Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 32 - 15-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (8′-PG)

Arturo Vidal (28')

Olimpico Stadium — Rome

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 31000

Victory a big step forward, says Buffon

The goalkeeper was elated after his side's win on Monday night

saw them move 11 points clear at the top of Serie A.

Apr 15, 2013

Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus' 2-0 victory over Lazio was a big step forward for the club in retaining their league title.

Two goals from Arturo Vidal saw the Bianconeri move 11 points clear of Napoli at the top of Serie A and leave the reigning champions needing just another seven to seal a second successive crown.

“I will not even pronounce the word championship," Buffon said to reporters after the game.

“(But) I can say that today we have made a big step forward. We had to absorb elimination in the Champions League, which was deserved, but it has still come as a surprise to us.

“There are still seven points to win by the end of the season. If we can achieve this goal, it will be another great accomplishment.”

Buffon was also quick to give credit to Lazio, who sit in sixth spot after the loss and have a fight on their hands to secure European football next season.

He added: “I went to say goodbye to the Lazio fans after the game because they have always shown me great respect. They deserve it.

“Tonight we did well because it is not easy to win at the Olimpico. Lazio is always a tough opponent.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 32 - 15-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (8′-PG)

Arturo Vidal (28')

Olimpico Stadium — Rome

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 31000

Juventus another brick closer, says Conte

The Bianconeri boss is hopeful Monday's win will rid the club

of their post-Champions League exit hangover.

Apr 15, 2013

Antonio Conte said Juventus were "another brick closer to the finish line" after their 2-0 victory over Lazio moved them 11 points clear at the top of Serie A on Monday night.

The win comes on the back of the Old Lady’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich and the Bianconeri boss is hopeful the three points will rid the club of their European hangover.

He told reporters after the game: “We moved into the top eight in Europe. In Italy we have been in first place for a long time and now we won tonight.

"There is nothing to be disappointed about. There are seven points (left to secure) victory, so I don’t speak of that. We have to keep pedaling.

“We've got three very important points, another brick closer to the finish line. We have every right to be happy, not depressed."

Juventus adopted a more cautious formation for the trip to the Stadio Olimpico, with Mirko Vucinic operating as a lone striker and Claudio Marchisio pushing forward in support and Conte felt the pair complemented one another perfectly.

“It does not matter how many strikers you play with, but the build-up to the manouvere. and how many players contribute to the chances," he added.

“I knew I could use Marchisio as the attacking midfielder. He and Vucinic are beautiful together, so I knew it would be fine.

“Marchsio had an extraordinary game. He was a good help in the passive phase and also at the points when we pushed forward.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 32 - 15-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (8′-PG)

Arturo Vidal (28')

Olimpico Stadium — Rome

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 31000

Vidal 'satisifed' with performance

Apr 15, 2013

Arturo Vidal has admitted that he was happy with his performance this evening as Juventus beat Lazio 2-0.

The Chile midfielder scored both goals as the Bianconeri went 11 points clear at the top of the table.

“I am satisfied with my performance tonight,” he told reporters. “But the season is not over.

“This game was important for us.

“There are only six games left and this win is crucial for us to get closer to the title.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 32 - 15-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (8′-PG)

Arturo Vidal (28')

Olimpico Stadium — Rome

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 31000

Buffon: Step towards Scudetto

Apr 15, 2013

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that the Bianconeri are a step closer to the Scudetto after beating Lazio.

The Old Lady defeated the capital club 2-0 this evening thanks to an Artuto Vidal double.

And the veteran shot-stopper has admitted that the title is within their grasp, but his side still need to do their job.

“This evening we took a big step forward in the League,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We do not really want to talk about it yet though. We still need seven points.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 32 - 15-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (8′-PG)

Arturo Vidal (28')

Olimpico Stadium — Rome

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 31000

Petkovic congratulates Juve

Apr 15, 2013

Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic has congratulated Juventus after his side lost to the Old Lady this evening.

The capital club went down 2-0 at Stadio Olimpico after a brace from Artuto Vidal, and the Biancocelesti Coach has claimed that his side were well beaten.

