Socrates

Contento: Bayern will eliminate Juventus The wing-back is optimistic about his side's chances against the Turin giants. Mar 29, 2013 Diego Contento is confident that Bayern Munich have what it takes to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League at the expense of Juventus. The left-back realises that the Serie A champions will not be pushovers, but he is nonetheless optimistic about Bayern's chances of seeing off the Bianconeri in the quarter-finals of the competition. "Juventus are an excellent team with a number of great individual talents. It's not a coincidence that they top the Serie A table," Contento was quoted as saying by Eurosport. "It will be a difficult tie for us. However, I am convinced that we will emerge victorious and make it to the semi-finals."

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Vucinic: Juventus must not underestimate Inter The Montenegro international is eagerly anticipating this weekend's league game and has warned that the Nerazzurri will not be pushovers. Mar 29, 2013 Mirko Vucinic has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to take Saturday's Serie A clash against arch-rivals Inter lightly if they are to get a positive result. The Nerazzurri have been struggling to find their best form in recent months, but Vucinic believes they remain a force to be reckoned with. "Just the name Inter says it all. They are a strong team and I'm not paying attention to those who say they're going through a difficult period," the Montenegro international told Sport Mediaset. "I saw the second leg of their Europa League tie against Tottenham, and they put in a great performance. They were close to securing progress." Juventus lock horns with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday, but Vucinic has insisted they are focused on Saturday's match versus Inter. He added: "We have to focus on the match against Inter for now and approach it as if it's the last game of our life. I don't think this will be a problem, though. We have the right mentality, thanks to the coach." The Bianconeri were beaten 3-1 by Inter in Turin earlier this season which ended their 49-game unbeaten league run. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 11^ giornata - Ritorno - 30-3-2013 (ore 15:00) - Stadio "Giuseppe Meazza" - Milano Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli * Confronti ufficiali 219 - 159 (Serie A) - 29 (Coppa Italia) - 27 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra)- 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Spareggio Coppa Europa centrale) * Vittorie Juventus 98 - 75 (Serie A) - 13 (Coppa Italia) - 8 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) - 1 (Spareggio Coppa Europa centrale) * Pareggi 53 - 39 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 7 (Campionato a gironi) * Vittorie Inter 68 - 45 (Serie A) - 9 (Coppa Italia) - 12 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) * Goals Juventus 313 - 229 (Serie A) - 45 (Coppa Italia) - 36 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) - 1 (Spareggio Coppa Europa centrale) * Goals Inter 274 - 190 (Serie A) - 35 (Coppa Italia) - 46 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) Inter - Juventus Serie A a Milano Confronti ufficiali 79 Vittorie Juventus 20 (L'ultima il 29.10.2011, 1-2) Pareggi 25 (L'ultimo il 03.10.2010, 0-0) Vittorie Inter 34 (L'ultima il 16.04.2010, 2-0) Goals Juventus 86 Goals Inter 126 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro l'Inter a Milano 14 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 13 Furino Giuseppe 13 Scirea Gaetano 12 Del Piero Alessandro 12 Varglien I Mario 11 Bettega Roberto 11 Causio Franco 11 Conte Antonio 11 Gentile Claudio 11 Zoff Dino 5 goals Sivori Omar Enrique 3 Anastasi Pietro 3 Baggio Roberto 3 Boniperti Giampiero 3 Ferrari Giovanni 3 Hansen John 3 Trezeguet David Sergio 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Charles John William 2 Colombo Umberto Ultimi confronti diretti 22.11.2008 Serie A Inter-Juventus 1-0 18.04.2009 Serie A Juventus-Inter 1-1 05.12.2009 Serie A Juventus-Inter 2-1 28.01.2010 Coppa Italia Inter-Juventus 2-1 16.04.2010 Serie A Inter-Juventus 2-0 03.10.2010 Serie A Inter-Juventus 0-0 13.02.2011 Serie A Juventus-Inter 1-0 29.10.2011 Serie A Inter-Juventus 1-2 25.03.2012 Serie A Juventus-Inter 2-0 03.11.2012 Serie A Juventus-Inter 1-3 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Inter 4 - Goals Juventus 10 - Goals Inter 11

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Stramaccioni: 'We want to upset Juve' Mar 28, 2013 Andrea Stramaccioni admits Inter-Juventus “is not like any other game. We’ll give our all to cause them an upset.” The Derby d’Italia is played on Saturday afternoon at 14.00 GMT and Nerazzurri boss Strama spoke about it during a publicity event. “The locker room is ready for this game,” he said. “Inter-Juventus is not like any other game. We’ll give our all to do well and cause them an upset.” Inter already beat Juventus earlier this season, ending their 49-round unbeaten Serie A record. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Manchester United target Claudio Marchisio? Mar 28, 2013 Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly keen to recruit Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio this summer. Ferguson is thought to have first lodged a bid for the Italian international back in 2010, but Juve rejected his approach. However, amid reports that he is planning to overhaul his playing squad at the end of the campaign, Ferguson has decided to rekindle his interest in the 27-year-old, according to Tuttosport. Marchisio, who joined the Italian champions as a trainee, made his debut back in 2006.

