Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415‎

Bianconeri conquer Bologna

Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio secured a 2-0 victory for Juventus

at the Stadio Dall’Ara to end Bologna’s three-game winning streak.

Mar 16, 2013

Both sides were brimming with confidence going into this game, as the Bianconeri were nine points clear at the top of the table and welcomed Arturo Vidal back from suspension. Bologna had won three on the bounce, including against Fiorentina and Inter, while Panagiotis Kone’s ban had expired, but Juve were unbeaten at the Dall’Ara since 1998.

The hosts so nearly took the lead after five minutes when Gigi Buffon rushed out of the penalty area to tackle Alberto Gilardino and was fortunate that the Alessandro Diamanti follow-up was deflected wide off Giorgio Chiellini for a corner. Buffon was also lucky his tackle was clean, otherwise it would’ve been a straight red.

Gianluca Curci smothered at the end of a Sebastian Giovinco mazy run through a group of players in the box, then Vidal blasted over from the edge of the box. Diamanti wasted a counter-attack by blasting well wide and Andrea Pirlo also fired over from distance.

Simone Padoin dribbled away from players down the right side of the box and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but Vucinic wasn’t quick enough to stick out a leg and deflect it in with the goalkeeper already beaten.

Diamanti required treatment before the break after an accidental elbow in side of the head from Pirlo and was clearly dazed. In first half stoppages Juve went on the counter and Vidal again couldn’t keep his shot down.

Buffon held a dangerous flicked on Mikael Antonsson header from Diamanti’s free kick, but moments later Giovinco thought he had scored when swinging a right-foot effort inches past the far post.

Bologna had the ball in the back of the net on 51 minutes with Gilardino’s header on a Diamanti set piece, but the flag was raised for offside.

Claudio Marchisio’s daisy-cutter was smothered, then Giovinco cut in past Nicolo Cherubin only to sting Gianluca Curci’s palms from point-blank range.

Diego Perez was booked for a mistimed tackle on Chiellini and moments after play resumed he went into another scything tackle on Peluso, so was fortunate not to be sent off. He surprisingly wasn't substituted, as instead Naldo came on for Bologna to adopt a three-man defence.

Juventus took the lead just past the hour mark, as Vucinic gathered from Marchisio with his back to goal, spun round Naldo and prodded it through Curci’s legs from 12 yards.

Vucinic blasted past the far post from the edge of the box and Buffon watched a Gabbiadini header whistle wide. It was an increasingly tense game with six bookings after 71 minutes.

Marchisio put the result under lock and key with a well-worked goal. A quick one-two with Vucinic allowed him to burst into the area and the midfielder finished with an angled drive to nutmeg Curci.

Substitute Davide Moscardelli curled wide after a fine solo run and Pirlo also turned off target, but Buffon parried a Diamanti free kick with his fists, bizzarrely punching it into the ground as it dipped.

Alessandro Matri was flagged offside in a very tight decision, but had missed the goal anyway.

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

BOLOGNA: Curci; Garics (Christodoulopoulos 69), Antonsson, Cherubin, Morleo; Perez, Taider; Kone (Naldo 57), Diamanti, Gabbiadini; Gilardino (Moscardelli 75)

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Vidal (Quagliarella 90), Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Vucinic (Matri 82), Giovinco (Pogba 76)

Ref: Bergonzi

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415‎

Bianconeri inch closer to 31st Scudetto

Mar 16, 2013

Juventus defeated Bologna 2-0 at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Serie A on Saturday night.

Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio secured the win for Antonio Conte’s men in an entertaining game.

The first chance of the game fell to Bologna after a long ball over the top to Alberto Gilardino who found himself clean through on goal but Gianluigi Buffon made a vital challenge to stop him. The ball then fell to Alessandro Diamanti with the goal gaping but his shot was blocked.

Sebastian Giovinco came close in the 17th minute after a great peace of skill but the keeper got down well and made a comfortable save. Arturo Vidal then came close just a minute later after good work from Vucinic but the Chilean blasted over.

