Socrates

Barzagli ‘out for a month’ Mar 19, 2014 La Repubblica are reporting that Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli faces around a month out injured after suffering a recurrence of a calf injury. AMAZONIAN The 32-year-old suffered the setback during the warm up before his side’s Serie A match with Genoa last Sunday. Unlike last time however, it is said that the problem cannot be managed while he continues to play so he now faces the prospect of four weeks on the sidelines. AMAZONIAN More bad news for the Old Lady is that Federico Peluso will also miss the next three weeks of first team duty, having picked up a thigh strain.

Release clause stalling Pogba deal Mar 19, 2014 Paul Pogba’s contract renewal at Juventus is stalling because of a minimum fee release clause, it is claimed. AMAZONIAN The Bianconeri midfielder has been heavily linked with a switch away from Turin in the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid both said to be interested. However, Antonio Conte’s men are keen to keep the France international beyond his current deal, which ends in 2016. The club and the player’s representative have been in talks for a few months, but are stuttering over one detail. AMAZONIAN Wages and contract length are all, according to Libero, agreed – with Pogba set to earn €3.5m per season and stay on until 2017. However, his agent is insistent that the deal has to have a release clause inserted, something Juve do not want.

- U.E.F.A. EUROPA LEAGUE (Ritorno - ottavi di finale) 20 marzo 2014 - ore 19:00 Stadio Artemio Franchi — Firenze Arbitro: Howard Webb (Inghilterra) Confronti ufficiali 167 - 150 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 3 (Coppa Uefa/Europa League) Vittorie Juventus 75 - 69 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Pareggi 55 - 49 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa/Europa League) Vittorie Fiorentina 37 - 32 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 282 - 244 (Serie A) - 19 (Coppa Italia) - 15 (Campionato a gironi) - 4 (Coppa Uefa/Europa League) Goals Fiorentina 187 - 162 (Serie A) - 23 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa/Europa League) Fiorentina - Juventus a Firenze Coppa UEFA Confronti ufficiali 1 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 1 (L'ultimo il 16.05.1990, 0-0) Vittorie Fiorentina 0 Goals Juventus 0 Goals Fiorentina 0 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Fiorentina - Coppa UEFA/Europa League 2 presenze Alejnikov Sergeij 2 Alessio Angelo 2 Casiraghi Pierluigi 2 De Agostini Luigi 2 Galia Roberto 2 Marocchi Giancarlo 2 Napoli Nicolò 2 Rui Barros Gil Soares 2 Schillaci Salvatore 2 Tacconi Stefano 1 goal Casiraghi Pierluigi 1 De Agostini Luigi 1 Galia Roberto 1 Vidal Arturo Ultimi confronti diretti 06.03.2010 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 1-2 27.11.2010 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-1 17.04.2011 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-0 25.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 2-1 17.03.2012 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-5 25.09.2012 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-0 09.02.2013 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 2-0 20.10.2013 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 4-2 09.03.2014 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-0 13.03.2014 Europa League Juventus-Fiorentina 1-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 4 - Vittorie Fiorentina 1 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Fiorentina 8

