Socrates

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Iachini: 'Siena will attack Juve' Feb 23, 2013 Beppe Iachini is thoroughly impressed with Juventus, but insists giant-killers Siena “will be attacking and certainly won’t go looking for a 0-0.” The Tuscans have never won in Turin, but over the last few rounds earned convincing victories over Inter and Lazio. “It will require a performance of real character at the Juventus Stadium, coupled with tactical organisation,” said Coach Iachini in his Press conference. “We are facing a very strong opponent, but it would be a terrible mistake to go out there looking for a 0-0. We will play our game, just as we always do, trying to be attacking and pro-active. “Simone Vergassola has trained with the team all week and it will be very important to have him back in the side. “For over 18 months Juventus are proving they’re a real team with a solid and well-drilled system. We must put in the perfect performance.” Recent results mean Siena are third from bottom despite a six-point penalty in the betting scandal. Much of that has been down to January signing Innocent Emeghara, click here for Dylan Fahy’s blog on the striker. “We are doing well and the fans will have to stay close to us right to the end as we seek safety.” Siena squad for Juventus: Farelli, Marini, Pegolo; Belmonte, Felipe, Grillo, Matheu, Paci, Rubin, Teixeira, Terlizzi, Uvini; Agra, Bolzoni, Calello, Della Rocca, Mannini, Sestu, Valiani, Verre; Bogdani, Emeghara, Paolucci, Pozzi, Reginaldo, Rosina. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Chiellini's back for Juventus Feb 23, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini is back in the Juventus squad to take on Siena, along with Claudio Marchisio and Federico Peluso. Defender Chiellini has not featured since tearing a calf muscle on December 16, but will be on the bench in Turin tomorrow afternoon. The Bianconeri can also now count on Marchisio and Peluso, who sat out bans in the 1-0 defeat to Roma last week. Martin Caceres misses out with a muscular problem, but Arturo Vidal is included despite spraining his ankle. Juventus squad for Siena: Buffon, Chiellini, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Anelka, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubino, Marrone http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Conte: 'First of 13 World Cup Finals' Feb 23, 2013 Antonio Conte welcomes back Giorgio Chiellini, warns Juventus-Siena is “the first of 13 World Cup Finals” and berates the fans for treating football “like theatre.” The Bianconeri suffered a post-Champions League dip with last week’s 1-0 defeat to Roma, cutting their lead at the top of the Serie A table to four points. “Martin Caceres will not recover in time, while Arturo Vidal’s sprained right ankle will have to be evaluated today,” explained the Coach in his Press conference. “Chiellini trained with us all week and he will be on the bench. Mirko Vucinic? He’s fine.” Conte was asked whether he’ll rotate the squad on Sunday, particularly as Andrea Barzagli, Andrea Pirlo, Paolo De Ceglie and Alessandro Matri are a booking away from missing next Friday’s Napoli-Juventus showdown. “There are 13 games to go. They must be 13 World Cup Finals because dropping points anywhere can be negative. “Right now, Siena has to be the game of our lives, because they are in great shape. Over the last five rounds they have beaten Inter and Lazio, conceding only three goals. It’s a very, very difficult test. “If someone thinks it’s going to be a walk in the park, then they’re really not listening to me. I hope the Juventus Stadium crowd understands we need everyone to clear their throats and start pushing us forward the way they did last season. “This year some of the fans sat and watched the game as if they were at the theatre. That really did not sit well with me. From tomorrow the supporters must give the team a hand, because this is a tough match. “I am not interested in players on a yellow card, as I pay more attention to their physical fitness. Napoli come later, Siena are still worth three points and will make us suffer.” Conte was in the stands at San Siro cheering on Milan for their Champions League 2-0 victory over Barcelona. “At the start of the season I said Serie A had lost many great players due to the economic crisis, but that put the pressure on us Coaches to make up for it with ideas and hard work. Serie A is competitive and the Champions League proved that. “I compliment Massimiliano Allegri on the perfect performance, but Juve, Lazio and Inter also did great things in Europe. In Italy there is great tactical organisation and any of the teams give you trouble. For example, tomorrow Siena will be well-drilled, enthusiastic and organised.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 7^ Giornata - Ritorno - 24-2-2012 (ore 15:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Domenico Celi Confronti ufficiali 17 - 15 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 14 - 12 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 2 - 2 (Serie A) Vittorie Siena 1 - 1 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 35 - 31 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) Goals Siena 10 - 8 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Siena in campionato a Torino Giocate: 7 Vittorie Juventus: 5 (L'ultima l'11.01.2009, 1-0) Pareggi: 2 (L'ultimo il 05.02.2012, 0-0) Vittorie Siena: 0 Goals Juventus: 15 Goals Siena: 5 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Siena a Torino in Serie A dal 1929/1930 6 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 4 Buffon Gianluigi 4 Camoranesi Mauro German 4 Trezeguet David Sergio 3 Cannavaro Fabio 3 Chiellini Giorgio 3 De Ceglie Paolo 3 Grygera Zdenek 3 Legrottaglie Nicola 3 Marchisio Claudio 8 goals Del Piero Alessandro 3 Trezeguet David Sergio 1 Candreva Antonio 1 Cannavaro Fabio 1 Emerson Ferreira Da Rosa 1 Salihamidzic Hasan Ultimi confronti diretti 30.04.2006 Serie A Siena-Juventus 0-3 23.12.2007 Serie A Juventus-Siena 2-0 04.05.2008 Serie A Siena-Juventus 1-0 11.01.2009 Serie A Juventus-Siena 1-0 24.05.2009 Serie A Siena-Juventus 0-3 25.10.2009 Serie A Siena-Juventus 0-1 14.03.2010 Serie A Juventus-Siena 3-3 18.09.2011 Serie A Siena-Juventus 0-1 05.02.2012 Serie A Juventus-Siena 0-0 07.10.2012 Serie A Siena-Juventus 1-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Siena 1 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Siena 5

