Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Lennon: 'Celtic will complain to ref'

Mar 5, 2013

Celtic manager Neil Lennon warned his team will harangue the referee to “do his job properly” if Juventus defend too aggressively on corners.

The Hoops complained bitterly after the 3-0 first leg defeat at Parkhead that the defenders, above all Stephan Lichtsteiner, were too physical in their man-marking at set pieces and wanted several penalties.

“No one minds physical contact,” said Lennon in today’s Press conference ahead of the second leg tomorrow night.

“I don't want to make a big issue of it, but the players will make the referee aware if it goes on again.

“I'm not taking anything away from Juventus, they deserved to win the game. But I did feel there were parts of the game that Juve should have been punished for, particularly at the corners.

“I watched the Napoli v Juve game the other night and Edinson Cavani was being pulled around quite a bit. We're just looking for the referee to do his job properly, that is all.”

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte joked about Lennon’s protests in his own Press conference today.

“At every corner, there is a Celtic player blocking the goalkeeper. That is systematically a foul as the rulebook says so.

“If Lennon is moaning about referees then he’s ready to work in Italy as everyone moans here. Joking aside, Celtic are doing really well and he is a prepared tactician.”

The referee for the second leg in Turin tomorrow night will be Turkish official Firat Aydinus, who will be in charge of only his fourth Champions League fixture.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Samaras: 'Celtic must score first'

Mar 5, 2013

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras missed the first leg, but is back to face Juventus in Turin tomorrow. “It’s vital we score the first goal.”

The forward was injured when Juve won 3-0 in Glasgow and plays the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday evening.

“Anything can happen in football,” said Samaras in a Press conference.

“It's vital that we score the first goal to give us hope in the tie. We'll try to play the same way as we did in Glasgow, but this time we need to convert the chances we create. We have to take risks.

“Football is not a one-man show. We play as a team and win as a team. Sometimes I score goals, sometimes others score goals.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Juventus squad for Celtic

Mar 5, 2013

Juventus have named their squad for tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Celtic, but Nicolas Anelka is not included.

There were some reports in French media that Anelka would even start the match, but the former Arsenal man is left behind along with the injured Martin Caceres.

Giorgio Chiellini is included despite picking up a knock against Napoli on Friday evening.

Juventus squad for Celtic: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Chiellini doubtful for Celtic clash

The experienced defender is being plagued by physical problems

and could miss the Champions League encounter versus the Scottish champions.

Mar 5, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte could be without Giorgio Chiellini for Wednesday's Champions League encounter at home against Celtic.

The Italy international picked up an ankle problem in the Serie A win over Siena in February, and the injury is now once more causing him difficulties.

Chiellini was forced to sit out Monday's training session due to the knock, and is unsure whether he will be match fit in time for the match versus Celtic.

"Giorgio Chiellini missed out on Monday morning’s workout in Vinovo after feeling a recurrence of the ankle complaint picked up during February’s encounter with Siena," a statement on the official Juve website reads.

The Bianconeri recorded a 3-0 away victory in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, and will be looking to seal the deal in the return on Wednesday.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Conte: We can't be complacent against Celtic

The Juventus coach has called on his players to repeat their performance from the 3-0

first leg win over the SPL champions, and not to assume that a quarter-final place is certain.

Mar 5, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has warned his players of becoming complacent as they look to book their place in the quarter finals of the Champions League against Celtic on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri lead 3-0 from the first leg at Celtic Park after a clinical performance, but the former Italy international does not believe the tie is over despite the one-sided scoreline.

"Qualification is obtained over 180 minutes, and so far we've only played 90. There is another 90 to go against a strong, proud team who will want to make amends for first leg," Conte told reporters.

"The first leg has given us a seriously good chance of reaching the next round, but in football, there are always surprises."

The 43-year-old reiterated that the Scottish outfit can still cause a problem for the Serie A leaders despite being behind in the tie, and praised the work being done by his opposite number Neil Lennon.

"Celtic are a side capable of creating plenty of danger, we need to be fully focused," he added. "It's an important test. They are a great team and Lennon is doing a superb job."

Conte was also full of praise for his own players after their victory in Glasgow, and hoped that winning so handsomely in a notoriously hostile stadium will stand them in good stead for the future.

The coach continued: "Not succumbing to the pressure of Celtic Park was an excellent test of the team's maturity and gives me great confidence. It's not easy to play in hostile environments.

"Everybody at Juventus should be proud of what we're doing. We need to keep it going."

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Barzagli: Juventus success built on defence

The Italy centre-back believes the work of the whole side on the defensive side of their game

has helped them become one of the best sides in Europe over the past few years.

Mar 5, 2013

Juventus' Andrea Barzagli believes the club's current success is built on their defensive ability as they prepare to face Celtic in the Champions League.

The Serie A leaders are 3-0 up on their Scottish visitors ahead of the second leg in Turin, and the 31-year-old centre-back believes the whole team's defensive work has been the catalyst for them to perform well in recent years.

"The basis of our defence is organisation. We have been working hard even in the few days we've had [since the Napoli match]," Barzagli told reporters.

"There is a great harmony in this group. The midfielders and attackers also give us defenders a big hand.

"We are a compact team that works hard. We have a solid foundation and we hope that continues to be the case."

The former Palermo defender has been at the heart of Antonio Conte's defence since the start of the season, but he refused to speculate as to if this was his best campaign to date.

"It is difficult for me to say if this has been my best season or not. Of course, the important thing is continuity," Barzagli added.

"I am part of a solid defence that has been doing some great things for the past 18 months now."

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Lennon: Celtic are capable of beating Juventus

The Northern Irishman believes his side can restore their pride with a win in Italy

whilst Georgios Samaras remains hopeful of overturning the three-goal first-leg deficit.

Mar 5, 2013

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is targeting a shock victory over Juventus in Wednesday's last-16 second-leg encounter in Turin.

The Old Lady all but sealed their progression to the quarter-finals in the first leg, ruthlessly consigning the Scottish side to a 3-0 defeat at Parkhead.

And, though Lennon conceded that the Bhoys require a "minor miracle" to overturn that deficit, he believes a win by a lesser margin is a genuine possibility.

“We are capable of winning the game and that's what we'd like to do,” he told reporters. “We have to get a foothold in the game. If we create as many chances as we did at Celtic Park then we'll be in for a good night.

“Over 90 minutes, Juventus deserved to win. They are a class side with fantastic players but we played well and were unfortunate not to score.

“It's a fantastic occasion for the club, we're playing the Champions of Italy in Turin. I'll tell the players to enjoy it, enjoy the stadium and the atmosphere, and not to be intimidated.

“The pressure is off, so we need to try and restore some respectability. If we can win in Italy it would be a fantastic achievement by this team. To qualify would take a minor miracle.”

Lennon also confirmed that striker Georgios Samaras will be fit in time to feature, and the Greece international has set his sights on causing huge upset.

“It's vital that we score the first goal to give us hope in the tie," he said.

“We'll try to play the same way as we did in Glasgow, but this time we need to convert the chances we create. We have to take risks.

“A win first of all would be a success but as a team we want to make history and break records. I always say in football it is never over until the last second.

“Anything can happen in football.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Juventus - Celtic Preview: Hoops need

a miracle to reach last eight for first time

The Turin giants hold a three-goal advantage after the Glasgow meeting between

the two sides as they look to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Mar 5, 2013

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso

Pirlo

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Asamoah

Vucinic, Giovinco

CELTIC

Forster

Matthews, Ambrose, Wilson, Izaguirre

Ledley, Wanyama, Commons

Forrest, Hooper, Samaras

With his side being three goals ahead in the tie, Juventus boss Antonio Conte is likely to leave out defender Giorgio Chiellini who made his return from injury in the 1-1 draw with Napoli on Friday night after being out since December.

