Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8414]

Ciro Ferrara: 'Juve and Napoli...'

Nov 27, 2012

Ciro Ferrara admits he is torn between his former clubs, so hopes “Napoli win the Scudetto and Juventus get the Champions League.”

The current Sampdoria Coach won the Serie A title as a player with both Juve and Napoli, who are battling for the tournament this season.

“I never know who to cheer on,” Ferrara told Mediaset. “Last season Juve won the Scudetto and Napoli lifted the Coppa Italia.

“This year I hope the Napoli win the Scudetto and Juventus get the Champions League, so everyone’s happy.

“I do believe Napoli can challenge for the title. They have matured and have more strength in depth compared to last year.

“Juve have something more in terms of mentality and history, but I don’t know if they’ll have the same hunger as last season.”

[Socrates 8414]

Luiz Adriano banned for Shakhtar-Juve

Nov 27, 2012

Luiz Adriano is suspended for the Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League game with Juventus after he “violated the principles of conduct.”

The striker hit headlines all over the world when intercepting a pass back to Nordsjaelland to score after the ball had been put out of play for an injury.

UEFA opened an investigation and today announced Luiz Adriano has been suspended for one match.

This means he won’t be available for the final Champions League Group E game between Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus.

The Bianconeri need a point from that match to be sure of qualification.

[Socrates 8414]

Cavani: Scudetto is within reach of Napoli

The Uruguay forward believes that winning Serie A is a realistic goal for his side,

and insists he joined the club to leave his mark on its history rather than achieve individually.

Nov 27, 2012

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has spoken optimistically of his side's title chances, stating that he and his teammates are "on the case".

The Partenopei are currently second in the Serie A table - two points behind leaders Juventus - and Cavani believes that the Scudetto is a realistic target this season.

"Winning the championship is not a dream so far," Cavani told reporters. "Juve are easily reachable. Let's just say that the team and I are on the case.

"I did not come to Naples to do more than Maradona. I came here to get into people's hearts and leave a mark in the history of the club."

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

1 - 0

Robinho (31′-PG)

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Attendance: 77023

AC Milan-Juventus referee defends spot kick decision

In the aftermath of Sunday's clash, Nicola Rizzoli still believes that he was correct

in his decision to award the home side a penalty, despite what replays have shown.

Nov 27, 2012

Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli has defended his choice to award AC Milan a controversial penalty against Juventus during the weekend Serie A clash, in spite of what television replays have shown.

Rizzoli pointed to the spot in the 1-0 win for the Rossoneri, after judging that the ball had struck Mauricio Isla on the arm, whereas later evidence suggested that the contact was made with his torso.

"There are two parrallel truths in football: what happens on the field at great speed with the sounds and all of the rest," explained the match official to reporters.

"Then there is the television that breaks down images, slows them down, and one often cannot be certain which is the case as with the slow-motion replay with Isla.

"Are we sure the ball never touches the arm despite downward trajectory?"

Despite Robinho's penalty costing their side an important three points, Rizzoli spoke positively of the reaction of the Juventus players to his debatable decision.

"Their protests were very civil and this allowed me to continue to arbitrate and officiate the game with maximum concentration," he added.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Hamsik: Napoli hungrier than Juve

Nov 28, 2012

Marek Hamsik has warned Juventus and the rest of Italy that Napoli are serious about winning the Scudetto this season.

“We are two points shy of the leaders and everything is still up for grabs,” the attacking midfielder told Radio Marte.

“Juventus are accustomed to winning and they have consolidated their place at a certain level. But we have more hunger than they do.

“It’s a shame that we lost in Turin against Juventus. But we’ve archived that moment and we’re looking ahead.”

The Old Lady started the season as favourites, but a recent slump means that the top five are now separated by just six points.

“As well as Juventus and ourselves, there is Inter, Fiorentina, Lazio and Roma,” the former Brescia man continued.

“We are a very competitive side though. We’ve been unjustly criticised in the past, but we have never given up and we’ll look to achieve some prestigious results.

“Winning at Napoli has a special taste, I was made aware of that after we won the Coppa Italia. Just imagine if we win the title…”

Juve face Torino this weekend, while the Azzurri will play host to struggling Pescara.

[Socrates 8414]

Reasons Why Juventus Will Struggle to Win the Champions League

Nov 28, 2012

Juventus have seemingly opened up and spread their power across Europe following their 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Champions League last week.

A win against Shakhtar Donetsk in their final Group E clash will see the Old Lady of Italian football through to the last 16.

If they do get through, the big question will be whether they can win the tournament. This article will look at the reasons why a mountain lies ahead for the Italian champions.

Stronger Teams Ahead of Juventus

As good as the win against Chelsea was, Juventus are likely to struggle when playing the rest of Europe’s big hitters. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich all qualified for the last 16 with games to spare.

Spanish giants Barcelona are favourites to win the trophy and it’s easy to see why. In Lionel Messi they have arguably the world’s best player. Messi has scored five goals in five games in the Champions League this season, and the more he plays, the more he scores.

Barcelona also have Xavi Hernandez, the pass master of world football. The Spanish midfielder has made 719 of Barcelona’s 4427 passes so far in the competition.

