Socrates

Vidal becca subto il giallo.

Come qui da noi in Olanda.

Giovinco é di poco piú alto del bambino UEFA.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Line-ups: Shakhtar-Juventus Dec 5, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini, Paul Pogba and Sebastian Giovinco are in the starting XI as Juventus must earn a point at Shakhtar Donetsk to continue their Champions League adventure. The Bianconeri leapfrogged Chelsea with their 3-0 victory in Turin, so will be secure of qualification if they avoid defeat in Ukraine tonight or Nordsjaelland emerge unbeaten from Stamford Bridge. Mircea Lucescu’s Shakhtar have already sealed their spot in the last 16 and are eager to keep hold of top spot. Luiz Adriano is suspended for breaking the fair play rules after his infamous goal against Nordjsaelland, where his teammates were trying to give back the ball following time out for an injury and he pounced to score undisturbed. Eduardo is chosen to fill in for Luiz Adriano, while Tomas Hubschman and Dymtro Chygrynskiy are injured for Shakhtar. Chiellini returns to the Juventus line-up after missing two games with a calf problem, while Leonardo Bonucci is also fit following a bout of flu. Arturo Vidal is also back after a ban ruled him out of the Turin Derby on Saturday, while Pogba steps in for the suspended Claudio Marchisio. Giovinco is chosen as the partner for Mirko Vucinic in attack, while Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner take the wings. SHAKHTAR DONETSK: Pyatov; Srna, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Fernandinho, Stepanenko; Alex Teixeira, Mkhitaryan, Willian; Eduardo Shakhtar bench: Kanibolotskiy, Kryvtsov, Gai, Kobin, Ilsinho, Douglas Costa, Devic JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, Padoin, Giaccherini, Marrone, Quagliarella, Matri

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Alessio: Juventus cannot play for a draw Dec 5, 2012 Shakhtar Donetsk manager Mircea Lucescu recently had some words for Juventus, claiming that the Italian team is “predictable”, and stand-in coach Angelo Alessio aims to prove him wrong. With Antonio Conte soon returning to the sidelines as head coach on December 8, Alessio plans a win against Shakhtar to secure a spot for Juve in the next round of the Champions League, and what a departing achievement it would be for the fill-in coach if he can do so. Although the Bianconeri are excited for the return of Conte, they are completely focused on their upcoming match, especially with top defender Giorgio Chiellini ready to be put back into action after a recent calf injury left him on the bench for two games. “We are very happy at Antonio’s impending return, but right now we are all exclusively focused on this match,” Alessio told the press “Giorgio Chiellini trained yesterday and is regularly at our disposal. Antonio will then decide the starting XI tomorrow,” he said during a press conference. “He can say we’re predictable, but we create many scoring opportunities. In that case let’s call Barcelona predictable – the same XI play pretty much all the time and everyone knows the style of football they propose, yet they are the best team of recent years. “Lucescu’s words remain just that: words. We are extremely concentrated on this match and absolutely want to reach the next round of the Champions League. “We’ll be facing the toughest side in the group, as they are the leaders, but we have improved and can get a result. “We cannot play for a draw and count on being able to get two results. We’ve got to take the game to Shakhtar and play the way we know how. We must fight for every single ball.” Describing Juve as “predictable” may not have been the best move for Shakhtar’s head coach, and may provide any extra motivation needed for Alessio and the Serie A leaders to grab the win.

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Juventus preview Dec 5, 2012 Shakhtar Donetsk hosts Juventus on Wednesday in a crucial Champions League Group E match. The winner will not only claim the group, but if Juventus picks up at least a point, they’ll eliminate the holders Chelsea from the competition. In their last meeting in Turin, Shakhtar took the game to Juve, but thanks to a little luck and some lackluster finishing from the Ukrainians, the Italian champions escaped with an undeserved point. The Eastern European giants pounded the Bianconeri on the counter with their pace, technique, and quick passing. This will be key for both sides as Juventus was also hammered on counter attacks by AC Milan 10 days ago. Juve will need to be wary of the forward runs of Fernandinho along with the intricate ball movement from Willian, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Alex Teixera. Right back Dario Srna will also be making runs forward and playing almost like a winger, so Juventus needs to watch out for him as well. If not, it’ll be a long day for the Scudetto holders. Shakhtar needs to watch out for a few things from their opponents. Firstly, the defence. Whenever there’s a free kick in Juve’s defensive third or a goal kick, Gianluigi Buffon always plays it short to one of his defenders, who then proceed to knock a long ball forward into the attacking third. Shakhtar’s front four must close down those defenders, that’s what Chelsea failed to do and they got torn apart. Inter did this to Juventus a month ago and ended the 49 game undefeated streak. It’s a small detail that goes unnoticed, but it’s more integral to Juventus’ attack than some may think. There’s also the midfielders and wingbacks. Kwadwo Asamoah and one of Mauricio Isla or Stephan Lichtsteiner will be bombing forward and back all game, so it’s important to break out of the defence quickly and to shut down the flanks when Juventus moves forward. As for the central part of the pitch, Andrea Pirlo needs to be man marked, but surely Mircea Lucescu has already told Mkhitaryan to do so. They also can’t forget Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba as they tend to be “destroyers” to opponents, but they’re far from it. They’ll be lurking around the top of the box and will occasionally dart into the penalty area and have a shot. The lineups are missing some significant starters. For Shakhtar, they’ll be without striker Luiz Adriano as he serves a one match ban for his unsportsmanlike goal at Nordsjaelland two weeks ago. Midfielder Tomas Hubschman has a thigh injury, so he’s doubtful for the game along with center back Dmytro Chygrynskiy. They’ll be deploying their usual 4-2-3-1. Juventus’ only absence is Claudio Marchisio as he’s serving a ban for yellow card accumulation, so Pogba is likely to occupy his role. The other two dilemmas for Antonio Conte will be who to play at right wingback. Isla will get the nod if Conte wants a more attacking option and Lichsteiner will play if the coaching staff wants to be more defensive. The striking partnership will most likely be Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic, but that can change. Shakhtar is already through to the round of sixteen, but they’re not the kind of team who wants to roll over for someone else. They’ll take the game to Juventus and the visitors will obviously be giving it their all as they try to progress to the next stage. Don’t expect a stale moment during this match, because it’s going to be a fun one.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Angelo Alessio "very optimistic" of Juventus win Dec 5, 2012 Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio has said that he is "very optimistic" about winning against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday. A win for the Italian champions in Ukraine will see them qualify for the last 16 as Group E winners, while a draw will send both sides through to the knockout rounds. "I think we have been improving from game to game, so I am very optimistic about the match in Donetsk," he said. "We should concentrate from the start, stay focused and fight for every ball. Control of the ball will be crucial, as we need to press them and not allow them to play the football they want to play. "Our actions during the opening minutes will be very important." Juventus are currently second in the group with nine points from five matches, a point behind leaders Shakhtar and two ahead of third-placed Chelsea.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Juve play to win, says Bonucci Dec 5, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has rejected talk that Juventus will be playing for a draw at Shakhtar Donetsk this evening. A point in the Ukraine will be enough for the hosts to win the group and the Italian outfit to qualify second, thus knocking champions Chelsea out of the competition. However, the centre-back has defended his side against accusations that they will play out a convenient draw. “These things make me laugh,” the Italian international noted. “Juventus are a great side who always play to win. And Shakhtar will not be giving out gifts. “I can understand why Chelsea fans fear elimination, but they have to take that out on their own team…”

