Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

'There are no easy game in Europe'

Oct 22, 2012

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has warned his teammates against complacency when they play Nordsjaelland in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri travel to Denmark to face Kasper Hjulmand's men on Tuesday, and the Italy international has claimed that, although the Wild Tigers may be European debutants, they will still be a tough proposition.

“There are no easy games in the Champions League, so we have to be careful,” he told a Press conference. “Nordsjaelland are a team that like to play football, with a lot of internationals in their squad.

“This match is decisive for us in Europe. We drew the first two games, and now the time has come to win.”

He also commented on the progress of summer signing Nicklas Bendtner.

“Nicklas is working very well,” he said. “Every session he is getting more and more used to the way we play.”

[Socrates 8386]

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Nordsjaelland vs. Juventus Preview

Oct 22, 2012

Matchday Three of the Champions League begins tomorrow, among the fixtures is Danish champions Nordsjaelland hosting Serie A holders Juventus. This is a big match for the Italians, who have picked up two points and trail Shakhtar and Chelsea (who also play) on four points. Back to back meetings against Nordsjaelland should be an easy six points, keeping them in the race for first round knockout qualification, but they cannot take anything lightly at this point or else they could see an early exit from the competition.

Gianluigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic were called up to the squad after injuries kept them out against Napoli on the weekend, they should start on Tuesday. Kwadwo Asamoah picked up a slight leg knock so he was left in Turin as precaution and Stephan Lichtsteiner is being rested. Paolo De Ceglie could feature at left wingback, while one of Martin Caceres or Mauricio Isla will start on the right. Everyone else should remain unchanged in Antonio Conte’s patented 3-5-2 (with Angelo Alessio managing on the touchline). Nordsjaelland have no reported injuries so they can play any XI they wish, the starters from their last outing against Chelsea could be the preferred selection.

With two games of Champions League experience under most players’ belts, nerves may not be a factor anymore, especially with Juve needing maximum points in both games to realistically keep themselves in the fight for top 2. This will be a game that will encourage a win rather than a performance, but it would be nice for the Bianconeri attack to score at least a couple along with the defense keeping a clean sheet to give themselves a positive goal differential. With Nordsjaelland’s six goals conceded and zero scored, this should be a straightforward task for the Serie A leaders. Not to mention they earned a morale boosting 2-0 victory against Napoli at home, with two substitutes getting the goals in Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba. Juventus certainly got some goal scoring threats in every position off the bench, not just the attack.

The two players to watch for Juventus are Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo. For Giovinco, this could be a golden opportunity to get himself on the score sheet for his first Champions League goal. He was very close to getting a tally against Napoli, but narrowly missed two great chances. He should come in hungry and might have enough space to operate as his size was a problem against Chelsea in the first match. For Andrea Pirlo, he might get more room than usual because Nordsjaelland could be content to sit deep and frustrate Juve, so look for the midfield maestro to orchestrate the attack like he has so many times in his career.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

SHAKHTAR - CHELSEA

Unbeaten for 11 months: Why Chelsea should fear Shakhtar Donetsk

The Miners struck a blow to Juventus' European aspirations last time out and given

their recent form, the Blues will have to be on their guard against Ukraine's finest.

Oct 23, 2012

COMMENT

By Michael Yokhin

It is somewhat peculiar that Shakhtar Donetsk managed to take many Italians by surprise with their superb 1-1 draw at Juventus Stadium three weeks ago. The Ukrainian champions deserved to beat La Vecchia Signora quite comfortably, but why should that astonish anyone?

Astonishingly, the 1-1 draw at Juve is the only competitive game Shakhtar have failed to win since March!

After all, the very same Shakhtar reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2010-11, soundly thrashing Roma 3-2 at Olimpico and 3-0 at Donbass Arena. The words “very same” should be taken literally here. Of the starting line-up for those games, only Brazilian star Jadson has left the club, returning to Sao Paolo at the beginning of the year. All the rest, without exception, are still in Donetsk, and most of them have only improved since.

Shakhtar are currently the most stable club in Europe by some margin, and they are building their success on a very solid foundation. Their management is exceptional, and they take great pride in retaining stars, rather than chasing new ones.

One of the most important stars is veteran Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu, who arrived in Donetsk in May 2004, a few weeks before Jose Mourinho took charge at Stamford Bridge. Roman Abramovich has hired and fired six more managers since, not counting Ray Wilkins. Meanwhile, Lucescu’s position has never been questioned, and he has led Shakhtar to six league titles, four national cups and Uefa Cup success in 2009.

It was more than three years ago, but no less than nine starters from that final against Werder Bremen still play for Lucescu’s team. To put things into perspective, only two Bremen starters from that fixture, Clemens Fritz and Sebastian Prodl, still feature for Thomas Schaaf’s outfit. Just four Roma players who faced Shakhtar in March 2011 are at Zdenek Zeman’s disposal today.

Shakhtar’s captain, Croatia wing-back Dario Srna, is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world in his position but is terribly underrated because he has played for an unfashionable Eastern European club since 2003. Romanian left back Razvan Rat has also been in Ukraine since 2003, closing in on a decade at Donbass. Czech defensive midfielder Tomas Hubschman arrived from Sparta Prague in 2004. Shakhtar have even been able to retain their Brazilian stars too despite offers from big western clubs.

Willian, the imaginative versatile playmaker, who made Juventus’ midfield look almost amateurish at times, was bought from Corinthians as a 19-year-old in 2007, and is still in Ukraine despite strong interest from Chelsea and Arsenal. Fernandinho, who effortlessly dictates the game’s rhythm when on form, is in his eighth season at Shakhtar. Centre forward Luiz Adriano, who scores and misses a lot of goals, is ever improving after joining in 2007. Remarkably, even Ilsinho, who left the club in 2010 to return to Brazil, chose to sign for Shakhtar again in January.

However, this does not mean that Lucescu and general director Sergei Palkin never look for reinforcements. On the contrary, outstanding purchases are made every summer. A new generation of Brazilians is prospering at Shakhtar, with 22-year-old Alex Teixeira, scorer of the brilliant goal against Juventus, particularly catching the eye. He was signed in 2010, together with the technically superb Douglas Costa, while striker Dentinho joined a year later on.

The best addition, though, was an Armenian. The wonderfully two-footed Henrikh Mkhitaryan was bought from neighbours Metallurg in 2009, and is now developing into a world class scorer.

Naturally, every team experiences tough patches from time to time, and Shakhtar were hugely disappointing in the Champions League last season, finishing last in a group containing APOEL Nicosia, Zenit St Petersburg and Porto. Even then, their 2-2 draw in the 'derby' against the Russian champions was one of the best and most entertaining matches in Europe. The final standings would have prompted many clubs to look for a coaching alternative, but not so at the Donbass Arena. Lucescu retained the trust of his superiors, and by the end of the season rivals Dinamo Kiev were humiliated once again when Donetsk completed their second successive league and cup double.

This term, their form has been irresistible. Shakhtar have won all of their 12 league fixtures, and dumped Dinamo Kiev out of the Ukrainian Cup, a 4-1 thrashing that resulted in the end of Russian coach Yuri Syomin's reign in Kiev. Astonishingly, the 1-1 draw at Juventus is the only competitive game they have failed to win since March. In fact, Shakhtar are unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Porto in November 2011.

