Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS 4 - 0 NORDSJAELLAND

Claudio Marchisio (6′)

Arturo Vidal (23′)

Sebastian Giovinco (37′)

Fabio Quagliarella (75′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia)

Attendance: 29000

Juventus are world-class, says Beckmann

The Denmark international was impressed with the Scudetto holders,

who dismantled Nordsjaelland 4-0 in Turin on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Nov 8, 2012

Mikkel Beckmann has taken the time to praise Juventus in the wake of Nordsjaelland's 4-0 Champions League Group E defeat to the Serie A leaders on Wednesday.

The Danish side held the Bianconeri to a 1-1 draw at home two weeks ago, but were left without a chance in Italy on matchday four.

"We met a world-class team tonight [Wednesday]. They made us look very bad all over the pitch. It was one big off-day for us," Beckmann was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"When we talked about our tactics we said the first 20 minutes were very important because they were going to put a lot of pressure on us. They scored after five minutes and again a few minutes later. It was not good for us.

"Juventus were very strong, we were very weak and the final result is the combination between those two things. They're very good at home and today they were much better than us."

Nordsjaelland sit last in their group with only one point, while Juve are are in third place, behind Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk.

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 4 - 0 NORDSJAELLAND

Claudio Marchisio (6′)

Arturo Vidal (23′)

Sebastian Giovinco (37′)

Fabio Quagliarella (75′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia)

Attendance: 29000

Juventus must beat Chelsea, says Quagliarella

The striker believes the match against the European champions will be crucial as they look

to surpass the English side and qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Nov 8, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella admits Juventus must beat Chelsea in their next Champions League match if they are to reach the knockout stages of the competition.

The Italy striker scored in the 4-0 win over FC Nordsjaelland on Wednesday night, leaving the Serie A champions third in Group E and needing to win at least one of their final two matches to have a realistic chance of qualification.

The 29-year-old also scored at Stamford Bridge earlier in the competition, and he believes the reverse fixture in Turin could be the Bianconeri's best chance of picking up all three points and reaching the last 16.

"Chelsea and Shakhtar are two great teams. Shakhtar have made a big impression on me and it won’t be easy to go and play in the Ukraine,” he explained to Sky Sport Italia.

“But the crucial game will be Chelsea at home. We have to do all that we can to get the victory in that one.

“Chelsea are a very physical and technical side. They are the reigning champions and we will have to be good at starting the game in the right way.”

The win over over the Norwegian side will give Antonio Conte's team a boost after losing their 49-match unbeaten run to Inter on Saturday.

But, the former Udinese man believes the Nerazzurri will now be a considerable threat for domestic honours this season.

"Inter have some great players and they are a team who will fight for the Scudetto, along with Napoli. I think that it will be a beautiful and exciting championship until the very end."

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 4 - 0 NORDSJAELLAND

Claudio Marchisio (6′)

Arturo Vidal (23′)

Sebastian Giovinco (37′)

Fabio Quagliarella (75′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia)

Attendance: 29000

Marchisio: Bring on Chelsea

Nov 8, 2012

Claudio Marchisio is refusing to dwell too much on Chelsea’s late winner against Shakhtar Donetsk. “A Juventus victory was what mattered.”

The Old Lady demolished Nordsjaelland 4-0 on Wednesday, but they still remain third in the group after the London club grabbed a dramatic 3-2 victory in their tie.

“A 2-2 draw would have been a better result for us, but we required a victory and that’s exactly what we got,” the midfielder noted.

“Our ambitions haven’t changed. With desire and concentration, we’ll give it a good go against Chelsea – knowing that we’ve also got the Shakhtar game remaining.

“We want to go through.”

It was a special night for the Turin-native as he grabbed the opener which was his debut goal in the Champions League.

“I’m happy about scoring my first goal in Europe, but above all for the result we got,” he commented.

