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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Di Matteo hints at axing Torres for vital Chelsea clash with Juventus Chelsea coach has insisted he will leave the striker out if it is the "right thing to do for the team" as he looks to put the Blues in pole position to win Group E. Nov 19, 2012 Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has hinted that he may drop Fernando Torres for the Champions League clash with Juventus on Tuesday, following the striker’s recent goal drought. The Spain international has scored just one goal in six weeks and was part of an underwhelming Chelsea side that succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Brom on Saturday. And, in a move which suggests that the profligacy is becoming a concern, Di Matteo admitted he has to explore all possible options to rectify the situation even if it means dropping his star striker. "We will have to assess the whole team and see how everybody is, and how they have recovered," he told The Daily Mirror. "But if I believe it is the right thing to do for the team, then yeah, I will leave him out. "I thought when we moved Sturridge up there he looked a danger against West Brom. He had a very good chance saved by the keeper and another put wide. "He was always a threat to the defence - we need to score goals." The European champions currently sit top of Group E, but with only a point separating first- and third-placed teams.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Should Chelsea make the switch back to 433? Nov 18, 2012 With Roberto Di Matteo considering making a switch to a more defensive approach to tighten things up at the back, I just wonder if a tactical switch back to 4-3-3 is something he is considering ahead of the trip to Juventus. As we know, our current formation looks like this (when everyone is fit): The formation is reliant on the attacking three pushed forward in midfield, tracking back and filling in our wide positions in defensive areas, providing support for our full backs. As we have seen Mata, Oscar and Hazard all interchange positions when we are attacking so without the ball, they each have a job to do to ensure two of them track back. It can be a vulnerable part of our game. So what could Di Matteo do to sure things up defensively? The answer is to ensure we cover the wide areas. This is where the 4-3-3 formation comes into mind. Going forward to the Juventus game on Tuesday, knowing we will be without Lampard and JT and with Di Matteo talking of changes, I could imagine a switch to this starting formation and selection could happen. Juan Mata and Ramires would both operate in the central area alongside Mikel who would be asked to sit and hold his position. Eden Hazard and Victor Moses would be asked to stick to their positions on either wing and to stay there. The interchange in advanced areas we have seen would be done away with and Hazard and Moses would be asked to patrol their wing up AND down. The fact that Torres was withdrawn in the second half in favour of Sturridge playing through the middle, it could be for one of two reasons. Firstly, that he is resting him ahead of the Juventus game or secondly, he has decided enough is enough. I believe that Sturridge is in with a real opportunity to start on Tuesday so he would occupy the striker position as part of the three up top with Hazard and Moses operating either side. It is a more balanced formation and will provide cover in wide areas. Whether or not it is the way forward is another thing.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Roberto Di Matteo calls on Chelsea to show class against Juventus in Champions League Nov 18, 2012 Roberto Di Matteo has admitted the UEFA Champions League is becoming more difficult each year as he prepares for a tough challenge against Juventus. Di Matteo guided Chelsea to European glory last season to join a select band of Italian managers to have won the competition. The Blues still have work to do to make it through to the last 16 this term and Di Matteo is focused on trying to pick up a win in Turin rather than what reception he is likely to receive at the stadium. Asked if he was returning home full of pride, Di Matteo said: "I'm proud to have led this club to that trophy. "Wherever we go, it's a moment where we are a good club. We've shown it and we have to show it again." Chelsea are currently level on points with Shakhtar Donetsk at the top of Group E, one ahead of Juve, and it is a similar tale across Europe as many of the big clubs are yet to secure passage to the next round. Only Manchester United boast a 100 per cent record after four group games, with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AC Milan joining Chelsea in suffering defeats. Di Matteo said: "Every year now, it's becoming more and more difficult. "We had APOEL, who showed how a relatively small club can do very well in the Champions League. Every season, you see clubs surprising in the Champions League. "It becomes more competitive and difficult every season, and clubs with new investment and traditional clubs like Juventus coming back after many years, often ending up in pots two, three or four. It makes it very difficult."