Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8335]

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

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus-Pescara Preview:

Round 31 — Swimming with the Delfini

Apr 5, 2012

Safe bet: Pescara isn't as good as Bayern Munich. Take that one to the bank.

Following the Champions League quarterfinal draw, there was one game in the current ultra-important two-plus-week span that called out something along the lines of "All right, we'll be able to rest a little bit." That was without considering how Juventus would do in Munich against Bayern. Win, lose, or draw. Pescara's visit to Juventus Stadium was going to be one that would give Antonio Conte some option.

Fast forward a little bit and add in the 2-0 loss on Tuesday to Bayern Munich, and, well, it's time for Juventus to rebound from one of their worst performances of Antonio Conte's first two years manager.

Yes, Pescara is bound for Serie B when the season comes to an end. And yes, they've been sitting towards or at the bottom of the Serie A table for weeks on end now. But this isn't about playing the last-place team in the league. It's about getting back on the horse and winning games to close out the season. Would another six goals against Pescara be nice? Well, I think we all know the answer to that.

But to expect that would be wee bit unrealistic regardless of how bad Pescara may be on defense. What matters the most to me, you ask? Getting another three points in the standings and getting another three points closer to a second straight Scudetto. That's the main concern — right now. We'll worry about Wednesday night's game at Juventus Stadium when it gets here.

The squad will be different. That's just a predetermined fact based on suspensions and how Antonio Conte has rotated his lineup before and after Champions League games. Saturday won't be any different and there's no reason to think otherwise. There's no other way to think about it — especially with Champions League on the horizon.

GOOD NEWS

In case you forgot how the last Juventus-Pescara went, here's a brief reminder if you want one...

See? This is basically the opposite of what Juventus saw on Tuesday in Munich. Juventus were the ones on the attack instead of being caught on their heels a good amount of the time. And the statistics only back that up even further. Bayern's goal differential is out-of-this-world good. Pescara's? It's currently standing at minus-40. Let me say that again: MINUS-FORTY. That's 61 goals allowed, 21 goals scored in case you were wondering. If Pescara is a definition of bad, then Juve is good, right? Juventus' bare essentials — 59 scored, 19 allowed, plus-40 goal differential — is the other side of the coin when being compared to Pescara.

In conclusion: The Serie B Express is now loading on Platform 3, Pescara. We expect to see you there shortly.

BAD NEWS

No Andrea Barzagli. No Giorgio Chiellini. Who knows what Matrin Caceres' health condition will be when Juve take the field on Saturday. The defensive options, thanks to the two suspensions and our favorite Uruguayan's ongoing recovery from his car accident last month, are as thin as they've been in quite awhile. Luckily it's Pescara, and not Bayern that are coming to Juventus Stadium.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Champions League hangover. Yeah, yeah, it can be said after every European game. It's nothing new. But for the first time this season, Juventus are coming off a loss in the Champions League. And not just a loss, but a complete whoopin'. Juventus will either come out completely pissed off — as they should be — or just kinda go through the motions. Regardless of what the starting lineup is, Conte must be able to get his team to put what happened on Tuesday against Bayern in the past and get things going again.

2. Luca Marrone. Finally, the 23-year-old defender-turned-midfielder gets a chance to play. How long has it been since Marrone last started a game? If you picked "March 6 against Celtic," then you're correct. It's been even longer since the last time Luca appeared in a Serie A game — two months ago when Juve beat Fiorentina 2-0 on Feb. 9. The only other action Marrone has seen lately was over the international break with the Italy Under-21 squad, but that's it. So what I'm basically trying to say is that he hasn't played much — recently or this season as a whole.

3. Who plays in the midfield? And more importantly, will Conte resist the urge to play Andrea Pirlo? Quick answer to the second question: I damn well hope so. We know how much a rested Pirlo can mean to the squad, and there's no reason not to rest him against the worst team in Serie A with a Champions League game on the horizon. But Conte may opt to play Pirlo — as the giornalaccio rosa has been predicting pretty much all week — and rest somebody like Claudio Marchisio, who had his own kind of struggles against Bayern on Tuesday.

4. Who starts at striker? You would think that regardless of how he's feeling, Mirko Vucinic is going to be rested for the second leg against Bayern Munich. That just seems too logical at this point. While the Fabio Quagliarella-Alessandro Matri partnership didn't do much of anything in Munich, Conte could turn to them again if it's in his plans to play Sebastian Giovinco and/or Vucinic on Wednesday.

Or I could just be making all of this up and it will mean absolutely come kickoff time. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Matri

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Preview: Juventus vs. Pescara

Apr 5, 2012

League leaders Juventus host bottom-placed Pescara in Serie A on Saturday with both sides having experienced contrasting fortunes in recent weeks.

Juve currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table thanks to an unbeaten run of five matches that has included four wins.

Meanwhile, Pescara have picked up just a single draw from their previous 11 matches and sit six points adrift of safety at the bottom of the standings.

Mirko Vucinic could return for the hosts following an illness, while Mauricio Isla and Martin Caceres are expected to miss out.

Pescara have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match at the Juventus Stadium.

Recent form

Juventus: DWWWWL

Pescara: LLLLLL

Possible lineups

Juventus: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

Pescara: Pelizzoli; Zauri, Kroldrup, Bianchi Arce, Bocchetti; D'Agostino, Cascione, Bjarnason; Abbruscato, Sculli, Caprari

Sports Mole says: 3-0

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

We will go to Juventus to win, insists Pescara boss Bucchi

The Delfini are battling against relegation from Serie A, but their coach

has made it clear he will not simply accept damage limitation against the champions.

Apr 5, 2013

Pescara coach Christian Bucchi insists his side will be playing for all three points when they meet Juventus on Saturday.

The Delfini are rock bottom of Serie A and time is running out for them to avoid returning to the second division after just one season in Italy's top flight.

Bucchi, who played for Juve’s title rivals Napoli during his career, is expecting a reaction from his players after their "ugly" loss to Parma last weekend.

“It’s not true that we have nothing to lose. We are bottom of the table, but still have our dignity to defend,” Bucchi said 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.

“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 8335]

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

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Line-ups: Juventus-Pescara

Apr 6, 2012

Juventus field a completely revamped side for today’s early kick-off against bottom of the table Pescara, but Mirko Vucinic partners Sebastian Giovinco.

The Serie A Week 31 tie starts in Turin at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT). Click here for a match preview.

The Bianconeri want to put the Scudetto under lock and key, but were also shaken by their 2-0 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.

Coach Antonio Conte is forced into numerous changes, as Gigi Buffon is suffering from flu symptoms and sits on the bench in favour of Marco Storari.

Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are both suspended, making way for Luca Marrone, while Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio are rested.

Nicolas Anelka had been expected to start today, but is not even in the squad, as he is away on personal leave to deal with a family matter.

Mauricio Isla, Martin Caceres, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe are all injured.

Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner start, as they are suspended for the second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Pescara are propping up the Serie A table thanks to one point from the last 11 rounds and are on their third Coach of the campaign.

Giovanni Stroppa resigned, then last month Cristiano Bergodi was sacked to promote Cristian Bucchi from the Primavera youth team job.

Mervan Celik sits out a ban, joining the injured Vladimir Weiss, Antonio Balzano, Antonio Bocchetti, Gaetano D’Agostino, Ante Vukusic, Luciano Zauri and Uros Cosic.

