Juventus Season 2012-2013

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

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

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 SHAKHTAR

Alex Teixeira (23′)

Leonardo Bonucci (25′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands)

Attendance: 29368

Marchisio thankful for point

Oct 3, 2012

Claudio Marchisio is looking on the bright side of Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk. “It was certainly a point won!”

The Turin giants disappointed at the Juventus Stadium last night in a game where their Ukrainian opponents created numerous scoring opportunities.

“Given what happened in the closing stages of the game, this was certainly a point won rather than two lost,” the midfielder noted.

“We were up against a strong side who were very dangerous in attack, but we had our opportunities too, chances that we didn’t take.

“We started the game a little hesitantly, we then picked ourselves up even if we ran a few risks at the end.”

The Old Lady didn’t have any European commitments last season and Marchisio admits they have to adapt.

“It is hard to maintain the same rhythm when you play every three days,” he noted. “We have to spread out our energies a little better.

“Now we have a double header against Nordsjaelland which, on paper at least, should be a bit easier.

“We still need to approach them very carefully though. We've only just got back into the Champions League and we all need to prove that we’re good enough to be here.”

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

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

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 SHAKHTAR

Alex Teixeira (23′)

Leonardo Bonucci (25′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands)

Attendance: 29368

Rossi: That wasn’t the normal Juve

Oct 3, 2012

Italian 1982 World Cup winner Paolo Rossi was left hugely disappointed by Juventus’ performance in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Old Lady could only collect a 1-1 draw at home to Shakhtar Donetsk in a tie which the away side threatened to win.

“Juventus started the game very poorly,” the ex-Juventus and Milan striker told Sky Sport Italia after last night's encounter.

“We are not used to seeing the Bianconeri playing like that, without pressing their opponents or pushing forward.

“You have to give credit to Shakhtar Donetsk, though, who played really well. They underlined that they have great technical qualities.”

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

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

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 SHAKHTAR

Alex Teixeira (23′)

Leonardo Bonucci (25′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands)

Attendance: 29368

No more slip ups, warns Lichtsteiner

Oct 3, 2012

Stephan Lichtsteiner says that Juventus can’t afford to make any mistakes in the their next two Champions League games against Nordsjaelland.

The Old Lady are currently third in Group E, two points behind Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk, after collecting a 1-1 draw with the Ukrainian outfit last night.

“It was important to get the three points this evening and we weren’t able to do so,” the right-back told Sky Sport Italia. “Now we must win our next games.”

Juventus have been criticised for their performance on Tuesday and the Swiss international admits they under-performed.

“I felt we were lacking the usual aggression in the first 10 minutes and managed little of what we had prepared in the build-up to the game,” the 28-year-old explained.

“We then grew in stature, especially in the second half when we put in a good performance. When we pressed them and pinned them back we gave them difficulties.

“Shakhtar’s strength is in their play, we should have kept a tighter grip on them.”

Asked about the silence at the stadium as fans protested about ticket prices, he said: “There were not as many supporters as normal and they usually give us something extra.”

[Socrates 8272]

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

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

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 SHAKHTAR

Alex Teixeira (23′)

Leonardo Bonucci (25′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands)

Attendance: 29368

Vialli: Shakhtar deserved win

Oct 3, 2012

Gianluca Vialli was left impressed by Shakhtar Donetsk’s performance at Juventus in the Champions League last night.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, but the former Bianconero striker insists that Mircea Lucescu’s side should have gone home with all three points.

“They played well and they deserved to win,” Vialli told Sky Sport Italia. “No away side had previously created so many chances against Juve at the Juventus Stadium.

“Shakhtar Donetsk had the better of the possession and they were well positioned out there by their Coach. They should also have been awarded a penalty in the first half.”

Juventus looked like they were back to their best on Saturday with a 4-1 demolition of Roma, but they under-performed last night.

“Juventus disappointed me,” added Vialli. “Andrea Pirlo, unlike on Saturday, suffered out there and when he’s not in form then the side struggles.

“Juventus also went into the game in the wrong frame of mind.”