Real Madrid are phenomenal too and have Cristiano Ronaldo in their side. Like Messi, Ronaldo has also notched up five goals in five group games in Europe this season.

Compare those stats to Juventus. Fabio Quagliarella is Juve’s top scorer in the Champions League with three to his name. Mirko Vucinic, his striking partner, has scored just one goal in four appearances.

No Big Name In Attack

One area Juventus struggle in compared to the other sides in the Champions League is the lack of a big name forward up front.

Barcelona have Messi, Real Madrid are inspired by Ronaldo, Manchester United fly with Robin van Persie. All these strikers are used to the big time. They have years of experience playing in the Champions League.

At Juventus, both Quagliarella and Vucinic are relied upon to break down the barriers of opposition defences, but they will likely struggle when push comes to shove in the nail-biting games of the latter stages.

Juventus clearly have a problem up front with 51 attempts off target across their five games to date. These worrying statistics could be a reason why the Italians have only won two group matches this term. They cannot finish off their chances in front of goal compared to the stronger sides.

Over-Reliance on Midfield

At the back, Juventus are smartly balanced with Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, all of whom are Italy internationals.

But it is the midfield which has become the driving force behind their steady course over the past two seasons.

Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchiso provide an array of weaponry which has had devastating effects on teams in Europe and in Serie A.

However, there is too much reliance in that department and it shows. Marchisio and Vidal between them have scored just one goal less than all of Juventus’ attacking players combined in the Champions League this season.

When the forwards are not in form, and when the midfield struggles, who will score for Juve?

The loss of Alessandro Del Piero

It’s times like these when Alessandro Del Piero would have been a galvanising influence inside the dressing room.

Juventus must beat Shakhtar away from home to be guaranteed a place in the round of 16; no easy feat considering the Ukrainian side currently sit top of Group E.

Del Piero’s wealth of experience and presence could have made the difference, and the loss has been underestimated following his departure during the summer transfer window.

Despite all of the shortcomings highlighted, Juventus do have good infrastructure such as having their own stadium.

It may be too early for Antonio Conte’s men to conquer Europe this season, but who’s to say they cannot win it in a few years if they continue building as they are.

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus handed Vidal muscle injury blow

The combative midfielder could miss Saturday's game against Torino due

to physical problems, while Martin Caceres has also sustained a knock.

Nov 28, 2012

Juventus caretaker coach Angelo Alessio may have to do without Arturo Vidal for the derby clash with Torino after he suffered a muscle injury.

The midfielder picked up a knock on the training pitch earlier this week, and it is not yet known if he will be match fit in time for Saturday's encounter.

"Arturo Vidal pulled up in Tuesday’s workout due to an overload in his adductor muscles. The Chilean midfielder’s condition will be progressively monitored over the next few days," a statement on the official Juventus website reads.

The 25-year-old has been a key figure for the Bianconeri so far this season, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances.

Meanwhile, Martin Caceres could also face a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury in training.

"Martin Caceres missed out on Tuesday’s double workout after reporting for training with a pain in his left ankle," a statement reads.

"The defender was given an MRI scan which displayed a notable joint effusion and a minimal ankle ligament strain. His recovery time will be assessed over the coming days."

Caceres joined Juve from Sevilla in January 2012, and has since become an important first team member at Juventus Stadium.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Ventura: Derby a festival of football

Nov 29, 2012

Torino boss Giampiero Ventura believes Saturday's derby with Juventus will be 'a festival of football'.

The 64-year-old is confident that his team will be more than up for the first Turin derby in almost four years, but hopes that the fans are entertained by what happens on the pitch.

“Juventus will be determined, foaming at the mouth,” he told a Press conference. “However, we'll be determined as well.

“After several years of absence, hopefully it will be a great festival of football for Turin.

“The derby is a match in itself. We will try our hardest, but the important thing is that it is an opportunity for a great festival of sport.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juve-Toro: Holy Mole…

One of Italy’s biggest rivalries will be revived this weekend, but will it prove

to be worth the wait? Scott Fleming looks forward to the Derby della Mole.

Nov 29, 2012

Three years and eight months. That’s how long we’ve been waiting for a Derby della Mole. That wait will finally come to an end this Saturday evening, with the first edition in the derby’s 105 year history to be played at the Juventus Stadium.

I’d like to say how much we’ve all missed it. But unless you support either club, the truth is you probably haven’t. The Mole is the equal of the Madonnina and Capitale derbies in terms of history and tradition, but in terms of competitiveness and excitement, the most recent editions have been sadly lacking.

Torino haven’t beaten Juventus since April 1995. Just three goals have been scored in the last four derbies – three 1-0 Juve wins and a goalless draw. But before you decide to do something foolish with your Saturday night, such as socialising, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that this game will be different. Indeed, the simple fact that Turin has been starved of its derby for so long almost guarantees it.

Firstly, Juventus are no longer invincible. To describe them as vulnerable would be pushing it, but a run of one win in four Serie A games is certainly abnormal for Antonio Conte’s side. Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Milan has prompted questions and resurrected everyone’s favourite, in-no-way tedious polemic about their lack of a ‘top player’ up front.

