Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Juventus vs. Bayern Munich: Complete UEFA Champions League Preview Apr 9, 2013 Juventus and Bayern Munich will fight it out for a place in the last four of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday as the German side take a 2-0 first-leg lead to Turin, hoping for a staunch defensive performance to send them through. Bayern got a great start to the first leg a week ago when they scored inside of a minute, David Alaba striking a deceiving and deflected shot from range. The home team were the better side and, despite losing Toni Kroos to injury, scored a deserved second when Thomas Muller swept home from inside the box during the second half. Juve will need to perform far above their level from the first leg if they are to stand a chance of reaching the semifinals. Recent form Both Juve and Bayern hold significant leads at the top of their respective championships—in fact, Bayern's 1-0 win over Frankfurt at the weekend secured them another league title. They have been entirely dominant at home and abroad recently, taking victory in an astounding 19 of their last 20 fixtures in all competitions—only a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Round of 16 blemishes that run. As for Juventus, they are nine points clear at the top of Serie A; five more wins from their remaining seven games will guarantee them the league title, though they will likely end up having to win less than that total. Juve have won their last four league matches and have suffered just two defeats in the last 12 in all competitions. In the Round of 16, Juve overcame Celtic 5-0 on aggregate. Team news Juventus are missing two big names through suspension, with midfielder Arturo Vidal and wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner both accruing too many yellow cards. Sebastian Giovinco, Simone Pepe, Nicklas Bendtner and Martin Caceres all remain sidelined through injury. Mauricio Isla made a comeback in the final stages of the weekend's match, however. Bayern Munich, as mentioned, are without Toni Kroos, and he joins Holger Badstuber, who is out with a long-term injury. Manager Jupp Heynckes should have a full side to choose from outside of those two. Possible lineups: Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Matri. Bayern: Neuer; Lahm, van Buyton, Dante, Alaba; Schweinsteiger, Martinez; Robben, Muller, Ribery; Mandzukic. Prediction With a 2-0 lead to protect and a phenomenal defensive record away from home this season to provide inspiration and confidence, Bayern are going to be able to allow Juve to press forward—and then try to hit them on the break. Juventus will have to play the perfect game of attacking intent and defensive solidity to avoid conceding an away goal, which will mean they need four goals of their own. Juve 2 Bayern 1 — Bayern to go through comfortably on aggregate, 2-3.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) A Plan for Pirlo and Juventus in Turin Apr 9, 2013 In Euro 2012, Italy approached matches with the intention of dominating the middle third of the pitch and dictating the pace of play. Thirty-three-year-old Andrea Pirlo sat in front of the back four alongside Daniele De Rossi and sprayed balls forwards, left, and right. Some teams were aware of this and tried to mark him, but did so unsuccessfully. It’s not that the strategy was defective rather that the players that were chosen to carry out the plan were not the right ones. In Italy’s Group C draw with Croatia, current Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic was assigned to track Pirlo's movement when Italy was in possession. After the first 10 minutes or so, Mandzukic stopped doing his job and Italy began dominating the midfield. They won a free kick and Pirlo scored. In the second half, Rakitic was moved into a deep midfield holding role and was strictly assigned to track Pirlo. As a result of this change, Croatia won the midfield battle for the rest of the game and eventually equalized. In Italy's 1-1 draw with Spain, Spain allowed Italy too much time on the ball through Pirlo and De Rossi. This was also because Spain didn't adequately press the Italian full backs and they were allowed to get the ball into the midfield, but again, Pirlo was the main focus. When England played Italy in the quarterfinal, Wayne Rooney was given the task of dropping into midfield and marking Pirlo. Similarly to Mandzukic, Rooney strayed from his responsibilities and pushed further up the pitch, allowing Pirlo the freedom of the midfield. Italy dominated the midfield for the entire match and in the end, England only saved itself from losing in regulation by dropping so deep that Pirlo’s over-the-top and grounded through balls were ineffective. To cap it all off, in what was one of his finest performances in Euro 2012, Pirlo and Italy took on Germany in the semifinals. Jogi Low gave Toni Kroos the job of marking Pirlo, and as you might be able to guess by now, he didn’t stick to his assignment. The Juventus man was able to play long diagonal passes throughout the match, one of which ultimately resulted in Italy’s first goal. So, how does this all relate to Juventus and their upcoming match against Bayern? It turns out that just as Pirlo was the key man for Italy in Euro 2012, he is the key player for Juventus as well. According to www.whoscored.com, Pirlo has made an average of 3.1 key passes per match (for Juventus in all competitions), the highest of any midfielder or player on Juventus's roster. One could argue (and they wouldn't be wrong) that a side with Pirlo in the midfield could be stopped by marking the Italian stalwart. But the key to marking Pirlo is dividing the job amongst two or three players. If one player is assigned, the plan often goes awry as the match goes on, especially