[Socrates 8272]

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

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

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 SHAKHTAR

Alex Teixeira (23′)

Leonardo Bonucci (25′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands)

Attendance: 29368

Tacchinardi: Juve needed 12th man

Oct 3, 2012

Alessio Tacchinardi insists the lack of home support may have affected Juventus in Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Less than 30,000 fans were present at the 41,000 capacity Juventus Stadium – the new arena’s second lowest attendance – for the 1-1 draw in which the Bianconeri were perhaps lucky to grab a point.

Having once played at the old Stadio Delle Alpi in front of just 561 fans for a Coppa Italia tie against Vicenza, the former Juventus midfielder knows the importance of the crowd.

“Fans at the Delle Alpi were not the team’s twelfth man, but they are at the Juventus Stadium,” he told Tuttosport.

“That’s why, the other night against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Bianconeri clearly paid the price for the lack of encouragement.

“You instantly saw that the side were tired, but, if the usual support was there from the previous games, then the players would have found some extra energy.

“Even during the warm-up at the Juventus Stadium, the fans prepare you for the game. Without support it becomes difficult.”

Some fans stayed away because of the ticket prices, while others decided to follow the game in silence in protest at some of the club’s rulings with regards to the use of flags and banners.

[Socrates 8272]

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

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

JUVENTUS 1 - 1 SHAKHTAR

Alex Teixeira (23′)

Leonardo Bonucci (25′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands)

Attendance: 29368

Tacchinardi: Juventus needed a 12th man against Shakhtar

The former Bianconeri midfielder believes the Italian champions suffered

from a lack of vocal backing in their 1-1 draw on Tuesday night.

Oct 4, 2012

Alessio Tacchinardi has insisted that Juventus needed a 12th man against Shakhtar Donetsk earlier this week, but felt they were let down by the club's supporters.

The reigning Serie A champions struggled to a 1-1 draw with the Ukraine side in their Champions League clash in Turin on Tuesday, in front of a crowd of less than 30,000 at the 41,000-capacity Juventus Stadium.

And former Italy international Tacchinardi has emphasised the importance of home support to Antonio Conte's charges.

“Fans at the Delle Alpi were not the team’s 12th man, but they are at Juventus Stadium,” he told Tuttosport.

“That’s why the other night against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Bianconeri clearly paid the price for the lack of encouragement.

“You instantly saw that the side were tired, but, if the usual support was there from the previous games, then the players would have found some extra energy.

“Even during the warm-up at Juventus Stadium, the fans prepare you for the game. Without support it becomes difficult.”

Some supporters had chosen to boycott the match due to ticket prices, while others reportedly opted to watch in silence in protest at the club's legislation against the use of flags and banners within the stands.

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Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Siena - Juventus Preview: The Bianconeri

will be aiming to extend their lead in Serie A

The Italian champions take on Serse Cosmi's Tuscan outfit in a bid

to exorcise their disappointments stemming from the Champions League in midweek.

Oct 6, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

SIENA

Pegolo

Neto, Paci, Felipe

Sestu, Vergassola, Rodriguez, Del Grosso

Ze Eduardo, Rosina

Calaió

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini

Isla, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah

Giovinco, Vucinic

Juventus coach Antonio Conte will be urging his men to seize victory against Siena on Sunday, taking advantage of any slip-ups their title rivals make in order to surge clear at the top of Serie A.

With Tuesday's Champions League date with Shakhtar Donetsk having taken a physical toll on the Old Lady, Conte is expected to rotate his men to conserve the batteries of several key players.

Mauricio Isla, Paul Pogba and Luca Marrone are therefore in line for their second starts of the campaign, appearing in place of Stephan Lichtsteiner, Andrea Pirlo and the suspended Leonardo Bonucci.

Kwado Asamoah is anticipated to reprise his roll on the left, while it remains a toss-up between Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri to see who will partner Mirko Vucinic in attack.

Siena boss Serse Cosmi will have to contend without the likes of playmaker Gaetano D’Agostino for his side's crunch tie, although he will be able to count on the services of former Torino player Alessandro Rosina in attack.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus won their corresponding fixture by a 1-0 scoreline last season, the winner having been scored by Matri (pictured right).

