Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Lennon's men unable to break through glass ceiling CELTIC wore black in Turin and that turned out to be predictably appropriate for their Champions League burial. Mar 6, 2013 What had always looked like a deeply ominous second leg in the last 16 proved to be exactly that last night as Juventus put them out of their misery. A cold, clinical victory – coupled with the devastating first leg result at Parkhead – sent Celtic toppling to a 5-0 aggregate defeat, the heaviest they have ever suffered in Europe. The pain will be eased only a little by recognition of the fact they had been snuffed out by the most impressive opposition they have faced this season. Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella scored to extend Celtic's sequence to nine visits to Italy without a win. Any comfort for Celtic had to be drawn from the fact they generally competed well and were not humiliated. Still, Juventus won without going through the gears, playing neither their best striker, Mirko Vucinic, nor their strongest defender, Giorgio Chiellini. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had an undemanding evening and Andrea Pirlo produced a display of quiet excellence. Juventus were superior in every department and the joy Celtic had from free-kicks earlier in the campaign – including against Barcelona – was entirely absent against the Italians' defending. The last 16 remains the glass ceiling for the Scottish champions. Celtic can deliver thrilling individual results in the group stage – beating Barcelona proved that – and qualifying for the knock-out round is clearly a realistic annual target. There is an unmistakable step up in class when the tournament enters a new year, though, and inevitably Celtic do not have the resources to cope with opposition as classy as the Serie A leaders. Juventus are unbeaten in home European games for over three years. Celtic never threatened that run. Efe Ambrose did little to help the cause when he was disciplined yesterday for missing the team bus to training on the morning of the match. Instead he made his own way there in a taxi. Ambrose had a horrendous first leg and was little better last night, missing a fine chance with a header after he came on at half-time. Celtic endured a long, hard night but it was not one of those when they were starved of possession. They had plenty of the ball, plenty of it in the Juventus half, too. Biram Kayal, Charlie Mulgrew and Joe Ledley moved and shuttled and fed each other and when they could they got the ball forward to Kris Commons. But that's when Celtic hit a wall of black and white. Lennon had been as positive as could realistically have been expected given the circumstances and had Gary Hooper and Georgios Samaras up front, but neither of them made a mark on the match. Juventus's back three of Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone and Leonardo Bonucci were too strong and too quick for them. With Federico Peluso and Simone Padoin ferrying back from the wing-back roles to offer even more protection Celtic faced an impenetrable line. They opened Juventus up only once in each half. There was the Ambrose header, and earlier when Samaras put on a burst down the left and flashed the ball across the goalmouth. Hooper launched himself to connect with it but it was struck too hard and flew past him and away. Anything else amounted to half-chances. Buffon was required to make only one sharp save when Hooper's deflection changed the course of a low Commons shot, but the great Italian's reactions were a match for it. Juventus always looked comfortable and composed. They don't have the joint best defensive record in the Champions League without good reason. They were content to mount periodic counter-attacks and scored with one of their first. Hooper had dropped deep – presumably already frustrated by his lack of involvement in the early play – but he was muscled out of possession by Barzagli and suddenly Juventus were in. Barzagli slipped a pass to Quagliarella and his low shot was parried by Fraser Forster but only into the path of the unmarked Alessandro Matri who rammed home an easy finish. Forster, so often excellent in the campaign and important again with some other big saves here, was at fault for the goal. He saved well from Arturo Vidal and was equally impressive in pushing away a Quagliarella shot just after the break. By then Celtic were facing the same strikers with a different defence. Kelvin Wilson and Victor Wanyama had been the central pairing until half-time but Wanyama was replaced by Ambrose, who then moved to right-back when Adam Matthews pulled a hamstring. It takes organisation and order to cope with Juventus and Lennon would have been anxious about having to reshuffle his pack. There was no great urgency from Juventus but, still, they opened Celtic up again midway through the second half. Pirlo floated a ball over Izaguirre for Matri, and suddenly Celtic were horribly exposed. He squared the ball into the goalmouth where Quagliarella scored with a tap-in. There were no complaints from Celtic this time. The refereeing was not the factor it had been at Parkhead. Firat Aydinuas was unobtrusive. The Turk booked Peluso for an early foul on Matthews which was so mild it amounted to a kiss on the cheek compared to some of what was inflicted on the Celtic players in the first leg. Izaguire and Ledley were also booked but otherwise it was uneventful. Juventus's wonderful new stadium pulsated, both sets of fans loud and colourful. Only out on the pitch did Celtic go quietly.