Socrates

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Cagliari squad to face Juve May 10, 2013 Cagliari have named their 22-man squad for the match against Juventus in Turin on Saturday evening. Ivo Pulga's side travel north looking for the three points that could stop the Bianconeri's bid to beat the club's record League points total. And the Isolani will do so with virtually a full complement of players to choose from – with only the injured Matias Cabrera unavailable. Cagliari squad to face Juventus: Agazzi, Anedda e Avramov, Ariaudo, Astori, Avelar, Del Fabro, Murru, Perico, Rossettini, Casarini, Conti, Cossu, Dessena, Ekdal, Eriksson, Nainggolan, Ibarbo, Nenè, Pinilla, Sau, Thiago Ribeiro http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Pulga appreciates Juve test May 10, 2013 Cagliari Coach Ivo Pulga knows his team will be up against it when they face Juventus tomorrow evening. The Isolani travel to Turin looking for the three points that could derail the Bianconeri's hopes of beating their League points total record. But the 48-year-old has admitted that it will be a tough task. “Tomorrow is going to be a real game,” he told a Press conference. “Conte has instilled a winning mentality in his players. “Juventus are a great team that have won the League well. “It is going to be difficult to deal with them. “We have put in some good performances recently. We will fight until the end of the season - 10th place is our goal.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Juve name sqaud for Cagliari May 10, 2013 Juventus have named their 21-man squad for the match against Cagliari on Saturday. The Bianconeri host the Isolani looking for the three points that could take them on to 89 points and within reach of a club record. But they will have to do so without Andrea Pirlo, who is suspended following his booking against Atalanta in the week. Paul Pogab is also unavailable through suspension. Juventus squad to face Cagliari: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Anelka, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Marrone http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Conte wants 'best possible' finish May 10, 2013 Juventus Coach Antonio Conte has insisted that his side want to finish the season as strongly as possible. The Bianconeri host Cagliari on Saturday looking for the three points that could take them to 89 points. And the tactician has claimed that his team will not take their foot off the gas, as they hope to break the club's points record for a season. “We want to try and continue what has been done so far,” he told a Press conference. “And finish the season in the best possible way. “We need two wins for an important record, so that will be an additional motivation for us. “If we can beat that it will be cause for further satisfaction. “Last year we had a beautiful ceremony, so I urge the fans not to invade the pitch at the end of the game. “We want to raise the trophy in front of our fans. We want to celebrate all together in the best way.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: We need more champions May 10, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has admitted that Juventus need 'more champions' in order to claim their third successive Scudetto next term. Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain have both been heavily linked with a move to the Bianconeri in the summer. And the Italy midfielder has claimed that they would be welcome additions, but has echoed the words of Alessandro Matri – claiming that the players already at the club deserve some gratitude. “We'll have to give a little more next season,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “It is obvious that we need new champions. “But I want to add to those words of Matri. “The players that are already here deserve some gratitude for what they've already done here. “We have given everything to win these two titles.”

Pogba reminds me of Carl Lewis, says Juventus fitness coach The Bianconeri are hoping to maximise the young midfielder's physical attributes, according to Julio Tous who believes the Frenchman could make a successful transition to athletics. May 11, 2013 Juventus fitness coach Julio Tous says Paul Pogba's "extraordinary" athleticism reminds him of nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis. The midfielder, 20, has impressed in his debut Serie A campaign with a series of powerful displays since arriving from Manchester United last summer, and the Old Lady's fitness coach revealed the club are keen to maximise the France international's physical potential. "Coaching Paul Pogba is a little like coaching Carl Lewis. I don't know what kind of career [Pogba] will go on to have, but as an athlete he is extraordinary," he told Tuttosport. "I've encouraged Pogba to concentrate on running 400 meters. We are definitely trying to push him in that direction." Tous' fellow trainer Paolo Bertelli, meanwhile, showered praise on Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo - the latter of whom has "surprised" the 52-year-old with his work-rate, despite the Italy playmaker's advancing years. "Last year, we had an extraordinary [Marcelo] Estigarribia, but now - if we talk about sheer power - Giorgio Chiellini is top," he added. "I was surprised to find out that [Andrea] Pirlo was a guy who never gives up. He never asks to do less and only does the work that is required of him. He is always available. "Dealing with him is one of the most positive experiences of my adventure at Juventus. I previously worked in Spain, where often a player with his characteristics attempts to do less, thinking that his quality will make up for a lack of commitment in training." And Constantino Coratti, another member of Juve's fitness staff, concluded that the side's dip in form during January was purely coincidental, while their Champions League elimination at the hands of Bayern Munich could be explained by a longer winter break in Germany. "In January we were not always winning, but I don't think it was due to a dip in form. I believe it was random because from a physical standpoint, our performance levels have always been high," he said. "In Germany, the winter championship stops for a month and a half. Besides the Bundesliga only has 18 teams, so there are fewer matches to play and that helps."

