Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Barzagli: Juventus success built on defence The Italy centre-back believes the work of the whole side on the defensive side of their game has helped them become one of the best sides in Europe over the past few years. Mar 5, 2013 Juventus' Andrea Barzagli believes the club's current success is built on their defensive ability as they prepare to face Celtic in the Champions League. The Serie A leaders are 3-0 up on their Scottish visitors ahead of the second leg in Turin, and the 31-year-old centre-back believes the whole team's defensive work has been the catalyst for them to perform well in recent years. "The basis of our defence is organisation. We have been working hard even in the few days we've had [since the Napoli match]," Barzagli told reporters. "There is a great harmony in this group. The midfielders and attackers also give us defenders a big hand. "We are a compact team that works hard. We have a solid foundation and we hope that continues to be the case." The former Palermo defender has been at the heart of Antonio Conte's defence since the start of the season, but he refused to speculate as to if this was his best campaign to date. "It is difficult for me to say if this has been my best season or not. Of course, the important thing is continuity," Barzagli added. "I am part of a solid defence that has been doing some great things for the past 18 months now."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Conte: We can't be complacent against Celtic The Juventus coach has called on his players to repeat their performance from the 3-0 first leg win over the SPL champions, and not to assume that a quarter-final place is certain. Mar 5, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has warned his players of becoming complacent as they look to book their place in the quarter finals of the Champions League against Celtic on Wednesday. The Bianconeri lead 3-0 from the first leg at Celtic Park after a clinical performance, but the former Italy international does not believe the tie is over despite the one-sided scoreline. "Qualification is obtained over 180 minutes, and so far we've only played 90. There is another 90 to go against a strong, proud team who will want to make amends for first leg," Conte told reporters. "The first leg has given us a seriously good chance of reaching the next round, but in football, there are always surprises." The 43-year-old reiterated that the Scottish outfit can still cause a problem for the Serie A leaders despite being behind in the tie, and praised the work being done by his opposite number Neil Lennon. "Celtic are a side capable of creating plenty of danger, we need to be fully focused," he added. "It's an important test. They are a great team and Lennon is doing a superb job." Conte was also full of praise for his own players after their victory in Glasgow, and hoped that winning so handsomely in a notoriously hostile stadium will stand them in good stead for the future. The coach continued: "Not succumbing to the pressure of Celtic Park was an excellent test of the team's maturity and gives me great confidence. It's not easy to play in hostile environments. "Everybody at Juventus should be proud of what we're doing. We need to keep it going."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Chiellini doubtful for Celtic clash The experienced defender is being plagued by physical problems and could miss the Champions League encounter versus the Scottish champions. Mar 5, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte could be without Giorgio Chiellini for Wednesday's Champions League encounter at home against Celtic. The Italy international picked up an ankle problem in the Serie A win over Siena in February, and the injury is now once more causing him difficulties. Chiellini was forced to sit out Monday's training session due to the knock, and is unsure whether he will be match fit in time for the match versus Celtic. "Giorgio Chiellini missed out on Monday morning’s workout in Vinovo after feeling a recurrence of the ankle complaint picked up during February’s encounter with Siena," a statement on the official Juve website reads. The Bianconeri recorded a 3-0 away victory in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, and will be looking to seal the deal in the return on Wednesday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Juventus squad for Celtic Mar 5, 2013 Juventus have named their squad for tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Celtic, but Nicolas Anelka is not included. There were some reports in French media that Anelka would even start the match, but the former Arsenal man is left behind along with the injured Martin Caceres. Giorgio Chiellini is included despite picking up a knock against Napoli on Friday evening. Juventus squad for Celtic: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Samaras: 'Celtic must score first' Mar 5, 2013 Celtic striker Georgios Samaras missed the first leg, but is back to face Juventus in Turin tomorrow. “It’s vital we score the first goal.” The forward was injured when Juve won 3-0 in Glasgow and plays the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday evening. “Anything can happen in football,” said Samaras in a Press conference. “It's vital that we score the first goal to give us hope in the tie. We'll try to play the same way as we did in Glasgow, but this time we need to convert the chances we create. We have to take risks. “Football is not a one-man show. We play as a team and win as a team. Sometimes I score goals, sometimes others score goals.