Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Conte puts medical staff on the spot

May 17, 2013

Antonio Conte sat in the front row and asked questions at today’s Press conference, as the Juventus medical staff took centre stage.

Last week the Coach left his assistant managers Angelo Alessio and Massimo Carrera to speak with the media, while this time the 11 members of their medical staff sat at the desk ahead of Saturday’s game with Sampdoria.

“Thank you to Antonio for giving us this opportunity to present the staff who work behind the scenes to cure injuries and also prevent them,” said co-ordinator Fabrizio Tencone.

“My collaborators are Gianluca Stesina, Luca Stefanini, Gianluca Scoraro, Maurizio Pincella, Marco Luison, Emanuele Randelli, Maurizio Delfini, Francesco Pieralisi, Ennio Cavidoni and Dario Garbiero.”

Tencone confirmed the on-going injury problems for Simone Pepe were something of a freak occurrence.

“He had a minor muscular injury, then the healing process transformed and he started to develop scar tissue in the muscle. It is the first time in our careers we had to operate on a player to eliminate scar tissue on muscles. It’s premature to say when he will be back on the pitch.”

Stesina revealed Conte said in his first meeting that he would take care of minor knocks, so players only go to the medical staff when something is seriously wrong.

“Arturo Vidal is the most impressive member of the squad on a physical level, without a doubt. When he leaves the field, it’s because he can barely stand up. The whole team gave their all this season without ever complaining.”

The medical staff also joked with Conte and director Pavel Nedved about their time as players.

“When Nedved fell to the ground I never worried, as he’d just bounce straight back up again. However, when Conte fell to the ground there was reason to worry!”

Conte was in the front row of the Press conference and asked “how stressful is it dealing with injuries and does it make you anxious having to tell the Coach?”

Stesina laughed and replied: “The Coach always takes it very well!”

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

MATCH PREVIEW

May 17, 2013

Sampdoria are aiming to protect a recent unbeaten streak against Juventus, while the Bianconeri want to end on a positive note.

Samp’s Serie A status was already secured following their Round 36 draw with Catania. They were in the capital last weekend, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Lazio. The port-city club have stumbled towards the finish line and are winless in their past 10 matches.

There was good news for Delio Rossi midweek, with the Coach signing a new two-year contract with the club. He took over from Ciro Ferrara in December and steered the team to safety. Rossi’s first win, in his second match, came at the Juventus Stadium.

Nenad Krsticic has been ruled out, but Lorenzo De Silvestri, Andrea Costa and Jonathan Rossini could play some part in the clash. Defender Renan is suspended.

Juventus missed the chance to set a club points record thanks to a 1-1 draw with Cagliari last Saturday. Victor Ibarbo’s mazy dribble set the Sardinians on their way, but Mirko Vucinic responded on the hour mark to ensure a share of the spoils. That means Juve will fall short of the 91-point mark set in 2005-06.

It also ended a nine-game winning run for the Turin club, and was the first goal they’ve conceded since Round 31 against Pescara. Antonio Conte has brushed aside speculation about his future, urging his side to finish the term as strongly as possible.

Paul Pogba serves the last match of his suspension, while Nicklas Bendtner, Andrea Barzagli, Simone Pepe and Kwadwo Asamoah are injured. Andrea Pirlo returns from a one-match stop.

Their records in Genoa are near-identical. Both sides have won 18 matches, with 18 further draws. The Bianconeri have scored 64 goals, Sampdoria just one less. Meanwhile, the Blucerchiati are on a four-match unbeaten run against the Turin giants.

Keep an eye on: Mauro Icardi (Sampdoria) – This is expected to be the Argentine’s last match for Sampdoria. He will look to finish on a high note and end his Marassi tenure by hitting double figures for the season. Icardi is currently on nine goals.

Form guide: Sampdoria (D L L D L) Juventus (W W W W D)

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: A goal for Mirko Vucinic on Saturday will be his 100th in Italy. The Montenegrin’s tally includes 94 strikes in Serie A.

SAMPDORIA (probable): Da Costa; Mustafi, Gastaldello, Castellini; Rodriguez, Poli, Palombo, Obiang, Estigarribia; Eder, Icardi

JUVENTUS (probable): Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Matri

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Sampdoria vs. Juventus PREVIEW –
Capping the Season with the Unbeaten Blucerchiati

May 17, 2013

Here we are, at the end of yet another calcio campaign. It’s remarkable how fast the year went, but as a middle-20 something, every year seems to progress faster than the last. It seems like yesterday that Juventus trained in Chatillon and we wondered what the season might bring. Would we retain the title? How would our return to the Champion’s League go? How long could we remain unbeaten?

