Socrates

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato De Sanctis: Conte has changed Juve Feb 28, 2013 Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis has praised Juventus Coach Antonio Conte as both sides prepare to face each other in a top of the table clash. The Partenopei host the Bianconeri at Stadio San Paolo on Friday evening, looking to cut the gap at the top of Serie A to three points. But the Italy international knows it will be a tough game against a 'major rival'. “Conte has changed the mentality of this Juventus team,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “They are now confident of winning and putting pressure on all their opponents. “They deserve our respect, but we will be at home so we know we can make it difficult for them. “Of course we want to cut the distance at the top of the table because they are a major rival of ours. “We have come back strongly in recent years, and now we're one of their biggest threats.” 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 name Napoli squad Feb 28, 2013 Antonio Conte has named his 21-man squad as Juventus prepare to take on Napoli at Stadio San Paolo tomorrow. The Bianconeri face the Partenopei looking to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to nine points. And they do so with the help of Giorgio Chiellini, who is recalled after a month out with injury. Nicolas Anelka meanwhile, misses out. Full squad: Buffon, Chiellini, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Marrone 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 Mazzarri: Juve match not decisive Feb 28, 2013 Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri has claimed that Friday's match with Juventus 'will not be decisive' in terms of the title race. The Partenopei host Antonio Conte's men at Stadio San Paolo tomorrow, and the 51-year-old Azzurri Coach has insisted that the game will be 'special' but won't decide who wins the Scudetto. "It is not a decisive game for the title,” he told a Press conference. “After this there are 11 other matches. “It is definitely a special game for Napoli and Naples as a city, but it will not be decisive. “We have spent 20 years not reaching the top level of Italian football, but for the last three years we've been reaching the upper echelons – and that is already a success. “Unfortunately this is not said a lot, and I would like to remind the fans. “Juve have great quality. We have not had much time to prepare for the game but we will still try to play our best.” 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 Conte promises proactive Juve Feb 28, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte insists his side won’t be playing for a draw at Napoli on Friday night. There is a suggestion that the Old Lady could be looking to primarily defend their six-point advantage at the top of the table when the two teams meet at the Stadio San Paolo. Conte, however, has told reporters on Thursday that his side only play with one thing on their mind. “Our style of play doesn’t change whether we play at home or away,” he stated. “We always look to play proactive football. “Sometimes that happens, other times our opponents don’t allow us to. But, at the San Paolo, we’ll look to play with our ideas and organisation.” The game is being billed as a potential title decider, but the tactician has underlined that the season is still long. “It’s one of the many games that we’ll have to get over to reach the finish line. The championship will not end tomorrow. “More important games will follow against Milan, Inter, Lazio… “There is certainly a lot of media attention, but that is what happens when two important sides meet.” Conte also has total respect for the Azzurri, a squad he believes has the potential to take away their League crown. “We went into last season off the back of two seventh placed finishes. Napoli, meanwhile, were built for a Champions League campaign. Now, with the Scudetto shield on our shirts, the roles have been reversed. “Napoli, though, strengthened in the summer and in January – so they can target the title. They prematurely exited the Coppa and the Europa League, but they can get the only objective left for them.” Conte again took the opportunity to defend Sebastian Giovinco, the club’s top scorer this term who continues to have his critics. “Giovinco was listed in the elections and I voted for him,” Conte smiled. “Sebastian has to be calm and he’s very mature. He knows how to cope with the pressure and that is not easy.” Will Giorgio Chiellini start after recovering from injury? “Giorgio is well. He’s recovered, but I want to speak to him first before making a decision. The important thing is that he has recovered from injury. “I’d like to wish Simone Pepe good luck too after surgery. We’re waiting for him.” The former midfielder also expressed his disappointment with regard to the amount of media attention there has been this week about the choice of tomorrow’s referee. “It’s not nice to talk about referees. It’s a shame that people always find something to stir up controversy. “We have faith in the referees, we know that they can make mistakes and you can get angry with them as we have in the past. I have and paid for it, but it is ugly to start insinuating things.” Daniele Orsato has been given the game. 