Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Vucinic rues Juve misfortune Oct 23, 2012 Mirko Vucinic has defended his Juventus side from claims that they are too predictable as an attacking force. The Old Lady complicated their Champions League campaign on Tuesday with a frustrating 1-1 draw at Danish minnows Nordsjaelland. “We’re not predictable,” stated the Montenegro international. “We created a lot of chances and their goalkeeper did well and we were unlucky. We played well as a team.” Nordsjaelland took a shock lead before Vucinic, having recovered from a fever, came on to grab a point. “I’d rather not score if it meant the team winning as that’s the most important thing,” he continued. “Nothing’s easy in football, there are no easy teams or games. We now need to take this point and focus on our next match.” Having drawn their first three group games, Juve will now probably have to win their next two games against Nordsjaelland and Chelsea to stay in the running for qualification. “We knew we had to win, but we were unable to,” Vucinic stated. “It’s now time to turn the page and, anyway, things are more beautiful when complicated…” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Chiellini: How did Juve not win? Oct 23, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini is stunned by Juventus’ failure to beat Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday. The Old Lady went into the Danish encounter with aspirations of victory, but they could only collect a 1-1 draw. “Over the course of 90 minutes we allowed them one free-kick and one chance from a long ball,” the stopper stated. “We had 15 shots and created 30 chances... “The Danes played well in the first half, but we didn’t really give them many opportunities at all. There was no contest in terms of scoring opportunities. We should have won. “We go home scratching our heads as to how we haven’t won this match. We deserved a lot more. “In certain League games, like against Genoa or Siena, we’ve gone home with three points despite conceding more chances to the opposition.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Buffon: 'I'm angry' at Danish draw Oct 23, 2012 Gigi Buffon made his comeback for Juventus, but was “angry for the result and the way we conceded” in the shock draw with Nordsjaelland. The Danish minnows had lost all their games in the Champions League so far without scoring a goal, but took the lead in tonight’s 1-1 stalemate. “I am angry for the result and the way we conceded the goal,” snapped the ‘keeper who has shaken off a thigh problem. “We conceded a very avoidable free kick on the edge of the box and that was frankly the only way they could possibly score against us. The free kick was perfect and I couldn’t do anything about it. “The first half was balanced, but after the break there was only one team on the field. Never more than tonight was the result down to a single incident.” Juventus have now drawn all three Group E games and risk a first round exit from the Champions League. “There are no easy games in the Champions League and Nordsjaelland played on a par with Chelsea for almost 75 minutes,” continued Buffon. “Now we have to do everything possible to win the next few games.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Alessio: 'Juve deserved win' Oct 23, 2012 Assistant manager Angelo Alessio insists Juventus “absolutely deserved to win” in Copenhagen, but their Champions League hopes hang by a thread. The Bianconeri have now managed just nine draws and a defeat from their last 10 European matches and were trailing in all three of the Champions League fixtures this season. “We had so many chances, but were unable to score and in a game like this that complicates matters,” said Alessio after the 1-1 draw with Nordsjaelland. “We lacked some grit in the first half, while after the break we did play our football. Towards the end we switched to a four-man defence, as Nicklas Bendtner and Sebastian Giovinco were backed by Mirko Vucinic to make the team more dangerous in attack. “We certainly allowed our opponents too much in the first half, but came out of our shells in the second, created many opportunities and their goalkeeper had to perform several great saves.” Juventus are now in a very dangerous position, as Shakhtar Donetsk lead Group E on seven points, followed by Chelsea on four and the Bianconeri with three. “Clearly we have to win the next game in order to stay in the running and then get a result against the top two as well,” admitted Alessio. “We have to accept the result, even if we absolutely deserved to win tonight.