Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Pirlo: 'I've seen bigger comebacks'

Apr 9, 2013

Andrea Pirlo believes Juventus can overturn their 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, because he’s seen worse. “I was there in Istanbul and La Coruna...”

The Bianconeri lost the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final 2-0 and welcome the Germans to Turin tomorrow evening.

“After the first game we talked over what happened,” declared the midfielder.

“It certainly was not a good performance, as we played below our capabilities and they were better than us in that match. However, we have the chance to turn this around. We know it will be difficult, but it is achievable.

“Don’t forget I was there in Istanbul when Milan were 3-0 up against Liverpool and we were convinced we’d be lifting the Champions League trophy. It ended 3-3 and we lost on penalties.

“I was there in La Coruna, when after a 4-1 first leg victory we lost 4-0 to Deportivo. We were Milan, not any old team... Therefore, Juventus must be convinced that we can do this.”

Pirlo also praised teammate Paul Pogba, who took his place in the 2-0 win over Pescara on Saturday.

“Pogba is a great player. He is very young, but has already proved his worth with Juve and France. We are happy that he is at Juventus.

“He already played at a great club like Manchester United, so he doesn’t need any advice from me. He can become one of the best, as he has the physical qualities to achieve it.”

The World Cup winner confessed he’ll be cheering on PSG in their Champions League quarter-final with Barcelona.

“It’s not easy going to Camp Nou to score a goal, but they can do it. I am supporting PSG, because I know many of their players and hope they can go forward in the competition.”

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Robben: Bayern Munich want an away goal

The Dutchman realises FCB are not through to the semi-finals

just yet and has singled out Andrea Pirlo as the dangerman.

Apr 9, 2013

Arjen Robben says Bayern Munich will go to Juventus with the intention of scoring rather than sitting back and defending their 2-0 lead from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller helped the Bavarians to an important win at the Allianz Arena last week, but Robben realises that the tie is not over just yet.

"We’re not going just to defend. We’ve come here to score because we know how important an away goal is because we didn’t concede at home," Robben said at a press conference.

"Of course, 2-0 is 2-0 and anything can happen in football, so we've got to keep our concentration and play our own game.

"We've had a terrific season. Of course the pressure is off in the league because we wrapped up the title and now we can concentrate on the Champions League and the German Cup, as we’re in the semi-finals."

The Netherlands international then went on to stress that Bayern cannot afford to allow Andrea Pirlo any space in the return.

"Pirlo is a world class player and players like him can rise to occasions like tomorrow so we’ve got to be careful. He’s probably Juve’s most important player and we’ve got to keep an eye on him."

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Pirlo: Juventus must believe in comeback

The experienced midfielder believes that a number of remarkable comebacks

in the past are proof that anything can happen on Wednesday.

Apr 9, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has urged his Juventus team-mates to keep believing in themselves as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.

The Serie A champions were beaten 2-0 by FCB at the Allianz Arena last week, yet Pirlo remains optimistic about his side's chances of making it to the semi-finals of the competition.

"We have to believe in ourselves and be convinced that we can turn things around," the influential midfielder told Tuttosport.

"I was there in Istanbul and La Coruna, I learned the hard way that everything's possible.

"In Istanbul, Milan were leading 3-0 against Liverpool and we were convinced we would win the Champions League. The game finished 3-3, though, and we lost after penalties.

"And then there's the tie against Deportivo La Coruna. After the 4-1 win at San Siro, we lost the away game 4-0. And we were Milan, not just any other team..."

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Conte: Juventus must change style against Bayern

The Bianconeri boss thinks his side have to change the way the play if they are

to improve on their first leg performance and result to progress to the last four.

Apr 9, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has said that his team will have to approach the Champions League quarter-final second leg in a different manner to the first against Bayern Munich.

The Serie A leaders lost 2-0 in Germany to the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions and have to overturn the deficit if they are to progress to the semi-finals.

“They showed all their strength in the first leg. We have the desire and the serenity to face this second leg, but we also want to play differently to the way we played last week,” he told a press conference.

"We'll try to play like Juve, aware that we're playing a very strong Bayern, but this gives us even more stimulation and even more motivation to try to pull it off."

Conte added that Juventus are well on their way to replicating the success Bayern have had in recent years and are looking to emulate the German giants.

He added: "If you want to find a skyscraper which is already constructed, then that is Bayern. Let’s say that we are a third of the way to building our own skyscraper.”

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Chiellini confident ahead of Bayern clash

The Bianconeri centre-back is sure his team have the talent, quality and desire

to overcome the Bundesliga winners and make it into the Champions League's last four.

Apr 9, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini says his Juventus side believe they have enough in them to overturn a two-goal deficit to beat Bayern Munich.

