets of fans will be on their best behaviour.

"I hope that nothing happens between the fans, and ends with banter, as it should be in football," he added.

"There is a rivalry, but I hope everything is sorted in the best way possible. Certainly we are aware of our strengths. We have improved our squad and we know what we have to do. More importantly, we know our aims and that we need to work hard in order to improve.

"We are only on the fourth matchday, and surely the other teams will begin to pick up form. We know that the road is still long."

Moving on to their opposition, Carrera expects to face a Fiorentina side who will employ a similar style of possession football to that of his own team, but concedes their 43-match-long unbeaten run in the league will act as extra motivation for other domestic clubs.

"It will be a difficult game because we know every team wants to beat us. We will find a team that will almost certainly mirror our style of play."

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Bonucci: Fiorentina will be Juventus' biggest challenge so far

The Italy international has warned his team-mates not to underestimate

the Viola as they will prove to be a difficult opponent.

Sep 25, 2012

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is eagerly anticipating Tuesday evening's Serie A match away against Fiorentina.

The centre-back believes the Viola will be Juve's toughest opponent up till date, and has stressed that the reigning champions will have to be on top of their game if they want to continue their 43-game unbeaten run.

"In my opinion, Tuesday's game will be the most difficult match of the season so far," Bonucci was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"The match in Florence will be difficult for a thousand and one reasons. They lost 5-0 against us last term, so it will be the game of the season for them. A difficult challenge awaits us.

"We are completely focused on Fiorentina. We will have to show them respect of we could be in trouble on Tuesday."

The match at the Artemio Franchi is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

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

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Lazio & Napoli can challenge Juventus for Scudetto, says Reja

The 66-year-old trainer believes that his two former clubs are the reigning

champions' biggest rivals in the race for the Serie A title.

Sep 25, 2012

Edy Reja believes that Lazio and Napoli have the quality to fight for the Italian league title this season.

Reja, who coached the Biancocelesti from 2010 until 2012, and the Partenopei from 2005 until 2009, sees Juventus as heavy favourites to win the Scudetto, but feels his two former teams could take advantage if the Turin giants slip up.

"Lazio and Napoli got disappointing results at the weekend, but I believe that both teams have what it takes to challenge for the Scudetto," Reja was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"Juventus are superior to any other team, but they also play Champions League football and that could affect them in Serie A.

"Lazio and Napoli are the two first teams to possibly take advantage of it if Juventus slip up.

"AC Milan are going through a transitional year. Fiorentina are a team that could surprise this season. They are a good team with a great trainer, who has all my respect."

Napoli currently sit second in Serie A, while Lazio occupy third spot.

Both sides lock horns on Wednesday in their fifth league game of the season.

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Away Juventus eye win eight

Sep 25, 2012

Juventus will look to increase their club record of consecutive away wins when they take on Fiorentina this evening.

The Old Lady have triumphed in their last seven on the road, five from the 2011-12 campaign and two from the present term.

Juventus’ current hot-streak outside of Turin actually started at Fiorentina on March 17 when they won 5-0 against their great rivals.

Their previous best on the road was six in a row which they achieved on five occasions in the past.

However, the Turin are still a few games short of Milan’s nine which came from the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons.

Roberto Mancini’s Inter hold the Serie A record after they collected 11 wins on the trot outside of San Siro during the 2006-07 campaign.

Juventus are also defending their unbeaten League run which now stands at 43. 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.

Juventus haven’t been beaten by Fiorentina in Serie A in Florence for 10 games. Juve have won four and drawn six of those encounters.

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Fiorentina - Juventus Preview:

The Old Lady face stern test against a revitalised Viola

The Bianconeri face-off against Vincenzo Montella's rejuvenated side,

looking to extend their 43-match unbeaten run.

Sep 25, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

FIORENTINA

Viviano

Cassani, Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic

Pizarro, Cuadrado, Valero

Fernandez, Jovetic

Toni

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah

Vucinic, Quagliarella

Juventus will look to make it five wins from five as they travel to Stadio Artemio Franchi to face a resplendent Fiorentina side.

