Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Juventus v Bologna Preview –

Serie A Champions Host Struggling Rossoblu

Oct 31, 2012

A top striker may elude Juventus but something that never seems to stop bothering them is controversy. The Italian giants were at the centre of a storm yet again with their 1-0 victory over Catania during the weekend. Indeed, Arturo Vidal’s goal and Gonzalo Bergessio’s disallowed goal were subject of the media frenzy in a weekend that was rife with refereeing errors. Angelo Alessio was the subject of much abuse from the press which catalyzed a ‘Silenzio Stampa’ response from the Champions. Juventus have opted not to speak to the media before their midweek game against Bologna.

Bologna head into this game on the back of a 3-1 home defeat to Inter. The Rossoblu struggled against Andrea Stramaccioni’s impressive Nerazzurri under the rain at the Dall’Ara. The loss against Inter was their third successive defeat in Serie A which sees them hover just a point above the relegation zone.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Juventus

The Champions didn’t perform with greatest of conviction against Catania but do have the three points to show for it proving yet again they can churn out victories when tricky oppositions come along. The game against Bologna though should be comparatively straightforward. The intimidating atmosphere at the Juventus Stadium certainly presents itself as the Bianconeri’s 12^th man.

Manager Antonio is expected to ring around a few changes to the side that faced Catania ahead of the massive Derby d’Italia game during the weekend. Lichtsteiner, Vucinic and Bendtner are all expected to start from the bench with Caceres, Giovinco and Matri drafted into the starting eleven. Paul Pogba should retain his place in midfield after a solid display against the Elefanti. Owing to an accumulation of yellow cards, Juventus’ match-winner Arturo Vidal is suspended. Emanuele Giaccherini should cover for him in midfield.

Juventus should stick to their favored 3-5-2 formation. The bulk of the Bianconeri’s play stems through the spine, Andrea Pirlo, in particular. Pirlo will pull the strings from midfield, orchestrating Juventus attacks. Pogba and Giaccherini won’t offer the same protection as Marchisio and Vidal do but they bring something else to the table. Giaccherini will inject his pace and trickery into midfield and will tend to drift over to the left-wing offer support to wing-back Kwadwo Asamoah.

In attack, Juventus’ struggles have been well documented. They may lead the table in terms of goals scored but that merely clouds the fact that their strikers have failed to find their feet. Giovinco is expected to start from the outset. The diminutive attacker has three goals to his name and with his trickery and acceleration is sure to cause a few problems to Bologna’s back-line. He is expected to be partnered by Alessandro Matri.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Pogba, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Giovinco, Matri

Juventus

J

Bologna

Having let go off two of their most prized possessions in the summer, Bologna have begun life after Di Vaio and Ramirez in not the most desired fashion. Alberto Gilardino having taken over the mantle from Di Vaio has bagged 5 goals this term and continues the trend of strikers reviving their career with the Rossoblu. Gilardino possesses an aerial threat and would feast on service provided to him from the wings. Though he does have his work cut out for him against Juventus’ stingy back-line.

Following on from their home defeat to Inter, coach Stefano Pioli could shift to a 3-4-1-2 formation and mirror the one deployed by Antonio Conte. Juventus have struggled to break-down sides that have emulated their formation and this may have come to Pioli’s attention as well. His side dominated the early proceedings against Inter but failed to capitalize on their chances. Against Juventus, they will constantly be under pressure and their plan will be to defend in numbers.

Pazienza will be the midfield destroyer. The former Juventus man will look to break-up Bianconeri attacks and release the ball to the players more cultured in possession. Saphir Taider will play in the hole just behind Bologna’s attacking duo which includes Manolo Gabbiadini. The 20 year old striker is highly rated and is on loan at Bologna from Juventus. Gabbiadini will eye the opportunity to open his account this campaign against his owners.

Pioli does have a few injury concerns. Perez, Curci, Acquafresca, Gimenez, Stojanovic and Natali are all on the treatment table while playmaker Alessandro Diamanti is serving a one game ban due to accumulation of yellow cards.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-4-1-2): Agliardi; Sorensen, Antonsson, Cherubin; Motta, Pazienza, Kone, Morleo; Taider; Gilardino, Gabbiadini

Player To Watch Out For

Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus)

Since signing from Udinese, Asamoah has been a force of nature down Juventus’ left-wing. The Ghanaian International has more often than not dominated his flank with authority using his pace and power and tearing down opposition full-backs. Expect him to once again pile on the pressure on Bologna’s right side which should be manned by former Juventus defender Marco Motta.

Prediction

Juventus 2-0 Bologna

At home, Juventus have seldom disappointed. Bologna won’t make it easy for the hosts though and should sit back absorbing pressure and hit the Bianconeri on the break. Bologna’s stuttering form coupled with their injury worries and Juventus’ sheer quality should see the Bianconeri extend their unbeaten run to 49 games.