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Lennon: 'Celtic will complain to ref' Mar 5, 2013 Celtic manager Neil Lennon warned his team will harangue the referee to “do his job properly” if Juventus defend too aggressively on corners. The Hoops complained bitterly after the 3-0 first leg defeat at Parkhead that the defenders, above all Stephan Lichtsteiner, were too physical in their man-marking at set pieces and wanted several penalties. “No one minds physical contact,” said Lennon in today’s Press conference ahead of the second leg tomorrow night. “I don't want to make a big issue of it, but the players will make the referee aware if it goes on again. “I'm not taking anything away from Juventus, they deserved to win the game. But I did feel there were parts of the game that Juve should have been punished for, particularly at the corners. “I watched the Napoli v Juve game the other night and Edinson Cavani was being pulled around quite a bit. We're just looking for the referee to do his job properly, that is all.” Juventus Coach Antonio Conte joked about Lennon’s protests in his own Press conference today. “At every corner, there is a Celtic player blocking the goalkeeper. That is systematically a foul as the rulebook says so. “If Lennon is moaning about referees then he’s ready to work in Italy as everyone moans here. Joking aside, Celtic are doing really well and he is a prepared tactician.” The referee for the second leg in Turin tomorrow night will be Turkish official Firat Aydinus, who will be in charge of only his fourth Champions League fixture.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Ambrose: Celtic won't give up Mar 5, 2013 Efe Ambrose believes that his Celtic side have what it takes to overcome Juventus in the Champions League tomorrow. The Scottish champions trail 3-0 ahead of their last 16 second leg tie on Wednesday, but the Nigeria international is confident his team can beat the odds and progress to the quarter-finals. “Anything is possible in football,” he told the club's official website. “Never say never. “We have to go there and meet them head-on, because I think there is still a chance for us. “At Celtic Park we played well, but we were unlucky. We'll see how it goes in Italy, but whatever happens we must not give up.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Mjallby promises attacking Celtic Mar 5, 2013 Celtic assistant Johan Mjallby has insisted that his side will attack Juventus in their last 16 Champions League tie tomorrow. The Scottish champions travel to Turin trailing 3-0 from the first leg, and the 42-year-old Coach has claimed that his men will go out and try to win the match on Wednesday. “We have to defend with more confidence this time,” he told BBC Sport. “We created a lot of chances in the first leg, but we have to be more courageous. “We need to take the field with the right mentality. We have to use the set piece, because we've been successful in that area. “We have a mountain to climb, but we believe we can overcome it. “We'll be more attacking. I watched their game against Napoli and they played the same way as they did against us. “They limited their opponents, and were again very rough at corners and free kicks. We have to be ready for that. “I hope the referee is strong if this happens again. “If this is to be our last European game of the season, then we want to do it in style.”

Barzagli: Defence the basis of success Mar 5, 2012 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has praised the work of his defensive teammates as the Bianconeri prepare to face Celtic. The Turin giants host the Scottish champions in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League tie tomorrow. And the 31-year-old has claimed that defensive organization is the basis of all their success recently, as well as commenting on his own campaign. “The basis of our defence is organization,” he told a Press conference. “We have been working hard even in the few days we've had [since the Napoli match]. “There is a great harmony in this group. The midfielders and attackers also give us defenders a big hand. “We are a compact team that works hard. We have a solid foundation and we hope that continues to be the case. “It is difficult for me to say if this has been my best season or not,” the former Palermo man added. “Of course, the important thing is continuity. I am part of a solid defence that has been doing some great things for the past 18 months now.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Conte: Celtic tie not over yet Mar 5, 2013 Antonio Conte is refusing to underestimate the Champions League game against Celtic despite Juventus’ 3-0 first leg advantage. The Old Lady have one foot in the last eight of the competition, but the tactician is keen to underline that the tie is not over. “Tomorrow’s game is important,” he noted. “We still have to play 90 minutes against a proud side who will want to recover the score from the first leg. “It will be an important test for everyone – the players, me and the club. Celtic are a side who never give up. We need full concentration tomorrow. “The result of the first game means we have a serious chance of qualification, but football can surprise if you don’t face a game in the right way.” The advantage has seen suggestions that Conte could rest a few players – especially Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal who are a booking away from suspension. “Those players who are on a yellow card will still be on a yellow card after tomorrow’s game too,” he continued. “I’ll have to evaluate things. Some people will play, while others could be rested. It depends on who else is available.” Juventus were clinical in Glasgow, but Celtic boss Neil Lennon felt that the Italian side’s ‘grappling tactics’ at set-pieces should have been punished by the referee. “At every corner, there is a Celtic player blocking the goalkeeper. That is systematically a foul as the rulebook says so. “If Lennon is moaning about referees then he’s ready to work in Italy as everyone does that here. Joking aside, Celtic are doing really well and he is a prepared tactician.” Juventus will go into the game after collecting a 1-1 draw at second-placed Napoli where they faced a hostile atmosphere. “We arrived at the stadium in a hardly serene state given that we were escorted by the police and our bus had windows smashed. The team, though, were not intimidated and that didn’t affect our quality.” Conte was also questioned on suggestions that he could be targeted by Chelsea and Real Madrid at the end of the season. “It’s obvious that certain rumours are pleasing to hear. We are doing well at home and abroad. When you work well, it is normal to be noticed.