Serie A - 18^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-5-2013 (ore 18:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Giampaolo Calvarese Confronti ufficiali 74 - 65 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 33 - 30 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 27 - 24 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Cagliari 14 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Juventus 93 - 83 (Serie A) - 9 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Cagliari 63 - 55 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Coppa Uefa) Juventus - Cagliari a Torino - Serie A Confronti ufficiali 32 Vittorie Juventus 18 (L'ultima il 26.09.2010, 4-2) Pareggi 12 (L'ultimo il 15.01.2012, 1-1) Vittorie Cagliari 2 (L'ultima il 31.01.2009, 2-3) Goals Juventus 52 Goals Cagliari 26 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Cagliari a Torino 11 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 10 Furino Giuseppe 10 Salvadore Sandro 9 Cuccureddu Antonello 8 Bettega Roberto 8 Zoff Dino 7 Anastasi Pietro 7 Causio Franco 6 Anzolin Roberto 6 Capello Fabio 4 goals Anastasi Pietro 4 Causio Franco 4 Trezeguet David Sergio 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Krasic Milos 3 Nedved Pavel 2 Inzaghi Filippo 2 Menichelli Giampaolo 2 Ravanelli Fabrizio 1 Appiah Stephen Ultimi confronti diretti 21.09.2008 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 0-1 31.01.2009 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 2-3 29.11.2009 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 2-0 11.04.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-0 26.09.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 4-2 05.02.2011 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-3 15.01.2012 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-1 06.05.2012 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 0-2 12.12.2012 Coppa Italia Juventus-Cagliari 1-0 21.12.2012 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-3 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 1 - Vittorie Cagliari 2 - Goals Juventus 18 - Goals Cagliari 10

Serie A - 17^ Giornata - Ritorno - 8-5-2013 (ore 20:45) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (18′) Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida Attendance:‬14000‎ Serie A - La Juve suona la nona: 0-1 con l'Atalanta La squadra di Conte passa anche a Bergamo: basta il gol di Matri nel primo tempo. Bianconeri ancora in corsa per il record di Capello (91 punti). Atalanta comunque matematicamente salva in virtù della sconfitta del Palermo con l'Udinese. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 8 maggio 2013 Una corsa senza fine. La Juventus passa anche a Bergamo e resta così in corsa per il record – 91 punti – che fu della squadra di Capello. Spietata, cinica, affamata. Pur nella sua “versione B”, la squadra di Conte riesce ad espugnare il campo dell’Atalanta – al fischio d’inizio bisognosa comunque di punti salvezza – infilando la nona vittoria consecutiva in campionato grazie al bel gol di Matri. L’Atalanta però, nonostante la sconfitta, raggiunge la salvezza matematica grazie alla contemporanea vittoria dell’Udinese a Palermo. Festa di entrambe però, come spesso accade, “rovinata” dagli scontri tra il settore ospiti della Juventus e quello dei bergamaschi che obbliga l’arbitro alla sospensione della partita per 7 minuti (28’ del primo tempo). NON CHIAMATELA JUVE B - Storari, Caceres, Marrone, Isla, Padoin, Giaccherini, De Ceglie, Matri e Quagliarella. Della Juventus campione d’Italia che si presenta a Bergamo, 9/11 (Pirlo e Chiellini gli altri due) non fanno parte dei “titolari”. Il termine, rigorosamente in virgolettato, farebbe piacere ad Antonio Conte che della filosofia “non ci sono gerarchie” ne ha fatto un punto fermo in due anni di gestione. E il lavoro, nei primi 45 minuti, di per sé ha funzionato. Sì perché nonostante la “Juventus B” scenda in campo contro una squadra più che mai bisognosa di punti, i bianconeri tengono assolutamente il campo e alla squadra di Colantuono, almeno in avvio, non resta che guardare. Il primo squillo è infatti di Giaccherini che con un gran controllo dagli sviluppi di un lancio di Caceres testa subito la reattività di Consigli. Il secondo squillo però, questa volta di Pirlo (per la prima volta dimenticato da Bonaventura), è delizioso quanto il controllo di Matri che al 18’ sfonda lo specchio di Consigli. Juve avanti. E i bergamaschi, a quel punto, provano a reagire. LA GRINTA DI CONTE - A sbattersi più di tutti in mediana è Cigarini, là davanti Denis prova a far sentire tutto il suo peso offensivo al giovane Marrone, ma la mediana di Conte regge il ritmo e le urla del tecnico della Juventus, al primo