Juventus Season 2012-2013

[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 brace bails out Bianconeri

Dec 21, 2012

Juventus defeated Cagliari 3-1 on Friday night in Serie A at the Ennio Tardini thanks to a brace from Alessandro Matri and a late Mirko Vucinic goal which completed their second half comeback.

The game did not get off to the quickest of starts but it was eventually Cagliari who took the lead. In a strange atmosphere inside the Ennio Tardini stadium, the Rossoblu’s latest home, Ivo Pulga’s men took the lead thanks to a penalty awarded for a foul on Marco Sau.

Arturo Vidal was at fault for the lazy challenge and referee Damato pointed straight to the spot. Mauricio Pinilla stepped up to convert the spot kick, beating Gianluigi Buffon to his right.

After conceding, Juventus dominated possession and could have considered themselves hard done by not to receive a penalty of their own when Davide Astori seemed to put his arm round Fabio Quagliarella and pull him to the ground inside the area after a long ball forward.

However Antonio Conte’s men could not muster an equaliser before the half time whistle blew and the frustrating first half for the Bianconeri was brought to a close.

The Old Lady began the second half brightly and again perhaps felt enraged they had not been awarded a another penalty. After a header had ricocheted off the post, Matri saw his rebounded effort saved by Michael Agazzi only for Kwadwo Asamoah to head his effort wide from close range. The Ghanaian felt he had been pushed in the back and black and white shirts swamped the official on the goal line but the protests were futile.

Cagliari attempts to keep Juventus at bay suffered a severe blow when Davide Astori was shown his second yellow for a challenge on Giovinco that seemed unnecessary.

Eventually the Old Lady were awarded a penalty as Giovinco was brought down in the area despite the fact he seemed to go to ground a little easy. Vidal was handed responsibility to repay the penalty he had given away in the first half but failed to keep his composure and blasted the ball high and wide.

It seemed almost inevitable that Juventus would find an equaliser and the huge spells of pressure Conte’s men had created eventually paid off. Substitute Vucinic drove a shot from the edge of the area which was too hot to handle for Agazzi in the Cagliari goal, who spilled the ball at Matri’s feet. The former Cagliari man reacted fastest and tapped home the equaliser to the delight of the travelling fans behind the goal.

With two minutes remaining, Juventus were still pressing for the winner and it nearly came had it not been for a fine save from Agazzi. Asamoah made a good run in front of his marker and directed his header goalward but he Cagliari keeper was on hand however to tip the attempt onto the post and eventually scramble the ball away.

Six minutes of injury time were added but Juventus only needed two in order to complete their comeback. After the Cagliari defence attempted to clear the ball down field, the ball bounced off Vidal and dropped perfectly into Matri’s path. Calmly the forward tucked the ball home and doubled his own and Juventus’ tally in the game.

With Cagliari already beaten, Giovinco broke at speed and step up Vucinic to tap home from close range to seal all three points for the Old Lady and put them 10 points clear.

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 tighten grasp of top spot

Dec 21, 2012

Defending champion Juventus scored two stoppage-time goals to snatch a controversial 3-1 win over 10-man Cagliari in Serie A on Friday.

Mirko Vucinic sealed the result following two goals from former Cagliari striker Alessandro Matri - the decisive second after an apparent handball by teammate Arturo Vidal.

Mauricio Pinilla gave Cagliari a surprise lead with a penalty in the 16th minute. Cagliari defender Davide Astori was sent off in the 65th for a second yellow card.

Seconds earlier, Juventus had hit the post and seen a penalty claim turned down. Vidal, who had conceded Cagliari's penalty, missed a spot kick of his own in the 70th minute.

There were just 41 Cagliari fans present after the home game was switched was switched from Cagliari's Is Arenas Stadium to Parma, more than 780 kilometers away.

Juventus is now 10 points ahead of second-placed Inter Milan, which faces Genoa on Saturday, ahead of the winter break.

Cagliari had picked up just one point from its last five Serie A meetings against Juventus, but it took the lead after Vidal tripped Marco Sau on the far left of the area.

Pinilla fired a powerful spot kick into the top left corner giving Gianluigi Buffon no chance, even though the Juventus goalkeeper went the right way.

Juventus should have leveled immediately after the hour mark. Leonardo Bonucci's powerful header crashed off the left post and Matri tried to tap in but Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi pulled off a superb save.