The Bianconeri lost the first leg in Munich 2-0 but the Italy defender insists his side have the confidence and motivation to win the tie to progress to the semi-finals.

"We want to play a great game, we believe in our chances and we'll believe in it to the end. We will leave the field without any regrets, whatever happens," he told a press conference.

"We know we're up against a great side, but we know we can do well, too.

“We're very motivated to turn it around, everybody wants to. We can feel it in the city and now it's up to us to deliver."

The last meeting between the two sides in Turin was back in 2009 when Bayern emerged as 4-1 winners.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Neuer: Bayern Munich must not sit back against Juventus

The Germany international is taking nothing for granted ahead of the game

in Turin, revealing that he has even prepared himself for the possibility of penalties.

Apr 9, 2013

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has warned his team-mates of the perils of attempting to sit back and defend their 2-0 advantage in Wednesday night's Champions League quarter-final, second leg against Juventus.

Despite the two-goal advantage, Neuer says he would rather Bayern pick up where they left off at the Allianz Arena and go in search of the away goal to kill the tie.

“We did well in the Munich encounter, but we cannot just sit on the 2-0 lead,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “We want to win the game."

Many have already written Juve off, so dominant were Bayern in the first leg. However, Neuer is ruling nothing out, revealing that he has even braced himself for the possibility of a shoot-out.

“I’m a goalkeeper and, as part of my job, I have to prepare for the possibility of penalties," he explained.

“Let’s just hope it doesn’t come down to that... But it is not going to be easy tomorrow and we all know that.”

Neuer is at least buoyed by the fact that Bayern have arrived in Turin brimming with confidence after clinching their 23rd Bundesliga title at the weekend with a record six rounds to spare.

“It was important to wrap that up and we are obviously delighted,” the Germany international said of the 1-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt. “It’s always a bonus to go into a game on the back of a positive result.”

Bayern's eagerly-awaited second-leg showdown with Italian champions Juventus will get under way at 20:45CET.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Juventus-Bayern Munich Preview: Die Roten

to reach third semi-final in four years

Jupp Heynckes' side lifted their 23rd domestic title on Saturday and are in pole position

to progress to the last four of the Champions League against Antonio Conte's men.

Apr 9, 2013

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini

Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso

Vucinic, Quagliarella

BAYERN

Neuer

Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba

Martinez, Schweinsteiger

Robben, Muller, Ribery

Mandzukic

Juventus will be without Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal for the second leg clash in Turin following their first-leg bookings, as the Bianconeri look to overturn a 2-0 deficit against newly-crowned German champions Bayern Munich.

The bulk of the Old Lady's starting XI were rested at the weekend which means there could be up to seven changes to the side that beat Pescara 2-1. Gianluigi Buffon should return, while Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are welcomed back from their domestic suspensions, meaning the back four that has served Juve so well this season will be unchanged.

Federico Peluso is likely to start ahead of Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah, who has suffered indifferent form since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simone Padoin could fill the right wing-back slot while Paul Pogba is in contention to start in place of the suspended Vidal.

Mirko Vucinic has fully recovered from illness but Sebastian Giovinco will miss the match after being stretchered off on Saturday, leaving Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri to battle it out for the remaining place upfront.

Javi Martinez is available again for Bayern after being suspended for the first leg, but Toni Kroos injured his adductor in Munich which means there is likely to be a reshuffle in attack, with Arjen Robben wide on the right, Thomas Muller drifting inside to occupy the No.10 role and Franck Ribery wide left.

Mario Mandzukic was rested against Frankfurt at the weekend but he is likely to start again against Antonio Conte's men.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus' 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the first leg encounter ensured their 18-game undefeated sequence came to an end in the Champions League.

• The Bianconeri have not lost in their last five games at Juventus Stadium and Emmanuel Cascione's strike at the weekend for Pescara ended Juve's 465-minute run without conceding at home.

• Juventus managed a 2-0 comeback earlier in the group stages when they came from behind to salvage a 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Fabio Quagliarella (pictured, right) got the equaliser 10 minutes from time.

• Bayern Munich wrapped up their 22nd Bundesliga (23rd title) with a record six matches to spare thanks to their 1-0 win over Frankfurt on Saturday.

• Die Roten have won 13 of 14 away games in their domestic league this season, conceding only twice and their only away defeat in the Champions League was a 3-1 loss to BATE Borisov.

• Bayern have won 14 of their 15 games in 2013, with the defeat to Arsenal in the second-leg of their last 16 clash their only loss so far this year.

