Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

We are happy to be off the mark, admits Nordsjaelland's Hjulmand

The Danish coach wasn't satisfied with his side's performance against

the Serie A champions, but admits relief over getting a point on the board.

Oct 24, 2012

FC Nordsjaelland boss Kasper Hjulmand admitted that he is relieved to have picked up a point in the Champions League group stage, after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Juventus, but was keen to discuss what could have been.

A free kick from Mikkel Beckmann opened the scoring for the competition's minnows, as Danish hopes came to fruition, but a Mirko Vucinic goal in the dying stages of the game extinguished any hopes of a heroic victory.

Nordsjaelland remain bottom of Group E with a solitary point, but after grinding out a point against the Italian champions they have demonstrated that they are capable of competing with Europe's best.

"We could have got more out of the match if we had of kept playing during their pressure," admitted Hjulmand, speaking to reporters.

"After playing well in the first half, I don't think we threatened them enough in the second. However, considering their pressure - their equaliser was inevitable - we are happy to be off the mark now," he said.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Chiellini: Juventus deserved more against Nordsjaelland

The Italy international struggled to comprehend how the Turin giants failed to bag

the full three points against the Danish champions after playing out a 1-1 draw.

Oct 24, 2012

The Bianconeri had set their sights on the full three points against the Danish side, but had to thank Mirko Vucinic for not leaving Copenhagen empty handed as the Montenegro international levelled the scoring with only 10 minutes to spare.

"We go home scratching our heads as to how we haven’t won this match," Chiellini was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website.

"Over the course of 90 minutes we allowed them one free kick and one chance from a long ball. We had 15 shots and created 30 chances.

"In certain league games, like against Genoa or Siena, we've gone home with three points despite conceding more chances. Tonight we deserved a lot more."

Juventus sit third in their section with three points from as many games, behind Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Seeking Desperately Cure to European Draw-Itis…

Oct 25, 2012

Complete domination in Serie A, eating humble pie in Europe. That is the tale of Juventus so far this season, with the Old Lady unable to do any better than a 1-1 draw against a resolute Nordsjælland side Tuesday evening (and only achieving this result in the last 10 minutes of the match). Conte’s playoff hopes in Group E keep on getting more complicated while the team’s European “draw-itis” continues, bringing Juve’s streak of consecutive draws in continental competitions to 9! The adage “it’s useless to be undefeated when your opponents have more points that you” rears its ugly head again…

MATCH ANALYSIS (by Marco Pantanella)

Nordsjælland, as mentioned in our match preview, may lack European experience but play an organized, determined, and offensive style of football focused on passing and ball possession. Galvanized by their home crowd, the Danes started the match with a lively pace and positive mentality, trying to exploit their wings and find breaches in the Bianconeri defense (through the left side in particular, dominated by Mtiliga and John). The first 15 minutes thus went by with very little to note, with Juventus (and particularly Vidal and wing-backs De Ceglie & Isla, who replaced absentees Asamoah and Lichtsteiner) leaving much to be desired.

Around the 20th minute mark Pirlo finally took the reins of the game, offering a few of his trademarks pearls of passing, which neither Giovinco (lively but insufficiently incisive) nor Matri (always making his run a moment too soon) could properly exploit. Juventus started to gradually reduce their opponents’ zone of operation, but not before getting the biggest scare of the half after a long aerial drive towards Joshua John — slipping behind Bonucci and Lúcio — put the Dutch winger one-on-one with Buffon. Fortunately Gigi’s risky, but ultimately decisive rush prevented an early goal against Juve, with the Azzurri keeper chest-blocking the ball outside of his box under referee Ayketin’s attentive eye.

On the opposite end, Giovinco obtained the best shooting chance he would have all evening. Exploiting a good Matri delivery, Super-Seba chested the ball down, and accelerated past an out-rushing Hansen, only to deliver the ball on the outside part of the mesh with the goal at his mercy (the angle was difficult). At the half-time break, Juventus had conceded the advantage of ball possession to Nordsjælland but spent slightly more time in their opponent’s offensive third, as exemplified by their 7 corner-kicks vs. 3. Disappointing for the visitors, but with still 45 minutes left to rectify the situation.

