Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Bayern Munich are not through yet, says Robben

The winger has warned his team-mates not to get carried away

after their convincing win on Tuesday night.

Apr 3, 2013

Arjen Robben has insisted that Bayern Munich cannot afford to get complacent following Tuesday's 2-0 win over Juventus in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

The Bavarians appear to have one foot in the semi-final following their victory over the Serie A champions at the Allianz Arena, but the winger has warned that Bayern's narrow escape in the round of 16 tie versus Arsenal shows that anything can still happen.

"I think we were very confident and overall we played very well. Scoring a goal within 30 seconds was a great way to start. I think we controlled the game; we dominated and we deserved the win," the Dutchman told the official Uefa website.

"We'll have to wait and see if 2-0 will be enough. We've already been warned once. When we played against Arsenal [in the round of 16] and won 3-1 away everyone was thinking the tie was over.

"Of course then everyone was disappointed and angry with our result at home, but it was a good lesson for us."

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Conte leaves Juventus on the brink as Buffon

& Pirlo flop like never before

The coach failed to change the course of his side's destiny, while his two

most experienced players came up short as Bayern Munich took a decisive first-leg lead.

Apr 3, 2013

COMMENT

By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer

Juventus’ worst performance under Antonio Conte could not have come at a more inopportune moment. The Bianconeri were overrun by Bayern Munich on Tuesday to leave their Champions League future hanging by the most slender of threads.

Bayern may have struck lucky in that Toni Kroos’ injury led to a substitution which helped to ask extra questions of the Old Lady’s backline, but there can be no doubting that the Bavarian giants were very good value for the 2-0 lead they take to Turin for the second-leg of their quarter-final tie next week.

Indeed, with Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon suffering on the big stage like never before, and Conte being asked to provide answers and coming up short in almost every sense, this was one of the biggest adverts ever for earning your own luck. The hosts dominated and were deserving. The Bianconeri were ponderous and paid the price.

Juve went into the match defending an 18-game unbeaten run in European competitions, but they were blown away by a Bayern side that looked more powerful, more structured and downright hungrier on the night.

'BAYERN WERE A STEP ABOVE'

"As Juventus looked to continue their path to the top of European football, they were taught a harsh lesson by Bayern Munich, a team with hopes of reaching their third Champions League final in four years.

Their showing against the Bianconeri was marvellous. The defence stood firm, repelling any threat that came their way, producing the sort of discipline which wins titles, the midfield were dominant, despite the early reshuffle into which they were forced, and Mario Mandzukic did a great job as a lone striker, hassling his opponents all night long.

It was precisely the performance one could hope to see in the Champions League. At the end of the day, Bayern's desire, tactics and class were a step above Juve's."

Enis Koylu

It certainly wasn’t meant to be Pirlo who would come up short on the big occasion. The normally reliable regista completed only 51 per cent of passes in an abysmal showing by his high standards. Regularly run off the ball and constantly rushed into misplacing through-balls, the midfielder looked less than average on this performance, despite having successfully handled much more important fixtures than this one before.

"I am the first to say I’m not satisfied with my performance, as I made many mistakes in such an important match and it’s disappointing," admitted Pirlo afterwards.

He wasn’t helped by many of his team-mates shying away from the spotlight and asking him to provide all of the answers, but there can be no denying this was a Pirlo display the likes of which we very rarely see. Buffon would also come up short when it mattered.

In the very first minute, David Alaba fired in a speculative long-range effort that took a deflection and swerved away from goalkeeper into the bottom corner. The touch off the boot of Arturo Vidal added spin onto the ball which deceived him, but there was enough time for Buffon to react. Instead of taking the extra half-step he needed to shorten his dive, the Italy captain went down early and was beaten all ends up.

Later, he would fail to convincingly deal with Luiz Gustavo’s free-kick, parrying only as far as the onrushing Mario Mandzukic, who squared for Thomas Muller to make it 2-0. His usual knack of shuttling the ball right out of danger failed him on this occasion, and while he wasn’t helped by a Juve back-line slow to react to the follow-up, he will believe he could have dealt with it better.

But neither Pirlo nor Buffon was helped by their coach’s lack of tactical vision. "We now have to analyse why we had so many misplaced passes,” Pirlo added in a post-match interview, but such analysis could and should have taken place during the game itself. For too long in the first period the Bianconeri succeeded only in constantly handing over cheap possession in their eagerness to recycle the ball quickly.

Conte showed no urgency to halt an alarming trend as Juve continued to waste possession and even at half-time he did nothing to change his side’s fortunes. Arjen Robben had wasted a couple of glorious chances after roasting the Bianconeri down the left, but while the substitution of the outclassed Federico Peluso appeared a no-brainer, Conte persisted with the full-back and paid the price.

The ball just kept coming back once more after the break, and when Bayern’s second goal sparked Conte into action, it was only a pair of like-for-like changes up top that he had up his sleeve. The switch did nothing to alleviate the pressure nor change the general flow of the game. The Juve coach will need to deliver a much more convincing tactical approach in the second leg if his side are to get out of this hole.

