Socrates

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 Marchisio: Bring on Chelsea Nov 8, 2012 Claudio Marchisio is refusing to dwell too much on Chelsea’s late winner against Shakhtar Donetsk. “A Juventus victory was what mattered.” The Old Lady demolished Nordsjaelland 4-0 on Wednesday, but they still remain third in the group after the London club grabbed a dramatic 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.” It was a special night for the Turin-native as he grabbed the opener which was his debut 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. Juventus entertain Chelsea on November 20 before finishing the group with an away game in Ukraine. They’ll need four points from their next two games to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

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 Juventus must beat Chelsea, says Quagliarella The striker believes the match against the European champions will be crucial as they look to surpass the English side and qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. Nov 8, 2012 Fabio Quagliarella admits Juventus must beat Chelsea in their next Champions League match if they are to reach the knockout stages of the competition. The Italy striker scored in the 4-0 win over FC Nordsjaelland on Wednesday night, leaving the Serie A champions third in Group E and needing to win at least one of their final two matches to have a realistic chance of qualification. The 29-year-old also scored at Stamford Bridge earlier in the competition, and he believes the reverse fixture in Turin could be the Bianconeri's best chance of picking up all three points and reaching the last 16. "Chelsea and Shakhtar are two great teams. Shakhtar have made a big impression on me and it won’t be easy to go and play in the Ukraine,” he explained to Sky Sport Italia. “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.” The win over over the Norwegian side will give Antonio Conte's team a boost after losing their 49-match unbeaten run to Inter on Saturday. But, the former Udinese man believes the Nerazzurri will now be a considerable threat for domestic honours this season. "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."

Juventus cannot afford top players, says Marotta The director has explained that the club can no longer sanction the purchase of marquee names and that all Italian teams are being hit by the financial crisis in the country. Nov 8, 2012 Beppe Marotta says Juventus are unable to afford some of the world's best players, despite the Serie A champions being linked with a number of big names. The Old Lady are reportedly in the market for a new striker and the likes of Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain and Manchester City's Edin Dzeko have been tipped for a move to Turin in January. Marotta, though, has said the club does not have the financial power to attract those types of players to Juventus stadium, and he admitted the financial situation in Italy has left a number of clubs in a similar position. "Van Persie, Higuain, Suarez and Dzeko? They are great names, but it is almost a utopian way to think," he told Corriere dello Sport. "I don't speak only for Juventus, but for all the Italian teams. We are in a time of great decline, so I think it's really difficult to imagine that a team may invest more than €30 million for a player of this quality." Despite being the second highest scorers in the division, Antonio Conte's team have struggled to find a regular goalscorer, but Marotta's admission looks to have put an end to rumours of the Bianconeri bolstering their attack.

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 Juventus are world-class, says Beckmann The Denmark international was impressed with the Scudetto holders, who dismantled Nordsjaelland 4-0 in Turin on Wednesday in the Champions League. Nov 8, 2012 Mikkel Beckmann has taken the time to praise Juventus in the wake of Nordsjaelland's 4-0 Champions League Group E defeat to the Serie A leaders on Wednesday. The Danish side held the Bianconeri to a 1-1 draw at home two weeks ago, but were left without a chance in Italy on matchday four. "We met a world-class team tonight [Wednesday]. They made us look very bad all over the pitch. It was one big off-day for us," Beckmann was quoted as saying on the official Uefa website. "When we talked about our tactics we said the first 20 minutes were very important because they were going to put a lot of pressure on us. They scored after five minutes and again a few minutes later. It was not good for us. "Juventus were very strong, we were very weak and the final result is the combination between those two things. They're very good at home and today they were much better than us." Nordsjaelland sit last in their group with only one point, while Juve are are in third place, behind Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk.

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 Marchisio: Two more finals await Juventus The Italy international has underlined the importance of his side's remaining group games after the Chelsea - Shakhtar match did not go their way. Nov 8, 2012 Claudio Marchisio feels that Juventus can still qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League following Wednesday's Group E results, but realises that they cannot afford to drop points in their last two games against Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk. The Bianconeri beat Nordsjaelland 4-0 in Turin, but saw Chelsea record a 3-2 win over Shakhtar, keeping the Old Lady in third place. "We still have the chance to qualify and we must focus on the next game against Chelsea now. It will be another final for us," Marchisio told Uefa.com. "A draw tonight [Wednesday] would have meant elimination for us, so we have to prepare for two more finals against Chelsea and Shakhtar. "The game against Nordsjaelland was already a final for us – we had to win or our dream of qualifying for the next stage would have vanished. "Fortunately, we managed to score an early goal so the game was completely different to the one in Denmark. It is a pity we dropped two points against them two weeks ago otherwise we would have been first in the group now."

