Socrates

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Andata - 20-10-2012 (ore 18:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Antonio Damato Confronti ufficiali 153 - 132 (Serie A) - 9 (Coppa Italia) - 6 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 70 - 59 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Pareggi 49 - 45 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Vittorie Napoli 34 - 28 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Juventus 235 - 192 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 21 (Campionato a gironi) - 5 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 3 (Serie B) Goals Napoli 172 - 145 (Serie A) - 13 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) - 7 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 3 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Juventus - Napoli Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 66 Vittorie Juventus 39 (L'ultima il 01.04.2012, 3-0) Pareggi 20 (L'ultimo il 22.05.2011, 2-2) Vittorie Napoli 7 (L'ultima il 31.10.2009, 2-3) Goals Juventus 115 Goals Napoli 64 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Napoli a Torino 14 presenze Furino Giuseppe 12 Boniperti Giampiero 12 Scirea Gaetano 11 Zoff Dino 10 Bettega Roberto 10 Brio Sergio 10 Causio Franco 10 Cuccureddu Antonello 10 Salvadore Sandro 10 Tardelli Marco 6 goals Borel II Felice Placido 5 Boniperti Giampiero 4 Sivori Omar Enrique 3 Anastasi Pietro 3 Bettega Roberto 3 Capello Fabio 3 Charles John William 3 Ferrari Giovanni 3 Hansen John 2 Baggio Roberto Ultimi confronti diretti 28.02.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 1-0 31.10.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-3 13.01.2010 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 3-0 25.03.2010 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-1 09.01.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-0 22.05.2011 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-2 29.11.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-3 01.04.2012 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 3-0 20.05.2012 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 0-2 11.08.2012 Supercoppa Italiana Juventus-Napoli 4-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Napoli 4 - Goals Juventus 19 - Goals Napoli 18

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Tacchinardi: Napoli stronger than Juve Oct 16, 2012 Alessio Tacchinardi has admitted that Napoli are a better team than his former club Juventus ahead of their match-up this weekend. Walter Mazzarri's side travel to Turin to face the Bianconeri on Saturday, and the 37-year-old regista has conceded that the Partenopei are in a better position going into the game. “It is going to be a tough game because Napoli are very solid,” he told Radio Mana Mana. “And they have not conceded a goal away from home so far. “Mazzarri's team are stronger than Juve, but it is always annoying to play the Bianconeri.” He also commented on the recent controversy surrounding the Juventus and Napoli players in the Italian national team, as the San Paolo side President Aurelio De Laurentiis remarked that the Old Lady's section of the squad had received preferential training programmes. “The recent controversy will be a strong stimulus for the Juventus players who want to show that they are superior to Napoli,” he said. “Juve will be motivated side, that's for sure.” The one-time Villarreal man also spoke about the recent injury to Gianluigi Buffon, and the rumours that the veteran goalkeeper could have played-up the injury to stay fresh for the weekend's Serie A clash.” “Saying that is disrespectful to someone who is a great champion. Gigi is a guy who has never shied away from anything, and has always given his soul for the national team. “I just hope that he will recover in time.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marrone and Florenzi's U21 dream Oct 16, 2012 Luca Marrone notes it is Italy’s “dream to win the European Championship,” while Alessandro Florenzi says they must learn to be patient. The Azzurrini qualified for the 2013 European Championship thanks to a thrilling 3-2 victory in Sweden this evening, winning the play-off 4-2 on aggregate. “We are happy at achieving this target and our dream is to win the European Championship,” Juventus midfielder Marrone told RAI Sport. The goals were scored by Lorenzo Insigne, Florenzi and Ciro Immobile. “My goal came from a Marrone assist and I thank him for offering me that great chance to score,” said Roma man Florenzi. “At the start we were too hasty in attack, but after we broke the deadlock with Insigne then did well to finish it off.”

