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Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Juventus v Udinese Preview – Team News, Tactics, Line-ups & Prediction Jan 19, 2013 The turn of the year hasn’t produced the kind of results that Juventus would have hoped for. The momentum that they had built with so much of effort seems to have been stopped with the winter break. Antonio Conte’s side has hit a slump in Serie A this year and are yet to record a league win. A loss to lowly Sampdoria at the Juventus Stadium was followed by a stalemate at the Tardini against Roberto Donadoni’s Parma side. Their nearest rivals, Lazio, wasted no time and took due advantage of Juventus’ slip-ups which makes the title race a bit more interesting. Thankfully for Juventus though, the lead they constructed over the course of the season still sees them at the top of the table with a three point advantage. For their opponents Udinese, this calendar year has seen a few upsets. Guidolin’s side has hit top gear since returning from the traditional winter break, claiming the impressive scalps of Inter and Fiorentina, both at the Friuli. The back-to-back victories have propelled them to 8th place in the league table and have extended their unbeaten run to an excellent six games, thus keeping hopes alive of a possible finish in the European zone. The last meeting between these two sides took place in Udine back in September. Juventus were utterly dominant and were aided by the man advantage they held. Goal-keeper Brkic was given his marching orders and Juventus capitalized. Sebastian Giovinco netted a brace with Mirko Vucinic and Arturo Vidal also getting their names on the score-sheet. Andrea Lazzari had scored the consolation goal for the home side. Team News and Tactical Brief Juventus Antonio Conte won’t be a pleased man with the way 2013 has begun for Juventus. Failing to register a win in two league outings is uncharacteristic for Conte’s side especially given the rather modest level of opposition they’ve locked horns against. Sampdoria and Parma were viewed as routine wins for the Serie A Champions but lackluster performances proved to be pretty costly. The absence of key players on the left-hand side in Giorgio Chiellini and Kwadwo Asamoah has been telling. Two players who have stood out this campaign have been missed by Juventus. Claudio Marchisio picked up a knock against Sampdoria and his drive and determination haven’t been replaced yet. Marchisio, though, could make it in time for this game but Conte isn’t expected to risk Il Principino. The Achilles Heel has been an area that has been targeted by Juventus’ opponents and it comes as no surprise that all the three goals that the Bianconeri have conceded in the league this year, have come from the left side. Federico Peluso has been bought in but has yet to stake a claim for a starting role. The same can be said for Martin Caceres whose shaky display against Parma does anything but guarantee a place in the playing eleven. No significant changes are expected to the side although latest reports suggest Arturo Vidal, Fabio Quagliarella and Andrea Pirlo are in danger of missing this game. If indeed they are ruled out of the fixture, they will represent blows for a team that is struggling to find its feet. Conte will hope his side manages to deliver the much required intensity – something that has been sorely lacking this year; the intensity that is the cornerstone to this successful Juventus foundation. Paul Pogba showed promise against Parma with his athleticism and energy and will play in a new look Juventus left-side. Mirko Vucinic has recovered from a niggling ankle problem but is expected to start from the bench thus offering Alessandro Matri another attempt at regaining lost confidence and hopefully for his manager and himself, a goal or two. Update: Pirlo, Marchisio and Quagliarella have not been included in the squad for the game. Young Luca Marrone could take Pirlo’s place in midfield. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo (Marrone), Pogba, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Matri Udinese Udinese have been inconsistent this term but one factor that remains consistent as always is the finishing ability of Antonio Di Natale. Captain dependable has produced the goods yet again with 14 goals to his credit and as always is leading by example. Colombian Luis Muriel has been the perfect partner in crime and is living up to expectations after sitting out most of the first half of the season through injury. Muriel has scored three goals in as many games for Udinese which makes the front duo a frightening prospect for any side. In what will be his 500th Serie A game as a manager, Francesco Guidolin won’t shift away from his 3-5-1-1 formation. Notable absentees include Badu and Mehdi Benatia who are both on International duty at the African Cup of Nations. Benatia, in particular, is one of the most highly-rated and sought after defenders in the peninsula. First choice keeper Zelkjo Brkic is suspended following his dismissal against Fiorentina. Udinese are a counter-attacking side and will be happy to let Juventus keep possession. Their pace on the break in the form of Basta and Muriel could be potentially harmful for a Bianconeri back-line that has left holes and doesn’t look as sturdy as they did when Chiellini was fit. Juventus have been exposed on the counter and with the trickery of Muriel and killer instinct of Di Natale up front, Udinese have the combination at hand to unlock the Old Lady. Basta at right wing-back will maraud up and down his side all night long and could be a real thorn to the Juventus defence and expose the evident vulnerability of Juventus’ left side. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-1-1): Padelli; Heurtaux, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pinzi, Allan, Lazzari, Pasquale; Muriel; Di Natale Player To Watch Out For Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus) Giovinco will fancy his chances against Udinese having already slotted a couple past them in the previous encounter. The Atomic Ant has grown in confidence and in the potential absence of Mirko Vucinic, remains the most dangerous player in the forward line. The diminutive attacker has 6 goals and 5 assists to his name so far. Giovinco’s set-piece prowess and his ability to create openings for others marks him out as our player to watch out for. Prediction Juventus 2-1 Udinese It won’t be an easy game for Juventus considering Udinese will be arriving in Turin brimming with confidence and will set their sights on another upset. The visitors will come with a well laid out game-plan as one can expect from a side bossed by Guidolin. The home side though, have enough quality and in front of the vociferous home support should grind out a victory and get their season back on track. Blast From The Past http://youtu.be/LxbQu8dwnzs http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Juventus-Udinese Betting Preview: Backing Giovinco to ensure plenty of goals The Serie A leaders have surrendered their commanding lead after a couple of disappointing results, but Al Hain-Cole thinks the former Parma man will get them off the mark. Jan 19, 2013 Juventus have endured a shaky start to 2013 by their very high standards, winning neither of their opening Serie A games to let their lead at the top of the table slip from eight points to three. Lazio may have bridged that gap by the time the Old Lady kick off against Udinese on Saturday, so they will be desperate to maintain some breathing space at the summit with their first three points since the winter break. Despite their mini-wobble, the champions are clear 1/3 (1.33) favourites to return to form with a win here. The visitors are undefeated in six in the league, but have lost 13 of their last 17 in Turin, and are unfancied at 9/1 (10.00) to continue their impressive form with a win. Only five of the last 35 encounters between these teams have ended in a draw, but you can get odds of 15/4 (4.75) on this one ending up all square. Not only have the lucky fans at the Juventus Stadium seen their team lose just three times since the new ground was opened at the beginning of last season, they have not been short of entertainment either. Goals are usually guaranteed when Antonio Conte's men are at home, where at least three have been scored in eight of the last 10 fixtures. Considering that tally has been exceeded in five of the last six meetings between this pair, odds of 7/10 (1.70) are surely too good to pass up on over 2.5 going in on Saturday. One man who particularly loves Juve's home ground is Turin native Sebastian Giovinco, who has hit seven of his 10 goals this season in his team's own back yard. The diminutive attacker has scored in six of the last seven on home turf, and is great value at 9/2 (5.50) to hit the first goal against a defence he breached twice in the reverse fixture in September. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: '20 years with Juve' Jan 19, 2013 Claudio Marchisio celebrates his birthday today with a message for the fans. “I’m 27 years old, 20 of them spent with the Bianconeri jersey.” The Juventus midfielder was born in Turin and grew up in the club’s youth academy to become a hero for the supporters. He won’t be able to celebrate his birthday with a goal, as he is injured for tonight’s home game against Udinese. “Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes I am receiving! I am trying to read them all, but there are truly so many!!!” he wrote on his Facebook page. “I will always try to repay your affection towards me by giving my all on the pitch and never giving up! “Today I am 27 years old, 20 of them spent with the Bianconeri jersey, full of wonderful memories, people who have given me so much and who I’ll never stop thanking. “That includes you, who were present even in the most difficult moments!! THANK YOU!!!” Marchisio is nicknamed 'Principino' (The Little Prince) by Juve ultras.