Granted, local opposition in Ukraine is not of the highest quality, but that should not make the achievement less significant. Chelsea will visit opponents of supreme quality on Tuesday, and Shakhtar’s goals are set very high. They remember only too well in Donetsk that Dinamo Kiev, led by Andriy Shevchenko, reached the Champions League semi-finals in 1999.

Club owner Rinat Akhmetov, the richest person in Ukraine, wants his side to better that record, and firmly believes his team is up to the task. In order to make the dream come true this season, the Ukrainians must finish above Chelsea or Juve in the group, and the couple of games against Roberto Di Matteo’s team are crucial. The Blues might be flying high in the Premier League, but their Italian manager knows only too well that taking a single point from Donbass Arena will be a very positive result.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Juventus probable XI for Nordsjaelland

Oct 23, 2012

Gigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic are expected to return to the starting line-up for Juventus’ game at Nordsjaelland tonight.

The duo missed Saturday’s 2-0 win over Napoli, but were both included in the squad for their Champions League tie.

Boss Antonio Conte is expected to make other changes though to his first choice XI when they take on the Danish minnows.

In defence, Lucio is expected to be brought into the side in place of Andrea Barzagli who will be allowed to catch his breath.

There will be changes on the flanks as Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah have been left in Turin.

Martin Caceres and Paolo De Ceglie are set to be picked above Mauricio Isla and Emanuele Giaccherini for those roles.

Paul Pogba is providing Arturo Vidal with some competition for a spot in midfield, but the Chilean may still start.

In attack, Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco are fighting to be picked alongside the returning Vucinic.

Juventus probable: Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri, Vucinic.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Juventus look to end draw streak

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus will be looking to break their European taboo with a victory against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League.

Despite their Serie A record of seven wins and one draw from their first eight games this term, winning in Europe is proving problematic.

The Old Lady have drawn both of their Champions League games so far this season against Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk.

It means that they have not won on the continent for eight games after drawing all six of their Europa League group ties during the reign of Gigi Del Neri.

Their last victory came during a Europa League tie against Sturm Graz back in October 2010.

Their last win in the Champions League was in November 2009 at Maccabi Haifa. Mauro Camoranesi got the only goal of the game.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Juventus will take nothing for granted, says Alessio

The Turin side's assistant trainer is full of respect for the Farum side

ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match.

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus coach Angelo Alessio has insisted the Serie A champions will have to be on top of their game against Nordsjaelland if they are to get a good result in Tuesday's Champions League encounter.

The Danish powerhouse have lost their opening two games, but Alessio has nothing but respect for Nordsjaelland as Juve look to record their first win of the group stages.

"We’ve got great respect for Nordsjaelland. They play an attractive style of football and keep good possession," the 47-year-old said at a press conference.

"They’ve got technically gifted players and their strength could also be seen against Chelsea in spite of their defeat.

"Chelsea scored three of their four goals here very late in the match, so we know it is not going to be easy for us. Nordsjaelland have been playing some fine football."

Tuesday's match in Copenhagen kicks off 20:45CET.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Nordsjaelland have a chance against Juventus, says Hjulmand

The 40-year-old coach is aware of the difficult task at hand, but still is retaining

hope of causing an upset when his side take on the Italian powerhouse.

Oct 23, 2012

Nordsjaelland trainer Kasper Hjulmand is eagerly anticipating the Champions League Group E match at home against Juventus, and hopes his side can pull off an upset against the Serie A champions.

The Danes were beaten 2-0 in their opening game against Shakhtar, before recording a 4-0 loss versus Chelsea in their second game, but the 40-year-old is confident his side can do better against Juve.

"If we can improve as much for this match as we did between our first game at Shakhtar Donetsk and the one against Chelsea, we have a chance. We did a lot of things right against Chelsea," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Juventus do not give many chances away so we have to be clinical in front of goal. I rate them as one of the best teams in the world right now, but we believe we can surprise them if we give our all.

"We are looking forward to this match as if it were Christmas Eve."

Tuesday's match is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Line-ups: Nordsjaelland-Juventus

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus welcome back Gigi Buffon for their Champions League must-win game with Nordsjaelland, as Lucio Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri start.

The match kicks off in Copenhagen at 19.45 BST and sees the Bianconeri looking for their first European victory of the season following draws with Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Buffon missed both Italy-Denmark and Juventus-Napoli due to a thigh problem, but the goalkeeper is back in the starting XI tonight.

Mirko Vucinic has still not fully recovered from a bout of flu, so is on the bench along with Danish international Nicklas Bendtner, while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah were left behind in Turin to rest.

Paul Pogba had been expected to make a rare start, but Coach Antonio Conte and assistant Angelo Alessio – here making his Champions League touchline debut – opted to stick with the first choice midfield.

Lucio and Mauricio Isla are given the opportunity to shine as they recuperate from injuries.

Nordsjaelland have lost both their Group E games so far, conceding six goals, but could prove tough nuts to crack.

The 4-0 defeat by Chelsea was their first home defeat in 14, but three of those goals came in the final 11 minutes for a frankly harsh scoreline.

Ivan Runje and Mikkel Beckmann were carrying injuries going into this game, but are both risked in the starting XI.

Andreas Laudrup will be one to watch, as his father Michael played for Juventus from 1983 to 1989.

Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup, Lorentzen, John; Beckmann

Nordsjaelland bench: Villadsen, Gundelach, Christensen, Ticinovic, Petry, Christiansen, Nordstrand

Juventus: Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri, Giovinco

Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, Pogba, Giaccherini, Marrone, Vucinic, Bendtner

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND - JUVENTUS

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

HT: Juve run risks in Denmark

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus are still goalless at half-time against Nordsjaelland as both sides ran huge risks and tested the goalkeepers in a wide open game.

The pressure was on the Bianconeri after two stalemates left their chances of qualifying in the balance. Gigi Buffon returned from a thigh injury, joined by Lucio and Mauricio Isla, but Mirko Vucinic was only fit for the bench while Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner were rested. Angelo Alessio made his Champions League touchline debut after the expiration of his ban, though Antonio Conte was still suspended.

Nordsjaelland were in their first ever Champions League group phase participation and had lost both games, but the 4-0 against Chelsea here was an extremely flattering scoreline for Roberto Di Matteo’s men. Ivan Runje and Mikkel Beckmann shook off knocks to start, while Andreas Laudrup is the son of 1983-89 Juve star Michael. They are known as ‘Denmark’s Barcelona’ due to their fondness for keeping possession.

Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo aimed long-range shots just off target in the opening minutes, while Sebastian Giovinco hooked a wonderful Pirlo pass over the top and Jores Okore crucially intervened as he was pulling the trigger from 10 yards.

Nordsjaelland had their first chance after 16 minutes when Kasper Lorentzen burst forward on the counter from a lost ball and stung Buffon’s palms.

