Juventus FC Forum (Stadio Delle Alpi)

[Jackson Ng Ghim Pheng]

Man I love Del Piero Free Kicks he is one of my favourite player since last time

[Delete4Ever]

Forza Juve and Del Piero!! He will be the icon for Juventus for a long long time....
And I really hope Ranieri can start playing Giovinco more... :(

[dreamer75]

another legend for Juve!

[dreamer75]

FT Juventus [4 - 1] Genoa

6' [1 - 0] Z. Grygera

26' [2 - 0] Amauri

85' [3 - 0] V. Iaquinta

89' [3 - 1] D. Milito (pen.)

90' [4 - 1] S. Papastathopoulos (o.g.)

[milan1899]

gd luck zebras, i hope you win my little brother 2moro . we ( big brother ac ) for sure will not support inter

[dreamer75]

gd luck zebras, i hope you win my little brother 2moro . we ( big brother ac ) for sure will not support inter

for sure, we will try our best :D

[dreamer75]

we lost but its ok .

[dreamer75]

Inter 1 - 0 Juventus
Muntari 73 (I)
Stadio Meazza

Inter got the better of arch rivals Juventus thanks to a bizarre goal from Sulley Ali Muntari.

The Derby d'Italia was on fire with a packed San Siro for this eternal rivalry, Calciopoli revenge, Scudetto battle and grudge match between former Chelsea tacticians. Juve were coming off seven consecutive victories and made no changes, as Gigi Buffon, David Trezeguet, Cristiano Zanetti, Jonathan Zebina, Hasan Salihamidzic, Christian Poulsen and Dario Knezevic remained on the treatment table.

Inter missed the suspended Ivan Cordoba and injured Cristian Chivu and Nelson Rivas. In a shock move, Adriano was picked for the starting XI after he was frozen out for several games for turning up late to training. Marco Materazzi also returned for a rare start with Dejan Stankovic in midfield.

Over 80,000 people packed into San Siro and within 90 seconds there was a major injury, as Tiago Mendes sprained his left knee and was carried off to make way for Claudio Marchisio.

There was panic in the box when Stankovic sprung the offside trap to go clear, but he beat a Christian Molinaro tackle and was lining up the shot when Giorgio Chiellini came barrelling in for a decisive intervention.

Alex Manninger flew to pluck Stankovic's flicked header out of the air, while Del Piero had a solo effort charged down. Amauri and Del Piero duetted with the captain's marvellous dummy, but the final pass to Nedved was misplaced.

Julio Cesar had to be alert to punch a Del Piero chipped cross off Amauri's head. The move continued and there was controversy when Sulley Ali Muntari appeared to bundle Marco Marchionni over in the box, but the referee waved play on and replays suggest contact was minimal.

The referee also irritated Inter as soon after as he stopped play with Adriano clear on goal in order to book Amauri for dissent. Ibrahimovic chested down the ball and squeezed his angled drive between a sea of legs for Manninger to block.

Inter had a fantastic chance, as Maicon thumped a free kick to the back post where Muntari was unmarked for a header that Manninger parried with his foot. The Austrian goalkeeper also palmed a Maicon set piece over the bar.

There was a howler from Nicola Legrottaglie on 32 minutes, as his backpass was straight at Ibrahimovic. The Swede sprinted towards goal and was one-on-one with Manninger only to place his angled drive wide of the far post.

Momo Sissoko flung himself at Stankovic to stop a dangerous counter-attack, while Adriano flashed a shot across the face of goal with the aid of a fingertip save from Manninger.

This time Juve went on the counter with Marchionni not getting enough contact to Amauri's cutback. Julio Cesar backpedalled to fingertip Marchisio's splendid lob out from under the crossbar. Marchionni had a great opportunity when Del Piero picked him out, but the former Parma man slipped at the crucial moment.

In first half stoppages Ibra's inspired through ball found Muntari unmarked from 10 yards, but Manninger palmed out his fierce strike for a corner.

After the restart Sissoko's effort was beaten down, but Materazzi was booked for hacking down Del Piero. Stankovic picked up a loose ball in the D and his powerful shot hit Legrottaglie's arm, but it was not a penalty because the arm was laid across the torso.

On the counter Adriano was a little off balance to nod Ibra's cross over, but the Swede had a far better opportunity moments later. He chested down a long ball and sprinted towards the goal, but just like the first half he fired wide of the near post!

Adriano nodded Samuel's assist over and Ibrahimovic was stopped for an incorrect offside flag, as Juve kept their defence on the edge of the centre circle. Mauro Camoranesi replaced Marchionni after a spell of injury.

Inter took the lead in bizarre circumstances. Adriano battled in the air with defenders and Ibra's angled drive was off target, but it turned into an assist for Muntari's easiest of tap-ins. The Juventus defence stood still, as they thought he was offside, but the replays show he was in play. Muntari wasn't entirely sure if he was level either, as he shinned it and almost missed from a yard!

Vincenzo Iaquinta replaced the quiet Amauri and Cambiasso interrupted a promising Camoranesi counter. From the resultin corner Julio Cesar performed a stunning save on Del Piero's header towards the near post!

Julio Cruz replaced Adriano, as Mourinho made his first substitution eight minutes from time. Juve kept pushing, but Inter remained resolute in defence.

Inter: Julio Cesar; Maicon, Materazzi, Samuel, Maxwell; Muntari (Vieira 89), Cambiasso, Stankovic (Burdisso 85), Zanetti; Ibrahimovic, Adriano (Cruz 82)

Juventus: Manninger; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni (Camoranesi 70), Sissoko, Tiago (Marchisio 3), Nedved; Amauri (Iaquinta 76), Del Piero

Ref: Rizzoli

[dreamer75]

Match highlights (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTUwMDQ4OTY=.html)

[Cissiboy]

honestly Inter is stronger but honestly as well they didn't demolished us..

Swithcing goalkeepers it would have finished 0-1

I can't stand Manninger..

[dreamer75]

Zenit St. Petersburg 0 - 0 Juventus

[dreamer75]

honestly Inter is stronger but honestly as well they didn't demolished us..

Swithcing goalkeepers it would have finished 0-1

I can't stand Manninger..

i tot he was quite gd tho.

[dreamer75]

FT Juventus [4 - 0] Reggina

28' [1 - 0] M. Camoranesi

44' [2 - 0] Amauri

62' [3 - 0] G. Chiellini

74' [4 - 0] A.D. Piero (pen.)

[Cissiboy]

250th gol by Alessandro Del Piero @ Juventus !

Thanks Captain !

[dreamer75]

rie A Week 15 - 7/12/08

Lecce 1 - 2 Juventus
Giovinco 57 (J), Cacia 83 (L), Amauri 89 (J)

Stadio Via Del Mare


Amauri's last-gasp header and Sebastian Giovinco's first goal for Juventus kept them in the Scudetto hunt despite a stunning Daniele Cacia volley.

The Old Lady were back on Inter's trail, albeit with a six-point gap, having won seven of their last nine games in all competition. Last week Alessandro Del Piero celebrated his 250th goal for the club in a 4-0 mauling of Reggina, but joined the injury list with Mauro Camoranesi, David Trezeguet, Gigi Buffon, Jonathan Zebina, Tiago Mendes, Christian Poulsen, Hasan Salihamidzic and Dario Knezevic. At least Cristiano Zanetti was fit for the bench for the first time this season, but Vincenzo Iaquinta pulled out that morning with a neck problem, so Amauri and Sebastian Giovinco were the only available forwards.

Lecce weren't generally pushovers at the Via del Mare, having held Milan, Palermo and Udinese here, but they hadn't beaten Juve since a 2-0 scoreline in 1999. Guglielmo Stendardo returned after skipping the 1-1 draw at Catania so he could sit exams for his Law degree.

Giorgio Chiellini and Nicola Legrottaglie got in each others' way and bundled Giovinco's free kick wide. There was chaos in the Lecce box when Francesco Benussi flapped a cross into the path of Pavel Nedved, but both the Czech and Momo Sissoko were charged down by defenders. Nedved had timid penalty appeals, but seemed to let himself fall.

Giovinco spun round in the area for another shot blocked by Lecce shirts, then one of his free kicks stung Benussi's palms.

Marco Marchionni's first touch let him down when sent clear by Amauri and he eventually fell when Benussi came out to smother.

The goalkeeper blocked a Marchionni free kick after the restart, then Giovinco dribbled to the byline and cut back for Amauri to fire over.

Giovinco eventually opened the scoring with a fantastic free kick. Similar to Del Piero, he curled it into the near top corner as it dipped over the wall, but Benussi did get a hand to it. It was his first Serie A goal in a Juventus jersey.

Amauri had one charged down moments later, but Lecce hit back with Tiribocchi's header skimming the base of the upright.

Nicola Legrottaglie received a yellow card and will be suspended for next week's showdown with Milan.

Lecce were pushing forward in the closing 15 minutes and came so close to an equaliser. Jorge Castillo was unmarked to turn a free header over at the back post! Giuliatto's cross from the left was perfect for the Uruguayan.

Lecce got their goal soon after with substitute Daniele Cacia, who had been on for three minutes. The former Fiorentina striker scored a wonderful strike, letting the cross drop for a precise angled left-foot volley from seven yards that ricocheted in off the inside of the far post.

Chiellini was off balance and couldn't make the most of Giovinco's free kick, but Juventus restored their advantage in the final minute at the Via del Mare. Amauri peeled away from Stendardo for a soaring header from six yards on De Ceglie's cross from the right.

Lecce: Benussi; Schiavi (Giuliatto 69), Stendardo, Fabiano, Esposito; Munari (Cacia 80), Giacomazzi, Vives, Ariatti (Caserta 70); Castillo, Tiribocchi

Juventus: Manninger; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni (De Ceglie 82), Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved; Giovinco, Amauri

Ref: Pierpaoli

[dreamer75]

Seba enjoys Juve opener

Juventus youngster Sebastian Giovinco was over the moon after scoring his first Bianconeri goal against Lecce.

The Old Lady triumphed at Via Del Mare courtesy of a late Amauri header, but diminutive playmaker Giovinco had put them ahead with a fantastic free-kick.

“We knew this was a difficult ground and we had to deal with several absences, but it was crucial to get a win,” Giovinco told Sky Sport Italia.

“We got the result and I also managed to hit the back of the net. I am very happy that I finally got off the mark.

“When you have someone like Alessandro Del Piero to teach you tricks, you learn as fast as possible.

“I'm glad that I can play alongside such great champions and I want to thank all my teammates, the Coach and the club because they have shown great faith in me.

“Of course scoring this goal will lift my morale and make everything seem easier.”

[dreamer75]

Reports: Juve join Gallas hunt Monday 8 December, 2008

There are reports in the peninsula that Juventus are ready to join the battle to sign Arsenal malcontent William Gallas.

The French international is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium in January after being stripped of the captaincy for publicly critcising his club.

Milan had been widely tipped to make an offer for Gallas, but it seems they may have Serie A competitors in the race for his signature.

According to Sportmediaset, Juve boss Claudio Ranieri is keen to be reunited with the man he worked with at Chelsea in 2001.

The 31-year-old would bring some valuable experience as the Old Lady enter the crucial phase of the Champions League.

While Gallas would probably welcome the transfer in principle, his wages may prove a stumbling block as Juve have a strict salary structure.

[dreamer75]

Ranieri: Juve don't give up Sunday 7 December, 2008

Claudio Ranieri hailed Juventus' hard-fought victory at Lecce as “very important” for the Scudetto and praised Sebastian Giovinco.

“This is a very important win. We knew it would be tough, but after the goal we perhaps were a little over-confident and conceded the equaliser,” he said of the last-gasp 2-1 result at the Via del Mare.

“In any case, we wanted to win and did it, even if it was at the last minute. Lecce make you suffer and we weren't the only ones who have had trouble here.”

An injury crisis ruled out Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta on top of the usual suspects, so Giovinco was given a rare start in an attacking role and scored the opener with a sublime free kick.

“Giovinco played a great game, was decisive in every part of the field and in every move,” smiled Ranieri.

“The club has been focusing on its youth team for two years now. He and the other youngsters are very strong, but clearly they cannot all get the playing time they want right away.”

The victory allows Juventus to maintain the six-point gap from leaders Inter and keeps them on level terms with Milan.

The two joint runners-up go head-to-head next weekend in what is sure to be a spectacular showdown, but Nicola Legrottaglie and Gennaro Gattuso will be suspended.

“We cannot and will not give up the Scudetto race. The pressure is on the others to win, but I repeat that I won't be happy with second place.

“Del Piero will have no problem being fit for that game. We only left him out as a precautionary measure and I'd say he'll play against BATE Borisov, too.”

[dreamer75]

Juventus - Bate Borisov

UEFA Champions League

Turin, Olympic Stadium - December 10th, h. 20.45

[dreamer75]

decent win from the team, although i didn't watch the game very well cause of that stream.

Its obvious we weren't at our best going forward and thats understandable with us especially the line up fielded. But the defense was very poor after gio scored. Three consecutive absolute horror pieces of defending and one of them was the goal. I don't care what type of tactic was played as it was basic marking on two occasions which is really annoying. Our defense should be better than this overall. Chiellini needs to communicate more with his teammates as several times they lose concentration and leave him hanging.

On a positive note, our youngesters played well. Gio was the only player who actually making a difference going forward and scored a very good free kick. Marchisio played better in retrieving the ball but was a bit indifferent going forward except for a very good mini run with a pass to find de Ceglie. I still think we won't see his best until he gets someone next to him who passes the ball better than he does as currently he cannot wear that burden. Finally De Ceglie, who produced that cross for the goal.

Lecce are never easy at home and with Berreta they're even tougher because his teams defend very well and have at least one creative player to cause problems on the counter.

So overall it was a good result, moving on to BATE.

[Cissiboy]

yes best result for a quite poor performance. Nevermind, better have 3 pts mor in the table :-)
Giovinco played great !


Now a 2-0 against Bate and all's well that ends well

[dreamer75]

Match highlights (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTgyMzk4MjA=.html)

[dreamer75]

yes best result for a quite poor performance. Nevermind, better have 3 pts mor in the table :-)
Giovinco played great !


Now a 2-0 against Bate and all's well that ends well

ya, 3 pts in the bag :D

[Cissiboy]

0-0

most boring match of the season so far...I could have slept..

Giovinco missed a penalty kick..they are still searching the ball..he kicked it somewhere in Turin's suburbs..

;-)

[dreamer75]

Amauri hopes he will be the only Brazilian celebrating at the end of tonight’s Juventus-Milan fireworks display.

The Rossoneri have a very Selecao flavour to them with Ronaldinho, Kaka and Alexandre Pato upfront.

“I hope Juve’s only Brazilian gets on the scoresheet,” grinned Amauri. “Hopefully an overhead kick, even if I bet this dream will come in another occasion, when I least expect it.

“Of course this is going to be a difficult game, as Milan are far more than Ronaldinho and Kaka. Having said that, you really can’t stop Kaka when he has the ball at his feet and he runs at opponents. He is an extraordinary player.”

The former Palermo star came so close to signing for Milan in the summer, but opted for Turin instead.

“I made the right choice. Juve were the first ones to show interest and the only club to truly believe in me.”

Kaka is an injury doubt for tonight’s match, while Juve are missing Mauro Camoranesi and the suspended Nicola Legrottaglie on top of the usual absentees.

“We have to go for the victory, but not make an obsession out of it. Juve-Milan won’t decide the title and whoever wins will take a step forward, but can be cancelled out pretty quickly,” continued Amauri.

“All we can do is try to score more goals than our opponents. You can beat Milan by putting in the perfect performance and making as few mistakes as possible, which is what Juve have done recently.

“We have the right mentality and we showed that against Inter too, even though we did not take home any points. The only negative from that night was the result.”

The 1-0 defeat at San Siro is the main reason Juventus are currently six points adrift of leaders Inter, tied in second place with Milan and Napoli.

[dreamer75]

UEFA chief Michel Platini tried to keep neutral ahead of tonight's clash, but couldn't resist letting his Juventus past creep in.

“I am the President of UEFA, I have to remain neutral, so I say may the best team win,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Of course if that happens to be Juve, then I'll be even happier…”

Platini was a hero for the Bianconeri in the 1980s and still has a special place for the club in his heart.

“It was all very different in my day. When I arrived, Milan were in Serie B. At that time the battle was between Juve and Roma, then Juve and Napoli.”

This weekend there are two top ties in La Liga and Serie A, as Barcelona-Real Madrid was also on the fixture list.

“If someone were to watch both, they'd get an idea of what football truly is. They are two different styles and philosophies, but do not ask me which I prefer,” continued Platini.

“I cannot choose because I love players, not tactical systems. I see the protagonists: Ronaldinho and Kaka, Pavel Nedved and Alessandro Del Piero, Leo Messi and Thierry Henry or Raul.”

The Champions League Final will be on Italian soil this season and the UEFA President assures there is no doubt Rome's Stadio Olimpico is going to host.

“I would love to remove the barriers in the stands, but if we don't do that then of course we won't take the Final away from Rome. We'll try and if it works then we'll be even happier.

“Every time it is played in Rome, an Italian side reaches the Final. So why wouldn't that be the case in May?

“One of Inter, Roma and Juve can make it. It's going to be a great Champions League right from the second round, as the runners-up in the groups can cause upsets.”

[dreamer75]

Claudio Ranieri reiterated the Juventus-Milan is “the real derby d’Italia,” but Mauro Camoranesi won’t make it.

The 2006 World Cup winner was racing against time to recover from a dislocated shoulder, but is not even in the squad to face the Rossoneri on Sunday evening.

“Camoranesi can’t make it, he still has pain when he kicks the ball and goes into a challenge. We hoped he’d recover, but if he isn’t fit then we cannot force him,” said Ranieri, who also misses the suspended Nicola Legrottaglie.

“[Momo] Sissoko had a bit of a flu, but it only lasted a day and he is not in doubt. [Hasan] Salihamidzic is better and back in the side, while [Cristiano] Zanetti recovered well from the 90 minutes against BATE Borisov.”

The title of derby d’Italia has always been attributed to Juventus-Inter, but Ranieri agrees with Lapo Elkann and Andriy Shevchenko that times have changed.

“I think it’s fair to say this is the real derby d’Italia. Let’s not forget that Milan are the Club World Cup holders, so on Sunday night we are facing a top team with a capital T.

“This is not an ordinary game and for us is every bit as important as the meeting with Inter. Doing well would allow us to break three points clear of Milan and maintain the gap from Inter.

“I don’t want to say anything yet, as there is time for the Scudetto to be decided and the best side doesn’t always win.”

If the Sunday night game ends in a draw and Inter beat Chievo, the Nerazzurri will go eight points clear at the top of the table, whereas defeat would leave one of the two nine points adrift.

“Whoever loses on Sunday is not cut out of the race, but will have to work extraordinary overtime to keep up with Inter,” continued Ranieri.

“Both Juve and Milan can consider themselves rivals for the Nerazzurri. If we were to remain on our own to challenge them, it would be a less interesting season.

“It is important to have consistency, but up until now we have only been missing a great victory against a big club in Italy, the same way we beat Real Madrid in the Champions League.”

Kaka is in doubt for Sunday night’s game, but Ronaldinho has recovered after missing last week’s win over Catania.

“There are players who are worth the ticket price alone and Ronaldinho is one of them. He is capable of magic moments that light up the night, so it’s up to us to put him out.

“Gennaro Gattuso was their leader with charisma, grit and motivation, so as a fan of sport I am sorry he is injured and wish him a speedy recovery.”

Gattuso will be out of action for up to six months and will undergo knee ligament surgery on December 19.

Juventus squad: Chiellini, Mellberg, Zanetti, Salihamidzic, Amauri, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Nedved, Chimenti, Manninger, Marchisio, Giovinco, Grygera, Sissoko, Ekdal, Molinaro, De Ceglie, Marchionni, Ariaudo, Pinsoglio.

[dreamer75]

The world’s top free kick specialist, Juninho Pernambucano, gives his verdict on Alex Del Piero, Ronaldinho and the Italian who inspired him.

This Sunday’s San Siro battle will see set piece stars from Juventus and Milan face off, so Olympique Lyonnais hero Juninho will naturally be watching.

“They are both so good and very different!” he told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.

“Del Piero tends to use his strength more often and that is why he manages to make the ball move almost in a straight line.

“Ronaldinho, however, has a more subtle touch and tries to bend it as much as possible.”

Juninho is widely considered to be the world’s best free kick taker, but he took inspiration from watching Serie A as a youngster.

“At the base of it all you need a natural ability, then your work in training helps to complete your technique.

“The man who inspired me was Roberto Baggio! He was phenomenal, just incredible!”

[dreamer75]

Juventus - Milan

Stadio Olimpico

This has always been a classic Italian fixture and for the first time in a few years it is also a Scudetto showdown once again.

Milan and Juventus dominated the title race in the 1990s and some say this is the ‘real’ Derby d’Italia, but Calciopoli and the Rossoneri’s focus on Europe saw them less involved. Now that has changed and both sides are locked together in second place, six points adrift of leaders Inter. The winner will go into the Christmas break as the ‘anti-Inter’ outfit, but a draw would be disastrous for all concerned.

There are important problems for the two tacticians to deal with. Gennaro Gattuso is probably out for the rest of the season after sustaining knee ligament damage, although he would have been suspended for this fixture anyway. He joins an injury list that includes Marco Borriello, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Daniele Bonera, Alessandro Nesta and possibly Ronaldinho. The Brazilian missed last week’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Catania, but has a good chance of recovery from his muscular problems, as do Seedorf and Pirlo.

“We will recover several players over the course of the week and we really need them, especially in midfield, as otherwise we cannot try to be competitive against the Bianconeri,” commented Carlo Ancelotti. Late fitness tests will be the order of the day, but Mathieu Flamini should again start.

Juventus, of course, are no less battered by fitness issues and have been all season. David Trezeguet, Gianluigi Buffon, Hasan Salihamidzic, Christian Poulsen, Tiago Mendes and Jonathan Zebina are the usual suspects, but Nicola Legrottaglie’s ban only adds to their woes. Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta are back after skipping the last-gasp victory at Lecce as a precautionary measure.

This means that Sebastian Giovinco is destined for the bench again a week after finally scoring his first Serie A goal in a Bianconeri jersey. Mauro Camoranesi hopes to recover in time from a dislocated shoulder, but if not then Marco Marchionni will take the right flank. Olof Mellberg is set to partner Giorgio Chiellini in central defence due to Legrottaglie’s ban.

There are other intriguing aspects to this match, as Gianluca Zambrotta, Christian Abbiati and Emerson are facing their former club. The injury crisis allows Andriy Shevchenko to get another start upfront, as he is still looking for his ‘debut’ Serie A goal after netting for Milan in the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia.

Confidence could be key in this match and Ranieri has certainly got more of it at the moment. The 1-0 defeat at Inter seems to have been a blip, interrupting a run of nine wins and a draw in all competition. The Diavolo, on the other hand, have been stuttering and the performance against Catania was not enough to banish the demons of their recent thrashing at Palermo.

Last season the Stadio Olimpico in Turin witnessed a blistering 3-2 Juve victory with Inzaghi and Salihamidzic bagging a brace apiece after Bonera’s dismissal. Milan hadn’t lost here since Marco Di Vaio and Lilian Thuram secured a 2-1 result in 2002, but their last win was 3-1 in March 2004 with Shevchenko and a Seedorf double. It is traditionally a high-scoring game with 114 goals for Juve and 89 for the Rossoneri in 73 top-flight meetings.

Keep an eye on: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus) – The well-rested captain will be eager to maintain his current scoring rate and is an old hand at this classic fixture.

Last season: Juventus 3-2 Milan

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

Juventus (probable): Manninger; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni, Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero

Milan (probable): Abbiati; Zambrotta, Kaladze, Maldini, Jankulovski; Flamini, Emerson, Ambrosini; Kaka; Pato, Shevchenko

Ref: To follow…

[dreamer75]

Juventus-Milan Preview; Il Vero Derby d’Italia

http://juventus.theoffside.com/team-news/juventus-milan-preview-il-vero-derby-ditalia.html#more-782

[dreamer75]

Excellent win by us!!!

FT Juventus [4 - 2] AC Milan

16' [1 - 0] A.D. Piero (pen.)

31' [1 - 1] A. Pato

34' [2 - 1] G. Chiellini

41' [3 - 1] Amauri

52' [3 - 2] M. Ambrosini

69' [4 - 2] Amauri

[Cissiboy]

DEMOLITION JUVE !!!!


Amazing game, fantastic performance..Milan's defense too weak (and old) for our superfast gameplay !

SUPERB VICTORY

[deathan9el]

din catch de match .. but oh well ..

FORZA JUVE !!! :D

[dreamer75]

Match Highlights (http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTk2Nzg5MzY=.html)

First Half
(http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTk2NDcyOTY=.html)

Second Half
(http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTk2NTA1ODg=.html)

[kurtx]

yes we won!!

[dreamer75]

Last 16 draw:

Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter v Manchester United

[dreamer75]

CL: England v Italy in last 16! Friday 19 December, 2008

It's England v Italy in the Champions League last 16 as Juventus draw Chelsea, Roma get Arsenal and Inter meet Manchester United.

Juventus conquered Real Madrid to win Group H, but were harshly treated as they drew the West London giants, who Ranieri led between 2000 and 2004.

Roma, who beat Chelsea to win Group A, have also been paired with London giants in Arsenal.

But arguably the pick of the round sees Jose Mourinho's Inter take on European champions Manchester United.

Inter were left to rue finishing second in their group after a costly defeat against Werder Bremen, but the Special One had claimed that he wanted an English tie.

The first legs will be played on February 24 and 25 with return matches on March 10 and 11.

[dreamer75]

Last 16 draw:

Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter v Manchester United

Will be a tough match against Chelsea ..

[dreamer75]

Ranieri relishes Chelsea return Friday 19 December, 2008

Juventus boss Claudio Ranieri has reacted positively to drawing his former side Chelsea in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri won Group H ahead of Real Madrid, but they face a real challenge in the next round.

The game will have a special significance for Ranieri, who led Chelsea between 2000 and 2004 before being replaced with Jose Mourinho.

“It will be a great test and a very interesting one,” Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

“Like all games between Italy and England it will be great to see how calcio fares against the money men.

“Chelsea are one of the favourites to lift the trophy and they only lost the Final on penalties last year.

“This will be a stimulating game and I'm sure Chelsea won't be happy that they have drawn Juve.

“On a personal level, I only want to thank Roman Abramovich because working under him was the first time I could ask for any player and not worry about money.

“You don't forget four years, but I'm just focused on taking Juventus through,” he concluded.

[Cissiboy]

tough match indeed...but honestly there is hope..little but there is hope !

[dreamer75]

What: Serie A, Round 17
Who: Atalanta - Juventus
When: Sunday, December 21, 2008, 15:00CET
Where: Stadio Atleti D'Italia, Bergamo, Italy
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Atalanta Looking To Build

Luigi Delneri has calmed the waters at the Stadio Atleti D’Italia this term and his side are on course in Europe. Their run has been so decent that fans have every right to dream about a Champions League spot seeing that the Orobici are just six points off fourth place.

Juventus come to town on Sunday and, although the Nerazzurri are in top form, they have lost to all of the so called ‘big teams’ so far this season. Roma, Fiorentina and Milan have all dispatched Atalanta to defeats and thus the players will not really fancy their chances against a Bianconeri team coming off the back of a 4-2 demolition of the Rossoneri.

However, Del Neri will look back over the last few weeks and he can take comfort from the last three results which have all been positive. A 2-0 win over Lazio in week 15 was followed by a 3-0 hammering of Udinese and last weekend the Bergamaschi were unlucky not to have come away with maximum points against Genoa as a 1-1 draw at Marassi saw their match-winning streak come to an abrupt end.

Much of their success this season has been down to one Sergio Floccari. The hit-man had limited opportunities last term following his arrival at Messina but he has already equalled his goal scoring tally from last year, scoring eight goals so far for his side. The Vibo Valentia-born striker is eyeing a call up from Marcello Lippi and if he carries on banging in the goals, then you can be sure the World Cup winning coach will take a look.

Atalanta have hit 20 so far but their defence is looking a little shaky with 16 goals shipped in as many games in Serie A. However, their home form is good. Six wins, a loss, and a draw which, ironically, is the same as Juve’s form in Turin. The Bianconeri will need to pay close attention though as the Nerazzurri have scored 14 and conceded just four at the Atleti D’Italia stadium.

Del Neri is hoping his side can build up their good form as he looks for a way into Europe and, if they can beat Juve, then they will have a good chance of moving onwards and upwards.

Juventus Chasing The Leaders

The Bianconeri silenced their critics last week as a 4-2 win over a resilient Milan in Turin saw the Scudetto race being whittled down to just two real candidates. Claudio Ranieri’s side are six points off the pace in Serie A and, with Inter facing a potential banana skin away to Siena this weekend, that gap can be slashed to just three points with a win.

Although Juve will fancy their chances, away form doesn’t make happy reading at Vinovo. Just four wins with two defeats and a couple of draws seems to suggest that Juventus, like a delivering milk float, will lose the Scudetto on the road this season.

Only nine goals scored and six conceded will see the opposition smile on Sunday. Although goals have been hard to find this term, Amauri is beginning to pay back some of the €24.8 million Juve paid for him, albeit with some prolific strikes in the box.

The Italo-Brazilian, who may represent Italy in two months, has found the net 10 times this season. Alessandro Del Piero has struck five. Scoring needs to improve for the Old Lady and the game against Atalanta is the perfect chance for some end of the year shooting practice.

Juventus can take comfort that Atalanta have not beaten them in any of the last six games against each other. The Turin-based side are kings of this clash as they can boast a five wins and one draw record. Last season’s game ended 4-0 to the Old Lady while in total, Juve have blasted 13 goals against the Bergamaschi while Delneri’s side have only managed to hit three goals against La Vecchia Signora.

The odds are heavily stacked in Ranieri’s favour but Atalanta’s recent resurgence, plus an on-going injury problem in Vinovo, means you can bet this will not be an easy ride.

Form Guide

Atalanta

December 14: Genoa 1-1 Atalanta (Serie A)

December 7: Atalanta 3-0 Udinese (Serie A)

November 30: Atalanta 2-0 Lazio (Serie A)

November 23: Reggina 3-1 Atalanta (Serie A)

November 16: Atalanta 3-1 Napoli (Serie A)

Juventus

December 14: Juventus 4-2 Milan (Serie A)

December 7: Lecce 1-2 Juventus (Serie A)

November 29: Juventus 4-0 Reggina (Serie A)

November 22: Inter 1-0 Juventus (Serie A)

November 13: Juventus 4-1 Genoa (Serie A)

Team News:

Atalanta

Thomas Manfredini is looking doubtful for the game on Sunday after picking up a knock in the friendly game against Brusaporto during the week. Antonino D’Agostino, Luca Cigarini and Alessio Cerci are all injured for Delneri while Giampaolo Bellini and Claudio Rivalta miss the game through a one match suspension.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-1-1: Coppola, Garics, Talamonti, Manfredini, Capelli, Ferriera Pinto, Padoin, Guarente, Valdes, Doni, Floccari.