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 ‘Napoli draw signalled Juve Scudetto’ Feb 28, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini says that Juventus realised they could win the Scudetto last season after collecting a 3-3 draw at Napoli. The two teams meet at the San Paolo again on Friday in a potentially decisive game, a match that holds happy memories for the 28-year-old. “Even though there were plenty of games to go, that match gave us the belief that we could win the Scudetto,” he told Sky Sport Italia after Juve came from behind to salvage a point. “We did just that, we won the title and we want to win it again.” Napoli are only six points behind leaders Juventus and the Italian international has great respect for their opponents. “There have been a lot of games since we met in Serie B and Napoli have improved immensely,” the defender added. “They have an ambitious President, and since Coach Walter Mazzarri arrived, they’ve taken a further step up in quality. “The club has not only become competitive in Italy, but also in Europe, as they showed last year over two legs against Chelsea. “Yes they were knocked out, but they lost to the eventual champions and, in fact, would have deserved to progress to the next round. “The match on Friday could go either way. It won’t be decisive though because there is still a long way to go in the championship, but it will of course be important for both teams.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

German football attracts Marchisio Feb 28, 2013 Claudio Marchisio has admitted that he could be tempted by a future in Germany if he ever left Juventus. Marchisio, a graduate of the Bianconeri youth system, is seen as a future captain of the Italian giants. Although he insists that he is happy at the club whom he supported as a boy, he’s told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport that he is a fan of German football. “I wouldn’t mind an experience abroad even if my priority will always be Juventus,” the midfielder stated. “Where would I go if that was the case? More Bundesliga than the Premier League. I love German football, their modern stadiums are always full. “I admire the mentality of their fans who don’t leave the stadium early, not even when their side is four goals down.” For now though, Marchisio is focused on a Juventus side who he believes are even stronger than last term. “Juve are a team in every sense of the word,” he explained. “We may be losing more than we did, but we are coping well with the demands of the championship and Champions League.” Marchisio believes that he is improving too. “You never stop growing,” he added. “You only gain full maturity with time. Winning the Scudetto and Euro 2012 have helped me. “The future of Italy’s midfield? We’re in a good situation with Marco Verratti [PSG] and Alessandro Florenzi [Roma]. They’ve proved that they are ready. “I’d also take a bet on Andrea Poli [sampdoria], who is growing in an interesting manner game after game.” Marchisio also mirrored the view of many of his Juventus teammates who insist that Friday’s game at Napoli won’t decide the Scudetto. “Let’s not joke,” he stated. “There will still be 11 games left, including dangerous ones against Inter, Milan and Lazio. There is also the variable of injuries.”

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Vucinic on Napoli and Jovetic Feb 28, 2013 Juventus’ Mirko Vucinic says the tie at Napoli will not decide anything, while he would welcome Stevan Jovetic to the club. Speaking to Tuttosport on Thursday, the striker pondered a number of issues – starting with Friday’s Scudetto clash in Naples. “It won’t decide anything as the race is still long,” Vucinic, whose side are six points clear of the Azzurri, stated. “It’s also a lot harder in the second half of the season, as the sides who are fighting to stay up really start to give it their all and it is difficult to take anybody on. “I know what the atmosphere will be like at the San Paolo, but I’m not worried by it. We’ll just have to react to it like we did at Glasgow against Celtic – it’ll pretty much be like that.” Vucinic is the only untouchable figure in the Juventus attack and there is talk that Montenegro teammate Jovetic could be signed in the summer from Fiorentina. “We play close together in the national side and we often switch positions with each other. I’d like to do that at Juve as he is a fellow countryman and is a really strong player. “However, there is Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici here who work on transfers, it is up to them to decide,” he noted. “My future? I don’t look at it. I live one day at a time, but I’m happy in Turin. England? I’m not interested.” The former Roma player was also asked for an opinion on Paul Pogba, the French teenager who has been a revelation since his summer move from Manchester United. “I’ve only see talents emerge at the age of 19 on a few occasions, but nobody is like him,” he assured. “He has to grow in peace. If he continues to work as he is doing then he’ll be a champion.” 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 Match point for Juventus Feb 28, 2013 Juventus will wrap up the Scudetto win a win at Napoli on Friday night, former striker Nicola Amourso has stated. Although there are still 12 rounds of the campaign to go, Amoruso has told TMW that the Old Lady can put their hands on the title this weekend. “It’s certainly a crucial stage of the season,” Amoruso, who also played for Napoli, told TMW. “If Juve win then it’ll be all over. “Antonio Conte’s side certainly arrive at the fixture in good shape, but I think Walter Mazzarri’s side will get themselves out of their hardly brilliant moment. “Napoli will certainly be very determined because this is the last chance they have for their dream that they call the Scudetto.” Juventus have a six-point advantage over a Napoli side who have drawn their last three games in Serie A. 