Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus-Parma Preview: Runaway league leaders
set to be tested by Cassano and Co.

Roberto Donadoni's men are unbeaten in 17 games and will be confident
of giving the two-time defending champions a real run for their money in Turin.

Mar 25, 2014

Almost five months have passed since Juventus met Parma in Serie A and both sides have embarked on stunning unbeaten runs ever since.

AMAZONIAN

The two sides clashed at the Ennio Tardini on November 2 and saw a scrappy affair decided by Paul Pogba's second-half goal.

Defending champions Juve, who entered the match having scored 11 goals in their previous four league fixtures, were made to work for their win and know they will be in for another difficult encounter when they welcome Roberto Donadoni's side on Wednesday.

Since that defeat, Parma have surged up the Serie A table to fifth thanks to a 17-match league unbeaten run that has included the scalps of Napoli and AC Milan.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus – who enter the match on the back of an unconvincing 1-0 win at rock-bottom Catania on Sunday – are all but guaranteed to win their third successive Serie A crown this season.

Antonio Conte's side are 14 points clear of the second-placed Roma, but midfielder Simone Padoin knows Juve will be tested by the in-form Parma.

Padoin told the champions' in-house television station: "It will be a close one. They've only picked up a few less points than we have in 2014.

AMAZONIAN

"They're in great physical and mental shape and will come wanting to win the game. However, they'll be up against a Juventus side who don't want to give anyone a way out."

Padoin played the full 90 minutes at Catania, as Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah dropped to the bench.

Conte is having to rotate his squad as he juggles domestic commitments with their Europa League campaign and that may work to the advantage of Parma, who will enter Wednesday's fixture fresher.

AMAZONIAN

Donadoni would love his side to repeat their feats against Milan earlier this month, when Antonio Cassano scored twice as they won 4-2 at San Siro, breaking a Serie A hoodoo that stretched 18 years.

Cassano has netted 11 goals in 27 league appearances this season and his form has seen him linked with a return to Italy's squad for the upcoming 2014 World Cup.

AMAZONIAN

He will play a key role for Parma in this encounter and Inter loanee Ezequiel Schelotto and ex-Juve forward Amauri are also in good form.

Pogba will return from suspension for Juve, but defender Andrea Barzagli and midfielder Claudio Marchisio are doubtful for the clash.

AMAZONIAN

Head to Head

Serie A ‎-‎ Nov 2, 2013 - Parma 0 - 1 Juventus
Serie A ‎-‎ Jan 13, 2013 Parma 1 - 1 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Aug 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - 0 Parma
Serie A ‎- Feb 15, 2012 - Parma 0 - 0 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Sep 11, 2011 - Juventus 4 - 1 Parma


Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

Mar 23, 2014 - Catania 0 - 1 Juventus - Serie A
Mar 20, 2014 - Fiorentina 0 - 1 Juventus - EL
Mar 16, 2014 - Genoa 0 - 1 Juventus - Serie A
Mar 13, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina - EL
Mar 9, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina - Serie A


PARMA

Mar 23, 2014 - Parma 1 - 1 Genoa - Serie A
Mar 16, 2014 - AC Milan 2 - 4 Parma - Serie A
Mar 9, 2014 - Parma 2 - 0 Hellas Verona - Serie A
Mar 2, 2014 - Sassuolo 0 - 1 Parma - Serie A
Feb 24, 2014 - Parma 2 - 2 Fiorentina - Serie A

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Donadoni: My goals? I don’t know…

Mar 25, 2014

Roberto Donadoni has reflected on his objectives, his respect for Juventus and his regret at how chances with Italy and Napoli ended too soon.

AMAZONIAN

The 50-year-old is back in the spotlight this season after some impressive work with Parma, which sees them head into a midweek meeting with Juventus on a club record unbeaten run of 17 League games.

For the tactician though, attention tomorrow should be on Antonio Conte’s side, for their imperious lead at the top of the table.

“You have to have respect for their winning run and recognise their merit,” Donadoni has commented to Il Giornale today.

AMAZONIAN

“Juve is a great battleship, they remind of Fabio Capello’s Milan, a winner of four Scudetti in five years. Even in more difficult games, they have the decisive blow.

“My objectives? I do not know. Why’s that? Because the players at Parma have surprised me. They told me: ‘Mister, we are convinced of our quality’.

“To see Parolo, Paletta and Cassano at the World Cup for me would be almost like a Scudetto.”

AMAZONIAN

Donadoni reflected also on his past experiences on the bench, namely the negative ones with the Italian national team and with Napoli, which both, according to him, ended prematurely.

“With the national team I feel I did well. I do not deny it, I would like to have continued after the European Championships, but I respect the choice made by the FIGC.

“The same applies to Napoli - I sometimes think about what might have happened if I had been able to complete my work in that city.”

AMAZONIAN

The former Milan player considered who the influences on his managerial style include.

“I have been fortunate. Everyone thinks that I have learned only from Sacchi and Capello. I would add, if permitted, Parreira and Liedholm.

AMAZONIAN

“From Arrigo I have taken his maniacal nature. I am mildly manic. From Capello I have taken flexibility - he was able to fight so hard and the next day it was all erased, forgotten.

“This lesson has helped me a lot because every day you grapple with players who are champions in individualism.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Bonucci: Scudetto not over

Mar 25, 2014

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci says the race for the Scudetto is still not over as his side prepare to face Parma.

AMAZONIAN

The Old Lady are 14 points clear of nearest rivals Roma with nine games of the season remaining but the Azzurri international praised the Giallorossi.

“The first of our ten finals has been won,” Bonucci wrote on his official website. “Winning at Catania can seem easy but it wasn’t like that.

“The Scudetto is absolutely not finished, hats off to Roma who are not giving up.

AMAZONIAN

“Now we are playing the best form team at the business end of the season. The match with Parma is a really big one.

“We will be playing in front of our fantastic home crowd, so we will start as favourites.

AMAZONIAN

“As far as I’m concerned the key words to sum up this match are ‘Final Number Two.’

“We only have one goal. To win.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

‘Parma must give 110 per cent’

Mar 25, 2014

Parma Coach Roberto Donadoni believes nothing less than 110 per cent will be enough for his team to get a result against Juventus.

AMAZONIAN

The Gialloblu are unbeaten in 17 Serie A matches, a run which has earned many plaudits but one that will be severely tested at Juventus Stadium.

“Juventus have been laying down the law for three years,” Donadoni said at his pre-match Press conference.

“To say the challenge that awaits us is difficult is an understatement. But it’s good to be able to up against them in a great stadium.

AMAZONIAN

“We will need to give a performance of extremely high quality, at 110 percent.

“Only doing that will be enough to come home having taken something.

“We are going to play in a stadium that makes the difference, but we have a lot of motivation and enthusiasm to do well on a prestigious occasion.

AMAZONIAN

“Will I rotate tomorrow? I will put the 11 out on the pitch that I think gives us the most guarantees, then we’ll see what happens for the next games.

“What matters now is Juve.

AMAZONIAN

“I want to assess things game by game. One thing is certain, I want to go there and go for it.

“That is what we have always done both at home and away, highlighting our qualities.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Biabiany doubt for Juve-Parma

Mar 25, 2014

Parma are without Walter Gargano and Gianni Munari against Juventus, while Jonathan Biabiany is at risk.

AMAZONIAN

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET.

Gargano is still sidelined after missing the 1-1 draw with Genoa at the weekend and has been joined by flu-hit Munari.