Head to Head

19.10.2004 - Champions League - Juventus-Bayern Munich 1-0

03.11.2004 - Champions League - Bayern Munich-Juventus 0-1

18.10.2005 - Champions League - Bayern Munich-Juventus 2-1

02.11.2005 - Champions League - Juventus-Bayern Munich 2-1

30.09.2009 - Champions League - Bayern Munich-Juventus 0-0

08.12.2009 - Champions League - Juventus-Bayern Munich 1-4

02.04.2013 - Champions League - Bayern Munich-Juventus 2-0

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Apr 06, 2013 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 1 - Serie A

Apr 02, 2013 - FC Bayern München 2 - Juventus 0 - UCL

Mar 30, 2013 - FC Internazionale 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Mar 16, 2013 - Bologna 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Mar 10, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Catania 0 - Serie A

FC Bayern München

Apr 06, 2013 - Eintracht Frankfurt 0 - FC Bayern München 1 - Bundesliga

Apr 02, 2013 - FC Bayern München 2 - Juventus 0 - UCL

Mar 30, 2013 - FC Bayern München 9 - Hamburg 2 - Bundesliga

Mar 16, 2013 - Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1 - FC Bayern München 2 - Bundesliga

Mar 13, 2013 - FC Bayern München 0 - Arsenal 2 - UCL

Players to Watch

Andrea Pirlo

The absence of Arturo Vidal will be a big blow for the Bianconeri but they still have one of the best players of his generation in the form of the 33-year-old. He was well shackled in the first leg as Bayern gave him no time to pick out passes and dictate play, but if coach Conte can find a way to make him more influential, it could be a way of getting back into the tie.

Arjen Robben

The Dutchman has flitted in and out of the Bayern starting XI this season but may get his opportunity to shine with Toni Kroos injured. The Oranje star is still a threat, cutting in from the right with pace and precision and the Juve defence cannot allow him space in and around the box or he will punish them.

Prediction

Bayern showed their class in the first leg and in truth there was a bigger gulf in quality than Juventus fans would perhaps like to admit. However, die Roten have shown their vulnerability already in this campaign when they held a commanding position against Arsenal and will have to be wary of this sort of complacency in this encounter, but should do enough to seal their place in the last four.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 1 - 2 Bayern

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Pirlo: Juventus know how to beat Bayern

The influential midfielder has revealed the Old Lady have figured out a way

to defeat the Bavarians and hopes Antonio Conte will not leave the club.

Apr 10, 2013

Andrea Pirlo is confident that Juventus will overturn their first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich in the return of the Champions League quarter-final tie on Wednesday evening.

The Serie A leaders were beaten 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last Tuesday but Pirlo has stressed that they know how to beat the German champions after analysing the defeat from the first leg.

"After the match in Munich we sat down and analysed what happened that night and then we’ve worked out how to turn this tie around. There’s still hope," Pirlo told The Times of India.

The midfielder then went on to admit that the Bavarians, who secured the win with goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller, emerged deservedly victorious in the first leg.

"Bayern, with their typically German discipline along with many talented players like [Arjen] Robben, [Thomas] Muller and others, played better football on the day and they deserved to win."

Pirlo also had his say on the future of head coach Antonio Conte and he hopes the successful trainer will not leave the Old Lady any time soon.

"Conte is one of the best coaches around. He's coaching in the Champions League for the first time and he has already proven his worth. We, the players, hope he stays on with us."

Conte joined Juventus from Siena in the summer of 2011 and guided the Bianconeri to Serie A glory in his first season.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

'Without being arrogant, I add something to Bayern' -

Why it would be unwise to write off Robben

The Dutchman has a chance to reassert himself in the Roten first-team

after Toni Kroos' injury and make up for two key penalty misses last season.

Apr 10, 2013

COMMENT

By Enis Koylu

Just 12 months ago, Arjen Robben had the chance to make himself a Bayern Munich hero. The team’s talisman, he stepped up to take a penalty in a key league clash against Borussia Dortmund which would have kept his side in the title race. Ever-reliable from the spot, it seemed certain that he would score, but Roman Weidenfeller saved his effort.

A few weeks later, he had the chance to redeem himself from the spot against Chelsea in the Champions League final, having netted vital penalties against BVB in the DFB-Pokal final and their European semi-final meeting with Real Madrid.

Again, though, he missed, and Bayern would have to wait to get their hands on Europe’s biggest prize for a fifth time. Days later, when he represented Netherlands at the Allianz Arena, he was booed by the Bavarians’ fans.

Robben’s fall from grace since then has been spectacular. One of those blamed for Oranje’s horrendous Euro 2012 campaign, he lost his place in the Bayern team thanks to injuries, the form of others and a marked dip in his own performance levels.

From being a hero for club and country, he was public enemy number one. Netherlands full-back Gregory van der Wiel was quick to bemoan Robben’s unwillingness to "sacrifice himself for the wing-back" or "track back to help me out".

More worryingly, an anonymous international team-mate remarked that everyone in the Dutch camp was happy he had fluffed his lines against Chelsea. "Imagine how he would have arrived if he had scored. He would have been even more arrogant and never passed the ball to team-mates," the whistleblower revealed after their group-stage exit.