Juventus

Vincenzo Iaquinta and Mauro Camoranesi are almost certain to miss the trip to Bergamo after both players pulled out of training with injury on Thursday morning. Gianluigi Buffon has returned to full training but he is not expected to return until the new year. Jorge Andrade, Jonathan Zebina, Dario Knezevic, Christian Poulsen, Pavel Nedved, and Zdenek Grygera are all injured. Ranieri has no suspensions to deal with.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-2: Manninger, Salihamidzic, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro, Marchionni, Sissoko, Marchisio, De Ceglie, Del Piero, Amauri.

Players To Watch

Atalanta: Keep a look out for Sergio Floccari. The prolific hit-man will be the dangerman for his side. His runs into the box are always unpredictable and he has a decent shot on him too.

Juventus: Amauri is in hot form at the moment and he will be looking to keep in touch with the with the Capocannoniere leaders. His aerial ability is likely to give the Orobici some problems.

Prediction

These games are always tight and a repeat of last year’s 4-0 result is unlikely. Juve’s injury problems will boost Atalanta’s chances but the Old Lady has a young and ambitious side who will fight. Alessandro Del Piero said he wanted to finish the year on a high and he will lead the charge. Points will be going back to Turin come Sunday night.

Atalanta 1-2 Juventus

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

FT Atalanta [1 - 3] Juventus

30' [0 - 1] A.D. Piero

38' [0 - 2] N. Legrottaglie

48' [1 - 2] C. Vieri

82' [1 - 3] Amauri

[dreamer75]

Week 17 - 21/12/08

Atalanta - Juventus 1-3
Cagliari - Reggina 1-1
Catania - Roma 3-2
Chievo - Genoa 0-1
Lazio - Palermo 1-0
Lecce - Bologna 0-0
Milan - Udinese 5-1
Samp - Fiorentina 0-1
Siena - Inter 1-2
Torino - Napoli 1-0

[dreamer75]

Atalanta 1 - 3 Juventus
Del Piero 30 (J), Legrottaglie 37 (J), Vieri 48 (A), Amauri 79 (J)

Stadio Azzurri d'Italia


Alessandro Del Piero is the Capocannoniere of 2008, having scored 20 Serie A goals in the calendar year and helped Juventus to a hard-fought victory in Bergamo.

The Bianconeri already knew Inter were Winter Champions after last night's controversial win at Siena, so needed a victory to stay within six points. That would be no mean feat, as Atalanta had failed to win on only two occasions at the Azzurri d'Italia this season, conceding four goals in eight games.

The injury crisis remained with Mauro Camoranesi, Pavel Nedved, Zdenek Grygera and Vincenzo Iaquinta joining David Trezeguet, Gigi Buffon, Christian Poulsen, Tiago Mendes and Dario Knezevic on the sidelines. Gianpaolo Bellini and Claudio Rivalta sat out bans for the home side, while Coach Gigi Del Neri had curiously lost all 11 of his career encounters with Juventus.

Cristiano Doni's splendid free kick shaved a coat of paint off the upright with Alex Manninger rooted to the spot. Moments later the Austrian goalkeeper was called into action to deny a Sergio Floccari screamer after Giorgio Chiellini slipped in the area.

Chiellini put the ball in the back of the net, but he was correctly flagged offside. It was all Atalanta early on, though, and Floccari's free header was over. In a curious moment, Manninger asked those behind the goal for a hat as the sun was in his eyes, but it had a large Atalanta club symbol on the front. He later managed to get a Juventus hat instead.

Manninger smothered a Floccari strike, but Juventus broke the deadlock. Marco Marchionni may have been offside when he gathered down the right, but he rolled across for Alessandro Del Piero to tap in after a double defensive error failed to block the assist. It was Del Piero's 20th Serie A goal in 2008.

That goal changed the course of the match, as Juventus took control and doubled their advantage. A corner kick found Nicola Legrottaglie for a looping header from six yards that slotted into the top corner despite Coppola getting his fingertips to it.

Former Juventus star Christian Vieri came on for the second half and it proved an inspired substitution, as within three minutes he had got Atalanta back into the game. He got his powerful header to a corner from seven yards and Manninger could do nothing about it.

That fired up the Orobici again and Floccari had penalty appeals waved away, but he had every reason to complain as he appeared to be tripped by Marchionni in the area.

Chiellini required what was effectively a goalline clearance, as Floccari's cutback beat everyone but found no Atalanta teammates in support.

Del Piero's free kick was held and Chiellini charged down an attempt from Diego De Ascentis.

There was tension as both sides tried to get the goal, but Amauri made the point safe late on with his cushioned header from six yards on a Marchionni free kick from the right. Amauri is the second top scorer of 2008 with 19 goals.

Claudio Marchisio was fortunate to avoid a red card for his very late tackle on Floccari, so Claudio Ranieri substituted the youngster to avoid further problems.

Atalanta: Coppola; Garics, Talamonti (De Ascentis 46), Pellegrino, Manfredini; Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, Padoin, Valdes (Vieri 46); Doni; Floccari

Juventus: Manninger; Mellberg, Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Molinaro; Marchionni, Sissoko, Marchisio (Zanetti 86), De Ceglie (Salihamidzic 74); Amauri, Del Piero

Ref: Farina

[dreamer75]

Claudio Ranieri: “Our first goal was clearly offside, but we deserved the three points. We controlled a team that was in great shape.”

[dreamer75]

Juventus closed the gap on leaders Inter to six points, as goals from Alessandro Del Piero, Nicola Legrottaglie and Amauri saw off a spirited Atalanta side.

Atalanta 1 - 3 Juventus
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Juventus travelled to Bergamo knowing that they really needed to win in order to cut Inter's lead at the top back down to six points.

However, Claudio Ranieri's crippling injury list had lengthened as he was without Andrade, Zebina, Trezeguet, Buffon, Knezevic, Poulsen, Tiago, Camoranesi, Nedved, and Iaquinta. Youngsters Paolo De Ceglie and Claudio Marchisio kept their places, while Alex Del Piero partnered Amauri up-front.

Atalanta had an excellent home record, having won six and drawn one of their eight matches at the Azzurri d'Italia before today. The Nerazzurri once again looked towards star attacking duo Cristiano Doni and Sergio Floccari, but they were without the injured D'Agostino and Cigarini, as well as the suspended Bellini and Rivalta.

First Half

Atalanta almost scored within the first couple of minutes as Cristiano Doni whipped a free kick over the wall that curled just centimetres past the post.

Alex Manninger then came to Juventus' rescue with a great reflex save from Floccari, who had pounced on Giorgio Chiellini's slip.

Juventus had the ball in the back of the net on 10 minutes as Chiellini headed home from Marco Marchionni's cross, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

However, minutes later, Floccari missed a glorious chance to put Atalanta ahead, as he headed over unmarked from six yards.

Floccari was causing Chiellini all kinds of problems, and a brilliant 'Cruyff turn' on 20 minutes left the defender for dead, and ended with Manninger being forced into another smart save at his near post.

Juve were only threatening off set-pieces, and Chiellini twice headed wide from corners, while Amauri nodded over from a free kick.

Bang on the half-hour mark Juventus broke the deadlock with their first serious attack from open play. Momo Sissoko released Marchionni down the right, and the winger crossed into the box for Del Piero to tap home. The home side protested, claiming that Marchionni was offside, and replays, although not providing the correct camera angle, suggested they may have had a point.

Atalanta failed to recover from this setback, and seven minutes later they fell further behind. Nicola Legrottaglie soared above his man from Del Piero's corner and produced an unstoppable header past Ferdinando Coppola.

The remainder of the half played out without too much drama, as Juventus went in at the break two goals to the good.

Second Half

Atalanta coach Gigi Delneri made two changes at half time, introducing Christian Vieri and Diego De Ascentis for Talamonti and Valdes.

It was an inspired move as three minutes later Vieri headed home from a left-wing corner to re-open the game.

The home side were rampant at the start of the second half, and Floccari asked for a penalty as he ran past Marchionni and Mellberg, but the referee turned his head.

Juve really had a game on, and upped the tempo, with Amauri forcing a save out of Coppola with a bicycle kick.

Floccari was still a real danger though and he latched onto Tiberio Guarente's pass, but shot straight at Manninger from an impossible angle.

However, with 10 minutes remaining, Juventus closed the game for certain, as Amauri rose above his man at the back post to head past Coppola from Marchionni's free kick.

There was little else to report from the remainder of the game, as Atalanta accepted their fate. Juventus close the gap on leaders Inter to six points, and can now enjoy their Christmas and New Years Holidays.

Teams

Atalanta: Coppola, Garics, Talamonti (De Ascentis 46), Manfredini, Pellegrino, Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, Padoin, Valdes (Vieri 46), Doni, Floccari

Juventus: Manninger, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro, Camoranesi, Marchisio (Zanetti 87), Sissoko, De Ceglie (Salihamidzic 73), Del Piero, Amauri

Goals

Del Piero 30 (J)
Legrottaglie 37 (J)
Vieri 48 (A)
Amauri 80 (J)

Anthony Sormani

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Manninger - 7.5: Single-handedly stopped Floccari with two excellent saves from the Atalanta frontman. Has been a great fill-in for Buffon.

Mellberg - 6.5: Looked a bit awkward stuck out on the right, but nevertheless did his job well.

Legrottaglie - 8.0: A contender for man-of-the-match along with Amauri. Won every challenge he went in for, and scored down the other end with a header.

Chiellini - 6.0: Struggled against Floccari in the first half, but was back to his best after the break, even if he was marking Vieri when the veteran got Atalanta back in the game.

Molinaro - 7.0: Has shown signs of improvement recently, and comfortably dealt with Ferreira Pinto this afternoon.

Marchionni - 7.5: A protagonist in Bergamo, providing the assists for the first and last goals.

Marchisio - 6.0: Outstanding against Milan, not so much today. At times he was overshadowed by former Under-21 team-mate Guarente.

Sissoko - 7.0: Not at his dominant best, but still impressive. A great reverse pass to Marchionni in build-up to Del Piero goal. Who said Sissoko couldn't pass? Only me!

De Ceglie - 6.0: Did his defensive duties down the left flank, but could not match the attacking potential he showed against Milan.

Del Piero - 7.0: Off-the-pace for large spells, but despite this he still managed a goal and an assist.

Amauri - 8.0: A beast of a striker, holding the ball up brilliantly, with defenders bouncing off him. Sealed the game with a well-deserved goal.

Subs: Salihamidzic 6.0, Zanetti N/A

Carlo Garganese

[seochatJP]

Welcome to seochat.jp The resource for do it yourself SEO (http://www.seochat.jp)...where search engine optimization is looked at from a different perspective.Take the time to browse the SEO Tips website and learn SEO for yourself.Do it yourself SEO has never felt so good.Learn SEO.SEOchat.jp! Your choice!

[dreamer75]

Happy New Year to all Juve fans!! :)

[dreamer75]

Ranieri happy with Giovinco Thursday 15 January, 2009

Juventus Coach Claudio Ranieri looks set to give Sebastian Giovinco more playing time after the 21-year-old inspired the Bianconeri to victory in the Coppa Italia last night.

Giovinco scored Juventus’ second goal in their 3-0 win over Catania to book the club’s place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

“I should give him more continuity,” admitted Ranieri who has handed Giovinco just three starts in Serie A so far this season.

“He played a good game, but, then again, the team is doing well. The solution whereby Giovinco is Pavel Nedved’s deputy would be comfortable, but it’s not his normal position.”

Ranieri then explained why he chose not to rest his first choice strike partnership of Amauri and Alessandro Del Piero ahead of this weekend’s match away to Lazio.

“I wanted the pair to play because they needed concentration,” said Ranieri. “The Christmas break has been long and my fear was that the lads would be a little lost.”

Amauri and Del Piero played the full 90 minutes while goalkeeper Gigi Buffon made his competitive return after a long stint on the sidelines with back and thigh trouble.

Juventus are currently Italy’s form team. The Bianconeri are second in Serie A just four points behind Inter and have won their last six games.

[dreamer75]

Juve hunt new Pato Thursday 15 January, 2009

Juventus are scouring South America for the next big thing after watching 19-year-old Alexandre Pato [pictured] blossom at rivals Milan.

According to Tuttosport, Renzo Castagnini, Juventus’ chief scout, is on his way to Caracas, Venezuela for the Sub 20, a talent rich youth tournament.

Castagnini attended the Sub 20 last year and discovered Edison Cavani. His club, Danubio, fixed his price at £5m, but Juventus were unwilling to take a chance on him.

Cavani has since joined Palermo while Juventus have changed their philosophy and are now willing to gamble on youth.

This year, the Bianconeri have their sights set on Dentinho, a 19-year-old Brazilian striker who plays alongside Ronaldo at Corinthians.

Real Madrid are also interested in his signature and have been quoted a price of £20m for the youngster’s services.

The Spanish giants have stalled, though, believing the player’s value overly inflated. Juventus are reportedly willing to join Real and bid for Dentinho should he become cheaper.

[dreamer75]

Buffon wary of Chelsea threat Friday 16 January, 2009

Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon isn't underestimating Champions League opponents Chelsea despite their recent woes.

The Old Lady qualified top of Group H by triumphing over Real Madrid and face Chelsea in the last 16.

Chelsea have been far from convincing recently and lost 3-0 to Premier League rivals Manchester United with suggestions that the camp is in turmoil.

“I am wary of Chelsea even though they are having some difficulties,” Buffon said in La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It's true that Chelsea are less fearsome than they have been at any other point over the last five years.

“However, this will be a really hard test for us. We will need to play to win, even at Stamford Bridge, but we know we can get the result we want.”

[dreamer75]

Juventus Should Sign Hamsik - Nedved's Agent

Inter, Juve and Milan missed the boat when they failed to sign the Partenopei star, according to his former representative...

Pavel Nedved's agent Mino Raiola has told Juventus to sign Napoli star Marek Hamsik as the Czech international's replacement should he retire at the end of the season.

Reports from Italy have sent out conflicting messages over Nedved's future. Speculation that he will retire is rife as Juve have yet to offer him a new deal. However, on Monday, Turin-based Tuttosport claimed the Bianconeri were working towards an arrangement.

In any case, Raiola, who used to be Hamsik's agent, has told the Italian side that the Partenopei midfielder will be an ideal solution to the big Nedved question.

"I think the closest to Nedved is Hamsik," Raiola told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"Inter, Juve and Milan all made mistakes with him as they snubbed the chance when I was his agent.

"Juve should be worried about the Nedved situation."

The Bianconeri clash with Lazio this weekend and the veteran midfielder is likely to return to the fray after being rested during the week.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

LA Galaxy Chasing Juventus Captain Del Piero - Agent

After the coup of signing David Beckham, MLS outfit LA Galaxy reportedly eyeing up a €38 million move for Juventus legend Alessando Del Piero.

Turin newspaper Tuttosport reports this morning that the Los Angeles Galaxy have approached Juventus with a sensational bid to sign Alessandro Del Piero.

The USA team are allegedly hoping to pair the 2006 World Cup winner with David Beckham, who is expected to return from his loan spell at Milan next March.

The bid is believed to be in the region of €38 million but it is highly unlikely that the Juve captain will be prised away from the Stadio Olimpico, at least not before 2010, as the 34-year-old striker is eager to have his international swan song at the World Cup in South Africa. It is envisaged that a move to America would enormously jeopardize his chances of getting a call-up from Italian national coach Marcello Lippi.

Sky Italia claims today that Premier League side Manchester City are also pondering a move for Alex, as well as 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Juventus Duo Chiellini And Camoranesi To Miss Lazio

Claudio Ranieri will have to shuffle his pack for the Lazio clash as both Chiellini and Camoranesi are ruled out...

Juventus have been dealt a double blow ahead of their big clash against Lazio on Sunday as both Girogio Chiellini and Mauro Camoranesi have been ruled out.

Juventus returned to training this morning and they were greeted by heavy fog and below zero temperatures. However, it was bad news for both Italian internationals as neither have recovered from their various injuries. Chiellini was rested against Catania in midweek following a muscular problem, but he has not recovered in time and so misses out. Camoranesi will also remain at home.

Vincenzo Iaquinta is looking doubtful, and his condition will be analysed during tomorrow's final training session. Zdenek Grygera is suspended and thus he will also stay back.

It's not the news coach Claudio Ranieri wanted to hear as Lazio will be a tricky away test for the Bianconeri.

The Turin-based club are chasing Inter in the Serie A race and the loss of both Camoranesi and Chiellini is likely to affect their game plan.

Marco Marchionni is likely to keep his place on the right wing after his good showing in midweek.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Gigli: Juventus Would Not Sell Del Piero For 120 Million

Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli gave his opinion on Manchester City’s gargantuan offer for Milan star Kaká, saying that if Juve ever got a 120 million euro offer for one of their stars, he would not give in.


“What if Manchester City offered us 120 million for [Gianluigi] Buffon or [Alessandro] Del Piero? We have never received an offer for Buffon,” he said. “Juventus would never allow Del Piero to leave, he is the star, and he would never be interested in leaving Turin. We wouldn’t sell him for 120 million euros.


“In any case, I think those kinds of investments are beyond any logic in a period where the world economy has to redimension itself.”


Asked what he would do in Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani’s place, Cobolli Gigli said: “He has too much experience for me to be able to step into his shoes. I saw him today, he is always calm, whether he wins, loses, or is involved in negotiations.”


If Kaká’s transfer to Manchester City does go through, it would be the most expensive in football history, with the previous record being the 75 million euros Real Madrid paid Juventus for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

— Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=goal_gigli_juventus_would&prov=goal&type=lgns

[Cissiboy]

dunno what to do tomorrow night...wake up or sleep ??

[dreamer75]

dunno what to do tomorrow night...wake up or sleep ??

wake up to support juve!!! :D

[dreamer75]

Lazio - Juventus

Stadio Olimpico

Week 19 offers Serie A viewers a classic clash between Lazio and Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The Biancocelesti are chasing a UEFA Cup spot this season while the Bianconeri are aiming for the title.

Lazio approach this game on the back of two consecutive wins and collected a super victory in Calabria against Reggina at the weekend. The Capitolini now lie seventh in the table with 30 points, two behind duo Fiorentina and Genoa and three behind Napoli.

“This team is returning to playing high level football and I am convinced we can do well,” said Delio Rossi. “I believe Tommaso Rocchi, Goran Pandev and Mauro Zarate can play together – they just need to collaborate.”

Meanwhile, Juventus come from a brilliant weekend, which saw them reduce the gap between themselves and Inter to only four points. Perhaps their 1-0 win over Siena wasn’t their best performance of the season, yet the Bianconeri still delivered in front of their fans.

“Siena didn’t deserve to lose and could have drew against us,” stated Claudio Ranieri at the end of the game. “We are lucky enough to have our captain who is in top form at the moment. Inter are not that far away but we need to focus on ourselves – it is not important what they do as long as we keep on winning.”

Christian Manfredini will be out for this game as well as Sebastiano Siviglia and Francelino Matuzalem. Mobido Diakite, who has been linked to Arsenal recently, should start in defence while French starlet Mourad Meghni will take his place in midfield. In attack Rossi could risk the Za-Pa-Ro trio.

After a long absence Gianluigi Buffon should return to defend the Old Lady’s net for this important away clash despite Alexander Manninger being decisive against Siena. Olof Mellberg will play on the right as Zdenek Grygera is suspended.

Giorgio Chiellini will also return in defence while Claudio Marchisio should be preferred to Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen. Alessandro Del Piero will be starting up front alongside Brazilian ace Amauri. The duo has scored 18 Serie A goals collectively this term.

Keep an eye on: Alex Del Piero (Juventus) – The Bianconeri legend added another fantastic performance to his campaign by netting an amazing free-kick against the Senesi. Lazio and Juan Pablo Carrizo are likely to be his next victims.

Last season: Lazio 2-3 Juventus

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

Lazio (probable): Carrizo; De Silvestri, Diakite, Rozehnal, Radu; Dabo, Ledesma, Meghni; Pandev, Rocchi, Zarate

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved; Del Piero, Amauri

Ref: To follow…

[dreamer75]

Italian Serie A
Lazio vs Juventus

http://cache.images.soccerway.com/new/teams/150x150/1245.gifhttp://cache.images.soccerway.com/new/teams/150x150/1242.gif

Italian Serie A
Lazio vs Juventus




Juventus are putting on a real chase now on Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan. Managing to capitalize on Inter Milan's slip-ups, Juventus find themselves just 4 points behind the leaders, with a goal difference to match as well. They travel to Lazio today looking to make it 6 Serie A wins in a row. Prior to today's game, they have beaten Reggina, Lecce, AC Milan, Atalanta and Siena. They must not underestimate Lazio though, because the Rome side can very much punch above their weight on their day. They have won their last 2 games in the League, against Palermo and Reggina. The problem with a team like Lazio is that they are not able to sustain a good run, and I feel with them not having lost in their last 3 Serie A games, a loss is imminent. They do have Goran Pandev hot on form though, with the Macedonian hitman scoring a hattrick last time out.

Lazio will be sweating over the fitness of Christian Manfredini, who has been struggling with a muscular problem. They are, however, going to have Sebastiano Siviglia and Stephan Lichtsteiner back from injuries though. Francelino Matuzalem is edging back to fitness, but this match should prove too soon. With De Silvestri and David Rozehnal at the back, Ousmane Dabo and Christian Ledesma in midfield and Mauro Zarate and Goran Pandev in attack, Lazio must feel they have the right players to cause Juventus a problem or two. For Juventus, David Trezeguet returns to training but is not expected to make the cut just yet. Giorgio Chiellini and Mauro Camoranesi will miss the game, but goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon comes back into the side. Zdenek Grygera is suspended, but Pavel Nedved and Claudio Marchishio return.

As the race to the Serie A crown hots up, the big teams will all be looking to put on a winning run. Juventus are on one such run now, and I cannot see them slipping up, albeit this game being a potential banana skin. Alessandro Del Piero has been in breathtaking form of late, and his partnership with Amauri has been one of the highlights of this season's Serie A. With the likes of Sebastien Giovinco and Claudio Marchisio breaking into the Juventus team and eager to share the limelight among Juventus's stars, the Old Lady have a lot going for them currently. Goran Pandev and Mauro Zarate will both look to help Lazio to at least a draw, and with 16 goals between them already this season in the Serie A, the Juventus defence cannot afford to let their guard down. Come the end of the day, Juventus should prevail. Afterall, they have not lost against Lazio in the last 7 games against them, and they have won the last two.

[dreamer75]

FT Lazio [1 - 1] Juventus

25' [1 - 0] C.D. Ledesma
30' [1 - 1] O. Mellberg

[dreamer75]

gd result :)

[dreamer75]

Lazio 1 - 1 Juventus
Ledesma 25 (L), Mellberg 30 (J)

Stadio Olimpico


Juventus only close the gap from Inter to three points, as Olof Mellberg cancelled out Cristian Ledesma's Lazio opener for a 1-1 draw.

The Bianconeri had the chance to close within a point of stuttering leaders Inter, but faced a tricky test at the Olimpico against a Lazio side coming off two straight wins. The trident was kicking into gear with Goran Pandev's hat-trick at Reggina last week, which was especially bad news for a Juventus defence in turmoil. With Zdenek Grygera suspended and an injury list that included Giorgio Chiellini, Gigi Buffon, Mauro Camoranesi, Hasan Salihamidzic, Jonathan Zebina, Dario Knezevic and striker David Trezeguet, they trusted youth team defender Lorenzo Ariaudo on his Serie A debut.

Lazio hadn't beaten Juve in Serie A in seven meetings, managing just two draws. The Bianconeri played with last year's blue away strip rather than the gold one, as they won here last season with that jersey. 007 actor Daniel Craig was in the stands of the Olimpico.

The home side took the initiative early on and Christian Molinaro had to clear Stefan Radu's cross before it got to Goran Pandev. Mauro Zarate's series of tricks confused three Juve defenders, but he hogged the ball too long and was eventually dispossessed.

Alex Manninger smothered a weak Lichtsteiner shot and Nicola Legrottaglie did well to block a low Zarate cross for Rocchi.

The goal was in the air and Cristian Ledesma scored it with a cheeky free kick. Manninger was expecting the cross, but the set piece floated over him and ricocheted in off the inside of the far post as he flapped weakly at it. The goalkeeper went off his line and was left stranded.

It should've been 2-0 less than 60 seconds later. Rocchi sprung the offside trap and the angled drive struck Manninger's stomach at the base of the near post, then Goran Pandev came sliding on to the loose ball and incredibly turned it over an open goal!

Juve fought back and equalised with a powerful Olof Mellberg header from Marco Marchionni's corner kick. The former Aston Villa defender was unmarked from the penalty spot and put it right between the goalkeeper and near post.

Lazio were furious when they felt Pavel Nedved had jumped with his arm high, elbowing Lichsteiner, but the defender played on with blood pouring from his nose. Nedved was then anticipated by Mourad Meghni as he ran on to a loose ball in the box.

There was a misunderstanding when Rozehnal cleared a cross from Del Piero that Juan Pablo Carrizo had called, risking an own goal.

Straight after the restart Momo Sissoko burst through the middle with a change of pace and Carrizo was at full stretch to spill it, but Diakhite' protected it from the follow-up.

Carrizo smothered a Marco Marchionni snapshot, Amauri had penalty appeals for a tussle with Lichtsteiner, who then charged down Nedved's volley. Amauri nodded over as Juve laid siege to the Lazio area in this second half.

Zarate tried to ease the pressure with a solo effort, but he fired wide after riding Sissoko's tackle. Ariaudo cut in front of Rocchi to intercept Lichtsteiner's cutback in the six-yard box. Cristian Brocchi replaced the tired Meghni.

Cristiano Zanetti's deflected strike floated over the bar and Carrizo caught Amauri's header from the resulting corner. Christian Molinaro went into the book for bringing down Zarate and will be suspended for next week's clash with Fiorentina.

Del Piero sprung the offside trap on Nedved's intelligent through ball that nutmegged Ousmane Dabo, but Carrizo was alert and rushed out to close the door.

Radu was booked for bringing down Amauri after a marvellous slalom, but at the other end Zarate was charging towards the box when he slipped under pressure from Molinaro. The Argentine was visibly irritated when he was replaced by Pasquale Foggia soon after.

Manninger rushed off his line to take the ball off Pandev's feet from seven yards. Sebastian Giovinco replaced Del Piero with nine minutes left on the clock.

Sissoko was also booked and will be banned against Fiorentina. There was a good chance when Amauri's header was charged down from eight yards.

Juventus nearly won it in spectacular fashion on 86 minutes, as Nicola Legrottaglie made a rare foray forward and his blazing volley from 25 metres - clocked at 90km/h - smacked against the upright!

At the other end Mellberg rose to prod a dangerous cross off Rocchi's head, although he was behind the Italian striker.

There was controversy deep into stoppages when Rocchi went on the counter and rolled across for Foggia to tap in at the back post, but as he came sliding in with Molinaro, he missed by inches and claimed he had been held back.
Lazio: Carrizo; Lichtsteiner, Diakhite', Rozehnal, Radu; Dabo (De Silvestri 70), Ledesma, Meghni (Brocchi 63); Pandev, Rocchi, Zarate (Foggia 77)

Juventus: Manninger; Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Ariaudo, Molinaro; Marchionni, Sissoko, Zanetti (Marchisio 70), Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero (Giovinco 81)

Ref: Morganti

[Cissiboy]

i woke up...now zombie...

anyway, as foreseen, a draw...

not a good match though..

[dreamer75]

FT Juventus [1 - 0] Fiorentina

21' [1 - 0] C. Marchisio

[dreamer75]

Wishing all Juve fans a Happy OX Year!!!!

[dreamer75]

Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina
Marchisio 20 (J)
Stadio Olimpico

Claudio Marchisio's debut Serie A goal puts Juventus temporarily top, but Fiorentina are furious with the referee. The visitors had penalty appeals, a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside and they hit the bar.

The Bianconeri were just three points off the top of the table going into this weekend. Gianluigi Buffon recovered from a flu virus to make his comeback four months after a back problem, but Momo Sissoko and Cristian Molinaro were suspended. This added to the usual injury list of David Trezeguet, Hasan Salihamidzic, Mauro Camoranesi, Tiago Mendes, Giorgio Chiellini, Jonathan Zebina and Dario Knezevic. The Viola also had absentees, as Adrian Mutu dislocated his elbow and Gianluca Comotto sat out a ban.

The rivalry between these clubs goes way back and last season Fiorentina earned a spectacular 3-2 victory in Turin, but that was their first win here since May 15, 1988. The Tuscans had lost two on the trot against Lecce and Milan, while the pressure was on Juve to catch Inter. It was the sixth anniversary of Juventus patron Gianni Agnelli's death, so his images were on the giant screens around the stadium before kick-off.

Claudio Marchisio had to clear a dangerous Luciano Zauri cross off Alberto Gilardino's head four minutes in, while Marco Marchionni went on a slalom only for his shot to be deflected over. Alessandro Del Piero attempted a spectacular chip with the outside of his right foot from just inside the box, but it was over the bar.

Stevan Jovetic was livid after he went down in the penalty area under pressure from Olof Mellberg, but the referee had a clear view and waved play on. There appeared to be contact between their toes and the Fiorentina man did little to stay on his feet, but it could easily have been a spot-kick.

Juventus took the lead soon after. Claudio Marchisio celebrated his debut Serie A goal by keeping his cool to delicately lift the angled drive over Sebastien Frey, but much of the credit goes to Del Piero for an extraordinary through ball. The disguised pass with the outside of his right foot slipped through four Fiorentina players for the on-rushing Marchisio.

Moments later Del Piero created another that Pavel Nedved flashed across the face of goal. Felipe Melo's pass over the defence allowed Gilardino to spring the offside trap, but Buffon rushed out to clear as he was lining up the shot. Mario Alberto Santana then blasted over from a promising position after a poor clearance.

Fiorentina were unlucky on 32 minutes, as Santana's towering header cracked against the crossbar. As the move continued, Buffon saved a Riccardo Montolivo follow-up and Gilardino tapped in from seven yards, but it was ruled out for an incorrect offside call. There was one Juve player - Marchionni - keeping Gila in play, but was not spotted by the linesman.

Nedved's powerful free kick whipped just past the post with Frey rooted to the spot. Del Piero set up a good chance that Cristiano Zanetti just failed to get on the end of.

On the stroke of half-time another fantastic Del Piero assist sent Marchionni clear on goal, rolling it into his path as he ran on to it, but Frey twice managed to parry the finish with an outstretched foot.

However, in stoppages a Fiorentina free kick found Per Kroldrup at the far post for a diving header, but Alessandro Gamberini got in his way and the chance went begging!

The more attack-minded Zdravko Kuzmanovic replaced Massimo Gobbi and their attitude changed, pinning Juve back with an acrobatic Gilardino overhead kick off target. Buffon had his palms stung by a Manuel Pasqual cross-shot and Jovetic ballooned the follow-up wide, as it bobbled just in front of him.

Zdenek Grygera's clumsy clearance almost wreaked havoc, but Del Piero was inspired. His surprise pass over the defence was cut back by Marchionni for Grygera, whose rocket Frey palmed over the bar.