Giovinco mistimed his volley to scuff it into the goalkeeper’s hands and Leonardo Bonucci’s glancing header whistled just wide. A Nicolai Stokholm shot was charged down and Juve went on the counter, but Alessandro Matri went down after a shoulder to shoulder with Okore on the edge of the box and the referee waved play on. It was a very risky challenge and could easily have resulted in a red card if the official had read it differently.

Giovinco volleyed straight at the goalkeeper, but there was a massive risk for Juventus on the half-hour mark!

A long ball over the top took the defence by surprise and Joshua John tried to chip it over the on-rushing Buffon, but the goalkeeper beat it away with his chest well outside the penalty area. The officials considered their decision carefully and replays show they were right, as it did not strike his arm.

Moments later Juve should’ve scored when Giovinco sprung the offside trap to go round the ‘keeper, but narrowed the angle too much and could only hit the side-netting of an open goal.

Buffon again timed his intervention perfectly to take the ball off John’s foot from six yards after a fine passing move.

It was a wide open first half and Matri’s header from a corner flashed across the face of goal. The ex-Cagliari striker then nutmegged Michael Parkhurst and rolled across for Giovinco in front of an open goal, but Okore was in the right place to intercept.

Giovinco got away from his marker with some fine footwork and his fierce finish stung Jesper Hansen’s gloves while Matri was unable to turn in the rebound. Claudio Marchisio was crucially blocked by a sliding tackle as he was pulling the trigger, leading to a heavy knock on the ankle.

Nordsjaelland 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup, Lorentzen, John; Beckmann

Juventus: Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri, Giovinco

Ref: Aytekin (GER)

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404‎

Beckmann free kick earns Danes famous draw

The Danes stunned the Bianconeri by taking the lead shortly after the interval with a sublime

set-piece and then, after Mirko Vucinic's equaliser, somehow held on for a point.

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League are hanging by a thread after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group E minnows FC Nordsjaelland at Parken Stadium on Tuesday night.

However, it could have been even worse for the Bianconeri, who fell behind to a stunning free-kick goal from Mikkel Beckmann early in the second half. Indeed, there were just under 10 minutes remaining when the Italian champions finally drew level, through substitute Mirko Vucinic.

Fellow replacement Nicklas Bendtner had a chance to be a hero on home soil but he headed wide late on and Juve were forced to settle for their third successive draw in this season's Champions League - and their ninth in total in European competition.

The Bianconeri had gone into the game in Copenhagen knowing that nothing less than a victory would suffice if they were to retain any real chance of progressing as winners of Group E - or perhaps even progressing at all.

Still, while the visitors, and Andrea Pirlo in particular, were undoubtedly intent on taking control of the game early on, FCN were in no mood to be pushed around and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening exchanges.

Indeed, with Kasper Lorentzen, Joshua John and Andreas Laudrup all impressing in support of lone frontman Beckmann, the tournament debutants carried an undeniable attacking threat. They could even have taken the lead on the half hour when John latched onto a kick-out from Jesper Hansen and looked to flick the ball past the onrushing Gianluigi Buffon only to see the goalkeeper rather fortuitously block with the side of his chest - when it could so easily have been his flailing left arm.

However, it was Juve, with Pirlo predictably pulling the strings, who looked the more likely scorers in a tight opening 45 minutes. With one superbly-executed, first-time pass in behind the FCN defence, Pirlo put Sebastian Giovinco in on goal only for the diminutive forward to be muscled off the ball by the impressive Jores Okore.

It was undoubtedly Giovinco who was carrying the Bianconeri’s most potent attacking threat but after seeing a smart volley saved by Jesper Hansen on 28 minutes, the former Parma man squandered a terrific chance to break the deadlock moments later after being played through by Paolo De Ceglie. Giovinco rounded the advancing Hansen with ease but allowed the acute angle to get the better of him and fired into the side netting.

The diminutive forward also tested Hansen with stinging drives either side of half-time, first after sending the scrambling FCN defence one way and then the other, and then after latching onto a fine knock-on by strike partner Alessandro Matri.

The opening goal, therefore, came as a real bolt from the blue - and Juventus only had themselves to blame, some sloppy play in midfield eventually leading to De Ceglie putting his own defence under pressure with a poor pass before an unsettled Giorgio Chiellini needlessly barged Laudrup out of the way on the edge of the area.

Beckmann, whose shooting up until this point had been tame at best, stepped up to take the resulting free kick and calmly curled the ball up and over the wall and into the top-right corner, sparking raucous celebrations from the 'home' side's supporters.

Juventus, unsurprisingly, redoubled their efforts in a bid to drag themselves back into the game and Giovinco, after rising wonderfully to meet another fine De Ceglie delivery, was only denied a long overdue goal by the most amazing one-handed save from Hansen.

The Italian champions continued to press, sending Bendtner and Vucinic on to bolster their attacking ranks. In the end, it was the latter who made the breakthrough, volleying home a fine cross from Mauricio Isla from wide on the right-hand side with just under 10 minutes remaining.

Bendtner, though, could have really kickstarted his Juventus career on 87 minutes but he headed another inviting cross from De Ceglie well wide after arriving late into the area. In truth, though, it was probably only just that FCN held on to claim the greatest result in their 21-year history.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404‎

Nordsjaelland stun Juve

Oct 23, 2012

Mirko Vucinic came off the bench to snatch a point against Danish minnows Nordsjaelland, as Juventus once again had to fight back for a Champions League draw.

Elsewhere in Group E, Shakhtar Donetsk are top with seven points after beating Chelsea 2-1, meaning Juve are now just one point behind the trophy holders.

The pressure was on the Bianconeri after two stalemates left their chances of qualifying in the balance. Gigi Buffon returned from a thigh injury, joined by Lucio and Mauricio Isla, but Mirko Vucinic was only fit for the bench while Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner were rested. Angelo Alessio made his Champions League touchline debut after the expiration of his ban, though Antonio Conte was still suspended.

Nordsjaelland were in their first ever Champions League group phase participation and had lost both games, but the 4-0 against Chelsea here was an extremely flattering scoreline for Roberto Di Matteo’s men. Ivan Runje and Mikkel Beckmann shook off knocks to start, while Andreas Laudrup is the son of 1983-89 Juve star Michael. They are known as ‘Denmark’s Barcelona’ due to their fondness for keeping possession, but were yet to score in the group phase.

Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo aimed long-range shots just off target in the opening minutes, while Sebastian Giovinco hooked a wonderful Pirlo pass over the top and Jores Okore crucially intervened as he was pulling the trigger from 10 yards.

Nordsjaelland had their first chance after 16 minutes when Kasper Lorentzen burst forward on the counter from a lost ball and stung Buffon’s palms.

Giovinco mistimed his volley to scuff it into the goalkeeper’s hands and Leonardo Bonucci’s glancing header whistled just wide. A Nicolai Stokholm shot was charged down and Juve went on the counter, but Alessandro Matri went down after a shoulder to shoulder with Okore on the edge of the box and the referee waved play on. It was a very risky challenge and could easily have resulted in a red card if the official had read it differently.

Giovinco volleyed straight at the goalkeeper, but there was a massive risk for Juventus on the half-hour mark!

A long ball over the top took the defence by surprise and Joshua John tried to chip it over the on-rushing Buffon, but the goalkeeper beat it away with his chest well outside the penalty area. The officials considered their decision carefully and replays show they were right, as it did not strike his arm.