It’s been a beautiful year. There’ve been loads of memories made – the crushing win over Nordsjaelland after losing our unbeaten record at home to Inter. The 2-2 comeback at Stamford Bridge. The destruction of Zeman’s Roma. The 3-0 mauling of Chelsea at the Juventus Stadium. Marchisio’s double in the Turin derby. Going to Donestk uncertain of qualification. Losing at home to Sampdoria with a man advantage. Matri’s brace against Cagliari as a substitute. The Celtic matches, the Bayern matches. Every season is truly an unforgettable one, but this one particularly so.

This year was a season of consecration for Juventus. The team established its dominance in Serie A, showed its power (and weaknesses) in Europe, and for figures like Conte, Bonucci, Chiellini, and many others, it was a year that proved their quality beyond all doubt. There are players that didn’t prove themselves this year, and they may leave, but they leave as Italian champions and time will look kindly on their tenure at Juventus.

The aim this year was a good run in Europe while retaining the Italian crown, and Conte and co have duly delivered. The first phase of the Conte/Marotta/Agnelli project was to re-establish Juve’s dominance in Italy and get back into the Champion’s League. The next step is to maintain domestic dominance while becoming a legitimate perennial contender again in Europe, a big step.

But there’s one small step left to take care of. Juventus have beaten every single team in the league except for Sampdoria, having lost at the Juventus Stadium in January. It was the first match back after the winter break, and it seemed Juve had finally broken the January curse. The team was up 1-0, Sampdoria had a man sent off, and the team was cruising to an easy win at home. But it wasn’t to be.

A disastrous debut from Federico Peluso and a rare bad performance from Gianluigi Buffon handed Sampdoria all 3 points. The Genoa-based club had a new coach, Delio Rossi, and tore Juventus apart on the counter-attack. Both goals came from the left flank, and it started a period of poor form for Juventus that only really ended with the Celtic tie. It’s time for revenge.


SAMPDORIA

It’s been a very turbulent season for Sampdoria. The storied club was relegated the same year they played in the Champion’s League preliminary stages, but bounced back into the top division quickly. The club secured Ciro Ferrara as coach, who had turned around the Italian U-21 squad to a dominant competitor once again, but like his tenure at Juventus, a stunning early start led to a crash.

Ferrara’s Samp started out with 3 wins in a row, then lost a stunning 7 games in a row. They picked themselves up with 2 wins, but 1 draw and 2 losses followed and Sampdoria, hovering in the relegation zone, was forced to make a change. Ferrara was sacked before Christmas, and Delio Rossi was brought on board. Shortly after, Sampdoria owner and patron Riccardo Garrone passed away.

Rossi immediately got an impact, with his side defeating Juventus as mentioned in an energetic and counter-attacking manner. They’ve had a reasonably successful season since and comfortably will avoid relegation, currently sitting on 39 points. Considering the minimum for the club was avoiding the drop, mission accomplished.

If it wasn’t for the extraordinary drop in form under Ciro Ferrara, Sampdoria could’ve achieved a lot more. They aren’t a relegation battling team, but one put together well. There are “competent” Serie A players who are reliable if unspectacular, as well as young creative or pacey talents. It’s no surprise that Serie A big clubs are after a number of Sampdoria’s players.

In midfield, Juventus and Milan have been linked to both Andrea Poli, who briefly spent time at Inter, as well as Obiang, who many consider to be a potential Pirlo successor. Up top, former Serie B capocannoniere Eder has settled in nicely as well as Mauro Icardi, a fast finisher who Juventus courted in January, and will likely sign for Inter this summer. It’s a team with solid veterans (Palombo, Gastaldello) and young talent, similar to how Palermo performed highly under Delio Rossi a few years ago.

Another name of note is Marcelo Estigarribia- the Paraguayan winger was on loan last season at Juventus, and while he didn’t do enough to warrant a transfer, the wingback held his own and scored a few important goals here and there. There was little talk about his departure, but he left as a champion of Italy.


Probable Formation: (3-5-2)
Da Costa; Mustafi, Gastaldello, Castellini; Rodriguez, Poli, Palombo, Obiang, Estigarribia; Eder, Icardi



JUVENTUS

The Bianconeri are already on vacation. Having drawn Cagliari 1-1, the team can no longer surpass the points record won by Fabio Capello back in 2005-2006. The only remaining record would be defeating Sampdoria, the only team left in the league unbeaten by the Bianconeri.

