Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus-Fiorentina Preview:

Bianconeri embark on big week

With the Serie A leaders set to continue their Champions League campaign on Tuesday,

three points would be the perfect tonic to kick-start four crucial days.

Feb 8, 2013

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie

Vucinic, Matri

FIORENTINA

Viviano

Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic

Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Valero, Pasqual

Jovetic, Toni

Juventus displayed their battling qualities at just the right time last Saturday, as they defeated Chievo 2-1 and they will need much more of the same over the course of the next seven days.

With the Bianconeri resuming Champions League duties with a last 16 clash against Celtic on Tuesday, Fiorentina are a domestic obstacle they must first overcome.

Viola and head coach Vincenzo Montella have received plaudits for their season so far, with the club in sixth spot on 39 points going into the weekend, but Juve will still be confident of seeing off the Florence outfit and maintaining their three-point advantage at the top of the table.

Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are all absent through injury, while Leonardo Bonucci serves the final game of a two-match ban.

Fiorentina will be without Matias Fernandez, Michele Camporese, Giuseppe Rossi and Ahmed Hegazy, as they look to build on a solid 2-0 victory over Parma in their last outing.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus are undefeated in 35 of their last 38 matches in Serie A.

• The Bianconeri are also unbeaten in their last nine games against Fiorentina in all competitions.

• The last clash between the two sides ended in a drab 0-0 draw in Florence back in September.

• Juve have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last five league games.

• Viola possess the highest scorer of any player in both sides, with Stevan Jovetic finding the back of the net nine times this season.

• On average, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Fiorentina's last six away games in Serie A.

• Midfielder Borja Valero has eight assists to his name from midfield. Arturo Vidal has set up six of his side's goals this season.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 5

Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 1

Serie A ‎- Apr 17, 2011 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0

Serie A ‎- Nov 27, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Fiorentina 1

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Feb 3, 2013 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Jan 29, 2013 - Lazio 2 - Juventus 1 - Coppa Italia

Jan 26, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Genoa 1 - Serie A

Jan 22, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Lazio 1 - Coppa Italia

Jan 19, 2013 - Juventus 4 - Udinese 0 - Serie A

Fiorentina

Feb 3, 2013 - Fiorentina 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A

Jan 27, 2013 - Catania 2 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A

Jan 20, 2013 - Fiorentina 1 - SSC Napoli 1 - Serie A

Jan 16, 2013 - Fiorentina 0 - Roma 1 - Coppa Italia

Jan 13, 2013 - Udinese 3 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Alessandro Matri

It has been a long time coming in a Juventus shirt, but the 24-year-old at last looked the real deal in the 2-1 win over Chievo, scoring a sublime volley to open the scoring. Perhaps the arrival of Nicolas Anelka has at last sparked life into a striker who has frustrated so often.

Stevan Jovetic

At 23-years-old the Montenegro forward remains one of the hottest prospects in European football and his performances in Serie A continue to draw admiring glances from far and wide. Nine goals in 18 Serie A appearances is the mark of a top player and makes him Fiorentina's biggest threat.

Prediction

The prospect of a Champions League clash with Celtic looms large on the horizon for Juventus and that could see several players take their eye off the ball. Fiorentina have impressed so far this season and will blow the Serie A title race wide open with a battling point.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Pirlo a doubt for Juventus

Feb 8, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that Andrea Pirlo, amongst others, is a doubt for the tie against Fiorentina.

The playmaker returned from international duty this week, after the 1-1 draw in Holland, with a problem.

“Pirlo didn’t train yesterday and I’ll have to speak to him,” the tactician noted. “Meanwhile, Mauricio Isla returned with a cold and Stephan Lichtsteiner came off for Switzerland.

“We’ll evaluate all of these situations tomorrow.”

There is some good news for the tactician though given that he will have two other players back after injury.

“Sebastian Giovinco is causing me no worries and Claudio Marchisio is training with us – they are both at 100 per cent.”

Juventus-Fiorentina games are always fiery affairs, but Conte has played down the significance of the tie.

“I didn’t live this game as a rivalry when I was a player. I think that matters more to Fiorentina. Juventus are a great side and I think all the teams that face us give that little bit extra. But, for us, it is a game like the others.

“There is a long way to go until the end of the championship so I think it is premature to suggest the Fiorentina match is a Scudetto tie. Tomorrow we’ll face a strong side in Fiorentina. We have to try to beat everyone and not just Fiorentina.”

The Viola will line-up with Stevan Jovetic in their side, a player who is of transfer interest to the Bianconeri.

“Jovetic is a Fiorentina player, a young one, but a player with possibilities. I though have my players whom I consider important – so I’ll keep them.”

It’s a big week for Juventus as they face Celtic on Tuesday and then Roma on the following Saturday.

“What counts is the next game, thus Fiorentina,” Conte added. “From tomorrow night we’ll be thinking about the Champions League and Celtic.

“Roma? I thought it would be more logical to schedule such a game for Sunday. It makes no sense playing tomorrow, Tuesday in Europe and then again on Saturday against Roma.”

Conte also insisted that he’s happy to have Nicolas Anelka in his ranks following his arrival in January.

“I’ve tried a few different solutions and mechanisms this week. When I believe the right moment arrives then I will call upon his services. I’m convinced that he can give us a big helping hand.”

Sky Sport Italia are today suggesting that Juve’s starting XI will be: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Padoin, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Giovinco

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

MATCH PREVIEW

Feb 8, 2013

There's more than just pride at stake as old rivals collide, with Juventus chasing the Scudetto and Fiorentina aiming for Europe.

Juve recovered from a case of the January jitters to overcome Chievo in Verona last weekend. Alessandro Matri and Stephan Lichtsteiner were first half scorers to put the Bianconeri in command, although Cyril Thereau sent a scare through the camp by pulling a goal back.

Captain Gianluigi Buffon admits they were given a wake-up call by Napoli’s rapid ascent up the table. The Partenopei have become genuine Scudetto contenders and the goalkeeper declared Juve must be wary of the Azzurri from here on in.

Assistant Coach Angelo Alessio keeps his position as matchday leader with Antonio Conte to serve one more match on his ban. Leonardo Bonucci also has a week to go, but Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio return. Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Nicklas Bendtner and Kwadwo Asamoah are unavailable.

Fiorentina’s abject start to the new year was put to rest by their maiden win, a 2-0 success over Parma. Luca Toni opened the scoring just prior to the half-hour mark, before Stevan Jovetic’s drought-ending sealer five minutes after the interval. Jovetic last netted when the Viola last won, at Palermo pre-Christmas.

Vincenzo Montella’s side are four points from the Champions League places. Poor recent form cost the Viola a spot in the European zone, although they are currently only a point behind fifth-placed Inter.

The boss is not helped by suspensions to Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio, while midfielder Mati Fernandez and defender Michele Camporese are injury casualties. Former Juve midfielder Momo Sissoko is yet to make his debut as he remains at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Last season’s 2-1 triumph was Juve’s first success over the Viola in their past three attempts. It took their overall tally to 47 wins from 73 encounters. Fiorentina have left Turin with maximum points on just six occasions.

Keep an eye on: Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina) – Fiorentina’s captain will have a pivotal role to play. Aside from leading the team, defensively Pasqual will aim to keep Juve’s Swiss Express Lichtsteiner in check, while his drive on the left-hand side is crucial to the Viola in attack.

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

Last season: Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina

Stat fact: Fiorentina last won away at Juventus in 2007-08. Pablo Osvaldo’s dramatic, injury time winner ensured a 3-2 result.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Matri

Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic, Toni

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus v Fiorentina: Preview

Feb 8, 2013

Juventus head coach Antonio Conte may be spinning a lot of plates this week but he is determined to come out on top against Fiorentina tomorrow.

