Socrates

Pogba is a force of nature, says Buffon The Italy international has nothing but praise for his young team-mate and has little doubt the Bianconeri directors will make the right decision on whether to sell the midfielder. Apr 16, 2014 Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon has voiced his admiration for Paul Pogba, describing the young Frenchman as "a true force of nature." The midfielder has established himself as one of the brightest young players in Europe following his excellent form for the Bianconeri since his move from Manchester United. The 21-year-old is continually being linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, with the Ligue 1 giants reportedly willing to pay up to €70 million for the powerful midfielder, and while Buffon admits such a fee could prove too tempting for the club to ignore, he is eager for the player to stay at the club. "Paul is a natural talent. There's no arguing about that. He is a true force of nature," the Juventus goalkeeper told Sky. "He has surprised everyone. He has just exploded and didn't need much time for it. We all understood within two months or so that he was a huge talent and that we were talking about a great player. "But in a difficult economic situation like this, you have to take a lot of things into consideration if a big offer comes in. "But I would like to stress that the directors and the president have always made the right choices and will do the same in this case." Pogba has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2016.

The hilarious story of Rino Gattuso trying to 'kill' Andrea Pirlo with a fork This extract from Andrea Pirlo's autobiography, 'I think therefore I play', details some of the hilarious pranks that the Italy star played on his former team-mate. Apr 16, 2014 My face, with its fixed expression, doesn't let on what I'm thinking. But therein lies the beauty. I can make up the craziest stories, say the most ridiculous things to my team-mates and everyone thinks I'm being deadly serious. They don't realise what's happening and I have a whale of a time. I'll be smiling inside, but outwardly completely impassive as I plot my next joke. And sometimes it's cost me a slap, particularly when Rino Gattuso was around. With him not being a man of letters, or a distinguished orator, whenever Rino opened his mouth the dressing room turned into the Rio Carnival. People would be blowing raspberries, making trumpet noises, doing the conga. Always the same reaction. We'd never let him finish before we started with the p*** taking. I'd call him "te***ne" (a derogatory term for a southern Italian) and he'd hit me. To get my own back, I'd nick his phone and send a bunch of texts to Ariedo Braida, our general manager. This one time, Rino de Janeiro, like me, was waiting for his contract to be renewed. I did the negotiating on his behalf by means of a single message. "Dear Ariedo, if you give me what I want, you can have my sister." Rino found out and gave me a beating before ringing up Braida. "It's just one of Pirlo's stupid jokes," he said. I've always wondered if the response was, "what a pity". Before Italy games, Daniele De Rossi would hide under Rino's bed and wait. He'd be there for anything up to half an hour. Gattuso would come in, brush his teeth, stick on his leopard-print pyjamas, get into bed, take out a book and look at the pictures. Just as he was about to fall asleep, Daniele would reach up from under the bed and grab his sides, while I'd burst out of the wardrobe like the worst kind of lover, making horrendous noises. Rino took it really well, despite risking a massive heart attack. First he'd beat up Daniele and then he'd do the same to me. Just to prove he was even handed. Another time we gave him a soaking with a fire extinguisher. A draw away to the Republic of Ireland had been enough to secure our qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and so the last group game, against Cyprus in Parma four days later, had become almost like a friendly. Pretty much meaningless, and that's exactly how we treated it. Lippi gave us a night off in Florence, and almost all of us went out for dinner. Gattuso didn't – he stayed at the team hotel. When we got back, we were quite drunk, actually very drunk, and we ended up chatting in the lounge. We weren't tired, so we needed to find something to pass the time. Everyone had the same idea: "Let's go and p*** off Gattuso." He was already asleep, with his little nightcap on his head. On the way up the stairs to Rino's room, De Rossi spotted a fire extinguisher. "I'm off to put out Gattuso," he said. We knocked on the door and out Rino came, screwing his eyes up as he advanced. Daniele started spraying, covering him in every last drop before running off to hide in his room. He left me at the mercy of that monster in its underpants, absolutely dripping with foam and shouting total gibberish. Listening to him, though, I knew he was beginning to wake up and regain his senses. I tried to escape, but I was already done for. When the guy on your shoulder is Gattuso and he's out to do you harm, you can run as hard as you like, but he'll always catch you. Rino ran me through his full range of slaps. Gattuso's also superstitious to a pretty disgusting degree. At the 2006 World Cup, because things were going well, he kept the same tracksuit on for more than a month. It was something like 40 degrees in Germany and he was going about dressed like a deep-sea diver. From round about the quarter-finals, he began to stink. Never mind a fire extinguisher – what he really needed was an industrial supply of lavender. "Gattuso would grab a fork and try and stick it in us. Some of us ended up missing games because of Rino's fork attacks" Rino's always been my favourite target, top of the table by some distance. This despite the fact that on several occasions he's tried to kill me with a fork. During meal times at Milanello, we'd invent all sorts to torment him and put him on the spot. When he got his verbs wrong (pretty much the whole time), we'd jump on him immediately. And then when he actually got them right, we'd make out that it was still wrong just to wind him up even more. Me, Ambrosini, Nesta, Inzaghi, Abbiati, Oddo: that was the group of bast***s right there. "Rino, how are you?" "Bad. We got beat yesterday. I was better if we won." "Rino, try again. It's: 'I'd be better if we'd won.'" “But it's the same thing." "Not exactly, Rino." "Fine then. I'd be better if we'd won." "Rino, just how ignorant are you? 'I was better if we won.' That's how you say it." "But that's what I said before." "What, Rino?" "That thing about winning." "What thing, Rino? Can you repeat it?" You could see the red mist coming down and he just wasn't able to hide it. We could tell what was coming and so we'd commandeer all the knives. Gattuso would grab a fork and try to stick it in us. On more than one occasion, he struck his intended target and the fork sank into our skin. We were as soft as tuna; the kind you can cut with a breadstick. Some of us ended up missing games because of one of Rino's fork attacks, even if the official explanation from the club was one of “muscle fatigue”. We'd get out of his way when he got mad but once he'd calmed down and gone to his room, we'd come back out, pile up the sofas in front of the door and block his exit. "Let me out – training starts in a while." "Deal with it, te***ne." He'd then go crazy again, smashing up everything in sight. But even when he was angry, he was one of the good guys. Amongst other things, I've seen Rino catch and eat live snails for a bet. He really does belong in a film.