Since officially winning the title, Conte has practiced a fair amount of rotation, and that will certainly continue. Players like Giaccherini, Padoin, Peluso, De Ceglie, Isla, Giovinco, Matri, Quagliarella, and Marrone will get some playing time, but their futures are undecided. Giaccherini, Padoin, and Peluso are all very much “Conte’s men” and so will likely stick around, and Isla’s price tag, potential, and recent playing time suggests he will be confirmed as well.

It very well might be a last hurrah for Quagliarella, Matri, Giovinco, De Ceglie, and Marrone, all of who are heavily rumored to leave the club this summer.

Quagliarella is certainly on his way out – despite being a solid goalscorer, he’s completely fallen out of favor since his outburst vs Alessio during the Milan defeat in October. De Ceglie and Marrone have to consider their futures, the former’s age means he will likely be sold off, whereas Juventus will try and maintain a stake in Marrone. Giovinco and Matri are both probably 50-50 to stay; Conte believes in Giovinco and will keep him unless a decent offer comes in, and Matri has somewhat proven himself in Conte’s eyes in the 2nd half of the season.

While it’s uncertain if either Vidal or Pirlo will play, do not take it as a sign of their departure. Real Madrid is supposedly interested in Pirlo if Ancelotti arrives, and everyone under the (Middle Eastern) sun has been eyeing Vidal, but surely a key component of Conte’s big meeting with Marotta & Agnelli was insistence that key parts of the team must stay with the team.


Probable Formation: (3-5-2)
Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Marrone, Giaccherini, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Matri

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Juve squad for Sampdoria

May 17, 2013

The entire Juventus squad, including suspended Paul Pogba, is making the trip to Genoa for tomorrow night’s Sampdoria match.

Coach Antonio Conte called up every element of the side so they can see out the final game of the season together.

It kicks off at Marassi at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

Juventus squad for Sampdoria: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 6 Pogba, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 17 Bendtner, 18 Anelka, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Rossi expects Samp-Juve festival

May 18, 2013

Sampdoria conclude their season tonight with Juventus and Delio Rossi is glad it’ll be “a festival against one of the best teams in Europe.”

The only Serie A game of today kicks off at Marassi at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“I trust it will be a festival against one of the best teams in Europe and I’m happy that we round off the season with such a top class fixture,” said the Coach.

The Blucerchiati could become the only side to beat Juventus twice in Serie A this term, as in January they won 2-1 in Turin despite being down to 10 men.

“Juventus are certainly a stronger team than we are, but we are motivated and this will be the last game of the present, not the first of the future.

“I can only thank the fans, as they supported us even during the most difficult moments. If Sampdoria achieved safety, it is also thanks to them.”

Rossi arrived as an interim manager, but this week signed a new two-year contract with Samp.

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Line-ups: Sampdoria-Juventus

May 18, 2013

Juventus conclude their season at Marassi against the only team they haven’t been able to beat – Sampdoria.

The Bianconeri have already secured the Scudetto, but are out for revenge in Genoa at 19.45 UK time. Click here for a match preview.

Samp caused a huge upset in January when they won 2-1 in Turin despite going down to 10 men.

Mauro Icardi scored a brace that day and will be eager to break his two-month goal drought this evening, as he is on the verge of a summer switch to Inter.

Renan sits out a two-match ban, while Nenad Krsticic, Jonathan Rossini and Andrea Costa are out of action.

Andrea Poli could well be making his last appearance in the Blucerchiati jersey, as he has been heavily linked with both Juve and Milan.

Juventus are without the banned Paul Pogba, while Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Pepe are on the treatment table. Andrea Barzagli is only fit enough for the bench.

Gigi Buffon is again rested so that Marco Storari can take centre stage and there are other changes to give smaller figures a chance to start.

The last time Juventus won away to Samp was 1-0 in March 2006, followed by three draws and a defeat.


SAMPDORIA: Da Costa; Mustafi, Gastaldello, Castellini; De Silvestri, Poli, Palombo, Obiang, Estigarribia; Eder, Icardi

Sampdoria bench: Romero, Berni, Rodriguez, Maresca, Maxi Lopez, Munari, Sansone, Berardi, Poulsen, Soriano, Savic


JUVENTUS: Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Padoin, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Giovinco

Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Marchisio, Vucinic, Peluso, Barzagli, Bendtner, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Matri

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

HT: Samp surprise Juve

May 18, 2013

Eder’s controversial penalty cancelled out a Fabio Quagliarella opener, as Sampdoria are holding Juventus at half-time.

The Blucerchiati were the only team Juve had failed to beat this season, as they earned a shock 2-1 win in Turin despite going down to 10 men. Renan and Paul Pogba sat out bans, while Nenad Krsticic, Jonathan Rossini, Andrea Costa, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andrea Barzagli and Simone Pepe were sidelined.

