Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8329]

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

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus vs. Roma PREVIEW –

Cage Match with Zeman’s Wolves

Sep 29, 2012

While Milan and Inter remain Juve’s chief rivals year-after-year, there are some contests with bitter hatred between the two sides, regardless of table position. This week has presented us with two: the first was of course the Bianconeri’s away trip to Firenze. Even in case of a disastrous season the Viola can usually (somewhat) redeem themselves by defeating Juventus, and they tried their damnedest on Tuesday, outplaying the Old Lady but obtaining no better than a 0-0 draw.

Juve’s rivalry with Roma has been similar in recent years, but this season has two major added plot twists to the match. First, the media has touted the Giallorossi as a potential title contender to dethrone Juventus, although the jury on that is still very much still out. Adding fuel to the fire is Roma’s appointment of Zdenek Zeman as coach. There’s no lost love between Juve and the Bohemian, despite his uncle (who coincidentally died on May 5th, 2002) playing for the Old Lady and coaching the side to two Scudetti. Zeman was — to use an euphemism — “critical” of Juventus in the 1990s, accusing the side of abusing medication and doping to “run longer”.

Much of the Bianconeri Zeman accused have gone on to become coaches after retirement. Gianluca Vialli, Ciro Ferrara, and of course, Antonio Conte, were all members of that Lippi side. The trio (and other members of that team) have criticized Zeman after his return to prominence, Vialli jokingly declaring “Pescara plays well, wins, and runs quite a bit. I wonder how Zeman would feel if someone started to suspect where all that energy came from…” As for Ferrara, the Blucerchiati manager stated before Roma-Sampdoria that while he thinks Zeman is a good coach, “he is not a good man”.

Zeman’s mouth-flapping didn’t stop in the 90s of course. Recently, the coach criticized the FIGC and Juventus for allowing Antonio Conte to coach during the work week while still suspended, but what is most surprising is that with Juve’s relentless pressing, possession, and hard work — making fitness levels high & injury rates low — Zeman hasn’t yet accused Conte of doping his players yet.

The last time Zeman coached a team against the Bianconeri was in 2006, in Serie B. His Lecce side was battered by Juventus in both games, which includeda lovely Marchionni chip following a stunning Camoranesi turn, an even more impressive Camo goal, and Paolino De Ceglie’s first goal as a professional. From the first minute to the last, Juve fans endlessly insulted Zeman at Stadio Olimpico and the coach commented his surprise at the venomous reaction, complaining that 90 minutes of insults resulted in no ban but if any had said “boo”, there would have been a fine or suspension for racism.

Juventus

Massimo Carrera and Antonio Conte have been practicing a bit of rotation recently. Pirlo was rested against Chievo, and Marchisio & Vucinic did not start in Firenze. While there was a lot of turnover for the Chievo match, Juventus fielded a strong XI against Fiorentina, and will certainly do the same against a squad some consider a potential title challenger.

There’s been a lot of talk in Serie A about how poor Andrea Pirlo was against Fiorentina, with many pundits claiming the regista was fatigued from playing too many games (despite not playing against the Flying Donkeys). There’s probably too much discussion about his fitness levels, and not enough about the great tactical job Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella did in flooding the midfield and marking Juve’s playmaker.

Juventus have dismissed any idea that Pirlo is exhausted or should retire from the Nazionale, and in the pre-Roma press conference, goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi (standing in place for stand-in coach Massimo Carrera) stated unequivocally that Pirlo would start against the Giallorossi. With Marchisio and Vidal given a bit of a break in recent games, it’s very likely we should see the M-V-P trio back in action.

The main changes are likely on the left flank and in attack. Kwadwo Asamoah admitted after the Fiorentina match that he was suffering from a bit of fatigue, so he could be swapped for Paolo De Ceglie. Up top, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella didn’t particularly excel against the Viola, and rumors out of training suggest Conte will start Juve’s most common duo last season: Matri-Vucinic. The two never seemed to work well together, but may be given another go in the continuing search for a starting strikeforce.

JUVENTUS (3-5-2)

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie

Matri, Vucinic

BENCH: Storari, Rubinho, Lúcio, Cáceres, Marrone, Pogba, Asamoah, Isla, Giaccherini, Bendtner, Quagliarella, Giovinco

Starting %: Bonucci 65-35% Marrone, Lichtsteiner 60-40% Isla, De Ceglie 55-45% Asamoah, Matri 60-40% Quagliarella

Injured: Pepe (matchday #6)

Suspended: -

Roma

The Giallorossi came off a disappointing season under former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique, who resigned after a 7th place finish. The Spaniard had Roma playing some attractive goalscoring football at times, but was unable to instruct them how to defend a lead or maintain defensive resolve. Evidently, the Roma management didn’t see any point to fixing the defensive issues, so they doubled down on attack with Zdenek Zeman.

The chief difference between Zeman and Enrique is ball possession. The Spaniard wanted his side to play much like Conte’s: dominant in ball control, patient build-up play, and a reluctance to hit on the counter. Though both Zeman and Enrique have leaky defenses, Zeman’s style is quite different: it is direct, fast, and the Czech manager doesn’t care much for possession unless it comes with goals. Zeman criticized his side in their first outing for “pointless horizontal passing” that allowed the opponent to settle in position.

To play direct, attacking football, the team has to be mobile. Luis Enrique played with a fair amount of youngsters, but Zeman has gone further, putting young players like Alessandro Florenzi and Panagiotis Tachtsidis directly in his starting lineup. The club also sold Borini to Liverpool for €13.3m and let Bojan and Borriello leave on loan, as the B-grade trio did not have the pace or direct ability that players like Mattia Destro or Pablo Daniel Osvaldo possess.

As expected of Zdenek Zeman sides, Roma’s results have been erratic: they defeated Inter at the San Siro with some great attacking play, yet lost to Bologna in a shock defeat and drew 10-men Sampdoria, letting both teams back into the game despite grabbing the lead first. It’s hard to say what Roma side we will see at Juventus Stadium Saturday, other than the fact that it will be attacking, it will be motivated, and will surely have gaps in defense.

The defense is the Achilles heel of both Roma and Zeman at the moment. They’ve conceded a league-leading 10 goals thus far (2 per game), tying Zeman’s record with his previous side Pescara. The back unit doesn’t look particularly solid as a team, nor individually, and Dutch goalkeeper Martin Stekelenburg has not really proven himself as a consistent shot-stopper thus far. It will certainly allow for Roma “ex” Mirko Vucinic to exploit space, and hopefully Matri to bag a badly needed goal.

