Socrates

Non ci sono uomini politici nel forum ... per fortuna.

Pare che Bucchi preferisca un portiere di esperienza come Pelizzoli.

Jo Vinco va bene, chi scrive Jo perdo viene taccato.

Storari capitano.

Ha cominciato ad avere l'influenza durante la partita contro l'Inter. Poi contro il Bayern ha giocato con le maniche corte .....

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Line-ups: Juventus-Pescara Apr 6, 2012 Juventus field a completely revamped side for today’s early kick-off against bottom of the table Pescara, but Mirko Vucinic partners Sebastian Giovinco. The Serie A Week 31 tie starts in Turin at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT). Click here for a match preview. The Bianconeri want to put the Scudetto under lock and key, but were also shaken by their 2-0 Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich. Coach Antonio Conte is forced into numerous changes, as Gigi Buffon is suffering from flu symptoms and sits on the bench in favour of Marco Storari. Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are both suspended, making way for Luca Marrone, while Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio are rested. Nicolas Anelka had been expected to start today, but is not even in the squad, as he is away on personal leave to deal with a family matter. Mauricio Isla, Martin Caceres, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe are all injured. Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner start, as they are suspended for the second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Pescara are propping up the Serie A table thanks to one point from the last 11 rounds and are on their third Coach of the campaign. Giovanni Stroppa resigned, then last month Cristiano Bergodi was sacked to promote Cristian Bucchi from the Primavera youth team job. Mervan Celik sits out a ban, joining the injured Vladimir Weiss, Antonio Balzano, Antonio Bocchetti, Gaetano D’Agostino, Ante Vukusic, Luciano Zauri and Uros Cosic. Juan Fernando Quintero, who has been linked to Juventus among other clubs, starts in a supporting trident behind striker Ferdinando Sforzini. JUVENTUS: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco PESCARA: Pelizzoli; Zanon, Kroldrup, Capuano, Modesto; Rizzo, Togni; Caprari, Quintero, Sculli; Sforzini http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Beckenbauer apologises to Buffon Apr 6, 2013 Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for calling Gigi Buffon “a pensioner” after his performance against Bayern Munich. “I didn’t want to offend him, but...” The honorary President of Bayern made the comments after Juventus lost 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final. His suggestion Buffon “looked like a pensioner” when trying to stop the two goals sparked outrage in Italy. “I apologise to Buffon if he felt offended by my words, as it was not my intention,” Beckenbauer told Bild. “However, I remain convinced of my opinion: Buffon should’ve been able to block the first and second goals.”

'It's not easy being Buffon' Apr 6, 2013 Gigi Buffon admits Juventus’ defeat to Bayern Munich “was probably my worst performance in the Champions League. It’s not easy being Buffon.” The goalkeeper was stunned by a deflected David Alaba shot within the first 30 seconds of the quarter-final, then only parried another effort for Thomas Muller’s second. “Many of us played badly that night, myself included,” Buffon told L’Equipe newspaper in France. “It was probably my worst performance in my Champions League career. I am one of the most experienced in the squad, so perhaps my performance affected that of my teammates.” Today Bayern Munich honorary President Franz Beckenbauer apologised for “offence” caused when saying Buffon looked like a pensioner. “I have nothing to say. This is a man who wrote the history of this sport, he works for a great club and I respect him. “I have been playing football for 18 years and I can tell you one thing: It’s not easy being Gianluigi Buffon! “Whenever I make a mistake, people talk about it for a week to 10 days, it’s as if the ground beneath our feet is shaking! On the other hand, at least that means people expect very high standards of me.”

Beckenbauer apologises for Buffon pensioner jibe The former Germany international has made it clear that the didn't intend to insult the goalkeeper, but still feels his performance was not good enough. Apr 6, 2013 Bayern Munich icon Franz Beckenbauer has apologised for calling Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon a pensioner, but stands by his opinion that the shot-stopper should have done better in Tuesday's Champions League encounter. Beckenbauer criticised the Italy international after he failed to save David Alaba's long-range strike early in the game, and though he has stressed he did not intend to insult the Italy veteran, he believes his performance we well below par. "I am sorry if I have offended Buffon by using the word 'pensioner'. That was never my intention," Beckenbauer told Bild. "But I still feel that Buffon should have done better with the 1-0 as well as the 2-0, when he failed to hold on to the ball." Buffon will be desperate to prove his critics wrong in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final in Turin on Wednesday.

