Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Ventura: 'Turin derby a festival'

Apr 27, 2013

There is a great deal at stake in the Derby della Mole, but Torino Coach Giampiero Ventura hopes it “can be a festival of sport” against Juventus.

The local rivals go head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“Aside from the rivalry, I hope it can be a festival of sport. We are setting the image for the city,” said Ventura.

“After all, last season Juve won the Scudetto and we were promoted back into Serie A, so it was a positive year all round for Turin. This season they have practically won the title again and we still need to secure safety.

“It is certainly a derby that means a lot to both teams and their fans. There is a 40-point gap between us, but the favourites do not always win. If we played 10 times then Juve would win nine of them, but seeing as it’s just a one-off 90 minutes then anything can happen and we’ll play open football.

“We are inferior to Juve in certain respects, but not in terms of hunger, grit and concentration. Today our season would’ve been far better if we had not dropped so many points in the final 10 minutes of the last five rounds. Instead, we are still here fighting for safety.

“Many of our players are facing Juventus for the first or second time. This morning the fans flocked to the training ground to give them a taste of what a derby is like in Turin. Everyone was united by a single passion.”

Torino squad for Juventus: Bakic, Barreto, Basha, Bianchi, Birsa, Brighi, Caceres, Cerci, Coppola, D’Ambrosio, Di Cesare, Gazzi, Gillet, Glik, Jonathas, Masiello, Meggiorini, Menga, Ogbonna, Rodriguez, Santana

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Cerci: 'Perfect derby timing'

Apr 28, 2013

This afternoon is the Turin Derby and Alessio Cerci feels it is “the perfect timing” for the two rival clubs.

Torino welcome rivals Juventus, who cannot mathematically win the Scudetto today as Napoli beat Pescara 3-0 last night. Click here for a match preview.

“The timing is perfect,” smiled Cerci in Tuttosport. “If this game is important for Juve, then it is even more important for Toro. We are extremely concentrated and could enter the history books, though we know it will take more than a normal performance to beat Juventus.

“We’ve got to face this game as if we were fighting for our lives, with blood in our eyes. I never like using this imagery, but this time it’s necessary. We need to pull out that something extra.”

When asked which of the Juventus players he would remove from the match, Cerci picked Arturo Vidal.

“It would be too obvious to say Andrea Pirlo or Gigi Buffon, so I choose Vidal. He really impressed me, is a complete midfielder, very physical and extraordinary at timing his forward runs.”

Cerci is already a fan favourite with the Granata, although he is still co-owned by Fiorentina and several clubs are interested in taking him on.

“At the end of the season, we’ll all decide together. I feel very close to Torino and the city of Turin, as I was immediately made to feel like an important player here. I need that in order to give my best. If I have reached the Italy squad, then it is thanks to Toro.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Line-ups: Torino-Juventus

Apr 28, 2013

It’s the 186th Derby della Mole this afternoon as relegation-threatened Torino host a Juventus side on their way to the Scudetto.

There was the chance this could’ve become the title-clincher for Juve, but Napoli’s 3-0 win away to Pescara last night made that mathematically impossible. Click here for a match preview.

The Bianconeri are flying high at the top of the table and welcome Sebastian Giovinco back for a spot on the bench after his injury.

Mauricio Isla, Simone Pepe and Nicolas Anelka are injured, while Coach Antonio Conte sticks with the 3-5-1-1 system that has Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba together.

Torino boss Giampiero Ventura never changes his beloved 4-2-4 tactic, though in this game he is without the suspended Giuseppe Vives and Mattia Darmian.

Alessio Cerci is the primary threat down the wing with Mario Alberto Santana, Riccardo Meggiorini and Rolando Bianchi, as Paulo Vitor Barreto is surprisingly dropped.

There has already been some tension outside the Stadio Olimpico involving around 80 Juventus ultras and police.

TORINO: Gillet; D’Ambrosio, Glik, Ogbonna, Masiello; Basha, Gazzi; Cerci, Bianchi, Meggiorini, Santana

Torino bench: Coppola, Di Cesare, Rodriguez, Brighi, Birsa, P Caceres, Bakic, Menga, Jonathas, Barreto

************************************************************************************

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

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, M Caceres, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Bendtner, Padoin, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Matri, Marrone

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

HT 0-0: Granata frustrate Juve

Apr 28, 2013

Juventus are struggling to break down Torino, as the Derby della Mole is goalless at half-time with both sides creating chances.

This was the 186th Derby della Mole and both sides had plenty to play for under the pouring rain. Juve could close in on their second consecutive Scudetto, while the Granata wanted to break away from the relegation zone. Antonio Conte stuck with the 3-5-1-1 that allows Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba to play together behind Mirko Vucinic, missing Mauricio Isla, Simone Pepe and Nicolas Anelka. Toro surprisingly dropped Paulo Vitor Barreto for Riccardo Meggiorini and Rolando Bianchi, while Giuseppe Vives and Mattia Darmian were suspended.

Andrea Barzagli marked his 100th appearance for Juventus in all competition. Toro hadn’t scored in their last seven meetings with Juve.

Mirko Vucinic should’ve opened the scoring after 11 minutes when he sprung the offside trap, but pulled his angled drive across the face of goal. Arturo Vidal’s header was over the bar from a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross and a Claudio Marchisio curler was beaten away.

Juve started to pour forward, but Vucinic first and then Pogba were denied from close range, as Kamil Glik flew himself at the follow-up for effectively a goalline clearance.

