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Coppa Italia - Last of 16 - 12-12-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Marco Guida HT: Juve count injuries and misses Dec 12, 2012 Juventus are still goalless at half-time against Cagliari in the Coppa Italia, but lost three players already to injury. The Bianconeri’s first Coppa Italia tie of the season was also Coach Antonio Conte’s first at the Juventus Stadium since his four-match ban in the betting scandal expired. A huge banner read: ‘Welcome back to our leader, though you never really left.’ Fabio Quagliarella and Marco Storari were suspended, but Nicklas Bendtner, Paul Pogba and Luca Marrone were given rare starts. Cagliari left many of their top stars behind, using a very attack-minded 4-2-3-1 system. Sebastian Giovinco, who was sporting a new beard, sprung the offside trap only to aim the finish weakly into the goalkeeper’s arms. Bendtner also blasted wide, but there was bad news when Arturo Vidal pulled up by himself in midfield and limped off with a suspected knee problem. Vidal had already been a last-minute replacement for Emanuele Giaccherini, who picked up an injury in the warm-up. Bendtner thought he’d scored his first Juve goal, but again Vlada Avramov was able to parry. The Dane on loan from Arsenal headed a Leonardo Bonucci cross into the ground and back over from close range. Giovinco had hooked a long ball over the top to go clear on goal when incorrectly ruled offside, though Avramov had also read his lob. A Giovinco shot was accidentally charged down by teammate Paolo De Ceglie in the box, as Juve fans started to grumble from the stands. Bendtner then crumpled to the ground during a counter-attack and immediately called for a substitution. He was stretchered off for ex-Cagliari star Alessandro Matri, the third forced change for Conte this evening. Juventus 0-0 Cagliari (Half-Time) JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Isla, Padoin, Pogba, Vidal (Asamoah 16), De Ceglie; Bendtner (Matri 44), Giovinco CAGLIARI: Avramov; Perico, Rossettini, Del Fabro, Murru; Eriksson, Ekdal; Ibarbo, Ceppelini, Thiago Ribeiro; Pinilla Ref: Guida

Coppa Italia - Last of 16 - 12-12-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Marco Guida Line-ups: Juventus-Cagliari Dec 12, 2012 Juventus give Nicklas Bendtner and Paul Pogba rare starts as they welcome Cagliari in the Coppa Italia tonight, which is also Antonio Conte’s Turin comeback. The Round of 16 tie kicks off at 20.00 GMT and it will be the first time Coach Conte has walked along the Juventus Stadium touchline this season. His four-month ban in the betting scandal expired last week and he returned in the 1-0 win away to Palermo. Fabio Quagliarella and Marco Storari are suspended, so Gigi Buffon unusually takes the gloves in this competition. Pogba allows Andrea Pirlo to rest in midfield, Luca Marrone is used at centre-back, while Bendtner is given a chance alongside Sebastian Giovinco. Cagliari have left behind key players like Radja Nainggolan, Nene, Daniele Conti, Davide Astori, Marco Sau, Andrea Cossu and Lorenzo Ariaudo. The Sardinians crushed Pescara 4-2 in the last round and here rely on Mauricio Pinilla and the pace of Victor Ibarbo and Thiago Ribeiro. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Isla, Padoin, Pogba, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Bendtner, Giovinco Juventus bench: Rubinho, Branescu, Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Chiellini, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah, Vucinic, Matri CAGLIARI: Avramov; Perico, Rossettini, Del Fabro, Murru; Eriksson, Ekdal; Ibarbo, Ceppelini, Thiago Ribeiro; Pinilla Cagliari bench: Agazzi, Camilleri, Russu, Dessena, Casarini, Piredda, Chelo.