Juan Fernando Quintero, who has been linked to Juventus among other clubs, starts in a supporting trident behind striker Ferdinando Sforzini.

JUVENTUS: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco

PESCARA: Pelizzoli; Zanon, Kroldrup, Capuano, Modesto; Rizzo, Togni; Caprari, Quintero, Sculli; Sforzini

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

HT 0-0: Pelizzoli denies Juventus

Apr 6, 2012

Juventus have laid siege to Pescara in the first half, but it’s still goalless thanks to Ivan Pelizzoli’s heroics, while Sebastian Giovinco was stretchered off.

It was top against bottom in Serie A, but the Bianconeri were stung by a midweek Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich. Gigi Buffon was benched with flu symptoms, while Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli were suspended, Mauricio Isla, Nicklas Bendtner, Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe injured. Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner start, as they are suspended for the second leg against Bayern.

Pescara also missed Vladimir Weiss, Antonio Balzano, Antonio Bocchetti, Gaetano D’Agostino, Ante Vukusic, Luciano Zauri, Uros Cosic and the suspended Mervan Celik.

Mirko Vucinic was surprisingly not rested and blasted over early on, but Giuseppe Sculli robbed Leonardo Bonucci and Luca Marrone closed him down for a corner. Emanuele Giaccherini had the first real chance on 12 minutes, his volley stinging the palms of Ivan Pelizzoli from a Lichtsteiner cross.

Paul Pogba drilled wide and Sebastian Giovinco ran on to a Vidal through ball to ride two tackles, but the finish was beaten away by Pelizzoli’s feet.

The game was almost entirely played in Pescara’s own half, where Pelizzoli rushed off his line to smother at the feet of Vucinic. Moments later the goalkeeper was again alert to parry Vidal’s volley from point-blank range on a Vucinic pass.

Marco Capuano did well to block a Giovinco shot from six yards, but the impact kept going up to the knee and the Atomic Ant collapsed in pain. He was stretchered off with his head in his hands, making way for Fabio Quagliarella.

Lichtsteiner got to the by-line and pulled back for Giaccherini, who under pressure from Damiano Zanon fired wide.

Substitute Quagliarella had a fantastic opportunity before the break, as he spun round to surge forward and the angled drive cracked against the base of the far post thanks to a crucial Pelizzoli fingertip save.

Just before half-time, Pelizzoli was at full stretch to palm away another Giaccherini attempt with one strong hand.

Juventus 0-0 Pescara (Half-Time)

Juventus: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco (Quagliarella 32)

Pescara: Pelizzoli; Zanon, Kroldrup, Capuano, Modesto; Rizzo, Togni; Caprari, Quintero, Sculli; Sforzini

Ref: Peruzzo

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790‎

Bianconeri bounce back against 10-man Delfini

Two goals from Mirko Vucinic were the key for the Old Lady as they banished

their Bayern blues, although they left it late against the dogged Delfin.

Apr 6, 2013

A late flurry of goals for Juventus sealed a 2-1 victory over Pescara that puts Antonio Conte's charges 12 points clear at the top of Serie A.

The leaders dominated from start to finish but could not finish off their opponents until Mirko Vucinic fired them into the lead 20 minutes from the end from the penalty spot. The Montenegro striker repeated his exploits with a lovely close-range finish, giving Juve a valuable win and leaving the Delfini, who hit back with Emmanuel Cascione's brilliant effort, mired in relegation trouble.

Looking to bounce back after a painful defeat midweek at the hands of Bayern Munich, Juventus started positively and immediately went on the offensive against a Pescara side battling desperately to avoid Serie B football next season. The Old Lady, resting Andrea Pirlo, attacked rapidly using the flanks, a strategy that almost provided early results.

Stephan Lichtsteiner wriggled his way through to the byline on the right-hand side, and floated in a cross. Emanuele Giaccherini was the man who met the centre, releasing an acrobatic scissor kick, but his good work was matched by that of Delfino keeper Ivan Pelizzoli who reacted with an excellent save to deny the midfielder.

Juve were also active down the middle. Sebastian Giovinco did brilliantly to beat his marker after being played in with an intelligent ball from Arturo Vidal, and Pelizzoli again had to be attentive to palm away the youngster's shot one-on-one.

The first half was a story of almost constant pressure from the home team, but they did not count on the resilience of the visitors who defended determinedly, limiting the number of clear chances. And on the half hour, with no way through, there was a further blow for the Bianconeri. Stretching to reach a cross on the volley, Giovinco clashed painfully with Marco Capuano and was stretchered off, putting his presence in doubt for the upcoming Champions League clash with Bayern.

With Fabio Quagliarella thrown into the action, Juventus tried to rearm their siege of the away net. Time and again, however, they were foiled by the outstanding Pelizzoli. The goalkeeper pulled off a fingertip stop to turn the substitute's shot onto the post, and later denied Giaccherini as the midfielder, set up by good work from Kwadwo Asamoah, released a venomous effort from deep. It was all Juve in the first 45 minutes, but they could find no way through and went into the break still tied with the league's bottom club.

The onsalught continued after the break, and just four minutes in Juve should have taken the advantage. Asamoah weaved his way down the flank and his cross was palmed by Pelizzoli right into the path of Mirko Vucinic, a rare misjudgement from the keeper. The striker had the goal at his mercy, but completely fluffed his volley and looked livid with himself as the ball rolled harmlessly away for a goal kick.

If Pelizzoli had a lucky escape previously, he soon compensated for his error with yet another fine save. A nicely-floated ball forward from Paul Pogba found Quagliarella with space and the striker's volley had to be deflected over the bar to once again deny Juve the lead they so desperately sought.

Antonio Conte's men continued to dominate in terms of possession and territory, but as the minutes ran down a win looked less and less likely, as spaces around the penalty area evaporated. With 20 minutes left, however, they were thrown a lifeline. A short free-kick resulted in Arturo Vidal being roughly thrown to the ground by Guiseppe Rizzo, and the referee had no hesitation in ordering a penalty as well as sending off the offender. Vucinic stepped up, and blasted home the kick to put his team finally in the ascendancy.

There was no way back for the away team, who had withstood well the home onslaught, a second goal for Vucinic with a wonderful curled finish sealing their fate. Emmanuel Cascione provided a late cheer with a stunning consolation, slammed in from 30 yards, but it was not enough as they slumped to a defeat that leaves them rooted to the foot of the table, six points away from safety and with a game more played. Juve, meanwhile, were left to celebrate as they opened up a 12-point gap over Napoli, who host Siena on Sunday.

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Juve squeeze past Pescara

Mirko Vucinic needed a late brace amid Ivan Pelizzoli’s heroics,

as Juventus squeezed past 10-man Pescara 2-1.

Apr 6, 2013

Mirko Vucinic needed a late brace amid Ivan Pelizzoli’s heroics, as Juventus squeezed past 10-man Pescara 2-1.

It was top against bottom in Serie A, but the Bianconeri were stung by a midweek Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich. Gigi Buffon was benched with flu symptoms, while Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli were suspended, Nicklas Bendtner, Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe injured. Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner start, as they are suspended for the second leg against Bayern.

Pescara also missed Vladimir Weiss, Antonio Balzano, Antonio Bocchetti, Gaetano D’Agostino, Ante Vukusic, Luciano Zauri, Uros Cosic and the suspended Mervan Celik.

