Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 7962]

[Socrates 7962]

Super Cup in China or Dubai?

Jun 1, 2013

Juventus and Lazio are still debating where and when to hold the Italian Super Cup, as Beijing and the United Arab Emirates are options.

The trophy traditionally opens the Italian season in August and is between the Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.

On Monday there will be a new meeting to discuss organising this match, which was initially set to be on August 10 in Beijing.

However, there are now reports the United Arab Emirates could be prepared to host the game in December.

Juve are inclined to push for an Italian venue, as they already have friendly tours of the USA and Canada planned.

Lazio are determined to play in China, as it would be a big publicity and marketing opportunity as well as bringing in fresh funds from sponsors.

In recent years the Italian Super Cup has often been played in Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium, while other venues included New York and Tripoli.

[Socrates 7962]

Still no Super Cup Final decision

Jun 4, 2013

When and where the Italian Super Cup Final will take place remains a mystery after Juventus and Lazio failed to reach an agreement.

Champions Juve will take on the capital Coppa Italia winners in the traditional season opener during the month of August, but a date and venue has yet to be decided.

Lazio want the tie to be staged in Beijing, during early August, seeing as the Lega are contracted to host at least one more Final in the Chinese city before 2016.

Taking the game there will also guarantee Lazio a half share of €3m.

However, Juventus are opposed to the idea as that will clash with their pre-season tour of the United States.

As a result, they have proposed three alternatives – playing in Canada on August 10, playing in Turin or Milan on August 18 or Beijing on August 24.

Lazio chief Claudio Lotito isn’t impressed with any of those options, especially as the latter would be staged on the weekend of the opening round of Serie A – thus League games involving Lazio and Juve would be postponed.

“No decision has been taken yet,” stated Lega chief Maurizio Beretta. “We are looking at the option of playing in China again.

“Anyhow, a decision will be taken soon and we already have another meeting set up at the end of this month.

“The only certainty for now is that the Final will not be played during the winter break. That proposal has fallen.”

[Socrates 7962]

Lotito: 'Super Cup in Beijing'

Jun 4, 2013

Lazio President Claudio Lotito warned the Italian Super Cup will be in Beijing. “Juventus must respect the rules.”

A meeting between the two clubs and the FIGC failed to pick a venue or date for the game, which sees the Serie A winners face off against the Coppa Italia holders.

“Juventus have to find a solution to their issues, because were meant to sign the contract today to play in Beijing,” Lotito told lalaziosiamonoi.

“Juventus organised themselves a tour of the USA and maintain they cannot play in China, but that is not an objective impediment.

“Lazio are giving up a tour of South America and with it considerable income so we can prepare for the Super Cup.

“Juventus must respect the rules. We are within an association where everyone has to respect the rules. The contract signed with Beijing organisers has to be respected, or the Lega Serie A will lose credibility.

“I don’t see that Juventus have much support within the Lega over this. The way I see it when you are within a community or association, you first have to consider the rules and then personal interests.”

Playing in Beijing will guarantee Lazio a half share of €3m, so they shot down proposed alternatives of playing in Canada on August 10, Turin or Milan on August 18.

Juve are prepared to play in China on August 24, but this is the opening weekend of the Serie A season, so their domestic games would have to be postponed.

[Socrates 7962]

Super Cup in Toronto?

Jun 9, 2012

Juventus and Lazio have still not decided where to play the Italian Super Cup, though Toronto seems to be taking the lead.

The match traditionally opens the season and is between the Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders.

It was due to be played in Beijing on August 15, but Juve argue they cannot manage that date because they have organised a US summer tour.

The Bianconeri suggested moving it to Turin, which was turned down point-blank by Lazio, so Toronto is emerging as the favourite venue for August 10.

There are still problems, according to the Corriere dello Sport, as Toronto’s organisers are offering approximately half the money that would be guaranteed by playing in China.

Another alternative would be playing at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome – Lazio’s home arena – on August 18.

[Socrates 7962]

No Trofeo Berlusconi in 2013

Jun 10, 2012

Milan have confirmed that there will be no Trofeo Berlusconi friendly against Juventus this summer.

The game between the two Italian giants, played in memory of Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi’s father Luigi, has been a pre-season appetiser since 1991.

However, there is no room in the summer schedule to fit in the San Siro encounter this time around.

“The Trofeo Tim between Milan, Inter and Juventus will take place in Reggio Emilia on July 23,” Vice-President Adriano Galliani stated.

