Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8240]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Carrera passes first test with flying

colours as Juventus win Supercoppa

The stand-in boss led the Bianconeri to victory in the season curtain raiser after

they had looked to be on the rack at half-time, bringing on Mirko Vucinic to change the game.

Aug 12, 2012

Juventus lifted the silverware, Napoli promised so much but fell short, refereeing decisions came under the spotlight, and the off the field events of the summer loomed large over the proceedings throughout. The Supercoppa Italiana proved once again that while so much changes in football, everything stays very much the same, with the Bianconeri’s possession-based game just about seeing them through to victory after a contest full of drama in Beijing.

After the announcement of Antonio Conte’s Calcioscommesse ban on Friday, Massimo Carrera took charge of operations pitchside for the first time in his career, and made a very good first impression thanks largely to a game-changing half-time substitution when he introduced Mirko Vucinic for Alessandro Matri.

As was the case for much of the 2011-12 campaign, Juve saw plenty of the ball but could make little of it in the first half, with Matri’s static approach up top doing little to help them make the most of their advantages in territory and possession. What's more, they were up against a Napoli side intent on punishing them, just as they did in the Coppa Italia final in May, and for long spells of their Serie A contest at the San Paolo in November.

Following Lucio’s attempt to play Edinson Cavani offside in his own half, the Uruguayan failed to round Gianluigi Buffon but then kept his head to side-foot home at the second attempt. A goal behind with Andrea Pirlo shackled by a combination of Marek Hamsik, Valon Behrami and Gokhan Inler, and the remainder of the attacking unit looking short of ideas on how to break down the Partenopei’s three-man back line, Juve momentarily seemed to lose their cool.

But an inspired crossfield pass from Arturo Vidal picked out debutant Kwadwo Asamoah on the left, and with Christian Maggio having wandered out of position, the Ghanaian was able to power a magnificent first-time volley beyond Massimo De Sanctis at the near post. Questions are always asked of goalkeepers conceding on the front stick, but with the force of Asamoah’s shot, plus the skid it took off the wet surface, De Sanctis was always going to be severely examined.

That that was the Bianconeri’s first shot on target was a telling statistic, and before long they were left chasing the game once more thanks to Leonardo Bonucci’s latest piece of calamitous defending. The former Bari man – cleared of Calcioscommesse involvement 24 hours earlier – has so often shown in the past that a mistake is never far away no matter how composed he appears to be, and the negative side of his game reared its ugly head again in Beijing.

Facing his own goal, he attempted to hook a ball away on the stretch with no cover in behind him, meaning that when he miscued straight into the harrying Goran Pandev, he had given the Macedonian a clear run in on goal. The striker showed superb composure to draw Buffon and clip an inch-perfect effort over the sprawling Juventus skipper.

The Italian champions needed something inspired ahead of the second half, and the introduction of Vucinic supplied just that. With his greater movement, the former Roma man finally asked questions of an ever-fallible Napoli defence. Now more stretched and panicked, they were always likely to make a mistake, and it was no surprise when Federico Fernandez misjudged a challenge on Vucinic to concede a penalty. Vidal slotted home and it was 2-2.

Then came the controversy. With five minutes left of normal time, Pandev questioned a linesman over a previous incident, apparently using a few choice words. The red card came out, and Napoli were up against it. While there was no clear evidence to the public as to what Pandev said, there could be no doubt over the second dismissal which followed in injury time.

Already on a yellow card for a set-to with Stephan Lichtsteiner, Juan Zuniga went in late and a little high on Sebastian Giovinco, giving Paolo Mazzoleni every reason to show a second red card. In his protests, Walter Mazzarri was also sent from the bench and Napoli would later refuse to take part in the presentation ceremony in protest, but all the evidence suggested that there was little to argue about.

