Socrates

Juventus face tough task to win third consecutive Scudetto, says Agnelli The Bianconeri president has set his sights on more silverware next term and wants to go as far as possible in Europe as well. May 15, 2013 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli realises that the reigning Serie A champions could face a tough task to win their third consecutive Scudetto next season. The Turin powerhouse pipped runners-up Napoli to the domestic title this term after finishing ahead of AC Milan last season, but Agnelli has stressed that history has shown that it will not be easy to make it three in a row. "I think every part of the club wants to continue winning, in Italy and Europe. It will be difficult because next year we have a date with history," Agnelli told Sky Sport Italia. "Except for the five-year streak in the early 1930s, Juventus have never won three successive Scudetto titles, so we need to focus on next year and this date with history. "We want to be the first Juventus side [since the early 1930s] to win three consecutive league titles and go as far as possible in Europe." The Bianconeri won five consecutive domestic titles from 1930-31 until 1934-35.

Higuain is no champion, warns Moggi The ex-Bianconeri official wants the Turin club to sell Mirko Vucinic and has suggested that Alessandro Diamanti would be a great addition to their strikeforce. May 14, 2013 Former Juventus director Luciano Moggi has warned his former club against signing Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid and suggested that they consider selling Mirko Vucinic. As Goal recently revealed, the Biaconeri have agreed terms "in principle" with Higuain, with the Argentine currently considering parting company with Real Madrid after six years at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Moggi is set against the proposed deal, telling Radio Sportiva: "He's good player but he has no a champion." Moggi also claimed that Juve can do without Vucinic, who has, for the most part, been the one constant in the Bianconeri attack this season. "They have sold players given [Fernando] Llorente has already [effectively] arrived," he argued, referring to the Spaniard's summer move from Athletic Bilbao to Turin. "So they should continue to sell players that have been made redundant, maybe [even] Vucinic." Moggi believes that Juve will not have to look too far for replacements, arguing that they should bring in Italy international Alessandro Diamanti from Bologna and teenage sensation Domenico Berardi from Sassuolo. "Diamanti has proven himself to be a player who decides games," he enthused. "And also that he has the right DNA for Juve: he is a warrior. "Obviously there is a need for a more competitive squad because the current players have been overworked. "A publicly-listed football clubs must do be prudent, to comply with budgetary constraints and create value. But maybe [they should] take a young player like Berardi, just as they did with [midfielder Paul] Pogba." Moggi would also welcome the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with whom he enjoyed an excellent working relationship. "Zlatan is the greatest guy in the world," he enthused. "He never had a problem with me, partly because there was a very clear relationship between employer and employee. "He's a businesslike person. He adapts to the will of the employer on the assumption that they know how to handle things."

Chiellini: Juventus must keep improving The versatile defender has urged his team-mate to keep on working hard to improve as he targets more success in the next few seasons. May 14, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has stressed that Juventus must keep on improving in order to add even more silverware to their trophy cabinet in the coming years. The centre-back feels the Old Lady have already taken huge strides since the arrival of Antonio Conte in 2011, but insists that they still have work to do. "Throughout our two-year journey, we've made a great deal of progress. No one thought we’d be able to win as early as last year and then go on to achieve back-to-back Scudetto titles," the Italy international told Sky Sport Italia. "We’ll need to do well in the future to keep on improving, day after day, match after match. We know that it won’t be easy. "Winning again isn't just about personnel, it’s also about the desire to achieve certain objectives."

Agnelli: 'Now a third Scudetto!' May 14, 2013 President Andrea Agnelli claims he is “already concentrated on a third consecutive Scudetto” as an exhibition marks 90 years of his family with Juventus. “Juventus taught me one thing above all else, which is that the best triumph is the one still to come,” said the President. “That is why I am already concentrated on next season, because Juve haven’t won a third consecutive Scudetto since the five in a row of the 1930s. This is a new great motivation.” The J-Museum, which is situated in the Juventus Stadium, opened a new section this evening that focuses on the fact the Agnelli family has been at the helm of the club for 90 years. This includes four Presidents with the Agnelli name – Edoardo, Giovanni, Umberto and now Andrea. It will be open until September 1. Even former captain Alessandro Del Piero was present, flying in from Australia. The title celebrations made it very clear that Juve consider themselves to have 31 Scudetti rather than the official 29, as two were stripped in the Calciopoli scandal. “The Federation is also here as a guest and there is so much talk about numbers, but there is one number that makes me particularly happy: in 90 years my family has brought home 30 Scudetti. “An average of one every three years is an extraordinary tally. If Juve’s history is so remarkable, it is thanks to those people who step on to the field. “We have just concluded a wonderful year. Thanks to Beppe Marotta and general manager Aldo Mazzia. A big round of applause goes to Antonio Conte, his staff and all the squad. Thanks, guys.”