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Buffon angered by Juve's draw in Denmark The veteran goalkeeper was enraged by the manner in which his side conceded the first goal, and states that they must do everything they can in their remaining group fixtures. Oct 23, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has spoken of his anger in the aftermath of the Serie A champions' draw to FC Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. The result gave the Danish minnows their first point in the competition, after they lost their first two games in convincing fashion, and they took the lead courtesy of a goal from Mikkel Beckmann. Despite an equaliser from Mirko Vucinic in the last ten minutes of the match, the Italians still feel as though it is two points dropped, rather than a point salvaged. "I am angry for the result and the way we conceded the goal," raged the Juve shot-stopper, speaking to reporters. "We conceded a very avoidable free kick on the edge of the box and that was frankly the only way they could possibly score against us. The free kick was perfect and I couldn't do anything about it. "The first half was balanced, but after the break there was only one team on the field. Never more than tonight was the result down to a single incident. "There are no easy games in the Champions League and Nordsjaelland played on a par with Chelsea for almost 75 minutes. Now we have to do everything possible to win the next few games," he said. Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio shared Buffon's sentiments, and admitted he was baffled over how the Turin giants failed to win the game. "We had so many chances, but were unable to score and in a game like this that complicates matters," he explained, speaking to reporters. "We certainly allowed our opponents too much in the first half, but came out of our shells in the second, created many opportunities and their goalkeeper had to perform several great saves. "Clearly we have to win the next game in order to stay in the running and then get a result against the top two as well," he conceded. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404‎ One of the most humiliating European nights in Juventus' history The Bianconeri were expected to wipe the floor with the Danish minnows, but they struggled to a draw which leaves them staring down the barrel of Champions League elimination. Oct 23, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer It didn’t start well, but then neither have lots of games in Juventus’ long run under Antonio Conte. There still appeared to be every reason to believe that the Bianconeri would pull through and get the win they were expected to collect with something to spare. But it wasn’t about to get any better, and their 1-1 draw against Nordsjaelland, and the non-performance that came with it, represents one of the most humiliating nights in the club’s European history. With all due respect, the Danes are one of the weakest teams the Champions League has ever witnessed. Mirko Vucinic’s late equaliser does not cover up the cracks, nor do the 30 shots Juventus attempted - few of which were clear chances. After dropping two points to a side whose inclusion in Group E was greeted with a mixture of laughs and cheers by Juve fans, the Old Lady are potentially left needing three victories from their final three games just as they would have done had they not managed a response to Michael Beckmann’s stunning 50th-minute free-kick. And on their current form, they don’t have a hope in hell of getting two, let alone three. If they can’t beat Nordsjaelland, what chance do they realistically have against Chelsea or Shakhtar? Juventus now haven’t won a midweek fixture for six months, drawing every one of their four non-weekend games this season, proving that the fears over the lack of rotation within the squad since the start of the campaign were well-founded, and their insipidness against the Wild Tigers was the biggest blot yet on that particular copybook. Antonio Conte has refused to breathe new energy into his dominant but lethargic midfield, leaving them all too often lacking the legs to carry out twice a week what they were able to do with regularity last term. Matchday coach Angelo Alessio also deserves reprimanding, with his inability to react quickly to the Old Lady’s suffering - resulting in substitutes Vucinic and Nicklas Bendtner having little time to make an impact. There is culpability at boardroom level too. The lack of a centre forward signing in the summer window really shines out on nights like tonight. When a side is playing as badly as Juve were, they can often get away with it thanks to a couple of moments of opportunism from a top striker. But the Bianconeri don’t have that player. The board dillied and dallied, and results like this is what they get for it. The players were far from their best. They should have been able to see off the Danish side, but they fell short. Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri again failed to make the expected impact. Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio were sluggish. The back three were too often carved apart. On a night like tonight, nobody can hold their head high. Everyone has reason to be ashamed. Juventus now have a huge mountain to climb to make the last 16, and they have nobody to blame but themselves. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404‎ Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved in the Danish capital, after the Bianconeri are forced to come from behind to snatch a draw. Oct 23, 2012 FC Nordsjælland Jesper Hansen - Was lucky not to be punished by Pirlo after a disastrous seventh-minute kick-out that went straight to the playmaker. Was also let off the hook by Giovinco after stupidly rushing out of his goal in a futile attempt to reach De Ceglie's through-ball before the attacker. However, made a string of stunning stops thereafter, the one-handed save which kept out Giovinco's header undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. Jores Okore - A fine defensive display from the centre-half, who made two vital interceptions inside the opening 10 minutes alone. Gave absolutely everything, while at the same time showing impressive discipline and composure. Deserved a clean sheet. Patrick Mtiliga - Showed some lovely early touches, linking with John, positioned just in front of him, to good effect. Also did well to barge Matri off the ball without giving away a free - or worse, getting himself sent off for a professional foul. Michael Parkhurst - Defended solidly from start to finish and also got forward in support of Laudrup whenever he could, winning an early corner after nutmegging Chiellini, which he no doubt savoured. Ivan Runje - Oustanding performance at the back for FCN, his commitment and willingness to put his body on the line best summed up by the way in which he threw himself in front of a cross from Isla shortly before half-time. Enock Kofi Adu - Along with Stokholm, was charged with the pretty unenviable task of shutting down Juve's midfield. They didn't really manage that but Adu, with his boundless enthusiasm, played his part in disrupting their illustrious rivals. Nikolai Stokholm - Impressed against the Azzurri for Denmark recently and impressed again against Italian opposition tonight. Really got about the pitch well and also used the ball smartly. Mikkel Beckmann - A fitness doubt beforehand, the forward was given the all clear to start and made his presence count. Tested Buffon twice in the first half before beating the legendary Italian goalkeeper with a terrific curling free kick on 50 minutes. K. Lorentzen - Set the tone for an all-action display by calling Buffon into action for the first time on 15 minutes with a well-struck drive from 25 yards out after a strong run from midfield. Always looked a threat with the ball at his feet. Andreas Laudrup - Might not be anywhere as good as his father (but then, who is?!) but he is a good player in his own right. Very good on the ball and always looking to run at Juve's back three. Joshua John - The Dutchman, who is on loan from Twente, was really confident and composed in possession and thus represented a useful outlet down the right-hand side, both in terms of relieving pressure on his defence and applying pressure on the opposition. Substitutions Anders Christiansen - Only thrown on at the death as FCN looked to hold onto what they had. Søren Christensen - Took over from Laudrup with 20 minutes to go and required little time to settle in. Morten Nordstrand - Came on midway through the second half for Beckmann but didn't carry the same attacking threat. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon - Back in the side after injury, the veteran goalkeeper did not make the best attempt of dealing with a speculative strike from distance from Lorentzen, parrying the ball straight to Laudrup, but the skipper ultimately got away with it. The same could be said about his decision to come out of his area to block an effort from John, the ball coming desperately close to striking Buffon's arm. Was given no chance by Beckmann's free. Lucio - Recalled to the side in place of the rested Barzagli and performed reasonably well, using the ball well but never making the kind of dynamic forays forward which were once his trademark and was replaced as Juve sought to bring on an extra attacker