Agnelli unsure about Beretta Jan 18, 2013 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has claimed that he has mixed feelings about Maurizio Beretta's appointment as head of Lega Calcio Serie A. After several attempts to elect a President failed, Beretta was surprisingly re-elected on Friday afternoon, doing so without the vote of the Bianconeri, Roma and Inter. And the Old Lady's chief has admitted that he is unsure about the announcement. “The good news is that the League finally has some sort of governance,” he told La Repubblica. “Given that in recent months that hasn't been the case, it is definitely a step forward. “The bad news though is that this new government represents only a 30 per cent share of Italian football.”

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Juventus v Udinese: Preview Jan 18, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner rejected any talk of a crisis at Juventus but urged his team-mates to be especially wary of Udinese tomorrow night. The Serie A champions have seen their lead cut to just three points following the winter break, courtesy of a shock 2-1 home defeat to Sampdoria and a 1-1 draw at Parma, with title contenders Lazio and Napoli hitting form at just the right time. Juve defender Lichtsteiner is eager to see a swift improvement but reminded fans of last January's wobble, one that preceded an unstoppable surge to a 28th official Serie A title. He told juventus.com: "The defeat to Samp really hurt and then we gifted Parma the draw but we certainly can't talk about a crisis. "We've let five points out of six get away from us but we lost points in this period last year too. "In the last two games we've been hit on the counter-attack and we need to improve, but the team is strong and in good shape.'' The other Bianconeri arrive in Turin on the back of four wins claimed during a six-game unbeaten run. Lichtsteiner added: "They're a great team and we have to pay close attention to their speed. Everyone who faces us treats the occasion as a big game and we're aware of that. "For a lot of people the title is already decided, but we know perfectly well that there are several teams that will fight us right until the end.'' Vice-captain Giorgio Chiellini, midfielder Claudio Marchisio and striker Nicklas Bendtner are sidelined through injury. Tomorrow night will be emotional for Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin, who celebrates 500 games on the touchline as a head coach in Serie A. "I'm excited and proud,'' he said. "Although I'm only thinking about Juventus now and not the numbers. "I am now among the names of some legendary characters in the sport, which makes me very happy as it's probably the most important moment of my career. "To reach 500 games in Serie A is the equivalent of climbing 8,000 metres. Achieving this goal as the manager of Udinese makes me even more proud.'' Guidolin turned his attention back to Juve and the prospect of a daunting trip to north Turin. He added: "It will be fierce as it always has been over the last two years. They're top of the table and the number one favourite for the title.'' Defender Mehdi Benatia and midfielder Emmanuel Badu are unavailable due to African Nations Cup duty, with Andrea Coda, Maicosuel and talismanic striker Antonio Di Natale facing late fitness checks. Leonardo Bonucci and Alexis Sanchez were both sent off when Udinese last claimed all three points in Turin back in January 2011. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti MATCH PREVIEW Jan 18, 2013 Juventus must recover after a poor beginning to 2013 cut into their lead, while Udinese have looked ominous since Christmas. Aiming to bounce back from a shock loss to Sampdoria, Antonio Conte’s men bested Milan in the Coppa Italia, before drawing at Parma. Facing the only remaining unbeaten side at home, Andrea Pirlo netted a deflected free kick, but Nicola Sansone ensured a share of the spoils. From a seemingly secure eight point Christmas advantage, two winless matches has whittled the lead to just three, with Lazio on the charge. Coach Antonio Conte felt his side deserved maximum points at the Tardini and was pleased with the overall performance, unlike a week earlier. Claudio Marchisio is a week from returning, while usual midfield partner Pirlo is also battling an injury concern. Giorgio Chiellini, Nicklas Bendtner and Simone Pepe remain long-term absentees. Kwadwo Asamoah is at the Africa Cup of Nations. Udinese have roared back into European contention following two fantastic victories to start 2013. After disposing of Inter, Antonio Di Natale was again at the forefront in their win over Fiorentina. He netted the equalising penalty, before putting the Zebrette ahead. Luis Muriel capped the 3-1 victory 60 seconds later. It stretched Udinese’s unbeaten streak to six – including four wins – with Francesco Guidolin, who will reach 500 Serie A games as a Coach this week, calling the victory ‘important’. It meant the Friulani moved to within five points of the fifth-placed Viola and Europe. Zeljko Brkic was injured during the Fiorentina contest and is expected to miss around a month of action. Diego Fabbrini is an injury doubt, while Emmanuel Badu and Medhi Benatia are on national duty with Ghana and Morocco respectively. Amid steady snowfall last term Alessandro Matri’s brace secured a 2-1 triumph for Juve. It was their 28th Turin success over their fellow Bianconeri, who have enjoyed the smell of victory just six times in 38 visits. Keep an eye on: Luis Muriel (Udinese) – The Colombian livewire has impressed since returning from injury. Muriel is making the position behind Di Natale his own and with three goals in as many matches is proving a threat to opposition defenders. Form guide: Juventus (W W W L D) Udinese (W D D W W) Last season: Juventus 2-1 Udinese Stat fact: Francesco Guidolin-led sides have conceded 25 goals versus Juve in Turin, failing to keep a clean sheet in all 16 matches played. PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marrone, Pogba, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Vucinic UDINESE: Padelli; Heurtaux, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pinzi, Allan, Lazzari, Pasquale; Muriel, Di Natale http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Juventus - Udinese Preview: Antonio Conte's side seek first Serie A victory of 2013 Having secured only one point from a possible six since the winter break, the Old Lady will look to get back to winning ways against Francesco Guidolin's in-form side. Jan 18, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres, Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba, Isla Giovinco, Vucinic UDINESE Padelli Danilo, Domizzi, Heurtaux Basta, Pinzi, Lazzari, Pereyra, Pasquale Di Natale, Muriel Juventus go in search of their first league victory of 2013 when they face Udinese. Since the winter break, the Old Lady have seen their eight-point lead cut to just three after they suffered a shock 2-1 loss at home to 10-man Sampdoria which was followed by last week's 1-1 away draw with Parma. Antonio Conte has a few injury concerns ahead of Saturday's clash with Fabio Quagliarella and midfield duo Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal all set to undergo late fitness tests. The game is expected to come too soon for Claudio Marchisio who only returned to light training earlier this week. The Juventus coach is expected to make several changes from the side which dropped two points at Parma, with Mirko Vucinic, Mauricio Isla and Luca Marrone all pushing for starting berths. Paul Pogba is expected to continue in central midfield while Sebastian Giovinco is poised to once again lead the front line. Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin is forced to make one change from the team that defeated Fiorentina 3-1 as first-choice goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic is set for a short spell on the sidelines having fractured his finger. Daniele Padelli will therefore take his place between the sticks. The Zebrette coach will be hoping that Antonio Di Natale will be fit; the 35-year-old striker has not trained all week due to illness. Thomas Heurtaux will once again fill in for Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations whilst Brazilian midfielder Allan could start after his impressive cameo against Fiorentina. DID YOU KNOW? • In the reverse fixture back in September, Juventus cruised to a 4-1 victory with goals from Vidal, Vucinic and Giovinco (2) in a game which also saw Udinese goalkeeper Brkic sent off. Juventus are the only side to have won at the Friuli this season. • Juventus host the best defensive record in the league, having conceded only 14 goals from 20 matches. • The Old Lady have an impressive head-to-head home record against the Zebrette, winning 28 of the 38 previous encounters (W28 D4 L6). • Udinese are unbeaten in their last six Serie A matches but have only secured two wins away from home this season. • Saturday's showdown will be Francesco Guidolin's 500th Serie A match in charge. The 57-year-old coach has never led a side to a clean sheet in Turin. • Antonio Di Natale is the second-highest goalscorer in Serie A this season, tied on 14 goals with AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy. Only Napoli's Edison Cavani has notched more league goals (16). Head to Head Serie A ‎- Sep 2, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Juventus 4 Serie A ‎- Jan 28, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Udinese 1 Serie A ‎- Dec 21, 2011 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Jan 30, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Udinese 2 Serie A ‎- Sep 19, 2010 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 4 Last Five Matches Juventus 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 Dec 21, 2012 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3 - Serie A Dec 16, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Atalanta 0 - Serie A Udinese Jan 13, 2013 - Udinese 3 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A Jan 6, 2013 - Udinese 3 - FC Internazionale 0 - Serie A Dec 22, 2012 - Atalanta 1 - Udinese 1 - Serie A Dec 19, 2012 - Udinese 0 - Fiorentina 1 - Coppa Italia Dec 15, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Palermo 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Sebastian Giovinco The 25-year-old striker seems to have nailed down a starting forward role in Antonio Conte's lineup and is the Old Lady's joint top league goalscorer with six goals. With five assists also to his name, the pacey forward could prove to be the difference against the Zebrette. He was the stand-out performer in the reverse fixture back in September when he scored twice and won the penalty which resulted in Udinese goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic being sent off. Luis Muriel It is little surprise that Udinese's recent good form has coincided with the return of Luis Muriel from injury. The Colombian 21-year-old striker has attracted interest from Europe's top clubs, including Juventus, with his recent performances and has scored a goal in each of his last three matches. Muriel has struck a deadly partnership with top goalscorer Antonio Di Natale and his pace and trickery will no doubt keep the Juventus back line busy. Prediction Udinese are on a fantastic run of form as of late but I expect their struggles on the road to continue here against a solid Juventus defence. A narrow first Serie A victory of 2013 for Antonio Conte's men. Editor's Prediction Juventus 2 - 1 Udinese http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 2^ Giornata Ritorno - 19-1-2013 (ore 20:45) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Luca Banti Confronti ufficiali 84 - 77 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 54 - 51 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 19 - 15 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Udinese 11 - 11 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 167 - 158 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Goals Udinese 69 - 66 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Juventus - Udinese a Torino Serie A Confronti ufficiali 38 Vittorie Juventus 28 (L'ultima il 28.01.2012, 2-1) Pareggi 4 (L'ultimo il 18.03.1990, 1-1) Vittorie Udinese 6 (L'ultima il 30.01.2011, 1-2) Goals Juventus 86 Goals Udinese 37 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro l'Udinese a Torino 12 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 10 Buffon Gianluigi 8 Cabrini Antonio 7 Boniperti Giampiero 7 Brio Sergio 7 Conte Antonio 7 Iuliano Mark 7 Scirea Gaetano 7 Tacchinardi Alessio 6 Bonini Massimo 6 goals Hansen John 5 Sivori Omar Enrique 4 Baggio Roberto 4 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Inzaghi Filippo 3 Boniek Zbigniew 3 Boniperti Giampiero 3 Charles John 3 Platini Michel 3 Stacchini Gino Ultimi confronti diretti 10.02.2008 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 1-2 14.09.2008 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 1-0 28.01.2009 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 2-1 22.11.2009 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 1-0 03.04.2010 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 3-0 19.09.2010 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 0-4 30.01.2011 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 1-2 21.12.2011 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 0-0 28.01.2012 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 2-1 02.09.2012 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 1-4 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 1 - Vittorie Udinese 3 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Udinese 10

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Juve name Udinese squad Jan 18, 2013 Juventus have named their 23-man squad for the match against Udinese on Saturday evening - minus Andrea Pirlo. New signing Federico Peluso has been named for the game with the Zebrette despite suffering from a fever, whilst youth team players Daniele Rugani, Pol Garcia Tena, Andrea Schiavone, Elvis Kabashi and Stefano Beltrame have also been called-up. Pirlo had not trained over the last couple of days and is not risked for the game, while Arturo Vidal is included despite fitness concerns. Full squad: Buffon, Caceres, Pogba, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Beltrame, Rugani, Schiavone, Pol Garcia, Marrone, Kabashi http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Juventus are not in crisis, insists Lichtsteiner The Switzerland international is not too worried about the Bianconeri's struggles in 2013, and is looking forward to the match against Udinese. Jan 18, 2013 Stephan Lichtsteiner has stressed that Juventus are not in crisis despite their relatively poor performances since the end of the winter break. The Serie A champions were beaten 2-1 by Sampdoria a fortnight ago and had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Parma last week, but the Switzerland international has little doubt that they