Socrates

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti Pescara v Juventus Preview : The Champions Visit Serie A Minnows Nov 9, 2012 After their extraordinary unbeaten streak came to an end against Inter, Juventus have responded and in just the manner that Conte was looking for. The midweek Champions League game was a crucial one for the Bianconeri and the victory was just what the doctor ordered as they shrugged off Nordsjaelland to keep their hopes of a qualification alive. It was perhaps the most dominating Juventus performance we’ve seen this campaign. What they did manage to do was channel the anger caused by losing at home to Inter onto the field and to their benefit. The defeat to Inter though still leaves them at the top of the table with barely any breathing space as the Nerazzurri are on their tail with just a single point behind the champions. Back to business in the league, they face a Pescara outfit – a far cry from Zdenek Zeman’s Serie B conquering one. Pescara have struggled this season as many have predicted they would. The obvious goal for them this season, is survival but that, of course, is easier said than done. They languish in 14th position, three points above the drop zone. Team News and Tactical Brief Pescara The Delfini look shades away from the side that demolished records on their way to glory in Serie B last season. It was never going to be easy making the jump into Italy’s top-tier even less so when you lose four elements that were crucial to their success. Ciro Immobile, Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and coach Zdenek Zeman have moved on to greener pastures and they evidently, Pescara have found it a bit difficult to replace them. Giovanni Stroppa’s side have been feeling the heat as new-comers in Serie A, recording just three wins this campaign. They have struggled in attack, having boasted of the best in Serie B last season; they now have the most impotent strike-force, statistically speaking, in Serie A. The home side, though are coming off a morale boosting win against Parma, a win that perhaps even saved Stroppa’s job at the helm of Pescara. The manager is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation mirroring Antonio Conte’s. In goal, they have one of Italy’s most promising players in Mattia Perin. The man on loan from Genoa has garnered interest from a host of top sides following solid displays in goal. Christian Terlizzi is out for the Delfini through injury and will be missed in defence. The back three will consist of Cosic, Capuano and Bocchetti. Midfield remains key to any hope of success from this game Pescara may harbor. In Juan Quintero, they have one of the most outstanding young players in the league. Quintero has been their most creative outlet this term and his impact has been such that Milan, Juventus and a host of other top sides are touted as possible destinations for the player in the future. Captain Cascione will be the anchor-man in midfield and will sit just in front of the back-three while Zanon and Modesto will offer width down either flank. Abbruscato will lead the attack alongside towering striker Jonathas. Expect Vladimir Weiss to feature at some point during this game. His pace, trickery and direct running could cause Juventus a few headaches. Juventus Juventus Juventus Crescenzi, Savelloni, Brugman, Colucci and Blasi are all on the treatment table for Pescara. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Perin; Cosic, Capuano, Bocchetti; Zanon, Nielsen, Cascione, Quintero, Modesto; Abbruscato, Jonathas Juventus Having fielded his strongest eleven against Nordsjaelland, Antonio Conte could opt to rotate his squad for this game. The fixture list is a tough one and doesn’t make for pleasant reading for Conte with games against Lazio, Chelsea, Milan, Torino and Shakhtar all on the horizon. Champions League qualification rests firmly in Juventus’ hands with 4 points the target, out of the 6 available. During midweek, Juventus were at their frightening best and outplayed Nordsjaelland on every single area of the field. The defence looked untroubled and at ease as the midfield dictated proceedings. Conte is expected to stick to his 3-5-2 formation with a few changes from the side that was deployed against the Danish side. Juventus Juventus Juventus Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mirko Vucinic should return to the set-up and could replace Mauricio Isla and Alessandro Matri respectively. Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo could be given a precautionary rest as both are a booking away from suspension and risk the possibility of missing out on the Lazio game. Arturo Vidal is expected to retain his place in midfield. The Chilean dynamo has recovered his form and is finally looking the player who set Serie A on fire last season. After a slow start to the campaign, Vidal has found his feet with three goals in his last three appearances. Attack remains Juventus Achilles’ heel and often the scoring exploits of the midfield have bailed out what is an obvious weakness in the Juventus machine. Alessandro Matri is low on confidence and just couldn’t find the back of the net despite various attempts. He could be relegated to the bench. Fabio Quagliarella’s goal has certainly allowed him to stake a claim for a starting spot although Mirko Vucinic is expected to spearhead the attack alongside diminutive forward Sebastian Giovinco. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic Player To Watch Out For Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus) The Atomic Ant has had his detractors this season following his return to Juventus. On occasions he has delivered on his massive potential while at certain moments he leaves a lot to be desired. Fans were optimistic that his arrival could help Juventus unlock the defenses of provincial outfits who seemed content at sitting back and defending. Against Pescara, another opportunity should present itself for him to showcase his talents and build on his midweek goal. Prediction Pescara 0 – 3 Juventus The home side have the most daunting of tasks in front of them and Juventus start the game off as heavy favorites. The odds are heavily stacked against Pescara and Juventus will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league. Expect a goal-fest with most or all of the goals coming from the champions. Blast From The Past http://youtu.be/tUUkxAnqQrY http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio itching to face Chelsea Nov 9, 2012 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is refusing to think about Chelsea’s late goal against Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk. The Bianconeri smashed Nordsjaelland 4-0 on Wednesday, but could not conquer second place after Di Matteo’s men clinched a late 3-2 victory in their tie. “A 2-2 draw would have been a better result for us, but we required a victory and that’s exactly what we got,” the midfielder noted. “Our ambitions haven’t changed. With desire and concentration, we’ll give it a good go against Chelsea – knowing that we’ve also got the Shakhtar game remaining. “We want to go through.” The Italian international had a special night as he scored the opener which was his first goal in the Champions League. “I’m happy about scoring my first goal in Europe, but above all for the result we got,” he commented. The Italian champions will host Chelsea on November 20 before completing the group with an away trip to the Ukraine. They’ll need four points from their next two games to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti Juventus News – Pescara Prep, Conte vs The Media, Happy Birthday Alex Del Piero! Nov 9, 2012 Everybody feel better? Sure, it wasn’t Chelsea (yet), but it certainly was cathartic to completely dominate a team as Juventus did Nordsjaelland on Wednesday night. On Saturday, we have another chance at a similarly transcendent performance against a newly-promoted minnow. In today’s STTBS, we’ll prep for Pescara, pour over stats, berate random journalists, go begging with Beppe Marotta, seek inner peace with Gigi Buffon and wish our old capitano well. Andiamo, amici. Pescara Preparations As is the case with mid-week matches, there is precious little time to recover physically and prepare tactically for Saturday’s match at Pescara. With that in mind, Juve hit the field with some urgency today, squeezing in one last training session before heading for the Stadio Adriatico. Yesterday was business as usual: those who played Wednesday received that most mysterious of therapeutic treats, the “warm-down”, while the others went through the standard training session. As of press time, Mirko Vucinic’s availability is still in doubt for Saturday. Vague reports from Vinovo have Fabio Quagliarella starting up top with either Seba Giovinco or Nicklas Bendtner as his partner, while it is also possible that Luca Marrone will spell one of the back three and Paul Pogba will give Vidal a much-needed rest. Fun fact: Yesterday’s training session was observed by Italian national water polo manager Sandro Campagna. In related news, the entire Italian national water polo squad has quit, reportedly due to Campagna’s insistence that Conte’s pressing tactics can work in a pool. Banti Takes Control Luca Banti will take the whistle for the Pescara match, assisted by Pietro Gallioni and Alessandro Giallatini, with Francesco Altomare as the fourth official, a post which I like to imagine is equivalent to a backup keyboardist who plays offstage behind a bank of speakers. Juventus have nine wins, two draws and two defeats with Banti in charge. And while it is his first time refereeing Juve this year, he did preside over both a 1-1 draw with Bologna and the 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Roma last season. Hopefully, the Pescara match leans toward the latter score, and with absolutely NO influence from Banti and friends. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti Preview: Pescara vs. Juventus Nov 9, 2012 Juventus will head to Pescara on Saturday looking to bounce back from their defeat to arch rivals Inter Milan last weekend. The 3-1 loss at home in Turin to the Nerazzurri brought an end to Juve's 49-game unbeaten run in Serie A and blew the title race wide open. Antonio Conte's side continue to lead the league standings with 28 points from 11 matches, but their lead over second-place Inter is now just one point, with Napoli third on 23 points. The Bianconeri, though, did recover from that loss to Inter in midweek with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Nordsjaelland in the Champions League. Meanwhile, newly-promoted Pescara are struggling against relegation at the moment, as they are just three points above the dropzone in 14th. Neither side have any fresh injury concerns ahead of their clash on Saturday. Recent form Pescara: LLDLW Juventus: DWWLW Possible starting lineups: Pescara: Perin, Capuano, Bocchetti, Cosic, Zanon, Cascione, Modesto, Blasi, Quintero, Abbruscato, Jonathas Juventus: Buffon, Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci, Marchisio, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Isla, Giovinco, Matri Sports Mole says: 0-2 http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti US Pescara v Juventus: Preview Nov 9, 2012 Pescara head coach Giovanni Stroppa insists he has no intention of resigning his post, but a tricky home tie against Juventus may go some way to deciding his long-term future. Reports in Italy suggested the 44-year-old was prepared to step down at the Stadio Adriatico regardless of the outcome of last weekend's game against Parma, following club president Daniele Sebastiani's decision to hand his coach an ultimatum. Stroppa duly delivered a 2-0 success - securing the struggling Abruzzo outfit just their third win of the season - and the former Genoa midfielder later stressed there was no truth in the rumours. "I didn't resign before or after the game and I'm not resigning now," he told La Repubblica. "That would have been too easy, after a victory and with the team on the road to survival. "I have never shied away from difficulty, and I know my future was in the balance before the Parma game, but I would never consider doing such a thing." Stroppa will pit his wits against the reigning Serie A champions without the services of midfielder Manuele Blasi, who will miss at least two months with a leg muscle injury. Alessandro Crescenzi and Gaston Brugman are training hard to be fit for tomorrow night's game, but Christian Terlizzi and Giuseppe Colucci are further away from a full recovery. Antonio Bocchetti is ready to step into defence though, telling giornalaccio rosa.it: "We need to find some continuity. "We need to think positively but approach the Juventus game with humility." Juventus have atoned for Saturday's decisive defeat to Inter Milan, one that ended their 49-game unbeaten run, with a confidence-building 4-0 victory over FC Nordsjaelland in the Champions League. Suspended coach Antonio Conte may now rest some of his regular starters in anticipation of a tricky triple-header against Lazio, Chelsea and AC Milan. Sebastian Giovinco, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Pirlo and Kwadwo Asamoah could be given the evening off against Pescara, with Mirko Vucinic expected to partner Fabio Quagliarella in attack. The latter striker told juventus.com: "There are five strikers and the manager has always been straight with us from the start. "He picks two for every game and we all feel like the first choice. "It's possible to play two or three games in a row and then start on the bench or be in the stands. "We know that goals are expected from the strikers, but Conte mainly looks at our contribution to the play and movement. But what matters is that our sacrifices bear fruit." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti MATCH PREVIEW Nov 9, 2012 Pescara versus Juventus offers the second best attack visiting the home of the joint third worst defence, so expect goals. Everything we had known for the last season and a quarter was turned on its head last weekend. Juventus lost their unbeaten record with a 3-1 defeat to a rampant Inter, just shy of the 50 games mark, losing the aura of invincibility they previously had. General Director Beppe Marotta was quick to play the defeat down as a 'negative evening' and to suggest that 'these things can happen.' The midweek dismantling of Nordsjaelland will have helped to restore any smidgen of lost confidence in the squad. The 4-0 win on Wednesday night helped end another streak for Juventus, as they had previously drawn their last nine European games. It was their first Champions League victory since November 2009 against Maccabi Haifa. Juventus will have a full strength side available with just Simone Pepe still hanging out in the medical room, but they may be tempted to rotate against the newly promoted Delfini. Squad rotation may seem an even more enticing option given that Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini are a yellow card away from a ban and Lazio await next Saturday. Pescara have had an indifferent start to the season so far, Coach Giovanni Stroppa finding himself fighting for his job before a battling home win against Parma last weekend. The former disciple of Zdenek Zeman has struggled to get his side producing the fireworks they achieved last season in Serie B, where they set a record for goals scored. He hasn’t been helped by the departure of their three best players last term. Pescara has scored the fewest goals and created the fewest goal scoring chances in the division. The side from Abruzzo will be without midfielder Giuseppe Colucci and centre back Christian Terlizzi, but can count on the creative potential of Juan Quintero, who should be available despite an injury scare earlier in the week. Also unavailable are Alessandro Crescenzi, Manuele Blasi and Gaston Brugman. Keep an eye on: Jonathas (Pescara) – The 23-year-old former Brescia striker is yet to score in his five appearances for Pescara this season but has shown excellent strength and proved a challenge for a number of centre back pairings so far. His scoring rate for the Rondinelle in Serie B last year was better than a goal every two games. Stat fact: Juventus have conceded 75% of their goals in the second half of games. Form Guide: Pescara (L L D L W) Juventus (W W W W L) Last season: Not played PROBABLE LINE-UPS Pescara: Perin; Cosic, Capuano, Bocchetti; Zanon, Nielsen, Quintero, Modesto; Abbruscato, Jonathas Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti Pescara - Juventus Preview: Bianconeri look to defend top spot The Old Lady suffered a setback last Saturday when their unbeaten run came to an end against Inter, but a win will ensure they keep their noses in front at the summit. Nov 9, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS PESCARA Perin Cosic, Bocchetti, Capuano Zanon, Blasi, Quintero, Cascione, Modesto, Abbruscato, Jonathas JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah, Matri, Giovinco Following an impressive 4-0 Champions League win over FC Nordsjaelland on Wednesday, there is every chance interim coach Angelo Alessio could be tempted to stick with the same 11 on Saturday. The choice to start Chilean winger Mauricio Isla ahead of Stephan Lichtsteiner paid off, as the star contributed an assist against the Danes, but Alessandro Matri is likely to return to the bench after a fruitless evening. Pescara will be boosted by the continued presence of Juan Quintero in the middle of the pitch and Giovanni Stroppa is likely to name an identical team to the one that saw off Parma five days ago. Quintero spent time in hospital during the week as a precaution, after suffering bouts of dizziness, but has returned to training and is expected to play against the Scudetto holders on Saturday. DID YOU KNOW? • Pescara broke a 19-year spell outside of Serie A when they returned to the top flight in 2012. The club finished Serie B champions, pipping Torino to the title on head-to-head results. • Ex-Juventus striker Ciro Immobile was key to Pescara's bid. Now at Genoa, the striker was on loan from the Bianconeri and notched an impressive 28 goals to finish Serie B top scorer. • The Delfini have made a respectable start to their first campaign back amongst the big boys. They currently lie in 14th place, having won three and lost six of their opening 11 matches. • Juve have endured a mixed seven days. The champions saw a 49-match unbeaten run come to an end at the hands of Inter, but also managed to record a first Champions League victory of the season over FC Nordsjaelland on Wednesday. • The Bianconeri currently lead Inter by one point at the top of Serie A. They also boast the league's best goal difference, scoring 23 times and conceding just eight. • Only Roma have outscored the Old Lady in 2012-13 domestically; but curiously, not one player figures among the top 10 Serie A goalscorers. Head to Head Serie B ‎- Mar 31, 2007 