After resting a number of key players for the match against Chievo last weekend, Antonio Conte could welcome back Andrea Pirlo, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal to the starting XI.

Elsewhere, Lucio is set to keep his place at centre-back alongside Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, whilst Fabio Quagliarella will remain up top after his goalscoring exploits against the Flying Donkeys.

Fiorentina meanwhile, are expected to name a relatively unchanged side from the one that drew with Parma on Saturday.

Vincenzo Montella will stay with Facundo Roncaglia at centre-back, partnering Gonzalo Rodriguez, whilst David Pizarro and Borja Valero will look to battle and create in the centre of midfield.

One change the Viola could make, will be to name Luca Toni instead of Haris Seferovic up front.

DID YOU KNOW?

• In the last meeting between the teams, Juventus hammered the Viola 5-0.

• Juventus are the highest scoring team in Serie A so far this season, with 11 goals in four games.

• At the other end of the pitch, their defence has conceded just 2 goals.

• Conversely, Fiorentina have scored six and let in four goals so far in this campaign.

• Vincenzo Montella could give Luca Toni his first start on Tuesday since re-joining the club in August. The last time he played in Florence, the 35-year-old bagged 31 goals in the 05-06 season.

• Fiorentina have won two Serie A title in their history, the last coming in 1968-69;

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 5

Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 1

Serie A ‎- Apr 17, 2011 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- Nov 27, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Fiorentina 1

Serie A ‎- Mar 6, 2010 - Fiorentina 1 - Juventus 2

Last Five Matches

Fiorentina

Sep 22, 2012 - Parma 1 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A

Sep 16, 2012 - Fiorentina 2 - Catania 0 - Serie A

Sep 2, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A

Aug 25, 2012 - Fiorentina 2 - Udinese 1 - Serie A

May 13, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A

Juventus

Sep 22, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Chievo 0 - Serie A

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

Players to Watch

Borja Valero Iglesias

The Spaniard, although only a recent signing, has already proved to be the creative heart of the Fiorentina midfield. His intelligent running and pin-point passes, have seen the likes of Stevan Jovetic and Matias Fernandez thrive this season, and expect him to produce the same skill and class again on Tuesday.

Fabio Quagliarella

Quagliarella has been on superb form this season, scoring an equaliser against Chelsea in the Champions League, and then follwing that up with a brace against Chievo. Up against Cassani and Rodriguez, I can see the former Udinese man producing a performance to match those of recent weeks.

Prediction

Last season, the same fixture ended Fiorentina 0-5 Juventus. Don't expect the same one-sidedness this time, but do expect the Bianconeri to dominate the Viola. With Pirlo, Vidal and Lichtsteiner to return to the starting XI, the Old Lady will have enough to oversee the hosts' talented, but less dynamic midfield.

Editor's Prediction

Fiorentina 1 - 3 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

MATCH PREVIEW

Sep 25, 2012

Fierce foes collide as Fiorentina seek revenge for last season’s thumping, and Juventus commence a tricky week at home and in Europe.

The Viola came within a minute of leaving Parma with three points on Saturday, in a bizarre game defined by three penalties. Jaime Valdes and Stevan Jovetic both missed before Valdes atoned by converting in injury time, cancelling out the Facundo Roncaglia rocket which had given the visitors the lead.

Though they are yet to taste victory on the road, Vincenzo Montella’s men have won two from two in front of their own fans, against Udinese and Catania.

Alberto Aquilani, Mounir El Hamdaoui and Francesco Della Rocca are not in contention to feature due to injury concerns. However Adem Ljajic is set to return to the starting XI.

Juventus kept their 100 per cent start to the season intact last Saturday by disposing of Chievo. Fabio Quagliarella followed his maiden Champions League strike with a fine second-half double to down the stubborn Veronese visitors.

Notably the Bianconeri triumphed in the type of match they struggled to win last season, also keeping a clean sheet for the second time at the Juventus Stadium this term. The only goals conceded to date have been on the road, in Udine and Genoa.

