Socrates

Juventus put transfers on hold Mar 20, 2013 Juventus insist they won’t consider their transfer market strategy until this season has come to an end. Director general Beppe Marotta was again questioned on the possibility of a top player arriving in the summer, but the official was reluctant to discuss options. “We are just thinking about our objectives for this campaign,” Marotta noted on Wednesday. “We’ll evaluate things further down the line. “However, our present squad should be respected.” While Marotta was cautious over what the squad could look like next season, he was adamant that boss Antonio Conte would still be in charge. “He’ll stay with us. I’m 100 per cent sure of that,” the former Sampdoria employee continued. “Antonio represents Juventus-ness and he has a great relationship with the President. “Could he become a kind of Sir Alex Ferguson? I hope so. I’m in favour of a Coach with such a profile.”

Italy explain Chiellini injury Mar 20, 2013 Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci says he expected to send home Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini. The stopper pulled out of the squad this morning after being examined by the Azzurri’s medical staff at Coverciano. “As promised, we looked at Chiellini’s problem again today,” Castellacci commented. “I wasn’t optimistic. “We already knew that he wouldn’t be able to play Brazil on Thursday, while we hoped he could be ready for Malta on Tuesday – even if there were still doubts about that tie too. He was borderline. “Both ankles are swollen and he returns home to continue treatment. He twisted his left ankle, but he’s also struggling with his right one.”

Chiellini ruled out of Italy ties Mar 20, 2013 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini will take no part in Italy’s upcoming games against Brazil and Malta. The stopper has been struggling with ankle issues this week which had placed him into doubt for the ties. After monitoring his situation over the last two days, the decision has been taken by Azzurri doctors to send Chiellini back to his club. Italy face Brazil in a friendly on Thursday, while they will travel to Malta for a World Cup qualifier next Tuesday.

‘Bayern must be perfect v Juve’ Mar 20, 2013 Dante expects his Bayern Munich side to be tested by Juventus in the Champions League last eight. “We’ll have to play a perfect game at the Allianz Arena,” the centre-back told Tuttosport on Wednesday morning. “We have to get a positive result ahead of the return leg in Turin. “I expect a very difficult match, tough, a battle and a complicated one for us. “Juventus are going through a good run of form,” he added. “Gigi Buffon is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. “Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are the foundations of a solid defence that doesn’t concede a lot. “Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio control the midfield. They’ll give us a lot of work to do.” Dante, a Brazilian international, will get a taster of what to expect when they face Italy in a friendly this week. “The game will be a match between Brazil and a masked Juventus,” the stopper added. “I see that eight of them have been called up by Cesare Prandelli. “It’s a little like what happens with Germany and the Bayern players.”

Rummenigge on open Juve tie Mar 19, 2013 Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that his side's Champions League quarter-final with Juventus is wide open. The Bundesliga leaders play the Serie A champions in the last eight of the competition, and the 57-year-old believes it is a game that both teams could take something from. “We're friends,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “There is definitely no problem between the two clubs. “We perhaps would have liked a different opponent – I think this game should have perhaps been the final. “But there are strong expectations in Munich, as there are in Turin. It is a tie that involves two teams at the highest possible level.”

Buffon on Totti, Balotelli and Brazil Mar 19, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that he would back the idea of Roma captain Francesco Totti receiving a re-call to the Italian national team. Coach Cesare Prandelli revealed earlier this week that he would consider calling up the veteran forward in the future. And the Juventus goalkeeper has conceded that the Giallorossi legend can still cut it in the international arena. “Some of us have shared this adventure with Totti from Under-15 level,” he told a Press conference. “So for me he will always be a companion in the national team. “If he continues to play at the level he is showing this season, then I think the Coach is right to say what he did. “It is logical to consider someone who is re-writing the history of Italian football. “After the World Cup in 2006, he preferred to devote more time to Roma, and perhaps that was the right thing to do to give his career longevity. “Have I asked him to come back? These are personal conversations. When we meet we speak about a lot of things. He knows what I think.” The 35-year-old also commented on Thursday's match with Brazil, some of the young players in the Azzurri squad and the form of Mario Balotelli. “We will play this friendly and it will be a good test for us,” Buffon added. “Over the next three months we will prepare for the Confederations cup – and it's a competition that we want to win. “It is perhaps a bit too early to get a proper impression of the new players – we have only been together for a few days. “But the fact that there are so many new players certainly bodes well for the future. This next generation looks like an important one. “I think we all want to see Mario finally come good. I've always seen him as a quiet person around the group. “Before he wasn't playing with continuity, but now he's at Milan that seems to have changed. “I hope that with the national team he can give us joy – and with Milan perhaps a little less!”

