Juventus Season 2012-2013

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

SHAKHTAR 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Olexandr Kucher (56′-O.G.)

Donbass Arena - Donetsk

Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Attendance: 50104

Chiellini: Juventus always believed in qualification

The italian defender has made it clear that the Bianconeri were always optimistic about

their chances of making it to the round of 16, despite threat Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk posed.

Dec 6, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini has stressed that Juventus always remained confident of making it into the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

The Serie A champions struggled in their opening three Group E games, but eventually qualified for the round of 16 as group winners following their 1-0 away win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday evening, much to the delight of Chiellini.

"We knew it would be very difficult for us after the draw in Denmark, but we always believed we could qualify but only if we play like Juventus can," the 28-year-old told Uefa.com.

"On Wednesday, we played very well against a Shakhtar side that have a number of good players. We did what we had to do, we created a number of good chances to get the win and I think we deserved the victory.

"If you play for the draw you are likely to lose because Shakhtar have a number of great players that can hurt you.

"We tried to attack and we tried to win and we are really happy to go through to the next round of the Champions League."

Juventus resume Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to Palermo.

[Socrates 8328]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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

SHAKHTAR 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Olexandr Kucher (56′-O.G.)

Donbass Arena - Donetsk

Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Attendance: 50104

Barzagli: Juve not the best team

in Champions League but anything can happen

The experienced defender had admitted that the Bianconeri are not the sky-high

favourites to win the competition, but is hopeful of causing an upset with some luck.

Dec 7, 2012

Andrea Barzagli is of the opinion that Juventus can spring a surprise and win the Champions League, even though he realises that the Serie A champions are not the strongest team in the tournament.

The Bianconeri beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Wednesday evening as they secured top spot in their group and qualified for the knockout stages of European club football's elite competition, and the defender is full of ambition.

"We must admit that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are perhaps a bit ahead of us," Barzagli told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"So we hope to avoid Jose Mourinho's Madrid in the round of 16.

"However, as Gigi Buffon previously said, it doesn't always matter who is stronger. What matters is that you are the best at the right moment. Anything can happen."

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Brienza happy with Conte return

Dec 6, 2012

Palermo midfielder Franco Brienza has claimed he is happy to see Juventus boss Antonio Conte return the bench.

The two sides meet on Sunday, with the Bianconeri Coach making his first appearance in the dugout since his suspension in the summer.

And the 33-year-old has insisted he is pleased for the tactician, as well as admitting that it will be a tough test this weekend.

“Conte? I am happy for his return to the bench,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “He is a honest and sincere person.

“It will be a tricky game with a lot of dangers.

“But we will have to try our best to get a positive result against the League leaders. The Bianconeri are proving to be very strong.”

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Zamparini tips Euro Juventus

Dec 6, 2012

Palermo chief Maurizio Zamparini thinks that a Juventus side made up of ‘normal’ players could reach the Champions League Final.

Speaking to Radio Radio ahead of this weekend’s Serie A game between the two sides, Zamparini hailed the Old Lady following their win at Shakhtar Donetsk.

“I saw a really strong Juventus last night,” he stated. “They played a great game at a tough place against a very good team.

“I’m impressed by their dynamism and rhythm. On an athletic level, they have 10 gears more than everyone else.

“I think they could be protagonists until the end in Europe, they could reach the Final.

“You have to praise boss Antonio Conte because this Juve, apart from Andrea Pirlo, is made up of normal players.”

Turning to Sunday’s Stadio Barbera clash, Zamparini admitted that he is worried.

“I hope they are a little bit tired after yesterday,” he added. “The game against Juventus comes at the worst possible time.

“Nothing is going right for us as we are playing well, but not scoring. Fabrizio Miccoli thinks we’ll win 2-1 and I hope he’s right.”

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Juventus set for changes

Dec 7, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte could make some substantial changes to the side for this weekend’s trip to Palermo.

According to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the tactician may decide on as many as five alterations to the team which beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Wednesday.

The Old Lady will definitely be without Sebastian Giovinco as he is suspended, but Stephan Lichtsteiner, Kwadwo Asamoah, Arturo Vidal and Mirko Vucinic may be allowed to catch their breath.

They could be replaced in the side by Mauricio Isla, Paolo De Ceglie, Claudio Marchisio – who was banned in midweek – Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella.

Conte will return to the sidelines on Sunday as his ban will expire tomorrow.

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Zamparini: Pirlo is Juventus' only special player

The flamboyant supremo described the playmaker as a "great player" but was less kind

about the Italy international's club-mates, whom he accused of lacking in star quality.

Dec 7, 2012

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has questioned Juventus' strength in depth, claiming that while Andrea Pirlo is a phenomenal talent, the rest of the squad is made up of "regular" players.

The 33-year-old joined the Turin giants on a free transfer from AC Milan last summer and played an instrumental role in the side's charge towards the Serie A title, while proving similarly influential for Italy, who finished runners-up at Euro 2012.

And Zamparini believes the Bianconeri are a very ordinary side without their creative spark in the midfield.

"Juventus are composed of regular players, not great phenomena," he told Radio Radio. "Pirlo is their only great player, the others are just okay."

The Rosanero face Juventus on Sunday, and Zamparini expects his attackers to make life difficult for the Serie A holders, with the likes of Josip Ilicic, Fabrizio Miccoli and Paulo Dybala currently amongst the goals.