“However, there is no date available for the Trofeo Luigi Berlusconi, also because our Champions League preliminary tie will be played on August 20 or 21.”

Milan have won the game on 12 occasions, Juventus 10. The Old Lady won the last encounter 3-2 thanks to goals from Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Alessandro Matri.

[Socrates 7962]

Lazio-Juve war over Super Cup

Jun 15, 2013

A huge row erupted over the Italian Super Cup, as Lazio claim they’ll sue for damages and Juventus called Claudio Lotito’s words “offensive.”

The game traditionally opens the season and is played between the Scudetto holders and Coppa Italia winners.

It was meant to be in Beijing in August, but Juve argued they could not make it due to their US tour, so negotiations are underway to play in Toronto or even Rome.

“Juve first said yes, then took it all back. They probably think they are able to order everyone else about,” slammed Lazio President Lotito.

“We are happy to play anywhere, Rome or Toronto, but they want to play in Turin. Lazio have stood by all the rules. I haven’t spoken to President Andrea Agnelli, as it would be pointless. He is shirking the commitments he made.

“Lazio are losing €1.8m from the summer tour of Colombia and the money guaranteed by the organisers to play in Beijing, so this doesn’t end here. We want to be compensated.”

Juventus hit back with an official statement: “Lotito has released statements that have become progressively more offensive, unacceptable and often untrue. He is evidently taking no notice of the trophy victory that earned S.S. Lazio the right to contest the Italian Super Cup, but is instead focusing on the monetary sum he thinks the club entitled to.

“Juventus Football Club has always respected the regulations and decisions of the Lega Calcio, as shown most recently by the letter sent on 8 March 2013 which explained that the club would be unable to contest the Italian Super Cup abroad.

“In the following Assembly meetings, the Super Cup was often one of the main topics on the agenda but it was never discussed, least of all was any decision ever reached on the matter.

“For months, the Lega Calcio management ignored Juventus’ aforementioned stance on the matter and for some days they have been tolerating Lotito’s words and behaviour which are both unacceptable to the life of the association and also harmful to Juventus.”

Lazio replied again with a statement of their own, warning Juve’s comments were “without foundation. It has been known for months that the Super Cup was to be played in Beijing and contracts were signed by the Lega, of which the clubs are a part.

“Lazio declared themselves ready to find other solutions that could be agreed upon, but Juventus believe they can impose their decisions on others and that is unacceptable, especially as it would have serious economic consequences.

“The meetings are organised by the Lega, an association with 20 clubs, and decisions are made by the majority rather than those who demand – wrongly – to impose themselves on others.”

[Socrates 7962]

Date but no venue for Super Cup

Jun 17, 2013

The Italian Super Cup between Juventus and Lazio looks like it will be played somewhere in Italy, rather than China, on August 18.

The Italian champions and the Coppa Italia holders have been unable to so far reach an agreement on a date or a venue for the annual pre-season opener.

Lazio have requested that the tie be played in Beijing in order to get the share of €6m in prize money.

However, Juve have refused the China option seeing as they’ve already agreed to take part in a lucrative pre-season tour of America.

“By now, it is pretty obvious that the tie will be played in Italy on August 18,” Lega Calcio chief Maurizio Beretta told Sky Sport 24.

“No decision has been made on whether that will be played in Turin, Rome or Milan though,” he continued.

“I hope that a mutual solution can be found as soon as possible, even if we will talk about this topic anyway at the Lega meeting on June 27.”

[Socrates 7962]

Sassuolo replace Inter in TIM Trophy

Jun 24, 2012

Juventus, Milan and newly-promoted Sassuolo will contest this year's TIM Trophy on July 23.

The annual pre-season tournament is usually held between the Rossoneri, the Bianconeri and Inter, but with the competition being played in Reggio Emilia, the Serie B champions have been invited instead.

This will be the 12th edition of the competition. Inter have lifted the trophy for the past three seasons.

[Socrates 7962]

Super Cup to be played in Rome

Jun 27, 2012

The Italian Super Cup Final between Juventus and Lazio will be played in Rome, but the arguments are still not over.

Champions Juve will take on the capital Coppa Italia winners in the traditional season opener during the month of August.

However, reaching a compromise on a date and venue has proved problematic.