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Inter vs Juventus PREVIEW: A Dish Served Cold Mar 28, 2013 It seems like a century ago since Juventus suffered their first ever defeat at the new stadium. Having been unbeaten 50-some-odd games at their cathedral, Juventus were riding a five game winning streak into their first match of November, having dispatched Bologna on Halloween a few days earlier thanks to late Paul Pogba heroics when they welcomed Inter into town for a weekend fixture. And then came the heartbreak. Even the most ardent and delusional tifosi knew that Conte’s new-look Juve could not go unbeaten forever (ignoring the Coppa Italia final for a moment) in Serie A, but certainly none would have chosen that to be the match. At home. Against Inter. But Conte’s Juve are Conte’s Juve, and perhaps the team’s performance since is why the past 10 or so weeks seem like a lifetime. In the immediate aftermath of the Inter debacle, they responded like champions with a rousing 4-0 thrashing of Lars’ cousins in the UCL four days later, followed by a 6-1 demolition of Pescara the following weekend. Inter meanwhile seemed tired in the immediate aftermath, able to muster a loss and draw to Atalanta and Cagliari respectfully in their next two league fixtures. Heading into this weekend, Juventus are once again ascendant. Having moved beyond their typical January doldrums, the biaconeri have won in each but one match in all competitions since February ended, the one exception a 1-1 draw against second place Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo. A comfortable 9 points atop the table, and 18 ahead of sixth place Inter (who have one game in hand), Antonio Conte’s boys will most certainly be hungry for revenge on the eve of next week’s Champions League showdown in Munich. Juventus Speaking of the Champions League, Antonio Conte has a selection issue in light of the packed schedule. Tuesday’s trip to Munich places a premium on an away result, meaning that his best players must certainly be in top form for the weekday fixture – a good problem for the former midfielder to have, considering Inter’s recent bouncing from the Europa League. What’s more is the recent international break means a gaggle of Juventus players will just be returning from national team duty. Sky reported that the team even flew back the Italian players on a private jet to get them back ahead of schedule and rested ahead of preparations for Inter. With that, Giorgio Chiellini, who has been knocked about quite a bit this term, will likely be rested. Martin Caceres remains shelved recovering from an unfortunate auto accident, and thus Luca Marrone will likely take Giorgio’s spot in the backline. Further reports suggest that in contrast to Conte’s penchant for messing with players’ natural positions, Kwadwo “I’m Actually a Center Mid” Asamoah will also be rested at left wing back in lieu of Federico “Whatever You Do Just Don’t Put Me at Center Back” Peluso. Despite his inclusion with the national team, Sebastian Giovinco was barely used by Cesare Prandelli and looks likely to start as well. Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon; Marrone, Bonucci, Barzagli; Peluso, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner; Giovinco, Matri Inter Celebrating one year at the helm of Inter (and around 6 months longer than anyone would have expected since being officially named permanent boss), Andrea Stramaccioni will hope to again right an inconsistent Inter ship. With the aforementioned weight of Europa off of their shoulders, the team will focus on qualifying for Europe’s secondary competition next year at least, whilst visions of the Champions League and sugar plums dance in the heads of tifosi. Their league form has left something to be desired of late, having won most recently on March 3 versus Catania for only the third time since the turn of the calendar year (haven’t I mentioned on Twitter recently that Serie A seems to be re-calibrating back to normal?). Perhaps the loss of the Europa League burden could not have come at a better time. With that, their squad selection will undoubtedly be the strongest available starting XI. That strongest option, however, will have to exclude Diego Milito, who suffered a season ending knee ligament injury in February. Milito seemed well on his way to regaining the form that made him the focal point of the attack during Inter’s historic treble-winning 2010 