Socrates

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juve-Napoli ref is 'frightening' Oct 19, 2012 Former referee Graziano Cesari expects huge problems after Antonio Damato was assigned to Saturday’s Juventus-Napoli Scudetto showdown. “It is a very surprising decision and I really did not expect that,” Cesari told Mediaset Premium. “He is not a top class official and has never even taken charge of a Champions League match. Will he be able to survive the pressure?” There is even more controversy around this match after the fiery Italian Super Cup in August, which saw Napoli refuse to attend the trophy ceremony in protest due to two players being sent off. “Damato is an outsider and they decided to promote a youngster. They did the same with Paolo Valeri for the Milan derby and we all know how that went... “He is a calm referee who has done well this season. I am only frightened by the fact he is still in the third tier. He lacks experience of big games, so Juventus-Napoli is immediately the most important match of his entire career.” 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 Vucinic out of Juve-Napoli? Oct 18, 2012 There are increasing reports that Mirko Vucinic will not be able to recover in time for Saturday’s Juventus-Napoli clash. The Bianconeri face a series of problems going into the 17.00 BST kick-off, which you can watch LIVE on your computer. Vucinic returned from international duty with a bout of flu and the latest rumours are it will be “practically impossible” for the Montenegrin to play tomorrow afternoon. Gianluigi Buffon is also expected to miss out after picking up a thigh problem with Italy, but there is more optimism over Claudio Marchisio’s shoulder. If Vucinic doesn’t make it, then there is a race between Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco – who knocked his ankle when playing for Italy against Armenia – for the two striker spots. Napoli thought they could be without Edinson Cavani after his flight was delayed while on international duty with Uruguay on Thursday. He did finally arrive in Rome on Thursday evening at around 19.00 local time and travelled down to Naples, but it means he’ll only have one training session before the Juventus clash. 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 Juventus and Napoli showdown will not decide the Scudetto, claims Ancelotti The Paris Saint-Germain coach has given his views on the high-profile Serie A fixture, suggesting that the Bianconeri still hold the upper hand over their southern rivals. Oct 18, 2012 Former Milan and Juve boss Carlo Ancelotti does not believe that Saturday's big clash between Napoli and Juventus will determine this season's Scudetto winner. The current Italian champions are once again leading the way on the peninsula, however, Napoli are following closely and are considered by many as a genuine challenge for this year's league title. Ancelotti, who coached Juventus around the turn of the milennium, has asserted that his former side are the slightly better team and may just get the better of the Partenopei when the two meet on Saturday. "I think Juventus will win. But, Napoli are an organised team with great individuality. Though, this game will not decide anything in terms of the title race," Ancelotti was quoted saying by Corriere del Mezzogiorno. "These are the games that give players added motivation. I do not believe fatigue will play a part. Juventus and Napoli are at the top not by chance. They have shown how strong they are, they have character and great organisation. I am expecting a very good game. "Who of the two is the favourite? Maybe Juve. Playing in front of their fans means they will play with a twelfth man. Technically, however, the teams are equal. They were even in the Supercoppa Italiana played in August in China. Only mistakes and certain events could separate them then." Ancelotti then spoke about Ezequiel Lavezzi who signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli over the summer but has since failed to sparkle in Paris. "Lavezzi? A player who has done great things. When there was an opportunity to sign him, we took it. We did not want to miss the chance," he continued. "At the beginning of the season he was a bit unlucky, first with suspensions and then with injuries. He has not been able to play at his best, as a result. But, he will recover." The much-travelled Italian tactican then warned Juventus about the threat of Edison Cavani and suggested that their Champions League's commitments may be a problem in their bid for back-to-back Serie A titles. "Cavani? He is an extraordinary player with enormous quality and he scores lots of goals. Napoli, however, are not just about him. They are very well organised and play great football. Though, Juventus must mind the threat of Cavani. Games are won with individuality sometimes," he added. "There is still a long way to go in the Italian league, which is the most beautiful and the most unpredictable league. The team that wins this game will gain in many ways, aside from the three points. But, it will not determine this season's champions." "Juventus' Champions League participation could distract them from the title race. The Champions League can take away energy and cause you to drop points, domestically. However, not now but more so when the knockout stages begin in March." 