Giraudo appeal in Calciopoli trial Dec 5, 2012 The Calciopoli civil trial is still dragging on and today ex-Juventus general manager Antonio Giraudo had his sentence reduced to 20 months. The Court of Appeal in the Naples tribunal gave its verdict this evening, cutting Giraudo’s sentence from three years to just a year and eight months suspended. Giraudo had been convicted of sporting fraud and working with others to commit an offence. However, former referees Paolo Dondarini, Tiziano Pieri and Tullio Lanese were all cleared. “We are disappointed and at the same time surprised, as we didn’t expect this epilogue,” said Giraudo’s lawyer. “We await the motivation for this sentence, which we will certainly appeal against. We want to reiterate our client’s complete innocence.” Giraudo was a member of the so-called ‘Triade’ of directors at Juventus along with Luciano Moggi and Roberto Bettega.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Chiellini ready for Juve return Dec 5, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini will reportedly return to the Juventus side for this evening’s crucial Champions League game at Shakhtar Donetsk. The Italian international is a doubt given that he hasn’t played since limping out of the 3-0 win over Chelsea in the same competition. However, stories on Wednesday are suggesting that the stopper has passed a fitness test and will start in the Ukraine. Boss Antonio Conte, who will return to the bench this weekend, is set to field a 3-5-2 system that will be without the suspended Claudio Marchisio. Summer signing Paul Pogba is expected to start in place on the Italian international. Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco could be the front two. Juve need a draw to qualify for the last 16, while a win would actually see them top the group. Juventus probable: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Buffon: Juventus should be feared The experienced goalkeeper believes that the Bianconeri have already proven their worth in Europe, and has insisted they are ready for the decisive game against Shakhtar Donetsk. Dec 5, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon feels that Juventus have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League with their performances so far in Europe. The Serie A champions currently sit second in Group E with nine points from five games, and a draw against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday will see them through to the knock-out stages, regardless of whether Chelsea beat Nordsjaelland due to the Italian side's superior head-to-head record over the reigning European champions. "I think our run so far has shown that we should be feared by everyone we come up against," Buffon said at a press conference. "Of course, the result against Shakhtar and qualification are both fundamental, but the impression we’re giving this year is that we’re back to being competitive on a European level. "If we play as we’re able to then I believe we have every chance of ending the group unbeaten. We’re ready. It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if we manage to win the group and avoid a handful of potential winners." Wednesday's encounter in Donetsk is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) The Dossier: What Juventus must do to stop Shakhtar exploiting them again The Bianconeri need just a point from their trip to Ukraine to progress at Chelsea's expense, but a repeat of their under-par performance on matchday 2 could spell danger. Dec 5, 2012 TACTICAL ANALYSIS By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer There is needing a point, and there is needing "only" a point. Those are two very different scenarios, and it is the former which faces Juventus as they make the trip to play Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night knowing a draw from their final Champions League Group E fixture will send them into the last 16. Their slow start to the European campaign - particularly the costly 1-1 draw with Nordsjaelland in Copenhagen - has come back to bite them as they fly to Ukraine with their future in the competition still on the line. And while they come up against a side already assured of a place in the knockout phase, they cannot take it for granted that their hosts will be happy to take a share of the spoils. If anything, they will want to maintain the excellent form they have shown to this point, which was rarely more in evidence than when they picked the Bianconeri apart in their 1-1 draw in Turin in October. JUVENTUS V SHAKHTAR: 02/10/12 MULTI-FACETED: But Vidal's ability to sweep & Marchisio's attacking threat from the left failed in Turin That night, Juve were expected by many to turn in another convincing performance after outplaying Chelsea in their opening fixture, but instead they were subjected to the most thorough examination of their tactical structure since Antonio Conte arrived at the club in the summer of 2011. They managed to get out of the game intact thanks to Leonardo Bonucci’s driven effort from a right-wing corner three minutes after going behind, but few Juventini left Juventus Stadium feeling better about their side's hopes than they had before kick-off. At Stamford Bridge, we had seen signs of Juve in their pomp. Arturo Vidal had been his domineering best in the right channel, covering space behind Stephan Lichtsteiner and Andrea Pirlo well in order to give extra protection to Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, while to the left of Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio was given the freedom to regularly make a nuisance of himself in and around the final third. It has been the classical Juve midfield set-up since Conte put the three centre-midfielders together: Vidal working, Pirlo creating and Marchisio exploiting. But in the 90 minutes that followed, Mircea Lucescu’s side asked so many more questions of the Old Lady than Chelsea would eventually manage over 180. The wily Romanian was insistent that his team would get the best out of their ability by playing to their strengths, and to a large extent that also coincided with Juventus’ lesser-spotted weaknesses. With Willian asked to spend much of his time loitering in the space between Juve’s lines of defence and midfield, the Miners were able to find cheap possession in advanced territory. Tomas Hubschman was asked to slide across and fill in for Razvan Rat as the left-back made regular forays down the flank, thereby tying up Stephan Lichtsteiner and forcing Barzagli to step up and mark Willian whenever Vidal was caught in an advanced position after one of his regular raids into the Shakhtar half. While Barzagli has been very consistent in his strength and aerial ability since arriving from Wolfsburg in January 2011, the 37-cap World Cup winner has sometimes had a tendency to struggle with more technically gifted adversaries. Willian made the most of the Italy international’s fragility, regularly cutting inside Barzagli to send testing balls through for Luiz Adriano (suspended on Wednesday night) and the supporting Henrik Mkhitaryan and Alex Teixeira, all of whom were able to find space on the right up against Giorgio Chiellini due to the attacking nature of Kwadwo Asamoah and Marchisio's roles. SHAKHTAR'S ANSWER IN TURIN PRINCE WILLIAN: The Brazilian played in the space between the lines, exploiting Juve's right As Shakhtar forced them back, Juventus were made to start attacks from a less comfortable deeper platform, with the back three chased down regularly and pressed into losing possession cheaply. To add to that, players like Marchisio, Pirlo and Asamoah, who are infinitely more comfortable with the ball than without it, were stripped of their more adventurous nature. This was not the Bianconeri we had become used to in Serie A for the previous 12 months. Shakhtar’s goal emanated from just such a situation. Mirko Vucinic lost the ball in midfield after dropping in to help develop an attack, and as soon as Fernandinho burst into the Juve half, Willian was in support with Vidal still back-tracking. With the Ukrainians then sending the ball between several pairs of feet, Marchisio was too easily attracted to the man in possession and with each pass he increasingly lost sight of Alex Teixeira’s run into the right channel. When Willian’s original shot was blocked, he then found his countryman in acres of space with Marchisio nowhere to be seen. Of course, this time around Marchisio is suspended, but the plan would need to be the same whether he was available or not. Greater care must be given to filling the gaps in Shakhtar’s outside left and outside right positions, where Willian and Alex Teixeira got too much freedom last time around. If anything, Paul Pogba may well be better placed to carry out the role than Marchisio, given that he spent much of his youth career at the heart of midfield with a fair degree of defensive responsibility. Still, the naturally attacking wide men - Lichtsteiner and Asamoah - must not be afraid to attack, even if they must be wary of the dangers they are leaving behind. Conte’s message must be simple as he waves his players off ahead of one final stint in the stands before his ban ends. Juventus must play to their own strengths, but need to be more switched on in terms of the midfield five's defensive responsibilities. Failure to do so could see the Old Lady sent to the Europa League after Christmas. Their biggest 90 minutes of the season lie ahead. "Only" a point? Hardly!

