Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Alessio: 'Chelsea tactics helped'

Nov 20, 2012

Assistant manager Angelo Alessio hinted that Roberto Di Matteo’s tactical choices actually helped Juventus to beat Chelsea.

Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic were chosen for tonight’s 3-0 victory in the Champions League.

“Antonio chooses the strikers based on form and the characteristics of the opposition,” said Conte’s assistant.

The opener saw Quagliarella toe-poke an Andrea Pirlo strike to surprise Petr Cech. It was a very similar move to the one against Lazio on Saturday which Federico Marchetti saved with an extraordinary leap.

“Deflections are not practiced. On Saturday Marchetti did well to deny it, but this time it was a little wider and he was able to score.

“We all wanted this type of game, keeping the tempo up, pressuring Chelsea and pinning them back. Of course we were bound to allow a few counters, but that was all.”

The final match is away to already-qualified Shakhtar Donetsk and a draw would suit both teams – it’d be enough for the Ukrainians to stay top and for Juve to secure second place.

“We realise how important the final game will be and we’re not qualified yet. We must play the same way we did today.”

Alessio was asked about Chelsea’s unusual tactical choices, in which they left Fernando Torres on the bench.

“This team is made to play at this tempo and unfortunately at times we allow some counter-attacks, but we wanted this victory at all costs.

“Shakhtar and Chelsea are two great teams and have champions with real technical quality. Tonight we faced a Chelsea side without a reference point in attack and perhaps that helped us tonight.

“I want to thank our marvellous fans who accepted Antonio’s invitation to create a cauldron in the stadium and we dedicate the win to them.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Buffon: 'Juve sent a signal'

Nov 20, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon believes the dominant win over Chelsea was “a sign for Juventus and for Italy” that silenced the doubters.

“It’s wonderful, like many other victories with Juve, but when you give such a convincing performance – in tactical, physical, psychological terms – it’s a great sign for Juve and for Italy,” he said of the 3-0 Champions League result.

“Some had doubts on us, but playing like this I think we cast those aside. We have our certainties and know that we still have to qualify. I hope we can do that.

“If we should go out, at least we achieved nine points and it means we fought on level terms with everyone and got back to being competitive. That was our imperative.

“We won in every area tonight. We were hungrier, sharper, more attacking, more creative and with a little more precision could’ve scored even more.”

Juventus are now second in Group E with nine points, while Shakhtar Donetsk have qualified thanks to a 5-2 victory at Nordsjaelland.

The Bianconeri will go through as long as they earn a point in Donetsk.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Bonucci: 'This is Juventus'

Nov 20, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci explained the approach against Chelsea. “If we sit back and wait, then we’re not Juventus.”

The Bianconeri crushed Chelsea 3-0 in Turin to leapfrog them into second place in the Champions League group.

“We knew that we had to keep believing and keep pushing. When we step on to the field as Juventus, then we can have our say in Italy or in Europe,” said the defender.

“Tonight we dominated the reigning champions of Europe, so we proved that we are competitive and now go to Donetsk. We are not really built to defend, so we will go there looking for the win.

“If we sit back and wait, then we’re not Juventus. We have shown over the last 18 months that our characteristics are attacking, pressing them in their own half and winning back the ball to pin teams back. We can’t do that if we are not aggressive.

“Chelsea made the most of two or three mistaken movements, including mine, to go on the counter. We only allowed them two chances down to our errors.

“All of us knew that we had to bring out more than 100 per cent from ourselves to beat the reigning European Champions. We had to fight for every ball and work to the last drop of sweat. That is Juventus.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Quagliarella: 'Almost impossible...'

Nov 20, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella admits it was “almost impossible” that he scored against Chelsea with the same trick that had gone so close with Lazio.

On Saturday his toe-poke on a long-range shot was saved under the bar by Federico Marchetti, but tonight it squirmed past Petr Cech during a 3-0 victory.

“It was almost impossible to have the same opportunity, only this time I deflected it low and that probably helped it to go in.

“A striker is always happy when he scores. It was also my third start in a row, which hadn’t happened in almost two years.

“This was one of those game that are written in the history of the club. It’s a night we will never forget.

“We all played on adrenaline and gave it everything we had to put in a great performance.”

Quagliarella was asked how the five hitmen dealt with the constant rotation by Coach Antonio Conte.

“It is never easy for strikers to deal with this rotation, but the Coach has been clear with us and said he will rotate all five forwards. It can happen that a forward plays three games in a row, then goes on the bench. We are aware of the situation and therefore relaxed.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Cech: 'Juve deserved to win'

Nov 20, 2012

Petr Cech concedes Juventus “deserved to win” against Chelsea and qualification is now in the Italians’ hands.

“We showed much better spirit than the last games,” the goalkeeper said of the 3-0 defeat in Turin.

“The first half it was very difficult, we did well and created chances, but if you create a chance you need to take it. That was the difference.

