Socrates

Conte Heaps Praise On Juventus Star Oct 10, 2014 Italy coach Antonio Conte has praised Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, saying that he can be a very important player in the dressing room. Conte coached Pirlo in his stint as Bianconeri coach between 2011-2014, and the former Juve captain took the time to praise the midfielder. “I am honoured to have coached Andrea [Pirlo] for three years,” he told Sky. “We experienced some good moments together, and some painful moments too. “From the moment I became coach of the national team, I have always said that Pirlo can be a very important member in the squad. “I even wanted to call him up in September in spite of his injury, he can be an integral member in the dressing room.” The former Juve coach then went on to explain his relationship with social media, as well as giving insight on the upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Malta. “I’m not really a fan of computers as a whole, not just social media,” he said. “Germany found things hard against Scotland, and Portugal lost to Albania; as far as we’re concerned, we will play against motivated sides. “We’ll play with both [Gianluigi] Buffon and [Andrea] Pirlo who will definitely benefit the side, but I have to put into account that we will play again in three days. “However, I’m not really sure about the line-up.” Conte then went on to state that he knows the Azerbaijan side well, in addition to praising the overall atmosphere in the squad. “We know them well,” he said. “I watched the game against Bulgaria, and the one against the United States before the 2014 FIFA World Cup. “The boys are working well and are getting a better idea of the style of play we want to implement. “The atmosphere in the side is great.”

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Moggi: Totti Is A Problem For Roma Oct 9, 2014 Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi believes that Roma captain Francesco Totti was the capital city club’s biggest problem during their defeat to the Old Lady on October 5. The Bianconeri’s controversial 3-2 win over the Giallorossi in Turin has been the subject of criticism since the final whistle was blown and while the 77-year-old admits that the referee had made a couple of wrong decisions, he feels it was Totti’s attitude that caused more of a dilemma. Moggi recently spoke to LiberoTV about the match between Juventus and Roma and some the calls that had an effect on the outcome of the game, while also expressing his views on the Lupi captain. “The game was great, but the ref had so many things wrong,” said the former general manager. “He exchanged a regular punishment for Maicon with a penalty, while Totti’s penalty was not caused by a foul. “On the field it seemed as if it should have been a draw, but Roma have a problem: Francesco Totti. “Slow motion replays on the field? It’s a shame these things have to happen. But in this moment I say that we should have it, just to avoid all of the theatrics.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus better served by staying above Roma war of words Oct 9, 2014 It may be the time to temporarily forget club football and enjoy the development of Antonio Conte's Azzurri side, but Italy can still not forget or recover from Sunday's evening match between Juventus and Roma. With embarrassing comments made by everyone who feels they are worthy of an opinion, the Italian league may be that bit more interesting to watch, but is now, once again, clouded by a sense of suspicion. After the match, Francesco Totti, a symbol of Roma but also one of, if not the greatest number 10s Italy has seen in the past two decades (apologies to Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero fans), thought it wise to say that Juventus always win 'by hook or by crook'. Outrightly stating that his opponents are cheating, his poor choice of words was not only beneath a legend of his status but ridiculous and harmful to a league that is staving off critical voices from disinterested parties. Besieged by anger, one can perhaps understand why Totti resorted to spouting venom. The match against Juventus represented Roma's chance to demonstrate the development of their side and perhaps a chance to prove that they were the best, capable of beating the team that has dominated Serie A for the last three years. To stand so close to unimaginable victory and have a referee snatch it all away is bound to lead to complete frustration. Forever in the shadows, consistently referred to as a side that can play beautiful football but rarely capable of victories, this was their time to shine, their time to stand at the top of the podium and claim they did it the hard way but got there in the end. A wonderfully constructed side, a beautiful style of play and incredible results to boot, how annoying must Juventus be to sit at the top of the league having just won a poorly officiated match. Having heard what was said, the Old Lady fought back, through the words of Emma Winter, wife of Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, Leonardo Bonucci's tweet and of course, Pavel Nedved's words. The latter's comments were in a word, silly. Public opinion may be against Juventus but to say referees are "are almost afraid to give anything in our favour" is hardly accurate even if the squad were rarely given a penalty in their first season under Conte. The truth of the matter is that Juventus were victorious and are the biggest club in Italy and should act as such at all times. That means silence, accepting the criticism and taking the higher road. Those who make ill-advised comments should do so at their own peril, but retaliations should not be permitted simply because this isn't a small club with a point to prove; this is a side that represents a country and should they lose one match, or for an entire season, they must always hold on to their prestige. Referee Gianluca