................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3^ giornata di ritorno) Donbass Arena - Donetsk mercoledì 5-12-2012 - Ore 20:45 Arbitro: Jonas Eriksson (Svezia) Verso Shakhtar-Juventus: Un punto tra la Signora e gli ottavi, con la tentazione primo posto... Chiellini arruolabile, davanti spazio a Giovinco I bianconeri cercano in Ucraina il punto che gli consentirenne di passare il turno a spese dei campioni in carica del Chelsea. Con una vittoria sarebbe primo posto. 5 dicembre, 2012 PROBABILI FORMAZIONI SHAKHTAR Pyatov Rat - Kucher - Rakytskyi - Srna Stepanenko - Fernandinho Teixeira - Mkhitaryan - Willian Eduardo ------------------------------------------------ Vucinic - Giovinco Asamoah - Pogba - Pirlo - Vidal - Lichtsteiner Chiellini - Bonucci - Barzagli Buffon JUVENTUS QUI SHAKHTAR Con Luiz Adriano squalificato dopo il mancato fair-play, in avanti come unica punta ci sarà il brasiliano naturalizzato croato Eduardo, favorito su Devic. Per il resto sarà il solito modulo, 4-2-3-1, con Stepanenko al posto di Hubschmann al fianco di Fernandinho e il trio di trequartisti formato da Texeira, Willian e Mkhitaryan. In difesa al loro posto i veterani Rat e Srna. QUI JUVENTUS Conte deve fare a meno dello squalificato Marchisio, e sembra intenzionato a dare fiducia al francese Pogba, che affiancherà quindi Pirlo e Vidal in regia. Sulle fasce ci saranno Lichtsteiner (favorito su Isla) e Asamoah. In difesa c'è fiducia riguardo al recupero di Chiellini, come esternato da Alessio in conferenza stampa. Caceres resta comunque in preallarme. In avanti la coppia dovrebbe essere quella formata da Vucinic e Giovinco, Quagliarella verso la panchina. IL MOMENTO La squadra di Lucescu sta dimostrando coi suoi giovani di poter essere iper-mega competitiva anche in Europa; ed anche in campionato le cose stanno andando per il verso giusto. Stesso discorso per i bianconeri, che arrivano al match forti della vittoria nel derby contro il Torino in campionato e convinti di poter battere chiunque dopo aver tramortito in casa il Chelsea due settimane fa. LA CHIAVE Sicuramente la voglia di passare il turno e l'attenzione che dovrà mettere in campo soprattutto la Juventus: i bianconeri hanno bisogno di un solo punto, ma con una squadra che sa già di aver passato il turno ed ha già la sicurezza del primo posto nel girone ci vorrà grande attenzione. La partita comunque i bianconeri la potrebbero vincere a centrocampo, sfruttando la superiorità numerica dovuta al modulo. Importanti saranno anche gli inserimenti degli stessi centrocampisti. I PROTAGONISTI Nello Shakhtar c'è sicuramente, su tutti, da fare attenzione al brasiliano Willian e all'armeno Mkhitaryan, che sta dimostrando di non essere semplicemente una meteora momentanea. Tra i bianconeri si spera che Vucinic possa tornare al goal dopo un periodo fatto di infortuni e di prestazioni altalentanti. Anche un goal di Giovinco potrebbe far cambiare idea a qualche tifoso della Juventus. Testa a Testa UEFA Champions League ‎- 02/ott/2012 - Juventus 1 - Shakhtar 1 Ultime 5 Partite SHAKHTAR 20/nov/2012 - FC Nordsjælland 2 - Shakhtar 5 - UCL 07/nov/2012 - Chelsea FC 3 - Shakhtar 2 - UCL 23/ott/2012 - Shakhtar 2 - Chelsea FC 1 - UCL 02/ott/2012 - Juventus 1 - Shakhtar 1 - UCL 19/set/2012 - Shakhtar 2 - FC Nordsjælland 0 - UCL JUVENTUS 01/dic/2012 - Juventus 3 - Torino 0 - Serie A 25/nov/2012 - Milan 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A 20/nov/2012 - Juventus 3 - Chelsea FC 0 - UCL 17/nov/2012 - Juventus 0 - Lazio 0 - Serie A 10/nov/2012 - Pescara 1 - Juventus 6 - Serie A Previsione Shakhtar 1 - 1 Juventus

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Champions League: Shakhtar target victory over Juventus in key clash for Chelsea Dec 4, 2012 Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu has pledged to go for victory against Juventus despite having already reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages. The Ukrainian champions have been among the most impressive sides in this year's competition, securing qualification from Group E with a game to spare. They welcome second-placed Juve to the Donbass Arena, where defending European champions Chelsea will be hoping Shakhtar come out on top. The Blues are third in the pool and their head-to-head record is inferior to both teams above them, meaning a draw would see Juventus join Shakhtar in the last 16 regardless of the result at Stamford Bridge. A point, though, would not be enough for Lucescu, who wants to end the group stage in style. "This game represents a big exam for us, against a team with great tradition, history and players," Lucescu said. "This is a game that transcends normal fixtures. "Regardless of our qualification status, football is football, we're professionals and we'll take to the field with the desire to win. "We're up against an incredibly strong side, who play a type of football I appreciate. They know our strengths and we know theirs. We're fully motivated and determined to show our hunger on the pitch." Shakhtar will be without Luiz Adriano after the striker received a one-match ban for his controversial goal against FC Nordsjaelland on matchday five. Juventus will also be missing a key player as midfielder Claudio Marchisio serves his own one-match ban. "The loss of Marchisio is a big blow for Juventus," Lucescu added. "Perhaps his absence will cause Conte to make certain tactical changes." Veteran Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon confessed to losing sleep over what he hesitantly referred to as the "third result". A Chelsea win coupled with a Juve defeat in Donetsk would see the Bianconeri slip out of the top two and into the Europa League. Buffon said: "Our biggest concern is that third result, the one we really don't want to think about. It's the trap that we fear falling into. "We know how good Shakhtar are and we respect them. But they have already qualified and so they will possibly be a bit more relaxed. No matter what happens, I think winning the games we have won in such a tough group shows we have what it takes to inspire fear in our opponents."