Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Chiellini: 'Is this a title decider?'

Oct 20, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini insists it is “too early to say whether this can be a Scudetto showdown” as joint leaders Juventus and Napoli face off this afternoon.

The big match at the Juventus Stadium kicks off at 17.00 BST and you can watch LIVE on your computer.

“It is too early to say whether this can be a Scudetto showdown,” Bianconeri defender Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia.

“We are only in Week 8 and there are other teams who cannot be ruled out after so few games. I find it absurd.

“It is true that a victory would send a signal to the whole of Serie A, both if Juve were to win and if Napoli got the result.

“At the same time, I think both teams are mature and experienced enough to keep their balance regardless of what happens.”

The two giants already did battle in recent months for the Coppa Italia Final and the Italian Super Cup, winning one each.

They are level on top of the table with 19 points each, already four in front of the chasing pack, and remain unbeaten this season in Serie A.

Juve have injury problems for this huge encounter, as Gigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic are ruled out by thigh and flu problems respectively.

Assistant manager Angelo Alessio returns after his ban expired, but Coach Antonio Conte is still in the stands due to the betting scandal.

“Conte gave us back belief in ourselves and made us believe it was possible to dream. Above all, he taught us a great deal and in the last year everyone stepped up a notch in quality. That allowed us to win.”

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Buffon and Vucinic ruled out of Napoli clash

The Serie A champions confirmed on their website that two of their key men

will not be fit for the crunch game in Turin, although Claudio Marchisio could feature.

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus will be without Gianluigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic for Saturday's crucial match with Napoli.

Buffon has failed to recover from a thigh injury sustained during Italy's World Cup qualifying win over Armenia, while Montenegro attacker Vucinic is suffering from a bout of flu.

There is some good news for the Bianconeri, however, with midfielder Claudio Marchisio set to play after recovering from a shoulder problem, while Leonardo Bonucci returns from suspension for the top-of-the-table clash.

Meanwhile, the agent of veteran keeper Buffon has confirmed that there is still no progress to report on the 34-year-old's contract extension at Juventus Stadium.

"For the moment there is no need to talk about it. These are delicate things, however, at the right time [we] will come out of it all," Silvano Martina told tuttojuve.com.

Martina also revealed he is expecting a tight game on Saturday, but insists it will not prove to be decisive in the title race.

"At this time Juve is the defending champion and is proving to be the strongest in Italy. Napoli, on the other hand, has grown a lot and is the main antagonist in the Scudetto," he continued.

"I expect a very good game; however, as the race for the championship, it comes much too early to be decisive."

Martina also insists that the international commitments of players has an impact on all the top clubs, and so he does not envisage it causing a problem for the clash this weekend.

"Now for all clubs it is so," he added. "Having players around Europe or returning from South America affects us all, not only one of the two clubs, so I do not think it will particularly affect the performance of game. "

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Cannavaro: 'Juve-Napoli spark...'

Oct 20, 2012

Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro hopes today’s top of the table clash with Juventus “can set off that extra spark within us.”

They are joint Serie A leaders going into the 17.00 UK time kick-off, which you can watch LIVE on your computer.

“Is it a Scudetto showdown? I hope that it can become that over time. At the moment it is a challenge between the top two teams in the table,” Cannavaro told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is a very important match indeed, but in any case will not be decisive for the title.

“Perhaps it can set off that extra spark within us, that renewed awareness of our own potential. After all, Juventus dominated last season and ended unbeaten, so the statistics suggest they are the favourites.”

The defender also sees a crucial role at Napoli for Coach Walter Mazzarri and President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

“The President is like a father who intervenes at the right time and knows when to praise you without letting it get to your head. His interventions are always targeted and useful.

“I have never had confusion over anything the Coach has said. When a Coach tells you the truth, you learn to appreciate him. Right now I believe Mazzarri to be among the top tacticians in circulation.”

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Nedved: Juve & Napoli two of the best teams in Italy

The former Czech Republic international is looking forward to this weekend's

league match, and is hoping for an entertaining encounter.

Oct 20, 2012

Pavel Nedved is eagerly anticipating Saturday's Serie A encounter between Juventus and Napoli, and feels the two sides are among the best that Italy has to offer.

The Czech star midfielder has stressed that the match in Turin will not be decisive in the title race just yet, and hops that the recent internationals will not affect the game negatively.

"It’s still too early to be a decisive game. But it will be a great encounter contested between two of the best teams in Italy," he was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website.

"It’s not a battle between [Antonio] Conte and [Walter] Mazzarri, it’s a meeting of two great teams, led by two great coaches.

"I can't wait for the game. I hope it will be an enjoyable encounter in spite of the inevitable tiredness of the many players who have been on international duty.

"Between them Juventus and Napoli had a total of around 30 players on their travels and each and every one of them will have been focused on performing for their respective nations."

Juve and Napoli currently sit joint first in the Serie A table with 19 points from seven games.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Carrera: Juventus more attacking than Napoli

The 48-year-old feels the reigning champions look to dominate play more than the Partenopei,

but believes that Walter Mazzarri's side are more than capable of winning the Scudetto.

Oct 20, 2012

Massimo Carrera has voiced his opinion that Juventus play more attacking football than Napoli as the Partenopei try to hit their opponents on the counterattack rather than dictate play themselves.

Both sides are level on points at the top of the Serie A table, but the stand-in trainer believes Saturday's encounter in Turin will not be decisive in the title race.

"Both teams line up with 3-5-2 systems, but we aim for a more offensive game," he stated at a press conference.

"They have a greater reliance on counterattacks and individual moments of skill. We’ll look to dictate the play, but need to be smart to try and halt their counterattacks.

"There’s still a long way to go in the championship and many other sides can enter the reckoning. It’s understandable that Napoli are aiming for the Scudetto - they've got everything in place to do so."

Juventus recorded a 4-2 win after extra-time when they met Napoli for the Supercoppa Italiana earlier this season.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus v Napoli – Four Battles That Could Decide The Tie

Oct 20, 2012

It’s been hyped as the biggest and the most important clash of the season so far. Juventus host Napoli at the Juventus Stadium as Serie A’s top two lock-horns. It is too soon to call it a title decider as we’re still only in October but it does pit two front-runners against each other. Two teams with identical records and with similar goals this season. Napoli, realistically, remain the only Serie A outfit capable of halting this Juventus juggernaut. They are, in fact, the only side to have ever gotten the better of Juventus since Antonio Conte took charge last season. A win here for them will be a statement of intent to the rest of Serie A.

We take a look at few of the battles that could very well decide the victors on the night.

Andrea Pirlo vs Marek Hamsik

Pirlo, needs no introduction. His passing range is second to none and artistry with the ball that would make Michelangelo smile. Indeed, Pirlo is the fulcrum and heart-beat of this Juventus side. Everything stems from the feet of the maestro and a huge part of their game revolves around the thinking and imagination of the Italian International. Pirlo’s influence on the game cannot be neglected, doing so would be suicide.