The Bianconeri fly to Glasgow for a Champions League meeting with Celtic just 24 hours after taking on Vincenzo Montella's men in Turin.

Both games are certain to take a lot out of Conte's players, who are chasing a Serie A and European double, before a demanding league game at Roma completes a hectic week.

The Juve boss told giornalaccio rosa.it: "We'll make sure we don't lose any sleep because we have to go again at Roma on Saturday.

"Normally they would have let us play that game on Sunday night or even on Monday. What's the rush to play another league game?

"I don't want to be controversial, it just worries me that we will play three games in seven days."

Defeat to Montella's ambitious Viola could allow Napoli to catch Juventus at the top of the table should they beat Lazio tomorrow night.

"A few paths intersect tomorrow," Conte added. "Fiorentina are chasing a Champions League place while Lazio and Napoli are fighting us for the Scudetto, which is a big challenge."

Midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe are joined by defender Giorgio Chiellini and striker Nicklas Bendtner on the sidelines, while Leonardo Bonucci sits out the second game of a two-match ban.

"I've never really felt any rivalry with Fiorentina," Conte added. "They feel that more in Florence and we must not let ourselves take a provincial outlook.

"Playing against us is the greatest game of anybody's life, not just for Fiorentina."

Montella, conversely, recognises a fervent desire from the Tuscan public to end a nine-game hoodoo against the Italian champions.

He told juventus.com: "Our rivalry with Juventus is a sporting one, a healthy and exciting one. But we have to turn the sporting rivalry into energy without becoming arrogant.

"We must always remember that is just a game of football. We have to prepare well because the whole city is looking forward to it, but we can't let the attention consume us.

"We have to bring all our best qualities to the game and we will not prevail if we are missing a trick because Juve are very strong.

"Over the last two years they have proven to be the best side in the country.

"We play football in a different way and I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong, just that people like to do things differently."

Striker Giuseppe Rossi is six weeks away from recovering from injury while Ahmed Hegazi and Michele Camporese stay on the treatment table, with midfielders Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio serving one-match bans.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus-Fiorentina Betting Preview:

Expect goals at both ends in a Serie A grudge match

There is no love lost between these two sides, but Al Hain-Cole expects plenty of talking

points to be played out on the pitch thanks to the attacking capabilities of both teams.

Feb 8, 2013

One of Italian football’s fiercest rivalries is reignited on Saturday night, when Fiorentina travel to face bitter foes Juventus.

Much of the hostility between the two clubs can be traced back to Roberto Baggio’s defection from Florence to Turin over 20 years ago, and tensions were stoked once again last summer by the champions allegedly scuppering La Viola’s move for Dimitar Berbatov.

With the atmosphere expected to be even more fractious than usual, the Bianconeri are favourites at 4/6 (1.67) with Paddy Power to rub salt in the wound by collecting all three points.

Vincenzo Montella’s men have not beaten the hosts in five years, and with just one win in their last five games, they are 4/1 (5.00) outsiders to end that run with victory on Saturday.

The sides played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw earlier on in the season, and 11/4 (3.75) is available for them to share the spoils at the Juventus Stadium.

The home side boast the best defence in Serie A this season, but have shown an uncharacteristically sloppy streak at the back in recent games.

Antonio Conte’s side have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine matches, and are sure to be tested against a talented opposition attack that has scored in every away game so far this season.

A bet on both teams to score would have paid out in nine of the visitors’ 12 matches on the road, as well as eight of the hosts’ last nine fixtures, so looks like the market to back at respectable 4/6 (1.67) odds.

Stevan Jovetic has been the undisputed star performer for Montella’s men this season, and is at the centre of all of their best attacking play.

His form has not escaped the attention of the current league leaders, who are said to be very keen to cause yet more outrage at the Artemio Franchi, by tempting him to follow in Baggio’s footsteps to Turin.

With the Montenegro international keen to impress his potential suitors, it could be worth backing him to hit the back of the net on Saturday, at attractive odds of 13/5 (3.60) with Paddy Power.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus vs Fiorentina PREVIEW –

Viola Visits Serie A Champions

Feb 8, 2013

January has been a difficult month for Juventus in recent years, and this season has been no different. Napoli has gained 7 points on the Bianconeri in the last 4 weeks, and the team was disappointingly dumped out of the Coppa by Lazio in the semifinal. The frustration boiled over against Genoa, and Bonucci, Chiellini, Conte, and Marotta were all handed bans for their outbursts against the referee. It has not been a good month for Juventus.

Last year’s January was poor, but unfortunately, February was even worse. The Bianconeri drew 0-0 at home against Siena, the start of a 7-match run where all but one was a draw. Juventus will start out February this year against another tactically disciplined Tuscan side that plays at a stadium named the Artemio Franchi – this time, Juventus welcomes bitter arch-rivals Fiorentina to the Juventus Stadium.

FIORENTINA

Fiorentina are not the same team from last year – the Viola flirted with relegation amidst three different coaches: Mihajlovic was sacked for inconsistent results, Delio Rossi for punching Adem Llajic, and Vincenzo Guerini finished out the season as caretaker. They were defeated 2-1 by Juventus in Torino, punished by Bonucci and Matri having failed to capitalize on their first half energetic performance. The return fixture in Firenze was a humiliating 5-0 drubbing for Delio Rossi’s squad. Fiorentina went down to 10 men early on, after Cerci kicked out at Caceres, and Mirko Vucinic put in the performance of a lifetime to utterly destroy the Viola at home.

The Viola went about fixing things by recruiting talented young manager Vincenzo Montella and aggressively signing talent in the mercato. Montella had done well at Catania, and has justified his early hype by turning Fiorentina into a technical, tactical side. They currently sit in 6th place, only 4 points off a Champion’s League spot. Fiorentina are a balanced side, scoring a decent amount of goals with a solid defense as well.

Former Roma DS Prade oversaw a great mercato – they signed technical midfielders Pizarro, Aquilani, and Borja Valero. Roncaglia has been a reliable rock at the back with Valero’s Villarreal teammate Gonzalo Rodriguez. Luca Toni has been an inspired signing as well, bagging an impressive 7 goals thus far. While he won’t be fit until March or April, Giuseppe Rossi could be an inspired signing if he returns to his old form.

January has been a struggle for Fiorentina as well – they lost 3 out of 4 games in the league, with the remaining result a draw against Napoli. Like Juventus, they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by a Roman side, being defeated in extra time by Destro’s strike for Roma. They got February off to a good start though, beating Parma with strikers Toni and Jovetic getting the goals.

Fiorentina are a side with a strong defense and a very technical midfield, and thus it’s unlikely Juventus will dominate possession as the team often does at home. It will be a much more even contest, and Fiorentina’s strikers are in good shape this term- Toni has 7 goals, and Jovetic has scored in every other match. It will be a tough encounter.

Probable Formation: (3-5-2)

VIVIANO – RONCAGLIA, RODRIGUEZ, SAVIC – CUADRADO, ROMULO, PIZARRO, BORJA VALERO, PASQUAL – JOVETIC, TONI

JUVENTUS

The team needs to get it together – there have been some missing important players, like Chiellini, Pirlo, and Asamoah, but there has been a mental meltdown more than anything, as evidenced by the shocking behavior displayed by management and players after the Genoa debacle.