ROMA (4-3-3)

Stekelenburg

Taddei, Burdisso, Castán, Balzaretti

Tachtsidis, De Rossi, Florenzi

Lamela, Osvaldo, Totti

BENCH: Goicoechea, Švedkauskas, Piris, Romagnoli, Marquinhos, Perrotta, Marquinho, Tallo, Destro, N.López

Starting %: Taddei 60-40% Piris, Lamela 60-40% Destro

Injured: Pjanic (matchday #7), Bradley (#7), Lobont (#9), Dodô (#9)

Suspended: Guberti (August 2015)

With all due respect to Viola fans, Juventus-Roma is the biggest match thus far this season for the Old Lady. The media has hyped the Giallorossi as a title contender, and their attacking play will certainly prove a test for a Juve backline that has not played at the same level as last year. With Zeman thrown into the mix, it adds a whole new level to the match.

There’s no reason the Bianconeri shouldn’t win this match. Roma have a deficiency that has lasted from Spalletti, to Ranieri, to Luis Enrique, and to Zdenek Zeman: BLACKOUTS. They are a mentally weak side, prone to lapses in concentration and lashing out at opponents. There’s no doubt that Juve will get on the scoreboard tomorrow.

To defeat Zeman, Conte/Carrera need to play smart. The team needs to be aware of the counter-attack and the directness of Roma’s offense. It’s a strategy that has troubled la Vecchia Signora at times, as shown best by the games against Napoli in the last 12 months. Fortunately, this game is at home, not at the San Paolo, and the crowd will be firmly in Conte’s camp. That could be the decisive edge for Juventus.

Vincere è l’unica cosa che… CONTE!

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

Line-ups: Juventus-Roma

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus look to Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic as they welcome Roma’s Francesco Totti, Erik Lamela and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

Tonight’s 19.45 UK time kick-off is an epic grudge match, made even stronger by the presence of Juve’s decades-old ‘enemy’ Zdenek Zeman. There are reports the stewards around the Roma bench have been trebled to ensure the Czech’s safety.

The Bianconeri have a Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk coming up, so rest Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella.

Vucinic returns to face his former club, joined by Matri and Claudio Marchisio. Only Simone Pepe is still on the treatment table, but Paolo De Ceglie and Martin Caceres take the wings.

Roma have a very impressive away record, but have stuttered at home this season, so hope to continue that trend in Turin.

Miralem Pjanic, Bogdan Lobont, Dodo and Michael Bradley are still out of action, but Osvaldo returns from an injury lay-off to start in the trident with Totti and Lamela.

This sends Mattia Destro and Nico Lopez to the bench.

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Storari, Lichtsteiner, Lucio, Isla, Marrone, Padoin, Pogba, Asamoah, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Giovinco, Bendtner

Roma: Stekelenburg; Taddei, Burdisso, Castan, Balzaretti; Tachtsidis, Florenzi, De Rossi; Lamela, Osvaldo, Totti

Roma bench: Goicoechea, Svedkauskas, Romagnoli, Piris, Marquinhos, Perrotta, Marquinho, Lopez, Destro

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

HT: Juve embarrass awful Roma!

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus have humiliated a disastrous Roma, going 3-0 up after 19 minutes and rattling the crossbar.

This has always been a bitter grudge match, but was stepped up a few notches due to the presence of Zdenek Zeman, who has long run campaigns against Juve

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221‎

Disjointed Giallorossi undone by early Bianconeri blitz

Pirlo, Vidal, Matri and Giovinco all scored to take full advantage of a shambolic

defensive display from the visitors, with Osvaldo's penalty nothing more than bitter consolation.

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus romped to a 45th Serie A game unbeaten with a resounding 4-1 victory over Roma in Turin on Saturday night.

Fans at the Juventus Arena were in full voice long before kick-off, but they could never have predicted the start that their side would make to the match, as they raced into a three-goal lead after 19 minutes.

Andrea Pirlo drilled home the opener in the 11th minute directly from a free-kick, before an Artuo Vidal penalty and a further goal from Alessandro Matri put the hosts out of sight against an overrun Roma side, who simply had no answer to wave after wave of attacks.

The Giallorossi would manage to claw their way back into contention during an improved second-half display, and a spot-kick from Osvaldo in the 69th minute gave Zdenek Zeman's men the faintest of hopes.

But there was nothing more to come from the visitors, who could not recover from their first-half fallacies as Sebastian Giovinco finished off a terrific late counterattack to move Juventus three points clear at the top of the table.

Matri was one of five changes for the Bianconeri from the 0-0 draw with Fiorentina in midweek, with Mirko Vucinic also handed a place in the starting XI at the expense of Fabio Quagliarella.

Meanwhile, Roma saw captain Daniele De Rossi return to the starting line-up after coming on as a substitute during the 1-1 draw with Sampdoria, while Mattia Destro was dropped in favour of Osvaldo.

There were warning signs of things to come for Roma inside the opening 10 minutes, as Claudio Marchisio came within inches of turning home a dangerous cross at the far post, moments before he was clumsily fouled on the edge of the box by Rodrigo Taddei, who was lucky to escape with a yellow card.

However, that would not be the end of the Brazilian’s woes, as his sloppy positioning in the wall allowed Pirlo to drill home a low free-kick into the corner from 20 yards out.

Five minutes later, a shambolic piece of defending on a cross forced Leandro Castan to concede a penalty for handball as he attempted to block a shot from Matri, and Vidal stepped up to confidently bury the resulting spot-kick.

Erik Lamela had an instant chance to reduce the arrears, but after ghosting in unmarked at the back post to meet a cross, he side-footed wide from a few yards out.

Vidal would turn provider moments later, slipping in Matri past a collapsing Roma defence for a deflected finish after an unconvincing attempt to save by Maarten Stekelenburg.

Roma were awful in every area of the pitch, but their defending was especially shambolic as Juve had chance after chance to score again.

Stekelenburg spilled a routine shot that was almost pounced upon by Vucinic and seconds later, Marchisio smashed against the crossbar after breaking free yet again of the visitors’ backline.

The woodwork would come to Roma’s rescue once again, as Vucinic’s dipping shot from just inside the area cannoned off the top of the bar, after he was left completely unmarked.