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 Napoli-Juventus Betting Preview: Expect the Bianconeri to strike first The hosts need to win in order to maintain the pressure at the top of the table, but Al Hain-Cole thinks that their poor form in front of goal could put them in trouble early on. Feb 28, 2013 Although there is still almost a third of the Serie A season left to play, Friday’s clash between Napoli and Juventus could quite reasonably be described as an early title decider. A win for Walter Mazzarri’s men would bring them back to within three points of the league leaders, while defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb. Unfortunately for the hosts, they go into this match without a win in their last five games, and are underdogs at 2/1 (3.00) with Bet Victor to pick up a crucial three points. In contrast, Antonio Conte has guided his side to four wins in the last five matches, and sees them start the game as favourites at 31/20 (2.55). Last year’s corresponding fixture at the Stadio San Paolo resulted in a thrilling 3-3 draw, and you can get odds of 23/10 (3.30) on this one finishing all square once again. However, an equally high-scoring encounter seems unlikely this time round, as the Partenopei appear to have lost their touch in front of goal recently. The hosts have failed to score in their last four competitive matches, so are unlikely to come out in prolific form against a team that has kept three clean sheets in their previous four. The Bianconeri, on the other hand, can usually be relied upon to start on the front foot, and have taken the lead in eight of their last 10 games. With the visiting team sure to start more confidently in attack, they are the obvious choice to get the ball rolling on Friday, at healthy odds of 9/10 (1.90). In fact, the travelling support may not have to wait for too long at all before starting the festivities, as their club have hit the back of the net inside the opening 20 minutes in three of the last five games. With this in mind, it makes sense to back Juventus scoring their opening goal within the first 27 minutes, at inviting 12/5 (3.40) odds. 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 Chiellini: Napoli can cause Juventus trouble The Italy international has warned that Walter Mazzarri's men will not be pushovers, and has been impressed with the Partenopei's rise in recent years. Feb 28, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini has warned his Juventus team-mates not to underestimate the threat posed by Napoli in their Serie A clash on Friday. Just six points separate the two sides going into the San Paolo fixture, and the Italy international has been impressed with the Partenopei's rise in recent years. "The match could go either way. It won’t be decisive because there is still a long way to go in the championship, but it will of course be important for both teams," Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia. "Napoli have improved immensely. They have an ambitious president, and since [Walter] Mazzarri arrived, they’ve taken a further step up in quality. "The club has not only become competitive in Italy, but also in Europe, as they showed last year over two legs against Chelsea." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: I prefer Bundesliga over Premier League The midfielder would be open to a move to Germany at some point in his career amid speculation linking him with Bayern Munich. Feb 28, 2013 Claudio Marchisio says he would prefer to play in the Bundesliga rather than the Premier League if he was to leave Juventus in the future. The Italy international has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich on more than one occasion in recent years, and while committed to the Old Lady, he has left the door open to one last European adventure. "My priority is to stay at Juventus for the remainder of my career, but I am open to trying a new experience abroad in the future," Marchisio told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "The Bundesliga? I really love German football. Their modern stadiums and facilities are great. Games are almost always sold out. "And I like the attitude of the German fans. They do not even leave the stadium when their team is trailing by four goals. "I prefer the Bundesliga over the Premier League." Marchisio has a contract with the Bianconeri until June 2016.

Alexis Sanchez would fit in well at Juventus, says Asamoah The Ghana international would welcome the winger with open arms if they were to be reunited at the Old Lady next season. Feb 28, 2013 Kwadwo Asamoah believes that Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez would be a good signing for Juventus amid ongoing speculation that the Chile international could be on his way to Turin this summer. The Chile international has struggled for consistency since joining the Catalans from Udinese in the summer of 2011, and was heavily linked with a move to Juve in the winter transfer window. The Bianconeri are allegedly still interested in the 24-year-old, and Asamoah would welcome his former Zebrette team-mate with open arms at the reigning Serie A champions. "Alexis is a player with great qualities. He is incredibly quick," Asamoah was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport. "He could give us a helping hand if he were to make the move to Juventus." Sanchez has a contract with Barcelona until June 2016.