in the case of strikers being assigned to mark deep-lying midfielders. Mandzukic and Rooney were not the wisest picks for man-marking Pirlo, because their natural tendencies as forwards enticed them to move up and look for goal-scoring opportunities. Now let’s look at the Champions League match. In Munich, Bayern dealt with Pirlo by pressing high up the pitch and forcing him into one of his worst performances as a member of Juventus. He completed only 70 percent of his attempted passes, was dispossessed four times, and turned the ball over twice. He had 58 touches. Because Pirlo’s time on the ball was severely limited, most of Juventus’s build up play was left to the centerbacks to construct. Leonardo Bonucci, Georgio Chiellini, and Andrea Barzagli made a combined 156 passes against Bayern. A key moment in the match at the Allianz Arena was when Toni Kroos walked off with an apparent groin injury. He was originally the man Heynckes ordered to mark Pirlo. But after the poor job he did on Pirlo at the Euros, this might have been a stroke of luck for Bayern, at least temporarily. Muller was moved from the right side to the center attacking role and did a fine job on Pirlo, sticking tight to him and not allowing him to use his vision and pick out passes. Just four days prior, Juventus defeated Inter 2-1 at the San Siro in the Derby d’Italia. Barzagli, Bonucci, and Chiellini combined for total of just 118 passes. This was because Pirlo was the main playmaker. He finished the game with 104 touches (almost double the amount against Bayern) and completed 88 percent of his attempted passes. Looking a little more in depth, we can see that in Juve’s win at the San Siro, Pirlo delivered 15 long balls from his deep-lying midfield position. Twelve of those were accurate. At the Allianz Arena, Pirlo launched just four long balls. None of them reached their target.Starved from good service, Juventus strikers Matri and Quagliarella combined for just 36 touches. So how can Juventus, a team that seemed to be outplayed in all areas of the pitch in Munich, come back in Turin and advance to the semifinals? The answer could be as easy as giving Pirlo the freedom of the pitch to move. Pirlo can be given the freedom of the pitch because unlike other players like Lionel Messi (an integral part of both Barcelona's build-up and goal-scoring), Juventus doesn't depend on Pirlo for goals. They depend on him for assists and ball distribution. And unlike Arturo Vidal, Juventus doesn't depend on Pirlo to break up opposition play in the midfield, so there is no need for him to sit in pocket between the central defenders and the strikers for the entire match. Also, giving him the freedom of the pitch ensures that whoever Jupp Heynckes orders to track Pirlo will have to be vigilant. And as the match wares on, whoever tracks him will be dragged out of position, possibly opening up space for Claudio Marchisio or Arturo Vidal to exploit. However, this plan is easier said than done. As mentioned before, Pirlo is approaching his mid thirties and cannot be asked to run all around the pitch for an entire match. But on the contrary, this season may be Pirlo's last chance to win the "trophy with the big ears." In addition, the effect of the home crowd in Turin will boost Juventus and make it much harder for Bayern to press high up the field for the entire match. Juventus will be looking to Pirlo to deliver at home, even against the adversity that Bayern poses. They should take the match in Turin as a clean slate and a new opportunity to prove their worth. They are, after all, on track to be champions of Italy after conceding only twenty times this season. Providing that Pirlo can deliver in one of the biggest matches of his career, Juventus has no reason to think that they can't come from behind and progress to the next stage of their Champions League dream.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) 'Juve play Bayern with confidence' Apr 9, 2013 Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah believes that the Bianconeri go into their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich with 'great confidence'. The Old Lady host the Bundesliga champions on Wednesday looking to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit in their quarter-final. But the 24-year-old has claimed that their win over Pescara at the weekend can act as a springboard for a European triumph. “The win against Pescara gives us great motivation,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “And it is also important for the Scudetto. “After these three points, we play the Germans with great confidence.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Juventus are not dead yet, insists Zoff The Bianconeri icon believes his old club cannot be written off just yet and has singled out Mirko Vucinic as the Old Lady's dangerman. Apr 9, 2013 Former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff has insisted that Juventus still have every chance of making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich. The Serie A champions were beaten 2-0 in the first leg at the Allianz Arena last week, but Zoff believes that the Bianconeri have the quality to turn things around in the return leg in Turin on Wednesday. "Bayern are always a candidate to go all the way, but Juventus are not dead yet. Nothing has been decided," Zoff was quoted as saying by TZ. "The result from the first leg was obviously not good for Juve, but they have already shown before that they are capable of great things. It will not be easy, but I believe that Juventus can turn things around." Zoff then went on to single out Mirko Vucinic, who netted twice at the weekend, as Juventus' biggest attacking threat in Wednesday's return. "He is Juventus' most dangerous man at the moment. He can score a goal