“They went ahead with a lucky deflection, the second goal was another deflection but they did very well and deserved to win. We didn't cope very well.

“We said before the game that we have our destiny in our hands, not any more. Now we need to do our bit, we need to win our last game and hope our fate is kind.

“Being realistic Juventus played very well and they need a point and Shakhtar are already through. It is a very sad moment.”

Chelsea won the Champions League much to the surprise of many last season, but could go out in the first round.

“Last season the Champions League was like a dream, now this is a like …not a nightmare, just very disappointing.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Di Matteo: 'Chelsea can still qualify'

Nov 20, 2012

Roberto Di Matteo insists Chelsea “still have hope of qualifying” for the Champions League knockouts after their defeat to Juventus.

“We wasted three big scoring opportunities before their opening goal,” he told Mediaset Premium after their 3-0 hammering.

“The first goal in an important game like this is decisive. They were also a little lucky when Andrea Pirlo’s shot took a deflection off Fabio Quagliarella.”

Juventus now need only a point against Shakhtar Donetsk, who are already qualified, so secure their spot in the next round and eliminate the reigning Champions of Europe.

“Pressure? When you are the manager of a big club like this is it normal you’re going to get criticised if the results do not arrive.

“Having said that, there was pressure last season too. We still have hope of qualifying, as mathematically it is possible.”

Chelsea will go through only if they beat Nordsjaelland and Juve lose in Donetsk.

There are already reports in the English media that Di Matteo might not even be on the bench by the time those games come round.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Chiellini: We still need a point!

Nov 21, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini admits he has regrets that Juventus have still not qualified for the Champions League last 16 despite the emphatic win over Chelsea.

“It’s shame that we can’t celebrate qualification after winning this tie,” the 28-year-old commented. “Now we need a point, a difficult and important one.”

Juve are unbeaten in their group, but will need to get a result in Ukraine against Shakhtar Donetsk to get through.

The Old Lady crushed the reigning European Champions with a 3-0 scoreline at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t easy,” the stopper added. “They have extremely dangerous attackers who can pounce when given space and we did afford them the odd opportunity.

“However, it was a great Juventus performance. We’ve got back to playing a great brand of football following the Inter defeat.

“We’re now playing with that intensity again which was missing at the start of the campaign.”

Chiellini limped out of the game in the closing stages. “I suffered a muscle strain, but I don’t think it is anything too serious.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Asamoah hails Juventus tactics

Nov 21, 2012

Kwadwo Asamoah has credited Juventus boss Antonio Conte for masterminding the 3-0 destruction of Chelsea.

The Old Lady beat the reigning Champions League holders on Tuesday with a victory that keeps their hopes of a last 16 place alive.

“If we do what our Coach tells us then we know that we are a strong team,” the Ghanaian international noted.

“We knew that if we managed to put our preparations into practice then we could cause Chelsea plenty of problems – and that’s precisely how it went.

“We all played a great game and gained a deserved victory.”

Asamoah played a crucial part in Juventus’ second goal as he assisted Arturo Vidal after some good work on the left.

“It was a goal we have studied on the training pitch. I saw Arturo unmarked in the middle and just passed him the ball.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Lichtsteiner: I can’t always play…

Nov 21, 2012

Stephan Lichtsteiner was happy with his performance against Chelsea after returning to the Juventus starting line-up.

The Swiss international hadn’t played since the November 3 defeat to Inter, but made an impression on the right in the 3-0 win last night.

“You can’t play all of the games when you are a wing-back,” the former Lazio player commented. “It’s a role where you have to work very hard.

“Nevertheless, I was able to play well this evening, just as all the team did, and I’m happy,” said the man who hit the post with the score at 0-0.

“Chelsea were a bit tired after 60, 70 minutes of high intensity action and we did well to control the play.

“I hoped to be able to score, given that I didn’t manage to at the start, but all’s well that ends well.”

Lichtsteiner’s lack of action in recent weeks did lead to suggestions that his relationship with boss Antonio Conte had broken down.

“You read too many newspapers,” he said after being asked about that speculation. “It annoys me when things are written about me that are not true.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Vidal an unlikely goal hero

Nov 21, 2012

Arturo Vidal has admitted that he is surprised by his goal-packed start to the season with Juventus.

The Chilean midfielder has scored nine goals in official games for the Old Lady this term, his latest coming in the 3-0 win over Chelsea on Tuesday.

“I’m happy to be scoring so many, I didn’t think I would begin the campaign like this in front of goal,” he noted.

“It’s important to keep going on this path, but above all by helping the team to win.

“It was a difficult game against Chelsea, but we played with intelligence. We put our head, heart and legs into this encounter.

“It’s a message to everyone, showing that we’re strong in Italy but also in Europe.”

Vidal has been a revelation in Turin since his 2011 switch from Bayer Leverkusen. “I’m happy to wear the shirt of Juventus, to play in front of these fans.