He added: "We can put them under difficulty, especially with our strikers who are very good."

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

MATCH PREVIEW

Dec 8, 2012

Palermo are embattled but encouraged by recent performances, while Juventus welcome Antonio Conte back to their bench.

Gian Piero Gasperini faced ex-club Inter last Sunday and very nearly left San Siro with a point. Palermo frustrated the Nerazzurri, who failed to create many clear-cut opportunities, yet went home empty handed after Santiago Garcia diverted a seemingly harmless cross into his own net.

That continued the Sicilian’s inconsistent streak. From a crushing loss at Roma they have defeated Sampdoria, went red card-crazy in Bologna, then claimed victory over island rivals Catania. This was followed up by their spirited display against Inter. However, they remain just two points ahead of the bottom three.

Abel Hernandez and Andrea Mantovani are long-term absentees and the only players missing from Gasperini’s squad. The tactician can rely on a settled XI, led by captain Fabrizio Miccoli.

Juventus returned to winning ways by downing city rivals Torino 3-0 last weekend. Local boys and youth products Claudio Marchisio and Sebastian Giovinco were the difference, with the former netting twice. That was followed by a crucial 1-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, which allowed them to win their Champions League group.

The match at the Donbass Arena represented the last for Angelo Alessio on the touchline, who makes way for the returning Conte. The former Bianconeri captain has not sat on the bench since last season’s Coppa Italia Final due to a ban for his alleged failure to report match fixing. Comments have been made about his presence on the sidelines, so expect those on the pitch to be given extra motivation from the boss.

Giovinco is suspended after reaching the yellow card limit. Simone Pepe remains sidelined, but Nicklas Bendtner and Lucio hope to be in contention to feature. Meanwhile, Martin Caceres could replace Giorgio Chiellini after the Italian international pulled up sore during Wednesday’s match.

Historically the pair have been evenly matched on the island. Palermo have won six times and we’ve seen eight draws, in addition to Juve’s ten victories. This includes last season’s 2-0 result, one which propelled Juventus above Milan on their way to the Scudetto.

Keep an eye on: Josip Ilicic (Palermo) – The Slovenian international has slowly come good under Gasperini’s tutelage. Lining up as one of Miccoli’s two support strikers, Ilicic netted a brace in the Sicilian Derby a fortnight ago. That increased his season tally to three goals and he will look to improve that here.

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

Last season: Palermo 0-2 Juventus

Stat fact: Results have been mixed since Palermo’s promotion in 2004, with the Rosanero enjoying the upper hand in the seven ensuing meetings. They have won four to Juve’s three.

PALERMO (probable): Ujkani; Munoz, Donati, Von Bergen; Morganella, Barreto, Kurtic, Garcia; Ilicic, Brienza; Miccoli

JUVENTUS (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah, Vucinic, Matri

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Palermo - Juventus Preview: Conte returns to the dugout

The Bianconeri coach will be present on the touchline for the first time in four months

after serving his suspension and will hope to mark the moment with a victory.

Dec 8, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

PALERMO

Ujkani

Munoz, Donati, Von Bergen,

Morganella, Barreto, Kurtic, Garcia

Ilicic, Brienza,

Miccoli

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres

Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah

Matri, Vucinic

In his four months away from the Juventus dugout, Antonio Conte's side have successfully navigated a tough Champions League group and currently top the Serie A table.

Both Massimo Carrera and Angelo Alessio have handled the reins well in his absence and the 43-year-old will be keen to show that he remains the driving force behind the Old Lady.

Nicklas Bendtner, Lucio and Simone Pepe are all absent for the trip to Palermo, who have suffered a miserable start to the campaign.

The Rosanero are down in 17th position heading into the game after mustering a measly 14 points from their first 15 games - though all three of their victories this season have come at home.

Abel Hernandez and Andrea Mantovani will both miss out through injury, with the pair not likely to feature for the forseeable future.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus have won 11 of their 15 Serie A games without Antonio Conte in the dugout.

• The Bianconeri have scored 32 times in those matches and conceded just 10 goals, leaving them with a goal difference of 22 - six better off than second-placed Napoli.

• The Old Lady beat Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 on Wednesday, a result that saw them seal top spot in Champions League Group E.

• Palermo finished in 16th position in Serie A last season and have been equally disappointing this time around, sitting one place worse off in 17th.

• Fabrizio Miccoli is the Rosanero's top goalscorer with five strikes to his name in Serie A, a tally that accounts for more than a third of their 14 goals this season.

• Palermo will be thankful for home comforts - all three of their league victories have come at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Apr 7, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 2

Serie A ‎- Nov 20, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Palermo 0

Serie A ‎- Feb 2, 2011 - Palermo 2 - Juventus 1

Serie A ‎- Sep 23, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Palermo 3

Serie A ‎- Feb 28, 2010 - Juventus 0 - Palermo 2

Last Five Matches

Palermo

Dec 2, 2012 - FC Internazionale 1 - Palermo 0 - Serie A

Nov 27, 2012 - Palermo 1 - Verona 2 - Coppa Italia

Nov 24, 2012 - Palermo 3 - Catania 1 - Serie A

Nov 18, 2012 - Bologna 3 - Palermo 0 - Serie A

Nov 11, 2012 - Palermo 2 - Sampdoria 0 - Serie A

Juventus

Dec 5, 2012 - Shakhtar Donetsk 0 - Juventus 1 - UCL

Dec 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Torino 0 - Serie A

Nov 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

Nov 20, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Chelsea FC 0 - UCL

Nov 17, 2012 - Juventus 0 - Lazio 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Fabrizio Miccoli

The 33-year-old knows Serie A like the back of his hand and even as he approaches his mid-30s, the forward remains a potent threat in front of goal. He is Palermo's top goalscorer with five efforts to his name and the home side will need him to be at his best.

