Socrates

Matri solo in area. Colpo di testa, fuori.

C'é giá una sostituzione per la Juve?

Goal dell'egiziano.

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Line-ups: Juventus-Milan Jan 9, 2013 Juventus have Alessandro Matri, Sebastian Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo, as they welcome Stephan El Shaarawy’s Milan in tonight’s Coppa Italia Quarter-Final. The winners of this clash in Turin, which kicks off at 19.45 GMT, will go on to face Lazio in the Semi-Final. The Bianconeri had been expected to rest Pirlo in favour of Under-21 international Luca Marrone, but instead the midfielder faces his former teammates. Matri is also an ex-Milan man and partners Giovinco, as Fabio Quagliarella is suspended. Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are injured. Milan go to Turin without Robinho, Christian Abbiati, Djamel Mesbah, Mario Yepes, Kevin Constant, Daniele Bonera, Cristian Zapata, Sulley Muntari and Nigel De Jong. Giampaolo Pazzini starts in attack as he will be suspended for Sunday’s trip to Sampdoria, partnered by El Shaarawy and Urby Emanuelson in a 4-3-3 formation. Philippe Mexes returns from his Serie A ban, so Mattia De Sciglio moves to his habitual left-back position. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Massimo Ambrosini get the nod in midfield ahead of Antonio Nocerino. JUVENTUS: Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Barzagli; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Giaccherini, Isla; Matri, Giovinco Juventus bench: Buffon, Branescu, Pogba, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Peluso, Padoin, Beltrame, Rugani, Marrone MILAN: Amelia; Abate, Mexes, Acerbi, De Sciglio; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Boateng; Emanuelson, Pazzini, El Shaarawy Milan bench: Gabriel, Coppola, Antonini, Flamini, Nocerino, Traoré, Carmona, Bojan, Niang

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Ancelotti: 'Juve favourites, but Milan...' Jan 9, 2013 PSG Coach Carlo Ancelotti gives his view on tonight’s Coppa Italia Quarter-Final. “Juventus are favourites, but I always cheer on Milan.” The two giants go head-to-head in Turin for a place against Lazio in the Semi, kicking off at 19.45 GMT. “Juventus are the favourites, but I always cheer on Milan,” Ancelotti told Rai Radio 2. He has been at the helm of both clubs during his career and is now at Paris Saint-Germain. “I don’t think Andrea Pirlo went to Juventus because of a problem with Massimiliano Allegri. I think there was a problem with the contract between him and Milan.” Another figure who has been at both clubs is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, currently starring for Ancelotti at PSG. “I couldn’t tell you if Ibra has changed or not. In my view he is a great player and a great professional. He’s altruistic too, which people seem to forget.”

Pirlo: 'Lampard, come to Juve!' Jan 9, 2013 Andrea Pirlo has invited Chelsea hero Frank Lampard to Juventus. “If he wanted to try at playing in Italy, I would welcome him at Juventus for sure.” The England midfielder is 34 and his contract at Stamford Bridge expires in June, so he has been linked with swoops by Lazio and Inter. Pirlo, who is a year younger than Lampard, believes Turin would be an even more suitable destination. “I can only make comment on what I see,” he told American television. “And from what I see, Lampard is still one of the best central midfield players in the world. “If he wanted to try at playing in Italy, I would welcome him at Juventus for sure. In Italy, Frank would comfortably have another four years at the top level.”

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus-Milan probable line-ups Jan 9, 2013 Juventus are expected to start tonight’s Coppa Italia tie against Milan without a host of first team regulars. Although a place in the semi-final is just 90 minutes away, boss Antonio Conte is being tipped to begin without Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mirko Vucinic. The champions will also be shy of the injured Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio. Conte is set to field a 3-5-2, but has yet to decide whether to start with Federico Peluso or Paul Pogba. Emanuele Giaccherini will thus play on the flank or in the middle depending on which of the two get the nod. Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco should start in attack as Fabio Quagliarella is suspended, while Vucinic is not fully fit. Luca Marrone, fielded as a centre-back this term, will return to his usual midfield role in the absence of Pirlo. Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is limited by injury problems in defence, while goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has not even been included in the squad. Kevin Prince Boateng should see off competition from Antonio Nocerino for a place in midfield, while Giampaolo Pazzini will get a chance in attack as he is suspended this weekend. The winners of tonight’s tie will face Lazio in the semi-finals. JUVENTUS: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Isla, Vidal, Marrone, Giaccherini, Peluso; Matri, Giovinco MILAN: Amelia; Abate, Mexes, Acerbi, De Sciglio; Montolivo, Ambrosini, Boateng; Urby, Pazzini, El Shaarawy.