Juventus haven’t conquered Marassi since 2006, managing three draws and a defeat here. After three minutes Shkodran Mustafi needed a sliding clearance in the six-yard box to deny Sebastian Giovinco.

Fabio Quagliarella’s sudden snapshot from 20 metres was beaten away with great difficulty by Junior Da Costa.

An Andrea Pirlo volley was charged down by Angelo Palombo and Emanuele Giaccherini’s low drive was smothered on the ground.

Giorgio Chiellini had a rare strike at goal from outside the box and the wayward volley took a huge deflection to wrong-foot Da Costa, but the ‘keeper managed to parry with his trailing leg.

Quagliarella’s angled drive skimmed the back post and Da Costa beat away another Giaccherini effort with his palms under driving rain.

The pressure eventually paid off, as Quagliarella sprung the offside trap on a splendid Pirlo pass over the top, his first touch was crucial and he managed to steer the finish in at the near post.

However, the referee awarded a penalty for Chiellini’s tug on Icardi, who seemed to have the striker’s hand clamped under his arm, but it was a very soft decision. Eder converted with a daisy-cutter spot-kick in at the base of the near stick.

Just 60 seconds later Eder was about to get another on the counter-attack when skipping past Leonardo Bonucci, but Chiellini came flying in to clear and risked an own goal.

There was more danger, as from a corner a Lorenzo De Silvestri free header into the ground bounced over the bar.

At the other end, Da Costa flapped a cross into the path of Quagliarella, but his follow-up was kept out by a crucial Mustafi goalline clearance. Chiellini nodded over from a corner before the break.


Sampdoria 1-1 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Quagliarella 25 (J), Eder pen 31 (S)


Sampdoria: Da Costa; Mustafi, Gastaldello, Castellini; De Silvestri, Poli, Palombo, Obiang, Estigarribia; Eder, Icardi

Juventus: Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Padoin, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Giovinco

Ref: Gervasoni

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 2

Fabio Quagliarella (25′)

Eder (31′-PG)
Lorenzo De Silvestri (57′)
Mauro Emanuel Icardi (75′)

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 23000‎

Blucerchiati complete league double over champions

Fabio Quagliarella opened the scoring in Genoa but the home side came storming back
through Eder and Lorenzo De Silvestri, and Mauro Icardi's tap-in ultimately proved decisive.

May 18, 2013

Sampdoria completed a league double over Juventus by coming from a goal down to defeat the champions 3-1 at the Luigi Ferraris on Saturday night.

Fabio Quagliarella deservedly opened the scoring for the Bianconeri midway through the first half but the hosts levelled courtesy of a penalty from Eder before sensationally taking the lead through Lorenzo De Silvestri just before the hour mark.

Mauco Icardi then added a third for the Blucerchiati and that goal ultimately proved decisive. Emanuele Giaccherini struck in injury time to set up a tense finale, but Samp held on to claim their first win since March - but their second over Juventus in the space of five months.

Antonio Conte made several changes in personnel for what was a meaningless contest for both sides, but the Bianconeri began brightly, with Sebastian Giovinco, Quagliarella and Giorgio Chiellini all testing Junio da Costa with decent strikes from distance inside the opening quarter.

Quagliarella then dragged a shot just wide before Emanuele Giaccherini called da Costa into action once again, as Juventus continued to pepper the Sampdoria goal with shots.

Juve's relentless pressure finally told 25 minutes in when Quagliarella sprung the Blucerchiati offside trap to latch onto a terrific ball over the top from Andrea Pirlo before calmly slotting home.

A rout looked a distinct possibility at that stage but the concession of a goal actually brought the best out of the hosts, who levelled matters from the penalty spot through Eder, after Chiellini had been harshly penalised for a push on Mauro Icardi in the area.

Remarkably, Sampdoria almost went in front just 60 seconds later, but Chiellini made amends for his earlier indiscretion to block a low strike from Eder that had been destined for the bottom left corner.

Chiellini then very nearly put Juve back into the lead just before the interval but he mistimed his jump ever so slightly, and headed over with the goal at his mercy.

The second half began in a very similar manner to the first, with the Bianconeri launching wave after wave of attacks on the Sampdoria goal.

Indeed, Quagliarella and Giaccherini had both been guilty of poor finishes before Giovinco put Simone Padoin straight through on goal with the most sublime lay-off only to see his team-mate's effort brilliantly saved by da Costa.

Again, the goal was coming, only this time it came at the other end, with De Silvestri beating Storari with a near-post header from a corner.

