Socrates

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 Chiellini: 'All fine with Cavani' Mar 1, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini revealed there were no hard feelings after his tussle with Edinson Cavani. “We knock each other about, but at the final whistle it’s all over.” The pair continually wrestled during the 1-1 draw at the San Paolo this evening and controversy surrounds an incident before half-time. Chiellini was spotted pulling Cavani’s hair and the Uruguayan reacted by swinging an elbow into the side of his face, but the Napoli striker escaped with only a yellow card. “What happened can be seen on the footage,” said the Juventus defender on Sky Sport Italia. “We spoke afterwards and it’s only right that for 90 minutes we knock each other about, but at the final whistle it’s all over. It stays on the pitch and is a great challenge to be taking on champions.” The pair proved it was all behind them by embracing and exchanging shirts after the match. “It was an important game that wouldn’t decide anything, but we sent a signal we want to win the Scudetto again and deserve to be top of the table,” continued Chiellini. “It was a decent performance and we hoped to win, but the draw is overall the right result.” Chiellini was a major doubt to feature after suffering an ankle injury this week, but played 90 minutes and even scored a goal. “The ankle still hurts a lot. I have to thank the medical staff, as we worked together all day and even at night at my home. “I am glad that I was able to help the team, though I still need to improve my fitness levels and I can only do that by playing.” 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: 'Juve tasted victory' Mar 1, 2013 Antonio Conte couldn’t help but have regrets after Juventus fumbled a lead against Napoli. “We could taste the victory.” The Bianconeri have not conquered the Stadio San Paolo since 2000, when Conte was playing in midfield, as today they were held to a 1-1 draw. “Considering the first half, we could taste the victory and the chance to put Napoli further behind,” Coach Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “It didn’t happen, but we put in a strong performance in terms of character despite a very fiery atmosphere. I compliment the players on keeping their heads in this stadium. “We did well not to lose our calm and stay in the game at all times. There are 11 rounds to go and it’s all open, so we have to keep pedalling at full pace to stay out in front. “The Scudetto is far away on a mathematical level, as we are six points in front – which is a good advantage – but there are another 33 available. Don’t forget we still have to play Milan, Inter and the revelation Catania. “We must always be gritty, determined and motivated to get the points, because every match is difficult and a surprise is always around the corner. “There is no more time for fun and games or slip-ups. If we do well, then we’ll get there, but if we don’t then it’s only right that someone else finishes first. That’s why we have to keep our heads down.” This match was brought forward to Friday evening so Juventus could prepare for the Champions League Round of 16 against Celtic. “This season the Champions League has to be taken into account and it takes away energy, both physical and psychological. I appealed to the team to stay on point, as we need everyone from here to the end,” continued Conte. “Winning the Scudetto would be a huge achievement. We’re 3-0 up in the first leg against Celtic, but I’m nowhere near relaxed. Until the referee blows the final whistle, I will not relax. “While the game is open, you still give your opponents the sensation they can turn it around. We had several chances to finish it off and going 2-0 up would’ve been a heavy psychological blow for Napoli. “Their fans never stopped cheering them on and neither did ours, as I could hear our supporters behind my bench. It can’t have been easy for them to make themselves heard in that atmosphere! “Napoli were much more careful after the break, sitting back and leaving us possession in midfield so they could attack the space. Inevitably you have to calculate the options in these games, as there was no need to go crazy on the attack or run unnecessary risks. I consider that a show of maturity from the lads.” Conte was asked about the tussle between Giorgio Chiellini and Edinson Cavani. The defender pulled his hair and the striker reacted with an elbow to the face. “Giorgio is seeing if Cavani has hair gel in… As for the elbow, the footage is there and everyone can make their own judgement on it. These situations happen in a tense game and you judge for yourselves.” 