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - CHELSEA Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey) Turkish ref for Juve-Chelsea Nov 18, 2012 Turkish referee Cuneyt Çakir has been assigned to Tuesday’s Juventus-Chelsea Champions League match. It’s a win or bust game for the Bianconeri, who are currently third in Group E. Çakir has only ever officiated Juventus once before in his career, a 2-1 Europa League preliminary round victory away to Sturm Graz in August 2010.

Juve respond to Moratti complaint Nov 18, 2012 Juventus have taken an unusual step in replying to Massimo Moratti’s complaints about the referees – publishing a Calciopoli ruling. The Inter President blasted officials for “penalising” his team over the last three games and suggested it was a familiar scenario to the one he experienced in Calciopoli. The official Juventus website released a statement which only said: ‘No comment.’ Attached to the statement was a downloadable file outlining FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi’s July 2011 ruling that Inter were involved in the Calciopoli scandal, but could not be punished because the statute of limitations had expired.

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839 Juventus 0-0 Lazio REVIEW: Déjà vu All Over Again! Nov 18, 2012 Lazio came to Turin on Saturday evening to begin a sequence of five matches that would have a huge influence on what Juventus could hope to achieve this season. With Chelsea making the same journey on Tuesday before the Bianconeri visit San Siro to take on Milan next Sunday, this will prove to be a vital week in their hopes of silverware. Here’s John and Adam with the review of Act I. MATCH ANALYSIS (by Adam Digby) What you are about to read is not a mistake. We have not merely copy/pasted the words from any number of previous match reports and yet what follows will have that eerie air of déjà vu. Juventus dominate match. Visiting goalkeeper puts on a world class display. Final score? Yes, you guessed it, a hugely frustrating 0-0 draw. Told you it would all be sadly familiar! Of course it would be a dereliction of duty for us to leave it at that so allow us to flesh out some details, starting with the performance of Federico Marchetti in the Lazio goal. Long since regarded as a player of huge potential, he possesses all the qualities needed to be one of the very best thanks to a combination of size, agility and fantastic reflexes. The one doubt over him has always been his questionable positioning, often caught out by lapses in concentration but here, like so many before him, he left those missteps in the visitors dressing room and promptly won the man of the match award thanks to a string of brilliant saves. He was guilty of one error which saw a powerful header from Leo Bonucci seem destined to break the deadlock but the crossbar came to the aid of the Biancocelsti. Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella and Claudio Marchisio were all denied by great stops in a match which saw Juventus utterly dominate proceedings right from the very beginning. They enjoyed 59% of possession and took 21 shots while Lazio failed to even manage a single attempt on target. The Bianconeri completed 85% of their passes. Angelo Alessio summed the game up perfectly in his post-match interview when he said: All that was missing was that elusive goal. We created many opportunities, dominating from the first minute onwards, but we weren’t able to score. We dominated and forced Lazio to play a defensive game. We’re aware that we didn’t manage to put the ball away, but our way of playing will remain the same: maintain a high tempo and create as much as possible. LE PAGELLE (by John Cascarano) Buffon 6.0 – Had little to do besides watch his compatriot Marchetti do his best impression of a ca. 2006 era him. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chiellini 7.5 – Solid, as usual, constantly closing down defenders and winning balls after what looked like dangerous dribbles in the area. With Thiago Silva gone, he has to be Serie A’s best all around defender. Too bad Marchetti and the other 10 Laziale behind the ball were just as successful on their end. Bonucci 6.5 – Good defending, and provided some nice passes; one of which a long ball neatly handled by Giovinco which should have been a goal. Even though it wasn’t saved by Marchetti. Barzagli 6.5 – Solid, as usual (see Chiellini, Giorgio). Was barely bothered by Klose’s presence, much unlike how I was constantly bothered by Marchetti’s. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Asamoah 5.5 – Not sure if it was just me, but Kwadwoah seemed relatively quiet on the night. Maybe I was too distracted by Marchetti’s flying trapeze act in net. Marchisio 7.0 – Ran like crazy, won balls, made passes, and made through runs into the middle. He’s been lacking that goal scoring touch as of late, but the center midfielders can’t always be expected to pick up the slack for the strikers, much like any fan can’t expect the other team’s goal keeper to play the way Marchetti did yesterday on any given match against Juventus. Vidal 6.5 – See Marchisio, Claudio. Blah blah blah, stupid Marchetti. Pogba 6.0 – Relatively muted display from Teenage Mutant Ninja Pogba. The good news for all of you is that as of March, I will no longer be able to make teenage puns regarding him, which will frustrate me, much like Marchetti’s display did yesterday. ’84 Bendtner sv – The Danish Ibrahimovic was brought on late in hopes of a Hail Mary, but even he could not unlock the mythical Marchetti. That’s saying something! Isla 5.5 – Mauricio is slowly finding his way back to top form, even if yesterday he could not make the most of his battle on the flank with Marchetti. I mean Radu; Marchetti only appeared to be everywhere. Including my nightmares last night. ’70 Pepe 5.5 – Pepinho finally got some minutes after his long injury layoff. Usually a Lazio-killer, pitch rust and Marchetti would say ‘no dice’ this time. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Giovinco 6.5 – I’m not sure if this was a solid performance frustratingly ruined by a Lazio defense and, of course, Marchetti, or if it was a pitiful performance which was simply frustrating. Nor am I sure if Sarah Jessica Parker is the the hottest ugly woman or the ugliest hot woman in show business. He did have moments of sheer brilliance, like after the aforementioned Boner long ball, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and rate him as the former. Auguri, Seba! You’re the hottest ugly woman in calcio! Quagliarella 6.0 – He should have saved some of those goals for this week. Brilliantly got his foot on a ball off a free kick which would have made for another Quaglia-Wunder-Gol, but that was ruined by… you guessed it… Biava. I’m just kidding, Marchetti. ’66 Matri 5.0 – Poor Ale. I love the guy, but he’s just been looking uncomfortable out there. Needs to find his form and fast. Nothing else to say other than some reference to Marchetti’s frustrating superman display. ANALYSIS WRAP-UP (by Adam Digby) As weary and worn as we are with this type of result, it would be unfair to the players to merely lump this game in with the other frustrating draws Juventus have suffered since Antonio Conte took charge of the team. Where many (if not all) of those stalemates were ultimately the result of the lack of a top class striker we have all bemoaned at various times. This was not a game where Mirko Vucinic or Alessandro Matri squandered chance after chance with a combination of selfish play and an utter lack of self-belief. Here we saw a team at its very best, carving open the opposition time after time only to see Marchetti deny them each and every time. As hard as it will be for the Marotta haters – and those firmly against the 3-5-2 – to understand, those of us with longer, unblinkered memories remember that the club also used to draw matches when Luciano Moggi was the Director General and Gianluca Vialli or David Trezeguet were playing up front. Of course there is room for improvement and the return of the suspended Andrea Pirlo will be a huge fillip for the team, his added creativity and ability to pull off passes other players simply fail to even think of making. If even Simone Pepe (wasn’t it fantastic to see him once again fit enough to play?) cannot score against Lazio then you know it truly is just one of those days. As they prepare to face the reigning champions of Europe on Tuesday the Bianconeri must take every positive from this performance, knowing that such displays of dominance will result in victory far more often than this disappointment. Bonucci was quick to see those