Conte will have a selection headache – Chiellini, Bonucci, Asamoah, Pirlo, Marchisio, and Giovinco will possibly not make the match. Marchisio is pushing to be match fit for the Viola but will probably not be risked with the Celtic match coming up soon. The bright side is underused players like Caceres and Marrone will likely see playing time, and French prodigy Paul Pogba may slot in again in midfield.

Up top, Giovinco will likely miss due to injury and Mirko Vucinic will return from suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. Matri bagged a goal and an assist last week against Chievo, and could be rewarded with another start. Quagliarella is another option, though he’s been generally out of favor since his outburst against Angelo Alessio. Nicholas Anelka, despite the overwhelming praise from the Juventus camp, will probably not play due to fitness- Marotta noted the Frenchman was “not in good form” when he signed in January.

The tactics and formation have been pretty good in the last month, despite the results. The problem has been inattention at the back combined with poor finishing. Conte should consider returning to the 4-3-3, but the 3-5-2 is probably the better option to flood the midfield to combat Fiorentina’s technical central midfielders.

Probable Formation: (3-5-2)

BUFFON – BARZAGLI, MARRONE, CACERES, – LICHTSTEINER, VIDAL, PIRLO, POGBA, DE CEGLIE – VUCINIC, MATRI

More than anything, we need to see some fire from the boys. The team needs to channel their anger and disappointment into performance on the pitch, as Ciro Ferrara once called for – “11 Nedved’s on the pitch.” There’s no better time to display this energy, pride, and fury than against bitter foes Montella & Co.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus vs. Fiorentina: Key Battles

to Watch and Projected XIs

Feb 8, 2013

First-place Juventus take on a Fiorentina side in panic mode. Having only picked up four points from their last five matches, the Viola face a tough test against the Old Lady, playing at the highly intimidating Juventus Stadium, where they've only conceded eight goals all season in Serie A. Fortunately for the Florence faithfuls, Juventus have cooled off significantly after their near historic 49-match undefeated run late last year.

Projected lineups for both sides:

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon, Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Matri

Fiorentina (3-5-2): Viviano, Roncaglia, G.Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic, Toni

So, what are the top stories in this pivotal Serie A fixture? Let's take a look at the top three matchups ahead of one of the most anticipated games in Europe.

Juve's Strikers Versus Emiliano Viviano.

For the past two seasons, the bane of Juventus has been their lack of a world-class striker. Boasting one of the best defenses and midfields in all of Europe, their revolving door of mediocrity up front caused Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta to splurge in the January transfer window, buying Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao, who won't arrive until summer, and Nicolas Anelka for the present.

Reports from La giornalaccio rosa show that Juventus coach Antonio Conte will most likely go with a pairing of Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri. While Vucinic has had his moments, his flashes of brilliance are negated by uneventful 90-minutes periods of action. The man they have to score against is Emiliano Viviano, who has replaced struggling goalkeeper Neto between the sticks for Fiorentina.

Fiorentina's Midfield Versus Juventus' Midfield

The two best midfields in Serie A square off for what will be an incredible tactical battle between two of the brightest Italian coaches. David Pizarro and Borja Valero have turned the Viola into a Barcelona-esque tiki-taka type team, often pressing the opposition in their own half with suffocating periods of ball possession.

On the other side, a midfield trio of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, and the young sensation Paul Pogba are expected to start. Claudio Marchisio is expected to start from the bench, so you see why Juventus is one of the deepest teams in all of Europe.

Big Luca Toni Versus Juventus' Defense

The massive Luca Toni has seemingly revived his career during his second stint at the club where he had his best domestic season, scoring 31 goals in the 2005-06 season with Fiorentina. This time around, big Luca has netted seven goals domestically thanks to quality crosses from the likes of offensive winger Juan Cuadrado and the reliable Manuel Pasqual.

Juventus' defense is missing their leader Giorgio Chiellini due to injury and ball-playing central defender Leonardo Bonucci, who is out due to suspension. Converted midfielder Luca Marrone and Martin Caceres have the task of stepping in and stopping a highly offensive Viola side.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juve name squad for Fiorentina

Feb 8, 2013

Antonio Conte has named his 20-man squad as Juventus prepare to host Fiorentina on Saturday evening.

The Bianconeri Coach had admitted that Andrea Pirlo, Mauricio Isla and Stephan Lichtsteiner were doubtful after international duty.

But all three have been selected for the game against the Viola, with Nicolas Anelka also involved.

Full squad: Buffon, Caceres, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Anelka, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Rubinho, Marrone.

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

[Ghost Dog 620]

Neil Lennon rests key players ahead of European tie

by PHIL GORDON (THE TIMES 09-02-2013)

Lennon is having the Italian champions watched in their meeting today with Fiorentina RUSSELL CHEYNE

Forget the trip to the Highlands, the real summit for Celtic will appear on the horizon on Tuesday night. Peaking for Juventus has ensured that sacrifices are being made for today’s lunchtime encounter with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Neil Lennon admitted yesterday that the Champions League assignment has assumed such huge significance that many of his key players will be staying in Glasgow. The manager cannot take any risks ahead of the visit of the Italian champions but insisted his mindset has nothing to do with the 15-point lead Celtic have in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League over the second-placed hosts.

“It is a balancing act but I will make changes,” Lennon said. “There will be a few players not travelling and rested. I have Juventus in mind. It is the club’s biggest game since Gordon Strachan’s time. It is also the biggest game of my players’ careers, and certainly my managerial career.

“I do not want to take too many chances at Inverness. We have a cushion in the league but that is not the reason I am making changes. If the gap was three points, I would probably still do it and take the gamble.”

Only Fraser Forster, of the recognised first-choice line-up, will start at Caledonian Stadium and that is because the goalkeeper is returning from a four-week absence with a neck injury and requires match fitness. Terry Butcher, the Inverness manager, will probably hope that Charlie Mulgrew is another allowed to rest at home.

The Celtic defender scored Scotland’s winner against Estonia in Aberdeen on Wednesday to launch Strachan’s new era with the national side. It was Mulgrew’s first goal for his country and if it lacked the spectacular element of his strike against Raith Rovers last Sunday in the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round, Butcher will have noted that his side offered Mulgrew a dry run for his Pittodrie finish.

Mulgrew met Charlie Adam’s disguised free kick for his country as easily as he did Adam Matthews’s set-piece to score in Celtic’s 4-2 victory at Caledonian Stadium in August. “I thought Charlie had a great game [for Scotland] and scored a very good goal,” Lennon said. “It’s been a good week for him.

“He and Charlie Adam had a look at the situation and exploited it very well. I thought it was a difficult ball to control. He finished it brilliantly. I thought Scotland played pretty well on a gluepot of a pitch. They could have been more comfortable winners but it was a very good start for Gordon.”

Underlining that Celtic are not all about Gary Hooper when it comes to putting the ball in the net, Matthews was named Clydesdale Bank player of the month for January, which included three goals from the Wales right-back.

“I think modern-day full-backs have to be as good going forward as they are at defending,” Matthews said. “If you can score a couple of goals it is brilliant for the team but I am happy with the assists as well.”

James Forrest, Georgios Samaras and Emilio Izaguirre will all miss today’s game with the Inverness side who won at Celtic Park in November, to help their fitness prospects for the Champions League tie after injury.

Lennon is having the Italian champions watched in their meeting today with Fiorentina. “We have had them watched for weeks,” he said. “I was out there myself a fortnight ago. We have done a lot of analysis, not with the players but among the management team, and will prepare for that game from Sunday onwards.