Toro finally threatened after 25 minutes with Rolando Bianchi’s header from a corner and Giorgio Chiellini prevented Alessio Cerci’s assist from reaching Riccardo Meggiorini.

Marchisio had the ball in the net, but play had already been halted for an offside position, then Pogba’s header was into Jean-Francois Gillet’s arms.

Gigi Buffon made his first save on 42 minutes, flying to palm a Mario Alberto Santana screamer out from under the bar with one strong hand. There was a row before the corner could be taken, as both Lichtsteiner and Meggiorini were booked.

Torino 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Torino: Gillet; D’Ambrosio, Glik, Ogbonna, Masiello; Basha, Gazzi; Cerci, Bianchi, Meggiorini, Santana

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Marchisio; Vucinic

Ref: Bergonzi

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000‎

Vidal & Marchisio put Conte's men on brink of Scudetto

The Chilean star hit a beauty to give Juve victory in a disappointing derby

and the Serie A holders need just one point from the last four games to assure title success.

Apr 28, 2013

An off-key Juventus could not find a way past Torino, until Arturo Vidal arrived with a late cracker to send the league leaders on the way to a 2-0 win in Saturday's Derby della Mole, leaving them just one point shy of the Serie A title.

Juve shaded the match in terms of territory and possession, but were imprecise in attack and rarely threatened to break the deadlock, breaking through with just four minutes left when Vidal smashed home a volley from nowhere.

With Torino demoralised, Claudio Marchisio deepened the wound with a second in injury time to assure victory.

The win means that Conte's charges lie eleven points clear at the top, with Napoli trailing in second. A victory or draw in the next round against Palermo would ensure that the title will be staying in Turin for another year. Torino, meanwhile, let slip a valuable point that leaves them just four clear of the relegation zone.

The first half was accompanied by strong rain and a grey panorama in Turin, and although it did little to dampen the spirits of the home support, the conditions made it difficult for either side to control the tempo and pass fluidly across the pitch.

In a tight first 45 minutes, Juve had a handful of chances to put themselves in the lead and further extend their advantage at the top. Mirko Vucinic should have done a lot better after being played through by a sumptuous ball from Paul Pogba. The Montenegro striker had the net firmly in his sights, but failed to make decent contact on a greasy surface and ended up steering a tame shot wide of the post.

Vidal was another man to go close for the Old Lady, steering a header high and wide after connecting with Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross at the far post.

The game began to open up towards the end of the period and the visitors thought they had scored when Marchisio broke through and chipped past Jean-Francois Gillet, but the flag soon went up as the midfielder was comfortably offside when fed by Vucinic.

Torino, meanwhile, attempted to hit their rivals on the break but had few opportunities to do damage and break a run of seven games without scoring in a derby.

Mario Santana went closer than anybody in burgundy, releasing a terrific shot from outside the area that needed an equally wonderful stop from Gianluigi Buffon to ensure the sides would go into the break still deadlocked.

The second 45 minutes started in a rather scrappy fashion, with neither side holding back in the tackle resulting in plenty of fouls and pauses in play.

Neverthless, Vucinic went close to opening the scoring with a rather fortunate effort, a shot that took a big deflection off the boot of Migjen Basha and landed inches wide of the post.

Juventus stayed on top, dominating possession, but they could not find any way past a home team that compensated for their deficiencies with no little commitment and enthusiasm.

Lichtsteiner summed up the frustration of his team-mates with a speculative shot from outside the box that flew wide, an indication of the solidity of Torino at the back as Juve were starved of space.

Antonio Conte rang the changes to attempt to find a winning formula, and with just four minutes to go, a moment of magic broke down the home resistance.

Vidal looked to be innocuous enough as he received the ball well outside the Toro area, but the Chilean released a stunning volley that squeezed into the net and earned the three points in dramatic fashion.

It was heartbreak for Torino after such resistance, getting worse at the end when Kamil Glik was expelled for a second booking, and any hopes they may still have had evaporated when Marchisio turned in a corner in injury time to end the game as a contest.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Juve late Turin Derby win

Juventus left it very late indeed, but Arturo Vidal

and Claudio Marchisio beat Torino in the Derby della Mole.

Apr 28, 2013

This was the 186th Derby di Torino and both sides had plenty to play for under the pouring rain. Juve could close in on their second consecutive Scudetto, while the Granata wanted to break away from the relegation zone. Antonio Conte stuck with the 3-5-1-1 that allows Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba to play together behind Mirko Vucinic, missing Mauricio Isla, Simone Pepe and Nicolas Anelka. Toro surprisingly dropped Paulo Vitor Barreto for Riccardo Meggiorini and Rolando Bianchi, while Giuseppe Vives and Mattia Darmian were suspended.

Andrea Barzagli marked his 100th appearance for Juventus in all competition. Toro hadn’t scored in their last seven meetings with Juve.

Mirko Vucinic should’ve opened the scoring after 11 minutes when he sprung the offside trap, but pulled his angled drive across the face of goal. Arturo Vidal’s header was over the bar from a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross and a Claudio Marchisio curler was beaten away.

Juve started to pour forward, but Vucinic first and then Pogba were denied from close range, as Kamil Glik flew himself at the follow-up for effectively a goalline clearance.

Toro finally threatened after 25 minutes with Rolando Bianchi’s header from a corner and Giorgio Chiellini prevented Alessio Cerci’s assist from reaching Riccardo Meggiorini.