Bonucci hits back at Cassano Oct 16, 2012 Juventus stopper Leonardo Bonucci seems to have hit back at Antonio Cassano’s claims that the Old Lady only sign players willing to tow the line. Speaking on Italian television last night, the new Inter player revealed that he has rejected the opportunity to join the Old Lady during his career. “I refused three times to join them,” he stated. “They just want soldiers there, people who only go straight on their tracks. “Sometimes I have to go to the right, to the left, where I feel like.” Bonucci, a teammate of Cassano at Euro 2012, this afternoon responded to that comment using his Twitter account. “Professionals more than soldiers…” was his brief message.

Buffon out of Denmark tie Oct 16, 2012 Napoli’s Morgan De Sanctis will start in goal for Italy tonight against Denmark after Gigi Buffon failed a fitness test. The Juventus custodian has been struggling with a minor left thigh strain, but was eager to play at San Siro this evening. Buffon underwent a number of exercises this morning, but Italian news agency ANSA claim that he didn’t prove his fitness. The Azzurri captain will now hope to recover in time for Saturday’s Serie A showdown between Juventus and Napoli.

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Lippi: "Juventus-Napoli is the real big match" Oct 16, 2012 Italian World Cup winning boss Marcello Lippi was asked about Juve-Napoli. “The League table at the moment is speaking clearly,” the Guangzhou Evergrande Coach continued. “Juventus-Napoli is the real big match. “I like the project which is in place in Naples. “Juventus give the impression that they have that something extra, but Napoli are not that far away.” The Azzurri’s main threat at the Juventus Stadium is likely to be Uruguayan international striker Edinson Cavani. “How do you stop Cavani? I’ll leave that question to Juventus boss Antonio Conte,” he smiled. “He’s an atypical bomber, he moves around a lot and then he suddenly attacks you.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Barzagli respects Bendtner threat Oct 16, 2012 Andrea Barzagli has warned his Italian international teammates that Denmark’s Nicklas Bendtner is a striker to be respected. The Juventus forward has rarely featured for his new club following his deadline day switch from Arsenal, but Barzagli knows what he’s capable of. “We’ll have to pay Bendtner some close attention,” the centre-back noted. “Italy haven’t seen him yet, but I face him in training everyday. “He’s mobile, strong in the air and is dangerous with the ball at his feet.” Italy face Denmark tonight in World Cup qualification and Barzagli is set to be partnered by Giorgio Chiellini, after Leonardo Bonucci played alongside him in the 3-1 win over Armenia on Friday. “We’ve been playing together for years at Juventus and all three of us are interchangeable,” added the former Palermo stopper. “We know each other well and playing in a four-man defence is not a problem either. We just need to make sure we win as this is a key game towards qualification.”

Moratti: It is hard to negatively judge Italian sporting justice The Inter chief disagrees with Juventus president Andrea Agnelli that the system needs rigorous changes and doesn't work properly. Oct 15, 2012 Inter president Massimo Moratti believes there is no need to reform Italian sporting justice as he believes the system works fine as it is. Juventus supremo Andrea Agnelli stated earlier this month that the system needs rigorous changes after Antonio Conte's suspension (for failing to report two instances of match fixing during his spell in charge of Siena) was only reduced from 10 to four months rather than overturned all together. Nevertheless, Agnelli's Inter counterpart sees no reason to change the way the system works. "I think it’s hard to negatively judge sporting justice. I believe that sporting justice works an overwhelming amount of the time," Moratti told Rai Uno. "The situation with Conte? Let’s not stir up controversy, because there’s always someone who believes he’s right. "Every day, unfortunately, we read things that show us that these people must face, and have faced, very serious problems." We are still waiting for our scudetti you got from your best friend Guido Rossi, mr. Moratti. It's time we get real justice!