“Juventus are a formidable team, a daunting prospect, but I think the players have been looking at this game for a while so I am looking for a big night from them. Juventus and Barcelona have two different mentalities. Juventus are more pragmatic. Barcelona do a lot of things off the cuff because they are so good.

“Juventus are very rigid in their formation, three at the back, one sitting and two wing-backs getting forward. They are more defensive-minded than Barcelona and they will be very difficult to break down, although they probably do not have the flair in forward areas like Barcelona.”

Hooper handed England carrot against Italians

Gary Hooper will have an extra incentive to bring down Juventus when they come to Glasgow on Tuesday for the long-awaited Champions League encounter, because Roy Hodgson, the England manager, will also be visiting the city to assess the Celtic striker.

Neil Lennon, the Celtic manager, revealed yesterday that Hodgson will be at Celtic Park for the first leg of the round-of-16 tie, and scrutinising Hooper against the Italian champions could finally provide the uncapped 25-year-old with the call-up he has been waiting on for over a year.

“I think Roy is coming to watch Gary on Tuesday,” Lennon said. “I thought he [Hodgson] may have thrown Gary in during the game against Brazil but he said he was not going to involve either Gary or Fraser Forster [the goalkeeper] with our [European] game so close.

“Instead, he is going to watch them both and it’s great recognition for the players. I really hope they play to the levels that they can.”

Lennon does not believe that Hodgson’s presence will place extra pressure on Hooper, who has scored 23 times for Celtic this season. “Gary has had people watching him all season,” Lennon said. “I think it did affect him in the past but he’s past that now. His whole focus is on beating Juventus and if he gets an England call-up on the back of that, then brilliant.”

Another Celtic player excelling on international duty has already given Lennon a problem that will impact on his plans for Juventus. Efe Ambrose, the defender, helped Nigeria to reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face Burkina Faso tomorrow.

“We will need to see what condition he’s going to be in after he plays a huge international game and then has a ten-hour flight,” Lennon said. “Even if he does not start, he will definitely be in the squad.”

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Conte seeks crucial Juventus victory in pivotal Serie A weekend

The Bianconeri boss thinks Saturday could go some way to deciding the league title

and Champions League places in Italy with many of the top teams all set to face each other.

Feb 8, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has said that Saturday could be a pivotal moment in the race for Serie A and Champions League places.

The Bianconeri host Fiorentina while third-placed Lazio host second-placed Napoli.

"A few paths intersect tomorrow. Fiorentina are chasing a Champions League place while Lazio and Napoli are fighting us for the Scudetto, which is a big challenge." Conte told giornalaccio rosa.it.

Juventus will be without Leonardo Bonucci who is suspended as well as Nicklas Bendtner, Claudio Marchisio, Simone Pepe and Giorgio Chiellini who are all injured.

They will be able to call upon Andrea Pirlo, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mauricio Isla, who had picked up knocks on midweek international duty.

Conte also went on to say that despite feelings to the contrary in Florence, Juve do not feel as much of a rivalry with Fiorentina.

"I've never really felt any rivalry with Fiorentina. They feel that more in Florence and we must not let ourselves take a provincial outlook," he continued.

"Playing against us is the greatest game of anybody's life, not just for Fiorentina."

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Fiorentina fury after Juve promise 'Hell'

Feb 9, 2013

Fiorentina are “speechless” after Juventus posted an official video with a potentially threatening message ahead of today’s game.

The clubs are old rivals and go head-to-head in Turin at 17.00 GMT. Click here for a match preview.

Juve fired up the match by releasing a video on their official website Juventus.com that included the voice-over: “The Viola started the season in Paradise, but are now in Purgatory 13 points behind us.

“For them on Saturday the Juventus Stadium will be Hell. Abandon hope all ye who enter here.”

Fiorentina patron Andrea Della Valle was told about to the video and was flabbergasted.

“I’m speechless. Are we sure that with the ‘Agnelli Style’ they put that video on their official website? You can comment on it, but I have no words.”

The phrase ‘abandon hope all ye who enter here’ came from Dante’s Divine Comedy, the most famous piece of literature to have come out of Florence. It includes a journey through the Seven Circles of Hell.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

The 'stolen Scudetto' & the Baggio riots -

the causes of the bitter Juventus-Fiorentina rivalry

The two clubs may be separated by 416 kilometres, but they remain huge enemies thanks

to the events of May 1982 and the transfer of Roberto Baggio which followed eight years later.

Feb 9, 2013

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

Football revels in its derby matches. Arriving at work on a Monday to be faced by fans of your gloating rivals is a pain like no other to the ardent supporter of a team that has to share its city with another club. Whether it be AC Milan against Inter, Manchester City-Manchester United or even a lower-league match-up between local enemies, there is always something special when two neighbours are thrust together.

But the highest highs and lowest lows that are experienced on such occasions are not confined to cross-city clashes. If you are a Fiorentina fan, you know exactly how it feels to rule the roost of an entire city, and yet still have a burning desire to beat one team more than any other in a Serie A season. Local or not, their rivals are Juventus. And to Gigliati supporters, there is nothing more important than Saturday’s clash in Turin.

It is 31 years now since the final day showdown which sparked the intense rivalry between the two sets of fans, but there is still no tempering the hurt that Viola fans felt on that afternoon on May 16, 1982. Going into the final day of the season joint-top of the pile with Juventus, Fiorentina looked set to earn a title play-off as they headed to Cagliari on the same afternoon as the Bianconeri visited Catanzaro.

THE VIOLA'S BITTERNESS IN 1982

While Fiorentina could only draw 0-0, with a goal by Francesco Graziani having been ruled out by referee Maurizio Mattei for a foul on the Cagliari goalkeeper by Daniel Bertoni, Juve were also at the centre of controversy. First, a strong penalty claim from Catanzaro was waved away, then – with only 15 minutes remaining – Costanzo Celestini blocked Pietro Fanna’s shot with a hand, giving the Old Lady a spot-kick of their own.

After a short delay, Liam Brady stepped up to slot home the only goal of the game, despite playing in the knowledge it was his last game for the club due to the impending arrival of Michel Platini. Juve had a 20th title, and with it a second gold star, but Fiorentina fans have never let the bitterness stray far from their minds.

Some suggest the use of the anti-Juventus slogan ‘we would rather be second than thieves’ was instigated on that day, and Mattei’s name is uttered with contempt to this day in Florence, while Viola midfielder Giancarlo Antognoni, who would spend the next two months becoming a national hero by winning the World Cup alongside six Juventus players, claimed afterwards: “They have stolen our championship.”

Eight years on, the two sides came head-to-head for silverware once more, this time in the two-legged final of the Uefa Cup. By the time of the opening game at the Stadio Comunale in Turin it was already clear that Fiorentina’s star man, Roberto Baggio, was to leave the club, and rumours were rife that Juve would be his destination.

After a goal each in the first half, Pierluigi Casiraghi put Juventus 2-1 up with a goal which arguably should have been ruled out for a push on Celeste Pin in the build-up, and violence broke out in the stands in response. The Bianconeri went on to win 3-1, with the remainder of the match being a torrid, scrappy affair full of bad challenges.

The second leg was played in Avellino due to fan troubles at Fiorentina’s semi-final clash with Werder Bremen, but while Juve earned a 0-0 draw which clinched them the trophy, it was the backdrop of the Baggio deal which was catching everyone’s attentions.

Within days, ‘Il Divin Codino’ had been sold to the Bianconeri for a world record fee of 16 billion lire, plus the rights to forward Renato Buso. The sale of the club’s biggest asset was galling enough, but the fact he had been sold to the outfit still castigated as thieves proved the tipping point for the Tuscan followers, sparking massive riots all across Florence.