Luck was not on Juve’s side, and neither were some of the key decisions made by referee Mark Clattenburg. Mandzukic was offside as Gustavo shot at goal in the build-up to Muller’s clincher, while Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss the second leg after a baffling yellow card for an unavoidable collision with Luiz Gustavo in the penalty area. Clattenburg deemed it to be an act of simulation, but he was clearly wrong in his assertion. Franck Ribery also deserved a red card for a ridiculous stamp on Arturo Vidal, but none was forthcoming.

Vidal and Lichtsteiner will both sit out the second leg due to suspension, further weakening Juve’s slim chances of reaching the last four. Their usually stronger right side could undergo the kind of examination their left flank received on Tuesday, but that is for another day. Today, the Bianconeri are on the brink, and they have no one to blame but themselves.

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Early goal shocked Juventus, says Neuer

The Germany international has hailed his side's superb start to Tuesday's encounter,

and has stressed any mistake in the Champions League can prove to be fatal.

Apr 3, 2013

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer believes David Alaba's early opening goal in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Juventus left the Bianconeri shocked.

Alaba beat Gianluigi Buffon early on with a deflected long-range strike, before Thomas Muller made it two after the break to help Bayern to a crucial win in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie.

"I wasn't expecting us to score such an early goal and I doubt Juve did either. It was a bit of a shock for them but obviously good for us," Neuer was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website.

"Buffon is a superb goalkeeper and if you look at the flight of the ball, it was a really difficult one for him. I know how David shoots – they're dangerous balls to deal with.

"You can't afford to make any mistakes in the Champions League. You could see from the start that we were trying to keep hold of the ball in our build-up play, making sure every pass arrived at its destination.

"We didn't want to risk opening ourselves up to any counterattacks, or to allow them any chances, and I think we managed to do that very well."

The return leg in Turin takes place on April 10.

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Beckenbauer: Buffon looked like a pensioner

The Bayern Munich legend was stunned by the Juventus skipper's poor performance

during die Roten's 2-0 win over the Bianconeri on Tuesday.

Apr 3, 2013

Franz Beckenbauer has joked that Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon "looked like a pensioner" during Bayern Munich's 2-0 Champions League success over the Italian champions on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri skipper was at fault for both goals, failing to change direction in time to keep out a slightly deflected strike from David Alaba, before later spilling a tame Luiz Gustavo shot at the feet of Mario Mandzukic, who immediately teed Thomas Muller up for a tap-in.

Beckenbauer was particularly shocked by the way in which the 35-year-old Buffon was beaten all ends up by Bayern's opener.

"Buffon looked like a pensioner," the Bavarians' honorary president told reporters after the game, according to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"I don't want to upset you, but he should have saved that shot. Maybe, he was not expecting Alaba to strike it from there: Alaba shot from 120 metres!"

Buffon and his colleagues will now desperately be hoping to make amends in next week's return leg in Turin.

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

I don't have to apologise to Vidal - Ribery

The Bayern Munich attacker insists his late challenge on the Chilean midfielder

was simply par for the course in a competitive fixture.

Apr 3, 2013

Franck Ribery has insisted that he has no reason to feel bad for his stamp on Arturo Vidal during Bayern Munich's 2-0 win over Juventus on Tuesday.

The Frenchman and the Chilean were involved in a number of battles throughout the contest, including a late coming together which may well have seen the Roten star dismissed.

"It was a duel with Vidal," he was quoted as saying by Bild.

"I took a lot of hits and dished out some as well. In this particular situation, I challenged for the ball, but I hit his foot.

"I didn't apologise and he didn't either. That's football, that's the Champions League. It's no problem."

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Buffon hails 'magnificent' Bayern

The veteran goalkeeper was full of praise for Jupp Heynckes' side following

Tuesday's Champions League clash, while Leonardo Bonucci insists the tie is not over.

Apr 3, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has heaped praise on Bayern Munich following their 2-0 Champions League quarter-final defeat at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old accepted his side were second best from start to finish in the encounter, and believes they were perhaps fortunate to escape with only a two-goal deficit heading into the return leg.

"We were up against a magnificent side and they fully deserved to win," Buffon told the club's official website.

"They had other chances to score too. We came here with confidence in our own ability. We were right not to change our game, and go for it as we did. We can have no complaints."

Meanwhile, defender Leonardo Bonucci remained bullish about his side's hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of Europe's most prestigious club competition.

“I’m 25 years old and the game against Bayernwas the most important of my club career to date,” he said on his official website.

“You dream of these as a youngster and the objective is to win. Once you see that dreams can be achieved you have to go for them.

“I believe, I want to fight, I want to win. Right up until the end, come on Juventus Stadium, come on team Juventus. Let’s fight."

The second leg takes place at Juventus Stadium on April 10.