Blast From The Past

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Line-ups: Juventus-Bologna

Oct 31, 2012

Juventus have a lot to prove, a completely revamped midfield and Nicklas Bendtner as they welcome Alberto Gilardino’s Bologna.

The last few days have been extremely tense for the Bianconeri, who earned a controversial 1-0 win in Catania on Sunday.

Arturo Vidal’s goal was offside and Gonzalo Bergessio had an Elefantini opener incorrectly disallowed, leading to accusations of favouritism and ‘bullying’ the officials.

Just days before Saturday’s head-to-head with Inter, they have a lot to prove to their critics. Vidal is suspended and Claudio Marchisio still out with an ankle injury, so the midfield is completely revamped with Paul Pogba and Mauricio Isla stepping in.

Bendtner starts for the second match in a row, this time partnered by Fabio Quagliarella, while Martin Caceres gives Giorgio Chiellini a rest.

Bologna have star player Alessandro Diamanti banned, so Alberto Gilardino has to be supported by Juventus-owned duo Manolo Gabbiadini and Saphir Taider in a 3-5-2 system.

Diego Perez, Gianluca Curci, Cesare Natali, Robert Acquafresca and Henry Gimenez are also sidelined.

The Felsinei have lost four of their previous five games, but had impressed here last season with a surprise 1-1 draw in Turin.

Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres, Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie, Bendtner, Quagliarella

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Lucio, Chiellini, Pepe, Marrone, Padoin, Asamoah, Matri, Vucinic, Giovinco

Bologna: Agliardi; Sorensen, Antonsson, Cherubin; Motta, Kone, Pazienza, Morleo; Taider; Gabbiadini, Gilardino

Bologna bench: Lombardi, Stojanovic, Carvalho, Radakovic, Garics, Abero, Pulzetti, Krhin, Riverola, Guarente, Pasquato, Paponi

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

HT: Bologna frustrate Juve

Oct 31, 2012

Juventus are finding life difficult, as they are still 0-0 with Bologna at half-time after some contentious refereeing decisions.

It was a very difficult few days for Juve, who fielded controversy and blazing rows over the events of Catania. Their 1-0 win in Sicily on Sunday was marred by an offside goal and an Elefantini opener that was incorrectly disallowed. Arturo Vidal netted in that game, but was suspended for this one, joining the injured Claudio Marchisio in the stands. Bologna had Alessandro Diamanti banned, plus Diego Perez, Gianluca Curci, Cesare Natali, Robert Acquafresca and Henry Gimenez sidelined. The Felsinei had lost four of their previous five games, but had impressed here last season with a surprise 1-1 draw.

It was a special fixture for Manolo Gabbiadini and Saphir Taider, who are both on loan from the Turin giants. Nicklas Bendtner got his second consecutive start, though the midfield was revamped completely.

Juve wore their all-black strip while Bologna were all in white. After four minutes Federico Agliardi flew to punch away an Emanuele Giaccherini snapshot and a strike from Fabio Quagliarella moments later.

It was all Juve and Mauricio Isla’s low cross was deflected inches past Bendtner’s foot, while from the resulting corner Pogba’s goal didn’t count for a push on Marco Motta – it seemed frankly a very harsh decision.

Pogba went very close again three minutes later, but this time was denied by the woodwork rather than the officials, as his fantastic curler from distance cracked against the upright.

Bologna also had the ball in the net after 18 minutes, but the referee had already blown the whistle for a handling offence in the build-up.

Gabbiadini hooked down a long pass and spun round to hit the side-netting, while Agliardi palmed a long-range Bendtner effort round the post. Pogba’s header flashed just wide from a set play.

Juventus 0-0 Bologna (Half-Time)

Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres, Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie, Bendtner, Quagliarella

Bologna: Agliardi; Sorensen, Antonsson, Cherubin; Motta, Kone, Pazienza, Morleo; Taider; Gabbiadini, Gilardino

Ref: Romeo

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000‎

Pogba powers champions four points clear in Serie A

The young Frenchman headed home Sebastian Giovinco's cross in the dying minutes

after Saphir Taider looked to have earned the visitors a point with a thunderous equaliser.

Oct 31, 2012

A last-gasp header from Paul Pogba was enough to clinch all three points for Juventus after a battling display from Bologna.

After Fabio Quagliarella tapped home from close range to put his side in the lead early in the second half, Saphir Taider's thunderous drive looked to have ensured the Rossblu would depart Turin with a valuable point, and cut the champions' lead at the top to two points in the process.

However, Pogba rose highest to head home Sebastian Giovinco's cross in the dying minutes to ensure the Bianconeri retain their advantage at the top.

The hosts named a much-changed line-up from the weekend win over Catania, as Mirko Vucinic, Arturo Vidal, Stephan Lichsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah all missed out on a starting berth, while Paul Pogba and Nicklas Bentdner retained their places in the side.

For Bologna, Panagiotis Kone and Frederik Sorensen came in to the side which lost 3-1 to Inter at the weekend, while Alessandro Diamanti missed out.

