Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Anelka back to face Catania

Mar 9, 2013

Nicolas Anelka and Paolo De Ceglie are back in the Juventus squad against Catania, but Arturo Vidal misses out.

Coach Antonio Conte has named his squad for the Sunday afternoon match in Turin.

Anelka returns from a back problem and De Ceglie has recovered from his thigh strain, but Martin Caceres remains on the treatment table.

Vidal sits out a one-match ban in midfield.

Juventus squad for Catania: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 18 Anelka, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Maran: 'Catania can upset Juve'

Mar 9, 2013

Rolando Maran insists Catania “still believe in Europe” and can get a result against Juventus tomorrow afternoon.

The Sicilians are still in the running for a Europa League spot despite last week’s 3-2 defeat to Inter, a game they had been comfortably leading 2-0.

“We conceded two goals on the counter-attack and had allowed Inter nothing before then. We didn’t have the experience to put the game to bed,” said the Coach.

“During the week we tried different systems and the alternatives are based on the players I will use. Pablo Barrientos and Adrian Ricchiuti are coming with us, but they are not fit to play tomorrow.”

The Bianconeri won 1-0 at the Stadio Massimino earlier this season amid controversy, as Arturo Vidal’s goal was offside and Catania had a valid strike disallowed.

“Juventus do not have weak points and are very humble in their attitude, especially when tracking back. At this moment they are in great shape. We must do well to avoid giving them reference points. Andrea Pirlo is the engine of the side and we will have to keep a particular eye on him.

“We cannot be timorous, as we need to play well into space. We worked well during the week and have confidence that we can bring home an excellent result.

“We still believe in Europe, but are aware our Scudetto is safety and we achieved it with 13 rounds to spare.”

Catania squad for Juventus: 21 Andujar, 1 Frison, 29 Terracciano; 22 Alvarez, 18 Augustyn, 14 Bellusci, 12 Marchese, 2 Potenza, 5 Rolín, 3 Spolli; 4 Almiron, 28 Barrientos, 27 Biagianti, 19 Castro, 13 Izco, 10 Lodi, 24 Ricchiuti, 30 Salifu, 8 Sciacca; 32 Çani, 35 Doukara, 17 Gomez, 26 Keko

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Line-ups: Juventus-Catania

Mar 10, 2013

Juventus hope to break away at the top of the table, but welcome the revelations of the Serie A season Catania.

The Bianconeri have a six-point lead and aim to take advantage of Napoli’s tricky fixture away to Chievo. Click here for the match previews.

Juve welcome back Nicolas Anelka and Paolo De Ceglie to the bench, though Martin Caceres, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe remain sidelined.

Arturo Vidal is a big loss in midfield, as he sits out a one-match ban.

Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco return to the starting XI after they were rested for the 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic.

Catania’s seven-match unbeaten run came crashing to a halt in dramatic circumstances last Sunday, as they threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Inter.

Nicola Legrottaglie continues his two-match ban and therefore cannot face his former Juventus teammates, while Gonzalo Bergessio and Marco Capuano are injured.

Giuseppe Bellusci returns from his suspension. Lucas Castro steps into the front line with Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez, hoping to hit Juve with their pace.

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

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, De Ceglie, Peluso, Marrone, Padoin, Giaccherini, Isla, Quagliarella, Matri, Anelka

CATANIA: Andujar; Alvarez, Spolli, Bellusci; Izco, Biagianti, Lodi, Almiron, Marchese; Castro, Gomez

Catania bench:Frison, Terracciano, Potenza, Rolin, Sciacca, Augustyn, Ricchiuti, Keko, Barrientos, Salifu, Cani, Doukara

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000‎

Late Giaccherini strike moves hosts nine points clear

The substitute's last-gasp winner broke the visitors' hearts after a superb

defensive display had frustrated Antonio Conte's team for much of the match.

Mar 10, 2013

Emanuele Giaccherini's stoppage-time winner sent Juventus nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table after a disappointing performance against Catania from the Italian champions.

The substitute fired home from close range, and his goal, coupled with Napoli's surprise defeat to Chievo, mean Antonio Conte's side are now clear favourites for the Serie A title.

The Serie A leaders looked to impose themselves on the game early, but only had an Andrea Barzagli long range effort to show for their early endeavours, with the defender's strike flying over the bar.

Mirko Vucinic was rested for the Champions League win over Celtic in midweek, and the break seemed to have done him good as he tested Mariano Andujar for the first time, but the goalkeeper turned his shot from distance behind for a corner.

The visitors had obviously decided to try and counter the attacking threat of Conte's side, but they almost took the lead themselves when Alejandro Gomez tried his luck from distance, but Gianluigi Buffon was equal to it despite initially spilling his effort.

Long range efforts were becoming a theme of the match, with Francesco Lodi and Leonardo Bonucci both firing wide before the home side twice went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock.

Claudio Marchisio curled a shot wide after good interplay with Vucinic, before the Montenegro striker hit the post after capitalising on a breakdown in communication in the Catania defence.