Gilardino twice didn't get enough power to crosses and Frey smothered a dipping Del Piero free kick that almost squirmed through his legs. Marchionni cut back from the byline for Del Piero to fire over from close range after excellent build-up play from Marchisio.

Buffon showed he is back, as he performed a stunning point-blank reaction save to deny Gilardino. Santana burst down the left and crossed low for Gila to come sliding in from five yards, but Buffon parried with an outstretched foot.

Emiliano Bonazzoli replaced Santana, moving Jovetic to a trequartista role. Luciano Zauri's cross almost reached Gilardino, forcing Nicola Legottaglie into a crucial clearance. From the corner Zdenek Grygera anticipated Jovetic's shot.

The fans jeered Claudio Ranieri when Del Piero was replaced by Sebastian Giovinco and the Juventus captain looked far from happy with the decision, throwing his coat on to the ground.

Giovinco was sent clear on the counter practically from the centre-circle, but his second touch let him down and he fired at Frey. Moments later Marchionni crossed low for Amauri, who came sliding in and missed the ball by inches.

Christian Poulsen made his comeback in the final minutes and Fiorentina poured forward in stoppages, Buffon punching away a Jovetic strike after a prolonged period of pressure.
Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, De Ceglie; Marchionni, Marchisio, Zanetti (Poulsen 88), Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero (Giovinco 77)

Fiorentina: Frey; Zauri, Kroldrup, Gamberini, Pasqual; Felipe Melo, Gobbi (Kuzmanovic 46), Montolivo; Santana (Bonazzoli 72), Gilardino, Jovetic

Ref: Saccani

[dreamer75]

David Trezeguet Returns For Juve, Claudio Ranieri Confirms

The Juventus coach has spoken ahead of tomorrow's Serie A trip to Udinese, and he confirms that David Trezeguet will be available again after a long-term injury...

Juventus are chasing Serie A leaders Inter hard at the top of the table, and currently trail the Nerazzurri by three points.

Tomorrow, the Bianconeri will be hoping to pile more pressure on their rivals, as they travel to the Stadio Friuli to tackle Udinese.

"Its important for us to get the result," said Ranieri at this afternoon's press conference.

"Udinese are an excellent team but they are going through a negative period. They have the players and I am sure they will react against Juve because they want to show that they can climb out of their situation.

"We have to be ready to fight."

There is good news on the injury front for Juve, and Ranieri has confirmed that David Trezeguet, who has not played since September, will be at his disposal.

"Vincenzo Iaquinta will be available, even though he has not trained much," said the 'Tinkerman'.

"Trezeguet will be on the bench. He could be available. He has been training well and he is in the recovery phase. I will evaluate everything, then if he gives me the okay, we will we see.

"Players are returning and this could be good for us. Not long ago I had many injuries and this caused problems.

"I am hoping to have everyone 100 percent soon. Camoranesi? He still has plenty of work to do."

Ranieri also commented on the latest Jose Mourinho controversy, Brazil coach Dunga's decision to snub Amauri again, as well as the transfer links with Werder Bremen's Diego and Chelsea's Florent Malouda.

"Mourinho pressure? You should ask him that question, I cannot speak for others," Ranieri stated.

"Amauri...I agree with Dunga if it means Amauri always stays here with us.

"I am happy with Amauri...strikers are always doing well. I like Amauri because he always gives his best for the team. We know he is great.

"Diego? Malouda? I like him, there are a few players we are looking at and I will always say we like them."

Juventus defeated Fiorentina 1-0 at the weekend, and will be hoping for a similar outcome against Udinese tomorrow evening.

Anthony Sormani

[Cissiboy]

lost against a back-to-life udinese

Now Inter +6

luckily Milan 1-1 with Genoa so still +2 on Milan

Roma is coming too...

[dreamer75]

lost against a back-to-life udinese

Now Inter +6

luckily Milan 1-1 with Genoa so still +2 on Milan

Roma is coming too...

FT Udinese [2 - 1] Juventus

20' [1 - 0] F. Quagliarella

74' [2 - 0] A.D. Natale

77' [2 - 1] G. Pasquale V. Iaquinta (pen.)

[dreamer75]

Udinese 2 - 1 Juventus
Quagliarella 20 (U), Di Natale 74 (U), Iaquinta pen 77 (J)

Stadio Friuli


Juventus fall six points off the top spot after this shock defeat - their first at the Friuli in 14 years.

Claudio Ranieri's side had closed to within three points of leaders Inter and hoped to take advantage of the Friulani's crisis. Udinese had just three draws from their previous 11 games, were missing the suspended Aleksandr Lukovic and had not beaten Juve here since 1995. Alessandro Del Piero and Cristiano Zanetti were rested along with the injured Hasan Salihamidzic, Mauro Camoranesi, Tiago Mendes, Alex Manninger, Jonathan Zebina and Dario Knezevic.

Gigi Buffon marked his 31st birthday and almost committed a howler, as he flapped a cross off Gyan Asamoah's head and acrobatically tipped the ball away from Cristian Zapata's follow-up.

Udinese took the lead with a well-taken strike. Antonio Di Natale found space down the left with a lucky ricochet and crossed low for Fabio Quagliarella, who got in front of Nicola Legrottaglie and nutmegged the defender for a shot that dribbled in off the inside of the far post. It was a snooker shot of a goal from Quagliarella.

Juve struggled to get into the game, threatening only after 25 minutes when Sebastian Giovinco sparked a counter and Amauri scuffed the finish.

Quagliarella had a goal disallowed for an offside position, then Gaetano D'Agostino's through ball sent Mauricio Isla through to bring a tough save out of Buffon from point-blank range.

Former Udinese hero Vincenzo Iaquinta came on for the second half, moving Giovinco behind the two strikers. Yet the Friulani kept playing better, as Di Natale's angled drive was deflected just wide.

Quagliarella then flicked the ball over Legrottaglie to drill wide, but Iaquinta's header was well over at the other end and a weak Amauri effort was comfortably smothered.

Udinese were playing better and doubled their lead with a magnificent Di Natale strike. He sprung the offside trap from a D'Agostino chopped pass, took on Grygera and flicked a perfectly-placed semi-lob into the far top corner!

However, soon after Giovanni Pasquale's clumsy tackle brought down Grygera for a penalty. Ex-Udinese favourite Iaquinta stepped up and converted by sending Handanovic the wrong way.

David Trezeguet made his comeback five months after surgery on both knee tendons, replacing Amauri, but barely touched the ball during his time on the field.

Cristian Zapata wasted the chance to put the game to bed with his poor first touch.

Udinese: Handanovic; Zapata, Coda, Domizzi, Pasquale; Isla, D'Agostino, Inler, Asamoah; Quagliarella (Floro Flores 85), Di Natale (Pepe 80)

Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Molinaro; Marchionni (Iaquinta 46), Sissoko (Poulsen 83), Marchisio, Nedved; Amauri (Trezeguet 81), Giovinco

Ref: Tagliavento

[dreamer75]

Gianluigi Buffon: If I Was Kaka I Would Have Gone To Manchester City

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has dropped a bombshell by stating that, if mega-bucks should come his way, he would be happy to grab them.

Juventus fans will be having sleepless nights from now on after Gianluigi Buffon revealed he would have joined Manchester City if he was in Kaka's shoes.

The Italian goalkeeper may not have to be in Kaka's boots to join City though, as reports suggest the cash-rich Arab-owned club are still keen on landing him. What's worse is that Buffon has openly admitted he would leave Juve if such a mega-offer was to come his way.

"I know that teams are also clubs but I would have left if such a fantasy offer came my way," Buffon told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"All this talk about me leaving has been going on since I was 23. I am a football man and I know how to calculate things."

Juventus have been flying high this term and they are currently second in Serie A, three points behind bitter rivals and league leaders Inter. The goalkeeper will make his return from injury against Fiorentina later tonight, and he is happy with the Old Lady's good form.

"I am proud of our second place and the extraordinary comeback our team has achieved," continued Buffon.

"I am feeling fine; I wasn't suffering from a back problem - I had the flu."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Dun think Buffon is such a person.

[dreamer75]

http://i.media.goal.com/g/41232_news.jpg

The Bianconeri have wasted no time in tying down Italy under-21 international midfielder Claudio Marchisio to a longer deal...

Juventus have moved to secure the services of Claudio Marchisio for the future, rewarding the midfielder’s encouraging performances with a new and improved deal.

The Italian under-21 international has been outstanding in midfield this season. He was thrown in at the deep end by coach Claudio Ranieri after the injuries to Christian Poulsen and Cristiano Zanetti. Marchisio has excelled in this adversity and the club have wasted no time by securing his future.

Il Corriere Dello Sport claims Juve have extended Marchisio's current deal by a year. The previous agreement saw his contract expire in 2012, but it will now run until 2013.

In addition, the Italian giants have given the midfielder a better wage deal. He will now be earning €1 million per season in addition to other bonuses. However, his image rights have been handed over to the club.

The 23-year-old has been picked out by the Old Lady's directors as the ideal future partner for Mohamed Sissoko. His consistent performances in the middle have raised eye brows and a number of clubs have shown an interest in his talents.

However, they will have only a slim chance of landing him given the faith Juve have in the player.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

http://i.media.goal.com/g/36497_news.jpg

Ligue 1 strugglers Grenoble have underlined their determination to hold onto teenage offensive midfielder Sofiane Feghouli by slapping a mammoth price-tag on him.

Named in The Times’ top 50 most promising young players in Europe, Grenoble’s 19-year-old sensation Sofiane Feghouli has been catching the eye of many big clubs around Europe.

With a list of sides that includes Juventus, Chelsea, Inter and Manchester United tracking their promising young star, Grenoble have responded by placing a giant €30 million asking price on the man hoped to be the next Zinedine Zidane.

A shy and retiring player off the field, Feghouli’s performance have grown increasing mature on the playing surface, boasting a style of play that has led him to be compared to ‘Zizou’.

“He's got to stay here at least another six months,” explained co-president of GF38 Pierre Wantiez, according to the LFP’s official website. “He told us he wanted to stay and play here. In putting a €30m valuation on his head we're saying he's going nowhere this season. But maybe he will leave in the summer.”

There is an added incentive for any club willing to take the risk on the 19-year-old, who has two assists to his name this season. "If someone does come up with €30m for Feghouli, I'll throw in a free lunch,” joked Wantiez.

Feghouli’s talents will next be on display at the Stade Louis II on Saturday evening, when Grenoble face Monaco. Mehmet Bazdarevic’s side are starting to sink down the league after a promising start to the season and a positive result against les Monegasques, who are only a point below them, would act as a great boost to the south-east club as they attempt to accelerate away from the drop zone before matters become serious.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Gigi still believes his side are good contenders for the Scudetto, despite the gap to the top of the standings...

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the unexpected loss to Udinese on Wednesday night will not put a dent in the team's Scudetto hopes.

The shot-stopper was beaten twice as Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella did the damage.

Vincenzo Iaquinta's penalty was in vain and Juve have now fallen six points behind league leaders Inter.

Nevertheless, the Italian number 1 is still confident that his side can make up for lost ground, starting from the home match against Cagliari this weekend.

"The result in Udine will not prejudice our run in the league," Buffon told his official website.

"It was the first time I had lost in Udine as a Juventus player, but it had to happen.

"However, we have a game against Cagliari on Saturday and they are the most in-form side in the league at the moment.

"Everything will be back to normal if we win and we will have the same chances to fight right until the end, especially now that we are beginning to have a full squad again."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

let's look 4ward to sat's match!

[dreamer75]

Juventus’ Scudetto hopes received a huge blow last night after they lost 2-1 at Udinese. Carlo Garganese asks whether a lengthy injury list is the reason why they are now trailing six points behind rivals Inter…

Just 24 hours ago there was real anticipation and excitement all around Italy about the Serie A title race. Leaders Inter were stuttering, and had allowed Juventus and Milan to close to within three and six points of them respectively. But, following the round 21 midweek calendar last night, the Nerazzurri are back in supreme command at the summit, and much of the peninsula is expecting yet another predictable Scudetto victory come May.

With Inter just doing enough, as usual, during their 2-0 win in Catania, Juventus fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at Udinese, while a late Diego Milito strike meant that Milan could only manage a 1-1 home draw with Genoa, despite David Beckham’s brilliant free kick. Six and eight points back correspondingly, Juventus and Milan now have a real task on their hands if they are to deny Inter a third straight championship.

This debate is going to focus specifically on Juventus because, unlike Milan who are playing well at the moment, last night’s result has been coming for quite a while. The Bianconeri have not been impressing at all in 2009, and some would say they were fortunate to pick up 1-0 wins at home to Siena and Fiorentina (earned only by two moments of magic from Alessandro Del Piero), while they certainly deserved no more than their draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.

So why have Juve been under-par since the turn of the year?

It is easy to jump on the ‘Blame Claudio Ranieri’ bandwagon. The ‘Tinkerman’s’ team selection is often questionable, as it was last night when he handed Pavel Nedved a starting role, despite the fact the 36-year-old looked exhausted during the Fiorentina game at the weekend. Moreover, the ex-Chelsea boss quite clearly does not possess the ability to read the direction of a game, and make substitutions and tactical tweaks, accordingly. Once again, why was Nedved left on the pitch for the whole 90 minutes when he was so impotent?

It is true that Ranieri has never won anything of note in his career, and that it is more likely than not that this will continue, however, it must also be taken into account that Juventus have suffered horrifically from injuries this season, and it was only a matter of time until they came crashing back down to Earth, as was the case at the Stadio Friuli last night.

Juventus went into the game without their best defender, best midfielder and best attacker. Any team who are minus the services of Giorgio Chiellini, Mauro Camoranesi and Alessandro Del Piero – three world class players – are always going to face an uphill struggle, even if they are playing a team who have accumulated just two points from their last 10 games.

This campaign, Juventus have entered into almost every match with 11 or 12 first team squad players unavailable. David Trezeguet appeared for the first time yesterday since September, Vincenzo Iaquinta has made just four starts, Gianluigi Buffon six, Camoranesi four, Cristiano Zanetti two, Chiellini has not played since December. Christian Poulsen and Tiago have been side-by-side for months, but in the treatment room, and not in the centre of midfield. Such has been Juventus’ injury crisis that Primavera defender Lorenzo Ariaudo was blooded from the start at Lazio a fortnight ago, while fellow youth-teamers such as Iago and Fausto Rossi have also been regularly drafted into the first team squad just to fill up the substitutes bench.

It has been a quite horrific state of affairs, and so Ranieri perhaps deserves great credit for keeping Juventus in contention, despite all these handicaps. One can only speculate just how much better the Turin-giants would be doing with a clean, or cleaner, bill of health.

Inter are by no means out of reach for Juventus, especially as Jose Mourinho’s men are hardly excelling themselves, but with the business end of the season approaching, it is of paramount importance that the Bianconeri recover their injured players if they are to realistically challenge at home and abroad.

What are your views on this topic? Are Juventus paying the price for their horrific injury situation? Is Claudio Ranieri also to blame? What was your take on yesterday’s dismal defeat? Can Juve still win the Scudetto? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think…

Carlo Garganese

[dreamer75]

The under-fire hitman insists he wants to remain in Turin and fight for his place in the Juve side...

Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta insists he has no intention of leaving the club, despite reports linking him with a lucrative move to Russian side Zenit St Petersburg.

The Bianconeri hitman has attracted plenty of interest and his lack of regular football has fuelled speculation that he wants to leave Juve in order to resurrect his stalling career.

Iaquinta did play a part in his side's 2-1 defeat away to Udinese on Wednesday night, scoring a penalty during the match.

Although there is still plenty of talk regarding an exit, the striker admits he wants to remain in Turin.

"I have a contract until 2012 and I want to respect it," Iaquinta told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

The result against the Friulani saw the Old Lady lose ground to league leaders Inter, to whom the gap now stands at six points. Nevertheless, Iaquinta believes his side can turn the title race around.

"I am sad about the game and I don't really want to talk about it," stated the striker.

"However, we are Juve and we should think about reacting against Cagliari."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

The Old Lady fell to a dismal reverse at Udinese and ‘Legro’ has bemoaned that they simply had a bad day at the office.

Udinese had not tasted victory since last October but stunned Juventus 2-1 at the Stadio Friuli last night courtesy of a Fabio Quagliarella strike and a superb goal from captain Antonio Di Natale.

“We were embarrassing,” Legrottaglie admitted after the match. “We played very badly, but it is easy to stumble after several positive games.

“The most important thing for a great side is to swiftly get up. We didn’t underestimate Udinese, it’s just that we had a bad day.”

‘Quaglia’ opened the scoring after 20 minutes, as he collected a pass from Di Natale and his precise shot nutmegged Legrottaglie before rolling in off the inside of the far post.

“I thought I could reach the ball and I don’t even know how it got through - perhaps between my legs,” mused the Italian international. “I think it was a lucky strike and it certainly charged them up.

“However, we must not get too depressed about it and I’m sure our group will soon get back on track.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

The tinkerman is keeping the faith and he insists Juventus will not give up...

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri insists his side will not give up on the Scudetto, despite falling six points behind Inter after losing 2-1 to Udinese on Wednesday night.

An under-strength looking Juventus side fell at the Stadio Friuli after goals from Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale dug the knife into their Scudetto hopes.

Juventus replied courtesy of a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty, but it was not enough as the Friulani held on to take maximum points.

Nevertheless, Ranieri is keeping the faith.

"I knew it was going to be a very tough game for us," Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia.

"However, we will not give up. Udinese had come into this match without a win in many games and they played the perfect game.

"We tried to put them in difficulty and we succeded, but after that it began to get complicated. And they were able to hit us on the break.

"We were not able to handle their play to well. They set themselves up to play well. We were unable to create any real good chances."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Diego and Del Piero can play together according to the 'Don'...

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni believes Diego would not pose any tactical problems for Claudio Ranieri if he joins Juventus.

The Bianconeri are keen on landing the Werder Bremen star and both president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli as well as Ranieri have revealed their penchant for him.

A number of critics believe Diego is not compatible with Alessandro Del Piero as he would, essentially, be playing behind the front two.

However, Donadoni has other ideas, and he thinks the two can exceed expectations.

"I don't think there would be any problems if both played together," Donadoni told Tuttosport.

"The Brazilian would have to raise his game in Serie A. To be honest, I don't think someone like Diego could harm Del Piero.

"The most important thing is that all the players show their availability to play their role."

Juventus are fighting both Inter and Milan for the Scudetto. Donadoni has been following the action closely, and believes the Nerazzurri are the team to beat.

"Milan have entered the race and thus it is a three-way fight for the title," added the coach.

"I think Inter have the best squad. I don't think they are in crisis seeing that they are leading the Serie A table.

"However, there are other teams who are looking healthier compared to the Nerazzurri."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Top scorers for us so far

C. Amauri

13

A. Del Piero

12

V. Iaquinta

5

[dreamer75]

Juve scout Argentine starlets Thursday 29 January, 2009

Juventus scout Renzo Castagnini is in Argentina to take a closer look at 18-year-old Lanus striker Eduardo Salvio and 20-year-old Tigre midfielder Jonathan Blanco.

Castagnini has been in South America since the start of the New Year, attending youth tournaments such as the famous Sub 20 in Venezuela.

Salvio, who debuted for Lanus last year to rave reviews, is continuing to flourish in 2009 and has been compared to Ezequiel Lavezzi.

An attacker with a penchant for starting out wide and cutting into the box with pace and trickery, Salvio has been valued at £10m.

Napoli are also reportedly on the tracks of the Argentina Under-20 international, as are Roma and Spanish side Valencia.

Meanwhile, Blanco was an integral part of the Tigre side that narrowly lost the Argentine championship last season.

Castagnini is reportedly impressed with the player’s strength, pace and shot, which is extremely powerful.

Blanco is also available on the cheap. Tigre have quoted Juventus a figure of £5m for the youngster’s services.

[Cissiboy]

another shameful loss...

[dreamer75]

another shameful loss...

FT Juventus [2 - 3] Cagliari

16' [0 - 1] D. Biondini

31' [1 - 1] M.L. Sissoko

38' [2 - 1] P. Nedved

54' [2 - 2] J.C.N. Jeda

78' [2 - 3] A. Matri

[dreamer75]

oh no....wat happened?

[dreamer75]

Juventus 2 - 3 Cagliari
Biondini 16 (C), Sissoko 31 (J), Nedved 38 (J), Jeda 54 (C), Matri 77 (C)

Stadio Olimpico


Juventus fell to their shock second consecutive defeat, as Cagliari emerged victorious from a five-goal thriller in Turin - the first such result in over 40 years.

The Bianconeri's title hopes took a battering with their midweek 2-1 defeat to Udinese, but they welcomed a Cagliari side that had won three on the trot, including a 4-1 triumph away to Lazio. Ale Del Piero and Giorgio Chiellini returned, but Jonathan Zebina, Dario Knezevic, Mauro Camoranesi, Hasan Salihamidzic, Alex Manninger and Tiago Mendes were still out.

The Sardinians' last victory in Turin was in November 1968 and they welcomed back goalkeeper Federico Marchetti from a ban.

Nicola Legrottaglie had the first real chance after 12 minutes when he was at full stretch for a volley, but he brought a splendid reaction save out of Marchetti.

From the resulting corner a fantastic opportunity went begging. Momo Sissoko and Amauri exchanged chipped passes for the former Liverpool midfielder's volley just wide of the upright.

Cagliari took a shock lead soon after. A long sweeping cross to the back post found Davide Biondini, who took advantage of Marco Marchionni's error to nod in off the inside of the upright. Gigi Buffon was left rooted to the spot.

Del Piero's header looped over the bar from Marchionni's cross, but it got even worse for Juve when Cristiano Zanetti collapsed with a suspected thigh strain. He was so angry that he took off his shirt and simply sat on the sidelines while Claudio Marchisio warmed up.

While the Bianconeri had 10 men on the field, Jeda went on a slalom through the defence that only failed to earn a goal thanks to Robert Acquafresca's slip.

Del Piero's effort was deflected out for a corner and from that set piece Sissoko rose above the crowd for a glancing header towards the far post. It was a morale-boosting equaliser for the Bianconeri, who had been under pressure.

Michele Fini volleyed off target, but Juventus completed their comeback with veteran Pavel Nedved. Christian Molinaro just about kept the ball in play and a shot was charged down by Daniele Conti, effectively setting up a fierce Nedved strike from eight yards that flew in at the near bottom corner.

It was almost 3-1, but when Amauri went rode a tackle and rolled across to the centre, Del Piero just failed to make contact. Amauri, who received his debut Brazil call today, went on another slalom that was charged down from close range as he went to set up Del Piero again.

After the restart, Cagliari equalised. Andrea Cossu sprung the offside trap just past the centre circle and placed a perfect cross with the outside of his right foot for the unmarked Jeda, who kept his cool to stroke past Buffon.

Alessandro Matri replaced Acquafresca to bring fresh legs to the Sardinian attack. Amauri sparked a counter that Del Piero fired wide of the near post with a deflection off a defender.

Moments later Nicola Legrottaglie knocked down the ball for Nedved's angled drive that flashed across the face of goal. Vincenzo Iaquinta replaced Marchionni for a very attack-minded formation. Marchetti captured a towering but central Amauri header.

Cagliari introduced Andrea Lazzari, who has scored five goals against Juve in his career, and with his first touch a deflected effort dribbled inches past the near post.

There was more bad injury news, as Chiellini went off for Zdenek Grygera, sending Olof Mellberg into the centre of defence. Both sides had good chances in 30 seconds, as first Molinaro intercepted a smart cross, then Del Piero was brought down in the D after a strong solo run. The captain curled his free kick off target.

Cagliari took the lead for the second time in this match! It was a classic counter-attack started and finished by Matri. He passed out wide for Lazzari, who immediately knocked it back into his path to fire past Buffon totally unmarked just inside the area.

Sissoko's attempt was charged down, but in the final 10 minutes Juve seemed just as likely to concede as they were to score, leaving huge gaps at the back. Marchetti smartly intercepted Del Piero's cross by plucking it off Amauri's head.

Juventus: Buffon; Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Chiellini (Grygera 71), Molinaro; Marchionni (Iaquinta 69), Sissoko, Zanetti (Marchisio 21), Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero

Cagliari: Marchetti; Pisano, Bianco, Canini, Agostini; Biondini, Conti, Fini (Parola 85); Cossu (Lazzari 69); Jeda, Acquafresca (Matri 61)

Ref: Banti

[dreamer75]

Juventus were beaten 3-2 at home by a hugely impressive Cagliari, who recorded their third victory in a week and further jeopardised the Bianconeri's Scudetto challenge.

Juventus 2-3 Cagliari

Juventus hosted an in-form Cagliari side at the Stadio Olimpico of Turin knowing that only victory would allow them to keep up with Serie A leaders Inter. Coach Claudio Ranieri welcomed back captain Alessandro Del Piero, who played along with Amauri in Juve’s attack. Meanwhile, Cagliari played in a 4-3-1-2 with Andrea Cossu behind Jeda and Robert Acquafresca up front.

First Half

True to their impressive recent form, Cagliari started the match better than Juve, putting a lot of pressure on the Bianconeri all over the pitch.

The first big chance came in the 13th minute for the home side, however, as Nicola Legrottaglie tried to slice the ball in on a low cross by Marco Marchionni, but the Cagliari goalkeeper came up with a brilliant save to keep it out.

A minute later, Mohamed Sissoko wasted a big chance to put Juve in front, as he found himself alone in front of the keeper after a nice exchange with Amauri, but he sent the ball wide of the goal.

In the 16th minute, Cagliari took the lead through Davide Biondini, who headed in a great cross by Michele Fini from the right, beating Marchionni in the air to make it 1-0 to the Rossoblu.

The home side responded in the 19th minute, when Del Piero sent the ball over the bar with a header on a cross from the right by Marchionni.

However, the visitors nearly made it 2-0 two minutes later, when Jeda dribbled past a couple of defenders and cut the ball back to Cossu, who slipped just when he was about to take a shot on goal.

Juve were clearly struggling at this point, but they found an equaliser at the most unexpected time. Around the half hour mark, they won a corner, which was taken by Del Piero, who found Sissoko in the area to head the ball past Marchetti and make it all square again.

Cagliari did not look out of sorts after this setback, and in the 37th minute they came close to scoring again, as Fini tried an audacious volley on a cross by Cossu, but sent the ball wide of the post.

The home side grabbed the lead in the 38th minute thanks to evergreen midfield warrior Pavel Nedved, who controlled a loose ball with his chest and fired in a low shot toward the bottom corner that beat Marchetti.

Two minutes later, the Czech star threatened again, sending the ball just wide of the post with another shot from the edge of the area on a pass by Marchionni.

That was the last chance of an entertaining first half, which saw Juve take a 2-1 lead somewhat against the run of play.

Second Half

Cagliari started the second half strongly, and after Cossu had sent in a dangerous cross that eluded everyone in the 52nd minute, Jeda found a well-deserved equaliser for the Rossoblu a minute later. A quick counterattack saw Cossu play a perfect ball to Jeda, who beat the offside trap before lobbing the ball over goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, to make it 2-2.

The match wasn’t as exciting as in the first half in the restart, as Cagliari tried to hold on to the draw following their equaliser and play possession football.

In the 68th minute, Nedved was very dangerous again as he controlled an assist by Legrottaglie with his head and fired the ball just wide from inside the area.

Juve came close again two minutes later, when Cristian Molinaro made a run on the left wing and sent in a cross that was met by Amauri, who headed the ball straight at the goalkeeper from a good position.

At the other end, substitute Andrea Lazzari came close for Cagliari, firing a shot that was deflected by Negrottaglie and went just wide of Buffon’s left post.

The visitors took a surprise lead in the 79th minute, when Jeda cut the ball back inside the area following a counter-attack and substitute Alessandro Matri slotted the ball past Buffon to make it 2-3.

In the last ten minutes of the match, Juventus looked powerless and failed to trouble Cagliari’s goalkeeper again. This costly defeat might see them drop nine points behind leaders Inter if the Nerazzurri win their match against Torino tomorrow.



Teams

Juventus (4-4-2): Buffon; Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Chiellini (71’ Grygera), Molinaro; Marchionni (69’ Iaquinta), Sissoko, Zanetti (21’ Marchisio), Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero. Coach: Ranieri.

Cagliari (4-3-1-2): Marchetti; Pisano, Bianco, Canini, Agostini; Biondini, Conti, Fini (85’ Parola); Cossu (69’ Lazzari); Jeda, Acquafresca (60’ Matri). Coach: Allegri.

Goals: 16’ Biondini (C), 31’ Sissoko (J), 38’ Nedved (J), 54’ Jeda (C), 78’ Matri (C)

Booked: Chiellini, Del Piero (J); Agostini, Conti, Pisano (C)

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Cagliari pulled off a historic victory over a stunned Juventus side in Turin this evening. Goal.com rates the players on show...

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 5.0- Was beaten three times and was left hanging by his defence corps.

Molinaro: 5.5- Could not handle Fini on the right flank and was fortunate that the linesman did not rule the ball went out of bounds in the play leading up to Nedved’s goal.

Chiellini- 6.0- Back in the side after a brief injury layoff but was forced to leave the field after re-aggravating it. .

Legrottaglie: 5.0- Had a great chance to open the scoring in the 12th minute but neglected his defensive duties and was a liability at the back tonight.

Mellberg: 6.0- Slid into a right back role for tonight’s match and looked uncomfortable at times playing the offside trap.

Marchionni: 5.0- He was guilty of some shoddy defending on Biondini’s goal and had a match to forget

Sissoko: 6.0- Scored Juve’s first goal of the match but was guilty of a horrific giveaway that directly led to Cagliari’s winning goal.

Zanetti: 6.0- Was forced off with an injury after just 21 minutes.

Nedved: 7.0- The old Czech warhorse rolled back the years with a good performance and a well taken goal.

Del Piero: 7.0- Set up Sissoko’s first goal with a great set piece delivery but will be devastated with the loss.

Amauri: 7.0- Carved open the Cagliari defence on more than one occasion and gave them fits in the first 45 minutes.

SUBS: Marchisio (21”) 6.0, Iaquinta (69”) 5.5, Grygera (71”) 6.0

[dreamer75]

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri admitted that dropping nine points behind Inter would be a problem following the home defeat to Cagliari.

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri tried to stay optimistic following the 3-2 home defeat to Cagliari, but he had to admit that the Scudetto race becomes problematic now.

"Cagliari deserve credit, they played a very good match," he said after the game. "It's too bad that we conceded three goals on counter-attacks. We should have been calmer when we were winning. We have conceded five goals in two games, so something isn't working.

"We wanted to win, that's why I inserted [Vincenzo] Iaquinta. But in the end the other team scored the goals. We have to analyse everything. You cannot concede two goals like we did in the second half."

On the title race with Inter, who might extend their lead on top to nine points if they win tomorrow, Ranieri said: "Nine points would be a lot, but now we have to think about us. We are further off the top spot now, let's try to react and forget about this. We have to look at what we are doing wrong, because as soon as we slowed down they punished us."

The coach also talked briefly about Amauri, who will probably not be allowed to go the Brazilian national team because his call-up came too late, keeping Azzurri fans' dream alive to see him with the Italian national team.