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus squad for Milan Jan 9, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has selected a 21-man squad for tonight’s Coppa Italia quarter-final against Milan. The Old Lady are without the injured Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio, as well as the suspended Fabio Quagliarella. Youth team players Daniele Rugani and Stefano Beltrame are also included in the party for the Juventus Stadium tie. Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 4 Caceres, 6 Pogba, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Peluso, 15 Barzagli, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 30 Storari, 31 Branescu, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 35 Beltrame, 36 Rugani, 39 Marrone.

Coppa Italia - Quarti di finale - 9-1-2013 (ore 20:45) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Confronti ufficiali 210 - 155 (Serie A) - 21 (Coppa Italia) - 32 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Vittorie Juventus 73 - 53 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 13 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 72 - 54 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 9 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Vittorie Milan 65 - 48 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 10 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 293 - 212 (Serie A) - 24 (Coppa Italia) - 56 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Goals Milan 283 - 207 (Serie A) - 25 (Coppa Italia) - 50 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Juventus - Milan Coppa Italia a Torino Confronti ufficiali 11 Vittorie Juventus 4 (L'ultima il 14.04.1992, 1-0) Pareggi 3 (L'ultimo il 20.03.2012, 2-2) Vittorie Milan 4 (L'ultima il 19.06.1985, 0-1) Goals Juventus 13 Goals Milan 13 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Milan (Coppa Italia) a Torino 4 presenze Furino Giuseppe 3 Brio Sergio 3 Morini Francesco 3 Scirea Gaetano 3 Spinosi Luciano 2 Anastasi Pietro 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Bonini Massimo 2 Casiraghi Pierluigi 2 Causio Franco 3 goals Lushta Riza 2 Rossi Paolo 1 Damiani Giuseppe 1 Del Piero Alessandro 1 Del Sol Luis Cascajares 1 Schillaci Salvatore 1 Scirea Gaetano 1 Sentimenti III Vittorio 1 Vucinic Mirko 1 Zambrotta Gianluca Ultimi confronti diretti 10.05.2009 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-1 10.01.2010 Serie A Juventus-Milan 0-3 15.05.2010 Serie A Milan-Juventus 3-0 30.10.2010 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-2 05.03.2011 Serie A Juventus-Milan 0-1 02.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Milan 2-0 08.02.2012 Coppa Italia Milan-Juventus 1-2 25.02.2012 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-1 20.03.2012 Coppa Italia Juventus-Milan 2-2 25.11.2012 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 3 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Milan 4 - Goals Juventus 10 - Goals Milan 14