The remainder of the half passed with little incident on the field, though Catania coach Rolando Maran was sent to the stands after arguing with the officials.

The second half continued where the first had left off, with Juventus pressing at every opportunity, and Andujar had to be at his best to deny both Bonucci and Paul Pogba in quick succession.

Pogba was slowly making his way into the match after a quiet start, and he went close again as he volleyed an effort wide from 25 yards.

Vucinic was still the biggest threat for Conte's side, but his finishing wasn't up to its usual standard, highlighted when he could only shoot wide from close range under pressure from the impressive Andujar.

Juventus rang the changes in search of a breakthrough, and one of their substitutes Alessandro Matri went close with a header as the game entered its final 10 minutes.

Giaccherini then took centre stage as he went from zero to hero. The winger was booked for diving in the last minute of normal time, but redeemed himself when he slotted home from close range after Andujar flapped at Pogba's searching cross.

Fabio Quagliarella almost doubled the lead, but Andujar parried well from the Italy striker.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Juve soar, Napoli crumble!

Emanuele Giaccherini sank Catania deep into stoppages and Napoli collapsed

at Chievo, giving Juventus a nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Mar 10, 2013

Emanuele Giaccherini struck deep into stoppages to sink a solid Catania side, putting Juventus nine points clear at the top of the table.

The Bianconeri welcomed back Nicolas Anelka and Paolo De Ceglie to the bench, though Martin Caceres, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe remained sidelined with Arturo Vidal suspended. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco returned to the starting XI after they were rested for the 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic. Catania were eager to recover from their 3-2 home defeat to Inter, a tie they were winning comfortably 2-0, though Nicola Legrottaglie continued his two-match ban with Gonzalo Bergessio and Marco Capuano injured.

Giorgio Chiellini only skimmed an Andrea Pirlo free kick and Mariano Andujar palmed a Mirko Vucinic effort out for a corner.

Francesco Lodi tried from distance, but swung it just past the far post. Neither side could find a way through, so there were more often than not long-range attempts from Lodi and Leonardo Bonucci.

Claudio Marchisio’s angled drive was deflected wide and Vucinic nodded over from the corner.

Juventus finally made a dent in the Elefantini when Sergio Almiron and Giuseppe Bellusci got in each other’s way trying to clear a Sebastian Giovinco cross and Vucinic took advantage, thumping the base of the post.

Catania Coach Rolando Maran was sent off after just 36 minutes for dissent. Alejandro Gomez got on the end of a long ball, but the angled drive was smothered by Gigi Buffon.

Andujar had his palms stung by a long-range Paul Pogba screamer, but there were still precious few scoring opportunities for either side.

Andrea Pirlo was bundled off the ball for a counter-attack, though Castro wasted the finish by firing wide.

Juve went so close on 73 minutes, as Pirlo’s low free kick was charged down by Pablo Alvarez on to the feet of Marchisio, but at full stretch the midfielder toe-poked the follow-up inches wide of the back stick.

Alessandro Matri nodded over, while in the final minute Emanuele Giaccherini was booked for simulation after going down in the box.

It seemed to be heading for a draw, but Juventus scored in stoppages. Pogba brilliantly hooked a cross down the right and put it back into the centre, where Giaccherini was quicker to react than anyone and bundled over the line from close range.

Fabio Quagliarella should’ve made it 2-0 on the counter, but prodded it straight at the goalkeeper.

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

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah (Giaccherini 75); Giovinco (Matri 65), Vucinic (Quagliarella 76)

CATANIA: Andujar; Alvarez, Spolli (Rolin 86), Bellusci; Izco, Biagianti (Salifu 80), Lodi, Almiron, Marchese; Castro, Gomez (Cani 82)

Ref: Giannoccaro

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Giaccherini goal extends Juve lead

Mar 10, 2013

Substitute Emanuele Giaccherini scored the goal that could go a long way to deciding the destiny of the Serie A title, as Juventus pulled nine points clear at the top with victory over Catania.

Early news that Juve's nearest rivals Napoli were losing 2-0 at Chievo was met with a muted response in Turin as the Bianconeri struggled to break down a resilient Catania side, who harbour ambitions of securing European football.

But Juve head coach Antonio Conte's decision to withdraw misfiring strikers Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic proved to be inspired as the latter's replacement pounced at the death to give the leaders a huge advantage with only 10 games remaining.

Juve won an early corner in their bid to ramp up their pressure on Catania in the opening stages, as Pablo Alvarez closed down an onrushing Claudio Marchisio just yards from goal.

Andrea Pirlo soon launched a trademark pinpoint pass forward to Stephan Lichtsteiner, whose movement was telegraphed by Giuseppe Bellusci, but the hosts would enjoy a better chance in the 16th minute.

It took remarkable flexibility for keeper Mariano Andujar to leap on to Vucinic's shot on the turn and push the ball out for a corner, but Juve were not cowed and kept on coming.

Minutes later, Marchisio saw his drive from the edge of the box deflected off a defender and out for a corner and Vucinic slammed high over the bar from the resulting corner.