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 Juventus end European hoodoo, but late Moses goal leaves them with a mountain to climb The Bianconeri despatched Nordsjaelland with some ease, but Shakhtar Donetsk's cruel late defeat leaves Antonio Conte's men needing two huge results to progress. Nov 8, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer For a while there, it was suddenly looking rosy. Juventus were sitting pretty in second place as their players left the field following a routine 4-0 win over Nordsjaelland, and were ready to entertain Chelsea on matchday five safe in the knowledge that a win would take them into the last 16 of the Champions League. But the Blues were not done. In the 94th minute of the European champions’ clash with Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge, Victor Moses rose high to earn the home side a 3-2 win and simultaneously send Juve crashing back down to earth. One minute they were one step from qualification, now they are a giant leap from their goal. The Bianconeri had done everything they could do on the night. From the moment Claudio Marchisio side-footed home Mauricio Isla’s low driven cross, the floodgates were always bound to open for a side who had drawn their previous nine European fixtures. Arturo Vidal even managed to double the lead in making a tackle, such was the tone of the evening, before Sebastian Giovinco finally broke his European duck by collecting Andrea Pirlo’s reverse pass with the outside of the boot and finishing with aplomb. It was all a far cry from the Parken Stadion a fortnight ago, where Juve failed to break down the Danes until 10 minutes from time, by which time Mikkel Beckmann had breached their own defence. The job they were completing with something to spare - stretching the opposition, playing penetrating through balls, getting in behind the defence inside the 18-yard area - was simply what they should have been doing in Denmark. They were dominant and destructive, but they were two weeks too late if they wanted to soften their path. Going into the break 3-0 up, their job was already done and it was all about whether Shakhtar would be rewarded for their sometimes sumptuous football at the Bridge. As Fabio Quagliarella turned in a fourth, things were also going their way in England. It looked as though those dropped points in Copenhagen would not carry such a heavy punishment. But by the time both referees had whistled for full-time, Group E was suddenly looking daunting again. Instead of standing one game away from the promised land, they are now facing the challenge of getting four points from their next two matches. Make no mistake, both Shakhtar and Chelsea will take their full complement of points from their clashes against Nordsjaelland, so the Bianconeri will have to do all the work themselves. They can certainly expect no favours. As if facing the champions of Europe is not enough of a task, they must also travel to Donetsk to face a Shakhtar side who have practically dominated Chelsea over the course of their two clashes and have already proven once that their style of play is very tough for Juventus to handle. If any side is built to beat a team that play as Antonio Conte’s men do, it is the Ukrainian champions. The Moses goal was a stroke of bad luck for Juve, but they cannot feel too hard done by. They are in the position they are in as a result of their own failings. Despite having had the benefit of playing Nordsjaelland twice already, they’re still playing catch-up, and the blame for that lies only with the Italians. A win and a loss is better than two draws, they say, and they are learning that right now to their detriment off the back of nine European games without a victory. Wednesday night was about breaking a duck; for the first time since the summer of 2010, Juventus won a European fixture. But the job is only just starting. Nordsjaelland are no kind of preparation for the real task which lies ahead over the final 180 minutes of their group campaign, and Moses’ goal has doubled the work they have to do. They are in with a chance, but it remains a slim one.

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 Buffon: Juventus' destiny remains in our own hands The experienced goalkeeper has made it clear that nothing has been lost yet for the Bianconeri, and they can still make it to the knock-out stages. Nov 8, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Juventus still have every chance of reaching the knock-out stages of the Champions League following Wednesday's 4-0 home win over Nordsjaelland. The Serie A champions currently sit third in Group E with six points from four games, trailing joint-leaders Shakhtar Donetsk and Chelsea by one. "The good thing is that we are two games away from the end of the group stage and our destiny remains in our hands," he was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "If we do well we will go through, otherwise we will play in the Europa League. Little has changed in reality. We Italians are inclined to look at the results of others and consider them to be more important than our own. "Chelsea have almost a decade’s worth of experience in playing these types of games. Shakhtar, with their individual brilliance combined with their team play, are more unpredictable and a tough prospect to face." Juventus host Chelsea on November 20, before locking horns with Shakhtar on December 5.

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 Juventus could have scored more than four, claims Alessio The assistant coach was pleased with the number of chances the Bianconeri created and stated his side must now beat Chelsea in their next European encounter if they are to qualify. Nov 8, 2012 Angelo Alessio was satisfied with Juventus' display in their 4-0 victory over FC Nordsjaelland and claimed they could even have scored more. The Old Lady remain third in Group E, one point behind leaders Shakhtar Donetsk and Chelsea, after recording their first victory in Europe this season. “We created a great deal [and] on top of the four goals we could’ve had a few more," the assistant coach told reporters. "We pressed the ball in every area of the field and played the style of football we needed to.” The 47-year-old also highlighted the depth of the Bianconeri squad, with Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco starting up front as Mirko Vucinic missed the game through injury. “Giovinco played very well; we know his qualities very well. It’s a shame Matri didn’t get a goal, but he too played well," he added. “Conte chooses the strikers game by game, based in part on the characteristics of our opponents. The important thing is for them to be ready, just as Fabio Quagliarella was tonight.” Chelsea's win over Shakhtar leaves Group E on a knife-edge with two rounds of games remaining - a fact Alessio is well aware of. “Of course we absolutely have to beat Chelsea at home in the next game and earn our place in the next round."