will soon return to winning ways again. "We were hurt by the home defeat to Sampdoria and we allowed Parma a way back into the game on Sunday. But there’s absolutely no need to talk about a crisis," Lichtsteiner told Sky Sport Italia. "We’ve dropped five points out of six, but we also did the same at this point last year." The right-back then went on to discuss this weekend's match against Udinese, and is expecting a close encounter. "Udinese are a great team and we need to pay close attention to the pace they possess in their ranks. All our opponents put in a top performance when they play against us and we’re aware of that. "But we've got to try and win everything. Clearly it will be tough, but we have quality and Juve’s mentality must always consist of taking to the field with the aim of winning every game and competition we face." Saturday's match is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Lichtsteiner: What Juventus crisis? Jan 18, 2013 Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has dismissed talk of a crisis in Turin following a problematic start to 2013. The Old Lady have collected just one point from two games after defeat to 10-man Sampdoria and a 1-1 draw at Parma. “We’ve dropped five points out of six, but we also did the same at this point last year,” the former Lazio player told Sky Sport Italia. “We were hurt by the home loss to Sampdoria and we allowed Parma a way back into the game on Sunday, but there’s absolutely no need to talk about a crisis.” The Bianconeri will face in-form Udinese at the weekend and the 29-year-old respects the threat that Francesco Guidolin’s side will carry. “All our opponents put in a top performance when they play against us and we’re aware of that,” the Swiss international added. “Udinese are a great team and we need to pay close attention to the pace they possess in their ranks. But we’ve got to try and win everything. “Clearly it will be tough, but we have quality and Juve’s mentality must always consist of taking to the field with the aim of winning every game and competition we face.”

Pirlo reaction to UEFA XI Jan 18, 2013 Hear the reaction of Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo after he was named in UEFA’s Team of the Year.

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio worries for Juve Jan 17, 2013 The Juventus midfield could be decimated for Saturday night’s game with Udinese, as Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are all in doubt. Marchisio has already missed last week’s 1-1 draw with Parma due to a heavily bruised knee and is working to a personalised training schedule. Today Pirlo and Vidal did not take part in training with their teammates. Veteran Pirlo has been suffering from a right calf problem, while the Chilean has bruised his right ankle. Fabio Quagliarella is also a concern, as the tendon of the left thigh muscle is inflamed. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Buffon best world keeper of 25 years Jan 17, 2013 Gigi Buffon has emerged as the world’s best goalkeeper in the last 25 years, announced the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. The Juventus and Italy shot-stopper came out on top in a calculation of votes from 1987 to 2012 by ‘selected editorial staff and experts from all the football continents.’ Buffon was top, followed by Spain and Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas in second and Edwin Van Der Sar in third. Peter Schmeichel and Oliver Kahn completed the top five positions. Fellow Italian Walter Zenga was the next-highest placed Azzurro in joint eighth place with Andoni Zubizarreta.

Chiellini-less Juve still potent Jan 17, 2013 Giorgio Chiellini insists that Juventus’ recent struggles in Serie A have nothing to do with his absence. The Old Lady have started 2013 with just one point from two games after a 2-1 home defeat to 10-man Sampdoria and a 1-1 draw at Parma. The goals conceded in both games originated from the area of the pitch which the Italian usually occupies. “An individual can’t change the balance of a side,” the stopper stated on Thursday. “I have great faith in my teammates. I’m counting on us getting back up on Saturday against Udinese. “We’ve been unlucky in a few incidents and we’ve lost a few important points, but we did last year in this period too. “My rehabilitation is going well and according to schedule,” said the man who picked up a thigh strain in December. “I hope to return as soon as possible, although I’ll still be out for another month or so.” The Scudetto and the Champions League are the Bianconeri’s top targets this term, but so too is the Italian Cup. “It is an important objective like the others,” the former Fiorentina player added. “We’d like to win the Coppa Italia for the tenth time, also because we have still not digested that Final defeat to Napoli last season.” Juventus will face Lazio in the semi-finals.

Serie A Week 21 - 19/1/13 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Guidolin 'proud' at reaching 500 games Jan 15, 2013 Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin has admitted he is 'excited and proud' at reaching 500 games as a Serie A Coach. The 49-year-old has been in charge of five clubs in Italy's top division since 1993 and has revealed that the game against Juventus on Saturday, where he will reach the milestone, will be a great achievement. “I am excited and very proud,” he told reporters. “To be alongside some of the great names is a real honour. “I am extremely happy – it is probably one of the most important moments in my career. “I am pleased with everything I have done.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pirlo: 'Secret to my success' Jan 16, 2013 Andrea Pirlo was named in the UEFA Team of 2012 and revealed the secret to his success. “You need to know a bit of everything.” The Juventus veteran was the only Italian and Serie A representative in the Top XI voted for by readers of UEFA’s official website. “Well, you need to know a bit of everything,” he said when asked about the secret to his success. “You need to know how to defend, how to attack, how to direct the game, win the ball and score goals – a bit of everything. “I just try to give my best in training to be fit for the matches. The older you get it becomes more and more important to train well and focus on every single detail, just to stay in your best form as long as possible.”

Pirlo in UEFA Team of 2012 Jan 16, 2013 Juventus and Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo has been named in UEFA.com’s Team of the Year by the site’s users. The midfielder, who led his club to the Scudetto last year and his country to the Final of 2012, was recognised by fans in a European based team which was predominantly made up of La Liga stars. Former Milan centre-back Thiago Silva, sold to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, was also voted into the fantasy XI. Team of the Year 2012: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid & Spain); Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid & Spain); Gerard Piqué (Barcelona & Spain); Thiago Silva (Milan/Paris Saint-Germain & Brazil); Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich & Germany); Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona & Spain), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona & Spain); Andrea Pirlo (Juventus & Italy); Mesut Özil (Real Madrid & Germany); Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina); Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid & Portugal).