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato De Ceglie: Home advantage gives Juventus edge over Napoli The 26-year-old is looking forward to Saturday's league encounter between the two table-toppers, and has stressed that the Old Lady are determined to do well in Europe. Oct 15, 2012 Juventus wing-back Paolo De Ceglie is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Serie A game at home against Napoli, and is confident the reigning champions can bag the full three points with the support of their fans. De Ceglie believes both sides have improved compared to last season, and expects an entertaining encounter on Saturday as Juventus aim to build on last term's success. "Both sides have strengthened and Saturday’s game will be of a very high level. We’re aware of our potential and we just have to express it on the pitch," De Ceglie told Sky Sport Italia. "We’ll be playing at Juventus Stadium and our fans will support us and give us that little bit extra. "We want to follow up our Scudetto achievement from last year. But we also have a great desire to show what we can do in the Champions League. It’s an important season and we want to do well." Saturday's match in Turin kicks off at 18:00CET. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Cannavaro excited ahead of Juve clash Oct 15, 2012 Paolo Cannavaro is looking forward to Napoli's clash with Juventus on Saturday, according to his agent. The 31-year-old defender has been virtually ever-present in the Partneopei's backline this season, and is delighted at the prospect of a top-of-the-table clash this weekend, his representative has said. “Paolo is excited,” Gaetano Fedele told Radio Gol. “He feels it more than others because he is a Neapolitan. “The team believes in itself. The players are drawn to the thought of winning the League trophy, and are ready to cause problems to any side. “The game against Juventus is one that gets everyone enthused. But the team have to be authoritative if they're to beat the Bianconeri.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Ferrara on Juventus-Napoli Oct 15, 2012 Sampdoria boss Ciro Ferrara says he’ll be happy with whatever result when former clubs Juventus and Napoli meet in Week 8. The two League leaders face each other in Turin on Saturday evening and Ferrara, who played for the duo, won’t pick one team over the other. “I’ll be supporting both,” Ferrara, who had a brief spell in charge of the Old Lady too, told Tuttosport on Monday. “I had some beautiful moments at both clubs and I can’t forget the past. I will, however, be watching the game as the Coach of Sampdoria…” Juventus go into the game on an unbeaten League run which has now reached the 46-match mark. “Sooner or later, all records come to an end,” the former Italian Under-21 boss added. “And Napoli can use this Sword of Damocles to stop Juventus.” Despite both clubs clearly being Scudetto candidates this term, Ferrara doesn’t think the outcome of the game will decide anything. “It won’t be a decisive encounter,” he continued. “We are only at the start of the season and there are other teams who could still enter the race. “Juventus and Napoli certainly have a bit more than the rest, but they also have European games to deal with.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Buffon doubtful for Denmark clash The veteran shot stopper could be forced to sit out Tuesday's qualification match after he picked up a muscular problem that has stopped him training. Oct 15, 2012 Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will possibly have to make do without the services of Gianluigi Buffon in Tuesday's 2014 World Cup qualifier against Denmark as the Juventus goalkeeper is suffering from an adductor problem. The 34-year-old featured for the full 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over Armenia on Friday, but has since picked up a muscle injury that kept him out of Sunday's training session. "It is an injury that normally takes two or three days to shake off. I'll play against Denmark if I'm feeling well, and miss the game otherwise," Buffon was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport. "We will just have to wait and see whether the treatment works." Buffon's place between the sticks is likely to be taken by Napoli shot stopper Morgan De Sanctis, who has made only five international appearances so far, if he doesn't recover in time. Italy are currently top of the table in Group B with seven points from three games.