Kwadwo Asamoah was pushed as he tried to head in the rebound and the Juventus players surrounded the referee appealing for a penalty, but nothing was given.

Moments later Cagliari was reduced to 10 men when Astori was shown a second yellow and dismissed following a foul on Sebastian Giovinco.

The Juventus forward then won a penalty when he was tripped by Daniele Del Fabro but Vidal blasted his spot kick over the bar.

It is the third penalty - out of six - that Juventus has missed this season, and Vidal's second error from the spot. Juventus leveled 10 minutes from time through Matri, who played for Cagliari for four years before moving to the Turin side in 2011.

As the Bianconeri pressed for the winner, Agazzi pulled off several stunning saves, including one at point-blank range to deny Asamoah.

However, he could do nothing in the second minute of injury timem, when Juventus controversially took the lead.

Nene's attempted clearance hit Vidal's hand and the rebound fell to Matri to slot home.

Vucinic then tapped in Giovinco's shot three minutes later.

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

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in the game in Parma

that saw the champions come from behind to win thanks to goals from Matri and Vucinic.

Dec 21, 2012

CAGLIARI

Michael Agazzi - The Italian stopper was having a blinder of a game, keeping out Juve's attempts time and time again. But, he could not hold Vucinic's shot that led to Matri's equaliser. Was beaten twice more but not before pulling off an outstanding save to deny Asamoah from close range.

Lorenzo Ariaudo - Along with Astori, did well to restrict Juve to just one shot on target in the opening period. Took on more responsibility when his captain was sent off but ultimately could not help his side withstand the Juve threat.

Davide Astori - The captain kept things tight at the back using all his experience to keep Juve at bay. One too many bookable fouls however resulted in him seeing red in the second half and eventually his team crumbled following his dismissal.

Francesco Pisano - A dogged display from the Italian full-back. Was kept busy by Asamoah, who nine times out of ten came out on top.

Nicola Murru - The young defender was given a tough time by the combative Lichsteiner. Earned a yellow card in the first half which seemed to knock his confidence. Taken off early in the second period.

Radja Nainggolan - Did very well to match it with Juve’s midfield and was at the heart of everything positive for his side. Also was everywhere defensively. Definitely Cagliari's best player on the night.

Albin Ekdal - The former Juve man battled hard and displayed his technical abilities with a couple of forward-surging dribbles. Got a shot in on goal and was highly involved in the encounter.

Daniele Dessena - The most defensive member of Cagliari's midfield, the 25-year-old was second best to Marchisio for the majority of the match. Picked up a yellow card.

Marco Sau - Used all his cunning to win his side a penalty in the first half after a soft tackle from Vidal. Had a good attempt in the second half that almost caught Buffon out. Was withdrawn for a defender following the red card to Astori.

Mauricio Pinilla - Despatched his penalty with aplomb and was always his side’s most dangerous threat in attack. Faded in the second half particularly after his side went down a man. Replaced for Nene with a quarter of an hour to go.

Thiago Ribeiro - Cagliari missed Cossu as Ribeiro struggled to impose himself on the game. Was not seen for long periods and did not offer anywhere near enough going forward. Surprisingly, he played the whole match.

Substitution

Gabriele Perico - Came on eight minutes into the second half and did not have any impact on the game.

Dario Del Fabro - The 17-year-old was on the field for not even five minutes before he brought down Giovinco for a penalty. This was his most notable contribution.

Nenê - Played the last fifteen minutes and got a handful of touches on the ball.

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - A quiet evening for the most part. Cagliari may have brought the game to Juve but they did not test the visitors' custodian often. Beaten easily from the penalty spot and did well to keep out a cheeky effort from Sau in the second half.

Martín Cáceres - Played in place of the injured Giorgio Chiellini and was tidy in defence. Certainly nothing spectacular and he was withdrawn just after the hour when Juve needed to push forward more.

Andrea Barzagli - Just another day at the office for Barzagli. The Italian was sound at the back, letting little go beyond him. Becoming a very consistent performer for the Old Lady.

Leonardo Bonucci - Commanding at the back while his distribution was top drawer, too. Almost scored, nearly set up Quagliarella with a neat long ball and in defence he mopped things up repeatedly.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Not his best outing, that's for sure. Defensively did not have much to do so spent much of his time attacking. However, his final ball always let him down and he was forced to drop back into a more defensive role with the introduction of Padoin.