tocco sbagliato, si fanno sentire. Sì perché Conte, ormai, quei 91 punti li ha messi nel mirino e trovato il vantaggio, distrarsi, è vietato. I SOLITI IDIOTI - Ecco perché le ire del tecnico, al minuto 37’, sono tutte per Caceres che, lezioso, si addormenta sul disimpegno permettendo a Denis di trovare quella che per i nerazzurri sarà l’occasione più grande del match: tocco al volo di piatto sul cross dalla sinistra e palo pieno. Il primo tempo, con un ritardo di 10 minuti, finirà poco dopo. Si perché poco prima, le continua intemperanze della curva della Juventus con il resto del pubblico, avevano costretto Guida ad interrompere il match. Gli scontri, iniziati fuori dallo stadio, erano proseguiti sulle tribune con lancio di oggetti e fumogeni. A calmare le acque (o per lo meno provarci), lo stesso Conte che seguito da Bonucci e Marchisio aveva invitato alla calma. ALLA FINE TUTTI CONTENTI - La ripresa, a differenza di comunque un buon primo tempo, regala parecchie meno emozioni. Sì perché l’Atalanta parte forte e con Cigarini in gestione prova a dettare i ritmi, ma l’organizzazione dei bianconeri non porta quasi mai Storari a subire grossi pericoli e le velleità dei bergamaschi sono quasi sempre controllate. A regalare emozioni è dunque solo la girandola di cambi, che permette anche l’ingresso in campo del desaparecido Anelka. Il francese non si vede un granché, ma all’80’ Vidal non lo serve sul contropiede 4 contro 2 che si sviluppa; Consigli si salva e il gol di Benatia a Palermo che regala la salvezza all’Atalanta è anche l’ultima emozione. La corsa della Juventus al suo record prosegue. Quella dei ragazzi di Colantuono, ormai salvi, si ferma qui... e alla fine, comunque, festeggiano tutti. Simone Eterno. http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Juventus-Cagliari MATCH PREVIEW May 10, 2013 Juventus are aiming to better a club points record, while Cagliari are nestled safely within mid-table. The Bianconeri earned their ninth consecutive victory midweek at Atalanta. Alessandro Matri scored the only goal in a flat performance that followed the Scudetto celebrations. Antonio Conte’s side are on track to beat the club’s highest season points tally. It sits at 91, from the Calciopoli-affected 2005-06 campaign. Six points in the final two games means they’ll finish a point ahead. Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo are suspended, while Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Nicklas Bendtner are to be rested with slight injuries. Simone Pepe is also missing. Cagliari fell on Wednesday to a defeat at ‘home’ to Parma. The Trieste-based encounter was decided by Ducali player Aleandro Rosi with only 11 minutes remaining. It continues a four-match winless streak for a Rossoblu side playing with the comfort of knowing their Serie A status is secure. Cagliari are 11th and have assured a mid-table finish. Francesco Pisano is the only player absent. Davide Astori and Mauricio Pinilla return to the squad having missed the Parma clash. Cagliari have found the going tough in Turin, claiming victory just twice. Juve have won on 18 occasions, but held to a draw - including last season - 12 times. Keep an eye on: Luca Marrone (Juventus) – The Italian Under-21 international was fielded in the heart of defence in Bergamo but given the suspensions to Pirlo and Pogba, a role in midfield beckons. This is a chance to remind of his capabilities in his natural spot. Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Cagliari (W L L D L) Last season: Juventus 1-1 Cagliari Stat fact: Alessandro Matri scored four goals for Cagliari against Juve, including the winner in the Rossoblu’s last Turin triumph in 2008-09. JUVENTUS (probable): Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Giaccherini, Marrone, Marchisio, Peluso; Quagliarella, Matri CAGLIARI (probable): Agazzi; Perico, Rossettini, Astori, Murru; Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan; Cossu; Pinilla, Ibarbo http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 11-5-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Giampaolo Calvarese Juventus-Cagliari Preview: Bianconeri seeking 10th consecutive league victory Antonio Conte is determined to win both remaining games of the season in order to beat the Old Lady's record points tally of 91, set by Fabio Capello's side in 2006. May 10, 2013 Antonio Conte will be without suspended midfield duo Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba for Juventus' final home clash of the season against Cagliari on Saturday. Andrea Barzagli is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension which kept him out of the 1-0 victory away at Atalanta while Leonardo Bonucci, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio, Gianluigi