Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

Maran: To defeat Juve…

Mar 22, 2014

Rolando Maran says Catania will look to give their all and bring intensity to their performance against Juventus tomorrow.

AMAZONIAN

Sat bottom of the League, the Elefanti host runaway leaders Juventus on Sunday night looking to become only the second team to defeat the Bianconeri this term in Serie A.

To that end, their Coach has outlined what he hopes to see from his charges.

“I want to see the maximum given and over and above this I want the fans to be proud of this team,” Maran has told reporters ahead of the fixture.

AMAZONIAN

“We have to be able to have balance. It won’t be enough to stop Andrea Pirlo to beat Juve.

“They are a strong team who are experiencing a moment distinctly different to our own, but to start off believing we have lost would be the biggest mistake. I am not talking about a miracle.

“We play in our stadium, which has always given us a boost. I will not make any appeals, but it will be down to us to involve the fans. The team is aware of the difficulty but we will have to give our best.

AMAZONIAN

“Grit? We have tried to work on every aspect both mentally and physically. We have had plenty of time to do this.

“Overall, we are fine. We have a few players out, but we have been working to try to produce intensity on the field come Sunday. That is what we have been training towards.

AMAZONIAN

“I have never liked training retreats as a player and as a Coach I do not like them.

“The formation we’ll use? I have tried both the 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 and I reserve the right to decide on which one to choose. It is not impossible that we could change during the game.”

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus squad named for Catania match

Mar 22, 2014

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has named a 19-man squad for the Bianconeri’s away match against Catania on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

The tactician has left several players out of the squad with the likes of Claudio Marchisio, Angelo Ogbonna, Federico Peluso and Andrea Barzagli all unavailable for Sunday.

Paul Pogba has also been left out as he serves a one match ban.

AMAZONIAN

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho

Defenders: Chiellini, Caceres, Bonucci, Romagna

Midfielders: Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Isla, Gerbaudo

Forwards: Tevez, Giovinco, Llorente, Osvaldo, Quagliarella

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

Catania-Juventus Preview:
Conte's men chasing points record

The bottom side are looking to climb back up the table and give themselves a chance
of staying in the Italian top flight but face the difficult task of beating the champions.

Mar 22, 2014

Juventus will be expecting to pile on the misery for bottom club Catania when the sides meet in Serie A on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

The Turin outfit are chasing down the division's record points total of 97 - set by Inter in 2007 - and should have three more to show for their efforts come the end of this weekend.

Indeed, if Juventus win their remaining 10 matches, they will surpass that marker by eight points and, with Roma well adrift in second, Antonio Conte's men may feel they have the freedom to push for the milestone.

Catania's run of one win from their last 10 league fixtures stands in stark contrast to the form of the defending champions, who are unbeaten in 20, having won 18 of those.

AMAZONIAN

It has been a campaign of dramatic decline for the hosts, who finished eighth last season but are now facing the very real prospect of a return to Serie B after an eight-year absence.

Sunday's 3-1 loss to fellow strugglers Sassuolo saw Rolando Maran's men hit rock-bottom and the task that will greet them this weekend is one of the most daunting in Italian football.

Catania have not beaten Juve since 2009, although that victory came in Turin, where Juve stormed to a 4-0 triumph earlier this season.

AMAZONIAN

Andrea Pirlo found the net with a superb free-kick on that occasion - his 100th appearance for the club - and the midfielder has attracted much praise in recent weeks after more set-piece wizardry.

The 34-year-old scored a late set-piece in Juve's 1-0 win at Genoa last time out in the league, before producing another top-drawer set-piece effort to knock Fiorentina out of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.

AMAZONIAN

Pirlo's dead-ball form moved Juve assistant boss Angelo Alessio to proclaim to Mediaset: "I think Pirlo is the best in the world at free-kicks and I also believe he can beat Sinisa Mihajlovic's record of goals from set-plays in Serie A (27)."

The league leaders are without the suspended Paul Pogba for the trip to Catania, while Andrea Barzagli and Federico Peluso miss out through injury. Claudio Marchisio and Angelo Ogbonna remain doubtful.

AMAZONIAN

Head to Head

Serie A - Oct 30, 2013 - Juventus 4 - 0 Catania
Serie A ‎-‎ Mar 10, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 0 Catania
Serie A ‎-‎ Oct 28, 2012 - Catania 0 - 1 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Feb 18, 2012 - Juventus 3 - 1 Catania
Serie A - Sep 25, 2011 - Catania 1 - 1 Juventus

AMAZONIAN

Last Five Matches

CATANIA

Mar 16, 2014 - Sassuolo 3 - 1 Catania - Serie A
Mar 8, 2014 - Catania 1 - 1 Cagliari - Serie A
Mar 2, 2014 - Genoa 2 - 0 Catania - Serie A
Feb 23, 2014 - Chievo 2 - 0 Catania - Serie A
Feb 16, 2014 - Catania 3 - 1 Lazio - Serie A


JUVENTUS

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
Mar 2, 2014 - AC Milan 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 22, 2014

Leaders Juventus travel to bottom of the table Catania with Inter’s 2006-07 points record in sight.

AMAZONIAN

Roberto Mancini’s Nerazzurri won the title with 97 points in that campaign - a feat Juventus can surpass.

The Bianconeri will reach 105 points, if they win their 10 remaining fixtures. It’s a record that is undoubtedly motivating Antonio Conte’s side, with the Scudetto seemingly already won.

Last weekend’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Genoa was followed up with an equally gruelling Europa League victory in Florence on Thursday. Juventus didn’t play at their best in either of those ties, but the resilience and will to win that Conte has installed - plus two pieces of set piece magic from Andrea Pirlo - ensured the right result was secured on both occasions.

AMAZONIAN

Paul Pogba sits out a ban for this game, while Andrea Barzagli and Federico Peluso are still injured. Claudio Marchisio and Angelo Ogbonna also remain in doubt.

Having toiled over the last six days, the fixture list has seemingly been kind to Juventus, as they make the trip to Sicily to face bottom of the table Catania.

After a spell of more positive results, following the return of Rolando Maran, Catania have slumped once more. Last Sunday’s 3-1 defeat at fellow strugglers Sassuolo was a third in four matches and leaves them four points from safety.

