Socrates

‘Juve need to avoid Barca and Real’ Mar 15, 2013 Paolo Rossi believes that Juventus need to avoid the two big Spanish clubs in Friday’s Champions League draw. The Old Lady will today find out which team awaits them in the quarter-finals of the European Cup and Rossi is concerned by the threat of La Liga. “I think that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the teams to avoid for the Bianconeri,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Real Madrid have a big squad and a lot of quality, while Barcelona showed against Milan that they are a team to be feared. “I hear talk that Barca are on the slide, but you can’t forget that they have great players and a Lionel Messi who can always make the difference.” Juventus could also be paired with Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich or Galatasaray.

Pogba 'honoured' by France call Mar 14, 2013 Juventus starlet Paul Pogba is overjoyed at receiving his first call-up for France. “This is only the first step.” The midfielder celebrates his 20th birthday tomorrow and has been named in Didier Deschamps’ squad to face Georgia and Spain. “This call-up is very important for me,” he told L’Equipe. “From the moment I got into the Under-16 side, my objective has always been to reach the senior squad. “Obviously I am very happy and it is an honour to wear this jersey. However, this is only the first step and the really difficult stuff comes now. “I have to continue working hard, as I have not ‘arrived’ yet. I need to improve in order to become a real top player.”

Cannavaro tips Bayern Munich Mar 14, 2013 Bayern Munich are favourites to win the Champions League this season, according to Fabio Cannavaro. Former clubs Juventus and Real Madrid will be in tomorrow’s draw for the last eight, but the World Cup winning captain fancies Bayern for the trophy. “It’s a waste of time trying to predict what will happen from the quarter-finals onwards,” Cannavaro told Sky Sport Italia. “But Bayern, for me, remain one of the strongest and most solid. “Lionel Messi enchants Barcelona, but the German side are more consistent and the most difficult to face.” Friday’s draw will feature: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

Pogba named in France squad Mar 14, 2013 Teenager Paul Pogba has been rewarded for his form at Juventus by being named in the France squad. Didier Deschamps admitted this week that the 19-year-old was on his radar and he has been selected in his latest party. It is the first time that the midfielder has been picked at full international level. France play Georgia and Spain on March 22 and 26. Squad – Goalkeepers: Mickaël Landreau (Bastia), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham), Stève Mandanda (Marseille). Defenders: Gaël Clichy (Manchester City), Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Christophe Jallet (PSG), Mamadou Sakho (PSG), Raphaël Varane (Real Madrid), Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa (Newcastle). Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle), Maxime Gonalons (Lyon), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille). Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Olivier Groud (Arsenal), Bafetimbi Gomis (Lyon), Jérémy Ménez (PSG), Dimitri Payet (Lille), Loïc Rémy (Queens Park Rangers).

Jugovic: Juve could be finalists Mar 14, 2013 Vladimir Jugovic believes that Juventus can reach the Champions League Final this season. “I’d like to be there too.” The former midfielder scored the crucial penalty in the shoot-out victory over Ajax in 1996 that gifted the Old Lady the European Cup. “The Final this time around is possible,” Jugovic told Tuttosport. “You can see that this side is bossed by Antonio Conte. “The team has his characteristics, they resemble him, it’s the same as he is. They never give up and that is fundamental in a competition like the Champions League. “To get to the last eight is a great achievement. And their group wasn’t easy given that it included Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk. “Juve came ahead of everyone, they were not content with second place and that is a great sign of strength. “If they get to the Final in London then I’d like to be there with the team. I hope that President Andrea Agnelli remembers me. “I’d love to be there, perhaps to celebrate another feast.”

Varane & Pogba in France squad to face Georgia & Spain The teenage pair have been rewarded for their breakthrough campaigns at European giants Real Madrid and Juventus with call-ups to Didier Deschamps' latest Bleus selection. Mar 14, 2013 Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba have been named in the France squad ahead of next week's World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Georgia and Spain. The Real Madrid defender received widespread acclaim from much of the footballing sphere following impressive displays against Barcelona and Manchester United over the past few weeks and receives his third call-up, although has yet to be capped. Meanwhile, his fellow 19-year-old has been in similarly prodigious form since his summer move to Juventus from Manchester United, and in the wake of his maiden bow, Bleus coach Didier Deschamps explained the duo's inclusion. "Varane has not featured in a single minute with the senior side yet, but I consider him ready to play," the former Olympique de Marseille and Juventus boss said. "Pogba is often used as a runner, but when he is allowed to advance forward, he can strike the ball with venom. He is versatile enough to play in any midfield position." Deschamps then dropped his biggest hint yet that stoppers Varane, Laurent Koscielny, Mamadou Sakho and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa would be his first-choice centre-back quartet for the foreseeable future, while he backed Karim Benzema to rediscover his goalscoring touch. "Arsenal performed at a high level against Bayern. Laurent Koscielny's display caught my eye. He had good legs," he added. "I have no problems with Mamadou Sakho's playing time. He plays most of PSG's games, although I'd prefer it if he played week in week out. "It's likely that I will stick with these four central defenders [referring to Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa as the fourth man]. "Everyone can criticise Karim Benzema's performance. but his quality and potential will always be there. He needs just a goal, and he has my trust. France need Benzema at his best." The Euro 2000 winner then commented on the absences of midfield pair Abou Diaby - currently sidelined with a calf injury - and Toulouse's Etienne Capoue, before calling for complete focus on next Friday's visit of Georgia. "This is not punishment for Capoue, but he has not been good enough with his club. There is always competition for places," Deschamps continued. "Abou Diaby has gone three weeks without playing, it's complicated. There are currently too many uncertainties with him. "The most important fixture is against Georgia. We must be focused on this game so we can get to 10 points. We met the best team in the world (Spain) in October, and we will do so again."