Marchisio had the ball in the net, but play had already been halted for an offside position, then Pogba’s header was into Jean-Francois Gillet’s arms.

Gigi Buffon made his first save on 42 minutes, flying to palm a Mario Alberto Santana screamer out from under the bar with one strong hand. There was a row before the corner could be taken, as both Lichtsteiner and Meggiorini were booked.

After the restart Vucinic’s shot was deflected off target by Migjen Basha.

Torino were denied a penalty in the final stages, as Cerci flashed a ball across the six-yard box and Jonathas couldn’t get on the end of it because he was being held back by Leonardo Bonucci.

Pogba hit the side-netting from point-blank range when he surprised the Toro defence to pop up at the back post.

Juve finally broke the deadlock in the final moments, as Arturo Vidal gathered from 20 metres and smashed a half-volley with his right foot that slotted past Gillet into the near bottom corner of the net. The late goal sparked wild celebrations on the Bianconeri bench.

Torino went down to 10 men, as Kamil Glik – who had already been sent off in the Derby earlier this season – received a second yellow card.

Marchisio made the result safe when Andrea Pirlo’s free kick was nodded back into the six-yard box for the midfielder’s volley.

Federico Peluso came on for the final minutes and appeared to fracture his nose in an aerial collision.

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

TORINO: Gillet; D’Ambrosio (Di Cesare 75), Glik, Ogbonna, Masiello; Basha, Gazzi; Cerci, Bianchi, Meggiorini (Jonathas 67), Santana

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (M Caceres 74), Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah (Peluso 91); Marchisio; Vucinic (Quagliarella 74)

Ref: Bergonzi

Sent off: Glik 90 (T)

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Juve on brink of title defence

Apr 28, 2013

Juventus moved to the brink of retaining the Serie A title this afternoon with a late victory at Torino.

The visitors made the breakthrough four minutes from time through Arturo Vidal, prompting a frantic final few minutes at Turin's Stadio Olimpico.

Torino defender Kamil Glik was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 90th minute, with Claudio Marchisio then grabbing a stoppage-time goal to seal the away win.

With just 12 points left to play for, the result moved Antonio Conte's side 11 points clear at the summit.

Torino had the first effort of the day when Alessio Cerci shot over from 25 yards before Juve took control.

Home goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet punched away Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross but his clearance only found Mirko Vucinic, who shot high over the bar.

Paul Pogba then led a counter-attack and his pass back found Lichsteiner, who fired wide with the former's header then comfortably saved by Jean-Francois Gillet.

Gillet then easily gathered Lichtsteiner's shot from outside the box.

Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was finally called upon in the last minute of the first half and was equal to an impressive effort by Mario Santana.

The match continued in the same vein on the resumption, with Vucinic's shot skimming the post and Pogba lashing wide.

Rolando Bianchi and Alessandro Gazzi fired over for Torino before Cerci put in a low cross from the left but it just evaded substitute Jonathas in front of goal.

With five minutes left, Pogba clumsily missed a great chance when he was picked out by Kwadwo Asamoah at the far post.

However, the visitors then went ahead a minute later. Marchisio found Vidal outside the box and he despatched his shot into the bottom-left corner with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Torino then found themselves down to 10 men with Glik sent off after a foul on Fabio Quagliarella which was deemed to be worthy of a second yellow card.

Juve sealed victory in stoppage time when Andrea Pirlo's free-kick found Marchisio unmarked in front of goal and he made no mistake.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

The Old Lady leave it late in Turin

Apr 28, 2013

Juventus defeated Torino 2-0 at the Stadio Olympico on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.

A fantastic late Arturo Vidal volley and a strike from Claudio Marchisio secured the win for Juventus in the 186th Derby della Mole, as Torino had Kamil Glik sent-off.

In a tight first half Torino started the better of the two sides, containing the Bianconeri through striker Riccardo Meggiorini shadowing Andrea Pirlo when not in possession, and managing to show attacking intent through the wing play of Mario Santana down the left hand side.

Under extremely wet conditions in Turin it was captain Rolando Bianchi who had the first chance for Il Toro, but a heavy touch off his chest wasted a well-directed long pass from Danilo D’Ambrosio.

However, after the initial good start the champions took control and the Torino defence found themselves regularly defending Jean Francois Gillet’s goal, and nearly conceded when Paul Pogba found Mirko Vucinic with a perfectly weighted pass around Angelo Ogbonna, only for the Montenegrin to drag his shot wide.

Minutes later the striker did manage an attempt on target, collecting a short corner on the edge of the box, but his shot was fisted away by Gillet, choosing not to catch under the adverse weather conditions.

On 18 minutes panic ensued in the Torino box as Stephan Lichtsteiner curled in an excellent low cross that skipped along the sodden surface, Gillet palmed out to Vucinic who’s scuffed attempt fell to Pogba, but the Frenchmans shot was blocked by Gilk.

The Bianconeri continued to press and Lichtsteiner should have done better when breaking into the box from a Pogba pass, the Switzerland international attempting to chip to the back post rather than test Gillet himself.

Despite spending most of the game on the back foot, I Granata fashioned a couple of chances late in the first half, Cerci eventually testing the Juventus defence with a dangerous cross to the back post and Giorgio Chellini cutting out a low drive from Danilo D’Ambrosio.

Operating behind Vucinic once more, Marchisio did have the ball in the Torino net on 36 minutes after being played through by the striker, but the Italian international was rightly ruled offside.