late on. Leonardo Bonucci - Was a real threat in the FCN penalty area at set-pieces, heading a Pirlo corner just wide midway through the first half. He was caught flat-footed on occasions defensively but was the pick of Juve's defensive trio. Giorgio Chiellini - Pushed further forward every now and then to put FCN under greater pressure, a tactic which often led to his side winning the ball back. Also produced a great sliding tackle on Laudrup during the first half. However, his inexplicable decision to barge the forward off the ball in the second half not only earned him a yellow, it gifted FCN the free kick from which they broke the deadlock. Mauricio Isla - Handed the opportunity to state a claim for a starting berth in the absence of Lichsteiner and did reasonably well. He butchered a gilt-edged chance to pick out an unmarked Matri in the area 20 minutes in but he improved as the game wore on and created the equaliser for Vucinic. Claudio Marchisio - Nowhere near his usual dynamic self. Indeed, he looked off the pace for once, as evidenced by his booking for hauling back Laudrup after the attacker had slipped the ball through his legs wide on the left-hand side, as well as his failure to control the ball the one and only time he got in behind the FCN backline. Andrea Pirlo - Prominent right from the off, the Azzurri ace had already had a couple of cracks on goal before he opened up Nordsjaelland with a stunning first-time ball over the top that Giovinco was unable to convert. Continued to probe thereafter but ultimately to no avail. Arturo Vidal - Disappointing against Napoli on Saturday and only slightly more influential in Copenhagen. Indeed, he was pretty anonymous in the first half, giving the ball away under no pressure whatsoever at one point. Did improve in the second half, though, and nearly scored late on. Paolo De Ceglie - Did a fine job filling in for the injured Asamoah. Did not offer the same physicality as the Ghanaian but his final ball on the night was brilliant. Indeed, he created three terrific openings for Giovinco alone. Sebastian Giovinco - Juve's best attacker, the striker was denied a goal by a combination of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping. Saw a side-footed volley saved by Jensen before then firing into the side netting after rounding the FCN goalkeeper moments later. Was twice more denied by Hansen before seeing the Dane then pull of a stunning one-handed save from a fine header. Alessandro Matri - As ever, an incredibly willing runner, though sometimes his enthusiasm was a problem as it resulted in him getting himself caught offside. Had a couple of neat lay-offs, and created a chance for Giovinco with a knock-on, but this was ultimately an underwhelming showing that was brought to a premature conclusion on 67 minutes. Substitutions Mirko Vučinić - Surprisingly omitted from the starting lineup after overcoming the flu that saw him miss the Napoli win, the Montenegrin was thrown on in the final 23 minutes and bailed Juventus out of jail with a fine side-footed volley. Will be back in the starting lineup this weekend, no doubt about that. Nicklas Bendtner - Afforded 15 minutes at the end to shoot down his compatriots - and squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to head his side into the lead. Fair to say his Juve career has yet to catch fire and, on this evidence, maybe it never will. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404‎ Nordsjaelland stun Juve Oct 23, 2012 Mirko Vucinic came off the bench to snatch a point against Danish minnows Nordsjaelland, as Juventus once again had to fight back for a Champions League draw. Elsewhere in Group E, Shakhtar Donetsk are top with seven points after beating Chelsea 2-1, meaning Juve are now just one point behind the trophy holders. The pressure was on the Bianconeri after two stalemates left their chances of qualifying in the balance. Gigi Buffon returned from a thigh injury, joined by Lucio and Mauricio Isla, but Mirko Vucinic was only fit for the bench while Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner were rested. Angelo Alessio made his Champions League touchline debut after the expiration of his ban, though Antonio Conte was still suspended. Nordsjaelland were in their first ever Champions League group phase participation and had lost both games, but the 4-0 against Chelsea here was an extremely flattering scoreline for Roberto Di Matteo’s men. Ivan Runje and Mikkel Beckmann shook off knocks to start, while Andreas Laudrup is the son of 1983-89 Juve star Michael. They are known as ‘Denmark’s Barcelona’ due to their fondness for keeping possession, but were yet to score in the group phase. Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo aimed long-range shots just off target in the opening minutes, while Sebastian Giovinco hooked a wonderful Pirlo pass over the top and Jores Okore crucially intervened as he was pulling the trigger from 10 yards. Nordsjaelland had their first chance after 16 minutes when Kasper Lorentzen burst forward on the counter from a lost ball and stung Buffon’s palms. Giovinco mistimed his volley to scuff it into the goalkeeper’s hands and Leonardo Bonucci’s glancing header whistled just wide. A Nicolai Stokholm shot was charged down and Juve went on the counter, but Alessandro Matri went down after a shoulder to shoulder with Okore on the edge of the box and the referee waved play on. It was a very risky challenge and could easily have resulted in a red card if the official had read it differently. Giovinco volleyed straight at the goalkeeper, but there was a massive risk for Juventus on the half-hour mark! A long ball over the top took the defence by surprise and Joshua John tried to chip it over the on-rushing Buffon, but the goalkeeper beat it away with his chest well outside the penalty area. The officials considered their decision carefully and replays show they were right, as it did not strike his arm. Moments later Juve should’ve scored when Giovinco sprung the offside trap to go round the ‘keeper, but narrowed the angle too much and could only hit the side-netting of an open goal. Buffon again timed his intervention perfectly to take the ball off John’s foot from six yards after a fine passing move. It was a wide open first half and Matri’s header from a corner flashed across the face of goal. The ex-Cagliari striker then nutmegged Michael Parkhurst and rolled across for Giovinco in front of an open goal, but Okore was in the right place to intercept. Giovinco got away from his marker with some fine footwork and his fierce finish stung Jesper Hansen’s gloves while Matri was unable to turn in the rebound. Claudio Marchisio was crucially blocked by a sliding tackle as he was pulling the trigger, leading to a heavy knock on the ankle. Within 60 seconds of the restart the Bianconeri went very close on a corner, Matri’s glancing header flapped out from under the bar. Moments later Hansen was again forced to beat away a rising Giovinco strike. However, it was Nordsjaelland who took the lead. Giorgio Chiellini was booked for barging Laudrup aside on the edge of the box and Beckmann curled the resulting free kick into the near top corner, bending it round the defensive wall and past Buffon’s fingertips. So far in this Champions League campaign, Juventus have been trailing in all three games. Matri’s strike was charged down in the area and Isla’s volley was just behind Giovinco looking to redirect. Isla tried again when left in acres of space down the right, but Runje threw himself at the shot to block. It was turning into a siege and Giovinco got a rare header that Hansen had to claw out from under the bar, then the goalkeeper rushed forward five seconds later to parry the Isla follow-up with his legs at the near post. John had a chance following Lucio’s stumble in the box, but turned the header well over, while Marchisio also had a strike charged down and Vidal’s was deflected wide. Hansen was having a fantastic night in Copenhagen and palmed a trademark Pirlo free kick round the post, then controlled an Isla snapshot at the second attempt. Juve were increasingly desperate and threw on Bendtner for only his second appearance for the club, replacing defender Lucio. Vidal and Vucinic exchanged passes in the box with Hansen getting a fingertip to turn the Chilean’s finish inches wide from six yards. The siege finally paid off with nine minutes left, as an Isla cross from the right found Vucinic to volley in with the inside of his right foot from eight yards, the Montenegrin getting in front of Okore. Juve’s tails were up and Bonucci’s free header was over from a corner, while Bendtner had the chance to seal it for the Bianconeri in Denmark only for him to nod Paolo De Ceglie’s cross wide. The Old Lady kept pouring forward as Nordsjaelland focused on charging down everything that was thrown at them. Nordsjaelland 1-1 Juventus Scorers: Beckmann 50 (N), Vucinic 81 (J) Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup (Christensen 70), Lorentzen (Christiansen 88), John; Beckmann (Nordstrand 67) Juventus: Buffon; Lucio (Bendtner 76), Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal (Giaccherini 83), Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri (Vucinic 68), Giovinco Ref: Aytekin (GER) http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

