Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Round 5 Results: Cavani sinks sorry Lazio,

Stekelenburg howler gifts Sampdoria point

Elsewhere over the course of the past three days in Italy, Pescara picked up their first victory

of the season against Palermo, while Udinese were held to a stalemate at Torino.

Sep 28, 2012

Serie A

Round 5 Results

League Table

CATANIA 2 - 1 ATALANTA

Catania survived a goalkeeping gaffe by coming back from behind to seal a 2-1 win over Atalanta at the Angelo Massimino on Tuesday.

Mariano Andujar was last week's hero for the Elefanti, saving his team from a likely defeat to Lazio, but his stray pass, intended for Nicolas Spolli, was snapped up by Maxi Moralez, who opened the scoring with the goal at his mercy just two minutes after the restart.

However, just moments later, a Francesco Lodi corner was headed through the legs of Andrea Consigli by Spolli, before a sweeping move down the left-hand side was coolly finished off by Pablo Barrientos on 64 minutes to complete the turnaround in fortunes.

Catania find themselves in eighth following the victory, but Atalanta fall to 15th in the Serie A standings.

CHIEVO 0 - 2 INTER

Match Report - Player Ratings

FIORENTINA 0 - 0 JUVENTUS

Match Report - Player Ratings

GENOA 1 - 1 PARMA

Genoa missed one penalty but made no mistake about the second that was awarded to them at the death, as they rescued a 1-1 draw against Parma on Tuesday.

The Gialloblu took the lead early on through Alessandro Lucarelli. Cristian Zaccardo saw his header from a corner parried away by Sebastien Frey, but the defender was on hand to fire home the rebound on the volley.

However, the hosts got a reprieve on the edge of half-time as Daniele Galloppa handballed the ball in the box. Unfortunately for Marco Borriello, his penalty cannoned off the crossbar, leaving Antonio Mirante to pick up the pieces.

Yet the opportunity soon arised for Borriello to make amends for his earlier miss. With just two minutes of normal time remaining, Lucarelli turned from hero to villain, bringing down the striker. Contentious or not, he stepped to bag his side a share of the spoils.

Genoa move to ninth in the table, while Parma are stationed in 12th place.

AC MILAN 2 - 0 CAGLIARI

Match Report - Player Ratings

NAPOLI 3 - 0 LAZIO

Edinson Cavani was the star of the show at the San Paolo on Tuesday, as Napoli blitzed to a resounding 3-0 success over Lazio.

The Biancocelesti did come out with some credit for their sportsmanship, however, after Miroslav Klose confessed to match officials that he used his hand to bundle a corner over the line, with the goal originally standing.

The Uruguayan got the ball rolling early on for his side after letting fly from distance, albeit with the help of a deflection from Michael Ciani to divert the ball goalwards.

On the half-hour mark, Paolo Cannavaro's raking pass was latched onto by Cavani, who sprang the offside trap and unleashed a stinging effort past Federico Marchetti.

Napoli completed the rout midway through the second half from another counterattack, as Cavani, in his stride once more, rounded Marchetti and tapped the ball into an empty net.

The striker could have made it four from the penalty spot but he could only send the ball high over the bar, sparing Ciani's blushes this time around.

The hosts continue their unbeaten start to the season and remain second. Lazio, however, suffer a second straight league defeat and fall to fifth.

PESCARA 1 - 0 PALERMO

Pescara registered their first victory of the season Wednesday after edging out Palermo 1-0 at the Adriatico, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini still searching for his first win as Rosanero boss.

The difference between the two teams was found with only four minutes of normal time remaining, as former Manchester City winger Vladimir Weiss rifled the ball into the top left corner from 20 yards out, leaving Samir Ujkani helpless.

They successfully make their way out of the relegation zone for the first time this season following a maiden win of the campaign, but Palermo remain rooted to the bottom of Serie A.

ROMA 1 - 1 SAMPDORIA

A landmark Francesco Totti goal was followed up by a howler from Maarten Stekelenburg, as Roma were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with 10-man Sampdoria at the Olimpico.

The Giallorossi opened the scoring on 34 minutes as Mattia Destro's failed attempt to beat Sergio Romero was eventually made to count by Totti, who turned 36 on Wednesday and claimed third place in the all-time Capocannoniere charts in Serie A with his 216th league strike.

However, on the hour mark, while he did well to parry away Eder's free kick, he was caught flapping for Gianluca Berardi's cross in quick succession, and Gianni Munari managed to touch the ball into the net to ensure his side's unbeaten start to the season continued.

Roma find themselves in sixth place following their draw, but Sampdoria stay third in the standings.

SIENA 1 - 0 BOLOGNA

Bologna were forced to pay for their profligacy in front of goal on Thursday after eventually crashing to a 1-0 defeat at Siena, who have now won consecutive matches under Serse Cosmi.

Gianluca Pegolo was not to be beaten in the Tuscans' net, denying the likes of Panagiotis Kone and Alberto Gilardino on more than one occasion, while full-backs Marco Motta and Archimede Morleo fired noteworthy efforts.

But Emanuele Calaió was to be the match-winner midway through the second half and with a touch of fortune, as his speculative drive was deflected into the goal by Mikael Antonsson, with Federico Agliardi wrongfooted.

Siena have now erased their six-point deduction and lie in 18th place, on two points, while Bologna are stranded in 15th.

TORINO 0 - 0 UDINESE

In the only other stalemate of the midweek fixtures, Torino and Udinese played out an exciting 0-0 draw on Wednesday.

The new boys came closest via Migien Basha, Gianluca Sansone and Mario Santana, but the trio saw their respective attempts clip the upright, meaning a point was to be the order of the evening.

However, Mehdi Benatia thought he had grabbed all three points for Udinese right at the death, but Jean-Francois Gillet was adjudged to have parried away the danger while standing in front of the goal line.

Udinese are placed 13th in Serie A, but Torino are two berths higher in 11th.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Team of the Midweek:

Five-star Cavani leads the way

Goal.com looks at the star performers from the latest round of Italian

league action, as Napoli, AC Milan and Inter secured good victories.

Sep 28, 2012

What's not to love about a midweek round of Serie A action? There are twice the number of goals, twice the drama, twice the blunders (or maybe three times as many this week!) and, of course, twice as many opportunities to get your name in the Goal.com Team of the Week. There was one real stand-out during the first midweek round of 2012-13, but he is joined by 10 very able assistants.