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Nedved: 'Conte like Lippi and Capello' Feb 27, 2013 Juventus director Pavel Nedved hails Coach Antonio Conte ahead of the showdown with Napoli. “He’ll no doubt catch up with Marcello Lippi and Fabio Capello.” The tactician has only been on the Bianconeri bench for 18 months, but already won the Scudetto unbeaten, the Italian Super Cup and reached the Coppa Italia Final. “Conte is a true star,” Nedved told Sky Sport Italia and the official Juventus website. “I really like his way of thinking. He manages to get his humility across and that leads to successful results. A comparison with Lippi and Capello? His relative youth means that he hasn’t won as much as them as a Coach yet, but he’ll no doubt catch up with them. He’s one of the best. “To become a top Coach you have to be able to get your ideas across to the players, to get your personality across. He knows how to do that, and when I go to the stadium and watch Juve play, I really enjoy myself. “The side has strength of character, it presses the opposition, the players are always looking to score.” Juve are six points clear at the top of the table and visit second-placed Napoli on Friday evening in a Scudetto showdown. “It’s not going to be a match point in the title race,” insisted Nedved. “There are still 11 games to go and there’s still everything to play for. Napoli have some excellent players, some world-class players, as well as an excellent Coach. They can win the Scudetto just as much as we can. The game will be important, but there’ll be a lot more games after it. “Playing in such an atmosphere is the best any player could hope for and it’s exceptional to feel that first hand. The games at the San Paolo are always good ones and I always enjoy them, as a player before and now as a club official. “During the 2006/07 season Juve and Napoli were both playing in Serie B and today they find themselves battling with each other for the Scudetto: that means that both clubs have worked exceptionally hard since then.” 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 Behrami: 'Juve are not stronger' Feb 27, 2013 Valon Behrami is confident Napoli can upset the Serie A leaders on Friday. “Juventus are not stronger than us and we must attack them.” The top two teams go head-to-head at the Stadio San Paolo on Friday evening, kick-off at 19.45 GMT. “The crowd will give us a hand, that is for sure,” Behrami told the official Napoli radio station. “Walter Mazzarri has been great at being able to read the various moments we’re going through. Right now he is trying to take the tension off us, as he knows this type of match provides its own motivation. “There are six points between us, so this game will be the tipping point where we understand who we are and what we can do. It will give a verdict and I’m sure on Friday night we’ll know if we have to look ahead or over our shoulders. “It is also important we don’t get too unrealistic, as second place is something important that is worth defending. We proved that we can target bigger objectives, but it depends on us.” Diego Armando Maradona visited Naples this week and urged the team to go for the victory. “Maradona is right, we must attack Juventus,” continued Behrami. “He is a symbol of Napoli and his words are important, as it’s wonderful to know this champion is cheering us on. “On paper, Juventus are not stronger than Napoli, but if we calculate their experience, then they have a slight advantage.” The Bianconeri rely heavily on their midfield trio of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. “I am ready for battle. Will I score? It’ll take a miracle! I ask the fans not to forget that this Napoli is doing very well and try not to get downhearted over a few recent results that weren’t too positive.” 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 Matri: 'I dream of Naples goal' Feb 27, 2013 Alessandro Matri admits he is “dreaming of a decisive goal in Naples. Juventus give their best under pressure.” The striker is fighting with Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco for a starting spot at the Stadio San Paolo on Friday evening. “We did not let ourselves get intimidated by the cauldron of Celtic Park, so I don’t see why it should affect us on Friday,” Matri told Il Messaggero newspaper. “Juventus give their best under pressure. We are going to play as if we were joint leaders with Napoli rather than six points in front. “A victory there would not lock down the Scudetto, but a nine-point gap would be a lot. We are just focused on winning and won’t make calculations.” Matri has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Turin, especially as Fernando Llorente will arrive from Athletic Bilbao in June. “I have a four-year contract. I am happy here and have matured, so I want to continue winning here. I convinced Antonio Conte with hard work in training and by scoring, which is crucial for a striker. “I feel that I am an important player and want to play my cards. It’s better to be one of five forwards at Juventus than a first choice elsewhere. “You cannot understand what it means until you pull on the Juventus jersey. I was at Cagliari before, but that was different.” The Bianconeri are Serie A leaders and in good stead to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. “The Final at Wembley would be a dream,” added Matri. “The goal I’d love to score would be in that Champions League Final, but I’d be happy with the decisive goal against Napoli. I’d do anything to find the net there.” 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 Cannavaro: 'Juve are beatable' Feb 27, 2013 Fabio Cannavaro has played for both Juventus and Napoli, so tells his hometown club “the Bianconeri are beatable.” On Friday evening the top two go head-to-head in a Scudetto showdown at the Stadio San Paolo. “I expect a tough game, because Juve never give in and they’ll make it very difficult,” Cannavaro told Radio Kiss Kiss. “Napoli must prove they have grown, that they can play these games and send important signals. They are coming off some not great performances and people expect a lot. “There is everything they need to do well in this match, because facing Juventus really boosts your motivation.” His younger brother, Paolo, is the Napoli captain, but Fabio won’t be in the stands of the San Paolo. “I’ll be watching in Dubai. Napoli should not be afraid, because the Bianconeri may be strong, but they are beatable. “It should not be seen as the game of the year or the encounter that can save a season. It ought to be considered a match that can give them the fire to push forward till the end. Anything is possible at the San Paolo.” 