Then there’s the fact that to take something from Saturday’s game would be typical of Giampiero Ventura’s Toro. The Serie B runners up have managed to lose most of the games they’ve been expected to win since returning to the top flight, yet proved surprisingly strong against the big clubs and in away games. The Granata have lost just once on their travels and held Lazio, Napoli and Fiorentina to draws in recent weeks.

The fixture should also provide plenty of intrigue from a tactical perspective, pitting Conte’s 3-5-2 against Ventura’s 4-2-4. Conte was also fond of the audacious 4-2-4 in the past, hence Bari’s decision to replace him with Ventura when he left the Apulian outfit in 2009.

The Derby della Mole has borne witness to some brilliant and bizarre happenings over the years, from Torino founder Alfredo Dick being locked in the dressing room by Juve during the very first meeting to gunfire breaking out in a ‘friendly’ between the two that took place shortly after the end of World War II.

We’re unlikely to see anything quite like that on Saturday, but hopefully we will see the dawn of a new era, when Turin derbies are a lot better to watch, and a lot harder to predict.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Serie A 2012/13: Round 15 Preview –

Return of the Turin Derby

Nov 29, 2012

Competition is on the rise in Italy’s top flight of football thanks to the Milanese clubs who have prevented Juventus from breaking away at the summit of the table.

Following another controversial game, AC Milan beat the Old Lady, paving the way for the giants from the colloquial ‘south’ – Napoli, to reduce the gap to two points, as they climb up to the second place.

As the red half of Milan rejoiced, the blue half were left clueless and frustrated. Inter’s much dreaded trip to the Ennio Tardini concluded in another defeat as a result of which, the standings have altered at the top end of the table. Fiorentina managed to maintain their third position but the Nerazzuri dropped two places to fourth.

Similarly, the battle at the bottom end of the table has taken an interesting turn with three teams – Pescara, Bologna and Siena – tied at 11 points.

Though lacking big games, round 15 sees the return of the much awaited derby della Mole. In addition, Chievo and Genoa provide a promising encounter with both teams fighting to stay clear off the drop zone.

Derby della Mole

After three long years, derby day returns to the city of Turin with Juventus hosting city rivals Torino on Saturday evening.

The champions have struggled of late as they try to navigate through a difficult line up of fixtures. Unsurpsingly, European football has taken its toll on the Bianconeri’s domestic form which is evident from the fact that they have managed to pick only one point from three games.

With no leverage left at the top of the table, Antonio Conte’s men will be keen to get back to winning ways against their fourteenth placed city rivals.

Meanwhile, having avoided defeat against the likes of Napoli, Fiorentina and Lazio, I Granata will be hoping to knick a point or three off their arch rivals.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus gunning for derby glory

Nov 29, 2012

Leaders Juventus will be eyeing a swift return to winning ways in Serie A after suffering their second defeat of the season against AC Milan.

The Turin club fell to a 1-0 defeat against the Rossoneri to see their lead at the summit cut to two points by Napoli.

A derby against Torino awaits Juve on Saturday, and club director Beppe Marotta has issued a rallying cry to his players in a bid to reverse a sequence that has seen them win just once in their last four Serie A outings.

"Last year we won the championship with our never-say-die attitude,'' Marotta said. "From there we've continued our positive run and we're still top of the league as it stands. We know that we've got experienced competition and we can't help but acknowledge the value of our opposition. The title race is open and it's our duty to believe we can do it.''

Juve's nearest challengers Napoli stepped up their title challenge with a 1-0 win at Cagliari last weekend. Marek Hamsik scoring the only goal in that match, and the Slovakian has called on his side to continue in the same vein throughout December, starting with Sunday's home encounter with rock-bottom Pescara.

"I want four wins up to Christmas, starting obviously against Pescara; a game that is easy on paper,'' he said. "We will not just be going head-to-head with Juventus. Inter are still in the running, with Fiorentina, Lazio and Roma.''

Third-placed Fiorentina are defending an eight-match unbeaten run and will hope to continue exerting pressure on the leaders when they play host to Sampdoria.

La Viola have a string of injury problems ahead of the match, however, with Adem Ljajic, Luca Toni and Stevan Jovetic all struggling for fitness. Mounir El Hamdaoui is Fiorentina's only fit senior striker so Vincenzo Montella could turn to 20-year-old Haris Seferovic.

Inter Milan are in fourth place, level on 28 points with Fiorentina, and will be bidding to snap a three-game winless streak when they entertain Palermo, while fifth-placed Lazio welcome Parma.

Elsewhere on Sunday, second-bottom Bologna play host to Atalanta, Siena entertain Roma, Udinese bid for a first win in six when they meet Cagliari, while third-bottom Chievo are the visitors to Genoa.

The action gets under way tomorrow night as ninth-placed Catania play host to a Milan side one point and one place behind them in the standings, yet full of confidence following last week's victory over Juventus.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Chiellini hoping to score again in Turin derby

The Italy international is ready for his return to action when Juventus take on city

rivals Torino, and he has admitted that he would love to get on the scoresheet again.

Nov 30, 2012

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini wants to be the match-winner again when the Italian champions take on Torino in the Derby della Mole.