Mirko Vucinic was surprisingly not rested and blasted over early on, but Giuseppe Sculli robbed Leonardo Bonucci and Luca Marrone closed him down for a corner. Emanuele Giaccherini had the first real chance on 12 minutes, his volley stinging the palms of Ivan Pelizzoli from a Lichtsteiner cross.

Paul Pogba drilled wide and Sebastian Giovinco ran on to a Vidal through ball to ride two tackles, but the finish was beaten away by Pelizzoli’s feet.

The game was almost entirely played in Pescara’s own half, where Pelizzoli rushed off his line to smother at the feet of Vucinic. Moments later the goalkeeper was again alert to parry Vidal’s volley from point-blank range on a Vucinic pass.

Marco Capuano did well to block a Giovinco shot from six yards, but the impact kept going up to the knee and the Atomic Ant collapsed in pain. He was stretchered off with his head in his hands, making way for Fabio Quagliarella.

Lichtsteiner got to the by-line and pulled back for Giaccherini, who under pressure from Damiano Zanon fired wide.

Substitute Quagliarella had a fantastic opportunity before the break, as he spun round to surge forward and the angled drive cracked against the base of the far post thanks to a crucial Pelizzoli fingertip save.

Just before half-time, Pelizzoli was at full stretch to palm away another Giaccherini attempt with one strong hand.

Vucinic really should’ve scored at the dawn of the second half, but horribly side-footed wide on Kwadwo Asamoah’s cut-back from the by-line.

Pelizzoli continued to perform heroics in goal and flew to palm away a wonderful Quagliarella volley with the outside of the left boot.

Ferdinando Sforzini had a shot for Pescara, but it was well over from 30 metres out. Vucinic turned between three defenders and rolled through for Lichtsteiner, but Pelizzoli read it well and intercepted the pass for Vidal in front of an open goal.

The referee pointed to the spot when Giuseppe Rizzo hauled down Vidal as he tried to get on the end of a free kick, also flashing the red card for ending a goalscoring opportunity. Vucinic stepped up and this time finally managed to beat Pelizzoli, firing low into the near bottom corner. Bizarrely, the striker chose to celebrate by removing his shorts and waving them round over his head, but was still booked.

Vucinic thought he had made it 2-0 with an angled drive from the Vidal through ball, but was marginally offside.

It was only a warning, as the Montenegro international did get his second with a wonderfully-worked goal. He skipped away from Bianchi Arce and used another defender as a shield to curl a brilliant right-foot shot round Pelizzoli from eight yards.

Alessandro Matri replaced Vucinic and fired wide from a very promising position. Moments later Matri gave the ball away to spark a Pescara counter-attack and Emmanuel Cascione unleashed an absolute screamer that flew past Storari under the bar to get one back. Curiously, the midfielder had also netted when Juve beat his team 6-1 earlier this season.

Storari made his first save of the game on 89 minutes, needing two touches to deny Giuseppe Sculli’s solo effort.

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

JUVENTUS: Storari; Bonucci (Isla 81), Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic (Matri 79), Giovinco (Quagliarella 32)

PESCARA: Pelizzoli; Zanon, Kroldrup (Bianchi Arce 70), Capuano, Modesto; Rizzo, Togni; Caprari (Cascione 66), Quintero (Bjarnason 58), Sculli; Sforzini

Ref: Peruzzo

Sent off: Rizzo 72 (P)

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Vucinic double gives Bianconeri deserved victory

Apr 6, 2013

Juventus defeated Pescara 2-1 at the Juventus stadium in Serie A action on Saturday evening.

The Bianconeri dominated the game and took a step closer to consecutive Scudetti . For Pescara they took another step closer to Serie B, which now seems inevitable.

Juventus came close to opening the scoring on the 11th minute after good work from Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right, he found Emanuele Giaccherini in the middle, who performed an acrobatic scissor kick but was denied by Ivan Pelizzoli, who made a good save.

The Bianconeri continued to pile on the pressure and Sebastian Giovinco was presented with a golden chance just five minutes later after a superb through ball by Arturo Vidal but he fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Mirko Vucinic was next to come close to breaking the deadlock for ‘The Old Lady’ after some good link up play with his strike partner Giovinco, but again was denied by Pelizzoli, who was able to get to the ball first and clear.

The game was all Juventus and they were presented with their best chance yet on the 27th minute, after a perfectly executed pass from Vucinic, Vidal met the ball on the Volley but the Chilean was denied once again by Pelizzoli, who was keeping his team in the game.

The Bianconeri then struck the post in the 39th minute after a good strike from substitute Fabio Quagliarella, but once again Pelizzoli got down to push the ball on to the post and keep the score at 0-0.

As the first half came to an end Giaccherini again came close to scoring after a good strike from the edge of the box, but you guessed it was that man Pelizzoli who again denied him.

The home side started the second half exactly the way they finished the first: on the front foot and after good work from Paul Pogba his deflected pass found Quagliarella, who did well to strike the ball with his left foot. The ball look destined for the top corner but Pelizolli made an acrobatic save to somehow keep the score level.

Juventus were awarded a penalty on the 71st minute after a smart free kick, Vidal was dragged to the ground by Giuseppe Rizzo and the referee pointed to the penalty spot and sent Rizzo off. Vucinic stepped up and converted the penalty to give Antonio Conte’s men a much deserved lead and finally beat the exceptional Pelizzoli, in the Pescara goal.

The Montenegrin doubled the lead and grabbed his second of the night on the 78th minute. He collected the ball on the left hand side of the box cut inside and beautifully curled the ball into the far left hand corner.

The visitors grabbed a goal back with just over seven minutes to go after a sublime strike. It looked as if nothing was on when Emmanuel Cascione let rip from 25 yards and found the top corner.

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Juventus finally overcome defensive Pescara side

Apr 6, 2013

A match between top and bottom, the only prediction one could possibly imagine was a convincing win for the Italian Champions. Yet, despite the 31 shots on goal, the Old Lady's squandering abilities combined with terrific saves from the goalkeeper allowed the game to remain goalless for 72 minutes. Were Juve going to manage? It took a penalty and a red card to break the deadlock and despite managing a second goal, the Bianconeri failed at keeping a clean sheet and finished the match with a 2-1 scoreline.

Pescara coach Cristian Bucchi insisted prior to the match that they were "going there [to Turin] to win, not to perform an exercise in damage limitation". Nothing could have been further from the truth. Whilst they may seek solace in the excuse that their squad is suffering from injuries, the rock-bottom side exhibited all the reasons why they find themselves at the foot of Serie A. Gaping holes separated the attack and defence and the Defini were both slow in their reactions and disinterested in the notion of fighting for the team. There was no genuine effort made by Bucchi's men to defend their honour against the Bianconeri.

Defensively deployed, Pescara were under instructions to remain tight and compact through the middle to force Juventus out wide. The Old Lady has never been too good when it comes to delivering accurate crosses into the box, hence limiting the gaps through the middle was the aim of the game. A good tactic had it worked. However, despite the many men at the back for Pescara, the home side were quickly able to stretch them, expose space and practice the one-twos they are so fond of playing. This had much to do with the beauty of Mirko Vucinic's play up top.