Buffon misses Italy training Oct 15, 2012 Juventus’ Gigi Buffon is still a doubt for Italy’s World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Tuesday evening. The goalkeeper is suffering with a minor thigh strain and he didn’t take part in training with the rest of the squad today. Buffon admitted at that weekend that he would need 48-72 hours to fully recover from the muscle fatigue. Napoli custodian Morgan De Sanctis is on stand-by to replace the Azzurri captain in tomorrow’s San Siro clash. Italy possible XI: De Sanctis; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Balzaretti; De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio; Montolivo; Osvaldo, Balotelli

Buffon: 'I'll recover in 2-3 days' Oct 14, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon says he “should recover in two to three days,” leaving him at risk for the Denmark game, and looks ahead to Juventus-Napoli. The goalkeeper is in doubt for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier at San Siro and is undergoing treatment for a thigh injury. “It is a minor strain like many others, so I am very relaxed,” assured Buffon. “I should recover in two to three days. I’ll have physiotherapy today.” Naturally, he was also asked about Saturday’s Scudetto showdown, especially as if he doesn’t start against Denmark then Napoli’s Morgan De Sanctis should step in for Italy. “Juventus-Napoli? For now I am focused on the Nazionale, then from Wednesday we will concentrate on Serie A. “You journalists are the ones worried about that game. De Sanctis would replace me against Denmark if I didn’t make it, but there’s no need to make allusions or create controversy around that.”

Italy 'trying to get Buffon ready' Oct 14, 2012 Italy’s medical staff have reassured they are “trying to get Gigi Buffon ready” for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier with Denmark. Reports emerged that the goalkeeper is in doubt for the crucial match at San Siro after picking up a muscular problem. “There is no alarm around Buffon,” insisted Professor Enrico Castellacci. “He has slightly strained the left adductor and, like all muscular problems, must be kept under observation. “That does not mean we are not even trying to get him ready for the game with Denmark. “It is not anything serious. We will see how Gigi progresses over the next few days, then we’ll make a decision with Cesare Prandelli. I repeat, there’s nothing to be alarmed about, as there are no lesions.” Juventus and Azzurri goalkeeper Buffon did not take part in this morning’s training session, instead undergoing physiotherapy. “I’m fine, we’ll see,” he told journalists. If he doesn’t make it, then Napoli shot-stopper Morgan De Sanctis or PSG man Salvatore Sirigu will start against Denmark.

