Socrates

Catania e Bergessio fortunati.

Goal del Catania

Asamoah ammonito.

Bendtner di testa parato.

Un guardalinee si chiama Manganelli .... ahi.

Amen!

Asamoah spara alto.

Asamoah! @@

Essere la Juventus ha dei vantaggi.

Minuto di silenzio con applauso.

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Line-ups: Catania-Juventus Oct 28, 2012 Nicklas Bendtner and Paul Pogba get their first Juventus starts in today’s lunchtime trip to Catania. The Bianconeri hope to extend their 47-match unbeaten run when stepping into the Stadio Massimino at 11.30am GMT. Bendtner has so far only played 10 minutes of Serie A football, but came off the bench in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Nordsjaelland midweek. The striker on loan from Arsenal is given his first start in the Juve jersey, partnering Mirko Vucinic. This is Gianluigi Buffon's 500th Serie A appearance. Pogba also steps into the starting XI after his splendid goal against Napoli, the Frenchman brought in because Claudio Marchisio is injured. Catania are one of the surprise outfits of the season so far and famously held Napoli to a draw here despite playing with 10 men for 88 minutes. Giuseppe Bellusci, Pietro Terracciano, Blazej Augustyn and Fabio Sciacca are all long-term injury absentees. In an interesting twist, Coach Rolando Maran has opted to mirror Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system for this game with ex-Juve veteran Nicola Legrottaglie joined by debutant Alexis Rolin in defence. He therefore shelves the 4-3-3 tactic, pushing Pablo Barrientos into a deeper role. Catania have not won this fixture since 1964-65, but do have a good recent record of causing problems for Juventus. Catania: Andujar; Rolin, Legrottaglie, Spolli; Izco, Lodi, Almiron, Barrientos, Marchese; Gomez, Bergessio Catania bench: Frison, Messina, Potenza, Alvarez, Biagianti, Salifu, Capuano, Ricchiuti, Castro, Morimoto, Doukara Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Bendtner, Vucinic Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Caceres, Marrone, Giaccherini, Padoin, Isla, De Ceglie, Pepe, Matri, Giovinco, Quagliarella http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Pistocchi: Il Milan non vuole Giovanni Galli nel suo staff dirigenziale. Galli: Non ho mai avuto interesse a diventare un dirigente del Milan.

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Legrottaglie warns chum Conte Oct 28, 2012 Nicola Legrottaglie warns his former teammates at Juventus that “Catania will do everything possible to win.” The defender was owned by Juve from 2003 to 2011, albeit with brief loan spells at Bologna and Siena in 2005-06. He comes face to face with the Bianconeri once more in today’s 11.30am UK time kick-off. “It’ll be nice to meet up with so many old friends and the club where I spent the best years of my career,” said 36-year-old Legrottaglie. “Let it be known, Catania will do everything possible to win. I hope we get a 1-0 victory. “Antonio Conte is a special person with great charisma who had an incredible effect on the team. “I knew Conte as a colleague, a friend and as an assistant manager at Siena. You could tell he had that fire within him, so he is doing so well at the level he belongs in. So we’ll win and then I invite Conte to dinner for my Mum’s home-cooked meal.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - 9^ Giornata - Andata - 28-10-2012 (ore 12:30) - Stadio "Angelo Massimino" - Catania Arbitro: Andrea Gervasoni Verso Catania-Juventus: Maran conferma l’undici che ha ben figurato contro l’Inter, Conte ritrova Vucinic e Asamoah I padroni di casa si schierano con il classico 4-3-3 e confermano l'undici di 'S.Siro' con l'unico dubbio Alvarez-Capuano. Conte recupera i suoi esterni, torna anche Lichsteiner. Oct 27, 2012 PROBABILI FORMAZIONI CATANIAAndujar Alvarez, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese Izco, Lodi, Almiron Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichsteiner, Marrone, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah Giovinco, Vucinic QUI CATANIA Maran conferma la formazione che ha ben figurato, pur perdendo, a ‘San Siro’. L’unico dubbio riguarda l’out destro di difesa, dove Alvarez e Capuano si contendono una maglia. Biagianti e Castro scalpitano ma partiranno dalla panchina. Lodi agirà come sempre in cabina di regia. Davanti ancora spazio al tridente argentino composto da Gomez, Bergessio e Barrientos. QUI JUVENTUS Conte conferma il 3-5-2. In difesa, rispetto alla gara di Copenaghen, ritorna Barzagli dal primo minuto. Asamoah recupera, così come Lichsteiner: saranno loro gli stantuffi bianconeri sulle fasce. Possibile