After making a number of changes for the Chievo clash, Antonio Conte - who may not even watch from the stands - is expected to recall the likes of Andrea Barzagli, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. In-form Quagliarella, who was linked with a move to Fiorentina in the summer, should keep his place. Simone's Pepe and Padoin are still out.

Florentine memories of the 5-0 drubbing suffered at La Vecchia Signora's hands in March are still fresh. The win was Juve’s 20th in Florence, with 25 home wins and 28 draws also played out.

The rivalry between these clubs has always been intense but this meeting could be particularly hard fought given recent events. Fiorentina were on the verge of signing Dimitar Berbatov this summer before Juve intervened, and although the player signed for neither club in the end, the bitterness remains, Gigliati President Andrea Della Valle branding the Turin giants 'shameful' and 'amateurish.'

Keep an eye on: David Pizarro (Fiorentina) – The classy Chilean will be pitted in a head-to-head duel with fellow regista Andrea Pirlo. Pizarro is crucial to dictating Fiorentina’s tempo and attacking thrusts, and will look to control the central area of the pitch.

Form guide: Fiorentina (- D W L W) Juventus (- W W W W)

Last season: Fiorentina 0-5 Juventus

Stat fact: Fiorentina have not defeated Juventus at the Stadio Artemio Franchi since 1998-99. On that occasion, Gabriel Batistuta secured their lone-goal success.

Fiorentina (probable): Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Cuadrado, Migliaccio, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Ljajic, Jovetic

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Barzagli; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Giovinco

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Fiorentina v Juventus: Preview

Sep 25, 2012

Interim Juventus coach Massimo Carrera has warned Fiorentina there is plenty of improvement to come from his side as they look to maintain their 100% start to the season at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

The defending Serie A champions have come flying out of the blocks at the start of the new campaign, while several of their principal rivals, including Inter and AC Milan, have stuttered.

A double from Fabio Quagliarella gave Juve a 2-0 win against Chievo at the weekend and made it four wins from four.

But Carrera has made it clear no-one is resting on their laurels.

"We've only played four championship fixtures," he told a press conference. "Yes, the other teams have started badly, but they also have time to improve and will do so accordingly.

"But there's also plenty to develop from our point of view and we'll try to work on this as much as possible."

Fiorentina lie fifth in the table following a 1-1 draw at Parma, and with recent meetings between the sides proving to be feisty affairs, Carrera is aware a considerable challenge awaits his team.

He said: "We'll be up against a team who will want to bring an end to our unbeaten run. We'll need to show the desire to take the game to our opposition.

"That's our spirit and the way we play. We'll go there to win, we never settle for a result and if we manage to score three or four goals, we'll do just that."

Carrera may choose to make changes for the trip to face the Viola having rotated his squad against Chievo, but whatever combination he picks he is happy with his forward power, and praised Quagliarella's recent performances.

"Our squad won the championship last season and we have strikers who are showing themselves to be top players," he said.

"We don't need anyone else and I'm very happy with Fabio's work."

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Fiorentina v Juventus: Probable line-ups

Sep 25, 2012

Tonight Fiorentina take on Juventus at the Artemio Franchi in Florence in an eagerly-anticipated early season clash.

The Bianconeri currently sit top of the table having beaten every team they have so far come up against this season while the Viola lie in 6th having picked up two wins, one draw and one defeat as yet.

Three players miss out for the home side through injury with Alberto Aquilani, Mounir El Hamdaoui and Francesco Della Rocca all currently on the treatment table.

Simone Pepe and Padoin miss out through injury for the Old Lady.

Fiorentina (3-5-2): Viviano, Rodriguez, Roncaglia, Tomovic, Cuadrado, Migliaccio, Pizarro, Valero, Pasqual, Ljajic, Jovetic.

Substitutes: Neto, Lupatelli, Hegazy, Camporese, Savic, Cassani, Fernandez, Romulo, Llama, Olivera, Seferovic, Toni. Coach: Montella.

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah, Giovinco, Quagliarella.

Substitutes: Storari, Rubinho, Lucio, Caceres, Marrone, De Ceglie, Isla, Pogba, Giaccherini, Bendtner, Matri, Vucinic. Coach: Carrera.