Conte also has doubts over the fitness of Martin Caceres and Nicolas Anelka (both back) and therefore probably won’t be risked for the second leg, while Paolo De Ceglie, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe (all thigh) all continued to be sidelined with long-term injuries.

Celtic arrive in Turin knowing they need a miracle in order to qualify for the quarter-final stages, but boss Neil Lennon has good news with talismanic striker Georgios Samaras returning during the 2-1 defeat away to Motherwell in the SPL last Wednesday.

However, Scott Brown's ongoing abductor problems will force him to miss the trip, while Swedish full back Mikael Lustig (thigh) also looks set to sit the game out.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus are unbeaten in Europe for almost three years, recording eight wins and nine draws, with their last defeat being a 4-1 thumping away to Fulham.

• The Serie A leaders also have an impressive record at home in the Champions League, having only lost once in their last 29 games.

• Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal will miss the first leg of a potential quarter-final tie should they receive a yellow card.

• Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the only survivor of the last fixture between the two sides in Turin, when a last-minute Nicola Amoruso penalty saw Juventus claim a controversial 3-2 victory.

• Celtic have failed to get by the last 16 stage since the creation of the Champions League, falling at this hurdle twice, at the hands of AC Milan and Barcelona.

• The Parkhead side have yet to record a win in Italy, having only recorded three draws in their nine visits to the country.

• The victory Neil Lennon’s side recorded at Spartak Moscow during the second game of the group stages was Celtic’s first away victory in the Champions League in their last 21 games.

• The SPL leaders fielded a side during their opening group stage fixture with Benfica that included 10 players making their Champions League debuts.

Head to Head

16.09.1981 - Champion Clubs' Cup - Celtic Glasgow-Juventus 1-0

30.09.1981 - Champion Clubs' Cup - Juventus-Celtic Glasgow 2-0

18.09.2001 - Champions League - Juventus-Celtic Glasgow 3-2

31.10.2001 - Champions League - Celtic Glasgow-Juventus 4-3

12.02.2013 - Champions League ‎- ‎Celtic Glasgow-Juventus 0-3

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Mar 1, 2013 - SSC Napoli 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A

Feb 24, 2013 - Juventus 3 - Siena 0 - Serie A

Feb 16, 2013 - Roma 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A

Feb 12, 2013 - Celtic 0 - Juventus 3 - UCL

Feb 9, 2013 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 0 - Serie A

Celtic

Feb 12, 2013 - Celtic 0 - Juventus 3 - UCL

Dec 5, 2012 - Celtic 2 - Spartak 1 - UCL

Nov 20, 2012 - Benfica 2 - Celtic 1 - UCL

Nov 7, 2012 - Celtic 2 - FC Barcelona 1 - UCL

Oct 23, 2012 - FC Barcelona 2 - Celtic 1 - UCL

Players to Watch

Claudio Marchisio

The 27-year-old was outstanding at Celtic Park, where he controlled the midfield area, helping the Bianconeri to an easy three-goal victory in Glasgow to make the game in Turin almost meaningless. He will be looking to add to his six goals so far this season, with two of his strikes coming in the Champions League.

Fraser Forster

The former Newcastle keeper has been in outstanding form this season which has seen calls for him to receive an England call-up swell. The 24-year-old illustrated his wealth of skills on Saturday, with a superb save from St Mirren’s Graham Carey to secure a place in the Scottish Cup semi-final for the Glasgow giants.

Prediction

The result in Glasgow makes this game nearly irrelevant, as the SPL leaders are unlikely to be able to overcome a three-goal deficit, while making sure that the home side don’t add to their advantage. Juventus should ultimately be able to see out the game and claim a place in the last eight of the Champions League with a comfortable home victory.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 2 - 0 Celtic

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Can Celtic stun Juventus with an unlikely comeback?

Mar 5, 2013

The Champions League returns this week, although only one of Italy’s two remaining representatives take to the field when Juventus meet Celtic in Turin, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

In truth, this should be one of the Bianconeri’s easier games of this month, having already fought through a tough top of the table clash against Napoli on Friday night. The club are defending a 3-0 lead they picked up at Parkhead in the first leg.

This should be a routine game for Juventus, and one in which they can use to rest many of their key players, given that there is little or no chance of them crumbling so dramatically in a manner that has not been witnessed from an Italian side since that Champions League final last decade.

Three of their players are a booking away from a suspension and it seems likely that Antonio Conte will keep with Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner. Meanwhile, Giorgio Chiellini is unlikely to be risked given that he only returned to action at the San Paolo last week.

Players like Paul Pogba, Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah should all return to the side and be thankful of the chance to prove themselves on the biggest stage of all. But will resting some vital players hand some of the psychological edge over to the Scottish champions?

There is no doubt that Juventus sent Celtic a message in the last game, that being if you make mistakes at this level against top opposition then you will be punished. Juventus are in firm command of the tie, but there is a chance that the visitors could be buoyed by the Old Lady resting so many players.

They may see this as a show of disrespect or simply that, rightly, Juve can afford themselves some breathing space given their large lead. However, this could see Celtic go out wanting to prove that they are a better side than they showed in the first leg and want to punish a Juventus team that may lack some of their stars.

Of course, the replacements that they can all upon, such as Pogba, are still outstanding players who should slot in without too much trouble. These players should do a very efficient job, but they must be wary of the threat of a team who will be coming to Juventus Stadium knowing they have nothing to lose.

That makes them a dangerous opponent indeed and they will be desperate to put on a show for their many fans who will have paid a lot of money to get to Italy. Celtic fans will most likely know that this is essentially a chance to watch their team for the last time this year in Europe’s biggest tournament, rather than having serious hopes of advancing.

Yet, everyone has already written them off in this tie and if they could get the opening goal of this game, then who knows what could follow it. They have conceded only three goals once this season (in that famous game against Inter that ended their unbeaten run) and the chances of Celtic coming to Turin and doing so are remote.

However, the opening goal could just turn the tide in Celtic’s favour, especially if they can get it early. This is by no means an endorsement of the Bhoys’ chances and even if they were to score, all it takes is one goal from the home side to truly kill the tie off.

However, Celtic will be going into this game, at least, looking to end their campaign on a high. Giving the travelling fans something to cheer about by getting another result to add to their vastly improving away record and will undoubtedly be hopeful of going there and picking up a narrow win over what could be a second-string Juventus team.

Although captain Scott Brown misses out through injury, they welcome Georgios Samaras back to the side. The Greek international is a key player for the Hoops, especially away from home in Europe where his pace, intelligent movement and ability to hold the ball up and dictate the flow of play when necessary is key.

Anthony Stokes is also back in the team and, with a record of a goal every two games since joining the club, will add a much-needed fire-power back to the attack alongside Gary Hooper. This fire-power could be especially prevalent if manager Neil Lennon decides to throw caution to the wind and go for broke.

Joe Ledley, Kris Commons and Victor Wanyama all enjoyed good games in Glasgow in the first leg. All three should line up again, but it was at the back that Celtic really let themselves down in that game.

The villain of that night, Efe Ambrose, has been in fine form since that game and has even scored twice to get the supporters and his teammates back on side following that frustrating night.

The odds of Juventus throwing away a three goal lead at home with one of the best defences they have had in recent years is not just unlikely, it is as improbable a scenario as you can get in football. Although I hesitate to use the word impossible.