from out of the blue and is very unpredictable. "Additionally, he can always create something for his team-mates, too. He works hard for the team and is dangerous in front of goal. There are not many players around with those two characteristics." Wednesday's match at Juventus Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Bonucci confident Juventus can overcome Bayern The Italian side's defender remains confident in his team’s ability to reach the semi-finals, despite the 0-2 first leg loss at the Allianz Arena. Apr 8, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci says Juventus can overcome Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League quarter final tie despite their first-leg deficit. Despite being 2-0 down after the first game, Bonucci believes his side have the quality to beat Bayern in Turin and advance to the semi-final stage. “We believe, because we are Juventus,” the defender told Sky Sports. “It is still wide open, and Wednesday we will give 110 percent out on the field. “We must use the full 90 minutes. There is always time to make goals.” The visitors have suffered just one defeat from four games on the road this year in the competition but Bonucci believes the Bianconeri can still progress. “Certainly we can continue our dream,” he added. “I think we have all the qualities to make life difficult for a strong team like Bayern, despite a bad first leg.” The Italian defender also addressed comments made by Franz Beckenbauer directed towards Gigi Buffon after the first leg. “We have respect for Beckenbauer, but I am sure that his statements will motivate Gigi and the whole team,” he said.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) 'Bayern will try to win everything' - Hoeness The Roten president has vowed that his side will not rest on their laurels after their Bundesliga triumph was confirmed on Saturday. Apr 8, 2013 Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has stressed that his side will "try to win everything" this season after clinching the Bundesliga title on Saturday. The Bavarians travel to Juventus for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday and have a DFB-Pokal semi-final with Wolfsburg next week, and the 61-year-old has set his sights on the treble. "We'll have to try to win everything now," the 61-year-old told Bild. "However, even if that won't be the case, we won't say winning the [German] championship is nothing. "A 20-point advantage [over second-placed Borussia Dortmund] and all those records, that's an outstanding feat from the team and the coach. "We're playing a fantastic season. But in order to say that, we'll have to grab the Champions League title as well." Bayern could face a potential Champions League semi-final with Dortmund but Hoeness was quick to emphasise that both teams have tough last-eight ties to get through before. "Dortmund lack the depth to play successfully in three competitions. I'm superstitious, firstly, we both have to proceed," he added. "For Dortmund, it won't be easy after the 0-0 at Malaga and we expect an all-out attack from the Italians in Turin. Ask me again next Thursday." Dortmund host Malaga on Tuesday, with Bayern travelling to Turin the next day.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) 'Just one title would be disappointing for Bayern' - Neuer The Roten goalkeeper has urged his side to go for broke in their pursuit of the treble as they prepare to face Juventus on Wednesday. Apr 8, 2013 Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says his club would be "disappointed" if they only win one title this season after their Bundesliga triumph on Saturday. The Bavarians are still in the hunt for a historic treble with a Champions League quarter-final clash with Juventus on Wednesday and a Pokal semi-final against Wolfsburg next week. "It's been a very good season for us, up until now. We can be proud of our display in the domestic league," the 27-year-old told Kicker. "However, if we're left with only one title at the end, we will be disappointed. We have very high aspirations and learned last year how it feels to leave a season empty handed. "The extra motivation we pulled [from that experience] helped us. The solidarity and everything that has developed in the team was good for us. "Of course we know we have an important match ahead of us on Wednesday, but we're also allowed to be humans and enjoy the moment. "For me, it's crucial to focus on the two other tournaments [Champions League and DFB-Pokal]."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Bayern only slight favourites against Juventus - Trapattoni The veteran coach believes that Italian teams' history against Germans means the Bavarians cannot afford to rest of their laurels on Wednesday. Apr 8, 2013 Former Bayern Munich and Juventus coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes that the German outfit only have a slight edge going into the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie against the Bianconeri on Wednesday. The Bavarians defeated Antonio Conte's men 2-0 at the Allianz Arena last week, but despite their advantage, the Republic of Ireland boss does not think die Roten are through to the semi-finals yet. "The Germans are favourites, but only by 51 per cent," the 74-year-old told La Stampa on Monday. "I'm optimistic, because history has shown us that we Italians often play great matches against German teams." Trapattoni went on to say that while the German champions have stars like Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger, other factors can also be important in the game. "Bayern have the best Dutchman, the best Frenchman and the best German player. However, in football, there are different values that come into play," he concluded. Juventus and Bayern kick off at 20:45CET on Wednesday.