Conte to stay at Juve – Agnelli May 14, 2013 Juventus chief Andrea Agnelli is confident that boss Antonio Conte will still be sitting on the bench next season. Conte has refused to commit his future to the Old Lady until he has met with club officials to discuss their next steps after consecutive Scudetto wins. “The ‘next’ meeting was last week,” the Bianconeri President said in a lengthy interview with Sky Sport Italia. “Antonio came to my house and we spoke for a couple of hours. “Antonio has had two particularly intense years: The first when he left Siena and dedicated himself completely to every aspect of Juventus, and last year, including his rather difficult and unpleasant summer. “Although we had gone undefeated and won the League, he had also ended up in the clutches of the calcioscommesse legal proceedings. He’s not had a break for two years and, in my opinion, a week off to relax would do him good. “Antonio knows the expectations at Juventus and knows perfectly well that although winning seems normal again, that’s not the case. “We discussed his own expectations and he wanted to go over with me what he required in order to continue on this journey, asking me for guarantees, but you can’t give guarantees to anyone. “I would like the guarantee of winning the Champions League next year, but there are no guarantees. I reassured him: The ambition of the club, my personal ambition and his own, is to win. “The day after I met him, I went to see director general Beppe Marotta, sporting director Fabio Paratici and Pavel Nedved, and in those meetings we outlined Juventus’ strategy in the transfer market. “Antonio has always said that it’s not a question of money, and it isn’t. He wants to have and continue to have the assurance that the conditions are in place for us to keep winning, and I feel those conditions are in place. “It will be a joint effort: The work of the Coach, the work of the staff, evaluating what and who needs to be brought in to continue winning. “Today everything is in place, I think every part of the club wants to continue winning, in Italy and Europe. “It’s difficult because next year we have a date with history because Juventus, except for the five-year streak in the 1930s, have never won three successive Scudetto titles, so we need to focus on next year and this date with history. “We want to be the first Juventus side to win three consecutive League titles and go as far as possible in Europe. “With enthusiasm, passion, desire, dedication, a lot of work, and if everyone is on the same page, we can hopefully reach our objective. “The uncertainties over Conte are completely resolved on my part, I never had any doubts. “He needed a pat on the back and to know that the project was going ahead. I told him not to worry because as long as I'm here the hunger for success will be here too.” Conte is understood to be keen on getting some top quality players in during the summer transfer session. “At the moment Italian football is going through a rough patch,” Agnelli underlined. “I recently defined Serie A as a League undergoing a period of transition, but one that had not yet reached its destination. “This must be applied to the whole system, because if we become a League undergoing transition we won't be able to attract players that cost €30m, €40m or €50m. “We like to define these as 'top players' even if they don't work out in the team, and 'top players' cost a lot. “Fernando Llorente [who Juve have picked up on a Bosman] had a €37m release clause in his contract. If we had signed him last season he would have been classified as a 'top player', whereas if he costs nothing, I'm not sure. “What I mean is, it's just a matter of how these things are done. If I look at our best signings, Arturo Vidal, Paul Pogba, Andrea Barzagli and Andrea Pirlo, our total investment was around €14m – that’s an average of €3m. “If we think we have to spend money at all costs, it isn't true – we have to be able to find bargains like these as well. “All things considered, I can only praise the work of Marotta, Paratici and Nedved.” Juventus have been hotly linked with Paris Saint-Germain’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain. “Would I like Ibra back? No. Sure? Sure. “Higuain? I must explain that I call this part of the market 'firepower'. Firepower is the cost of players on the books plus returns. “This year we're coming close to €200m, which puts us sixth, seventh, eighth, or maybe ninth in Europe. For the budget to work, we need to reach at least the quarter-finals of the Champions League every year. “We know perfectly well that a bigger budget doesn’t mean better results in sport. You need to be able to manage both it and the players as best you can, because motivation, hard work and a will to win always bring out that little bit extra. “However, the budget we draw up for the sporting side of things is most definitely a large one. I have always believed this to be the case. “Decisions are delegated first of all to Marotta, who then discusses them with Paratici, with Nedved and then with Conte himself, since he is an integral part of the decision-making process. “They must not exceed the figure set down. They can dismantle and rebuild as much as they want as long as the total cost of players' wages countered by returns does not exceed the figure that has been agreed.” There have also been suggestions that Juventus could sell one from Vidal or Claudio Marchisio to boost funds. “I can only reiterate that these are decisions that are made by the technical staff,” Agnelli added. “They can discuss it among themselves and I go along with them. “What's important, in my opinion, is to keep our objective firmly in mind, which is to win, and to remember to stay within our firepower, which today stands at around €200m. “With this in mind, they must do the best they can to manage the situation, in the knowledge that our ambition is to win every single competition we take part in.”

Agnelli: Conte knows our ambitions May 13, 2013 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli believes that Coach Antonio Conte has the same ambitions for the club as the fans. The Bianconeri lifted their second-successive Scudetto last weekend, but the Turin giants owner knows that the next step is the Champions League. “Our Coach knows the ambitions of the supporters,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Winning for Juve looks normal now, but it is not. “Conte and I have talked about the future and we have explored various different situations – but nobody knows what will happen for certain. “We would all like to be sure of winning the Champions League, but that's not how it works. “Our ambition however, remains the same. “Conte is always round my house and we often talk about the past and other things.”