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 Bonucci: 'Juve had right anger' Nov 7, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci said the “slap” of a home defeat to Inter spurred Juventus on to beat Nordsjaelland 4-0. The Bianconeri thought they had leapfrogged Chelsea into second place in Group E, but the last-gasp 3-2 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at Stamford Bridge leaves them one point behind the leading pair. “We got a surprise when we stepped into the locker room. We have to win every game, whether it’s Chelsea or Shakhtar, so will approach each match like that regardless of calculations or tables,” said the defender. “Tonight we saw last year’s Juve with that same hunger for the victory, to work and to sacrifice ourselves. “It was lacking against Inter, but we showed that if we step up the tempo and the intensity then we can fight it out with anyone. “Our anger at the defeat to Inter had to be transformed into positive energy and determination to prove ourselves. “We showed tonight that if we have the right grit and mentality, then we can beat anyone. “When you get a slap on home turf, that brings out the pride and determination of every champion. There are many of them here.” Juve were held to a 1-1 draw away to Nordsjaelland, but seemed like a completely different team this evening. “In Denmark we were perhaps a little complacent, as we were coming off some great results and Nordsjaelland had conceded many goals in the group phase. We didn’t go there with the right approach. “Tonight we were coming off a defeat and wanted to prove ourselves, which is why we got to see a great Juventus performance.”

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 Buffon: 'Destiny in our hands' Nov 7, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon feels defeat was a useful wake-up call for Juventus and has Chelsea in his sights. “Our destiny is in our hands.” The Bianconeri swept Nordsjaelland aside 4-0 this evening, but remain third in Group E behind joint leaders Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk. They thought that they had leapfrogged into second place, but Chelsea snatched a last-gasp 3-2 victory. “A draw would’ve been nice, that’s beyond doubt, but at the end of the day our destiny is still in our hands,” Buffon told Mediaset. “The fact it all depends on us is a good sign, as we play at home with Chelsea and then at Donetsk. “We have confidence and cannot always appeal to the other results. It is good to go through a round because you got those results and you deserved it.” Juve looked a very different team to the one that lost its 49-match Serie A unbeaten run to Inter at the weekend. “We hadn’t lost motivation, as that can’t just disappear overnight. As I said after the Inter game, when coming off such a long unbeaten run it can build your confidence and eat into that grit and hunger that got you there. It’s a human reaction. “We had to win and I think we had also played well in Denmark, despite what some people said, creating many scoring opportunities. “This was a very convincing performance that showed if Juve step on to the field with the right ingredients then few teams in the world can keep up with them.” This result ends nine consecutive European draws for Juventus and is also their first clean sheet of the Champions League season. “It was a quiet night, but at the same time you have to keep alert to any potential incident and it can happen to be distracted and face regrets over conceding their only chance. We were happy with the clean sheet this evening.”

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 Alessio: 'Now to beat Chelsea' Nov 7, 2012 Angelo Alessio praised Juventus for their return to form and looked ahead to the showdown with Chelsea. “We have to earn our place in the next round.” The Bianconeri remain third in Group E after their 4-0 win over Nordsjaelland, but just one point behind joint leaders Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk. “Of course we absolutely have to beat Chelsea at home in the next game and earn our place in the next round. “We wanted great intensity and the lads had the right anger and determination for this type of performance,” said Antonio Conte’s assistant manager. “We created a great deal, as on top of the four goals we could’ve had a few more. We brought back that pressing on the ball in every area of the field and the style of football we needed.” Mirko Vucinic was injured and Stephan Lichtsteiner dropped to the stands after he risked a red card against Inter on Saturday, so Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco started in attack. “Giovinco played very well. We know his quality very well. It’s a shame Matri didn’t get a goal, but he too played well. “Conte chooses the strikers game by game, based in part on the characteristics of our opponents. The important thing is for them to be ready, just as Fabio Quagliarella was tonight.”