Paul Pogba

After a busy week of Champions League duty and a long trip to Ukraine, there is every chance the midfield prospect could be handed his chance to shine. The former Manchester United man impressed in his fleeting appearances to date and will want to seize the opportunity if selected.

Prediction

There will be points to be proved all round with Antonio Conte looking to mark his comeback with a win and the Juventus players eager to impress their boss upon his return to the dugout. That alone will be enough to see off this struggling Palermo side.

Editor's Prediction

Palermo 0 - 2 Juventus

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Palermo v Juventus: Preview

Dec 8, 2012

The stage is set for Juventus head coach Antonio Conte to return to the touchline at Palermo tomorrow, four months after he was suspended from football.

Juve's official website has been counting down the days leading up to Conte's comeback and the 43-year-old will supervise his team on a match day for the first time since he was banned from the dug-out for his alleged involvement in match-fixing.

The players made Conte's transition from exile as comfortable as possible by sealing progression to the Champions League knockout stages with a 1-0 victory at Shakhtar Donetsk this week.

Club director Beppe Marotta told juventus.com: "First of all we're delighted to have got through as it allows Conte to experience the Champions League.

"We've been disappointed not to have had him in the dug-out and we're looking forward to having him back in his technical area over the coming fixtures.

"People have given everything in his absence and that's what makes what we've achieved all the more extraordinary.

"We mustn't go into the Palermo game thinking about (Wednesday's) match. We need to be wary, they've got nothing to lose and won't need much in the way of motivation.''

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini pulled up injured at the Donbass Arena, leaving space for Lucio or Martin Caceres to come into the side.

Sebastian Giovinco is suspended and Conte may experiment by fielding on-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner alongside Mirko Vucinic or Fabio Quagliarella.

Palermo head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is a confirmed admirer of Conte but warned his counterpart he would be given no quarter at the Renzo Barbera, with club president Maurizio Zamparini taking a more opportunistic approach.

"We hope they will be very tired after their victory the other night,'' he told La Repubblica. "This challenge comes at a bad time for them.

"Nothing is going well for us at the moment but Juve will certainly find a Palermo side fired up and enraged after our defeat at Inter.''

Gasperini is likely to throw ex-Juve striker Fabrizio Miccoli into the mix tomorrow, while Abel Hernandez continues to recover from a serious leg injury. Defender Andrea Mantovani is another long-term absentee.

Palermo, who have a two-point cushion above the bottom three, lost this fixture 2-0 last year as Juve leapfrogged AC Milan on their way to claiming the Scudetto.

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Juve squad for Palermo

Dec 8, 2012

Antonio Conte returns to the bench after his ban and has named the Juventus squad travelling to Palermo, missing players like Sebastian Giovinco and Mauricio Isla.

The Coach can finally shout from the touchline again after four months in the stands due to a betting scandal, accusations he has always firmly denied.

Giovinco is suspended for tomorrow’s match, while Martin Caceres, Lucio, Simone Pepe, Luca Marrone and Isla are all ruled out due to injury.

Caceres and Marrone have right thigh problems, Isla sprained his ankle, while Lucio and Pepe are long-term absentees.

Juventus squad for Palermo: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 15 Barzagli, 17 Bendtner, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 34 Rubinho

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Preview: Palermo vs. Juventus

Dec 8, 2012

Juventus take on Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera this weekend as they try to extend their lead at the top of Serie A.

The Old Lady currently reside at the number one spot in the league table by a slender 10 points but Juve will be hoping to claim maximum points against a side that have struggled in the campaign so far.

The Rosanero are just two points away from the relegation zone and a defeat against the reigning champions would hamper their chances further of surviving in the top flight.

The home side could line up with Paulo Dybala and Franco Brienza up front, while Juve are expected to start Claudio Marchisio following his two goals in their 3-0 win over Torino last weekend.

Recent form

Palermo: LWLWL

Juventus: LWDLW

Possible lineups

PALERMO: Ujkani; Munoz, Von Bergen, Garcia, Pisano, Morganella; Barreto, Ilicic, Kurtic; Dybala, Brienza

JUVENTUS: Buffon; De Ceglie, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner; Pogba, Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Vucinic, Giovinco

Sports Mole says: 0-2

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Palermo v Juventus – News, Tactics, Line-up & Prediction

Dec 8, 2012

What a week it has been for Juventus! After getting back to winning ways in Serie A after demolishing old rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole, they put up a strong performance against Ukrainian Champions Shakhtar Donetsk in the intimidating Donbass Arena. The victory against the Miners not only sealed their berth in the knock-out phase of Europe’s premier competition but also meant they qualified on top of their tricky group.