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Routine Juve Finish Scottish Job Bianconeri leave the possession to Celtic, take home a clean sheet, all the goals, and the victory (again). Mar 6, 2013 POST-GAME REFLECTION We surely made that round look easy. 2 Games against the fiery Scots, 5 goals, 0 conceded, plenty of possession surrendered but a lot of clinical movement and scoring as well. It doesn't necessarily sound like the possession-heavy, dominant Juventus we've come to know in the Serie A over the last 2 years, does it? Then again, who cares? When we needed to get the job done, we did it. We scored early in the first game, then defended well and killed it all off with two late goals. Then we scored early in the second game, defended well and wrapped it up with a second one for good measure. You all saw Danny's stat (well, Somnath's stat that both Danny and Somnath got wrong) - it has now been 5 games and some 500 minutes in which Juve has not conceded a goal. If there has been one constant throughout this Champions League campaign and one that connects this team with all the great Juventus squads of recent times, it is that rock-solid defense. And on this rock I shall build my church. I'd hate to repeat myself from my first Celtic game review, but we really did play a much inferior opponent in this round. The Scots were physically intimidating, but technically poor and offensively toothless. Game 2 today was an obligation as soon as the first goal was scored. There was very little to break down tactically or mentally. Let's just look at them sexy player ratings and start thinking about Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Or if we're lucky, Schalke. LE PAGELLE Buffon: 7 - Made a great reaction save to keep away a deflected shot and routinely handled anything thrown at him by the toothless Scots. While he's always playing on a high level, he seems to up his focus and intensity a smidge in the Champions League. He must want to win that trophy baaad. Leader. Barzagli: 7.5 - The high-up-the-field pressure and then set up for Quagliarella which led to the first goal was very impressive, but Barzagli had a very good game for the rest of the 90 minutes as well. Really stood out in defense. Many of you chose him as your man of match and I can't blame you. Marrone: 7 - Very positive showing for the youngster. Got another full 90 in the Champions League - who knew Conte would be so trusty in some of our young prospects this late in the season. Both him, Pogba, and Peluso fully deserve their playing time, it would be great to see Marrone develop further this season as there may be more opportunities for him to come. He looks very calm and collected in the center of midfield, not something I can say for the times he's played in Pirlo's role this season. Bonucci: 7 - Solid overall, did his job as he usually does. Padoin: 6.5 - Nothing special from the "journeyman" whose preferred position on the pitch I still don't know. He plays whenever, wherever Conte doesn't have a proper replacement. And he always does just an enough decent job not to be included in Molinaro land. He tried pushing but lacked the skill to threaten when he had the ball. He provided width, I guess. Always ran a lot in defense, though he didn't do anything noteworthy. I think this is the most anyone has ever written on Padoin. I'll stop now. Pirlo: 7 - Was offly static and sloppy in the first half, and then that pass came to Vidal for the second goal and we were all like "yeah, that's Pirlo everybody. That's why he is still one of the best." Not one of his best games, but he did his job in the second half and then got the rest he deserved. Pogba: 7 - He's clearly learned when to be more physical and when to protect the ball better. His runs late in the game were refreshing as well. Didn't take many outside shots which I always feel can do more. Vidal: 7.5 - Every Juve fan was scared Arturo will get another yellow (as he usually does every game) and be suspended for the first leg of the quarter final. What we actually saw from the King, however, was a very composed, controlled performance in which he defended very well, moved around quite a bit and broke the monotony around Pirlo and the defense, then helped heavily in attack setting up Quagliarella for the tap in and having a couple opportunities to score himself. My man of match on the day. Peluso: 6 - Tough game for the newcomer who certainly doesn't ever think things twice. He does what he wants, when he wants. I have a weird respect for him for doing that. He had a bad start to the game today and never really recovered. Was beat on several occasions and in turn couldn't put pressure on Celtic's defense down the left. One to forget and move on for Peluso. Quagliarella: 7.5 - Ladies and gentlemen, Juventus' top scorer in the Champions League this year as it stands right now. 4 goals so far, this one mostly created by Pirlo and Vidal but nonetheless, Quagliarella had a good game and worked hard to be dangerous throughout the full 90 minutes. Matri said in the post match interview that Quagliarella brings him luck, so I guess that's a skill as well. Fabio didn't blow anyone away today, but he put in a stellar game and scored for good measure. All we can ask of him, really. Matri: 7.5 - Another game, another goal for Matri. I'm loving it. In typical fashion, his tap-in off a rebound settled any remaining nerves among the team and fans and truly put the tie away early in the first half. He seems to like playing with Quagliarella, even though I think he's better when playing with Vucinic. Was always ready to be a danger to Celtic's defense. Subs: Asamoah: sv Isla: sv Giaccherini: sv Conte: 7.5 - Even with Marrone, Peluso, Padoin, Pogba, Matri, and Quagliarella all starting, the team kept its structure and did the job that was asked of them. Credit to Conte who was not only constantly snipping at them from the sideline, but also prepared the team well for each game. An even bigger test awaits him in the quarter finals. Should be fun. THINGS I THINK I THINK Statistics are great, but I'm keeping my feet on the ground - Best defense in the Champions League, second best scoring record, undefeated, 5 games and 495 minutes without conceding a goal. One of top 8 teams in Europe. Sounds pretty impressive and you can't argue with the numbers. Juventus' progress is evident. But that's all that is for now - progress. We haven't really achieved anything yet, and there are still more than half the teams remaining who are definitely better teams than us. Can we take them in a two-leg round? Of course, we can play against anyone and anything can happen in this beautiful game. But realistically, any team not as toothless as Celtic would've given us a lot more trouble in the round of 16. One thing we can be sure of - against any team we play we will be well prepared and organized defensively. I don't think we'll be able to continue our trend of clinical scoring and clean sheets much longer, and I certainly don't have any illusions that we are now one of the favorites to win the Champions League. I'm keeping my feet on the ground with one certainty in mind - whomever we draw on March 15 better not take us for granted - this Juve team is strong and it fights. And in the great competition that is the Champions League, only the strong survive. FINO ALLA FINE, FORZA JUVENTUS!

