Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Marchisio: Juventus gunning for Inter revenge

The midfielder is desperate to make amends for the Bianconeri's home defeat

earlier this season when both sides lock horns again at the weekend.

Mar 28, 2013

Claudio Marchisio says Juventus will be gunning for revenge when they take on Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday evening.

The Serie A leaders were beaten 3-1 in Turin earlier this season, and the Italy international has revealed the Old Lady are desperate to make amends.

"We are trying not to think too much about the Champions League. We have the league match against Inter coming up first, and we are all looking forward to that game," Marchisio told Tuttosport.

"Not just because we lost the home match versus them, but mainly because we want to maintain our lead over Napoli and AC Milan.

"However, there's of course that home loss against Inter, too. We were unbeaten at our new stadium until then.

"I cannot deny that we are gunning for revenge after the 3-1 loss in Turin."

Juventus currently sit atop of the Serie A table, holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Ranocchia: 'We're with Strama'

Mar 28, 2013

Andrea Ranocchia assures the Inter squad is “behind Andrea Stramaccioni” ahead of the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

There have been question marks over the Coach due to recent poor results, including the Europa League elimination at the hands of Tottenham.

“These rumours do not and must not affect his work, as we are all behind him,” Ranocchia told Sportmediaset.

“There are 10 games that we absolutely have to win. We’ll fight to the end for a place in the Champions League, though it’ll be tough because there are so many teams in this race.”

The Italian international defender admits he is only now finding his feet at San Siro.

“My personal target for this season is to continue improving. I have changed so much from last season and I needed that disastrous year, as it helped me to grow.”

Inter ended Juve’s unbeaten Serie A record in Turin earlier this term, but now welcome the Serie A leaders to San Siro on Saturday afternoon.

“We hope to repeat the trick and win again. We can beat Juventus by working as a team, that’s the real method. We should take an example from our performance in the second leg against Tottenham, when we moved as one.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Kovacic: It’s just a game…

Mar 28, 2013

Mateo Kovacic is treating Inter’s game against arch-rivals Juventus on Saturday like any other match. “They’re all worth three points.”

The two will face each other at San Siro in the Derby d’Italia, but the January signing isn’t feeling any extra pressure.

“It’s my first Derby d’Italia, but all games are the same for me as they are all worth three points,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.

“Juventus are a great team, but a football match is always a football match. And I want to win,” the midfielder added.

“Juve have a good squad, a good Coach, they are the strongest in Italy who have done well in the League and in the Champions League.

“We, however, can beat them.”

The 18-year-old has played in seven games for his new club following his switch from Dinamo Zagreb, but he’s still waiting for his first goal.

“It would be beautiful to score against Gigi Buffon, but the most important thing is that we win,” he added. “It doesn’t matter who scores.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Muller not in awe of Juventus

Mar 28, 2013

Bayern Munich will have no trepidation of Juventus when the two sides meet in the Champions League next week, says Thomas Muller.

While the German international has respect for the Italian giants, he’s confident that his team can reach the semi-finals of the competition.

“There is no fear of Juventus,” the attacker told Tages Zeitung. “The Italians will be a tricky opponent, but we are not in awe of them.

“Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic are excellent, but we too have players with great quality.

“We should also not forget that we have done very well in recent games against them.”

Bayern Munich were actually the last team to beat Juventus in the Champions League, thanks to a 4-1 win in Turin during December 2009.

The two European giants have only met on six occasions in the past and all have come in the continent’s most prestigious competition.

Juve have the upper hand with three wins, two losses and one draw. They have scored six and conceded seven.

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Vucinic wary of Inter threat

Mar 28, 2013

Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic believes that Inter will pose a tough proposition when the two teams meet on Saturday.

The Bianconeri travel to San Siro this weekend looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points.

But the Montenegrin striker has claimed that the Derby d'Italia is always a tricky match.

“We play against Inter, and the name says it all,” he told Sport Mediaset. “They are a strong team and I do not believe anyone who says they are in trouble.

“I watched their Europa league second-leg win against Tottenham and they threatened a lot.

“We need to focus – approaching the game as if it were the game of our lives.”

The 29-year-old then commented on Coach Antonio Conte and potential arrivals over the summer.

“Conte? The results speak for themselves. He came to Juve and won the League in his first year.

“We can only hope that that continues.

“If a top player arrived here I would be quite happy,” Vucinic added. “That would give us a big hand.

“But let's not forget – everyone at Juventus is a top player.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Guarin misses plane back to Italy

Mar 28, 2013

Fredy Guarin could be a doubt for Inter's crucial match with Juventus on Saturday after missing his plane back from international duty.

The midfielder was on the bench for Colombia in their 1-0 loss to Venezuela on Tuesday, but according to Calcio News missed his plane for the return trip to Italy.

The 26-year-old had to miss today's training session, and will therefore only have tomorrow to prepare for the Derby d'Italia at the weekend.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus face Inter test

Mar 28, 2013

The last leg of Juventus' Serie A title defence begins against the side who first threatened to ruin it as Inter Milan host the second Derby d'Italia of the season.

A 50th game without defeat seemed inevitable for league leaders Juve back in November but a 3-1 home loss to Inter inspired a small crisis of confidence in Turin.

Antonio Conte's Bianconeri rallied, though, and the gap above second-placed Napoli now stands at nine points while Inter flounder in fifth - where they are 18 points shy of tomorrow's opponents.

One man demanding a repeat performance at San Siro is Inter president Massimo Moratti, who told his club's official website: "That wouldn't be so bad at all!

"A few months down the line we came up against problems that weren't only down to our form or the way were were playing.

"Then we went through a bad spell and we paid for that. Now we hope this match against Juve can help us get back on track.

"It's important to get points whether it's against Juve or any other side. Now we're up against the best team in the league, but we won't change our own targets.''

With every league game taking place on Holy Saturday, the Milan showpiece could well be overshadowed by events in Palermo, where Roma striker Francesco Totti is hoping to celebrate 20 years in red and gold with a positive result.

Totti made his Roma debut as a 16-year-old against Brescia in March 1993 and is targeting a contract renewal that will allow him enough time to overhaul Silvio Piola's all-time scoring record of 274 goals in Serie A.