Serie A - 19^ Giornata - Andata - 6-1-2013 (ore 15:00) 1 - 2 Sebastian Giovinco (24′-P) M. Icardi (54′) M. Icardi (69') Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Paolo Valeri Spettatori: 38000 Serie A - Impresa Samp, rimonta e batte la Juve in dieci Vantaggio di Giovinco su rigore, poi nella ripresa Icardi cambia la partita. Primo successo per Rossi sulla panchina blucerchiata. La Juve non perdeva dal 25 novembre col Milan, mentre aveva subito l'ultimo gol in casa lo scorso 3 novembre con l'Inter. Brutto inizio di 2013 per Conte. Eurosport - Domenica, 6 gennaio 2013 Sembrava scontato attendersi una Juventus pronta a ricominciare lì da dove si era interrotta, da dove si era laureata con merito e lode Campione d’Inverno. La squadra di Conte era stata anche una delle prime a ritornare al lavoro dopo la sosta natalizia, ma probabilmente oggi ha commesso l’errore di piacersi troppo, di non essere bella fino in fondo, sciogliendosi nella ripresa sotto i colpi di Mauro Icardi. S’interrompe una serie di sei vittorie consecutive, quattro in campionato, sei considerando Coppa Italia e Champions League. La Juve torna a perdere, non succedeva dallo scorso 25 novembre in casa del Milan. Non subiva reti allo Juventus Stadium (campo sul quale aveva vinto gli ultimi due incontri) dallo scorso 3 novembre, giorno della sconfitta per 3-1 per mano dell’Inter. Sorride invece la Samp che, nel suo momento peggiore, mette fine a una serie di tre sconfitte consecutive, e al secondo impegno sotto l’egida di Delio Rossi trova il successo con una vera e propria impresa in casa della capolista. JUVE BELLA, GIOVINCO SU RIGORE, 1-0 - La gara, saldamente in mano alla Juve nei primi 45’, cambia dopo 22’, quando una perfetta azione quasi di prima porta Marchisio in area a difendere palla. Su di lui l’ingenuo fallo da dietro di Berardi che rimedia il primo giallo e accompagna Giovinco sul dischetto, da dove siglerà l’1-0 pur senza spiazzare nettamente Romero. Poco dopo un’azione sulla destra ispirata da Pirlo e conclusa da Giovinco con un cross in mezzo non porta all’autorete di Berardi. Alla mezzora invece il salvataggio sulla linea di Romero su zampata da due passi di Matri. MANCA UN RIGORE SU MATRI - Nella giornataccia Juve c’è spazio anche per qualche giusta recriminazione. Valeri è autore nel complesso di un buon arbitraggio, ma al 36’sbaglia la sua decisione in merito all’intervento di Palombo su Matri in area. Il difensore con mestiere stende l’attaccante pronto al tiro. Non c’è rigore, dunque matri giustamente protesta dicendo: “E allora non mi dovresti ammonire?” (per simulazione. Un tiro di Poli e la punizione insidiosa prodotta dal sinistro di Estigarribia sono i due lampi degli ospiti. L'EPIFANIA DI ICARDI - Nelle parole di Giovinco all’intervallo, il preludio di quello che avverrà nella ripresa. Approccio un po’ troppo soft della Vecchia Signora al secondo tempo, così che Delio Rossi ha modo di risistemare la squadra e ricaricarla per puntare non solo a non subire reti, ma a raccogliere punti. Fuori Estigarribia per De Silvestri, doppio lavoro per Eder e Icardi prima punta vera. Dopo sette minuti ecco i risultati: palla lunga di Krsticic per Icardi che di controbalzo incrocia e beffa un Buffon tutt’altro che impeccabile in quello che è il suo primo vero intervento. TRAVERSA DI VUCINIC, DOPPIETTA DI ICARDI - La reazione della Juve non tarda, ma non è sufficientemente pungente, effetto della paura che deriva dall’inaspettato colpo basso della Samp che in dieci dimostra di essere viva e pericolosa. Entrano Quagliarella e Vucinic. Ma sono i blucerchiati a produrre le insidie maggiori grazie a Eder, il quale sbaglia un’occasione col destro, e apre il campo con due contropiede da velocista. Conte getta nella mischia anche Giaccherini, ma i prodotti saranno solo una traversa di Vucinic e un gol sbagliato a un passo dalla linea sempre dal montenegrino. Chi va in gol è ancora lui: Icardi. Gol simile al primo: Obiang allarga sulla destra, l'argentino controlla in area a lascia partire un missile che si insacca sotto la traversa. Buffon nemmeno la vede. Assedio bianconero, Samp costretta a stringere i denti e in un certo senso fortunata quando sia Bonucci (distorsione al ginocchio) che Marchisio (problemi muscolari) non sono al meglio ma non possono essere sostituiti per esaurimento delle sostituzioni. Dopo quattro di recupero si chiude con Buffon in area di rigore a cercare un pareggio che non arriverà piú. Il 2013 comincia con uno scivolone della capolista. Matteo Marceddu. http://it.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus - AC Milan Betting Preview: Backing goals at both ends in this Coppa Italia clash Despite their struggles this season, Al Hain-Cole expects the Rossoneri's potent attack to make up for their suspect back line by hitting the back of the net against the champions. Jan 9, 2013 While league leaders Juventus look like a side capable of recapturing their status as the dominant force in Italian football, rivals AC Milan are a team in transition, and are struggling to mount a title challenge after selling some key players in the summer. However, Massimo Allegri's side have the chance to get one over on the Serie A champions when they visit Turin for their Coppa Italia quarter-final on Wednesday, with a semi-final against Lazio up for grabs. The Rossoneri have already beaten the champions this season, winning 1-0 at San Siro back in November, but they are major outsiders at 15/4 (4.75) with Bet365 to emerge victorious in this match. Antonio Conte's men suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Sampdoria on Sunday, but they are available at just 3/4 (1.75) to bounce back with a win this evening. These two sides drew 2-2 after extra-time in last season's Coppa Italia clash at the Juventus Stadium, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on another stalemate taking place this time out. Milan seem to be missing the calming presence of Thiago Silva at the back more than Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goals at the other end of the pitch, as they have had little trouble in hitting the back of the net this season, but look shaky in defence. Allegri's men have not kept a single clean sheet away from home all season, but have managed to score in all but one of the those 13 games, so odds of 8/11 (1.73) look like a sound investment for both teams to score tonight. The man charged with filling Ibrahimovic's sizable boots this season is Stephan El Shaarawy, and the young Italy international is proving to be more than up to the challenge. Considering the 20-year-old is the second-top scorer in the country at the moment, odds of 11/5 (3.20) are surely far too good to pass up on him to hit the back of the net in this game.