Serie A - 18^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-5-2013 (ore 18:00) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Giampaolo Calvarese Spettatori:‬ 38933‎ Serie A - Festa Juve ... peccato per Ibarbo Un gol del colombiano ferma sull'1-1 i bianconeri, che devono così dire addio al sogno di infrangere il record di punti di Capello. E' poi Mirko Vucinic a trovare il pareggio nella ripresa. Eurosport - Sabato, 11 maggio 2013 Vucinic salva il risultato, ma non il sogno di infrangere il record di punti griffato da Fabio Capello. Se tutti i copioni fossero hollywoodiani, la squadra di Conte avrebbe festeggiato lo scudetto e la consegna delle medaglie con la decima vittoria consecutiva in casa, ma con le motivazioni ormai al minimo dopo il raggiungimento dell'obiettivo stagionale, questa Juventus difficilmente avrebbe meritato di più al termine di una partita giocata al cloroformio per i primi 45'. Tutto sommato, la festa rimane, così come l'entusiasmo e i cori dei tifosi, che colorano lo Stadium con una splendida serie di coreografie. Il Cagliari, che quest'anno ha messo in difficoltà più volte le big del nostro campionato, non scende certo a Torino per vestire i panni della vittima sacrificale: la squadra di Pulga-Lopez gioca una partita solida, convinta, cercando di approfittare subito del clima soporifero con cui i bianconeri approcciano l'incontro. I rossoblù alzano il baricentro e fanno tanto palleggio a centrocampo, facendo spesso ballare una Juve che ci mette meno di un quarto della consueta intensità. Il risultato è che, alla prima affondata vera, Victor Ibarbo si trova una prateria davanti a sé per attraversare l'intero campo palla al piede e spezzare poi con un guizzo felino il tentativo di raddoppio portato da Marchisio e Barzagli: il colombiano si presenta da solo di fronte a Storari e lo infilza facendogli passare il pallone sotto il braccio. Oltre al danno, arriva anche la beffa per i bianconeri, perché lo stesso Barzagli, già non al meglio, si infortuna nell'azione del gol (problema al tendine d'Achille) e deve essere sostituito da Caceres. Il primo tempo prosegue su ritmi piuttosto blandi, con il Cagliari che regge bene a centrocampo e in difesa e la Juve che sonnecchia cercando qualche scossa soltanto con le giocate di fisico di Vidal sulla trequarti e le accelerazioni di Giaccherini, cresciuto notevolmente con il passare dei minuti. Al 34' Giovinco coglie la traversa su punizione, ma per il resto, né lui né Matri riescono a creare grandi grattacapi ad Agazzi. C'è bisogno di una scossa psicologica, e la dà Conte negli spogliatoi. La Juventus si ripresenta in campo con ben altro piglio (merito anche della sostituzione di un fumoso Giovinco in favore di Vucinic) e, complici anche i problemi difensivi del Cagliari, con Pulga-Lopez costretti a ridisegnare la linea dietro per gli infortuni contemporanei di Murru e Perico, la partita comincia a girare. Il Cagliari arretra, perde quella sicurezza nel palleggio che l'aveva contraddistinto fino a quel momento, e cede al primo affondo vero: Marchisio crossa sul secondo palo per la sponda di Vidal, Agazzi resta preso nel mezzo e Vucinic si inserisce centralmente mettendo facilmente la sfera in fondo al sacco. Agguantato il pareggio, la Juventus gioca con maggior tranquillità e sicurezza, creando diverse occasioni sottorete rimaste però non concretizzate. Col passare dei minuti la partita perde mordente e il Cagliari può farsi rivedere nella metacampo offensiva: le ultime scariche prima del fischio finale che sancisce un pareggio giusto. Daniele Fantini http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Vidal: Llorente can be Juventus' Ibrahimovic The Chilean midfielder believes that the powerful attacker will prove to be a valuable addition for the Serie A champions when he joins in the summer. May 13, 2013 Arturo Vidal believes that Juventus do not need Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Fernando Llorente set to join the club from Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season. The Bianconeri confirmed the signing of the Spain international on a free transfer back in January but have since been linked with a move for the Paris Saint-Germain star. But the Chilean midfielder is confident that the 28-year-old will be a success when he moves to Turin. "I have seen Llorente play and he is a great striker. He is physically strong and excellent with the ball at his feet, too," Vidal was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "He is unlike any other attacker in Italy. I would say that he is a bit like Ibrahimovic. "He is powerful, but knows how to use his feet..." Llorente has scored just three times in La Liga this season, with Marcelo Bielsa having opted to bench him following his refusal to sign a new deal.