turno di riposo per Vidal, scalpita Pogba. In attacco è ballottaggio tra Giovinco e Quagliarella per fare da spalla al titolarissimo Vucinic, favorita la Formica Atomica. L'ULTIMA SFIDA 18/02/2012, Juventus-Catania 3-1: Grande rimonta bianconera IL MOMENTO Il Catania è reduce dall’immeritata sconfitta contro l’Inter, ma tra le mura amiche ha fatto sempre soffrire i propri avversari, e anche nella scorsa stagione la Juve riuscì a strappare solo un sudatissimo pari al ‘Massimino’. I bianconeri devono confermarsi schiacciasassi in Italia per assestare un altro duro colpo psicologico sulle inseguitrici in campionato, e rilanciarsi dopo il deludente pari contro il Nordsjaelland in Champions. PERCHE' GUARDARLA I padroni di casa hanno una folle voglia di rivalsa dopo le ultime sfortunate prestazioni, e sognano di interrompere la lunga striscia positiva inanellata dai bianconeri. Gli uomini di Maran di certo non opporranno barricate, e anzi giocheranno a viso aperto contro i più quotati avversari. La Juve dal canto suo proverà come sempre a far propria l’intera posta in palio anche per mettere ulteriore pressione sul Napoli, impegnato in posticipo serale. Si preannuncia una gara vivace e agonisticamente intensa. Testa a Testa Serie A - 18/feb/2012 - Juventus 3 - Catania 1 Serie A ‎- 25/set/2011 - Catania 1 - Juventus 1 Serie A ‎- 23/apr/2011 - Juventus 2 - Catania 2 Coppa Italia ‎- 13/gen/2011 - Juventus 2 - Catania 0 Serie A ‎- 05/dic/2010 - Catania 1 - Juventus 3 Ultime 5 Partite Catania 21/ott/2012 - Inter 2 - Catania 0 - Serie A 07/ott/2012 - Catania 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A 30/set/2012 - Bologna 4 - Catania 0 - Serie A 26/set/2012 - Catania 2 - Atalanta 1 - Serie A 23/set/2012 - Catania 0 - Napoli 0 - Serie A Juventus 23/ott/2012 - FC Nordsjælland 1 - Juventus 1 - UCL 20/ott/2012 - Juventus 2 - Napoli 0 - Serie A 07/ott/2012 - Siena 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A 02/ott/2012 - Juventus 1 - Shakhtar 1 - UCL 29/set/2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 1 - Serie A Previsione Catania 1 - 2 Juventus http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Juventus-Catania Preview: Round 9 — Elephant Walk Elephants make me think of peanuts that make me think of Snickers bars that makes me think of Halloween. TRICK OR TREAT!!! Oct 27, 2012 Hmmm, I don't know about you, but it seems like we've been in this situation before. And not that long ago. I'm thinking that way because it's pretty much the truth. So, after a mid-week Champions League facepalm-fest, Juventus return to the Serie A looking to rebound against one of the provinciale squads. Much like the game against Siena that we just brought up, it's away from home. That's too bad. I'm sure the tifosi at the Juventus Stadium would sure like to watch their team take another step towards something that's quite historically significant. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, look down about seven paragraphs.) This won't be incredibly extensive. No scoops. No inside information. Here's just a few things I may request on Sunday as I watch this game in the middle of the night (lol california) while the rest of the state sleeps: 1. A non-eventful win. 2. Juventus to start well. 3. Juventus to create chances and finish a good number of them. It's not all that difficult, right? I mean, I understand that Catania can be a difficult side at times. But this is Juventus and it seems like, no matter what happens in Europe this year, all they do domestically is win, win, win. Sounds good to me. GOOD NEWS It's not the Champions League. Juventus are unbeaten in the last 47 Serie A games. Need I say more? BAD NEWS Marco Motta is no longer on the Catania roster, therefore I can't guarantee an own goal or sending off like last season to any of you. SORRY. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Shaking things up. Sure, the squad rotation has been going on pretty much the entire season. That's not really a surprise to any of us. But to what extent will it happen on Sunday? Especially considering the fact that a lot of players had sub-par games in Denmark earlier in the week. It may not be a complete squad revolution, but I'm expecting a couple of things to look different than they were on Tuesday. 2. The right wing. It's gotta be back to the Swiss Express, right? I mean, that seems like the natural rotation of things. But I don't know. It's not Lichtsteiner has been wowing us with his form over the past month or two. And over that same course of time he's become completely worn out. Martin Caceres deserves a start even more than Mauricio Isla at this point. Come on, Conte, give us some high socks. 