Buffon a pensioner? Beckenbauer should show respect to one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time The Juventus captain deserved better than to be put down in such a public fashion but his response to the insult has merely underlined that he is a class act on and off the field. Apr 6, 2013 COMMENT By Mark Doyle Two ill-advised outbursts of differing degrees of severity made headlines this week. The first came from a wearily predictable source: Joey Barton, who was ultimately forced to apologise by his club for another attack on a fellow professional, with the one saving grace being that at least this time the assault was of the verbal variety. However, if Barton’s characteristically crass and witless comments were entirely unsurprising, Franz Beckenbauer’s distinctly invidious appraisal of Gianluigi Buffon’s performance against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night was anything but. The 35-year-old Juventus goalkeeper had been at fault for both of the goals his side had conceded in their comprehensive 2-0 defeat in Bavaria, failing to change direction in time to keep out a deflected long-range drive from David Alaba before then spilling an equally slow-moving strike from Luiz Gustavo, thus leaving a disbelieving Mario Mandzukic with the rather straightforward task of teeing Thomas Muller up for a tap-in. The nature of the errors were shocking; Beckenbauer’s reaction even more so. "Buffon looked like a pensioner," the Bavarians' honorary president told Germany’s Sky Sport. "He should have saved that shot [from Alaba]. Maybe, he was not expecting him to strike it from there: Alaba shot from 120 metres!" Buffon looked like a pensioner. He should have saved that shot. Maybe he did not expect Alaba to hit it from there: he shot from 120 metres! - Franz Beckenbauer That Buffon appeared to be moving in slow motion as he attempted to scramble back across his goal to keep out Alaba’s bouncing drive was beyond dispute. However, a goalkeeper considered by some as the greatest of all time deserved better than to be the subject of such snide remarks. It was only right, then, that there was a swift show of support for a man who has so often leapt to the defence of others. "Certain comments made by an icon like Beckenbauer were hurtful," Juventus director general Beppe Marotta stated. "They concerned another icon called Buffon, to whom great recognition comes from not only Juventus fans, but I believe all supporters of the national team, to whom he has given great satisfaction with his performances. “Furthermore, he is a special man, a great professional full of humanity who is used as an example to follow by all of our young people and, as such, should be respected." Millons across Italy agreed. However, that did not dissuade TV show ‘Striscia la Notizia’ from presenting Buffon with a blanket, a dressing gown and a pair of slippers upon his return to Turin. Buffon is a special man, a great professional full of humanity ... and, as such should be respected. - Beppe Marotta Buffon’s reaction to such public ridicule spoke volumes about his character, the World Cup winner exuding a class and humility that were so conspicuous by their absence from Beckenbauer’s comments. “Making mistakes happens a lot in this type of profession,” the Italy captain mused. “But I'm sorry because I compromised the game. I'm sorry for myself, for my team, for my people. “I cannot take exception with anything said by the wise old man Beckenbauer. As the old adage goes: 'When you are the hammer, you hit; when you are the anvil, you stay put.' ... You just have to keep quiet and wait for the next game." That Buffon took both the 'gifts' and the 'joke' with such grace was typical of the man, as Italy coach Cesare Prandelli acknowledged. "Gigi responded very well, with great composure, with great irony ... but then, pensioners are wise people,” the former Fiorentina boss joked. “All joking aside, though, Gigi has shown and will show a great response; everything will be decided on the field." Indeed, who would now bet against Buffon issuing the perfect riposte on Wednesday night? In that context, Beckenbauer’s outburst was really quite silly. No player should be above criticism and yes, Beckenbauer made his comments with a smile on his face, but they could prove horribly counterproductive. Der Kaiser has offered similarly harsh appraisals in the past - he called Bayern’s players “pensioners” after a 3-0 defeat away to Lyon during their 2000-01 Champions League campaign but Stefan Effenberg subsequently claimed that the criticism spurred them on to victory that season. However, this was different: these were not barbs aimed at his own players; they were not motivational. At least not for Bayern, with the irony being that rather than invoke a response out of his own side, Beckenbauer now runs the risk of provoking a Buffon-led backlash out of the Bianconeri. Still, regardless of the outcome on Wednesday night, Buffon has already reminded Beckenbauer, and everyone else for that matter, that a true legend is a class act off the field, as well as on it.

Serie A - 12^ Giornata - Ritorno - 6-4-2013 (ore 18:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Sebastiano Peruzzo Conte sogna la grande rimonta, contro il Pescara ampio turnover in vista del Bayern. Ma Vucinic e Asamoah ci saranno Il tecnico bianconero ha preparato al meglio il match con gli abruzzesi, ma pensa già alla gara di mercoledì. Riposo per Buffon, Pirlo, Marchisio e Quagliarella. 