Not so deadly Juventus? The Scudetto race has been blown wide open as Juventus again failed to win. Giancarlo Rinaldi wraps up the Week 20 action. Jan 15, 2013 A few weeks ago we were calling them Ammazza-campionato – the Championship Killers – such was the ruthless manner in which Juventus were dispatching their rivals. But that was before the trigger jammed against a seemingly stricken Sampdoria and a relatively routine hit at Parma went awry. Could the cold-hearted executioners of Serie A have suddenly gone soft? Of course, a mission to the Ennio Tardini is no easy one to put away these days. But, nonetheless, this Juve side has made a hallmark of smothering the life out of Italian football’s lesser lights with terrifying efficiency. Two successive failures to win after taking the lead are about as rare as Antonio Conte finishing a match with his voice intact. Last week it was baby-faced Mauro Icardi who turned the tables on the Bianconeri, this week it was 21-year-old Nicola Sansone who did the damage. All the goals have served to emphasise a Giorgio Chiellini-shaped hole in the Juventus defence. Gary Hooper and company at Celtic would do well to take note in the build up to their Champions League clash. There was also criticism for Mirko Vucinic after an ill-advised dummy played a part in setting up the goal which cancelled out a lead gained via a deflected Andrea Pirlo free-kick. However, his Coach stepped in to save his Montenegrin bacon by saying he had called on his player to leave the ball. It was either remarkable honesty on Conte’s part or a marvellous exercise in shielding a player from a bashing by fans and Press alike. A disappointing side-order to the game was trouble outside the ground when a group of Juve fans reportedly attacked a bar known as a meeting point for Parma supporters. A couple of people suffered minor injuries and there was widespread damage. Not a major incident, perhaps, but about as welcome as Luciano Moggi’s recent decision to enter the world of politics. That shouldn’t take the shine off the efforts of Roberto Donadoni’s men, the only side undefeated at home in Serie A. “Juve have been setting the standards for 18 months in Italy, so that speaks volumes about our performance,” glowed their boss. “Sansone is a boy who is growing, who is hungry to show what he is worth – that is why he works so hard. But that’s the spirit throughout the team.” “We were in control and I’m sorry to leave two points here,” lamented Conte. “I was disappointed with our display against Sampdoria, but not in this one.” The result allowed Lazio to narrow the gap to just three points at the table top, but only after Sergio Floccari did his best impression of Luis Suarez to break the deadlock with Atalanta. He clearly controlled the ball with his hand before thumping home the opener in a 2-0 triumph. The debate about whether it was deliberate proved – like a chewy chunk of Torrone – something for everyone to get their teeth stuck into. Lazio President Claudio Lotito, poured on the persecution complex. “Every time we win they say we were done a favour, nobody mentions our ability,” he said. “But whoever saw this game knows Lazio deserved to win.” “The handball changed the game because after that we lost our cool and started to pick up yellow cards and a red,” responded Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono. “We were unlucky last year with the same referee in Florence when they got a goal thanks to a handball by Lorenzo De Silvestri. We also need to look at the touchline officials who are supposed to be there to help the referees.” A lot less contentious was Napoli’s win over struggling Palermo which moved them closer too. Their appeal against a two-point deduction and the loss of two players – Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava – to a match-betting sentence will be held later this week. If successful, they would join Lazio just three points adrift of Juve – a more welcome situation than a house-visit by San Gennaro. “We started off badly and I was getting angry, they could have scored,” admitted boss Walter Mazzarri. “But we sorted things out at the back. On our first or second attack we got a goal and that smoothed things out for us.” Also moving on up were Inter thanks to a Saturday night success against Pescara. “The team is starting to rediscover its character and its balance,” beamed Andrea Stramaccioni. “We’ve made a clear and big step forward in terms of our play, which had been a problem against sides which covered up well.” And he also played down Antonio Cassano’s apparent huff at being substituted as just part of how determined his player is to perform well for the club. It was Fiorentina and Roma who slipped up in the chasing pack, both sides regretting missed chances. The Viola had the lead in Udine before a contentious penalty, a touch-and-go offside goal and a dreadful goalkeeping slip-up turned the game. Roma, meanwhile, were undone by the magic of Papu Gomez in Catania after having their opportunities in the first half. That left a door open for Milan to make significant progress up the table at Sampdoria, but they slammed it in their own faces with a drab 0-0 draw. It was supposed to showcase the sparkling youth of the Rossoneri’s attack with Stephan El Shaarawy, Bojan Krkic and M’Baye Niang all starting. Instead, the game had all the vim and vigour of a pensioners’ party. “That was one ugly Milan,” grumbled Zvonimir Boban in the Sky Italia studio. The big moves at the bottom end of the table came from Bologna, Cagliari and Torino. The Rossoblu had a pretty straightforward stroll against Chievo, but the Sardinians had to come from behind at home to Genoa to get their victory. As for the Granata, they had old-boy Alessandro Rosina to thank for a missed penalty for Siena which ensured they won a gripping 3-2 clash. It left the Tuscans looking certainties for Serie B but, like Juve’s title hopes, maybe we shouldn’t be taking them for granted. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 20 - 13/1/13 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (52') Nicola Sansone (78′) Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 14000 Toothless Bianconeri Drop 2 More Points in Scudetto Race Jan 15, 2013 What the hell was that, ragazzi? POST-GAME REFLECTION Well, that was painful. I didn't want to write this game review immediately after the game and don't feel like it now either. I mean, could that have been a more brutal game to watch? It was almost like watching a training scrimmage between Carrarese and Barletta during pre-season in August. Pretty horrendous football. And to think people paid tickets for that! Now there's an injustice. The result is what it is - Juventus comes up short against a Parma team that was there for the taking and drops 2 more points to make it 1 out of possible 6 in the first two Serie A games of 2013. No, this won't be a 2,000-word rant about how we're about to lose the Scudetto because of the last two games. It's way to early to start going down that route and I certainly don't consider myself a drama queen. But it is a bit alarming that we've failed to play with the recognizable Juventus style that brought all the plaudits in 2012. Were we tired on Sunday? Yeah, but we also had some fresh legs on the field that played as horribly as anyone. Were we complacent? I don't see how we could've been since we just LOST our previous Serie A game, at home at that. So what happened? Well, we just failed to show up on the day with our usual intensity and we were made to pay for it. A couple key injuries/missing players plus the on-field players' inability to step up made it a game we'll look back on and regret not winning. For what it's worth, Parma did their best to look as bad or worse than we did. It's really up to the lads and the coach now to ensure this kind of play does not become a trend. Which we all know they can and hopefully will do. In the meantime, we'll quickly recap this game and get on with our lives. Doesn't that just get you pumped to read the rest of this article? (Please do...) GAME RECAP Sloppy. Tired. Bad technique. Terrible touches. Off passing. That's what characterized most of the game for both Juventus and Parma. Somewhere in between during those 90 minutes were sprinkled moments of decent link ups and defensive errors that allowed for a few good chances on both sides. Only one was converted, and with a very good finish at that, by Sansone in the 77 minute to equalize for Parma. Before him, Andrea Pirlo had made it 1-0 from a free kick that looked to be going wide but took a deflection off of Biabany and caught Mirante wrong-footed. If you look at the stats, Juventus had 18 shots, 9 of which were on target. Not too shabby, right? Wrong. 