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Alessio: If Juventus are predictable, so are Barcelona The Bianconeri assistant coach dismisses claims his team cannot change their line-up or formation, and says the side must play to win against Shakhtar Donetsk. Dec 4, 2012 Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio has responded to Shakhtar Donetsk trainer Mircea Lucescu's claims that The Old Lady are predictable by saying that the Turin outfit's regular set-up is similar to Barcelona's approach. Lucescu claimed that Antonio Conte's team were easy to play against as they rarely change their formation or starting line-up, but Alessio feels that his players should concentrate on booking their place in the Champions League knockout stages and not react to comments from the opposition. "He can say we’re predictable, but we create many scoring opportunities. In that case let’s call Barcelona predictable – the same 11 play pretty much all the time and everyone knows the style of football they propose, yet they are the best team of recent years," Alessio told a press conference. "Lucescu’s words remain just that: words. We are extremely concentrated on this match and absolutely want to reach the next round of the Champions League." Juventus head into the match in Ukraine knowing that a draw will guarantee both them and Shakhtar a place in the last 16 of the competition, but Alessio wants the team to play an attacking style and try to win the match. "We’ll be facing the toughest side in the group, as they are the leaders, but we have improved and can get a result. “We cannot play for a draw and count on being able to get two results. We’ve got to take the game to Shakhtar and play the way we know how. We must fight for every single ball." Wednesday's match marks the end of Alessio's time as Conte's representative on the touchline, with the head coach set to make his return to the dugout against Palermo on Sunday, but the 47-year-old says the players must focus on their next match before looking forward to their trainer's return. "We are very happy at Antonio’s impending return, but right now we are all exclusively focused on this match." He added: "Giorgio Chiellini trained yesterday and is regularly at our disposal. Antonio will then decide the starting 11 tomorrow."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Champions League – Chelsea v Nordsjælland, Shakhtar Donetsk v Juventus Dec 4, 2012 Matchday Six in UEFA Champions League promises to be one of the most engaging, with a total of six teams in contention for remaining three slots for qualification to the knock-out stages. European Champions Chelsea, Italian Champions Juventus, Benfica and Celtic are among the teams who are yet to learn their fate in the competition while all four Spanish Clubs in the competition are through to the next round. Here, TheHardTackle previews the games from Group E and Group F. Group E Chelsea v Nordsjælland Stamford Bridge, London Chelsea take on Nordsjælland in a must win fixture for the Blues. Even that might not suffice as they must rely on Shakhtar Donetsk to defeat Juventus in the other Group E fixture on Matchday 6 of UEFA Champions League. Even though they have been massive underdogs throughout, and were not likely to qualify in any case, they will fancy their chances against Chelsea and go out with heads held high. The wheels have fallen off the European Champions’ so spectacularly that even the most seasoned observers have been left with their mouths gaping. Munich feels like years ago as Chelsea seem like a team in disarray with no ambition, guile or determination, something that so famously won them their first Champions League and was so characteristic in the early stages of the season. Still, Chelsea prodded through strikingly similar waters last season and emerged victorious, only this time they are no longer masters of their own destiny. Yet, a positive result on Matchday 6 could see a turnaround. Nordsjælland on the other hand are out of European competitions, certain to finish fourth in the group regardless of any result. Even so, they would like to have a go at Chelsea with absolutely nothing to lose. They will take heart from the fact the European Champions look blunt and out of form. On the domestic front, Nordsjælland are on an indifferent run of form, lagging nine points behind league leaders FC Copenhagen in second place. A positive result at Stamford Bridge would be ideal for a team taking its first steps on the biggest stages of all and for the remainder of their domestic season. For all their problems, Chelsea are still likely to emerge victorious from this fixture. But it might not prove enough as a first Group Stage exit after qualifying 9 years in succession for the knock-out rounds beckons. Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Nordsjælland Shakhtar Donetsk v Juventus Donbass Arena, Donetsk One of the most anticipated fixtures on Matchday 6 would be played out between Shakhtar Donetsk and Juventus, in the former’s home stadium. As it stands, a calm, composed draw would be sufficient for both, first placed Shakhtar and second placed Juventus, to waltz through to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. But it is not likely to be so simple. Shakhtar would not want to relinquish the top spot which, by the virtue of seeding rules of UEFA, increases the likelihood of an ‘easier’ opponent in the Round of 16. And even though Juventus are likely to be a shade more defensive and organized than they usually are, Shakhtar will not want to sit back but instead would want to get the security that a first goal might offer them. Juventus would be weary of this, and even though they are more than capable of seeing out a 0-0 draw, the attacking prowess that Shakhtar have displayed throughout this UEFA Champions League campaign is commendable. The confusion of early stages, when both try to weigh out what their opponent is playing for, may set the tone for an interesting game. Chelsea would be peeking around somewhere as well, looking for Shakhtar to bang in a goal. On the domestic front, both teams continue to dominate and are top of their respective leagues. Shakhtar are on an impressive run, while Juventus put behind the defeat to AC Milan with a comfortable home win against Torino. For Juventus to get the result they desire, their midfield trio of Pirlo, Vidal and Marchisio would need to stifle Shakhtar’s impressive midfield, especially the duo of Fernandinho and Willian who have been the stars of the campaign so far. With Luiz Adriano suspended for the game, after his ‘unsporting’ goal against Nordsjælland, Henrikh Mkhitaryan would in all likelihood play up front. Likewise, Vidal has emerged as an attacking threat from midfield during this campaign and Shakhtar would need to keep him in check to keep their first position intact. Chiellini would be crucial at the back for Juventus. The game will end up in a draw, although the attacking quality with both the teams would mean the game ends as a score-draw. The two would qualify for knock-out rounds of UEFA Champions League. Prediction: Shakhtar 1-1 Juventus

