Socrates

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 goal extends Juve lead Mar 10, 2013 Substitute Emanuele Giaccherini scored the goal that could go a long way to deciding the destiny of the Serie A title, as Juventus pulled nine points clear at the top with victory over Catania. Early news that Juve's nearest rivals Napoli were losing 2-0 at Chievo was met with a muted response in Turin as the Bianconeri struggled to break down a resilient Catania side, who harbour ambitions of securing European football. But Juve head coach Antonio Conte's decision to withdraw misfiring strikers Sebastian Giovinco and Mirko Vucinic proved to be inspired as the latter's replacement pounced at the death to give the leaders a huge advantage with only 10 games remaining. Juve won an early corner in their bid to ramp up their pressure on Catania in the opening stages, as Pablo Alvarez closed down an onrushing Claudio Marchisio just yards from goal. Andrea Pirlo soon launched a trademark pinpoint pass forward to Stephan Lichtsteiner, whose movement was telegraphed by Giuseppe Bellusci, but the hosts would enjoy a better chance in the 16th minute. It took remarkable flexibility for keeper Mariano Andujar to leap on to Vucinic's shot on the turn and push the ball out for a corner, but Juve were not cowed and kept on coming. Minutes later, Marchisio saw his drive from the edge of the box deflected off a defender and out for a corner and Vucinic slammed high over the bar from the resulting corner. That near miss only spurred the Montenegrin striker on, but he failed to make the most of a defensive mix-up between Bellusci and Sergio Almiron in clattering the ball against a post with the goal gaping. Giovinco was having a particularly poor game and he was found wanting in the second half, with Vucinic's canny slide-rule pass quickly recovered by the visiting defence to a chorus of boos. The diminutive forward did not last much longer and Alessandro Matri entered the fray shortly after Vucinic had failed to convert a fine forward pass from Pirlo, with the Montenegrin exiting for Giaccherini shortly afterward. Juve bared their teeth once more before striking the killer blow. A Pirlo free-kick rebounded wildly into the box only for Marchisio's radar to malfunction at a crucial moment, the Italy international slamming the ball wide. It would not matter, though, as substitute Giaccherini scored the goal that could see Juve retain the Scudetto one minute into stoppage time. A superb show of skill saw Paul Pogba dissect the Catania backline to drive in a cross from the right. Andujar slapped the ball as far as a lurking Giaccherini who did not hesitate to pick his spot and inspire rapturous scenes at the Juventus Stadium. 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 soar, Napoli crumble! Emanuele Giaccherini sank Catania deep into stoppages and Napoli collapsed at Chievo, giving Juventus a nine-point lead at the top of the table. Mar 10, 2013 Emanuele Giaccherini struck deep into stoppages to sink a solid Catania side, putting Juventus nine points clear at the top of the table. The Bianconeri welcomed back Nicolas Anelka and Paolo De Ceglie to the bench, though Martin Caceres, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe remained sidelined with Arturo Vidal suspended. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco returned to the starting XI after they were rested for the 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic. Catania were eager to recover from their 3-2 home defeat to Inter, a tie they were winning comfortably 2-0, though Nicola Legrottaglie continued his two-match ban with Gonzalo Bergessio and Marco Capuano injured. Giorgio Chiellini only skimmed an Andrea Pirlo free kick and Mariano Andujar palmed a Mirko Vucinic effort out for a corner. Francesco Lodi tried from distance, but swung it just past the far post. Neither side could find a way through, so there were more often than not long-range attempts from Lodi and Leonardo Bonucci. Claudio Marchisio’s angled drive was deflected wide and Vucinic nodded over from the corner. Juventus finally made a dent in the Elefantini when Sergio Almiron and Giuseppe Bellusci got in each other’s way trying to clear a Sebastian Giovinco cross and Vucinic took advantage, thumping the base of the post. Catania Coach Rolando Maran was sent off after just 36 minutes for dissent. Alejandro Gomez got on the end of a long ball, but the angled drive was smothered by Gigi Buffon. Andujar had his palms stung by a long-range Paul Pogba screamer, but there were still precious few scoring opportunities for either side. Andrea Pirlo was bundled off the ball for a counter-attack, though Castro wasted the finish by firing wide. Juve went so close on 73 minutes, as Pirlo’s low free kick was charged down by Pablo Alvarez on to the feet of Marchisio, but at full stretch the midfielder toe-poked the follow-up inches wide of the back stick. Alessandro Matri nodded over, while in the final minute Emanuele Giaccherini was booked for simulation after going down in the box. It seemed to be heading for a draw, but Juventus scored in stoppages. Pogba brilliantly hooked a cross down the right and put it back into the centre, where Giaccherini was quicker to react than anyone and bundled over the line from close range. Fabio Quagliarella should’ve made it 2-0 on the counter, but prodded it straight at the goalkeeper. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah (Giaccherini 75); Giovinco (Matri 65), Vucinic (Quagliarella 76) CATANIA: Andujar; Alvarez, Spolli (Rolin 86), Bellusci; Izco, Biagianti (Salifu 80), Lodi, Almiron, Marchese; Castro, Gomez (Cani 82) Ref: Giannoccaro 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 Late Giaccherini strike moves hosts nine points clear The substitute's last-gasp winner broke the visitors' hearts after a superb defensive display had frustrated Antonio Conte's team for much of the match. Mar 10, 2013 Emanuele Giaccherini's stoppage-time winner sent Juventus nine points clear at the top of the Serie A table after a disappointing performance against Catania from the Italian champions. The substitute fired home from close range, and his goal, coupled with Napoli's surprise defeat to Chievo, mean Antonio Conte's side are now clear favourites for the Serie A title. The Serie A leaders looked to impose themselves on the game early, but only had an Andrea Barzagli long range effort to show for their early endeavours, with the defender's strike flying over the bar. Mirko Vucinic was rested for the Champions League win over Celtic in midweek, and the break seemed to have done him good as he tested Mariano Andujar for the first time, but the goalkeeper turned his shot from distance behind for a corner. The visitors had obviously decided to try and counter the attacking threat of Conte's side, but they almost took the lead themselves when Alejandro Gomez tried his luck from distance, but Gianluigi Buffon was equal to it despite initially spilling his effort. Long range efforts were becoming a theme of the match, with Francesco Lodi and Leonardo Bonucci both firing wide before the home side twice went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. Claudio Marchisio curled a shot wide after good interplay with Vucinic, before the Montenegro striker hit the post after capitalising on a breakdown in communication in the Catania defence. The remainder of the half passed with little incident on the field, though Catania coach Rolando Maran was sent to the stands after arguing with the officials. The second half continued where the first had left off, with Juventus pressing at every opportunity, and Andujar had to be at his best to deny both Bonucci and Paul Pogba in quick succession. Pogba was slowly making his way into the match after a quiet start, and he went close again as he volleyed an effort wide from 25 yards. Vucinic was still the biggest threat for Conte's side, but his finishing wasn't up to its usual standard, highlighted when he could only shoot wide from close range under pressure from the impressive Andujar. Juventus rang the changes in search of a breakthrough, and one of their substitutes Alessandro Matri went close with a header as the game entered its final 10 minutes. Giaccherini then took centre stage as he went from zero to hero. The winger was booked for diving in the last minute of normal time, but redeemed himself when he slotted home from close range after Andujar flapped at Pogba's searching cross. Fabio Quagliarella almost doubled the lead, but Andujar parried well from the Italy striker. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Line-ups: Juventus-Catania Mar 10, 2013 Juventus hope to break away at the top of the table, but welcome the revelations of the Serie A season Catania. The Bianconeri have a six-point lead and aim to take advantage of Napoli’s tricky fixture away to Chievo. Click here for the match previews. Juve welcome back Nicolas Anelka and Paolo De Ceglie to the bench, though Martin Caceres, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe remain sidelined. Arturo Vidal is a big loss in midfield, as he sits out a one-match ban. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco return to the starting XI after they were rested for the 2-0 Champions League win over Celtic. Catania’s seven-match unbeaten run came crashing to a halt in dramatic circumstances last Sunday, as they threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Inter. Nicola Legrottaglie continues his two-match ban and therefore cannot face his former Juventus teammates, while Gonzalo Bergessio and Marco Capuano are injured. Giuseppe Bellusci returns from his suspension. Lucas Castro steps into the front line with Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez, hoping to hit Juve with their pace. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, De Ceglie, Peluso, Marrone, Padoin, Giaccherini, Isla, Quagliarella, Matri, Anelka CATANIA: Andujar; Alvarez, Spolli, Bellusci; Izco, Biagianti, Lodi, Almiron, Marchese; Castro, Gomez Catania bench:Frison, Terracciano, Potenza, Rolin, Sciacca, Augustyn, Ricchiuti, Keko, Barrientos, Salifu, Cani, Doukara http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Maran: 'Catania can upset Juve' Mar 9, 2013 Rolando Maran insists Catania “still believe in Europe” and can get a result against Juventus tomorrow afternoon. The Sicilians are still in the running for a Europa League spot despite last week’s 3-2 defeat to Inter, a game they had been comfortably leading 2-0. “We conceded two goals on the counter-attack and had allowed Inter nothing before then. We didn’t have the experience to put the game to bed,” said the Coach. “During the week we tried different systems and the alternatives are based on the players I will use. Pablo Barrientos and Adrian Ricchiuti are coming with us, but they are not fit to play tomorrow.” The Bianconeri won 1-0 at the Stadio Massimino earlier this season amid controversy, as Arturo Vidal’s goal was offside and Catania had a valid strike disallowed. “Juventus do not have weak points and are very humble in their attitude, especially when tracking back. At this moment they are in great shape. We must do well to avoid giving them reference points. Andrea Pirlo is the engine of the side and we will have to keep a particular eye on him. “We cannot be timorous, as we need to play well into space. We worked well during the week and have confidence that we can bring home an excellent result. “We still believe in Europe, but are aware our Scudetto is safety and we achieved it with 13 rounds to spare.” Catania squad for Juventus: 21 Andujar, 1 Frison, 29 Terracciano; 22 Alvarez, 18 Augustyn, 14 Bellusci, 12 Marchese, 2 Potenza, 5 Rolín, 3 Spolli; 4 Almiron, 28 Barrientos, 27 Biagianti, 19 Castro, 13 Izco, 10 Lodi, 24 Ricchiuti, 30 Salifu, 8 Sciacca; 32 Çani, 35 Doukara, 17 Gomez, 26 Keko http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Anelka back to face Catania Mar 9, 2013 Nicolas Anelka and Paolo De Ceglie are back in the Juventus squad against Catania, but Arturo Vidal misses out. Coach Antonio Conte has named his squad for the Sunday afternoon match in Turin. Anelka returns from a back problem and De Ceglie has recovered from his thigh strain, but Martin Caceres remains on the treatment table. Vidal sits out a one-match ban in midfield. Juventus squad for Catania: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 18 Anelka, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Juventus-Catania Preview: The Bianconeri closing in on second successive Scudetto Antonio Conte's men are firmly in control of Serie A having secured a precious point at Napoli last week, and will be targeting three points when the Sicilians come to town. Mar 9, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah Vucinic, Giovinco CATANIA Andujar Bellusci, Spolli, Rolin, Alvarez, Izco, Lodi, Almiron, Marchese, Castro, Gomez Juventus return to domestic league action against Catania after booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League following a comfortable 2-0 victory (5-0 agg) over Celtic. The Bianconeri will be able to field a pretty much full-strength team against the Sicilians with the exception of Arturo Vidal, who is suspended following his booking last week against Napoli, meaning Paul Pogba will continue in midfield. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco are likely to return the starting XI, even though Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri played against the Hoops. However, Conte will be without Martin Caceres, Paolo De Ceglie, Nicolas Anelka, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner. Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, De Ceglie and Matri are one booking away from a suspension. Meanwhile, for the visitors, Rolando Maran takes his eight-placed side to Juventus Stadium on the back of a 3-2 defeat to Inter. Defender Ciro Capuano, midfielder Pablo Barrientos and striker Gonzalo Bergessio are unavailable. Centre-back Nicola Legrottaglie is suspended. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus have only been beaten at home twice in 14 league encounters this season. Inter and Sampdoria are the two sides to take full points off them. • The Bianconeri have lost one of the last 20 games against the Sicilians, in Turin in December 2009. Mariano Izco scored the winner in a 2-1 victory. • Antonio Conte's men are undefeated in their last seven matches against the visitors. • Catania, who are in contention for a European spot, have a very strong home record but they have recorded just three times on the road. • Gonzalo Bergessio, who is the club's top scorer in Serie A this season with eight goals, has been ruled out of the clash. Alejandro Gomez (5) will have the goalscoring burden on him. • The Sicilians were beaten 1-0 the last time these two sides met, but the match was not without its controversy, with Catania aggrieved to have a legitimate goal ruled out for offside. Arturo Vidal went on to secure the three points from the penalty spot. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Oct 28, 2012 - Catania 0 - Juventus 1 Serie A ‎- Feb 18, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Catania 1 Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2011 - Catania 1 - Juventus 1 Serie A ‎- Apr 23, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Catania 2 Last Four Matches Juventus Mar 6, 2013 - Juventus 2 - Celtic 0 - UCL Mar 1, 2013 - SSC Napoli 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Feb 24, 2013 - Juventus 3 - Siena 0 - Serie A Feb 16, 2013 - Roma 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Catania Mar 3, 2013 - Catania 2 - FC Internazionale 3 - Serie A Feb 24, 2013 - Parma 1 - Catania 2 - Serie A Feb 17, 2013 - Catania 1 - Bologna 0 - Serie A Feb 10, 2013 - Atalanta 0 - Catania 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Mirko Vučinić Was given a rest midweek as Juventus comfortably saw off Celtic to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, so will be fresh and raring to go here. Not only is he strong and technically better to most who share the same turf as him, but the Montenegrin also has the ability to bring others around him into play, which largely goes unnoticed. A key component of the Juventus attacking line and will cause a few problems against the Catania defence. Alejandro Gómez With Gonzalo Bergessio ruled out for this match the onus is on diminutive Argentine attacker to find the back of the net. A tricky winger, whose direct running and pace will give Stephan Lichtsteiner something to think about. The Juventus defence will also have to be aware of his runs off the ball and his tendency to cut in from the left and fire a shot with his favoured right foot. Prediction Catania will still be reeling after they were robbed of at least a point when the sides met back earlier in the season, and this may gave them added incentive to nick something here, but if their form away from home is anything to go by and if the Bianconeri can continue their strong form at Juventus Stadium, then all signs point to a comfortable win for Conte's men. Editor's Prediction Juventus 2 - 0 Catania http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Raiola promises that Pogba will not leave Juventus The influential agent has quashed talk that the French midfielder is heading for an exit from the Serie A side, adding that the former Manchester United player is settled in Turin. Mar 9, 2013 Agent Mino Raiola has dismissed rumours that Juventus teenager Paul Pogba is set for an imminent summer departure, amidst purported interest from some of Europe's top sides. The 19-year-old's performances have won him admirers following his summer switch from Manchester United, but Raiola claims that his client is focused on staying in Turin. "I was at Juventus the other day, but it was not to discuss any matters relating to Pogba," the Italian told Tuttosport. "He has found the right coach and environment there. Pogba will remain and you have my word, just as I have promised my son he will not leave. "If the club wants to keep hold of him, then I will not be pushing him to leave. He is happy at Juventus." Raiola has been critical of the Bianconeri in recent years, but admitted that his relationship with the club has improved following the appointment of his former client Pavel Nedved as a director. "Nedved's presence has increased the reciprocal respect and understanding which I now share with their directors," he said. "I've now brought two phenomenal youngsters to the club, as Ouasim Bouy is every bit as talented as Pogba is. "He had already earned a starting spot on loan at Brescia. He's recovering from injury now, and I can see his future in Turin too." The young Ajax academy graduate joined Antonio Conte's side in 2012.