On 43 minutes a poor clearance from Leonardo Bonucci was cut out by Santana and the Argentinean fired a powerful drive towards goal that Buffon acrobatically tipped behind, however, the tussling before the corner proved more entertaining than the eventual set piece, Lichtsteiner receiving a caution for arguing with anyone within earshot.

The first half then ended in embarrassing circumstances when referee Nicoletti Bergonzi mistakenly blew for half-time, with Marchisio catching the ball, the game was restarted by a drop ball only for the next 30 seconds to be limply played out by Il Toro anyway.

At the beginning of the second period the rain continued to cause problems, Gillet slipping as he took a goal kick, with the ball breaking directly to the opposition the Belgian was grateful to see Vucinic’s deflected effort bounce agonisingly wide.

Neither side seemed willing to press their opponents in the testing conditions, as the next 20 minutes witnessed very little attacking play, Torino happy to sit back and observe the Bianconeri’s passing game, and them failing to create any clear opportunities, by the 70th minute the crowd began to signal their discontent.

The game briefly livened up on 78 minutes when Glik’s raised arm connected with the face of substitute Fabio Quagliarella and brought the pole a booking.

From the resulting free-kick Juventus worked an opening for Kwadwo Asamoah on the left, but his low drive was cut out by Alessando Gazzi, that allowed Cerci to break down the right, but the Italian’s cross was just too close to Buffon.

Moments later it was Cerci again, tricky his way past Chiellini, Jonathas failed to connect with his cross when any contact looked likely to win the match for I Granata.

With 5 minutes to go Pogba avoided the attention of the Torino defence to meet Asamoah’s careful chipped cross at the back post, but missed the target when looking certain to score.

Chilean Vidal finally ended the stalemate on 87 minutes, controlling a deflected past on his chest before expertly volleying the ball just inside Gillets right hand post from 20 yards to consign Torino to yet another Derby defeat.

Barely minutes later I Granata were down to 10 men, Glik receiving his marching orders, after his arm again made contact with Quagliarella’s face and receiving a second caution.

With the match in stoppage time, Pirlo swung over a deep free-kick that Quagliarella headed back across the box for Marchisio to sweep into the Torino net from inside the six yard box and add to Il Toro’s misery.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Kings of Turin and soon

to be the Champions of Italy

Apr 28, 2013

Since the 1994/95 campaign, Torino have been searching for a victory against Juventus in this fixture. They hoped, on this occasion, that determination and defensive heart would impede their rivals in the Turin derby. Whilst Juventus were certainly contained for much of the 90 minutes, the fact that the Old Lady continues to play until the final whistle is the reason why she celebrated another victory on Sunday. And after winning 2-0 in her old stadium, she is one step closer to the Scudetto, needing only a draw against Palermo next week to celebrate domestic glory.

Determined to stay true to the 3-5-1-1 formation, Juventus were deployed rather differently than usual on the pitch. Whilst Kwadwo Asamoah tended to adopt a higher position on the field as a left wing-back, Stephan Lichtsteiner played much deeper than usual and it looked like the Bianconeri were playing with a four-man backline.

Antonio Conte hoped his slight change in shape would be enough to neutralise Torino's winged attack and stop them from exploiting the power of their 4-2-4 shape. Whilst they attempted to make the most of every counter-attacking opportunity, the truth is the home side simply lacked the drive and courage to push forward in numbers, worrying more about their defensive stability.

As such, the Bianconeri pushed high up the pitch, with Arturo Vidal playing towards the left hand side as opposed to the right. With Alessio Cerci playing on the wing, it was thought the Chilean would be better at impeding the Granata's creative outlet, leaving Paul Pogba to take his place towards the right hand side of the pitch.

It took the Old Lady a short while to settle into her game. Defensively Torino looked capable whilst they appeared the more dangerous and determined team from the outset. However, just before the 20-minute mark, Conte's men began to apply more pressure, keeping better possession of the ball as they worked on constructing goal-scoring opportunities.

The only danger Torino posed came from the counter-attack and the skill of their wingers who benefitted from their pace and ability to evade their markers. Alessio Cerci in particular pushed forward but Giorgio Chiellini impressively restricted the amount of danger the player could pose rendering him incapable.

With the rain pouring, inaccuracy was very much the name of the game. Passes were either too short or wayward, whilst players continued to slip in their attempts to expose pockets of space. Asamoah failed to make the most of his opportunity to aid the attack, rarely managing to pierce the defence, whilst his ability to cheaply concede possession proved frustrating.

Despite Juventus' determination to attack in numbers, they lacked that final pass and were consistently halted in their quest to score a goal. Il Toro defended with heart with Kamil Glik in particular providing a mighty performance at the back. His hard work, alert play and insatiable appetite for restricting Mirko Vucinic's talent made him the perfect defender for the home side. Unfortunately, one too many needless fouls eventually saw him forced off the pitch after collecting two yellow cards.

After the break, the tempo of the game somewhat slowed down and the intensity vanished. For a moment it appeared both sides were comfortable with a draw.

However, once again, the Old Lady's concentration levels and ability to play until the final whistle saw them triumph. Vidal, who has scored all of Juve's recent goals, once again came through for his side as he struck the perfect goal to make it 1-0. There was simply nothing Ventura's side could do to stop it and it seemed awfully harsh on Torino. However, the mere strike was worthy of adulation and Juventus were 1-0 up and winning the game.