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 Peluso: Forget the League table Feb 27, 2013 Juventus will pay no attention to the League table when facing Napoli on Friday night in Serie A, insists Federico Peluso. The Old Lady are six points clear of the second-placed Azzurri and their Scudetto credentials will be underlined should they avoid defeat at the Stadio San Paolo. However, the January signing from Atalanta has insisted that his side will go into the game making no calculations. “We can’t be thinking about the points advantage,” Peluso told Juventus Channel. “We’re just concentrating on ourselves. “We know what our aims are and what we want to achieve game after game. Friday’s match is obviously important and so we hope to come out on top.” Juve will go into the tie after returning to winning ways with a 3-0 triumph over Siena at the weekend after the 1-0 loss at Roma. “We sent a strong message against a side that had recently achieved great results against big teams,” the Italian international added. “It was a really important win. We showed our ability and took another step in the right direction, but now we are thinking about the remaining 12 games.” 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 Caceres and Anelka sidelined Feb 27, 2013 Martin Caceres and Nicolas Anelka are doubts for Juventus’ game at Napoli on Friday because of fitness issues. The two players skipped training at Vinovo on Wednesday as they continue to struggle with persistent back pain problems. Training will resume on Thursday afternoon after boss Antonio Conte has spoken to journalists ahead of the big Scudetto tie. Defender Caceres has appeared in 14 League games this season and has stood in for Giorgio Chiellini while he has been absent. The latter should be available for the San Paolo showdown. Anelka, a striker, joined the club in January from Shanghai Shenhua. The 33-year-old has only made one 23-minute substitute appearance in Serie A so far. 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 ‘Napoli-Juventus not decisive’ Feb 27, 2013 The destination of the Scudetto won’t be decided by Friday’s Napoli-Juventus clash, says Stephan Lichtsteiner. First take on second in Naples as the Old Lady look to consolidate their six-point advantage over the Azzurri. “It won’t be decisive as far as the destiny of the title is concerned,” the Bianconero told RAI. “There will still be 11 games remaining after it.” Napoli have drawn their last three matches in Serie A, but the Swiss international fully respects their opponents. “They are an excellent side and it’s difficult for anyone to play at the Stadio San Paolo,” he explained. “It won’t be easy. “Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik are excellent footballers who are doing very well, as are the many Swiss players they have in the team. “Napoli have plenty of individuals who are capable of making the difference and also possess a consolidated style of play. “We’ll need to remain alert and prepare for the game as best we can. But we’ll go there to impose our style of play and avoiding errors will be important.” Juve have had a problematic start to 2013 after winning just four of their eight League games, losing twice against Sampdoria and Roma. “It’s normal to go through a sticky patch throughout the course of a season,” he added. “Sometimes the ball doesn’t seem to want to go in, while the opposition score with their first attempt. “It happened to us, but we’ve done well to put it behind us.” 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 Juventus not thinking about six-point advantage - Peluso The January signing has urged his team-mates to remain focused winning each match as they prepare to take on Scudetto rivals Napoli on Friday. Feb 27, 2013 Juventus defender Federico Peluso has said that the team are not thinking about their six-point lead at the top of Serie A. Antonio Conte’s side look ever-more likely to retain their Scudetto title, but the former Atalanta man is remaining calm over the situation ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Napoli on Friday. "We can’t be thinking about the six point advantage, we’re just concentrating on ourselves," Peluso told the club’s official website. "We know what our aims are and what we want to achieve game after the game. Friday’s match is obviously important and so we hope to come out on top." The 29-year-old also urged his team-mates to remain focused in their Champions League tie at home to Celtic on March 12. “The Scots were very good from dead ball situations so we have to be aware of that threat," he added. “In the first leg, Celtic showed they are a great team who can cause problems for us. Overall we need to stay very focused for the entire match.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pirlo: Juventus not ready to win Champions League The midfielder has cooled suggestions that the Bianconeri could triumph in Europe this season, despite being on the brink of reaching the quarter-finals. Feb 27, 2013 Andrea Pirlo believes that Juventus are not yet ready to win the Champions League this term as he feels other teams have more quality than the Serie A champions. Juve impressed in the first leg of their round of 16 tie against Celtic as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 away win, yet Pirlo has insisted that they cannot be seen as favourites to win the competition. "The Champions League? I don't think that we are ready to win it yet. Even though we're there now and will do our utmost. There are stronger teams than Juventus still in the competition," Pirlo told La Repubblica. The midfielder then went on to praise Antonio Conte, and hopes that the successful coach will stay at Juventus Stadium. "Conte is a great coach, but he will have to learn the language first if he moves abroad because communication is very important for him. "I believe that Juventus is the best place for him, but he could work anywhere." Pirlo also had his say on the Scudetto race, and insisted that the match against Napoli at the weekend will not be decisive. "It will definitely be a very important match, but it will not be decisive. We are all calm and relaxed ahead of the match."