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Mazzarri: 'Bring on Juve-Napoli' Oct 14, 2012 Walter Mazzarri warns Juventus that Napoli “will not be happy with a draw” in Turin on Saturday and has a message for referees too. They are joint leaders going into next week’s Scudetto showdown and meet for the first time since the hugely controversial Italian Super Cup in Beijing on August 11, which saw Juve emerge 4-2 winners in extra time after red cards for Goran Pandev and Juan Camilo Zuniga. “Is it decisive? Absolutely not,” Mazzarri told the Corriere dello Sport. “Anyone who loses will have time to make up for it. We are only in Week 8 and there are another 30 after this, so the journey is a long one. “Plus don’t forget we meet again at the San Paolo and that, in my view, could well be considered decisive. “Juve are like Barcelona, in that they don’t let you breathe and when losing possession try to win it back immediately. However, the Champions League does sap energy from a side. “Would I be happy with a draw? Absolutely not. I want to infuse the squad with a winning mentality. We have already achieved something remarkable putting ourselves in this situation by building results and maintaining a strong club. “When I arrived my promise was that this team would always have soul. I think I maintained that promise and often the fans applauded us even after defeats. “We are more mature this season, as last year we’d concede goals at the first sign of trouble. We have also replaced Pocho Lavezzi and Walter Gargano with smart buys like Lorenzo Insigne and Valon Behrami.” President Aurelio De Laurentiis was deferred to the Disciplinary Commission this week for the comments he made about referees and the Federation after the Super Cup. “After the Super Cup, I tried to speak in a constructive fashion about what had happened,” continued Mazzarri. “Now do not make me add any more. I will only say that the important thing is for uniformity in the decision-making process. There are rules and they must be applied the same way for every team.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Mazzarri: Napoli are not the anti-Juventus The Partenopei boss has played down the importance of the clash between the joint leaders of Serie A and stressed that he will approach the game with the same mindset as any other. Oct 13, 2012 Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri has dismissed the hype surrounding his side's upcoming match against Juventus. The pair have both taken 19 points from their opening seven Serie A games and look set to battle it out for the league crown, but the 51-year-old says the match is no more important than any other domestic fixture. “This is a game that will be good for morale, but only at the end of the season will we get a clear idea of all the results and see where we are,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “We never said that Napoli were the anti-Juve. All we want to do is continue along our own path." But, the coach did admit that he will be fired up for the contest and says that he relishes the challenge that each game presents. “I love a challenge and sport means every match is like a cup final for me. That is how I get fired up for each test," he added. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Padoin: Napoli are Juventus' biggest Scudetto rivals The former Atalanta star believes Walter Mazzarri's men are best placed to challenge the Old Lady this season, and is looking forward to next weekend's encounter. Oct 13, 2012 Juventus midfielder Simone Padoin is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Serie A game against Napoli after the international break, and believes the Partenopei are the reigning champions' biggest rivals in the title race. The Bianconeri and the Walter Mazzarri's side have both collected 19 points from their opening seven league games, and Padoin anticipates an interesting match against the Neapolitans. "We’ll be prepared for the game against Napoli, despite all those away on international duty. I believe we’ll see the clash of the two teams with the greatest chance of winning the Scudetto," Padoin told Juventus Channel. "I agree with Giorgio Chiellini, who said the match won't be decisive just yet. It’s an important game but it’s still not fundamental, it will only be the eighth championship fixture of the campaign. "I think the game can be won in midfield, whoever proves to be the better in their individual duels could prove decisive. "In Beijing [during the Supercoppa Italiana] we were exemplary in this department and deserved to win before the game went to extra-time." The match at the Juventus Stadium takes place on October 20. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Bonucci and Barzagli struggles a big concern for both Italy and Juventus The Azzurri eventually clinched a vital three points against Armenia in Yerevan, but not without a number of scares as their centre-back pairing turned in under-par showings. Oct 13, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer It is often said that the sign of a good team is the ability to play badly and still win, but Italy’s 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory against Armenia in Yerevan came with a huge sigh of relief following a massively underwhelming performance from Cesare Prandelli’s side. Thanks to a goal and an assist each from Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo – coincidentally the Azzurri’s three best outfielders on the night – Italy head into Tuesday’s clash with Denmark at San Siro with a two-point advantage in Group B. However, the fact that Gianluigi Buffon also deserves a mention in the list of star men owes a lot to the lacklustre performance by La Nazionale, and, worringly, speaks of a great number of question marks over the displays of centre-back pairing Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. The Juventus duo were both a long way short of their best as Henrik Mkhitaryan gave them the kind of run-around he also delivered for Shakhtar Donetsk against the Bianconeri in the Champions League 10 days earlier, and with Yura Movsisyan’s movement causing havoc at the heart of the Italy back four, the visitors were lucky not to be at least two down before putting together the second-half rally which would eventually see them claim all three points. While Bonucci has always been error-prone, this was a particularly ugly performance from the Bari alumnus, with a ridiculously heavy touch early on sending Armenia onto the attack and setting the tone for his evening. Seconds after Pirlo had given Italy the lead from the spot, he was booked for hauling down Mkhitaryan having been completely outdone for pace, and he followed that with several poor passes and moments of sheer idiocy as he laboured with and without the ball, allowing Armenia to win possession in key areas. Barzagli was little better, with his continued inability to replicate his form of 2011-12 becoming of increasing concern. But for the moment he outstripped Roma’s Rodrigo Taddei to tee up Sebastian Giovinco in Juventus’ 4-1 Serie A win, he has regularly appeared a yard off the pace this term, and he was short of the mark in the same regard against Armenia. Add to that the fact that he was pulled out of position all too regularly, most notably when Davit Manoyan found himself unmarked in Barzagli’s vicinity, only to be foiled by Buffon, and one has to wonder how both Juve and Italy go about fixing these defensive woes. Moments after Manoyan's crucial miss, De Rossi's excellent movement allowed him to head home from Pirlo's cross, before the Roma midfielder's free-kick was met by Osvaldo to give the Azzurri a margin they barely deserved. The result was secure, but there was little about Italy's defensive performance which could come under the same category. With both centre-backs playing almost constantly, there is an argument that they need regular rest just as much as Bianconeri midfielders Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but games are coming thick and fast, and both club and country need their centre-backs to find their form ahead of vital World Cup and Champions League fixtures to come. Then again, if either continues to turn in performances like they did on Friday, they could just as easily be dropped as rested.

