Socrates

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Torino v Juventus: Preview Apr 27, 2013 Juventus could clinch their 31st Scudetto at the home of their city rivals Torino tomorrow, adding an additional incentive to the 227th Derby della Mole. Should Napoli fail to win in Pescara tonight, victory for the Bianconeri at the Stadio Olimpico would see them win a second successive Serie A title, a ``ferocious'' one, according to coach Antonio Conte. ``This game is not like any other,'' he said. ``If last year our Scudetto was a miracle, this would be a ferocious one. ``It would be one born out of our desire, determination and consistency. All of the qualities which we have shown more than our rivals. ``It's not easy to win the league two years in a row, especially not in Italy.'' Unsurprisingly, Juve sold out their contingent of tickets for the city derby within hours, but there are fears that many of their followers have also got their hands on tickets for the home fans' sectors. ``The fact that we are having to consider potential problems means we should all be ashamed,'' said Conte. ``To think that a game of football could cause violence is disgraceful. ``I've been saying it for a long time. In Italy, we get met with stones and insults being thrown our way - is that normal?'' For Torino, the derby is also crucial in terms of avoiding relegation. They are just seven points clear of the bottom three and cannot afford to drop any more points. ``If we had got something out of those games we lost incredibly, like Cagliari, Parma, Napoli or Fiorentina, we would be safe and even heroes, but instead we are suffering,'' Coach Giampiero Ventura told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. ``Bring on the derby because certainly we won't lose our concentration in this match. ``The league table says that this is a very important game for us, but it is still a derby, which is a game unto itself. ``You can make predictions about other games, but not a derby. You just have to play it and see.'' http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi MATCH PREVIEW Apr 27, 2013 Victory for Juventus in the Derby della Mole could secure another Scudetto, while Torino are aiming to ensure their survival. Torino were involved in a chaotic contest at Fiorentina. They found themselves three down just past the half hour mark, but Paulo Barreto offered hope on the stroke of half-time. Ex-Viola boys Mario Santana and Alessio Cerci incredibly drew Toro level, but they were undone by a late Romulo winner. Giampiero Ventura was angry that Granata went behind by three, but also that they failed to win when level. He’s also anxious Torino quickly secures their Serie A status. “The sacrifices it took to get back into Serie A must be defended right to the end.” They’re currently seven points clear of the bottom trio. Matteo Brighi sits out the Derby due to injury, joining suspended pair Giuseppe Vives and Matteo Darmian – sent off in Florence - on the sidelines. Juventus inched ever-closer to back-to-back championships with a slender 1-0 victory over Milan on Sunday. In a game of few clear-cut chances, Kwadwo Asamoah was felled in the penalty area and Arturo Vidal emphatically drilled home the spot-kick to seal victory for the Bianconeri. That leaves Juventus within four points of the Scudetto with five matches remaining. Antonio Conte’s men could even celebrate championship success this weekend should Napoli fail to beat Pescara. A Juve win would then be enough. If not, maximum points in the Derby will leave them within a whisker. Sebastian Giovinco, Nicolas Anelka and Simone Pepe remain on the sidelines, while Conte looks set to once again go with the 3-5-1-1 formation utilised in recent weeks. Juve claimed the first Derby this season, while Toro have not tasted city success since dual triumphs in 1994-95. The Old Lady hold the edge in Torino-hosted affairs, winning 26 duals to 19. There have been 23 further draws. Keep an eye on: Rolando Bianchi (Torino) – The captain could well be lining up for his final Derby della Mole and will aim to leave his mark on proceedings by scoring a goal that can all but assure the Granata’s Serie A survival. Form guide: Torino (W L D L L) Juventus (W W W W W) Last season: Not played Stat fact: Torino have been kept scoreless in the seven previous editions of the Turin derby. Their last goal was in a 2-2 draw back in 2001-02. TORINO (probable): Gillet; D’Ambrosio, Glik, Ogbonna, Masiello; Basha, Gazzi; Cerci, Bianchi, Barreto, Santana JUVENTUS (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Marchisio; Vucinic http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Torino-Juventus Preview: Bianconeri looking to win record 31st Scudetto at home of local rivals Antonio Conte has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Derby della Mole encounter as his side target a seventh straight league victory. Apr 27, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS TORINOGillet D’Ambrosio, Glik, Ogbonna, Masiello Cerci, Basha, Gazzi, Santana Bianchi, Barreto JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah Marchisio Vucinic Torino coach Giampiero Ventura will be forced to make at least two changes to the side which lost 4-3 to Fiorentina last weekend, as Giuseppe Vives and Matteo Darmian are ruled out through suspension. The pair join former Juventus midfielder Matteo Brighi on the sidelines, who has failed to recover from a muscle strain which has kept him out of the last four matches. Top goalscorer Rolando Bianchi impressed after coming off the bench against Fiorentina and with two goals in his last three games, the 