The 36-year-old Roman, who reached 226 against Parma, told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "Time has flown because I have done everything with passion.''

His decision to stay in the capital for his entire career, despite interest from Real Madrid, has limited him to just one Serie A title and two Coppa Italia trophies.

"I could have won the Ballon d'Or in 2000,'' he added. "Had Italy gone on to win the European Championships I would have won it because I also won the Scudetto that year.''

Palermo, meanwhile, are five points from safety at the bottom of the table alongside Pescara, who visit mid-table Parma.

Siena may never have a better opportunity to leave the relegation zone as they challenge 17th-placed Genoa in a six-pointer at the Marassi.

The Ligurians are just one point away, leading Siena boss Giuseppe Iachini to tell La Repubblica: "We are taking it one game at a time.

"There may be other teams who are masters of their own destiny but we cannot think that way. We just want to win, regardless of the head-to-head aspect of the game.''

AC Milan's fight to dislodge Napoli from second continues against Chievo, who the Rossoneri have beaten 12 times in a row, while the southern outfit visit Torino for Saturday's late game.

Lazio hope to fix a run of three straight defeats and re-enter the Champions League spots at home to fellow European hopefuls Catania, with Udinese hot on the Sicilians' heels and looking for all three points against Bologna.

Elsewhere, Cagliari host Fiorentina behind closed doors at the Stadio Is Arenas as Atalanta bid to pull away from the bottom five with victory over 10th-placed Sampdoria.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Preview: Inter Milan vs. Juventus

Mar 28, 2013

Saturday's big Serie A clash sees league leaders Juventus travel to the San Siro to face Inter Milan.

Inter are looking to get themselves into contention for the top four and are currently four points behind Fiorentina having lost their last game at home to Bologna.

Juventus have won three of their last four and beat the same opposition that Inter lost to .

For Inter, Juan is suspended, while Matias Silvestre could return to take his place in defence. Ricardo Alvarez could play despite struggling with an injury.

Aside from long-term absentees Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe, the only other doubt for Juventus is Giorgio Chiellini but he is expected to be fit.

Recent form

Inter: LWLDWL

Juventus: WLWDWW

Possible starting lineups:

Inter: Handanovic; Jonathan, Silvestre, Chivu, Zanetti; Guarin, Kovacic, Cambiasso; Alvarez; Cassano, Palacio

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Peluso, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Padoin; Giovinco, Vucinic

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Inter vs Juventus PREVIEW: A Dish Served Cold

Mar 28, 2013

It seems like a century ago since Juventus suffered their first ever defeat at the new stadium. Having been unbeaten 50-some-odd games at their cathedral, Juventus were riding a five game winning streak into their first match of November, having dispatched Bologna on Halloween a few days earlier thanks to late Paul Pogba heroics when they welcomed Inter into town for a weekend fixture. And then came the heartbreak. Even the most ardent and delusional tifosi knew that Conte’s new-look Juve could not go unbeaten forever (ignoring the Coppa Italia final for a moment) in Serie A, but certainly none would have chosen that to be the match. At home. Against Inter.

But Conte’s Juve are Conte’s Juve, and perhaps the team’s performance since is why the past 10 or so weeks seem like a lifetime. In the immediate aftermath of the Inter debacle, they responded like champions with a rousing 4-0 thrashing of Lars’ cousins in the UCL four days later, followed by a 6-1 demolition of Pescara the following weekend.

Inter meanwhile seemed tired in the immediate aftermath, able to muster a loss and draw to Atalanta and Cagliari respectfully in their next two league fixtures.

Heading into this weekend, Juventus are once again ascendant. Having moved beyond their typical January doldrums, the biaconeri have won in each but one match in all competitions since February ended, the one exception a 1-1 draw against second place Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo. A comfortable 9 points atop the table, and 18 ahead of sixth place Inter (who have one game in hand), Antonio Conte’s boys will most certainly be hungry for revenge on the eve of next week’s Champions League showdown in Munich.

Juventus

Speaking of the Champions League, Antonio Conte has a selection issue in light of the packed schedule. Tuesday’s trip to Munich places a premium on an away result, meaning that his best players must certainly be in top form for the weekday fixture – a good problem for the former midfielder to have, considering Inter’s recent bouncing from the Europa League. What’s more is the recent international break means a gaggle of Juventus players will just be returning from national team duty. Sky reported that the team even flew back the Italian players on a private jet to get them back ahead of schedule and rested ahead of preparations for Inter.

With that, Giorgio Chiellini, who has been knocked about quite a bit this term, will likely be rested. Martin Caceres remains shelved recovering from an unfortunate auto accident, and thus Luca Marrone will likely take Giorgio’s spot in the backline. Further reports suggest that in contrast to Conte’s penchant for messing with players’ natural positions, Kwadwo “I’m Actually a Center Mid” Asamoah will also be rested at left wing back in lieu of Federico “Whatever You Do Just Don’t Put Me at Center Back” Peluso. Despite his inclusion with the national team, Sebastian Giovinco was barely used by Cesare Prandelli and looks likely to start as well.

Probable Formation: (3-5-2)

Buffon; Marrone, Bonucci, Barzagli; Peluso, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner; Giovinco, Matri

Inter

Celebrating one year at the helm of Inter (and around 6 months longer than anyone would have expected since being officially named permanent boss), Andrea Stramaccioni will hope to again right an inconsistent Inter ship. With the aforementioned weight of Europa off of their shoulders, the team will focus on qualifying for Europe’s secondary competition next year at least, whilst visions of the Champions League and sugar plums dance in the heads of tifosi.

Their league form has left something to be desired of late, having won most recently on March 3 versus Catania for only the third time since the turn of the calendar year (haven’t I mentioned on Twitter recently that Serie A seems to be re-calibrating back to normal?). Perhaps the loss of the Europa League burden could not have come at a better time.

With that, their squad selection will undoubtedly be the strongest available starting XI. That strongest option, however, will have to exclude Diego Milito, who suffered a season ending knee ligament injury in February. Milito seemed well on his way to regaining the form that made him the focal point of the attack during Inter’s historic treble-winning 2010 campaign, and his recent absence is obviously considering the team’s form since.

