Socrates

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Schweinsteiger fearful of Pirlo’s beard, may miss Juve clash Apr 1, 2013 Schweinsteiger, 28, has been in fine form in recent months but looks set to miss Bayern Munich’s clash with Juventus on April 2. The German international missed Sunday’s training session after a suffering a panic attack. When asked whether Schweinsteiger was nervous about facing Andrea Pirlo, Jupp Heynckes revealed: “It’s the beard. Bastian is nervous, but it’s understandable.” With Bayern facing potential sanctions from the Bundesliga, the week that should culminate in the Bavarian club being awarded the title is turning rather sour. Heynckes revealed that Pirlo’s beard doesn’t faze fellow central midfielder Javi Martinez because the Spaniard is “tougher” than the German.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Conte: Juventus don't fear Bayern Apr 1, 2013 Juventus manager Antonio Conte is confident his players have "no fear" of the Champions League challenge posed by Bayern Munich after disposing of Inter Milan 2-1 in Serie A. Conte's men remain nine points clear of the field after goals from Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri secured the three points at the San Siro. But, more importantly in Conte's mind, the victory gave his squad the belief they can stop the Munich juggernaut from rolling to a second successive Champions League final. "In Italy, we're on the right road [to success], but now we have to show what we're made of in Europe," Conte told AFP. "We're going to Munich with no fear and a lot of confidence. We'll be up against a strong Bayern side, but we believe in this dream." However, Juventus head to Munich on Tuesday suffering from a lack of striking options. The Turin giants could be without the services of Sebastian Giovinco, while Mirko Vucinic is still recovering from illness. That could mean successive games for the potent Quagliarella and Matri partnership, a line-up the 28-year-old Matri would relish. "It's up to the coach, of course, but it goes without saying I'm ready to play against Bayern," said the Italian. "It seems I always score when I'm playing alongside Quagliarella, as we get along well. "Europe remains a dream for us. Bayern have some great individual players, and we know how they play." Meanwhile, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has told Sky Italia he believes there is no clear favourite, saying: "It's the quarter-finals and, with a team like Juve, it's a difficult challenge. It's wide open. It's like the final's come early."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Bayern Munich vs. Juventus PREVIEW – All Eyes on the Allianz Arena Mar 31, 2013 Two giants of European football face each other in what promises to be the most exciting and evenly poised quarterfinal in this year’s Champions League. Bayern Munich have been on the losing end of two of the three latest finals of the competition and are once again considered amongst the favourites for the trophy, while the Old Lady is a resurging force on the European stage after years of absence. The two clubs have participated in 16 European Cup/Champions League finals between them, winning six (Bayern four, Juventus two), so historically – as well as on current form – a veritable Clash of Titans awaits. Background check After seeing Jürgen Klopp’s young and dynamic Borussia Dortmund side beating them to the domestic title two years in a row, apparently Bayern decided that this silliness must end and are now on course for yet another Bundesliga title with an all but insurmountable lead in the table. Jupp Heynckes’ men have been unstoppable so far, and nothing suggests they are to ease their grasp on the home front. On the international stage, Bayern – apart from an unexpected defeat to Belarus minnows BATE Borisov – more or less cruised out of the group stage of this year’s competition along with Valencia in what turned out to be something of a two team race between the Spanish and German sides, in which the latter ultimately prevailed to secure top spot, leaving BATE and Lille in their wake. After outplaying Arsenal at the Emirates (3-1) in the first game of the round of 16, FCB got something of a scare as the Londoners managed to beat an unfocused and perhaps already further dreaming Germans 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, the Stern des Südens (Star of the South) ultimately winning the tie by virtue of the away goals rule. While Juve have the (slight) upper hand historically against the Germans, the latest encounter between the two does not hold good memories for the Bianconeri, as Bayern’s 4-1 win in Turin back in 2009 signalled the beginning of a slide that saw the initial swift progress made after being demoted to the second tier following the controversial “Calciopoli” scandal of 2006 halted, and ultimately result in a 2011/12 season without European football at the newly inaugurated Juventus Stadium. However, there was much else to cheer about for Juventus in their new home, as freshly appointed coach and former club Captain, Antonio Conte, guided his team through a historic unbeaten season, securing the first league title since 2006. This meant once more entering the biggest stage of Europe this season, and after a somewhat shaky start, drawing their first three games, the Old Lady beat off any remaining rust by winning against all of 4-0 FC Nordsjælland, 3-0 Chelsea and 0-1 Shakhtar Donetsk in their last three games to secure first spot in a tricky group. While the aggregate 5-0 scoreline may have overly flattered Juventus in their last 16 tie with Celtic, the convincing manner in which the Glaswegians were dispatched of spoke volumes of a team (and a coach) not satisfied with merely being back in Europe, but hungry for the wins, glory and prestige so sorely missed in Turin in recent years. BAYERN MUNICH Even with Pep Guardiola’s shadow looming large (the immensely successful former Barcelona guru has already been confirmed as the coach of Bayern for next season), it is hard to put a finger on the work of current manager Heynckes, who has had his team performing almost to perfection so far. Commanding a frankly scary roster of German superstars, enhanced by foreign such in shape of Franck Ribéry, Arjen Robben (when fit and selected), Javi Martinez and Mario Mandžukić, the veteran coach has overseen what is hitherto already a historic season for the red and white club: Bayern lead the stats table on all fronts; most goals scored, fewest conceded, ball possession, pass completion, etc. etc. In short: This is a formidable team. Heynckes has carried on a dominating, yet direct style of football, which is not too dissimilar to the one displayed by the German national team, which, unsurprisingly, has a back-bone made up of players from the Munich club. The formation is typically a modern 4-2-3-1, with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Martinez/Gustavo anchoring a fearsome midfield with three attack-minded players (Ribery, Kroos, Müller – with Robben or Shaqiri as deputies) behind one of the lethal Marios; Mandzukic or Mario Gomez up front. The full backs provide plenty of width with the brilliant Philip Lahm and upcoming talent David Alaba each being a handful on the right and left side respectively. The one area where Bayern perhaps do not possess world-class depth is central defence. But although these positions have been singled out for criticism this season especially in European games, it is (much like the talk of Juventus lacking a clinical striker) both true and blatantly not so: while individual plays evidence that something might be missing, the overall records prove that business is generally taken well care of. It remains, however, one of precious few concerns for Heynckes ahead of this match. JUVENTUS As an antithesis to Bayern’s perceived troubles in that respect, Juventus’ back three of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini forming the basis of Conte’s 3-5-2 formation have been impeccable in Europe this season. Having not conceded a goal in the last five Champions League games, this defensive trio, along with an in-form Gigi Buffon between the sticks have transmitted an invaluable sense of calm to the rest of the team. In central midfield, Conte can count on the triumvirate of Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. An MVP-block, which is no less accomplished