Marek Hamsik is one of the most in-form midfielders in the peninsula right now. He has certainly risen to the occasion following Lavezzi’s departure. The Argentine’s sale has triggered a new mature Hamsik that has thrived in his free role at the club. Hamsik has found more space and has been given the license by Mazzarri to roam around the pitch.

On Saturday though, he might be asked to ‘do a job’ on Andrea Pirlo and escort him around the pitch but not in an entirely generous manner. Hamsik will be Pirlo’s shadow, hounding him and offering him no room to breathe. This could go a long way in shackling Pirlo and indeed Juventus. On the other hand, given Napoli’s penchant for swift counter-attacking football, Hamsik could burst through the middle and ghost past Pirlo, whose lack of pace has been well documented. This will make for one fascinating battle.

Kwadwo Asamoah vs Christian Maggio

For two sides that play with a three-man defense, width is always important; the full-backs involved need to contribute steadily at both ends of the pitch. In Asamoah and Maggio, Juventus and Napoli possess two frightening prospects. Asamoah has seamlessly been drafted into this Juventus side and scored one of the goals in the SuperCoppa with his hammer of a left-foot. Asamoah has been one of the stars of Juventus’ season thus far with 3 assists and a goal to his name. His transition from a central midfielder to left full-back has been made with consummate ease.

He will go head on against Napoli’s steam-roller, Christian Maggio. The former Sampdoria man doesn’t receive the same kind of attention that the Partenopei’s attacking trident do, but he is just as important to Mazzarri’s philosophy. Maggio has the pace and ability to dominate that right flank, delivering crosses that Cavani feasts on. His tussle with Asamoah will make for an intriguing contest.

Juventus Defense vs Edinson Cavani

Without a shadow of a doubt, Edinson Cavani is the most lethal attacker in Italy. The Uruguayan has all the ingredients of a modern and perfect centre forward. Strong in the air, excellent finisher, blistering pace with a work-rate that is admirable, Cavani is every managers dream striker. With 6 goals, he leads the Capocannoniere charts and his threat is something Juventus will be weary of. Cavani’s record against the Bianconeri should be cause for concern for Antonio Conte’s men but questions may be raised over his fitness and there is a general air of worry surrounding his late arrival from South America.

While Juventus’ three man back-line were solid and dependable last season, they have been rather shaky this term. They no longer offer the same kind of confidence that saw them concede the fewest amount of goals in Europe last season. Leonardo Bonucci has improved since his Bari days but he still is prone to moments of madness in the heart of the defense. While Andrea Barzagli, who had an impeccable 2011-2012 campaign, has been found wanting at times this season and has looked far from being assured at the back.

Giorgio Chiellini though has been the most impressive performer at the back and remains a stalwart for Juventus. His tough-tackling, no nonsense style is right out of the Italian guide to defending, an old-school warrior. Should Cavani manage to exploit the lack of pace in Juve’s back-line, he could cause a few headaches for the Juventus defense which does miss one of its most vital elements in Gigi Buffon.

Antonio Conte vs Walter Mazzarri

Conte and Mazzarri are two coaches with different approaches and different footballing philosophies. The Juventus manager is a firm believer in possession based football whose sides try to carve out openings with patience. Mazzarri has built a team that quite possibly is the most deadly counter-attacking side in Europe. A team that is comfortable sitting back, allowing the opposition possession and then attacking at break-neck speeds with efficiency.

It will be interesting to see how the teams line-up with regard to the tactical set-up employed by their managers. Both managers favor a three man defense, so width generated from the full-backs remains essential. Mazzarri has stated that he won’t be content with just a draw and that his side will be aiming to come away with all the three points in an intimidating stadium. Conte’s Juventus don’t play for draws and already have that winning mentality instilled in them. The clash between these two managers will make for a captivating duel with contrasting styles of football but with a similar objectives – three points and top spot.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Line-ups: Juventus-Napoli

Oct 20, 2012

It’s the top of the table clash in Turin as Juventus start with Marco Storari, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella against Napoli’s Edinson Cavani, Goran Pandev and Marek Hamsik.

These two sides are joint Serie A leaders going into the 17.00 UK time kick-off, which you can watch LIVE on your computer.

They already went head-to-head in the Coppa Italia Final in May and the fiery Italian Super Cup in Beijing in August.

Juve have to do without Gianluigi Buffon, Mirko Vucinic, Paolo De Ceglie and Simone Pepe. Buffon picked up a thigh injury on international duty, while Vucinic is debilitated by a bout of flu.

Giovinco has been picked as the partner to Neapolitan Quagliarella, leaving Alessandro Matri on the bench.

Napoli can rely on their Three Tenors, as Cavani is fit to start despite a delayed return journey from Uruguay that means he only had one training session with the club.

Pandev is his strike partner with Hamsik in a slightly deeper role, so Lorenzo Insigne is on the bench after his stunning goal for the Under-21 side this week.

Miguel Angel Britos is the only injury absentee in defence.

Juventus have assistant manager Angelo Alessio back on the bench after his ban in the betting scandal was reduced on appeal, but Antonio Conte is still in the stands.

There are already reports of trouble in the build-up to the game, as a group of Napoli supporters from Parma claim their bus was attacked at a motorway service station.

Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco

Juventus bench: Rubinho, Branescu, Lucio, Caceres, Isla, Marrone, Pogba, Padoin, Giaccherini, Bendtner, Matri

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Gamberini; Maggio, Inler, Behrami, Zuniga; Hamsik; Pandev, Cavani

Napoli bench: Rosati, Grava, Fernandez, Aronica, Uvini, Mesto, Dzemaili, Donadel, Dossena, Insigne, Vargas

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

HT: Cavani shakes up Juve but it's still 0-0

Oct 20, 2012

It’s still goalless at half-time in the Juventus-Napoli top of the table clash, but Edinson Cavani rattled the crossbar.

This was a huge Scudetto showdown between the joint Serie A leaders who were both still unbeaten. They had already faced off in recent months for the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup, winning one each amid controversy and tension that still dragged on. Assistant manager Angelo Alessio returned to the bench after his ban was cut on appeal.

Gianluigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic were out after picking up a thigh strain and flu on international duty, so Marco Storari, Sebastian Giovinco and Neapolitan Fabio Quagliarella started. The Partenopei were only missing Miguel Angel Britos, as Edinson Cavani was fit to start despite missing his flight back from Uruguay.

The first save was after 58 seconds when Morgan De Sanctis got down to parry a Sebastian Giovinco angled drive. There was confusion between Hugo Campagnaro and De Sanctis, but they just about managed to scramble clear as Giovinco dived in.