The Bianconeri almost broke the deadlock ten minutes before the break after excellent work on the right wing by Simone Padoin who then crossed for Vucinic in the six yard box but he failed to make contact with the ball.

Vidal was presented with a golden chance on the stroke of half time when Juventus broke quickly and the midfielder found himself one on one with Gianluca Curci but again he failed to hit the target.

Giovinco came close again just one minute into the second half after he turned his man and hit a curling shot which went inches wide.

The home side thought they had took the lead on the 51st minute after a brilliant free kick into the box from Diamanti which Gilardino headed into the bottom corner but it was correctly called offside by the linesman.

The champions fired back with a chance of their own just minutes later again through Giovinco. The Italian international found space in the box but fired straight at the keeper.

The Bianconeri eventually broke the deadlock on the hour mark thanks to Vucinic. Naldo got far too tight and the Montenegrin rolled the defender and slotted the ball into the corner.

The champions secured the three points with 20 minutes to go after a superb move and finish from Marchisio. He played a one two with Vucinic and the Italian coolly put the ball through the goalkeepers legs with the outside of his boot.

The Rossoblu nearly pulled a goal back with five minutes to go. Diamanti struck the ball well from the free kick but Buffon managed to punch it away to safety.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415‎

Juve go 12 points clear

Mar 16, 2013

Juventus opened up a 12-point lead at the top of Serie A thanks to a win over Bologna at the Stadio Dall'Ara.

Second-half goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio earned the Bianconeri all three points to extend their advantage at the top of the table over Napoli and AC Milan, who play Atalanta and Pescara respectively tomorrow.

Bologna had their moments in the first half but were unable to build on a win over Inter Milan from last weekend.

Gianluigi Buffon showed great alertness and precision in the seventh minute, first to race off his line and then to prevent Alberto Gilardino from passing him with his right foot.

Juve responded with Sebastian Giovinco denied by Gianluca Curci and Arturo Vidal shooting over.

Gilardino thought he had opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a bullet header which left Buffon no chance, but the linesman's flag had already been raised to cut short the home side's celebrations.

Two minutes later, Curci made a fine save to deny Giovinco as Juve appeared to move up a gear.

And in the 62nd minute, they took the lead when Marchisio played the ball to the feet of Vucinic on the edge of the area and he turned to shoot low past Curci.

Vucinic then returned the favour in the 74th minute to set up Marchisio, who picked his spot in the bottom right-hand corner to see off Bologna's challenge and give Juve a comfortable lead at the top of the standings.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415‎

Vucinic, Marchisio lead Juventus past Bologna

Mar 16, 2013

Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio scored in the second half of play at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on Saturday to help Juventus claim a 2-0 win over Bologna.

A scoreless first half gave way to a two-goal performance from Juve as Vucinic opened the scoring just after the hour mark.

Marchisio made it two by adding an insurance goal in the 73rd minute, his fifth Serie A goal of the campaign.

The win sees Juventus extend its lead at the top the Serie A table. The Old Lady improves to 65 points to go 12 points ahead of Napoli.

Bologna's three-game winning run in Serie A play comes to an end as the club stays put on 35 points.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com takes a closer look at the men on display during a comfortable win

for the Old Lady, decided by goals from Vucinic and Marchisio in the second half.

Mar 16, 2013

Bologna

Gianluca Curci - Showed himself to be a safe pair of hands in the first half and responded well to Giovinco's shot. Could do nothing to stop Juve's second-half surge.

Archimede Morleo - His well-hit long pass set up Gilardino for what was one of Bologna's best chances at the very start, but from there was forced into a defensive role.

Mikael Antonsson - Rarely flashy, the Swedish defender was nevertheless always alert and made one decisive intervention to deny Vucinic, but faded.

Gyorgy Garics - Given a lot of grief by Peluso early in the match, the right-back recovered to put in a sturdy display, although he had few chances to break forward.

Nicolò Cherubin - Overall coped well with the always-tricky Giovinco, although was grateful to Curci's save after being turned by the forward.

Saphir Taider - Was given the duty alongside Perez of making sure Juve's midfield could not breathe and fulfilled that task, giving Pirlo and Marchisio precious little space to break loose.