Rocchi may be highly regarded among his peers, but no one can forget the blinding errors he's made in the past. He has sent off seven Inter players in 16 matches including Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2006-07 season for shooting the ball after the whistle had gone. This is the same referee who was acquitted for charges relating to calciopoli, who apologised to Bologna for the mistakes he made in their match against Milan and a man who has drawn the ire of former Inter president Massimo Moratti, the Pozzo family of Udinese and Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini on a consistent basis. "The Rocchi horror show" is one of the most popular headlines in Italy and his errors made prior to Euro 2012 is the reason why refereeing peer Nicola Rizzoli was chosen ahead of him. That Rocchi was given the chance to officiate the biggest match of the season is surprising to say the least as both he and Paolo Tagliavento have shown how error prone they are in the big matches. Thus if we consider all the mistakes he has done in the past, it's incredible to think that because on this occasion, one of the sides is Juventus, that the victory was suspicious. It is for that reason, those like Bonucci are understandably tired of having to consistently respond to claims they have cheated their way to victory and have chosen to make silly remarks. The successes of the last three seasons have been achieved the hard way, through blood, sweat and tears and regardless of what Totti claims, not even he can dismiss reality. Beating Juve does not make Roma better, winning the title would change opinions and the pressure is on Rudi Garcia and his men to prove they are capable of the kind of consistency required. As for Juventus, Europe is their priority, they have nothing left to prove on a domestic level. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Italy asks FIFA to host TV replays experiment Oct 9, 2014 Italy wants to host an experiment on the use of TV replays in football. Following a controversial top-of-the-table clash in the Serie A, the president of the Italian football federation wrote to FIFA on Thursday asking to trial video replay. The letter came four days after Juventus recorded a 3-2 victory over Roma that saw the Turin club awarded two disputed penalties and score the winning goal while offside. Carlo Tavecchio said that while the FIGC was dedicated to preserving the traditions of football, "at the same time it supports modernisation that allows our beloved sport to maintain a winning global consensus." The fallout from the Juve-Roma match made studying the use of replays "a priority" to uphold "credibility in the referee," a statement from the Italian federation added. Last month, Blatter said he wanted to test replays in a domestic league, and at the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand next year. Coaches would have the right once or twice in each half to challenge a refereeing decision. Blatter has portrayed himself as a champion of technology since reversing his opposition to goal-line aids, which were used at the World Cup in Brazil for the first time. Separately, UEFA banned Tavecchio for six months on Tuesday following a racist comment during his election campaign. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Storari: Two horse title race Oct 9, 2014 Marco Storari concedes Roma have ‘come on leaps and bounds’ this year, and the title race is most likely between Juventus and them. The Bianconeri narrowly defeated the Giallorossi 3-2 in Week 6 to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season, in a match their back-up goalkeeper admits could be an indication of the season to come. “It seems this year will be a two-horse race for the title,” Storari has told JTV today. “Juventus and Roma are the division’s most competitive sides. We’ve won three consecutive titles and they’ve strengthened after pushing us last time around. “It was a different game to last season because they’ve come on leaps and bounds. It was a very difficult match and we’re very happy to have won it.” Juve hold a three point advantage over Roma, who otherwise have won every other game so far in Serie A this term. “We’ve already broken clear of the others and I think in the end it will be just us two in the running. “However, I hope that another team is able to get back in it, perhaps Napoli, who have got off to a slow start, or Inter and Milan. It would only be a good thing for the League.” The 37-year-old reflected on life so far this term under Massimiliano Allegri. “[Antonio] Conte’s departure was a blow for everyone because it was unexpected. “Having said that, he’s been replaced by an excellent Coach and our strong reaction is down to him. “Allegri is a smart and intelligent manager who has already won honours in his career.” Storari also had a word for his and Gigi Buffon’s goalkeeping Coach at Juve, Claudio Filippi. “His job isn’t easy because there are many aspects to take care of and he’s always very well prepared. I’ve worked with many goalkeeping coaches in my career and I think Filippi is certainly up there with the best.