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) ‘Viola can’t wait for Juve’ Mar 18, 2014 Fiorentina’s Massimo Ambrosini says his side cannot wait for their Europa League tie with Juventus to resume on Thursday. AMAZONIAN The Viola hold a slender advantage from the first leg, having scored an all-important away goal in a 1-1 draw at Juventus Stadium last week. “We can’t wait to play the match,” Ambrosini said to Tuttosport. “The mood is still calm and that can be an advantage for us. “Juve are built to play at a high level in every competition. AMAZONIAN “The level of their squad and the quality of their players is the best. “They are a group who can strike fear into opposition but in a one off match anything can happen, we must be very careful but also brave. “Tevez could make the difference, he is a player who is used to playing in these sorts of games.” AMAZONIAN The 36-year-old was also asked about his future at Artemio Franchi. “The club knows my desire very clearly, we need to discuss it.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Webb & Atkinson in charge of Italians Mar 18, 2014 English referees Howard Webb and Martin Atkinson will be in charge for Fiorentina-Juventus and Napoli-Porto on Thursday. AMAZONIAN The Viola host the Bianconeri in the second leg of their Europa League Last 16 tie, going into the match with a crucial away goal, having drawn 1-1 last week in Turin. And Webb has been revealed as the man in charge for what will, undoubtedly, be a fiery clash. AMAZONIAN The Partenopei meanwhile, will welcome the Portuguese side to Naples, looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from their first encounter. Premier League official Atkinson has been given the honour of being the man in the middle for that clash.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Buffon eager for 'special' Europa League run The veteran goalkeeper, who won the Uefa Cup back in 1999 with Parma, has urged his side to go for the jugular against Fiorentina on Thursday. Mar 18, 2014 Juventus skipper Gianluigi Buffon has called on his side to keep their "special" Europa League run going and beat Fiorentina on Thursday. AMAZONIAN The two Serie A sides played out a 1-1 draw in Turin in the first leg of their last-16 tie and will try to book a quarter-final place at the Artemio Franchi this week. Buffon, who saved a penalty in the 1-0 win over Genoa on Sunday, wants his team-mates to make the fans proud and is eyeing a second triumph in the tournament following his Uefa Cup success with Parma in 1999. "Let's make it to the quarter-finals and other special nights," he told Tuttosport. AMAZONIAN "Winning helps you win. We spent a lot of energy in the match against Genoa but in one fell swoop, we got closer to the Scudetto and winning will help us recover in time for Fiorentina. "The club and the fans should be proud of this Juventus once more. We've got the same chance of going through as Fiorentina. The tie is at 50-50. The first leg was in their favour, we'll see with the return game. "I'd love to go all the way again. All we want for this is to prepare for a great match, but we are aware that Fiorentina are a good team - the only one to beat us in Italy. AMAZONIAN "We win about 80 to 85 per cent of matches, so it's logical that a draw like last Thursday's felt like a loss, but it's important to analyse everything with common sense." Buffon also hailed the influence of coach Antonio Conte, who has transformed Juventus' fortunes since arriving at the club in the summer of 2011. "Juve play very good football and we have to thank our coach for this. Conte has transferred his spirit and tactical knowledge to us and we always impose our game."

PSG in €70m Pogba swoop? Mar 18, 2014 Rumours continue to surface that Paris Saint-Germain will go all out in the summer to sign Paul Pogba. AMAZONIAN The France international has been attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent months, with the Ligue 1 champions, Manchester United and Real Madrid all said to be interested. But reports in Spanish newspaper Sport claim that Laurent Blanc’s men will break the bank at the end of the season to bring in the youngster. The paper suggests that they could table a €70m offer for Pobga in order to guarantee his signing. AMAZONIAN Real Madrid assistant Zinedine Zidane has apparently ordered his club to do all they can to sign the 20-year-old. However, the sports daily has insisted that the French champions will offer a whopping €70m.