Diego Pérez - Asked to play almost on the edge of his own area, the combative Uruguayan performed the spoiling role okay as he frustrated the visitors early on, before losing his way in an anonymous second half.

Panagiotis Kone - Struggled to break free of Peluso's attentive marking, made little contribution and was withdrawn on the hour for Naldo.

Manolo Gabbiadini - Had little room to breathe up front as Juve defended diligently throughout, could not combine with Gilardino to bring Bologna back into the game.

Alessandro Diamanti - Unlucky to see his shot deflected over with Buffon helpless, did what he could in attack and was a constant danger from set-pieces.

Alberto Gilardino - Given a thankless task as Bologna's sole striker, starved of possession, although it took a great intervention from Buffon to stop him opening the scoring.

Substitutions

Naldo - A nightmare for the defender, who had been on the pitch barely two minutes when turned by Vucinic for the opening goal of the match.

Lazaros Christodoulopoulos - Given 20 minutes at the end, but was unable to kick-start his side's faltering attack.

Davide Moscardelli - Came on for Gilardino, but could do nothing to save Bologna from defeat.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon - Came out well to deny Gilardino with his feet, although was rather lucky to see the rebound deflected over. Was a rare moment of action in an otherwise quiet match.

Andrea Barzagli - Never looked troubled at the back, defending efficiently and distributing well to Peluso as his side cruised to a vital three points.

Leonardo Bonucci - Rather fortunate that his inattention did not lead to an opener for Gilardino, but otherwise performed impeccably at the back as Juventus ended up cruising to victory.

Giorgio Chiellini - Coped well with a rather timid Bologna attack, coming to the rescue of his keeper when he saved Diamanti's effort.

Simone Padoin - A slow start, but started to enjoy himself when given space on the right. A decent cross in the first half came within inches of finding Vucinic.

Arturo Vidal - Always a danger for the visitors with his late bursts into the box, although his finishing left much to be desired as more than one chance was put into orbit.

Andrea Pirlo - The veteran looked ill-suited to a Juventus side that was far too vertical and rapid for his tastes, given few opportunities to create with the ball at his feet.

Claudio Marchisio - Like Pirlo, found himself often bypassed as Juve focused their attacks long and down the flanks. Defensively was strong in the middle, and took his goal with class.

Federico Peluso - Was a worthy foil for Giovinco as he got forward on the left, combining well with the youngster. Never afraid to put the boot in, earning a yellow card for one ill-advised challenge.

Mirko Vučinić - Held the ball up well and passed intelligently around the area, but was starved of decent chances as Juve's attack spluttered - until he expertly took his opportunity to give his side the lead.

Sebastian Giovinco - Impressed at times but lacked consistency against a dogged defence, too many times his tricks failed to pay off.

Substitutions

Paul Pogba - Brought on late in the second half with the momentum firmly shifted in Juve's favour.

Fabio Quagliarella - A late entry right at the death, replacing Vidal.

Alessandro Matri - Given a run-out at the end in place of Vucinic.

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415

Pioli: 'Conte lacked respect'

Mar 16, 2013

Stefano Pioli criticised Antonio Conte for an “exaggerated” celebration after Juventus won 2-0 in Bologna.

The Bianconeri Coach was pumping his fist to get the crowd going at the Dall’Ara before the final whistle, then blew kisses into the television cameras.

Pioli was angry and said to assistant manager Angelo Alessio “you need respect even in victory. Certain things shouldn’t be done.”

The Bologna boss had calmed down a little when he got to the media area and spoke to journalists.

“Conte’s celebration was a little exaggerated, because it was not just aimed at his own team. In any case, we already talked it over and cleared the air.

“Juve played well and proved they are a great team. We tried to keep up the tempo, but had hoped to create more scoring opportunities and fell away after the break. Juve created little until the goal.

“When I made this decision to play with four attacking players I was confident, but the opening goal took the wind out of our sails. I’d make the same choices again, though.

“It was a very fiery and intense match. When games are so physical there can be a few extra challenges.”