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Bonucci ready to fight for Juventus

Apr 3, 2013

Leonardo Bonucci is refusing to accept defeat after Juventus’ 2-0 loss at Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Old Lady have a mountain to climb in the second leg next week, but the stopper has underlined that the quarter-final tie is not over.

“I’m 25-years-old and the game against Bayern was the most important of my club career to date,” he said on his official website.

“You dream of these games as a youngster and the objective is to win, because once you see that dreams can be achieved you have to go for them.

“I believe, I want to fight, I want to win. Right up until the end, come on Juventus Stadium, come on team Juventus. Let’s fight!”

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

0-2 always deadly for Juventus

Apr 3, 2013

Juventus will have to re-write history if they are to eliminate Bayern Munich from the Champions League.

On the four previous occasions that the Old Lady have lost the first leg of a European tie 2-0, they have always been knocked out.

In 1968, the Bianconeri were defeated 2-0 and then 1-0 by Portuguese giants Benfica in the semi-finals of the European Cup.

Five years later and Dynamo Dresden progressed at the expense of the Italians thanks to a 4-3 aggregate win.

In 1975, Juve could only draw the return leg 2-2 against Borussia Monchengladbach. Current Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes actually scored for Borussia in their first leg 2-0 win in that encounter.

Juve’s second leg game against Arsenal in April 2006 ended goalless after a 2-0 reverse in London versus Arsene Wenger’s side.

Antonio Conte’s team fell at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday. The return leg will take place next Wednesday in Turin.

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Buffon: 'I apologise to fans'

Apr 3, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon has apologised to Juventus and their fans after the defeat to Bayern Munich and “cannot object” to Franz Beckenbauer’s scathing criticism.

The goalkeeper did not seem his usual self in last night’s 2-0 Champions League quarter-final loss.

“It happens in this profession to make mistakes,” Buffon told Italian TV show Striscia La Notizia.

“I’m disappointed, as the game was compromised, so I have to apologise to the team and the fans.”

Honorary Bayern Munich President Beckenbauer caused controversy when he said Buffon “seemed like a pensioner” when letting David Alaba’s deflected effort go past him after 30 seconds.

“I cannot object to anything, as Beckenbauer is an old sage. We all just have to stay quiet and wait for the next game to make up for it.”

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Juve and Prandelli back ‘pensioner’ Buffon

Apr 4, 2013

Juventus official Beppe Marotta and Italy boss Cesare Prandelli have defended Gigi Buffon from the criticism of Franz Beckenbauer.

The German legend referred to the goalkeeper as a ‘pensioner’ after his failure to keep out David Alaba’s effort in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 win on Tuesday.

“Certain statements from an icon like Beckenbauer can hurt,” director general Marotta commented on Thursday.

“They touch another icon who is named Buffon, a player who has given great satisfaction to not just Juventus fans with his performances, but also those of the national side.

“Additionally, he is a special man, a great professional full of humanity and someone who is seen as an example by youngsters.

“He should be respected.”

Buffon, 35, refused to hit back at the Honorary Bayern President last night, instead opting to apologise to his teammates and the club’s supporters.

“He responded well with great balance and irony,” the Italy tactician commented. “He’ll show his maturity with his reaction on the field of play.

“Besides, pensioners are wise people…”

Juventus entertain Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Marotta confident of CL turnaround

Apr 4, 2013

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has claimed that anything can happen in the second leg of their Champions League tie with Bayern Munich.

The Bianconeri are 2-0 down from the first leg of their quarter-final, and host the Bundesliga side next Wednesday with the aim of reaching the last four.

But the board member has insisted that his side can get to the semi-finals.

“There is regret for the defeat,” he told reporters. “But the Champions League is a tournament, not a long-running championship.

“In 180 minutes, things can go from negative to positive very quickly.”

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

'Bayern did not face the real Juve'

Apr 4, 2013

Giorgio Chiellini has admitted the Bayern Munich deserved to beat Juventus on Tuesday, but has claimed that the second leg will be a different game.

The Bianconeri lost 2-0 to the Bundesliga leaders in their quarter-final first leg, but the defender has insisted that they have what it takes to make it to the semi-finals.

“Of course, we will have to play with more intent for the return match,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am confident that we can come back. We will have even more desire, and I can think of many examples – Inter seemed dead, but they almost came back against Tottenham in the Europa League.

“Bayern deserved to win on Tuesday, but we were not able to play the game we had prepared for.

“The real Juve did not face Munich, and we will prove it.”

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Juventus and Prandelli hit back at Buffon 'pensioner' jibe

Director Beppe Marotta joined the Italy coach in defending the veteran keeper

after Beckenbauer ridiculed his performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Apr 4, 2013

Juventus director Beppe Marotta and Italy coach Cesare Prandelli have hit back at Franz Beckenbauer following his criticism of Gianluigi Buffon.

The Bayern Munich legend claimed the veteran goalkeeper "looked like a pensioner" during a poor performance in the Bianconeri's 2-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.