Lamela seemed to be at the end of what little the Giallorossi could offer in the attacking third, first seeing a dangerous cross blocked from danger, before sending a close-range header into Gianluigi Buffon’s arms with one of the last kicks of the half.

The pattern seemed set to continue after the break, as a stinging drive from Vucinic seemed to be heading for the top corner, but for the fingertips of Stekelenburg.

However, Juve, despite their continued dominance, did not display the cutthroat intensity of the opening period, as they seemed content to sit on their three-goal advantage.

That invited Roma back into the match, but the visitors, despite an improved display, were unable to penetrate the defence of the Bianconeri, who were only too happy to sit deep and break on the counter.

However, Roma were handed a lifeline in the 69th minute, after a careless barge by Leonardo Bonucci into Mattia Destro conceded a penalty, from which Osvaldo coolly sent Buffon the wrong way.

Osvaldo would nearly come up with the goods again, with a snap-shot from inside the area that brought the very best out of Buffon, as the visitors looked to press forward in numbers late on.

However, time was not on Roma’s side, and Giovinco finished matters after rounding Stekelenburg on a late counterattack to put the icing on the cake of Juventus' fifth win from six Serie A outings so far 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.)

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Four-star Juve humiliate Roma

Juventus utterly humiliated Roma with a perfect

first half performance in a confident 4-1 victory.

Sep 29, 2012

This has always been a bitter grudge match, but was stepped up a few notches due to the presence of Zdenek Zeman, who has long run campaigns against Juve’s power and prompted an investigation into their use of medication. As a result, the number of stewards around the visitor’s bench was trebled due to safety concerns.

Mirko Vucinic faced his former club with Alessandro Matri, Paolo De Ceglie and Martin Caceres stepping in. Pablo Daniel Osvaldo returned from injury to complete the trident with Francesco Totti and Erik Lamela, but Miralem Pjanic and Michael Bradley were sidelined.

Juve had the first real chance when a Caceres low ball went right across the face of the six-yard box, but Matri and then Claudio Marchisio were just unable to get the final touch.

Straight away there was controversy after 10 minutes when Marchisio ran on to a long ball and was clear on goal, but Rodrigo Taddei clipped his heels on the very edge of the box. The referee opted for a yellow card, as Marchisio had not actually trapped the ball yet.

It proved a decisive moment anyway, as Andrea Pirlo kept the free kick low and powerful to split the massive defensive wall, beating Maarten Stekelenburg at the base of the near post.

There was absolute chaos moments later, as Stekelenburg came tearing out to anticipate Marchisio, then the Matri follow-up was charged down by Leandro Castan’s arm. The referee spotted it and awarded a penalty, booking the defender.

Arturo Vidal stepped up and converted successfully by firing it over Stekelenburg, putting Juve 2-0 up after just 16 minutes.

Lamela got behind Giorgio Chiellini, but volleyed wide from a very promising position on Francesco Totti’s long cross.

Just 30 seconds later Matri sprung the offside trap to go totally clear on goal from a Vidal pass over the top, all the time to chest it down and fire in despite Stek getting a knee to it. It was Matri’s first Juventus goal since February against Milan.

The Roma defence was a complete shambles and Marchisio got down the left undisturbed for a rising strike on to the crossbar!

Another concern for Zeman was that after 27 minutes all four Giallorossi defenders had already been booked. Totti tried to dribble through the entire Juve back line, but Giorgio Chiellini stood firm.

Vidal was found unmarked down the right, but ballooned over the bar. Roma replaced Federico Balzaretti with Marquinhos, as the former Palermo full-back was suffering from flu and running a temperature.

Matri again sprung the offside trap and rolled back for Vucinic to smack the crossbar from the D.

Roma created a chance after 38 minutes with Lamela’s ball across for Alessandro Florenzi intercepted by Leonardo Bonucci. The defender got into an argument with Florenzi, but then an even bigger row with teammate Vucinic, who was trying to calm him down. Osvaldo’s turn was charged down in the box.

In first half stoppages, Gigi Buffon comfortably smothered a Lamela header from six yards.

All of 27 seconds into the second half, Vucinic’s screamer forced Stekelenburg to palm it out of the top corner. Pirlo’s chipped pass freed Matri, but again Stek rushed out to flap away the lob.

Vucinic went on the counter and threaded through for Matri, but Stekelenburg smothered at his feet. A Nicolas Burdisso sliding tackle then proved crucial to stop Vucinic.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis drilled wide with a half-volley, as Roma were no longer as completely under the kosh as in the first half.

Zeman surprised by replacing Totti and Tachtsidis for Mattia Destro and Simone Perrotta. The ex-Siena striker had a good chance just over the bar on the volley.

Roma were awarded a penalty for Bonucci’s nudge on Destro as he was completing a give-and go with Osvaldo. The Italian-Argentine took spot-kick duties with Totti off the field and rolled it slowly into the net, sending Buffon the wrong way.

Marchisio’s daisy-cutter skimmed the back stick by a matter of inches, while Stekelenburg flew to beat away a Vucinic snapshot. Bonucci had the ball in the net from a corner, but was offside as he tapped in from a yard.

Osvaldo tested Buffon with an angled drive that squirmed between two defenders, then Lamela’s misplaced pass allowed Buffon to get away with a poor clearance. Osvaldo blasted over and substitute Paul Pogba curled just wide.

However, in stoppages Roma were caught out again on the counter from their own free kick, as Andrea Barzagli threaded through for Sebastian Giovinco to go round Stekelenburg and roll in from the tightest of angles.

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

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio (Asamoah 76), De Ceglie (Pogba 84); Matri (Giovinco 76), Vucinic

ROMA: Stekelenburg; Taddei, Burdisso, Castan, Balzaretti (Marquinhos 34); Tachtsidis (Perrotta 64), Florenzi, De Rossi; Lamela, Osvaldo, Totti (Destro 64)

Ref: Rizzoli

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Juve move clear at the summit

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus opened up a three-point lead at the top of Serie A after seeing off Roma 4-1 at the Juventus Stadium.

The victory was wrapped up within the opening 20 minutes with goals from Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Alessandro Matri putting the Bianconeri in the driving seat.

Pablo Osvaldo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot for the Giallorossi, but Zdenek Zeman's men were unable to find a way back into the game and Sebastian Giovinco added a late fourth to leave Roma eight points behind the Bianconeri in the Serie A table.

The coals had been stoked in the build-up to the game with long-time Juve critic Zeman's return to Turin dominating the headlines even before the midweek matches in Serie A.