6 Aprile, 2013 Realista sempre, rassegnato mai! Questo il modus vivendi di Antonio Conte. Il tecnico della Juventus, pur confermando che l'obiettivo Scudetto resta la priorità bianconera, sottotraccia lavora al sogno rimonta in vista del ritorno dei quarti di finale di Champions League contro il Bayern Monaco. Il mister salentino è convinto che i suoi ragazzi mercoledì venderanno cara la pelle, pur consapevole che il risultato dell'andata riduce al lumicino le chance qualificazione della Vecchia Signora. Questa sera, nella gara contro il Pescara, le scelte saranno soppesate sul bilancino dei pro e dei contro anche in vista del match contro i bavaresi. Il tutto nel rispetto degli odierni avversari. Oggi turno di riposo obbligatorio per gli squalificati Barzagli e Chiellini, dunque. Ma panchina, ad esempio, anche per Pirlo e Marchisio, uomini chiave a centrocampo, da far rifiatare per coltivare davvero il sogno remuntada. E per Buffon, alle prese con qualche malanno di stagione. Contro il Pescara partiranno regolarmente dal primo minuto invece Lichtsteiner e Vidal, squalificati in Champions League. In avanti spazio alla coppia Vucinic-Giovinco. Riposo dunque anche per Padoin e Quagliarella, possibili titolari nel big match di mercoledì sera. Discorso diverso invece per Vucinic e Asamoah. I due, in campo dall'inizio contro gli abruzzesi, saranno con ogni probabilità della partita anche contro il Bayern. Il ghanese, tornato letteralmente a pezzi dalla Coppa d'Africa disputata a gennaio, ha solo bisogno di ritrovare condizione e ritmo di gioco. Provino anche per il numero nove bianconero, in panchina per i postumi dell'influenza nella gara d'andata dell'Allianz Arena. Ecco dunque la probabile Juve anti-Bayern: Buffon in porta, difesa a tre con i titolarissimi Barzagli, Bonucci e Chiellini; Padoin e Asamoah sulle fasce; Pirlo in regia; Pogba e Marchisio interni; Quagliarella e Vucinic di punta. Tutti in campo a caccia dell'impresa. Perchè per questa Juve, impossibile is nothing. http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A - 12^ Giornata - Ritorno - 6-4-2013 (ore 18:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Sebastiano Peruzzo Confronti ufficiali 17 - 11 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 13 - 7 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Serie B) Pareggi 2 - 2 (Serie A) Vittorie Pescara 2 - 2 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 35 - 22 (Serie A) - 10 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Serie B) Goals Pescara 15 - 12 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Pescara - Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 5 Vittorie Juventus 4 (L'ultima il 17.01.1993, 2-1) Pareggi 1 (Il 05.02.1989, 1-1) Vittorie Pescara 0 Goals Juventus 11 Goals Pescara 3 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Pescara a Torino 3 presenze Brio Sergio 3 Cabrini Antonio 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Causio Franco 2 Cuccureddu Antonello 2 De Agostini Luigi 2 Furino Giuseppe 2 Galia Roberto 2 Laudrup Michael 2 Marocchi Giancarlo 2 goal Baggio Roberto 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Rush Ian James 1 Benetti Romeo 1 Boninsegna Roberto 1 Favero Luciano 1 Rui Barros Gil Soares 1 Verza Vinicio Ultimi confronti diretti 20.01.1988 Coppa Italia Pescara-Juventus 2-6 07.02.1988 Serie A Pescara-Juventus 2-0 05.02.1989 Serie A Juventus-Pescara 1-1 18.06.1989 Serie A Pescara-Juventus 0-0 10.01.1990 Coppa Italia Pescara-Juventus 0-1 17.01.1993 Serie A Juventus-Pescara 2-1 30.05.1993 Serie A Pescara-Juventus 5-1 11.11.2006 Serie B Juventus-Pescara 2-0 31.03.2007 Serie B Pescara-Juventus 0-1 10.11.2012 Serie A Pescara-Juventus 1-6 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Pescara 2 - Goals Juventus 20 - Goals Pescara 12

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo We will go to Juventus to win, insists Pescara boss Bucchi The Delfini are battling against relegation from Serie A, but their coach has made it clear he will not simply accept damage limitation against the champions. Apr 5, 2013 Pescara coach Christian Bucchi insists his side will be playing for all three points when they meet Juventus on Saturday. The Delfini are rock bottom of Serie A and time is running out for them to avoid returning to the second division after just one season in Italy's top flight. Bucchi, who played for Juve’s title rivals Napoli during his career, is expecting a reaction from his players after their "ugly" loss to Parma last weekend. “It’s not true that we have nothing to lose. We are bottom of the table, but still have our dignity to defend,” Bucchi said in his press conference. “We are not in a great period of form, but I told my players to give their all. I want to see people who are ready to sacrifice themselves, because Serie A games deserve to be played at 100 per cent every time. “I expect an important reaction from the squad after the ugly performance against Parma. I too feel privileged to be working in Serie A, one of the most important tournaments in the world. “It is impossible not to feel motivated when playing against Juventus and this is also true for those players who want to make their mark. I expect a performance of real character. “We’re going there to win, not to perform an exercise in damage limitation.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Preview: Juventus vs. Pescara Apr 5, 2012 League leaders Juventus host bottom-placed Pescara in Serie A on Saturday with both sides having experienced contrasting fortunes in recent weeks. Juve currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table thanks to an unbeaten run of five matches that has included four wins. Meanwhile, Pescara have picked up just a single draw from their previous 11 matches and sit six points adrift of safety at the bottom of the standings. Mirko Vucinic could return for the hosts following an illness, while Mauricio Isla and Martin Caceres are expected to miss out. Pescara have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match at the Juventus Stadium. Recent form Juventus: DWWWWL Pescara: LLLLLL Possible lineups Juventus: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Pescara: Pelizzoli; Zauri, Kroldrup, Bianchi Arce, Bocchetti; D'Agostino, Cascione, Bjarnason; Abbruscato, Sculli, Caprari Sports Mole says: 3-0 http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus-Pescara Preview: Round 31 — Swimming with the Delfini Apr 5, 2012 Safe bet: Pescara isn't as good as Bayern Munich. Take that one to the bank. Following the Champions League quarterfinal draw, there was one game in the current ultra-important two-plus-week span that called out something along the lines of "All right, we'll be able to rest a little bit." That was without considering how Juventus would do in Munich against Bayern. Win, lose, or draw. Pescara's visit to Juventus Stadium was going to be one that would give Antonio Conte some option. Fast forward a little bit and add in the 2-0 loss on Tuesday to Bayern