Julio Cesar may have gone from Inter, but he is slowly being forgotten thanks to the form of Samir Handanovic, who was brought in from Udinese during the summer to replace the Brazilian. The Slovenian's excellence behind a not entirely convincing Nerazzurri back three ensured that his side left the Bentegodi, beating Chievo 2-0, with a third straight away win and a third successive clean sheet on the road to boot.

Handanovic gets good protection from our back three, with Fiorentina's Facundo Roncaglia earning a second call into our best XI for his superb display in the Viola's 0-0 draw with champions Juventus. Alongside him are a pair of goalscorers, as Alessandro Lucarelli and Nicolas Spolli capped off fine personal performances by each finding the net. Lucarelli's Parma were denied at the last by Genoa, but Spolli's equaliser helped Catania to a 2-1 win over Atalanta.

Vladimir Weiss was the toast of Pescara after coming off the bench early in the second half and snatching the only goal of the game against Palermo to secure the Delfino's first win of the season. Meanwhile, every side needs a captain - somebody who will be in the line-up more often that not - and so it's about time we gave the Team of the Week captaincy to Marek Hamsik. The Slovakian makes his fourth appearance of the embryonic campaign thanks to his efforts in Napoli's 3-0 victory over Lazio.

Kwadwo Asamoah isn't far behind, racking up a third appearance after putting in a great shift as Juventus were forced into a backs-to-the-wall effort in Florence. Pablo Barrientos gets the wider spot after grabbing the winner for Catania against Atalanta.

Up top, we have three first-timers, high profile though they may be. Antonio Cassano makes the list for the first time as a Nerazzurro after coming on to clinch an away win for the second match running at Chievo. Stephan El Shaarawy gets the nod after his double for Milan ended Massimiliano Allegri's early-season hell, temporarily at least. But the star of the round was undoubtedly Edinson Cavani, whose hat-trick in the second versus third clash at San Paolo earned him five stars. Ok, so he missed a late penalty, but if he'd scored that he would have been worthy of a sixth star!

HANDANOVIC (Inter)

RONCAGLIA (Fiorentina) - LUCARELLI (Parma) - SPOLLI (Catania)

WEISS (Pescara) - HAMSIK (Napoli) - ASAMOAH (Juventus) - BARRIENTOS (Catania)

CASSANO (Inter) - CAVANI (Napoli) - EL SHAARAWY (Milan)

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Carrera skips Press conference

Sep 27, 2012

Massimo Carrera and Antonio Conte are keeping quiet ahead of Saturday’s Roma clash, so the Juventus goalkeeper Coach will speak in the Press conference.

Carrera has been holding all the Press conferences and post-match interviews this season while Coach Conte fights his 10-month ban in the betting scandal.

However, it has been confirmed that Carrera will not be answering questions from journalists in tomorrow’s Press conference.

Instead, Claudio Filippi will hold court in the Press conference at 14.30 UK time.

It is believed this move aims to lessen the tension ahead of such a high-profile match against Zdenek Zeman’s Roma.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Osvaldo: 'Roma can beat Juve'

Sep 27, 2012

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is set for a comeback against Juventus, sends Francesco Totti a birthday message and insisted Roma “are going for the win.”

The striker missed the last couple of games due to suspension and injury, but is training with the squad again and ready to play in Turin on Saturday night.

“These are two great teams and the ones who play the best football in Serie A,” Osvaldo told Sky Sport Italia.

“Obviously the Roma fans really want to beat Juve and at the end of the day the players also experience it like a fan.

“I already scored in Turin with an overhead kick for Fiorentina, so I’m feeling good.”

When asked which of the Bianconeri stars he would like to ‘steal’ from their team, he went for the attack.

“I really like Fabio Quagliarella. Mirko Vucinic? He’s very strong, but has already played for Roma, so he’s had his turn! Did Juventus want me in the summer? I don’t know, I only read that in the papers.

“We are going for the win against Juventus, as we have a great squad and we can get the victory. What can we achieve this season? I’m a dreamer, but I don’t know if we’re targeting the title.”

Today is Totti’s 36th birthday and he marked the occasion last night by scoring his 216th Serie A goal, putting him joint third in the all-time charts.

“Playing with Francesco makes everything easier, as he is a champion. I sent him a text message at midnight on the dot to wish him a happy birthday.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Totti: 'Juve-Roma like a derby'

Sep 27, 2012

Francesco Totti thanked everyone for the birthday greetings and confirmed Saturday’s Juventus-Roma “is second only to the derby.”

The Giallorossi captain turned 36 today and last night scored his 216th Serie A goal, putting him joint third in the all-time Capocannoniere charts alongside legends Giuseppe Meazza and Jose Altafini.

“It was emotional to score that goal, even though I would’ve preferred to win and bring back three points,” he told Roma Channel after the 1-1 draw with Sampdoria.

With Alessandro Del Piero’s move to Sydney FC, Totti is the only remaining ‘bandiera’ of Italian clubs.

“It is going to be a little strange to play Juventus-Roma without Del Piero. I would’ve liked to face him again so we could retire together.

“Without doubt Del Piero will be missed by Italian football. The important thing is I’m still here!” joked Totti.

“Of course there is rivalry with the Bianconeri and that’s only normal. After all, this is not a game like any other. I’d put it as the second most important fixture, right behind the derby.

“We will try to face it with a carefree attitude so we can put in a great performance.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Marrone may replace Bonucci

Sep 28, 2012

Luca Marrone is on standby to face Roma should Juventus stopper Leonardo Bonucci be ruled out with injury.

Bonucci trained away from the rest of the squad on Thursday because of a few fitness issues which will be assessed during this afternoon’s session.

Should the Italian international not recover in time for Saturday’s big match, his place in the middle of the back three could be taken by Marrone.

The Italian Under-21 international is primarily a central midfielder, but he’s been used as a centre-back on a few occasions this season.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Who will partner Vucinic?

Sep 28, 2012

While Juventus boss Antonio Conte has doubts over Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Pirlo, he also has to decide who will partner Mirko Vucinic in the game against Roma.

Bonucci may be ruled out of Saturday’s tie with injury, while reports suggest that Pirlo could be rested after some tired recent performances.

Conte, however, also has a decision to make in attack. While Vucinic seems a certainty to start, he could be partnered by any of the four other forwards in the squad.