Pirlo: Verratti has quality Apr 8, 2013 Andrea Pirlo is a fan of Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti – the player widely considered as the Juventus playmaker’s heir. Verratti is an international teammate of Pirlo and the latter has explained why the 20-year-old is destined for an important career. “He is aware of his potential,” Pirlo told Canal +. “If he has no concerns about holding on to the ball in front of his own goal then it means that he has great quality. “He’s certainly a youngster, so he can improve and he’ll look to eliminate the weaknesses in his game with his Coach.” Juve did try to sign Verratti in the summer from Pescara, but they refused to meet the club’s €12m asking price. He subsequently moved to Ligue 1. Another peninsula based player who left for the French capital was Thiago Silva, a former teammate of Pirlo at Milan. “He’s the best defender in the world,” the Italian added. “I think he’s one of the strongest, he doesn’t struggle and he reads the game with great ease.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Rummenigge eyes away goal Apr 8, 2013 Bayern Munich Chief Executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insists his outfit will need a goal at Juventus on Wednesday night. Although the German giants will take a 2-0 advantage to the Juventus Stadium, the former international striker insists the quarter-final Champions League tie is still alive. “The first game against Juventus was a dream result,” Rummenigge told The Times of India in an interview. “But we have to be careful because we know that Italians can come back really strong. We need to score one goal in the second leg to make things a little safe.” Bayern have already wrapped up the German championship and the club official wants to lift more silverware this term. “We have never achieved a treble,” he added. “We aren't too optimistic but we aren't pessimistic either. “The Champions League is very high quality football and we have been hard done in a couple of Finals in the past years. So, let's say we are not confident but we do dream.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Two doubts for Juventus XI v Bayern Apr 8, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has two team selection issues to resolve ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. The Old Lady will entertain the German giants in Turin with the aim of overturning their 2-0 first leg quarter-final reverse. Conte will be without the suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal, while Sebastian Giovcino is a doubt after picking up an injury in the win over Pescara. While Paul Pogba will replace Vidal in central midfield, Conte will have to decide whom to select in the right wing-back role. Simone Padoin is the current favourite ahead of Mauricio Isla and Martin Caceres, given that the first has struggled for form and the second hasn’t featured recently because of his involvement in a car crash. The other doubt that Conte has is with regards to whom will partner Mirko Vucinic in attack. Fabio Quagliarella should get the green light ahead of Alessandro Matri. Juventus possible: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Bayern-Juve not over – Tacchinardi Apr 8, 2013 Juventus are still alive in their Champions League tie with Bayern Munich, says Alessio Tacchinardi. The Old Lady lost the first leg of their quarter-final encounter 2-0 last week and the two sides will face each other again on Wednesday. “Had they lost 3-0 then it would be a different story,” the former midfielder told Tuttosport on Monday morning. “But the Bianconeri have the desire and capability to recover because the comeback is not impossible.” Tacchinardi believes that boss Antonio Conte, a former teammate, will know how to motivate his troops. “He knows how to get the best out of his players,” Tacchinardi added. “Juventus, with Conte, win as a team and not because of individuals. “Saying that, they will need a bit of luck to qualify.”

Per esempio: La UEFA di Platini ha deciso che quest'anno la champions league la deve vincere una squadra spagnola. Ecco un arbitro spagnolo per Juve (squadra del cuore di Michel) contro Bayern (squadra tedesca, poco simpatica ai francesi). Temendo che il Bayern possa contrastare la decisione della UEFA, Platini manda un arbitro per far passare la "sua" Juve e far sbattere fuori i temuti tedeschi.

Ho scritto lo stesso concetto nel topic del pronostico.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Lippi expects Juventus to show up Apr 8, 2013 The real Juventus will show up against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, insists former Bianconeri boss Marcello Lippi. The Old Lady will entertain the German giants in the Champions League this week in a bid to overturn a 2-0 deficit. “I saw a great Bayern in the first leg,” the current Guangzhou Evergrande boss told Tuttosport. “They were well balanced, complete and devastating at times. “That was no surprise for me because they are a European force, one on the same level of Barcelona and Real Madrid. “But, besides the strength of Bayern, we didn’t see the true Juventus in Munich. The players themselves knew that. “I don’t know if the comeback will happen, but I’m pretty sure that Juventus will prove to themselves and Bayern that they are a different team from the one seen in Germany.” Juve will have to try to mount a fightback without key midfielder Arturo Vidal who will be suspended for the quarter-final tie. “Paul Pogba will undoubtedly be ready to replace Vidal. I really like him, he has class, personality and he knows where the goal is.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Juventus back to work Apr 8, 2013 Italian champions Juventus will resume training on Monday after being given a 24-hour break following the win over Pescara. Although the Old Lady face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, boss Antonio Conte gave his side a day’s rest yesterday. Juventus will have it all to do in midweek in the second leg of their quarter-final Champions League clash. The Bianconeri lost the first leg 2-0 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening. Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner will be suspended. Juve maintained their nine-point lead over Napoli at the weekend by beating Pescara 2-1.