Lazio wanted the tie to be staged in Beijing, during early August, seeing as the Italian Football Federation are contracted to host at least one more Final in the Chinese city before 2016.

However, Juventus opposed to the idea as that would have clashed with their pre-season tour of the United States.

The game will now take place at Lazio’s Stadio Olimpico on August 18, but a row regarding prize money is brewing.

Capital chief Claudio Lotito wants a bigger share as a consequence of the €1.5m that his club would have received had they travelled to China.

[Socrates 7962]

Marchetti hopes for Supercoppa win

Jul 2, 2012

Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has admitted he is looking forward to the new season, and wants to start with a Supercoppa win over Juventus.

The Coppa Italia winners face the Serie A champions at Stadio Olimpico in the annual campaign opener.

And the shot-stopper hopes the game can set the scene for the season, whilst also commenting on the recent Confederations Cup.

“I want to go and enjoy my holidays and return ready for the new season,” he told Lazio Style Radio.

“We played a good tournament in Brazil. There is a bit of regret for the semi-final loss to Spain, but we did well.

“Next season we immediately have a tough challenge with Juventus.

“They are a strong team and have reinforced even further this summer.

“We just want to play well and try to lift the trophy – hopefully that can kickstart our season.”

[Socrates 7962]

Official: Super Cup in Rome

Jul 2, 2012

It is now official that the Italian Super Cup between Juventus and Lazio will be in Rome on August 18.

The match will kick off at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) at the Stadio Olimpico.

This fixture begins the Italian season and is between the Scudetto holders and the Coppa Italia winners.

There had been numerous rows between the two clubs over where and when to stage this game, as originally it had been due for Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Juventus pulled out due to summer US tour commitments, while options included Toronto, Dubai and Turin.

This evening the Lega Serie A finally confirmed the Italian Super Cup will be decided in Rome on August 18.

Arguments are still continuing over how to split the income from this match.

Juventus fans have threatened to boycott the event so as to avoid giving money to Lazio President Claudio Lotito.

[Socrates 7962]

Lippi: The title is Juve's

Jul 14, 2013

Former Juventus boss Marcelo Lippi believes that the Bianconeri will go on to claim their third successive Scudetto this season.

The 65-year-old, who is currently in charge at Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande, is confident that Antonio Conte can guide the Old Lady to the title.

“Juventus will win the League,” he told La Stampa. “I think the title is already theirs.

“Conte, as a captain, was a real leader, and he has clearly maintained that as a Coach.

“I always knew he would become a good Coach.”

The World Cup-winning tactician then commented on the challenge Juve face from Napoli.

“We'll have to see how they spend the money they receive from Cavani.

“But Benitez was a good choice. He is a Coach that has won wherever he has gone.”

[Socrates 7962]

Benitez hopes for Scudetto challenge

Jul 14, 2013

Rafael Benitez has admitted that he wants Napoli to challenge Juventus for the Scudetto this season.

The Spanish tactician replaced Walter Mazzarri at Stadio San Paolo last month, and the 53-year-old has insisted that the Partenopei have the squad to do well.

“Juventus are a strong team but there are other teams who can compete for the title,” he told reporters.

“And our goal is to be among them.

“My desire is to work hard, to win with this team and make the fans happy.

“I have spoken with Cavani, but I am focused on my job.

“If he stays with us, we'll meet again on July 21.”

[Socrates 7962]

Benitez dismisses Juventus dominance

The Napoli trainer insists the Bianconeri will be challenged for the Scudetto
by his side and others, while refusing to be drawn on Edinson Cavani's future.

Jul 14, 2013

Rafael Benitez has rejected the notion that Juventus will dominate Serie A for a third successive season and believes that Napoli can break the champions' Scudetto stranglehold.

The Partenopei finished second last term but nine points adrift of the Bianconeri, who claimed back-to-back league titles under the stewardship of Antonio Conte.

Benitez, who replaced Walter Mazzarri at the Stadio San Paolo, is aiming to take the Naples-based club up a gear the coming campaign.

"Juventus are a strong team and have made waves in the transfer market but there are other teams who can compete for the title and every year is different," the 53-year-old said.

"We will try to be competitive in all competitions - we have the Champions League to compete in and we are strong and equipped.

"In Serie A, there are other teams [who can challenge] such as Inter, Roma, Fiorentina and AC Milan. But we will fight until the end.

"There has been a very positive reaction from fans regarding my arrival and I am very happy with this. My desire is to work hard, give 100 per cent to the club and to make the fans happy."