‘No-one opposed Allegri on Pirlo’ Mar 18, 2014 Paolo Maldini’s strike out at Milan includes Adriano Galliani’s acceptance in 2011 to release Andrea Pirlo on Massimiliano Allegri’s say-so. http://markting10.nl/ Pirlo endured a difficult final season with the Rossoneri under Allegri’s tenure and was released at the end of his contract, with Juventus picking him up that summer. With the Bianconeri benefiting from consistent form from the Italy international, Maldini’s attack on the Rossoneri’s leadership today has included the decision to release the No 21. “Leo wanted me at all costs to become sporting director. Galliani said that I was someone the club had moved on from,” stated Maldini in part of his interview with the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. http://markting10.nl/ “It is not true. If you surround yourself with capable people then you can make fewer mistakes. “The best example is Pirlo - if you have a Coach who says that Andrea as a player is finished and he is no longer needed, there must be someone in the club who replies ‘it’s not true, Pirlo is part of the tradition of this club and must remain’. “So perhaps we would not have done a favour for Juventus…”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Mario Gomez ready for second leg Europa League tie with Juventus Mar 17, 2014 Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez has revealed that he’s ready to play in the Viola’s second leg Europa League round of 16 tie against Juventus on Thursday, though he admits the decision is ultimately up to Vincenzo Montella. AMAZONIAN The 28-year-old, who recently returned to the Viola line up after being benched with a knee injury for several months, scored an equalising goal for his club in their first leg meeting with the Bianconeri at Juventus Stadium, which resulted in a 1-1 draw, and he now insists that he’s ready to give his all in Florence on Thursday. Gomez spoke to Mediaset about the importance of winning the upcoming Europa League match against Juve and commented on the possibility of him making an appearance in the game. “The match will start off with us on par,” said the German international. “We earned a good draw last Thursday and now a very important match awaits us at the Stadio Franchi. AMAZONIAN “Juventus have been proving to be the strongest team in the league. The contest with the Bianconeri is for this whole city, I noticed this in the league match where Giuseppe Rossi scored a hat trick. “Will I play on Thursday? I always hope to play, but it depends on the coach. The important thing is that I’m back on the pitch, I’m ready.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Rossi flies in for Fiorentina-Juve Mar 17, 2014 Giuseppe Rossi will be at the Stadio Franchi on Thursday for Fiorentina-Juventus in the Europa League. AMAZONIAN The forward has been out of action since damaging knee ligaments at the start of January, but recently got the all-clear to move on to the next stage of recovery. “Today I spoke to the club about Beppe’s return,” revealed agent Andrea Pastorello on TGR Toscana. “Pepito will be in Florence on Thursday to watch the game against Juventus. He wants to be at the stadium at all costs. AMAZONIAN “In America he followed the games on TV, but now it is the time to come back.” Fiorentina drew the first leg 1-1 in Turin, so even a goalless draw would be enough for them to qualify for the quarter-final. Rossi hopes to recover full fitness in time for the World Cup, but it’s a race against time. AMAZONIAN “We are working to get back as soon as possible and in theory he could play at the end of April, but it is still early to make predictions. “The World Cup? Right now the objective is to come back on to the field with Fiorentina.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Barzagli and Peluso injured Mar 17, 2014 Bad news for Juventus, as Andrea Barzagli’s calf problem is continuing and Federico Peluso has a thigh strain. AMAZONIAN Barzagli pulled out in the warm-up of last night’s 1-0 victory against Genoa, complaining of a recurring left calf problem. Tests “revealed increased inflammation in the region. His condition will continue to be monitored over the coming days.” It has been a recurring issue with Barzagli, so the medical staff don’t want to risk pushing his recovery too quickly, especially with the World Cup looming on the horizon. AMAZONIAN There are some reports the centre-back could be out of action for 3-4 weeks. Meanwhile, Peluso had left Genoa last night because of flu symptoms, but those masked the pain from a muscular complaint he had in training on Saturday. AMAZONIAN Tests today showed a first-grade tear of the adductor longus thigh muscle and he’ll be sidelined for several weeks. However, Carlos Tevez is back in training and should be fit to start Thursday’s Europa League match with Fiorentina.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Viola ‘have no fear’ Mar 17, 2014 Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto says his side are not scared by the prospect of their Europa League match with Juventus. AMAZONIAN The Viola have a slender advantage heading into the decisive second leg at the Artemio Franchi and the Brazilian expects a hostile atmosphere to greet the Old Lady. “The result against Chievo was important,” Neto told Sky Sport 24. “Now we need to concentrate on Juventus and we can play in a calmer fashion. “When there are games of this type in Florence the atmosphere is incredible, it’s always like that. AMAZONIAN “We have no fear, there are two teams of a high level going up against each other. “They have a lot of champions, but so do we. “Buffon is of the highest calibre, it is an honour to play against him.