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 My battle with Cavani was only on the field, says Chiellini The Italian defender left everything on the pitch between him and the Uruguayan star despite some heated exchanges and feisty clashes at the San Paolo. Mar 1, 2013 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he and Napoli's Edinson Cavani left the field on friendly terms despite being engaged in tussles during the Serie A clash at the San Paolo which ended 1-1. Before half-time, Cavani was adjudged to have elbowed Chiellini in the face while the Italy international was seen to pull the Uruguayan's hair. Despite their on-field exchanges, Chiellini has assured that there are no hard feelings between the two. “We spoke afterwards and it’s only right that for 90 minutes we knock each other about, but at the final whistle it’s all over," Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia. “What happened can be seen on the footage. It stays on the pitch - it is a great challenge to be taking on champions. “It was an important game that wouldn’t decide anything, but we sent a signal we want to win the Scudetto again and deserve to be top of the table,” continued Chiellini. “It was a decent performance and we hoped to win, but the draw is overall the right result.” Chiellini was a doubt to play before the match but managed to play the full 90 minutes and even got himself on the scoresheet. But he admitted the match had taken its toll, explaining: “The ankle still hurts a lot. "I have to thank the medical staff, as we worked together all day and even at night at my home. “I am glad that I was able to help the team, though I still need to improve my fitness levels and I can only do that by playing.” 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 satisfied after 'strong' display in Napoli draw The Italian tactician was happy with his side's performance but lamented his team's inability not to take advantage of their impressive first-half display. Mar 1, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte was left satisfied with his team's showing against Napoli but believes the side could have built on their first-half showing. The top two teams in Italy shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw and while content, Conte was regretful of how his side were unable to take advantage after dominating the opening period. “Considering the first half, we could taste the victory and the chance to put Napoli further behind,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia. “It didn’t happen, but we put in a strong performance in terms of character despite a very fiery atmosphere. I compliment the players on keeping their heads in this stadium. “We did well not to lose our calm and stay in the game at all times. There are 11 rounds to go and it’s all open, so we have to keep pedalling at full pace to stay out in front. “The Scudetto is far away on a mathematical level, as we are six points in front – which is a good advantage – but there are another 33 available. Don’t forget we still have to play Milan, Inter and the revelation Catania. “We must always be gritty, determined and motivated to get the points, because every match is difficult and a surprise is always around the corner. “There is no more time for fun and games or slip-ups. If we do well, then we’ll get there, but if we don’t then it’s only right that someone else finishes first. That’s why we have to keep our heads down.” Conte also hinted that the commitment of playing in the Champions League has taken its toll on his players while looking ahead to next week's round of 16 second-leg tie with Celtic, and says he is not taking anything for granted. “This season the Champions League has to be taken into account and it takes away energy, both physical and psychological. I appealed to the team to stay on point, as we need everyone from here to the end,” he continued. “Winning the Scudetto would be a huge achievement. We’re 3-0 up in the first leg against Celtic, but I’m nowhere near relaxed. Until the referee blows the final whistle, I will not relax. “While the game is open, you still give your opponents the sensation they can turn it around. We had several chances to finish it off and going 2-0 up would’ve been a heavy psychological blow for Napoli." 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 Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved at the San Paolo, as Gokhan Inler's deflected strike earns the home side a draw which keeps their title hopes alive. Mar 1, 2013 SSC Napoli Morgan De Sanctis - Given no chance by Chiellini for the opener but kept his side in the game by coming out on top in a pivotal one-on-one with Vucinic. Also did well to parry a searing strike from Vucinic away to safety. Miguel Angel Britos - Drafted into the defence in place of Alessandro Gamberini and was caught out badly for the game's opening goal, allowing Chiellini to get the jump on him. Involved in a sickening collision with Inler not long after so it was only wise that Mazzarri removed him at the break. Hugo Armando Campagnaro - Did not put a foot wrong at the back for the Partenopei and was also never afraid to step out of defence. Paolo Cannavaro - A disciplined defensive display, save one reckless lunge on Lichsteiner that earned him a booking. Christian Maggio - Pegged Peluso back inside his own half and caused problems every time he got in behind. Indeed, he whipped over one sublime cross that an in-form Cavani would have done better with. Marek Hamsik - A threat right from the off, even if his first two strikes on goal were dreadfully wayward. Fared much better with a low drive at the start of the second half that