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Juventus v Siena Preview – Team News, Tactics, Line-ups & Prediction Feb 23, 2013 Antonio Conte welcomes his former side, Siena, to the Juventus Stadium on Sunday as the Bianconeri look to get back to their winning ways. Their Champions League triumph at Celtic Park was followed by a fatigued performance against Roma. Juventus lost by a slender margin to the Romans as inevitable tiredness crept in. The performance by the Serie A Champions was below-par and Conte cited fixture congestion as a possible explanation for their uninspired performance. As for Siena, they may be at the bottom of the pile, but they don’t look like going down without a fight. Conte’s old side have risen to 18th position in the league table and they certainly will be in a confident mood ahead of their trip to the Juventus Stadium. The Tuscan based outfit have lost just once in their last 5 outings with two wins that include the scalps of Inter and Lazio. They now face a true test of their mini rejuvenation in the form of the intimidating league leaders. Team News and Tactical Brief JUVENTUS Antonio Conte was honored this week as he received his Panchina d’Oro award, given to the best manager in Serie A. An award that was justified by the unbeaten season his Juventus went on to record last term. Indeed, Conte has turned many heads since his appointment at Juventus, by his side’s footballing philosophy and by his meticulous attention to detail. He should stick with his favored 3-5-2 formation. Giorgio Chiellini isn’t expected to play a role on Sunday as he makes his return from a long injury lay-off. The big defender should start from the bench. Simone Pepe suffered a thigh injury that puts his season in jeopardy. Nicklas Bendtner and Paolo De Ceglie remain unavailable to the manager. Conte faces a selection head-ache as Vidal, Pirlo, Barzagli, Matri and Chiellini are all a booking away from missing next weekend’s top-of-the-table clash with Napoli. Juventus could opt to field just Pirlo if reports emanating from Italy are to be believed. The depth of the squad will be put to the test against in-form Siena side. The side, understandably, didn’t show the kind of pressing and intensity against Roma that has carried them on to success. Conte will shuffle and change and the two forwards up front should feature Giovinco and Quagliarella. The former has failed to hang on to the form he showed towards the end of last year while the latter has been pushed himself into the shadows following his controversial comments aimed at Angelo Alessio. Both should be presented the opportunity to lay a claim for a permanent starting role. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Giovinco SIENA Siena have a long road ahead of them and their positive run of form should act as motivation as they look to avoid the drop. Beppe Iachini has done a commendable job since taking over the reins at Siena. But of course, the work isn’t complete yet and he will truly gain recognition for his efforts, if he manages to drag the Robur out of the relegation zone and keep them in the top flight of Italian Football for another season. Angelo is the only injury concern for Iachini as he continues to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation. Striker Innocent Emeghara has come into the spot-light in recent weeks. Having netted 4 times in 4 appearances, Emeghara has garnered attention from the Italian media and remains Siena’s biggest hope. The Swiss striker has been ruthless in front of goal and each shot on target has resulted in him finding the back of the net. He comes up against Luca Marrone who should play at the heart of the Juventus defence and should test the Juventus youth product who, by trade, is a central midfielder. Rosina and Sestu will play just behind Emeghara, supplying him with the ammunition he needs. The front trio remains key to Pirlo’s influence on the game. Expect them to put the pressure on the playmaker and try to negate him. Marrone comes into the play here as the onus then falls on him to distribute from the back; a tactic that Conte has used with Bonucci, another ball-playing defender. Expect Siena to shut shop and defend deep in numbers as they try to contain the Juventus onslaught that should pour in from the outset. Aerially, they could expose a Juventus defence devoid of Chiellini, who is an uncompromising customer in the air. Siena could take full advantage of his absence by whipping in a few balls from the wide areas in Emeghara’s direction. Probable Starting Line-up (3-4-2-1): Pegolo; Texeira, Terlizzi, Felipe; Belmonte, Vergassola, Della Rocca, Rubin; Rosina, Sestu; Emeghara Player To Watch Out For Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) Marchisio returns to the side after his suspension against Roma. The Juventus youth product’s absence was felt by the Bianconeri as they failed to stamp any sort of authority on the game. His late runs into the box have gone untracked and have become characteristic of his overall game. Marchisio will need to establish a grip on the game and drive his side towards the three points as Juventus look to extend their lead at the top of the table. Prediction Juventus 2-0 Siena At home, Juventus are a formidable side to face. Siena may have form on their side heading into this one but they simply cannot match up – in quality to this Juventus side. Antonio Conte’s side will be determined to put behind last weekend’s negative result behind them and march on to the title. A Juventus win looks on the cards. Blast From The Past http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Juventus News – Siena Studies, Matri Musings, Peluso Professes Feb 22, 2013 Welcome back, amici. Juventus host bottom-of-the-table Siena on Sunday, but if we’ve learned anything from supporting Juve, it’s that a match against a minnow presents a classic trap for the Bianconeri. Take them too lightly or look ahead to Napoli next week, and Juve risk not only dropping three precious points before playing our Scudetto rivals, but also losing any momentum and confidence gained from February’s surge. Of course, try as we might, we can’t totally ignore the important fixtures over the horizon, and you’ll find in today’s STTBS that we do give into temptation once or twice. And now, the news… Latest Updates on Siena Clash Preparations began in earnest for the Siena match on Wednesday afternoon in a two-hour session. Antonio Conte’s men were put through the specific athletic drills, technical exercises and tactical strategies for a Tuscan side whose struggle for Serie A salvation has led to some impressive results of late. Yesterday, the ragazzi suffered through freezing temperatures to refine their specific anti-Siena plans, and this afternoon saw another training session blanketed by snow. As always, the work goes on. We can rest assured that Conte acknowledges Siena’s threat, not only for their desperate bid to avoid relegation to Serie B and their recent run of good form, but also for who they’ve taken down. Siena has upset top-of-table teams Lazio and They Who I Will Soon Name, Simply Because I Feel I’m Giving Them Too Much Power by Not Naming Them. The impressive performances of their top striker Innocent Emeghara, scorer of four goals in his last three appearances, are perhaps the salient feature of Siena’s recent success. The good news is that Siena’s wins have mainly come at home, as their only road win this season has come at San Siro back in September against, once again, TWIWSN,SBIFIGTTMP. As mentioned earlier in the week, no one is suspended for Juve. And that’s not the only good news. Giorgio Chiellini is apparently ready for action, having trained in earnest this week, including participating in two reduced-pitch practice matches. Conte’s tough decision will be whether to start him, or else risk not using him at all. The choice is complicated further by reports that Martin Caceres has complained of some back trouble, as well as the possibility that Conte may want to rest Andrea Barzagli to avoid yellow cards. In any event, barring any setbacks, the Keyser WILL be ready for Napoli. At this early juncture, it seems as if Conte is mulling over some turnover, particularly in attack, in view of the subsequent Napoli clash. Arturo Vidal could possibly be rested in favor of Paul Pogba, while Mirko Vucinic will likely make way for Sebastian Giovinco, who has done a good deal of sitting in 2013. Interestingly, Alessandro Matri’s run of good form may actually hinder his chances of starting, or maybe even featuring at all. Normally (or what passes for normal in the precarious world of Juve strikers), Matri would be in favor to partner Giovinco, but as he is a yellow card away from suspension, Conte might prefer to play it safe for Napoli, and thus start Fabio Quagliarella or Nicholas Anelka. In any event, it would be foolhardy to forecast Conte’s choices. Like The Lord and Nicholas Cage, Antonio Conte works in mysterious ways. Celi: Lucky Charm? Good news if you’re the superstitious type: Sunday’s referee has presided over some quality Bianconeri victories, including one historic occasion. Domenico Celi, who is nearing his 100th Serie A match, has officiated seven Juventus matches, of which Juve won six and drew one. Moreover, Celi ran three matches last season, including the first official Serie A match at Juventus Stadium, the memorable 4-1 rout of Parma in September 2011 which arguably set the tone for the Scudetto-winning season. Domenico also blew his whistle frequently over wins at Atalanta (2-0) and Novara (4-0). Celi’s linesmen will be Francesco Altomare and Andrea Crispo. Giancarlo Rubino will reprise his award-winning role as fourth official/man-with-a-tragic-past-for-whom-it’s-not-too-late-for-redemption. Previous Siena Encounters Turin has witnessed very few contests between Juve and Siena, owing to the latter club having played in the lower levels of Italian football for the first 55 years of its existence. But while the history of this fixture may be brief, it nevertheless conforms to the familiar pattern of Bianconeri (Juve, not Siena) dominance. Since their first