Tevez denies Messi rumours Apr 16, 2014 Carlos Tevez denies that one of the reasons he is not being selected for Argentina is because he has a poor relationship with Lionel Messi. The 30-year-old is set to miss out on a place in his country’s squad for this summer’s World Cup but says he is on good terms with the Barcelona man. “I really don’t know where certain stories come from,” Tevez said as part of his interview with Cronica. “The truth is that we have played together in matches and training and there has never been a problem. “He is a very nice person and very polite. This should be his World Cup and I wish him well from the bottom of my heart because he is a marvellous player. “He and Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom I played at Manchester United, are the best players in the World.”

Tevez ‘won’t follow’ Argentina Apr 16, 2014 Juventus forward Carlos Tevez says he has no plans to follow Argentina at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. The 30-year-old seems set to miss out on a place in Alejandro Sabella’s 23-man squad for the tournament but refused to criticise the tactician for his exclusion. “No, I don’t think I will go to watch Argentina’s matches,” Tevez said to Cronica. “I have plans to go to Disneyland with my wife and children instead! “When I was at Corinthians I had a great relationship with Sabella. We never had any problems and the respect was always there. “Everyone asks me why I’m not in the national team, but I can’t answer that because it would not be respectful. It’s just the way things are. “I think the CT is just happy with the players he has called up and that’s it. If he wins, everyone will thank him for his decisions. “Because of this it wouldn’t be right if I were called up now. “I haven’t been part of the journey. So once I have finished celebrating Juve’s victories at the end of the season, I will go to Disneyland.”

'Conte extension at end of season' Apr 16, 2014 Beppe Marotta has revealed that Juventus will sit down with Antonio Conte at the end of the season and discuss a contract renewal. The 44-year-old has a deal with the Bianconeri until June 2015, but the sporting director has admitted that they are likely to sign an extension soon. “Conte has already said that a renewal will be discuss at the end of the current season,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We, as a club, are fully satisfied with the work of our Coach. He has a contract with us, and is our leader. “We are really proud to have Antonio with us. “We have already spoken, and by mutual agreement we have agreed to meet after winning something special - whether that's the Scudetto or the Europa League...or both!"

Marotta: Juve are a buying club Apr 16, 2014 Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta has insisted that the club will endeavour to keep Paul Pogba this summer. Several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, have been linked with a move for the France international at the end of the season. But the Bianconeri board member has claimed that the Turin outfit would do all they could to keep the youngster, after Gianluigi Buffon admitted earlier on Wednesday that he would ‘understand’ if Pogba was sold. “Buffon’s statement on Pogba and financial equilibrium? Buffon made an argument not only as a player but also as a businessman,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We will make the appropriate evaluations on the squad, but I reiterate that Juve are a buying club not a selling one.”

'Still room for Pogba improvement' Apr 16, 2014 France national team Coach Didier Deschamps has warned against extreme expectations from Paul Pogba this summer. The Juventus midfielder has been one of the stand-out performers for the Bianconeri this term, and is expected to light up the tournament in Brazil. However, Les Bleus’ boss has insisted that the former Manchester United youngster still has a lot of maturing to do. “Paul’s still a young lad and this World Cup will be his first competition,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “He has huge potential, but even if he’s doing very well, I still think Paul has room to mature and improve. “We’re all calm though ahead of the World Cup.”

Buffon: I’d understand Pogba’s sale Apr 16, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon says he understands if Juventus sell Paul Pogba, as he reflects on the importance of Antonio Conte and Carlos Tevez this term. Young midfielder Pogba has continually attracted transfer speculation during his two seasons so far with the Old Lady, with Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Real Madrid all linked with interest in the €40m-rated star. For his captain, there is a realisation of why there is such interest and also why it may bear fruit over the summer. “Paul is an undeniable talent, a natural talent, a force of nature, he is a guy who has surprised everyone, that has exploded, not even in a lot of time,” Buffon has considered to Sky Sport Italia this week. “Within two months, two-and-a-half months we had already figured out his talent, the player we were talking about. “Then, evaluating in an economic time like this, at these particular moments, one can have so many considerations. “But I also say that the directors at Juventus, together with the President, have always made very prudent decisions and have hardly put a step wrong. That will again be the case this time.” Juventus stand on the verge of collecting a third consecutive League title and for Buffon, the credit belongs to Carlos Tevez and Antonio Conte. “First of all, without Conte, I would have gone to Roma. Then, he has brought a lot this year on a motivational level, because it can be argued that after two Scudetti, the third is not so clear cut, because in some groups there can be a sense of fulfilment that can only cause issues. “But someone like him has helped us this year to always stay on track, not to take anything for granted. “I also have to say that in key moments of the season, in my opinion, the will to win and the characteristics of a driver like Carlos Tevez has given us a big hand, especially at the beginning, when we were a bit apathetic. “His great physical prowess, although he is not enormous, his competitive spirit, in many games, especially at the start, dragged us and earned us the three points. “Our objectives? We want the Scudetto and the Europa League, to return to being among the best in Europe. “The Europa League is not a requirement, it is definitely a goal that could be within our reach, or is within our reach. “If we express ourselves 100 per cent and if all the factors are in our favour.”