Claudio Marchisio - As ever, registered a handful of shots but none of them came off for him this evening. Linked up well with Giovinco as he always looked to get forward.

Andrea Pirlo - As per usual, Pirlo ran things for Juve. Chipped in with a couple of shots whilst dictating the game with his wonderful passing range. Despite all his 33 years, he was tireless throughout the ninety minutes.

Kwadwo Asamoah - The Ghanaian came close to scoring on two occasions. The first time he was called offside and the second time saw Agazzi deny him with a stupendous save. Dominated the left flank and was always a threat. A top display, again.

Arturo Vidal - An evening of mixed fortunes for the Chilean. Was woeful at the outset, picked up a yellow card, conceded a penalty, missed a penalty, but then provided the assist for Matri's second goal.

Sebastian Giovinco - The creative force in attack for Juve. His passing, quick movements and eye for goal caused Cagliari problems. He did not score, but came close before Vucinic made sure of it by slamming home his injury-time effort.

Fabio Quagliarella - Not a great outing for the Neapolitan. Looked to be on a different wavelength compared to his team-mates as he struggled to link up. Withdrawn for Matri who proved to be the hero.

Substitutions

Simone Padoin - A determined display from the former Atalanta man. Got forward often down that right flank and was definitely an improvement from Lichsteiner.

Mirko Vučinić - The Montenegrin changed the game when he came on. He gave the Juve attack much more in the way of end product and it was his shot that led to the equaliser. His close control caused problems for Cagliari while he linked up superbly with his team-mates.

Alessandro Matri - The hero of the night - and against his old club, no less. Displayed his striking instincts with two goals; was first to the rebound for his and Juve's first before being in the right place at the right time. A fantastic outing.

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

Conte delighted to break Capello record following Cagliari win

The Bianconeri's victory over the Sardinians means they have now accumulated 94 points

this year - surpassing the previous landmark set by the current Russia coach in 2005.

Dec 21, 2012

Antonio Conte has lavished praise on his Juventus players after their 3-1 win against Cagliari in Serie A on Friday saw them set a new record haul of points in a calendar year.

Despite Mauricio Pinilla's opening penalty and Arturo Vidal's missed attempt from the spot, a double from Alessandro Matri and a late Mirko Vucinic strike turned the tide in the Bianconeri's favour at the Tardini.

The victory means the Italian champions have now collected 94 points in 2012, one more than Fabio Capello's previous high with the side seven years prior, and Conte hailed the manner of his team's achievement.

“Today we showed all our anger and ruthlessness which has enabled us to register 94 points in 2012, beating a record established by Fabio Capello," the coach said after the match.

“It was a true show of strength, and the final one of a winning 2012. Whoever plays against us will be fully competitive and alert. Cagliari were in it all the way and had cramp at the end."

Conte also reflected on the Chilean midfielder's performance and came to the conclusion that Vidal's fighting spirit remains undeterred, while he was pleased to see Vucinic score his second league goal in as many matches.

“Was Vidal off the pace in the first half? I reminded him during the break that the game had begun and he was very positive after the interval," he added. "If I need to go into battle I’d always want him alongside me.

“I had an agreement with Vucinic that we wouldn’t use him unless his services were absolutely necessary. He knows how to score and create opportunities for his team-mates. He’s a fundamental part of our team.”

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: Goals will give me confidence

Dec 21, 2012

Juventus match-winner Alessandro Matri has admitted that he has struggle with confidence over the past few months.

The former Cagliari man scored two against his old club as the Bianconeri won 3-1 against Ivo Pulga's side this evening.

But the 28-year-old has conceded that his second and third goals of the season have been a long time coming.

“I've been looking for those goals for a long time,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Morale goes down when you haven't found the net, but the team has helped me a lot.

“Cagliari are a team that will always be in my heart.”

He also commented on the victory, which saw Antonio Conte's side score three goals in the last 15 minutes to claim the three points.

“There was a strange atmosphere here today, and it was difficult to play in this environment.

“We had a good reaction in the second half and this win puts out a good signal for the championship.”

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

Conte hails record-breaking Juve

Dec 21, 2012

Antonio Conte praised his Juventus side for fighting back to beat Cagliari and set a new record, as “everyone puts in the performance of their lives against us.”

The Bianconeri were trailing last night and missed a penalty with Arturo Vidal, but Alessandro Matri’s brace and Mirko Vucinic secured a late 3-1 victory.