Juventus, as expected, controlled the early pace of the game and forced Federico Agliardi into a couple of early saves with efforts from distance.

Pogba in particular started the match brightly and thought he had given his side the lead after 13 minutes when he nodded home a corner at the far post, but the goal was disallowed after the youngster was unfairly penalised for pushing in the area.

The Frenchman was then cruelly denied once more a few minutes later, as he picked up Isla's pass before rifling a curling left-footed shot from 20 yards which rattled off the post.

As the half wore on, Juventus were unable to carve out many meaningful opportunities despite their dominance of possession, with a 30-yard dipping shot from Bendtner the only effort of note from the striker around the half-hour mark.

Pogba then spurned the best opportunity of the opening 45, directing his header back across goal and out of play after a brilliant delivery from Andrea Pirlo from deep, but that was all the champions could muster as they trudged off the sodden Turin turf at half-time in somewhat frustrated fashion.

It was Bologna, however, who came closest shortly after the break, when Michele Pazienza intercepted a poor pass from Mauricio Isla and rifled a low deflected shot just beyond Gianluigi Buffon's near post.

However, just as it looked like the visitors were growing into the match, the champions finally broke the deadlock. Pogba clipped a clever ball over the top of the defence, allowing Emanuele Giaccherini to square for Fabio Quagliarella to slot home.

Just a few moments later, the Italy veteran almost doubled his tally, but Agliardi was equal to his fierce effort on the half-volley following Bentdner's pass.

With Bologna now forced to abandon their defensive approach, the space began to open up for the Bianconeri. Quagliarella almost made this space count when he drifted infield and clipped over the top for Bendtner, but the Denmark striker could not quite get a toe on the ball.

Then, out of nothing, Bologna found themselves in level terms. Saphir Taider picked up the ball to the right of the area and lashed a stunning, swerving strike beyond the despairing reach of Buffon to silence the home support.

The game was suddenly there for the taking. Pirlo swung in another perilous delivery which somehow eluded everyone in the area, before Archimede Morleo upset his team-mates by blazing an ambitious effort over the bar when Bologna had men to spare in the Juventus box.

Mikael Antonsson then saved his team with a brilliantly-timed interception as Bendtner looked destined to tap his side back into the lead from point-blank range, before Pirlo bent a curling effort just over the crossbar.

Juventus piled on the presure, with substitute Sebastian Giovinco twice coming close with right-footed curlers from inside the box, before Bendtner fired wired.

Bologna had everyone behind the ball and looked to have held on for an important point until the second minute of injury time, when Pogba headed home the winner. After Pirlo's initial free-kick cross was cleared, Giovinco expertly created space on the left and whipped a terrific ball to the far post, where the former Manchester United man rose tallest to head in at close range, with the referee this time allowing the goal to stand.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000‎

Juve thank last-gasp Pogba

Bologna made life very difficult for Juventus,

but Paul Pogba popped up with the last-gasp winner.

Oct 31, 2012

It was a very difficult few days for Juve, who fielded controversy and blazing rows over the events of Catania. Their 1-0 win in Sicily on Sunday was marred by an offside goal and an Elefantini opener that was incorrectly disallowed. Arturo Vidal netted in that game, but was suspended for this one, joining the injured Claudio Marchisio in the stands. Bologna had Alessandro Diamanti banned, plus Diego Perez, Gianluca Curci, Cesare Natali, Robert Acquafresca and Henry Gimenez sidelined. The Felsinei had lost four of their previous five games, but had impressed here last season with a surprise 1-1 draw.

It was a special fixture for Manolo Gabbiadini and Saphir Taider, who are both on loan from the Turin giants. Nicklas Bendtner got his second consecutive start, though the midfield was revamped completely.

Juve wore their all-black strip while Bologna were all in white. After four minutes Federico Agliardi flew to punch away an Emanuele Giaccherini snapshot and a strike from Fabio Quagliarella moments later.

It was all Juve and Mauricio Isla’s low cross was deflected inches past Bendtner’s foot, while from the resulting corner Pogba’s goal didn’t count for a push on Marco Motta – it seemed frankly a very harsh decision.

Pogba went very close again three minutes later, but this time was denied by the woodwork rather than the officials, as his fantastic curler from distance cracked against the upright.

Bologna also had the ball in the net after 18 minutes, but the referee had already blown the whistle for a handling offence in the build-up.

Gabbiadini hooked down a long pass and spun round to hit the side-netting, while Agliardi palmed a long-range Bendtner effort round the post. Pogba’s header flashed just wide from a set play.

Juventus finally broke through with a well-worked move. Pogba’s ball over the top was knocked down by Giaccherini for Quagliarella to fire home in the middle.

Moments later Quagliarella got in front of Antonsson, but couldn’t quite redirect the cross into past Agliardi.

Bologna grabbed a surprise equaliser when Paolo De Ceglie’s poor clearance instead landed at Taider’s feet on the edge of the area and he wasted no time in smashing a fierce and precise shot across Buffon to fly in at the back stick.