Pirlo to retire from internationals after World Cup in Brazil Apr 16, 2014 Juventus and Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo feels that once he retires he will not be taking up the role of a coach. The Azzurri veteran will be 35 when he heads into his seventh and final major tournament for the national team as he has decided to hang his boots after the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In extracts from his new autobiography, he addressed his future plans also his penalty against England in the 2012 European Championships, as well as the loss against Liverpool in the 2005 UEFA Champions League that almost made him retire. “After the World Cup in Brazil, I’ll retire from international football.”, said the Maestro during the interview “I’ll be hanging up my heart. Until that day, nobody must dare ask me to stop, apart from Cesare Prandelli, should he have tactical reasons. I’ll be 35 by then, and it’ll be time to give someone else a go. Being part of a team that belongs to everyone makes me feel good.” “A lot of the time, it’s better than sex: it lasts longer and if it falls flat, it can’t just be your fault. Take someone like Antonio Cassano, he says he’s slept with 700 women but he doesn’t get picked for Italy any more. Can he really be happy? I wouldn’t be.” “That shirt, with its Smurf-like blue, gives you a whole new image across the world. It takes you to a higher level. Much better to be a soldier on the pitch than in the bedroom. Pirlo also spoke about his plans once he retires as a player and what he hates the most as a professional footballer. “No Coaching for me. I’ll get a life. I wouldn’t bet a cent on me becoming a manager. There are too many worries and the lifestyle is far too close to that of a player. In the future, I’d like to get back a semblance of a private life. ” “One part of my job I’ll never learn to love is the pre-match warm-up. I hate it with every fibre of my being. It actually disgusts me. It’s nothing but masturbation for conditioning coaches.” The veteran also disclosed his mentality before he stepped up to take the penalty against England in the last Euro. “To be clear, I didn’t do a Francesco Totti against England at Euro 2012. Back at Euro 2000, against Netherlands, just before he went up to take his penalty Totti told captain Paolo Maldini that he was going to chip the keeper. I made my decision at the last second when I saw Joe Hart doing all sorts on his line. ” Pirlo confessed that he had considered retirement after suffering a painful loss in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final against Liverpool “I thought about quitting because, after Istanbul, nothing made sense any more. The 2005 Champions League final simply suffocated me I’ll never fully shake that sense of absolute impotence when destiny is at work.” “How it happened I don’t know, but the fact remains that when the impossible becomes reality. Somebody messed it up – in this case, the entire team. A mass suicide where we all joined hands and jumped off the Bosphorus Bridge.” “For that reason, I steer well clear of the DVD from the Liverpool game. I will never watch that match again. I have already played it once in person and many other times in my head, searching for an explanation that perhaps does not even exist.” The Juventus regista spoke of Sir Alex Ferguson’s tactics of using Ji Sung Park to mark him when the two sides met in 2010. “Even Sir Alex Ferguson, the purple-nosed manager who turned Manchester United into a fearsome battleship, could not resist the temptation. He’s a man without blemish, but he ruined that purity just for a moment when it came to me. A fleeting shabbiness came over the legend that night.” “They’d programmed him to stop me. His devotion to the task was almost touching. Even though he was a famous player, he consented to being used as a guard dog.” Pirlo also spoke of how close he was in snatching a move to Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea. “It was August 2009 and I’d reached agreement with Chelsea, the club where Ancelotti had just come in as manager. Carlo was like a father and a teacher for me, a kind, friendly man who knew how to make things fun.” “But, in the meantime, Silvio Berlusconi had pulled out a second piece of paper. Berlusconi blew my Chelsea move. AC Milan wanted too much cash, and they were also pushing for Branislav Ivanovic to be included in the deal. Finally, the Mozart also spoke of the racism circling Mario Balotelli. “Mario Balotelli is a special kind of medicine, an antidote to the potentially lethal poison of the racists you find in Italian grounds. They’re an horrendous bunch, a herd of frustrated individuals who’ve taken the worst of history and made it their own.” “And they’re more than just a minority, despite what certain mealy-mouthed spin doctors would have you believe. Whenever I see Mario, I’ll give him a big smile. It’s my way of letting him know that I’m right behind him and he mustn’t give up. A gesture that means ‘Thank you’.”

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Gabriel Silva: "Juventus are the strongest team of the season" The player gives credit to Juventus for their win and for being the leader of the ranking. Apr 15, 2014 Gabriel Silva analysed the match played at the Friuli stadium starting with giving credit to Juventus for their win against Udinese's underperformance: "I think Juventus are too strong, they showed everybody their value and the reason why they are on top of the table. Nevertheless, we need to do better, when we face these kinds of teams we need to give our all, use all our strength. We didn't do so today, and we paid for it". The Brazilian player also talked about the key actions of the match: "Giovinco did very well on the occasion of the first goal, a great action indeed. The second goal was avoidable, we made a mistake after the corner kick and they made the most of it. They are strong, we performed well but we could have done better. There is no time to moan though, we need to focus on Napoli". http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

'I belonged to Real' - how Andrea Pirlo agreed to join Madrid This extract from Andrea Pirlo's autobiography, 'I think therefore I play', looks at how the World Cup winner came close to signing for the Spanish giants. Apr 15, 2014 BOOK EXTRACT By Andrea Pirlo It's the summer of 2006, we've just won the World Cup, and I'm thoroughly drunk on life. I go out and about on my bike in the quiet little streets of Forte dei Marmi and, as I pass by on the seafront, people stop and pat me on the back. They must have thought that beating France in the final had fried my brain, but there was something they didn't know. They were missing a vital piece of the story, namely that as things stood, I belonged to Real Madrid, not Milan. I was a Madrid player in my head, my heart and my soul. I had a five-year contract sitting waiting, and a salary that was out of this world. It seemed that certain people at Milan had got themselves into one too many scrapes – or at least that was the story doing the rounds. Calciopoli was the second most popular topic of conversation back then, a close second to Italy's penalty shootout triumph in Germany. One day you'd read that we were going to be relegated to Serie B, the next that we were looking at a 15-point penalty. The next again they'd be talking about us handing back trophies and having our titles removed from the record books. After a while I began to suspect that it wasn't Mark David Chapman who killed John Lennon. It had been one of the Milan directors. The whole thing was an absolute shambles. Nobody had a clue what was going on and what Milan's fate would actually be, least of all me. One thing I was sure of, though: I would never drop down to Serie B. And if I had to leave, I wouldn't feel like a traitor. There was no way I was going to pay for other people's sins, if that's what they turned out to be. The Madrid coach Fabio Capello phoned. And then Franco Baldini, their director of football. Everyone wanted to speak to me. I had a word with my agent, Tullio Tinti, and asked him to find out what Milan were saying about it all. Shortly after, I was due back at Milanello. To make the Champions League proper, we had to get through a qualifier against Red Star Belgrade. At that point Tullio said to me: "Hold off on going back. Let me speak to Real. If you really want a change of scene from Forte dei Marmi, head back to your house in Brescia. And keep your mobile on – in a little while you'll get a call." No sooner had he said it than the phone started ringing. Nostradamus was a mere amateur compared to our Tullio. "Hello Andrea, it's Fabio Capello here." Only one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. "Hello, coach. How are you?" "I'm great, and I imagine you're even better. Come and join us. We've just signed Emerson from Juventus and you're the man to play beside him in midfield." "Okay then." He didn't need much time to convince me. Less than a minute, I reckon. Not least because I'd already seen the contract. My agent had studied it in great detail and then shot off to Madrid. "Andrea, we're on." "I'm really happy about that, Tullio." I pictured myself in that white jersey. Pristine, and at the same time aggressive; a mean streak running through its unusual purity. My thoughts often wandered to the Santiago Bernabeu, the Temple, a ground that struck terror into opponents. Bruised and battered slaves at the king's banquet. "What do we do now then, Tullio?" "Let's go for lunch in a few days." "Where? Meson Txistu in Plaza de Angel Carbajo?" "No, Andrea; not Madrid. Milanello." "What do you mean 'Milanello'? Are you stupid?" "Nope, you heard right: Milanello. We haven't got Galliani's approval yet." I was a Madrid player in my head, my heart and my soul. I had a five-year contract sitting waiting, and a salary that was out of this world" The menu was always the same: I knew it off by heart. Antipasto, starter, main course and then the legendary ice cream with crunchy bits on top. We met in the room used for team meals, halfway between the kitchens and the hall with the hearth where Berlusconi would pound away on the piano and tell various kinds of jokes. Tullio spoke first. "Andrea's going to sign for Real." Then me: "Yes…" Then it was Galliani, staring straight at me. "Andrea, my friend, you're not going anywhere." He pulled out a little case from under the table. That made me smile, thinking it had been just as well hidden as Monica Lewinsky under Bill Clinton's desk in the Oval Office. A contract then appeared from the case, with Mr Biro (Galliani) adding, "You're not leaving, because you're going to sign this. It's for five years, and we've left the salary details blank so you can write in whatever you like." Tullio just about ripped it out of my hands. "I'll keep hold of this." He took his time, brought it home, read it and read it again. I went off to the national team training camp at Coverciano and, for a few days, I didn't hear anything. I thought it was a done deal: I was thinking in Spanish, dreaming in Spanish. My imagination was in overdrive, flying off to Madrid and landing somewhere between Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. And then my agent phoned me. "Sign for Milan. Right now, they'll not let you leave." "No…" "Yes." "Ok, fine." You're then forced to tell the media a lot of crap; provided, of course, that they manage to ask you the right question. If they enquire whether it's right you'd practically signed for Madrid, you're duty-bound to respond hiding behind well-worn clichés and half-truths. You read a dull, lifeless script written by press officers with no talent or creative spark. "No, that's not the case. I'm perfectly happy at Milan." F*** off! It's a pity it went the way it did. I'd have signed for Real in a heartbeat. They're a club with more glamour than Milan; more prospects, more appeal, more everything. They strike fear in their opponents, whoever they happen to be. All that said, at the end of the season I had the consolation of winning the Champions League. It could have gone a lot worse.

