Socrates

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi MATCH PREVIEW Dec 14, 2013 Juventus have looked in devastating form in Serie A recently, while Sassuolo saw a good patch of results come to an end last week. http://markting10.nl/ Antonio Conte’s Bianconeri maintained their imperious domestic form by notching a seventh straight victory, against Bologna, last weekend. Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini were on target in either half to seal the result. Meanwhile, Gianluigi Buffon kept a seventh consecutive clean sheet to go over 600 minutes without conceding in Serie A. The League leaders were involved in a chaotic final Group B Champions League clash in midweek, eventually losing away at Galatasaray. The game was interrupted by snowfall and hail and was played on a heavy pitch, spread across Tuesday and Wednesday. Juve succumbed to a late Wesley Sneijder goal that meant elimination from the competition. Andrea Pirlo remains sidelined through injury, while Simone Pepe is on the comeback trail. Claudio Marchisio reached the yellow card limit at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara and sits out. http://markting10.nl/ Sassuolo last weekend suffered their first defeat since October, going down at home to Chievo. Given their run of two wins and two draws in the intervening period it was something of a shock result. In heavy fog, Cyril Thereau scored the only goal of the game shortly after the interval. It means the Neroverdi sit a place and point above the relegation zone. Eusebio Di Francesco has tried to remain upbeat, but admits throwing away a two-goal lead against Cagliari to draw and this subsequent defeat at home were both painful. Co-owned by both clubs, Domenico Berardi misses the trip through suspension, having picked up too many yellow cards. Emaunele Terranova and Aladje Gomes are both injured. http://markting10.nl/ This will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides and was shifted from its original Saturday night kick-off to Sunday due to the events in Istanbul. Keep an eye on: Simone Zaza (Sassuolo) – With Berardi suspended, Zaza will take much of the scoring burden for the visitors. He will be hoping to add to his five goals this season against one of his employers and end Buffon’s clean-sheet streak. http://markting10.nl/ Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Sassuolo (W D W D L) Last season: Not played Stat fact: Sassuolo and Juventus co-owned pair Domenico Berardi and Simone Zaza have combined for 12 of Sassuolo’s 17 goals this term. http://markting10.nl/ Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pogba, Asamoah, Peluso; Tevez, Quagliarella Sassuolo (probable): Pegolo; Antei, Bianco, Acerbi; Gazzola, Magnanelli, Marrone, Longhi; Missiroli, Zaza, Floro Flores http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Juventus-Sassuolo Preview: Bianconeri hoping to bounce back Antonio Conte's men can extend the gap at the top to six points with a victory on Sunday, which would be the perfect tonic for a Champions League hangover. Dec 14, 2013 Juventus will look to put their devastating defeat to Galatasaray behind them and extend their Serie A lead when they host Sassuolo on Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ Antonio Conte's side were knocked out of the Champions League after losing 1-0 in snowy Istanbul on Wednesday, much to the disappointment of the coach, and he hopes a return to league action will help ease the pain of their early elimination from Europe's premier club cup competition. The league leaders are unbeaten in seven domestic matches - keeping clean sheets in each - and with Roma not playing until Monday, they could open up a six-point lead with a win. Sassuolo, meanwhile, make their first trip to Juventus this weekend hoping to extend a four-game unbeaten run away from home. http://markting10.nl/ Eusebio Di Francesco's side started the season with four consecutive defeats and no wins in seven matches, but have since picked up three victories and held Roma and Napoli to draws. However, a wounded Juventus could pose a threat to their record and Conte wants his side get back to winning ways quickly. "We have to dive back into Serie A and this disappointment has to spur us on domestically," Conte said. http://markting10.nl/ "We have another two games before the Christmas break and will then start to think about the Europa League. "We will try to do our best, just as we wanted to do our best in the Champions League." Both sides have strikers in form - ironically Juventus own them both – but Sassuolo will be without their leading scorer. http://markting10.nl/ Domenico Berardi – on loan from from the Bianconceri – has scored five goals in his last five appearances but he will miss the trip due to suspension. Juventus will have their top scorer Carlos Tevez available, but the Argentina international has gone four games without scoring – a record that equals the longest period he has gone without finding the back of the net for the club. The visitors will also be without Gomes and Emanuele Terranova (both knee), while Conte continues to be without his playmaker Andrea Pirlo (knee) in the centre of midfield, and Claudio Marchisio is suspended. http://markting10.nl/ JUVENTUS Dec 11, 2013 - Galatasaray 