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Lippi: Juventus can overcome Bayern The former Bianconeri coach has insisted that the Italian champions can still make it to the semi-finals at the expense of the Bundesliga giants. Apr 8, 2013 Marcello Lippi believes that Juventus have what it takes to overcome their first-leg defeat against Bayern Munich and make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League. The Bundesliga champions impressed at the Allianz Arena last week as they beat Juventus 2-0 courtesy of goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller. Nevertheless, Lippi has stressed that the quarter-final tie is not over yet and believes an early goal on Wednesday could lead Juve the way. "I saw a great Bayern Munich last week. They were balanced, very complete and devastating at times. I have always said that they are a European superpower on the same level as Barcelona and Real Madrid," Lippi told Tuttosport. "However, we did not see the real Juventus in Munich. On Wednesday they will have to prove that they can compete with Bayern. "If Juventus can score an early goal, the tie can go either way. As long as Juventus give their all and play to their full potential, a comeback is possible." Juventus last made it to the semi-final stage of the Champions League in 2002-03 but they were eventually beaten by AC Milan in the final.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Rummenigge: Bayern must score at Juventus to be safe The Bayern chairman believes they are not through to the next round just yet and believes they can write history under Pep Guardiola next term. Apr 8, 2013 Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has stated that Bayern Munich's 2-0 victory over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie was the perfect result but has warned that the Bavarians are not there just yet. Goals from David Alaba and Thomas Muller helped Bayern to a crucial home win last week, but Rummenigge believes they must score at least once in the return in Turin in order to secure progress to the semi-finals. "The game against Juventus was a dream result. We’ve had a good season but we have to be careful because we know that Italians can come back really strong under these circumstances. We need to score one goal in the second leg to make things a little safe," the Bayern chairman told The Times of India. The Allianz Arena side beat Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend to clinch the Bundesliga title and they have now set their sights on the Champions League and DFB Pokal in order to win a historic treble. "We have had a rich history but have never achieved a treble. We aren’t too optimistic but we aren’t pessimistic either. The Champions League is very high quality football and we have been hard done in a couple of finals in the past years. So, let’s say we are not confident but we do dream." Rummenigge then went on to discuss the arrival of Pep Guardiola at Bayern at the end of this season and he believes they can write history with the Spanish coach at the helm. He added: "Pep said Bayern are a club he likes and it followed almost his own philosophy. It was like a love affair. He will be the right person. "He respects the culture and philosophy of Bayern and this is what could make his stint successful. With him, we can write an important part of history next year. Pep is such a normal person. He’s everything but arrogant. He respects the Bavarian culture and doesn’t want to change the philosophy dramatically."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Five things Juventus must do to beat Bayern Apr 7, 2013 After 90 minutes of being made into mincemeat by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening, Juventus have much to do in the return leg of their Champions League quarterfinal match-up with the German giants if they hope to progress to the next round. The Old Lady has not reached the semifinals of Europe’s elite competition since the 2002-03 campaign, ultimately falling to fellow Italians AC Milan in the title match on penalties at Old Trafford whilst current boss Antonio Conte still plied his trade in midfield for the famed Turin outfit. The 42-year-old coach will now be charged with preparing his players both mentally and tactically for the task of turning over an honestly flattering 2-0 deficit at the Juventus Stadium next Wednesday against Jupp Heynckes’ Bavarian machine on the back of a thoroughly humbling experience in Munich. Harried in possession, a step behind on the break, inaccurate in distribution and timid in the tackle, the Bianconeri were thoroughly beaten in the tie’s opening overture in a manner ironically similar to that which they have made their trademark under Conte in the past 16 months. Good news arrives only in the form of the Italians’ two goal arrears entering the final 90 minutes considering the massive amount of chances Die Roten created, and contrived to miss, on Tuesday night. And so with it all to do whilst down, but not out, the following are the five things Juventus must do to beat Bayern Munich. Keep a clean sheet There is simply no genius to behold in the statement that Conte’s men must hold their potent adversary at bay to have a chance at qualifying for the semifinals, but it is nonetheless true. Down a pair of scores and having failed to nick a goal on the road, conceding in the return leg at any time would almost certainly spell the end of the Old Lady’s Champions League run in 2012-13. Tuesday Juventus’ revered back three of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini looked a shell of the defensive unit that kept five straight clean sheets on the bounce in continental play prior to stepping out onto the pitch at the Allianz Arena. The Azzurri trio must somehow regain their confidence for the deciding hour-and-a-half to shut down Bayern’s dangerous offence, having been made into victims of pace, pressing, and their own poor tackling in Munich rather than assuming their usual roles as rearguard protagonists. Legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has incurred his own share of criticism for failing to keep out David Alaba’s strike in the opening minute of the first leg, will also need to be at his best in goal to keep the Bavarians off the scoresheet. Even if Juventus’ defence can turn in a top-class