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Conte: Dropping points could be lethal for Juve The successful coach has insisted that the Old Lady must remain focused, and has set his sights on victory against Catania on Sunday. Mar 9, 2013 Antonio Conte has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to drop any points in the race for the Serie A title with Napoli and AC Milan ready to take advantage of any slip-ups. The Bianconeri currently hold a comfortable six-point lead over second-placed Napoli, but the former Siena boss has made it clear that they cannot afford to lose focus ahead of Sunday's match versus Catania. "All the games we play from now until the end of the season will represent finals as far as we’re concerned, dropping points could be lethal," he said at a press conference. "Catania are doing extremely well this year. It’s an extremely tough game that needs to be faced with the right attitude, attention and determination. "We’ll also need our supporters to urge us on. I hope to see a full house at Juventus Stadium to celebrate our qualification to the [Champions League] quarter-finals and, hopefully, witness a great performance and victory." Sunday's match in Turin is scheduled to kick off at 15:00CET. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Peró ha portato bene. Bravo Gió!

Antonio Conte protagonista!

Quagliarella quasi il secondo.

EMANUELE GIACCHERINI 1-0

GOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!

Lo riprendiamo?

Sono appena arrivato .... il Napoli perde 0-2 con il Chievo! E noi non ne aprrofittiamo.

Serie A - 9^ Giornata - Ritorno - 10-3-2012 (ore 15:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Antonio Giannoccaro Confronti ufficiali 32 - 29 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 17 - 15 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 10 - 9 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Catania 5 - 5 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 59 - 53 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) Goals Catania 31 - 30 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Catania - Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 14 Vittorie Juventus 8 (L'ultima il 18.02.2012, 3-1) Pareggi 4 (L'ultimo il 23.04.2011, 2-2) Vittorie Catania 2 (L'ultima il 20.12.2009, 1-2) Goals Juventus 30 Goals Catania 13 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Catania a Torino 6 presenze Leoncini Gianfranco 5 Anzolin Roberto 5 Sarti Benito 5 Sivori Omar Enrique 4 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Marchisio Claudio 4 Salvadore Sandro 3 Buffon Gianluigi 3 Castano Ernesto 3 Chiellini Giorgio 3 goals Bettega Roberto 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Menichelli Giampaolo 2 Nicolè Bruno 2 Scirea Gaetano 2 Stacchini Gino 1 Amauri Carvalho de Oliveira 1 Bercellino II Silvino 1 Boniperti Giampiero 1 Bronée Helge Christian Ultimi confronti diretti 14.01.2009 Coppa Italia Juventus-Catania 3-0 08.02.2009 Serie A Catania-Juventus 1-2 20.12.2009 Serie A Juventus-Catania 1-2 02.05.2010 Serie A Catania-Juventus 1-1 05.12.2010 Serie A Catania-Juventus 1-3 13.01.2011 Coppa Italia Juventus-Catania 2-0 23.04.2011 Serie A Juventus-Catania 2-2 25.09.2011 Serie A Catania-Juventus 1-1 18.02.2012 Serie A Juventus-Catania 3-1 28.10.2012 Serie A Catania-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Catania 1 - Goals Juventus 19 - Goals Catania 9