Perhaps the best news comes in the form of the return of their charismatic coach Antonio Conte. Yes, after spending months cramped up in a room in the stands and away from the sidelines, the Juventus manager returns to the dug-out on Sunday. Conte who was allegedly involved in the Calcioscommesse scandal which took Italian football by storm last summer was initially handed a 10 month ban. The ban was reduced to 4 months after an appeal was lodged by Conte’s representatives. He now makes his long-awaited return and will be pleased to find his team exactly where he left them – at the top of the table.

Palermo have been going through a torrid time in Serie A this season with lady luck not smiling upon the Sicilians. Last weekend’s draw can certainly attest to the that fact as they put in a feisty performance against Inter but were only undone by an own goal by Santiago Garcia. For the most part, Palermo looked worthy of at least a draw Gian Piero Gasperini returned to face the side he once managed not too long ago. It doesn’t get easier for Palermo as they return home only to welcome Serie A leaders Juventus. The Rosanero are hovering just above the drop-zone in 17th place with 14 points.

Team News and Tactical Brief

PALERMO

Palermo find themselves in a spot of bother. Just one point above the safety zone will give Gasperini worries especially considering the trigger-happy nature of President Maurizio Zamparini. But they can take heart from their brave display against the Nerazzurri, with a bit of luck; they could have salvaged a well-earned draw.

Gasperini is expected to make just a couple of changes from the side deployed against Inter and stick with his 3-4-2-1 formation. Fabrizio Miccoli returns to the set-up to face his old side and should displace emerging star Paulo Dybala. Miccoli, who once plied his trade for Juventus has always been a thorn in their side and earlier this week stated his side will go on to beat the champions 2-1. A bold claim indeed and he will hope to back his words with a vintage performance. Eros Pisano could make way for the experienced Massimo Donati who has been converted into a center-back this season.

Expect the home side to use a game-plan similar to the one they used when they faced Inter. Palermo will sit back and defend and look to counter Juventus. With Miccoli and Ilicic, they have pace and craft in attack. Miccoli will make the diagonal runs and of course, his threat from set-pieces cannot be taken lightly. The midfield have their work cut out for them as they try to contain and track the runs from the Juventus midfielders. Gasperini might ask one of Ilicic or Brienza to do a job on Andrea Pirlo and shadow him around the pitch when Juventus have possession.

Abel Hernandez and Andrea Mantovani are on the treatment table with long-term injuries and will miss this game.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-4-2-1): Ujkani; Munoz, Donati, Von Bergen; Morganella, Barreto, Kurtic, Garcia; Ilicic, Brienza; Miccoli

JUVENTUS

Back-to-back wins against Torino and Shakhtar have lifted the spirits and morale in the Juventus dressing room. Out on the pitch, they welcome back Antonio Conte, a man who deserves a ton of credit for their success last season. He takes over from Angelo Alessio and Massimo Carrera who deserve to be lauded for the manner in which they have taken over and done an incredible job in Conte’s absence.

Conte should ring around a few changes from the side that faced Shakhtar. Giovinco is suspended on account of accumulation of yellow cards. Chiellini and Vidal could be given a rest with Caceres and Marchisio taking their places according to latest reports emanating from Italy. The wing-backs should retain their place and the width they provide is vital to the way Juventus play. Lichtsteiner put in one of his most impressive performances in a Juventus jersey against Shakhtar with his marauding runs and his persistence paid off as his cross ultimately led to the Bianconeri’s winning goal.

Paul Pogba’s recent games gives off the impression of maturity far beyond his young age. Calm and assured on the ball with the fierce shot in his armory, Pogba has frightening potential. He will make runs here and there, covering every blade of grass. Andrea Pirlo of course is the brains of this Juventus side. If he has a good game, Juventus have a good game. The Bianconeri should remain in control of this game and also control of the ball. The wing-backs might fancy their chances against Palermo’s shaky defence. Matri might get the nod over Quagliarella in attack and should partner Mirko Vucinic. The Montenegrin will come deep to receive possession while Matri will be the target-man up front making the runs in behind Palermo’s back-line.

Simone Pepe and Lucio will sit this game out with injuries.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Matri

Players To Watch Out For

Josip Ilicic (Palermo)

Ilicic has been one of Serie A’s highly rated young players ever since his first season at Palermo. Inconsistency though has been his downfall. At 24, he still has a bag of tricks to worry the best defences in the world. A moment of magic from this unpredictable Slovenian International could carve open the Juventus defence. Palermo will pin their hopes on his shoulders to try to conjure up something positive in attack.

Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)

Marchisio bagged a brace against Torino and while he may not be scoring as much as he did last season, he still is the lungs of this Juventus side. Having missed out on Shakhtar due to a suspension, he will be fresh and raring to go with his confidence levels peaking. Marchisio remains one of the most tactical players around and silently goes about doing his job. The key to Juventus dominating the midfield battle remains in his hands.

Prediction

Palermo 0 – 2 Juventus

The Rosanero are struggling for form in the league while Juventus are regaining it. The odds are stacked against Palermo winning this one, let alone managing a draw. The Bianconeri might be a bit fatigued but with Antonio Conte back on the touchline, they have the motivation and the push to earn all three points.

Blast From The Past

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Palermo vs. Juventus PREVIEW –

Grounding the Sicilian Eagles

Dec 8, 2012

The last month has been a stressful one. Juventus have had two different assistant coaches on the bench, endured disappointing defeats to archrivals Milan and Inter, and in general, have had to deal with an incredible amount of tough fixtures in a very short period of time.