As expected, he was given a hostile reception by the Juve fans and an even more hostile one from the Juve team, who had the ball in the back of the net three times inside the first 20 minutes.

The first goal arrived in the 11th minute with Pirlo despatching one of his trademark free-kicks, opting for a low shot which took a slight deflection off the wall on its way past Maarten Stekelenurg.

The second goal was a gift for Juve in the 16th minute as Leandro Castan handled the ball inside the area and Vidal stepped up to score from the spot.

Three minutes later, the contest was practically over as Matri broke free to meet Stekelenburg and beat him with a powerful shot which released all the pent up frustration at not having opened his account for the season - until now.

It could have turned even worse for Roma in the 36th minute when Mirko Vucinic grazed the top of the crossbar.

Perhaps with one eye already on Tuesday's Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, Juve appeared to take it a little easier in the second half.

They conceded a goal in the 69th minute when Leonardo Bonucci shoved Mattia Destro inside the penalty area and Osvaldo converted the spot-kick.

Juve had a goal disallowed four minutes later with Bonucci in an offside position when he pounced to score after Paolo De Ceglie's shot hit the post.

Osvaldo had a shot saved by Gianluigi Buffon before Giovinco wrapped up the win in the last minute.

He raced through, nudged the ball past Stekelenburg and then slid it into the open goal to wrap up the victory in a game which ended fractionally before the 90 minutes were up.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Player Ratings: Juventus 4-1 Roma

Goal.com casts a critical eye over the performers in Turin as three early goals

earned the Bianconeri a facile win and a three-point lead at the top of the Serie A table.

Sep 29, 2012

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Kept his concentration well to keep out the occasional Roma attempt on his goal, and could do little about Osvaldo's penalty.

Giorgio Chiellini - Dealt with whatever Roma could throw at him, and never put a foot wrong at the back in a confident display.

Martín Cáceres - Got forward extremely well in the first half, functioning as an auxiliary winger at times. His attacking forays diminished in the second half as he was forced to do more defending.

Paolo De Ceglie - Whipped in a few dangerous balls from advanced positions on the left as Roma’s lack of an offensive punch allowed him to stay camped in the opposition half, though he was forced to defend more after the interval.

Andrea Barzagli - Much like Chiellini, he was imperious at the back, especially during Roma's second-half surge. Defended with purpose and composure.

Leonardo Bonucci - Did not have much to do at all, but will be extremely disappointed in himself for a brainless barge into Destro during the second half that resulted in a penalty and ruined his team’s clean sheet.

Claudio Marchisio - His engine was a sight to behold in this game, as he never stopped running in attack, consistently providing his team with another avenue to exploit. Unlucky not to see his name on the scoresheet after a thunderous drive that rattled the crossbar.

Andrea Pirlo - As soon as he buried a lovely free kick low into the bottom corner after 11 minutes, you knew it was going to be his day. He was given the freedom of the pitch to probe by Roma and took full advantage, laying on chance after chance for his teammates with his exquisite passing.

Arturo Vidal - Slotted home an extremely confident penalty, and looked accomplished in midfield. Faster, stronger, and hungrier than his Roma counterparts, comfortable with both setting up his colleagues and breaking up play.

Mirko Vučinić - Constantly adopted dangerous positions across the front line and involved in almost every attack, with Balzaretti in particular finding him to be a menace. Hit the bar with an effort in the first half and came close again moments after the restart, when a great Stekelenburg save denied him a wonder-goal from distance.

Alessandro Matri - He was afforded space to run into and receive the ball close to the Roma goal, and took advantage of that development in one instance when he finished past Stekelenburg to rack up his side’s third goal.

Substitutions

Paul Pogba - Saw five minutes of game time right at the end.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Came on in place of Marchisio just over 15 minutes before full-time, but did not make a significant impact on the proceedings.

Sebastian Giovinco - Came off the bench to add a late clincher, with a silky finish after rounding Stekelenburg.

ROMA

Maarten Stekelenburg - The nerves of his team seemed to extend to him, as he inspired no confidence between the posts with his shoddy handling and presence. However, he somewhat made up for it with a world-class save to stop a Vucinic bullet.

Leandro Castán - A valiant attempt at twice blocking an unguarded net instead ended up with him conceding a penalty for handball. He fell apart completely after that, leaving a cavernous hole in the centre of defence with some abhorrent positioning.

Nicolas Andres Burdisso - Sloppy in the wall defending Pirlo’s free-kick, and simply terrible otherwise. His lack of concentration and waifish defending made Roma seem to be playing with 10 men whenever Juventus attacked.

Federico Balzaretti- Carved apart time and time again with ease by a rampant Juventus attack in the first half. He was put out of his misery after only 44 minutes as Zeman hauled him off the pitch.

Taddei - Poor in the wall alongside Burdisso for Pirlo’s goal, and was lucky to stay on the pitch after a professional foul on Marchisio on the edge of the box. Looked shockingly out of sorts along with the rest of the defence.

Daniele De Rossi - Not a happy return to the starting lineup for the vice-captain, as he was virtually a non-factor in midfield. Breezed past by the Bianoneri machine time and time again, and was woeful when on the ball.

Alessandro Florenzi - Gave his side some much needed thrust in the second half, and was at the heart of what little good they could muster in the attacking third.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis - Completely and continuously bypassed in midfield. His attempts to break up play consisted of nothing more than a few half-hearted tackles and more than a few mix-up with the back four.

Erik Lamela - Involved in what little Roma could muster offensively in the first half - but not in a good way. Had he taken one of the two glorious openings that fell his way, the outcome of the match may have well be different.

Osvaldo - Scored a confident penalty in the second half, and kept Buffon on his toes with another testing drive. A positive influence during Roma's improved second-half showing.

Francesco Totti - The Giallorossi skipper looked his age today, and spent most of his time chasing shadows as Juventus swarmed all over his side.

Substitutions

Marquinho - Gave his side an outlet on the flanks after being sprung from the bench just before the break.

Simone Perrotta - A little more decisive in the centre of the park than Tachtsidis, and went close with one effort.

Mattia Destro - A difficult presence for the Juventus defence to deal with after his introduction in place of Totti, typified by the way he won the Roma penalty.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Filippi: 'All Conte's work'

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi took charge of post-match comments and gave the credit to Antonio Conte.

Filippi had also done the pre-game Press conference, stepping in for both Conte and stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera.