Some reports are suggesting that Fabio Quagliarella is in pole position to get the nod, but the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is arguing that Sebastian Giovinco, Alessandro Matri or Nicklas Bendtner could easily be handed a starting shirt alongside the Montenegro international.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

I’d jeer Zeman, says ‘fan’ Vucinic

Sep 28, 2012

Mirko Vucinic has admitted that if he was a Bianconero fan at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday then he would jeer Roma boss Zdenek Zeman.

Zeman is an unpopular figure in Turin given his history of controversial remarks about the Old Lady of Italian football.

“I would whistle him if I was a Juventus fan,” the forward told La Stampa. “However, as I’m a player, I’ll go and shake his hand as I owe him a lot.”

The two men worked together in the past at Lecce, a spell which saw the Montenegro international catch the eye.

“I have a positive memory of Zeman,” the striker said in another interview with Sky Sport Italia. “I scored 19 League goals with him.

“He taught me a lot, but I then grew year after year and other Coaches also taught me something new.”

Tomorrow’s match will be a special one for the player, who joined Juve in 2011, given his past as a Roma player.

“I have some great memories of Roma,” he added. “My biggest regret there was not winning the Scudetto.

“Why did I leave? I decided to go because a few things happened which I didn’t like.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Osvaldo in Roma squad for Juve

Sep 28, 2012

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is back in the Roma squad after injury for Saturday’s crunch tie against Juventus.

The Argentine-born Italian international missed the 1-1 draw with Sampdoria in midweek, but has been named in the 20-man party for this weekend.

Miralem Pjanic, however, is missing because of a thigh strain. There is no Michael Bradley either in midfield.

Roma squad: Balzaretti, Burdisso, Castan, De Rossi, Destro, Goicoechea, Florenzi, Lamela, Lopez, Marquinho, Marquinhos, Osvaldo, Perrotta, Piris, Romagnoli, Stekelenburg, Svedkauskas, Tachtsidis, Taddei, Totti.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Zeman questions Juve style

Sep 28, 2012

Roma boss Zdenek Zeman has questioned Juventus’ decision to hand goalkeeper Coach Claudio Filippi the Press conference duties ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Massimo Carrera has done all of the pre-game media work this season while Antonio Conte is banned, but the Turin giants have opted to keep him quiet to lessen the tension ahead of such a high-profile match against Zeman’s Roma.

“It’s a question of style,” the Czech remarked at Trigoria. “I think that people would like to hear from those who have a direct interest in these games like Carrera.”

Zeman is an unpopular figure amongst the Bianconero faithful after a career in which he’s made some controversial comments and allegations against the club.

“I haven’t done Juventus any damage,” he insisted. “ They need to look elsewhere…

“I’m not scared by the trip to Turin. I have already returned there while I was with Lecce.

“I didn’t get the nicest of receptions, I was insulted for the whole game. I informed the Federation of that. It seems odd that racists boos are fined, but nothing happens for 90 minutes of insults.”

Zeman admitted that Juventus will be a tough side to break down, but was confident that his team have want is needed to give them a game.

“It’s a stimulating match,” he added. “But nothing changes for me as there are still three points on offer.

“They are strong, they are a team and are currently the best in the championship.

“We have to try to show that we have skills too, that we are competitive and that we can cause them problems.

“They are unbeaten for 44 games in the League, but they have one head, two arms and two legs!”

Roma have had a difficult start to the season with just two wins from five games – and one of those was as a consequence of the postponed Cagliari tie. That has led to suggestions that Zeman’s side are too predictable.

“But against Sampdoria we had 24 shots and they had just two,” he retorted. “If I was so well known then they wouldn’t have allowed us so many opportunities.

“We’ve never struggled against anyone in terms of how we play football this season, but we have made our opponents suffer.

“Fans expect us to win 6-0, but we play football and I don’t see any problems.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Trezeguet: Juve spine first class

Sep 28, 2012

David Trezeguet is confident that former club Juventus can mount a serious Champions League challenge this season.

The Old Lady are back in the competition, which the Frenchman almost won in the 2003 Final against Milan, after drawing their first game 2-2 at Chelsea.

“Juventus really impressed me in that one,” the River Plate man told Tuttosport. “They are a united and compact team.

“Their play is organised and they have an incredible spirit. They continued to play with tranquillity even after going 2-0 down.

“I was convinced that they could get back into the game. If they continue like that then they could go all of the way.”

Trezeguet was a member of some incredibly strong Bianconero sides, but he’s also a big fan of the current squad.

“Gigi Buffon is still the best goalkeeper, while Andrea Pirlo and Mirko Vucinic are world class. The spine of the team is of the highest level.

“Claudio Marchisio doesn’t surprise me because we played together, even if he has grown a lot in the last season.

“Arturo Vidal is the kind of player who would have been a good fit in the winning Juventus sides I played in.”

If there is one thing that this Juve side is missing, it is a natural scorer like the Trezeguet of old.

“I had faith in Alessandro Matri after his start,” Trez added. “However, I honestly don’t what’s happened to him. I don’t see him on the pitch anymore…

“The squad doesn’t have a player with my characteristics, but it depends on the needs of the Coach – on what type of player he requires.”

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Asamoah: Juve determined to win

Sep 28, 2012

Kwadwo Asamoah is determined to collect the three points when his Juventus side host Roma on Saturday.

“It will be another intense encounter, but we're working well for it,” he told Juventus Channel. “We know how important it is and we’re determined to win.”

Juve had started the campaign with four straight wins, but they were caught at the top of the table by Napoli in midweek after a 0-0 draw at Fiorentina.

“We were expecting a tough game in Florence and that is what we got,” added the summer signing from Udinese.

“Other teams always pull out all the stops when they play against Juventus. Fiorentina showed bags of quality and a great work rate.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Pirlo will play, say Juventus

Sep 28, 2012

Andrea Pirlo will start for Juventus in the Serie A showdown against Roma on Saturday. “And he’ll be a protagonist.”

Reports this week had suggested that the playmaker could be rested, but the Turin giants have today dismissed such a notion.

“Pirlo will play and he’ll be a protagonist,” Juventus ‘keeper Coach Claudio Filippi said at Vinovo on Friday. “Andrea is certainly available now and will be available, so I don’t see any problems.

“How has he reacted to the rumours? Pirlo is a great professional. He’s a really calm kind of guy and there is no problem.”

Filippi answered the questions in the pre-game Press conference after Massimo Carrera, Juve’s touchline boss while Antonio Conte is banned, wasn’t put forward.

“It was Conte’s decision,” Filippi added. “Massimo and myself are the two voices of the technical staff right now.