Kwadwo Asamoah got down the left and Agliardi beat the finish away with his legs, then Andrea Pirlo’s free kick was only skimmed by Pogba in the middle.

Juve laid siege to the Bologna box and substitute Mirko Vucinic tested Agliardi with a low strike.

It seemed to be heading for a 1-1 draw, just like both games with Bologna last season, but in stoppages Sebastian Giovinco’s curling cross was nodded in by Pogba from seven yards, as Agliardi came off his line and then hesitated, caught in no man’s land.

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Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres, Isla (Vucinic 76), Pogba, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie (Asamoah 73), Bendtner, Quagliarella (Giovinco 72)

Bologna: Agliardi; Sorensen, Antonsson, Cherubin; Motta (Pulzetti 66), Kone, Pazienza (Krhin 66), Morleo; Taider; Gabbiadini (Paponi 89), Gilardino

Ref: Romeo

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000‎

Pogba leaves it late to seal win

Paul Pogba headed a last-minute winner to extend Juventus' lead at the top

of the Serie A table with victory over Bologna, while Inter Milan beat Sampdoria.

Oct 31, 2012

Paul Pogba headed a last-minute winner to extend Juventus' lead at the top of the Serie A table with victory over Bologna.

Summer signing Pogba had seen an earlier effort harshly ruled out but had the final say when he nodded Sebastian Giovinco's cross past a hesitant Federico Agliardi.

Bologna had battled bravely and looked like they might grab a point when Saphir Taider cancelled out Fabio Quagliarella's opener with 16 minutes left.

But Juve were completely dominant in the final minutes before Pogba grabbed his winner to move the Turin club four points clear after Napoli, who began the night in second place, lost at Atalanta.

Juve's 1-0 win over Catania at the weekend was shrouded in controversy with replays suggesting Arturo Vidal's winner was offside after the hosts had an earlier effort ruled out.

It was Juve who were this time left aggrieved in a frustrating opening 45 minutes as the referee's whistle denied Pogba.

The former Manchester United midfielder rose to head in a corner but his celebrations were cut short when the referee ruled he had pushed Marco Motta.

Pogba was proving a menace early on and moments later he cracked a curling shot against the upright. Bologna had the ball in the net themselves on 18 minutes but the referee had already blown for an early infringement.

Juve had chances to go into the break ahead but Nicklas Bendtner saw a long-range effort tipped wide before Pogba headed over.

Pogba provided the pass to fire Juve ahead on 53 minutes when he picked out Quagliarella who poked into an empty net. Quagliarella almost had a second moments later but Agliardi saved well.

Bendtner then shot wide and Juve looked like they might be made to pay when Taider smashed in an equaliser from outside the area.

Juve poured on the pressure thereafter, with Andrea Pirlo fizzing a corner just over, before Pogba won it after Giovinco's perfect cross picked him out.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

Quagliarella lauds spirit shown by Juventus

to grab last-minute winner

The 29-year-old was delighted after his goal helped the Bianconeri to victory over

the Rossoblu, with Paul Pogba notching the crucial second after Saphir Taider had equalised.

Oct 31, 2012

Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella says he is pleased with his side's performance and spirit they showed after they beat Bologna 2-1 in Turin on Wednesday to stretch their unbeaten run to 49 league games.

The Italy international put his side ahead just before the hour mark, but the visitors' midfielder Saphir Taider restored parity in the second half.

However, summer signing Paul Pogba grabbed a late winner for Juve, leaving Quagliarella delighted with his side's determination to not give up until the final whistle.

"I'm happy with the goal, but also for the result," the 29-year-old was quoted as saying by Juventus' official website.

"If an attacker scores and the team wins it is the greatest [feeling for a player].

"Tonight we showed that we never give up and [always] believe, even up until the 95th [minute].

"Now Inter will be a great game," he added.

Juventus currently sit at the top of the Serie A table, four points above the Nerazzurri after 10 games played.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

Alessio: 'Pogba great, but...'

Oct 31, 2012

Juventus assistant manager Angelo Alessio was glad of the victory over Bologna, but still gave hero Paul Pogba a telling off for being “lazy.”

The Bianconeri were being pegged back 1-1 in Turin this evening before Pogba popped up with a last-gasp 2-1 win.

“Pogba did very well with the goal, but he still needs to improve,” noted Alessio. “He played an excellent opening 20 minutes, then became a little lazy and that is unacceptable.

“He must remain solid and effective. Knowing Antonio Conte’s style, he must leave aside certain overly-dramatic flicks. He played a great game, but there will also be some small criticisms.

“We rotated the squad, but those who played tonight did their job well. They step into an organised system and know what they have to do.

“Clearly we also hope the strikers will start scoring more goals, but we have different options and a midfield that does push forward regularly.

“All games should be approached with the same level of determination, even more so against the ‘smaller’ clubs. We were able to win in stoppages, albeit in the final minutes, but could’ve won it earlier.