3. The Pogba Effect. Of all the changes that may or may not happen against Catania, Pogba-for-Arturo Vidal seems like it will actually take place. With the Chilean midfielder struggling for what seems like the first time in his Juventus career, a game or two on the bench seems like the most logical option. So, in steps Mr. Manchester United (heh) himself, looking to continue his impressive start to his own career in Turin. It'll be in a different role, of course, compared to where he has been playing in the past as a vice-Pirlo. But the way he's playing at the moment, it doesn't really seem to matter where Pogba plays in the midfield. Plus, the possibility for more of this: 4. The Giovinco Effect. As one of the few players that had a positive trip to Denmark, little Seba looks like he has found his footing after a rough patch a little while back. He's not scoring goals — shout-out to all nine of the shots he took against Nordsjælland on Tuesday — but he's certainly creating chances. And not just for himself, but for others as well. That's the Giovinco I was hoping for when he came back to Juventus. Some may continue to doubt him, and that's fine. They can go right ahead and do so. But I'm perfectly okay with him playing the way he is right now — although a goal here and there would be nice, though. 5. The Asamoah Effect. Have no fear, ladies and gents. Awesomemoah is back in training. And his return to the lineup will be greatly appreciated, seeing as every time he takes the field it seems like the left wing is virtually on complete lockdown mode. Things just didn't look right with him out of the lineup on Tuesday night in Denmark. And while I am still a supported of Paolo De Ceglie, there's no doubting who the No. 1 choice at left wingback is right now. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Juventus are not Vucinic dependent, insists Alessio Oct 27, 2012 Ahead of Juventus’s match against Catania Sunday afternoon, stand-in manager Angelo Alessio asserted that the team were not solely dependent on Mirko Vucinic for goals. “Vucinic dependent? We have five attackers and we believe in their quality,” Alessio said during the team press conference. “Vucinic and Bendtner are doing well, we must evaluate the condition of all the players during the week and then we set the lineup.” Alessio also said that Juventus will continue using the 3-5-2 despite the disappointing result in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Bianconeri drew their ninth consecutive European match this past week as the Serie A champions drew 1-1 with Danish side Nordsjaelland. Alessio acknowledged the fact that Juventus would need to up the pressure at Catania. “It will be a difficult match, we are facing a team that is playing well and has largely remained the same the past few years. Last season they put us in a difficult spot in both matches. “We must face them with great focus and maintain a high intensity throughout the match.” Juventus are currently on a 47-match unbeaten run in the league, but Alessio insists the team is purely focused on the match and is not thinking about the undefeated streak. Simone Pepe has returned from injury and will be included in the 23-man squad for Sunday. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Catania VS Juventus PREVIEW: The Only Thing That Matters Oct 27, 2012 Here we are again. A Jekyll and Hyde week which saw the Bianconeri go from seeing off closest domestic challengers Napoli – winning 2-0 in dramatic fashion – to meekly settling for yet another Champions League draw (this time 1-1 away to Lars’ cousins FC Nordsjælland) draws to a close with a visit to the Italian provinces. Juventus take the long journey south, crossing the water to Sicily to face a Catania side currently sitting as high as seventh in the Serie A table thanks to a strong start to the campaign. They have recorded wins over Parma, Atalanta and Genoa as well as taking a point from matches against both Roma and Napoli meaning Juve should underestimate Rolando Maran’s side at their peril. The last two seasons have seen this fixture end in 1-1 draws at the Stadio Massimino with last term’s encounter owing thanks to a goal from Milos Krasic (no, really!) and, while Juventus have not lost to gli Elefanti in their last six meetings, Antonio Conte will be looking for a reaction following their midweek struggles. Speaking at Saturday morning’s pre-match press conference, Assistant Coach Angelo Alessio – now in charge of the team following the end of his ban – stressed the impressive nature of Catania’s start to the season before going on to