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Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus - Atalanta Preview: Bianconeri look to maintain Serie A lead Antonio Conte's men have won their last four games, and can stay four points clear at the top of the table with victory against La Dea. Dec 15, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah Matri, Vucinic ATALANTA Polito Raimondi, Stendardo, Manfredini, Peluso Schelotto, Cigarini, Radovanovic, Bonaventura Moralez Denis Juventus coach Antonio Conte will be unable to call upon the services of Arturo Vidal and Nicklas Bendtner when his side host Atalanta on Sunday. Both the combative midfielder and the Danish striker were forced off early in the Bianconeri's midweek cup win over Cagliari. Paul Pogba is likely to replace the Chilean in the centre of the park, with Matri and Vucinic reclaiming the two forward berths. Stefano Colantuono has few injury concerns heading into the match, but he will be without influential goalkeeper Andrea Consigli. Ciro Polito looks set to deputise for the Italian between the sticks, while Ivan Radovanovic will be hoping for a start in the absence of of Carlos Carmona. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus are on a four-game winning streak, keeping clean sheets in each of those fixtures. • The Bianconeri currently hold a four-point lead over Inter atop the Serie A table, having lost just two of their 16 games up to this point. • Antonio Conte's men hold one of the best defensive records of any European side, having conceded just 10 goals up to this point - an average of just 0.63 goals per game. • Atalanta currently sit 10th in the domestic standings, despite having been handed a two-point deduction at the beginning of the season. • La Dea have won just two of their last six however, having succumbed to a 3-0 defeat away to Roma last time out. • Stefano Colantuano's charges poor away record extends beyond that defeat, with the Orobici having grabbed just two wins away from the Stadio Atleti this season. Head to Head Serie A ‎- May 13, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Atalanta 1 Serie A ‎- Jan 21, 2012 - Atalanta 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A ‎- Mar 28, 2010 - Juventus 2 - Atalanta 1 Serie A ‎- Nov 7, 2009 - Atalanta 2 - Juventus 5 Serie A ‎- May 17, 2009 - Juventus 2 - Atalanta 2 Last Five Matches Juventus Dec 12, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 - Coppa Italia Dec 9, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Dec 5, 2012 - Shakhtar Donetsk 0 - Juventus 1 - UCL Dec 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Torino 0 - Serie A Nov 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Atalanta Dec 11, 2012 - Roma 3 - Atalanta 0 - Coppa Italia Dec 8, 2012 - Atalanta 2 - Parma 1 - Serie A Dec 2, 2012 - Bologna 2 - Atalanta 1 - Serie A Nov 28, 2012 - Atalanta 3 - Cesena 1 - Coppa Italia Nov 25, 2012 - Atalanta 0 - Genoa 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Paul Pogba The Frenchman will likely deputise for the sidelined Vidal, and will be eager to prove his worth to Antonio Conte. The former Manchester United midfielder has been impressive in his appearances up to this point, and a composed performance alongside the experienced Pirlo could add another dimension to Juve's attack. Germán Denis The Argentine has been one of Atalanta's premier goal threats this season, with seven goals notched so far. The 31-year old will need to be in fine form if his side are to score and get a result from the Juventus Stadium. Prediction Juventus have been imperious in recent weeks, having recovered capably from their 1-0 defeat to Milan. The Bianconeri have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four, and Atalanta will have their work cut out for them as they look to breach their hosts' backline. A routine victory for Juve seems to be on the cards. Editor's Prediction Juventus 2 - 0 Atalanta http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus v Atalanta: Preview Dec 15, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte received some illustrious backing on the eve of his return to the Turin touchline for a Serie A meeting with Atalanta. Conte made an emotional return to the Juventus Stadium for a midweek Coppa Italia victory over Cagliari, but tomorrow's game against Atalanta marks the 43-year-old's first home league game since a four-month suspension ended last week. Giovanni Trapattoni - now in charge of the Republic of Ireland national team - won the Scudetto six times and the European Cup once in a 10-year spell as Juve boss and the veteran tactician is backing Conte to leave a similar legacy at the Piedmont club. He told the Corriere dello Sport: "Antonio Conte is the most important element of Juve - he knows how to combine good football, a sense of occasion, mental strength and results. "I don't know if this Juve side can get all the way to the final of the Champions League, there are a lot of experienced teams in there, but the team is becoming stronger and stronger and you can't rule out any results." There was bad news for Juve this week, though, with on-loan Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner suffering a leg injury that is likely to keep him out of action for two months. Midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has been given extra time to recover from gastrointestinal flu while Arturo Vidal nurses a bruised knee. Atalanta recovered from a three-game losing streak to claim a 2-1 victory over Parma last time out but the Bergamo club have struggled away from