It seemed as though his time at the Allianz Arena would soon be up. A player of his pedigree and stature would have no interest in warming the bench, particularly with Pep Guardiola, who was very reluctant to use old-fashioned wingers during his time at Barcelona, set to arrive in the summer.

Amid his loss of form and first-team place, the thought that Robben could become an unlikely hero in Bayern’s treble pursuit this season seems a strange one, yet that is the prospect we are now facing.

While he had been showing some spark in his sporadic Bundesliga appearances in recent weeks, there didn't appear any realistic chance of him displacing Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery or Toni Kroos without a stroke of fortune, but the latter’s injury has handed him the opportunity to prove himself in a key part of the season.

"Imagine how he would have arrived if he had scored against Chelsea. He would have been even more arrogant" - An anonymous Netherlands player

In some ways, the 23-year-old’s knock against Juventus helped the Bavarians. Despite David Alaba’s early goal, the Bianconeri had come back into the game, and with Bayern sloppy in possession, his arrival announced a change in tactics which ultimately benefited his side.

As Juve pushed for an equaliser, he was able to run at their defenders and pen them back into their own territory, which ultimately aided Bayern in their pressing game, with Mario Mandzukic in particular defending from the top.

And the truth is, it wasn't even a vintage Robben performance. While he created several chances, his side could have scored far more than their two goals were it not for his own wasteful finishing.

By his own admission, though, he relished the fight against Serie A’s finest. "I like to play against Italian teams because they are not used to wingers and they do not like it," he said during his time with Real Madrid.

Having made the difference in the Pokal quarter-final against Dortmund, with a spectacular long-range effort which helped his side to a 1-0 win, Robben can lead treble-chasers Bayern to another key triumph in the return Champions League trip to Turin on Wednesday.

Kroos' injury will ensure his place in the first-choice Roten XI until the end of the season, and Robben remains as eager as ever to prove his critics wrong. "Without being arrogant, I think I add something to Bayern," he said after the 3-1 win over Arsenal in February.

With Guardiola arriving in the summer, doubts remain over his long-term future. He will not be content to play second fiddle much longer and may well consider his options as Galatasaray and Inter continue to monitor his situation.

For the time-being, though, Robben is back in the Bayern first team and could yet have another chance to redeem himself for those two penalty misses.

Love him or loathe him, the fact is, Robben makes things happen.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Juventus-Bayern Munich Betting Preview: Expect the visitors

to take advantage of Juve desperation in a high-scoring affair

Antonio Conte's side need to score at least twice in order to keep their European dreams

alive and our expert thinks that this will lead to an open game in Turin.

Apr 10, 2013

Juventus have a mountain to climb when they play host to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final this evening, looking to fight back from a 2-0 first leg deficit for the first time in their history.

The Germans were unlucky not to come away with a more emphatic victory after a commanding performance in Bavaria and will be in particularly high spirits after wrapping up the Bundesliga title at the weekend with a record six games still to play.

Die Roten’s 4-1 win in Turin three years ago was the Italian champions’ last European home defeat and they are available at 13/8 (2.63) with Paddy Power to inflict more humiliation on the hosts this time out.

Antonio Conte’s men are on offer at the same 13/8 (2.63) odds to keep the tie alive with a fourth consecutive home win in this competition, while the draw is priced up at 12/5 (3.40).

The Bianconeri will be hoping for an early goal to give themselves a foothold in the tie, and will be forced to throw men forward with more desperation as the game progresses.

This will inevitably lead to them leaving space in behind the defence for the opposition’s devastating attack to punish, so it would be a surprise if we did not see goals at both ends.

Juventus have only failed to score once at home in 24 games this season, while Bayern have hit the back of the net in all 25 of their away trips this campaign, meaning odds of 4/6 (1.67) seem exceedingly generous on both team getting on the score sheet this evening.

While Conte’s men boast quality all over the pitch, many consider the only thing separating them from the very best sides is the presence of a star striker.

However, while Fabio Quagliarella may not be one of the most glamorous names in world football, he is a reliably consistent goalscorer and has hit an impressive four goals in just three starts in this season’s Champions League.

The clinical frontman will play a key role if the hosts are to overturn the deficit and offers excellent value at 21/10 (3.10) to hit the back of the net at the Juventus Stadium.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Money, money, money: Bayern earned

€128m more than Juventus in the last year

The gap that divides the Italian champions and FC Hollywood on the football pitch

is reflected on the balance sheet, with the German side making massive amounts in comparison.

Apr 10, 2013

By Andrea Ghislandi

The massive hit-single 'Money Money Money' by Abba included a lyric which suggested it is a rich man's world and that certainly seemed to be borne out last week as Bayern Munich overcame Juventus 2-0 in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.