1 - 0 Juventus - UCL Dec 6, 2013 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A Dec 1, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 0 Udinese - Serie A Nov 27, 2013 - Juventus 3 - 1 FC Copenhagen - UCL Nov 24, 2013 - Livorno 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A SASSUOLO Dec 8, 2013 - Sassuolo 0 - 1 Chievo - Serie A Dec 4, 2013 - Atalanta 2 - 0 Sassuolo - Serie A Dec 1, 2013 - Cagliari 2 - 2 Sassuolo - Serie A Nov 24, 2013 - Sassuolo 2 - 0 Atalanta - Serie A Nov 10, 2013 - Roma 1 - 1 Sassuolo - Serie A http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Conte: 'Juventus not a failure' Dec 14, 2013 Antonio Conte tried to restore Juventus confidence ahead of tomorrow’s game with Sassuolo. “We are not failures.” http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri host Sassuolo at 18.30 CET on Sunday, a change from the scheduled Saturday evening kick-off due to their extended trip to Galatasaray. The 1-0 defeat under the snow in Istanbul saw them crash out of the Champions League and into the Europa League. “It is not the first time we have fallen on the field of play. In fact, this season we fell twice in a row against Fiorentina and Real Madrid,” said Conte in his Press conference. http://markting10.nl/ “In two and a half years we fell few times, but we must do well to again get back on our feet.” The Coach was irritated when asked if going out in the group phase represented a ‘failure’ of the campaign. “Failure in what? That we didn’t win the Champions League? If our target for the season was to win the Champions League then it’s a failure, but the truth is we could’ve had a longer journey in the tournament. http://markting10.nl/ “I don’t recall us ever saying our objective was the Treble, putting the Champions League first, then the Scudetto and Coppa Italia. If you think that from one day to the next you can create dominant teams, then just remember we already performed a miracle in being protagonists again. “Last season we went out in the quarter-finals against eventual winners Bayern Munich. We didn’t start strong this year and that damaged our chances, but it takes time. This isn’t the same Champions League I used to play in, as you face teams that are economically difficult to match. “There’s no point burying your head in the sand. In my view, it’ll be tough to see another Italian side in the Champions League Final for a while, as the clubs have to be rebuilt to make investments. I said that two years ago and I was right. http://markting10.nl/ “I have already explained that we went out because we didn’t really play the last match, but shouldn’t have left ourselves in that position in the first place. What happened in Istanbul was incredible and perhaps destiny sent us a message. I told the lads to understand where we can improve, as the objective is to keep raising the bar and write history.” Now Juventus face Sassuolo and Conte is expecting another very tough test for his men in Turin. “It’s important to talk about the present, not the past, and Sassuolo have already earned draws away to two of our closest challengers, Roma and Napoli. We’ve got to be very careful they don’t make it a hat-trick. http://markting10.nl/ “I will field my best XI, knowing there is also a Coppa Italia match next week. We’re without Andrea Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio, while Sebastian Giovinco got another knock. Kwadwo Asamoah could be a solution in central midfield.” Conte was reminded that Carlos Tevez failed to score a single Champions League goal. “I was very happy with his performances and in Turkey he behaved like a real leader. He’s a great buy as a player and in terms of charisma. You can score goals, but if you don’t work well for the team then I’m not happy.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Children called to Juve-Sassuolo Dec 14, 2013 Juventus-Sassuolo will have 9,000 children from schools cramming the stands in Turin. http://markting10.nl/ After 12,000 kids were given the chance to take seats usually held by season ticket holders, who were banned for the game against Udinese, the experiment will be repeated tomorrow. Juve announced 9,000 tickets in the Curva Sud will be released to children from primary, secondary and soccer schools in Turin and also Sassuolo’s Emilia area. http://markting10.nl/ The season ticket holders will be able to return to the Curva Nord following their ban for “discriminatory” anti-Neapolitan chants. Juventus will be hoping for a better result than last time, as they were fined after the game with Udinese when the crowd of children repeatedly insulted goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Barzagli: All thoughts on Sassuolo Dec 13, 2013 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has claimed that his team are now focused on the match with Sassuolo at the weekend. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri were knocked out of the Champions League during the week, going down 1-0 to Galatasaray in Istanbul. But the centre-back has urged his men to concentrate on the challenge posed by the promoted club on Sunday. “We face a team who have some interesting young players,” he told Juve TV. “They’ve already got good results against Roma and Napoli. http://markting10.nl/ “In those matches they demonstrated that they can play football. “We don’t want any surprises, so we’re going to have to give 100 per cent if we want to win.” Barzagli then commented on the match against the Turkish side, and what winning the Europa League would mean to the Old Lady, with the final at their home ground. http://markting10.nl/ “It was a strange game played on a pitch that was virtually impossible to play on. “At times you just couldn’t run with the ball. http://markting10.nl/ “We’re not thinking about the Europa League final at the moment. It’s still too early to be turning our attention to that. “Of course, playing in Turin in the final is a goal of ours.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Preview: Juventus vs. Sassuolo Dec 13, 2013 Juventus will be looking to keep up their fine form in the league when they host struggling Sassuolo on Sunday. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri are currently three points clear of Roma in the Serie A table and will be looking to bounce back from the disappointment of their Champions League defeat to Galatasaray in midweek. Despite their setback in Europe, Juventus have won their last seven games in the league, and will be highly fancied to extend that run in front of their home fans. http://markting10.nl/ Sassuolo are 17th in the table and are just one point above the relegation places. They have lost their last two league games and have won just once on the road all season. Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio and Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi, will both miss this weekend's match through suspension. http://markting10.nl/ Recent form Juventus: WWWWWL Sassuolo: LWDWDL Possible starting lineups JUVENTUS: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Asamoah, Peluso, Tevez, Llorente SASSUOLO: Pegolo, Antei, White, Acerbi, Gazzola, Magnanelli, Brown, Longhi, Masucci, Zaza, Floro Flores http://markting10.nl/ Sports Mole says: 3-0 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Juve's Bonucci eyes domestic success Dec 13, 2013 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is keen to move on from his side's Champions League elimination. http://markting10.nl/ An 85th-minute goal by Wesley Sneijder took Galatasaray through to the draw for the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition at Juve's expense on Wednesday afternoon and while the Serie A side were critical of the conditions they were forced to play in, Bonucci says it is time to turn the page. The Bianconeri lead Serie A by three points from Roma and must now focus on winning the domestic league title for a third straight year, rather than the snow in Istanbul. "No excuses, no regrets – we take to the field to win…always!!!" he wrote on his Twitter account. http://markting10.nl/ Juve host Sassuolo on Sunday in a game which has been put back from its original Saturday evening slot to allow the Turin club more time to recover from the delayed conclusion of their match with Galatasaray. They will then turn their attentions to the draw for the Europa League on Monday, when they will learn their first opponents on the way to a potential final in their own Juventus Stadium home, while on Tuesday they face Avellino for a place in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

'Weak' Juventus should have refused to play Galatasaray – Moggi The former Bianconeri director has hit out at club chiefs for allowing Tuesday's postponed Champions League match in Turkey to be resumed on Wednesday afternoon. Dec 13, 2013 Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi has branded the clubs' chiefs as "weak", insisting they should have argued for the Champions League clash with Galatasaray to be postponed. http://markting10.nl/ A solitary strike from Wesley Sneijder saw the Bianconeri crash out of the competition at the expense of Roberto Mancini's men on Wednesday on a heavily waterlogged and muddy pitch after the game was initially abandoned on Tuesday due to a snowstorm. Moggi - who was director general for the Turin giants until 2006 - has now issued a damning indictment of Juve's refusal to have the match postponed until the pitch could be repaired. "A game as important as this should not have been played on a pitch like that," stated the 76-year-old whilst talking to Radio Kiss Kiss. http://markting10.nl/ "Juventus, however, made two mistakes. Firstly, they were unable to progress from a mediocre group. Secondly, their directors who should have refused to play on such a pitch but were too weak to impose themselves." Last year's quarter-finalists now find themselves in the Europa League alongside fellow Serie A outfit Napoli, who narrowly missed out on progressing in the Champions League despite a 2-0 win over Arsenal on matchday six. Moggi believes Rafa Benitez's side should focus their efforts more on trying to haul in Juventus at the top of the table due to the relatively small squad at the Partenopei's disposal. http://markting10.nl/ "If Napoli are smart they will ignore the Europa League and try and win Serie A. The Europa League is a competition with little money and only tires out the squad because you play on Thursdays," Moggi continued. "Juventus maybe can play it because they have a bigger roster."