Baggio himself would gain some redemption in the eyes of the Viola faithful the following season on his return to the Artemio Franchi. After refusing to take a penalty which was subsequently missed, Baggio was substituted. Donning a bench coat, he picked up a Fiorentina scarf that had been hurled from the terraces, and as he made his way behind the goal in front of the Curva Fiesole, he received the applause of the fans who had rioted over his departure. It was a move which didn't go down well with Juventini, who remain to this day to one set of supporters Baggio never won over entirely during his glittering career.

Over the years, further players have been sold back and forth between the two clubs, but never gaining the attention that the Baggio deal did. Still, Fiorentina fans would never let the moment they felt they had been wronged be forgotten.

Those feelings came to the surface once more last year, as Juventus’ summer-long pursuit of Stevan Jovetic grew to agitate the Fiorentina board and fans in equal measure. With visions of another 1990 in the offing, the Viola money men said no, but the Old Lady would still have a huge say in their transfer movements.

With a deal for Dimitar Berbatov seemingly tied up and the striker’s air fare to Tuscany having already been paid, the Bulgarian stood up the Viola amidst a last-ditch bid by Juve to lure him to Turin instead. In the end, Berbatov moved to Fulham, but the Bianconeri’s part in the failed transfer continued to rankle long after the closure of the summer window.

Now, the club still awaiting that elusive third Scudetto are eager to record their first win over Juventus since 2008. More than that, they still feel that aching in their hearts every time they see the black and white shirts line up in front of them.

To Fiorentina fans, Saturday’s game is about more than three points, while those they refer to as ‘Gobbi´(hunchbacks) just love rubbing the Tuscans’ noses in it. Another barnstormer is to be expected.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Conte is Serie A's most successful coach, says Montella

The Fiorentina boss has voiced his admiration for his Bianconeri counterpart,

and is looking forward to this weekend's match between the two sides.

Feb 9, 2013

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella has taken the time to praise Juventus trainer Antonio Conte ahead of this weekend's Serie A encounter.

The former Siena boss guided the Bianconeri to the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia final last season, and the 38-year-old believes he is arguably the most successful coach in Italy's top tier.

"Conte has created an important mentality at Juventus and that’s not easily done," he was quoted as saying on the Juventus website.

"In the last two years he’s shown himself to be the championship’s most successful boss."

Montella then went on to underline the importance of Saturday's match against Juventus.

"Let’s not forget that this is an important game of football for all of us. We’ll need to display all our quality on the pitch because Juventus are very strong."

Saturday's encounter is scheduled to kick off at 18:00CET.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Line-ups: Juventus-Fiorentina

Feb 9, 2013

Juventus welcome arch-rivals Fiorentina in a fiery clash, as Claudio Marchisio returns to face Stevan Jovetic and Luca Toni.

Serie A Week 24 opens in Turin at 17.00 GMT. Click here for the match preview.

These clubs have long had a fierce rivalry which escalated again before the game with a video posted on the official Juve website.

Leonardo Bonucci lost his appeal against a two-match ban for insulting the referee, while Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Mauricio Isla and Nicklas Bendtner are injured.

Mirko Vucinic returns from suspension and partners Alessandro Matri, but Coach Antonio Conte is again in the stands with a touchline ban.

Marchisio returns from his injury to bolster the midfield and make his 200th official appearance for Juventus, while Luca Marrone and Federico Peluso join Andrea Barzagli in defence.

Fiorentina had a disastrous start to 2013, but finally registered their first win of the calendar year last week against Parma.

Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio are suspended, joining the injured Giuseppe Rossi and Mati Fernandez.

Toni takes on his former club along with Jovetic, while Juan Cuadrado and Romulo complete the midfield.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Peluso, Marrone, Barzagli; De Ceglie, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner; Vucinic, Matri

Juventus bench:Storari, Rubinho, Caceres, Pogba, Giovinco, Anelka, Padoin, Giaccherini, Quagliarella

FIORENTINA: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic, Toni

Fiorentina bench: Neto, Lupatelli, Tomovic, Compper, Bernardeschi, Wolski, Capezzi, Llama, Ljajic, Larrondo, El Hamdaoui

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

HT 2-0: Juve flatten Fiorentina

Feb 9, 2013

Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri have given Juventus the 2-0 half-time lead in an exhilarating encounter with Fiorentina.

These clubs have always been bitter rivals and there was real fire in the opening fixture of Serie A Week 24. Leonardo Bonucci and Coach Antonio Conte were still banned for insulting the referee, while Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Mauricio Isla and Nicklas Bendtner were sidelined. Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio sat out Fiorentina bans, so Romulo stepped in.

The Viola had won just one of their last 22 League meetings with Juventus and Claudio Marchisio had a great opportunity, volleying off target from a splendid Andrea Pirlo ball over the top and no teammates were there to follow up.

Moments later Marchisio drilled inches wide from the D, but Stevan Jovetic ran on to a smart Luca Toni pass only to take a heavy touch and allow Gigi Buffon to block his path. The goalkeeper also smothered a Juan Cuadrado volley and Toni almost got a toe to it.

It was wide open and very attacking from both sides, as Emiliano Viviano used his legs to deny Mirko Vucinic at the near post.

Buffon needed a spectacular reaction save with an outstretched foot after Jovetic spun round on the penalty spot to shoot. Toni and two Juve players dived in to get the rebound, but it bundled out for a corner.

Stephan Lichtsteiner’s screamer swerved viciously in the air and Viviano got enough on it to punch away, but there was absolutely nothing Viviano could do moments later.

Vucinic gathered a poor clearance outside the box and hit an absolute missile under the bar. It was really travelling at an astounding pace.

Vucinic really should’ve made it 2-0 on 32 minutes. Gonzalo Rodriguez slipped over, letting the Juventus striker clear on goal, but he fired straight at Viviano from close range. Alessandro Matri was ready for Vucinic to roll across for a certain goal.

Juventus doubled their advantage before the break when Arturo Vidal controlled with a smart flick and rolled a through ball to release Matri for the angled drive. Bizarrely, Matri managed to score after his boot had fallen off! It flew away as he was pulling the trigger, but he got enough power on to it even with just socks.

Juventus 2-0 Fiorentina (Half-Time)

Scorers: Vucinic 20 (J), Matri 41 (J)

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Peluso, Marrone, Barzagli; De Ceglie, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner; Vucinic, Matri

FIORENTINA: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic, Toni

Ref: Mazzoleni

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000‎

Vucinic and Matri net in authoritative display

Antonio Conte's men put an end to a bright start from the Viola with two first-half goals

proving to be enough to open up a temporary six-point lead at the top of Serie A.

Feb 9, 2013

Juventus strolled to comfortable 2-0 win over rivals Fiorentina at Juventus Stadium, ending a run of three domestic games without tasting victory.

Despite an open start to proceedings the Bianconeri soon asserted their dominance over the Florence outfit with Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri providing the goals in what eventually proved to be a routine win.

The Viola had clearly not come to Turin to sit back and that contributed to an extremely stretched start to the game.

Andrea Pirlo looked on song early on as he sprayed a number of quality passes in behind the defence but it was Claudio Marchisio who provided the goal threat in his 200th appearance for the club, pulling a low effort narrowly wide of the goal in the ninth minute.

Both goalkeepers were having a busy start to the evening yet the pair were not fazed by intensity of the game as Stevan Jovetic, Juan Cuadrado and Vucinic were all kept out before 15 minutes had passed.