Buffon did well to push around the post. It was another Hamsik strike that resulted in the rebound that Insigne really should have buried. Overall, Napoli's best attacker. Juan Camilo Zúñiga - Did a fine job keeping Lichsteiner reasonably quiet. Attacked when he could, too, even occasionally popping up in central attacking positions. Valon Behrami - Not quite as eye-catching as Inler in the Napoli engine room but played a key role in upsetting Juve's much-vaunted midfield trio. Passing was crisp and accurate, releasing Hamsik into space in the lead up to the Insigne chance with one particularly nice ball. Gökhan Inler - Flirted with disaster by bundling Lichsteiner off the ball in the area but offered Napoli plenty of drive and determination in the middle of the park and his industry was rewarded with a fortuitous deflection off the head off Bonucci just before the break. Continued to cause problems with his powerful runs from midfield throughout the second half. Edinson Cavani - Another outing without a goal for the Uruguayan, whose obvious frustration at being marked out of the game manifested itself in a quite brutal forearm smash into the face of Chiellini. Incredibly lucky to have stayed on the field and it would have felt wrong if he'd decided the game in Napoli's favour by heading home Maggio's cross late on. Goran Pandev - Got the nod ahead of Insigne and started well, barging his way past Chiellini inside the opening 15 seconds to set up a chance for Hamsik. However, he was a passenger for the remainder of his time on the field. Substitutions Blerim Dzemaili - Came on for the dazed and confused Britos during the interval but did not make much of animpact. Pablo Armero - Thrown in place of a shattered Inler with just over five minutes to go. Lorenzo Insigne - Replaced the ineffective Pandev midway through the second half and offered a far greater attacking threat. Still, he really should have scored when Buffon parried the ball into his path. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon - Had actually had very little to do before being cruelly beaten by Inler's deflected shot from distance. However, he made three fine stops during what was a far busier second half for the Bianconeri defence. Andrea Barzagli - Distribution was a tad erratic at times but did a fine job in ensuring that Napoli got nothing going down their left-hand side. Indeed, was coolness personified throughout, as exemplified by the way in which he dealt with an awkward cross from the right while under pressure from Cavani. Leonardo Bonucci - Played the pass of the game, splitting the Napoli defence with a stunning ball from deep inside his own half which really should have ended with Vucinic scoring Juve's second. From a defensive perspective, kept Cavani very quiet. Giorgio Chiellini - What a game! A fitness doubt beforehand, Chiellini looked a little vulnerable early on, getting outmuscled by Pandev just seconds after the kick-off. But he quickly got himself back up to speed and made a crucial sliding tackle to cut out Hamsike's through-ball for Cavani. His goal, meanwhile, was wonderfully taken. Stephan Lichtsteiner - Did not do anywhere near as much damage down the right wing as he usually does, primarily due to the presence of Zuniga. His crossing was particularly poor. Claudio Marchisio - Did not carry the same attacking threat as per usual, but worked tirelessly. Indeed, his performance was best summed up by the way in which he raced back to regain possession for his side in midfield after being caught offside in the Napoli area seconds before. Andrea Pirlo - The veteran playmaker had already set about supressing Napoli's bright start when he crossed for Chiellini to break the deadlock. Continued to dictate the tempo thereafter, even during what was a far more uncomfortable second period for Juve. Arturo Vidal - Put in some terrific tackles and also broke forward supremely well, creating two wonderful chances for Vucinic. However, faded after the break. Federico Peluso - Did not offer anything like the same attacking thrust as Lichsteiner on the opposite flank but still managed a couple of rampaging runs. However, struggled at times to get to grips with Maggio and was also booked for a stupid foul on the edge of his own area. Mirko Vučinić - Dropped deep to good effect at times early on, holding the ball up well and creating time and space for others with characteristically deft lay-offs. However, his finishing continues to let him down, with the Montenegrin wasting a glorious chance to double Juve's lead midway through the first half. Sebastian Giovinco - Fired a shot straight down De Sanctis' throat some seven minutes but rarely threatened thereafter. Created openings for Vucinic and also worked harded defensively, doing enough to put off Hamsik when the Slovak was shaping to shoot in the area. But then, that's not what he's picked for. Substitutions Paul Pogba - Replaced Vucinic for the last few minutes as Juventus looked to shore things up in midfield. Simone Padoin - Introduced in place of Marchisio in the dying seconds. Alessandro Matri - Took over up top from Giovinco for the final 15 minutes and looked more lively than the man he had replaced. 