Socrates

Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Barzagli: I'm afraid of Milito Nov 1, 2012 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has admitted he is wary of the threat posed by Diego Milito as the Bianconeri and Inter meet this Saturday. Andrea Conte's men face-off against the Nerazzurri at Juventus Stadium this weekend, and the 31-year-old centre-back has conceded that the San Siro side, who currently sit in second place in Serie A, could threaten their long unbeaten run. “I am afraid of Diego Milito,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “He is a complete striker – one of the strongest in Europe. He does not miss a thing. “Inter are a worthy threat. Andrea Stramaccioni is a good Coach, and I think it's right that a young Coach with good ideas is getting a chance. “I don't think the match can be considered a crucial one at this stage of the season. The Nerazzurri can definitely challenge for the title, but we are a group that believes in itself. “We always try to keep our feet on the ground and for a lot of us it has been a tough start, what with the Champions League as well. “Saying that, I hope that we can go on and dominate.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Guarin: Now let’s beat Juve Nov 1, 2012 Inter’s Fredy Guarin has underlined that his side will travel to Juventus on Saturday with the intention of extending their winning run. The Nerazzurri won their sixth straight top-flight game last night when they came from behind to beat Sampdoria 3-2. Now in second place, four points behind the Old Lady, Inter are looking to end Juventus’ unbeaten record in the championship which now stands at 49 games. “Now let's think about Juve,” the Colombian international, who scored in the cub’s latest victory, commented. “We're slowly getting to where Coach Andrea Stramaccioni wants us to be, by working hard and winning games. “Now we can focus on the Bianconeri and we'll fight to win that match.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Zanetti ready for Juventus challenge Nov 1, 2012 Javier Zanetti says that his Inter side will face Juventus on Saturday in confident mood after another Serie A victory. The Nerazzurri fell behind to Sampdoria on Wednesday, but eventually won 3-2 to move into second place – four points adrift of the Old Lady. “We'll go there as a team on the up and will look to play our own game,” the captain told Inter Channel. “We know we're playing a great team, let's hope it's a good game of football.” Inter have now won their last six matches in the Italian top flight, but it was the manner of their victory at San Siro which pleased the Argentine. “Our comeback was a great sign,” he explained. “We conceded a goal, which can happen, but we had the strength to respond without getting impatient and we used our quality. “In the first half we created many chances, while we did everything we could after the break to win the match and we succeeded.” Inter were catapulted to victory by the skills of Rodrigo Palacio, Antonio Cassano and Diego Milito. “We have three excellent forwards who are all doing their bit,” Zanetti stated. “They're all stars and we're lucky enough to enjoy their ability, both in training and matches. “I hope they continue in this vein.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Barzagli: I am afraid of Milito The Italy defender has spoken of his admiration for the Argentine striker and Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni ahead of Juventus' clash with the Nerazzurri on Saturday. Nov 1, 2012 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has admitted that he is not looking forward prospect of trying to keep Inter striker Diego Milito quiet on Saturday. Andrea Stramaccioni's men have won their last eight games, with the Argentine finding the net on five occasions in 10 games this season, and the Italy international is aware of the task at hand. "I am afraid of Diego Milito," he told Sky Sport Italia. "He is a complete striker, one of the strongest in Europe. He does not miss a thing. "Inter are a worthy threat. Stramaccioniis a good coach, and I think it is right that a young trainer with good ideas is getting a chance. "I don't think the match can be considered a crucial one at this stage of the season. The Nerazzurri can definitely challenge for the title, but we are a group that believes in ourselves. "We always try to keep our feet on the ground and for a lot of us it has been a tough start, what with the Champions League as well. "Saying that, I hope that we can go on and dominate." Kick-off at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday is scheduled for 20:45CET. Four points currently separatete the two teams. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 11 - 3-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Guarin: We will fight to beat Juventus The Colombia international has stressed the Nerazzurri will do their utmost to get the full three points, while Javier Zanetti has praised the club's attackers. Nov 1, 2012 Fredy Guarin has voiced his satisfaction with Inter's 3-2 Serie A win over Sampdoria on Wednesday and is eagerly anticipating Saturday's clash with arch-rivals Juventus. Andrea Stramaccioni's men initially struggled against the Blucerchiati, as Gianni Munari gifted the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time. However, goals from Diego Milito, Rodrigo Palacio and Guarin swung the match in Inter's favour, before Eder pegged one back well into stoppage time. "We played an excellent match against a tough side, we got the win and now let's think about Juve," Guarin told Inter Channel. "Now we can focus on Juventus and we'll fight to win the match. We're slowly getting to where the coach wants us to be, by working hard and winning games." Meanwhile, experienced defender Javier Zanetti has insisted Inter will try and play their own game against the Scudetto holders, while praising the Nerazzurri's attackers. "We'll go to Juventus as a team on the up and will look to play our own game. We know we're playing a great team, let's hope it's a good game of football. "We have three excellent forwards who are all doing their bit, they're all stars and we're lucky enough to enjoy their ability, both in training and matches. I hope they continue in this vein." Inter currently sit second in the Serie A table, trailing the Bianconeri by four points. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Atalanta reveal Pogba secret Nov 2, 2012 Atalanta were close to signing a 50 per cent share in Juventus revelation Paul Pogba this summer, the club have revealed. “Juventus have got themselves a great player,” Atalanta director general Pierpaolo Marino told Sport Italia. “In truth, we should have signed him on a co-ownership with Juventus thanks to our friendship with Bianconeri directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici. “We even started talks with his agent Mino Raiola, but the latter then informed me that Juventus would take control of his whole contract. “That’s why we later did a joint deal with Juventus for James Troisi instead.” Pogba, 19, joined the Old Lady in the summer from Manchester United after turning down a new contract at Old Trafford.

Serie A - 10^ Giornata - Andata - 31-10-2012 (ore 20:45) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Andrea Romeo Spettatori: 38000 Serie A - All'ultimo tuffo ci pensa Pogba, Juve ok Bologna battuto 2-1, decisivo il gol del francese in pieno recupero dopo che Taider (su errore di De Ceglie) aveva pareggiato il gol di Quagliarella. Con questo successo i bianconeri allungano la striscia positiva e rimangono a +4 sull'Inter, in vista del big-match di sabato. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 31 ottobre 2012 Alla fine arriva Paul e la Juve si prepara nel migliore dei modi al Derby d'Italia di sabato sera. Paul è Pogba, giocatore cui l'etichetta del giovane di belle speranze comincia a stare fin troppo aderente, che con un colpo di testa a pochi secondi dal termine del recupero (e dopo aver colpito un palo sullo 0-0) spezza la resistenza di un Bologna onesto e sfortunato in egual misura, mantenendo i bianconeri con un cuscino di quattro punti nei confronti dell'Inter. Un vantaggio che è meritato se si considera la maestria con cui la Juventus ha giostrato durante tutta la partita, specie in una prima mezz'ora condita a base di ritmi altissimi e che sottolinea la determinazione di una squadra capace di acciuffare l'obiettivo anche all'ultimo respiro, esattamente com'era successo nella gara casalinga contro il Napoli. Il Bologna incassa un'altra sconfitta dopo quella casalinga contro l'Inter e guarda una classifica quantomai deficitaria, in cui il solo (penalizzato) Siena è messo peggio, recriminando per una partita che il gioiello di Taider (su gentile concessione di uno spaesato De Ceglie) aveva rimesso in carreggiata, dopo il vantaggio juventino firmato Quagliarella. TURNOVER BIANCONERO - Guai a chiamarla Juve-2, quel che è certo è che la squadra