30-year-old is predicted to replace Riccardo Meggiorini up front. Should Napoli fail to beat Pescara on Saturday evening, Juventus could claim back-to-back league titles with victory. Antonio Conte has no fresh injury concerns and is expected to once again adopt the 3-5-1-1 formation which he has utilised to good effect in recent weeks. Giorgio Chiellini is therefore expected to join Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci in the heart of defence, whilst Claudio Marchisio is once again likely to play in the hole behind lone striker Mirko Vucinic. After winning the penalty in the 1-0 win over AC Milan last weekend, Kwadwo Asamoah is likely to keep his place at left wing-back, with Stephan Lichtsteiner on the opposite flank. Nicolas Anelka's injury nightmare continues, with the striker having enjoyed only 35 minutes in the Bianconeri jersey to date this season, and the 34-year-old is yet to recover from a calf muscle injury. Sebastian Giovinco should return for the clash against Palermo next weekend, whilst Simone Pepe remains a long-term casualty. DID YOU KNOW? • A double from Claudio Marchisio and a goal from Sebastian Giovinco handed Juventus a 3-0 victory over the Granata in the reverse fixture back in December. • Torino have not scored in the seven previous editions of the Turin derby. Their last goal against the Bianconeri was scored by Benoît Cauet in a 2-2 draw back in 2001-02. • The Old Lady are unbeaten in 13 matches against their local rivals. Their last defeat came in a 2-1 home loss back in 1995. • Despite languishing just seven points above the relegation zone, Torino top goalscorer Rolando Bianchi has more Serie A goals (10) this season than Juventus' leading marksman Mirko Vucinic (9). • The Bianconeri are the only team in Serie A not to have received a red card this season. Giampiero Ventura's side have had 5 dismissals. • If Juventus acquire more than seven points from their remaining five matches, they will better their points tally of 84 from last season's unbeaten campaign. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Dec 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Torino 0 Serie A ‎- Mar 7, 2009 - Torino 0 - Juventus 1 Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2008 - Juventus 1 - Torino 0 Serie A - Feb 26, 2008 - Juventus 0 - Torino 0 Serie A - Sep 30, 2007 - Torino 0 - Juventus 1 Last Five Matches Torino Apr 21, 2013 Fiorentina 4 - Torino 3 - Serie A Apr 14, 2013 Torino 1 - Roma 2 - Serie A Apr 6, 2013 Bologna 2 - Torino 2 - Serie A Mar 30, 2013 Torino 3 - SSC Napoli 5 - Serie A Mar 17, 2013 Torino 1 - Lazio 0 - Serie A Juventus Apr 21, 2013 Juventus 1 - AC Milan 0 - Serie A Apr 15, 2013 Lazio 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Apr 10, 2013 Juventus 0 - FC Bayern München 2 - UCL Apr 6, 2013 Juventus 2 - Pescara 1 - Serie A Apr 2, 2013 FC Bayern München 2 - Juventus 0 - UCL Players to Watch Alessio Cerci The 25-year old winger has been crucial to Torino's survival bid, contributing six goals and seven assists, and deservedly made his international debut for Italy against Brazil last month. With a tendency to cut inside from the right flank, Cerci possesses fantastic crossing ability and is capable of scoring the odd screamer, as Fiorentina will testify after last weekend. Arturo Vidal The Chilean midfielder has become one of the most integral pieces of Antonio Conte's winning formula with his tireless workrate and contributions at both ends of the pitch. Along with one of the highest tackling rates in Europe (5.1 average tackles per match), Vidal also has also popped up with some crucial goals and leads the Bianconeri's assists charts with seven. Prediction Full of confidence and with seven consecutive league wins under their belt, it would take something truly special for Torino to end their 13-game winless streak against their city rivals, Juventus. With an almost fully-fit squad and the division's best away record, Antonio Conte's side should have enough quality to see off the Granata threat and edge ever closer to retaining the Serie A title. Editor's Prediction Torino 0 - 2 Juventus http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Conte warns Juventus not to underestimate Torino The Bianconeri coach is eagerly anticipating the Derby della Mole and feels it would be a big performance if they win their second consecutive Scudetto. Apr 27, 2013 Antonio Conte has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to take Sunday's derby against Torino lightly if they are to record a positive result. Torino have picked up only one point from their last four games and sit 16th in the Serie A table at the moment, yet Conte has insisted that form will count for little ahead of Sunday's clash. "We need to be fully alert on Sunday. The form guide goes out the window in these games," Conte stated at a press conference. "The derby is always an important encounter. Both teams look to dictate the game and keep possession. The derby is never a game like the others. Torino have had an exceptional season, we know we’ll be up against a fine team." Juventus will be crowned Italian champions if they claim victory in the derby and Napoli drop points against Pescara on Saturday. "We’ll definitely watch tonight’s game. Regardless of the outcome, we know we’ll have a battle on our hands tomorrow," Conte added. "Reclaiming the title isn't easy in Italy, especially when you start off as favourites. "If we are to win the Scudetto, it will be the title of ‘desire and consistency’, the aspects we’ve had over other teams." Conte also reiterated that Serie A is no longer a preferred destination for the game's biggest stars due to the lack of financial resources in Italy. "Top names will go where they're paid the most. There are few teams in Italy, perhaps none at all, who can afford €10 million in salary." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Flamini: Juventus deserve Scudetto The Frenchman has admitted that the Turin side deserve a second-consecutive Serie A success. Apr 27, 2013 AC Milan midfielder Mathieu Flamini believes that Juventus deserve the Serie A title as they have dominated the 2012-13 campaign. The Turin giants currently hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Napoli and will be crowned Italian champions if they beat Torino on Sunday and the San Paolo side drop points against Pescara. "Juventus deserve the title. They have dominated this season," Flamini was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport. "We made a pretty poor start to the season. We recovered in the second half of the season, but it was too late to compete for the title. We cannot forget about our start." The Frenchman then went on to stress that Milan will do their utmost to finish in third place this season in order to secure Champions League qualification. "We are aiming for third place. Finishing third is very important to the team, the fans and the entire club. We want to win as much as possible and coming in third is possible. "We did not lose a single game in Serie A from December until last Sunday [against Juventus]. The defeat versus Juventus was just an incident." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Giovinco for Turin derby Apr 27, 2013 Sebastian Giovinco is back in the Juventus side for the Turin derby, but Mauricio Isla pulls out with a muscular problem. The Bianconeri face their arch rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole on Sunday afternoon. Atomic Ant Giovinco returns to the squad for the first time since he sprained his ankle three weeks ago. Chilean winger Isla is not included, as he picked up a muscular problem in training. Nicolas Anelka is still absent along with Simone Pepe. Juventus squad for Torino: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho; Chiellini, Caceres, De Ceglie, Peluso, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Marrone, Vucinic Giovinco, Bendtner, Quagliarella, Matri http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Conte: 'Derby never like the others' Apr 27, 2013 Antonio Conte knows the Turin Derby is open to any result, including an early Scudetto party. “It’s the title of ferocity, hunger and consistency.” The Bianconeri could mathematically seal the title this weekend if they beat Torino and Napoli fail to defeat Pescara. Click here for the Serie A match previews. “The derby is always an important game, especially between two teams who play attacking football constructed on possession and ideas,” said the Coach. “They are particular events and I remember two, when we won the Scudetto and Toro were relegated, yet we lost both editions. That proves the strength on paper counts for nothing. “The derby can never be a game like the others and the rivalry is a wonderful thing, having two teams from the same city in the top flight. It’s great seeing Toro back at a strong level, even if the table shows they are still fighting for survival. We know that we are facing an excellent team and must be extremely focused. “In a derby, the determination counts just as much as the tactics. Torino will be very motivated and we must match them. We’re ready for this game under every aspect. “Of course I hope both Juve and Toro can achieve their objectives this season. Could there be crowd trouble if we win the Scudetto tomorrow? The fact we’re considering that is reason to be ashamed. Besides, we got insulted and had things thrown at us everywhere we went. “I have had a house in Turin for years and now consider myself an adopted Torinese. I have the utmost respect for Torino and their fans.” Now 11 points clear of Napoli at the top of the table and potentially able to secure the title this weekend, Conte is finally letting his guard drop when discussing this subject. “This Scudetto is extraordinary because it’s not easy to reiterate success in Italy, especially if you start as favourites. If the title does arrive, then it will be the title of ferocity, hunger, determination, consistency – all things we proved that we have more of than the others.” The Coach was asked about next season, including the links with Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “It is disrespectful to discuss transfers right now, so any questions you have about that should be aimed at director Beppe Marotta,” shrugged Conte. “Serie A remains among the most difficult in the world, even if the so-called ‘top players’ aren’t as present. It is inevitable that they’ll go where they get incredible wages and in Italy clubs cannot afford contracts worth €10m per season.” Juve were beaten 4-0 on aggregate by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but the Germans thrashed Barcelona 4-0 in just the semi-final first leg this week. “The Germans confirmed their strength against Barcelona. However, that game should not console us. We have to aim high, because we are Juventus. We understood our current status, but that just means we have to improve.