Socrates

Barzagli ineccepibile.

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida HT 0-0: Genoa cause Juve problems Jan 26, 2013 The Davide Ballardini effect is showing, as Genoa have kept out Juventus in the first half and caused them a few scares too. The Bianconeri had the chance to break away at the top of the table after Lazio’s surprise slip-up against Chievo earlier today. Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner were still injured, while birthday boy Sebastian Giovinco was on the bench. Genoa made their debut under new Coach Davide Ballardini, who replaced Gigi Del Neri this week, but missed Bosko Jankovic and Juan Manuel Vargas. Genoa’s last victory in Turin was in 1991 when Thomas Skuhravy was on target with the only goal. They had an aggressive start, though, as Gigi Buffon plucked a looping Ciro Immobile header out of the air, then a corner went past two Juve players until Eros Pisano ballooned over. A Mirko Vucinic shot was charged down by Thomas Manfredini after good work from Paolo De Ceglie, then Arturo Vidal wasted a great chance when his first touch let him down. From that corner, Martin Caceres drilled just over the bar from eight yards. Claudio Marchisio ran behind Andreas Granqvist to get on the end of Paul Pogba’s pass over the top, but was a fraction too late as he came sliding in. Vidal’s free kick floated over the bar and Antonio Floro Flores wasted a golden opportunity on the counter-attack. Leonardo Bonucci soared above the crowd to nod a Marchisio free kick just wide. Fabio Quagliarella went so close when getting between centre-backs to toe-poke a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross inches off target with Sebastien Frey rooted to the spot. JUVENTUS 0-0 GENOA (Half-Time) JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Vucinic GENOA: Frey; Antonelli, Granqvist, Manfredini, Pisano; Moretti, Matuzalem, Kucka, Olivera; Floro Flores, Immobile Ref: Guida http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Line-ups: Juventus-Genoa Jan 26, 2013 Paul Pogba, Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella lead Juventus out against Genoa on Coach Davide Ballardini’s debut. The Bianconeri aim to maintain or even extend their lead at the top of the table when taking on the Grifone at 19.45 GMT. Click here for a match preview. Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are still out injured, so Pogba is again picked in midfield. Quagliarella steps in after recovering from a muscular problem, as birthday boy Sebastian Giovinco is not 100 per cent fit. Genoa make their debut under Coach Ballardini, who is their third tactician of the campaign after Gigi De Canio and Gigi Del Neri. He has to do without Bosko Jankovic and Juan Manuel Vargas for this trip to Turin, where Genoa haven’t won in 22 years. Ciro Immobile, who is co-owned by Juventus, is chosen to partner new arrival Antonio Floro Flores. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Vucinic Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Peluso, Marrone, Padoin, Giaccherini, Isla, Beltrame, Giovinco GENOA: Frey; Antonelli, Granqvist, Manfredini, Pisano; Moretti, Matuzalem, Kucka, Olivera; Floro Flores, Immobile Genoa bench: Donnarumma, Rossi, Jorquera, Borriello, Said, Tozser, Nadarevic, Sampirisi, Bertolacci http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marotta confirms Anelka deal Jan 26, 2013 Juventus “are in an emergency situation, but Nicolas Anelka will be our only signing,” declared general manager Beppe Marotta. Anelka has flown in on a private jet and could be in the stands for some of tonight’s Serie A match with Genoa. He has arrived on loan from Shanghai Shenhua with a five-month contract worth €600,000 plus various performance-related bonuses. “Anelka? In July we made some targeted investments, but now we are in an emergency situation in attack, so we moved to fix those issues, even if it is not official yet,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia before kick-off. “It can be a good move for the short-term, then at the end of the season we’ll evaluate what must be done. He is filling a hole. It is a five-month contract with an option for the second season, if things go well. “Anelka’s arrival rules out any other transfers, because in this stage of the transfer window there are no other opportunities. “He will put himself at the disposal of the squad and it’ll be up to Antonio Conte to decide how to use him. After all, he is not in great physical condition considering he hasn’t played for a month.” This week Juventus officially announced a deal to sign Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao when he is out of contract in July. “We secured Llorente for July, so Anelka is part of a very precise mosaic,” continued Marotta. “We must be rational when it comes to the transfer market, as we cannot spend money for no reason.” Marotta also confirmed Juventus “are negotiating” for Bebeto’s son.