Juve coach Antonio Conte was quick to point out the difference between the two clubs economically after the game as the media asked him to explain why there had been such a gulf displayed over the 90 minutes.

"Bayern spent €48 million on one player, Javi Martinez, and there ends every conversation..." said the Bianconeri boss. "They spend money, and we see the difference it makes. There are not enough buckets and spades to build a squad like that."

Such words will have made president Andrea Agnelli and director general Giuseppe Marotta somewhat twitchy, but they have really taken the right road in their bid to stand the Old Lady back on her feet. Still, they remain a long way from being a top club like Bayern, who have become a model of virtuosity, ending the last 12 financial years in profit. Juve, therefore, were not just beaten over 90 minutes. Instead it was a defeat that had been a long time in coming thanks to the comparative balance sheets.

Let us compare the financial statements of the two clubs for season 2011-12.

TURNOVER

Bayern Munich's statement dated June 30, 2012 detailed a record turnover of €332.2m, up 14 per cent on the previous year's €290.9m. Never in the club's 112-year history have they previously had such a phenomenal economic base as they do now. Revenues from games came to €129.2m, amounting to 39% of total revenue, while their €82.3m of commercial and marketing revenue accounted for 24.7% of their overall income. TV and radio rights (excluding Champions League) yielded €37.6m (11.3% of total revenue), while player transfers brought €5m and merchandising recouped €57.4m.

As Juve bounced back to win their first post-Calciopoli title, their own revenues increased by 24.2% to €213.8m. While that may be a big jump, their receipts remaining minuscule in comparison to the Bavarians. In 2010-11 they recorded revenue €118.9m shy of Bayern, and the following year it was still €118.5m short of what FC Hollywood could boast. All the same, Juventus' much improved balance sheet came thanks in part to Juventus Stadium, which helped to the tune of €20.3m, while there was also a big step forward in sponsorship and marketing, with revenues of €10.2m.

THE BALANCE SHEET

The Germans are unrivalled in terms of their virtuosity. Their 2012 balance sheet ended with a surplus of €11.1m, an increase of €9.8m on the previous year. This was to the delight of shareholders, who received record dividends to the tune of €5.5m.

The Turin side have also made huge strides, but their accounts remain in the red. In fact, their statements showed a loss of €48.7m last year, albeit a significant improvement on 2010-11's €95.4m losses.

STADIUM AND MARKETING

The huge difference between the two clubs comes largely from gate receipts and from advertising and marketing. Die Roten, who had sold out all 17 Bundesliga home games even before the season had begun - even with a phenomenal capacity of 69,000 at the Allianz Arena, earned €129.2m from the box office. A further €139.7m was earned in sponsorship and advertising, representing the largest portion of their revenues.

According to the Deloitte Money League, however, Juventus earned just €31.8m from the gates at Juventus Stadium, and €90.6m more from TV rights. Another €73m came from sponsorship and advertising. You can tell by the numbers that the two models are completely different; the Germans being focused on marketing and merchandising, while the Bianconeri rely on TV rights.

Bayern also sell almost twice as many replica shirts - 830,000 against 480,000 - while they earn double the revenue from their main title sponsor and kit manufacturer contributions. Bayern's contracts with Adidas and Deutsche Telekom earn them €50m compared to Juve's €25m from Nike and Jeep.

It is clear which is the more desirable financial model of the two.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

No Vidal, No Lichtsteiner: How do Juventus

achieve the impossible against Bayern?

The Bianconeri were lucky to escape from Bavaria with just a two-goal deficit to overturn

in Turin and their task has only been made all the more difficult by some key absentees.

Apr 10, 2013

COMMENT

By Mark Doyle

The manner of Juventus' beating at the hands of Bayern Munich last week is reason enough to hold little hope of a dramatic turnaround on Wednesday night, but the loss of Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner to suspension merely heightens the sense of doom and gloom ahead of the second leg, depriving the Bianconeri as it does of two of their most influential players.

Vidal is the Italian champions' renaissance man, bailing out his back-line one minute, surging forward in support of his forwards the next. The Chilean is an indefatigable force, a classic box-to-box midfielder who, despite being nowhere near his best in the 2-0 defeat in Bavaria, was one of the few players clad in black and white to offer any kind of resistance in the face of a relentless Roten onslaught.

It was Vidal, remember, who took time out from snapping incessantly at the heels of Franck Ribery to unload the only two shots on goal Juventus managed in Munich. Therefore, the significance of his unavailability cannot be overstated.

Still, in Paul Pogba, coach Antonio Conte does at least possess a player capable of softening the blow. The Frenchman has already underlined just why Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was so frustrated by his departure for Turin last summer with a string of dynamic displays. However, while Pogba undeniably boasts some of Vidal’s virtues - wonderful stamina, an eye for a goal - the young Frenchman also betrays some of his failings, with his discipline still a cause for concern for both club and country.