Stephan Lichtsteiner was the next to go close but in the 20th minute Vucinic was the man to find the back of the net. The Montenegrin pounced on Stefan Savic's headed clearance and then rifled an astonishing volley past Emiliano Viviano from 25 yards.

Vucinic then had a chance to double the Old Lady's advantage just after the half hour mark as he dispossessed Gonzalo Rodriguez on the edge of the box. Matri could not provide a supporting option so the former Roma man went alone and ended up firing a shot straight at the keeper.

Vicenzo Montella's men continued to attack their hosts but they lacked conviction and in the 42nd minute the Bianconeri grabbed their second.

Arturo Vidal did magnificently to pluck the ball out of the sky before turning and surging into the area. He slid a pass into Matri, who peeled away from his defender and swept a shot into the back of the net.

Juve continued in a similar fashion after the break and it took them just three minutes to forge an opportunity in the second half. Paolo De Ceglie's cutback was met by Vidal at the edge of the box but he could not keep his attempt on goal down.

Content with their two-goal advantage, the Bianconeri began to approach the game with an increased level of caution, built upon their resilience at the back.

The visitors did not have an answer up front and would have found themselves three goals down in the 64th minute if Matri had been able to find the far corner from Lichtsteiner's threaded pass.

Substitute Sebastian Giovinco was desperately close to having the perfect impact as he sent a curling effort to Viviano's right. The keeper, however, had other ideas and parried the ball well to safety.

Juventus' win therefore puts the pressure on Napoli to get a result against third-placed Lazio later on Saturday or see themselves fall six points away from the Serie A summit.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000‎

Juventus thump Fiorentina

Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri – who scored after his boot fell off –

secured a comfortable 2-0 Juventus victory over rivals Fiorentina.

Feb 9, 2013

These clubs have always been bitter rivals and there was real fire in the opening fixture of Serie A Week 24. Leonardo Bonucci and Coach Antonio Conte were still banned for insulting the referee, while Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Mauricio Isla and Nicklas Bendtner were sidelined. Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio sat out Fiorentina bans, so Romulo stepped in.

The Viola had won just one of their last 22 League meetings with Juventus and Claudio Marchisio had a great opportunity, volleying off target from a splendid Andrea Pirlo ball over the top and no teammates were there to follow up.

Moments later Marchisio drilled inches wide from the D, but Stevan Jovetic ran on to a smart Luca Toni pass only to take a heavy touch and allow Gigi Buffon to block his path. The goalkeeper also smothered a Juan Cuadrado volley and Toni almost got a toe to it.

It was wide open and very attacking from both sides, as Emiliano Viviano used his legs to deny Mirko Vucinic at the near post.

Buffon needed a spectacular reaction save with an outstretched foot after Jovetic spun round on the penalty spot to shoot. Toni and two Juve players dived in to get the rebound, but it bundled out for a corner.

Stephan Lichtsteiner’s screamer swerved viciously in the air and Viviano got enough on it to punch away, but there was absolutely nothing Viviano could do moments later.

Vucinic gathered a poor Gonzalo Rodriguez clearance outside the box and hit an absolute missile under the bar. It was really travelling at an astounding pace.

Vucinic really should’ve made it 2-0 on 32 minutes. Gonzalo Rodriguez slipped over, letting the Juventus striker clear on goal, but he fired straight at Viviano from close range. Alessandro Matri was ready for Vucinic to roll across for a certain goal.

Juventus doubled their advantage before the break when Arturo Vidal controlled with a smart flick and rolled a through ball to release Matri for the angled drive. Bizarrely, Matri managed to score after his boot had fallen off! It flew away as he was pulling the trigger, but he got enough power on to it even with just socks.

After the restart Paolo De Ceglie’s pull-back went past Vucinic, but Vidal blasted over. Marchisio and Federico Peluso were booked and will be suspended for next week’s game with Roma. More concerns for Juve, as Vucinic limped off with a right knee problem.

Matri threatened a second personal goal when he flashed an angled drive across the face of goal, inches away from the back post.

Buffon captured efforts from Romulo and Mounir El Hamdaoui and Viviano was booked for a coming-together with Lichtsteiner. The Fiorentina goalkeeper needed a good save at full stretch to deny Sebastian Giovinco’s curler.

Rodriguez tried to dribble out of his own area and risked giving away a goal to Paul Pogba. Adem Ljajic had an opportunity in stoppages at the by-line, but could only force a corner. Giovinco also horribly scuffed a volley.

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

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Peluso, Marrone, Barzagli; De Ceglie (Caceres 59), Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner; Vucinic (Giovinco 61), Matri (Pogba 75)

FIORENTINA: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic (Tomovic 46); Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic (Ljajic 74), Toni (El Hamdaoui 57)

Ref: Mazzoleni

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000‎

Juve stay out in front

Juventus cemented their position at the top of the Serie A table as first-half goals

from Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri sealed a comfortable 2-0 win over Fiorentina.

Feb 9, 2013

Juventus will not be caught at the top of the Serie A table this weekend.

Juve knew that failure to condemn Fiorentina to a third straight away defeat would leave the door open for Napoli to close a three-point gap against Lazio.

Boss Antonio Conte had played down talk of a fierce rivalry between Turin and Florence and there was precious little evidence of competition on the pitch as Mirko Vucinic was left unchallenged to slam home the opener.

Matri lost his boot when swinging at Arturo Vidal's canny pass but his socked foot guaranteed Juve all three points before what turned out to be an insipid second half.

Stevan Jovetic let rip with a fine left-footed effort inside 60 seconds but the first half would belong to Juventus.

Andrea Pirlo was back to his imperious best tonight, with a series of deft balls forward to Vidal and Claudio Marchisio inspiring gasps from the bumper crowd.

Juve's first shot on goal came through Marchisio, who dribbled to the edge of the area before directing an effort just wide, before Emiliano Viviano was called into action.

With Vucinic free to do as he pleased at the end of an attractive passing move, the Montenegrin rifled the ball against Fiorentina's goalkeeper.

Vucinic's compatriot Jovetic soon warmed Gianluigi Buffon's palms on the turn but it would be Juve who made the breakthrough.

With 20 minutes played Vucinic unleashed a furious right-footed drive that streaked past a stranded Viviano and into the net.

A chance for a quickfire second went begging when Vucinic failed to tuck the ball away when Gonzalo Rodriguez offered it to him on a plate at the edge of his area

Juve would give themselves a significant advantage going into the break, though, as Matri stole onto a Vidal pass to steer the ball past Viviano.

Replays showed the former Cagliari man's boot had flown off before he scored with his sock.

Pirlo went close himself when play resumed, just before Marchisio and Federico Peluso picked up the bookings that will keep them out of next week's trip to Roma.

It was then time for Sebastian Giovinco to make an entrance when Vucinic called to be replaced after crashing to the ground and hurting his knee.

Matri shrugged off the lull in action to burst onto a Stephan Lichtsteiner pass and drag the ball just wide of a post.

Fiorentina substitute Mounir El Hamdaoui got Buffon working again when he twisted and turned to beat Peluso and Giovinco promptly drew a low save from Viviano at the other end.

But after the high-tempo escapades of the first 45 minutes, the second half was a limp affair and not even Paul Pogba could liven things up with one of his trademark long-range screamers.

The Frenchman looked up and shaped himself to shoot but opted instead to pass sideways to Marchisio, who could not quite dig out one last meaningful effort on the half-volley.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000‎

Bianconeri brush past Viola convincingly

Feb 9, 2013

Juventus warmed up for their Champions League tie against Celtic with a victory over Fiorentina in Serie A action on Saturday night at Juventus Stadium.