Pioli has been linked with the job at Napoli next season, but shrugged off questions.

“I have to remain concentrated on this season, as we are not mathematically safe yet. I am ambitious, we’ll try to end this campaign in the best possible way and then see what happens. I don’t know anything about Napoli.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415

Conte: 'Why can't I celebrate?'

Mar 16, 2013

Antonio Conte can’t quite believe how much Juventus are “flying” towards the Scudetto and explained his celebrations at the Dall’Ara.

The Coach was criticised by Bologna boss Stefano Pioli for an “exaggerated” celebration before the final whistle of a 2-0 victory, as he was pumping his fist, calling the crowd and blowing kisses into the television cameras while play was still going.

“If I can’t even say anything to our fans and celebrate with them, then tell me what I can do?” said Conte.

“We annoy people when we win, I’m sorry, but I did not lack respect towards anyone. We see so many horrible things, people who throw rocks at team buses or swearing, so what’s the problem if I want to celebrate with my fans?

“I won, I am winning another Scudetto and that is meant to be a lack of respect? The kiss towards the camera was a spontaneous gesture aimed towards my daughter.”

This is effectively the first time that Conte has said Juve are practically Serie A winners for a second consecutive campaign.

“Juventus are flying at the moment, but the same thing happened last season. We are achieving important things and must continue. It was a great step forward, we still need to get past the finish line and there are nine games left.

“We deserve to be in this position and will continue while also thinking about the Champions League.”

The 2-0 victory at the Dall’Ara was a difficult test, as Bologna were fresh from three consecutive victories over the likes of Fiorentina and Inter.

“We wanted to win against a team that was in great shape. A defeat today would’ve sent a positive signal to our opponents in the race, but we earned the three points and I am happy with the performance.

“Juventus have statistically the strongest defence and most prolific attack. We play good football and I am proud of this team.”

Conte was also asked about rumours linking him with a future at Chelsea, PSG or even Real Madrid.

“Anything can happen. Right now this is a wonderful experience with Juventus. In future I would love to measure myself in a foreign League, but talking about that now is difficult.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415

Conte: It annoys people when we win

The Juventus coach believes that Bologna boss Stefano Pioli took offence

to his celebrations after his side's 2-0 win at Dall'Ara purely due to their status.

Mar 17, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has defended his exuberant celebrations in the wake of his team's 2-0 win against Bologna on Saturday.

Rossoblu counterpart Stefano Pioli took offence to the 43-year-old's actions, labelling them disrespectful, but the former Siena boss has claimed that he is only objecting due to antipathy towards the Bianconeri.

"If I can’t even celebrate with my fans after such an important victory, I don’t know what you can do any more," Conte told reporters after the match.

"I know that it annoys many people when we win, but there was no lack of respect whatsoever. There are so many other horrible things elsewhere, like throwing rocks at team buses, so what's wrong if I want to celebrate with my fans?

"To be happy at winning another Scudetto is considered a lack of respect? I was just celebrating alongside my fans, while the gestures were spontaneous towards my daughter."

The Dall'Ara win took Juve 12 points clear at the top of the table, but Conte has warned his team not to get complacent in the title run-in.

"We’ve taken a big step forward, but there are still 27 points to play for. We're achieving important things and must continue," he continued.

"Today we faced a team who approached the fixture off the back of three victories, and if we had lost we would have handed a boost to the sides behind us.

"Instead we deserved to win and I’m happy with how the lads played. We play good football and I'm proud of this team.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

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

0 - 2

Mirko Vučinić (62′)

Claudio Marchisio (74′)

"Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 34415

We have sent out a strong message to our rivals - Buffon

The Juventus captain believes that victory over Bologna has further underlined his side's

credentials, not just to the rest of Serie A but also to their Champions League opponents.

Mar 17, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has indicated that Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Bologna should stand as a warning to their rivals as they tighten their grip on Serie A.

Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio allowed the Bianconeri to take a 2-0 win over their hosts and move 12 points clear in the league.

However, speaking after the game, Buffon was keen to stress that although his team’s form is ominous, the season is far from over.