What there was no argument about was the fact that Juve were now massive favourites, and they took little time in ensuring victory during the additional 30 minutes. First De Sanctis and Maggio conspired to deal horrendously with a free kick, with the defender turning into his own net. Then Vucinic was left with a tap in after Claudio Marchisio’s inspired first time pass from Asamoah’s angled ball.

With that, Juventus’ superiority in Italian football was re-affirmed, and Carrera was left to dedicate the victory to Conte in his post-match TV interview. But he should take credit too. He has passed the first of what will be many examinations this season as Juve look to defend their Scudetto and also make an assault on Europe without their coach on the bench.

So far, so good, and so little has changed too. Calcio is back, and is just as we remembered it.

[Socrates 8240]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Buffon: 'Supercoppa dedications'

Aug 12, 2012

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon dedicated the Italian Super Cup victory to Antonio Conte, Leonardo Bonucci, Simone Pepe and Alessandro Del Piero.

The Bianconeri lifted the trophy in Beijing on Saturday after beating nine-man Napoli 4-2 in extra time.

“The first dedication goes to our Coach, who daily sends us his sporting rage and hunger to be first that has no equal. All of that, despite his troubles...” wrote Buffon on his Facebook page.

Conte was in the stands because he has received a 10-month touchline ban in the betting trial, replaced by assistant Massimo Carrera.

Bonucci and Pepe were also in the trial, but were cleared on Friday.

“The second dedication is for our Italian-Chinese fans, who followed us all the way here and supported the team with great passion.

“The third thought goes to Simone and Leo, who emerged from a very long nightmare and in all this time never for an instant held back in their efforts for the Juventus cause.

“The fourth is for Giorgione Chiellini, who would’ve deserved to be among us celebrating, but an injury caused by his usual generosity kept him out...

“Marco Storari who, unlike me, was unfortunate enough to play the Coppa Italia Final rather than this one, otherwise he’d have won this trophy as a protagonist. But then he is always a protagonist, because all our teammates who aren’t lucky enough to play are still contributing with advice and support.

“Finally, a dedication to our captain Ale Del Piero, who deserved to end his Bianconeri story by lifting a trophy... but life is long... and sometimes you enjoy getting one back...”

The Italian Super Cup was the first official match Juventus have played since the end of the 19-year Del Piero era.

[Socrates 8240]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Lega: 'Shame about Napoli'

Aug 12, 2012

Lega President Maurizio Beretta criticised Napoli for boycotting the Supercoppa presentation ceremony. “It’s a shame about that epilogue.”

Juventus won the trophy 4-2 in Beijing after extra time, though the Partenopei were furious that they had Goran Pandev, Juan Camilo Zuniga and Coach Walter Mazzarri sent off.

In protest, Napoli refused to attend the presentation of the trophy on the pitch and ordered a media blackout.

“It’s a shame about that epilogue,” said Lega President Beretta.

“One can understand disappointment and irritation, but the fact remains the event was lacking that last little bit.

“This doesn’t take away from the validity of playing the match in Beijing. It was a very positive evening and the event was successful with great participation from the fans.”

[Socrates 8240]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Vucinic: 'A team victory'

Aug 12, 2012

Mirko Vucinic scored in a 4-2 Juventus Super Cup win over Napoli, but insisted “it was a victory from the team.”

The Montenegro international came off the bench for the second half to score and also earn a penalty.

“One man does not change a game,” Vucinic told the official Juventus website.

“It is the group that came out and fought back, as we have done so many times. It was a victory from the team.

“We went behind twice against a strong side, but recovered the situation with character. We start the season on the right foot.

“I want to dedicate the victory to the Juventus fans and my family, while of course we are also happy for Antonio Conte.”

Napoli caused controversy when they boycotted the presentation ceremony in protest at the red cards for Goran Pandev, Juan Camilo Zuniga and Walter Mazzarri.

“Everyone can do what they want, but after the Coppa Italia Final in Rome we stayed on the pitch and applauded Napoli as they lifted the trophy.”

