Socrates

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/

Serie A - 6^ Giornata - Ritorno - 16-2-2013 (ore 20:45) 1 - 0 Francesco Totti (58′) Stadio Olimpico - Roma Arbitro: Gianluca Rocchi Spettatori: 54981 Serie A - La Juve è stanca e Totti la punisce La Roma si riscatta battendo 1-0 la capolista: decide tutto un grandissimo destro del capitano giallorosso al 58'. Bianconeri decisamente sulle gambe dopo l'impresa di Glasgow in Champions League, il Napoli può tornare a sperare nel -2. Eurosport - Sabato, 16 febbraio 2013 Battere la Juventus per riscattare un campionato, l’obiettivo della Roma era questo e, per una volta, i giallorossi sono riusciti nell’impresa. I capitolini fanno il colpaccio nell’anticipo serale della 25esima giornata di Serie A, imponendo l’1-0 all’Olimpico ai bianconeri, tremendamente sulle gambe dopo l’impresa di Glasgow. Una partita di copertura, sudore e ripartenza che rappresenta la svolta nel campionato dei padroni di casa. Una sfida che rimarca ancora una volta l’importanza di Francesco Totti, che segna l’incontro con un gol segnato a 98 km/h in avvio di ripresa, suo nono gol stagionale. La rete che dà speranza alla Roma, ma anche al Napoli. TRIDENTE ROMANISTA, TORNA ASAMOAH - Aurelio Andreazzoli conferma la difesa a tre vista domenica scorsa a Marassi e schiera i giallorossi con un 3-4-2-1 nel quale Lamela e Totti si muovono alle spalle della prima punta Osvaldo. Novità in difesa, lì dove insieme a Burdisso e Marquinhos c’è Piris, mentre Torosidis e Marquinho sono gli esterni di centrocampo, con De Rossi e Pjanic in mediana. Fuori per infortunio Castan, Destro e Dodò. Antonio Conte ritrova dal primo minuto Asamoah, che va a coprire la fascia sinistra come era accaduto sino all’inizio della Coppa d’Africa. L’unica novità di formazione nei bianconeri è questa, con nove undicesimi visti all’opera martedì a Celtic Park confermati e Pogba che rimpiazza lo squalificato Marchisio in mediana. Quarta partita di fila da titolare per Alessandro Matri, ritorno in campionato per Bonucci dopo la squalifica di due giornate. Ancora fuori per infortunio Chiellini, De Ceglie, Pepe e Bendtner. DUE CALCIONI E UNA PUNIZIONE - Qualcosa è cambiato. Dai tre gol in 19’ dell’andata a un primo tempo al cloroformio nel ritorno dell’Olimpico c’è tutto il cambiamento di una Roma passata degli squilibri zemaniani all’impostazione razionale e difensivista di Andreazzoli. Che imposta la squadra con un 3-5-2 di facciata che in realtà si tramuta in un 5-3-2 in fase difensiva, con Lamela che rientra in mediana a dare man forte al duo De Rossi-Pjanic. I giallorossi si chiudono e provano a ripartire, mentre la Juventus si dimostra affaticata dall’impegno di Champions League a Glasgow e commette troppi errori dalla trequarti in avanti. Il risultato è la noia più totale, con una sola vera occasione capitata sul piede di Pirlo, che al 19’ costringe Stekelenburg alla grande parata su punizione. E due falli che fanno notizia come quello di De Rossi su Lichtsteiner e quello di Totti sullo stesso Pirlo. Soltanto ammonizione per entrambi, ma interventi durissimi che animano – nei limiti del possibile – un primo tempo piuttosto scialbo. TOTTI DECIDE, LA JUVE NON REAGISCE – Tutt’altra partita nella ripresa. La Roma rompe gli indugi e inizia ad attaccare, costringendo la Juventus a correre. Dopo pochi minuti, viene fuori il fiatone dei bianconeri e Conte prova a porre rimedio con un doppio cambio. Al 55’ escono così Asamoah e Vucinic, rimpiazzati rispettivamente da Padoin e Giovinco. Una mossa che però non sortisce l’effetto sperato, perché tre minuti dopo arriva la svolta. Punizione di Pjanic respinta dalla difesa bianconera, arriva Totti e il capitano giallorosso non sbaglia, scagliando in porta una sassata che contiene tutta la rabbia repressa delle ultime settimane. La palla va sotto la traversa, è l’1-0 decisivo. Conte rischia tutto facendo debuttare in campionato Anelka per uno spento Vidal (71’), con il modulo che diventa un 3-4-3. Ma le gambe non ci sono più e la Roma rischia anche di raddoppiare in ripartenza. È andata. La Roma si rialza, la Juventus cede il passo, rallentata prima di tutto dalla fatica accumulata in Champions League. Un doppio segnale importante per il campionato. I giallorossi possono dire ancora la loro, per il titolo non è finita. FORSE E’ SVOLTA, INIZIA LA VOLATA – La Roma torna a battere la Juventus, un’impresa che non riusciva dal gennaio 2010 (si tratta del secondo successo nelle ultime 16 sfide ai bianconeri). Rinnegato il verbo zemaniano, è nata una squadra da difesa e contropiede che potrebbe dare parecchio fastidio alle grandi, ma dovrà dimostrarsi capace di costruire gioco contro le piccole. Se non altro, le risposte positive a livello