Serie A - 3^ Giornata - Ritorno - 26-1-2013 (ore 20:45) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Marco Guida Confronti ufficiali 138 - 91 (Serie A) - 10 (Coppa Italia) - 33 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 74 - 54 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 11 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) - 1 (Serie B) Pareggi 29 - 19 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 7 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Vittorie Genoa 35 - 18 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 15 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) Goals Juventus 274 - 192 (Serie A) - 22 (Coppa Italia) - 53 (Campionato a gironi) - 3 (Campionato di guerra) - 4 (Serie B) Goals Genoa 177 - 99 (Serie A) - 13 (Coppa Italia) - 60 (Campionato a gironi) - 3 (Campionato di guerra) - 2 (Serie B) Juventus - Genoa Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 45 Vittorie Juventus 35 (L'ultima il 10.04.2011, 3-2) Pareggi 8 (L'ultimo il 22.10.2011, 2-2) Vittorie Genoa 2 (L'ultima il 20.01.1991, 0-1) Goals Juventus 117 Goals Genoa 39 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Genoa a Torino 11 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 11 Depetrini Teobaldo 9 Varglien I Mario 8 Foni Alfredo 8 Rava Pietro 8 Varglien II Giovanni 7 Borel II Felice Placido 6 Gabetto Guglielmo 6 Marocchi Giancarlo 6 Monti Luis Felipe 7 goals Hansen John 6 Gabetto Guglielmo 5 Baggio Roberto 4 Boniperti Giampiero 4 Borel II Felice Placido 4 Charles John William 4 Orsi Raimundo Bibiani 4 Vecchina Giovanni 3 Cesarini Renato 3 Del Piero Alessandro Ultimi confronti diretti 09.03.2008 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 0-2 13.11.2008 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 4-1 11.04.2009 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 3-2 24.09.2009 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 2-2 14.02.2010 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 3-2 21.11.2010 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 0-2 10.04.2011 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 3-2 22.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 2-2 11.03.2012 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 0-0 16.09.2012 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 1-3 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Genoa 1 - Goals Juventus 23 - Goals Genoa 13

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Ballardini demands 'intense' Genoa Jan 26, 2013 Davide Ballardini makes his Genoa debut against Serie A leaders Juventus tonight and warns “we will have to make intensity our key characteristic.” The Grifone fired Gigi Del Neri last Sunday, so Ballardini becomes the third Coach of the season to sit on their bench. He already has experience of the club, having salvaged their season from November 2010 to May 2011, but makes his comeback at the Juventus Stadium at 19.45 GMT. Click here for a match preview. “We have a squad of professionals who want to take themselves out of this situation,” said Ballardini. “We have always tried to get the result with good football and organisation. We need a compact squad, capable of defending as well as attacking. “It will require a great performance in Turin, but we have a good squad and can play well here.” Eros Pisano returns from suspension, while Cristobal Jorquera and Daniel Tozser have recovered from injuries. There are reports Ballardini will adopt a 3-5-1-1 system with Andrea Bertolacci supporting a lone striker, though the creative midfielder could also be used in the hole behind Marco Borriello and Antonio Floro Flores. “There’s no point talking about systems right now. Genoa will have to make intensity its key characteristic. We can also play with two strikers, as long as everyone works hard.” Genoa squad: Antonelli, Bertolacci, Borriello, Donnarumma, Floro Flores, Frey, Granqvist, Immobile, Jorquera, Kucka, Manfredini, Matuzalem, Nadarevic, Moretti, Olivera, Pisano, Rossi, Said, Sampirisi, Tozser, Tzorvas http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Juventus-Genoa Betting Preview: Old Lady set for comfortable home win Antonio Conte's side are usually dominant in Turin, and Jamie Dickenson is backing a win to nil for the hosts against lowly Genoa, with Paul Pogba and Mirko Vucinic scoring. Jan 26, 2013 Juventus host relegation-threatened Genoa looking to increase their grip on the top of the Serie A table. The home side have lost just twice at Juventus Stadium this season - having gone unbeaten on home soil in the previous league campaign - and William Hill go as short as 1/5 (1.20) for another victory on their own patch here. Genoa have only won two of their 10 away trips in the campaign so far, in what has been a disappointing term for Davide Ballardini's side. The Rossoblu did win at Atlanta and Lazio earlier in the season however, and are priced at a huge 12/1 (13.0) to pick up all three points at Juventus. The draw is available at 11/2 (6.50), but neither of those results appears likely given the hosts greater quality and dominance at home. For better value, it may be worth backing Juve to win to nil at 3/4 (1.75), a bet that has come in during three of the Old Lady's last four home league matches. Genoa are a side that have struggled to score goals away from home this season, with their paltry return of seven goals from 10 away days being the joint-second worst in the division. The Bianconeri have the best defensive record in Serie A - both home and away - and thumped Udinese 4-0 last weekend in the league. That game saw ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba score twice from long-distance, and the goal that broke the deadlock was rifled in with great technique. Mirko Vucinic also scored in that game, and with the news that Fernando Llorente is to join the Turin club on a free transfer in the summer, the Montenegro striker will be anxious to add to his tally of six goals for Juve this season. Backing both players to score again against Genoa offers odds of 5/1 (6.0), and is worth a punt for the value bet considering this game could be quite one-sided. Pogba is fast becoming a first-team regular for the Italian giants, while Vucinic is an exceptionally talented frontman who knows he must get on the scoresheet more often. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Juventus v Genoa: Preview Jan 25, 2013 Emanuele Giaccherini is setting his dream of winning the treble with Juventus to one side for tomorrow's Serie A meeting with Genoa, who are under new management. The former Cesena midfielder realises the Bianconeri are under increased scrutiny as they bid to retain the Serie A title, to progress to the last eight of the Champions League and to book a place in the Coppa Italia final. But Giaccherini feels Juventus are good enough to win all three competitions and dismissed concerns over dropped points against Sampdoria and Parma. He told juventus.com: "Last year, we earned a record number of points and were undefeated through a victorious Serie A campaign. So obviously when we don't win, it's big news. "We have a five-point lead on Lazio and Napoli and we'll be giving our all in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final. "We dream of being able to win everything but we're keeping our feet firmly on the ground and just concentrating on our next game against Genoa. "I scored against the Rossoblu earlier in the season, but that's in the past. I am staying focused on the present and on Saturday's game. "We have to win and try to extend our lead at the top.'' Juventus made significant moves to improve their future prospects this week, first by handing a two-year contract extension to veteran goalkeeper and club captain Gianluigi Buffon, and then by announcing the summer arrival of Spain striker Fernando Llorente. Giaccherini said of the Athletic Bilbao man: "He's a great player and he'll strengthen our team but we shouldn't forget about our current strikers who are just as good.'' Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are all missing through injury, with defender Leonardo Bonucci struggling for fitness. Bosko Jankovic and Juan Vargas are missing for Genoa, who arrive in Turin under their third head coach of the season in the shape of Davide Ballardini. Former Juventus boss Luigi Del Neri left the Rossoblu in the relegation zone and three points from safety with a return of two wins from 13 games, but Ballardini is cautiously optimistic he can make a difference. "Tomorrow we need a compact and organised team that knows how to defend,'' he said. "It will have to be an excellent performance in Turin. "We have a squad full of highly professional lads who want to pull us out of this situation. I know we can have a great game. "Genoa will need to have the intensity of a knight on horseback going into battle.'' Juventus have emerged victorious from four of their last five attempts at this fixture, with Genoa failing to claim a league win in this game since 1991. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida MATCH PREVIEW Jan 25, 2013 Davide Ballardini could not be faced with a tougher task for his first game in charge of Genoa as they go to the home of champions Juventus. It is not his first time in charge of the club - he was there for most of the 2010-11 season, enjoying reasonable success. "Compared to the past this situation is different," he said. "But my philosophy remains the same - keep the ball on the ground, attackers giving depth, and the midfield and defence helping them in going forward. All players must defend, starting from the forwards." The sacked Luigi Del Neri felt that the team's struggles were due to their position in the League table and the subsequent pressure to win games, but Ballardini is keeping things simple as he looks to keep them in Serie A. "My job is to listen, observe, and then take action, particularly with those who I have already coached at Genoa, and those who can be leaders, like Sebastien Frey." They'll take on a Juventus that has had to exert energy in midweek in the Coppa Italia first leg against Lazio, though Coach Antonio Conte has been rotating to ensure a degree of freshness is maintained. "I knew that we were not in crisis despite the last two results," he said after their win against Udinese last week. "For there is no second team - they are all potential starters, then I have to make choices. I am changing a lot of players for each game but it does not change the competitiveness of the team." He will have to make a one or two enforced changes for Saturday, as he confirmed in midweek that it will be "hard to recover Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo." The Coach should have Leonardo Bonucci back after a blow to his coccyx, but Giorgio Chiellini and Simone Pepe are still a few weeks away from a return. Genoa will miss Juan Vargas, again, along with Bosko Jankovic. Keep an eye on: Paul Pogba (Juventus) - Pirlo could well miss his third straight game, but Pogba is ensuring his absence is not felt too much. Two fine goals against Udinese confirmed a string of top performances, a fact recognised by Conte in the week. Form guide: Juventus (W W L D W) Genoa (D D W L L) Last season: Juventus 2-2 Genoa Stat fact: During his last stint as Genoa Coach, Ballardini's first loss was a 2-0 home defeat to Juventus. PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Vucinic GENOA: Frey; Pisano, Granqvist, Manfredini, Moretti; Rossi, Kucka, Matuzalem; Bertolacci; Borriello, Immobile http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Juventus-Genoa Preview: Ballardini's baptism of fire against Bianconeri The new Grifone coach has barely been in the job a week but already has an uphill battle on his hands as he attempts to steer the club away from relegation. Jan 25, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, De Ceglie Quagliarella, Vucinic GENOA Frey Pisano, Granqvist, Manfredini, Moretti Rossi, Kucka, Matuzalem, Antonelli Immobile, Borriello New Genoa coach Davide Ballardini could probably not have an envisaged a more difficult opener when his side travel to Turin to face Serie A champions and current leaders Juventus. But there is hope for the 49-year-old, as the Bianconeri are without key injured players Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo, while Kwadwo Asamoah is at the Africa Cup of Nations. It means Paul Pogba, who scored a stunning double last weekend for the Old Lady, is likely to continue in midfield. Meanwhile, the visitors will be without defender Juan Manuel Vargas and striker Bosko Jankovic for the trip to Juventus Stadium, but January signing Thomas Manfredini from Atalanta looks almost certain to start at the back. Ciro Immobile, who has been linked with Juventus, is likely to start up front. New signings Ruben Olivera (loan) and Enis Nadarevic could be on the bench. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus' win against Udinese was their first victory in 2013, but Conte's men are still going strong as they top Serie A, five points ahead of second-placed Napoli. • The last time these two sides met, the Bianconeri ran out 3-1 winners with Kwadwo Asamoah grabbing the clincher. • The Old Lady have only ever lost once to their opponents, back in 2009, when the Grifone won 3-2 and finished fifth in Serie A that year. • Davide Ballardini becomes Genoa's third coach already this season having replaced Luigi Del Neri and Luigi Di Canio, respectively. • Ballardini has already taken charge of the Rossoblu before, between November 2010 and June 2011. He lost both matches to Juventus that time and has only ever beaten the Bianconeri once in eight attempts, back when he was coach at Palermo. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Sep 16, 2012 - Genoa 1 - Juventus 3 Serie A ‎- Mar 11, 2012 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Oct 22, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Genoa 2 Serie A ‎- Apr 10, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Genoa 2 Serie A ‎- Nov 21, 2010 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 2 Last Five Matches Juventus Jan 22, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Lazio 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 19, 2013 - Juventus 4 - Udinese 0 - Serie A Jan 13, 2013 - Parma 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Jan 9, 2013 - Juventus 2 - AC Milan 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 6, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Sampdoria 2 - Serie A Genoa Jan 20, 2013 - Genoa 0 - Catania 2 - Serie A Jan 13, 2013 - Cagliari 2 - Genoa 1 - Serie A Jan 6, 2013 - Genoa 2 - Bologna 0 - Serie A Dec 22, 2012 - FC Internazionale 1 - Genoa 1 - Serie A Dec 16, 2012 - Genoa 1 - Torino 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Paul Pogba The man of the moment. The 19-year-old showed his undoubted class in the last round where he produced two top-class goals to ensure a healthy victory over Udinese. The midield prospect is strong in the air and has great vision and awareness of players around him. And as the evidence suggested against the Zebrette, he is more than capable of finding the net from long distance. Ciro Immobile Has been often linked with a move to Juventus so may have a point to prove here in front of the hosts. Genoa have lacked the firepower upfront to cause teams any real trouble especially on their travels. Seven goals in 10 away games speaks volumes for their striking woes but the 22-year-old, who scored against Inter recently, will be determined to ensure that Juventus do not have it all their own way. Prediction Genoa have struggled on the road this season having only managed to get eight points out of a possible 30. Defensively they seem quite solid, but going forward they have lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. Juve will be too strong for their opponents and should comfortably beat the Grifone here. Editor's Prediction Juventus 3 - 0 Genoa http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Juve name Genoa squad Jan 25, 2013 Antonio Conte has named his 21-man squad for Juventus' Saturday night clash with Genoa. Andrea Pirlo is still missing following injury, but Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella return after missing Tuesday's Coppa Italia semi-final with Lazio. Primavera striker Stefano Beltrame also retains his place in the squad. Full squad: Buffon, Caceres, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Beltrame, Marrone http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 26-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Marco Guida Pirlo and Bonucci problems Jan 24, 2013 Andrea Pirlo and Leonardo Bonucci remain major doubts to feature for Juventus against Genoa on Saturday evening. The Bianconeri welcome Genoa to Turin at 20.45 on Saturday and continue to struggle with injuries. Pirlo is still not 100 per cent fit due to a right calf problem and could well be rested so as not to risk further setbacks so close to the Champions League ties. Bonucci limped off in evident pain during the first half of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio on Tuesday. The defender has a bruised hip after falling awkwardly and is undergoing physiotherapy, but there are reports he could grit his teeth to play on. Bonucci revealed his injury status with a message on Twitter. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco are also carrying knocks and will need to be evaluated tomorrow. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Buffon has 'no regrets' over Barcelona snub The Bianconeri skipper insists turning down the opportunity to join the Catalan giants in 2001 was the right one, despite the unrivaled success of the Blaugrana in recent years. Jan 24, 2013 Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has revealed he does not regret rejecting a move to Barcelona as he is pleased with the way his career has turned out. The Italy shot-stopper had the chance to join Barca in 2001, whilst at Parma, but opted to switch to Juventus for €39 million, a record fee for a goalkeeper. And despite the success that the Catalans have enjoyed recently, Buffon insists he made the right decision. "I do ask myself what my career would have been like now and again," the 34-year-old told reporters. "But Barcelona only started winning in 2006. Five years without winning anything is a long time. "Seeing how my career has developed, I have no regrets." Buffon signed an extension to his contract on Wednesday, which will see the goalkeeper stay with the Turin outfit until June 2015.