Buffon and Arturo Vidal should all return to the fold after being rested. Alessandro Matri is expected to keep his place up front after scoring in midweek and the former Cagliari striker could be partnered with Sebastian Giovinco, although Nicolas Anelka and Nicklas Bendtner are also pushing for starts. As for Cagliari, Mauricio Pinilla returns after his initial three-game ban was reduced to two matches and Albin Ekdal could start against his former employers. However, the game comes too soon for Francesco Pisano and Matias Cabrera who remain sidelined through injury. DID YOU KNOW? Juventus have won their last five Serie A matches without conceding a single goal. Cagliari have only scored in three of their last eight league matches. In the reverse fixture back in September, the Old Lady emerged 3-1 victors with a late double from Alessandro Matri and a goal from Mirko Vucinic, after Mauricio Pinilla had given the Sardinians a first-half lead. Saturday's showdown will be the 66th time that the two sides have met in Serie A. Juventus have won on 30 occasions, losing 11 matches and drawing 24 times. Alessandro Matri scored 38 goals in 131 appearances for the Rossoblu before his €15.5 million transfer to Juventus in 2011. Marco Sau is Cagliari's leading Serie A marksman with twelve goals. Arturo Vidal's recent goalscoring spree has propelled him to the top of the Bianconeri's standings with ten. Head to Head Serie A - Dec 21, 2012 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3 Coppa Italia - Dec 12, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 Serie A - May 6, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A - Jan 15, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1 Serie A - Feb 5, 2011 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3 Last Five Matches JUVENTUS May 8, 2013 Atalanta 0 - Juventus 1 Serie A May 5, 2013 Juventus 1 - Palermo 0 Serie A Apr 28, 2013 Torino 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A Apr 21, 2013 Juventus 1 - AC Milan 0 Serie A Apr 15, 2013 Lazio 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A CAGLIARI May 8, 2013 Cagliari 0 - Parma 1 Serie A May 4, 2013 Chievo 0 - Cagliari 0 Serie A Apr 27, 2013 Cagliari 0 - Udinese 1 Serie A Apr 21, 2013 SSC Napoli 3 - Cagliari 2 Serie A Apr 14, 2013 Cagliari 2 - FC Internazionale 0 Serie A Players to Watch Alessandro Matri The former Cagliari striker has found it difficult to nail down a starting berth in Antonio Conte's starting eleven this campaign and will be determined to prove his worth once again after impressing in a rare start in midweek. The 28-year-old has notched eight league goals so far and will be hoping to replicate his feat from December when he scored twice against the Rossoblu. Radja Nainggolan The Belgium international has become a fan's favourite with his powerful box-to-box playing style and tireless work rate. The 25-year-old is an integral part of Ivo Pulga's line-up and has registered more outfield appearances than any other Rossoblu player this season. Unsurprisingly, he has been linked to a host of top European clubs, including Juventus, ahead of the forthcoming transfer window. Prediction Cagliari are experiencing an end-of-season slump, having secured only five points from a possible last 18. Juventus, however, are in fine form with nine league wins on the bounce, conceding only two goals in the process. Conte's side are bidding for their highest-ever points total and they should have enough firepower to see off the Sardinian challenge and claim a 20th Serie A clean sheet of the season. Editor's Prediction JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CAGLIARI http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Conte will stay, predicts Pirlo May 10, 2013 Andrea Pirlo expects to still be trained by Antonio Conte at Juventus during the 2013-14 campaign. Conte has refused to totally commit his future to the Turin giants until he has sat down with club officials to discuss their plans for next season and beyond. However, the veteran playmaker is convinced that there is no reason for the former midfielder to leave the Old Lady. “Scared of losing Conte? I think it’s a surreal situation,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia. “We’ll certainly see him in the summer.” Conte has been a massive success since his arrival two years ago when he was appointed on the back of two seventh-place finishes in Serie A for the Bianconeri. “The first Scudetto was unexpected, but both were beautiful,” the former Inter and Milan man commented. “A Scudetto symbol? Arturo Vidal has been fundamental here for two years, but I think the squad was the most important factor. “All of the players deserve recognition.”