The main problem for Pogba, though, is that not only must he prove an adequate replacement for Vidal, he will also have to take on some of Andrea Pirlo’s playmaking responsibilities. The veteran regista was suffocated into submission by Bayern’s incredible pressing at the Allianz Arena last week, completing just 28 of his 54 passes, thus preventing the visitors from establishing any sort of rhythm or fluidity in their play.

Pogba, therefore, needs to not only protect Pirlo, but, at times, also play like him - given his team-mate is likely to be targeted once again. Encouragingly, Pogba performed the role of playmaker to good effect in Saturday’s Serie A success over Pescara. However, whether a 20-year-old can replicate such a display against two of the best midfielders in Europe in what will be his first Champions League start remains to be seen.

Still, while Juve do at least have a player of undoubted world-class potential to call upon to fill the void left by Vidal, they are nowhere near as well stacked when it comes to replacing Lichtsteiner. The Swiss represents one of the finest examples of just how important full-backs/wing-backs have become in the modern game.

With the long-term absence of Simone Pepe having robbed Juve of not only a winger, but also the option of playing an effective 4-3-3, Lichtsteiner has essentially become responsible for the entire right-hand side of the field. He performs the role with remarkable assuredness, so often proving his side’s most dangerous attacking threat, while at the same time never failing to neglect his defensive duties. His unavailability is a colossal blow; taken in conjunction with that of Vidal, with whom he dovetails so well, it appears fatal.

Udinese’s Mauricio Isla would have made for a decent deputy, but Juventus’ version of the same player is merely a pale imitation of the man who shone so brightly for the Zebrette. As a result, Conte will put his trust in Simone Padoin, a competent utility player, but little more.

The left flank should be filled by Kwadwo Asamoah, who will be preferred to the more defensive Federico Peluso as Juve seek to put Bayern under far greater pressure out wide than they did in the first leg.

Fielding the attack-minded Asamoah and the limited Padoin will only increase the defensive burden upon the shoulders of Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in terms of attempting to subdue Bayern’s wide men, who did so much damage in the first leg. Chiellini should cope but Barzagli buckled under the pressure so incessantly applied by Mario Mandzukic and company in Munich; Juve simply cannot afford a repeat showing in Turin.

Of course, the same goes for the Bianconeri as a whole. Too many key players failed to perform last week. Indeed, confirmation that Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri were playing only came when they were withdrawn. The return of Mirko Vucinic should help in that regard, though, as the enigmatic Montenegrin offers the kind of creativity and guile that were so conspicuous by their absence at the Allianz Arena.

Vucinic has already spoken of Juve's need to go to "war". That may be overstating matters but there can be no doubt that having lost Vidal and Lichtsteiner during the heat of the battle in Bavaria, they have little chance of winning the war should anyone else to go missing in action in Turin.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Neuville: Juventus will be going to war with Bayern

The 39-year-old believes the Bavarians will get a hostile reception in Turin

on Wednesday as they look to make the Champions League semi-finals.

Apr 10, 2013

EXCLUSIVE

By Severin Trompetter

Former Germany striker Oliver Neuville believes that Juventus will be going to "war" against Bayern Munich in Turin on Wednesday.

The Bavarians hold a 2-0 lead from the Germany leg last week and the 39-year-old feels the Italian fans will give Jupp Heynckes' side a hostile reception.

“It will not be a pleasant atmosphere for Bayern. It will be a war against the Germans," he told Goal.com.

"I know that in Turin, they have a small stadium and the Juve fans create a really good atmosphere. It is a different game from the first leg.”

However, Neuville went on to back Bayern to progress thanks to their good work at the Allianz Arena last Tuesday.

“In football, you never know what happens, but I assume that Bayern will do it,” he continued.

"Should Bayern score, then Juve will need four goals [to progress]. I do not think they can succeed. Bayern are too strong this season.”

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Juve should believe, says Mourinho

Apr 10, 2013

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho believes Juventus can complete a comeback in tonight’s Champions League game against Bayern Munich.

The Old Lady will go into the quarter-final tie 2-0 down after a comprehensive first leg defeat in Germany.

But Mourinho has told the Bianconeri that his side’s loss at Galatasaray on Tuesday proves that ties last 180 minutes.

“If Juventus believed before watching this game tonight, then they should believe even more now,” the former Inter boss noted.

“And Juve tactician Antonio Conte will be the first to believe.”

Real Madrid beat Galatasaray 3-0 in Spain a week ago, but were given an uncomfortable ride in Turkey last night as Gala collected a 3-2 win.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Melo: Forza Juventus!

