Socrates

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo MATCH PREVIEW May 4, 2013 Just one point separates Juventus from the Scudetto, but Palermo are hungry for a win to aid their chances of avoiding relegation. The Bianconeri took another giant step towards the title by claiming a last-gasp Derby della Mole victory against Torino. Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio scored in the final five minutes to ensure Juve’s unbeaten run against their city rivals stretched to 14 matches, the last eight of which they’ve kept a clean sheet. Juve have been in fantastic form since March. They’re on a seven match winning streak in which they've conceded just twice. In the last three – against Lazio, Milan and Toro – Juve have kept the opposition scoreless. This has extended the lead to 11 points with four matches remaining. Nicolas Anelka, Mauricio Isla and Simone Pepe all missed the Turin Derby and will be absent again due to various injuries. When Giuseppe Sannino took over at Palermo they look certainties to be relegated. They lost the first match of his second spell away to Milan, but have since gone five games undefeated. This includes three victories. The Sicilians are now out of the relegation zone, albeit level on points with Genoa. Their latest positive result was a 1-0 success over Inter. Josip Ilicic was on target as the Rosaneri heaped more misery on the Nerazzurri and aided their survival chances. Sannino acknowledges there are, “three really difficult games left, but we’re not dead yet…” Ilicic’s condition must be evaluated and should he miss the game it will be a big blow for Palermo. Andrea Mantovani is injured and Michel Morganella suspended. Juve have hosted Palermo 24 times in the past and have come up trumps on 17 occasions. This includes last season’s 3-0 victory. Palermo have returned south with maximum points four times, while there have also been three draws. Keep an eye on: Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) – The Italian international has had mixed performances in his role behind the striker in Juve’s 3-5-1-1 formation. Marchisio will be looking to build on his late strike versus Torino. Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Palermo (W W D D W) Last season: Juventus 3-0 Palermo Stat fact: The Bianconeri have twice thumped Palermo 5-0, the biggest winning margin in the fixture’s history. The first was on Palermo’s maiden Turin trip in 1932-33, while the second occurred in 2007-08. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Marchisio, Vucinic Palermo (probable): Sorrentino; Von Bergen; Donati, Aronica; Nelson, Barreto, Rios, Kurtic, Garcia; Hernandez, Miccoli http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: I'd be crazy to leave Juve now The Italian midfielder has ruled out leaving the Old Lady and hopes to extend his contract, while he would welcome back Zlatan Ibrahimovic with open arms. May 4, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has shrugged off rumours he may leave in the summer by confirming his desire to remain with the Italian champions. The 27-year-old has in recent weeks been linked with a move to Manchester United, and while he is flattered by the interest, he says he has no plans to swap Turin for Manchester. "I have a long contract with Juventus and I want to see it out and renew it even," Marchisio told Mediaset. "It would be crazy to leave now that we have just started winning. "I am not interested in the rumours even though they fill me with pride. Marchisio also commented on the recent speculation that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be set for a sensational return to Juventus, the club he left in 2006. “Ibra is a player who has always won in all the jerseys that he has worn,” Marchisio continued. “If he arrives then we would welcome him with open arms.“All players who can help us to grow would be accepted. These are situations for the club to consider, but he is certainly a great player.” Ibrahimovic went on to play for Barcelona, Inter and later their city rivals Milan before making the switch to Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Ilicic: Juve the most beautiful May 3, 2013 Josip Ilicic has claimed that games against the biggest sides are 'the most beautiful', as Palermo prepare to face Juventus. The Rosanero travel to Turin looking for the victory that could take them three points clear of the relegation places. And the young attacker has admitted that he wants to score against the Bianconeri on Sunday. “I want to continue my scoring run,” he told Rai Sport. “If I have one ambition, it's to score against Juventus. “They are a very strong team and play in a beautiful stadium. “These games to me are the most beautiful. We are ready to take some points.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 15^ Giornata - Ritorno - 28-4-2013 (ore 15:00) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Mauro Bergonzi Spettatori: 27000 Serie A - Vidal-Marchisio: Juventus in Paradiso I bianconeri vincono 2-0 il derby in casa di un generoso Torino con i gol nel finale di Vidal e Marchisio. Per i granata poi, come all'andata, espulso Glik. Torino quindi risucchiato nella lotta per non retrocedere. Juventus invece a -1 dal secondo titolo consecutivo. Eurosport - Domenica, 28 aprile 2013 A volte la generosità non basta. Vince il derby la Juventus. Vince ancora. Sono sette le vittorie consecutive degli uomini di Conte in campionato e, dato ancor più rilevante, è solo un punto ciò che separa i bianconeri dal secondo Scudetto consecutivo. A dare un dispiacere a un Toro grintoso, voglioso e generoso, è la bordata dai 25 metri di Arturo Vidal che a 3 minuti dalla fine