Probable Formation: (4-3-1-2)

Handanovic; Zanetti, Ranocchia, Chivu, Pereira; Gargano, Kovacic, Cambiasso; Guarin; Palacio, Cassano

As Juventus enter the final stretch towards their 31st Scudetto while aiming to make a mark on the Champions League – the outcome of which could very well determine the summer mercato – they will have their work cut out for them. Thankfully, one strength evident from Juventus squads of years past is the squad’s depth. A pivotal week remains before the Old Lady, who will look to continue to pull away from Napoli (perhaps with a little help from our kid cousins from the same city), while gearing up for what will be THE match-up of the UCL final eight.

Brace yourself, friends. A fun, albeit stressful two weeks is straight ahead.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Stramaccioni: 'We want to upset Juve'

Mar 28, 2013

Andrea Stramaccioni admits Inter-Juventus “is not like any other game. We’ll give our all to cause them an upset.”

The Derby d’Italia is played on Saturday afternoon at 14.00 GMT and Nerazzurri boss Strama spoke about it during a publicity event.

“The locker room is ready for this game,” he said.

“Inter-Juventus is not like any other game. We’ll give our all to do well and cause them an upset.”

Inter already beat Juventus earlier this season, ending their 49-round unbeaten Serie A record.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Vucinic: Juventus must not underestimate Inter

The Montenegro international is eagerly anticipating this weekend's

league game and has warned that the Nerazzurri will not be pushovers.

Mar 29, 2013

Mirko Vucinic has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to take Saturday's Serie A clash against arch-rivals Inter lightly if they are to get a positive result.

The Nerazzurri have been struggling to find their best form in recent months, but Vucinic believes they remain a force to be reckoned with.

"Just the name Inter says it all. They are a strong team and I'm not paying attention to those who say they're going through a difficult period," the Montenegro international told Sport Mediaset.

"I saw the second leg of their Europa League tie against Tottenham, and they put in a great performance. They were close to securing progress."

Juventus lock horns with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday, but Vucinic has insisted they are focused on Saturday's match versus Inter.

He added: "We have to focus on the match against Inter for now and approach it as if it's the last game of our life. I don't think this will be a problem, though. We have the right mentality, thanks to the coach."

The Bianconeri were beaten 3-1 by Inter in Turin earlier this season which ended their 49-game unbeaten league run.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Contento: Bayern will eliminate Juventus

The wing-back is optimistic about his side's chances against the Turin giants.

Mar 29, 2013

Diego Contento is confident that Bayern Munich have what it takes to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Juventus.

The left-back realises that the Serie A champions will not be pushovers, but he is nonetheless optimistic about Bayern's chances of seeing off the Bianconeri in the quarter-finals of the competition.

"Juventus are an excellent team with a number of great individual talents. It's not a coincidence that they top the Serie A table," Contento was quoted as saying by Eurosport.

"It will be a difficult tie for us. However, I am convinced that we will emerge victorious and make it to the semi-finals."

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Conte would consider Inter future

Mar 29, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has today failed to rule out a possible future at Inter ahead of Saturday’s game. “We’re also not thinking about Bayern Munich yet.”

Conte was asked about a potential stint on the Nerazzurri bench at some stage in his career and he didn’t close that door.

“You can never say never in football,” Conte, a former Juventus captain, stated on the eve of the Derby d’Italia. “I’m a professional.

“I’m always the biggest fan of the teams that I Coach. That was the case at Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta, Siena and, obviously, Juventus.”

Putting the hypothetical to one side, Conte turned to the reality of facing Inter and then Bayern Munich in the space of four days.

“For us the game with a capital G is the one against the Nerazzurri,” he said amidst suggestions that his side are primarily concentrating on the Bayern tie.

“People who know me are aware that the next game is always the most important, therefore the Inter match.

“This is a key stage of the season with six games in 21 days. We are playing for the Scudetto and the Champions League.

“But we are certainly not thinking about the Bayern game, we are focused on Inter.

“I know from experience that if you try to calculate results then you run the risk of getting things wrong. You have to think about one game at a time.

“I’ll pick the best side possible and I expect an open game. The draw would not be a good result for either of us.”

Juventus are nine points clear at the top of the table and Conte is keen to keep that gap intact over the weekend.

“We want to confirm ourselves in the championship and we can’t fail in specific games, because we are playing against a great side and tradition.

“Inter can beat anyone in a game.

“We have to follow our objectives which are to win the Scudetto again and continue our Champions League dream.”

Conte admitted that he did have some selection problems to resolve after the recent international break.

“We’ve had 15 internationals fly all over the world and not all of them returned in prefect condition. Mirko Vucinic, for example, has a fever.”

The tactician also defended 20-year-old Paul Pogba who was sent-off in only his second cap for France against Spain.

“I saw the game and I thought his dismissal was wrong seeing as the first booking was non existent when you consider that he jumps normally for the ball.

“With experience he could have avoided the second. But I have to compliment him as he’s showing the progress he has made with us by playing for his country.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Vucinic out of Juventus squad

Mar 29, 2013

Mirko Vucinic is missing from the Juventus squad for the Inter tie on Saturday because of illness.

The Montenegro international returned from the 1-1 draw against England in midweek with a fever and won’t be risked.

Vucinic was being tipped to be rested anyway given that the Old Lady will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Boss Antonio Conte is also without Martin Caceres, Mauricio Isla, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe for the San Siro Derby d’Italia.

Squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 18 Anelka, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Buffon: Inter defeat still burns

Mar 29, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Juventus have 'not forgotten' the defeat to Inter earlier on in the season.

The Nerazzurri claimed a 3-1 win in Turin back in November, and the goalkeeper has conceded that the loss will be used as motivation tomorrow when they face Andrea Stramaccioni's side again.

“We have not forgotten that game,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “They were superior to us and deserved to win.

“We want to make a great comeback from that because the defeat still burns.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Cambiasso: Rivalry with Juve is great

Mar 29, 2013

Esteban Cambiasso has insisted that the rivalry between Inter and Juventus is 'a great one' as the two teams prepare to meet tomorrow.