Molinaro: Bayern weak at the back Mar 19, 2013 Juventus are capable of creating Bayern Munich problems in their Champions League meeting, says Cristian Molinaro. The former Juventus full-back plays his football in Germany with Stuttgart and knows Bayern well. “Perhaps I’m not the right person to be giving advice to Antonio Conte seeing as I’ve only beaten Bayern once in nine attempts,” the Italian told Tuttosport. “However, I do agree with the fact that Bayern are not exceptional at the back. While Philipp Lahm may be world class, their problem is in the middle. “Dante is a decent player who is having a good season, but the questions revolve around who will partner him. “The Bayern boss has alternated Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng, but has also opted for Daniel Van Buyten who, in theory, should be the last choice. “This is their big flaw, perhaps their only one, when it comes to Bayern as they always give their opponents more than one chance. “I think that Juventus’ style of play will cause their centre-backs problems, especially Van Buyten, who is not quick and suffers against players like Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic.” Bayern will start the tie as favourites to reach the semi-finals, but the defender thinks his former club have a chance. “Juventus need to play in the way they know how,” Molinaro continued. “The Bianconeri have the players and the experience to cause the Germans problems. “Juve will have to copy what Leverkusen did to Bayern in October. They were perfect as they didn’t allow Bayern’s ball players to construct anything, so their wide players were out of the game. “Juve will have to be in top form, but they may arrive a little tired given that they’ll play an important game against Inter a few days before.”

Chiellini trains in isolation Mar 19, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini remains a doubt for the Brazil game after the Juventus man trained on his own this morning. The defender is struggling with ankle issues and it is unclear whether he will be available for Italy over the next week. The Azzurri face Brazil in a friendly on Thursday, while they will play a World Cup qualifier in Malta on Tuesday. The Azzurri squad took to the Coverciano playing fields at 10.45 local time this morning, but Chiellini worked in isolation away from the main group. Training will resume behind closed doors later this afternoon.

Bayern-Juventus will be like a Champions League final, says Rummenigge The Bavarian chief is of the opinion that the two European giants are set for a tough encounter in the last eight of the competition. Mar 19, 2013 Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes that the club’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Juventus is the sort of match which would befit the final. The two European giants have been drawn against each other having knocked out Arsenal and Celtic respectively in the last 16. Rummenigge, a former Bayern and Inter star, expressed his opinion that it will be a difficult tie for the Bavarians but one that will be entertaining due to the quality of the two sides. "It will be a tough game for us, and for them it will be an open meeting," he told Sky Sport 24. "There were weaker teams that Juventus could have met, but also weaker teams that Bayern [could have met]. "It's a possible final. There is no expectation in Munich but I think there is also none in Turin. "Anyway it will be an interesting round between two teams of the highest level." The last time the pair clashed in the Champions League was in 2009, when FCB emerged 4-1 victors away from home in a group stage game. The other three quarter-final fixtures to look forward to in early April are Real Madrid-Galatasaray, Barcelona-Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund-Malaga.