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Juventus 2-0 Celtic: Bye-bye to the Bhoys Mar 6, 2013 The build-up to this match did not suggest Juventus would have any troubles seeing off Celtic to advance to the quarter finals of the Champions League – and it soon proved that even the most sceptic and nervous of Juve fans had little to fear from this game. While Celtic looked determined from the get-go, the patient game-plan from the first leg in Glasgow was maintained by Conte, and by the time Matri scored the opener to put the Bianconeri up 4-0 on aggregate, the tie was definitively dead and buried. MATCH ANALYSIS by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen The game started with a bit of nerves, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba both making a few sloppy passes eagerly intercepted by a Celtic side that was clearly in Turin to restore some of the pride that was lost in the first leg at Parkhead. Much like in that first leg, though, the Bhoys were full of energy, while Conte’s men sat back and broke down the opposition before any real danger came of it. The first 20 minutes ticked away with Celtic the more aggressive side but with little to show for it in terms of scoring opportunities. At the other end, Juve didn’t do much either; a semi-scoffed shot from very long range by Fabio Quagliarella and some trickery from Pogba leading to naught being the only incidents of note. And then it happened. Andrea Barzagli (the man, the hero, the legend) snatched the ball from Hooper, played it on to Quagliarella, whose shot Celtic ‘keeper Forster was only able to parry straight into the path of Alessandro Matri, the striker duly converting the easiest of tap-ins. While the Glaswegians were disheartened by that final nail in their CL coffin, Gianluigi Buffon still had to come up with a miraculous save minutes later, as a shot from Kris Commons took a wicked deflection, prompting a sensational reaction from the Juve no. 1. Vidal skied a shot after being played into a promising position from Quagliarella, while Samaras, one of few Celtic players to look something of a threat on the night, almost set up Hooper for a tap-in, but the ball went wide of the far post. Arturo Vidal had another good opportunity to shoot in the 43rd minute, but his effort was rather weak. The first half finished with a Celtic corner amounting to nothing, and the visitors went to get their tea and oranges (or whatever it is one really enjoys at half time these days) having put in a great deal of work to little avail. Juventus, on the other hand, could be pleased with having given another exhibition of very solid defending, taking the opportunity when it arrived. After the break, the Bianconeri seemed very much on top, and while the Scots still had their fair share of possession, they were closed down long before danger materialised, not least thanks to Andrea Barzagli who seemed to be always in the right position to stifle any threat. In the 58th minute, Federico Peluso (who had controlled the left flank authoritatively until then) made way for Asamoah in a like-for-like substitution. Meanwhile, Matri and Quagliarella looked very bright up top and did very well both linking up and creating opportunities for each other. Fabio Quagliarella eventually got his goal too, as a glorious Pirlo ball found Arturo Vidal running in behind the Celtic defence, the Chilean coolly squaring it for Quags to put it in the empty net. That was to be Vidal’s final contribution, as he was subbed off for Mauricio Isla immediately after that play. Soon after, Andrea Pirlo made way for Giaccherini so as to allow the former a bit of a rest too. Very rarely does Conte keep his front duo intact during 90 minutes, which speaks volumes of both the excellent play of Quagliarella and Matri and the priorities of Conte in a tie that was all but over. Indeed the last 20 minutes were reminiscent of a summer friendly with Celtic half-heartedly seeking some redemption trying to at least get a goal, while Conte’s men stood firm and made sure not to risk anything, happy to keep yet another clean sheet – the fifth consecutive in this competition! The Scottish fans, however, deserve a mention for their continued chanting and cheering of their heroes even at 5-0 down, keeping the atmosphere glowing even as a fair few Juventus tifosi saved their energy for the celebration at the full time whistle. When it came, the Juventus Stadium erupted as Paolo Belli’s club anthem once again provided the soundtrack to a great result for the Bianconeri, marking their deserved progression to the last eight of Europe’s finest club competition for the first time in seven years. LE PAGELLE by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen Buffon 7.0 - While San Gigi was not too troubled on the night, his save on that that deflected shot in the first half goes to show how important the current Captain is to this team. Had a bit of a scare late on from a long-range shot that ricocheted off his chest, but was, on the whole, impeccable. Barzagli 8.5- This was not the most difficult of games, but Big Andrea simply oozes class and coolness. I have made my feelings for this man clear on many occasions, and tonight was perhaps the perfect example of why I hold him in such high esteem. A perfect performance in defence, enhanced further by his part in the first goal. Immense. My Man of the Match. Marrone 6.5 - Had a good game along with the rest of the defence, an important game for the youngster to get under his belt, as ever repaying the trust shown towards him by Conte. Bonucci 6.5 - A very solid performance from Leo, as we have come to expect. Did what was needed, nothing more, nothing less. Padoin 6.0 - Did well on the right flank without being overly impressive. The Padoin is the Padoin is the Padoin. Vidal 6.5 - A mixed bag from the Chilean. While he battled on as usual, a few passes and finishes were lacking in quality. Did very well to assist Quagliarella for the second goal. Possibly a bit worried about the yellow card he was carrying. Isla S.V - Came on as the game petered out, getting some playing time in his legs, held his own without being noteworthy. Pirlo 6.5 - The Maestro played well as usual, perhaps deserving a higher rating, but we’ll save that for more crucial encounters in order to keep Andrea on his toes (and off the wine!) in the meantime, we stroke our collective beards in appreciation of that absolutely gorgeous ball for Vidal in the build-up to the second goal… Giaccherini S.V - See Isla above. Pogba 7.0 - Did very well distributing in midfield as well as tracking back when necessary. To paraphrase a legendary Danish commentator (on Laudrup at the same age) “he is merely 19 years old, but he already plays like a tested and proven giant of the game”. Peluso 6.0 - Definitely improved from his first, shaky outing against Sampdoria back in January (cursed be its name!), but still very much a mixed pleasure. Did well on numerous occasions at both ends, but needs to improve his passing and positioning at times. Minus .5 for receiving a very silly yellow card early on in a bid to prove Neil Lennon’s delusions right. Asamoah S.V. - See Isla and Giaccherini above. Matri 7.0 - Very encouraging display by the resurging striker, linked up well with Quagliarella and the midfield, his goal only underlining what he is capable of when on song. Long may it last! Quagliarella 7.0 - Much like Matri, he did exactly what he was supposed to in this game, both contributing to play and being in the right position at the right time. If only our strikers clicked like that in the league… Conte 9.0 - It was great to see Conte keep his cool and let Celtic do much the same job as they did in Glasgow; press forward with little actual threat. The Mister nailed these two games, letting Celtic tire themselves out, as well as managing the squad with a view to the remainder of the season. Went about this tie exactly as he should, and in the process perhaps even confused a few potential opposition coaches by applying this hitherto unseen pragmatism. ANALYSIS WRAP-UP by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen While the figures speak for themselves, Celtic was more of a tricky draw than met the eye. The fact that the Scots were dispatched of with such relative ease is indicative of Conte and the team’s ability to adapt to European competition in an emphatic fashion, a feat e.g. Borussia Dortmund needed two attempts to achieve – and one that Manchester City have not yet reached, just to put things into a bit of perspective. Conte’s new-found pragmatism and matter-of-fact way of dealing with the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams bodes very well for Juve’s future chances in this competition, as does the clinical finishing that has otherwise been lacking, but seems to appear when most needed. All is possible for this team, and while further advancement in this tournament will depend heavily on the draw for the quarterfinals, only a fool would look to Juventus as a dream opponent… The stats speak for themselves, both defensively and offensively (do look them up, I promise it is a treat!), but the crucial element is that Conte has this team believing that through work, work, work and that touch of brilliance, the sky is the limit. If there is such a thing at all! Senza di te non andremo lontano, ANTONIO CONTE IL NOSTRO CAPITANO!