The Italian has been on the sidelines with an injury issue but is back in training with the squad ahead the weekend clash.

"I have recovered from the calf problem I felt towards the end of the match with Chelsea. It wasn't too serious and after a week I am back training with the team," he told Mediaset.

The last Turin derby was played three years ago and it was Chiellini who claimed the winning goal that night, and he has not hidden his intention to do the same again.

"Will I score the winner again? I hope so! It would be a dream, though I imagine the Torino fans wouldn't see it that way," he continued.

"It is wonderful to score in a game like this, because people do care about it so much. Some say that it matters more to Toro than to Juve, but I think that’s underestimating how much people want to win.

"Even if we are fighting for different targets, once the derby begins it wipes out any differences. I am happy to be facing Torino again, as it’s good for the city to have two Serie A sides, and I hope they can strengthen to go for ever stronger objectives as the years go on.

"The derby of the past had always been in the same stadium, but this team it really will be a derby in an ‘away’ stadium. That’ll make it even better, as winning on your opponents’ own turf always feels special.

Last weekend against AC Milan, Juventus lost their second game within a month after suffering a 3-1 reverse to Inter a couple of weeks back, but Chiellini has refuted the suggestion that his side are feeling the strain of success.

“We do not feel pressure, as it’s far too early to look at the table and there will be numerous changes of position. I hope we can stay on top, of course!" the Italy international concluded.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Chiellini: 'Turin derby dream'

Nov 30, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini reassures Juventus fans he is fit and raring to go, eager to decide a Turin derby for the second time in his career. “It’d be a dream.”

The defender has missed the trip to San Siro due to a calf problem, but is back in training ahead of Saturday’s big clash.

“I have recovered from the calf problem I felt towards the end of the match with Chelsea. It wasn’t too serious and after a week I am back training with the team,” he told Mediaset.

Chiellini scored the winning goal in the last Serie A Derby della Mole three years ago, nodding in a Pavel Nedved free kick.

“It is wonderful to score in a game like this, because people do care about it so much. Some say that it matters more to Toro than to Juve, but I think that’s underestimating how much people want to win.

“Even if we are fighting for different targets, once the derby begins it wipes out any differences. I am happy to be facing Torino again, as it’s good for the city to have two Serie A sides and I hope they can strengthen to go for ever stronger objectives as the years go on.

“The derby of the past had always been in the same stadium, but this team it really will be a derby in an ‘away’ stadium. That’ll make it even better, as winning on your opponents’ own turf always feels special.

“Will I score the winner again? I hope so! It would be a dream, though I imagine the Torino fans wouldn’t see it that way.”

Juventus lost their second game of the season, falling against both Inter and Milan, but remain the Serie A leaders.

“We do not feel pressure, as it’s far too early to look at the table and there will be numerous changes of position. I hope we’ll stay top, of course!”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Barzagli: Juve have missed Conte

Nov 30, 2012

Andrea Barzagli thinks Juventus will only get better once boss Antonio Conte returns to the touchline.

Juve have had to do without their Coach on matchdays so far this season after he was banned for allegedly failing to report an attempt to fix a Siena game while he was in charge in Tuscany.

Conte is set to return next weekend and the centre-back is ready to welcome him back with open arms.

“It is not easy to face so many games without a Coach with his temperament, someone who knows how to drag us along,” Barzagli told the Corriere dello Sport.

“Massimo Carrera and Angelo Alessio are good, but the Coach is something completely different.”

Juventus currently lead the standings, but they have lost two of their last four League games – the latest coming last weekend at Milan.

“We played poorly, we know that,” the Italian international added. “We’ve looked at the errors and we are ready to start again.

“Tomorrow’s opponents Torino are a tough side, well organised and they have suffered in very few games.”

Juventus will go into the derby with thoughts about next Wednesday’s Champions League tie at Shakhtar Donetsk where they need at least a draw.

“We’re hopeful, even if we know that we will be facing the toughest team in the group.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Torino squad for Juventus

Nov 30, 2012

Torino boss Giampiero Ventura has named a 23-man squad for Saturday’s derby against rivals Juventus.

Ventura has no suspensions to deal with, but he is without injured midfielders Sergio Suciu and Marko Bakic.

Squad: Agostini, Basha, Bianchi, Birsa, Brighi, Cerci, D'Ambrosio, Darmian, Di Cesare, Gazzi, Gillet, Glik, L. Gomis, Masiello, Meggiorini, Ogbonna, Rodriguez, Sansone, Santana, Sgrigna, Stevanovic, Verdi, Vives.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Bonucci praises Torino boss Ventura

Nov 30, 2012

Juventus stopper Leonardo Bonucci is thankful to Torino boss Giampiero Ventura. “But he’ll be an opponent for 90 minutes on Saturday.”

Speaking to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport ahead of the Turin derby, Bonucci had words of praise for his former Coach.

“Ventura is their danger man,” the centre-back stated. “I owe him a lot. He wanted me at Pisa and he played me just two days after my switch from Treviso. We then had that marvellous adventure together at Bari.

“He improved me as a player and a man. I love him, but on Saturday he will be an adversary.”