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Marotta: To Florence to win! Mar 17, 2014 Beppe Marotta has assured that Juventus’ goal this week is to ‘go to Fiorentina and win’ to maintain their Europa League journey. AMAZONIAN The Bianconeri head out to Florence in midweek for the second leg of their Last 16 tie with the disadvantage of a 1-1 result and an away goal conceded to try and rectify. For their director general though, the assertion that they are one foot out of the competition already and focusing on a third consecutive Scudetto only is inaccurate. “Trips away are very nerve-wracking, stressful, plus we play against Fiorentina,” Marotta has begun on Mediaset, reflecting on the coming week’s test. AMAZONIAN “We do so in not the best of conditions. But Thursday we will go there to play. I do not believe that we are eliminated as some are saying, we will play our game. “When we participate in a competition we try to win it. The Scudetto has immense value, it would be something that only Capello’s Milan has achieved in the post-war game. But, the Europa League is prestigious, we want to get to the final. “We have, starting from the Coach and the players, a very high profile, with people who always want to win and we all have the desire to go to Florence and win, I say win because this is our goal. AMAZONIAN “The desire is great. The credit also goes to Fiorentina because they played a nice game. Last week, even though they created very little, they took advantage of one of those few chances. “They are a team that plays good football and who in the Europa League has always done well this year.” AMAZONIAN Andrea Pirlo’s winning free-kick for Juve last night inevitably has seen his contract situation once more discussed. “With Pirlo we have always said there is an agreement and it is already done, we are happy with him and he has found a second burst of life, we are confident that he will continue with this relationship.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Cuadrado has Juve hope Mar 17, 2014 Juan Cuadrado hopes that his performance against Chievo will earn him a place in the Fiorentina side to face Juventus in midweek. AMAZONIAN La Viola face off against the Bianconeri on Thursday in the second leg of their Europa League Last 16 tie and head into it off the back of a 3-1 win over Chievo. On the scoresheet last night, Cuadrado admitted afterwards he was looking to convince Vincenzo Montella to select him in midweek, having omitted him from the starting line-up for the first leg last week. “One always wants to play, it was a technical choice for me to not go,” the Colombian winger has reflected to reporters this week. AMAZONIAN “And I took it with respect. Here was an opportunity and I provided my contribution. I have to train to play and I will give my all to be there on Thursday against Juve. “It was very important to win here [on Sunday evening], the teams are all in there for the fight for Europa League qualification. “Certainly we felt tired, in front of us we had a great team in Chievo who put us in difficulty.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS March 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium — Florence Referee: Howard Webb (England) Montella wary of enthusiasm Mar 17, 2014 Vincenzo Montella was impressed by Chievo’s approach, but fears excessive enthusiasm around Fiorentina. AMAZONIAN The Viola suffered more than expected, but got past the Flying Donkeys 3-1 in Florence. “Subconsciously there was a risk we could underestimate this test, so I rotated the squad and played those who were perhaps more motivated at this opportunity to shine,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “It was a very good performance against an excellent Chievo that caused us all sorts of problems throughout, but overall I think my team did enough to win it. AMAZONIAN “Chievo got back into the game, but we finished it off in mature fashion. It was a shame we went a little too deep at one point. “It was a ‘real’ game and Chievo are tactically sound, so this is the kind of battle you face in Serie A, as teams know how to defend and how to attack you. They interrupted our flow in a certain way, but when we picked up the pace we did get past them.” Juan Cuadrado was surprisingly dropped against Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday, but scored a spectacular volley tonight. AMAZONIAN “I have no doubts on Cuadrado. It was a purely tactical decision on Thursday. We’ll see over the next few days what choices I’ll make and the strategy I take against Juventus. “I agree to a certain point that Cuadrado is ‘irrational’ and that unpredictability is his strength, but it can also become a weakness because he takes his teammates by surprise too. He is a hard worker and is learning to become the top player in his role. “It was the perfect performance from him tonight and I hope he can play like this 40 times a year.” AMAZONIAN The first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 ended 1-1, so the second leg is on Thursday, but Montella fears excessive enthusiasm. “It’s a difficult match, considering the enthusiasm in the city and that went through us after the first leg draw, people acted as if we had already qualified! Unfortunately we have to play the second leg still and it is going to be incredibly tough.”