“I’m living through a beautiful moment of my life.”

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Cech: Chelsea defeat to Juventus a huge disappointment

The Blues keeper expresses his despondency at the fact that the club's Champions League

progression is no longer in their own hands following a 3-0 humbling in Italy.

Nov 21, 2012

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech admits that his side's 3-0 Champions League defeat by Juventus was a "huge disappointment".

The Blues' convincing defeat leaves the Old Lady requiring just one point against already-qualified Shahktar Donetsk in their final Group F game to prevent the holders from reaching the knockout stages.

"We said before the game we had our destiny in our own hands but not anymore," Cech told reporters after the match.

"Now we have to do our bit to win our last game and hope destiny will be kind to us.

"Being realistic, Juventus played really well and they need a point. Shakhtar have already qualified so they don't need to take a chance on the result.

"It is a very sad moment because last season the Champions League was like a dream. I wouldn't say it's a nightmare but it's a huge disappointment."

The 30 year-old praised the Bianconeri's performance but argued that his team contributed to their own downfall by not being clinical in front of goal.

"I think we showed much better spirit than in the last few games," he continued.

"We did well and created some chances but, in such an important game, if you create chances you have to take them and that was the difference.

"They went ahead with a lucky deflection and the second goal was a deflection as well but they put on a very good performance and they did really well."

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Fragile Chelsea show Di Matteo the value

of Terry amid Champions League horror show

Gary Cahill and David Luiz combined to concede the Blues' 20th goal

in 10 games as the champions of Europe were blown away by Juventus in a 3-0 rout.

Nov 21, 2012

COMMENT

By Jay Jaffa

What has happened to the house that Jose built? The modern Chelsea, the multiple Premier League winners, the FA Cup plunderers, the European champions, were all built on a dauntless backline capable of repelling even the most incisive attacks. But as the full-time whistle blew in the Stadio Juventus, a shell of the blue curtain so indomitable against Barcelona and Bayern Munich in 2011-12 was presented to the millions watching the Old Lady triumph 3-0.

In days gone by Petr Cech could go an entire match barely being noticed – remember the 2004-05 season and the preposterously minute 15 goals they conceded in 38 Premier League games? His reputation may be ascending once more, but this is down to his prominent role in any Chelsea matchday narrative.

There is only so much the six-foot five-inch Czech shot-stopper can do and it became brutally clear that those operating in front of him were conceding far too much space in and around the penalty box to keep Cech out of the firing line. Inevitably the bundle of chances that came Juve's way would yield at least a couple of goals.

Though Roberto Di Matteo chose to play three centre-backs with Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta as wing-backs, the performance had echoes of the 3-1 defeat to Napoli in last season's edition of the Champions League. That night, also minus John Terry, the Blues looked panicked against an Italian side vibrant in their movement and direct in their probes.

On Tuesday night, it was a repeat as Gary Cahill and David Luiz were shackled together once more. They may have had the additional assistance of Branislav Ivanovic, but the outcome was similar. Sebastian Giovinco's 91st-minute strike was the 20th goal Chelsea had conceded in the last 10 games the pair had started together – a world away from the bolted iron door the Blues defence was a mere six months ago.

And against Juventus, hardly a side blessed with world-class strikers, there was pandemonium in the penalty box. There was an element of fortune for the first two goals, certainly, but David Luiz was pulled all over the pitch and did little to further the claims of those who label him as a top-class defender. At one stage he appeared so disoriented, a long ball hit him on the back as he retreated towards goal.

Cahill did not fair much better and was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty after a clumsy tangle with Mirko Vucinic. Fabio Quagliarella, for all his enigmatic ability around the box, has only scored 12 goals in the whole of this calendar year. Vucinic likewise. This was not a goalscoring front line but it was up against a porous defence all too aware of its vulnerability.

This leads us onto the absence of the club captain, Terry. Putting to one side the various misdemeanours we do not need to revisit, there still stands a top-class centre-back. The 31-year-old may be discovering that all the fearless blocks and tackles he has made over the years are ravaging his body, but his supporters are being served a constant reminder of his quality. Unfortunately it is via his absence in the first team.

The four games he missed through suspension saw 10 goals conceded but in many ways it is the intangible aspects to Terry's game that Chelsea miss the most. It is a familiar theory: "Captain, Leader, Legend" reassures one banner at Stamford Bridge. Take him out of the starting XI and carnage ensues. For all the potential of David Luiz, he looked rudderless, a bedraggled sailor without his skipper. Cahill must live with the ignominy of failing both a club and international test to be Terry's rightful heir. On current evidence, he is a long way short.

Much has been made of the attacking wealth at Di Matteo's beck and call but he is discovering in the most painful of ways that transition from a team of meticulous efficiency to a Barcelona MK II is not as simple as spending a fortune on gifted attackers. Granted, the best chance of the game (aside from Giovinco's which was at a stage where the game was over) fell to Eden Hazard and had he opened the scoring instead of Quagliarella, the post-mortem may be different.