After the break, Juventus resumed things where they left off: in Nordsjælland’s half. The Danish champions, aware of their opponents’ superior technique, patiently contained the Old Lady. Waiting. Lurking. Ready to pounce on the first Juve mistake. Which promptly arrived. In the 51st minute, an idiotic backpass from Paolo De Ceglie was followed by an equally inept foul by Giorgio Chiellini, who needlessly brought down Andreas Laudrup just outside his box. Andreas who by the way — up until then — had shown to have the Ladrup pedigree only in name, possessing neither the verve of Brian nor the inventiveness of daddy Michael.

It was all Nordsjælland needed to make it count. With the best Pirlo impersonation one could have expected fom a Danish player this evening, Mikkel Beckmann delivered a perfect curling free kick towards the top-right corner. Buffon could only touch it. 1-0 Nordsjælland, with the entire Parken Stadium throbbing in jubilation (save for a very surprised and disappointed Juventus supporters section).

What ensued was a long Juventus siege, in which Conte’s team collected no fewer than 18 corners and 30 shooting attempts (15 on target), but which exalted the spirit of sacrifice of Kasper Hjulmand’s troops, particularly center-backs Okore and Runje and an absolutely monumental Hansen in net (who, for all him being a Juventus fan, made his childhood team’s evening extremely difficult). Nearly every shot attempted by the Bianconeri was either saved by the Danish keeper, or found the opposition of an opposing defender entrenched into his box.

With Vidal having an off day, Pirlo’s passes getting predictable, and Matri and Giovinco running around with very little effect, it was time for Juve to make some changes. Fans called for Pogba. They saw Giaccherini instead, but not before Vucinic and Bendtner and stepped in for Matri and Lúcio, turning the Bianconeri into a 3-4-3 offensive assault force. De Ceglie and Isla multiplied their efforts on the wing, especially the former (trying to atone for his mistake), yet deliverance (so-to-speak) would arrive from the latter. Finally getting an effective cross in, the Chilean served up a perfect ball for Mirko Vucinic‘s accurate instep finish past Hansen. 1-1. At last.

Conte’s boys continued to push forward. A De Ceglie cross served Nicklas Bendtner with the opportunity to turn into his team’s saviour, but the forward’s header was wide of the mark. The Bianconeri’s last few desperate attempts were cleared by the Danish defense. Full time. 1-1. The football Gods had decided Juve had simply not done enough to merit a win tonight, and frankly, we are inclined to agree…

LE PAGELLE (by Aaron Giambattista)

Buffon 6 – A bit of a strange match from San Gigi. Saved the team’s ass on more than one occasion, but also left his line uncharacteristically poor. That was a very tough goal to save (Buffon called it impossible) but perhaps while no ordinary man could have made that save, Superman could’ve.

Lúcio 5 – Simply a step too slow on a number of occasions. After a great match played against Chievo, he returned to the starting lineup but in very different fashion. Did not guarantee the flank at all.

(76′) Bendtner s.v. Desperate for playing time, the big Dane was granted a spot on the bench perhaps largely due to his status as a “hero” back in Denmark. Came on, had a good chance and looked better than Matri, but didn’t light up the pitch.

Bonucci 6.5 – The only guarantee in defense. Wasn’t particularly troubled by the Nordsjælland attack and occasionally cleaned up for Lucio and Chiello’s mess.

Chiellini 5 – Full of physicality and grinta, but perhaps needed to play calmer. Didn’t contain his area of the pitch as usual. His unnecessary foul (put in a tough spot by Paolino) led to the goal.

Isla 5.5 – From experience with Quagliarella (and long ago, ADP) Juventus fans are well aware it takes a while to recover from an ACL injury. Beyond the actual physical healing time, it takes a long time before players feel comfortable on the pitch and get into some degree of form. Isla isn’t yet- we have not seen the Udinese Isla at all, who was probably a better player than even Asamoah. His assist was the only note of the night, otherwise, his offensive output was worthless. Defensively secure, for the most part.

Vidal 5 – It continues to be a month of difficulties for Re Arturo, who has struggled badly since the Chelsea match. Looks tired and irritable. Vidal right now is unable to control the midfield and prone to poor fouls. Needs a break, if not for physical reasons, then surely for mental ones.

(83′) Giaccherini s.v. Sent on in the last few minutes to try and connect midfield and attack. Not much of note.