“I have a special dedication for my Uncle Domenico, who died today.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

Will Quagliarella start against Inter?

Oct 31, 2012

Juventus’ Fabio Quagliarella has admitted that he doesn’t know whether his goal against Bologna will guarantee him a starting shirt versus Inter.

The Italian gave the Bianconeri the lead against the Rossoblu last night before being replaced by Sebastian Giovinco in a game the Old Lady eventually won 2-1.

“Saturday’s Inter clash will be a great match, but I don’t know whether I will play as the Coach rotates all of the strikers he has available,” he stated.

The 29-year-old is Juve’s joint top scorer in the League this term with three goals in six games. He also has one in two Champions League ties.

“I’m happy about scoring, but above all I’m happy with the result,” the former Sampdoria and Udinese man continued.

“If a striker scores and the team win it’s the maximum as far as I’m concerned.”

Juve won the game thanks to an injury time header from Paul Pogba.

“We displayed our never-say-die attitude again. We believe we can do it right up until the 95th minute.”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

Juventus 2-1 Bologna REVIEW: Pogba Says “BOOM!”

Oct 31, 2012

Halloween saw Juventus publish a stream of pictures depicting various squad members dressed as characters from horror films and other scary movies, all under the banner headline “We’ll Continue To Cause A Fright!” and, after looking like delivering another one of *those* draws, it was Bologna who were left petrified by the Bianconeri on a night one young player will never forget. Here’s Adam and Lars with the breakdown:

MATCH ANALYSIS (by Adam Digby)

Well, we got there in the end. After pleading with the team to put thoughts of Saturday’s clash with Inter aside and ‘take care of business’ against Bologna, the players did just that, a heavily rotated side having just enough quality to see off Stefano Pioli’s spirited Rossoblu. The former Juventus defender can take heart from the fact his side put on a solid display of team unity that defies their lowly place in the table but, as ever, the most important thing is the Bianconeri were the ones holding the points when the final whistle blew.

After a busy schedule, Antonio Conte took the opportunity to rest a number of key players ahead of the impending Derby d’Italia with Stephan Lichtsteiner, Kwadwo Asamoah, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic all joining the suspended Arturo Vidal in sitting out this game. That meant Martin Caceres came in to the back three, Mauricio Isla, Paulo De Ceglie, Emmanuele Giaccherini and Paul Pogba lined up alongside Andrea Pirlo in midfield whilst Fabio Quagliarella and Nicklas Bendtner formed an unlikely strike partnership.

That is the kind of team selection that, to many teams, gives off an air of ‘we have bigger matches to worry about’ and can inspire opponents to make a point that they should not be taken so lightly. However, thanks to the personality of Antonio Conte (and perhaps a nailed baseball bat) those coming into the line-up know that it may be their one and only chance to prove to ‘The Boss’ that they deserve more regular playing time.

What could be almost considered – with one or two notable exceptions – a reserve XI combined to make a clear declaration of the strength now at the disposal of the Coach and send a message to those who inexplicably continue to criticise Beppe Marotta’s work on the transfer market. Yes, of course the team still lacks the kind of striker who can deliver thirty goals a season but what we saw here was a second string line-up putting on the kind of energy filled display that has been missing in recent weeks.

Hopefully that will show those rested for this encounter what they must do if they are to retain their starting spots and, combined with the loathing the Nerazzurri shirt always fills Juventini with, inspire the level of performance that will be needed against Andrea Stramaccioni’s resurgent Inter at the weekend.

Of course, a team with so many changes will have blips and those were apparent throughout the match but that was only to be expected. Playing at home and winning will provide these players with the kind of experience they require and that is no truer than for Pogba, the undisputed man of the match on Wednesday night.

It was he who set up Quagliarella’s opener with a great ball over the top of the Bologna defence for Giaccherini but he was just warming up. With the game drifting into nothing and having had one goal chalked off for shoving Marco Motta (admit it, you would too!) he popped up to snatch the points with a great header from a Sebastian Giovinco cross. Another win for Juventus, best described by Gabriele Marcotti on ESPN Press Pass immediately following the game, his simple “Boom!” perfectly summing up both the game and Pogba’s impact since arriving from Manchester United.

LE PAGELLE (by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen)

Buffon: 6.0 – Yet another very quiet night for San Gigi, who was playing as a sweeper as much as a goalie for this one. Could do little to prevent the very well-placed equaliser from Taider.

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Cáceres: 6.5 – Did well deputising for Chiellini (albeit on the right). With precious little to do defensively, he spend much of the game pushing up the right flank, starting a few attacks whilst always being attentive.

Bonucci: 6.5 – More of a neat and orderly Bruce Wayne performance than a vigilant Batman one from our very own crime fighter no. 1. As ever, Leo was covering a lot of ground and contributed in offence, as the defence was rarely tested.