AMAZONIAN

Their demise over this season has been completely unexpected. Having finished eighth last term, there was hope that they could push on and maybe have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe. The loss of Alejandro Gomez and Francesco Lodi - who returned from Genoa in January - undoubtedly hurt Catania, but few expected this.

Maran needs a turning point and an unlikely victory against Juventus would provide that. Catania were smashed 4-0 in Turin in November, while Juve also possess Serie A’s best away record, but Genoa showed last weekend that they can be troubled. Spurred on by a passionate Sicilian crowd, Catania will hope to at least put up an equally stern fight.

AMAZONIAN

Keep an eye on: Francesco Lodi (Catania) - The playmaker’s return from Genoa in January coincided with a - slight - upturn in results. The 29-year-old never settled in Liguria, but is getting back to his best at Catania. Juventus will be wary of his set-piece prowess, having fallen victim to it in the past. A Lodi free-kick may just be Catania’s best bet of securing an unlikely result.


Form Guide: Catania (W L L D L) Juventus (W W W W W)

Last season: Catania 0-1 Juventus

Stat fact: Juventus have lost just once away from home in Serie A this season.

AMAZONIAN

CATANIA (probable): Andujar; Peruzzi, Bellusci, Legrottaglie, Biraghi; Izco, Lodi, Rinaudo; Keko, Bergessio, Barrientos

JUVENTUS (probable): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Padoin, Asamoah; Tevez, Osvaldo

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

Rolando Maran expects "extremely difficult" Juventus match

Mar 23, 2014

Catania manager Rolando Maran has said that his team will face a tough test against Juventus in their Serie A match this evening.

AMAZONIAN

The Rossazzurri are currently bottom of the table and Maran admits that it will be difficult to take any points from the league leaders.

"We need to play an intense match because otherwise, looking at the difference between the two sides, it will be extremely difficult for us. I want to be proud of my lads when leaving the field tomorrow night," he told reporters.

"We know all about Juve's strengths and they are by far and away the stronger side. Looking at the table the game would appear to be over before it's even been played. The good thing about football, however, is that it enables you to defy the odds."

AMAZONIAN

"We're convinced that our stadium will be able to lend us a hand. We'll require the support of our public and we need to get them onside by showing the right attitude on the pitch."

Catania have won just four of their 28 league games this season.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juve revolution in Catania

Mar 23, 2014

Juventus look set for a mass squad rotation tonight against Catania, including Gigi Buffon and Fernando Llorente.

AMAZONIAN

The runaway Serie A leaders visit bottom of the table Catania at 20.45 CET.

Antonio Conte is more determined than ever to rotate the squad after reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.

As they will play high-flying Parma on Wednesday evening, the Coach is taking this opportunity to rest some big stars.

AMAZONIAN

It’s reported Buffon will make way for Marco Storari, while Llorente will get a well-deserved rest in favour of Daniel Osvaldo.

Some choices are forced upon Conte, as Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Claudio Marchisio, Federico Peluso, Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe are out of action.

Paul Pogba sits out a one-match ban in midfield.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus squad for Catania: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Tevez, Giovinco, Llorente, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho, Romagna, Gerbaudo

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

Catania vs. Juventus Preview:
Round 29 — Starting the final countdown

Mar 23, 2014

In reality, the chase for the Scudetto was probably Juventus' and Juventus' only weeks ago. It's only natural to think that way when the lead over the closest competition hits double digits. As Juve enter the week with an absolutely commanding 14-point lead with 10 games to play, the light at the end of the tunnel is becoming just that much more visible to everybody associated with our black and white friends in Turin.

AMAZONIAN

And what a better kind of way than to officially kickoff the final charge to clinching a third straight league title than playing against the team that is on the completely opposite end of the table?

Done and done.

Serie A's best team, Juventus, will be traveling to Sicily to face the league's worst team, Catania. Two teams meeting on the same field, a differential of 55 points in the league table. Sounds like a gold mine for returning home with three points, doesn't it? Yeah, I think so. This is the portion of the schedule in the first half of the season where Juve started to make their rapid rise up the table and into first place for good. They racked up win after win, shutout after shutout, three points after three points.

AMAZONIAN

How did Catania's visit to Juventus Stadium at the end of October go? Well, think about some poker, and then think of the relation to footy that we like to use it in regards to. That's exactly how it went in Turin. Juve's 4-0 shellacking of Catania was exactly that and was the second game (and win) in what has become a 20-game unbeaten and a simply crazy lead atop the table.

So, three more points closer to a third straight Scudetto come 24 hours from now?

Sure! I'm all for it! And if they want to make it another day where we see our poker face, then that's cool, too.

AMAZONIAN

GOOD NEWS

Inside information: Juventus is good, Catania is not very good.

Khaled Al Nouss @JuventusRelated
Catania have failed to score in 6 of their last 20 home games. Juventus have failed to score in 0 of their last 20 away games. #CataniaJuve

AMAZONIAN

BAD NEWS

Injuries, injuries, injuries. Still plenty of injuries to go around for what seems like a third of the Juventus roster. Basically the same names from the trip to Florence will be missing out on the trip to Catania, which pretty much sucks.

Oh, and Paul Pogba is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Genoa last weekend. As if Juventus needed any other players to be missing from the squad right now. Ah, well.

AMAZONIAN

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Post-Europa League hangover.

Thursday's win was emotional. It was a physical battle. It had to take a lot out of every player involved. Now we ask the simple question: How much does Juventus have in the tank coming off short rest? And not just in a physical sense, but also a mental one. Thursday night was a tough one, and you'd probably be right to say that the players were as fatigued physically as they were emotionally and mentally. Well, after they were done jumping around and celebrating, of course. But as is the case no matter if it's the Champions League or Europa League, it's the game after that makes you think. Although I'm pretty sure that playing the worst team in Serie A could help ease some of those issues.

2. How close Juventus come to playing a complete 90 minutes.

I guess you could say Point 1 is connected to Point 2. The problem with Juventus's form right now is that even though they are winning games and picking up points, it's not coming with all that great of football. Earlier in the season when they were winning, they were crushing teams. These days, putting together a complete game is, well, not even close to being a reality. Juve could have a good 45 minutes, then — for whatever reason — just make things hard on themselves. And it's not just turning the switch off and making things interesting, it's keeping the opponent hanging around and in the game. And as a wise man once told me, "When you've got the chance to step on somebody's throat, you do it." Truer words have never been spoken.