points when he told Sky Italia at fulltim: It was a great Juventus performance, we were the only team in the game. Lazio didn’t have a shot on goal and Marchetti was the best player on the pitch. Obviously there’s anger, we’ve taken a point instead of the three we deserved. We lacked precision in front of goal, I also could have scored but hit the bar instead. From now we’ll turn our attentions to Chelsea, it’s currently the most important fixture, given our desire to progress in the Champions League. That is exactly what we must all now do and here at JuventiKnows we will be covering the game in our usual fashion. Keep an eye out for a detailed preview of the game while remembering this was a very good performance that deserved more than just a point. Andiamo ragazzi! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm_whKzcWfE&feature=player_detailpage http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 13^ Giornata - Andata - 17-11-2012 (ore 18:00) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Spettatori: 38839‎ Serie A - Assedio Juventus, ma la Lazio tiene Termina 0-0 il primo anticipo della 13esima giornata di Serie A tra Juventus e Lazio: i bianconeri attaccano dall'inizio alla fine, ma trovano sulla loro strada un Marchetti in formato fenomeno. Juventus che sale a quota 32 punti e che resta comunque in vetta alla classifica: passettino anche per la Lazio, che si conferma quinta forza del campionato. Eurosport - Sabato, 17 novembre 2012 La Juventus non va al di là di un pareggio a reti bianche contro una Lazio praticamente inesistente dalla metà campo in avanti. Ed è uno 0-0 che evidenzia ancora una volta quanto manchi ai bianconeri un “attaccante da 20 gol a stagione”, cui non servano 5/6 occasioni da gol a partita per buttarla dentro. Perché di palle-gol, la Juve contro la Lazio, ne ha create tantissime: il problema è che non ha saputo concretizzarle. POGBA E QUAGLIARELLA DALL’INIZIO - Niente turnover. Così ha deciso Conte in vista della Lazio, partita che precede temporalmente di pochi giorni quella decisiva in Champions League contro il Chelsea. Senza lo squalificato Pirlo sarà Pogba a dettare i tempi in cabina di regia: Isla è preferito a Lichtsteiner sulla corsia di destra. Vucinic nemmeno in panchina per via di un attacco influenzale: davanti ci sono Quagliarella e Giovinco.Nella Lazio, Petkovic sceglie Radu (per la prima volta titolare dopo 7 mesi) e Brocchi al posto degli squalificati Lulic e Mauri. Klose, che non ha mai segnato alla Juventus, solita unica punta: subito dietro il tedesco c’è il “Profeta” Hernanes. DOMINIO JUVENTUS, MA LA LAZIO REGGE L’URTO - Partita molto bloccata tatticamente nel primo quarto d’ora, poi la Juventus prende le misure agli avversari e comincia a prendere campo. Il primo tiro in porta arriva al 16esimo e porta la firma di Asamoah: il sinistro dell’esterno della Juve trova però la pronta respinta di Marchetti. Passano tre minuti ed è Quagliarella ad avere l’occasione più ghiotta di tutta la prima parte di gara: sulla corta respinta di Marchetti, che vola a negare il gol a Giovinco, il tap-in del bomber napoletano trova solo l’esterno della rete. La Lazio perde per infortunio Dias, al suo posto Ciani, che entra a freddo e fatica a carburare. Giovinco al 32’ si inventa un numero da campionissimo Biava e Radu e involandosi in campo aperto verso la porta di Marchetti: da posizione defilata, però, l’ex fantasista del Parma chiude troppo l’angolo di tiro e vede la sua conclusione terminare sul fondo. Il finale di tempo è tutto di marca juventina, con la Lazio pressata addirittura all’interno della propria area di rigore. I biancocelesti di Petkovic, che praticamente non si fanno mai vedere dalle parti di Buffon, difendono con ordine e, al termine dei primi 45’, mantengono lo 0-0. MARCHETTI MIRACOLOSO, LA TRAVERSA FERMA BONUCCI - Parte leggermente più propositiva la Lazio nella ripresa, che con l’ingresso di Ederson al posto di Brocchi guadagna peso specifico in fase offensiva. Ma è solo un fuoco di paglia, perché la Juventus ne ha di più e al 62’ sfiora nuovamente il gol del vantaggio: serve un super-Marchetti per dire “no” alla deviazione di Quagliarella su conclusione dalla distanza di Vidal. Alessio, che poco prima aveva invertito Pogba e Vidal, richiama Quagliarella per fare posto a Matri con il centravanti lombardo che si fa subito vedere scaricando un bel pallone per Marchisio che calcia dal limite dell’area: il portiere della Lazio è ancora reattivo e manda in angolo. E quando non ci arriva Marchetti è la traversa a salvare la Lazio: come al 75’ sulla conclusione di Bonucci sugli sviluppi di un calcio d’angolo. Nel finale è assedio Juventus, con la Lazio che si difende come può. Quanto basta per portare a casa uno 0-0, il primo dopo 34 giornate, che sa di vittoria. Per la formazione di Conte, che martedì sera si giocherà contro il Chelsea il passaggio del turno in Champions League, un’ulteriore conferma: a questa squadra serve solo un bomber vero. Poi saranno dolori. Per gli altri ovviamente. Andrea Tabacco - Eurosport http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm_whKzcWfE&feature=player_detailpage Juventus 0 - 0 Lazio