It hasn’t all been smooth, but coming out on the end, Juventus have certainly passed the test. The team did lose a few games, but the club rides into mid-December finishing 1st in both the Champion’s League group as well as in the league. The Old Lady has claimed some impressive scalps, crushing both Chelsea and Torino by a 3-0 margin, as well as a solid 1-0 victory away in Ukraine. Europe has been put on notice.

The next few weeks will be a bit of a breather. With the Champion’s League on a temporary hiatus, the club only has league and Coppa Italia matches to contend; the latter unquestionably involve less of the Starting XI and are more a chance for the secondary figures to claim a starting shirt.

The first match after the Champion’s League break is a trip this weekend down to Sicily to take on Palermo, and most notably, it will feature the return of Antonio Conte to the Juventus bench. The Lecce-born tactician has endured a very difficult couple of months, being banned for an offense he most certainly did not commit. (Tellingly, one charge was completely removed and his assistant coach’s ban shortened even more!) Juventus fans will be eager to see the great man back on the bench this weekened.

PALERMO

Palermo have been chosen as the unfortunate team to face Conte on his return. The Rosanero are enduring yet another “typical” Maurizio Zamparini season. Last year, the fiery owner sacked Stefano Pioli before the season even started. This year, Giuseppe Sannino, the man who successfully followed Conte at Siena, was given about a month of league matches before Zamparini decided he’d seen enough. Sannino was fired in mid-September.

The sacked Rosanero coach did well at Siena with a very mediocre squad. His team defended superbly and played tactical football as a unit. Some might say it was a tad negative at times, but there’s no question Sannino did great with what was at his disposal.

In somewhat of a 180 degree turn, Zamparini replaced Sannino with Gian Piero Gasperini, the man whos’ Inter tenure infamously failed to yield a single victory. He made his name at Genoa, coaching young talent and playing attractive football, but his sides were always prone to mistakes, mental weakness, and poor defense. It makes little sense to replace a tactical coach with a man who could almost be considered Zeman-lite, but little of Zamparini’s choices ever make rational sense.

Unfortunately for Palermo, they have not exactly enjoyed the typical post-sacking boost that often occurs as the result of a new coach. Gasperini has certainly made improvements since his appointment in Sicily, but the Rosanero are still floundering near the bottom of the table. It will certainly take time for the club to transition from Sannino’s ideals to Gasperini’s attack-minded play, but no one knows if Palermo has enough time, or if Zamparini will be patient enough.

The Sicilians recent form is mixed at best. There are hints of positive play, but calcio is a results-based business, and the results have not been average. The team has defeated Sampdoria and island rivals Catania in the last few weeks, but were destroyed by Bologna and lost narrowly to Inter last weekend. The form is decidedly mixed.

Probable Formation:

Ujkani

Munoz, Donati, Von Bergen

Morganella, Barreto, Kurtic, Garcia

Ilicic, Brienza

Miccoli

JUVENTUS

Juventus ride into this match on quite a bit of an emotional high. In one week, the club has defeated local rivals Torino 3-0, qualified for the knockout stages with an exciting 1-0 victory in Ukraine, and of course, will welcome Antonio Conte back to the bench for Palermo.

The fixture congestion in recent weeks has certainly resulted in a bit of fatigue among the squad players, either mental or physical. There have been a bit of rotation here and there, but more often than not it’s been forced by suspension, like Marchisio’s absence in Ukraine. Indeed, GIovinco will miss the Palermo match due to yellow card accumulation.

In general, our reserves have proven themselves in the absence of the first team. Fabio Quagliarella started the season either 4th or 5th choice, but has moved up the pecking order thanks to his goals. (and the lack thereof from Matri and Bendtner) Paul Pogba has seen a decent amount of playing time in midfield, rotating in for any one of Pirlo, Marchisio, or Vidal. Giaccherini has slowly popped back into the lineup, though his performances have been rather workmanlike.

There hasn’t been the same rotation in defense. Isla has seen a bit of playing time in a rotation with Lichtsteiner, but Caceres, De Ceglie, Marrone, and a former Interista have seen little playing time. It has been significant enough that the latter may depart in January, much to the disappointment of Juventus fans everywhere (sarcasm, of course) while Luca Marrone’s agent has been talking up a loan spell to get more playing time.

There will be a bit of rotation this weekend. Chiellini battled like a gladiator against Shakthar Donetsk, but nearly subbed off in the first half complaining of a calf injury. Leonardo Bonucci also has dealt off-and-on with a knock, but is more likely to play than Keyser Giorgio. Should Chiellini fail to make it, Caceres will likely be chosen in his place. The wingbacks may see a bit of rotation as well- Conte has rotated Isla with Lichtsteiner a fair amount (though Isla is injured), and the Swiss fullback battled long and hard earlier this week. Asamoah also did quite a bit of running, and so De Ceglie may be offered another spot.

Midfield may see a bit of rotation. Marchisio will return to the lineup having sat out the trip to Ukraine due to suspension. It’s possible one of Pirlo or Vidal will receive a break; both played excellent in the midweek match, but it was an energy sapping game. Vidal in particular was all over the pitch, tackling and recovering the ball and looked exhausted as the game wore on. Paul Pogba did well in Marchisio’s absence, and will probably step in for one of the other duo to give them a rest.

