Socrates

Gomitata di Chiellini. Meglio sostituirlo Antonio o no?

Volevi dire Tevez e Pirlo l'uno sopra l'altro.

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo HT 0-0: Roma-Juve close shaves May 11, 2014 It’s all square between Roma and Juventus at half-time, as Paul Pogba hit the upright and a great save denied Gervinho. The top two positions were already secured last week, so this was the opportunity for a Serie A showcase between the best teams in Italy this season. The Bianconeri were still hoping to be the first club to accumulate 100 points, but Arturo Vidal, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco were sidelined. The Giallorossi were without Morgan De Sanctis, Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti, so Lukasz Skorupski got his first Serie A start. Mattia Destro returned after a four-match ban and wanted to prove himself for a World Cup call. There was good news before kick-off, as Roma announced they have agreed a four-year contract renewal with Miralem Pjanic. Marco Storari was given another chance in goal and smothered a Michel Bastos snapshot, then at the other end Carlos Tevez saw his effort deflected wide. The Giallorossi thought they had taken the lead after 16 minutes with Vasilis Torosidis on a Gervinho cross, but he handled to bundle it over the line from six yards. Skorupski was alert to flap a dangerous Andrea Pirlo cross off the head of Fernando Llorente at the back post. Destro knocked down a ball for Francesco Totti’s fierce half-volley that Storari fingertipped out from under the bar. Gervinho’s slide-rule pass let Destro clear on goal, but the striker’s first touch let him down one-on-one against Storari. Llorente took advantage of a Mehdi Benatia error and stung Skorupski’s gloves at the near post with a powerful finish. Gervinho dribbled down the right to pull back from the by-line, but it was between Destro and Totti, eventually fired over by Radja Nainggolan. Llorente’s cushioned header was straight at the goalkeeper, then spun round to fire just over from a very tight angle. Gervinho sprinted between centre-backs on a Pjanic through ball, but Storari made himself big to parry with one hand. Juventus went extremely close just before half-time, as from a throw-in Paul Pogba’s angled drive surprised Skorupski to thump the base of the far post. Roma 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time) Roma: Skorupski; Torosidis, Benatia, Castan, Bastos; Nainggolan, De Rossi, Pjanic; Gervinho, Totti, Destro Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente Ref: Russo http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Palo clamoroso di Pogba!

Avrá la testa in Brasile?