display next week, Italy’s longtime number one will undoubtedly be called into service at some point given the immense skill of Bayern’s attackers. Pull one back early Few things in football can give a team a heavy dose of assurance like an early goal. This truism goes double for a disheartened side playing at a two goal disadvantage in the second leg of a titanic Champions League encounter. With every second that ticks off the clock in Turin next Wednesday, more pressure will mount on the Bianconeri as they face a race against time to make up lost ground against a ruthless opponent. Frustration can be as much an obstacle as anything, so it is imperative that Juventus rediscover the clinical edge they displayed against Celtic in the round of 16 to reduce the deficit to one as soon as possible. Bayern were duly shocked in the previous stage of the competition when Olivier Giroud smashed home from close range inside five minutes at the Allianz Arena in the return edition of their tie with Arsenal. Though Heynckes’ men were able to largely control the territory of the match from that moment forward, the anxiety of having been hit so soon after kickoff was clearly visible in their demeanour and they ultimately required the away goals rule for passage after Laurent Koscielny struck once again late on for the Gunners. Conte’s men would do well to emulate the performance of the Londoners who, if anything, retrospectively showed that the Bianconeri’s task is not impossible under the right circumstances. Control Bastian Schweinsteiger Amidst a wonderful team performance from the Bavarians on Tuesday, the star that shone brightest of all for Die Roten was Bastian Schweinsteiger. The Germany international was simply a force of nature in the centre of the park, spraying incisive passes all over the pitch from in front of the back four, whilst immediately laying waste to any forward movements from the Old Lady with controlled malice in the air and on the ground. Juventus can plainly not afford to allow such a display once again by the Bayern vice-captain, or risk facing a fate mirroring that of the first leg. The Bianconeri will need to limit the space the 28-year-old is allowed on the ball on the defensive front, an undertaking in which they previously proved inadequate, forcing him into errant deliveries and impeding his ability to take advantage of his excellent vision up field. Man-marking the midfield dynamo is an option sure to be considered by Conte in his preparations, and could prove the only method able to sufficiently stifle Schweinsteiger’s attacking talents. Key to circumventing the Bayern youth product on the offensive front will be quick and intelligent movement from Juventus with a sharpness that was starkly absent in the maiden 90 minutes. Nullifying German’s indomitable will to press is a task near impossible for any side in world football, but his effectiveness could be considerably lowered with the proper energy and positioning going forward. Release the Kraken The phrase itself conjures up images of a certain John Arne Riise, but the reference is this case refers rather to the man endearingly likened to a different Cephalopod by the Bianconeri faithful - Il Polpo. More specifically, Il Polpo Paul. Paul Pogba, that is. The impressive 20-year-old appears set to start in the return leg given the suspension of Arturo Vidal, and very well could be the decisive answer for Juventus in the battle for midfield supremacy. His versatility and fearless style of play offer the type of spark so sorely missed as Conte’s men were battered at the Allianz Arena Tuesday evening. His inclusion in the side from the off could serve to inspire his more experienced teammates given his remarkable ability to shrug off the weight of expectations and penchant for the fantastic. Key in Pogba’s mission will be his capability in protecting Andrea Pirlo – winning the ball back from Bayern’s attackers and playing the bearded regista into space so that he may orchestrate matters on the front foot for the Old Lady. And of course, one of the young Frenchman’s trademark searing rockets from distance hitting the back of Manuel Neuer’s net wouldn’t hurt, either. Man the fortress It seems only fitting that Juventus will face their biggest test yet in Conte’s tenure at the helm at their eponymous arena – a citadel in which they have lost just twice since its inception at the outset of the 2011-12 campaign. With tickets to the Bayern clash having sold out by March 27 before reaching general sale, the stadium will be filled to capacity and the atmosphere is sure to be one to behold, even despite the two goal shortfall the Bianconeri will be up against. The importance of home support cannot be overstated in football, and the Old Lady’s soldiers will need to take full advantage in feeding off of the energy coursing through the building if they are to make April 10, 2013 a day for the club’s illustrious history books. Because for Juventus to be successful, they must see the positive opportunity in a situation that looks quite bleak. The return leg must not be a match in which to save face, a game in which to go down fighting – but rather the stage on which to accomplish something extraordinary with the club’s fans in vociferous participation.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Bonucci: 'Beckenbauer fired us up' Apr 7, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci has an ulterior reason for Juventus to fight back against Bayern Munich. “Franz Beckenbauer fired us up.” The Bianconeri were beaten 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final and play the decider in Turin on Wednesday. “We believe because we are Juventus,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia. “It’s still wide open and we will put 110 per cent on to the field. That’s not to say we’ll start off pouring forward without thinking about the consequences, as there are 90 minutes to score a goal. “We have the opportunity to continue our dream and have our say, so we can put a great team like Bayern under pressure.” Bayern Munich Honorary President Beckenbauer caused controversy when he said Buffon “looked like a pensioner” during the first leg. “We have respect for his words, but this will fire up both us and Gigi. We want to go through to the semi-finals,” concluded Bonucci.