“We agreed that I would be here for the post-match interviews, as that way I’d complete the job.

“Carrera asked if I would come and meet the Press, so I was pleased to do so, especially as it was my first time. Maybe they’ll ask me to keep doing it like a lucky charm!

“We work so hard during the week with Coach Conte and his assistants, so this is the result of Conte’s work.”

Filippi was speaking to the media after a stunning 4-1 victory over Roma.

“It was not an easy game. It’s true we got off to a splendid start and were able to do everything we wanted to very quickly, but we fought against a side that will do important things and stay close to the top places this season.

Alessandro Matri had been dropped for several games, but started tonight and scored his first goal since February.

“This season Juventus have a great group of strikers and we are all happy with their performances. They are alternated depending on how they work in training leading up to the game.

“Nicklas Bendtner’s turn will come, but right now we have players who can give us guarantees.”

Being the goalkeeping coach, Filippi had to comment on Gianluigi Buffon’s career.

“In my view, Buffon is in a great period of his career and can continue for a long time if he stays on these levels. Dino Zoff kept going after 40, so Gigi can repeat that.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Zeman: 'Juventus were superior'

Sep 29, 2012

Zdenek Zeman held his hands up after Roma’s 4-1 demolition in Turin. “Juventus were clearly superior for the entire match.”

The Giallorossi were humiliated this evening and 3-0 down after just 19 minutes.

“We tried to play our game and didn’t manage it. Juventus were clearly superior for the entire match,” confessed the Coach.

“We didn’t defend, nor attack effectively, so were always under pressure. The problem is finding the style of play, as if we don’t defend together then the gaps emerge and the team gets stretched out.

“The same happens if we don’t play the ball quickly. We are working, but this game was terrible. Conceding three goals in the space of seven minutes would knock anyone down.”

Zeman insisted this was not the real Roma and his concept of football has not yet been seen.

“Are my ideas old-fashioned? When I see the team play with my ideas, then I can give a judgement, but tonight I saw very little of what we do in training. Maybe Juventus were so scary that we were unable to express our ideas.”

The tactician was asked whether he might’ve preferred to stay with Pescara, who he took to promotion, rather than take on the pressure of this job.

“I am happy to be at Roma and convinced the team will be able to express itself. Naturally games like this can help us to learn and I hope the players realise they didn’t do enough tonight.

“We never won a challenge and if you go into a game with Juve lacking determination, then you’ll get nowhere.

“We were certainly sluggish and that is one of the reasons why we can’t create a chance with speed. I knew Juventus were at a more advanced stage, as they know each other well, while we are a work in progress.”

Francesco Totti was surprisingly substituted in the second half.

“I took Totti off because I thought the match could not be recovered, so it was smart to rest him.”

Zeman has long been a bitter rival for Juventus fans and was given a typically frosty welcome in Turin.

“I didn’t hear any chants. Maybe I had something in my ear.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Sabatini tears Roma apart

Sep 29, 2012

Director Walter Sabatini lambasted the Roma players and Zdenek Zeman after their Turin mauling. “Perhaps we over-valued some players.”

The Giallorossi were crushed 4-1 by Juventus and already 3-0 down within the opening 19 minutes.

“The first half? I have to search my vocabulary. It was disastrous,” shrugged Sabatini on Sky Sport Italia.

“Luis Enrique and Zeman are strong Coaches who focus on the attack, that doesn’t mean they are inadequate.

“We perhaps have to consider other decisions that we made or that we might’ve over-valued some players for their abilities to perform in this type of match.

“We should’ve approached it with different mentality, physicality, desire and ferocity. I am giving a negative view on what I see, which after tonight is inevitable.

“The lads who came here are on paper and in theory very talented, but they have to prove it every day on the pitch and in training. They must have the right attitude all the time.

“It is evident the team is midway through the learning process and that means there is a lack of balance, as some ideas have been assimilated and others not. However, we need other qualities during a game like this, such as determination and pace.

“Many people said Roma would be challenging the top clubs for the title, which up until tonight was fairly plausible. The Coach tries to give the team a certain approach, but they lack temperament on the field at times.

“We are asking ourselves questions with honesty. I say that more or less all the decisions were made with the Coach, so if there were mistakes in buying players then it was collective.”

Sabatini was asked whether Roma’s hierarchy now felt sorry they had picked Zeman rather than Vincenzo Montella this summer.

“Montella? No, of course we don’t feel regret. Montella is doing great things at Fiorentina and we are pleased for him, but Zeman is our Coach and we will all work together to do better as time goes on.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Filippi: Bendtner he will get his chance

The coach maintained that the summer signing's opportunity will come, and stated

that Roma remained close challengers for the title despite their defeat on Saturday.

Sep 29, 2012

Juventus goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi, who took over the press conference after the Bianconeri's 4-1 victory over Roma, spoke of his belief that Nicklas Bendtner will get a chance to prove his worth.

The trainer was quick to praise the Old Lady's collective spirit and togetherness and gave credit for the win over the Giallorossi to head coach Antonio Conte, who is currently serving his suspension.

"Nicklas Bendtner will eventually have his chance," stated Filippi at the post-match press conference.

"Juventus have a great group of strikers this season. Right now, we have several forwards that give us guarantees. They are rotated according to how they perform in training.

"We work hard during the week with Conte, so this victory belongs to him."

Despite the manner in which the Italian champions sent Zdenek Zeman's Roma packing, Filippi is refusing to dismiss the Giallorossi's title credentials.

"It's true we got off to a splending start, but we fought against a side who will nevertheless continue doing important things this season, continuously challenging for the top places."

Juventus now turn her attention to their Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, after earning a credible opening day draw against fellow Group E heavyweights, Chelsea.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Zeman rues 'terrible' defeat at the hands of Juventus

The Czech tactician conceded his opponents on the night were better in every aspect,

admitting that his players never really settled into the game and deservedly lost.

Sep 29, 2012

Zdenek Zeman was deeply disappointed with Roma's 4-1 loss at the hands of Juventus, but insisted that his team are still a work in progress and were accordingly outplayed by 'superior' opposition.

The Giallorossi conceded three goals in quick succession during the first half, and although they clawed one back via a penalty in the second period, the coach noted his players never quite managed to recover.

"Juventus were superior throughout," Zeman said at the post-match press conference. "Roma are improving, but this game was terrible."

"We neither attacked nor defended effectively, and so were constantly under pressure. Tonight, I saw very little of what we do during training, although we are still a work in progress.