scelta da Conte e mandata in campo da Alessio ha opzioni che non sono considerate prime scelte, come De Ceglie, il rientrante Isla o Giaccherini, con il peso dell'attacco affidato a Bendtner e Quagliarella. Pioli deve fare a meno di Diamanti, squalificato e deferito a poche ore dalla partita dopo le dichiarazioni riferite all'arbitro De Marco, al suo posto c'è Gabbiadini in coppia con Gilardino e Kone in posizione di trequartista. A proposito di arbitri, argomento clou delle ore (macchè ore, giorni) precedenti la partita dopo quanto è accaduto a Catania, fischia il veronese Romeo. JUVE, CHE INIZIO - L'avvio della Juventus è da Playstation, con un movimento senza palla costante che lavora ai fianchi e sembra logorare la tenuta del Bologna che nella prima mezz'ora di gioco finisce per capirci poco se non nulla. Il palo di Pogba poco dopo il quarto d'ora sembra il pugno di un pugile che ferisce con il jab, guardia alzata, danzando sulle punte: meravigliosa la conclusione a giro sulla quale Agliardi non sarebbe comunque potuto arrivare, palla che si stampa sul palo. Prima e dopo il pallone era finito in rete due volte, una per parte, ma in nessuno dei due casi si può parlare di gol annullato perchè Romeo aveva (giustamente) fischiato ben prima che Pogba e Gilardino, in azioni differenti, mettessero dentro. NO ALINO, NO PARTY - Il Bologna passa la metà campo con circospezione, Kone fa di tutto per far rimpiangere Diamanti e Gabbiadini spreca un giro e tiro su assist di Gilardino poco dopo la mezz'ora. Bendtner fa qualcosa più di Quagliarella nel primo tempo, certificandolo con una sassata al 40' che avrebbe meritato maggior fortuna e sulla quale Agliardi risponde presente. Tre minuti più tardi è ancora Pogba ad avere una grossa chance per il vantaggio, ma il suo colpo di testa sulla calibratissima punizione di Pirlo, sfiora il secondo palo. QUAGLIA-GOL IN AVVIO DI RIPRESA - Più Bendtner che Quagliarella, dicevamo. Considerazione che va capovolta completamente parlando del secondo tempo, quando l'attaccante napoletano sale in cattedra già in avvio, ingaggiando un duello personale con il portiere avversario. Al 50' fa le prove generali con un destro che Agliardi solo in due tempi toglie dai piedi di Bendtner, quattro minuti più tardi ammutolisce i primi ingenerosi fischi dello Juventus Stadium mettendo il sigillo ad una gran giocata avviata da Pogba e rifinita dalla sponda di Giaccherini. Pioli corre ai ripari, togliendo due ex in grossa difficoltà come Pazienza e Motta per inserire Khrin e Pulzetti ed effettivamente, a livello di tenuta del campo, il Bologna ne trae beneficio. TAIDER ILLUDE, POGBA PUNISCE - Il gol che arriva al 72', però, non è frutto di una manovra corale, bensì di un errore in disimpegno di Paolo De Ceglie, che lascia vagante un pallone sui venti metri sul quale si fionda Taider, destro incrociato di rara precisione sul quale Buffon non può intervenire e 1-1 sul tabellone dello Stadium. La Juventus passa immediatamente al 4-3-3, con gli ingressi di Giovinco e Asamoah (fuori il fischiatissimo De Ceglie e Quagliarella) e con il passare dei minuti avvolge nelle proprie spire gli avversari, intimando loro un finale di sofferenza peraltro ampiamente prevedibile. Finale che sembra sterile, per niente capace di regalare l'happy ending di altre occasioni, con Giovinco e Vucinic ad un passo dal guizzo ma senza precisione. Ma sono solo sensazioni perchè alla fine arriva Paul Pogba che con il secondo centro italiano scaccia tutte le paure in vista della gara con l'Inter, approfittando di un'uscita a vuoto di Agliardi. E' suo il volto nuovo della Juve, sia che si tratti di sostituire Pirlo sia che si debba fare le veci di Marchisio: ora dategli il Derby d'Italia. Fabio Fava - Eurosport Juventus 2-1 Bologna

Platini tips Pirlo for Ballon d'Or Nov 1, 2012 UEFA President Michel Platini is confident Juventus and Italy hero Andrea Pirlo “can win the Ballon d’Or.” The veteran midfielder is one of three Italians on the short-list along with Gianluigi Buffon and Mario Balotelli. “Pirlo is playing very well and I think he can win the Ballon d’Or, but there are also many other strong candidates for that award,” Platini told Radio 2 in Italy. The UEFA President was also asked about the recent controversy over refereeing decisions and the potential introduction of technology. “If we introduced that then we would have to decide every single offside, every single free kick, and every corner using technology – because the referee can get it wrong at any moment.”