“Juventus responded very well,” said the Coach. “In the first half Gigi Buffon performed one save and they had a penalty but that was all.

“Everyone puts in the performance of their lives against us and are eager to prove a point, as shown by the fact at the end all the Cagliari players had cramp.

“Vidal didn’t perform to his usual standards in the first half, but fought back after the break despite the missed penalty. He is someone I will always bring with me if going into war.

“My scream at the goal? That summed up everything that took us to this point. I above all must thank the lads. This was not easy, but a great show of our strength and maturity.”

That result not only confirms Juve are Winter Champions, but also means they amassed 94 points in the calendar year – more than any other Serie A club in history. The previous record was also held by Juve under Fabio Capello with 93 points in 2005.

“You just need to think back to what a wonderful squad that was to understand how exceptional our year has been. The rest is all talk.”

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

Black and White Christmas

There's no doubt Juventus are on Santa's list of those who've been good in 2012, though

there wasn't much goodwill to go round, as Giancarlo Rinaldi wraps up Serie A Week 18.

Dec 23, 2012

Keep a close eye on your chimney this Christmas. With the Scudetto in the summer, a comfortable lead in their title defence, a place in the last 16 of the Champions League and a record-breaking 94 points over 12 months, it has been a stunning year for Juventus. So don’t be too surprised if you catch Santa Claus in black and white stripes when he delivers your presents in a couple of days’ time.

Not that there was much goodwill in the Bianconeri’s Friday night triumph over Cagliari in a tie controversially played at the Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma. A few dozen “home” fans were easily drowned out by both Juventini from the environs of Emilia Romagna and the bellowed instructions of Antonio Conte. The final outcome was harder for the Sardinians to digest than a hefty festive dinner.

“I’m disgusted by this football, I don’t want anything more to do with it,” lamented Rossoblu President Massimo Cellino. “We played a team that has not acted in a sporting manner. Last year they asked us to move the game to the evening because they were fighting for the title, this time they refused to come to Cagliari.”

“The league took the decision not us,” responded Beppe Marotta for the Bianconeri. “If we had to play this game elsewhere it wasn’t our fault but Cagliari’s, as they don’t have a ground up to the standard of holding this kind of match.” In other words, not much festive cheer in evidence.

The result put Conte’s men streets ahead of their rivals. With Juve’s “special agent” Ciro Immobile helping Genoa to secure a 1-1 draw with Inter in Saturday’s lunchtime match, their lead became even more consolidated at eight points. The Nerazzurri’s creative problems without Wesley Sneijder were there for all to see - although Marko Livaja contrived to miss a match-winning chance that will give him nightmares into the New Year.

“This break has come at the right moment, we’re having a tough time,” said Andrea Stramaccioni. “But now we’ll switch off and come back stronger than before. Everything is in place for us to have a great 2013.”

That draw allowed Lazio to leapfrog the Milanese giants into second place on their own, but still eight points adrift of the league leaders. The “slap” provided by Delio Rossi’s arrival at Sampdoria was not enough to see them deny the capital club. A single Hernanes strike, with a celebratory somersault, gave the Romans three precious points.

“We’ve worked hard for this and the last month or so we’ve started to believe we can achieve something special,” said Vlad Petkovic. “This Lazio side has done well - but not well enough to compete with Juve. We need to improve in every part of our play. This break will allow us to recharge the batteries and try to get better day by day.”

Fiorentina, too, moved up the table to join Inter in third. The constant chopping and changing in Palermo appears to have taken its toll on a side which seems to be about as appealing to its own fans as a giant bowl of Brussels sprouts. With Stevan Jovetic starting to return to form - he struck a double - the Viola sparkled too much for the Sicilians, who apologised to their own support at the final whistle of a 3-0 defeat.

“I don’t think there are many teams in Italy with a better midfield than ours,” said Florentine hitman Luca Toni. “We used to miss the chances they created, now we are taking them.”

There was a morale-boosting win for Napoli, too, as Siena - like Sampdoria - found that a new manager is no panacea. There was a lot of pent-up frustration in Christian Maggio’s celebrations when he broke the deadlock before Edinson Cavani guaranteed the points. It was the perfect present after their two-point deduction and loss of Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava due to match-betting sentences.

“This was a very important win,” admitted midfield motor Marek Hamsik. “We have always had great team spirit, but today we put our heart into the game and fought hard and took three points.”