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Fiorentina v Juventus Preview:

Bianconeri Look To Maintain Their Perfect Start

Sep 25, 2012

FIORENTINA vs JUVENTUS

Artemio Franchi

September 25th 2012, 18:45 GMT kick-off

Fiorentina prepare to host Champions and arch rivals Juventus at the Artemio Franchi as an old rivalry is reignited on Tuesday night. A rivalry that dates back to the 1981-82 season where Fiorentina fans felt cheated as Juventus clinched the Scudetto, finishing a point above the Viola on the final day of the season through a ‘disputed’ penalty, in the eyes of Fiorentina supporters. The transfer of legendary attacker Roberto Baggio from Florence to Turin hasn’t quite helped bring the two clubs closer.

The antagonism between fans of both the clubs could cause Juventus coach Antonio Conte to watch the game from the comfort of his living room. Such is the rivalry that there is a growing fear regarding Conte’s safety were he to sit in the stands.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Fiorentina

La Viola’s start to the season has warranted the enthusiasm that surrounded their transfer campaign. Vincenzo Montella has in a space of a few weeks managed to bring cohesion to a Fiorentina squad that is a far cry from the one that crawled themselves to a disappointing 13^th place last season.

The manager is expected to a few changes from the one that faced Parma. Migliaccio, Pasqual and Ljajic could replace Mati Fernandez, Cassani and Seferovic. His 3-5-2 will see the back three comprise of Rocaglia, who scored a fantastic opener against Parma, Rodriguez and Tomovic. Former Bologna shot-stopper Emiliano Viviano will stand in goal for the home side.

The creativity in midfield will come in the form of veteran Serie A midfielder David Pizarro and also Borja Valero. Pizarro, often under-rated, will sit in front of the defense and dictate Fiorentina’s play. The Chilean International possesses an extensive passing range and will often spray out passes on to the wings where Cuadrado and Pasqual will offer the width.

In attack, Fiorentina’s talisman Stevan Jovetic will spearhead the attack and will be supported by another one of their bright prospects Adem Ljajic. Montella’s side are easy on the eye with their swift passing and movement. Jovetic, of course, is always at the center of every wave of Fiorentina attack, he will drop short or drift on to the wings in search of space and to receive the ball a bit deeper which will give him more time on the ball.

Aquilani, Hamdaoui and Della Rocca are all ruled out for this game.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Cuadrado, Migliaccio, Pizarro, Valero, Pasqual; Ljajic, Jovetic

Juventus

The game against Parma proved once again that Juventus are streets ahead of their fellow Serie A teams. Despite rotating quite a few players, the Bianconeri gave the league a glimpse of the quality and depth they can call upon this season.

Conte will stick with his 3-5-2 formation that has served him so well this campaign with just a few players who were given a rest expected to be back for this game. Barzagli, Pirlo, Vidal and Giovinco are all expected to make their return to the starting eleven after earning a break against Chievo. Martin Caceres and Paolo De Ceglie could take the places of Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah as fullbacks.

While Fabio Quagliarella, who seems to have rejuvenated his Juventus career will be partnered by the tricky Sebastian Giovinco in attack. Quagliarella bagged a brace against Chievo in what was without a doubt his strongest outing for Juventus. The former Sampdoria man seems to have recaptured the kind of form he displayed prior to his horrific knee injury back in January 2011. What he needs now more than ever is continuity which he will receive provided he keeps on finding the back of the net.

Juventus will play their usual high pressing, high tempo game. Caceres and De Ceglie will look to stretch Viola’s defense as they try to exploit the width on the pitch. Andrea Pirlo will set the tone of Juventus’ attack but expect either one of Ljajic or Jovetic to escort him wherever he may venture. It is here where Vidal and Marchisio play key-roles in supplying the forwards and of course winning back the ball.

Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin are both on the treatment table for Juventus.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Barzagli; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Quagliarella

Key Facts

• Juventus are unbeaten in 43 Serie A games.
  