Lichtsteiner: Pogba a phenomenon Dec 13, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner has applauded the ability of Juventus teammate Paul Pogba. http://markting10.nl/ “He is a world-class player,” the Switzerland international told RMC Sport on Friday. “He is a phenomenon. “Even if he is still young and lacks a touch of experience, he can go far in his career. http://markting10.nl/ “He’s doing even better this season than he did in the last one and he deserves to be a starting player at a club like Juventus.” Pogba, four goals in 21 appearances this season, is in his second Turin campaign following his move from Manchester United.

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Asamoah moved into the middle? Dec 13, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte is reportedly considering the use of Kwadwo Asamoah in central midfield against Sassuolo. http://markting10.nl/ The Ghana international has been mainly used as a left-wing back since his arrival from Udinese two years ago. However, with Andrea Pirlo injured and Claudio Marchisio suspended, Conte could bring the 25-year-old into the middle. http://markting10.nl/ If Asamoah is kept on the flank, then Simone Padoin will be fielded instead. Sky Sport Italia are also suggesting that Fabio Quagliarella may start in attack alongside either Carlos Tevez or Fernando Llorente. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Zaza: 'Sassuolo can upset Juve' Dec 12, 2013 Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza is confident they can cause problems for Juventus in Sunday’s rescheduled game. http://markting10.nl/ The fixture was originally set to be played at 20.45 CET on Saturday, but was put back to 18.30 CET Sunday after Juve’s Champions League clash with Galatasaray had to be concluded on Wednesday due to snow. “A match like this is special for anyone and few of us have played at the Juventus Stadium,” said Zaza, who is co-owned by the Bianconeri. “Without doubt it will be very emotional to step in to this temple of Italian football. This season Sassuolo have already faced all the big clubs and our Coach will give us the right instructions to challenge Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ “In this game we need courage and moving it to Sunday means we’ll have one more day to prepare. At this moment the Bianconeri are the strongest side, but they are not invincible and Sassuolo have nothing to lose. “Therefore my teammates and I will give our all to achieve something extraordinary.” http://markting10.nl/ There is a heavy blow for Sassuolo, as star forward Domenico Berardi is suspended. “He is capable of making the difference at any moment, even though he is only 19 years old, but we’ll try to ensure he is not too badly missed,” added Zaza. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO December 15, 2013 - 6:30 PM Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Juventus-Sassuolo moved Dec 12, 2013 Juventus-Sassuolo has been moved to 18.30 CET on Sunday from its original 20.45 CET Saturday kick-off. http://markting10.nl/ However, the Champions League match with Galatasaray was suspended due to snow on Tuesday evening and the remaining hour played today. Juve put in a request to the Lega Serie A to postpone their domestic fixture as a result of this change of schedule. http://markting10.nl/ The request was accepted and Juventus-Sassuolo will now be played on Sunday at 18.30 CET. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Lippi: Juventus will return Dec 12, 2013 Marcello Lippi is certain former club Juventus will return to being a powerhouse of the European game. http://markting10.nl/ Speaking to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport after the Old Lady were knocked out of the Champions League this week, the Guangzhou Evergrande boss predicted a bright future for the Old Lady. “Very justly and with dignity, Coach Antonio Conte admitted in Istanbul that qualification has been lost in the initial two matches,” Lippi stated following the 1-0 defeat. “Juventus, however, are a team worthy of the quarter-finals and not the Europa League. All of this is disappointing. http://markting10.nl/ “They feel like they are in another dimension compared to Galatasaray and they are right. “The elimination of Juventus is a major hiccup, but I remain convinced that within a couple of years they will be back to being competitive in Europe. http://markting10.nl/ “Meanwhile, in Italy, I don’t know who could take the Scudetto away from them…” Lippi won Scudetti and the Champions League with Juventus over two stints with the club.