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Attendance: 38000 ‘Incredible’ Pogba stuns Pioli Nov 1, 2012 Bologna tactician Stefano Pioli was left amazed by the performance of Juventus match-winner Paul Pogba. The Frenchman, still just 19, had a game to remember against the Rossoblu on Wednesday night in Serie A. Handed a start given the absences of Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, Pogba hit the post and then headed home an injury time goal in the 2-1 win. “Pogba is an incredible player,” Pioli was forced to admit. “He impressed me with his quality, physicality and personality. “He’s not just a player for the future, he’s already such a strong player right now…” Pogba, a summer arrival from Manchester United, has scored two goals in six League appearances for the Old Lady so far this term. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Juventus hero Pogba shows why Manchester United were so angry to lose him The teenager carried the Bianconeri to a win over Bologna, leaving Red Devils fans to once again rue his Old Trafford exit. Nov 1, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer With his latest excellent performance, complete with match-winning injury-time goal, Juventus fans are beginning to realise that in Paul Pogba they now have a fourth central midfielder ready to play regular first-team football. Manchester United supporters, however, are perhaps cursing the fact he was ever allowed to leave Old Trafford. For those who had previously seen the 19-year-old at close quarters, his recent impact has come as no great surprise. At a club famous for its ability to nurture players through its youth ranks, Pogba stuck out among United’s budding youngsters for some time, before making his controversial switch to Juventus Stadium this summer. His supreme ability on the ball, excellent balance, power, great passing range - off either foot - and tall frame, made him stand out for United's youth teams, and if anything, the one drawback was that he would switch off when games became a little too easy for him. Even at international level, Pogba found the going rather simple, and for those who followed him it was obvious he was already primed for first-team football. But, when United failed to offer him that on a regular basis last season, he jumped ship. “I didn’t renew with them because I didn’t find a deal with Sir Alex Ferguson,” Pogba explained after his winner against Bologna on Wednesday. “So I decided to accept the offer from the one team that was really interested in me, that being Juventus, and now I am very happy to be here.” Ferguson himself saw it differently. “Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware,” the United boss told MUTV shortly after the transfer. “It’s a bit disappointing because I don’t think he showed us any respect at all. To be honest, if they carry on that way, I’m quite happy that he’s away from me anyway.” Yet with each passing performance, he must be making United increasingly unhappy, just as he is bringing joy to Juventus. Pogba is the first youngster in decades that the Red Devils really wanted to keep but failed to do so and their folly in inviting the Bianconeri to Gary Neville’s testimonial in May 2011, three weeks after Pogba had turned in a Man of the Match display for United’s Under-18s against Juve’s youth side, simply came back to bite them. Add in their hardball stance during contract negotiations, and if Juventus’ transfer committee did indeed get to Ferguson’s prized asset, it was not as though United had done their utmost to keep the Frenchman out of their reach. They did not protect him, they flaunted him, and for that they paid the ultimate price. Whatever the truth behind the move, Antonio Conte is fast coming to terms with the fact he has a twice-weekly selection headache to contend with. He may only be 19, but Pogba has a bit of everything talent-wise, and is clearly ready for first-team football. If he does not get it at Juventus Stadium, his agent Mino Raiola will ensure he finds it elsewhere, and with the qualities he possesses, he has every right to be impatient. Now he will surely see more football. For the opening two months he has been largely used as an occasional alternative to Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but his recent increased exposure to the first XI must be the catalyst for a potential rethink. At the very least, he is already the fourth man in a genuine rotation, and he has enough in him to eventually upset the order and make a starting shirt his own. While Ferguson's men come to terms with having to make the most of their weakest midfield in a generation, the ‘one that got away’ is only getting started in his potentially glittering career with the Old Lady.