Lichtsteiner: We have put our struggles behind us The defender has voiced his satisfaction with his side's February form and outlined the challenge posed by Napoli on Friday. Feb 27, 2012 Stephan Lichtsteiner is pleased with the way Juventus have returned to winning ways this month after struggling to find their best form earlier in 2013. The Serie A leaders won only one of their first four league games of the year, but have since returned to winning ways again, much to the delight of the Switzerland international. "It’s normal to go through a sticky patch throughout the course of a season, in which the ball doesn’t seem to want to go in, while the opposition score with their first attempt," Lichtsteiner told Rai Sport. "It happened to Juve, but we’ve done well to put it behind us." The wing-back then went on to discuss the upcoming Serie A match against Napoli, and warned that the Partenopei cannot be underestimated. "Cavani and Hamsik are excellent footballers who are doing very well, as are the many Swiss players in the team. "Napoli have plenty of individuals who are capable of making the difference and also possess a consolidated style of play. We'll need to remain alert and prepare for the game as best we can." Juve currently hold a six-point lead over second-placed Napoli.

Serie A Week 27 - 1-3-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - San Paolo Stadium - Napels Referee: Daniele Orsato Bonucci: 'Juve want Naples win' Feb 26, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci assures Juventus are “going to Napoli in order to win” in Friday’s Scudetto showdown at the San Paolo. The defender wrote a message to the supporters on his official website this afternoon. “Getting the victory against a good Siena side was crucial,” he said of Sunday’s 3-0 triumph. “Now we have a six-point advantage over Napoli and it must give us confidence for the trip to the San Paolo. “We are going to Napoli in order to win and play our most important game of the season. That is our objective, to be Juventus. “As always, may the best man win.” 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 Chiellini ready to start for Juve Feb 26, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini should be fit enough to start in Juventus’ Scudetto tie at Napoli on Friday night. The defender picked up an ankle injury on his return to action against Siena on Sunday, but he’s expected to be ready for the Stadio San Paolo showdown. The medical staff are set to give the Italian international the green light to begin from the first minute against the Azzurri. The 28-year-old has only made 14 League appearances so far this season after being restricted by injuries. He’s not started a game in the Italian top-flight since the 3-0 win over Atalanta back on December 16. 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 Bonucci: Juventus are going to Napoli to win The Italy defender believes the win over Siena has given the team confidence as they look to stretch their lead at the top of the Serie A table to nine points. Feb 26, 2013 Defender Leonardo Bonucci has explained that Juventus will be doing all they can to win when they face Serie A title rivals Napoli on Friday. The Italy international believes the 3-0 win over Siena on Sunday has given Antonio Conte's side confidence ahead of the Scudetto showdown, with Vecchia Signora knowing a win would put them nine points clear of their nearest rivals at the top of the table. "Getting the victory against a good Siena side was crucial,” he wrote on his official website. "Now we have a six-point advantage over Napoli and it must give us confidence for the trip to the San Paolo. "We are going to Napoli in order to win and play our most important game of the season. That is our objective, to be Juventus." Despite being six points clear of their next opponents, Conte's team have been in indifferent form, winning just four of their eight league matches since the winter break. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/