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011 Juve complete Celtic job Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella secured a 2-0 victory over Celtic to send Juventus into the Champions League quarter-finals. Mar 6, 2013 The Bianconeri had a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow, so rested players such as Claudio Marchisio, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Mirko Vucinic. Luca Marrone had his debut Champions League start. Giorgios Samaras and Charlie Mulgrew were available again for the Hoops. The weather in Turin was awfully familiar for the 3,000 travelling Scottish fans, as it had been raining heavily all day. The Celtic all-black strip was also familiar, as it resembled Juve’s away kit. A classy Paul Pogba ‘Cruyff turn’ set up Fabio Quagliarella, but the striker was not quick enough and Fraser Forster was able to smother at his feet. Both Quagliarella and Joe Ledley unleashed screamers from distance that went wide, though the Celtic man was considerably closer to the top corner. It was Juventus who took the lead with Alessandro Matri and a real poacher’s goal. Andrea Barzagli was responsible for much of it, as he robbed a distracted Gary Hooper in midfield, set up Quagliarella for a shot between Kelvin Wilson’s legs, beaten away by Forster into the path of Matri. Gigi Buffon needed a sensational one-handed save on the line when Kris Commons’ shot was deflected by Hooper, but the goalkeeper somehow readjusted his position to palm it upwards. Arturo Vidal threatened to make it 2-0 on the counter, but leaned back to fire over the bar from the D. Samaras had a great chance when he got down the left past Federico Peluso and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but Hooper came sliding in a fraction of a second too late to make contact. Vidal went on the counter, his shot too weak and central to beat Forster. Victor Wanyama made way for Efe Ambrose after the break, having put in a disastrous performance in the first leg. Quagliarella forced Forster into a save after Pogba took advantage of Mulgrew’s error, but Adam Matthews was stretchered off with a hamstring problem. Ambrose wasted a golden opportunity, nodding a free header into the ground and over from a corner. Juventus proved again they were considerably more clinical in their finishing and doubled their lead. Vidal sprung the offside trap from an Andrea Pirlo pass over the top and drew out Forster, rolling across for the totally unmarked Quagliarella to tap in from six yards. Samaras blasted over from distance and Buffon beat away a Baram Kayal attempt, but this was Juve’s fifth consecutive Champions League victory in which they scored 13 and conceded none. Juventus 2-0 Celtic (5-0 on agg) Scorers: Matri 24 (J), Quagliarella 65 (J) JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Padoin, Vidal (Isla 66), Pirlo (Giaccherini 69), Pogba, Peluso (Asamoah 59); Matri, Quagliarella CELTIC: Forster; Matthews (Forrest 53), Wilson, Wanyama (Ambrose 46), Izaguirre; Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons (Nouioui 73), Hooper Ref: Aydinus (TUR)