Eight contenders left for the Champions League Wins for Bayern Munich & Malaga on Wednesday saw them join the remaining qualifiers battling for a place at Wembley in May's showpiece final. Mar 14, 2013 Full time at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday represented not only the extinguishing of Arsenal's spirited attempts at an unlikely comeback against Bayern Munich, it wrapped up the roll call of names who will contest the quarter-finals of this year's Champions League. In the evening's other tie, Malaga were able to overturn a first leg loss, beating 10-man Porto 2-0 at La Rosaleda to triumph 2-1 on aggregate. The success of Manuel Pellegrini's men ensured La Liga has three representatives, with Barcelona and Real Madrid joining them in the hat. Barca did it the hard way, becoming the first side to wipe out a 2-0 deficit incurred away from home when they won 4-0 at Camp Nou to eliminate AC Milan, while Real Madrid's success over Manchester United was completed by Cristiano Ronaldo's second-half winner. Scottish champions Celtic were put to the sword by Juventus as they lost 5-0 on aggregate, while Paris Saint-Germain ensured a French side would appear in the latter stage by seeing off Valencia. Galatasaray, another club boosted by some high profile recent glamour signings, won through to the last eight after seeing off a resilient effort by Schalke. Borussia Dortmund's passage was far more comfortable however, dispatching the Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2. Below is a run down of who will be in the draw for the last eight on Friday, March 15. BARCELONA BAYERN MUNICH REAL MADRID BORUSSIA DORTMUND JUVENTUS PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN MALAGA GALATASARAY

Serie A - 9^ Giornata - Ritorno - 10-3-2013 (ore 15:00) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1') Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Antonio Giannoccaro Spettatori: 38000 Serie A - Giaccherini regala mezzo Scudetto alla Juve L'1-0 sul Catania è deciso dall'esterno in pieno recupero. Ora il vantaggio sul Napoli è di nove punti, sul Milan di 11. Gli etnei hanno giocato una buona partita, soprattutto difensivamente, ma al 91' hanno capitolato. Migliore in campo uno strepitoso Pogba. Palo di Vucinic e due grandi occasioni per Marchisio. Eurosport - Domenica, 10 marzo 2013 All’ultimo respiro è uno dei gregari più utili della squadra di Conte a mettere la firma su una vittoria che potrebbe significare Scudetto. Emanuele Giaccherini da Talla, provincia di Arezzo, segna al 91’ l’1-0 sul Catania, regalando tre punti alla Juventus e l’allungo decisivo in classifica sul Napoli, sconfitto a Verona. Ora i bianconeri, a quota 62 in graduatoria, hanno nove punti di margine sui partenopei (11 sul Milan terzo) a 10 giornate dalla fine: un gap difficilmente colmabile, con il vantaggio negli scontri diretti con gli azzurri di Mazzarri. La squadra del tecnico Maran, espulso nel primo tempo, aveva imbrigliato bene la Juve, vicina al gol due volte con Vucinic (un palo colpito) e due con Marchisio. Prova maestosa di Pogba, migliore in campo per distacco. La Juventus continua ad essere la squadra della serie A 2012/13 ad aver finora guadagnato il maggior numero di punti nelle riprese, rispetto ai propri risultati dei primi 45' di gioco: +17. CATANIA ORDINATO, LA JUVE NON TROVA VARCHI. Nel primo tempo, come da copione, è la Juventus a far la partita. I bianconeri, che devono rinunciare a Vidal squalificato, però, faticano ad imporre il solito brillante gioco offensivo. Il Catania di Maran, espulso a metà prima frazione per proteste, è schierato benissimo in campo. Il 3-5-2, nel quale sembrano non pesare le assenze di Legrottaglie, Barrientos e Bergessio, è cortissimo, con pochi metri tra le linee di difesa e centrocampo e con Gomez e Castro frecce offensive che non danno punti di riferimento alla retroguardia juventina. Le ripartenze etnee sono comunque rare e, così, senza spazi per sfondare, e con Lichtsteiner e Asamoah meno attivi del solito sulle corsie esterne, sono le idee di Pirlo e Marchisio a creare gli unici pericoli alla porta di Andujar nei primi 20 minuti. VUCINIC PALO, MALE GIOVINCO. Pur senza impressionare, è la Juventus a sfiorare il gol in tre occasioni il vantaggio nei primi 45 minuti. Vucinic si crea da solo due belle