rompe la resistenza degli uomini di Ventura. Una resistenza, giusto dirlo, che per buona parte della partita non aveva permesso alla Juventus di creare gradi occasioni da gol. Nel finale però, a decidere un derby giocato sotto il diluvio di Torino, il classico colpo del campione. Il 2-0 di Marchisio in pieno recupero è puro materiale per fantacalcisti. Torino che resta dunque fermo a quota 36 e dovrà sudare ancora la sua salvezza. Juventus a un (mini) passo dall’obiettivo stagionale. IL DERBY DEL TORO - Corsa e cuore contro tecnica e circolazione di palla. Che potesse avere solo un tema tattico la prima frazione era intuibile, preventivabile e sotto un certo punto di vista quasi scontato e così, alla fine, è stato. Ciò che era meno chiaro però, ovviamente, è quanto la generosità del Toro potesse pagare alla distanza. E invece, almeno per i primi 45 minuti, il piano tattico di Ventura premia i granata. Bianchi e Meggiorini infatti si travestono da Mandzukic e Ribery e, conosci del tema tattico con cui il Bayern aveva imbrigliato la Juve, provano a ripetersi. La prima linea di pressing parte su Bonucci e Barzagli e la Juve, di nuovo, si dimostra tutto sommato piuttosto vulnerabile. La grinta di Gazzi, le attente chiusure di D’ambrosio il gran lavoro corale di una squadra attenta a muoversi all’unisono permettono sì ai granata di andare negli spogliatoi sullo 0-0 ma, allo stesso tempo, di creare ben poco dalle parti di Buffon (un'unica parata in corner sul destro a giro di Santana). IL DERBY DELLA JUVE - Dall’altra parte però una Juve tanto attenta quanto piuttosto lenta. Vidal, spostato sul centro sinistra al posto di Marchisio – dietro a Vucinic – convince poco. Pirlo risente delle attenzioni speciali dedicategli da Meggiorini e Asamoah, di nuovo, non trova un cross che arrivi a destinazione nell’intero primo tempo. Insomma, la Juve c’è ma non si vede… e quando si vede, spreca. Nell’unica vera, reale, azione da gol costruita non a caso dai piedi di un sontuoso Pogba, Vucinic mette ancora una volta in mostra il suo scarso feeling con la porta e il suo tocco d’esterno al 12’finisce ampiamente a lato. Sette minuti più tardi, poi, dagli sviluppi di una respinta di Gillet, nasce una mischia: il numero 9 della Juventus non trova di nuovo la porta ma sul batti e ribatti che ne nasce Pogba si trova il pallone d’oro; a salvare tutto (arbitro compreso, che non vede il fuorigioco) sono Glik e Ogbonna. UN BIS A RITMI BASSI - Se il tema tattico del primo tempo aveva portato un match non certamente spettacolare ma sicuramente intenso, con l’arrivo della ripresa e il prevedibile calo fisiologico del Torino a risentirne è lo spettacolo. La Juventus insiste infatti nel sostanziale giro palla che non porta reali occasioni da rete per 40 minuti e il Toro, dal canto suo, continua a fare ciò che per tutta la partita gli aveva garantito un punto: chiudersi e ripartire. DIECI MINUTI DI PASSIONE - Ma l’equilibrio – e giusto dirlo, anche la noia – reggono fino all’80’. Poi succede di tutto. Da una discesa di Cerci (bravissimo a far fuori Chiellini) i granata costruiscono l’occasione più grande della loro gara: il cross al centro è pericolosissimo e Jonathas (subentrato al posto dell’esausto Meggiorini) non trova l’impatto in area piccola per pochissimo. Il Toro protesta. E dal replay qualche ragione ce l’ha. La trattenuta maliziosa di Bonucci c’è tutta e l’attaccante perde quell’attimo che forse avrebbe potuto scrivere un’altra storia e, soprattutto, sbloccare una maledizione che non vede i granata vincere un derby dal 1995. VIDAL, L'UOMO SCUDETTO - Il dio del calcio segna a referto e per il Torino, la doppietta di Rizzitelli, è destinata a rimanere l’ultima gioia. Se Pogba infatti non inquadra da 3 metri la porta dopo l’unico cross finito a destinazione di Asamoah, Vidal, a 3 dalla fine, si conferma ancora una volta l’uomo fondamentale della Juventus di Conte. Tocco orizzontale di Marchisio, mezzo fallo di mano di Glik, pallone che arriva al cileno e bordata all’angolino basso che prende velocità toccando sul terreno. La “ferocia” di cui parlava Conte alla vigilia è nel cinismo senza limiti di una squadra capace di passare, in un modo o nell’altro, sempre e comunque. Il fortino del Toro è invece crollato e i granata perdono la testa. TORO SCATENATO - Glik allarga di nuovo il gomito su Quagliarella e si prende il secondo giallo che vale la seconda espulsione in 2 derby. Marchisio, al 91’,è libero in area piccola di raccogliere la sponda di Quagliarella per il 2-0. Basha, in mezzo al campo, imita Glik e apre il sopracciglio di Peluso. Insomma, gli ultimi minuti sono pura frustrazione dopo una gara ben interpretata ma che alla fine vede, ancora una volta, premiata la squadra più forte. Conte festeggia. E per Ventura, risucchiato di nuovo nella lotta salvezza, la beffa è doppia. http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Buffon: 'Unequivocal Scudetto' May 2, 2013 Gigi Buffon insists Juventus will confirm themselves champions of Italy in an “unequivocal” manner. The giants need only one point to mathematically clinch the second consecutive Serie A title and hope to spark the party on Sunday against Palermo. “This season we started out as favourites, while last year we were very motivated, but winning was still a great achievement,” said the goalkeeper. “It wasn’t easy to confirm ourselves, but we are winning this Scudetto unequivocally, seeing as we were top of the table from start to finish. “Antonio Conte? He is the right man for Juventus and he proved it.” Buffon was speaking at the presentation of teammate Andrea Pirlo’s autobiography. “Pirlo could definitely be a Coach in future. Over the past two years he has been our extra man.