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 2 - 0 CELTIC Alessandro Matri (24′) Fabio Quagliarella (65′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Attendance: 39011‎ Matri & Quagliarella ease Italian giants into last eight Antonio Conte's men displayed their European pedigree with a perfectly-executed victory over the Bhoys. Mar 6, 2013 Juventus cruised into the quarter-finals of the Uefa Champions League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Celtic at Juventus Stadium. With a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, Antonio Conte's men proved devastating on the counterattack as goals from Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella either side of the break ensured their progression to the next round. Given their lead from the first leg, a Juve side with five changes from last Friday's Serie A draw with Napoli predictably showed minimal urgency during the early exchanges and were content to draw Celtic forward and look to hit them on the counterattack. Joe Ledley attempted to give the SPL leaders some direction from midfield, but it was not until the 21st minute that they looked liked breaking through a defence that had conceded just four times in their seven previous European matches this season. The Wales midfielder arrowed a sweetly-struck attempt from 25 yards, only to see his shot go agonisingly close to finding the top corner. But at the highest level such margins can often prove costly, and Neil Lennon's men suffered a hammer blow as the Bianconeri took the lead three minutes later. Gary Hooper was caught on the ball by Andrea Barzagli and the centre-back fed Quagliarella inside the area. Fraser Forster was equal to the forward's shot but could only send it into the path of Matri, who followed up for a simple finish. Hooper almost immediately atoned for his error as his touch drastically changed the direction of Kris Commons' shot, but Gianluigi Buffon readjusted to turn the ball behind. However, there was nothing the keeper could do as Giorgios Samaras drifted in from the left and flashed a low cross across the face of the goal. Unfortunately, Hooper failed to react quick enough as the pass evaded his stretching toes as the visitors went in search of an equaliser. At the start of the second half the Old Lady showed a greater desire to attack and could well have doubled their lead soon after the restart. Matri teed up Quagliarella inside the area, from Paul Pogba's pass into the area, though this time Forster was able to parry the striker's shot away to safety. Celtic's ambition had visibly taken a knock and a free header from Efe Ambrose that bounced down and cleared the crossbar just before the hour mark was as close as they came to finding the net. Juve would once more make the visitors rue that missed chance as Arturo Vidal beat the offside trap, latching onto an exquisite Andrea Pirlo pass and squaring for Quagliarella to add the finishing touch with 65 minutes played. The tempo of the game soon fizzled out with the outcome clearly finalised, leaving Celtic winless in 10 visits to Italy. The Bianconeri, meanwhile, go marching on into the quarter-finals.