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juventus have won nothing yet, warns Caceres The Bianconeri defender insists that his side must not allow their standards to slip and believes rotation is vital as they challenge for Serie A and Europa League glory. Apr 15, 2014 Juventus defender Martin Caceres has insisted that his side have not yet achieved anything this season and must continue to fight to secure trophies. The Bianconeri are on the verge of wrapping up a third straight Serie A title following Monday's win over Udinese and and have a Europa League semi-final tie with Benfica on the horizon. Caceres, however, is adamant the players must not rest on their laurels at a crucial stage of the campaign. "There are still five games remaining, we're getting closer but still haven't won anything," he told the club's official website. Head coach Antonio Conte elected to shuffle his starting XI for the 2-0 win over Udinese and Caceres believes his decision is fully justified as Juve continue to fight on two fronts. "It's right for us to rotate at this current time. Today, Giovinco and Ogbonna got the call and both put in great performances. We haven't got 11 fixed starters, everyone is required," the Uruguayan added. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Udinese win decisive in Scudetto race, says Llorente The Spaniard was delighted to restore his side's eight-point lead at the top of Serie A after scoring the second goal in the 2-0 victory at Stadio Friuli. Apr 15, 2014 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has hailed his side's 2-0 win over Udinese on Monday as "decisive" in the Serie A title race. The Bianconeri triumphed thanks to first-half goals from Sebastian Giovinco and the Spanish striker to go eight-points clear at the top of the table. And the former Athletic Bilbao man feels that victory at Stadio Friuli could prove pivotal come the end of the season as they look to hold off the challenge from Roma. "It was a decisive game, it was so important for us to win and we're happy," he told the club's official website. "We're getting through the games and the distance between us and Roma is remaining the same, so that's great as far as we're concerned." Juve are still fighting on two fronts this season as they look to seal a third straight Scudetto and win the Europa League, but Llorente - who missed the majority of last season due to his protracted move from Athletic - insists that fatigue will not be a factor. "We've played so many games that that's normal. Now we've got time to recuperate before Saturday, so it's no problem." Juve's next Serie A game is at home against Bologna on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled at 18:30CET. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juve win easy to restore eight-point advantage Apr 15, 2014 Juventus manager Antonio Conte puffed out his chest and declared that the whole of Italy were against his side. Their success had made Juventus the most hated team in the peninsula and it was just how they liked it. Being the most hated means opponents play the match of their lives when the Bianconeri are in town making each game that bit harder. However, in Udinese, a 2-0 victory was achieved with ease to restore the eight-point gap over second-placed Roma. It must truly be frustrating to watch the Old Lady in action if you're not a fan. Even more frustrating to watch when the opposition clearly lack the talent required to halt the speeding train that continues to dominate domestically. A Bianconeri side without the energy of Arturo Vidal, the delicate skill of Carlos Tevez and the imperious form of Leonardo Bonucci triumphed with ease against a team many still feel are capable of an upset. Except Udinese head coach Francesco Guidolin's side are no longer what they were. While Guidolin attempted to praise his players who ran and believed in a late goal until the final moment of the game, they simply lacked quality. Unable to keep possession, easily pickpocket in midfield and woeful in the final third, not only was their defence easily overcome but their attack lacked the necessary rhythm to facilitate penetration. There is a reason why Antonio Di Natale spent much of the game complaining, looked aggrieved and is contemplating retirement. While the striker is hardly a spring chicken, football isn't as much fun when the players around you rob you of your enthusiasm. Udinese are all about their counter-attacking game, they prey on mistakes and exploit every situation with their pace and strength. However, while the determination is still evident in their style of play, the lack of real quality makes it difficult to effectively execute the game plan. It's rather hard to find the elusive goal when most runs forward result in a squandered opportunity, either because Di Natale's teammates simply kept the ball for too long or made the wrong decision in the final third. Distraught and agitated, the forward even made a point of not making the run forward at one stage to demonstrate his anger at a previous incident in which he was left alone at the top with no teammate to play off. While the no.10 once boasted teammates such as Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Mauricio Isla, at this moment in time he is playing alongside players still developing and unable to match his present quality. It was all the more frustrating when the opponent boasted such cohesion in their style of play. Every gap well covered, every pass clearly directed, Juventus are a well-oiled machine, bursting with talent in every area of the pitch and on Monday night they demonstrated just how much they enjoyed playing their opponents. First to every ball, quick to intercept and committing numbers forward to overcrowd the opponent's box, it was simply too difficult to restrain a side so eager to collect their third consecutive title. Conte opted to start Sebastian Giovinco who, on the back of his recent performances, deserved his place in the starting line-up. Truly magnificent in recent outings, the player has demonstrated exemplary tactical understanding, quick feet and rapid thinking. The only thing he was missing was the goal -- a much-needed, desperately-coveted goal. On Monday night it finally arrived: a perfect left-footed curl to beat the admirable Simone Scuffet. There is something about Giovinco that has caught the eye of late. While he always appeared to have suffered with the weight of a Juventus shirt, he is starting to show great character while raising the level of play of those around him. Capable of drawing defenders away, of speeding up movements in the final third and of losing his marker, his influence is no longer sporadic but rather systematic. Whether it be against Trabzonspor, Lyon or Udinese, he has yet to shy away from his responsibilities, clearly demonstrating his worth and ability to cope with the pressure despite the unimpressed reactions of the fans that he has now begun to win over. Conte's profound belief in the player and consistent praise has served a purpose and one hopes he will continue to play more minutes in order to thrive. He may never truly live up to the expectations of a demanding set of fans, but in his present condition, he's a brilliant player to have on the bench. As for the rest, Claudio Marchisio deserves a symphony of compliments while Fernando Llorente continues to delight with his scoring ability, scoring the second to secure the victory. Five more games and it's all over. Roma may be strong but in Serie A, Juventus have what it takes to break records. One only hopes, they will soon dominate Europe in the way they have dominated domestically under their passionate coach. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Conte ‘sorry’ for Benitez row Apr 15, 2014 Juventus Coach Antonio Conte says he is sorry about the way his exchange of words with Rafa Benitez has been reported in the media. The Napoli boss last week publicly offered to give the Old Lady tactician advice on how to beat Benfica, given that he did so with Chelsea last season. Conte initially refused but now believes Benitez’s words were twisted by the media in order to give them a negative slant. “I am sorry that Benitez’s words were reported in a bad way by the media,” Conte said to Rai Sport. “I’m sorry because it seems to me like Benitez was being serious with what he said, in the sense that he was offering a helping hand. “Let’s says that some newspapers didn’t report it in the right way. “I think Benitez was being genuine, so it’s up to me now whether I call him or not. “Looking at his words now, on his part it looks like it was a serious and genuine offer. “Reading about it before however it didn’t seem that way, so I’m sorry. “I know very well that it’s more important to report about a Benitez row with Conte than about an offer by Benitez to Conte.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marotta: Scuffet has great promise Apr 15, 2014 Beppe Marotta has commented that Simone Scuffet ‘has great promise’, as he enthuses at Juventus’ fitness as a group. The Old Lady defeated Udinese 2-0 on Monday evening with director general taking a pre-match interview and the subject of conversation the Zebrette’s promising 17-year-old ‘keeper. “I will say that he has great promise, because whilst he has yet to confirm it, I believe he has all the requirement to do something important in the game,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “This begins with a quality that I think is enough for him to truly cover the goal excellently.” Marotta also considered that the Udinese match was the club’s 48th of the season. “Yes this really is remarkable, the great professionalism shown by the group, an extraordinary group because we have played 47 [sic, now 48] matches so far. “And then we can even add to that the eight official games played by the national team players. We have demonstrated that whilst we cannot always go at the maximum, we definitely want to round off this season with two objectives that are clearly important.”

Pirlo: I’ve never felt old Apr 15, 2014 In an exclusive extract from his new autobiography, Andrea Pirlo takes us back to the day he left Milan, headed for Juventus. The 34-year-old has chosen to begin his career retrospective, released in English today, where it all ended for him at Milan, after a decade with the Rossoneri. A pen. Beautiful, granted, but still just a pen. A Cartier: shiny, a little bit heavier than a biro and emblazoned with the Milan club crest. But still just a pen. The ink cartridge was blue. Plain old blue. I looked at the pen, spun it round in my hand like an infant examining its first soft toy. I studied the thing from a few different angles, seeking out hidden depths and meanings. Trying to understand. Trying so hard that I felt a headache coming on and a few drops of sweat slide down my face. Finally, the flash of inspiration arrived. Mystery solved: it was, indeed, just a pen. No added extras. Its inventor had left it at that. Deliberately? Who knows. Suddenly I heard a voice. “For goodness’ sake, don’t use it to sign for Juventus.” Adriano Galliani had at least managed to come up with a decent line. As a leaving present, I’d have expected something a little more than his perfect comic timing. Ten years at Milan, finished, just like that. Still, I raised a smile, because I know how to laugh, loud and long. As the club vice president and chief executive spoke, sat safely behind his desk, I had a look around. I knew his office like the back of my hand. It was a vault in the heart of Milan’s old administrative base on the Via Turati. I had happy memories of that room: other contracts, other pens. And yet I’d never noticed some of the photos on the walls, or had only done so distractedly. Those photos had a weighty history, but the prestige was subtly understated. There was every type of photo on display. Memories of glory days and once-in-a-lifetime occasions. Trophies lifted into the air; clouds always being pushed just that little bit out of shot. My picture was being taken down from the frame, but not by force. Getting bored of Milan was a risk I didn’t want to run. That’s why at that last meeting I was sorry, but just the right amount. Galliani and Tullio Tinti, my agent, both felt the same way. We said our goodbyes without regret. In the space of half an hour (probably not even that), I was out of there. When you’re in love, it’s time you need. When the feeling’s gone, having an excuse can help. “Andrea, our coach Massimiliano Allegri reckons that if you stay, you won’t be able to play in front of the defence. He’s got a different role in mind for you. Still in midfield, but on the left.” One small detail: I still thought I could give of my best playing in front of the defence. If the sea’s deep, a fish can breathe. If you put him just under the surface, he’ll get by, but it’s not quite the same thing. “Even with you sitting on the bench or in the stand we’ve won the league. And you know, Andrea, the strategy’s changed this year. If you’re over 30, we’re only offering a year’s extension.” Another small detail: I’ve never felt old, not even at that very moment. Only indirectly did I get the impression that people were trying to make out I was finished. Even now, I struggle to get my head round their reasoning. “Thanks, but I really can’t accept. There’s a three-year deal on the table at Juventus.” I Think Therefore I Play, by Andrea Pirlo, is out now in paperback and all electronic formats.