Totti may still have Italy future, hints Buffon The Juventus goalkeeper has added his weight behind growing support for the Roma forward to be recalled to the international fold. Mar 19, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon believes Francesco Totti could still have an international future with Italy. The Roma forward, who has 58 caps to his name, retired from Azzurri duty after their World Cup triumph in 2006, but boss Cesare Prandelli admitted on Monday that the door would be open for him to return. And his former team-mate, Buffon, has issued a glowing appraisal of the 36-year-old and says he is still more than capable of playing for Italy once again. "You cannot rule anything out with a player who can win matches by himself. He continues to write history in Italian football and not only has a past. He may still have a future as he is showing," he said at a press conference. "When he made the decision to leave the Azzurri in 2006, Francesco thought long and hard. After winning the World Cup, which is the most beautiful thing in football, he preferred to devote himself to Roma and his health as he was nursing a long-term injury. "I am still a little sorry that he left us, seven years on [since his retirement from international football]. What would I say if I wanted him to return to the national team? They are intimate things, he knows what I'd say. "The dressing room, in regards to the decisions of a coach, does not have any power. They are the specific responsibilities of those who lead the team. "When I talk about a man like Francesco, I still speak of him as if he were one of us. With some of us, myself included, we were with Totti in the Italy set-up from the age of 15, so he will always be one of my fellow national-teamers." Buffon then reflected on the call-ups handed to new boys Mattia De Sciglio and Alessio Cerci for Thursday's friendly clash with Brazil, the goalscoring form of Mario Balotelli since his move to AC Milan and the large Rossoneri and Juventus presence in the squad. "It's too early to make judgments on the new faces, but there is hope for the future. That was a problem which we paid for in the past, but it seems to have been resolved now," the Juventus No.1 added. "We all hope that he reaches his full potential, but that does not mean that he has to stifle his own nature. He has always been quiet on Italy duty. The only thing that was missing from his game was consistency. "Now he is finding that and I hope that his move to Milan gives the national team the joys that we expect from him. "Milan have always relied on an Italian nucleus, and even their attempts to refresh the squad are Italian-based. "It seems logical to me that these two teams [Milan and Juventus] give the most players to the national team."

Pirlo: Brazil match will be no friendly The Azzurri midfielder believes that in football it is misleading to refer to any match with such a term, while Alessio Cerci hopes to make an impact on his first call-up. Mar 18, 2013 Andrea Pirlo has dismissed the ‘friendly’ tag being given to Italy’s match with Brazil on Thursday. The two international giants face off in Geneva in Switzerland and the Juventus midfield icon believes the Azzurri will give their all against the World Cup 2014 hosts. "We want to wear this jersey in the best way possible," the midfielder told reporters on Monday. "And it is always a pleasure to take part in games like this one coming up,” continued the former Milan man. "There are no such things as friendly matches in football, especially when Italy are involved and especially when the opponents are Brazil." Torino winger Alessio Cerci has been given his first international call-up by head coach Cesare Prandelli, and he has revealed his joy at the honour of being picked and hopes he can show the talent that has been bubbling under the surface for Italy. "It seems almost impossible to be picked, but I am very happy, and I am enjoying the moment," he said. "I've always had the label of being 'promising’ but then for various reasons I have not exploded. I have not shown my true value. "At this time I found a really important as Torino have allowed me to be here and I am looking to the future." Meanwhile Gianluigi Buffon has accepted that the Azzurri have been lacking in recent clashes with the South American side and believes the friendly will be a tough examination of the Euro 2012 finalists’ progress. "We have played against Brazil a few times in recent years and, on those occasions, we have fared badly," the veteran goalkeeper explained. "It is an important test for us because in the end it will give meaningful answers for those that will be part of our future selections and hold our beliefs." Reports from numerous sources including Repubblica are indicating that Giorgio Chiellini will miss the Selecao clash due to an ankle issue, but will be assessed over the next 48 hours.

Molinaro: Bayern Munich nothing special in defence The wing-back is not impressed with the Allianz Arena side's defensive options, and has singled out Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery as their main attacking threats. Mar 19, 2013 Stuttgart defender Cristian Molinaro believes Juventus have what it takes to trouble Bayern Munich in their Champions League quarter-final tie as he feels the Bavarians are vulnerable in the centre of defence. The left-back, who was under contract with Juve from 2005 until 2010, has warned his former team the Bundesliga leaders always try to play their own game, but feels Bayern's lack of quality at the back opens opportunities for the Bianconeri which they could exploit. "Bayern always try and play their own game, but they are not exceptional in defence, in particular at centre-back," Molinaro told Tuttosport. "Dante is having a great season, but the problem is who will play alongside him. At the moment Jupp Heynckes opts for Daniel Van Buyten, and that's Bayern's most vulnerable spot. "He is not a fast player and he could suffer against Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco." Molinaro then went on to single out Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben as Bayern's main attacking threats. He added: "Ribery is very unpredictable. However, I would also keep a close eye on Robben. Many think that he will not play, but I believe he will." The first leg of the tie takes place at the Allianz Arena on April 2.