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Attendance: 38000 Giaccherini rues poor finishing Nov 1, 2012 Emanuele Giaccherini is adamant that his Juventus side fully deserved the three points in Wednesday’s game against Bologna. The Old Lady did collect a 2-1 victory in a game they dominated, but only thanks to an injury time strike from Paul Pogba. “We deserved the victory and we’re happy it came,” Giaccherini, who was given a place in the starting line-up, noted. “The only regret is the fact that we weren’t able to put the game to bed when we were 1-0 up as anything can happen in these cases. “We started strongly from the off and fought for every ball. They only had one shot on goal…” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pogba: I need to improve at Juve Nov 1, 2012 Paul Pogba is keeping his feet on the ground despite his impressive display and winning goal in Juventus’ 2-1 win over Bologna. The Frenchman was handed a start at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday and, after hitting the post, he headed home an injury time winner. “I’m very happy that I scored the winning goal, but I need to look ahead,” the 19-year-old noted after the game. “I still need to improve and I’m reminded of this by all the members of the technical staff.” Pogba’s display may now give boss Antonio Conte something to think about ahead of Saturday’s game against Inter. “If the Coach tells me that I’m playing then I try to be ready,” Pogba noted. “It’s the same thing if I have to sit on the bench and come on during the game as a substitute.” Although a central midfielder of some substance, Pogba underlined his ability in the attacking third in Turin last night. “I like scoring and always looked to get forward when I was at Manchester United. I’m a big guy and I look to make my presence felt in the penalty area.” The teenager moved to Turin in the summer after his contract at Manchester United expired. “I didn’t renew with United because I couldn’t reach an agreement with Alex Ferguson. That’s why I decided to accept Juventus’ offer,” he explained. “Inter and Milan looked at me in the summer, but Juventus were the only club who really wanted me. And I’m very happy to be here.”

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Attendance: 38000 Juventus hero Pogba shows why Manchester United were so angry to lose him The teenager carried the Bianconeri to a win over Bologna, leaving Red Devils fans to once again rue his Old Trafford exit. Nov 1, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer With his latest excellent performance, complete with match-winning injury-time goal, Juventus fans are beginning to realise that in Paul Pogba they now have a fourth central midfielder ready to play regular first-team football. Manchester United supporters, however, are perhaps cursing the fact he was ever allowed to leave Old Trafford. For those who had previously seen the 19-year-old at close quarters, his recent impact has come as no great surprise. At a club famous for its ability to nurture players through its youth ranks, Pogba stuck out among United’s budding youngsters for some time, before making his controversial switch to Juventus Stadium this summer. His supreme ability on the ball, excellent balance, power, great passing range - off either foot - and tall frame, made him stand out for United's youth teams, and if anything, the one drawback was that he would switch off when games became a little too easy for him. Even at international level, Pogba found the going rather simple, and for those who followed him it was obvious he was already primed for first-team football. But, when United failed to offer him that on a regular basis last season, he jumped ship. “I didn’t renew with them because I didn’t find a deal with Sir Alex Ferguson,” Pogba explained after his winner against Bologna on Wednesday. “So I decided to accept the offer from the one team that was really interested in me, that being Juventus, and now I am very happy to be here.” Ferguson himself saw it differently. “Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware,” the United boss told MUTV shortly after the transfer. “It’s a bit disappointing because I don’t think he showed us any respect at all. To be honest, if they carry on that way, I’m quite happy that he’s away from me anyway.” Yet with each passing performance, he must be making United increasingly unhappy, just as he is bringing joy to Juventus. Pogba is the first youngster in decades that the Red Devils really wanted to keep but failed to do so and their folly in inviting the Bianconeri to Gary Neville’s testimonial in May 2011, three weeks after Pogba had turned in a Man of the Match display for United’s Under-18s against Juve’s youth side, simply came back to bite them. Add in their hardball stance during contract negotiations, and if Juventus’ transfer committee did indeed get to Ferguson’s prized asset, it was not as though United had done their utmost to keep the Frenchman out of their reach. They did not protect him, they flaunted him, and for that they paid the ultimate price. Whatever the truth behind the move, Antonio Conte is fast coming to terms with the fact he has a twice-weekly selection headache to contend with. He may only be 19, but Pogba has a bit of everything talent-wise, and is clearly ready for first-team football. If he