[Socrates 8240]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Bonucci: 'Nightmare is over'

Aug 12, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci went from facing a three-and-a-half-year ban to winning the Italian Super Cup in the space of 24 hours. “I knew I was innocent.”

The Juventus defender risked a lengthy ban in the betting trial due to his time at Bari, but was cleared of sporting fraud on Friday when the testimony of Andrea Masiello was considered to be untrustworthy.

“It has been a very dramatic time for me. It all went well, both on the field and off it,” he said after Saturday’s 4-2 extra time win over Napoli in Beijing.

“I went from being cleared to starting the Super Cup game and winning it. This must surely be just the start of a long and tiring season.

“The most difficult thing was facing up to an obsolete sporting justice system. I never thought it would end badly, because I knew I was innocent.

“My conscience was clear and I always worked hard, thinking about the Super Cup we had to win. And we did it.”

Simone Pepe also risked a ban of a year, but was also cleared of failing to alert authorities to a potential fix.

“I immediately went to find Simone, who shared this nightmare with me. I embraced him and all our teammates. Now we hope Antonio Conte’s situation can end well too.”

Bonucci was asked why former Bari teammate Masiello had pointed the finger at so many players when his testimony was considered unsafe due to numerous contradictions and changes.

“I don’t know why he did that. Maybe it was just jealousy. Now it’s a closed chapter and I am looking ahead to football that is played on the field.”

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Juve give kids lesson

Aug 16, 2012

The annual encounter between Juventus' A and B sides at Villar Perosa has ended 5-1 in favour of the former.

Known as 'the Family Match', the game has long been a part of the club's tradition.

The A team consisted mostly of first team members, whilst youth team players made up the B team. Fabio Quagliarella's free kick put the A team ahead in the 25th minute, with Alessandro Matri, Emanuele Giaccherini, Sebastian Giovinco and youngster Giuseppe Ruggiero completing the rout in the second half.

Line-ups

Juventus A: Buffon; Lucio, Rugani, Bonucci; Giaccherini, Pogba, Padoin, Pazienza, De Ceglie; Matri Quagliarella

Juventus B: Branescu; Garcia, Mattelli, Alcibiade, Balbis, Bianco, Appelt, Bouy, Gerbaudo, Bonatini, Beltrame

[Socrates 8240]

Juventus are favourites for the Scudetto - Serse Cosmi

The much-travelled Siena coach believes the Old Lady has a great chance

to win back-to-back Serie A titles.

Aug 16, 2012

Siena boss Serse Cosmi has revealed that Juventus are his favourites to win the Serie A.

The Old Lady returned to the summit of Italian football after claiming her first league success since 2005 last season.

Speaking to TMW, Cosmi said that he believes the Turin-based club has a great chance of retaining her domestic crown once the new season gets underway.

"Who will win the championship next season? I think that Juventus has the greatest chance," Cosmi was quoted saying.

Juventus' biggest rival last term was Milan and despite the recent departures of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, the former Lecce tactician insisted that the Rossoneri remain amongst those sides that could challenge the champions in the race for the scudetto.

He contined: "AC Milan, Inter, Roma and Napoli all have the chance to be in the race for the Scudetto. But the favorite remains Juventus."

[Socrates 8240]

Juventus still a class apart as AC Milan face period of consolidation

The Bianconeri's victory in the Trofeo Berlusconi emphasised the very different

situations at the two clubs as they head into the 2012-13 Serie A campaign.

Aug 20, 2012

The Trofeo Berlusconi is not always a great barometer as to the Serie A season to come, with the last two losers having gone on to win the Scudetto, but Sunday’s 3-2 victory for Juventus reaffirmed the Bianconeri’s position as favourites for the title while showing the world once more that AC Milan are not the structured unit of seasons past.

There is little surprise to anybody who has watched Milan over the past few seasons that without Thiago Silva they have struggled significantly even before the season has started. It is true that time is responsible for healing many a wound, but on the evidence presented so far since the Brazilian was forced to move to France, it is going to take a while yet before the Rossoneri overcome the loss of their leader.