Juventus entertain Chelsea on November 20 before finishing the group with an away game in Ukraine. They’ll need four points from their next two games to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

[Socrates 8240]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 4 - 0 NORDSJAELLAND

Claudio Marchisio (6′)

Arturo Vidal (23′)

Sebastian Giovinco (37′)

Fabio Quagliarella (75′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia)

Attendance: 29000

Chelsea crucial, warns Quagliarella

Nov 8, 2012

Fabio Quagliarella has underlined that the home game against Chelsea will go a long way to deciding Juventus’ Champions League fate.

The Old Lady moved on to six points with a win against Nordsjaelland last night, but they are still trailing the Premiership giants and Shakhtar Donetsk with two games left.

“Chelsea and Shakhtar are two great teams,” the forward, who scored last night, told Sky Sport Italia.

“Shakhtar have made a big impression on me and it won’t be easy to go and play in the Ukraine,” he added.

“But the crucial game will be Chelsea at home. We have to do all that we can to get the victory in that one.

“Chelsea are a very physical and technical side. They are the reigning champions and we will have to be good at starting the game in the right way.”

Turning to domestic matters, the Italian international applauded Inter who netted a 3-1 win in Turin last Saturday.

“Inter have some great players and they are a team who will fight for the Scudetto, along with Napoli. I think that it will be a beautiful and exciting championship until the very end.”

The former Sampdoria man also defended struggling teammate Alessandro Matri who has just one goal this season.

“He hasn’t played that much, but he seems very calm and there are moments as an attacker when the ball just won’t go in.

“He has great quality though and he’s really happy at Juventus.”

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Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Conte set to rest Juve stars

Nov 9, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte may rest a host of first team regulars in the game against Pescara this weekend.

According to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the tactician will ponder giving as many as five players a break ahead of the trio of ties versus Lazio, Chelsea and Milan.

Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Pirlo, Kwadwo Asamoah and Sebastian Giovinco could all be allowed to catch their breath.

In attack, Mirko Vucinic is expected to return to the starting line-up. He may be partnered in attack by Fabio Quagliarella.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Pogba dropped for Pescara

Nov 9, 2012

Paul Pogba has been left out of the Juventus squad for the trip to Pescara after reporting late for two separate training sessions.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been left behind in Turin, as Antonio Conte looks to clamp down on the youngster's poor disciplinary record.

Simone Pepe and Paolo De Ceglie also miss the game against the Delfini with injuries.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho

Defenders: Lucio, Chiellini, Caceres, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner

Midfielders: Marchisio, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Isla, Marrone

Strikers: Vucinic, Giovinco, Bendtner, Quagliarella, Matri

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Pescara - Juventus Preview: Bianconeri look to defend top spot

The Old Lady suffered a setback last Saturday when their unbeaten run came to an end

against Inter, but a win will ensure they keep their noses in front at the summit.

Nov 9, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

PESCARA

Perin

Cosic, Bocchetti, Capuano

Zanon, Blasi, Quintero, Cascione, Modesto,

Abbruscato, Jonathas

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah,

Matri, Giovinco

Following an impressive 4-0 Champions League win over FC Nordsjaelland on Wednesday, there is every chance interim coach Angelo Alessio could be tempted to stick with the same 11 on Saturday.

The choice to start Chilean winger Mauricio Isla ahead of Stephan Lichtsteiner paid off, as the star contributed an assist against the Danes, but Alessandro Matri is likely to return to the bench after a fruitless evening.

Pescara will be boosted by the continued presence of Juan Quintero in the middle of the pitch and Giovanni Stroppa is likely to name an identical team to the one that saw off Parma five days ago.

Quintero spent time in hospital during the week as a precaution, after suffering bouts of dizziness, but has returned to training and is expected to play against the Scudetto holders on Saturday.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Pescara broke a 19-year spell outside of Serie A when they returned to the top flight in 2012. The club finished Serie B champions, pipping Torino to the title on head-to-head results.