First half goals from Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri were enough to help the Bianconeri to a deserved win.

Claudio Marchisio fired wide early on as they looked for the opener while Juan Cuadrado and Stevan Jovetic went close for the visitors before Stephan Lichtsteiner brought a save out of Emiliano Viviano.

They took the lead after 20 minutes though when the Montenegrin lined up a shot from distance and unleashed a rocket which flew into the back of the net.

He should have had another though when he found space in the box but could only put the ball straight at Viviano with the goal gaping.

The Bianconeri scored their second before half time when Arturo Vidal set up Matri who steered the ball home with his sock, after his boot had fallen off but undeterred, he finished regardless.

Matri should have had a second after the break but he rolled the ball wide when he should have done better but worryingly for Juve ahead of the Champions League, Vucinic left the field injured.

His replacement Sebastian Giovinco was then denied once more by the in-form Viviano who saved well to his left and is showing that he can again be a key player.

Paul Pogba also missed in the closing stages after a Gonzalo Rodriguez mistake but the Old Lady saw the game out for an important victory.

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

[Ghost Dog 620]

IF YOU GIVE HIM THE AMOUNT OF SPACE

ENGLAND DID HE WILL RUN THE GAME

by GRAEME SOUNESS (THE SUNDAY TIMES 10-02-2013)

Serie A was the place to be when I played there in the mid-1980s. It was the Premier League and La Liga rolled into one, attracting the best players from all over the world. Every side went out looking for playmakers and strikers and in consequence Italy struggled to produce players in those positions.

When I joined Sampdoria in 1984 we had a couple of young strikers called Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli. They competed with Trevor Francis to start and were chalk and cheese. Mancini was a serious lad who thought he knew it all at 20, much like myself at that age. Vialli was funny and super cool. He still is.

Yet it was an era when midfielders were possibly prized more than strikers. Juventus had Michel Platini, Zbigniew Boniek and Liam Brady; Roma had Brazilians Falcao and Cerezo: Udinese had Zico; and Napoli, of course, had Diego Maradona. Platini and Maradona were probably the Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi of their day, though instead of coming from the wings to score their goals, as their modern equivalents do, they plundered them by arriving late from midfield or attacking cleverly from central positions behind the main striker.

The principle is the same, people coming onto things late and arriving from a slightly different angle. They call it a false number nine now. Kenny Dalglish was a false nine at Liverpool but I don’t think they called him that then, they just called him a great player. Good players will find space. People want to reinvent football and come up with different terminology but these players have always been out there.

The top players imported by Italian clubs were either the regista, the central midfield playmaker, or strikers. Andrea Pirlo is a regista and Juventus’s driving force appeared to confirm his fitness by playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-0 defeat of Fiorentina yesterday. On his day he can be peerless, elegant, great to watch. He’s a creator and a scorer. A finder of the killer pass in the final third. A classy footballer.

He dismantled England in the quarter-final of Euro 2012 with his passing and awareness of space and then topped it off with that penalty, dinked past Joe Hart, which became the defining image of the finals for many people. Hart had been pulling faces at him, but who had the last laugh?

Only someone who is supremely confident in his ability can execute such a piece of skill under that much pressure. Pirlo plays risky football. You have to be very special to play like him because he’s not happy just to be in possession, he wants to be hitting lethal passes. He’s got his head up every time and 50% of the time he is looking for the ball that’s going to get someone in there.

If you look at a lot of other midfield players you will see their default setting is safety passing, to keep things going. That’s what sets Pirlo apart. If you give him the amount of space England did he will run the game. If you try to close him down he will probably find a solution for that, too. I would imagine in Italy he has faced every tactic in the book.

He has a bank of knowledge built over the years and he just knows how to get on the ball, an art in itself, and his touch is supreme, which gives him more time because the ball is always exactly where he wants it to be. Then he’s got every pass you need: long, short or faded. As we saw with that penalty against Hart, his personality is not typically Italian. You can’t fluster him. He doesn’t get excited. He seems to have an even temperament. A lot of Italians are hot and cold and get excited very quickly. I might be wrong but he looks to have a really calculating head on his shoulders.

So what do Celtic do? Largely what they did against Barcelona so successfully in the group stage. They handed the initiative to Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Messi and asked them to do their worst. Celtic closed down the space in the middle of the pitch around their box and forced Barça wide. They made the most of their set-pieces and counterattacked when they could. They dug out one result at home, having almost dug out one earlier at Camp Nou. They rode their luck a bit but deserved to because for them this is a totally unfair playing field in terms of financial and playing resources. They were two of the best performances they have had in Europe because Barcelona are such a good team.

What they didn’t do was go toe-to-toe with Barça and try to take them on. Sometimes you just have to accept the other lot are better than you and play accordingly — and that’s also what Celtic have to do against Juventus on Tuesday night. They can’t take them on, they can’t go looking for it. They must be patient and almost play the home leg like it is an away game. They have to try to bring Juventus onto them. But remember, Juventus are used to that every week in Serie A.

I love it when they call it tactical or get me talking about tactics. There are two ways to play. You go for it or you don’t and, for me, Celtic can’t go for it. Juventus are a team full of good players, and what good players do is pick on your weaknesses and they don’t take an hour to figure it out. Pirlo will look for a weakness and then pick on that and if Celtic leave anybody in space he will find them.

I also believe Juventus will be harder to get at than Barcelona were. I like their central defenders, especially Giorgio Chiellini. He could play in any league because he enjoys the physical side of the game.

We use the word great too readily but they have a great goalkeeper in Gianluigi Buffon. For me, he’s still the best in the world. Juventus also have energy in their team and strikers with good movement such as Mirko Vucinic, Sebastian Giovinco and Nicolas Anelka, who is not the player he was a few years back but still a threat. I believe Juventus will have way too much for Celtic.

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com rates the players on show as the Bianconeri turn up the heat in the Scudetto race

with Matri and Vucinic on target in a straightforward victory against the Viola.

Feb 9, 2013

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Kept out Jovetic in the 12th minute from an acute angle and continued to patrol his area well. Although Fiorentina threatened, Buffon was rarely stretched and looked at ease with all that he was posed with.

Federico Peluso - An average performance from the defender who is yet to inspire complete confidence since signing from Atalanta. He made some rash challenges when stepping up but still contributed to the clean sheet.

Luca Marrone - Did not look out of place as a make-shift centre-back, retaining his typically cool demeanor. The 22-year-old showed a great deal of versatility with a competent defensive display.

Andrea Barzagli - Marshaled the back line superbly, ensuring great organisation and composure to limit Fiorentina mainly to efforts from distance. His experience was priceless in the absence of Chiellini and Bonucci.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Did not have an awful lot of defending to do so could regularly offer width up on the right. He forced a great save from Viviano in the first half after cutting in on his unfavoured left boot.

Claudio Marchisio - Put in a really energetic display and was working at 100 per cent from the first whistle. He saw a shot go narrowly wide of the goal but could have supported the strikers a lot more than he did.

Andrea Pirlo - Looked at his metronomic best in the opening stages, sending pass after pass in behind the Viola defence. His service to the strikers was of the highest quality, though his influence waned later on.

Arturo Vidal - The Chilean kept a close eye on Borja Valero and limited the amount that the Spaniard could influence proceedings. He hounded him continually and showed his attacking acumen with a brilliant run to create Juve's second of the night.

Paolo De Ceglie - The left-back found himself being pulled apart by Cuardado during the first half and could not cope with the Colombian's energy. He fought fire with fire in the second half though and restricted his impact thereafter.