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Marelli hits out at 'crazy' Rocchi punishment The man at the centre of a refereeing storm in Italy's top flight has found an ally who believes the authorities need to do more to help the officials. Oct 9, 2014 Former Serie A official Luca Marelli has questioned the lack of transparency at the Italian Referees’ Association and labelled the decision to suspend Gianluca Rocchi following his controversial display in Sunday’s clash between Juventus and Roma as "crazy". Rocchi awarded the Bianconeri two penalties during the game in Turin – both of which were converted by Carlos Tevez – while he also failed to notice Arturo Vidal standing in an offside position in front of Roma goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski for Leonardo Bonucci's late winner. His performance has been widely condemned and it is understood he will now miss the next two rounds of Serie A fixtures as punishment. But the lack of official word from the referees' governing body (AIA) frustrates Marelli who believes his former colleague is being harshly treated. He told Goal : "The AIA is not transparent at all. They haven’t made any official statement about this. The news comes from informal talks between (former referees and current AIA chiefs) Marcello Nicchi and Domenico Messina and some journalists. "In my opinion, a referee should only be suspended for a serious technical error, such as awarding a direct free kick inside the penalty area, something like that. But to suspend Rocchi after Sunday's game … that's crazy." Marelli is concerned Rocchi's judgement may suffer in the short-term. He added: "When he’s back on the pitch next month, he'll be afraid to make the wrong decision, he'll be scared, he might lose confidence. "I know Rocchi very well, he's been a referee for 26 years, he’s strong enough to get over this but it's a crazy decision. "In a perfect world Rocchi would have stayed quiet for a week and then restarted with a Serie B game, rapidly going back to his usual standard." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Diamanti: 'Too much controversy' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyorKr7nd2E#t=76 Oct 8, 2014 Alessandro Diamanti told Francesco Totti he “should not have talked” to reporters after Juventus-Roma. “I am in China, but I do read the websites and watch the Italian television programmes. All I hear is controversy,” the Guangzhou Evergrande star told Radio Kiss Kiss. “Unfortunately, that’s what Italian football is like. We are just getting worse and worse.” Diamanti was particularly disconcerted by Roma captain Totti’s comments that “by hook or by crook” Juventus always win. “In my view Italian football remains the best in the world, even if we are behind the rest in terms of culture. That’s true in general and not just in football. “As for Totti, it’s best not to talk straight after a game. There is too much tension, you say things that you wish you hadn’t and that become twisted by other people.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PSG Want Juventus Star Pogba Sep 8, 2014 Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly the latest club interested in signing Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba once again after having previous bids for him turned down by the Italian giants. The 21-year-old, who is currently on international duty with France, has been a main target of several European giants as of late besides the Parisians including Chelsea and Manchester United, though it seems the Bianconeri are ready to do whatever it takes to hold on to him for quite some time. According to Tuttosport, French international and PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi has even expressed his wishes to play alongside Pogba on a club level and admitted that he would favour the Juve man’s move to Paris. “I want to play with Pogba,” he said. “He’s a great guy, it would be a pleasure to play with him at PSG.” Juventus have plans of their own, however, as director general Beppe Marotta has apparently already begun the process of arranging a contract renewal with the midfielder’s representatives.

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Rocchi Gets One Month Off After Juventus V Roma Controversy Oct 8, 2014 Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi has been suspended for a month after some controversial decisions made in the Serie A match between Juventus and Roma. The Bianconeri won the Sunday fixture 3-2 in Turin but there were some refereeing calls made that outraged Giallorossi players and fans. According to Il Corriere dello Sport, Rocchi has been banned for one month by the CAN (National Referees Commission) while they analyse the penalty decisions awarded to Juventus. Rocchi is expected to return on November 2 but he could return a couple days earlier on October 28 or 29. Both of the penalties awarded to Juve were given in the first half of the Serie A match. The first incident was when Roma’s right-back Maicon was deemed to have made a handball after an Andrea Pirlo free-kick. The second incident occurred just before half-time when Bianconeri midfielder Paul Pogba was fouled by Giallorossi playmaker Miralem Pjanic and Rocchi pointed to the penalty spot. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Morata: Totti should have kept quiet The Spain under-21 international feels the Giallorossi skipper was wrong to claim that his side had been beaten by the officials in Turin - and not the Bianconeri. Oct 8, 2014 Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has accused Roma captain Francesco Totti of sour grapes following Sunday's controversial game between the sides. The Bianconeri triumphed 3-2 in Turin but Totti was enraged by the fact the hosts had been awarded two contentious penalties by referee Gianluca Rocchi, and that none of the match officials had noticed Arturo Vidal had been standing in an offside position in front of Giallorossi goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski when Leonardo Bonucci scored the winner with four minutes remaining. The 38-year-old forward sparked controversy by stating Roma know that they are destined to finish second again this season because of the alleged preferential treatment reigning champions Juve receive from referees - an allegation Morata feels Totti should not have made. "If they had won, they would not be saying anything," the Spaniard told Goal. "It could be that he was just upset about the game, as it's not easy to take when you lose such an important game in the closing minutes. "Totti is a great player, a historical one, but perhaps he should not have said that." Morata was involved in another one of