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 Player Ratings Goal.com rates the players on display at Juventus Stadium, after the home side finally recorded their first win of the 2012-13 Champions League at the expense of the hapless Danes. Nov 7, 2012 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon - A leisurely evening for the goalkeeping great, barely troubled throughout the 90 minutes. Giorgio Chiellini - Accomplished stuff from the defender, did not have a great deal to do but kept the away side at bay down the right hand side. Andrea Barzagli - Given little more to do than clean up on the few occasions FCN ventured forward. Leonardo Bonucci - Rarely troubled in defence, it was his role in taking the ball out from the back and putting Juve onto the front foot that distinguished the defender. Mauricio Isla - The Chilean's low cross was placed perfectly for Marchisio to fire Juve into the lead. Andrea Pirlo - Imperious with his passing and delivery from set-pieces, pulled all the strings from the middle of the park. Kwadwo Asamoah - Always a thorn in the side of FCN down the left wing, crossed well and was a constant danger. Arturo Vidal - A bizarre effort that found the net summed up the tenacity and commitment of the Chilean dynamo. Never stopped running even with the game looking more than comfortable. Claudio Marchisio - Unstoppable in the middle and going forward, scored the important first with a well-timed late run and could easily have added to his tally. Sebastian Giovinco - Was caught offside a number of times early, but always looked for the net and finished Juve's first with consummate class. Alessandro Matri - Somehow failed to get on the scoresheet despite a constant effort to break from the defence, hitting the bar and seeing a number of chances go astray. Smart assist for Quagliarella. Substitutions Lucio - Given 20 minutes at the end in place of Chiellini. Paul Pogba - Entered for Vidal in the second half and ensured that the last half hour would be straightforward for the Italians. Fabio Quagliarella - Finished expertly from Matri's flick to put the icing on the cake for Juve. FC Nordsjælland Jesper Hansen - Forced to pick the ball out of his net on several occasions, but was badly exposed by his inept defence. Did his best to keep the score from becoming a humiliation. Jores Okore - Failed to pick up Marchisio for the opener, but battled hard in defence and made a number of decent interventions. Patrick Mtiliga - Was nowhere to be seen when Isla played Marchisio in from his flank, did not enjoy himself against the Chilean. Michael Parkhurst - Did his best to get FCN moving from deep, but struggled throughout the match to track Asamoah. Ivan Runje - Given a torrid time by Matri and Giovinco in his own area, turned over and over again to leave Hansen exposed. Enock Kofi Adu - Unable to compete in the middle, and was taken off at half time. Nikolai Stokholm - The captain was in doubt before the match but proved his fitness in time, although there was little he could do against Juve's fearsome three-man axis in the middle of the park. Mikkel Beckmann - Could not provide the edge on the break that FCN needed to have any chance of taking something from the game. K. Lorentzen - Dawdled on the ball in his own area and was punished in the cruellest way possible, Vidal's tackle going straight in for the second. Andreas Laudrup - The lone man up front barely received the ball during a one-sided first 45 minutes, and was sacrificed at the break. Joshua John - Completely ineffective going forward, shackled completely by the Bianconeri backline. Substitutions Anders Christiansen - Suffered the same fate as Laudrup, saw none of the ball after replacing the forward in the FCN line-up. Søren Christensen - Came on at half time, but could do little against a Juve team determined to control proceedings. Morten Nordstrand - Given 15 minutes at the end with the game already a foregone conclusion.