Munich, and, well, it's time for Juventus to rebound from one of their worst performances of Antonio Conte's first two years manager. Yes, Pescara is bound for Serie B when the season comes to an end. And yes, they've been sitting towards or at the bottom of the Serie A table for weeks on end now. But this isn't about playing the last-place team in the league. It's about getting back on the horse and winning games to close out the season. Would another six goals against Pescara be nice? Well, I think we all know the answer to that. But to expect that would be wee bit unrealistic regardless of how bad Pescara may be on defense. What matters the most to me, you ask? Getting another three points in the standings and getting another three points closer to a second straight Scudetto. That's the main concern — right now. We'll worry about Wednesday night's game at Juventus Stadium when it gets here. The squad will be different. That's just a predetermined fact based on suspensions and how Antonio Conte has rotated his lineup before and after Champions League games. Saturday won't be any different and there's no reason to think otherwise. There's no other way to think about it — especially with Champions League on the horizon. GOOD NEWS In case you forgot how the last Juventus-Pescara went, here's a brief reminder if you want one... See? This is basically the opposite of what Juventus saw on Tuesday in Munich. Juventus were the ones on the attack instead of being caught on their heels a good amount of the time. And the statistics only back that up even further. Bayern's goal differential is out-of-this-world good. Pescara's? It's currently standing at minus-40. Let me say that again: MINUS-FORTY. That's 61 goals allowed, 21 goals scored in case you were wondering. If Pescara is a definition of bad, then Juve is good, right? Juventus' bare essentials — 59 scored, 19 allowed, plus-40 goal differential — is the other side of the coin when being compared to Pescara. In conclusion: The Serie B Express is now loading on Platform 3, Pescara. We expect to see you there shortly. BAD NEWS No Andrea Barzagli. No Giorgio Chiellini. Who knows what Matrin Caceres' health condition will be when Juve take the field on Saturday. The defensive options, thanks to the two suspensions and our favorite Uruguayan's ongoing recovery from his car accident last month, are as thin as they've been in quite awhile. Luckily it's Pescara, and not Bayern that are coming to Juventus Stadium. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Champions League hangover. Yeah, yeah, it can be said after every European game. It's nothing new. But for the first time this season, Juventus are coming off a loss in the Champions League. And not just a loss, but a complete whoopin'. Juventus will either come out completely pissed off — as they should be — or just kinda go through the motions. Regardless of what the starting lineup is, Conte must be able to get his team to put what happened on Tuesday against Bayern in the past and get things going again. 2. Luca Marrone. Finally, the 23-year-old defender-turned-midfielder gets a chance to play. How long has it been since Marrone last started a game? If you picked "March 6 against Celtic," then you're correct. It's been even longer since the last time Luca appeared in a Serie A game — two months ago when Juve beat Fiorentina 2-0 on Feb. 9. The only other action Marrone has seen lately was over the international break with the Italy Under-21 squad, but that's it. So what I'm basically trying to say is that he hasn't played much — recently or this season as a whole. 3. Who plays in the midfield? And more importantly, will Conte resist the urge to play Andrea Pirlo? Quick answer to the second question: I damn well hope so. We know how much a rested Pirlo can mean to the squad, and there's no reason not to rest him against the worst team in Serie A with a Champions League game on the horizon. But Conte may opt to play Pirlo — as the giornalaccio rosa has been predicting pretty much all week — and rest somebody like Claudio Marchisio, who had his own kind of struggles against Bayern on Tuesday. 4. Who starts at striker? You would think that regardless of how he's feeling, Mirko Vucinic is going to be rested for the second leg against Bayern Munich. That just seems too logical at this point. While the Fabio Quagliarella-Alessandro Matri partnership didn't do much of anything in Munich, Conte could turn to them again if it's in his plans to play Sebastian Giovinco and/or Vucinic on Wednesday. Or I could just be making all of this up and it will mean absolutely come kickoff time. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. My starting XI (3-5-2): Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Matri http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Unwell Buffon to miss Pescara game Apr 5, 2012 Serie A leaders Juventus will be without flu-hit goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon when they take on bottom-of-the-table Pescara on Saturday. Juve captain Buffon fell ill after his team's win at Inter Milan last weekend, and will be replaced by Marco Storari after a recurrence of the bug. Coach Antonio Conte explained: "Storari will play because, after the Inter match, Buffon suffered a debilitating attack of the flu. "After the Champions League match against Bayern on Tuesday, the flu came back, he wasn't training well and I would prefer that he took care of himself and got better. "If I didn't have the guarantee of a good 12th man [stand-in goalkeeper], I would have asked Gigi to play." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus v Pescara Preview Apr 5, 2012 Still smarting from a mid-week Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich, Juventus will be looking to take out all their frustration in minnows Pescara in their Serie A encounter. Team News and Tactical Brief JUVENTUS Juventus endured their worst night in Antonio Conte era when they were completely outplayed and outclassed against Bayern Munich. Antonio Conte himself was out-coached by one of the most experienced managers in Europe and did very little to change the course of game. Even the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Andrea Pirlo, Juve’s most consistent performers in Conte era, were off colour and had a torrid time against a star studded Bayern attack. In all honesty, 2-0 was a scoreline which somewhat flattered Juventus, as the Italian champions were completely battered, literally from the start. To make matters worse the hugely important duo of Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner will both miss the second leg due to suspension. Things were somewhat different when Juventus faced off against Pescara last time. At that time, Juventus had been outplayed by Internazionale at home and lost their unbeaten record but had bounced back with a spectacular 4-0 thrashing of FC Nordsjaelland in Champions League, thus ending a run of three consecutive draws in Europe’s elite competition. Fresh from the thrashing of the Danish champions, Juventus started another goal-fest against the 2011/12 Serie B champions, running out 6-1 winners at Stadio Adriatico and thus ruining the birthday of talented young goalkeeper Mattia Perrin. Things are unlikely to change in this match as Juventus will be looking to empty their mid-week frustration on the minnows. Juventus will be missing Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in this encounter, both of whom are suspended. Either way, this will be a good chance for Conte to have two of his most important defenders fresh and rested for Bayern Munich next week. Federico Peluso and young Luca Marrone are likely to join Leonardo Bonucci in the three man back-line. Stephan Lichtsteiner will be suspended in next mid-week so he is likely to start against Pescara on right-wing with Kwadwo Asamoah in left wing. Both Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo had a tough time against Bayern’s relentless pressing in Munich and are candidates for a rest on the weekend. In that case Emmanuele Giaccherini and Paul Pogba will team up with Arturo Vidal in midfield. Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella, who scored a hattrick in that 6-1 win, have started each of the last two matches. They both scored against Inter but were woefully out of depth against Bayern. It is likely that Mirko Vucinic will start this match, as he needs to get to full match fitness before the Champions League encounter. Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella PESCARA Things have not gone well at all for last season’s Serie B champions since their promotion. Last season the Delfini were one of the most exciting sides across all divisions in Italy. Under the eccentric Zdenek Zeman and boasting of three of the brightest young talents in Italy, Pescara scored goals for fun before lifting the cadetti. During summer Ciro Immobile, Serie B top scorer, and Lorenzo Insigne would return to their parent clubs and Marco Verratti would get shipped off to PSG. To make things worse Zeman joined AS Roma. Pescara was marked out to be a potential relegation candidate throughout the season and they have not done much to defy that title. They began 2013 in an uplifting note by upsetting Fiorentina away from home but things have gone downhill steadily from there. Pescara come to the Juventus stadium on the back of an eleven game winless streak, ten of them losses. They are also facing some very crucial matches in next few rounds. If facing AS Roma and Napoli was not enough they also have relegation six pointers against Siena and Genoa. Pescara have retained the 4-3-3 formation of Zeman from last season and are likely to play the same system on the weekend, albeit a defensive version. Their back four is a mix of experience and youth. Calcio veterans Per Krøldrup, Damiano Zanon and Francesco Modesto will team up with 20 year old Uroš Ćosić, the Serbian U21 International who is on loan from CSKA Moscow. Defence has been the weakest link for the Delfini and has seen them ship in a massive 61 goals in 30 matches. They have conceded 10 more goals than the second worst defence in the league, which incidentally is AS Roma coached by ex-coach Zeman till a few days back. Pescara have also failed to keep a single clean sheet since first week of January. Their defence failed to deal with Juventus attackers at home and is unlikely to pose any problems in Turin. Ex-Juventus hard man Manuele Blasi, who played 40 times for the club between 2002 and 2007 will have the job in central midfield to deal with the likes of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba. Brazilian Eugênio Rômulo Togni is likely to partner club captain Emmanuel Cascione in an experience three man midfield whose main job will be thwart Juventus’ attacks. The absence of Gaetano D’Agostino, once considered one of the best passers in the peninsula, is bound to hurt Pescara in midfield. Colombian Juan Quintero has been one of the very few bright sparks for Pescara this season. The midfielder, who turned 20 this January, has been hailed as one of the best young talents in Serie A right now and Pescara will be hoping that the starlet fetches them a handsome transfer fee when transfer window arrives. Quintero’s dribbling skills caused Juventus considerable amount of problem in the first leg and he will be one of the most dangerous players for the visiting side, playing as a wide-man in their attacking trident. He is likely to be partnered by two winter signings Giuseppe Sculli and Ferdinando Sforzini Possible Starting XI (4-3-3): Pelizzoli; Zanon, Krøldrup, Ćosić, Modesto; Blasi, Togni, Cascione; Quintero, Sculli, Sforzini Players To Watch Out For Paul Pogba (Juventus) The French youngster has had a bit of rough time over past two weeks. Juventus Serie AHe was sent off on International duty against Spain and then had very little impact in the games that he played for Juventus. He has often done well when he has started games and Pescara will be an ideal opponent for him to increase his goal tally. Juan Quintero (Pescara) The Colombia prospect has been one of the best offensive players for Pescara till date with a goal against his name and multiple assists. His set-pieces abilities are also pretty good and he is likely to get opportunities in free-kick as Peluso has a habit of giving them away around the box. Prediction Juventus 3-0 Pescara Juventus will be eager and ready to bounce back from their mid-week humbling and