That near miss only spurred the Montenegrin striker on, but he failed to make the most of a defensive mix-up between Bellusci and Sergio Almiron in clattering the ball against a post with the goal gaping.

Giovinco was having a particularly poor game and he was found wanting in the second half, with Vucinic's canny slide-rule pass quickly recovered by the visiting defence to a chorus of boos.

The diminutive forward did not last much longer and Alessandro Matri entered the fray shortly after Vucinic had failed to convert a fine forward pass from Pirlo, with the Montenegrin exiting for Giaccherini shortly afterward.

Juve bared their teeth once more before striking the killer blow. A Pirlo free-kick rebounded wildly into the box only for Marchisio's radar to malfunction at a crucial moment, the Italy international slamming the ball wide.

It would not matter, though, as substitute Giaccherini scored the goal that could see Juve retain the Scudetto one minute into stoppage time.

A superb show of skill saw Paul Pogba dissect the Catania backline to drive in a cross from the right. Andujar slapped the ball as far as a lurking Giaccherini who did not hesitate to pick his spot and inspire rapturous scenes at the Juventus Stadium.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Giaccherini secures Bianconeri victory at the death

Mar 10, 2013

Juventus defeated Catania 1-0 at Juventus Stadium in Serie A action Sunday afternoon.

The game featured tight defending from both teams and appeared to be destined to finish a scoreless draw, but Emanuele Giaccherini grabbed a last-gasp winner to snatch full points for the league leaders.

The first real chance of the match fell to the hosts, Mirko Vucinic beating his man with some slippery work and forcing Mariano Andujar to go full stretch to parry away his drive from 18 yards.

Francesco Lodi hit a dipping effort goalwards from miles out at the other end, but the ball swerved past the near post at the last moment to send the chance begging.

Leonardo Bonucci got in touch with his offensive side for the Bianconeri with a pair of drives from outside the box, but failed to find the target either time.

Claudio Marchisio used some neat footwork to elude his man and go in on goal, but was closed down by a crucial intervention, whilst Vucinic headed over the bar from a corner.

The Montenegrin soon threatened again, but was denied by the woodwork from close range after pouncing on a poor clearance in the area.

Catania tactician Rolando Maran received his marching orders on 36 minutes for dissent and left the touchline for the locker room.

After the halftime restart Paul Pogba looked to provide a spark with one of his trademark shots from distance, but couldn’t muster the required power.

Lucas Castro fired wide for Catania, whilst Marchisio failed to test Andujar after receiving the ball in a promising position.

Substitute Alessandro Matri headed over, each side struggling to create opportunities in a match dominated by defensive solidity.

Giaccherini cut inside and went down in the area to bring about penalty shouts from his teammates, but the diminutive Italian was instead booked for simulation.

A heroic moment was still on the cards for the Old Lady, however, as Giaccherini made amends in stoppages by grabbing the winner at close range after Andjar had come off his line to clear Pogba’s cross from the right flank.

Juventus nearly grabbed a second via Fabio Quagliarella moments later, but Andujar made a fantastic save to see the match go to full time at 1-0.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Juve move nine clear, Napoli struggle

Mar 10, 2013

Substitute Emanuele Giaccherini struck in extra time to snatch a 1-0 win for Juventus at home to Catania today to increase their Serie A lead to nine points.

Giaccherini had only been on the field 15 minutes, during which time he'd been booked for diving, when he shot home from the centre of the box following a storming run from Paul Pogba down the right. Juve came up against determined opponents who refused to relinquish an inch of space in defence and their hosts lacked the inspiration to break them down.

Mirko Vucinic hit a post in the first period while Claudio Marchisio came close to opening the score but Catania remained resolute and determined. After the break young French prospect Pogba tested Argentine goalkeeper Mariano Andujar while Marchisio swept a shot just over the bar but Juventus, with Andrea Pirlo stiffled in midfield, simply could not find a breakthrough. That was until Giaccherini's injury-time intervention and even after that fellow substitute Fabio Quagliarella should have put gloss on the score when sent through one-on-one with Andujar but the goalkeeper trumped the forward.

That last-gasp goal completed a joyful day for the reigning champions as their nearest challengers Napoli crashed to a 2-0 defeat at struggling Chievo. It was a tough day for Napoli in Verona as they fell to defeat at Chievo for the third year in a row. Serie A top scorer Edinson Cavani missed a spot-kick and Napoli's goalscoring troubles are now becoming increasingly acute.

They have managed only two goals in their last seven games in all competitions while Cavani's last successful strike came at the end of January. French born Senegal international full-back Boukary Drame opened the scoring for Chievo on 12 minutes with Frenchman Cyril Thereau doubling the advantage just before the break. The defeat leaves out-of-sorts Napoli, who have not won in their last seven games in all competitions and five in the league, dropping into the clutches of hard-charging AC Milan.

The Rossoneri won 2-0 at lowly Genoa on Friday night to take their unbeaten run in the league to ten games and now trail the Neapolitans by just two points.