Pirlo 6 – Andrea’s successful passing rate was a mediocre 77%, poorer than his midfield compatriots Marchisio and Vidal, though he did pass a bit more than the other two. Had a few illuminating passes but a bit of a subdued night for il Maestro.

Marchisio 5.5 – Took a hard blow early on, and that seemed to affect him physically for much of the match. Lost a significant amount of balls in midfield and wasn’t able to penetrate the box well.

De Ceglie 5.5 – Too much time out of the starting XI has seen Paolino’s performances slip back to his “old” self- great in attack, delivering different types of teasing crosses, but far from assured in defense. Was beaten off the ball and didn’t look comfortable in coverage. A disappointing performance.

Matri 5 – It’s not a question of whether Matri is in an epic slump or not, but rather how/if we can get him out of it. Looks like a shadow of the player he was last fall, where he had a great eye for goal and contributed well in the build up play. Was unable to hold onto the ball and never looked like he knew how to score. Depressingly wasted another shot at a starting spot.

(67′) Vucinic 6.5 – I’ve been plenty critical of Mirko in the past (and present) but he is scoring on a more consistent basis than last fall. It doesn’t matter whether they are pretty or ugly goals, the other strikers don’t look like scoring. Rescued Juventus.

Giovinco 6.5 – Had the most amount of shots in the game, the most shots on target, the 2nd most key passes (after Pirlo), and a fair amount of lost balls and dispossessions, all statistics that show how involved Giovinco was. Did everything right, much as he did against Napoli, except scoring. I think the goals will come, he showed an eye for it while at Parma, Conte just needs to keep believing in the Atomic Ant.

Conte/Alessio 5 – The team did not appear mentally prepared for this match, and the substitutions came far too late. A disappointing draw in Europe. Again.

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP (by Aaron Giambattista)

This draw is not the fault of any one players performance. Matri looked depressingly poor, Isla/PDC were shadows of Lichtsteiner/Asamoah on the flanks, Buffon didn’t look secure, Vidal played tired, and Pirlo wasn’t terribly inspired. Collectively, it was a team failure, and one we saw against Shakthar. Credit to Nordsjaelland for playing a fine match, but Juventus simply is not playing up to grade in Europe thus far. This is completely different from the team mentality in Serie A. And it’s hard to think of a concrete reason why.

It wasn’t a completely terrible performance. Unlike today’s Arsenal match, where the London-based club struggled to get any kind of shots or shots on target, Juventus rained in 33 shots, 9 of them on target, and got one measly goal out of the whole affair. But not all shots are alike. Nordsjaelland defended well, but Juve’s tactical positioning failed to cut the team incisively. It may have been a situation where the 4-3-3 could’ve been more effective in drawing the defense wide and allowing for Marchisio and Vidal’s forward runs.

Under Gigi Delneri, the club looked painfully casual in the Europa League. It was a second priority, and everyone knew it, it was a secondary European competition and no one cared about the results. The performances in the Champion’s League have likewise been disappointing, despite the higher level of prestige. Perhaps the coaching is partially to blame as well- by rotating in secondary players like De Ceglie, Lucio, Isla, and Matri, maybe the coaching staff had an overly relaxed view in taking on minnows Nordsjaelland.

3 draws in a row was certainly not what we hoped for in a return to the Champion’s League. These three ties, added onto Delneri’s stunning 6 draws in a row in the Europa League group stage, means Juventus have tied in 9 consecutive European ties. It was already a record at 8, a record not to be proud of, and we have extended it. And yet, the team still can qualify for the next round of the Champion’s League.

A win at home against both Chelsea and Nordsjaelland, followed with a draw/win away at Shakthar means the Old Lady would taste knockout Champion’s League football for the first time since the Claudio Ranieri era. As we like to say here at JuventiKnows- it ain’t over till the Old Lady sings.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

'We must perform better to qualify' -

Buffon urges Juventus to up their European game

The Old Lady captain knows his team are not playing well enough to advance

to the knockout stages of Europe's elite competition and wants more from his colleagues.

Oct 25, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon insists Juventus must up their game to succeed in the Uefa Champions League this season.

The Bianconeri have returned to the competition after not participating for a few years and, having landed the Serie A title in an unbeaten campaign last term, expect to have a major impact on the tournament.