Calciopoli judges slam Moggi Mar 17, 2014 The judges in the Calciopoli civil trial ruled Luciano Moggi and others worked to damage the impartiality of referees. AMAZONIAN The ruling finding former Juventus director general Moggi guilty was released on December 17 in Naples, but the reasoning behind the decision was only published today. Over 203 pages, the judges noted there was “multiple and articulate evidence” pointing to a crime having been committed. Moggi was only part of the criminal enterprise along with former Juve director Antonio Giraudo, refereeing designator Paolo Bergamo and others. AMAZONIAN It was suggested “the light-hearted and apparently convivial tone used to reach agreements on who would officiate the individual games seems extremely serious in the light of the evident damage to impartiality that is essential for a referee, as a referee must in principle maintain equidistance between the opponents.” It was written the tone of the conversations in the wiretapped phone calls were only apparently convivial, but in fact suggested “the hardness of the rapport between participants and the evident objective to take and maintain control.” There was an entire chapter in the 203-page document on Moggi’s role within the affair, noting he had a “pre-eminent” position and was “unusually unscrupulous” in linking together various sections of the football world. AMAZONIAN “Moggi’s position appears certain and beyond doubt. He created the situation where he could have a truly abnormal influence in the Federation.” He was accused of even influencing television programmes to have a harsher or kinder view of certain refereeing performances, while Moggi and Giraudo entering the locker rooms of referees and assistants caused particular shock. AMAZONIAN Moggi’s behaviour was “at the very least aggressive” in dealing with referee Gianluca Paparesta after a Reggina-Juventus match on November 7 2004, when he locked the official in his room. Moggi has always maintained he was innocent, claiming various club representatives regularly phoned up the Federation and refereeing designator to complain about certain officials, but that only the Juventus wiretaps were put forward to investigators.