Marco Marchionni returns from suspension to bolster the midfield.

AMAZONIAN

There are reports Biabiany is not 100 per cent fit, so Ezequiel Schelotto is likely to start in the trident attack.

Antonio Cassano will therefore start with either Amauri or ex-Juventus player Raffaele Palladino.

Massimo Gobbi or another former Bianconeri man, Cristian Molinaro, are tipped for the left flank.

AMAZONIAN

Nicola Pozzi is out for the rest of the season following knee surgery.


Parma squad for Juventus: Acquah, Amauri, Bajza, Biabiany, Cassani, Cassano, Cerri, Felipe, Galloppa, Gobbi, Jankovic, Lucarelli, Marchionni, Mauri, Mirante, Molinaro, Obi, Paletta, Palladino, Parolo, Pavarini, Sall, Schelotto

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Tactical Battles That Will
Shape Juventus' Clash with Parma

Mar 25, 2014

Juve enter Wednesday's clash with Parma on the road to greatness.

AMAZONIAN

It is another match at the Juventus Stadium which they will hope will be a part of their historic season.

The Bianconeri are now just four victories away from the great Bordeaux side of the '80s and on their way to a perfect season at home after 14 victories in succession.

Parma arrive in Turin on Wednesday off the back of a 17-game unbeaten run, even though their momentum was halted by Genoa in a frustrating 1-1 draw at the Tardini on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

David Amoyal @DavidAmoyal
Juve is now 4 wins behind Bordeaux's 1984/85 team (18) for most home wins in a row in Europe's history

One of the key factors in deciding Wednesday's outcome will be how closely Juve can track the movement of Antonio Cassano.

In that gap between the defence and midfield, defenders with athleticism such as Martin Caceres and Leonardo Bonucci will be stepping out from the back to prevent Fantantonio from producing his magic.

AMAZONIAN

Cassano is on his way to a World Cup place and will want to make a statement on Wednesday that he can produce against the very best.

Paul Pogba will also come into this tactical battle when Cassano drops deep and is allowed to turn and run at the Bianconeri defence, the Frenchman will need to turn quickly and trace the Italian's dribbles towards goal.

Antonio Mirante may be called into action plenty of times, too, with Andrea Pirlo's deadly accuracy from free-kicks over the past couple weeks proving to be decisive.

AMAZONIAN

Wonderful strikes against Genoa and Fiorentina have shown that against top goalkeepers, such as Mattia Perin and Neto, the maestro can find the back of the net.

Carlos Tevez is also a big danger for the Crociati in this game, with the Argentine proving decisive in Sicily on Sunday against Catania with a great reaction, seizing an opportunity and burying a chance past Mariano Andujar.

But Parma arguably have the best centre-back partnership in the league this season, with Alessandro Lucarelli and Gabriel Paletta proving to be the foundation for this superb season under Roberto Donadoni.

AMAZONIAN

David Amoyal @DavidAmoyal
Tevez has already matched the goal total Platini and Ibrahimovic scored in Serie A (16) in their first season at Juve (GdS)

Both will need to be on hand to prevent El Apache and his partner, likely to be Fernando Llorente instead of Dani Osvaldo.

Lastly, a key battle could prove to be Kwadwo Asamoah and Jonathan Biabiany, two of the quickest players in the game, let alone in Serie A.

AMAZONIAN

Their teams will rely on them getting the better of one another in order to prove decisive in this game.

The Frenchman is fresh after resting for the game against the Grifone, while the Ghanaian also sat out from the start against the Elefanti in Sunday's games.

It should prove to be an explosive battle that should sum up the match in general.

AMAZONIAN

It should be fascinating to see who comes out on top between two of Serie A's most in-form sides, with the surprising hot streak of Atalanta making up the top three.

One streak is going to end on Wednesday, whether that is the unbeaten one of the Gialloblu or the winning streak at the Juventus Stadium.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Caceres: 'Tired, but hungry for more'

Mar 25, 2014

Martin Caceres assures Juventus will overcome fatigue with “hunger” when hosting on form Parma tomorrow.

AMAZONIAN

The Ducali are unbeaten in a club record 17 Serie A rounds and visit the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET.

“We are tired, but still hungry to play,” the Uruguayan defender told Sky Sport Italia.

AMAZONIAN

“Angelo Ogbonna and Andrea Barzagli are unavailable, but the others are at our disposal. We are proving that even in an emergency situation we are still strong and can continue getting results.”

The Bianconeri scraped past 10-man Catania 1-0 at the weekend with a Carlos Tevez goal in Sicily.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus squad for Parma

Mar 25, 2014

Juventus are still without Andrea Barzagli and Angelo Ogbonna for tomorrow’s game with Parma.

AMAZONIAN

The Serie A Week 30 tie kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET.

Ogbonna, Barzagli, Federico Peluso and Simone Pepe are still out of action, but Claudio Marchisio returns to the fold.

AMAZONIAN

Sebastian Giovinco will not face his former club.


Juventus squad for Parma: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, Tevez, Llorente, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho, Mattiello, Penna

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus vs. Parma Preview: Round 30 —
Midweek football with a side of prosciutto

Mar 25, 2014

We've seen with our own two eyes the current unbeaten that Juventus is on. It was extended to 21 games over the weekend against Catania, the latest in so-so performances yet three-point takeaways. There is, however, another team in Italy putting together a pretty solid unbeaten run at the moment.

AMAZONIAN

Who might that team be?

Well, it's Roberto Donadoni's Parma, who currently sit in fifth place with nine games to go in the 2013-14 campaign.

And who is Juventus playing tomorrow night in front of their Turin faithful?

AMAZONIAN

Yeah, that same Parma team who hasn't lost a game since Juventus claimed a 1-0 win at the Tardini the first weekend of November. Since then, Parma hasn't been beaten, a span of 17 games that includes nine wins and eight draws. They've gone from hovering around the other mid-table squads to now in contention for a spot in the Europa League.

It's an impressive run no matter who. Come Wednesday night, though, it'll be Parma's biggest test in months.

AMAZONIAN

The team Juventus has opened up the home schedule against the past two seasons is finally making its trip to Juventus Stadium. Both games, which ended in Juventus victories, were the start of something that ended in a title celebration months and months later. This time, Parma's visit to Juventus Stadium is at the end of March and one of the final games to go before Juventus officially clinches their third straight league title.

It's pretty easy to figure out: There's nine games left. Even fewer needed to clinch the title. Hey, it's the final countdown for a reason, folks.

AMAZONIAN

GOOD NEWS

Juventus at home this season: 14 games, 14 wins, 38 goals scored, 8 goals allowed.

That's good, right?


BAD NEWS

The injuries are still here, taking up a bunch of space and ruining Antonio Conte's plans — even though Conte will be spending the match in a private box thanks to his sending off in the first half against Catania.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: It’s an unlucky period injury wise and I’m unable to rotate. My lads are showing themselves to be great players and great men.

AMAZONIAN

New week, basically all of the same names present on the injury report. The only 'good news' coming out of the press the last couple of days is that Claudio Machisio has returned to training this week. The other injured players, however, seem to still be on the sidelines with their respective injuries. That means no Andrea Barzagli, no Angelo Ogbonna, no Federico Peluso.

Squad depth? Meh, nonexistent once again, I guess.

AMAZONIAN

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Antonio Cassano vs. the Juventus defense.