Buffon: 'Juve forced to win' May 9, 2013 Gigi Buffon confirms the second consecutive Scudetto felt different, but that Juventus didn’t mind being “forced to win.”The Bianconeri dominated Serie A for the last two seasons and on Sunday will be presented with the Scudetto trophy after their game with Cagliari. “This Scudetto did not have the same strong feeling as last year’s, as that was the surprise title considering we started out at a disadvantage,” Buffon told students in Turin. “This year it had a different feeling. The fact we were the team to beat meant we were forced to win from July to now, although of course it was a sweet sensation too. “Managing to win while knowing everyone is sitting there just waiting for you to make a mistake and the pressure of the people on your shoulders is not easy. “However, seeing as it is so difficult, it gives you a great feeling when you achieve those results.”

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (18′) Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida Attendance:‬14000 ‎ Juve and Atalanta fined €50,000 May 9, 2013 Atalanta and Juventus have both been fined €50,000 for the crowd trouble that saw their game suspended for eight minutes. The 1-0 Juve win in Bergamo on Wednesday evening had to be halted for eight minutes while Coach Antonio Conte and players from both teams tried to negotiate with the supporters to stay calm. Atalanta ultras had thrown objects at a bus full of Juve fans outside the stadium and problems carried on inside, where the two sets of supporters threw fireworks and other dangerous objects into each others’ sections. Both Juventus and Atalanta have been fined €50,000 and given a warning after the crowd trouble. The Disciplinary Commission’s report today revealed there were five people injured in the clashes, which saw tiles broken off from the stadium toilets and used as projectiles. Napoli were fined €3,000 for a member of their staff’s insulting and provocative behaviour towards the opposition bench, while Coach Walter Mazzarri received a €15,000 fine for dissent. The following players were handed a one-match ban: Edgar Barreto (Palermo), Luca Cigarini (Atalanta), Luciano (Chievo), Alberto Gilardino (Bologna), Massimo Gobbi (Parma), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna), Juan Jesus (Inter), Paul Papp (Chievo), Alvaro Pereira (Inter), Diego Perez (Bologna), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Giuseppe Rizzo (Pescara), Alexis Rolin (Catania), Alessandro Rosina (Siena), Guglielmo Stendardo (Atalanta). http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Llorente convinced of Juve power May 9, 2013 Juventus-bound Fernando Llorente is convinced that he is joining one of Europe’s top clubs.“They are one of the best on the continent,” the Athletic Bilbao man noted. “They’ve shown over the last two seasons that they are the best in Italy. “I’m very happy,” he continued. “Although I’m focused on Athletic right now, there is something very important waiting for me in the future.” The striker, 28, will move to Turin in the summer on a Bosman free transfer once his current contract expires. Juventus wrapped up their second consecutive Scudetto on Sunday afternoon. They reached the last eight of the Champions League before falling against Bayern Munich.

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (18′) Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida Attendance:‬14000 ‎ Juventus target 92 points May 9, 2013 Juventus have one more objective left this season – to beat the 91 points won by Fabio Capello’s Old Lady side. That record total was collected by the latter in the 2005-06 campaign, although the club were later stripped of that Scudetto and demoted to Serie B for their part in Calciopoli. “We’re going to try our very best to beat Capello’s record,” assistant boss Angelo Alessio stated after the 1-0 win over Atalanta. “We managed to win a very difficult match in Bergamo. Credit to the lads who always train really hard and ensure they’re in shape for the game. “Over the last two years, this group of players has been amazing and really embraced the club’s hard-working culture. “Coming here and winning against an Atalanta side fighting for survival was no easy task.” Juventus, currently on 86 points, need wins in their last two games – at home to Cagliari and away to Sampdoria – to set a new club first. The Bianconeri have won their last nine games in the top flight. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Buffon: Juventus were under much more pressure this season The goalkeeper said winning a second Scudetto in a row was a great accomplishment but that it felt very different to last year's success. May 9, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted Juventus felt the added pressure of being defending champions in Serie A but was impressed by how the side dealt with it. The Turin giants won the Scudetto for the second year in a row, with their goalkeeper admitting the levels of scrutiny and expectation were far higher this time around than when they finished up on top last year. As a result, Buffon said winning the title was a very different sensation to last term but that it still represented an excellent achievement. Addressing a group of students, he said: “This Scudetto did not have the same strong feeling as last year’s. “Last year was the surprise title considering we started out at a disadvantage, but this year it had a different feeling. “The fact we were the team to beat meant we were forced to win from July through to now, although of course it was a sweet sensation too. “Managing to win while knowing everyone is sitting there just waiting for you to make a mistake and the pressure of the people on your shoulders is not easy. “However, seeing as it is so difficult, it gives you a great feeling when you achieve those results.” Buffon recently praised boss Antonio Conte following the Scudetto success, saying he was the best coach he had ever worked under.