Bonucci and Barzagli struggles a big concern for both Italy and Juventus The Azzurri eventually clinched a vital three points against Armenia in Yerevan, but not without a number of scares as their centre-back pairing turned in under-par showings. Oct 13, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer It is often said that the sign of a good team is the ability to play badly and still win, but Italy’s 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory against Armenia in Yerevan came with a huge sigh of relief following a massively underwhelming performance from Cesare Prandelli’s side. Thanks to a goal and an assist each from Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo – coincidentally the Azzurri’s three best outfielders on the night – Italy head into Tuesday’s clash with Denmark at San Siro with a two-point advantage in Group B. However, the fact that Gianluigi Buffon also deserves a mention in the list of star men owes a lot to the lacklustre performance by La Nazionale, and, worringly, speaks of a great number of question marks over the displays of centre-back pairing Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. The Juventus duo were both a long way short of their best as Henrik Mkhitaryan gave them the kind of run-around he also delivered for Shakhtar Donetsk against the Bianconeri in the Champions League 10 days earlier, and with Yura Movsisyan’s movement causing havoc at the heart of the Italy back four, the visitors were lucky not to be at least two down before putting together the second-half rally which would eventually see them claim all three points. While Bonucci has always been error-prone, this was a particularly ugly performance from the Bari alumnus, with a ridiculously heavy touch early on sending Armenia onto the attack and setting the tone for his evening. Seconds after Pirlo had given Italy the lead from the spot, he was booked for hauling down Mkhitaryan having been completely outdone for pace, and he followed that with several poor passes and moments of sheer idiocy as he laboured with and without the ball, allowing Armenia to win possession in key areas. Barzagli was little better, with his continued inability to replicate his form of 2011-12 becoming of increasing concern. But for the moment he outstripped Roma’s Rodrigo Taddei to tee up Sebastian Giovinco in Juventus’ 4-1 Serie A win, he has regularly appeared a yard off the pace this term, and he was short of the mark in the same regard against Armenia. Add to that the fact that he was pulled out of position all too regularly, most notably when Davit Manoyan found himself unmarked in Barzagli’s vicinity, only to be foiled by Buffon, and one has to wonder how both Juve and Italy go about fixing these defensive woes. Moments after Manoyan's crucial miss, De Rossi's excellent movement allowed him to head home from Pirlo's cross, before the Roma midfielder's free-kick was met by Osvaldo to give the Azzurri a margin they barely deserved. The result was secure, but there was little about Italy's defensive performance which could come under the same category. With both centre-backs playing almost constantly, there is an argument that they need regular rest just as much as Bianconeri midfielders Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but games are coming thick and fast, and both club and country need their centre-backs to find their form ahead of vital World Cup and Champions League fixtures to come. Then again, if either continues to turn in performances like they did on Friday, they could just as easily be dropped as rested.