Marotta has since mounted a staunch defence of the World Cup-winning shot-stopper, insisting he deserves more respect from a fellow icon of the game.

Speaking to reporters while attending the quarterly football report at the Italian parliament, Marotta said: "Buffon must be respected. To read such considerations from an icon of world football hurts, especially when they are directed at another athletic symbol such as Gigi. He is a special guy, a role model for young people."

National team coach Prandelli echoed Marotta's comments, and suggested the 67-year-old is in no place to criticise exponents of the modern game.

"Gigi has already responded well, with great balance and irony," said Prandelli. "He will give a great response on the pitch.

"Besides, retirees are always wise people..."

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Javi Martinez: Juventus not like other Italian teams

The Bayern Munich midfielder has hailed the Italian champions' positive

approach, and is looking forward to locking horns with Andrea Pirlo.

Apr 5, 2013

Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez has voiced his respect for Juventus and believes the Bianconeri are unlike any other Serie A side.

The Italian champions were beaten 2-0 by the Bavarians in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday, but the Spaniard was impressed with the Old Lady's positive approach.

"Juventus have shown that they are not a typical Italian team. They do not just limit themselves to defending and play some good football from the back," the former Athletic Bilbao man told Abendzeitung.

"But we emerged victorious because we had the better tactical plans."

The Spaniard missed the first leg due to suspension, but is eagerly anticipating the return as he wants to measure himself against Andrea Pirlo.

"I am really looking forward to taking on Pirlo. I have been closely following his career for a number of years and he is an incredible player. I always try to learn things from him."

The second leg of the quarter-final tie between Juventus and Bayern in Turin takes place on April 10.

[Socrates 8414]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

BAYERN 2 - 0 JUVENTUS

D. Alaba (1′)

Thomas Müller (63′)

Allianz Arena - Munich

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)

Attendance: 68000

Bayern up there with Barcelona & Real Madrid, says Matri

The former Cagliari star feels the Bundesliga leaders are among the strongest

teams around, and has no intention to leave Juventus any time soon.

Apr 5, 2013

Juventus attacker Alessandro Matri believes Bayern Munich are on a par with Barcelona and Real Madrid as the best teams around in Europe.

The Serie A champions were beaten 2-0 by the Bavarians in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday, and the 28-year-old is anticipating a tough return game.

"There is obvioulsy disappointment that we lost against Bayern, but we also realise that they are a very strong team on the same level as Barcelona and Real Madrid," Matri told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"We tried to play our own game, but it was not enough. The early goal we conceded was a huge blow.

"There's a considerable gap with Bayern. They have a lot of experience and individual quality. We are convinced that our good organisation can help us, though. Anything can happen in football."

The striker then went on to discuss his personal future, and insisted that he is keen to remain in Turin.

"I want to stay at Juve as long as I feel important here. I understand that goals are crucial for a striker, but I have never really understood this search for a top striker that the media keeps discussing."

Matri has a contract with Juventus until June 2017.

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus on the defensive

Apr 5, 2012

Luca Marrone and Federico Peluso will form two-thirds of Juventus’ back-three in the game against Pescara this weekend.

Boss Antonio Conte will be forced into rearguard changes given that Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are suspended.

Marrone, who has been transformed from a midfielder into a defender this term, will be used in the middle with Leonardo Bonucci asked to play on the right.

Peluso, a January signing from Atalanta, will be moved centrally from the wing-back role that he was fielded in against Bayern Munich in the 2-0 loss on Tuesday.

Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal are likely to be used in midfield as the pair will be suspended for the second leg against the German giants.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Storari handed Juventus gloves

Apr 5, 2012

Marco Storari will start in goal for Juventus against Pescara on Saturday, boss Antonio Conte has confirmed.

Gigi Buffon, who was criticised for the two goals he conceded at Bayern Munich on Tuesday, will be rested after struggling with a cold over the last week.

“Storari will be in goal tomorrow,” Conte stated in his media conference on Friday. “Gigi was suffering with illness after the Inter game and it popped up again after Bayern.

“Behind him here is a great goalkeeper who would be first-choice in any other Serie A side. If I didn’t have the guarantee of a player like Storari, then I’d ask Gigi to make a sacrifice.”

Conte began the question and answer session by making it clear that he would not be discussing the Champions League quarter-final tie.

“I’ll only talk about Pescara today as that is our present,” he added. “It’s a game that will allow us to lay another Scudetto brick should we win.

“We’re taking nothing for granted. We have a good advantage over our rivals, but we must remain focused until the maths say otherwise.

“Winning tomorrow is not important, it is fundamental. To win the title for a second consecutive season would be extraordinary, marvellous.”

Conte also defended his players and his club following the criticism received after the 2-0 loss in Germany this week.

“We shouldn’t lose sight of reality. In a matter of months, 17 or 18, Juve have won the Scudetto, a Super Cup, we’re first in the championship, we reached the semi-finals of the Coppa and we’re now in the last eight of the Champions League.