Coppa Italia - Last of 16 - 12-12-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Marco Guida Coppa Italia: Juventus vs. Cagliari Rapid Fire Preview Dec 12, 2012 A year ago, the Coppa Italia served as a de fecto Champions League for the simple fact that there was no European football to be had for Juventus. That goodness we don't have to do that again. But, in less than 24 hours, the Coppa Italia is back again. With Juventus continuing the Champions League voyage, the "other" trophy in Italy has certainly become a lot less important in the grand scheme of things. That's at least some people's general thinking of the matter. For some folks, like Antonio Conte, it's another trophy to win — one that eluded his team last season as they came up short in the final against Napoli. For Conte, it will be his first game back at Juventus Stadium since he returned from his ban just 72 hours prior. I'm pretty sure the tifosi will be happy to see him, guys. Not quite sure, though. Just kinda a hunch I've got. Anyway.... The Coppa Italia will probably mean a couple of things: 1) Players who don't start much will actually get to play; 2) It's a chance to see a team Juventus will play again in league in just a little over a week. It's not exactly inside information here, but it's what we've come to expect from the Coppa Italia. And let's face it: With Juventus playing on all three fronts this season, the Coppa Italia is third fiddle to the league campaign and Europe. That's just how it goes. So, with that being said, are you ready? You know, ready for some football? It's the Coppa Italia! Let's rock! TEAM NEWS AND NOTES A Coppa Italia game means Gigi Buffon gets the night off, right? Not so fast. Due to Marco Storari being suspended, San Gigi will get the start in goal for Juventus, according to Conte at his press conference on Tuesday. ...Also of note from the presser is the current injury situation. According to Conte, Luca Marrone and Mauricio Isla have recovered from their respective injuries. Not-so-good injury news: Martin Caceres and, to a lesser extent, Lucio. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. The lineups. It's the Coppa Italia and that means the benches will be used. It's pretty much the unwritten rule of this competition. Well, for some clubs, like Juventus, it is. Barring injuries, of course, the squad Conte trots out will certainly look different than the one that has been used in recent weeks. There haven't been too many chances for Andrea Pirlo or Claudio Marchisio to rest this season, but Wednesday's cup tie against Cagliari is the time to do so. Conte pretty much said in his pre-match press conference that there will be squad rotation, but to what extent is obviously in wait-and-see mode. 2. The striker combination. Mirko Vucinic has been playing as much as anybody in recent weeks, so if Conte wants to give him a night off, then this is probably the time to do so. That means the age-old question: Who starts up top? Sebastian Giovinco is fresh as can after sitting out Sunday's win due to suspension. The same can be said for Fabio Quagliarella, who has been sitting out the last few games for mouthing off to Angelo Alessio — at least that's our best educated guess at this point. Then there's Alessandro Matri and Nicklas Bendtner. Maybe Big Nick can just live-tweet the game or something if he doesn't get to play. At least he'd be serving some kind of purpose. 3. The reception Antonio Conte gets at Juventus Stadium. It will be loud, it will be fantastic. The tifosi will sing Conte's time and time again and it will be glorious. The reception Conte will undoubtedly will get is deserved and it is one that's been four months in the making. They chanted his name when he was up in the stands, and now it will be even that much better when he steps out onto the sidelines for the first home game since his touchline ban ended. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres; Isla, Pogba, Marrone, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Quagliarella Matri, Giovinco Who knows, though. I could be totally wrong — which is very likely.

