Socrates

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Fiorentina fury after Juve promise 'Hell' Feb 9, 2013 Fiorentina are “speechless” after Juventus posted an official video with a potentially threatening message ahead of today’s game. The clubs are old rivals and go head-to-head in Turin at 17.00 GMT. Click here for a match preview. Juve fired up the match by releasing a video on their official website Juventus.com that included the voice-over: “The Viola started the season in Paradise, but are now in Purgatory 13 points behind us. “For them on Saturday the Juventus Stadium will be Hell. Abandon hope all ye who enter here.” Fiorentina patron Andrea Della Valle was told about to the video and was flabbergasted. “I’m speechless. Are we sure that with the ‘Agnelli Style’ they put that video on their official website? You can comment on it, but I have no words.” The phrase ‘abandon hope all ye who enter here’ came from Dante’s Divine Comedy, the most famous piece of literature to have come out of Florence. It includes a journey through the Seven Circles of Hell. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Conte seeks crucial Juventus victory in pivotal Serie A weekend The Bianconeri boss thinks Saturday could go some way to deciding the league title and Champions League places in Italy with many of the top teams all set to face each other. Feb 8, 2013 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has said that Saturday could be a pivotal moment in the race for Serie A and Champions League places. The Bianconeri host Fiorentina while third-placed Lazio host second-placed Napoli. "A few paths intersect tomorrow. Fiorentina are chasing a Champions League place while Lazio and Napoli are fighting us for the Scudetto, which is a big challenge." Conte told giornalaccio rosa.it. Juventus will be without Leonardo Bonucci who is suspended as well as Nicklas Bendtner, Claudio Marchisio, Simone Pepe and Giorgio Chiellini who are all injured. They will be able to call upon Andrea Pirlo, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mauricio Isla, who had picked up knocks on midweek international duty. Conte also went on to say that despite feelings to the contrary in Florence, Juve do not feel as much of a rivalry with Fiorentina. "I've never really felt any rivalry with Fiorentina. They feel that more in Florence and we must not let ourselves take a provincial outlook," he continued. "Playing against us is the greatest game of anybody's life, not just for Fiorentina." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 5^ Giornata - Ritorno - 9-2-2013 (ore 18:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Confronti ufficiali 163 - 147 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 73 - 67 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Pareggi 54 - 49 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Fiorentina 36 - 31 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 276 - 239 (Serie A) - 19 (Coppa Italia) - 15 (Campionato a gironi) - 3 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Fiorentina 182 - 158 (Serie A) - 23 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Juventus - Fiorentina a Torino Serie A Confronti ufficiali 73 Vittorie Juventus 47 (L'ultima il 25.10.2011, 2-1) Pareggi 20 (L'ultimo il 27.11.2010, 1-1) Vittorie Fiorentina 6 (L'ultima il 02.03.2008, 2-3) Goals Juventus 155 Goals Fiorentina 62 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Fiorentina a Torino 14 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 14 Scirea Gaetano 11 Bettega Roberto 11 Cabrini Antonio 11 Castano Ernesto 11 Del Piero Alessandro 11 Furino Giuseppe 11 Varglien II Giovanni 11 Zoff Dino 10 Causio Franco 7 goals Boniperti Giampiero 7 Hansen John 6 Borel II Felice Placido 6 Del Piero Alessandro 5 Anastasi Pietro 5 Sivori Omar Enrique 4 Bettega Roberto 4 Inzaghi Filippo 4 Lushta Riza 3 Alessio Angelo Ultimi confronti diretti 02.03.2008 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 2-3 31.08.2008 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 1-1 24.01.2009 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-0 17.10.2009 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-1 06.03.2010 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 1-2 27.11.2010 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 1-1 17.04.2011 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-0 25.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Fiorentina 2-1 17.03.2012 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-5 25.09.2012 Serie A Fiorentina-Juventus 0-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 5 - Vittorie Fiorentina 1 - Goals Juventus 15 - Goals Fiorentina 8

Serie A - 4^ Giornata - Ritorno - 3-2-2013 (ore 12:30) 1 - 2 Alessandro Matri (10′) Stephan Lichtsteiner (42′) Cyril Thereau (52′) Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi - Verona Arbitro: Mauro Bergonzi Spettatori: 9500 Serie A - La Juve risponde al Napoli: 1-2 a Verona I bianconeri vincono contro il Chievo grazie alle reti nel primo tempo di Matri, con un gran sinistro, e di Lichtsteiner, migliore in campo. Il Chievo la riapre ad inizio ripresa con un destro di Thereau, ma non riesce poi a rendersi pericoloso e a trovare il pareggio. Non c'è l'esordio per Anelka, che rimane in panchina per tutta la gara. Eurosport - Domenica, 3 febbraio 2013 La Juve è tornata. Con una grande prova i bianconeri si impongono per 2-1 sul difficile campo di Verona, contro un Chievo tenuto in partita solamente dal gol di Thereau ad inizio ripresa. La Juventus domina il primo tempo e va avanti con i gol di Matri e Lichtsteiner, soffre i primi dieci minuti del secondo tempo e poi torna a gestire il vantaggio, potando a casa una vittoria fondamentale per il morale: il Napoli, pur in rimonta, resta dietro di tre punti in classifica e i bianconeri ritrovano la vittoria dopo l’andamento altalenante di questo inizio 2013. JUVE SUBITO IN