• Ex-Juventus striker Ciro Immobile was key to Pescara's bid. Now at Genoa, the striker was on loan from the Bianconeri and notched an impressive 28 goals to finish Serie B top scorer.

• The Delfini have made a respectable start to their first campaign back amongst the big boys. They currently lie in 14th place, having won three and lost six of their opening 11 matches.

• Juve have endured a mixed seven days. The champions saw a 49-match unbeaten run come to an end at the hands of Inter, but also managed to record a first Champions League victory of the season over FC Nordsjaelland on Wednesday.

• The Bianconeri currently lead Inter by one point at the top of Serie A. They also boast the league's best goal difference, scoring 23 times and conceding just eight.

• Only Roma have outscored the Old Lady in 2012-13 domestically; but curiously, not one player figures among the top 10 Serie A goalscorers.

Head to Head

Serie B ‎- Mar 31, 2007 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1

Serie B ‎- Nov 11, 2006 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 0

Serie A - May 30, 1993 - Pescara 5 - Juventus 1

Serie A - Jan 17, 1993 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 1

Coppa Italia - Jan 10, 1990 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1

Last Five Matches

Pescara

Nov 4, 2012 - Pescara 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A

Oct 31, 2012 - Chievo 2 - Pescara 0 - Serie A

Oct 28, 2012 - Pescara 0 - Atalanta 0 - Serie A

Oct 21, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Pescara 0 - Serie A

Oct 7, 2012 - Pescara 0 - Lazio 3 - Serie A

Juventus

Nov 7, 2012 - Juventus 4 - FC Nordsjælland 0 - UCL

Nov 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - FC Internazionale 3 - Serie A

Oct 31, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Serie A

Oct 28, 2012 - Catania 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Oct 23, 2012 - FC Nordsjælland 1 - Juventus 1 - UCL

Players to Watch

Juan Fernando Quintero

The Colombian teenager is highly-regarded after making an impressive start to life in Italian football, endearing himself instantly to Pescara fans with moments such as his stunning free kick against Bologna. Having recovered from a health scare, he has a great opportunity to further enhance his profile against the Bianconeri.

Claudio Marchisio

He was one of the stars against FC Nordsjaelland with his tireless midfield work and surges into the opposition penalty area. His partnership with the more cultured Andrea Pirlo forms the cornerstone of the team.

Prediction

The reigning champions have something to prove after last Saturday's defeat to Inter, and should be firm favourites to return to winning ways, one week on.

Editor's Prediction

Pescara 0 - 2 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

MATCH PREVIEW

Nov 9, 2012

Pescara versus Juventus offers the second best attack visiting the home of the joint third worst defence, so expect goals.

Everything we had known for the last season and a quarter was turned on its head last weekend. Juventus lost their unbeaten record with a 3-1 defeat to a rampant Inter, just shy of the 50 games mark, losing the aura of invincibility they previously had. General Director Beppe Marotta was quick to play the defeat down as a 'negative evening' and to suggest that 'these things can happen.'

The midweek dismantling of Nordsjaelland will have helped to restore any smidgen of lost confidence in the squad. The 4-0 win on Wednesday night helped end another streak for Juventus, as they had previously drawn their last nine European games. It was their first Champions League victory since November 2009 against Maccabi Haifa.

Juventus will have a full strength side available with just Simone Pepe still hanging out in the medical room, but they may be tempted to rotate against the newly promoted Delfini. Squad rotation may seem an even more enticing option given that Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini are a yellow card away from a ban and Lazio await next Saturday.

Pescara have had an indifferent start to the season so far, Coach Giovanni Stroppa finding himself fighting for his job before a battling home win against Parma last weekend. The former disciple of Zdenek Zeman has struggled to get his side producing the fireworks they achieved last season in Serie B, where they set a record for goals scored. He hasn’t been helped by the departure of their three best players last term.