Though do not rule Celtic out from leaving Juventus Stadium with something because, with the league wrapped up and only the Scottish Cup left to play for, they will be extremely hungry to bow out of Europe on a high. The Scottish giants will want to show the continent that they are a better team than the one who were humbled so drastically in Glasgow’s East End.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Antonio Conte won’t rest stars

Mar 6, 2013

JUVENTUS coach Antonio Conte is perhaps the only man in Italy who does not believe his side are as good as through their Champions League last-16 tie against Celtic.

The Serie A leaders are 3-0 up from the first leg in Glasgow and odds-on to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2006. Many in Italy believe Conte should leave Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio and Artur Vidal, who are all within one yellow card of a ban, out of tonight’s second-leg in Turin. However, the Juve boss insists the tie is not yet over.

He said: “I hear people saying this could be a good game for us to rotate the team but, if I play somebody, it’s because they give me guarantees they can play. We have three players one booking away from a suspension, but they will still be at risk of suspension after this round too. Maybe some will play, maybe others will rest. We’ll decide based on the players we have available, calculating also the knocks we have, which we have to look at today.

“Nobody wants to minimise the importance of this game. In fact, qualification is obtained over 180 minutes. We’ve only played 90 and we have another 90, plus maybe extra-time and penalties, against a strong, proud team who will want to make amends for first leg. We definitely won’t under-estimate this game. It’s going to be a test for everybody, starting with me, then the players and the club.

“Certainly the first leg has given us a seriously good chance of reaching the next round but in football there are always surprises if you don’t play with the right determination and concentration. Celtic are a very physical side and can create lots of problems from set-pieces. We’ve got to be fully focused.”

Defender Andrea Barzagli, 31, stressed how keen he is to feature against Celtic. He said: “The coach decides but I’m a footballer and always want to play. Even if I play 60 games in a year, bring them on, it means I’m in good shape so I’m happy. For a defender, continuity is important and I’m part of a very strong defence, doing well for a year and a half. We’re happy with what we’ve done, but we won’t settle for that.

“Organisation is fundamental to our defence and we work a lot on it. This year, we’ve changed the back three often, yet we have shown solidity.

“It also helps to have the great hand from our midfielders and attackers and, if we’ve got where we are, it’s because we have a compact team in which we all help each other out.”

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

You're to blame as well! Conte hits back

at Lennon after foul play in first leg in Glasgow

Mar 6, 2013

Neil Lennon was embroiled in a Champions League war of words with Antonio Conte after the Juventus coach claimed Celtic were equally guilty of foul play during the first leg last month.

The Parkhead club sought UEFA clarification over the refereeing of Spanish official Alberto Mallenco amid claims of rough-house defending by the Serie A giants in their 3-0 win in Glasgow.

In response, however, Conte claims Celtic striker Gary Hooper persistently impeded goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon at set-pieces — and has himself threatened to raise the issue with UEFA.

‘As a coach, Lennon is doing very well and achieving really great things,’ said Conte. ‘Celtic played really well in the first leg but, if I’m going to analyse the game well, I can’t just look at our game, but also theirs.

‘And I say that every time it starts, or there is a corner to Celtic, there is always punishment in favour of the defending team because there is a Celtic player who systematically blocks our goalkeeper in the six-yard box. In the case of the first leg, it was Hooper.

‘The regulation says that in the six-yard box, a goalkeeper must not be touched and, if he is, it is a foul.

‘So I say every time there is a player that goes in there, then all angles show there was a foul in favour of Juventus.

‘He (Lennon) talks about the rules, so maybe I’ll bring a dossier about the Celtic player blocking our goalkeeper.

‘I repeat, we tried to gloss over these things.

‘Maybe I’m being European and Lennon is being Italian.’

Those words drew a stinging response from Celtic’s manager, however, and he said: ‘Hooper is allowed to stand in front of Buffon. He (Conte) is talking rubbish. Any player can stand anywhere he likes in the box.

‘He’s not affecting the goalkeeper, he’s not touching the goalkeeper and he’s not preventing him from getting the ball.

‘If he prevents him from getting the ball then, yes, it’s a free-kick.

‘But before the ball is kicked he’s not doing anything and he is entitled to stand where he likes. So he is talking nonsense.’

Hooper was actually booked, together with captain Scott Brown, after wrestling bouts with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Padoin were penalised by Mallenco.

Lennon insisted, however: ‘Gary wasn’t doing anything wrong. And what about Scott Brown?

‘Padoin came on and the first thing he did was put his arms around Scott’s waist. ‘He got booked for it and then he did the same thing again straight away.

‘At the first corner of the night Gary ended up in the goal — in the back of the net. So how does that happen without him being wrestled in there?

‘I’m not sure Gary did a lot wrong. And, if you look at the Padoin one, Scott did nothing wrong.

‘He was actually trying to run away from him and he still got wrestled to the ground. And that was after Padoin was booked. The cameras were transfixed on it — so how the ref didn’t see it, I don’t know.

‘And I don’t know what the other two officials were doing behind the goals either.’

The Scottish champions were promised a UEFA response to their complaints but a call from retired Italian official Pierluigi Collina failed to materialise.

Turkish official Firat Aydinus has been handed only his second Champions League tie this evening, Lennon adding: ‘Peter (Lawwell) said he will get a call but we haven’t had anything yet. I am disappointed but is it really a surprise?

‘We have a Turkish referee tomorrow. I don’t know what Turkish referees are like but I hope he’s stronger than the Spanish one.

‘They are the top referees in their countries, so you expect them to be competent. I have no idea if he’ll be aware of what happened in the first game and I don’t want to be trying to prejudice the game going into it.

‘All I want is him to do his job and I don’t think Mallenco did his job properly in the first leg. I don’t think I’ve seen it as blatant as that, ever.’

The Celtic boss is without skipper Brown for the return, but hopes Charlie Mulgrew can feature at some stage after injury.

‘Charlie’s all right,’ said Lennon. ‘He trained yesterday but that was his first proper training session, so it might be a bit much to stick him in straight away. We’ll see how he is.’

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - CELTIC

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Juventus v Celtic Preview – Team News,

Tactics, Line-ups & Prediction

Mar 6, 2013

Juventus have one foot in the Quarter-finals of the Champions League as they prepare to entertain Scottish Champions Celtic in Turin. The first leg was rife with controversy and incident as the Italian giants successfully negotiated a potential banana skin of an away tie and came away with a three-goal lead and more importantly three away goals which make the result all the more impressive. Now at home, the game looks all but a formality for a Juventus side that is brimming with confidence.

For Celtic, they have a herculean task ahead of them as trying to overturn a three goal deficit looks like a bleak possibility, especially at the fortress that is the Juventus Stadium. However, the Bhoys have nothing to lose heading into this game and certainly will hope to put up a strong fight and avenge their home defeat.

Team News and Tactical Brief

JUVENTUS

Antonio Conte could opt to rotate his squad for this game but his 3-5-2 formation remains certain. With Lichtsteiner, Marchisio and Vidal all a booking away from missing a potential quarter-final game, they may start the game from the Juventus bench. Here’s where the depth of Conte’s Juventus squad comes into play. Paul Pogba is almost certain to start and whenever called upon, the teenage prodigy hasn’t disappointed. Giorgio Chiellini remains a doubt while Martin Caceres is out with an injury which allows a starting role for Federico Peluso. Peluso has slowly grown in stature since a disastrous start to his Juventus career and looks settled now.