Buffon deserves Ballon d'Or, says Agnelli The Juventus president realises that it has been a long time since a goalkeeper won the award, but feels the Italy star deserves recognition for his fine career. Jan 24, 2013 Juventus president Andrea Agnelli feels that Gianluigi Buffon deserves to win the Fifa Ballon d'Or before he retires as a reward for everything he has done for football. Barcelona star Lionel Messi has won the previous four editions of the prestigious individual award, but club supremo hopes that the Italy international can bring the prize back to Serie A in the upcoming years. "History states that from 1978 until 2007, the Ballon d’Or was regularly won by players competing in Serie A," he said at a press conference. "After this 30-year period, the trophy has subsequently been away from Italy for five years. My hope is that Gigi manages to halt the negative run by bringing it back in the next two years. "Given that just one goalkeeper, [Lev] Yashin, has had the honour of lifting it, I think it would be a correct acknowledgment of what Gigi means to Juventus and the world of football as a whole." The 34-year-old Buffon inked a new deal with Juventus until June 2015 on Wednesday.

Buffon signs new Juventus deal The Italy goalkeeper has extended his contract with the Serie A champions by a further two years, keeping him at Juventus Stadium until 2015. Jan 23, 2013 Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has put pen to paper on a contract extension at Juventus Stadium. The 34-year-old has added a further two years to his current deal, meaning he will remain a Bianconeri player until 2015, with Buffon hoping to maintain his current level of performance over that period of time. “I hope to play for as long as I'm able to do so and I'm ready to give my all,” he said. “We had originally talked about a one-year renewal but Juve made the counter-offer of a two-year deal. When I arrived at Juve my only concern was whether or not I could cut it at this level.” Juve president Andrea Agnelli added his belief that Buffon has now become one of the best players to have ever represented the club. “He's already among the best and greatest names in the history of Juventus,” Agnelli praised. “I like remembering the five titles he won on the pitch, and the World Cup, but what sets him apart is his honesty and his leadership.”

Barzagli: Marrone the future of Juventus The Italy international has hailed his team-mate's versatility, and believes he has what it takes to become a key player at the Serie A champions. Jan 23, 2013 Andrea Barzagli has taken the time to praise Luca Marrone in the wake of Juventus' 1-1 Coppa Italia draw against Lazio on Tuesday evening. The 22-year-old has impressed whenever called upon by head coach Antonio Conte, and Barzagli feels his team-mate has a bright future ahead of him. "Luca possesses great quality. He’s good at man-marking and can withstand physical contact," Barzagli told reporters. "He is very good as a central midfielder, but he also knows how to adapt well as a central defender. "When he’ll be able to play more regularly he’ll also gain consistency and will be the future of Juventus." Marrone has made eight appearances for the Bianconeri so far this season.

Agnelli: 'Ballon d'Or for Buffon' Jan 23, 2013 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli urged a Ballon d’Or recognition for captain Gianluigi Buffon after he renewed his contract to June 2015. The patron held a joint Press conference with Buffon today in order to announce the news. Click here for video of the full event. “It seems that in recent months you have been more worried about this day arriving than we were,” smiled Agnelli to the gathered journalists. “Gigi Buffon is our captain, the captain of Juventus and the captain of the Nazionale. His contract has been extended until June 2015, which will bring him to his 14th season with the Bianconeri. “I don’t think I need to add anything to the history he has written for Juventus, as he is already in the pantheon of the greats to have worn this jersey. “He showed desire, strong desire, to continue this journey. We are perfectly aware of that, because a few months ago all it took was a glance for me to prolong this contract.” Buffon revealed he wanted a one-year extension rather than two, so that he could keep on his toes. “He knows that it is up to him and based on his motivation, as he has always very honestly stated. He has motivation today and that is why he signed for another two years. If the future reserves another page for him, then it’s Gigi’s motivation that will tell us... He knows that Juventus is his home and the doors will always be open. “Buffon has won five Scudetti on the pitch and lifted the World Cup, but what really speaks for him are not the statistics. It’s his personality, his honesty, his leadership both on and off the field, his fairness and transparency. “When he has an opinion, he won’t hesitate to tell you it. This means when there is a discussion with Gigi, it will always be constructive.” President Agnelli also made an appeal to the Ballon d’Or selection committee. “I thought back and the only individual prize Gigi has never received is the Ballon d’Or. We looked into the history of this trophy and only once has a goalkeeper had the honour of lifting it, that Lev Yashin who was a childhood hero for me and Gigi. “My hope is that in these two years Gigi can interrupt that negative statistic to bring the Ballon d’Or back to Italy and back to a goalkeeper, because that would be the just recognition for what Gigi represents in the world of football.”