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani is believed to be on the verge of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, however, the former Chelsea and Inter boss refused to be drawn on whether a transfer is imminent.

"I have spoken with Cavani, but I am focused on my job," Benitez added. "If he stays with us, we'll meet again on July 21."

[Socrates 7962]

Mazzarri fearful of Juventus quality

The Nerazzurri coach believes that the two-time defending Serie A champions
have now gone to another level after reinforcing their front-line.

Jul 15, 2013

Inter boss Walter Mazzarri has admitted he is fearful of Juventus after they bolstered their side with the signings of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente.

The Bianconeri are bidding for a third successive title and the Nerazzurri coach, who led Napoli to a distant second-placed finish last term, freely concedes that Antonio Conte's men will take some stopping now that they have added to their attacking options.

“Tevez and Llorente are two great players who will bolster an already excellent squad," Mazzarri told La Domenica Sportiva.

“Juventus were already strong, very strong. And now they've strengthened further. They're even more complete. They had a fantastic season last time out.

"They did well in the Champions League up to a certain point [the quarter-finals] and they'll be able to hold their own next year too.”

However, Mazzarri feels that his old club could again mount a credible title challenge.

“Napoli came second last season after four years of growth and I think they can only improve,” he reasoned.

“As a club they're in good shape and there's every chance of them succeeding.

"But Napoli is the past for me - I want to talk only about Inter now.”

Mazzarri spent four years in charge of Napoli before departing for Appiano Gentile this summer.

[Socrates 7962]

Mazzarri respects Juve and Napoli

Jul 15, 2013

Inter boss Walter Mazzarri concedes that Juventus and former club Napoli will be title contenders in 2013-14.

The Old Lady have won the last two championships and have been busy on the transfer market in an effort to strengthen even more.

“Juventus were already strong, very strong,” the ex-Sampdoria and Livorno tactician told La Domenica Sportiva. “And now they've strengthened further.

“They're even more complete. They had a fantastic season last time out. They did well in the Champions League up to a certain point and they'll be able to hold their own next year too.”

The Bianconeri have made two notable acquisitions in attack with the capture of Carlos Tevez from Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente.

“They are two great players who bolster an already excellent squad,” Mazzarri added.

Asked about Napoli, whom he left last month, Mazzarri believes they will remain competitive with Rafa Benitez now in charge.

“They came second last season after four years of growth and I think they can only improve,” Mazzarri noted.

“As a club they're in good shape and there's every chance of them succeeding. But Napoli is the past for me – I want to talk about Inter now.”

[Socrates 7962]

Rafael Benitez: 'Napoli can beat Juventus to Serie A title'

Jul 15, 2013

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has no doubt that his side are capable of winning the Serie A title next season.

The Naples outfit's main challenge will come from reigning champions Juventus, who have won back-to-back league crowns.

"Juventus are a strong team and have made waves in the transfer market but there are other teams who can compete for the title and every year is different," he said," Benitez told reporters. "We will try to be competitive in all competitions - we have the Champions League to compete in and we are strong and equipped.

"In Serie A, there are other teams [who can challenge] such as Inter, Roma, Fiorentina and AC Milan. But we will fight until the end.

"There has been a very positive reaction from fans regarding my arrival and I am very happy with this. My desire is to work hard, give 100% to the club and to make the fans happy."

Napoli look likely to lose star striker Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain.

[Socrates 7962]

Napoli could be a 'frightening' Juventus rival, warns Lippi

The ex-Bianconeri boss thinks the €63 million received for Edinson Cavani
can acquire some quality players, while praising "perfect" Carlos Tevez.

Jun 19, 2013

Marcello Lippi believes Napoli could be a "frightening" rival for Juventus this season because of the €63 million sale of Edinson Cavani.

The Partenopei finished second in Serie A, nine points behind Juve, in 2012-13 but are without coach Walter Mazzarri (Inter) and top goalscorer Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain) heading into the new campaign.

However, the legendary former trainer of the Bianconeri, does not believe Rafa Benitez's side are going to suffer from the loss of the Uruguayan and also tipped AC Milan to challenge the reigning Scudetto winners.

"Napoli hold the treasure in their hands after Cavani sale - €63 million is a frightening figure," Lippi told La Gazetta dello Sport. "If club president Aurelio De Laurentiis finds the right players, they can quickly become a credible rival.