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Bonucci: Juventus must beat Chelsea The Bianconeri defender believes the Blues' defeat to West Brom on Saturday does not affect the build-up to the Champions League clash, and lamented his own side's Lazio stalemate. Nov 18, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci believes Juventus must beat Chelsea when the two teams meet in Italy on Tuesday night. The Old Lady are one point behind the Blues and Shakhtar Donetsk in Champions League Group E, with two games left to play. The Bianconeri centre-back thinks that three points must be pursued in the midweek match, and insists Roberto Di Matteo’s side being defeated by West Brom on Saturday makes no difference to the challenge facing Juve. "From now on we think about Chelsea, as at this moment it is the most important test. We want to go through to the next phase of the Champions League," the defender told reporters. "Chelsea lost to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but that doesn’t change anything as far as we are concerned. On Tuesday we must step on to the pitch to win." The reigning Serie A champions have not had things all their own way this weekend either, having been held to a goalless draw by Lazio thanks to a superb individual performance from Biancocelesti goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. "It was a great Juve performance and we were the only team on the field. Lazio never had a shot on target and Marchetti was man of the match," Bonucci continued. "Obviously we are angry, as we are bringing home one point instead of the three we actually deserved. We lacked precision in front of goal and I could’ve scored too, but I hit the crossbar." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Bonucci: 'Bring on Chelsea' Nov 18, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci insists Juventus did everything to deserve victory against Lazio, but “from now on we think about Chelsea.” The Bianconeri dominated Saturday’s 0-0 draw, but were denied by a series of Federico Marchetti saves as well as some bad misses. “It was a great Juve performance and we were the only team on the field. Lazio never had a shot on target and Marchetti was Man of the Match,” said Bonucci. “Obviously we are angry, as we are bringing home one point instead of the three we actually deserved. We lacked precision in front of goal and I could’ve scored too, but I hit the crossbar.” Juventus now face a must-win Champions League clash with Chelsea in Turin on Tuesday evening. “From now on we think about Chelsea, as at this moment it is the most important test. We want to go through to the next phase of the Champions League,” added the defender. “Chelsea lost to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, but that doesn’t change anything as far as we are concerned. On Tuesday we must step on to the pitch only to win.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Juventus did everything but score against Lazio, claims Alessio The interim coach was left to rue the Old Lady's failure to turn their home advantage into goals, as he felt the Biancocelesti were forced into adopting ultra-defensive tactics. Nov 18, 2012 Angelo Alessio has insisted that Juventus did "everything but score" in Saturday's 0-0 Serie A draw with Lazio in Turin. A combination of the crossbar and a string of saves from visiting goalkeeper Federico Marchetti kept the Scudetto holders at bay, and they now risk seeing their lead at the top of the table cut to two points if Inter beat Cagliari on Sunday. After the match, the 47-year-old could not pick any faults with the Bianconeri's display, apart from their inability to find the net against defensive opponents. "All that was missing was that elusive goal," he told reporters. "We created many opportunities, dominating from the first minute onwards, but we weren't able to score. "We're happy about the team's performance. We dominated and forced Lazio to play a defensive game. "We're aware that we didn't manage to put the ball away, but our way of playing will remain the same: maintain a high tempo and create as much as possible." Paul Pogba filled the void left by the suspended Andrea Pirlo, but Alessio does not believe that the midfielder's absence hindered his side. "I don't think his absence was felt," he added. "There were many corners and free-kicks, we hit the bar through Bonucci. "Lazio adopted a defensive game and we did well to squeeze them. I reiterate, all we were missing was that vital breakthrough. It could have been a goal-fest." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ What We Learned from Saturday's Serie A Match Nov 17, 2012 Two teams, two very different sets of circumstances. Juventus came into this game looking to bounce back after their tough loss at home to Internazionale, one that snapped a streak of 49-straight Serie A wins. Lazio was coming off a strong victory in the Derby della Capitale. They bested their rivals 3-2 in a game which saw Roma's captain, Daniele De Rossi, sent off for punching Lazio's Stefano Mauri. De Rossi was suspended for three games. Needless to say, Saturday's match had huge implications for both teams involved. One trying was trying to continue its winning ways and the other was trying to rebound in a decisive way to reassert their control of the table. In the end, Lazio looked much worse than the final score indicated, escaping Torino with a point after drawing Juventus 0-0. Truthfully though, it might be more accurate to say Marchetti drew with Juventus rather than Lazio. Lazio had a lot of trouble with Juventus' consistent pressure throughout the game. How much trouble? So much so that Lazio only mustered five shots, none that troubled Buffon. Buffon could have set up a lawn chair between the pipes and done more than he did against Lazio during Saturday's match. Meanwhile, Juventus fired 21 shots, four that troubled Marchetti. Juventus also had 11 corners to work with throughout the game. Marchetti was nothing short of brilliant; I highly recommend YouTubing highlights of his saves. So what do we take away from this one? It's quite simple, actually. One, if you didn't already know, Federico Marchetti is the real deal. He was a one-man highlight reel and certainly saved his team from a 3-0 defeat or worse. Second, Juventus doesn't have someone to replace Andrea Pirlo when it comes to set pieces. I know, no one could replace Pirlo. But without him, Juventus was not nearly as dangerous as they usually are when taking set pieces. Remember, they had 11 corners in today's match. Looking ahead, things ease up a bit for Juventus. Their next league match is against a struggling AC Milan, while Lazio have a tricky opponent in Udinese coming their way. Juventus have to find ways to capitalize on their chances. The loss to Inter was tough but reasonable. The draw with Lazio was completely unacceptable. The will almost certainly be looking to put the last two weeks in their rearview when they face Milan next Sunday. If not, the lead they built will slip right through their fingers. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Juventus held to draw by Lazio Nov 17, 2012 Juventus dominated from start to finish but was held to a 0-0 draw by Lazio in Serie A on Saturday, just three days before its key Champions League match against Chelsea. Leonardo Bonucci hit the crossbar for Juventus but the defending champion could not find a way past Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, who made a number of saves. Marchetti pulled off a spectacular stop, changing direction midair to keep out Arturo Vidal's deflected effort. Sebastian Giovinco also went close on several occasions for Juventus, who clearly missed the suspended Andrea Pirlo. Lazio didn't have a shot on target the entire match and struggled to get out of its own half. Juventus extended its lead at the top of the standings to five points over Inter Milan, which plays Cagliari on Sunday. Juventus decided against resting players ahead of the Chelsea match but was without key playmaker Pirlo, as well as Mirko Vucinic, who was a late withdrawal from the squad with flu. However, Paul Pogba returned after being suspended by coach Antonio Conte last weekend for showing up late to training twice. Lazio beat Roma last weekend to snap a run of three league games without a win, but has not beaten Juventus in nearly nine years. Captain Stefano Mauri and Senad Lulic were banned. The visiting side had the first half chance of the game in the 14th minute when Abdoulay Konko's poorly-hit shot bobbled wide from 20 meters. From then on it was all one-way traffic. Kwadwo Asamoah surged down the left flank and into the area before unleashing an effort from a tight angle which Marchetti