“Massimo and myself discuss how things are going during matches. But we prepare for each game well with the Coach.”

Asked about the fitness of Leonardo Bonucci, Filippi admitted that he was at risk for the tie because of injury.

“Today’s training session will be important for him as it will be the last before the game. We’ll then have clear ideas about what squad to name.”

Roma boss Zdenek Zeman today described Juventus as the best team in the championship right now and Filippi repaid the compliment.

“They are a strong side with important players,” he noted. “They are a team who are targeting the title and a team who will compete with us to win the title.”

Zeman is an unpopular figure amongst the Juve faithful, but Filippi wouldn’t be drawn into whether he would advise the home fans to not jeer him.

“That question is a bit too complicated for myself. Fans are a spontaneous group and they’ll behave in the manner that they feel like.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Zeman too old, says ex-Juve chief

Sep 28, 2012

Former Juventus President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has questioned Roma’s decision to re-hire Zdenek Zeman instead of Vincenzo Montella. “He’s too old.”

The capital club were in summer talks with Catania to make Montella their Coach for the second time in his short career, only to then hire Zeman instead – 13 years after his last spell in the capital.

“The Giallorossi missed out on a great opportunity to hire Montella – now at Fiorentina – as their Coach,” Cobolli Gigli told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“He’s a youngster with clear ideas who knows the Roma environment well. He is showing that you can get great results by talking little and working a lot.

“I respect Zeman as a Coach, but I don’t like him. He always chases controversy,” the former Bianconeri official added.

“I think that when people reach a certain age, like me, then they become old. And old people should leave the stage, retire, go and discuss things with friends at a bar and smoke a cigarette.

“They should avoid jobs that are not suited to them.”

Zeman's Roma travel to Juventus on Saturday.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Carrera should talk to the press, says Zeman ahead of Juventus clash

The Roma coach believes fans have the right to hear from Juve's caretaker coach ahead

of the game and refuted suggestions that his recent comments have damaged the Bianconeri.

Sep 28, 2012

Roma coach Zdenek Zeman has denied allegations that his comments made towards Juventus will have affected the Turin club ahead of the clash between the two sides on Saturday.

The 65-year-old has spoken out about doping allegations that dogged The Old Lady during the 1990's, while he has also criticised the decision to allow Antonio Conte to stay in charge of the Serie A champions after the match-fixing scandal of last season.

The Czech has been angered by suggestions that he damaged the club with his opinions and has instead questioned why Juve's caretaker manager Massimo Carrera did not hold a pre-match press conference.

"I've damaged Juve? Not me, they should look to other people," he explained.

"No press conference for Carrera? I think people want to hear those who are directly involved."

The experienced coach has been warned about fans booing him when he enters the stadium at the weekend, but he is not worried about entering Juventus Stadium.

"I've been involved in other Juventus-Roma matches. I'm not afraid to enter their stadium, but the last time I went to Turin I received insults for the comments on the 1990's," he revealed.

Roma are currently eighth in Serie A; five points adrift of Juventus at the top of the table, but Zeman believes his team can still be title contenders.

"We always play to win, like everyone else. We are trying to carry out a project, but need patience," he added.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus - Roma Preview:

Zeman looking to end Juve's unbeaten run

There is no love lost between the Giallorossi coach and the Turin outfit after relations

turned sour and the 65-year-old will be eager to put a black mark on the Bianconeri record.

Sep 28, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah

Vucinic, Matri

ROMA

Stekelenburg

Piris, Burdisso, Castan, Balzaretti

Bradley, De Rossi, Florenzi

Lamela, Osvaldo, Totti

It is 44 not out for Juventus as they look to continue their incredible unbeaten run when they host Roma on Saturday. Antonio Conte and Massimo Carrera's men fought out a 0-0 draw with Fiorentina midweek as the Viola made them work hard for a point in Florence and perhaps Vincenzo Montella's side will feel aggrieved they did not gain all three.

Zdenek Zeman's team meanwhile have been stuttering for form of late and despite beating Inter 3-1 a couple of weeks ago at San Siro, they have since recently lost 3-2 to Bologna, after taking a two-goal lead, and drew 1-1 at home to 10-man Sampdoria on Wednesday.

The games between the two are usually an enticing encounter - the last match in April finished 4-0 to the Bianconeri - but perhaps this fixture holds more importance and intrigue than normal with Zeman visiting Juventus Stadium for the first time, the man who led accusations of a doping scandal against the Turin outfit in the 90s. Since then, there has been a hostile relationship between him and the club and how he would love to be the one to prevent Juve's unbeaten run from continuing.

The Serie A champions will be without Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin while Claudio Marchisio is set to be re-instated along with Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri.

The visitors Roma are without duo Miralem Pjanic and Dodo. Meanwhile Pablo Osvaldo is expected to replace young Italian striker Mattia Destro.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus' Andrea Pirlo will face Roma for the 21st time on Saturday. His record so far against the Giallorossi is won eight, drawn six and lost six.

• The Bianconeri midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah leads the way in the assist chart with three from five matches. Roma's Francesco Totti has two.

• The Old Lady, having gone a season unbeaten, last lost in Serie A to Parma on May 15, 2011.

• Roma have only been able to secure one victory in their last 14 Serie A encounters against Juventus which stretches back to February 2004.

• After scoring against Sampdoria midweek, Francesco Totti has become third joint top goalscorer of all time in Serie A with 216. He joins Giuseppe Meazza and Jose Altafini.

• The Giallorossi coach Zdenek Zeman had been away from Serie A for seven years until joining the club in the summer after leading Pescara to the Serie B title and promotion.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Apr 22, 2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 0

Coppa Italia ‎- Jan 24, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Roma 0

Serie A ‎- Dec 12, 2011 - Roma 1 - Juventus 1

Serie A ‎- Apr 3, 2011 - Roma 0 - Juventus 2

Coppa Italia ‎- Jan 27, 2011 - Juventus 0 - Roma 2

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Sep 25, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

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

Roma

Sep 26, 2012 - Roma 1 - Sampdoria 1 - Serie A

Sep 23, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Roma 3 - Serie A

Sep 16, 2012 - Roma 2 - Bologna 3 - Serie A

Sep 2, 2012 - FC Internazionale 1 - Roma 3 - Serie A

Aug 26, 2012 - Roma 2 - Catania 2 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Andrea Pirlo

He may not have found his rhythm for the Old Lady since lighting up Euro 2012 this Summer, but the 33-year-old is more than capable of producing an exceptional display on Saturday. The veteran midfielder, if given time on the ball can be deadly. At times it looks effortless as he strolls around the park, nonchalantly spreading the play and retaining possession while creating chances for the strikers and he could be pivotal in how the Bianconeri fair against Zdenek Zeman's men.