iniziative: in una è bravo Andujar a deviare in angolo un destro dal limite, nell’altra il montenegrino,dopo aver rubato palla a Spolli, vede il palo interno respingere la sua conclusione da dentro area. Anche Marchisio va vicino al gol con un destro da fuori, ma lo 0-0 nel primo tempo non si sblocca, con il pubblico dello Stadium irritato e indispettito, come spesso accade, nei confronti di Sebastian Giovinco, al quale non riesce nemmeno una giocata decente. RIPRESA ALL’ARREMBAGGIO. Nel secondo tempo la Juventus continua nel suo forcing offensivo. Conte, col passare dei minuti e con il risultato che non si sblocca, inserisce Matri, Quagliarella e Giaccherini per Giovinco, Vucinic e Asamoah. Ma il Catania continua a difendere benissimo, con 10 uomini dietro la linea della palla, concedendo ai bianconeri solamente una grande occasione con Marchisio, che mette fuori in spaccata. Spolli e Bellusci respingono tutto, Gomez e Lodi alleggeriscono con qualche ripartenza fastidiosa, e la Juventus comincia ad innervosirsi alla ricerca frenetica del vantaggio. GIACCHERINI REGALA MEZZO TRICOLORE. E così è l’uomo che meno ti aspetti, ma che Conte, anche lo scorso anno, ha spesso lanciato nei momenti decisivi, a risolvere un match che sembrava terminare col più classico degli 0-0. Emanuele Giaccherini, ammonito poco prima per simulazione, sigla al 91’ la rete decisiva, irrompendo in area dopo l’ennesima meravigliosa iniziativa a destra di un Pogba in formato Vidal. Il numero 24 bianconero controlla una respinta maldestra di Andujar su cross del francese e infila dentro il suo secondo gol in campionato, quello che manda la Juventus a più 9 sul Napoli secondo, in piena crisi di risultati e più 11 sul Milan terzo, in rimonta, ma ancora distante. A 10 giornate dalla fine, sfidando la scaramanzia, almeno mezzo Scudetto sembra essere assegnato. Per la Juventus ci sarà un mese intenso e impegnativo, con la Champions, la Lazio e l’Inter in trasferta e il derby col Torino, nel quale potrebbero essere persi anche alcuni punti. Il margine però, per una squadra che non molla mai e che ha anche nelle cosiddette riserve dei punti di forza, sembra essere tale da poter concedere il bis tricolore a Pirlo e compagni. Enrico Turcato http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 16-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - "Renato Dall’Ara" Stadium - Bologna Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Gabbiadini on facing Juventus Mar 13, 2013 Bologna’s Manolo Gabbiadini is treating this weekend’s game against Juventus – the club who own him – like any other top-flight match. The 21-year-old moved to the Stadio Dall’Ara on loan in the summer after Juve had signed 50 per cent of his contract from Atalanta. “We know that the city is eagerly awaiting this game,” he told the club’s website. “It is an important match and we are preparing for it as we do every week. “Juve are just like any other opponent because in Serie A you can not afford to be complacent against anyone. “Nor will it be a different game for me. When I take to the field of play I do so focused with the task that my Coach has given me. “With all due respect to which opponent I have in front of me, I will not be affected by anyone. “A goal on Saturday? Let’s hope so!” Gabbiadini, five goals in 23 League games, was wanted by Juve in the January transfer market and it’s unclear where he’ll be playing next term. “I work day after day to improve and grow,” the Under-21 international said. “I don’t want to think about my future as I’m just focused on ending the season well with Bologna, that’s more important.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pogba wants France call-up Mar 13, 2013 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has claimed that he deserves a call-up to the French national team. The 19-year-old has yet to play for Didier Deschamps' men, but the Bianconeri man has insisted that his club form is worth an international cap. “I have been doing some great things this season,” he told reporters. “I have played 20 League games and have scored five goals. “Serie A is not an easy League and I am very happy. “Now I am looking forward to hearing the call from the national team. “I'm working hard to achieve that goal, and if I continue like this, then hopefully it'll come soon.”