With Glik sent off, Torino were down to 10 and unable to defend correctly, allowing Claudio Marchisio, who had worked awfully hard throughout the game, the opportunity to grab Juve's second to seal maximum points for the Bianconeri. Once again, it was the midfield that had won the game for Conte, with Pogba putting in a sublime performance in the middle to ensure his side retained possession and were always capable of constructing attacking moves. He completed the most tackles and dribbles on the pitch and always looked to strike from distance.

It is Pogba's constant running that has forced his coach to alter the formation to ensure his integration within the starting line-up.

One point away from domestic glory, Juventus are once again kings of Turin and soon to be the champions of Italy.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Vidal: My most important goal for Juventus

Apr 28, 2013

During the euphoria that surrounded Juventus’ late win over neighbours Torino in the Derby della Mole midfielder Arturo Vidal classed his 20 yard volley as the most important in his time with the Italian champions.

While Claudio Marchisio’s injury time goal secured victory for the Bianconeri it was the Chilean’s strike that broke the deadlock, however, he reiterated that, despite the quality of the strike, without victory it would have meant little.

Despite defeat to their city cousins Vidal praised the efforts of Il Granata, who looked as though Giampiero Ventura’s tactics would secure a valuable point in their attempt to secure Serie A football next season.

“It is the most important goal since I came here, we now need very little to win the Scudetto.” Vidal told Sky Sports.

“It was a tough match, Torino played tactically very well and are well placed in the league.

“Important though as it is, it is more important that we won and did not miss points that will lead to the championship.

“Now we have to think about the match against Palermo.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Player Ratings

Goal.com takes a closer look at the men involved in Sunday's Derby della Mole, decided

in the final minutes by goals from Marchisio and Vidal which handed a win to the visitors.

Apr 28, 2013

TORINO

Jean-François Gillet - Always attentive and quick to come out of goal, closing down the space for Vucinic as Juventus looked to get behind the defence.

Danilo D'Ambrosio - An impressive stint from the right-back, followed Asamoah across the pitch and made his rival look rather ineffective over the 90 minutes.

Angelo Obinze Ogbonna - The Italian of Nigerian heritage proved himself a feisty customer in the middle of defence, marking tightly and never afraid to hit hard.

Salvatore Masiello - An uncompromising presence, led always with the boot and tackled ferociously, pushing Juve back from the Torino area. Lucky at times not to incur further sanction.

Kamil Glik - Saw plenty of action as Juve concentrated their attacks through Lichtsteiner down the full-back's flank. A tough ask, but kept a close eye on the Swiss international. Saw red in the final minutes.

Alessandro Carlo Gazzi - Busy and committed throughout the match, played predominately deep in his own half and stifled Juve's approaches.

Migjen Xhevat Basha - Another Torino man that revelled in the physical side of a ferocious derby. Pressed constantly and unsettled the visitors.

Alessio Cerci - A disappointing display from the ex-Roma midfielder, needed to explode down the right-hand side but looked off the pace.

Mario Alberto Santana - One of the dangermen for Torino as the Argentine was busy down the left. Forced a fantastic save from Buffon with a powerful shot from distance.

Rolando Bianchi - The ex-Manchester City striker constantly looked for a way through up front, but was well shackled and had few chances.

Riccardo Meggiorini - Had little luck alongside Bianchi up front, controlled convincingly by Bonucci and Chiellini. Taken off on the hour for Jonathas.

Substitutions

Valerio Di Cesare - Replaced D'Ambrosio for the last 15 minutes.

Valter Birsa - Given a brief run-out at the end.

Jonathas - Came on in the second half, and tried gamely to feed off the scraps given to him up front.

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - After a relatively quiet first half, showed his quality with a one-handed stop that frustrated Santana.

Andrea Barzagli - Was given more problems than usual by the lively Santana on the right hand side, let the Argentine slip by on a couple of occasions.

Leonardo Bonucci - Tried his best to get his side moving from their own half, distributing deep and wide. Kept Bianchi quiet for most of the encounter.

Giorgio Chiellini - A quiet game for the centre-back, who cleaned up Torino's wayward counter-attacks with ease and kept Juve in control from their own half onwards.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - As usual, a consistent performer for Juve down the right-hand side. Few frills, but more often that not landed his crosses.

Paul Pogba - Elegant and assured in midfield, despite suffering some big hits from the hosts. A perfect through ball for Vucinic should have yielded an early opener.

Andrea Pirlo - Was given little room to breathe by a tenacious Torino backline, who squeezed the veteran playmaker from start to finish.

Arturo Vidal - As always, combative and full of energy in the middle of the pitch. The Chilean matched Torino's rather rustic approach with his own force. Went close with an early header before striking with a wonderful volley.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Watching the winger operate out wide was an exercise in frustration. Always open for his team-mates, but the final ball was not good enough.

Claudio Marchisio - Was impressive playing just off Vucinic, drifting across the backline and causing problems. Had the ball in the net, but moved too early and was called offside - but made sure of victory with a smart finish at the death.

Mirko Vučinić - Moved well on the shoulder of the last man, combining with Marchisio. Guilty, however, of wasting a golden chance with an awful finish.

Substitutions

Martín Cáceres - Replaced Lichtsteiner and added some urgency to Juve's attacks.

Federico Peluso - Entered during injury time for a brief cameo.

Fabio Quagliarella - The striker's injection of pace proved important for the Old Lady as they finally overcame Torino.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Vidal: Just one more point!