meeting in 2001, Juventus is undefeated against Siena, tallying five wins and two draws. Sadly, most of the damage done to the Tuscan side came from the boots of Alex Del Piero, who scored eight goals in six years, including a memorable hat-trick in a 4-2 victory at the Stadio delle Alpi in 2004. Other highlights from la bandiera include a masterful back heel in 2005 and a majestic 35-yard free kick in 2009. And for those of you with a long memory for the traumatically disappointing, I do not need to remind you that Del Piero scored twice in that infamous match under Zaccheroni in which Juve surrendered a three-goal lead, allowing Siena to earn a draw. Incidentally, a goalless draw was the very last result between the two, in February of last year. Small sample-size notwithstanding, it’s worth noting that the most frequent scoreline is a 2-0 Juve victory, which happened twice; both occasions involved goals by David Trezeguet. Strikers who struck, and quite frequently, too. The nature of our past success against Siena provides a very timely example for our current Bianconeri attacanti to follow. Matri: No Distractions As we’ve witnessed many times in the past year or so, playing for Juventus seems to come with an inordinate amount of distractions, not least by the press. For Alessandro Matri, who at times this season has had the downcast look of one who’s reading too many pink newspapers, this must be especially annoying right now, as he looks to maintain his good form and preferential position in the attacking pecking order. So whether or not he plays Sunday, for Matri, there will be looking forward to Napoli, nor dwelling on the loss to Roma: We’re just thinking about the game against Siena which is currently the most important as far as we’re concerned. We know that it represents a complicated fixture, they’re in good shape both mentally and physically, they’ll come here to sit back before looking to break on the counter. We all sat down and analyzed our performance (at Roma) together. Not much went right for us, the game began badly and ended even worse. We’ve understood the errors we committed and now we’ll set off again with the same desire to win that we’ve always possessed. We can’t think about Napoli at present, even if I don’t believe the game at the San Paolo will be decisive as far as the destiny of the title is concerned. As proven several times in the past, Ale usually responds more to starting in successive matches, as opposed to coming on as a substitute. That is no less true now: Matri has scored thrice in his last four starts, which for this Juve squad makes him Lionel Messi. Ale knows how his confidence works: I’m currently in better shape than I was a few months ago, but I’ve always worked hard to improve. On the pitch, however, sometimes things go well and other times less so. It’s pleasing to know that certain people are now starting to believe in me again. I’ve never thought about leaving Juve, the club has always been right behind me and that’s the only thing that I’ve ever been interested in. Whether that’s positive self-talk or closer to reality is up for debate, as is anything anyone says to the press these days. But for the time being, Ale is top of the heap in Turin. Marchisio Looks Forward (and Walks It Back a Bit) I assume Claudio Marchisio is aware of the pitfalls of looking too far ahead in the schedule, but I realize that with the media being the particular beast it is, he can’t always get around it. Plus, he can always state the obvious: The aim is to win the championship again and to get to London for the Champions League Final. I know that it is a difficult ask, but we’ll try everything possible in order to do just that. It would be easy to think of this as just a boilerplate statement, but in a season where Juve is proving to be a legitimate European threat, Marchisio’s words have added weight. While not everyone will take Juve’s Champions League prospects so seriously, there will inevitably be some who construe it as a glove-slap in the face of Continental football. Which I think is just as well in Marchisio’s case. After all, it’s not like he’s a stranger to “real” fabricated controversy. That’s why months later, he still has to walk back his allegedly “anti-Napoli” statements in preparation for next week’s showdown: I was actually acknowledging Napoli for their excellent results over these past few years. I don’t hate Napoli, that’s absurd because every time that I go there I always manage to smile. We leave the fog behind and we find a place in the sun, with marvelous people and incredible scenery. I’m convinced it will be a spectacle, a great game between great sides. The “fog” was a nice touch, good-naturedly knocking Turin while wisely reciting from official Neapolitan tourist brochures. He must have learned something about being ambassadorial from Buffon and Del Piero. Even in interviews, he’s becoming a top player. Primavera Overdrive Despite crashing out of the Viareggio Cup, Marco Baroni’s Primavera side are just as busy, if not more, that the senior squad. They are currently still competing in the U-21 league, Coppa Italia Jr. and the Next Generation Series. Juventus The Younger are riding a 12-game winning streak in the league which finds them at the top of the league table, seven points ahead of Mini Torino (that’s gotta feel good) and nine points up on Lower Fiorentina. According to Juventus.com, there are eight matches remaining, in which a sustained run of good form will see Baroni’s boys in one of the top two spots, automatically qualifying for the national finals. In the Coppa Italia, the Primavera ran through Siena, Sampdoria and Torino to earn a spot in the final for the second year in a row. This time around, Little Juve will look to seek revenge for their loss against Roma last year by dismantling Napoli in a two-legged fixture—in Turin on March 13th and then at Napoli on the 23rd. Finally, there’s the Next Generation Series, which is just entering the knockout stages. The Bianconeri went unbeaten in the first round (the only team to do so) and they will take on Rosenberg on March 7 in Round of 16. A crowded schedule, to be sure, but one providing ample opportunity to make an impression, individually and collectively, on those higher up. Besides, their young legs can probably take it. Andiamo, ragazzi! The Coaches of Tomorrow… Today! Lately, it seems that the ongoing organizational, technological and medical improvements at Juventus are approaching science fiction. Next to Juventus, the inner workings of the rest of world football (surely the rest of Serie A) are starting to seem pre-discovery-of-fire. Now, the Bianconeri Universe is expanding into a nebulous intersection of advanced coaching strategies, corporate training methods and progressive sports medicine which looks to put La Vecchia Signora even further ahead of the curve. Sign up now: Juventus Stadium is now offering coaching workshops designed to educate “the aspiring coaches of tomorrow.” This past weekend saw the venue host a series of “informative talks” featuring key Juve backroom staff lecturing on their respective areas of expertise. Here’s the rundown from the website: A number of topics were covered over the course of the weekend. Club doctors Fabrizio Tencone and Luca Semperboni handled the medical aspect, coaches Claudio Gabetta, Alessandro Ramello and Alessio Pini discussed the demands associated with training a team, while fitness coach Ivan Teoli provided an insight into the methods required to maintain players at the peak of their physical condition. Saturday 16 February was dedicated to the technical knowledge required on matchdays, with particular attention paid to pre-match tactical instructions, managing the side throughout the 90 minutes and post-match assessment. Sunday 17 February focused on the importance of training and methods used to get the best out of potential talent both psychologically and physically. Juventus are no longer just a football club. Now they’re an institute nurturing the next mutant strain of supercoaches. I encourage any and all X-Men analogies you can dream up, friends. Peluso’s Pointers A player relatively new to Juventus spoke to kids who are relatively new to Juve, to football, and arguably life in general. Federico Peluso was the keynote speaker at the fifth edition of Formazione Juventus, a series of talks designed to impart the virtues of hard work and professionalism in the younger members of the youth academy. And honestly, from the picture on Juve’s website, it looks like many of these kids need such a lesson. Look at how many of them are slouching! Sit up straight when a member of the senior squad is talking to you! And one of them actually has his back to Peluso — what nerve! It wasn’t like that in my day… actually, it was exactly like that, probably worse. Peluso shared his formative experiences with the young ones, and hopefully somewhere in the process he managed to teach them the greatest lesson of all: how to rebound from a disastrous first appearance for Juve. It all began at Lazio, at a ridiculously early age: I played anywhere, all I needed was a ball and I couldn’t hold myself back. I joined a soccer school at the age of five, then I was signed by Lazio where I progressed through the entire youth system. I still remember when they gave me the bag: it was like a dream come true, also because I came from a family of staunch Lazio fans. Federico was keen to stress how his relatively average size and preliminary class ranking were overcome by the necessary hard work and complete dedication: I’ve always played in defense, even though I had other characteristics as a child. I was a late developer, from 14 years old onwards. Before I was one of the smallest. I’ve had to make many sacrifices to get to where I am, there’s no doubt about that, but the satisfaction provided by this career has been more than worth it. I wasn’t top of the class, but I always worked hard. My family believed I should do so and becoming a professional footballer certainly isn’t something that should be taken for granted. Education is at the base of everything and Juventus have a