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Shakhtar Donetsk-Juventus Preview: The Ukrainian Adventure Dec 4, 2012 ONE POINT. JUST GET (AT LEAST) ONE POINT. THAT'S ALL WE ASK. Throughout the wild and wacky group stage in this season's Champions League, we've seen a lot of things happen. There's been a lot of unpredictability up and down the entire field, but there's no denying that a lot of it has happened in Group E, where the most of our attention is centered. At the midway point, Juventus had three points after three draws. Remember the freakout that ensued after Juve's draw in Denmark? Man, that was a lot of noise to listen to. It was doom and gloom. There were still three matches to be played, but hope and positivity was the last thing people wanted hear about — which was totally understandable. Two games, two wins, and a couple of weeks later, things have drastically changed. Juventus are in position — if things ended the way they are right now — to move onto the knockout stages for the first time in the Andrea Agnelli/Antonio Conte era. But the job isn't done yet. There's still 90 more minutes to go and a positive result between Juve and the knockout stages. What's needed for Juventus to remain in the Champions League come 2013 is clear: A win will be fantastic, but all that's needed is a draw. Then again, this is Juventus, where winning is the only thing that matters. That's what I'm talking about! LE CHIAVI Of the three spots in the knockout round that are still up for grabs, two of them are in Group E. Juventus can still win the group, or be sent to the Europa League. Translation: Things are still completely up in the air. Juve are obviously in a good spot considering they have a two-point cushion over Chelsea thanks to the absolutely wonderful result at Juventus Stadium two weeks ago, but nothing is set in stone. Until the final whistle is blown in Donetsk tomorrow night, there will be quite a few nails being chewed down to tiny proportions around these parts. GOOD NEWS Juventus don't need a win to advance, which is a good thing just in case the game doesn't exactly go as we hope. Team that with how much of a complete mess Chelsea since their loss to Juve and subsequent firing of Roberto Di Matteo/hiring of Rafa Benitez, and things are in Juventus' favor. But then again, Juventus need to get at least a point in a place where not too many teams are able to. So don't book your tickets to Turin for a knockout stage game just yet, folks. And, the disciplinary committee has spoken: No Luiz Adriano because he decided what sportsmanship is and subsequently got banned by UEFA. Well done, lad. BAD NEWS No Claudio Marchisio because of yellow card accumulation, which is huge seeing as he always seems to find a way to change the game in these big-time matchups. Obviously having Paul Pogba around eases the pain a little bit, but with Marchisio's awesomeness reigning supreme over the weekend and good form as of late will certainly be missed. Why? Because's it's not just goals and assists when it comes to Il Principino. He brings so much balance to the midfield and does even more that doesn't show up on the stat sheet. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. How awesome Willian's afro is. Don't deny it. You love it, too. 2. How Juventus deal with the elements. I'm no weather guy — nor do I attempt to play one during my day job — buta quick look at the forecast in Donetsk points to one conclusion: It's gonna be cold. I'm not talking about just kinda cold, I'm talking about below-freezing kind of cold. 3. The Paul Pogba Effect. Stepping in for Arturo Vidal is something that Pogba has done without much problem at all this season. Now he has the task of replacing a different kind of midfielder with different kind of responsibilities in Claudio Marchisio. The good things is this: Pogba is a bad, bad man. Oh, and he's good at this whole football thing. 4. The Mirko Vucinic Effect. For me personally, Mirko's Turin derby was very hit-and-miss. Yes, he had two assists and was effective in the second half. But, at the same time, there were a lot of things that the hated Bad Mirko usually does. That's been the trend for him lately — some good moments, sometimes even game-changing, but overall, he hasn't been consistent at all. It's certainly a crucial game and you know what that means — Big Game Mirko or no Big Game Mirko? He hasn't found the back of the end net much at all lately, and has just three goals in 17 games in all competitions. Yeah, about that.... 5. How well a rested Arturo Vidal plays. There weren't wholesale changes lineup-wise on Saturday against Torino, but the biggest one that could pay off for Juventus was the fact that Vidal got the night off. His last appearance was, well, not very good to say the least. His performance against Shakhtar back in early October wasn't very good, either. Now, with his battery recharged and his tank full, the usual Vidal will show its face again. I'd sure like that. 6. The battle on the wings. Our old buddy Jorid isn't scared to tell you about how awesome he thinks Darijo Srna is — and I really have no reason to disagree with him on that one. The Shakhtar captain has been known to make a bombing run down the right flank once or twice (slight understatement) over the course of a game. And his partner on the opposite flank, Razvan Rat, isn't too shabby in his own right. That means Stephan Lichtsteiner — who should get the start on the right — and Kwadwo Asamoah will have quite the task to not only contribute offensively, but also control Shakhtar's fullbacks on the defensive end of things. 7. How Shakhtar approaches things. Will they go for the throat and the three points? Will they play things safe, try to just hold onto first place in the group, and get the draw? Juventus' scenario is pretty clear, but so is Shakhtar's. They're top of the group and anything other than a loss keeps them there, so if they come out and play for the tie, I'll be surprised. Shakhtar has the talent to score goals. They've proven it. And there's no reason to think they won't do anything other than play their game tomorrow night. Well, unless Juventus cause them not to, of course... My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Alessio: 'Juve aren't predictable' Dec 4, 2012 Angelo Alessio prepares for his final game as stand-in Coach for Antonio Conte and hits back at Shakhtar Donetsk boss Mircea Lucescu’s accusation Juventus are “predictable.” The assistant manager will no longer have to be Conte’s voice on the touchline, as the ban for failing to report an attempted fix to the authorities expires on December 8. Alessio’s last task will be to help earn the Bianconeri a point in Donetsk, a result that would mathematically secure their spot in the Champions League knock-outs. “We are very happy at Antonio’s impending return, but right now we are all exclusively focused on this match. “Giorgio Chiellini trained yesterday and is regularly at our disposal. Antonio will then decide the starting XI tomorrow,” he said in a Press conference after the defender missed two games with a calf problem. Shakhtar Donetsk Coach Lucescu, formerly of Inter and Brescia, provoked a stir when he suggested Juve were ‘predictable.’ “He can say we’re predictable, but we create many scoring opportunities. In that case let’s call Barcelona predictable – the same XI play pretty much all the time and everyone knows the style of football they propose, yet they are the best team of recent years,” replied Alessio. “Lucescu’s words remain just that: words. We are extremely concentrated on this match and absolutely want to reach the next round of the Champions League. “We’ll be facing the toughest side in the group, as they are the leaders, but we have improved and can get a result. “We cannot play for a draw and count on being able to get two results. We’ve got to take the game to Shakhtar and play the way we know how. We must fight for every single ball.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Mkhitaryan: 'Shakhtar to beat Juve' Dec 4, 2012 Shakhtar Donetsk are already qualified, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan is confident they can do even better than their draw when Juventus come to town. The Ukrainians earned a 1-1 draw in Turin in Matchday 2 with Mkhitaryan’s goal and it was considered to be an upset, but Shakhtar proved themselves to be no flash in the pan by topping the group. Tomorrow evening Juve need only a point to be sure of joining them in the next phase of the competition, a result that would eliminate trophy holders Chelsea. “We have to step on to the field with great determination,” said the midfielder in a Press conference. “Everyone thinks we’re relaxed because we are already in the final 16, but we will go out there to win and always multiply our efforts at home in front of our fans. “When I play, I do not think about the result, as I just focus on what the Coach tells me to do. The most important thing is that the team wins. “I was happy to score against Gianluigi Buffon in Turin, as he is a world class goalkeeper, but I’d be even happier tomorrow if we win. It’s no good scoring a goal and then losing the game. “It was very tough for us in Turin, but I think tomorrow will be different because we’re on home turf. I am sure it’ll be a completely new match and we’ll be able to achieve great attacking success.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Shakhtar Donetsk - Juventus Preview: A point would ensure both sides make the last 16 The Bianconeri go into this match knowing they only need a draw to qualify from Group E against a Shakhtar side who have already booked their place in the next round. Dec 4, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS SHAKHTAR Pyatov Rat, Kucher, Rakytskiy, Srna Stepanenko, Fernandinho Willian, Eduardo, Teixeira Mkhitaryan JUVENTUS Buffon Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini L'steiner, Vidal, Pogba, Pirlo, Asamoah Vucinic, Giovinco Luiz Adriano will be suspended for the hosts after his infamous goal against Nordsjaelland on matchday 5, which means this may well give a chance to former Arsenal striker Eduardo. Defenders Dmytro Chygrynskiy and Tomas Hubschmann have been suffering with thigh problems recently and are unlikely to make the encounter with the Serie A giants. Olexandr Kucher will miss Shakhtar's next match in the Champions League if he receives another booking. Meanwhile, for Juventus, two-goal hero at the weekend Claudio Marchisio will have to watch this one from the stands, having picked up a third booking in Europe against Chelsea on matchday 5. Paul Pogba started against Torino on Saturday and put in an impressive performance which may be rewarded with a place in the starting XI. Giorgio Chiellini is walking a disciplinary tightrope as he will miss the Bianconeri's next match if he is cautioned in this one. DID YOU KNOW? • Shakhtar Donetsk have already qualified from Group E and any more than a point here against Juventus will ensure they top the standings. • The miners have recorded 13 victories and just two defeats in their last 19 home games in Europe excluding qualifiers. • The Ukrainian champions are the joint-top goalscorers with Paris Saint-Germain in this year's Champions League with 12 goals. • Juventus can book their place in the next round with a draw but will top the group if they beat Shakhtar on Wednesday. If they lose and Chelsea win against Nordsjaelland, they will be eliminated. • The Bianconeri have picked up five draws in their last five encounters away from home in Europe. • Mirko Vucinic has gone nine league games without a goal, however, he was on the score-sheet for the Serie A champions against Nordsjaelland in the 1-1 draw on matchday 3. Head to Head UEFA Champions League ‎- Oct 2, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Shakhtar Donetsk 1 Last Five Matches SHAKHTAR DONETSK Nov 20, 2012 - FC Nordsjælland 2 - Shakhtar Donetsk 5 - UCL Nov 7, 2012 - Chelsea FC 3 - Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - UCL Oct 23, 2012 - Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - Chelsea FC 1 - UCL Oct 2, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Shakhtar Donetsk 1 - UCL Sep 19, 2012 - Shakhtar Donetsk 2 - FC Nordsjælland 0 JUVENTUS Dec 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Torino 0 - Serie A Nov 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Nov 20, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Chelsea FC 0 - Serie A Nov 17, 2012 - Juventus 0 - Lazio 0 - Serie A Nov 10, 2012 - Pescara 1 - Juventus 6 - Serie A Players to Watch Willian The Brazilian has lit up the Champions League with some stunning performances for the Ukrainian champions, and having scored four goals in his last two matches in Europe, the 24-year-old will not be short of confidence heading into this one. Andrea Pirlo The Italy playmaker offers plenty of experience and guile to the Bianconeri midfield. He did not have his best performance against Torino on Saturday - blazing over a penalty - but the 33-year-old, who already has three Champions League assists to his name, could be the key to unlocking a stubborn defence on Wednesday. Prediction The Juventus camp have came out and insisted they are going to go for the win in this one to ensure top spot in the group. However, given the quality of their opponents at home and the fact that the Bianconeri have drawn their last five matches in Europe away, then, this looks like a safe bet to be a draw. Editor's Prediction Shakhtar 1 - 1 Juventus