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Line-ups: Roma-Juventus May 11, 2014 Roma-Juventus is a Serie A showcase with Mattia Destro, Gervinho and Francesco Totti against Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Andrea Pirlo. It kicks off at 17.45 CET. Destro is back in the starting XI after his four-match ban and is eager to make the most of this spotlight to earn his place at the World Cup. He is supported by Totti and Gervinho, while Miralem Pjanic starts to celebrate signing a new four-year contract. Morgan De Sanctis is out after he suffered a bruised arm, while Alessio Romagnoli is suspended, so Skorupski starts in goal. Juventus are without Arturo Vidal, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco, while Gigi Buffon is rested in favour of Marco Storari. Tevez and Llorente lead the way with Pirlo and Paul Pogba in midfield, while Daniel Osvaldo is on the bench against his former club. ROMA: Skorupski; Torosidis, Benatia, Castan, Bastos; Nainggolan, De Rossi, Pjanic; Gervinho, Totti, Destro JUVENTUS: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Tension around Roma-Juve May 11, 2014 There is tension ahead of Roma-Juventus, as it’s rumoured Napoli fans could try to take revenge, while Giallorossi ultras investigate the shooter. This will be the first match played at the Stadio Olimpico since last Saturday’s Coppa Italia Final, which was marred by the shooting of Napoli supporter Ciro Esposito. The incident occurred in the Tor di Quinto area of the city, so beyond the perimeters set up by police, and is believed to be an ambush by Roma ultras on visiting Napoli fans. At first it was claimed only one shooter was responsible – 48-year-old Daniele De Santis, known as Gastone – who had been banned from games for some years already. However, police now believe there were at least five and possibly as many as 10 people involved in organising the ambush. Roma-Juventus was brought forward to 16.45 UK time (15.45 GMT) amid security fears around the match. Some Napoli ultras have warned they will infiltrate the groups of supporters going to the Olimpico in order to ‘avenge’ the shooting of Esposito. This is the exact opposite of what Esposito’s mother wants, as she publicly called for this game to be ‘dedicated’ to Ciro. “Don’t let them shoot Ciro again. Stay united, dedicate this game to Ciro, let it be a match of heart and not of violence,” appealed Antonella Leardi. However, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport insists Roma ultras are furious with those who organised the ambush and are conducting their own investigation to root out the perpetrators. They consider the attack to be ‘unauthorised’ and breaking all rules of ultras tactics, as it involved the use of guns, was a surprise ambush and the other members of the group abandoned De Santis to his fate. It is therefore possible the police will collaborate with organised Roma ultras groups to find those responsible for last week’s shocking incident. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo How Juventus Will Line Up Against AS Roma May 10, 2014 When they went head-to-head back in January, it was set up as a decisive fixture that would show just how far AS Roma has come under Rudi Garcia. Despite the Bianconeri recording an emphatic 3-0 victory, the match actually taught us very little about either team. Since that heavy loss, the Giallorossi have maintained their previous excellent form and pushed the Turin giants harder than any other side has in the Antonio Conte era. The reigning champions preserved a gap which finally became insurmountable last week, the capital club's loss to Catania meaning they could no longer hope to catch La Madama. With her third consecutive title already wrapped up, this clash between Serie A's two best teams will carry none of the weight of that first meeting. However, Juve are still expected to field a much stronger line-up than the one which defeated Atalanta last week. Over the following pages are the names expected to be in the starting XI when the champions take the field against the runners-up on Sunday evening. Goalkeeper Having looked on as Gigi Buffon enjoyed another incredible season, Marco Storari is once again expected to start between the posts for Antonio Conte. The former Milan man made his sixth start of the campaign last week, having largely filled in for Coppa Italia games and when the captain was suspended in late January and early February. Storari was also part of the team eliminated from the cup by Roma, and the 37-year-old will hope to make amends