Up front, Conte could deploy the duo of Giovinco and Matri. The latter was excellent in the first leg as he scored one and played his part in another while Giovinco has done well in recent weeks and his energy and acceleration can cause a few problems to Celtic’s defense.

Juventus weren’t allowed to dominate proceedings in their away victory but instead were clinical when chances came their way, a trait not commonly found in this Juventus side. At home, they should see more of the ball and control the tempo of the game. The game should be played at Juventus’ pace as Conte’s side looks to put the result beyond any doubt from the moment the first whistle is blown.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Matri

CELTIC

For Celtic, the upcoming second leg will probably be an exercise in damage limitation, since it’s highly unlikely that the Scots can produce the miracle needed to qualify at the cost of Juventus. Add to that the fact that their form since the first leg has been inconsistent; hopes are not high for the trip to Turin.

The team that Neil Lennon will pick for Wednesday will sadly be missing a couple of key players. Celtic and Scotland captain Scott Brown is probably missing for the rest of the season with an abductor injury, and Swedish right-back Mikael Lustig is also out. That means that a couple of players whose form has recently been poor – Emilio Izaguirre – who was at fault for the goal Celtic conceded at the weekend against St. Mirren – and Efe Ambrose – who was very poor in the first leg – will feature. On the plus side, Celtic’s European ‘talisman’ Georgios Samaras is back after missing the first leg and James Forrest, who is currently in a rich vein of form, will play.

Despite the fact Celtic need goals to get through, the team will probably play a 4-5-1 formation, with Fraser Forster in goal, a back four of Izaguirre, Mulgrew, Wilson and Matthews, a midfield of Forrest, Wanyama, Ambrose, Ledley and Samaras, with Gary Hooper up front on his own. If Neil Lennon really wanted to gamble he could change the system to 4-4-2 and play either Samaras or Anthony Stokes up front with Hooper, but that looks unlikely.

Celtic are almost certainly going to exit the Champions League, but this campaign has been a huge success; very few people would have predicted Celtic making it through to the last sixteen, and the Bhoys remain hopeful they can exit the competition with their pride intact.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-5-1): Forster; Izaguirre, Wilson, Mulgrew, Matthews; Forrest, Wanyama, Ambrose, Ledley, Samaras; Hooper

Player To Watch Out For

Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

The Juventus maestro could be without his partners in crime – Marchsio and Vidal. His influence, though, should not fade. Pirlo was at the heart of many a crunching tackls in Glasgow as he was obviously picked out as Juventus’ danger-man. He should find more freedom at home to create with his magical right foot. Pirlo’s experience will only help Juventus at this stage of the competition. Expect him to put in another master-class against Celtic.

Prediction

Juventus 2-0 Celtic

Juventus would look the result to bed as soon as possible. Celtic, though, will look to gain whatever they can out of this fixture. The Bianconeri have more quality and in front of a packed Juventus Stadium, they should come out on top. It’s hard to look at anything beyond a victory for the home side.

Blast From The Past

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Celtic striker Samaras hoping for 'fairer game'

in second leg against Juventus

The Greece international blasted the refereeing of set-pieces in the Bhoys' first-leg

defeat and has called on referee Firat Aydinus to stamp out excessive holding on Wednesday.

Mar 6, 2013

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras is hoping for a fairer encounter in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with Juventus.

The Bhoys lost the first- game at Parkhead 3-0, but were left aggrieved by the close-quarter defending that they were subjected to by the Italian giants' defenders which went unpunished by the referee much to the disbelief of the Celtic players and manager Neil Lennon.

The second leg in Turin will see Turkish referee Firat Aydinus taking charge of the game at Juventus Stadium, and the Greece international forward has called on him to be aware of the home side's heavy-handed defended in order to ensure a fairer encounter.

"It wasn't fair, I think everybody saw that," the 28-year-old told reporters.

"It is how they defend set-pieces, like most Italian teams.

"Hopefully, the referee will have his eyes more open tomorrow and see clearly what’s going on and it can be a fair game."

Celtic face a mammoth task to overturn a three-goal deficit away to the current Italian Champions and Serie A leaders.

However, the former Manchester City forward, who has scored in all three of the Glasgow side's European away games this season, says his side will attempt to play attacking football in order to pull off an unlikely comeback.

"We will play the same way as we did in the first leg, try to move the ball, play attacking football and create chances," he added.

"If we score the first goal you never know. In football everything can happen."

[Socrates 8329]

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Juventus-Celtic Betting Preview:

Conte's men set to pile on the agony for Scots

The Italian side cruised to victory at Celtic Park last month and Willie Duncan

is predicting more pain for Neil Lennon's men when the sides meet again in Turin ong Wednesday.

Mar 6, 2013

Celtic travel to Turin for what looks to be a near-impossible task as the Hoops seek to overturn a 3-0 first leg deficit when they face Italian champions Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Antonio Conte’s men cruised to victory over the Scottish champions when the two sides met in Glasgow last month and it comes as little surprise to see Juventus chalked up as William Hill’s red-hot 4/11 (1.36) favourites to enjoy another success in this second leg tie.

Neil Lennon’s men are available at a chunky 9/1 (10.0) with William Hill to restore some pride by claiming a famous victory over the Serie A league leaders while the same firm go 100/30 (4.33) that the match ends in a draw.

Juventus striker Sebastian Giovinco is the subject of William Hill’s “headline offer” for this match with the odds compilers offering 6/4 (2.50) that the 26-year-old striker, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions for his side thus far this term, nets at any time in a home win.

Celtic’s top scorer, Gary Hooper, is William Hill’s selected player for the Scottish side’s “headline offer” with the bookmaker tempting punters with a juicy 20/1 (21.0) quote that the English striker, who has bagged an impressive 24 goals for the Hoops in all competitions this term, scores at any time in a win for Neil Lennon’s side.

Despite Celtic’s best efforts, the Serie A outfit were simply too strong for them in last month’s first leg tie at Celtic Park and, with that in mind, the 5/6 (1.83) quote from William Hill for Antonio Conte’s men to lead at both half time and full time – as they did in Glasgow – looks to represent outstanding value and should be snapped up accordingly here.

Those seeking bigger prices should back the 12/5 (3.40) quote from William Hill for Juventus (-2) in the handicap market should the hosts set their stall out to entertain a passionate home crowd keen to see an emphatic Juventus victory.

[Socrates 8329]

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

'Conte is talking rubbish', blasts Lennon in ref row

The Hoops manager has dismissed claims from the Italian that his side were just as guilty

of grappling inside the area in Glasgow three weeks ago, ahead of Wednesday's second leg.

Mar 6, 2013

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has hit back at Juventus boss Antonio Conte ahead of the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

The Bianconeri hold a 3-0 lead from the first leg at Celtic Park where the game was dominated by the Scottish side's fury over what they felt was continuous grappling by the the visitors inside their penalty area.

Conte, though, claims Celtic were just as guilty of infringement because Gary Hooper positioned himself near Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during set-pieces, a view which has incensed Lennon.

"Hooper is allowed to stand in front of Buffon so Conte is talking rubbish," Lennon told reporters. "Any player can stand anywhere he likes in the box.

"He's not affecting the goalkeeper, he's not touching the goalkeeper and he's not preventing him from getting the ball.

"If he prevents him from getting the ball then, yes, it's a free kick. But before the ball is kicked he's not doing anything and he is entitled to stand where he likes. So Conte is talking nonsense."

Celtic had sent Uefa a dossier of the Serie A side's behaviour during the match but Conte responded by threatening to send a dossier of his own.

"Every time there is a corner to Celtic there is always a punishment in favour of the defending team because there is a player who systematically blocks our keeper in the six-yard box," said Conte.