There's a pretty good reason as to why Cassano is being tipped for a possible return to the Italian national team — he's absolutely on fire right now. This isn't a classic case of #FatCassano or a year where he's totally uninterested in playing any kind of football whatsoever. This has been a year — and especially so in the second half of the season — where it's been the Cassano that has carried Parma at times and really gotten back on top form. He's scoring goals, he's setting up goals, he's one of the more in-form players in Serie A right now. There's a few reasons why Cesare Prandelli is showing up to Parma matches these days. And one of the top ones is to see what Cassano is all about right now.

2. Fernando Llorente vs. the Parma defense.

Parma's highest-rated player on WhoScored? It has to be Antonio Cassano, right? Nah. It's Alessandro Lucarelli, who just so happens to also be the top-rated player in all of Serie A this season. Parma's other starting center back, a certain Marco Parolo who just received his first cap for Italy, is their second-ranked player, according to WhoScored. One would think that's who Llorente will be matched up against a lot during his time on the field Wednesday night. And while it hasn't been a huge amount of time between goals for Llorente, he hasn't found the back of the net since Juve's 2-0 win over Milan on March 2. With the way the Juventus offense has struggled to put up multi-goal games lately, it sure would be nice to see El Rey Leon find his scoring touch once again.

AMAZONIAN

3. Will Claudio Marchisio make his return to the starting lineup?

Besides the pretty much understandable and anticipated return of Gigi Buffon between the sticks for tomorrow's match against Parma, there's also a change in the two predicted starting lineups — one has Marchisio, the other has Andrea Pirlo in the center of the midfield. This is rather important seeing as Pirlo has been racking up the minutes due in part to Marchisio being out injured the past couple of weekends. Marchisio being back won't just mean Pirlo gets rest, but other midfielders as well. And the way he was playing before he got hurt, having Claudio around isn't all that much of a bad thing at all.

4. Will Arturo Vidal get some rest?

Another direct correlation of Marchisio — potentially — being back in the squad tomorrow night. Much like the overall team performances, Vidal hasn't been so hot lately. Understandably, some of the reason why he hasn't gotten much time off lately is because Conte hasn't had any options to really rotate his squad. And you'd like to think that it has played at least a little bit into his recent dip in form. That's only natural. He's not going to be outstanding every game. Even the greatest of players have an off day every now and then. But think about this — Paul Pogba is back, Claudio Marchisio might be back, and the chance to rest Vidal this round is a possibility for the first time in weeks.

AMAZONIAN

5. How Juventus do fatigue-wise.

In the grand scheme of things, this is the schedule we hoped Juventus had at the beginning of the season — games every three or four days, win after win after win. The only thing wrong with it is that there's no Champions League football. That's just a pretty noticeable difference, I guess. But either way, the games are coming in quick and consistent fashion. Juve are in the middle of a month-long span where there's eight games on the schedule. That's not exactly easy to deal with when you've got a good number of options at your disposal. Conte's situation is that he's had very few chances to really rest players who need a break because of all the injuries up and down the roster.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Osvaldo, Tevez

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 3:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 12:45 P.M. ON THE WEST COAST

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus v Parma – Team News,
Tactics, Line-ups And Prediction

Mar 25, 2014

Juventus will be looking to continue their march towards a third consecutive scudetto as they host in-form Parma on Wednesday. Conte’s men have been made to work hard for their recent victories but to their credit Juventus have managed to come out unscathed against tough opponents with three back-to-back one nil wins. Although they are 14 points ahead of second placed Roma at this stage, the fixture against Parma tomorrow and a visit to San Paolo on Sunday will present a formidable challenge to Juventus and a glimmer of hope for Roma fans who will be hoping that the Old Lady slip up as we enter the final stretch of the scudetto race.

AMAZONIAN

Parma come into this game on the back of a six game unbeaten run including four victories. They are currently on a purple patch and with the wily Antonio Cassano pulling the strings they might well fancy themselves to pick up their first ever point or even a win in the Juventus Stadium.


Team News and Tactical Brief

Juventus

Juventus will welcome back Gigi Buffon in goal after he was rested against Catania. Barzagli, Peluso and Ogbonna are still nursing their injuries so the trio of Chiellini-Caceres-Bonucci will be retained for this game. Paul Pogba will be available after his suspension so he will most likely take the place of Simone Padoin alongside Vidal and Pirlo. Marchisio is back after his injury layoff but will only make the bench. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah will take up the fullback positions as they look to curb the threats of Biabiany and Schelotto on the wings.

AMAZONIAN

Up front, Conte will have his five front-men available. Capocannoniere leader Carlitos Tevez will lead the line with Fernando Llorente. Juventus youth team defender Filippo Romagna has also been called up for the squad against Parma.

Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente.

AMAZONIAN

Parma

On the contrary, Donadoni will have a full squad at his disposal to choose from. The Gialloblu are undefeated in Serie A since an early November loss to Juventus, while their last away loss was in October against Genoa. Since then, they have notched up 9 victories in 16 matches including famous wins at the Stadio San Paolo and San Siro, resulting in their high position in the Serie A table.

The success of the team is based on a strong backline where the central back pairing of Lucarelli and Gabriel Paletta are having a remarkably good season. Paletta has been linked with a summer move to a big club including Juventus and so he will like to impress his suitors even more in this big game. Mirante will retain his place in goal. Two former Juve men will take up the fullback positions for Parma: Mattia Cassani will play on the right with Christian Molinaro on the left. The midfield will be formed by Acquah on the right, Parolo on the left and another ex-juve player Marchionni in the middle while Walter Gargano misses out with an injury. The forward line sees Cassano playing through the centre as a false nine flanked by the in-form Schelotto and the pacy Biabiany who himself has been linked with a move to Juventus for the past two transfer sessions.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3): Mirante(GK); Cassani, Paletta, Lucarelli, Molinaro; Acquah, Marchionni, Parolo; Biabiany, Schelotto, Cassano

AMAZONIAN

Players to Watch Out For

Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

Andrea Pirlo has been a pivotal figure for Juventus once again this term. He himself made sure that Juventus got out of jail against a determined Genoa side with a trademark freekick into the top corner. He converted an even more important freekick three days later as Juve progressed to the quarterfinals of Europa League with a hard-fought victory over Fiorentina. Not content with these two goals, he produced a wonderful display in Sicily as he found Osvaldo and Lichtsteiner in dangerous goalscoring positions with remarkable ease. Eventually he started the move for the Tevez winner with a beautiful pass to Osvaldo from his own half. Parma will have to be on guard as Il Metronomo is looking unstoppable at this moment.

Antonio Cassano (Parma)

Many people wrote off Cassano’s career at the top level after the self-proclaimed hardcore Interista left his beloved Inter Milan this summer when Walter Mazzarri made it clear he was not required in his project. When he joined Parma few would have expected him to re-discover his best days in the Sampdoria shirt when Fantantonio almost single-handedly led the Blucerchiati to the Champions League. Donadoni has carefully managed Cassano and the results are there for all to see. A brace against his former club AC Milan was a personal triumph and he has been boosted by the positive signals sent in his direction by La Nazionale coach Cesare Prandelli. Cassano has never played in a World Cup and the 32yr old Barese knows this is his last opportunity. He will look to keep up his good form to cement his place for the Azzurrri and also help Parma secure a Europa League qualification spot.