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Pirlo: I'm using Liverpool defeat to prepare for Celtic The Italian refuses to believe the Champions League tie against the Scots is over, and insists the Old Lady must put in a good performance to avoid a shock defeat like in Istanbul. Mar 4, 2013 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he is using the defeat to Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final to prepare himself with the Serie A leaders set to host Celtic. The 33-year-old was part of the AC Milan team that threw away a 3-0 lead in the second half to the Merseyside club in Istanbul in 2005, and eventually lost the match in a penalty shootout. The experienced midfielder insists that the bad memory will spur him on in the second-leg encounter, as his current club hold the same advantage against Neil Lennon's side, and he will ensure that his team-mates do not underestimate their opponents. "I will never forget the game against Liverpool in Istanbul - for all the wrong reasons," Pirlo told the Scottish Sun. "And it is a game I will be reminding myself of before Celtic. "We are in a very strong position and expect to progress after the result in Glasgow - but we can't think all we need to do is turn up. "Celtic for a start will be wounded. "They are a very proud football club and have a very proud set of fans. It will have hurt them to see the way they were beaten at their home - and if we are complacent, then that is when they could have their revenge. "If we stay professional and concentrate then I am confident we can progress. "We respect our rivals but to fail against the Scots in Turin would be one of the biggest disasters in the history of this club." Despite their spot in the quarter-finals being all but secure, the former AC Milan maestro concedes that the Serie A club are not favourites to win the competition. "We have to be realistic, we know we are not favourites for the Champions League. People will look at Bayern, Real Madrid, Manchester United and even after their defeat, Barcelona," Pirlo added. "The most important thing we can do is stay focused against Celtic in Turin — and then we can see what the draw brings after that." However, his Chilean team-mate midfielder Arturo Vidal insists the tie is over, and other clubs will be fearful of drawing Juventus in the next stage of the competition. He said: "It is impossible for Celtic to beat our score from the first leg. It would take a miracle for them to go through. "The difference between the two clubs is huge and it is up to us to show in this game we are in contention to win the Champions League. "I think this team can go far in the competition."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Juventus vs Celtic PREVIEW: William Wallace and the Scots come to Torino in Last Stand Mar 4, 2013 Juventus this week return home for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, with the luxury of having one eye towards the quarter finals. Having won handily over a fortnight ago in Glasgow, three away goals should serve as sufficient cushion to ensure a spot in the final eight, at a time when the Serie A season is neither ‘heating up’ nor a foregone conclusion. Tactics will most certainly be key (if not boring) as Antonio Conte will surely look to hammer the nail into the Bhoys’ coffin while Neil Lennon’s side will be hoping for a miracle. During the first leg, Juventus seemed in a precarious position for the entire opening 60 minutes or so. Despite having taken the lead early via Alessandro Matri from a fortuitously mistimed long ball, things were not easy to watch for most tifosi, certainly not for cynical me. As time went on however, it appeared that this was intentional rather than a the result of Juve team playing far away from home up north in hostile territory. Indeed it appears that Conte got it spot on the first time, opting to have his typically possession-happy team absorb pressure away from home, allowing Celtic to tire themselves out. While my cardiologist is yet to forgive il mister, the end result was a nearly insurmountable aggregate lead for the trip home. CELTIC If Celtic are on the fringes in the Champions League, someone forgot to tell them that in the Scottish Premier League. Since the SPL resumed after the winter break, Celtic have been on an absolute tear, particularly at home – underscoring just how impressive and important the first leg victory was for Juve. Their last game at Celtic Park was a 5-0 thrashing of Dundee, Celtic are a full 16 points clear of first place in the league table and have recently qualified for the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. With Rangers cast to the lower divisions, Scotland remains Celtic’s stomping ground and a fine consolation. To make matters even more dire for the Hoops, they will have to do without captain Scott Brown. With Juventus’ biggest asset its midfield, the Bhoys’ center pitch will have to match up without the Scottish number 8. Aside from being short-staffed for options on