Socrates

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Bonucci a worry for Juventus Nov 23, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has a defensive headache ahead of the game at Milan on Sunday after Leonardo Bonucci was hit by illness. The Old Lady may already be without Giorgio Chiellini at the weekend after he sustained a calf strain in the 3-0 win over Chelsea. Now Bonucci is also a doubt because the Italian international stopper has a fever which will not see him train this afternoon. Bonucci could be replaced in the side, if needed, by youngster Luca Marrone. Lucio and Martin Caceres will be in competition to step in for Chiellini. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Barzagli: Milan not just El Shaarawy Nov 23, 2012 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli believes that it will be foolish to focus purely on Stephan El Shaarawy when the Bianconeri face Milan on Sunday. Antonio Conte's men travel to Lombardy to face the Rossoneri at the weekend, but the 31-year-old is of the opinion that the threat they pose will not be just down to the former Genoa man. “I've seen a few of Milan's recent games,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “And I don't think their attacking threat depends solely on El Shaarawy. “He's going through a good moment of form, but we can't just focus on him. “We have studied Milan and know what they can do. They may be struggling, but they have all the means to get back up to where they were before.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli El Shaarawy: Allegri's faith key to my form The Rossoneri forward has hailed his coach's influence on his recent hot streak, and revealed that Silvio Berlusconi had joked with him about his haircut. Nov 23, 2012 AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy believes that the approval of coach Massimiliano Allegri is one of the most important factors behind his run of good form. The youngster has scored 10 goals during his 13 Serie A appearances for the Rossoneri this season, and is adamant this return is due to his mentor's faith in his ability. “I didn't start the season well,” the 20-year-old told La Repubblica. "However, Allegri still showed great faith in me and that was very important. “Allegri asks me to perform well, he doesn't ask me for goals. Helping the side defend is a sacrifice that is eventually repaid and it’s no coincidence that the goals have arrived. “It’s very satisfying to have scored these goals by November and I just want to do well for Milan. This is a fantastic period for me, but I have to continue on this road.” He then revealed that club president Silvio Berlusconi promised him that he could keep his signature mohican if his current hot streak continues. “He told me that I can keep my haircut if I keep scoring,” the Italy international continued. “Anyhow, all I’m thinking about now is the game against Juventus.” Milan currently sit 12th and are preparing for the clash against table-toppers Juventus on November 25. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Pato sustains thigh injury ahead of Juventus clash The Brazilian forward is highly unlikely to feature in AC Milan's encounter this weekend after having picked up yet another physical issue. Nov 23, 2012 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has received some disturbing news from the treatment table ahead of this weekend's Serie A clash at home against Juventus as he will probably have to make do without the services of Alexandre Pato due to injury. The Brazil international picked up a thigh problem in the 3-1 Champions League win over Anderlecht, and underwent further examination on Thursday to clarify the extent of the knock. Although Pato's injury is less serious than Milan initially feared, it seems unlikely that he will match fit in time for the match versus Juve. "AC Milan communicates that Alexandre Pato has sustained a bruised thigh during the match in Brussels. Medical examinations have not revealed any muscular damage," a statement on the club's official website reads. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Galliani: Rizzoli the right referee for AC Milan-Juve The Rossoneri CEO is confident that the 41-year-old is the right man for the job as the two Italian giants lock horns at the weekend. Nov 23, 2012 Adriano Galliani believes that Nicola Rizzoli is the perfect referee to lead this Sunday's Serie A encounter between AC Milan and Juventus. There has been plenty of controversy about refereeing decisions in Italy this term, but Galliani has little doubt that Rizzoli will do a good job at the weekend. "It’s a good choice that Rizzoli will be in charge of Milan-Juventus. He’s the best referee around in Italy, just like [Pierluigi] Collina during his days as a referee," the Rossoneri CEO was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Let’s hope that Rizzoli will confirm his status as the best referee around in Italy during Sunday's encounter." Last year's meeting between the Rossoneri and the Vecchia Signora was marred by officials' failure to spot that Sulley Muntari's header had crossed the goalline. Sunday's match at San Siro is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli AC Milan looking to trouble Juventus, says De Sciglio The promising defender believes that the Rossoneri await a tough game, but is hopeful of getting a good result against the Scudetto holders. Nov 23, 2012 AC Milan youngster Mattia De Sciglio is eagerly anticipating this weekend's Serie A match at home against Juventus, and expects a difficult encounter at San Siro. The Rossoneri currently sit 12th in the league table, trailing leaders Juve by 17 points, but they are determined to cause the Old Lady as much trouble as possible as they target an upset. "Sunday’s match against Juventus will be a tough match and a difficult one especially with what happened last year" De Sciglio told Milan Channel. "Juventus are one of the best teams in Italy. We’ll put in 100 per cent to cause them as much difficulty as possible." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