AMAZONIAN

3. Who's replacing Paul Pogba in the starting lineup?

Having the 20-year-old Frenchman out of the lineup is one thing, not knowing who the heck is going to take his spot is quite another. With Claudio Marchisio being one of those injured players not included in the squad for tomorrow's match, we're all left to wonder one thing and one thing only — 'Who's it going to be?' Maybe Conte shifts Kwadwo Asamoah to the center of the midfield for the first time in a good amount of time. That's a pretty logical option even though it opens up another question about the left wing. Other than that, though, options are as slim as they've been with only two natural central midfielders not named Asamoah on the roster. Or, we could get our much-anticipated Simone Padoin start. Hey, the guy's won two league titles, ya know.

4. Who's Conte going to be starting in attack?

When I sat at my laptop and thought about who Conte was going to start against Fiorentina, I really had no idea. Well, I had a hunch Carlos Tevez was going to play, but other than, I had no clue. Sitting here a few days later and putting this preview post together, I pretty much have the same kind of vibe. Tevez looked fully fit and was one of the best players against Fiorentina on Thursday night. And even though he played a huge role in Andrea Pirlo's game-winning free kick masterpiece, Fernando Llorente's overall game was nowhere near his strike partner in Florence. Could that open the door for Dani Osvaldo to get a start? I'm thinking it might, especially the way he has played since he arrived in Turin.

AMAZONIAN

5. Does anybody get to rest following the second leg against Fiorentina?

Because Antonio Conte never talks to the press before Serie A matches these days, we have no idea of knowing for sure. Or, we don't even have the chance to get a hint of something happening when it comes to players who were in action on Thursday night getting a bit of a breather. This is supposed to be the perfect game for Conte to do some squad rotation. The problem is that there's not much of a squad to really rotate. That's what the current injury situation has done to Conte's option. Any kind of depth Juve had a few weeks ago is just completely gone at this point. If you need anything close to a reminder, just look at Juve's bench from the 1-0 win over Fiorentina because there's a good chance it will look a lot like it was three days ago.


My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Asamoah, Isla; 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 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

Line-ups: Catania-Juventus

Mar 23, 2014

Leaders Juventus rotate the squad to start Daniel Osvaldo and Marco Storari in their trip to bottom of the table Catania.

AMAZONIAN

It kicks off at the Stadio Massimino at 20.45 CET.

The Bianconeri are running away with the Scudetto and eager to consolidate their 14-point lead, but also have to focus on the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon.

Andrea Pirlo free kicks proved decisive in two consecutive games against Genoa and Fiorentina, but he is given a well-earned rest while Paul Pogba is suspended.

AMAZONIAN

Antonio Conte rotates the squad with Gigi Buffon and Fernando Llorente among those rested, but some decisions are forced upon him.

Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Claudio Marchisio, Mirko Vucinic and Federico Peluso are sidelined.

Catania are propping up the table and last week threw away a one-goal lead to lose 3-1 in a relegation dogfight at Sassuolo.

AMAZONIAN

Lucas Castro, Sergio Almiron, Nicolas Spolli and Alberto Frison are carrying injuries for the hosts.

Gonzalo Bergessio is their top scorer and the one to watch in attack, flanked by Pablo Barrientos with Francesco Lodi the free kick specialist.

AMAZONIAN

CATANIA: Andujar; Gyomber, Spolli, Bellusci, Izco; Lodi, Rinaudo, Plasil, Monzon; Bergessio, Barrientos

Catania bench: Capuano, Keko, Boateng, Petkovic, Leto, Ficara, Legrottaglie, Fedato, Pablo Alvarez, Peruzzi, Biraghi


JUVENTUS: Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Padoin, Isla; Tevez, Osvaldo

Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Romagna, Asamoah, Llorente, Gerbaudo, Giovinco, Quagliarella

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA - JUVENTUS

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato

HT 0-0: Juve held by fiery Catania

Mar 23, 2014

Daniel Osvaldo and Fabian Rinaudo had the best chances, but both Juventus and Catania Coaches were sent off in an ill-tempered half.

AMAZONIAN

It was top against bottom with 55 points separating them in the standings. Antonio Conte rotated his squad after Thursday’s Europa League win over Fiorentina, giving Marco Storari and Daniel Osvaldo rare starts, while Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Claudio Marchisio, Mirko Vucinic and Federico Peluso were injured. The Sicilians missed Sergio Almiron, Nicolas Spolli, Alberto Frison and Lucas Castro.

Within the first four minutes Juve had a goal disallowed for a push and Gyomber was booked for a foul on the furious Carlos Tevez. The fiery atmosphere already started before the game when the Juventus team bus was pelted with objects along the road.

It was an extremely tense start and a brawl broke out after seven minutes when Giorgio Chiellini caught Pablo Barrientos with his elbow, so as the move continued Gonzalo Bergessio went in on the Juve defender with an elbow too.

AMAZONIAN

Fabian Rinaudo’s strike flashed across the face of goal and an Andrea Pirlo free kick sailed over. Martin Caceres bravely threw himself at a Monzon screamer from the edge of the box to charge it down.

It was a surprisingly even game, as Alexis Rolin nodded wide from a Francesco Lodi free kick.

AMAZONIAN

There was more tension when Bergessio avoided a second booking for an elbow on Bonucci, but both Coaches protested so much that they were sent off simultaneously.

A corner fell to Bergessio, whose shot was charged down inside the penalty area, while Osvaldo could’ve done better when turning wide with a jaunty back-heel flick, as he seemed to think he was offside on Pirlo’s pass and wasted a great opportunity.

AMAZONIAN

Catania 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Catania: Andujar; Bellusci, Gyomber, Rolin; Izco, Plasil, Lodi, Rinaudo, Monzon; Bergessio, Barrientos

Juventus: Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Padoin, Isla; Tevez, Osvaldo

Ref: Damato

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Tevez tightens champions' grip on the title

The Argentine striker struck early in the second half to seal maximum points
against Rolando Maran's side, who had Gonzalo Bergessio sent off.

Mar 23, 2014

Juventus took a step closer to the Serie A title on Sunday as Carlos Tevez scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Catania.

AMAZONIAN

In a scrappy, turgid affair devoid of any pattern or fluency, Tevez's 16th Serie A goal of the season just before the hour mark was enough to separate the two sides at Stadio Angelo Massimino on Sunday.

