Juventus Season 2012-2013

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Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Cagliari-Juventus venue doubts

Dec 19, 2012

Cagliari are set to play Juventus on Friday night, but there is still no confirmation regarding where the game will be staged.

The local council have still not issued the temporary safety certificate that the club need to invite fans to Friday night’s encounter.

As a result, the tie at the Is Arenas could be played behind closed doors or the match could even be switched to Bari’s Stadio San Nicola or Parma's Tardini.

Last season’s Cagliari-Juventus tie was also played on the neutral ground of Trieste on the night that Juve were crowned Italian champions.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Parma to host Cagliari-Juventus

Dec 19, 2012

Friday’s Serie A game between Cagliari and Juventus will be played at a neutral venue, the Lega Serie A have confirmed.

The switch of stadium has been made necessary after the local Cagliari council refused to grant the Is Arenas a temporary safety certificate because of on-going work around the ground.

The game will now be played at Parma’s Stadio Tardini.

Cagliari had already sold around 15,000 tickets for the arrival of the Italian champions.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Cagliari lose last-gasp Juve appeal

Dec 19, 2012

Cagliari’s Mayor gave the all-clear for the game with Juventus at the Is Arenas, but it came too late and the tie has been confirmed for the Tardini in Parma.

It was announced today that Friday’s Serie A match will be played at the neutral venue of the Stadio Tardini in Parma after the local Cagliari council refused to grant the Is Arenas a temporary safety certificate.

However, this evening Mayor Mauro Contini signed a special order allowing the game to go ahead at the Is Arenas.

The two clubs and the Lega Calcio were in negotiations to move the match back to Cagliari, but it has now been confirmed it’s too late to change again.

Construction work continues on the troubled stadium, which failed security checks and saw several games played behind closed doors.

It had seemed as if the problems were sorted out, with full crowds allowed into the Is Arenas over the last few weeks.

Cagliari had already sold 15,000 tickets for the big match when told it would be played in Parma instead.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Juve squad for Cagliari clash

Dec 20, 2012

Juventus have named their 22-man squad for the match against Cagliari on Friday evening at Ennio Tardini in Parma.

Leonardo Bonucci returns after missing the last League game against Atalanta, but Giorgio Chiellini misses out with a long-term injury.

Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are also not involved.

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho

Defenders: Caceres, De Ceglie, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Isla

Midfielders: Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Marrone

Forwards: Vucinic, Giovinco, Quagliarella, Matri

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Parma: 'Cagliari-Juve is a pain!'

Dec 20, 2012

Cagliari-Juventus has been moved to the Stadio Tardini tomorrow evening and nobody is more irritated than Parma. “It’s a complete pain.”

The Serie A match was switched to a neutral venue after the Is Arenas failed security checks and an appeal from the local Mayor came through too late to change again.

“For us this game is a total pain,” snapped Parma general manager Pietro Leonardi.

“I’ve been flooded with phone calls from people asking me for tickets, but tomorrow I’ll be in Bologna with the team and don’t want to know anything about it.

“Whoever decided this change of venue should take full responsibility. When a neutral venue is chosen, the Lega Calcio asks the local council for its availability, but nobody asks us.

“When we signed up to the Serie A season we named the Stadio Tardini as the venue for our home games. Seeing as it is all up to scratch and capable of hosting matches, it is automatically at the disposal of the Lega if they want to use it as a neutral venue. There’s nothing we can do about it.”

In Italy the only club to own their stadium are Juventus, as the others are owned by the local council and rented out to football clubs on match day.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Pulga: 'Cagliari will attack Juve'

Dec 20, 2012

Cagliari Coach Ivo Pulga prepares to face Juventus on neutral turf in Parma tomorrow and warns “we can only get the better of them by attacking.”

The Serie A Week 18 match was meant to be in Sardinia, but the go-ahead for the Is Arenas only arrived after the venue had already been moved to the Stadio Tardini.

It kicks off at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“It’s a shame for the fans who had the chance to see a great game taken from them. Their support would’ve been an extra boost for the team, but for us it’s like another away game,” said Pulga.

“I am fed up of being stuck on 16 points. I don’t think the Bianconeri will be complacent, as they are always concentrated on their objective.”

Juventus were already crowned the Winter Champions with a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

“Do we hope to cause an upset? It can happen to lose a game you get wrong or to see the predictions overturned. It has happened to us before.