‘Chelsea win best of Conte era’ Nov 23, 2012 Juventus’ 3-0 win over Chelsea in midweek was the best performance since Antonio Conte took charge, says Giorgio Chiellini. The Old Lady confidently disposed of the European Champions with an emphatic 3-0 scoreline in Turin on Tuesday. “It was a test of strength and perhaps Tuesday night’s match was the best of the Conte era,” the defender told Juventus Channel. “The Chelsea game was the most important encounter of the season so far. We knew we couldn’t slip up and played a great game. But in order to go through we’ll require an even better performance. “The disappointing thing is that you can only enjoy that kind of victory for an evening, because the following day you’re already thinking about the next fixture, even more so considering it’s Milan.” Juve now need a point at Shakhtar Donetsk to book their place in the last 16, but a win would see them finish first. “It’s right that we’re aiming to top the group,” the Italian international added. “That could give us an added advantage.” The 28-year-old also reflected on Sunday’s opponents and their young hot-shot, his new international teammate Stephan El Shaarawy. “El Shaarawy has shown himself to be the revelation of the season, but you could already see his qualities last year,” the centre-back noted. “Yet I don’t think even he would have expected to score as many goals and become a leader of the Milan side. “Along with his technical abilities, he has the right attitude and the desire to display what he can do. “It will be a highly intense affair, between two motivated sides who want to win.”

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Bonucci demands Juventus hunger Nov 23, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has outlined that the 17-point gap between Juventus and Milan means nothing ahead of their meeting on Sunday. While the champions have again taken control of the Division, the Rossoneri have struggled following a summer of high profile exits. But Bonucci is demanding that his side show the Diavolo respect, even more so than they showed Chelsea in midweek. “To win in the Champions League against the reigning champions is fantastic, but we have to stay alert as we have Milan on Sunday,” he stated. “They are a team who have a great desire to pick themselves up, therefore we will have to prepare for this weekend with the maximum intensity. “I’ve told myself, my teammates and everyone at the club that our hunger against Chelsea was great, but if we want to see the same Juve against Milan then that hunger won’t be enough. “We need more hunger now than ever…” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Vidal and Marchisio to extend? Nov 23, 2012 Italian champions Juventus are reportedly ready to tighten their grip on Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. According to Tuttosport, the midfield duo are being looked at closely by the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and the two Manchester clubs. It is also understood that Juventus turned down a multi-million Euro offer for the two men from Bayern Munich in the summer. Aware of the interest in the pair, director general Beppe Marotta is willing to offer the men new improved contracts in Turin until June 2018. Vidal, signed from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2011, and Marchisio are committed to the Old Lady until June 2016. Marchisio earns €3m a season, while Vidal is on €2.7m a campaign.