However, a draw on Tuesday night against FC Nordsjaelland has dented their hopes of progress. Shakhtar Donetsk have taken control of Group E to leave Buffon and his side fighting it out with reigning champions Chelsea to make the last 16 teams.

"It's a difficult competition. I said to my companions, 'what we do in Italy and Europe is not enough'," the Italian World Cup winner told fans via a video conference.

"To qualify for the second round we must play against Chelsea. I knew it would be tough after the draw in the group.

Speaking briefly of his plans after football, the goalkeeper was non-committal: "I do not know what I'll do. I need projects, I always need challenges, I always need to win races. My life has always been like this since I was a kid."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

[Socrates 8240]

Zanetti: Inter want to challenge Juventus for Scudetto

The experienced defender is desperate for success this season.

Oct 26, 2012

Inter skipper Javier Zanetti has insisted his side have the ambition to challenge Juventus for the Serie A title this term.

The Giuseppe Meazza outfit currently sit joint third in the league table, trailing the Turin giants by four points, and Zanetti is determined to push the reigning champions right to the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

"Are we Juve's main rivals? We want to be up there challenging with them," Zanetti was quoted as saying on the official Inter website.

"We're following our path and we all feel we have a part to play."

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Andujar hails Buffon as best ever

Oct 25, 2012

Catania’s Mariano Andujar has labelled Juventus’ Gigi Buffon as the greatest goalkeeper of all time.

The Argentine will come face to face with the Italian at the weekend when the two teams meet in Serie A.

“I’m happy to be taking on Buffon, he is a legend,” the custodian told Itasportpress in an interview. “He’s the best in history, at least in my opinion.

“Why has he never won the Golden Ball? Because we are goalkeepers. Then there is Lionel Messi who is ahead of everybody – there is no room for anyone else.”

Juventus will go into the Sicilian clash on an unbeaten Serie A run which now stretches to 47 matches.

“Well, that run has to end some day,” the South American continued. “Let’s hope that happens on Sunday…”

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

No definitive claim to Serie A superiority by Juventus yet

Oct 26, 2012

It all started with the dream of getting Juventus back to the top of the Italian game, and then the European one. While the outcome of the latter hangs in the balance after a spate of three Champions League draws this season, it’s safe to say the former is done and dusted, and with such aplomb at that.

As the team travels to Catania with the intention of consolidating their 47-game unbeaten run, they will do so in the confidence that they strengthened their position at the top of Serie A with last week’s top-of-the-table victory over Napoli.

Naturally, consensus was that the blockbuster would not yet have served to decide the outcome of the Scudetto this early in the campaign, but that nevertheless did not stop Martin Caceres from decisively planting a gorgeous belter past Morgan De Sanctis from a corner, before teen wonder Paul Pogba wrapped up matters with a Pavel Nedved-esque thunderbolt from outside the area. Accolades gushed in from all angles following the 2-0 win, with club director Giuseppe Marotta eager to heap praise onto the collective strength of the Bianconeri‘s squad.

“I always hear people talk about a top player, but here we need to speak about a top team,” the transfer guru gushed after the match. “The team unit is our true strength. This is also evident by the fact that 12 different players have hit the target so far this season. The statistics enable us to make a full analysis and confirm that we have a winning model, where the squad is our strength.”

Which is all fair and well to perceive Mr. Marotta, except that closer examination of his boast identifies loopholes that would lead to such a suggestion becoming a flawed evaluational perspective regarding the team’s displays thus far. With the latest inductees to the Juventus scoring charts against the Partenopei, such numbers can either be viewed as an impressive team outlay, or an underwhelming start to the new term across general individual levels. Indeed, such dispersed statistics bear an indication of mediocrity on the personal performances of the players.

Reminiscent of Alessandro Matri’s club-topping, albeit woefully unflattering, tally of ten goals when they made off with the league title in May, nothing eye-catching particularly stands out about this current team’s form, especially in terms of the prominent lack of any identifiable player capable of scoring goals in manners commonly associated with representing the Turin giants.