Siena boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 2-1 win at fellow strugglers Palermo. The Tuscans started the season with a six-point reduction for match-fixing offences but are now just two-points off Genoa in the final safety position. A Segundo Ibarbo hat-trick earned Cagliari a 3-1 in over Sampdoria, with the young Columbian scoring in the 18th, 52nd, and 72nd minutes.

Brazilian born Italian international Amauri scored a hat-trick as Parma scored four goals in the last 13 minutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit at home to Torino and record a convincing 4-1 success. Atalanta overcame a 24th minute goal from Pescara's Gaetano D'Agostino to earn three points with a 2-1 win at home.

Inter takes on Bologna and Fiorentina visits Lazio later this evening in the final two Serie A matches of the weekend.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com assesses the talent on show at Juventus Stadium as the Serie A

champions extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points.

Mar 10, 2013

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Had very little to do but was assured when called upon. Spilled one Gomez effort but not tested further.

Andrea Barzagli - Dealt with Castro's movement well and managed to nullify any attacking threat. Fired over the bar early in the first half

Leonardo Bonucci - Was more involved in attack than defence, forcing Andujar into one of his many saves. Composed at the back.

Giorgio Chiellini - Looked slightly sluggish in defence and could have been punished against a more potent attacking side. Got forward well

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Posed a threat down the right in the first half, but disappeared for long periods as the match wore on. One of a number who looked in need of a rest

Paul Pogba - After a quiet first half, the midfielder burst into life after the break. Saw a venomous effort turned away by Andujar before providing the searching cross for the winning goal.

Andrea Pirlo - On a day when the final ball was lacking for the home side, the midfield maestro was particularly wasteful. Gave away possession cheaply in midfield.

Claudio Marchisio - Went close in the first half with a curling effort and showed good interplay with the forward line. Never showed the same threat in the second period.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Never really got a chance to run at the Catania defence and was quiet for long periods as Juventus looked to play through the middle.

Mirko Vučinić - Looked the most likely to score and went close on three occasions, including hitting the post. Link-up play with Giovinco severely lacking.

Sebastian Giovinco - Despite being rested against Celtic he looked well off the pace. Few chances in front of goal and frequently gave the ball away in promising positions.

Substitutions

Emanuele Giaccherini - Scored what could be the goal that seals the title for, though tainted his display with a blatant dive earlier in the game

Fabio Quagliarella - On for the final 10 minutes, the striker had little impact on the match, though he almost doubled the lead late in stoppage time

Alessandro Matri - Missed the target with a header in the dying minutes. Provided a target for Pirlo's somewhat wayward through balls

CATANIA

Mariano Gonzalo Andújar - Made several excellent saves to keep the leaders at bay, only to flap at Pogba's cross in stoppage time to hand Giaccherini the winning goal.

Nicolás Federico Spolli - Strong in defence and marshalled the back line well. His withdrawal through injury late on seemed to unsettle the rest of the side.

Giovanni Marchese - Sliced a half-chance wide in the first half and provided a decent outlet down the left. Tracked back well to deal with Lichsteiner.

Giuseppe Bellusci - A rock in the visitors' defence, and seemed to be everywhere to cut out through balls and crosses. Read Pirlo's attempted passes with ease.

P. Álvarez - Got away with miscommunication when Vucinic hit the post, but a good performance all the same.

Sergio Bernardo Almiron - Tracked back well and provided the defence with a good shield. Let Pogba overrun him at times in the second half.

Francesco Lodi - Excellent defensive display from the usually attack-minded player. Went close with a curling effort from distance early on.

Mariano Julio Izco - Kept Asamoah quiet in the first half but booking picked up later in the game meant he couldn't deal with Giaccherini as effectively.

Lucas Castro - Showed willing up front but lack of good delivery meant he was quiet. Tightly marked by Barzagli.

Marco Biagianti - Marshalled Pirlo and largely kept the playmaker quiet. Substitution late on had a clear impact.

Alejandro Gómez - The most likely of any of the Catania players to score. Tested Buffon in the first half and made useful runs in behind the defence.

Substitutions

A. Rolín - Replaced Spolli in the final moments but made no impact of note.

Amidu Salifu - Replaced Biagianti late on but had little time to make an impact.

Edgar Çani - Replaced Gomez late on but failed to put his stamp on the game.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000‎

My goal could have ended title race, says Giaccherini

The winger's stoppage-time strike ensured that the Bianconeri's blushes were saved

and put nine points between the reigning Serie A champions and second-placed Napoli.

Mar 10, 2013

Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini believes his goal against Catania could have sealed the league title.

Napoli have slipped to nine points behind the Bianconeri in the race for the Scudetto, while the Italian’s stoppage-time goal on Sunday propelled Antonio Conte’s men to a 1-0 win over their visitors on Sunday afternoon.

"I hope that my 92nd minute goal wins us the championship," he told Sky after the match. "Of course now that we are on nine points up on Napoli, we might have to close the [scudetto] discussion.

“I dedicate the goal to myself, because I showed that I can be ready when I'm called upon."

Leonardo Bonucci praised his fellow defenders for preventing Catania from scoring and believes the win is a huge step towards triumphing in Serie A this season.