Barzagli: 6.5 – Was shifted to the left side of the three man back-line in lieu of Chiellini and proved that his rather poor start to the season was a fluke more than anything else. Big Andrea was as calm and solid as ever. Some suggest he could have done better to close down Taider for the equaliser – I disagree.

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Isla: 6.0 – A solid performance at right wing-back for the still not entirely match fit Chilean. Worth noting how he, unlike Lichtsteiner, is willing to cut in and take on a man or two. On the other hand, he does not provide the running down the flank offered by his Swiss counterpart. Faded as the match wore on and was subbed.

Pirlo: 6.0 – Decent showing from Andrea, especially for a mid-week game. Did most of what we expect from the Bearded Genius, but little more. A vastly under-appreciated fact about Pirlo in this Juve side is his actual defensive contribution: it’s not always eye-catching, but often provides a bit of time for the defence to recover, especially in “little” games like this one.

Pogba: 8.5 – An absolutely brilliant performance from the young Frenchman. Was omnipresent in midfield, looking to replace both Vidal and Marchisio at the same time – and succeeding! Two goals (one incorrectly ruled out for a very soft push on… yes, Marco Motta!), a shot on the post, a decisive cross in the play that lead to Quagliarella’s goal, and a work-rate that must have brought Conte and Sir Alex Ferguson to tears of a very different kind made him the Man of the Match by some distance. Clichéed as it may be, Darth Paul was simply unplayable tonight!

Giaccherini: 6.5 - Did ok in the middle of the park, but while his trickery and technique is plain to see, he misses the steel and determination of a Vidal or Marchisio. Was closed down too often for my taste. An extra .5 for his nice headed assist for Quagliarella’s goal.

De Ceglie: 4.5 – We would all love for Paolino to succeed, but his performance tonight did him no favours at all. Even before his horrendous clearance-cum-assist for Bologna’s goal, he looked out of his depth at times and failed to deliver the right crosses even with a fair amount of space around him. Mercifully/cruelly subbed off after his howler.

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Bendtner: 6.0 – The much taunted Dane did all right on the night as he was involved in the action and seemed up for the task. Often went deep to participate in the build-up play; a strength of his, but sadly not what Juve need at the moment. Needs to position himself better on set-plays, but overall an encouraging performance, lacking only that which most Bianconeri strikers do…

Quagliarella: 6.5 – Did precious little in the opening phase of the game, but grew into it and – crucially – was at the right place at the right time to convert the first goal. Now top scorer in black and white this season, although that does not say too much…

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Giovinco: 6.5 – Came on for Quagliarella immediately after Bologna’s equaliser to try and exploit the tiredness of the Rossoblu backline. Was lively as ever, but his finishing is still too poor. An extra .5 for the wonderful cross to Pogba that ensured the victory, though.

Asamoah: 6.0 – introduced right after Giovinco, taking the place of a shaky and shaken De Ceglie and made his presence felt down the left. Looked perhaps a little perplexed defensively as the formation shifted to a 4-3-3.

Vucinic: 5.5 – Was subbed on for Isla in order to break the stalemate and shift the formation. Had a few good touches, but was not involved enough. Had a few shots, but none too dangerous. Hopefully Mirko was just gearing up for the big Inter game on Saturday.

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP (by Adam Digby)

As has already been said, it wasn’t pretty but a win is a win is a win. As well as the other points already made about both resting the first team regulars and hopefully prompting them to raise their game, this performance also appeared to achieve a number of other goals, most notably the realisation that Pogba is indeed the real deal. His display shows that not only does Juventus have a serious alternative option to any of the M-V-P trio, but that they have one without the need to switch Asamoah from the left wing-back role he has made his own since arriving from Udinese.

The game also appeared to reawaken the dominant, unflappable Andrea Barzagli we saw last season. Seriously lacking both form and sharpness in the new term, shifting him from the right to the left of the back three seemed to force him to concentrate more fully than he has done since returning from Euro 2012 and, with the prospect of Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano to contend with on Saturday that is no small accomplishment.

Yes the team once again came out flat in the second half but at least it has seen the talk of Conte’s secret tunnels fall from the minds of the media which means he can use them again to deliver the mother of all team talks before the Inter match! (See, I can play the conspiracy card too when I want!) Job done here against Bologna and, with just two days to prepare, it’s right back to work.

Andiamo ragazzi!

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

Pogba: I still need to improve

The promising midfielder remains humble after his man-of-the-match performance,

and has stressed that he is determined to become an even better player.

Nov 1, 2012

Paul Pogba voiced his delight after scoring a late winner in Juventus' 2-1 win over Bologna on Wednesday evening, but is not getting carried away as he feels he still has plenty of room for improvement.

The Bianconeri appeared to be on their way to a 1-1 draw at Juventus Stadium, but Pogba had different ideas and netted the winning goal in the dying seconds of the game, to help his side to the full three points.

"I’m very happy as I scored the winning goal, but I need to look ahead," the midfielder was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"I still need to improve, and I’m reminded of this by the backroom staff. We’ll enjoy the success and think about Inter tomorrow.