Only Barcelona are better than Juventus, says Salihamidzic The former Bianconeri and die Roten winger believes his former Italian side are the second- best team in the world, after the Bavarians drew them as their quarter-final opponents. Mar 18, 2013 Ex-Juventus and Bayern Munich winger Hasan Salihamidzic feels the Old Lady are currently only topped by Barcelona as the world's best side. The Serie A title holders will face Jupp Heynckes' men in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and the Bosnian footballer has labelled Antonio Conte's men as the favourites for the clash. "Barcelona are above any other team. In second place, for me, is Juve," the 36-year-old told Bild. "Bayern will have to bring a top performance two times. I would have wished for an easier opponent for now, it hardly could have been any more difficult. "Juventus have been on a roll for the past two years, they hardly lose any matches. "Their defence with former Wolfsburg centre-back Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are absolutely top-class. "I don't see any weaknesses at the moment. They play a perfect 3-5-2 system and also have a world-class midfield with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal. "Ex-Bayer Leverkusen player Vidal is responsible for the rhythm. If he's in form, Juve win. He has developed even further after departing from the Bundesliga two years ago." Bayern Munich's first-leg quarter-final clash against Juventus will be kicked off on April 2, 20.45CET at the Allianz Arena.

Marchisio: Brazil an important test for Italy The Juventus midfielder is looking forward to a tough challenge against the Selecao on Thursday. Mar 18, 2013 Claudio Marchisio says Italy's friendly with Brazil is a game that "every kid wants to play in". Cesare Prandelli's men are sitting pretty at the top of World Cup 2014 qualification Group B and face the Selecao in a friendly on Thursday, ahead of their latest qualifier against Malta on March 26. "It's the game that every kid wants to play. It's the best," the 27-year-old told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Brazil is the home of spectacular football. It will be an important test for Italy, a check of the highest levels. "We shouldn't take the match against Malta too easy, it is crucial in the race to the World Cup, considering the difficulties we've encountered in the first leg." He then talked about the pride Juventus players have in being selected for their country, and revealed his belief that Italy are currently among the top three teams in the world. He added: "We at Juventus are proud to have many players that represent a great national team, after years of really hard work at the club. "Our national side, I think, is only behind Spain and Germany."

Pogba: I want to be Pogba, not Vieira The midfielder says he is ready to make the next step in his career after earning his first international call-up. Mar 18, 2013 Paul Pogba is determined to carve out his own reputation and has brushed off comparisons with France legend Patrick Vieira. Les Bleus are preparing for two important World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Georgia and Spain and sit in second place in Group I, level on points with la Roja. And after joining up with the national side for the first time at their Clairefontaine base, Pogba outlined his hopes for the future and determination to become his own man. "Comparisons with Patrick Vieira? Because I have long legs they say I run like him, but Vieira remains Vieira, I want to be Pogba," the 20-year-old told RMC Sport. "I hope to impose myself on the France team. In any case, I will make every effort to have a great career. I will give everything for it. "I'm here because the coach believes I’m ready. Besides, I think so. I'm ready to play and show my qualities."

Pogba delighted with France call-up Mar 18, 2013 Paul Pogba has claimed that he is 'very happy' to have been called up by the French national team. The Juventus midfielder has been named in Didier Deschamps' squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Georgia and Spain this month after some impressive performances for the Bianconeri. “I am very happy for this opportunity,” he told reporters. “I was surprised, but I know I will not be playing from the first minute. “Whatever happens it will be a great experience for me. “I am increasingly convinced about my decision to join Juventus [from Manchester United]. I am really happy to be here.”