Coppa Italia - Last of 16 - 12-12-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Marco Guida Strong Juve for Coppa tie Dec 12, 2012 Antonio Conte has named a full-strength Juventus squad for their midweek Coppa Italia clash with Cagliari. The Bianconeri host the Sardinian outfit this evening in the Last 16 clash, with the Coach having already confirmed that a number of the players on the outskirts of the first team will feature. Conte, who will be in the Juventus Stadium dugout for the first time after his ban for alleged involvement in the betting scandal, has indicated that Emanuele Giaccherini, Luca Marrone and Simone Padoin could all play. However, Martin Caceres misses out as he has yet to reach top condition after injury, whilst Lucio is also still sidelined with injury. Yesterday’s evening training session suggests a 3-5-2 formation with the following line-up: Buffon; Barzagli, Marrone, Bonucci; Isla, Padoin, Pogba, Giaccherini, De Ceglie; Giovinco, Bendtner Juventus squad to face Cagliari: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 6 Pogba, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 15 Barzagli, 17 Bendtner, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone

Coppa Italia - Last of 16 - 12-12-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Marco Guida Juventus - Cagliari Preview: Bianconeri continue double quest in Coppa Italia clash The Turin club enjoy a four-point cushion at the Serie A summit, and can reach the quarter-final's of Italy's cup competition if they can overcome Wednesday's visitors. Dec 11, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres Padoin, Giaccherini, Pogba, Marchisio, De Ceglie Giovinco, Bendtner CAGLIARI Avramov Perico, Rossettini, Ariaudo, Avelar Ekdal, Nainggolan, Dessena Ceppellini Ibarbo, Pinilla After recording victory in his return to the Juventus bench having served a lengthy suspension for his part in a match-rigging scandal, coach Antonio Conte is set to rotate his team for the visit of Cagliari in the Coppa Italia last-16. Gianluigi Buffon will drop to the bench, replaced by Marco Storari who will be given the chance to shine in goal, while Andrea Pirlo is another who will be rested for the clash, with Paul Pogba set to start. There are also two changes in attack. Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic, who led the line against Palermo at the weekend, see their places taken by Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella for the cup tie. The Sardinians will hope for an immediate recovery after going down 2-0 at the weekend to Chievo, leaving them 14th in the Serie A standings. One of the key changes could be seen in the playmaking position; Andrea Cossu is likely to be rested, meaning former Penarol youngster and Uruguay Under-20 international Pablo Cepellini may get the chance to shine in Juventus Stadium. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus were the first-ever Italian team to complete the national double, lifting the Serie A and Coppa Italia titles in 1960. They were also the first to repeat that feat, in 1995. • The Bianconeri are making their Coppa bow at the last-16 stage, having reached the final in 2011-12 and going down to Napoli. • Victory at the weekend extended Juve's Serie A lead to four points, ahead of Inter who went second on Sunday with victory over Napoli. • Cagliari have already won twice in this year's Coppa, downing Spezia and Pescara 2-1 and 4-2 respectively. • Brazilian striker Thiago Ribeiro is joint-top scorer going into the last-16, thanks to a hat-trick notched against Pescara. • The Rossoblu have never lifted the Coppa Italia, their best performance came in 1968-69 when the Sardinians finished runners-up to Roma. Head to Head Serie A ‎- May 6, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A ‎- Jan 15, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1 Serie A ‎- Feb 5, 2011 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3 Serie A ‎- Sep 26, 2010 - Juventus 4 - Cagliari 2 Serie A ‎- Apr 11, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 Last Five Matches Juventus 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 Nov 20, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Chelsea FC 0 - UCL Cagliari Dec 9, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Chievo 2 - Serie A Dec 5, 2012 - Cagliari 4 - Pescara 2 - Coppa Italia Dec 2, 2012 - Udinese 4 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A Nov 26, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - SSC Napoli 1 - Serie A Nov 18, 2012 - FC Internazionale 2 - Cagliari 2 - Serie A Players to Watch Paul Pogba The 19-year-old midfielder has made an instant impact in Turin, with comparisons to Patrick Vieira already being thrown around after some accomplished displays. He will have the chance to further enhance his reputation against the Sardinians. Mauricio Pinilla The Chilean striker was on target in both of Cagliari's opening Coppa Italia meetings, and will be hoping to find the net to keep the club's hopes of winning a first cup title in their history alive. Prediction The Italians have been in imperious form so far in 2012-13, and even with a rotated starting line-up should have more than enough to dispatch their Coppa Italia rivals and advance to the last-eight. Editor's Prediction Juventus 3 - 1 Cagliari