Moments later Juve should’ve scored when Giovinco sprung the offside trap to go round the ‘keeper, but narrowed the angle too much and could only hit the side-netting of an open goal.

Buffon again timed his intervention perfectly to take the ball off John’s foot from six yards after a fine passing move.

It was a wide open first half and Matri’s header from a corner flashed across the face of goal. The ex-Cagliari striker then nutmegged Michael Parkhurst and rolled across for Giovinco in front of an open goal, but Okore was in the right place to intercept.

Giovinco got away from his marker with some fine footwork and his fierce finish stung Jesper Hansen’s gloves while Matri was unable to turn in the rebound. Claudio Marchisio was crucially blocked by a sliding tackle as he was pulling the trigger, leading to a heavy knock on the ankle.

Within 60 seconds of the restart the Bianconeri went very close on a corner, Matri’s glancing header flapped out from under the bar. Moments later Hansen was again forced to beat away a rising Giovinco strike.

However, it was Nordsjaelland who took the lead. Giorgio Chiellini was booked for barging Laudrup aside on the edge of the box and Beckmann curled the resulting free kick into the near top corner, bending it round the defensive wall and past Buffon’s fingertips.

So far in this Champions League campaign, Juventus have been trailing in all three games. Matri’s strike was charged down in the area and Isla’s volley was just behind Giovinco looking to redirect. Isla tried again when left in acres of space down the right, but Runje threw himself at the shot to block.

It was turning into a siege and Giovinco got a rare header that Hansen had to claw out from under the bar, then the goalkeeper rushed forward five seconds later to parry the Isla follow-up with his legs at the near post.

John had a chance following Lucio’s stumble in the box, but turned the header well over, while Marchisio also had a strike charged down and Vidal’s was deflected wide.

Hansen was having a fantastic night in Copenhagen and palmed a trademark Pirlo free kick round the post, then controlled an Isla snapshot at the second attempt. Juve were increasingly desperate and threw on Bendtner for only his second appearance for the club, replacing defender Lucio.

Vidal and Vucinic exchanged passes in the box with Hansen getting a fingertip to turn the Chilean’s finish inches wide from six yards.

The siege finally paid off with nine minutes left, as an Isla cross from the right found Vucinic to volley in with the inside of his right foot from eight yards, the Montenegrin getting in front of Okore.

Juve’s tails were up and Bonucci’s free header was over from a corner, while Bendtner had the chance to seal it for the Bianconeri in Denmark only for him to nod Paolo De Ceglie’s cross wide. The Old Lady kept pouring forward as Nordsjaelland focused on charging down everything that was thrown at them.

Nordsjaelland 1-1 Juventus

Scorers: Beckmann 50 (N), Vucinic 81 (J)

Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup (Christensen 70), Lorentzen (Christiansen 88), John; Beckmann (Nordstrand 67)

Juventus: Buffon; Lucio (Bendtner 76), Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal (Giaccherini 83), Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri (Vucinic 68), Giovinco

Ref: Aytekin (GER)

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in the Danish capital,

after the Bianconeri are forced to come from behind to snatch a draw.

Oct 23, 2012

FC Nordsjælland

Jesper Hansen - Was lucky not to be punished by Pirlo after a disastrous seventh-minute kick-out that went straight to the playmaker. Was also let off the hook by Giovinco after stupidly rushing out of his goal in a futile attempt to reach De Ceglie's through-ball before the attacker. However, made a string of stunning stops thereafter, the one-handed save which kept out Giovinco's header undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.

Jores Okore - A fine defensive display from the centre-half, who made two vital interceptions inside the opening 10 minutes alone. Gave absolutely everything, while at the same time showing impressive discipline and composure. Deserved a clean sheet.

Patrick Mtiliga - Showed some lovely early touches, linking with John, positioned just in front of him, to good effect. Also did well to barge Matri off the ball without giving away a free - or worse, getting himself sent off for a professional foul.

Michael Parkhurst - Defended solidly from start to finish and also got forward in support of Laudrup whenever he could, winning an early corner after nutmegging Chiellini, which he no doubt savoured.

Ivan Runje - Oustanding performance at the back for FCN, his commitment and willingness to put his body on the line best summed up by the way in which he threw himself in front of a cross from Isla shortly before half-time.

Enock Kofi Adu - Along with Stokholm, was charged with the pretty unenviable task of shutting down Juve's midfield. They didn't really manage that but Adu, with his boundless enthusiasm, played his part in disrupting their illustrious rivals.

Nikolai Stokholm - Impressed against the Azzurri for Denmark recently and impressed again against Italian opposition tonight. Really got about the pitch well and also used the ball smartly.

Mikkel Beckmann - A fitness doubt beforehand, the forward was given the all clear to start and made his presence count. Tested Buffon twice in the first half before beating the legendary Italian goalkeeper with a terrific curling free kick on 50 minutes.

K. Lorentzen - Set the tone for an all-action display by calling Buffon into action for the first time on 15 minutes with a well-struck drive from 25 yards out after a strong run from midfield. Always looked a threat with the ball at his feet.

Andreas Laudrup - Might not be anywhere as good as his father (but then, who is?!) but he is a good player in his own right. Very good on the ball and always looking to run at Juve's back three.

Joshua John - The Dutchman, who is on loan from Twente, was really confident and composed in possession and thus represented a useful outlet down the right-hand side, both in terms of relieving pressure on his defence and applying pressure on the opposition.

Substitutions

Anders Christiansen - Only thrown on at the death as FCN looked to hold onto what they had.

Søren Christensen - Took over from Laudrup with 20 minutes to go and required little time to settle in.

Morten Nordstrand - Came on midway through the second half for Beckmann but didn't carry the same attacking threat.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon - Back in the side after injury, the veteran goalkeeper did not make the best attempt of dealing with a speculative strike from distance from Lorentzen, parrying the ball straight to Laudrup, but the skipper ultimately got away with it. The same could be said about his decision to come out of his area to block an effort from John, the ball coming desperately close to striking Buffon's arm. Was given no chance by Beckmann's free.

Lucio - Recalled to the side in place of the rested Barzagli and performed reasonably well, using the ball well but never making the kind of dynamic forays forward which were once his trademark and was replaced as Juve sought to bring on an extra attacker late on.

Leonardo Bonucci - Was a real threat in the FCN penalty area at set-pieces, heading a Pirlo corner just wide midway through the first half. He was caught flat-footed on occasions defensively but was the pick of Juve's defensive trio.

Giorgio Chiellini - Pushed further forward every now and then to put FCN under greater pressure, a tactic which often led to his side winning the ball back. Also produced a great sliding tackle on Laudrup during the first half. However, his inexplicable decision to barge the forward off the ball in the second half not only earned him a yellow, it gifted FCN the free kick from which they broke the deadlock.

Mauricio Isla - Handed the opportunity to state a claim for a starting berth in the absence of Lichsteiner and did reasonably well. He butchered a gilt-edged chance to pick out an unmarked Matri in the area 20 minutes in but he improved as the game wore on and created the equaliser for Vucinic.