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Allegri: Juventus are the strongest team in Italy The Rossoneri coach realises that his side could be in for a tough match in the Coppa Italia against the champions, due to their imperious form over the last 18 months. Jan 9, 2013 Massimiliano Allegri has accepted that his AC Milan team are in for a difficult game against Juventus, who he believes to be the best team in Italy. The Rossoneri lock horns with their Serie A rivals in Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final, and the former Cagliari boss is expecting a tough encounter for his men. "The Juventus Stadium is the most difficult place to win because Juventus are the strongest team in Italy," he told reporters at a press conference. "Last year they ended the championship unbeaten, and they have already taken 44 points from the first half of the season, so it's difficult to find negative aspects. "We will require intensity and good technique if we want to get anything out of the encounter." Both sides met in the semi-final of the Coppa Italia last term, with the Bianconeri eventually beating Milan after extra time.

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Robinho and Abbiati miss Juve Jan 8, 2013 Robinho is again left out of the Milan squad to face Juventus in the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final on Wednesday. The Brazilian striker is not 100 per cent fit after his training schedule was affected by the failed negotiations for a move to Santos. Philippe Mexes returns after he missed Sunday’s 2-1 win over Siena with suspension. Christian Abbiati, Kevin Constant, Mario Yepes, Djamel Mesbah, Daniele Bonera, Cristian Zapata, Sulley Muntari and Nigel De Jong are injured. The Coppa Italia Quarter-Final kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 on Wednesday. Milan squad for Juventus: Amelia, Coppola, Gabriel, Abate, Acerbi, Antonini, De Sciglio, Mexes, Ambrosini, Boateng, Carmona, Emanuelson, Flamini, Montolivo, Nocerino, Traorè, Bojan, El Shaarawy, Niang, Pazzini

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus boss to rotate in Coppa Jan 8, 2013 Juventus Coach Antonio Conte has confirmed that he’ll start some of his squad players in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia tie against Milan. Although the Old Lady are only 90 minutes away from a place in the semi-finals, Conte will rest some of his key men such as Andrea Pirlo. “There will be a bit of rotation,” Conte said this morning. “Luca Marrone will play in the Pirlo role. I want to see how he gets on. He represents the present and the future. I want to see his growth. “The Coppa Italia gives me the opportunity to field those who have played less so far this season. It's a tough test, but one that allows me to assess the development of my players.” Claudio Marchisio will be missing because of injury, while it is unclear whether Mirko Vucinic will be part of the game because of an ankle issue. “Marchisio's injury is thankfully just heavy bruising,” the tactician continued. “He should shake it off in the next few days. I'm happy it's nothing serious. “Vucinic’s condition is stable. He is recovering and we're keeping an eye on the number of minutes he plays. I'm not sure if I'll risk him tomorrow.” Juve will go into the Juventus Stadium tie just a matter of days after their shock home defeat to Sampdoria. “We should never end up losing a game when playing 11 against 10. We should have won that game. There were some peculiar incidents in which we were unfortunate.” Wednesday’s Cup clash will also see Conte revive his rivalry with opposite number Massimiliano Allegri. “He’s won the Scudetto, he’s done well for Milan. We are opponents on the pitch, but there is respect and admiration between us. “The Italian Cup is without doubt a real objective for Milan, but it is for us too.” “We'll be up against a great Milan side tomorrow and we're fully determined to put in a good performance.” Conte was also asked for the transfer truth regarding a possible January swoop for Shanghai Shenhua ace Didier Drogba. “Both Beppe Marotta and myself have spoken the truth about Drogba. It is only normal that the director general looks at a lot of players. “Then, depending on finances and the response of the players, we’ll decide what to do. But there is nothing new to report as Marotta has not told me anything.”