Moments later Napoli went on the counter and Juan Camilo Zuniga hit a fresh-air volley inside the box. During that move, Leonardo Bonucci was stretchered off with a left knee problem, but was able to continue after treatment.

Napoli went incredibly close on 26 minutes after Arturo Vidal tripped Gokhan Inler right on the outside edge of the box. Cavani tried to curl it directly from an improbable angle and was very unlucky, as the ball clipped the far top corner of the woodwork. It would’ve been a sensational strike.

De Sanctis smothered a Kwadwo Asamoah cross-shot after he surged past Christian Maggio. In first half stoppages, a deflected Claudio Marchisio screamer from the D was fingertipped out from under the bar by De Sanctis. Napoli went on the counter and Andrea Barzagli sprinted down the other end to stop Maggio.

Giovinco just failed to get his stretched foot to the long ball with De Sanctis off his line.

Juventus 0-0 Napoli (Half-Time)

Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Gamberini; Maggio, Inler, Behrami, Zuniga; Hamsik; Pandev, Cavani

Ref: Damato

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Caceres & Pogba send champions clear at Serie A summit

The Bianconeri struggled badly to break down an stubborn Partenopei side, but they secured

three precious points in the closing stages thanks to two of their substitutes.

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus moved three points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A by striking late to claim a vital 2-0 victory over their Scudetto rivals.

The Bianconeri had the better of a disappointing encounter in terms of possession and territory, but they struggled to create any clear-cut chances and it was Napoli who came closest to opening the scoring during the first-half, with forward Edinson Cavani hitting the crossbar with a free kick.

However, the hosts eventually made the breakthrough with 10 minutes to go when Martin Caceres headed home an Andrea Pirlo corner just moments after being introduced from the bench.

Fellow substitute Paul Pogba repeated the feat just moments later with a terrific volley to ensure that Napoli left Turin empty handed and give the his side the initiative in this season's title race.

Juventus began the game like they meant business, with Sebastian Giovinco testing Morgan De Sanctis with a low strike inside the opening 60 seconds.

However, the visitors were in no mood to be bullied. On the contrary, they seemed intent on roughing the Bianconeri up in the early stages, a tactic which resulted in the conceding of a succession of free kicks.

Indeed, after weathering what was a very early storm, Napoli settled and came agonisingly close to taking the lead midway through the first-half, when Cavani struck the top of the crossbar with a curling free kick from an acute angle wide on the left.

As it was, the two sides were still level at the interval, a well-struck drive from Claudio Marchisio, right on half-time, the only other effort of note in an ill-tempered, underwhelming and largely incident-free opening 45 minutes.

Juve continued to dominate possession in the second period but to little effect. However, Giovinco really should have ended the stalemate 10 minutes into the second-half when the ball dropped invitingly for him in the area, after he himself had miscued a low cross from Kwadwo Asamoah. However, after shifting it onto his right foot, the former Parma man fired wide.

For the most part, Juventus were still struggling to prise open the Napoli defence, but Pirlo did just that midway through the second-half with a sublime pass over the top. However, Alessandro Matri, just on as a replacement for the ineffective Fabio Quagliarella, failed dismally to control the ball and it bounced harmlessly into the grateful arms of De Sanctis.

Caceres, though, would not be so profligate when he was presented with the chance to be the hero, the versatile defender timing his arrival into the six-yard box to perfection before burying Pirlo's corner past a helpless De Sanctis.

Not to be outdone, Pogba, who had taken over in midfield from the subdued Arturo Vidal, made the points safe when he demonstrated wonderful technique in finding the bottom corner with a controlled volley from the edge of the area just three minutes later.

The result leaves Juventus three points clear at the top of Serie A and extends their unbeaten run to a staggering 47 games.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Juve supersubs sink Napoli!

Juventus won the top of the table clash thanks to splendid goals

from substitutes Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba as Napoli were defeated 2-0.

Oct 20, 2012

This was a huge Scudetto showdown between the joint Serie A leaders who were both still unbeaten. They had already faced off in recent months for the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup, winning one each amid controversy and tension that still dragged on. Assistant manager Angelo Alessio returned to the bench after his ban was cut on appeal.

Gianluigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic were out after picking up a thigh strain and flu on international duty, so Marco Storari, Sebastian Giovinco and Neapolitan Fabio Quagliarella started. The Partenopei were only missing Miguel Angel Britos, as Edinson Cavani was fit to start despite missing his flight back from Uruguay.

The first save was after 58 seconds when Morgan De Sanctis got down to parry a Sebastian Giovinco angled drive. There was confusion between Hugo Campagnaro and De Sanctis, but they just about managed to scramble clear as Giovinco dived in.

Moments later Napoli went on the counter and Juan Camilo Zuniga hit a fresh-air volley inside the box. During that move, Leonardo Bonucci was stretchered off with a left knee problem, but was able to continue after treatment.

Napoli went incredibly close on 26 minutes after Arturo Vidal tripped Gokhan Inler right on the outside edge of the box. Cavani tried to curl it directly from an improbable angle and was very unlucky, as the ball clipped the far top corner of the woodwork. It would’ve been a sensational strike.

De Sanctis smothered a Kwadwo Asamoah cross-shot after he surged past Christian Maggio. In first half stoppages, a deflected Claudio Marchisio screamer from the D was fingertipped out from under the bar by De Sanctis. Napoli went on the counter and Andrea Barzagli sprinted down the other end to stop Maggio, while Giovinco just failed at full stretch to get hold of a long ball with De Sanctis off his line.

After the restart Pirlo’s free kick was deflected off the wall, but De Sanctis got back across to block. Napoli wasted a set piece to spark a counter-attack, which concluded with Giovinco tripped, but the referee waved play on.

Goran Pandev skipped past Chiellini and would’ve been clear but for Marchisio tracking back and using his strength. Giovinco had a double opportunity on 56 minutes from the penalty spot, but scuffed the first attempt and then fired the second wide.

Marek Hamsik dribbled into the area, but Barzagli cut him off with a clean tackle. A wonderful long Pirlo pass sent substitute Alessandro Matri clear, but his first touch was poor and De Sanctis was able to flap it away.

Asamoah went on a surging run from midfield and was stopped by a crucial and clean Maggio tackle. Cavani attempted an audacious volley that whistled off target.

The deadlock was eventually broken 10 minutes from time when a corner was whipped in and substitute Martin Caceres was left unmarked to nod in from six yards. The Uruguayan went wild with his celebrations, whipping off his shirt and running into the stands.

Napoli were still in shock when Juventus doubled their advantage with another substitute. Paul Pogba saw a poor clearance come down on the edge of the box and unleashed a stunning low volley that bounced right in front of De Sanctis to fly in at the bottom corner. It was the former Manchester United midfielder’s debut Serie A goal and he immediately pointed to Antonio Conte in the stands. Juve have now netted with 12 different players in eight Serie A games.