AMAZONIAN

Prediction

Juventus 2–1 Parma

Parma are unbeaten in their last six games and will be looking to continue the run of good form as we approach the business end of the season. Juventus have won their last six games and even though they have a healthy lead over Roma, Antonio Conte will push his side for the three points keeping in mind Juventus have a tough trip to the San Paolo this weekend. Considering the hundred percent record at their own background, Juventus are expected to get their 15th home win tomorrow and go past Torino’s record of 14 successive home victories set in the 1975-76 season.


Blast From the Past

Juventus began their journey in their new home in 2011 under the guidance of new manager Antonio Conte. The first match in their brand new stadium was against Parma. Pirlo orchestrated a scintillating display as Juve thrashed Parma 4-1. It set the tone for a historic season as the Old Lady went on an unbeaten run to win their first scudetto since 2006.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 25, 2014

In the battle of the streaks, Juventus aim to defend their 14-game home winning run, while Parma have not lost since November.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus continued their march towards a third consecutive Scudetto with a battling victory at bottom club Catania. The Bianconeri netted the only goal on the hour mark, Carlos Tevez making the difference.

Antonio Conte’s men have won five League matches in succession. In the last week they have claimed three away wins between Serie A and the Europa League, without conceding a goal. Juve can now break the record for most consecutive home wins in a season.

Paul Pogba returns from a one-match ban, with Mirko Vucinic available for selection. Still missing are Angelo Ogbonna, Simone Pepe, Federico Peluso and Andrea Barzagli.

AMAZONIAN

Parma, who commenced their unbeaten streak after losing against Juve, extended the run to 17 matches with a home draw against Genoa. Issac Cofie had given the Grifoni an early lead, but Ezequiel Schelotto smashed in the equaliser 10 minutes later.

The Gialloblu, still on track for a Europa League spot, can call upon good away form – half their season wins have been on the road. They’ve also scored more goals away from the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Marco Marchionni returns from a ban to face his former club, however Walter Gargano, Jherson Vergara and Nicola Pozzi are missing through injury.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri have dominated Turin clashes with the Crociati, winning 13 of the 21 past meetings to Parma’s three. This includes last season’s opening-day 2-0 win.


Keep an eye on: Amauri (Parma) – The former Bianconeri striker is set for his first Juventus Stadium appearance. He has not scored against the Turin club since leaving and in order to do so here must unlock what has been a miserly defence of late. Amauri has six goals to his name in his last 10 Serie A matches.

AMAZONIAN

Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Parma (D W W W D)

Last season: Juventus 2-0 Parma

Stat fact: Antonio Cassano has scored seven times in 21 matches against Juve, most recently finding the net for Sampdoria in 2010-11.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Padoin, Asamoah; Llorente, Osvaldo

Parma (probable): Mirante; Cassani, Paletta, Lucarelli, Gobbi; Acquah, Marchionni, Parolo; Biabiany, Amauri, Cassano

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Crespo: Parma set for Europe

Mar 26, 2014

Former Parma striker Hernan Crespo has conceded that his ex-team face a struggle when they play Juventus this evening.

AMAZONIAN

The Crociati travel to Turin this evening looking for the three points that could take them above Inter and into fifth.

However, despite his loyalties, the Argentine forward has admitted that Roberto Donadoni’s men will be up against it.

“I think, ultimately, Parma will get into Europe, but the road is still a long one,” he told Tuttosport.

AMAZONIAN

“Buffon is a totem for this team. He will be remembered in 50 years’ time as one of the best of all time.

“As for Tevez, I’ love to see him go to the World Cup, but with Argentina the competition is so great. His move to Juve was a marriage made in heaven though.

“Pogba? If I were Juve I’d keep him as close to me as possible. He is such a talent.”

AMAZONIAN

Crespo then commented on the possibility that Parma could claim a club record points total by the end of the season

“Record points? You must be joking! With Mancini’s Inter I got to 97, with Mou’s Chelsea I got 91 – I didn’t get a medal for that.

“For Parma, getting into Europe is all that matters, no matter how many points they get.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Hunger game: Cassano continues pursuit
of World Cup dream against Juventus

The 31-year-old has not represented the Azzurri since Euro 2012 but he has been reborn
this term under Roberto Donadoni and will be intent on proving his enduring class in Turin.

Mar 26, 2014

COMMENT
By Mark Doyle

Less than a year ago, Antonio Cassano appeared on the verge of finally walking out on the game with which he has endured such a love-hate relationship. “I'm tired of football,” the Bari native confessed. “There are too many fake people."

AMAZONIAN

As he has proved throughout a turbulent career, Cassano is many things but what he is not, is false. What you see is very much what you get. He always speaks his mind. For better or for worse. And more often than not, for worse. This, after all, is a player that Fabio Capello found so unprofessional during their time together at Roma and Real Madrid that he coined the term ‘Cassanata’ to describe ill-disciplined behaviour.

Cassano was blessed with a God-given gift from the game. This was evident from the moment he announced himself to Italy as a player of unparalleled potential with a sensational winner for Bari in a Serie A clash with Inter in December 1999, at just 17 years of age.

It was a goal of staggering quality from one so young, Cassano first controlling the ball on his heel and then his head before racing away from Laurent Blanc, turning inside Christian Panucci and then firing home. Here was a raw, precocious talent playing the game with the kind of impudence usually reserved for a kick-about among friends. A true 'street footballer' who just wanted to enjoy himself. The only trouble was, Cassano wanted to enjoy himself off the field as much as on it.

AMAZONIAN

In his autobiography, 'Dico Tutto' ('I'll tell everything', be boasted about his insatiable appetite, explaining that during his spell in Madrid “I had a friend who was a hotel waiter. His job was to bring me three or four pastries after I had sex ... Sex and then food - a perfect night.”

Hardly surprising, then, that Cassano was never in a peak physical condition during his 18-month stay in the Spanish capital, during which time he managed just 19 appearances in La Liga and two goals.

Though he never remained far from controversy, a transfer to Sampdoria - initially on loan - seemed to stabilise Cassano and his form at the Luigi Ferraris ultimately earned him a move to AC Milan in January 2011.

AMAZONIAN

His resurgence continued with the Rossoneri - despite a minor stroke in November 2011 - and Italy boss Cesare Prandelli paired ‘Fantonio’ with the equally enigmatic Mario Balotelli at Euro 2012. “If we're counting on me to keep Mario on the straight and narrow,” Cassano mused during the tournament, “then we are in a bad way!”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Cassano formed a fine partnership with fellow ‘bad boy’ Balotelli and the pair played a key role in Italy’s run to the final. However, it was painfully obvious that Cassano’s fitness remained an issue, so it came as no surprise that Prandelli opted to pursue other options after the the tournament.

Discarding Cassano appeared a shrewd decision given that after an acrimonious exit at Milan in the summer of 2012, the forward parted company with city rivals Inter in equally rancorous circumstances just 12 months later. While it seemed that Cassano, now married with two children, had settled down, he had clearly not grown up.

AMAZONIAN

Enter Roberto Donadoni. Parma signed Cassano from Inter for an undisclosed fee on July 4 2013. Little was expected of a player just days away from his 31st birthday - but Cassano flourished at the Ennio Tardini.

He briefly flirted with the idea of a return to Sampdoria during the January transfer window but he decided to stay put. Primarily because of Donadoni’s role in his remarkable resurgence.

"I’m happy here with Donadoni because he's not a despot,” the attacker explained. “He doesn't impose himself on you. He speaks, explains. From him I accept certain decisions, because he makes you understand what is needed.”