Quagliarella cerca il goal alla Quagliarella.

Scriveremo anche noi una lettera di protesta alla Uefa.

SAMAURIS

FABIO QUAGLIARELLA 2-0

Gemellaggio dei tifosi. Dopo pochi minuti: Celtic, Celtic V********O.

I tifosi del Celtic fanno festa.

Ambrose schiaccia male la palla di testa come all'andata non é goal.

Asamoah

Mazzarri lascerá il Napoli ... Lennon sará il loro prossimo allenatore.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) HT 1-0: Matri sinks Celtic again Mar 6, 2013 Alessandro Matri scored at Parkhead and beat Fraser Forster again, as Juventus lead Celtic 1-0 at half-time. The Bianconeri had a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Glasgow, so rested players such as Claudio Marchisio, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini and Mirko Vucinic. Luca Marrone had his debut Champions League start. Giorgios Samaras and Charlie Mulgrew were available again for the Hoops. The weather in Turin was awfully familiar for the 3,000 travelling Scottish fans, as it had been raining heavily all day. The Celtic all-black strip was also familiar, as it resembled Juve’s away kit. A classy Paul Pogba ‘Cruyff turn’ set up Fabio Quagliarella, but the striker was not quick enough and Fraser Forster was able to smother at his feet. Both Quagliarella and Joe Ledley unleashed screamers from distance that went wide, though the Celtic man was considerably closer to the top corner. It was Juventus who took the lead with Alessandro Matri and a real poacher’s goal. Andrea Barzagli was responsible for much of it, as he robbed a distracted Gary Hooper in midfield, set up Quagliarella for a shot between Kelvin Wilson’s legs, beaten away by Forster into the path of Matri. Gigi Buffon needed a sensational one-handed save on the line when Kris Commons’ shot was deflected by Hooper, but the goalkeeper somehow readjusted his position to palm it upwards. Arturo Vidal threatened to make it 2-0 on the counter, but leaned back to fire over the bar from the D. Samaras had a great chance when he got down the left past Federico Peluso and flashed a ball across the face of goal, but Hooper came sliding in a fraction of a second too late to make contact. Vidal went on the counter, his shot too weak and central to beat Forster. Juventus 1-0 Celtic (Half-Time, 4-0 on agg) Scorers: Matri 24 (J) JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Peluso; Matri, Quagliarella CELTIC: Forster; Matthews, Wilson, Wanyama, Izaguirre; Samaras, Kayal, Ledley, Mulgrew; Commons, Hooper Ref: Aydinus (TUR)

58% possesso palla per il Celtic nel primo tempo!

Errore di Padoin.

Quaglia rischia il giallo.

Scozzesi vicini all'1-1.

ANDREA PIRLO!

Samauras ...

Mission impossible per il Celtic.

Lennon, ora ne dovete fare 4.

Grandissimo Barzagli!

ALESSANDRO MATRI 1-0