explain how the team is preparing for a lunchtime kick off as he told reporters: Catania gave us difficulty last year and are unbeaten at home this season. This shows their value as a team. We need to pay great attention to Catania, they have some excellent players and are strong on the counter attack. We’ve been adapting the players to tomorrow’s lunchtime kick-off by eating and training earlier. We’ll be ready, everyone’s in good shape and we’ll use the final training session to see who will make the starting line-up. Catania Following the departure of the highly rated Vincenzo Montella, the Sicilian side are now led by Maran, a Coach who took Varese to the Serie B Playoff last season, missing out on promotion to Sampdoria. He has returned them to the 4-3-3 shape which they often used before experimenting with a three man defence last term but they have become more vulnerable in defence, conceding thirteen goals in the opening eight games under the new Coach. At the heart of the defence remains former Juventus (well, mine and Aaron’s) favourite Nicola Legrottaglie who has again been impressive for the Etnei despite now being 36 years of age and is undoubtedly the leader of a side which also counts another ex-Juve man Sergio Almiron as a regular starter. Francesco Lodi remains at the center of everything positive for a Catania for whom no fewer than six players have started all eight games to date as he has one goal and two assists. He must not be given chance to display his superb ability at set pieces, a lesson hopefully learned on Wednesday night in painful fashion. He is responsible for supplying a constant stream of quality passes for leading scorer Gonzalo Bergessio (3 goals) and fellow Argentine Alejandro Gómez in attack. Those two are among a group of nine of their countrymen in the squad, seven of whom regularly start matches with just four Italians as Giovanni Marchese and Giuseppe Bellusci joining Legrottaglie and Lodi in their most used XI. Probable Formation (4-3-3): ANDUJAR; ALVAREZ, LEGROTTAGLIE, SPOLLI, MARCHESE; IZCO, LODI, ALMIRON; BARRIENTOS, BERGESSIO, GOMEZ Juventus We can expect a far less settled line up for the Bianconeri as they look to balance the demands of playing twice a week and changes are almost inevitable. Alessio indicated all 25 players are now available for selection, meaning not only will Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner – rested for the trip to Denmark – be once again in contention but also a possible first call of the campaign for Simone Pepe who has been the only real injury concern so far this term. Mirko Vucinic is expected to return to the starting XI with Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella – who scored two goals the last time these side’s met – competing for the other striking berth. Arturo Vidal has looked increasingly weary in recent weeks and may benefit from a game on the side-lines with the form of Paul Pogba making the decision to drop him much easier than it would have been last term. Probable Formation (3-5-2): BUFFON; BARZAGLI, BONUCCI, CHIELLINI; LICHTSTEINER, POGBA, PIRLO, MARCHISIO, ASAMOAH; VUCINIC, GIOVINCO It is that depth which Juventus must lean on, as they did against Napoli, and return to winning ways here against a side which will look to hit them on the counter-attack in a match of starkly contrasting approaches. What matters, as always, is that the Old Lady returns to Turin with three points safely tucked away because around here winning isn’t the important thing… http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Catania v Juventus Preview – Serie A Leaders Visit Sicily Oct 27, 2012 - CATANIA vs JUVENTUS Angelo Massimino, Sicily October 28th, 12:30 kick-off *** Serie A leaders Juventus make the trip to Sicily to face a Catania side recovering from a defeat to Inter. The champions of Italy, Juventus showcased their strength in depth with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Napoli at home and now are sole leader of Italy’s top-flight. Substitutes Paul Pogba and Martin Caceres were called upon from the bench and they duly obliged their manager’s wishes with a goal each allowing Juventusi to separate themselves from Napoli and position themselves as lone leaders of the league. Catania succumbed to a 2-0 defeat away at Inter. It was a gripping game but in the end, Inter proved to be too much to handle for this Sicilian outfit. Goals from Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio were sufficient on the night to overcome the Elefentani. Their miserable run on the road continues having grabbed just one point out of a possible 12 points. Team News