“At the start we dominated,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Then we complicated matters by giving away the penalty.

“Juve then took advantage of a goalscoring chance, but they have to be congratulated for the victory.

“We looked tired today, but I think that's normal after playing five games in so few days.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 32 - 15-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (8′-PG)

Arturo Vidal (28')

Olimpico Stadium — Rome

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 31000

New Juve system works for Conte

Apr 16, 2013

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has given the 3-5-1-1 system the thumbs up after the Old Lady’s win at Lazio on Monday.

The 43-year-old opted to just play with one striker at the Olimpico in the shape of Mirko Vucinic, with midfielder Claudio Marchisio fielded just behind.

“It doesn’t matter how many forwards you play with, but how many players contribute in attack,” the Coach, who has primarily used 3-5-2 this term, stated.

“Marchisio was able to perform this role, helping out in defence and becoming an orthodox striker when he moved forward.

“He and Vucinic have a really good understanding. Marchisio was superlative, although I’m disappointed that he didn’t score.”

Conte added that the shift in formation also allowed him to use 20-year-old revelation Paul Pogba.

“I think that a Coach has to find a way, to invent something, in order for all of his best players to play,” he continued.

“The solution I opted for against Lazio allowed me to use a player who it would be criminal to leave out at this moment in time and that is Pogba.”

Juve won the game 2-0 thanks to a brace from Arturo Vidal. They now have an 11-point lead in the standings with just six games left.

“We’ve taken another forward step and we’re drawing even closer to our target of the Scudetto, but we still need seven points to be mathematically certain,” Conte noted.

“So we won’t talk about it until it’s in the bag, instead we’ll continue to push on.

“Lazio? We came up against a very strong team, sometimes a rebound is enough to concede a goal and risk ruining an important position.

“Those who understand football know that when you have games like these in your grasp, you have to really hold on to them.”

Juventus began the season with the hope of winning the Scudetto and the Champions League, but their European Cup run ended in the quarter-finals last week.

“People shouldn’t be disappointed or despondent. We reached the last eight in Europe and that’s an extraordinary achievement.

“We’ve remained at the top of the League from last year and if a team like ours gets depressed after going out against Bayern Munich, then I really don’t understand anything about football.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 32 - 15-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

0 - 2

Arturo Vidal (8′-PG)

Arturo Vidal (28')

Olimpico Stadium — Rome

Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro

Attendance: 31000

Vucinic: Don’t question my desire

Apr 16, 2013

Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic has defended himself from the criticism thrown at him by his doubters.

The Montenegro international is the club’s top scorer this term in all competitions thanks to 13 strikes in 39 games, but questions were raised about his commitment after the 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich.

“All the strikers at Juventus make sacrifices,” he stated. “We run like crazy, but some people don’t notice these things.

“I’ve been told that I have no desire, but if you look at the Bayern game then you can see that I ran more than I did against Lazio…

“I find the criticism ridiculous.

“I can accept it if people say I play badly, but not if they say that I lack desire and I’m not committed. It’s totally absurd and it hurts.”

Vucinic was in action on Monday during the 2-0 win over Lazio, a game in which he linked up well with Claudio Marchisio as Juve fielded a 3-5-1-1 system.

“Not a great deal changed because Claudio was playing as the second striker and had to stay close to me,” the 29-year-old insisted.

“We played a good game and achieved an important victory, but we won’t talk about the Scudetto until it’s a mathematical certainty.

“You never know in football, so we’re not going to let up.”

The Bianconeri are now 11 points clear with six games left this season.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Who is Juventus’ Player of the Season?

Goal.com nominates the top three standout performers for the Bianconeri.

Apr 16, 2013

Having bounced back to the very top rung of Italian football in 2011-12 with an unbeaten league triumph and a Coppa Italia final appearance, Juventus have moved up another level over the course of this season. With an 11-point lead going into the final games, the Bianconeri have long since looked set for a second successive Scudetto, while their endeavours on their return to the Champions League saw them knock out European champions Chelsea on the way to a respectable quarter-final finish.