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 Bianconeri Back To Business Nov 7, 2012 The eyes of Juventini worldwide were on the team on Wednesday night, looking for a positive reaction after seeing the incredible unbeaten run of Antonio Conte’s men come to a crashing halt in Saturday’s defeat to you-know-who. Here’s Lars and Adam with the review. MATCH ANALYSIS (by Adam Digby) Just as one streak was brought to an abrupt end at the hands of *them*, it was most certainly time to bring Juve’s other record setting run to a close and, for the first time since August 2010 taste victory in a continental tie. Indeed, since seeing Gigi Delneri lead the side to a win over Sturm Graz two years ago, the Bianconeri had tied nine consecutive European games, drawing against a variety of opponents. Yet the worst of those was the last, the unconvincing, apathetic and frankly embarrassing performance against FC Nordsjaelland two weeks ago that ended 1-1, a draw that highlighted more than any other game the complacency that had begun to set in at the club. It was imperative that the team answered those accusations and the team selected by Antonio Conte against the Danish Champions told us much about how seriously this match was being taken. Here there would be no rotation, no room for sentiment and no resting of players as the Coach picked – with the exception of the injured Mirko Vucinic – what is perhaps his strongest eleven, building around the core of Gigi Buffon, the usual three defenders and of course the M-V-P midfield. Kwadwo Asamoah resumed his role on the left while Mauricio Isla took over from the struggling Stephan Lichsteiner on the right. True to Angelo Alessio’s word at the pre-match press conference, Alessandro Matri started in attack, selected alongside Sebastian Giovinco as the Bianconeri looked to control the game from the outset. They would do just that, Claudio Marchisio making a wonderfully timed run to get onto Isla’s low cross following a great pass from Andrea Pirlo and Juventus would never look back, Arturo Vidal next on the score-sheet, actually managing to tackle the ball into the net after seeing his first effort partially blocked. The performance of those two – as well as Pirlo who appeared back to his best after a number of sub-par showings – was no doubt inspired by the recent form of Paul Pogba as the young Frenchman has made a brilliant start to his Juve career and is already pressing hard for increased playing time. Pirlo would go on to set up another first half goal, his wonderful ball drawing an equally sublime finish from the previously wasteful Giovinco as the striker joined former Primavera team-mate Marchisio as both surprisingly recorded their first European goals on the same night. Nordsjaelland looked stunned as Conte’s men strangled the life out of their usually neat possession based game, denying them a single shot on goal during a first half which could and perhaps should have finished even more one-sided than that three goal margin. The second forty-five minutes was more of a display of strength, Juventus still creating chances but taking a leaf from Barcelona’s book and using ball retention as the best form of defence. Buffon made his first real contribution with a save in the 64th minute but substitute Fabio Quagliarella added a forth goal from a Pirlo corner to give the score line a more convincing look. LE PAGELLE (by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen) Buffon 6.0 – Saved the only shot that came his way in a game so utterly dominated by the Bianconeri that the rest of the pagelle should be taken with a pinch of salt… Even so, that was about time in a European fixture! Barzagli 6.5 – The rock at the back, never really tested, but well and truly back on song and very competent when called upon. I think I might be in love with big old Andrea. Bonucci: 7.0 - Impeccable on a cheap backdrop defensively, relishing the space he was offered going forward, 100% success-rate in aerial duels! Chiellini: 6.0 – Tireless and imposing, yet the only defender to be wobbly on occasion tonight. Subbed off for Lúcio to get a bit of rest / make the Brazilian happy. Lúcio S.V. – Came on for Chiellini, made one fine tackle, a nice luxury sub, who may want more playing time come January. We’ll live… Isla 7.0 - His best performance so far in a Juve-jersey. Lively on his right flank and hardly ever troubled defensively. A wonderful assist for Marchisio’s opener. Marchisio: 7.5 - A brilliant display by Il Principino, tidy cleaning up and extremely well positioned on his forward runs. Could have had a goal or two more tonight given his wonderful knack at being at the right place at the right time. My Man of the Match. Pirlo: 7.5 – When you allow Pirlo space, this is what you get! Fended off most of FCN’s half-hearted attempts to stop him and offered one brilliant pass after another. Enough with the Pirlo-don’t-do-midweeks already! Vidal 7.0 – Bossed the midfield with re-found swagger, tackled in a goal and was an all round joy to watch until subbed off. Pogba 6.0 - Did enough to ensure that Vidal wasn’t missed, but not too much more in a game that was already settled. Asamoah: 6.5 - Dealt with the little he had to defensively and caused some havoc going forward. Might want to pass a bit more instead of always taking on the defenders, but that is just a random thought. Giovinco: 7.0 – A fine display from the little man, crowned by a well-taken finish for the third goal. Showed he can play at this level, even if he still needs to prove it against the real big boys. Finishes like the one today go far, though. Quagliarella 6.5 – Not tearing up the place, but at hand to do what Matri couldn’t with an easy header after an assist by the aforementioned. Slowly winning his place, one imagines… It’s almost as if Quags has stopped being the Spectacular One because what we really need is the Clinical One, well done! Matri 5.0 – One can only feel sorry for Ale. He tries so hard, creates chances for himself, and even hit the cross-bar on a header. But several woeful misses will see him bottom of the pecking order still. Plus .5 for the assist for Quags. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conte/Alessio 7.5 – Now that’s more like it! Albeit against a weak opponent, the Mister(s) finally showed the world what this team is actually capable of. Some serious high and relentless pressing ensured that this game was over at half time. In the words of Nordsjælland captain Stokholm post-match: “Juve played us out of the park in the first half and deservedly lead by three goals at the interval.” The tempo was slower in the second, but Juve never went close to losing control. If only this grinta and determination had been present early on in Copenhagen, the group would have looked much more pleasant by now… ANALYSIS WRAP-UP (by Adam Digby) Of course it is easy to say – as many have already – that this was ‘only Nordsjaelland’ and we should not get carried away but, as has already been said, it was vital. Juventus not only reacted well to Saturday’s defeat but also took all three points before the difficult final two games of the Group Stage. This win means qualification is back in the hands of the Bianconeri and, with such a low seeding, that is the best possible outcome of such a tie. There are many positive to take from the game, not least seeing the team finally return to the proactive and energised style which have so typified Conte’s time in charge. They only managed 52% possession but recorded more tackles, more interceptions and a better pass completion rate than their opponents, with the midfield display particularly impressive. Marchisio especially looked back to his best, adding seven tackles, five interceptions and a 90% pass success rate to his goal while Leo Bonucci made a season high 102 passes, free of the man-to-man marking which slowed him so badly at the weekend. It might not have been a victory at the Bernabeu or Old Trafford, but a home win over such an opponent is what Juventus, this Juventus, should be doing with the consummate ease displayed here. But the key point is the difference in mindset compared to the previous encounter with Nordsjaelland. Whereas the Bianconeri expected to win that game, they appeared determined to earn this triumph and that is, precisely, how it should be! Andiamo ragazzi!