punched clear. Juve went closer in the 19th when Marchetti did well to parry Giovinco's shot at full stretch and Fabio Quagliarella hit the rebound into the sidenetting. Giovinco had two good chances after half an hour as first he turned well on the edge of the area but fired narrowly wide of the left upright. Seconds later, the young striker did even better, with a sublime piece of control to bring down a long ball and hook it past two defenders, before surging clear, but he again drilled his effort centimeters wide of the left. Pogba went close shortly after the interval with a long-range effort which flew narrowly over the crossbar. Marchetti performed a sensational save on the hour mark. Vidal's long-range shot was deflected by Quagliarella, but Marchetti managed to change direction to tip it over the crossbar. The Lazio goalkeeper was finally beaten in the 75th minute but Bonucci's shot following a corner smacked off the crossbar. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Alessio: 'Lazio played catenaccio' Nov 17, 2012 Juventus assistant manager Angelo Alessio feels his side “had everything except the goal” in their 0-0 draw against Lazio’s ‘catenaccio.’ “We had so many scoring opportunities and dominated the match. We had everything except the goal. “Andrea Pirlo was suspended, but we created chances anyway and Leonardo Bonucci hit the crossbar, so he was not missed.” Alessio accused the Biancocelesti of playing for a point in Turin and relying on goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. “Lazio played in a catenaccio style and were simply defensive throughout. We must focus only on our own progress and our position in the table.” Sebastian Giovinco wasted a couple of early opportunities, but Fabio Quagliarella was substituted instead. “Giovinco had been doing better, but we also had to take into account the upcoming games,” added Alessio. “The crowd was exemplary. It’s possible there were some jeers, but I won’t take anything away from Giovinco’s performance.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Petkovic: 'Juve are too strong' Nov 17, 2012 Vladimir Petkovic sees Lazio having “passed the test” at the Juventus Stadium, although he wanted to see them be more attacking. “Yes, we have passed the test and I am happy, even if we suffered a bit too much at the back,” he said of the 0-0 draw. “We attempted to attack them a few times, but Juventus are too strong and put us under pressure for the entire match. We need to believe a bit more. “Thanks to our goalkeeper and our defence, we managed to defend the result. We should’ve had more courage and played with more responsibility, as we could’ve done more in the last 10 minutes. “It was almost impossible to get to the Juventus penalty area, as they were very aggressive and deserve praise for their performance. “Nonetheless, this is a good point for our confidence and our table.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Player Ratings Goal.com was on hand to rate the performers in Turin as the Old Lady were kept out by a dogged Biancocelesti outfit, who relied heavily on goalkeeper Federico Marchetti. Nov 17, 2012 JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - Untested throughout. Giorgio Chiellini - His usual solid self. He gave Lazio no chance on the rare occasions they got forward. Andrea Barzagli - Another impressive display at the back. Kept his concentration throughout and didn't give the visitors a sniff. Leonardo Bonucci - Solid at the back but might have scored the winner had he shot with a little more control. Mauricio Isla - Did very little down the right, a couple of crosses aside. Will have to do more in Juve's demanding wide role. Paul Pogba - Again looked the most direct and forward-thinking of the three central schemers, but was essentially short of ideas. Substituted. Claudio Marchisio - A tidy performance both in possession and when defending. Retained and regained the ball well. Kwadwo Asamoah - Looked a decent outlet down the left in the first half but tailed off. Often showed good footwork but crosses were wayward. Arturo Vidal - Pulled the strings with a number of astute passes and almost produced a goal when his shot was deflected. He's back in form. Sebastian Giovinco - Showed some exquisite control at times but his shooting boots had deserted him. Influence faded as the game went on. Fabio Quagliarella - Had a great chance to open the scoring but fired into the side netting. Did little else. Substituted. Substitutions Simone Pepe - Did little after coming on. Nicklas Bendtner - Made no impact despite Juve's late pressure. Alessandro Matri - Did little