"There are still a lot of important games left to play," the 35-year-old goalkeeper told Juventus.com.

"But we sent out a strong message this evening.

"Much like last Sunday [a 1-0 win over Catania], it was a contest which was worth more than the three points on offer."

The Old Lady were able to stretch their advantage over Napoli, who play Atalanta on Sunday, and the importance of the win was not lost on goalscorer Marchisio.

"It’s an important victory which allows us to go into the break with the points we were after," the 27-year-old Italian declared.

"Now we’ve got the international break and then we’ll take on Inter, bolstered by a strong advantage in the table."

The midfielder also reflected on the Champions League quarter-final draw, which saw the Bianconeri drawn against four-time winners Bayern Munich.

"Bayern are the strongest team in Europe alongside Barcelona and Real, but we’re experiencing the Champions League campaign with great joy.

"We know about their strengths, but we’ll go to Munich without fear."

Juventus sit top of Serie A with 65 points from 29 games.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Bayern wanted return home advantage

Mar 18, 2013

Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness would have preferred home advantage in the second leg of their Champions League game against Juventus.

Bayern will entertain the Bianconeri on April 2 and then travel to Turin on April 10 following Friday’s last eight draw.

“It will be a very difficult tie because we are playing at home first,” the former West German international told Bild. “I would have preferred to play the first game in Italy.

“Both Juventus and Bayern are great sides and I’m convinced that they are not encounters which will end 1-1.

“For now though we just have to think about our domestic League matches so that we get to the quarter-final games in a relaxed mood."

[Socrates 8329]

Only Barcelona are better than Juventus, says Salihamidzic

The former Bianconeri and die Roten winger believes his former Italian side are the second-

best team in the world, after the Bavarians drew them as their quarter-final opponents.

Mar 18, 2013

Ex-Juventus and Bayern Munich winger Hasan Salihamidzic feels the Old Lady are currently only topped by Barcelona as the world's best side.

The Serie A title holders will face Jupp Heynckes' men in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and the Bosnian footballer has labelled Antonio Conte's men as the favourites for the clash.

"Barcelona are above any other team. In second place, for me, is Juve," the 36-year-old told Bild.

"Bayern will have to bring a top performance two times. I would have wished for an easier opponent for now, it hardly could have been any more difficult.

"Juventus have been on a roll for the past two years, they hardly lose any matches.

"Their defence with former Wolfsburg centre-back Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are absolutely top-class.

"I don't see any weaknesses at the moment. They play a perfect 3-5-2 system and also have a world-class midfield with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal.

"Ex-Bayer Leverkusen player Vidal is responsible for the rhythm. If he's in form, Juve win. He has developed even further after departing from the Bundesliga two years ago."

Bayern Munich's first-leg quarter-final clash against Juventus will be kicked off on April 2, 20.45CET at the Allianz Arena.

[Socrates 8329]

Molinaro: Bayern Munich nothing special in defence

The wing-back is not impressed with the Allianz Arena side's defensive options,

and has singled out Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery as their main attacking threats.

Mar 19, 2013

Stuttgart defender Cristian Molinaro believes Juventus have what it takes to trouble Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final tie as he feels the Bavarians are vulnerable in the centre of defence.

The left-back, who was under contract with Juve from 2005 until 2010, has warned his former team the Bundesliga leaders always try to play their own game, but feels Bayern's lack of quality at the back opens opportunities for the Bianconeri which they could exploit.

"Bayern always try and play their own game, but they are not exceptional in defence, in particular at centre-back," Molinaro told Tuttosport.

"Dante is having a great season, but the problem is who will play alongside him. At the moment Jupp Heynckes opts for Daniel Van Buyten, and that's Bayern's most vulnerable spot.

"He is not a fast player and he could suffer against Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco."

Molinaro then went on to single out Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben as Bayern's main attacking threats.

He added: "Ribery is very unpredictable. However, I would also keep a close eye on Robben. Many think that he will not play, but I believe he will."

The first leg of the tie takes place at the Allianz Arena on April 2.