• Fiorentina has not defeated Juventus in Serie A since 2nd March, 2008
  
• Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina, leads the goal-scoring charts in Serie A.
  

Players To Watch Out For

Stevan Jovetic (Fiorentina)

Fiorentina’s star man was courted throughout the summer by Juventus but the Viola stood firm over their €30M asking price, which Beppe Marotta wasn’t ready to meet. With 4 goals and 1 assist to his name already, it isn’t hard to see why Jovetic is considered as the brightest young talent in Serie A. Once again, Fiorentina will pile their hopes on his young shoulders in the hope he can deliver against the Champions.

Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)

The Juve youth product has enjoyed an encouraging start to his campaign. His late runs into the box coupled with his tactical awareness makes him an integral part of the Juventus midfield trident and so vital to Conte’s footballing philosophy. He faces a strong midfield on Tuesday night and his performance will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the midfield battle and indeed the game.

Prediction

Fiorentina 1-2 Juventus

In Fiorentina, Juventus face their sternest Serie A test yet. The Viola will be motivated to bring their illustrious opponents’ 100% record to an abrupt halt. Given the footballing beliefs of both the managers, this will make for one highly entertaining game. Expect both teams to come out all guns blazing in a very open encounter. Form and the superior technical quality though suggest Juventus will be the last team smiling and gather the three points they aim for.

Blast From The Past

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Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Fiorentina - Juventus Betting Preview:

Why the visitors should be backed to score at least twice

With the champions in impressive scoring form, Phil Kitromilides believes backing them

to net two or more goals is the best bet as he looks to continue his winning streak.

Sep 25, 2012

For a club of Fiorentina's stature, last season was simply not good enough. The Viola lost too many games

at home and won too few on the road, finishing an extremely disappointing 13th in the table.

Yet the summer saw them spend wisely in the transfer window, reinforcing the midfield with bite and creativity respectively in the form of David Pizarro and Borja Valero.

Upfront, Stefan Jovetic has continued his impressive goal scoring form from the previous campaign and has already notched four goals in four matches.

All this means, this trip to the Stadio Artemio Franchi for defending champions Juventus may not be as straight forward as they might have hoped. Bet365 price a win for Juventus at 11/10 (2.10) while Fiorentina can be backed at 5/2 (3.50) and the draw offered at 23/10 (3.30).

However, despite their decent start to the season, it is important to point out Fiorentina's woeful recent record against The Old Lady.

The side from Turin won here 5-0 last season, while Vincenzo Montella's team have not beaten Juventus at home since 1998. Indeed having gone the whole of the previous campaign unbeaten, Juve stretched their run without a loss to 43 league matches at the weekend by beating Chievo 2-0.

On paper it is a match the champions should win, yet as mentioned before Fiorentina have the capability of making things complicated for Juve and as such a simple bet is best in this match.

Backing Juventus to score over 1.5 goals at evens (2.00) looks like being an excellent option, offering the chance for punters to double their money. This bet has paid out in every one of Juve's last six league games and was also the correct selection in both of the league meetings between the sides last season.

If Juve are capable of scoring at least two goals, Fiorentina should also be able to find the net as they have done in every league game so far.

Over 2.5 goals is offered at evens (2.00) but over 3.5 goals at 12/5 (3.40) offers some decent value for a small investment. Fiorentina have managed to score at least twice on three occasions this season, and should they do so again here, this bet will have a great chance of paying out.

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[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Zoff: 'Juve will worry in Florence'

Sep 25, 2012

Dino Zoff warns Juventus “will face a hostile environment” at the Stadio Franchi against arch rivals Fiorentina this evening.

The former Bianconeri goalkeeper has experienced the fiery Florentine fans and expects an upset.

“This time Juventus could run into difficulty,” he told Violanews. “After all, they can’t win all the time, nor put in great performances.

“It is a very dangerous game. I remember when we came to Florence to play there was always a little concern within the squad.

“They will face a hostile environment and at times we played some terrible games against a great Fiorentina.

“Juventus are clearly superior as a team, but I really like this Fiorentina. They are organised, play the ball to feet and are not afraid of anyone. So, yes, there could be an upset.”