At the heart of their displays were some massively consistent figures, with coach Antonio Conte's decision not to rotate as much as some would have expected meaning that the most influential players in his squad were asked to deliver at regular intervals.

And for the most part they did exactly that. Andrea Pirlo has been excellent once more, Giorgio Chiellini has been solid either side of an injury-enforced absence, Kwadwo Asamoah has fitted straight in side and Gianluigi Buffon has been Gianluigi Buffon. But there have been other, even more influential members of the Juve squad this term.

Below, in alphabetical order, are Goal.com's three nominees for Juventus' player of the season, based on their club performances in all competitions.

LEONARDO BONUCCI | DEFENDER

While the Bianconeri finally saw their sheen of invincibility rubbed away this season, falling to four league losses after last term's defeat-free campaign, their back line has largely stood resolute. They have occasionally been exposed to pace down the flank guarded by Andrea Barzagli, but alongside him Leonardo Bonucci has stood tall for the large majority of the Old Lady's season.

He may not be everybody's cup of tea and can arguably be shown up when used in a back four, but he has been a rock at times in Juve's 3-5-2 system during 2012-13. His combative power, attitude, fearlessness and resolute manner have helped to make him into an untouchable member of the Bianconeri's defensive trio.

Bonucci was a key player in the run which saw Juventus go five games without conceding a goal in the Champions League to extend their stay in the competition and also earned them three vital points with his only goal of the campaign against Shakhtar Donetsk in October.

STEPHAN LICHTSTEINER | WING-BACK

The old adage says that you don't know what you've got until it is gone, and Stephan Lichtsteiner represents exactly that to Juventus. He has proven himself once more this season to be the finest wing-back in Italy with regular performances of phenomenal desire, ability and work-rate. And when he hasn't been available, Juve have struggled badly to replace him.

Perhaps Mauricio Isla's struggles best exemplify the true effect of the 29-year-old former Lazio defender, with a seemingly perfect fit having not worked out. Lichtsteiner, however, has been a constant presence at both ends of the pitch to demonstrate just how good a job can be done by a player who fits the role of wing-back as well as he does.

Like Bonucci, he took to the Champions League challenge with great aplomb, with his performance up against the likes of Willian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan away to Shakhtar helping to ensure progression. He has racked up the rare feat of notching the opening goal of the league season for the last two years, with both coming at home to Parma.

ARTURO VIDAL | MIDFIELDER

Back in his AC Milan days, many suggested that Andrea Pirlo wouldn't have been the same player if he didn't have a platform-setting engine like Gennaro Gattuso alongside him. At Juve, the Italy midfielder has an even greater luxury to his right, with Arturo Vidal continuing to show his magnificence in midfield during 2012-13.

Still only 25, the Chilean is fast becoming one of the world's most complete midfielders with his phenomenal tackling stats allying with an ability to cause all sorts of trouble in the opposition third. His guts, strength, vision and superb execution make for a concoction which has drawn the attention of other giants in the game.

While he has turned in many standout performances this term, nobody will quickly forget the heart and desire he showed in shaking off a nasty ankle injury against Chelsea in September to score a goal and complete an energetic 90-minute showing which went a long way to Juve qualifying from the group. His two goals against Lazio all but clinched the Scudetto - Juventus would be absolutely insane to sell him.

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Montolivo targets Juventus scalp

The Italy international says his side must aim to win every match

as they aim for a Champions League spot at the end of the season.

Apr 16, 2013

Riccardo Montolivo has stressed that AC Milan do their utmost to bag all three points against Juventus at the weekend as they look to secure a top-three finish.

The former Fiorentina midfielder realises that beating the Bianconeri will be though, but has insisted that the Rossoneri owe it to their fans to aim for victory in every match.

"We face a tough team in Turin, both individually and as as a team. They are deservedly top of the table," he told Milan Channel.

"It will be a very tough match but we will try to win because we are Milan and we always try to win every match.