[Socrates 8329]

Bayern-Juventus will be like a Champions League final, says Rummenigge

The Bavarian chief is of the opinion that the two European giants are set

for a tough encounter in the last eight of the competition.

Mar 19, 2013

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes that the club’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Juventus is the sort of match which would befit the final.

The two European giants have been drawn against each other having knocked out Arsenal and Celtic respectively in the last 16.

Rummenigge, a former Bayern and Inter star, expressed his opinion that it will be a difficult tie for the Bavarians but one that will be entertaining due to the quality of the two sides.

"It will be a tough game for us, and for them it will be an open meeting," he told Sky Sport 24. "There were weaker teams that Juventus could have met, but also weaker teams that Bayern [could have met].

"It's a possible final. There is no expectation in Munich but I think there is also none in Turin.

"Anyway it will be an interesting round between two teams of the highest level."

The last time the pair clashed in the Champions League was in 2009, when FCB emerged 4-1 victors away from home in a group stage game.

The other three quarter-final fixtures to look forward to in early April are Real Madrid-Galatasaray, Barcelona-Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund-Malaga.

[Socrates 8329]

Molinaro: Bayern weak at the back

Mar 19, 2013

Juventus are capable of creating Bayern Munich problems in their Champions League meeting, says Cristian Molinaro.

The former Juventus full-back plays his football in Germany with Stuttgart and knows Bayern well.

“Perhaps I’m not the right person to be giving advice to Antonio Conte seeing as I’ve only beaten Bayern once in nine attempts,” the Italian told Tuttosport.

“However, I do agree with the fact that Bayern are not exceptional at the back. While Philipp Lahm may be world class, their problem is in the middle.

“Dante is a decent player who is having a good season, but the questions revolve around who will partner him.

“The Bayern boss has alternated Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng, but has also opted for Daniel Van Buyten who, in theory, should be the last choice.

“This is their big flaw, perhaps their only one, when it comes to Bayern as they always give their opponents more than one chance.

“I think that Juventus’ style of play will cause their centre-backs problems, especially Van Buyten, who is not quick and suffers against players like Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic.”

Bayern will start the tie as favourites to reach the semi-finals, but the defender thinks his former club have a chance.

“Juventus need to play in the way they know how,” Molinaro continued. “The Bianconeri have the players and the experience to cause the Germans problems.

“Juve will have to copy what Leverkusen did to Bayern in October. They were perfect as they didn’t allow Bayern’s ball players to construct anything, so their wide players were out of the game.

“Juve will have to be in top form, but they may arrive a little tired given that they’ll play an important game against Inter a few days before.”

[Socrates 8329]

Rummenigge on open Juve tie

Mar 19, 2013

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that his side's Champions League quarter-final with Juventus is wide open.

The Bundesliga leaders play the Serie A champions in the last eight of the competition, and the 57-year-old believes it is a game that both teams could take something from.

“We're friends,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “There is definitely no problem between the two clubs.

“We perhaps would have liked a different opponent – I think this game should have perhaps been the final.

“But there are strong expectations in Munich, as there are in Turin. It is a tie that involves two teams at the highest possible level.”

[Socrates 8329]

‘Bayern must be perfect v Juve’

Mar 20, 2013

Dante expects his Bayern Munich side to be tested by Juventus in the Champions League last eight.

“We’ll have to play a perfect game at the Allianz Arena,” the centre-back told Tuttosport on Wednesday morning. “We have to get a positive result ahead of the return leg in Turin.

“I expect a very difficult match, tough, a battle and a complicated one for us.

“Juventus are going through a good run of form,” he added. “Gigi Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are the foundations of a solid defence that doesn’t concede a lot.

“Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio control the midfield. They’ll give us a lot of work to do.”

Dante, a Brazilian international, will get a taster of what to expect when they face Italy in a friendly this week.

“The game will be a match between Brazil and a masked Juventus,” the stopper added. “I see that eight of them have been called up by Cesare Prandelli.

“It’s a little like what happens with Germany and the Bayern players.”