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 14^ Giornata - Ritorno - 21-4-2013 (ore 20:45) 1 - 0 Arturo Vidal (57′-R) Juventus Stadium — Torino Arbitro: Luca Banti Spettatori: 38000 Serie A - Siluro di Vidal su rigore: la Juve vede lo scudetto La formazione di Conte si avvicina ulteriormente allo scudetto grazie al successo ottenuto contro i rossoneri: decide un rigore del centrocampista cileno a inizio ripresa. Il Milan, che raccoglie a Torino la prima sconfitta in campionato del 2013, adesso deve guardarsi le spalle dalla Fiorentina, che accorcia in classifica e sale a -1 dalla squadra di Allegri. Eurosport - Domenica, 21 aprile 2013 Meno quattro. Tanti infatti sono i punti che mancano alla Juventus per festeggiare il secondo scudetto di fila dell’era-Conte. Contro il Milan arriva la sesta vittoria consecutiva in campionato al termine di una partita che si risolve a inizio ripresa grazie a un calcio di rigore di Arturo Vidal. Il Milan, che non vince da tre partite, non crea praticamente nulla e raccoglie a Torino la prima sconfitta in campionato del 2013. La Champions League torna a rischio: la Fiorentina è solo un punto più sotto. JUVENTUS COL 3-5-1-1, NEL MILAN TORNA EL SHAARAWY - Conte conferma il 3-5-1-1 visto contro la Lazio: Marchisio agisce da seconda punta al fianco di Vucinic con Pogba, Pirlo e Vidal a centrocampo. Torna Chiellini dal primo minuto: panchina per Peluso. Classico 4-3-3 per Allegri, che conferma la fiducia a Robinho e rilancia dall’inizio El Shaarawy dopo la panchina contro il Napoli: Pazzini centravanti-boa con Boateng a centrocampo al fianco di Ambrosini, che torna titolare dopo l'infortunio. UN’INSOLITA NOIA A TORINO - Partita bloccata allo Juventus Stadium nella prima frazione di gioco: le due squadre puntano più a contenere piuttosto che a rendersi pericolose dalla metà campo in avanti. Ne esce fuori un primo tempo avaro di emozioni e di occasioni da gol. L’unica, di tutti i primi 45’ di gioco, arriva dopo appena sette minuti direttamente su calcio di punizione: Pirlo cerca di aggirare la barriera, ma trova la deviazione di Ambrosini. Abbiati, che stava andando a chiudere sulla destra, è costretto a cambiare repentinamente posizione e, con uno strepitoso colpo di reni, salva la sua porta. Proprio in quell’occasione il portiere del Milan sente tirare il polpaccio, che di lì a poco lo costringerà a lasciare il campo per fare posto ad Amelia. Come dicevamo la partita è bloccata: a fare gioco è il Milan, con la Juve che attende l’errore dell’avversario per poi partire in contropiede. Fatta eccezione per un paio di conclusioni dalla distanza (fuori misura), nel primo tempo non succede davvero nulla. RIGORE DI VIDAL, POI DI NUOVO EQUILIBRIO – Dopo Abbiati, il Milan perde per infortunio anche Ambrosini: dall’inizio del secondo tempo in campo c’è Muntari, che si sistema sul centro-sinistra con Boateng che va a destra e Montolivo che va a fare il regista. Come nel primo tempo, la partita resta bloccata anche nella ripresa: Chiellini e Marchisio ci provano, ma non trovano la porta. Dall’altra parte è Mexes a impensierire Buffon, ma il sinistro del francese è centrale. L’episodio che decide la partita arriva al 56’: sul lancio di Pirlo, Abate va a vuoto e permette ad Asamoah di presentarsi solo davanti ad Amelia, che lo stende e manda sul dischetto Vidal. Destro violento all’incrocio dei pali e Juventus in vantaggio. Da lì in poi la formazione di Conte non rischia mai niente, ma non crea nemmeno grossi pericoli. Allegri inserisce Bojan per Robinho e passa al 4-2-3-1, ma – a parte qualche conclusione dalla distanza – non riesce mai a rendersi pericoloso. Finisce 1-0 e, come all’andata, decide ancora un calcio di rigore: solo che questa volta a vincere è la Juve. Che vede sempre più vicino lo scudetto, mentre il Milan dovrà lottare ancora parecchio per conquistare la Champions League. Andrea Tabacco http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Chiellini: Juventus not champions yet The Italy international has made it clear that the reigning champions must focus on their own match against city rivals Torino. Apr 26, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has stressed Juventus cannot afford to get carried away in the race for the Scudetto as he feels the title race is not decided yet. The Serie A leaders will be crowned champions if they beat Torino at the weekend and second-placed Napoli spill points against Pescara, but Chiellini has insisted there is no reason to start celebrating already. "It’s an important game and we want to do well and win. However, with all due respect to Pescara, I don’t think Napoli will drop points," Chiellini said at a press conference. "We mustn’t think about celebrating or pay attention to matters which are unrelated to the game. It’s important we stay alert. "It would be madness to underestimate our opposition, but I don’t think any of us will be doing that. We mustn’t let up in our quest for the Scudetto. "Yes, the title’s near, but until you reach it there’s always hope for the chasing pack." Sunday's Turin derby is scheduled to kick off at 15:00CET. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Agnelli: Italian football is not interesting any more The Bianconeri president has bemoaned the state of stadia in the country and believe Serie A has fallen behind its competitors in the world game. Apr 26, 2013 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli has claimed that stadium attendances and crowd trouble make Serie A an uninteresting spectacle to fans. The 37-year-old cited the development of the Premier League as an example for Italian football to follow, particularly in terms of budget. “Is Italian football interesting to watch today?" he told the Financial Times. "Half the stadiums are empty, there is violence. I mean, it’s not the best product. “You are reading messages in Chinese across all Premier League stadia. We access multinational companies, but we access their local budgets. We want to be talking to their headquarters.” Despite Serie A's decline, Agnelli is optimistic about Juventus' with the club having recovered from relegation in 2006 following the Calciopoli scandal. “The current team have great potential. I feel they're mine, whilst with the others I was, let me say, a privileged observer. This is my creature," he added. "Our brand is enhanced now by our tremendous comeback story. That gave us the opportunity to show, in a louder way, how strong we are and how focused on leading the Italian system we are."