Pescara is unlikely to mount any serious obstruction in this match. Blast From The Past http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Za6d4m9ax0&feature=player_embedded http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo 'I want to see Juventus foaming at the mouth' - Conte issues rallying cry The Italian coach says he wants his players fired up against Pescara, and insists his team are wary of potential banana skins as they look to win the Scudetto once more. Apr 5, 2013 Antonio Conte has called for Juventus to display their passion against Pescara this weekend as they attempt to edge closer to a second successive title. The former midfielder is adamant his team will need to be at their best and will need to show the spirit and determination that has seen them sit comfortably atop Serie A at the start of April. "I want to see my players foaming at the mouth," the 43-year-old coach told reporters at a press conference. "Tomorrow’s three points are fundamental to take us closer to a realistic target. That’s what the championship is for us, other thoughts are hypothetical, they’re dreams and dreams rarely come true. "If people think that last year’s miracle - because winning the Scudetto was a miracle - can be repeated on other pitches, if they think that every journey can be made without hitches or stumbles, then they’re light years away from reality. "Winning is an easy thing to ask for, but often difficult to carry out. We’ll remain humble because we still haven’t got our hands on this title." The Bianconeri coach won the Scudetto five times as a player but he is well aware of the potential pitfalls for his squad in the last two months of the campaign. "We’ll be wary of any potential banana skins," he added. "As a player I won titles that appeared to be beyond us and lost those that seemed already in the bag. It would be magnificent to reclaim our Scudetto, so we’ll stay focused. "Pescara are still fighting to stay up, they’ve worked well during the week and have a young and well-prepared coach who preaches an offensive mentality." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus v US Pescara: Preview Apr 5, 2012 Juventus head coach Antonio Conte wants to see his players ``foaming at the mouth'' against Pescara tomorrow night as the Serie A leaders look to end a disappointing week on a high. The Bianconeri now face an uphill battle to reach the last four of the Champions League after Bayern Munich claimed a 2-0 victory in the first leg of this month's quarter-final tie. Conte will not stand for any dejection or complacency in his squad at the Juventus Stadium, though, with bottom side Pescara both fighting for their lives and desperate to avenge November's 6-1 defeat. He told juventus.com: ``I want them foaming at the mouth. ``Getting three points from tomorrow is essential if we are going to achieve a realistic goal. ``The league title is that goal and other targets are perhaps just dreams, and dreams rarely come true. ``Success is not guaranteed. They're still fighting for their lives and will have worked hard during the week. ``We are wise to potential banana skins. As a player I won championships that had seemed lost and lost titles that I thought we'd won. ``To retain the Scudetto would be marvellous, however, and so we remain focused. Winning tomorrow would be another brick on the road to winning the league.'' Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had an indifferent night in Munich, will be rested as he struggles to recover from a bout of flu, with Conte confirming Marco Storari as his deputy. Defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are suspended, but midfielders Luca Marrone and Kwadwo Asamoah will start alongside Claudio Marchisio, who was reported to have contracted tonsillitis this week. ``Usually the doctors would tell me about something like that, but nobody has told me anything,'' Conte added. ``I think the rumours of tonsillitis have been invented. Marchisio is alive and well.'' Pescara midfielder Mervan Celik is suspended with Vladimir Weiss, Ante Vukusic, Uros Cosic and Antonio Balzano all struggling for fitness ahead of the trip to Turin. The Delfini are unlikely to erode the six-point gap on 17th place against the leaders, but head coach Cristian Bucchi is urging a dignified and gritty display nevertheless. He said: ``It is not true that we have nothing to lose, we are bottom of the table but we always have our dignity to defend. ``We are not in great shape but I have told my players to give their all. I want to see people who want to sacrifice themselves because Serie A demands you always give your very best. ``It is impossible not to get excited about playing Juventus and the players should all want to show off. But we're going up against a strong team who deserve to be where they are. ``We're not going to Turin to be beaten, though. We have to try and play the perfect game, knowing that Juve will do everything they can to stop us.'' http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo MATCH PREVIEW Apr 5, 2012 Juventus can almost touch the Scudetto as they aim to recover from a poor Champions League clash, but Pescara are in dire straits. The Bianconeri took another step to retaining their crown with a 2-1 Derby d’Italia victory away at Inter. Fabio Quagliarella netted early, before Alessandro Matri cancelled out Rodrigo Palacio’s equaliser. That kept their advantage at nine points with eight matches remaining. Yet they disappointed midweek in the Champions League. Juve were outplayed for long spells by Bayern Munich in a 2-0 loss that leaves their qualification chances hanging by a thread. They failed to deal with Bayern’s pressure and tempo, plus their players in wide areas. With the second leg days away, Juve are expected to make changes versus Pescara. Two are forced, with Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli suspended. Martin Caceres, plus long-term absentees Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are also sidelined. Mauricio Isla is a chance to return. Pescara are rooted to the foot of the table following yet another defeat, this time at Parma. The Delfini were 3-0 losers, conceding to Yohan Benalouane during the first half, plus Gabriel Paletta and a wonderful