Coppa Italia - Last of 16 - 12-12-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Referee: Marco Guida Pulga warns Juventus Dec 11, 2012 Cagliari Coach Ivo Pulga warns Juventus “we’re not beaten yet” ahead of their Coppa Italia encounter, but makes some unusual selections. “It’ll be a great appointment for the club,” said the tactician who steps into the Juventus Stadium at 20.00 GMT. “Juventus will use their second string side, but those names could easily be first choices in any other team. “We’re not beaten yet. We want to play our game and have our chances at qualification. We’ve been dropping points due to bad luck recently, as the only really negative performance was against Udinese. “It just means we’ll have to fight back with even more hard work, determination, concentration and grit.” However, Pulga left behind many key players such as Radja Nainggolan, Nene, Daniele Conti, Davide Astori, Marco Sau, Andrea Cossu and Lorenzo Ariaudo. Cagliari squad for Juventus: Agazzi, Avramov; Camilleri, Del Fabro, Murru, Perico, Rossettini, Russu; Casarini, Ceppelini, Dessena, Ekdal, Eriksson, Piredda; Chelo, Ibarbo, Pinilla, Thiago Ribeiro

Coppa Italia - Ottavi di finale - 12-12-2012 (ore 21:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Marco Guida Verso Juventus-Cagliari: Conte si affida a Buffon e lancia Bendtner, rossoblù col 4-2-3-1. Ampio turn over in entrambe le formazioni per questo ottavo di finale della Coppa Italia. I bianconeri schierano Giovinco accanto al danese. Nel Cagliari molti Primavera in campo. 12 Dicembre, 2012 PROBABILI FORMAZIONI JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli - Bonucci - Marrone Isla - Giaccherini - Pogba - Padoin - De Ceglie Giovinco - Bendtner ------------------------------------------------- Pinilla Ibarbo - Thiago Ribeiro - Cepellini Casarini - Ekdal Perico - Rossettini - Del Fabro - Murru Avramov CAGLIARI QUI JUVENTUS Conte torna in panchina allo 'Juventus Stadium' e mischia le carte. In porta il secondo Storari è squalificato, ci sarà Buffon con Rubinho pronto a subentrare nella ripresa. In difesa Bonucci partirà dal primo minuto, dato che salterà per squalifica il prossimo match di campionato, affiancato da Barzagli e da Marrone, recuperato (non convocato Caceres). A centrocampo spazio per Pogba al posto di Pirlo, con Padoin e Giaccherini interni. Sulle fasce agiranno invece Isla e De Ceglie. Davanti il tecnico salentino lancia il danese Bendtner, affiancato da Giovinco. QUI CAGLIARI Anche Pulga e Lopez scelgono il turnover, lanciando nel match anche alcuni ragazzi della Primavera. Spazio dunque a chi gioca meno: a difendere i la porta ci sarà Avramov, supportato dalla difesa formata dai baby Murru e Del Fabro, con Rossettini e Perico. In mediana Casarini ed Ekdal, davanti Cepellini, Thiago Ribeiro ed Ibarbo saranno i tre trequartisti dietro al 'puntero' Pinilla. IL MOMENTO La Juventus arriva con la rosa quasi al completo, dopo aver ritrovato la carica del proprio allenatore in panchina. L'ultima vittoria in campionato dei bianconeri ha consolidato il primato in classifica, dopo aver anche vinto il girone di Champions League: per cui le energie ora possono essere trasferite tutte negli ottavi di Coppa Italia. I rossoblù arrivano invece da un periodo difficile, dopo aver incassato la terza sconfitta consecutiva contro il Chievo, la seconda tra le mura amiche di 'Is Arenas'. Gli uomini di Pulga e Lopez cercano dunque riscatto in coppa, sul difficile campo dello 'Juventus Stadium'. LA CHIAVE L'ampio turn over che i due allenatori hanno deciso di effettuare potrebbe stravolgere ogni pronostico. Avrà sicuramente la meglio la formazione che saprà meglio sopperire allo stravolgimento tecnico-tattico dell'ossatura di squadra, inevitabile quando si cambiano quasi tutti gli uomini negli undici titolari. Farà poi la differenza anche la voglia che le seconde linee metteranno in campo. I PROTAGONISTI Nella Juventus occasione importante per il danese Bendtner, che non ha ancora convinto nelle poche apparizioni bianconere. A centrocampo ci