He said: "We celebrated three important points against a strong team like Catania, who have been shown to be a higher level than was thought earlier this year.

“Juventus have heart and that came out again in the final few minutes. It's a major victory by exploiting Napoli's defeat and increasing our advantage.

"Championships are won with a great defence, but it takes the assistance of the whole team. Today we defended great and we did not give anything to Catania, who had two strikers always looking for a fast break.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Conte: We wanted to win at all costs

The 43-year-old coach said his Juventus team were ready to do everything in their power

to secure victory on Sunday, and revealed he will don Milan colours on Tuesday.

Mar 10, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte says his team were prepared to "win at all costs" in order to establish a nine-point lead over Napoli in a bid to retain their Serie A crown.

The Scudetto-winning coach watched his team move nearer to securing the league title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Catania on Sunday, courtesy of a late Emanuele Giaccherini strike, a result which opens up a significant gap between Juventus and the trailing pack.

And speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the former Siena coach claims his side were ready to do whatever was necessary to secure the three points.

"It was a game we wanted to win at all costs with great strength and heart," he said. "Catania were well-organised and made it difficult for us, especially with Alejandro Gomez and Lucas Castro so dangerous on the counter-attack.

"We are focusing only on ourselves, as this is a tough and stressful league in every aspect. Last season if we had finished third, then the club and fans would’ve been very happy.

"This year we started out as favourites and winning again is never easy. We cannot make calculations right now, so we'll take it one game at a time."

The 43-year-old also reflected on the performance of midfielder Paul Pogba and, despite the Frenchman garnering acclaim for his displays with the Bianconeri this season, Conte believes the former Manchester United youth still has plenty of developing to do before he is the finished article.

He added: “I wasn’t satisfied with Pogba in the first half, while he was important after the break. He needs to grow, improve, keep his head down and work with humility."

Meanwhile, Conte also revealed he would be putting loyalties aside and support the progress of Italian clubs in the Champions League with Juventus' rivals, AC Milan, set to take on Barcelona in Camp Nou next week.

The Rossoneri take a 2-0 lead to Catalunya and have a real chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, and the Italian coach hopes they can prevail on Tuesday.

Conte said: "I am cheering them on in the Champions League against Barcelona because they are an Italian club.

"They’ve revamped the squad and brought down the average age, so they are dangerous opponents in Serie A."

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Buffon: Juventus won six points

The Bianconeri goalkeeper is delighted with how the side's 1-0 win over Catania

has propelled them nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

Mar 10, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has stressed the importance of the results this weekend which have seen the reigning Scudetto holders go nine points clear in Serie A.

Napoli lost 2-0 to Chievo which meant that Emanuele Giaccherini’s last-gasp winner for the Bianconeri gives them a bigger cushion at the top of the table at the end of round 28.

Buffon told Sky: "If we look at the results of the opponents, we can say that today we have won six points.

"Our win was a hard-fought victory and important, and we now have a great advantage on both Napoli and Milan.

"Today we almost had to settle for only a draw, perhaps hoping that something would happen, but then that [the goal] happened.

"Among the pursuers who are playing best are Milan, but Napoli is an quality team. It is important to get as many points as possible between us and them.

"The more you put on the board, the better, so we cannot lower our guard now. We have a special group at Juve."

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Conte: 'Serie A still stressful'

Mar 10, 2013

Antonio Conte hailed the Juventus battling spirit after a last-gasp win over Catania, but insists the Scudetto race is still “tough and stressful.”

Emanuele Giaccherini got the winner deep into stoppages for a 1-0 result in Turin, sending them nine points clear of second-placed Napoli.

“It was a game we wanted to win at all costs with great strength and heart,” said the Coach.

“Catania were well-organised and made it difficult for us, especially with Alejandro Gomez and Lucas Castro so dangerous on the counter-attack.”

Napoli’s 2-0 defeat to Chievo has all but handed a second consecutive Serie A title to Juventus.

“We are focusing only on ourselves, as this is a tough and stressful League in every aspect,” continued Conte.

“Last season if we had finished third, then the club and fans would’ve been very happy. This year we started out as favourites and winning again is never easy. We cannot make calculations right now, so take it one game at a time.

“This week has been very tough in physical and psychological terms, so I gave my lads one free day tomorrow. If we do well to achieve our objective, then we can relax a little more.”

Paul Pogba provided the assist for Giaccherini and is becoming an increasingly key figure to the Juve midfield.

“I wasn’t satisfied with Pogba in the first half, while he was important after the break. He needs to grow, improve, keep his head down and work with humility.

“The strength of our squad is in the group, as with us individuals get the best out of themselves by playing with their teammates, unlike in other teams.”

Milan are now in third place and 11 points adrift of Juventus, but Conte had a message for them.

“I am cheering them on in the Champions League against Barcelona because they are an Italian club. They’re revamped the squad and brought down the average age, so they are dangerous opponents in Serie A.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Giaccherini: A Scudetto goal?

Mar 11, 2013

Juventus’ Emanuele Giaccherini is delighted with his winning goal in the 1-0 over Catania. “I hope it brings the Scudetto.”