the pitch, someone else will thus have to wear the armband and reserve the right to complain to the referee when those Italians roughhouse back on set-pieces. Speaking of which, one of Celtic’s biggest offensive assets are its ability to score off of set-pieces. This fact was certainly noticed by the Juventus defense and in particular Stephan Lichtsteiner, who made sure to keep Gary Hooper from obstructing Buffon on corners the first time around. This will undoubtedly continue surely to more protest. Aside from the sheer hypocrisy on display from the Celtic players employing physical play against the Juventus defense yet crying foul in the face of, erm, physical play, the squad would do well to focus first on playing over a severe victim complex in the second leg. Ironically known for being a hard man himself during his own playing days, boss Neil Lennon can complain all over Twitter or request as much clarification from UEFA as he wants, but playing the part of helicopter parent to his bhoys is not the best strategy to play during the knockout stages of a tournament. Probable Formation: (4-4-2) Forster; Lustig, Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre; Kayal, Rogic, Commons, Forrest; Hooper, Samaras JUVENTUS A tough January slowly has melted into a relatively calmer February, and Juventus will hope that recent history repeats itself with the spring thaw bringing easier fortunes. Juventus limped into Glasgow earlier in February coming off a few domestic struggles but were able to quickly turn their fortunes around before Valentine’s Day. Indeed the form displayed at Celtic Park would be the turning point, notwithstanding a tough loss in Rome the following Saturday in what would be the team’s third game in seven days. Combined with some Napoli missteps, and a 1-1 draw last week keeps Juventus a comfortable six points at the top of the table, with a head-to-head advantage over the second place Neapolitans. It is perhaps appropriate and to the team’s good fortunes that they enter this midweek fixture with a fairly sizable advantage. All things considered, it would thus not be shocking to see a few alterations to the squad selection. Antonio Conte will have some decisions to make in what will be his first Champions League match on the actual bench at Juventus Stadium. Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Celtic supporter favorite Stephan Lichtsteiner are all sitting on yellow cards, so Conte could opt to sit any of the above to ensure their availability against whomever Juventus could draw in the quarter finals. Considering that the calibre of teams remaining that aren’t AC Milan (who will be seeded in the other side of the brackets for the next draw), that may be a prudent strategy, lest they risk becoming over confident and risking a complete meltdown this week. Juve were meanwhile hoping to count on Giorgio Chiellini returning from injury, who would have certainly relished his return back to Champions League action after a few months out from a lengthy injury layoff. As of Monday, reports were that he was not practicing due to yet another ankle knock. Meanwhile his understudy, Martin Caceres, is doubtful with a knock of his own. Other than he and Simone Pepe, Conte will probably have his choice of squad at his disposal. Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamaoh; Matri, Giovinco Juventus have done themselves a huge favor with their decisive performance in Scotland. Celtic Park is a tough place to play while Celtic themselves are no walkover of a team. They’ve proved it this UCL defeating Barcelona at home. With that, Juventus shouldn’t rest too easily on their laurels. Their opponents are dangerous and certainly capable of scoring three quick goals on a counter-attack if allowed to do so. The key to this match will be tactics, ball possession, and pace. Juventus will likely choose to reverse tactics from last time, and attempt to control possession and thus the game from the outset. They’ve now gone four straight games and 400+ minutes without conceding a goal, and will need only to play ball for 90 minutes rather than the win. Certainly, the play will likely show it. The key will thus be the midfield, as it normally is when Juventus plays. While knockout games such as this place an imperative on putting the game away early during the home leg, the hard truth for Celtic is that they’re already “put away” early. If Juventus can play their game, they’ll look in like Flynt for the quarter finals. In the event that the widely-predicted scenario does occur and Juventus advance, it may be best to make a few things clear from now. If an Italian team wins generally against a British one, it’s because they cheated. If said Italian team plays in a physical nature, they disregard the rules. Note the difference between this situation and that of a British (especially English) team employing a bit of rough-housing, which will inevitably be described with terms such as “gutsy,” or “gritty” by fine publications such as the Sun the next day. If the opposite were to occur without consequence, the referee was clearly biased and/or taking the piss. Regardless of outcomes, the British remain the best in the world at football. But alas, I am getting ahead of myself. Regardless of whatever hard feelings linger from the first leg, this Celtic team is still that of quality, perhaps underrated. I had a dream a couple of nights ago that I turned the match on during the first half and Celtic were two goals in the bag already. While no bookmakers are setting the odds for my nightmare scenario, I cannot be any more than cautiously optimistic at this stage. Nor can I express anything but a healthy respect for the bhoys in hoops on the pitch, and will hold off from planning my quarter final previews just yet.