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 Fabio Cannavaro: I will support Napoli against Juventus The 2006 World Cup winner says his former clubs look to be in a two-horse race for the Scudetto but will be supporting the Partenopei, who are captained by his brother. Oct 18, 2012 Former Italy international Fabio Cannavaro says he sees Juventus and Napoli as the key contenders for this season's Serie A title, but will be backing the Azzurri when the two clash on Saturday. The retired World Cup winner began his career with hometown club Napoli, before taking in two spells with the Bianconeri, during which time he was awarded the Fifa World Player of the Year award - the now Ballon d'Or - in 2006. "The match will not be decisive, but it will give us important information," the 39-year-old told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "The preparation of Conte and Mazzarri is the secret of the two teams. "I do not make predictions. It does not seem right to do so. It is not a matter of the heart versus the head. "I have great respect for Juve, whom gave me so much, where I won two championships. "The heart, however, dominates this profession. I am Neapolitan and Naples are the team from where I grew up." The former defender also spoke of his family ties to Napoli, who are now captained by younger brother Paolo Cannavaro. "Paolo was and is one of the protagonists of the great revival of the club after the failure," said the 136-capped international, who also talked about the two team's title chances. He added: "Juve are the most complete team in the league and Napoli are the only club that can currently counter them. "Character could be decisive, the will to win and above all, the belief in one's own strength. "In short, neither of them will be afraid of the other." Juventus and Napoli share the summit of the Serie A table going into Saturday's tie, with the former currently ahead on goal difference after seven games played each. 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 & Juve are the best Oct 18, 2012 Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri believes his side's match against Juventus on Saturday is between the best two teams in Serie A. The 51-year-old Coach has given his thoughts on the first seven games of the season, and the performances of a number of Italian teams. “It is too early to judge,” he told QS. “But Juventus and Napoli are probably the best two teams. There are other though, who follow us closely. “Roma, for instance, have a lot of talent. And Inter are a side that people thought had been left for dead, but have instead kicked into life this year. “Lazio have a brilliant, technical team and are serious contenders. You cannot count out Milan either. They have a great tradition and experience, and will be back amongst the top soon. “And last but not least, you have to remember Fiorentina. They have played well and have produced some great results. They have been the big surprise of the season.” The Partenopei currently lie in second place in the table, and travel to Turin on Saturday to face 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 Cannavaro picks Napoli over Juve Oct 18, 2012 Fabio Cannavaro has admitted that he will be supporting Napoli against Juventus when his two former clubs meet this weekend. Cannavaro enjoyed spells with both Italian giants and they’ll face off at the Juventus Stadium as co-Serie A leaders on Saturday evening. “I have great respect for Juventus, a club who gave me a lot and I won two Scudetti with them,” the 2006 World Cup winner told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “However, I’m a Neapolitan and Napoli are the club where I grew up. The heart always wins.” Cannavaro still has family ties with the outfit given that brother Paolo is the current captain at the San Paolo. “Paolo has been one of the protagonists in the club’s re-launch since their bankruptcy,” Fabio continued. Juventus will start the tie as slight favourites, but Cannavaro believes that Walter Mazzarri’s side could become the first away team to win at the Old Lady’s new ground. “Juventus are the most complete squad in the Division and Napoli are the only team right now who can take them on,” he added. “There is not a great deal of difference when you look at the quality in both teams. “Character is what could make the difference and the desire to win, the conviction in your own abilities. Neither team should be scared of the other.” 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 Matri and Quagliarella to start Oct 18, 2012 Sky Sport Italia are speculating that Alessandro Matri and Fabio Quagliarella will start for Juventus in their tie against Napoli. The two teams will meet at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday and the duo are being tipped to be in the first XI. Mirko Vucinic is a doubt given that he returned from international duty with a cold, while Sebastian Giovinco suffered a knock to his ankle while with Italy. Matri has one goal in four Serie A appearances this season, while Naples-born Quagliarella has two in four. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Buffon set for new Juve deal Oct 18, 2012 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has given the green light for Gigi Buffon to be handed a new contract. According to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the custodian will commit his future to the Bianconeri until the summer of 2016. The 34-year-old, a doubt for this weekend’s game against Napoli because of injury, has less than a year left on his present agreement. As part of the new terms, the Italian international will accept a cut in his salary from €6m a term to around €4.5m. Buffon is now the captain at club level, as well as international level, following the departure of Alessandro Del Piero in the summer.