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 What Napoli vs. Juventus Taught Us About the Serie A Title Race Mar 1, 2013 Juventus escaped the cauldron of the San Paolo with a point, despite weathering a second-half storm from Napoli. The Partenopei started slowly, which is a concern for Walter Mazzarri considering the experience that numerous members of the squad possess. Mazzarri might be even more concerned that it was one of his most important players who revealed the atmosphere around the side, Marek Hamsik stated in an interview on the Sky Italia broadcast as he was walking towards the tunnel at half-time that "it was normal (to be nervous) in a game of such magnitude." Ultimately the Slovakian summed up exactly why Juventus will be champions again and why Napoli, despite a wonderful cycle under Mazzarri, will never be champions with the current crop of players. The mentality was evident from the game, and Napoli lost the match in the opening few minutes when the Partenopei were caught sleeping at a corner. Andrea Pirlo took it short, and after exchanging a one-two with Mirko Vucinic, the 33-year-old, despite a lack of pace, drifted past Valon Behrami and crossed from the byline to the back post, where Giorgio Chiellini stole a march on Miguel Britos to head home the opening goal. It was a really sloppy goal to concede for Napolib and it quickly nullified the huge advantage of the noisy, 55,000-strong crowd. While Napoli would grow into the game and probably edge it over eventually—with the two teams so evenly matched—the damage had already been done. This last-chance saloon for Napoli proved to us that they were never truly contenders and that due to a lack of genuine competition for the Bianconeri, calcio enthusiasts put the Neapolitans on that pedestal in order to generate excitement. It worked for a few weeks, but when a "title contender" draws two successive matches 0-0, at home to Sampdoria and then away to Udinese—the Friuli are a tricky proposition in fairness, having only been defeated once at home this season—in the buildup to this clash, we soon realised that it never was a title race. With two wins in just those two games, Napoli would have entered Friday's match with Juventus two points off the top and potentially one win away from usurping the current champions, but as Hamsik so candidly revealed, exhaling deeply after a frantic 45 minutes, it was "normal" to be nervous in such games. And that is just it, to be champions, every game is big and everybody wants to beat you, so unfortunately Napoli have not been able to keep us intrigued by the happenings at the top of Serie A. When we dissect the squad of Napoli, it is no wonder why they have fallen short this season. Immediately you think back to the sale of Ezequiel Lavezzi to PSG and whether El Pocho could have made enough of a difference over the course of a season to put Napoli into a title-winning position. Goran Pandev was well-suited to his role last season as a backup, and Lorenzo Insigne has sparkled at times this season, but the young star—despite maybe exceeding expectations this season—has not come close to filling the gaping void left by the Argentine star. Edinson Cavani has been as good as ever this season, but against the best defence in the league, that had the luxury of the returning Chiellini, Mazzarri's side's famous frantic counter attacks have not had the same punch this season without the penetration of Lavezzi. Napoli sprung plenty of counter attacks against the Bianconeri on Friday, but it was Cavani, and Cavani alone who was looking to drag the Juventus centre-backs out of position and create space for others to dash into. Friday's game was intriguing—when 55,000 fans show up at the San Paolo, you take notice—but not for the reasons that it was built up to be. This was no title decider, it was merely a realisation that Juventus are the best team on the peninsula, and a second successive scudetto awaits in May. 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 Napoli vs. Juventus: 5 Things We Learned from This Pivotal Serie a Match Mar 1, 2013 In a feisty 90-minute affair which ended in a 1-1 tie, Napoli and Juventus didn't do much to assert themselves in a new position in the Serie A. A win for the Bianconeri would've effectively sealed the Scudetto title, while a Napoli triumph would've given them serious hope to mount a surprising comeback to challenge for the title. Here are the top five things we learned from yet another heart-pumping Italian affair! Juventus Are Another Team with Giorgio Chiellini The rugged Giorgio Chiellini provides the most toughness at the back for Juventus. During his absence due to injury, the Bianconeri were forced to employ a makeshift defensive three at the back and suffered the consequences by losing a couple of valuable points. Chiellini's leadership and aerial ability were felt instantly against Napoli, as he soared high to score a thundering header for the 1-0 lead. Napoli Needs to Keep Hold of Edinson Cavani The Uruguayan hitman was deemed surplus at Palermo, so Napoli took a chance on him right away, and he has increased his value tenfold. Despite