Juventus dominated the final half-hour and Quagliarella really should have restored parity on 70 minutes but he volleyed tamely at da Costa after being picked out unmarked eight yards out by a measured chip from Giovinco.

However, they were then hit with a classic sucker-punch just moments later, with former Bianconero Marcelo Estigarribia racing clear down the right flank before rolling the ball across the box for a grateful Icardi to tap in.

Juve kept fighting, and Giaccherini smashed in a late goal for the visitors, but they had left it too late to salvage something from their final game of an otherwise triumphant season.

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 2

Fabio Quagliarella (25′)

Eder (31′-PG)
Lorenzo De Silvestri (57′)
Mauro Emanuel Icardi (75′)

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 23000‎

Samp beat Juve again!

Sampdoria beat Scudetto winners Juventus for the second time this year,
but the 3-2 result had some controversial incidents.

May 18, 2013

The Blucerchiati were the only team Juve had failed to beat this season, as they earned a shock 2-1 win in Turin despite going down to 10 men. Renan and Paul Pogba sat out bans, while Nenad Krsticic, Jonathan Rossini, Andrea Costa, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andrea Barzagli and Simone Pepe were sidelined.

Juventus haven’t conquered Marassi since 2006, managing three draws and a defeat here. After three minutes Shkodran Mustafi needed a sliding clearance in the six-yard box to deny Sebastian Giovinco.

Fabio Quagliarella’s sudden snapshot from 20 metres was beaten away with great difficulty by Junior Da Costa.

An Andrea Pirlo volley was charged down by Angelo Palombo and Emanuele Giaccherini’s low drive was smothered on the ground.

Giorgio Chiellini had a rare strike at goal from outside the box and the wayward volley took a huge deflection to wrong-foot Da Costa, but the ‘keeper managed to parry with his trailing leg.

Quagliarella’s angled drive skimmed the back post and Da Costa beat away another Giaccherini effort with his palms under driving rain.

The pressure eventually paid off, as Quagliarella sprung the offside trap on a splendid Pirlo pass over the top, his first touch was crucial and he managed to steer the finish in at the near post.

However, the referee awarded a penalty for Chiellini’s tug on Icardi, who seemed to have the striker’s hand clamped under his arm, but it was a very soft decision. Eder converted with a daisy-cutter spot-kick in at the base of the near stick.

Just 60 seconds later Eder was about to get another on the counter-attack when skipping past Leonardo Bonucci, but Chiellini came flying in to clear and risked an own goal.

There was more danger, as from a corner a Lorenzo De Silvestri free header into the ground bounced over the bar.

At the other end, Da Costa flapped a cross into the path of Quagliarella, but his follow-up was kept out by a crucial Mustafi goalline clearance. Chiellini nodded over from a corner, then after the restart made a decisive interception to stop Andrea Poli tapping in from three yards.

Quagliarella went on the counter, but fired straight at Da Costa, then Simone Padoin was sent clear on goal through the middle by Giovinco, but found the goalkeeper’s fingertips.

Storari had his palms stung by a fierce Eder strike from outside the box, but from the resulting corner De Silvestri got a precise header into the near top corner despite Storari getting a hand to it. The winger had peeled off his marker to find space.

Da Costa did well to smother a Quagliarella low volley from close range, mainly because it slowed down in the mud.

Icardi hadn’t scored in almost two months, but he has a special rapport with Juventus and ended that drought. It was a classic counter-attack that Marcelo Estigarribia rolled across the face of goal for Icardi to bundle over the line from a yard. He almost tripped on the ball, but it was so close to the open net that it was literally impossible to miss.

There was a bizarre moment on 77 minutes when the referee awarded a penalty for a Mustafi clumsy header that clattered into Quagliarella, but the linesman disagreed and Gervasoni changed his mind. Chiellini was absolutely livid at the decision, as if anything this looked like more of a penalty than the one awarded to Sampdoria in the first half.

Antonio Conte gave third choice goalkeeper Rubinho his debut for the final 10 minutes. Nicklas Bendtner was also given a run-out, but he landed heavily on to his arm and had to come off after just 13 minutes on the pitch, leaving Juve with 10 men. It could be a fractured wrist for the unlucky Danish striker.

It still wasn’t over, as Juventus pulled one back with Giaccherini’s fierce effort under the crossbar from 14 yards.