14 of those 18 shots were tame attempts from outside the box aimed straight at Mirante who had a good training session by the time the game was over. LE PAGELLE Buffon: 6.5 - Since Parma scored on the counter, you cannot really blame him for the goal. Other than that, he had a decent game though did look a bit shaky at times, just as the rest of our defense did as well. Can thank Lichtsteiner for a goal-saving block in the first half. Barzagli: 6.5 - An uncharacteristically tame game from Andrea. He didn't look his usual self and stumbled not only a couple passes but a few tackles as well. Had a couple good interceptions that could've led to dangerous Parma attacks. Bonucci: 7 - A bit of a mixed performance by Leonardo. In a few occasions he looked confused and failed to clear or tackle the ball when he's usually dependable, though he did make a potentially goal-saving block and had at least one key tackle that I can remember. In attack, most of his long passes were once again very accurate which helped us shift pressure from midfield straight in the attacking third. If only we had someone there to take advantage of all that. Caceres: 6.5 - Didn't really do anything that stood out other than the fact that he played with the most energy out of all 3 defenders on the night. Got beat by Sansone on the goal but the error was really in midfield and he was just made to pay for it defensively. Sometimes Parma players running at him caused him problems and he gave up a bit too much space for my liking. Lichtsteiner: 6.5 - A disappointing performance from Stephan along the right flank. Granted we focused our attacks more down the left-hand side (for some odd reason), Lichtsteiner had a couple opportunities where he could've taken a good shot or set up a striker for a tap in but failed to make them count. Vidal: 7.5 - If Pirlo hadn't scored the goal I would've given Vidal the man of match. He was a true warrior on the field as usual, but the absence of Marchisio really made his effort and contribution apparent in defense. Offensively he wasn't looking for runs or cuts nearly as much as he can, really wish he did. Pirlo: 7.5 - Most of Juventus' possession that we didn't give away within 2 seconds of obtaining was spent with the ball at Pirlo's feet. He controlled the game with his play that's for sure, though we once again sorely missed a player of Vucinic' ability to aid him in creating attacks through the middle (insert sarcastic joke on Mirko making the mistake for the equalizing goal). This led Andrea to attempt a lot of long balls though, most of which found their targets, just a bit too slow at times. Either way, the man looked tired yet still knocked in a free kick goal to give us the lead. I'll take it. Pogba: 6.5 - Started the game very lazy and his passing and defending was lackadaisical to say the least. Improved as the game and really played a more physically dominant second half with his tackling. Found space late on to make more of an impact offensively but couldn't help Juventus get the winning goal. Padoin: 6 - A bit of a surprise on that left flank, Simone is certainly becoming a shitty jack-of-all-trades-master-at-none type of player for Conte. A 6 may be harsh given that he really played with a lot of energy, but he gave the ball away often and made no real difference in any part of the game. Would've loved to see the still-young-and-promising-prospect-at-26 De Ceglie there from the start. Quagliarella: 6.5 - Had an EASY chance to score that came to him fortuitously but hit his shot straight at the on-rushing Mirante. Other than that, it was another game of tame shots on goal, failed attempts at the spectacular, and plenty examples of his inability to guard the ball for a pass. At least he had some shots on goal unlike... Giovinco: 6.5 - ...our little Giovinco! Sebastian spent 90 minutes on the pitch at Ennio Tardini without attempting a single shot, even off target. He tried to be more of a playmaker, which was evident in the beginning of the game, but really had a game to forget by the end of it. Subs: Vucinic: 6.5 - Apparently Conte yelled at him to leave the ball - a mistake which led to Parma's equalizing goal. Whatever, he should be better than that and make a better decision himself given his position on the field (right in the middle of the pitch leaving our defense exposed). In the 20 minutes he played, he did show how easier our side plays when he is able to be the connection between midfield and attack but it wasn't anything revolutionary from the Montenegrin. Failed to be the spark from the bench he was midweek against Milan. De Ceglie: sv Conte: 6.5 - Playing Parma away is not an easy task in Italy this year, and Conte wasn't able to overcome that. Made some questionable calls (Padoin on the left, telling Mirko to do the dummy), and then had the guts to say he saw a good performance from his side that deserved the win. I know he's the ultimate leader but c'mon man, what game was he watching? http://youtu.be/gjLeM8PXjKU http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Giorgio Chiellini Is Serie A's Most Underrated Player Jan 15, 2013 You know the old adage: You don't know what you've got until it's gone. Giorgio Chiellini tore his calf in training in late December, and Juventus hasn't been the same since. The report says it'll be three months before he's able to come back for the Bianconeri. By then, the hole might be a little too deep for Conte's men to dig out of. Frankly, the other Juve defenders are completely lost when filling in at Chiellini's left side on the back line. Their results without him tell the story. They won away at Cagliari only after Davide Astori was shown the red card. With the opposition down to ten men, Juventus was able to tally three goals in the final 15 minutes. After the Winter Break, things started to go downhill. Their shocking 2-1 loss to ten-man Sampdoria, their colossal struggle to overcome a sloppy AC Milan side in their Coppa Italia match on January 9, and then giving up a late goal against Parma en route to a draw? The two goals against Sampdoria and the one against Parma were caused by a lapse in defending on that left side. That's a tough stretch of results for the Old Lady, and the common denominator in the above fixtures: No Chiellini on the left. So far this season, he wins an average of three arial balls a game, and has a passing percentage of 89 percent. His player rating on the season is right around 7.7 according to whoscored.com. There will be plenty of you upset that a Juventus player is being characterized as underrated, the statement on it's face is egregious. But of all the huge names on that roster, who would have thought Chiellini's injury would derail what was another sure thing for Juventus in this season's Scudetto race? Sure, it hasn't happened yet. But the way things are going, it might be a lot closer a race than it should have been for the Italian giants.