Amauri overhead goal after the interval. The change of Coach to Cristian Bucchi has failed to reignite the Abruzzese club. Pescara have lost 12 of 14 matches in 2013, picking up only four points along the way. While they are just six points from safety, given their form it seems unlikely they’ll survive the drop. Bucchi is not helped by a number of injuries, to Vladimir Weiss, Luciano Zauri, Antonio Balzano, Ante Vukusic and Gaetano D’Agostino. Mervin Celik will also miss the trip to Turin through suspension, while Antonio Bocchetti is a doubt to feature. Juventus have won four of the five past Turin meetings with Pescara. The Delfini managed to claim a draw in the other encounter. Keep an eye on: Juan Quintero (Pescara) – The creative player has been linked with a move to Juve and on Saturday can showcase his talents first hand. If Pescara are to have any chance in Turin, they’ll need his calming presence on the ball, plus his set piece delivery to be spot on. Form guide: Juventus (W D W W W) Pescara (L L L L L) Last season: Not played Stat fact: In his one disappointing season in Turin which yielded seven Serie A goals, two of Ian Rush’s overall tally came in a 3-1 victory against Pescara. PROBABLE LINE-UPS Juventus: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Matri, Vucinic Pescara: Pelizzoli; Zanon, Kroldrup, Cosic, Modesto; Blasi, Togni, Cascione; Sculli, Sforzini, Caprari. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus-Pescara Preview: Bianconeri to bounce back from Bayern defeat The Old Lady were far from their best against the Bundesliga leaders in the Champions League quarter-final first leg and will be aiming to rectify this versus the basement boys. Apr 5, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSStorari Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah Matri, Vucinic PESCARA Pelizzoli Zauri, Kroldrup, Bianchi, Bocchetti Bjarnason, D'Agostino, Cascione Sculli Sforzini, Caprari Juventus will be hoping to put behind them their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final first leg match at the Allianz Arena. The Bianconeri will have to do so without key defenders Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini as both serve suspensions for the clash against bottom of the table Pescara. They may also rest the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, who has suffered some criticism lately, Claudio Marchisio and Fabio Quagliarella could drop to the bench, giving Paul Pogba and Mirko Vucinc a chance to stake their claim, although reports in the Italian media suggest Nicolas Anelka could be in line for his first start for the Old Lady. Lichtsteiner and Vidal likely to start because they're suspended for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final clash. Simone Padoin, Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Matri and Paolo De Ceglie are all a booking away from missing the next match. The visitors are without defenders Antonio Balzano and Uros Cosic, attacking midfielder Vladimir Weiss and striker Ante Vukusic through injury. Mervan Celik is suspended. Colombian starlet Juan Quintero is walking a discplinary tightrope as his next caution will result in a ban. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus' previous meeting with Pescara earlier this season ended in a thumping 6-1 victory for Antonio Conte's men, who were 5-1 up at half-time. Fabio Quagliarella, Juve's top scorer, netted a hat-trick. • The Bianconeri have conceded just two goals in their last five games and sit nine points clear at the top of Serie A. • The Old Lady have just lost once in their last seven encounters against Pescara, however, this was a 5-1 defeat back in 1993. They have never been beaten at home to the Delfini. • Pescara are rooted to the bottom of the table and have lost 10 of their last 11 games in Serie A, scoring just four goals. • Their last league win was a 2-0 triumph over Fiorentina on January 6. • Pescara have still to play Roma, Napoli, Milan and Fiorentina before the season's end as well as six-pointers against Siena and Genoa. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Nov 10, 2012 - Pescara 1 - Juventus 6 Serie B ‎- Mar 31, 2007 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1 Serie B ‎- Nov 11, 2006 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 0 Serie A - May 30, 1993 - Pescara 5 - Juventus 1 Serie A - Jan 17, 1993 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 1 Last Five Matches Juventus Apr 2, 2013 FC Bayern München 2 - Juventus 0 - UCL Mar 30, 2013 FC Internazionale 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Mar 16, 2013 Bologna 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Mar 10, 2013 Juventus 1 - Catania 0 - Serie A Mar 6, 2013 Juventus 2 - Celtic 0 - UCL Pescara Mar 30, 2013 Parma 3 - Pescara 0 - Serie A Mar 17, 2013 Pescara 0 - Chievo 2 - Serie A Mar 10, 2013 Atalanta 2 - Pescara 1 - Serie A Mar 3, 2013 Pescara 0 - Udinese 1 - Serie A Feb 25, 2013 Lazio 2 - Pescara 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Paul Pogba The young Frenchman will get his opportunity to shine on Saturday and when Antonio Conte has given him that chance he usually takes it. The 20-year-old has been receiving the plaudits from most who watch him, with his long rangy strides helping him, not only to stand out, but to bypass players as if they're not even there. Very talented with the ball at his feet as well as a powerful presence in the air; Pogba has all the makings of becoming a world-class player. Ivan Pelizzoli In recent games the shot-stopper has been preferred to youngster Mattia Perin in goal as new coach Christian Bucchi opts for more experience between the sticks, and he will certainly have his work cut out against the league leaders. Pescara look destined for Serie B and it will be up to this man to keep the score down on Saturday. Prediction Juventus will be hurting from their poor display against Bayern and they could not have picked a better team on whom to take out their frustration than basement boys Pescara. The Delfini, devoid of any confidence, have not won in their last 11 games and suffered a 3-0 defeat to Parma last week. It's not case of whether Juve will win or not, it's a case of how many. Editor's Prediction Juventus 4 - 0 Pescara http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juve also lose Anelka Apr 5, 2012 Juventus face Pescara without Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini or Nicolas Anelka, while Gigi Buffon is benched due to illness. The Serie A leaders are expected to completely rotate their squad for tomorrow’s match against bottom of the table Pescara. Barzagli and Chiellini sit out bans, while Anelka has been given permission to leave the training camp “to attend to a family issue.” Coach Antonio Conte already warned in today’s Press conference that Buffon will be on the bench because he is suffering from flu symptoms and a fever. Marco Storari takes the gloves instead on Saturday at 18.00. Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner are expected to start, as they are suspended for the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Juventus squad for Pescara: Buffon, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Rugani, Marrone. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Bucchi: 'Pescara want to beat Juve' Apr 5, 2012 Bottom of the table Pescara take on leaders Juventus tomorrow, but Cristian Bucchi insists “we’re going there to win, not for damage limitation.” The Delfini have picked up just one point from the last 11 rounds and look set to drop out of Serie A this summer, so the 17.00 UK time Saturday kick-off is on paper a fruitless exercise. Click here for a match preview. “It’s not true that we have nothing to lose. We are bottom of the table, but still have our dignity to defend,” declared Coach Bucchi in his Press conference. “We are not in a great period of form, but I told my players to give their all. I want to see people who are ready to sacrifice themselves, because Serie A games deserve to be played at 100 per cent every time. “I expect an important reaction from the squad after the ugly performance against Parma. I too feel privileged to be working in Serie A, one of the most important tournaments in the world. “It is impossible not to feel motivated when playing against Juventus and this is also true for those players who want to make their mark. I expect a performance of real character,” continued Bucchi. “We know full well that we are facing a strong side who deserve to be top of the table. We are not going to Turin waiting to get hit, as we must do well to play the perfect game. “To oppose their 3-5-2 system, we will use a 4-2-3-1 tactic without a deep-lying playmaker. Juan Fernando Quintero will be the trequartista and I expect a lot from him. “We’re going there to win, not to perform an exercise in damage limitation.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Storari handed Juventus gloves Apr 5, 2012 Marco Storari will start in goal for Juventus against Pescara on Saturday, boss Antonio Conte has confirmed. Gigi Buffon, who was criticised for the two goals he conceded at Bayern Munich on Tuesday, will be rested after struggling with a cold over the last week. “Storari will be in goal tomorrow,” Conte stated in his media conference on Friday. “Gigi was suffering with illness after the Inter game and it popped up again after Bayern. “Behind him here is a great goalkeeper who would be first-choice in any other Serie A side. If I didn’t have the guarantee of a player like Storari, then I’d ask Gigi to make a sacrifice.” Conte began the question and answer session by making it clear that he would not be discussing the Champions League quarter-final tie. “I’ll only talk about Pescara today as that is our present,” he added. “It’s a game that will allow us to lay another Scudetto brick should we win. “We’re taking nothing for granted. We have a good advantage over our rivals, but we must remain focused until the maths say otherwise. “Winning tomorrow is not important, it is fundamental. To win the title for a second consecutive season would be extraordinary, marvellous.” Conte also defended his players and his club following the criticism received after the 2-0 loss in Germany this week. “We shouldn’t lose sight of reality. In a matter of months, 17 or 18, Juve have won the Scudetto, a Super Cup, we’re first in the championship, we reached the semi-finals of the Coppa and we’re now in the last eight of the Champions League. “We’ve picked ourselves up after finishing in seventh place for two years in a row. “We should never forget that – myself, the club, the players and especially the fans. They have to understand that something extraordinary is happening. Winning is not easy.” Turning to team selections, Conte was asked whether any of his players had asked him for a breather. “I don’t think anyone would come up to me and say they were tired as I make the decisions. If someone did then it would be an own goal, as it means they would also be tired for Bayern Munich.” Conte is without the suspended Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini in defence, while there are whispers that Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo will start on the bench. “Kwadwo Asamoah and Luca Marrone will definitely play. The Ghanaian has had a difficult time after the African Cup of Nations, but I knew that would happen. If I could turn back time, I’d give him seven or 10 days holiday.” Sky Sport Italia have this afternoon suggested that Juve may line up with: Storari; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 31 - 6-4-12 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus on the defensive Apr 5, 2012 Luca Marrone and Federico Peluso will form two-thirds of Juventus’ back-three in the game against Pescara this weekend. Boss Antonio Conte will be forced into rearguard changes given that Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are suspended. Marrone, who has been transformed from a midfielder into a defender this term, will be used in the middle with Leonardo Bonucci asked to play on the right. Peluso, a January signing from Atalanta, will be moved centrally from the wing-back role that he was fielded in against Bayern Munich in the 2-0 loss on Tuesday. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal are likely to be used in midfield as the pair will be suspended for the second leg against the German giants. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/