It was always unlikely that Chelsea would sail through this season, blowing everyone away with the glittering football Roman Abramovich has craved for so long but the small cracks seeping in must be at least mildly distressing. John Obi Mikel and David Luiz's on-pitch spat hinted at frustration with Chelsea's play and dampened an already dreary night.

The club are already without the sidelined Frank Lampard and the departed Didier Drogba, but losing Terry is one absent figurehead too many for the new Chelsea to manage. Often in times of strife you find out more than you expected of the characters around you and as Cech spoke to the ITV cameras afterwards and touched upon the idea of destiny in football it was hard not to wonder.

Destiny may have led to European glory last season, but it looks as if a different path entirely has been mapped out for the Blues this year. If it helps solve the conundrum at the back, Di Matteo, Abramovich, et al will force a smile through the Turin grimace. Small mercies and all that.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Alessio calls on Juventus to replicate Chelsea display

The Bianconeri assistant coach was delighted with his side's performance

on Tuesday, but has made it clear they have not yet finished the job.

Nov 21, 2012

Angelo Alessio has called upon Juventus to replicate their display in the 3-0 win over Chelsea when they face Shakhtar Donetsk in their final Champions League group stage encounter.

The Serie A champions need just a point in Ukraine to book their ticket for the knockout phase of the competition, and Alessio has insisted that Juve need another stellar performance in order to achieve just that.

"Our last game will be extremely important as we are not through yet, but we will play the same way we did tonight," Juve's assistant coach said at a press conference.

"We like to play football – we did everything we could to win, and were rewarded with an important victory. Both teams have great players and it was a beautiful game.

"I have to compliment the whole team on this game. We wanted to maintain a high pace over the 90 minutes, we wanted to force them to defend.

"Of course we were playing against a big team like Chelsea so it's inevitable that they had a few chances as well."

Juventus currently sit second in Group E with nine points from five games, trailing leaders Shakhtar by one point.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Vidal revels in 'perfect' night for Juventus

The Chile international was delighted with the way things panned out for the Serie A

champions, but stressed they need a similar performance against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Nov 21, 2012

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal said his side's 3-0 Champions League victory over Chelsea was "the perfect night".

Goals from Fabio Quagliarella, Vidal and Sebastian Giovinco helped the Bianconeri to a vital win, and second place in Group E, much to the delight of the Chile international.

"It was the perfect night, we played an incredible match against a great side like Chelsea and now we are very happy. We just have to keep on like this until the end," Vidal was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"We were eager to win this game. It was so important so that we could continue to grow as a team. It's not over yet – there is another game – but if we play as well as we did tonight it will be an interesting game for us against Shakhtar."

The 25-year-old also took the time to hail the influence of the club's supporters on Tuesday night's game.

"When our fans support us like they did tonight our hearts become bigger on the pitch. It's so important to have this kind of support from our fans in this stadium."

Juve resume Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to AC Milan.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Juventus 3:0 Chelsea - This Is The Real Juventus!

Nov 21, 2012

For the first time in a long time, the real Bianconero spirit comes through in the Champions League, and against the holding winners too!

POST-GAME REFLECTION

It's been almost a full day since referee Cuneyt Cakir blew the final whistle at Juventus Stadium and I've been rocking this album on repeat the whole time.

My love for Kanye's idiotic-turned-genius music aside, I believe it really epitomizes what Juventus did today. I'll do my best not to repeat what every other website/pundit has or will say about this game, but c'mon, we played the Champions League winners, in a must-win situation, in our brand new stadium, with zero-to-none European experience (as this core group), and we truly dominated almost every aspect of the clash while putting 3 goals past Petr Cech and keeping a clean sheet. Not only that, but the way in which we did it was beyond impressive. I'm rarely one to exaggerate performances but you saw it - apart from a couple chances on the break-away it was all Juventus for most of the game.

Ladies and gentlemen, your very own Juventus class of 2012!

Hokay, here's why I'm beating the dead horse with this Graduation theme. Some experienced, quality players may have worn the bianconero jersey within the past couple years (Buffon, Pirlo, Vucinic, Chiellini, and Barzagli come to mind), but if you really think about it, this is still a young team. A young project. Parts of it were already there, but the new path we've taken was laid out just 18 months ago, with a coach whose only coaching experience was leading minor Italian teams through the ranks of Serie B. Yet, here we are - Champions of Italy in the first year and after struggling to find our form in the Champions League, emerging victorious when it was most necessary. Is the job done yet? Far from it. But the first huge test in Europe came along and we passed it with flying colors. What was a nervous, boyishly-looking team when the CL group stage begun is now a determined, refocused, deadly team that rises to the occasion.