Who are the last 32 in the Europa League? The final round of first-phase action was completed on Thursday, and with the draw scheduled to take place on Monday, Goal take a look at who will be there in the pot. Dec 12, 2013 The final 32 teams in the 2013-14 Europa League have been confirmed, with the draw for the knockout round set to take place on Monday in Nyon. The 24 group winners and runners-up are joined by Champions League nearly men Napoli, Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk, Basel, Ajax, Juventus, Porto and Viktoria Plzen - the eight third-placed teams from the group stages. http://markting10.nl/ THE LAST 32 Group Winners Valencia - Ludogorets Razgrad - Red Bull Salzburg - Rubin Kazan - Fiorentina - Eintracht Frankfurt - Genk - Sevilla - Lyon - Trabzonspor - Tottenham Hotspur - AZ Alkmaar Runners-Up Swansea - Chornomorets Odesa - Esbjerg - Maribor - Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk - Maccabi Tel Aviv - Dynamo Kiev - Slovan Liberec - Betis - Lazio - Anzhi Makhachkala - PAOK Champions League Third Place Napoli - Benfica - Shakhtar Donetsk - Basel - Ajax - JUVENTUS - Porto - Viktoria Plzen

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ Bonucci: 'Zero excuses' Dec 12, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci insisted Juventus have “zero excuses, zero remorse” after their Champions League exit. http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri crashed out of the competition after a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray, a game played out over two days due to a snowstorm on a disastrous pitch. “Zero excuses, zero remorse, on the field to win... always! To the end forza Juventus,” wrote Bonucci on Twitter. http://markting10.nl/ Meanwhile, Juve Coach Antonio Conte has been presented with the Tapiro d’Oro, a trophy awarded by famous Italian TV show Striscia La Notizia to public figures who have suffered a public disappointment.

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ Albertini on Gala-Juventus Dec 12, 2013 Demetrio Albertini says the Galatasaray-Juventus tie should have been postponed. http://markting10.nl/ The Old Lady went out of the Champions League on Wednesday after their abandoned game from the night before was played on a pitch heavily affected by snowfall. “I don’t think it should have been played,” the Italian Football Federation Vice-President commented. “The pitch was unplayable. http://markting10.nl/ “There is a lot of talk about entertaining Champions League football, but you couldn’t produce a spectacle on that.”

Chiellini: 'Juve threw it away' Dec 11, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini feels Galatasaray-Juventus should’ve been a draw, but concedes “we threw qualification away.” http://markting10.nl/ The Bianconeri needed a point in Istanbul to stay in the Champions League, but lost 1-0 in a game that was played out over two days due to snow and hail. “We were unable to achieve the objective of the last 16 and it’s a shame, because today we couldn’t play football on a terrible pitch,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia. “This game had 0-0 written all over it and there is a bitter taste in the mouth looking at our journey, because we could’ve reached this game with qualification already assured. http://markting10.nl/ “The two biggest errors were away to Copenhagen and at home with Galatasaray, where we threw qualification away. “Yesterday when we were actually in a condition to play football, we allowed nothing to the Turkish side, whereas today we could only hang on until the 85th minute. With a different pitch, it probably would’ve finished with another result.” Juve were eliminated from the Champions League after just one victory in six group games, earned at home to bottom club Copenhagen. http://markting10.nl/ “The regret remains that we compromised qualification with the opening two matches of the group,” continued Chiellini. “Now the Europa League must give us the push to continue our growth process. After all, last season Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League and went on to lift that trophy. “It is too early to talk about the fact the Final will be in Turin, because there is such a long way to go including the Serie A and Coppa Italia fixtures. http://markting10.nl/ “It will be important to reach the European games with the right mentality and concentration.”

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ Chiellini: We have only ourselves to blame Juventus were knocked out of the Champions league by Galatasaray in a controversial game on Wednesday but the defender insists their earlier results should have been better. Dec 11, 2013 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini says the Old Lady have only themselves blame for their early Champions League exit. http://markting10.nl/ The Turin giants lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in their vital Champions League clash on Wednesday, ensuring they will drop into the Europa League for the remainder of the season. Although both Antonio Conte and Roberto Mancini felt the playing conditions were dangerous following the snowstorm in Istanbul on Tuesday evening, Chiellini insists his side were made to pay for their poor results earlier in the group stage. "It was a 0-0 game and it remains bitter in our mouths because we could've come into this match already qualified," he told reporters. http://markting10.nl/ "I have regrets because we compromised our qualification in the first two games of the round. The two main mistakes were the games at Copenhagen and the one at home against Galatasaray where we threw away the win. "We could not achieve our goal of qualifying for the round of 16 and we are sorry because today you couldn't play football on an impractical field. "Yesterday when it was possible to play football we didn't concede anything to Galatasaray, but today we couldn't do the same. It was straightforward until the 85th minute where we suffered from the goal that eliminated us." http://markting10.nl/ The 29-year-old was also quick to defend the Europa League, insisting his side will fully respect the competition, the final for which will be played at Juventus Stadium. "In terms of the Europa League, we must be motivated to win it: like Chelsea did last year when they were eliminated (from the Champions League) then went on to win the Europa League," he continued. "It's too early to talk about the final in Turin because there is a lot to play for in Serie A and Coppa Italia. We will treat the Europa League with the right mentality and the right concentration."