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Sannino aims to ruin Juve party May 2, 2013 Juventus have the Scudetto party ready, but Palermo Coach Giuseppe Sannino warns “we’re not sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.” The Bianconeri need just one more point to be mathematically sure of the title and celebrations are planned at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday. “Safety is a difficult objective, but before we were given up for dead and now we can have this week as protagonists,” Sannino told Sky Sport Italia. “It is on paper an impossible match, but the team has found its unity and desire to amaze, silencing those who thought we were already relegated. We’re not in Turin as sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.” There were injury fears over both Josip Ilicic and Fabrizio Miccoli, but the strikers are back in full training and should be available from the start. “It was important that the lads understood the disappointment in the city and how we have won the fans back,” added Sannino. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pirlo: 2014 World Cup my last tournament with Italy The experienced midfielder has announced that he will retire from international football next year and feels Juventus deserve to win the Serie A title. May 3, 2013 Andrea Pirlo has revealed that the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be his last big tournament with Italy's national team before he makes way for younger players. The Juventus midfielder has made nearly 100 official appearances for the Azzurri since making his senior debut in 2002 and was part of the team that won the 2006 World Cup in Germany. "I think Brazil 2014 will be my last tournament with Italy, then it will be time for me to step aside and let some of the youngsters take over," Pirlo told reporters. "The national side have given me a lot. I was lucky enough to win the World Cup and when that happens you find everyone adores you, even fans of other teams." The 33-year-old then went on to discuss the race for the Serie A title and insisted that Juventus fully deserve to win the Scudetto. "We've been the most consistent team. Last year the title was unthinkable at the start of the season and what we did was an extraordinary achievement," he continued. "This year we set out with the aim of repeating that success and we've shown that we're a notch above the rest. We'll wait until we've got this last point sewn up, hopefully this Sunday, but we deserve to win the Scudetto again." Juventus will be crowned Italian champions at the weekend if they get at least a draw against Palermo on Sunday.

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Donati: We can have say Apr 30, 2013 Massimo Donati believes his Palermo side can cause an upset when they face Juventus this weekend. The Rosanero travel to Turin looking for the three points that could take them three points clear of the relegation zone. And the midfielder has insisted that a positive result is possible. “Juventus are without doubt the strongest team in Italy,” he told a Press conference. “And the predictions for Sunday will say there's only one result. “But when the referee blows his whistle, you start at 0-0, 11 against 11. We can have a say in the match. “The Coach has asked us to stand as one and stay compact. We will help each other even more than usual.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 5-5-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Zamparini targets Palermo party in Turin The 71-year-old says nothing but a win will do ahead of meeting league leaders Juventus at the weekend and believes his team currently occupy a false position in Serie A. Apr 29, 2013 Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini is hoping his club's strong league form can continue by upsetting Juventus on Sunday. The Rosanero have collected an impressive 11 points from their previous five games, a run of form which has lifted the club out of the relegation zone to 17th in the Serie A standings. However, Guiseppe Sannino's men travel to Turin knowing their opponents need only a point to secure the league championship. Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss, Zamparini said: "We are desperate for the win and we'll be going to Turin to win. We need the points and we have to try cause an upset. "We will not go there hoping to spoil Juventus's party, but with the intentions of having our own party." Asked about his club's chances of avoiding the drop, the 71-year-old was optimistic. "Ourselves and Genoa are much stronger than the teams ahead of us," he added. "But things can still go wrong." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Man Utd target Marchisio 30 April, 2013 Italian sites are claiming Manchester United’s interest in Juventus star Claudio Marchisio will be revived this summer. Ironically, it is the arrival of Paul Pogba on a free transfer from Manchester that could push Marchisio towards Old Trafford. Pogba’s stunning season has prompted Antonio Conte to change his system so he can accommodate both the French youngster and Marchisio in a 3-5-1-1. However, Marchisio is not entirely happy in this support role and according to Sport Mediaset he could be considering a transfer away from Turin. This is certainly not the first time Manchester United have shown an interest in the Italian international, but before now all offers had been turned down point blank. The 27-year-old grew up in the Juventus youth academy and only had a brief loan spell at Empoli in his career. His sale would fund numerous other signings, as Marchisio’s market value is thought to be around €30m – approximately £27m.