“We’ve picked ourselves up after finishing in seventh place for two years in a row.

“We should never forget that – myself, the club, the players and especially the fans. They have to understand that something extraordinary is happening. Winning is not easy.”

Turning to team selections, Conte was asked whether any of his players had asked him for a breather.

“I don’t think anyone would come up to me and say they were tired as I make the decisions. If someone did then it would be an own goal, as it means they would also be tired for Bayern Munich.”

Conte is without the suspended Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini in defence, while there are whispers that Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo will start on the bench.

“Kwadwo Asamoah and Luca Marrone will definitely play. The Ghanaian has had a difficult time after the African Cup of Nations, but I knew that would happen. If I could turn back time, I’d give him seven or 10 days holiday.”

Sky Sport Italia have this afternoon suggested that Juve may line up with: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Bucchi: 'Pescara want to beat Juve'

Apr 5, 2012

Bottom of the table Pescara take on leaders Juventus tomorrow, but Cristian Bucchi insists “we’re going there to win, not for damage limitation.”

The Delfini have picked up just one point from the last 11 rounds and look set to drop out of Serie A this summer, so the 17.00 UK time Saturday kick-off is on paper a fruitless exercise. Click here for a match preview.

“It’s not true that we have nothing to lose. We are bottom of the table, but still have our dignity to defend,” declared Coach Bucchi in his Press conference.

“We are not in a great period of form, but I told my players to give their all. I want to see people who are ready to sacrifice themselves, because Serie A games deserve to be played at 100 per cent every time.

“I expect an important reaction from the squad after the ugly performance against Parma. I too feel privileged to be working in Serie A, one of the most important tournaments in the world.

“It is impossible not to feel motivated when playing against Juventus and this is also true for those players who want to make their mark. I expect a performance of real character,” continued Bucchi.

“We know full well that we are facing a strong side who deserve to be top of the table. We are not going to Turin waiting to get hit, as we must do well to play the perfect game.

“To oppose their 3-5-2 system, we will use a 4-2-3-1 tactic without a deep-lying playmaker. Juan Fernando Quintero will be the trequartista and I expect a lot from him.

“We’re going there to win, not to perform an exercise in damage limitation.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juve also lose Anelka

Apr 5, 2012

Juventus face Pescara without Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini or Nicolas Anelka, while Gigi Buffon is benched due to illness.

The Serie A leaders are expected to completely rotate their squad for tomorrow’s match against bottom of the table Pescara.

Barzagli and Chiellini sit out bans, while Anelka has been given permission to leave the training camp “to attend to a family issue.”

Coach Antonio Conte already warned in today’s Press conference that Buffon will be on the bench because he is suffering from flu symptoms and a fever.

Marco Storari takes the gloves instead on Saturday at 18.00.

Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner are expected to start, as they are suspended for the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

Juventus squad for Pescara: Buffon, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Rugani, Marrone.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus-Pescara Preview: Bianconeri

to bounce back from Bayern defeat

The Old Lady were far from their best against the Bundesliga leaders in the Champions League

quarter-final first leg and will be aiming to rectify this versus the basement boys.

Apr 5, 2013

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Storari

Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah

Matri, Vucinic

PESCARA

Pelizzoli

Zauri, Kroldrup, Bianchi, Bocchetti

Bjarnason, D'Agostino, Cascione

Sculli

Sforzini, Caprari

Juventus will be hoping to put behind them their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg match at the Allianz Arena.

The Bianconeri will have to do so without key defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini as both serve suspensions for the clash against bottom of the table Pescara.

They may also rest the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, who has suffered some criticism lately, Claudio Marchisio and Fabio Quagliarella could drop to the bench, giving Paul Pogba and Mirko Vucinc a chance to stake their claim, although reports in the Italian media suggest Nicolas Anelka could be in line for his first start for the Old Lady. Lichtsteiner and Vidal likely to start because they're suspended for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final clash.

Simone Padoin, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Matri and Paolo De Ceglie are all a booking away from missing the next match.

The visitors are without defenders Antonio Balzano and Uros Cosic, attacking midfielder Vladimir Weiss and striker Ante Vukusic through injury. Mervan Celik is suspended.

Colombian starlet Juan Quintero is walking a discplinary tightrope as his next caution will result in a ban.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus' previous meeting with Pescara earlier this season ended in a thumping 6-1 victory for Antonio Conte's men, who were 5-1 up at half-time. Fabio Quagliarella, Juve's top scorer, netted a hat-trick.

• The Bianconeri have conceded just two goals in their last five games and sit nine points clear at the top of Serie A.

• The Old Lady have just lost once in their last seven encounters against Pescara, however, this was a 5-1 defeat back in 1993. They have never been beaten at home to the Delfini.

• Pescara are rooted to the bottom of the table and have lost 10 of their last 11 games in Serie A, scoring just four goals.

• Their last league win was a 2-0 triumph over Fiorentina on January 6.