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Conte: If we ignore Sampdoria loss, Milan will beat us The Vecchia Signora trainer believes his side must learn from their mistakes if they are to avoid defeat while he plans to rotate his squad for the cup tie. Jan 8, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte insists his side must react to their surprise defeat against Sampdoria or risk another loss when they take on AC Milan in the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday. The 43-year-old revealed his team will lose again if they do not learn from their mistakes in the 2-1 defeat on Sunday, while he also admitted that being at the top of the Serie A table means every other team will be doing all they can to beat them. "If we just brush off the defeat against Sampdoria, then, it means we are preparing for another defeat. Tomorrow [Wednesday] we play against Milan, a great team just like Juventus, and they will be extremely motivated," he told a press conference. "We know that it will be very difficult to win the Scudetto again this season and we are in the same position that other teams found themselves in a year and a half ago, teams like Milan, Inter and even Napoli who were all ahead of us. "Now we are in front and teams would like to be where we are, that is only normal if you carry the Scudetto on your shirt but, despite the five-point lead, we know that winning again will be extremely difficult." The former Bari trainer also revealed that he plans to rotate his squad for the encounterl, while he hopes Claudio Marchisio recovers from a knee injury he suffered against the Blucerchiati to make an appearance. He added: "I want to see some players who have played less make more progress and I expect to them to step up their game. "Marchisio received a heavy blow to the knee cap, and has some heavy bruising which I expect will disappear over the next few days. "I hope to have him available as soon as possible because Claudio has improved so much over the last year and a half, and I am very happy with him."

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Conte: AC Milan should be respected The 43-year-old is eagerly anticipating the upcoming encounter against the Rossoneri, and has admitted he could rest some of his key players. Jan 8, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has warned his men not to underestimate AC Milan in Wednesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final in Turin. The 43-year-old has admitted that he is likely to make some changes to his team, but has insisted that the Rossoneri are a team to be reckoned with. "Milan deserve to be respected. We will meet a great team. We have reached the quarter-finals of the competition and they will want to go as far as possible," Conte told reporters. "Obviously, we have the desire to put in a great performance. I might decide to make a few changes to the team and field some players who have not been regulars. "I expect a response from those players who will get a chance. I want to see progress from all my players. "Marrone could feature in Pirlo's position. Vucinic is having some physical problems and we'll have to deal with that. We cannot afford to miss him for a long time." Wednesday's encounter is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