Serie A Team of the Season: Cavani, El Shaarawy & Vidal among star performers Goal runs through the best players in the Italian top flight in 2012-13 and picks out the top 11 players over the course of the campaign. May 12, 2013 A season of high drama in Italy has brought its usual doses of pain and pleasure in equal measure. And it has also seen the reputation of a great many players increased by their consistent high standards of excellence. There have been a number who have been particularly excellent and they find themselves included in the Goal Team of the Season for Serie A as a result. With star names such as Andrea Pirlo, Hernanes, Miroslav Klose and Francesco Totti all coming close but missing out, the strength of the chosen XI is simply phenomenal. GOALKEEPER HANDANOVIC (Inter) Inter's decision to discard Julio Cesar was one of the more contentious transfer moves of last summer, but his replacement, Samir Handanovic, has ensured that the clamour over the Brazilian's exit was brief. The Slovenian has consistently had to bail the Nerazzurri out of difficult situations, and but for him their season could have been over much sooner than it was. DEFENCE BENATIA (Udinese) BARZAGLI (JUVENTUS) RODRIGUEZ (Fiorentina) With only 18 games under his belt this term, Mehdi Benatia has appeared fewer times than any other player in our Team of the Season, yet his magnificent performances in that time have helped Udinese to yet another critic-defying league placing. Andrea Barzagli has been a rock once more for Juventus, with his consistency one of the main reasons why the club have again won the Scudetto with by far and away the best defensive record in the top flight. Fiorentina's renaissance has been assisted by the form of Gonzalo Rodriguez. After leaving relegated Villarreal, the Argentine found Florence to be the perfect setting for a return to form, helping to ensure to Viola's return to European competition. MIDFIELD LICHTSTEINER (JUVENTUS) VIDAL (JUVENTUS) HAMSIK (Napoli) ILICIC (Palermo) Stephan Lichtsteiner has quickly become one of the world's most effective wing-backs and marked himself down as a first choice at Juventus for some time to come yet. A number of superb performances from the Swiss have been the platform for Bianconeri victories on their way to a second straight title win. If one player has been more influential than Lichtsteiner for Antonio Conte's side this term, it has been Arturo Vidal. The Chilean midfielder has again proven himself to be an irreplaceable cog in the Juventus wheel, helping to not only break up attacks but also finish them off, with his 10 goals making him the club's top scorer. Of all of our XI, nobody has featured as regularly in the Goal Team of the Week series this season as Marek Hamsik. The Slovakian has made our shortlist no less than 10 times in the current campaign thanks to his consistent match-winning displays which helped Napoli to finish in second. The future may not be bright for Palermo after their relegation to Serie B, but one player who will be able to take some positives from 2012-13 once the dust has settled is Josip Ilicic. The Slovenian has at times been the Rosanero's only hope in an otherwise undistinguished season; his superb run in the second half of the campaign was so good that he almost dragged his side to safety single-handedly. ATTACK DI NATALE (Udinese) CAVANI (Napoli) EL SHAARAWY (Milan) The magnificence of Antonio Di Natale simply knows no bound. Before 2009-10, the Udinese striker had never once hit 20 goals in a season, but he has now managed that particular feat for four successive years. At 35, he should by rights be running out of legs and luck in front of goal, but he continues to lead the Friulani from the front with bewildering brilliance. Napoli would not have reached Europe without Edinson Cavani, let alone the Champions League. When the Parternopei have needed a star to lift them onto that extra level, the Uruguayan has been there every time. Hat-tricks against Lazio, Roma and Inter have boosted his goals tally to an unparalleled 28, and if he stays in Naples next season few would back against him replicating that figure. When AC Milan lost Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Paris Saint-Germain and started the season in lacklustre fashion, their lack of a potential talisman seemed stark. Step forward Stephan El Shaarawy. Then 19, the Italy striker blasted his way into world football's lexicon with goals and performances that put so many older, more experienced players to shame. While finishing was not the primary reason for his signature two summers ago, his 16 goals speak of a man who has been ready to contribute however and whenever his side has needed him. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Chiellini: Conte the architect of Juventus success The Italy international has nothing but praise for his coach and has stressed that the Bianconeri deserve their domestic success. May 13, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has hailed Antonio Conte's role in Juventus' Serie A success this season as he feels the head coach is the brain behind their Scudetto win. The Turin giants comfortably beat second-placed Napoli to the title to make it two consecutive Scudetti and Chiellini hopes that Juventus can continue to challenge for silverware with Conte at the helm. "We’re in the thick of our cycle and Conte’s the main architect. We want to develop together and continue following his lead," Chiellini was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website. The defender then went on to voice his opinion that Juve fully deserve their Serie A title as they never lost sight of their goal. "The reason why we’ve sealed this Scudetto title so early is because we’ve never given up over the course of the campaign. "We never lost sight of our objective. The defeat against Inter [in November] was a slip-up that brought us back down to earth and after a sticky patch in January we set off again. We deserve this title."