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Cairo: Derby always special Apr 26, 2013 Torino President Urbano Cairo has admitted that the derby match against Juventus is 'always special'. The Toro face Antonio Conte's side on Sunday afternoon, and could play host to the Bianconeri's Scudetto-winning party if results go their way. The club's owner though, has insisted that his team will give their all to stop that happening. “The derby is always a special game,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “The emotion has to be forgotten if we are to play as well as possible. “The most important thing for us is to play well and put in a good performance. “Hopefully, after that, everything will fall into place.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Agnelli: Times have changed Apr 26, 2013 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has conceded that Serie A has become a stepping-stone to bigger things for players. The Bianconeri have run away with the League this season, and could win the Scudetto this weekend if they beat Torino and Napoli lose to Pescara. However, Antonio Conte's side could only reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and the owner has admitted that Italian football cannot compete with teams from other Leagues around Europe. “Unfortunately, times have changed,” he told the Financial Times. “Now Serie A is a transition. “English teams have the ability to merchandise, Spain have the freedom to sell their own TV rights and there are great corporate sponsorship deals in Germany. “Our bureaucracy is too cast. It took me ten years to get the okay for our own stadium.”

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Chiellini puts champagne on ice Apr 25, 2013 Juventus’ Giorgio Chiellini doesn’t expect to celebrate Scudetto success at the end of Sunday’s derby against Torino. The Old Lady could, in theory, wrap up the title this weekend if Napoli fail to beat Pescara and they defeat Toro. “We’re not thinking about the title,” he stated on Thursday. “We’re just keen to win our encounter because it is an important game. We shouldn’t be thinking about partying. “I honestly don’t think that Napoli will take a false step because they have a big objective and that is to maintain second place. “With all due respect to Pescara, who will certainly play their game, I don’t think that Napoli will have any problems.” Juventus will certainly retain the title with four points over their next two matches against Torino and Palermo. “The history of the championship shows that the team which has the best defence wins,” he stated when asked about the Old Lady’s rearguard. “The defensive solidity of a team makes the difference. But I’m not talking about two, three or four defenders, I think it is the whole team that counts, their defensive organisation. “If I’m not mistaken, we conceded even fewer goals last season. But, this time around, we have one of the best attacks too, if not the best.” Juve have conceded 20 goals in Serie A, 12 less than Napoli. They also have the joint best attack with Roma thanks to their 64 goals scored. While Juve’s domination at home continues, their Champions League dream was shattered by a Bayern Munich side who this week beat Barcelona 4-0 over 90 minutes. “That game does re-evaluate our ties against them,” the Italian international noted. “They were incredible. “We were given the worst possible team in the last eight. But we are certain that we did an excellent job and that we played against the best.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Chiellini: Bayern & Dortmund are Martians! Juve defender has been blown away by the performances of the Bundesliga giants in Europe this season and feels that we might be seeing the start of a new era of German dominance. Apr 25, 2013 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has described Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as "Martians" on account of the sides' extraterrestrial performances in this season's Champions League. Having swept the Bianconeri aside in the quarter-finals, die Roten hammered Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their last-four encounter on Tuesday night, while their Bundesliga rivals were just as impressive in winning 4-1 against Real Madrid the following evening. Chiellini was left in awe by the performances of the German duo although, as he explained at a press conference on Thursday, he had already witnessed first-hand just how awesome a side Bayern have become. "Our performance against the Bavarians has to be re-evaluated a little bit," the versatile defender argued to gathered media, alluding to his side's 4-0 aggregate loss to Jupp Heynckes' men. "Bayern and Borussia are two Martians! In addition to their technical qualities, they are playing with an incredible intensity; they don't let you breathe. "In my opinion, the two games against Bayern gave me the idea that they were nearly invincible and now I know it. "When I saw them on the field they seemed a step ahead of everyone, and that's how it was [against