Coppa Italia - Last of 8 - 9-1-2013 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus - AC Milan Preview: Rossoneri looking for revenge in Coppa Italia Milan were beaten by the Bianconeri in the semi-final last term and may see this as an opportunity to continue their positive start to 2013. Jan 8, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSStorari Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Peluso Vucinic, Giovinco MILAN Amelia De Sciglio, Mexes, Acerbi, Constant Montolivo, Ambrosini, Emanuelson Boateng Bojan, El Shaarawy Expect few changes for this quarter-final Coppa Italia clash between Juventus and AC Milan. The Bianconeri will want to bounce back from their shock defeat to Sampdoria on Sunday, while the Rossoneri know the cup could provide a back door entry to the Europa League. For the visitors, they will have Philippe Mexes available, which means makeshift centre-back Mattio De Sciglio will return to full-back. Francesco Acerbi will continue his role in central defence while Kevin Constant may get the nod ahead of Ignazio Abate. In midfield, Massimo Ambrosini or Antonio Nocerino may be rested for Urby Emanuelson, while Bojan, who scored against Siena, may be preferred to Giampaolo Pazzini. For the hosts, Marco Storari is likely to get the nod in goal as he is usually the preferred goalkeeping choice in cup games. Giorgio Chiellini is still absent for Antonio Conte's men which may mean either Federico Peluso continuing to fill the role in the back three, or alternatively, Martin Caceres could come into the side with Peluso more advanced at wing-back. Claudio Marchisio's injury is not as bad as first feared but it seems that Paul Pogba may get the opportunity to showcase his talent. Arturo Vidal, who missed Sunday's clash, is expected to return on Wednesday. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus' Martin Caceres helped the Bianconeri on their way past Milan in last year's Coppa Italia semi-final, as his double gave Conte's men a 2-1 lead to take back to Turin, where they salvaged a 2-2 draw to win 4-3 on aggregate. • The Bianconeri are tied with Roma for the most Coppa Italia trophies (nine), but have not won the competition since 1995 and lost last year's final to Napoli. • Juventus' biggest ever win against AC Milan was back in 1926-27 when they thumped the Rossoneri 8-2. • AC Milan were the last side in this fixture to score three goals in a single match, when they won 3-0 back in May 2010. • The Rossoneri have already beaten their opponents this season when they won 1-0 back in November. This was the start of a four-game winning streak in Serie A for Massimiliano Allegri's side. • Milan scraped past past Serie B strugglers Reggina in the last round, but goals from Mario Yepes, M'baye Niang and Giampaolo Pazzini secured the victory. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Nov 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 0 Coppa Italia ‎- Mar 20, 2012 - Juventus 2 - AC Milan 2 Serie A ‎- Feb 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 1 Coppa Italia ‎- Feb 8, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 Serie A ‎- Oct 2, 2011 - Juventus 2 - AC Milan 0 Last Five Matches Juventus 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 Dec 12, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 - Coppa Italia Dec 9, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A AC Milan Jan 6, 2013 - AC Milan 2 - Siena 1 - Serie A Dec 22, 2012 - Roma 4 - AC Milan 2 - Serie A Dec 16, 2012 - AC Milan 4 - Pescara 1 - Serie A Dec 13, 2012 - AC Milan 3 - Reggina 0 - Coppa Italia Dec 9, 2012 - Torino 2 - AC Milan 4 - Serie A Players to Watch Sebastian Giovinco The 'Atomic Ant' seems to be in good form at the minute and his pace and trickery can cause problems. Physically, he may not be the strongest, but his creativity and flair could give the AC Milan defence something to think about. Bojan Krkic He has found it difficult to cement his place in the first team this term, but came on to great effect against Siena on Sunday, scoring an excellent header. The Spaniard has something to prove and there is no better time to do it than against Juventus. He often drifts in and out of games but if he keep his concentration levels high, he could give Allegri something to think about in future matches. Prediction These games are usually tight affairs and the Rossoneri will fancy their chances having already beaten the Bianconeri on their own turf. That said, Antonio Conte's men will be disappointed with Sunday's result against Sampdoria and will be determined to ensure there is not a repeat performance on Wednesday. However, it could be a case of both teams cancelling each other out. Editor's Prediction Juventus 1 - 1 Milan