than the BBC-unit behind them, and whose performances this season has led to them being mentioned in the same breath as their colleagues in Barcelona and indeed Munich. The wing-back roles are usually covered by Ghanaian Kwadwo Asamoah and the “Swiss Express” Stephan Lichtsteiner, tirelessly patrolling the left and right flank respectively. Up front, Mirko Vucinic is the only forward consistently playing when fit for Juve. All of Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri have been in and out of the starting eleven this season, and frankly, it is anyone’s guess who will partner the Montenegrin up front in Munich. There has even been speculation that Conte might try playing Marchisio in a more advanced role in order to make room in midfield for French prodigy Paul Pogba, who has been sensational after his arrival from Manchester United in the summer. Such a move would change the system slightly to a 3-5-1-1/3-6-1 formation with Vucinic (or possibly Matri) as a lone striker, which could make sense in a tough an away game such as this. On the other hand, Conte has been very reluctant to tinker with the formation so far this season, so any change – even a small one – seems somewhat unlikely. Assuming a fit squad, the only remaining question would be the left wingback spot, where Asamoah has been somewhat underperforming since his return from the African Cup of Nations, which could see January acquisition Federico Peluso overtake his starting berth. There are few guarantees in football, but that this will be an intriguing game is about as close to being one as you’re likely to come across. Bayern may have the upper hand regarding Champions League experience, home advantage and perhaps slightly better overall quality. On the other hand, Conte’s Juve is a well-oiled, defensively solid machine, which has the crucial ability to both dominate games and – as has been showcased in recent European games and could be essential to this match in particular – to adopt a more pragmatic and cautious approach that seems alien to most of the top clubs on the continent presently. However, it remains to be seen whether the Old Lady will be able to stand firm facing a team with the ferocity, skill and pedigree of FC Bayern. After all, one might argue that Juventus have not faced competition such as this since their latest, disheartening meeting with the German giants. But then again, the Bianconeri have not been a team to crumble under real pressure of late, and one vital away goal could well mean the difference in a tie such as this. Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for a Big One!

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Bayern Munich vs. Juventus: Champions League Quarterfinal 1st Leg Preview Mar 31, 2013 Two of Europe’s genuine footballing giants go head-to-head in Bavaria as Bayern Munich host Juventus in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Tuesday. The contest is arguably the highlight of an engrossing selection of contests in Europe’s premier competition—both sides are currently dominating their domestic leagues with Bayern leading the Bundesliga by 20 points, and Juventus nine clear of Napoli in Serie A. Speaking ahead of the draw, Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge suggested that there were no longer any easy draws left in the competition—but even the legendary forward will realise the challenge that a resurgent Juventus side pose. The Germans bested Arsenal to secure their place in the quarterfinal draw, and despite a slight wobble, Bayern will be favourites to advance to take a semifinal berth. Juventus saw off Celtic with relative ease over two legs, and despite being outsiders to advance, the Italian champions will not fear their illustrious opposition. Juve are currently unbeaten in this year’s Champions League, and the side have impressed en route to the quarterfinal. Bayern’s midfield maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger declared his admiration for the Turin-based side, and was quoted as saying “they are a very, very good team.” The midfield contest between Schweinsteiger and Andrea Pirlo could well be one for the ages. The two heavyweights have met six times in the Champions League, and even though Bayern scored in the most recent victory—a 4-1 demolition back in December 2009—the Italians have the upper hand, having won 50% of those previous contests, losing two and drawing one. Bayern can take solace however—that last, crushing victory saw them knock the Old Lady out of the contest before themselves marching all the way to the final. Intrigue will surround the meeting of the two managers as well. Serie A Weekly pointed out the relationship between the two men: Jupp Heynckes was Real Madrid manager back in 1998 as the side won the Champions League, beating Juventus in the final. Current Juve boss Antonio Conte made a late substitute appearance in that bout, only to have his Champions League dreams dashed. Will he and Juventus make the most of this opportunity for revenge? Bayern Munich Team News Bayern are currently on great form, and their domestic dominance shows no sign of slowing down. Of their last five games they have won four and lost only one, the second leg of their knockout game against Arsenal—when the contest was already all but won. A 9-2 demolition of Hamburg on Saturday will have alerted those in Northern Italy. Bayern are on form, and are poised to tear apart any side that face them. The German giants were content to avoid domestic rivals Borussia Dortmund and holders Barcelona in this round, but will need to be on top form to get the best of Juventus. This first, home leg will be pivotal. The side is settled, but one major loss will be Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez. The versatile defensive player is ruled out of the contest after picking up a one-match suspension, and will be a major loss. Defender Holger Badstuber is a long-term absentee, having sustained a serious injury in December. The original trajectory for his recovery suggested a return to training in the early summer, but it now seems like he might be absent for longer. Juventus Team News The Italian champions are also on good form, since the beginning of March they have played five, and won four, the only exception being an away draw with Napoli back on March 1. A triumphant away victory against Internazionale on Saturday evening will have left the side buoyed with confidence. For the most part, this Juve team has grown and evolved together. The spine of the side were together as the club went nearly a half century unbeaten on their way to the Serie A title last season. There are some, not least of all Bleacher Report’s Matteo Bonetti, who believe that the title will soon be returning to Northern Italy. Defence is a key part of Juve’s game plan, leading some to suggest that the Italians boast the strongest back line in the European game today. Juventus have almost a full squad of players to select from, one exception being Mirko Vucinic, who has developed the symptoms of a fever since returning from international duty with Montenegro. Defender Giorgio Chiellini missed Italy’s international weekend after the return of a persistent ankle injury but has regained fitness and is likely to play. Antonio Conte has chosen to rotate his strikers this term, with all three of Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and Sebastian Giovinco getting significant game time. The first two scored against Inter at the weekend, and may well be chosen to start again. Despite avoiding serious injury, Giovinco is a doubt after falling victim of an ugly Esteban Cambiasso challenge late into the weekend’s game. Cambiasso saw red, but the Atomic Flea is likely to sit out against Bayern One cause for concern might be Ghanaian midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah. Since returning from the Black Stars’ disappointing Cup of Nations campaign, ‘Asa’ has struggled to regain the form he enjoyed last year. A combative, energetic and often creative influence on the left side or in the centre of the pitch, his terrific pre-Afcon contributions have been conspicuous in their absence. Prediction The home side will be on a high following their demolition of Hamburg over the weekend. Despite Juventus's famed defence, I expect the attacking menace of Munich to be too strong for the Old Lady of Turin. I foresee a 2-0 home victory.