and Tactical Brief Catania For all their troubles on the road, Catania have managed to stitch a formidable run in front of their home crowd. The Elefentani have been nothing short of exceptional on home turf claiming the scalps of Parma, Atalanta and Genoa while also holding Napoli to a goal-less stalemate at the Angelo Massimino. They occupy an excellent 7th position in the league table. Rolando Maran has done well in the eyes of Catania’s supporters since taking over from Vincenzo Montella. It was never going to be an easy task following in the foot-steps of Montella, who vacated his job at Catania to head towards Fiorentina in the summer. He is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation. He does have a few injury concerns that bother him with Keko, Terraciano, Bellusci, Augustyn and Sciacca sidelined for this match. The center of the defence will have a familiar face for Juventus as veteran defender Nicola Legrottaglie will marshal the Catania defence alongside Nicolas Spolli. Alvarez and Marchese will be employed as full-backs and should go head-to-head with Asamoah and Lichtsteiner respectively which by no means will be an easy task for the duo. Midfield remains a strong point for Catania. Francesco Lodi has been identified as one of the best registas in the peninsula. He is Catania’s Andrea Pirlo and does possess traits similar to the Juventus midfielder. Lodi is a dead ball specialist who sets the tone of the game for his side with a dangerous left-foot and will certainly be watched closely by the Juventus midfield. Attack should see the trident of Barrientos, Bergessio and Gomez. Bergessio and Gomez are tricky customers to deal with on the flanks and could make nuisances of themselves on Sunday. Gomez, in particular has been linked to various Serie A clubs and has plenty of tricks in his arsenal to cause head-aches to the Juventus back-line. Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3): Andujar; Alvarez, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese; Izco, Lodi, Almiron; Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez Juventus With the Champions League now on Juventus’ plate, the league leaders have passed their Serie A tests but yet struggle to make an impression in Europe. The draw against Nordsjaelland was their third draw in Europe’s premier competition and their 9th on the trot in Europe. The lack of cutting edge in front of goal was evident as Juventus failed to put away any of the chances they conjured up. Three players who were rested during the midweek game are expected to regain their place in the starting eleven. Andrea Barzagli, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah will make their return to the line-up. For the first time this season, manager Antonio Conte could have the full squad at his disposal provided Simone Pepe proves his fitness. He is expected to deploy his regular 3-5-2 formation. Juventus Juventus French prodigy Paul Pogba too maybe handed a rare start for the Bianconeri ahead of Arturo Vidal. The Chilean is going through a tough phase and is struggling to replicate the kind of form that inspired Juventus last season. Pogba, has raised a few eyebrows with his performances in midfield and has certainly warranted this opportunity. Juventus fans have been pleasantly surprised by Pogba who made the transition from England to Italy without much trouble. Indeed if he keeps on progressing and developing the way he has been, Juventus would possess potentially one of the strongest midfielders in Europe. Andrea Pirlo will pull the strings from the heart of the midfield and look to set the tempo of the game. Up front Sebastian Giovinco will retain his spot and should be partnered by Mirko Vucinic. The Montenegrin will replace the misfiring Alessandro Matri who will once again be relegated to a role from the bench. Giovinco will use his trickery and unpredictability to try and carve open the Catania defence but could also be asked to pressurize Francesco Lodi. Probable Starting Line-up (3-5-2): Buffon(GK); Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic Player To Watch Out For Mirko Vucinic (Juventus) The Montenegrin International has proven to be Juventus’ most dangerous player more often than not this season. He does possess the annoying ability to drift in and out of games yet his talent his undeniable. A favorite of Conte’s, he could be decisive for Juventus with his on the night provided we see the good side of him. Prediction Catania 1-2 Juventus The home side have always been tricky opponents for the champions to negotiate past and that trend won’t change this weekend. This Catania outfit have