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1 Serie B ‎- Nov 11, 2006 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 0 Serie A - May 30, 1993 - Pescara 5 - Juventus 1 Serie A - Jan 17, 1993 - Juventus 2 - Pescara 1 Coppa Italia - Jan 10, 1990 - Pescara 0 - Juventus 1 Last Five Matches Pescara Nov 4, 2012 - Pescara 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A Oct 31, 2012 - Chievo 2 - Pescara 0 - Serie A Oct 28, 2012 - Pescara 0 - Atalanta 0 - Serie A Oct 21, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Pescara 0 - Serie A Oct 7, 2012 - Pescara 0 - Lazio 3 - Serie A Juventus Nov 7, 2012 - Juventus 4 - FC Nordsjælland 0 - UCL Nov 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - FC Internazionale 3 - Serie A Oct 31, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Serie A Oct 28, 2012 - Catania 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Oct 23, 2012 - FC Nordsjælland 1 - Juventus 1 - UCL Players to Watch Juan Fernando Quintero The Colombian teenager is highly-regarded after making an impressive start to life in Italian football, endearing himself instantly to Pescara fans with moments such as his stunning free kick against Bologna. Having recovered from a health scare, he has a great opportunity to further enhance his profile against the Bianconeri. Claudio Marchisio He was one of the stars against FC Nordsjaelland with his tireless midfield work and surges into the opposition penalty area. His partnership with the more cultured Andrea Pirlo forms the cornerstone of the team. Prediction The reigning champions have something to prove after last Saturday's defeat to Inter, and should be firm favourites to return to winning ways, one week on. Editor's Prediction Pescara 0 - 2 Juventus http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti Pogba dropped for Pescara Nov 9, 2012 Paul Pogba has been left out of the Juventus squad for the trip to Pescara after reporting late for two separate training sessions. The 19-year-old midfielder has been left behind in Turin, as Antonio Conte looks to clamp down on the youngster's poor disciplinary record. Simone Pepe and Paolo De Ceglie also miss the game against the Delfini with injuries. Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho Defenders: Lucio, Chiellini, Caceres, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner Midfielders: Marchisio, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Isla, Marrone Strikers: Vucinic, Giovinco, Bendtner, Quagliarella, Matri http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 10-11-12 (20:45 p.m.) - Adriatico Stadium (Giovanni Cornacchia) — Pescara Referee: Luca Banti Conte set to rest Juve stars Nov 9, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte may rest a host of first team regulars in the game against Pescara this weekend. According to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the tactician will ponder giving as many as five players a break ahead of the trio of ties versus Lazio, Chelsea and Milan. Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Pirlo, Kwadwo Asamoah and Sebastian Giovinco could all be allowed to catch their breath. In attack, Mirko Vucinic is expected to return to the starting line-up. He may be partnered in attack by Fabio Quagliarella. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1^ giornata - Ritorno) - 7-11-2012 (ore 20:45) ................ JUVENTUS 4 - 0 NORDSJAELLAND Claudio Marchisio (6′) Arturo Vidal (23′) Sebastian Giovinco (37′) Fabio Quagliarella (75′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Spettatori: 29000 Champions League - Juventus, un poker alle paure I bianconeri liquidano il Nordsjaelland con un 4-0 senza storie: in rete Marchisio, Vidal, Giovinco e Quagliarella (quest'ultimo nella ripresa). Danesi praticamente mai pericolosi. Juventus che resta però terza a quota 6 punti (gruppo E) in virtù del 3-2 del Chelsea contro lo Shakhtar arrivato al 94'. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 7 novembre 2012 Nella partita senza un domani la Juventus non tradisce e, dopo una serie di 9 pareggi nelle coppe europee, nella serata sin qui più importante interrompe la “pareggite” infilando una vittoria convincente contro il malcapitato Nordsjaelland. I danesi, che quindici giorni fa tra le mura amiche avevano complicato il cammino in Champions dei bianconeri, possono ben poco allo Juventus Stadium di fronte alla furia di una squadra scesa in campo con tutt’altro spirito e convinzione. QUESTIONE DI RITMO - Se la statistica dell’andata aveva infatti visto i danesi uscire al termine del primo tempo con un possesso palla addirittura superiore a quello dei bianconeri (52% a 48%), a Torino, nei primi 45 minuti, la squadra di Hjulmand si deve accontentare di un misero 40% che, di per se, racconta