Mirko Vučinić - Unperturbed by an early Viviano save, Vucinic slammed in a marvelous opener from 25 yards. He continued to worry the Viola by dropping deep to pick up the ball but he should have grabbed a second in the 32nd minute.

Alessandro Matri - The striker had very little involvement in the first half until he swept home just before the break. However, he did well to peel away from the defenders for his goal and continued to look bright on the counter-attack in the second half.

Substitutions

Martín Cáceres - Replaced De Ceglie on the hour mark and kept the solidity of his side for the remainder of the game.

Paul Pogba - The combative midfielder was only given 15 minutes in place of Matri but could have grabbed a goal had it not been for a deflection.

Sebastian Giovinco - His pace and direct running provided a very different option to Vucinic in the latter stages. He could have got on the score-sheet but for a Viviano save.

FIORENTINA

Emiliano Viviano - Made some decent saves during the opening exchanges but there was very little he could do to keep Vucinic's stinging volley out. He was let down by some poor defending as Matri slotted in the second.

Gonzalo Rodríguez - Was extremely complacent at the back, trying to take time on the ball that he really did not have. Was let off the hook after being dispossessed by Vucinic in the 32nd minute but did not really learn his lesson.

Facundo Roncaglia - The Argentine was the best of a bad bunch at the back but still lacked discipline as the Viola were pulled apart by their hosts. His positioning was frequently poor and afforded Juve chance after chance.

Stefan Savic - Had an absolute nightmare in Turin. The Montenegrin's headed clearance was smashed straight into the net by Vucinic and he then followed the ball and left Matri in space to score the second. He was then withdrawn at half time.

Manuel Pasqual - Pushed on in the early stages but struggled to get the better of Lichtsteiner. He was bullied off the ball by Vidal as the Chilean charged into the box to set up the second of the night.

David Pizarro - The former Manchester City man offered a route out for many of his team-mates in the first half. But as the game wore on he was left chasing the ball around the midfield rather than sitting on it.

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado - The Colombian starter the game in a very bright manner and caused De Ceglie a lot of problems with his pace and movement. He was not allowed as much freedom in the second half and could not provide a similar danger.

Borja Valero Iglesias - Tried his best to dictate the tempo of the game when he got on the ball but ultimately did not have enough possession to truly boss the midfield. He struggled to find the space in which he could make his ability felt.

Rômulo - The Brazilian added very little to his side as he hardly got a second on the ball all evening. He seemed two steps off the pace in the heart of the midfield battle and never really got going.

Stevan Jovetic - The Montenegrin was lively early on, linking up positively with Toni as well as the midfielders. However, he only managed to penetrate the area once and was thwarted by Buffon and failed to inspire anything further.

Luca Toni - Won a few headers up against the Juve defenders but was unable to best them on the deck. He did not manage to test Buffon in a largely uninspiring performance against his former club.

Substitutions

Nenad Tomovic - Replaced the abysmal Savic at half time and looked far more assured than his team-mate. He never appeared rushed and kept a close eye on Matri.

Mounir El Hamdaoui - Came on for Luca Toni in the 57th minute but failed to offer anything different to the attack.

Adem Ljajic - Brought on for Jovetic with just over 15 minutes remaining and made a few good dribbles in the closing stages, though there was no end product.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000‎

Montella: Fiorentina lost to superior Juventus

The Viola coach admitted they were deservedly beaten by the Bianconeri,

but insisted it is all part of the learning process for his side and they will improve.

Feb 9, 2013

Vincenzo Montella has conceded that Juventus proved their superiority over his Fiorentina outfit, following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Turin club.

Mirko Vucinic opened the scoring in spectacular fashion while Alessandro Matri doubled the Bianconeri's lead shortly before half-time.

And Montella admits the hosts thoroughly deserved their win.

“Juventus proved they are superior,” the Italian told reporters.

“That doesn’t mean that Fiorentina didn’t try to challenge, as Juve scored and controlled the game like the great team they are.

“We are in the middle of a growth process and that also means experiencing lessons like this. We always play with our characteristics, as if you put 10 men behind the ball then you’re going to lose anyway.

“Tonight, Juve made it difficult for us to construct our moves, which hadn’t happened to us often. It will be good experience for the next games.”

Juventus have a five-point lead at the top of Serie A, while the Viola are in sixth position.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000

Matri: 'I scored in my socks'

Feb 9, 2013

Director Pavel Nedved praised Juventus, while Alessandro Matri revealed what it felt like to score without his boot.

Coach Antonio Conte was suspended and Angelo Alessio stayed behind in a long post-match locker room meeting, so director Nedved spoke to the media after the 2-0 win over Fiorentina.

“It was not an easy game, as Fiorentina play good football and I want to compliment Vincenzo Montella,” said the Czech star.

“Having said that, Juventus dominated and were superior for the entire match.”

Mirko Vucinic opened the scoring, then Matri side-footed home with his stockinged foot, as the boot flew off as he was pulling the trigger.

“My boot fell off just before the goal, as someone had trodden on the back of my foot,” said Matri.

“I scored in my socks. Oh well, it turned out for the best!”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000

Montella: 'Juve are superior'

Feb 9, 2013

Vincenzo Montella held up his hands after Fiorentina’s 2-0 defeat in Turin. “Juventus proved they are superior.”

It was a good first half from both teams, but the Viola barely made a dent after the break.

“Today Juventus proved they are superior,” shrugged the Coach. “That doesn’t mean that Fiorentina didn’t try to challenge, as Juve scored and controlled the game like the great team they are.

“We are in the middle of a growth process and that also means experiencing lessons like this. We always play with our characteristics, as if you put 10 men behind the ball then you’re going to lose anyway.

“Tonight Juve made it difficult for us to construct our moves, which hadn’t happened to us often. It will be good experience for the next games.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Mirko Vučinić (20′)

Alessandro Matri (42′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Attendance: 38000

'I've never seen someone score without shoes!' -

Nedved hails Matri's boot-less strike

The former Ballon d'Or winner admitted his amusement at seeing the curious manner in which

the Italy international scored, before turning his focus to the Champions League.

Feb 10, 2013

Juventus director Pavel Nedved gave his seal of approval to Alessandro Matri's goal, as the striker helped fire his team to a 2-0 victory against Fiorentina on Saturday.

The 28-year-old netted right before half-time with his sock after his boot slipped off bizarrely in the build-up play.

His goal, after Mirko Vucinic's opener, has temporarily fired Antonio Conte's men six points clear at the top of Serie A, and left the former Juve star bemused.

"In my career, I've never seen someone score a goal without shoes," the retired Czech midfielder told reporters.

Reflecting on the match, Nedved said he was delighted with the impact made by the Bianconeri against a stern opposition ahead of their Champions League clash with Celtic.

"We are very satisfied with how the team approached the match," he continued.

"Fiorentina play a great style of football, they have a more than capable coach and a dangerous team. But today we really wanted the three points and played well to get them.

"It was a great test of character and everyone worked towards the same goal. In January, we had a slight dip in form but you can’t be at the top of your game over the course of a whole season.

"Now we’re in form and ready for Europe. I’m fully aware of the atmosphere that awaits us in Glasgow because I've been there and experienced it first hand.

"We’ll be stepping into a lion’s den and I don’t think the team will need geeing up. We’ll have to tough it out, but we have shown that we’re ready."

Meanwhile, Matri himself was similarly bemused with his somewhat fortuitous striker.

"My boot fell off just before the goal, as someone had trodden on the back of my foot, so I scored in my socks. Well, it turned out to be for the best!" he added.

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