The Old Lady moved nine points clear at the top of the table on Sunday, with 10 games left, but they needed an injury-time strike from the substitute.

“I don’t know if this will turn out to be the goal that decides the Scudetto,” the Italian international commented. “I hope so.

“For the moment, it’s important for the team and takes us nine points clear of Napoli.”

The 27-year-old has struggled for action this term, seeing as his second League goal of the campaign came in just his 12th appearance.

“I work a great deal during the week to make sure I’m ready to seize these opportunities,” the former Cesena man noted. “Who do I dedicate this goal to? Myself…”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 0

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1')

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 38000

Let’s not waste lead, says Buffon

Mar 11, 2013

Gigi Buffon has warned his Juventus side that the Scudetto is still not won – despite their nine-point lead at the top of the table.

“Now we need to stay alert because the last time we increased our advantage in the standings, we slipped up the following Sunday,” the goalkeeper noted.

The Old Lady extended their Serie A leadership thanks to an injury-time goal from Emanuele Giaccherini against Catania on the same afternoon as Napoli lost 2-0 at Chievo Verona.

“Given that Catania’s attackers are very dangerous, it was important not to concede a goal, because 0-0 would still have taken us seven points clear of Napoli,” he added.

“Also, if you don’t concede, something can always happen at the death. We tried and believed right until the end and managed to get the victory.

“The great thing about us is that the group is made up of charismatic people, who can dig us out of a hole at any moment.

“Giaccherini also deserves to have had a day like that,” the captain added of the injury-time hero. “He always gives his maximum in training.”

Juventus will play Bologna next weekend.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Juventus a decade on…

Mar 11, 2013

Juventus are travelling at a faster pace than Marcello Lippi’s Bianconero title winners from the 2002-03 campaign.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport has today highlighted how Antonio Conte’s side, after the 1-0 win over Catania, are now outperforming the class of a decade ago.

After 28 games of the present campaign, Juve have collected 62 points thanks to 19 wins and five draws. They’ve scored 55 goals, conceding 18.

At the same stage of the season, Lippi’s side – the club’s last title before Calciopoli – had one less point, two less goals and conceded two more.

Conte’s side, with 10 games remaining last term, were on 56 points – four shy of then leaders Milan.

Nevertheless, Fabio Capello’s team from 2005-06 had netted an incredible 73 points following 28 matches. That campaign ended with a revoked title.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Juventus all but clinch the Scudetto -

now they can focus on the Champions League

After moving nine points clear at the summit of Serie A, the Bianconeri are now

in the enviable position of being able to rotate players in the league with Europe in mind.

Mar 11, 2013

COMMENT

By Mark Doyle

Ahead of this weekend's meeting with Catania, Juventus coach Antonio Conte was doing his utmost to guard against complacency. With title rivals Napoli facing what looked like a far easier assignment against struggling Chievo, the Bianconeri boss warned his troops: "Dropping points could be lethal."

And so it proved. Just not for his men.

Napoli's faltering Scudetto challenge finally broke down in Verona, with Walter Mazzarri's overstretched squad slumping to a dismal 2-0 defeat at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi that left them nine points adrift of the now runaway leaders. Had Catania secured a draw in Turin, one could have argued that there was still a flicker of life left in the title race. However, Emanuele Giaccherini's last-gasp winner in Turin has effectively extinguished it.

Mazzarri unsurprisingly refused to admit as much. "I think the glass is half full and we cannot admit defeat yet," he said defiantly. Conte also refused to entertain the idea that Juve are out of sight. "We cannot make calculations right now, so [we'll] take it one game at a time," the former Italy international insisted.

The Bianconeri boss is right, of course. Mathematically speaking, anything is still possible. There are, after all, still 10 rounds remaining. However, Juve's matchwinner, Giaccherini, merely said what everyone else is now thinking when he mused: "Of course now that we are nine points up on Napoli, we might have to close the Scudetto discussion."

The harsh reality of the situation is that Napoli, who are without a win in eight games in all competitions, should be more concerned with holding on to second, than overhauling Juve. Indeed, even if Edinson Cavani does start scoring again; even if the Partenopei do start winning again; even if the San Paolo surface suddenly becomes playable; is it really conceivable that Juve will throw away what is, in light of their superior head-to-head record over their nearest title rivals, effectively a 10-point lead?

There is nothing about this current crop of Bianconeri to suggest that a collapse is even remotely possible. They are in form, have no major injury concerns and, most importantly of all, have been here before. Indeed, Juve not only managed to fend off a far greater title challenge from AC Milan last season, they also kept their unbeaten record intact while doing so. Bottle is not a concern. This is a side for whom winning truly has become a habit.

The Old Lady laboured for 91 minutes against the Rossazzurri on Sunday but still managed to find a way to secure three most precious points. As per usual. True, Juve have had the occasional wobble this term, but then, that's primarily because this season, unlike last, they have been burdened by participation in the Champions League. Viewed in that light, the serene nature of their march towards a second successive Scudetto seems a far more impressive feat, even accounting for the dearth of genuine pretenders to their throne.