Claudio Marchisio - Nowhere near his usual dynamic self. Indeed, he looked off the pace for once, as evidenced by his booking for hauling back Laudrup after the attacker had slipped the ball through his legs wide on the left-hand side, as well as his failure to control the ball the one and only time he got in behind the FCN backline.

Andrea Pirlo - Prominent right from the off, the Azzurri ace had already had a couple of cracks on goal before he opened up Nordsjaelland with a stunning first-time ball over the top that Giovinco was unable to convert. Continued to probe thereafter but ultimately to no avail.

Arturo Vidal - Disappointing against Napoli on Saturday and only slightly more influential in Copenhagen. Indeed, he was pretty anonymous in the first half, giving the ball away under no pressure whatsoever at one point. Did improve in the second half, though, and nearly scored late on.

Paolo De Ceglie - Did a fine job filling in for the injured Asamoah. Did not offer the same physicality as the Ghanaian but his final ball on the night was brilliant. Indeed, he created three terrific openings for Giovinco alone.

Sebastian Giovinco - Juve's best attacker, the striker was denied a goal by a combination of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping. Saw a side-footed volley saved by Jensen before then firing into the side netting after rounding the FCN goalkeeper moments later. Was twice more denied by Hansen before seeing the Dane then pull of a stunning one-handed save from a fine header.

Alessandro Matri - As ever, an incredibly willing runner, though sometimes his enthusiasm was a problem as it resulted in him getting himself caught offside. Had a couple of neat lay-offs, and created a chance for Giovinco with a knock-on, but this was ultimately an underwhelming showing that was brought to a premature conclusion on 67 minutes.

Substitutions

Mirko Vučinić - Surprisingly omitted from the starting lineup after overcoming the flu that saw him miss the Napoli win, the Montenegrin was thrown on in the final 23 minutes and bailed Juventus out of jail with a fine side-footed volley. Will be back in the starting lineup this weekend, no doubt about that.

Nicklas Bendtner - Afforded 15 minutes at the end to shoot down his compatriots - and squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to head his side into the lead. Fair to say his Juve career has yet to catch fire and, on this evidence, maybe it never will.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404‎

One of the most humiliating European nights in Juventus' history

The Bianconeri were expected to wipe the floor with the Danish minnows, but they struggled

to a draw which leaves them staring down the barrel of Champions League elimination.

Oct 23, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

It didn’t start well, but then neither have lots of games in Juventus’ long run under Antonio Conte. There still appeared to be every reason to believe that the Bianconeri would pull through and get the win they were expected to collect with something to spare. But it wasn’t about to get any better, and their 1-1 draw against Nordsjaelland, and the non-performance that came with it, represents one of the most humiliating nights in the club’s European history. With all due respect, the Danes are one of the weakest teams the Champions League has ever witnessed.

Mirko Vucinic’s late equaliser does not cover up the cracks, nor do the 30 shots Juventus attempted - few of which were clear chances. After dropping two points to a side whose inclusion in Group E was greeted with a mixture of laughs and cheers by Juve fans, the Old Lady are potentially left needing three victories from their final three games just as they would have done had they not managed a response to Michael Beckmann’s stunning 50th-minute free-kick. And on their current form, they don’t have a hope in hell of getting two, let alone three. If they can’t beat Nordsjaelland, what chance do they realistically have against Chelsea or Shakhtar?

Juventus now haven’t won a midweek fixture for six months, drawing every one of their four non-weekend games this season, proving that the fears over the lack of rotation within the squad since the start of the campaign were well-founded, and their insipidness against the Wild Tigers was the biggest blot yet on that particular copybook.

Antonio Conte has refused to breathe new energy into his dominant but lethargic midfield, leaving them all too often lacking the legs to carry out twice a week what they were able to do with regularity last term. Matchday coach Angelo Alessio also deserves reprimanding, with his inability to react quickly to the Old Lady’s suffering - resulting in substitutes Vucinic and Nicklas Bendtner having little time to make an impact.

There is culpability at boardroom level too. The lack of a centre forward signing in the summer window really shines out on nights like tonight. When a side is playing as badly as Juve were, they can often get away with it thanks to a couple of moments of opportunism from a top striker. But the Bianconeri don’t have that player. The board dillied and dallied, and results like this is what they get for it.

The players were far from their best. They should have been able to see off the Danish side, but they fell short. Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri again failed to make the expected impact. Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio were sluggish. The back three were too often carved apart.

On a night like tonight, nobody can hold their head high. Everyone has reason to be ashamed. Juventus now have a huge mountain to climb to make the last 16, and they have nobody to blame but themselves.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Buffon angered by Juve's draw in Denmark

The veteran goalkeeper was enraged by the manner in which his side conceded the first goal,

and states that they must do everything they can in their remaining group fixtures.

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has spoken of his anger in the aftermath of the Serie A champions' draw to FC Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The result gave the Danish minnows their first point in the competition, after they lost their first two games in convincing fashion, and they took the lead courtesy of a goal from Mikkel Beckmann.

Despite an equaliser from Mirko Vucinic in the last ten minutes of the match, the Italians still feel as though it is two points dropped, rather than a point salvaged.

"I am angry for the result and the way we conceded the goal," raged the Juve shot-stopper, speaking to reporters.

"We conceded a very avoidable free kick on the edge of the box and that was frankly the only way they could possibly score against us. The free kick was perfect and I couldn't do anything about it.

"The first half was balanced, but after the break there was only one team on the field. Never more than tonight was the result down to a single incident.

"There are no easy games in the Champions League and Nordsjaelland played on a par with Chelsea for almost 75 minutes. Now we have to do everything possible to win the next few games," he said.

Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio shared Buffon's sentiments, and admitted he was baffled over how the Turin giants failed to win the game.

"We had so many chances, but were unable to score and in a game like this that complicates matters," he explained, speaking to reporters.

"We certainly allowed our opponents too much in the first half, but came out of our shells in the second, created many opportunities and their goalkeeper had to perform several great saves.

"Clearly we have to win the next game in order to stay in the running and then get a result against the top two as well," he conceded.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Alessio: 'Juve deserved win'

Oct 23, 2012

Assistant manager Angelo Alessio insists Juventus “absolutely deserved to win” in Copenhagen, but their Champions League hopes hang by a thread.

The Bianconeri have now managed just nine draws and a defeat from their last 10 European matches and were trailing in all three of the Champions League fixtures this season.

“We had so many chances, but were unable to score and in a game like this that complicates matters,” said Alessio after the 1-1 draw with Nordsjaelland.

“We lacked some grit in the first half, while after the break we did play our football. Towards the end we switched to a four-man defence, as Nicklas Bendtner and Sebastian Giovinco were backed by Mirko Vucinic to make the team more dangerous in attack.

“We certainly allowed our opponents too much in the first half, but came out of our shells in the second, created many opportunities and their goalkeeper had to perform several great saves.”

Juventus are now in a very dangerous position, as Shakhtar Donetsk lead Group E on seven points, followed by Chelsea on four and the Bianconeri with three.

“Clearly we have to win the next game in order to stay in the running and then get a result against the top two as well,” admitted Alessio.