• The Turin giants have defeated their hosts on an impressive 13 occasions out of 14 encounters since 2004

• Conte will be chasing his 46th unbeaten result in charge of his side, drawing him closer to achieving Arrigo Sacchi's humbling record of 58 games without defeat.

• In all their previous encounters, Siena have only ever scored twice against the Bianconeri at the Artemio Franchi.

• One of those goals earned the Robur their solitary win over Juventus to date, coming during a 1-0 victory in May 2008.

• It remains to be seen whether Serse Cosmi can pull off a feat of such magnitude though, given his team languish 19th in the table, after slumping to two draws and two defeats in their first six fixtures.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Feb 5, 2012 - Juventus 0 - Siena 0

Serie A ‎- Sep 18, 2011 - Siena 0 - Juventus 1

Serie A ‎- Mar 14, 2010 - Juventus 3 - Siena 3

Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2009 - Siena 0 - Juventus 1

Serie A ‎- May 24, 2009 - Siena 0 - Juventus 3

Last Five Matches

Siena

Sep 30, 2012 - Lazio 2 - Siena 1 - Serie A

Sep 27, 2012 - Siena 1 - Bologna 0 - Serie A

Sep 23, 2012 - FC Internazionale 0 - Siena 2 - Serie A

Sep 16, 2012 - Siena 2 - Udinese 2 - Serie A

Sep 2, 2012 - Sampdoria 2 - Siena 1 - Serie A

Juventus

Oct 2, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Shakhtar Donetsk 1 - CL

Sep 29, 2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 1 - Serie A

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

Players to Watch

Emanuele Calaiò

The 30-year-old remains the focal point of Serse Cosmi's attack, leading his side's joint-top scorer chart with two goals this season. One gets the feeling he will have to work hard to make his presence felt, but Calaio will prove crucial in linking and finishing off attacking forays, perhaps giving Juventus' rearguard one or two things to worry about by testing Gianluigi Buffon whenever the rare opportunity presents itself.

Claudio Marchisio

Juventus' very own academy graduate never stops growing. The Italy international has taken on the onus of bossing the midfield this term, to the extent that the influence of his talismanic counterpart, Andrea Pirlo, has gone comparatively unnoticed. Accepting roles of increasing prominence and constantly improving, expect Marchisio to put on a performance of the highest standard against Siena.

Prediction

Siena will crucially be able to count on home support in this David vs. Goliath encounter, but Juventus have too much experience and firepower for any measure of divine intervention to overcome. Expect the Serie A champions to extend their unbeaten streak with ease here, brushing aside their hosts in a routine win, regardless of how many first-team members might be rested.

Editor's Prediction

Siena 0 - 2 Juventus

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

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Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

MATCH PREVIEW

Oct 6, 2012

Antonio Conte returns to Siena for the first time since the Calcioscommesse verdict to meet a resurgent Robur side.

Siena stunned Inter with a 2-0 win at the San Siro two weeks ago and by following that with a win over Bologna, completely eradicated their six point deduction. The winning momentum came to a halt on Sunday though, as Serse Cosmi’s side succumbed to a 2-1 defeat away at Lazio.

Cosmi felt his side were in the contest and could have walked away with at least a point. He refuses to think of where Siena should be – on eight points were it not for the deduction – and only worries about where they are, equal bottom with two points. The tactician notes that it will take a ‘perfect’ performance to defeat Juventus.

Injured defender Matteo Contini is the only player missing. Cosmi will continue with his favoured three-man defence and two deeper-lying strikers – including Alessandro Rosina - behind Emanuele Calaió.

Juventus showed the draw with Fiorentina was merely a slight dent on their fine domestic start as they thumped Zdenek Zeman’s Roma last Saturday. The Giallorossi could not withstand the Bianconeri onslaught, as Juve led 3-0 after 20 minutes and ended 4-1 victors. That result was followed midweek with a subdued draw in the Champions League versus Shakhtar Donetsk.