does not get it at Juventus Stadium, his agent Mino Raiola will ensure he finds it elsewhere, and with the qualities he possesses, he has every right to be impatient. Now he will surely see more football. For the opening two months he has been largely used as an occasional alternative to Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but his recent increased exposure to the first XI must be the catalyst for a potential rethink. At the very least, he is already the fourth man in a genuine rotation, and he has enough in him to eventually upset the order and make a starting shirt his own. While Ferguson's men come to terms with having to make the most of their weakest midfield in a generation, the ‘one that got away’ is only getting started in his potentially glittering career with the Old Lady. ELSEWHERE... • Inter teed up a mouth-watering Derby d’Italia with a comeback win over Sampdoria at San Siro, aided by the sending-off of Andrea Costa early in the second-half. In what was an uninspiring contest for long spells under incessant rain, the Nerazzurri ran the risk after Andrea Ranocchia’s latest mistake led to Gianni Munari giving the Blucerchiati the lead, but Antonio Cassano was once again key to the 3-2 win. While there is talk that he would like to one day return to the Doriani ranks, the Italy forward is currently turning in match-winning displays on a regular basis, and is doing so as quietly and professionally as anyone can remember too! • Zdenek Zeman’s second reign at Roma is going from bad to worse, with their 3-2 defeat at Parma representing a third loss from a winning position already this season, and the second in three days. The conditions at the Ennio Tardini were hardly conducive to free-flowing football, but it was the Ducali’s ability to come to terms with the elements better which helped to rub salt into the Giallorossi’s wounds. The capital club have now won only three and lost four of their nine fixtures on the pitch this season, and the Czech coach’s ability to get the best of a decent enough squad has to be called into question. • Napoli sacrificed second spot in the table by going down to defeat at Atalanta. Many had tipped the Neapolitans to be this season’s ‘anti-Juve’, but the 1-0 loss helped to emphasise the gap between the Partenopei and the leaders, with that ability to win when not playing well still largely missing from the makeup of Walter Mazzarri’s side. The absence of Edinson Cavani has also hit them hard, with 32 shots yielding just a single goal in the two matches he has missed through injury since the weekend. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Attendance: 38000 Pogba: I still need to improve The promising midfielder remains humble after his man-of-the-match performance, and has stressed that he is determined to become an even better player. Nov 1, 2012 Paul Pogba voiced his delight after scoring a late winner in Juventus' 2-1 win over Bologna on Wednesday evening, but is not getting carried away as he feels he still has plenty of room for improvement. The Bianconeri appeared to be on their way to a 1-1 draw at Juventus Stadium, but Pogba had different ideas and netted the winning goal in the dying seconds of the game, to help his side to the full three points. "I’m very happy as I scored the winning goal, but I need to look ahead," the midfielder was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "I still need to improve, and I’m reminded of this by the backroom staff. We’ll enjoy the success and think about Inter tomorrow. "I like scoring and always looked to get forward when I was at Manchester United." The 19-year-old midfielder has netted twice in six Serie A appearances for the club. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Attendance: 38000 Juventus 2-1 Bologna REVIEW: Pogba Says “BOOM!” Oct 31, 2012 Halloween saw Juventus publish a stream of pictures depicting various squad members dressed as characters from horror films and other scary movies, all under the banner headline “We’ll Continue To Cause A Fright!” and, after looking like delivering another one of *those* draws, it was Bologna who were left petrified by the Bianconeri on a night one young player will never forget. Here’s Adam and Lars with the breakdown: MATCH ANALYSIS (by Adam Digby) Well, we got there in the end. After pleading with the team to put thoughts of Saturday’s clash with Inter aside and ‘take care of business’ against Bologna, the players did just that, a heavily rotated side having just enough quality to see off Stefano Pioli’s spirited Rossoblu. The former Juventus defender can take heart from the fact his side put on a solid display of team unity that defies their lowly place in the table but, as ever, the most important thing is the Bianconeri were the ones holding the points when the final whistle blew. After a busy schedule, Antonio Conte took the opportunity to rest a number of key players ahead of the impending Derby d’Italia with Stephan Lichtsteiner, Kwadwo Asamoah, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic all joining the suspended Arturo Vidal in sitting out this game. That meant Martin Caceres came in to the back three, Mauricio Isla, Paulo De Ceglie, Emmanuele Giaccherini and Paul Pogba lined up alongside Andrea Pirlo in midfield whilst Fabio Quagliarella and Nicklas Bendtner formed an unlikely strike partnership. That