Coach Antonio Conte is sitting out a 10-month ban, but there are security fears over where he will be seated in the stands.

There are reports he could be placed in with the journalists of Juventus Channel, but the more likely seat will be in the VIP section along with Juve President Andrea Agnelli and the Fiorentina owners Diego and Andrea Della Valle.

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[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Conte to move in Stadio Franchi?

Sep 25, 2012

There are reports Antonio Conte has moved his seat to the Juventus Channel box at the Stadio Franchi due to security fears.

The Bianconeri Coach is sitting out a 10-month ban in the betting scandal and has been sitting in the stands during away games so far this season.

However, the intense rivalry between Juve and Fiorentina has raised questions over how wise it is to have him seated within reach of the home fans.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Conte had been planning to sit in the VIP box with Juventus President Andrea Agnelli and director general Beppe Marotta.

However, it is reported the practice run with police suggested it was still too ‘open’ a position, as it is surrounded by the regular supporters.

It is now claimed Conte will sit in the boxed-off area where the Juventus Channel commentators will watch the game.

Fiorentina-Juventus kicks off at 19.45 UK time.

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Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Line-ups: Fiorentina-Juventus

Sep 25, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella and Sebastian Giovinco lead Juventus out against arch rivals Fiorentina this evening, while Adem Ljajic supports Stevan Jovetic.

Serie A Week 5 is a midweek round and kicks off tonight at the Stadio Franchi at 19.45 UK time. “This is not a game. This is The Game,” said captain Manuel Pasqual.

The Viola are without the injured Alberto Aquilani, Mounir El Hamdaoui and Francesco Della Rocca.

Coach Vincenzo Montella had several options open to him, but has chosen Ljajic ahead of Mati Fernandez and Juan Cuadrado rather than Mattia Cassani.

Juventus defend their unbeaten run and haven’t lost in Florence since 1998, when Gabriel Batistuta got the decisive goal.

Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin are still out of action, but Quagliarella is again given the chance to shine after scoring three goals in the last two games against Chelsea and Chievo.

Mirko Vucinic is rested for this trip, so Giovinco is the partner in a 3-5-2 system that brings back big names like Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

However, Claudio Marchisio is given a night off in favour of Emanuele Giaccherini in midfield.

The referee is Paolo Tagliavento, who has not officiated a Juventus match since Sulley Muntari’s infamous ‘phantom goal’ was not seen to cross the line for Milan last season.

Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Ljajic, Jovetic

Fiorentina bench: Neto, Hegazi, Olivera, Lupatelli, Mati Fernandez, Savic, Cassani, Seferovic, Llama, Migliaccio, Toni, Camporese

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Caceres, Lucio, Isla, De Ceglie, Pogba, Marrone, Marchisio, Bendtner, Matri, Vucinic

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Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Giovinco starts for Juventus against Fiorentina

The Atomic Ant returns for Massimo Carrera's side,

as the Viola go with Romulo over Matias Fernandez.

Sep 25, 2012

Juventus have recalled Sebastian Giovinco for the trip to Stadio Artemio Franchi to face Fiorentina on Tuesday.

The former Parma man will start up front in place of Mirko Vucinic, alongside Fabio Quagliarella.

Elsewhere, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal will return to the starting XI, with Emanuele Giaccherini, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah playing with them.

In defence, Andrea Barzagli comes in for Lucio, with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci keeping their places at the back.

For Fiorentina, they have brought in Brazilian midfielder Romulo to the starting line-up, to play alongside Borja Valero and David Pizarro.

Juan Cuadrado and Manuel Pasqual will flank them, with Gonzalo Rodriguez, Facundo Roncaglia and Nenad Tomovic playing at the back.

Stevan Jovetic and Adem Ljajic will start up front.

Fiorentina (3-5-2): Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Pasqual, Valero, Pizarro, Romulo, Cuadrado; Ljajic, Jovetic

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco

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Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

HT: Juve woodwork denies Fiorentina

Sep 25, 2012

Fiorentina rattled the crossbar, missed a great chance and had a penalty appeal, but it’s still 0-0 with Juventus at half-time.