Juventus are top of the League, but two defeats in four games means that questions are now being asked of them.

“It’s ridiculous to talk about a crisis,” he added. “The Chelsea game emptied us out ahead of the Milan loss.

“We lacked anger and hunger, but Milan didn’t dominate us. That defeat is already behind us.”

Juventus are two points clear of Napoli, four ahead of Inter and Fiorentina. “Napoli are the anti-Juve,” he continued.

“They are a consolidated team, while Inter seem to be in a state of evolution. Walter Mazzarri’s side have been working together for years.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Ventura looks to derby factor

Nov 30, 2012

Giampiero Ventura is hopeful that his Torino side can get at least a point when they take on Juventus this weekend.

The Granata travel to the Juventus Stadium on Saturday night as the Derby della Mole returns to Serie A.

“I got depressed after watching them play against Chelsea,” he smiled.

“We have to interpret the game in the best possible manner in order to not make it impossible for ourselves.

“We know that we are taking on the strongest side in the Division, but we’ll go to the Juventus Stadium with humility. We want to play with great serenity.

“If we didn’t have a chance of taking something out of the game then we wouldn’t even bother showing up.

“They are a hard team to face, but the derby is the derby and it is never like an ordinary game.

“I expect something special from my team, also because if you don’t do anything special against Juventus then you’ll lose. This game will tell us who we are.

He added: “We shouldn’t look at their individual players. What can make the difference for us is our collective, that is what will be fundamental.”

Ventura knows Juventus boss Antonio Conte well and he actually replaced him on the Bari bench given that the Toro man preaches 4-2-4 football.

“Conte is a friend and he has shown that he has put together one of the most organised sides in circulation.”

The veteran also pointed out that history shows that he knows how to beat the Old Lady of Italian football.

“I have a good record against Juventus and the most recent games have been positive. I’ve beat them when they had Ciro Ferrara and Gigi Del Neri on the bench.”

Ventura has faced Juve eight times in Serie A so far during spells at Cagliari, Udinese and Bari. He has three wins and five losses.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus name derby squad

Nov 30, 2012

Juventus have named their 24-man squad for the derby match with Torino on Saturday evening.

Antonio Conte has picked an almost full squad for the match with Giampiero Ventura's side, with the only absentee being Martin Caceres who misses out.

One positive though, is the inclusion of Giorgio Chiellini, who was a doubt earlier in the week.

Squad: Buffon, Lucio, Chiellini, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Barzagli, Bendtner, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Marrone

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Cairo: 'Juve will never have Ogbonna'

Dec 1, 2012

Torino President Urbano Cairo stoked the fires ahead of tonight’s Derby della Mole by pledging “Juventus will never have Angelo Ogbonna.”

The Granata visit the Juventus Stadium for the first time this evening and it is the first Serie A Turin derby since 2009. Click here for a match preview.

“I am fired up,” declared the patron in Tuttosport. “Turin is above all the city of Toro. We are very happy to be playing the derby.

“It’s difficult to compete, as Juventus make six times as much as we do, but that doesn’t mean we can’t beat them in a one-off game with particular emotional situations when passion plays a big part. It’s fundamental to me that we believe.”

The rapport between the city rivals extends to the transfer market, where Juve have consistently shown an interest in defender Ogbonna.

“Angelo is a good lad and above all an honest guy. He is not remotely thinking about going to Juventus because he loves Toro.

“The day he does leave Toro, he will have so many foreign offers that it won’t even cross his mind to join the Bianconeri. No, Juventus will never have Ogbonna.

“As for Rolando Bianchi, I paid him handsomely and kept him in Serie B. I do agree there will be a time when we need to sit down around a table to discuss his contract, but there is no rush.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus - Torino Preview: Bianconeri looking

to bounce back against fierce rivals

The Old Lady will be desperate to get back to winning ways and prolong the derby agony

for the Granata but, Giampiero Ventura's men will not go down without a fight at the weekend.

Dec 1, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah

Vucinic, Giovinco

TORINO

Gillet

Darmian, Glik, Ogbonna, D'Ambrosio

Basha, Gazzi

Cerci, Bianchi, Meggiorini, Santana

This season sees the return of the Derby della Mole - one of Italy's fiercest rivalries - when the league leaders take on 14th-placed Torino at Juventus Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts suffered their second defeat in four league games against AC Milan at San Siro last weekend, but Inter were unable to take advantage of the slip-up having lost to Parma on Monday, ensuring there is still a two-point gap at the top with second-placed Napoli.

Juve could make four changes to the team that lost to the Rossoneri. Martin Caceres is struggling with an ankle problem which may give the opportunity for Giorgio Chiellini to fill the role on the left side of the back three. Another South American who looks set to miss out is Arturo Vidal. The Chilean has a groin strain which could give Paul Pogba the chance to demonstrate his capabilities in the midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio. Mauricio Isla - who had a torrid time against Milan in the last fixture as he not only gave away the penalty which Robinho scored, but was also booked at half-time - could be sacrificed for Switzerland international Stephan Lichtsteiner. In attack, there has been much speculation about whether Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente will be making his way to Turin, but for now, the responsibility for goals lies with Mirko Vucinic while Sebastian Giovinco could be preferred to Fabio Quagliarella.