Faced with any kind of decent opposition, they have really struggled, with their horror show at the back against Real Madrid having been followed up by the concession of three more goals at San Siro on Sunday.

MILAN'S FIRST MONTH

Aug 26 - Sampdoria ( H)

Sep 1 - Bologna (A)

Sep 16 - Atalanta ( H)

Sep 18 - Champions League (v TBC)

Sep 23 - Udinese (A)

Sep 26 - Cagliari ( H)

The pressure that sits on the shoulders of Philippe Mexes and new boy Cristian Zapata heading into the new season is immeasurable. One gets the feeling that if Milan are to have a serious shot at the title, then the centre-back pairing will have to form an almost immediate bond, especially given that Mario Yepes, who continues to make significant errors at the back, is the first reserve as things stand.

Not only that, but for a real challenge to be on the cards, Robinho will have to perform for 30-plus games at a level he has failed to reach for 30-plus minutes over the past year, Alexandre Pato must be fit and firing for the majority of the season (don’t hold your breath), and players such as Mathieu Flamini and Stephan El Shaarawy will have to make the step up from fringe player to key first-teamer.

Asking for one or two of these eventualities to come to fruition is one thing, but expecting the full house is quite another. Additions such as Zapata, Riccardo Montolivo and Kevin Constant are solid, but far from spectacular, and if Sunday told us anything about the Diavolo, it was that they are as short on grass as they appear on paper. If coach Massimiliano Allegri has one thing in his favour, it is that the calendar is somewhat forgiving for his side over the first few weeks of the campaign.

On the other hand, Antonio Conte and Massimo Carrera have a stronger squad at their disposal, and their Trofeo Berlusconi success saw them add a few more goals to their locker following the ‘poker’ they netted in Beijing a week prior. Still, though, it is their firepower that the one question mark over Juventus' readiness for the task ahead remains.

JUVENTUS' EARLY JOUSTS

Aug 25 - Parma ( H)

Sep 2 - Udinese (A)

Sep 16 - Genoa (A)

Sep 18 - Champions League (v TBC)

Sep 23 - Chievo ( H)

Sep 26 - Fiorentina (A)

While Alessandro Matri scored what would turn out to be the winner in the second half, his future remains in doubt thanks to Juve’s well-documented pursuit of Fernando Llorente. They have spent much of the summer courting one striker or another without much success, but it finally appears that they are about to bag their man.

Matri could be on the way out as a result, though Adriano Galliani’s confirmation after the game that Milan are in talks with cugini Inter over a swap deal involving Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini suggests that it will not be the Rossoneri snapping him up. Still, the Italian is likely to be the main fall guy if/when the Spaniard arrives, with his team-leading 10-goal league haul last season deemed insufficient by the Juve board as they look to build a first XI that can truly claim to be among Europe’s very best.

Their one failing last term was their conversion rate, and while they have scored seven goals on the way to picking up two trophies in the past nine days, only two of them have gone against the name of a striker, and none of Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella or Matri seem likely to kick on and provide a 20-goal campaign. On the one hand, it is certainly positive that the Bianconeri are offering a threat from all areas of the pitch, but on the other it must remain a concern to Conte that the ruthlessness, which will become a necessity in the later Champions League rounds, is still seemingly a forgotten gene amongst Juve forwards.

Llorente could well be the answer, and with his purchase becoming increasingly likely, a third victory in 10 months at San Siro having been chalked up, Milan looking short in several areas, and Conte’s appeal over his 10-month touchline ban set to be heard on Monday, there are plenty of reasons for Juventus fans to be positive five days before the start of their first title defence in seven years.

Coaches, players and presidents may not say it, but the Old Lady should have enough to win the league with her eyes shut this term.

[Socrates 8240]

Prandelli backs champions Juventus

Aug 23, 2012

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has given his thoughts on the new Serie A season. “Juventus will be the team to beat.”