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Buffon: Bayern two steps ahead of the rest The legendary Italian goalkeeper saw first hard just how good the Bavarians are during his side's 4-0 aggregate loss to Jupp Heynckes' men last month. May 12, 2013 Juventus may have lifted their second successive Serie A title on Saturday, but captain Gianluigi Buffon freely admits that the Bianconeri still have much to do if they are challenge for the Champions League, arguing that Bayern Munich are currently "two steps ahead of the rest". The Italian champions were dumped out of Europe's premier cup competition by their German counterparts, losing 4-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, with the Bavarians going on to reach the final by routing Barcelona 7-0 over two surprisingly one-sided legs. Consequently, while Buffon is enthused by the progress that Juve have made over the past two years, he knows that there is still much work to be done if they are to win the Champions League. "To do that, both us and other European sides need to improve in order to catch up with Bayern Munich, who are currently two steps ahead of the rest," the veteran goalkeeper is quoted as saying by his club's official website. "What’s more, if they win the Champions League this season, they’ll strengthen the team even further, so it will be a difficult task. "Having said that, winning competitions like the Champions League can depend on luck: one fewer mistake, an extra save or a more favourable draw." Buffon has played a key role in the Bianconeri's recent resurgence but he insists that their back-to-back title triumphs have been a real team effort. "I’m happy, because it takes a long time to become captain of a team, but winning two years in a row means the squad has many leaders," he reasoned. "I’m referring to Chiellini, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal and Bonucci." Buffon lifted the title after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Cagliari in Turin. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Vidal: Juve can be like Bayern May 12, 2013 Arturo Vidal says he is happy to stay at Juventus, a club he believes could become as strong as the present Bayern Munich side. The Chilean is one of the outfit’s most wanted players and there are suggestions that the Old Lady could sell if a big enough offer was tabled. “I’m content and I am not thinking about anything else,” he told Tuttosport. “Obviously you never know what will happen in football, but I’m happy here. “I have an excellent relationship with boss Antonio Conte. He’s an exceptional person and an out of the ordinary Coach. “The fans also recognise my generosity. They have understood what I want to do on the pitch and they know that when I put on the Juventus shirt I play with my heart.” The 2011 summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has been a key figure this term and is the club’s joint top scorer in Serie A with 10 goals. “It’s a big strange, but our style of play allows for this to happen. Our strikers are judged badly, but if I or Claudio Marchisio score then it is because Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and the others make sacrifices for us.” While Juve dominated Serie A, their Champions League dream was wiped out by Bayern Munich in the last eight. “There is a big difference between Bayern and ourselves, but that is because they have been following a project for years and they’ve reached three Champions League Finals in four years. “I think Juventus can follow the same path. I actually think that we are stronger than Bayern were a few years ago. We can become like them.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Buffon: 'Proud to lift trophy' May 11, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon lifted the first Scudetto trophy as captain today. “I’m happy to be important for the fans and my team.” Last season it was Alessandro Del Piero who held the silverware aloft, but this time round the presentation concluded with Buffon wearing the captain’s armband. “I am happy to be a man who is important for the fans and my team,” said the goalkeeper. “What of the future? I don’t take any other clubs into consideration. When you win for two years in a row, it means there are many important players in the side who could become captain one day. We’ve got people like Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal or even Leonardo Bonucci. “I am sure Antonio Conte will remain, as he has black and white blood running through his veins. In order to win the Champions League we’d have to improve to the level of Bayern Munich, who at the moment are above everyone else. “The problem is that all the other teams will also try to raise the bar, so it’d be extremely difficult. In any case, the Champions League can also depend on minor incidents, like the draw, one save or one goal.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Conte: 'Juve unlike any other' May 11, 2013 Antonio Conte feels his Juventus are “unlike any other” and after the Scudetto party is looking forward to a vacation. The Serie A trophy was presented to the team at the Juventus Stadium this evening after their 1-1 draw with Cagliari. “It is all so wonderful, the fact we achieved this success and followed up the title from last season is all stupendous,” said Conte. “There’s one more game to go, then we will go off to enjoy our deserved vacation, seeing as for two years we have been working hard. We need to do well in order to rest properly, because it takes a lot of energy to reach these targets.” Giorgio Chiellini called Conte “the architect” of their success story, but the Coach has a different viewpoint. “The lads have been the protagonists throughout these two years, as they always had their minds on the job and trained the best way possible. Can we win again? It’ll be very tough, as we need to work hard and never feel sated. It was difficult for us to follow the Scudetto up this year. “The player I was most impressed by was Paul Pogba, as don’t forget last year he was in the Manchester United youth team and never really played.” If they can also challenge in the Champions League, then this Juve could be considered among the top all-time Bianconeri line-ups. “I don’t think this Juventus resembles any of the previous sides. In terms of grit and determination it can be likened to Marcello Lippi’s, but for the ideas and style of football I think it is unlike any other.