[Socrates 8329]

Bayern can win the Champions League, says Toni

The former Roten forward believes the Bundesliga leaders have the potential

to beat another of his old clubs, Juventus.

Mar 21, 2013

Fiorentina striker Luca Toni believes his former side Bayern Munich have the potential to go all the way in the Champions League.

The Bavarians take on another the veteran's old teams, Juventus, in the quarter-finals, and though the forward thinks the Bianconeri will be concentrating fully on the match, he feels Jupp Heynckes' men could reach the final in May.

"It will be nice to watch the game. Juve will have to be very careful because Bayern can go all the way," he told Tuttosport.

"They will be two tough games because we are talking about two big clubs. Juve will have the advantage of being able to concentrate on the Champions League after creating a big gap at the top of Serie A.

"The Bianconeri and the Bavarians are two very different teams. Bayern have a lot of quality but sometimes lose incredible matches."

The 35-year-old spent three years in Munich and one in Turin, and he conceded that he would not be supporting either side in the encounter due to have still having friends at both clubs.

"I have many friends from both sides, so I'm just going to be watching to see who is the strongest. In my opinion, Bayern really are a team that can go all the way," he added.

[Socrates 8329]

Gomez a doubt Bayern-Juve

Mar 22, 2013

Mario Gomez could be a doubt for Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Juventus, according to reports.

The 27-year-old has had to withdraw from the Germany squad for their two World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan through injury.

And Calcio News believe that the forward may be out for up to two weeks – meaning he will miss the game against the Bianconeri in the quarter-finals of the European Cup.

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Vidal: Inter clash will be a fight to the death

The Chile midfielder is looking forward to the Old Lady's first game after the international

break, and has stressed the reigning champions are in fine shape physically.

Mar 23, 2013

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is eagerly anticipating next weekend's match against Inter and expects a heated encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Both sides have developed a fierce rivalry over the years, and Andrea Stramaccioni's men prevented the Bianconeri from going 50 league games unbeaten back in November.

It seemed like Inter's challenge for the title was beginning to take shape but a dip in form has left them well off the pace. However, Vidal believes Juve face a tough task as the Nerazzurri still have everything to play for in Serie A as well.

"It’s the ‘Derby d’Italia’ and I think it’ll be a tough game," the Chile international told Sky Sport.

"They need a good result against us to improve their league standing. They’re fighting for a place in the Champions League next season and there is a lot of competition.

"Much like a final, the match will be a fight to the death."

The combative midfielder then went on to discuss Juventus' busy calendar and stressed that they are in fine shape physically.

"Physically, we’re in good shape. The work we’ve been doing with the coach and all the staff is paying off," he added.

"Over the last year and a half, we have been training really well. Everyone is showing their great ability and we’re ready for anything, be it the league or the Champions League."

Juventus currently sit atop of the Serie A table holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli whereas Inter lie in 6th, seven points off a Champions League place.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juve tie vital, says Stramaccioni

Mar 26, 2013

Andrea Stramaccioni is hoping to celebrate his year in charge of Inter by beating Juventus on Saturday.

“This game is absolutely vital to us, both in terms of the importance for the standings as well as for how much it means to us,” he told Inter Channel.

“We’ll tackle it giving even more than our all, giving 101 per cent. We’re going to work hard this week and be ready for kick-off in a full San Siro.”

The young tactician was handed the Nerazzurri hotseat a year ago today after a loss at Juventus saw Claudio Ranieri axed.

“It changed my life,” he added. “Sometimes I still can’t believe it because it’s a dream for me to be experiencing this job on this stage in the first person.”

On receiving the phone call from President Massimo Moratti informing him that he was to take over, Stramaccioni said: “Time comes to a standstill in a moment like that… You feel emotion, pride and even a bit of fear over whether you’ll be up to it or not.”

The former Roma youth team sector tactician also remembers two victories in particular on the Inter hotseat.

“The win in the first derby will always remain in my memory. Seeing a packed San Siro coloured blue and black, and such a strong Milan side, even if they didn’t win the League. It was an incredible rush.

“And then the win in Turin against a Juventus side that hadn’t lost for 50 games.