There will be ups and downs along the way - that is only normal. Heck, we could lose in Donetsk and not even qualify for the final rounds of the CL. But these players now know - they have been there, and they have done it before. They've elevated to that level of European competition with the pressure on their shoulders and the fatigue in their legs. They are no longer the kids that only win in Italy; they are the united, gritty, dangerous motherfuckers that represent Italy in the brightest of lights throughout Europe. It's time for teams all across the old continent to fear the Old Lady again.

TACTICAL THOUGHTS

Chelsea - People have and will say that Chelsea got lucky winning the Champions League last year, and they may be partially correct. Still, despite all that and their recent lack of wins, I still consider them a top quality team. In Torino, they tried to switch some things up to better show the quality of their team and players, but unfortunately for them it didn't work out.

Zonal Marking has already put up a pretty interesting opinion of Di Matteo's tactical breakdown, but I'll try to complement that view. Honestly, it was time Fernando Torres sat down from the start and Chelsea started using it's attacking midfielders in a more advanced role. The scoring talent among Mata, Hazard, and Oscar is definitely big enough to compensate for the lack of finishing Torres provides. Playing Hazard as a false 9 was very interesting, but I really think he failed to make the most of it. His strength is running at the defense, not playing with his back to the goal and letting it off for others. Playing as a false 9 should have enabled him to run with the ball even as the most advanced player in Chelsea's formation, but it didn't happen that much on the day. He's such a talented player that he can definitely do whatever is asked from him with decent success, but if you're going to get creative, might as well use your players in their most effective positions.

In addition, Di Matteo's 4-2-3-1 set up left a pretty big gap between the 2 holding midfielders and the attacking trio up top. Mata failed to track back, Ramires was at times more interested in a half-assed tackle hoping for a chance on the counter, all the while the MVP trio pushed forward more often and more determined. In fact...

Juventus - ...most of Chelsea's issues I opined about above really came from Juventus' ferocious attacks on goal. We saw glimpses of those attacks against Pescara and Lazio, but even in a high-risk game like today Juventus really pushed forward with numbers and pace. One thing I LOVE seeing in our midfield finally, is the switch of positions among the MVP. Up until the Inter match, all of Vidal, Pirlo, and Marchisio had their own slice of the midfield carved up and they mostly operated within it. Lately, the three have been moving around a lot more - and most importantly, there has been a lot more vertical movement rather than horizontal. We know we can control possession around the box at this point, but it was Marchisio's and Vidal's runs that were sorely missed in some of those stale games earlier this season.

Speaking of runs, the tactical "surprise on the night" if you will, came from the recently-frustrated Sebastian Lichtsteiner. Since the space between Mata and Ashley Cole was so big, the Swiss train of old was back at his best, running his heart out and often cutting in behind Cole and into the middle.

LE PAGELLE

Buffon: 7.5 - The passion, grinta, and focus to win a game of today's challenge had to start from the very back and our tough-guy-in-pink capitano made sure that happened. Gigi was quiet, but superb. Rarely challenged by Chelsea's counter-attacks, he made his mark in the few occasions the ball came dangerously in his box. Somehow managed to block Hazard's early shot with his trailing leg, then pulled up right on time to close down Mata's angle on a potential volley. Also, not sure if you noticed, but he looked a lot more secure with long balls. When he would otherwise punch a swerving ball in a crowd, today he went up and confidently pulled most long balls to his chest before letting it off for one of our defenders. I'm personally ecstatic for his clean sheet - it was well deserved.

Barzagli: 7 - Was caught out of position only once or twice in defense and mostly stayed very tidy in the back. Not only that, but he spent a lot of time in Chelsea's half providing a back pass opportunity for Lichsteiner and Vidal who were trying to wreak havoc down the right.

Bonucci: 7.5 - It may be a bit generous, but c'mon - did you see that goal-saving sliding block? It was perfectly timed. That, his really nice and accurate balls to our wings out of the defense, and his pace to stay with Hazard, Mata, and Oscar on their bursts was more than enough for a 7.5 in my mind.

Chiellini: 7.5 - If Arturo Vidal's performance wasn't so effective on every end of the pitch, Chiellini would've been my man of match - easy. Vintage performance from our center back, whose only error was a bad pass which could've led to an early Chelsea goal. Other than that, he was ALWAYS either in front of his man or right there behind him to cause a disturbance, and did well to help out in attack as well.

Lichtsteiner: 7.5 - Now this is a Forrest Gump I can get used to! For the first time in a big game, the Swiss came out not only prepared mentally, but also on queue technically. Did ever so well to create down the right flank and was always an option for Pirlo and co. Was prevented from scoring early by a great reflex save from Cech, then continued to link up well with Vidal and Quagliarella. Gave Ashley Cole a lot of trouble. If only Mr. Eta Beta was a bit more generous at times, he would've bagged a goal for sure. Keep this up Stephan!