Lorenzo Insigne was introduced for defender Alessandro Gamberini, leaving huge gaps at the back where Matri failed to get his volley on target. Pandev badly over-hit the pass for Insigne, allowing Storari to smother.

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

Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal (Pogba 75), Asamoah (Caceres 77); Quagliarella (Matri 60), Giovinco

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Gamberini (Insigne 84); Maggio, Inler, Behrami (Dzemaili 87), Zuniga; Hamsik; Pandev, Cavani

Ref: Damato

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Late goals extend Juve run

Oct 20, 2012

Two late goals took Juventus three points clear at the top of Serie A and extended their unbeaten league run to 47 games with victory over their nearest rivals Napoli.

Substitutes Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba both struck in the last 10 minutes to earn the Bianconeri all three points at the Juventus Stadium.

It was Napoli's first defeat of the season, their second to Juventus when considering the Italian Supercoppa between the two sides in August.

With assistant boss Angelo Alessio on the Juve bench for the first time after his suspension for match-fixing was reduced, it was business as usual for the Turin-based club as they await the return of head coach Antonio Conte in December.

The Bianconeri, who had chalked up six league wins and a draw under the guidance of Massimo Carrera, had to work hard for their win, though.

Napoli started well and it was Edinson Cavani who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half.

Despite arriving from international duty only yesterday, the Uruguayan showed no signs of jetlag as he curled a free-kick from wide left onto the crossbar with Juve goalkeeper Marco Storari, deputising for the injured Gianluigi Buffon, beaten.

Juve's first serious attempt on goal came in stoppage time when Claudio Marchisio's 20-yard effort was tipped over the crossbar by Morgan de Sanctis.

Alessandro Matri only just failed to latch onto a delightful long ball from Andrea Pirlo with De Sanctis racing off his line to clear the danger in the 66th minute.

Alessio made changes with Caceres replacing the injured Kwadwo Asamoah and Pogba coming on.

With almost his first touch, Caceres put Juve in front with a committed header in the 80th minute, meeting Pirlo's corner six yards out.

Two minutes later, it was game over for Napoli as Paolo Cannavaro's clearance looped up and Pogba struck it first time with a fine left-foot volley from 25 yards which found the bottom right-hand corner of De Sanctis' goal.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Super subs come through late on for Bianconeri

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus claimed a dramatic 2-0 win at the Juventus Stadium over joint Serie A leaders Napoli to go three points clear at the top of the table, with substitutes Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba hitting two quick strikes late on in a dramatic encounter.

The Bianconeri came flying out of the gate, winning a corner and snatching the first scoring opportunity of the match inside one minute. Sebastian Giovinco received a ball from Claudio Marchisio on the right flank and neatly skipped past Hugo Campagnaro, only to rifle his shot directly at the alert Morgan De Sanctis.

On six minutes, Juventus played the ball around the edge of the area, with Arturo Vidal finding minimal space to shoot, however the Chilean international over-hit his shot with the outside of the boot and it flew well wide.

Tempers flared in the 12th minute when Edinson Cavani received the first caution of the match for dissent following a personal confrontation with Giorgio Chiellini. The Uruguayan protested vehemently, and was advised by teammates to abandon the situation before further action was taken.

Napoli won a foul in excellent position on 27 minutes, as Arturo Vidal felled the surging Gokhan Inler just outside the box on the left flank. Cavani stepped up to take the chance, and came agonizingly close to giving the Neapolitans the lead when his beautifully curled free-kick cannoned off of the far post.

At the other end, some tricky footwork from Giovinco saw the Atomic Ant break free release an angled cross/shot that Morgan De Sanctis did well to get down quickly and smother.

After a long period of defensive dominance, some patient Juventus passing outside the area opened up space for a Marchisio laser from distance that required a flying fingertip save from De Sanctis to keep the match level. The ensuing corner saw Napoli break on the counter in a mental period of stoppage time, but Juventus were able to clear the Partneopei’s free-kick from a dangerous area, sending the squads into the break on even terms.

Following the restart, Pirlo won a free-kick on 50 minutes in a dangerous position. His curled effort deflected off of the wall, but De Sanctis did well to readjust his position and smother.

In the 55th minute, Goran Pandev was fed by Marek Hamsik on the Napoli break, but fantastic defensive cover from Claudio Marchisio kept the Macedonian at bay.

At the other end, an Asamoah ball from the left flank found Giovinco unmarked in the box, but the diminutive striker’s right-footed shot went wide of the mark from 12 yards.

On 66 minutes, a beautiful long ball from Pirlo found substitute Alessandro Matri in the Napoli box with the defense beaten, but De Sanctis was able to palm away the former Genoa man’s relatively tame one-time effort.

In the 77th minute, a clearance from the Juventus box floated onto the foot of Cavani, who unleashed a vicious and audacious volley that scorched high past the far post.

Juventus finally broke the deadlock on 80 minutes, as substitute Martin Caceres latched on to an Andrea Pirlo corner to head home. The elated Uruguayan immediately stripped off his shirt and ran into the stands to celebrate with the tifosi.

Amazingly, the Bianconeri doubled their lead just 2 minutes later, with young Paul Pogba thrashing a wonderful volley low past De Sanctis from distance to send Juventus Stadium into raptures.

Napoli tried desperately to get back in the match in the closing stages, but the introduction of Lorenzo Insigne proved unfruitful for the Partenopei, as Juventus kept the pressure on and defended well to secure a dramatic 3 points at home and lay sole claim to first place in Serie A.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in Turin, after a game

settled by late goals from Bianconeri substitutes Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba.

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus

Marco Storari - Competent and confident but actually had very little to do overall - other than thank his lucky stars that Cavani's brilliant free kick from out wide crashed off the bar.

Andrea Barzagli - Rather ironically, he didn't enjoy Napoli's physical approach to the game, while he wasn't exactly overworked on account of the home side's domination of possession. However, he did what he had to do very well.

Giorgio Chiellini - Was also given a pretty easy ride from a defensive perspective and so he spent a fair bit of time in the opening half exaggerating the impact of several aerial collisions. Reliable as ever, though.

Leonardo Bonucci - One of the victims of Napoli's committed challenges, the Italy defender had to go off to seek treatment midway through the first half. However, recovered well and was untroubled thereafter - both by the injury and the blunt Napoli attack.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Did his best to make in-roads down the right-hand side but was well marshalled by Zuniga and eventually became very frustrated with his inability to make something happen.

Arturo Vidal - Was horribly wayward with an early strike from distance and, overall, struggled to take a hold of the proceedings. His withdrawal with 15 minutes to go was a long time coming.

Claudio Marchisio - As ever, was full of running and blazed just over the bar with a fine drive just before the half-time whistle. At the other end, he made a crucial interception just when it appeared that Pandev had got himself in on goal. Influential throughout.