VANTAGGIO. I bianconeri approcciano alla gara con il giusto atteggiamento. Per scacciare la paura provocata dalla grande rimonta napoletana è necessario attaccare subito. E così Conte, che schiera dall’inizio Matri e Giovinco, lasciando in panchina Quagliarella e Anelka, manda in campo una squadra aggressiva e ricaricata mentalmente. Nonostante le assenze di Vucinic, Bonucci, Marchisio, Chiellini e Asamoah (5 titolari), la Juventus parte forte e al 10’ è già avanti: Vidal mette dentro una palla deliziosa per Matri e l’attaccante ripaga la fiducia del tecnico con un gran sinistro al volo incrociato, che porta sull’1-0 la squadra di Torino. Per l’ex Cagliari, che oltre al gol gioca una prima frazione di alto livello, sono 5 le reti in Serie A quest’anno. Matri ha fatto gol per due gare di fila in cui ha giocato in campionato (Udinese e questa): non gli capitava dall’ottobre 2011. UNO SVIZZERO STRARIPANTE. Il primo tempo è giocato a buoni ritmi. Paloschi e Thereau sono serviti poco e male e la Juventus, galvanizzata dal vantaggio, gioca bene , domina nel possesso palla e chiude il Chievo nella propria metacampo. La regia del trio Pirlo-Pogba-Vidal è lucida e sulla destra Lichtsteiner spinge in continuazione. Puggioni è bravo su Giovinco, Pirlo e sullo svizzero, ma nulla può su una micidiale ripartenza bianconera nel finale di primo tempo. Giovinco avvia il contropiede per Matri, che gira e la ridà a Giovinco: assist di tacco per lo svizzero che infila all'incrocio. 0-2, terzo gol in campionato per l’ex Lazio e Juventus padrona del campo dopo un primo tempo da grande squadra. REAZIONE CHIEVO DOPO L’INTERVALLO. La squadra veronese entra in campo con un altro spirito nella ripresa. Corini cambia modulo, passando al 4-3-1-2 ed inserisce Acerbi e Seymour. I frutti della variazione tattica si vedono subito: il Chievo pressa altissimo e gioca i primi 10 minuti di ripresa alla grande. Al 53’ è Thereau, al quarto centro in campionato, a riaprire il match. Il francese è bravo e fortunato (leggera deviazione di Caceres) a battere col destro Buffon dopo una corta respinta della difesa bianconera. GESTIONE PERFETTA JUVE. Da lì in poi, però, il Chievo, anziché cercare il pareggio, si spegne. La Juve reagisce al gol subito e torna ad imporre la sua supremazia. I bianconeri non soffrono e anzi cercano in un paio di occasioni la terza rete, soprattutto con Quagliarella, subentrato a Giovinco. Non c’è l’esordio di Anelka, che rimane in panchina per tutti i 90 minuti, ma la Juventus torna a vincere e a rimettere tre punti di distanza in classifica tra sé e il Napoli. Per lo Scudetto la sfida è apertissima. Enrico Turcato http://it.soccerway....regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juve name squad for Fiorentina Feb 8, 2013 Antonio Conte has named his 20-man squad as Juventus prepare to host Fiorentina on Saturday evening. The Bianconeri Coach had admitted that Andrea Pirlo, Mauricio Isla and Stephan Lichtsteiner were doubtful after international duty. But all three have been selected for the game against the Viola, with Nicolas Anelka also involved. Full squad: Buffon, Caceres, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Barzagli, Anelka, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Rubinho, Marrone. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus vs. Fiorentina: Key Battles to Watch and Projected XIs Feb 8, 2013 First-place Juventus take on a Fiorentina side in panic mode. Having only picked up four points from their last five matches, the Viola face a tough test against the Old Lady, playing at the highly intimidating Juventus Stadium, where they've only conceded eight goals all season in Serie A. Fortunately for the Florence faithfuls, Juventus have cooled off significantly after their near historic 49-match undefeated run late last year. Projected lineups for both sides: Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon, Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Matri Fiorentina (3-5-2): Viviano, Roncaglia, G.Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic, Toni So, what are the top stories in this pivotal Serie A fixture? Let's take a look at the top three matchups ahead of one of the most anticipated games in Europe. Juve's Strikers Versus Emiliano Viviano. For the past two seasons, the bane of Juventus has been their lack of a world-class striker. Boasting one of the best defenses and midfields in all of Europe, their revolving door of mediocrity up front caused Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta to splurge in the January transfer window, buying Fernando Llorente from Athletic Bilbao, who won't arrive until summer, and Nicolas Anelka for the present. Reports from La giornalaccio rosa show that Juventus coach Antonio Conte will most likely go with a pairing of Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri. While Vucinic has had his moments, his flashes of brilliance are negated by uneventful 90-minutes periods of action. The man they have to score against is Emiliano Viviano, who has replaced struggling goalkeeper Neto between the sticks for Fiorentina. Fiorentina's Midfield Versus Juventus' Midfield The two best midfields in Serie A square off for what will be an incredible tactical battle between two of the brightest Italian coaches. David Pizarro and Borja Valero have turned the Viola into a Barcelona-esque tiki-taka type team, often pressing the opposition in their own half with suffocating periods of ball possession. On the other side, a midfield trio of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, and the young sensation Paul Pogba are expected to start. Claudio Marchisio is expected to start from the bench, so you see why Juventus is one of the deepest teams in all of Europe. Big Luca Toni Versus Juventus' Defense The massive Luca Toni has seemingly revived his career during his second stint at the club where he had his best domestic season, scoring 31 goals in the 2005-06 season with Fiorentina. This time around, big Luca has netted seven goals domestically thanks to quality crosses from the likes of offensive winger Juan Cuadrado and the reliable Manuel Pasqual. Juventus' defense is missing their leader Giorgio Chiellini due to injury and ball-playing central defender Leonardo Bonucci, who is out due to suspension. Converted midfielder Luca Marrone and Martin Caceres have the task of stepping in and stopping a highly offensive Viola side. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus vs Fiorentina PREVIEW – Viola Visits Serie A Champions Feb 8, 2013 January has been a difficult month for Juventus in recent years, and this season has been no different. Napoli has gained 7 points on the Bianconeri in the last 4 weeks, and the team was disappointingly dumped out of the Coppa by Lazio in the semifinal. The frustration boiled over against Genoa, and Bonucci, Chiellini, Conte, and Marotta were all handed bans for their outbursts against the referee. It has not been a good month for Juventus. Last year’s January was poor, but unfortunately, February was even worse. The Bianconeri drew 0-0 at home against Siena, the start of a 7-match run where all but one was a draw. Juventus will start out February this year against another tactically disciplined Tuscan side that plays at a stadium named the Artemio Franchi – this time, Juventus welcomes bitter arch-rivals Fiorentina to the Juventus Stadium. FIORENTINA Fiorentina are not the same team from last year – the Viola flirted with relegation amidst three different coaches: Mihajlovic was sacked for inconsistent results, Delio Rossi for punching Adem Llajic, and Vincenzo Guerini finished out the season as caretaker. They were defeated 2-1 by Juventus in Torino, punished by Bonucci and Matri having failed to capitalize on their first half energetic performance. The return fixture in Firenze was a humiliating 5-0 drubbing for Delio Rossi’s squad. Fiorentina went down to 10 men early on, after Cerci kicked out at Caceres, and Mirko Vucinic put in the performance of a lifetime to utterly destroy the Viola at home. The Viola went about fixing things by recruiting talented young manager Vincenzo Montella and aggressively signing talent in the mercato. Montella had done well at Catania, and has justified his early hype by turning Fiorentina into a technical, tactical side. They currently sit in 6th place, only 4 points off a Champion’s League spot. Fiorentina are a balanced side, scoring a decent amount of goals with a solid defense as well. Former Roma DS Prade oversaw a great mercato – they signed technical midfielders Pizarro, Aquilani, and Borja Valero. Roncaglia has been a reliable rock at the back with Valero’s Villarreal teammate Gonzalo Rodriguez. Luca Toni has been an inspired signing as well, bagging an impressive 7 goals thus far. While he won’t be fit until March or April, Giuseppe Rossi could be an inspired signing if he returns to his old form. January has been a struggle for Fiorentina as well – they lost 3 out of 4 games in the league, with the remaining result a draw against Napoli. Like Juventus, they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by a Roman side, being defeated in extra time by Destro’s strike for Roma. They got February off to a good start though, beating Parma with strikers Toni and Jovetic getting the goals. Fiorentina are a side with a strong defense and a very technical midfield, and thus it’s unlikely Juventus will dominate possession as the team often does at home. It will be a much more even contest, and Fiorentina’s strikers are in good shape this term- Toni has 7 goals, and Jovetic has scored in every other match. It will be a tough encounter. Probable Formation: (3-5-2) VIVIANO – RONCAGLIA, RODRIGUEZ, SAVIC – CUADRADO, ROMULO, PIZARRO, BORJA VALERO, PASQUAL – JOVETIC, TONI JUVENTUS The team needs to get it together – there have been some missing important players, like Chiellini, Pirlo, and Asamoah, but there has been a mental meltdown more than anything, as evidenced by the shocking behavior displayed by management and players after the Genoa debacle. Conte will have a selection headache – Chiellini, Bonucci, Asamoah, Pirlo, Marchisio, and Giovinco will possibly not make the match. Marchisio is pushing to be match fit for the Viola but will probably not be risked with the Celtic match coming up soon. The bright side is underused players like Caceres and Marrone will likely see playing time, and French prodigy Paul Pogba may slot in again in midfield. Up top, Giovinco will likely miss due to injury and Mirko Vucinic will return from suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. Matri bagged a goal and an assist last week against Chievo, and could be rewarded with another start. Quagliarella is another option, though he’s been generally out of favor since his outburst against Angelo Alessio. Nicholas Anelka, despite the overwhelming praise from the Juventus camp, will probably not play due to fitness- Marotta noted the Frenchman was “not in good form” when he signed in January. The tactics and formation have been pretty good in the last month, despite the results. The problem has been inattention at the back combined with poor finishing. Conte should consider returning to the 4-3-3, but the 3-5-2 is probably the better option to flood the midfield to combat Fiorentina’s technical central midfielders. Probable Formation: (3-5-2) BUFFON – BARZAGLI, MARRONE, CACERES, – LICHTSTEINER, VIDAL, PIRLO, POGBA, DE CEGLIE – VUCINIC, MATRI More than anything, we need to see some fire from the boys. The team needs to channel their anger and disappointment into performance on the pitch, as Ciro Ferrara once called for – “11 Nedved’s on the pitch.” There’s no better time to display this energy, pride, and fury than against bitter foes Montella & Co. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus-Fiorentina Betting Preview: Expect goals at both ends in a Serie A grudge match There is no love lost between these two sides, but Al Hain-Cole expects plenty of talking points to be played out on the pitch thanks to the attacking capabilities of both teams. Feb 8, 2013 One of Italian football’s fiercest rivalries is reignited on Saturday night, when Fiorentina travel to face bitter foes Juventus. Much of the hostility between the two clubs can be traced back to Roberto Baggio’s defection from Florence to Turin over 20 years ago, and tensions were stoked once again last summer by the champions allegedly scuppering La Viola’s move for Dimitar Berbatov. With the atmosphere expected to be even more fractious than usual, the Bianconeri are favourites at 4/6 (1.67) with Paddy Power to rub salt in the wound by collecting all three points. Vincenzo Montella’s men have not beaten the hosts in five years, and with just one win in their last five games, they are 4/1 (5.00) outsiders to end that run with victory on Saturday. The sides played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw earlier on in the season, and 11/4 (3.75) is available for them to share the spoils at the Juventus Stadium. The home side boast the best defence in Serie A this season, but have shown an uncharacteristically sloppy streak at the back in recent games. Antonio Conte’s side have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine matches, and are sure to be tested against a talented opposition attack that has scored in every away game so far this season. A bet on both teams to score would have paid out in nine of the visitors’ 12 matches on the road, as well as eight of the hosts’ last nine fixtures, so looks like the market to back at respectable 4/6 (1.67) odds. Stevan Jovetic has been the undisputed star performer for Montella’s men this season, and is at the centre of all of their best attacking play. His form has not escaped the attention of the current league leaders, who are said to be very keen to cause yet more outrage at the Artemio Franchi, by tempting him to follow in Baggio’s footsteps to Turin. With the Montenegro international keen to impress his potential suitors, it could be worth backing him to hit the back of the net on Saturday, at attractive odds of 13/5 (3.60) with Paddy Power. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus v Fiorentina: Preview Feb 8, 2013 Juventus head coach Antonio Conte may be spinning a lot of plates this week but he is determined to come out on top against Fiorentina tomorrow. The Bianconeri fly to Glasgow for a Champions League meeting with Celtic just 24 hours after taking on Vincenzo Montella's men in Turin. Both games are certain to take a lot out of Conte's players, who are chasing a Serie A and European double, before a demanding league game at Roma completes a hectic week. The Juve boss told giornalaccio rosa.it: "We'll make sure we don't lose any sleep because we have to go again at Roma on Saturday. "Normally they would have let us play that game on Sunday night or even on Monday. What's the rush to play another league game? "I don't want to be controversial, it just worries me that we will play three games in seven days." Defeat to Montella's ambitious Viola could allow Napoli to catch Juventus at the top of the table should they beat Lazio tomorrow night. "A few paths intersect tomorrow," Conte added. "Fiorentina are chasing a Champions League place while Lazio and Napoli are fighting us for the Scudetto, which is a big challenge." Midfielders Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe are joined by defender Giorgio Chiellini and striker Nicklas Bendtner on the sidelines, while Leonardo Bonucci sits out the second game of a two-match ban. "I've never really felt any rivalry with Fiorentina," Conte added. "They feel that more in Florence and we must not let ourselves take a provincial outlook. "Playing against us is the greatest game of anybody's life, not just for Fiorentina." Montella, conversely, recognises a fervent desire from the Tuscan public to end a nine-game hoodoo against the Italian champions. He told juventus.com: "Our rivalry with Juventus is a sporting one, a healthy and exciting one. But we have to turn the sporting rivalry into energy without becoming arrogant. "We must always remember that is just a game of football. We have to prepare well because the whole city is looking forward to it, but we can't let the attention consume us. "We have to bring all our best qualities to the game and we will not prevail if we are missing a trick because Juve are very strong. "Over the last two years they have proven to be the best side in the country. "We play football in a different way and I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong, just that people like to do things differently." Striker Giuseppe Rossi is six weeks away from recovering from injury while Ahmed Hegazi and Michele Camporese stay on the treatment table, with midfielders Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio serving one-match bans. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni MATCH PREVIEW Feb 8, 2013 There's more than just pride at stake as old rivals collide, with Juventus chasing the Scudetto and Fiorentina aiming for Europe. Juve recovered from a case of the January jitters to overcome Chievo in Verona last weekend. Alessandro Matri and Stephan Lichtsteiner were first half scorers to put the Bianconeri in command, although Cyril Thereau sent a scare through the camp by pulling a goal back. Captain Gianluigi Buffon admits they were given a wake-up call by Napoli’s rapid ascent up the table. The Partenopei have become genuine Scudetto contenders and the goalkeeper declared Juve must be wary of the Azzurri from here on in. Assistant Coach Angelo Alessio keeps his position as matchday leader with Antonio Conte to serve one more match on his ban. Leonardo Bonucci also has a week to go, but Mirko Vucinic and Claudio Marchisio return. Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe, Nicklas Bendtner and Kwadwo Asamoah are unavailable. Fiorentina’s abject start to the new year was put to rest by their maiden win, a 2-0 success over Parma. Luca Toni opened the scoring just prior to the half-hour mark, before Stevan Jovetic’s drought-ending sealer five minutes after the interval. Jovetic last netted when the Viola last won, at Palermo pre-Christmas. Vincenzo Montella’s side are four points from the Champions League places. Poor recent form cost the Viola a spot in the European zone, although they are currently only a point behind fifth-placed Inter. The boss is not helped by suspensions to Alberto Aquilani and Giulio Migliaccio, while midfielder Mati Fernandez and defender Michele Camporese are injury casualties. Former Juve midfielder Momo Sissoko is yet to make his debut as he remains at the Africa Cup of Nations. Last season’s 2-1 triumph was Juve’s first success over the Viola in their past three attempts. It took their overall tally to 47 wins from 73 encounters. Fiorentina have left Turin with maximum points on just six occasions. Keep an eye on: Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina) – Fiorentina’s captain will have a pivotal role to play. Aside from leading the team, defensively Pasqual will aim to keep Juve’s Swiss Express Lichtsteiner in check, while his drive on the left-hand side is crucial to the Viola in attack. Form guide: Juventus (L D W D W) Fiorentina (L L D L W) Last season: Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina Stat fact: Fiorentina last won away at Juventus in 2007-08. Pablo Osvaldo’s dramatic, injury time winner ensured a 3-2 result. PROBABLE LINE-UPS Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Matri Fiorentina: Viviano; Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic; Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Borja Valero, Pasqual; Jovetic, Toni http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Pirlo a doubt for Juventus Feb 8, 2013 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that Andrea Pirlo, amongst others, is a doubt for the tie against Fiorentina. The playmaker returned from international duty this week, after the 1-1 draw in Holland, with a problem. “Pirlo didn’t train yesterday and I’ll have to speak to him,” the tactician noted. “Meanwhile, Mauricio Isla returned with a cold and Stephan Lichtsteiner came off for Switzerland. “We’ll evaluate all of these situations tomorrow.” There is some good news for the tactician though given that he will have two other players back after injury. “Sebastian Giovinco is causing me no worries and Claudio Marchisio is training with us – they are both at 100 per cent.” Juventus-Fiorentina games are always fiery affairs, but Conte has played down the significance of the tie. “I didn’t live this game as a rivalry when I was a player. I think that matters more to Fiorentina. Juventus are a great side and I think all the teams that face us give that little bit extra. But, for us, it is a game like the others. “There is a long way to go until the end of the championship so I think it is premature to suggest the Fiorentina match is a Scudetto tie. Tomorrow we’ll face a strong side in Fiorentina. We have to try to beat everyone and not just Fiorentina.” The Viola will line-up with Stevan Jovetic in their side, a player who is of transfer interest to the Bianconeri. “Jovetic is a Fiorentina player, a young one, but a player with possibilities. I though have my players whom I consider important – so I’ll keep them.” It’s a big week for Juventus as they face Celtic on Tuesday and then Roma on the following Saturday. “What counts is the next game, thus Fiorentina,” Conte added. “From tomorrow night we’ll be thinking about the Champions League and Celtic. “Roma? I thought it would be more logical to schedule such a game for Sunday. It makes no sense playing tomorrow, Tuesday in Europe and then again on Saturday against Roma.” Conte also insisted that he’s happy to have Nicolas Anelka in his ranks following his arrival in January. “I’ve tried a few different solutions and mechanisms this week. When I believe the right moment arrives then I will call upon his services. I’m convinced that he can give us a big helping hand.” Sky Sport Italia are today suggesting that Juve’s starting XI will be: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres; Padoin, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Vucinic, Giovinco http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus-Fiorentina Preview: Bianconeri embark on big week With the Serie A leaders set to continue their Champions League campaign on Tuesday, three points would be the perfect tonic to kick-start four crucial days. Feb 8, 2013 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Marrone, Caceres Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, De Ceglie Vucinic, Matri FIORENTINA Viviano Roncaglia, Rodriguez, Savic Cuadrado, Romulo, Pizarro, Valero, Pasqual Jovetic, Toni Juventus displayed their battling qualities at just the right time last Saturday, as they defeated Chievo 2-1 and they will need much more of the same over the course of the next seven days. With the Bianconeri resuming Champions League duties with a last 16 clash against Celtic on Tuesday, Fiorentina are a domestic obstacle they must first overcome. Viola and head coach Vincenzo Montella have received plaudits for their season so far, with the club in sixth spot on 39 points going into the weekend, but Juve will still be confident of seeing off the Florence outfit and maintaining their three-point advantage at the top of the table. Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner are all absent through injury, while Leonardo Bonucci serves the final game of a two-match ban. Fiorentina will be without Matias Fernandez, Michele Camporese, Giuseppe Rossi and Ahmed Hegazy, as they look to build on a solid 2-0 victory over Parma in their last outing. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus are undefeated in 35 of their last 38 matches in Serie A. • The Bianconeri are also unbeaten in their last nine games against Fiorentina in all competitions. • The last clash between the two sides ended in a drab 0-0 draw in Florence back in September. • Juve have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last five league games. • Viola possess the highest scorer of any player in both sides, with Stevan Jovetic finding the back of the net nine times this season. • On average, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Fiorentina's last six away games in Serie A. • Midfielder Borja Valero has eight assists to his name from midfield. Arturo Vidal has set up six of his side's goals this season. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Mar 17, 2012 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 5 Serie A ‎- Oct 25, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 1 Serie A ‎- Apr 17, 2011 - Fiorentina 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Nov 27, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Fiorentina 1 Last Five Matches Juventus Feb 3, 2013 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Jan 29, 2013 - Lazio 2 - Juventus 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 26, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Genoa 1 - Serie A Jan 22, 2013 - Juventus 1 - Lazio 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 19, 2013 - Juventus 4 - Udinese 0 - Serie A Fiorentina Feb 3, 2013 - Fiorentina 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A Jan 27, 2013 - Catania 2 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A Jan 20, 2013 - Fiorentina 1 - SSC Napoli 1 - Serie A Jan 16, 2013 - Fiorentina 0 - Roma 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 13, 2013 - Udinese 3 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Alessandro Matri It has been a long time coming in a Juventus shirt, but the 24-year-old at last looked the real deal in the 2-1 win over Chievo, scoring a sublime volley to open the scoring. Perhaps the arrival of Nicolas Anelka has at last sparked life into a striker who has frustrated so often. Stevan Jovetic At 23-years-old the Montenegro forward remains one of the hottest prospects in European football and his performances in Serie A continue to draw admiring glances from far and wide. Nine goals in 18 Serie A appearances is the mark of a top player and makes him Fiorentina's biggest threat. Prediction The prospect of a Champions League clash with Celtic looms large on the horizon for Juventus and that could see several players take their eye off the ball. Fiorentina have impressed so far this season and will blow the Serie A title race wide open with a battling point. Editor's Prediction Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Toni eyes 'historic' Juventus scalp The boyhood Bianconeri fan feels Fiorentina have what it takes to defeat his former employers on Saturday, but coach Vincenzo Montella insists they must be "perfect" to win. Feb 8, 2013 Fiorentina striker Luca Toni believes his side "can make history" by beating Juventus in the crucial Serie A clash. Toni realised a boyhood dream when he signed for the current Scudetto champions back in 2011, but his short spell in Turin came to an abrupt end when he joined UAE outfit Al Nasr. Now plying his trade for Viola, the 35-year-old is relishing the prospect of facing his old employers, and insists his current side are capable of picking up all three points given their performances so far this season. He told Corriere dello Sport: "I was a Juventus fan from a young age but when I moved to Modena I just started supporting the team I was playing for. "I injured myself during my second game for the club and Luigi Del Neri told me not to give up. But then Antonio Conte arrived and told me to pack my bags. "Fiorentina can make history. We are strong and we give every opponent we face a lot of trouble. No one has ever truly dominated us and in the reverse fixture we dominated them." Viola coach Vincenzo Montella has warned that his side will need to be "perfect" in order to triumph at Juventus Stadium, and stated he hopes that the burgeoning rivalry between the sides will not boil over during the match. "We have prepared well for the game and we’ll need to be perfect," the former Catania coach told a press conference. "It’s true that the rivalry between Juventus and Fiorentina, also at management level, has intensified, but we have to keep that within the context of a sporting rivalry. "We must transform that into positive energy and not arrogance." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: Verratti very similar to Pirlo The Italy star believes the youngster has similar qualities as the former AC Milan ace, and is confident he has a bright future ahead of him. Feb 8, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has taken the time to praise Paris Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti and drew comparisons between him and fellow Italy international Andrea Pirlo. Verratti impressed in the Azzurri's 1-1 friendly draw against Netherlands on Wednesday after coming off the bench at half-time, and Marchisio believes the 20-year-old has a bright future ahead of him. "Marco is still young and has room for improvement, but he already has a lot of quality," the Juventus midfielder was quoted as saying by La Stampa. "He is the player who is most similar to Pirlo. Andrea is a great player and still has plenty of years to play. We would be happy if he played for us forever, but Marco has some great qualities in his role, too. "Will Verratti ever play for Juventus? I am in no position to answer that. The transfer market is open twice per year, so there's always a chance." Verratti joined PSG from Pescara in the summer of 2012 and has a contract with the Ligue 1 side until June 2017.