"In this case of the first leg it was Hooper. Regulation says in the six-yard box a keeper must not be touched and if he is it is a foul.

"So I say every time there is a player that goes in there then all angles show there was a foul in favour of Juventus.

"Lennon talks about the rules so I'll bring a dossier about the Celtic player blocking our keeper."

[Socrates 8329]

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Nevin: Victory over Juventus would be

biggest in Celtic's history

The former Scotland midfielder says a shock win in Turin would be the Bhoys'

most amazing result ever and is expecting manager Neil Lennon to play an attacking side.

Mar 6, 2013

EXCLUSIVE

By Russell Stoddart

Former Scotland midfielder Pat Nevin says Celtic will have to provide "the biggest surprise result in the club's history" in order to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Juventus in the Champions League in Turin on Wednesday night.

The Bhoys were blown away in the first leg after lethal finishes from Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic left Neil Lennon's men with a huge task in the return leg.

Despite beating Barcelona at Parkhead in the group stages, Nevin feels Celtic must put in an even better performance against the Old Lady in order to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.

"It would be more than just a great result if they turned the deficit around, it would be the biggest surprise result in the club's history," he told Goal.com.

"Beating Barcelona in the group stages in Glasgow showed that on their day Celtic can compete with anyone, but they've left themselves far too much to do this time.

"The frustrating thing was that I don’t think there was too much between the sides in the first leg. A defensive mistake led to an early Juventus goal and Celtic never recovered.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LATEST

Celtic are 250/1 to beat Juventus 4-0 with Coral

"If Efe Ambrose had found the net with a free header before the break it might have been a different story, but he didn't and the Italians took their chances as Celtic left gaps chasing the match."

Nevin suggests that while a heroic comeback may be on the minds of many Celtic fans, it may be more prudent for Lennon to plan against potential embarrassment in Italy and look to gain some respect for his side.

"Celtic boss Neil Lennon will be tempted to put out an attacking side tonight because they have nothing to lose, but I think he has to be realistic and guard against an embarrassing aggregate defeat," he continued.

"I think he will he will go with three centre backs, two wing-backs and opt for Georgios Samaras as a lone battering ram up front.

"It might not win them the tie, but it could get them back their respectability."

And while Nevin does not believe the desperate plight of rivals Rangers has harmed Celtic this season, he feels the absence of the Gers could lead to the Bhoys struggling in future against Europe's elite.

"I don't think the lack of domestic competition has been a hindrance to Celtic this season, but it could have an impact in future seasons," he added.

"This season they've struggled immediately after Champions League games which tells me that Neil Lennon believes he has enough breathing space in the SPL to concentrate on Europe.

"While that has worked to their advantage this season, they need strong domestic competition to continue to compete against the best in Europe and without Rangers in the SPL for at least a couple more seasons then it can only be harder."

[Socrates 8329]

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Juventus XI to face Celtic

Mar 6, 2013

Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio is set to start against Celtic in the Champions League tonight despite being one yellow card away from suspension.

Boss Antonio Conte will place Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal on the bench given that they are in the same situation, but the Italian international will play in the second leg tie.

The Old Lady have one foot in the last eight of the Champions League after their 3-0 win in Glasgow last month.

With such an advantage, the tactician is expected to make changes in all areas of his side against the Scottish giants.

Luca Marrone will play in the middle of a back-three, while Mauricio Isla and Paul Pogba will start in midfield. Kwadwo Asamoah also returns after he was rested for the 1-1 draw at Napoli.

In attack, Alessandro Matri will be partnered by Fabio Quagliarella.

Juventus probable: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Marrone; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Matri.

[Socrates 8329]

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Champions League: Juventus out to end

Celtic's adventure at last-16 stage

Mar 6, 2013

Celtic have it all to do in the return leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 encounter with Juventus.

A 3-0 defeat at Parkhead in the initial meeting between the two sides has left the Bhoys with a mountain to climb.

They were, however, able to offer enough on home soil to suggest that they are capable of troubling the hosts in Turin.

A clean sheet will be essential on Italian soil, but Neil Lennon knows his side must get on the front foot if they are to prolong their European adventure.

Celtic will be fully aware of the size of the task facing them on Wednesday, with Juve currently top of Serie A and unbeaten in continental competition.

The SPL leaders have nothing to lose, though, in midweek and have been urged by Lennon to ensure that they leave nothing on the field as they go in search of 'a miracle'.

You can only watch the best Champions League coverage here on Sky Sports. Watch Juventus v Celtic exclusively live on Sky Sports 1HD and Sky Go tonight from 7pm. Click here for more details

JUVENTUS

Juventus coach Antonio Conte is considering whether to rest players.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal are all one booking away from a suspension and could be left out of the starting line-up.

Former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Nicolas Anelka is doubtful after sitting out a 1-1 draw with Napoli on Friday with a back problem, while Martin Caceres is nursing a similar complaint.

Paolo De Ceglie misses out with a thigh injury and Simone Pepe will not figure again in 2012/13 after undergoing surgery to resolve a thigh issue initially picked up in pre-season.

CELTIC

Celtic striker Tony Watt has been ruled out of Lennon's plans.

The teenager suffered a bruised foot in training on Monday and did not travel with the squad as they left for Turin on Tuesday morning.

Scott Brown (abductor) and Mikael Lustig (thigh) remain sidelined but Charlie Mulgrew could return to the team after missing three games with a muscle problem.

Lennon is unsure if Mulgrew is fit enough to start, but Georgios Samaras and James Forrest are available.

Opta stats

• No side has ever overturned a 3-0 deficit at home in the first-leg in the history of the Champions League.

• Juventus haven't conceded a goal in their last 400 minutes in the Champions League, the longest run in the competition this season.

• Georgios Samaras has scored in each of his three away games in the Champions League this season.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Pogba starts for Juventus against Celtic

in Champions League second-leg clash

Antonio Conte has handed the ex-Manchester United man a start as the Serie A giants

look to seal their passage through to the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition.

Mar 6, 2013

Paul Pogba starts for Juventus in their Champions League last 16 second-leg tie at home to Celtic.

Juventus hold a 3-0 advantage from the first leg and Antonio Conte has handed ex-Manchester United man Pogba a start in midfield alongside veteran Italy international Andrea Pirlo and highly-rated Arturo Vidal.

While upfront Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri get the nod over former Roma man Mirko Vucinic.

As for the visitors, Neil Lennon will be hoping Gary Hooper can get himself onto the score sheet.

Victor Wanyama will be hoping to continue his impressive Champions League campaign by anchoring his side’s midfield.

JUVENTUS: Buffon, Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Peluso, Matri, Quagliarella

Subs: Storari, Vucinic, Giovinco, Asamoah, Giaccherini, Chiellini, Isla

CELTIC: Forster; Matthews, Wilson, Wanyama, Izaguirre; Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons, Hooper

Subs: Zaluska, Ambrose, Miku, Stokes, Lassad, McGeouch, Forrest

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Line-ups: Juventus-Celtic

Mar 6, 2013

Juventus rotate the squad with Paul Pogba and Fabio Quagliarella as they welcome Celtic in their Champions League Round of 16 clash.

The Bianconeri won the first leg 3-0 in Glasgow, so it will take something extraordinary for the Hoops to turn this around in Turin. Kick-off is at 19.45 GMT.

Coach Antonio Conte warned he would not be taking this game lightly, but he also looks to the quarter-finals.

Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner are one booking away from suspension in Europe.

Vidal is banned this weekend in Serie A against Catania, so he is given a spot in the starting XI anyway.