Conte must again watch from the stands on his return to his former workplace. Filippo Carobbio's testimony saw the Juve boss handed a ten month touchline ban for failure to report match fixing during the 2010-11 season, when a Siena side containing Carobbio and coached by Conte finished runners up in Serie B. Ironically though that ban may have been reduced by the time he arrives at the Artemio Franchi, with a decision from the TNAS appeals court expected on Friday.

Leonardo Bonucci is suspended after picking up his fourth yellow card of the campaign, giving Luca Marrone a chance in defence. Simone Padoin returns from injury but Simone Pepe sits out for another week, while there is set to be rotation after the European excursion.

Siena have only ever scored twice against Juve at home, although one of the goals led to their maiden victory. Aside from that aberration, Juventus have claimed six wins in the Tuscan city from seven clashes, including last season’s 1-0 result.

Keep an eye on: Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) – The midfielder is a vital cog in the Juventus machine. His forward runs and all-action style are critical to their approach. All that is missing from his repertoire this term is goals and Marchisio will look to change that in Siena.

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

Last season: Siena 0-1 Juventus

Stat fact: Juventus have won by a three-goal margin on three occasions in Siena, most recently in 2008-09.

Siena: Pegolo; Neto, Paci, Felipe; Sestu, Vergassola, Rodriguez, Del Grosso; Rosina, Ze Eduardo; Calaio

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Caceres, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Vucinic

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

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Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Siena v Juventus: Preview

Oct 6, 2012

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli is angry that head coach Antonio Conte will not be on the bench against his former club Siena, but he is looking forward to his imminent return.

Conte had his 10-month suspension for failing to report match-fixing - while in charge of Siena - cut to just four months by TNAS yesterday, meaning he will be back in the dug-out for Juve's trip to Palermo on December 9.

Technical director Massimo Carrera has earned Juve 16 points from the 18 available so far, but Agnelli cannot fathom why Conte has to sit out a further nine Serie A games before his return.

The Juve president told the club's official website: "I maintain my belief, one that is shared by everybody at Juventus, that Antonio Conte is an innocent man.

"The confirmation of his ban is unjust.

"Everyone at Juventus is looking forward to finally having (him) back on the bench, where he can make the most of his talent and continue his work with devotion and dedication.

"Starting today, sporting institutions need to pursue a reform of the justice system in order to avoid a repeat of this situation."

Such issues can not occupy interim boss Carrera, though, as he plots to extend La Vecchia's 45-game unbeaten run at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Leonardo Bonucci, who scored an incredible equaliser against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, is suspended for picking up his fourth yellow card of the season, allowing Luca Marrone the chance to deputise.

Siena boss Serse Cosmi knows only a flawless performance will do if the Robur are to end Juve's astonishing run.

"We'll need the perfect game to beat them," he said. "They've been in difficulty just twice this season, against Fiorentina and against Shakhtar.

"They only played to 50% of their potential in those games, with their opponents at 90%.

"That means Juventus don't even lose games on an off day.

"We'll have to be at 100% and then we'll see what happens."

Ominously, the Robur have not beaten Juve in Tuscany since May 2008 and they will have to amend that record without midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino, who is training alone in a bid to recover from a muscle injury.

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

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Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Filippi: 'Conte ban irrelevant'

Oct 6, 2012

Assistant Claudio Filippi prepares Juventus to face Siena and thinks Antonio Conte’s ban cut won’t make any difference.

Filippi had already taken the pre-match interview duties for last week’s 4-1 win over Roma and was again in the Press conference this morning.

“The team is ready and we trained well. We know that we are facing a complicated team who have amassed eight points so far and without their penalty would be in fifth place,” said the goalkeeping coach.

“Siena are the revelation of the campaign right now and we expect them to be strong and confident, but we’ll do everything we can to play our game. We’re well rested and trained with the right attitude.”

On Friday Conte’s 10-month ban was reduced to four on appeal, so he will be back on the touchline – and in the Press room – from December 8.

“How did the squad react? We have always trained well, because the Coach is always present and the team responds to his suggestions, so I doubt anything will actually change.”