That they have all but clinched the title with 10 rounds remaining is not only a terrific achievement, it is also a massive boost for their hopes of European glory. With the league virtually in the bag, Conte is now in the very enviable position of being able to rest key players ahead of and in between the Champions League quarter-finals, just like a number of their prospective opponents, including Real Madrid, who have all but given up on holding onto their La Liga crown.

As things stood before his weekend, Juventus represented a very dangerous opponent for any side in the last eight. With the Scudetto now all but taken care of, they look lethal.

ELSEWHERE...

• Milan are hoping to deliver a death blow of their own on Tuesday night, against Barcelona at Camp Nou. However, while they will arrive in Catalunya on the back of another domestic success, having triumphed 2-0 over Genoa on Friday evening, all did not go according to plan for the resurgent Rossoneri. Not only did Milan perform poorly against relegation-threatened opponents, Massimiliano Allegri also pointed out that they senselessly expended more energy than they should have done following Kevin Constant's needless red card midway through the second half. Most worryingly of all, though, the Diavolo will travel to Barcelona without in-form forward Giampaolo Pazzini, who was forced off through injury just moments after opening the scoring at the Luigi Ferraris.

• Still, Andrea Stramaccioni would gladly trade places with Allegri right now. After an embarrassingly tame capitulation at White Hart Lane on Thursday, Inter were humbled by Bologna at San Siro on Sunday evening. The most disturbing thing about the Nerazzurri's 1-0 reversal against the Rossoblu was that it was not in the least bit surprising. The one saving grace for Stramaccioni is that the supporters at least acknowledge that he is working with a horribly substandard squad of players. "Let us have a go," implored one of the banners at the Giuseppe Meazza, "one of us is bound to be good and at least we’d be Interisti."

• Unlike Inter, Lazio actually enjoyed their Europa League endeavours, winning away to Stuttgart. However, the effects of their midweek excursion were there for all to see in a disappointing defeat at home to Fiorentina, who, after their alarming mid-season slump, have seemingly rediscovered the form which prompted giddy talk of a Champions League place for the Viola. As if Napoli did not have enough to worry about with Milan now breathing down their necks ...

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

-

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Gabbiadini on facing Juventus

Mar 13, 2013

Bologna’s Manolo Gabbiadini is treating this weekend’s game against Juventus – the club who own him – like any other top-flight match.

The 21-year-old moved to the Stadio Dall’Ara on loan in the summer after Juve had signed 50 per cent of his contract from Atalanta.

“We know that the city is eagerly awaiting this game,” he told the club’s website. “It is an important match and we are preparing for it as we do every week.

“Juve are just like any other opponent because in Serie A you can not afford to be complacent against anyone.

“Nor will it be a different game for me. When I take to the field of play I do so focused with the task that my Coach has given me.

“With all due respect to which opponent I have in front of me, I will not be affected by anyone.

“A goal on Saturday? Let’s hope so!”

Gabbiadini, five goals in 23 League games, was wanted by Juve in the January transfer market and it’s unclear where he’ll be playing next term.

“I work day after day to improve and grow,” the Under-21 international said. “I don’t want to think about my future as I’m just focused on ending the season well with Bologna, that’s more important.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Eight contenders left for the Champions League

Wins for Bayern Munich & Malaga on Wednesday saw them join the remaining

qualifiers battling for a place at Wembley in May's showpiece final.

Mar 14, 2013

Full time at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday represented not only the extinguishing of Arsenal's spirited attempts at an unlikely comeback against Bayern Munich, it wrapped up the roll call of names who will contest the quarter-finals of this year's Champions League.

In the evening's other tie, Malaga were able to overturn a first leg loss, beating 10-man Porto 2-0 at La Rosaleda to triumph 2-1 on aggregate. The success of Manuel Pellegrini's men ensured La Liga has three representatives, with Barcelona and Real Madrid joining them in the hat.

Barca did it the hard way, becoming the first side to wipe out a 2-0 deficit incurred away from home when they won 4-0 at Camp Nou to eliminate AC Milan, while Real Madrid's success over Manchester United was completed by Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half winner.

Scottish champions Celtic were put to the sword by Juventus as they lost 5-0 on aggregate, while Paris Saint-Germain ensured a French side would appear in the latter stage by seeing off Valencia.

Galatasaray, another club boosted by some high profile recent glamour signings, won through to the last eight after seeing off a resilient effort by Schalke.

Borussia Dortmund's passage was far more comfortable however, dispatching the Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2.

Below is a run down of who will be in the draw for the last eight on Friday, March 15.

BARCELONA BAYERN MUNICH REAL MADRID BORUSSIA DORTMUND JUVENTUS PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN MALAGA GALATASARAY

[Socrates 8329]

Jugovic: Juve could be finalists

Mar 14, 2013

Vladimir Jugovic believes that Juventus can reach the Champions League Final this season. “I’d like to be there too.”

The former midfielder scored the crucial penalty in the shoot-out victory over Ajax in 1996 that gifted the Old Lady the European Cup.