“We can only get the better of Juventus by attacking them, without sitting back or being inert as they play around us. If you stay in your own half, there’s a really big chance of conceding a goal.

“Juve have champions who can make the difference at any moment, so we must play open and attacking football.

“The lads are fired up to the hilt and I am confident they’ll put in a good performance.”

Mauricio Pinilla has recovered from his injury and is included in the squad, but Daniele Conti is suspended with Sebastian Eriksson and Victor Ibarbo sidelined.

Cagliari squad for Juventus: Agazzi, Avramov; Ariaudo, Astori, Avelar, Del Fabro, Murru, Perico, Pisano, Rossettini; Casarini, Ceppelini, Cossu, Dessena, Ekdal, Nainggolan; Nenè, Pinilla, Sau, Thiago Ribeiro

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Cellino blames Juventus

Dec 20, 2012

Cagliari President Massimo Cellino feels “a deep sense of shame” for Juventus, blaming them for moving tomorrow’s game to the Stadio Tardini.

The Serie A match was meant to be played in Sardinia, but the Is Arenas failed security checks and the all-clear from the Mayor only arrived after the Lega Calcio had announced it would be on neutral turf at the Tardini in Parma.

It kicks off on Friday evening at 19.45 GMT. Click here for a match preview.

“I feel a deep sense of shame and embarrassment, having done everything possible to give this stadium to the team and to Sardinia,” slammed Cellino on Sky Sport Italia.

“The local council authorised the game to go ahead, so if Juventus had agreed then we would’ve played in Cagliari.

“It is their right and they showed they are happier to play in Parma. We had to organise everything for this match in the space of 24 hours.

“We hope that justice exists in football. We thought it was a privilege not to be involved, with players or Coaches, in any scandals and having balanced books despite no stars on our shirts.

“We are proud of our club. The Sardinians evidently have a defect, which is to respect the laws and not just do anything we want.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

MATCH PREVIEW

Dec 20, 2012

Juventus aim to end a fantastic year on a high after already claiming the Winter crown, while Cagliari need to reverse a slump.

They will clash on neutral ground at the Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma after Cagliari’s temporary Stadio Is Arenas home hit more safety hurdles.

A second half capitulation in Parma last weekend saw Ivo Pulga’s men crash to a 4-1 defeat. This was despite taking the lead through Marco Sau’s delicate lob. The Isolani have suffered through seven consecutive winless contests.

Cagliari have picked up just two points from a possible 21 and the Pulga-Diego Lopez honeymoon period is over. They started with four straight wins – the last against Siena on October 31st – only to since collapse. Pulga is concerned but knows there is plenty of time to arrest the slide.

Underutilised Joaquin Larrivey has departed Sardinia after agreeing to terminate his contract. Of those who remain, Sebastian Eriksson is injured and crucially, captain Daniele Conti is suspended after reaching the yellow card limit.

Coupled with losses for Inter and Napoli, Juve’s win over Atalanta ensured they sealed the title of Winter Champions. The damage was done in a devastating opening 26 minutes, Mirko Vucinic, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio settled the contest.

While ultimately useless, the Winter crown does hold precedence - 13 of the past 17 snow-kings have then won the Scudetto. Of the 25 past Winter titles Juve secured, they claimed the real thing 18 times. They come into the game in top form, having won five from five in all competitions, without conceding a goal. This includes the 1-0 Coppa match between the pair just over a week ago.

The Bianconeri also waved goodbye to a player midweek as Lucio’s contract was terminated. Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe remain sidelined, while Giorgio Chiellini could be out for as much as three months. Leonardo Bonucci returns from suspension.

Like this match, the last League meeting took place on neutral turf in Trieste and was the day Juventus sealed the Scudetto. Yet Cagliari have proved no pushovers in the past. They have claimed nine wins to Juve’s 11, in addition to 12 draws.

Keep an eye on: Marco Sau (Cagliari) – That sublime strike in Parma took Sau’s season total to five, making him the club’s top scorer. The 25-year-old has thoroughly impressed in his debut Serie A campaign and has the pace and trickery to trouble the stingy Juventus defence.

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

Last season: Cagliari 0-2 Juventus

Stat fact: This is usually a low scoring affair. Of their 32 previous encounters, only two have produced more than three goals. Those being recent affairs and two Juve wins: a 3-2 triumph in 2007-08 and 3-1 two seasons ago.