"I know we will talk about it soon, the club will decide. I have not spoken to the player about it," he commented.

Juve might drop to third place if Inter and Milan both win tomorrow.

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Ranieri: We made mistakes Saturday 31 January, 2009

Claudio Ranieri admits Juventus' Scudetto chances are hanging by a thread. “We make too many mistakes. It's a shame.”

The Bianconeri were within three points of leaders Inter a week ago, but with two straight defeats against Udinese and Cagliari, tomorrow that gap could stretch to nine.

“Nine points would be a great deal. I have always said we must not focus on the other teams, but only on ourselves and figure out what it is we are doing wrong. We have to roll up our sleeves and get back on track.

“We had closed up to the leaders and now have suddenly fallen back again. We have to just concentrate on our own progress and see where we end up.”

The 3-2 home loss to Cagliari was a shock, especially as the Sardinians had not won here in 41 years and were trailing 2-1 at half-time.

“Cagliari played a fantastic game and were very organised, as we knew they would be. This is a side that knows what it wants and how to get it,” mused Ranieri.

“The real regret is that we conceded three goals on the counter-attack and that should not happen. We weren't sharp enough and gave the ball away too cheaply.

“I wanted to win and so I introduced [Vincenzo] Iaquinta. I hoped to create scoring opportunities, not give them to the other side. We are making too many mistakes. It's a shame.”

Gianluigi Buffon's comeback has not boosted the Bianconeri and they have been shaky at the back.

“In two games we conceded five goals and before that we had the strongest defensive record, so we need to sit down and discuss what is happening,” continued the Coach.

“There were so many counters and I can understand that when you are still 0-0, but when out in front it doesn't make sense. We cannot concede that way.”

To make matters worse, Cristiano Zanetti and Giorgio Chiellini both limped off with recurring muscular injuries.

Juve have been beset by fitness worries throughout the campaign and Ranieri concedes tiredness is bound to set in.

“I hope we are not paying the price for the lack of squad rotation. These lads have certainly run hard this season, but when you are chasing an important objective you cannot let players train in a match situation.

“Over the course of a season you can have peaks and troughs. The moment we lowered our tempo and concentration levels, we were punished straight away.”

Amauri has received his debut call for the Brazil squad, but as it comes after the FIFA deadline, Juventus could legally turn down the request.

“I know we will discuss it now and see what the club says about this. I have not yet talked about it with Amauri.”

[dreamer75]

Juve deny Amauri Brazil debut Saturday 31 January, 2009

Juventus have announced they will block Amauri's debut for the Brazil squad against Juventus because the request came too late.

Carlos Dunga had originally left him out of the side to face Italy on February 10, but added his name after Luis Fabiano pulled out with an injury.

The official paperwork has not yet been received by the Bianconeri, so it would be even later than the deadline.

“The club's decision is that the request is past the deadline, so if it does come in, then we will not release the player,” confirmed President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli.

“We need to concentrate, now more than ever, on the upcoming Juventus appointments and so we want Amauri to stay with us during this period.

“He will be available for the Coppa Italia and then Ranieri will decide whether to field him.”

There are rumours Amauri was irritated at being second choice and feels Dunga only called him in order to 'tie' the striker to Brazil, therefore destroying any chance of playing for Italy in the future.

“[General manager Jean-Claude] Blanc spoke with Amauri and explained our position. The player understood and accepted without asking for us to change our minds,” continued Cobolli Gigli.

“I wish to point out that the player had nothing to do with making the decision, it was entirely down to Juventus.”

The Bianconeri's Scudetto hopes are fast evaporating after two straight defeats in three days against Udinese and Cagliari.

“I think these six points we have dropped this week are very important, but seeing what occurred in previous seasons, anything can still happen.

“We have to maintain our grit and belief, then wait and see what happens. Obviously we're not in the same position we were a week ago.

“We were not competitive against Udinese, but with Cagliari we were more impressive and conceded two counter-attacks that changed the game. I saw definite improvements in the performance, if not the result.”

President Cobolli Gigli also confirmed that Zenit St Petersburg have made an official bid for Vincenzo Iaquinta.

“Zenit's offer for Iaquinta did arrive, but we did not take it into consideration.”

[dreamer75]

Del Piero believes in Scudetto Sunday 1 February, 2009

Alessandro Del Piero still believes Juventus can take the title despite two consecutive defeats. “I’m not too worried.”

They were just three points away last week, but if Inter beat Torino this afternoon then the gap will be nine points.

“We still believe, even if it is difficult to say that now,” insisted Del Piero after last night’s 3-2 loss to Cagliari.

“It was easier to make such a statement 10 days ago. The last week has been terrible, but we can hope that the same will happen to whoever is ahead of us.

“This is a period in which all the big clubs are struggling a bit. We hope to get as many players as possible back from injury and for example hope [Giorgio] Chiellini has nothing serious.”

Chiellini and Cristiano Zanetti both limped off during the game with recurring muscular problems that already kept them sidelined for long periods this season.

Del Piero is struggling to understand how Juve’s 41-year unbeaten home record against Cagliari was ended when they were leading 2-1 at half-time.

“It was an odd game with all sorts of things happening. We started well, went behind, then turned it around. We seemed in control and then…

“This is a tough moment for us and we have to roll our sleeves up. We’re not doing well and did not create the usual number of scoring opportunities, so we need to shake our ideas up.”

Nonetheless, the Juventus legend is confident they will overcome their current difficulties.

“We have the quality to make up for these problems and I am not massively worried. We have a good opportunity to make a change on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia against Napoli, as that is a one-off game that could send us to the semi-final.”

Juve also risk being distracted by the Amauri saga, as the striker received a call-up from Brazil, but as it was after the FIFA deadline, the club announced it would not release him.

This leaves the door open for Amauri to eventually choose Italy instead once his citizenship comes through.

“Who should he choose? Well, one way or the other, he’ll end up with a good solution,” smiled Del Piero.

“He has to follow his heart and that which meant more to him during these years. It is not an easy decision, but there are worse…”

[Cissiboy]

Swaroski Zanetti injured..out 2 months..but the bad news is Chiellini out for another month !!

:(

[dreamer75]

we r down a goal at home now :(

Goal scored by G. Pazzini

[dreamer75]

a draw for us....

[Cissiboy]

must be realistic..scudetto is out of our possibilities and imho merits and I don't care that much

Roma, Genoa, Fiorentina have not gained point on us so second place and Champions League qualification still more than possible...

Obviously, our match is still to come...arrange your schedule and prepare for a long night on 25th..

[dreamer75]

'Il Talentino' has always been linked to Juventus and the rumours might become reality following the Juve boss' words...



Gigli: Juventus Are Considering Sampdoria Striker Antonio Cassano



Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is keen on bring Sampdoria ace Antonio Cassano to the Olimpico.

The Bianconeri have always had a penchant for 'Il Talentino' and they are planning a way to get their hands on him in the summer. Inter are also interested in the Italian international, however, Gigli admits that his side are making enquiries over the Bari-born man.

"Cassano is a youngster who is becoming a man," Gigli told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"He is a nice person and an excellent player. Our sporting director [Alessio Secco] has spoken about our potential buys for next season.

"Cassano is certainly one of the players that we are talking about."

Juve's failure to beat Sampdoria on Sunday saw Inter stretch their lead at the top of the table to nine points over Gigli's side, however, the chief is unfazed and believes that there is still time to turn it around.

"I think Inter have made a big step forward, but nothing is closed just yet," added the chief.

"There are still many games to play and we have to begin winning them if we are to stay on course [for the title]."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Juventus were held by Sampdoria in Turin, despite the lion's share of chances and possession...

Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria

Pre-Match News

The Bianconeri as usual, were suffering from a whole host of injuries. Momo Sissoko and David Trezeguet were ruled out and Giorgio Chiellini started from the bench. Meanwhile, Vincenzo Iaquinta was suspended after picking up a red car last weekend in the victory over Catania.

Sampdora coach Walter Mazzarri stuck with Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini upfront as Claudio Bellucci had been ruled out due to a knock.

First Half

The home side started more brightly on five minutes, as veteran war horse Pavel Nedved dribbled through the centre and struck from long range, but Luca Castellazzi saved well with his fingertips and Olof Mellberg could not direct his header on the following cross.

Seconds later, Alessandro Del Piero nearly completed a cheeky backheel, but the ball bobbled wide across the face of goal.

However, Sampdoria scored against the run of play on ten minutes! Antonio Cassano played an incisive through-ball and re-born Giampaolo Pazzini slotted the ball past Gianluigi Buffon at the near post.

Claudio Ranieri's men nearly leveled things when Del Piero hit a smart pass with the outside of his foot, but Andrea Raggi just nicked the ball away from Amauri, who would have had a tap-in. The match has become much more even following the Blucerchiati goal, as both sides were finding it difficult to break through and create real chances.

Mauro Camoranesi and Amauri shared some good build-up play, before the midfielder's low cross-shot was deflected out for a corner. Nedved tried another try from long distance, but the ex-Lazio's players volley swerved wide of the diving Sampdora goalkeeper.

Thirty-eight minutes in, Camoranesi's high-cross was beautifully chested down by Amauri, but his shot was smothered by Castellazzi as Claudio Ranieri's men were starting to control the proceedings.

Juventus had their best chance five minutes from half, Del Piero's played a fine one-time pass for Nedved, but the former Czech international prodded the ball off the post.

Incredibly, just before the half-time whistle, Nedved hit the post again! His header cannoning back off the cross-bar as the score remained 1-0 for the visitors going into the half.

Second Half

The 'Tinkerman' added some extra offence by replacing Christian Poulsen with Italian Under-21 international Sebastian Giovinco.

The second period started in exciting fashion, Cassano nearly doubled Sampdoria's lead when his deflected cross from the right left Buffon stranded and hit the far post!

The Genoa-based side were much improved in holding the ball in possession at the outset of the second half and Cassano found himself in space on the left, dribbled into the area, but shanked the ball wide! On the other end, Giovinco's cutback was blocked right in front of an open goal.

Finally, Juventus managed to equalize after being frustrated for large portions of the match. The gamble paid off as Giovinco played in a dangerous cross and Amauri's diving header left Castellazzi with no chance on 62 minutes!

La Vecchia Signora hit the post for the third time on the evening! Del Piero's long-range freekick cracking against the cross-bar, and then the post, as Sampdoria were being pinned back.

Sampdoria eventually created a chance of their own, but Palombo's effort from the edge of the area was weak and central, an easy save for Buffon. With 15 minutes left, Mazzarri surprisingly took off the talismanic Cassano, perhaps in anticipation of the UEFA Cup match in midweek.

On 82' Giovinco passed two defenders with a mazy run, but Castellazzi got down well to parry the young player's daisy cutter, as time was running out. Pazzini hit back on the counter, finding himself in loads of space, but his shot was blocked and Buffon caught the floating ball.

Del Piero's reverse ball was too far ahead of Amauri and Marchisio tried his luck from long range, but the match ended in a draw as Juventus could not break through despite all their pressure.

Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria

Goals: 10' Pazzini, 62' Amauri

Booked: 47' Nedved, 64' Gastaldello, 65' Legrottaglie

Juventus: Buffon - Grygera, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Molinaro - Camoranesi (68' Marchionni), Poulsen (46' Giovinco), Tiago (89' Marchisio), Nedved - Del Piero, Amauri

Sampdoria: Castellazzi - Gastaldello (71' Ferri), Raggi (57' Da Costa), Stankevicius - Padalino, Palombo, Sammarco, Francheschini, Pieri - Pazzini, Cassano (75' Ziegler)

Adam Scime, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

must be realistic..scudetto is out of our possibilities and imho merits and I don't care that much

Roma, Genoa, Fiorentina have not gained point on us so second place and Champions League qualification still more than possible...

Obviously, our match is still to come...arrange your schedule and prepare for a long night on 25th..

We hit the post 3 times!

[dreamer75]

Despite plenty of pressure, Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw by Sampdoria. Goal.com rates the participants...

Buffon- 6.5: In truth did not have much to do throughout the match, but was ready to catch crosses and block opportunities when called upon.

Grygera- 5.0: Did not offer enough support to his teammates when going forward and did not apply enough pressure in defence.

Legrottaglie- 6.5: Struggled with the trickery of Cassano, but overall a good performance from the Italian international.

Mellberg- 6.0: An average outing for the Swedish player.

Molinaro- 7.0: Full of running, he was always an option for Juventus coming forward and also snuffed out some attacks coming down his side.

Camoranesi- 6.5: Perhaps not completely match fit, he put in plenty of telling passes into the area and was able to hold onto the ball when necessary.

Poulsen- 5.5: He was sacrificed at half-time for Giovinco, seemed like he was a pedestrian on the field.

Tiago- 7.0: The Portuguese player will be pleased with this intelligent performance. Smart play and accurate with his passing.

Nedved- 7.5: Unfortunate not to score, he hit the post twice in the match and was a constant threat and had an early long range shot saved. Drifted out of the match nearer to the end.

Del Piero- 7.0: Alex was not always involved in the proceedings, but when he was it was always with a positive impact. His long-range free-kick smashed the crossbar and he created some of the Bianconeri's best opportunities.

Amauri- 8.0: Like last week, he was always fighting. His finishing was lacking at times, but his persistence saw him net the equalizer and his control is rarely lacking.

Substitutes

Giovinco- 7.5, Marchionni- 6.0, Marchisio - N/A

[dreamer75]

Juventus 1 - 1 Sampdoria
Pazzini 10 (S), Amauri 62 (J)

Stadio Olimpico


Amauri's diving header was not enough to earn Juventus a victory, even though they hit the woodwork four times!

The Bianconeri hoped to take advantage of the head-to-head between Inter and Milan, but first had to get past Sampdoria, something they had not managed in two years. David Trezeguet was set to start, but pulled out with a muscular problem, joining Momo Sissoko, Hasan Salihamidzic, Cristiano Zanetti, Jonathan Zebina, Dario Knezevic, Paolo De Ceglie and the suspended Vincenzo Iaquinta. Samp were missing Claudio Bellucci, Gennaro Delvecchio, Accardi, Hugo Campagnaro and Stefano Lucchini.

Tacticians Claudio Ranieri and Walter Mazzarri had met four times before and all of them ended in draws.

Pavel Nedved had the first chance as he surged forward and stung Luca Castellazzi's palms from 20 metres, then Olof Mellberg nodded Alessandro Del Piero's cross off target and a cheeky Del Piero backheel whistled wide.

Sampdoria took a surrpise lead with Giampaolo Pazzini's fourth career goal against Juventus. Antonio Cassano did well to wait for the right moment and thread through for Pazzini, who was in play even though teammate Paolo Sammarco was not. Pazzini beat Gigi Buffon at the near post.

Amauri only had to make contact with Del Piero's taut cross from the left, but Andrea Raggi got the decisive touch from four yards to deny a certain goal.

Mauro Camoranesi couldn't keep his header down from a Nedved cross and a fairly desperate diving header intercepted Amauri's assist for Del Piero. The Samp defence held out against Camoranesi's cross, too, as Gastaldello risked an own goal by anticipating Amauri.

Nedved was impressive on the day and blasted wide, but above all Castellazzi rushed off his line to close down Amauri as the Brazilian spun round his marker from six yards.

Nedved was very unlucky on 39 minutes when he sprung the offside trap on Del Piero's assist and drew the goalkeeper out, but his delicate finish thumped the base of the upright with an open goal! It was rolling in before Padalino's goalline clearance.

It was one-way traffic, but in the final minute of the first half Cassano rode a Christian Molinaro tackle to go on the counter, his pass for Pazzini intercepted by a double deflection.

Nedved's luck wasn't getting any better, as in stoppages his header from a Camoranesi free kick cracked against the crossbar!

Sebastian Giovinco replaced Christian Poulsen for the second half, sending Nedved into central midfield. However, there was a huge scare for Juve, as Molinaro deflected a Cassano cross that looped over Buffon and on to the far post!

Giovinco's change of pace took him to the byline, but neither Amauri nor Del Piero could convert the cutback.

Juventus eventually got their equaliser on the hour mark, as Amauri flung himself at Giovinco's sweeping cross with a brave diving header, getting in front of Manuel Da Costa.

Del Piero should've put them in front minutes later, but his free kick ricocheted off both the crossbar and then the upright before bouncing out!

Gastaldello was stretchered off after he caught his studs and sprained his knee. There was also a worrying sign for the upcoming UEFA Cup game, as Cassano asked to be substituted due to a small muscular problem.

Giovinco created a great chance late on, as he went on a solo run and Castellazzi needed two attempts to eventually smother his shot. The Samp goalkeeper also plucked a dangerous cross-shot out from under his bar.

Marco Marchionni cut back for Del Piero, but the captain was too late to make contact, while Castellazzi again denied Giovinco.
Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Molinaro; Camoranesi (Marchionni 68), Poulsen (Giovinco 46), Tiago (Marchisio 89), Nedved; Amauri, Del Piero

Sampdoria: Castellazzi; Stankevicius, Gastaldello (Ferri 71), Raggi (Da Costa 58); Padalino, Sammarco, Palombo, Franceschini, Pieri; Pazzini, Cassano (Ziegler 76)

Ref: Orsato

[dreamer75]

FT Palermo [0 - 2] Juventus

26' [0 - 1] M.L. Sissoko
79' [0 - 2] D. Trezeguet

[Cissiboy]

if u havent seen it yet...watch the gol scored by Sissoko !! A gem !

Ok the day is coming..I'm on leave on thursday, the guys need all our support !!

FORZA JUVE !

[dreamer75]

if u havent seen it yet...watch the gol scored by Sissoko !! A gem !

Ok the day is coming..I'm on leave on thursday, the guys need all our support !!

FORZA JUVE !

Chelsea vs Juventus

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2008
Feb 25, 2009 8:45:00 PM CET
Stamford Bridge - London
Referee: Olegário Benquerença (Portugal)

FORZA JUVE!!!!!

[Overture1928]

Good luck on the 2nd leg guys !
Rooting for u guys in the UCL

[Deunamist]

Nedved to retire

Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved has announced he will hang up his boots and retire at the end of this season.

The 2003 Ballon d'Or winner recently turned 36 and Juventus have been actively searching for a replacement.

“In principle, I always decided to retire at the end of this season depending on how I was,” Nedved explained.

“Instead, I have now pre-empted that decision because of the way I feel inside. I have spoken a lot with my wife and we made this decision together.”

Nedved joined Juventus in 2001 and has made 238 appearances for the Turin giants, winning three Scudetti, one of which was later revoked.

“My wife is a little tired of it all and I have a lot to re-pay my family,” Nedved revealed. “I have to be with them more.

“I am enjoying myself a lot at the moment, but I believe that physically and mentally the moment has arrived to leave space to the youngsters.

“They deserve to play,” Nedved admitted. “Perhaps it seems to you that I am still young but I am nearly 37 and I believe that the moment is right to stop.”

The Czech has a contract with Juventus until June 30 2009 and is certain he will not change his mind and broker an extension.

“I don't believe there will be a rethink. There is no need to think about it again. The right moment has arrived,” he said.

“I would like to close my career with a victory in the Champions League. I believe that the next three months will be hellish.”

Juventus lost 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League Second Round tie with Chelsea last night.

“The result against Chelsea wasn't great,” Nedved concluded. “But anything can happen in the second leg.

“I think its 55-45 in their favour because they are ahead on aggregate by a goal. It will be a very difficult game, but not impossible.”

Nedved will be back in action this weekend when Juventus welcome Napoli to Turin. The Bianconeri are currently second in Serie A.

[Overture1928]

Seriously, Nedved is one of the best left midfielders that I've ever seen. He's style of play is efficient and effective at the same time he packs a powerful shot. The player who is comparable to him this generation would definitely be Ribery.

[dreamer75]

Good luck on the 2nd leg guys !
Rooting for u guys in the UCL

altho we lost 1-0 away.....we will bounce back!

[Cissiboy]

despite the first 20 minutes or pure terror we came out very well..

I'm confident...especially if David will play from 1st minute

[dreamer75]

An early Didier Drogba goal was enough to give Chelsea a vital 1-0 win over Juventus in their Champions League last-16 first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.


Chelsea 1-0 Juventus
Feb 25, 2009 4:34:00 PM
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An early Didier Drogba goal was enough to give Chelsea a vital 1-0 win over Juventus in their Champions League last-16 first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Chelsea came racing out of the traps and deserved the lead they took through Didier Drogba’s goal inside the first 15 minutes. Juventus’ initial response was good, though, The Old Lady coming close through Alessandro Del Piero.

The visitors were the better side in the second period and put pressure on the Blues’ defense, but failed to create enough clear opportunities, meaning an intriguing second leg lies in store with the English side holding the advantage after tonight.

Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink caused no surprises with his starting XI. Drogba and Nicolas Anelka joined Salomon Kalou in a three-pronged forward line, while Alex continued to deputize for the injured Ricardo Carvalho in defense. Ashley Cole returned at left-back in place of Paulo Ferreira.

Juventus picked captain Del Piero and Amauri in attack over David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta, while Olof Mellberg came into the defense ahead of Zdenek Grygera, who had started against Palermo at the weekend.

The Blues made a fast start, Kalou cutting inside from left and shooting across the face of goal to give Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon an early test after just four minutes.

Then, Jose Bosingwa found space on the right after being fed by Michael Ballack and whipped in a good cross. Drogba managed to get in front of his marker, Nicola Legrottaglie, and headed just over the bar from close-range.

But the Italians did not heed the warnings, and, in the 12th minute, Chelsea went ahead. Frank Lampard delivered a poor free-kick from the right touchline, which Mauro Camoranesi cleared as far as Kalou 25 yards from goal.

The Ivorian winger was determined to keep the move alive and turned to guide the ball back into the box, where Drogba was able to get onto the wrong side of Legrottaglie and scuff a shot past Buffon into the far corner of the net from just inside the penalty area.

Drogba should have scored again four minutes later, but wasted his third golden opportunity of the opening stages. Lampard fed a corner in and Drogba, who stood completely unmarked six yards out, mistimed his header wide of the post.

That finally seemed to galvanize the visitors, who came close to scoring twice in quick succession as they enjoyed a good spell mid-way through the first half.

Firstly, former Chelsea midfielder Tiago swivelled well outside the box and spotted the run of Del Piero. The Portuguese slipped through a clever pass and the Italian forced Blues keeper Petr Cech into a good save.

From the resulting corner, Del Piero’s delivery was helped on by Amauri and so nearly connected with Giorgio Chiellini at the far post. The Brazilian striker should have done better with his header, having lost Chelsea captain John Terry.

Things quietened down as the half progressed, although Juve were still able to threaten as Camoranesi’s shot deflected narrowly over the crossbar, before Pavel Nedved shot straight at Cech from 20 yards just before half-time.

After the break, Chelsea started well, Drogba again getting a run on Legrottaglie and heading just wide from Bosingwa’s cross, while a left-footed effort from Lampard was well held by Buffon in the 57th minute.

For Juve, Nedved had another shot which failed to trouble Cech, before substitute Marco Marchionni rifled in an effort from 25 yards that fell just over Czech Republic international’s goal.

Then, Del Piero and Amauri came close with headers in quick succession on 70 minutes as Juventus put pressure on the hosts without creating many clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities.

Juve coach Clauido Ranieri seemed reluctant to alter his side’s system while they held the edge in the match, with no sign of Trezeguet until he was brought on in the 86th minute in place of Mohamed Sissoko.

Anelka, who had a quiet night for Chelsea by his high standards so far this season, drove a powerful effort narrowly wide with three minutes to go, before Trezeguet, moments after arriving on the pitch, poorly struck wide after a clever flick by Del Piero.

Then, in the third minute of added time, Nedved’s deflected long-range effort came so close to finding the inside of the post, but the home side held on and are in the strong position going into the second leg in Italy.

Chris Myson, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

The new Blues boss continued his winning ways, but he was less than pleased with his sluggish stars.

Feb 25, 2009 11:47:15 PM


Didier Drogba struck early on Wednesday night to give Chelsea a 1-0 advantage after the first leg of their Champions League showdown with Juventus.

It wasn't exactly a vintage performance from the Pensioners, however, and Guus Hiddink was alarmed at how quickly his players tired and let the Bianconeri back into the game.

"I am satisfied that we won, but overall I am not satisfied with the performance," the Dutchman said in The Daily Mail.

"We started well, but after the goal we dropped off too far and we were too anxious. Juventus dominated the second half, but did not create any danger.

"The tie is evenly balanced, but I'm pleased we kept a clean sheet. I was not happy with the functionality of the team, but we will improve it."

Hiddink holds a perfect record since succeeding Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge, having claimed victory over Premier League upstarts Aston Villa in his first game at the helm.

But the former Netherlands boss knows there is plenty left to do during his caretaker stint, and most of it will focus on whipping his stars into shape.

He continued, "[The players] are not at tip-top physical level. They are at a high level of fitness, but not near the top for games like this. It is something we will work on."

Mike Maguire, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

The Bianconeri were defeated in their first leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier tonight.

Feb 25, 2009 5:16:12 PM


Juventus resumed their quest for Champions League glory in 2009 earlier tonight, as they traveled to London to do battle with Chelsea, in the first leg of their heavyweight first knockout round tie.

It ended 1-0 in favor of the home side, as the Bianconeri would go on to rue their poor start to the match that saw them concede within the first 15 minutes, when Didier Drogba grabbed the decisive goal.

Despite the defeat, the coach Claudio Ranieri was still pleased with the performance of his players, and feels that nothing is lost heading into the second leg.

“It’s a pity that we went down, but we gave our all until the very last minute, so nothing is lost,” Ranieri declared in an interview with Sky.

“After a slow start, we seriously tested Chelsea, and we were unlucky along the way.

“I don’t know why we started so poorly tonight, although again, I was happy because the boys gave their best until the referee blew his final whistle.

“Now we must play the second leg at home, and ensure that we score a goal or two,” he concluded.

Juventus face Napoli and Torino in the next two rounds of Serie A, before their second leg gets underway with the English club in a fortnight’s time.

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Buffon 6.5 - Could have done nothing about the goal. One shaky moment coming off his line; no problems otherwise.

Mellberg 6 - Unspectacular, although he made a good effort to get forward.

Chiellini 5.5 - Played Lampard and Drogba onside for the opener, although he did get better after that.

Legrottaglie 6 - Caught out badly for the first goal and otherwise second to every high ball. That said, he improved greatly towards the end.

Molinaro 6 - I don't think it uncharitable to deem him 'outclassed' in terms of ability, but Molinaro never gives up and gets stuck in. At the start of the game this left him looking amateurish; by the end, though, he was the perfect Juve antidote to the tired Chelsea attackers.

Camoranesi 4.5 - Must have known as he went in at half time that he wasn't long for this game. Deservedly substituted not long after a miserable first half.

Sissoko 7 - Could never be accused of being anything less than a battler. Only removed due to his booking. Was unlucky that those around him only matched his structured play in bursts.

Tiago 7.5 - Completely calm while others in the midfield struggled to maintain composure. A key attacking influence, and wouldn't have come off so early were it not for a facial injury.

Nedved 6.5 - Most effective when cutting inside, Nedved's performance was far from a classic. That said, that deflected shot right at the end...

Del Piero 7 - A skipper's showing - eventually - but one in which he could have found a bit more definition.

Amauri 7 - Burst into life in the second period as he deployed himself deeper down the pitch.

Substitutes

Marchionni 7 - While he dithered a bit too much at times, when he did play a forward ball it was pretty much always useful: that's what Juve needed.

Marchisio 6.5 - Added a spark of energy at the right time.

Trezeguet N/A

[dreamer75]

The Juventus winger is likely to miss the Chelsea clash in two weeks after scans confirmed he suffered a fractured rib.

Feb 26, 2009 11:51:51 AM

Juventus ace Mauro Camoranesi is set to miss 'several weeks' of action after scans revealed he suffered a broken rib. His injury was sustained during the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

Sky Sport Italia claims the Italian international underwent further examinations by club doctor Ricardo Agricola on Thursday afternoon and a scan revealed the worst news for the Bianconeri.

Camoranesi will have to sit out the next few weeks and he is likely to miss the return leg of the Champions League clash with the Blues in less than two weeks.

The player was seen clutching his left side after a heavy challenge by Frank Lampard in the second half left him splattered on the Stamford Bridge turf.

It's not the news coach Claudio Ranieri would have wanted to hear as he already has a number of injury concerns in midfield. The result of the scans were confirmed to Sky Sport Italia by Agricola who said the recovery would take 'several weeks'

Normally, a broken rib takes between six to eight weeks to fully recover. This means the player will miss key matches in Serie A, Europe and the Coppa Italia.

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

FT Juventus [1 - 0] Napoli

44' [1 - 0] C. Marchisio

[Cissiboy]

alamak Juve always playing sat night..

btw not a memorable match..Good for Marchisio, we really need him 100%, good for Giovinco..he played 70 minutes..although without doing great things..

However we needed 3 points..and we took em..Good Job

[dreamer75]

Juventus 1 - 0 Napoli
Marchisio 44 (J)

Stadio Olimpico


Juventus rode their luck to sneak a 1-0 victory over Napoli thanks to a deflected Claudio Marchisio effort, but Nicola Legrottaglie is injured. The visitors were furious when a late equaliser was ruled offside.

The Bianconeri had to get back on track after their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, but faced a Napoli without a win since January 11. Mauro Camoranesi, Paolo De Ceglie, Cristiano Zanetti, Gennaro Iezzo, Matteo Gianello, Gianluca Grava, Walter Gargano and Marcelo Zalayeta were out injured.

Sebstian Giovinco, Christian Poulsen and David Trezeguet were given rare starts, while Christian Maggio was surprisingly benched. Alessandro Del Piero cut in from the right and forced Navarro into a tricky double save.

Juve should've scored after 15 minutes when Marco Marchionni's cross found Trezeguet, but Navarro parried the volley with his legs and Giovinco turned the follow-up over from eight yards.

Moments later Navarro fingertipped Del Piero's free kick out from under the crossbar. The goalkeeper rushed off his line to clear Poulsen's long ball off Giovinco's foot on the edge of the box.

Nicola Legrottaglie was booked for bringing down German Denis and will be suspended for the Turin derby.

Napoli created a great team move on 38 minutes, as Denis' backheel sent Marek Hamsik clear at the near post and Gigi Buffon had to spread his body to parry from point-blank range.

Moments later Navarro rushed off his line to flap the chipped pass off Del Piero's foot, but Marchionni fired the follow-up over.

Juventus took the lead with a stroke of luck in the last minute of the first half. Claudio Marchisio gathered from Poulsen outside the area and his hopeful snapshot took a decisive deflection off ex-Juve man Manuele Blasi to bobble past a stranded Navarro.

Jesus Datolo replaced Francesco Montervino after the restart for a 4-4-2 system. It made the difference, as Napoli took control and pushed forward, although they struggled to create real danger other than Datolo's set plays.

Claudio Ranieri was jeered when he substituted Giovinco with the more defensive Hasan Salihamidzic, who was making his comeback from a long injury lay-off. Marchionni moved behind the strikers in a trequartista position.