"I like scoring and always looked to get forward when I was at Manchester United."

The 19-year-old midfielder has netted twice in six Serie A appearances for the club.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

Juventus hero Pogba shows why

Manchester United were so angry to lose him

The teenager carried the Bianconeri to a win over Bologna,

leaving Red Devils fans to once again rue his Old Trafford exit.

Nov 1, 2012

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

With his latest excellent performance, complete with match-winning injury-time goal, Juventus fans are beginning to realise that in Paul Pogba they now have a fourth central midfielder ready to play regular first-team football. Manchester United supporters, however, are perhaps cursing the fact he was ever allowed to leave Old Trafford.

For those who had previously seen the 19-year-old at close quarters, his recent impact has come as no great surprise. At a club famous for its ability to nurture players through its youth ranks, Pogba stuck out among United’s budding youngsters for some time, before making his controversial switch to Juventus Stadium this summer.

His supreme ability on the ball, excellent balance, power, great passing range - off either foot - and tall frame, made him stand out for United's youth teams, and if anything, the one drawback was that he would switch off when games became a little too easy for him. Even at international level, Pogba found the going rather simple, and for those who followed him it was obvious he was already primed for first-team football.

But, when United failed to offer him that on a regular basis last season, he jumped ship. “I didn’t renew with them because I didn’t find a deal with Sir Alex Ferguson,” Pogba explained after his winner against Bologna on Wednesday. “So I decided to accept the offer from the one team that was really interested in me, that being Juventus, and now I am very happy to be here.”

Ferguson himself saw it differently. “Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware,” the United boss told MUTV shortly after the transfer. “It’s a bit disappointing because I don’t think he showed us any respect at all. To be honest, if they carry on that way, I’m quite happy that he’s away from me anyway.”

Yet with each passing performance, he must be making United increasingly unhappy, just as he is bringing joy to Juventus.

Pogba is the first youngster in decades that the Red Devils really wanted to keep but failed to do so and their folly in inviting the Bianconeri to Gary Neville’s testimonial in May 2011, three weeks after Pogba had turned in a Man of the Match display for United’s Under-18s against Juve’s youth side, simply came back to bite them. Add in their hardball stance during contract negotiations, and if Juventus’ transfer committee did indeed get to Ferguson’s prized asset, it was not as though United had done their utmost to keep the Frenchman out of their reach. They did not protect him, they flaunted him, and for that they paid the ultimate price.

Whatever the truth behind the move, Antonio Conte is fast coming to terms with the fact he has a twice-weekly selection headache to contend with. He may only be 19, but Pogba has a bit of everything talent-wise, and is clearly ready for first-team football. If he does not get it at Juventus Stadium, his agent Mino Raiola will ensure he finds it elsewhere, and with the qualities he possesses, he has every right to be impatient.

Now he will surely see more football. For the opening two months he has been largely used as an occasional alternative to Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but his recent increased exposure to the first XI must be the catalyst for a potential rethink. At the very least, he is already the fourth man in a genuine rotation, and he has enough in him to eventually upset the order and make a starting shirt his own.

While Ferguson's men come to terms with having to make the most of their weakest midfield in a generation, the ‘one that got away’ is only getting started in his potentially glittering career with the Old Lady.

ELSEWHERE...

• Inter teed up a mouth-watering Derby d’Italia with a comeback win over Sampdoria at San Siro, aided by the sending-off of Andrea Costa early in the second-half. In what was an uninspiring contest for long spells under incessant rain, the Nerazzurri ran the risk after Andrea Ranocchia’s latest mistake led to Gianni Munari giving the Blucerchiati the lead, but Antonio Cassano was once again key to the 3-2 win. While there is talk that he would like to one day return to the Doriani ranks, the Italy forward is currently turning in match-winning displays on a regular basis, and is doing so as quietly and professionally as anyone can remember too!

• Zdenek Zeman’s second reign at Roma is going from bad to worse, with their 3-2 defeat at Parma representing a third loss from a winning position already this season, and the second in three days. The conditions at the Ennio Tardini were hardly conducive to free-flowing football, but it was the Ducali’s ability to come to terms with the elements better which helped to rub salt into the Giallorossi’s wounds. The capital club have now won only three and lost four of their nine fixtures on the pitch this season, and the Czech coach’s ability to get the best of a decent enough squad has to be called into question.

• Napoli sacrificed second spot in the table by going down to defeat at Atalanta. Many had tipped the Neapolitans to be this season’s ‘anti-Juve’, but the 1-0 loss helped to emphasise the gap between the Partenopei and the leaders, with that ability to win when not playing well still largely missing from the makeup of Walter Mazzarri’s side. The absence of Edinson Cavani has also hit them hard, with 32 shots yielding just a single goal in the two matches he has missed through injury since the weekend.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

Giaccherini rues poor finishing

Nov 1, 2012

Emanuele Giaccherini is adamant that his Juventus side fully deserved the three points in Wednesday’s game against Bologna.