Pogba replaces Marchisio in midfield, while Quagliarella gets his first start in a month alongside Alessandro Matri.

Qualification aside, they will be eager to maintain Juve’s 17-match unbeaten run in all UEFA competition.

Martin Caceres, Nicolas Anelka and Paolo De Ceglie are out injured, while Luca Marrone is given a rare start at centre-back.

Celtic were without Giorgios Samaras for the first leg, but his is back to play at the Juventus Stadium and starts with Kris Commons and Gary Hooper.

Teenage forward Tony Watt has not made the trip due to a bruised foot, joining Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig on the treatment table.

Charlie Mulgrew has missed the last three games with a muscular problem, but is in the starting XI.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Peluso; Matri, Quagliarella

Juventus bench: Storari, Vucinic, Giovinco, Asamoah, Giaccherini, Chiellini, Isla

CELTIC: Forster; Matthews, Wilson, Wanyama, Izaguirre; Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons, Hooper

Celtic bench: Zaluska, Ambrose, Miku, Stokes, Lassad, McGeouch, Forrest

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

HT 1-0: Matri sinks Celtic again

Mar 6, 2013

Alessandro Matri scored at Parkhead and beat Fraser Forster again, as Juventus lead Celtic 1-0 at half-time.

The Bianconeri had a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow, so rested players such as Claudio Marchisio, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Mirko Vucinic. Luca Marrone had his debut Champions League start. Giorgios Samaras and Charlie Mulgrew were available again for the Hoops.

The weather in Turin was awfully familiar for the 3,000 travelling Scottish fans, as it had been raining heavily all day. The Celtic all-black strip was also familiar, as it resembled Juve’s away kit.

A classy Paul Pogba ‘Cruyff turn’ set up Fabio Quagliarella, but the striker was not quick enough and Fraser Forster was able to smother at his feet.

Both Quagliarella and Joe Ledley unleashed screamers from distance that went wide, though the Celtic man was considerably closer to the top corner.

It was Juventus who took the lead with Alessandro Matri and a real poacher’s goal. Andrea Barzagli was responsible for much of it, as he robbed a distracted Gary Hooper in midfield, set up Quagliarella for a shot between Kelvin Wilson’s legs, beaten away by Forster into the path of Matri.

Gigi Buffon needed a sensational one-handed save on the line when Kris Commons’ shot was deflected by Hooper, but the goalkeeper somehow readjusted his position to palm it upwards.

Arturo Vidal threatened to make it 2-0 on the counter, but leaned back to fire over the bar from the D. Samaras had a great chance when he got down the left past Federico Peluso and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but Hooper came sliding in a fraction of a second too late to make contact.

Vidal went on the counter, his shot too weak and central to beat Forster.

Juventus 1-0 Celtic (Half-Time, 4-0 on agg)

Scorers: Matri 24 (J)

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Peluso; Matri, Quagliarella

CELTIC: Forster; Matthews, Wilson, Wanyama, Izaguirre; Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons, Hooper

Ref: Aydinus (TUR)

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC

Alessandro Matri (24′)

Fabio Quagliarella (65′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Attendance: 39011‎

Matri & Quagliarella ease Italian giants into last eight

Antonio Conte's men displayed their European pedigree

with a perfectly-executed victory over the Bhoys.

Mar 6, 2013

Juventus cruised into the quarter-finals of the Uefa Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Celtic at Juventus Stadium.

With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Antonio Conte's men proved devastating on the counterattack as goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella either side of the break ensured their progression to the next round.

Given their lead from the first leg, a Juve side with five changes from last Friday's Serie A draw with Napoli predictably showed minimal urgency during the early exchanges and were content to draw Celtic forward and look to hit them on the counterattack.

Joe Ledley attempted to give the SPL leaders some direction from midfield, but it was not until the 21st minute that they looked liked breaking through a defence that had conceded just four times in their seven previous European matches this season. The Wales midfielder arrowed a sweetly-struck attempt from 25 yards, only to see his shot go agonisingly close to finding the top corner.

But at the highest level such margins can often prove costly, and Neil Lennon's men suffered a hammer blow as the Bianconeri took the lead three minutes later.

Gary Hooper was caught on the ball by Andrea Barzagli and the centre-back fed Quagliarella inside the area. Fraser Forster was equal to the forward's shot but could only send it into the path of Matri, who followed up for a simple finish.

Hooper almost immediately atoned for his error as his touch drastically changed the direction of Kris Commons' shot, but Gianluigi Buffon readjusted to turn the ball behind.

However, there was nothing the keeper could do as Giorgios Samaras drifted in from the left and flashed a low cross across the face of the goal. Unfortunately, Hooper failed to react quick enough as the pass evaded his stretching toes as the visitors went in search of an equaliser.

At the start of the second half the Old Lady showed a greater desire to attack and could well have doubled their lead soon after the restart. Matri teed up Quagliarella inside the area, from Paul Pogba's pass into the area, though this time Forster was able to parry the striker's shot away to safety.

Celtic's ambition had visibly taken a knock and a free header from Efe Ambrose that bounced down and cleared the crossbar just before the hour mark was as close as they came to finding the net.

Juve would once more make the visitors rue that missed chance as Arturo Vidal beat the offside trap, latching onto an exquisite Andrea Pirlo pass and squaring for Quagliarella to add the finishing touch with 65 minutes played.

The tempo of the game soon fizzled out with the outcome clearly finalised, leaving Celtic winless in 10 visits to Italy. The Bianconeri, meanwhile, go marching on into the quarter-finals.

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC

Alessandro Matri (24′)

Fabio Quagliarella (65′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Attendance: 39011

Juve complete Celtic job

Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella secured a 2-0 victory over Celtic

to send Juventus into the Champions League quarter-finals.

Mar 6, 2013

The Bianconeri had a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow, so rested players such as Claudio Marchisio, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Mirko Vucinic. Luca Marrone had his debut Champions League start. Giorgios Samaras and Charlie Mulgrew were available again for the Hoops.

The weather in Turin was awfully familiar for the 3,000 travelling Scottish fans, as it had been raining heavily all day. The Celtic all-black strip was also familiar, as it resembled Juve’s away kit.

A classy Paul Pogba ‘Cruyff turn’ set up Fabio Quagliarella, but the striker was not quick enough and Fraser Forster was able to smother at his feet.

Both Quagliarella and Joe Ledley unleashed screamers from distance that went wide, though the Celtic man was considerably closer to the top corner.

It was Juventus who took the lead with Alessandro Matri and a real poacher’s goal. Andrea Barzagli was responsible for much of it, as he robbed a distracted Gary Hooper in midfield, set up Quagliarella for a shot between Kelvin Wilson’s legs, beaten away by Forster into the path of Matri.

Gigi Buffon needed a sensational one-handed save on the line when Kris Commons’ shot was deflected by Hooper, but the goalkeeper somehow readjusted his position to palm it upwards.

Arturo Vidal threatened to make it 2-0 on the counter, but leaned back to fire over the bar from the D. Samaras had a great chance when he got down the left past Federico Peluso and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but Hooper came sliding in a fraction of a second too late to make contact.

Vidal went on the counter, his shot too weak and central to beat Forster. Victor Wanyama made way for Efe Ambrose after the break, having put in a disastrous performance in the first leg.

Quagliarella forced Forster into a save after Pogba took advantage of Mulgrew’s error, but Adam Matthews was stretchered off with a hamstring problem.

Ambrose wasted a golden opportunity, nodding a free header into the ground and over from a corner.