the game's flash points, with the forward receiving a straight red card after clashing with Roma defender Kostas Manolas, who was also dismissed. The 21-year-old had been guilty of fouling the Greece international close to the touchline just seconds beforehand, prompting a furious reaction from his opponent, but Morata, who has been hit with a one-game ban, remains mystified by Rocchi's decision to give him his marching orders. "It was really weird," he said. "I did not do anything. I was strong [in the tackle], but only because it was a game in which you had to be strong. "It was what my team needed: to stop the game; be aggressive. On the previous play, he pushed me against the barrier. But this is football. "I do not know why Manolas had this reaction because they were also kicking us. "I did nothing and I hope they can do something to reduce it yet but the important thing is that we won." Morata revealed he is settling in well at Juventus following his summer switch from Real Madrid - but the €20 million signing admitted he is only now getting used to the demanding nature of the Italian game. "Everything is going well," he said. "The only thing is how they train here: it's like you're preparing for war! "There is no recovery time. It's very physical. But I'm coming along. "At first, it takes its toll on you. I remember when I had to just sit down after the exercises instead of stretching because I couldn´t do any more! "But it is all for the good of the team. And we have a great team. We can do great things." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Bonucci: I Have Nothing Against Roma Oct 7, 2014 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci say he has nothing against Roma after responding to a tweet he posted on Monday night. After tweeting ‘Winning is the only thing that matters’ and ‘Rinse your mouth’ on Monday night, Bonucci’s words have garnered criticism as they appear to have been directed at Giallorossi defender, something the defender denies. “It was for my and the clubs followers,” Bonucci told reporters at an Italy’s press conference ahead of the Azzurri’s matches. “I do not want to attack anyone, I don’t score too many goals and was just so happy with the win. “I have massive respect for Roma and there was no desire to offend but simply to cheer up my followers. “I always write ‘Winning is the only thing that matters’, it’s in Juventus’ DNA.”

Marotta: Roma Have Bridged The Gap With Juventus Oct 7, 2014 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta believes Roma have closed the gap to the Bianconeri as he states the two sides will fight it out for the Scudetto. The Bianconeri defeated Roma 3-2 on Sunday to inflict a first defeat of the season on Rudi Garcia’s men and send Juventus three points clear at the top of the table. “Roma and Juventus are the two best teams in the league,” Marotta told RAI Sport 1. “Roma have strengthend a lot since last year and the Giallorossi have bridged the gap with Juventus.” Marotta also went on to state that Juventus deserved their victory on Sunday as Gianluca Rocchi made the right calls. “There was maybe a slight doubt with the handball but even in slow motion you would not change anything. “Juventus had more hunger than Roma in the final minutes and found the winning goal.” Roma captain Francesco Totti has accused Juventus of receiving favouritism but Marotta says his comments were ill-advised. “I appreciate Totti and all he has done but what he has said is very serious and he does not understand what went on before. “Juventus have deservedly won the last three league titles and he must respect us and our fans. “His judgement is misplaced and is not based on facts.”

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Empoli Boss Blasts Roma Captain – Without Having Watched Juventus Game Oct 7, 2014 Empoli coach Maurizio Sarri says Roma captain Francesco Totti went over the top with views after Roma lost 3-2 away to Juventus on Sunday. Totti felt Juventus were awarded two dubious penalties and they “should play in their own league as they always seem to win by hook or by crook.” “I have not seen the game yet, but when you feel like you suffered injustices you tend to make over the top statements,” Sarri told Tuttomercatoweb.com “It has happened to me but it must be more difficult for players at a higher level than us. “Perhaps he wouldn’t make such statements after a day or two. “Refereeing is a very difficult job and it might be just an excuse for the players or coaches to blame him.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Bonucci on Pirlo and Rugani Oct 7, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci is glad his Juventus teammate Andrea Pirlo postponed international retirement and hailed Empoli’s Daniele Rugani. The centre-back spoke at a Press conference ahead of Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Azerbaijan in Palermo. “Pirlo was convinced of his decision to leave the Italy squad, so thankfully he changed his mind,” said Bonucci. “Conte brought him back in by getting him involved in an enthusiastic project. I already said before that we all know Conte’s knowledge and hunger for victory are added bonuses. They were at Juventus and the same is true in the Nazionale. “It will take time to reach 100 per cent, but this group wants to improve and listens to the ideas of the Coach. That is a big advantage.” Bonucci was also asked whether Conte had a written code of ethics like predecessor Cesare Prandelli. “You don’t need that with Conte... It’s enough to talk things over.” Italy have a new defender in the squad, as Empoli’s 20-year-old centre-back Rugani earned his debut senior call. “Rugani is a player of great promise and is such a good professional. We already noted his quality when he was in the Primavera youth team. He doesn’t pull back and is humble, so over these last few years his growth at Empoli has been exponential.”