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Conte: 'Benitez advice? No thanks' Apr 14, 2014 Antonio Conte believes the Scudetto race is still open, but rejected Rafa Benitez’s offer to help Juventus. The Bianconeri made short work of Udinese this evening, winning 2-0 with Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente goals. With five rounds to go, Juve have already amassed 87 points – as many as throughout all of last season. “This was a dangerous game and we could not afford to drop points. Even in a difficult situation, we gave it our all,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “The season remains open and we did well to face this match with the right determination, approach and concentration.” Juve dominated despite resting Leonardo Bonucci, Arturo Vidal and top scorer Carlos Tevez. “Carlos needed a break, as he continued to suffer this thigh problem and it was not good for him or us, as he risked a long lay-off. We will monitor his condition for the next game and the same goes for Arturo’s knee injury. He’d happily play with one leg, but you need two to play football. “My choices were somewhat forced upon me today. Bonucci played eight consecutive games, so it was time he had a breather. Now we hope to have Andrea Barzagli back too.” Juventus host relegation battlers Bologna on Easter Saturday, but Bonucci and Stephan Lichtsteiner will be banned. “We were unlucky tonight, as Bonucci was booked on the bench and Lichtsteiner when he was coming off the field. “We have to keep going, we know the campaign is not over and that Roma won’t give up, so neither will we.” Sebastian Giovinco was often jeered by fans, but scored a sensational goal to break the deadlock this evening. “All my players had a great game tonight, which wasn’t easy. I knew Giovinco was in good form, he is a player who I already said in the past must realise he can make the difference at a side like Juventus too. “I am pleased with this performance, as some considered him to be like a child for me, but I had no favouritism for him. I defend all my players, as I did in the past with Mirko Vucinic,” insisted Conte. “They give me 110 per cent and as long as they do that I will defend them against anyone and everyone, even our own fans. The players give their all and I will always protect them.” Conte refused to suggest Juve had their hands on the Scudetto and reiterated no game will be snubbed, even with the Europa League semi-final approaching. “When playing against Udinese, you know they let you have possession because they can immediately hit you on the break at the slightest error. It’s their tactical approach. “We studied them and prepared for this match, as there’s no time left for a slip-up. We cannot afford to take any game lightly and every game must prove itself on the field, otherwise Barcelona would be in the Champions League semi-final right now. “The most important game is on Saturday against Bologna. The lads know that, they know Roma won’t let go. Roma had a step forward at the weekend and we had a step forward today. I expect to see a packed Juventus Stadium pushing us on to victory.” This week Benitez publicly offered to advise Conte on how to beat Benfica, as his Chelsea saw them off in the Europa League Final last season. However, the response was less than encouraging. “As Napoli went out against Porto, I’d prefer to avoid asking his advice on Portuguese sides! Maybe I have a little more faith in my own collaborators.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Guidolin: 'Credit to Juventus' Apr 14, 2014 Francesco Guidolin felt Udinese did all they could against Juventus, but “you have to give credit to the stronger side.” Ahead of this 2-0 home defeat, Udinese had notched up four wins and a draw in their last five Stadio Friuli outings. “I liked my team. They played well, faced Juventus with courage, made a few mistakes, but you have to give credit to the stronger side,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “Perhaps we could’ve done a little more in terms of aggression, but I saw my team run for 90 minutes and try to the end, hitting the woodwork at the death. “Unfortunately, when you concede the first goal against Juventus it becomes extremely difficult, as they keep possession and can also hit you on the counter. “I am moderately satisfied with our performance this evening. I thought we started fairly well and didn’t want to go behind, but that goal put the game in Juve’s hands. Let’s not forget we were facing the best team in Serie A. “We tried to attack Martin Caceres or Giorgio Chiellini when they pushed forward, but Juve have this perfect mechanism by now that sees other figures slot in to cover the gaps.” Juventus have an eight-point lead over Roma in the Serie A standings, but Guidolin admires both teams. “In my view Roma are still a great side with a very impressive campaign. They have a different style of football, different systems, but both very strong in their own ways. There isn’t a big gap between them.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Llorente: 'Time running out' Apr 14, 2014 Fernando Llorente admits Juventus are closing on a third consecutive title. “Each time there are fewer games remaining.” The Spaniard was on target in tonight’s 2-0 victory away to Udinese, which maintained the eight-point lead from Roma at the top of the Serie A table. “It was a difficult match, but it was too important that we win,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We are very, very happy, as each time there are fewer games remaining and the distance remains the same at the top.” There are still 15 points up for grabs this season, including a head-to-head with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, but they have an eight-point buffer. “It has been a long season, so of course we’re tired, but we have time to recover for Saturday.” This was Llorente’s 14th goal of the Serie A season. “Whether it’s with my head or my foot, it’s still a goal! It makes no difference to me.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Giovinco relieved to end goal drought The forward scored his first goal since October to edge his side closer to retaining their Serie A title. Apr 14, 2014 Sebastian Giovinco revealed his relief at ending his seven-month goal drought after Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 on Monday. The forward struck the opening goal of the game with Fernando Llorente scoring the second to maintain the Bianconeri's eight-point lead over second-placed Roma. Giovinco's last goal came in the 3-2 win over AC Milan on October 6, with the 27-year-old admitting he was glad to get back to goalscoring ways. He said: "It's been a while since I last scored. Goals are important for strikers and I'm happy it came on a night like this. "It's an important victory but not a decisive one. The Scudetto isn't in the bag." Juve face Roma in their penultimate game of the season but could have the Serie A title sewn up before that clash, with coach Antonio Conte urging his side to continue their league charge. "We did well, there's no room for error at this stage of the season. Our players always give 110% in every game. "We need to pull out all the stops on Saturday (Bologna). I'm expecting a packed out Juventus Stadium to urge us on to victory. "We know Roma won't be giving in behind us and it's important for us to do the same." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Player Ratings First half goals from Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente helped Antonio Conte's men extend their lead at the the Serie A summit to eight points with five games remaining. Apr 14, 2014 UDINESE Simone Scuffet - Had no chance at stopping the Giovinco shot, but could have done better in the build-up to Llorente's goal. Thomas Heurtaux - One of the few bright spots for Udinese. Did well to track Giovinco on some promising runs. Danilo - Struggled to cope with the size and physicality of Llorente. Caught out of position at times under intense pressure from Juventus. Maurizio Domizzi - Beaten far too easily by Giovinco for the opening goal. Defensive susceptibility was exposed on a number of occasions by the small forward. Dušan Basta - Got forward well on occasions but really lacked a final ball. Spent more time trying to track back and defend. Hassan Yebda - Hardly saw much of the ball. Concentrated more on his defensive duties, allowing Pereyra to play in a bit more of an advanced role. Allan - Got stuck with the likes of Pirlo and Pogba in midfield, always coming out second best. Roberto Pereyra - Turned the ball over a number of times in midfield, aiding in Juventus' dominance in possession. Gabriel Silva - Failed to stamp his authority on the match. Overshadowed by Lichsteiner along the left and hardly saw any of the ball. Bruno Fernandes - Blasted by Di Natale for waiting too long to play the striker in on a promising counter attack. Antonio Di Natale - Very poor performance from the 36-year-old in his return. Very wasteful in attack, and often selfish. Substitutions Muriel - Hit the post with a glorious chance in added time. More effective in 20 minutes than Di Natale was in the previous 70. N. López - Came on late, but looked to cause a few problems for Juventus. JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - Never tested by a toothless Udinese attack who failed to muster a single shot on target. Martín Cáceres - Wasn't challenged by Udinese and spent much of the match as a spectator. Angelo Ogbonna - Never shied away from a challenge. His aggressive style of play caused a number of problems for Di Natale. Giorgio Chiellini - A typically committed performance from the centre-back. Was always in the right position, making life much easier for himself and his partners in defence. Stephan Lichtsteiner - Made his presence felt along the right, linking up well with Pogba on a number of occasions. Subbed off in the 75th minute. Paul Pogba - Appeared to be all over the place for Juventus. Set up Llorente's goal and provided a number of teasing balls forward for Lichtsteiner and Giovinco. Andrea Pirlo - Another classy performance from the Italian. Passing was neat and tidy. Set up a number of chances, including the cross that eventually led to the second goal. Claudio Marchisio - Instrumental in defending the two-goal lead in the second half as his crisp passing orchestrated an overwhelming amount of possession. Kwadwo Asamoah - Failed to stamp his authority on the match. Juventus had plenty of success through the middle rather than out wide. SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO - Caused Udinese a number of problems with his pace and well-timed runs. Opened the scoring with a beautiful strike early in the first half. Fernando Llorente - Right place at the right time to score his goal, and put the game out of reach. Provided a good target up top for Juventus in a very central role. Substitutions Mauricio Isla - On for Lichtsteiner to help see out the victory. Mirko Vučinić - Came on late to wind down the clock. Pablo Daniel Osvaldo - A horrible first touch broke up a breakaway opportunity, the only time he saw the ball after coming on late. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Udinese vs. Juventus: 6 Things We Learned Apr 14, 2014 There was a moment when the game seemed to stop. Defender Giorgio Chiellini had the ball around 40 yards out, and no one moved. So he pushed forward and ran right into the box, right by everyone. Juventus were already leading 2-0 at Udinese, and they would eventually win by the same score, but at that moment the home side looked like spectators, a team that no longer wanted to play at all this season. They were like that most of the game. Udinese put a grand total of one shot on net. Gianluigi Buffon had to make the first and only save in the 87th minute. Antonio Di Natale grew more and more frustrated when he didn’t get the calls and his teammates failed to make the pass. On the other side was a coach who never stopped yelling, who seemed to work harder on the sideline than any of his opponents on the field. Antonio Conte willed his team from the first minute, and Juventus scored early. It was Sebastian Givonico who scored the winner, but it was Fernando Llorente who continues to fool us all. The 29-year-old Spaniard has 14 goals in Serie A this season and is the Juventino scoring down this last stretch: WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored Fernando Llorente: Has scored 3 goals in his last 2 Serie A apps after netting 3 in his previous 11 #Juve Juventus won for the 28th time, an all-time high for the club in Serie A. To reach 100 points, they need 13 of the 15 available over the next five games. Meanwhile, Gianluigi Buffon quietly made his 483rd appearance, good for fourth in the club’s history. All the records are going down. Here are six things we learned from their latest victory. Antonio Conte Keeps Up the Tempo When Llorente scored the second goal, Conte celebrated like they had won the title (they likely have). He jumped into the arms of his assistant, and the players on the bench congratulated each other, all of them on their feet. Conte told reporters before the match that Juventus had won nothing yet, but they could still win the Scudetto in April. They’re getting ever closer. Even into stoppage time, Conte did not sit down. He was moving around and pointing and giving instructions. You hear him after the match, and his voice is gone. Here was another game his team dominated, and yet he was never happy. And once more: His players still respond. The intensity is all the same. All the yelling seems to work—even in this, the 48th game they played this year. Finally: A Goal for Sebastian Giovinco He last scored in Serie A in October against AC Milan, but since then Giovinco hasn't received all that much time to score again. He made his fourth league start on Monday, and with a curling strike he opened the scoring and ran to the away supporters, blowing them a kiss. Many of the fans at Juventus Stadium have booed and whistled the 27-year-old striker this season. He has not enjoyed the greatest relationship with the fans, but his manager always believed in him. “There aren’t enough people who praise Giovinco, who in my view has incredible quality,” Conte told reporters after the first match against Lyon. “He needs to believe in himself even more and realise he can make the difference at a big club like Juventus.” Sometimes he is a bit grouchy, and on several clear and correct calls against him, he retaliated and argued with the referee. He looks much better when he cuts by and fools defenders. He is still a bit too short to take on a cross—even though Paul Pogba supplied a few good ones. But Giovinco did well in relief of Carlos Tevez, who has already played in 41 matches this term. Fernando Llorente Back Scoring Llorente went seven straight games in all competitions without scoring until earlier this month. Not many noticed—Juventus still won the majority of those games, even by a single goal. But the goals he’s scoring now are big and timely, just like the striker himself. He came to Juventus as a free signing after spending a season marginalized at Bilbao. On Monday, he scrapped in the box for his 14th goal in Serie A. Tevez has just four goals more. If Tevez spearheads the attack, Llorente reinforces it. He is Tevez's right-hand man but also a big reason why Juventus still maintain an eight-point lead over Roma in the standings. He can play with almost anyone on the squad. He is a great partner in attack, and his second goal seemed to mean more to Conte than the first. Udinese Lacking Any Inspiration They really only came to life in the final few minutes, when Maurizio Domizzi finally forced a save out of Buffon, and Luis Muriel hit the post, but that was it. Udinese did not give Juventus much trouble. Understandably, they are a young squad. Two teenagers started for them against Juventus. Bruno Fernandes frustrated Di Natale, and for large parts of the game the two just could not work together. The team hardly put together a meaningful set of passes. Allan was the only one who put in any real effort. He tussled for the ball and reinforced the defence. He himself is just 23, as is Roberto Pereyra, a player Juventus admire, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. But Udinese have to keep these young players. Too often they sell them away. Coach Francesco Guidolin Has Run His Course Francesco Guidolin has managed this club for four seasons. Some of his decisions are strange. He kept Muriel, perhaps his most explosive player, on the bench. It was no coincidence that they played better once he came on. This team does not look like it can give much more. Even so, Guidolin was satisfied with this performance. “I liked my team. They played well, faced Juventus with courage, made a few mistakes, but you have to give credit to the stronger side,” he told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia). “I saw my team run for 90 minutes and try to the end, hitting the woodwork at the death.” Those words were rather optimistic. It was a gutless performance, and Udinese did nothing until the end of the game to threaten the score. He can’t take this team much further. Guidolin has lifted them to the Champions League, and they have played in the Europa League. They failed miserably in both competitions. He told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Gianluca Di Marzio) after the match that he will discuss his future by the end of the season. He can’t take this club much further. Simone Scuffet Still Has Time to Learn Across the field was the goalkeeper the media believe Simone Scuffet can become. Gianluigi Buffon is 36 and still playing for Italy, and he must have a few more years left to play. Scuffet is the 17-year-old phenomenon, another Italian goalkeeper whose name ends with a consonant. But the gap in experience and quality is about as large as the gap in age. He made a great leaping save on Giovinco almost immediately after the Italian scored the opener, but then scuffed a clearance and conceded the second goal. He lacks the strength on his feet. But there is still so much time to learn. Next season is the real test. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 to restore their eight-point lead at the Serie A summit Juventus responded to Roma's victory over Atalanta by overcoming Udinese 2-0 to restore their eight-point lead at the Serie A summit on Monday evening. Apr 14, 2014 Sebastian Giovinco put the visitors on their way in the 16th minute before Fernando Llorente doubled their lead 10 minutes later to seal the win. Giovinco was unlucky not to add a third in the 68th minute when his strike rebounded off the post. Udinese, who failed to test Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon until the 88th minute, saw substiute Luis Muriel's attempt deep in stoppage time denied by the woodwork. With the rest of results already known, the stakes were clear for Juve, who had seen their advantage at the top cut to five points heading into the encounter. The Turin giants showed no signs of tiredness after beating Lyon 2-1 at home on Thursday to reach the Europa League semi-finals. Juve coach Antonio Conte left the team's top scorer Carlos Tevez on the bench, fielding Giovinco and Llorente up front. Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale returned to play having missed his team's last two games with a knee injury. Di Natale had the first opportunity of the game in the fifth minute but his powerful free-kick went over the bar. Juve went ahead shortly after when Paul Pogba found Giovinco in the box and his left-footed shot towards the far post beat Udinese goalkeeper Simone Scuffet. Giovinco came close to scoring his second in the 25th minute but saw his 15-yard effort kept out by Scuffet. Juve made it 2-0 seconds later when Udinese failed to clear a corner and Llorente was there to smash the ball home from close range. Before half-time, the home fans demanded a penalty when Di Natale went down in the area under pressure from Martin Caceres but the referee waved play on. Udinese's struggles continued after the re-start and it was Juve that continued to push forward. In the 49th minute, Giovinco sent a 25-yard effort just wide of the post. Giovinco almost added his second after the hour mark when he got past his marker and his well-struck effort hit the woodwork with Scuffet beaten. Juve slowed down the pace and it was Udinese that went forward in the final minutes. Buffon made his first save of the night to clear Maurizio Domizzi's shot from the edge of the area. Shortly after, Buffon saw Muriel's hard drive hit the far post with the keeper already beaten. Juve's players celebrated after the final whistle as they fulfilled their duty to keep Roma at arm's length with five games to go in the Serie A season. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS Sebastian Giovinco (16′) Fernando Llorente (26′) April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM Friuli Stadium — Udine Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Initial reaction and random observations Apr 14, 2014 This hasn't been the easiest of seasons for Sebastian Giovinco. And it hasn't been just because he's dealt with some injuries along the way, either. Consistent playing time has been few and far between for Juve's No. 12 compared to last season when he started 23 Serie A games — some of that having to do with his injury troubles, some of it having to do with Carlos Tévez being an absolute beast. But with Tévez getting a much-deserved rest on Monday night, Giovinco was given a chance to show what he is capable of when he's at his best. He teamed with Fernando Llorente, coming together to form Juventus' version of the odd couple. And in the first half, they delivered the goods against Udinese — big time. First-half goals from the little man and the big man were the difference as Juve easily disposed of Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. What might have been looked as a tricky away trip against a team that has given Antonio Conte's squad trouble in the past https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDsPpWtaEU8 That's just a thing of beauty right there. Luckily Vine just keeps replaying and replaying and replaying so you don't even have to move a finger to watch it over and over again. Not bad for your first goal since October. More of that, please. And for a guy like Giovinco who has had to face his fair share of setbacks and had to deal with a diminished role compared to a season ago, you know that goal had to feel pretty good. He'd been showing glimpses off the bench in recent weeks and with Conte giving Giovinco a starting spot tonight, Super Seba made his manager's decision to role with the odd couple the right one. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen #Conte: “This is a place where we could have dropped points. Udinese are in great physical shape and wanted to pull off a result tonight.” Just a few more points and it will be party time again. Time to finish strong, fellas. Random thoughts and observations • Y'all see how Antonio Conte celebrated Llorente's goal with his fellow coaches and players? He knows what's just a few points away. • Is Fernando Llorente officially back to being the Fernando Llorente we saw in the middle of the season? Three goals in two league games would pretty much tell you he is. Like I said in the match preview, if Llorente is getting on a goal-scoring hot streak again, it's coming at a pretty good time. • You know who was very good against Udinese but probably won't be talked about as much as Giovinco and Llorente because he didn't score a goal? His name is Kwadwo Asamoah. I like that guy. • Not exactly the Simone Scuffet-Gianluigi Buffon battle we might have been hoping for, huh? All Buffon had to do was make one save — a pretty good one from close range in the 87th minute when the game was far from being over. And on Scuffet's end, Juve didn't pepper him, but he got some practice picking the ball out of the back of the net. • Angelo Ogbonna wasn't spectacular against Udinese, but I'd say it was a pretty solid return to the starting lineup for him. Juve didn't come close to building the attack through Ogbonna as they do with Leonardo Bonucci, but there wasn't really a point in the game where you can turn to and say that he screwed up big time. • Leonardo Bonucci got carded in the first half and will miss Saturday's game against Bologna. Key piece of information here: Bonucci didn't even play against Udinese. • This is a Giorgio Chiellini appreciation bullet point. Combine how Asamoah played with Chiellini being his usual awesome self and Juve's left side of the defense/midfield bossed Udinese. Let's just not talk about Chiellini and his occasional runs forward. That's not really as effective as his defending. WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored Giorgio Chiellini: MotM vs Udinese, Rating 8.2, Tackles 3, Clearances 7, Interceptions 1, Key Passes 1 @juventusfc • Stephan Lichtsteiner left the field after he found out he was being subbed out screaming at the referee. If that's not one of the most Lichtsteiner things there is, I don't know what is. • An eight-point lead with five games to play? Yeah, I like the sound of that. I hope Juventus have contacted their party planners. The Scudetto No. 32 celebration is coming to a city near you shortly. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111