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA 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 Juventus 4-0 Nordsjaelland Nov 7, 2012 Juventus snapped their run of nine draws in a row with a 4-0 win against Nordsjaelland on Wednesday night. The home side put on one of their best performances of the season in a game where they asserted their dominance in Group E. Goals from Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Sebastian Giovinco, and Fabio Quagliarella sealed the deal in a lopsided affair. The first half saw the Bianconeri get off to a flyer. Kwadwo Asamoah was terrorizing the left hand side, delivering two crosses that resulted in scoring chances, but were flubbed by Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri. Just six minutes in, Marchisio scored the opener thanks to his brilliant run and an exquisite cross by Mauricio Isla. It was Isla’s second assist in as many Champions League appearances. Besides the tally, Marchisio was world class tonight. His runs continually confused and opened up Nordsjaelland’s defense and had several chances to score a second. Not to be outdone, Arturo Vidal contributed to the midfield masterclass. He got himself on the score sheet after his shot in the box was blocked, he fought hard to win it, and slide tackled the ball past Jesper Hansen to make it 2-0 after 23 minutes. The effort from “El Guerrero” is one of many reasons why he’s one of Europe’s top midfielders and attracted a €30 million bid from Bayern Munich in the summer (which was rejected by Juve). The first half came to a close with Sebastian Giovinco adding a third. Juve countered up the pitch, received a pass from Andrea Pirlo, dribbled into the area, then powered it into the opposite corner in the 37th minute. By that point, the game was done and dusted. The second half died down in goals, but not in entertainment. Juventus had eight more shots, and did find a fourth marker through substitute Fabio Quagliarella on 75 minutes. The near post flick-on and finish was a symbol of the second interval. Despite being 3-0 up, The Old Lady didn’t fall asleep. A total of nineteen shots and 56% of the possession told the story, but just looking at the expression of the players’ faces demonstrated just how determined they were. If one sentence was needed to describe this game, it would be “Inter Milan have awoken a monster”. Four days after their first loss since May 2011, it’s clear that Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio prepared their team well after the demoralizing defeat. They bounced back in a big way and looked very mad that their 49 game undefeated streak ended. In many ways, this game mirrored Juventus’ 5-0 win at Fiorentina in March. After drawing in four consecutive league fixtures, they stormed into the Artemio Franchi and demolished their opponents. The game tonight was the same scenario as the 5-0 win eight months ago. Many will say “It’s just Nordsjaelland at home,” but this is the same side that earned a draw against them two weeks ago. The difference was the mentality, but it also had to do with how they executed their game plan. For one, the runs by Juventus’ attackers and midfielders tore apart the Nordsjaelland defense. The dynamic movement off the ball was deployed significantly more than in Copenhagen. This resulted in more shots and more goals. Another important factor was Juventus’ fast start, possibly the best one this season. They scored early last weekend, but the key was the second goal. If Juventus had scored again in the first half against Inter, it might’ve resulted in a point. They learned their lesson and bagged three within 31 minutes of each other. The only negative for the Scudetto holders was Alessandro Matri. He was rewarded with ninety minutes, but botched three glorious chances, including one late in the game when he was one on one with the goalkeeper, but was tackled just as he cut past him. The argument can be made that he’s sloppy because of a lack of playing time, but when at a club like Juventus and is struggling, he must fight and work hard. He didn’t do that tonight, meaning he might never get another chance under Antonio Conte again. For Nordsjaelland, it was an unlucky game. After all, they had to go up against a frustrated side. They didn’t have anywhere near the same performance as two weeks ago, but they did see some positives. For one, Jesper Hansen was great in goal like in the reverse fixture. He must be considered for the number one shirt for Denmark after the Champions League group stage is done. Morten Olsen, pay attention! Even with the three points, Juventus still sit third in Group E. Chelsea picked up a late winner at home against Shakhtar, meaning both teams are tied with seven points. Juve’s next game is versus Chelsea on November 20th. From that matchday on, it’s going to be a dogfight as to who progresses to the first knockout round. Juventus had better be up to the task or else Italy’s champions won’t be playing Champions League football in February.

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 Group E: Juve does it easy Nov 7, 2012 Juventus registered its first Champions League win of the season after a comfortable 4-0 victory over FC Nordsjaelland. First-half strikes from Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Sebastian Giovinco, plus a second-half header from Fabio Quagliarella were enough to see off the Norwegian champion as the Italians finally tasted victory after three successive draws. For the host, Mauricio Isla came in for Stephan Lichtsteiner who was injured in the 3-1 loss to Inter at the weekend, while Alessandro Matri replaced Mirko Vucinic. The visitor made two changes from the team which won 2-1 at Sonderjyske, with Soren Christensen and Morten Nordstrand making way for Andreas Laudrup and Nicolai Stokholm. Juventus was thankful for a Vucinic strike nine minutes from time to spare the Serie A champion's blushes when the two teams met a fortnight ago. However, it took them just six minutes to get on the scoresheet this time as Isla's low cross from the right was converted by Marchisio from six yards out. And it was two up after 23 minutes as Vidal capitalised on hesitant Nordsjaelland defending to slide in and divert the ball past Jesper Hansen. The home side almost grabbed a third just three minutes later as Andrea Pirlo's corner was headed onto the crossbar from six yards out by Matri. The visitor was struggling and needed a fine save from Hansen just after the half-hour mark, with the stopper tipping Marchisio's shot from the edge of the area round the post. It was however three 10 minutes before the break as Sebastian Giovinco curled an effort from just inside the box into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. The visitor did not manage a shot on goal during the opening 45 minutes and 20 minutes into the second half forced Gigi Buffon into action for the first time, with the Italian number one parrying Patrick Mtiliga's 25-yard effort. Juventus rounded off the win in the 75th minute through substitute Quagliarella. Group E: Chelsea snatches late victory Victor Moses came off the bench to score an incredible last-gasp winner as Chelsea somehow survived a Shakhtar Donetsk onslaught to keep its UEFA Champions League fate in their own hands.