a strong home record this campaign and face a side that has shown signs of fatigue this season. Nevertheless, Juventus do have a bit too much ammunition for Catania to handle and should grind out another victory and extend their unbeaten run to 48 games. Blast From The Past http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Catania v Juventus: Preview Oct 27, 2012 There is no real cause for concern on the pitch ahead of Juventus' trip to face Catania tomorrow morning, but Bianconeri director general Beppe Marotta has been forced to defend the club's recent transfer policy. The defending champions finally edged clear at the top of the Serie A table courtesy of last weekend's victory over Napoli, but Marotta found himself facing a barrage of criticism at yesterday's annual shareholders' meeting. The particular bones of contention were Juve's policy of releasing promising youth players on co-ownership deals - a scheme Marotta fiercely defended - and the outlay of 12million euros on Catania midfielder Jorge Martinez, now on loan at Cluj after failing to make any impact in Turin. Quoted on tuttosport.com, Marotta said: "It's true, we've made some mistakes, Martinez above all, but you will make mistakes when you're trying to completely overhaul the squad. "We've signed 22 players and yes, some of those buys have not been great. "But most of all let's not forget the right moves we have made. "I'm talking about signing Pirlo for free, and Vidal signing for 10million euros before we received an offer of 30million for him. "We refused it because Juventus is not a selling club by tradition. "Giovinco was sold to Parma for four million euros, but we bought him back for 10 and now he's worth 15. "Berbatov? The truth is we contacted him and he said 'I'm not going to sign for Fiorentina, I have to choose between you and my old coach (Martin) Jol at Fulham." "In the end he signed for Fulham." Catania threatened to nip La Vecchia's incredible 47-match unbeaten run in the bud before it even started last season, the now departed Milos Krasic salvaging a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. The Elefanti's impressive seventh-best status in the league table is due mainly to their impressive home record, with Rolando Maran's men notching three wins and a draw at their Sicily base so far. Catania playmaker Francesco Lodi told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "Can we beat the Bianconeri? "Sooner or later someone will and I hope we're the ones celebrating." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni MATCH PREVIEW Oct 27, 2012 The Juventus machine continues to churn out results in Serie A, but they face a difficult challenge away to a vibrant Catania. Catania felt a key refereeing decision went against them at the San Siro last weekend against Inter. Losing 1-0, Alejandro Gomez was brought down by Fredy Guarin but not awarded a penalty. Rolando Maran felt it was clear enough, but in any event they conceded a late second to lose the match. While on the road the Sicilians form is patchy at best, in front of their own fans the situation is reversed. The Elefanti’s home record of three wins and a draw is the equal-third best this term and the main reason they currently occupy an impressive seventh position. Catania will aim to recover Keko and Pietro Terracciano from injury, but defensive duo Giuseppe Bellusci and Blazej Augustyn, plus midfielder Fabio Sciacca, will play no part. Juventus underlined their credentials by overcoming Napoli 2-0 last Saturday. In a tight, tense yet gripping encounter, substitutes Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba emerged as the heroes. Without Gianluigi Buffon and Mirko Vucinic and after losing Kwadwo Asamoah to injury during the match, the unlikely scorers highlighted the strength in depth available. However the Bianconeri only managed a disappointing 1-1 draw against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday. Aiming to kick-start their campaign after two draws, Juve did not display the grinta on show days earlier, substitute Vucinic rescuing a point inside the final ten minutes. It leaves European qualification delicately poised. Buffon, Vucinic and Paolo De Ceglie returned to action in midweek and will be joined by Asamoah for the trip to Sicily. Simone Pepe remains on the sidelines. Pogba is set for his first start ahead of Arturo Vidal. Juve are 47 games unbeaten - although the streak nearly came unstuck before it hit double digits in Catania last season. They escaped with a 1-1 draw on that occasion, the fifth deadlock between the pair. The hosts have celebrated a victory three times to