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ Conte: 'Juve left it too late, but...' Dec 11, 2013 Antonio Conte thought it madness to play on that pitch, but admits Juventus “shouldn’t have left it all to the last match.” http://markting10.nl/ Their 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray knocked them out of the Champions League. It had started last night, was called off due to snow after 32 minutes and resumed this afternoon with a pitch that seemed to be in even worse condition. “We certainly tried to have the game postponed and met with the UEFA delegate beforehand, but nobody wanted to listen. Roberto Mancini said it was dangerous and I agreed with him, I said “I think so.” I don’t think my English is that bad...” Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “At half-time I reiterated to the referee that it was not safe to play in these conditions. Didier Drogba said it was the same thing for both teams, but I pointed out it wasn’t, because we were trying to play football. http://markting10.nl/ “I have to praise the lads, as they gave their all in a situation where we were enormously penalised, as the game resorted to a football brawl.” “I will say our mistake was to get to the last game and play everything here. With a decent pitch, I am sure we would’ve played our game. We couldn’t have predicted these circumstances, so in my view our exit is unfair, but we also made life difficult for ourselves.” The Bianconeri finished the group with just one victory, three draws and two defeats. They didn’t keep a clean sheet, though the Istanbul result was their first without scoring. http://markting10.nl/ They now go into the Europa League and the Final will be played at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. “We have to dive back into Serie A and the disappointment – and it is a disappointment – has to spur us on domestically. We have another two games before the Christmas break and will then start to think about the Europa League. We’ll try to do our best, as we wanted to do our best in the Champions League. Are we targeting the Final? You’re more optimistic than I am! “Last season we had a slow start too and qualified top of the group with three final victories. This time we didn’t manage it. http://markting10.nl/ “Let’s not forget this side rose from the ashes of seventh place twice. We won in Italy two years in a row and didn’t qualify this year because it was our fault, we shouldn’t have left it all to the last match when anything could happen.” Wesley Sneijder scored the goal with an angled drive set up by Drogba, though Leonardo Bonucci was caught out in defence. “There were many situations that needed to be corrected in that move. We shouldn’t have been three against three, as Kwadwo Asamoah or Stephan Lichtsteiner could’ve come back or Paul Pogba not allowed Sneijder to go on the counter. It’s always danger when there is a three against three and I told the team at half-time it was crucial to have an extra man. http://markting10.nl/ “In the entire second half we had to attack on the side of the pitch that was impossible, whereas Galatasaray’s end was better.” Conte became increasingly angry when pressed on how much the field had affected Juve’s chances of qualification. http://markting10.nl/ “We are talking about a game played on a mudslide. There’s no ‘also’ when it comes to discussing the turf. It was everything. What made me angry was yesterday the referee suspended play because it was ‘dangerous’ and all of a sudden today it was no longer ‘dangerous.’ Maybe I need to improve my English, as the officials don’t seem to understand me very well. “The only way of playing today was to kick it upfield and hope for the best. That is really not the sort of football we are accustomed to and it showed.”

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ Mancini: 'Gala deserved victory' Dec 11, 2013 Roberto Mancini insists Galatasaray “deserved to win” against Juventus, but reveals he didn’t want to play. http://markting10.nl/ The game was halted after 32 minutes on Tuesday night, then resumed this afternoon despite the continuing snow and a pitch in appalling condition. Wesley Sneijder scored five minutes from time to seal a 1-0 victory that qualified Galatasaray for the Champions League last 16, sending Juve to the Europa League. “It was difficult to play football in these circumstances and I said beforehand it was dangerous for the players, so perhaps better not to play,” Mancini told Sky Sport Italia. http://markting10.nl/ “Last night was practically impossible, as a sheet of ice had formed over the pitch and nobody wanted to continue. I told the UEFA delegate that in my view it wasn’t right to play today either. “At half-time it was already too late. Juve wanted to play before the game, or at least they didn’t say anything. I agree with Conte, it was impossible to play football for either side. It became a lottery. “After that it was an open game and we were more aggressive, so deserved the victory, perhaps because we knew that we had to win.” http://markting10.nl/ This qualification is extraordinary, particularly considering Mancini took over from sacked Fatih Terim just two days before a 2-2 draw in Turin. “It was a difficult situation when I took over, as we’d lost our first home game 6-1. We were good and lucky to get a point in Turin, then deserved to win this match.”