The Granata, meanwhile, are expected to make a host of changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Siena in the Coppa Italia. Coach Giampiero Ventura rested the bulk of his preferred starting XI in midweek, so expect to see normality restored with Jean-Francois Gillet back in goal, while Kamil Glik, Angelo Ogbonna and Danilo D'Ambrosio return to line-up in defence. Further up the park Migjen Basha and Alessandro Gazzi provide defensive cover in the middle with Alessio Cerci and Mario Santana expected to replace Giuseppe Vives and Gianluca Sansone on the wings. Top goalscorer Rolando Bianchi and Riccardo Meggiorini should deputise for Alen Stevanovic and Alessandro Sgrigana.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus have not lost their last 12 games against Torino, having won eight and drawn four.

• The Bianconeri have not conceded to the Granata in their last six matches which dates back to 2002.

• Giorgio Chiellini made the difference in the last clash between the two sides, his headed goal gave Juve a 1-0 victory back in 2009.

• Torino inflicted Juventus' heaviest ever defeat when they beat them 8-0 almost 100 years ago in 1913.

• The Granata have not beat la Vecchia Signora since 1995 but on that occasion, they won 2-1.

• Giampiero Ventura's side have been solid away from home this season. In seven matches, they have only lost once on the road and that was a 2-0 defeat to Roma.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Mar 7, 2009 - Torino 0 - Juventus 1

Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2008 - Juventus 1 - Torino 0

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Nov 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

Nov 20, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Chelsea FC 0 - UCL

Nov 17, 2012 - Juventus 0 - Lazio 0 - Serie A

Nov 10, 2012 - Pescara 1 - Juventus 6 - Serie A

Nov 7, 2012 - Juventus 4 - FC Nordsjælland 0 - UCL

Torino

Nov 28, 2012 - Siena 2 - Torino 0 - Coppa Italia

Nov 25, 2012 - Torino 2 - Fiorentina 2 - Serie A

Nov 19, 2012 - Roma 2 - Torino 0 - Serie A

Nov 11, 2012 -Torino 1 - Bologna 0 - Serie A

Nov 4, 2012 - SSC Napoli 1 - Torino 1 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Paul Pogba

There is perhaps question marks over his temperament and attitude but, when it comes to ability, there is none. The young Frenchman has demonstrated already this season what he is capable of and provides that little bit of unpredicatbility which can often unsettle defences. He is more than an adequate replacement for Vidal, if the Chilean is not declared fit in time for the match and will be determined to show what he can do if given the chance.

Angelo Obinze Ogbonna

If the rumours are to be believed, then, this promising defender has caught the attention of Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson. The Italy international is the heart of the defence for the Granata, being calm and composed on the ball and shows positional awareness as well as being good in the tackle. The visitors have demonstrated a strong rearguard on their travels having conceded only six goals in seven matches and this is in no small part down to the centre-back's performances.

Prediction

It's been 17 years since the Granata tasted success against the Bianconeri, but the hosts' form has been indifferent of late and there may not be a better time for Giampiero Ventura's men to play the Old Lady. Goals are often at a premium when these two sides meet and it wouldn't be beyond the realms of possibility to see another low-scoring affair here.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 1 - 0 Torino

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

MATCH PREVIEW

Dec 1, 2012

Juventus are smarting from a disappointing defeat as they take on tricky Torino in the first Derby della Mole since 2009.

The Bianconeri travelled to Milan on a high last Sunday after dismantling Chelsea. Yet they were second best in a match best remembered for controversy, like last season. Robinho scored the only goal after Mauricio Isla was adjudged to handle inside the penalty area, but replays disagreed.

Nonetheless, Juve’s contingent admitted they were below par. Captain Gianluigi Buffon said they “deserved to lose” after failing to penetrate Milan’s stubborn rear-guard for an hour. Though still top of Serie A they have picked up just four points in four matches, cutting their lead to two points.

Giorgio Chiellini and Stephan Lichtsteiner return, with Martin Caceres injured and Isla relegated to the bench. Paul Pogba will start in place of a rested Arturo Vidal, while Fabio Quagliarella is in disciplinary trouble after directing words at stand in Coach Angelo Alessio when substituted in Milan.

Torino had mixed feelings after an engaging 2-2 draw with Fiorentina. They managed to halt the rampant Viola, who dropped points after five consecutive victories. However, Toro twice surrendered a lead after the interval, even if one equaliser arrived courtesy of a soft penalty.

While Giampiero Ventura’s men currently sit just four points ahead of the bottom three, they are also just a win outside the top half. In what is an uncommon derby situation in Italy, the match is not being played at a shared venue, as the Juventus Stadium plays host to its first ever Derby della Mole.

The Granata can also take heart from their away form, as they have lost just once, proving tough to beat with a win and six draws.

Sergiu Suciu remains sidelined, but Marko Bakic and Giuseppe Vives will be given every opportunity to prove their fitness.

Toro will have to turn around a poor recent Mole record. Without a victory since 1994-95, it is Juve who have since enjoyed bragging rights. The last meeting was in 2008-09, a 1-0 win for Juve. That was their 65th in Serie A. Torino have won 49, with an additional 46 draws played out.