campaign, and his recent absence is obviously considering the team’s form since. Probable Formation: (4-3-1-2) Handanovic; Zanetti, Ranocchia, Chivu, Pereira; Gargano, Kovacic, Cambiasso; Guarin; Palacio, Cassano As Juventus enter the final stretch towards their 31st Scudetto while aiming to make a mark on the Champions League – the outcome of which could very well determine the summer mercato – they will have their work cut out for them. Thankfully, one strength evident from Juventus squads of years past is the squad’s depth. A pivotal week remains before the Old Lady, who will look to continue to pull away from Napoli (perhaps with a little help from our kid cousins from the same city), while gearing up for what will be THE match-up of the UCL final eight. Brace yourself, friends. A fun, albeit stressful two weeks is straight ahead. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Preview: Inter Milan vs. Juventus Mar 28, 2013 Saturday's big Serie A clash sees league leaders Juventus travel to the San Siro to face Inter Milan. Inter are looking to get themselves into contention for the top four and are currently four points behind Fiorentina having lost their last game at home to Bologna. Juventus have won three of their last four and beat the same opposition that Inter lost to . For Inter, Juan is suspended, while Matias Silvestre could return to take his place in defence. Ricardo Alvarez could play despite struggling with an injury. Aside from long-term absentees Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe, the only other doubt for Juventus is Giorgio Chiellini but he is expected to be fit. Recent form Inter: LWLDWL Juventus: WLWDWW Possible starting lineups: Inter: Handanovic; Jonathan, Silvestre, Chivu, Zanetti; Guarin, Kovacic, Cambiasso; Alvarez; Cassano, Palacio Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Peluso, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Padoin; Giovinco, Vucinic Sports Mole says: 1-2 http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juventus face Inter test Mar 28, 2013 The last leg of Juventus' Serie A title defence begins against the side who first threatened to ruin it as Inter Milan host the second Derby d'Italia of the season. A 50th game without defeat seemed inevitable for league leaders Juve back in November but a 3-1 home loss to Inter inspired a small crisis of confidence in Turin. Antonio Conte's Bianconeri rallied, though, and the gap above second-placed Napoli now stands at nine points while Inter flounder in fifth - where they are 18 points shy of tomorrow's opponents. One man demanding a repeat performance at San Siro is Inter president Massimo Moratti, who told his club's official website: "That wouldn't be so bad at all! "A few months down the line we came up against problems that weren't only down to our form or the way were were playing. "Then we went through a bad spell and we paid for that. Now we hope this match against Juve can help us get back on track. "It's important to get points whether it's against Juve or any other side. Now we're up against the best team in the league, but we won't change our own targets.'' With every league game taking place on Holy Saturday, the Milan showpiece could well be overshadowed by events in Palermo, where Roma striker Francesco Totti is hoping to celebrate 20 years in red and gold with a positive result. Totti made his Roma debut as a 16-year-old against Brescia in March 1993 and is targeting a contract renewal that will allow him enough time to overhaul Silvio Piola's all-time scoring record of 274 goals in Serie A. The 36-year-old Roman, who reached 226 against Parma, told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "Time has flown because I have done everything with passion.'' His decision to stay in the capital for his entire career, despite interest from Real Madrid, has limited him to just one Serie A title and two Coppa Italia trophies. "I could have won the Ballon d'Or in 2000,'' he added. "Had Italy gone on to win the European Championships I would have won it because I also won the Scudetto that year.'' Palermo, meanwhile, are five points from safety at the bottom of the table alongside Pescara, who visit mid-table Parma. Siena may never have a better opportunity to leave the relegation zone as they challenge 17th-placed Genoa in a six-pointer at the Marassi. The Ligurians are just one point away, leading Siena boss Giuseppe Iachini to tell La Repubblica: "We are