Juve’s six. Keep an eye on: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) – In the regista battle, the Italian international will look to exert his authority on the match ahead of Francesco Lodi. Last season Catania were one of the most effective in cutting out Pirlo’s influence, especially at the Massimino. Will Maran copy Vincenzo Montella’s blueprint? Form guide: Catania (D W L W L) Juventus (W D W W W) Last season: Catania 1-1 Juventus Stat fact: You have to go back to 1964-65 to find Catania’s last home win over Juventus, a 3-1 result. Incidentally, the Etnei finished eighth for the second time in their history that term, their highest ever Serie A position. PROBABLE LINE-UPS Catania: Andujar; Alvarez, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese; Izco, Lodi, Almiron; Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marrone, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Catania - Juventus Preview: Antonio Conte's men face tricky away tie in Sicily After another setback in Europe for the Bianconeri, they will be hoping to bounce back at the Stadio Angelo Massimino with a victory, but the Rossazzurri like their home comforts. Oct 27, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS CATANIA Andujar Alvarez, Legrottaglie, Spolli, Marchese Izco, Lodi, Almiron Barrientos, Bergessio, Gomez JUVENTUSBuffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichsteiner, Marrone, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah Giovinco, Vucinic Juventus return to Serie A business fresh from their disappointing 1-1 draw with Nordsjaelland in midweek and will hope to erase this performance from their minds with a much improved display against Catania. The Italian champions are on an incredible 47-game unbeaten run, but face a Rossazzurri side lying in seventh place, who have yet to lose at the Stadio Angelo Massimino this season. Juventus, meanwhile, recorded an important 2-0 victory over Napoli in their last domestic outing. Late goals courtesy of Martin Caceres and Paul Pogba was enough for the three points. The Frenchman is expected to start against the hosts on Sunday in place of out-of-form Arturo Vidal. Antonio Conte's men also welcome back Gianluigi Buffon, who revealed he was "angry" after the Bianconeri's ninth consecutive draw in Europe midweek. And the man who grabbed the equaliser for the Serie A giants on Wednesday, Mirko Vucinic, is also in contention for a start with Fabio Quagliarella dropping to the bench. Catania coach Rolando Maran is expected to keep the faith in the side that were defeated by the Nerazzurri and are still without defenders Blazej Augustyn and Giuseppe Bellusci, midfielder Fabio Sciacca and striker Keko. DID YOU KNOW? • Catania's Mariano Izco scored the winner in the Rossazzurri's 2-1 victory against the Bianconeri back in December 2009. It was the last time Rolando Maran's men recorded victory against the Italian champions. • Nicola Legrottaglie (pictured, right) is an ex-Juventus player, having represented the Old Lady between 2003 and 2011. • Catania have not been defeated at home this season, but have one of the worst defensive records in the league having conceded 13 goals, only Chievo and Pescara, (both 15), have let in more. • Juventus beat Catania 3-1 at home the last time the two sides met whilst on their way to winning the Scudetto. Andrea Pirlo scored, and also assisted Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella goals. • The Bianconeri are six games unbeaten against Maran's charges. • Juventus have yet to taste defeat in any competition so far this season whilst they have also scored the most goals in Serie A (19) and conceded the least (4). Head to Head Serie A ‎- Feb 18, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Catania 1 Serie A ‎- Sep 25, 2011 - Catania 1 - Juventus 1 Serie A ‎- Apr 23, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Catania 2 Coppa Italia ‎- Jan 13, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Catania 0 Serie A ‎- Dec 5, 2010 - Catania 1 - Juventus 3 Last Five Matches Catania Oct 21, 2012 - FC Internazionale 2 - Catania 0 - Serie A Oct 7, 2012 - Catania 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A Sep 30, 2012 - Bologna 4 - Catania 0 - Serie A Sep 26, 2012 - Catania 2 - Atalanta 1 - Serie A Sep 23, 2012 - Catania 0 - SSC Napoli 0 - Serie A Juventus Oct 23, 2012 - FC Nordsjælland 1 - Juventus 1 - UCL Oct 20, 2012 - Juventus 2 - SSC Napoli 0 - Serie A Oct 7, 2012 - Siena 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Oct 2, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Shakhtar Donetsk 1 - UCL Sep 29, 2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Alejandro