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

SAMPDORIA: Da Costa; Mustafi, Gastaldello, Castellini; De Silvestri, Poli, Palombo (Munari 65), Obiang, Estigarribia (Berardi 84); Eder (Sansone 79), Icardi

JUVENTUS: Storari (Rubinho 80); Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Padoin (Lichtsteiner 74), Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Giovinco (Bendtner 74)

Ref: Gervasoni

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 2

Fabio Quagliarella (25′)

Eder (31′-PG)
Lorenzo De Silvestri (57′)
Mauro Emanuel Icardi (75′)

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 23000‎

Player Ratings

Goal was on hand to cast a judgmental eye on proceedings as the hosts recorded
a memorable double over the champions, despite the best efforts of Fabio Quagliarella.

May 18, 2013

SAMPDORIA

Angelo Da Costa - Was kept very busy throughout, and made numerous good saves to deny Juventus from getting a foothold in the game. Dealt with the slippery conditions well too.

Shkodran Mustafi - Made a few important blocks and interceptions to deny Quagliarella, and put his body on the line when it was required. Was perhaps lucky to escape a penalty for a barge on Quagliarella.

Paolo Castellini - Similarly to his teammates in the Sampdoria defence, Castellini had a solid outing, making a couple of particularly terrific blocks as he forced his side toward the finish line.

Daniele Gastaldello - Was integral to Sampdoria managing to hold onto their heroic victory, throwing himself in the way of various efforts and dominating the likes of Quagliarella and Giovinco in the air.

Lorenzo De Silvestri - Took his goal very well, timing his run well to rise highest and nod the ball home at the near post. Aside from his finish, he had a steady game, winning aerial battles well.

Pedro Obiang - Made a few important challenges in the late stages of the game, as the hosts dropped deeper and deeper, but aside from this he was very pedestrian, as Juve played around him.

Andrea Poli - Managed to disrupt the Juventus midfield hub, pressuring Pirlo when possible, and his efforts helped to force Juve into wide areas where they were having little joy.

Angelo Palombo - Was substituted midway through the second half after fading, despite distributing the ball quite well in the first 45 minutes.

Marcelo Estigarribia - Worked extremely hard down the left-hand side, and was actually unfortunate not to give Sampdoria an early lead after slipping over. Had to be substituted as a result of his industrious efforts.

Eder - Converted his penalty fantastically, giving Storari no chance after placing the ball precisely in the bottom left corner. Was busy on the ball, as Juventus struggled to combat his trickery.

Mauro Emanuel Icardi - His movement and ability on the ball caused the Juve defence a few problems and he was a dangerous player for Sampdoria on the break. Rewarded for his lone running with a fortunate tap in.


Substitutions

Gianni Munari - Was a willing runner for Icardi after being thrown on, allowing Sampdoria to continue to press from the front and force the away side to play down the flanks.

JUVENTUS

Marco Storari - Could do nothing to prevent Eder's penalty as the Brazilian's placement was fantastic. Did little wrong, yet found himself conceding three goals.

Martín Cáceres - Sampdoria failed to really break down the left-hand side, and he didn't make any mistakes throughout the game. A solid performance.

Leonardo Bonucci - Another solid performance in the Juventus back four, as he tracked back well to dispossess breaking Sampdoria players at times, and also offered an aerial threat during set pieces.

Giorgio Chiellini - Gave away a penalty on the half-hour mark to allow Sampdoria back into the game, but may feel slightly aggrieved with the decision. Pressed forward into midfield well at times, and saw several shots blocked.

Mauricio Isla - Offered a good outlet down the right, and saw plenty of the ball in the first half, but his overall quality of delivery let him down.

Simone Padoin - Worked hard but failed to do the running for Pirlo. A forgettable performance, as he failed to have any real impact on the game, either offensively or when working back.

Andrea Pirlo - Dictated play as would be expected, but couldn't find the defence-splitting pass required to carve open a resilient Sampdoria side. Made a few uncharacteristic errors.

Emanuele Giaccherini - Worked hard in the centre of midfield throughout the game, and topped his steady performance with a beautiful goal in second-half stoppage time, placing the ball into the top right corner.

Paolo De Ceglie - Delivered some reasonable balls from the left, with Quagliarella spurning several good chances as a result. At times, he could have benefitted from being more selfish.

Sebastian Giovinco - Enjoyed some success when cutting inside from the left, testing Da Costa on various occasions with his right foot, but struggled against the physicality of the Sampdoria back three.

Fabio Quagliarella - Was unfortunate not to grab more than one goal in the first half, but there was certainly an air of fortune about his opener. Was the only source of creation for his side, and spurned several fantastic chances in the second half.


Substitutions

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Offered good width upon coming on, delivering some good balls in from the right byline and committing his man well.