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Ritorno - 1-3-2013 (ore 20:45) 1 - 1 Giorgio Chiellini (10′) Gökhan Inler (43′) Stadio San Paolo - Napoli Arbitro: Daniele Orsato Spettatori: 60000‎ Serie A - Inler pareggia Chiellini: Napoli-Juve è 1-1 Rimangono sei i punti di vantaggio della capolista sul Napoli. Nella sfida Scudetto bianconeri in vantaggio con il difensore, rimonta lo svizzero con un tiro da fuori. Cavani graziato da Orsato: andava espulso per una gomitata violenta a Chiellini. Ora la Juve ha il vantaggio negli scontri diretti con il Napoli. Eurosport - Venerdí, 1 marzo 2013 Finisce con un risultato di parità lo scontro Scudetto tra Juventus e Napoli. Va bene alla Juve, che ora ha il vantaggio negli scontri diretti con gli azzurri, va bene a Cavani, che viene graziato dall’arbitro Orsato, per una gomitata a palla lontana su Chiellini. L’ammonizione non rispecchia il regolamento, che prevedeva il rosso diretto. L’1-1 finale, ottenuto grazie alle reti di Chiellini e Inler nel primo tempo, rispecchia una gara equilibrata, aperta e vibrante, giocata dalle due squadre che si fronteggeranno per la vittoria del campionato fino all’ultima giornata. Bianconeri che in classifica restano a più sei sui partenopei a 11 sole giornate dalla fine, ma che continuano a non vincere al San Paolo: l'ultima vittoria 13 anni fa. CHIELLINI PORTA AVANTI I BIANCONERI. La Juventus inizia con l’atteggiamento giusto il match. Ordinata e concentrata, la squadra di Conte gioca una prima mezzora pressoché perfetta, nella quale i reparti giocano vicinissimi tra loro, Giovinco e Vucinic si intendono a meraviglia, andando incontro ai portatori di palla bianconeri, Vidal recupera palloni e la regia di Pirlo è sempre lucida e proficua. Così, al 12’, è proprio il grande recuperato dell’ultima settimana a portare in vantaggio gli ospiti: Giorgio Chiellini, sugli sviluppi di un calcio d’angolo, svetta di testa su un perfetto cross di Pirlo, sovrastando Britos. 0-1 e primo gol in stagione per il possente difensore bianconero. VUCINIC SPRECA, INLER PAREGGIA. L’1-0 della Juventus manda in tilt il Napoli. Gli azzurri giocano generosi e volitivi, ma sono imprecisi come raramente gli era accaduto in questa stagione. Hamsik prova a scuotere i suoi, ma è ancora la Juve ad avere almeno due grandi occasioni per il possibile 2-0. In entrambi i casi è Vucinic a sprecare i due ottimi servizi di Vidal: nella prima azione colpisce a lato di testa, nella seconda, a tu per tu con De Sanctis, l’attaccante montenegrino gli spara incredibilmente addosso, facendosi respingere la conclusione. Così, come il calcio insegna, se sprechi tanto, poi vieni punito. E a pareggiare i conti è quello che fino a quel momento era di gran lunga il peggiore in campo: Inler, che non aveva azzeccato un passaggio, trova un destro dal limite letale, anche grazie alla deviazione di testa di Bonucci, che inganna Buffon. L’1-1 arriva al 43’ e per lo svizzero è il quinto centro in campionato. CAVANI GRAZIATO. L’1-1 rende vibranti gli ultimi minuti del primo tempo. Cavani si rende protagonista del più brutto gesto della sua carriera. Il Matador, che spesso abbiamo esaltato per correttezza e valori morali, reagisce a palla lontana con una gomitata alla rigida marcatura di Chiellini. Orsato prima non vede, ma su segnalazione di De Marco, interviene: solo giallo per l’uruguaiano che andava sicuramente espulso per la gomitata violenta. Non se l’è sentita il direttore di gara di estrarre un cartellino rosso che sembrava sacrosanto. IL NAPOLI CI PROVA DA FUORI. L’1-1 del primo tempo non cambia nemmeno nella ripresa, nonostante siano gli azzurri a sfiorare più volte il gol del vantaggio. La Juve cala, soprattutto nel mezzo e piano piano, grazie all’inserimento di Dzemaili per Britos (cambio modulo e 4-3-1-2) e alla capacità di recuperare palloni di Behrami, è la squadra di Mazzarri a provarci con più insistenza. Buffon dice di no a Inler, Hamsik e ancora Inler e anche Dzemaili ha sui piedi la palla dei tre punti. Il ritmo imposto alla gara dai padroni di casa, cala col passare dei minuti e allora la Juve sembra accontentarsi del pareggio. UN 1-1 CHE PUO’ VALERE LO SCUDETTO. Al fischio finale è un 1-1 che accontenta più i bianconeri che gli azzurri, che ora hanno gli scontri diretti a proprio vantaggio e hanno sei punti da gestire nelle ultime 11 giornate. La formazione di Mazzarri ci proverà fino all’ultimo, con la consapevolezza di aver sprecato un’occasione importante per mettere pressione alla Juventus. Per Hamsik e soci è il quarto pareggio consecutivo, per Cavani un’astinenza in zona gol che sembra non finire più. La Juve, invece, può affrontare con più serenità l’impegno di Champions di mercoledì contro il Celtic Glasgow. Enrico Turcato http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Preview: Juventus vs. Celtic Mar 4, 2013 Celtic will have to produce one of the biggest turnarounds in Champions League history if they are to advance from their last-16 European tie with Juventus in Italy on Wednesday. Juventus recorded a 3-0 win at Celtic Park last month, leaving the Scottish outfit with an almost impossible task to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition. The home side enter the match having won three of their last five matches in all competitions, a run of form that has left them top of Serie A with 59 points. Celtic are also top of their domestic division, some 16 points clear of nearest challengers Motherwell, while