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus lose Bonucci appeal Feb 8, 2013 Leonardo Bonucci will miss Juventus’ game against Fiorentina after his two-match ban was confirmed. The defender picked up a 180-minute suspension for his protests at the end of the 1-1 draw with Genoa, when he felt the Old Lady should have been awarded a late penalty. Bonucci sat out the 2-1 win at Chievo Verona, but his club appealed his punishment in an effort to have him available for Saturday. Luca Marrone is set to replace Bonucci in the middle of Antonio Conte’s back-three against the Viola. Juventus’ attempt to get their €50,000 fine wiped was also rejected. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio hails quality of Verratti Feb 8, 2013 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is a big fan of Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Verratti. “He’s the closest thing to Andrea Pirlo.” The 20-year-old continues to be linked with a future in Turin and Marchisio would happily welcome his international teammate. “Marco is young and he needs to improve, but he already has some great qualities,” the Bianconero told La Stampa. “It’s disappointing that a talent like him has had to go and play his football outside of Italy, but, as he says, the market opens every six months so there is always a chance…” The Old Lady did make a bid for the player in the summer, before PSG offered Pescara €12m, given the belief that he will be Pirlo’s heir in the Italian game. “He’s the closest Italian player to Andrea,” Marchisio added. “Pirlo is a great and he still has lots of years to play. “We’ll be happy if he always played for us, but Verratti has some important qualities in the Pirlo role. “Will he come to Juventus? That is a question that you should ask someone else…”

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Juventus to rest duo Feb 8, 2013 Sebastian Giovinco and Claudio Marchisio will start on the bench in Juventus’ game against Fiorentina, claims the Corriere dello Sport. The duo have been struggling with injuries that saw them miss out on Italy’s 1-1 draw with Holland in midweek. Although the youth team graduates are ready for action, boss Antonio Conte will not risk them from the start on Saturday evening. Conte is thought to be saving them ahead of Tuesday’s game in Glasgow against Celtic in the last 16 of the Champions League. The Corriere dello Sport adds that Stephan Lichtsteiner and Andrea Barzagli should be available this weekend after returning from international duty with fitness concerns. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Caceres: Juventus’ week of truth Feb 8, 2013 Martin Caceres has underlined how big the next week will be for Italian champions Juventus. The Old Lady will entertain Fiorentina on Saturday as they look to maintain their lead at the top of the table, before travelling to Scotland for the first leg of their last 16 European Cup tie. “We’re conscious of the fundamental week that lies ahead,” the Uruguayan international told Mediaset and Sky Sport Italia. “The Champions League is a fascinating competition, Celtic are a great side and we’re playing away from home. “But for now we’re purely focused on the Fiorentina game. Regardless of the opposition, we always take to the field to do our best and win. “Results wise, we didn’t have a brilliant January, but it’s now behind us.” Caceres has been brought into the first team in recent weeks following the injury sustained by Giorgio Chiellini. “It’s inevitable that we’ll feel the loss of a player like Chiellini,” the versatile stopper continued. “But we’re all great players here and we’ll do everything to compensate for his absence. We know that everyone’s contribution is required.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Marchisio wants to play, but… Feb 7, 2013 Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio is keen to return to action after injury, but he doesn’t know whether he’ll be risked against Fiorentina. The midfielder has been sidelined for the last week with a hip problem, but he is well on the road to recovery. “Everything is going well,” the Italian international stated on Thursday. “I’m always keen to play, but we’ll have to see. “Now we have a few days before the Fiorentina and the Champions League ties to carefully evaluate if I can return. “These things will be considered now that everyone is back from international duty.” Juventus are still League leaders, but Napoli’s run of form means that the Azzurri are now just three points shy of the Old Lady. “The championship is saying that Napoli are our biggest rivals at the moment,” the former Empoli player added. “Napoli have done some great work over the years and this season, more than ever, they are showing their true worth. “They’ll be looking to take us on for the Scudetto right until the very end. But we are just thinking about Fiorentina...” It will be a big month for Juventus seeing as they will take on Celtic in the first leg of their last 16 European Cup tie on Tuesday. “The Champions League, along with Serie A, is an objective. They are important targets, but we just have to take things one game at a time.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Viola’s Toni targeting Turin triumph Feb 7, 2013 Luca Toni insists Fiorentina are capable of defeating former club Juventus in Turin on Saturday. “We can beat them because we are a strong side,” the summer signing told the Corriere dello Sport on Thursday. “We cause problems for every team that we face. “Our Coach Vincenzo Montella is right when he says nobody has walked all over us this season. And we caused them problems in the first game (0-0) this season.” The 35-year-old, seven goals in 19 ties this term, spent a difficult year at Juventus following his January 2011 arrival from Genoa. “I got injured in my second game, but Gigi Del Neri asked me to grit my teeth,” the World Cup winner continued. “Then Antonio Conte arrived as boss and I was forced to pack my bags. “I have no regrets though. I simply told Conte that he could have told me his plans for me sooner. At the start he said I was part of his project, then he changed his mind.” Toni then outlined his admiration for Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic and defender Andrea Barzagli. “Vucinic is the player to be feared. He may not score that many goals, but he creates goals. He can also dribble past players. “The absence of Giorgio Chiellini? To be honest, I would prefer it if I could take away Barzagli from their defence. He’s the best in Italy in his role.