home so far. Federico Peluso has been key player in the Nerazzurri defence for two years but the Italy international revealed how close he had come to sealing a summer switch to Juventus. He told Tuttosport: "They were some difficult months, with my future in the balance right until the very end, and dealing with the rumours wasn't easy. "I'll admit that on the evening of August 31 I felt a little bit of regret but the next day I was fine because I'm happy at Atalanta. "I can't ever be totally sure but I think I was very close to a move. "I would be a hypocrite if I said that I wouldn't like to play for a big club like Juventus in the future. "If Atalanta is a Mercedes then Juventus is a Ferrari... having said that, I'm focused on Atalanta and I won't waste my energy thinking about other things." James Troisi, Davide Biondini and Guido Marilungo will not feature through injury, while Giacomo Bonaventura and Carlos Carmona face late fitness checks. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus v Atalanta – Team News, Tactics, Line-ups And Prediction Dec 15, 2012 Past 10 days have gone well for Juventus. The Old Lady qualified for the Champions League knock-out round after snatching a difficult win at Donetsk and followed it up by welcoming back Antonio Conte while squeezing past Palermo at the Renzo Barbera. Juve’s win against Palermo was further accentuated by their nearest rivals losing against Inter. In mid-week, Conte returned to the sidelines at the Juventus stadium while #12 Sebastian Giovinco scored his 12th Juventus goal on 12th minute on 12-12-12 to help his team get to next round of Coppa Italia. This will be the last match Juventus play at home in a very successful 2012 and Conte’s first Serie A match in Turin this season, so expect another momentous occasion. Facing them will be a tricky Atalanta side which has tided over a two point penalty to occupy a healthy mid-table position. Team News and Tactical Brief Juventus The Coppa Italia game proved to be more costly than Conte would have wanted, with three players picking up injuries. Emmanuele Giaccherini pulled out with a stomach bug while Arturo Vidal picked up a minor muscle injury. The most serious blow came with a long term injury for Nicklas Bendtner who is now set to be ruled out for two to three months. Leonardo Bonucci will also be missing out against the Nerazzuri after picking up a yellow card against Palermo. Antonio Conte is unlikely to tinker with the 3-5-2 formation for this match, despite playing a 4-3-3 in Sicily last week. Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are likely to start with Luca Marrone slotting in for Bonucci. Marrone is a like-for-like replacement for the ex-Bari defender in more than one way. In Conte’s system it is Bonucci, with his superior passing range and better ball control, who plays the role of a sweeper with the other two dropping back. Marrone has proved time and again that his vision for a killer long pass doesn’t betray his young age. He is not a natural defender, having played as a central midfielder for most of his youth career. However, he has shown admirable ability to adapt to the new and has consistently impressed, including in the mid-week game. Mauricio Isla had another quiet game in mid-week and is likely to be replaced by in-form Stefan Lichtsteiner. The Swiss mail train has regained his form after a slight dip in form last month and is back to his best. His movement on the right-wing and understanding with Pirlo and Vucinic is telepathic at times. In the past one and half years, Juventus has created dozens of chances with Pirlo releasing an accelerating Lichtsteiner with a through pass. Atalanta are likely to have five men in the midfield to mirror Juve’s formation and the Swiss international is likely to have an interesting match-up with Federico Peluso. Paul Pogba continues to impress for Juventus and is likely to team up with Pirlo and Marchisio in central midfield. Often faultily compared to Pirlo during the transfer window, Pogba is a player who is more in the Edgar Davids or Patrick Vieira mode. The French starlet is dynamic and has brilliant off the ball movement with a penchant of trying out booming volleys. Unlike Vidal, Pogba is much more comfortable near the opponent penalty box rather than winning possession in midfield. He is likely to make late runs in the penalty box in tandem with Marchisio,with Pirlo spraying over-head passes towards them. It is a tactic which has worked well for Juventus this season. Sebastian Giovinco will look to overcome the dodgy numerological references as he lines up with Vucinic upfront. The Montenegrin has shown encouraging signs of returning to form in Juventus’ past three matches and is likely to act as the holding player with Giovinco making runs into the opponent penalty box. Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco Atalanta The Nerazzuri continue to upset all the odds, continuing the trend of last season. Few experts tipped them to repeat what they did last season but they have defied all bet makers till now. German Denis is still enjoying his Indian Summer in Atalanta and has scored in their last two matches. They will need to bounce back quickly from a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Roma in midweek, however. The Nerazzuri has picked up some impressive scalps this season, including both Milan clubs and Napoli. Atalanta are likely to play a 4-4-1-1 formation with Argentine Maxi Moralez acting as the link-man between midfield and Denis. Moralez was one of the best players for Atalanta last season and has been solid so far this season. Juventus often play a high-line of defence and have looked vulnerable against fast counter attacks. Atalanta’s best chances of scoring a goal will be Moralez or Ezequiel Schelotto making runs behind the Juve back three with Luca Cigarini trying to spot their runs. Cigarini was once tipped to be the next great Italian midfielder. A series of ill-fated transfers cost him some vital seasons of his career but he seems to have regained some of his form in Atalanta. The Orobici will also count on their top scorer German Denis to come good in Turin. The Tank is a physically strong striker and he will look to take advantage of Luca Marrone’s inexperience and comparatively lighter physique. The Argentine is in good form right now and the Old Lady must remain wary of his aerial and physical strength. The most interesting battle will take place on the wings where Federico Peluso will square off against Lichsteiner. The Swiss wing-back is famous for his energy and drive but Peluso has emerged as one of the most consistent Italian full-backs in past one year. His sense of positioning and ability to time his overlaps well is likely to cause Lichtsteiner to be a bit more conservative. Possible Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Consigli; Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Peluso; Schelotto, Radovanovic, Cigarini, Bonaventura; Moralez; Denis Player(s) to Watch Out For Paul Pogba (Juventus) The 19 year-old is steadily showing why two of the biggest clubs in the world were tangled in a bitter transfer saga for his signature. Atalanta is a solid unit and is not likely to play an open game in Turin. Pogba’s energy and dynamism will be vital to unlock the opponent defence. German Denis (Atalanta) The Nerazzuri are not likely to create a whole lot of chances in Juventus stadium. However, given the kind of form Denis has shown since moving to Bergamo, he might not need too many chances to score a goal. Prediction Juventus 2-0 Atalanta Juventus players will have an extra motivation to finish off last match of 2012 with a win plus Antonio Conte is not likely to settle for anything less than three points on his return. Juve’s superiority on the wings is likely to make a difference and the Old Lady can dominate this match in front of their home fans. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus-Atalanta Preview: Round 17 — Home For The Holidays Dec 15, 2012 I don't know if you guys remember this, but the last time Atalanta was at the Juventus Stadium, Juve were hoisting a Scudetto above their heads. That was fun. FUN FUN FUN FUN. It's been a pretty darn good calendar year for Juventus Stadium, the first-full year Italy's best place to watch a football game has been open. There have been celebrations to witness and take it in, victories to cheer about, and just about any other happy things you can possibly think of. Did I mention a lot of winning? Okay, good. Because there was a lot of that. Now, Juve's crown jewel of a stadium is set to host its final game of 2012 when Atalanta come to Turin for the second-to-last match before everybody sets off to beautiful private islands for Christmas vacation and subsequent holiday celebrations. Don't you worry, guys. We'll just hang out here in the cold. No worries. Speaking of celebrations, let me take you back to Atalanta's last visit to Juventus Stadium. I think you might remember it. There were a few things to cheer about that day. Hey, there's Alessandro Del Piero! And Antonio Conte! And Marco Borriello! Wait. I guess not everything was memorable about that game. I still find it to be one of the best moments of the year. SO THERE. But, the fact still remains: Juventus celebrated at their beautiful new stadium and Del Piero lifted the Scudetto above his head. As a baseball player once said to the press: "The thing is, it happened." That it did. League title No. 30 came together on the back what happened at Juventus Stadium. So, as we close one of the best years in club history, Juve look to finish the way it started — winning. I personally think that sounds like a great plan. I hope you all agree. Well, if you're a Juventino, of course. Otherwise, I don't really know what to tell you. LE CHIAVI A few nuggets of information courtesy of juventus.com because they say it just as well I as I would have. Two wins, two draws and four defeats, making it eight points from a possible 23. Seven of the seventeen goals they've managed overall. They've conceded one more on the road than they have in Bergamo. This is how Atalanta have fared away away this season. Atalanta come into this game off the back of a 2-1 home win over Parma. Denis scored a header and Peluso doubled their lead, tapping into an empty net, before Amauri (HEY, REMEMBER HIM?) managed a consolation goal for the Gialloblu. With 21 points, Colantuono's men sit comfortably mid-table in 10th, seven points clear from the relegation zone. GOOD NEWS — OR BAD NEWS? While Juventus aren't playing all that well right now, they're still winning. Be it in the Coppa Italia or in the league campaign, the last few games haven't been world-beaters for Juve. Still, Conte's men are picking up three points. And with a lot of the regulars getting a rest on Wednesday as the second stringers beat Cagliari in the Coppa, the hope is that it pays off. Andrea Pirlo is rested. So are Claudio Marchisio, Mirko Vucinic, Stephen Lichtsteiner, and Giorgio Chiellini. May the #RestedPirlo theory pay off for just about everybody. What is uncertain is whether Arturo Vidal will play due to the knee injury he suffered mid-week against Cagliari. My suggestion: Don't you dare risk it. If there's even the slightest chance of re-injuring it, sit it out and let Paul Pogba continue to be awesome. That's what having a team with depth allows Conte to do. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. What kind of Juventus shows up. Will it be the one we've seen the last two games, one that's pretty much meh at best? Or will it be the one that dominates the opponent at will? I't's obviously tough to predict what may or may not happen sitting thousands of miles away, but you know Conte can't be pleased with the way his team is playing overall the past few matches. Because of that, Conte is certainly going to try and give his squad an extra kick in the ass to try and get them going again. At least that's my best educated guess. If he wants to flip a table or two, that's always acceptable as well. 2. Luca Marrone. With Leo Bonucci out due to yellow card accumulation — no, not for the dive-type sort of thing he tried against Palermo — it's Marrone who will be in the center of the defense. He's played sparingly so far this season, yet he hasn't shown any kind of rust whatsoever. His transition from a box-to-box midfielder to vice-Bonucci has been pretty damn impressive to say the very least. Now, the Italian Under-21 international gets to start consecutive games for the first time since Juve's preseason tour. 3. Shutting down Denis the Menace. Germán Denis is good. I know that isn't exactly breaking news to some of you, but I just wanted to say it. He might not be on the same kind of goal-scoring pace he was last season, but he's still one hell of a threat in front of goal. Denis might not be Cavani or Jovetic in terms of overall quality, but he's certainly the player to circle when drawing up the defensive gameplan. 4. Sebastian Giovinco, Speaking of strikers playing well right now, we shift our attention onto the little fella. While he's not firing completely on all cylinders, Giovinco has quietly put up a solid season thus far, recording eight goals and four assists in all competitions. Not bad, eh? And some people make it sound like he's been a total flop. Ha. Take that you silly people! My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juve squad for Atalanta Dec 15, 2012 Juventus have named a 21-man squad for tomorrow’s game with Atalanta, as Martin Caceres returns and Leonardo Bonucci misses out. Caceres is back after his injury problems, joined by Sebastian Giovinco following suspension, but Bonucci sits out a one-match ban. Nicklas Bendtner is out for up to three months after tearing a tendon in his thigh, though Arturo Vidal and Emanuele Giaccherini have recovered from knocks. Juventus squad for Atalanta: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 6 Pogba, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 15 Barzagli, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Stendardo makes Juventus trip Dec 15, 2012 Atalanta have called Guglielmo Stendardo for the game with Juventus despite suggesting he’d be punished for attending a law exam. The defender was lambasted by Coach Stefano Colantuono this week when he turned down a call-up for the Coppa Italia tie against Roma on Wednesday. He had to be in Salerno to sit several exams, as he is finishing off his law degree. Colantuono and the club warned Stendardo would be punished with a fine or suspension, but he attracted a great deal of attention and positive coverage over the last few days. Atalanta have now named the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Juventus, including Stendardo. Atalanta squad for Juventus: Bellini, Biondini, Bonaventura, Brivio, Cazzola, Cigarini, Consigli, De Luca, Denis, Ferreira Pinto, Ferri, Frezzolini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Matheu, Moralez, Peluso, Polito, Radovanovic, Raimondi, Schelotto, Stendardo, Troisi http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Colantuono too ill for Juve Dec 15, 2012 Atalanta Coach Stefano Colantuono has had to cancel today’s pre-Juventus Press conference after coming down with flu and could even miss the game. The tactician was meant to speak to journalists ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Serie A meeting with the Serie A leaders. However, he has been suffering from flu over the last few days and is not fit enough to hold the Press conference. There are even fears Colantuono won’t be able to sit on the bench in Turin for tomorrow’s game. If he doesn’t make it, then assistant manager Roberto Beni will take over. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus vs. Atalanta PREVIEW – The Queen Visits The Grand Old Lady Dec 14, 2012 As the winter break fast approaches there is no let up for Juventus as they prepare for what will be their eighth match in 26 days. While that run started with some incredibly tough fixtures, the Bianconeri have eased into a run of games against Serie A’s lesser lights and are boosted by the added focus Antonio Conte’s return will undoubtedly bring. Next up are mid-table Atalanta as the ‘Queen of the Provinces’ travel to Turin to face the grandest of old ladies. It is a return to the past for Conte who led the Bergamaschi for nineteen games during the 2009-10 season in which they would ultimately be relegated. He would resign from his post in January of that campaign following a running feud with the Ultra of the Curva Nord and suffered a number of embarrassing losses including a 5-2 home defeat to Juventus which was arguably among the best performances of Ciro Ferrara’s tenure with the