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Conte: 'I'm committed to Juve' Mar 9, 2013 Antonio Conte believes the Scudetto race is still very open, that tomorrow they’ll face “Real Catania” and assures he is staying with Juventus despite foreign interest. The Coach sat down for his Press conference this morning and was not resting on his laurels. Click here for a Juventus-Catania match preview. “The Serie A race is still very open. The fact we and hopefully also Milan are in the Champions League quarter-finals can further encourage those chasing us in Serie A. Many of them deep down believe in a comeback,” said Conte. “Now Milan are eight points behind us, though we still have to play this weekend and there is the head-to-head still to come. “Last season when everyone said we had an advantage in not playing in Europe, I replied I’d have preferred to be tired if it meant being in the Champions League. It’s true cup competitions take away precious energy, but they increase confidence, belief and awareness of our own capabilities. “Tomorrow we are taking on ‘Real Catania.’ We’ve got to face this game with the right attitude, because they are the revelation of the season. I hope the stadium will be packed to cheer us on and also celebrate our passage into the Champions League quarter-finals. “Dropping points at this stage of the season could be lethal, so we have to be on our game.” Conte has been repeatedly linked with some of the biggest jobs in European football, such as Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG. “There is absolutely no chance of me leaving Juventus at the end of the season,” he declared. “It’s very pleasing to hear big European clubs appreciate you, but the praise is there for the players and Juventus overall. “This means we are all working well together and should be proud. I am very much in sync with the President, directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici. As long as this harmony exists, there will be no problem. “Do I feel ready for a big European club? I am already at a big European club,” he replied to journalists. “We have just started this journey that is proceeding in stages, understanding the huge economic difficulties in Italy at the moment. “Last year the President had faith in a Coach who had only earned two promotions from Serie B. I will always be grateful to him for that. We need to keep our feet on the ground, as the more I hear media talk of winning the Champions League and dominating the Scudetto race, I ask how long has it been since Juve finished seventh for two years in a row? “We do not have huge economic resources, so our growth will be slower and there’s no point talking about objectives that are beyond our reach. In Europe, the economic gap with the bigger clubs is insurmountable. “I just hope the enthusiasm of last year doesn’t dissipate quickly, as people must not forget the extraordinary work. If success is considered routine, then it’s a big problem and would change many things.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 28 - 10-3-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro Catania will cause Juventus problems, says Padoin The former Atalanta man has insisted that this weekend's clash should be taken seriously as the Etnei will pose a stern test. Mar 8, 2013 Juventus midfielder Simone Padoin is eagerly anticipating Sunday's Serie A match at home against Catania and has warned that the Old Lady cannot afford to take the Sicilians lightly. Catania came close to beating Inter last weekend as they went two goals up before eventually losing 3-2, and Padoin believes they could cause Juve problems as well. "They’re the revelation of the season. Last Sunday, they were beating Inter comfortably before a lapse in concentration cost them victory," Padoin told Juventus Channel. "We also witnessed how good they are during the reverse fixture, it’s a compact and tightly-knit unit. They will cause us problems and it’ll be a tough match." The midfielder also briefly discussed the upcoming Champions League draw, and stated that he would not mind meeting Real Madrid in the next round. "Now we’ll see who we get in the next round. Real Madrid are the strongest team left in the competition, but it would be amazing to play against them." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Ottavi di finale - Ritorno - 6-3-2013 (ore 20:45) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Firay Aydinus (Turchia) Spettatori: 39011 Champions League - Juventus ai quarti con Matri e Quagliarella Dopo il 3-0 della gara d'andata, la formazione di Conte batte 2-0 il Celtic Glasgow e torna ai quarti di finale di Champions League 7 anni dopo l'ultima volta: era la stagione 2005-2006. Di Matri (2 gol in Champions, entrambi contro il Celtic) e Quagliarella (12 reti complessive in Europa) i gol che decidono l'incontro. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 6 marzo 2013 Nessuna sorpresa allo Juventus Stadium, nessun black-out improvviso per la squadra di Conte. Dopo il 3-0 del Celtic Park, i bianconeri superano gli scozzesi di Lennon anche davanti al loro pubblico e accedono ai quarti di finale di Champions League sette anni dopo l’ultima volta: era la stagione 2005-2006. Il finale vede la Juventus vincere 2-0 (5-0 se sommiamo il 3-0 dell’andata) grazie alle reti di Matri (due gol in Champions, entrambi al Celtic) e Quagliarella, al 4° centro in questa edizione, alla rete numero 12 in Europa, su 17 presenze totali. DIFFIDATI A RIPOSO: QUAGLIARELLA CON MATRI - Conte preferisce non rischiare i diffidati Marchisio e Licthsteiner e li manda in tribuna: al loro posto Pogba e Padoin. Vidal invece gioca, ma il cileno sarà squalificato in campionato e il tecnico della Juve non vuole che lui perda il ritmo partita. Chiellini, che va in panchina per semplice turnover, regala a Marrone la prima presenza in Europa della carriera. Davanti spazio a Quagliarella e Matri. Nel Celtic non ci sono gli infortunati Brown (anca) e Lustig (coscia): Wanyama, il fratello di Mariga, gioca in difesa, mentre torna titolare Samaras, assente all’andata, che agisce alle spalle di Hooper. COME ALL’ANDATA: MATRI - Il Celtic prova a fare la partita in avvio, ma la sensazione è che al primo errore degli scozzesi la Juventus potrebbe punire la formazione di Lennon. Che al 21esimo va però vicino al gol che riaprirebbe clamorosamente il discorso qualificazione: il sinistro di Ledley dal limite dell’area accarezza l’incrocio dei pali e termina alto sopra la traversa. Buffon non ci sarebbe mai arrivato. Passano tre minuti e la Juventus, che aspetta e riparte senza fretta, va in vantaggio. Break portato da Barzagli, che anticipa nettamente Commons e poi serve nello spazio Quagliarella: sul sinistro dell’attaccante campano Forster risponde bene, ma corto. Il tap-in di Matri non perdona e la Juventus trova il gol dell’1-0 senza nemmeno faticare. Il Celtic non si abbatte e spaventa Buffon con Hoopper, bravo e fortunato a deviare una conclusione insidiosa da fuori di Commons: il capitano della Juventus si esalta e manda in angolo con un riflesso da campione. Nel finale la squadre di Conte si schiaccia un po’ troppo e gli scozzesi sfiorano il pareggio con Samaras e Kayal; poi è Vidal a impegnare da fuori area Forster con un sinistro velenoso dai 25 metri. QUAGLIARELLA CHIUDE I GIOCHI - Il Celtic torna in campo con Ambrose, disastroso all’andata, al posto di Wanyama, ma è la Juve a sfiorare il raddoppio con Quagliarella, il cui sinistro da dentro l’area è ben respinto da Forster. Gli scozzesi, che al 52esimo perdono per infortunio Matthews (al suo posto dentro Forrest), fanno venire i brividi a Buffon con Ambrose, ma il colpo di testa del difensore centrale non inquadra la porta. La partita, perché la qualificazione era già cosa fatta dopo la gara andata, viene definitivamente chiusa al 65esimo grazie al quarto gol in questa edizione della Champions League. Tutto nasce da un lancio illuminante di Pirlo per Vidal che sbuca alle spalle di Izaguirre e poi serve a Quagliarella un pallone solo da spingere in rete. Conte a questo punto richiama sia Vidal sia Pirlo, dentro al loro posto Isla e Giaccherini: la gara è ormai in archivio e, a parte alcuni contropiedi bianconeri e a un paio di conclusioni da fuori degli scozzesi, non succede più nulla. La Juve, che non perde in Europa da tre anni (l’ultima volta nel 2010, nel ritorno degli ottavi di Europa League contro il Fulham), vola ai quarti di finale di Champions League: e adesso comincia a far paura. Andrea Tabacco.