“This is not a game. This is The Game,” said Viola captain Manuel Pasqual before stepping into this clash of immense rivalry, one the home side hadn’t won since 1998. Adem Ljajic was chosen as partner to Stevan Jovetic, while Romulo got the nod ahead of Giulio Migliaccio. Juve were defending the only remaining 100 per cent record in Serie A this season, but rested Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic.

Antonio Conte was in the stands due to his 10-month ban, but opted for the Plexiglas coverage of the commentator’s box used by Juventus Channel, as the VIP box was considered too open to potential missiles from fans surrounding it.

Ljajic went down far too easily under a Stephan Lichtsteiner challenge in the first few minutes, then Sebastian Giovinco’s angled drive skimmed the far post and Pasqual volleyed over from a corner.

The Stadio Franchi was up in arms when Arturo Vidal went in with a last-ditch sliding tackle on Pasqual, but the referee ruled he got the ball and replays suggest he was right.

Some wonderful one-touch football set up Ljajic for a shot deflected wide off teammate Juan Cuadrado.

David Pizarro was caught in possession by Andrea Pirlo and was booked for handling as he scrambled to get it back, stopping a dangerous counter-attack. From the resulting free kick, Pirlo’s effort whistled wide of the near post.

The closest chance of the game so far came after 40 minutes when a Pasqual free kick from near the corner flag found a glancing Jovetic header that cracked against the crossbar with Gigi Buffon beaten.

Less than a minute later, Ljajic sprung the offside trap in the final third and ran into the box, but pulled the angled drive just wide of the far stick.

Gonzalo Rodriguez was booked for clipping Giovinco’s heels in first half stoppages and the touched-on free kick for Quagliarella went off target.

Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Ljajic, Jovetic

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella

Ref: Tagliavento

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

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Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 0

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 21000‎

Juve survive Viola scare

Fiorentina had the better chances, including a Stevan Jovetic header off

the bar, so Juventus can be content with a point that ends their perfect record.

Sep 25, 2012

“This is not a game. This is The Game,” said Viola captain Manuel Pasqual before stepping into this clash of immense rivalry, one the home side hadn’t won since 1998. Adem Ljajic was chosen as partner to Stevan Jovetic, while Romulo got the nod ahead of Giulio Migliaccio. Juve were defending the only remaining 100 per cent record in Serie A this season, but rested Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic.

Antonio Conte was in the stands due to his 10-month ban, but opted for the Plexiglas coverage of the commentator’s box used by Juventus Channel, as the VIP box was considered too open to potential missiles from fans surrounding it.

Ljajic went down far too easily under a Stephan Lichtsteiner challenge in the first few minutes, then Sebastian Giovinco’s angled drive skimmed the far post and Pasqual volleyed over from a corner.

The Stadio Franchi was up in arms when Arturo Vidal went in with a last-ditch sliding tackle on Pasqual, but the referee ruled he got the ball and replays suggest he was right.

Some wonderful one-touch football set up Ljajic for a shot deflected wide off teammate Juan Cuadrado.

David Pizarro was caught in possession by Andrea Pirlo and was booked for handling as he scrambled to get it back, stopping a dangerous counter-attack. From the resulting free kick, Pirlo’s effort whistled wide of the near post.

The closest chance of the game so far came after 40 minutes when a Pasqual free kick from near the corner flag found a glancing Jovetic header that cracked against the crossbar with Gigi Buffon beaten.

Less than a minute later, Ljajic sprung the offside trap in the final third from a Cuadrado pass and sprinted past Leonardo Bonucci, but pulled the angled drive just wide of the far stick.

Gonzalo Rodriguez was booked for clipping Giovinco’s heels in first half stoppages and the touched-on free kick for Quagliarella went off target.

The tension escalated after the break when Ljajic was booked for simulation in the D, though there was certainly some contact with Giorgio Chiellini. Soon after, Vidal was carded for a fairly similar challenge on Jovetic.