club. Former Torino boss Stefano Colantuono now leads Serie A’s other Nerazzurri and, having finished twelfth last season, he has them as high as tenth this time around and playing some good football which will require Juve to apply themselves properly if they are to ensure a positive result. They will of course be helped by the mid-week Coppa Italia victory over Cagliari during which Conte was able to rest and rotate a number of key figures. Atalanta Colantuono has forged this Atalanta side into a real rarity on the peninsula, a side who attack directly and with much speed down the flanks. They possess some genuine quality in those wide areas thanks to Federico Peluso and Ezequiel Schelotto who both provide an accurate and steady stream of crosses for the dominant German Denis to feed on. The striker has scored 22 goals in 51 games since joining the club from Udinese last August and has six goals to his name this term whilst also registering three assists. His biggest strength is in the air, winning an average of 3.8 aerial duels per game to help Atalanta be the second strongest team in this regard, trailing only Cagliari in an area where Juve struggle with only Pescara and Roma worse than the Bianconeri at winning headers. But there is far more to this team than that and to underestimate them as some kind of Italian Stoke City would be to hugely misread the quality at Colantuono’s disposal, particularly in midfield. While Juve’s own M-V-P trio are arguably among the best units in world football, the Orobici boast a group of players more than able to hold their own in domestic action. Luca Cigarini leads the way, averaging more passes per game than all but three players (Andrea Pirlo, Daniele Conti and David Pizarro) in the league and also ranks fifth in terms of chances created with 2.5 key passes per game. With Schelotto and Maxi Moralez also featuring, the Atalanta midfield can expect to challenge the home side on Sunday meaning Juventus will need to find players in other areas to step up and help. Probable Formation (4-4-1-1): CONSIGLI; BELLINI, LUCCHINI, MANFREDINI, PELUSO; SCHELOTTO, RADOVANOVIC, CIGARINI, BONAVENTURA; MORALEZ; DENIS Juventus Having named arguably his strongest line up against Palermo last week, Conte made seven changes for the Coppa Italia tie with Cagliari and, given a number of issues which have arisen since then, a number of those moves may prove to be hugely beneficial when Atalanta roll into town. Chief among them is the first appearance in over a month for Italy Under 21 international Luca Marrone, now viewed as the first alternative in the middle of the back three. His intelligent positioning, reading of the game and passing accuracy make him perhaps the closest player in terms of skill and attributes to Leo Bonucci who will miss this match after picking up his eighth yellow card of the campaign for that dive against the Rosanero. While not as serious as first feared, the injury sustained by Arturo Vidal in the cup game is also likely to see him miss out and another youngster – Paul Pogba – is expected to fill in for the Chilean midfielder. He has been hugely impressive since his summer switch and seems capable of providing cover for any of the first choice three in central midfield. Elsewhere it should be the usual suspects with Sebastian Giovinco likely to continue in attack following his match winner against the Sardinian side who Juve also face in league action next Friday. Probable Formation (3-5-2): BUFFON; BARZAGLI, MARRONE, CHIELLINI; LICHTSTEINER, POGBA, PIRLO, MARCHISIO, ASAMOAH; VUCINIC, GIOVINCO http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa MATCH PREVIEW Dec 14, 2012 Juventus have restored their four point lead but face a rejuvenated Atalanta who have ended a three match losing streak. Juve claimed back-to-back victories for the first time since October with success in Palermo. Amid Antonio Conte’s return to the bench, a hailstorm and heavy pitch, Stephan Lichtsteiner connected with Mirko Vucinic’s backheel to net the only goal of the game. In action again on Wednesday, Juve defeated Cagliari by a single goal - scored by Sebastian Giovinco - in the Coppa Italia. Conte said he felt moved by the fans affection in his first match back in charge in Turin, but he lamented injuries suffered. Emanuele Giaccherini had to pull out during the warm-up, while his replacement Arturo Vidal, plus Nicklas Bendtner, were both replaced during the first half. Giaccherini and Vidal should be available, yet the Dane is expected to miss two or three months. Giovinco returns from suspension, but Leonardo Bonucci has reached the yellow card limit. Boosted by a strong run of form which produced four wins out of five – including triumphs over Napoli and Inter – Atalanta proceeded to lose their next three matches. Disappointingly two came against sides straddling the relegation zone, while they were humbled in Florence. They altered the form guide on Saturday by defeating Parma. German Denis netted for the second match in succession, before Federico Peluso doubled the advantage. Parma pulled a goal back but the Bergamaschi held on. Yet Stefano Colantuono was disappointed by the nature of their Coppa Italia exit, a 3-0 loss at Roma on Tuesday. Along with long-term absentee Guido Marilungo, Atalanta make the trip to Turin without injured defender Daniele Capelli. James Troisi – co-owned by Juventus - Davide Biondini, Ferreira Pinto and Guglielmo Stendardo are all available after missing last Saturday’s win. Their last meeting completed Juventus’ historic unbeaten season, when Alessandro Del Piero