Where is Pirlo? Barcelona and Real Madrid bias proves that FIFPro World XI has no credibility How can the Fifa-backed award possibly be taken seriously after the shocking exclusion of the Juventus and Italy star, and the admittance of underachievers such as Dani Alves? Jan 8, 2013 COMMENT By Carlo Garganese Footballers are often ridiculed for having more money than sense, and it is little wonder when they are responsible for monstrosities like the 2012 FIFPro World XI. The best team of the last calendar year, as voted for by approximately 45,000 professional footballers around the globe, produced an all-La Liga line-up consisting of just one player – Atletico Madrid's Radamel Falcao – who is not contracted to either Barcelona or Real Madrid. If the Fifa Ballon d'Or is traditionally regarded as the most prestigious individual prize in football, then the FIFPro XI considers itself the most distinguished team construct. However, any credibility that the Fifa-backed award has acquired since its creation in 2005 has now all but disappeared. The most bizarre inclusion was that of Dani Alves at right-back. At the start of last season, the Brazilian was arguably the best full-back in world football. But 2012 was his worst year since arriving in Spain, as he endured problems with Pep Guardiola and then spent time on the bench under Tito Vilanova. There were numerous superior right-backs in Europe, including Borussia Dortmund's Lukasz Piszczek, Juventus' Stephan Lichtsteiner and Shakhtar Donetsk's Darijo Srna, to name just a few, all of whom – unlike Dani Alves – won a league title in 2012. The footballers who picked Alves clearly chose him on reputation, and watched little to no German, Italian or Ukrainian football. Most will have barely heard of Piszczek, let alone be capable of spelling his name on a ballot paper. His Barcelona team-mate Gerard Pique also fell out with Guardiola, but his greatest personal achievements of 2012 came off the pitch with Shakira. He certainly had plenty of time to spend with his beautiful Colombian girlfriend as he missed almost half of the 2011-12 Liga season and struggled for form when his footballing partner Carles Puyol was sidelined with injury. In Pique's favour is the fact that, in addition to winning Euro 2012, this is possibly the worst era for defenders in almost 50 years. But, the likes of Thiago Silva and Mats Hummels were surely more worthy candidates to be considered alongside Sergio Ramos. Marcelo's addition at left-back is no disgrace, once again due to the dearth of top quality full-backs in the game, but a player who was twice dropped for crucial Real Madrid clashes at the end of last term (the Liga decider in April at Barcelona, and the Champions League semi-final first-leg versus Bayern Munich) should not be preferred to Ashley Cole, who was heroic throughout Chelsea's road to glory. That the Champions League winners, however fortunate they were to lift the trophy, have no representation in the FIFPro XI is somewhat absurd. The ultimate insult, though, was the exclusion of Andrea Pirlo. The Italian magician will go down in history as one of the best centre midfielders of all time, and 2012 was his annus mirablis as he led Juventus to Scudetto glory without losing a game, before winning three man-of-the-match awards on his way to taking Italy to Euro 2012 silver. In the current campaign he has been just as dominant. The fact that 45,000 ballots couldn't tally up enough votes for Pirlo makes you lose faith in democracy, particularly as the former AC Milan star has been hailed in the world media on an almost daily basis since his Euro 2012 quarter-final masterclass against England. Football today may have become monopolised by a small group of rich, elite clubs, but Barcelona and Real Madrid – neither of whom made the Champions League final in 2012 - are not the only two teams in world football. Andres Iniesta's insertion in the midfield three is a no-brainer, but the additions of Xavi and Xabi Alonso ahead of Pirlo demonstrates an embarrassing bias towards the Clasico couple. Even the selection of Atletico Madrid superstar Falcao, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, is debatable given the presence of equally brilliant candidates such as Robin van Persie, Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but it is Pirlo's absence that has rightfully created all the headlines. The Fifa Ballon d'Or itself has suffered its fair share of criticism in recent times, from the snubbing of Wesley Sneijder in 2010, to the bizarre inclusion this time around of Pep Guardiola in the top three of the coaching category. But its credibility is still just about intact. This is sadly not the case any longer with the FIFPro XI.

Cannavaro: Juventus the strongest team in Serie A The former Italy international believes the Scudetto holders remain the team to beat and has little doubt they will return to winning ways right away. Jan 8, 2013 Fabio Cannavaro has voiced his opinion that Juventus are the strongest team in Serie A and is confident that they will bounce back from their surprise 2-1 loss at home to Sampdoria. The Turin giants cruised to the domestic title without losing a single game last term, and once more sit atop of the table this season as they hold a five-point lead over second-placed Lazio after 19 games. "Juventus are the strongest team in the league. They will bounce back from the loss [against Sampdoria]. They are mentally very strong," Cannavaro told reporters. "Juve have already shown this season that they have more continuity than the other teams and they have more hunger for success. "They will obviously have a few difficult moments, because they are without a player like Chiellini. I'm sure they will return to winning ways right away, though." Juventus take on AC Milan in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday.