Midway through a first half littered with fouls and scuffles on the field, both Antonio Conte and Rolando Moran were dismissed by referee Antonio Damato seemingly for disagreeing with a number of the official's decisions.

The breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute, when Pablo Daniel Osvaldo knocked down Andrea Pirlo's long pass into the stride of Tevez, who powered low into the bottom left-hand corner from just inside the area.

AMAZONIAN

Catania, struggling desperately at the bottom of the table, had Gonzalo Bergessio sent off midway through the second half for a second bookable offence after leading with his arm in an aerial challenge with Giorgio Chiellini.

The red card seemed to demoralise the struggling home side, who up until that point had fought hard to combat their illustrious opponents.

The win, Juventus' sixth Serie A success in a row, leaves the Turin giants 14 points clear of Roma as they continued their seemingly inexorable charge to a third-successive Scudetto.

AMAZONIAN

Their beleaguered hosts, meanwhile, remain rooted to the foot of the table, four points adrift of safety.

The opening to the game saw three bookings inside the first 15 minutes, with Pirlo's off-target free-kick the closest either side came to a goal.

Alexis Rolin headed wide for the hosts from close range, then Damato sent both coaches from the touchline midway through the half.

AMAZONIAN

Conte appeared incensed with a decision made by the official, who jogged over to the technical area and dismissed the Juve coach before also sending his opposite number Maran to the stands.

Osvaldo came close to opening the scoring 12 minutes after the break, sending an acrobatic effort narrowly over the crossbar, before providing the chance for his strike partner Tevez to break the deadlock two minutes later.

The Italy international nodded Pirlo's raking pass perfectly into Tevez's path, and the Argentina international burst forward before unleashing a shot that crept in at the far post despite a strong hand from Mariano Andujar.

AMAZONIAN

The goalkeeper faired better 15 minutes from time, tipping behind another dangerous set-piece from Pirlo, before Tevez ought to have put the game beyond doubt six minutes from time.

After robbing Norbert Gyomber on the halfway line, he raced clear on goal but sent his effort wide of the post with only Andujar to beat.

It mattered not as Juve held on for the win to take a step closer to the title and simulataneously deepen Catania's relegation fears.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Tevez sinks Catania

Carlos Tevez got the only goal as Juventus suffered
to beat 10-man Catania with both Coaches sent off.

Mar 23, 2014

It was top against bottom with 55 points separating them in the standings. Antonio Conte rotated his squad after Thursday’s Europa League win over Fiorentina, giving Marco Storari and Daniel Osvaldo rare starts, while Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Claudio Marchisio, Mirko Vucinic and Federico Peluso were injured. The Sicilians missed Sergio Almiron, Nicolas Spolli, Alberto Frison and Lucas Castro.

AMAZONIAN

Within the first four minutes Juve had a goal disallowed for a push and Gyomber was booked for a foul on the furious Carlos Tevez. The fiery atmosphere already started before the game when the Juventus team bus was pelted with objects along the road.

It was an extremely tense start and a brawl broke out after seven minutes when Giorgio Chiellini caught Pablo Barrientos with his elbow, so as the move continued Gonzalo Bergessio went in on the Juve defender with an elbow too.

Fabian Rinaudo’s strike flashed across the face of goal and an Andrea Pirlo free kick sailed over. Martin Caceres bravely threw himself at a Monzon screamer from the edge of the box to charge it down.

AMAZONIAN

It was a surprisingly even game, as Alexis Rolin nodded wide from a Francesco Lodi free kick.

There was more tension when Bergessio avoided a second booking for an elbow on Bonucci, but both Coaches protested so much that they were sent off simultaneously.

A corner fell to Bergessio, whose shot was charged down inside the penalty area, while Osvaldo could’ve done better when turning wide with a jaunty back-heel flick, as he seemed to think he was offside on Pirlo’s pass and wasted a great opportunity.

AMAZONIAN

Osvaldo went very close after the restart with an acrobatic overhead kick that skimmed the crossbar when Stephan Lichtsteiner knocked down a Pirlo pass.

Juve did eventually find a way through. Osvaldo knocked down a long Pirlo pass for Tevez, who surged forward and his angled drive bounced off Andujar’s hand to dribble into the far bottom corner.

Catania fought back and a Barrientos ball flashed across the face of goal with Bergessio just unable to get the final touch from a couple of yards and Chiellini almost putting it into his own net.

AMAZONIAN

Bergessio and Chiellini continued their duel that had lasted since the start of the game and the Catania striker took it too far with a second yellow card for another elbow.

Tevez attemped an audacious chip that sailed over the bar and Andujar did very well to fingertip a Pirlo free kick out of the near top corner. Lodi had penalty appeals, but clearly stumbled without contact from Kwadwo Asamoah.

AMAZONIAN

Vidal had the chance to make it 2-0, but ballooned horribly over the bar from a Tevez counter-attack. Tevez then did the same on another opportunity when going for goal himself after a Gyomber error.

Everyone from Catania went up for a free kick and Juve broke on the counter, but Lichtsteiner missed the open goal with Andujar scrambling back.

AMAZONIAN

CATANIA: Andujar; Bellusci (Leto 65), Gyomber, Rolin; Izco, Plasil (Peruzzi 81), Lodi, Rinaudo, Monzon; Bergessio, Barrientos (Keko 84)

JUVENTUS: Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Padoin, Isla (Asamoah 65); Tevez (Giovinco 87), Osvaldo (Llorente 63)

Ref: Damato

Sent off: Bergessio 67 (C )

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Tevez winner restores
Juve's 14-point cushion

Mar 23, 2014

Carlos Tevez scored a league-tying 16th goal of the campaign to secure a 1-0 win away to 10-man Catania and help restore Juventus's 14-point lead at the top of Serie A on Sunday.

AMAZONIAN

Roma had reduced the arrears to Antonio Conte's pacesetters with a 2-0 win away to Chievo on Saturday when Torino striker Ciro Immobile had gone top of the scorers' charts thanks to a hat-trick in a 3-1 win against Livorno.