AMAZONIAN

For a player who once admitted to have making the wrong decision 99 per cent of the time, rejecting Samp was one of those few occasions on which he made the right call. Indeed, by the time of his double in a 4-2 win at AC Milan earlier this month, the media campaign to have Cassano included in the Italy squad for the World Cup was already in full swing.

"I can't do better than this,” he claimed. “I don't know if there's still a chance but I'm doing everything in my power to give Prandelli something to think about.”

AMAZONIAN

In that sense, a stellar showing against Juventus in Turin on Wednesday night would turn calls for his recall into demands. Few would argue that he doesn't deserve one last chance to finally fulfil his potential on the game's grandest stage. Indeed, after his San Siro heroics, Cassano revealed that he’d "lost 10 kilos to go to Brazil. I'm on a diet and I've stopped eating focaccia ... except for once a week!"

Clearly, Cassano’s old appetites have not yet been fully sated but he has at least rediscovered his hunger for the game and that's something that all real football people will appreciate.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Mirante can't see Juve's weakness

Mar 26, 2014

Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante has urged his teammates not to be overawed by Juventus when they face each other this evening.

AMAZONIAN

The Crociati travel to Turin tonight to face Antonio Conte’s men, and the goalkeeper has admitted that, despite their quality, his team are ready to play the Bianconeri.

“Juve certainly make an impression on any team they face,” he told Tuttosport. “They can cause danger from anywhere.

“From the wings, the midfield, the defence – it’s difficult to see any weakness in their team.

AMAZONIAN

“However, even against the very best, it remains a game like any other, so we have to be humble and focus on how to beat them.”

Mirante then praised opposition shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon.

AMAZONIAN

“For me he is the best goalkeeper of the past 20 years. He’s won a World Cup and I think he deserved the Ballon d’Or as well.

“I’ve learned a lot from his approach to games. He is a true No.1”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Line-ups: Juventus-Parma

Mar 26, 2014

Something’s got to give, as Serie A form teams Juventus and Parma clash in Turin with Antonio Cassano against Carlos Tevez.

AMAZONIAN

It kicks off at 20.45 CET.

The Bianconeri are unbeaten in 21 rounds and running away with the Scudetto as well as qualifying for the Europa League quarter-finals.

They are targeting a 15th consecutive home victory in Serie A and kept five clean sheets on the trot.

AMAZONIAN

The Ducali are on a club record 17-game positive streak, but their last defeat in the League was against Juve at the Stadio Tardini on November 2.

There is more reshuffling required, as Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Federico Peluso and Sebastian Giovinco are out of action.

Martin Caceres again starts in the back three with fatigue potentially a problem.

AMAZONIAN

Tevez and Fernando Llorente are the first choice front two with Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner on the flanks.

Antonio Cassano leads the Parma attack and continues to push hard for a place at the World Cup, having found a second wind in his career under Roberto Donadoni.

FantAntonio has reason to feel confident tonight, as he has put seven goals past Juventus, and is partnered by ex-Bianconeri centre-forward Amauri.

AMAZONIAN

Walter Gargano, Gianni Munari and Nicola Pozzi are unavailable for the visitors, though Marco Marchionni returns from suspension to face his former club.

Parma’s record in Turin in the top flight is just three victories, five draws and 13 defeats.

AMAZONIAN

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Marchisio, Vucinic, Osvaldo, Padoin, Quagliarella, Isla, Mattiello, Penna


PARMA: Mirante; Paletta, Lucarelli, Felipe, Molinaro; Parolo, Marchionni, Obi; Biabiany, Amauri, Cassano

Parma bench: Pavarini, Bjaza, Cassani, Galloppa, Cerri, Palladino, Gobbi, Jankovic, Schelotto, Mauri, Acquah, Sall

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

HT 2-0: Tevez takes down Parma

Mar 26, 2014

A Carlos Tevez brace – and Gigi Buffon save – see Juventus 2-0 up against Parma at half-time.

AMAZONIAN

Something had to give, as these were the form teams in Serie A going into this midweek clash. The Bianconeri were running away with the Scudetto after five wins on the bounce, 14 consecutive home victories, and through to the Europa League quarter-finals. The Ducali were on a club record 17-round unbeaten streak, but their last defeat was at home to Juve on November 2.

Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Federico Peluso and Sebastian Giovinco missed out for the hosts, while Walter Gargano, Gianni Munari and Nicola Pozzi didn’t make the trip. Marco Marchionni returned from suspension to face his former club. Parma had won only three times away to Juve in Serie A, drawing five and losing 13.

Parma had the first real scoring opportunity on 17 minutes, as Cristian Molinaro ran on to a long Alessandro Lucarelli ball and at full stretch volleyed for Gigi Buffon to parry from point-blank range. It was a great reaction save from the goalkeeper.

AMAZONIAN

Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock with a powerful run down the right, holding off Gabriel Paletta, to beat Antonio Mirante at the near post despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it.

Tevez added a second to his tally to go top of the Capocannoniere charts again. He spread the play down the right for Arturo Vidal, whose shot was parried by Mirante into the path of the former Manchester City striker.

Dias Felipe’s attempts to stop Vidal’s counter-attack reaching Fernando Llorente almost resulted in an own goal, but Mirante was alert.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus 2-0 Parma (Half-Time)

Scorers: Tevez 25, 32 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Parma: Mirante; Paletta, Lucarelli, Felipe, Molinaro; Parolo, Marchionni, Obi; Biabiany, Amauri, Cassano

Ref: Banti

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Tevez double ends visitors
unbeaten Serie A streak

Roberto Donadoni's men had not been beaten since November 2 in the league, at home
to the Bianconeri, and the Scudetto holders claimed victory versus the Crociati once again.

Mar 26, 2014

Juventus ended Parma's unbeaten run and kept theirs chugging along thanks to two first-half goals from Carlos Tevez in Wednesday's 2-1 win.

AMAZONIAN

Antonio Conte's men are all but ensured of a third consecutive Scudetto and restored their 14-point lead at the summit by seeing off a spirited effort from Parma, who had previously gone 17 league games without defeat.

Tevez proved to be the key for Juventus, the 30-year-old taking his tally for the season to 18 with a double that re-establishes his position as the top scorer in Serie A.

The Argentine striker gave Juve the lead with a fine individual effort midway through the second half and then doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute with a typical poacher's goal.

AMAZONIAN

Parma fought back and cut the deficit as Cristian Molinaro found the net against his former club to give the visitors' hope, which was effectively ended almost immediately after when ex-Juve striker Amauri was sent off for elbowing Giorgio Chiellini.

Defeat keeps Parma sixth in Serie A, behind Inter who can extend their advantage to three points with a win against Udinese on Thursday.

Key duo Paul Pogba and Fernando Llorente returned to the Juventus starting XI after being left out of the 1-0 win at Catania, but the hosts struggled to break down Parma in the opening stages.

AMAZONIAN

And it was Roberto Donadoni's side who crafted the game's first real chance after 17 minutes when Cristian Molinaro connected with Alessandro Lucarelli's right-wing cross, only to be denied by a fine reaction save from Gianluigi Buffon.

However, the game was brought to life just eight minutes later as Tevez opened the scoring, powering past a pair of Parma defenders before slotting the ball home with a precise near-post finish.