Serie A - 11^ Giornata - Ritorno - 30-3-2013 (ore 15:00) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) Stadio "Giuseppe Meazza" - Milano Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Spettatori: 79341 Serie A - La Juve 'avverte' il Bayern con il 2-1 all'Inter La formazione di Conte passa 2-1 a San Siro contro l’Inter e allunga ulteriormente in classifica su tutte le inseguitrici: a regalare i tre punti ai bianconeri sono le reti di Quagliarella e Matri. Di Palacio il momentaneo pari dell'Inter. Nel finale Cambiasso perde la testa: entrataccia ai danni di Giovinco e rosso diretto. Eurosport - Sabato, 30 marzo 2013 La Juventus aggiunge un altro tassello nella sua corsa verso il secondo scudetto consecutivo andando a vincere anche a San Siro contro l’Inter di Stramaccioni. In un insolito pomeriggio di primavera (ma a Milano piove tantissimo), la formazione di Conte supera gli storici rivali grazie alle reti di Quagliarella e Matri. Di Palacio il momentaneo pareggio dell’Inter. INTER CON SAMUEL: CONTE CON LA DIFESA TITOLARE - Stramaccioni recupera il difensore argentino, fuori dal 6 gennaio per un problema al tendine d'Achille, e sceglie la difesa a 3. Nella linea di centrocampo Zanetti e Pereira sono gli esterni, mentre in mediana spazio a Kovacic (e non Cambiasso) al fianco di Gargano. Alvarez preferito a Guarin, rientrato tardi dalla Colombia, nel ruolo di trequartista alle spalle di Cassano e Palacio. Conte si gioca la super-sfida di San Siro con la difesa titolare: recuperato anche Chiellini, rientrato anzi-tempo dal ritiro della Nazionale. Fuori Lichtsteiner, spazio a Padoin largo a destra: in mediana giocano tutti i titolari: Vidal, Pirlo e Marchisio. In attacco non c’è Vucinic (febbre): Quagliarella preferito a Giovinco nel ruolo di partner di Matri. QUAGLIARELLA IN APERTURA, POI BUFFON PROTAGONISTA - Passano appena tre minuti e la Juventus va in vantaggio grazie al 12esimo gol stagionale di Fabio Quagliarella. La sua è una rete bellissima: sullo scarico di Asamoah, Quagliarella si stacca dalla marcatura dei centrali dell’Inter e prende palla ai 25 metri dalla porta dell’Inter: uno sguardo ad Handanovic e destro sotto l’incrocio per l’1-0 bianconero in avvio di partita. La formazione di Stramaccioni accusa il colpo e rischia di capitolare nuovamente in contropiede: il colpo di testa di Bonucci su cross di Vidal termina però alto sopra la traversa. All’11esimo si vede finalmente l’Inter, ma il destro di Cassano dal limite dell’area è deviato in calcio d’angolo da Buffon. Passano due minuti e il portiere della Nazionale è di nuovo protagonista, questa volta con un miracolo su Palacio, il cui colpo di testa sugli sviluppi di un cross messo in mezzo da Alvaro Pereira sembra destinato in rete: Buffon, d’istinto, dice di no. La partita resta divertente, con la Juve a fare gioco e l’Inter ad aspettare. Pirlo, che qualche minuto prima aveva messo Vidal solo davanti ad Handanovic (ottimo il portiere sloveno in uscita, la Juve reclama per un calcio di rigore), cerca la conclusione dalla distanza al 39esimo: l’estremo difensore nerazzurro si oppone in bello stile. Finale di primo tempo di marca interista con Palacio nuovamente vicino al gol su invito di Cassano dalla destra: Buffon conferma l’ottimo momento di forma facendosi trovare pronto sulla conclusione dell’argentino. PALACIO-MATRI: TUTTO IN 5’, 2-1 JUVENTUS - La ripresa presenta subito una novità nell’Inter: non c’è più Alvarez, insufficiente la sua partita, ma Guarin. Con il colombiano, la formazione di Stramaccioni è più viva e al 55esimo raggiunge il meritato pareggio: la firma dell’1-1 è di Palacio, che sfrutta alla perfezione l’assist di Cassano e batte Buffon da pochi metri dopo aver eluso con un grande stop l’intervento di Barzagli e Bonucci. La Juve non si abbatte e pochi minuti dopo sfiora il nuovo vantaggio con Padoin: Handanovic manda in calcio d’angolo con un ottimo riflesso. Poco male, il 2-1 arriva al quarto d’ora della ripresa grazie a Matri che gira in rete il perfetto cross di Quagliarella dall’out di destra: nell’occasione dormita di Chivu e Ranocchia. CAMBIASSO PERDE LA TESTA - Stramaccioni osa il tutto per tutto e richiama sia Ranocchia (per Cambiasso) sia Gargano (per Rocchi) e gioca con un 4-3-3 iper-offensivo. L’Inter schiaccia la Juventus per lunghi tratti dell’ultima mezz’ora e si guadagna due potenziali calci di rigore per gli interventi di un Chiellini un po’ fuori ritmo. Cassano e Guarin fanno gridare San Siro, ma la Juve tiene bene e al 90esimo conquista tre punti che, se non significano scudetto, poco ci manca. Al 95esimo, con anche il recupero ormai abbondantemente scaduto, Cambiasso perde la testa e commette un intervento killer ai danni di Giovinco, che fortunatamente riesce a uscire dal campo con le proprie gambe. Rosso diretto e una maxi-squalifica in arrivo per il centrocampista argentino. Per la Juventus, adesso, l’attenzione si sposta alla Champions League, e all’imminente sfida contro il Bayern Monaco di martedì sera. Andrea Tabacco http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) How Bayern Should Set Up Against Juventus in the Champions League Quarterfinals Mar 31, 2013 Bayern Munich host Juventus on Tuesday in the first leg of what is arguably the most exciting tie of the Champions League quarterfinals. The German giants have steamrolled their way to the verge of the quickest-earned title in Bundesliga history and, following two Champions League finals defeats in three seasons, are now fully focused on claiming Europe's most coveted club trophy. The Italian champions also have something to prove, having gone a decade without advancing past the Champions League quarterfinals. This marks their first season on Europe's grandest football stage in three years, and, after winning Serie A last season, they now are aiming for international success. When Bayern and Juve last met, on December 8, 2009, it was no contest. The Turin side entered the game needing just a draw at home to progress to the Champions League round of 16 but threw away an early lead and suffered a blowout 4-1 defeat. Bayern and Juve have both changed significantly since then in terms of tactics and personnel. The Turin side have adopted a 3-5-2 formation under coach Antonio Conte, and the additions of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal have given them a very formidable central midfield core. They went undefeated in Serie A last season and are currently frontrunners as they look to win a second consecutive domestic title. Bayern, too, have changed. In 2009-10, they played Louis van Gaal's variant of the classic Dutch total football, emphasizing possession and shortening the field of play to engage even the center-backs in the attacking buildup. Now, Bayern play a balanced game that includes more stability in defense. In the back five, Manuel Neuer is of course a lock in goal. Likewise, Philipp Lahm, Dante and David Alaba are obvious starters. The second center-back position is a toss-up between Daniel van Buyten and Jerome Boateng. Van Buyten, at 35, is ancient and struggles greatly for pace. He offers plenty of experience, however, and is better in the air than Boateng. And at least in the first leg of the round of 16 against Arsenal, the Belgian was magnificent. Boateng is quicker than Van Buyten but is often guilty of woeful mistakes. He let an ancient and slow Didier Drogba escape from his watch time and time again in last May's Champions League final, and he missed the round of 16 this season due to an inexplicably unnecessary red card in a rout of BATE Borisov. Bayern have conceded five goals in their last three competitive matches, using Dante and Van Buyten, Dante and Boateng, and Boateng and Van Buyten. No combination has been exactly inspiring as of late, and there is no clear choice. However, in a fast-paced game in which a defender's speed could make the difference between a successful tackle and a goal, Boateng might be marginally the better choice. Normally, the holding midfield positions would be occupied by Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez. The latter is suspended for the first leg, however, meaning that Luiz Gustavo is almost certain to start in his place. The Brazilian has been a rock in the Bayern defensive midfield in the past and will be motivated to prove himself again on the big stage. Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is too old to start in such a high-profile game; Emre Can is too young. The attacking midfield trio is also one that merits little debate. Franck Ribery, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller have not yet let Bayern down this season. Arjen Robben had his chance against Arsenal and was woeful; he'll be lucky to start another game this season. Xherdan Shaqiri is another option but for now is decidedly behind the usual starters. The starter in the center of attack is a bit more of an open debate. Mario Mandzukic has started 26 matches for Bayern this season, scoring 19 goals. The quality of his hold-up play and his work rate have made him Jupp Heynckes' first-choice striker ahead of Mario Gomez, who has only played from the start in seven games. There is one glaring statistic that mars Mandzukic's record: In the Champions League, he's scored just once in six matches. Even against teams like BATE and Lille, matches in which the Bayern attack otherwise created many chances, the Croatia international struggled. Gomez has hardly had a chance to show himself this season, but for club he has scored at a rate better than once every 90 minutes played. In the two years prior to the current season, he scored 20 goals in the Champions League. He may be a bit of a nervous wreck at times, but the Germany international is a scorer on a level that Mandzukic will never reach. Gomez must start against Juventus. Even with Martinez and Holger Badstuber unavailable, Bayern will face Juventus with a very formidable lineup, regardless of Heynckes' selection. Juventus are a strong team with something to prove, though, and Bayern will need their very best available XI if they are to make a strong statement in the first leg.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Contento: 'We'll knock out Juve' Mar 31, 2013 Bayern Munich defender Diego Contento insisted his side has what it takes to defeat Juventus in the Champions League after beating Hamburg 9-2. The Bundesliga leaders face the Serie A champions in the quarter-finals and the first leg is in Germany on Tuesday. The German-born Italian full-back has claimed that his team will progress to the last four. “Juventus are a great team with great players,” he told Eurosport. “It is no coincidence that they are top of Serie A. “It will be a difficult game for us, but I am sure we will have the better of the games and eliminate them.” Bayern Munich have not yet clinched the Bundesliga title despite thumping Hamburg 9-2 on Saturday. They did not field a full-strength side, as Claudio Pizarro scored four goals, and Bayern need only two points from the last seven rounds to become champions.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Giovinco makes Munich trip Mar 31, 2013 Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic have flown to Munich with the Juventus squad, but remain in doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayern. The first leg of the quarter-final will be played in Germany on Tuesday night and the Bianconeri have already flown out on Easter Sunday. Giovinco and Vucinic were among the group, although they did not take part in this morning’s training session. Vucinic missed the 2-1 victory over Inter on Saturday as he was suffering from flu symptoms, but medical staff hope they can help him recover in time. As for Giovinco, he was scythed down by a horror tackle from Esteban Cambiasso in stoppages, earning the Inter midfielder a straight red card. There were fears Giovinco had suffered serious damage to his ankle, but the Atomic Ant is in the squad travelling to Germany and could well be on the bench. It is reported that Juve will adopt a 3-5-2 system in Munich with Vucinic partnered by either Fabio Quagliarella or Alessandro Matri. Another option would be to have Claudio Marchisio linking midfield and attack, leaving Vucinic as the lone centre-forward. UEFA have announced English referee Mark Clattenburg will officiate the first leg on Tuesday. Juventus squad for Bayern Munich: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 18 Anelka, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Clattenburg for Bayern-Juve Mar 31, 2013 English referee Mark Clattenburg will officiate Tuesday’s Bayern Munich-Juventus Champions League quarter-final. UEFA announced the referee for the game today and it will be his first official match involving Juve. Clattenburg was in charge of the whistle during a pre-season friendly between Juve and Newcastle United in July 2007.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Iuliano: 'Juve can upset Bayern' Mar 31, 2013 Juventus may not have the quality of Bayern Munich, but Mark Iuliano thinks they still have a chance of Champions League progress. The two sides will face each other in Germany on Tuesday in the first leg of their quarter-final encounter. Bayern will start the tie as favourites, but Iuliano, signed by then-European champions Juventus in 1996, is backing his former club. “The last eight of the European Cup is a round that is always very difficult to get through,” the now 40-year-old commented. “There are quality sides left in the competition, but hunger and character can make more of a difference than a champion in your team.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) Di Livio: 'Right time for Euro Juve' Mar 31, 2013 Angelo Di Livio believes that his former club Juventus are in a position to win the Champions League this season. The ex-winger was in the Bianconeri side which won the European Cup in 1996 and he can see a similar triumph in May. “I often think back to that victory,” the former midfielder stated of the Final won against Ajax. “I remember Gianluca Vialli who was crying like a baby, me jumping for joy while wearing a bandana. I thought that it was a dream, but, instead, it was all true.” Juve have reached the last eight of the competition and will face Bayern Munich in the first leg on Tuesday. “I think the time is right for Juve to again lift the trophy with the big ears,” added Di Livio. “They are amongst the favourites. “There was scepticism at the start surrounding boss Antonio Conte and the players, but they have won everybody over with their style of play and results.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Quarter Final - 2-4-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ BAYERN - JUVENTUS Allianz Arena - Munich Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England) 'We want to be machines' - Sammer urges ruthless Juventus showing The Bayern Munich sporting director criticised the late goals conceded in the 9-2 demolition of Hamburg, insisting it cannot be repeated on Tuesday. Mar 31, 2013 Matthias Sammer has called upon Bayern Munich to be ruthless until the final whistle against Juventus, criticising the late goals shipped in the win over Hamburg. Die Roten cruised to a staggering 9-2 victory in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with Claudio Pizarro scoring four for the Bavarians, although they did allow the visitors to strike twice in the final 15 minutes. Despite the astounding scoreline, Sammer was quick to stress the importance of avoiding such a late show in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. "This should not happen to us if possible," the 45-year-old told Bild when asked about conceding the two goals. "We have to get a clean sheet against Juve. In recent weeks we have shown we are human. I can understand that. But now we want to be machines." Arjen Robben echoed Sammer's thoughts about banishing any complacency ahead of the clash in Munich on Tuesday, despite the result against a "helpless" Hamburg leaving them on the brink of regaining the domestic title. "Of course, a result like that makes an impression - you don't often see nine goals scored in Europe," the 29-year-old said. "But the result will not make us complacent. It was a dress rehearsal for the Champions League to a point but really it was more like a warm-up for the Juventus match. The opposition were helpless."