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 Juventus Make a Statement Against Nordsjælland Nov 7, 2012 Juventus have broken their record nine-match winless streak in Europe following a comprehensive 4-0 defeat of visitors FC Nordsjælland at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. Following a disastrous end to Juventus' 49-match unbeaten streak at the hands of Inter Milan in the Derby d'Italia, Juventus were under pressure to make a statement to their opposition and make a statement they did. Debut Champions League goals to both Claudio Marchisio and Sebastian Giovinco ensured the Bianconeri kept the pressure on both Chelsea and Shakthar Donetsk. Juventus came out of the blocks firing against the Danes and after Kwadwo Asamoah made his early intentions clear by marauding down the left-hand side of the field, it was only a matter of time before Juventus would indeed break the deadlock. They did so just a minute later when Andrea Pirlo received the ball in the middle of the FC Nordsjælland half. After spreading the ball right to Isla on the wing, it was left to the Chilean to tee up Marchisio with a cross driven across the floor of the Nordsjælland penalty area. A simple tap in by the Italian set the scene for what was going to be an impressive Juventus display. Pirlo, Marchisio and Vidal were pulling all the strings for the home side, releasing both Isla and Asamoah more times than one could keep track of. Giovinco was also getting in on the action almost setting up Vidal after a neat little cutback following some fancy footwork on the left by-line. Vidal was left to right his wrongs just minutes later when he pounced on a poor touch from Nordsjælland defender Kasper Lorentzen, practically slide tacking the ball into the net to catch Hansen by complete surprise. Juventus were up 2-0 after just 22 minutes. If FC Nordsjælland thought that Juventus' second goal would bring about a let-up in pressure, they were most certainly wrong. The Bianconeri had a point to prove and Marchisio made his intentions clear when he rifled a half volley at Hansen whose last ditch parry temporarily relieved pressure for his side. They wouldn't be shut out for much longer though, as Sebastian Giovinco capitalised on a Juventus counter. The Atomic Ant latched onto a Pirlo pass and after jinking and jerking on the edge of the penalty area, he finished brilliantly into the far corner of the net leaving Hansen planted to the ground. The Juventus stadium was in raptures, up 3-0 prior to halftime. Halftime couldn't arrive soon enough for Nordsjælland, who by this point still hadn't registered against the resolute Juventus back three. They would be made to wait a little longer to register their first chance. Defender Patrick Mtiliga fired a half volley from distance at Buffon who tapped the ball away to safety after it received a deflection on the way to goal. The introduction of Paul Pogba and Fabio Quagliarella early into the second half marked Juventus' intentions to keep pushing forward. After Pirlo and Pogba constructed a move to win a corner, Fabio Quagliarella stepped up and headed the ball home after a touch at the near post by Alessandro Matri. Four goals to the good, job done in Turin. To their credit FC Nordsjælland continued to push forward despite the result being well out of reach. A corner late on was almost unexpectedly finished by Jores Okore who ghosted in on the back post unmarked. Gianluigi Buffon was having none of it making his players aware of his thoughts determined to keep a clean-sheet. The full-time whistle was met with a collective sigh of relief in Turin as Juventus finally returned to the winners' circle in Europe. The result ensures that Juventus remain one point behind Chelsea in the group. The Blues left it late to steal victory 3-2 against Shakthar Donetsk and will travel to Turin in their next group stage fixture. For now, it is safe to say Juventus are back in Europe.

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 Bianconeri bounce back to boost qualification hopes The Old Lady never looked back after Claudio Marchisio put Juventus into an early lead, and ran out comfortable winners to leapfrog Chelsea into second place. Nov 7, 2012 Juventus gave their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League a sizeable boost, with a 4-0 win over FC Nordsjaelland in Turin. Goals from Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella saw off the visitors, as the Bianconeri bounced back from defeat to Inter. The Old Lady were fast out of the blocks, with Marchisio slotting home from Mauricio Isla's low, right-wing cross after just six minutes. The Italy international was nearly celebrating again moments later, but after deftly controlling Vidal’s through ball on his knee, his subsequent volley was well saved by Jesper Hansen. The Bianconeri kept coming, though, and Vidal made amends for skying an early chance over the bar when well placed in the area, by making it 2-0 in what were farcical circumstances. Hesitation from defender Kasper Lorentzen allowed the Chilean to beat Hansen at his near post with a tackle-cum-shot, to double his side's lead and leave the visitors with a mountain to climb. There was no respite for the Danes, who were completely outclassed in a one-sided first-half. A perfect corner from Andrea Pirlo found Alessandro Matri waiting, but his header could only find the crossbar. Moments later it was Hansen who once again came to the rescue when he fended away a storming effort from Marchisio, but Juve would not have to wait long to record their third. Giovinco was given space down the right hand side of the box, and the striker struck a beautifully-executed looping shot that gave the goalkeeper absolutely no chance and put his side in cruise control at the break. Just three minutes after the restart, the vibrant hosts were already on the march looking to add to their tally. Vidal had the chance to let loose with a volley from the edge of the box, but Hansen was equal to the challenge to prevent Juve from adding to their lead - at least for the time being. With an hour played FCN had their best effort of the match, finally forcing a save from Gianluigi Buffon after a decent effort from Patrick Mtiliga. That strike failed to upset the pattern of play, though, and Matri was left clean through against Hansen and should have added a fourth, but the striker hesitated in rounding the keeper and saw his chance disappear. There was to be one final flourish from the reigning Serie A champions on 75 minutes. Pirlo's corner was headed across the goalmouth by Matri, and Quagliarella was on hand to complete the rout. The win moves Juventus up to second place in Group E, while Nordsjaelland remain in fourth place and face an almost impossible task to qualify for the knockout stages.