"Conceding three goals rapidly would have knocked any team out. Maybe they were so intimidating we forgot how to implement our ideas."

Zeman defended his decision to swap Pescara for the Italian capital in the summer, despite watching his team stutter in terms of performances lately.

"I am happy to be at Roma and am sure we will express ourselves eventually. We will learn from games like these in due course.

"I hope the players realise they were too sluggish tonight, and didn't do enough."

Roma sit in eighth place in Serie A after two defeats, two draws and just two wins so far this term.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

De Rossi: 'Scudetto talk harmful'

Sep 29, 2012

Daniele De Rossi tipped his hat to Juventus, warned Scudetto talk around Roma is harmful, but has “no regrets” about staying.

“Juventus were superior and seemed to know all our weaknesses. They were stronger than us,” he said of the 4-1 defeat.

“We lacked a lot tonight and can’t clutch at straws. Everyone saw it was a negative performance in which Juve dominated apart from a small spell in the second half when they took their foot off the gas.

“It started so badly and the game was over too quickly. We barely got going at all. We should’ve approached it differently, though we knew Juve were stronger than us.

“Nonetheless, it is a very long season and we will be able to have our say. After all, you don’t face Juventus every week.

“Am I disappointed by Zdenek Zeman? No. I am disappointed by Roma, which includes myself. I do think we can grow and fight for third place, though,” said the midfielder.

“In my view it would be bad for the fans to think about the Scudetto, which I have always said. Looking at the other sides in the top places, if we have a great campaign then we can finish in the top three. That would be a very impressive achievement considering the situation.

“I won’t say Roma can never challenge for the Scudetto, as it takes time for a team to develop and gel.”

When asked what the Giallorossi need to do in order to change their fortunes, De Rossi cast a wide net.

“Evidently we are also lacking something in physical terms, while Juve are more organised in the way they run, so it’s more efficient. Clearly we have to work on physical and above all tactical issues, get to know each other better.

“Alessandro Florenzi has more pace, so he’s meant to run forward more than me. The problem is you need the ball to run forward and we barely got hold of it tonight.

“Football is just that, it’s not as if someone brings it down from another planet. You need to get points.”

De Rossi rejected proposals from Manchester City and more over the summer, but remains close to his hometown club.

“Do I have regrets at staying? Of course not and I never will. I am very happy here, although obviously defeats hurt me worse than anyone else.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Matri: 'I needed that goal'

Sep 29, 2012

Alessandro Matri has “taken a weight off” with his first goal since February, but makes a confession too.

The Juventus striker had been on the bench for the last three matches only to start and net in tonight’s 4-1 demolition job on Roma.

“I took a weight off my shoulders with that goal, as it had been many months since I’d last scored,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am happy that my goal coincides with a wonderful victory. I hope to play in the Champions League, but the decision is up to the Coach.”

Matri sprung the offside trap and his shot went in off Maarten Stekelenburg’s knee.

“I’ll be honest, I mis-hit that! Still, a scuffed effort is one of my trademarks,” he joked.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Shambolic Roma allow Juventus time to breathe

ahead of return to Champions League duty

The Giallorossi suffered a nightmare start to proceedings in Turin, meaning

the Italian champions could ease off the gas before Tuesday's clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Sep 30, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

They were supposed to make it a really rough ride. In the middle of a period during which Juventus have looked unconvincing in their ability to come to terms with a new heavier workload, Roma were meant to ensure the Bianconeri were put through the ringer.

Instead, a shambolic first 20 minutes at Juventus Stadium on Saturday night practically handed Juve three points and gave Antonio Conte’s men an easy ride ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. If the draw with Fiorentina in midweek was their toughest test in recent memory, this was their biggest cakewalk in years. The Giallorossi were simply awful.

From the first minute, Juve attacked and Roma stood and watched. Paolo De Ceglie was allowed to get three crosses in even before the first goal, as the gameplan of getting at Rodrigo Taddei worked a treat. The Brazilian then brought down Claudio Marchisio as the last man, and Nicola Rizzoli decided that the contact warranted a free-kick but, somehow, not a red card. Still, the punishment was dealt by Andrea Pirlo anyway, firing low and hard into the far corner.

There was no let-up, as Maarten Stekelenburg and Leandro Castan both failed to clear the ball sufficiently, and the big defender conceded a clear penalty for handball. Arturo Vidal dispatched the penalty, and two minutes later Alessandro Matri found himself in acres of space from which to slot home his first goal in seven months. Not 19 minutes had gone, and Roma were deservedly three down.

The onslaught continued, and could have got worse had efforts from Marchisio and Vucinic found the net rather than Stekelenburg’s crossbar. It was just the response that Juve fans were hoping for after Roma coach Zdenek Zeman added to his long rap sheet of anti-Bianconeri statements by claiming that Conte should step down last month, before stating that Massimo Carrera should have faced the media instead of Claudio Filippi for this week’s pre-match press conference. It was the Czech making all the bold statements in the build-up, but Juventus saved their talking for game time.

Understandably, the Old Lady’s foot came off the accelerator pedal a touch after the break, even if the frenzied Leonardo Bonucci was taking the game more seriously than perhaps any other he’d played in his life, even picking a fight at one point with team-mate Vucinic. Roma pulled one back from the spot thanks to Pablo Osvaldo after Bonucci brought down substitute Mattia Destro, but there was never a comeback on the cards.

Sebastian Giovinco tied up the result in the dying moments after Andrea Barzagli had steamed past Taddei down the wing. That Barzagli was made to look like Alexis Sanchez by the immobile full-back told many a story about the game as a whole. Juve were too good, and Roma were oh so bad. The visitors’ midfield got nowhere near their counterparts, while their back four and goalkeeper looked like a group of players dragged off the nearest public park five minutes before kick-off.

A much-closer affair had taken place at the Ennio Tardini earlier in the evening as AC Milan again failed to spark into life against Parma, being forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in torrential rain.

Once more it was Stephan El Shaarawy who looked the most likely to get the Rossoneri going, and he grabbed his fourth goal in under a week to put his side ahead early in the second half. But as soon as Parma showed the hunger to really get at Milan they succeeded, and Daniele Galloppa lashed home a low free-kick which deflected off the visitors’ wall on its way past Christian Abbiati.