‘Buffon proves greatness again’ Mar 17, 2014 The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon says his client’s penalty save yesterday was merely another example of his greatness. AMAZONIAN The Azzurri number one saved Genoa player Emanuele Calaio’s spot-kick with the score still at 0-0 and the Old Lady went on to win the game. “He really has done so many good things in his career that it’s not a surprise if he makes the difference,” Silvano Martina told Tuttojuve.com. “Yesterday was just yet another demonstration of his greatness and how well he is playing. AMAZONIAN “He is playing great matches every Sunday. “I think he is in good shape. He is alert and motivated. “He is the usual Buffon, the same as when he first started playing.”

GENOA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Andrea Pirlo (89′) March 16, 2014 - 20:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium — Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance:‬ 20000‎ Genoa 0-1 Juventus: 6 Things We Learned Mar 17, 2014 Juve continued their march towards the highest-ever point total in a Serie A season with a 1-0 victory at Genoa. AMAZONIAN A stunning free-kick from Andrea Pirlo with 90 seconds of normal time remaining stole the points for Antonio Conte's side, who were given a fierce battle at the Marassi. The Bianconeri were looking for a morale-boosting result to build some momentum ahead of the second leg of their Europa League tie with Fiorentina following a disappointing 1-1 draw in the first leg. The Grifone can be proud of their display, despite losing in such cruel circumstances. AMAZONIAN Conte will feel that the Scudetto is all but assured after extending the gap at the top to 17 points over second-placed Roma. Here are six things we learned. AMAZONIAN Conte's Management of Centre-Backs' Minutes Benefits All Concerned Antonio Conte has cleverly managed the playing time of his starting trio of centre-backs. In a move that will not only benefit Juventus in their push to claim the Europa League in addition to their third successive Scudetto, the number of starts for Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci's have been carefully managed over this intense schedule. The move will help to keep the Italy internationals fresh right through to the Europa League final in May (if, as is the plan, they make it) as well as the World Cup in Brazil the following month, which will delight Azzurri manager Cesare Prandelli. AMAZONIAN Leonardo Bonucci returned to the starting line-up on Sunday, having taken a rest for the two matches against Fiorentina. Andrea Barzagli also sat on the bench at the Juventus Stadium in Thursday's Europa League tie and was kept fresh for the second leg by sitting out the clash at the Marassi too. All three are massively important to the success of club and country, and in such an elongated season, Conte's decision to use them sparingly at this point is a wise one. AMAZONIAN Gasperini Has Taken Genoa to a New Level Gian Piero Gasperini should be commended for taking Genoa to a new level. Despite losing on Sunday to the champions, their performance against Juve suggests that the Grifone are in a new place and ready to push on to greater things. Gone will be the days when just avoiding relegation would be satisfactory. The Genovese side showed they can compete against the very best, and their stability over the past couple of months has been key. AMAZONIAN Consistent team selection and the right balance in all departments has been imperative in delivering good results to make up a fine season for the Rossoblu. Genoa, Italy's oldest club and fourth-most successful in terms of scudetti, have the stature and history to push towards European football. Finally, president Enrico Preziosi has shown some faith in one manager, and his trust has been rewarded with excellent performances and results. Now Genoa must finish the season strong and kick on to bigger and better things, away from relegation scraps. AMAZONIAN Sturaro Gives the Grifone the Passion of the City's Fans Stefano Sturaro is enjoying a breakthrough season for Genoa, and the Liguria-born player's graduation to the first team has delighted the fans. It has been some time since one of their own has broken into the first team, and it is another key to developing the club under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. Preziosi has wasted plenty of cash on numerous signings over the years, with Genoa famed for regularly selling and buying players into double figures each season. AMAZONIAN If Gasperini can use the owner's budget more wisely and provide encouragement for other stars from the Primavera set-up, Genoa can prosper. Sturaro's versatility in the middle of the park has become highly useful in recent weeks and has given the team a breath of fresh air. You can tell that Sturaro is genuinely delighted to be involved and relishing his opportunity to wear the badge of the club he supported as a boy. That passion is infectious, and the team are buoyant from his rise in recent weeks. AMAZONIAN Pirlo Still Worth His Weight in Gold Andrea Pirlo demonstrated his ability on Sunday, proving that he is still worth his weight in gold despite reaching age 34. Pirlo scored an 89th-minute winner from a trademark free-kick, showing that he can still be a difference-maker at this level. His contract is up at the end of the season, but on this evidence giving the Azzurri international an extension would be a wise decision for Juve. AMAZONIAN Pirlo needed to wait several minutes while the wall was organised by the referee, but when the whistle blew it was inevitable where the ball was going. Such grace and beauty showcased as he strutted towards the ball before curling it into the top corner past a helpless Mattia Perin was a pleasure to watch, and long may it continue. AMAZONIAN Buffon Still Hitting the Heights Gianluigi Buffon is still maintaining the highest possible standards between the sticks for Juve. Buffon is immortalised as a Juve and Italy legend, but his performances are so consistently excellent that it is easy to forget his exceptional standards and his longevity in maintaining them. Stooping low to his left, Gigi was able to push Emanuele Calaio's penalty away to keep Juve in the game, but there were numerous other smart stops that kept the Grifone at bay. AMAZONIAN In particular, Andrea Bertolacci's thumping shot from close range was beaten away, with the former Italy U21 international just 12 yards from goal and given a clear sight when the Juve defence suffered a momentary lapse in concentration. Conte will be thrilled to know that Buffon has long since put a sticky patch of form earlier in the season behind him and that he is back to his very best. Terrence Clarke @terrenceKC Not only did Buffon equal Dino Zoff on 476 appearances, but he just equaled him for penalties saved [8] Only Gianpiero Combi has more [10] AMAZONIAN Victory Emblematic of Conte Era Antonio Conte's Juve were summed up on Sunday night with the 1-0 victory over Genoa. Not always at their best, Juve find a way to grind out wins when they have no right to do so. AMAZONIAN The Bianconeri are in a formidable run of form that has seen them lose just once this season and enjoying a run of five consecutive wins. Perhaps it is an indictment of the poor quality of Serie A in recent years, certainly in comparison to years gone by, but Juve's character and resilience are characteristics that have defined this team over the past three seasons since Conte took the reins. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