The Old Lady did collect a 2-1 victory in a game they dominated, but only thanks to an injury time strike from Paul Pogba.

“We deserved the victory and we’re happy it came,” Giaccherini, who was given a place in the starting line-up, noted.

“The only regret is the fact that we weren’t able to put the game to bed when we were 1-0 up as anything can happen in these cases.

“We started strongly from the off and fought for every ball. They only had one shot on goal…”

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.)

2 - 1

Fabio Quagliarella (54′)

Saphir Taider (71′)

Paul Pogba (90+2′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Andrea Romeo

Attendance: 38000

‘Incredible’ Pogba stuns Pioli

Nov 1, 2012

Bologna tactician Stefano Pioli was left amazed by the performance of Juventus match-winner Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman, still just 19, had a game to remember against the Rossoblu on Wednesday night in Serie A.

Handed a start given the absences of Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, Pogba hit the post and then headed home an injury time goal in the 2-1 win.

“Pogba is an incredible player,” Pioli was forced to admit. “He impressed me with his quality, physicality and personality.

“He’s not just a player for the future, he’s already such a strong player right now…”

Pogba, a summer arrival from Manchester United, has scored two goals in six League appearances for the Old Lady so far this term.

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

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Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Guarin: We will fight to beat Juventus

The Colombia international has stressed the Nerazzurri will do their utmost

to get the full three points, while Javier Zanetti has praised the club's attackers.

Nov 1, 2012

Fredy Guarin has voiced his satisfaction with Inter's 3-2 Serie A win over Sampdoria on Wednesday and is eagerly anticipating Saturday's clash with arch-rivals Juventus.

Andrea Stramaccioni's men initially struggled against the Blucerchiati, as Gianni Munari gifted the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time.

However, goals from Diego Milito, Rodrigo Palacio and Guarin swung the match in Inter's favour, before Eder pegged one back well into stoppage time.

"We played an excellent match against a tough side, we got the win and now let's think about Juve," Guarin told Inter Channel.

"Now we can focus on Juventus and we'll fight to win the match. We're slowly getting to where the coach wants us to be, by working hard and winning games."

Meanwhile, experienced defender Javier Zanetti has insisted Inter will try and play their own game against the Scudetto holders, while praising the Nerazzurri's attackers.

"We'll go to Juventus as a team on the up and will look to play our own game. We know we're playing a great team, let's hope it's a good game of football.

"We have three excellent forwards who are all doing their bit, they're all stars and we're lucky enough to enjoy their ability, both in training and matches. I hope they continue in this vein."

Inter currently sit second in the Serie A table, trailing the Bianconeri by four points.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Barzagli: I am afraid of Milito

The Italy defender has spoken of his admiration for the Argentine striker and Inter

coach Andrea Stramaccioni ahead of Juventus' clash with the Nerazzurri on Saturday.

Nov 1, 2012

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has admitted that he is not looking forward prospect of trying to keep Inter striker Diego Milito quiet on Saturday.

Andrea Stramaccioni's men have won their last eight games, with the Argentine finding the net on five occasions in 10 games this season, and the Italy international is aware of the task at hand.

"I am afraid of Diego Milito," he told Sky Sport Italia. "He is a complete striker, one of the strongest in Europe. He does not miss a thing.

"Inter are a worthy threat. Stramaccioniis a good coach, and I think it is right that a young trainer with good ideas is getting a chance.

"I don't think the match can be considered a crucial one at this stage of the season. The Nerazzurri can definitely challenge for the title, but we are a group that believes in ourselves.

"We always try to keep our feet on the ground and for a lot of us it has been a tough start, what with the Champions League as well.

"Saying that, I hope that we can go on and dominate."

Kick-off at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday is scheduled for 20:45CET. Four points currently separatete the two teams.

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

[Socrates 8386]

Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Zanetti ready for Juventus challenge

Nov 1, 2012

Javier Zanetti says that his Inter side will face Juventus on Saturday in confident mood after another Serie A victory.

The Nerazzurri fell behind to Sampdoria on Wednesday, but eventually won 3-2 to move into second place – four points adrift of the Old Lady.

“We'll go there as a team on the up and will look to play our own game,” the captain told Inter Channel. “We know we're playing a great team, let's hope it's a good game of football.”

Inter have now won their last six matches in the Italian top flight, but it was the manner of their victory at San Siro which pleased the Argentine.

“Our comeback was a great sign,” he explained. “We conceded a goal, which can happen, but we had the strength to respond without getting impatient and we used our quality.

“In the first half we created many chances, while we did everything we could after the break to win the match and we succeeded.”

Inter were catapulted to victory by the skills of Rodrigo Palacio, Antonio Cassano and Diego Milito.

“We have three excellent forwards who are all doing their bit,” Zanetti stated. “They're all stars and we're lucky enough to enjoy their ability, both in training and matches.

“I hope they continue in this vein.”

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