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Chiellini: 'Juve never gave in' May 11, 2013 Juventus have been presented with the Scudetto trophy and Giorgio Chiellini insists “we never gave up, though Inter made us realise we weren’t unbeatable.” The Bianconeri had won their first Serie A title without losing a single game, but that run of over 40 consecutive rounds was ended by a 3-1 home loss to Inter. “It was an extraordinary cavalcade with great results and many sacrifices,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia after today’s 1-1 draw with Cagliari. “We never gave up and in the Champions League faced off against the strongest side in Europe, Bayern Munich. “Did we ever fear losing the title? Inter woke us up from a dream, as we thought we were unbeatable and that defeat got our feet back on the ground. “From that point on we began again. Many thought we would lower the intensity in Serie A after progressing in the Champions League, but we maintained our concentration across both tournaments.” Antonio Conte has been hesitant on his future this week, warning the squad needs to be improved if they are to keep on winning. “Conte will stay with us, as we are at the peak of this new era and it’s wonderful to grow together,” assured Chiellini. “He is the main architect of this success and we all want to continue with him. I hope we have Simone Pepe back with us at full fitness next season, as we really missed him and he suffered being in the stands.” Juventus won’t be able to beat Fabio Capello’s 2005-06 record of 91 points, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Cagliari today. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Conte dismisses Ferguson comparisons The 43-year-old does not believe he will be with the Serie A champions for anything like the same length of time the Manchester United boss has remained at Old Trafford. May 11, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has dismissed comparisons with Sir Alex Ferguson and believes it would be "boring" to stay with the same club for 26 years. Conte spent 13 years with the Bianconeri as a player and has been in charge of the side for a further two - clinching a second successive Serie A title last week. But with the Manchester United boss announcing his retirement after 26 years at Old Trafford, Conte has dismissed comparisons with the outgoing Scot. "Me the Ferguson of Juventus? First of all I want to applaud a great manager, but I think it will get boring staying on the same bench for as long as 26 years," Conte remarked elusively after the match. "I dont think we could've achieved anything more in these two years. We achieved the absolute maximum. The players have done magnificent things. "If someone thinks I am happy at just winning the league though, they are mistaken. I'm hungrier than ever. A coach always has to find ways to improve the squad. It's not just about the quality, but the hunger to win. "Everyone will expect bigger things from us. They'll want us to win the Scudetto again and to do better in the Champions League. We will do our best." Earlier on Friday, the former midfielder told BBC Sport he would be tempted by a move to the Premier League in the future: "I didn't go abroad as as a football player. I would love to do it as a manager," he added. "I hope, in the future, to be a coach in the Premier League. I have this aspiration, as this would enable me to improve my professional career. And the time will come for that." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Player Ratings Goal evaluates the performances of everyone involved as the Bianconeri came from behind to snatch a draw thanks to second-half substitute Mirko Vucinic. May 11, 2013 JUVENTUS Marco Storari - Was let down by his team-mates in the build-up to Cagliari's opener but, in truth, he really should have kept out what was a poorly-struck shot from Ibarbo. Andrea Barzagli - Endured a nightmare 14 minutes on the field, twice being made a fool of by Ibarbo before eventually being forced off through injury, with Caceres coming on in his place. Leonardo Bonucci - Like Barzagli, struggled to contain Ibarbo at times. But stepped out of the defence to good effect, distributing the ball very constructively, as per usual. Giorgio Chiellini - Predictably fine defensive display from Chiellini, but he blotted his copybook with a stupid yellow card for diving in the dying seconds which rules him out of next weekend's game against Sampdoria. Mauricio Isla - Came off second best in an early challenge with Astori but did put over some decent crosses. However, given the amount of ball he saw, his final product just wasn't good enough. Claudio Marchisio - Failed dismally to stop Ibarbo from opening the scoring, struggling to keep up with the Cagliari forward before then being simply barged out of the way. However, he was excellent thereafter and played a key role in Vucinic's equaliser. Luca Marrone - A rare start for Marrone in midfield but he failed to make the most of it. Indeed, he was anonymous for the duration of the game. Arturo Vidal - Started very brightly, putting Giovinco in on goal and testing Agazzi with a fine strike from distance inside the opening 10 minutes. Continued to drive Juve forward thereafter and set up the equaliser with a clever downward header. Emanuele Giaccherini - Juve's utility man did a fine job on the left wing, tormenting Perico at every opportunity and creating chances for the likes of Vidal and Marchisio. Final ball does continue to let him down a tad, though. Sebastian Giovinco - Made a mess of an early opening, taking far too long to get a shot away, but was so unlucky to see his measured free kick come back off the underside of the bar. Struggled thereafter, though, perhaps because of injury, and was replaced just after the break. Alessandro Matri - Busy enough up top but did not make the most of the half-chances that