taking it one game at a time. "There may be other teams who are masters of their own destiny but we cannot think that way. We just want to win, regardless of the head-to-head aspect of the game.'' AC Milan's fight to dislodge Napoli from second continues against Chievo, who the Rossoneri have beaten 12 times in a row, while the southern outfit visit Torino for Saturday's late game. Lazio hope to fix a run of three straight defeats and re-enter the Champions League spots at home to fellow European hopefuls Catania, with Udinese hot on the Sicilians' heels and looking for all three points against Bologna. Elsewhere, Cagliari host Fiorentina behind closed doors at the Stadio Is Arenas as Atalanta bid to pull away from the bottom five with victory over 10th-placed Sampdoria. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Guarin misses plane back to Italy Mar 28, 2013 Fredy Guarin could be a doubt for Inter's crucial match with Juventus on Saturday after missing his plane back from international duty. The midfielder was on the bench for Colombia in their 1-0 loss to Venezuela on Tuesday, but according to Calcio News missed his plane for the return trip to Italy. The 26-year-old had to miss today's training session, and will therefore only have tomorrow to prepare for the Derby d'Italia at the weekend. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Vucinic wary of Inter threat Mar 28, 2013 Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic believes that Inter will pose a tough proposition when the two teams meet on Saturday. The Bianconeri travel to San Siro this weekend looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to 12 points. But the Montenegrin striker has claimed that the Derby d'Italia is always a tricky match. “We play against Inter, and the name says it all,” he told Sport Mediaset. “They are a strong team and I do not believe anyone who says they are in trouble. “I watched their Europa league second-leg win against Tottenham and they threatened a lot. “We need to focus – approaching the game as if it were the game of our lives.” The 29-year-old then commented on Coach Antonio Conte and potential arrivals over the summer. “Conte? The results speak for themselves. He came to Juve and won the League in his first year. “We can only hope that that continues. “If a top player arrived here I would be quite happy,” Vucinic added. “That would give us a big hand. “But let's not forget – everyone at Juventus is a top player.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

‘Buffon still superior to Handanovic’ Mar 28, 2013 Juventus’ Gigi Buffon remains a better goalkeeper than Inter rival Samir Handanovic, says Stefano Tacconi. Handanovic has had a splendid campaign with the Nerazzurri following his summer move from Udinese, but the former Juve and Italy custodian insists he’s not the true No 1. “Buffon is still better,” Tacconi told TMW. “I’m certain of that fact, even if Handanovic is doing really well. “The difference between the two is down to the experience with which they play the game. There is no comparison in that area. “Technically speaking they are different types of goalkeepers.” The two men will come face-to-face on Saturday afternoon when Inter entertain the Old Lady in Serie A. “I hope it goes well for Juventus,” Tacconi continued. “But Inter are looking to save a peculiar season. We’ll see which side has the character to take home the points.”

Muller not in awe of Juventus Mar 28, 2013 Bayern Munich will have no trepidation of Juventus when the two sides meet in the Champions League next week, says Thomas Muller. While the German international has respect for the Italian giants, he’s confident that his team can reach the semi-finals of the competition. “There is no fear of Juventus,” the attacker told Tages Zeitung. “The Italians will be a tricky opponent, but we are not in awe of them. “Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic are excellent, but we too have players with great quality. “We should also not forget that we have done very well in recent games against them.” Bayern Munich were actually the last team to beat Juventus in the Champions League, thanks to a 4-1 win in Turin during December 2009. The two European giants have only met on six occasions in the past and all have come in the continent’s most prestigious competition. Juve have the upper hand with three wins, two losses and one draw. They have scored six and conceded seven.