psicologico ci sono state dopo la “Caporetto” di Marassi, con la difesa per la prima volta imbattuta per la prima volta dal 25 novembre a questa parte. Quella volta di fronte c’era il Pescara, adesso la Juventus. Una squadra dal valore indiscutibile e dall’indiscutibile fatica nelle gambe, quella che ha fatto mancare la brillantezza necessaria per portare a casa i tre punti. Quarta sconfitta in campionato per la capolista, che va ko subito dopo l’impegno europeo come accaduto a fine novembre contro il Milan (post-Chelsea). Un motivo in più perché il Napoli, impegnato domenica pomeriggio in casa contro la Sampdoria, possa sperare in una grande volata finale. A patto che arrivi subito il -2 in classifica. Mattia Fontana http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 16-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Francesco Totti (58′) Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 54981 Napoli frustrated by Sampdoria Napoli missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on Serie A leaders Juventus to just two points as plucky Sampdoria forced a goalless draw at the San Paolo. Feb 17, 2013 Goalkeeper Sergio Romero was in particularly inspired form as Delio Rossi's men claimed another valuable point in their mission to book a second season in Serie A, with Samp spurning several chances to win through young striker Mauro Icardi. Napoli's forward line suffered from a rare lack of cutting edge and ended the day four points behind Juve, who were surprised by a 1-0 defeat to Roma last night. Sampdoria were given the confidence to dominate the first half by the heroics of Romero. The Argentinian stood tall to clear a dangerous Giandomenico Mesto cross before taking no chances as he punched away a fierce strike from Lorenzo Insigne. Samp had bared their teeth in between times, Gianluca Sansone looking lively when put through by Icardi, but Morgan De Sanctis was there to smother the ball. Edinson Cavani got in the way of a Marek Hamsik effort but could not add zip to the follow-up and Romero parried, with the Samp keeper then leaping on to a close-range shot from Insigne. Romero had weathered the storm and now it was the turn of De Sanctis to keep a dynamic Samp outfit at bay. Lorenzo De Silvestri and Andrea Poli could not beat the Italy international, but his blushes were spared when Valon Behrami cleared an Andrea Costa header off the line. Icardi's follow-up drew a fine save from De Sanctis and Napoli raced up the other end, Insigne providing a finish to forget when Hamsik chested the ball through the back-line. De Sanctis denied Samp the half-time lead they deserved, though, as he pounced low to his left to deny a quick Sansone raid. As play resumed Behrami made a dedicated block on Icardi, who had escaped the attentions of marker Miguel Britos. Icardi beat his man again in the 54th minute, but his effort from 30 yards was too ambitious, with Romero soon called back into action to palm away a swerving effort from Insigne. Samp could sense their opportunity and Icardi was unlucky not to connect better with a sweet cross from Eder. Another spell of home pressure followed and Romero had to snaffle a Hugo Campagnaro header before repelling a trademark screamer from Hamsik. The last five minutes would belong to Napoli but, try as they might, Walter Mazzarri's men could just not force home a winner. Substitute Goran Pandev might have been the hero had he connected with a loose ball in the Samp box but Romero snaffled it up to ensure a frustrating day for Napoli. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 16-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Francesco Totti (58′) Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 54981 Caceres: No excuses for Roma defeat The Uruguay stopper lamented the mistakes made by his side during Saturday's 1-0 loss. Feb 17, 2013 Juventus defender Martin Caceres insists his side cannot look for excuses after their Serie A defeat by Roma. Francesco Totti's thunderbolt earned the hosts all three points on Saturday evening, and Caceres has refused to blame the Bianconeri's tough midweek trip to Celtic as a factor in their lacklustre performance. “I didn’t like the game,” the 24-year-old told reporters. “We were not in our best shape and when that happens mistakes are made. “I don’t know if we were tired or what, but we mustn’t look for excuses. We are Juventus. When you wear this jersey, excuses are of no use. “Now we must work during the week and try to understand what went wrong.