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Marchisio: I Thought About Leaving Juventus Dec 3, 2014 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has opened up to fans regarding the highs and lows of being a player for one of the biggest clubs in Italy, admitting that he almost left the Italian side. The Italy international has been in great form of late but admitted that things had not always been so straightforward. “You need luck to stay part of the same club for so many years,” he stated while speaking with Chi. “There were some very low times when both me and the club thought about parting ways but nothing came of it and things have turned out well. “We have won three titles and hopefully we can win more. I think I have shown that I can adapt and that I’m a player that can be relied upon.” The player also gave an opinion on never-ending saga that is Mario Balotelli, after his recent controversy after posting a controversial photo on Instagram. “Mario hasn’t started the season well but I hope he can get through this, to score goals and to stay fit. Only he can prove to Conte he deserves another call up.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS - Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli ‘Fiorentina-Juve bigger than a derby’ Dec 3, 2014 Angelo Di Livio believes Fiorentina-Juventus means more to Viola fans than a derby would. The two sides meet at Artemio Franchi on Friday night, with the Fiorentina famously harbouring a great antipathy toward the Bianconeri. The origins of the rivalry date back to the 1981-82 season, when Juve pipped the Viola to the Scudetto. The bad feeling between the clubs was exacerbated when Roberto Baggio left Florence to join the Old Lady in 1990. To this day, players signed for the Tuscan side from their Turin rivals are often subjected to 'de-hunchbacking' rituals, a nod to Juventus’ nickname of the ‘Gobbi’ or ‘hunchbacks’, as hunchbacks are seen as lucky in Italy. Di Livio has played on both sides of the divide, turning out for Juventus between 1993 and 1999 before spending the next six years in Florence, and is well-placed to judge the intensity of the rivalry. “In Florence there’s a particular atmosphere ahead of this one, you can feel it in the air for two weeks prior,” the former midfielder explained to La Repubblica. “In Florence it’s a game that means more than a derby. The fans care very much, and the expectation is different than other games. “In Turin there’s maybe less pressure because the team is used to playing these sorts of games, but I can tell you it certainly means a lot to the Bianconeri fans at least. “With Juventus when we played at Artemio Franchi you could feel so much energy against you from the Fiorentina crowd. “The stadium becomes a cauldron, and it’s difficult to play in those conditions. It’s like the atmosphere of the derby between Roma and Lazio, you have to be alert. “Just look at last season [a 4-2 Fiorentina win]. Juventus were winning without any problems, then the crowd pushed Fiorentina forward and they turned it around dramatically. “These matches are actually easier for Coaches to prepare for, because from day one there’s the right mood in the camp. “Everyone wants to play in a match like this.” Despite his Juventus past, Di Livio inists that he wasn’t involved in any pre-game habits, and backs the Viola to raise their game for the visit of the champions. “Before matches like this I didn’t do any special rituals. But you could feel it in the air in Florence, during the week the tension would rise and you knew you had to do your best to get a good result. “Fiorentina are struggling a little bit in the League at the moment, but in these games they have the quality to do well. “Juve are always strong, especially domestically, but the Viola have a team that plays some of the best football in Italy. “Montella has had to come up with something new this season because of injuries, but I’m sure they have a bright future ahead of them. “I’m sure they will fight for Europe.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Allegri: 'Juve can do better' Dec 3, 2014 Max Allegri is confident Juventus can do even better as the season goes on and the future is bright for Europe too. The Bianconeri left it to the last minute to beat city rivals Torino on Sunday, maintaining their three-point lead at the top of the table. “Our team can still improve by a big margin, although it’s normal that will take a little time,” Allegri told JTV. “We have changed the tactical system and results are backing that decision. We are still in the first phase of the season, so must continue working without lowering the tension or concentration levels. “This is a fascinating campaign and a very balanced one too. Was the derby our best game of the season? In terms of emotion, yes, especially as after the goal we didn’t even have to suffer a comeback, as the match was over. “I think our best performance was the 3-0 win away to Lazio.” Juventus will progress in the Champions League if they get at least a point against Atletico Madrid next week. “Italian teams are slowly getting back to challenging in Europe the way they always had done before. Almost all the sides have already progressed in the Europa League, while Roma and Juve have a good chance of doing it.”

Buffon: ‘Calcio has declined’ Dec 3, 2014 Italian football has suffered a decline, admits Azzurri captain Gigi Buffon, and the goalkeeper sees no future Ballon d’Or winners in Serie A. Juventus’ French midfielder Paul Pogba was Serie A’s sole representative on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, with no Italian players making the cut. Buffon, who finished second to Fabio Cannavaro in the 2006 Ballon d’Or voting admits that the Italian game has declined since then, and doesn’t see any future winners of the award among the next generation. “I don’t know if we have a young, talented player coming through who can aspire to win this sort of award in the future,” Buffon lamented to FIFA’s official website. “There is no Italian among the candidates for this year’s award because we are coming off a very disappointing World Cup and our clubs haven’t challenged for the highest honours for quite a few years. “Either we improve the national team or our football will remain ordinary, and it will be impossible to stand out. “The fact that no Italian has been nominated forces us to understand the situation our football is currently in, and confirms that the technical and individual quality of our players has declined.” However, the Juventus captain doesn’t think the decline in calcio’s fortunes is terminal, and backs the Italian game to return to the top. “As in any area of life, sport goes in cycles. “This is perhaps a low point for Italy, but the country’s history carries a lot of weight, and Italian football has always managed to combine technique with tactical discipline. “By putting an emphasis on these qualities, I think we will soon start to grow again.”

‘Italy must roll up sleeves’ Dec 3, 2014 Claudio Marchisio admits the Italy squad must ‘roll up their sleeves’ in order to progress, as he discusses comparisons with Marco Tardelli. Il Principino has reflected on the state of the national team, in its attempts to bounce back under Antonio Conte, following the 2014 World Cup disappointment. “Moments like these are difficult for everyone,” Marchisio admitted in conversation with TopSalute. “The new Coach faces a very challenging task, that goes beyond making an in-game result. He also has to rebuild the relationship between the people and the team. “In spite of the good premises, the World Cup did not go well, so we must roll up our sleeves– all of us, the Coach and the players – and work hard to bring our country back to being one of the most important in the world.” Marchisio also discussed the long-drawn parallels between him and Juventus midfielder Marco Tardelli, the 1982 world champion. “Comparisons are always nice at first, they're good to hear. “Marco Tardelli, as well as being a friend, was among the greatest players for Juventus and for the national team. “However as time passes, each should be judged in terms of what they have built over the course of their own career, without necessarily being compared to someone else.”