Pescara has scored the fewest goals and created the fewest goal scoring chances in the division. The side from Abruzzo will be without midfielder Giuseppe Colucci and centre back Christian Terlizzi, but can count on the creative potential of Juan Quintero, who should be available despite an injury scare earlier in the week. Also unavailable are Alessandro Crescenzi, Manuele Blasi and Gaston Brugman.

Keep an eye on: Jonathas (Pescara) – The 23-year-old former Brescia striker is yet to score in his five appearances for Pescara this season but has shown excellent strength and proved a challenge for a number of centre back pairings so far. His scoring rate for the Rondinelle in Serie B last year was better than a goal every two games.

Stat fact: Juventus have conceded 75% of their goals in the second half of games.

Form Guide: Pescara (L L D L W) Juventus (W W W W L)

Last season: Not played

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Pescara: Perin; Cosic, Capuano, Bocchetti; Zanon, Nielsen, Quintero, Modesto; Abbruscato, Jonathas

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

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

US Pescara v Juventus: Preview

Nov 9, 2012

Pescara head coach Giovanni Stroppa insists he has no intention of resigning his post, but a tricky home tie against Juventus may go some way to deciding his long-term future.

Reports in Italy suggested the 44-year-old was prepared to step down at the Stadio Adriatico regardless of the outcome of last weekend's game against Parma, following club president Daniele Sebastiani's decision to hand his coach an ultimatum.

Stroppa duly delivered a 2-0 success - securing the struggling Abruzzo outfit just their third win of the season - and the former Genoa midfielder later stressed there was no truth in the rumours.

"I didn't resign before or after the game and I'm not resigning now," he told La Repubblica.

"That would have been too easy, after a victory and with the team on the road to survival.

"I have never shied away from difficulty, and I know my future was in the balance before the Parma game, but I would never consider doing such a thing."

Stroppa will pit his wits against the reigning Serie A champions without the services of midfielder Manuele Blasi, who will miss at least two months with a leg muscle injury.

Alessandro Crescenzi and Gaston Brugman are training hard to be fit for tomorrow night's game, but Christian Terlizzi and Giuseppe Colucci are further away from a full recovery.

Antonio Bocchetti is ready to step into defence though, telling giornalaccio rosa.it: "We need to find some continuity.

"We need to think positively but approach the Juventus game with humility."

Juventus have atoned for Saturday's decisive defeat to Inter Milan, one that ended their 49-game unbeaten run, with a confidence-building 4-0 victory over FC Nordsjaelland in the Champions League.

Suspended coach Antonio Conte may now rest some of his regular starters in anticipation of a tricky triple-header against Lazio, Chelsea and AC Milan.

Sebastian Giovinco, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Pirlo and Kwadwo Asamoah could be given the evening off against Pescara, with Mirko Vucinic expected to partner Fabio Quagliarella in attack.

The latter striker told juventus.com: "There are five strikers and the manager has always been straight with us from the start.

"He picks two for every game and we all feel like the first choice.

"It's possible to play two or three games in a row and then start on the bench or be in the stands.

"We know that goals are expected from the strikers, but Conte mainly looks at our contribution to the play and movement. But what matters is that our sacrifices bear fruit."

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Preview: Pescara vs. Juventus

Nov 9, 2012

Juventus will head to Pescara on Saturday looking to bounce back from their defeat to arch rivals Inter Milan last weekend.

The 3-1 loss at home in Turin to the Nerazzurri brought an end to Juve's 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A and blew the title race wide open.

Antonio Conte's side continue to lead the league standings with 28 points from 11 matches, but their lead over second-place Inter is now just one point, with Napoli third on 23 points.

The Bianconeri, though, did recover from that loss to Inter in midweek with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Nordsjaelland in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Pescara are struggling against relegation at the moment, as they are just three points above the dropzone in 14th.

Neither side have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their clash on Saturday.