Barcelona]. "To say, though, that the Germans are about to start a cycle [of dominance], well, we must wait for the return legs, even though, in theory, there has already been a change at European level. "Nobody thought at the start of the season that there would be too German teams in the final." Even though Juve came off a clear second best against Bayern, Chiellini believes that Antonio Conte's troops can take enormous pride out of their European campaign. "We were handed the worst possible draw, against a Bayern side whom could and did give us difficulty," he mused. "We put on a good show and did create some chances, but they fully deserved to go through. "However, the initial disappointment of going out has gone, and now there’s the awareness of the important progress we’ve made. “We wouldn’t ever have the possibility of purchasing a world class player. I think it would be impossible for any Italian club to pay the figure that Cristiano Ronaldo commanded, for example. "Borussia set out on a different path, picking up youngsters from youth academies for relatively low fees and moulding them into a team over the past three-to-four years. "You can only congratulate the club and its coach [Jurgen Klopp] on their achievements. They’ve created a team that’s gone to the top in Europe. "I’d say their journey is slightly similar to ours, and that’s why we hope to emulate them soon." For now, though, Chiellini is just targeting a win in Sunday's Serie A derby against city rivals Torino that would edge them ever closer to a second successive Scudetto. "We should be happy with what we’ve done this season," he added. "If I had predicted a season like this in the summer I would have been happy. Now we’ll aim to wrap up the Scudetto as soon as possible.”

Deschamps to answer doping questions 'behind closed doors' The France boss has been summoned to an enquiry into the use of banned substances, with a particular emphasis on his time at Juventus in the 1990s. Apr 24, 2013 Didier Deschamps has been granted permission to give his testimony to a French-senate led investigation into doping in football ‘behind closed doors’. It was first reported earlier this month that the current France boss had been summoned to answer questions in relation to his time at Juventus as a player during the 1990s. Most of those asked to provide evidence on alleged doping have done so before an open court, but Deschamps has been given special dispensation to testify in private. Juve’s club doctor during his time at the club, Riccardo Agricola, was found guilty of sporting fraud in connection with the use of banned substances during the '90s in November 2004 but he was cleared on appeal a year later. However, senator Jean-Jacques Lozach admitted that he is keen to hear Deschamps speak about his experiences in Turin. "There is the story of the alleged doping at Juventus that interests us," he is quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "We want to know if the fight against doping is a concern for the national team coach, but, above all, if the coach has proposals to make." The 44-year-old called time on his playing career in 2001. He returned to Juve as coach in 2006.

Serie A Week 34 - 28-4-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Juventus focused on derby win & not Scudetto, says Asamoah The Ghana international revealed that he does want to contemplate winning Serie A until the title is secured while he admitted his favoured position is still a central role. Apr 23, 2013 Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has insisted that he and his team-mates will not be thinking about winning Serie A when they take on Torino in the Turin derby on Sunday. Should the Bianconeri triumph at their local rivals this weekend and Napoli lose then Antonio Conte's side will seal a second successive Scudetto. The 24-year-old did admit that a win would be a big stepping stone towards a triumphant campaign but said he will be looking at the game as a local derby and nothing more. "We are thinking we want to win the derby and then we will think of winning the Scudetto," he told Tuttosport. "The derby is a tough game and requires the utmost concentration. The championship is there, we're getting closer, but it's not worth thinking about." Asamoah has been used mostly on the wing this season but he admitted that he would prefer to play in a more central position despite feeling he has progressed due to his positional change. He added: "I have discovered that I can also be useful in that position. My favourite position remains that of midfielder, but I am very happy to have learned to do well on the wing." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Llorente training to the maximum Apr 24, 2013 New Juventus striker Fernando Llorente says he’ll continue to give his all for Athletic Bilbao despite the situation he finds himself in. The Spanish international has mainly been used as a reserve this term after refusing to sign a new contract with his outfit. He’ll now join the Italian champions on a free transfer at the end of the season once his present agreement has expired. “It is hard when you are not given a lot of space in the team,” he told Tuttosport. “However, I understand the situation and the choices of boss Marcelo Bielsa. “The only thing that I can do is train to my maximum.” Llorente was given a rare start at the weekend and he grabbed his second La Liga goal of the campaign in the 1-1 at Deportivo. “Playing was a surprise and it did me well,” added the 28-year-old. “I’m getting better and I’m training to reach 100 per cent. “I’m happy that my goal helped the team.”