came his way, seeing the majority of his efforts blocked. Inevitably replaced by Quagliarella for the final quarter. Substitutions Martín Cáceres - Made an unexpectedly early entrance, coming on in place of the injured Barzagli with less than 15 minutes on the clock and performed well, even playing on after suffering a heavy knock. Mirko Vučinić - Introduced less than 10 minutes into the second half and wasted little time in making his presence felt, heading home Vidal's knockdown to level matters. Very nearly won it with a curling effort at the death, too. Fabio Quagliarella - Came on for Matri midway through the second half and carried a far greater goalscoring threat. CAGLIARI Michael Agazzi - Lucky that the bar came to his rescue after being beaten all ends up by Giovinco's dipping free kick. But he made a string of solid stops and one spectacular save from a stinging Vidal drive. Davide Astori - A tremendously-timed sliding challenge on Isla six minutes in set the tone for a tremendously composed and committed display from the Italy international. Forced off through injury midway through the second half, though. Luca Rossettini - Typified Cagliari's dogged determination at the back with a terrific block on a goal-bound effort from Matri inside the opening quarter. Never let up from that point on. Gabriele Perico - Was given a rough ride by Giaccherini and it was something of a surprise that he was not hauled off at half-time, with Pulga waiting until just under 10 minutes into the second half to make a change. Nicola Murru - Worked tirelessly but was booked for giving away the free kick with which Giovinco struck the bar, so he was wisely replaced early in the second period. Radja Nainggolan - A lively presence in the middle of the park, the Belgian embarked on a few marauding runs and even tried his luck from distance on occasions. Another display that suggests that he could do a job for one of Italy's elite. Daniele Conti - The captain led by example in the middle of the park, winning the ball back with great regularity and using it intelligently. Albin Ekdal - The Swede was extremely composed in possession and looked capable of making something happen every time Cagliari got the ball to him. However, he drifted badly out of the game the longer the second half wore on. Daniele Dessena - Caused problems every time he drifted out to the right-hand side, and provided his forwards with some decent service. Víctor Ibarbo - Tormented Barzagli early on. Indeed, he had already had a couple of nice early touches, cleverly lobbing the ball over the centre-half's head at one point, before then opening the scoring after a storming run from inside his own half. Mauricio Pinilla - Nowhere near as dynamic has his strike partner but still held the ball up well enough, taking the pressure off his defenders with a couple of fine runs down the flanks. Never looked like scoring, though. Substitutions Dario Del Fabro - Took over from Murru eight minutes into the second half and did reasonably well. Sebastian Eriksson - Came on for the injured Astori on 67 minutes but looked far more vulnerable at the back. Andrea Cossu - Introduced in place of Perico shortly after half-time and performed diligently. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Juve share spoils with Cagliari May 11, 2013 Juventus had to rely on an equaliser from Mirko Vucinic as they failed to celebrate their Serie A title triumph with victory over Cagliari. The Turin side had wrapped up their 31st Scudetto title last weekend with a narrow victory over Palermo and their next target was beating their own points record set in 2006 under Fabio Capello. However, today proved to be a damp squib as they were shocked by the visitors who took the lead through Victor Ibarbo after 12 minutes before Vucinic levelled after 61 minutes. Juve were the first to show with Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi forced to save Arturo Vidal's 30-yard shot which was heading for the corner. Cagliari were ahead a minute later with a fine solo goal from Ibarbo who passed Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli before moving inside the box and scoring in the bottom left-hand corner. Emanuele Giaccherini shot high and wide for the hosts before Radja Nainggolan sent an effort narrowly wide of the right post as the visitors took the game to the champions. Agazzi saved well in the bottom right-hand corner from Marchisio before Juve almost levelled when the goalkeeper was well beaten by Sebastian Giovinco's free-kick which smashed against the bar. Juve had built up a head of steam with Alessandro Matri twice shooting over as they failed to pierce the visiting defence before half-time. Ibarbo shot over for Cagliari but Juve started the second half as they finished the first but they found Agazzi in inspired form. An unmarked Giaccherini was denied by the keeper at his near post and he then blocked Matri's turn and shot before Vucinic fired over. However, Cagliari's resistance was ended with a little under half an hour remaining. Marchisio crossed from the left was headed on by Vidal with Agazzi failing to take the catch and Vucinic tapping in. Marchisio then skimmed the post with a header and Mauricio Isla's drilled shot went narrowly over as Juve searched for the winner. Cagliari showed they were not a spent force when Nainggolan's right-footed shot from outside the box was only narrowly wide as the game finished in a draw. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Ibarbo ruins Juve record A sensational Victor Ibarbo run from his own half earned a 1-1 draw for Cagliari and ends Juventus hopes of setting a new points record. May 11, 2013 The Bianconeri had already secured the Scudetto last week, but were now hoping to target Fabio Capello’s 2005-06 record of 91 points, even though that title was revoked in the Calciopoli trial. Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba were suspended with Gigi Buffon among those rested, so Luca Marrone got a rare opportunity to start in his favoured midfield role. Cagliari were safe mid-table and had Mauricio Pinilla back after his three-match ban was reduced to two on appeal. The Juve players all walked out of the tunnel holding their children, all wearing miniature Bianconeri kits, as flags waved in a fantastic party atmosphere. Michael Agazzi had to beat away a fierce Arturo Vidal snapshot from distance, but Cagliari started aggressively and broke the deadlock in Turin. Victor Ibarbo gathered in his own half, then turned on the turbo to burst between two defenders and used great strength to hold off Claudio Marchisio, then fired the shot so it squirmed underneath Marco Storari. It was a sensational solo effort, as Ibarbo slowed down and then suddenly cut inside to whizz past his opponents. Andrea Barzagli went off moments later with a muscular injury to make way for Martin Caceres. Radja Nainggolan’s angled drive flashed across the face of goal and Sebastian Giovinco went down on the very edge of the box with Davide Astori, but the referee awarded a corner. Alessandro Matri’s scuffed shot was deflected and Agazzi smothered a Marchisio daisy-cutter. Giovinco was very unlucky on 33 minutes, as he curled a free kick over the wall and it thumped the underside of the crossbar, bouncing back off the ground and out with Agazzi stranded. Nicola Murru got a crucial block to stop Matri turning in a Giovinco pull-back from 10 yards. Cagliari thought they were going to score another in stoppages when Pinilla fired straight at Storari from point-blank range, but the offside flag had already been raised. After the restart Agazzi needed his wits about him to get down and palm Emanuele Giaccherini’s low drive round the base of the near post. Juve were far more attacking in this half and equalised when Marchisio chipped up a cross from the by-line for Arturo Vidal to nod back into the six-yard box where Mirko Vucinic tapped in. Agazzi only flapped at Vidal’s headed assist. Vidal flung himself at a Giaccherini cross moments later, but couldn’t quite get on the end of it, while Radja Nainggolan drilled wide from distance. Marchisio almost scored a strange goal with his chest, deflecting a Mauricio Isla cross just past the upright. Vucinic also sprung the offside trap and fired straight at Agazzi, then Isla’s screamer flashed inches over the bar. Vucinic fired off target with Agazzi rooted to the spot in stoppages after Giorgio Chiellini’s acrobatic intervention prevented Pinilla going clear on goal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JUVENTUS: Storari; Barzagli (Caceres 14), Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Marrone, Marchisio, Giaccherini; Giovinco (Vucinic 51), Matri (Quagliarella 71) CAGLIARI: Agazzi; Perico (Cossu 54), Rossettini, Astori (Eriksson 65); Murru (Del Fabro 53), Dessena, Conti, Ekdal, Nainggolan; Pinilla, Ibarbo Ref: Calvarese http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Víctor Ibarbo (13′) Mirko Vučinić (61′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Attendance:‬ 38933‎ Bianconeri fall short in bid for record points haul Antonio Conte's men had been hoping to make club history by winning their final two games but they needed a Mirko Vucinic header to salvage a point against the visitors. May 11, 2013 Juventus' hopes of breaking their points record for a single Serie A season were dashed by a 1-1 draw at home to Cagliari on Saturday evening. In truth, the Bianconeri were somewhat fortunate to have escaped with a draw, having fallen behind to a stunning solo strike from Victor Ibarbo. However, Mirko Vucinic came off the bench to earn the hosts a draw with a simple header from a terrific knock-down from man of the match Arturo Vidal. With the title having been sealed against Palermo last weekend, the Bianconeri had little to play for - and it showed for long stretches. However, coach Antonio Conte had spoken beforehand of his desire to see his side win their two remaining fixtures and thus break the club's previous points record of 91. Consequently, it was no surprise to see the home side begin in a lively fashion, with Vidal particularly prominent early on, putting Sebastian Giovinco in on goal only to see his team-mate take too long to get a shot away, before then drawing a spectacular save from Michael Agazzi with a fine strike from distance. However, Ibarbo had also started in stirring fashion and it was he who opened the scoring. The Colombian had already frightened the life out of Andrea Barzagli with one drive from deep when he took on the classy centre-back again 13 minutes in. Barzagli had Claudio Marchisio for support but Ibarbo, who had picked up possession inside his own half, simply stormed past the pair of them before coolly slotting the ball underneath Marco Storari to end Juve's five-game run without conceding. The ease with which the Colombian had cut inside Barzagli had been staggering but it was somewhat explained by the Italy international's injury-enforced withdrawal just moments later. In truth, Cagliari looked the better side after Ibarbo's strike but Juve were desperately unfortunate not to have drawn level just after the half-hour mark when Giovinco's measured free kick struck the crossbar and bounced down on the wrong side of the goalline from the home side's perspective. Vidal continued to drive Juve forward but, as it was, the champions went in a goal down at the break, so it was hardly surprising that Conte decided to introduce Vucinic early in the second half. The Montenegrin took a while to get into the game but Emanuele Giaccherini was causing all sorts of problems down the left-hand side and the Bianconeri's utility man went close to drawing his side level after cutting into the area only to see Agazzi get down well to keep out the wing-back's low strike. Vucinic made his mark just moments later, though, nodding home from close range after Vidal had busted a gut to get on the end of Marchisio's cross to the back post and head the ball back across the goal. Juve poured forward in search of a winner, with Marchisio going close late on, but there was to be no denying the Rossoblu, who, in fairness, were good value for their point. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

A proposito, nessuna traccia di Mamozio?

Quante botte ha preso Matri.

Dat is een moslim, hoor.

L'ho pensato io per un attimo.