Most of what has been seen this season has been built around solid, reliable work ethic, but the dilemma within that aspect is a tedious absence of the spectacular, as has been pertinently visible in recent weeks. The famous creed of lo spirito Bianconeri – an unmatched team etho based on hard graft and an intrinsic desire of self-sacrifice for the side – has last catapulted Antonio Conte’s men to the enviable record of seven wins and one draw, but it is also fatally disguising the poor form and performances of integral members in the set-up at Vinovo.

Naturally, the club faithful will not be found complaining so long as they continue winning via their proven recipe of success, but in order to make a clear step up in quality, Juventus will need last week’s individual heroics of Caceres’ and Pogba’s magnitude reproduced with markedly more consistency by their team-mates; the glaring failure of which so far lies as the one exposable weakness the outfit’s title rivals will be looking to exploit as the fixtures progress.

Indeed, while Italy’s other heavyweights cannot lay claim to keeping up with Juventus’ collective effort, the aspect they currently trump the Italian champions in lies with being able to call upon the services of an undisputed luminary. Napoli have mercurial striker Edinson Cavani to thank for producing the goods week-in and week-out, while Inter are growing to count on Antonio Cassano’s revelatory eye for goal to keep pace at the top. For that matter, even Stephan El Shaarawy is turning on the style at beleaguered AC Milan, despite the Rossoneri‘s fundamental flaws.

Whilst staying marginally ahead of the rest after a year of consolidated success, there have been too few amongst Gianluigi Buffon and co. to prove worthy of the mantle in being the team’s absolute game-changer over the course of 90 minutes, condemning the glorious post ’90s heritage of Roberto Baggio, Gianluca Vialli, Alessandro Del Piero, Zinedine Zidane and Nedved to distant memory.

Despite being visibly tired and far from his best, Andrea Pirlo is left with little choice but to find avenues bearing the closest resemblance to a spark of the old magic, and yet signs ominously point to the workhorse nature of the rest of the squad not coming any closer to relieving the 33-year-old veteran of his creative burden anytime soon. The trio of Arturo Vidal, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mirko Vucinic, so affably reliable last term, have failed to fire up and produce useful, regular runs of form that would so easily be invaluable to the club’s cause.

Giovinco has looked nothing like the inspiration he was to Parma that initially justified Juventus forking out €11 million to buy his half-share back, while Kwado Asamoah has not proven the driving force he last exhibited himself to be when leading a depleted Udinese to Champions League qualification on consecutive occasions, marooned unflatteringly in a makeshift role out wide. At the same time, the coaching staff have stubbornly placed slender trust in fellow arrivals Mauricio Isla and Nicklas Bendtner, despite the existing potential for their integration to inject some impetus into what are turning into tired, uninspired displays otherwise.

If there is to be a profound distinction from the running pack on the domestic front, Conte will need a superstar - a prominent focal point to spur on the search for success – amongst his men to step up, someone to take responsibility for delivering winning contributions even when the chips are down. Will that come in the shape of an A-lister during the winter mercato? Perhaps, but priority one during the ongoing period should be to address their limitations via the means they have till then, lest they offer that hair’s breadth of hope to their competitors in the title race.

Raising the bar to personal performances proved vital in their league triumph the previous season, and to stand the chance of repeating such a feat in this instance, such a wake-up call has to be issued. As maintaining that unbeaten streak takes on increasing burden, the squad need to find it within themselves to take greater ownership of the shifts they put in on match-day, aware that the slightest loss of focus will leave the pretenders to their throne snapping closer at their heels. Juventus may still be reveling in the victory against Napoli last Saturday in spite of their rude midweek shock in the Champions League, but rest assured, the task of securing the Scudetto is far from being over and done with.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Vidal out and Pogba in?

Oct 26, 2012

Paul Pogba is being tipped to get a starting shirt on Sunday when Juventus travel to Catania in Serie A.

According to Tuttosport, the French youngster will replace Arturo Vidal to begin alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.

Vidal will be rested after he struggled in the Old Lady’s 1-1 draw with Nordsjelland in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Andrea Barzagli, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah will be placed back into the starting XI after they were not used in midweek.

Mirko Vucinic is expected to start up front, but his partner has yet to be decided with Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri and Nicklas Bendtner all in contention for a start.

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

[Socrates 8240]

WhoScored.com

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Oct 26, 2012

Team News

Catania

• Bergessio and Morimoto are in competition for a place in the starting XI.
  