Pogba on Deschamps’ radar Mar 13, 2013 France boss Didier Deschamps has admitted that he is keeping an eye on Juventus talent Paul Pogba. The 19-year-old is having an impressive first campaign in Turin which has led to calls that he is ready for the full international stage. “Paul will be a phenomenon when he’s been playing at these levels for three or four seasons,” former Juve boss Deschamps told Tuttosport. “However, there is no doubt that he has interesting potential. He has the characteristics and the right head to flourish. You don’t play in so many games for Juventus by chance. “I speak to Juventus boss Antonio Conte regularly. We’re friends,” the ex-midfielder continued. “I’m calm because Paul is in the right hands. “Paul’s time will come with the national team. His future just depends on him. He’s already on my preliminary list for the games against Georgia and Spain. You’ll have to see if he makes the final squad.” Deschamps, who bossed the club to the Serie B title in 2006-07, was also asked about Juventus’ objectives this season. “They’ve practically won the Scudetto,” he added. “Antonio will obviously say that is not the case, but they took an important step on Sunday. “In Europe, I don’t see why Juventus can’t win the Champions League. A lot will depend on the draw. If I was Juve I’d want to avoid Real Madrid.”

Conte questioned on fixing again Mar 12, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has been questioned again by the Italian soccer federation's prosecutor about a match fixing case. Having already been suspended for four months at the start of this season for failing to report fixing when he coached Siena two years ago, Conte faces a possible similar charge stemming from when he managed Bari in 2008-09. Court officials have been investigating Bari's matches with Treviso in May 2008 and Salernitana in May 2009. With little to gain, Bari lost both games, having already secured a mid-standings finish in 2008 and the Serie B title in 2009. Conte, on course to guide Juventus to a second consecutive Serie A title, was accompanied by three lawyers for the meeting with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi. Conte denies wrongdoing. Upon exiting the three-hour hearing, Conte said he ''absolutely'' is not worried about facing more punishment.

Juventus all but clinch the Scudetto - now they can focus on the Champions League After moving nine points clear at the summit of Serie A, the Bianconeri are now in the enviable position of being able to rotate players in the league with Europe in mind. Mar 11, 2013 COMMENT By Mark Doyle Ahead of this weekend's meeting with Catania, Juventus coach Antonio Conte was doing his utmost to guard against complacency. With title rivals Napoli facing what looked like a far easier assignment against struggling Chievo, the Bianconeri boss warned his troops: "Dropping points could be lethal." And so it proved. Just not for his men. Napoli's faltering Scudetto challenge finally broke down in Verona, with Walter Mazzarri's overstretched squad slumping to a dismal 2-0 defeat at the Marc'Antonio Bentegodi that left them nine points adrift of the now runaway leaders. Had Catania secured a draw in Turin, one could have argued that there was still a flicker of life left in the title race. However, Emanuele Giaccherini's last-gasp winner in Turin has effectively extinguished it. Mazzarri unsurprisingly refused to admit as much. "I think the glass is half full and we cannot admit defeat yet," he said defiantly. Conte also refused to entertain the idea that Juve are out of sight. "We cannot make calculations right now, so [we'll] take it one game at a time," the former Italy international insisted. The Bianconeri boss is right, of course. Mathematically speaking, anything is still possible. There are, after all, still 10 rounds remaining. However, Juve's matchwinner, Giaccherini, merely said what everyone else is now thinking when he mused: "Of course now that we are nine points up on Napoli, we might have to close the Scudetto discussion." The harsh reality of the situation is that Napoli, who are without a win in eight games in all competitions, should be more concerned with holding on to second, than overhauling Juve. Indeed, even if Edinson Cavani does start scoring again; even if the Partenopei do start winning again; even if the San Paolo surface suddenly becomes playable; is it really conceivable that Juve will throw away what is, in light of their superior head-to-head record over their nearest title rivals, effectively a 10-point lead? There is nothing about this current crop of Bianconeri to suggest that a collapse is even remotely possible. They are in form, have no major injury concerns and, most importantly of all, have been here before. Indeed, Juve not only managed to fend off a far greater title challenge from AC Milan last season, they also kept their unbeaten record intact while doing so. Bottle is not a concern. This is a side for whom winning truly has become a habit. The Old Lady laboured for 91 minutes against the Rossazzurri on Sunday but still managed to find a way to secure three most precious points. As per usual. True, Juve have had the occasional wobble this term, but then, that's primarily because this season, unlike last, they have been burdened by participation in the Champions League. Viewed in that light, the serene nature of their march towards a second successive Scudetto seems a far more impressive feat, even accounting for the dearth of genuine pretenders to their throne. That they have all but clinched the title with 10 rounds remaining is not only a terrific achievement, it is also a massive boost for their hopes of European glory. With the league virtually in the bag, Conte is now in the very enviable position of being able to rest key players ahead of and in between the Champions League quarter-finals, just