after being beaten by Gervinho's near-post flick. It is unlikely that the match will see an appearance for third-choice stopper Rubinho, who may have to wait until next week's final game for his first action of the campaign. Defence After running out Angelo Ogbonna in the central role last week, Conte is expected to entrust his regular back three in this fixture. Their excellent form is the basis for the club's success, and the names of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are now well established as one of Europe's most formidable defences. Interestingly, the two sides will head into this game with identical defensive records, each having conceded 23 league goals in 2013-14. Midfield Despite the heroics of Simone Padoin last week, the Bianconeri are widely expected to return him to a spot on the bench, instead opting to field their five regular starters in midfield. Rotation in the wide roles should see Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner return, their balance vital to spreading the field for Juventus. Between them, Conte is tipped to select Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba, with his options limited by the decision to send Arturo Vidal to Barcelona for surgery. According to the club’s official website, the Chilean underwent a successful operation on his right knee on Wednesday. Attack Again Juventus, having fielded Sebastian Giovinco and Daniel Osvaldo on Monday, are tipped to start their regular pairing up front. The performances of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente in their debut Serie A campaigns has been excellent, the duo sharing no fewer than 38 goals between them in 2013-14. With them firing from the opening day next term, the Bianconeri will hope to enjoy a much more successful Champions League adventure when next season begins. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo How AS Roma Will Line Up Against Juventus May 10, 2014 It's been quite the season for Roma and while they just fell short of the Scudetto, a win against champions Juventus would be the perfect way to sign off at the Olimpico in their final home game of the season. Other than pride, there's not a lot to play for—at least for the Lupi. They'll certainly want to avenge the 3-0 defeat at Juventus Stadium back in January, but it's the guests who have something to aim for because with a win they'd remain on course to become the first Serie A club ever to break the 100-point barrier. It had been hoped that the game between this year's two protagonists would mean more, coming so late in the season. There's also a personal element to the rivalry, as Antonio Conte and Rudi Garcia recently had a very public falling out. Both managers have more-or-less full squads to choose from, with only Arturo Vidal missing for Juventus. Garcia can rely on much the same starting core that has been behind his fantastic debut season in Italy, with only the suspended Alessio Romagnoli and long term injuries Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti out missing. The Dutch international continues his rehabilitation, having returned to the club for a check-up and some work with Roma's doctors at Trigoria before returning to the Netherlands, according to a recently released club statement. Mattia Destro should return to the line-up, following his three-match ban. The young striker can use the game to make a final case for inclusion in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for the upcoming World Cup, even though the 23-year-old believes he's done all he can to convince the Azzurri boss of his worth. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (here in English via football-italia.net), Destro said: “It’s an important opportunity and a dream for all players. It is the pinnacle for a player during his career. I think I have demonstrated my quality and what I am capable of. Because of the injury I’ve had I’ve played less, but I hope to be available for these final two matches of the season. Prandelli? No, I haven’t heard from him. He will make his assessments and then decide. The Champions League and the World Cup? If someone had offered me that a year ago I would have signed! It was difficult for me after my operation, but I have worked hard and you can see the results.” The Giallorossi are unbeaten at the Olimpico, and will want to bounce back from last week's shock defeat to Catania. Juve, meanwhile, only need a point to match Inter's record of 97, set back in 2006-07. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Fallo di mano .... non é goal.