Chiellini a doubt for Brazil Mar 18, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini is a doubt for Italy's friendly match with Brazil on Thursday after suffering an ankle injury. The Juventus defender picked up the knock yesterday, and the Azzurri's chief medical officer, Enrico Castellacci, has confirmed that there are concerns over the 28-year-old's fitness. “Chiellini reported a trauma to his left ankle,” he told reporters this afternoon. “He also has a problem with the other ankle as well. “The situation is a worry for us. He did not train today. “We will have 48 hours to evaluate and decide if he will be with us in Geneva.” Cesare Prandelli's team play the Selecao in Switzerland later this week, before travelling to Malta for a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Pirlo: Italy-Brazil not a friendly Mar 18, 2013 Andrea Pirlo insists there is no such thing as a friendly in international football ahead of the Italy-Brazil tie. The two giants of the world game will meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday and the Juventus playmaker is hopeful his side will prove their worth – especially while exhibiting their new shirt. “We want to wear this jersey in the best way possible,” the midfielder stated on Monday afternoon at Coverciano. “And it is always a pleasure to take part in games like this one coming up,” continued the former Milan man. “There are no such things as friendly matches in football, especially when Italy are involved and especially when the opponents are Brazil…”

Buffon on facing Brazil test Mar 18, 2013 This week’s friendly against Brazil will provide answers to certain questions about the strength of Italy, says Gigi Buffon. The Azzurri will take on the World Cup hosts in Geneva and the Juventus idol has underlined how significant the tie will be. “We’ve faced Brazil on a few occasions in the last few years and we’ve done pretty poorly against them,” the captain stated. “Thursday’s match will be important, it will give us some important answers about the future, about our convictions. “These are the kind of games that will help you to mature, no matter whether you do well or badly in them.” The Azzurri haven’t beaten Brazil since Paolo Rossi scored a sensational hat-trick against them in the 1982 World Cup. In the five meetings since then, there have been three Brazil wins and two draws. Buffon has played in the last two meetings between the two giants, losing 2-0 and 3-0 during ties in 2009.

Bayern wanted return home advantage Mar 18, 2013 Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness would have preferred home advantage in the second leg of their Champions League game against Juventus. Bayern will entertain the Bianconeri on April 2 and then travel to Turin on April 10 following Friday’s last eight draw. “It will be a very difficult tie because we are playing at home first,” the former West German international told Bild. “I would have preferred to play the first game in Italy. “Both Juventus and Bayern are great sides and I’m convinced that they are not encounters which will end 1-1. “For now though we just have to think about our domestic League matches so that we get to the quarter-final games in a relaxed mood."

Marotta: Conte staying, no to Ibra Mar 18, 2013 Juventus insist that Antonio Conte will continue as Coach, but he won’t have Zlatan Ibrahimovic at his disposal next season. Conte raised doubts about his future on Sunday after being criticised for his actions at the end of the 2-0 win over Bologna. “It was a post-match comment,” director general Beppe Marotta told Radio Anch’io Lo Sport on Monday. “Conte is a great Coach and I hope he will remain at Juventus for a long time to come. “I understand that not everyone is like Alex Ferguson, but I am convinced that we will have him with us for many more years.” The tactician also spoke after the game about the hostile climate that continually awaits his side when they travel in Serie A. “The situation is deteriorating,” Marotta commented. “When we play away from home we are always escorted by armoured police. “It seems as if we have gone back in time to the Roman arenas where there were gladiators. The world of football alone can do little, it is a matter of culture.” Turning to on the field matters, Marotta was confident of Scudetto success – but admitted it may be more difficult in the Champions League with Bayern Munich next. “We are very well placed in the League, but there are still 27 points on offer. We are aware of our ability, so there is optimism. “We have created a model club and squad. There is a Coach who is hungry, as well as the players. Everybody plays with enthusiasm and knowledge of wearing an important jersey. “When it comes to the Champions League you are talking about a tournament, not a championship. Often luck plays a major role. Think about Chelsea last year. “We are happy to be back on the European stage and we hope that fortune will be with us.” Marotta also justified the January capture of Nicolas Anelka, who has hardly played, and ruled out a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahimovic. “Anelka was a free signing, we had Nicklas Bendtner injured and we wanted to strengthen the offensive department in anticipation of possible injuries. “The operation was relevant but does not burden the future. It was linked to a contingency plan. “Ibra? Pavel Nedved made ​​a technical comment about him. This assessment is one that we may agree with, but his parameters are not in line with ours. He will not be a Juventus player.”