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Bonucci apology for Juve-Roma tweet Oct 7, 2014 Leonardo Bonucci has apologised after a telling-off from the Italy staff, insisting he “did not want to offend Roma.” The Juventus defender scored the winner in Sunday’s 3-2 victory and further stoked the fires of controversy on Twitter. He wrote that people who criticise Juve ought to “wash your mouth out” and “the only thing that counts is victory.” The fact he sent that tweet while on international duty reportedly infuriated Coach Antonio Conte. “Bonucci was wrong and he knows that,” stated Italy team manager Gabriele Oriali. “I understand adrenaline and tension, but here we all wear just one jersey.” Bonucci held a Press conference and explained the reasoning behind his tweet. “Those who follow me know that is how I always celebrate, dedicating it to my friends. I did not want to offend Roma or anyone else. “I’ll not score a goal like that again, so the joy of that and the three points lasted more than two days. I have the utmost respect for everyone who wears the Giallorossi colours and I certainly didn’t want to offend. “I simply tried to joke with my friends, the same way I did after the Italy game with Norway and my first goal for Juventus. I could’ve avoided posting that tweet when I was on international duty, so for that I apologise. “I just want to clarify that I always write #totheendforzajuventus and the phrase #victoryisallthatcounts is part of the Juve DNA. It’s true we players ought to lower the tone around what was already such a tense match. “I should’ve tweeted that before coming to the Italy camp, but in the enthusiasm of the moment I didn’t think it would generate so much controversy.” Bonucci met up with Roma player Alessandro Florenzi on international duty and they discussed the winning goal. “He said ‘if you try that again 10 times, you’ll never get that volley.’ I joked with him, but also with (Roma director Walter) Sabatini. Once the 90 minutes are over, it’s right to joke around with each other. “As everyone said, Roma have strengthened this season. They are a great competitor for the Scudetto and have much to give both in Italian football and in Europe.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Pallotta: 'Juve and Roma calm down' Oct 7, 2014 Roma President James Pallotta released a statement urging everyone to “calm down” after the Juventus defeat. The controversy has been raging ever since Sunday’s 3-2 result in Turin, which saw some dubious decisions. “Everyone should take a deep breath and calm down,” wrote Pallotta in a statement this afternoon. “Football is a very fast game and sometimes there are controversies and mistakes. It happens both ways. “At the end of the day we are both great teams and look forward to a long rivalry. It’s good for Italian football. “Proud of our team forever. Love our spirit. And Roma will be back and there for a long time. Get used to it. Forza Roma!” Even captain Francesco Totti had stirred up the pot on Sunday by insists “by hook or by crook” Juventus always win. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Ref Rocchi: 'Conscience is clear' Oct 7, 2014 Referee Gianluca Rocchi reportedly said his “conscience is clear” over the controversial Juventus-Roma decisions. The official was lambasted in the media, as the two Bianconeri penalties might or might not have been inside the box, while Arturo Vidal was possibly interfering with play when offside for Leonardo Bonucci’s winner. “The players did not help me and in any case my conscience is clear,” Rocchi is quoted as telling colleagues in La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “With the Maicon penalty I was taken in by the spray. I saw it was well inside the box and changed my mind.” He had originally awarded a free kick right on the edge of the area for Douglas Maicon’s handling offence, but after the Juve players pointed out the spray had placed the wall comfortably inside, Rocchi assumed the contact must also have been there. In fact, the Roma players and Maicon had crept forward a great deal to charge down Andrea Pirlo’s free kick. Rocchi will not be given any Serie A games until November, as there are fears the media coverage will cause any decision to be contested. La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport also maintain refereeing designators believe the only real error was Maicon’s handling offence for the penalty. They judged Vidal to not be interfering with play on Bonucci’s goal, while it was almost impossible with the naked eye to see whether Miralem Pjanic had tripped Paul Pogba inside the box. The foul occurred either just before or on the line, but the line itself counts as part of the penalty area. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Lega Serie A to Blame for Juventus vs. Roma Refereeing Debacle Oct 7, 2014 After Sunday's contentious match between Juventus and Roma, the debate has quickly devolved. All three of Juve's goals were called into question by Roma's players, executives and fans. Any team caught on the short end of a controversy against Juventus these days makes a knee-jerk reaction to conspiracy theory. The stain of the punishments handed down after the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal will never really go away. It will always be difficult for some people to separate honest mistakes by a referee from cries of a fix. In Sunday's game, the controversy was caused entirely by the former. Well, maybe "honest mistakes" should be replaced by "incompetence" when it comes to what happened in the Juventus Stadium on Sunday. What makes it worse is that the Lega Serie A could have avoided the farcical performance by simply selecting the right referee. They certainly didn't do that this time around. The selection of Gianluca Rocchi as referee was an unfortunate and extreme mistake, and it marred what should have been the best game of the season so far. Some background: Rocchi is a 41-year-old Florentine who has been been a professional referee since 2000. He's been refereeing the higher divisions since 2004 and became an international referee in '08. How he has maintained that international status—or made his way onto UEFA's Elite list—is anyone's guess. Rocchi's career at the highest level has been marred by incident after incident. Goal.com compiled this list of Rocchi's past head-scratchers in the hours after the match ended. The incidents