Del Piero cut back from the byline for Zdenek Grygera, but the defence closed him down before he could shoot. The Turin crowd was increasingly irritated with the performance and Amauri replaced a tired Del Piero.

There was a scare on 69 minutes when another long free kick went into the six-yard box, so Legrottaglie and Buffon crashed into each other in the desperate attempt to clear. The defender got the worst of it and limped off with a left knee problem.

A crucial Christian Molinaro sliding tackle stopped Ezequiel Lavezzi's run down the right, but at the other end Amauri set up Trezeguet and Matteo Contini dived in to deflect the Frenchman's shot wide.

Trezeguet wasted a counter when he stumbled on the ball, but Napoli were dominating. They hit the back of the net on 87 minutes when another free kick found Paolo Cannavaro and a fantastic point-blank Buffon save that ricocheted into Lavezzi's path, but the linesman's flag had already been raised for a very tight offside position.
Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie (Mellberg 72), Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni, Poulsen, Marchisio, Giovinco (Salihamidzic 63); Del Piero (Amauri 68), Trezeguet

Napoli: Navarro; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Contini; Montervino (Datolo 46), Blasi, Pazienza (Russotto 78), Hamsik, Vitale (Aronica 78); Lavezzi, Denis

Ref: Ayroldi

[dreamer75]

http://i.media.goal.com/g/44276_hp.jpg

Marchisio & Giovinco

[dreamer75]

Juventus slipped past Napoli tonight in Turin to close the gap on Inter Milan. Goal.com rates the performers on show.

Feb 28, 2009 4:41:35 PM

Buffon: 6.0- Did not have much to do but stood tall to deny Hamsik in the 39th minute.

Molinaro: 6.0- No major blunders to speak of and worked hard to earn his paycheque tonight.

Legrottaglie: 7.0- He was calm and collected at the back and was enjoying a solid performance until he was forced off with an injury.

Chiellini: 7.0- The no-nonsense defender did a valiant job of keeping Lavezzi, Denis and Hamsik off the score-sheet

Grygera: 6.0- Did what was asked of him tonight without any fuss and managed to push forward on occasion

Marchisio: 8.0- Patrolled the midfield with supreme confidence and chipped in with the winning goal. He has a real bright future ahead of him.

Poulsen: 7.5- He ran his socks off and it was his tackle and subsequent pass that set-up Marchisio's goal.

Marchionni: 7.0- Gave Contini all sorts of problems with his forward runs but missed a great chance in the 49th minute.

Giovinco: 6.0- The pint-sized playmaker missed a glorious chance in the 15th minute and did not make the impact he would have liked tonight.

Del Piero: 6.5- Looked lively in the early going and tested Navarro on a couple of occasions but faded away as the match wore on and was eventually substituted

Trezeguet 6.0- The French goal poacher was robbed by Navarro in the 15th minute. He was caught offside on too many occasions in the first half.

SUBS: Salihamidzic (64”) 6.5 Amauri (69”) 6.0, Mellberg (72”) 6.0

[dreamer75]

Juventus Edge Napoli To Move Closer To Inter

A goal by Marco Marchionni late in the first half was enough for Juventus to beat Napoli at home and move within six points of leaders Inter.

Juventus 1-0 Napoli
Feb 28, 2009 4:23:51 PM


Juventus were looking for revenge in tonight’s home match against Napoli, who beat them 2-1 at the Stadio San Paolo earlier this season. Only a victory would do for Claudio Ranieri’s side if they were going to keep the title race somewhat alive, while Napoli were coming off a very negative run of results.

The home side played in a 4-4-2 formation with captain Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet up front, while Edy Reja’s side played in a 3-5-2 with German Denis and Ezequiel Lavezzi in attack.

First Half

Juventus quickly took control of the match and made themselves dangerous repeatedly in the opening part of the first half. In the 11th minute, Del Piero made a run to the center from the right and fired a left-footed shot, but it was too central and goalkeeper Nicolas Navarro was able to grab it.

Four minutes later, the home side missed a huge chance, as Marco Marchionni sent in a dangerous cross that was volleyed in by Trezeguet, who forced Navarro into a difficult save, and on the rebound Sebastian Giovinco incredibly fired the ball over the bar from close range.

In the 17th minute, Del Piero tried to open the score with one of his trademark free kicks, but Navarro managed to tip his dangerous shot over the bar.

After a rather quiet period in the match, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was called into action for the first time in the 38th minute, when he came up with a brilliant reflex save to keep out a close range effort by Marek Hamsik after Denis found him with a touch off his heel.

A minute later, the home side responded as Christian Poulsen found Del Piero inside the area, and Navarro managed to anticipate the Juve captain, but the ball came to Marchionni who proceeded to fire the ball wide of the goal from a difficult position.

Juve deservedly took the lead just before the break, in the 44th minute, when Marchisio fired a shot from distance that took a decisive deflection off Manuele Blasi and beat Navarro.

The first half thus finished deservedly 1-0 to Juventus against a Napoli side who disappointed yet again.

Second Half

For the second half, Reja decided to insert new purchase Jesus Datolo for Francesco Montervino during half time to give the team more attacking impulses.

The Argentinean playmaker made an immediate impact with some dangerous crosses and set pieces. In the 57th minute, one his free kicks was nearly headed in by Michele Pazienza, but he sent the ball just wide.

Del Piero had a half-chance a few minutes later, after winning the ball as Napoli made a mistake in their buildup, but he couldn’t hold on to it as he tried to make a run towards the goal.

The home side limited themselves to containing Napoli, who looked downbeat following their poor recent results, so chance were few and far between. In the 77th minute, Trezeguet made himself dangerous with a nice individual move concluded with a left footed shot from a dangerous position, which was deflected out by Matteo Contini for a corner.

Three minutes later, Marchionni found the French striker in a good position in the area, but he had a poor control and was forced pass the ball back to substitute Amauri, who headed the ball wide.

In the final minutes of the match, Napoli started to come forward more as they went in search for an equaliser. Two minutes before full time, there was a dubious episode as Datolo sent in a free kick that was met by Paolo Cannavaro, whose close range shot was parried by Buffon, but only as far as Lavezzi who tapped the ball in. However, the ‘goal’ was canceled for an offside position by the Napoli defender.

That was the only real chance for the visitors, who were forced to swallow another negative result when the referee blew his whistle after four minutes of injury time. Meanwhile, Juventus managed to put some pressure on Inter, who are now just six points away ahead of their home match against Roma tomorrow night.



Teams

Juventus (4-4-2): Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie (72’ Mellberg), Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni, Poulsen, Marchisio, Giovinco (63’ Salihamidzic); Trezeguet, Del Piero (68’ Amauri). Coach: Ranieri.

Napoli (3-5-2): Navarro; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Contini; Montervino (46’ Datolo), Pazienza (78’ Russotto), Blasi, Hamsik, Vitale (78’ Aronica); Denis, Lavezzi. Coach: Reja.

Goals: 44’ Marchionni (J)

Booked: Legrottaglie, Chiellini (J)

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

The youngster was pleased the Bianconeri managed to bounce back from Wednesday’s disappointment to take the three points against on Saturday evening.

Mar 1, 2009 12:33:00 AM


Tuttomercatoweb.com reports how Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio was extremely happy about his goal and the 1-0 win against Napoli on Saturday.

Marchisio performed well in the Champions League defeat to Chelsea in midweek, and his efforts against the Partenopei will surely make him a fan favorite.

"A decisive win and goal for the team and the league position," commented the 23-year-old player. "We had many chances in the first half [from which] we failed to score, but luckily then we did.

"Obviously we have many games to play, but that's the same for Inter and Rome. It's a period with many games and the physical condition can be affected, but we're fine and holding on.

"The great team must know how to change mentality straight away. Following the defeat against Chelsea we had to react straight away and we did so."

Juventus have temporarily decreased their gap from Inter down to six points ahead of tonight's big clash against Roma at the San Siro stadium.

Glenn Debattista, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

We are facing Lazio n the COPPA ITALIA 2009 later.

[dreamer75]

alamak Juve always playing sat night..

btw not a memorable match..Good for Marchisio, we really need him 100%, good for Giovinco..he played 70 minutes..although without doing great things..

However we needed 3 points..and we took em..Good Job

The team took their foot off the gas in the 2nd half with only a 1 goal lead. Y they didn't maintain the same tempo as the 1st half is my main concern.

Marchisio was my motm. His best games this season have been ones where he his active around both boxes. Poulsen covered for him nicely, and vice versa, and we never got caught out in the middle of the pitch, although they were overrun at times.

Del Piero had a poor game. Held on to the ball to long, and was playing way to deep.

It's only a matter of time b4 Seba's love affair with Juve ends and he starts thinking about his career. Ranieri refuses to play him, and when he does it's not even for 90 min. He should have been weaned into the team months ago, yet it's a struggle for him to make a sub appearance, let alone play 90 min.

[dreamer75]

My formation

Manninger

Grygera - Ariaudo - Mellberg - Molinaro

Salihamidzic - Marchisio - Poulsen - Giovinco

Iaquinta - Trezeguet (C)



-Marchionni should be rested now that Mauro is sidelined for several weeks.

- Keep Sissoko and Tiago out for the Torino match and play again Marchisio-Poulsen.

[dreamer75]

Juve tie down Daud
Tuesday 3 March, 2009
Juventus rising star Ayub Daud has penned a new deal to keep him at the club until 2013.

Daud was the revelation of the Viareggio youth tournament, which was won by Juve's Primavera side.

The 19-year-old was the competition's top scorer with eight goals and caught the eye of clubs all over Europe.

There were reports that English and Spanish teams had approached agent Ulisse Savini, but Juve have moved to secure the talented front man.

It has been confirmed that Daud agreed a deal that ties him to Turin until 2013 late last night.

Although he has lived in Italy since the age of five, Daud has represented birth nation Somalia at Under-21 level.

[Jordi_C]

Who's your fav Juve player(past,present and future)?

For me,I like Baggio and Tacconi the GK.

[dreamer75]

Who's your fav Juve player(past,present and future)?

For me,I like Baggio and Tacconi the GK.

Baggio, Ravenelli, Del Piero and many more :o

[dreamer75]

Inter star Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus were the big winners at the annual Calcio Oscars.
Jan 19, 2009 3:10:08 PM

Today the annual Calcio Oscars were handed out. The big winner of the night was Inter star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who won the award for Best Goal, Best Foreign Player, and Best Overall Player, but Juventus, not champions Inter, were the team that picked up the most accolades.

Juve captain Alex Del Piero was named Best Italian Player and Most Beloved Player. Defender Giorgio Chiellini won the award for Best Defender, while Gigi Buffon was named Best Goalkeeper.

Elsewhere, Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli won the coveted Best Coach award, while Napoli star Marek Hamsik won the award for Best Youngster.

Roberto Rosetti was voted Best Referee, and former Milan player and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis victim Stefano Borgonovo, whose paralyzing illness has sadly confined him to a wheelchair, was named Fan Of The Year.

Danilo Pochini

[dreamer75]

The Austrian shot-stopper feels the Bianconeri should have been more clinical last night but he is confident that a passage to the competition’s final can still be won.

Mar 4, 2009 4:40:10 AM


Juventus suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat away to Lazio in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie on Tuesday evening.
Claudio Ranieri’s side took the lead through Marco Marchionni but were outclassed after the interval and allowed the Aquile to turn the game around through striking duo Goran Pandev and Tommaso Rocchi.

“We played well in the first half,” Juve goalkeeper Alex Manninger told journalists after the encounter. “We could have killed the game and gone into the half-time break with a two-goal lead - [Vincenzo] Iaquinta’s strike was not offside,”

“However, I think we still have a 50 per cent chance of going through.”

Contrary to latest outings, the Turin giants enjoyed a brilliant start, but they looked tired and negligent in the second period.

“We have to learn how to keep focussed throughout the match,” insisted the ex-Arsenal custodian. “We have to take a hard look at ourselves and try to improve for the upcoming derby game.”

Juventus will face local rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole next Saturday.

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Torino - Juventus
Serie A 2008/2009
Turin, Olympic Stadium - March 7th, h. 20.30

[dreamer75]

For live streams...

Then go here http://zulu.mk/ and click this http://zulu.mk/sites/default/files/imagecache/tvKanalkopce/telma.jpg

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Manninger - 8.0: May have conceded two, but Manninger was the only reason Juventus weren't humiliated this evening. Pulled off at least two world class saves from Ledesma and Foggia, as well as a host of other stops.

Grygera - 6.0: Sound in the first half against Manfredini, but had trouble marking Mauri when he was introduced after the break.

Mellberg - 5.0: Did his best to imitate Philippe Senderos tonight. Very clumsy, slow off the mark, executing a number of poor clearances.

Chiellini - 5.0: Solid enough in the first half, but had real trouble against Rocchi in the second period, and allowed the striker to nip in behind him for the winner.

Molinaro - 5.5: One of Juve's most impressive players in the opening 45 minutes but, like most of his team-mates, must have banged his head during the half time interval. Did provide the cross for Marchionni's goal.

Marchionni - 6.5: Started excellently, creating Iaquinta's early chance and opening the scoring with a volley. Marchionni then disappeared into the Eternal City sky.

Sissoko - 6.0: Started the game imperiously, but then just went through the motions and appeared to be saving himself for the 'derby' and Chelsea.

Tiago - 6.0: Calm and assured in the first half, supplying the pass for Iaquinta's disallowed goal. However, after the break the Portuguese was passed through at will, leading to Ranieri replacing him with Poulsen.

Nedved - 5.0: Involved in the build-up to Marchionni's goal but, aside from this, did very little. Ranieri surely should have rested the veteran with the Chelsea game in mind.

Iaquinta - 7.0: Juventus' best outfield player tonight. Shot just wide on three minutes, had a goal contentiously disallowed and could have scored another that stood. Given no service during Juve's second half horror show.

Amauri - 4.5: Not a game that Amauri will want to remember in a hurry. One of the Brazilian's worst displays since joining the club last summer. All this in front of Marcello Lippi in the stands.

Substitutes

Marchisio - 5.0, Poulsen - 5.0, Trezeguet - N/A

[dreamer75]

Juventus face a potential banana skin against Torino in the derby della Mole, with their minds likely to be on the Chelsea clash. The Granata are desperate for a win and fireworks are expected.

Mar 6, 2009 9:02:43 AM



Kick Off Saturday March 7, 20:30 CET, Stadio Olimpico Turin

The Only Way Is Up For Torino

Torino have enjoyed a good 2009 so far. After two early defeats at the start of the year to Genoa and Roma, the Granata have stopped the slide towards Serie B. Walter Novellino has finally managed to get Toro back on the right track. Unbeaten in seven games, there is real belief that Juventus' bitter city rivals will live to fight another season in Italy's top-flight. However, there are still 11 games before Urbano Cairo's men can wave the safety flag.

Although Toro are slowly climbing back up the table, they are still just one point clear of the relegation zone. A win against Juve this Saturday will give the team a massive psychological boost. Serie A salvation is never easy. Despite being on the right track, the Granata are just not picking up enough wins. Only five victories all season does not make for inspirational reading in terms of dodging relegation. In there last six matches, Torino have only picked up one win. That was at home to Udinese two weeks ago. The rest have been draws with Cagliari, Chievo, Reggina, Lazio and Inter. Torino really should have beaten the first three teams as they are direct rivals for the survival places.

The only way is up for Toro, but the raging bull will need to learn how to beat the Old Lady. Traditionally, Juventus have always had the better record against Novellino's men, but the derby della Mole has always been a special affair. The Piedmont-based team shouldn't be surprised if they bag all three points against Juve. The Bianconeri won the reverse 1-0 thanks to a solitary strike from Amauri. Anything less than a win then it's back down into the drop zone. It will be a 90 minutes of fire for the 'home' side, and they will be hoping Juve get burnt this time.

Too Many Distractions For Juventus

The Bianconeri have had a very busy last two weeks. Their focus on all fronts has been affected as a result. Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League matches have taken their toll on the the team and there will be no respite for them this weekend either. It really is a case of make or break for Claudio Ranieri's men. First up is a battling Torino side who will not give up without a fight. More than just city bragging rights are up at stake as failure to secure maximum points will allow Inter to begin laughing again after all the midweek hype.

Juventus cannot afford to let their focus slip up against Toro. The Bianconeri head into the game having lost to Lazio in the Coppa Italia first-leg semi-final and confidence is not at its highest. Add to that matters off the pitch regarding the war of words with Inter and Jose Mourinho, as well as the Champions League clash with Chelsea, and there is a potential cloud of distraction gathering over Vinovo. However, having already beaten Saturday's opponents earlier this season, Juve should be able to do the job confidently without hesitation.

Ranieri has come under some heavy fire recently as the Bianconeri's hopes of silverware have been put in doubt. A win on Saturday night is needed in order to silence the critics and restore some pride and hope. In addition, victory against Torino can help spur the Old Lady on to overturn their Chelsea deficit just three days later. It's a crucial stage of the season, and time to get things right for all involved with Italy's most famous club.

Form Guide

Torino

Mar 1: Cagliari 0-0 Torino

Feb 22: Torino 1-0 Udinese

Feb 14: Lazio 1-1 Torino

Feb 8: Torino 1-1 Chievo

Feb 1: Inter 1-1 Torino

Juventus

Feb 28: Juventus 1-0 Napoli

Feb 21: Palermo 0-2 Juventus

Feb 15: Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria

Feb 8: Catania 1-2 Juventus

Jan 31: Juventus 2-3 Cagliari

Team News

Torino

Alessandro Rosina is fighting for a starting role against Juventus. The No. 10 has been impressive in training this week and he could come into contention. Elvis Abbruscato, Aimo Diana and Marco Di Loreto are all unavailable, while Paolo Zanetti serves a one match suspension.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-1-1: Sereni, Colombo, Natali, Pisano, Ogbonna, Saumel, Dzemaili, Corini, Abate, Bianchi, Stellone.

Juventus

Giorgio Chiellini worked apart from the rest of the squad on Thursday after suffering from muscle fatigue, but he should be back for the game against Torino. Zdenek Grygera and Marco Marchionni also trained separately but they are likely to start. Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended while Mauro Camoranesi, Paolo De Ceglie, Cristiano Zanetti, Tiago and Jorge Andrade are all injured.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-2: Buffon, Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro, Marchionni, Sissoko, Marchisio, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet.

Players To Watch

Torino: Keep an eye on former Manchester City flop Rolando Bianchi. He has scored four goals for Toro this term. The big target man is likely to cause the Juve back line some trouble and he has the ability to score when it's least expected.

Juventus: David Trezeguet is the one Torino will be monitoring closely. The Frenchman is itching to score again after his showing against Palermo. The problem has been the constant changing from Ranieri. If 'Trezegol' starts then he will all but guarantee a goal for his side.

Prediction

With Juventus having the Chelsea Champions League distraction hanging over them, this could be a chance for Torino to take full advantage. The Bianconeri are likely to have one eye on Europe and it may prove to be their demise. Juve have a lot of work this weekend. Local derbies are never easy, but they have enough quality to do the business.

Torino 1-2 Juventus

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[victorian07]

oo.. dreamer bro~! this thread now stickied already ar.

ok.. i'll drop by more often.

[dreamer75]

oo.. dreamer bro~! this thread now stickied already ar.

ok.. i'll drop by more often.

ya....welcome back bro :D

[victorian07]

tonight we're up for the Turin derby before facing Chelsea next mid-week. Big week for Juve I must say, this will define their season in the domestic league and also in Europe.

[dreamer75]

FT Torino [0 - 1] Juventus

81' [0 - 1] G. Chiellini

[dreamer75]

tonight we're up for the Turin derby before facing Chelsea next mid-week. Big week for Juve I must say, this will define their season in the domestic league and also in Europe.

let's hope we can beat chelsea by at least 2 goals next week :)

[dreamer75]

Pts P W D L F A W D L F A W D L F A
Inter 63 27 19 6 2 49 21 9 4 0 21 11 10 2 2 28 10
Juventus 56 27 17 5 5 43 21 9 2 2 24 10 8 3 3 19 11
Milan 51 27 15 6 6 46 27 11 2 1 26 7 4 4 5 20 20
Fiorentina 46 27 14 4 9 38 27 9 2 2 20 10 5 2 7 18 17
Genoa 45 27 12 9 6 36 27 8 4 1 25 12 4 5 5 11 15

[dreamer75]

guess v hard to catch Inter again :o

[dreamer75]

Torino 0 - 1 Juventus
Chiellini 81 (J)

Stadio Olimpico


Giorgio Chiellini's late header gave Juventus a 1-0 Derby della Mole victory over local rivals Torino.

The Bianconeri needed a victory to stay within seven points of Inter, but Toro were unbeaten in seven - six of which were draws - going into the 225th Derby della Mole in all competition. Juve hadn't lost to their rivals since April 1995 and last scored a goal in 2002, firing blanks for five meetings.

Paolo Zanetti and Nicola Legrottaglie sat out bans, while Elvis Abbruscato, Cristiano Zanetti, Paolo De Ceglie, Mauro Camoranesi and Zdenek Grygera were injured. Others were rested ahead of the Champions League match with Chelsea, but Jonathan Zebina made his comeback.

After three minutes Matteo Sereni performed a stunning one-handed save to deny Vincenzo Iaquinta from close range. Hasan Salihamidzic nodded the corner on to the side-netting.

Toro also threatened early on with Roberto Stellone turning a free header over from six yards as a corner was not dealt with. Gigi Buffon got a hand to tip Simone Barone's effort over the bar, then a few minutes later needed another alert save to block Barone's glancing header.

Torino were dominating and Alessandro Rosina drilled wide, but there was controversy on 26 minutes. Sereni somehow scrambled Iaquinta's towering header off the line and replays show the ball had not entirely crossed over. It was an extraordinary 'Gordon Banks' style save.

Sereni again beat away a fierce Claudio Marchisio snapshot from 20 metres, as it bounced in front of him and swerved.

After the restart Amauri trapped a long ball and tested Sereni at the near post, but there was bad news for Torino when Rosina pulled up clutching the back of his thigh and made way for Nicola Ventola.

Zebina is still not match fit and made way for youth team defender Lorenzo Ariaudo. A corner caused problems, but Barone could not squeeze his shot past a sea of legs from point-blank range.

Blerim Dzemaili flung himself at Marchisio to parry a volley in the D, while Sebastian Giovinco's free kick skimmed the bar.

There was a bizarre pinball effect in the Torino box on 72 minutes, as a free kick found Amauri's header and a great Sereni reaction save, then the goalkeeper palmed the Hasan Salihamidzic follow-up on to the upright.

Juventus were doing much better in the second half and broke the deadlock nine minutes from time. A Pavel Nedved free kick into the six-yard box found Giorgio Chiellini for a close-range header. Riccardo Colombo had lost his man and it was a cool finish.

Moments later Iaquinta had a good chance on the counter, but the ball bobbled and the two centre-backs were able to recover.
Torino: Sereni; Colombo, Natali, Dellafiore, Pisano; Abate, Corini (Saumel 75), Dzemaili, Barone (Gasbarroni 71); Stellone, Rosina (Ventola 51)

Juventus: Buffon; Zebina (Ariaudo 59), Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic, Poulsen (Sissoko 84), Marchisio, Giovinco (Nedved 67); Amauri, Iaquinta

Ref: Farina

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 7.0- Had to be on his toes early on as Torino heaped an enormous amount of pressure on his goal, but was always solid and assured.

Molinaro: 6.0- The right-back that Juve supporters love to hate had the pace necessary to keep a close eye on the speedy Abate.

Mellberg: 7.0- The big, lumbering Swede made a vital sliding tackle in injury time to preserve the victory.

Chiellini: 7.5- Rock solid as usual at the back tonight and it’s always nice when your centre-back can score the winning goal of the match.

Zebina: 6.0- The temperamental right-back made his first start of the year and was given a rough ride on a couple of occasions by Rosina but all in all not a bad performance.

Salihamidzic: 6.5- Still a bit rusty after a long layoff but almost found a goal as he hit the post in the 72nd minute

Poulsen: 6.5- The Danish hard man was not as impressive as he has been in previous matches but definitely put in a solid shift this evening.

Marchisio: 6.5- Plays in the mould of Marco Tardelli and he tested Sereni with a long-range drive near the end of the first half.

Giovinco: 7.0- The ‘Atomic Ant’ was extremely lively tonight and was the architect of the Juve attack until he was substituted in the second half.
Amauri: 6.0- His form has dipped recently and could only manage a single shot on goal - that Sereni kicked out in the 50th minute.

Iaquinta: 7.0- Would have probably bagged a brace if it wasn’t for the heroics of Sereni.

SUBS: Ariaudo (59”) 6.0, Nedved (68”) 7.0, Sissoko (84”) NA

[dreamer75]

Juventus' Mohamed Sissoko Out For Three Months
More bad news for Juventus and Sissoko as the club confirm surgery is needed on his foot...
Mar 9, 2009 10:23:41 AM


Juventus have confirmed Mohamed Sissoko will need an operation after fracturing a bone in his left foot during the 1-0 derby win over Torino on Saturday night.

The Mali international's season is effectively over as he will need to spend at least three months on the sidelines.

A statement on the club's official website read, "As a result of the fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his left foot, it has been decided that surgery is needed.

"The operation will be carried out on Tuesday by professor Flavio Quaglia and Giuliano Cerulli at the Fornaca clinic in Turin.

"The prognosis in terms of recovery is around 90 days."

The injury comes as a huge blow to the Bianconeri as they will have to face a buoyant Chelsea side without the presence of the powerful midfielder.

It is believed Claudio Marchisio will take Sissoko's place for the Champions League clash against the Blues tomorrow night.

Goal.com Manager is YOUR chance to prove your managerial abilities and win top prizes - FREE! Click onto http://fantasy.goal.com and select YOUR Champions League line-up today!

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

In a list of the top talents under 23, Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has come above Inter hitman Mario Balotelli...

Jan 13, 2009 6:29:31 PM


English newspaper The Times has released a list of the top football talents under the age of 23 regarded as the rising stars in the game.

The list only had three Italians on it, but perhaps in a rather surprising order, as Juventus midfielder Marchisio came ahead of Inter's seldom-used striker Mario Balotelli.

Marchisio came in tenth place, while Balotelli was 19th and Juventus playmaker Sebastian Giovinco claimed 34th.

Balotelli has been in the news as Nerazzurri boss Jose Mourinho is unhappy with his attitude in training, leaving him out of the squad on many occasions.

Other Serie A players on the list include Napoli duo Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, as well as new Milan recruit Thiago Silva.

The top three consisted of young Brazilian prodigy Hernanes, Lyon striker Karim Benzema, and Valencia winger David Silva, who was a part of Spain's European championship winning side.

Adam Scime

[dreamer75]

The Bianconeri are ready to face Chelsea in tomorrow evening's decisive second leg in the Champions League with Ranieri confident that his troops will advance.

Mar 9, 2009 1:45:58 PM


Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has a lot of trust in his team ahead of tomorrow evening's encounter against Chelsea.

The Old Lady's importance in Italian and European football could be the motivation needed by his players to beat the Blues and book themselves a spot among the last eight teams.

"We have a lot to give," declared the former Chelsea coach during today's press conference.

"Juventus is the history of Italian football and my players still have a lot to give, even more than 100%: we want to continue in the Champions League.

"Italian teams' inferiority complex towards English teams? I don't think so. There is an inferiority complex about money; that is the only one I know of."

Ranieri then went on to analyse Juve's English opponents ahead of tomorrow's all-important clash.

"Chelsea, the war machine built by spending a lot of money, is back," he explained.

"However, we will be giving everything tomorrow evening for this international stage. We have done a lot to arrive here and we want to remain."

Juventus need to win by a two-goal margin in order to go through to the quarter finals, whereas Chelsea can afford to lose by a one-goal margin, as long as they score at least one goal.

Glenn Debattista, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

After winning the first leg 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea travel to Turin hoping to finish the job and dump Juventus out of the competition.

Mar 9, 2009 7:46:36 AM


Kick-Off: Tuesday March 10, 2009, 20.45 CET. Stadio Olimpico di Torino, Italy

On A Roll

Having lost the first leg and failed to score an away goal at Stamford Bridge, Claudio Ranieri’s men have it all to do in Turin on Tuesday night.

To compound matters they face a Chelsea side who are currently enjoying a hot run of form.

The Blues are flourishing under new manager Guus Hiddink and have won their last six games on the trot.

Chelsea’s good recent form owes much to striker Didier Drogba who did the damage in the first leg, hitting the winner in the first half. The Ivorian appears to be enjoying his football again and may well be the man to watch, having bagged three goals in his last four games.

Another key man for the Blues is Michael Essien who may make something of a shock return to action against Juventus. Having missed the last six months due to a knee injury picked up on international duty in September, Essien made his long-awaited return to action with a substitute appearance against Coventry City at the weekend.

Manager Hiddink has since admitted that he must now decide whether to start with Essien, although after such a long absence it is possible he will begin on the bench.

Further good news on the injury front concerns Ricardo Carvalho who may partner John Terry at the back although Nicolas Anelka and Deco are expected to miss out and Paulo Ferreira has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Whilst Chelsea have endured something of an inconsistent season so far, Juventus will be aware that away from home they have been excellent.

The Blues have lost only three times on their travels all season and, armed with a narrow lead, will travel to Italy brimming with confidence.

Ranieri’s Revenge

Yet Claudio Ranieri’s men will be buoyed by their display in the first leg and will feel confident they can turn this tie around.

Their second half performance against the Blues proved they can cause Hiddink’s men problems and Pavel Nedved, in particular, almost grabbed a vital equaliser.

The Czech Republic international, who announced his intention to retire at the end of the season after the game at Stamford Bridge, was inches away from an equaliser in the closing minutes with a shot that whistled past Petr Cech’s left post.

Certainly Nedved’s determination to reach the Champions League final in his last season will aid Juve, as will their experience of coming from behind in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri have overturned first leg defeats in Turin, four times in seven attempts, mostly famously in 2003 when a 2-1 first leg semi-final defeat to Real Madrid was forgotten about with a 3-1 home win.

However, if they are to stage another remarkable comeback they will have to do so without some key players.

Mauro Camoranesi broke a rib at Stamford Bridge and will miss the game but so too will Mohamed Sissoko who injured his foot at the weekend and will join his colleague on the sidelines.

Against a midfield as strong as Chelsea’s, those injuries could prove key but with the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Amauri and David Trezeguet the options in attack they will hope to find the inspiration needed to hand Hiddink his first Chelsea defeat.

FORM GUIDE

Last Five Results

Juventus

Mar 7: Torino 0-1 Juventus
Mar 3: Lazio 2-1 Juventus
Feb 28: Juventus 1-0 Napoli
Feb 25: Chelsea 1-0 Juventus
Feb 21: Palermo 0-2 Juventus

Chelsea

Mar 7: Coventry City 0-2 Chelsea
Mar 3: Portsmouth 0-1 Chelsea
Feb 28: Chelsea 2-1 Wigan Athletic
Feb 25: Chelsea 1-0 Juventus
Feb 21: Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea

TEAM NEWS

Juventus

Claudio Ranieri has problems in midfield where injury rules out Mauro Camoranesi and Mohamed Sissoko. The pair join Paolo De Ceglie and Cristiano Zanetti on the sidelines and they may be accompanied by Marco Marchionni who is also a doubt.