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Kovacic: It’s just a game… Mar 28, 2013 Mateo Kovacic is treating Inter’s game against arch-rivals Juventus on Saturday like any other match. “They’re all worth three points.” The two will face each other at San Siro in the Derby d’Italia, but the January signing isn’t feeling any extra pressure. “It’s my first Derby d’Italia, but all games are the same for me as they are all worth three points,” he told the Corriere dello Sport. “Juventus are a great team, but a football match is always a football match. And I want to win,” the midfielder added. “Juve have a good squad, a good Coach, they are the strongest in Italy who have done well in the League and in the Champions League. “We, however, can beat them.” The 18-year-old has played in seven games for his new club following his switch from Dinamo Zagreb, but he’s still waiting for his first goal. “It would be beautiful to score against Gigi Buffon, but the most important thing is that we win,” he added. “It doesn’t matter who scores.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: Inter first then Bayern Mar 28, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has put next week’s game against Bayern Munich to the back of his mind. “Inter come first,” says the Juventus player. The Old Lady will face the German giants in the opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, but they have a Derby d’Italia date on Saturday first. “We’re trying to not think about the Champions League too much,” the midfielder told Tuttosport. “We have Inter in the championship and that is a game that we really want to do well in. “Our first task is to maintain the gap in the standings over Napoli and Milan. And, of course, there was also that stinging defeat against Inter. “I admit that, after that 3-1 loss, there is a great desire for revenge…” Inter ended Juventus’ unbeaten League run at 49 games earlier this term and also became the first away side to win at the new Juventus Stadium. Turning his attention to Bayern Munich, the Italian international admitted that his side would not start the last eight tie as favourites. “They are certainly superior to us in terms of experience and quality because they have great champions,” he added. “However, we will go there without any fear. We’ll go there and play as we did at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, the European champions, and as we did at Shakhtar and Celtic. “We can go and play anywhere and win. We are united, the compactness of our squad is one of our strengths.”

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Ranocchia: 'We're with Strama' Mar 28, 2013 Andrea Ranocchia assures the Inter squad is “behind Andrea Stramaccioni” ahead of the Derby d’Italia against Juventus. There have been question marks over the Coach due to recent poor results, including the Europa League elimination at the hands of Tottenham. “These rumours do not and must not affect his work, as we are all behind him,” Ranocchia told Sportmediaset. “There are 10 games that we absolutely have to win. We’ll fight to the end for a place in the Champions League, though it’ll be tough because there are so many teams in this race.” The Italian international defender admits he is only now finding his feet at San Siro. “My personal target for this season is to continue improving. I have changed so much from last season and I needed that disastrous year, as it helped me to grow.” Inter ended Juve’s unbeaten Serie A record in Turin earlier this term, but now welcome the Serie A leaders to San Siro on Saturday afternoon. “We hope to repeat the trick and win again. We can beat Juventus by working as a team, that’s the real method. We should take an example from our performance in the second leg against Tottenham, when we moved as one.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Marchisio: Juventus gunning for Inter revenge The midfielder is desperate to make amends for the Bianconeri's home defeat earlier this season when both sides lock horns again at the weekend. Mar 28, 2013 Claudio Marchisio says Juventus will be gunning for revenge when they take on Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza on Saturday evening. The Serie A leaders were beaten 3-1 in Turin earlier this season, and the Italy international has revealed the Old Lady are desperate to make amends. "We are trying not to think too much about the Champions League. We have the league match against Inter coming up first, and we are all looking forward to that game," Marchisio told Tuttosport. "Not just because we lost the home match versus them, but mainly because we want to maintain our lead over Napoli and AC Milan. "However, there's of course that home loss against Inter, too. We were unbeaten at our new stadium until then. "I cannot deny that we are gunning for revenge after the 3-1 loss in Turin." Juventus currently sit atop of the Serie A table, holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Inter can beat anyone, says Kuzmanovic The Serbia international is eagerly anticipating the Derby d'Italia and is confident his side can grab a good result. Mar 28, 2013 Zdravko Kuzmanovic says Inter can beat anyone ahead of Saturday's Serie A match against reigning champions Juventus. The Nerazzurri recorded a 3-1 win in the Derby d'Italia earlier this season, and the Serbia international is confident they can record another victory at San Siro on Saturday. "We have to put in 100 per cent against Juventus. We're Inter and we can beat anyone," Kuzmanovic told Sky Sport Italia. "We proved that in Turin and we can do it again. What's the difference between them and us? They're top and we aren't. We're still off the pace in the table, they're doing better this year. "But our target remains the same: to get into the Champions League." Inter currently sit joint fifth in the Serie A table, trailing leaders Juventus by 18 points. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Totti goes down in history as Italy great - Buffon The Azzurri captain has written to his compatriot to congratulate the Giallorossi star on completing two decades of Italian top-flight football. Mar 27, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has penned a personal note to friend and former Italy colleague Francesco Totti to recognise the 20th anniversary of his first Serie A appearance. The creative attacker, known for his flair as well as a prolific goals tally, has spent his whole career at Roma, his hometown club. Buffon's career has dovetailed with that of Totti's and the former Parma goalkeeper showed his respect for the marksman. "Dear Francesco, you have made history in Italian football," began the letter published by ANSA. “Twenty years in Serie A, what an achievement … I still have the image of your first goal in my mind, it was a Roma-Foggia tie. “We’re friends, you know how much I care about you. We started together with the Under-15 side, we had some splendid years together in the national team and we continue to meet as opponents in Serie A. “You often score against me (10 times to be precise, that’s how many goals you have netted) like a champion who has forgotten our friendship … “Then, at the final whistle, there are smiles between us again, like when I saved a penalty that I feared you would chip – it saddened me that was you. "You not only wrote football history, you are writing its present and its near future." The pair won the World Cup with Italy in 2006 and Totti retired from international football a year later. The 36-year-old is Roma's record goalscorer and the second most lethal in Italian football history. "The two of us are lucky," added 35-year-old Buffon. "Once you get past 30, every season is worth seven." Totti made his Serie A debut back in 1993 as a substitute against Brescia.

Chiellini: Bayern & Inter clashes will need concentration The Bianconeri defender believes the two crunch matches will be especially tough as they come so close together. Mar 27, 2013 Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini has urged for his team-mates to concentrate ahead of "two major challenges" against Inter and Bayern Munich. The Bianconeri face their fellow Serie A giants on Saturday at the Giuseppe Meazza before playing the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final three days later against the Bavarians. And Chiellini believes focus is paramount as they enter a defining stage of their season on both fronts. "Two major challenges await us and they are close together, and our concentration will need to be at its maximum!" he wrote on Twitter. Juve currently sit nine points clear at the top of Serie A as they chase a second successive title, and reached the last eight in Europe with a 5-0 aggregate win over Celtic.

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Schelotto: Inter ready for Juventus clash The 23-year-old is confident that his side will be up for the challenge when the Nerazzurri host the reigning champions on Saturday. Mar 27, 2013 Inter winger Ezequiel Schelotto is eagerly anticipating this weekend's Serie A encounter against Juventus and has insisted that he and his team-mates will be more than ready for the match. The Giuseppe Meazza side recorded a 3-1 away win in the first Derby d'Italia of the season back in November, and Schelotto is keen to bag the full three points and do the double over the league leaders. "We've had the international break and that's given us time to prepare properly for the match and we've been working very hard. We're fired up and ready for it," Schelotto told reporters. "Juve have just won an important game, whereas we didn't play, so we were able to rest a bit more. It's going to be a tough game." Schelotto netted a crucial goal against rivals AC Milan earlier this season, and he admits he is keen to add to his personal tally versus Juve. "Would I like to follow up my goal against Milan by hitting the net against Juve? It's always great to score but Inter comes first. I'm happy with my goal against Milan but if we beat Juve and I don't score I'll be just as happy." The 23-year-old has scored once in six Serie A appearances for Inter so far. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Juve-Bayern Munich sold out Mar 27, 2013 The Juventus-Bayern Munich Champions League quarter-final on April 10 has already sold out before going on general sale. The Juventus Stadium will be packed out for the second leg of this prestigious European clash next month. Today the club announced that the tickets had already gone before non-registered members were able to get in line. Tickets were first put on sale for current season ticket holders, then this morning the Premium Members had the opportunity to snap up a seat in Turin. Juventus announce that if there are any extra tickets that become available, they will be sold to Premium Members on April 5.