Recent form

Pescara: LLDLW

Juventus: DWWLW

Possible starting lineups:

Pescara: Perin, Capuano, Bocchetti, Cosic, Zanon, Cascione, Modesto, Blasi, Quintero, Abbruscato, Jonathas

Juventus: Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci, Marchisio, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Isla, Giovinco, Matri

Sports Mole says: 0-2

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus News – Pescara Prep, Conte vs The Media,

Happy Birthday Alex Del Piero!

Nov 9, 2012

Everybody feel better?

Sure, it wasn’t Chelsea (yet), but it certainly was cathartic to completely dominate a team as Juventus did Nordsjaelland on Wednesday night. On Saturday, we have another chance at a similarly transcendent performance against a newly-promoted minnow.

In today’s STTBS, we’ll prep for Pescara, pour over stats, berate random journalists, go begging with Beppe Marotta, seek inner peace with Gigi Buffon and wish our old capitano well.

Andiamo, amici.

Pescara Preparations

As is the case with mid-week matches, there is precious little time to recover physically and prepare tactically for Saturday’s match at Pescara. With that in mind, Juve hit the field with some urgency today, squeezing in one last training session before heading for the Stadio Adriatico.

Yesterday was business as usual: those who played Wednesday received that most mysterious of therapeutic treats, the “warm-down”, while the others went through the standard training session.

As of press time, Mirko Vucinic’s availability is still in doubt for Saturday. Vague reports from Vinovo have Fabio Quagliarella starting up top with either Seba Giovinco or Nicklas Bendtner as his partner, while it is also possible that Luca Marrone will spell one of the back three and Paul Pogba will give Vidal a much-needed rest.

Fun fact: Yesterday’s training session was observed by Italian national water polo manager Sandro Campagna. In related news, the entire Italian national water polo squad has quit, reportedly due to Campagna’s insistence that Conte’s pressing tactics can work in a pool.

Banti Takes Control

Luca Banti will take the whistle for the Pescara match, assisted by Pietro Gallioni and Alessandro Giallatini, with Francesco Altomare as the fourth official, a post which I like to imagine is equivalent to a backup keyboardist who plays offstage behind a bank of speakers.

Juventus have nine wins, two draws and two defeats with Banti in charge. And while it is his first time refereeing Juve this year, he did preside over both a 1-1 draw with Bologna and the 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Roma last season.

Hopefully, the Pescara match leans toward the latter score, and with absolutely NO influence from Banti and friends.

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

-

Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Pescara v Juventus Preview :

The Champions Visit Serie A Minnows

Nov 9, 2012

After their extraordinary unbeaten streak came to an end against Inter, Juventus have responded and in just the manner that Conte was looking for. The midweek Champions League game was a crucial one for the Bianconeri and the victory was just what the doctor ordered as they shrugged off Nordsjaelland to keep their hopes of a qualification alive. It was perhaps the most dominating Juventus performance we’ve seen this campaign. What they did manage to do was channel the anger caused by losing at home to Inter onto the field and to their benefit.

The defeat to Inter though still leaves them at the top of the table with barely any breathing space as the Nerazzurri are on their tail with just a single point behind the champions. Back to business in the league, they face a Pescara outfit – a far cry from Zdenek Zeman’s Serie B conquering one. Pescara have struggled this season as many have predicted they would. The obvious goal for them this season, is survival but that, of course, is easier said than done. They languish in 14th position, three points above the drop zone.

Team News and Tactical Brief

Pescara

The Delfini look shades away from the side that demolished records on their way to glory in Serie B last season. It was never going to be easy making the jump into Italy’s top-tier even less so when you lose four elements that were crucial to their success. Ciro Immobile, Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and coach Zdenek Zeman have moved on to greener pastures and they evidently, Pescara have found it a bit difficult to replace them.

Giovanni Stroppa’s side have been feeling the heat as new-comers in Serie A, recording just three wins this campaign. They have struggled in attack, having boasted of the best in Serie B last season; they now have the most impotent strike-force, statistically speaking, in Serie A. The home side, though are coming off a morale boosting win against Parma, a win that perhaps even saved Stroppa’s job at the helm of Pescara.