There are strong reports that Nicklas Bendtner could get his first Juventus start against Siena on Sunday.

“Bendtner is at our disposal and is working very hard. We will decide the right moment to use him. The only certainty we have is that Luca Marrone will play.

“Could Andrea Pirlo share the field with Paul Pogba? Conte will decide the line-up tomorrow.”

The Bianconeri need a boost after their midweek 1-1 Champions League draw with Shakhtar Donetsk.

“We knew it would be a tough game,” noted Filippi. “We could lose or win, but the point helps us move the standings. We will evaluate things step by step as the competition progresses.”

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

[Socrates 8272]

Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Siena lose duo for Juve

Oct 6, 2012

Siena are without Gaetano D’Agostino and Matteo Contini for tomorrow’s match with Juventus.

The Tuscans had already lost creative midfielder D’Agostino to injury earlier in the week and Contini was added to the list of absentees.

D’Agostino is sidelined for two to three weeks due to a right thigh strain, while Contini is out for a couple of weeks after dislocating a toe on his left foot.

Siena squad for Juventus: Campagnolo, Farelli, Pegolo; Angelo, Del Grosso, Dellafiore, Felipe, Neto, Paci, Rubin; Bolzoni, Mannini, Rodriguez, Sestu, Valiani, Vergassola, Verre; Bogdani, Calaiò, Paolucci, Reginaldo, Rosina, Zè Eduardo.

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

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Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Cosmi: 'Best not enough with Juve'

Oct 6, 2012

Serse Cosmi warns Siena that “our best might not be enough” to get a result against Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday.

The Tuscans welcome the Bianconeri to the Stadio Franchi at 14.00 BST, click here for a match preview.

“We have to give our all against Juventus, but still realise our best might not be enough,” said Coach Cosmi.

“With that in mind, we must go beyond our limits, as it is the only way to get a result against such a great squad.”

Juve look set to give Nicklas Bendtner his first Serie A start against the team he nearly joined over the summer.

“I won’t think about that, as I am concentrated only on my own squad. My players entered the history books with their victory over Inter at San Siro, so they know full well they will need another historic achievement tomorrow.”

Antonio Conte will be in the stands of his former club, even though his 10-month ban has been reduced to four on appeal.

The suspension is for failing to report a potential fix to the authorities while he was the Coach of Siena as part of an investigation that also cost the club a six-point penalty.

“I saw that Juventus expressed unhappiness at the verdict. I know it is a different situation, but I would love for them to only give a four-month ban to Claudio Terzi and Roberto Vitiello. I have given up trying to understand the sporting justice system.”

Siena players Vitiello and Terzi are banned until 2016 due to the betting scandal, while Nicola Belmonte is suspended until February 2013 and Marcelo Larrondo until November 24.

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

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Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Siena v Juventus Preview : Antonio Conte Visits His Old Side

Oct 6, 2012

Antonio Conte’s former side Siena host reigning Serie A Champions Juventus at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday afternoon. Conte managed Siena for just a season, which was enough to see him achieve what he was hired for – promotion to Serie A. He then went on to join Juventus last season and the rest as they say, is history. The at Siena had its fair share of controversy, the consequences of which have impacted his current club Juventus.

Conte’s alleged involvement in the Calcioscommesse scandal meant that he was slapped with a 10 month touchline ban. The ban has since been reduced to 4 months implying Conte will be available on the 9^th of December when Juventus travel to Sicily to face Palermo. Siena, for their part, were slapped with a six points deduction which they may find hard to recover from and are certain relegation contenders.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Siena

Serse Cosmi’s side begun their campaign with a six point deduction but that hasn’t deterred them as they have enjoyed a fairly decent start to the season. Had it not been for the deduction, Siena would have found themselves in mid-table, instead they remain second from bottom in the relegation zone with two points to their name. However, they have managed to record excellent wins against Inter and Bologna.

Cosmi will field his tried and tested 3-4-2-1 formation. Siena are the underdogs going into this fixture and attacking Juventus might not be the smartest tactic to employ. They will sit back and soak up the pressure hoping to hit the champions on counter. A lot of their play revolves around striker Emanuele Calaio, who has bagged two goals this season. Owing to his huge physique, Calaio can hold up play and involve others in attack.