was on target for the final time in the 3-1 win last May. That made it 33 wins out of 51 home contests for the Bianconeri. The Nerazzurri have returned to Bergamo with maximum points on just four occasions. Keep an eye on: Luca Marrone (Juventus) – The talented youngster gets his opportunity thanks to Bonucci’s suspension. He is highly rated by Conte and featured in midweek in the Coppa Italia after a recent injury and difficulty in gaining a spot in the team. Marrone will look to make the most of this opportunity. Form guide: Juventus (W D L W W) Atalanta (W L L L W) Last season: Juventus 3-1 Atalanta Stat fact: You have to go back to 1989-90 for Atalanta’s last away win over Juventus. Argentine speedster Claudio Caniggia netted the only goal on that occasion. JUVENTUS (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco ATALANTA (probable): Consigli; Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Peluso; Schelotto, Radovanovic, Cigarini, Bonaventura; Moralez; Denis http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 16-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Davide Massa Preview: Juventus vs. Atalanta Dec 14, 2012 Atalanta ended a three-match losing streak with victory over Parma last Saturday, but will be up against it when they travel to reigning champions Juventus tomorrow night. The Bianconeri are currently top of the pile in Serie A with 12 wins from 16 games, while the visitors are going steady in 10th place. Antonio Conte, now back on the touchline following his ban, will be without Nicklas Bendtner for the visit of La Dea. The Danish striker has been ruled out for up to three months with a leg injury. Emanuele Giaccherini and Arturo Vidal are also struggling to be fit after picking up injuries during last week's win over Palermo. Sebastian Giovinco will be welcomed back from his suspension, but Leonardo Bonucci takes his place in the sin bin. Meanwhile, defender Daniele Capelli will be missing for Stefano Colantuono, who is boosted by the return of James Troisi, Davide Biondini, Ferreira Pinto and Guglielmo Stendardo. Recent form Juventus: LWDLWW Atalanta: WWLLLW Possible lineups JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco ATALANTA: Consigli; Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Peluso; Schelotto, Radovanovic, Cigarini, Bonaventura; Moralez; Denis Sports Mole says: 2-0 http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Story so far: Juventus Dec 14, 2012 Propelled by a splendid midfield trio, Juventus racked up three wins on the bounce to top Group E and, as one of four unbeaten teams, must now be viewed as serious contenders. Returning to the UEFA Champions League group stage after three years away, Juventus qualified for the round of 16 in impressive fashion. Though the Bianconeri's progress was still in doubt heading into matchday six, they ultimately finished top of Group E ahead of the impressive FC Shakhtar Donetsk and holders Chelsea FC. Story so far Juventus, undefeated in last season's Scudetto-winning campaign, started the group stage away to Chelsea and immediately proved their determination to make a mark on their return. Two down at Stamford Bridge, Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella scored to earn the visitors a share of the spoils. After another point followed at home to Shakhtar, a 1-1 draw at FC Nordsjælland complicated matters for the Serie A side. They moved up the gears when needed, though, concluding with three straight victories – and as many clean sheets. Pivotal moment Victor Moses's added-time clincher for Chelsea against Shakhtar on matchday four undid much of the good work achieved by Juve's 4-0 success against Nordsjælland. Subsequently requiring a home win against Chelsea, the Italian outfit responded in emphatic style in what defender Giorgio Chiellini described as an "almost perfect" performance: 3-0 the scoreline. Would they have produced such a display if their backs were not against the wall? Key player Midfielder Vidal, aka 'The Warrior', justified his nickname in the opening game when he scored at Chelsea despite visibly running with a limp following a nasty knock. The 25-year-old Chilean international ended the group stage with three goals and two assists – but showed himself to be more than just an attacking threat, embodying the never-say-die attitude of the Old Lady. "We are showing the same heart as last season," said Vidal, admirably supported in midfield by the excellent Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio. Rising star With such stiff competition in the middle of the park, it is no surprise Paul Pogba has had limited first-team opportunities. However, the 19-year-old has proved Juve can count on him whenever necessary. Two-footed, physically strong, technically sound and with a sense for goal, the French youth international revealed his worth when he deputised superbly for the suspended Marchisio in Donetsk. "Pogba is hard, physically strong and good at getting into scoring situations," said Pirlo. "He reminds me of Patrick Vieira." Number After beginning with three successive draws – taking their tally to nine in a row in European competition – the Bianconeri signed off with three straight wins, making them one of only four teams to finish the group stage undefeated. Quote "It was a show of strength; we sent out a strong signal to the whole of Europe. If somebody had doubts about us, I think we swept every question away by playing as we did." Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon feels Juve can aim high after their impressive group stage effort.