is the kind of team selection that, to many teams, gives off an air of ‘we have bigger matches to worry about’ and can inspire opponents to make a point that they should not be taken so lightly. However, thanks to the personality of Antonio Conte (and perhaps a nailed baseball bat) those coming into the line-up know that it may be their one and only chance to prove to ‘The Boss’ that they deserve more regular playing time. What could be almost considered – with one or two notable exceptions – a reserve XI combined to make a clear declaration of the strength now at the disposal of the Coach and send a message to those who inexplicably continue to criticise Beppe Marotta’s work on the transfer market. Yes, of course the team still lacks the kind of striker who can deliver thirty goals a season but what we saw here was a second string line-up putting on the kind of energy filled display that has been missing in recent weeks. Hopefully that will show those rested for this encounter what they must do if they are to retain their starting spots and, combined with the loathing the Nerazzurri shirt always fills Juventini with, inspire the level of performance that will be needed against Andrea Stramaccioni’s resurgent Inter at the weekend. Of course, a team with so many changes will have blips and those were apparent throughout the match but that was only to be expected. Playing at home and winning will provide these players with the kind of experience they require and that is no truer than for Pogba, the undisputed man of the match on Wednesday night. It was he who set up Quagliarella’s opener with a great ball over the top of the Bologna defence for Giaccherini but he was just warming up. With the game drifting into nothing and having had one goal chalked off for shoving Marco Motta (admit it, you would too!) he popped up to snatch the points with a great header from a Sebastian Giovinco cross. Another win for Juventus, best described by Gabriele Marcotti on ESPN Press Pass immediately following the game, his simple “Boom!” perfectly summing up both the game and Pogba’s impact since arriving from Manchester United. LE PAGELLE (by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen) Buffon: 6.0 – Yet another very quiet night for San Gigi, who was playing as a sweeper as much as a goalie for this one. Could do little to prevent the very well-placed equaliser from Taider. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cáceres: 6.5 – Did well deputising for Chiellini (albeit on the right). With precious little to do defensively, he spend much of the game pushing up the right flank, starting a few attacks whilst always being attentive. Bonucci: 6.5 – More of a neat and orderly Bruce Wayne performance than a vigilant Batman one from our very own crime fighter no. 1. As ever, Leo was covering a lot of ground and contributed in offence, as the defence was rarely tested. Barzagli: 6.5 – Was shifted to the left side of the three man back-line in lieu of Chiellini and proved that his rather poor start to the season was a fluke more than anything else. Big Andrea was as calm and solid as ever. Some suggest he could have done better to close down Taider for the equaliser – I disagree. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Isla: 6.0 – A solid performance at right wing-back for the still not entirely match fit Chilean. Worth noting how he, unlike Lichtsteiner, is willing to cut in and take on a man or two. On the other hand, he does not provide the running down the flank offered by his Swiss counterpart. Faded as the match wore on and was subbed. Pirlo: 6.0 – Decent showing from Andrea, especially for a mid-week game. Did most of what we expect from the Bearded Genius, but little more. A vastly under-appreciated fact about Pirlo in this Juve side is his actual defensive contribution: it’s not always eye-catching, but often provides a bit of time for the defence to recover, especially in “little” games like this one. Pogba: 8.5 – An absolutely brilliant performance from the young Frenchman. Was omnipresent in midfield, looking to replace both Vidal and Marchisio at the same time – and succeeding! Two goals (one incorrectly ruled out for a very soft push on… yes, Marco Motta!), a shot on the post, a decisive cross in the play that lead to Quagliarella’s goal, and a work-rate that must have brought Conte and Sir Alex Ferguson to tears of a very different kind made him the Man of the Match by some distance. Clichéed as it may be, Darth Paul was simply unplayable tonight! Giaccherini: 6.5 - Did ok in the middle of the park, but while his trickery and technique is plain to see, he misses the steel and determination of a Vidal or Marchisio. Was closed down too often for my taste. An extra .5 for his nice headed assist for Quagliarella’s goal. De Ceglie: 4.5 – We would all love for Paolino to succeed, but his performance tonight did him no favours at all. Even before his horrendous clearance-cum-assist for Bologna’s goal, he looked out of his depth at times and failed to deliver the right crosses even with a fair amount of space around him. Mercifully/cruelly subbed off after his howler. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bendtner: 6.0 – The much taunted Dane did all right on the night as he was involved in the action and seemed up for the task. Often went deep to participate in the build-up play; a strength of his, but sadly not what Juve need at the moment. Needs to position himself better on set-plays, but overall an encouraging performance, lacking only that which most Bianconeri strikers do… Quagliarella: 6.5 – Did precious little in the opening phase of the game, but grew into it and – crucially – was at the right place at the right time to convert the first goal. Now top scorer in black and white this season, although that does not say too much… -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Giovinco: 6.5 – Came on for Quagliarella immediately after Bologna’s equaliser to try and exploit the tiredness of the Rossoblu backline. Was lively as ever, but his finishing is still too poor. An extra .5 for the wonderful cross to Pogba that ensured the victory, though. Asamoah: 6.0 – introduced right after Giovinco, taking the place of a shaky and shaken De Ceglie and made his presence felt down the left. Looked perhaps a little perplexed defensively as the formation shifted to a 4-3-3. Vucinic: 5.5 – Was subbed on for Isla in order to break the stalemate and shift the formation. Had a few good touches, but was not involved enough. Had a few shots, but none too dangerous. Hopefully Mirko was just gearing up for the big Inter game on Saturday. ANALYSIS WRAP-UP (by Adam Digby) As has already been said, it wasn’t pretty but a win is a win is a win. As well as the other points already made about both resting the first team regulars and hopefully prompting them to raise their game, this performance also appeared to achieve a number of other goals, most notably the realisation that Pogba is indeed the real deal. His display shows that not only does Juventus have a serious alternative option to any of the M-V-P trio, but that they have one without the need to switch Asamoah from the left wing-back role he has made his own since arriving from Udinese. The game also appeared to reawaken the dominant, unflappable Andrea Barzagli we saw last season. Seriously lacking both form and sharpness in the new term, shifting him from the right to the left of the back three seemed to force him to concentrate more fully than he has done since returning from Euro 2012 and, with the prospect of Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano to contend with on Saturday that is no small accomplishment. Yes the team once again came out flat in the second half but at least it has seen the talk of Conte’s secret tunnels fall from the minds of the media which means he can use them again to deliver the mother of all team talks before the Inter match! (See, I can play the conspiracy card too when I want!) Job done here against Bologna and, with just two days to prepare, it’s right back to work. Andiamo ragazzi! http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Attendance: 38000 Will Quagliarella start against Inter? Oct 31, 2012 Juventus’ Fabio Quagliarella has admitted that he doesn’t know whether his goal against Bologna will guarantee him a starting shirt versus Inter. The Italian gave the Bianconeri the lead against the Rossoblu last night before being replaced by Sebastian Giovinco in a game the Old Lady eventually won 2-1. “Saturday’s Inter clash will be a great match, but I don’t know whether I will play as the Coach rotates all of the strikers he has available,” he stated. The 29-year-old is Juve’s joint top scorer in the League this term with three goals in six games. He also has one in two Champions League ties. “I’m happy about scoring, but above all I’m happy with the result,” the former Sampdoria and Udinese man continued. “If a striker scores and the team win it’s the maximum as far as I’m concerned.” Juve won the game thanks to an injury time header from Paul Pogba. “We displayed our never-say-die attitude again. We believe we can do it right up until the 95th minute.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 10 - 31/10/2012 (08:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Fabio Quagliarella (54′) Saphir Taider (71′) Paul Pogba (90+2′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea Romeo Attendance: 38000 Alessio: 'Pogba great, but...' Oct 31, 2012 Juventus assistant manager Angelo Alessio was glad of the victory over Bologna, but still gave hero Paul Pogba a telling off for being “lazy.” The Bianconeri were being pegged back 1-1 in Turin this evening before Pogba popped up with a last-gasp 2-1 win. “Pogba did very well with the goal, but he still needs to improve,” noted Alessio. “He played an excellent opening 20 minutes, then became a little lazy and that is unacceptable. “He must remain solid and effective. Knowing Antonio Conte’s style, he must leave aside certain overly-dramatic flicks. He played a great game, but there will also be some small criticisms. “We rotated the squad, but those who played tonight did their job well. They step into an organised system and know what they have to do. “Clearly we also hope the strikers will start scoring more goals, but we have different options and a midfield that does push forward regularly. “All games should be approached with the same level of determination, even more so against the ‘smaller’ clubs. We were able to win in stoppages, albeit in the final minutes, but could’ve won it earlier. “I have a special dedication for my Uncle Domenico, who died today.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/