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Juventus gain sweet revenge on Inter and keep plenty in the tank for Bayern Munich test The Bianconeri got their own back on Andrea Stramaccioni's side in preparation for another huge date on Tuesday against the Bavarian giants. Mar 31, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer Such has been Juventus’ dominance of Serie A in 2012-13, there were only really two targets in mind for the Bianconeri as they reunited after the latest international break. The first was to keep ticking off the points they need to wrap up a second successive Scudetto, while the second was to gain revenge on an Inter side that ended their 49-game unbeaten run in November. And on Saturday afternoon they got 50 per cent of those tasks out of the way, seeing off the Nerazzurri at San Siro after a very accomplished performance. This was by no means Juve’s most convincing display of the season, and Inter had a number of chances to make the game interesting throughout, but the champions did everything they needed to do to leave the Beneamata a long way off the pace in the struggle for European football next term. As revenge missions go, this one was hugely successful. Andrea Stramaccioni’s side now sit in seventh place in the table, 10 points behind third-placed AC Milan with eight games remaining. If they are to qualify for the Champions League they need a miracle, while even a return to the Europa League is a possibility more than a probability at the moment. An Inter outfit that had hoped for a top-three spot, and earlier in the campaign offered the closest thing Juventus have seen to a challenge all season, now finds itself struggling even to match their ‘achievements’ of last term. They actually played pretty well on Saturday, and when Rodrigo Palacio cancelled out Fabio Quagliarella’s early belter it appeared that deja vu might bring down Juve, but Alessandro Matri soon struck back, and by the end it was clear they had been beaten by a better side playing a couple of gears short of the pace they’ll look to reach come Tuesday night against Bayern Munich. The Nerazzurri’s frustration was borne out in the crazy tackle on the stroke of the full-time whistle which saw Esteban Cambiasso scythe down Sebastian Giovinco. The Argentine will likely miss three matches for his rare display of savagery, but he can count himself lucky that he didn’t do permanent damage to the Italian forward. Still, if even Cambiasso is letting things get the better of him, it just shows that all is not well for Inter. Another encouraging display from Mateo Kovacic was about all they could add to the plus column after such a result, along with Roma’s shock 2-0 defeat at Palermo which means their Europa League hopes aren’t completely dead and buried. Meanwhile, Juve managed to edge three points closer to an inevitable title while keeping something in reserve for their huge fixture in midweek. They will make the trip to Munich for their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash with a great deal of confidence on the back of this win, and while many may argue that Bayern’s astonishing 9-2 victory over Hamburg could be even more of a fillip to the home side, Antonio Conte’s men will surely take great satisfaction from having dealt with a Derby d’Italia with little fuss just three days before their biggest fixture of the season. As we head into April, Juve are nine points clear of the pack, have a squad deep in numbers and high in confidence, and begin the final throes of the Champions League with a head completely clear of any worries about what’s going on back in Italy. They wanted revenge on Inter, and they got it. Now they can take on Bayern knowing everything is falling neatly into place for them. Juventus are as prepared as they could ever hope to be going into their biggest fixture of the season. Bring on Bayern! ELSEWHERE… • Milan’s complaint to the Lega Serie A over the farce that has been the handling of the safety concerns at Cagliari’s Is Arenas was completely justified, but the benefits of playing against no home crowd were clearly lost on Fiorentina as they went down to a 2-1 defeat in Sardinia which all but expunges their hopes of making it into the top three. The Rossoneri had to take on the Rossoblu in front of a packed stadium earlier this season, while there have been various different measures enforced by the league committee for many games this term. While Milan were right to voice their ire, it appears unlikely to affect them directly following the defeat of Vincenzo Montella’s side which puts the Diavolo in a fantastic position to qualify for the Champions League come May. • April Fools’ Day came a couple of days early in Sicily as relegation-threatened Palermo made idiots out of Roma. It was only the fourth victory of the season for the Rosanero, and Josip Ilicic and Fabrizio Miccoli’s goals have thrown them a lifeline in their battle for survival. But it was also a noticeable setback for the Giallorossi after an excellent recent run under Aurelio Andreazzoli had looked set to leave them level with neighbours Lazio heading into next week’s Derby della Capitale. Instead they turned in their worst performance since the 4-2 home defeat to Cagliari which earned Zdenek Zeman the sack. While this result won’t mean a similar fate for Andreazzoli, it does provide a jolt to his hopes of becoming the club’s permanent boss in the summer. • Napoli managed to lose two leads and then fall behind before eventually wrapping up a thrilling 5-3 victory against Torino at the Olimpico. Edinson Cavani may have come off the bench to hit the goals which settled the contest, but it was Blerim Dzemaili who was the real hero for the Partenopei. The Swiss midfielder is hardly a regular goal threat from the centre of the park, but his hat-trick proved to be vital in his side maintaining their hopes of holding off Milan for second spot in the table and the automatic Champions League spot that comes with it. The difference between an assured place and a play-off berth could decide whether Cavani stays or goes in the summer, making Napoli's run-in perhaps the most important of any club in the top half of Serie A. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Conte stands up for Cambiasso Mar 31, 2013 Juventus Coach Antonio Conte stood up for Esteban Cambiasso after the red card for a terrible challenge on Sebastian Giovinco. The Inter midfielder was sent off in stoppages during the 2-1 San Siro result on Saturday after a studs-up tackle on Giovinco’s standing ankle. As the Juve players ran towards him enraged, Conte stepped off the touchline to protect Cambiasso and calm the situation. “It’s a shame for Cambiasso, as along with Javier Zanetti and Walter Samuel he is a player I really respect,” said the Coach. “I have played against them and know how honest and fair they are. Esteban also made a nice gesture by coming into the locker room to apologise after the game. “These players deserve nothing but praise. Esteban had a reaction that came out of frustration, but he didn’t intend to hurt Giovinco.