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Arturo Vidal (57′-PG) Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 38000 Juventus fined €30,000 following Boateng incident The Ghanaian was racially abused by Bianconeri supporters on Sunday and the Italian authorities have moved quickly to punish the club. Apr 22, 2013 Juventus have been fined €30,000 after AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng was the victim of racist abuse in Sunday's clash between the two sides. The Rossoneri midfielder had been targeted by Bianconeri supporters during the warm-up and as a result the Serie A disciplinary committee have moved quickly to punish the club. Juve, meanwhile, have released an anti-racism statement regarding the incident, stressing their disgust at the actions of a minority of fans. "Juventus Football Club reminds its fans and the media that it is heavily involved in projects dedicated to integration and is against any form of racism or discrimination," a statement on their official website read. "Such behaviour does not represent the position of the club, its millions of fans or even the vast majority of spectators at Juventus Stadium, which is something unique in Italian football. "This statement is not in any way intended to contest the decision of the sporting judge." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Asamoah returning to best Apr 22, 2013 Kwadwo Asamoah has admitted that his form in the second half of the season for Juventus was affected by the Africa Cup of Nations. AMAZONIAN The 24-year-old was part of the Ghana side that reached the semi-finals of the competition at the start of 2013. “I had a lot of problems after coming back from that tournament,” the 24-year-old noted. “My physical and mental energy was hit. “However, I’m now returning to my levels and I’m happy.” AMAZONIAN Asamoah was signed from Udinese in the summer on a co-ownership deal and the central midfielder has been used as a left wing-back by Antonio Conte. “I now play on the flank and I’m happy there, I’m used to it now,” he continued. “I’m content because I am now a more complete player seeing as I can be used in two different positions.” Asamoah won the penalty in last night’s 1-0 win over Milan which Arturo Vidal slotted home. AMAZONIAN “The penalty changed the game,” he added. “It was a tough contest, especially in the first half because we didn’t manage to play our usual game. “We got better after the restart and managed to break the deadlock and record a crucial victory. AMAZONIAN “There are still five games left and we want to finish the championship season on a high. “For me it would be amazing to win the Scudetto, it would be my first and something that’s very important to me.”

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Arturo Vidal (57′-PG) Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 38000 Chiellini: Not a great Juve, but… Apr 22, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has conceded that Juventus may not have impressed onlookers in the 1-0 win over Milan on Sunday night. “It wasn’t our best game of the season,” the stopper noted. “We faced a great team who have had an incredible revival. They stopped us from playing in the first half.” Juve, who became the first side to beat Milan in the League during 2013, are now just four points away from the Scudetto with five games left. “We now know how far away we are after this victory and we can now just think about ourselves without looking elsewhere,” he added. Juventus could actually wrap up the title this weekend against city rivals Torino if the result of the Napoli game goes in their favour. “But I don’t think we’ll do it on Sunday. We’ll give our all in the derby, both for our fans and to take us closer to our goal. “But with all respect to Pescara, I think Napoli will win their game. “The 11-point gap is considerable, we’ve done well to win difficult games over the past few weeks and take the wind out of the sails of the chasing pack.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Barzagli: Juventus deserve first Apr 22, 2013 Andrea Barzagli has underlined that Juventus are worthy of the 11-point advantage they have at the top of the table. The Old Lady are now just four points away from winning the Scudetto with five games left after the 1-0 win over Milan. “We deserve to be top of the League,” the defender stated. “We’ve won extremely difficult away games, against Inter and Lazio for example, and today at home against Milan. “At times last season, also when playing at home, we struggled to break the deadlock. However, this year we’ve managed to bring more intensity to our displays and make the best of the chances created.” Juve, who have collected 10 more points away from home than anyone else in Serie A, beat the Rossoneri thanks to an Arturo Vidal penalty. “It was a very difficult game, especially in the first half,” the 31-year-old continued. “Milan made us chase them, they moved the ball around well and we weren’t particularly aggressive. We upped the tempo after the interval and things changed.”