In the first half, the Montenegrin enjoyed pulling the strings, holding up play and delivering the accurate passes that exposed space. Playing a fine game, Pescara were unable to stop him from dictating play at the top allowing his side to create several goal-scoring opportunities.

Dominating possession and enjoying complete control of the game, Juventus played with a high line. If the ball was lost, the midfield worked quickly to tackle and intercept to win it back and push forward. Bucchi's men had no option but to defend and rely on long balls over the top to reach Ferdinando Sforzini. Whilst the striker did prove threatening when delivered the necessary pass to use his aerial ability, he was marginalised for much of the game.

The moment possession was won back, Juventus immediately dispatched long and vertical balls back to the top with both Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah inflicting their dynamism on the wings. Whilst Juventus looked clearly in charge with each player demonstrating their quality, one player in particular stood out for his efforts.

He may have squandered a few opportunities or appeared delayed in his reactions but Emanuele Giaccherini's tactical play proved mesmerising on the day.

When out of possession, the player moved quickly to press the ball and perform the necessary tackles and interceptions to win possession back in advantageous positions. When in attacking mode, he adopted wide positions to facilitate his squad's vertical passes forward whilst his runs in the box dragged defenders away to permit Juve's attackers greater space to operate. Forcing Ivan Pelizzoli into some excellent saves himself, Giaccherini was unlucky to not score a goal for his beloved Old Lady.

By some miracle, the worst defence in Serie A was keeping the best attack from scoring, despite their many woeful lapses in concentration. Juventus, due to their own poor finishing ability, combined with supernatural performances by Pescara's goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli simply couldn't find a way of overcoming the visiting opponent.

After the break, the Delfini attempted to neutralise the threat of Vucinic more effectively, especially at the beginning. Whenever he had the ball, players rushed to surround him in hopes of preventing him from playing intricate balls to oncoming runners from midfield.

It took a well-worked set piece from Juventus to terrorise Pescara and especially Giuseppe Rizzo, who committed the error that resulted in a penalty for the home side. Vucinic converted to rapturous applause from the crowd. The player revelled in the attention, taking off his shorts and swinging them above his head in celebration.

Grabbing a second soon after, it looked like the end of the journey for 10-man Pescara until an ambitious shot from quite a distance saw Emmanuel Cascione grab one back for the away side.

The three points were finally achieved but it ought to have been much easier for Juve, who need to be as clinical as possible when taking on Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Dolphins Sliced Up by a Pantless Fox

Apr 6, 2013

Fresh off a demoralizing 2-0 defeat to Bayen Munich in Germany, Juventus faced last-placed Pescara at the Juventus Stadium in what seemed to be a routine affair. While the German giants sealed up the Bundesliga title with a 1-0 away win, the Bianconeri toiled away at home attempting to break down a determined defensive side whose goalkeeper pulled off miracle after miracle. [sound familiar?] In the end, the Dolphins were beaten thanks to two goals from Mirko Vucinic…

MATCH ANALYSIS by Aaron Giambattista

A week ago, Juventus faced Inter at the Stadio San Siro in Milan. With a big match in Europe looming, Antonio Conte decided to field a full strength XI against the Nerazzurri. While his decision paid off for the solid 2-1 win, it may have caused some mental or physical fatigue for the starting XI who limped to a 2-0 defeat in midweek.

Juventus face Bayern in the return leg this coming Wednesday, with a mountain to overcome. Conveniently, Conte could call on changes as Juventus welcomed last-placed Pescara to the Juventus Stadium. If there was ever a game to practice wholescale rotation, this was it. And sure enough, it was a radically changed XI – there were players suspended for Wednesday who featured (Lichtsteiner, Vidal) and players absent through suspension who will be key on Wednesday. (Barzagli, Chiellini)

This match review could be copy-pasted from so many others this season. Juventus utterly dominated Pescara, but thanks to poor finishing and heroics from the opposing goalkeeper (Serie A veteran Ivan Pelizzoli) the team had to work hard and only late did the team finally break through. Juventus owned 63% of possession, sieged the Pescara goal with 31 shots, 13 of them on target, whereas Pescara only managed 4 shots with 2 of them on target. Juventus-2-0-Pescara-vucinic-celebration-shortsAnd like so many other games this season, while Juve’s opponents managed so few shots, one of those ended up being an absolute brilliant goal that the Bianconeri could do little about.

There was a stunning statistic from last season that opponents only had 4 minutes of possession in Juve’s half at the Juventus Stadium. This was like last year, as the entire first half was in Pescara’s half, clear evidence of the massive gap between the best team in Serie A and the worst. And yet, it was not over at half-time like Barcelona’s 4 goals scored in the first 40 minutes over last placed Mallorca.

Giaccherini, Quagliarella, and Vucinic all had good opportunities on goal in the first half, but were denied by Pelizzioli. In particular, Fabio Quagliarella looked eager to make the most of his surprising substitution, brought on after only 30 minutes because of Sebastian Giovinco‘s knee-to-knee injury. Quagliarella did well against Inter, had zero support against Bayern, and in keeping with Conte’s rotation, was benched due to one poor game.

The team went into the half rather frustrated, but with plenty of energy for the second half. The unconventional backline of Bonucci, Marrone, and Peluso had come under zero pressure and Storari had nothing to do.

The second half started much as the way the first half ended, with Juventus sieging the Pescara goal to no effect, and Pescara’s attackers completely suffocated out of the game. Sforzini tried Pescara’s first effort of the day from about 35 yards about, but it was a sign of desperation from the striker who had been working hard up top the entire first half.

The deadlock opened when Arturo Vidal was hauled down by Giuseppe Rizzo in the 72nd minute, and the referee showed Rizzo a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Juventus has had some issues with converting penalties this season, but Mirko Vucinic made no such mistake and buried the penalty to put Juventus up 1-0. The Montenegrin tore off his pants and waved them around his head, proudly displaying his Balkan balls and butt in the process of breaking the game open.

One goal wasn’t enough for Mirko – minutes later, he was played in by Arturo Vidal’s through ball, but was slightly offside and the goal was chalked off. But that didn’t last long, as Mirko casually skipped past two players and curled in an excellent goal to make it 2-0, and the game was sealed beyond doubt.

Or it should’ve been. 1-0 has been a fragile lead for the Bianconeri in the last few months, and apparently 2-0 isn’t terribly secure either. Pescara had a counter-attack in the 82nd minute and Emmanuel Cascione fired an absolutely brilliant left-footed shot from far out. There was absolutely nothing any goalkeeper in the world could’ve done to save that. Marco Storari hadn’t even had a save to make all game.

The last few minutes were fiesty, as Pescara sensed Juve were a bit shaken by the goal, and they poured forward on the counter-attack. Marco Storari was forced into his first save of the match, but the Delfini were unable to capitalize, and Juventus kept 3 points in a surprisingly tight scoreline.

LE PAGELLE by John Cascarano

Storari 6.5 - Had very little to do, and could do nothing to stop the goal. Did a good job to keep it 2-1 in the 90th.

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Peluso 6.0 - Seems to be improving with every match, though I still don’t love seeing him at center back. I understand the situation today between suspensions, injuries, and need for rest, but wouldn’t it make sense to start integrating some of the young guys in these situations?

Marrone 6.0 - As always, filled the void in defense admirably when called upon. -0.5 for the mutton chops, Mr. Brown. Who the hell do you think you are?