The campaign kicks off this weekend and Prandelli, a former midfielder with the Old Lady, is convinced they are firm favourites for the Scudetto.

“I’d put Juventus in pole position,” he told the Corriere dello Sport on Thursday. “They will be the side to beat.

“Firstly, because they are coming off the back of an extraordinary season. Secondly, because they want to confirm themselves and prove a point at the European level.”

Although the Turin giants are expected to do well, Prandelli is looking forward to seeing what sort of challenge Roma put up after the appointment of Zdenek Zeman.

“I’m intrigued by the Roma project which has been handed to Zeman, a Coach who focuses on the quality of play and offensive football,” he added. “I also like the idea of this new Fiorentina led by Vincenzo Montella.”

Prandelli was optimistic too that the two Milan clubs could impress despite some mass changes, while he backed Napoli to be up there.

“Milan have changed a lot, but they are counting on interesting players like Stephan El Shaarawy. You’ll see Massimiliano Allegri’s hand.

“Inter will count on the pride of the squad and the enthusiasm of boss Andrea Stramaccioni. They’ve made some well considered decisions which means they have precise ideas led by the Coach.

“Napoli are now an expert side that will fight to win. Coach Walter Mazzarri will have the same qualities which he has been able to transmit in these years.”

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Torino

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Serie A Preview: Juventus - Parma

Old Lady commence defence of Serie A crown

The Turin giants will hope for a routine victory over the visitors, despite the ban

imposed on Antonio Conte, as domestic action returns in Italy.

Aug 24, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Storari

Barzagli, Lucio, Bonucci

Asamoah, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner

Giovinco, Vucinic

PARMA

Mirante

Zaccardo, Paletta, Lucarelli

Biabiany, Morrone, Valdes, Parolo, Gobbi

Amauri, Pabon

This clash from the opening round of Serie A contains a number of intriguing subplots, including Amauri and Giovinco battling their former clubs.

Juventus' shape and defence practically picks itself at the moment, with Mauricio Isla, Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, and Gianluigi Buffon all missing through injury. Simone Pepe’s absence likely leaves a spot for Kwadwo Asamoah. In attack, Sebastian Giovinco will partner either Mirko Vucinic or Alessandro Matri.

Roberto Donadoni’s Parma will look to compete against the Scudetto incumbents with a similar shape. Raffaele Palladino will miss the match through injury, and Amauri, another former Juventus player, will look to inflict damage upon his old side.

Marco Parolo, who made the switch from Cesena thus summer, will likely start the match in midfield, but Daniele Galloppa remains sidelined following a suspension from last season.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Giovinco and Amauri face off as adversaries, though the two were team-mates last season in a Parma side that finished the season with seven straight wins.

• Antonio Conte’s 10-month suspension following his alleged involvement in Italy’s betting scandal has not been overturned.

• Parma have made a number of signings during the off-season, including the acquisition of the former Roma duo Aleandro Rosi and Stefano Okaka as well as resigning Amauri from Fiorentina.

• Giovinco scored 15 goals last season, including the sole Parma strike in his side’s 4-1 defeat in this same fixture.

• Juventus failed to take full points from only one of their final 10 games last season, in a 1-1 draw against Lecce.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Feb 15, 2012 - Parma 0 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- Sep 11, 2011 - Juventus 4 - Parma 1

Serie A‎ - May 15, 2011 - Parma 1 - Juventus 0

Serie A‎ - Jan 6, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Parma 4

Serie A‎ - May 9, 2010 - Juventus 2 - Parma 3

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Aug 11, 2012 - Juventus 4 - SSC Napoli 2 - Italian Supercup

Aug 4, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Malaga 0 - FR

Aug 1, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Benfica 1 - FR

Jul 28, 2012 - Hertha BSC 0 - Juventus 2 - FR

May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2 - Coppa Italia

Parma

May 13, 2012 - Parma 1 - Bologna 0 - Serie A

May 6, 2012 - Siena 0 - Parma 2 - Serie A

May 2, 2012 - Parma 3 - FC Internazionale 1 - Serie A

Apr 29, 2012 - Lecce 1 - Parma 2 - Serie A

Apr 25, 2012 - Palermo 1 - Parma 2 - Serie A

Players to watch

Sebastian Giovinco

The diminutive forward was co-owned by both clubs last season and matured into both a goal-scoring threat and a creative distributor. He’ll be more than motivated to prove that his return to Juventus was warranted.