Juventus proved again they were considerably more clinical in their finishing and doubled their lead. Vidal sprung the offside trap from an Andrea Pirlo pass over the top and drew out Forster, rolling across for the totally unmarked Quagliarella to tap in from six yards.

Samaras blasted over from distance and Buffon beat away a Baram Kayal attempt, but this was Juve’s fifth consecutive Champions League victory in which they scored 13 and conceded none.

Juventus 2-0 Celtic (5-0 on agg)

Scorers: Matri 24 (J), Quagliarella 65 (J)

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Padoin, Vidal (Isla 66), Pirlo (Giaccherini 69), Pogba, Peluso (Asamoah 59); Matri, Quagliarella

CELTIC: Forster; Matthews (Forrest 53), Wilson, Wanyama (Ambrose 46), Izaguirre; Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons (Nouioui 73), Hooper

Ref: Aydinus (TUR)

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC

Alessandro Matri (24′)

Fabio Quagliarella (65′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Attendance: 39011

Juventus 2-0 Celtic: Bye-bye to the Bhoys

Mar 6, 2013

The build-up to this match did not suggest Juventus would have any troubles seeing off Celtic to advance to the quarter finals of the Champions League – and it soon proved that even the most sceptic and nervous of Juve fans had little to fear from this game.

While Celtic looked determined from the get-go, the patient game-plan from the first leg in Glasgow was maintained by Conte, and by the time Matri scored the opener to put the Bianconeri up 4-0 on aggregate, the tie was definitively dead and buried.

MATCH ANALYSIS by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen

The game started with a bit of nerves, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba both making a few sloppy passes eagerly intercepted by a Celtic side that was clearly in Turin to restore some of the pride that was lost in the first leg at Parkhead.

Much like in that first leg, though, the Bhoys were full of energy, while Conte’s men sat back and broke down the opposition before any real danger came of it. The first 20 minutes ticked away with Celtic the more aggressive side but with little to show for it in terms of scoring opportunities. At the other end, Juve didn’t do much either; a semi-scoffed shot from very long range by Fabio Quagliarella and some trickery from Pogba leading to naught being the only incidents of note.

And then it happened. Andrea Barzagli (the man, the hero, the legend) snatched the ball from Hooper, played it on to Quagliarella, whose shot Celtic ‘keeper Forster was only able to parry straight into the path of Alessandro Matri, the striker duly converting the easiest of tap-ins.

While the Glaswegians were disheartened by that final nail in their CL coffin, Gianluigi Buffon still had to come up with a miraculous save minutes later, as a shot from Kris Commons took a wicked deflection, prompting a sensational reaction from the Juve no. 1.

Vidal skied a shot after being played into a promising position from Quagliarella, while Samaras, one of few Celtic players to look something of a threat on the night, almost set up Hooper for a tap-in, but the ball went wide of the far post. Arturo Vidal had another good opportunity to shoot in the 43rd minute, but his effort was rather weak.

The first half finished with a Celtic corner amounting to nothing, and the visitors went to get their tea and oranges (or whatever it is one really enjoys at half time these days) having put in a great deal of work to little avail. Juventus, on the other hand, could be pleased with having given another exhibition of very solid defending, taking the opportunity when it arrived.

After the break, the Bianconeri seemed very much on top, and while the Scots still had their fair share of possession, they were closed down long before danger materialised, not least thanks to Andrea Barzagli who seemed to be always in the right position to stifle any threat.

In the 58th minute, Federico Peluso (who had controlled the left flank authoritatively until then) made way for Asamoah in a like-for-like substitution. Meanwhile, Matri and Quagliarella looked very bright up top and did very well both linking up and creating opportunities for each other. Fabio Quagliarella eventually got his goal too, as a glorious Pirlo ball found Arturo Vidal running in behind the Celtic defence, the Chilean coolly squaring it for Quags to put it in the empty net.

That was to be Vidal’s final contribution, as he was subbed off for Mauricio Isla immediately after that play. Soon after, Andrea Pirlo made way for Giaccherini so as to allow the former a bit of a rest too. Very rarely does Conte keep his front duo intact during 90 minutes, which speaks volumes of both the excellent play of Quagliarella and Matri and the priorities of Conte in a tie that was all but over.

Indeed the last 20 minutes were reminiscent of a summer friendly with Celtic half-heartedly seeking some redemption trying to at least get a goal, while Conte’s men stood firm and made sure not to risk anything, happy to keep yet another clean sheet – the fifth consecutive in this competition!

The Scottish fans, however, deserve a mention for their continued chanting and cheering of their heroes even at 5-0 down, keeping the atmosphere glowing even as a fair few Juventus tifosi saved their energy for the celebration at the full time whistle.

When it came, the Juventus Stadium erupted as Paolo Belli’s club anthem once again provided the soundtrack to a great result for the Bianconeri, marking their deserved progression to the last eight of Europe’s finest club competition for the first time in seven years.

LE PAGELLE by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen

Buffon 7.0 - While San Gigi was not too troubled on the night, his save on that that deflected shot in the first half goes to show how important the current Captain is to this team. Had a bit of a scare late on from a long-range shot that ricocheted off his chest, but was, on the whole, impeccable.

Barzagli 8.5- This was not the most difficult of games, but Big Andrea simply oozes class and coolness. I have made my feelings for this man clear on many occasions, and tonight was perhaps the perfect example of why I hold him in such high esteem. A perfect performance in defence, enhanced further by his part in the first goal. Immense. My Man of the Match.

Marrone 6.5 - Had a good game along with the rest of the defence, an important game for the youngster to get under his belt, as ever repaying the trust shown towards him by Conte.

Bonucci 6.5 - A very solid performance from Leo, as we have come to expect. Did what was needed, nothing more, nothing less.

Padoin 6.0 - Did well on the right flank without being overly impressive. The Padoin is the Padoin is the Padoin.

Vidal 6.5 - A mixed bag from the Chilean. While he battled on as usual, a few passes and finishes were lacking in quality. Did very well to assist Quagliarella for the second goal. Possibly a bit worried about the yellow card he was carrying.

Isla S.V - Came on as the game petered out, getting some playing time in his legs, held his own without being noteworthy.

Pirlo 6.5 - The Maestro played well as usual, perhaps deserving a higher rating, but we’ll save that for more crucial encounters in order to keep Andrea on his toes (and off the wine!) in the meantime, we stroke our collective beards in appreciation of that absolutely gorgeous ball for Vidal in the build-up to the second goal…

Giaccherini S.V - See Isla above.

Pogba 7.0 - Did very well distributing in midfield as well as tracking back when necessary. To paraphrase a legendary Danish commentator (on Laudrup at the same age) “he is merely 19 years old, but he already plays like a tested and proven giant of the game”.

Peluso 6.0 - Definitely improved from his first, shaky outing against Sampdoria back in January (cursed be its name!), but still very much a mixed pleasure. Did well on numerous occasions at both ends, but needs to improve his passing and positioning at times. Minus .5 for receiving a very silly yellow card early on in a bid to prove Neil Lennon’s delusions right.

Asamoah S.V. - See Isla and Giaccherini above.

Matri 7.0 - Very encouraging display by the resurging striker, linked up well with Quagliarella and the midfield, his goal only underlining what he is capable of when on song. Long may it last!

Quagliarella 7.0 - Much like Matri, he did exactly what he was supposed to in this game, both contributing to play and being in the right position at the right time. If only our strikers clicked like that in the league…

Conte 9.0 - It was great to see Conte keep his cool and let Celtic do much the same job as they did in Glasgow; press forward with little actual threat. The Mister nailed these two games, letting Celtic tire themselves out, as well as managing the squad with a view to the remainder of the season. Went about this tie exactly as he should, and in the process perhaps even confused a few potential opposition coaches by applying this hitherto unseen pragmatism.