great deal of belief in this aspect. This course proves just that and I believe it should also be taken as an example by other clubs. I hope these kids know exactly how lucky they are. Not only are they being nurtured by one of the greatest football clubs of all time, at state-of-the-art facilities, but they are benefiting from a level of attention and degree of professionalism that I imagine is at least rare, and at most an anomaly. Somehow, I can’t picture these classes taking place at Napoli (sorry, just warming up zingers for next week). That’s all for today. Siena’s on Sunday, and then (and we’re not officially saying this, but) the real fun starts. Ciao until then… http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Welcoming another Bianconeri side Feb 22, 2013 Once upon a time, Antonio Conte spent one glorious year with another Bianconeri side -- one that he led to back to Serie A. Siena were a club that believed in the former player's ambition and yearned to benefit from his winning mentality and eagerness to develop tactically. The coach repaid the club's faith in him and together they built a disciplined and fluid Tuscan team whose consistency led them to promotion and the opportunity to once again take on Italy's greatest sides. On Sunday afternoon, Conte will come face to face with his old club and he'll be hoping that on this occasion, they've forgotten the winning mentality he helped nurture within the side. Thigh problem plaguing Pepe Having coming off a defeat against Roma, Juventus are eager to get back to winning ways in order to maintain the four point advantage they have over Napoli in second place. Unfortunately for them, this clash is not looking as easy as it may have once appeared. Under the tutelage of Beppe Iachini, Siena are no ordinary side budgeting for a defeat against the best. They play with pace, hunger and ambition and have already comprehensively defeated both Lazio and Inter. Managing 10 points from a possible 24 under their new coach, the relegation battlers are eyeing up the chance to defeat yet another giant when they travel to Turin this weekend. With new signing Innocent Emeghara on board, this could be entirely possible. Scoring four goals in four appearances, the Swiss player only arrived in the winter transfer window, yet his impact on the matches has stolen all the headlines. Blessed with pace, a great physical stature and a penchant for dribbling, his ability to improve the side's counter-attacking ability ensures he is the opponent's greatest threat. His finishing ability has already made him the side's top scorer and if allowed space to dribble, he will certainly cause problems for the Bianconeri back line in much the same way he threatened Lazio. Often deployed in 3-4-2-1 formation, Siena's attack is built in a manner that effectively exploits the pace within the side. All attacking passages of play are usually down to the creativity of Alessandro Rosina. Effectively man-marked, the player does tend to disappear within a match. However, the team's capability to utilise their wings makes them a potent attacking force now that they have a target man to deliver timely crosses to from the flanks. Matteo Rubin and Angelo provide the wide threats and are both capable of delivering the accuracy needed to unleash their striker. Against Lazio, it was Rubin who delivered the perfect cross for Emeghara to head that opened the scoring for Siena in the first six minutes of the game. Rubin was also on hand to deliver another cross 17 minutes later that allowed Rosina to double the lead from the edge of the box. Yet despite the improvements in attack, Iachini has concentrated on shoring up a defence that concedes 1.3 goals a game on average. In his last five games in charge, Siena have conceded three goals but have scored eight to show a marked improvement. When out of possession, Iachini's men are quick to double-mark their opponent with the ball to either win back possession or force an error. When required to defend, the side draws two lines of defence in front of goal to limit penetration. Space is closed down hurriedly while even attackers are asked to track back and contribute defensively. When, and if, they feel they are in a position of strength, Siena are ruthless and will enthusiastically push forward in hopes of achieving another comprehensive victory. Juventus, by all means, are rarely caught out. However, considering how many players are currently one yellow card away from suspension, Conte will have to heavily rotate the squad. Next week, the Old Lady will face Napoli away and will thus need her best men to inflict defeat in what will surely be a very difficult game. As such, few of those on a yellow will be played on Sunday. Andrea Barzagli, Arturo Vidal, Giorgio Chiellini, Alessandro Matri and Andrea Pirlo will be suspended for the Napoli match if they pick up a yellow card on Sunday. Considering how important Barzagli and Vidal are, Conte is likely to rest them. Chiellini, who is returning from injury, will probably not be risked against Siena while the hope is that Pirlo remains well behaved if played. Considering the need to rotate, it's likely that Paul Pogba will take Vidal's place in midfield while Luca Marrone is likely to return to the back line. With either Martin Caceres or Federico Peluso taking up the last spot in defence, it will be interesting to see how Juve will cope with the pace of Siena's attack. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi MATCH PREVIEW Feb 22, 2013 Juventus are next for Siena and the wonderfully named Innocent Emeghara. It has taken Emeghara just four games to propel himself to second in Siena's goalscoring charts for the season, with three goals coming from only six shots on goal. Such has been his impact that Coach Beppe Iachini was asked this week how he came about the Swiss striker. "Directors Vincenzo Mirra and Stefano Antonelli brought me some DVDs of different players. We reviewed them, and I decided to go with Emeghara because he was the type of striker we were seeking," he revealed. "But the DVDs are the last step - first player was observed on the pitch by Antonelli and Mirra." In the same interview, given to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Wednesday, he also refuted suggestions he was a defensive Coach. "At Samp we played with a trequartista and two strikers. Here we have a very offensive wing-back, plus Alessio Sestu, Alessandro Rosina and Emeghara. We try to involve five to six players in each attack." Indeed, the numbers appear to support his claim. Siena have scored 11 goals in the eight games he has been in charge, compared to the 16 in 14 games under Serse Cosmi. He has turned them into an adventurous side - reaping the rewards at the same time - and he has no plans to change for the visit to Turin. "We go with the objective of scoring a goal," he said. "Simply defending isn’t enough. In midfield Juve are formidable - we need to be perfect when we have the ball and try to create something going forward." Unlike Roma, they will not have the benefit of a Juventus fatigued by European fixtures. If anything, they could be on the end of a backlash given Coach Antonio Conte's irritation at last week's result. "I spoke clearly to the players before the game. I told them 'if you feel tired from the Cup then let me know. If you tell the a Coach you are ready then you need to prove it on the pitch’." He was, however, much calmer after winning the Panchina d'Oro award this week, given to the best Coach in Italy for the past year, and indulged the media in his objectives for the season. "This season I would like to retain the championship, knowing that the Champions League is a dream - sometimes dreams are realised, other times they are broken," he mused. "The match with Siena is fundamental. It is exactly the same as the clash with Napoli - we must return to winning. It is no longer a joke, every match is a World Cup Final." And with those words, expect a motivated Juventus. They'll be without Paolo De Ceglie and Simone Pepe, with the latter's season finished after a small operation to his left hamstring. Siena are missing only wing-back Angelo. Keep an eye on: Innocent Emeghara (Siena) - The only player Juventus need to keep an eye on is the clinical 23-year-old. Has probably benefited from being a bit of an unknown quantity in Serie A, he now faces the league's toughest defence - a true test of his abilities. Form guide: Juventus (W D W W L) Siena (W L W D W) Last season: Juventus 0-0 Siena Stat fact: Beppe Iachini has never beaten Juventus as a Coach. PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS: Buffon; Bonucci, Marrone, Peluso; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Quagliarella SIENA: Pegolo; Texeira, Terlizzi, Felipe; Belmonte, Vergassola, Della Rocca, Rubin; Rosina, Sestu; Emeghara. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Vidal & Caceres injury doubts Feb 22, 2013 Juventus duo Arturo Vidal and Martin Caceres could be a doubt for the match against Siena this weekend with injury. The South American pair pulled out of this morning's training session, and are both likely to be left out of the squad for the game with the Robur. Vidal has been diagnosed with a trauma to his right ankle, whilst Caceres pulled out with discomfort in his lower back. The Bianconeri are also without Giorgio Chiellini and Simone Pepe. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Gamberini set to miss Juve clash Feb 22, 2013 Napoli centre-back Alessandro Gamberini is likely to miss the Partenopei's clash with Juventus next week after picking up an ankle injury. The 31-year-old limped off in the defeat to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday, and medical reports this evening have confirmed that the Italy international has picked up a knock that will leave him sidelined for at least 10 days. He will therefore certainly miss the match with Udinese on Monday, and will be in a race against time to be fit for the top-of-the-table clash with the Bianconeri. Gamberini has been virtually ever-present for Walter Mazzarri's side this term, playing in 20 League games so far.