si aspetta molto da Pogba, che invece ha già mostrato lampi di alta classe quando è stato chiamato in causa. Nel Cagliari gli osservati speciali sono i due attaccanti Pinilla e Ibarbo, con quest'ultimo sembrato in ottima forma nei sedicesimi contro il Pescara. Testa a Testa Serie A ‎- 06/mag/2012 - Cagliari 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A ‎- 15/gen/2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1 Serie A ‎- 05/feb/2011 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3 Serie A ‎- 26/set/2010 - Juventus 4 - Cagliari 2 Serie A ‎- 11/apr/2010 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 Ultime 5 Partite JUVENTUS 09/dic/2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A 05/dic/2012 - Shakhtar 0 - Juventus 1 - UCL 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 Cagliari 09/dic/2012 - Cagliari 0 - Chievo 2 - Serie A 05/dic/2012 - Cagliari 4 - Pescara 2 - Coppa Italia 02/dic/2012 - Udinese 4 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A 26/nov/2012 - Cagliari 0 - Napoli 1 - Serie A 18/nov/2012 - Inter 2 - Cagliari 2 - Serie A Previsione Juventus 3 - 1 Cagliari

Coppa Italia - Ottavi di finale - 12-12-2012 (ore 21:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Marco Guida Confronti ufficiali 72 - 64 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 31 - 29 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 27 - 24 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Cagliari 14 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Juventus 89 - 80 (Serie A) - 8 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Cagliari 62 - 54 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Coppa Uefa) Juventus - Cagliari - Coppa Italia a Torino Confronti ufficiali 2 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 2 (L'ultimo il 06.05.1987, 2-2) Vittorie Cagliari 0 Goals Juventus 3 Goals Cagliari 3 Giocatori con più presenze e goals in Coppa Italia contro il Cagliari a Torino 1 presenza Anzolin Roberto 1 Benetti Romeo 1 Bercellino I Giancarlo 1 Bonetti Ivano 1 Bonini Massimo 1 Briaschi Massimo 1 Brio Sergio 1 Buso Renato 1 Caricola Nicola 1 Del Sol Luis 1 goal Bercellino I Giancarlo 1 Platini Michel 1 Soldà Roberto Ultimi confronti diretti 02.09.2007 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 2-3 03.02.2008 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-1 21.09.2008 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 0-1 31.01.2009 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 2-3 29.11.2009 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 2-0 11.04.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-0 26.09.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 4-2 05.02.2011 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-3 15.01.2012 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-1 06.05.2012 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 0-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Cagliari 2 - Goals Juventus 18 - Goals Cagliari 12

Serie A - 16^ Giornata - Andata - 9-12-2012 (ore 15:00) 0 - 1 Stephan Lichtsteiner (50′) Stadio "Renzo Barbera" - Palermo Arbitro: Andrea De Marco Spettatori: 17000 Serie A - La Juve festeggia il ritorno di Conte Vittoria al rientro in panchina per Antonio Conte. Decide il match di Palermo la rete di Lichsteiner ad inizio secondo tempo, perfettamente servito da un colpo di tacco di Vucinic. Bianconeri sempre primi. Due pali per Vucinic, migliore in campo. Eurosport - Domenica, 9 dicembre 2012 Bentornato Antonio Conte. Riparte da dove aveva lasciato l’allenatore bianconero. Era il giorno dell’addio di Del Piero e allo Juventus Stadium si giocava l’ultima di campionato, Juventus-Atalanta. I bianconeri festeggiavano lo Scudetto. Ora, dopo sei mesi da quel momento e dopo quattro mesi di squalifica, il rientro in campionato del tecnico pugliese, è coinciso con una nuova vittoria della Juve, sempre più prima in classifica a quota 38 punti. Il gol che decide la partita, giocata in un campo ai limiti della praticabilità, lo segna lo svizzero Lichsteiner, sontuosamente servito da Vucinic di tacco ad inizio secondo tempo. I padroni di casa, ordinati, ma troppo rinunciatari, nel finale sono anche rimasti in dieci uomini per l’espulsione di Morganella (doppia ammonizione). Con i tre punti conquistati la Juve può guardare più serenamente alla super sfida Inter-Napoli, godendosi il ritorno del suo allenatore in panchina. Il suo bilancio alla guida della Juve da bordo campo in Serie A è impressionante: 24 vittorie e 15 pareggi in 39 giornate. PALERMO ORDINATO, JUVE ASSONNATA. Conte torna in panchina dopo quattro mesi, ma inizialmente la sua squadra non sembra la solita. Le fatiche