già molto. I danesi infatti non riescono nel possesso palla fatto vedere a Copenhagen non tanto perché diventati improvvisamente “scarsi” nel giro di 15 giorni ma, molto più semplicemente, perché di fronte a una squadra disposta a tenere ritmi assolutamente impraticabili per il proprio livello tecnico vacillano senza trovare soluzioni. RULLO COMPRESSORE - La grinta, la voglia di vincere e l’atteggiamento della Juventus sono infatti l’opposto di quello fatto vedere a Copenhagen e il 3-0 del primo tempo, insieme ad almeno 5 palle gol nitidissime, ne è la mera cartina tornasole. Dopo un minuto Giovinco è fermato per fuorigioco su una palla rubata da Vidal e verticalizzata da Pirlo. Al 7’ la Juventus è in vantaggio con lo splendido inserimento di Marchisio che, vista la latitanza delle punte, di traveste da attaccante e anticipa tutti sul primo palo dopo il bel cross di Isla. Tra il 15 e il 20 i bianconeri vanno vicini al gol per ben 3 volte: prima con Asamoah, poi con Marchisio e infine con Vidal. Al 23, Vidal, approfitta dell’indecisione di Lorentzen con i compagni della fase difensiva e con un intervento in tackle infila Hansen nel buco lasciato libero sul primo palo per il 2-0. Al 25’ Matri colpisce la traversa su un calcio d’angolo. Al 33’ Hansen si supera su Marchisio ma 4 minuti più tardi non può nulla sul diagonale preciso di Giovinco che sigla così il 3-0 e scaccia le critiche… Insomma, la Juventus fa per 45 minuti ciò che vuole grazie soprattutto alla spinta degli esterni che, piuttosto liberi di agire – i danesi sono più attenti a chiudere centralmente – aprono la difesa del Nordsjaellsnd come una scatola di cioccolatini a natale e decidono le sorti del match già dopo solo un tempo. MATRI, LA MALEDIZIONE CONTINUA - Nella ripresa, infatti, la Juventus si limita alla gestione del risultato e delle forze dando il via libera a una girandola di cambi che portano in campo Pogba, Quagliarella e Lucio mentre Hjulmand, dopo l’intervallo, ridisegna il suo Nordsjaelland tappando la falla sugli esterni e regalando, di fatto, una partita meno spettacolare. A divertirsi meno di tutti è però probabilmente Alessandro Matri che, al 64’, riesce nell'impossibile: l'attaccante bianconero, lanciato solo davanti ad Hansen, sceglie la soluzione più incomprensibile optando per un dribbling verso il centro del campo (sul proprio sinistro, lui che è destro…) e subendo così il ritorno fondamentale di Okore (insieme a una nuova settimana di critiche). UNA BEFFA SOTTO LA DOCCIA - La Juventus chiude però i conti e le marcature a un quarto d’ora dalla fine quando Quagliarella – lui sì – si fa trovare pronto sotto porta infilando il tapin di testa che sembra il culmine di una serata perfetta. A rovinare i piani, con la Juventus già sotto la doccia, arriva invece Victor Moses. A Londra l’ex attaccante del Wigan infila il gol vittoria del Chelsea al quarto minuto di recupero obbligando così la Juventus nel prossimo mese a non sbagliare più nulla in Champions. Ai bianconeri, infatti, servirà una vittoria contro i campioni d’Europa e un risultato utile a Donetsk contro lo Shakhtar. Inutile aggiungere che per riuscire in questo servirà la versione casalinga della Juventus vista con il Nordsjaelland. Simone Eterno - Eurosport Juventus 4-0 FC Nordsjaelland

Pogba dropped for Pescara Nov 9, 2012 Paul Pogba has been left out of the Juventus squad for the trip to Pescara after reporting late for two separate training sessions. The 19-year-old midfielder has been left behind in Turin, as Antonio Conte looks to clamp down on the youngster's poor disciplinary record.

Marchisio offers Pogba advice Nov 9, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has told Juventus teammate Paul Pogba to forget about comparisons with Patrick Vieira. “It is a good sign when you are likened to such players,” the Italian told Tuttosport on Friday. “It means that you are doing well, but the important thing is to not get big-headed. “But he won’t be running that risk as he has his head firmly fixed to his shoulders. “Pogba has a physical resemblance to Vieira, he may actually be better technically, but he has yet to have the career of Vieira!” The 19-year-old Frenchman has made an impression in recent weeks and could be handed a start at Pescara on Saturday. “He always wants to play,” Marchisio added. “I always tell him to remain calm because he will get his opportunities.” Juventus netted the player on a Bosman from Manchester United and he was one of the factors why they allowed Paris Saint-Germain to sign Marco Verratti from Pescara. “They are totally different players,” Marchisio added. “Paul can play in any midfield role, while Verratti is more of a playmaker. “It’s a shame to see him in Paris, but I’m certain that will be his fortune.”