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Serie A preview: Juve set for rebound win Feb 22, 2013 Juventus will have a golden chance to at least maintain their advantage at the top of the Serie A table when they meet Siena on Saturday. The reigning champions (55 points) are currently four points clear in first position ahead of second-placed Napoli and should still find themselves at least four points clear of the pack after the weekend. The league-leaders play host to relegation-threatened Siena at Juventus Stadium in what seemingly should be a routine win. Exacerbating things for Siena is the fact that Juventus will be on the rebound after losing to Roma 1-0 last weekend. Prior to that result, Antonio Conte's men had lost just one of their previous 10 league matches and will be keen to rejoin the winners' circle against lowly Siena. Napoli will be aiming to keep in touch with Juventus when they travel to Stadio Friuli on Sunday to meet ninth-placed Udinese. Walter Mazzarri's side have not been in the greatest of form recently, failing to win any of their last four Serie A matches, and it will prove to be a tough ask to overturn their indifferent form this weekend given Udinese have only lost once at home all season. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

When the year ends in a 3… Feb 22, 2013 Milan or Juventus will reach the Champions League Final this season if a curious statistical trend isn’t broken. One of the two Italian giants have always reached the finale of the European Cup or Champions League when the year has ended in a three. Milan lifted the trophy in 1963 thanks to a 2-1 win over Benfica. Juventus were beaten finalists in 1973 and 1983 when Ajax and then Hamburg defeated them 1-0. It was the same negative scoreline for the Diavolo a decade later when Marseille were crowned Europe's best. While Milan and Juventus faced off against each other in the 2003 Old Trafford tie when the Rossoneri won on penalties. Juventus and Milan will go into the second legs of their current last 16 encounters with an advantage. Juve are 3-0 up against Celtic, while the San Siro giants beat Barcelona 2-0 on Wednesday. 1963 Milan 2-1 Benfica 1973 Ajax 1-0 Juventus 1983 Hamburg 1-0 Juventus 1993 Marseille 1-0 Milan 2003 Milan 0-0 Juventus (Milan won on penalties)