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 9-2-2013 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Fiorentina hail golden Pirlo Feb 7, 2013 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo has won the praise of Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Montella ahead of this weekend’s meeting. “I would have given Pirlo the Golden Ball,” the former Roma and Catania tactician told Tuttosport. “It would have been a reward for an exceptional career.” Viola technical director Eduardo Macia mirrored Montella’s view. “Pirlo deserved the Golden Ball,” he added. “He’s been playing at the highest levels for 15 years.” Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was given the 2012 FIFA Ballon d’Or prize ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo or Real Madrid and Barca’s Andres Iniesta. Pirlo – who ranked seventh behind Xavi, Radamel Falcao and Iker Casillas – won the Scudetto last year, as well as helping Italy to the Final of Euro 2012. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Juve want Ghana to release Asamoah Feb 7, 2013 Juventus are hoping to have Kwadwo Asamoah back from the African Cup of Nations for the clash with Celtic in the Champions League. The 24-year-old was part of the Ghana side that lost to Burkina Faso on Wednesday evening in the semi-finals of the competition. But the Black Stars still have one more game to play in South Africa, as they face Mali in the third-place play-off in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. According to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport though, the Bianconeri are pressing the Ghana Football Association not to play the midfielder as they want him back for the trip to Glasgow. Juve travel to Celtic Park to play Neil Lennon's men on Tuesday February 12.

Llorente is key for Del Bosque Feb 7, 2013 Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque is hoping that Fernando Llorente gets back to his best once he joins Juventus. The striker will leave Athletic Bilbao on a free transfer at the end of the season once his contract expires. “I don’t want to do without him for the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign,” the tactician, whose side beat Uruguay 3-1 last night, stated. “I want him to do really well when he joins Juventus because I consider him to be a fundamental player for our journey.” The 27-year-old Llorente, nicknamed The Lion King, has scored seven goals in 21 games for his country.

Buffon: Italy are a work in progress The veteran goalkeeper has admitted that the Azzurri struggled against Netherlands on Wednesday, but has insisted that their youngsters need time to improve. Feb 7, 2013 Gianluigi Buffon has stressed Italy are still improving as a team and that people cannot expect too much from the Euro 2012 finalists just yet. The Azzurri had a difficult evening against Netherlands at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday, and had Marco Verratti to thank for leaving the Dutch capital with a 1-1 draw following the midfielder's stoppage-time equaliser. "It's true that we need a bit more character. We have a lot of young players, though, and are going through a growth process," Buffon told reporters. "We will have plenty more tests from here until the Confederations Cup and the World Cup. The younger players have time to improve, and to get in great shape in time for Brazil. "It always depends a bit on your opponent how you can play. Netherlands were never going to be an easy opponent. They made things difficult for us and it looked as if we were not giving our all. "The truth is that we were looking to hit them on the counter-attack, though." Italy's next game is the 2014 World Cup qualifier away against Malta on March 26.

Pirlo: Celtic atmosphere won’t intimidate Juventus The playmaker says that the noise created by the Hoops faithful will only serve to make his side stronger when they meet in the Champions League. Feb 6, 2013 Andrea Pirlo has said that Juventus will have no fear when they visit Celtic next week. Antonio Conte’s side face Neil Lennon’s Scottish outfit in the first leg of their Champions League tie at Celtic Park, but the Italian midfielder believes the ground's famous atmosphere will not intimidate Juve’s experienced players. “I'm sure the noise from the Celtic fans will be crazy, but that will only make us more determined to go into battle,” Pirlo told Skysports.com. “I know that Celtic Park will be like a gladiator arena, but we're ready. We are prepared for whatever Celtic have to offer. We have players who have won the World Cup and Champions League, so we are used to intimidating games.” The 33-year-old did however refer to the Hoops’ victory over Barcelona in November, but feels that result will make his side approach the game in the correct manner. He added: “We saw that they beat Barca in Glasgow, but we are prepared to adapt maybe more than Barcelona did. We know Barcelona play fantastic football, but Celtic frustrated them. Whatever way Celtic want to play, we are ready for them. “If they want to play football, we'll play football. But if they want to battle, we are ready to go to battle.” The first leg of the tie will be played on Tuesday, February 12, with the return leg on Wednesday, March 6.