"Do you remember what happened when Juve gave Zinedine Zidane to Real Madrid? I still remember the call from the chiefs: 'Marcello, we have to give bad news - Zidane's going to Real.'

"It was a punch in the stomach. But the money brought in from Zizou's sale secured Juve signings such as Buffon, Cannavaro and Thuram and opened a new, extraordinary cycle.

"The story can be repeated with the sale of Cavani. Do not forget that Napoli has a born winner on the bench in new coach Rafa Benitez.

"Milan are another team that can come out from the group to challenge. Stephan El Shaarawy was and remains a champion.

"After being out of this world for the first half of the season, he is back on Earth. He needed to take a breather. There's no mystery behind his little crisis. He can easily coexist with Mario Balotelli."

Lippi is evidently a huge fan of Juve's signing of striker Carlos Tevez from Manchester City this summer, though he also took time to praise the progress of last year's transfer coup Paul Pogba.

"Tevez is a perfect investment. He's a warrior, a fighter, he has that nastiness that brings positive electricity in a team," the World Cup-winning coach added. "Juve did not have a player like that.

"And then there's Paul Pogba. He has class, strength, sense of play. He can use his feet and his head."

[Socrates 7962]

Mazzarri expects Juve-Napoli battle

Jun 19, 2013

Inter boss Walter Mazzarri expects Juventus and former club Napoli to be on the front row of the Scudetto grid for 2013-14.

Although the tactician expects the top half of the table to be pretty tight, he’s told Sky Sport Italia that there are two teams who seem to be above the rest.

“There are at least six or seven teams, including Fiorentina and Lazio, who will be bunched together on the starting grid,” he noted.

“It's hard to know who has got more quality, who can do better – it depends on how you work on the pitch, on whether you manage to exploit the players' ability to the max.

“Besides Juventus, I think that in terms of financial muscle and on the strength of the last four years, Napoli could be a notch above the rest. Along with Juve.”

When asked about his club’s title chances, Mazzarri refused to make any promises.

“Nothing is impossible,” he added. “But what I'm saying is that as things stand, looking at the factors usually weighed up in football – signings, wages, squad, the previous season – if Inter finished ninth, then that's where we start from.

“Then the technical work takes over, the work put in on the pitch, the chemistry within the squad, and that can make the difference, help a club which was perhaps fourth, fifth or sixth in the eyes of some to shock a few people and finish ahead of the pack.

“That's what the teams who on paper start a little further back always hope.”

[Socrates 7962]

Hamsik: 'It's Napoli-Juventus war!'

Jun 21, 2013

Marek Hamsik fired up the Napoli fans by declaring the Scudetto “is going to be war with Juventus.”

The Slovak international spoke to supporters at pre-season training in Dimaro after a 5-1 friendly win over Lega Pro side Feralpi Salò.

“We all know the Scudetto is going to be war with Juventus and we hope to win it this season,” grinned Hamsik.

“Playing in the Champions League is the ultimate for a player, so it would be extraordinary to win it.

“I also hope to beat Diego Maradona’s record of appearances, as I have many years ahead of me as a Napoli player.”

[Socrates 7962]

Juventus name 23-man TIM Cup squad

Jul 22, 2013

Juventus have named their 23-man squad for the TIM Cup fixtures against Milan and Sassuolo.

The Bianconeri face their Serie A rivals in the pre-season tournament on Tuesday evening, and Antonio Conte has named a strong squad to travel to Emilia-Romagna.

New signings Angelo Ogbonna, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente are all involved, but those players who participated in the Confederations Cup will not be available.

Juventus squad: Ogbonna, Vucinic, Tevez, De Ceglie, Peluso, Llorente, Motta, Rossi, Padoin, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Buchel, Untersee, Magnusson, Garcia, Tena, Penna, Citti

[Socrates 7962]

Milan name TIM Cup squad

Jul 22, 2013

Milan have named their 23-man squad for the TIM Cup fixtures against Juventus and Sassuolo on Tuesday.

Massimiliano Allegri has called upon a mixture of youth and experience for the friendly competition, with the Rossoneri’s Confederations Cup participants unavailable.

Milan squad: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel; Antonini, Bonera, Constant, Mexes, Zaccardo, Zapata; Kevin-Prince Boateng, Cristante, Emanuelson, De Jong, Nocerino, Poli, Piccinocchi, Strasser, Traoré; Niang, Oduamadi, Petagna, Kingsley Boateng, Robinho.