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Shakhtar vs. Juventus PREVIEW – The Big Game In Ukraine Dec 4, 2012 Stakes could hardly be higher as group E leaders Shakhtar take on second placed Juventus in the decisive Champions League match in Donetsk on Wednesday. While the hosts are through to the knock-out stages no matter the result, they need a point to secure top spot. As for Juventus, a win, draw or loss will see them first, second or third in the group. Chelsea could in theory slip-up against FCN – but there’s really no reason to over-complicate matters… So, for Juve, it’s relatively simple: Get at least point – like they have in their last 15 consecutive European games – and they’re through. The tricky part is, of course, that the Old Lady will be facing a fierce opponent in Shakhtar, who have been the most convincing side in group E by some margin, and possibly one of the best teams of the tournament as a whole so far. While Chelsea will fear that this game will turn out a biscotto (literally, a “biscuit” – what Italians call a game not truly contested) given that a draw will see both teams qualified, there is little to suggest that either of the teams should be interested in giving up the game. While Shakhtar may be tempted to rest certain players, there is still that little matter of the players themselves wanting to shine on the biggest European stage – plus of course the advantage of finishing first in the group. Regardless of the teams fielded, facing the Miners on a cold winter’s night at the Donbass Arena is a frightening prospect for anyone under any circumstances, even a storied and experienced Old Lady. Shakhtar As mentioned above, the Ukrainians (along with their Brazilian, Armenian, Croatian etc. teammates) have been playing extremely well in this tournament as well as anywhere else. It seems that after a few seasons of bedding in, the tangerine-clad Miners are now ready to challenge the big boys in earnest. A very solid squad, coached by the experienced Romanian Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar have taken another step up from the form the led them to the UEFA Cup trophy in 2009, and they now look like a serious Dark Horse for the finest title in Europe. The team is quick, versatile and stuffed with quality in every position. As evidenced by their stellar performances against both Chelsea and Juventus thus far, they are not a team to crumble under pressure, nor do they leave anything to desire neither tactically nor physically. As for the game being inconsequential to them, it is fair to say that after the bad publicity surrounding the controversial Luiz Adriano goal in Copenhagen in the latest round (resulting in him being banned for “unsportsmanlike conduct” for the Juve game), the last thing Shakhtar need is to be accused of throwing a game or even playing it safe, especially with the British media hovering above the fixture with the interests of Chelsea on the agenda… It is hardly necessary to point to Willian, Rat, Srna, Fernandinho, Mkhitaryan etc. as extremely talented players anymore, as they have proven to be on many occasions recently. Assuming Lucescu will field his strongest eleven in order to secure first place in the group, the only question would be which player the tactician chooses to play up front in lieu of Luiz Adriano. Probable Formation: (4-2-3-1) Pyatov; Srna ©, Kucher, Rakitskiy, Rat; Stepanenko, Fernandinho; Teixeira, Mkhitaryan, Willian; Eduardo Juventus Fresh from a comfortable 3-0 drubbing of intra-city rivals Torino, the Bianconeri should have restored whatever confidence may have been lost losing to Milan at the San Siro a week earlier. The fact is that so far, Juventus have dealt rather well with being back in Europe, as they still sit proudly atop the Serie A table, whilst having further Champions League qualification in their own hands. Many, this author included, will insist, however, that the two points dropped in Copenhagen was the one real casualty of the tight schedule this fall, but even so, it’s hard not to rue the loss of those points in a tight group, standing on the threshold of a trip to Ukraine in December. But then again, such lessons must be learned by a squad having been out of the Champions League for a rather long while… With everyone seemingly fit again and all bar the suspended Marchisio (to be replaced with Paul Pogba) available for selection it is not all that hard to predict the line-up Antonio Conte will go for, barring of course the eternal issue of the strikers. Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella did well against Chelsea, but Sebastian Giovinco knocks on the door too, given his goals and fine performances recently. Indeed, it seems that the competition for the starting berths has been narrowed down to those three, as Matri and Bendtner for all their hard work still only have managed one goal between them this season. Regardless of the result, this will be the final game for Juve without their beloved coach on the touchline, as Antonio Conte’s ban expires this week. Surely the Bianconeri will need no further motivation to do their utmost than the possibility of bringing the Mister a chance of breathing in the crystalline air of Champions League fixtures from close range after he returns? Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon ©; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Quagliarella, Vucinic The match promises to be a high-paced affair with both teams relentlessly pressing the ball, perhaps Shakhtar a bit less so, instead opting to go for devastating direct plays on the break. The Ukrainians are certainly capable of both approaches, and Lucescu will hope to once more be able to surprise and out-fox Conte as he did for the majority of the reverse fixture in Turin. Conversely, the Juve tactician should be the wiser after that experience and is guaranteed to have his team drilled and geared for the occasion. A lot is at stake Wednesday night in Donetsk. A fixture that could have been “only” a duel for first place has become a do or die match for Juventus. In principle, the Bianconeri are inferior to no-one, but Reality called ahead of this game to express her concern over the sheer magnitude of the task – because Reality, like most of us, hates being cornered and especially so when it’s freezing. She did remind Juventini world wide that their squad is a very capable one as well, though… The amount different perspectives and filters you can see this match from/through makes it almost impossible to call. Nevertheless, as much as the idea of a biscotto is a bit far fetched, the very fact that the draw would suit both parties might come into play should the game reach the latter stages still undecided. At any rate, it suffices to say that matches like this one is a test to be passed, and also a taste of what is still to come for Conte’s Juve – hopefully sooner rather than later!