"Juventus-Milan will be a good game. Andrea Pirlo is one of the best in the world in that position, but there are other quality players in the Juve team."

The midfielder also had his say on Stephan El Shaarawy's dip in form in recent months and stressed that the attacker does not have a problem with his spot on the bench against Napoli at the weekend.

"El Shaarawy was not bothered about starting on the bench, he is calm about the situation, I spoke to him about it," he continued.

"Obviously he was disappointed because those are the kind of games that every player want to play but the coach thought it was the best thing to rest him and that is OK."

El Shaarawy has scored only once in his last eight Serie A appearances.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Boateng: Beating Juventus is key to second place

The attacker admitted the team don't want a repeat of Sulley Muntari's 'ghost goal'

from when the two sides last met while he also says he will be fit for the crunch clash.

Apr 16, 2013

AC Milan playmaker Kevin-Prince Boateng says his side's match against Juventus on Sunday could hold the key to them pushing for a second-place finish in Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have been on the up since the turn of the year, though a Champions League place is still not assured. But with not long left of the campaign, a win over the current league leaders would put them in pole position to challenge for automatic qualification.

Former Tottenham man Boateng also alluded to Sulley Muntari's goal that was not given the last time the two sides met, and vowed to make sure the referee was left in no doubt as to when the Rossoneri have found the net.

"We are still there or thereabouts and we want to finish second, and to do that we have to win in Turin," he told the Milan Channel.

"The matches against Juventus are always special. There is no need to talk them up further.

"This time we'll kick the ball harder in order to make it clear for everyone that the ball has crossed the line!"

Boateng also revealed he hoped to be fit for the encounter after limping off in the 1-1 draw with Napoli on Sunday, and admitted the injury was not as bad as it first seemed.

He added: "I am fine. At first I thought the damage would be greater, but today I feel a lot better and hopefully I'll be available against Juve."

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Montolivo: Juve deserve Scudetto

Apr 16, 2013

Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has admitted that Juventus 'deserve' to win the Scudetto.

The Rossoneri face the Old Lady next weekend looking for the three points that would consolidate their Champions League place.

But the Italy international has conceded that it will be tough against 'the best team in the League'.

“Juventus deserve to win the title,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We will be playing the best team in the League.

“It is definitely going to be a tough game for us.

“I have been happy with my performance this season – although at the moment I am only thinking of reaching third place.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Boateng on fitness & Juve clash

Apr 16, 2013

Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has insisted he will be fit enough to face Juventus this weekend.

The 26-year-old limped out of the Rossoneri's 1-1 draw with Napoli last Sunday, but the former Ghana international has claimed he will be fit to play the Bianconeri, whilst also making reference to Sulley Muntari's 'ghost goal' against Antonio Conte's men last season.

“I am fine,” he told Milan Channel. “At first I thought the damage would be greater, but today I feel a lot better and hopefully I'll be available against Juve.

“We are still there or thereabouts and we want to finish second – and to do that we have to win in Turin.

“The matches against Juventus are always special – there is no need to talk them up further.

“This time we'll kick the ball harder in order to make it clear for everyone that the ball has crossed the line.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Chiellini hopes to face Milan

Apr 17, 2013

Juventus stopper Giorgio Chiellini is keeping his fingers crossed that he’ll be fit enough to take on Milan on Sunday.

The defender has had an injury-plagued campaign and he missed the 2-0 win at Lazio on Monday with ankle problems.

“I’m felling better,” he stated. “And I’m certainly hoping that I will be available to face Milan. We’ll just have to see what happens.”

The 28-year-old has appeared in just 18 League games for the Old Lady so far this season. He missed only four Serie A games last term.

Juventus need just seven points from their last six games to win their second consecutive championship.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Madrid usurp Manchester United as

most valuable club in the world

Barcelona have risen 99 per cent in value over the last 12 months while the Red Devils

see their top position crumble as the Blancos take over in Forbes' top 20 rankings.

Apr 16, 2013

Real Madrid have usurped Manchester United as the most valuable football club on the planet for the first time since Forbes magazine began their rankings in 2004.

