Socrates

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

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 Late Mauri leveller leaves Biancocelesti in pole position to reach final Juventus Stadium was silenced by the forward who stole in during the dying minutes to level proceedings, putting Lazio temporarily ahead by virtue of away goals. Jan 22, 2013 Juventus threw away a winning position in the Coppa Italia semi-final to draw against Lazio in the first-leg, after the Roman captain Stefano Mauri hit an equaliser with just five minutes left on the clock to give his side the advantage. Federico Peluso had put the Old Lady ahead in a game where they outplayed the visitors, but Antonio Conte's men will have to chase a result in the return fixture to survive in the competition. Chasing a place in the Coppa Italia final to keep the dream of a third domestic double on track, Juventus made an explosive start to the match in front of their own fans. The match was barely a minute old when the home side broke forward, but Claudio Marchisio saw the ball robbed from his grasp by goalkeeper Federico Marchetti after being played in by Alessandro Matri. Leonardo Bonucci also went close early on with a header that went just over the bar, while Paul Pogba also threatened in the air. Lazio were pinned back for the first 20 minutes, but gradually began to fight in a fixture that became progressively scrappier and more imprecise. Their best chance of the first half fell to Stefano Mauri; the forward had the chance to poke home when Leonardo Bonucci scuffed a clearing header, but hesitated and saw the ball cleared by Luca Marrone with the net wide open. Both sides had started the first leg with six midfielders, and the result was a messy encounter that frequently became bogged down around the centre circle. Passes were going wayward across the pitch, with Lazio's creative talents Mauri and Hernanes particularly notable for their lack of calm with the ball at feet. Juventus fans would hold their breath once more in the opening 45 minutes when Emanuele Giaccherini released a stinging effort from deep as the half entered injury time. Marchetti was more than equal to his shot, however, and the teams entered the tunnel still deadlocked. Despite the rather turgid nature of play neither team made changes during the interval, although Juve had already been forced to bring Martin Caceres into the action following an injury to Bonucci. The Turin side switched the focus of attack, looking to put pressure on their rivals out wide through the exertions of Mauricio Isla, but Lazio were resolute and resisted a host of crosses fired in by the Chilean. Nine minutes into the second half, Juventus were presented with their best chance of the match. Matri broke the offside trap and did well to latch on to a stunning lofted pass from Marrone, taking his shot first time on the volley. The effort lacked power, however, and Marchetti again did well to palm away and keep his team level with the hosts. Mauri then appeared with a header at the other end, but Marco Storari was also in the right place and saved comfortably. Pressure on the lacklustre Romans was growing, and it was no surprise that, after 63 minutes, the Old Lady pushed themselves into the lead. A fluid passing move around the box left Giaccherini in space, and his pinpoint cross found Federico Peluso who nodded the ball into the corner of the net. Lazio were furious that a supposed foul in the area had not been called, but it did not matter; the goal stood, and Juve were in the driving seat. Arturo Vidal had been strong in midfield throughout the clash, and the Chilean went agonisingly close to extending his team's advantage. A well-placed shot beat Marchetti only to be denied by the post, and from the rebound the midfielder steered Barzagli's cross inches wide to give Lazio a lifeline. The Aquile took full advantage, as five minutes from the end Mauri stole in at the far post to poke home a corner and hit a shock equaliser. Juventus will now have to score in Stadio Olimpico to progress from the last-four clash. The second fixture is scheduled to take place on January 29, while Roma and Inter play their opening encounter in the Italian capital on Wednesday.

Pareggia Mauri.

La settimana prossima sará una partita di campionato o il ritorno di coppa?

Per Damato di Barletta non é rigore su Vucinic.

Gran parata di Marchetti sul colpo di testa di Vidal.

Palo di Vidal.

Cerqueti é fastidioso come una mosca.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Antonio Damato HT - 0-0: Lazio frighten Juve Jan 22, 2013 Lazio have had the best scoring opportunities in the first half of the Coppa Italia semi-final in Turin, but it’s still goalless with Juventus. These sides are battling for the top of the Serie A table, but also went head-to-head for a place in the Coppa Italia Final. This was the first leg of the semi-final, so away goals will count for the decider on January 29. 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. JUVENTUS 0-0 LAZIO (Half-Time) JUVENTUS: Storari; Bonucci (Caceres 43), Marrone, Barzagli; Isla, Giaccherini, Vidal, Pogba, Peluso; Marchisio; Matri LAZIO: Marchetti; Biava, Cana, Ciani; Cavanda, Gonzalez, Ledesma, Hernanes, Lulic; Mauri; Floccari Ref: Damato

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Antonio Damato Coppa line-ups: Juventus-Lazio Jan 22, 2013 Juventus have a completely new front line for tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio, who look to Sergio Floccari and Hernanes. These two sides are currently battling for the top of the Serie A table as well as a place in the Coppa Final, but go head-to-head in Turin at 19.45 GMT. This is the first leg of the semi-final and the decider is in Rome on January 29. This means that away goals do count at this stage of the competition. Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner, Simone Pepe, Kwadwo Asamoah and the suspended Fabio Quagliarella are unavailable for Juve. Claudio Marchisio returns, but Mirko Vucinic is nursing an ankle injury, so Alessandro Matri is the lone striker with support from Emanuele Giaccherini and Marchisio. Under-21 international Luca Marrone is given a rare opportunity to start, but it looks as if he will be in his traditional midfield role rather than at centre-back. Instead, Federico Peluso joins the back three. This is only provisional, as both versatile figures can play in defence or midfield. Arturo Vidal was expected to rest due to a recurring ankle problem, but he starts. Lazio must do without Miroslav Klose, Abdoullay Konko, Ederson and the banned Andre Dias, but again experiment with Lorik Cana in a three-man defence. Floccari has found the net in his last two games, so he leads the way with Hernanes pulling the midfield strings. JUVENTUS: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso; Isla, Vidal, Marrone, Pogba, Giaccherini; Marchisio; Matri LAZIO: Marchetti; Biava, Cana, Ciani; Cavanda, Gonzalez, Ledesma, Hernanes, Lulic; Mauri; Floccari