Pirlo: 7 - Early on I was petrified of his advanced position on the pitch. Given the nature with which our whole team attacked, I really hoped he would stay back more and try to hit up long balls over the defense as he usually does. While he managed to do so in decent volume, he also spent a lot of time right outside Chelsea's box, pressing and waiting to start up an attack. Thank God Marchisio and Vidal were around to switch with him and cover back when needed. He was rested, and it showed. A lot of his delivery was pin-point, and his set piece plays from corner kicks were a pleasant surprise. Oh, and this has to be mentioned - Pirlo tackled against Chelsea! He was getting stuck in and was determined to win that ball back. Great to see him play passionate defense as well.

Marchisio: 7 - Claudio's and Arturo's level of fitness is absolutely incredible. I recently read an article by James Horncastle in which Borussia Dortmund's coach talked about how being physically in shape and having stamina enabled you to perform and show your technical skill more effectively. I absolutely agree with that, and these two guys are an example of that each and every day. Principino had a great shot in the first half which Cech saved but most notably - everytime he was needed on the pitch, he was there. On offense, on defense, in midfield, on the flank, he was truly everywhere. Warrior.

Vidal: 8 - King Arturo is officially back. Rising to the occasion the same way he put Juventus on his back in the first leg in London, Vidal was, erm, vital for Juventus once again. Not only scoring that decisive second goal to put the game to rest, but his overall coverage of the field was spectacular. He notched a great assist on the third goal too. Again, warrior.

Asamoah: 7 - After a bit of a dip in form, Kwado was up against a solid centre-back-turned-full-back and a helping Azpilcueta the whole game. Still he managed to beat Ivanovic on a couple of runs and made the perfect back pass to Vidal for the second goal. Was obviously helped out by Stephan's more active role on the right which we have to see more of.

Quagliarella: 7 - Our most in-form striker continued his fine form with another goal in the Champions, again against Chelsea. His runs were a lot better today mostly because Vucinic did the bulk of the hold up play. When lined up alongside Giovinco, Gio's first touch can often betray him and spoil the run Quagliarella makes behind him. With Vucinic, the pass comes in a bit later but the control that Vucinic has makes it a lot easier for him to position himself correctly for the right run. A great instinct deflection on Pirlo's shot and a couple mild shots on goal at Cech was really what I mostly remember from him in the game. Key timing on that first goal though. Wish he is less selfish sometimes.

Vucinic: 6.5 - It may be harsh on the Montenegrin, but he missed a sitter in the box, took some wild shots when he should've passed the ball, and was too quiet at times. He did very well to put Asamoah through for the second goal and that shouldn't go unnoticed.

Subs:

Caceres: 6.5 - Lichtsteiner ran so much that by the 60th minute he was visibly gassed. Caceres brought a fresh set of legs and his interception started the play for the 3rd goal.

Giovinco: 7 - Was energetic and immediately made an impact with his offense and then icing-on-the-cake goal. The goal didn't help his reputation of scoring only when we have a comfortable lead though.

Pogba: sv -

Conte/Alessio: 8 - It wasn't so much Conte's genius that won the game but the lack of one by Di Matteo. In fairness though, the way in which Juventus attacked made it very difficult on Chelsea to get out of their box on a more consistent basis. It was encouraging to see the faith the coach has in these players to pull off something like that in such an important game.

THINGS I THINK I THINK

Dat Stadium - Mamma mia what a crowd at the Juventus Stadium! That place was visibly shaking from minute 1 and the support that they gave our players was fantastic. Games like these is exactly what's going to make our fortress irreplaceable. The fans were absolutely fantastic.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Juventus vs. Chelsea: 6 Things We Learned

Nov 21, 2012

Juventus secured a vital victory in the Champions League to push the champions toward the exit.

Chelsea mixed it with the Bianconeri in the opening stages, but Juve began to gain a stranglehold on the game as the match went on, claiming the three points that puts qualification in their hands.

The Bianconeri just need a point away to Shakhtar in the final match to secure progression from Group E, as they hold a superior head-to-head record over the Blues. Chelsea must beat Nordsjaelland and hope that the Ukrainians can do them a favour and beat the Italian champions.

Here are six things we learned from the game.

Kwadwo Asamoah Is Becoming One of the Most Dangerous Players in Europe

Kwadwo Asamoah was bought from Udinese this summer where he had thrived as a centre midfielder.

Antonio Conte, with an embarrassment of midfield options, decided to turn the Ghanaian into a left midfielder.

The move has been a revelation and Asamoah is proving to be one of the best in Europe in this role. It is scary to think that he is actually better through the middle.

Asamoah was able to drive at Branislav Ivanovic throughout the match, using his searing pace and power to knock the ball past the Serbian and deliver dangerous crosses into the penalty area.

With strikers willing to drop deep or pull wide, such as Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic, Asamoah is able to combine well and drive into the middle when afforded the opportunity.

Eden Hazard Is Not the Answer in Attack—for Now

Eden Hazard was selected to start ahead of Fernando Torres in attack for Chelsea against Juventus in a move that left many bemused.