Marchisio: We can do better with Conte Dec 14, 2012 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has admitted that the team can go from strength-to-strength now that Antonio Conte has returned from his ban. The 43-year-old Coach came back from his touchline ban last weekend for the match against Palermo and the Bianconeri youth product has conceded that it was tough being without their boss. “It is not easy to be without your Coach after winning a championship,” he told juventus.com. “Just after you've won something, that is the time you need a man to guide you. “But we have grown up without him, and now he's back, we can do even better.” He also commented on the team's aims for the upcoming season. “We have achieved the first two objectives – to qualify from our Champions League group and to start well in the League. “But now we are focused on the upcoming League games. We've got Atalanta and Cagliari to come, and although they may seem easy on paper, we have to give them the utmost respect.” The 26-year-old concluded by remarking on who he believes will be the club's biggest rivals come May. “Every week a different name comes forward. First it was Roma, then Napoli, then Inter. We know they will all be there or thereabouts, but we can only concentrate on ourselves.”

Juventus deserve to be ahead of Inter, insists Stramaccioni The Nerazzurri boss believes that the Bianconeri are more consistent than his side and calls for better results when his team go up against weaker opposition. Dec 14, 2012 Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni feels that his team need to be more steady in their performances ahead of the Lazio clash. The Milan side currently sit second behind table-toppers Juventus, who the coach believes are more consistent in their matches against weaker opponents and therefore deserve to lead Serie A. "Juventus? They've shown they're more consistent, not only in their results but in their individual performances," the 36-year-old told reporters at the press conference ahead of the Lazio match. "That's why they deserve to be ahead of us. We knew we could beat them on a one-off match but their project is a year further on than ours and they have great players and replacements in every position."

Maldini: Juventus, Inter or Napoli will win Serie A The Rossoneri legend does not believe his former club are in the race for the league title and has tipped the current top three to maintain their charge for the crown. Dec 13, 2012 Former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini believes Juventus, Napoli and Inter will fight it out for this season's Scudetto. Antonio Conte's side are currently in first place but an improving Nerazzurri and the Partenopei are following closely in the Bianconeri's wake. And Maldini has tipped one of those three to eventually lift the league title, but counted his former club out of the running. "The removal of Milan from third place is important and I do not think the teams in front of them will slow down," he told Tuttosport. "Fiorentina, Roma and Lazio are very competitive this season and I am sure they will make it hard for Milan to peg them back. The Scudetto? It's a three-way fight between Juventus, Inter and Napoli." "The Rossoneri were not capable of much earlier this season. The changes during the off-season were enormous in terms of men, players and personalities. They have required a little bit of patience, thats all." Maldini reserved special praise for Stephan El Shaarawy, though, who has emerged as the surprise package of the season with 13 goals in Serie A. "El Shaarawy has shown great class. He is a modern player because he works in both phases, attack and defence. He is proving to be a relentless goalscorer. I did not expect so much from him," he added. The former Azzurri skipper also spoke highly of his former international team-mate, Francesco Totti, who continues to blossom even at the grand age of 36-years-old. "Totti is without a doubt still a major player in Italian football. The way in which he plays for Roma and helps the attackers around him is amazing. Thanks to new methods of training Totti can still play at such a high level."