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus-Napoli to set records? Oct 17, 2012 Juventus could break their gate receipts record at the Juventus Stadium when Napoli come to town on Saturday. According to expectations, the Turin giants should bring in more than the €1,717,458 which they netted after 40,102 fans turned up for last season’s win over Inter. Their current highest attendance at their 41,000 arena this season was against Roma thanks to the 39,221 fans present. 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 Buffon at risk for Juve-Napoli Oct 17, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon is still at risk for Saturday’s clash with Napoli, but Claudio Marchisio’s shoulder is not a problem for Juventus. The two players picked up injuries on international duty this week and there are still concerns ahead of the 18.00 kick-off. Goalkeeper Buffon missed last night’s 3-1 win over Denmark due to a thigh problem and today the official Juventus website confirmed there is bruising to the left thigh. “His condition will be monitored day by day.” This suggests Buffon is by no means certain to feature in the Scudetto showdown. Marchisio underwent tests at the Clinica Fornara and found “no important lesions” to the shoulder, so he will be able to resume training tomorrow. Elsewhere in the squad, Mirko Vucinic returned from international duty with a slight flu and is undergoing treatment. Simone Pepe is still training separately after a long lay-off, while Paolo De Ceglie is undergoing a separate training schedule after a left thigh problem. 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 Quagliarella wary of Napoli threat Oct 17, 2012 Fabio Quagliarella says the game against Napoli will mean more to him than its significance on the outcome of the Scudetto this season. The joint leaders will meet in Serie A on Saturday, a game that will see the Italian international face his former club. “It will be a special game for me,” he noted. “However, it won’t be a decisive encounter in terms of who will win the title. “It should be a great game, between two top sides. “Napoli have been aiming for the Scudetto for the last two seasons and they could cause us some difficulties. We’ll have to be alert.” The 28-year-old, who moved to Juventus from Napoli in 2010, has scored two goals in four League appearances this term – but he’s only started twice. “I hope to be in the starting XI, but it is the Coach who decides these things…” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Juventus: No Buffon conspiracy Oct 17, 2012 Juventus have defended goalkeeper Gigi Buffon from allegations that he pulled out of Italy’s game to save himself for Serie A. The custodian missed last night’s 3-1 win over Denmark when he was replaced by Napoli’s Morgan De Sanctis – who the Old Lady will face on Saturday. “Ours is a nation of conspiracy,” director general Beppe Marotta noted. “Everything needs to be taken back to sport. “There is nothing to say on Buffon. He is the captain of Juventus and the captain of Italy. The allegations made are unfounded. “Wearing the blue shirt of Italy is the highest aspiration for all players and Buffon is not the kind of guy to quit at the first problem. “He didn’t play against Denmark because he thought he wasn’t ready to.” The goalkeeper is struggling with a thigh problem. Marco Storari is on standby should he not recover in time for this weekend’s Scudetto showdown.

Juve to assess Marchisio injury Oct 17, 2012 Juventus’ Claudio Marchisio will undergo tests on Wednesday to assess the extent of his shoulder problem. The midfielder picked up the issue in Italy’s 3-1 win over Denmark on Tuesday night in their World Cup qualifier. Marchisio was eventually forced off with the injury and he’ll be examined by club doctors in Turin on Wednesday. The Old Lady will be keen to get him back to full fitness as soon as possible given that joint leaders Napoli arrive at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday. Azzurri medics were confidently predicting that Marchisio would be available for Serie A action once the championship resumes.