The Chile international made the vital breakthrough in the Turin derby, thus putting

the Bianconeri in a position to clinch the Serie A title against Palermo next weekend.

Apr 28, 2013

Arturo Vidal was ecstatic after Juventus moved to within a single point of their second successive Scudetto with a 2-0 success at Torino on Sunday.

The Chile international netted with just four minutes to go before Claudio Marchisio added an injury-time second to secure a victory which restored the Bianconeri's 11-point lead at the summit of Serie A with just four rounds remaining.

Consequently, Juve can now clinch the title with nothing more than a draw at home to Palermo next weekend.

“It was vital to win today," Vidal is quoted as saying by his club's official website. "There’s really not long to go now.

"But there’s still one point to get so we have to keep preparing well and then play a great game against Palermo. After that, we can celebrate.

“It was a difficult game. Torino played well and proved to be very well prepared tactically. It was tough, as it always is in derby matches.”

While Juve are poised to underline their Serie A superiority next weekend, Vidal insists there is no chance of Antonio Conte's men resting on their laurels given they desperately want to replicate their domestic dominance in European competition next season.

“We still have to improve," the midfielder acknowledged. "You always need to and that’s what we want to do, because our aim is to win everything.”

Vidal joined Juve from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 and is now set to collect his second Scudetto in two seasons.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Conte commiserates with injured Zanetti

Juventus coach was upset to hear the Argentine defender had suffered

a potentially career-threatening Achilles tendon injury in Palermo.

Apr 28, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte immediately put his side's derby victory over Torino to one side to send his commiserations to Javier Zanetti after hearing the Inter captain had suffered a serious injury on Sunday.

The Bianconeri's victory moved them to within a single point of their second successive Scudetto, but their boss was more concerned with the plight of the veteran Nerazzurri skipper, whose career is reportedly in doubt because of a suspected Achilles tendon injury suffered against Palermo.

“First of all, before discussing the derby, I want to wish Zanetti a fast recovery and hope it is not as serious as people say,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“Like Diego Milito, he is a player who made history and I couldn’t think higher of him as a player and a man.”

Turning his attention back to the win over their city rivals, Conte admitted Juventus had not been at their best and was thrilled they still took a huge step towards the title with late goals from Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio.

"We wanted to win and we prepared very well for the game," the former Italy international explained. "But congratulations to Torino, who behaved in a very magnanimous manner.

"We would have been happy with a draw, but we found a win. Now we're missing only one point to make it mathematically safe, and to celebrate the title with three games remaining would be great."

Juventus, who are 11 points clear of Napoli with four rounds remaining, can clinch the title with a draw at home to Palermo next weekend.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Ventura has derby regrets

Apr 28, 2013

Giampiero Ventura can’t help but feel regret over Torino’s Derby della Mole defeat to Juventus. “We had the chance to win.”

The tie was 0-0 until the final minutes, when Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio found the net for a 2-0 result.

“Despite being in an emergency situation, we had fought Juventus head to head, allowing very few scoring opportunities,” Ventura told Sky Sport Italia.

“We even had the chance to win, but Jonathas just failed to get on the end of the cross and then conceded with their first real shot on goal.

“Obviously on paper we could’ve had an even tougher day, but we interpreted the game well and kept Juventus quiet.”

There was also a probable penalty for Torino on that Jonathas incident, as Leonardo Bonucci was holding his jersey.

“If we had taken the lead at that moment, then perhaps we could’ve taken the match home. In any case, the game is over and we are still here with four rounds to go, having put in a good performance.

“It’s a shame for the players who are so eager to secure safety and we hope to do it as soon as possible. I hope there is no fear in the locker room, even if we are back in the danger zone.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Conte: 'Just one more point'

Apr 28, 2013

Antonio Conte praised Juventus for their victory in the Derby della Mole and wished Javier Zanetti a speedy recovery.

The Bianconeri left it late to beat Torino 2-0 and now require only one more point to secure the Scudetto.

“First of all, before discussing the derby, I want to wish Zanetti a fast recovery and hope it is not as serious as people say,” commented Conte on Sky Sport Italia.

“Like Diego Milito, he is a player who made history and I couldn’t think higher of him as a player and a man.”

Conte moved on to the game in Turin, which was decided by Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio.

“We prepared this match in every detail, as always, and took the initiative. Toro deserve compliments for their performance, as they stopped us scoring until the very end.

“These are extremely important goals, as now we need just one more point for a second consecutive Scudetto. To win it with three rounds to spare would be something extraordinary and we achieved it in a really tough atmosphere today.”

Juve have found another gear since adopting the 3-5-1-1 system with Marchisio pushed up to make way for Paul Pogba.

“We have so many great midfielders and in this phase of the season I have given the team an alternative way of playing. The job of a Coach is to find the right system that suits his players. Pogba has grown exponentially, so we found this system that also makes us less predictable in attack.

“I really liked the way the team approached it today. We could’ve been content with a point, but instead kept pushing for the victory right to the end. I work with a group of lads I will never stop thanking for their efforts.

“I am constantly hammering the message into them and they know full well I’ll continue hammering until the Scudetto trophy is in our hands.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Marchisio: Juventus showed great character

The 27-year-old praised the resourcefulness of the team to overcome a tough Torino

side and says he is looking forward to winning the title on home soil next weekend.