currently undergoing a scoring dry spell in Serie A, El Matador is the main reason why Napoli is in second place this season, as he's the leading goalscorer in the league. After having sold Ezequiel Lavezzi to Paris St-Germain, Napoli cannot afford to lose another world-class talent. These Two Teams Really Do Not Like Each Other In an interview with Il Corriere Della Sera a few months ago, Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio fervently stated his displeasure with facing Napoli, saying he can't stand them and whenever he has to play them something extra ticks inside his head. The aggression was on full display today—we witnessed a constant wrestling match between defender Giorgio Chiellini and El Matador Cavani. Edinson Cavani vs. Giorgio Chiellini Becoming an Incredible Matchup It's quickly becoming one of the best individual matchups in Serie A every time Giorgio Chiellini and Edinson Cavani square off. Tons of illegal tugging, pushing and the occasional cheap shot—today provided no shortage of action, as Chiellini opted on pulling the Uruguayan's hair. As a more painful revenge, Cavani went for an old-fashioned elbow to the head which should have been a clear red card. Overall, a tantalizing 90 minutes between these two legends. The Scudetto Isn't Sealed First place in the Serie A is still up for grabs. Juventus has yet to face Inter, Lazio, Milan and a tricky Catania team aiming for a surprise European spot. 11 match days remain for the rest of Serie A to catch up to the mighty Bianconeri, and I have a feeling it'll go down to the wire. 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 Serie A: Napoli 1 Juventus 1 Mar 1, 2013 Juventus remain six points clear at the Serie A summit after being held to a 1-1 draw by Scudetto rivals Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo. Antonio Conte's men looked poised to take a giant step towards retaining their title after taking an early lead through Giorgio Chiellini, but Gokhan Inler's deflected drive drew the home side level just before the break. Napoli looked the slightly more pinching victory during the second period but Juventus held on quite comfortably to keep their nearest challengers at bay in the title race. The only pre-match doubt Conte had was whether to start Chiellini, who took a knock to his ankle against Siena last weekend. He decided to take a gamble on the Italy international - and it paid off spectacularly just 10 minutes in, Chiellini rising above Miguel Britos to powerfully head a terrific cross from Andrea Pirlo past Morgan De Sanctis. The goal was harsh on Napoli, who had actually begun the brighter of the two, with Marek Hamsik particularly prominent early on. However, the tide turned and Mirko Vucinic had already squandered one decent headed opening when he butchered a gilt-edged opportunity to double the visitors' advantage. Leonardo Bonucci - of all people - dissected the Napoli defence with a perfectly weighted pass from deep that Arturo Vidal, in a sensational demonstration of special awareness, controlled before immediately flicking inside to Vucinic. The Montenegrin took an age to decide how best to finish, allowing De Sanctis to narrow the angle sufficiently to block the Bianconeri forward's belated strike on goal away for a corner. Such profligacy rarely goes unpunished at the top level and so it was that Napoli managed to haul themselves level during a dramatic conclusion to a compelling opening 45 minutes. There appeared to be little danger to the Juventus goal when Inler picked up possession some 30 yards out but the Swiss international's well-struck drive from distance took a big enough deflection off the head of Bonucci, sending it flying over the despairing dive of Gianluigi Buffon. That was the first stroke of luck Napoli benefitted from on the night; the second arrived in the dying seconds of the first half when star striker Edinson Cavani inexplicably avoided a straight red card for a blatant forearm into Chiellini's face. In his defence referee Daniele Orsato did not see the incident, but quite why he decided to brandish only a yellow after being informed of what had happened by one of his assistants was utterly mystifying. Napoli did their utmost to make the most of their undoubted good fortune, with Hamsik drawing a fine stop out of Buffon shortly after half-time. Vucinic responded in kind, bringing the best out of De Sanctis, as Juve redoubled their efforts to all but end the title race. Napoli were left to curse their own inability to draw to within three points of their opponents after wasting a terrific chance to snatch a vital win. Just moments after Cavani had headed straight at Buffon, Hamsik again found some space in between the Juve midfield and defence. The Slovak unleashed a powerful drive that Buffon found too hot to handle, but Lorenzo Insigne, who had replaced the grossly ineffective Goran Pandev, snatched at the rebound and dragged the ball wide. And with it, went Napoli's best chance to breathe new life into the Scudetto race. 