The manager is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation mirroring Antonio Conte’s. In goal, they have one of Italy’s most promising players in Mattia Perin. The man on loan from Genoa has garnered interest from a host of top sides following solid displays in goal. Christian Terlizzi is out for the Delfini through injury and will be missed in defence. The back three will consist of Cosic, Capuano and Bocchetti.

Midfield remains key to any hope of success from this game Pescara may harbor. In Juan Quintero, they have one of the most outstanding young players in the league. Quintero has been their most creative outlet this term and his impact has been such that Milan, Juventus and a host of other top sides are touted as possible destinations for the player in the future. Captain Cascione will be the anchor-man in midfield and will sit just in front of the back-three while Zanon and Modesto will offer width down either flank. Abbruscato will lead the attack alongside towering striker Jonathas. Expect Vladimir Weiss to feature at some point during this game. His pace, trickery and direct running could cause Juventus a few headaches. Juventus Juventus Juventus

Crescenzi, Savelloni, Brugman, Colucci and Blasi are all on the treatment table for Pescara.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Perin; Cosic, Capuano, Bocchetti; Zanon, Nielsen, Cascione, Quintero, Modesto; Abbruscato, Jonathas

Juventus

Having fielded his strongest eleven against Nordsjaelland, Antonio Conte could opt to rotate his squad for this game. The fixture list is a tough one and doesn’t make for pleasant reading for Conte with games against Lazio, Chelsea, Milan, Torino and Shakhtar all on the horizon. Champions League qualification rests firmly in Juventus’ hands with 4 points the target, out of the 6 available.

During midweek, Juventus were at their frightening best and outplayed Nordsjaelland on every single area of the field. The defence looked untroubled and at ease as the midfield dictated proceedings. Conte is expected to stick to his 3-5-2 formation with a few changes from the side that was deployed against the Danish side. Juventus Juventus Juventus

Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mirko Vucinic should return to the set-up and could replace Mauricio Isla and Alessandro Matri respectively. Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo could be given a precautionary rest as both are a booking away from suspension and risk the possibility of missing out on the Lazio game. Arturo Vidal is expected to retain his place in midfield. The Chilean dynamo has recovered his form and is finally looking the player who set Serie A on fire last season. After a slow start to the campaign, Vidal has found his feet with three goals in his last three appearances.

Attack remains Juventus Achilles’ heel and often the scoring exploits of the midfield have bailed out what is an obvious weakness in the Juventus machine. Alessandro Matri is low on confidence and just couldn’t find the back of the net despite various attempts. He could be relegated to the bench. Fabio Quagliarella’s goal has certainly allowed him to stake a claim for a starting spot although Mirko Vucinic is expected to spearhead the attack alongside diminutive forward Sebastian Giovinco.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic

Player To Watch Out For

Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus)

The Atomic Ant has had his detractors this season following his return to Juventus. On occasions he has delivered on his massive potential while at certain moments he leaves a lot to be desired. Fans were optimistic that his arrival could help Juventus unlock the defenses of provincial outfits who seemed content at sitting back and defending. Against Pescara, another opportunity should present itself for him to showcase his talents and build on his midweek goal.

Prediction

Pescara 0 – 3 Juventus

The home side have the most daunting of tasks in front of them and Juventus start the game off as heavy favorites. The odds are heavily stacked against Pescara and Juventus will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league. Expect a goal-fest with most or all of the goals coming from the champions.

Blast From The Past

http://youtu.be/tUUkxAnqQrY

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Pescara vs Juventus Match Preview

The last time Juventus and Pescara met on the field was

way back in the 2006-07 season in Serie B.

Nov 9, 2012

Juventus are finally free from worrying about their unbeaten run. Without the unbeaten in 49 games record at the back of their minds they can now rotate the squad more often, starting with the game against newly promoted side Pescara.