Keep an eye on: Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) – The Turin native has featured in just one past derby and will be keen to shine here. Marchisio has picked up from where he left off last term, his performances only lacking the goals of 2011-12. He is suspended from the upcoming Shakhtar Donetsk match, so expect him to give it his all and then some.

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

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: Torino have failed to score in each of the past six derbies. Their last goal came in 2001-02, when Benoit Cauet netted in a 2-2 draw.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Vucinic, Giovinco

TORINO: Gillet; Darmian, Glik, Ogbonna, D’Ambrosio; Basha, Gazzi; Cerci, Bianchi, Meggiorini, Santana

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus v Torino: Preview

Dec 1, 2012

Amid all the rivalry ahead of the Turin city derby tonight, away team coach Giampiero Ventura has acknowledged that his side are about to face the strongest side in Italian football.

Torino travel to face Juventus at the Juventus Stadium tonight for the first time since their fellow stadium tenants left the Stadio Olimpico 18 months ago, and Ventura admits there is still a league between the two sides, despite their promotion back to the top flight last season.

"We are honoured to go to the Juventus Stadium and we go there humble enough to know we are facing the strongest team, but at the same time we are aware that if we do our best, well then it will be the result to decide things," he said at a pre-match press conference.

"It's going to be tough for us. There is an obvious difference in the value of these two clubs, but we are still delighted to play this game.

"We are up against the strongest side around and it is a derby, for which they are going to be determined as always."

The city of Turin dominated Italian football last season with Juve winning Serie A and Torino topping Serie B and Ventura hopes the occasion does justice to their efforts.

"It is a day of celebration in Turin," he said. "There are two groups of fans with a special history.

"Our dream last season was this derby, and now we are here, ready to play it."

Juve's dreams go beyond tonight's derby as they prepare for a vital Champions League tie with Shakhtar Donetsk next week where a draw will be enough to see them through to the knockout stages of the competition.

However, midfielder Claudio Marchisio insists they are fully focused on the matter in hand.

"We have been waiting for this game for a long time," he told Sky Sport. "Not only us, but also the Torino players, our fans, the city, so it is great to have such an important match again.

"We are playing the derby in our own stadium for the first time so we know we will have the fans behind us, and we will try to give it our best.

"This is the only game on our minds because it is the most important one for now.

"Every game is decisive so right now we are only thinking of the league, and then we will think of Shakhtar."

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus-Torino Preview: Round 15 —

Derby della Mole Day At Last

Dec 1, 2012

Runs around with bull horns because it's the cool thing to do.

Quite a lot has changed since the last Derby della Mole. I won't list them all for you, but it will be pretty easy to figure out by a picture or two. Like I said, not all that difficult to get once you make a few clicks.

But now with Toro back on the fixture list, the Turin Derby gets its chance to take place again, the first since the 2008-09 season. It's been a little while, guys. What you've been up to? Oh, that's right. Don't need to answer. I think we know where they've been.

Now it's time to show them what they've been missing, right?

(Oh, God. I sound like a Juventus YouTube preview now.)

SO.

After the loss to Milan, Juventus are off to start a new unbeaten streak after the last one went all of about a hand's worth of fingers. Torino, in their own right, are losers of two of the last three games — most recently falling 2-0 in the Coppa Italia to Siena.

This ain't the Coppa Italia. This is a jam-packed Juventus Stadium. AVANTI.

LE CHIAVI

The two rivals' overall places in the Serie A table have pretty much been as many thought they would — Juventus is at the top and Toro just a few points out of the relegation zone. It's still only November and the standings are obviously not set in concrete, but if it ended this kind of way, I wouldn't be all that surprised.

GOOD NEWS

The team is rightfully angry after the loss to Milan — and that's the way it should. They played poorly, recognized it — not feeding us any kind of BS in the process — and are now hopefully going to take out said anger on their city rivals. We saw what Juve did in the aftermath of the Inter loss, so if it's anything like that for the next month or so, you won't find me objecting to it.

On top of that, there's the fact Juve have been sitting on the Milan suckfest for the last six days. That could be a good thing, but also a bad thing. I'll side on the good and assume Antonio Conte did some screaming at the entire squad during their double training session on Tuesday. Or the training session on Wednesday. Or Thursday. Yeah, I just hope Conte gave them a piece of his mind and let the players know how he really felt about Sunday's 1-0 loss.

BAD NEWS

Injuries are starting to pile up again. Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Martin Caceres, and Arturo Vidal have all missed some sort of time training at Vinovo this week. Chiellini missed the loss to Milan last weekend, but has come out and stated he's set to go for the Turin derby. Pepe seems to be picking up injuries whenever his body finally decides to be fully fit, so who knows when he'll be back. And Caceres, who filled in for Chiellini against Milan, twisted his ankle in training on Tuesday. Dammit.