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 CL: Juve demolish the Danes Nov 7, 2012 Juventus brushed off talk of a crisis by crushing Nordsjaelland 4-0, but remain third in Group E after Chelsea's last-gasp 3-2 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. The pressure was on the Bianconeri after nine consecutive European stalemates and on Saturday their 49-match unbeaten run in Serie A was ended by a 3-1 defeat here to Inter. Mirko Vucinic bruised his calf in that game and was therefore ruled out along with Simone Pepe, but Stephan Lichtsteiner was dropped to the stands. Alessandro Matri partnered Sebastian Giovinco, while Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah took the wide roles. Nordsjaelland earned their first ever Champions League point with a 1-1 draw when these sides met in Denmark and kept the same starting XI. As Juve had drawn all three games so far in Group E, they had to win tonight or leave themselves a mountain to climb for qualification – namely having to beat Chelsea at home and Shakhtar in Donetsk. Once again, the Juventus Stadium was not full for the Champions League despite packing out Serie A games regularly. Giovinco forced a save out of the goalkeeper when falling, but the linesman had correctly flagged him offside. It was an early warning that Nordjsaelland did not heed, as Juve broke the deadlock moments later. Andrea Pirlo spread the play to the right for Isla to flash a ball across the face of goal and Claudio Marchisio was ready to tap in from seven yards. Jesper Hansen had to sprint out of his box to clear from Matri when the striker sprung the offside trap in midfield. Giovinco had penalty appeals for a handling offence as he went to hook the long ball, but the referee waved play on, while Nordsjaelland desperately cleared in the six-yard box as Asamoah pulled back from the by-line. Marchisio threatened a second goal on 17 minutes when getting in front of his marker to run on to a ball over the top, but the goalkeeper parried from point-blank range with his knee. Arturo Vidal fired over from a Giovinco assist, while a crucial Enoch Adu tackle stopped the Atomic Ant short as he was about to pull the trigger. Juventus did double their lead with Vidal acting as a real goal poacher. Isla put the loose ball back into the middle and Vidal’s shot was charged down by Kasper Lorentzen, but the defender wasn’t alert enough and Vidal snuck back in at full stretch to prod it in at the near post from six yards. Isla charged into the area to sting Hansen’s palms, then from a Pirlo corner the looping Matri header cracked against the crossbar on 26 minutes, as it was absolute domination from the Italians. A corner was cleared to outside the box, where Marchisio unleashed a blockbuster that Hansen palmed round the upright with great difficulty. Giovinco broke his Champions League drought after numerous attempts in this first half. He gathered from Pirlo down the right and took advantage of Ivan Runje backing off slightly to smash an angled drive across Hansen towards the far corner. Asamoah’s volley turned into an assist for Matri, but his first touch on the turn let him down. Nordsjaelland were being steamrollered, so they made a double substitution at half-time, introducing Anders Christiansen and Soren Christensen for a 4-3-3 system. Matri held up the long Pirlo pass for Vidal’s half-volley, well smothered by Hansen, and Paul Pogba replaced a limping Vidal to cheers from the Turin crowd. Gigi Buffon finally had something to do on 63 minutes by beating away a long-range Patrick Mtiliga strike, but seconds later Fabio Quagliarella sent Matri clear on goal and the striker hesitated when one-on-one with the goalkeeper, allowing Jores Okore to recover. Matri and Quagliarella had shots charged down in the same move, then the former Cagliari striker just failed to make contact with Pirlo’s pass at full stretch. Quagliarella added a fourth goal from a set play. Pirlo’s corner was flicked on by Matri at the near post for Quagliagol to nod under the bar from five yards. It was his second Champions League goal after the one scored at Stamford Bridge. Juventus 4-0 Nordjsaelland Scorers: Marchisio 6 (J), Vidal 23 (J), Giovinco 37 (J), Quagliarella 75 (J) Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini (Lucio 69); Isla, Vidal (Pogba 53), Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco (Quagliarella 60) Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu (Christensen 46), Stokholm; Laudrup (A Christiansen 46), Lorentzen, John; Beckmann (Nordstrand 73) Ref: Stavrev (MKD)

CHELSEA 7 SHAKHTAR 7 JUVENTUS 6 NORDSJAELLAND 1

Grande Pirlo

Negati un paio di rigori al Chelsea. Chelsea 2 - 2 Shakhtar

Bella azione danese

Sono d'accordo.

Primo errore di Isla.