Marchisio: Inter defeat a wake-up call for Juventus The Italy international feels last Saturday's loss was not necessarily a bad thing, while he has nothing but praise for Paul Pogba. Nov 9, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has stated that Juventus' 3-1 defeat to Inter has made them realise they cannot afford to lose focus if they are to be successful. The Bianconeri's 49-match unbeaten run in Italy's top flight came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, but Juve returned to winning ways against FC Nordsjaelland in midweek, and Marchisio has stressed the defeat to the Nerazzurri has only served to spur them on. "The loss against Inter has shaken us awake, and brought back a certain determination that was missing in the past few games," Marchisio was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "In the Champions League you could see the Juve of last season again, the same conviction and will to win. You'll have to ask whether we're back after the match against Pescara, though. If we lose that game, it clearly wasn't a wake-up call." The midfielder then went on to praise promising youngster Paul Pogba, and believes the Frenchman has a bright future ahead of him. "That he's being compared to Patrick Vieira means he's doing well, but it's important not to get carried away. His physical characteristics might resemble Vieira, and his technique is perhaps even better, but he has yet to achieve what Vieira achieved. "He is a humble guy, though, and I think that he has a bright future ahead of him. He always wants to play and I keep on telling him that he will get his chances. He is very mature, too. Growing up abroad might be an advantage as there's less pressure." Pogba, 19, has made eight official appearances for his new club so far this season, netting twice in the process.

Deschamps explains Pogba omission Nov 8, 2012 France Coach Didier Deschamps has explained his decision to leave Paul Pogba out of the squad for the friendly against Italy. Les Bleus travel to Parma to face Cesare Prandelli's men on Wednesday November 14, but will do so without the Juventus midfielder. And the 44-year-old tactician has specified why the Bianconeri starlet has not been included for the match, despite putting in a string of good quality performances for Antonio Conte's side. “Paul Pogba has potential,” he told a Press conference. “But there are still a lot of steps he has to follow.” France squad for Italy: Goalkeepers: Landreau (Lille), Lloris (Tottenham), Mandanda (Olympique Marseille) Defenders: Clichy (Manchester City), Debuchy (Lille), Evra (Manchester United), Jallet (PSG), Koscielny (Arsenal), Rami (Valencia), Sakho (PSG), Yanga-Mbiwa (Montpellier) Midfielders:Cabaye (Newcastle), Capoue (Toulouse), Gonalons (Olympique Lione), Gourcuff (Olympique Lione), Matuidi (PSG), Sissoko (Tolosa), Valbuena (Olympique Marseille) Forwards: Giroud (Arsenal), Gomis (Olympique Lyon), Menez (PSG), Payet (Lille), Ribery (Bayern Munich)

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS 4 - 0 NORDSJAELLAND Claudio Marchisio (6′) Arturo Vidal (23′) Sebastian Giovinco (37′) Fabio Quagliarella (75′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Attendance: 29000 Chelsea crucial, warns Quagliarella Nov 8, 2012 Fabio Quagliarella has underlined that the home game against Chelsea will go a long way to deciding Juventus’ Champions League fate. The Old Lady moved on to six points with a win against Nordsjaelland last night, but they are still trailing the Premiership giants and Shakhtar Donetsk with two games left. “Chelsea and Shakhtar are two great teams,” the forward, who scored last night, told Sky Sport Italia. “Shakhtar have made a big impression on me and it won’t be easy to go and play in the Ukraine,” he added. “But the crucial game will be Chelsea at home. We have to do all that we can to get the victory in that one. “Chelsea are a very physical and technical side. They are the reigning champions and we will have to be good at starting the game in the right way.” Turning to domestic matters, the Italian international applauded Inter who netted a 3-1 win in Turin last Saturday. “Inter have some great players and they are a team who will fight for the Scudetto, along with Napoli. I think that it will be a beautiful and exciting championship until the very end.” The former Sampdoria man also defended struggling teammate Alessandro Matri who has just one goal this season. “He hasn’t played that much, but he seems very calm and there are moments as an attacker when the ball just won’t go in. “He has great quality though and he’s really happy at Juventus.”