All the teams giving distant chase to Juve will be looking over their shoulders, however, after Roma ripped up the Milan revival in Saturday’s night game. A couple of late consolation strikes should not mask the Rossoneri’s deficiencies, nor the qualities of this Giallorosso side. Zdenek Zeman’s men are a crazy bunch, but their 4-2 triumph underlined that they are capable of going on a tear which could see them rocket up the table.

When they are on-song, there is simply no more spectacular side to watch than Francesco Totti and company. As pundit Giancarlo Marocchi put it, “Roma are made to score goals, sometimes they concede goals - but they always entertain.” If they can get their focus right, they can easily sweep into second place.

“We’ve made up a lot of points from where we were 10 games ago,” insisted Max Allegri, trying to give Milan’s performance a positive spin. “We will try to finish the first half of the season on 30 points and then have a great second half of the campaign.”

“I am pleased with the way the team played - especially in the first half,” responded Zeman. “In the second half, maybe we tried to take it easier - and we can’t do that.” The subtext was that he expects his team to take the initiative and impose its style of play for the entirety of a game.

The most significant moves in the lower reaches came from Pescara and Torino with vital wins over Catania and Chievo respectively to help them enjoy their Christmas dinners a little more. But with plenty of teams still within touching distance of the drop zone, nobody should despair just yet. Maybe Santa will bring them a year like the one Juventus have just enjoyed.

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

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

[Socrates 8328]

Ancelotti: 'Juve are stronger'

Dec 23, 2012

PSG Coach Carlo Ancelotti is confident Juventus will succeed in Serie A and the Champions League, but is keeping an eye on Napoli.

“I never miss a Serie A match,” Ancelotti told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport newspaper.

“It seems to me that the Bianconeri have notched up a solid eight-point lead and are the strongest team in the Division. However, things can always be turned upside down in Italy. Let’s just say it won’t be easy for their opponents to bridge that gap.”

Napoli have been docked two points in the betting scandal and fallen to fifth place, but the former Chelsea manager still sees them as the main contenders.

“I think Napoli have the structure to do very well. It’s true they haven’t been enchanting of late and there was the points penalty, but in the long run Walter Mazzarri’s team will emerge.

“Inter have changed a great deal and that takes time to settle. So far Inter have done well, but we cannot expect too much from them. They are in the Europa League and can earn qualification for the Champions League.

“Serie A remains a very strong League, it’s just that Juve are stronger. Antonio Conte’s side have technical, tactical and psychological strengths that nobody should underestimate. The ferocity and aggression of the Bianconeri is astounding. They never give up and Conte deserves praise for that, as you can tell it’s his work.

“I know Antonio, as I was his Coach. I can guarantee you he emerged covered in sweat even for a midweek game between ranks. I tip my hat to him!”

Juventus also recovered from a shaky start to win their Champions League group, knocking out holders Chelsea, and will face Celtic in the next round.

“European commitments weigh on a club and make a big difference, which is why the current eight-point lead is so important,” continued Ancelotti.

“They can control that lead, although I’m not sure someone like Conte would try to control anything. Antonio is a sledgehammer, he won’t take the pressure off his men for a second.

“Can Juve win The Double? One step at a time, after all my PSG are in the Champions League! I want to lift that trophy again... In any case, Juve had a good draw by being paired with Celtic and can progress.”

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

[Socrates 8328]

To all the Juventus Fans around the world celebrating Christmas,

everyone here at JuventiKNOWS would like to wish you all a very special

Buon Natale!

[Socrates 8328]

Nagatomo: Losing easy games is Inter’s weakness

The Japan international says Juventus are better than Inter in the easier games,

whereas we've lost a few points in those.

Dec 26, 2012

Yuto Nagatomo believes Inter trail Juventus in the Serie A table because of their inability to win "easier games".

The Bianconeri top Serie A with 44 points from 18 games, while the Nerazzurri - who had a rocky start to the campaign - are lagging nine points off the lead in fourth, with Lazio and Fiorentina also ahead of them.

The Japan full-back told ANSA: "I think Juventus are very good in the easier games, whereas we've lost a few points in those. Our squad is still a work in progress, but we have huge potential."

He then revealed Inter’s 3-1 win at Juventus earlier this season, which ended the reigning champions' 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A, is the highlight of his time at the club to date.

JUVENTUS 44 - inter 35.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Friday return for Juventus

Dec 27, 2012

Italian champions Juventus will return to training on Friday after being given a week off for Christmas following the win over Cagliari.