After a 3-1 loss to Inter Milan at home they recouped some of their lost morale and brushed aside Danish side Nordsjaelland in the Champions League mid-week.

Team news

Juventus are close to full strength in terms of numbers sparring Simone Pepe. Conte can chose to play the same side that played mid-week or rotate the squad and rest a few players for the home match against Lazio next week.

To avoid any surprises, Juventus should field a strong lineup considering they have six days to prepare for their next fixture. Giovinco and Vucinic are expected to start in attack and the usual suspects like Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, and Asamoah should make up the midfield.

Stephan Lichtsteiner should be back in the squad after being substituted against Inter Milan in the first half fearing a second yellow. New signing Mauricio Isla had a great game in mid-week but he might make way for Lichtsteiner.

Pescara are struggling with form in Serie A and are grappling with injuries.

Match Analysis

Juventus won't change their signature 3-5-2 formation unless there is a storm - the size of hurricane Sandy- coming their way. It is interesting that Pescara want to fight fire with fire and start in a similar formation mirroring Juventus.

Pirlo is Conte's right hand man on the pitch executing his plan to its minutest detail. If Pescara manages to stop Pirlo, Vidal and Marchisio then half the battle is won. Despite their leaky defence, a bold three man defence is an indication that Pescara will look to score early and switch to a five man defence later to protect the lead.

Giovinco - the ant man - had an excellent game mid-week and he will be looking to continue his good run in the league. Pescara should be wary of those long balls coming in from the midfield and peg Vucinic away from the goal. Juve's other form of attack comes from the wings, with Asamoah tearing up the left wing every time he starts.

Juve are poor in defending a counter attack and Pescara can only hope to score against the run of play.

Previous encounters

Serie B ‎- Mar 31, 2007 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1

Serie B ‎- Nov 11, 2006 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 0

Serie A - May 30, 1993 - Pescara 5 - Juventus 1

Serie A - Jan 17, 1993 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 1

Coppa Italia - Jan 10, 1990 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1

Prediction

Pescara 0-2 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Stroppa: 'Pescara can hurt Juve'

Nov 10, 2012

Pescara Coach Giovanni Stroppa feels Juventus reflect Antonio Conte’s character, but warns they can “hurt” them this evening.

The Serie A leaders come to the Stadio Adriatico at 19.45 GMT after their 49-match unbeaten run was ended. Click here for a preview.

“We are starting out as the underdogs against one of the best teams in the world. I ask for my players to show remarkable focus and grit, trying not to allow anything to Juventus, although we realise even that might not be enough.

“We must suffer, but over the course of 90 minutes there will be moments where we can hurt Juventus. We have got to make the most of those moments,” continued the former Milan player.

“I compliment Conte, as he transformed the squad to make the most of the characteristics of the players at his disposal.

“He was considered to be a hardliner for the 4-2-4 system, but instead has found the right key in a 3-5-2.

“This team embodies the character he had as a player. On the field Antonio would never give up.”

Juan Fernando Quintero is in the squad despite being rushed to hospital when he fainted during a training session on Tuesday.

Pescara squad for Juventus: Perin, Pelizzoli; Balzano, Bocchetti, Capuano, Cosic, Romagnoli, Zanon, Modesto; Cascione, Bjarnason, Nielsen, Weiss, Quintero, Togni; Abbruscato, Caprari, Celik, Jonathas, Soddimo, Vukusic

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

[Socrates 8240]

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.)

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Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara

Referee: Luca Banti

Probable Line-ups: Pescara v Juventus

Nov 10, 2012

Juventus take on Pescara at the Stadio Adriatico at 20.45 CET on Saturday, 10 November.

Probable Formations and Lineups:

Pescara (3-5-2): Perin; Cosic, Capuano, Bocchetti; Zanon, Nielsen, Cascione, Quintero, Modesto; Abbruscato, Jonathas

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Giaccherini, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Lichtsteiner; Vucinic, Quagliarella

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