• Also, Castro may get a chance during the game, possibly in place of Gomez or Barrientos.
  
• There will be no changes in midfield and defence from the lineup that played in San Siro last week.
  

Juventus

• Conte is likely to apply some rotation in the next match against Bologna, so the typical XI should start in Catania.
  
• The only exception is Pogba, who is claiming more space and may give Vidal a little rest.
  
• Vucinic is completely recovered and will play up front alongside Giovinco or Quagliarella.
  

Match Facts

Juventus are undefeated in their last 47 matches in Serie A.

Juventus have scored at least 2 goals in 9 of their last 10 matches in Serie A.

Juventus are undefeated in their last 6 matches against Catania in all competitions.

Prediction

• Catania are quite happy with their position in the table, so they may have the ambition to be the first to beat Conte's Juventus in the Serie A. That said, Maran will probably try to get one point and keep their distance from the relegation zone.
  
• Juventus are still struggling in the Champions League, but last week the Bianconeri took the reins domestically with a 2-0 win over Napoli. Knowing that the title contenders will have quite an easy match against Chievo will ensure Juve push for the three points from the start.
  
• The hosts are the third ranked team in the league in terms of points won at home, with 10 from 4 matches. Juve have the same points tally away from home (and an even better one at the Juventus Stadium), so expect this clash to be in the balance to the last breath. Both teams also have top set piece takers so every corner or free kick will be a potential match-winner.
  

Prediction:

Catania 0 - 0 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

We can stop Juventus says Catania’s Spolli

Oct 26, 2012

Catania defender Nicolas Spolli believes Catania has what it takes to end Juventus’s 47 match unbeaten run in Serie A on Sunday.

Speaking to CalcioCatania.it, the Argentine believes the Elephants have a chance so long as they make no mistakes that Juventus could capitalise on and keep Andrea Pirlo under wraps.

“We must be alert and gift them nothing, we have faith and we know we have the ability to obtain a great result,” Spolli said. “The support at the Massimino will give us a big hand.

“Key tactics? First of all, stop Pirlo, who is the team’s playmaker. For the rest, we showed against Napoli that by closing down space well and counterattacking quickly, our team is one that is able to annoy stronger line-ups too.”

Spolli also considers striker Mirko Vucinic to be another threat the Sicilian club will also need to nullify in order to obtain a result.

“For me Vucinic is an important player, he has shown to be a great champion. Juve doesn’t have one, but many top players. This does not mean we cannot put them in trouble.”

Catania are currently seventh in Serie A, having secured 11 points from eight matches.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Catania v Juventus – Probable line-ups

Oct 26, 2012

Catania will entertain Juventus on Sunday, as the Bianconeri look to extend their unbeaten streak in the championship.

The Elefanti lost 2-0 to Inter in their last match, and will be looking to rebound and steal a few points from the Bianconeri.

Catania (4-3-3): Andujar; Alvarez, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese; Izco, Lodi, Almiron; Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez.

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Caceres; Vucinic, Quagliarella.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Preview: Catania vs. Juventus

Oct 26, 2012

Juventus will be looking to continue their excellent start to the Serie A season when they travel to the Stadio Angelo Massimino to face Catania on Sunday.

The Old Lady currently top the table after dropping just two points from their opening eight games of the season.

However, Catania will prove stern opposition due to their impressive home form, which has seen them go undefeated on their own turf so far this campaign.

Mirko Vucinic is likely to return to the Juve starting lineup after making a goalscoring appearance as a substitute in their Champions League draw with FC Nordsjaelland.

He may be partnered in attack by Sebastian Giovinco, despite Nicklas Bendtner vocalising his frustration at a lack of game time since arriving on loan from Arsenal.

Catania captain Marco Biagianti could miss the match through injury, while central defender Nicola Legrottaglie will line up against his former club.

Recent form:

Catania: LWLWDL

Juventus: WWWDWW

Possible lineups:

Catania: Andujar; Alvarez, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese; Izco, Lodi, Almiron; Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez

Juventus: Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Vucinic

Sports Mole says: 0-2

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Alessio: 'Juve cranked up in Catania'

Oct 27, 2012

Juventus stand-in Coach Angelo Alessio insists they cannot repeat the same mistakes against Catania. “We’ve got to crank up the tempo from the first minute.”