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 Honours even in top table clash Mar 1, 2013 Gokhan Inler cancelled out an early Giorgio Chiellini goal to earn Napoli a draw against Juventus in a top-of-the-table clash at the Stadio San Paolo. Juve appeared to be on course for a nine-point cushion at the top of the table when Chiellini headed them in front in the 10th minute, while they scuppered further chances to increase their lead. Napoli then levelled just before half-time with a deflected effort and had the better chances to win the game in the second half, but ultimately had to settle for a point which maintains the six-point gap between the two sides. Just 13 seconds were on the clock when Marek Hamsik turned Goran Pandev's cross wide. However, it proved to be a rare threat to Gianluigi Buffon's goal as Juventus immediately gained control of the match, taking the lead in the 10th minute. Andrea Pirlo sent in a cross from the left which was met by Chiellini, who had stayed up following a corner, and he used strength and determination to head the ball unstoppably past Morgan de Sanctis, beating Miguel Britos in the air. Two minutes later, Stephan Lichtsteiner wanted a penalty when he went down under the challenge of Inler, but referee Daniele Orsato waved away his appeals. Mirko Vucinic failed to replicate Chiellini's determination when he headed a cross wide of the far post midway through the first half before De Sanctis denied him with an excellent reflex save. Napoli were struggling to get into the game, but a break in the 43rd minute saw them level through Inler. His shot took a deflection off the head of Leonardo Bonucci, which lifted the ball above the hand of Buffon. At the end of the half, Edinson Cavani and Chiellini clashed in the penalty area with both receiving a yellow card, although the Napoli forward was fortunate not to receive more. The home side then improved in the second half with Buffon having to earn his money. He turned Hamsik's shot wide for a corner before parrying another effort from the Slovakian midfielder with Blerim Dzemaili sending the rebound wide. The game then fizzled out with both sides seemingly happy with a point each, although the draw only really helps Juventus, who maintain a six-point lead at the top of the table with a superior head-to-head record over their opponents. 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 Scudetto showdown ends all-square The Bianconeri opened the scoring just 10 minutes in through Giorgio Chiellini but Inler earned the hosts a share of the spoils with a deflected effort from distance. Mar 1, 2013 Juventus remain six points clear at the summit of Serie A after being held to a 1-1 draw by sole Scudetto rivals Napoli at the San Paolo on Friday night. Antonio Conte's men looked poised to take a giant step towards retaining their title after taking an early lead through Giorgio Chiellini, but Gokhan Inler's deflected drive drew the home side level just before the break. Napoli looked the slightly more likely victors during the second period but Juventus held on quite comfortably to keep their nearest challengers at arm's length. The only doubt Conte had had before the game was over whether to start Chiellini, who took a knock to his ankle against Siena last weekend. The Bianconeri boss decided to take a gamble on the Italy international - and it paid off spectacularly just 10 minutes in, Chiellini rising above Miguel Britos to powerfully head a terrific cross from Andrea Pirlo past Morgan De Sanctis. The goal was harsh on Napoli, who had actually begun the brighter of the two, with Marek Hamsik particularly prominent early on. However, as soon as Juventus scored, everything changed, and Mirko Vucinic had already squandered one decent headed opening when he butchered a gilt-edged opportunity to double the visitors’ advantage. Leonardo Bonucci - of all people - then dissected the Partenopei defence with a perfectly-weighted pass from deep that Arturo Vidal, in a sensational demonstration of awareness, controlled, before immediately flicking inside to Vucinic. The Montenegrin, as he so often does, took an age to decide how best to finish, thus allowing De Sanctis to narrow the angle sufficiently to block the Bianconeri forward’s belated strike on goal away for a corner. Such profligacy rarely goes unpunished at the top level and so it was that Napoli managed to haul themselves level during a dramatic conclusion to a compelling opening 45 minutes. There appeared to be little danger to the Juventus goal when Inler picked up possession some 30 yards out, but the Swiss international’s well-struck drive from distance took a small but significant deflection off the head of Bonucci, sending it flying over the despairing dive of Gianluigi Buffon. That was the first stroke of luck Napoli benefitted from on the night; the second arrived in the dying seconds of the first half when star striker Edinson Cavani inexplicably avoided a straight red card for a blatant forearm into Chiellini’s face. In his defence, Daniele Orsato, did not see what was an off-the-ball incident, but quite why he decided to brandish only a yellow after being informed of what had happened by one of his assistants was utterly mystifying, though subsequent television replays suggested that there had perhaps been some sort of