Bonucci 6.5 - Slotted over to the right side in place of Barzagli, and, like the rest of the back line, and did everything right. The undisputed leader of the defense.

’81 Isla s.v. - Received some much needed minutes, perhaps to shake off some rust in order to be ready for Wednesday. LOL who am I kidding, it won’t be him (or even Caceres) starting in lieu of Lichtsteiner during the second leg.

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Asamoah 6.5 - Looked like he was causing trouble on the left side like pre-AFCON, with strong runs at the defenders. Had a couple of sloppy moments, but overall an improved performance for Kwadwo. Oh wait, he was playing against Pescara…

Giaccherini 5.5 - I’ve always liked Giak, but lately he’s been driving me completely crazy. Always seems to take that one (or two, or three) dribble(s) too many, and makes Vucinic look like Ronaldo as a finisher. Please play him as a left winger or something.

Pogba 6.0 - Played in the Pirlo role today, and did so well enough despite it not being his strongest spot IMO. Chose his passes and picked his men well. Still managed a strong run or two with the ball.

Vidal 6.5 - The only regular midfielder on the pitch today, King Arthur did what he always does. He will be missed on Wednesday.

Lichtsteiner 7.5 - Another Gaping hole in the lineup on Wednesday, Lichtsteiner was by far the best player on the pitch during the first half. Was a bit more quiet in the second, but still kept control of the right flank, constantly trying to sneak low passes into the center.

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Giovinco 6.0 - Almost scored a golazzo early on, and was unfortunate to get hurt with less than a half hour played. That knee-on-knee collision looked painful, and Seba definitely seemed to feel it right away. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.

’32 Quagliarella 6.5 - Did the Quagliarella thing and was unfortunate not to score a typical QUagliarella goal on a handful of occasions.

Vucinic 7.0 - Typical performance in which Mirko began the match driving me absolutely mad, but ended it with an arguable MOTM performance. Missed a couple of opportunities early on, and at 50’ a golden opportunity to make it 1-0. Eventually did so on a penalty, but only because a sluggish Juventus was fortunate enough to earn a penalty off of a grave lack of concentration by Giuseppe Rizzo. Matri made sure his brace counted.

’79 Matri s.v. - Came on for Vucinic and did little else besides lose ball which lead to Pescara’s consolation (and man-down!) goal.

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Conte 7.0 - Took a visibly lackluster team reeling off a difficult, disheartening midweek defeat, riddled with second choice starters – and was able to grind out a result from his lads.

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP by Aaron Giambattista

There was a lot of rotation against Pescara, and it paid off. A very hodgepodge XI came together and frankly, gave a performance that the best XI would probably still have done- they were utterly dominant, only frustrated by some unlucky finishing and one of the goalkeeping performances of the season by Pelizzoli.

On a weekend when Bayern Munich sealed their 23rd German league table, Juventus was able to rotate a fair amount and still pick up a win. The only two players who were on the pitch and are likely to feature heavily on Wednesday were Mirko Vucinic and Paul Pogba. The former was given a few minutes break at the end, and the latter’s energy and youth means he’ll be ready for the Bavarians.

This is a huge few weeks span for Juventus. They’ve faced Inter, then Bayern Munich, then Pescara, and the team has yet to play Bayern again, Lazio, Torino and Milan. Pescara was and will be a footnote in this period, but additional proof that this team’s depth can step forward when called upon.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xysrrw_juventus-pescara-2-1-highlights-6-4-2013_sport

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com rates the men on display in Turin, as the home team stay on course

for the Scudetto thanks to two late goals from Mirko Vucinic that sealed three points.

Apr 6, 2013

JUVENTUS

Marco Storari - A virtual spectator for much of the match as his team dominated further up the field, given little to do. Given no chance to stop Cascione's late bomb.

Leonardo Bonucci - The lack of danger from the away team meant that the central defender played almost in the midfield, looking to get Juve moving from deep.

Luca Marrone - Forced to play out of position in the middle of defence, the midfielder was troubled little in his new post as Pescara's attacking threat was close to nil.

Federico Peluso - Had few problems at the back, sticking close to Sforzini on the few occasions Pescara broke past the halfway line and defending efficiently.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - A decent showing from the Switzerland international out wide, putting in some excellent early crosses before fading out of the game a little late on.

Arturo Vidal - A neat through-ball early on went so close to playing in Giovinco for an opener. A typically energetic, uncompromising show from the Chilean.

Paul Pogba - In the absence of Pirlo the onus fell on the Frenchman to provide a spark but, except for one sumptuous lofted ball, he could not live up to that impossible ideal.

Emanuele Giaccherini - Was frustrated by the brilliant Pescara shot-stopper several times, forcing some top-drawer saves from the goalkeeper.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Gave Pescara no end of trouble when he grabbed hold of the ball down the left, but his presence was too intermittent to be a constant threat.

Mirko Vučinić - Looked off the pace and rarely threatened early, but took his penalty with authority and capped the display with a great finish to complete his double strike.

Sebastian Giovinco - Looked one of the most likely players in black and white to make something happen early on. A first-half injury will have Juve fans sweating for midweek.

Substitutions

Mauricio Isla - Given a handful of minutes at the end.

Fabio Quagliarella - Forced into the action early for Giovinco, and looked dangerous throughout.

Alessandro Matri - A late entry, but still had time to miss a glorious chance.

PESCARA

Ivan Pelizzoli - Pescara's hero in an inspired first-half display, coming up with at least four vital stops to keep Juve at bay. Continued his heroics in the second half, but had no chance with the goals.

Damiano Zanon - Struggled at times to contain the explosive Asamoah, but coped well and did his best to make life difficult for the winger.

Per Kroldrup - A tenacious display in the middle of defence, giving the likes of Vucinic little space to manoeuvre in the box and forcing Juve to try from deep.

Marco Capuano - Cannot be ascribed any fault in Giovinco's injury, the forward being stretchered off following an unfortunate penalty-area clash. Defended intelligently and conservatively.

Francesco Modesto - A tireless stint from the full-back down the left flank, as he covered vast swathes of the pitch going up and down. Occasionally suspect in his marking, but always pressed.

Giuseppe Rizzo - The villain of the piece for the away team, who were denied a priceless point. An idiotic foul on Vidal gave away the penalty and led to his expulsion.

Eugenio Romolo Togni - One of the men tasked with keeping Juve quiet in the middle of the pitch, found it hard-going thanks to the mobility of Vidal and Co.

Juan Quintero - The Colombian youngster has a sparkling future ahead of him, but here he failed to make his mark, seeing little of the ball before being taken off on the hour.

Giuseppe Sculli - Given no space to move and finished making little impact on the fixture, as Pescara spent the majority of the 90 minutes penned into their own half.

Ferdinando Sforzini - Forced to feed off scraps in the Juventus half, but did his best to lead the line as he constantly harried the backline, trying to make things happen.

Gianluca Caprari - An ineffective presence for the Delfini, saw little of the ball but did not know what to do with it when in possession, taken off late on.

Substitutions

Nicolás Bianchi Arce - The Argentine replaced Kroldrup in defence, but could not match his performance as the goals soon appeared.

Emmanuel Cascione - Gave the visiting support a late cheer with an outstanding goal, although it was too late to change the result.

Birkir Bjarnason - Brought on for Quintero to shore up a leaky midfield, but had little impact.