are many. He's fallen for dives—notably in a game between Palermo and Lazio in 2010. He's given mystifying yellow cards—like an incident involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Inter, where he issued the Swede a second yellow for continuing play beyond an offside whistle despite the fact that Ibrahimovic was in the act of kicking the ball when the whistle blew. He has shown a distressing inability to control matches. In a 2011 clash between Lazio and Bologna, every call was subject of argument. He lost control early, and eventually two players saw red for their part in an unsightly brawl. Another fray on the stroke of full time saw Mauro Zarate punch one of the assistant referees. Phantom penalties have also been a part of his CV. In a 2011 contest between Inter and Napoli, he awarded a penalty on a challenge from Joel Obi that was outside of the box—and sent the Nigerian off to boot. The spot kick was missed and Hugo Campagnaro slotted home—despite having encroached into the box. Inter manager Claudio Ranieri was sent to the stands after the incident. The coup de grace came in a 2012 Champions League game between Manchester City and Real Madrid. Rocchi issued seven yellow cards in the match, awarded a controversial penalty and sent off Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa. Rocchi's performance was so bad that UEFA suspended him for the first leg of the round of 16. That last sentence really says it all. Gianluca Rocchi has been suspended for poor performance over the course of his career. Yet somehow, the Lega Serie A decided that he was suited to take command of a game that would once again draw the eyes of the soccer world to the Italian peninsula. It's clear how disastrous that decision was. Rocchi had lost control of the game long before he courted controversy with his first penalty call. Players mobbed him with every whistle and clearly had no respect for his position on the field. Whether the calls were accurate or not is a matter for another article. As James Horncastle pointed out on ESPN FC on Sunday evening, the margins were so thin that you can watch the replays forever and never be totally sure. What is certain is that Rocchi was clearly unsuited for an assignment such as this. Given the table positions of the teams and their contentious history, a ref with a strong hand was required. Rocchi's history showed that he lacks such strength—and he proved it on Sunday. What makes the Lega's decision even worse was the fact that they had a referee who absolutely could handle such a match at their disposal. Nicola Rizzoli has been named Serie A Referee of the Year the last three seasons. In the last two years he has been entrusted with the final of both the Champions League and the World Cup. On merit alone, Rizzoli was the clear choice for such a high-profile job. Instead, his talents were wasted on the Udinese/Cesena match earlier in the day. Saturday's game was the kind of matchup that, in the past, would have been given to the likes of Pierluigi Collina or Roberto Rosetti. For some reason, the current equivalent of those esteemed officials was passed over for this most crucial of assignments and an inferior referee was given the responsibility instead. It was that decision—one taken before Rocchi had ever blown his whistle on Sunday night—that was the chief cause of the controversy that followed. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Strootman Filmed Making Abusive Gesture At Juventus Fans Oct 7, 2014 Roma’s injured midfielder Kevin Strootman was filmed making an abusive gesture at Juventus fans during the Giallorossi’s controversial 3-2 away defeat in Turin. The Dutch international was in normal clothes behind the Roma bench when he made the ‘gesto dell’ombrello’ at some nearby Juve supporters. According to Calcionews24.com, the gesture was made towards the end of the game when tensions boiled over after Juve’s Alvaro Morata and Roma’s Kostas Manolas were both sent off. Rumours on Twitter alleged that Strootman made the gesture in response to fans insulting his teammate Adem Ljajic for being a Muslim although these remain unconfirmed. Strootman made 25 appearances for Roma during the 2013-14 Serie A season before he suffered a serious knee injury in March 2014. Coach Rudi Garcia has included him for the 2014-15 Champions League squad and he is expected to be back in contention by December. Both Juventus and Roma have been fined for the behaviour of their fans during the game and the fallout has continued into the start of the international break. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juve-Roma controversy explodes Oct 7, 2014 Juventus-Roma drags on with Leonardo Bonucci’s Twitter row, Giallorossi insulted in the airport and calls for referee Gianluca Rocchi’s arrest. The Bianconeri’s 3-2 win on Sunday evening prompted a great deal of controversy and several days later the fire is still raging. Juve defender Bonucci stoked those flames when he took to Twitter and wrote: “You should wash your mouth out! The only thing that counts is victory: I am enjoying it!” He later added on social media: “There is no reference to Roma fans, it was just my celebration. Just as I do in other occasions.” There are reports in the Corriere dello Sport that Roma players were insulted at the airport in Turin on their way back to the Capital. It’s claimed airport workers sparked up the stadium chant ‘You never win,’ while even the pilot declared ‘Forza Juve’ during his pre-flight message to passengers. Lawyer, Roma fan and former member of the club Carlo Taormina took things even further during his interview on Radio 24. “We should get a machine gun in hand, a virtual one of course. All three of Juve’s goals should’ve been disallowed. “This calls for a strike, while Rocchi should be kicked out of the world of refereeing and we citizens will press charges against him, asking whether his behaviour was intentional or not. Anyone who helps football take this direction should be arrested.