But Roma's hopes that Juve would drop points on their trip to Catania were already slim and after Tevez saw his low strike creep past the outstretched hand of Mariano Andujar on the hour the Sicilian strugglers suffered a further blow when Gonzalo Bergessio saw red for a foul on defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Rolando Maran's hosts battled but Juventus were unlucky not to add further goals with Tevez, Andrea Pirlo, from a free kick, and Arturo Vidal all testing Andujar in the final stages.

AMAZONIAN

Juventus will meet French side Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals next month and coach Antonio Conte applauded the "maturity" of his side as they took another step towards their third consecutive scudetto under his guidance.

"In the past three years I've seen the side mature in every domain, but especially in terms of their tactical awareness," Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

"It took that kind of maturity to come out on top in this kind of game."

AMAZONIAN

Conte added: "We've taken another step forward, but compliments to Roma. They've having an incredible season, they're not giving up."

The champions' 25th win kept them top on 78 points, 14 ahead of Roma, who have a game in hand, and 20 ahead of Napoli, whose bid for the runners-up spot and the second automatic Champions League place suffered a setback in a 1-0 home defeat to Fiorentina.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Initial reaction and random observations

Mar 23, 2014

There seems to be a common thread in Juventus' wins as of late: They aren't pretty, they aren't anything close to being in dominant fashion, they probably aren't 90-plus minutes worth of game film that Antonio Conte would keep in the vault and show his grand children in 25 years. (Or maybe he would, we're talking about Antonio Conte after all...)

AMAZONIAN

There's also one common occurrence in all of this: Despite all the not-so-hot play of late, Juventus is still coming away with three points basically every time.

That was the case yet again on Sunday night in Sicily, as Carlos Tevez's 59th-minute strike was the difference in a 1-0 win over cellar-dwelling Catania. Juventus had to do exactly what they've done the past couple of weeks — grind out a victory instead of blowing right past their opponent like it was when into the first meeting between the two teams.

There were fouls, and more fouls, and even more fouls. To be exact, 37 fouls between the two teams. What there wasn't, though, was plenty of action directed towards either goalkeeper. Marco Storari, who got the start in goal as Conte gave Gigi Buffon a day off, didn't have to make an official save.

AMAZONIAN

But what Juve had to do was to fight through yet another game where they weren't anything close to their best. And that's pretty much what they did. Even with all the fouls and stoppages. Hey, if the end result is being close to a third straight title, it can't be all bad, right? I'd like to imagine that the vibe would be a little different if Juve, say, didn't get a goal from Tevez and had to go home with one point instead of three.

The thing is, though, it was yet another Juventus win. So they've got that going for them, which is nice.

AMAZONIAN

Random thoughts and observations

• Simone Padoin starts, Juventus wins. Suck it, haters. (Kidding.)

• I know I've said it the last few post-game threads, but it deserves repeating: Martin Caceres is awesome and deserves all the praise he is receiving. When he wasn't making crucial tackles, the soon-to-be 27-year-old was throwing himself at the ball to block a shot. It's a pretty nice luxury to have somebody as good as Caceres as a reserve just waiting for the chance. And with all the injuries right now, Caceres is getting exactly that — and taking advantage of it.

David Tenenbaum @DTenenbaum
Fun fact: all 3 Juve CBs were perfect on clearances today.

AMAZONIAN

Somebody who had the complete opposite game of Caceres? Dani Osvaldo. Outside of his little flick to Tevez on the game's lone goal, it was a match where Osvaldo really, really struggled. The biggest, of course, was his two big misses right in front of goal. Just a complete night to forget for Osvaldo. Not really much more to say about that.

AMAZONIAN

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: @danistone25 has great quality and could become an important player for us. He’s a great lad and I’m happy with what he’s doing.

Let's just hope for Osvaldo's sake that he plays the way he did when he first arrived, not the way he has the past couple of outings.

AMAZONIAN

• I feel safe in saying that this was the first game I've seen before managers sent off. And not just sent to the stands, but seeing the ref do so in one quick moment.

• It seems like forever — even though it hasn't actually been that way — since Juventus had a comfortable lead in the second half of a game. In actuality, it's been about three weeks since Juve scored more than one goal in a game. It'd be nice if they could, you know, go into the final 20 or 30 minutes of a game without having to either score a late winner or hang on to the lead. Just a suggestion.

• Did anybody hear anything about some clasico thing? Yeah, I dunno, either. Who needs Real Madrid-Barcelona scoring goals galore when Juventus and Catania are fouling each other like crazy in a game that saw all of two shots on target!

AMAZONIAN

• Since I haven't done it in a few games, here's your Juventus unbeaten run update: 21 straight games, 50 goals scored, 9 goals allowed.

This has been a Juventus unbeaten run update.

• Back to plus-14 atop the table. Sorry bout that, Roma. Next up: Parma on Wednesday night in Turin. That should be fun.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Player Ratings

A second-half goal from Carlos Tevez gives the Bianconeri
their seventh consecutive Serie A victory over the relegation candidates.

Mar 23, 2014

CATANIA

Mariano Andújar - Made a few nice saves but wasn't tested very often. Couldn't get enough of the Tevez shot to keep it out.

Giuseppe Bellusci - Dealt with Osvaldo very well in the first half. Got under the skin of the striker and sniffed out a number of Juventus attacks. Came off in the 66th for a more attacking option.

Norbert Gyömbér - Struggled at times, but did just enough to deal with the threat posed by Juventus. A slip-up in the 85th nearly handed Tevez a second goal.

Alexis Rolín - Wasn't put under too much pressure at the back. Proved difficult to deal with on set-pieces. Was beaten by Osvaldo in the air to set up the winning goal.

Mariano Julio Izco - He was a constant threat in the first half with his pace and skill on the ball. Seemed to tire as the game went on, and lacked quality with his final passes.

Jaroslav Plasil - Distributed the ball well in midfield. Despite his age, he never shied away from a challenge.

Francesco Lodi - Created a number of chances for the hosts with his deliveries from set pieces. Wasn't effective enough from open play, however.

Fabián Rinaudo - Aggressive and determined in midfield, but hardly saw any of the ball.

Fabián Monzón - Showed some excellent skill with his play on the flanks. Contributed well in attack and nearly tied the game late in the second half.

Gonzalo Bergessio - Was lively in attack, but couldn't help his team get in front. Sent off in the 67th after picking up his second yellow card for an elbow to the face of Chiellini.

Pablo Barrientos - Was involved in almost every Catania attack. Looked threatening, but couldn't get the better of the Juventus back three.