Serie A Week 26 - 24-2-2013 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Pegolo wary of Juve threat Feb 21, 2013 Siena goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo has admitted that his team face a 'very difficult challenge' when they play Juventus this weekend. The Robur travel to Turin on Sunday as they look for three points against the current League leaders. And the 31-year-old has conceded that they will come up against a superb team. “It is going to be a very difficult challenge for us,” he told a Press conference. “We will face a great team who are coming off the back of a big defeat [against Roma]. “It is not going to be easy for us, but we go there believing we can cause them some trouble. “As a team, we are all rowing in the right direction at the moment. But we have to remain down-to-earth and go game-by-game.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Chiellini boost for Juventus Feb 21, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini says he’s keen to get back into action with Juventus after recovering from a calf injury. The stopper has been sidelined since December, but he’s on the verge of making a return to the side. “It has been hard to watch my teammates without being able to help,” the centre-back told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “But I’m now training again and recovered. My calf is not giving me the slightest problem,” added the international. “I hope to be back in action as soon as possible, but boss Antonio Conte will decide when the moment is right after speaking with the medical staff.” The 28-year-old has only played in 13 Serie A games so far this season.

Marchisio targets Juventus double Feb 21, 2013 Retaining the Scudetto and reaching the Champions League Final at Wembley are the objectives for Juventus this season, says Claudio Marchisio. With the Old Lady currently top of Serie A and with one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 3-0 win at Celtic last week, the midfielder is targeting glory. “The aim is to win the championship again and to get to London for the Champions League Final,” he told Tuttosport. “I know that it is a difficult ask, but we’ll try everything possible in order to do just that.” The leaders’ title credentials will be tested on March 1 when they take on Napoli away, a side who are just four points behind them in Serie A. “I’m convinced it will be a spectacle, a great game between great sides,” the Italian international continued. Marchisio did hit the headlines recently when he spoke of his dislike for Napoli – although he maintained he was only talking in a sporting sense. “I was actually acknowledging Napoli for their excellent results over these past few years,” he explained. “I don’t hate Napoli, that’s absurd because every time that I go there I always manage to smile. We leave the fog behind and we find a place in the sun, with marvellous people and incredible scenery.”