Buffon set to extend deal until 2015 Jan 22, 2013 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon could be set to extend his contract at the club until 2015, according to reports in Italy. Both giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and Sky Sport Italia claim that a Press conference has been set up for Wednesday afternoon, which will be attended by the shot-stopper himself and President Andrea Agnelli. The 34-year-old has been at the Bianconeri since 2001 and has racked up over 400 appearances for the club.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus name squad for Lazio Jan 22, 2013 Juventus’ squad for tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final match against Lazio includes just two first-team strikers. Boss Antonio Conte confirmed on Monday that he would have to invent something in attack given that Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic were the only players available to him. It is unclear whether the latter will be risked from the start this evening after his recent fitness issues. Andrea Pirlo is missing from the midfield, but Claudio Marchisio returns after he picked up an injury in the 2-1 loss to Sampdoria on January 6. Squad: 1 Buffon, 4 Caceres, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 35 Beltrame, 36 Rugani, 37 Schiavone, 38 Pol Garcia, 39 Marrone, 40 Kabashi.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Antonio Damato History favours Lazio v Juventus Jan 22, 2013 Lazio will take on Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-finals on Tuesday evening with history in their favour. The two teams have met on 19 occasions in the Italian Cup, with the Biancocelesti collecting seven wins against Juve’s six. The capital outfit have been particularly good in recent Coppa games against the Old Lady of Italian football. In their last five meetings, Lazio have collected four wins and one draw. Juve’s last triumph against Lazio in the domestic Cup competition occurred in January 2000, when current boss Antonio Conte was one of the scorers in a 3-2 Delle Alpi victory.

Parma net Marrone for 2013-14? Jan 22, 2013 Juventus will continue to turn down January offers for Luca Marrone – although he will reportedly join Parma in the summer. It is understood that Genoa, Fiorentina and Parma have all attempted to sign the Italian Under-21 international this month. Juve, at the request of boss Antonio Conte, have rejected all bids, but the situation may change in the summer. Marrone, a central midfielder who has been used as a defender this term, has only appeared in seven games this term. The 22-year-old will thus be allowed to leave on loan for the 2013-14 campaign in order to gain experience of regular first team football.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final - 22-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus-Lazio Betting Preview: There's value in opposing the hosts in cup clash The league leaders are warm favourites to enjoy a home victory in this Coppa Italia semi-final first leg match but Willie Duncan believes that a shock could be on the cards. Jan 22, 2013 Italian champions Juventus will continue their quest for further silverware when they play host to Vladimir Petkovic’s Lazio side in what promises to be an intriguing Coppa Italia semi-final first leg clash in Turin on Tuesday night. Antonio Conte’s men warmed up for this meeting with an emphatic 4-0 thrashing of Udinese at the weekend and Juventus are available at just 4/7 (1.57) with Bet365 to take a step towards the final by defeating Lazio here. Petkovic’s side were held by Palermo at the weekend but have not lost in any competition since slipping to defeat against Catania at the beginning of November. They are available at a tempting 5/1 (6.0) with Bet365 to take victory in Turin with the same firm offering 11/4 (3.75) that the match ends in a draw. The Bianconeri were beaten in last year’s final by Napoli and Bet365 go just 4/9 (1.44) for Conte’s men to take their place in this year’s final while the Biancocelesti are available at 13/8 (2.63) with the same firm to qualify for the final. It is worth noting that Petkovic’s men have kept five clean sheets in their last eight competitive matches and are capable of keeping things tight against a Juventus side that has won just one of their last four games inside 90 minutes. With that in mind, the 19/20 (1.95) on offer from Bet365 for fewer than three goals to be scored looks to represent decent value and could be worthy of support. Both sides are likely to be missing key protagonists for this clash but it is the hosts that appear to be most hampered by injury and the 7/5 (2.40) on offer from Bet365 for Lazio (+1) in the handicap market is outstanding value and simply must be snapped up here. With just five points separating the two clubs at the top of Serie A, the disparity in match odds seems disproportionate and the draw, available at 11/4 (3.75) with Bet365, is superb value in what promises to be an evenly-matched contest.

Pogba will stay at Juventus until the summer, says agent The midfielder has been linked with a number of clubs following several eye-catching displays, but his representative insists he is not for sale at any price. Jan 22, 2013 Paul Pogba's agent Mino Raiola says the 19-year-old will not be leaving Juventus in the January transfer window and will remain in Turin until the summer. The former Manchester United midfielder has shined in Italy so far, which has seen him linked with a move away from Juventus Stadium, but Raiola has moved to put an end to the latest round of speculation regarding his future. "What is he worth? He is not for sale so has no value. [Giuseppe] Marotta can stay calm, he will stay in Turin until July definitely," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. Pogba only joined the Bianconeri during the summer following his move from Old Trafford and scored twice in his side's 4-0 victory over Udinese on Saturday. The youngster has made 18 appearances for the club so far, scoring four goals.