GENOA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Andrea Pirlo (89′) March 16, 2014 - 20:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium — Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance:‬ 20000‎ Pirlo: Vital goal in Scudetto race The playmaker was over the moon with his goal as he helped the Old Lady to victory and a 17-point lead over second-placed Roma. Mar 17, 2014 Andrea Pirlo hopes his match-winning free-kick in Juventus' 1-0 win over Genoa on Sunday evening proves to be pivotal in the Serie A title race. AMAZONIAN The experienced midfielder scored the only goal of the game when he fired home a wonderful effort in the dying minutes - after Gianluigi Buffon had earlier saved a penalty to keep the scores level. "Let’s hope that the goal proves important in the Scudetto race," Pirlo was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website. "We knew it was a difficult game. It was crucial to claim the three points. AMAZONIAN "In spite of all the difficulties we came up against, our spirit was always good." The midfielder then looked ahead to the return of Juventus' Europa League tie with Fiorentina on Thursday. AMAZONIAN "Motivation comes naturally for such a match. It’s a fundamental game for us to continue our European journey." Juve were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the round of 16 encounter. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

GENOA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Andrea Pirlo (89′) March 16, 2014 - 20:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium — Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance:‬ 20000‎ Antonio Conte: We won like a great team The 44-year-old felt most teams would have failed to beat Gian Piero Gasperini's side and insists he will make some changes for the Europa League clash with Fiorentina. Mar 17, 2014 Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes it took a "great team" to grind out a win like his team did against Genoa on Sunday. AMAZONIAN The reigning Serie A champions edged out a 1-0 win over Gian Piero Gasperini's side thanks to Andrea Pirlo's free-kick in the dying minutes. Genoa created chances throughout the game and missed a penalty in the second-half which would have given them the lead, but for Gianluigi Buffon's save. And Conte believes his side's ability to emerge from the match victorious was a sign of their strength. AMAZONIAN “The players begin to get tired and only a great team could have won like we did here today in spite of some debatable moments," Conte told the club's official website. “Their defenders were very aggressive, they kept hold of possession and looked to play. They maybe could have been more precise with the final ball, but they were very good in both attack and defence." The coach insisted the league was "50 per cent won" after last weekend's win over Fiorentina but he refused to discuss how far ahead his side are now as they stretched their lead at the top to 17 points. AMAZONIAN “I prefer not to state percentages of something that could then turn out not to happen. But of course coming to Genoa and winning against a team who played the game of their lives is very important. “Moving forward at this extraordinary pace can be discouraging for the chasing pack because we’ve now got an incredible 75 points. Our objective is delivering a third consecutive Scudetto for the club president and now we’ll go to Florence looking to reach the next round of the Europa League.” The Italian coach suggested he could rotate his squad again heading into the second-leg of their Europa League last-16 clash against Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi. AMAZONIAN “The problem Barzagli had today should serve as an example. He had a calf injury and we gave him a breather on Thursday to be able to play him today, but instead he’s still had to miss out. "This should be a clear sign of how important squad rotation is.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

GENOA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Andrea Pirlo (89′) March 16, 2014 - 20:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium — Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance:‬ 20000‎ Bonucci: Most important win Mar 17, 2014 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci says his side’s late win over Genoa was the most important of their season. AMAZONIAN Goalkeeper Gigi Buffon saved a penalty before Andrea Pirlo stepped up to fire home an 89th minute free-kick to win it for the Old Lady. “The Genoa win for me was the most important win of our season up until now,” Bonucci wrote on his official website. “We played against a great Genoa team and my battle with my friend Gilardino was fantastic. AMAZONIAN “I highly compliment them and it was a great win for us. “Now we have 10 finals left to play. “Until the maths say that it is, the Scudetto will not be ours. AMAZONIAN “Now it’s on to Florence on Thursday for a game of a thousand emotions. “They are playing at home so on paper they have the advantage. “But we will see what happens out on the pitch. May the best team win.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

GENOA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Andrea Pirlo (89′) March 16, 2014 - 20:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium — Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance:‬ 20000‎ Preziosi: We did not deserve to lose Mar 17, 2014 Enrico Preziosi has reflected on frustration at seeing Genoa lose to Juventus. AMAZONIAN Preziosi commented on Genoa’s defeat last night, which came courtesy of Andrea Pirlo’s late free-kick and only after Emanuele Calaio had missed a penalty for the home side. “This is football, we did not deserve to lose, but we missed a penalty and we were punished for the only shot on goal Juventus had, some magic from Pirlo. We would also be moral winners, but we leave with nothing. It is not always the case that those who play best win, but Juventus have been able to field players at another level to ours. “Calaio’s missed penalty? Perhaps he was not calm, perhaps too full of emotion. In Naples he was able to give us victory with a great free-kick. Here he was unable to affect things, but let’s not blame anyone. AMAZONIAN “The future? Now we will finish the season. A win against Juventus would have given us hope to do something more for this season. “Let us finish the year well and we will think about the programme for next season.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Buffon: 'Always hope with Pirlo' Mar 16, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon saved a penalty on the day he matched Dino Zoff’s tally and said “there’s always hope with Andrea Pirlo.” AMAZONIAN The Juventus goalkeeper helped secure the 1-0 victory in Genoa when he parried an Emanuele Calaiò spot-kick, then Pirlo curled in a last-minute free kick. “There is a lot of enthusiasm around this victory because in all honesty we didn’t really hope we’d win it by that stage,” confessed Buffon on Sky Sport Italia. “Did I have hope when I saw Pirlo on the free kick? Of course, there’s always hope when Pirlo’s on the ball, even if he’s in my penalty area. He’s one of those players who can change a game. AMAZONIAN “It makes us very proud to have won this game and we hope the fans and club can be proud too, as we proved this team knows how to suffer under pressure and roll their sleeves up. “Is it another brick in the wall of the Scudetto? More than a brick I’d call it a landslide!” The shot-stopper admitted he was relieved that Calaiò took the penalty after Alberto Gilardino had been substituted. AMAZONIAN “I thought Gila was going to take it and you never know how he takes penalties, so I would’ve been in trouble! Fortunately he went off and I had to face a different player. “I think it’s a wonderful day for me and for the team. Whoever wrote this script did a great job,” he grinned. This evening Buffon made his 476th appearance for Juventus in all competition, matching the tally of legendary goalkeeper Dino Zoff. AMAZONIAN “It feels strange to be placed alongside Zoff, as he is a legend of the sport all over the world and especially for players in my position. “This makes me realise how far I’ve come, but it also leaves me uneasy, because I don’t feel worthy of being compared with Zoff.” AMAZONIAN He also performed a crucial save on Andrea Bertolacci and explained he forced the Genoa man to miss. “I usually stand my ground and stay on my feet as long as possible in a one-on-one situation, so I make it as difficult as I can for the opposition to score. It looked as if he fired it straight at me, but I forced his hand.”