Andrea Pirlo - Looked busy right from the off but, if we're being honest, he struggled to dictate the game like he usually does. His set-piece delivery was also uncharacteristically poor until he put a brilliant corner right on the head of Caceres. The veteran playmaker also produced the pass of the game, for Matri, but the forward was unable to control his lofted through-ball.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Was in the wars early on, coming in for plenty of roughhouse treatment from an aggressive Napoli side, but that did not dissuade him from the task at hand and he was a fine attacking outlet down the left wing for the hosts. Asked plenty of questions of Maggio, and although his final ball did let him down on occasion, he was a constant threat.

Sebastian Giovinco - Was Juve's liveliest attacking player for the most part, calling De Sanctis into action inside the opening 60 seconds. However, he featured only intermittently thereafter, and wasted a glorious opening by firing wide after his miscued effort dropped invitingly for him in the area.

Fabio Quagliarella - Got the nod up top in place of the injured Vucinic and linked well with Giovinco every now and then. However, he didn't hold the ball up particularly well and really struggled to get into the game.

Substitutions

Martín Cáceres - Came on for Asamoah and scored with virtually his first touch, rising majestically to power home Pirlo's corner from the left.

Paul Pogba - Thrown on in place of Vidal on 75 minutes and emulated fellow sub Caceres by getting his name on the scoresheet, though in even more spectacular style, the youngster finding the bottom corner with a terrific volley.

Alessandro Matri - Took over from Quagliarella up front and should have made a near-instant impact after breaking the Napoli offside trap, but he failed to control Pirlo's wonderful ball over the top.

SSC Napoli

Morgan De Sanctis - Was grateful to his defenders for clearing the danger after he spilled Giovinco's early effort but had little to do for the remainder of the half, aside from getting down well to keep out a low drive from Asamoah that could have crept in. Given no chance in the second half by either Caceres or Pogba.

Hugo Armando Campagnaro - Made a vital contribution with less than a minute played, hacking the ball clear after De Sanctis had failed to hold a shot from Giovinco. Continued in the same vein for the rest of the game, playing a key role in Napoli's resistance, though he was booked for a farcical set-to with Chiellini.

Paolo Cannavaro - Rock solid at the heart of the Napoli defence, giving Quagliarella a really rough ride and generally leading by example. Unlucky to be on the losing side.

Alessandro Gamberini - A very effective and disciplined performance from the former Fiorentina man, who contributed a number of timely tackles and was only taken off because Napoli needed to throw on an extra attacker after falling behind.

Christian Maggio - Was put under a fair bit of pressure by Asamoah but stood up to the challenge well, even if he did allow the former Udinese man to get to the byline on occasion. The attack-minded wing-back also got forward when he could, with his breakaway, pressure-relieving run right on half-time probably his most notable contribution in that regard.

Gökhan Inler - Always niggling at players' heels and eventually picked up a booking as a result, but the Swiss did a very effective job screening his back three. Was always available for a pass and also used the ball simply and effectively.

Marek Hamsik - Did not see enough of the ball in the attacking third in the first half, which was a shame because when he did pick up possession in a dangerous area, he looked very menacing.

Juan Camilo Zúñiga - Really put himself about, utilising his strength to good effect in curbing the threat posed by Lichtsteiner down Juve's right-hand side.

Valon Behrami - Typified Napoli's aggressive approach in the middle of the park, throwing himself into tackles right from the get-go. Offered little from an attacking perspective, though.

Edinson Cavani - Booked for an early collision with Chiellini and while that may have been harsh, the Uruguayan did look frustrated early on with how little quality ball he was receiving, giving away a plethora of free kicks. However, he was desperately unfortunate not to break the deadlock with a stunning set-piece strike from the left-hand side of the box that rattled the bar.

Goran Pandev - A surprisingly anonymous performance from a man who has been one of Napoli's better players this season. Not once did he threaten the Juventus goal, or provide his strike partner with any decent service.

Substitutions

Blerim Dzemaili - Saw two minutes of game time at the death, which was not enough for him to be fairly appraised.

Lorenzo Insigne - Introduced in the dying minutes and was unable to turn things around for his side.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Alessio: Pogba can become a great player

The French starlet scored for the Italian champions in their win against the Partenopei,

leaving the stand-in boss impressed with the youngster's performance.

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio praised Paul Pogba's stunning cameo in the top-of-the-table clash against Napoli, as the Turin giants ran out 2-0 winners on Saturday.

The former Manchester United youth player came off the bench to net his side's second goal with a scorching volley from outside the area, securing the result following fellow substitute Martin Caceres' opener.

"Pogba was in great shape, and scored a wonderful goal," said Alessio to reporters after the match. "We know he can become a fantastic player.

"The coach [Antonio Conte] remains vital. The deadlock was broken from a set-piece, and the substitutions are a result of the training that occurs in the week.

"We were aware Napoli could threaten on the counter-attack, and so we were prepared not to be caught out."

Head coach Conte sits out a ban for failing to alert the authorities of a possible match-fixing attempt during his time at Siena, but Alessio's touchline suspension was lifted in time for the face-off with Walter Mazzarri's Partenopei.

"The ban is a scar that will never go away, but I thank the president and the club for standing by me during this time. It's a pity Conte is still suspended, but we have to continue.

"We have alternated between ourselves, and the statistics are clear: we have won seven games and drawn one, with the best attack in Serie A, and now the best defence."

Indeed, the Bianconeri sit pretty at the top of the league following their latest victory, opening a three-point gap over their title rivals from Naples.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Pogba: Vieira advised me to join Juventus

The starlet has revealed the impact that the former France international had on his move

to Italy, while Martin Caceres and Napoli's Marek Hamsik talked about Saturday's fixture.

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus' teen prospect Paul Pogba has spoken of how his desire to join the Serie A leaders blossomed over the summer, after he opted to leave Manchester United when his contract expired.

Fresh from scoring his first goal in Bianconeri colours during the team's 2-0 victory over Napoli on Saturday, the 19-year-old highlighted the role former France and Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira played in helping him select his destination of choice.

"There were other teams interested in me over the summer, but I wanted to sign for Juventus," said Pogba to Sky Sport Italia. "Many French champions have played here. I spoke to Vieira and he advised me to come to Juventus.

"I’m really happy and proud of my first goal in the black and white stripes. In those moments you don’t think about anything. You try to shoot and that’s all."

Joining the France Under-21 international on the scoreboard in Turin was defender Martin Caceres, who similarly came off the bench to make an immediate impact.

"I’m very happy about my goal, but above all for the victory itself, which came at the end of an even and difficult game," added the Uruguay international. "I’d like to congratulate everyone on the success.

"Once again we showed that our strength lies within the team. This particular game isn’t decisive as far as the Scudetto’s concerned however. There are still many games to go before the end of the season.”

Napoli's defeat saw Antonio Conte's men open up a three-point gap at the top of the league over the Partenopei, and playmaker Marek Hamsik says that they will need to learn from the defeat.