Apr 28, 2013

Claudio Marchisio has heaped praise on his Juventus team-mates for the "character" shown in the 2-0 victory over Torino on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's men moved another step nearer to retaining their Serie A crown courtesy of two goals in the dying stages of the Turin derby.

And Marchisio - who netted the second goal - has lauded his team-mates for illustrating why the club are on the brink of securing another Scudetto.

Speaking to club's official website, Marchisio said: "It was a similar game to our first meeting with Torino this season. We had difficulty breaking them down at our stadium and it was the same again today.

"But in the end, we managed to score and the claim the points. We showed great character."

Victory over Palermo next Sunday will see Juve crowned champions for a second successive year and Marchisio then revealed he is relishing the opportunity to potentially celebrate the success in front of the home supporters.

"Apart from my goal, I'm also very happy about the victory because it takes us to within a whisker of being champions," added Marchisio.

"We now have the opportunity to celebrate the Scudetto with our fans at home, even though we will be up against a Palermo side fighting for survival."

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Toro deny racist Pogba insult

Apr 28, 2013

Torino forward Riccardo Meggiorini denied racially abusing Paul Pogba during the Turin Derby. “It was a perfectly normal insult.”

Juventus midfielder Pogba complained during the match, which the Bianconeri won 2-0, that Meggiorini had aimed a racist epithet at him.

“There was an insult, but it was a perfectly ‘normal’ one, the kind you get in football,” insisted Meggiorini.

“Pogba shouldn’t start crying and moaning if someone says something to him. I get insulted too, but I don’t complain, because in football certain things are normal.

“It’s not really a story as far as I am concerned and I am far more upset about losing the derby.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (86′)

Claudio Marchisio (90+1′)

Olimpico Stadium - Turin

Referee: Mauro Bergonzi

Attendance: 27000

Marchisio respects fighting Palermo

Apr 29, 2013

Claudio Marchisio expects a challenge when his Juventus side face Palermo next weekend in search of the point they need to secure the Scudetto.

The Old Lady are now on the verge of retaining the title after a 2-0 win over Torino in the derby on Sunday.

“Aside from the goal I scored, I’m happy about the victory which takes us to within a whisker of lifting the title,” the midfielder noted.

“We’ve now got the opportunity to celebrate the Scudetto with our fans at home, even though we’ll be up against a Palermo side fighting for survival.”

Juve left it late to wrap up the points at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin yesterday afternoon.

“It was a similar game to this season’s first encounter,” added the Italian international. “We also had difficulty in breaking the deadlock at the Juventus Stadium...

“It was the same again this time around, but then we managed to score and claim the points by showing great character.”

Palermo are launching a late attempt to stay up after winning three and drawing two of their last five games.

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

[Socrates 8338]

 

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-  

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Andrea Romeo       

                                                                                                                                       Zamparini targets Palermo party in Turin

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The 71-year-old says nothing but a win will do ahead of meeting league leaders Juventus  at the weekend and believes his team currently occupy a false position in Serie A.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Apr 29, 2013

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is hoping his club's strong league form can continue by upsetting Juventus on Sunday.

The Rosanero have collected an impressive 11 points from their previous five games, a run of form which has lifted the club out of the relegation zone to 17th in the Serie A standings.

However, Guiseppe Sannino's men travel to Turin knowing their opponents need only a point to secure the league championship.

Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss, Zamparini said: "We are desperate for the win and we'll be going to Turin to win. We need the points and we have to try cause an upset.

"We will not go there hoping to spoil Juventus's party, but with the intentions of having our own party."

Asked about his club's chances of avoiding the drop, the 71-year-old was optimistic.

"Ourselves and Genoa are much stronger than the teams ahead of us," he added. "But things can still go wrong."

 

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Andrea Romeo

Donati: We can have say

Apr 30, 2013

Massimo Donati believes his Palermo side can cause an upset when they face Juventus this weekend.

The Rosanero travel to Turin looking for the three points that could take them three points clear of the relegation zone.

And the midfielder has insisted that a positive result is possible.

“Juventus are without doubt the strongest team in Italy,” he told a Press conference. “And the predictions for Sunday will say there's only one result.

“But when the referee blows his whistle, you start at 0-0, 11 against 11. We can have a say in the match.

“The Coach has asked us to stand as one and stay compact. We will help each other even more than usual.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Andrea Romeo

Sannino aims to ruin Juve party

May 2, 2013

Juventus have the Scudetto party ready, but Palermo Coach Giuseppe Sannino warns “we’re not sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.”

The Bianconeri need just one more point to be mathematically sure of the title and celebrations are planned at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday.

“Safety is a difficult objective, but before we were given up for dead and now we can have this week as protagonists,” Sannino told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is on paper an impossible match, but the team has found its unity and desire to amaze, silencing those who thought we were already relegated. We’re not in Turin as sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.”

There were injury fears over both Josip Ilicic and Fabrizio Miccoli, but the strikers are back in full training and should be available from the start.

“It was important that the lads understood the disappointment in the city and how we have won the fans back,” added Sannino.

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Andrea Romeo

Buffon: 'Unequivocal Scudetto'

May 2, 2013

Gigi Buffon insists Juventus will confirm themselves champions of Italy in an “unequivocal” manner.

The giants need only one point to mathematically clinch the second consecutive Serie A title and hope to spark the party on Sunday against Palermo.

“This season we started out as favourites, while last year we were very motivated, but winning was still a great achievement,” said the goalkeeper.