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Pandev returns to Napoli Oct 13, 2012 Goran Pandev is expected to return early from international duty after the Napoli striker was suspended. The Macedonian picked up a yellow card in the 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Croatia, which means he will be banned for Tuesday’s match with Serbia. Pandev is therefore expected to fly back to Naples several days earlier than anticipated in order to prepare for Saturday’s Scudetto clash with Juventus. Similarly, Arturo Vidal is returning to Turin in the next few hours after he was sent off for Chile. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio's father Golden Ball pride Oct 13, 2012 Claudio Marchisio’s father is proud to see him in the Ballon d’Or long-list, but warns the Juventus midfielder “has to score 15 goals per season.” The Italian international is among the 53 players in the running for the FIFA award after his performances in a Scudetto-winning campaign and Euro 2012. “Seeing him in that list with Lionel Messi and co is an incredible feeling,” Stefano Marchisio told Tuttosport. “I am almost more proud than he is. It is to be considered further recognition for all his hard work and sacrifices. “I’ll be honest, when my son joined the Juventus youth academy, I didn’t expect all this. Unlike many parents who get into fights with the Coaches, I thought Juve would simply be a great experience and a way of growing up. “As a child he would always go to bed at 9.30pm the day before a game, which was very tough for him to do. Now what weighs on him more is staying away from his family due to all the long journeys. “Now that he is in the Ballon d’Or list, I’d love him to finish in the top 10. It would mean he is continuing to win with Juve and with Italy. “Messi remains the greatest, then Andrea Pirlo, who was stunning last year on top of a fantastic career. “Claudio is someone who can score 10-15 goals per season. If he played for Barcelona, he’d reach 15 comfortably, so I think he now ought to improve his consistency in front of goal. “I would love to see my son in Bianconero for his whole life, just as he desires,” added Marchisio Senior. “If one day Juve did decide to sell him, then I imagine he would only go to play abroad. I hope that doesn’t happen...”

Pirlo 'pleased' to inspire Messi Oct 13, 2012 Andrea Pirlo is “very pleased” that Lionel Messi confessed to being inspired by him in a free kick for Argentina. The World Player of the Year placed his shot under the defensive wall during last night’s 3-0 win over Uruguay and admitted he had followed the inspiration of Pirlo’s effort against Siena. “I was very pleased to hear that Messi noticed something like that,” smiled Pirlo from the Italy training camp. “The fact it was Messi just made me even happier.”

Messi: 'I copied Pirlo!' Oct 13, 2012 Lionel Messi reveals he scored a sensational free kick against Uruguay last night by copying Andrea Pirlo. The Ballon d’Or winner was on target in Argentina’s 3-0 victory and placed his set piece beneath the wall. “I saw that the goalkeeper wanted to come forward and also noticed the wall was preparing to jump,” explained Messi. “I saw recently that Pirlo and Ronaldinho had scored this way. I had some doubts, but I gave it a go and it went well.” Pirlo, pictured above, placed his free kick under the jumping defensive wall during Juventus’ 2-1 win at Siena last week.

Alessio 'expected to be cleared' Oct 13, 2012 Angelo Alessio will be on the Juventus bench against Napoli after his ban was reduced, but the assistant manager “expected to be cleared.” Alessio was working with Coach Antonio Conte at Siena in Serie B when the events in the betting scandal occurred and he too had his ban reduced on appeal this week. It means Alessio will be able to sit on the bench for next Saturday’s Scudetto showdown with Napoli, replacing previous stand-in Massimo Carrera. “We expected him to be cleared of all charges,” lawyer Luigi Chiappero told Radio Sportiva. “The evidence shows that Alessio, who by the way was never even interrogated, is innocent. The fact he has almost already completed the ban allows us to view the TNAS tribunal sentence as a sort of posthumous clearance.” Alessio is accused of not alerting to authorities rumours of a potential fix in Albinoleffe-Siena. “My client is not happy. He is and always declared himself to be innocent and expected to be cleared. It is a strange situation, as there is no direct accusation towards him. “The sporting justice system does not work, as the approach is guilty until proven innocent and that makes it very difficult to be cleared. “Now Angelo will try to look ahead, but these are moments of pain that you cannot easily wipe away.” Carrera’s ‘era’ on the Juventus bench ends with seven wins and three draws, including the Italian Super Cup.