In attack, it’s somewhat easy to predict. The team has rotated constantly between the strikers, mostly due to everyone fading in and out of form, but this week’s selection is rather forced. Giovinco has been suspended due to yellow card accumulation, and Bendtner is “injured” with an abdominal strain. Conte will have to select between Vucinic, Matri, and Quagliarella.

Mirko Vucinic has spent much of the fall with niggling injuries, and it’s weighed on his form. He has not scored since a penalty kick against Genoa in mid-September, and he has looked rather poor in most games since. The Montenegrin provided assists in the Torino derby as well as a very positive display in the Champion’s League, and Conte is an admirer. Pencil him in for a starting shirt.

The second could really go to either. On form, it’d likely be Quagliarella, but Conte might give a starting shot to Matri in a further attempt to rejuvenate the man who is a shadow of himself a year ago. Neither player seems to do particularly well when partnered with Vucinic and thus I’d like to see Quagliamatri get another shot, but it probably won’t happen. A Vucinic-Quagliarella seems the most likely pairing.

Probable Formation:

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Caceres, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah

Vucinic, Quagliarella

In the post-Calciopoli era, Palermo was a thorn in Juve’s side. The Rosanero always presented a challenge to the Bianconeri, defeating Juventus on several occasions both in Sicily and Turin. In the last two years, however, Palermo has declined, and so has the intensity of the matches against Juventus. Gone are the days of Pastore, Cassani, and Amauri, and Miccoli has looked subdued in recent Juventus-Palermo matches compared to the grudge-fueled dynamic displays of the past.

In the past, due to Juve’s performances under Ranieri, Delneri, and Zaccherrara as well as the talented, energetic Palermo sides, this is a match that would give me significant apprehension. Those days appear to be gone, and while far from a finished affair, this match should finish with 3 points for Juventus.

Frankly, Palermo is not a very good team. They are not well organized, and Juve’s tactical discipline and possession-based play should see the team through in Antonio Conte’s return to the bench.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Palermo-Juve 'a manly battle'

Dec 9, 2012

Palermo take on Juventus today, so director Pietro Lo Monaco is looking forward to “a manly battle” even if home advantage will be wiped out.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini had been announced for the Press conference, but Lo Monaco surprisingly took over instead.

“It was a decision made by the club and certainly not due to any problems the Coach has,” he explained.

“Andrea Pirlo is a key player for Juventus, but their real extra weapon is battling spirit and grit. Pirlo brings the quality. It is going to be a tough, manly battle, but we want to get a result against anyone and in any situation.”

Home advantage might be a problem, as figures suggest 20,000 of the 30,000 tickets sold at the Stadio Barbera so far have been bought by Juventus fans. There is a huge Bianconeri support in Sicily and they are taking the opportunity to see their favourite team up close.

“I hope our fans at the stadium can make enough noise to triple their impact.”

Fabrizio Miccoli returns from suspension, although his future remains up in the air, as his contract expires in June.

“We are in a stand-by phase, as there are some situations to evaluate. He wants time to reflect and we want to continue our rapport.

“Regardless of the number of years on the renewal, we must remember this will be the last contract of Miccoli’s career, so money is not the issue.

“The important thing now is to stay close to the team and help Palermo get into a better position. We want a competitive Palermo that can continue to grow.”

Palermo squad for Juventus: Benussi, Brichetto, Ujkani; Cetto, Garcia, Labrin, Milanovic, Morganella, Munoz, Pisano, Von Bergen; Arevalo Rios, Barreto, Bertolo, Brienza, Donati, Giorgi, Ilicic, Kurtic, Viola, Zahavi; Budan, Dybala, Miccoli

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Line-ups: Palermo-Juventus

Dec 9, 2012

Antonio Conte is back on the Juventus touchline after four months out and picks Alessandro Matri to take on Palermo’s Fabrizio Miccoli.

The Coach has always maintained his innocence in the betting scandal and is fired up for his first appearance on the bench this season.

The Stadio Barbera is said to be two-thirds full of Juve supporters this afternoon, as there is a huge community of Bianconeri fans in Sicily.

Sebastian Giovinco is suspended, while Martin Caceres, Mauricio Isla, Luca Marrone, Lucio and Simone Pepe are injured.

This means that Matri is given a rare run-out in attack alongside Mirko Vucinic, while Kwadwo Asamoah starts on his birthday.

Palermo are without long-term absentees Abel Hernandez and Andrea Mantovani, but welcome back Miccoli and Massimo Donati from their bans.

Franco Brienza is surprisingly benched, so the midfield is bolstered instead.

The Sicilians were very unlucky to lose 1-0 at Inter last week with a Santiago Garcia own goal.

PALERMO: Ujkani; Munoz, Donati, Von Bergen; Pisano, Morganella, Barreto, Kurtic, Garcia; Ilicic; Miccoli

Palermo bench: Benussi, Cetto, Viola, Dybala, Bertolo, Milanovic, Zahavi, Giorgi, Labrin, Budan, Arevalo Rios, Brienza

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Vucinic

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, De Ceglie, Padoin, Pogba, Giaccherini, Quagliarella, Bendtner

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (50′)

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Attendance: 17000‎

Lichtsteiner earns three points for returning Conte

The Old Lady came out on top in a tightly contested affair in a cold

and wet Renzo Barbera thanks to the Swiss' second-half strike.