Cagliari (probable): Agazzi; Pisano, Astori, Ariaudo, Avelar; Dessena, Nainggolan, Ekdal; Cossu; Pinilla, Sau

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Cagliari - Juventus Preview: Bianconeri look

to end year with sixth straight win

Antonio Conte has a defender shortage to contend with as his team go

in search of yet another win against a free-falling Rossoblu side.

Dec 20, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

CAGLIARI

Agazzi

Pisano, Astori, Ariaudo, Avelar

Dessena, Nainggolan, Ekdal

Cossu

Pinilla, Sau

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres

Pirlo, Marchisio

Lichsteiner, Vidal, Asamoah

Quagliarella, Giovinco

Cagliari will have to host Serie A leaders Juventus at Parma's Stadio Ennio Tardini on Friday evening, after the home side failed to secure a temporary safety certificate for their own stadium.

The Sardinian outfit have struggled to hold their home matches at their new ground, Is Arenas, this season and league authorities made the decision on Wednesday to move the game to a neutral venue.

On the pitch, coach Ivo Pulga has only Sebastian Eriksson missing through injury as his side attempt to halt their alarming slump since the beginning of November.

Visitors Juventus have a mini-crisis at the back after Giorgio Chiellini pulled up in training with a calf injury earlier this week.

The vice-captain's injury only serves to emphasise the Bianconeri's shortage of defensive cover, highlighted further by the recent release of Brazilian Lucio from his contract in Turin.

The vice-captain joins Nicklas Bendtner and Pepe on the injury list, with Leonardo Bonucci and Martin Caceres expected to replace him and Luca Marrone in defence.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Cagliari have only picked up two points from a possible 21 since Ivo Pulga started his reign with four straight victories.

• The Rossoblu have not beaten their opponents in Serie A since 2009, when strikes from Nene and Alessandro Matri secured a 2-0 win.

• The game's relocation to Parma means that home fans will have to endure a 780-mile round trip to follow their team on Friday.

• Juventus have won their last five games in all competitions since their defeat to AC Mlian in November.

• Kwadwo Asamoah (pictured, right) is the only player to feature in every league fixture for the Bianconeri this season.

• The sides have already met this month in the Coppa Italia, when Antonio Conte's men won 1-0 thanks to Sebastian Giovinco's second-half strike.

Head to Head

Coppa Italia ‎- Dec 12, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0

Serie A ‎- May 6, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Juventus 2

Serie A ‎- Jan 15, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1

Serie A ‎- Feb 5, 2011 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3

Serie A ‎- Sep 26, 2010 - Juventus 4 - Cagliari 2

Last Five Matches

Cagliari

Dec 16, 2012 - Parma 4 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A

Dec 12, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 - Coppa Italia

Dec 9, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Chievo 2 - Serie A

Dec 5, 2012 - Cagliari 4 - Pescara 2 - Coppa Italia

Dec 2, 2012 - Udinese 4 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A

Juventus

Dec 16, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Atalanta 0 - Serie A

Dec 12, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 - Coppa Italia

Dec 9, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Dec 5, 2012 - Shakhtar Donetsk 0 - Juventus 1 - UCL

Dec 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Torino 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Marco Sau

Sau has troubled the big names in Serie A on occasions already this season and notched two well-taken goals at the San Siro when Cagliari earned a point against Inter, in a 2-2 draw back in November. He also netted in what was an otherwise catastrophic display against Parma last time out and would love to spark a goalscoring spree by notching against the league leaders.

Sebastian Giovinco

Giovinco was the difference when the sides met earlier this month in the Coppa Italia and he will be looking to make his mark again in their Serie A encounter. He has only mustered five goals so far, but he will be hoping to add to that tally and head into 2013 with a goalscoring spring in his step.

Prediction

Antonio Conte's return to the Juventus bench has coincided with an impressive run of form from the Old Lady and they will expect to end the year with a comfortable victory in Parma and secure a sixth consecutive victory.

Editor's Prediction

Cagliari 0 - 3 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Cagliari president slams Juventus over 'embarassing' fixture rearrangement

The Rossoblu supremo was left furious with the Old Lady's part in ensuring Friday's

league meeting between the two clubs is to be played in Parma and not Sardinia.

Dec 21, 2012

Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has branded Lega Calcio's decision to move the venue of the Serie A fixture between his side and Juventus to the home of Parma - the Tardini - as an "embarrassment".