Coppa Italia - Ottavi di finale - 12-12-2012 (ore 21:00) 1 - 0 Sebastian Giovinco (57′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Marco Guida Coppa Italia - La Juventus passa il turno nel segno del 12 La Juventus si qualifica ai quarti di finale battendo il Cagliari per 1-0. Decide la gara Sebastian Giovinco, numero di maglia 12, al minuto 12 della ripresa. Conte non può sorridere del tutto, perché perde per infortunio Vidal e Bendtner. Ai quarti i bianconeri incontreranno il Milan. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 12 dicembre 2012 I numeri, a volte, possono lasciare a bocca aperta. Lasciando perdere le teorie sui Maya e sulla fine del mondo, l’ottavo di finale di Coppa Italia tra Juventus e Cagliari è stato deciso al minuto 12 della ripresa, dal numero 12 bianconero, Sebastian Giovinco. Proprio oggi che è il 12/12/12. Un dato di fatto. La Juventus si qualifica così ai quarti di finale, dove incontrerà la vincente tra Milan e Reggina. Grandi applausi e grande festa per Antonio Conte, al rientro nello Juventus Stadium. Non può però sorridere completamente il tecnico bianconero, che perde per infortunio Giaccherini, Vidal e Bendtner. PROBLEMA INFORTUNI. Giocare con la temperatura di meno cinque gradi, a Torino, un mercoledì sera di dicembre non è il massimo. Farlo con giocatori che scendono raramente in campo e che quindi non hanno una condizione collaudata come i titolari è ancora peggio. E così Antonio Conte, al ritorno nello Juventus Stadium dopo i 4 mesi di squalifica (tantissimi striscioni e cori per lui) nel giro di 45 minuti, deve rinunciare prima a Giaccherini (fuori per un problema intestinale nel riscaldamento) e poi a Bendtner (fermato da un guaio muscolare anche lui al 40’ del primo tempo). A loro due si aggiunge il riacutizzarsi del problema al ginocchio già avvertito domenica da Vidal, che viene tolto dal campo per evitare guai peggiori. BENDTNER CI AVEVA PROVATO. Ai tre infortuni la Juve somma la sfortuna del suo attaccante danese, che nel primo tempo, trovando ottima intesa con Giovinco, va vicino al gol in almeno tre nitide occasioni. Bendtner ci prova, ma prima Avramov e poi i centimetri che separano la palla dal palo, gli negano la prima personale gioia bianconera. Il Cagliari di Pulga-Lopez così, ordinato e infarcito di giovani interessanti come Murru, Eriksson e Del Fabbro, riesce a tenere il risultato sullo 0-0 nella prima frazione, senza nemmeno soffrire troppo. LA RISOLVE GIOVINCO, IL NUMERO 12. La giocata che sblocca la gara (e la decide) arriva ad inizio ripresa dal giocatore di maggior talento in campo. Sebastian Giovinco, al 57’ (minuto 12 della ripresa, approfitta di una disattenzione di Rossettini in area, lo evita e batte Avramov, diventando il primo bianconero in questa stagione a segnare in tutte e tre le competizioni. Per l’ex parmense fanno 8 gol totali nella nuova avventura bianconera e la conferma di un notevole aumento di personalità rispetto all’inizio. Conte, che ha creduto in lui da subito senza ascoltare le critiche di tanti tifosi, sembra vedere i risultati del suo lavoro (soprattutto psicologico) sulla formica atomica. Da quel momento in poi, per i bianconeri, la gara si mette in discesa e l'unica risposta vera del Cagliari sta in una conclusione di Dessena dalla distanza ben respinta da Buffon. ORA MILAN O REGGINA. La Juventus quindi, dopo il passaggio del turno in Champions League, si qualifica anche per i quarti di finale di Coppa Italia. Considerando anche il primo posto in campionato, non poteva esserci miglior inizio di stagione: fanno 17 vittorie, 5 pareggi e 2 sole sconfitte nel totale delle 24 gare giocate. Il Cagliari esce a testa alta, con il rimpianto che, forse, giocando con la squadra titolare, magari avrebbe ottenuto un risultato migliore. Ora , nel prossimo turno, la Juve affronterà la vincente di Milan-Reggina. Se passassero i rossoneri, ci sarebbe un quarto di finale dal sapore della grande sfida. Enrico Turcato - Eurosport Juventus 1 - 0 Cagliari

Ghana call Serie A stars Dec 13, 2012 Milan don’t have to worry about losing Sulley Muntari for the African Cup of Nations, but Ghana call Juventus and Udinese stars. There were concerns that Muntari’s comeback six months after surgery would see him waltz off almost immediately for the tournament in January and February. However, he is not included in the squad list for Ghana, so can act as a replacement for Nigel De Jong. There are other Serie A players called up for Ghana, such as Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and Udinese’s Emmanuel Agyemang Badu. Sassuolo striker Richmond Boakye is also included.