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790‎

Conte: Pescara win seemed cursed!

The coach shared his relief at collecting three precious points against the Italian minnows,

while inevitably casting his eye on the European blockbuster with Bayern Munich.

Apr 6, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte pointed out the magnitude of his side's task in their 2-1 win against Pescara on Saturday and jested that the game seemed to be "cursed".

Delfini keeper Ivan Pelizzoli single-handedly thwarted the Turin giants' best efforts on goal in an inspired performance, and was only undone by an equally decisive Mirko Vucinic, who scored twice for the home side on the night.

Conte was grateful for the hard-fought win boosting the team's chances of securing a second successive Scudetto, telling Sky Sport Italy: "I’m exhausted and relieved at this success.

"It appeared to be a cursed game. We dominated, had many efforts on goal, hit the woodwork and saw shots go wide by a whisker. Then Pescara come up with an effort from 40 metres and find the top corner.

"We’ll take these fundamental points, we know we still haven’t achieved anything, but we’ve taken another step towards our target.

"Vucinic didn’t play well at all but scored twice - just think if he had put in a good performance. I hope these goals are a good omen for [the upcoming Champions League quarter-final game against] Bayern Munich."

The Bianconeri suffered a massive setback during the first-leg defeat by losing 2-0, and Conte has demanded that his men be more adventurous and willing to take their chances in the home tie on Wednesday.

"They’ve won the championship with a 20-point advantage and deserve plenty of congratulations for this achievement," the 43-year-old continued.

"We must be willing to take risks, even to go one-on-one with Ribery or Robben. Robben's introduction for Kroos [during the loss at Allianz Arena] hurt us then.

"If we want to peg them back, we need to impose our rhythm from the start."

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Pogba: 'Juve ready for Bayern'

Apr 6, 2013

Juventus pushed past Pescara, so Paul Pogba assured fans “we will be ready against Bayern and certainly believe we can turn this around.”

The Bianconeri needed a late Mirko Vucinic brace to get the better of 10-man Pescara on Saturday, temporarily extending their lead at the top of the Serie A table to 12 points.

“We just wanted the win and we achieved it. This was certainly an important result for our journey in Serie A,” said the French midfielder.

Now attention turns to the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday, when Juve try to fight back from a 2-0 first leg defeat to Bayern Munich.

“We have got to think positive. We will be ready against Bayern and certainly believe we can turn this around.”

Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner are suspended for that match, but Pogba showed a new side to his game against Pescara when replacing Andrea Pirlo.

“I got on well in his role. Pirlo is a fantastic player and I have admired him since I was a child. Even today that we are teammates, I still watch him very carefully when he plays. I’d love to have a career like his.”

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Conte: 'Game seemed cursed'

Apr 6, 2013

Antonio Conte admits he felt relieved after Juventus beat Pescara 2-1 despite goalkeeping heroics and reveals Sebastian Giovinco is out against Bayern Munich.

Ivan Pelizzoli performed numerous saves until Mirko Vucinic broke through with a late brace.

“It had seemed to be a cursed game,” said Conte. “We were shooting from all angles, getting the goalkeeper or the woodwork. Pelizzoli had a fantastic game.

“Pescara also scored an incredible goal with Emmanuel Cascione, as perhaps we should’ve been a bit calmer after that. We were a little nervous that we’d ruin it all the same way we did against Sampdoria.

“This was not an easy victory, but I am happy with the performance and relieved because these are three fundamental points.”

The Coach seemed irritated with Vucinic after he celebrated the goal by whipping off his shorts to wave them around over his head – earning a yellow card.

“I told Vucinic he had a terrible game and still scored two goals… Imagine what he would’ve done if he had played well! It’s important that he scored today and that bodes well for the Bayern match, even if I’m thinking of benching him!”

Juventus lost the first leg of that Champions League quarter-final 2-0 and welcome Bayern to Turin on Wednesday evening.

Today the Germans beat Eintracht Frankfurt to secure the Bundesliga title with a 20-point advantage.

“If we want to catch them up, then we need to impose an intense rhythm and go at them from the start,” continued Conte.

“That means running a few risks. You risk finding Arjen Robben or Franck Ribery in a one-on-one situation. Robben’s introduction really hurt us, as Toni Kroos was a more defensive option.

“We’d love to play 4-3-3, but Simone Pepe is injured and he’s the only one who can play wide in that trident. We’ve also got Stephan Lichtsteiner suspended, so who is going to play at full-back – me?”

The Coach confirmed Giovinco will not be able to play against Bayern, as he was stretchered off today with a knee injury.

“There is talk of a strained collateral ligament. He won’t recover in time for Wednesday, that’s impossible.”

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Vucinic: 'Spontaneous strip'

Apr 6, 2013

Mirko Vucinic says his decision to whip off his shorts when celebrating a goal against Pescara was “spontaneous.”

The Juventus striker converted a penalty in the 2-1 Serie A victory today and celebrated by whirling his shorts above his head.

“It was spontaneous. I felt like it and I did it,” he declared.

Coach Antonio Conte was not best pleased at the yellow card he picked up and tried to slap him on the back of the head.

“It was an affectionate slap!” laughed Vucinic.

However, this wasn’t the first time he stripped down to his underpants to celebrate a goal, as Vucinic also did it for Roma and Montenegro.

“The important thing is that we won and achieved three important points, so everyone is happy. Now we hope to win against Bayern Munich too.”

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

Pescara blame the ref

Apr 6, 2013

Pescara co-Coach Bruno Nobili blamed the referee for their slender 2-1 defeat. “The error helped Juventus.”

The Delfini are bottom of the table, but were only beaten 2-1 late on by the Serie A leaders, as Mirko Vucinic broke the deadlock with a penalty. Giuseppe Rizzo was sent off in the same incident.

“We played well, much better compared to other recent outings,” said Nobili, who shares the bench with Cristian Bucchi.

“The penalty was decisive, but the red card was totally unnecessary. Plus it all came about from a Juve free kick that should’ve been in our favour. The error helped Juventus.”

Ivan Pelizzoli performed a series of desperate saves in Turin to keep the scoreline down.

“We knew how good he was. We are well aware that we have two great goalkeepers to count on. Mattia Perin is injured and left the place to Pelizzoli.”

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

[Socrates 8335]

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

2 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG)

Mirko Vučinić (78′)

Emmanuel Cascione 83′

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Attendance: 38790

No Giovinco lesions

Apr 6, 2013

Tests have shown Sebastian Giovinco did not suffer knee ligament damage, but there is bruising and a tendon problem.

The Juventus talent was stretchered off in pain during Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Pescara.

Today the official Juve website confirmed tests had shown heavy bruising to the right knee and the collateral medial ligament, but no lesions.

Medics also found a small strain to the tendon of the femoral bicep.

“His condition will be evaluated over the next few days,” but Giovinco looks to be out of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

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

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Bayern: 'One glass of champagne'

Apr 6, 2013

Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title today, but President Uli Hoeness assures they “will have one glass of champagne each” ahead of the trip to Juventus.

The club beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 this afternoon to mathematically clinch a tournament they have utterly dominated this season, already 20 points clear of second placed Borussia Dortmund.

However, the Germans have no intention of breaking out the beer keg with their Champions League quarter-final against Juventus to be played next Wednesday.