The Nerazzurri host the Bianconeri at San Siro on Saturday, looking for the three points that could take them up to fifth in the table.

But the Argentine midfielder has claimed that his side will put their focus purely on the football.

“We are just thinking about the match against Juventus,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “The rivalry between the two sides is a great one, but we have to focus on what happens on the field.

“We have to demonstrate our value. This season we have had our ups and downs and in a League like the Italian one, you have to be consistent.

“That is what Juventus have done – they have never let their guard down.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus must reclaim Scudetto and keep

Champions League dream alive, says Conte

The successful coach has warned his side they cannot afford to lose focus

at this crucial stage, and has urged them to take things one step at a time.

Mar 29, 2013

Antonio Conte has made it clear that the upcoming few weeks are crucial for Juventus in their hunt for the Scudetto and Champions League.

The Turin giants take on arch-rivals Inter in Serie A on Saturday, before travelling to Germany for the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

"It's an important moment of the season for us, with six games in 21 days. We'll be playing for the Scudetto and a place in the Champions League semi-finals," Conte said at a press conference.

"We need to chase our goals which are to reclaim the Scudetto and keep the Champions League dream alive.

"Experience tells me that getting ahead of ourselves could cause us to slip up. We need to take one game at a time. The most important encounter is the one we're facing next.

"I'll choose my strongest side on Saturday, we're focused solely on Inter. It will be an open and entertaining encounter, a draw won't suit either side. Inter can beat anyone in a one-off game, we must be extremely focused and alert."

Saturday's encounter at the Giuseppe Meazza is scheduled to kick off at 15:00CET.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Zanetti: I thought Inter could win Scudetto

The Argentine defender was optimistic about his side's title chances earlier

this term, but has stated they are now gunning for a Champions League place instead.

Mar 29, 2013

Javier Zanetti has admitted he felt Inter could challenge for the Scudetto after they beat Juventus 3-1 earlier this season.

The Nerazzurri were the first team to beat the Bianconeri at their new stadium in November 2012, but they have since been unable to keep up their good form and have dropped to joint fifth spot in the table, trailing the Old Lady by 18 points.

"We all thought we could win the Scudetto after that win. However, we have never had a full squad at our disposal since, and the season has gone the way it has," Zanetti was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"Our goal now is to qualify for the Champions League again."

Inter lock horns with Juventus again on Saturday and Zanetti is eagerly anticipating the Derby d'Italia.

"It is the big game for all of us with a lot of history. Ever since I arrived here at Inter, I understood what this game means because of everything that's happened on and off the pitch," he added.

"These are the kind of games that everybody wants to play."

Saturday's match at San Siro is due to kick off at 15:00CET.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

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"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

I would never coach Juventus, claims Stramaccioni

The 37-year-old has refuted the notion he could take over at Juventus Stadium,

despite opposite number Antonio Conte hinting at interest in the Nerazzurri post.

Mar 29, 2013

Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni has claimed he could never be tempted to take the helm at Juventus.

Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte admitted on Friday that he would consider taking charge at Guiseppe Meazza in the future, but Stramaccioni has played down suggestions he could one day move in the other direction.

“It’s hard to see myself on the Juventus bench," the 37-year-old told a press conference.

Don't worry, loser, we don't want you!

"My coaching career is still young. Maybe in a few years’ time I’ll be somewhere else, but not there.

“The fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. I know the truth; I’ve spoken with the president.”

The Nerazzurri host Juventus this weekend in a crucial Derby D'Italia, and Stramaccioni insists his side will be motivated by the underdog tag heading into the fixture.

“Some are saying that we have little chance of winning but we’ll try to use the fact that we are billed as underdogs as extra motivation," he went on.

“It will be an open game and could go either way. We'll approach it like we did in the reverse fixture, perhaps with a slightly different system, but we'll give it a good go tomorrow.

“We're going out to win the match and I'm sure Inter will put in a good performance.”

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

[Socrates 8435]

Salihamidzic: Bayern slight favourites against Juventus

The now-retired winger, who lined up for both sides, feels that Jupp Heynckes' men

have a slight edge over the Bianconeri, but expects that the tie will go right to the wire.

Mar 29, 2013

Hasan Salihamidzic believes Bayern Munich are slight favourites in their upcoming Champions League quarter-final showdown with Juventus.

The former Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who played for both sides during his playing days, is anticipating an epic bout between two genuine European heavyweights, but is tipping the Bundesliga leaders to come out on top.

“This is a really tight game,” Salihamidzic told Hamburger Morgen Post. “For me, this pairing has really come too early. This would have been something more fitting for the final.

“Juventus have grown incredibly over the last two years; trying to break them down is a very difficult task.

“However, Bayern, for me, are the slight favourites. Still, they will only go through with a top performance.”

Salihamidzic is hoping, though, that Jupp Heynckes’ men do not take their eye off the ball ahead of this weekend’s league outing against another of his former clubs, Hamburg.

“Usually, Hamburg have no chance in this fixture,” he mused. “But it will be important that Bayern do not have Juve on their minds.

“I can only hope that they take the Hamburg game very seriously. They need to have their foot on the gas. You cannot just say, ‘We will be champions anyway.’

“I think that this has been the case in the past few weeks, and it just does not work. A defeat against Hamburg would hurt their confidence.”

Bayern tackle Hamburg at the Allianz Arena on Saturday before hosting Juve at the same venue on Tuesday evening.

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Inter-Juventus Preview:

Nerazzurri target Bianconeri double

Andrea Stramaccioni's side ended their rivals' 49-game unbeaten run in November

and they will be hoping to slow down Antonio Conte's men's title charge on Saturday.

Mar 29, 2013

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

INTER

Handanovic

Zanetti, Ranocchia, Chivu, Pereira

Gargano, Kovacic, Cambiasso

Guarin

Palacio, Cassano

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah

Giovinco, Quagliarella

In this second league installment of the Derby d'Italia, Inter will be aiming to once again spoil the Bianconeri party as Andrea Stramaccioni celebrates his year in charge of the Nerazzurri.