Possible starting XI: Buffon, Mellberg, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro, Poulsen, Tiago, Salihamidizc, Nedved, Del Piero, Amauri.

Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka and Deco are both expected to miss the trip to Turin. Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien are both fit again and Hiddink must decide whether or not the pair to start with the pair.

Possible Starting XI: Cech, A Cole, Carvalho, Terry, Bosingwa, Mikel, Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Kalou, Drogba.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Juventus – Alessandro Del Piero

If one man can inspire his team to come from behind to beat Chelsea and progress into the quarter-finals of the competition it is Alessandro Del Piero.

Whilst the striker could not find a way past Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge, he will know that his side must beat the Chelsea stopper in Turin at least once if they are to progress.

The 34-year-old striker has been rested by Ranieri for the last two games, meaning he should be raring to go come Tuesday night.

Chelsea – Didier Drogba

Drogba scored the vital goal in the first leg and is a man on form after hitting three goals in his last four games.Guus Hiddink’s arrival seems to have revitalised the Ivorian who has rediscovered his goalscoring touch with a bang.

With Nicolas Anelka likely to miss out through injury, Drogba’s presence will prove even more crucial and he will know that an away goal will make Juve’s task that much more difficult.

PREDICTION

Whilst Chelsea undoubtedly go into the match with a slight advantage, this game remains delicately poised.

Yet the Blues look a different prospect than under Luiz Felipe Scolari and Hiddink appears to have restored their previous air of invincibility.

Although Juventus will undoubtedly hand Chelsea a very stiff examination, the Blues are a tough side to beat, especially away from home, and they may just do enough to sneak past Ranieri’s men.

Juventus 1-1 Chelsea

Gill Clark, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

our midfield is v weak :(

[dreamer75]

Picking the two Juventus strikers to face Chelsea is a lot tougher than it looks, says Scott Fleming

It is a problem that isn’t really a problem at all, and that most bosses would kill for. What two from Alessandro Del Piero, David Trezeguet, Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta does Claudio Ranieri play versus Chelsea in the biggest game of the season?

Before this term commenced the decision would have been a lot more straightforward. Just look at the order in which I listed the names. This season has seen each one prove their individual worth however and show collectively that the Juventus forward line is perhaps the most complete in Italy.

Inter and Milan may both have more forwards, but Juventus are unique in that Ranieri has four strikers with varied styles and uses, all of whom have made significant participation in the campaign to date, except Trezeguet due to injury.

Let’s be honest, Del Piero’s place isn’t in doubt, and nor should it be. The man holds every record imaginable at the club and actually deserves the over used term ‘icon’. This isn’t a case of sentiment clouding reason.

The 34-year-old is performing as well as he ever has, scoring and demonstrating his experience and nuance to unselfishly provide assists. In addition he has saved his best for European action, notching spectacular strikes against Real Madrid and Zenit St Petersburg.

The identity of his strike partner seems to have come down to a teamsheet tussle between Amauri and Trezeguet, which is a real shame for Vincenzo Iaquinta.

I’ve learnt my lesson when it comes to doubting Iaquinta. At Udinese I thought him over-rated, somewhat clumsy and ultimately not quite good enough for a big side, or the Azzurri for that matter.

My opinion altered drastically last season however, when he repeatedly impacted upon games, more often than not having come off the bench. His deceptive pace also allows him the versatility to play wide.

In an ideal world Amauri would partner Del Piero. Like Trezeguet he scores plenty of goals, but has that extra something, that captivating Samba ingenuity. It’s a partnership that has already flourished this season, yet Trezeguet and Del Piero have worked in perfect tandem for nigh on a decade.

Would you trust the Brazilian ahead of the Frenchman to put away that golden opportunity? Then again, is Trezeguet fit enough for such a match after a long lay off? I won’t pretend to have the faculties to make the correct decision. Let’s hope Claudio does.

[dreamer75]

Leg-less Ranieri remains confident
Monday 9 March, 2009
Juventus will be without Nicola Legrottaglie against Chelsea tomorrow evening, but Claudio Ranieri fancies the Old Lady's chances.

The Bianconeri trail 1-0 after a Didier Drogba goal decided the Stamford Bridge leg.

Ranieri will be without Legrottaglie due to a knee injury he sustained against Napoli, so Olof Mellberg will partner Giorgio Chiellini in the middle.

“Chelsea are a juggernaut that has been created with lots of money,” Ranieri told journalists.

“Tomorrow we step out on the big stage. We have done so much to get there and we want to stay there because it is exciting to play international matches.

“We still have so much to do, but I am convinced that we can put in a big performance.

“Maybe we have a slightly inferior depth to our squad but that is purely for financial reasons.

“Guus Hiddink will play 4-3-3 and will try to occupy every area of the pitch.

“If Nicolas Anelka doesn't play then Florent Malouda will take the left, Solomon Kalou the right and Drogba in the middle.

“But we have stupendous players who are performing at their best. Juventus are crucial to the history of European football and the newcomers know that too.

“We need to give more than 100 per cent and we can win. We will see tomorrow night.”

[Cissiboy]

set ur alarm to 3.30 tonite...see u there

FORZA JUVE !!!

[dreamer75]

set ur alarm to 3.30 tonite...see u there

FORZA JUVE !!!

yesh!!!!

FORZA OLD LADY!!!! :s12::s12:

[Deunamist]

i'll go with Amauri and Alex based on current form. forza juve! do italia proud!!

[Overture1928]

Yup !
Good luck Juventus !

[Deunamist]

that's probably it for juve. bloody Chel$ea

[wmania2]

A very good performance, marred by poor refereeing. We will come back again.

[Overture1928]

I felt that you guys have done well considering that you guys didn't have your strongest line-up
Probably an important signing or two will put you guys back into serious contention

[vasilli07]

Juventus got robbed...Chiellini sending off was dubious...

[Litmuss]

Juventus got robbed...Chiellini sending off was dubious...

Even Claudio Raneiri have no complaints abt the sending off, so what's dubious abt it?:s22:
I think Chelsea got robbed instead when Drogba's fk goal clearly went over the line.

[Deunamist]

Juve have the most complete strike force in serie A.

Trez-ADP-Amauri-Iaquinta is definitely more frightening than Ibra-Adriano-Balotelli-Obinna or Kaka-Pato-Inzaghi-Dinho at the moment.

[SpikyOyster]

Even Claudio Raneiri have no complaints abt the sending off, so what's dubious abt it?:s22:
I think Chelsea got robbed instead when Drogba's fk goal clearly went over the line.

Was that a goal? Even on video replay I cannot see for certain.

[Cissiboy]

to me Referee was very good..Chiellini is an idiot..2 idiots fouls..and i dare you say the second one was 100% ball ! Add that was in midfield, from behind and with the forward not even facing the goal..that is idiot and the red card was correct

For this and many other reasons, I'm not regretting the performance at all..Chelsea overall deserve it even though Juve stayed close to the qualification till 83' of the return leg..

I'm sad but no regrets

[vasilli07]

But he did win the ball but well, a tackle is always dangerous from behind...to me, it's a 50-50, sometimes a ref gives it, sometimes not...

[dreamer75]

Juventus were twice in the lead this evening, but Chelsea battled back to secure a 2-2 draw, maintaining Guus Hiddink's unbeaten streak, and securing the Blues' name in the pot for the quarter finals of the Champions League...

Juventus 2-2 Chelsea

What attributes do Premier League representatives typically boast on the continental stage? Pace would presumably rank highly, precision would not be too far behind, relentless attacking threats would also be listed, as would hounding out the opposition, together with a tenacity and accurate playmaking passes from midfield.

These, though, were all characteristics of Juventus' game during the opening swordsmanship of the concluding leg to their round of 16 Champions League clash with London outfit Chelsea.

The visiting Blues struggled to deal with the Old Lady's acceleration and fast tempo and, in truth, they looked to be surprised by the tactic. Juventus' early pressure came from multiple outlets, but attacking left back Cristian Molinero in particular caused Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa numerous difficulties.

The black and white striped team really took the game to their visitors. They were fired up and aided by their raucous and passionate fans who were relentless in their melodic chanting. However, without Momo Sissoko, there were always going to be questions about whether or not they could dominate for the full 90 minutes and, indeed, this scepticism was not unfounded.

Juventus took the lead through Vincenzo Iaquinta who was thread a superb through ball from Frenchman David Trezeguet after a stunning chest-and-go movement. Iaquinta then sent the ball round Petr Cech from inside the area with an in-swinging curling outfit that was struck with finesse.

Chelsea had a chance to equalize five minutes from half-time as Didier Drogba lined up a free-kick and struck the dead-ball with such ferocity that Gigi Buffon was seen scrambling to the ball that looked suspiciously like it had already crossed the line, before the most expensive glovesman in the history of world football spooned the ball out over the line and play resumed.

It was not to be the Blues' only chance though, and just moments from the break English international Frank Lampard sent a driven long-range effort toward goal that rebounded into the path of Michael Essien who, despite only recently returning from a long-term injury, showed great bravery in getting his foot to the ball full in the knowledge that it was going to result in contact from Buffon. The ball trickled over the line though, and Chelsea had restored parity.

The second half started how the first half ended, and Juve were the first to find joy after substitute Juliano Belletti was deemed to have blocked a Del Piero free kick with his hands, and referee Mallenco was quick to award a penalty despite a confusing, and lengthy, melee. The iconic Del Piero though lined up the spot kick, sent Cech the wrong way, cooly slotted the ball home, and the tie was alive again.

Any optimism emanating from the home fans was to be short-lived, as Michael Ballack - who had looked to be a match-breaker on numerous occasions throughout the game - sent a pin-point low-level cross through to Didier Drogba, who made no mistake in lifting the ball over and around Buffon.

Juve's chance of a revival could have been helped had the usually reliable Georgio Chiellini kept his head, and not received a second yellow and consequential dismissal midway through the second half, prior to the club's second goal. His preceding challenge was crisp, and he won the ball, so the second caution could only have been rewarded for his verbal reaction.

It was a thrilling encounter, on an evening that spoiled neutral football fans considering results elsewhere.

LINE UPS

Juventus: Buffon - Grygera; Mellberg; Chiellini; Molinaro - Tiago, Marchisio; Nedved - Iaquinta; Del Piero; Trezeguet.

Chelsea: Cech - Bosingwa; Terry; Alex; A Cole - Mikel; Essien - Lampard; Ballack - Drogba; Anelka.

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)

GOALS

Iaquinta (18); Essien (45); Del Piero [pen] (74); Drogba (82).

SENT OFF

Chiellini (71).

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 7.0 - Got hold of a powerful Didier Drogba free-kick that looked like it had suspiciously wrapped itself around the post and passed the line, but was quick to squeeze the ball out back into play to cause confusion in the linesman's mind and the referee waved play on.

Grygera: 6.5 - An unfussy display, did his job fairly well while others excelled around him. Hard a hard time dealing with the flowing runs of Ashley Cole, though. Kept a decent head.

Mellberg: 7.5 - Along with Chiellini, he was very impressive at the back for large portions of the game. Rock solid when Chelsea tried to counter.

Chiellini: 6.0 - Scooped danger are with relative ease whenever Chelsea flirted with his box. Cautioned for taking out Michael Ballack with a robust sliding challenge. Received a second yellow and was consequently dismissed. There was a challenge involved that was clean, so presumably it was for a puerile reaction.

Molinaro: 7.5 - An effervescent display down the left and looked to make things happen. Nicely played. Has good style.

Tiago: 7.5 - Tried to play a mixture of balls, sprayed the simple passes with ease. Looked to release team-mates with early through balls that, during the opening exchanges, failed to meet the target as they were snuffed out by a mixture of Blues. Proved to be a handful. Quick hustle in the middle of the park.

Marchisio: 7.0 - A hard-working and tireless display in a compact unit of three midfielders that seemed to be everywhere. Combined well with Del Piero.

Nedved: N/a - After a couple of knocks that required the Czech international to leave the field of play before he was allowed back. Had to be substituted early on.

Iaquinta: 7.5 - Opened the scoring in the 18th minute to give the home fans all to hope for. Waited for the right moment before he struck, and coolly rounded the ball past Cech. Made way for Sebastian Giovinco.

Del Piero: 8.5 - Pressurized Chelsea's box after Iaquinta's opener and had Cech flapping with a powerful shot. Smelt danger, pounced. Worked well in both the final third, and the midfield. Strong headers, one was direct at the glovesman though. Challenged Cech at opportune moments. It was his free kick that led to the penalty which he himself duly, and coolly, slotted home. Cech was beaten.

Trezeguet: 7.5 - Superb touch led to Iaquinta's goal. Chest and go. Great touches throughout the game, and could have restored Juventus' lead when he headed goal-ward and prompted Petr Cech to pull the save of the game out of his metaphorical bag. Was a terror in the box throughout the second half.

Substitutions -

Salihamidzic: 6.0 - Replaced Nedved early on to decent effect.

Giovinco: 7.5 - Was a real difference maker in the short space of time that he was on the pitch.

[dreamer75]

to me Referee was very good..Chiellini is an idiot..2 idiots fouls..and i dare you say the second one was 100% ball ! Add that was in midfield, from behind and with the forward not even facing the goal..that is idiot and the red card was correct

For this and many other reasons, I'm not regretting the performance at all..Chelsea overall deserve it even though Juve stayed close to the qualification till 83' of the return leg..

I'm sad but no regrets

That was a clean tackle.....sad that the linesman sent him off....:(

[dreamer75]

Juventus 2 - 2 Chelsea (2-3 agg)
Iaquinta 19 (J), Essien 45 (C), Del Piero pen 74 (J), Ballack 83 (C)

Stadio Olimpico


A 2-2 draw in Turin saw 10-man Juventus knocked out by Chelsea after losing Pavel Nedved to injury and Giorgio Chiellini harshly sent off.

The Bianconeri had to overturn a 1-0 first leg defeat, but an injury crisis ruled out Momo Sissoko, Cristiano Zanetti, Mauro Camoranesi, Paolo De Ceglie and Nicola Legrottaglie. Claudio Ranieri unleashed a trident attack, although Vincenzo Iaquinta could come back for a 4-4-2 when needed, with David Trezeguet preferred to Amauri. Chelsea handed Michael Essien his first start since August and went for a more defensive formation.

The Juve fans unfurled a huge banner that read 'Yes we can' before kick-off. There was bad news immediately, as Pavel Nedved got a knock to the head from Essien's knee and then hurt his ribs, so after 13 minutes he had to make way for Hasan Salihamidzic. The disappointment was evident, as the Czech - who'll retire this summer - was in tears.

Juve took the initiative and the lead after 19 minutes. It was the first real chance of the match, as Iaquinta brilliantly exchanged flicked passes with Trezeguet outside the box and thumped an angled drive over Petr Cech. It was 1-0 on the night, but more importantly 1-1 on aggregate.

Moments later Del Piero stung Cech's palms with a thunderbolt from distance. Cech flapped at a Cristian Molinaro cross and Trezeguet's effort was charged down from nine yards.

The Chelsea goalkeeper had to rush out and smother from Iaquinta at the second attempt with help from John Terry.

The tempo dropped and it turned into a midfield battle that was very crowded in the centre of the park. The Blues had more of the ball than in the early stages, but Michael Ballack's glancing header was well wide.

The referee awarded a free kick just outside the box for a Tiago Mendes handling offence, but replays show he clearly stopped it with his chest. It nearly proved costly, as Gianluigi Buffon tipped Drogba's free kick on to the post and scrambled it into his arms. Some Chelsea players thought it had crossed the line and video evidence isn't conclusive.

It was a moot point, as in first half stoppages a Frank Lampard effort from distance hit Tiago and looped up for Buffon to palm on to the crossbar, but he could do nothing as Essien pounced on the loose ball.

That goal right on the stroke of half-time knocked the wind out of Juve's sails and quietened the crowd, too, as they now needed two goals to qualify. Buffon punched away a Lampard free kick and Giorgio Chiellini was booked for a tackle on Ballack. Iaquinta just failed to get on the end of a cross and Del Piero's header was straight at Cech.

Confidence was visibly low and Ranieri introduced Sebastian Giovinco for goalscorer Iaquinta in a 4-4-2. There was controversy on 62 minutes, as Cech tried to stop the ball going out for a corner and Del Piero came flying in, so the goalkeeper handled outside the box and was booked rather than red carded. Del Piero's free kick only reached Giovinco to volley well over.

A well-worked team move on 65 minutes ended with Trezeguet nodding Del Piero's cross and Cech flew to fingertip it out from under the bar.

Giovinco tried one too many passes with Del Piero and a good move collapsed on the edge of the box. Cech was fortunate to keep hold of the ball after a free kick dipped mercilessly and Chiellini only grazed it.

Drogba was booked for dragging back Giovinco, but just as Juve were getting back into their stride, Chiellini received a very harsh second yellow card for his challenge on Drogba.

Del Piero's free kick hit an arm in the defensive wall and a penalty was awarded for Juliano Belletti's handling offence, but bizarrely there was no yellow card. The tension got to Olof Mellberg, who had to be dragged away as he got into an argument with the Chelsea players. Del Piero stepped up and rolled it coolly to send Cech the wrong way.

Juventus had 15 minutes to find another goal and qualify, or go out on the away goals rule. Giovinco dribbled past two and his shot was deflected out for a corner, but Ballack just failed to connect with Anelka's cross when totally unmarked on the counter.

Amauri replaced Trezeguet, who was visibly not happy with the decision, but Drogba put the result beyond doubt. He was at full stretch to get his foot to a low Belletti cross from the right.

In stoppages Buffon parried a Ballack snapshot and held his ground to keep out Belletti from point-blank range, but the game was already over and with it Juve's Champions League campaign.



Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Tiago, Marchisio, Nedved (Salihamidzic 13); Iaquinta (Giovinco 60), Del Piero, Trezeguet (Amauri 78)

Chelsea: Cech; Bosingwa, Terry, Alex (Ricardo Carvalho 89), A Cole; Mikel; Ballack, Essien (Belletti 66), Lampard; Drogba, Anelka


Ref: Mallenco (Spa)

Sent off: Chiellini 70 (J)

[dreamer75]

Alessandro Del Piero can't help but think, “If we had gone into the break 1-0 up then it would've been a very different game.”

Juventus were leading through Vincenzo Iaquinta's goal to level the scores on aggregate, but in first half stoppages Michael Essien netted, meaning the Italians needed another two to qualify.

“Regret and disappointment are obviously overpowering our abilities to analyse the game right now,” said the captain after a 2-2 draw.

“We had a strong start and after the goal Chelsea began to come back at us, which is understandable as they are such a good team.

“Unfortunately, if we had gone into the break 1-0 up then I fear it would've been a very different game.”

Juventus go out of the Champions League 3-2 on aggregate following their 1-0 first leg defeat at Stamford Bridge.

“Our regrets stretch over the 180 minutes, as I don't think we were the worst team. Chelsea are probably more accustomed than we are to clashes of this level right now,” continued Del Piero.

“We gave our heart and soul, that is the important thing, and I cannot complain about what anyone did.”

Claudio Ranieri picked a trident attack with Del Piero in a deeper role behind Iaquinta and David Trezeguet.

“I was happy to take this position and I think we did fairly well. I'm not accustomed to this role any more and so it was difficult to find space, but all of Juve played well tonight.

“It wasn't easy to attack Chelsea, as they were very covered in defence and never really pushed forward with the full-backs.”

[dreamer75]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/gallery/threehundredandsix1.jpg

[dreamer75]

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[dreamer75]

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[dreamer75]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/gallery/(EmptyReference!)

[dreamer75]

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[dreamer75]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/gallery/threehundredandsix6.jpg

[dreamer75]

Blog: Proud Old Lady

Chelsea ended Juventus’ Champions League dream but, as Serafino Ingardia argues, they exited Europe with honour

It wasn’t quite the game we expected or the result we hoped for, but Juventus caused Chelsea enough problems to underline that Italian clubs are not as poor as they like to be pictured over here in the United Kingdom.

Regardless of the unfortunate circumstances which led to a 3-2 aggregate loss, there are positives for the future of Juventus. Chelsea taught them a good lesson in the year of their return to European football, only three seasons after their demotion to Serie B, and there is nothing to be ashamed of – but there is clear work that needs to be done if La Signora is to once again be the powerful force she once was.

Even a full-strength Bianconeri squad, never mind the walking wounded who showed up last night, can be compared to the Stamford Bridge crew. There was way too much difference in terms of quality and quantity on the night when you consider the absences of Mauro Camoranesi, Momo Sissoko, Nicola Legrottaglie and the rest.

When you take on last season’s beaten finalists with 32-year-old Hasan Salihamidzic and Cristian Molinaro, you are indeed taking your chances and have to question your limits. These are key points which the Bianconeri board must consider. They’ll also have to replace the retiring Pavel Nedved who at 36 has given his all.

When David Trezeguet was, wrongly, taken off the Frenchman shook his head in disapproval. The truth is that Claudio Ranieri’s tinkering isn’t doing Juve any favours. I am not pointing the finger at the former Chelsea boss, but he does have something to be blamed for.

For instance, Ranieri is the one who turned down Xabi Alonso for Christian Poulsen in the summer and where was the Dane last night? No matter how educated and polite he is, Ranieri is simply not the ideal leader for the most successful club in Italy. If only Cesare Prandelli became available in the summer…

On the plus side, there are a new breed of players who the club must utilise to the maximum – starting with Sebastian Giovinco. The kid was truly superb when brought on, a real handful for a Chelsea side packed with accomplished players. He must be given more playing time.

Claudio Marchisio and Giorgio Chiellini – despite his naïve tackles – are a solid, young base. And what about Vincenzo Iaquinta? You have to give him credit for his hard work. And we shouldn’t forget all the ageing stars as people like Alex Del Piero have proved they can still honour the shirt.

Furthermore, the current season is not over yet. There is the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto to play for. With Inter ‘only’ seven points ahead and having to visit Juve in Turin things could radically change at the top of Serie A. After all, the Old Lady has recovered from set-backs on more than one occasion in her lifetime. And she’ll get over this one.

[dreamer75]

Oh well, at least we can concentrate on the league and cup now :)

[dreamer75]

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/gallery/2004/06/30/gallery5.jpg

[dreamer75]

Average ratings for the 08/09 Champions League season. Ratings from Gazzetta dello Sport.

Del Piero 6,94
Iaquinta 6,60
Chiellini 6,57
Legrottaglie 6,50
Sissoko 6,50
Zanetti 6,50
Amauri 6,40
Buffon 6,25
Mellberg 6,25
Camoranesi 6,25
Manninger 6,20
Marchisio 6,20
Giovinco 6,17
Poulsen 6,17
Marchionni 6,13
Grygera 6,07
Knezevic 6,0
Tiago 6,0
Salihamidzic 6,0
Nedved 6,0
Molinaro 5,94
De Ceglie 5,67
Trezeguet 5,50

[dreamer75]

Originally Posted by weedguru


Match report:

Buffon- I remained unsure of whether Santo Buffon had clawed the ball back from behind the line when Drogba's free kick whistled into his arms, but it was a free kick which should not have been given. So to say Chelsea were denied a legitimate goal is wrong. For the first goal especially, I was a little surprised at our normally supremely serene in the moment of battle custodian, however it was a powerful deflection which was hard to grab as it flew over his head, onto the bar, and into the path of Essien. The second goal was not his fault...But he looked shakey just before and during the first strike that killed our dreams. 6,10

Molinaro-
Useless as always with his distribution but did push forward constantly. Should have been booked for a late tackle on Essien which kicked him off the pitch. At least he wasn't directly responsible for the goals. It should be noted however, that Essien is a defensive minded midfielder, which meant Molinaro was able to flood forward, at least into the middle of the park, much easier than when he is facing a winger. 6,10

Chiellini-
Still not fully match sharp, but generally solid. Gave the ball away in a silly position during the first half but recovered to prove rock-like as well as driving forward on several occasions. He was extremely unlucky for the red card. The english commentary team covering the game I watched were suggesting he had said something to the referee and gained his second yellow for dissent, because the tackle Giorgio made prior to the expulsion was a sound one, in their eyes and my eyes 'he got the ball, clearly'...If that was the reason for the second yellow, we were extremely hard done by. An encouraging, but still not perfect, 7,10

Mellberg-
One of the finest performances for the viking Berserker in a Juve shirt. Uncompromising, mobile enough in the mind and body to allow no one on ones with Buffon. He did his work calmly and competently. 7,10

Grygera-
As with Molinaro he supported the attack whenever possible. His tackling was cautious and several times he was passed by Anelka, though fortunately he had constant support and cover from his team-mates. An uninspiring but not shocking 6,10

Nedved-
How horrible for Pavel to limp out of what is likely to be his last champions league game, so early in the match. We missed his quality and tenacity for the remainder of the game. N.A

Marchisio-
A dominant, tough showing from a player whose composure, comfort on the ball and in the challenge grows game by game. Alongside Tiago, he was superb last night, with his only failing, a few over hit passes. Ballack and Lampard did not have an easy night...Great work, Claudio, 8,10.

Tiago-
I was surprised by the tempo and aggression of the former chelsea man, chasing back, winning the ball, playing it simple, looking for openings...He was a solid component of a functional, creative midfield. It was unfortunate though, that our wings were ****ed, before Giovinco arrived and gave more options than through the middle. A commendable 7,10.

Salihamdzic-
Rugged, rat like but anonymous for large portions of the game. He looked neither fit nor technically capable of playing a prominent role in a high tempo game of this calibre. His substitution for Nedved was the wrong move for Ranieri. It would have been wiser to bring on Giovinco, who is at least fit and sharp. 5,10

Iaquinta-
Battled hard and took his goal superbly. Vincenzo showed just why we shouldn't let him go in the Summer. He plays like a classic english centre forward, all muscle, hustle and bustle, and is surprisingly quick for a big man. Unfortunate to be substituted. Put in a decent shift...8,10.

Del Piero-
The rest had allowed him to reach a high level of freshness. The Captain led by example, but was forced to come ever deeper to collect the ball after Nedved's injury. His free kick magic was largely absent, though his passing, technique and determination were admirable. 7,10

Trezeguet-
Getting sharper by the game, the frenchman's flick to set up Iaquinta was simply world class. He had a header which he should have done better with, and I was a little surprised that he was taken off as he seemed hard for the Chelsea defence to handle. Great to see him back, and its clear he can play at this level for at least another season. 7,10.

Giovinco-
As soon as he entered the fray, the whole stadium was lifted, and with every touch, the rise in the Juve Pulse Rate was palpable the world over. Some smart touches, was happy and able to take on players, could have been luckier with a couple of shots which were deflected...He made us a threat from the left and should have been introduced far sooner into the game. To me its as simple as Gio can pass and shoot and dribble. Brazzo cant pass, cant shoot, cant dribble...But Ranieri went for solidity, when the game called for invention. Encouraging to see the youngster get a decent crack of the whip. 7,10

Amauri-

He looked out of sorts and ill-equipped to cause more damage than Trezeguet. Not enough time for a rating, but with Iaquinta and Trezeguet impressing, the brazilian must be wondering how far down the pecking order he has slipped now that the others are once again fit and firing...

Ranieri-

With so many injuries, the team he chose was fine by me. And while I was intrigued and surprised by Iaquinta's position and selection, the formation worked brilliantly in the first 15 minutes...However, I wasn't happy with the Brazzo for Nedved exchange. A defensive player who isnt yet fit instead of the other option of Giovinco. That lost us ground and took a tooth away from our attack, removing a canine and putting in its place a molar. His other substitutions were unadventurous, but he was bringing fresh quality onto the pitch. Trez could have stayed on, but who would he have sacrificed instead*** Having ten men at this stage, I can understand why Ranieri went Striker for Striker, rather than lose more men from further down the pitch. 6,10

Conclusion

Without doubt, we would have been better placed to beat chelsea had we not lost Camo, Marchionni, Nedved and Legro to injury and also had Trezeguet, Chiellini, Brazzo, Iaquinta all still chasing match fitness. These matters diluted the quality of the team. As they would to any team. We were not able to put out our strongest XI...Still, in the second leg we performed with heart and spirit and can consider ourselves unlucky to have gone out at this stage.

getting the early goal was deserved as we were in control, pushing chelsea constantly onto the back foot. Their equalizer was not deserved, and it included a large dose of luck with the deflection and ricochet off the crossbar. We were also cursed with misfortune when Chiellini was sent off.

We conceded the second goal as we were flooding forward in search of what would have been the overall winner.

Never once were we embarrassed by Chelsea, and they don't seem like a superior side.

What can we take from this*** A decent run in the champions league in our return to the competition. We have gained experience for our youngsters, reminded Europe that we are once again competing with the best of the best, and all in all done ourselves proud.

We were unlucky to go out at this stage, but with Hiddink at the helm, I am confident Chelsea will go much further in the competition. And Ranieri can now concentrate on cementing second place in the league, or even challenging Inter at the top.

[dreamer75]

A true legend!!

S_arHBPuRo8

[vasilli07]

i wonder will Nedved do a Maldini, extend another year hoping Juve can win the CL or Serie A...

[dreamer75]

i wonder will Nedved do a Maldini, extend another year hoping Juve can win the CL or Serie A...

actually i prefer him to retire at a high

maybe we will win this season's serie A, who knows? ;)

[Jordi_C]

I really think Juve's quality is inferior compared to that of the English clubs...I forsee a period of dominance by the EPL teams like in the late 70s and early 80s...

[wmania2]

Juventus is only inferior to Man U. Serie A has many upcoming players like Marchisio who was no slouch against Chelsea's tough midfielders, Pato who looks like he will be world-class, and Balotelli. Bayern has a strong team with players like Klose and Ribery. Not to mention Barcelona which is only matched in quality by Man U.

I wish Nedved retires after he wins his last title with us, either a Scudetto or a CL victory next year.

[Deunamist]

Oh well, at least we can concentrate on the league and cup now :)

yeah lets get the blue boys off the top. :s13:

[dreamer75]

FT Juventus [4 - 1] Bologna

24' [0 - 1] M. Mutarelli
48' [1 - 1] H. Salihamidzic
71' [2 - 1] S. Giovinco
75' [3 - 1] A.D. Piero
87' [4 - 1] A.D. Piero

[dreamer75]

We r angry!!! :p

Juventus 4 - 1 Bologna
Mutarelli 24 (B), Salihamidzic 48 (J), Giovinco 71 (J), Del Piero 75, 87 (J)

Stadio Olimpico

Sebastian Giovinco inspired Juventus to a wonderful comeback to beat Bologna 4-1 with Alex Del Piero and Hasan Salihamidzic also on target.

The Bianconeri had to focus on catching Inter after their midweek Champions League elimination, but had to do without Amauri, David Trezeguet, Mauro Camoranesi, Cristiano Zanetti, Marco Marchionni, Momo Sissoko, Pavel Nedved, Nicola Legrottaglie, Alex Manninger and Dario Knezevic. Bologna missed Cesar, Moras and Massimo Marazzina, but had top scorer Marco Di Vaio facing his former club.

The Rossoblu's last win here was October 5 1980, followed by 10 defeats and four draws.