“We will have one glass of champagne each on the plane, because our thoughts are already going forward to Wednesday. Clearly our objective now is the Champions League,” said Hoeness.

Bayern won the first leg 2-0 and travel to Turin next week to earn a spot in the semi-final.

“We played a fantastic season and rarely have I seen a side dominate a tournament like this.”

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Juve can emulate United of 1999

Juventus have it tough against FC Bayern München but Paolo Menicucci says they can

draw inspiration from the Manchester United FC side who shocked them 14 years ago.

Apr 7, 2013

After an 18-game unbeaten streak in Europe, the 2-0 defeat at FC Bayern München in their quarter-final first leg has left Juventus with their backs against the wall. The Bianconeri, however, should draw inspiration from a Manchester United FC vintage whom they have come to resemble in several ways.

First and foremost, Juventus coach Antonio Conte is seen by many as a new Sir Alex Ferguson. "I have had two coaches who demand determination and ruthlessness," said Paul Pogba, who joined Juventus from United last summer. "They are both very tough to please, both perfectionists."

There are other similarities between the Italian champions and the English side that won the treble in 1998/99. There are the influential goalkeepers in Peter Schmeichel and Gianluigi Buffon, midfielders who are effective at both ends – United's Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, Juventus's Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio – and the free-kick maestros David Beckham and Andrea Pirlo.

The rotation system involving striking quartet Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Teddy Sheringham was also instrumental in that United team's success. It is an approach replicated by Conte, with Mirko Vučinic, Sebastian Giovinco, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella. Juventus, though, need to show they also have United's knack for unlikely comebacks.

As a midfielder, Conte faced United in the 1998/99 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The Bianconeri dominated the Old Trafford first leg, with Conte on the mark for the visitors and United lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw. In the return, Filippo Inzaghi scored twice in the first 11 minutes to put the Old Lady on the verge of a fourth consecutive final. United had a mountain to climb but captain Keane headed in a Beckham corner in the 24th minute to give United hope. Yorke and Cole then got the goals that booked United's place in the final.

Many consider that fightback a turning point for the Red Devils in Europe. "Even at 2-0 down I remember Becks saying, 'We can do this,' and he's not really the type for that," former United defender Gary Neville recalled in an interview. "To have belief even in that situation was incredible, because the defence had endured a 20-minute nightmare."

Nightmare is probably the right word to describe the Juventus showing in Munich. "I struggled to sleep the night after the match," said defender Giorgio Chiellini. "We are not the side that played so badly in Munich, we are much better than that and are eager to turn the page as quickly as possible. I hope the one in Turin will be our game."

In 1999 the 'comebacks kings' famously repeated the trick in the Camp Nou showpiece – yes, against Bayern – with substitutes Sheringham and Solskjær turning defeat into victory with goals in added time. They did so without the suspended Scholes and Keane. The absences of Stephan Lichtsteiner and Vidal for Wednesday's return leg are therefore no excuse for Juve. If they want to keep their European dream alive, they will require one of those magic nights which made United what they are today.

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Mirko Vucinic ready for "war" against Bayern Munich

Apr 7, 2013

Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic has urged his teammates to treat their Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday as if it "were a war".

The Serie A leaders were beaten 2-0 by the newly crowned Bundesliga champions last Tuesday in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

The Montenegro striker has said that Juve will not be in a mood to accommodate a celebratory Bayern when Jupp Heynckes's side visit Juventus Stadium next week.

"Everyone needs to give more than 100% and face the game as if it were a war," Vucinic told reporters after the game.

"We must believe we can do it. The Germans have won the championship and I'd like to congratulate them, but they certainly won't be greeted by a party atmosphere here on Wednesday night."

Vucinic scored twice as Antonio Conte's men overcame Pescara 2-1 in Serie A on Saturday.

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Giaccherini talks up Juventus´ chances

Apr 7, 2013

Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini says the club have not given up hope of defeating Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The Italian champions will have to overcome a 2-0 deficit after a first-leg defeat in Munich, but, speaking after his side's 2-1 Serie A win over Pescara on Saturday, Giaccherini said the club will not be going down without a fight.

"Yes we need the best Juventus on Wednesday because we will be facing one of the best teams in the world in Bayern Munich," he said.

"They've already proved in the first leg how great they are and they have already won their league this season. We will try and give all that we have and hopefully we will watch the best Juventus."

And Giaccherini was pleased with his side's display against Pescara.

"I think that Juventus played a great match today - we created a lot of chances, Pescara never attacked in the first half and they scored a goal with their only shot at goal in the second half," he said.

"Our only problem was scoring a goal and we finally managed at the 65th minute of play, after that the game became much easier."

Two goals from Mirko Vucinic sealed the victory and the striker was delighted with the win.

"The three points were definitely important for us and we're all happy we managed to gain them," the Montenegrin said.

"The most important thing tonight was to win, not the performance."

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Bonucci: 'Beckenbauer fired us up'

Apr 7, 2013

Leonardo Bonucci has an ulterior reason for Juventus to fight back against Bayern Munich. “Franz Beckenbauer fired us up.”

The Bianconeri were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final and play the decider in Turin on Wednesday.

“We believe because we are Juventus,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s still wide open and we will put 110 per cent on to the field. That’s not to say we’ll start off pouring forward without thinking about the consequences, as there are 90 minutes to score a goal.

“We have the opportunity to continue our dream and have our say, so we can put a great team like Bayern under pressure.”

Bayern Munich Honorary President Beckenbauer caused controversy when he said Buffon “looked like a pensioner” during the first leg.

“We have respect for his words, but this will fire up both us and Gigi. We want to go through to the semi-finals,” concluded Bonucci.

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Five things Juventus must do to beat Bayern

Apr 7, 2013

After 90 minutes of being made into mincemeat by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening, Juventus have much to do in the return leg of their Champions League quarterfinal match-up with the German giants if they hope to progress to the next round.

The Old Lady has not reached the semifinals of Europe’s elite competition since the 2002-03 campaign, ultimately falling to fellow Italians AC Milan in the title match on penalties at Old Trafford whilst current boss Antonio Conte still plied his trade in midfield for the famed Turin outfit.

The 42-year-old coach will now be charged with preparing his players both mentally and tactically for the task of turning over an honestly flattering 2-0 deficit at the Juventus Stadium next Wednesday against Jupp Heynckes’ Bavarian machine on the back of a thoroughly humbling experience in Munich.

Harried in possession, a step behind on the break, inaccurate in distribution and timid in the tackle, the Bianconeri were thoroughly beaten in the tie’s opening overture in a manner ironically similar to that which they have made their trademark under Conte in the past 16 months.

Good news arrives only in the form of the Italians’ two goal arrears entering the final 90 minutes considering the massive amount of chances Die Roten created, and contrived to miss, on Tuesday night.

And so with it all to do whilst down, but not out, the following are the five things Juventus must do to beat Bayern Munich.

Keep a clean sheet

There is simply no genius to behold in the statement that Conte’s men must hold their potent adversary at bay to have a chance at qualifying for the semifinals, but it is nonetheless true. Down a pair of scores and having failed to nick a goal on the road, conceding in the return leg at any time would almost certainly spell the end of the Old Lady’s Champions League run in 2012-13.