Francesco Totti

Created history by grabbing his 216th goal in Serie A for the Giallorossi against Sampdoria midweek, Totti is a remarkable talent that could be the key to Roma's success against Juventus. Influential and experienced, the Italian also inspires those around him to lift their game. An excellent first touch with the ability to use both feet, he may have lost his pace but the 36-year-old can still produce at the highest level and if the visitors have any joy in this match, Totti will be involved.

Prediction

There is added incentive for Roma to do well here, with Zeman at the helm and only one win in 14 attempts against their rivals but, the Bianconeri, who were not overly convincing against Fiorentina in their last match, will have too much firepower up front against a shaky Giallorossi defence.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 2 - 0 Roma

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

MATCH PREVIEW

Sep 28, 2012

After 14 years of snipes between Zdenek Zeman and Juventus, the Czech takes his Roma side to Turin for arguably the biggest game of the season so far.

Juventus left Florence on Tuesday with their unbeaten streak intact, but did little else at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. They were second best against Fiorentina, creating few chances during the scoreless draw. Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera credited the Viola and noted Juve could not get into their usual rhythm, as their winning start to the season ended.

They take on old rivals Roma and Zeman, who has fired verbal shots at the Bianconeri for years, with the emnity increasing since he returned to the Eternal City this summer. The exchanging of jibes between the two parties and Zeman’s unpopularity with the Bianconeri will make for a highly charged atmosphere.

Antonio Conte will name a strong XI in view of Shakhtar Donetsk’s visit next week, following recent rotation. Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin remain sidelined. Luca Marrone is set to replace Leonardo Bonucci after he played through an injury in Florence.

Roma – who were handed a 3-0 win versus Cagliari after bizarre scenes in Sardinia last Sunday – slipped up at home in midweek, this time against Sampdoria. Francesco Totti’s first of the season gave the Giallorossi the lead, but the visitors found an equaliser just past the hour mark following a Maarten Stekelenburg mistake.

However, Zeman stood up for his goalkeeper and noted he was happy overall with Roma’s performance. Results have been inconsistent, although I Lupi have already passed one difficult away test this term, defeating Inter.

Stekelenburg has been confirmed by Zeman, while reserve goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont is sidelined. Miralem Pjanic will also miss the trip, and Dodo is out for a further month. Pablo Osvaldo is set to get the nod in place of Mattia Destro in attack.

In the pair’s 79 previous Turin meetings, the Bianconeri have been commanding. They hold a half century of triumphs compared to Roma’s eight. The Giallorossi were left smarting after their visit to the Juventus Stadium lasts season, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat.

Keep an eye on: Luca Marrone (Juventus) – The Italian U-21 international has found a new home in the centre of Juve’s three-man defence. A natural midfielder, he has looked assured at the back. Yet facing a side like Roma will be a new challenge for the Turin-born youth.

Form guide: Juventus (W W W W D) Roma (D W L W D)

Last season: Juventus 4-0 Roma

Stat fact: Throughout his various stints in Serie A, Zeman has only left Turin with maximum points once, when Lazio were triumphant in 1994-95.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Vucinic

Roma (probable): Stekelenburg; Piris, Burdisso, Castan, Balzaretti; Bradley, De Rossi, Florenzi; Lamela, Osvaldo, Totti

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus v AS Roma: Preview

Sep 28, 2012

Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic has volunteered to put Zdenek Zeman in his place when the outspoken Roma boss arrives in Turin tomorrow night.

The Czech tactician has harboured a career-long dislike of the Bianconeri and recently reignited the feud with derogatory comments about suspended head coach Antonio Conte.

As a result, Juve fans and players alike have little time for the veteran coach, with the mutual distrust usually leading to feisty affairs when Zeman comes to Piedmont.

Former Roma forward Vucinic, who played under Zeman at Lecce in 2006, told the Corriere dello Sport: "I scored 19 league goals for him and I'm grateful for what he did for me.

"He taught me a lot but I've changed a lot since then and every manager I've worked with has taught me something new.

"It's not like taking on any other team. The only thing on our minds is winning.

"We've been training hard for this and we live to win."

Vucinic moved to the Juventus Stadium after five successful years in the capital city and confessed that football was not his only motivation for switching clubs.

"Life in Rome was like a pressure cooker whereas in Turin it's very different, people leave you in peace," he added.

"I had a lot of friends at Roma and I still keep in touch with them. Daniele De Rossi called me before training and we'll have a chat before kick-off.

"But out on the pitch, we'll be enemies. We've had a lot of battles on the Playstation, I think we've practised more on there than we have in training.

"Is Pirlo tired? He looks great to me, he's the only player who always has two opponents tracking him, sometimes even three.

"In my opinion he's absolutely world-class."

While an entire stadium focuses on Zeman's antics, Francesco Totti's thoughts will turn to his absent friend and former sparring partner Alessandro Del Piero.

The Roma striker is worried that he is among a dying breed of Serie A greats following Del Piero's move to Australian club Sydney FC.

The 36-year-old told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "It is going to be a little strange to play Juventus without Del Piero.

"I would have liked to face him again so we could retire together.

"Without doubt he will be missed in Italian football but the important thing is, I'm still here!"

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Destro: 'If I score against Juve...'

Sep 29, 2012

Mattia Destro has pledged to “shave off my beard” if he scores against Juventus tonight and reveals why he chose Roma ahead of the Bianconeri.

The Italian international is still looking for his first goal in a Giallorossi jersey and hopes to break that duck tonight.

“There has to be a first time. At least I hope so...” he told Tuttosport. “I made big mistakes in the draw with Sampdoria, as on the first chance I should’ve volleyed it and on the second I tried a chip.

“When I play badly, I am the first to recognise it. A Roma striker has to score when he has a great opportunity. The goal is everything for a forward and if you don’t score then you start thinking about it constantly, focusing on mistakes and playing incidents over in your mind. There’s no way out.”

Destro has made a pledge for tonight’s game at the Juventus Stadium.

“My beard brought me good luck last season and I like it, but I promise that if I score against Gigi Buffon tonight, I will shave it off.”

Ex-Siena hitman Destro was at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war with Juventus and Roma over the summer, eventually opting for the Olimpico side.