Dec 9, 2012

Juventus extended their lead at the top of the Serie A with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Palermo.

Stephan Lichtsteiner was the hero for the Old Lady, with his solitary goal being enough to separate the two sides on an ice cold afternoon in the Sicilian capital.

Juventus coach Antonio Conte returned to the bench following his four-month ban for his part in a betting scandal and he made a couple of changes to the side that overcome Shakhtar Donetsk midweek with Alessandro Matri coming in for the suspended Sebastian Giovinco while Claudio Marchisio was restored to the side in place of Paul Pogba.

After a scrappy first 10 minutes, the game’s first attempt on goal finally arrived when Palermo’s Jasmin Kurtic sent in a pile driver from distance but Gianluigi Buffon was well placed to fist the ball to safety.

On a rainy and cold night afternoon in Palermo, the Sicilians continued to have the better of the chances and were inches from going ahead after a delightful lobbed pass from Edgar Barreto found Fabrizio Miccoli, who did superbly to direct the ball into the net, but unfortunately for the Rosanero captain he was in an offside position.

The toils of Juventus’ midweek adventure to Ukraine were clearly showing as the league leaders struggled to create chances at the other end while their hosts dominated possession in the middle of the park.

Indeed, it took until the 30-minute mark for the Old Lady to fashion their first attempt on goal, and it came through midfielder Marchisio, who fired over after the ball fell to him from a corner.

Five minutes later the best chance of the game arrived. A deep cross from Arturo Vidal was chested down by Matri into the path of Marchisio, and Samir Ujkani could only parry his shot into the path of Mirko Vucinic, whose outstretched leg diverted a soft attempt rebound off the post.

As the half-time break drew closer, it was Juve who were asserting their authority on proceedings while Palermo resorted to playing on the counter attack. Still, the visitors continued to find it difficult to carve out clear-cut chances.

However, Juve did eventually get a shot in on target. Vidal expertly won the ball back in an advanced position and the Chilean laid off a beautiful ball to Matri, who had his shot blocked by Ukjani.

The weather conditions did not improve as the players headed out for the second period, but that did not stop Juve from continuing as they left off in the first half. Vucinic broke forward and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring only to see his effort roll by the post.

But the game’s first goal did come moments later. Vucinic’s classy back-heeled pass found a charging Lichtsteiner and the Swiss made no mistake from 12 yards out.

The game took on a familiar pattern following Juve’s opener, with Palermo playing on the counter attack while Juve searched and probed for a second goal.

Paulo Dybala came on for the hosts and almost had an immediate impact when he sent in a whistling shot from just outside the area. Moments later it was Nicklas Bendtner who came to close to scoring Juve’s second with his first touch, but the Dane’s effort went wide of the post.

With a quarter of an hour remaining, the Sicilians' chances of getting something out of the game were made that much harder when Michel Morganella was shown his second yellow of the afternoon, leaving Gian Piero Gasperini’s side with just 10 men.

To Palermo’s credit, they did not give up despite going a man down, but despite their impressive record at home they eventually succumbed to their eighth loss of the season. As for Juventus, they continued their march towards a second successive Scudetto with their third win on the trot in all competitions.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (50′)

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Attendance: 17000‎

Juve scrape victory in Sicily

Stephan Lichtsteiner’s goal allowed Juventus to squeeze a victory

in Palermo on Antonio Conte’s return to the bench.

Dec 9, 2012

The Bianconeri finally had Coach Conte back on the touchline after his four-month ban expired. He always maintained his innocence in the betting scandal and was bristling with pent-up energy. Juve were still top of the table and fresh from reaching the Champions League last 16 as group winners.

Sebastian Giovinco was suspended, joining the injured Martin Caceres, Mauricio Isla, Luca Marrone, Lucio and Simone Pepe back in Turin. Palermo missed Abel Hernandez and Andrea Mantovani, but Fabrizio Miccoli and Massimo Donati returned from bans.

These teams haven’t shared the spoils in Sicily since 1969, playing out six away wins and five home victories between Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

Giorgio Chiellini was felled early on by an Edgar Barreto crunching tackle and there was confusion as a back-pass almost surprised Samir Ujkani.

Jasmin Kurtic hit a missile from 25 metres that stung Gigi Buffon’s gloves and Miccoli did score with a wonderful low volley from the tightest of angles, but was flagged marginally offside.

There was a nasty clash of heads between Josip Ilicic and Stephan Lichtsteiner, leaving the Palermo midfielder with a bloody nose, but both were able to continue after treatment.

Claudio Marchisio drilled over and a Mirko Vucinic chance was ruled just offside. Juve went extremely close on 35 minutes, as Matri chested down an Arturo Vidal cross for Marchisio’s shot, which Vucinic redirected with a toe – making the shot dribble slowly on to the base of the post!

Ujkani managed to smother at Matri’s feet after Vidal had tackled Kurtic in midfield and run forward to set up the striker with a smart through ball.

There was a hailstorm in Palermo during the half-time break, but Vucinic seemed more warmed up and after 28 seconds his angled drive clipped the base of the far post.

Franco Brienza came on and had penalty appeals for an Andrea Pirlo handling offence, but it seemed to hit his shoulder.