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Buffon: 'Juve competitive in Europe' Dec 4, 2012 Captain Gigi Buffon believes Juventus “have returned to being competitive on a European level,” although tomorrow’s game with Shakhtar has hidden dangers. The Bianconeri need a point in Donetsk to be sure of qualification for the Champions League knock-outs, sending reigning holders Chelsea out of the tournament. “The biggest danger behind a game like this is that the third result emerges, the one that wouldn’t make us very happy,” said the goalkeeper in a Press conference. “More than anything else, we know the quality of our opponents and we respect them a great deal. It’s true they have already qualified, but it’s also true that in these situations a team has nothing to lose and feels no pressure.” It would be a coup for Juventus to knock Chelsea out in their first year back in the Champions League. “Over the last four or five months, in which we’ve faced both Serie A and Champions League fixtures, I think we can safely say that the Juventus growth process has been consolidated. “Regardless of how things go tomorrow, I think taking on a tough group and winning the games we did shows that this team has everything it needs to provoke fear in our opponents. “Aside from the result, which obviously is fundamental for us, Juve are giving off the impression they have returned to being competitive on a European level. “Can Juventus win the Champions League? My view is that dreaming costs nothing, but it’s also true we have to be realistic. There are undoubtedly three or four stronger teams out there for various reasons, but as I said three months ago before our first game at Stamford Bridge, we can give anyone a game.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Juventus look for win at Shakhtar Dec 4, 2012 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo does not believe a draw will cut it for the Old Lady tomorrow at Shakhtar Donetsk – and says that the club has no intention of playing for a point. Pirlo said: “Any talk of playing for a draw is not true of any of the players here at Juventus and I am sure it is not true of the Shakhtar players…we want to win the group and I am sure Shakhtar do as well.” Juventus’ final match in Group E will be played at Shakhtar’s Donbass Arena and will decide the fate of the reigning champions. Chelsea need to not only notch up a win against Danish new boys FC Nordsjælland, but also require the Italians to fall in the Ukraine. “We have no duty to help Chelsea, but we have a duty to ourselves and to our fans to try and win the group,” Pirlo added. “You will not get two easy games whoever you face in the last 16.” Juventus and Shakhtar drew their previous meeting in Italy, with both teams scoring, and the travelling Ukrainians seeing the lion’s share of the possession. All told though both teams were pretty evenly matched at the Juventus Stadium, seeing a similar number of shots – Juve managed 15 while Shakhtar had 12 attempts. Shakhtar’s talisman Luiz Adriano was banned for a game following his unsporting behaviour in the bizarre match against Nordsjælland, adding an extra twist to the tail. The striker put three past the Danish champions in their meeting a few weeks ago, and Juve’s defence looks rock solid – sports betting site Ladbrokes have Juventus 1/3 favourites to qualify from Group E. The Old Lady doesn’t travel all that well though, and with Chelsea’s final game being played on home turf, the London team with a chip on their shoulder could yet oust Juventus from the competition. Rafa Benitez has a point to prove, and with two draws and a loss under his belt, the Spaniard’s first Champions League encounter at the helm of Chelsea could be a big decider.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Lucescu jokes about beneficial draw Dec 4, 2012 Shakhtar Donetsk boss Mircea Lucescu has refused to comment on whether they will play for a mutually beneficial against Juventus tomorrow. The Ukrainian champions and Antonio Conte's side need just a solitary point to both qualify for the knockout stages, but the Romanian Coach has claimed that they will not play for what the Italians call a 'biscotti'. “Biscotti? I only like them if they are sweet,” he joked at a Press conference. “We are professionals and we want to win.” He also commented on Conte, who had complained about Lucescu's remarks the last time the two met that the Turin side were 'predictable'. “A young Coach need to know when to respond and when not,” he said. “If he'd have been managing as long as I have, he would react a different way.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (6th leg) - 5-12-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ SHAKHTAR - JUVENTUS Donbass Arena - Donetsk Referee: Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) Juventus, Celtic and the Champions League teams who can clinch qualification to the last 16 on matchday six Holders Chelsea are likely to be heading out given that the Bianconeri only need to pick up a point in Donetsk, while Groups G and H still have knockout berths up for grabs. Dec 4, 2012 Juventus, Benfica, Celtic, Galatasaray, CFR Cluj and holders Chelsea will all be aiming to secure themselves a place in the Champions League knockout stage on matchday six. With 13 of the 16 available slots already filled by the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, only Groups E, G and H still have teams vying for a last 16 berth. The Bianconeri travel to Donetsk knowing that a point against Shakhtar will see them through at the expense of Rafael Benitez's side, who of course lifted the trophy back in May. Should Chelsea go out, they will be the first defending champions to be knocked out in the group stage since the European Cup was re-branded in 1992. Elsewhere, SPL champions Celtic know that they must better Benfica's result to make it through to the next stage, but will be given heart by the fact the Portuguese side travel to Camp Nou to face the Blaugrana. Finally, CFR Cluj must better Galatasaray's result, a difficult task given that they are playing Manchester United at Old Trafford, while the Turks play already-eliminated Sporting Braga. Before we bring you the qualification scenarios and permutations, here are the Champions League tie-breaker criteria to separate teams that are level on points: i.) Higher number of points won in the group games between the teams in question ii.) Superior goal difference in the group games between the teams in question only iii.) Higher number of goals scored in the group games between the teams in question only iv.) Higher number of goals scored away from home in the group games between the teams in question only v.) Superior goal difference from all group games vi.) Higher number of goals scored from all group games GROUP A MATCHDAY SIX: Dinamo Zagreb v Dynamo Kiev Paris Saint-Germain v Porto •Porto have qualified for the last 16, but can secure top spot if they avoid defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. •Paris Saint-Germain have qualified for the last 16 but will finish top of the group if they beat Porto. •Dinamo Kiev have already secured themselves Europa League football. •Dinamo Zagreb have been eliminated from European competition. GROUP B MATCHDAY SIX: Olympiakos v Arsenal Montpellier v Schalke •Schalke have qualified for the last 16, but can secure top spot if they beat Montpellier. •Arsenal have also qualified for the knockout phase, but can secure top spot if they beat Olympiakos and Schalke do not beat Montpellier. •Olympiakos have secured Europa League football. •Montpellier have been eliminated from European competition. GROUP C MATCHDAY SIX: Malaga v Anderlecht AC Milan v Zenit St Petersburg •Malaga have qualified for the last 16 as group winners. •AC Milan have qualified in second place. •Zenit and Anderlecht have an equal head-to-head record. •Zenit will qualify for the Europa League if they better the Belgians' result, if both teams draw, or if the pair win but Zenit finish with a higher goal difference. •Anderlecht will qualify if if they better Zenit's result, or finish with a better goal difference. GROUP D MATCHDAY SIX: Borussia Dortmund v Manchester City Real Madrid v Ajax •Borussia Dortmund have qualified as group winners. •Real Madrid have qualified in second place. •Ajax can clinch Europa League football if they match or better Manchester City's result. •Manchester City will clinch Europa League football if they win, and Ajax fail to pick up three points. GROUP E MATCHDAY SIX: Chelsea v Nordsjaelland Shakhtar v Juventus •Shakhtar have qualified, but can secure top spot if they get at least a point against Juventus. •Juventus will secure a place in the knockout stages if they draw in Donetsk. •Chelsea can only qualify for the last 16 if they beat Nordsjaelland and Juventus lose. If they do not do that they will play Europa League football. •Nordsjaelland are out of European competition. GROUP F MATCHDAY SIX: Lille v Valencia Bayern Munich v BATE Borisov •Bayern Munich have qualified for the last 16, but can clinch top spot if they match or better Valencia's result. •Valencia have also qualified and can take first place if they better Bayern's result. •BATE have secured Europa League qualification. •Lille have been eliminated from European competition. GROUP G MATCHDAY SIX: Celtic v Spartak Moscow Barcelona v Benfica •Barcelona have qualified as group winners. •Benfica will qualify if they match or better Celtic's result. •Celtic will advance should they better Benfica's result. •Spartak Moscow have been eliminated from European competition. GROUP H MATCHDAY SIX: Manchester United v CFR Cluj Sporting Braga v Galatasaray •Manchester United have qualified as group winners. •Galatasaray will qualify for the last 16 if they match or better CFR Cluj's result. •CFR Cluj will make the last 16 if they better Galatasaray's result. •Sporting Braga have been eliminated from European competition.