The goalkeeper was then forced the make an awkward save after another shot from distance, as the Ducali played the conditions better than Massimiliano Allegri’s men had at any stage in the game. Once more, they were ill at ease on or off the ball, once more Kevin-Prince Boateng looked a shadow of the man who pulled up trees in his first two years in Italy, and once more there was a lack of dynamism at key moments.

Allegri’s job still hangs in the balance, but the fact that the points column ticked over again, coupled with the proximity of Wednesday’s trip to St Petersburg and next Sunday’s Milan derby, will probably combine to keep him in work for now. However, there was little about his team’s performance to suggest the pressure is even close to being released just yet, and it will be a surprise to many if he remains in charge beyond the international break should they head into the interval with just seven points from seven games.

Going into the midweek Champions League games, there must be confidence among Italian fans regarding the form of Juventus, but they will surely be concerned for Milan. Still, the Rossoneri can’t possibly perform as badly as Roma did last night.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

De Rossi: Aiming for Scudetto would be wrong

The midfielder was visibly disappointed and frank when reacting to his side's

heavy defeat on Saturday, insisting that the Giallorossi must re-assess their objectives.

Sep 30, 2012

Daniele De Rossi has told his Roma team-mates to forget about winning the Serie A title after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Juventus on Saturday.

Zdenek Zeman's side were roundly beaten by the Bianconeri thanks to a first-half blitz from Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Alessandro Matri and a late strike from Sebastian Giovinco.

After the match, De Rossi admitted that while Juve were the better side, the Giallorossi should instead focus on qualifying for the Champions League rather than the Scudetto.

"It's been a bad evening, we put on a poor showing against a team stronger than us," the 29-year-old admitted.

"There is bitterness, we were hoping to do well in spite of the awareness of being inferior. The fact is we can not match Juve, it is wrong to say that we can aim for the Scudetto.

"We must have a great season in order to return to Europe. We must compete with those who are at our level, but we need to start winning points in general.

"Juventus have a stronger unit, and a savagery that we are only showing in fits and spurts."

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

4 - 1

Andrea Pirlo (11′)

Arturo Vidal (16' - PG)

Alessandro Matri (19′)

Osvaldo (69′ - PG)

Sebastian Giovinco (90′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 39221

Giovinco proud of 'convincing performance' against Roma

The 25-year-old spoke positively about his Bianconeri team-mates after the big win

over the capital outfit on Saturday, claiming they can be pleased with their efforts.

Sep 30, 2012

Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco has praised his team-mates for giving 100 per cent in the 4-1 victory over Roma on Saturday.

The forward grabbed the fourth goal in the 90th minute to round off an emphatic win for the current champions, and he is adamant that the result makes up for the stalemate against Fiorentina on Tuesday.

"We were average in Florence, so it was important for us to win [on Saturday] and put in a convincing performance." the Italy international told the club's official website.

Giovinco then went onto credit the overall performance of his colleagues, reserving particular plaudits for fellow striker Alessandro Matri.

"All our strikers are scoring? I'm happy for Matri, as he wasn't going through the best of periods, and for myself too," he added.

"It's great when everyone gives 100%. We'll celebrate a bit tonight, then start thinking about the Champions League tomorrow morning."

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Round 6 Results: Miccoli hat-trick inspires Palermo

to maiden victory, while Torino & Bologna rack up big wins

An action-packed weekend also saw Lazio resume winning ways against plucky Siena,

while Pescara recorded back-to-back successes with their first points away from home at Cagliari.

Sep 30, 2012

Serie A

Round 6 Results

League Table

PARMA 1 - 1 AC MILAN

Match Report - Player Ratings

JUVENTUS 4 - 1 ROMA

Match Report - Player Ratings

UDINESE 0 - 0 GENOA

Udinese could only muster a goalless draw with Genoa at the Friuli on Sunday, as they looked lost for ideas in attack without captain Antonio Di Natale.

The talisman was dropped to the substitutes' bench for the visit of the Ligurians following a bust-up with coach Francesco Guidolin, who was quick to add before the match that they had cleared the air, and his absence was keenly felt.

They had the best chance of the game just two minutes in through Danilo, but the Brazilian's header from a corner came crashing off the upright, while Diego Fabbrini also came close in an otherwise scrappy encounter which will not live long in the memory.

The Zebrette have notched up just six points in six matches and find themselves 15th. Genoa, meanwhile, pick up a successive point and are placed ninth.

ATALANTA 1 - 5 TORINO

Torino produced a scintillating second-half performance at the Azzurri d'Italia on Sunday to trounce Atalanta 5-1 and inflict a second straight defeat on the Orobici.

Yet it was the hosts who took the lead on 28 minutes through German Denis, who collected Riccardo Cazzola's pass and struck the ball past Jean-Francois Gillet. However, Giacomo Bonaventura's clear handball in the box allowed Rolando Bianchi to grab the equaliser from the penalty spot.

The incident marked the turning point of the match, as Torino flew out of the traps immediately after the restart. A corner was headed home by Alessandro Gazzi soon enough, before Alen Stevanovic applied the finish on Alessio Cerci's cross not long after the hour mark.

There was still time to deepen Atalanta's woes, as Danilo D'Ambrosio made it 4-1 from a free header, and with little under 15 minutes to go, Rolando Bianchi saw a shot strike the bar and cross the line to complete the rout in Bergamo.

The Granata are now sixth in the Serie A table, but the home team flounder in 15th place.

BOLOGNA 4 - 0 CATANIA

Bologna ended a run of two games without victory in style by coasting to a 4-0 win over Catania at the Dell'Ara on Sunday.

Former Sevilla midfielder Tiberio Guarente took advantage of Alberto Gilardino's headed lay-off to break the deadlock, before Gyorgy Garics once again served as his side's provider, picking out Gilardino for his first of the afternoon.

The Rossoblu were in a commanding position by the end of the first-half, and on the hour mark, Alessandro Diamanti beat the offside trap to float in a ball for Gilardino, who glanced past Mariano Andujar. The visitors' bad day wascompounded soon after when Ciro Capuano was given a straight red card.

And deep in injury-time, Panagiotis Kone tapped an easy finish following more good work from Diamanti, as Bologna climbed to 12th in Serie A, with Catania dropping to 10th.

CAGLIARI 1 - 2 PESCARA

Pescara survived a late goal to eventually hang onto an impressive 2-1 away win over Cagliari on Sunday and extend their unbeaten run to three games.