The young coach was appointed boss after Claudio Ranieri was dismissed following a 2-0 defeat to Saturday's visitors last March, and while a similar scoreline would not spell the end of Stramaccioni's tenure, it certainly would not ease the recent pressure.

The hosts haven't been in a great form of late but will be buoyed by the 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the Europa League second leg clash.

Inter are forced to make two changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Bologna after Juan Jesus picked up a suspension and Dejan Stankovic has continued injury problems.

Influential goalkeeper Samir Handanovic should return to the starting XI, while Antonio Cassano could partner Rodrigo Palacio upfront. Fredy Guarin is still expected start despite missing his intended flight back from South America.

Meanwhile, Juventus will be hoping to at least maintain their nine-point gap at the top as time runs out for the rest of the chasing pack. Prevented from going 50 games unbeaten in November, the Old Lady will be determined to ensure their fierce rivals will not be celebrating this weekend.

A notable absentee for the visitors is Giorgio Chiellini, who may be rested as a precaution before Tuesday's big Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Mirko Vucinic may also drop out of the starting XI and be replaced by top goalscorer Fabio Quagliarella, while there are no suspensions for coach Antonio Conte to contend with.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Inter pulled off a shock result in the previous meeting between the two teams in November, winning 3-1 despite going behind to an Arturo Vidal strike inside the first minute, ending Juve's long unbeaten run of 49 games.

• Andrea Stramaccioni's record for his first year in charge of Inter reads: played 54, won 29, drawn 10 and lost 15, giving him a 54% win rate.

• The previous clash between the two teams at San Siro was back in October 2011 with Juventus running out 2-1 winners.

• Juventus have only won one in their last five trips to San Siro. Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio were enough to give them the three points that day.

• The Bianconeri could go 12 points clear at the top if they win on Saturday and Napoli lose to Torino.

• Fabio Quagliarella, who is in contention to start on Saturday, has never scored against the Nerazzurri and in 13 appearances against them has won just once.

Head to Head

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

Serie A ‎- Mar 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - FC Internazionale 0

Serie A ‎- Oct 29, 2011 - FC Internazionale 1 - Juventus 2

Club Friendlies ‎- Aug 18, 2011 - FC Internazionale 7 - Juventus 6

Serie A ‎- Feb 13, 2011 - Juventus 1 - FC Internazionale 0

Last Five Matches

FC Internazionale

Mar 14, 2013 - FC Internazionale 4 - Tottenham 1 - EL

Mar 10, 2013 - FC Internazionale 0 - Bologna 1 - Serie A

Mar 7, 2013 - Tottenham 3 - FC Internazionale 0 - EL

Mar 3, 2013 - Catania 2 - FC Internazionale 3 - Serie A

Feb 24, 2013 - FC Internazionale 1 - AC Milan 1 - Serie A

Juventus

Mar 16, 2013 - Bologna 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

Mar 10, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Catania 0 - Serie A

Mar 6, 2013 - Juventus 2 - Celtic 0 - UCL

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

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

Players to Watch

Fredy Guarín

May have missed his flight back from international duty with Colombia - only a small hurdle for him to overcome - but has been an influential presence for the Nerazzurri and they will need him to be at his best against a formidable Bianconeri midfield.

Andrea Pirlo

Will look to drop deep and gain possession before finding the runners from midfield with his expert vision and range of passing. Could take advantage of some dodgy defending which has surfaced in recent matches for the hosts.

Prediction

The Nerazzurri will be desperate to do the double over fierce rivals and will given a much-needed boost following their emphatic victory over Spurs at San Siro before the international break. Juve, meanwhile, know they are only a few points away from securing a 29th Scudetto and given the hosts' recent problems might just nick this one.

Editor's Prediction

Inter 1 - 2 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 29, 2013

Juventus are eyeing revenge, while Inter need maximum points in the Derby d’Italia as they chase a Champions League position.

Given the international break and recent postponement of their clash at Sampdoria, Inter have not featured in Serie A since their loss against Bologna. That was followed by an ultimately pointless victory over Tottenham in the Europa League, in which they were eliminated on away goals.

The Marassi fixture was delayed due to wild weather. That leaves Inter seven points from the Champions League zone, but they remain confident in attaining a top three spot. Constant chatter surrounds Coach Andrea Stramaccioni and his future, especially if Inter do miss out.

Inter have recovered a trio of players for this match. Matias Silvestre, Yuto Nagatomo and Ricky Alvarez have shaken off knocks to be up for selection, but Joel Obi, Gabi Mudingayi, Diego Milito and Luca Castellazzi are out for the season. Dejan Stankovic is also absent, while Juan Jesus is suspended. Fredy Guarin was late in returning from international duty and is in doubt.

It was Inter who ended Juve’s undefeated streak last November. Having commenced the streak in May 2011, the Bianconeri’s last addition to the list was a Halloween win over Bologna. Days later, Antonio Conte’s men were stunned by Inter after taking the lead. Claudio Marchisio admits they are seeking payback at San Siro.

The Serie A leaders travelled to Bologna a fortnight ago and left with maximum points, a crucial result against an in-form opponent. Second half strikes from Mirko Vucinic and Marchisio meant they retained their nine point advantage over Napoli.

In view of their upcoming Champions League match with Bayern Munich, Conte may rest some players. Giorgio Chiellini did not feature for Italy during the past week and will not be risked, while Martin Caceres, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner will play no part.

Juventus made it 20 San Siro victories last term as they enjoyed a 2-1 result. Nonetheless, the trail Inter’s mark of 35 Milano wins, in addition to 25 draws.

Keep an eye on: Antonio Cassano (Inter) – He has seven Serie A goals against Juve but none since his Sampdoria days. Now the Bari native must find his scoring boots to ensure the Nerazzurri remain in the Champions League hunt. Cassano has scored just twice domestically since Christmas.

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

Last season: Inter 1-2 Juventus

Stat fact: The last daytime fixture between these sides occurred in 1995-96, with current Juventus boss Antonio Conte on target in a 2-1 Bianconeri victory.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

INTER: Handanovic; Zanetti, Ranocchia, Chivu, Pereira; Gargano, Kovacic, Cambiasso; Alvarez; Palacio, Cassano

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Derby d’Italia, Conte Revenge, Pogba OK

Mar 29, 2013

Welcome to another Derby d’Italia edition of STTBS!