The duo of Alesandro Rosina and Ze Eduardo will play just behind him. Rosina, a once very promising prospect, might just be given the task of escorting Andrea Pirlo wherever the former Milan man may decide to venture and suffocating him. Defence will be marshaled by the experienced Massimo Paci who will be flanked by Neto and Felipe. The three of them will have to contain the tricky movements of the Juventus front duo. The lack of a target-man could also work to their disadvantage as they may find it difficult to pick up a striker.

Matteo Contini has been ruled out for Siena while Gaetano D’Agostino remains a doubt.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-4-2-1): Pegolo; Neto, Paci, Felipe; Sestu, Vergassola, Rodriguez, Del Grosso; Rosina, Ze Eduardo; Calaio

Juventus

Juventus

Juventus

While Juventus completely outplayed Roma in what was their most impressive performance of the campaign so far, the Champions League game against Shakhtar was a stark contrast. The lack of home support was evident and Juventus were on the back-foot for the most part. They lacked the cutting edge they’ve shown at the Juventus Stadium against a highly technical opposition. The Ukranian Champions were comfortable in possession and constantly threatened. It was more of a point gained for Juventus than two lost.

Now back to Serie A, Siena might test the fitness levels of Conte’s side. The games are coming thick and fast for the Bianconeri and their squad depth will be questioned again and again. The manager is likely to deploy his favored 3-5-2 formation. A few changes from the team that faced Shakhtar here and there are expected without being completely overturning the starting eleven. Luca Marrone will step into the heart of defence, replacing Leo Bonucci who is suspended. Marrone’s versatility has proven handy and the youngster has shown maturity beyond his age with composed displays in back three.

Caceres and De Ceglie can replace Lichtsteiner and Asamoah. The former duo completely stretched Roma’s back-line with their marauding runs and forays into opposition territory. More of the same is what Conte will ask for against Siena as he looks to stretch the opposition. Andrea Pirlo should retain his place in the center of midfield. Pirlo of course will pull the strings and look to spread play with his vast range of passing. The maestro has looked a bit off color in a few games this season but his quality is renowned and should he hit top gear, there will be no shortage of goal-scoring chances. Up front, Mirko Vucinic is expected to be partnered by pint sized attacker Sebastian Giovinco.

Simone Pepe remains sidelined for Juventus.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Caceres, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Vucinic

Key Facts

• Juventus are unbeaten in 45 Serie A games.
  
• Siena are undefeated at home this term.
  
• Juventus have scored the most amount of goals in Serie A so far with 15.
  

Player To Watch Out For

Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus)

The Atomic Ant has blown hot and cold so far and is yet to cement his place as a Juventus starter. Fans still remain on the fence with his signing and whether he will really inject any quality into a fairly lackluster Juventus attack. He will get the chance against Siena to prove his detractors wrong and show himself to be worthy of the famous Bianconeri colors.

Prediction

Siena 0-2 Juventus

The home side might just fancy their chances against a Juventus side coming off an exhausting few weeks. But the Bianconeri have quality in abundance and it is this very quality that should spur them on to another victory in Serie A. The game will be tight in its initial stages with Siena doing most of the running but Juventus should come out comfortable winners at the end of the day.

Blast From The Past

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

[Socrates 8272]

Serie A - Week 7 - 7-10-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

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Artemio Franchi - Montepaschi Arena Stadium - Siena

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Siena vs. Juventus PREVIEW –

Begin Countdown to Conte’s Return…

Oct 6, 2012

Last week was quite a wild one for our beloved Bianconeri. First we trounced Roma, most importantly humbling the always (for lack of a better adjective) douchey Zdenek Zeman who’s trademark kamikaze tactics proved to be even less effective than whatever psychological effects anyone would hope to achieve over an opponent with words. Several days later and playing the team’s fourth game in right around a fortnight, Juventus hosted Shakhtar Donetsk at home. That much more closely resembled the midweek trip to Florence before hosting Roma, and with little fan support at home due in part to the high ticket prices, a 1-1 draw and a single point was all that could be mustered from the first UCL game in Turin since 2009 (and first-ever at the Juventus Stadium).