The Red Devils have sat at the top of the list for nine years in a row but Jose Mourinho's men are now worth $135 million more (€103m) at $3.3 billion (€2.429bn), while Sir Alex Ferguson's side sit second in the business magazine's most valuable club list.

Barcelona are perched comfortably in third - $565m (€434m) behind United but $1.274m (€978m) ahead of fourth-placed Arsenal - and rose 99 per cent in value over 12 months.

Bayern Munich fill out the top five having made the Champions League final last season as well as finishing second in the Bundesliga. Their value is sure to rise further in next year's rankings with the added interest of Pep Guardiola as coach, not to mention their triumph in this season's Bundesliga and a potential treble of trophies.

AC Milan are the top-placed Serie A side in sixth and the highest-placed club to be valued below the €1bn mark this year. However, they are also the only club in the top 10 which have gone down in value over the last 12 months.

Chelsea's Champions League-winning season saw maintain their place in the list and boost their value by 18%, not so contrasting to the team below them, Juventus, who saw their value rise by 17% after returning to Scudetto-lifting ways in 2012 (8th place).

Manchester City rose from 13th to 9th in Forbes' list after winning the Premier League last season and qualifying for the Champions League for the second successive campaign.

An English team not faring as well are Liverpool, who were fourth in April 2008 but find themselves 10th five years later as they continue to suffer from not competing with the European elite.

Outside of the top 10 sit Europa League quarter-finalists Tottenham in 11th, Bundesliga side Schalke in 12th, Champions League semi-finalists Borussia Dortmund in 13th, Italian giants Inter in 14th and Olympique Lyonnais in 15th.

The final five in the list are South America's sole entrants Corinthians in 16th, Walter Mazzarri's Napoli in 17th, German side Hamburg in 18th, Olympique de Marseille (who dropped 18% in value, the biggest drop in the top 20) in 19th and Newcastle United perched 20th.

Interestingly, despite being considered one of the most valuable clubs in the world, Paris Saint-Germain fail to make the top 20, while La Liga's top-three duo are the only Spanish sides to make the list.

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Chiellini hopeful of making Milan clash

The defender hopes to be match fit in time for this weekend's encounter

and is keen to stay at his current club after his active career.

Apr 17, 2013

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is desperate to make his comeback in this weekend's Serie A match against AC Milan after missing the 2-0 win over Lazio on Monday due to injury.

The Italy international picked up a knock during Friday's training session that ruled him out of the match at the Stadio Olimpico, but he has stressed that his physical condition is improving ahead of Sunday's encounter.

"I am feeling better. We will see how things stand by Sunday. I definitely hope to be there for the match against Milan," Chiellini told Tuttosport.

The defender then went on to discuss his long-term future and made it clear he wants to stay at Juventus after his active career.

He added: "I hope to stay in the footballing world in a different role when I hang up my boots. I would love to stay here at Juventus and work for the club that I love."

Chiellini, 28, joined Juventus in the summer of 2005 and has made over 250 official appearances for the Bianconeri so far.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Pete Nordsted: Two weekend tips

from the Both Teams to Score market

Pete has analysed the statistics around this weekend's fixtures

from several top European leagues and he has selected two bets from Serie A .

Apr 17, 2013

Well last week we had a poor weekend with both selections losing and both teams scored early on in the two matches. Let’s hope this weekend we get a far better run for our money.

As always here we are following a system bet and you are advised to keep stakes reasonable and always try and obtain the best price available.

This weekend after trawling through the major leagues once again we are focusing our attention on Italy where we have two selections from the Serie A.

Our first match features one of the Italian marquee games when leaders and reigning champions Juventus, who are once again closing in on another Serie A title, host third-placed AC Milan who are chasing the automatic Champions League spot that Napoli have currently.

Since January 2011 when hosting other Italian elite sides both teams have scored in only two of Juve's last eight matches and in recent home matches only three of 10 games have seen both sides finding the net.

The stats are not as strong with Milan though. When facing top four sides away from San Siro we see both teams have scored in five of the last nine.