“It was not easy. At the end of the day I decided to play for Roma because they told me that with Zdenek Zeman the strikers are more likely to score lots of goals. In theory, at least!

“All joking aside, apart from the Coach I also chose to come here because there is a strong project based on young players. Reading the papers there certainly seemed to be a strong interest from Juventus.

“Would I play abroad? Until recently I would’ve said no, but now I think England or Spain would be fun.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Elkann sets controversy aside

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus patron John Elkann hopes tonight’s clash with Roma can be talked about for the football. “Let’s set the controversy aside.”

The lead-up to this match has been even more fiery than usual due to the presence of Zdenek Zeman and his decades-long criticism of Juve.

“Roma are historic rivals and playing against them is always an exciting match,” said Elkann, one of the heirs to the Agnelli empire.

“Therefore, for one night, let’s set the controversy aside and focus on the football.”

While Juve might rotate the squad slightly for their Champions League commitments, Roma are not in Europe at all this season.

“We’ve started the competition well and it makes us very proud to see Juventus in the Champions League.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Juventus can go all the way in Champions League, says Trezeguet

The former Bianconeri star feels the Serie A champions could spring a surprise

in European club football's elite competition after impressing in their Chelsea opener.

Sep 29, 2012

River Plate striker David Trezeguet believes that Juventus have what it takes to win the Champions League this season.

The former France international, who wore the Juve jersey from 2000 until 2010, was impressed with their performance in their Group E opener against Chelsea, and believes they have a number of world-class players in their squad.

"Juventus really impressed me against Chelsea. They are a united team and are very well organised. They can go all the way in the Champions League if they can keep up their current form," Trezeguet was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"The team's spine is of the highest level. Players such as Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Mirko Vucinic are all world-class."

The 34-year-old then voiced his opinion that Juventus lack a real finisher, but added that it is up to the coach to decide whether to field a typical striker or not.

"They don't have a player with my characteristics, a real finisher. I had faith in Alessandro Matri after his good start, but I don't know what's happened with him.

"It all depends on what the coach needs, though. He decides what kind of player he wants to field."

Trezeguet scored over 100 goals in Serie A during his spell with the Serie A champions.

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

'It's about morality', 'He is a terrorist' -

The story behind the bad blood between Zeman & Juventus

Roma's Czech coach has become notorious when pointing the finger at the Bianconeri

in what escalated into a huge drugs debate, and hostilities have continued ever since.

Sep 29, 2012

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

It started with a broad statement on the state of modern football, but ended with one of the most eye-opening trials in the sport’s history. When Zdenek Zeman called into question the use of extensive medicinal practices at the top of the game, his use of Juventus as an example opened the door for a long-lasting rivalry which will reignite when his Roma side visit the Old Lady in Serie A on Saturday night.

In a 1998 interview with L’Espresso, Zeman – then, as now coach of the Giallorossi – addressed the issue of doping in sport on the back of the infamous Festina case of that year’s Tour de France, and in doing so expressed concern over the thought processes of players and clubs in relation to the use of supplemental substances in football.

The 65-year-old stated that he felt a certain unease about players’ reliability on some medicines, claiming: "I’m sure that many players in Serie A, probably even in my own Roma side, have difficulty giving up on certain substances."

However, he went on to apportion part of the blame on the nature of the sport under the increasing glare of the wider world, adding: "Football today is more an industry and less and less a game … Football must get out of the pharmacy."

His interviewer then asked a question which would light the blue touchpaper under calcio, requesting Zeman to relate that point to Juventus, over whom he had previously raised eyebrows as to their “muscular explosion”.

“My amazement starts with Gianluca Vialli and goes all the way to Alessandro Del Piero,” he replied.

"Zeman is a terrorist. He doesn't deserve to stay in football"

- Gianluca Vialli

Those observations were greeted with disdain by all at Juventus, Vialli going as far as to call Zeman “a terrorist”, while coach Marcello Lippi asked that Zeman be suspended from football for five years, and the club sought advice over the possibility of libel action.

However, Zeman’s words were pounced upon by Turinese public prosecutor Raffaele Guariniello, an apparent Juventino, who opened a two-year investigation which would result in the Bianconeri going on trial for alleged ‘sporting fraud’ and ‘illegal use of medicines’.

At the crux of the matter was the misuse of legal substances for unusual purposes, including the administering of anti-depressants and pills generally used to treat heart trouble and issues relating to the brain. It was discovered that the Juventus medicine cabinet stocked as many as 281 different substances, with trial judge Giuseppe Casalbore claiming: “The State Attorney’s consultant has suggested that, in truth, 281 medical specialities of various type and nature, like those kept by Juventus, represent the normal stock of a small-sized hospital.”

After an exhaustive process which would see countless Juventus players including Zinedine Zidane, Vialli, Del Piero and current coach Antonio Conte take the stand, director Antonio Giraudo was cleared but club doctor Riccardo Agricola was given a suspended prison sentence after being found guilty of administering illegal substances including the banned EPO.

While Coni (the Italian Olympic Committee) asked that the FIGC hand down a two-year ban on Agricola, the nation’s footballing body wanted to wait for the legal process to bear its course and refused to act before the doctor’s appeal had been heard. In the meantime, Juve kept Agricola on their staff and stood shoulder to shoulder in their defence of him.

The FIGC also decided against launching an investigation into how pharmaceuticals were being administered within football in general, instead deciding to go along with whatever the trail verdict decreed without exploring the moral angle any further.

Agricola was later cleared on appeal, but Zeman believed he had been justified in his earlier conclusions, asserting that Juve had circumvented the ethics of sport in order to become as successful as they had under Lippi in the mid-1990s.

"People think I have found myself ostracised by the football community but the truth is that the vast majority of people in this world are with me on this issue," he told ESPN’s Paddy Agnew.

"For me, sport has its own morality. If you want to improve your performance, you do an extra lap of the pitch or an extra circuit in the gym. You don’t take a pill and sit in the sun for an hour. That’s the morality of sport."

In a memorable TV stand-off, Lippi and Zeman came head-to-head in a show which highlighted the bitterness developing between the Old Lady and the Czech.

"Players like Angelo Di Livio, Moreno Torricelli, Fabrizio Ravanelli and Massimo Carrera are still winning, even with their new clubs," observed Lippi. "They were said by their coaches to be model players for their professional attitude. That’s why my Juventus won a lot. That side had extraordinary mental and moral strength."

Lippi, by then Italy head coach, went on to claim that Zeman too had presided over clubs which had used similar practices in regards to medicines.