Facundo Roncaglia cut in from the right and placed a daisy-cutter inches wide of the upright, then another Jovetic glancing header whistled past the post.

Buffon smothered a long-range Jovetic effort and Pasqual’s taut cross flew along the box with nobody able to get a final touch. Massimo Carrera tried to shake things up by introducing Vucinic and Paul Pogba.

Romulo scrambled a Giovinco free kick clear, but a Cuadrado screamer grazed the base of the far post from the edge of the box.

Pogba had to stick to Ljajic like glue to stop him getting the shot away at the by-line, then Jovetic was furious with Cuadrado for wasting a counter-attack.

Pasqual had a fantastic chance when Jovetic failed to get to the cross, so his diving header at the back post flashed across the face of goal to skim the far post.

Buffon had to punch a deflected Pasqual cross out from under the bar, but even Luca Toni coming off the bench couldn’t break the deadlock.

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

Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Tomovic; Cuadrado, Romulo (Migliaccio 91), Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Ljajic (Mati Fernandez 76), Jovetic (Toni 87)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo (Pogba 68), Giaccherini (Marchisio 73), Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella (Vucinic 58)

Ref: Tagliavento

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

[Socrates 8441]

Serie A - Week 5 - 25-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 0

Artemio Franchi Stadium - Florence

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Attendance: 21000

Hosts dominant but Bianconeri retain unbeaten league run

The defending champions were far from their best in Florence, but escaped with a point

as Vincenzo Montella's men were unable to convert their superiority into goals.

Sep 25, 2012

Juventus extended their unbeaten run to 44 Serie A matches on Tuesday, despite playing out an unconvincing 0-0 draw against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi on Tuesday.

A cat-and-mouse encounter saw the hosts control proceedings, with Stevan Jovetic hitting the woodwork in the first half as the Viola were unable to take what chances fell their way.

The Old Lady, meanwhile, displayed little interest in attacking throughout the match, and rode their luck at times to claim a fortunate point, which nonetheless increased their lead at the top of the table to three points over second placed Napoli.

Sebastian Giovinco was picked ahead of Mirko Vucinic to partner Fabio Quagliarella in attack for the visitors, while Andrea Pirlo also returned to the starting XI. For the Tuscans, midfielder Romulo was drafted into the line-up, with Adem Ljajic and Jovetic beginning together up front.

Fiorentina seemed to have the edge in matters during the early exchanges, and saw a penalty appeal correctly go unanswered after Ljajic was challenged inside the area by Leonardo Bonucci.

They were up in arms again 25 minutes into the game after the impressive Manuel Pasqual was felled in the area by Arturo Vidal, though replays suggested that the Chilean had got a touch on the ball first.

Juventus’ first-half display offered more evidence to their growing reputation as slow starters, with a pair of tame efforts from Giovinco about the best they could muster.

The Viola continued to hold the upper hand throughout the first period, but chances remained at a premium as Juve were able to pack numbers back in their own half.

That all changed minutes before the break, however, as Fiorentina fashioned two clear-cut chances from which they really should have gone ahead.

First, David Pizarro whipped in a devilish free-kick that Jovetic headed onto the crossbar from point-blank range. Then, Ljajic spurned an equally-great opportunity, dragging a shot across the face of goal with only Gianluigi Buffon to beat after racing clear of Bonucci.

The pattern continued at the start of the second half. Facundo Roncaglia drilled just wide from outside the box after beating two players on a mazy run, and Jovetic guided a good header off target after connecting with Juan Cuadrado’s cross.

The tempo of the match slowed down markedly after that, as Juventus seemed content to defend deep in their own half, without providing any penetration in attack.

Fiorentina, though, continued to look the better side, and Cuadrado went close in the 73rd minute when his low belter from the edge of the area flew the wrong side of the post.

The Colombian then created an even better chance for Pasqual minutes later with a great cross into the heart of the area, but the full-back was unable to make the most of it and headed wide.

Fiorentina continued to push forward in the closing stages of the game, but were unable to create any more meaningful chances as Juventus held on to claim a point that they scarcely deserved.

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