“We have to accept the result, even if we absolutely deserved to win tonight.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Buffon: 'I'm angry' at Danish draw

Oct 23, 2012

Gigi Buffon made his comeback for Juventus, but was “angry for the result and the way we conceded” in the shock draw with Nordsjaelland.

The Danish minnows had lost all their games in the Champions League so far without scoring a goal, but took the lead in tonight’s 1-1 stalemate.

“I am angry for the result and the way we conceded the goal,” snapped the ‘keeper who has shaken off a thigh problem.

“We conceded a very avoidable free kick on the edge of the box and that was frankly the only way they could possibly score against us. The free kick was perfect and I couldn’t do anything about it.

“The first half was balanced, but after the break there was only one team on the field. Never more than tonight was the result down to a single incident.”

Juventus have now drawn all three Group E games and risk a first round exit from the Champions League.

“There are no easy games in the Champions League and Nordsjaelland played on a par with Chelsea for almost 75 minutes,” continued Buffon.

“Now we have to do everything possible to win the next few games.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Chiellini: How did Juve not win?

Oct 23, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini is stunned by Juventus’ failure to beat Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Old Lady went into the Danish encounter with aspirations of victory, but they could only collect a 1-1 draw.

“Over the course of 90 minutes we allowed them one free-kick and one chance from a long ball,” the stopper stated. “We had 15 shots and created 30 chances...

“The Danes played well in the first half, but we didn’t really give them many opportunities at all. There was no contest in terms of scoring opportunities. We should have won.

“We go home scratching our heads as to how we haven’t won this match. We deserved a lot more.

“In certain League games, like against Genoa or Siena, we’ve gone home with three points despite conceding more chances to the opposition.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Vucinic rues Juve misfortune

Oct 23, 2012

Mirko Vucinic has defended his Juventus side from claims that they are too predictable as an attacking force.

The Old Lady complicated their Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Danish minnows Nordsjaelland.

“We’re not predictable,” stated the Montenegro international. “We created a lot of chances and their goalkeeper did well and we were unlucky. We played well as a team.”

Nordsjaelland took a shock lead before Vucinic, having recovered from a fever, came on to grab a point.

“I’d rather not score if it meant the team winning as that’s the most important thing,” he continued.

“Nothing’s easy in football, there are no easy teams or games. We now need to take this point and focus on our next match.”

Having drawn their first three group games, Juve will now probably have to win their next two games against Nordsjaelland and Chelsea to stay in the running for qualification.

“We knew we had to win, but we were unable to,” Vucinic stated. “It’s now time to turn the page and, anyway, things are more beautiful when complicated…”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Nordsjaelland 1-1 Juventus

Oct 23, 2012

Nordsjaelland accomplished the impossible, getting a 1-1 draw along with their first goal against Italian champions Juventus on Tuesday night. A stunning free kick from Mikkel Beckmann in the 50th minute gave the hosts the lead, but Mirko Vucinic tied it up in the 81st minute to salvage a point for Juve.

The first half started out strongly for the home side, as Nordsjaelland looked very tidy in possession and spread the ball well. They even forced Gianluigi Buffon to make a couple of good saves to keep it level. As the minutes ticked by, Juventus grew into the game. Sebastian Giovinco looked very dangerous, despite missing two very good chances, but he was dictating the play on counter attacks and passed the ball nicely. Sadly, Alessandro Matri looked dull and slow compared to his counterpart up front. It’s apparent that these two don’t have the chemistry that Gio does with Mirko Vucinic. Give credit to Nordsjaelland, though. Jeff Parkhurst was giving the Bianconeri headaches down the right flank and Jores Okore was solid in center defense. The 20 year old Danish international surely has a bright future ahead of him if he can keep up these performances.

Despite having more of the ball, Nordsjaelland conceded eleven shots to Juventus compared to their five (four of which hit the net), but only three of them were on target. Set pieces were a worry as the Juve players were able to win the ball in the air, but no one was able to get a clean attempt at goal. This with the midfield, especially Andrea Pirlo and the wingbacks, having plenty of time to pick out passes, but everyone was marked tightly.

The second forty-five was when things got tasty. Just five minutes in, Giorgio Chiellini received the ball and lazily shoved off a Nordsjaelland defender, conceding a free kick 21 meters away from Buffon’s net. Mikkel Beckmann executed it perfectly, placing the ball in the right post, giving Buffon no chance to stop it. For thirty minutes, Nordsjaelland were in dreamland, until an exquisite Mauricio Isla cross connected with the foot of Mirko Vucinic to make it 1-1. Juventus fans could breathe a bit, but the result will sting in a performance that was simply not good enough.

In what is now the third Champions League game in a row they’ve conceded the first goal and the ninth straight they’ve drawn, Juventus are beginning to look like an unlucky team in European play. Lots will criticize their lack of finishing and the decision of Antonio Conte’s selection of Alessandro Matri up front with Sebastian Giovinco, which is justified by the amount of missed chances. Juventus finished the game with 52% of the possession and had a whopping 30 attempts, 15 of which were on target. Of those 15, four were clear cut chances. Nordsjaelland only mustered eight with five hitting the goal. Alessandro Matri contributed to a few of Juve’s shots, but he was wasteful and looked very slow, a man who looks like his confidence has run out. Giovinco was lively and right away the chemistry between him and Vucinic was obvious. When Alessio changed to a 4-3-1-2 with Nicklas Bendtner coming in for Lucio and Giovinco dropping into a trequartista role, the team continued to pressure the Nordsjaelland goal. If they were given even five more minutes, they could’ve won that game. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing not being able to walk out of Copenhagen with three points.

Take nothing away from Nordsjaelland, they had a well prepared and executed game plan. Okore continued his fine play from the first half, contributing to a few blocks by the Danes. Whenever the defense wasn’t there, childhood Juventus fan and Buffon admirer Jesper Hansen made several saves to keep the 1-0 lead safe. Another talking point will be the amount of corners conceded by the Danish champions. Juve were given eighteen of them, but couldn’t capitalize on any of them. The first few weren’t well defended, but the more the Bianconeri got, Nordsjaelland became better at clearing them.

All in all, a very tactical battle in the Danish capital. It was a fair result given what happened, but with Chelsea losing 2-1 to Shakhtar in Donetsk, they’ll feel upset still being out of the top two in Group E upon returning to Turin. With a home date against Nordsjaelland next matchday, they’ll need to be a whole lot better. With Shakhtar at seven points, Chelsea with four and Juve at three, they’ll have to win in order to stay alive. If Shakhtar can give Chelsea another challenge, Juventus could be second with two games remaining, but they’ll have to play a lot better than tonight if they want to make that a reality.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Vucinic rescues point for Bianconeri

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus drew 1-1 with Nordsjaelland at the Parken Stadium on matchday three of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Mikkel Beckmann gave the Danes the lead early in the second half, but Mirko Vucinic levelled the score and earned a point for the Bianconeri late in the game.

The Old Lady took the early impetuous with Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo seeing shots from distance fly wide, before Sebastian Giovinco saw a great opportunity fly over the bar from 10 years out.

It took a while for the Danes to get into the game, but Kasper Lorentzen did get a shot in to test Gianluigi Buffon.