di Champions e l’ottima organizzazione tattica impostata da Gasperini, frenano i bianconeri, che appaiono stranamente imprecisi. Non basta la solita splendida prestazione di Vidal e di tutta la difesa per riuscire a sbloccare la partita nei primi 45 minuti. Vucinic non si intende praticamente mai con Matri e così la difesa rosanero, ben guidata da Donati, riesce a non soffrire, concedendo solo un paio di grandi occasioni alla Juve, nelle quali Ujkani è sempre attento. Miccoli è troppo solo in avanti e così, nonostante l’ordine, il Palermo non impensierisce praticamente mai la retroguardia ospite, risultando a tratti eccessivamente rinunciatario. MATRI SFIDUCIATO, BRAVO UJKANI. Quando un attaccante con il fisico di Matri gioca poco e non riesce a segnare, le cose si complicano. L’ariete bianconero, seppur generoso, gioca sfiduciato e con evidenti limiti fisici (lento, impacciato, sempre in ritardo). Non basta il campo non in perfette condizioni, appesantito dalla pioggia, a scusare il bel Alessandro, che spreca la fiducia di Conte, venendo costantemente anticipato da Munoz e Von Bergen e sprecando la più grande occasione della prima frazione: Vidal lo trova al 43’ solo in area, ma l’attaccante si fa stoppare da Ujkani a tu per tu. Il portiere albanese era già stato protagonista poco prima, fermando un destro di Marchisio. Sulla respinta Vucinic aveva colpito il palo da due passi, rimandando il possibile vantaggio. Lo 0-0 di fine primo tempo conferma le difficoltà mentali della Juve dopo aver giocato la Champions e il corretto assetto tattico trovato da Gasperini quando i rosanero giocano in casa. LA SBLOCCA LICHSTEINER, MA CHE VUCINIC. Ad inizio ripresa la svolta. Subito Vucinic si inventa un gran sinistro e colpisce il palo e, dopo altri due minuti (siamo al 5’) con uno splendido colpo di tacco manda in porta Lichsteiner, bravo nel superare Ujkani, siglando il suo secondo gol in campionato. Lo 0-1 non scuote il Palermo, che non riesce quasi mai a rendersi pericoloso. La Juve invece va ancora vicina al gol con Pogba (ottimo il suo ingresso al posto di Vidal), con il solito Vucinic (geniale quando non deve fare gol) e con Bendtner, subentrato a Matri. Nel finale l’espulsione di Morganella per doppia ammonizione, chiude definitivamente il match, sancendo la vittoria bianconera. Tre punti importanti, che tengono Inter e Napoli a distanza di sicurezza. Conte non poteva festeggiare in miglior modo il suo ritorno: la sua grande esultanza sotto la curva bianconera a fine partita testimonia quanto abbia sofferto in questi mesi lontano dalla panchina. Con lui, la Juve, ha ritrovato il dodicesimo uomo in campo. Enrico Turcato - Eurosport Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Stephan Lichtsteiner (50′) "Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 17000 Bonucci banned after dive Dec 11, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has been fined and banned for one match after his yellow card for simulation during Juventus’ League match at Palermo. The defender was booked during the Bianconeri’s 1-0 win at the Renzo Barbera for a dive taken in the penalty area. Apologising afterwards, the Italy international has now faced action from the Italian game’s governing body, for what also proved to be his eighth yellow card of the season already. Bonucci was already on a warning for previous conduct in the season and has now been hit by the FIGC’s disciplinary committee with a €2,000 fine and a one-game suspension. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Leali targets Buffon's place at Juventus within three years The Italy Under-19 star is determined to succeed at the Serie A champions in the long term, but has nothing but praise for the current Juve stopper. Dec 11, 2012 Young goalkeeper Nicola Leali aims to take Gianluigi Buffon's place between the sticks at Juventus in three years' time. The 19-year-old, who is seen as one of Europe's most promising shot stoppers, joined the Bianconeri from Brescia in the summer transfer window, but was immediately farmed out on loan to Lanciano for the 2012-13 campaign. Leali is confident that he has what it takes to succeed at Juventus in the long term though, and is desperate to eventually replace Buffon. "I would happily sign for it now to become Buffon's heir in three years' time," Leali was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "He is an idol for me. I still look back at my time with him and [Marco] Storari in the dressing room at the start of the season with pride. I was impressed by everything he did. "It would already be a dream for me to return to Juventus to be Buffon's back-up." Leali has a contract with Juventus until the summer of 2017.