they have also recently booked their spot in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. In order to stand a chance of progressing, Celtic need to score at least three times. However, Juve have conceded just eight goals in 14 home league matches this season, losing just twice in the process. The home side could continue with the same team that drew with Napoli last week, but former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and Alessandro Matri are both pushing for starting berths after appearing from the bench. Celtic boss Neil Lennon could recall Georgios Samaras to his starting side at the expense of Anthony Stokes, who has just returned from injury. Meanwhile, Adam Matthews is expected to continue alongside Joe Ledley in midfield. Recent form: Juventus: WWLWD Celtic: WDWLW Possible lineups: JUVENTUS: Buffon; Chiellini, Peluso, Barzagli, Bonucci; Lichtsteiner, Marchiso, Pirlo, Vidal; Vucinic, Giovinco CELTIC: Forster; Izaguirre, Wilson, Kayal, Ambrose; Matthews, Ledley, Wanyama, Forrest; Samaras, Hooper Sports Mole says: 3-1

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Lubomir Moravcik gives Celtic no chance against Juventus Mar 4, 2013 Former Celtic midfielder Lubomir Moravcik has written off the Scottish club's chances of qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals. The Scottish champions lost 3-0 to Juventus in the first leg of their last-16 tie at home last month. "I hoped they would keep a clean sheet against Juventus because then they would have a chance of going through," he told UEFA.com. "They conceded three goals, so now it's mission impossible. In football there are surprises, but not miracles." The second leg of the tie is in Turin on Wednesday.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) 'I'll never forget that game in Istanbul' Mar 4, 2013 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has warned his teammates against complacency when they come up against Celtic this Wednesday. The Serie A champions host their Scottish counterparts in the second leg of their last 16 Champions League clash. But the veteran playmaker has insisted, despite holding a 3-0 lead, the tie is not over – comparing it with Milan's 2005 Champions League against Liverpool “I will never forget that game in Istanbul,” he told the Scottish Sun. “I will keep that in mind when I face Celtic. “Following the result in Scotland we have a chance to go through to the quarter-finals. “But we have to stay focused and must not think that the game is already won.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Juventus changes for Celtic Mar 4, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte could rest some of his first team regulars in this week’s Champions League game against Celtic. With a 3-0 first leg advantage, Conte is pondering changes to his usual starting XI for Wednesday’s return in Turin. Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal are candidates to be ‘dropped’ given that they are one yellow card away from suspension. Giorgio Chiellini, scorer of the goal in the 1-1 draw at Napoli on Friday, may also be given a breather after just returning to full fitness. Mauricio Isla is being tipped to start on the right of Conte’s 3-5-2, while Paul Pogba may net a place in the middle. Kwadwo Asamoah, who didn’t start in Naples, will return to the line-up, as should Alessandro Matri in attack.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Last 16 - 6-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CELTIC Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Firay Aydinus (Turkey) Celtic's Ledley remaining optimistic of result against Juventus The Hoops midfielder hopes his team can get off to a good start in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Italy's Old Lady despite losing the first leg 3-0. Mar 4, 2013 Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley insists "anything can happen" as his side prepare for their Champions League clash against Serie A champions Juventus after losing the first leg 3-0 at Celtic Park. The Scottish Premier League leaders are facing a likely European exit after goals from Alessandro Matri, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic left the bianconeri on the cusp of the quarter finals. Ledley expressed his disappointment at being benched for the first tie, but hopes to make his mark in the return match after scoring the opening goal in Celtic's 2-1 Scottish Cup quarter-final win over St Mirren on Saturday. "Hopefully I will be starting on Wednesday and we look forward to it," he told the The Glasgow Herald. "It is a fantastic arena and a fantastic team to play against and you just never know in football, anything can happen. "The first half is going to be key and if we get 1-0 up then you never know. We know it is going to be difficult because they have been brilliant this season, we just need to, hopefully, get a good start." Celtic manager Neil Lennon will also welcome back defender Charlie Mulgrew who has missed the last three games with a muscle injury, and is glad to have the 26-year-old ready for action once more. "We will see what we have got and where we are in terms of injuries," he told reporters. "I don't think we picked up any injuries today, the substitutions were basically tactical. There might be a few bumps and bruises but nothing too serious and we will have Charlie back, that's a bonus because he is very important to us."