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ 'It was a mudslide' - Conte insists Juventus-Galatasaray clash should have been called off The Old Lady were eliminated from the Champions League after Wesley Sneijder's late goal, but Conte insists his side were hampered by the condition of the playing surface. Dec 11, 2013 Juventus head coach Antonio Conte believes his side's 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League should never have been played. http://markting10.nl/ The Turin giants were knocked out of the competition after Wesley Sneijder scored a late winner at Turk Telekom Arena, sending the home fans into raptures in treacherous wintry conditions in Istanbul. Conte was outraged that the game went ahead because of the state of the pitch, but says he could not fault the effort of his players in such testing conditions. "We certainly tried to have the game postponed and met with the Uefa delegate beforehand, but nobody wanted to listen. Roberto Mancini said it was dangerous and I agreed with him, I said "I think so". I don’t think my English is that bad..." he told Sky Sport Italia. http://markting10.nl/ "At half-time I reiterated to the referee that it was not safe to play in these conditions. Didier Drogba said it was the same thing for both teams, but I pointed out it wasn't, because we were trying to play football. "We are talking about a game played on a mudslide. What made me angry was yesterday the referee suspended play because it was 'dangerous' and all of a sudden today it was no longer 'dangerous'. Maybe I need to improve my English, as the officials don't seem to understand me very well. "The only way of playing today was to kick it upfield and hope for the best. That is really not the sort of football we are accustomed to and it showed. http://markting10.nl/ "I have to praise the lads, as they gave their all in a situation where we were enormously penalised, as the game resorted to a football brawl. "I will say our mistake was to get to the last game and play everything here. With a decent pitch, I am sure we would've played our game. We couldn't have predicted these circumstances, so in my view our exit is unfair, but we also made life difficult for ourselves."

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ Player Ratings A late Wesley Sneijder goal sent the hosts into the round of 16 at the expense of the Old Lady on an almost unplayable pitch in the conclusion of Tuesday's abandoned game. Dec 11, 2013 GALATASARAY Néstor Muslera Micol - Dealt with a few pot shots from the opposition and kept his handling well in dangerous conditions. Gökhan Zan - Dealt with everything that was thrown his way in the air, and made sure that his fellow defenders were kept on their toes with some strong communication. Aurélien Chedjou Fongang - Given the slip a few times by Asamoah as his side of the pitch looked riper for exploitation by the opposition. Semih Kaya - Took care of almost everything on his flank, often taking away the overlap from Lichtsteiner and forcing the full back to cut onto his weaker left foot. Emmanuel Eboue - Pushed high up the field, and was a good attacking outlet for his side, but his end product was desperately poor. He attempted a few ill advised shots that failed to even come close. Felipe Melo - Seemed to relish the scrappy nature of the game, winning a number of tackles, and embracing the conditions to disrupt the opposition. Selçuk İnan - The Gala vice captain played hard for his side's cause tonight, putting in a defensive shift, though the state of the pitch meant that his usual calming passing game was decidedly off. Wesley Sneijder - Scored an impossibly clutch goal, running onto a Drogba flick and drilling a sure shot into the opposite side. That gave his side the points, and a spot in the knockout stages. Albert Riera - Offered little in an attacking sense, and spent most of his time camped in his own half, providing defensive assistance to Kaya on the left flank. Didier Drogba - Held the ball up superbly well when presented with the opportunity, and his target man abilities came to the fore during the buildup to the only goal of the game. He leaped high to flick a lovely header into Sneijder's path, who did the rest. Burak Yılmaz - His off the ball movement was promising, but he was never found in a threatening position - until late on when Drogba's cutback saw him nearly prod home a clincher late on. http://markting10.nl/ Substitutions Ceyhun Gülselam - Did not make much of an impact in his short spell. Umut Bulut - Added little up front for his side, as he barely got a touch on the ball. http://markting10.nl/ JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - Made a save for the ages when he tipped away a Drogba piledriver at full stretch. A shame that he could not end up on the winning side. Andrea Barzagli - Made a series of vital interceptions, and never looked fazed by the opposition or the weather. Strong game. Leonardo Bonucci - Looked the most unsettled of Juve's back three by the state of the ptich, and allowed Sneijder to run on his blindside to score the game winner. Giorgio Chiellini - Though he nearly lost his footing a few times, he still managed to mop up most of the loose balls that came his way. Stephan Lichtsteiner - Overlapped well, and constantly gave the opposition something to think about on the right flank. Worked hard throughout. Arturo Vidal - Charged about with his typical tenacity, but only succeeded in giving away cheap free kicks. Gave the ball away more than once to do in what was a game to forget. Paul Pogba - Did not have as many attempts on goal as he would have liked from range, with only one tame effort no trouble for Muslera. Claudio Marchisio - Hampered by the bogged down pitch, the Italian international never really got going. Kwadwo Asamoah - Defended solidly, and tried to pick up the ball in attacking positions, but could not offer his team anything on that front. Carlos Tévez - Held the ball up strongly, and was a constant nuisance for the opposition. Played a few quality passes too, despite the state of the field. Fernando Llorente - In contrast to Drogba at the opposite end, he was barely able to function as a target up front for the visitors, as he was often shooed off the ball, and failed to keep his footing. http://markting10.nl/ Substitutions Sebastian Giovinco - Could not fashion anything in attack. Fabio Quagliarella - Brought on to salvage a late goal, but never came close.