provocation. Napoli did their utmost to make the most of their undoubted good fortune, with Hamsik drawing a fine stop out of Gianluigi Buffon shortly after half-time. However, Vucinic responded in kind, bringing the best out of De Sanctis, as Juve redoubled their efforts to all but end the title race. Napoli, though, were left cursing their own inability to draw to within three points of their opponents after wasting a terrific chance to snatch a vital win. Just moments after Cavani had headed straight at Buffon, Hamsik again found some space in between the Juve midfield and defence. The Slovak unleashed a powerful drive that Buffon found too hot to handle, but Lorenzo Insigne, who had replaced the grossly ineffective Goran Pandev, snatched at the rebound and dragged the ball wide. And with it, went Napoli's best chance to breathe new life into the Scudetto race. 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 Juventus survive San Paolo trip Gokhan Inler replied to Giorgio Chiellini, but Edinson Cavani escaped a red card as Napoli held Juventus in a Scudetto showdown stalemate. Mar 1, 2013 Only six points separated these teams as they went head-to-head at the San Paolo. Goran Pandev was preferred to Lorenzo Insigne and Christian Maggio picked for the right, while Giorgio Chiellini passed a fitness test for his first start in three months. Federico Peluso and Sebastian Giovinco were chosen ahead of Kwadwo Asamoah and Alessandro Matri, but Martin Caceres, Paolo De Ceglie and Nicolas Anelka were injured. Juve last conquered the San Paolo in Serie A on September 30, 2000, when Antonio Conte was playing in their midfield. The pre-match choreography created a mosaic of Vesuvius and the sea, with flares set off to show the volcano erupting. The pitch was re-laid this week to ensure a perfect playing surface. Within 15 seconds Marek Hamsik had scuffed a shot off target, while Giovinco turned well to sting the palms of Morgan De Sanctis. It was Juventus who took the lead when a corner was taken short and Andrea Pirlo curled a cross to the back post for Chiellini’s header, as he out-jumped Miguel Angel Britos. The defender celebrated wildly and punched his chest like Tarzan after his second career goal against Napoli. Stephan Lichtsteiner went down too easily under pressure from Gokhan Inler and the referee waved away his penalty appeals. At the other end, defenders blocked off both Pandev and Edinson Cavani from getting their shots away from a Hamsik through ball. Arturo Vidal whipped in a cross for Mirko Vucinic, whose looping header across the face of goal whistled just wide with De Sanctis stranded. On 19 minutes Vidal broke clear on the counter and rolled across for the totally unmarked Vucinic, but De Sanctis performed a fantastic one-handed save to palm it wide. There was a terrifying moment on the half-hour when Britos accidentally clashed heads with teammate Inler and the Uruguayan seemed to be out cold for a few moments, but he was able to continue. Vucinic had another good opportunity following an Inler error, but his first touch let him down when clear on goal. Hamsik’s through ball for Cavani was crucially intercepted by Chiellini, then from the corner Andrea Barzagli stopped the Uruguayan from pulling the trigger. Lichtsteiner fired wide from the edge of the box, then Giovinco couldn’t take advantage of an error as Vucinic got in his way. Just as the teams looked ready to go into the half-time break, Inler drew Napoli level with a screamer from distance that took a touch off Leonardo Bonucci’s head to lift it slightly into the top corner, where Gigi Buffon could not reach. Napoli’s tails were up in stoppages and Juan Camilo Zuniga’s strike was charged down. There was tension from a corner, as Chiellini pulled Cavani’s hair, then the Uruguayan reacted by elbowing the defender in the side of the face. The goal line referee saw it all and advised that Cavani be booked. As this was seen and judged by officials, Cavani cannot be tried using video evidence for this incident. Blerim Dzemaili replaced Britos for the second half, moving to a four-man defence. Vucinic just failed to get his toe to a Giovinco sweeping ball across the six-yard box. Buffon got down to palm a fierce left-foot Hamsik strike round the post, then Napoli caused chaos in two successive corners that Juve somehow scrambled clear after a deflected Hamsik shot and a Maggio header. Vucinic pounced on a Paolo Cannavaro error to unleash a snapshot that De Sanctis beat away, then at the other end Maggio tried to surprise Buffon at the near post, a powerful cross-shot pushed round the upright. Buffon plucked a Cavani glancing header out from under the bar, then moments later he parried a Hamsik strike into the path of Dzemaili, who incredibly fired wide of an open goal on the follow-up. Lorenzo Insigne dribbled past three men to set up Inler, whose screamer was fingertipped over the bar by Buffon. Cavani ballooned a free kick over from a very promising position in the final minutes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAPOLI: De Sanctis; Cannavaro, Campagnaro, Britos (Dzemaili 46); Maggio, Inler (Armero 84), Behrami, Zuniga; Hamsik, Pandev (Insigne 67); Cavani JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio (Padoin 91), Peluso; Giovinco (Matri 74), Vucinic (Pogba 85) Ref: Orsato http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato HT 1-1: Tense Scudetto showdown all square Mar 1, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini’s header and a deflected Gokhan Inler screamer have Napoli and Juventus level at half-time, but Edinson Cavani should’ve been sent off. Only six points separated these teams as they went head-to-head at the San Paolo. Goran Pandev was preferred to Lorenzo Insigne and Christian Maggio picked for the right, while Giorgio Chiellini passed a fitness test for his first start in three months. Federico Peluso and Sebastian Giovinco were chosen ahead of Kwadwo Asamoah and Alessandro Matri, but Martin Caceres, Paolo De Ceglie and Nicolas Anelka were injured. Juve last conquered the San Paolo in Serie A on September 30, 2000, when Antonio Conte was playing in their midfield. The pre-match choreography created a mosaic of Vesuvius and the sea, with flares set off to show the volcano erupting. The pitch was re-laid this week to ensure a perfect playing surface. Within 15 seconds Marek Hamsik had scuffed a shot off target, while Giovinco turned well to sting the palms of Morgan De Sanctis. It was Juventus who took the lead when a corner was taken short and Andrea Pirlo curled a cross to the back post for Chiellini’s header, as he out-jumped Miguel Angel Britos. The defender celebrated wildly and punched his chest like Tarzan after his second career goal against Napoli. Stephan Lichtsteiner went down too easily under pressure from Gokhan Inler and the referee waved away his penalty appeals. At the other end, defenders blocked off both Pandev and Edinson Cavani from getting their shots away from a Hamsik through ball. Arturo Vidal whipped in a cross for Mirko Vucinic, whose looping header across the face of goal whistled just wide with De Sanctis stranded. On 19 minutes Vidal broke clear on the counter and rolled across for the totally unmarked Vucinic, but De Sanctis performed a fantastic one-handed save to palm it wide. There was a terrifying moment on the half-hour when Britos accidentally clashed heads with teammate Inler and the Uruguayan seemed to be out cold for a few moments, but he was able to continue. Vucinic had another good opportunity following an Inler error, but his first touch let him down when clear on goal. Hamsik’s through ball for Cavani was crucially intercepted by Chiellini, then from the corner Andrea Barzagli stopped the Uruguayan from pulling the trigger. Lichtsteiner fired wide from the edge of the box, then Giovinco couldn’t take advantage of an error as Vucinic got in his way. Just as the teams looked ready to go into the half-time break, Inler drew Napoli level with a screamer from distance that took a touch off Leonardo Bonucci’s head to lift it slightly into the top corner, where Gigi Buffon could not reach. Napoli’s tails were up in stoppages and Juan Camilo Zuniga’s strike was charged down. There was tension from a corner, as Chiellini pulled Cavani’s hair, then the Uruguayan reacted by elbowing the defender in the side of the face. The goal line referee saw it all and advised that Cavani be booked. As this was seen and judged by officials, Cavani cannot be tried using video evidence for this incident.. Napoli 1-1 Juventus (Half-Time) Scorers: Chiellini 10 (J), Inler 44 (N) NAPOLI: De Sanctis; Cannavaro, Campagnaro, Britos; Maggio, Inler, Behrami, Zuniga; Hamsik, Pandev; Cavani JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, Peluso; Giovinco, Vucinic Ref: Orsato http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Juve bus pelted with rocks Mar 1, 2013 Napoli fans pelted the Juventus team bus with eggs, bottles and rocks, smashing the window where Kwadwo Asamoah was sat. The Bianconeri arrived at the Stadio San Paolo ahead of tonight’s Serie A match, which kicks off at 19.45 GMT. There was a police escort for the team bus on its journey from the hotel to the stadium, but that did not stop a group of hooligans throwing objects as it travelled. Reports suggest it was pelted with eggs, but also bottles and some fairly large rocks. Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirmed the window was smashed where Asamoah was sitting on the bus. The Ghanaian is not in the starting XI, as Federico Peluso was preferred for the left flank. “It was not a relaxed journey,” admitted defender Andrea Barzagli on Sky Sport Italia. “Now we must concentrate on the match, which is better. It will be a game that counts for a great deal and means a lot to us. “Antonio Conte fired us up with his usual words.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

4-5-1

Pogba per Vucinic.

É vero ... ma ci piace anche la tua firma.

Con qualche difficoltá, ma bravo Matri.

Espulso Bigon.

É l'ora di Matri.

La testata di Cavani non preoccupa Buffon.

Il colpo di testa é stato di Bonucci all'indietro.

Cannavaro a caccia di caviglie.

Comunque in campo o fuori, con Cavani il Napoli sta giá giocando in 10.

ORSATO .... NON ME LA SONO SENTITA!

Da regolamento era rosso ... ma non contro il Napoli.