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 2

Fabio Quagliarella (25′)

Eder (31′-PG)
Lorenzo De Silvestri (57′)
Mauro Emanuel Icardi (75′)

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 23000‎

Conte: 'Juve deserved more'

May 18, 2013

Antonio Conte feels Juventus “deserved more” from their two defeats to Sampdoria and wished Nicklas Bendtner all the best after his injury.

The Bianconeri lost both games against Samp this season, falling 3-2 this evening at Marassi.

“We are a bit upset, because in both matches we deserved more. We were unlucky and didn’t convert our chances,” said the Coach.

Bendtner was given a run-out in the final stages, but lasted for only 13 minutes when he fell heavily on his arm. The Arsenal-owned striker has been taken to hospital for X-Rays, as he has a suspected broken wrist.

“It’s a shame for Bendtner, as he has been so unlucky. He damaged a tendon in his hip, then returned and hurt himself again. I wish him all the best, as he’s a good lad and a fine footballer.”

This week Conte finally committed his future to Juventus after a meeting with President Andrea Agnelli and director Beppe Marotta.

“I didn’t need convincing, just to confront our plans and make sure they matched. I haven’t extended my contract, nor adjusted my wages, as those were not important to me.

“We want to build something here. Inter won the Treble and then ground to a halt, but that is not our objective.”

This evening Marotta confirmed Juve had been approached by Carlos Tevez’s agents and could make a move for the Manchester City striker.

“Gonzalo Higuain or Tevez? I like them, but I also like Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. You can throw in many names, but what counts is the balance sheet. We must figure out how to spend wisely.”

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

[Socrates 8332]

Serie A Week 38 - 19-5-12 (8:45 p.m.)

3 - 2

Fabio Quagliarella (25′)

Eder (31′-PG)
Lorenzo De Silvestri (57′)
Mauro Emanuel Icardi (75′)

Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′)

Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 23000‎

'I'm not like Heynckes!' - Delio Rossi plays down Juventus double

Samp coach laughed off any similarities between himself and the Bayern Munich boss
after guiding his side to a second win of the season over the Bianconeri.

May 19, 2013

Delio Rossi says comparisons between him and Jupp Heynckes are "blasphemous" after Sampdoria completed the double over Juventus with a 3-2 win on Saturday night.

Fabio Quagliarella opened the scoring for the visitors but a penalty from Eder followed by strikes from Lorenzo De Silvestri and Mauro Icardi gave the Blucerchiati a 3-1 lead, before Emanuele Giaccherini's injury-time consolation.

Despite the Genoese outfit succeeding in becoming only the second side this season (after Bayern Munich's Champions League exploits) to defeat the Old Lady both home and away, Rossi was keen not to get carried away.

"Beating Juve is always good business, but they had already won the championship," the 52-year-old Italian was quoted by La Repubblica.

"We just wanted to close the season well, to have a more dignified league position.

"We were saved [from relegation] in March and lately we have not kept the right tension. Am I like [Jupp] Heynckes? That's a blasphemous comparison!"

Sampdoria moved to 14th after the win with 42 points from their 38 games and Rossi, days after signing a new contract, was quick to look to the future now the season is complete.

"There will be work to do next year," the former Fiorentina coach added.

"I hope to finish higher. This is a project that I like, based on the long term."

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

[Socrates 8332]

Vidal best midfielder, Cavani best attacker -
Serie A awards for 2012-13

Goal crowns the best and worst from Italy over the course of the season.

May 20, 2013

Another dramatic Serie A campaign came to an end on Sunday, with the last of the season's 1003 goals sending AC Milan into the Champions League at the expense of Fiorentina. It was only fitting that viewers should stay glued to TV sets right down to the last after another campaign of ups and downs from minute one.

Juventus marched to a second straight Scudetto, while Napoli earned a second visit to the Champions League in three seasons. With Milan's third spot secured, Fiorentina will head to the Europa League with Udinese, while Palermo, Siena and Pescara will spend next term in Serie B after each experiencing a campaign to forget.

But what of the other winners and losers? Who have been the best players and coaches in the league season? And what of the worst? Goal hands out the individual awards at the end of another absorbing nine months of football.

BEST GOALKEEPER
Samir Handanovic (Inter)

There were several goalkeepers with better statistical records than Samir Handanovic this season, but none of them had to deal with the malaise that the Slovenian encountered in his first term at Inter. Having replaced Julio Cesar between the posts for the Nerazzurri, the ex-Udinese shot-stopper found himself thrown in at the deep end with a ragged outfit in front of him. Yet despite being left with a sub-standard back line for much of the season, he won his side many points with his magnificent performances that were deserving of so much more than Inter's ninth-place finish.