While in the past, this particular post may have been feisty, combative even, these days we Juventini are taking things a bit easier — but hopefully not dangerously so.

With a nine-point lead in Serie A, a hugely important Champions League quarterfinal with Bayern Munich this Tuesday, and an all-talk, unimpressive season from Milan’s Other Half, the buildup to this Juve-Inter matchup is somewhat subdued.

Of course, we know better than to ever take Inter lightly. Besides, they were the first team ever to win at Juventus Stadium last year, and they snapped our 49-match unbeaten streak, too.

And we all know that if they can’t beat us, they can pay a tribunal to send us to Serie B.

So focus up, amici, and worry about Bayern later. Let’s take the m***a Squad out!

Inter vs Juve Latest Updates

Mirko Vucinic will sit this one out, as he is suffering from a flu or fever (depending on the translation) that he picked up during the international break. Meanwhile, poor Mauricio Isla was run ragged in two matches with Chile after riding the bench for most of this year with Juve, and thus will sit out with some very real fatigue.

Otherwise, the gang’s all here.

At the moment, reports from Milan have Fabio Quagliarella beating out Sebastian Giovinco for a starting spot in attack next to Alessandro Matri.

Good news for Giorgio Chiellini, as he will in all likelihood start in the back alongside Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci.

From a turnover standpoint, things get scarier when considering the midfield. At this time, it looks like Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo will start. Aside from Claudio, the proximity of the Bayern match makes me nervous — especially with regards to Pirlo. However, the slower, more methodical pace expected of the next two matches should suit him (as opposed to the constant sprinting of the Brazil friendly).

On the wings, it looks as if Stephan Lichtsteiner will be rested for Tuesday, with Simone Padoin deputizing, while Kwadwo Asamoah should start on the left wing.

ANDIAMO, RAGAZZI!!!

Conte Eyes Inter Revenge

Antonio Conte has had one hell of a juggling act in selecting his squads for Inter and Bayern over this next week. The international break took a few more precious miles off the legs of the most precious Bianconeri, while any decision he makes on Inter could come back to haunt him three days later in Germany.

Perhaps that’s why it’s easier to take it one match at time — or at least tell the press that’s what you’re doing:

Those who know me well are aware that the next game — in this case Saturday’s clash with Inter — is always the most important. We’ve got a fixed target of reclaiming our Scudetto title and we can’t afford any slip-ups in such matches.

Conte also managed to pay Inter a backhanded compliment, acknowledging their threat while subtly referencing their underwhelming season:

Inter have already shown that they’re capable of beating anyone in a one-off encounter. They have players with charisma and personality, such as Zanetti. He’s the one player I’d take from them, he’s the heart and soul of the team and I would have liked to have coached him. Both sides will be playing for the three points, a draw doesn’t suit either of us. It will be an open game.

I love what he’s really saying in that first sentence: “Inter can beat anyone — once, and on a good day. They can’t win over consistently — don’t make us laugh — but they’re good for a win here or there. Watch out!” The phrase “one-off encounter” is quietly devastating, as it puts all of Inter’s falsely proud history in its place, while it presently places them on equal terms with every other team in Serie A, even those in the relegation zone. Masterful.

Antonio’s experience playing for Juve, where he had to perennially play at a high level across two or more competitions, is now fully paying off in his managerial career. That firsthand knowledge must be priceless in weighing the importance of each single match in relation not only to the next one, but in the wider context of an entire season. Perhaps most importantly, Conte’s days as a Bianconeri midfielder must lend credence to the message he’s giving his men:

I’ve spoken to the lads about the importance of the moment. We’ve had a look at the fixture list, which sees us tackle six stimulating games in 21 days. We’re in the hunt for something important: winning the championship and keeping our Champions League dream alive. We deserve to be where we are, but it’s a new situation for us and we must do well to deal with it effectively. I know from experience that if you try to calculate results then you run the risk of getting things wrong.

You have to think about one game at a time. I’m referring to my playing days, when I both won and lost championships, even when there was a significant gap at the top.

Between the international matches, the upcoming Bayern fixture and the half-squad training sessions over the past two weeks, it must be a bit torturous coming up with a starting XI for Inter. If it is, Conte’s not saying:

I’ll choose the best team possible, taking into account the games played by the international contingent and the form of those who have remained in Vinovo. We’ve had many players travelling around the world and not all of them have returned in peak condition. Vucinic, for example, has had a touch of flu.

Indeed, Vucinic was subsequently left out of the 21-man squad list for the trip to Milan; hopefully he will recover in time to play some part in Tuesday’s match (personally, I think he would be a pretty dynamic and effective force coming off the bench in Germany, as opposed to starting).

But for tomorrow, I have a feeling someone’s going to step up in his place.

Normally, the precariousness of the starting XI and squad selection in general would be more than a little worrying for a tifoso. But that’s the beauty of Conte’s philosophy of tactical unity and self-sacrifice.

We may be frustrated at times with individual players, but the system itself, as well as the player’s dedication to it, goes a long way towards a potential victory.

And hopefully on Saturday, it will go all the way to a rout of our historical nemesis.

Marchisio Looks Ahead (But Not Too Far)

With such an important match (both in general and symbolically) next week, and with Inter underachieving (post-Farsopoli this is otherwise known as “normal”), it would be easy to gloss over this edition of the Derby d’Italia, despite one’s best “one-match-at-a-time” intentions.

However, since Inter beat Juve handily the last time around, and in Turin no less, payback is essential. This is lost on no one in the Bianconeri ranks, least of all our Capitano Futuro Claudio Marchisio:

Inter come first. We’re trying to not think about the Champions League too much. We have Inter in the championship and that is a game that we really want to do well in.

Our first task is to maintain the gap in the standings over Napoli and Milan. And, of course, there was also that stinging defeat against Inter. I admit that, after that 3-1 loss, there is a great desire for revenge…

If he must talk about the Champions League, Marchisio hews closely to the official party line, which casts Juve as underdogs going up against a more established European giant:

They are certainly superior to us in terms of experience and quality because they have great champions.