Asamoah out for up to four months Dec 3, 2014 Kwadwo Asamoah will miss up to four months of Juventus’ season, after undergoing knee surgery today. The Bianconeri revealed on the club’s official website that the Ghanaian has gone under the knife in Barcelona today in a bid to clear up a knee problem, and will not return to the pitch for at least three months, with a four month lay-off possible. “Kwadwo Asamoah was in Barcelona [today] to undergo arthroscopic surgery designed to fix torn cartilage in his left knee.” Juventus confirmed. “Operated on by Dr. [Ramon] Cugat and accompanied by club doctor [Andrea] Causarano, the Ghanaian is expected to return to competitive action within three to four months.” Also on the treatment table is on-loan Verona midfielder Romulo. The Brazilian will have surgery to correct an abductor problem, with medical staff from Verona reporting back to Bianconeri doctors.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS - Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Savic: 'Let's beat Juventus again' Dec 3, 2014 Fiorentina defender Stefan Savic was linked with Juventus, but now insists he just wants to beat them on Friday. It kicks off at 20.45 CET on Friday at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and is one of the biggest grudge matches in Italian football. “Did Juve want me over the summer? I don’t know anything about that. I am thinking only of Fiorentina, as I have a contract until 2016 and a great rapport with the club,” stated Savic in a Press conference. “We have already started talking about an extension and my agent is taking care of it.” Future committed to the Viola, Savic would become a hero to fans if he scored the winner against the Bianconeri. “It will be a very difficult match, as we all know how strong Juve are. They probably remain the best team in Italy. “However, we are playing on home turf and we are strong too, so we’ll try to get a result. Don’t forget last season we were trailing 2-0 and turned the situation around to win 4-2. “When Juve score two goals, they rarely concede four, but we did it.” Andrea Pirlo netted the last-gasp winner in the Derby della Mole against Torino on Sunday, so how does Savic plan to deal with him? “When Pirlo’s on a good day, there’s little you can do.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS - Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Preview: Fiorentina vs. Juventus Dec 3, 2014 Juventus have the opportunity to grab their fifth consecutive Serie A victory on Friday if they beat Fiorentina on away turf. Massimiliano Allegri's side maintained their three-point lead at the top of the league table with a 2-1 triumph over Torino at the weekend. The Old Lady have just one blemish on their 13-match record in the top flight of Italian football, and they managed to clinch a slender 1-0 win over Fiorentina in this fixture last season. Roma are the closest challengers to Juve at this point in the season, but Allegri's side have the opportunity to strengthen their position at the top with a six-point gap before their rivals face Sassuolo on Saturday. Despite Fiorentina having a home advantage on Friday, Juventus have conceded just twice on their travels in seven Serie A contests this season. For Vincenzo Montella's side, they currently reside eighth in the league standings after grabbing two consecutive victories following an inconsistent period. Fiorentina, who are unbeaten in the Europa League, are just four points behind third-placed Napoli, but the team have conceded five goals in their last four games. Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Napoli in their last home fixture, the team are expected to head into Friday's encounter with confidence after storming to a 4-0 win over Cagliari. Plus, Juventus may have one eye on midweek's Champions League encounter at home to Spanish side Atletico Madrid. Matias Fernandez and Mario Gomez are likely to lead the line for the hosts, while last weekend's goalscorers Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo could start for Juventus. Fiorentina Form in Serie A: D W L L W W Form in all competitions: L D L W W W Possible starting lineup: Neto; Alonso, Basanta, Gonzalo, Pizarro; Joaquin, Cuadrado, Savic, Valero; Fernandez, Gomez Juventus Form in Serie A: W L W W W W Form in all competitions: W W W W W W Possible starting lineup: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Evra, Chiellini, BonuccI; Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba; Llorente, Tevez Sports Mole says: 1-2 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS - Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Issues and Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game Dec 3, 2014 Juventus travel to Florence on Friday evening, the Stadio Artemio Franchi set to host the latest instalment of a storied rivalry. Fiorentina have grown to loathe the sight of the black and white stripes, seeing the Turin giants as perhaps their most bitter enemy. A Liam Brady penalty in 1982 and Roberto Baggio’s transfer to the Bianconeri almost a decade later form the basis for those feelings, the bitterness explained in detail here by Bleacher Report's Giancarlo Rinaldi. Last season saw four meetings between the two, with a Europa League tie adding to their regular encounters in Serie A. That the Bianconeri won just two of those clashes—beaten 4-2 and held to a draw in the others—was a source of pride for the Viola, given the sheer dominance Juventus enjoyed domestically last term. Now under the guidance Massimiliano Allegri, the Turin giants are once again in stunning form, winning all six of their fixtures last month. Keeping four clean sheets, they outscored their opponents by 19 goals to three, their recent switch in formation paying off handsomely for the players and coach. That 4-3-2-1 shape now appears here to stay, and Vincenzo Montella will face a tough task in attempting to match Juve’s recent intensity. His side have won their last three matches, the last an emphatic demolition of Zdenek Zeman’s Cagliari on Sunday. Over the following pages is a look at the key issues and decisions which will decide this latest chapter in the story of two bitter rivals. Can the Viola Stop Andrea Pirlo? Following his match-winning display in Sunday’s Turin derby, Andrea Pirlo has once again shown he is one of Serie A’s most dangerous midfielders. The performance will have served as a timely reminder to Fiorentina of just how crucial the 35-year-old is to Juventus. With that being said, the Viola already know all too well what Pirlo is capable of, the World Cup winner having netted the free-kick which ultimately eliminated them from Europe last season. Borja Valero and his team-mates in midfield will have to be constantly aware of him, while also monitoring Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba. The Juventus midfield has slowly begun to round into form, and that makes them a formidable challenge for any opponent. Juve’s Right-Back Conundrum Perhaps the only blight on the magnificent derby win enjoyed by Juventus was the sending off of Stephan Lichtsteiner. He will now miss this match through suspension, leaving Allegri with a tough decision to make as to who will step in at right-back. Martin Caceres has yet to fully recover from injury and Romulo has suffered with problems of his own, meaning Roberto Pereyra could be asked to provide cover. The 23-year-old has been in superb form and has shown he is more than capable of filling the role. However, against Fiorentina, it will be a tougher-than-usual task. It may yet fall to Simone Padoin, the midfielder having filled in on the opposite flank in recent weeks. Aside from the Champions League tie against Malmo, the 30-year-old has impressed at left-back and the return of Patrice Evra could see him swap to the right here. Fiorentina’s Attacking Options Montella will hope to have Mario Gomez available, the German striker slowly returning to form after missing a month of action due to injury. He netted his first goal for the club in 259 days against Cagliari, also adding an assist in what was an excellent all-round performance. Without Gomez—and of course Giuseppe Rossi—Fiorentina have lacked the incisive edge in attack, and his return to full fitness is a huge boost for the side. Gigi Buffon’s Fitness It came as something of a surprise on Sunday as Juventus announced Gigi Buffon was unfit and would not play against Torino. The news had been kept quiet all week, but an ongoing issue with his shoulder flared up after the Malmo game and ultimately forced him to sit out of the derby. Marco Storari played between the posts instead, and while he is a quality backup, Juventus would clearly prefer to have their captain available. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS - Friday, December 5th, 2014 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi stadium, Florence Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Fiorentina vs. Juventus: Florence still seething with a sense of injustice Fiorentina face Juventus at home Friday and there's plenty of bad blood between the teams. Dec 3, 2014 A win against Juventus is worth a thousand trophies for Fiorentina, such is the hatred they have for their rivals from Turin. "I saw people who were 40 or 50, they wept and the emotion was incredible," Giuseppe Rossi said in a recent interview. This was the man who gifted them an improbable win, scoring a hat trick to ensure a 4-2 victory against Juventus in October last season. As Angelo Di Livio -- a player who featured for both clubs -- says, this match is more important than any other for a Viola fan. They simply despise the Old Lady, a club they believe lack ethics. This particular match means little to Juventus fans, however. Fiorentina, a lovely club with significant ambitions, cannot be deemed to be on the same level as the Bianconeri. They are not worthy challengers, with neither the European history of AC Milan nor the domestic success of the Rossoneri's neighbours Inter. They're simply another Serie A side who feel wronged by a team that boasts the riches of the Agnelli family and the talent of Europe. Fiorentina do, of course, have their reasons for their bitter sentiments and the validity of their reasons depend on which side of the fence you stand. In 1982, both sides sat level on points on the final day of the season. The Viola had a goal disallowed against Cagliari and the game ended 0-0 while Juventus won their match and with it, the league, thanks to a dubious penalty that Liam Brady converted. An intense hatred was born. That final day victory gave Juventus their 20th league title and they became the first Italian side allowed the honour of playing with two golden stars emblazoned on their jersey. The Florentines lost the Scudetto but believed they were the moral winners. "Meglio secondi che ladri (better to be second than to be thieves)," they shouted. The Old Lady has never been forgiven and the ill-feeling has only intensified. In fact, the resentment has grown to deplorable levels with some Viola fans unfurling a banner that mocks the Heysel tragedy of 1985. The banner has angered a nation and has even appeared when Juventus have not been playing. As for the rivalry, it grew further with the transfer of Roberto Baggio from Florence to Turin and the ongoing snide remarks exchanged between the Della Valle and Agnelli families. "We'll celebrate that 1982 Scudetto because we feel it is ours," exclaimed Andrea Della Valle, the patron of Fiorentina, in 2012. Much like Juventus will celebrate the 30 titles they have won on the pitch, one assumes. An emotionally charged game, it is a match that is especially difficult for the Fiorentina players to play, such is the pressure the fans pile on to their shoulders. However, the last time Juventus travelled to Tuscany to play a Serie A game, they suffered a psychological collapse. Controlling the game in the way Antonio Conte demanded, 14 minutes of madness led them to concede four goals and the city celebrated their demise for weeks. Vincenzo Montella will be without striker Rossi on Friday and this season, his men have struggled. Too many injuries and suspensions have forced the coach to rotate more often than he would like, while those available have seen their explosive brilliance muted by the coach's attempts to strike the right balance. They may still possess the ball with brilliance but they are defensively susceptible and less dangerous going forward. But facing the city's greatest rivals will surely give them an added boost and encourage intensity and motivation. As for Juventus, this is their chance to achieve another away win, against rivals who truly despise them. Demonstrating the efficiency of the 4-3-1-2 formation, they need to secure a win before playing that all-important game against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next week. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Manuel Neuer unlikely to win Ballon d'Or, Gianluigi Buffon says Dec 3, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon does not fancy Manuel Neuer's chances of becoming the first goalkeeper to win the FIFA Ballon d'Or despite his success at the World Cup. Juventus captain Buffon, 36, is regarded as one of the finest keepers of all time, but the closest he has come to claiming the Ballon d'Or was in 2006, when he finished runner-up to Fabio Cannavaro after helping Italy to success at that year's World Cup. Neuer is on a three-man shortlist with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have shared the award between them since 2008, but Buffon believes the Germany star has little prospect of lifting the award in Zurich next month. "For a goalkeeper to win the award today something truly exceptional has to happen," Buffon told FIFA.com. "Often the prize doesn't go to the best player but to the player who has won more games, and who was most decisive in those victories. "So perhaps a goalkeeper will win the Ballon d'Or when he helps his team become world champions by winning four games in a row on penalties and saving every spot-kick [laughs]. That way no one can overlook him! But something really remarkable needs to happen." As well as winning the World Cup, Neuer also won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal for Bayern Munich, but with the Bavarians finding themselves in a league of their own domestically, he was again given little opportunity to underline his credentials. Ronaldo's Real Madrid beat his Bayern comprehensively in the Champions League semifinals, but it is not purely because of that that Buffon believes the Portuguese forward is favourite to win for a second year running. "Even if he hadn't won the UEFA Champions League, the player who is the best at a particular moment should be rewarded," added Buffon. "Ronaldo -- in addition to having a splendid career and maintaining a high level of performance over a long period -- has done something exceptional over the last two years, and deserves the recognition. "That said, I still think that Messi is still the best overall, because when he is 100 percent he is simply sublime to watch. But there is not much difference between the two: they are playing at such a high level that if one drops just a little, the other will overtake him. "And what Ronaldo did this year was beautiful to behold -- incredibly decisive and professional. You realise that he has the right mindset, and is working towards goals that he sets himself. In the end, people who stand out so deservedly, thanks to their hard work and sacrifice, should be rewarded."

Juventus Unearth Their New Torricelli: Simone Padoin Dec 3, 2014 Unlike many other Italian clubs, Juventus has always been run as a business in accordance with the wishes of the Agnelli family and the fortunes of FIAT. Sometimes tending not to splash out huge sums for players in comparison to domestic and continental rivals over the years, obscure talents have been essential for the Old Lady with their dedication and determination becoming invaluable alongside the stars in the team. One such player has been Simone Padoin, and his arrival mirrors one of the most fantastic footballing fairytales of the last 25 years: the rise of Moreno Torricelli from the inter-regional leagues to international acclaim. Back in May 1992, 22-year-old Torricelli was a keen amateur playing for Milan outfit Caratese at weekends. Moves to Pavia and Lecce had been on the table, but a telegram sent from the Turin giants asking Torricelli to play in three summer friendlies against Pro Vercelli, Vicenza and Ancona would transform his life. A glowing testimony from club legend Claudio Gentile was enough to convince coach Giovanni Trapattoni that Torricelli was worth a try while Juve were without several defenders away on international duty for Italy in the United States for the inaugural U.S. Cup. Arranging only a few days off from his job at the furniture factory he had worked at since the age of 15, Torricelli was soon leaving carpentry behind for good as a few days later he received another telegram asking him to attend pre-season training. Torricelli would go on to make 230 appearances in all competitions for a Juve team that conquered both at home and in Europe during the mid-nineties often playing at right back, but also occupying a number of other defensive roles for his side. Simone Padoin - JuventusPadoin may not have had such a spectacular rise to stardom in Turin, but his self-sacrifice and tireless performances have earned a likening to Torricelli. Speaking after the 2-0 win away at Empoli last month, Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri ended his post-match interview stressing the importance of the 30-year-old as he replaced an injured Kwadwo Asamoah in the closing stages. “I’d like to give a mention to Padoin, a player who doesn’t feature as much, but when he came on, it seemed like he had been playing from the first whistle,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia. “He’s important for the options he gives me, we’re lucky to have these types of players in the squad.” An Atalanta youth product, Padoin was part of the club’s successful Primavera Coppa Italia victory before moving to continue his development with Vicenza in Serie B, where he was frequently used as a left-back. A desire to improve and consistent performances, which had already enabled him to work his way up through Italian Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 sides, were combined with a versatility that enabled him to operate both as a defender and midfielder. After returning to Atalanta, the Friulian was to be ordained by future Juventus coach Antonio Conte as “Saint Padoin the honest” for his humility, during their brief time together in Bergamo during the 2009-10 season. Simone Padoin JuventusLike Torricelli, Padoin’s first contact with the Bianconeri came through a brief trial period after being “borrowed” along with Francesco Bardi and Albin Ekdal for the team’s tour of North America at the end of that season. Padoin would have to wait another 18 months to seal a dream move on the final day of the January transfer window in 2012, and he has since gone on to win three successive Scudetti and the respect of Juventini fans. Seamlessly adaptable to many different roles in the side, whether playing as a midfielder, wing-back, or most recently at left-back, Padoin is proving to be an increasingly important utility man for Juventus.