Torres deserved to be left out of the lineup, but his replacement was a troubling matter for Roberto Di Matteo, who did not have any obvious alternatives at his disposal.

Daniel Sturridge was absent through injury, which begs the question as to why Romelu Lukaku was allowed to leave on loan when no reinforcements were summoned.

Hazard has played the role of a "false nine" before, sometimes with the Belgium national team, but for him to be effective, Chelsea needed to provide plenty of support from the deeper areas and service on the deck, rather than in the air.

Chelsea would have to sacrifice width if they were to pursue this idea any further, as Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata, to an extent, left the former Lille star isolated in the middle.

A Christmas tree formation might be a solution that Di Matteo experiments with moving forward, as Torres' form does not look like improving at all.

Juventus Could Win the Champions League

Juventus entered this Champions League campaign without a clear idea of where their expectations should realistically lie.

The Bianconeri were sensational last season—claiming the scudetto in an undefeated season—but without European action, the true quality of this side remained somewhat of a mystery.

Juve are unbeaten in the Champions League, despite facing two difficult opponents and are showing what a quality outfit they really are. Only one area can be highlighted as being somewhat mediocre and that is the attack.

Fabio Quagliarella is in the midst of a purple patch while Mirko Vucinic is one of the most technically gifted players in Italy, but Sebastian Giovinco is still not proven at a club of Juve's stature, so this might be an area that Juve look to strengthen in the January transfer market.

If they can add a potent goal scorer to an already formidable squad, Juve can realistically stand a chance of winning the Champions League.

Ramires Is One of Europe's Most Athletic Players

Without Ramires, Chelsea might have been further embarrassed at the Juventus Stadium due to the Brazilian's incredible athleticism, stamina and pace to be able to extinguish many Juve counterattacks.

The former Benfica star covered an enormous amount of ground to be able to prevent the game from getting out of hand before Sebastian Giovinco ensured the score line was probably as emphatic as the game itself.

As Chelsea went for it, throwing on Fernando Torres in place of Jon Obi Mikel, Ramires was left isolated with Oscar his only help against what many would consider the best midfield in Europe.

It is a credit to Ramires that Chelsea were still in the game in the closing stages despite opening up, as he disrupted the Bianconeri counterattacks and initiated Chelsea's own.

Who would you say can match Chelsea's midfielder for athleticism? Kwadwo Asamoah? Yaya Toure?

Fernando Torres Is Done at Chelsea

It is fair to assume after Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Juventus that Fernando Torres' future at Chelsea is over.

The Spaniard was omitted from the starting lineup, despite no natural alternative at the manager's disposal due to Daniel Sturridge's injury.

In the Blues' biggest match of the season so far, their £50 million signing could not be trusted to deliver the goods, so unless Roberto Di Matteo is fired, Torres' future looks very bleak.

Rafael Benitez has been immediately linked with the Blues' hot seat if Pep Guardiola shuns the overtures from Roman Abramovich, and it is only this scenario where you can imagine the Spaniard rekindling his Liverpool form at Stamford Bridge.

Roberto Di Matteo Is Not the Man to Deliver Winning Attractive Football

Roberto Di Matteo confirmed against Juventus that he is not the man capable of delivering success for the Blues along with free-flowing, attacking football.

We have witnessed some lovely play from the Blues this season, but it is becoming apparent that this is likely due to an abundance of technically gifted players rather than attacking tactics from the Italian manager.

Decisions when not afforded a fully fit squad or a tactical dilemma such as only needing a point at the Juventus Stadium to maintain control on their destiny in Europe have shown Di Matteo's true colours.

Di Matteo selected Ryan Bertrand as a winger in the Champions League final and he replicated such a move tonight by opting for Cesar Azpilicueta as a right-winger to double up on the dangerous Kwadwo Asamoah.

Eden Hazard as a "false nine" might not be conceived as totally negative when you consider Fernando Torres' form, but Di Matteo might have selected the likes of Victor Moses ahead of Azpilicueta in order to maintain an attacking balance to the formation.

It is not always a manager with bold, risky tactics that produces attacking football, but establishing a solid foundation to the side that keeps clean sheets can give the attacking players more license to work their magic.

With the Blues persistently leaking goals at the back without John Terry, the burden to rush their attacks in pursuit of an equaliser or a goal to get back into the game is hurting the side.

Ultimately then, Di Matteo must be held accountable and as all managers know under Roman Abramovich, time is precious.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Juventus Beat Chelsea: What We Learned

From Juve's Triumph Over the Champions

Nov 21, 2012

Struggling Chelsea faced an in-form Juventus side Tuesday night in the Champions League, and very little went right for the visitors.

Within first five minutes, Petr Cech was forced to push Stephan Lichsteiner's volley onto the post, and the pressure rarely let up from there.