The match was due to be played at the Is Arenas, but the stadium failed security checks, meaning the mayor of the Sardinian capital and league's governing body were forced to intervene and rearrange the fixture so it could be played in the Emilia-Romagna region.

"I feel a deep sense of shame and embarrassment, having done everything possible to give this stadium to the team and to Sardinia," the Rossoblu president told Sky Sport Italia.

"The local council authorised the game to go ahead, so if Juventus had agreed then we would have played in Cagliari.

"It is their right and they showed they are happier to play in Parma. We had to organise everything for this match in the space of 24 hours.

"We hope that justice exists in football. We thought it was a privilege not to be involved, with players or coaches, in any scandals and having balanced books despite no stars on our shirts.

"We are proud of our club. The Sardinians evidently have a defect, which is to respect the laws and not just do anything we want."

Meanwhile, Rossoblu coach Ivo Pulga lamented the fact that the club's fans would not be entreated to such a high-profile match and outlined his belief that only by attacking Juventus will his team stand a chance.

"It's a shame for the fans who had the chance to see a great game taken from them. Their support would’ve been an extra boost for the team, but for us it’s like another away game," he told Tuttosport.

“We can only get the better of Juventus by attacking them, without sitting back or being inert as they play around us. If you stay in your own half, there’s a really big chance of conceding a goal."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Cagliari v Juventus: Preview

Dec 20, 2012

Juventus head coach Antonio Conte believes his players have the right mentality to cope without injured captain Giorgio Chiellini against Cagliari tomorrow night.

The Bianconeri will be winter champions after dropping just eight points in their title defence so far, but Conte is demanding full concentration against a side scrapping for points at the wrong end of the table.

The game will be played at Parma's Stadio Ennio Tardini, nearly 500 miles away from Cagliari's Stadio Is Arenas, which failed safety checks on Wednesday.

Conte believes his Serie A leaders have what it takes to compensate for the absence of defender Chiellini, who has picked up a calf injury.

He told juventus.com: "It's a shame Chiellini's injured, he's a player everyone would like to have for what he offers both on and off the field of play.

"He's one of our leaders but I'm convinced he'll come back stronger than before, looking to recover as soon as possible with the help of the club's medical staff."

Juventus face an intriguing trip to Celtic in the last 16 of the Champions League as a result of today's draw in Nyon, but Conte's focus is on navigating one more league game before the two-week winter break.

"It won't take any attention away from our Cagliari preparations," he added. "We have great respect for the team we face, but we don't fear anyone."

On-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner (thigh) joins Chiellini on the sidelines as Juve bid to open a 10-point gap over second-placed Inter Milan going into the weekend's fixtures.

The 15,000 Cagliari fans that bought tickets to see Juve in Sardinia were already frustrated having witnessed a run of four straight defeats, with the Rossoblu looking for a first a win in seven attempts tomorrow night.

Captain Daniele Conti serves a one-match suspension, with defender Sebastian Eriksson also missing through injury.

Head coach Ivo Pulga told La Repubblica: "There is only one way to deal with Juventus and that is not to submit to them.

"If you hole up near your own goal sooner or later you will concede a goal. We have to play an open game and match them blow for blow.

"I'm sorry for all the fans that were hoping to come to the game. Their support would have given us a big hand."

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus-Cagliari Preview: Round 18 —

Friday Night Lights ... In Parma?

Like that movie? Maybe they should make a movie about how awesome Antonio Conte is.

They could call it "All I is win" or something along those lines.

Dec 21, 2012

To be completely honest, the way the schedule has worked out in the last couple of weeks is kinda funny. It's been the "Who Juventus Beat On The Way To The Scudetto" tour. Are tickets still on sale, though? I'd love to sit front row for this stuff. It sounds great.

First it was Cagliari, the team Juve beat to clinch the Scudetto, coming to Juventus Stadium for the Coppa Italia tie. On Sunday, Atalanta came to Turin for the first time since Il Capitano raised said trophy above his head on the last day of the 2011-12 campaign. That day was fun. I like those kinds of games. Whenever there are celebrations after games, it's fun. FUN FUN FUN FUN.