Serie A - 1^ Giornata - Ritorno - 13-1-2013 (ore 15:00) 1 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (52') Nicola Sansone (78′) Stadio "Ennio Tardini" - Parma Arbitro: Andrea De Marco Spettatori: 14000 Serie A - Juventus beffata anche a Parma: è solo 1-1 Pirlo porta avanti i bianconeri con una punizione deviata da Biabiany, ma Sansone aggancia la Vecchia Signora al 78' e impone la legge del Tardini, dove nessuno passa da 15 partite. Il vantaggio sulla Lazio scende a soli 3 punti. Eurosport - Domenica, 13 gennaio 2013 Il primo successo in campionato del 2013 si fa ancora attendere. La Juventus, dopo il ko interno con la Sampdoria di una settimana fa, non va oltre l’1-1 al Tardini. Una partita equilibrata per larghi tratti ma apparentemente nelle mani della Vecchia Signora fino al 78’, quando il subentrato Nicola Sansone segna il gol del pareggio – unica azione dei padroni di casa nella ripresa – e impone il risultato “x”. Una beffa che riporta la Lazio a -3 dalla Juventus e riapre definitivamente il campionato alla prima giornata di ritorno, lanciando il Parma sempre più verso i sogni di gloria. AMAURI E QUAGLIARELLA TORNANO TITOLARI - Roberto Donadoni torna al 3-5-2 e rispolvera Zaccardo nell’undici titolare, schierandolo nel pacchetto difensivo che vede anche Santacroce titolare al posto dello squalificato Lucarelli (l’altro fermato dal giudice sportivo è Benalouane). Davanti, spazio alla coppia quasi inedita composta dalla rivelazione Belfodil e dall’ex Amauri, con Biabiany che parte largo sulla destra di centrocampo e Sansone inizialmente spedito in panchina. Gli altri indisponibili sono il lungodegente Galloppa e Arteaga, impegnato con il Venezuela nel Campionato Sudamericano Under 20. Antonio Conte conferma le indiscrezioni della vigilia e, nel tradizionale 3-5-2, conferma la difesa vista all’opera mercoledì contro il Milan: insieme a Bonucci e Barzagli c’è infatti Caceres e non Peluso, che va in panchina e lascia il posto di esterno sinistro all’altro ex atalantino Padoin. In attacco, ecco la coppia composta dall’ex Giovinco e Quagliarella, con Pogba schierato al posto dell’infortunato Marchisio a centrocampo. Gli altri indisponibili sono Chiellini, Rubinho, Pepe, Bendtner e Asamoah, partito per la Coppa d’Africa con il Ghana. UN PIACEVOLE EQUILIBRIO - Le due squadre si affrontano a viso aperto in un Tardini gelido. Il Parma approfitta della mancanza di pressing della Juventus e crea qualche buona occasione in avvio. Al 4’ Paletta spedisce alto un rimpallo sugli sviluppi di un corner, mentre al 14’ Gobbi non inquadra la porta dal limite dell’area. Intorno al quarto d’ora si accende anche Belfodil e diventa un’autentica mina vagante per la Juventus, specie in ripartenza. Al 19’ il francese si innesca in ripartenza, salta Bonucci e spara un destro in diagonale bloccato in due tempi da Buffon, mentre al 21’ si divora il gol dopo aver dribblato Caceres al limite dell’area. La Juventus capisce che così non può andare e alza la linea del pressing, mandando in confusione Valdés in cabina di regia. Pogba e Bonucci tra 29’ e 31’ spaventano Mirante con due siluri dalla lunga distanza che escono di poco, mentre al 36’ è Quagliarella a sprecare l’occasione più grande. L’attaccante si libera in area dopo un recupero di Barzagli ma Mirante esce perfettamente e lo blocca. Resta ancora il tempo per una gran punizione di Giovinco salvata dall’ottimo portiere di casa (39’), ma anche per una ripartenza bruciante di Biabiany che termina con una rovesciata alta di Amauri (34’). Una primo tempo equilibratissimo che si chiude sul punteggio più giusto: lo 0-0. PIRLO ILLUDE, SANSONE PUNISCE – La Juventus ritorna in campo con un altro piglio e schiaccia il Parma nella propria metà campo. Il gol è nell’aria e arriva puntuale al 52’. Punizione dal limite affidata a Pirlo e conclusione deviata da Biabiany per l’1-0. Per il regista bianconero si tratta dell’ottavo gol in carriera contro i ducali, del quinto in campionato e di una nuova marcatura su punizione che sblocca il match contro i gialloblù come già accaduto all’andata. Ma, questa volta, non finisce con un successo per la Juventus. Perché gli uomini di Conte dominano in lungo e in largo senza sfondare. Conte prova a chiuderla inserendo prima De Ceglie al posto di Padoin (65’) e poi Vucinic per Quagliarella (68’), mentre Donadoni azzecca la mossa rimpiazzando uno spento Amauri con Sansone (68’). E, proprio quest’ultimo, sfrutta l’unica azione del Parma della ripresa. L’episodio arriva al 78’. Paletta prende palla sulla trequarti e serve l’ex Bayern Monaco con uno splendido esterno destro. Caceres se lo perde e Sansone punisce Buffon per l’1-1 definitivo, un’azione simile al primo gol di Icardi una settimana fa. La Juventus si butta in avanti, ma non c’è modo di sfondare. Finisce in pari, il primo successo in campionato del 2013 deve attendere per la capolista. JUVE APPESANTITA, FORTINO TARDINI – La Vecchia Signora, imbottita di assenze importanti, si conferma non al top della forma. Oltre a qualche folata, infatti, gli uomini di Conte non sono andati probabilmente per colpa della preparazione invernale durissima effettuata a Vinovo. Sta di fatto che, nel giro di due partite, ha perso ben 4 punti di vantaggio sulla Lazio seconda a -3. Il Parma, invece, conferma l’imbattibilità interna in questo campionato (unica formazione con questo primato) e al Tardini non perde ormai da 15 partite (11 vittorie in questo lasso di tempo). Decisivo il quarto gol stagionale di Sansone. Che, dopo aver steso l’Inter, si conferma contro un’altra big. E il Parma, con quattro risultati utili di fila, si issa a quota 30 agganciando temporaneamente il Milan (settimo posto in coabitazione con l’Udinese). Sognare in grande non è più proibito. Mattia Fontana. http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Marrone commits to Juventus Jan 15, 2013 Luca Marrone says he will remain at Juventus for the rest of the season despite having made only five League appearances. “I certainly won’t be on the move this month,” stated the 22-year-old. “Then, in June, we’ll evaluate the situation again. “I’ve spoken with the Coach and with the club,” he added. “We all believe that it is better for me to play 10 games for a big club like Juventus instead of 30 for another team. “Staying here will help me to grow in terms of dealing with certain types of pressure.” Marrone is a central midfield playmaker, but he’s been used as an alternative centre-back in the side’s three-man defence this season. “I’m a better midfielder than a vice-Leonardo Bonucci,” Marrone explained. “I need to become more ‘nasty’ in defence.”