AMAZONIAN

Substitutions

Gino Peruzzi - Came on as a late substitute.

Sebastián Leto - Came on in the 66th minute. Didn't make the most of his time on the pitch.

Keko - Made a late cameo appearance.

AMAZONIAN

JUVENTUS

Marco Storari - His goal was put under pressure at times, but he hardly had a save to make.

Martín Cáceres - Looked a bit flustered at times, but was up to the challenge. Made some important interventions to sniff out a few good-looking attacks.

Leonardo Bonucci - Never put a foot wrong at the back. Fended off the threat of Izco.

Giorgio Chiellini - Thrived under the physical play of Catania. Dealt with the pressure very well. Got Bergessio sent off with his eagerness to win the ball.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Got forward well on a number of occasions, while still contributing in defence. Should have scored early in the second half after a great set-up by Pirlo.

Simone Padoin - Given the chance to run at the defenders numerous times, but despite getting into some good positions, his final ball often let him down.

Andrea Pirlo - Completed a very high percentage of his passes in midfield, although he didn't create as many chances as usual.

Arturo Vidal - Distracted by the physical presence in the match. Focused more on personal battles than contributing to the greater good of the team.

Mauricio Isla - Failed to stamp his authority on the match. Was nowhere to be seen in attack. Gave the ball away a bit too often in midfield. Came off in the 66th minute.

CARLOS TÉVEZ - Quiet for most of the match, but scored with his first chance with a tidy finish. Nearly added a second late on.

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo - Set up Tevez for his goal but was very wasteful with his chances. Grew increasingly frustrated with the physical play of Catania.

AMAZONIAN

Substitutions

Kwadwo Asamoah - Saw quite a bit of the ball as they looked to hold on to the lead and performed well in his role.

Sebastian Giovinco - Was introduced as a late substitute to wind down the clock.

Fernando Llorente - Perhaps needed some more rest, as he didn't look very lively after coming on for Osvaldo in the 64th minute.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Maran: 'Catania courageous'

Mar 23, 2014

Rolando Maran hopes a “courageous” Catania performance against Juventus can give them confidence.

AMAZONIAN

The bottom of the table club forced runaway leaders Juve to fight hard for a 1-0 result at the Stadio Massimino, even after Gonzalo Bergessio’s red card.

“We don’t pick up any points and we needed them, but this performance can give us something on a psychological level,” said the Coach.

“We played a courageous game and showed real character. Perhaps we deserved something more from this match.

AMAZONIAN

“Even if we are propping up the table, there are still nine rounds to go and with performances like this we can still fight.

“After all, few teams have managed to take points off Juve.”

AMAZONIAN

Catania have 20 points, but there are five teams all within a radius of six points and only three relegation places.

Cagliari are also at risk on 29 points, followed by Bologna, Chievo, Livorno and Sassuolo.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Bonucci hails Chiellini influence

Mar 24, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci has commented that playing in defence at Juventus is easier when Giorgio Chiellini is alongside him.

AMAZONIAN

The duo have formed a strong unit in recent seasons, alongside Andrea Barzagli, and another clean sheet at Catania yesterday contributed to a 1-0 result.

Edging the team closer to a third consecutive League title, Bonucci has reflected that his recent form is only thanks to his more experienced teammate.

“It is true, I am more careful in defence and now I am beginning to realise that sometimes it is best not to risk a one-on-one, seeing that someone could die of a heart attack,” joked Bonucci to Rai Sport after yesterday’s win.

AMAZONIAN

“So it is better for me to concentrate on the defensive phase. Playing with Chiellini is important - he is one of the best in the world, he makes everything easier.

“In our formation he is the best in anticipation and aggression and will cover my back.”

The Old Lady’s win in Sicily was hard-fought and came only after a tricky journey to the stadium, where the bus came under attack from rival supporters.

AMAZONIAN

“I was in the back row so I did not realise what was happening. I heard a bang, we were stationary for two or three minutes with some people blocking the road, but it was resolved quickly enough.

“Were we fatigued from Thursday? There was no effect, we have been able to manage the game, we took control after going ahead.

“Catania were fierce in the first half, we responded blow for blow, then what was decisive were the blows from Juve’s champions.

AMAZONIAN

“It was a man’s game, we had to be intelligent to not react to their provocations.

“The Scudetto? Bayern can retain their title with eight weeks to go and yet they did not celebrate on Saturday, and we are will be celebrating when it is mathematically so.”

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Good enough was all that
was needed to defeat Catania

Mar 24, 2014

Hardly a match but certainly a war, Carlos Tevez scored the only goal in Juve's 1-0 victory over bottom-placed Catania. There is no stopping this Old Lady who is forced to push on despite the reduced levels of energy from partaking in so many matches.

AMAZONIAN

Catania sit at the bottom of Serie A with little hope of escaping relegation. However, as with several other teams in the league, fans anticipate the matches against the big clubs and they don't come bigger than Juve. The players and fans alike revel in the added attention, hoping to be the side that pulls off a minor miracle to snatch points off the best team in Italy. That way the pain of demotion will be somewhat bearable if they are allowed a memory of a great performance against the very best.

As such, Catania boss Rolando Maran spoke of playing with "grit" and great "intensity" to make the fans proud. He wanted his squad to be physically prepared for the encounter, but he also made sure to dedicate some time to the psychological aspect of the game, revving up the metaphorical engines of his players' psyche.

Calling on the fans to come and support the team, the atmosphere within the city was intense. Home appetites were craving a win and devoted their energy on intimidating their opponents. The Juventus bus that travelled through the streets was the subject of pelted objects while Juve CEO Beppe Marotta looked visibly anxious as he was interviewed by journalists prior to the game making sure to point out how such delinquency only serves to highlight the problems of Calcio.

AMAZONIAN

On the pitch, the tension within the city walls carried over, but the Bianconeri seemed determined to put in a performance worthy of more hatred from the opposing fans. Scoring almost immediately, Juve wanted to seal the result quickly but the goal was disallowed while Pablo Osvaldo wasted several chances.

Catania appeared unwilling to sit back and defend. They pressed aggressively, focused on breaking up Juve's passages of play and surged ahead when they were granted their chances. They looked capable of inflicting damage.