Then Joshua John tried an audacious chip on the Juve goalkeeper, who looked to have handled the ball outside the area, but the referee decided the ball only his his chest and no further action was taken.

Giovinco should have found the net moments later, when he rounded the goalkeeper but took the ball too wide and could only shoot into the side netting.

Towards the end of the first period, Alessandro Matri saw a head go wide, Giovinco had a shot blocked as did Claudio Marchisio.

Juve suffered a blow early in the second half when Nordsjaelland took the lead through Beckmann, whose freekick from the edge of the penalty area sailed past a helpless Buffon.

The away side though looked to immediately get back in level terms and peppered the Nordsjaelland with shots but goalkeeper Hansen stood firm.

Pirlo went close from a freekick as Juve dominated possession and pinned their opponents back but found the Danish side difficult to break down.

As the half wore on Nordsjaelland struggled to have any meaningful possession and had Hansen to thank after his excellent save denied Vidal.

But Vucinic brought the score level on 80 minutes after steering home a Mauricio Isla cross. Both sides then went looking for a winner but none was forthcoming and the match ended in a draw.

Elsewhere in Group F, Chelsea succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk, meaning the Ukrainians top the standings on seven points, three points clear of the reigning European champions, with Juve sitting third a further point behind.

Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup (Christensen 70), Lorentzen (Christiansen 88), John; Beckmann (Nordstrand 67)

Juventus: Buffon; Lucio (Bendtner 76), Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal (Giaccherini 82), Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri (Vucinic 70), Giovinco

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Analysing What Went Wrong for the Bianconeri

Oct 23, 2012

Juventus travelled to Denmark to take on FC Nordsjælland tonight with one simple goal: win the game.

Mission failed.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw, the Bianconeri find themselves in third place in Group E and in dire need of a win if they are to secure one of the top two spots that qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.

Let's have a look at what exactly went wrong for the Bianconeri, and what could explain this disappointing result.

Coaching Decisions

Giving some playing time to everyone is a great idea, but it is not when you face a must-win situation in Europe's premier club competition.

Mauricio Isla is not a bad player, but he did not have enough minutes under his belt for a game of this magnitude.

Juventus hardly threatened Nordsjælland over the right wing, deciding to focus their attention on the left wing and Paolo De Ceglie, who is a serviceable player but nothing more. De Ceglie had the multitude of his crosses blocked and failed to do anything to warrant more playing time.

He was active and involved, but after the display Martin Cáceres put up against Napoli, I was very surprised not to see him start.

Lucio remains a liability everytime he touches the field. He was out of position, couldn't contribute to the buildup and nearly caused a second Danish goal when he decided to sit down instead of challenging a Danish striker in mid air. If Conte is serious about Luca Marrone as a centre back, he should have started this game.

As for Alessandro Matri, he never found his groove. Sebastian Giovinco did everything he could in this game and deserved a goal for his many efforts, but Matri paled in comparison. It was no coincidence Mirko Vucinic scored the equaliser after replacing Matri.

Even Nicklas Bendtner, who has been a complete afterthought for the Bianconeri so far this season, was more dangerous in limited time than Alessandro Matri.

One of the few bright notes to take from this game was the impact the Danish international had on it. As the striker on loan gets into shape, he could become the best option Juventus have next to Vucinic/Giovinco.

Lack of Pace

FC Nordsjælland are not a good team.

This became very clear during the first 20 minutes when Juventus pressed forward and created multiple chances. The Danish were too slow, couldn't compete with the Bianconeri on a technical level and were lucky not to concede.

Yet for some reason, Juventus decided to give the Danish space and allowed them to get a rhythm going and fight their way back into the game.

Where Juve had pressured the backs of Nordsjælland, they were suddenly given space to bring the ball forward.

The pressure returned, on occasion, but Juventus seemed to lack a sense of urgency. There was very little depth in the Bianconeri play, and the pace of the game was far too low. More often than not, the wings were completely ignored, and the ball was played around the centre of the pitch for far too long.

Before the opening goal, Juventus had been by far the better team. Yet they only held the ball for roughly 50 percent of the game.

When you play an inferior team, you go in for the kill. Straight away.

The Danish were about to break, yet they were allowed to survive.

Sloppy Play

The passing game was sloppy.

There is very little to say about this. Juventus lost possession of the ball far too often because of bad passes.

Too many back heels.

Too much fancy footwork.

Keep the game simple and let the ball do the work.

Bad Luck

Let's face it, Juventus had some bad luck too.

Sebastian Giovinco's header, Arturo Vidal's effort that rolled past the wrong side of the post...

You could argue the free kick awarded to the Danish—producing the only dangerous moment for the Bianconeri—was very harsh and should not have been given.

Gianluigi Buffon got a touch on the ball but just couldn't deflect it enough.

If Juventus had been just a bit more lucky, this would have been an easy win.

What's Next?

This result is not a disaster.

We'll have to assume both Chelsea and Shahktar Donetsk will beat this Danish side for a second time.

This means one thing: Juventus must beat FC Nordsjælland at home and will probably have to win out against both Chelsea and Shahktar.

Shahktar looked very good in their 2-1 win over Chelsea, and I'm backing them to win this group. If they can steal a point in London, it will be up to Juventus to take care of Chelsea themselves and return from Ukraine with at least a point.

But Juventus can't count on other teams anymore. The pressure now lies with the Italian champions to secure the results themselves.

And that means winning every game from now on.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Juventus stalemate proves mentality in Europe needs to change

Oct 24, 2012

If you were to take someone who knew little about football and sit them down in front of the Juventus-Napoli fixture at the weekend and Wednesday’s fixture against FC Nordsjaelland, aside from the kit and some of the players, they’d probably think they were watching two different teams.

In a sense, they’d be right. There were five changes between the Juventus line up that dominated Napoli at the weekend and the 11 men that lined up in Denmark on Wednesday – but unlike the drive that saw the Bianconeri stretch the Partonopei for 90 minutes in Turin, there was no fight, no fire, no confidence.

It’s surreal to see a side that has almost no rivals domestically genuinely struggle to put a side away who – and no offence meant to FC Nordsjaelland, are not as talented as Napoli, Milan or arguably even Fiorentina - sides that Juventus have performed much better against thus far this season.

So what is it? It is widely reported that while Juventus have one of the best midfield’s in Europe, all three of the “MVP” trio making an appearance on Wednesday – but looked out of sorts, without any of the cohesion that has saw them continue to make confident strides towards a consecutive Scudetto. The lack of a truly world class striker that Juventus director Beppe Marotta has been chasing for two years is so storied it is almost bordering on Italian journalistic cliche’ – but that isn’t the problem either.

Juventus don’t dominate possession like they do in Italy. Pirlo doesn’t dominate as he has done for club and country in the last 18 months, whilst the multi faceted, “reference-less” system that has seen Juve register more goalscorers than anyone else in Serie A has not quite illuminated Europe with the ease that was expected. With the current approach and form that Conte’s side are showing in the Champions League, it seems only a matter of time before Juventus register their first loss in all competitions since their loss in the Coppa Italia final to Napoli late last season.