“Yes, we used restorative products at Lazio, but only for a month and only at a dosage of three grams per day, not the 20 grams that Juventus used.”

During the entire process, which would last around eight years from the time of Zeman’s original L’Espresso interview to the end of Agricola’s appeal, there were questions asked of other top clubs, and of football as a whole. It emerged that, as Juventus had claimed throughout, their practices were relatively commonplace throughout the upper echelons of the sport, and to an extent both sides were justified in their arguments.

"I find it sad that Juventus consider themselves clean when they stock 281 different types of pharmaceutical products," claimed Zeman in 2004.

"Sports disciplinary bodies, which ought to have moral and ethical guidelines that go far beyond the penal code, ought to have looked into the case, investigating not just Juventus but all Italian football at that time. Instead, they did nothing."

While Juve have had a fall and rise of a very different type since those days, Zeman has spent the majority of his time in the lower leagues. However, promotion with Pescara last season earned him a second call from Roma, and, whichever club he leads, he remains as honest and open when asked for an opinion on the Bianconeri as he was in 1998.

He contributed to the rhetoric around the Calciopoli proceedings by calling former Juve director general Luciano Moggi "the greatest puppet master in football", claiming that the transfer guru was complicit in several of his hasty dismissals, including at Napoli and Salernitana. The Czech believed that Moggi held enough power to carry out a vendetta for his sullying of the Old Lady's name.

“I think a coach who is suspended for a long time should not coach at all,” said Zeman recently when inevitably questioned on the validity of Conte’s current touchline ban, enforced due to his alleged knowledge of match-fixing at former club Siena. "If you can’t coach on a Sunday, you should take yourself out. If it was me I would resign, then return if I was asked.”

His path appears forever destined to cross theirs. That is just the way of the Italian football world: a scandal happens, there is mention of Juventus, and Zeman is questioned. So often these days, football matches are billed under a different heading: Ronaldo v Messi, Suarez v Evra, or Mourinho v Mancini. But in the grand scheme of things, there is perhaps nobody who has affronted an entire institution in the way that Zeman did with Juve 14 years ago.

Rightly or wrongly? That is still debated to this day, and each public meeting increasingly becomes a game of one-upmanship in the never-ending argument. On Saturday night at Juventus Stadium, they meet again, for the first time in Serie A since 2000, and this morning's La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport headline says it all about the match-up that really counts: "Juve v Zemen"

The match itself is just a battle though. The war will continue unabated.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Destro: I will shave off my beard if I score against Juventus

The 21-year-old has promised to remove his facial hair if he scores, while revealing

that the presence of Zdenek Zeman played a key role in his decision to join the Giallorossi.

Sep 29, 2012

Striker Mattia Destro has vowed to shave off his beard if he scores his first official goal for Roma in the away game against Juventus.

The former Inter starlet has yet to find the net for the Giallorossi since joining them in the summer transfer window, and he is hoping to open his account against the hosts on Saturday.

"Scoring against Inter or netting versus Juventus? I'd prefer to score against Inter. It's always an extra motivation to play against your former team. However, I promise to shave off my beard if I score against Buffon on Saturday," Destro was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"It hurts that I have not scored yet. It's all about scoring goals for a striker. You start thinking about it when you don't score and try to find out what goes wrong.

"It's quite simple really. When you play at Roma, you can not afford to miss big chances."

The Italy international then went on to explain his decision to join Roma rather than Juve in the summer transfer window.

"It was a very difficult decision. In the end, I opted to join Roma because everybody told me that attackers score a lot of goals under Zdenek Zeman."

Saturday's encounter between Juventus and Roma is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus v AS Roma Preview : Old Foe Zeman Visits Turin

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus lost their 100% record against Fiorentina in last round but will be looking to bounce back against another bitter rival, AS Roma on Sunday. The presence of Zdenek Zeman, who has often derided the club in past will act as an added incentive in this match.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Juventus

Juventus didn’t have the best of times against Fiorentina in the last match. In some ways it was possibly the most insipid performance showed by the team since Antonio Conte took over. Bianconeri’s 3-5-2 formation was replicated by Fiorentina and the teams cancelled each other out for most of the match. Juventus were hampered by the poor performances of Pirlo, Giaccherini and Giovinco and thus didn’t have enough bite in their attack. Bolstered by the home crowd, Fiorentina came close to scoring twice in second half as Jovetic hit the cross-piece with a header while Ljajic shot wide despite being one on one with Buffon. Things didn’t improve much in second half as Juventus failed to create goal scoring chances. As the final whistle went it felt more like a point gained rather than two lost.

The Carrera-Conte coaching team has a few headaches to worry about before facing AS Roma. Arturo Vidal looked jaded against Fiorentina and mistimed several tackles, one resulting in a yellow card. Vidal picked up an injury against Chelsea but hasn’t been given a full rest since then. The Chilean is likely to be a vital player against Zeman’s energetic and high pressing midfield but his fitness is something which may become a problem. Claudio Marchisio was rested against Fiorentina and he is likely to claim his spot back ahead of Giaccherini. Andrea Pirlo also had an ordinary game but he is likely to start again with Paul Pogba getting a substitute role some time later in the match.

Sebastian Giovinco’s form will be another cause of concern for the Bianconeri. The diminutive striker was wrestled off the ball easily against Fiorentina and didn’t seem to combine well with any of his striker partners. He may not start against Roma with Mirko Vucinic joining forces with Quagliarella.

AS Roma have been weak defensively till now, not a totally unexpected scenario from a Zdenek Zeman coached side. Juventus will be looking to take advantage of gaps in Roman defence which is why it is vital that Pirlo shakes off his recent underwhelming form. Fatigue will be an issue for Juventus. Their opponents have played just once in past 10 days while Juventus had to play 3 matches, including two away trips.

Expected Starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

AS Roma

AS Roma’s season has been a roller coaster ride till now, as one would expect from a Zdenek Zeman side. The Lupi’s 3-1 away victory over Inter was hailed across the peninsula for the breathtaking display of attacking football. Zemanlandia had arrived. Few days later Roma raced to a 2-0 lead against Bologna in 16 minutes as the fans started wondering if they would see a tennis score. The script didn’t quite go that way in second half. The home team had incredibly shipped in two goals on 72nd and 73rd minute and completed the capitulation just before the final whistle to lose 2-3. Zemanlandia had well and truly arrived.