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Matri: 'Bring on Bayern!' Mar 31, 2013 Alessandro Matri got the winner against Inter and admits he’d love to start against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday. The Juventus striker turned in Fabio Quagliarella’s pull-back for a 2-1 victory at San Siro on Saturday afternoon. “It was an important win and we played at a high tempo right from the start,” Matri told Sky Sport Italia. “Nicolas Anelka had predicted I would score a goal. We earned three precious points for the standings and can now focus on Bayern.” Sebastian Giovinco is in doubt for that game after Esteban Cambiasso went in hard on his ankle, while Mirko Vucinic missed the trip to Inter with flu symptoms. “Of course I’d like to play against Bayern Munich, even if the decision is down to the Coach. I always tend to score when I play alongside Quagliarella, as we get along well. “Europe is a dream for us and we know how Bayern play with some very talented individuals.” Bayern Munich sent a message to Juve by beating Hamburg 9-2 in the Bundesliga on Saturday. “We have a solid lead in Serie A, but cannot take our foot off the gas until we are mathematically certain, so every game must be played like a Cup Final,” continued Matri. “We used up a lot of energy at San Siro and need to recover in time for Tuesday.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Quaglia: 'Goal was instinctive' Mar 30, 2013 Fabio Quagliarella said his goal against Inter was “instinctive,” explains why he hugged Nicolas Anelka and assures Juventus “do not fear Bayern Munich.” He was an unexpected starter in today’s 2-1 win at San Siro, opening the scoring from distance and setting up Alessandro Matri for the second. “The goal was instinctive,” he told the media. “I trapped the ball, saw that I had space and so I aimed for goal. I’m very happy, as it’s wonderful to break the deadlock against such a big team. “I ran to the bench to hug Anelka because he asked me to in the locker room. It’s good to remember those on the bench, as they also work hard all week. “The Coach has been rotating the strikers for two years now, so we are all relaxed and now our opportunity will come. Nobody here gets annoyed when they don’t play, as the important thing is to be ready when called.” Juventus now go into the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, who are set to win the Bundesliga title this weekend. “We have respect for Bayern, but no fear,” assured Quagliarella. “We are going there with the same spirit as always, trying to play our game. “The Coach keeps his choices to himself until the last minute, so we have no idea who is going to play in Germany.” Sebastian Giovinco is an injury doubt after Esteban Cambiasso’s terrible tackle on his ankle today, while Mirko Vucinic missed the Inter game with flu symptoms. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Cambiasso: 'It was an accident' Mar 30, 2013 Esteban Cambiasso apologised to Sebastian Giovinco in public and private after his red card for a horrific challenge. “My history speaks for me.” The Inter midfielder was sent off in the final kick of the 2-1 home defeat to Juventus for sliding on to Giovinco’s standing ankle. “My history speaks for me and Juve also understood straight away that it was an accident,” Cambiasso told Inter Channel. “I went into the locker room to see how Giovinco was doing. He is a colleague and I didn’t want to cause him any problems. “He didn’t seem too bad, though unfortunately I did arrive late to the tackle. I think what I have done in my career makes everyone realise I didn’t want to break anyone’s ankle.” Giovinco is not a major doubt to recover in time for the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Conte: 'Juve beat great Inter' Mar 30, 2013 Antonio Conte praised Inter for causing Juventus problems, but also pointed out “we proved we have got better” after today’s 2-1 victory. The Bianconeri had been beaten 3-1 in Turin earlier this season, ending their 49-match unbeaten Serie A run, but got revenge this afternoon at San Siro. “We achieved a great result, as in my view Inter are capable of beating anyone,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “We proved that we have got better since November. I have to compliment my lads, as they were constantly on point. It is always a Match with a capital M against Inter. “We put another brick down on the foundations of the Scudetto and it’s a step forward, even if there are teams like Napoli and Milan behind us who can’t wait to make the most of any slip-up. “Juventus now go to Munich with great confidence. We are facing a strong Bayern side, but continue to embrace this dream. In Italy we realised that we are on the right track and now we want to measure ourselves against Europe too.” Conte had hinted he was considering a move abroad to Chelsea or PSG after his irritation at the constant controversy in the Italian game. “I was sad to see certain comments in the papers. What I actually said was in there, but the headlines made it look different. One day I could go abroad, but right now my present is here.” The Coach surprised with his starting XI, picking Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri, who were both on target. “Nobody has rotated the strikers the way I have. Quagliarella played in some important games and often started the big matches. I trust the look in the eye of a player, which is rarely wrong.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341‎ Strama: 'Inter performance positive' Mar 30, 2013 Andrea Stramaccioni insisted Juventus scored the winning goal against the run of play and revealed Esteban Cambiasso apologised for that awful tackle. Inter went behind after just three minutes and moments after getting back on level terms were punished again by Alessandro Matri for a 2-1 defeat. “We conceded the early Fabio Quagliarella goal and with that stunning strike he put the game on the right track for Juventus,” Strama told Sky Sport Italia. “We improved in the second half and had two great chances, forcing Juve to replace a striker with a midfielder. It’s a pity we conceded the second goal during our best moment of the match. “We have to maintain our objectives, as Inter put in a positive performance. Juventus are the best side in Serie A, so regrets remain because we had more than one chance to equalise.” There were Inter complaints over two Giorgio Chiellini tackles, while Cambiasso was sent off in stoppages for a leg-breaker challenge on Sebastian Giovinco. “I don’t talk about incidents and do not want to comment on the referee’s decisions. Cambiasso’s foul was bad, but he went straight into the Juventus locker room to apologise. These things can happen, but our fair play demands the player apologise.” Stramaccioni left Fredy Guarin on the bench, as he missed his flight and arrived late back from international duty. “Guarin did not have a single training session with us. Our two midfielders often went out of position. Mateo Kovacic is the future of Inter and I had no hesitation in fielding him.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Matri: Juventus must recharge batteries ahead of Bayern The attacker, who netted the winner in Saturday's encounter, has made it clear the Turin side need some time to recover from their efforts in the Derby d'Italia. Mar 30, 2013 Alessandro Matri has admitted Saturday afternoon's Serie A win over Inter has cost Juventus a lot of energy ahead of next week's Champions League match against Bayern Munich - who went on to win 9-2 against Hamburg. The reigning Italian champions recorded a 2-1 away win over the Nerazzurri to make amends for their home loss earlier this season, but victory did not come easy for Juve. "Today's game took a lot out of us and we need to recharge our batteries ahead of Munich," Matri was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website. "We'll have a warm-down tomorrow then on Monday we'll train specifically with Tuesday's game in mind." The attacker then went on to voice his delight with Saturday's victory as he feels it was a crucial win in the hunt for the Scudetto. "It was a big win for us and we played at a high tempo right from the off," he continued. "We've picked up three crucial points for the league table and now we're focused on Bayern." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Stramaccioni rues 'sinful' Derby d'Italia defeat The Inter boss has expressed his frustration following his side's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Juventus, but hailed Mateo Kovacic for his showing in the San Siro loss. Mar 30, 2013 Andrea Stramaccioni has branded Inter's defeat to Juventus in Saturday's breathless Derby d'Italia match as sinful. An early goal from Fabio Quagliarella gave Antonio Conte's men the lead before Alessandro Matri ensured that Rodrigo Palacio's equaliser was nullified to secure a 2-1 win for the visitors. The young coach cited Inter's profligacy and the effect of Quagliarella's early strike as the main causes of their defeat. "Quagliarella's early goal cut us down," Stramaccioni told a press conference following the match. "We had a few chances through Palacio and [Antonio] Cassano in the first half but failed to score." "It is undeniable that our intensity rose in the second half, though. We forced Juve to retreat but their second goal came during our best spell. It was a sin." Stramaccioni maintained that his side must remain motivated and recognised that the game was an entertaining spectacle but expressed his disappointment at the result. He continued: "We must not change our objectives [for the rest of the season]. We are pleased with our performance. It was a good match and in the second half we played very well against the best team in Italy. "There is still a sour taste in my mouth because we came within touching distance of a point. We did not deserve to lose, but you have to respect the result on the pitch." Stramaccioni highlighted one positive aspect in particular for Inter - the bright performance and future of January signing Mateo Kovacic. "Kovacic is the future of Inter's midfield," he added. "He is growing and I have great confidence in his ability." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Cambiasso: I did not have the intention to hurt Giovinco The Argentine was dismissed after a late lunge on the Bianconeri attacker, but has stressed it was an unfortunate accident rather than a deliberate foul. Mar 30, 2013 Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso has apologised for his horror tackle on Juventus' Sebastian Giovinco in Saturday's 2-1 Serie A loss at the Giuseppe Meazza and insisted that he had no intention to injure the Italy international. The combative midfielder received a straight red card after a bad lunge on Giovinco in the closing stages of the match, but Cambiasso has stressed he did not mean to harm the forward. "Fortunately nothing bad happened to him. I think that everything I have done in the past demonstrates that I never have the intention to hurt someone," Cambiasso was quoted as saying on the official Inter website. "My past speaks for itself, and they all understood the situation right away. It was an accident. "After what had happened on the pitch, I immediately went to the Juventus dressing room to make sure he was okay. Things could have been bad due to my foul." Inter have dropped to seventh place in the Serie A table following Saturday's defeat. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Conte: Inter victory shows Juventus have grown The 43-year-old was very pleased with the Old Lady's display at San Siro and is eagerly anticipating the match against Bayern Munich. Mar 30, 2013 Antonio Conte has voiced his delight with Juventus' 2-1 Serie A win over Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday afternoon and the successful coach feels the Bianconeri's victory was further proof of their growth in recent months. The reigning champions grabbed an early lead via Fabio Quagliarella before Rodrigo Palacio restored parity after the break. However, Alessandro Matri eventually helped Juve to the three points with his goal at the hour mark. "Today we have taken another step toward the finish line. We still have eight games to go, though, and the teams behind us are ready to take advantage if we slip up," Conte said at a press conference. "We got a great result against a superb team. Inter beat us at home and they drew and won against AC Milan. They can beat any team and our win shows that we have grown as a team. We put in a great performance." The Juventus coach then went on to discuss the upcoming first leg of the quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich. "We are travelling to Munich full of enthusiasm, knowing that we did what we had to do in the league," he added. "We want to keep our Champions League dream alive and see at what level we are. We go into the game without fear. We want to find out how big the gap with the European top is." Tuesday's match at the Allianz Arena is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341 Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved at San Siro, as goals from Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri see the Bianconeri surge 12 points clear. Mar 30, 2013 FC Internazionale Samir Handanoviç - Given no chance by Quagliarella's opener and kept his side in the game by throwing himself at the feet of Vidal, after the Chilean had been played in by Pirlo. Continued to frustrate Juve in the second period but little he could do about Matri's winner. Javier Adelmar Zanetti - Unsurprisingly, showed a tremendous appetite for the game, even bundling the far more physical Asamoah off the ball at one point. Drove forward relentlessly after the restart but, once again, his sterling efforts were all to no avail. Andrea Ranocchia - Struggled to cope with Juve's front two and was no surprise that it was he who made way when Stramaccioni decided to go to a flat back four on 66 minutes. Walter Adrian Samuel - Made a few clumsy challenges but was solid enough for the most part, winning almost everything that came his way in the air. Cristian Chivu - Did not make any glaring errors but never looked remotely comfortable at the back and was fortunate to escape sanction for a stupid challenge on Barzagli. Alvaro Pereira - Provided good width on the left-hand side but his final ball remains maddeningly erratic. Indeed, his best cross was one which deflected into the path of an unmarked Palacio at the back post. His tackling also remains worryingly reckless and he should have been booked for going through the back of Vida even before he eventually saw yellow for catching Padoin late. Mateo Kovačić - The one player in the Inter midfield who could hold his head high at full-time, the talented teenager impressed in what was his first Derby d'Italia, passing with real purpose. Walter Gargano - Was tidy in possession at times but his attempts to upset Juve's much-vaunted midfield trio were hindered by a harsh booking for a late - but in no way reckless - challenge on Chiellini. Still, even then, he just did not do enough to impose himself on the proceedings. Ricardo Gabriel Álvarez - Given the nod ahead of Guarin in behind the front two, Alvarez again failed miserably to prove his worth to this Inter side, even if he did show in flashes what he can do, particularly at the tail end of the first half when he began to float in between the Juve defence and midfield to good effect. However, his half-time exit was not in the least bit surprising. Rodrigo Palacio - Was always looking to get in behind the Bianconeri