Apr 10, 2013

Felipe Melo will be cheering on parent club Juventus in tonight’s Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian international is currently playing his football on loan at Galatasaray, an outfit who were knocked out of the competition by Real Madrid on Tuesday.

“I support Juventus,” he told Mediaset after expressing his disappointment at his side’s 5-3 aggregate reverse.

“I hope that they can get through against Bayern and I think they can do it. They’ve proved themselves to be a strong team at home.”

Juventus are currently 2-0 down in the quarter-final tie.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Rossi fires up Quagliarella

Apr 10, 2013

Paolo Rossi has urged Juventus’ Fabio Quagliarella to stun Bayern Munich with one of his trademark super goals.

Quagliarella is expected to start tonight’s game alongside Mirko Vucinic as the Old Lady attempt to overturn a 2-0 first leg disadvantage.

“Fabio, you are a creative player,” the 1982 World Cup winner and former Juventus striker wrote in the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Use your fantasy and instinct to surprise the Germans. Your sensational touch can make the difference.”

The 29-year-old Quagliarella has scored four goals in six Champions League games so far this season.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

‘Vucinic can win it for Juventus’

Apr 10, 2013

Mirko Vucinic can be the man to lead Juventus into the semi-finals of the Champions League, says Christian Panucci.

The Montenegro international is recognised as one of the club’s most talented players, but he’s sometimes criticised for his inconsistency and his lack of goals.

“Mirko is a champion and a friend,” Panucci said of his former Roma teammate in an interview with Tuttosport.

“You know immediately whether he’s going to have a good or a bad game. He needs to do something special right at the start to get into the game.

“When he gets frustrated, you have to make sure he remains calm.”

Panucci added that Vucinic needs to be made to feel important and motivated in the right way.

“Juventus boss Antonio Conte is good at stimulating his players, he transmits his belief in them,” the former stopper added.

“I would stimulate him by telling him to win the game for me. Because Mirko is that kind of player. If he is in the mood then he can make the difference with his class.

“I remember some mad Champions League performances from him while we were at Roma, against Chelsea and Manchester United.”

Juventus have a mountain to climb in tonight’s quarter-final return given that they lost the first leg 2-0.

“Vucinic can add the finishing touch, but he’ll also need the help of the entire side,” Panucci continued.

“Juve will have to play to their best, but Bayern will also have to be under par because they are a great side.”

Vucinic has scored nine goals in 26 League games this term, as well as two in seven Champions League ties.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Vidal urges full fan support

Apr 10, 2013

Arturo Vidal has called for the Juventus supporters to get fully behind the team when they play Bayern Munich this evening.

The Bianconeri host the Bundesliga champions in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

And the Chilean midfielder, who is suspended for the match, thinks that the Old Lady can overcome the 2-0 deficit.

“This evening it will be millions of Juventus fans against 11 Bayern Munich players,” he told Tuttosport.

“For 90 minutes, we all have to believe that we can achieve our Champions League dream.”

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Giaccherini: Juve must believe

Apr 10, 2013

Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has insisted that the Bianconeri have what it takes to beat Bayern Munich this evening.

The Old Lady go into their quarter-final second leg trailing 2-0 from the first match, but the Italy international has claimed that his team have the quality to overcome the Bundesliga champions.

“We must believe in ourselves,” he told reporters. “We cannot go out defeated.

“They won the title in Germany, have a two-goal lead and are one of the strongest teams in the world.

“But we will give everything and try to overturn the result.”

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Deschamps attends Juve-Bayern

Apr 10, 2013

France manager Didier Deschamps is expected to be in the stands for tonight’s Juventus-Bayern Munich Champions League quarter-final.

Deschamps will be in Turin for the big game so he can watch Juve’s Paul Pogba and Bayern’s Franck Ribery in action.

It is also a return for the former midfielder, who played for Juventus from 1994-99 and was their Coach in Serie B in 2006-07.

His ex-club will try to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Tardelli expects ‘perfect’ Marchisio

Apr 10, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has been told to deliver for Juventus against Bayern Munich by former Bianconeri midfielder Marco Tardelli.

“This match is far too important for Claudio to fail,” Tardelli, a 1982 World Cup winner, told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“He has to demonstrate that he is up to the level of the greatest players.

“I remind people that champions make the difference when it really counts. I expect a perfect game from him and maybe even a goal.”

Juventus youth team graduate Marchisio has scored five goals in 24 League games this term, as well as two in seven Champions League matches.

Marchisio is expected to start in a central midfield three which will be formed by Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba.

The Bianconeri will go into tonight’s Champions League quarter-final tie 2-0 down from the first leg in Germany.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Paul Pogba comes in for Juventus

Apr 10, 2013

Former Manchester United youngster Paul Pogba has been included in the Juventus starting lineup for this evening's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

The France international has replaced the suspended Arturo Vidal, while striker Mirko Vucinic has returned from illness to lead the attack.