Tevez poteva fare meglio in questa circostanza.

Asamoah poteva tirare meglio.

Grande pupone!

Sí, la coppa del nonno.

Lo sponsor della Roma é Sky sport .... ora si capiscono molte cose.

Bergomi: "É merito della Roma se la Juve ha fatto 96 punti".

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Preview: Round 37 — Playing for pride ... and points May 10, 2014 First, let's do a quick Juventus-related checklist before we get into the meat of this match preview. • Win the Scudetto for a third straight year? Check. • Party your ass off after winning the Scudetto for a third straight year? Check. • Successfully reminding people at every single opportunity possible that Simone Padoin has as many Scudetti as Roma do in their history? Check, check, and check. • Getting to the historic 100-point plateau? Well, there's still a little bit of work to do when it comes to that. Juventus have clinched the Scudetto. They've won all but one of their home games this — because it hasn't been played yet. Then there's the countdown to the 100-point mark that Mr. Curry so aptly provided us. And it just so happens that Juventus' second-to-last game of the season is against the squad that will be finishing in second place behind Serie A's best. In a perfect world, this No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup would have some kind of meaning on the season. Well, that is if you're in the business of selling newspapers in Italy. Can you imagine the hype that would be going on right now? Instead of rumors about Nani coming to Turin, Ciro Immobile leaving Turin and the rest of it all, we'd be hearing about what Juve need to do to break down Roma, what Roma need to do to try and stop Juventus, and so on and so on. But a good portion of that will just have to be shelved because Juve won the title before this meeting of two really, really good teams has taken place. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen Carrera: We're focused on the final games ahead. We'll give it all we've got to try and reach a record points haul. GOOD NEWS Juventus have won the Scudetto, Roma hasn't. I think that's pretty simple and gratifying at the same time. BAD NEWS We won't be seeing Arturo Vidal for the rest of the season. I know there's not a laundry list of things to play for these days with the Scudetto already being clinched, but it's Vidal and he's cool. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Carlos Tévez vs. the Roma defense. Remember for much of the season when Roma had Serie A's best defense and had allowed the fewest amount goals? Well, don't look now, but Juve and Roma have given up the same number of goals this season. We can thank Catania for a good number of those goals, but as we found out when Roma and Juve played at Juventus Stadium in January, the best defense in the league couldn't really handle the best offense. And, of course, a big portion in that is a certain Argentinian by the name of Carlitos, or Carlos Tévez if you want to be all official. Of his 19 goals this season, none of them have been scored against Roma. So, if you want Mr. Tévez to change that tomorrow, feel free to raise your hand. I have a feeling you won't be alone. 2. Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba vs. Miralem Pjanic and Radja Nainggolan. I guess I could throw Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi into the mix, too, but I won't for the sake of saving time. The four players listed above are good. They been known to score a pretty nice goal or two in recent memory this season. All four are different kinds of midfielders, all which their own unique skill sets and, of course, importance to their respective teams. It would be pretty fun to see somebody like De Rossi face an Arturo Vidal, but that's not going to happen for obvious reasons. I guess we'll just have to settle for watching what might be Italy's starting midfield face off against one another. And those other guys, I guess they're pretty good, too. 3. Kwadwo Asamoah vs. Maicon. Because there's not really much of anything riding on this game other than a 100-point record and probably some pride, I decided to concentrate on individual matchups rather than the bigger picture. You probably picked that up by now because you're smart people, so onward I go. So after concentrating on the center midfield, it's only natural we go out to the wings, where Maicon and Asamoah will certainly be seeing a lot of each other over the course of 90 minutes tomorrow night. You know, the same Maicon who has gone from looking kinda washed up to part of on his way to the World Cup this summer. When it comes to Asamoah, I can safely say that he will also be heading to Brazil this summer. But not as a wingback in all likelihood. So, this might be one of Asamoah's last wingback game for quite a few months. Hey, make it worth it, Kwadwo! 