GENOA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Andrea Pirlo (89′) March 16, 2014 - 20:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium — Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance:‬ 20000‎ Conte: 'Only a great team...' Mar 16, 2014 Antonio Conte pointed out “only a great team” like Juventus could’ve won in Genoa tonight and blasted their critics. AMAZONIAN Gigi Buffon parried an Emanuele Calaio penalty before Andrea Pirlo curled in a last-minute free kick for the 1-0 result at Marassi. “Inevitably coming here and winning in Genoa against a team that played the game of their lives, after our run of matches with tired players I couldn’t rotate, it means only a great team could’ve done it,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “There were also some controversial incidents, but we know referees are humans and can make mistakes, so I compliment the officials.” AMAZONIAN Andrea Barzagli pulled out in the warm-up, so Giorgio Chiellini had to be introduced. “Barzagli’s problem is to be taken as an example, because when some moan about the squad rotation, I was resting Barzagli against Fiorentina because he played three games in a row. Despite that, he still had to stop. There are other players who need a rest, but Marchisio and Giovinco’s injuries mean I had few options. “Genoa were very aggressive, but the forwards did very well to hold on to the ball and we had scored other goals, so I am satisfied. We could’ve been more precise in the final ball, but they did well both attacking and defending. AMAZONIAN “This team is having a super-fantastic campaign and at the end of the day people have to admit it, even if they do so with a heavy heart. I hope to win the Scudetto, then it will be in the record books and the chatter will be gone with the wind. “Going at this extraordinary pace, we are pushing those behind us over the edge into depression. They will hopefully be disconcerted by this and fall behind. “I always said the Scudetto was our main priority, to give the third consecutive title to the President. Of course we also want to progress in the Europa League, but the primary objective has always been the Scudetto.” AMAZONIAN On Thursday Juventus face Fiorentina in the Europa League and were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg, but Conte again aimed a sideswipe at critics. “Fiorentina have a clear advantage with the first leg result. Reading the papers and listening to what people say, it felt as if on Friday they had already celebrated Juve’s elimination from the Europa League.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

GENOA 0 - 1 JUVENTUS Andrea Pirlo (89′) March 16, 2014 - 20:45 PM Luigi Ferraris Stadium — Genoa Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance:‬ 20000‎ Gasperini: 'Painful defeat' Mar 16, 2014 Gian Piero Gasperini found Genoa’s last-gasp defeat “incredibly painful” and felt they deserved to beat Juventus. AMAZONIAN Emanuele Calaiò had a penalty saved and Andrea Pirlo curled a free kick in at the last minute for the 1-0 result at Marassi. “Losing a game like this is incredibly painful. We played well for 90 minutes and we thought that we’d be able to win it and make history, so to lose is hard to swallow,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia. “Considering the quality of our opponents, it was undoubtedly our best performance of the season. It’s a real shame, as we had the game in hand during the second half and had that penalty. AMAZONIAN “I can only compliment my players. It’ll be tough to raise their spirits, but they must remember the performance. “We worked hard, with determination, strong fitness levels and also quality, as it wasn’t just grit. We created some good scoring opportunities and then this Pirlo gem at the end threw away the game. “I know it won’t remain in the history books, but it remains a memorable game for us and I hope also our fans.” AMAZONIAN Gasperini put Francelino Matuzalem permanently on Pirlo in midfield and it did make Juve’s job more difficult. “That was the way we prepared it and that tactic proved effective. Andrea Bertolacci would go forward a lot and the defenders did well against quality strikers. We accepted this challenge and had done so well for 89 minutes. “As time went on we gained confidence and were getting stronger and stronger.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111