Serie A - 12^ Giornata - Ritorno - 6-4-2013 (ore 18:00) 2 - 1 Mirko Vučinić (72′ - PG) Mirko Vučinić (78′) Emmanuel Cascione 83′ Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Attendance: 38790 Serie A - Vucinic lancia la nuova fuga della Juventus Una doppietta del montenegrino, il primo gol su rigore e il secondo con uno splendido destro a giro, permette ai bianconeri di battere il Pescara 2-1 nella ripresa. Per gli abruzzesi a segno Cascione nel finale. Un super Pellizzoli aveva salvato più volte gli ospiti. Giovinco si fa male ed è a rischio per il Bayern. Juve a +12 sul Napoli secondo. Eurosport - Sabato, 6 aprile 2013 La Juventus di Conte non sbaglia e ottiene la quarta vittoria consecutiva in campionato battendo per 2-1 un orgoglioso Pescara, in grado di reggere lo 0-0 per 73 minuti. Ora la classifica vede i bianconeri a più 12 sul Napoli secondo (impegnato domani contro il Genoa) a 7 sole giornate dal termine e con lo scontro diretto a favore. Lo Scudetto è vicino grazie alla doppietta di Mirko Vucinic che sblocca la gara su un sacrosanto rigore e raddoppia con una giocata delle sue. Cascione accorcia nel finale, ma non basta al Pescara, sempre più ultimo, per evitare una sconfitta che sa di Serie B. Mercoledì i bianconeri se la vedranno con il Bayern Monaco per tentare l’impresa, senza probabilmente Sebastian Giovinco, uscito alla mezzora per infortunio. TURNOVER CON VISTA BAYERN. Antonio Conte conferma di credere nella possibile rimonta con il Bayern Monaco e, nonostante il campionato resti il vero obiettivo stagionale, contro il Pescara ultimo in classifica, oltre agli squalificati Barzagli e Chiellini, inizialmente decide di rinunciare anche a Pirloe Marchisio, lasciando Pogba-Vdal-Giaccherini nella linea di centrocampo. Davanti con Vucinic c’è Giovinco, che però alla mezzora è costretto ad uscire per una brutta botta alla gamba destra. Gli ospiti, coperti nel loro 4-2-3-1, che in fase di non possesso è un 4-5-1, si affidano alle isolate iniziative offensive di Sforzini, supportato da Sculli e Quintero. SUPER PELLIZZOLI. Il vero showman della prima frazione è l’estremo difensore del Pescara. Ivan Pellizzoli, tutto d’un tratto si ricorda del suo glorioso passato con Atalanta e Roma, e sfodera una prestazione d’antologia nei primi 45 minuti. Nega il gol a Giovinco, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Vidal e anche a Quagliarella, subentrato a Giovinco infortunato, deviando sul palo la sua conclusione dal limite. La Juve, così, non riesce a concretizzare il suo dominio territoriale e la continua spinta in cerca del vantaggio. Gli abruzzesi giocano con 10 uomini dietro la linea della palla e non ripartono mai, lasciando sempre il pallino del gioco ai bianconeri, che però devono accontentarsi dello 0-0 dopo la prima parte di gara. SERVE UN RIGORE PER UNA VITTORIA MERITATA. Anche nella ripresa il tema del match non cambia. La Juve, sempre più disperata e frustrata, attacca a testa bassa, tentando in ogni modo la giocata decisiva. Pellizzoli è ancora superlativo su Quagliarella e col passare dei minuti, il Pescara sembra riuscire a reggere la costante azione bianconera. Serve allora un rigore, decretato al 73’ dall’arbitro Peruzzo per netto atterramento in area di Rizzo su Vidal, a sbloccare la gara. Vucinic dal dischetto è perfetto e la Juve può così festeggiare il vantaggio e la superiorità numerica, visto che Rizzo nell’occasione viene espulso. ANCORA VUCINIC, ORA I BAVARESI. Dopo 5 minuti è ancora il montenegrino a decidere di chiudere il match. Vucinic si gira in area e piazza col destro sul secondo palo, decretando il suo nono gol stagionale e la vittoria numero 22 in campionato, su 31 gare giocate. Il gol di Cascione all’83’, con una splendida conclusione dai 25 metri, serve solo a tener sveglio un finale che altrimenti sarebbe stato di pura gestione per i padroni di casa. La Juve vince e continua la sua cavalcata verso il secondo tricolore consecutivo. La serenità e il morale sono alti: ora l’eventuale super rimonta al Bayern può essere sognata con più tranquillità. Enrico Turcato http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Giaccherini talks up Juventus´ chances Apr 7, 2013 Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini says the club have not given up hope of defeating Bayern Munich in the Champions League. The Italian champions will have to overcome a 2-0 deficit after a first-leg defeat in Munich, but, speaking after his side's 2-1 Serie A win over Pescara on Saturday, Giaccherini said the club will not be going down without a fight. "Yes we need the best Juventus on Wednesday because we will be facing one of the best teams in the world in Bayern Munich," he said. "They've already proved in the first leg how great they are and they have already won their league this season. We will try and give all that we have and hopefully we will watch the best Juventus." And Giaccherini was pleased with his side's display against Pescara. "I think that Juventus played a great match today - we created a lot of chances, Pescara never attacked in the first half and they scored a goal with their only shot at goal in the second half," he said. "Our only problem was scoring a goal and we finally managed at the 65th minute of play, after that the game became much easier." Two goals from Mirko Vucinic sealed the victory and the striker was delighted with the win. "The three points were definitely important for us and we're all happy we managed to gain them," the Montenegrin said. "The most important thing tonight was to win, not the performance."