That strike moved the former Manchester City man level with Ciro Immobile at the top of the Serie A goalscoring charts, but Tevez soon leapfrogged the Torino forward with his second just after the half-hour mark.

AMAZONIAN

Tevez showcased quick reactions to fire home a rebound after Antonio Mirante had saved from Arturo Vidal's close-range effort.

Juve looked to be coasting towards victory and were made to pay for taking their foot off the gas in the second half as Parma drew level in spectacular fashion.

And it was former Juve wing-back Molinaro that pulled Parma back into the game after 62 minutes, finding the net with a fierce volley from the edge of the area that left Buffon with no chance.

AMAZONIAN

Parma's hopes of a fightback were dealt a huge blow three minutes as Amauri saw red on his return to Turin for his ill-advised foul on Chiellini.

The numerical disadvantage seemed to galvanise Parma, who were denied a late leveller as Buffon pulled off a fine stop from Molinaro to prevent his old club from taking a share of the spoils.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Tevez Brace Sets New Record

Mar 26, 2014

Juventus eased past Parma 2-1 at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday night in Serie A.

AMAZONIAN

Carlos Tevez bagged a brace in the first half whilst Cristian Molinaro grabbed Parma’s only goal with a well hit volley.

In a balanced opening 15 minutes, the first half chance fell to the away side, as Gabriel Paletta’s cross evaded everyone and was well saved by Gianluigi Buffon before Juventus mustered their first attempt on goal via a counter attack which was thwarted by an offside Fernando Llorente.

The deadlock was broken however in the 25th minute by Serie As joint top scorer Carlos Tevez who latched on Andrea Pirlo’s through ball which hadn’t been fully dealt with by Paletta, before bearing down on the Parma goal and finishing across the face of goal despite a touch from goalkeeper Antonio Mirante.

AMAZONIAN

The goal began to give Juventus more confidence and not long after the opening goal, Paul Pogba chipped a ball onto the head of Llorente but his header was comfortably saved by Mirante.

It wouldn’t take long for the second goal to come though, and it was the Argentinean once more. Tevez laid the ball off to Arturo Vidal who’s shot was well saved by Mirante, however the ball fell kindly for Tevez who tucked home his second just 32 minutes in.

Parma’s early confidence thus faded as Juventus were able to calming stroke the ball around the pitch and nearly added a third five minutes before the end of the half as Pogbas low hit cross was well stopped by Felipe as the cross look destined to set up an easy tap in for the Spaniard Llorente.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus were able to close out the first half comfortably acquiring 57% possession of the ball.

The 2nd half started as the Bianconeri meant to go on, with Leonardo Bonucci heading the first chance of the half into the hands of Mirante.

However in the 61st minute, the former Juventus man Molinaro volleyed beautifully past Buffon just inside the penalty area to throw Parma a lifeline and bring the game back to life.

AMAZONIAN

Just two minutes later Parma’s revival was cut short as another former Juventus man, Amauri, was sent off after catching Giorgio Chiellini with a stray arm whilst contesting a header.

From then on Juventus had the better of the chances. Llorente rounded Mirante but was unable to apply the finish and the two-goal man Carlos Tevez had a number of optimistic shots easily saved as the match looked to have petered out. Although Molinaro was denied in a goal mouth scramble in the dying moments but Buffon saved well amidst penalty claims as Juventus claimed the victory.

The result signalled Juventus’ 15th consecutive home win, a new record in the league abolishing the current record held by Torino gained in 1975-1976. The scoreline also meant Parma’s 17 match unbeaten run came to an end against the team who last beat them back in November.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Tevez terminates Parma record

A Carlos Tevez brace gave Juventus a record-breaking 2-1
home victory, ending 10-man Parma’s unbeaten record.

Mar 26, 2014

Something had to give, as these were the form teams in Serie A going into this midweek clash. The Bianconeri were running away with the Scudetto after five wins on the bounce, 14 consecutive home victories, and through to the Europa League quarter-finals. The Ducali were on a club record 17-round unbeaten streak, but their last defeat was at home to Juve on November 2.

AMAZONIAN

Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Federico Peluso and Sebastian Giovinco missed out for the hosts, while Walter Gargano, Gianni Munari and Nicola Pozzi didn’t make the trip. Marco Marchionni returned from suspension to face his former club. Parma had won only three times away to Juve in Serie A, drawing five and losing 13.

Parma had the first real scoring opportunity on 17 minutes, as Cristian Molinaro ran on to a long Alessandro Lucarelli ball and at full stretch volleyed for Gigi Buffon to parry from point-blank range. It was a great reaction save from the goalkeeper.

Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock with a powerful run down the right, holding off Gabriel Paletta, to beat Antonio Mirante at the near post despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it.

AMAZONIAN

Tevez added a second to his tally to go top of the Capocannoniere charts again. He spread the play down the right for Arturo Vidal, whose shot was parried by Mirante into the path of the former Manchester City striker.

Dias Felipe’s attempts to stop Vidal’s counter-attack reaching Fernando Llorente almost resulted in an own goal, but Mirante was alert.

Kwadwo Asamoah risked a second yellow straight after the restart for a foul on Jonathan Biabiany.

AMAZONIAN

Parma did get themselves back into the game when a poor clearance fell to Molinaro, who unleashed a powerful left-foot half-volley just inside the box that beat Buffon at the near post.

However, Amauri received a straight red card for jumping with a very high elbow on Giorgio Chiellini. There was also some bad news for Juve, as Tevez was booked and will be suspended against Napoli at the weekend.

The 10-man Ducali were still threatening and Biabiany almost caught the defenders napping. At the 89th minute Molinaro could’ve completed his brace, but he forced a save from Buffon at a very tight angle and Bonucci desperately scrambled the loose ball clear from Marco Parolo. Replays suggest Bonucci shoved Parolo in the back as they came rushing in, so it could’ve been a penalty.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Isla 71), Pogba, Pirlo (Marchisio 66), Vidal, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente (Quagliarella 74)

Parma: Mirante; Paletta, Lucarelli (Cassani 61), Felipe, Molinaro; Parolo, Marchionni (Schelotto 79), Obi (Acquah 61); Biabiany, Amauri, Cassano

Ref: Banti

Sent off: Amauri 65 (P)

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Juventus 2 - Parma 1:
Initial reaction and random observations

One unbeaten run rolls on, another unbeaten run comes to an end.
You'll never guess which one!

Mar 26, 2014

Few times this season has Carlos Tévez's Tour de Force in Serie A truly been stopped. There have been goals — lots of them. There have been assists — a team-high six of them. There's just been a whole lot of Tévez going on this season and only a small number of games this season has his impact been not been completely silenced by the opposition.

AMAZONIAN

On Wednesday night at Juventus Stadium, we got the first part of the equation.

Translation: We got ourselves some Tevez goals.

Tevez was the difference against Serie A's other lengthy unbeaten run, as his first-half brace led Juve to a 2-1 win over Parma in Turin. Two more goals for a guy who has been scoring for fun in Serie A this season. And just when it looked like Ciro Immobile might enjoy more than just 24 hours atop the league's scoring chart, Tevez snatched the lead right back into his favor with his 17th and 18th goals of the season.

AMAZONIAN

Sorry, kid. I still like you.

Paolo Bandini @Paolo_Bandini
Juventus paid €9m for Tevez this summer. That's €2m less than Milan paid for Alessandro Matri. Just saying.

Just sayin', guys.