Though Eden Hazard had a great chance to put his side ahead inside ten minutes after a brilliant winding run from Oscar, the hosts were far the better team on the night. Chelsea, setting up in a defensive wing-back formation, had problems from back to front, while Juventus created chances consistently from all sides.

It's no mean feat beating the champions of Europe so comprehensively, putting them in danger of elimination to boot. How did they do it?

Roberto Di Matteo's Selection of Cesar Azpilicueta Was a Puzzling Mistake

Roberto di Matteo inserted Cesar Azpilicueta into his starting 11 as a right wing-back to deal with Juventus wing-back Kwadwo Asamoah for only his fifth appearance of the season.

The move looked ill-fated from the start, as Asamoah was pushing on beyond Azpilicueta and facing off against Branislav Ivanovic in the first minute.

In fact, it was unclear throughout the match exactly what role Azpilicueta was meant to play, as the Chelsea defense often reverted to the simple flat back four to which they're more accustomed.

Azpilicueta did little to quell the attacking prowess of Asamoah, and offered next to nothing going forward. He was duly substituted after 60 minutes.

Chelsea's Defensive Tactics Were a Mess

Beyond the puzzling selection of Azpilicueta, di Matteo's defensive tactics cost Chelsea control of the match.

Playing without a striker should have given Chelsea much more control over the middle of the park, but they seemed content to sit deep and let Juventus dictate the pace of play.

Juventus, meanwhile, took advantage of Chelsea's tentativeness, sending players forward at every opportunity.

Without a recognized striker, Chelsea lacked a target for outlet passes from their defensive posture, as well as for crosses. Though they troubled Juventus on the counter, they were unable to take advantage of the few chances they managed to create.

Andrea Pirlo Is Not the Sole Threat from Juventus's Midfield

England supporters are just getting over their nightmares of Andrea Pirlo from the quarterfinal of Euro 2012, but the Chelsea fans now know the midfield maestro isn't the only quality player directing traffic in Turin.

Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal turned in lively performances against Chelsea, building on their strong seasons and ever-growing confidence.

The two midfielders play slightly advanced of Andrea Pirlo, and alternately pop up between Chelsea's midfield and defense. They are not shy from crashing into the penalty area to get on the end of crosses, as Vidal showed in the splendid move that led to his goal.

Asamoah Was a Constant Threat

Kwadwo Asamoah had a splendid match, getting up and down the left side and always looking to put in dangerous crosses for the two strikers.

What he lacked in technique and passing ability, he more than made up for in pace, power and crossing ability. Azpilicueta couldn't deal with him, and Ivanovic didn't have the pace to contain him.

His 40th-minute cross was was nearly bungled in by David Luiz and Ashley Cole before the latter managed to clear it off the line in the nick of time. His 46th minute cross was nearly met by the onrushing Lichsteiner before Ashley Cole managed to divert it clear.

His diligent work was finally rewarded with an assist on 60 minutes when he quietly slipped behind Ivanovic on the left and found Vidal across the center.

Juventus Will Be a Dangerous Team to Face If They Reach the Knockout Stage

Juventus's massive victory over Chelsea could be a harbinger of things to come from the Turin side. Can they go on and win the Champions League?

They may not be as good a pure football team as the likes of favorites Barcelona, and they will never complete as many passes as the Catalan giants. Nevertheless, they attack relentlessly with speed, power, and incisive movement.

Their use of two strikers, increasingly uncommon in world football today, allows them to get the ball forward early without resorting to hopeful long passes.

Though they may not defend with the same numbers, or intent, as great Italian sides of the past, they nevertheless can call on three international center-halves and one of Italy's great goalkeepers to keep things tight at the back.

And despite their quick style of attacking, they have the calming influence and experience of Andrea Pirlo to keep the ball in midfield when needed.

Before they can worry about the next phase, they face a tough task in Donetsk, where they will most likely have to get a point to advance.

[Socrates 8300]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 CHELSEA

Fabio Quagliarella (38′)

Arturo Vidal (61′)

Sebastian Giovinco (90+1′)

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Attendance: 39670

Giovinco: Chelsea win was beautiful

Nov 22, 2012

Juventus striker Sebastian Giovinco has admitted that their 3-0 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday was a 'beautiful' moment.

Goals from Fabio Quagliarella, Arturo Vidal and the former Parma man gave the Bianconeri a resounding victory in the Champions League.

And the 25-year-old has conceded that it was a big moment for the club, as well as revealing what their ambitions are for the campaign.

“It was important for us to try and win,” he told Sky Sport 24. “Thankfully we did that, and against the champions of Europe as well – it was a beautiful night.

“Our goal is do well in all the competitions, and this is also true of the Champions League.”

He also commented on the Old Lady's form this season, and also remarked on the performances of Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy.

“We are a top side,” he said. “We are doing well in Europe and in Serie A. I think we have the best attack and the best defence in Italy.

“El Shaarawy? He is a good player, making a difference for Milan.”

[Socrates 8300]

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