The squad will face a double session at Vinovo as boss Antonio Conte prepares his side for the January 6 home game against Sampdoria.

Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe will not train as all three are struggling with injuries.

Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss the Sampdoria encounter at the Juventus Stadium as the right-sided wing-back is suspended.

[Socrates 8328]

Mourinho: I fear Juventus in the Champions League

The Blancos boss compared the structure of the Italian

champions' side to that of his triumphant 2004 Porto team.

Dec 29, 2012

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has admitted he is wary of the threat posed by Juventus in the Champions League.

The Serie A champions finished top of a difficult qualifying group to progress to the knock-out phase, and the Portuguese boss has acknowledged that Antonio Conte's side will be tough to beat in this season's tournament.

"I'll be honest: I do not like Juventus because I'm afraid of them," he said in an interview with Tuttosport. "And I say that Conte's team can win the Champions League.

"It is a collective, an extremely compact, solid, almost unsinkable ship. Missing a top player in attack? That's just as well, I believe. This means that the goals can come from anywhere and at any time: a midfielder, a striker from outside the box. I mean it: it does not matter if there is a Benzema or Higuain in a team structured like that.

"This reminds me of my Porto in 2004. And if anyone, by chance, had forgotten, Porto won the Champions League final in Gelsenkirchen."

[Socrates 8328]

Capello: Only Roma can challenge Juventus for Scudetto

The experienced coach believes the Giallorossi are the only team in Italy capable

of putting up a fight against the Bianconeri, and dismissed the chances of the Milanese clubs.

Dec 29, 2012

Russia coach Fabio Capello has stated that only Roma are in any position to challenge Juventus for the Scudetto this season.

The former England boss believes neither AC Milan nor Inter are capable of emerging victorious in the title race, and stated that the Giallorossi - who are 12 points behind the Old Lady in the standings - have a better chance.

"I think that on paper the only team that can challenge Juventus is Roma," Capello told Sky Sport Italia.

"This Juve team is doing well, you have to congratulate them even if they do not have any real competitors. In my days in charge of Juve, our opponents for the title were Milan, Inter and Roma.

"Milan are now without many important players, but Roma are still up there and can put up a fight for the title."

Capello then went on to comment on the rumours linking Daniele De Rossi with an exit from Roma in the upcoming transfer window.

"I gave De Rossi his debut, as I did with Aquilani," the Italian added. "He is an important player and Zeman knows that, but he will have to adapt to the ideas of the coach.

"I do not know what will happen in the future. The important thing is that the player is happy and hopefully this will rub off on his team-mates. De Rossi is a key player, who makes the difference."

[Socrates 8328]

Capello: Victory over Chelsea was a turning point for Juventus

The 66-year-old feels Antonio Conte's side made a leap of faith in their rout

of the European champions, but added that Serie A is not as strong as it was in 2005.

Dec 30, 2012

Russia coach Fabio Capello believes Juventus' victory over Chelsea in the Champions League was a turning point in their season.

The Bianconeri recored an impressive 3-0 win over the European champions on their way to winning the group, and Capello feels the result and the performance could be the catalyst for further success for Antonio Conte's men in 2013.

"Juventus have a solidity and continue to be very convincing. Conte is doing a very good job," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"I think the turning point of the season coincided with a clear victory over Chelsea. The team made the leap, even in terms of belief.

"This team has people that make the difference. Mirko Vucinic, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo."

Juventus' 3-1 win over Cagliari in their final game of 2012 saw them accumulate 94 points over 12 months, surpassing the record for a calendar year set by Capello's side in 2005.

However, the 66-year-old believes his side cannot be compared properly to Conte's as Serie A was more competitive during his tenure, adding that the sanctions imposed upon Napoli further undermine the current state of the league.

"The league was much more combative in 2005, there were at least five teams equipped for victory," said Capello.

"I would like to clarify that in the table Napoli were docked two points for the events of Scommessopoli. A decision that affects the fight for the Scudetto for the events that occurred in 2010 does not seem right."

A resurgent AC Milan have been linked with a move for Didier Drogba recently, and while Capello believes the Cote d'Ivoire star could be a valuable addition to the Rossoneri, he insists there remains only one side who can stop the Old Lady from reclaiming the title.

He added: "A guy like Drogba can make the difference. However, for me the only team that on paper is troublesome to Juventus is Roma."