Juventus want to avoid Bayern, says Lichtsteiner The Turin giants booked their ticket for the Champions League last eight by beating Celtic and the Swiss would rather not meet the Bundesliga leaders in the next round. Mar 8, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner hopes that Juventus will not be paired with Bayern Munich in Friday's draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The Bavarians recorded a 3-1 win in the first leg of their round of 16 tie against Arsenal, and the 29-year-old has little doubt they will progress to the next round when they host the Gunners on Wednesday. "Who to avoid? I’d say Bayern," the Switzerland international told Sky Sport Italia. "They’re extremely strong and, after the two finals lost in recent years, they’ll be hungry for revenge. "We’ll now be facing the top sides and we’ll see how far we’re able to go. Of course it’s difficult, but we’re ready and can give it a go against anyone. "We’ll need a bit of luck, but we've got our style of play going for us. Conte has made the difference, returning us to the top first in Italy and then in Europe." Juventus are currently preparing for the Serie A match against Catania.

Platini: 'Juve can win Champions League' Mar 8, 2013 UEFA President Michel Platini admits he would “like to hand the Champions League trophy to Juventus” and believes Milan can knock Barcelona out. The former Juve star spoke to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and cast his eye over the current competition. “Who will win the Champions League? If I say that I’d like to hand the trophy to Juventus, then someone will get annoyed,” smiled Platini. “I saw two great German teams, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. I include Juve in the list of potentials, as they are so strong and I love their national identity. At times they play with nine Italians, which is so rare nowadays. “L’Avvocato would’ve loved this team too, as he would not have enjoyed this sport with a thousand foreigners who come and go.” L’Avvocato is the nickname used for former Juve President Gianni Agnelli, who was at the helm during Platini’s Turin stay. “Can Juve win it? If Barcelona go out, then the Champions League is wide open,” continued the UEFA President. “It is not easy to come back from a 2-0 first leg defeat, even for Barcelona. That’s what makes football great, the fact Milan can sell Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva, have Mario Balotelli cup-tied and then beat Barcelona 2-0. “If you’re Chelsea with tons of money, you can still lose in the Europa League to Steaua Bucharest. If you are Manchester United then you can concede two goals in 10 minutes. Just having a man sent off does not justify it. “My Juve, Ajax and Bayern used to have three Finals in a row. Now every year it is different for the Champions League.”

Raiola: 'Pogba staying at Juve' Mar 9, 2013 Paul Pogba has been linked with Manchester City among others, but agent Mino Raiola assures “he has found the right environment at Juventus.” The teenage midfielder arrived on a free transfer in the summer when his contract with Manchester United expired. He has won over the fans, media and Coach Antonio Conte, but also a legion of overseas admirers. “I was at the Juventus HQ the other day, but I was not there to talk about Pogba,” agent Raiola told Tuttosport. “He has found the right Coach and the right environment at Juventus. He will remain here and you have my word on that because I promised my son that Pogba wouldn’t leave! “If Juventus want to keep hold of him, I certainly won’t be pushing for him to go. I repeat, he is happy at Juventus and there are no problems. “Pavel Nedved’s presence has certainly helped the reciprocal respect and understanding I now have with the Juve directors. “I brought two phenomenal players to Juventus, as I can guarantee Ousaim Buoy is every bit as talented as Pogba. “He had already earned a starting spot at Brescia, is now recovering from a nasty knee injury and I can see his future in Turin.”

Lichtsteiner wants to avoid Bayern Mar 8, 2013 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted that he would like to avoid Bayern Munich in the next round of the Champions League. The Bianconeri are through to the quarter-finals after beating Celtic 5-0 over two legs, whereas the German side currently hold a 3-1 lead over Arsenal in their last 16 clash. But the Switzerland international has conceded that he does not want to face Jupp Heynckes' men. “I would like to avoid Bayern Munich,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “They are a really tricky team who have a great desire to win. “With Antonio Conte in charge though, we can compete with anyone. He is the difference.”

Marchisio 'dreams' of winning CL Mar 8, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has revealed that Juventus are 'dreaming of the Champions League' after reaching the quarter-finals. The Bianconeri defeated Celtic 5-0 over two legs in the last 16, and are in the hat for the last eight alongside Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid so far. And the Italy international has conceded that his team are longing to lift the European Cup. “Last year we dreamed of winning the League,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “This season our dream is the Champions League. “We know it will not be easy, but we will give our all to win the League again and triumph in Europe. “We're having a great season, although some people have found room to criticise – but we are taking the right road. “Now we'll wait to see who we face in the next round.”