• Pescara have still to play Roma, Napoli, Milan and Fiorentina before the season's end as well as six-pointers against Siena and Genoa.

Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Nov 10, 2012 - Pescara 1 - Juventus 6

Serie B ‎- Mar 31, 2007 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1

Serie B ‎- Nov 11, 2006 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 0

Serie A - May 30, 1993 - Pescara 5 - Juventus 1

Serie A - Jan 17, 1993 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 1

Last Five Matches

Juventus

Apr 2, 2013 FC Bayern München 2 - Juventus 0 - UCL

Mar 30, 2013 FC Internazionale 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A

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

Pescara

Mar 30, 2013 Parma 3 - Pescara 0 - Serie A

Mar 17, 2013 Pescara 0 - Chievo 2 - Serie A

Mar 10, 2013 Atalanta 2 - Pescara 1 - Serie A

Mar 3, 2013 Pescara 0 - Udinese 1 - Serie A

Feb 25, 2013 Lazio 2 - Pescara 0 - Serie A

Players to Watch

Paul Pogba

The young Frenchman will get his opportunity to shine on Saturday and when Antonio Conte has given him that chance he usually takes it. The 20-year-old has been receiving the plaudits from most who watch him, with his long rangy strides helping him, not only to stand out, but to bypass players as if they're not even there. Very talented with the ball at his feet as well as a powerful presence in the air; Pogba has all the makings of becoming a world-class player.

Ivan Pelizzoli

In recent games the shot-stopper has been preferred to youngster Mattia Perin in goal as new coach Christian Bucchi opts for more experience between the sticks, and he will certainly have his work cut out against the league leaders. Pescara look destined for Serie B and it will be up to this man to keep the score down on Saturday.

Prediction

Juventus will be hurting from their poor display against Bayern and they could not have picked a better team on whom to take out their frustration than basement boys Pescara. The Delfini, devoid of any confidence, have not won in their last 11 games and suffered a 3-0 defeat to Parma last week. It's not case of whether Juve will win or not, it's a case of how many.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 4 - 0 Pescara

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 5, 2012

Juventus can almost touch the Scudetto as they aim to recover from a poor Champions League clash, but Pescara are in dire straits.

The Bianconeri took another step to retaining their crown with a 2-1 Derby d’Italia victory away at Inter. Fabio Quagliarella netted early, before Alessandro Matri cancelled out Rodrigo Palacio’s equaliser. That kept their advantage at nine points with eight matches remaining.

Yet they disappointed midweek in the Champions League. Juve were outplayed for long spells by Bayern Munich in a 2-0 loss that leaves their qualification chances hanging by a thread. They failed to deal with Bayern’s pressure and tempo, plus their players in wide areas.

With the second leg days away, Juve are expected to make changes versus Pescara. Two are forced, with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli suspended. Martin Caceres, plus long-term absentees Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are also sidelined. Mauricio Isla is a chance to return.

Pescara are rooted to the foot of the table following yet another defeat, this time at Parma. The Delfini were 3-0 losers, conceding to Yohan Benalouane during the first half, plus Gabriel Paletta and a wonderful Amauri overhead goal after the interval.

The change of Coach to Cristian Bucchi has failed to reignite the Abruzzese club. Pescara have lost 12 of 14 matches in 2013, picking up only four points along the way. While they are just six points from safety, given their form it seems unlikely they’ll survive the drop.

Bucchi is not helped by a number of injuries, to Vladimir Weiss, Luciano Zauri, Antonio Balzano, Ante Vukusic and Gaetano D’Agostino. Mervin Celik will also miss the trip to Turin through suspension, while Antonio Bocchetti is a doubt to feature.

Juventus have won four of the five past Turin meetings with Pescara. The Delfini managed to claim a draw in the other encounter.

Keep an eye on: Juan Quintero (Pescara) – The creative player has been linked with a move to Juve and on Saturday can showcase his talents first hand. If Pescara are to have any chance in Turin, they’ll need his calming presence on the ball, plus his set piece delivery to be spot on.

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

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: In his one disappointing season in Turin which yielded seven Serie A goals, two of Ian Rush’s overall tally came in a 3-1 victory against Pescara.

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

Juventus: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Matri, Vucinic

Pescara: Pelizzoli; Zanon, Kroldrup, Cosic, Modesto; Blasi, Togni, Cascione; Sculli, Sforzini, Caprari.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus v US Pescara: Preview

Apr 5, 2012

Juventus head coach Antonio Conte wants to see his players ``foaming at the mouth'' against Pescara tomorrow night as the Serie A leaders look to end a disappointing week on a high.

The Bianconeri now face an uphill battle to reach the last four of the Champions League after Bayern Munich claimed a 2-0 victory in the first leg of this month's quarter-final tie.

Conte will not stand for any dejection or complacency in his squad at the Juventus Stadium, though, with bottom side Pescara both fighting for their lives and desperate to avenge November's 6-1 defeat.