GALATASARAY 1 - 0 JUVENTUS Wesley Sneijder (85′) December 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM Türk Telekom Arena Istanbul Referee: Pedro Proença (Portugal) Attendance:‬ 37375‎ Juventus out of the Champions League Dec 11, 2013 One can blame the pitch, the hideous decision to play in such circumstances and the weather, but ultimately, leaving qualification until the last minute cost Juventus dearly, on both an economic and a sporting level. Galatasaray defeated the Italians 1-0. http://markting10.nl/ Essentially this was a game in which Juventus could not exhibit their short passing game or even attempt accurate passes. This was about the long ball over to the top and the hope that someone, somewhere, would make a defensive error. At halftime, Antonio Conte complained to the referee about the state of the pitch. Didier Drogba replied that however poor the conditions were, it was the same for both teams -- except it wasn't. As the Bianconeri coach explained, Juventus wanted to play football. They wanted to demonstrate their ability to control the midfield in a game where skills, rather than aggression, should have determined the outcome. UEFA set the bar of tolerance when they allowed the Benfica-Olympiakos game to be played despite the adverse weather conditions that saw the ball refuse to roll. For a sport in which teams are reliant on money made in these competitions, it's a tragedy to allow such important games to be played in such conditions, depriving sides of potential revenue. This is not only a defeat for Juventus, but one for Serie A and their coefficient points. http://markting10.nl/ Up until the Turkish goal, the Bianconeri should be credited for their attempts to contain the pressure and look for a goal. They demonstrated maturity and strength of character as they showed determination in keeping ball and rotating it around as much as was feasibly possible when in Gala's side of the pitch, and while at the back, they held the line well for much of the game. Despite controlling the game, it was the Turks who created the better chances with Drogba in tow. Gianluigi Buffon performed an excellent save to keep his side level and while Juventus attempted to push forward, looking to still pull off their passing game, inaccuracy got the better of them. Sadly, Champions League qualification was lost on account of poor defending from the wing-backs. Whether it was Mauricio Isla in the reverse fixture or the fact that the centre-backs were left alone to fend for themselves against Gala's front line, a lesson should be learnt. The strength of Conte's defence relies on the fact there are always players able to run back to block gaps and offer a helping hand, whether in the wide areas or in central midfield. http://markting10.nl/ A beautiful, diagonal long ball allowed Wesley Sneijder to score the goal that sealed qualification for the Turks and knocked Juventus out of the competition. Conte attempted to rally his troops and encourage them forward by throwing on Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella, but as the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport pointed out, Gala's remarkable time-wasting left Juve too little time to grab an equaliser. There were unlucky moments that the fans may cling on to, such as the red card for Giorgio Chiellini against Real Madrid, but frankly, the inability to secure wins at home or at least away to Copenhagen sealed Juve's fate, leaving them holding all their eggs in one basket. Italians rarely play unless they have to, and while they usually win under pressure, they do open themselves up to the prospect of being knocked out because of circumstances beyond their control. This result should teach them to pick up points quickly and rid them of this tendency to procrastinate. http://markting10.nl/ Well done to Galatasaray for playing with grit and belief, their great showing in Juve's stadium is what allowed them the opportunity to keep fighting. Now, more than ever, the Bianconeri must win Serie A and take the Europa League seriously. The final of that match will be played in their own stadium and every big club should chase a trophy. Chelsea hoisted that Cup on their shoulders last season and deserve credit for not turning up their noses at a competition many deem inferior. Juve should follow in their footsteps.