Amauri

The ex-factor on the other side, the former Juventus player suffered an awful time at the Old Lady but will be looking to prove to the Scudetto holders that giving him up has consequences.

Prediction

Juventus, despite their injuries, should be simply too strong for a Parma side weakened by the loss of Giovinco. With or without Conte, the Old Lady should rear back into last season's form in this fixture.

Editor's Prediction: Juventus 3 - 1 Parma

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Torino

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Amauri out of Juve trip

Aug 24, 2012

Amauri and Raffaele Palladino will not be able to face former club Juventus, as they are out of Parma’s squad travelling to Turin.

The Brazilian-Italian was expected to start at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening, but Coach Roberto Donadoni confirmed he had skipped training today.

“Amauri still needs a few days to resolve this little problem, so he won’t be part of the game this week.”

Palladino is expected to be out until Week 3, while Fabiano Santacroce and Gianluca Sansone are also injured.

Daniele Galloppa sits out a one-match ban. Kick-off in Turin is at 19.45 UK time, click here for a match preview.

Parma squad for Juventus: Mirante, Pavarini, Bajza; Benalouane, Fideleff, Lucarelli, Paletta, Zaccardo; Acquah, Gobbi, Modesto, Morrone, Musacci, Ninis, Parolo, Rosi, Valdes; Belfodil, Biabiany, Pabon, Pellè

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Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Torino

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Juve-Parma: Lucio out, Chiellini in

Aug 24, 2012

Lucio is out of Saturday’s Juventus-Parma clash, but Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo make their comebacks.

The Brazilian defender had been expected to start tomorrow evening in Turin, but sprained his ankle during today’s training session.

A statement confirmed former Inter man Lucio will undergo tests over the next 48 hours. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also misses out with a thigh problem.

Pirlo is back in the side after missing the Trofeo Berlusconi against Milan last week, but more importantly Chiellini returns for the first time since the Euro 2012 Final.

Chiellini suffered three muscular strains in the space of a few weeks before and during the tournament, eventually pulling up with a second-degree calf strain 21 minutes into the Final against Spain.

Juventus squad for Parma: Storari, Leali, Branescu; Chiellini, Masi, De Ceglie, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner; Pogba, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah, Marrone, Giaccherini, Padoin; Vucinic, Giovinco, Matri, Quagliarella, Boakye

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Serie A Week 1 - 25/8/12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Torino

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Don counts on 'Juve atmosphere'

Aug 25, 2012

Roberto Donadoni is without Amauri for tonight’s Juventus encounter, but hopes Parma can step it up for “the atmosphere of the big occasion.”

The striker had to miss out on a return to face his former teammates due to an injury, joined by Raffaele Palladino, Gianluca Sansone and the suspended Daniele Galloppa.

“Amauri continues to have a problem that needs a few more days to be resolved, so he will be forced to miss the game, at least for this weekend,” said the Coach.

Juve have Massimo Carrera on the bench after Antonio Conte’s appeal against a 10-month ban was rejected.

“I am only interested in the football that takes place on the pitch and this is a difficult game only because of the qualities of our opponents,” insisted Donadoni.

“We have changed a great deal over the summer, so it will take a little patience to support these lads in their growth.

“On the field they will have to think as a team unit. If we don’t, then Juve will put us under even more pressure.

“We know that we are not on a par with Juventus because of the great quality they can count on, but at the same time the atmosphere of the big occasion always pushes you on to give your best.”