Only Juventus for Buffon Jan 23, 2013 Gigi Buffon says that he never thought about leaving Juventus after opting to sign a new contract with the Italian champions. The 34-year-old could have left the club on a Bosman in the summer, but he’s put pen to paper on a new agreement until 2015. “I never considered any other club,” the custodian noted at a Press conference [watch it here] this afternoon. “I’ve been here for many years and the Juventus shirt is a lifestyle. It’s hard to imagine me in another one.” Buffon has agreed to accept a cut in salary – thought to be around €2m a season – while he confirmed that he even offered to sign a shorter deal than he did. “I proposed 12 months,” he declared. “As a player with my career behind him, the present and the future that is ahead, it is right that you play only for as long as you can at your levels. “I thought that was right, but Juventus are not a club who improvise. They plan.” Although the Italian international has only signed on for another two years, he admits that he has his eyes on appearing at Euro 2016. “There is a World Cup in a year and a half and then a European Championship three and a half years later. I want to reach that stage in the shape I am today. We’ll see what happens in 2015.” Buffon joined the Old Lady in 2001 from Parma at a cost of £33m. He’s now captain of his club and his country. “As soon as I arrived at this club I asked myself whether I was good enough. I never thought that I would be the captain of a prestigious team like Juventus. “Alex Del Piero left me the armband and this was very significant in my consecration as a man of the changing room.” After a season in Serie B with Juve post-Calciopoli, Buffon was asked about the opportunity to join Barcelona in 2001. “I do ask myself that question now and again, but Barcelona started winning in 2006. Five years without winning anything is a long time. Seeing how my career has developed, I have no regrets.” Buffon was also quizzed about his possible heir and he believes that Italian football will be in safe hands when he does eventually quit. “There is a good generation of goalkeepers coming through. I’ve had the fortune of training with Nicola Leali, he has the potential to write goalkeeping history. “Then, in Serie A, there is Mattia Perin of Pescara who is doing some really exceptional things. The goalkeeping movement has been regenerated.”

Buffon wanted 12-month deal Jan 23, 2013 The agent of Gigi Buffon insists the only doubts about his new contract at Juventus were over its length. The Old Lady will confirm later today that the goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a fresh deal until June 2015. “There were never any problems regarding the extension,” Silvano Martina told TMW on Wednesday morning. “The fact that an agreement was reached with Juventus has been known for some time. “All that we needed to agree on was a formula – the club wanted to give him a three-year deal and he wanted a one-year one. In the end a two-year renewal was agreed.” Buffon, whose previous agreement was to expire in the summer, is understood to have accepted a €1.5m cut to his current €6m a year deal. “Gigi understood the needs of the country and accepted to take a small adjustment to his salary,” Martina added. Buffon, who joined Juventus in 2001, will celebrate his 35th birthday later this month.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Federico Peluso (63′) Stefano Mauri (86′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Barzagli: Marchetti was extraordinary Jan 23, 2013 Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti was the reason why Juventus were frustrated in the Coppa Italia, says Andrea Barzagli. The Italian international produced a string of fine saves at the Juventus Stadium where he was only beaten by a controversial Federico Peluso goal. Lazio then hit back late in the game with a strike from Stefano Mauri ahead of next week’s semi-final second leg in Rome. “Marchetti pulled off some extraordinary saves,” the centre-back noted after the 1-1 draw. “There were two or three rebounds in the area that didn’t fall in our favour either. “Is Marchetti enhanced against Juventus? It’s not just against us, as he is having a great season. He is a very good goalkeeper and showed that with some amazing saves in the League contest, as well as today in the Coppa Italia. “We conceded the equaliser from our mistake and it’s a shame because Marco Storari was barely called into action throughout the entire game.” Juventus did create chances despite an injury crisis which saw midfielder Claudio Marchisio used in a more advanced position. “Everyone put in excellent performances,” the Azzurri stopper continued. “Our entire squad displays full commitment and that was evident against Lazio.” Barzagli was also asked for an opinion on Luca Marrone – the youngster who played alongside him in Juve’s three-man defence on Tuesday. “Marrone possesses great quality,” he commented. “He’s good at man marking and can withstand physical contact. “He’s very good as a central midfielder, but he also knows how to adapt well as a central defender. When he’ll be able to play more regularly he’ll also gain consistency and will be the future of Juventus.”