Indeed, when looking at all of Milan’s away matches this season only four of 16 have seen the 'No' on both sides scoring.

The stats are strong enough with Juventus to justify a bet and it should also be remembered that both teams have not scored in the last three head-to-head matches in Turin.

The "No" outcome on the both teams to score market can be backed at 10/11 (1.91) with bet365

For our second match we move over to another fascinating contest when Udinese take on Lazio. This year five of Udinese’s eight home matches have seen at least one side not scoring and in the case of visitors Lazio 13 of their last 17 away games have seen the 'No' on both teams scoring.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Milan stars target Juve fitness

Apr 17, 2013

Kevin-Prince Boateng, Massimo Ambrosini and Bojan Krkic look to be fit in time to face Juventus on Sunday night.

The Milan trio have all been suffering from knocks recently, but took part in the full training session with their teammates today.

Giampaolo Pazzini worked on strength exercises, while Ignazio Abate remains in doubt for the big game, as he focused on the gym and the sand strip.

Boateng and Abate limped off during the 1-1 draw with Napoli, while Bojan pulled out the night before with a muscular problem.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Barzagli: 'Milan need points too'

Apr 18, 2013

Andrea Barzagli acknowledges there is a lot at stake in Juventus-Milan this Sunday. “We’re chasing the Scudetto, while they’re aiming for Champions League qualification.”

The giants go head-to-head at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening and it is first against third in Serie A.

“Both us and Milan are in need of points. We’re chasing the Scudetto, while they’re aiming for Champions League qualification. It won’t be easy, but we’re preparing well,” the 31-year-old told Sport Mediaset.

The game after that, the Turin Derby, will see Barzagli mark his 100th appearance in the Bianconeri jersey.

“I’m very happy, it’s pleasing to be able to play as much as I do. Reaching 100 appearances for such a prestigious club is a real source of pride.

“The last few years have been the best of my career in terms of consistency. There was a time when my performance levels tended to fluctuate more.

“Ever since I started playing I’ve never thought about scoring, preferring instead to focus on stopping the opposition. I’m not particularly talented going forward… all that matters is that my team-mates find the target.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

-

Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Nedved: I hope Balotelli will play against Juventus

The Bianconeri director hopes the controversial striker

will get the chance to play against the Serie A leaders.

Apr 18, 2013

Ex- legend Pavel Nedved hopes Mario Balotelli’s suspension is reduced so he can feature in Juventus' clash with AC Milan on Sunday.

Balotelli was handed a one-match ban after picking up his fourth yellow card of the campaign in the 2-2 draw with Fiorentina and then given a further two-game punishment for insulting an assistant referee.

But rather than be happy at facing a weakened Rossoneri, Bianconeri director, Nedved, would like to see the controversial forward feature to provide a greater spectacle for supporters.

He told reporters: "Obviously it's always better when both teams have a full complement of players, not only for Milan, but for everyone.

"If the disqualification was reversed for Balotelli, I expect a great match with two top teams playing against one another, but it will still be a great game if he doesn't play."

The ex-Manchester City striker has scored 11 times in 10 games for club and country since returning to Italy in January.

Milan go into the game in third place, four points adrift of second-placed Napoli and 15 behind leaders Juve.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Nedved happy to wait for Scudetto

Apr 19, 2013

Pavel Nedved says he’s not bothered when Juventus wrap up the Scudetto – so long as they are crowned Italian champions.

There is a chance that the Old Lady could make sure of the title in the derby against Torino or on May 5 – a significant date in the club’s history given their comeback title win in 2002.

“I have no preference over what date we do it on,” the director stated. “I just want to win it. The last minute of the last game of the season would do for me.”

Juve need just seven points from their last six games to clinch the title and they’ll face a Milan side on Sunday who are attempting to get Mario Balotelli back from suspension on appeal.

“I expect a great game between two great sides,” Nedved continued. “It’ll be beautiful, but it is always better when all the champions are on the pitch.”

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Balotelli ban cut, but misses Juve

Apr 19, 2013

Milan’s Mario Balotelli has had his three-match ban reduced to two on appeal, but he will still miss the Juventus tie.