But, instead of returning to the scene of where No. 30 was clinched seven months ago, Juventus and Cagliari will play in Parma. Wait...Parma? Yes, Parma. Although, I was hoping for a repeat of last year. Remember how the crowd rushed the pitch after the final whistle? Remember how Martin Caceres had to weave his way through people like he was a running back in the NFL just to get to the dressing room? I like those kinds of games, too. Well, ones where the crowd are taking over the field after the game because Juventus won the Scudetto. Yeah, those are my favorite.

This one, however, is the official end the winter portion of Juventus' incredibly busy beginning to the 2012-13 season. Is there any kind of trophy for being Winter Champions? (Don't answer that question.)

One last game before we go off and open some presents. One last game to go in 2012. One last game in one of the best years for Juventus in recent memory.

One last time for us this year to say this: AVANTI!

GOOD NEWS

After Sunday's 3-0 win over Atalanta, Juventus made it five straight games with a shutout. It never really occurred to me until I saw somebody posting about it on the Twitter machine over the weekend, but those are the facts, Jack. It's a clear sign that while Juventus may not have dominated all the teams they've played lately, they've been playing the same kind of defense that lead the way to a Scudetto.

And you gotta think with Conte back on the sidelines that the defense will only continue to get better. For us Juventini, that's a beautiful thing. For other teams, that's a scary ass thought.

BAD NEWS

Okay, so maybe it's not BAD news. I guess there are plenty of much more terrible things on the interwebs to be looking at than a gif of Pirlo making complete work out of a free kick.

ACTUAL BAD NEWS

No Giorgio Chiellini, who pulled up lame at Wednesday's training session, against Cagliari. The subsequent aftermath of the injury is the media running wild and saying he will be out for up to three months with said calf injury. As of Wednesday night here on the West Coast, when I'm writing this, no official word on the severity of Chiellini's injury had come out from the Juventus medical staff. So it's basically a waiting game until we hear something from the club.

Other injury news: Mirko Vucinic, according to Antonio Conte at his pre-match press conference, is questionable. If he's still like that this time tomorrow, don't risk him. There's no need to push an injury and make it worse this time of year. I don't care how so-so Juventus' current striker situation is. Vucinic is important and there's no need to risk him in the final game before the holiday break.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. The ongoing chemistry that is growing between Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic. As hot-and-cold as Vucinic is, Sunday was a good day. And, maybe more importantly, Super Seba is starting to really find his feet in his first season back at Juventus. Giovinco didn't score, but certainly deserved to get a goal. So, as Gio and Vucinic begin to show signs of becoming a quality strike partnership, having at least a good strike force to compliment the fantastic defense is a very nice development. Of course, this is all dependent on Vucinic actually playing...

(Does this count for the Vucinic Effect, Chuks? I need to know!)

2. Containing Cagliari's own little dynamo. If you're a regular reader of the comment section, you might remember Jorid's early-season man crush proclamation for Marco Sau. The diminutive striker, who is just a tad taller than Giovinco, is having a solid season after tearing up the lower levels of Italian football the past couple of years.

3. The Kwadwo Asamoah Effect. This isn't just the last time we'll be seeing Kasa in 2012, this is the last time we'll be seeing him for quite possibly a couple of months due to his involvement with the Africa Cup of Nations. However, what's got Asabob on this list is the fact that for the last few weeks, he hasn't been the Asabob of a few months ago. I'm not going to say it's because the league has adjusted to him as a left wing-back or anything because I really don't know. It might just be some kind of fatigue for all I know. But, what I do know is this: I want to badass Asamoah back. That would be pretty awesome.

4. Closing 2012 with a bang. I wouldn't say the Coppa match against Cagliari last week was anything to write home about. Obviously the lineup changes played a role, but the opposing team was dealing with the same stuff. So, with pretty much all the first-teamers healthy and coming off a convincing win over Atalanta, let's just say this is the right time to go into the winter break with some serious momentum.

5. Christmas presents. Seriously, who doesn't like Christmas presents? Exactly my point.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli; Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic

Rinse and repeat. Not exactly something that's rocket science at this point. Git-R-Dun, fellas.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Line-ups: Caceres starts for Juve

Dec 21, 2012

Juventus have opted for Martin Caceres to start in place of the injured Giorgio Chiellini as they take on Cagliari this evening.

The Bianconeri have given the Uruguayan a start after the Italy international pulled a calf muscle during the week that could leave him out for three months.

Elsewhere, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah provide the width for a midfield trio of Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal.

Up front, Fabio Quagliarella will partner Sebastian Giovinco.

Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Barzagli, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco

Cagliari: Agazzi; Pisano, Astori, Ariaudo, Murru; Dessena, Nainggolan, Ekdal; Thiago Ribeiro; Pinilla, Sau

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

HT: Pinilla penalty gives Cagliari lead

Dec 21, 2012

A Mauricio Pinilla penalty was enough to give Cagliari a 1-0 half-time lead over Juventus at Ennio Tardini.

The Bianconeri opted for Martin Caceres at centre-back following Giorgio Chiellini's injury in midweek, whilst Fabio Quagliarella was given a start up top as they aimed to end 2012 on a high.

Ivo Pulga’s men meanwhile were looking for the three points that would take them up to 13th, and did so by giving Pinilla and Marco Sau a starting berth.

And it was the Italian striker who claimed the first opportunity as he weaved his way into the away side’s penalty area on 16 minutes, only to be tripped by Arturo Vidal.

His strike-partner Pinilla step up to take the resulting spot-kick, and dispatched it fantastically into the top left-hand corner leaving Gianluigi Buffon no chance.

The Old Lady were not down heartened however, and soon came roaring back. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah were providing width with their bombastic runs, as Andrea Pirlo looked to be provider at the base of the midfield – chances though, were not forthcoming.

The Sicilian side’s backline were proving more than capable, as any threats posed by Antonio Conte’s men were quickly nullified – the closest the Turin side came before the half-time whistle was a scuffed volley from inside the area by Quagliarella.

Cagliari 1-0 Juventus

Scorers: Pinilla pen 16 ( C)

Cagliari: Agazzi; Pisano, Astori, Ariaudo, Murru; Dessena, Nainggolan, Ekdal; Thiago Ribeiro; Pinilla, Sau

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 3

Mauricio Pinilla (16′-PG)

Alessandro Matri (75′)

Alessandro Matri (90+2′)

Mirko Vučinić (90+4′)

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 8500‎

Matri returns to haunt Rossoblu

Antonio Conte's men staged a late turnaround in Parma as they end

the year with a victory against a stubborn Sardinian side.

Dec 21, 2012

Juventus produced a late fightback in their final match of 2012 as they beat a plucky Cagliari side 3-1 at Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma.

The Rossoblu took the lead in the first half when Arturo Vidal felled Marco Sau in the area and Mauricio Pinilla converted from the spot, but the Bianconeri fought back to level through Alessandro Matri and the substitute stole the victory for the visitors in added time with his second strike before Vucinic made sure of the points.

The Old Lady controlled the opening stages of the match, finding each other with consummate ease and exploiting the space offered up to them by their opponents, but couldn’t maintain that composure in the final third.

Their predicament was epitomised by Claudio Marchisio’s wasteful pass in the area after a sharp exchange between Sebastian Giovinco and Kwadwo Asamoah, the midfielder coming up short in his attempt to set up Fabio Quagliarella.

Juventus then fell behind after 15 minutes as the hosts took the lead in their adopted home from the penalty spot.

Marco Sau was upended by a clumsy challenge in the area from Arturo Vidal and referee Antonio Damato took his time to deliberate before eventually pointing to the spot.

Mauricio Pinilla stepped up and rattled the penalty beyond Gigi Buffon into the top left-hand corner to give his side the unexpected advantage.

The visitors continued to dominate possession but failed to put Michael Agazzi’s goal under any real threat before halftime.

Asamoah fizzed a dangerous ball across the face of goal and Quagliarella and Stephan Lichsteiner both blazed wide from promising positions, but it took until the 43rd minute for Andrea Pirlo to register the Bianconeri’s first shot on target with a low drive from the edge of the area.

Juventus had a penalty shout of their own turned down by Domato when Quagliarella appeared to be hauled down by Davide Astori as Cagliari protected their lead with minimal fuss up to the break.

The visitors began to probe with a bit more intent after the break. Marchisio forced a more meaningful stop from Agazzi and a last-ditch block denied the same player after a smart turn in the area as Conte’s men tried to crank up the pressure on Cagliari.

At the other end Sau continued to keep the Bianconeri defence on their feet, firstly forcing Buffon to tip over after an instinctive turn and shot before flashing a low centre along the Juventus goal.

Asamoah felt he should have had a penalty midway through the second half when he was barged in the back following a corner. Leonardo Bonucci’s initial header came back of the frame of the goal and when substitute Alessandro Matri had his follow up saved, the winger appeared to be shoved in the back as he skewed his header wide from 2-yards out.