However, it's difficult to adequately analyse a match that appeared to look more like a battle than a game of football. Playing a game in a state of such heightened emotions only results in drama and thus it comes as no surprise that tempers started to flare, elbows began flying around and fights started to break out. Rather than control the situation in a composed manner to calm nerves and demonstrate clear authority, referee Antonio Damato only added to the problem. Adopting a trigger happy approach with his yellow cards, he struggled to make the right decisions and surrendered to his impulses when he sent off both coaches, Maran and Juve's Antonio Conte. The latter was demanding to know why Catania's Gonzalo Bergessio, a particularly eager player on the night, wasn't shown another yellow card.

AMAZONIAN

The second half started with Osvaldo's usual demonstration of how to squander an opportunity until he managed to knock down the ball for the onrushing Tevez to strike. The Argentine produced the only goal of the game that eventually sealed his team's victory.

The Sicilians looked for a reply but they simply couldn't produce enough in the final third. Their players lacked the accuracy and penetration required to bypass Juve's tough defenders and produce a shot on target, while Bergessio's second yellow card only served to exacerbate their problems. The player was finally given his marching orders when he simply couldn't control himself and elbowed Giorgio Chiellini again at a time when his experience should have helped guide his team forward.

AMAZONIAN

In reality, Juventus ought to have added more to their tally, but during this delicate stage of the season when the team are partaking in several matches a week, good enough is all they can muster when tremendous was -- once-upon-a-time -- the only way to describe this beautifully fluid and cohesive side.

It's clear energy levels have waned while the injuries have made an impact on a Juve side usually capable of much more convincing performances. However, a victory is all that matters and Juventus are surely set to collect their third consecutive league title.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Conte: I was sent off as
a warning to the players

Both coaches were sent from the dugout in a fiery clash between Catania and Juventus
on Sunday and the Bianconeri boss believes the referee was simply trying to restore control.

Mar 24, 2014

Juventus coach Antonio Conte feels the decision to send off both him and counterpart Rolando Maran was the referee's way of trying to control a bad-tempered match against Catania.

AMAZONIAN

In a fiesty affair on Sunday, which saw Juventus triumph 1-0, both coaches were dismissed by referee Antonio Damato midway through the first half as passions boiled over.

Conte and Maran were both given their marching orders by the official after arguing over an incident which saw Catania striker Gonzalo Bergessio catch Leonardo Bonucci with his arm.

Bergessio had already been booked but after escaping punishment on that occasion, was sent off midway through the second half after catching Giorgio Chiellini in another aerial challenge.

AMAZONIAN

The visitors were already ahead by that point, Carlos Tevez's 59th-minute goal earning them a sixth consecutive league win and sending them 14 points clear of second-placed Roma.

"I think Mr Damato wanted to send a signal to the players on the field by sending off the coaches and trying to calm things down," Conte told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

"It was basically a warning, as he couldn't send the players off that early.

AMAZONIAN

"Rolando and I both understood the situation and it wasn't an easy game to officiate, as it was very, very fiery on and off the field.

"Juve did well to keep our heads, so I am very proud of the lads."

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo set up the winning goal for strike partner Tevez and Conte was pleased with the Italy international, who joined from Southampton in January.

AMAZONIAN

"He has settled in very well," the 44-year-old coach said.

"Daniel arrived in January, so we had to prepare a different approach for him.

"He has great qualities and trained the right way, so he can become an important player for Juventus.

AMAZONIAN

"He has technique and I am happy with what he's doing at the moment.

"I am convinced that if we have time to work with him physically as well as tactically, we can see a whole other level to his game. I know he can do so much more."

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Tevez: Everybody wants to beat Juventus

The experienced forward has acknowledged that Juve struggled
against the Sicilians and has urged his team-mates to remain focused.

Mar 24, 2014

Carlos Tevez has admitted that Catania made Juventus work hard for their 1-0 win in Sunday evening's Serie A encounter and feels the Bianconeri's opponents always seem to be able to do something extra when they face the reigning champions.

AMAZONIAN

The Argentine attacker helped his side to the full three points with his goal at the hour mark, but Tevez was quick to acknowledge that Catania caused Juve plenty of trouble.

"It was a difficult game, Catania were very aggressive," Tevez was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"It was a real battle out there, but everyone who plays Juventus clearly wants to win against us."

AMAZONIAN

The former Manchester City striker then went on to stress that the Old Lady cannot afford to lose focus in the remainder of the season and must keep giving their all in Serie A before turning their attention to the Europa League.

"We now need to treat each of our remaining league games as finals.

AMAZONIAN

"After that we’ll start thinking about how we’re going to tackle the Europa League."

Juventus were paired with Olympique Lyonnais during last week's draw for the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

‘Juve are tired’

Mar 24, 2014

Former Juventus player Nicola Amoruso believes the Old Lady are showing signs of tiredness as the run in to the end of the season approaches.

AMAZONIAN

Antonio Conte’s side laboured to a 1-0 win over struggling Catania but on Wednesday face a Parma team unbeaten in 17 league matches.

“There is tiredness,” Amoruso said to Tuttojuve.com. “But the Scudetto is already more or less won, even though Conte will probably want a record points total.

“It’s normal for there to be a slight lull after an intense championship race, but regardless of that the wins are still coming.

AMAZONIAN

“That is an important sign.

“There will definitely be rotation against Parma, because a few days later there is another match with Napoli.

“I think it’s right at the moment to give time to players who have played less because it gives them a chance to show what they can do.

AMAZONIAN

“You could see against Catania that everyone who came in did well.

“That is because Conte always manages to prepare well for matches.

Amoruso was then asked about the Bianconeri’s opposition on Wednesday, who he also played for.

AMAZONIAN

“They are certainly very capable,” he responded. “Every year they manage to put together interesting teams.

“This year they have done particularly well, but even when I was there there was a great vibe with Guidolin as Coach.

“At Parma there is an environment that allows you to work without feeling too much pressure.”

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Conflict in Catania

Top beat bottom, the Milan crisis roadshow rolled on and Inter’s revival
suffered a setback. Giancarlo Rinaldi sums up another intriguing week of Serie A action.

Mar 24, 2014

It was football, Jim, but not as we know it. After a precision strike by Andrea Pirlo had won a tense but classy Europa League clash with Fiorentina, Juventus needed a different set of skills in Sicily on Sunday night. It was appropriate, perhaps, that a street-fighter like Carlitos Tevez won them the match.