Claudio Terzi did just enough to anticipate Vincenzo Iaquinta twice - on Alex Del Piero's knockdown and a Hasan Salihamidzic cross. Gianluigi Buffon smothered a fierce Sergio Volpi free kick and Di Vaio couldn't get enough power to hs header.

Salihamidzic just failed to make contact with Sebastian Giovinco's cross to the back post.

Bologna took a surprise lead after 24 minutes. Massimo Mutarelli sprung the offside trap to find himself one-on-one with Buffon and kept his cool to slide the ball past him. The chance was created by an inspired Di Vaio slide-rule pass.

Giovinco was Juve's most impressive player and moments later he hit the crossbar directly from the corner flag.

Giorgio Chiellini got an accidental knock to the face and was bleeding copiously from his nose and lip. He was able to continue after several minutes of treatment.

Salihamidzic's header from a Giovinco free kick was deflected over, then Giovinco's control and snapshot from the edge of the box stung Francesco Antonioli's palms.

Giovinco was sweeping crosses in continually and one found Del Piero unmarked at the near post, but the captain misjudged it and turned it wide with a combination of head and shoulder.

Giovinco's shot was charged down and Del Piero curled a free kick over the bar as Bologna were pinned back into their own half.

Juventus came out fighting for the second half and introduced Christian Poulsen for Tiago Mendes. Within three minutes they had equalised, as Giovinco's corner found a brilliant Salihamidzic header at the near post that flashed across Antonioli.

Del Piero scuffed his volley on yet another Giovinco assist. The Atomic Ant blazed past defenders to get a through ball and his angled drive was beaten away by the goalkeeper.

Another Del Piero volley, this time from Claudio Marchisio's cross, forced Antonioli into a desperate point-blank reaction save. Yet Bologna nearly restored their advantage against the run of play, as a corner found Di Vaio and only Buffon's alert response batted it away from six yards.

Del Piero's effort from a Giovinco free kick was charged down, then it came back to Giovinco and an Olof Mellberg backheel flick was straight at Antonioli. Chiellini failed to make the most of a chipped Salihamidzic pass and in the move got another knock to his nose, which started bleeding again.

Giovinco's free kick was nodded on to the bar by Del Piero with the aid of a fingertip save on 64 minutes in this very intense second half. Yet Di Vaio failed to get his head to a cross by a matter of inches.

Less than 20 seconds later, Juventus took the lead with their undoubted Man of the Match Giovinco. Iaquinta trapped a long Marchisio cross and instead of going for goal wisely cut back for Giovinco. The Under-21 international scuffed his shot, but still managed to swerve it towards the far post.

Juventus made it 3-1 thanks to their captain Del Piero. It was a classic counter-attack and Alex ran on to a Salihamidzic through ball, cut back to send Terzi to the ground and swept past the goalkeeper from seven yards.

Bologna weren't going to let this go and introduced former Fiorentina striker Daniel Pablo Osvaldo, who has been out for several weeks with a thigh strain. He forced the Bianconeri defence into a very tricky clearance for a corner, but Britos pulled up with a suspected groin strain and limped off when all three substitutions had been completed. The Rossoblu played the final 15 minutes with 10 men.

Iaquinta curled an audacious effort over the bar from the D, but Del Piero completed his brace late on. The captain peeled off his marker to spring the offside trap and although Antonioli performed a stunning save on the first effort, he could do nothing about the follow-up.

Del Piero would have had a hat-trick, but his shot from distance cracked the left upright and bounced back out. Claudio Ranieri gave Del Piero and Giovinco standing ovations with late substitutions for youth team debutants Ayub Daud and Ciro Immobile.
Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic, Marchisio, Tiago (Poulsen 46), Giovinco (Daud 88); Iaquinta, Del Piero (Immobile 90)

Bologna: Antonioli; Zenoni, Britos, Terzi, Lanna; Bombardini (Osvaldo 74), Mutarelli (Amoroso 52), Volpi, Mudingayi, Valiani (Adailton 61); Di Vaio

Ref: Damato

[dreamer75]

A brilliant performance by Sebastian Giovinco helped Juventus to a 4-1 victory against Bologna after ending the first half 1-0 down, with the Atomic Ant also scoring and captain Alessandro Del Piero hitting a brace.

Juventus 4-1 Bologna
Mar 14, 2009 4:26:50 PM
Giovinco (Grazia Neri)
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* Juventus
* Bologna

Juventus welcomed relegation-battling Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico of Turin to keep their Scudetto hopes alive. Coach Claudio Ranieri had Amauri out injured, while David Trezeguet was kept out of the squad due to his recent rift with the former Chelsea boss. That meant captain Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta started in attack.

Meanwhile top scorer Marco Di Vaio played as a lone striker in a 4-5-1 system for the Bologna team coached by Sinisa Mihajlovic.

First Half

The visitors started strongly and made it difficult for the current runners-up in Serie A to make themselves dangerous.

The first chance came in the 16th minute for Di Vaio, who dribbled nicely past Olof Mellberg and tried a curling shot from the edge of the area, that went just wide.

Two minutes later, Bologna midfielder Sergio Volpi gave Gianluigi Buffon a scare with a terrific free kick, but the Italy number one was able to hold on to it.

Massimo Mutarelli gave the Rossoblu a deserved lead in the 24th minute, as he received the ball from Di Vaio who played a brilliant pass into the area, and beat Buffon from close range with a shot that went between the goalkeeper’s legs.

The hosts nearly managed an immediate response with their first chance of the match. In the 26th minute, Sebastian Giovinco took a corner that curled wickedly and found its way onto the crossbar with goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli well beaten.

The ‘Atomic Ant’ made himself dangerous again in the 37th minute, when he went past Davide Bombardini after controlling the ball brilliantly, and fired a curling shot toward the goal, which was well blocked by Antonioli.

Giovinco continued to impress and two minutes later he set up Del Piero with a fine cross to the near post, but the captain headed it wide from an excellent position.

In the 41st minute Juve’s young playmaker won a free kick from a dangerous position, which as usual was taken by Del Piero. The captain showed his skill with set pieces once again as he sent the ball just over the crossbar.

That was the last chance of a lively first half that ended with Bologna in a deserved 1-0 lead.

Second Half

Ranieri decided to make one half-time change, bringing in Christian Poulsen for Tiago Mendes.

The home side looked a lot more determined at the start of the second half, and on their first chance they found the equalizer. On a corner kick by Giovinco, the best man on the pitch, Hasan Salihamidzic rose and headed the ball perfectly past Antonioli to make it 1-1 in the 48th minute.

Two minutes later Giovinco fashioned yet another chance for Del Piero, who was found unmarked inside the area but his volley went just wide of the post.

In the 53rd minute, Christian Molinaro played in a great cross from the left that was met by Del Piero, who tried to chip it past Antonioli, but he managed to keep it out with a great save.

It was a very hectic phase of the match with chances for both sides. A minute later, Buffon was put to the test as well on a header by Di Vaio on a corner kick which he managed to deflect with an acrobatic save.

At the other end, Mellberg forced Antonioli into yet another good reflex save as he tried to back-heel the ball into the net on a set piece in the 57th minute.

Juve came agonizingly close to an equalizer in the 65th minute, when on a free kick by Giovinco Del Piero headed the ball on the crossbar.

The hosts finally did take the lead in the 71st, and it couldn’t have been anyone else than Giovinco, who saw his magnificent performance rewarded with a goal. On an assist by Iaquinta he struck a clinical shot from inside the area with the outside of his foot that found its way toward the far post.

Four minutes later, Del Piero made sure of the points for the home side as he received the ball on a long pass by Salihamidzic, went past defender Claudio Terzi, and placed the ball in the bottom corner beyond Antonioli’s reach.

Things were made worse for Bologna in the 80th minute, when defender Miguel Britos was forced to come off the pitch due to injury, leaving his side with ten men because Mihajlovic had already made his three substitutions.

Five minutes later, Iaquinta came close to adding a fourth for the Bianconeri, which would probably have been too much for Bologna. The former Udinese striker made a run from the left wing and tried a right-footed shot toward the far post, which went just wide of the target.

The fourth goal did come two minutes before full time, thanks to Del Piero, who received the ball from Salihamidzic and initially saw his shot saved by Antonioli, but on the rebound he did find the net and made it 4-1.

The Juve captain almost had his had-trick a minute later, when he fired a left footed shot from the edge of the area that hit the crossbar with Antonioli beaten.

After scoring two goals and hitting the woodwork twice, Del Piero was taken off by Ranieri for youngster Ciro Immobile and received a standing ovation from his fans.

So ultimately a great second-half performance was enough for Juventus to beat Bologna after ending the first period 1-0 behind and keep their Scudetto hopes alive, although the scoreline was a bit harsh on Mihajlovic’s team. Del Piero and Giovinco were both brilliant tonight, and if they keep this up then Inter may not be uncatchable. Currently the Nerazzurri still hold a four-point lead going into their home match against Fiorentina tomorrow night.



Teams

Juventus (4-4-2): Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic, Marchisio, Tiago (46’ Poulsen), Giovinco (89’ Daud); Iaquinta, Del Piero (90’ Immobile). Coach: Ranieri.

Bologna (4-5-1): Antonioli; Zenoni, Britos, Terzi, Lanna; Bombardini (73’ Osvaldo), Mutarelli (52’ Amoroso), Volpi, Mudingayi, Valiani (61’ Adailton); Di Vaio. Coach: Mihajlovic.

Goals: 24’ Mutarelli (B), 48’ Salihamidzic (J), 71’ Giovinco (J), 75’, 88’ Del Piero (J)

Booked: Tiago (J); Mudingayi, Terzi, Zenoni (B)

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 7.0- Will not be too happy that Mutarelli’s shot beat him through the legs but made a world class reflex save on Di Vaio in the 51st minute.

Molinaro: 7.0- Made a wonderful tackle to deny Bombardini in the fourth minute and was solid as a rock for the rest of the match.

Chiellini: 8.0- His powerful forward run won the corner kick that led to Salihamidzic’s goal and kept Di Vaio in his back pocket as well.

Mellberg: 7.0- Calm and composed at the back this evening even when Bologna opened the scoring.

Grygera: 7.0- Managed to gallop forward on occasion and his deliveries were top notch more often than not.

Salihamidzic: 8.0- His glancing header brought the match onto level terms and he also had a hand in the other three goals. Easily the best match of his injury-stricken season.

Marchisio: 7.5- After a fairly pedestrian first half, he stormed back to take over the midfield in the second 45 minutes and the floodgates opened up in the process.

Tiago: 5.0- He was caught in possession one time too many and missed a glorious chance in the 37 minute and was mercifully substituted to start the second half

Giovinco: 8.5- The pint-sized playmaker caused Bologna all sorts of problems on the left-hand side and was deservedly rewarded with a goal tonight. He was the man of the match. Simply mesmerizing this evening.

Iaquinta: 7.0- You could tell he desperately he wanted to add his name to the score-sheet but it was not to be. Did pick up an assist when he set up Giovinco nicely for Juve’s second goal of the game.

Del Piero: 8.0- Missed an absolute sitter in the 38th minute but atoned for that error with two goals that put the match beyond Bologna, and could have had a hat-trick if his shot did not hit the upright late in the game

SUBS: Poulsen (46”) 7.5, Daud (88”) NA Immobile (90”) NA

[dreamer75]

http://i.media.goal.com/g/45233.jpg

[dreamer75]

Juventus starlet Sebastian Giovinco agreed he gave probably his best performance ever for the club against Bologna tonight.

Mar 14, 2009 4:58:22 PM


Tonight young playmaker Sebastian Giovinco was the best man on the pitch as Juventus came back to beat Bologna 4-1. The 22-year-old scored the second goal and gave the assist for Juve's first, and showed exactly why he is considered such a major talent with a number of great moves.

Following the match, he was asked by Sky interviewers if he thought this was his best performance in the black and white shirt, to which he responded: "Perhaps, because I've played three games in a row now and so I am starting to play with more continuity.

"Before I was lacking in match rhythm. If a player plays more, he can express himself better."

On whether he is happy he decided to stay at Juve instead of leaving in January, Giovinco said: "I had no doubts I would stay at Juventus, perhaps other people did. I believe in my potential and I am very happy.

"My favorite role? Everyone knows what my role is, the coach knows it, but I try to adapt to what he asks of me.

"It was fundamental to win and react to the elimination from the Champions League, and to get close to Inter. That's what we did."

Inter are currently four points ahead, but they have a game in hand, tomorrow night at San Siro against fourth-placed Fiorentina.

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

[Cissiboy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDwhuscdyUA


enjoy it.

La Formica Atomica (Atomic Ant) as Giovinco's nickname was unreal !!! I'm so happy for him !

[dreamer75]

FT AS Roma [1 - 4] Juventus

34' [0 - 1] V. Iaquinta

48' [1 - 1] S. Loria

55' [1 - 2] V. Iaquinta

68' [1 - 3] J.A. Riise O. Mellberg

74' [1 - 4] P. Nedved

[dreamer75]

Great to see Nedved scored!!!!

[SpikyOyster]

Congrats on win.

Riise scored!!! I miss him at Liverpool, we should not have sold him. I want him back. :s12:

[wmania2]

Simone Loria was the scorer.

[vasilli07]

Pavel Nedved Will Play On - Agent (http://goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2009/03/22/1168828/pavel-nedved-will-play-on-agent)

“Will he quit? I think he will play on, and could do so for five more years,” the representative is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I will do everything in my power to make sure he [Nedved] wears the Juve shirt again next season,” commented Mino Raiola.

“There is still hope until September. He simply would like to retire to make room for young players.”

[dreamer75]

Pavel Nedved Will Play On - Agent (http://goal.com/en/news/14/asia/2009/03/22/1168828/pavel-nedved-will-play-on-agent)

woooooooooooo:o

[dreamer75]

A display of cold-blooded finishing saw Juventus beat an injury crisis-torn Roma 4-1 at the Stadio Olimpico with goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta, who scored a brace, Olof Mellberg and Pavel Nedved.

Roma 1-4 Juventus

Roma hosted Juventus tonight at the Stadio Olimpico in what is always a heated Serie A fixture. Juve needed a win to keep their Scudetto challenge alive, while Roma needed the points to continue aiming for the fourth place.

The home side had their two most representative players, captain Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, out injured, so Mirko Vucinic played alone up front in a 4-2-3-1 system with Max Tonetto, Julio Baptista, and Jeremy Menez in support. Meanwhile, Juve played in their usual 4-4-2 formation with Vincenzo Iaquinta and captain Alessandro Del Piero in attack.

First Half

Both teams made a cautious start to the match, and there were precious few chances in the opening stages.

The first opening came in the 14th minute, when Sebastian Giovinco found Iaquinta in the area, and the striker tried to play it to Hasan Salihamidzic, but the Roma defence managed to clear the ball away.

Juve got their first scare four minutes later, when Zdenek Grygera saw John Arne Riise go past him on the left, and the Norwegian full back played it back to Tonetto, who fired a shot from inside the area, but the Bianconeri’s defence managed to block it.

In the 28th minute Iaquinta sent in a dangerous cross aimed for Del Piero’s head, which took a strange trajectory before hitting the crossbar and going out.

Six minutes later though, the visitors did take the lead thanks to Iaquinta, who controlled the ball on a superb pass by Giovinco and beat Alexandre Doni from inside the area with a low shot toward the far post.

Not much happened in the remainder of the first half, which was quite an uneventful affair.

Second Half

The second half started with no changes in either team.

Roma started in determined mood, and had the equaliser with their first real chance. In the 48th minute, Menez sent in a corner and found defender Simone Loria unmarked in the area, and he had no problems beating Gianluigi Buffon with a left-footed shot from inside the area.

However, it did not take long for Juve to react, and on the next opportunity they struck again. A cross from the right by Grygera was deflected by Riise and found Iaquinta, who scored his second of the night with a header from close range in the 55th minute.

Iaquinta could even had had a third seven minutes later, as he found himself alone in front of Doni on a counterattack, but he couldn’t find his feet and so he passed it back to Del Piero, who looked certain to score and only a great last-gasp clearence by Riise kept Roma in the game.

The visitors did find a deserved third goal in the 68th minute, when defender Olof Mellberg was found unmarked in the area on a corner kick and hit a powerful header that left Doni without a chance.

The knockout punch was delivered six minutes later by substitute Pavel Nedved, as the Czech star fired a wonderful left-footed volley from outside the area that found the net after Christian Panucci headed the ball. This fourth goal was perhaps a tad too much on Roma considering the way the match went.

The home side had a final chance in the 88th minute through substitute D’Alessandro, one of the many youth players drafted into the squad by coach Luciano Spalletti for this match, but in a one-on-one situation he lacked the coolness to get it past Buffon.

All in all it was a deserved victory for Juve, while for Roma it was perhaps inevitable that they would struggle with so many injuries. This result will certainly put some pressure on leaders Inter, who are now just four points ahead of Claudio Ranieri’s side, while Roma will hope Genoa and Fiorentina slip up tomorrow to avoid moving too far away from the fourth place.



Teams

Roma (4-2-3-1): Doni; Panucci, Mexes, Loria (63’ Montella), Riise; Filipe, Brighi; Tonetto, Baptista, Menez (81’ D’Alessandro); Vucinic (92’ Stojan). Coach: Spalletti.

Juventus (4-4-2): Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Salihamidzic, Tiago (70’ Nedved), Poulsen, Giovinco (72’ Marchionni); Iaquinta, Del Piero. Coach: Ranieri.

Goals: 34’ Iaquinta (J), 48’ Loria (R), 55’ Iaquinta (J), 68’ Mellberg (J), 74’ Nedved (J)

Booked: Mexes, Loria, Riise, Menez (R); Molinaro, Tiago (J)

Danilo Pochini, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 6.0- Did not have much to do between the posts tonight but made a good stop on D’Alessandro in the closing minutes.

Molinaro: 7.0- The hardworking defender did not put a wrong foot forward all evening long and linked up well with Giovinco.

Chiellini: 8.0- He was sporting a mask after breaking his nose but it did not inhibit his performance which was top class as usual. Made a wonderful sliding block on Brighi in the 16th minute.

Mellberg: 7.5- The Big Swede scored a rare goal when he sent a bullet header past Doni to put the match to bed.

Grygera: 7.0- His cross set up Iaquinta for his second goal of the match.

Salihamidzic: 7.0- He is rounding into form after coming back from a long injury layoff and Juve’s midfield has been better for it.

Tiago: 7.0- The Portuguese playmaker put a solid performance together as he pulled the strings in the midfield tonight.

Poulsen: 7.0- The tough as nails holding midfielder created space for Tiago and Giovinco to work with.

Giovinco: 7.5- The ‘Atomic Ant’ set up Iaquinta’s goal with a beautiful pass and was a danger every time he touched the ball.

Iaquinta: 8.0- Took his goals extremely well as he danced around Mexes and fired a shot past Doni for his first and then out-muscled the Frenchman to head past Doni for his second.

Del Piero: 7.0- The captain was unlucky not to have added his name to the score-sheet as Riise cleared what was a certain goal off the line.

SUBS: Nedved (70”) 7.5, Marchionni (73”) 6.5

[dreamer75]

Legro hails Juve progress Monday 23 March, 2009

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie agrees with boss Claudio Ranieri that it has been a superb season for the Old Lady.

The Bianconeri look likely to have to settle for second place as Inter stroll towards the Scudetto.

But it is still a superb achievement for a side that have had to battle back from the abyss since the Calciopoli scandal.

“Whatever happens now it will have been an excellent year,” Legrottaglie told Tuttosport.

“What we have achieved is almost miraculous given the number of injuries that we have had.

“When you consider that we were in Serie B two years ago it has been a marvellous journey.

“Last year we were third, this time around we are second. Next year it is our turn to finish first.

“Perhaps we lack a little experience for European football but our youngsters are growing and will be amongst the best.

“Even though Inter are doing so well anything is possible and lots of teams have bounced back from further behind than we are,” he concluded.

[dreamer75]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/gallery/threehundredandten1.jpg

[dreamer75]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/gallery/threehundredandten2.jpg

[dreamer75]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/gallery/threehundredandten3.jpg

[dreamer75]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/gallery/threehundredandten4.jpg

[dreamer75]

Juve enter Zuniga hunt Monday 23 March, 2009

Juventus are the latest side to be linked with in-demand Siena defender Juan Zuniga.

The Colombian joined Siena last summer from Atletico Nacional and has certainly made a name for himself.

Zuniga has been linked with Milan, Fiorentina, Palermo, Sevilla, Arsenal and West Ham over the last month.

“We have had offers from several top clubs,” agent Riccardo Calleri claimed on Sportal.

“The lad likes life in Italy, but we will also consider options abroad. We will have to see.

“He will be a valuable asset in the transfer market when June arrives. He wants to play in the Champions League and we will try and find a solution that suits Zuniga and Siena.

There are reports that Juve see Zuniga as a replacement for the inconsistent Zdenek Grygera.

The Old Lady would need to shell out at least £8m, but the Turin giants have been saving money for the summer swoops that President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has promised.

[dreamer75]

Ranieri wants to close gap Tuesday 24 March, 2009

Claudio Ranieri feels his Juventus side must reduce Inter's advantage before the Derby d'Italia next month if they are to remain in the title race.

The Bianconeri trail Inter by seven points after both sides again picked up maximum points last weekend.

Juve host their bitter rivals in one of Italian football's biggest games on April 19, but the Scudetto could already be as good as decided by then.

“We can't just hope that the very strong team in front of us throw away the title,” Ranieri explained in La Repubblica.

“The Scudetto is certainly Inter's to lose now, but we have to be ready to take advantage if they slip up.

“Juve-Inter could be a decisive match, I hope so. It will be more interesting for everyone if the gap between us is smaller.

“If things stay like this then it will just be an important match between the leaders and the runners-up.

“Hopefully we can get Mauro Camoranesi, Claudio Marchisio and Nicola Legrottaglie back from injury after the international break - that would be very important.

“Injury problems have affected every team in Italy and all over the world, it's not just a Juventus problem.”

[Cissiboy]

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 6.0- Did not have much to do between the posts tonight but made a good stop on D’Alessandro in the closing minutes.

Molinaro: 7.0- The hardworking defender did not put a wrong foot forward all evening long and linked up well with Giovinco.

Chiellini: 8.0- He was sporting a mask after breaking his nose but it did not inhibit his performance which was top class as usual. Made a wonderful sliding block on Brighi in the 16th minute.

Mellberg: 7.5- The Big Swede scored a rare goal when he sent a bullet header past Doni to put the match to bed.

Grygera: 7.0- His cross set up Iaquinta for his second goal of the match.

Salihamidzic: 7.0- He is rounding into form after coming back from a long injury layoff and Juve’s midfield has been better for it.

Tiago: 7.0- The Portuguese playmaker put a solid performance together as he pulled the strings in the midfield tonight.

Poulsen: 7.0- The tough as nails holding midfielder created space for Tiago and Giovinco to work with.

Giovinco: 7.5- The ‘Atomic Ant’ set up Iaquinta’s goal with a beautiful pass and was a danger every time he touched the ball.

Iaquinta: 8.0- Took his goals extremely well as he danced around Mexes and fired a shot past Doni for his first and then out-muscled the Frenchman to head past Doni for his second.

Del Piero: 7.0- The captain was unlucky not to have added his name to the score-sheet as Riise cleared what was a certain goal off the line.

SUBS: Nedved (70”) 7.5, Marchionni (73”) 6.5


but this guy which match watched ?

Tiago 7 ?? He is a zombie...

Del Piero 7 ? He needs a rest...legs are not responding...

[dreamer75]

but this guy which match watched ?

Tiago 7 ?? He is a zombie...

Del Piero 7 ? He needs a rest...legs are not responding...

maybe its the 4-1 scoreline that made him to praise the whole squad? :o

[dreamer75]

Italy have maintained their first place in World Cup qualifying Group 8 after a comfortable win against Montengro in Podgorica. A first half penalty from Andrea Pirlo, and a late header by Giampaolo Pazzini sees the points head back to the peninsula.

Montenegro 0-2 Italy



The World Champions were not at their best in Podgorica, but they pulled together a decent performance to come away with maximum points and keep their stability in the group. La Nazionale didn't dazzle or intimidate their opponents, but they did do the job. They now lead Group 8 with 13 points, two in front of Ireland who drew 1-1 with Bulgaria in Dublin.

First Half

Italy got the game under way, but it was the Montenegrins who applied the early pressure in front of the 11,000 strong home crowd. The World Champions threatened when Antonio Di Natale was fouled by Vladimir Bozovic. Andrea Pirlo stepped up to take the free-kick, but it was cut out by Stevan Jovetic.

There was a blow for Marcello Lippi's men when Di Natale was stretchered off with a knee problem, the Udinese hitman twisted his knee by slipping awkwardly.

Italy raised their game and it wasn't long before the opposition bowed to it. Pirlo twisted and turned his way past Nikola Drincic on the right wing and crossed in for Vincenzo Iaquinta. The Juventus man went in head first, but the ball was cut out by Radoslav Batak's hand. The referee had no choice but to point to the penalty spot. The Ankaraspor defender received a yellow card for his efforts. Pirlo took the honours and despatched a classy penalty a la Francesco Totti as he scopped the ball up and into the roof of the net. Vukasin Poleksic was fooled and dived early as the Milan man cheekily struck the ball home.

Simone Pepe, who came on for Di Natale, should have doubled the money when he was played through cleverly by Iaquinta. However, the Udinese winger missed horribly and smashed his half-volley over the cross bar. Montenegro were missing Mirko Vucinic's threat up front. The Roma man was suspended for this game. Stevan Jovetic was not providing enough depth for his side, and he was often marked out of the game by Angelo Palombo.

The home side were limited to long range shooting and hardly created any real chance worthy of mention. Sporting Lisbon's Simon Vukcevic proved his side's frustrations as he blasted from distance, only to see the ball end up hitting the fans rather than the net. The Italians fared no better. Poor passing from Pepe and Daniele De Rossi saw their dominance on the game lose its impact.

The Montenegrin defence were always well organised and they made life hard for the away side. Pirlo found De Rossi with a great through ball, but the Roma man failed to connect. Grosso was always testing his opponents down on the left wing. His run and cross for Pepe was top-quality, but the same cannot be said about the winger's header which was too weak, and Poleksic caught it with no real problem.

Italy were rather disappointing for the first period. They seemed to lack spark and creativity. Iaquinta was often isolated up front, and there was no real pace or urgency once Di Natale came off with injury.

Second Half

The Azzurri restarted with more impetus and they came out to attack their opponents. Iaquinta raised the bar and started getting into his stride. The big striker should have finished a great move off when Pepe found him. However, he scooped his shot over from 12 yards. Minutes later De Rossi tested Poleksic from range with a curling strike. The Goalkeeper fumbled the ball into Iaquinta's path, but the striker was too slow in reacting, and the custodian made things safe.

Down the other end Radomir Dalovic should have equalised when he found himself all unmarked at the back post. It was a glorious chance, but he glanced his header down ward and on the wrong side of the post as a helpless Gianluigi Buffon was relieved to see it go wide. There were further injury concerns for Lippi when Iaquinta was hacked down by Milorad Pekovic. The Juventus man was unable to continue and was replaced by Giampaolo Pazzini who made his senior international debut. The Sampdoria man was the 30 player to make his bow since Lippi's double reign. Despite his hot form in Serie A, Pazzini was guilty of missing the easiest chance of the game when he beat the offside trap to find himself one-on-one with Poleksic, but he smashed the ball straight at the 'Keeper.

Buffon, who was the least troubled of the goalkeepers, was called into action by Dalovic. The striker muscled his way in past Cannavaro and lunged onto a loose ball from close range. Dalovic stabbed it with his toe, but Buffon's out-stretched arm managed to get enough behind the strike to stop it from crossing the line. It was a world-class stop.

Italy then put Montenegro to the sword and doubled their lead through Pazzini 16 minutes before the end of the match. A long ball from Pirlo found Pepe on the left wing. The number 16 controlled and crossed in for the incoming Pazzini who dived to head home. Poleksic's attempt at saving was less than perfect as the ball deflected off his arm and into the net.

It was Italy's fourth win in five qualifying matches as they maintain their dominance in the group. They will now face Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland side in Bari next Wednesday.

Teams

Montenegro 4-3-2-1: Poleksic, Pavlcevic, Basa, Batak, Bozovic, Drincic, Pekovic (Vujovic), Boskovic, Jovetic, Vukcevic, Djalovic (Beciraj).

Italy 4-2-3-1: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Palombo, De Rossi, Quagliarella, Pirlo (Brighi), Di Natale (Pepe), Iaquinta (Pazzini).

Goals: Pirlo '11 (Pen), Pazzini 75'.

Cards: Palombo (Italy), Cannavaro (Italy), Batak (Montenegro), Pekovic (Montenegro)

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Iaquinta Loving Life At Juventus; Compares It To Udinese Days
The Bianconeri hitman has discussed several issues regarding his club in a recent interview.
Mar 26, 2009 6:33:34 PM

Vincenzo Iaquinta is currently in Podgorica preparing for Italy’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Montenegro this weekend.

The Juventus hitman is expected to earn a start in the match, where he will be the main focal point up front for the Azzurri, as they are without several key players in attack, including Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino.

He took some time out of his busy training schedule to speak in an Italian press conference, where he discussed a few things concerning himself and his club.

“We are in a golden moment at Juve at present, so hopefully this can continue until the end of the championship,” Iaquinta declared in the press conference.

“All clubs experience good and bad times at various times, and we have certainly gone through that this season.

“For me, I have also had similar fortunes, as I struggled with injury early on, however I have now managed to rediscover my best form.”

The ex-Udinese man went on to compare life in Turin, as opposed to life at his former club, by making some interesting comparisons between the two.

“Playing at Juve is very different from playing in Udine. At Udinese, I would just train and go through the motions during the week, and play on the weekend. In Turin however, it’s based on consistency and continuity.

“I am more than happy with my choice however, because I have proven to myself that I can play at a strong club. I am neither superior nor inferior to anyone at the club.”

The 29-year-old had one final comment to make in regards to the reported interest of Zenit St. Petersburg in acquiring his services earlier in the season.

“Neither the club nor my agent heard anything from the Russians, so in my opinion, they were rumors created by the media,” Iaquinta concluded.

Iaquinta and the Azzurri get their match against Montenegro underway at 20:45 CET Saturday evening.

Adrian Del Monte, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Juventus Captain Alessandro Del Piero Would Welcome Cassano Challenge
‘Pinturicchio’ insists he would greet Cassano with open arms at Juve and is confident he will return to the national side.

Mar 27, 2009 3:07:55 AM


Alessandro Del Piero - Juventus-Chelsea - Champions League (Grazia Neri)

Juventus are expected to splash out on the transfer market in the summer and have targeted Sampdoria ace Antonio Cassano. Captain Alessandro Del Piero does not fear the increased competition for places if ‘Fantantonio’ moves to Turin.
“No offence, but my footballing career tells me I cannot fear the arrival of Cassano or any other player,” Del Piero told La Repubblica.

“However, I don’t think there would be a fierce competition, we have different roles and could easily play together. As long as we bring in champions, it’s all good.”