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen

While the figures speak for themselves, Celtic was more of a tricky draw than met the eye. The fact that the Scots were dispatched of with such relative ease is indicative of Conte and the team’s ability to adapt to European competition in an emphatic fashion, a feat e.g. Borussia Dortmund needed two attempts to achieve – and one that Manchester City have not yet reached, just to put things into a bit of perspective.

Conte’s new-found pragmatism and matter-of-fact way of dealing with the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams bodes very well for Juve’s future chances in this competition, as does the clinical finishing that has otherwise been lacking, but seems to appear when most needed.

All is possible for this team, and while further advancement in this tournament will depend heavily on the draw for the quarterfinals, only a fool would look to Juventus as a dream opponent…

The stats speak for themselves, both defensively and offensively (do look them up, I promise it is a treat!), but the crucial element is that Conte has this team believing that through work, work, work and that touch of brilliance, the sky is the limit. If there is such a thing at all!

Senza di te non andremo lontano,

ANTONIO CONTE IL NOSTRO CAPITANO!

[Socrates 8329]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC

Alessandro Matri (24′)

Fabio Quagliarella (65′)

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey)

Attendance: 39011

Routine Juve Finish Scottish Job

Bianconeri leave the possession to Celtic, take home a clean sheet,

all the goals, and the victory (again).

Mar 6, 2013

POST-GAME REFLECTION

We surely made that round look easy. 2 Games against the fiery Scots, 5 goals, 0 conceded, plenty of possession surrendered but a lot of clinical movement and scoring as well. It doesn't necessarily sound like the possession-heavy, dominant Juventus we've come to know in the Serie A over the last 2 years, does it?

Then again, who cares? When we needed to get the job done, we did it. We scored early in the first game, then defended well and killed it all off with two late goals. Then we scored early in the second game, defended well and wrapped it up with a second one for good measure.

You all saw Danny's stat (well, Somnath's stat that both Danny and Somnath got wrong) - it has now been 5 games and some 500 minutes in which Juve has not conceded a goal. If there has been one constant throughout this Champions League campaign and one that connects this team with all the great Juventus squads of recent times, it is that rock-solid defense. And on this rock I shall build my church.

I'd hate to repeat myself from my first Celtic game review, but we really did play a much inferior opponent in this round. The Scots were physically intimidating, but technically poor and offensively toothless. Game 2 today was an obligation as soon as the first goal was scored. There was very little to break down tactically or mentally. Let's just look at them sexy player ratings and start thinking about Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Or if we're lucky, Schalke.

LE PAGELLE

Buffon: 7 - Made a great reaction save to keep away a deflected shot and routinely handled anything thrown at him by the toothless Scots. While he's always playing on a high level, he seems to up his focus and intensity a smidge in the Champions League. He must want to win that trophy baaad. Leader.

Barzagli: 7.5 - The high-up-the-field pressure and then set up for Quagliarella which led to the first goal was very impressive, but Barzagli had a very good game for the rest of the 90 minutes as well. Really stood out in defense. Many of you chose him as your man of match and I can't blame you.

Marrone: 7 - Very positive showing for the youngster. Got another full 90 in the Champions League - who knew Conte would be so trusty in some of our young prospects this late in the season. Both him, Pogba, and Peluso fully deserve their playing time, it would be great to see Marrone develop further this season as there may be more opportunities for him to come. He looks very calm and collected in the center of midfield, not something I can say for the times he's played in Pirlo's role this season.

Bonucci: 7 - Solid overall, did his job as he usually does.

Padoin: 6.5 - Nothing special from the "journeyman" whose preferred position on the pitch I still don't know. He plays whenever, wherever Conte doesn't have a proper replacement. And he always does just an enough decent job not to be included in Molinaro land. He tried pushing but lacked the skill to threaten when he had the ball. He provided width, I guess. Always ran a lot in defense, though he didn't do anything noteworthy. I think this is the most anyone has ever written on Padoin. I'll stop now.

Pirlo: 7 - Was offly static and sloppy in the first half, and then that pass came to Vidal for the second goal and we were all like "yeah, that's Pirlo everybody. That's why he is still one of the best." Not one of his best games, but he did his job in the second half and then got the rest he deserved.

Pogba: 7 - He's clearly learned when to be more physical and when to protect the ball better. His runs late in the game were refreshing as well. Didn't take many outside shots which I always feel can do more.

Vidal: 7.5 - Every Juve fan was scared Arturo will get another yellow (as he usually does every game) and be suspended for the first leg of the quarter final. What we actually saw from the King, however, was a very composed, controlled performance in which he defended very well, moved around quite a bit and broke the monotony around Pirlo and the defense, then helped heavily in attack setting up Quagliarella for the tap in and having a couple opportunities to score himself. My man of match on the day.

Peluso: 6 - Tough game for the newcomer who certainly doesn't ever think things twice. He does what he wants, when he wants. I have a weird respect for him for doing that. He had a bad start to the game today and never really recovered. Was beat on several occasions and in turn couldn't put pressure on Celtic's defense down the left. One to forget and move on for Peluso.

Quagliarella: 7.5 - Ladies and gentlemen, Juventus' top scorer in the Champions League this year as it stands right now. 4 goals so far, this one mostly created by Pirlo and Vidal but nonetheless, Quagliarella had a good game and worked hard to be dangerous throughout the full 90 minutes. Matri said in the post match interview that Quagliarella brings him luck, so I guess that's a skill as well. Fabio didn't blow anyone away today, but he put in a stellar game and scored for good measure. All we can ask of him, really.

Matri: 7.5 - Another game, another goal for Matri. I'm loving it. In typical fashion, his tap-in off a rebound settled any remaining nerves among the team and fans and truly put the tie away early in the first half. He seems to like playing with Quagliarella, even though I think he's better when playing with Vucinic. Was always ready to be a danger to Celtic's defense.

Subs:

Asamoah: sv

Isla: sv

Giaccherini: sv

Conte: 7.5 - Even with Marrone, Peluso, Padoin, Pogba, Matri, and Quagliarella all starting, the team kept its structure and did the job that was asked of them. Credit to Conte who was not only constantly snipping at them from the sideline, but also prepared the team well for each game. An even bigger test awaits him in the quarter finals. Should be fun.

THINGS I THINK I THINK

Statistics are great, but I'm keeping my feet on the ground - Best defense in the Champions League, second best scoring record, undefeated, 5 games and 495 minutes without conceding a goal. One of top 8 teams in Europe. Sounds pretty impressive and you can't argue with the numbers. Juventus' progress is evident. But that's all that is for now - progress. We haven't really achieved anything yet, and there are still more than half the teams remaining who are definitely better teams than us. Can we take them in a two-leg round? Of course, we can play against anyone and anything can happen in this beautiful game. But realistically, any team not as toothless as Celtic would've given us a lot more trouble in the round of 16. One thing we can be sure of - against any team we play we will be well prepared and organized defensively. I don't think we'll be able to continue our trend of clinical scoring and clean sheets much longer, and I certainly don't have any illusions that we are now one of the favorites to win the Champions League. I'm keeping my feet on the ground with one certainty in mind - whomever we draw on March 15 better not take us for granted - this Juve team is strong and it fights. And in the great competition that is the Champions League, only the strong survive.

FINO ALLA FINE, FORZA JUVENTUS!