Quite simply: Juventus need to up their game. Resultssometimes come for Juventus in Serie A because sides allowing themselves to be dominated by the Bianconeri rather than try and play ball with the undefeated side. Sometimes, the aura of Juve is enough and teams are beaten before a ball is kicked. Juventus fans will of course argue that you still have to win, and while this is true – there is no doubt that sides fear Juve, and that will naturally inhibit performance, whether the sides admit or not.

In the Champions league, situations don’t present themselves like that quite so easily. Inside Italy, Juve still maintain the indomitable reputation that saw them continually atop of the peninsula’s highest division. In Europe, they are a big scalp, but by no means possess the same fear factor they used to have; the same one Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Manchester United have in today’s game. Juventus fans won’t want to hear it, but the Old Lady will have to work a little harder to climb the “sides teams are most scared of” mountain.

The mentality needs to change. Isla is a hardworking, efficient player, but doesn’t possess the same capabilities offensively or defensively as Lichtsteiner, and Paolo De Ceglie certainly isn’t Asamoah. Sebastian Giovinco doesn’t have the same penetrative effect on teams in Europe whilst Mirko Vucinic is the only proven scorer at continental level in Juventus’s entire squad, and isn’t the most consistent forward himself.

Juventus at full strength possess a starting XI that contains numerous players that most Arab funded super-clubs would love to whisk away from Turin, and will in all likelihood look to do so in summer. Their entire squad is perfectly competitvely domestically, and has proved so in the last month with a series of excellent performances without a few select star names. However in Europe, it is quite clear that some don’t possess the quality to break sides down.

Juventus squads of old were legendary for their ruthlessness, and it rang true for the club as well. If you didn’t make the grade on the highest level, you didn’t play for Juventus at the highest level. By no means are “La Vecchia Signora” down and out on the continent – to be still unbeaten is noteworthy, and a knockout place is by no means unachievable(a feat made much more attainable after Chelsea’s defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk). But results are slowly turning from optimistic to disappointing, and all of a sudden it will seem that Juve just aren’t good enough. It’s time to separate the men from the boys in Turin, before the Old Lady gets schooled on things she used to already know.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Draw-ventus lack European aura

Juventus have complicated their Champions League path with another draw.

Luca Cetta writes after the 1-1 with Nordsjaelland.

Oct 24, 2012

A night of Champions League shocks looked on the cards during the opening 45 minutes. Celtic led at Barcelona, Manchester United found themselves two goals down and Chelsea fell behind. In Denmark, minnows Nordsjaelland went blow for blow with Juventus as it remained scoreless.

There was to be no fairytale for Celtic, while Braga let their lead slip to lose 3-2. Shakhtar have proven to be dangerous opponents – especially at home – so perhaps the shock value was not as high when they claimed a win over Roberto Di Matteo’s side. Meanwhile, Juve toiled for little reward after falling behind to Mikkel Beckmann’s fine 50th minute free-kick. That was until Mirko Vucinic rescued a draw. A relief? Yes. The desired result? No. The Danes gained their maiden Champions League point in a result not many saw coming.

It means the Bianconeri have drawn for the third time in Europe this season and for the ninth consecutive game in European competitions. For a club of their stature that record is not good enough. Just as much as winning has become a habit domestically, not winning is prevalent on the continent.

The aura of invincibility which powers the Juve machine in Serie A is not present. When they needed to get out of a tight spot against Napoli they found a way. Here it did not occur. The typical grinta was missing. While a different regime and scenario to when the Turin giants drew their way through the Europa League two seasons ago, this side has not yet altered the pattern.

The same old problem with this Juventus reared its ugly head in. The lack of a clinical edge in attack was evident once again. A total of 33 shots, just nine on target and only one found its way past the impressive Jesper Hansen. The self-confessed Juve fan did his best to frustrate time and again with a series of saves. Gianluigi Buffon and Angelo Alessio claimed Juve deserved to win after creating ample opportunities, but the fact is they failed to capitalise.

The Danish champions should be commended for their performance. They contributed to an entertaining first half, at times holding more possession than Juventus and nearly opened the scoring, only for a superb Buffon stop to deny Joshua John. However, Juve’s captain could do little to prevent the opening goal and for the third straight contest Juventus conceded the lead. Nordsjaelland were then pinned back in their half but defended stoutly, led by youngster Jores Okore.

Could Alessio have looked to the bench sooner? In between Beckmann netting and Vucinic appearing Juve were pressing, but the game followed a predictable pattern. Once the fresh injection was made the Bianconeri looked livelier. Beside his goal the Montenegrin was readily involved, while fellow substitute Nicklas Bendtner was vigorous. On home soil and with something to prove a longer run in place of Alessando Matri may have done the trick. On a disappointing night, the Dane’s cameo and the showing of Sebastian Giovinco – who continued on from an impressive display on Saturday – were bright spots.

Group E has reached the halfway point and Juve lie third. They will fail to gain six points against Nordsjaelland as expected, but now cannot do with less than four. Shakhtar’s win over the reigning champions throws the group wide open, with the Ukrainians currently leading by three points. Should they take something away from Stamford Bridge it will aid the Old Lady’s cause. But Antonio Conte’s men must be concerned with their results as Juve’s European destiny remains in their hands. Seven points from a possible nine is the minimum required. As recent at 2009-10 Inter drew their opening three matches before qualifying and going on to claim the trophy, so all is not lost. Yet what Juventus requires above all is that winning aura to follow them into the Champions League.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Juventus can rely on history

Oct 24, 2012

History shows that all is not lost after Italian giants Juventus drew yet again in the Champions League.

The Old Lady complicated their passage towards the last 16 with a 1-1 at Nordsjaelland last night to add to the 2-2 with Chelsea and the 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, the Bianconeri are not new to such a string of results in the European Cup. In 1998-99, they actually drew their first five games in a group containing Galatasaray, Rosenborg and Athletic Bilbao.

They beat the Norwegian minnows in their last game to go through and they eventually reached the semi-finals before losing to Manchester United.

Current boss Antonio Conte was part of that side.

Meanwhile, Inter proved in 2009-10 that you can actually win the competition after drawing your first three games.

Jose Mourinho’s troops were stopped by Barcelona, Rubin Kazan and Dynamo Kiev before going through with two wins, three draws and a loss.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS

Mikkel Beckmann (50′)

Mirko Vučinić (81′)

Parken Stadium - Copenhagen

Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany)

Attendance: 22404

Rossi ‘blames’ Juventus midfield

Oct 24, 2012

Italy legend Paolo Rossi believes that Juventus’ problems against Nordsjaelland originated from midfield.

The Old Lady were expected to get their first Champions League win of the campaign in Denmark last night, but they could only salvage a 1-1 draw.

“The Juventus midfield was subdued,” Rossi told Sky Sport Italia. “Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio put in opaque displays.”

According to UEFA stats, Juventus only enjoyed 52 per cent possession during the encounter on Tuesday.

Juve had 15 shots on target against the home side’s five. The Bianconeri also had 15 efforts off target versus the three of Nordsjaelland.

The Italian champions now have home games against Nordsjaelland and Chelsea, before ending the group stage with an away trip to Shakhtar Donetsk.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group