backline and went desperately close to cancelling out Quagliarella's opener but Buffon managed to stop his back-post header right on the goal-line. Had another tame header just before the break before belatedly beating Buffon with an impressively calm finish. Antonio Cassano - Always the man most likely to prise open the Bianconeri defence, playing in Palacio a couple of times before the Argentine eventually drew Inter level courtesy of a sublime slide-rule pass from 'Fatantonio'. Also threatened Juve's goal himself, most notably with a low drive that Buffon finger-tipped around the post. A constant menace, he could even have earned himself a couple of penalties. Substitutions Fredy Guarín - Left on the bench after his late return from international duty, but thrown on in place of the ineffective Alvarez in time for the second half. Made an immediate difference and was unlucky to see a late attempt deflected into the side netting. Esteban Matias Cambiasso - Replaced Ranocchia midway through the second half but while he offered plenty of endeavour, he was unable to swing the game back in the hosts' favour and disgraced himself with a dreadful challenge on Giovinco. Tommaso Rocchi - Sent on in the closing stages in search of an equaliser but was unable to find one. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon - Twice came to his side's rescue in the opening quarter, tipping a low strike from Cassano around the post before then denying Palacio at almost point-blank range. Andrea Barzagli - Coolness personified once again. Inter's front two were lively enough, but Barzagli was nearly always there to snuff out the danger whenever Palacio tried to make a clever run in behind or down the channels. Leonardo Bonucci - Another towering display from Bonucci, who was not even content just to reign supreme at the back. Indeed, he very nearly scored after getting on the end of a brilliant Bianconeri breakaway midway through the first half. Giorgio Chiellini - Perhaps surprisingly selected at the back with Bayern Munich in mind, but he showed just why Conte decided he just could not leave him out by turning in a tremendous defensive display that was both composed and committed. Indeed, it was hard to keep track of just how many times he got in the way of crosses from Pereira. Simone Padoin - Did a decent job deputising for Lichtsteiner, twice going close to scoring in the second half. Still, Inter did most of their good work down the left-hand side, so Padoin was given plenty to do from a defensive perspective. Claudio Marchisio - Once again offered so much dynamism in the middle of the park for Juve, even if his crossing let him down whenever he ventured down the left wing. Andrea Pirlo - As per usual, the most creative presence on the pitch. Pirlo repeatedly switched the play to great effect and also played out some predictably sublime passes, with his through-ball for Vidal the pick of the bunch. Also threatened a goal with a well-struck drive that drew a good save out of Handanovic. Arturo Vidal - Typically industrious performance from the Chilean, who won plenty of ball in the middle of the park before using it intelligently. Indeed, Bonucci should have done better with his inviting right-wing cross midway through the first half. However, he also should have scored himself after being put in on goal by Pirlo, but he couldn't get the ball out of his feet. Kwadwo Asamoah - Kept busy by the evergreen Zanetti, so was not able to attack as freely as usual, but he stood up well defensively and did an excellent job getting back to cover when Palacio looked set to get away from Chiellini. Replaced by the more defensively reliable Peluso midway through the second half. Fabio Quagliarella - The undoubted man of the match. The forward gave his chances of starting against Bayern the power of good by opening the scoring in spectacular 25-yard strike just three minutes and then setting up the second for Matri with a terrific cut-back from right on the touch-line. Alessandro Matri - Deserves his fair share of credit for Quagliarella's opener as it was the former Cagliari man who created space for his strike partner with an incredibly clever dummy. Got the goal his industry deserved on the hour when he calmly converted Quagliarella's cut-back. Substitutions Federico Peluso - Took over on the left-hand side from the more attack-minded Asamoah as Juve looked to shore up their defence after reclaiming the lead. Paul Pogba - Added some solidity to the midfield after coming on for Matri with 17 minutes remaining. Sebastian Giovinco - Sent on in place of Quagliarella late on and made a real nuisance of himself, even picking up a booking. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Fabio Quagliarella (3′) Rodrigo Palacio (54′) Alessandro Matri (60′) "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 79341‎ Inter vs. Juventus: 5 Things We Learned Mar 30, 2013 In what was ultimately their last chance to secure a Champions League spot, Inter lost 2-1 to Juventus at home in yet another emotional installment of the Derby d'Italia. Unfortunately, what was a fantastic 90-minute Italian affair ended in controversy as Esteban Cambiasso made a last second lunge on Sebastian Giovinco's ankle. It was a horrid tackle which could have ended the atomic ants career. Anyway, onto the five biggest lessons from this pivotal Serie A match! Esteban Cambiasso Should Be Sanctioned Heavily It was a tackle reminiscent of Eduardo's horror injury with Arsenal a few years ago. Bitter from the loss, Esteban Cambiasso temporarily lost his head and lunged into the tiny Giovinco right as the referee was blowing the final whistle. Behavior of this sort has to be eradicated with harsh suspensions. Fortunately for Giovinco, he avoided serious injury despite image captures of the foul painting a much harsher picture. Juventus Has Won the Scudetto In reality, this match could have turned the tide in Serie A had Inter managed a result. Milan would have crept within eight points and had a chance to shorten it to five as the two sides still have to meet later this season. However, Juventus played much more fluidly and were saved on several occasions by the eternal Gianluigi Buffon. The Derby D'Italia Is the Biggest Rivalry in Italy at the Moment Although Lazio and Roma fans would state their case against this headline, there is little doubt in my eyes that Juventus and Inter have the most heated rivalry in Italy at the moment. Think about it, which other two sides are still bitter about something as serious as the dreaded Calciopoli scandal in 2006 which sent Juventus to Serie B and allowed Inter to snap up their Scudetti? It's a match fueled by bad blood and always incredibly enjoyable for neutral spectators. Juventus vs. Bayern Could Be One of the Best Matches of the Year Juventus is coming off this win while Bayern Munich have absolutely pulverized Hamburg 9-2 over the weekend, clinching the Bundesliga title in emphatic fashion. Tuesday's Champions League fixture has all the makings to be one of the most memorable matches of the year, as it pits the first place sides from both Italy and Germany. Inter Need Massive Changes in the Summer Despite having a few young starlets with potential such as Mateo Kovacic, Inter is coming off one of their most bizarre January transfer windows. Head-scratching moves such as wheeling in the 35-year old retiree Tommaso Rocchi, doubled by other mediocre signings have turned Inter into an awkward mix of mediocre squad players alongside aging veterans. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/