However, we will go there without any fear. We’ll go there and play as we did at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, the European champions, and as we did at Shakhtar and Celtic. We can go and play anywhere and win. We are united, the compactness of our squad is one of our strengths.

And it’s this unity which makes Juve much, much more dangerous than they already are on paper. Regarding the reference to “superiority” and “great champions” I hope that’s just Claudio being kind for the press. I’m assuming no one actually believes that, right? I wouldn’t — even if I were on Bayern! I’d take our champions over theirs any day.

Rizzoli Refs: Watch Out for Rib-Balls, Juve!

Nicola Rizzoli will oversee his 23rd Juve match on Saturday, and it will also be the second year in a row in which he’s worked the Juve-Inter match at San Siro. Last season, the Bianconeri won 2-1, thanks to goals from Vucinic and Marchisio.

The Bolognese official has been voted the best referee in Serie A for two years running. However, that’s not the most salient point regarding Rizzoli. You may remember him from our 1-0 loss to Milan late last year, in which he called a penalty for Mauricio Isla’s “handball.”

The video replay showed that the ball hit Mauricio’s ribcage underneath his admittedly outstretched arm. Nevertheless, it was a very dubious call, and Rizzoli remains unrepentant, believing it was the correct call.

Overall, Juve has a record of eight victories, nine draws and five defeats under Rizzoli. The last victory came earlier this season—the 4-1 drubbing of Roma at Juventus Stadium.

Rizzoli’s linesmen will be Niccolai and Giordano, whose names together sound like the name of a dependable, mid-price furniture store. The man known only as Padovan will play fourth official/falconer/library policeman.

Previous Inter Encounters (Sounds Dirty — Hope Everyone Showered After)

Saturday will see the 190th Derby d’Italia across all competitions. Juventus have an 88-55 advantage in victories over Inter, with the 47 draws highlighting what we all know to be a fierce and passionate fixture.

The most frequent score line for a Juve win at San Siro is 2-1, having occurred eight times starting in 1954. And oddly enough, according to Juve’s official site, the Bianconeri’s last five wins over Inter in Milan have ended 2-1, a streak which started in 1996 and was most recently seen last season.

Here’s the breakdown, courtesy of Juventus.com:

1996 – Lippi’s side found the breakthrough via Lombardo after just four minutes. Conte then netted soon after the break to provide the two-goal cushion. Even though Ganz halved the deficit for the Nerazzurri, Juventus managed to successfully close out a 2-1 victory.

2000 – Kovacevic opened the scoring soon after the interval and then added his second with 79 minutes on the clock, rendering Seedorf’s late effort a mere consolation. The game will always be remembered for Kovacevic’s second goal, which saw the striker show extraordinary athleticism to rise higher than the outstretched glove of Peruzzi and plant home an exquisite header.

2006 – In an electric and feisty encounter at the San Siro, Ibrahimovic opened the scoring after latching on to Camoranesi’s cross to slot past Julio Cesar. Samuel did equalize with a headed effort, but Del Piero came off the bench to net the winner for Capello’s side, as he curled an inch-perfect free kick into the top corner.

2008 – After a goalless first half, Juve seized a two-goal advantage through Camoranesi and Trezeguet. Maniche got on the score sheet late in the piece, but could not prevent a Nerazzurri defeat.

2011 – The Bianconeri’s most recent visit to the San Siro also ended with a 2-1 away triumph. Vucinic thumped home from close range to grab an early lead, only for Maicon to get the hosts back on level pegging with a strong finish from an acute angle. After Marchisio found the back of the net with a precise low strike five minutes later, Juve’s stubborn defense held firm for the remaining hour to clinch an important success.”

A series of 190 hotly contested dogfights continues. Same as it ever was.

All this match needs is an Inter striker with one of those ridiculous braided rat-tails hanging inexplicably from the upper-right backside of his head. Oh wait…

Actually, I can think of nothing better than Palacio’s hideous rat-tail to symbolize what we can call “That Old Inter Feeling” — or maybe “Lo Stile Inter.”

FORZA JUVE.

It’s Officially Okay, Paul Pogba!

Finally — a little bit of bonhomie up in here!

It took him a day or two, but Ex-Juve hero and current French national coach Didier Deschamps is finally backing up young Paul Pogba after a very harsh sending-off in France’s World Cup qualifier with Spain. DD gave the press a forensic assessment of each of Paul’s infractions, while only insinuating how relatively weak they both were:

Paul showed his potential before the two yellow cards. His first booking was as a result of the fact that he jumped with a high knee, and his foot was too far forward in the second incident. Paul was winning his second cap against players like Xavi, Busquets and Xabi Alonso who have much more experience.

Note the word “experience,” which in this context is code for “bad-to-intermediate flopping.” And now notice how Xavi’s name is at the top of the “experienced” list.

As we hoped he would, Deschamps seems to have accepted the red card as a natural growing pain, knowing as he does that Paul is ONLY 20 YEARS OLD:

I know what Pogba is capable of doing and my mind has not been changed. It is thanks to games like the one against Spain that youngsters will grow.

Bravo, Didier — that’s more Juventino of you. You had us going there for a while, what with the icy touchline stare and the two-day media silence.

And honestly, if that’s the worst thing Pogba does to get sent off, I don’t expect to see too many horrible YouTube compilations set to something like “Enter Sandman” (which I personally think is only scary when Mariano Rivera walks out to it — and that has nothing to do with Metallica).

Stay at this level of “bad”, Paul!

Lightning Round!

It’s time once again to visit the intersection of opaque, misleading and completely false.

— Another budget-priced “bold” statement from Inter manager Andrea “Poor Man’s Mourinho” Stramaccioni in the run-up to the Derby d’Italia. After Antonio Conte issued the standard “never say never” reply to the question of whether he’d ever coach Inter, Stramaccioni pounced, claiming “I’d never coach Juventus!” What is he, five years old? I can’t believe adults say these things in private, much less in public. Here’s the deal, Andrea: Mourinho has earned the right to say stupid things, because he’s actually accomplished something. Stupid with credibility = gamesmanship. Stupid without credibility = coaching sixth-place Inter.