“The Final this time around is possible,” Jugovic told Tuttosport. “You can see that this side is bossed by Antonio Conte.

“The team has his characteristics, they resemble him, it’s the same as he is. They never give up and that is fundamental in a competition like the Champions League.

“To get to the last eight is a great achievement. And their group wasn’t easy given that it included Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk.

“Juve came ahead of everyone, they were not content with second place and that is a great sign of strength.

“If they get to the Final in London then I’d like to be there with the team. I hope that President Andrea Agnelli remembers me.

“I’d love to be there, perhaps to celebrate another feast.”

[Socrates 8329]

Cannavaro tips Bayern Munich

Mar 14, 2013

Bayern Munich are favourites to win the Champions League this season, according to Fabio Cannavaro.

Former clubs Juventus and Real Madrid will be in tomorrow’s draw for the last eight, but the World Cup winning captain fancies Bayern for the trophy.

“It’s a waste of time trying to predict what will happen from the quarter-finals onwards,” Cannavaro told Sky Sport Italia. “But Bayern, for me, remain one of the strongest and most solid.

“Lionel Messi enchants Barcelona, but the German side are more consistent and the most difficult to face.”

Friday’s draw will feature: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

[Socrates 8329]

‘Juve need to avoid Barca and Real’

Mar 15, 2013

Paolo Rossi believes that Juventus need to avoid the two big Spanish clubs in Friday’s Champions League draw.

The Old Lady will today find out which team awaits them in the quarter-finals of the European Cup and Rossi is concerned by the threat of La Liga.

“I think that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the teams to avoid for the Bianconeri,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“Real Madrid have a big squad and a lot of quality, while Barcelona showed against Milan that they are a team to be feared.

“I hear talk that Barca are on the slide, but you can’t forget that they have great players and a Lionel Messi who can always make the difference.”

Juventus could also be paired with Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich or Galatasaray.

[Socrates 8329]

Juve await Champions League draw

Mar 15, 2013

Italian champions Juventus will today find out who they’ll face in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Juve are the only Serie A side left in the competition after they disposed of Celtic in the last 16, while Milan blew a 2-0 advantage in a 4-2 aggregate loss to Barcelona.

The latter, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are arguably the sides who the Bianconeri will be looking to avoid.

However, Paris Saint-Germain, who are bossed by former Juve tactician Carlo Ancelotti, would also pose a threat.

Borussia Dortmund have impressed in this season’s competition too, while Galatasaray added Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba to their ranks in January.

Spanish side Malaga will also be in the hat after they dumped Porto out of the competition on Wednesday.

The draw will take place at 12pm CET from UEFA’s base in Nyon.

The first leg games are set to be played on April 2 and 3 and second leg ties are scheduled for April 9 and 10.

Last eight teams: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

[Socrates 8329]

Juventus to take on Bayern Munich

Barcelona are rewarded for their second-leg triumph against AC Milan

with a last-eight tie against the French giants.

Mar 15, 2013

Paris Saint-Germain will take on Barcelona in the standout tie of the Champions League quarter-finals after the draw at Uefa house in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.

Barcelona, who won the competition in 2011 and overturned a 2-0 deficit to dump out AC Milan this season, will face Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain with the first leg taking place in the French capital.

Last season's finalists Bayern Munich face a tough clash with Serie A leaders Juventus in another huge fixture.

Primera Division champions Real Madrid are rewarded for their victory over Manchester United with a tie against Turkish giants Galatasaray, while Malaga, who knocked out Porto, take on German champions Borussia Dortmund.

The four first legs will take place on March, with the second legs scheduled for April 9 and 10.

The draw for the semi-finals will be held on April 12, and the tournament concludes at Wembley Stadium on May 25.

QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

MALAGA VS BORUSSIA DORTMUND

REAL MADRID VS GALATASARAY

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS BARCELONA

BAYERN MUNICH VS JUVENTUS

[Socrates 8329]

CL draw: Juventus net Bayern Munich

Mar 15, 2013

Juventus will have to get past German giants Bayern Munich in the last eight if their Champions League adventure is to continue.

The Old Lady went into today’s Nyon draw primarily looking to avoid three sides – Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

However, Bayern and Juventus were the last two teams out of the hat. The first leg will take place in Germany, with the return set for the Juventus Stadium.

Bayern came through the last 16 by beating Arsenal on the away goals rule, while Juve smashed five past Celtic.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund were handed ‘kind’ ties against Galatasaray and Malaga respectively.

Barcelona, conquerors of Milan in the last round, will face a Paris Saint-Germain outfit bossed by former Diavolo tactician Carlo Ancelotti.

That tie will also see PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic come up against his former side.

The first leg games are set to be played on April 2 and 3 and second leg ties are scheduled for April 9 and 10.

Quarter-final draw: Malaga-Borussia Dortmund [Apr 3 and 9]; Real Madrid-Galatasaray [Apr 3 and 9]; Paris Saint-Germain-Barcelona [Apr 2 and 10]; Bayern Munich-Juventus [Apr 2 and 10].