Marchisio: No Bayern fear Mar 18, 2013 Claudio Marchisio is well aware of Bayern Munich’s strength, but he maintains his Juventus side will have no fear in the Champions League last eight. The Old Lady were paired with the German giants in Friday’s draw and Marchisio has admitted that they’ve been handed a tie against one of the favourites to lift the trophy. “They’re the strongest team in Europe alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid,” he stated. “However, we’re experiencing the Champions League campaign with great joy.” The Turin giants began their European Cup campaign with the handbrake on after collecting three consecutive draws. However, they’ve won every game since and topped a group containing Shakhtar Donetsk and holders Chelsea. “We won our group convincingly and we will give Bayern as good as we get,” the 27-year-old Italian international added. “We know about the strengths of Bayern Munich, but we’ll go to Germany without fear.”

Juve sent message, says Padoin Mar 18, 2013 Simone Padoin has underlined how important the 2-0 win at Bologna was on Saturday night for Juventus. http://markting10.nl/ The League leaders collected a key victory which has seen their nine-point lead over Napoli remain intact. “We sent a strong message to the rest of the championship,” the 29-year-old. “It was an important match for us.” http://markting10.nl/ Padoin was a surprise starter at the Dall’Ara and he was happy with the contribution that he made against the Rossoblu. “I gradually became aware that I’d be starting the game during training last week,” the former Atalanta man added. “I’m content with how it went.”

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Mirko Vučinić (62′) Claudio Marchisio (74′) "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 34415 We have sent out a strong message to our rivals - Buffon The Juventus captain believes that victory over Bologna has further underlined his side's credentials, not just to the rest of Serie A but also to their Champions League opponents. Mar 17, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has indicated that Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Bologna should stand as a warning to their rivals as they tighten their grip on Serie A. Goals from Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio allowed the Bianconeri to take a 2-0 win over their hosts and move 12 points clear in the league. However, speaking after the game, Buffon was keen to stress that although his team’s form is ominous, the season is far from over. "There are still a lot of important games left to play," the 35-year-old goalkeeper told Juventus.com. "But we sent out a strong message this evening. "Much like last Sunday [a 1-0 win over Catania], it was a contest which was worth more than the three points on offer." The Old Lady were able to stretch their advantage over Napoli, who play Atalanta on Sunday, and the importance of the win was not lost on goalscorer Marchisio. "It’s an important victory which allows us to go into the break with the points we were after," the 27-year-old Italian declared. "Now we’ve got the international break and then we’ll take on Inter, bolstered by a strong advantage in the table." The midfielder also reflected on the Champions League quarter-final draw, which saw the Bianconeri drawn against four-time winners Bayern Munich. "Bayern are the strongest team in Europe alongside Barcelona and Real, but we’re experiencing the Champions League campaign with great joy. "We know about their strengths, but we’ll go to Munich without fear." Juventus sit top of Serie A with 65 points from 29 games. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Mirko Vučinić (62′) Claudio Marchisio (74′) "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 34415 Conte: It annoys people when we win The Juventus coach believes that Bologna boss Stefano Pioli took offence to his celebrations after his side's 2-0 win at Dall'Ara purely due to their status. Mar 17, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has defended his exuberant celebrations in the wake of his team's 2-0 win against Bologna on Saturday. Rossoblu counterpart Stefano Pioli took offence to the 43-year-old's actions, labelling them disrespectful, but the former Siena boss has claimed that he is only objecting due to antipathy towards the Bianconeri. "If I can’t even celebrate with my fans after such an important victory, I don’t know what you can do any more," Conte told reporters after the match. "I know that it annoys many people when we win, but there was no lack of respect whatsoever. There are so many other horrible things elsewhere, like throwing rocks at team buses, so what's wrong if I want to celebrate with my fans? "To be happy at winning another Scudetto is considered a lack of respect? I was just celebrating alongside my fans, while the gestures were spontaneous towards my daughter." The Dall'Ara win took Juve 12 points clear at the top of the table, but Conte has warned his team not to get complacent in the title run-in. "We’ve taken a big step forward, but there are still 27 points to play for. We're achieving important things and must continue," he continued. "Today we faced a team who approached the fixture off the back of three victories, and if we had lost we would have handed a boost to the sides behind us. "Instead we deserved to win and I’m happy with how the lads played. We play good football and I'm proud of this team.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/