Luckily for us, Juventus have assembled a damn good squad, so I'm not all that worried. If this was two or three years ago, you might see me sitting in the corner in something that likely resembled the fetal position.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. How much squad rotation will take place? It's a derby, yes. But it's also a derby that's 72 hours prior to a decisive Champions League game in Ukraine against Shakhtar. See, not so easy. Reports surfaced mid-week that Vidal will be rested in favor of Paul Pogba, something I wholeheartedly support. (Did you see Vidal against Milan? Yeah, he didn't play very well. Time for a rest, Arthur.) Other moves may be in store, especially with some fitness situations still somewhat unresolved.

2. The Arturo Vidal effect — if he plays. Rumors are flying around the interwebs and Italian papers that King Arturo will be rested in favor of Paul Pogba. And seeing as what kind of performance Vidal had against Milan, I'm all for it. It seems like this seems to be the pattern for Vidal this season, doesn't it? He plays well, then kinda has a bad game or two, then rests, then comes back to the lineup. So, if Antonio Conte wants to rest Vidal and give Pogba a start, you won't find me objecting to it — especially with Shakhtar waiting in the wings.

3.The Andrea Pirlo effect. Speaking of midfielders who struggled against Milan last Sunday, we present to you the bearded wonder known as Jon Bon Pirlo. Other than his fantastic facial hair, not much looked right when it came to Pirlo's game. His passes were off — a lot. His through balls were off — a lot. It was just a bad game all around for Juve's maestro.

4. The Giorgio Chiellini effect. As pointed out above, Giorgio of the Jungle has given himself the green light to take part in tomorrow's derby. I fear that he may rush himself, but he gets the go-ahead from the medical staff as well, there's really nothing we can do about it. His presence wasn't all that missed because of how well Caceres played, but there's no denying that Chiellini's form has been fantastic lately.

5. The wingers — no matter who plays. For the first time in a number of games, it seems like the players who will ba manning both the left and the right flanks is up in the air. Mauricio Isla's complete stinker against Milan didn't help this, but with Shakhtar on the horizon, it's unsure who will start on the right. Most outlets are saying it's the Swiss Army tank, Mr. Lichtsteiner — and the way he played against Chelsea is certainly proper evidence. As for the left, most are thinking that Kwadwo Asamoah will get a rest due to Shakhtar mid-week. If so, that's fine with me.

My starting XI (4-4-2): Buffon; Zebina, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic, Poulsen, Marchisio, Giovinco; Amauri, Iaquinta

Wait. That was the last time Juventus played Torino.

Okay, for real now...

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Quagliarella

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Chiellini to miss Turin derby?

Dec 1, 2012

There are reports Giorgio Chiellini might not be fit enough to start tonight’s Juventus-Torino derby duel.

The defender limped off during the final minutes of the win over Chelsea and skipped the defeat to Milan last week.

He had reassured fans that he was fully recovered and ready to play this evening, but rumours in the Italian media suggest his calf problem has flared up again.

Martin Caceres had filled in for Chiellini, but is also injured, so Antonio Conte could pick either Luca Marrone or Lucio in the three-man defence.

Arturo Vidal is expected to rest in order to give Paul Pogba a rare start in midfield with Emanuele Giaccherini tipped to replace Kwadwo Asamoah.

Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco are the current favourites to lead the attack.

Kick-off at the Juventus Stadium is at 20.45.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 15 - 1-12-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Line-ups: Juventus-Torino

Dec 1, 2012

The Turin Derby returns after three years, but Giorgio Chiellini is out so Juventus change to a 4-3-3 system.

Tonight Torino visit the Juventus Stadium for the first time in a big Serie A clash that means so much more than just three points.

The Bianconeri need a boost after their defeat to Milan cut the lead at the top of the table to only two points.

Martin Caceres is injured and Chiellini was set to make his comeback, but the right calf problem flared up again this afternoon.

Therefore Coach Antonio Conte and his assistant manager Angelo Alessio opted to transform the entire shape of the side to a 4-3-3, using Paolo De Ceglie and Stephan Lichtsteiner as full-backs.

Arturo Vidal is rested so he can regain full fitness ahead of the Shakhtar Donetsk trip on Wednesday, giving Paul Pogba a starting spot.

Emanuele Giaccherini steps in for Kwadwo Asamoah as part of a trident attack with Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic.

Torino have practically a full squad at their disposal for this match and have lost only one of their seven away games this season.

Coach Giampiero Ventura always stands by his unusual 4-2-4 system with Rolando Bianchi spearheading the attacking quartet.

He is supported by Alessio Cerci, Mario Alberto Santana and Riccardo Meggiorini.

Angelo Ogbonna has also shaken off an injury to start at the back, while Kamil Glik is available after a nasty clash of heads with Luca Toni in last week’s 2-2 draw against Fiorentina.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Ceglie; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Giaccherini, Vucinic, Giovinco

Juventus bench: Storari, Lucio, Chiellini, Pepe, Padoin, Marrone, Isla, Asamoah, Vidal, Quagliarella, Bendtner, Matri

Torino: Gillet; Darmian, Glik, Ogbonna, D’Ambrosio; Basha, Gazzi; Cerci, Bianchi, Meggiorini, Santana

Torino bench: Gomis, Di Cesare, Rodriguez, Agostini, Masiello, Brighi, Vives, Birsa, Stevanovic, Verdi, Sgrigna, Sansone

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