The Italian international was punished for insulting a match official during the 2-2 draw at Fiorentina two weeks ago.

The January signing was automatically banned for one game for the accumulation of yellow cards, plus two for his verbal outburst.

Milan appealed against the ban today and were able to get a discount on his initial punishment.

Balotelli, who missed the draw with Napoli last week, will now also sit out the trip to Turin. He’ll return against Catania.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Milan game will not be easy, warns Barzagli

The experienced defender is eagerly anticipating Sunday's encounter in Turin

and is over the moon to be closing in on his 100th appearance for Juventus.

Apr 19, 2013

Andrea Barzagli has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to throw away points in this weekend's Serie A match against AC Milan as they aim to wrap up the Scudetto as soon as possible, but has warned that the Rossoneri will pose a stern test.

The Bianconeri hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Napoli with six more games to go, but Barzagli is not getting carried away just yet as they prepare to face a side battling for an automatic Champions League spot.

"The upcoming matches versus Milan and Torino will be two important games, but we’ll focus solely on the first," the defender told Sport Mediaset.

"Both us and Milan are in need of points. We’re chasing the Scudetto, while they’re aiming for Champions League qualification. It won’t be easy, but we’re preparing well."

Barzagli needs only two more games two reach 100 official appearances for Juventus and he is very pleased with the way things have progressed for him since his move to the Old Lady from Wolfsburg.

"I’m very happy, it’s pleasing to be able to play as much as I do. Reaching 100 appearances for such a prestigious club is a real source of pride," he went on.

"The last few years have been the best of my career in terms of consistency. There was a time when my performance levels tended to fluctuate more."

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

De Sciglio flattered by Maldini comparisons

The Rossoneri youth product has downplayed the parallels being drawn between him

and the legendary defender while he says he is ready to confront the Old Lady.

Apr 19, 2013

AC Milan defender Mattia De Sciglio has cooled praise liking him to Paolo Maldini, insisting he still has much to learn.

The young full-back has exploded on to the scene this season with a string of solid displays for the Rossoneri having already earned two senior caps with the Italy national side.

Nevertheless, the 20-year-old has emphasised the he has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same league as the former Azzurri captain and insisted that Massimiliano Allegri's side are fully prepared to face Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday.

"The parallel to Maldini is an honour but I still have a long way to go. Perhaps they say this because I grew up in the club's youth academy," he told La Stampa.

"I initially was a Juventino like my father, but my mother and my grandfather made me change. I did not have a poster of Maldini in my room like it has been said. I liked Buffon, Del Piero, Nedved and Thuram but mainly because I was influenced by my father.

"Clarence Seedorf once said he was born ready. Well I too am more than ready for Sunday night's clash with Juventus!

"We studied our opponents but we are already prepared for Juventus. We have faced them twice already this year."

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Bonucci wary of AC Milan threat

The Italy international is eagerly anticipating this weekend's match

versus the San Siro outfit and has warned that a tough game awaits.

Apr 20, 2013

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has stressed that Sunday's Serie A encounter at home against AC Milan will not be an easy game.

The Bianconeri were beaten 1-0 at San Siro earlier in the campaign and Bonucci has warned that Juve cannot afford to take the return versus the Rossoneri lightly.

"In the reverse fixture, we lacked concentration, motivation and energy, which are all vital traits at a club like Juventus. But since then, we have been growing as a side and have become very consistent," Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia.

"We’re up against an in-form Milan team, as is shown by their results in 2013. Along with the memory of defeat in the reverse fixture, this will give us extra motivation for Sunday.

"Not only do we want to get our own back on them but we’re also looking to take another step towards the Scudetto."

Sunday's match at the Juventus Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

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

[Socrates 8414]

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.)

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Juventus Stadium — Turin

Referee: Luca Banti

Galliani: 'Milan not inferior to Juve'

JUVE 74 - MILAN 59

Apr 20, 2013

Adriano Galliani stokes the fires of tomorrow night