Gómez The diminutive striker has already shown what he is capable of this season by grabbing a couple of important goals and three assists for the Rossazzurri. The 24-year-old, is usually played on the left of a three-pronged attack so likes to cut inside onto his favoured right foot. A very direct player who could cause the Bianconeri defence problems. Mirko Vučinić Came on to save the blushes of his side midweek and is a handful for defenders. He has great strength and power but is also good with the ball at his feet, likes to bring others into play by holding up the ball, and playing flick-ons, which Sebastian Giovinco could thrive on, should he start. Prediction Given the hosts' strength at home this season, Antonio Conte's charges will not have it all their own way at the Stadio Angelo Massimino. What's more, Juve have not been playing well of recent but Rolando Maran's men have one of their worst defensive records in Serie A which will contribute to their downfall here. Editor's Prediction Catania 1 - 2 Juventus http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Unbeaten streak not on Juventus' mind, says Alessio The Turin powerhouse remained unbeaten all season in 2011-12, and they are determined to keep up their good run of form against Catania. Oct 27, 2012 Angelo Alessio has insisted that Juventus are fully concentrated on the task in hand against Catania rather than thinking about continuing their long unbeaten streak. The Serie A champions stretched their run to 47 league games without defeat last week, and Alessio has made it clear their focus is on winning games, rather than worrying about breaking records. "The unbeaten streak is not something we think about. We just look to take to the field and win every game," the Juve assistant coach said at a press conference. "Of course every team will be aiming to beat us and end our run, but we go into every encounter with maximum determination. "We’ll give the game against Catania our full attention. They’ve got excellent players and are lethal on the counter attack. "We usually play at a high tempo in the second half, but tomorrow we'll need to dictate the game from the beginning." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Del Piero is one of the greatest Juventus players ever, says Agnelli The Bianconeri president has nothing but praise for the Sydney star, while adding that he is confident Gigi Buffon will sign a new deal. Oct 27, 2012 Andrea Agnelli has taken the time to laud Alessandro Del Piero and believes the iconic attacker is one of Juventus' greatest players ever. The 37-year-old left Juve for Sydney earlier this year after the Italian champions opted not to renew Del Piero's expiring contract, but the club president has insisted that the former Italy international will always be remembered fondly in Turin. "Last year we paid tribute to him for his achievements with Juventus. He’s one of the greatest players to ever wear the black and white stripes, he’s in our hearts and I wish him all the very best in his new adventure," Agnelli said at a shareholders meeting. The Juventus president then insisted that he's confident Gianluigi Buffon will pen a contract extension with the Serie A champions, before adding that Antonio Conte is the ideal coach for the Bianconeri. He added: "There won’t be any problems. The nice thing about the Champions League is that you’re playing every three days so it’s not easy to find time for certain matters, but Gigi is our captain and will remain so. "We’re convinced Antonio is the best coach in the business and we’re happy to have him here at Juventus."

Serie A Week 9 - 28-10-12 (12:30 p.m.) - Angelo Massimino Stadium - Catania Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Marchisio misses Catania-Juve Oct 27, 2012 Juventus welcome back Simone Pepe, but are without Claudio Marchisio and Lucio for their trip to Catania. Pepe receives his first call-up of the season after a long injury lay-off, while Kwadwo Asamoah and Stefan Lichtsteiner return following their rest for the midweek Champions League match with Nordsjaelland. Marchisio is left at home after a knock to the right ankle in Copenhagen aggravated an old injury. Brazilian defender Lucio misses out due to a heavy cold. Juventus take to the field against Catania on Sunday at 11.30am UK time. Juventus squad for Catania: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 6 Pogba, 7 Pepe, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 15 Barzagli, 17 Bendtner, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Marrone http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/