"We need to reflect on this result, and then forget it, because it is a painful one," said the 25-year-old to reporters after the match.

"We could have done more up front. We weren't as dangerous on the counterattack as we know we can be."

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Alessio: 'It's all Conte's doing'

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus assistant manager Angelo Alessio was back for the victory over Napoli, but gives all the credit to Antonio Conte.

“Clearly Antonio is the Coach in every sense,” he said after a 2-0 win. Alessio made his comeback on the touchline after his ban in the betting scandal was cut on appeal.

“We have alternated in this great staff, but the Coach remains paramount. I pointed towards the box because it was important to feel united at that moment.

“So far we have won seven games and drawn one, have the best attack and now the best defence, so the statistics are clear. We were even without Gigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic, but those who played gave their all. We think and of course hope that Buffon and Vucinic will be fit for the Champions League.”

“We knew Napoli were dangerous on the counter-attack and so we prepared for that, ensuring we were not caught out.”

The goals came from two substitutes, as Martin Caceres nodded in a corner and moments later Paul Pogba scored with a fine volley.

“The deadlock was broken on a set play and Caceres went up to jump, meaning there were six in the box and Martin found that gap. Paul then scored a wonderful goal.

“Clearly these substitutions are down to the training sessions we see throughout the week. Pogba was in great shape and we know he can become a fantastic player. We took a risk, but to win you have to dare.”

Alessio was banned for the same reason as Conte, namely that a former Siena player claimed they knew about a potential fix and failed to alert the authorities.

“The ban is a scar that will never go away, but I look forward with confidence and no rancour. Nobody ever interrogated me, nor was I investigated officially by the police.

“I thank President Andrea Agnelli and the club for standing by me during these months. It’s a shame Antonio still has to sit out this suspension, but we have to continue.”

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000‎

Caceres: 'No Juve reserves'

Oct 20, 2012

Martin Caceres could not disguise his joy at scoring the breakthrough goal for Juventus against Napoli.

“Obviously it was a difficult game for us between the joint leaders, but we deserved to win it and I am happy. I have to praise my teammates,” said the Uruguayan.

He came off the bench and immediately nodded in a corner from six yards, followed by Paul Pogba’s volley in the 2-0 victory.

“Team ethic and those who come off the bench to change the game are crucial for us, as there are no first choices and no reserves. I came on for about 15 minutes today and scored, Pogba did the same and we’re happy.”

Juve are now three points clear at the top of the table after just eight rounds.

“This is beautiful, but it is only three points and does not change anything in terms of the title race,” added Caceres.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Pogba: 'So proud to play for Juve'

Oct 20, 2012

Paul Pogba admits he was so excited by his first goal for Juventus that he can barely remember it and reveals Patrick Vieira advised him on this move.

The midfielder came off the bench to hit a scorching low volley in today’s 2-0 victory over Napoli.

“I can’t remember a huge amount from when I scored, to be honest,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I looked straight to my family in the stands to dedicate the goal to them. I always try to do my best. I have played both in central midfield and on the right, but what really counts is being able to play.

“Do I expect to receive a message of congratulations from Sir Alex Ferguson? I really doubt it!” said the former Manchester United starlet who joined Juve on a free transfer.

“I am proud to play here and to do well with this jersey. When I was out of contract I also had interest from Milan and a few English clubs, but I chose the Bianconeri because so many French players had been here.

“Vieira was one of them and he advised me to make this decision. I was really attracted to the project that was proposed to me.”

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Hamsik: 'Napoli must reflect'

Oct 20, 2012

Marek Hamsik feels Napoli “need to reflect” on the reasons behind their 2-0 defeat to Juventus.

“We need to reflect on this result and also forget it, because it burns us and was only decided by a corner kick,” said the Slovak international.

“We had not come here looking for a draw, but you cannot give Juventus certain opportunities like that.

“We had done well in defence, but didn’t create many chances and to be fair neither did Juve. It was difficult to mark Andrea Pirlo, but we could’ve done more up front. We didn’t go on the counter as dangerously as we usually do.”

Napoli have not scored on their travels from open play since Week 1, a 3-0 win in Palermo.

“For now we are still pretty high up the table and started the season well. There are now two weeks packed with commitments, so we have to prepare.”

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Juve lodge Napoli complaints

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus have lodged complaints after a member of the Napoli kit staff allegedly slapped a steward and ultras wrecked the stadium toilets.

The Bianconeri won this evening’s match 2-0, but the controversy appears to be rumbling on for events off the field.

An investigation has been launched after a so far unidentified member of the Napoli kit staff allegedly slapped a steward in the tunnel just before the final whistle.

Juve have also lodged a complaint that Napoli fans wrecked the toilets for the away end of the Juventus Stadium.

It is believed the hooligans smashed walls, broke down doors and purposefully flooded the toilets by blocking drains and turning on the taps.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Caceres dedicates goal to Juventus fans

Oct 20, 2012

Juventus’ Martin Caceres has dedicated his goal in the win over Napoli to the Bianconeri fans.

The Old Lady win the battle of Serie A’s top two clubs 2-0 thanks to goals from the Uruguayan and Paul Pogba.

“It was a very difficult game.I’m Happy for the goal and the team. I thought of all Juventus fans,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the match.

Juventus now sit three points clear at the top of Serie A.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Juventus downs Napoli to open lead in Serie A

Oct 20, 2012

Substitutes Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba both scored as Juventus extended its Serie A unbeaten streak to 47 games and opened a three-point lead over Napoli with a 3-0 win Saturday.

Juventus and Napoli started the fixture at Juventus Stadium even on 19 points, and were on equal ground until the final 10 minutes of normal time, when goals from Caceres and Pogba changed the match.

Caceres was on the pitch for only four minutes when he opened the scoring just 10 minutes from time and Pogba followed in the 82nd, just six minutes after he stepped on the field.

Juve has not lost since the next-to-last match in the 2010-11 season, and sent Napoli to its first defeat of the current campaign.

Napoli had the best chance before the first goal, but Edison Cavani caught the inside of the right post off a free kick in the 27th minute.

Caceres separated the teams in the 80th, when he ran under a corner kick from Andrea Pirlo and powered a header from six yards to the middle of the goal out of the reach of Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.

De Sanctis was helpless again two minutes later despite a diving attempt as an impressive volley from Pogba from 25 yards took one hop before nestling inside the right post in the 82nd minute.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Juventus call on their reserves to prove

that Scudetto quality runs deep

The Bianconeri saw off the Partenopei with goals from substitutes Martin Caceres

and Paul Pogba to take a big advantage in the table and prove their squad is as strong as ever.

Oct 21, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

It is now 47 league games since Juventus last suffered defeat, and against Napoli on Saturday night the Bianconeri showed that they are as untouchable now as they have been at any stage in their 17-month streak. Sure, the Partenopei may have had them on the rack for spells, but it was the champions' superior depth which saw them through where previously it may not have.