Tuesday Juventus’ revered back three of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini looked a shell of the defensive unit that kept five straight clean sheets on the bounce in continental play prior to stepping out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena. The Azzurri trio must somehow regain their confidence for the deciding hour-and-a-half to shut down Bayern’s dangerous offence, having been made into victims of pace, pressing, and their own poor tackling in Munich rather than assuming their usual roles as rearguard protagonists.

Legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has incurred his own share of criticism for failing to keep out David Alaba’s strike in the opening minute of the first leg, will also need to be at his best in goal to keep the Bavarians off the scoresheet. Even if Juventus’ defence can turn in a top-class display next week, Italy’s longtime number one will undoubtedly be called into service at some point given the immense skill of Bayern’s attackers.

Pull one back early

Few things in football can give a team a heavy dose of assurance like an early goal. This truism goes double for a disheartened side playing at a two goal disadvantage in the second leg of a titanic Champions League encounter.

With every second that ticks off the clock in Turin next Wednesday, more pressure will mount on the Bianconeri as they face a race against time to make up lost ground against a ruthless opponent. Frustration can be as much an obstacle as anything, so it is imperative that Juventus rediscover the clinical edge they displayed against Celtic in the round of 16 to reduce the deficit to one as soon as possible.

Bayern were duly shocked in the previous stage of the competition when Olivier Giroud smashed home from close range inside five minutes at the Allianz Arena in the return edition of their tie with Arsenal. Though Heynckes’ men were able to largely control the territory of the match from that moment forward, the anxiety of having been hit so soon after kickoff was clearly visible in their demeanour and they ultimately required the away goals rule for passage after Laurent Koscielny struck once again late on for the Gunners. Conte’s men would do well to emulate the performance of the Londoners who, if anything, retrospectively showed that the Bianconeri’s task is not impossible under the right circumstances.

Control Bastian Schweinsteiger

Amidst a wonderful team performance from the Bavarians on Tuesday, the star that shone brightest of all for Die Roten was Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Germany international was simply a force of nature in the centre of the park, spraying incisive passes all over the pitch from in front of the back four, whilst immediately laying waste to any forward movements from the Old Lady with controlled malice in the air and on the ground. Juventus can plainly not afford to allow such a display once again by the Bayern vice-captain, or risk facing a fate mirroring that of the first leg.

The Bianconeri will need to limit the space the 28-year-old is allowed on the ball on the defensive front, an undertaking in which they previously proved inadequate, forcing him into errant deliveries and impeding his ability to take advantage of his excellent vision up field. Man-marking the midfield dynamo is an option sure to be considered by Conte in his preparations, and could prove the only method able to sufficiently stifle Schweinsteiger’s attacking talents.

Key to circumventing the Bayern youth product on the offensive front will be quick and intelligent movement from Juventus with a sharpness that was starkly absent in the maiden 90 minutes. Nullifying German’s indomitable will to press is a task near impossible for any side in world football, but his effectiveness could be considerably lowered with the proper energy and positioning going forward.

Release the Kraken

The phrase itself conjures up images of a certain John Arne Riise, but the reference is this case refers rather to the man endearingly likened to a different Cephalopod by the Bianconeri faithful - Il Polpo.

More specifically, Il Polpo Paul. Paul Pogba, that is.

The impressive 20-year-old appears set to start in the return leg given the suspension of Arturo Vidal, and very well could be the decisive answer for Juventus in the battle for midfield supremacy. His versatility and fearless style of play offer the type of spark so sorely missed as Conte’s men were battered at the Allianz Arena Tuesday evening. His inclusion in the side from the off could serve to inspire his more experienced teammates given his remarkable ability to shrug off the weight of expectations and penchant for the fantastic.

Key in Pogba’s mission will be his capability in protecting Andrea Pirlo – winning the ball back from Bayern’s attackers and playing the bearded regista into space so that he may orchestrate matters on the front foot for the Old Lady.

And of course, one of the young Frenchman’s trademark searing rockets from distance hitting the back of Manuel Neuer’s net wouldn’t hurt, either.

Man the fortress

It seems only fitting that Juventus will face their biggest test yet in Conte’s tenure at the helm at their eponymous arena – a citadel in which they have lost just twice since its inception at the outset of the 2011-12 campaign.

With tickets to the Bayern clash having sold out by March 27 before reaching general sale, the stadium will be filled to capacity and the atmosphere is sure to be one to behold, even despite the two goal shortfall the Bianconeri will be up against. The importance of home support cannot be overstated in football, and the Old Lady’s soldiers will need to take full advantage in feeding off of the energy coursing through the building if they are to make April 10, 2013 a day for the club’s illustrious history books.

Because for Juventus to be successful, they must see the positive opportunity in a situation that looks quite bleak. The return leg must not be a match in which to save face, a game in which to go down fighting – but rather the stage on which to accomplish something extraordinary with the club’s fans in vociferous participation.

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Rummenigge: Bayern must score at Juventus to be safe

The Bayern chairman believes they are not through to the next round

just yet and believes they can write history under Pep Guardiola next term.

Apr 8, 2013

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has stated that Bayern Munich's 2-0 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie was the perfect result but has warned that the Bavarians are not there just yet.

Goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller helped Bayern to a crucial home win last week, but Rummenigge believes they must score at least once in the return in Turin in order to secure progress to the semi-finals.

"The game against Juventus was a dream result. We’ve had a good season but we have to be careful because we know that Italians can come back really strong under these circumstances. We need to score one goal in the second leg to make things a little safe," the Bayern chairman told The Times of India.

The Allianz Arena side beat Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend to clinch the Bundesliga title and they have now set their sights on the Champions League and DFB Pokal in order to win a historic treble.

"We have had a rich history but have never achieved a treble. We aren’t too optimistic but we aren’t pessimistic either. The Champions League is very high quality football and we have been hard done in a couple of finals in the past years. So, let’s say we are not confident but we do dream."

Rummenigge then went on to discuss the arrival of Pep Guardiola at Bayern at the end of this season and he believes they can write history with the Spanish coach at the helm.

He added: "Pep said Bayern are a club he likes and it followed almost his own philosophy. It was like a love affair. He will be the right person.

"He respects the culture and philosophy of Bayern and this is what could make his stint successful. With him, we can write an important part of history next year. Pep is such a normal person. He’s everything but arrogant. He respects the Bavarian culture and doesn’t want to change the philosophy dramatically."

[Socrates 8335]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.)

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

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain)

Lippi: Juventus can overcome Bayern

The former Bianconeri coach has insisted that the Italian champions

can still make it to the semi-finals at the expense of the Bundesliga giants.

Apr 8, 2013

Marcello Lippi believes that Juventus have what it takes to overcome their first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich and make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The Bundesliga champions impressed at the Allianz Arena last week as they beat Juventus 2-0 courtesy of goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller.

Nevertheless, Lippi has stressed that the quarter-final tie is not over yet and believes an early goal on Wednesday could lead Juve the way.

"I saw a great Bayern Munich last week. They were balanced, very complete and devastating at times. I have always said that they are a European superpower on the same level as Barcelona and Real Madrid," Lippi told Tuttosport.

"However, we did not see the real Juventus in Munich. On Wednesday they will have to prove that they can compete with Bayern.

"If Juventus can score an early goal, the tie can go either way. As long as Juventus give their all and play to their full potential, a comeback is possible."

Juventus last made it to the semi-final stage of the Champions League in 2002-03 but they were eventually beaten by AC Milan in the final.