He told juventus.com: ``I want them foaming at the mouth.

``Getting three points from tomorrow is essential if we are going to achieve a realistic goal.

``The league title is that goal and other targets are perhaps just dreams, and dreams rarely come true.

``Success is not guaranteed. They're still fighting for their lives and will have worked hard during the week.

``We are wise to potential banana skins. As a player I won championships that had seemed lost and lost titles that I thought we'd won.

``To retain the Scudetto would be marvellous, however, and so we remain focused. Winning tomorrow would be another brick on the road to winning the league.''

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had an indifferent night in Munich, will be rested as he struggles to recover from a bout of flu, with Conte confirming Marco Storari as his deputy.

Defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are suspended, but midfielders Luca Marrone and Kwadwo Asamoah will start alongside Claudio Marchisio, who was reported to have contracted tonsillitis this week.

``Usually the doctors would tell me about something like that, but nobody has told me anything,'' Conte added. ``I think the rumours of tonsillitis have been invented. Marchisio is alive and well.''

Pescara midfielder Mervan Celik is suspended with Vladimir Weiss, Ante Vukusic, Uros Cosic and Antonio Balzano all struggling for fitness ahead of the trip to Turin.

The Delfini are unlikely to erode the six-point gap on 17th place against the leaders, but head coach Cristian Bucchi is urging a dignified and gritty display nevertheless.

He said: ``It is not true that we have nothing to lose, we are bottom of the table but we always have our dignity to defend.

``We are not in great shape but I have told my players to give their all. I want to see people who want to sacrifice themselves because Serie A demands you always give your very best.

``It is impossible not to get excited about playing Juventus and the players should all want to show off. But we're going up against a strong team who deserve to be where they are.

``We're not going to Turin to be beaten, though. We have to try and play the perfect game, knowing that Juve will do everything they can to stop us.''

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

'I want to see Juventus foaming at the mouth' -

Conte issues rallying cry

The Italian coach says he wants his players fired up against Pescara, and insists

his team are wary of potential banana skins as they look to win the Scudetto once more.

Apr 5, 2013

Antonio Conte has called for Juventus to display their passion against Pescara this weekend as they attempt to edge closer to a second successive title.

The former midfielder is adamant his team will need to be at their best and will need to show the spirit and determination that has seen them sit comfortably atop Serie A at the start of April.

"I want to see my players foaming at the mouth," the 43-year-old coach told reporters at a press conference.

"Tomorrow’s three points are fundamental to take us closer to a realistic target. That’s what the championship is for us, other thoughts are hypothetical, they’re dreams and dreams rarely come true.

"If people think that last year’s miracle - because winning the Scudetto was a miracle - can be repeated on other pitches, if they think that every journey can be made without hitches or stumbles, then they’re light years away from reality.

"Winning is an easy thing to ask for, but often difficult to carry out. We’ll remain humble because we still haven’t got our hands on this title."

The Bianconeri coach won the Scudetto five times as a player but he is well aware of the potential pitfalls for his squad in the last two months of the campaign.

"We’ll be wary of any potential banana skins," he added. "As a player I won titles that appeared to be beyond us and lost those that seemed already in the bag. It would be magnificent to reclaim our Scudetto, so we’ll stay focused.

"Pescara are still fighting to stay up, they’ve worked well during the week and have a young and well-prepared coach who preaches an offensive mentality."

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus v Pescara Preview

Apr 5, 2012

Still smarting from a mid-week Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich, Juventus will be looking to take out all their frustration in minnows Pescara in their Serie A encounter.

Team News and Tactical Brief

JUVENTUS

Juventus endured their worst night in Antonio Conte era when they were completely outplayed and outclassed against Bayern Munich. Antonio Conte himself was out-coached by one of the most experienced managers in Europe and did very little to change the course of game. Even the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Andrea Pirlo, Juve’s most consistent performers in Conte era, were off colour and had a torrid time against a star studded Bayern attack. In all honesty, 2-0 was a scoreline which somewhat flattered Juventus, as the Italian champions were completely battered, literally from the start. To make matters worse the hugely important duo of Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner will both miss the second leg due to suspension.

Things were somewhat different when Juventus faced off against Pescara last time. At that time, Juventus had been outplayed by Internazionale at home and lost their unbeaten record but had bounced back with a spectacular 4-0 thrashing of FC Nordsjaelland in Champions League, thus ending a run of three consecutive draws in Europe’s elite competition. Fresh from the thrashing of the Danish champions, Juventus started another goal-fest against the 2011/12 Serie B champions, running out 6-1 winners at Stadio Adriatico and thus ruining the birthday of talented young goalkeeper Mattia Perrin. Things are unlikely to change in this match as Juventus will be looking to empty their mid-week frustration on the minnows.