Agnelli: 2012 only the first step for Juventus The Bianconeri president believes their Scudetto win last season will be the start of something special for the club and urged his side to focus on the challenges ahead. Dec 10, 2012 Andrea Agnelli says Juventus' success in 2012 "was just the first step" on their route to becoming a footballing powerhouse once again. The Old Lady pipped AC Milan to the Serie A title by four points and remained unbeaten throughout the entire campaign. They have since followed that up with a flying start to their current domestic campaign - topping the table by four points and qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages as group winners - much to the delight of Agnelli. "This year has been great," he told reporters. "We are very proud of what we have achieved. But it is important to think about the next targets. We won't stop now, the 2012 Scudetto was just the first step of our route."

Chiellini targeting Champions League & Scudetto this season The Italy international believes that a double for the Bianconeri is a realistic aim this season, having knocked out reigning European champions Chelsea earlier this month. Dec 10, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has revealed he is targeting Champions League success to go with another potential Serie A triumph. The Bianconeri won the Scudetto last season and top the table with the winter break imminent, ahead of the likes of Inter, Napoli, Roma, Lazio and Fiorentina. Last week they beat Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine to top a tricky Group E and knock out reigning European champions Chelsea, and Chiellini has revealed that confidence is rising that the double is within reach in 2013. "We did something special last year winning Scudetto and now we are trying to insist in that way," he told Tuttosport. "The most beautiful thing is that we are improving game after game: last year someone said we were good just because we didn't player European cups. "Our first target is Serie A, than we hope to go as far as possible in Champions League. But after recent results, it's logical that we can start thinking about the double. But we must stay concentrated."

Buffon: I do not want a long Juventus contract The Bianconeri goalkeeper believes he has just a few years left at the top level, and stressed how much energy is being drained from the players by their European clashes. Dec 10, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has revealed that he wants to renew his Juventus contract but does not want it to be a long extension. The Italy international has been at the Turin-based club since 2001, when he joined from Parma, and he was key to their Serie A success last season. Buffon believes that he has a few years left at the Juventus Stadium, at the very least, but wants to avoid becoming just an average shot-stopper by resting on his laurels. "I’m convinced I can remain at a high level for another two or three years and I’d be better suited on a short contract, but I'll talk with them," the 34-year-old told Mediaset Premium. "I’ve had a huge career and do not want to lie down on a long deal, I want to feel more on my toes, otherwise I’d become just a ‘normal’ goalkeeper." Juve beat Palermo 1-0 on Sunday and Buffon has revealed that part of the reason behind their lack of a resounding victory could be the effort being put into their Champions League progress, having topped their group with a 1-0 away win against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night. "The European commitment there is taking a lot of energy, especially mentally," the Italian admitted. "It’s not easy to make a commitment during the week and then [on] the Sunday have the same stimulation to perform."