BEST DEFENDER
Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)

In by far the closest category of the lot, Andrea Barzagli's consistent performances earn him the Best Defender award to go alongside a second straight Scudetto winners medal. He may have occasionally been questioned for his lack of pace, but the Italy international showed he has the mental and physical capabilities to compensate for his lack of mobility. The former Palermo man was a huge factor in the Bianconeri marching to the title with the best defence in the league once more.

BEST MIDFIELDER
Arturo Vidal (Juventus)

If Barzagli has one thing to be thankful for, it is that he is protected by the best midfielder in the business. Arturo Vidal again showed how important he is to both the attacking and defensive phases of play with countless match-winning performances. The heart of the engine room, the Chilean also showed his superb eye for a pass and ability in front of goal, ending the campaign as Juventus' top goalscorer. It took some doing to outshine Andrea Pirlo in the Bianconeri midfield, but Vidal managed it with ease.

BEST ATTACKER
Edinson Cavani (Napoli)

The future of Serie A is increasingly believed to hinge on the retention of key players, and none more so than Edinson Cavani. His 29 goals earned him the Capocannoniere title, but above and beyond that his ability to rise to the big occasion helped to lift his profile and market value beyond all previous levels. Hat-tricks against Lazio, Roma and Inter took Napoli to the Champions League with a bit to spare, and with Cavani still in their squad, anything is possible for the Partenopei in the near future.

BEST YOUNGSTER (Under-21)
Stephan El Shaarawy (Milan)

Never before has a giant of the the game appeared so reliant on such a young man as did Milan with Stephan El Shaarawy in the first half of the 2012-13 campaign. The Italo-Egyptian blasted his way onto the world stage with a string of wonderful individual displays and crucial goals at key moments as the Rossoneri otherwise limped through the first few months of the season. By the closing stages of the campaign, some were suggesting the former Padova man had lost form, but he still played a major role in Milan's Champions League-clinching turnaround at Siena on Sunday.

BEST COACH
Francesco Guidolin (Udinese)

Francesco Guidolin deserves the Freedom of Udine for the job he has done with Udinese over the last few years. Successive Champions League play-off qualification spots looked set to be followed by a stagnant campaign following the sales of star names including Samir Handanovic, Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla last summer, but the master tactician ensured he got the very best out of his troops before the season was out. He led them to an eight-game winning streak at the business end which saw them qualify for the Europa League. Thanks to Guidolin, Udinese continue to punch well above their weight.

BEST TRANSFER
Borja Valero (Villarreal to Fiorentina)

The very fact that Fiorentina got to within 10 minutes of the Champions League one year on from a bottom-half finish is testament to the impact Borja Valero had in his first season in Serie A. The Spaniard slotted in remarkably quickly in Vincenzo Montella's new-look side, becoming the side's key playmaker from the word go. His clever distribution and timely forays forward helped to make the Viola one of the most attractive teams to watch in Europe, and with Valero in their side they could go one further next term.

WORST TRANSFER
Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio to Inter)

There were many candidates for the category of Worst Signing, with Juventus' moves for Nicklas Bendtner and Nicolas Anelka among a huge number of head-scratchers to be seen around the league, but none quite summed up the struggles of an entire club like Inter's move for Tommaso Rocchi. From being fifth choice at Lazio, the 35-year-old suddenly found himself thrust into the spotlight for the Nerazzurri's forlorn bid to reach the Europa League, and while he wasn't a complete failure when used in the absences of Diego Miltio, Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio, his sudden elevation to the first XI said a lot about Inter's struggles.

BEST PLAYER
Arturo Vidal (Juventus)

Not only was Arturo Vidal the best defensive player in Serie A this season, he was also arguably the best in possession too. His importance to the re-emergence of Juventus simply cannot be understated, with his fantastic tackle success rate marrying with a superb desire on the ball and a magnificent goals record to make a complete midfielder who has become one of the modern game's few true all-rounders. His continued presence in black and white now represents the main key behind Juve's hopes for continued success.

WORST PLAYER
Andrea Ranocchia (Inter)

There may well have been lesser players on the rosters at the likes of Palermo and Pescara, but nobody showed such a vast separation between promise and product as Andrea Ranocchia. His performances in Serie A summed up Inter's season, with his initial burst as part of a three-man defence suggesting he may finally fulfill his talent in the blue and black shirt. However, his constant lapses in concentration, inability to track markers suitably, basic lack of tactical ingenuity and regular moments of madness with the ball anywhere near his feet made for a near-calamitous campaign by the time May was in sight. Once regarded as one for the future, Ranocchia has quickly become Inter's biggest liability.

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