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Mirko Vucinic ready for "war" against Bayern Munich Apr 7, 2013 Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic has urged his teammates to treat their Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday as if it "were a war". The Serie A leaders were beaten 2-0 by the newly crowned Bundesliga champions last Tuesday in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. The Montenegro striker has said that Juve will not be in a mood to accommodate a celebratory Bayern when Jupp Heynckes's side visit Juventus Stadium next week. "Everyone needs to give more than 100% and face the game as if it were a war," Vucinic told reporters after the game. "We must believe we can do it. The Germans have won the championship and I'd like to congratulate them, but they certainly won't be greeted by a party atmosphere here on Wednesday night." Vucinic scored twice as Antonio Conte's men overcame Pescara 2-1 in Serie A on Saturday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Juve can emulate United of 1999 Juventus have it tough against FC Bayern München but Paolo Menicucci says they can draw inspiration from the Manchester United FC side who shocked them 14 years ago. Apr 7, 2013 After an 18-game unbeaten streak in Europe, the 2-0 defeat at FC Bayern München in their quarter-final first leg has left Juventus with their backs against the wall. The Bianconeri, however, should draw inspiration from a Manchester United FC vintage whom they have come to resemble in several ways. First and foremost, Juventus coach Antonio Conte is seen by many as a new Sir Alex Ferguson. "I have had two coaches who demand determination and ruthlessness," said Paul Pogba, who joined Juventus from United last summer. "They are both very tough to please, both perfectionists." There are other similarities between the Italian champions and the English side that won the treble in 1998/99. There are the influential goalkeepers in Peter Schmeichel and Gianluigi Buffon, midfielders who are effective at both ends – United's Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, Juventus's Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio – and the free-kick maestros David Beckham and Andrea Pirlo. The rotation system involving striking quartet Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Teddy Sheringham was also instrumental in that United team's success. It is an approach replicated by Conte, with Mirko Vučinic, Sebastian Giovinco, Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella. Juventus, though, need to show they also have United's knack for unlikely comebacks. As a midfielder, Conte faced United in the 1998/99 UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The Bianconeri dominated the Old Trafford first leg, with Conte on the mark for the visitors and United lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw. In the return, Filippo Inzaghi scored twice in the first 11 minutes to put the Old Lady on the verge of a fourth consecutive final. United had a mountain to climb but captain Keane headed in a Beckham corner in the 24th minute to give United hope. Yorke and Cole then got the goals that booked United's place in the final. Many consider that fightback a turning point for the Red Devils in Europe. "Even at 2-0 down I remember Becks saying, 'We can do this,' and he's not really the type for that," former United defender Gary Neville recalled in an interview. "To have belief even in that situation was incredible, because the defence had endured a 20-minute nightmare." Nightmare is probably the right word to describe the Juventus showing in Munich. "I struggled to sleep the night after the match," said defender Giorgio Chiellini. "We are not the side that played so badly in Munich, we are much better than that and are eager to turn the page as quickly as possible. I hope the one in Turin will be our game." In 1999 the 'comebacks kings' famously repeated the trick in the Camp Nou showpiece – yes, against Bayern – with substitutes Sheringham and Solskjær turning defeat into victory with goals in added time. They did so without the suspended Scholes and Keane. The absences of Stephan Lichtsteiner and Vidal for Wednesday's return leg are therefore no excuse for Juve. If they want to keep their European dream alive, they will require one of those magic nights which made United what they are today.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 10-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - BAYERN Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Bayern: 'One glass of champagne' Apr 6, 2013 Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title today, but President Uli Hoeness assures they “will have one glass of champagne each” ahead of the trip to Juventus. The club beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 this afternoon to mathematically clinch a tournament they have utterly dominated this season, already 20 points clear of second placed Borussia Dortmund. However, the Germans have no intention of breaking out the beer keg with their Champions League quarter-final against Juventus to be played next Wednesday. “We will have one glass of champagne each on the plane, because our thoughts are already going forward to Wednesday. Clearly our objective now is the Champions League,” said Hoeness. Bayern won the first leg 2-0 and travel to Turin next week to earn a spot in the semi-final. “We played a fantastic season and rarely have I seen a side dominate a tournament like this.”