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 16-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Francesco Totti (58′) Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 54981 Top Totti leaves Juventus quaking The veteran skipper delivered once more for Roma to rock the champions, but the visitors' claims that he shouldn't have been on the pitch were more than justified. Feb 17, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer We saw nothing from Francesco Totti on Saturday night that we hadn’t seen from him before. We’ve witnessed the mastery, the delicacy of touch, the finishing, the leadership and the controversy in spades over the years, but this time he made the earth move for more than just Roma fans. For not only did his winning goal against Juventus provide a first league victory of 2013 for the Giallorossi, but the tremors were felt as far away as Naples, where Napoli fans now harbour genuine belief that they are in a true title race. The Richter scale measured Saturday night’s earthquake near Frosinone, which was felt in both Rome and Naples, at a magnitude of 4.8, but the real strength of Totti’s strike might not be discovered until the Serie A season ends on May 19. While Juve remain big favourites, there is no doubting that Napoli are in with a real chance since they now know their destiny is no longer dependent on the Bianconeri. Antonio Conte and his players would obviously have been disappointed with a 1-0 defeat in any circumstances, but the fact that Totti should have been been sent off long before his thunderous second-half strike made the loss even harder to take. The talismanic No.10’s high challenge on Andrea Pirlo ended in a fortunate scenario for both men. Totti only saw yellow for a ‘tackle’ which connected with his former Italy team-mate’s knee, while Pirlo came out of it with his ligaments intact. Whether it was deliberate or not is known only to Totti himself, but the tackle was a wild one at best, and had Pirlo’s leg been straight rather than bent and motioning forward, severe damage would have been very likely. What made it all the more surprising that Totti didn’t receive his marching orders was the referee was Gianluca Rocchi, who has never been shy about revealing his red card at the first possible opportunity. That said, Juventus didn’t help themselves in the outcome of the match. Whereas they have often pummeled Roma out of games under Conte’s leadership, this time there was no real venom about their performance. Long spells spent in the final third have become second nature to the Old Lady, but they were much more fleeting at the Stadio Olimpico. A Pirlo free-kick which was superbly kept out by the excellent Maarten Stekelenburg and a Mirko Vucinic volley wide of the target were about all they had to show for their efforts before Totti struck. Whatever the whys and wherefores of the 36-year-old’s extra life, to leave him free on the edge of the box was criminal on the Turin side’s part. His response was to hammer an unstoppable effort past Gianluigi Buffon to settle the game and give the home faithful a winning feeling they hadn’t experienced in the league for eight weeks. For the champions, it was an outcome that has become a bit too familiar of late. From an unbeaten run of 49 games, they have now gone down to four defeats in 15 in Serie A. It is hardly crisis time, but the regularity with which points are being dropped by Juve is giving Neapolitans reason to believe. Roma did well to exploit the Bianconeri at the back regularly, and while the visitors struggled to create clear-cut chances after falling behind, the capital club could have increased the agony, with Miralem Pjanic and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo both spurning good positions. Conte will be worried that his side are not making enough of their dominance on the ball, but the sometimes ragged appearance of his defence must also be a concern. Giorgio Chiellini’s return will go some way to addressing that, but collective responsibility must be the name of the day. Tuesday night’s 3-0 away victory over Celtic set down a real marker in the Champions League, but if they slip up again when they visit Napoli on Friday week then they may well entertain the Bhoys without the title of league leaders under their belt. Much will doubtless be said in the days and weeks to come about the Totti tackle, but his goal may yet cause the greatest damage if Juve don’t shake themselves out of their funk. It once looked like one of Serie A’s most non-existent title races, but the battle may just be about to start. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 16-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Francesco Totti (58′) Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 54981 Marquinho 'happy' with Andreazzoli Feb 17, 2013 Roma got back on track by beating Juventus 1-0 last night and Marquinho insists he is “happy” under new Coach Aurelio Andreazzoli. The Brazilian midfielder had been on the verge of a January transfer to Gremio, but stayed on and saw Zdenek Zeman sacked two weeks ago. “Football changes quickly. I always had my mind on Roma, but when you don’t play then the desire does grow to seek another team where you’d be of more use... “As I said, football changes quickly. Now Andreazzoli gives me more opportunities to play and I am happy, albeit aware I must always push to do better. “Andreazzoli has changed the shape of the side, the way we play, but above all I think he changes our mentality. He asks us to be gritty and determined on the field, to always play with our heads and the right preparation. “We had the right mentality against Juve, as we were all out there together with our hearts.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 16-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Francesco Totti (58′) Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 54981 Caceres: 'No Juve excuses' Feb 17, 2013 Martin Caceres was deeply disappointed with the 1-0 defeat to Roma. “We are Juventus and mustn’t look for excuses.” Antonio Conte complained the Bianconeri felt fatigue after their Champions League exploits against Celtic on Tuesday. “I didn’t like the game,” moaned defender Caceres. “We were not in our best shape and when that happens mistakes are made. “I don’t know if we were tired or what, but we mustn’t look for excuses. We are Juventus. When you wear this jersey, excuses are of no use. “Now we must work during the week and try to understand what went wrong.” This afternoon Napoli welcome Sampdoria and have the opportunity to close within two points of the Serie A leaders. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 16-2-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 0 Francesco Totti (58′) Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Attendance: 54981 Andreazzoli: 'Curva Sud helped Roma' Feb 16, 2013 Roma Coach Aurelio Andreazzoli explained why warming up under the Curva Sud gave them the push they needed to beat Juventus. “The credit always goes to the players. As a group and a club we stayed close to the players and tried to reassure them in every way we could, telling them how important they can be in a game situation,” said Zdenek Zeman’s replacement. The team had been subjected to numerous insults, protests and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo even had his car pelted with eggs this week, but they surprisingly warmed up under the Curva Sud rather than in the middle of the pitch. “Admittedly we haven’t played our best until now, but wanted to get the passion from the fans by warming up under the Curva Sud. They were very generous and allowed us to shake off some of those ghosts. “It had happened in the past too. I was telling my staff about this and Antonio Carlos Zago experienced it first hand, so we knew that it was worth the risk. We haven’t done so far what the fans deserve, so it was a risk and we knew there could be a blowback, but I told the lads to go out there with their heads held high, because the Curva Sud would not let us down. “It gave us a sense of certainty, confidence and the ability to fight Juve in terms of character, quality, organisation and vigour. “We tried to do everything possible to build up their confidence. We put heart and soul into it.” Andreazzoli also smiled when watching pre-match footage from the locker room, when voices could be heard shouting: ‘Noi siamo la Roma.’ “The phrase ‘We are Roma’ must echo around the halls of the club HQ and not just the locker room. This club is expanding to an extraordinary degree and I can tell you the directors are amazing in their planning, initiative and organisation. Francesco Totti scored the decisive goal with a screamer clocked at 113km/h. “Totti can do these things every now and then. Let’s say often! I have had the pleasure of seeing him score over 100 goals,” continued Andreazzoli. “Is it the best night of my life? No, family comes first! In professional terms I have been in football for many years in every level, but they have given me the chance to coach Roma. Tonight we faced the team I admire the most, as I admire Antonio Conte and their style of football, so to have beaten Juventus is truly satisfying.” Andreazzoli has truly shelved Zeman’s approach by adopting a 3-4-2-1 this evening with Erik Lamela and Totti supporting Osvaldo. “We played 3-5-2 at Sampdoria, but my idea of tactics depends on the situation. Lamela and Totti were meant to ‘annoy’ Andrea Pirlo in turns. It seems pointless for me to put a man just marking Pirlo, as either way he’s so talented that he’ll get away.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/