Juventus will win the Scudetto, says Sergio Brio The retired defender is convinced that no team in Italy can match the Bianconeri and believes they are destined to retain their title this term. Mar 4, 2013 Juventus legend Sergio Brio is certain the reigning Serie A champions will win the league title again this season. The Old Lady hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Napoli, following their 1-1 draw with the Partenopei on Friday, and the former centre-back has been impressed with the Bianconeri's continued improvement. "Juve are the best team in Italy since Conte has changed the methodology of tactics. When you see Juve play, you are satisfied," the 56-year-old told Radio Anch'io. "I do not see teams that could get between Juve and the Scudetto. "Napoli have made a statement but they lack continuity, which means a lot in Serie A. "Juve have it in their own hands. They have two or three tougher games left but the others are within their reach." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Man City target Juve's Pogba Mar 3, 2013 Juventus snapped up Paul Pogba from Manchester United, but it’s now rumoured Manchester City want to bring him back to England. The talented 19-year-old midfielder left United on a free transfer in the summer and has been a sensation in Turin, scoring five Serie A goals. There are reports in the Sunday People that the Frenchman could return to Manchester, albeit for United’s rivals City. While Pogba feels he will get more playing time at Juventus, Manchester City have a huge transfer budget and could potentially tempt the Bianconeri into a sale. Having signed him on a free transfer, Pogba’s exit would provide a massive boost to the club’s coffers.

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Giorgio Chiellini (10′) Gökhan Inler (43′) San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 60000 Juventus strengthen grip on Scudetto but brutal Cavani elbow proves review rules must change The Bianconeri moved closer to a second straight title with a 1-1 draw at San Paolo, but the evening's flashpoint reminded football of a point of law that needs to be addressed. Mar 2, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer The final whistle blasted, the two players turned to each other, shared an embrace and exchanged shirts. Giorgio Chiellini even paid tribute to Edinson Cavani when interviewed by local TV shortly afterwards. It was one of those moments that capture sport at its best. The pair had spent 90 minutes going at one another hammer and tongs, yet when all was said and done, the respect between the two shone through. Cavani will consider himself a very lucky man though, with his vicious elbow on Chiellini during first-half injury time providing the flashpoint in Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Juventus. Having had his hair pulled by the Italy international defender, then felt himself dragged back by the shoulder, the Uruguayan unleashed a malicious elbow in the face of his marker. What Chiellini did was wrong, but Cavani had no right to react the way he did. The Napoli marksman was booked by referee Daniele Orsato and remained on the field for the last 45 minutes of the contest. On another night he would rightly have seen red and left the Partenopei a man short. That he didn’t owed much to Orsato’s leniency. Having been informed by the goal-line official at the south end of the ground that it had been an elbow from the Napoli striker which had felled Chiellini, the man in the middle had no decision to make but to reveal the red card. Bewilderingly, the yellow followed instead, leaving Juve to fight on against a full complement when they should have been up against 10 men. There can be no doubting that Orsato’s decision was the wrong one, and the greatest fear in the mind of most neutrals during the second half was that Cavani might go on to score a winning goal which would lead to all sorts of recriminations afterwards. But while Serie A’s top scorer did not grab a goal, the yellow card he received could have further consequences on the title race. Because thanks to Orsato’s brandishing of a caution, no action can now be taken against the Uruguayan under the current laws of the game. With a video review not deemed appropriate for incidents which a referee has already ruled on, Cavani cannot face a ban for his moment of madness. On another night Cavani would rightly have seen red and left the Partenopei a man short ... Now, in the next three matches, he could score the goals that propel Napoli back into the title race. The reality is that he should be forced to sit out at least the next three matches for what was a blatant and downright brutal assault, and because the Lega Serie A’s disciplinary commission can take no further action says much about the stupidity of some of the practices in the current game. Yes, it may be opening a can of worms to delve into reviews of incidents which have been judged already by match officials, but when such a bad decision has clearly been made, the punishment must remain the same as it would be had a player been dealt with correctly in the first place. In the next three matches, Cavani could score a handful of goals that propel Napoli back into the title race at a time when Juventus have plenty of other things on their minds. Thankfully for the powers-that-be, it is now an unlikely scenario given that the 1-1 draw on Friday night theoretically puts the Bianconeri a further half-point ahead of the Campania outfit thanks to their superior head-to-head record, but a red card and a three-match ban would have ensured that the Uruguay international is in no position to alter the course of the Scudetto until the beginning of April. Had Cavani bagged the winner, there would have been hell to pay. Napoli would have moved within three points with a new spring in their step and a full-strength side with which to tackle their next three fixtures. Orsato was lucky that Gianluigi Buffon and Juve held out. And he was fortunate that Blerim Dzemaili somehow missed a clear opportunity to win the game when Buffon parried a shot straight to him. As it was, the champions of Italy grabbed