“Inter stunned the Juventus Stadium and we got to see our fans celebrating in their section as the rest of the stadium emptied out.”

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Schelotto fired up for Juve

Mar 27, 2013

Ezequiel Schelotto says his Inter side are ready to cause Juventus problems in Serie A on Saturday.

“We’ve had the international break to prepare for the match and we’ve done that in a calm manner,” the January signing from Atalanta noted.

“Juventus are coming off the back of an important win at Bologna, while we were able to rest as our match with Sampdoria was postponed.

“It will be a hard game against Juventus, but we are fired up and ready for it.”

The 23-year-old has scored one goal in six matches for his new club and that strike came in the derby against Milan.

“It is always nice to score, but the most important thing is Inter,” he added. “I was happy with the goal against Milan, but if we beat Juventus without me finding the net then that will be just fine…”

Inter beat Juventus in Turin earlier this season, bringing an end to the Old Lady’s 49-game unbeaten League run.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

When Conte scored at sunny San Siro…

Mar 27, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has happy memories of the last time his side faced Inter at San Siro in an afternoon game.

The two teams will play each other on Saturday at 15.00 hours local time, 17 years after their non-evening clash at the Meazza.

The Old Lady won that game 2-1 thanks to an Attilio Lombardo goal, before Conte, a midfielder for the club back then, made it 2-0 with a fine strike.

Maurizio Ganz got a consolation goal for the home team in a Derby d’Italia game that was played on 20 April 1996.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Juve-Bayern Munich sold out

Mar 27, 2013

The Juventus-Bayern Munich Champions League quarter-final on April 10 has already sold out before going on general sale.

The Juventus Stadium will be packed out for the second leg of this prestigious European clash next month.

Today the club announced that the tickets had already gone before non-registered members were able to get in line.

Tickets were first put on sale for current season ticket holders, then this morning the Premium Members had the opportunity to snap up a seat in Turin.

Juventus announce that if there are any extra tickets that become available, they will be sold to Premium Members on April 5.

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Schelotto: Inter ready for Juventus clash

The 23-year-old is confident that his side will be up for the challenge

when the Nerazzurri host the reigning champions on Saturday.

Mar 27, 2013

Inter winger Ezequiel Schelotto is eagerly anticipating this weekend's Serie A encounter against Juventus and has insisted that he and his team-mates will be more than ready for the match.

The Giuseppe Meazza side recorded a 3-1 away win in the first Derby d'Italia of the season back in November, and Schelotto is keen to bag the full three points and do the double over the league leaders.

"We've had the international break and that's given us time to prepare properly for the match and we've been working very hard. We're fired up and ready for it," Schelotto told reporters.

"Juve have just won an important game, whereas we didn't play, so we were able to rest a bit more. It's going to be a tough game."

Schelotto netted a crucial goal against rivals AC Milan earlier this season, and he admits he is keen to add to his personal tally versus Juve.

"Would I like to follow up my goal against Milan by hitting the net against Juve? It's always great to score but Inter comes first. I'm happy with my goal against Milan but if we beat Juve and I don't score I'll be just as happy."

The 23-year-old has scored once in six Serie A appearances for Inter so far.

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

[Socrates 8329]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Inter can beat anyone, says Kuzmanovic

The Serbia international is eagerly anticipating the Derby d'Italia

and is confident his side can grab a good result.

Mar 28, 2013

Zdravko Kuzmanovic says Inter can beat anyone ahead of Saturday's Serie A match against reigning champions Juventus.

The Nerazzurri recorded a 3-1 win in the Derby d'Italia earlier this season, and the Serbia international is confident they can record another victory at San Siro on Saturday.

"We have to put in 100 per cent against Juventus. We're Inter and we can beat anyone," Kuzmanovic told Sky Sport Italia.

"We proved that in Turin and we can do it again. What's the difference between them and us? They're top and we aren't. We're still off the pace in the table, they're doing better this year.

"But our target remains the same: to get into the Champions League."

Inter currently sit joint fifth in the Serie A table, trailing leaders Juventus by 18 points.

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