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Federico Peluso (63′) Stefano Mauri (86′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus duo face fitness tests Jan 23, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci and Paul Pogba will undergo tests on Wednesday after limping out of Juventus’ Italian Cup game last night. Bonucci was replaced before half-time in the 1-1 draw against Lazio with an injury after sustaining a back and possible thigh issue. Meanwhile, the young Frenchman seemed to suffer some sort of thigh problem in the closing stages of the semi-final first leg encounter. Juventus, who are in the middle of an injury crisis, will face Genoa at home in Serie A on Saturday.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Federico Peluso (63′) Stefano Mauri (86′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Player Ratings Goal.com takes a closer look at those involved in Tuesday's dramatic Coppa Italia tie, which finished level thanks to an equaliser from Stefano Mauri with just five minutes to play. Jan 22, 2013 JUVENTUS Marco Storari - Had one heart-stopping moment with a fumbled cross that was recovered well, but otherwise was rarely troubled by toothless Lazio. Caught out for the goal by a teasing corner. Andrea Barzagli - Put in typically calm, assured performance in the middle of defence, shackling Mauri and never putting a foot wrong - even turning up in attack to almost set up Vidal. Leonardo Bonucci - Almost let Mauri in with a mistimed header, but was solid until a muscle injury forced him off before half-time. Federico Peluso - The hero of the hour for Juventus, at least for 20 minutes, as he finally ended the stalemate in the second half with an excellent goal to hand his side the advantage. Mauricio Isla - Juve's resurgence in the second half coincided with the appearance of the Chilean out wide. Worked non-stop to reach the byline and pinned Lazio back with his crossing. Arturo Vidal - Had two golden chances to put his side further ahead, and was desperately unlucky to see one slip agonisingly wide and the other hit the post. Always busy and aggressive in the middle. Claudio Marchisio - Was forced to play in a more advanced role than usual, but battled hard and almost gave Juve an early lead with a surge checked by Marchetti. Luca Marrone - Made an impact with several wonderful passes, including one that almost played in Matri for an opener, but was generally quiet. Emanuele Giaccherini - Troubled Marchetti with one tremendous strike from distance, and played in Peluso with a cross of the highest quality to break the deadlock. Paul Pogba - Got better as the game progressed, minimising the absence of Pirlo with an impressive display both on the ground and in the air. Went close with a header. Alessandro Matri - The net once more eluded the striker, but it should not take away from a busy performance leading the line and unsettling Lazio. Substitutions Martín Cáceres - Replaced Bonucci at the end of the first half, and defended diligently. Paolo De Ceglie - Committed a cardinal error in letting Mauri escape in the last seconds, and paid dearly. Mirko Vučinić - Had the chance to put Juve 2-0 up shortly before Mauri's strike, but could not take advantage. LAZIO Federico Marchetti - The star of the show for the Romans, producing several top-class saves to keep his side in the game when Juve threaten to romp home. Michael Ciani - Always strong in the air, went close in the first half with a header and few Juve men got the better of the French defender. Giuseppe Biava - Tried hard to anchor the Lazio defence, but was at times stretched as Vidal, Marchisio & Co. broke at will through the middle. Luis Cavanda - Occasionally unsettled Juventus on the right wing as he pushed forward, but his crossing was not up to scratch to take advantage. Lorik Cana - Pushed into the centre of defence, and was troubled greatly by the movement of Matri as the Juve forward probed across the area. Stefano Mauri - An anonymous, disappointing figure for large stretches of the match - until he popped up to save his team in the final minutes and put them in the driving seat. Cristian Ledesma - Could not get his team firing in the middle of the park, and was pulled off with 20 minutes remaining as Lazio sought an equaliser. Hernanes - Not the Brazilian's day. Wasteful in the pass, handing far too much possession to the home side. Also struggled to deliver from set-pieces. Alvaro Gonzalez - A performance full of fight and sacrifice from the Uruguayan, even if he was forced to play on the back foot for the majority of the encounter. Senad Lulic - Struggled throughout the game to contain Isla on the left flank, overlapped and outpaced by the Chilean while only sporadically offering an attacking threat. Sergio Floccari - A frustrating evening for the striker, left as the lone man up front and starved of the service he needed inside the area. Substitutions Stefan Radu - A short cameo for the defender at the death. Cristian Brocchi - Made a late appearance in place of the disappointing Hernanes. Antonio Candreva - Lazio's second hero, an impeccable delivery in the corner was what the Romans had been lacking and it teed Mauri up for the equaliser.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Federico Peluso (63′) Stefano Mauri (86′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Petkovic: 'Never stopped believing' Jan 22, 2013 Vladimir Petkovic insists Lazio “deserved” their Coppa Italia semi-final draw against Juventus, “because we never stopped believing.” The Biancocelesti snatched a late equaliser with Stefano Mauri for their 1-1 result in the first leg, which could prove to be a precious away goal. “The draw is the right result because we never stopped believing, even when Juventus were pinning us back,” said the Coach. “We had a few difficulties against a great side like Juventus, but we deserved that equaliser. We created many chances earlier, but were not determined enough. “I was not satisfied with some of the movements in defence, but it went well. I am very happy with how the team reacted and hope we can play with the same belief in the second leg.” The decider is at the Stadio Olimpico next Tuesday.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Federico Peluso (63′) Stefano Mauri (86′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Conte: 'Juve deserved more' Jan 22, 2013 Antonio Conte feels Juventus had done enough to win tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Lazio, but “the smile remains for this performance in an emergency situation.” The Bianconeri had gone in front with Federico Peluso, but Stefano Mauri snatched a 1-1 draw late on. The second leg at the Olimpico is next Tuesday. “It’s a shame about the result, but the smile remains for this performance in an emergency situation,” he said after using Claudio Marchisio as a makeshift trequartista. “From the negative aspects we managed to find the strength to give consistency to our performances. Despite the difficult moment in terms of injuries, the team deserved much more tonight. “There are also a couple of incidents that need to be looked at again, such as the challenge on Mirko Vucinic. Referees make mistakes for and against everyone, but I hope that when they do get it wrong in our favour they aren’t subjected to the same trials by media as they were in the past.” The fact remains that Lazio have an away goal to take with them to the Stadio Olimpico. “In the second leg we will play our game, hopefully with a little more luck,” continued Conte. “Between our Serie A meeting and this one, Lazio had more good fortune than we did, even if they are a great side who deserve everything. “Marchisio was the player who gave me the most guarantees in that more advanced role and he did well, thanks also to the rest of the team. Paul Pogba also did well, carrying on from his performance against Udinese. “We are a solid group and try to always think like a group.” Conte also confirmed that tomorrow Gianluigi Buffon will sign a contract extension with Juventus. “I am happy with his renewal and that the best goalkeeper in the world can continue playing with us for a long time.”