like a number of their prospective opponents, including Real Madrid, who have all but given up on holding onto their La Liga crown. As things stood before his weekend, Juventus represented a very dangerous opponent for any side in the last eight. With the Scudetto now all but taken care of, they look lethal. ELSEWHERE... • Milan are hoping to deliver a death blow of their own on Tuesday night, against Barcelona at Camp Nou. However, while they will arrive in Catalunya on the back of another domestic success, having triumphed 2-0 over Genoa on Friday evening, all did not go according to plan for the resurgent Rossoneri. Not only did Milan perform poorly against relegation-threatened opponents, Massimiliano Allegri also pointed out that they senselessly expended more energy than they should have done following Kevin Constant's needless red card midway through the second half. Most worryingly of all, though, the Diavolo will travel to Barcelona without in-form forward Giampaolo Pazzini, who was forced off through injury just moments after opening the scoring at the Luigi Ferraris. • Still, Andrea Stramaccioni would gladly trade places with Allegri right now. After an embarrassingly tame capitulation at White Hart Lane on Thursday, Inter were humbled by Bologna at San Siro on Sunday evening. The most disturbing thing about the Nerazzurri's 1-0 reversal against the Rossoblu was that it was not in the least bit surprising. The one saving grace for Stramaccioni is that the supporters at least acknowledge that he is working with a horribly substandard squad of players. "Let us have a go," implored one of the banners at the Giuseppe Meazza, "one of us is bound to be good and at least we’d be Interisti." • Unlike Inter, Lazio actually enjoyed their Europa League endeavours, winning away to Stuttgart. However, the effects of their midweek excursion were there for all to see in a disappointing defeat at home to Fiorentina, who, after their alarming mid-season slump, have seemingly rediscovered the form which prompted giddy talk of a Champions League place for the Viola. As if Napoli did not have enough to worry about with Milan now breathing down their necks ... http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Lichtsteiner committed to Juve Mar 12, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner has rejected the rumour that he could leave Juventus for Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season. The Swiss wing-back is in his second Turin campaign, but he was linked with a switch to France in the summer and that rumour hasn’t totally disappeared. “There was never any sort of contact between myself and PSG,” the former Lazio player, who cost the Old Lady €10.5m, stated. “It is possible that the two clubs held discussions, but that didn’t involve me. “I’m happy at Juventus and it would be difficult to see me leave this club.” The 29-year-old, who has scored four goals in 22 League games this season, is contracted to the Turin giants until June 2015.

Lichtsteiner: Pogba is exceptional Mar 11, 2013 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has claimed that Paul Pogba is the best teenager he has ever seen. The 19-year-old has been a revelation for the Bianconeri, scoring five goals in 20 League appearances for the club. And the Switzerland international has admitted that his young teammate is one of the best around for his age. “I've never seen a player of 19 with such quality,” he told reporters. “He is very smart tactically and great physically. “He has no rival in his position at his age. There is nothing to say except he is exceptional.”

Juventus a decade on… Mar 11, 2013 Juventus are travelling at a faster pace than Marcello Lippi’s Bianconero title winners from the 2002-03 campaign. The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport has today highlighted how Antonio Conte’s side, after the 1-0 win over Catania, are now outperforming the class of a decade ago. After 28 games of the present campaign, Juve have collected 62 points thanks to 19 wins and five draws. They’ve scored 55 goals, conceding 18. At the same stage of the season, Lippi’s side – the club’s last title before Calciopoli – had one less point, two less goals and conceded two more. Conte’s side, with 10 games remaining last term, were on 56 points – four shy of then leaders Milan. Nevertheless, Fabio Capello’s team from 2005-06 had netted an incredible 73 points following 28 matches. That campaign ended with a revoked title. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000 Let’s not waste lead, says Buffon Mar 11, 2013 Gigi Buffon has warned his Juventus side that the Scudetto is still not won – despite their nine-point lead at the top of the table. “Now we need to stay alert because the last time we increased our advantage in the standings, we slipped up the following Sunday,” the goalkeeper noted. The Old Lady extended their Serie A leadership thanks to an injury-time goal from Emanuele Giaccherini against Catania on the same afternoon as Napoli lost 2-0 at Chievo Verona. “Given that Catania’s attackers are very dangerous, it was important not to concede a goal, because 0-0 would still have taken us seven points clear of Napoli,” he added. “Also, if you don’t concede, something can always happen at the death. We tried and believed right until the end and managed to get the victory. “The great thing about us is that the group is made up of charismatic people, who can dig us out of a hole at any moment. “Giaccherini also deserves to have had a day like that,” the captain added of the injury-time hero. “He always gives his maximum in training.” Juventus will play Bologna next weekend. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000 Giaccherini: A Scudetto goal? Mar 11, 2013 Juventus’ Emanuele Giaccherini is delighted with his winning goal in the 1-0 over Catania. “I hope it brings the Scudetto.” The Old Lady moved nine points clear at the top of the table on Sunday, with 10 games left, but they needed an injury-time strike from the substitute. “I don’t know if this will turn out to be the goal that decides the Scudetto,” the Italian international commented. “I hope so. “For the moment, it’s important for the team and takes us nine points clear of Napoli.” The 27-year-old has struggled for action this term, seeing as his second League goal of the campaign came in just his 12th appearance. “I work a great deal during the week to make sure I’m ready to seize these opportunities,” the former Cesena man noted. “Who do I dedicate this goal to? Myself…” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000 Conte: 'Serie A still stressful' Mar 10, 2013 Antonio Conte hailed the Juventus battling spirit after a last-gasp win over Catania, but insists the Scudetto race is still “tough and stressful.” Emanuele Giaccherini got the winner deep into stoppages for a 1-0 result in Turin, sending them nine points clear of second-placed Napoli. “It was a game we wanted to win at all costs with great strength and heart,” said the Coach. “Catania were well-organised and made it difficult for us, especially with Alejandro Gomez and Lucas Castro so dangerous on the counter-attack.” Napoli’s 2-0 defeat to Chievo has all but handed a second consecutive Serie A title to Juventus. “We are focusing only on ourselves, as this is a tough and stressful League in every aspect,” continued Conte. “Last season if we had finished third, then the club and fans would’ve been very happy. This year we started out as favourites and winning again is never easy. We cannot make calculations right now, so take it one game at a time. “This week has been very tough in physical and psychological terms, so I gave my lads one free day tomorrow. If we do well to achieve our objective, then we can relax a little more.” Paul Pogba provided the assist for Giaccherini and is becoming an increasingly key figure to the Juve midfield. “I wasn’t satisfied with Pogba in the first half, while he was important after the break. He needs to grow, improve, keep his head down and work with humility. “The strength of our squad is in the group, as with us individuals get the best out of themselves by playing with their teammates, unlike in other teams.” Milan are now in third place and 11 points adrift of Juventus, but Conte had a message for them. “I am cheering them on in the Champions League against Barcelona because they are an Italian club. They’re revamped the squad and brought down the average age, so they are dangerous opponents in Serie A.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000 Buffon: Juventus won six points The Bianconeri goalkeeper is delighted with how the side's 1-0 win over Catania has propelled them nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table. Mar 10, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has stressed the importance of the results this weekend which have seen the reigning Scudetto holders go nine points clear in Serie A. Napoli lost 2-0 to Chievo which meant that Emanuele Giaccherini’s last-gasp winner for the Bianconeri gives them a bigger cushion at the top of the table at the end of round 28. Buffon told Sky: "If we look at the results of the opponents, we can say that today we have won six points. "Our win was a hard-fought victory and important, and we now have a great advantage on both Napoli and Milan. "Today we almost had to settle for only a draw, perhaps hoping that something would happen, but then that [the goal] happened. "Among the pursuers who are playing best are Milan, but Napoli is an quality team. It is important to get as many points as possible between us and them. "The more you put on the board, the better, so we cannot lower our guard now. We have a special group at Juve." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000 Conte: We wanted to win at all costs The 43-year-old coach said his Juventus team were ready to do everything in their power to secure victory on Sunday, and revealed he will don Milan colours on Tuesday. Mar 10, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte says his team were prepared to "win at all costs" in order to establish a nine-point lead over Napoli in a bid to retain their Serie A crown. The Scudetto-winning coach watched his team move nearer to securing the league title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Catania on Sunday, courtesy of a late Emanuele Giaccherini strike, a result which opens up a significant gap between Juventus and the trailing pack. And speaking to Sky Sport Italia, the former Siena coach claims his side were ready to do whatever was necessary to secure the three points. "It was a game we wanted to win at all costs with great strength and heart," he said. "Catania were well-organised and made it difficult for us, especially with Alejandro Gomez and Lucas Castro so dangerous on the counter-attack. "We are focusing only on ourselves, as this is a tough and stressful league in every aspect. Last season if we had finished third, then the club and fans would’ve been very happy. "This year we started out as favourites and winning again is never easy. We cannot make calculations right now, so we'll take it one game at a time." The 43-year-old also reflected on the performance of midfielder Paul Pogba and, despite the Frenchman garnering acclaim for his displays with the Bianconeri this season, Conte believes the former Manchester United youth still has plenty of developing to do before he is the finished article. He added: “I wasn’t satisfied with Pogba in the first half, while he was important after the break. He needs to grow, improve, keep his head down and work with humility." Meanwhile, Conte also revealed he would be putting loyalties aside and support the progress of Italian clubs in the Champions League with Juventus' rivals, AC Milan, set to take on Barcelona in Camp Nou next week. The Rossoneri take a 2-0 lead to Catalunya and have a real chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, and the Italian coach hopes they can prevail on Tuesday. Conte said: "I am cheering them on in the Champions League against Barcelona because they are an Italian club. "They’ve revamped the squad and brought down the average age, so they are dangerous opponents in Serie A." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000‎ My goal could have ended title race, says Giaccherini The winger's stoppage-time strike ensured that the Bianconeri's blushes were saved and put nine points between the reigning Serie A champions and second-placed Napoli. Mar 10, 2013 Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini believes his goal against Catania could have sealed the league title. Napoli have slipped to nine points behind the Bianconeri in the race for the Scudetto, while the Italian’s stoppage-time goal on Sunday propelled Antonio Conte’s men to a 1-0 win over their visitors on Sunday afternoon. "I hope that my 92nd minute goal wins us the championship," he told Sky after the match. "Of course now that we are on nine points up on Napoli, we might have to close the [scudetto] discussion. “I dedicate the goal to myself, because I showed that I can be ready when I'm called upon." Leonardo Bonucci praised his fellow defenders for preventing Catania from scoring and believes the win is a huge step towards triumphing in Serie A this season. He said: "We celebrated three important points against a strong team like Catania, who have been shown to be a higher level than was thought earlier this year. “Juventus have heart and that came out again in the final few minutes. It's a major victory by exploiting Napoli's defeat and increasing our advantage. "Championships are won with a great defence, but it takes the assistance of the whole team. Today we defended great and we did not give anything to Catania, who had two strikers always looking for a fast break.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000‎ Player Ratings Goal.com assesses the talent on show at Juventus Stadium as the Serie A champions extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points. Mar 10, 2013 JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - Had very little to do but was assured when called upon. Spilled one Gomez effort but not tested further. Andrea Barzagli - Dealt with Castro's movement well and managed to nullify any attacking threat. Fired over the bar early in the first half Leonardo Bonucci - Was more involved in attack than defence, forcing Andujar into one of his many saves. Composed at the back. Giorgio Chiellini - Looked slightly sluggish in defence and could have been punished against a more potent attacking side. Got forward well Stephan Lichtsteiner - Posed a threat down the right in the first half, but disappeared for long periods as the match wore on. One of a number who looked in need of a rest Paul Pogba - After a quiet first half, the midfielder burst into life after the break. Saw a venomous effort turned away by Andujar before providing the searching cross for the winning goal. Andrea Pirlo - On a day when the final ball was lacking for the home side, the midfield maestro was particularly wasteful. Gave away possession cheaply in midfield. Claudio Marchisio - Went close in the first half with a curling effort and showed good interplay with the forward line. Never showed the same threat in the second period. Kwadwo Asamoah - Never really got a chance to run at the Catania defence and was quiet for long periods as Juventus looked to play through the middle. Mirko Vučinić - Looked the most likely to score and went close on three occasions, including hitting the post. Link-up play with Giovinco severely lacking. Sebastian Giovinco - Despite being rested against Celtic he looked well off the pace. Few chances in front of goal and frequently gave the ball away in promising positions. Substitutions Emanuele Giaccherini - Scored what could be the goal that seals the title for, though tainted his display with a blatant dive earlier in the game Fabio Quagliarella - On for the final 10 minutes, the striker had little impact on the match, though he almost doubled the lead late in stoppage time Alessandro Matri - Missed the target with a header in the dying minutes. Provided a target for Pirlo's somewhat wayward through balls CATANIA Mariano Gonzalo Andújar - Made several excellent saves to keep the leaders at bay, only to flap at Pogba's cross in stoppage time to hand Giaccherini the winning goal. Nicolás Federico Spolli - Strong in defence and marshalled the back line well. His withdrawal through injury late on seemed to unsettle the rest of the side. Giovanni Marchese - Sliced a half-chance wide in the first half and provided a decent outlet down the left. Tracked back well to deal with Lichsteiner. Giuseppe Bellusci - A rock in the visitors' defence, and seemed to be everywhere to cut out through balls and crosses. Read Pirlo's attempted passes with ease. P. Álvarez - Got away with miscommunication when Vucinic hit the post, but a good performance all the same. Sergio Bernardo Almiron - Tracked back well and provided the defence with a good shield. Let Pogba overrun him at times in the second half. Francesco Lodi - Excellent defensive display from the usually attack-minded player. Went close with a curling effort from distance early on. Mariano Julio Izco - Kept Asamoah quiet in the first half but booking picked up later in the game meant he couldn't deal with Giaccherini as effectively. Lucas Castro - Showed willing up front but lack of good delivery meant he was quiet. Tightly marked by Barzagli. Marco Biagianti - Marshalled Pirlo and largely kept the playmaker quiet. Substitution late on had a clear impact. Alejandro Gómez - The most likely of any of the Catania players to score. Tested Buffon in the first half and made useful runs in behind the defence. Substitutions A. Rolín - Replaced Spolli in the final moments but made no impact of note. Amidu Salifu - Replaced Biagianti late on but had little time to make an impact. Edgar Çani - Replaced Gomez late on but failed to put his stamp on the game. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000 Juve move nine clear, Napoli struggle Mar 10, 2013 Substitute Emanuele Giaccherini struck in extra time to snatch a 1-0 win for Juventus at home to Catania today to increase their Serie A lead to nine points. Giaccherini had only been on the field 15 minutes, during which time he'd been booked for diving, when he shot home from the centre of the box following a storming run from Paul Pogba down the right. Juve came up against determined opponents who refused to relinquish an inch of space in defence and their hosts lacked the inspiration to break them down. Mirko Vucinic hit a post in the first period while Claudio Marchisio came close to opening the score but Catania remained resolute and determined. After the break young French prospect Pogba tested Argentine goalkeeper Mariano Andujar while Marchisio swept a shot just over the bar but Juventus, with Andrea Pirlo stiffled in midfield, simply could not find a breakthrough. That was until Giaccherini's injury-time intervention and even after that fellow substitute Fabio Quagliarella should have put gloss on the score when sent through one-on-one with Andujar but the goalkeeper trumped the forward. That last-gasp goal completed a joyful day for the reigning champions as their nearest challengers Napoli crashed to a 2-0 defeat at struggling Chievo. It was a tough day for Napoli in Verona as they fell to defeat at Chievo for the third year in a row. Serie A top scorer Edinson Cavani missed a spot-kick and Napoli's goalscoring troubles are now becoming increasingly acute. They have managed only two goals in their last seven games in all competitions while Cavani's last successful strike came at the end of January. French born Senegal international full-back Boukary Drame opened the scoring for Chievo on 12 minutes with Frenchman Cyril Thereau doubling the advantage just before the break. The defeat leaves out-of-sorts Napoli, who have not won in their last seven games in all competitions and five in the league, dropping into the clutches of hard-charging AC Milan. The Rossoneri won 2-0 at lowly Genoa on Friday night to take their unbeaten run in the league to ten games and now trail the Neapolitans by just two points. Siena boosted their survival hopes with a crucial 2-1 win at fellow strugglers Palermo. The Tuscans started the season with a six-point reduction for match-fixing offences but are now just two-points off Genoa in the final safety position. A Segundo Ibarbo hat-trick earned Cagliari a 3-1 in over Sampdoria, with the young Columbian scoring in the 18th, 52nd, and 72nd minutes. Brazilian born Italian international Amauri scored a hat-trick as Parma scored four goals in the last 13 minutes to overturn a 1-0 deficit at home to Torino and record a convincing 4-1 success. Atalanta overcame a 24th minute goal from Pescara's Gaetano D'Agostino to earn three points with a 2-1 win at home. Inter takes on Bologna and Fiorentina visits Lazio later this evening in the final two Serie A matches of the weekend. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (90+1') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Attendance: 38000 Giaccherini secures Bianconeri victory at the death Mar 10, 2013 Juventus defeated Catania 1-0 at Juventus Stadium in Serie A action Sunday afternoon. The game featured tight defending from both teams and appeared to be destined to finish a scoreless draw, but Emanuele Giaccherini grabbed a last-gasp winner to snatch full points for the league leaders. The first real chance of the match fell to the hosts, Mirko Vucinic beating his man with some slippery work and forcing Mariano Andujar to go full stretch to parry away his drive from 18 yards. Francesco Lodi hit a dipping effort goalwards from miles out at the other end, but the ball swerved past the near post at the last moment to send the chance begging. Leonardo Bonucci got in touch with his offensive side for the Bianconeri with a pair of drives from outside the box, but failed to find the target either time. Claudio Marchisio used some neat footwork to elude his man and go in on goal, but was closed down by a crucial intervention, whilst Vucinic headed over the bar from a corner. The Montenegrin soon threatened again, but was denied by the woodwork from close range after pouncing on a poor clearance in the area. Catania tactician Rolando Maran received his marching orders on 36 minutes for dissent and left the touchline for the locker room. After the halftime restart Paul Pogba looked to provide a spark with one of his trademark shots from distance, but couldn’t muster the required power. Lucas Castro fired wide for Catania, whilst Marchisio failed to test Andujar after receiving the ball in a promising position. Substitute Alessandro Matri headed over, each side struggling to create opportunities in a match dominated by defensive solidity. Giaccherini cut inside and went down in the area to bring about penalty shouts from his teammates, but the diminutive Italian was instead booked for simulation. A heroic moment was still on the cards for the Old Lady, however, as Giaccherini made amends in stoppages by grabbing the winner at close range after Andjar had come off his line to clear Pogba’s cross from the right flank. Juventus nearly grabbed a second via Fabio Quagliarella moments later, but Andujar made a fantastic save to see the match go to full time at 1-0. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/