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Arturo Vidal (57′-PG) Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 38000 Galliani: It should have been 0-0 Apr 22, 2013 Adriano Galliani insists that his Milan side deserved at least a point from their trip to Juventus on Sunday. The Rossoneri lost the game 1-0 thanks to an Arturo Vidal penalty after Marco Amelia brought down Kwadwo Asamoah. “It was one of those games that was always going to end 0-0, but then there was that episode,” the Vice-President noted. “It is always tough to talk when we lose games, but I don’t think we deserved to lose. We played a good game. “At 0-0, there weren’t many chances either for us or for Juventus. We slipped up a bit with our finishing.” Milan, 18 points behind leaders Juve, are now just a point clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina with five games left. “Now we have to hang on to third place to get into the Champions League preliminary stages which is very important,” Galliani continued. “We shouldn’t be afraid now. “Also, there won’t be the present gap between ourselves and Juventus next season…” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Arturo Vidal (57′-PG) Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 38000 Juventus deserve Serie A success, insists Barzagli The former Wolfsburg star has hailed his side's performances this term in the big games and admitted Milan made life difficult for Juve. Apr 22, 2013 Andrea Barzagli believes Juventus fully deserve their Serie A success this season as they rose to the occasion in the games when it mattered most. The Scudetto holders beat third-placed AC Milan 1-0 on Sunday evening to maintain their 11-point lead over Napoli, and Barzagli insists Juventus have been even more convincing than last term. "We’ve won extremely difficult away games, against Inter and Lazio for example, and now [at home] against Milan. We deserve to be top of the league," Barzagli was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website. "At times last season, also when playing at home, we struggled to break the deadlock. However, this year we’ve managed to bring more intensity to our displays and make the best of the chances created." The centre-back then reflected on Sunday's hard-fought win over Milan and admitted things were not easy for Juve. "It was a very difficult game, at least in the first half. Milan made us chase them, moved the ball around well and we weren’t particularly aggressive," Barzagli added. "We upped the tempo after the interval and things changed." Juventus resume Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to city-rivals Torino. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Arturo Vidal (57′-PG) Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 38000 Conte casts doubt on Scudetto success in Turin derby Juve coach says he does not care where his Juventus team win the points which ensures they are champions following their 1-0 win over AC Milan on Sunday. Apr 22, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has insisted that it will be tough to be crowned as Scudetto winners against local rivals Torino next Sunday following their 1-0 win over AC Milan. The Bianconeri took another step toward retaining their Serie A crown against the Rossoneri thanks to Arturo Vidal's second-half penalty strike, ensuring their lead over second-placed Napoli stays at 11 points. The result which means that - depending on how Napoli fare against Pescara next weekend - Conte's men could secure the title by beating Torino in their next Serie A clash, though the 43-year-old coach has played down talk of winning the Scudetto in the Derby della Mole. "I don’t want to think about when or against whom the decisive victory could come, I’m only interested in closing off the Scudetto race," Conte told reporters. "After that, we can celebrate and relax following a very demanding season. We know all about Torino’s desire to beat us and about the hidden dangers that await us in Sunday’s derby." Meanwhile, Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini revealed that the dressing room is aware of how close they are successfully defending their title but does not necessarily believe victory in Sunday's derby will ensure 2012-13 success. "We now know how far away we are after this victory and we can now just think about ourselves without looking elsewhere," he said. "But I don’t think we’ll wrap up the title on Sunday. "We’ll give our all in the derby, both for our fans and to take us closer to our goal. But with all respect to Pescara, I think Napoli will win. "The 11-point gap is considerable, we’ve done well to win difficult games over the past few weeks and take the wind out of the sails of the chasing pack." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 33 - 21-4-12 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Arturo Vidal (57′-PG) Juventus Stadium — Turin Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 38000 Boateng subjected to racist abuse before Juventus game The 26-year-old Ghanaian was targeted during the warm-up, while Bianconeri fans also displayed offensive flags about Mario Balotelli during the game. Apr 21, 2013 AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was subjected to racist abuse before Sunday's Serie A clash with Juventus in Turin. The Ghanaian was targeted by certain sections of the home support during the warm-up and responded to the insults by putting his finger over his mouth. However, it was not until the stadium announcer intervened, calling for those aiming slurs at Boateng to desist, that order was finally restored. Juventus supporters also displayed a banner during the game which read: "No to racism; yes to jumping", which was a reference to a previous slogan about another Milan player, Mario Balotelli: "If you jump, Balotelli dies". Both Balotelli and Boateng have been the victims of racist abuse in the past, with the latter having left the field after being singled out by Pro Patria fans during a friendly game in January. The 26-year-old's stand drew praise from leading figures throughout the sporting world and eventually led to him being asked by both Fifa and the United Nations to participate their respective campaigns against racism. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/