Juventus did finally break the deadlock with Lichtsteiner. Vucinic got in front of Steve Von Bergen to chest down a long Pirlo pass and cleverly placed a backheel flick for Lichtsteiner to come running in behind him, taking the Palermo defence by surprise.

Paul Pogba replaced Vidal due to a knee injury and Palermo threw on teenage hitman Paulo Dybala, whose snapshot whistled wide. Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench and his angled drive flashed across the face of goal.

Michele Morganella left Palermo with 10 men for a second bookable offence on Asamoah in midfield.

Bendtner had the ball in the net, but had already been flagged offside.

Palermo threatened with a free kick, but Juve went on the counter and Leonardo Bonucci sprung the offside trap. The defender hesitated, was closed down by Ujkani and then tried to earn a penalty with an embarrassing dive that was justly booked.

Vucinic wasted another opportunity to make it 2-0 in the final minute, denied by Ujkani in a one-on-one.

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

PALERMO: Ujkani; Munoz, Donati (Dybala 69), Von Bergen; Pisano (Brienza 46), Morganella, Barreto, Kurtic (Viola 74), Garcia; Ilicic; Miccoli

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Padoin 65), Vidal (Pogba 54), Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri (Bendtner 73), Vucinic

Ref: De Marco

Sent off: Morganella 75 (P)

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (50′)

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Attendance: 17000

Juve win on Conte's return

Stephan Lichtsteiner was Juventus' match-winner as the league leaders marked boss Antonio Conte's

return to the dugout with a 1-0 win against struggling Palermo, while Inter beat Napoli 2-1.

Dec 9, 2012

Full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner was the Juventus matchwinner as the league leaders marked boss Antonio Conte's return to the dugout with victory against struggling Palermo at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

It was the first time the 43-year-old has supervised his team on a match day since he was banned from the touchline for his alleged involvement in match-fixing.

Lichtsteiner's goal five minutes into the second half was the only goal in the game as Palermo played the last 15 minutes with 10 men after Michel Morganella saw red after picking up two bookings.

Andrea Pirlo shot over early on before the home side went close after 14 minutes as Josip Ilic's effort from inside the area went inches wide.

Samir Ujkani was called into action in the Palermo goal for the first time after 36 minutes as he dived to his left to tip Marchisio's shot round the post.

The champions ramped up the pressure and just two minutes later Mirko Vucinic hit a post after Marchisio's effort was blocked by Edgar Barreto.

Ujkani was called into action once again just before the break denying Matri from close range.

Vucinic hit a post once again a minute after the restart before Lichtsteiner finally put Juventus in front.

A typically accurate long-range pass from Andrea Pirlo found Vucinic, whose backheel found the Swiss international, who finished from close range.

Palermo had failed to create chances all afternoon and their hopes of getting back into the clash were dealt a blow after 75 minutes when there was a second yellow card for Morganella after he pulled back Kwadwo Asamoah.

Vucinic was once again denied by Ujkani at the death, but Juventus rarely looked troubled by a Palermo side who are now level with third-bottom Pescara after they beat Genoa this afternoon.

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

[Socrates 8328]

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.)

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (50′)

"Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo

Referee: Andrea De Marco

Attendance: 17000

Lichtsteiner strike secures Bianconeri win

Dec 9, 2012

Juventus edged out Palermo 1-0 at the Renzo Barbera on Sunday afternoon in this Serie A showdown.

The only goal of the game came from Stephan Lichtsteiner who clinched the win in Juventus coach Antonio Conte’s return to the touchline.

Juventus created the first real opportunity of the match on nine minutes. Alessandro Matri was played in by Stephan Lichtsteiner and after a tussle, Massimo Donati appeared to have played the ball back to Samir Ujkani. The referee initially called for a backpass and an indirect free kick, but after a conference with the goal official, he negated the decision.

The hosts registered their first chance a little later. The ball broke to Jasmin Kurtic, who fired a shot from distance, but Gianluigi Buffon was equal to the task and batted the effort clear. The danger continued shortly thereafter when Fabrizio Miccoli darted down the right flank and knocked in a cross to Josip Ilicic, but Andrea Barzagli put in a block.

Palermo continued to hammer Juve in the early going. Miccoli peeled away from Giorgio Chiellini and looked to have scored, but the assistant put his flag up for offside.

Finally the Bianconeri mustered something on the half hour mark. Claudio Marchisio had a hit on the edge of the box, but curled the effort just over the crossbar. Minutes later, Arturo Vidal played in a cross to Matri, he then chested it down for Marchisio whose shot was saved by Ujkani, then Vucinic ended up hitting the post from the rebound.

Seconds after the restart, it was Juventus who managed the first opportunity of the interval. Matri found Vucinic, who then ran into the area and hit a shot, but it grazed the far post and went out.

The goal came in the 50th minute when Lichtsteiner read Vucinic’s run and he backheeled the ball to himself and then placed it in the far post to make it 1-0 for the Bianconeri.

Things got heated when Michel Morganella received his second booking for a rash challenge on Kwadwo Asamoah, reducing Palermo to 10 men.

Just before added time in the second half, Leonardo Bonucci was played through and looked to have been fouled by Ujkani as he ran towards the net, but he ended up getting booked for diving.

The Bianconeri managed to hold on for their third victory in eight days.

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