Danilo to replace Lichtsteiner? Dec 2, 2014 Stephan Lichtsteiner’s contract saga rumbles on, with the latest reports indicating that Juventus could bring in Danilo to replace the full-back. The Swiss international’s contract expires at the end of the season, and his negotiations with the Bianconeri have been the source of much rumour and speculation in recent weeks. It had been thought that the Old Lady were moving closer to an agreement with the former Lazio right-back, heading off interest from the likes of Inter and Manchester City. However, Gianluca Di Marzio’s website is today reporting that Lichtsteiner is closer to the exit door than to putting pen to paper. The site believes that the two parties are no closer to reaching an agreement, with Juventus’ offer still falling short of Lichtsteiner’s wage demands, and the 30-year-old seriously considering leaving at the end of the season. According to the website, this has led Juventus to seek alternatives, and it believes that one such alternative is Danilo of Porto. Di Marzio’s web page states that the Old Lady have already submitted a €10m bid for the 23-year-old with wages on offer thought to be in the region of €2m - a figure €1m less than Lichtsteiner’s reported demands. It’s believed that Porto would not be keen on losing the player, but with Juventus initiating contact Di Marzio reports that the Serie A champions do have options should Lichtsteiner head for the exit.

Bonucci: ‘I'm happy at Juve’ Dec 2, 2014 Juventus central defender Leonardo Bonucci has denied rumours about contract issues and says he only thinks of the Bianconeri. Bonucci has been the subject of increasing speculation over his future amid continued contract negotiations with Juve. Whilst reports are of stalled talks whilst the player looks for a new agent, he has looked to clarify his position in a statement released today. “A lot has been written and said about my situation,” Bonucci posted on social media. “I'm happy at Juve. I only think about the pitch and about winning with these colours. I don't think about my renewal. “The agent who has represented me over the years has done his job seriously and professionally. “I feel fine at Juventus. Forza Juventus to the end!” Bonucci's current contract is due to expire in 2017.

Buffon Praises Torino’s Spirit After Derby Win Dec 1, 2014 Injured Juventus star Gianluigi Buffon has heaped praise on cross-town rivals Torino after the derby clash on Sunday evening. The 36-year-old Italy international missed the match due to a shoulder complaint as his side ran out 2-1 winners courtesy of a last-minute screamer from Andrea Pirlo. “Respect to Torino and respect to [Giampiero] Ventura for the way he gets his team to play, for his gentlemanly conduct after the game and for his subtle irony that makes him always enjoyable!” wrote Buffon on Twitter. “I am so happy for my teammates, for our fans, and for the table! I am proud to be 1/26th of this team!” Juventus stay in top spot after the last-gasp victory, three points ahead of second-placed Roma.

Andrea Pirlo says stunning late Juventus winner was 'desperation' Dec 1, 2014 Juventus star Andrea Pirlo has said his last-gasp winner against Torino at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday had come "out of desperation." Only a few seconds of the Derby della Mole remained when the ball fell to Pirlo more than 25 yards out and he smashed home the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory. "I was following the move and [Arturo] Vidal did well to see me, and then I just shot out of desperation and it went in," he told reporters. "What a way to win -- in the last seconds with 10 men [after full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner was sent of]. What a joy for the fans. "This gives continuity to our results and that is the most important thing, but if it happens in the way it happened tonight then that makes it even better." Vidal said only Italy international Pirlo, for whom the goal was the third of the season, could have scored from such a position. "He's an incredible player," he said. "Andrea did everything -- all I did was give him the ball. It was a long way from goal, and only he could have put it in." Vidal later published a Tweet saying 'Andrea is bianconero...I'm bianconero...Torino is bianconeraaa!!!' while Giorgio Chiellini's message on the social network was 'Come on!!!! What bliss!!! This is the way forwards!!!!' Arturo Vidal ✔ @kingarturo23 Andrea é bianconero...Io sono bianconero. ..Torino é bianconeraaaa!!! Coach Massimiliano Allegri also took to Twitter to express his delight and voice his admiration for Pirlo. "A big 'double phew' this time: delighted for the fans, to whom this derby means so much. It was an even game, decided by a champion," he wrote. Massimiliano Allegri ✔ @OfficialAllegri Un bel #doppiofiuuu questa volta: felicissimo per i tifosi, che ci tengono tantissimo a un derby. Partita equilibrata,risolta da un campione Allegri walked to the dressing room punching the air after Pirlo's strike, but added that he felt for his opposite number, Giampiero Ventura. "Torino caused us problems in the second half and it became difficult for us once they equalised, but we were chickens the way we conceded -- you can't just watch as somebody runs 80 yards with the ball at his feet," he told Sky Sport Italia. "But my lads believed in it to the end and this win is payback for the Genoa defeat [another last-minute decider]. Maybe a draw would have been a fairer result, but then we deserved to win in Genoa." Ventura became embroiled in controversy when he responded to comments from a fan sitting near the bench by making a 'cut-throat' gesture, for which he later apologised. "If I could go back in time, I wouldn't do it again," he told Sky. "But fans can't insult the players after 90 minutes in which they gave everything. It annoys me. Somebody like that does not even deserve to come to the stadium. "But of course there's some disappointment. I try to teach 19 and 20-year-olds how to behave, and then for just five seconds of anger... I'm sorry."

JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Juve sweat for derby victory The Derby della Mole provided a sterner test than Juventus might have expected, says Alasdair Mackenzie. Dec 1, 2014 It is no understatement to say that the Derby della Mole has been a one-sided affair in recent years. Toro went into this weekend’s fixture with two enormous historic obstacles to overcome. They hadn’t beaten Juventus since 1995 and they hadn’t even managed to score in a derby since 2002. The match on Sunday will live long in the memory for two very special moments. The first was the manner in which Bruno Peres ended that 12-year wait for a Granata derby goal. The Brazilian scored his first goal for the club in emphatic style, picking up the ball just outside his own box and burning a path all the way down the right flank, leaving Juve players in his wake, before pinging a bullet shot across goal into the top corner. It was a goal beyond anything in a Torino fan’s wildest dreams. It was a goal that will become printed in the history books of this fixture. Juventus looked unsettled, like a side that had never expected to be in any position other than total control. The usual routes to goal were not clicking and so they needed something extraordinary, something to match the brilliance of Peres. And they got it. Andrea Pirlo doesn’t score many from open play but he certainly has a sense of occasion. His thunderbolt from 35 yards arrived with Juve down to 10 men and four seconds left on the clock. It was the most dramatic ending possible and therefore the worst possible heartbreak for Granata fans as they witnessed one of their best derby performances in recent history crumble before their eyes. Once the storm had calmed, there was one very important thing to take away from the result. Much like in their 3-2 win over Roma at the start of October, the match was frantic, heated and unpredictable and yet the Old Lady emerged with three points. While they were made to sweat more than they might have liked, this was a textbook example of a League match that wins you titles. However, Roma continue to keep pace. Their clash with Inter was perhaps even more high-octane than the events in Turin, as the two sides exchanged blows before a wonderful Miralem Pjanic free-kick finally settled the score at 4-2. The Giallorossi are continuing to ensure that the defeat suffered against the Bianconeri will remain the only difference between the sides in the table. Below the top two, things continue to be as chaotic and unpredictable as ever. Milan are back in top-three contention after a solid 2-0 win over Udinese, and big wins for Genoa and Fiorentina showed their intention of keeping pace. Udinese and Lazio both continue to slide down the rankings, after the Biancocelesti were held to a goalless draw away to Chievo. Threatening to surprisingly leapfrog them are the resurgent Sassuolo, who defeated Verona 2-1. The Neroverdi have bounced back from a rocky start to record three wins and two draws in their last five games and are now only five points off Genoa in third place. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

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JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Another of Andrea Pirlo's peerless performances gifts Juventus derby win Dec 1, 2014 Snide remarks made about Torino's performances in the Derby della Mole motivated Giampiero Ventura's side yet an exquisite Andrea Pirlo goal in the final seconds of the game ensured another Juventus victory, winning 2-1. One should never underestimate a Giampiero Ventura side. A good tactician who inspired the likes of Antonio Conte by teaching him the finer points of tactics, his sides are always well balanced and disciplined. Their struggles this Serie A season have been due to their finishing. Always capable of creating chances and well organised in defence, the lack of goals has gone on to create an even bigger problem -- the psychological kind. Juventus started strongly, playing their usual brand of smooth football as they looked for their opportunities going forward. Exploiting space and rotating the ball, Torino were forced to defend and looked to be suffering. Their night was set to go from bad to worse when they conceded a penalty. Andrea Pirlo took his free kick, which hit the arm of Omar El Kaddouri, who insisted he was only raising it to shield his face. Arturo Vidal converted to make it 1-0. Then came the equaliser, and what a goal it was from Bruno Peres. giornalaccio rosa dello Sport described it as one Cafu and Maicon would be jealous of, while Massimiliano Allegri called his men daft for allowing it to happen. No one was able to stop the wing-back who ran the length of the pitch before delivering the efficiency the Granata have so desperately needed this season. The psychological burden was lifted and with the pressure off, Torino began to play with confidence, putting together beautiful passages of play that demonstrated exactly why their particular style of football should occupy a higher position in the table. Putting the rivalry of a derby aside, the Granata were always going to enjoy this game simply because they faced an opponent that actually plays football. Blessed with pace and the ability to spread play, Torino enjoy facing teams that adopt an attacking approach to the game to leave them with space to utilise. Juventus run a few risks defensively when playing with the 4-3-1-2 formation. With their men focused on attacking, their defenders were left fending for themselves and often caught in one-v-one situations. The pressure on the Juve back line often led to reckless defending throughout the game with players diving in to tackles in order to ensure their defensive safety. In the second half, Juve struggled even more, especially with the counter-attacks. Patrice Evra only exacerbated the problem. Simply put, the Frenchman played an atrocious game. While he's adept at crossing and effective going forward, his defending is far below the level required in Serie A, let alone Juventus. Regularly caught out of position and nowhere to be found, he allowed Torino to focus most of their attacks down the right. In fact, 42 percent of their attacking push came down that lane despite possessing arguably more talent and ability on the opposite flank. To make matters worse, Stephan Lichtsteiner was sent off and with Torino playing a wonderfully organised game, producing several chances from the counter-attack, one believed they could win it. It is precisely here that one must compliment Allegri. While Juventus were helped by the Granata's poor finishing and some might argue their lack of ambition, Allegri helped restore balance to his side when he opted to introduce Angelo Ogbonna, changing Juve's shape to help them deal with their motivated opponents. In truth Ventura deserved at least a point but the beauty of Juventus lies in the magic they boast within their ranks. When collective power cannot penetrate the toughest of defences, they can always rely on a moment of individual quality to solve the difficult matches. Allegri and his excellent substitutions perhaps deserve the victory but one is not too sure Andrea Agnelli does on this occasion. Turin was awarded the European Capital of Sport 2015. Given a unique opportunity to advertise the city and it's sporting credentials at the presentation, Agnelli opted to take pot shots at Torino and their recent failure in the Derby della Mole. His remarks, whether in jest or otherwise, not only go against the elegant club culture his father and uncle perpetuated but it provoked needless chatter Italian football can live without. Agnelli has proved excellent for Juventus, his interviews eloquent, his speeches inspirational. He often reminds us of better times. However, certain comments he and management have made, including ones in response to damning criticism, have disappointed. Juventus may deserve to be arrogant considering all they have accomplished, but only provincial clubs make snide comments or reply to them. European giants can afford to swallow criticisms because they retaliate on the pitch, winning trophies that are beyond the ambitions of most of their rivals. Agnelli has consciously sought to change the bad culture in Italian football, one that breeds contempt and lowers the tone of the league. As such, he ought to always be an example, to demand only class and elegance and to speak with humility. Neither he, his family nor his staff should criticise, attack or respond to unwarranted criticism and they should certainly not initiate it. At least Allegri understands that. He may just have been the only one who acted graciously after the Roma game that provoked a thousand opinions and he did well again when he paid tribute to Torino's good performance in his post-match interview on Sunday evening, speaking with honesty and integrity. Congratulations to the Old lady for her derby win, a victory dedicated to Lucidio Sentimenti, the club's former goalkeeper who passed away on Friday. A legend of the game, he will always be remembered. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Allegri Praises Stubborn Visitors; Chiellini Laments Sloppy Performance Dec 1, 2014 A dramatic Derby della Mole, ended in Juventus bagging all three points. Arturo Vidal’s penalty kick gave the hosts a slender lead, but it was soon equalised by a sensational coast-to-coast goal from Torino’s Bruno Peres. Torino’s equalizer also meant that the side had scored their first goal against Juventus in more than 12 years. Although after Stephen Lichtsteiner was sent off, Juventus’s chances of winning the match looked slim and rare but a Andrea Pirlo goal – virtually with the last kick of the ball, sealed all three points for Juventus. With this win Juventus are running ahead with 34 points while Torino even after a stellar display sit fifteenth. Juventus coach Massimilliano Allegri surprisingly praised their stubborn neighbor. “Perhaps a draw would have been a fair result, but this win makes up for Genoa [a 1-0 defeat], where we deserved to emerge victorious,” said Allegri. “We played well in the first half but struggled after the break. Torino gave us problems on the counter. “Credit to the lads for tonight’s win. They never stopped believing.” Defender Chiellini was also not behind to praise Torino and their impressive performances and speaking to Sky Italia the rugged central defender said, “Torino played a very good game,They exploited us and put us into great difficulty. “There was a great deal of respect on our part and we became disjointed after Peres’ world class equaliser.” “We are happy and elated to have won it so late, but we must evaluate our performance because some aspects of it were not good.” Meanwhile Andrea Pirlo was more than happy with his last gasp winner. Speaking to Sky Italia the Italian said: “I followed the move all the way and Vidal did well to see me at the last second. I hit it with all my might and it went in. We’re all ecstatic,” “It’s brilliant to be able to win the derby in the last minute, especially with 10 men, and it’s a great feeling we’ve treated our fans to. “The result allows us to continue building momentum. That’s the most important thing, then to win it in the way we did tonight makes it even better.’ The Italian Serie A has often been lamented for being a two horse race and with the form Juventus and AS Roma are in, it could be very well said so. Juventus are on 34 points, AS Roma on 31 and then third place Genoa lack far behind with 23. It is more than evident that the Serie A this season would be race between Juventus and AS Roma. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Juventus 2-1 Torino: Last-gasp Andrea Pirlo goal wins the Derby della Mole Andrea Pirlo struck from 25 yards deep into stoppage time to win the Derby della Mole. Torino still have not beaten Juventus since 1995. Dec 1, 2014 Juventus welcomed local rivals Torino to the stadium on Sunday evening for the 230th edition of the Derby Della Mole. Recent years have seen Juventus dominate the matchup, with the Bianconeri winning 17 of the last 19, with two draws. Torino hadn't even scored in the last 10 games against Juventus, dating back to a 2-2 draw in 2002. Both sides came into the game on the back of European commitments, with Juventus winning in Sweden, while Torino were held 0-0 at home by Belgian side Club Brugge. This time it was Juventus' opponents taking the field in 3-5-2 formation, with Giampiero Ventura's side looking to soak up pressure and take advantage of their flying wingbacks and the ex-Juventus strike partnership of Amauri and Fabio Quagliarella. Massimiliano Allegri again sent his side out in 4-3-1-2, with the welcome return of Patrice Evra, who took his role back from the suspended Simone Padoin. Gianluigi Buffon was forced to sit this one out after aggravating a shoulder injury against Malmö. A cold rain welcomed the teams to the pitch as Juve controlled the early minutes. Evra was a constant outlet down the left, and Juventus' high pressure made it difficult for the visitors to build from the back. An early goal was just reward for the pressure, with Vidal stroking home a penalty after Omar El Kaddouri was judged to have blocked Andrea Pirlo's free kick with a raised arm. Juve's goal seemed to spur Torino forward, and Il Toro got their reward just minutes after the opening goal when Bruno Peres picked up an errant Lichtsteiner cross and tore down Juventus' left flank, leaving Evra and Arturo Vidal in the dust before cannoning a shot in off the far post. The game flowed back and forth with both sides enjoying decent spells of possession, with Torino getting perhaps the better chances on the break. Juventus struggled to put shots on target for much of the game, and Torino deserves credit for their defensive organization and aggression on the counter, particularly through the wing-backs Peres and Matteo Darmian. Things seemed to be slipping away from Juventus as the clock ticked down, with Stephan Lichsteiner getting a nasty cut and two quick yellow cards for his troubles. The right back will now be suspended two games, one for the red and another for card accumulation, leaving the Old Lady once again struggling for fullbacks. Just as the curtain seemed to be closing, with Torino finally getting a point from the Derby, Andrea Pirlo sent the visitors packing with a brilliant first-time hit from well outside the box. It wasn't the best night for the Italian midfielder, with shots over the bar and a few long passes that didn't find their target, but in the end his class told with a stunning winner. News of Pirlo's last-minute goal was surely met with shaking heads in Rome, where the Giallorossi needed a win over Inter — which they got, 4-2 — to keep Juventus from extending their lead at the top of the table. The late goal should also raise Juventus spirits ahead of the difficult and highly-charged away game at Fiorentina's Artemio Franchi. MATCH SUMMARY Juventus dominated the early passages of play, with high pressure keeping Torino pinned deep in their own half. Evra was back in the side after only making the bench in Malmö, and his contribution was immediately noted with a string of crosses from the left. Despite the early domination Juventus struggled to put shots on target, with the final ball often just evading the players in the box. Torino had an early chance on the counter following a misplaced pass from Lichtsteiner, but Vidal and Carlos Tévez tracked back to concede a free kick which Quagliarella shot harmlessly toward Marco Storari in goal. Soon after Juventus had a dangerous free kick of their own, with Paul Pogba brought down on the edge of the box as he attempted to control Fernando Llorente's layoff with a classy "roulette." The free kick was perfectly positioned for Pirlo, and referee Daniele Orsato gave the wall very specific instructions about where to put their arms. El Kaddouri failed to follow those instructions, and conceded a silly penalty by blocking the shot with a raised elbow. Vidal's penalty had to be retaken following encroachment, but he sent Torino goalkeeper Jean-François Gillet the wrong way the second time of asking to put Juve into a deserved lead. Now a goal down, Torino lifted their game and began to more aggressively transition out of their own half. Bruno Peres showed his attacking intent with a dangerous cross towards Amauri. Minutes later the Brazilian wingback did it all himself, scoring what will surely be remembered as one of the goals of the season. A Lichtsteiner cross from the right missed everyone in black-and-white, eventually falling to Peres' feet. The Brasilian was off like a rocket, leaving Evra in his wake and destroying Vidal's angle as the Chilean made a halfhearted effort to cover. As he neared the box Giorgio Chiellini