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Federico Peluso (63′) Stefano Mauri (86′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Coppa: Lazio snatch Turin draw Jan 22, 2013 Lazio have the upper hand in the Coppa Italia semi-final after a late 1-1 draw in Turin, despite Federico Peluso’s first goal for the club. The second leg is on January 29 and the Biancocelesti have an away goal. Juve were without Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner, Simone Pepe, Kwadwo Asamoah and the suspended Fabio Quagliarella, while Mirko Vucinic was rested due to an ankle problem. Antonio Conte completely reshuffled with Luca Marrone in the back three and Claudio Marchisio supporting lone striker Alessandro Matri. Lazio missed Miroslav Klose, Abdoullay Konko, Ederson and the banned Andre Dias. Federico Marchetti needed a save in the opening 45 seconds as Marchisio rushed in behind Matri to pounce on a ricochet. Leonardo Bonucci then nodded a free kick over from close range and Paul Pogba went close twice from a corner on the day he unveiled a new haircut. Michael Ciani’s header was also off target from a corner for Lazio, but Juve almost gave a goal away when Marco Storari dropped an easy catch and was fortunate nobody could tap in. Pedro Luis Cavanda horribly scuffed his shot from an excellent scoring position, then Emanuele Giaccherini rushed back for a crucial interception on Hernanes. The Bianconeri defence was shaky, as Bonucci was hobbling with an injury. Juve escaped another huge risk on 35 minutes, as Senad Lulic’s cross was mis-kicked into the air by Marrone, but a desperate Andrea Barzagli scramble prevented Stefano Mauri from bundling it over the line from a couple of yards. At the other end, a dangerous Mauricio Isla cross was turned over the bar. Bonucci could not continue any more and hobbled off before the break, making way for Martin Caceres. In stoppages, Giaccherini unleashed a powerful strike from distance and Marchetti did well to get a strong catch. Marchetti performed heroics here in November and he had another glorious save on 54 minutes when Matri ran on to a long cross-field Marrone pass to volley, but the Lazio goalkeeper got his fingertips to turn it out from under the bar. Juventus finally found the breakthrough when a corner was taken short, then whipped in for Peluso’s towering header into the far bottom corner. It was the January signing’s first goal in a Bianconeri jersey. Curiously, Vucinic was on the touchline waiting to come on in place of Peluso when the goal was scored, but Conte changed his mind after that strike. Matri threatened a second with a wonderful touch to hook the long pass, but Lorik Cana came sliding in and did just about enough to put him off. Juve somehow failed to make it 2-0, as Arturo Vidal sprung the offside trap on a Matri pass and went clear, but the prod with the outside of his boot thumped against the base of the post with an open goal. The move continued and Vidal was again unable to turn in amid chaotic scenes. Vidal was again denied, but this time he got away from defenders for a looping header on Vucinic’s cross and Marchetti flew to claw it away just before it could go over the line. It was a truly stunning save, as the goalkeeper had to change direction and jump at full stretch. Vucinic went down under a Giuseppe Biava challenge, but Juve paid the price for not taking those chances when Lazio got an equaliser in the final minutes. An Antonio Candreva corner was flicked on to the back post for Mauri to prod his low volley in from five yards, as Paolo De Ceglie seemed to lose his man. Matri fired straight at Marchetti, Vucinic dragged a shot wide and the goalkeeper smothered a Giaccherini snapshot, as Juve found it too late to restore their advantage. Juventus 1-1 Lazio Scorers: Peluso 63 (J), Matri 86 (L) Juventus: Storari; Bonucci (Caceres 43), Marrone, Barzagli; Isla, Giaccherini, Vidal, Pogba, Peluso (De Ceglie 71); Marchisio (Vucinic 77); Matri Lazio:Marchetti; Biava (Radu 83), Cana, Ciani; Cavanda, Gonzalez, Ledesma (Candreva 70), Hernanes (Brocchi 82), Lulic; Mauri; Floccari Ref: Damato