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli When Conte scored at sunny San Siro… Mar 27, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has happy memories of the last time his side faced Inter at San Siro in an afternoon game. The two teams will play each other on Saturday at 15.00 hours local time, 17 years after their non-evening clash at the Meazza. The Old Lady won that game 2-1 thanks to an Attilio Lombardo goal, before Conte, a midfielder for the club back then, made it 2-0 with a fine strike. Maurizio Ganz got a consolation goal for the home team in a Derby d’Italia game that was played on 20 April 1996. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 30 - 30-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - "Giuseppe Meazza" Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Schelotto fired up for Juve Mar 27, 2013 Ezequiel Schelotto says his Inter side are ready to cause Juventus problems in Serie A on Saturday. “We’ve had the international break to prepare for the match and we’ve done that in a calm manner,” the January signing from Atalanta noted. “Juventus are coming off the back of an important win at Bologna, while we were able to rest as our match with Sampdoria was postponed. “It will be a hard game against Juventus, but we are fired up and ready for it.” The 23-year-old has scored one goal in six matches for his new club and that strike came in the derby against Milan. “It is always nice to score, but the most important thing is Inter,” he added. “I was happy with the goal against Milan, but if we beat Juventus without me finding the net then that will be just fine…” Inter beat Juventus in Turin earlier this season, bringing an end to the Old Lady’s 49-game unbeaten League run. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Buffon’s message to friend Totti Mar 27, 2013 Juventus captain Gigi Buffon has sent a message to Francesco Totti on the 20th anniversary of the Roma icon’s Serie A debut. “Dear Francesco, you have made ​ Italian football history,” the custodian said in a statement to news agency ANSA. “Twenty years in Serie A, what an achievement… I still have the image of your first goal in my mind, it was a Roma-Foggia tie. “We’re friends, you know how much I care about you. We started together with the Under-15 side, we had some splendid years together in the national team and we continue to meet as opponents in Serie A. “You often score against me (10 times to be precise, that’s how many goals you have netted) like a champion who has forgotten our friendship… “Then, at the final whistle, there are smiles between us again, like when I saved a penalty that I feared you would chip – it saddened me that was you. “We are from a fortunate generation. It’s true that every season after the age of 30 is worth seven, but you seem to go back in time instead of ageing. “You’ve written the history of Italian football, with the present and the future – you are a player who can not be doubted. “And, for me, you’ll always be an Azzurro. An embrace from your friend, Gigi.” Totti, now 36, made his Italian top-flight debut on 28 March 1993 at Brescia. Boss Vujadin Boskov threw him on as a substitute for Ruggiero Rizzitelli. Totti, Serie A’s second highest goalscorer of all-time, and Buffon won the World Cup together for Italy at Germany 2006.

Deschamps backs sent-off Pogba Mar 27, 2013 France boss Didier Deschamps has no regrets about fielding Juventus’ Paul Pogba in the 1-0 loss to Spain. The 20-year-old won his second cap last night, but his performance was marred by his dismissal late in the game. “Paul showed his potential before the two yellow cards,” the former Juventus midfielder and tactician told RMC Sport. “His first booking was as a result of the fact that he jumped with a high knee and his foot was too far forward in the second incident. “Paul was winning his second cap against players like Xavi, Busquets and Xabi Alonso who have much more experience. “I know what Pogba is capable of doing and my mind has not been changed. It is thanks to games like the one against Spain that youngsters will grow.”