after coming on. LAZIO Federico Marchetti - Made a string of fine saves to keep Juve at bay, including a world-class stop to keep out Vidal's deflected effort. Andrè Dias - On his game to deny Juve some good openings and played his part as the away defence held on for a point. Giuseppe Biava - Impressive at the heart of defence and made a hatful of tackles and clearances that eventually proved vital. Stefan Radu - Solid first half in keeping Isla quiet and only improved as the first half went on. Made some crucial interceptions. Abdoulay Konko - Another good full-back display in the first half, this time marginalising Asamoah. Again he kept up his form to stay strong after the break. Hernanes - Looked liveliest for the visitors in a poor first half overall, but faded as the match wore on. Alvaro Gonzalez - Anonymous in the first period and did little more in the second half. Cristian Ledesma - Made a couple of enterprising passes and recovered possession on several occasions, not that his side used it particularly well. Cristian Brocchi - Held his position well to try to disrupt Juve's midfielders. Strong, if unspectacular, display. Antonio Candreva - Did his share of the dirty work and also offered a vague attacking outlet with a few shots. Miroslav Klose - Considering he's a man who relies on making the most of chances in the area, he had a quiet night. Substitutions Michael Ciani - Did a lot to deny Juve. Won the ball several times and cut out a number of passes. Ederson - Made little impact but slotted into his side's rhythm nicely. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 17/11/2012 (06:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Attendance: 38839‎ Juventus Held to a Scoreless Draw by Lazio in Turin Nov 17, 2012 Italian Champions Juventus were held to a scoreless draw at the Juventus Stadium in what can only be described as a boring encounter against Lazio. The draw sees Juventus open up a five-point gap at the head of the Serie A, with the bulk of matches to be played tonight. It was a tentative opening few minutes at the Juventus stadium with both sides lacking that final pass to create a clear-cut opportunity. Aside from some fancy footwork from Lazio's goalkeeper Federico Marchetti, the opening third of the match was filled with back passes, misplaced passes and exchanges in the middle of the park. After Miroslav Klose took things into his own hands (literally), things started to heat up. The German threw Giorgio Chiellini to the ground during a set-piece. From here, the game began to open up with the Bianconeri clearly on the ascendance. Kwadwo Asamoah was proving impossible to deal with down the left wing, testing out Marchetti with a driven shot in the 16th minute of the match, Just minutes later, it was Giovinco who was at the Lazio defence, evading Dias to attempt an Ibrahimovician-like goal. Marchetti saved at the last second and Fabio Quagliarella's follow up could only manage the side netting. Although quiet for most of the first half, Lazio did eventually create an opportunity thanks to Brazilian playmaker Hernanes. The Brazilian, with the assistance of some fancy footwork and pace tore up the Juventus midfield, linked up nicely with Klose, but took one too many touches losing the ball inside the Juventus box. The score remained 0-0. On the other side of the park, Giovinco was causing all kinds of havoc for the Lazio centre-back pairing of Giuseppe Biava and Michael Ciani. First a ball from Isla was nicely controlled but directed wide by the Italian international. Then, in the very next play, the former Parma player found himself one-on-one with Marchetti, but in a similar fashion directed wide to the left of the post. That was how it stayed, scoreless in the first half. Paul Pogba started the second half in brighter fashion for Juventus taking a shot early on. However, Juventus failed to capitalise on this good start. The state of the game was perhaps best encapsulated when Federico Marchetti was booked for time wasting in the 51st minute. Juventus continued to press forward and after a close range Chiellini shot was expertly saved, Juventus turned to Alessandro Matri to try and grab a lead. However the Italian failed to make an impact and although Sebastian Giovinco was continuing to prove threatening, no goal would eventuate. Amidst desperate shouts for handballs in the penalty area, diving and injuries, Juventus vs Lazio ultimately proved a poor showing from both sides. Juventus will need to improve dramatically if they want to have any chance of penetrating Chelsea's defence midweek. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/