Juventus will not make any big signings in January, says Marotta The club's general director has all but ruled out any high-profile arrivals at the Serie A champions, and he remains optimistic about his side's title chances. Jan 14, 2013 Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear that Juventus do not plan to make any big signings in the January transfer window. The Turin side have been linked with a number of strikers in the past few weeks as they aim to add some more firepower to their squad, but Marotta has stressed that the right opportunity has yet to come along this winter. "I expect the January window to close without any big signings. The right opportunity has not presented itself to Juventus," the club's general director told Sky Sport Italia. "We are obviously looking around and evaluating the situation of certain players, but our main objective at the moment is to recuperate injured players and those who will play at the AFCON." Marotta also took the time to discuss Juventus' title chances following their recent loss against Sampdoria and draw versus Parma, and stressed that it's impossible to win all games. "There's no reason to be pessimistic. We should remain realistic. Serie A is a bit like the Giro d'Italia. You simply cannot win every stage. It's the final standings that really matter." Juventus currently hold a three-point lead over second-placed Lazio.

Serie A Week 20 - 13/1/13 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (52') Nicola Sansone (78′) Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 14000 Juventus must consider switching to a 4-3-3 or risk dropping more points The Bianconeri have dropped points in successive games to allow Lazio and Napoli to close in, suggesting that a change of shape could be the way forward for the Turin side. Jan 14, 2013 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer If the league season had started on January 1, Juventus would currently be sitting in 15th place, five points behind leaders Napoli. Thankfully for the Bianconeri, they began 2013 with a big advantage stockpiled from their excellent form in the opening half of the campaign, but the defeat to Sampdoria last weekend and Sunday’s draw at Parma have seen their eight-point lead crumble. And for the second time in successive weekends, the Old Lady had been in a winning position. Andrea Pirlo’s free kick, like Sebastian Giovinco’s penalty seven days previous, looked likely to take them on their way to three points, but instead they could not claim the maximum as defensive deficiencies shone through once more. Robbed of Kwadwo Asamoah, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio, the left side of their formation is unrecognisable, leaving Juve playing with a significant limp. Just as Federico Peluso had been shown up down that channel by Mauro Icardi and Sampdoria, Martin Caceres was given the run-around by the Gialloblu at the Tardini, and it came as no surprise that Nicola Sansone’s 77th-minute leveller came from an attack down the Juventus left. Truth be told, Roberto Donadoni’s side deserved their point and perhaps could count themselves unfortunate not to have put the champions on the rack earlier, with their strong opening stretching Juve from the first minute. With Andrea Barzagli, Peluso and Caceres all having failed to fill the significant space left behind by Chiellini at various stages this season, it may well be the right time now for coach Antonio Conte to look at new ways to cover for the loss of Italy’s best defender. Throw in the continued lack of firepower in the forward line, and there is plenty of reason to believe that Juventus may be able to regain control of games by switching to a 4-3-3 formation. HOW JUVENTUS COULD LINE UP Gianluigi Buffon Stephan Lichtsteiner - Andrea Barzagli - Leonardo Bonucci - Paolo De Ceglie Arturo Vidal - Andrea Pirlo - Paul Pogba (Marchisio when fit) Fabio Quagliarella - Mirko Vucinic - Sebastian Giovinco Conte used the formation a lot during his early days in charge of the Turin side in late 2011, and the change to a three-man forward line bore fruit in the midweek Coppa Italia victory over AC Milan. Having an extra player in attack would allow Giovinco to play in the wide left slot in which he was infinitely more successful with Parma last season than he has been so far this term. He is currently on course to fall short of his 15-goal output of 2011-12, despite playing in a more dominant side which has had much more success in terms of possession and territory. Coming from the left, he looks far more comfortable in taking on full-backs and picking holes in defences. The switch to four in defence would help to make up for the loss of Asamoah as well as Chiellini. Though the Ghana international is not a natural defender, his influence down the left in a defensive capacity should not be underestimated. And without him on the flank, Juve have struggled to give Chiellini’s understudy the required assistance in closing out dangerous opposing attackers. If Conte were to employ an orthodox full-back such as Paolo De Ceglie, or even switch Stephan Lichtsteiner to the left with Caceres or Mauricio Isla employed on the right, centre-backs Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli would be provided with the extra support that is lacking right now. Bonucci has never excelled in a back four in the way that he has since Juve first switched to a 3-5-2, but with each passing game without Chiellini, the more opponents are able to exploit space behind the wing-backs, stretch the back three, and find holes from there. For now, this has to be the better option at a time when the Bianconeri are struggling to put together anything like the kind of performances that have become their trademark over the past 16 months. With the in-form Udinese to come to the Juventus Stadium next week, Conte must consider a change of formation. If the current run of bad form continues, then they could find themselves in a Scudetto race that seemed unlikely to ever exist only 10 days ago. ELSEWHERE... • Udinese head to Turin in eighth place after coming from behind to beat Fiorentina. The Friulani have become much maligned over the past couple of years after missing out on the Champions League proper at the last hurdle, but despite a summer which saw them shorn of big stars once more, Francesco Guidolin continues to upset the odds with his side. The north-east side have lost only four games all season, a record bettered only by Juventus, and with Antonio Di Natale bang on form once more and teams above them faltering, who would back against them making it to Europe once again for 2013-14? • Lazio continue to fly below the radar in second place and are now just three points off the top after beating Atalanta 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Most observers continue to regard Juve as runaway favourites for the Scudetto, well many more regard Napoli as their closest serious rivals for the title. However, Vladimir Petkovic's troops keep closing in, and while Anderson Hernanes and Miroslav Klose are given much of the credit for that, they must also be taken seriously thanks to a defence which has helped to make their anaemic attack good enough to challenge. They may only have the league's eighth-best finishing stats, but the third-best defensive record in Serie A makes them a real force to be reckoned with. • A Palermo side that was expected to improve once the January transfer window came around continues to struggle, with a pathetic showing against Napoli sending them to a second defeat in 2013. The 3-0 reverse at the San Paolo was notable for some atrocious defending, with new additions Salvatore Aronica and Andrea Dossena unable to help stop the rot against their old club. The inevitable question at La Favorita given the presence of trigger-happy president Maurizio Zamparini relates to the future of coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who is unlikely to last much longer if he cannot get his side working as a unit. Now in 19th place, one of the most well-regarded clubs in the top flight could become a Serie B side by May. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/