Genoa cool Padoin speculation Nov 23, 2012 Genoa sporting director Rino Foschi is refusing to comment on his club’s alleged interest in Juventus’ Simone Padoin. http://markting10.nl/ The 28-year-old has been paired with the Marassi outfit given the possibility that he will leave Turin after Christmas. “The window is closed right now so it is useless to talk about transfers,” Foschi told Tutto Juve. “I’ve seen the stories in the newspapers, but we are talking about a player who would be of interest to a lot of clubs. http://markting10.nl/ “For now, I would prefer to just talk about the football that is being played on the pitch.” Padoin joined Juve at the start of this year from Atalanta, but he has struggled to get a game with the Old Lady. So far this season, he has appeared in just three Serie A matches – all as a substitute – for a total of 51 minutes.

Pirlo hoping to finish in Ballon d'Or top 10 The Juventus midfielder, who is among the outsiders for the prestigious yearly award, hailed his side's victory over Chelsea and looked ahead to Sunday's tussle with AC Milan. Nov 23, 2012 Italy international and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed his desire to be finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d'Or this season. The midfield maestro is considered an outside chance for football's most prestigious individual award following his superb displays at Euro 2012, which helped the Azzurri finish as runners-up to Spain. The World Cup winner, who also played a key role in the Bianconeri's title winning campaign last season, has admitted that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi remain the obvious choices but that he will just be happy to be close behind them in the rankings. "For many years Messi and Ronaldo will be the two best. After them there is Xavi, Andres Iniesta and others. I hope to be in the top ten," Pirlo told reporters. Following Juventus' emphatic 3-0 victory over European champions Chelsea in the Champions League, Pirlo is now looking forward to his team's clash with his former side, AC Milan, this Sunday in the Serie A. "We needed a win like the one against Chelsea," he added. It gives us confidence having beaten the European champions. Our inner strength helped. We are a solid group and we work hard. "The Milan match is a special game for Juventus. I hope to win it, though Milan are a strong team. When great teams meet there is never is a problem with concentration."

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Van Basten will be at Milan-Juventus Nov 22, 2012 Marco Van Basten will be at San Siro on Sunday evening to watch former club Milan take on Juventus. “Van Basten will be in the stands,” Vice-President Adriano Galliani confirmed. “It will be 20 years on from that great night against Gothenburg when he scored four goals and the most beautiful overhead kick in our history.” The Dutchman spent seven successful years at San Siro, before he was forced to retire because of an ankle injury in 1995. Van Basten has since become a Coach and is currently at Heerenveen after spells in charge of the Dutch national side and Ajax. “I don’t know if Van Basten could become the Coach here in the future,” Galliani continued. “He could do one day, anything can happen in life. “Nevertheless he will be here on Sunday as an ex-Rossonero player and nothing else. That’s also because I am faithful to Massimiliano Allegri.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Nocerino now focused on Juventus Nov 22, 2012 Milan’s Antonio Nocerino has already archived last night’s 3-1 win over Anderlecht in the Champions League. “It’s Juventus next.” The victory in Belgium saw the Diavolo book their place in the last 16 of the competition, but the Italian is keeping his feet on the ground. “I’m already thinking about Sunday, this game is already behind us,” the former Palermo player commented ahead of the Juventus visit. “We’ve done nothing yet, we’re happy for the fans, but we have to be humble and continue to live like this was our last chance. “We have a great jersey on our backs, this is one of the biggest clubs in world football and we have to keep on going like this.” Milan are an incredible 17 points behind leaders Juve after just 13 Serie A games this season. In their seven home League games this term, the Diavolo have won three and lost four. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 25-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juventus have Chiellini worry Nov 22, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is a doubt for the game against Milan on Sunday because of injury. The centre-back put in an impressive display against Chelsea on Tuesday, but he limped out of the 3-0 win in the closing stages. Chiellini suffered a minor calf strain which, according to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, is still causing him discomfort. The former Fiorentina player will continue to receive treatment over the next four days in an effort to have him ready for the San Siro clash. The 28-year-old, who missed the start of the season because of fitness issues, has played in 11 League games this term. Juventus boss Antonio Conte could turn to Martin Caceres, Lucio or even Luca Marrone if Chiellini is ruled out of action. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/