Cagliari were then reduced to 10-men as captain Astori was dismissed for a second bookable offence after a needless trip on Giovinco and soon after the visitors had a penalty of their own to level things up.

Substitute Dario Del Fabro’s first contribution to proceedings was to foul the tricky Giovinco in his own box but Vidal couldn’t atone for his earlier misdemeanour and skied his penalty over the bar.

Cagliari’s luck eventually ran out and it was the combination of the two substitutes Mirko Vucinic and Matri that finally undid the hosts defence.

Pirlo found the Montenegrin on the edge of the area and his ferocious effort was spilt by Agazzi at the feet of Matri who prodded the ball home after reacting quickest.

Matri then proved to be the hero as Nene's poor clearance deflected off Vidal and into the former Cagliari man's path as he kept his cool to slot past Agazzi in stoppage time.

Vucinic then made sure of the points as he converted Giovinco's low centre from a couple of yards out to complete the comeback.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 3

Mauricio Pinilla (16′-PG)

Alessandro Matri (75′)

Alessandro Matri (90+2′)

Mirko Vučinić (90+4′)

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 8500

Matri & Vucinic strike lead to sink Cagliari

Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic scored late in the second half

to give Juventus a 3-1 win over 10-man Cagliari.

Dec 21, 2012

The Bianconeri opted for Martin Caceres at centre-back following Giorgio Chiellini's injury in midweek, whilst Fabio Quagliarella was given a start up top as they aimed to end 2012 on a high.

Ivo Pulga’s men meanwhile were looking for the three points that would take them up to 13th, and did so by giving Pinilla and Marco Sau a starting berth.

And it was the Italian striker who claimed the first opportunity as he weaved his way into the away side’s penalty area on 16 minutes, only to be tripped by Arturo Vidal.

His strike-partner Pinilla step up to take the resulting spot-kick, and dispatched it fantastically into the top left-hand corner leaving Gianluigi Buffon no chance.

The Old Lady were not down heartened however, and soon came roaring back. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah were providing width with their bombastic runs, as Andrea Pirlo looked to be provider at the base of the midfield – chances though, were not forthcoming.

The Sicilian side’s backline were proving more than capable, as any threats posed by Antonio Conte’s men were quickly nullified – the closest the Turin side came before the half-time whistle was a scuffed volley from inside the area by Quagliarella.

Whatever the management said at the break, it clearly worked, as Juve came out for the second period a rejuvenated team.

They upped their intensity, their commitment and their quality – but still they couldn’t find that opening. Claudio Marchisio went close early on, but his effort was saved well by Michael Agazzi.

Their best chance however, fell on 63 minutes as a Pirlo corner found the head of Leonardo Bonucci, who powered an effort against the bar. Substitute Matri then saw his follow-up tipped away by the goalkeeper, before Asamoah flicked his own header wide.

It was a let-off for the Isolani, but their luck changed soon after as Davide Astori was sent off for a second bookable offence after a trip on Sebastian Giovinco.

Six minutes later, and it got even worse, as the diminutive forward was tripped inside the area by Daniele Del Fabro. Arturo Vidal however, stepped up to take the spot-kick, and fired it high over the bar.

The Bianconeri weren’t to be denied though, as just moments after the penalty miss, a Vucinic shot was palmed away by the keeper, only for Matri to pounce and slot home.

There was still enough time for Agazzi to make an exceptional stop from a close-range Asamoah header, but with just minutes left of the match a Thiago Ribeiro clearance inside the Cagliari area ricocheted off of Vidal, into Matri’s path, and the striker eased the ball in to sink his old club.

And it got even better for Juve, as with virtually the last kick of the game, Vucinic tapped in to make it 3-1.

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

Cagliari: Agazzi; Pisano, Astori, Ariaudo, Murru (Perico 53); Dessena, Nainggolan, Ekdal; Thiago Ribeiro; Pinilla, Sau (Del Fabro 67)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres (Padoin 62); Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Quagliarella (Matri 61), Giovinco (Vucinic 72)

Astori sent off 65 ( C); Vidal missed pen 71 (J)

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 3

Mauricio Pinilla (16′-PG)

Alessandro Matri (75′)

Alessandro Matri (90+2′)

Mirko Vučinić (90+4′)

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 8500

Juve clinch late win over Cagliari

Juventus came from behind to set a new league record of 94 points in a calendar year thanks

to a 3-1 win over Cagliari. The Sardinians went in front but a brace from Matri turned the game around.