AMAZONIAN

You could hardly blame Catania for throwing everything they could think of at the Bianconeri in their top versus bottom encounter at the Stadio Massimino. However, it produced a game which often seemed more akin to a boxing match than a Serie A fixture. Those of a certain vintage might have thought the most appropriate player on the pitch was Fabian Monzon with his echoes of a middleweight champ of yesteryear, Carlos, who carried the same surname.

Three sendings off - one for each Coach and one for Gonzalo Bergessio after a game-long tussle with Giorgio Chiellini - were the final tale of the tape. But it said plenty about La Vecchia Signora’s character that she was able to walk away with another victory. Sometimes she uses the light-fingered skills of the pickpocket to pinch the points but on this occasion she was more than happy to go blow-for-blow with a feisty opponent before delivering the killer blow. It takes all sorts of victories to compile a Scudetto triumph.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Tevez: First the Championship,
then the Europa League

Mar 24, 2014

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has commented about the victory against Catania, adding that the Bianconeri want to win all their remaining fixtures as the season nears its end.

AMAZONIAN

The Argentine forward, who scored the only goal in his side’s triumph at the Massimino has also stated that the Old Lady will start thinking of the Europa League once the Scudetto has been secured.

“It’s been a war,” he told Sky Sport 90 about the game.

“Against Juve, all teams play hard and we know that each game is so, but we want to beat everyone.

AMAZONIAN

“Knee? There is a bit of pain, but I can play.

“The upcoming challenges against Parma and Napoli? Every game is a final to win the championship, then we will think about the Europa League.”

The Turin-based outfit has all but guaranteed Serie A success for the third year running, and will also fight for the Europa League title considering the final will be staged at the Juventus Stadium on May 15.

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Conte focused despite 14-point lead

A third straight 1-0 win has strengthened Juventus' hopes of retaining
the Serie A title, although coach Antonio Conte is not getting carried away.

Mar 24, 2014

Sunday night's victory at Catania, thanks to a Carlos Tevez goal, restored their 14-point advantage at the top of Serie A. Second-placed Roma still have a game in hand while the Bianconeri have to visit the capital on the penultimate weekend of the season.

AMAZONIAN

Juve, who have lost only once all season and are on a six-game winning streak, are likely to have wrapped up the title before they travel to the Eternal City, but Conte is remaining cautious with nine games still to go.

"This is another step forwards, but we've got to pay tribute to Roma, who are playing an absolutely incredible season and are not going to give up right to the very end," Conte told Sky Sport Italia. "Furthermore, we've got the Europa League, which means we're playing a game every three days.

"We've got to try to manage our energy because we've had some problems lately. We've got the Europa League and nine more league matches, and we'll try to give it our best to the very end."

AMAZONIAN

Sunday night's fiercely-contested clash with relegation-threatened Catania is likely to have taken its toll on the Old Lady, who host in-form Parma on Wednesday. Conte may be forced to rotate his side for that game, particularly in view of Sunday night's trip to Napoli.

Juve then travel to Lyon in the quarterfinals of the Europa League before hosting Livorno and facing Lyon again in a packed schedule.

"It was a war," Tevez, a candidate for a rest in midweek, said after his match-winning contribution on Sunday. "Every game we play is a war, and they are all like finals. We've still got six or seven of these to come. We want to win the scudetto and then we'll think about the Europa League."

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

[Socrates 8541]

CATANIA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (59′)

March 23, 2014 - 20:45 PM
Angelo Massimino Stadium — Catania
Referee: Antonio Damato
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Catania vs. Juventus, final score 0-1:
Surprise! Juventus win

In case your attention was focused upon the goalfest in Spain,
here's what you missed in Sicily.

Mar 24, 2014

It was no clasico, but there was certainly plenty of fire on display in Catania. Before five minutes were out, Juventus had a goal disallowed, and everything but the football exploded from there.

AMAZONIAN

A couple minutes later, handbags were thrown when Giorgio Chiellini caught Pablo Barrientos with his elbow. To avenge his strike partner, Catania forward Gonzalo Bergessio caught Chiellini with his own elbow. So when, just a few minutes before the break, Bergessio elbowed Leonardo Bonucci yet avoided getting a second yellow, tensions were already high. The result? Both Antonio Conte and Rolando Maran were sent off.

It was just too bad the performance couldn't match the passion. At halftime, both sides had managed just five shots.

Catania managed to hold out an hour before Carlos Tévez broke the deadlock. Dani Osvaldo flicked his header into the Argentine's path, with Tévez sending his low shot into the bottom corner.

AMAZONIAN

That would've likely been enough to kill off the elefanti, but once Bergessio got his marching orders in the 67th minute, the match was well and truly buried. That red was the fourth from Bergessio in his last five league games against Juventus. And yes, it was for another foul on Chiellini.

With just a few minutes remaining, Stephan Lichtsteiner missed a great chance to double the bianconeri lead. Mariano Andújar was off his line, but Lichtsteiner sent his shot well high.

AMAZONIAN

Catania: Andújar, Gyomber, Rolin, Bellusci, Monzon, Lodi, Plasil, Rinaudo, Izco, Barrientos, Bergessio

Juventus: Storari, Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Padoin, Isla, Tévez, Osvaldo

Goals: Tévez (59')

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - PARMA

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

Juventus doing something incredible, says Padoin

The midfielder is eager to decide the title race as soon
as possible and expects a difficult game against Parma in midweek.

Mar 25, 2014

Simone Padoin feels Juventus have been in incredible form so far this campaign and the versatile midfielder is determined to wrap up the Serie A title sooner rather than later.

AMAZONIAN

The Turin giants currently hold a 14-point lead over second-placed Roma in the league table and the 30-year-old is hopeful they can soon celebrate their third successive Scudetto.

"The group’s strength is certainly a positive aspect. As the manager often says we’re doing something incredible," Padoin told Juventus TV.

"Hats off to those who are chasing us, such as Roma and Napoli, but we never give in.

AMAZONIAN

"We keep winning and hope the Scudetto will arrive as soon as possible."

Padoin then looked ahead to Wednesday's encounter with Parma and warned his team-mates that the Ennio Tardini side should not be underestimated.

AMAZONIAN

"It will be a close one. They’ve only picked up a few less points than we have in 2014, 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."

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