Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 15, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Carrera: 'Genoa crucial like Chelsea' Sep 15, 2012 Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera welcomes back Lucio and insists tomorrow’s game with Genoa is “every bit as crucial” as the Champions League trip to Chelsea. There are reports Antonio Conte and his touchline replacement are planning a squad rotation ahead of Wednesday night’s European debut. “This game is every bit as crucial as Chelsea,” warned Carrera in his Press conference. Click here for a match preview. “We are facing a difficult side in a fiery atmosphere like Marassi. Plus, when Juventus come to town there is always a surge in motivation and determination from our opponents. “We have to fight them on the same level with that degree of passion. Don’t forget last season Genoa took points off us both home and away.” When asked whether they would field a second-string side against the Grifone, Carrera skirted around the semantics. “Squad rotation is the wrong term, because we do not have first choice picks and reserves. Every time we will put out the side that can give us the best guarantees. “It’s important for a player to step on to the pitch, regardless of the opponent or whether it’s the Champions League or Serie A. “Fortunately we have options to choose from. Lucio has recovered, so has Nicklas Bendtner, while Mauricio Isla played 76 minutes with Chile and is available. “Will Andrea Pirlo be rested? He is a champion and knows how to deal with his energy levels.” Sebastian Giovinco is reportedly set to sign a contract extension until June 2017. “Sebastian is a great player and proved it over the last few games, so like many other players he could become a symbol of Juventus,” noted Carrera. “We have many talented stars, as it’s no coincidence we won the Scudetto last season. More have arrived and so everyone is to be considered important.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 15, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Genoa v Juventus Preview: Old Lady Looks To Stretch Winning Streak Sep 15, 2012 Juventus will know that Genoa was one of the few teams to not lose to them last season in Serie A. Both matches ended in 2-2 and 0-0 draws. They will line-up for yet another match, this time with Antonio Conte in the stands, as the club will be looking to extend its 100% record in Serie A this season. A number of Juventus players were fully involved with respective national teams during the International break and fatigue will be an issue against Genoa, who had lesser number of Internationals. Team News and Tactical Brief Juventus The Bianconeri is likely to line up in the 3-5-2 formation with Gianluigi Buffon in goal. Giorgio Chiellini is back to full fitness and will be partnering Andrea Barzagli. Leonardo Bonucci on the other hand, has been in slightly dodgy form in first two matches. His form, coupled with the rapid rise of Luca Marrone may see the Italy U-21 international picked ahead of the former Bari defender. Mauricio Isla is finally back to full fitness and he played for over an hour for Chile during the break but he is unlikely to start ahead of Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Swiss right-back has so far played well as a wing-back despite pre-season concerns about his effectiveness in that position. Lichtsteiner’s almost telepathic understanding with Andrea Pirlo has been one of the strongest points in Juve’s attack since last season. Last season, the first goal in the Juventus stadium was scored when Lichtsteiner beat the offside trap to meet Pirlo’s flighted pass – an almost similar goal happened against Udinese in the last match but Lichtsteiner’s shot was off the mark. The competition between Lichtsteiner and Isla will certainly be very interesting in coming weeks. Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal are assured starters in midfield. Vidal had a particularly torrid time in midweek when he played as a central defender for Chile. Up against one of the most dangerous and in-form strikers in the world, Falcao, Vidal struggled and had to see his team slump to a 3-1 home defeat. The Chilean will certainly be looking to set the record straight against Genoa. Kwadwo Asamoah has meshed seamlessly in the Juventus set-up and has arguably been the best player till now. Despite playing in an unfamiliar position of left wing-back the Ghanaian has performed consistently and regularly created goal scoring chances. Against Genoa’s 4-3-3, exploiting the flanks will be one of the major targets for Juventus. Asamoah and Lichtsteiner’s current form will be causing most headaches in the Genoa camp. The Giovinco-Vucinic combination came good against Udinese. These two are the most technically gifted players in Juventus’ attacking department and if they can combine well then Juve’s inability to get a top striker might seem less magnified. Vucinic’s form against smaller teams in Serie A has always been suspect and it remains to be seen if that trend changes this season. Expected Starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco Genoa Italy’s oldest club Genoa began their 2012/13 campaign with a comfortable victory against Cagliari but slumped to a 3-2 loss against Catania in last round. Under Gigi De Canio, the Grifoni will be looking to improve on their shambolic showing last season when they barely escaped relegation after having the worst defensive record in Serie A. Genoa have lost two of their star strikers this summer but managed to rope in 2011/12 Serie B top scorer Ciro Immobile from Juventus on a co-ownership deal. Immobile will be joining forces with a striker who spent few months of last season in Juventus, Marco Boriello. The duo will be looking to inflict some pain over the Old Lady. Immobile scored for Genoa on his debut and can cause problems to the Juventus central defence with his movement. Bosco Jankovic, the third striker in Genoa’s attacking trident has already found the net once this season. AC Milan youth product Alexander Merkel is another exciting prospect for Genoa in midfield. Merkel has already notched up a goal and an assist against his name. However, the 20-year old central midfielder might be out of his depth against one of the best midfields in Europe. Should Juventus manage to shut Merkel down they will also be able to negate Genoa’s attacking moves. Arturo Vidal’s compatriot Felipe Seymour and Slovakian Juraj Kucka will complete the midfield trio. Kucka is playing his third straight season with Genoa and was often the consistent though unspectacular performer for them last season. He will have the unenviable job of giving protection to Merkel in a midfield where they will be heavily outnumbered. Defence was Genoa’s Achilles Heel in the past season and there have been very few indicators to prove this season will be a major improvement. They opened their campaign with a clean sheet but shipped in three goals in the next game. Catania’s second goal was an abject failure of Genoa’s offside trap. Genoa will need to tighten up the back-line if they want to escape the same treatment that Juve’s last opponent got. Expected Starting XI (4-3-3): Frey; Feronetti, Canini, Granqvist, Antonelli; Kucka, Seymour, Merkel; Jankovic, Boriello, Immobile Key Players Marco Borriello (Genoa) Boriello’s greatest ever season in Serie A came in the Genoa jersey in 2007/08 season. The lumpy centre-forward scored 19 times for Genoa that season and he will be looking to get back to that form when he faces his former employers. Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus) The Atomic Ant finally joined the party against Udinese as he grabbed a brace. Giovinco’s performance for Italy during the International break was disappointing but he will line up against Genoa knowing that he scored twice against the same opponents the last time he faced them. Prediction Genoa 0-2 Juventus Genoa will look to earn a point from this match but the current Juventus team has far too much quality to drop points in this match. THT Blast From The Past http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 15, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus begin long march to success Sep 15, 2012 Ambitious Serie A champions Juventus will be looking to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season in an away match at Genoa which is the first of an impressive run of seven in 23 days. Antonio Conte’s side is aiming for four trophies this season and while recently acquiring Denmark international Nicklas Bendtner, the “Old Lady of Turin” has eyes for a striker with arguably more to offer. Juve’s trip to Genoa will be short, but next week they travel to Chelsea and then face Chievo, Fiorentina and Roma before hosting Shakhtar in Europe and then league minnows Siena in early October. It is no wonder the club’s director general, Beppe Marotta, is intent on bolstering a squad some observers feel has a real chance in Europe this season. “If there’s one Italian side that can excel in the Champions League this season it’s Juventus,” Gianluca Vialli, who won the trophy with Juve and also played with their group rivals Chelsea, said in midweek. Spain international Fernando Llorente, of Athletic Bilbao, remains Juve’s main target, especially as Fiorentina have included an “anti-Juve” clause in the contract of their Montenegrin international Stevan Jovetic. Whether Bendtner will get a chance for Juventus soon remains to be seen, although Marotta says the former Arsenal man has impressed Conte in training. “The first judgment of Conte is very positive,” he added. Juventus are one of only four teams – along with Napoli, Lazio and Sampdoria – to have won their first two games of the season. It means other title favourites, Milan and Inter, need three points this weekend if they are to keep the pressure on the leaders. Milan will be hoping striker Giampaolo Pazzini, who scored a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Bologna a fortnight ago, shakes off a knock he received in training. If Pazzini is given the all-clear, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri could decide to give new signing Bojan Krcic a run-out with the Italy international three days ahead of their Champions League group opener against Anderlecht. Milan are already missing Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Riccar-do Montolivo and Ignazio Abate but the good news is that midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng is set to play with a newly-fitted arm brace following surgery on a fractured hand bone last week. Inter make the short trip to Torino looking to make up for their stunning home defeat to a Roma two weeks ago. Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni, however, could be without Rodrigo Palacio after he picked up a knock playing for Argentina in midweek. Roma, who sit fifth, host Bologna at the Olympic Stadium looking to replicate the performance which humbled Inter two weeks ago. Bologna are one of seven teams, the others being Cagliari, Udinese, Palermo, Pescara, Atalanta and Siena, who have yet to win. Serie A Playing Today Palermo vs Cagliari 18.00 Milan vs Atalanta 20.45 Tomorrow Chievo vs Lazio 12.30 15.00 Fiorentina vs Catania Genoa vs Juventus Napoli vs Parma Pescara vs Sampdoria Roma vs Bologna Siena vs Udinese Torino vs Inter 20.45 http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 15, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Carrera: Genoa difficult opponents for Juventus The 48-year-old has warned his men not to underestimate Sunday's opponents and added that nobody is a guaranteed starter at Juve. Sep 15, 2012 Juventus caretaker boss Massimo Carrera has stressed that Genoa will not be pushovers in Sunday's Serie A encounter. The reigning champions were unable to beat the Grifone last term, and Carrera feels that another difficult test awaits this weekend. "It’s a fundamental game for us. Genoa are difficult opponents. They took points off us last year as we drew twice and weren’t able to beat them," he stated at his pre-match press conference. "So we need to go there knowing that we’ll be up against a difficult side in a red-hot atmosphere at the Marassi." Carrera then stated that he has plenty of options ahead of Sunday's game and insisted that nobody is a guaranteed starter. "Thankfully all those on international duty returned to Turin unscathed. We’ve got plenty of options to choose from," he added. "We don’t have any guaranteed starters or reserves. We’ll play the best starting line-up for every game." Sunday's encounter is scheduled to kick off at 15:00CET. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 15, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Revenge Mission for Borriello Well-travelled Marco Borriello has set his sights on revenge against Juventus on Sunday after his return to Genoa this summer. Sep 15, 2012 Borriello scored 19 goals for Genoa in the 2007/08 season before returning to AC Milan after a one-year loan spell. He then had a two-year spell with Roma and spent the last six months of last season with the Bianconeri, albeit making only 13 appearances in a mutually disappointing period. Now he wants to put that behind him by being part of the first Genoa team to beat Juventus in almost 18 months. "If I score, I will celebrate," he said. "I am not thinking about the derby or the national team, all I am thinking about is Juve." Returning to the Rossoblu, who he fired into the Europa League, was a most welcome move for Borriello. "I never really detached myself from Genoa," he said. "I had a great time here. I could have gone to play for a club in the Champions League or the Europa League, but at this moment of my career, Genoa can help relaunch me. "I don't know how many goals I will score, but I believe at least 15, otherwise the president will give me a good hiding." With Borriello and Italy under-21 international Ciro Immobile leading the Genoa line, Juve forward Emanuele Giaccherini has warned about the threat the home team poses at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. "We expect a tough game," he told Juventus Channel. "It is a difficult place to play." Juve's stand-in coach Carrera has to find the right balance this weekend , with a trip to Chelsea on Wednesday to consider as the Bianconeri make their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence. Under the guidance of Juve's suspended coach Antonio Conte, he will decide which 11 players to send out for each game. "If it were down to me, I would play all of these games, but football has changed and there is more intensity now," said Giaccherini. "Therefore, it is necessary for everybody to stop now and again to recharge the batteries and to be at their best." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi De Canio considers anti-Juve trident Sep 15, 2012 Gigi De Canio still has “doubts” on whether to field Marco Borriello, Ciro Immobile and Bosko Jankovic in a trident as Genoa welcome Juventus. The Coach has two ex-Bianconeri strikers to choose from in the Sunday afternoon game. Click here for a match preview. “Will I change system? Anything is possible, but the more important thing will be the mentality of the players,” said De Canio. “I have a few doubts on my starting XI, because this is the first time we’re playing in the afternoon heat and the temperature will be a factor. Some players still don’t have 90 minutes in their legs. “Borriello is a great professional and is training well. He doesn’t need to be any more fired up than anyone else just because he’s facing his former club. “Motivation comes by itself against Juventus. They have a mentally strong side with great quality. Are Juve rotating the squad? I certainly wouldn’t consider Lucio or Alessandro Matri second string players.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Lucio and Bendtner in Juve squad Sep 15, 2012 Lucio has made a rapid recovery, while Nicklas Bendtner and Mauricio Isla have their first call-ups of the season for Genoa-Juventus. The Bianconeri named their squad for tomorrow afternoon’s trip to Marassi and it includes Lucio, who had originally been ruled out for two to three months by a ligament injury. The former Inter defender has recovered faster than expected and is available for selection. Isla also returns after missing the last seven months due to damaged knee ligaments while he was still at Udinese. The winger played 67 minutes for Chile in a World Cup qualifier against Colombia this week. Juventus fans will get their first opportunity to see Bendtner, who has been on a strict diet and exercise regime to get into shape since completing his loan move from Arsenal. Juventus squad: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho; Lucio, Chiellini, Caceres, De Ceglie, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner; Marrone, Pogba, Marchisio, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Isla; Vucinic, Giovinco, Bendtner, Quagliarella, Matri. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Collovati: Juventus are the team to beat The 55-year-old former AC Milan, Inter Milan and Roma defender has placed The Old Lady as firm favourites to win the Scudetto this season, regarding Conte’s staff as the key factor. Sep 15, 2012 Commentator and television presenter, Fulvio Collovati, who enjoyed an illustrious career in Italy’s top flight that spanned three decades, has indicated that Juventus are clear favourites to win Serie A this campaign. Last season’s champions, who won the Scudetto for the first time since their return to Italy’s first division following the 2006 scandal, currently sit top of the table after two games. There is undoubtedly a long way to go but Collovati believes that they are already in the strongest position to retain their title, with Napoli and Roma their closest contenders. He also added that manager, Antonio Conte, was a considerable factor in dictating where the league trophy would end up. “Juventus are the team to beat,” Collovati said to Quotidiano.net. “Roma and Napoli are one step below. Their main advantage is the high-quality staff at Conte’s disposal because he has added quality to every department.” Discussing Juve’s rivals, the pundit explained that: “Napoli can be a tricky opponent because Mazzarri’s team has an established system, while Roma are riding the wave of enthusiasm caused by Zeman’s arrival. Milan and Inter are even further behind.” Juventus travel to face Genoa on Sunday, with a Champions League engagement against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Genoa - Juventus Preview - Champions aim to maintain unbeaten Serie A run Antonio Conte's men have started the season well, and will be looking to claim three points to stay at the summit of the league. Sep 15, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS GENOA Frey Ferronetti, Canini, Granqvist, Antonelli Kucka, Seymour, Merkel Jankovic, Immobile, Borriello JUVENTUS Buffon Caceres, Barzagli, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini Matri, Vucinic Juventus will look to make it three wins from three as they travel to Genoa in what could be a tricky post-international fixture. With the spectre of Chelsea looming, Antonio Conte may opt to shuffle his pack