Serie A Week 16 - 9-12-12 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Stephan Lichtsteiner (50′) "Renzo Barbera" Stadium - Palermo Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 17000 Conte: Maybe I am a little special, like my extraordinary Juventus players The Bianconeri boss marked his return to the dugout in Sunday's win over Palermo, and he admits that if the saga had happened last year, he and the club would have parted company. Dec 10, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes the response he and his players showed during his suspension for his alleged involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal proves the club is "special". The 43-year-old has been banned from leading his side on matchdays for the past four months after being charged with failure to report two instances of match-fixing while in charge of Siena. However, he made his return in the Old Lady's 1-0 victory at Palermo on Sunday, and after the game thanked his players for helping him through his absence from Serie A for so long. "It's inevitable that when you are away on the pitch - the smell of grass, as I defined it three or four weeks ago - for so long, it is a pain," Conte said on Sky Sports Italia. "You do miss something, even if you work with the team throughout the week. "But, I had to face this situation and I think it was a learning experience in so many ways. And I think the team has responded extraordinarily. "I want to thank the players, because for me to be able to do in four months what I have done means that I have some special players. Special is the company and maybe I’m a little 'special' too." The Bianconeri trainer believes the experience would have proven too painful a year ago - to the point that both parties would have severed ties. "It is inevitable that it causes you pain when you're away from the pitch for such a long time, even if you get to work with the team during the week," Conte told reporters after the match. "You miss the emotions of the game, but I have been forced to face this situation, and I hope that it was at least helpful to strengthen my character. "When you do your job with the passion and enthusiasm that I bring to it, then being out of the game after so much preparation can make you feel as if you're missing something. "Of course, I prefer to train the side during the week and not attend the dugout than having nothing to do with them at all. "I was able to get to know certain people better and the experience fortified me. There is a little positive in being behind a glass wall in the stands. "If this ban had happened last year, it would’ve been the end for me and Juventus." Conte's assistants Massimo Carrera and Angelo Alessio oversaw the club's affairs while he sat out his suspension, and the Lecce native reserved praise for the way his right-hand men handled first-team affairs in his absence. "The team reacted in an extraordinary manner and I thank the players because they really are special," he added. "So is the club and perhaps so am I. "I am fortunate enough to have great staff, as Massimo Carrera and Angelo Alessio did brilliantly in replacing me and giving orders from the touchline. "The fact we are so in sync with each other allowed us to deal with the situation in the best way possible." Stephan Lichtsteiner's strike proved the difference at the Renzo Barbera, but Conte insists the Bianconeri's profligacy in front of goal could have ultimately cost them. "We have got to score more goals, and if Palermo had equalised, then we would have gone into a training camp for two days," the former Italy midfielder remarked. "We have to be more clinical, as a free kick can change everything and that would’ve been criminal." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Palermo tracking Marrone too Dec 10, 2012 Luca Marrone is once more being linked with a January loan move out of Juventus, with Palermo said to be the latest interested party. The Rosanero’s CEO Pietro Lo Monaco is reported by today’s Corriere dello Sport as intent on strengthening his club’s midfield during the winter break and has identified the Bianconeri’s 22-year-old as an ideal addition. Udinese, Genoa and Atalanta are all also listed as still tracking the Juve youth product, who has made four appearances for the League leaders this season. That lack of playing time is thought why a long list is forming to take him in January, but Coach Antonio Conte is seen as a barrier to any potential move, having been repeatedly reported as keen to block any potential exit of Marrone in mid-season.

Scudetto a ‘first step’ for Juve Dec 10, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli insists that his club is still hungry for honours after the Scudetto win last term. “We won’t stop here,” Agnelli noted on Monday afternoon. “Our championship success last term was just the first step of a journey.” Last term’s League triumph was the club’s first since they were stripped of the 2005 and 2006 Calciopoli titles. The Old Lady are currently top of the Serie A table again and last week confirmed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League. They will entertain Cagliari in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, before taking on Atalanta in Turin at the weekend.