One area in which they have undoubtedly become stronger over the past year is in their quality off the bench. Whereas 12 months ago they had around 14 or 15 first-teamers to call upon at any one time, their squad now arguably goes into the twenties before there is a truly noticeable drop in quality, leading to many quizzical looks over the recent overuse of key midfielders Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.

Since the league season began, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio and Kwadwo Asamoah have each been given only one game of significant rest. But Saturday's clash with Napoli showed just what the extras have to offer, and it should lead to the club's coaching team being more liberal in their use of the likes of Martin Caceres, Paul Pogba et al.

Angelo Alessio's decision to throw on Alessandro Matri, Caceres and Pogba helped to turn the tide back in Juve's favour, with the former Cagliari man able to hold up the ball more successfully than starter Fabio Quagliarella, before the latter duo both struck after late introductions.

Now is the time for Alessio and Antonio Conte to send some more work their way, rather than stick with players who are carrying knocks or are low on energy. The tendency has been to go with their core first-team regulars whenever possible; Vidal was thrown on for the last 40 minutes against Chievo three days after picking up a nasty twisted ankle against Chelsea, Bonucci's knee was patched up and he was sent back out on Saturday despite there being Caceres, Lucio and Luca Marrone to call off the bench. And we all know about Pirlo's supposed lethargy.

Between now and the mid-season break, the majority of Juventus' squad will have only a single midweek off, with the second hiatus taken up by Italy's friendly with France in Parma. There are 16 games to negotiate in less than nine weeks, whereas last term Juve only played a total of 18 matches between August and December. The extra workload demanded a deeper squad, and now that they have it – and the players are proving to be ready to contribute on the big stage – there is no reason not to make the most of what they have.

It is not only the goalscorers who have something to offer. The Old Lady arguably have a second string that would trouble most of Serie A, and perhaps we will get to see that in two or three of the forthcoming fixtures against Catania, Bologna, Pescara or Palermo, and maybe even in a more high-profile game such as the Turin derby, too.

Whereas main challengers Napoli have only 13 or 14 players of first-team quality, the Bianconeri clearly have the stocks to win games in all kinds of scenarios, and with things shaping up the way they are, they should be able to win the Scudetto at a canter. If they can make better use of their squad, then European progression could well be added to a second successive title.

JUVENTUS' STRONG SECOND STRING

STORARI

LUCIO - MARRONE - CACERES

ISLA - PADOIN - POGBA - GIACCHERINI - DE CEGLIE

MATRI - QUAGLIARELLA

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Napoli checked 'secret Conte tunnels'

Oct 21, 2012

There are reports Napoli demanded the FIGC perform checks on the Juventus Stadium to ensure there were no ‘secret tunnels’ Antonio Conte could go through.

It is claimed in today’s papers that Napoli staff requested the investigation into the arena ahead of last night’s 2-0 result.

Conte has been suspended all season due to the betting scandal, so must watch games from the stands even though he can train the side regularly during the week.

Conte is visible during the match behind a Plexiglas screen in the VIP box at the Juventus Stadium, but Napoli insisted on checks to ensure there were no ‘secret tunnels’ allowing him to access the locker room at half-time.

It is reported Juve were irritated by the request, further damaging the already tense rapport between these clubs.

Juventus also lodged a complaint after Napoli fans vandalised the bathrooms and tunnels around the away area of the stadium, purposely flooding the toilets, smashing pipes, sinks and doors.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Martín Cáceres (80′)

Paul Pogba (82′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 41000

Juventus 2-0 Napoli: Super-Subs CáCERES & POGBA

Take Juve at +3!! Did Anyone Say ‘Squad Depth’?

Oct 21, 2012

TOP OF THE TABLE, BABY!!!! As repeatedly stated by the two teams’ respective coaches leading up to the match, Juventus vs. Napoli was NOT a Scudetto showdown: a mid-October clash is simply too early into the Serie A campaign to realistically affect the title race in any significant way. But ‘castles are built brick by brick’ as they say, and the way *this* particular brick was laid out will leave a a grin on the face of all Juventini for many days to come! A tactical, physical affair from the very beginning, the clash between the two ‘capolista’ had all the makings of a dry 0-0 affair devoid of significant scoring chances. It needed one of two things: a goal off a set play, or a piece of individual effort. It got *both*, and delivering it for Juve were two of the unlikeliest sources: substitutes Martín Cáceres and Paul Pogba! Adam and Aaron join forces, bringing you the after-action report of a very pleasant Saturday evening indeed!

MATCH ANALYSIS (by Adam Digby)

When your closest rivals in the standings come to town for a top-of-the-table clash, having your first-choice goalkeeper (and captain), leading striker (with a penchant for big matches), and head coach all absent would already be pretty high up on a list of worst-case scenarios. Combine the lot, then add one of your starting defenders held up at gunpoint two days before kick-off, AND one of Serie A’s least experienced officials sent to officiate the game. What you get is a banana skin straight from a King Kong brunch order.

However, as referee Antonio Damato blew the full-time whistle on a match he never had any semblance of control over, it was once again Turin’s Old Lady standing tall over another defeated foe, notch #47 on a stretch that extends back as far as the remnants of the Gigi Delneri error era. It is seemingly unimportant who currently sits in the driving seat on the Bianconeri bench, such is the depth to which Antonio Conte has been able to ingrain the grinta and Juventus spirit he so embodied as a player into this Juventus squad. A squad that proved tonight it has a depth unrivaled by any other side on the peninsula.

Gigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic failed to recover from injury, both replaced in the starting line-up by Marco Storari and Fabio Quagliarella, two men who once called the Stadio San Paolo home. The former only played four times for the Partenopei and draws little of the ire reserved for his current teammate, universally despised as ‘core ngrato’ (ungrateful heart) by fans of his hometown club, after leaving the shadow of Vesuvius for that of the Mole Antonelliana.

Yet it was neither of those who saw of the challenge of Napoli and instead it was left to two substitutes to make the difference and, fittingly, it was a pair from deep on the Juve bench who decided who took the points. After the game had swung backwards and forwards constantly in a battle punctuated by fouls and a lack of action from an officiating team seemingly desperate to let the game flow as much as possible, Angelo Alessio – leading the team now his own ban has ended – made changes to swing the tie in favour of the home side.

That the returning Assistant Coach threw on eventual match-winning goalscorers Martín Cáceres and Paul Pogba only emphasised the quality throughout this Juventus squad, and was rewarded for their introductions with a goal from each, although the players’ celebrations were as different as their respective haircuts. The Uruguayan ripped off his shirt and took his top-knot into a jubilant Bianconeri crowd/dugout, while the former Manchester United midfielder – his head looking like it “was run over by a tiny FIAT” – pointed towards his family sitting in the terraces.