Serie A Week 19 - 6-1-13 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Sebastian Giovinco (24′-P) M. Icardi (54′) M. Icardi (69') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 38000 Buffon shoulders blame for Juventus defeat, while Marchisio suffers 'heavy bruising' The Italy international believes that he should have saved one of Sampdoria's strikes, while the club revealed that Claudio Marchisio's injury is not as bad as first feared. Jan 6, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has chosen to shoulder some of the blame for Juventus’ 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon. The Bianconeri started 2013 in a fashion which will not be considered ideal, but remain top of Serie A on 44 points, five ahead of second-placed Lazio. Mauro Icardi got both second-half goals for the winning visitors after Sebastian Giovinco had put the hosts into the lead in the first 45 minutes, but the Italy goalkeeper believes that he should have saved one of the strikes at least. “I’m sorry because my error compromised three points which seemed almost certain,” Buffon told the club’s official website. “I was still moving my feet back when Icardi got his shot away, leaving me off balance. I don’t usually commit such errors, but this time I was too far forward. “The second goal was different because I would have had to pull off a truly special save to keep it out. Having said that, I wouldn’t have been surprised if I’d had managed to do so.” The shot-stopper added: “In the dressing room we vowed to put the game to bed by taking to the field with the right attitude, because we couldn’t let the match go by and run the risk of not winning. “Instead we lost our focus, committed some mistakes and allowed them to counter-attack us. Immediately after the first goal I looked at the clock and saw there was plenty of time remaining, so I thought we’d perhaps be able to win it regardless.” Disappointed Juve fans will be relieved to hear that Claudio Marchisio has not suffered the season-ending injury which many feared he might have done in the clash with Sampdoria. The Azzurri midfielder underwent an MRI scan after the match on Sunday evening which revealed heavy bruising but no broken bones or torn ligaments. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Buffon accepts Juventus blame Jan 7, 2013 Gigi Buffon has admitted that he was at fault for Sampdoria’s equaliser in Juventus’ shock 2-1 home loss on Sunday. Although 1-0 up against a side who had been reduced to 10 men, the Italian champions eventually suffered defeat after Mauro Icardi’s second-half double. “I was still moving my feet back when Icardi got his shot away, leaving me off balance,” the 34-year-old commented. “I don’t usually commit such errors, but this time I was too far forward. I’m sorry because my error compromised three points which seemed almost certain. “The second goal was different because I would have had to pull off a truly special save to keep it out. Having said that, I wouldn’t have been surprised if I’d had managed to do so.” Juventus’ unexpected reverse now means that they are only five points ahead of second-placed outfit Lazio. “Immediately after the first goal I looked up at the clock and saw there was plenty of time remaining, so I thought we’d perhaps be able to win it regardless,” the Italian international added. “In the dressing room at the break we vowed to put the game to bed by taking to the field with the right attitude, because we couldn’t let the match go by and run the risk of not winning. “Instead we lost our focus, committed some mistakes and allowed them to counter attack us.”

Marchisio tests show 'no lesions' Jan 6, 2013 Claudio Marchisio and Juventus breathe a sigh of relief, as tests show “no lesions” to knee ligaments. The midfielder bravely continued for at least 10 minutes after suffering a knock to the right knee, as there were no more substitutions in today’s 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria. He eventually had to be stretchered off, but Juventus announced this evening that tests “showed no lesions. “There is only a heavy bruise to the knee.” It is great news for Marchisio, as ligament damage or even a sprain could have kept him out for weeks or months.

Fears over Marchisio injury Jan 6, 2013 There are fears Claudio Marchisio could be out of action for weeks or even months after he was stretchered off with a sprained knee. The midfielder picked up a knock to his right knee during the 2-1 defeat to Sampdoria today, but carried on playing because all the substitutions had been completed. He eventually collapsed and appeared to be weeping in agony, clutching his knee, so had to be stretchered off. Initial reports suggest Marchisio has badly sprained his right knee and tests will be needed to ascertain potential ligament damage. It would be a bitter blow for the Bianconeri, who have already lost Giorgio Chiellini and Nicklas Bendtner for three months.

Serie A Week 19 - 6-1-13 (3:00 p.m.) 1 - 2 Sebastian Giovinco (24′-P) M. Icardi (54′) M. Icardi (69') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 38000 Conte: 'Juve are only human' Jan 6, 2013 Antonio Conte was stunned by the home defeat to 10-man Sampdoria, but admits Juventus “are only human.” The Bianconeri had taken the lead and seen Gaetano Berardi sent off after just 32 minutes, but a Mauro Icardi brace sealed the shock 2-1 result in Turin. “I am not bursting with joy when I lose,” he confessed. “I struggle to absorb defeat and we will not look back fondly over this match. We had the advantage and deserved to be in front. “This is a game that we must reflect on and will help us to grow up. It’s part of the maturation process for a young side, let’s put it like that. “It is certainly irritating to lose on counter-attacks and we will analyse what we did wrong today. Juventus are only human, we are not martians. “There are two tough months ahead of us and we’ve got to grit our teeth to give our all. We created a great deal in the second half, but were not particularly precise in our finishing. “Sampdoria did well to close up, but were also a little lucky. We tip our hats to them, as it wasn’t easy for them to win here with 10 men and a goal down.” Samp almost went down to nine when Angelo Palombo appeared to shove Alessandro Matri, but the referee waved play on. “I think it was a clear penalty on Matri,” said Conte. “I chose not to include Arturo Vidal so he could rest for the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final against Milan.” There are also concerns for Claudio Marchisio, who was stretchered off in agony clutching his knee. He had a knock and continued for at least 10 minutes through the pain because the substitutions had been completed, but eventually had to give in. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Grazie!