Pirlo agreed Chelsea switch, but… 30 April, 2013 Andrea Pirlo says he was close to joining Chelsea in the past, but the move was blocked by Milan chief Silvio Berlusconi. The 33-year-old, now at Juventus, made the revelation in an interview with Sky Sport Italia where he also spoke of interest from Real Madrid. “I think that I was close to a move to Chelsea and Real,” he noted. “I had already agreed terms with the London club, but then Berlusconi intervened and I remained at Milan.” The playmaker spent a decade with the Diavolo until he joined Juve in 2011 on a free transfer once his contract had expired. “I have no kind of regrets about leaving Milan,” he continued. “I needed a change and the best thing was to go and play somewhere else. “It was also a good decision by the Rossoneri too seeing as they got other players in my role. I’m happy that I accepted a Juve move.” Pirlo is coming towards the end of his career, but he has admitted that he could choose to remain in the game thanks to boss Antonio Conte. “He’s surprised me on a tactical level and the way he works on a daily basis, I’ve learned a lot from him. “I previously didn’t want to become a Coach, but I could decide to now because of what he has taught me.”

League to investigate Pogba racism Apr 29, 2013 Torino striker Riccardo Meggiorini will be investigated by League officials, despite vehemently denying he racially abused Paul Pogba. Reports on Sunday suggested that the 27-year-old had insulted the Bianconeri midfielder during their 2-0 loss to Antonio Conte's side. The forward however, insisted that the epithet was a 'normal one'. That has not been enough for Serie A officials though, who have confirmed that there will be an investigation into the matter. “Having read the report from match officials, we have found that a conversation occurred in the locker room during half-time between leaders of Juventus and Torino about an alleged racial slur addressed by Riccardo Meggiorini to Paul Pogba. “But given that we need to acquire additional evidence, we will conduct an appropriate investigation.”

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Marchisio respects fighting Palermo Apr 29, 2013 Claudio Marchisio expects a challenge when his Juventus side face Palermo next weekend in search of the point they need to secure the Scudetto. The Old Lady are now on the verge of retaining the title after a 2-0 win over Torino in the derby on Sunday. “Aside from the goal I scored, I’m happy about the victory which takes us to within a whisker of lifting the title,” the midfielder noted. “We’ve now got the opportunity to celebrate the Scudetto with our fans at home, even though we’ll be up against a Palermo side fighting for survival.” Juve left it late to wrap up the points at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin yesterday afternoon. “It was a similar game to this season’s first encounter,” added the Italian international. “We also had difficulty in breaking the deadlock at the Juventus Stadium... “It was the same again this time around, but then we managed to score and claim the points by showing great character.” Palermo are launching a late attempt to stay up after winning three and drawing two of their last five games. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Juventus admire Robben & Alexis, says Marotta The Turin powerhouse's general director is full of praise for both attackers but fears a summer transfer for either player could prove problematic. Apr 29, 2013 Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that he is a keen admirer of Bayern Munich attacker Arjen Robben and Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez, but remained coy on whether the Serie A champions will try and lure the duo to Turin. A number of recent reports suggested that the Bianconeri are interested in signing either player as they are looking to strengthen their attack ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, but the 56-year-old believes both players are likely to stay at their current clubs. "Robben and Alexis are two excellent players and I admire both of them. There is not much more I can say about it at this point, though," Marotta told the Corriere dello Sport. "Sanchez is with Barcelona and they paid a significant transfer fee for him. I think that he will stay at Barcelona this summer. "Robben is a player who plays with a lot of authority and has a lot of ability. But he plays for one of the best clubs in Europe at the moment ..." Alexis, 24, has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2016, while the 29-year-old Robben's deal with Bayern expires in 2015.