[Socrates 7962]

Allegri: Juventus are Scudetto favourites

Jul 23, 2013

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has stated he feels Serie A will be a much more competitive league this coming season.

The Rossoneri clinched the third and final Champions League place on the last day of last season, just beating Fiorentina to the spot, and the tactician feels it will be another close race at the top of the Serie A table.

“Juventus will be favourites,” stated Allegri. “They’ve brought in some important players from Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente to Angelo Ogbonna.

“Milan know it will be harder than last season. Apart from Juve, there are six other sides who will be fighting for a place in the Champions League.”

[Socrates 7962]

Milan beat Juve in Trofeo TIM

Jul 23, 2013

Robinho had a penalty saved, but Milan beat Juventus in a sudden death shoot-out for the opening Trofeo TIM match.

“We did fairly well, though it’s normal we don’t have the pace of future games. I am relatively satisfied when facing Juventus as, even if it’s a friendly, it is still a tough test,” said Massimiliano Allegri.

“Regardless of the victory, which is still important, the lads played pretty well, though we need to improve in physical and tactical terms. The transfer market is still long, Adriano Galliani knows what can be done, but the important thing will be for me to focus on the players at my disposal.”

The 13th edition of the Trofeo TIM involves Juventus, Milan and Serie A newcomers Sassuolo, who play each other in three 45-minute matches. It is hosted at Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.

The Bianconeri debuted their brand-new strike partnership of Tevez and Llorente with defender Angelo Ogbonna, while Nigel de Jong was back for the Rossoneri after damaging his Achilles tendon in December 2012.

There were early penalty appeals for a Philippe Mexes tackle on Llorente, while Bakaye Traore’s angled drive was comfortably smothered.

On 15 minutes Christian Abbiati needed a fingertip save to deny Simone Padoin’s strike from the D.

Milan kept a lot of possession, but struggled to turn it into scoring opportunities, as Kevin-Prince Boateng blasted over from distance.

Llorente should’ve scored, but incredibly ballooned over the bar as he came sliding in at the back post behind Daniele Bonera, but couldn’t keep it down on Mauricio Isla’s assist.

Stephan Lichtsteiner mis-timed his tackle from behind on Boateng, tripping the Ghanaian international for a penalty. Robinho stepped up in the absence of Mario Balotelli, but the spot-kick was well saved by Marco Storari.

There was a nasty clash of heads between Llorente and Luca Antonini with the Milan player coming off worse, needing to be stretchered off. The Spaniard was also unable to continue due to a bloody nose.

As it was still goalless after 45 minutes, the first mini-match was decided on penalties with one point to the losing team and two for the winners.

Despite seeing a spot-kick saved during the game, Robinho stepped up first for the shoot-out and scored under the bar. Arturo Vidal and de Jong converted, but Abbiati beat away Lichtsteiner’s effort.

Philippe Mexes scored, as did Tevez with a cheeky low finish that left Abbiati rooted to the spot, M’Baye Niang and Kwadwo Asamoah. Antonio Nocerino would finish it off by scoring, but attempted a Panenka and chipped it over the bar. Mirko Vucinic converted and it went to sudden death.

Daniele Bonera and Federico Peluso netted, as did Traore and Paolo De Ceglie. Zaccardo’s penalty squirmed under Storari’s ribs and Padoin was not so fortunate, as Abbiati was able to beat his effort away. Juventus face Sassuolo next.


Juventus 0-0 Milan (6-7 on pens)

Saved penalty: Robinho 29 (M)

Penalty shoot-out: Robinho (goal M), Vidal (goal J), de Jong (goal M), Lichtsteiner (saved J), Mexes (goal M), Tevez (goal J), Niang (goal M), Asamoah (goal J), Nocerino (missed M), Vucinic (goal J), Bonera (goal M), Peluso (goal J), Traore (goal M), De Ceglie (goal J), Zaccardo (goal M), Padoin (saved J)

Juventus: Storari; Peluso, Ogbonna, Lichtsteiner; Isla, Padoin, Vidal, Asamoah, De Ceglie; Llorente (Vucinic 35), Tevez

Milan: Abbiati; Antonini (Zaccardo 34), Bonera, Mexes, Constant; Traoré, de Jong, Nocerino; Boateng; Robinho, Niang

Ref: Gervasoni