and rest Sebastian Giovinco, despite the diminutive attacker’s brace against Udinese last week. Elsewhere, Leonardo Bonucci could also be rested, allowing Martin Caceres to return following his recovery from a knee ligament injury. Mauricio Isla, meanwhile, is likely to be named on the bench. Genoa, meanwhile, have had plenty of time to digest their late capitulation against Catania. Back on home soil, Luigi De Canio may be quietly confident in his team’s ability to stop the Bianconeri juggernaut. This belief is no doubt boosted by the return of Marco Borriello after a four-year absence. Borriello is likely to be paired alongside Ciro Immobile (a player co-owned by Juventus) and they will be supplemented by a near full-strength squad with new recruit Juan Vargas the only notable absence. DID YOU KNOW? • In the last meeting between the teams, Juventus were held to a 0-0 draw. • Juventus are the highest scoring team in Serie A so far this season, with 6 goals from 2 games. • At the other end of the pitch, their defence conceded just 20 goals in the whole of last season, an astonishing 13 goals fewer than their nearest rival. • Conversely, Genoa had the ignominy of finishing last season with the worst defensive record of any team in Serie A, leaking 69 goals. • Genoa are the oldest football club in Italy, tracing their roots back to 1893. • Genoa have won 9 Serie A titles, the latest being in the 1923-24 season. Head to Head Serie A - Mar 11, 2012 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A - Oct 22, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Genoa 2 Serie A - Apr 10, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Genoa 2 Serie A - Nov 21, 2010 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A - Feb 14, 2010 - Juventus 3 - Genoa 2 Last Five Matches Genoa Sep 2, 2012 - Catania 3 - Genoa 2 - Serie A Aug 26, 2012 - Genoa 2 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A May 13, 2012 - Genoa 2 - Palermo 0 - Serie A May 6, 2012 - Udinese 2 - Genoa 0 - Serie A May 2, 2012 - Genoa 2 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A Juventus Sep 2, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Juventus 4 - Serie A Aug 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A Aug 11, 2012 - Juventus 4 - SSC Napoli 2 - Italian Supercup Aug 4, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Malaga 0 - FR Aug 1, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Benfica 1 - FR Players to Watch Marco Borriello Enigmatic but occasionally problematic, Marco Borriello is, on his day, one of the most feared strikers in Italy. Following a lean 2011-12 campaign, with just 2 league goals in 14 appearances, the 30-year-old will be keen to return to scoring ways, and surely he will regard the opportunity to get one over on his former club as the perfect way to reintroduce himself to the Genoa faithful. Andrea Pirlo The veteran playmaker last season proved that reports of his demise had been greatly exaggerated, and it looks like the 33-year-old is picking up exactly where he left off. Already this season, he has scored one goal and notched one assist in just two games and he will be the Old Lady’s main creative outlet as they look to pierce Genoa’s soft underbelly. Prediction Don’t be surprised to see Borriello open his account for the season along the way, but by the final whistle Juventus’ quality will have been enough to put Genoa to the sword. With both sides going for the win, we can expect an open, entertaining game with chances – and hopefully goals – galore. Editor's Prediction Genoa 1 - 3 Juventus http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Immobile looks to end Juventus run as he bids for a return to the Old Lady The Genoa striker is still co-owned by the Serie A champions and could stake a claim for a January return to Turin by bringing down the Bianconeri on Sunday. Sep 16, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer Juventus’ pursuit of a top-class striker was perhaps the longest-running transfer narrative of the summer transfer window, and even when they eventually signed Nicklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal, director general Giuseppe Marotta was quick to admit that the Dane was not the calibre of goalscorer the Bianconeri had been hoping to capture. IMMOBILE'S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS MAY 2008 Finishes the season with 30 goals in Sorrento's allievi side, winning himself a move to Juventus as a result. FEBRUARY 2009 Scores a double in the semi-final and a further two goals in the final as Juventus' primavera side win the coveted Viareggio tournament. Rewarded weeks later with his first-team debut. FEBRUARY 2010 Scores a hat-trick in the Viareggio final as Juventus retain the trophy, extending his overall haul in the competition to 14 goals, equalling the all-time record. MAY 2012 Caps a magnificent season with his 28th goal in a 3-1 win at Sampdoria, as Pescara win promotion. His co-ownership between Genoa and Juventus is extended to 2013, with the Grifone taking him on for the coming season. AUGUST 2012 Scores his first ever goal in Serie A in the 2-0 opening-day victory over Cagliari at the Marassi. Since then, there has been much talk that the real object of their affections was Fernando Llorente, and that the Athletic Bilbao marksman could arrive in Turin during the January window, as a way of Juve bolstering their forward line for the second-half of the season. However, there remains one striker who has flown under the club’s radar somewhat, despite being on their books, and Ciro Immobile could well boost his claim for a starring role with the Old Lady by helping co-owners Genoa to beat Juventus on Sunday afternoon. Nobody in Italy scored more league goals than Immobile in 2011-12, as his tally of 28 went a long way to securing Pescara’s promotion to Serie A. The variety of strikes was also eye-catching, with his ability to find the net regularly with both feet complimenting his excellent aerial prowess. Such was his quality, Genoa splashed out €4 million for half of his economic rights in January and then added him to their squad in the summer when extending his co-ownership deal. His comfort in leading the line of a side heading towards Serie A was impressive to say the least, as he netted seven doubles as part of his mammoth total. And, in a team containing talents such as Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne, he still managed to stand out as their leading light as the Delfino won the Serie B title. It was the kind of breakthrough year that he had been threatening ever since being snapped up by Juve from Sorrento in 2008. While the Old Lady hierarchy were casting their eye over the likes of Edinson Cavani, Stevan Jovetic, Didier Drogba, Llorente et al, it was understandable that Immobile had not immediately sprung to mind. But for them to then sign Bendtner and immediately claim that he was not quite what they were after may well have stuck in the craw of the 22-year-old Neapolitan. Immobile scored more league goals last term than Bendtner has managed in his entire Arsenal career, and while many in Italy are now claiming Sebastian Giovinco to be the stellar signing that Juve are short of, the ‘Atomic Ant’ does not have the poacher's instinct the Bianconeri have lacked in the past 13 months. Immobile, on the other hand, fits the bill to the letter, with perhaps only his lack of top-level experience going against him. Still, Juventus’ loss is Genoa’s gain and it is up to Immobile to show that he is ready for an assault on a starting place in Turin by making the most of his participation against the Old Lady this afternoon. If there is one thing that will make the Juve board stop and think about any plans to spend huge money on Llorente in January, it would surely be the loss of their 41-game unbeaten league run at the hands of a player of whom they already own 50 per cent. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 'Repeating Champions League triumph will be mission impossible for Chelsea' - Souness The former Liverpool skipper says the Blues will not be able to repeat their "lucky" feat from last season, especially without the influence of striker Didier Drogba in attack. Sep 16, 2012 Graeme Souness - a European Cup-winning captain for Liverpool in the 1980s - believes Chelsea have no chance of retaining their European title if they stick with the same counter-attacking tactics they employed successfully last season. The Blues won their first ever Champions League crown last May, but Souness reckons that feat was the luckiest ever in the history of the competition. "Chelsea got away with it last season and they cannot approach it the same way this time," the former Rangers, Liverpool and Newcastle manager told reporters. "It is impossible. Nobody in the history of football has ever had that much luck. "Chelsea fans have enjoyed the memory of lifting the cup, but they wouldn't have enjoyed the Barca and Bayern games while they were taking place." Club owner Roman Abramovich has again spent big this summer, with the €40 million signing of Eden Hazard from Lille a major signal of intent for the Blues to build on last season's success. However, Souness maintains that Chelsea have no chance of becoming the first team to retain the Champions League unless they play in a more positive manner - and Fernando Torres scores the goals that departed club legend Didier Drogba contributed. He added: "Roberto Di Matteo can't plan to repeat last season. Fair play to him for playing to Chelsea's strengths, but I have concerns for Chelsea in all competitions this season because their