Juventus will be missing Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in this encounter, both of whom are suspended. Either way, this will be a good chance for Conte to have two of his most important defenders fresh and rested for Bayern Munich next week. Federico Peluso and young Luca Marrone are likely to join Leonardo Bonucci in the three man back-line. Stephan Lichtsteiner will be suspended in next mid-week so he is likely to start against Pescara on right-wing with Kwadwo Asamoah in left wing. Both Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo had a tough time against Bayern’s relentless pressing in Munich and are candidates for a rest on the weekend. In that case Emmanuele Giaccherini and Paul Pogba will team up with Arturo Vidal in midfield.

Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella, who scored a hattrick in that 6-1 win, have started each of the last two matches. They both scored against Inter but were woefully out of depth against Bayern. It is likely that Mirko Vucinic will start this match, as he needs to get to full match fitness before the Champions League encounter.

Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

PESCARA

Things have not gone well at all for last season’s Serie B champions since their promotion. Last season the Delfini were one of the most exciting sides across all divisions in Italy. Under the eccentric Zdenek Zeman and boasting of three of the brightest young talents in Italy, Pescara scored goals for fun before lifting the cadetti. During summer Ciro Immobile, Serie B top scorer, and Lorenzo Insigne would return to their parent clubs and Marco Verratti would get shipped off to PSG. To make things worse Zeman joined AS Roma. Pescara was marked out to be a potential relegation candidate throughout the season and they have not done much to defy that title. They began 2013 in an uplifting note by upsetting Fiorentina away from home but things have gone downhill steadily from there. Pescara come to the Juventus stadium on the back of an eleven game winless streak, ten of them losses. They are also facing some very crucial matches in next few rounds. If facing AS Roma and Napoli was not enough they also have relegation six pointers against Siena and Genoa.

Pescara have retained the 4-3-3 formation of Zeman from last season and are likely to play the same system on the weekend, albeit a defensive version. Their back four is a mix of experience and youth. Calcio veterans Per Krøldrup, Damiano Zanon and Francesco Modesto will team up with 20 year old Uroš Ćosić, the Serbian U21 International who is on loan from CSKA Moscow. Defence has been the weakest link for the Delfini and has seen them ship in a massive 61 goals in 30 matches. They have conceded 10 more goals than the second worst defence in the league, which incidentally is AS Roma coached by ex-coach Zeman till a few days back. Pescara have also failed to keep a single clean sheet since first week of January. Their defence failed to deal with Juventus attackers at home and is unlikely to pose any problems in Turin.

Ex-Juventus hard man Manuele Blasi, who played 40 times for the club between 2002 and 2007 will have the job in central midfield to deal with the likes of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba. Brazilian Eugênio Rômulo Togni is likely to partner club captain Emmanuel Cascione in an experience three man midfield whose main job will be thwart Juventus’ attacks. The absence of Gaetano D’Agostino, once considered one of the best passers in the peninsula, is bound to hurt Pescara in midfield.

Colombian Juan Quintero has been one of the very few bright sparks for Pescara this season. The midfielder, who turned 20 this January, has been hailed as one of the best young talents in Serie A right now and Pescara will be hoping that the starlet fetches them a handsome transfer fee when transfer window arrives. Quintero’s dribbling skills caused Juventus considerable amount of problem in the first leg and he will be one of the most dangerous players for the visiting side, playing as a wide-man in their attacking trident. He is likely to be partnered by two winter signings Giuseppe Sculli and Ferdinando Sforzini

Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Pelizzoli; Zanon, Krøldrup, Ćosić, Modesto; Blasi, Togni, Cascione; Quintero, Sculli, Sforzini

Players To Watch Out For

Paul Pogba (Juventus)

The French youngster has had a bit of rough time over past two weeks. Juventus Serie AHe was sent off on International duty against Spain and then had very little impact in the games that he played for Juventus. He has often done well when he has started games and Pescara will be an ideal opponent for him to increase his goal tally.

Juan Quintero (Pescara)

The Colombia prospect has been one of the best offensive players for Pescara till date with a goal against his name and multiple assists. His set-pieces abilities are also pretty good and he is likely to get opportunities in free-kick as Peluso has a habit of giving them away around the box.

Prediction

Juventus 3-0 Pescara

Juventus will be eager and ready to bounce back from their mid-week humbling and Pescara is unlikely to mount any serious obstruction in this match.

Blast From The Past

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Za6d4m9ax0&feature=player_embedded

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Unwell Buffon to miss Pescara game

Apr 5, 2012

Serie A leaders Juventus will be without flu-hit goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon when they take on bottom-of-the-table Pescara on Saturday.

Juve captain Buffon fell ill after his team's win at Inter Milan last weekend, and will be replaced by Marco Storari after a recurrence of the bug.

Coach Antonio Conte explained: "Storari will play because, after the Inter match, Buffon suffered a debilitating attack of the flu.

"After the Champions League match against Bayern on Tuesday, the flu came back, he wasn't training well and I would prefer that he took care of himself and got better.

"If I didn't have the guarantee of a good 12th man [stand-in goalkeeper], I would have asked Gigi to play."

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