4. Antonio Conte vs. Rudi Garcia. Let's face it, these are two of the best managers Serie A has right now. And when two really, really good managers go up against one another, there's always going to be the game within the actual game. Conte will want to win the game because he's Antonio Conte and winning is the bottom line. You would think that even though the Scudetto was won a few weekends ago thanks to Roma's rather stunning loss to Catania, Conte wants show Roma a little something. Like, you know, what Juve is all about once again. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Tévez OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 5:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 11:45 A.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 8:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Roma-Juventus Preview: Giallorossi playing for pride against champions Rudi Garcia's men are out to prevent their visitors from reaching a century of points after the disappointment of ceding the Scudetto to the Bianconeri last week. May 10, 2014 Roma failed to deny Juventus a third successive Serie A title but can dent their hopes of breaking the league's total points record on Sunday. The Bianconeri wrapped up the Scudetto last Sunday thanks to the Giallorossi's surprise 4-1 loss at Catania, thus allowing the Old Lady to coast through a 1-0 victory over Atalanta in a party atmosphere in Turin just over 24 hours later. Last weekend's results make Sunday's clash - which has been moved forward three hours after violence in the capital marred the Coppa Italia final - at the Stadio Olimpico a lot less meaningful than it would have been, although Juve still have plenty to play for. A win for the newly crowned champions over Roma will secure Juve the highest points tally for a Serie A campaign - bettering Inter's haul of 97 in 2006-07. Sebastian Giovinco spoke in the week about securing 100 points to cap off another impressive season for the club and Conte. The calming influence of midfielder Andrea Pirlo has been a major factor in Juve's progress under Conte and he feels the success at the club has helped ward off thoughts of retirement. "My motivation to go on is very strong, simply because I love playing football and having fun on the pitch," the 34-year-old told L'Equipe this week. "I have always had fun every day on the training field and every weekend during the matches. I believe that is important. I don't feel any tiredness or weakness. "I am happy at Juventus and I hope to be able to stay for a few more years." Despite not being able to catch Juventus, Roma have managed to secure the second automatic Champions League place and sit 13 points clear of Napoli in third. While Juve won the reverse fixture at a canter in January, as goals from Arturo Vidal, Leonardo Bonucci and Mirko Vucinic helped see off nine-man Roma 3-0, Garcia's side have beaten Juve this season, triumphing 1-0 when the two sides met in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals in January. Consequently, there has been no end of tension between the clubs, which has manifested itself in a very public spat between Garcia and Conte of late. When Garcia urged other teams in the league to raise their games against Juventus, Conte labelled Roma as "provincial" and later stated his side's achievements had become "almost expected" in comparison. Despite their disagreements in the press over recent weeks and Roma's inability to stop Juve defending their title, Garcia is pleased with how his debut season in charge has panned out. "Juve are accustomed to winning in Italy. We learned a lot this season but need to end the campaign better. Not only do the fans expect more next season, but so do I and the players," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I will add, Sunday's match must only be a festival of football - for Roma to show they are happy with our season and be proud of what we’ve achieved." Head to Head Coppa Italia ‎-‎ Jan 21, 2014 - Roma 1 - 0 Juventus Serie A - Jan 5, 2014 - Juventus 3 - 0 Roma Serie A -‎ Feb 16, 2013 - Roma 1 - 0 Juventus Serie A - Sep 29, 2012 - Juventus 4 - 1 Roma Serie A ‎-‎ Apr 22, 2012 - Juventus 4 - 0 Roma Last Five Matches ROMA May 4, 2014 - Catania 4 - 1 Roma - Serie A Apr 25, 2014 - Roma 2 - 0 AC Milan - Serie A Apr 19, 2014 - Fiorentina 0 - 1 Roma - Serie A Apr 12, 2014 - Roma 3 - 1 Atalanta - Serie A Apr 6, 2014 - Cagliari 1 - 3 Roma - Serie A JUVENTUS May 5, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Atalanta - Serie A May 1, 2014 - Juventus 0 - 0 Benfica - EL Apr 28, 2014 - Sassuolo 1 - 3 Juventus - Serie A Apr 24, 2014 - Benfica 2 - 1 Juventus - EL Apr 19, 2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Bologna - Serie A http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Garcia: 'Roma-Juve a celebration' May 10, 2014 Rudi Garcia wants to see “enthusiasm and a celebration” in Roma-Juventus, but is without Morgan De Sanctis. “This is the last game at the Olimpico in an extraordinary season for us,” said the Coach in his Press conference. The Scudetto has already been decided, making this a battle purely for pride, as Roma want to show they are not necessarily inferior to the Bianconeri. “We want to put in a good performance and I hope it will be a