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (18′) Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida Attendance:‬14000 ‎ Matri happy with Juve goal count May 8, 2013 Alessandro Matri is satisfied with the contribution he has made to Juventus’ Scudetto success this term. Speaking after he netted the only goal in the win at Atalanta on Wednesday, the Italian international reflected on his campaign. “It’s been fantastic because we’ve won the Scudetto, but also positive from a personal point of view,” he stated. “Obviously a striker looks at his own statistics, but all things considered, I think I’ve got a good goals to minutes played ratio. “Everyone wants to play all the time, but we know that’s just not possible.” Matri has netted eight goals in 21 League games, which relate to 991 minutes of action in the top-flight. However, the former Cagliari man’s future at the club is in some doubt given that Juve may freshen up their attacking department over the summer. “I want to be a part of this group of strikers,” he underlined. “This constant talk of top players has somewhat overshadowed the great work of our attackers. “Obviously you need the quality of champions to be able to win in Europe, but I think that after two Scudetto titles, people should give credit to those who have helped achieve them.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (18′) Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida Attendance:‬14000 ‎ Matri ensures Scudetto celebrations continue The Bianconeri were made to work exceedingly hard for their win, and were perhaps fortunate to escape with the points in the end after the hosts were denied a clear late penalty. May 8, 2013 Newly-crowned Serie A champions Juventus continued their stellar domestic run of results with a narrow 1-0 win over Atalanta at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on Wednesday. The Bianconeri had little left to play for after clinching the Scudetto against Palermo on Sunday, but picked up their ninth straight league win thanks to Alessandro Matri's well-worked first-half goal. With the title wrapped up over the weekend, Antonio Conte opted to give some of the less-heralded names in his squad a chance to shine, as Marco Storari, Luca Marrone and Simone Padoin all started. The opening goal came in the 18th minute courtesy of good work from Andrea Pirlo who clipped a sublime pass between the centre-backs for Matri, who controlled superbly before lashing into the far side. The goal seemed to coax the home side out of their shell, but it was Juve who nearly struck again less than 10 minutes later. Mauricio Isla’s fantastic cross was begging to be met and Paolo De Ceglie obliged, but his stooping header was just wide. But just when it seemed like matters on the pitch were picking up, events in the stands grounded proceedings to a halt. Flares and smoke bombs were thrown, forcing the referee to stop the game, with Conte and Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini making frantic appeals for the away fans to behave. When play resumed Martin Caceres gave the ball away and German Denis pounced from a quick cross, smashing the ball towards goal from inside the box, only to see the base of the post deny him. Atalanta continued to look dangerous after the restart, but it was Juve who carved out the better opportunities. Emanuele Giaccherini blasted over the bar at the end of a counter, before Matri missed a gilt-edged cross from Isla yards out. The game exploded back into life in the 81st minute. Federico Peluso avoided a penalty call for a clear handball and Juve were swiftly down the other end of the pitch, with substitute Arturo Vidal seeing a close-range effort denied by Andrea Consigli. That was the last meaningful action of the match, but Atalanta perhaps were not too disappointed in the final score, as results elsewhere confirmed their survival for another campaign. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Anelka in campo.