Marchisio targeting Juventus trophy double The Italy international is desperate to add more silverware to his CV and has his sights set on two major prizes. Feb 21, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is targeting a Champions League and Serie A double this season. A 3-0 win over Celtic in the first leg of Juve’s last 16 European tie has seen them put one foot in the quarter-finals and, though the Bianconeri’s league form has faltered slightly since the winter break, Antonio Conte’s men remain top of the Italian crop in Serie A after 25 matchdays. The Italy international told Tuttosport: "The aim is to win the championship again and to get to London [Wembley] for the Champions League final. "I know that it is a difficult ask, but we’ll try everything possible in order to do just that." On March 1, Juventus take on Napoli in what will be a battle between first and second - just as it was earlier this season - and Marchisio is anticipating a classic between the Serie A rivals. He added: "I’m convinced it will be a spectacle, a great game between great sides." The midfielder also defended his recent comments saying he dislikes the Partenopei and claims he was simply referring to the club in sporting terms, not the region itself. "I was actually acknowledging Napoli for their excellent results over these past few years," he explained. "I don’t hate Naples [the city] - that’s absurd, because every time that I go there I always manage to smile. "I get to leave the fog behind and find a place in the sun, with marvellous people and incredible scenery."

Zoff: Buffon is Juventus' best-ever goalkeeper The legendary shot-stopper believes that the 35-year-old Bianconeri skipper has surpassed the likes of Giampiero Combi after spending the last 12 years in Turin. Feb 20, 2013 Legendary Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff has believes that Gianluigi Buffon is the greatest Juventus shot-stopper of all time. The 35-year-old moved to the Turin club in 2001, and has been a mainstay in the Bianconeri first team ever since, taking on the club's captaincy along the way. “The number one of all Juventus’ history is Buffon,” Zoff told Tuttosport. “Giampiero Combi was a great goalkeeper in his day, but currently, Buffon is at the top, and the most important thing is to maintain his performance. “Zoff? Well he is among the top.”