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Nedved: I'd strip Totti of Roma captaincy The Czech says he considers the Giallorossi skipper a friend and a great champion but he feels that the veteran forward does not know what it is like to play for a top club. Oct 7, 2014 Juventus director Pavel Nedved has claimed that Roma should consider stripping Francesco Totti of his captain's armband because of comments he made after Sunday's controversial Serie A clash in Turin. Totti lashed out at the referee at the end of his side's 3-2 loss to the reigning Italian champions, having been incensed by Gianluca Rocchi's decision to award the home side two contentious penalties, as well as the official's failure to spot that Arturo Vidal had been standing in an offside position in front of Giallorossi goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski when Leonardo Bonucci volleyed home his 86th-minute winner. Totti went as far as to say that Roma already know that they will finish second again this season because they feel that Juve will always benefit from favourable refereeing decisions - but Nedved has now hit back, arguing that, if anything, his old club are continually the victims of poor officiating. "Although Francesco is a friend, a truly great champion, and the end of the game I hailed him, I was angry with him when I heard what he said in front of the cameras," he told Italia 1. "Totti has never got to play in a team as big as Juventus and, for this reason, he does not understand what it means to work for such an important club. "If you play or work for Juventus, everyone is against you. We only have our fans behind us, while we find public opinion against us. "And I'd even go as far as to say that this also affects the attitude of the referees, who are almost afraid to give anything in our favour. "Roma have built a wonderful team and Totti, again, I congratulate him - but for what he does on the field - not for what he says off it. "If you were in my team and you said after just the sixth round 'We'll finish second' and you are the captain, I don't know if you'd get to keep that armband. "They're speaking of a distorted league, but we also need to look at the impression we have given of our league abroad: Sunday was a beautiful game, a real battle in which everything happened. "Italian football is growing in Europe, as evidenced by what we are doing in the cups - this is what is important, not the controversy." The fallout from Sunday's game shows no sign of abating, with Roma coach Rudi Garcia - who was dismissed for disputing Juve's second spot-kick - having been fined €5,000 for his own controversial post-match comments, with the Frenchman having sarcastically stated that he did not realise that the penalty area was so big in Turin. Giallorossi defender Kostas Manolas has also received a two-game suspension for the red card he received for clashing with Bianconeri striker Alvaro Morata, who has received a one-game ban for his dismissal. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marotta: League not distorted Oct 7, 2014 Beppe Marotta has called Francesco Totti’s words ‘damaging’ to Juventus and hit out at the suggestion the League is distorted in their favour. Following Roma’s 3-2 defeat to the Bianconeri on Sunday, Totti commented that ‘by hook or by crook’ Juve win the League, in reference to some controversial refereeing decisions in the Week 6 fixture. The Turin club’s director general has since appeared on programme Processo del Lunedi to discuss the fallout further, starting with a follow-on from his initial reaction to the Roma captain’s words. “I said that on one hand I respect the player, I respect the man, the professional, for what he has given, for what he is giving to football in terms of huge emotions,” began Marotta in reflection. “On the other I cannot agree with what he said, which is detrimental to the image of Juventus and severe. “Roma only last year finished second and finished 17 points behind, in a League championship that we then deserved. Otherwise Roma would finish second after Inter in some seasons, but never after Juventus. In 2001 Juventus finished second behind Roma and at a difference of two points. “So I cannot understand what he meant. Certainly in recent years Juventus have won legitimately, with great sporting merit the three Scudetti and we stress this because they are definitely important claims in respect of football, sports, institutions and especially also of our fans.” Rudi Garcia was sent to the stands for playing an imaginary violin on the sideline, and it was put to Marotta that this was an indication of ‘always the same music’. “But supportive of what? We want facts, not words. What are the acts in question? If you tell me what the incriminating matters are, I will respond. “It is usual to talk about music, but not in reference to the music yesterday. When you say usual, it refers to a continuous period in the recent past or in the past.” The Corriere dello Sport headline yesterday ‘Championship distorted’. “This is definitely out of place, because if we talk about a distorted championship after six weekends at the start of a season, when there are still 32 games to play and 96 points available, I don’t think we can define that as distorted, partly because I think a championship is very different from a tournament where there can be favourable circumstances and a refereeing decision can definitely work in your favour. “Eventually value will come out, at all times the best team wins the championship. Errors are compensated for, because we could make a list of situations in which there have been advantages and disadvantages.” Rudi Garcia also tweeted yesterday that Sunday’s game was bad for Italian football. “From this point of view, definitely yes. In fact, if we list everything in the context of what happened in the field… the scene of the red cards for Morata and Manolas is not great, it is definitely not uplifting, it is a scene that we do not want our children to see. “What should have been a good spot in the evening has become a negative one, I agree on this. But from here to talk about a distorted League, of a Juventus who steals the result, I think it is too much.” Marotta was asked about the controversial episodes in question. “I understand there are episodes of doubt, but that have led to a wrong decision only the once, that is, in the first penalty. “But with the use of slow motion replays what would have happened? The referee is five yards away from the wall and can see perfectly and has considered that he voluntarily handled the ball. “In front of this there is no slow motion in place. Because if you want to limit the subjectivity of the referee’s decision, then we no longer talk about a game played in the field, but on the PlayStation. A situation the result of a computer.”