ALESSANDRO MATRI 0-1

ATALANTA: Consigli; Raimondi, Stendardo, Canini, Del Grosso; Carmona, Cigarini, Biondini; Moralez, Bonaventura; Denis Atalanta panchina: Parra, Frezzolini, Ferri, Scaloni, Capelli, Contini, Bellini, Brivio, Radovanovic, Giorgi, De Luca, Polito JUVENTUS: Storari; Caceres, Marrone, Chiellini; Isla, Padoin, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Matri, Quagliarella Juventus panchina: Rubinho, Branescu, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Peluso, Giovinco, Vucinic, Anelka

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.) - Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida Line-ups: Atalanta-Juventus May 8, 2013 Atalanta will be hoping Juventus have a Scudetto hangover when they meet in Bergamo this evening. The midweek round continues at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia. Antonio Conte and his men partied into the night on Sunday with an open-top bus tour of the city after securing their second consecutive Scudetto. Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Nicklas Bendtner and Kwadwo Asamoah miss out, while Paul Pogba begins his three-match ban for spitting at an opponent. It gives rare starts to Marco Storari, Luca Marrone, Mauricio Isla, Paolo De Ceglie, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella. Atalanta still need a point to be safe from the threat of relegation, but have dropped Marko Livaja for disciplinary reasons for the second time in a month. Franco Brienza, Guido Marilungo, Igor Budan and Riccardo Cazzola are on the treatment table. ATALANTA: Consigli; Raimondi, Stendardo, Canini, Del Grosso; Carmona, Cigarini, Biondini; Moralez, Bonaventura; Denis Atalanta bench: Parra, Frezzolini, Ferri, Scaloni, Capelli, Contini, Bellini, Brivio, Radovanovic, Giorgi, De Luca, Polito JUVENTUS: Storari; Caceres, Marrone, Chiellini; Isla, Padoin, Pirlo, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Matri, Quagliarella Juventus bench: Rubinho, Branescu, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Peluso, Giovinco, Vucinic, Anelka http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.) - Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida MATCH PREVIEW May 8, 2013 Atalanta could mathematically secure their Serie A status with victory over the champions, who will be looking to finish the season in style. A 2-0 defeat away to Parma last week prevented the Orobici from achieving safety, but it would now take a monumental disaster for them to be relegated. Palermo would need to win their last three games and Atalanta would need to collect no more than a point for that to occur. Juventus meanwhile are kings of the mountain and are currently 10 games unbeaten in Serie A. Antonio Conte knows that it is job done but will not want to see his results slip as the Bianconeri face a team against whom they have a very strong record. Just one more point will match last season’s Scudetto winning 84 points, whilst three more wins will beat the ill-fated 2005-06 campaign in which they accrued 91. Franco Brienza, Cristiano Del Grosso, Guido Marilungo and Riccardo Cazzola are all injured for the hosts, while Igor Budan, Stefano Lucchini and Facundo Parra are also doubtful to start. The champions are without the injured Gianluigi Buffon, Simone Pepe and Andrea Barzagli. Paul Pogba is suspended for spitting at Salvatore Aronica. Keep an eye on: Fabio Quagliarella (Juventus) - The Neapolitan should have a rare start with which to entertain the crowd and add to the eight goals and three assists he has contributed in the League this season. Form Guide: Atalanta (W L D D L) Juventus (W W W W W) Last season: Atalanta 0-2 Juventus Stat fact: In the last 10 editions of this tie, Atalanta have won just one, back in February 2001. They have drawn one, and lost eight. Atalanta (probable): Consigli; Raimondi, Stendardo, Canini, Del Grosso; Carmona, Cigarini, Biondini; Bonaventura; Moralez, Denis Juventus (probable): Storari; Caceres, Marrone, Chiellini; Padoin, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Matri http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 36 - 8-5-12 (8:45 p.m.) - Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Marco Guida Juventus like Bonaventura – agent May 8, 2013 The agent of Atalanta’s Giacomo Bonaventura says his client has a reason to impress Juventus officials this evening. The 23-year-old has been one of the Nerazzurri’s most consistent performers this season and he could be targeted by bigger clubs at the end of the campaign. “It is no secret that Bonaventura is held in high esteem by boss Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici,” Giocondo Martorelli told Tutto Juve. “And it is obviously pleasing to know that he is being followed and is rated by the big clubs, but for now he is just concentrating on Atalanta. “Anyhow, any side that is interested will have to firstly talk to Atalanta given that he is under contract with them. “Right now, there is no one between Inter, Fiorentina, Napoli, Juventus and Roma who are leading the chase.” Bonaventura has scored seven goals in 32 League games this term. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/