Marotta: 'Juve must win' Oct 23, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta admits they “have no alternative” but victory against Nordsjaelland and has a Nicklas Bendtner revelation. “Juventus have to win, we have no alternative,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s Champions League match in Copenhagen. The Bianconeri have drawn both their opening Group E games and risk being left behind in the race for qualification. “We are facing a side that is technically inferior, but it will be the game of their lives, so we must have the right sporting aggression. This match has hidden dangers and Antonio Conte pointed out the players must step on to the field with great motivation and determination.” Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri start in attack due to Mirko Vucinic still suffering from the after-effects of flu, but Bendtner is only on the bench after playing just 10 minutes of football this season. “Sebastian is growing and has not yet achieved maturity or consistency in his career, but by playing regularly and taking part in these international tests he will become the complete player.” Marotta seemed to suggest that Bendtner was not in the stands purely out of ‘respect’ for playing in his homeland. “As for Bendtner, it was only right and respectful for him that he should be on the bench tonight. He is an idol in Denmark and should be involved, also as a form of respect for this game. If he plays, then he will be able to fulfil the requests of the Coach.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404‎ Beckmann free kick earns Danes famous draw The Danes stunned the Bianconeri by taking the lead shortly after the interval with a sublime set-piece and then, after Mirko Vucinic's equaliser, somehow held on for a point. Oct 23, 2012 Juventus' hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League are hanging by a thread after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group E minnows FC Nordsjaelland at Parken Stadium on Tuesday night. However, it could have been even worse for the Bianconeri, who fell behind to a stunning free-kick goal from Mikkel Beckmann early in the second half. Indeed, there were just under 10 minutes remaining when the Italian champions finally drew level, through substitute Mirko Vucinic. Fellow replacement Nicklas Bendtner had a chance to be a hero on home soil but he headed wide late on and Juve were forced to settle for their third successive draw in this season's Champions League - and their ninth in total in European competition. The Bianconeri had gone into the game in Copenhagen knowing that nothing less than a victory would suffice if they were to retain any real chance of progressing as winners of Group E - or perhaps even progressing at all. Still, while the visitors, and Andrea Pirlo in particular, were undoubtedly intent on taking control of the game early on, FCN were in no mood to be pushed around and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening exchanges. Indeed, with Kasper Lorentzen, Joshua John and Andreas Laudrup all impressing in support of lone frontman Beckmann, the tournament debutants carried an undeniable attacking threat. They could even have taken the lead on the half hour when John latched onto a kick-out from Jesper Hansen and looked to flick the ball past the onrushing Gianluigi Buffon only to see the goalkeeper rather fortuitously block with the side of his chest - when it could so easily have been his flailing left arm. However, it was Juve, with Pirlo predictably pulling the strings, who looked the more likely scorers in a tight opening 45 minutes. With one superbly-executed, first-time pass in behind the FCN defence, Pirlo put Sebastian Giovinco in on goal only for the diminutive forward to be muscled off the ball by the impressive Jores Okore. It was undoubtedly Giovinco who was carrying the Bianconeri’s most potent attacking threat but after seeing a smart volley saved by Jesper Hansen on 28 minutes, the former Parma man squandered a terrific chance to break the deadlock moments later after being played through by Paolo De Ceglie. Giovinco rounded the advancing Hansen with ease but allowed the acute angle to get the better of him and fired into the side netting. The diminutive forward also tested Hansen with stinging drives either side of half-time, first after sending the scrambling FCN defence one way and then the other, and then after latching onto a fine knock-on by strike partner Alessandro Matri. The opening goal, therefore, came as a real bolt from the blue - and Juventus only had themselves to blame, some sloppy play in midfield eventually leading to De Ceglie putting his own defence under pressure with a poor pass before an unsettled Giorgio Chiellini needlessly barged Laudrup out of the way on the edge of the area. Beckmann, whose shooting up until this point had been tame at best, stepped up to take the resulting free kick and calmly curled the ball up and over the wall and into the top-right corner, sparking raucous celebrations from the 'home' side's supporters. Juventus, unsurprisingly, redoubled their efforts in a bid to drag themselves back into the game and Giovinco, after rising wonderfully to meet another fine De Ceglie delivery, was only denied a long overdue goal by the most amazing one-handed save from Hansen. The Italian champions continued to press, sending Bendtner and Vucinic on to bolster their attacking ranks. In the end, it was the latter who made the breakthrough, volleying home a fine cross from Mauricio Isla from wide on the right-hand side with just under 10 minutes remaining. Bendtner, though, could have really kickstarted his Juventus career on 87 minutes but he headed another inviting cross from De Ceglie well wide after arriving late into the area. In truth, though, it was probably only just that FCN held on to claim the greatest result in their 21-year history. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

Hansen corona il suo sogno di ricevere la maglia di Buffon!

Dobbiamo segnare!

Bendtner di poco fuori.

La palla non era uscita

MIRKO VUCINIC

VUCINIC 1-1

Altro miracolo di Hansen

Esordio di Bendtner in CL nella sua Danimarca.

O'core e chiste core ferma Vucinic.

Hansen salva su Pirlo.

Vidal abbattuto.

Entra Vucinic.

Matri non sa piú cosa vuol dire fare goal.

Giovinco di testa.

Bendtner ricomincia la sua specialitá: il riscaldamento.