Dec 21, 2012

Juventus came from behind to set a new league record of 94 points in a calendar year thanks to a 3-1 win over Cagliari.

Mauricio Pinilla put the Sardinians in front in the 16th minute, but a brace from Alessandro Matri, after Arturo Vidal had missed a penalty, turned the game around.

Mirko Vucinic added a third deep into stoppage time while Cagliari ended the game with 10 men with Davide Astori picking up two yellow cards.

Cagliari were on their travels again, choosing Parma this time as their base for the final match of 2012 after their Is Arenas home was once again denied a safety certificate.

The proximity to Turin, however, meant that the majority of the fans inside the Stadio Tardini were officially supporting the away team, which became particularly evident when a penalty was awarded to Cagliari in the 15th minute.

Vidal fouled Marco Sau inside the penalty area, and after a moment of hesitation and consultation with the referee behind the goal, a penalty was given.

Pinilla stepped up and sent his shot high into the top left-hand corner of the goal.

At other end, a cross from Kwadwo Asamoah passed close in front of Fabio Quagliarella, who was not able to pounce from close range.

Juventus had their own penalty claims, the first of which came in the 39th minute when Astori held Quagliarella, who went to ground.

Their next appeal came in the 64th minute when Asamoah headed wide after receiving a nudge in the back, but again the referee said no.

That chance came after Leonardo Bonucci hit the crossbar and Matri's shot was saved by Michael Agazzi.

A minute later, Astori was sent off for a second yellow card, but it still took the Bianconeri time to make their pressure count.

They got the penalty they were looking for in the 71st minute when Dario Del Fabro tripped Sebastian Giovinco, but Vidal wasted the chance, blazing the ball over the crossbar for his second spot-kick failure this season.

Juve finally drew level in the 75th minute through Matri, who pounced after Mirko Vucinic's shot was only parried by Agazzi.

Agazzi made a stunning one-handed stop to push Asamoah's header onto the post and then kick the rebound clear in the 89th minute as it looked like 10-man Cagliari were going to hold on.

However, two minutes into stoppage time, Matri scored his second when Vidal blocked Nene's clearance and the ball fell kindly for the former Cagliari striker to slot in.

Three minutes later, Vucinic made sure Giovinco's bundled shot crossed the line to seal one more win for Juventus in 2012.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 18 - 21-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 3

Mauricio Pinilla (16′-PG)

Alessandro Matri (75′)

Alessandro Matri (90+2′)

Mirko Vučinić (90+4′)

Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma

Referee: Antonio Damato

Attendance: 8500

Juventus restore 10-point lead

Dec 21, 2012

Juventus scored twice in second half stoppage time to restore their 10-point lead at the top of Serie A, beating Cagliari Calcio 3-1.

The hosts took a shock lead in the 15th minute when Mauricio Pinilla blasted a penalty past Gianluigi Buffon after the referee adjudged Arturo Vidal to have brought Marco Sau down inside the box.

Andrea Pirlo threatened towards the end of the first half, sending in a curling effort that Michael Agazzi had to be on hand to save.

Agazzi was called into action again two minutes after the restart, producing a fine save from Claudio Marchisio's effort.

Cagliari almost doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark when Sau unleashed a snapshot having escaped Leonardo Bonucci, but his goalbound effort was stopped by Buffon.

Juventus came within a whisker of getting an equalising goal in the 64th minute when Bonucci headed an effort against the bar, before Alessandro Matri and Kwadwo Asamoah both missed rebounds.

The hosts' task was made even harder just a minute later when Davide Astori was shown a second yellow card for a foul of Sebastian Giovinco.

Juventus should have capitalised almost immediately as they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Giovinco five minutes later. However, Vidal blasted the spot kick high and wide.

The league leaders finally got an equaliser with 15 minutes left, however, as Matri was the fastest to react to Agazzi's save from Mirko Vucinic's shot to tap in the rebound.

Agazzi then produced a wonderful save from Asamoah's close range header before Juventus finally found the winner, Matri slotting home his second of the game.

The visitors put the icing on the cake in the 95th minute when Giovinco's shot was turned in from a couple of yards out by Vucinic.

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