The match served as the long-awaited inauguration of the Is Arenas following last weekend's failure to host Roma, which was marred by Sardinians' president Massimo Cellino unsuccessfully overruling the local authorities' decision to play the fixture behind closed doors on security grounds.

Still, it seems that the Rossoblu still need to acclimatise to their new surroundings. Christian Terlizzi struck the first goal inside the new stadium five minutes after the restart, albeit with a hefty touch of luck as his strike needed two deflections to beat Michael Agazzi.

More bad news ensued for Cagliari, as they went a man down through Luca Rossettini, and the points were bagged by Pescara with 10 minutes remaining. Vladimir Weiss maintained his promising start to life in Serie A by finishing off a sweeping counterattack.

Terlizzi conceded a late penalty, which Mauricio Pinilla made no mistake with, but the result keeps Cagliari bottom and without a win this term. The Delfini, however, soar to 13th.

LAZIO 2 - 1 SIENA

Lazio made sure that they put an end to their recent poor form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Siena at the Olimpico.

The Biancocelesti had lost their last two Serie A games, raising question marks over their ambitions for a top-three spot, but their cause was boosted significantly by Ederson's first goal for the club - a header from a corner.

And when Siena goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo brought down Miroslav Klose on the 37th minute, Cristian Ledesma netted the subsequent penalty, which proved the match-winner as Massimo Paci made for a tense ending in injury-time.

The win moves Vladimir Petkovic's men to fourth, but the Tuscans reside in a lowly 19th place.

PALERMO 4 - 1 CHIEVO

Palermo finally got their season off the mark as they eased to an impressive 4-1 win against Chievo - their first of the campaign and under the management of Gian Piero Gasperini.

The Rosanero took the lead inside 13 minutes through captain fantastic Fabrizio Miccoli, who curled in a magnificent free-kick. However, the visitors temporarily restored parity through Marco Rigoni directly from a corner-kick.

Nonetheless, Miccoli was in no mood to see his side surrender yet more points, and his mazy dribble resulted in a fine second on the hour mark, and he played a huge role in Luigi Giorgi's strike with only 10 minutes left to seal the victory.

Miccoli's virtuoso showing was capped off with a spectacular third of the afternoon, slamming a volley home late on. And while Franco Brienza's second yellow card may have taken some of the gloss off the result, Palermo move 17th, but Chievo drop to 18th.

SAMPDORIA 0 - 1 NAPOLI

Napoli ensured they kept up with pace-setters Juventus at the top of Serie A by scraping a 1-0 win at Sampdoria on Sunday.

However, the victory was not as clear cut as the southerners would have liked. To begin with, coach Walter Mazzarri was given his marching orders at the end of the first-half after protesting at officials over a rash tackle by Pedro Obiang.

Still, justice was served in the eyes of the trainer, as Daniele Gastaldello was too sent off for unfairly bringing down Marek Hamsik. It was the defender's second yellow card, and it allowed Edinson Cavani to continue his prolific start to the season from 12 yards out.

The visitors stay second, tied on 16 points with Juve, following the win, but Sampdoria have now not prospered in their last three and are in fifth place.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Team of the Week:

Miccoli magic steals the show

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

of Italian league action at the weekend.

Oct 1, 2012

It was a five-star weekend for one player in Serie A in round six, but it was a magnificent four-star effort from a single club as Bologna find themselves with a quartet of representatives in this week's Goal.com Team of the Week.

The Rossoblu contingent begins in goal, where Federico Agliardi helped set up his side for a 4-0 victory over Catania at the Renato dall'Ara with an excellent display between the sticks after replacing Gianluca Curci at the midway point. That's one way of winning your place back!

His back line starts with Andrea Barzagli, who not only kept Francesco Totti et al quiet against Roma, but also set up Juventus' late fourth goal with a barnstorming run down the right wing before slotting a great ball through for Sebastian Giovinco. In the centre of the back three is our second Bologna hero, Mikael Antonsson, who dealt superbly with the Etnei's 'triple threat' forward line of Alejandro Gomez, Pablo Barrientos and Gonzalo Bergessio. Christian Terlizzi's great weekend was only getting started when his thumping shot was deflected into the Cagliari net at the Is Arenas, with his Team of the Week entry also being recognition of his defensive effort in the Delfino's win.

Gyorgy Garics' effort down the right for Bologna earns him a first call-up of the campaign, while Antonio Candreva also gets a debut in our side thanks to his contribution to Lazio's well-earned victory over Siena which took them back into the top four. Juventus were helped on their way to the 4-1 win over Roma by Claudio Marchisio, whose runs on the left of the midfield three had Rodrigo Taddei and Nicolas Burdisso at sixes and sevens, with only the bar preventing him from getting on the scoresheet. He is sandwiched by Laziali, with Ederson taking the last midfield slot thanks to a great shift against Siena, topped off with a headed goal in the 2-1 win.

In the forward line, there are six goals to be boated, with half of them going to Fabrizio Miccoli. There wasn't a bad strike among the Palermo skipper's hat-trick, but the third was particularly spectacular as he magnificently lobbed Chievo's Stefano Sorrentino from distance. Alberto Gilardino gets a second TOTW appearance thanks to his smart double in Bologna's mauling of Catania, while Antonio Cassano gets a second successive call after his winning goal against Fiorentina capped a fine individual performance as the counter-attacking Nerazzurri saw off their slick-passing visitors.

AGLIARDI (Bologna)

BARZAGLI (JUVENTUS) - ANTONSSON (Bologna) - TERLIZZI (Pescara)

GARICS (Bologna) - CANDREVA (Lazio) - MARCHISIO (JUVENTUS) - EDERSON (Lazio)

MICCOLI (Palermo) - GILARDINO (Bologna) - CASSANO (Inter)

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (2nd leg) - 2-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS - SHAKHTAR DONETSK

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands)

Juventus revert to Chelsea XI

Oct 1, 2012

Juventus will reportedly field the same starting XI who took on Chelsea when they face Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Old Lady returned to the Champions League at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago and collected a creditable 2-2 draw after coming from 2-0 down.

According to speculation on Monday, Conte will keep the faith with the men who started in London on that night.

The Turin giants will hold their first ever Champions League game at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

Boss Conte should thus make three changes from the team that beat Roma 4-1 on Saturday. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah should replace Martin Caceres and Paolo De Ceglie on the flanks.

In attack, Sebastian Giovinco is in pole position to replace Alessandro Matri alongside Mirko Vucinic.

Juventus probable: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.