— A random FIFA agent named Guido Di Domenico claims that Fiorentina desirable Stevan Jovetic has already chosen Arsenal for a summer transfer and thus will not be coming to Juventus. Depending on the translation, Di Domenico claims Jovetic is either “intrigued” or “fascinated” by Arsenal’s project. What’s so exciting about coming in fourth every year and berating club management for not spending money? Doesn’t he get enough of that in Florence?

— Manchester United have reportedly had a bid for Claudio Marchisio rejected by Juve. Why would he go there ever, let alone now? Do the Man U directors read player biographies? Claudio is not merely Juventino — he’s one of those players who kind of IS Juventus. Read Wikipedia, you red devils!

— Nicolas Anelka has called French reports that he will leave Juve prematurely “stupid.” Said Anelka: “Stop Bendtnering… I mean, bothering me!”

— Roman Abramovich has apparently offered to double Antonio Conte’s current salary to lure him to Chelsea. Again, club management: SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH! Remember how Antonio used to play for Juve, captain them even, and how it’s a dream job for him, and how even being imprisoned in a GLASS BOX couldn’t stop his passion and love for the Old Lady (and couldn’t stop us winning, either)? Sure, he’ll be right over.

— Inter defender (and one of the few *****ista’s I wouldn’t mind playing for Juve — as long as he gets over here soon, before he’s beyond all hope) Andrea Ranocchia believes that the key to beating Juve lies in their recent Europa League performance against Tottenham, in which he claims the squad “moved as one.” I’ll ignore the vaguely cosmic/creepily sexual overtones of that statement, Andrea, and just say this: You don’t know what “move as one” means if you’re not playing for Conte’s Juventus. If you’re feeling froggy, leap!

— Has anyone else noticed that Sebastian Giovinco hasn’t been the same lovable, dynamic or effective player we once knew since growing his hair out? Discuss.

Buon Compleanno, Luca!

Yesterday, young Luca Marrone celebrated his 23rd birthday. On Saturday, he could belatedly receive a beast of a present: a starting berth in the Derby d’Italia.

Tanti auguri, Luca and if you’re out there this weekend, wrap those strikers up!

That’s all for this week. Sweat out tomorrow’s derby, then get ready for a Bayern bonanza.

A presto!

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Inter squad for Juventus

Mar 29, 2013

Walter Samuel and Fredy Guarin are in the Inter squad for Saturday’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

The Argentine was an injury doubt, while the Colombian midfielder is included despite returning late from international duty.

The Beneamata are without Joel Obi, Gaby Mudingayi, Diego Milito and Luca Castellazzi because of injury. Juan Jesus, meanwhile, is suspended.

Goalkeepers: 1 Samir Handanovic, 27 Vid Belec, 30 Juan Pablo Carrizo.

Defenders: 6 Matias Silvestre, 23 Andrea Ranocchia, 25 Walter Samuel, 26 Cristian Chivu, 28 Simone Pasa, 31 Alvaro Pereira, 42 Jonathan, 55 Yuto Nagatomo.

Midfielders: 4 Javier Zanetti, 5 Dejan Stankovic, 7 Ezequiel Schelotto, 10 Mateo Kovacic, 11 Ricardo Alvarez, 14 Fredy Guarin, 17 Zdravko Kuzmanovic, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 21 Walter Gargano, 24 Marco Benassi.

Forwards: 8 Rodrigo Palacio, 18 Tommaso Rocchi, 99 Antonio Cassano.

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

[Socrates 8435]

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.)

-

"Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Internazionale v Juventus: Preview

Mar 29, 2013

Tomorrow's Derby d'Italia is just another game, according to Juventus head coach Antonio Conte, as the showpiece encounter with Inter Milan kicks off a daunting Serie A title run-in.

The reigning champions were cruising towards a 50th game without defeat in November when Andrea Stramaccioni's Nerazzurri stunned Turin with a 3-1 victory.

Inter have since fallen 18 points shy of top spot, where Juve enjoy a nine-point lead over Napoli, but Conte knows Stramaccioni's men will be gunning for a first season double since 2004.

He told juventus.com: ``Those who know me well are aware that the next game is always the most important.

``We've got a fixed target of reclaiming our Scudetto title and we can't afford any slip-ups. Inter have already shown that they're capable of beating anyone in a one-off encounter.

``Both sides will be playing for the three points, a draw doesn't suit either of us. It will be an open game.''

The San Siro clash precedes a two-legged Champions League quarter-final meeting with Bayern Munich and tricky league games against Pescara, Lazio and AC Milan over an intense three-week period.

``I've spoken to the lads about the importance of the moment,'' Conte added. ``We've had a look at the fixture list, which sees us tackle six stimulating games in 21 days.

``We're in the hunt for something important - winning the Scudetto and keeping our Champions League dream alive.

``We deserve to be where we are, but it's a new situation for us and we must do well to deal with it effectively.

``I know from experience that if you try to calculate results then you run the risk of getting things wrong. You have to think about one game at a time.''

Conte is keeping his team selection under wraps but certain players, including flu-stricken Montenegrin forward Mirko Vucinic, have been feeling the after-effects of international duty.

Defender Martin Caceres is still sidelined following a car accident, while the season is already over for striker Nicklas Bendtner and midfielder Simone Pepe.

For Inter, defender Juan Jesus is suspended, while Joel Obi, Gabi Mudingayi, Diego Milito, Luca Castellazzi, Matias Silvestre, Yuto Nagatomo, Dejan Stankovic and Ricky Alvarez miss out through injury.

With the distraction of the Europa League behind him, Stramaccioni is fully focused on firing Inter back into third place, which is currently occupied by fierce rivals Milan.

``It is a very important match, I know that,'' he told inter.it. ``It's a match that no one involved with Inter could call 'just another game'.

``They have proved to be the best side on the pitch this season. We, however, have something to prove and this is the match in which to do so.

``It will be an open game in which any result can happen, just like in the reverse meeting. I can say that we will go out there to win and I am convinced will put on a great performance tomorrow.''

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