was slow to react, held in place by the threat of Torino's strikers as Peres lined up the perfect shot, across Marco Storari and in off the post. After the goal Torino finally had some spells of possession, with Peres and Amauri mishitting decent chances from inside the box. In the final minutes of the first half Juventus regained control, with a couple of well-worked passages of play near the edge of the box featuring Tévez, Vidal, and Claudio Marchisio, but Gillet in the Torino goal was never troubled. One last attack came from Torino as the half came to a close, with Leonardo Bonucci misjudging a long ball to give El Kaddouri time and space, but his cross was well cut out by a backtracking Marchisio. The second half started much like the first, with Juventus generally controlling things and Evra putting in crosses from the left. There seemed to be a plan from Juventus to work more short corners, as Tévez and Pirlo created several crossing opportunities but were not able to find teammates. In the 52nd minute Torino had another chance on the counter, as Amauri and Quagliarella combined to win a long ball and get behind the Juventus center backs. Amauri's cross looked perfect for Quagliarella, but the Torino striker lost his footing under pressure from Evra. There were chances at both ends as Amauri directed a header towards goal that was easily handled, while at the other end Gillet was quick off his line to sweep up a ball in behind. Bonucci tried his luck from range, but Gillet reacted well. Allegri's first substitution was to remove Llorente after an ineffective performance from the striker, bringing Álvaro Morata on in his place. The move had little immediate impact, as Torino continued to threaten with long counterattacking runs down the flanks. The next change to the Juventus team brought Roberto Pereyra on for Marchisio. El Kaddouri continued to try and make amends for his error, but Juventus kept throwing bodies in the way. Lichtsteiner picked up a head wound in a clash defending a corner, and while he was off receiving treatment Juventus nearly took the lead with a quick break through Tévez and Morata, only for Alessandro Gazzi to get back in the nick of time. Perhaps Lichtsteiner should have stayed off for longer, as his first involvement when back on the pitch was to pick up a yellow for arguing a handball call, resulting in a suspension for card accumulation. Vidal put the ball in the net for a third time on 76' following good work from Tévez to draw in the defense and feed Roberto Pereyra for the cross, but the linesman's flag was raised. Soon after Lichtsteiner's day went from bad to worse, as he picked up a second yellow for a late challenge on El Kaddouri, meaning an early shower and another game suspension. Peres continued to try his luck from distance, but fortunately for Juventus his left foot let him down. El Kaddouri had another chance as he cut into the box from the left, but Evra was again alert to come across. Marco Benassi had a chance at the rebound, but this time Vidal got in the block. Down to 10 men, Juventus still regained the initiative as the clock ticked down, but Torino's dogged defending generally kept the Old Lady from creating good chances. Juventus was often able to get to the byline or cut the ball back across the top of the box, but a Torino player was always alert to block at the decisive moment. All of the rear-guard action came to nothing however, as in the final minute of stoppage time Andrea Pirlo made the telling contribution. Evra won the ball back high up the field, and the ball made its way through Pogba, Morata, and Vidal who cut it back for one last effort. And this time, Pirlo caught it perfectly. The ball flew into the bottom corner from all of 25 yards, leaving Gillet stranded and Torino, once again, Bianconero. LE PAGELLE Storari: 6 Nothing he could do on the goal, stopped what he should have and didn't leave any dangerous rebounds. Lichtsteiner: 5 A disappointing performance from the Swiss fullback, who had less attacking influence than in recent weeks and rounded it off by getting two quick yellows, meaning he will miss important games with Fiorentina and Sampdoria. Bonucci: 6 Generally handled Amauri well, holding his own in the aerial duel. Two mistakes in misjudging long balls could have been punished on a different day. Chiellini: 6 Like his defensive partner, limited Quagliarella and Amauri to scraps, although one comical passage of play early in the second half could have given Torino the lead. Evra: 6.5 Welcome back! Fresh off an injury layoff the French fullback was constantly putting in crosses from the left, and on another day could have grabbed an assist. Always ready to cover for his center backs, he takes some blame on Peres' goal but really should have had more help. Pogba: 5.5 An unspectacular display from the young Frenchman, who failed to record either a shot or a tackle. His technique and strength are always impressive, however, and he played a vital role in winning the free kick that led to Juventus' first goal. Pirlo: 6.5 Another vital goal from the Italian maestro, what more can be said. Struggled at times to find the perfect pass, however still created chances for teammates and hit an incredible winner. Marchisio: 6.5 The Italian midfielder was everywhere today, running his legs off to cover for those around him and contribute in the attacking third. Did not get as many shooting chances as in other games, which perhaps has to do with Torino's good defending. Vidal: 6 Took his penalty well both times of asking, and contributed as always to winning the ball back high up the pitch. Could have done more to slow down Peres for the Torino goal. Llorente: 5 A rough day at the office for the Spanish striker, who could hardly put a foot right. Won a few high balls, but was unable to consistently trouble Gillet or find teammates with his layoffs. Tévez: 6 Working hard as always, Tévez was critical to Juventus' high pressure, but did not get as many shooting opportunities as he would have liked. When Morata came on and offered more movement things began to open up for the Argentine. Substitutes Morata: 6 Brought movement and pace to the attack and combined well with his teammates. Perhaps in for a starting role on Friday. Pereyra: 6 Initially brought on to play behind the strikers and then moved to right-back following Lichtsteiner's ejection, the Argentina showed his versatility while always looking to dribble and create. Ogbonna: N/A Brought on for Tévez as Allegri switched to a very high back three. Coach: Allegri: 6.5 Made the right call in taking Llorente off, which he could have done even earlier. Bringing on Ogbonna for Tévez seemed crazy, but the switch to a high-pressing back three played a role in winning the ball back for Pirlo's winner. Will be disappointed in Lichtsteiner for getting two fairly silly yellow cards, leaving the team short of fullbacks once again. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Chiellini Praises Torino After Juventus Clash Dec 1, 2014 Juventus’s Giorgio Chiellini has praised both Bruno Peres and Torino after an enthralling Derby della Mole meeting on Sunday evening. Juventus had taken the lead through an Arturo Vidal penalty before Peres ran the length of the pitch to fire past Marco Storari. The game was eventually settled as Andrea Pirlo bagged a winner in the final seconds of the game. “Torino played a very good game,”Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia. “They exploited us and put us into great difficulty. “There was a great deal of respect on our part and we became disjointed after Peres’ world class equaliser.” He went on to comment on how it is important to not let the elation of the late winner overshadow what was a lucky escape. “We are happy and elated to have won it so late, but we must evaluate our performance because some aspects of it were not good.” Juventus currently sit in first place in Serie A and look to be in a strong position to win their fourth successive Scudetto. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Torino didn't deserve to lose, admits Allegri Andrea Pirlo's stunning strike in the dying seconds gave the reigning Serie A champions the victory but the coach is not sure they were worth the three points. Nov 30, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri believes Torino deserved better than a dramatic 2-1 defeat in Sunday's Turin derby. The reigning champions extended their winning Serie A run at Juventus Stadium to 25 matches, but they were pushed all the way by their city rivals and, after Stephan Lichtsteiner's dismissal, it looked like Juve's hopes of victory were over. However, Andrea Pirlo's stunning goal from distance decided the tie with just seconds remaining. And Allegri admitted that he feels the visitors were worthy of a share of the spoils. "Perhaps a draw would have been a fair result, but this win makes up for the defeat to Genoa, from which we deserved to emerge victorious," he said. "We played well in the first half but struggled after the break. Torino gave us problems on the counter. "Credit to the players for tonight's win. They never stopped believing." The Bianconeri remain top of Serie A with 34 points and their next game is away to Fiorentina on Friday December 5. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Andrea Pirlo's Brilliance Decides Difficult Derby Encounter Nov 30, 2014 Sunday’s Turin derby looked almost certain to end in a draw, with the scores tied at 1-1 and Juventus down to ten men. However, that changed when Arturo Vidal rolled the ball invitingly to Andrea Pirlo on the edge of the Torino box. It was the goal of a million childhood dreams: time running out in a closely-fought local derby, one chance to win the match from outside the box, a swing of the boot and the ball nestled in the bottom corner of the net. Game over. Adam Digby @Adz77 93rd minute & you need a derby winning goal? Everybody relax, Pirlo's got this http://vine.co/v/OnPFgT0vu2x It was a goal of stunning beauty—one which will live long in the memory of supporters on both sides (and another highlight to add to the extraordinary career of its author). With his wonderful sense of timing, the 35-year-old kept the home side’s winning streak alive. The Bianconeri have now been victorious in the last 26 outings at Juventus Stadium. He also ensured Torino’s poor record in the Derby della Mole continued (their last victory came in April 1995). Yet the goal—and the match itself—also drew a line under a number of other continuing storylines surrounding the two teams. In the first half, Bruno Peres ran from his own penalty area and smashed a well-hit finish across Marco Storari and in off the far post. Thanks to that fantastic solo effort, the Brazilian ended the Granata’s goal drought in the fixture by netting their first goal against their neighbours since February 2002. That 23rd-minute effort pulled the two sides level (Vidal had ended his own lean spell in front of goal with a penalty just eight minutes earlier). Pirlo’s free-kick was blocked by Omar El Kaddouri’s arm in the wall and the referee awarded the spot-kick, which had to be retaken due to encroachment on the first attempt. With a goal and an assist, the Chilean will hope his poor run of recent form—discussed in detail here—has come to an end. But even he was happy to admit the victory was thanks to Pirlo. “It was all Andrea’s doing, all I did was tee him up,” Vidal told reporters, per the official Juventus website. “He’s an incredible player, and only he could have scored that goal.” It is difficult to argue with that assessment, but Pirlo too will hope the match signifies the end of his own personal slump of failing to live up to his previous high standards. Statistics from WhoScored.com show he is averaging fewer tackles, interceptions and passes per game than in his first three seasons in Turin. He was also notably poor against Malmo in midweek. Losing the ball cheaply on several occasions, he failed to provide the incisive passes that have become his calling card. But Sunday’s match-winning performance—delivering when La Madama needed him the most—proved once again that writing off the former Milan star is foolhardy in the extreme. Who Scored shows Pirlo has averaged 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 67.2 passes per game this season, completing 87.3 percent of those efforts. Yet the same source shows that against Torino he delivered a vastly improved display, making two tackles, two interceptions and 91 passes (his completion rate leapt to 93.4 percent). With Stephan Lichtsteiner sent off following his second yellow card, it was a superb collective effort from Juventus—capped perfectly by Pirlo. He summed up the feelings of Juventus supporters everywhere shortly after the final whistle, discussing the dramatic victory with Sky Italia. “It’s wonderful to win a derby at the last second, and especially when you are down to 10 men,” Pirlo said via Football Italia. “It’s a great satisfaction.” On a night when that wonderful swing of his right boot ended so many recent storylines, another of his team-mate's boasts looked perfectly timed. “We don’t play the Derby della Mole, we win it!” bragged Fernando Llorente on Twitter in the buildup to the game. Thanks to the continued brilliance of Pirlo, the belief of the Spanish striker was proven to be almost as well-placed as the match-winning shot. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - TORINO 2 - 1 Arturo Vidal (15' Penalty) Bruno Peres (22') Andrea Pirlo (93') Sunday, November 30th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Player Ratings Nov 30, 2014 Juventus 30 M. Storari - Could do nothing to keep Bruno Peres' effort out of the net but was hardly tested again. 26 S. Lichtsteiner - The right-back's passing was poor and he needed protection against Darmian. He was sent off with just over 10 minutes left. 19 L. Bonucci - A competent performance in the heart of the defence as he read the game well to keep Quagliarella quiet. 3 G. Chiellini - The Italy international was unfazed when Torino pressed on and stepped out from the back to good effect. 33 P. Evra - Made some great runs to the byline to cross but he was out of position as Bruno Peres stormed forward to equalise. 6 P. Pogba - The France international worked hard but grew frustrated as his team struggled to test Gillet. 21 ANDREA PIRLO - Struggled to really influence the game for large periods but popped up with a stunning stoppage-time winner. 8 C. Marchisio - Was not really involved in the first half and failed to contribute anything positive to his team's display. 23 A. Vidal - Slotted home a composed penalty to give his side the lead but could have put a tackle in on Bruno Peres ahead of his goal. 10 C. Tévez - Got into some fantastic areas and caused the Torino defence problems, but his shooting let him down on occasions. 14 Llorente - Did not get many chances to shoot at goal and his movement was not particularly sharp. Substitutes 37 R. Pereyra - Brought on for Marchisio in the 64th minute and worked hard for his team. 9 Álvaro Morata - Came on for Llorente in the 58th minute and was far more lively than his compatriot. Torino 1 J. Gillet - The goalkeeper was unable to deny Vidal from the penalty spot and could do nothing to keep out Pirlo's winner. 19 N. Maksimović - The Serbian centre-back was extremely strong and showed good positional awareness when defending. 25 K. Glik - Made a few important clearances to keep his keeper clear of danger, but was booked for a clumsy tackle. 24 E. Moretti - Played as part of the back three against his former club and was very composed in possession. 33 Bruno Peres - Defended capably and scored an absolutely sensational goal after running the length of the pitch with the ball. 14 A. Gazzi - Put some strong challenges in the heart of midfield and sat back to stifle Juve's creativity. 20 G. Vives - Struggled to get anywhere near the ball and provided no dynamism in midfield. 7 O. El Kaddouri - Conceded the penalty which Juve scored, but worked exceptionally hard to make up for it and was pivotal for his team. 36 M. Darmian - Provided plenty of width on the left, causing problems when he pushed forward while not neglecting his defensive duties. 27 F. Quagliarella - Showed some intelligent touches but his only real effort on goal came off the outside of the post. 22 Amauri - Did not have much of an impact on the game, with his only contribution of not being to create one chance for Quagliarella. Substitutes 94 M. Benassi - Brought on for Vives in the 53rd minute and was very energetic. However, he lost the ball in his own half ahead of the winner. 9 M. Larrondo - Came on for Quagliarella in the 73rd minute and made some good, penetrating runs. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111