Meanwhile, visiting Bayern have recalled Javi Martinez following a one-man suspension.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

BAYERN: Neuer; Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba; Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Line-ups: Juventus-Bayern Munich

Apr 10, 2013

Juventus try to overturn their Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich, looking to Paul Pogba, Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella.

The Bianconeri lost the first leg 2-0 in Germany and were completely out-played, but Coach Antonio Conte has promised “a very different performance.”

Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner sit out bans, while Sebastian Giovinco, Simone Pepe, Nicolas Anelka and Nicklas Bendtner are injured.

Vucinic partners Quagliarella in attack, while Pogba steps in for the banned Vidal in midfield with Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo.

Simone Padoin is the surprise pick on the flank with Kwadwo Asamoah taking the other side.

Martin Caceres returns to the bench for the first time since his horrific car crash last month.

Bayern Munich have already been celebrating over the past week, as they secured the Bundesliga title with a record-breaking 20-point lead and six rounds to spare.

Javi Martinez was suspended in Munich, but returns to the side, while Toni Kroos is still unavailable after suffering a thigh strain in the first leg.

Arjen Robben and Mandzukic will be hoping to again cause the Juve back line real problems.

The last time these sides met in Turin was the 2009-10 group stage, when Juve had taken the lead only to collapse 4-1.

The Bianconeri won 1-0 in the 2004-05 group phase and 2-1 in 2011-12.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, De Ceglie, Peluso, Giaccherini, Matri, Isla

BAYERN MUNICH: Neuer; Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez; Robben, T Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic

Bayern bench: Starke, Rafinha, Boateng, Shaqiri, Luiz Gustavo, Pizarro, Gomez

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Marotta: 'Crowd our 12th man'

Apr 10, 2013

Director general Beppe Marotta assures “Juventus believe in this comeback and the crowd is our 12th man” against Bayern Munich.

This evening the Bianconeri aim to reach the Champions League semi-final despite a 2-0 first leg defeat.

“Today the crowd is our 12th man and we hope the players can use this passion in their performance,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“We believe in this comeback, as football has accustomed us to extraordinary turnarounds. Bayern are a solid and very physical side, but we will fight to the end. The lads and the Coach are fired up.”

Marotta also thanked Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero for sending his support from Sydney.

[Socrates 8334]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

HT 0-0: Juve hit Bayern brick wall

Apr 10, 2013

Andrea Pirlo and David Alaba forced tough saves, but Juventus-Bayern is still goalless at half-time in Turin.

The Bianconeri had a mountain to climb in order to reach the Champions League semi-finals, having lost the first leg 2-0 in Munich. Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner were suspended, so Paul Pogba and Simone Padoin stepped into the starting XI with Fabio Quagliarella replacing the injured Sebastian Giovinco. Bayern won the Bundesliga last week with six games to spare and welcomed Javi Martinez back from his ban, though Toni Kroos suffered a thigh strain.

As Antonio Conte requested, the atmosphere in the Juventus Stadium was deafening and a huge banner read: ‘Never give up, because when you think it’s all over, that is the moment where everything begins.’

After 84 seconds Mirko Vucinic scuffed his shot at Manuel Neuer, then Giorgio Chiellini went down in agony after a clash with Mario Mandzukic that saw the striker very harshly booked and therefore suspended for Bayern’s next game.

Mandzukic went close to a goal on the counter, but turned wide under pressure from Padoin. Philipp Lahm tripped Claudio Marchisio right on the edge of the box for a free kick, from which Andrea Pirlo hit a missile that Neuer punched out from under the bar with great difficulty.

Padoin tackled Ribery to win back possession and Vucinic threaded through for Pogba down the right, who flashed a ball across the six-yard box, but Asamoah was a fraction too late to get the final touch.

Quagliarella smashed a long-range attempt high and wide, while Thomas Muller volleyed off target. Daniel Van Buyten requested a substitution, making way for Jerome Boateng, the brother of Milan star Kevin-Prince.

Pogba’s first touch let him down in the D when Vucinic pulled back and he hesitated, allowing the shot to be charged down.

David Alaba’s screamer surprised Gigi Buffon in the first leg, but this time a corner fell to the full-back for a powerful shot and the goalkeeper was ready, flying to palm it away.

Juve went close from a free kick that was not dealt with, as Quagliarella and then Bonucci couldn’t finish it off from six yards. In first half stoppages Ribery scuffed a weak effort into Buffon’s arms, while Vucinic’s chipped pass for Padoin was crucially deflected out for a corner.

Juventus 0-0 Bayern (Half-Time, 0-2 agg)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten (Boateng 35), Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez; Robben, T Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic

Ref: Carballo (SPA)