After being awarded a 0-3 victory over Cagliari, Roma once again slumped to a disappointing home draw last week, allowing newly promoted Sampdoria to snatch a 1-1 draw. Zeman’s team has effectively won just one match out of five and they will be looking to bounce back with a win against Juventus.

Zdenek Zeman is likely to deploy his typical 4-3-3 formation which relies on high pressing and a fast passing game aimed at exploiting gaps in opposition defence. The central defensive pairing of ageing Nicolas Burdisso and Serie A newbie Castan has been a major weakness for Roma, who have conceded 8 goals in 4 matches. Maarten Stekelenburg has not been very convincing either and it was his mistake which led to Sampdoria’s equalizer in the last game. Frederico Balzaretti will be a very important player for the Giallorossi against Juventus as he would be looking to exploit the space behind right-wing back Lichtsteiner.

The most interesting battle will take place in midfield where the trio of Michael Bradley, Danielle De Rossi and youngster Alessandro Florenzi will clash against one of the best midfields in Europe. Bradley, especially, had been very impressive when he played against Juventus for Chievo last season and will be looking to maintain his form. Roma Academy product Florenzi has been a bright example of Zeman’s faith in youth but he will be tested in the pressure cooker situation of Juventus Stadium.

Talismanic captain Francesco Totti celebrated his 36th birthday few days ago and he continues to be an inspiration for Roma. Totti’s rise to prominence came during Zeman’s first stint in Roma 15 years back when he was used as a left winger-forward. Few expected Totti to perform to the levels he has done till now, playing in the exact same position. The Roma captain has so far provided two assists and scored his 216th Serie A goal against Sampdoria. Totti is likely to start on the left flank with Eric Lamela on opposite wing. Osvaldo, Roma top scorer till now, will play as the center forward.

Expected Starting XI (4-3-3): Stekelenburg; Balzaretti, Burdisso, Castan, Piris; Bradley, De Rossi, Florenzi; Totti, Osvaldo, Lamela

Players to watch out for

Mirko Vucinic (Juventus)

“Big game” Mirko has often shown the ability to rise to the occasion for a high-profile match. Vucinic has not found the back of the net in past few matches, despite starting the season on a high and will be looking to get his scoring touch back against his former club.

Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma)

The highest paid player in Serie A is likely to play a major role to nullify the threat of Andrea Pirlo in midfield. In Zeman’s system he is also likely to push up for goals and his ability to score long rangers will be an asset.

Prediction

Juventus 2-1 AS Roma

This match will have an added animosity thanks to Zdenek Zeman’s uneasy relationship with Juventus. Home advantage is likely to play a big part in this match.

Blast From The Past

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus-Roma Preview:

Round 6 — Hosting Zemanlandia

Sep 29, 2012

I don't know about you guys, but I've been waiting for a good, old fashioned Juventus beatdown. It's been awhile since we've seen one of those. Well, maybe not a long, long time. But it does seem like it's been a few weeks. Since the games come 72 hours after one another these days, it seems like a much longer period of time.

I'd like to change that. I'm sure you all would, too. Juventus completely throttling their opponents is fun — and not just from the fan perspective. It's fun to write about Juve destroying their opposition.

And what do you know — Roma's coming to town! How convenient!

Okay, so that might have been a little mean. Or maybe it wasn't. You can decide. Just don't hold it against me.

There's a general notion out there in the press and amongst the players that this is a pretty important game. I wouldn't disagree with that one bit, especially considering the gallons of gasoline — aka rambling in the press — a certain Roma manager has poured on the flames since he returned to the job. (Seriously, though. Does he ever find a microphone or opportunity to express his opinion in an interview that he doesn't like? Goodness.)

So, yeah. This is a big one. I'm not going to avoid it. Playing Roma is always an important game, no matter what time of the season it is being played. Let's just hope that Juventus left all that struggling and meh kind of performance back in Florence.

Away we go. AVANTI!

LE CHIAVI

We're all familiar with the way Zeman plays his football — all offense, not much defense. It's only being magnified this season now that he's back in Italy's top flight. Combine his usual offense-only tactics and Roma being Roma, it's no wonder they're currently sitting in 10th. It's just the way that things have gone this season in Rome that pretty much sums up what currently separates the two clubs.

GOOD NEWS

Aaron Giambattista@agiamba

OptaAaron: 3- The number of times Juventus has scored 4 goals against Roma since they trounced us 4-0. #juveNews

Roma's goal differential this season: Minus-2. Seems about right.

Another good thing: 44 undefeated matches and counting. The quest for history continues.

BAD NEWS

Andrea Pirlo isn't being Andrea Pirlo. That's bad. Really bad. I'm not saying the #PirloBeard is responsible for the slump — and that's not because I love the facial hair/mane of hair combo. Pirlo looks gassed and I'm not the only person to recognize that. While I think he'll be fine in the long run, I wonder how he'll cope with it right now. Juve surely need to give him more time off, but looking at the schedule in the next month or two, it's not like there's a lot of clear opportunities to do so.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

● The Pirlo Effect. Will he or won't he show up? I'm not talking about to Juventus Stadium, I mean whether or not he'll actually make an impact. His sub-par performance against Fiorentina was part of the pressing in the midfield, part that fact he's still searching for form. Things should be a less crowded in the midfield with Roma likely to roll with a 4-3-3, and hopefully that means Pirlo will be able to play back to the level we have all come to love.

● Whether or not Leo Bonucci plays. As we know, Bonucci played through a thigh injury against Fiorentina earlier in the week. He sported a pretty huge wrap in the second half and has trained away from the rest of the team leading up to the clash with Roma. If he can't go, then in steps Luca Marrone, the midfielder-turned-defender. And if that happens, I'd be totally okay with it. It wouldn't just allow Bonucci to rest and get healthy, but also give Marrone — who played damn well as a defender during the preseason — some much-needed game time.

● Which striker starts alongside Mirko Vucinic. One striker seems like a given to start, the other one is completely open for debate right now. Some are tipping Alessandro Matri to get a rare start, others are saying Fabio Quagliarella will keep his starting spot up top. Sebastian Giovinco is obviously in the mix as well. Basically nobody really knows who is starting with Vucinic against Roma.

● lol roma

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

*Juventus probable XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Vucinic

*Roma probable XI (4-3-3): Stekelenburg; Piris, Burdisso, Castan, Balzaretti; Bradley, De Rossi, Florenzi; Lamela, Osvaldao, Totti

* - Lifted straight from the GDS website because I felt like it.

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