Serie A - Week 8 - 20-10-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Napoli's Serie A title hopes ride on Edinson Cavani Oct 16, 2012 In their last 55 competitive matches, Juventus have lost only once. Invincible on their way to the last Serie A title, steadfast so far on their return to the Champions League, the one small blight on the reign of Antonio Conte, the coach who took over Juventus 16 months ago, is May's Coppa Italia final: Napoli 2, Juventus 0. Although Juve would exert a modicum of revenge – Conte's team won 4-2 – when the clubs met again in the Italian Super Cup, the Old Lady can hold little doubt that the most vibrant current challenge to the throne comes from Naples. Juventus have seen little from either AC Milan or Inter Milan since August to cause trepidation, Conte's team have comfortably beaten Roma and by the time they play third-placed Lazio in a month's time, they will have a clearer idea about whether Lazio's bright start to the campaign has enough fuel to sustain itself. Of Napoli's resources, the longer-term forecast is ominously strong. They are putting much of the energy into their league campaign that, 12 months ago, they injected into the Champions League and intend unleashing more of it on Juve in Turin on Saturday. Napoli's involvement in the elite European competition meant they were compromised on too many Serie A weekends last season. Their attitude to the Europa League, where they now spend two Thursdays a month, is less committed. Walter Mazzarri, the head coach, left out a raft of senior players for the 3-0 defeat against PSV Eindhoven, eager to preserve his team's position breathing down the neck of Juventus at the summit of the domestic game. "We have learnt a lot from being in the Champions League," said Mazzarri, "and we are playing with great maturity now." Although Napoli lost Ezequiel Lavezzi, the ingenious Argentine, from their formidable attacking roster in the transfer window - he moved to Paris Saint-Germain - they persuaded the striker Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik to stay and, with Goran Pandev, formerly of Lazio and Inter, in fine form, Lavezzi has scarcely been missed. Cavani occupies his customary position at the top of Serie A's scoring chart, with six goals so far. The Uruguayan has recently talked of his ambition to overtake Diego Maradona in the register of Napoli goalscorers. He needs another 43 on top of his 73 – in two and a bit seasons so far – to get there. It indicates he intends a long stay. He knows he would need to be part of a title-winning team to become even half as feted among Neapolitans as Maradona still is. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Chiellini: 'Rest did me good' Oct 16, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini claims the rest did him good, although against Denmark Italy “made life complicated for ourselves.” The Azzurri were under intense pressure in the first 15 minutes and Chiellini almost gave away a goal with a poor backpass, but they eventually emerged 3-1 winners. “Paradoxically in about 20 seconds either side of the break we made life complicated for ourselves,” he said referring to a Danish goal and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo’s red card for lashing out an elbow. “We had a great second half with 10 men, though in a way we were more solid and ran fewer risks in that period. We barely risked anything at the back after the opening 15 minutes. Denmark are a very physical side and can make it tough for you.” Italy are now four points clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group B with 10 points from four games. “This is a very balanced group, as you can see from the other results, but now we have to do well in March and June to further extend that lead.” Chiellini was left on the bench for Friday’s 3-1 win in Armenia and he understands Cesare Prandelli’s reasoning. “Of course I wanted to play in Armenia, but we are a strong squad and unfortunately only 11 can start. It’s not easy to choose, but after the injury over the summer and all those games I played with Juventus, the rest was really good for me. I think everyone could see I had a different pace tonight.” The Juve defender also assured it is not a problem that teammates Gigi Buffon and Claudio Marchisio picked up injuries while on international duty, just before Saturday’s Scudetto clash with Napoli. “When we are here we give 100 per cent for Italy and do not think about saving ourselves for our clubs.”

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/