This Sunday, Juventus will travel South-East to face that other team in black & white stripes from Northern Italy (no, not Udinese). Rather poetically, the Siena trip is coming off the heels of the TNAS court reducing Antonio’s Conte ban for actions which allegedly occurred (or rather did not occur) while he was in charge at that very same club. Alanis Morissette might consider this ironic, if not for the fact that it bears too close of a resemblance to actual “irony”, but I digress. At any rate, our manager will return to active matchday duty on December 8, 2012, aka right before the away trip to Palermo.

SIENA

Siena, which has been docked six points from the start of the season for their alleged involvement in the Calcioscommesse scandal, have been in impressive form for a provinciale. Last month saw them rack up impressive wins against Bologna and Inter Milan (which we were all grateful for over here), before falling 2-1 to Lazio last week. Yet, they rest at 19th in the table currently with a paltry 2 points due to the aforementioned penalty.

Likely to line up in a 3-4-2-1 to counter what has become a predictable 3-5-2, coach Serse Cosmi will likely try to exploit wide play and close down the midfield, thus neutralizing Juve’s biggest asset. Juventus meanwhile will hope to end the week on a high note, before the international break continues to toy with my emotions and delivers some much needed rest to some of the squad. Oh wait…

SIENA (3-4-2-1)

Pegolo

Neto, Paci, Felipe

Sestu, Vergassola, R.Rodriguez, Del Grosso

Rosina, Zé Eduardo

Calaiò

BENCH: Farelli, Campagnolo, Dellafiore, Rubin, M.Martínez, Scoppola, Verre, Angelo, Bolzoni, Paolucci, Bogdani, Valiani

Starting %: Sestu 60-40% Angelo

Injured: D’Agostino (matchday #9), Contini (#9)

Suspended: Larrondo (24 Nov 2012), Belmonte (9 Feb 2013), Terzi (9 Feb 2016), Vitiello (9 Sep 2016)

JUVENTUS

Juventus will undoubtedly look to tinker with their lineup a bit. Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are looking a bit tired these days. Pirlo, meanwhile, is certain to feature in Prandelli’s plans for the upcoming qualifiers against Armenia and Denmark whether or not his presence is actually necessary.

I would not be surprised to see youngster Paul Pogba earn another start. Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci is banned due to yellow card accumulation, so Lúcio, Martín Cáceres or even Luca Marrone — the young midfielder who deputized surprisingly well as a center-back during the summer friendlies — should all be ready to dust off their boots, the latter for either of two positions.

Additionally, reports seem to indicate that Mauricio Isla may earn his first second Serie A start in Bianconero (no, I mean Juve Bianconero, not… oh, never mind).

JUVENTUS (3-5-2)

Buffon

Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini

Isla, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah

Giovinco, Vucinic

BENCH: Storari, Rubinho, Lúcio, Lichtsteiner, De Ceglie, Vidal, Pogba, Padoin, Isla, Bendtner, Quagliarella, Matri

Starting %: Barzagli 60-40% Lúcio, Isla 60-40% Cáceres, Asamoah 60-40% De Ceglie

Injured: Pepe (matchday #8), Conte (8 Dec 2012)

Suspended: Bonucci (1)

Here is where the depth of the squad is going to come in handy, as it will many times throughout the course of this triple-front season. Juve’s ability to patch together a starting XI stronger than most other Serie A teams out of a combination of A, B, and C teamers, should undoubtedly give them an edge.

Siena do have a penchant for the occasional upset (and know Conte and his tactics well — and vice-versa), but despite the fact the Juve manager won’t on the bench again, Massimo Carrera has been deputizing and passing on the man’s word to pretty good effect so far. I am a big believer in numbers and odds and Juventus have to lose again in Serie A some time. However, I don’t believe it will be this time, even away from home.

Vincere è l’unica cosa che… CONTE!

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