In what ended up being a nervy ending — hey, haven't heard that about Juventus these past few weeks, right? — it was Tévez's goals that stood the tallest. That's the kind of player that Juventus was lacking in attack for the past few years. Sure, they had good strikers, but Tévez is more than just a good striker. He's got the No. 10, and he deserves to No. 10.

AMAZONIAN

Just further confirmation that #Tevezmania is taking over Turin.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Pogba: "We struggled a bit in the second half and late on, in spite of our numerical advantage. We can't let this happen again." #JuveParma

Amen, Paul.

AMAZONIAN

Random thoughts and observations

• Eighteen goals and counting for Carlos Tevez this season. Here's your reminder that there's still nearly two months of the season left.

• But no Tevez against Napoli over the weekend because of the yellow card he picked up in the second half.

• Cristian Molinaro's first legit cross attempt from the left wing went flying into the stands. For a guy who has spent the past couple of years in Germany before making comeback to Italy this past January, it's like he never left.

AMAZONIAN

And then he had to go and score a goal. That jerk.

• Molinaro's goal ended what was a Juventus run of over 500 minutes without a goal. Even more impressive when you consider that 1) the team hasn't been playing well at all the past month or so; 2) the defense has been basically a revolving door because of the injury situation.

• Antonio Conte wears his classic hat, Juventus wins. It's simple science, folks.

AMAZONIAN

• Roberto Donadoni's gonna be all like "#IBlameAmauri" isn't he? Or was Amauri so invisible during his time on the field that getting a red card didn't matter at all?

• Gigi Buffon wasn't too busy on Wednesday night, making only two official saves against Parma. But man oh man, both of those saves were huge — especially the second one, which was followed by some absolute mayhem in the penalty area. In a game that started out like it wouldn't have many heart attack-inducing moments, that one definitely took the cake.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Player Ratings

Antonio Conte's side take another significant step towards a third successive Scudetto
as Carlos Tevez's double ends the Crociati's 17-game unbeaten league run.

Mar 26, 2014

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - The Italy shotstopper was rarely troubled but he made a vital contribution when he denied Molinaro the opening goal with a fine reflex save.

Martín Cáceres - The Uruguayan did not put a foot wrong in the defence, producing a number of crucial blocks and headers to frustrate the Parma attack.

Leonardo Bonucci - Merged a good understanding alongside Chiellini and Caceres, marshalling Cassano to good effect.

Giorgio Chiellini - The rugged centre-back was the victim of Amauri's elbow and he produced a solid display to contain the former Juve striker.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - The Swiss wing-back found himself largely restricted to defensive duties and he often left Molinaro unmarked while struggling to assist the Juventus attack.

Paul Pogba - A powerful performance from the Frenchman who proved an effective link between the defence and attack with his high work rate, tackling skills and impressive distribution.

Andrea Pirlo - Not one of his finest evenings in the Bianconeri jersey. Pirlo was sloppily caught in possession on several occasions and failed to provide the usual fountain of chances for his team-mates.

Arturo Vidal - A typical tenacious box-to-box performance from Vidal who broke up the Parma attack brilliantly and assisted Tevez's second goal when his effort was parried by Mirante.

Kwadwo Asamoah - The Ghanaian produced a good attacking outlet on the overlap though he can consider himself fortunate not to have been sent off as he struggled with Biabiany's pace.

CARLOS TEVEZ - The Argentine is now the leading goalscorer in Serie A after netting twice this evening. He was a constant menace to the Parma defence with his pace and intelligent movement.

Fernando Llorente - The Spanish forward struggled to make an impact against the Parma defence though he did get himself into a number of dangerous positions.

AMAZONIAN

Substitutions

Claudio Marchisio - Helped Juventus to retain possession late on and produced a wonderful last-ditch block in stoppage time to deny Schelotto the equaliser.

Mauricio Isla - The Chilean was a welcome addition from the Juventus bench as he added defensive stability in the face of Parma's willingness to attack.

Fabio Quagliarella - First-team chances have been at a premium for Quaglirella this season and although he was heavily involved when coming off the bench, he did look rusty in front of goal.

AMAZONIAN

PARMA

Antonio Mirante - The Bianconeri academy graduate commanded his area expertly and produced a number of smart stops to deny the Juventus attack.

Gabriel Paletta - The recent Italy debutant has been applauded as one of Serie A's finest defenders this season. However, his constant struggle against Tevez's movement and pace ensured it was an evening to forget.

Alessandro Lucarelli - The Parma captain was insurmountable in the air and marshalled Llorente to good effect. He also got forward to assist the attack but squandered a presentable first-half opportunity.

Felipe - Failed to justify his inclusion in the side as he was often caught the wrong side of Tevez.

Cristian Molinaro - Looked defensively solid and capitalised on the attacking licence given to him in the 3-5-2 formation by scoring an unstoppable effort to give Parma hope.

Marco Parolo - Looked tidy in possession and although he did not demonstrate his attacking prowess, he offered good protection to the defence.

Marco Marchionni - Impressed on his return to the side, suffocating Pirlo with his quick pressing game and allowing the Juventus midfield little time to settle.

Joel Obi - The on-loan Inter man struggled to get to grips with Pogba and Vidal in the midfield and failed to create chances for his team-mates.

Jonathan Biabiany - He looked Parma's most dangerous attacking threat with his pace on the counter. However, he sometimes struggled to find an end product in the final third and was restricted by Donadoni's deployment of an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation.

Amauri - It was a nightmare return to Turin for the 33-year-old who was easily marked by the Juventus centre-backs. He was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Chiellini when his side were getting back into the contest.

Antonio Cassano - Failed to add to his 11 Serie A goals as he was double marked by the Juventus defence. However, he did show several glimpses of his magic by setting up a number of first-half openings.

AMAZONIAN

Substitutions

Mattia Cassani - Added defensive stability to Parma following Amauri's dismissal and it was his cross which led to Molinaro's goal.

Ezequiel Schelotto - Was unlucky to start on the bench after impressing in recent weeks. Went close to snatching an equaliser in the final minutes.

Afriyie Acquah - The Ghanaian, on loan from Hoffenheim, added fresh legs to the tiring Parma midfield but he could not make his mark on proceedings.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Conte: 'Juve even surprise me'

Mar 26, 2014

Antonio Conte said Juventus “often even surprise me” after a new Serie A record to beat Parma 2-1.

AMAZONIAN

“This was a wonderful important victory against a team that was unbeaten in 17 rounds and they showed their strength again this evening,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“You don’t put up a run like that if you don’t have quality. Let’s not forget we are in an emergency situation, so I have run out of words to praise these lads for playing every three days with no space for squad rotation.

“I am well aware the lads are pushing all the way and some need to rest, but at the moment we can’t afford to do that. So far the campaign has been extraordinary, but as I always say records aren’t worth much if you don’t get something tangible at the end of it.

AMAZONIAN

“These lads deserve a trophy, as often they even surprise me.”

This was a record 15th consecutive home victory, but Carlos Tevez will be suspended against Napoli at the weekend after picking up a yellow card.

“Carlos won’t be there, but we will have someone else. We try to get the best out of the individuals via the collective.

AMAZONIAN

“We are relaxed, especially after this victory over an excellent side.”

Juventus are the only Serie A side left in Europe for the second year running.

"We do feel that pressure on Juventus, as once again we are alone in holding up the name of Italy. I still say a 20-team League is not helpful, as there is no time to rest and it causes more injuries."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Donadoni: 'Proud of Parma'

Mar 26, 2014

Roberto Donadoni was “proud” of Parma for pushing Juventus right to the end even after Amauri’s red card.