Marotta: Juventus rejected bids for Pogba & Vidal The Frenchman has long been tracked by Paris Saint-Germain, while Manchester United were reported to have made a concerted effort to sign the Chilean midfielder. Oct 7, 2014 Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that the club turned down bids from "top European clubs" for both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal during the summer. Paris Saint-Germain were reportedly keen on signing France starlet Pogba and Manchester United were said to have made Chile ace Vidal one of their primary transfer targets. Marotta has refused to disclose the identities of the interested parties but he did confirm that official approaches were made for the midfield duo. "Yes, absolutely, some offers arrived, from abroad, from top European clubs," he told Processo del Lunedi. "But we decided not to indulge them. "We were in a position not to accept and we did with great awareness of the fact that we are talking about two very important components of our squad." Meanwhile, Marotta announced that Juve are optimistic about their chances of reaching agreement with wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner over a contract extension. "We are negotiating and working with his representatives," the 57-year-old explained. "We're very happy with how he's done, so if there are the right conditions [for a new deal], we want him to continue with us." Lichtsteiner, who joined the Bianconeri from Lazio in 2011, will be out of contract on June 30 of next year.

JUVENTUS 3 - 2 ROMA - Carlos Tévez (Pen. 27') Francesco Totti (Pen. 32') Juan Iturbe (44') Carlos Tevez (Pen. 45'+) Leonardo Bonucci (86') Sunday, October 5th, 2014 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Roma coach Garcia fined after Juventus outburst The Frenchman was sent to the stands during his side's defeat to their Serie A rivals after his reaction to the referee's decision to award the reigning champions two penalties. Oct 6, 2014 Roma coach Rudi Garcia has been fined €5,000 and warned over his future conduct after being sent off in a fiery clash at Juventus. The Frenchman was banished from the touchline during the first half of Sunday's Serie A fixture following his reaction to referee Gianluca Rocchi's decision to award the first of two penalties for Juve, who ran out 3-2 winners. Garcia has been hit in the pocket following his actions in a dramatic game between the top two in the Italian top flight, which was settled by a fine volley from Leonardo Bonucci four minutes from time. The first of the hosts' spot-kicks was awarded for handball against Maicon, after Rocchi originally appeared to award a free-kick, while the second was judged a foul by Miralem Pjanic on Paul Pogba, with what minimal contact there was perhaps occurring just outside the area. Garcia later criticised Rocchi's performance and suggested that more technology should be used to aid referees. It was a costly day for Roma, as Kostas Manolas was sent off late on following a fracas with Alvaro Morata - who was also given his marching orders. Greece defender Manolas has been given a two-match ban, while Juve striker Morata will serve a one-game suspension. Juve and Roma have also been punished for the conduct of their fans at Juventus Stadium this weekend. Serie A champions Juve have been fined €30,000 after a fan clashed with a member of the Roma staff on the bench, a flare was thrown into the section of away supporters and a laser pen was used by home fans. Roma must pay a €20,000 fine for their fans hurling flares and plastic bottles onto the pitch and towards Juve supporters, while they have also been punished for using radio communications on the bench. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF2tQO1dibw http://www.tuttosport.com/foto/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2014/10/05-82073_0/FOTO++Juve-Roma%2C+che+perla+Bonucci!+Le+emozioni+della+supersfida http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/BUM3IBoyh2X/Juventus+FC+v+AS+Roma+Serie+A/4tetO7yUcR2 http://www.goal.com/en/news/7128/galleries/2014/10/05/5160551/gallery-juventus-3-2-roma?ICID=TP_TNM_ART_2