“It wasn’t easy to confirm ourselves, but we are winning this Scudetto unequivocally, seeing as we were top of the table from start to finish.

“Antonio Conte? He is the right man for Juventus and he proved it.”

Buffon was speaking at the presentation of teammate Andrea Pirlo’s autobiography.

“Pirlo could definitely be a Coach in future. Over the past two years he has been our extra man.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Andrea Romeo

Ilicic: Juve the most beautiful

May 3, 2013

Josip Ilicic has claimed that games against the biggest sides are 'the most beautiful', as Palermo prepare to face Juventus.

The Rosanero travel to Turin looking for the victory that could take them three points clear of the relegation places.

And the young attacker has admitted that he wants to score against the Bianconeri on Sunday.

“I want to continue my scoring run,” he told Rai Sport. “If I have one ambition, it's to score against Juventus.

“They are a very strong team and play in a beautiful stadium.

“These games to me are the most beautiful. We are ready to take some points.”

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Andrea Romeo

MATCH PREVIEW

May 4, 2013

Just one point separates Juventus from the Scudetto, but Palermo are hungry for a win to aid their chances of avoiding relegation.

The Bianconeri took another giant step towards the title by claiming a last-gasp Derby della Mole victory against Torino. Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio scored in the final five minutes to ensure Juve’s unbeaten run against their city rivals stretched to 14 matches, the last eight of which they’ve kept a clean sheet.

Juve have been in fantastic form since March. They’re on a seven match winning streak in which they've conceded just twice. In the last three – against Lazio, Milan and Toro – Juve have kept the opposition scoreless. This has extended the lead to 11 points with four matches remaining.

Nicolas Anelka, Mauricio Isla and Simone Pepe all missed the Turin Derby and will be absent again due to various injuries.

When Giuseppe Sannino took over at Palermo they look certainties to be relegated. They lost the first match of his second spell away to Milan, but have since gone five games undefeated. This includes three victories. The Sicilians are now out of the relegation zone, albeit level on points with Genoa.

Their latest positive result was a 1-0 success over Inter. Josip Ilicic was on target as the Rosaneri heaped more misery on the Nerazzurri and aided their survival chances. Sannino acknowledges there are, “three really difficult games left, but we’re not dead yet…”

Ilicic’s condition must be evaluated and should he miss the game it will be a big blow for Palermo. Andrea Mantovani is injured and Michel Morganella suspended.

Juve have hosted Palermo 24 times in the past and have come up trumps on 17 occasions. This includes last season’s 3-0 victory. Palermo have returned south with maximum points four times, while there have also been three draws.

Keep an eye on: Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) – The Italian international has had mixed performances in his role behind the striker in Juve’s 3-5-1-1 formation. Marchisio will be looking to build on his late strike versus Torino.

Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Palermo (W W D D W)

Last season: Juventus 3-0 Palermo

Stat fact: The Bianconeri have twice thumped Palermo 5-0, the biggest winning margin in the fixture’s history. The first was on Palermo’s maiden Turin trip in 1932-33, while the second occurred in 2007-08.

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

Palermo (probable): Sorrentino; Von Bergen; Donati, Aronica; Nelson, Barreto, Rios, Kurtic, Garcia; Hernandez, Miccoli

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

[Socrates 8338]

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Andrea Romeo

Conte: 'Scudetto, then my future'

May 4, 2013

Antonio Conte insists Juventus “must win the Scudetto tomorrow” against Palermo, but drops a big hint he is considering his future at the club.

The Bianconeri need only one point to mathematically clinch the title and the party is ready in Turin on Sunday afternoon, but Palermo are eager to spoil it because they are desperate for points to avoid relegation.

“We must win the Scudetto tomorrow,” began Conte in his Press conference. “We can go over the finish line and we have to do it, without ifs or buts. It has been a tough year, a tiring one and we’ve been top of the table from the first round. That is a rare but wonderful achievement.

“In two years we went above and beyond expectations, which is thanks to everyone, from President Andrea Agnelli to director Beppe Marotta and the team. I trust my players and often ask them for their opinions.

“When I arrived many predicted we’d qualify for the Europa League by this stage. Today we’re on the verge of a second consecutive title. We’ve raised the bar, but I wonder by how much, considering we’ve achieved the maximum results.”

Juve could take the Scudetto on May 5, the 11^th anniversary of the date they won the title in the final round of the 2001-02 campaign, leapfrogging Inter in a dramatic last 90 minutes.

Conte has repeatedly shot down links with a move abroad to PSG, Manchester United or Real Madrid by confirming his love for Juventus, but in today’s Press conference dropped a big hint that it might not be enough.

“The future... Everything that has happened in these two years is down to the planning done by me and the club. We left absolutely nothing to chance.

“Having said that, it’s only right that at the end of every season it’s right to sit down and confront our viewpoints. We will evaluate every situation to understand what we can do out of respect for the fans, the club, the players and for me.

“Conte the man wants to stay 100 per cent at Juventus. Then there is Conte the professional who, out of respect for the fans, the club and himself, has to get a clear idea of the whole situation.

“The professional needs to look at himself and understand, seeing as we have come from two extraordinary years, how to keep raising that bar. I never thought about money, which I proved in the past at Bari and Atalanta. That is totally irrelevant to me.

“As for the rest... We are in early May and are fortunate enough to be in a position where we can play out next season. Anyone who thinks we do that in January or February is kidding themselves. I don’t think there will be a disconnect between the professional and the man, or at least I hope not.”

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