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Toro deny racist Pogba insult Apr 28, 2013 Torino forward Riccardo Meggiorini denied racially abusing Paul Pogba during the Turin Derby. “It was a perfectly normal insult.” Juventus midfielder Pogba complained during the match, which the Bianconeri won 2-0, that Meggiorini had aimed a racist epithet at him. “There was an insult, but it was a perfectly ‘normal’ one, the kind you get in football,” insisted Meggiorini. “Pogba shouldn’t start crying and moaning if someone says something to him. I get insulted too, but I don’t complain, because in football certain things are normal. “It’s not really a story as far as I am concerned and I am far more upset about losing the derby.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Marchisio: Juventus showed great character The 27-year-old praised the resourcefulness of the team to overcome a tough Torino side and says he is looking forward to winning the title on home soil next weekend. Apr 28, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has heaped praise on his Juventus team-mates for the "character" shown in the 2-0 victory over Torino on Sunday. Antonio Conte's men moved another step nearer to retaining their Serie A crown courtesy of two goals in the dying stages of the Turin derby. And Marchisio - who netted the second goal - has lauded his team-mates for illustrating why the club are on the brink of securing another Scudetto. Speaking to club's official website, Marchisio said: "It was a similar game to our first meeting with Torino this season. We had difficulty breaking them down at our stadium and it was the same again today. "But in the end, we managed to score and the claim the points. We showed great character." Victory over Palermo next Sunday will see Juve crowned champions for a second successive year and Marchisio then revealed he is relishing the opportunity to potentially celebrate the success in front of the home supporters. "Apart from my goal, I'm also very happy about the victory because it takes us to within a whisker of being champions," added Marchisio. "We now have the opportunity to celebrate the Scudetto with our fans at home, even though we will be up against a Palermo side fighting for survival." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Conte: 'Just one more point' Apr 28, 2013 Antonio Conte praised Juventus for their victory in the Derby della Mole and wished Javier Zanetti a speedy recovery. The Bianconeri left it late to beat Torino 2-0 and now require only one more point to secure the Scudetto. “First of all, before discussing the derby, I want to wish Zanetti a fast recovery and hope it is not as serious as people say,” commented Conte on Sky Sport Italia. “Like Diego Milito, he is a player who made history and I couldn’t think higher of him as a player and a man.” Conte moved on to the game in Turin, which was decided by Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. “We prepared this match in every detail, as always, and took the initiative. Toro deserve compliments for their performance, as they stopped us scoring until the very end. “These are extremely important goals, as now we need just one more point for a second consecutive Scudetto. To win it with three rounds to spare would be something extraordinary and we achieved it in a really tough atmosphere today.” Juve have found another gear since adopting the 3-5-1-1 system with Marchisio pushed up to make way for Paul Pogba. “We have so many great midfielders and in this phase of the season I have given the team an alternative way of playing. The job of a Coach is to find the right system that suits his players. Pogba has grown exponentially, so we found this system that also makes us less predictable in attack. “I really liked the way the team approached it today. We could’ve been content with a point, but instead kept pushing for the victory right to the end. I work with a group of lads I will never stop thanking for their efforts. “I am constantly hammering the message into them and they know full well I’ll continue hammering until the Scudetto trophy is in our hands.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Ventura has derby regrets Apr 28, 2013 Giampiero Ventura can’t help but feel regret over Torino’s Derby della Mole defeat to Juventus. “We had the chance to win.” The tie was 0-0 until the final minutes, when Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio found the net for a 2-0 result. “Despite being in an emergency situation, we had fought Juventus head to head, allowing very few scoring opportunities,” Ventura told Sky Sport Italia. “We even had the chance to win, but Jonathas just failed to get on the end of the cross and then conceded with their first real shot on goal. “Obviously on paper we could’ve had an even tougher day, but we interpreted the game well and kept Juventus quiet.” There was also a probable penalty for Torino on that Jonathas incident, as Leonardo Bonucci was holding his jersey. “If we had taken the lead at that moment, then perhaps we could’ve taken the match home. In any case, the game is over and we are still here with four rounds to go, having put in a good performance. “It’s a shame for the players who are so eager to secure safety and we hope to do it as soon as possible. I hope there is no fear in the locker room, even if we are back in the danger zone.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Conte commiserates with injured Zanetti Juventus coach was upset to hear the Argentine defender had suffered a potentially career-threatening Achilles tendon injury in Palermo. Apr 28, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte immediately put his side's derby victory over Torino to one side to send his commiserations to Javier Zanetti after hearing the Inter captain had suffered a serious injury on Sunday. The Bianconeri's victory moved them to within a single point of their second successive Scudetto, but their boss was more concerned with the plight of the veteran Nerazzurri skipper, whose career is reportedly in doubt because of a suspected Achilles tendon injury suffered against Palermo. “First of all, before discussing the derby, I want to wish Zanetti a fast recovery and hope it is not as serious as people say,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “Like Diego Milito, he is a player who made history and I couldn’t think higher of him as a player and a man.” Turning his attention back to the win over their city rivals, Conte admitted Juventus had not been at their best and was thrilled they still took a huge step towards the title with late goals from Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. "We wanted to win and we prepared very well for the game," the former Italy international explained. "But congratulations to Torino, who behaved in a very magnanimous manner. "We would have been happy with a draw, but we found a win. Now we're missing only one point to make it mathematically safe, and to celebrate the title with three games remaining would be great." Juventus, who are 11 points clear of Napoli with four rounds remaining, can clinch the title with a draw at home to Palermo next weekend. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Vidal: Just one more point! The Chile international made the vital breakthrough in the Turin derby, thus putting the Bianconeri in a position to clinch the Serie A title against Palermo next weekend. Apr 28, 2013 Arturo Vidal was ecstatic after Juventus moved to within a single point of their second successive Scudetto with a 2-0 success at Torino on Sunday. The Chile international netted with just four minutes to go before Claudio Marchisio added an injury-time second to secure a victory which restored the Bianconeri's 11-point lead at the summit of Serie A with just four rounds remaining. Consequently, Juve can now clinch the title with nothing more than a draw at home to Palermo next weekend. “It was vital to win today," Vidal is quoted as saying by his club's official website. "There’s really not long to go now. "But there’s still one point to get so we have to keep preparing well and then play a great game against Palermo. After that, we can celebrate. “It was a difficult game. Torino played well and proved to be very well prepared tactically. It was tough, as it always is in derby matches.” While Juve are poised to underline their Serie A superiority next weekend, Vidal insists there is no chance of Antonio Conte's men resting on their laurels given they desperately want to replicate their domestic dominance in European competition next season. “We still have to improve," the midfielder acknowledged. "You always need to and that’s what we want to do, because our aim is to win everything.” Vidal joined Juve from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 and is now set to collect his second Scudetto in two seasons. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Player Ratings Goal.com takes a closer look at the men involved in Sunday's Derby della Mole, decided in the final minutes by goals from Marchisio and Vidal which handed a win to the visitors. Apr 28, 2013 TORINO Jean-François Gillet - Always attentive and quick to come out of goal, closing down the space for Vucinic as Juventus looked to get behind the defence. Danilo D'Ambrosio - An impressive stint from the right-back, followed Asamoah across the pitch and made his rival look rather ineffective over the 90 minutes. Angelo Obinze Ogbonna - The Italian of Nigerian heritage proved himself a feisty customer in the middle of defence, marking tightly and never afraid to hit hard. Salvatore Masiello - An uncompromising presence, led always with the boot and tackled ferociously, pushing Juve back from the Torino area. Lucky at times not to incur further sanction. Kamil Glik - Saw plenty of action as Juve concentrated their attacks through Lichtsteiner down the full-back's flank. A tough ask, but kept a close eye on the Swiss international. Saw red in the final minutes. Alessandro Carlo Gazzi - Busy and committed throughout the match, played predominately deep in his own half and stifled Juve's approaches. Migjen Xhevat Basha - Another Torino man that revelled in the physical side of a ferocious derby. Pressed constantly and unsettled the visitors. Alessio Cerci - A disappointing display from the ex-Roma midfielder, needed to explode down the right-hand side but looked off the pace. Mario Alberto Santana - One of the dangermen for Torino as the Argentine was busy down the left. Forced a fantastic save from Buffon with a powerful shot from distance. Rolando Bianchi - The ex-Manchester City striker constantly looked for a way through up front, but was well shackled and had few chances. Riccardo Meggiorini - Had little luck alongside Bianchi up front, controlled convincingly by Bonucci and Chiellini. Taken off on the hour for Jonathas. Substitutions Valerio Di Cesare - Replaced D'Ambrosio for the last 15 minutes. Valter Birsa - Given a brief run-out at the end. Jonathas - Came on in the second half, and tried gamely to feed off the scraps given to him up front. JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - After a relatively quiet first half, showed his quality with a one-handed stop that frustrated Santana. Andrea Barzagli - Was given more problems than usual by the lively Santana on the right hand side, let the Argentine slip by on a couple of occasions. Leonardo Bonucci - Tried his best to get his side moving from their own half, distributing deep and wide. Kept Bianchi quiet for most of the encounter. Giorgio Chiellini - A quiet game for the centre-back, who cleaned up Torino's wayward counter-attacks with ease and kept Juve in control from their own half onwards. Stephan Lichtsteiner - As usual, a consistent performer for Juve down the right-hand side. Few frills, but more often that not landed his crosses. Paul Pogba - Elegant and assured in midfield, despite suffering some big hits from the hosts. A perfect through ball for Vucinic should have yielded an early opener. Andrea Pirlo - Was given little room to breathe by a tenacious Torino backline, who squeezed the veteran playmaker from start to finish. Arturo Vidal - As always, combative and full of energy in the middle of the pitch. The Chilean matched Torino's rather rustic approach with his own force. Went close with an early header before striking with a wonderful volley. Kwadwo Asamoah - Watching the winger operate out wide was an exercise in frustration. Always open for his team-mates, but the final ball was not good enough. Claudio Marchisio - Was impressive playing just off Vucinic, drifting across the backline and causing problems. Had the ball in the net, but moved too early and was called offside - but made sure of victory with a smart finish at the death. Mirko Vučinić - Moved well on the shoulder of the last man, combining with Marchisio. Guilty, however, of wasting a golden chance with an awful finish. Substitutions Martín Cáceres - Replaced Lichtsteiner and added some urgency to Juve's attacks. Federico Peluso - Entered during injury time for a brief cameo. Fabio Quagliarella - The striker's injection of pace proved important for the Old Lady as they finally overcame Torino. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Vidal: My most important goal for Juventus Apr 28, 2013 During the euphoria that surrounded Juventus’ late win over neighbours Torino in the Derby della Mole midfielder Arturo Vidal classed his 20 yard volley as the most important in his time with the Italian champions. While Claudio Marchisio’s injury time goal secured victory for the Bianconeri it was the Chilean’s strike that broke the deadlock, however, he reiterated that, despite the quality of the strike, without victory it would have meant little. Despite defeat to their city cousins Vidal praised the efforts of Il Granata, who looked as though Giampiero Ventura’s tactics would secure a valuable point in their attempt to secure Serie A football next season. “It is the most important goal since I came here, we now need very little to win the Scudetto.” Vidal told Sky Sports. “It was a tough match, Torino played tactically very well and are well placed in the league. “Important though as it is, it is more important that we won and did not miss points that will lead to the championship. “Now we have to think about the match against Palermo.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Kings of Turin and soon to be the Champions of Italy Apr 28, 2013 Since the 1994/95 campaign, Torino have been searching for a victory against Juventus in this fixture. They hoped, on this occasion, that determination and defensive heart would impede their rivals in the Turin derby. Whilst Juventus were certainly contained for much of the 90 minutes, the fact that the Old Lady continues to play until the final whistle is the reason why she celebrated another victory on Sunday. And after winning 2-0 in her old stadium, she is one step closer to the Scudetto, needing only a draw against Palermo next week to celebrate domestic glory. Determined to stay true to the 3-5-1-1 formation, Juventus were deployed rather differently than usual on the pitch. Whilst Kwadwo Asamoah tended to adopt a higher position on the field as a left wing-back, Stephan Lichtsteiner played much deeper than usual and it looked like the Bianconeri were playing with a four-man backline. Antonio Conte hoped his slight change in shape would be enough to neutralise Torino's winged attack and stop them from exploiting the power of their 4-2-4 shape. Whilst they attempted to make the most of every counter-attacking opportunity, the truth is the home side simply lacked the drive and courage to push forward in numbers, worrying more about their defensive stability. As such, the Bianconeri pushed high up the pitch, with Arturo Vidal playing towards the left hand side as opposed to the right. With Alessio Cerci playing on the wing, it was thought the Chilean would be better at impeding the Granata's creative outlet, leaving Paul Pogba to take his place towards the right hand side of the pitch. It took the Old Lady a short while to settle into her game. Defensively Torino looked capable whilst they appeared the more dangerous and determined team from the outset. However, just before the 20-minute mark, Conte's men began to apply more pressure, keeping better possession of the ball as they worked on constructing goal-scoring opportunities. The only danger Torino posed came from the counter-attack and the skill of their wingers who benefitted from their pace and ability to evade their markers. Alessio Cerci in particular pushed forward but Giorgio Chiellini impressively restricted the amount of danger the player could pose rendering him incapable. With the rain pouring, inaccuracy was very much the name of the game. Passes were either too short or wayward, whilst players continued to slip in their attempts to expose pockets of space. Asamoah failed to make the most of his opportunity to aid the attack, rarely managing to pierce the defence, whilst his ability to cheaply concede possession proved frustrating. Despite Juventus' determination to attack in numbers, they lacked that final pass and were consistently halted in their quest to score a goal. Il Toro defended with heart with Kamil Glik in particular providing a mighty performance at the back. His hard work, alert play and insatiable appetite for restricting Mirko Vucinic's talent made him the perfect defender for the home side. Unfortunately, one too many needless fouls eventually saw him forced off the pitch after collecting two yellow cards. After the break, the tempo of the game somewhat slowed down and the intensity vanished. For a moment it appeared both sides were comfortable with a draw. However, once again, the Old Lady's concentration levels and ability to play until the final whistle saw them triumph. Vidal, who has scored all of Juve's recent goals, once again came through for his side as he struck the perfect goal to make it 1-0. There was simply nothing Ventura's side could do to stop it and it seemed awfully harsh on Torino. However, the mere strike was worthy of adulation and Juventus were 1-0 up and winning the game. With Glik sent off, Torino were down to 10 and unable to defend correctly, allowing Claudio Marchisio, who had worked awfully hard throughout the game, the opportunity to grab Juve's second to seal maximum points for the Bianconeri. Once again, it was the midfield that had won the game for Conte, with Pogba putting in a sublime performance in the middle to ensure his side retained possession and were always capable of constructing attacking moves. He completed the most tackles and dribbles on the pitch and always looked to strike from distance. It is Pogba's constant running that has forced his coach to alter the formation to ensure his integration within the starting line-up. One point away from domestic glory, Juventus are once again kings of Turin and soon to be the champions of Italy. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 The Old Lady leave it late in Turin Apr 28, 2013 Juventus defeated Torino 2-0 at the Stadio Olympico on Sunday afternoon in Serie A. A fantastic late Arturo Vidal volley and a strike from Claudio Marchisio secured the win for Juventus in the 186th Derby della Mole, as Torino had Kamil Glik sent-off. In a tight first half Torino started the better of the two sides, containing the Bianconeri through striker Riccardo Meggiorini shadowing Andrea Pirlo when not in possession, and managing to show attacking intent through the wing play of Mario Santana down the left hand side. Under extremely wet conditions in Turin it was captain Rolando Bianchi who had the first chance for Il Toro, but a heavy touch off his chest wasted a well-directed long pass from Danilo D’Ambrosio. However, after the initial good start the champions took control and the Torino defence found themselves regularly defending Jean Francois Gillet’s goal, and nearly conceded when Paul Pogba found Mirko Vucinic with a perfectly weighted pass around Angelo Ogbonna, only for the Montenegrin to drag his shot wide. Minutes later the striker did manage an attempt on target, collecting a short corner on the edge of the box, but his shot was fisted away by Gillet, choosing not to catch under the adverse weather conditions. On 18 minutes panic ensued in the Torino box as Stephan Lichtsteiner curled in an excellent low cross that skipped along the sodden surface, Gillet palmed out to Vucinic who’s scuffed attempt fell to Pogba, but the Frenchmans shot was blocked by Gilk. The Bianconeri continued to press and Lichtsteiner should have done better when breaking into the box from a Pogba pass, the Switzerland international attempting to chip to the back post rather than test Gillet himself. Despite spending most of the game on the back foot, I Granata fashioned a couple of chances late in the first half, Cerci eventually testing the Juventus defence with a dangerous cross to the back post and Giorgio Chellini cutting out a low drive from Danilo D’Ambrosio. Operating behind Vucinic once more, Marchisio did have the ball in the Torino net on 36 minutes after being played through by the striker, but the Italian international was rightly ruled offside. On 43 minutes a poor clearance from Leonardo Bonucci was cut out by Santana and the Argentinean fired a powerful drive towards goal that Buffon acrobatically tipped behind, however, the tussling before the corner proved more entertaining than the eventual set piece, Lichtsteiner receiving a caution for arguing with anyone within earshot. The first half then ended in embarrassing circumstances when referee Nicoletti Bergonzi mistakenly blew for half-time, with Marchisio catching the ball, the game was restarted by a drop ball only for the next 30 seconds to be limply played out by Il Toro anyway. At the beginning of the second period the rain continued to cause problems, Gillet slipping as he took a goal kick, with the ball breaking directly to the opposition the Belgian was grateful to see Vucinic’s deflected effort bounce agonisingly wide. Neither side seemed willing to press their opponents in the testing conditions, as the next 20 minutes witnessed very little attacking play, Torino happy to sit back and observe the Bianconeri’s passing game, and them failing to create any clear opportunities, by the 70th minute the crowd began to signal their discontent. The game briefly livened up on 78 minutes when Glik’s raised arm connected with the face of substitute Fabio Quagliarella and brought the pole a booking. From the resulting free-kick Juventus worked an opening for Kwadwo Asamoah on the left, but his low drive was cut out by Alessando Gazzi, that allowed Cerci to break down the right, but the Italian’s cross was just too close to Buffon. Moments later it was Cerci again, tricky his way past Chiellini, Jonathas failed to connect with his cross when any contact looked likely to win the match for I Granata. With 5 minutes to go Pogba avoided the attention of the Torino defence to meet Asamoah’s careful chipped cross at the back post, but missed the target when looking certain to score. Chilean Vidal finally ended the stalemate on 87 minutes, controlling a deflected past on his chest before expertly volleying the ball just inside Gillets right hand post from 20 yards to consign Torino to yet another Derby defeat. Barely minutes later I Granata were down to 10 men, Glik receiving his marching orders, after his arm again made contact with Quagliarella’s face and receiving a second caution. With the match in stoppage time, Pirlo swung over a deep free-kick that Quagliarella headed back across the box for Marchisio to sweep into the Torino net from inside the six yard box and add to Il Toro’s misery. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 2 Arturo Vidal (86′) Claudio Marchisio (90+1′) Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 27000 Juve on brink of title defence Apr 28, 2013 Juventus moved to the brink of retaining the Serie A title this afternoon with a late victory at Torino. The visitors made the breakthrough four minutes from time through Arturo Vidal, prompting a frantic final few minutes at Turin's Stadio Olimpico. Torino defender Kamil Glik was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 90th minute, with Claudio Marchisio then grabbing a stoppage-time goal to seal the away win. With just 12 points left to play for, the result moved Antonio Conte's side 11 points clear at the summit. Torino had the first effort of the day when Alessio Cerci shot over from 25 yards before Juve took control. Home goalkeeper Jean Francois Gillet punched away Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross but his clearance only found Mirko Vucinic, who shot high over the bar. Paul Pogba then led a counter-attack and his pass back found Lichsteiner, who fired wide with the former's header then comfortably saved by Jean-Francois Gillet. Gillet then easily gathered Lichtsteiner's shot from outside the box. Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was finally called upon in the last minute of the first half and was equal to an impressive effort by Mario Santana. The match continued in the same vein on the resumption, with Vucinic's shot skimming the post and Pogba lashing wide. Rolando Bianchi and Alessandro Gazzi fired over for Torino before Cerci put in a low cross from the left but it just evaded substitute Jonathas in front of goal. With five minutes left, Pogba clumsily missed a great chance when he was picked out by Kwadwo Asamoah at the far post. However, the visitors then went ahead a minute later. Marchisio found Vidal outside the box and he despatched his shot into the bottom-left corner with the goalkeeper well beaten. Torino then found themselves down to 10 men with Glik sent off after a foul on Fabio Quagliarella which was deemed to be worthy of a second yellow card. Juve sealed victory in stoppage time when Andrea Pirlo's free-kick found Marchisio unmarked in front of goal and he made no mistake. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/