The night was not without heart-stopping moments for Juventus who could only watch as an Edinson Cavani first-half free kick clipped the crossbar, and had Claudio Marchisio‘s impeccable sense of timing to thank not once, but twice for saving almost certain goals. The run continues and, having seen the second placed side vanquished, it seems the rest of Serie A can only do what now — once again — comes naturally to Juventini worldwide:

SALUTATE LA CAPOLISTA!!

LE PAGELLE (by Aaron Giambattista)

Storari s.v. – Ready to secure the ball at any time, but had very few saves to make. Was rooted to the spot on Cavani’s free kick hitting the crossbar, but even Gigi wouldn’t have been able to get that one.

Barzagli 7 – For most of this season, Andrea has not been the same player he was last year. He hasn’t been error-prone per say, but hasn’t dominated the defense like he did in his first season with Conte. Tonight was a rollback performance. “The Rock” completely locked up his man at the back, showed an impressive pace for recovery, and supported the midfield well. Cool and calm.

Bonucci 6.5 – Fresh off fending an armed robber, Leo faced another challenge today and was even stretchered off with pain in his knee midway the first half. Though hobbling back into the match, his ailing didn’t affect his performance. Cleaned up any messes at the back.

Chiellini 7 – With Ibrahimovic off to Ligue 1, Giorgio needed a new target, and Cavani may be it this year. Was incredibly physical the whole match, cleared the most amount of balls by some measure, and refused to be bullied in defense. Imposing all game.

Lichtsteiner 5.5 – Zuñiga didn’t have a particularly good game, so it’s a plus that Lichtsteiner may have cancelled the Colombian out. But he didn’t have much impact offensively himself. Contained his opponent’s forward runs, but never really managed to beat him down the wing either. Struggled to work in the close spaces.

Vidal 5 – Arturo’s last great game was against Chelsea. He’s been significantly sub-par since that Champions League fixture and was poor again today, failing to dominate the midfield and always seeming to flirt with a red card (his was the reckless challenge that led to Cavani’s woodwork free kick). Played poorly for Chile during the international break as well (red card being proof). With Pogba in smashing form, perhaps Capitan Uncino just needs a break?

(75′) Pogba 7.5 – Stepped in, and scored a phenomenal volley any player would be proud of. This kid is scary talented, and he’s not even 20 years old yet. Who needs Verratti when you have a jewel like “Polpo Paul”?

Pirlo 6.5 – Andrea didn’t have a 100+ pass game, nor particularly great accuracy (only 77%), but those passes that met their target were brilliant. Sliced a genius ball through the air for Matri, and provided a perfect corner for Cáceres’s header. Effective.

Marchisio 7 – About a year ago, Juventus faced Napoli at the San Paolo with il Principino suspended. His presence, tactical balance, and running were sorely missed in the midfield, where Napoli ran riot. Was fantastically positioned today: put in his fair share of tackling in midfield, and had a few well-timed forward runs (one leading to a great save from De Sanctis, the other winning the corner that opened the match). At the back, Pandev beat both Bonucci and Storari, but who put in a great challenge to save a goal? Marchisio. Always in the right place at the right time.

Asamoah 7 – In defense, his incredible physique meant neither Maggio nor Pandev could ever reach the byline, and Kwadwo’s technical abilities led him to consistently beat his Napoli wing counterpart. His 5 successful dribbles were equal to the entire sum of Napoli’s team. An absolutely phenomenal signing thus far. It’s a shame he had to come off due to injury… but not really, since his substitute ended up scoring the winning goal.

(77′) Cáceres 7 – Has an uncanny knack for scoring in big games at crucial times. At Juventus, he’s scored 5 goals. The first (in his Juventus debut back in 2009) broke open a late lead over Lazio in a tough match. The second and third occurred on his “second” Juve debut, sinking AC Milan in the Coppa Italia. The fourth was a decisive 1-0 header over Inter, and the fifth today was another header, and also another deadlock-breaker and match-winner. Incredible ace up Conte’s sleeve!

Quagliarella 5 – Fabio scored a great goal against his hometown team in the Spring, but was unable to make it another “night to regret” for Napoli. Was suffocated by the Azzurri’s central defense and never managed to do anything with the ball when he had it. It was a tough match for forwards in general, but Fabio was probably the least incisive of either side.

(60′) Matri 5.5 – Looked decent in his brief time out. Had a good dribble, a keen pass, and positioned himself well for Pirlo’s long aerial ball forward. Not a good performance, but far from a few abjects ones we’ve seen of late.

Giovinco 6 – SuperSeba’s match could easily be split in half. A 6.5 for the first half, and a 5.5 for the second. Was lively in the first few minutes, forcing a good save out of De Sanctis. Took his man on time and time again, though sometimes the second few touches were too heavy. Still, Gio was probably the brightest attacker out there. Should have scored after a good trap in the box, but hit it wide. His deflected shot led to Pogba’s goal.

Conte/Alessio 7.5 – Though the two midfields largely canceled each other out, Juve’s defense conceded no space. Sending on Cáceres and Pogba, two players removed from a space in the starting XI, was a sign the “benchwarmers” are clearly feeling the faith from the coaching staff. We have incredible depth in the squad, but thanks to FIGC Prosecutor Stefano Palazzi we now know to have incredible depth in the coaching staff as well. After seeing his ban expire, Angelo Alessio became the third Juventus coach of 2012 to defeat Napoli. Are ya mad yet, Mazzarri?

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP (by Aaron Giambattista)

Before today, Juventus had struggled in another league match: against Siena. Not aesthetically pleasing games, but rather, games of a champion. A ground-out victory away to a plucky relegation candidate was followed by a showdown against the club’s chief league competitors, but the end result was the game: 3 points.

Today, we yet again saw the impact of the incredible depth this team has. With a strong starting XI failing to score, Conte/Alessio sent on Paul Pogba and Martín Cáceres and both notched a goal. The strikeforce may lack a bombing duo like ADP-Trez, but the work rate and production of the entire team means the midfield and defense pick up the scoring slack.

It’s late October, and Juventus has won all but one Serie A match this season. This was also their 47th consecutive league game without a loss, only 11 behind AC Milan’s absolute record under Fabio Capello. With a 2-0 victory against a team with an identical Win-Loss-Draw record, it ensured the Bianconeri’s lone spot in 1st place, further cementing their status as the club with the best strike record (19 ahead of Lazio’s 15) and the best defense in the league (4 conceded ahead of Napoli’s 5).

Juventus has started a phase of domestic glory. With Napoli short on money, AC Milan and Inter struggling in rebuilding, and AS Roma’s “Zeman brand” of unpredictability, the Old Lady is set to continue to dominate the league for many years to come. It’s time for la Vecchia Signora to create another winning Agnelli dynasty, and to start working on that mentality in Europe as well.

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