get-out-of-jail-card, Didier Drogba, is playing his football in China. "Even if Drogba hasn't been able to do it for 90 minutes in recent years, how often did he save them by popping up with the vital goal, like he did in the final? "I am hoping Fernando Torres can step up to the mark but they are some boots to fill, Drogba was the best centre-forward of his type anywhere. Torres is playing with a bit more confidence now, he seems to be one of those players who needs to be loved to produce his best. But will he ever get back to his Liverpool best? I'm not sure." Chelsea begin their defence of the biggest prize in club football when they face Italian champions Juventus at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi MATCH PREVIEW Sep 16, 2012 Old foes prepare to do battle with Genoa aiming to return to winning ways and Juventus seeking to retain their leadership of Serie A. Genoa’s positive start was ruined a fortnight ago by a late Catania fight-back. The Rossoblu led inside the final ten minutes but eventually succumbed to a 3-2 defeat, continuing last season’s poor record on the road. Despite the frustrating defeat, they remain optimistic this campaign will not be a repeat of last year’s near relegation. Marco Borriello is eager to relaunch his career at Marassi after Juventus failed to make his loan deal permanent. His new strike partner Ciro Immobile is co owned by Juve, and the duo could cause the visitors from Turin pain this Sunday, according to former Bianconeri boss Luigi Maifredi. Luigi De Canio goes into the game with a near-full strength squad, only Juan Vargas is expected to miss out. Juventus are one of four sides to have won both opening matches. The Old Lady enjoyed a comfortable victory over 10 man Udinese in their last outing. Sebastian Giovinco was in inspired form during the 4-1 drubbing and netted a brace. Afterwards stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera said the Bianconeri could still improve. “This team is growing, although we still don’t have the tempo we are looking for. Last season we were hungrier, as perhaps then we wouldn’t have conceded the late goal.” Lucio and Simone Padoin remain on the injury list. Antonio Conte may rotate with the Champions League trip to Chelsea on the horizon. Martin Caceres returns from injury and Mauricio Isla is in the squad for the first time. Historically the two sides have been evenly matched in the port city. Since 1929-30, Genoa have won 17 matches to Juve’s 18. Last season’s 0-0 stalemate was the 11th overall. Keep an eye on: Ciro Immobile (Genoa) – The Azzurrini striker is co-owned by the two clubs and says he wants to emulate Giovinco’s path in the provinces. Immobile is keen to repay Genoa for their faith and will also be looking to show the Bianconeri what he has learnt since leaving Turin. Form guide: Genoa (L W W L W) Juventus (W W W W D) Last season: Genoa 0-0 Juventus Stat fact: Juventus were 6-2 winners in Genoa as they went on to win the 1959-60 Scudetto. It represents the highest scoring game in the fixture’s history. Their imperious trio of Giampiero Boniperti, Omar Sivori and John Charles were all on target. Genoa: Frey; Ferronetti, Canini, Granqvist, Antonelli; Kucka, Seymour, Merkel; Jankovic, Immobile, Borriello Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Barzagli, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Matri, Vucinic http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Genoa-Juventus Preview: Round 3 Sep 16, 2012 After an international break full of World Cup qualifiers, we now take you back to your regularly scheduled programming. Thank God. Pull up a chair, maybe even throw your feet up in your fancy new recliner (/looks at self/) and get ready for the bianconeri's return to the field. Man, this was two long weeks. The continuous transfer stories didn't help. Thanks, Tuttosport. You sons...I'll stop right there. Juventus return to the field with their Serie A undefeated streak still intact. That's fantastic, although not all surprising seeing as they haven't played in two weeks. Yeah, not exactly earth-shattering information. But hey, they're still rolling strong, aren't they? Damn straight. This is the time of year when things really start to get busy. If the international break was the calm before the storm, then the eye is hanging right over Torino and it's raining buckets with winds cranking full force. Tomorrow's match against Genoa kicks off a stretch of seven games before the next international break rolls around (after Juve's trip to Siena on Oct. 7). It will certainly be a busy time, but one I'm sure we all are thankful for. Everybody else in the Champions League has the same kind of craziness going on with their scheduling, so it's not like Juve are the only ones dealing with such issues. GOOD NEWS The international break has allowed Juve's injury problems to at least somewhat go away. The talk this week has included a couple of players who play on the right side of the field. For one, Mauricio Isla looks like he could be making his Juventus debut after returning to the Chilean national team over the international break after his lengthy layoff. The same goes for the return of a certain high sock-wearing Uruguayan, Martin Caceres, who has been training with the reduced squad at Vinovo while everybody else has been away with their respective national teams. Further proof of Juve's improved health from the Twitter machine: Carrera: Isla played for Chile and he's also in good shape and available #GenoaJuve #Juventus Carrera: The players on international duty have returned in good condition #GenoaJuve #Juventus Carrera: Lucio has recovered and everyone is available. We have plenty of options for #GenoaJuve #Juventus Yeah, that has a nice sound to it. BAD NEWS If Ciro Immobile scores a goal on Sunday, it will be for Genoa, not Juventus. That's too bad. WHAT TO WATCH FOR - Ciro Immobile. I mean, really, how can we not keep an eye on him? We are all hoping his season in co-ownership can even come close to replicating that of Sebastian Giovinco's stay at Parma. The 22-year-old Immobile tore up Serie B, and has gotten off to a good start with Geona, recording a goal and an assist to begin the year. He's now on everybody's radar. Some even think Juventus should've brought him back this season after scoring a bazillion goals with Pescara a season ago. If he wants to not score a goal tomorrow, that would be fine with me. But after that, keep the train rolling, kid. - Whoever the heck starts up top. In recent days, the rumor mill has been suggesting it's a Matri-Vucinic combo up top against Genoa. If that's the case, then who knows what may happen. It seems like the combo is either boom or bust lately. Matri recorded a brace in Juve's first game against Genoa last season, so there's at least some hope for some goals, right? - General squad selection. How many players will Juve rest for Chelsea and the mid-week Champions League opener or will the squad pretty much resemble the one we saw in the win against Udinese? It's an interesting choice, as I talked about in Friday's post. Obviously one of this summer's main objetives was to improve the squad's depth and that was done quite swiftly by Beppe Marotta. This is one of those games where, if Antonio Conte choses to rest a good portion of his regulars, where that depth would be put to good use. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marrone, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Vucinic Genoa probable (4-3-3): Frey; Ferronetti, Canini, Granqvist, Antonelli; Kucka, Seymour, Merkel; Jankovic, Immobile, Borriello http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Matri and Giovinco start for Juventus against Genoa The former Cagliari man will play up front alongside the Atomic Ant, as the Bianconeri look to maintain their unbeaten run against Gigi De Canio's side. Sep 16, 2012 Juventus will start with Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco up front against Genoa at Luigi Ferraris on Sunday. The Bianconeri have opted for the Italy international alongside this summer's acquisition from Parma, as they look to maintain their incredible unbeaten league run, that has stretched to 41 Serie A games. Elsewhere for the Old Lady, Gianluigi Buffon will play in goal, marshalling a defence of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. In midfield, Andrea Pirlo, Emanuele Giaccherini and Claudio Marchisio will be flanked by Martin Caceres and Paolo De Ceglie. For Genoa, they have gone for an ultra-attacking 4-3-3 formation, with Bosko Jankovic playing alongside Juve old-by Marco Borriello and Ciro Immobile – who is currently co-owned by the Turin side. Juraj Kucka, Felipe Seymour and Germany U20 international Alexander Merkel will start in the middle of the park, whilst the back four consists of Damiano Feronetti, Andreas Granqvist, Michele Canini and Luca Antonelli. Sebastian Frey will play in goal. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Line-ups: Genoa-Juventus Sep 16, 2012 Juventus have Alessandri Matri and Martin Caceres back in the side against Marco Borriello and Ciro Immobile’s Genoa. The Turin giants are rotating the squad a little bit ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League opener at Chelsea. Mirko Vucinic is rested in favour of a new Matri-Sebastian Giovinco partnership, while Caceres and Paolo De Ceglie give Stefan Lichtsteiner and Pablo Armero a breather. Lucio and Mauricio Isla are back on the bench for the first time this season after injuries, joined by new buy Nicklas Bendtner. Both Genoa strikers Borriello and Immobile have a history playing for Juventus and are therefore eager to make a good impression. It’s Borriello’s first Serie A start since returning to Marassi from Roma this summer, while Bosko Jankovic completes the trident attack. Sampirisi is a surprise starter in defence, while Cristobal Jorquera and Alexander Merkel are benched. GENOA: Frey; Sampirisi, Canini, Bovo, Antonelli; Kucka, Seymour, Bertolacci; Jankovic, Borriello, Immobile Genoa bench: Tzorvas, Granqvist, Moretti, Ferronetti, Toszer, Melazzi, Stilo, Merkel, Piscitella, Anselmo, Jorquera JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Matri Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Lucio, Isla, Pogba, Vidal, Marrone, Asamoah, Vucinic, Bendtner, Quagliarella http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Second-half comeback maintains 100 per cent record for champions Giaccherini, Vucinic and Asamoah all hit after the interval to pull the Bianconeri back from one goal down, extending their unbeaten run to 42 games in the process. Sep 16, 2012 A second-half fightback from Juventus drove the Serie A champions to a 3-1 victory over Genoa, making it three wins out of three for the Turin battlers. Ciro Immobile had fired the home team into an early lead, but Emanuele Giaccherini's finish followed by a penalty from Mirko Vucinic ensured that the Old Lady would take all three points from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Kwadwo Asamoah then put the result beyond any doubt with a close-range finish, consigning Genoa to defeat in a game when victory appeared within their grasp. While Juventus dominated possession in the early exchanges, but it was the swift, direct attacking of the home side that yielded the best opportunities. In fact, Genoa could have netted twice in the opening 10 minutes. Marco Borriello fashioned a golden chance one-on-one with Gianluigi Buffon after latching on to a long ball that eluded everyone in the Juve defence, but dragged his shot just wide of the left post. Immobile was the next man to go close, and the young star co-owned by Juventus really should have punished the Bianconeri on the break. The striker was left alone on the counter to bear down on Buffon after running almost 40 metres, but under pressure from Barzagli fumbled his effort and failed to force a save from the veteran goalkeeper. He would soon make amends, however. A swift one-two with Andrea Bertolacci left Immobile clean through in the area, and this time he would not let Juve off the hook, with a low drive leaving Buffon no chance on its way to rest in the bottom corner. The visitors had looked toothless throughout the opening period, and almost went two down when Borriello, clean through after expertly turning Chiellini, was denied by the veteran keeper from point-blank range. With one of their few opportunities in the entire half, the Old Lady almost hit back. Alessandro Matri took hold of a wonderful through ball from Emanuele Giaccherini and had the goal at his mercy; but to the chagrin of the visiting support, the striker could only scoop his shot harmlessly over the bar. It was a rare opening for the Serie A holders who, despite enjoying ample time on the ball, showed little threat in the final third against a team always looking to do damage on the break. Although the Turin side came out after the interval determined to peg their rivals back, it was again Genoa who continued creating chances. Mario Sampirisi thought for a second he had doubled the advantage after meeting Bosko Jankovic's perfectly-placed free kick, but the header only found the side-netting. Sebastian Giovinco then had the Rossoblu reeling when he cut in from the left, striking against the post before Giaccherini just failed to turn home the rebound. The midfielder was amongst Juve's most dangerous men, and hit just wide with a spectacular volley as pressure mounted on the home team. At the other end Jankovic also struck the woodwork, denied by the bar as he looked to extend the lead in a game that was becoming more open by the minute. Bertolacci then was guilty of squandering an excellent chance to add a second, and punishment was swift as Juve immediately hit back. On the counter directly from the Genoa man's miss, the ball was worked to Giaccherini who had crafted space on the edge of the area. Having narrowly missed the target before, this time the midfielder made no mistake as he drove past Sebastien Frey and kept alive Juventus hopes of further extending their outstanding unbeaten run. The goal put an end somewhat to the manic action of the second half's opening minutes, with both teams settling into a more fluid rhythm. With just 15 minutes remaining, however, Juve were handed a golden chance to take the lead. Sampirisi conceded a penalty when he clumsily felled Kwadwo Asamoah in the box, and Mirko Vucinic made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-1. The killer blow for the home team arrived seven minutes from the end. A cross from the right was deflected across the goalmouth, and Asamoah was on hand to turn the ball in unopposed and ensure that the visitors would be celebrating on Sunday. The win means that Juventus maintain their 100 per cent record in the 2012-13 season, also recording their 42nd consecutive game without losing in Serie A. The Turin side keep pace with Lazio and Napoli as the only teams to have won all three fixtures so far. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 16, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Juve complete Genoa comeback Genoa scared Juventus in the first half with Ciro Immobile, but the substitutes Kwadwo Asamoah and Mirko Vucinic turned the game around. Sep 16, 2012 The Bianconeri hoped to maintain their 100 per cent record while rotating the squad ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League opener with Chelsea. Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin were sidelined, but Lucio, Mauricio Isla and Nicklas Bendtner were in the squad for the first time this season. Genoa have been entertaining so far this term, beating Cagliari 2-0 and losing 3-2 in Catania. Juan Manuel Vargas has been ruled out for three weeks after suffering a thigh strain on international duty, but Marco Borriello and Ciro Immobile were eager to face their former teammates. 19-year-old defender Mario Sampirisi got a rare start. Antonio Conte was in the stands due to his 10-month ban, again replaced by Massimo Carrera on the touchline, but Genoa President Enrico Preziosi is barred from entering any stadium for six months due to the match-fixing scandal of 2005, so he placed a cardboard cut-out of himself in his seat! Borriello went so close to an opener after three minutes, but his angled drive scraped a coat of paint off the base of the far post. Gigi Buffon (a noted Genoa supporter) beat away Jankovic’s free kick with great difficulty. Juve were nervous and left themselves wide open to an Immobile counter-attack, but the Under-21 international still owned by the Bianconeri prodded wide when one-on-one with Buffon. Immobile made up for that error by giving Genoa the lead soon after, albeit in scuffed fashion. The youngster didn’t get a clean touch, but it proved enough to slide the finish through a sea of legs to beat Buffon at the near post. Borriello broke away from Andrea Pirlo to set up Jankovic’s angled drive across the face of goal. Leonardo Bonucci was booked for a handling offence in the wall, but protested as it appeared to be Pirlo’s arm instead. Pirlo admitted to the incident and the referee changed his mind. Juventus were under immense pressure and Borriello was about to score against his former teammates by shrugging off Giorgio Chiellini when Bonucci’s sliding tackle was a decisive block from eight yards. Matri wasted a golden opportunity moments later! He sprung the offside trap and was clear on goal, but incredibly ballooned over the bar! Sebastien Frey plucked an Emanuele Giaccherini half-volley out of the air, but Genoa were furious when Bonucci was only booked for tripping Juraj Kucka on the counter on the edge of the box, though he was not last man. From that free kick, Buffon parried from Cesare Bovo. Genoa should’ve been 2-0 up after the break, but youngster Sampirisi nodded wide from a couple of yards as the free kick found him at the back post. Just 30 seconds later it was Juventus who wasted a great chance, as Giovinco’s angled drive was fingertipped on to the base of the far stick and Giaccherini failed to get the follow-up in from seven yards! Massimo Carrera introduced Kwadwo Asamoah and Mirko Vucinic, then Giaccherini’s half-volley was inches past the post. Borriello nodded a Jankovic set play on to the crossbar just shy of the hour mark, then moments later Buffon parried with an outstretched foot from Andrea Bertolacci. They proved crucial incidents, as Juventus went straight up the other end to score with a fierce Giaccherini strike from the edge of the box! Vucinic and Kucka had a scuffle when waiting for a free kick, but Juve turned the game around completely with their substitutes. Asamoah won the penalty from 19-year-old Sampirisi and Vucinic converted it past Frey despite the goalkeeper guessing the right angle. Having earned the spot-kick by drawing a foul, ex-Udinese midfielder Asamoah got a goal for himself. Vucinic’s cross from the by-line took a deflection along the way and the Ghanaian was ready to tap in at the back post. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genoa:Frey; Sampirisi (Ferronetti 79), Canini, Bovo (Granqvist 67), Antonelli (Melazzi 82); Kucka, Seymour, Bertolacci; Jankovic, Borriello, Immobile Juventus:Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres (Lichtsteiner 76), Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie (Asamoah 55); Giovinco, Matri (Vucinic 55) Ref:Rocchi http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Juve battle back to see off Genoa Sep 16, 2012 Juventus came from behind to extend their perfect start to the season with a comfortable win at Genoa. Ciro Immobile put the home side in front in the 18th minute and they missed numerous chances to double their lead before Emanuele Giaccherini brought the Bianconeri level after an hour. Mirko Vucinic and Kwadwo Asamoah added a second and a third to make it three wins out of three for Juve, who will travel to face Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday in high spirits. Former Juve striker Marco Borriello had the first chance of the game in the fourth minute when he latched onto a weak back-header from Leonardo Bonucci and flashed his shot just wide of the far post. Five minutes later, Immobile missed an even better chance when he had only Gianluigi Buffon to beat, but he took too long making his mind up and, as Andrea Barzagli started biting away at his heels, he scuffed a shot wide. He made amends with a more difficult effort in the 18th minute after exchanging passes with Andrea Bertolacci and slotting his shot in off the inside of the post. Borriello could have made it two in the 37th minute, but a desperate lunge from Bonucci managed to get in between the Genoa striker and Buffon and block the shot. A minute later, Alessandro Matri scuppered Juve's best chance of the game. The linesman's flag stayed down as the former Cagliari striker lifted the ball over the crossbar with only Sebastien Frey to beat. The chances multiplied in the second half with Sampirisi missing Genoa's first in the 52nd minute, grazing the outside of the post with a header before Sebastian Giovinco hit the inside of the post at the other end. Borriello rattled the woodwork at the other end with a header against the crossbar before Bertolacci missed the next one on one, and the game changed immediately with Juve scoring on the counter-attack. Vucinic squared for Giaccherini to place his shot past Frey from 20 yards. Juve completed the turnaround in the 78th minute when Sampirisi fouled Asamoah inside the penalty area and Vucinic dispatched the spot-kick to Frey's left Asamoah wrapped up victory in the 84th minute when he was left unmarked at the far post to turn in Vucinic's deflected cross from a yard out. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Player Ratings Goal.com takes a closer look at the players involved in Sunday's Serie A clash, won by the champions thanks to a second-half renaissance. Sep 16, 2012 GENOA Sebastien Frey 3.0 - Was caught off-guard by Giaccherini's effort, but could do little to avoid the two winning goals as his defence went to pieces. Previously did well to turn Giovinco's shot onto the post. Cesare Bovo 3.0 - Had few problems in shackling the Juventus defence, and it was only after the defender was substituted that the visitors walked away with the win. Luca Antonelli 3.0 - Was badly exposed when the arrivals of Vucinic and Asamoah gave Juve an extra attacking edge, leaving far too much space at the back, but performed admirably on the whole. Michele Canini 3.0 - Failed to pick up Asamoah as the striker stole in to make the game safe, after marshalling the champions well for a large majority of the encounter. Mario Sampirisi 2.5 - Missed a decent header when the game was still 1-0. Later, a bone-headed challenge on Asamoah gifted Juve a penalty, and ultimately all three points. Felipe Seymour 3.0 - Lucky not to see a penalty called against him early in the second after what appeared to be a clear hand in the area. Otherwise, a mature performance from the young Chilean. Juraj Kucka 2.5 - Tested Juventus on occasion with his running from deep and only a last-ditch foul from Bonucci cut him down on his way to goal in the first half. Went missing in the second half. Andrea Bertolacci 2.5 - Paid dearly for his profligacy in the second half. Squandered the chance to put Genoa two up, and was immediately punished when the away team equalised within seconds of his error. Bosko Jankovic 2.0 - Looked most dangerous from set-pieces, and forced a handful of decent saves from Buffon with his wicked efforts from free kicks, but was generally not involved enough. Ciro Immobile 3.5 - Should have done better with an early chance, but made full amends with his well-taken first-half effort. A constant headache for the Juve defence with his pace and movement. Marco Borriello 3.0 - Physical yet elegant, he made Chiellini look foolish with a wonderful turn in the first half but lacked a cool head at times when it came to finishing. • Substitutions Damiano Ferronetti N/A - Given 10 minutes at the end as the game slipped away from the Rossoblu. Andreas Granqvist 2.0 - Came on for Bovo following the equaliser, but was given a torrid time by the electric Asamoah. Leonardo Melazzi N/A - A late substitute as Genoa tried in vain to rescue a point. JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon 3.0 - Made a couple of vital stops to keep an enterprising Genoa at bay, a one-on-one save from Borriello particularly noteworthy. It was the veteran's quick thinking and precise long kick that set up the equaliser. Giorgio Chiellini 3.0 - Was caught out on more than one occasion by Borriello, and only Buffon's heroics meant the defender did not pay more dearly for his inattention, but was generally solid enough. Martín Cáceres 2.0 - Failed to convince on the right of a five-man midfield, offering little in the way of either attacking threat or defensive solidity. Put in a handful of crosses but did not shine. Paolo De Ceglie 2.0 - A low-key but effective performance from the wideman, who controlled his flank well albeit with little attacking impetus. Andrea Barzagli 3.0 - Given a tough time throughout by the talented Immobile, but held his own even if at times conceding a free kick was the only way to control the youngster. Leonardo Bonucci 2.5 - Somewhat fortunate only to receive a yellow card after cutting down Kucka en route to goal, although a straight red would have also been harsh. Did what he could anchoring the three-man defence, although occasionally weak in the air. Claudio Marchisio 3.0 - Was a key part of Juve's possession game, and was effective in stemming Genoa's counters apart from a couple of scares. Andrea Pirlo 3.0 - Came alive late in the game when Vucinic and Asamoah changed the course of events, finding the passes which had previously eluded the veteran maestro. Emanuele Giaccherini 3.0 - One of the best on the field for the away side. Should have provided the opening goal with a delicious pass to Matri, and took on the scoring mantle himself to level the game on the hour mark. Sebastian Giovinco 3.0 - Came perilously close to restoring parity with an effort that was tipped by Frey onto the post. Faded in and out of proceedings, but showed a handful of electric moments. Alessandro Matri 2.0 - Guilty of missing a golden chance to force the equaliser, tamely hitting over with the net in his sights. Replaced by Vucinic early in the second half. • Substitutions Stephan Lichtsteiner 3.0 - Came in late for Uruguay international Caceres, adding attacking potency down the right hand side. Kwadwo Asamoah 3.5 - The winger made a key contribution in the visitors' revival after the break. Won the penalty which put his side in the lead and notched the third with an intelligent finish. Mirko Vučinić 4.0 - Made an almost instant impact coming off the bench, laying off intelligently for Giaccherini to level the game. Converted the penalty before crossing for Asamoah to kill off the match. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Carrera: 'Vucinic was the key' Sep 16, 2012 Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera accepts substitute Mirko Vucinic was decisive as Juventus overturned the result in Genoa. The tactician is on the touchline during Antonio Conte’s 10-month ban and cannot communicate with his Coach, so makes the decisions on changes during a game. “We suffered in the first half and knew Marassi would be a tough place to play,” said Carrera after the 3-1 victory. “Genoa started very strong and caught us unprepared on the counter a couple of times. We then did well to start controlling the tempo and spreading the play. “Gigi Buffon performed some miraculous saves to keep us in the game, then the rest of his teammates turned it around.” The substitutions proved decisive, as Kwadwo Asamoah earned a penalty for Mirko Vucinic and then scored another himself. “It’s hardly news that Vucinic is a great player, but he was tired after international duty and Alessandro Matri was in better shape. “Vucinic knows he is an important player, but he has to prove he deserves his place in training, just like everyone else. If someone thinks they are untouchable then they might relax during training. This way we keep everyone on their toes.” Juventus rotated the squad ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Stamford Bridge. “Were our minds on Chelsea? No, we were focused on Genoa, absolutely.