Italy are preparing for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and the Republic of Ireland but coach Marcello Lippi seems to be going forward with his project to rejuvenate the squad and called up only eight members of the team that triumphed in Germany in 2006.

“Lippi was really straightforward with me,” mused ‘Alex’. “He wants to see other players in action and just wants me to play and do well.

“I have come to terms with it. It’s not a problem and I’m sure it’s not a definitive choice. At least, Lippi did not convey this.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Lippi only half-happy Saturday 28 March, 2009

Marcello Lippi feels the second half performance made the difference in Montenegro and looks ahead to Ireland with a two-point advantage.

“The first half wasn't a great performance. We were given that gift of the penalty with the handball and didn't entirely deserve it,” he said of the 2-0 victory in Podgorica.

“It's true we were balanced and didn't let Montenegro create much, but we weren't too attacking either.

“In the second half we played far better and had many scoring opportunities, fully deserving the victory.”

Andrea Pirlo converted that spot-kick after 10 minutes and Giampaolo Pazzini netted on his senior international debut with a diving header.

There was bad news, though, as Antonio Di Natale was stretchered off almost immediately with a sprained knee.

“It's a terrible shame about Di Natale, who has hurt his knee and it adds to the series of injuries,” sighed Lippi.

“It's great for Pazzini, though, who at the moment seems to score with every touch.”

The Republic of Ireland were held to a 1-1 home draw by Bulgaria tonight, so Italy surge two points clear at the top of 2010 World Cup qualifying Group B.

“Now we have the advantage and have the opportunity to extend that further on Wednesday.”

The Coach was also dismissive of reports the Stadio San Nicola will be hostile towards him because hometown hero Antonio Cassano was dropped.

“I am confident the fans will cheer us on. All I said was that it irritated me that the media were trying to stir up this situation and foment protests, it was never anything against the fans themselves.”

[Jusstatic]

The 3-3 draw with Chievo is really disappointing. Better signings definitely needs to be carried out. Secco!! Wake up!! :s12:

[WuSangui]

The 3-3 draw with Chievo is really disappointing. Better signings definitely needs to be carried out. Secco!! Wake up!! :s12:

Marking was poor and fighting spirit was not there. AFter going up 3-2, they let their guards down. Melberg had got nobody support him when he got the ball and was over power by 3 opponent player.

Buffon has passed his days. Time for Meninger to be number 1

[dreamer75]

lost 3-2 against Genoa too :(

[dreamer75]

ventus still have plenty to play for.
Apr 17, 2009 10:17:18 AM

The big Derby d'Italia showdown is back this weekend, but the appeal of the tie has had its gloss tarnished following the Bianconeri's loss to Genoa at the Marassi last week. The match against Jose Mourinho's Nerazzurri should have been a title decider this season, but a run of poor results has seen the importance of the game played down. Nothing more than three points are at stake this weekend for the Bianconeri.

With the gap against Inter standing at 10 points, it's fair to say that hopes of stitching the Scudetto on their shirts for next season have faded. Juventus are in trouble. Five points dropped in two matches have seen Inter tighten their grip on the Scudetto. A win on Saturday night will not do much for the Old Lady. Restoration of pride will count for nothing when the chances of seeing your bitter rivals lift the title once again are more realistic than ever before.

However, winning is winning, and though it may not bring a trophy to Vinovo this season, it will give the players much needed motivation and confidence to head into the business end of the season on a high. The Coppa Italia and an all-important second place finish are still up for grabs, and thus it is of paramount importance for Juve not to let their focus slip against the Inter resistance. The Bianconeri will need to look behind them as a loss could see Milan leap-frog them into second, thus meaning Ranieri's men may have to go through the unpopular Champions League preliminaries. After a decent season, it would be foolish for Juve to throw it all away. The players usually raise their game against Inter.

Juventus have the better head to head record against Inter having beaten them 74 times while losing on 42 occasions over their storied rivalry. The most recent defeat came in the reverse in Milan when a lucky Sulley Muntari tap-in saw the points head into Mourinho's pocket. This fixture ended 1-1 last year. Julio Cruz gave his side the lead in Turin, before Mauro Camoranesi restored parity. In their last six matches against the Nerazzurri, Juve have won three, lost twice and drawn once. It's time for Juve to raise the bar and rise to the challenge of giving the Milanese outfit a late season scare.

Inter March On

The Nerazzurri showed that not all teams of their grandeur and opulence are perfect against Palermo last week. After having taken the lead twice, Mourinho's side thought the game was won and stepped off the gas pedal. Edison Cavani and Davide Succi said thank you very much, and the game ended in a draw. Inter's coach was furious, and he will not be looking for the same outcome when he takes his side up the A4 Milano – Torino motorway.

Every Beneamata fan would love to boast having done the double over their famous rivals on their way to the title. A win against the Bianconeri will all but hand the trophy to the team. Apart from all the fighting on the pitch, there is likely to be a squabble or two between Mourinho and Ranieri. Many will remember the 'Special One's' 'Zero Titoli' rant back in February, but he will need to ensure his men are well prepared to ensure they do not end up with 'zero points' at the Olimpico.

In addition, there has been plenty of distraction with all the hype surrounding Adriano. The club are prepared to rescind the player's deal it seems, but they cannot let their focus slip like they did against the Rosanero or things could become complicated. Mourinho has thrown down the gauntlet to his players, demanding they win their next seven games, starting with Juventus.

Form Guide

Juventus

Apr 11: Genoa 3-2 Juventus

Apr 5: Juventus 3-3 Chievo Verona

Mar 21: Roma 1-4 Juventus

Mar 14: Juventus 4-1 Bologna

Mar 7: Torino 0-1 Juventus

Feb 28: Juventus 1-0 Napoli

Inter

Apr 11: Inter 2-2 Palermo

Apr 5: Udinese 0-1 Inter

Mar 22: Inter 3-2 Reggina

Mar 15: Inter 2-0 Fiorentina

Mar 7: Genoa 0-2 Inter

Mar 1: Inter 3-3 Roma

Team News

Juventus

Albin Ekdal and Alex Manninger trained aside from the rest of the squad on Wednesday. Amauri has returned to train with the rest of the players. Mohamed Sissoko still hasn't recovered from his foot operation while Hasan Salihamdzic is looking doubtful. Both Mauro Camoranesi and Claudio Marchisio are suspended for this game. Claudio Ranieri is likely to draft Christian Poulsen and Tiago in midfield to replace the Italian duo. Reports in the Italian media have suggested the coach will also leave Alessandro Del Piero on the bench.

Probable Starting XI 4-4-2: Buffon, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro, Marchionni, Poulsen, Tiago, Nedved, Iaquinta, Trezeguet.

Inter

Amantino Mancini has returned to training three weeks after suffering a muscular strain against Reggina. Luis Jimenez, Victor Obinna and Maicon are all injured. Walter Samuel is looking doubtful, while troubled striker Adriano is still in Brazil. Julio Cesar has recovered and is in contention for a starting place against the Bianconeri. Mario Balotelli is likely to keep his place up front alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Probable Starting XI 4-3-1-2: Cesar, Santon, Cordoba, Chivu, Maxwell, Zanetti, Cambiasso, Muntari, Stankovic, Balotelli, Ibrahimovic.

Players To Watch

Juventus

Keep and eye on Gianluigi Buffon. The goalkeeper has conceded too many goals in his last two games. The critics have began to dig their nails in the Italian international. The former Parma man has plenty to prove if he is to silence them this week.

Inter

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not scored against his former club in Serie A since leaving them in 2006 following the Calciopoli scandal. The big Sweden striker is itching to upset his former employers in an attempt to cause them more trouble, and fire his side further towards the title.

Prediction

The Derby d'Italia is one of the biggest fixtures on the Serie A calendar. Pride and points are at stake and neither team will be willing to give up without putting up a decent fight first. A win is unlikely to blow open the title race, but it will give Juve the confidence for the final season's push. Inter head to Turin knowing the significance a win would have upon their march towards the Tricolore. Expect a tight game. Juve will not crumble like they did against Genoa, neither will the Nerazzurri like last week. A draw is on the cards in this one, but don't be surprised if the Bianconeri prevail.

Juventus 2-2 Inter

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

Let's beat Inter :D

[dreamer75]

We can kiss the Scudetto goodbye!

[dreamer75]

Juventus 1 - 1 Inter
Balotelli 64 (I), Grygera 91 (J)

Stadio Olimpico


Despite Tiago Mendes' red card, Juve snatched a stoppage-time equaliser through Zdenek Grygera to cancel out Mario Balotelli's counter. The gap remains 10 points at the top, but with only six rounds remaining.

With a 10-point gap going into this clash, the Derby d'Italia was more about pride than actual Scudetto chances, but some slender hope remained despite Juve dropping five points in two games against Chievo and Genoa.

The Bianconeri missed Momo Sissoko, Hasan Salihamidzic, Cristiano Zanetti, Albin Ekdal, Alex Manninger, Amauri and the suspended Mauro Camoranesi and Claudio Marchisio. Inter had Douglas Maicon, Nelson Rivas, Luis Jimenez, Amantino Mancini and Adriano ruled out, but Julio Cesar returned from a muscular setback.

Jose Mourinho was looking for a sixth consecutive away victory and fielded Esteban Cambiasso protecting the defence. Luis Figo was a surprise starter and received a booking after two minutes for a sliding tackle on Molinaro.

Mario Balotelli thought he had scored after 10 minutes, as he shrugged off two defenders and his shot from nine yards hit Gigi Buffon's arm to slow it down. It was dribbling towards the empty net before Tiago came sliding in for a decisive goalline clearance just before it crossed over!

Juve also threatened when Zdenek Grygera slipped during his header and allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to clear. Del Piero put two weak chipped passes into Julio Cesar's arms in quick succession, while Javier Zanetti cut off Molinaro in the box.

Pavel Nedved threaded through for Vincenzo Iaquinta, but Samuel came sliding in to block the shot. A Del Piero free kick found Grygera totally unmarked at the back post, but he shinned it over the bar.

Del Piero sent Marchionni clear with a slide-rule pass, but his first touch let him down and Julio Cesar rushed out to deflect it wide off his elbow on the half-hour mark!

Balotelli knocked down for Stankovic to drill over and Nicola Legrottaglie was carded for going through the back of Ibra.

Figo dribbled through a crowd of players in the penalty area and Buffon came tearing out to block at his feet, then Molinaro's clean sliding tackle stopped Stankovic scoring on the follow-up.

Julio Cesar palmed away a Del Piero free kick, then in the last kick of the first half some chaotic defending stopped Iaquinta from tapping in.

Inter were late coming out for the second half and the referee complained to captain Zanetti, but they emerged eventually in dribs and drabs, waiting extra for Balotelli to wander on to the field.

Buffon blocked a Stankovic snapshot after Balotelli and Ibra had been crowded out. Inter had a free kick in a promising position, but Ibrahimovic slipped as he was running up and it rolled comically away.

Buffon plucked an Ibrahimovic header out from under the bar on a set play, while Julio Cesar needed two touches to control a Del Piero free kick towards the near post.

Chivu whipped a ball across the face of goal, but Balotelli was just a moment too late to come sliding in for the finish. Paolo De Ceglie replaced Molinaro in the first substitution of the game.

Cordoba and Figo clattered into each other on a corner, almost letting Chiellini through for a goal. From that corner, Juve lost the ball following complaints for an alleged Chivu foul on Chiellini and Inter scored with a classic counter-attack. With four passes they got it up to Balotelli for a cool finish with the inside of his foot from nine yards, as Sulley Muntari's pass from the left went past lone defender Grygera.

Juve fought back with Cordoba charging down Del Piero's effort. Balotelli risked a red card when he twice visibly insulted the referee for awarding a free kick against him, but the official only showed the yellow. Moments later SuperMario shoved over a Juve man and his teammates shouted at him to calm down.

Marchionni sprinted past Stankovic down the right and was clear on goal, but once again hesitated and allowed Julio Cesar to block with his body.

Chiellini's audacious overhead kick was charged down and David Trezeguet replaced Marchionni, moving Iaquinta towards the right.

The tension was sky high and Tiago lost his temper spectacularly. He was shown a straight red card after hacking down Muntari and Balotelli in quick succession, both utterly foolish tackles in midfield. This is becoming a habit for Juventus, who had Mauro Camoranesi sent off last week at Genoa.

Buffon flew to fingertip Stankovic's curler over the bar with his trailing hand. Del Piero was limping slightly and made way for Giovinco in the final minutes.

Julio Cruz came off the bench and almost immediately brought a fingertip save out of Buffon, hoping to add to the nine goals he has already scored against Juve in his career. Ibra had penalty appeals waved away in stoppages for a slight contact with Legrottaglie.

It still wasn't over, though, as 10-man Juve equalised! A Giovinco corner kick found Grygera's header from six yards to leave Julio Cesar stranded!

The Bianconeri fought back with sheer pride and even went for the winner in the final moments, notching up more corners, but so did Inter with Cambiasso closed down at the near post.

Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro (De Ceglie 63); Marchionni (Trezeguet 74), Poulsen, Tiago, Nedved; Del Piero (Giovinco 80), Iaquinta

Inter: Julio Cesar; Zanetti, Cordoba, Samuel (Burdisso 77), Chivu; Cambiasso; Stankovic, Muntari, Figo (Cruz 87), Balotelli (Vieira 76); Ibrahimovic

Ref: Farina

Sent off: Tiago 76 (J)

[dreamer75]

JUVENTUS

Buffon: 7.5- Gigi had conceded six goals in the previous two matches but bounced back to keep his team in the game by making great saves from Stankovic and Cruz before Grygera’s equaliser.

Grygera: 7.0- He had a great chance in the 30th minute but more that made up for that miss with a bullet header to salvage the draw

Chiellini: 7.0- Seems to relish his personal battles with Ibrahimovic and tonight it was no different as he banged and bruised the lanky Swede.

Legrottaglie: 6.0- He was rendered ineffective after picking up a yellow card in the 35th minute and is lucky not to have conceded a penalty for a challenge on Ibrahimovic just before Grygera’s goal.

Molinaro: 6.0- Fought hard with Balotelli down the left flank and gave a pretty good account of himself before he was substituted in the second half.

Marchionni: 6.0- The occasion seemed to have got the better of him as he had two glorious chances to chip the ball over Julio Cesar but failed.

Tiago: 5.0- Saved a sure goal with a great goal-line clearance in the 10th minute but foolishly lashed out at Balotelli in the 75th minute and was sent off.

Poulsen: 6.0- He held his own against Muntari and Cambiasso in the midfield and provided the steel necessary in the middle of the park that Juve needed against the Nerazzurri.

Nedved: 5.0- The Czech legend showed his age tonight and failed to make an impact in what was his last Derby d’Italia.

Iaquinta: 5.0- The red-hot Italian striker was virtually non-existent for long stretches of the match and could not handle Samuel’s physical nature.

Del Piero: 5.5- The captain was a bit disappointing tonight by his own lofty standards, and was substituted with the match still hanging in the balance.
SUBS: De Ceglie (62”) 6.0, Trezeguet (74”) 6.0, Giovinco (80”) 6.5

[dreamer75]

Canna's contract revealed Monday 20 April, 2009

Juventus have offered Fabio Cannavaro a lucrative four-year contract, according to the Italian Press.

Cannavaro, who left the Bianconeri in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal three years ago, is a free agent this summer.

His club, the Spanish giants Real Madrid, are unwilling to renew his current deal and would like to replace him with a younger centre-back.

Juventus are said to have presented the Italy captain and former World Player of the Year with a one-year contract as a player.

Cannavaro has the option to extend that contract on a rolling basis if he wishes to continue playing after it expires at the end of next season.

Juventus expect him to retire after the World Cup in 2010 and have moved to make him a director, offering him a three-year deal to join the board once he hangs up his boots.

Despite leaving the club in its hour of need in 2006, Cannavaro has maintained a good relationship with members of the Juventus board.

The same cannot be said of the club's fans, who, having worshipped Cannavaro, now see him as something of a traitor.

The Bianconeri's decision to bring Cannavaro back has already met with criticism from some parts of the Italian Press.

Napoli rejected the chance to sign him earlier this season because of his age and question marks remains over his ability to deliver the sort of performances he was capable of when last at Juventus.

The acquisition suits the Bianconeri, though, who are great fans of picking up players on free transfers.

In the last two years, Juventus have bought the likes of Zdenek Grygera, Hasan Salihamidzic and Olof Mellberg for nothing.

Cannavaro scored six goals in 74 appearances for Juventus between 2004 and 2006, establishing himself as one of the world's best centre-backs.

[dreamer75]

The Real Madrid defender seems almost certain to return to Juventus in the summer. Carlo Garganese believes this is a smart transfer move that will significantly increase the Bianconeri's chances of winning the Scudetto.

Apr 20, 2009 8:00:32 AM


The last few weeks, during which time Juventus have conceded six goals against Chievo and Genoa, as well as scraped a last minute home draw with champions Inter, have proved quite conclusively that the Old Lady will never win the Scudetto again until she sorts out her troublesome defence. A fortnight ago today I explained how the likes of Zdenek Grygera, Cristian Molinaro and Olof Mellberg were not good enough to be considered as regular first-team players.

I also argued that the first area that Alessio Secco and the transfer team should address this summer was the defence. The reports yesterday that Fabio Cannavaro is almost certain to return to Turin after three years in exile is wonderful news if you are a Juventino, and in one stroke significantly boosts the chances of a major trophy next term.

Granted, Cannavaro will turn 36 in September, and his best days are well and truly behind him. It is also clear that there is very little chance of the stopper repeating his all-conquering displays from the 2006 World Cup in Germany. However, this aside, do not underestimate just what Cannavaro will bring to this club.

First of all, despite some indifferent performances for Real Madrid, the veteran has always excelled for Italy over the last three years. He is still the Azzurri captain, and in case anyone has forgotten, his national team partner is a certain Giorgio Chiellini. The duo will take no time to gel, and this will also benefit Italy in South Africa next year. Behind him he will have Gianluigi Buffon, someone he shares a telepathic understanding with after eight years together at club level, and many more internationally.

One of the major reasons why Cannavaro has occasionally struggled in La Liga is because there is virtually no emphasis on tactics in Spain. Defending as a team, midfielders tracking back, holding an offside line – these things do not exist, and this explains why Cannavaro has been exposed in one-on-one situations. In the slower and more strategic Serie A, this will not be a problem at all. There won’t be the openings for opposition forwards to outpace the Neapolitan in the way he was on Saturday night against Recreativo.

Cannavaro is still fit-as-a-fiddle. Ask yourself how many games he has missed for Madrid since joining in 2006. In fact he has already racked up more than 100 appearances for the Merengues, while only a freak training ground injury, inflicted on him by a team-mate (Chiellini) ruled him out of Euro 2008. Cannavaro may have dropped down a level physically, but he is by no means on his last legs.

It must also be recognised that Cannavaro is not signing a four-year contract. The mooted deal is for one season, with the option of a second if things go well. He is also arriving on a free, which will mean that, if Juventus get their transfer strategy correct, they will be able to spend their entire summer budget on a top-class full-back and top-class midfielder.

The ex-Parma star is a short-term fix in that he will shore up a shaky backline next term. But this transfer will also have many long-term benefits. For starters, Cannavaro will immediately bring back a winning mentality. Claudio Ranieri admitting that Genoa play better football than Juve, while pushing the palms of his hands down after Grygera’s equaliser on Saturday to tell his players to accept the draw – this attitude will not be tolerated. Cannavaro is a winner, and he will not be satisfied with second best. The defender will also nurture many of the talented young stoppers at the club, such as Lorenzo Ariaudo and Paolo De Ceglie. The tactical side of Chiellini’s game, which is probably his one weak-point at the moment, will certainly improve with Cannavaro’s guidance. Finally, it is common knowledge just what an influence the former Napoli ball-boy is in the dressing room, and a future director's role is not out of the question.

The only concern at this point is how some fans will react after Cannavaro left the club in the aftermath of Calciopoli. The veteran is wrongly labelled by a few fools as a traitor. This could not be any further from the truth. Cannavaro was nearly 33 at the time, and had never hidden his desire to win the Champions League. Were he to stay at Juventus, the chances of this, following relegation and an initial 30-points penalty (later reduced to nine) that threatened Juve with another drop to the third tier, were almost impossible. Had Juve been relegated to the old Serie C at the end of 2006-07, which could have happened but for the appeal cuts, it would have been 2010-11 at the earliest until they could have returned to Europe's premier club competition. Cannavaro would have been 37 by then.

Cannavaro simply had to move, also to prolong his international career, and just like Gianluca Zambrotta, Lilian Thuram and Emerson, out of respect for Juve he fled to Spain in order not to strengthen a direct domestic rival. Of the big names that remained, Gigi Buffon was just 28, Alessandro Del Piero was a club symbol who had already won every honour in the game, while David Trezeguet and Mauro Camoranesi were close to leaving. The only players who can be considered as Judases are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Patrick Vieira, particularly the former, who understood the Calciopoli link between Inter and Juve, and has been a huge factor in the Nerazzurri’s recent dominance.

The last time Juventus won the Champions League in 1996, at the beginning of that season, the whole world laughed when Marcello Lippi signed a legendary 36-year-old centre-back, whom many felt was ready for retirement. This player, who would still be playing in Serie A at the age of 41, had an astonishing season, and was a contender for man-of-the-match in the Rome final victory over Ajax. Do not be at all surprised if Cannavaro proves to be be the 'new Pietro Vierchowod'.

What are your views on this topic? Is Fabio Cannavaro to Juventus a good or bad move? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think.

Carlo Garganese, Goal.com

[dreamer75]

French striker Trezeguet set for Juventus exit

By Soccernet staff

April 20, 2009


David Trezeguet looks set to leave Juventus in the summer after his agent, Antonio Caliendo claimed that he does not understand why boss Claudio Ranieri keeps overlooking him.


The striker has missed five months of the campaign following double knee surgery and was benched for the 1-1 draw against Inter on Saturday, despite being back to full fitness.

"I was sitting in the stands and I saw him on the bench and my heart was crying," Caliendo told Tuttosport. "And then Juve were trailing 1-0 and David, the best European goal scorer over the past ten years, was unused. A world and European champion, who has netted goals every season.

"We are not talking about a 38-year-old at the end of his career. His 161 goals for Juve speak volumes."

Trezeguet reacted angrily to being substituted during a Champions League match with Chelsea and has been playing a part-time role since.

"He is fine physically and is dying to play a full match," continued the representative. "He is acting as a great professional and is ready to give his all - even it is for just ten or 15 minutes."

Trezeguet has a contract with the Old Lady until 2011, but Caliendo admitted that his client is not willing to stand this situation any longer.

"When you get married, it is usually for the entire life, but sometimes people divorce," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said he would welcome Fabio Cannavaro's return to Turin this summer.

The Italy captain and Real Madrid defender has been linked with a move back to Juve, having failed to extend his contract with the Spanish giants when his current deal ends in June.

"Someone of Cannavaro's experience would be good for any team," said Buffon. "He would be important on and off the pitch.

"It's clear he cannot be a part of the team's long-term project but then again neither would I as I'm 31."

The 35-year-old Cannavaro played two years at Juventus before moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2006, shortly after lifting the World Cup with Italy.

Cannavaro has made 22 Primera Division appearances for Madrid this season.

[jasonong]

hehe! i used to stay in this country for 2 yrs and didnt know that there are people in this country still care about serie A... i realised that most singaporeans are more interested in sunderland vs bolton than juve vs inter... and before world cup 2006, none of the so-called hardcore singaporean football fans have heard of luca toni.... and most of them didnt even know that juve is playing at stadio olimpico now and not stadio delle alpi.....

keep up the good work guys! may be try to express more of your own opinions and wut u have observed from the match, than just copying the articles or rating from goal.com.... hope u guys can set up a juventus supporters club and try to convince SCV or mioTV to show serie a consistently and not just show the matches after winter break, when the tv right is cheaper or free....

Forza Juve! Forza Serie A!

[Jusstatic]

Great, one more Juve fan : ). Seriously guys, this Juve forum really needs some new lease of life. It is going stale and quiet. :s12:

[jasonong]

this is my first contribution to this forum...

please guys!

sign the petition to save our juve! i know this could be useless, but just try our best... it wont waste alot of our time... i just signed the no. 500

http://www.petitiononline.com/scu29/petition.html

Forza Juve!

[Jusstatic]

A 2-2 draw at home to Lecce =_=

Yes Juventus has just recovered from the Calciopoli, but for Christ's sake if we are not good enough to challedge for the Serie A, at least put in decent results!.

Our transfer policies were atrocious as well. Molinaro (yes he has improved, from a Serie B player to a good player), Poulson? Almiron? If we had bought great players and still flop, at least the fans would have understand that it is not Ranieri's or Secco's fault.

But seriously the mgmt really thinks that with players like Poulson, Molinaro, Mellberg we are going to win the title? Well maybe in Football Manager 2009 :s8:

[wmania2]

Poulsen is an excellent DM and Almiron was good in Empoli but somehow couldn't make the grade in top clubs. Mellberg is a good sub and is bought in for this purpose. The top buys like Amauri and Sissoko are good and they constitute about half the transfer fees we paid in total so far. Look for better buys in the next transfer window.

[Cissiboy]

"Poulsen" and "Excellent" cannot stay close in the same sentence... sorry

[wmania2]

I'm sorry but Poulsen was voted Danish player of the year twice and considered one of the best buys in the Spanish league. He might not be well-known because he plays for a "weak" national team.

[Cissiboy]

i dont care of past awards..if u had seen him playing this year u would know how he literally sucks...

I watched so many juve games this year so I know what i'm talking about

And btw I dont think ManU, Chelsea or Real are or ever been fighting for buying him

[footballsiao]

I found one blogspot wihich predict scores and is rather accurate.
http://analysefootball.blogspot.com/

[jasonong]

poulsen is crap this season... but if we cant get a good price for him (above 5m euros) or we cant use him to get a better player (werder bremen dont want him to be part of the diego deal), i hope he stays. maybe he can improve next season under the new coach. nedved didnt play well in his first season with juve too.. but he played his best season in his career and won the balon d'or in the second season.

the board decided to keep ranieri until end of the season. i think its time for ranieri to go... we can never be happy with a draw, at home against chievo or away at san siro, because we are juve! ranieri doenst have the juve mentality! he should coach a smaller clubs but not a giant like juve, with so many champions in the team!

i hope we bring back Gasperini! he knows our boys well, like giovinco, criscito and lanzafame. we dun need to sign more rubbish if the coach knows how to utilise our youth products. we can be like ajax in the mid-90s.

[wmania2]

Poulsen played well as a DM in most of the matches so I don't see where he was crap. Every time our midfield was overrun, we put him on and immediately the team stabilised.

Changing coaches will not help matters. We need to tweak our expectations. Just like Arsenal and Liverpool, a team in transition will have strange results. The young players will make mistakes while they learn. We cannot afford last year's mistake of calling for Criscito to go on loan after he made 2 mistakes against Roma and then played badly as a LB. If we are to complain every time a bad result comes, no youth development will take place regardless of who is in charge.

[Cissiboy]

Poulsen played well as a DM in most of the matches so I don't see where he was crap. Every time our midfield was overrun, we put him on and immediately the team stabilised.


honestly I cant remember one single occasion in which this happened..

[vasilli07]

well, you guys signed Diego from W.Bremen...

“We heard what was being said in Germany, but [general manager Jean-Claude] Blanc has offered a good contract,” said the President.

“We are relaxed and we already have an agreement.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may12u.html

[Cissiboy]

well, you guys signed Diego from W.Bremen...


until i see him wearing that black and white jersey I dont believe it

:s22:

[vasilli07]

until i see him wearing that black and white jersey I dont believe it

:s22:

More reasons for you to believe...the man himself has spoken...

“We’ve sorted it all out with Juventus, the deal is done and by Friday all will be clear. If the two clubs put pen to paper, then next season I will be playing in Turin.


“I have not yet signed an official document with Juventus, but I think before Friday everything will be finalised.


“After all, it’s about time a decision is made.”

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may13o.html

[Cissiboy]

“I have not yet signed an official document with Juventus, but I think before Friday everything will be finalised.



:s45:


these players and their managers nowadays are all w|-|0re$...to spill every cent they say everything and its contrary..

[Deunamist]

barring any slip-up, i think Diego will certainly be a Juventus player next season. kudos to Diego joining Serie A.

[vasilli07]

:s45:

these players and their managers nowadays are all w|-|0re$...to spill every cent they say everything and its contrary..

The president has spoken...

"Now we are hoping to move forward and rubber-stamp the papers
for June," Gigli told Sky Sport Italia.

"The stamps are just a formality, the news from the player and other clubs show the strength of the negotiations taken forward by Jean Claude Blanc, and Alessio Secco.

"Diego is a champion and I think he can give something more to Juventus when he plays alongside our champions."

http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/05/14/1264742/diego-deal-official-by-june-juventus-president-giovanni-cobolli-g


If the president also want to cheat the fans, then i got nothing to say...:s8:

[Cissiboy]

If the president also want to cheat the fans, then i got nothing to say...:s8:


unfortunately not the first time leh...

however, i'm just saying so bcos I think Diego is so good i'm really dying inside to see him playing bianconero..

[wmania2]

Diego has signed. The announcement may take place only in June 1 because the club is publicly listed.

[Deunamist]

OFFICIAL: RANIERI SACKED

Juventus have sacked Claudio Ranieri with just two games of the season left and made Ciro Ferrara caretaker Coach.

It has been a disappointing campaign for the Bianconeri, who have failed to secure any trophies and are in danger of sliding into fourth place.

After last weekend's 2-2 draw with Atalanta, the Juve directors held a crisis meeting with President Giovanni Cobolli Gigli this morning and they have decided to end the Ranieri era early.

“Juventus would like to thank Ranieri for the work he has done over the last two years,” a statement from the club reads.

“We will the new boss Ferrara immediate success in his new position.”

Ferrara will be presented to the Press at 5.15pm and will take charge of training tomorrow morning.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may18p.html


think Juve fans are happy with this? i think Ranieri hasn't been doing well with Juventus anyway

[wmania2]

Most of the Juventus fans are happy(I'm not). But it is time to support Ferrara.

[jasonong]

arrivederci tinkeman! he did ok until the chievo draw... it is impossible for him to stay after two months without a single win... from a team chasing scudetto to a team now fighting for 3rd place..... juve cant risk going into CL qualifying round..... he has lost the players... just look at how juve play against atalanta in second half... they dun even wanna play for him anymore.... and he benched giovinco since the draw against chievo is ridiculous.... giovinco might be average on that match, but there are far worse players on the pitch...

all the best to ciro

[Overture1928]

Hmmmmm
I think it's good that Ranieri is leaving. He is too accustomed to 4-4-2 and with Diego joining Juventus, you can't put that guy in a 4-4-2 formation. Maybe a 4-2-3-1 with Amauri as the lone striker backed up by Gionvinco, Diego and Camoranesi

[Deunamist]

Cannavaro returns to Juve! my Juve fan friend doesn't know whether to say this is good or bad though

[wmania2]

One of Ranieri's last signing. Welcome Cannavaro.