celebration for everyone. We had a record-breaking campaign, but in front of us Juventus broke even more records. “I said that next season we might put together fewer points and win the Scudetto anyway. What proved the difference between Roma and Juve? I don’t know and today I don’t care, as I want to put out the best possible team and enjoy the game, playing it at 100 per cent. “I want to see a Roma who play with enthusiasm and feel pleasure in playing a big game like this. It has to be a pleasure to play at this level.” If Roma win tomorrow, it will mean over the course of the season they have beaten all 19 Serie A teams. “The table is what it is, Roma second and Juve first. We beat Juve in the Coppa Italia and lost in Turin, so we will be very motivated.” Garcia confirmed goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis has a bruised arm he suffered against Catania, so 23-year-old Polish talent Lukasz Skorupski will start in goal, while Douglas Maicon needs a late fitness test. Asked about Antonio Conte’s future at Juventus, Garcia went back on more old wounds. “Juve and their Coach will do what they think is best. The important thing is that Roma are competitive next season and we are working on it. Speaking of Conte, I didn’t like some of his statements, let’s say looking for controversy, but someone who gets 96 points can only be a good Coach.” Garcia was optimistic on Miralem Pjanic’s contract renegotiations and insisted it was “not decided” whether he’d leave on Tuesday to join Bosnia’s World Cup squad. “He wants to remain, the President wants to keep him, so a compromise will be found.” Would the Roma tactician ever accept the job at Juventus, if asked? “I am the Coach of Roma, proud to be here, I want to stay for a long time and it would be an honour to win even half of what Sir Alex Ferguson achieved at Manchester United. “There is rivalry between the clubs, but this must be purely sporting rivalry with fair play. I don’t want to put negativity into the game, as football must be a festival for children too.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Juventus squad for Roma May 10, 2014 Juventus are without Arturo Vidal, Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic against Roma. It kicks off at 17.45 CET. The Bianconeri announced several problems in today’s training session that ruled players out of the trip. Claudio Marchisio felt pain in his right foot, but is still in the squad. Giovinco is suffering from an acute pain in his left thigh, Vucinic has a left knee problem. Vidal is out for the rest of the season after undergoing keyhole surgery on his knee. Juventus squad for Roma: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Tevez, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Osvaldo, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Roma squad for Juventus May 10, 2014 Roma have named their squad for tomorrow’s Serie A showcase with Juventus. It kicks off at 17.45 CET. The Giallorossi have already lost the Scudetto race, but are eager to prove they’re worthy challengers to the title holders. Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti are still sidelined, while Alessio Romagnoli is suspended. Mattia Destro returns from his four-match ban, while Radja Nainggolan has also finished his time on the naughty step. Roma squad for Juventus: Bastos, Benatia, Castan, De Rossi, De Sanctis, Destro, Dodo, Florenzi, Gervinho, Ljajic, Lobont, Maicon, Nainggolan, Pjanic, Skorupski, Taddei, Toloi, Torosidis, Totti http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pirlo: 'Italy ready for World Cup' May 10, 2014 Andrea Pirlo is confident Italy “are ready for the World Cup,” and Mario Balotelli “will be important, just like the others.” The Juventus midfielder spoke to giornalaccio rosa TV about the upcoming tournament in Brazil, which will likely be his last for the Azzurri. “The team grew well, had a good Confederations Cup and comfortable qualification, so I think we are ready for the important adventure that is the World Cup. “It is going to be a tough group, but we have everything it takes to get through the round. “My favourites for the trophy are Brazil, as they are the hosts, Spain, Germany and Argentina, but there are many contenders.” Italy will face England, Costa Rica and Uruguay in Group D next month. Pirlo was also asked whether Balotelli will be the decisive figure in Italy’s tournament and if he had any advice for the Milan striker. “No, I have no suggestions, as he is big enough to take care of himself. The important thing is that he reaches the tournament in good shape, then he’ll be important to the squad, just like the others.” Pirlo has become an icon of Italian football all over the world and was greeted with excitement by the crowd at a recent friendly in Spain. “It is pleasing to be known abroad, especially by children, as that means I’ve done some good work over the years. It also happened in Brazil at the Maracanà. “I still want to play football and I still have fun, so as long as I have that hunger I’ll continue to play.”