The assistant manager continues to sit on the bench now that his ban has expired and Antonio Conte remains in the stands for tomorrow’s tricky trip to Catania.

That game kicks off at 11.30am UK time and you can read a match preview here.

“Catania have been an excellent team for years, so changing Coach to Rolando Maran doesn’t alter the fact they have been playing together for a long time,” said Alessio in his Press conference.

“Last season they caused us problems in both games, while this term they drew against Napoli despite playing with 10 men. That says it all about the quality of this side.

“We must face Catania with extreme concentration and attention, as they have great players who can be deadly on the counter-attack.”

Juventus were held to a third consecutive Champions League draw by Nordsjaelland this week, which raised many questions on how the Bianconeri are handling two competitions this season.

“We usually keep a high tempo in the second half, but tomorrow we’ve got to take control and crank up the tempo from the first minute,” added Alessio.

“We are not thinking about the 47-match unbeaten run in Serie A. We instead focus on getting on to the pitch and winning every time. Clearly every opponent will try to break that run by beating us, but we play every game with the utmost determination.

“We didn’t get the win against Nordsjaelland, but we played a good game and the statistics show that with 18 corners, 30 shots on goal and many saves from their goalkeeper. We wanted to win, but lacked that little bit of luck that is necessary.

“It's not true that we are dependent on Mirko Vucinic, as we have five very strong strikers. Juventus always manage to play their game with intensity, organisation and putting pressure on the other team, so we have no reason to change tactical system.”

Simone Pepe is back in the squad, although still nowhere near 100 per cent fit after his lengthy injury lay-off.

The assistant manager also explained how Juventus will adjust to the unusual lunchtime kick-off in Sicily.

“Over the last few days the team has changed its schedule preparing for tomorrow’s game, eating earlier and training at the kick-off time. We are ready.”

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Maran: 'Beating Juve not impossible'

Oct 27, 2012

Catania Coach Rolando Maran is not afraid of welcoming Juventus tomorrow. “Nothing is impossible and we want to give our fans a dream.”

The Bianconeri extended their unbeaten run to 47 Serie A matches and take to the field at the Stadio Massimino at 11.30am UK time on Sunday.

“We know the type of test that awaits us, so must be perfect and give even more than usual. I can see the lads really believe in themselves and we are ready to sacrifice ourselves to get the result.

“Tomorrow’s game can only be seen as a motivating force. It would be a dream to beat Juventus and we are ready to do everything possible to give our fans that dream.

“If we are to beat the Bianconeri, then we must surprise them,” continued Maran in his Press conference.

“Juventus are a side without weak spots, as they are still unbeaten in the Champions League too.

“Naturally we will try to limit Andrea Pirlo’s influence on the game, as all their attacking moves start from him.

“The hard work of the strikers in tracking back will be very important, as we need everyone to work their socks off to bring home the result. Our strength is in unity and we are aware that by playing as a team unit we can beat anyone. We’re fired up and we’ll prove it to you!”

Catania squad for Juventus: 21 Andujar, 1 Frison, 34 Messina; 22 Alvarez, 33 Capuano, 6 Legrottaglie, 12 Marchese, 2 Potenza, 3 Spolli, 5 Rolín; 4 Almiron, 28 Barrientos, 27 Biagianti, 19 Castro, 13 Izco, 10 Lodi, 24 Ricchiuti, 30 Salifu; 9 Bergessio, 35 Doukara, 17 Gomez, 15 Morimoto

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.)

-

Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Marchisio misses Catania-Juve

Oct 27, 2012

Juventus welcome back Simone Pepe, but are without Claudio Marchisio and Lucio for their trip to Catania.

Pepe receives his first call-up of the season after a long injury lay-off, while Kwadwo Asamoah and Stefan Lichtsteiner return following their rest for the midweek Champions League match with Nordsjaelland.

Marchisio is left at home after a knock to the right ankle in Copenhagen aggravated an old injury.

Brazilian defender Lucio misses out due to a heavy cold.

Juventus take to the field against Catania on Sunday at 11.30am UK time.

Juventus squad for Catania: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 6 Pogba, 7 Pepe, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 15 Barzagli, 17 Bendtner, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone

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