AMAZONIAN

“It’s satisfying that we put in a strong performance even with 10 men, but the result was a little harsh. It’s also true in the first half we lacked the grit and determination we showed after the break,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 2-1 defeat.

“We went 2-0 down and that made it a complicated situation, but the reaction was excellent and it’s never easy for anyone in this stadium.

“This game has to teach us what it means to face teams like Juventus and if we put our characteristics at the forefront then we can cause anyone problems.”

AMAZONIAN

Donadoni was seen talking to referee Banti after the final whistle, as there were last-gasp penalty appeals for a Leonardo Bonucci challenge on Marco Parolo.

“I am proud of what the lads did, but the rest is not up to me. We can sit here discussing it for as long as we like, but it won’t change anything.

“There are three matches this week, so we can’t waste energy in pointless controversy. Ex-players like me know there is a certain smartness required on the field and it has to be judged in a split-second, so it’s not simple.”

AMAZONIAN

Parma’s club record 17-match unbeaten run has come to an end, but they are still in sixth place.

“If I said we didn’t have an objective, it’d be like me saying I wanted to sell vegetables. We have to continue, game by game, but it won’t change if I now say we want to go into the Europa League or Champions League. We have to rely on facts and we’ll see at the end what those facts are.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Juve break another record after
securing 15 consecutive home wins

Mar 27, 2014

Champions know how to suffer, champions know how to exploit and champions know how to grind out important victories. Juventus force one to indulge in hyperbole.

AMAZONIAN

Not only have they broken a record by collecting 15 consecutive Serie A wins, but they are a team that suffered and toiled to inflict a 2-1 defeat on a Parma side that has not tasted a league loss since the reverse fixture in November.

Parma are having a tremendous season playing the type of football worthy of a place in Europe. Tactically disciplined, Roberto Donadoni’s men boast pace, the ability to work between the lines and players capable of making the difference. Most importantly, they are a side that work fluently and cohesively together meaning they are not dependent on any one player but on the team’s mental fortitude and organised game plan.

Having toyed with a 3-5-2 formation, Donadoni has focused on the 4-3-3 for much of the season. Tonight, as he did with Atalanta only a few weeks ago, he reverted to the 3-5-2 against Juventus in an attempt to have a foothold in midfield and not allow the Bianconeri midfielders the opportunity to overwhelm.

AMAZONIAN

Organised and careful to close down spaces, the Ducali were quick to demonstrate the intelligence of their players. The particular characteristic of this side is their ability to create space for one another to exploit and it didn’t take long before their excellent movement in attack allowed Cristian Molinaro the opportunity to attempt a right footed shot that forced Gianluigi Buffon into action.

Yet, despite the impressive movements, Parma were guilty of making a few too many errors which one can never do against this Juve. The Old Lady knows how to make the most of her chances and it didn’t take long before Carlos Tevez held off Gabriel Paletta and shot from a tight angle to score the opener. As if that wasn’t opportunistic enough, the second goal came only seven minutes later when the Argentine punished Antonio Mirante for parrying the ball to score from the rebound.

From there on, it was difficult for the away side to do much. Heads dropped and they didn’t press high enough to cause the home side any distress thus allowing Juventus to effectively control the match.

AMAZONIAN

However, the beauty of this Parma side is their mental fortitude. They are simply not a team that are willing to take a beating without giving a response. They started the second half with renewed enthusiasm and slowly but surely began to impose their style of play with Donadoni make a double change in the 60th minute.

Unfortunately for them, Amauri threw a spanner in the works. There must be something about Giorgio Chiellini’s face that provokes an elbow as for the second consecutive game, Juve’s opponents had a man sent off for elbowing the defender. Catania’s Gonzalo Bergessio twice elbowed the centre-back to eventually get sent off while Amauri, a former Bianconeri striker, was shown a straight red for leaning into his elbow.

Down to ten men, the Gialloblu still played with hope, fought for possession and made the right runs to penetrate effectively. In fact in the second half, they managed a higher number of accurate passes and more of them in the final third that created more chances from open play. If we were to assess the average position of each player on the pitch overall, Parma played with more men siting in front of the half-way line than Juventus. As Donadoni said, “If we put our characteristics at the forefront then we can cause anyone problems.” Indeed they can and they remained focused and determined until the end in hopes they could make the most of Juve’s exhaustion.

AMAZONIAN

As for Juventus, what can one say about a side worthy of a symphony of compliments for the remarkable season they are having. It is true they suffered and failed to capitalise on the fact they played with an extra man for 25 minutes but there is only so much that can be expected from a side that is physically and mentally exhausted.

They are not only partaking in European competition as well as domestic games but they are facing Serie A sides desperate to make an impact against them. They are after all the most loved and hated side in Italy. Whether it’s Catania’s intimidation skills, Genoa’s relentless style of play or Parma’s effective tactics, it’s difficult to prepare, play and win all these matches. It’s a testament to both Antonio Conte and his men when one considers all their accomplishments, managing to break another record tonight: 15 consecutive home victories.

Up next is Napoli but sadly we wont be seeing Tevez flexing his goalscoring muscles after earning a yellow card that will see him suspended for the much anticipated match. Yet somehow the feeling is Juve will cope as they always do.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8328]

JUVENTUS 2 - 1 PARMA

Carlos Tévez (25′)
Carlos Tévez (32′)

Cristian Molinaro (62′)

March 26, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Luca Banti
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Tevez: Shame to miss Napoli

Mar 27, 2014

Carlos Tevez says he is unconcerned about leading the Serie A scoring charts or making Argentina’s squad, but regrets his absence against Napoli.

AMAZONIAN

The Bianconeri defeated Parma in midweek thanks to the No 10’s first-half double, which took him clear at the top of the scoring charts with 18 goals.

For the 30-year-old, though, attention is not on whether he remains there come the end of the season.

“I am not thinking about the Capocannoniere, I think only of the team,” Tevez told reporters after yesterday’s win.

AMAZONIAN

“The victory against Parma is important, it is a positive result after a difficult game. We want to close out the championship as soon as possible.

“My first goal came after such grit and anger? Well, this is my way of playing - I am like this and I think it is a positive thing for the team.”

Tevez will miss the weekend trip to Napoli, however, after picking up a suspension-inducing yellow card yesterday.

AMAZONIAN

“The booking I picked up means I will miss the match against Napoli, I am sad about that. And to think that Conte wanted to replace me just before I picked up that yellow card…

“I am certain it will be a great match, the Azzurri are playing good football and the atmosphere will be hot.

“Put it this way, though, I will rest a little, recharge the batteries, in view of Lyon [next midweek]. Mentally I am calm, whilst sooner or later a goal in Europe will come - it cannot be a hassle.

AMAZONIAN

“But, one step at a time! First, a day of rest, which Conte has granted, then Napoli and then only after that will we think about the Europa League.”

The striker will unlikely be involved at the World Cup this summer, as he has not been picked by Coach Alejandro Sabella for over two years.

“We always talk about me not being called up by Argentina, but what can I say? I do a good job, but it is not my decision.

AMAZONIAN

“If I do well and he does not call me, that is his problem. It’s up to Sabella to decide. I cannot just call him and ask why he doesn’t want me.

“There is little to go, I believe that this summer, rather than playing football at the World Cup, I will have to play golf.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111