the point they deserved regardless of Cavani’s continued presence, and with a six-point lead now bolstered by their positive record against Napoli, it will take something special to stop them from recording a 29th official Scudetto triumph. While football’s governing bodies have yet another reason to look into the reformation of some of their policies, Juventus have proven once more they are a class above the rest of the league whether they’re up against 10 men or 11. NEXT UP... •Napoli's latest draw gives Lazio an opportunity to close in on second place with a victory against Milan on Saturday night. While the Biancocelesti have not won away to the Rossoneri since 1989, the absence of Mario Balotelli from the home side's line-up will be considered a boost to Vladimir Petkovic's side. Victory for the capital club would not only put them within three points of an automatic Champions League place, it would also hand them a five-point lead over Milan in the tussle for the top three, meaning Massimiliano Allegri's men would be back under pressure in the Champions League race. Just as it was now or never for Napoli against Juve, Saturday's clash is Lazio's best hope of keeping Milan at arm's length for the remainder of the season. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Giorgio Chiellini (10′) Gökhan Inler (43′) San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 60000 Asamoah 'safe' after bus attack Mar 2, 2013 Kwadwo Asamoah is thankful he emerged “safe” from Naples after his window was smashed by rocks thrown at the team bus. The Juventus midfielder was sitting at the window when the bus drove into the Stadio San Paolo last night. Hooligans pelted the vehicle with eggs, bottles and even rocks, one of which smashed the window in front of Asamoah. “Hello to everyone,” wrote Asamoah on his Twitter feed. “For all those asking, I am fine, thank God. I’m happy to have escaped safe and with a point from this game. Have a good weekend.”The Ghanaian midfielder was not in the starting XI for the 1-1 draw last night, but director Beppe Marotta assured it was a technical decision and had nothing to do with the pre-match fright. There have been numerous arrests of Juventus and Napoli fans after the game on Friday evening, as there were scuffles, objects were thrown and cars set alight around the stadium. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Giorgio Chiellini (10′) Gökhan Inler (43′) San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 60000 Conte: 'No Mazzarri handshake' Mar 2, 2013 Antonio Conte revealed his rapport with Napoli Coach Walter Mazzarri has hit rock bottom. “We didn’t shake hands or even look at each other. It’s better that way.” The Juventus tactician has often exchanged barbed comments with Mazzarri, but they were actively staying apart during last night’s 1-1 draw at the San Paolo. “Did I have a row with Mazzarri during the game? No, I never spoke with Mazzarri. Never, never, never,” said Conte in his Press conference. “We didn’t even shake hands. I can assure you we didn’t even look at each other. Each to their own bench. It’s better that way.” Conte then lambasted Napoli and the media for ‘pressuring’ the refereeing designator Stefano Braschi into appointing Daniele Orsato for the big game. “I criticised referees and I paid for it, again and again and again. When I make a mistake, I always take responsibility and say ‘I got it wrong.’ Others never seem to make a mistake and always pin the responsibility on someone else. “Braschi has been put under huge pressure to choose the right referee for this game. A certain newspaper mounted a campaign all week against Nicola Rizzoli. I am not just making this up, it is clear to see. “If we have reached this point, to pressurise and change Braschi’s decisions... Braschi has to be left alone to do his job. “The referees are all talented and everyone makes mistakes, we must all just deal with it. When they get it wrong, I admit that I sometimes get angry and pay the price with fines and bans.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Giorgio Chiellini (10′) Gökhan Inler (43′) San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 60000 Peluso 'surprised' by Naples start Mar 2, 2013 January signing Federico Peluso admits even he wasn’t expecting to be in the starting XI for Napoli-Juventus. The former Atalanta midfielder was an unexpected pick in last night’s 1-1 draw at the Stadio San Paolo. “I honestly wasn’t expecting to start, but the Coach keeps everyone in mind. We are all ready when called upon,” confessed Peluso. “Antonio Conte was directing me from the touchline. I try to fill different roles and do not have a preference, as I know that being versatile I have more opportunities to play. “There is always the desire to win here at Juve and the Coach is very good at transmitting that mentality to the squad. “I hoped to settle in quickly after my transfer, as I already knew Conte from our work together at Atalanta.” Juventus are now six points clear of Napoli and have one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after winning the first leg 3-0 away to Celtic. “That Champions League game gave us back our self-belief, but the hiccups we had in January hadn’t really knocked us down. We were already aware that we were overcoming that difficult moment.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Giorgio Chiellini (10′) Gökhan Inler (43′) San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 60000 Inler: 'Napoli-Juve draw was fair' Mar 2, 2013 Gokhan Inler scored Napoli’s equaliser in the Scudetto battle and feels the draw with Juventus “was the right result.” The Swiss midfielder unleashed a screamer that took a deflection to beat Gigi Buffon in last night’s 1-1 draw. “I think it was the right result,” said Inler. “We had a really bad start, then improved and in the second half did much better.” The gap at the top of the table remains six points after this head-to-head, so do the Partenopei still believe in their title hopes? “There are 11 rounds to go and we must always play to our best in order to bring home a great result.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/