Berlusconi reveals Verratti interest The AC Milan president claims he wanted Andrea Pirlo, to whom the Paris Saint-Germain starlet has been compared with, to remain at San Siro but was powerless to stop him leaving. Feb 20, 2013 AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has expressed interest in signing Paris Saint-Germain starlet Marco Verratti. The midfielder most recently hit the headlines by equalising in stoppage time during Italy’s 1-1 friendly draw with Netherlands, and has played regularly under Carlo Ancelotti in Ligue 1 this season. "Verratti is a player that Milan are considering to buy,” Berlusconi told Sportsmediaset. “We need to see if the financial aspects of any deal are good enough for us to acquire him." Verratti has been compared to Azzurri icon Andrea Pirlo due to his fine performances in a Paris Saint-Germain shirt this term, and Berlusconi lamented the loss of the talismanic midfielder who left San Siro for Juventus on a Bosman transfer in 2011. He said: "The Pirlo transfer was done behind my back. We brought in Montolivo to replace the saddening departure of Pirlo. “I did not want to sell him. I have put it behind me, but I wanted to be informed and I wanted to talk to him, but I have put it behind me."

Milan chief regrets Pirlo exit Feb 19, 2013 Milan President Silvio Berlusconi admits the club should not have let go of Andrea Pirlo

Elkann targets dual Juve success Feb 18, 2013 FIAT chairman John Elkann has insisted that Juventus can win both Serie A and the Champions League this season. The Bianconeri are currently four points clear at the top of the table, and hold a 3-0 aggregate lead over Celtic in the last 16 of the European Cup. And the 36-year-old, who is CEO of Exor – the company that owns Juve, has admitted that they can challenge on both fronts this term. “When we play as a team like we did against Celtic, we can beat anyone,” he told Rai Sport. “We can win the League and the Champions League.” He also commented on current boss Antonio Conte, who picked up the Panchina d'Or award this afternoon for Serie A's best Coach. “Conte is the Coach and it will stay that way. We still have a lot more to win with him in charge.”

'Clubs in Europe at a disadvantage' Feb 18, 2013 Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has called on Serie A to improve fixture congestion for club's involved in European competition. The 57-year-old has claimed that Italian clubs are at a disadvantage when it comes to the Champions League and the Europa League, because of treatment from the League authorities. “The Italian League is a difficult one that's very balanced,” he told reporters. “It's a really tough championship. “So I think we need to appeal to the authorities for better planning of fixtures in relation to European commitments. “This is a line of inquiry that we will be pursuing, and we hope to achieve something in the future.”

Scott Brown set to miss Juve clash Feb 18, 2013 Celtic captain Scott Brown is set to miss their Champions League last 16 second-leg clash with Juventus next month. Antonio Conte's side go into the game holding a 3-0 aggregate lead, and have been given an extra boost ahead of the match on March 6. The Scottish international could be out for another few weeks after picking a hip injury, with boss Neil Lennon unsure whether to risk him against the Bianconeri. “We have already seen a specialist,” the Coach told reporters. “We just have to wait for the results and then we will make a decision.”

Winning the Champions League would be Juventus' dream, insists Pirlo The Italy veteran says that securing European silverware this term would be a delight for the Bianconeri, and he also wished his ex-club Milan the best against the Blaugrana. Feb 18, 2013 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has said that winning the Champions League this season would be a dream for his club, but admitted that winning Serie A is still key to their season. The Italian league's champions beat Celtic 3-0 on February 12 in the first leg of their Champions League tie, with the second leg of the encounter to be played on March 6. "Our goal this season is to win the League again," the 33-year-old told Rai Sport. "But the Champions League is also a dream. "Every game further into the competition is a step closer," he added. The Italian star then took the time to wish his former club AC Milan luck for their Champions League tie with Barcelona on Wednesday. "It is going to be a great game, that's for sure. "I hope the Rossoneri can do well."

Pogba: I’m still nobody Feb 18, 2013 Paul Pogba has been one of the revelations of the Serie A season, but he concedes that he has a lot to learn at Juventus. The 19-year-old joined the Old Lady in the summer on a free transfer after rejecting the offer of a Manchester United renewal. Pogba has impressed with four goals in 17 Serie A games, while his performances have seen him likened to Patrick Vieira and Marcel Desailly. “I’m happy to have been compared to great players, but at this moment in time I am a nobody,” the midfielder told Canal+. “I keep a close eye on how Andrea Pirlo plays in order for me to improve the weak aspects of my game. “I’m still not a first-team starter at Juventus and boss Antonio Conte has told me that I have to be more competitive in the tackle.” Pogba started at the weekend during the 1-0 loss at Roma in place of the suspended Claudio Marchisio.

One more day off for Juventus Feb 18, 2013 The Juventus squad have been given two days off by boss Antonio Conte, but training will resume early on Tuesday. The Old Lady tactician granted his players 48 hours of rest after last week’s efforts in the games against Fiorentina, Celtic and Roma. The squad will return to duty tomorrow morning, having been asked to report to their Vinovo training base at 8am. The Old Lady, beaten 1-0 by the Giallorossi on Saturday night, will face Siena at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/