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Carrera proud of Juventus comeback The Bianconeri recovered from an early deficit to record a 3-1 win over Genoa, and the 48-year-old was full of praise for his side's second-half performance. Sep 16, 2012 Juventus stand-in coach Massimo Carrera has voiced his pride after his troops overturned a half-time deficit to beat Genoa 3-1. After a static first-half performance, the Bianconeri were in danger of letting their 41-game unbeaten run slip, but recovered thanks to goals from Emanuele Giaccherini, Mirko Vucinic and Kwadwo Asamoah to maintain their 100 per cent Serie A record this season. And Carrera has insisted that his side were entirely focused on matters at the Luigi Ferraris, despite their impending return to the Champions League on Wednesday. "In the second half we upped the pace and turned the game," he was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "Our heads were in Genoa, not at Chelsea, but we suffered in the first half. Genoa started strong, and caught us unprepared two or three times off of restarts." Carrera reserved special praise for keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who made a number of impressive saves when his side were on the ropes. "His great save from Bertolacci kept us in the game." The former Italy defender also explained his decision to start Alessandro Matri in place of regular striker Vucinic, who came off the bench to score from the penalty spot. "Vucinic is a great champion, but earlier this week he had played in the national team, so we chose Matri." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Serie A Round 3 Results: Bologna stun Roma with sensational late comeback, Lazio & Napoli march on following wins Calcio fans were treated to a glut of goals over the weekend, as Siena turned their clash with Udinese around to earn a point, while Fiorentina and Sampdoria emerged victorious. Sep 16, 2012 Serie A Round 3 Results League Table PALERMO 1 - 1 CAGLIARI Palermo may have ended a run of two consecutive defeats, but were left to rue an late Cagliari equaliser on Saturday, as the scores finished tied at 1-1. The hosts took the lead with five minutes of the first half to spare through Egidio Arevalo. Captain Fabrizio Miccoli was the architect of the move, taking on two players before cutting the ball back for the Uruguayan to break his Rosanero duck. Cagliari began to push for the equaliser, and although Lorenzo Ariaudo's goalbound flick was ruled offside, Marco Sau grabbed a point for his side three minutes from time, capitalising on a rebound from Gabriele Perico's volley. However, the game will be more remembered for the exploits of the Sardinians' goalkeeper Michael Agazzi, who performed a Rene Higuita-esque scorpion save to deny Miccoli's free kick from crossing the line. Giuseppe Sannino's future as Palermo coach now looks uncertain, with president Maurizio Zamparini after the game claiming that he'd "rather get drunk" than discuss the trainer's position. AC MILAN 0 - 1 ATALANTA Match Report - Player Ratings CHIEVO 1 - 3 LAZIO Lazio maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a comprehensive 3-1 success over Chievo at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi. The victory also makes Vladimir Petkovic the first Biancocelesti boss since Tommaso Maestrelli in 1974-75 to kick-off a Serie A campaign with three straight wins. Hernanes got the ball rolling for his side inside just the fifth minute, leaving two players for dead before rifling home an effort from distance. The Brazilian then re-enacted the move in the latter stages of the first half, but needed Miroslav Klose to mop up the rebound. And deep in the second period, Hernanes capped off a virtuoso display with a low strike past Stefano Sorrentino. Nonetheless, there was still time for a customary consolation from Sergio Pellissier, but it didn't affect the outcome of the game as Lazio remain third in Serie A. The visitors, however, find themselves in 12th place. FIORENTINA 2 - 0 CATANIA Fiorentina seem to be on the right track towards living up to their pre-season hype, after Vincenzo Montella masterminded a 2-0 victory over former side Catania. Despite their heavy summer spending, Stevan Jovetic remains the Viola's shining light in attack, and he proved it once more at the end of the first half, linking up with Adem Ljalic on the edge of the box before squeezing a low shot into the bottom right corner. The win was sealed with 15 minutes left on the clock, as the Artemio Franchi's prodigial son Luca Toni made an instant impact; coming off the bench to tap home Jovetic's low ball, and seal all three points for an ever-improving Fiorentina side. They now move to fifth in the Serie A table, while Catania drop to seventh. GENOA 1 - 3 JUVENTUS Match Report - Player Ratings NAPOLI 3 - 1 PARMA Napoli joined Juventus and Lazio at the top of Serie A on Sunday, convincingly beating Parma 3-1 to preserve their 100 per cent start to the season. The Partenopei broke the deadlock on just three minutes into the action at the San Paolo, after Goran Pandev was felled by Antonio Mirante in the box. Edinson Cavani made no mistake from the penalty spot. Pandev was at it again on 38 minutes, as Cavani released Marek Hamsik in the clear, with the Macedonian waiting in the box to tuck home the Slovakian's cut-back. However, Napoli suffered a scare moments before half time. Sotiris Ninis' in-swinging cross met the looping head of Marco Parolo, who netted his first league goal in Gialloblu colours. That didn't deter Walter Mazzarri's outfit, though, as with the final whistle fast approaching, Pandev once more proved every inch the match winner, conjuring up a delightful flick for Lorenzo Insigne to pounce on and round off proceedings. The hosts stay second in the table, but Parma head into the fourth matchday in 13th place. PESCARA 2 - 3 SAMPDORIA An exciting spectacle between the two newly-promoted sides was witnessed at the Adriatico on Sunday, but it was Sampdoria who took the honours in a 3-2 victory over Pescara. Maxi Lopez continued his impressive start to life with the Blucerchiati, scoring the opening goal of the game in a sweeping move orchestrated by Pedro Obiang midway through the first half. They doubled their lead on the hour mark through fellow new recruit Marcelo Estigarribia via a looping effort which caught Mattia Perin off-guard. However, not long after, former Rangers youngster Mervan Celik put Pescara back in with a shout following a side-footed finish of the highest order. Nevertheless, Sampdoria did not lose their composure and went on to sew up the win via Lopez again, scoring the eventual winner from a tight angle on 76 minutes, despite a Gianluca Caprari rocket from distance making for a nail-biting end to the match. Ciro Ferrara's charges have now accumulated maximum points from their first three matches and keep fourth in the Serie A standings. The Delfini, however, have not yet registered a point in the top flight. ROMA 2 - 3 BOLOGNA Roma suffered a nasty shock at the death, as they threw away a two-goal lead against Bologna to eventually crash to a 3-2 defeat at the Olimpico. Mattia Destro's offside finish proved the precursor for Alessandro Florenzi to keep up with his rich vein of form. Francesco Totti's shot bounced off the underside of the crossbar, but the young midfielder was on hand to head in the rebound. On 16 minutes, the Giallorossi made it 2-0 thanks to Erik Lamela's long-range effort, and from then on it seemed plainsailing for Zdenek Zeman's young side. However, with three quarters of the game played, Bologna nicked a goal back from recent arrival Alberto Gilardino, who headed home his first goal as a Rossoblu player. Moments later, Alessandro Diamanti smashed a volley past Maarten Stekelenburg. And Roma's fate was sealed in injury time; Gyorgy Garics' cross was not properly dealt with by a flailing Stekelenburg, who saw his attempt to smother the ball away blocked by Gilardino. It was the striker's second of the afternoon. The result leaves the hosts on four points and in sixth place. Bologna, meanwhile, pick up their first points of the season and lie in 14th position. SIENA 2 - 2 UDINESE Udinese's dreadful start to the season took another turn for the worst on Sunday as they surrendered a comfortable lead against Siena to draw 2-2 in Tuscany. The Zebrette lost a number of key players during the summer, and their failure to overcome Braga in the Champions League play-offs was soon followed by consecutive defeats to Fiorentina and Juventus. Siena also find themselves in a poor situation, having only taken one point thus far and remaining -5 behind the rest of the pack in Serie A following the Scommessopoli verdict, and they went down to a thunderous Dusan Basta strike on three minutes. Basta again proved the protagonist for his side, serving up a pinpoint cross for the evergreen Antonio Di Natale to dive home with his head, but it proved to be the beginning of their downfall. Shortly after the interval, loan midfielder Andrea Lazzarri was shown a second yellow card, and it gave Siena the impetus to regain control of the encounter. They pulled one back via Alessio Sestu's cross, which was nodded in by Emanuele Calaio. Redemption was thus secured on 77 minutes; Ze Eduardo converting from the penalty spot following Maurizio Domizzi's foul on Angelo. Siena are now on -4 but stay bottom, but Udinese hover in 17th place. TORINO 0 - 2 INTER Match Report - Player Ratings http://www.soccerway...regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Giaccherini admits to Genoa problems Sep 17, 2012 Emanuele Giaccherini has applauded the efforts of Genoa for putting his Juventus side under pressure on Sunday. The Rossoblu took the lead in the Marassi encounter and had other chances to score, but the Old Lady hit back after the break to collect a 3-1 win. “We were put under a great deal of pressure and Genoa deservedly went ahead,” the Italian international stated. “They could have even doubled their lead, but we rode our luck and emerged as a different side after the break. “In these first three championship games we’ve lost a bit of the intensity that made us stand out last year, but we’re only in the opening stages of the season. “We’re working to get back to playing at those levels from the very first minute.” The game turned thanks to a fine Giaccherini goal following a swift counter-attack by the Italian champions. “I followed the move because we set off on the break and the Coach asks us to break forward as much as possible,” the 27-year-old noted. “The goal was nice, but above all I’m happy about the victory. It was an extremely important result for us.” Juventus have a 100 per cent record in Serie A, along with Napoli, Lazio and Sampdoria, after winning all three of their League games so far. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Serie A Week 3 - 16-9-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 3 Ciro Immobile (18′) Emanuele Giaccherini (61′) Mirko Vučinić (78′ - Penalty) Kwadwo Asamoah (84′) Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 20000 Juventus overcome Genoa scare to prove their extra quality ahead of Champions League return. The Bianconeri were on the verge of suffering an upset at the Marassi, but a second-half masterclass ensured they head for Chelsea with a spring in their step Sep 17, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer It looked a bit precarious at one point, but Juventus' unbeaten run in Serie A was extended to 42 games after they came from behind to snatch victory at Genoa on Sunday, as the Bianconeri once again proved to have that extra quality which makes them most people's favourites to collect another Scudetto come May. Ahead of their long-awaited return to the Champions League, Antonio Conte had decided to turn over his squad, leaving Arturo Vidal, Mirko Vucinic, Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner on the bench. And for a long spell, those who had put Juve's high energy levels of 2011-12 down to the lack of midweek football seemed set to have proof of the Turin side's lack of squad depth, as they struggled to play with the same fluency as they are capable of when at full strength. Having taken the lead through Ciro Immobile in the first half, Luigi De Canio's men had two glorious opportunities to leave Juve on the canvas, but they failed to find that knockout blow and were made to pay as the champions began to bring more familiar faces off the bench. Mario Sampirisi could not find the target for the hosts when given the benefit of a free header from a Bosko Jankovic free kick, before Andrea Bertolacci shot tamely when looking to finish a sweeping move, allowing Gianluigi Buffon to save with his legs. On both occasions, Juve immediately went up the other end and rocked Genoa, first with a Sebastian Giovinco shot which came back off the post, the rebound from which Emanuele Giaccherini somehow turned away from goal. The second time, though, the home side would not be so fortunate, as substitute Vucinic teed up Giaccherini for the equaliser, and the Old Lady did not look back. After Sampirisi capped a poor individual display by fouling Asamoah in the area, allowing Vucinic to put his side ahead, the Ghanaian then put the result beyond doubt with a goal of his own. It completed only a second comeback win during their 42-game run, but it could be a sign of things to come as the Bianconeri are asked greater questions by the heavier workload ahead, starting with the trip to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday to face European champions Chelsea. The introductions of Vucinic and Asamoah were timely, and to that extent match day coach Massimo Carrera deserves some credit. Both were also extremely necessary thanks to the starters' inability to stretch Genoa and open the gaps into which Andrea Pirlo loves to play passes. However, if the first hour showed that Juve do have a depth issue, the final 30 minutes proved that they have a first XI that nobody in Italy can match. Time will tell as to whether they have enough to challenge on the continent too. ELSEWHERE… • The sun shines, the birds sing, car and moped horns beep outside and Maurizio Zamparini sacks a coach… just another day in Palermo. The controversial figure has now overseen the exit of 22 coaches since August 2002, with Giuseppe Sannino the latest man to fall foul of his trigger finger. Gian Piero Gasperini steps in after a year in the wilderness following his dismissal from Inter at the same stage last season, and he will have his work cut out now to inspire a ragged Rosanero outfit to climb up the table following their collection of just one point so far. Failure to oversee a turnaround could easily result in him becoming number 23 in Zamparini's little black book. • Zdenek Zeman's second coming at Roma has had a little bit of everything already. After twice coming from behind at home to Catania, the Giallorossi turned in a superb display at Inter a fortnight ago, but this weekend they managed to throw away a two-goal lead in their shock defeat to Bologna. After Alessandro Florenzi and Erik Lamela had put them out in front they appeared to be home and hosed, but Alberto Gilardino inspired a collapse for the home side with a second-half brace, including a 90th-minute winner after Maarten Stekelenburg comically lost the ball in a collision with team-mate Nicolas Burdisso. • Inter bounced back from their defeat to the Giallorossi with another away win against Torino on Sunday evening. The Nerazzurri have now won all four games on the road this season, scoring 10 goals and conceding none. Diego Milito and substitute Antonio Cassano netted at the Olimpico, but now it is the job of coach Andrea Stramaccioni to ensure that his side back up their win when they play Rubin Kazan on Thursday. If they do, they will become the first home side to win at San Siro this term at a combined sixth time of asking. • Alongside Juventus and Napoli, Lazio remain the only other side with nine points from nine so far, with the Biancocelesti continuing their perfect start with a 3-1 lunchtime win over Chievo. Anderson Hernanes grabbed a double and added an assist for Miroslav Klose, as Lazio momentarily went top of the table. But with Napoli winning by the same score against Parma, as Goran Pandev returned to the side to score once and set up two more, including a late clincher for Lorenzo Insigne, they were displaced by Juve and the Naples side in the top two. • And finally, congratulations to Luca Toni on a triumphant return to Fiorentina in trying circumstances. The former Italy striker pulled on the Viola shirt for the first time in five years and immediately made his mark with a goal barely 60 seconds after coming on to clinch a 2-0 win over Catania. He later dedicated the goal to "those that are, and those that are no longer," in reference to the harrowing loss of his still-born son in the summer, and thanked all those who have supported he and partner Marta over what he described as a "very difficult period". http://www.soccerway...regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
Socrates 8240 Joined: 04-Apr-2006 132525 messaggi Inviato September 17, 2012 Lippi lauds 'anti-Juve' Napoli Sep 17, 2012 Marcello Lippi believes Napoli are best placed to be the 'anti-Juve' but doesn't want to talk about his old nemesis Zdenek Zeman. The Guanzhou Evergrande Coach gave his thoughts on how all the major clubs have started the season in an interview with giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Napoli deserve special attention, they may be the anti-Juve,” began Lippi, who spent a year in charge of the Vesuviani in the nineties. “Their team has been built over the years with great wisdom and intuition, they have a great Coach who has enhanced the players at his disposal, and they grew during their splendid Champions League campaign last year.” Turning to two more of his ex clubs, Lippi had words of praise for Juventus and Inter. “Juventus have added good players to deal with the Champions League. It is important to return to the international arena after winning the Italian championship. It allows you to grow in self awareness and strength. Antonio Conte's disqualification will not be a problem. “Inter have won four away games, scoring ten and conceding zero. They have many good players who can produce something and win a game at any time.” The former Italy CT is especially pleased to see the positive start Sampdoria have made under his former assistant Ciro Ferrara. “They have made a very good start. Good luck to Ciro, he deserves it and so do Samp.” Lippi believes the problems at Milan have been blown out of proportion, and also revealed how close he once was to taking charge of the Rossoneri. “It is normal to talk about a crisis in Italy, and starting with two defeats at home isn't the best. However when you renew and lose important players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva its normal to have problems.” “Have Milan ever contacted me? We were close a couple of years ago, but then took other paths.” On the sacking of Giuseppe Sannino, Lippi suggested such things are inevitable in Palermo. “Coaches know that some places are nice to work, and others are a little dangerous. Sannino did well with Varese and Siena, and although it went wrong in Palermo, he'll be back.” Lippi was however loathe to discuss Roma boss Zeman, who he was at loggerheads with in the nineties after the Czech made doping allegations centred on Juve. “I'm not interested in these things. I do not know why we continue to talk about it.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/ Condividi questo messaggio Link di questo messaggio Condividi su altri siti