WhoScored.com ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Preview: Roma v Juventus May 9, 2014 Team News Roma • Alessio Romagnoli is suspended and he will miss out along with Kevin Strootman and Federico Balzaretti who have had their seasons ended early through injury. • Mattia Destro and Radja Nainggolan will be back available and both are likely to start. Juventus • Arturo Vidal took advantage of the fact that the title has already been sewn up to undergo surgery on his injured knee. • Apart from him, Antonio Conte will have his best XI available. Match Facts Juventus have won 12 of their last 13 matches in Serie A. Roma have been winning at both half time and full time in 9 of their last 10 home matches in Serie A. Roma have won 10 of their last 11 home matches in Serie A. Juventus have been drawing at half time and winning at full time in their last 3 matches in Serie A. Roma have scored at least 2 goals in 10 of their last 11 home matches in Serie A. Roma have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 4 home matches against Juventus in all competitions. Prediction • Roma's defeat at Catania - coupled with Juventus' victory over Atalanta - took away the chance of this game being a top quality fight. However, even if the gap in the table makes this match irrelevant in terms of the title, it takes away from Juventus the option of playing for a draw and thus makes for a more interesting clash. • Juve will be going for the 102-point mark, knowing that getting to three figures would be a record for the Italian league. Roma will want to prove that they can compete with the title winners and they will also seek revenge for the humiliating defeat they suffered in the reverse match. Both teams will go all out victory from the first minute to the last. Prediction Roma 1 - 1 Juventus http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS May 11, 2014 - 5:45 PM Olimpico Stadium — Rome Referee:‬ Carmine Russo Serie A Preview: Roma v Juventus Roma failed to halt Juventus' charge to the title, but can dent their hopes of securing Serie A's highest points tally on Sunday. May 9, 2014 Juve wrapped up a third straight Scudetto last Sunday thanks to Roma's surprise 4-1 reverse against Catania after Rudi Garcia's men had proven worthy title rivals for Antonio Conte's side. Last weekend's results make Sunday's clash - which has been moved forward three hours after violence in the capital marred the Coppa Italia final - at the Stadio Olimpico a lot less meaningful than it would have been, although Juve still have plenty to play for. A win for the newly crowned champions over Roma will secure Juve the highest points tally for a Serie A campaign - bettering Inter's haul of 97 in 2006-07. Sebastian Giovinco spoke in the week about securing 100 points to cap off another impressive season for the club and Conte. The calming influence of midfielder Andrea Pirlo has been a major factor in Juve's progress under Conte and he feels the success at the club has helped ward off thoughts of retirement. "My motivation to go on is very strong, simply because I love playing football and having fun on the pitch," the 34-year-old told L'Equipe this week. "I have always had fun every day on the training field and every weekend during the matches. I believe that is important. I don't feel any tiredness or weakness. "I am happy at Juventus and I hope to be able to stay for a few more years." Despite not being able to catch Juventus, Roma have managed to secure the second automatic UEFA Champions League place and sit 13 points clear of Napoli in third. While Juve won the reverse fixture at a canter in January, as goals from Arturo Vidal, Leonardo Bonucci and Mirko Vucinic helped see off nine-man Roma 3-0, Garcia's side have beaten Juve this season. Roma ended Juve's Coppa Italia campaign later that month thanks to Gervinho's late winner, with Garcia and his opposite number embroiled in a public spat of late. When Garcia urged other teams in the league to raise their games against Juventus, Conte labelled Roma as "provincial" and later stated his side's achievements had become "almost expected" in comparison. Despite their disagreements in the press over recent weeks and Roma's inability to stop Juve defending their title, Garcia is pleased with how his debut season in charge has panned out. "Juve are accustomed to winning in Italy. We learned a lot this season but need to end the campaign better. Not only do the fans expect more next season, but so do I and the players," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I will add, Sunday's match must only be a festival of football - for Roma to show they are happy with our season and be proud of what we’ve achieved." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pogba: I wish to stay at Juventus and win the fourth Scudetto May 9, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has finally broken the silence regarding the transfer rumors surrounding him by reassuring the Bianconeri supporters that he wants to stay at Turin and win another Scudetto the next season. The French international has been one of the most impressive players in Italy this season, scoring nine goals and notching nine assists in fifty games in all competitions for the recently crowned Italian champions. Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola dismissed any story linking his client from a move away from Italy, suggesting that he will be holding talks with the club about a contract extension, also claiming that his client is very happy at Juventus and that he does not want to move away from Turin. The former Manchester United player spoke to La Stampa addressing the transfer rumours around him. “Where will I go? I’m here, right? I’ve got a contract with Juventus. So what are we talking about? “, said Pogba. “I have never thought of moving or spoken to anyone about making a transfer. I wish to stay at Juventus and I want to add another league title by winning the fourth Scudetto with Juve. “Did Zinedine Zidane phone me? I would like to know from where this coming. Has anyone seen the number of Zidane on my phone? Or have I told anyone that Zidane has spoken to me over the phone? “I have never said I want to play for Real Madrid. I have only said that Madrid are a great team like Juventus and Manchester United.”